Hey Guys,

I looked this up. It is for real. Please vote because I certainly don't want rent control to be eliminated. YIKES!


VOTE NO ON PROPOSITON 98
IN JUNE 3RD ELECTIONS
WHICH IS A SCHEME TO ELIMINATE RENT CONTROL AND ALLOW UNFAIR EVICTIONS.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO 5 PEOPLE

Lest anyone miss the header (which doesn't always stand out in the post itself) this initiative is in CALIFORNIA (so you New Yorkers can relax).

The proposition overall is intended to do something many people may agree with - limiting the use of eminent domain so that it can't be used to seize property from one private property only to turn around and benefit another (the Supreme Court has ruled this is LEGAL, however unfair.)

Unfortunately, as happens too often with useful propositions, other items have been slipped into it.

Here is the Legislative Analyst's summary of the rent control provision:

quote:

The measure generally prohibits government from limiting the price property owners may charge others to purchase, occupy, or use their land or buildings. This provision would affect local rent control measures. Specifically, government could not enact new rent control measures, and any rent control measure enacted after January 1, 2007 would end. Other rent control measures (those enacted before January 1, 2007) would be phased out on a unit-by-unit basis after an apartment unit or mobile home park space is vacated. Once a tenant left an apartment or mobile home space, property owners could charge market rate rents, and that apartment unit or mobile home space would not be subject to rent control again.

Basically, it phases it out, for most people.

The overall relatively neutral presentation is at Official resume of Prop 98

Otherwise, here's various links to look at, for those who are interested:

Clustysearch results

Wow, I hadn't heard this! I will be sure to vote No. I need my rent control!