In today’s edition of what’s making news around Los Angeles County we bring you the “Rent is too Damn High”.
This issue resonates with many as property owners are going up on rent on both commercial and residential properties. Don’t try going to your elected officials, who may receive campaign donations from said property owners, because they can’t help you. Compton
Residents are fuming at yet another established grocer leaving the Hub City. First Vons exited and now Boys aka Ralph’s is headed for the hills. In spite of headquarters being in neighboring Rancho Dominguez, the retailer’s departure was a sore subject at this week’s city council meeting. Superior, who is known for selling rotten fruits and vegetables, in Inglewood, will be taking over the space. So what’s the big deal? Owner Danny Bakewell keeps going up on the rent and has still yet to pay the city back money they are owed.
Side note: Isaac Galvan was admonished for his attack mailer conveniently blocked out his name and former Mayor Omar Bradley inquired into the city publishing legal notices in the Compton Bulletin, which no longer exists, prints and/or delivers in Compton?
**update 5/23/2015**
At the Candidates Forum, councilmembers mentioned a possible new tenant is Smart and Final. 2UrbanGirls has also learned that Danny Bakewell is no longer the owner of the shopping center that houses Ralphs. Stay tuned…
Crenshaw District
CBS 2 is reporting that residents in a Los Angeles apartment building has had their rent increased to the point some have to move. A strict rent control ordinance doesn’t allow for property owners to increase rents more than 3% (I believe) annually. The only way around this is to sell the property. A property in Council District 10 saw rents increase from $1200 for a 1 bedroom to $1800. Many residents being forced to move are on Section 8. Herb Wesson, who recently won re-election to serve the area, was quoted as saying “We’ve had no luck up to this point getting directly in contact with the owner. We’ve sent requests and things of that nature.”
He is probably correct, the owner, Lafayette Square LLP, isn’t registered with the CA Secretary of State. So what’s the big deal? Is there enough affordable housing in the area to accommodate the displaced?
Read more on CBS2.com
San Louis Obispo
Is the rent high enough? San Louis Obispo (SLO) is in the news for a ruptured oil pipeline that leaked gallons of oil into Refugio Beach. SB Independent reports that citizens are outraged that the response time to cleanup is taking so long; they have to do it themselves. The guilty party, Plains All-American Pipeline, is the owner of the pipe in question. So what’s the big deal? The city collects an annual franchise (rent) payment from the company and perhaps they need to go back to the table to get that increased.
2 Comments
Is this the same owner who owns a local newspaper who has put in the front page a council person?
This is unfortunate to the residents of Compton. We lost Fresh and Easy. We do not have the Farmers Market, now Ralph’s. So the only place, I have to buy fresh fruits and vegetables is Target. Some may say, well we are getting Walmart. But for the people who do not shop at Walmart. If I suggest a Sprouts or a NorthGate Market; people will call me names.
Vons come back, please.
Thank You for keep us the residents updated.
Is this the same owner who owns a local newspaper who has put in the front page a council person?
This is unfortunate to the residents of Compton. We lost Fresh and Easy. We do not have the Farmers Market, now Ralph’s. So the only place, I have to buy fresh fruits and vegetables is Target. Some may say, well we are getting Walmart. But for the people who do not shop at Walmart. If I suggest a Sprouts or a NorthGate Market; people will call me names.
Vons come back, please.