Activist urges council to protect vulnerable renters and seniors

During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions emerged regarding two alternative ballot measures that could greatly affect accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and missing middle housing construction in Berkeley. Advocates for affordable housing voiced strong opposition to these measures, arguing that their passage would place property owners under full rent control, potentially threatening the availability of affordable housing in the area.

One speaker highlighted the importance of a democratic process in evaluating such measures, criticizing the special meeting convened to discuss the ballot as lacking transparency and public engagement. Drawing historical parallels, the speaker referenced past injustices such as Jim Crow laws and redlining to emphasize the need for equitable policies that ensure fair housing opportunities for all residents.

Another poignant moment came from Paola Laderde, a former rent board commissioner and member of the Berkeley Tenants Union, who shared her personal experience of eviction. She urged the council to consider protections for vulnerable populations, particularly seniors living in facilities like Harriet Tubman Terrace and Strawberry Creek Lodge, who face rising rents without adequate legal safeguards. Laderde called for a united effort to secure protections for these residents, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle for affordable housing in Berkeley, with community members advocating for policies that prioritize equity and protection for the city's most vulnerable renters.