by Marvin J. Ramirez
We are approaching to election day on Tuesday June 3, when San Francisco voters will decide whether they want to open the gates of hell to thousands of families and low-income people who live in San Francisco.
Most of these people live in houses or apartments that are rent-controlled, which means that their landlords cannot increase their rents for more than 4 to 7 percent annually, or banks cannot evict tenants when they take possession of a house or apartment, unless the owner moves in. And this only is allowed to properties built before 1997.
On the ballot is Prop. 98, which will undo the rent control law in San Francisco, so helping landlords to evict their tenants, and then rent the units to new tenants for more money. Because many of these families have children, it will probably push many of them to leave the city, and consequently their children will be removed from their schools and friends. All this will be done for the sake of making more money by greedy people. It will change the face of our neighborhoods.
However, if you voters don’t go out and vote, and this proposition passes because of that inaction, there is an alternative solution. Also in the ballot will be Prop, 99, which prohibits Prop. 98 to eliminate rent control.
So, it is in your hands to stop Prop. 98, and help Prop. 99 to pass.
