“It could be a rocky transition,” said Tina Rosales, a policy advocate at the Western Center on Law & Poverty, a statewide legal aid group. “It is going to require a massive education program to make sure that tenants who are eligible for rent relief are getting it.”
What happens when all that rent comes due?
“California’s rent-control laws may complicate the landlord’s decision, said Tina Rosales, a lobbyist with the Western Center on Law and Poverty. Under state law, landlords can charge as much as they can get for a rent-controlled unit once it becomes vacant. So it could be more lucrative to pursue an eventual eviction and not forgive debts if a tenant is paying significantly below market rates.
“It has the potential for landlords to pick and choose which tenants they will participate in the program with,” Rosales said, potentially affecting the most vulnerable.”
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Western Center welcomes three new additions to Sacramento legislative staff
We’re excited to welcome Cynthia Castillo, Tina Rosales, and Christopher Sanchez, starting January 6, 2021.
Cynthia Castillo is joining Western Center’s housing team, where she will work on land use policies, housing production for people with low to no income, landlord/tenant law, homelessness, fair housing, and other housing related issues. Cynthia currently works for California Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg, where she works on a variety of issues including public benefits, environmental issues, and consumer privacy. Prior to working for Senator Hertzberg, Cynthia worked for the Faculty Association for California Community Colleges.
Kristina “Tina” Rosales is also joining Western Center’s housing team, where she will work on land use policies, housing production for people with low to no income, landlord/tenant law, homelessness, fair housing, and other housing related issues. Tina currently works for Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, where she works on landlord/tenant litigation and homelessness issues. She is a member of the State Bar and a graduate of U.C. Hastings College of the Law.
Christopher Sanchez is joining Western Center’s public benefits and access to justice team, focusing on CalFresh and other nutrition issues, including federal advocacy. He will also work on consumer issues and government policies that lead to debt and poverty. Christopher currently works for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), and prior to that, for Assembly members Sharon Quirk-Silva and Patty Lopez. Christopher will step into this role as former Western Center legislative advocate Jessica Bartholow begins an exciting new chapter as chief of staff for California Senator Nancy Skinner.
