Inside This Issue Calendar of Events.............3 Certified & Licensed Professionals.......................5 Classifieds............................3 Entertainment......................2 Food.......................................5 Hawthorne Happenings....3 Lawndale..............................4 Legals.......................... 3,4,6,7 Pets........................................8 Weekend Forecast Friday Cloudy 64˚/56˚ Saturday Cloudy 65˚/56˚ Sunday Partly Cloudy 73˚/61˚ The Weekly Newspaper of Inglewood Herald Publications - El Segundo, Hawthorne, Lawndale & Inglewood Community Newspapers Since 1911 - (310) 322-1830 - Vol. 68, No. 14 - April 4, 2019 Officers Meet Hometown Star Residents Ask Council to Extend the Moratorium on Rent Control By Haleemon Anderson City Manager Artie Fields reported on the moratorium on rent increases at Tuesday’s meeting of the Inglewood City Council, ultimately telling the Council that staff would need more time. The freeze on excessive rent hikes and evictions banned area landlords from increasing rents by more than five percent. “More time is needed to complete the review,” said Fields. “Staff will return on the 16th with its findings, but may ask the Council for more time to complete the report.” Fields noted the March 5 action by the Council required staff to study the issue and report on their findings. Fields said he is in the process of reviewing several rent stabilization ordinances from around the state. Mayor James T. Butts acknowledged the 30-day report is required in the moratorium ordinance. Councilmember Alex Padilla said the rent moratorium is a very involved situation. “It impacts so many folks,” he said. Councilmember Ralph Franklin said he and his colleagues need to take a balanced approach to the rent situation. “We are looking to make this a win-win situation,” he said. Councilmember Eloy Morales said any rent control plan is not going to be perfect. He asked that community residents send as much information as they have, including documentation on evictions and proposed hikes. “We have to create a balance that works with the issue. It’s going to be a passionate issue all the way through,” said Morales. “When we develop a plan that addresses as many people as possible, we’re still going to miss some. We won’t find a perfect solution.” In public comments, several residents implored the Council to include them in the process. Derek Steele, representative with Uplift Inglewood Coalition (UIC), said, “We are 17 days away from the end of the 45- day. “We are still eagerly waiting. We hope there is citizen representation.” Steele said he sent emails to all the Council members. Tiffany Wallace, describing herself as a long-time resident, said “We need not just a moratorium, but comprehensive, long-term and permanent rent control.” Wallace added that with 60 percent of Inglewood residents being renters, rent control will help the economy in Inglewood. “You can set the example by taking measures to protect the residents,” she said. Yvonne, an organizer with LA Voice, said she works with several area churches. As a representative of the faith-based community, she asked that the Council extend the moratorium. Jelani Hendrix, an organizer with UIC, said there’s a lot of frustration among those who are advocating for renters. “I speak for the entire coalition when I say we want to be a part of the solution,” he said. Hendrix also reported that he emailed the Council members, asking for a response. “We would like to meet with you. We have an opportunity to be a leader and implement comprehensive rent solutions.” Frances Taylor said she received an eviction notice. Mayor Butts responded that anyone has the recourse to go to court and answer an eviction. “We are looking for a solution that protects not only renters, but the people who provide housing,” he said. “This is a multi-layered situation. It requires a thoughtful development of public policy.” Resident Willie Agee pointed out that the Council represents 115,000 people. “You have to listen to all of them,” he said. Agee added that he approves of the Council and believes rent control advocates may be backed by Madison Square Garden. A woman who identified herself as a property owner advocated for renters. “People who rent are not second-class citizens,” she said. She also noted that 60 percent of Inglewood voters were in favor of rent stabilization in the November general election. “Those people’s opinions have to be taken into account as well.” In other action, the Council approved an agreement with St. Mary’s Academy for use of the school’s running track for the Inglewood Youth Track and Field program. The Academy currently uses city facilities for softball and soccer practice and games. The reciprocal agreement will give the track program a specialized track better suited to training for competitive meets. The Council additionally approved a payment of $33,000 to the California Cities for Self-Reliance Joint Powers Authority. The advocacy group represents several area cities where gaming and card clubs face possible restrictions on blackjack-style card games and certain player and dealer-related positions. Member cities agreed to pay the assessment fee specifically to hire a lobbyist and consultant to address restrictions proposed by the Bureau of Gambling Control. According to the Council’s report, if enacted, the proposed limits would have a “direct effect on the $6 million in card club revenues annually received from Hollywood Park Casino.” Padilla announced a pet clinic to be held April 14 at the District 2 Community Center. Any Inglewood resident may bring pets for vaccines and microchipping services. The Inglewood City Council meets every Tuesday, unless otherwise noted, at 2 p.m. in the Council chambers on the 9th floor, Inglewood City Hall. • Last week, Inglewood’s finest got to meet Inglewood’s very own megastar – singer/songwriter/actress Becky G. Photo: Inglewood PD.
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