Fourth in a series
Re “‘I Felt New Owner Wanted All of Us Out of Here,’ Renter Says”
[Editor’s Note: Distressing reports such as the following incident are bobbing up around Culver City this season. The unprecedented notion of rent control is being heatedly discussed in some quarters of the city following two recent deaths suffered by persons just informed of titanic-sized rent increases. City Hall remains stoutly opposed to the concept.]
The new owner of Harmony Village, a pocket-sized, formerly modestly priced apartment complex that is Downtown adjacent, never told the occupants of the 12 units to get out.
But, as in a relationship, you can tell when the oven has morphed into the refrigerator.
Look into the slightly psychologically sagging faces, the bloodshot eyes of targeted, receding tenants, victims of a recent spate of astonishing rent increases in rent control-free Culver City, and you will see people who differ from the main body of the citizenry.
Jose Garcia and his wife Kim have lived here 19 years, and an accidental meeting with him on his doorsteps last Sunday evening has exposed the bloodied rawness of a new landlord replacing an old-fashioned kind who wanted her tenants to genuinely feel at home.
The 46-year-old Mr. Garcia – who could emerge as an impressive, well-organized, always-on-point spokesperson for a nascent rent control movement –has unofficially, informally, managed the grounds for the late former owner.
They were him. He was them. This is his business. This was a love affair that was not supposed to end.
When Mr. Garcia met with a representative of the new owner a few weeks ago, and the fellow inspected the declining condition of the apartment Mr. Garcia shares with his wife, at first he believed the newcomer’s promise to make needed improvements.
But after the gentleman left and the Garcias had an opportunity to reflect, they realized honesty was a casualty, not a value.
“He could see our place was falling apart,” Mr. Garcia said. “But he and the owner just wanted to get us out of here. every single one of us.”
How did he know that?
“Just something a human being feels,” he said. “You can sense the state of a relationship when you talk with somebody.
“I could sense they were beating around the bush. I think they are unhappy that I am still here,” said Mr. Garcia, socked with a 105 percent rent increase this summer.
“I believe that eventually, all but two of the 12 people who used to live here, will be leaving.”
“They wanted to clean house,” and, he added sadly, they will get their way.
(To be continued)
