Correspondence- #25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Middleton, Samuel From: Emma W-T <ewei101010@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 12:18 PM To: eComment Subject: Public Comment for Item #25: In Support of Establishing a Rental Registry and Rent Board Dear City Councilmembers, My name is Emma Wei -Ten and I'm a resident of Orange County. I am expressing my support and requested changes for item #25. As we approach the 1 year anniversary of the passage of the landmark RSO and JCE, it is imperative that the city council, once again, hold its commitment to Santa Ana residents by implementing a Rental Registry and Rent Board that can oversee their implementation and increase transparency, renter protections, and accountability within the city's rental properties. I urge the city of Santa Ana to implement a rental registry that includes the following: • A Rental Registry fee that is as low as possible as to not financially burden tenants while also making our ordinances cost neutral • Requires ALL units to register or pay a fee, or opt out if they are not covered by the RSO and JCEO • Exempt tenants living in subsidized housing from paying the rental registry fee • A fee rebate program for low-income seniors living on fixed incomes Furthermore, I urge the city council to adopt a Rent Board that is representative of the city's residents along the lines of gender, race, immigration status, income, and spoken language. The board should consist of the following composition with 7 members: 3 members who are Tenants 1 member who is a Mobile Home Resident 2 members who are either Landlords or manage a Rental Unit or Property 1 at -large member with no financial interest and no ownership of income -generating rental housing I support including Voluntary Mediation as a service by the city, but I urge the city council to require the following from any participating mediator: • Received 40-80 hours of formal training in mediation • Received training in anti -racism, elimination of bias, and cultural competency • Have mediated rent disputes or has other experience to competently mediate • Is someone who does not have a financial or personal stake in the matter that is being mediated before them Additionally, Tenants and Landlords involved in a Petition for Review of Rent should receive all materials and interpretation in their preferred language. Please continue to be a champion for all Santa Ana residents by implementing a Rental Registry and Rent Board that is representative of the needs of vulnerable renters and mobile home owners. Sincerely, Emma Wei -Ten