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GUEST: Larry Gross, Executive Director of the Coalition for Economic Survival

Last Wednesday, the Los Angeles City Council approved an increase in relocation assistance for tenants evicted for condominium conversions. After hours of debate, a two tier plan was approved by a vote of nine to five, which would double some existing fees while nearly tripling others. Whereas all council members were in agreement on the need to increase relocation fees, they were decidedly split on implementing a two-tier format. Councilman Herb Wesson, who proposed the approved system, felt that a fixed fee structure was unfair to low-income renters. However, some tenant advocates worry that a two tier system that allocates more money to low-income tenants will further discourage landlords from renting to them. While the need for a comprehensive housing policy was mentioned by several council members, it is hoped that the approved proposal will slow down the rate of condo conversions in Los Angeles as well as help those tenants who are evicted because of them. In the past five years, over 12,000 units were converted to make way for pricier condominiums.

For more information, visit www.cesinaction.org.