First of two parts
(See www.CulverCityRentControl.com)
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Rent control, historically a starchly unwelcome political stranger in rent-heavy Culver City, is seeking to move to the center of the City Council’s table this month, and a familiar face is making sure that City Hall notices.
Shireen Daytona. Easy to remember.
No latecomer to human rights causes, Ms. Daytona yesterday explained the creed she has attempted to live by. “It is our duty as human beings to look out for those less fortunate, whether they are human or animal.”
Had it not been for this uncommonly avid renter/advocate last summer, the community never would have known that two tenants suddenly had died shortly after outsized rent increases.
Not that Ms. Daytona’s startling revelation caused even a toothpick-sized hiccup among elected officials or the presumably sensitive Housing Division personnel. Sniffing “where’s the proof?,” they returned to their iced teas, never skipping a sup.
And now Ms. Daytona has created CulverCityRentControl.com, a 415-word declaration of renters’ rights, a declaration of independence at least from oppressive landlords. Culver City Rent Control’s stated objective is rent stabilization.
“We want to balance the field, between tenants and landlords,” Ms. Daytona said, and already more than 500 persons have signed on to her petition (http://www.thepetitionsite.com/110/202/391/culver-city-residents-demand-rent-controlstablization-ordinances-tenants-rights/ ).
In a community where rent control has been a lifelong stranger, 45 percent of residents are tenants.
Ms. Daytona’s group is expected to make its formal community debut at a public hearing at the City Council meeting two weeks from tonight, Jan. 27.
(To be continued)
