Close to Home: Yes on C: Santa Rosa renters need the protections now

The Sonoma County Democratic Party and all eight Democratic Clubs in Sonoma County stand united. We all say vote yes on Measure C.

In September 2016, the Sonoma County Democratic Party voted unanimously for the ordinance passed by the Santa Rosa City Council to enact rent stabilization and just-cause eviction. In April, we voted unanimously to support Measure C.

The lack of affordable housing and rising homelessness are community housing crises that need immediate action. With rents increasing by more than 50 percent over five years, the City Council took steps to ensure housing security for residents, almost half of whom are renters.

Protecting housing rights and ensuring people can afford to live where they work are crucial economic issues. Local business cannot thrive without workers to provide services or produce products. Without affordable housing or security in rental costs, workers will be forced to relocate. Housing takes time to construct. Rent stabilization is a necessary immediate action that will help protect a healthy local economy.

On May 9, The Press Democrat published an article about apartments with the median of $2,500 a month for a two-bedroom unit. That is a $360 increase from $2,140 median rents noted in a Feb. 21 Press Democrat article. At the current California minimum wage of $10.50 an hour, a worker makes only $1,820 a month. A family of four with two working parents at minimum wage will have $1,140 a month for other expenses. This family's rent alone takes up 68 percent of their gross pay, well above the recommended 30 percent. Forty-seven percent of Santa Rosa residents fall into the category of “overpaying households.” At a 1 percent vacancy rate, renters are left with scant options to find and secure an available rental.

With a large percentage of income dedicated to housing, families and workers are not able to fully provide for themselves, let alone support a healthy economy. Local businesses will see fewer and fewer paying customers, which leads to failing businesses and joblessness. Measure C is a stop-gap on this cycle. Rent stabilization ensures workers and families can remain in their homes, keeps students in school and supports local business in customer retention.

We need protections today, like Measure C, while we work toward longer-term solutions on affordable housing to build a healthier and more sustainable economy.

Don't be misled or confused by mailings paid for by the California Association of Realtors and Woodmont Real Estate using FPPC ID No. 1395025. They are not authorized to speak for the Democratic Party. Their misleading mailing, which may have arrived in your mail box recently, is alternative news of the worst kind.

Join the Sonoma County Democratic Party in voting yes on Measure C for a fair and affordable Santa Rosa.

Laurie Gallian is chairwoman of the Sonoma County Democratic Party. Sandy Reynolds is president of the Santa Rosa Democratic Club.