Residents of Paramount voiced urgent concerns over rising rent and deteriorating living conditions during a recent city council meeting. One resident, who has lived in the area for over 26 years, described feeling \"asphyxiated\" by escalating rent prices, stating that her family can no longer afford to live in their home. She highlighted issues such as inadequate waste management, with only two trash bins serving 120 homes, leading to infestations of pests and a general decline in neighborhood cleanliness.

The resident, a cancer survivor, expressed desperation, stating that her only option might be to live under a bridge if the situation does not improve. She emphasized that many community members were unable to attend the meeting due to work commitments, underscoring the broader impact of the housing crisis on hardworking families.

Brooke Irvin, an organizer with MH Action, echoed these sentiments, urging the city council to consider a rent stabilization ordinance. She reported that the number of residents supporting this initiative has doubled, with over 90 signatures collected. Irvin stressed that families should not have to choose between paying rent and affording basic necessities like food and healthcare.

Jose Angel Garcia, another community member, also spoke on behalf of those unable to attend, reinforcing the call for action from the city council to address the pressing issue of rent increases and housing stability. The meeting highlighted a growing demand for local government intervention to protect residents from the financial strain of rising living costs.