CC 2020-05-05_06b Supplemental No 1_R
MEMORANDUM
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JESSICA MATSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
AGENDA ITEM 6.b. – MAY 5, 2020 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
CONSIDERATION OF LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR REGARDING
RENT AND MORTGAGE RELIEF
DATE: MAY 4, 2020
Attached is correspondence received today.
cc: City Attorney
City Clerk
City Website
From: Sarra Kaufman <
Date: April 5, 2020 at 4:10:24 PM PDT
To: "emailcouncil@slocity.org" <emailcouncil@slocity.org>
Subject: RENT FREEZE & MORATORIUM ON MORGAGE PAYMENTS
Dear City Council Members,
Please agendize and vote on a Resolution immediately to write our Governor to
ask for a rent cancellation and moratorium on mortgage payments until people
can safely return to work and COVID-19 is no longer a threat. This benefits all
Californians and we know you will do what is best for our City and State.
Thank you.
Sarra Kaufman
--
pronouns : she/her/hers
||शर:||
Sarra Kaufman
Ayurvedic Practitioner | Yoga Teacher
www.hamsayogaandayurveda.com
||शर:||
From: Laurel <
Date: April 5, 2020 at 6:11:24 PM PDT
To: Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>
Subject: Cost of living during COVD 19
Dear City Council Members,
Please agendize and vote on a Resolution immediately to write
our Governor to ask for a rent cancellation and moratorium on
mortgage payments until people can safely return to work and
COVID-19 is no longer a threat. This benefits all Californians and
we know you will do what is best for our City and State.
Thank you.
Laurel Neufeld-Williams
Arroyo Grande resident
From: Shannon Len <
Date: April 5, 2020 at 2:53:39 PM PDT
To: "emailcouncil@slocity.org" <emailcouncil@slocity.org>,
"council@morrobayca.gov" <council@morrobayca.gov>, "council@prcity.com"
<council@prcity.com>, "citycouncil@atascadero.org"
<citycouncil@atascadero.org>, "citycouncil@pismobeach.org"
<citycouncil@pismobeach.org>, "CouncilMembers@groverbeach.org"
<CouncilMembers@groverbeach.org>, Caren Ray Russom
<crayrussom@arroyogrande.org>, Kristen Barneich
<kbarneich@arroyogrande.org>, Jimmy Paulding
<jpaulding@arroyogrande.org>, Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>,
Lan George <lgeorge@arroyogrande.org>
Reply-To: <hello@lencollective.com>
Dear City Council Members,
Please agendize and vote on a Resolution immediately to write our Governor to
ask for a rent cancellation and moratorium on mortgage payments until people
can safely return to work and COVID-19 is no longer a threat. This benefits all
Californians and we know you will do what is best for our City and State.
Thank you.
Shannon Len
--
Len Collective
715 Higuera St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805)805) 439
lencollective.com / IG @lencollective
From: kaya stackhouse <
Date: April 5, 2020 at 2:39:13 PM PDT
To: Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>
Subject: Rent and Mortgage Freeze
Dear City Council Member,
Please agendize and vote on a Resolution immediately to write our Governor to
ask for a rent cancellation and moratorium on mortgage payments until people
can safely return to work and COVID-19 is no longer a threat. This benefits all
Californians and we know you will do what is best for our City and State.
Thank you.
Kaya Stackhouse
From: Kim Love <
Date: April 6, 2020 at 1:10:21 PM PDT
To: Kim Love <
Subject: WE NEED A RENT FREEZE AND A MORATORIUM ON
MORTGAGE PAYMENTS
Dear City Council Members,
Please agendize and vote on a Resolution immediately to write
our Governor to ask for a rent cancellation and moratorium on
mortgage payments until people can safely return to work and
COVID-19 is no longer a threat. This benefits all Californians and
we know you will do what is best for our City and State.
Thank you.
Kim Love
and Bright Life Playschool, Inc.
Kim Love
Director
Bright Life Playschool, Inc.
License #406215740
calplayschool@gmail.com
info@brightlifeplayschool.com
www.brightlifeplayschool.com
From: Matt <
Date: April 6, 2020 at 7:48:33 PM PDT
To: Lan George <lgeorge@arroyogrande.org>, Jimmy Paulding
<jpaulding@arroyogrande.org>, Kristen Barneich
<kbarneich@arroyogrande.org>, Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>,
Caren Ray Russom <crayrussom@arroyogrande.org>
Subject: request for Agenda item 4/6/2020
Dear Mayor and Members of the Arroyo Grande City Council,
Please agendize and vote on a Resolution immediately to write our
Governor to ask for a rent cancellation and moratorium on mortgage
payments as well as mobil home space rents until people can safely return
to work and COVID-19 is no longer a threat. This benefits all Californians
and we know you will do what is best for our City, County and State.
Thank you.
Matthew Lombardini
Arroyo Grande, Ca 93420
From: Sarah Florez <
Date: April 7, 2020 at 8:34:38 PM PDT
To: Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>
Subject: Rent Freeze and more
Dear City Council Members,
As a college student, I rely on my parents for rent and COVID-19 has really effected
that. My mother is a single mother who owns her own business and she will now
struggle to pay my rent. I am also most likely unable to work this summer since many
businesses will be closed. I would greatly benefit from a rent freeze and so would
many of my friends and family members
Please agendize and vote on a Resolution immediately to write our Governor to ask
for a rent cancellation and moratorium on mortgage payments until people can safely
return to work and COVID-19 is no longer a threat. This benefits all Californians and
we know you will do what is best for our City and State.
Thank you.
Sarah Florez
From: Aliya Smigel <
Date: April 7, 2020 at 1:50:39 PM PDT
To: "emailcouncil@slocity.org" <emailcouncil@slocity.org>,
"council@morrobayca.gov" <council@morrobayca.gov>, "council@prcity.com"
<council@prcity.com>, "citycouncil@atascadero.org"
<citycouncil@atascadero.org>, "CouncilMembers@groverbeach.org"
<CouncilMembers@groverbeach.org>, Caren Ray Russom
<crayrussom@arroyogrande.org>, Kristen Barneich
<kbarneich@arroyogrande.org>, Jimmy Paulding
<jpaulding@arroyogrande.org>, Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>,
Lan George <lgeorge@arroyogrande.org>
Subject: Call to Action ! For a Rent freeze and Moratorium on mortgage
payments
Dear City Council Members,
This crisis has been extremely difficult for so many residents around the world and
including SLO county. As a Cal Poly Student, I was forced to move back home but I
have to continue to pay my rent in SLO. My family cannot afford to spend money on
rent for a room that I do not use. We have already lost so much, my job for Cal Poly
dining, a lot of money in the stock market, and both my parents' jobs have been
suspended due to COVID-19. I worry about the financial safety of my family which
may prevent me from returning to Cal Poly.
Please agendize and vote on a Resolution immediately to write our Governor to ask
for a rent cancellation and moratorium on mortgage payments until people can safely
return to work and COVID-19 is no longer a threat. This benefits all Californians and
we know you will do what is best for our City and State.
Thank you.
--
Aliya Smigel
From: Gary Havas <
Date: April 8, 2020 at 7:34:20 AM PDT
To: Gary Havas <
Subject: Supporting Statewide Rent and Mortgage Freeze
Greetings City Council Members,
Please agendize and vote on a Resolution immediately to write our Governor to
ask for a rent cancellation and moratorium on mortgage payments until people can
safely return to work and COVID-19 is no longer a threat. This benefits all
Californians and we know you will do what is best for our City and State. Done
this already? Hooray!
Meanwhile, stay safe yourselves!
Thank you for your service.
Cheers!
Gary Havas
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From: Jill ZamEk <
Date: April 18, 2020 at 5:35:25 PM PDT
To: Lan George <lgeorge@arroyogrande.org>, Caren Ray Russom
<crayrussom@arroyogrande.org>, Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>,
Jimmy Paulding <jpaulding@arroyogrande.org>, Kristen Barneich
<kbarneich@arroyogrande.org>, public comment
<publiccomment@arroyogrande.org>
Subject: advocating for a Rent Relief program
Dear City Council Members,
I am very concerned about the housing challenges faced by many during this time of the
coronavirus. I urge you to write a letter to the Governor or to pass a Resolution that asks the
Governor to implement a comprehensive statewide Rent Relief program.
I feel that the demands outlined below will meet the needs of Arroyo Grande residents and
business owners with a responsive program that can be adapted to the evolving health, safety and
economic demands and conditions related to the pandemic.
Please urge Governor Newsom, California state legislators, and our U.S. Senators and
Representatives to:
1. enact comprehensive legislation to further protect all residents, tenants, homeowners, and small
businesses from the adverse health, safety, and economic impacts of this coronavirus pandemic.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
A moratorium on mortgage foreclosures;
A moratorium on residential and commercial rent increases;
Creation of emergency direct assistance programs for rent and mortgage payments and
other housing-related expenses such as utilities, property taxes, and insurance;
Requiring banks and financial institutions to suspend rent and mortgage collections;
Creation of emergency grant programs to small businesses and nonprofits; and
Creation of emergency programs that provide homes and expanded services for people
experiencing homelessness.
2.demand that banks and other financial institutions suspend mortgage payments, foreclosures,
and late fees for low-income homeowners and landlords, with immediate forgiveness, and to
provide zero-interest emergency unsecured loans and grants to small businesses and non-profits
that are unable to meet rent, mortgage, or other fixed operating costs. Finally, credit rating
agencies must be prohibited from downgrading ratings based on inability to pay bills during the
pandemic.
Thank you.
Jill ZamEk, resident of Arroyo Grande
From: dona hare price <
Date: April 24, 2020 at 9:12:41 AM PDT
To: Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>
Subject: Rent and Mortgage Relief
Dear Council Member Storton,
We are a broad-based coalition addressing Rent and Mortgage Relief in our county. We
have had the pleasure of working with Paso Robles City Council to agendize Rent Relief
and participate in the Council’s thoughtful, thorough dialogue and discussion. We are
continuing our work with the Paso City Council in crafting language for Rent Relief
advocacy on a State and National level. We hope that we can support the Arroyo
Grande City Council in the same efforts.
Please review our attached letter and FAQs. If you have questions, please feel free to
contact me.
Thank you.
Dona Hare Price
Bend the Arc: SLO
April 23, 2020
Dear Arroyo Grande Council Members,
Please write a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom or pass a Resolution to enact a comprehensive Rent and Mortgage
Relief Program immediately. Under our current conditions, we need a comprehensive approach that meets the needs of
renters, mortgage holders, and small business owners alike. We are not asking for a one size fits all approach such as
rent cancellation, but urge you to contact the Governor to enact an emergency order to address these issues holistically
and immediately. Waiting for the legislation that the California Apartment Association recommends does not address
the crisis many are already facing, and many more will face on May 1st. The plan outlined below has been vetted by the
Western Center on Law and Poverty and meets constitutional tests.
Please urge Governor Newsom, California state legislators, and our U.S. Senators and Representatives to
enact comprehensive legislation to protect all residents, tenants, homeowners, and small businesses from
the adverse health, safety, and economic impacts of this coronavirus pandemic. This includes, but is not
limited to, the following:
●Creation of emergency direct assistance programs for rent and mortgage payments and other
housing-related expenses such as utilities, property taxes, and insurance;
●Requiring banks and financial institutions to suspend rent and mortgage collections;
●Creation of emergency grant programs to small businesses and nonprofits; and
●Creation of emergency programs that provide homes and expanded services for people experiencing
homelessness.
Please encourage Governor Newsom, California state legislators, and our U.S. Senators and Representatives
to demand that banks and other financial institutions suspend mortgage payments, foreclosures, and late
fees for low-income homeowners and landlords, with immediate forgiveness, and to provide zero-interest
emergency unsecured loans and grants to small businesses and non -profits that are unable to meet rent,
mortgage, or other fixed operating costs. Finally, credit rating agencies must be prohibited from downgrading
ratings based on inability to pay bills during the pandemic.
Thank you.
Bend the Arc: San Luis Obispo Allies For Immigration Justice
SLO Progressives
Indivisible SLO Rapid Response Team
SLO County YIMBY
Democratic Socialists of America-SLO
Rent and Mortgage Relief FAQs
What are our Demands?
We call on all San Luis Obispo County municipalities to urge Governor Newsom, California state
legislators, and our U.S. Senators and Representatives to enact comprehensive legislation to
further protect residents, tenants, homeowners and small businesses from the adverse health,
safety and economic impacts of this crisis. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
●A moratorium on mortgage foreclosures;
●A moratorium on residential and commercial rent increases;
●Creation of emergency direct assistance programs for rent and mortgage
payments and other housing-related expenses such as utilities, property taxes,
and insurance;
●Requiring banks and financial institutions to suspend rent and mortgage
payments;
●Creation of emergency grant programs to small businesses and nonprofits; and
●Creation of emergency programs that provide homes and expanded services for
people experiencing homelessness.
We further call on all San Luis Obispo County elected officials and Governor Newsom to insist
that banks and other financial institutions suspend mortgage payments, foreclosures, and late
fees for low-income homeowners and landlords, with immediate forgiveness, and to provide
zero-interest emergency unsecured loans and grants to small businesses and non-profits in San
Luis Obispo that are unable to meet rent, mortgage, or other fixed operating costs.
Why Do We Need Rent and Mortgage Relief?
The head of the St. Louis Federal Reserve, James Bullard, predicted that in the second quarter
of 2020, the U.S. economy could see a 30 percent unemployment rate and a 50 percent drop in
gross domestic product (GDP). Both of these numbers far surpass their respective
equivalencies during the Great Depression. This drop in GDP would be 10 times as great as the
crash of the 2008.
As most workers in this country live paycheck to paycheck—some surveys place that number at
half of the workforce, others surveys reach closer to 80 percent—Bullard’s predictions point to
an economic disaster that will likely hit people hardest in the area that consumes the majority of
their paychecks: housing. Millions of people have filed for unemployment in the last week, with
several states’ unemployment and Medicare websites crashing due to the rise in applicants.
Even with some supports from the stimulus bill, renters are still scrambling to come up with rent
money. A $1,200 government check, if it ever arrives, won’t mean much when it won’t even
cover a month’s rent in many cities. In San Luis Obispo, 11,182 households (59%) are
renter-occupied while 7,526 (40%) are owner-occupied. The average rent is $2,177.00.
Resolving the complex economic situation resulting from the Pandemic will require direct
assistance programs for renters and mortgage holders. In addition to that, we need to help
business owners so we can restart our local economy and assure our continued economic
recovery.
These Seem Like Broad Based Requests, Why?
Direct assistance programs for rent and mortgage payment would be more effective and useful
than some other proposed solutions, such as a rent freeze or forgiveness. For our current
situation, we can’t look at the economic data or resources that used to be meaningful. The
sheer rate of unemployment and financial insecurity coupled with the health risks make this
situation hard to navigate with one size fits all solutions. Money in the hands of renters and
mortgage holders would be the most helpful response.
What About the Mortgage the Landlords Must Pay?
We are calling for emergency direct assistance to renters and mortgage holders. By
halting mortgage payments during this time, the urgent need for landlords to collect rent
will be paused. No owner of residential property should be required to pay a mortgage
during this health emergency, nor should they accumulate additional debt for unpaid
mortgage payments, and no renter should be required to pay rent during this health
emergency, nor should they accumulate debt for unpaid rent.
I don’t have a mortgage and rely on the rents I receive to supplement my small
retirement income. I can’t afford to lose those rents? Will I be protected?
Yes. Direct cash assistance to renters will allow them to stay in their homes and
continue paying rents.
Won’t This Hurt Our Economy?
One of the first responses to the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis by the US
federal government was to inject $1.5 trillion in loans to banks to stabilize the economy.
Banks are therefore able to withstand nonpayment of debt during this emergency, and
can work out extensions and other ways for debt to be refinanced when the health
emergency is over. For now, it remains up to individual banks to decide how to
implement assistance. We need governmental pressure to help renters, mortgage
holders, and small business owners in our community.
Rent relief will actually help our economy. By ensuring the health, safety, and economic
stability of all Californians, we will promote economic recovery locally and around the
world. California's economy is the largest among individual US states, and, if it were an
independent country, would place fifth in the ranking of national economies. Our ability
to rebuild successfully will be integral to the United States and worldwide economic
recovery after the health crisis has ended.
Aren’t these Demands Illegal and Unconstitutional?
No. The language of our petition has been reviewed and vetted by the Western Center on Law
and Poverty and passes constitutional tests. These specific demands and language have
already been adopted by the City of Oakland as part of its comprehensive Eviction Moratorium.
Other cities are currently considering adopting the same language.
From: Cal Poly Democrats <
Date: April 27, 2020 at 6:14:02 PM PDT
To: Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>
Subject: We Need Rent and Mortgage Relief!
Councilmember Storton,
I hope that this email finds you well. The Cal Poly Democrats are so proud to sign
onto this letter to ensure that we are protecting all residents, tenants, homeowners,
and small businesses from the adverse health, safety, and economic impacts of the
coronavirus pandemic.
Thank you so much for your time, and for all of the incredible work you do
for our community.
Warm regards,
Emma Sullivan
Secretary
She/Her/Hers
Cal Poly Democrats
https://www.calpolydemocrats.com
cpslodems@gmail.com
Dear Arroyo Grande Council Members,
Please write a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom or pass a Resolution to enact a comprehensive Rent and Mortgage
Relief Program immediately. Under our current conditions, we need a comprehensive approach that meets the needs of
renters, mortgage holders, and small business owners alike. We are not asking for a one size fits all approach such as
rent cancellation, but urge you to contact the Governor to enact an emergency order to address these issues holistically
and immediately. Waiting for the legislation that the California Apartment Association recommends does not address
the crisis many are already facing, and many more will face on May 1st. The plan outlined below has been vetted by the
Western Center on Law and Poverty and meets constitutional tests.
Please urge Governor Newsom,California state legislators,and our U.S.Senators and Representatives to
enact comprehensive legislation to protect all residents,tenants,homeowners,and small businesses from
the adverse health,safety,and economic impacts of this coronavirus pandemic.This includes,but is not
limited to, the following:
●Creation of emergency direct assistance programs for rent and mortgage payments and other
housing-related expenses such as utilities, property taxes, and insurance;
●Requiring banks and financial institutions to suspend rent and mortgage collections;
●Creation of emergency grant programs to small businesses and nonprofits; and
●Creation of emergency programs that provide homes and expanded services for people experiencing
homelessness.
Please encourage Governor Newsom,California state legislators,and our U.S.Senators and Representatives
to demand that banks and other financial institutions suspend mortgage payments,foreclosures,and late
fees for low-income homeowners and landlords,with immediate forgiveness,and to provide zero-interest
emergency unsecured loans and grants to small businesses and non-profits that are unable to meet rent,
mortgage,or other fixed operating costs.Finally,credit rating agencies must be prohibited from
downgrading ratings based on inability to pay bills during the pandemic.
Thank you.
Bend the Arc: San Luis Obispo Allies For Immigration Justice
Cal Poly College Democrats
SLO Progressives
Indivisible SLO Rapid Response Team
SLO County YIMBY
Democratic Socialists of America-SLO
Women’s March SLO
From: RACE Matters SLO <
Date: April 28, 2020 at 1:52:00 PM PDT
To: Caren Ray Russom <crayrussom@arroyogrande.org>, Jimmy Paulding
<jpaulding@arroyogrande.org>, Kristen Barneich
<kbarneich@arroyogrande.org>, Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>,
Lan George <lgeorge@arroyogrande.org>, public comment
<publiccomment@arroyogrande.org>
Subject: Rent Relief
Dear AG City Council Members:
R.A.C.E. Matters SLO County is pleased to be part of this effort to address the
health and welfare of all residents, renters, mortgage holders and small business
owners in Arroyo Grande. Please see the attached letter to which we’ve signed
on.
Thank you,
Courtney Haile on behalf of R.A.C.E. Matters SLO County
Dear Arroyo Grande Council Members,
Please write a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom or pass a Resolution to enact a comprehensive Rent and Mortgage
Relief Program immediately. Under our current conditions, we need a comprehensive approach that meets the needs of
renters, mortgage holders, and small business owners alike. We are not asking for a one size fits all approach such as
rent cancellation, but urge you to contact the Governor to enact an emergency order to address these issues holistically
and immediately. Waiting for the legislation that the California Apartment Association recommends does not address
the crisis many are already facing, and many more will face on May 1st. The plan outlined below has been vetted by the
Western Center on Law and Poverty and meets constitutional tests.
Please urge Governor Newsom, California state legislators, and our U.S. Senators and Representatives to
enact comprehensive legislation to protect all residents, tenants, homeowners, and small businesses from
the adverse health, safety, and economic impacts of this coronavirus pandemic. This includes, but is not
limited to, the following:
●Creation of emergency direct assistance programs for rent and mortgage payments and other
housing-related expenses such as utilities, property taxes, and insurance;
●Requiring banks and financial institutions to suspend rent and mortgage collections;
●Creation of emergency grant programs to small businesses and nonprofits; and
●Creation of emergency programs that provide homes and expanded services for people experiencing
homelessness.
Please encourage Governor Newsom, California state legislators, and our U.S. Senators and Representatives
to demand that banks and other financial institutions suspend mortgage payments, foreclosures, and late
fees for low-income homeowners and landlords, with immediate forgiveness, and to provide zero-interest
emergency unsecured loans and grants to small businesses and non-profits that are unable to meet rent,
mortgage, or other fixed operating costs. Finally, credit rating agencies must be prohibited from downgrading
ratings based on inability to pay bills during the pandemic.
Thank you.
Allies For Immigration Justice Bend the Arc: SLO
Cal Poly College Democrats Democratic Socialists of America-SLO
Indivisible SLO Rapid Response Team RACE Matters SLO
SLO County YIMBY SLO Progressives
Sunrise Movement SLO Women’s March SLO
From: Jill ZamEk <
Date: May 4, 2020 at 11:16:25 AM PDT
To: Caren Ray Russom <crayrussom@arroyogrande.org>, Kristen Barneich
<kbarneich@arroyogrande.org>, Jimmy Paulding
<jpaulding@arroyogrande.org>, Keith Storton <kstorton@arroyogrande.org>,
Lan George <lgeorge@arroyogrande.org>
Subject: consideration of letter to Governor regarding establishment of a
rent and mortgage relief program
To the Arroyo Grande City Council:
I have read the draft letter crafted for Governor Newsom encouraging our State to
develop assistance programs for rent, mortgage, and small business relief.
I urge you to approve and authorize the sending of this letter.
I appreciate Mr. Patterson's proactive work on this issue and all council members'
tireless work to keep us safe.
Thank you,
Jill ZamEk, Arroyo Grande