La Maria residents urge Santa Maria Council to restore mobile home rent stabilization

During the Santa Maria City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, residents voiced urgent concerns regarding mobile home rent stabilization and the protection of senior mobile home parks. A resident from La Maria, Sr. Mobile Home Park highlighted the struggles faced by seniors in maintaining affordable housing and urged the council to revisit the topic of rent stabilization. The resident emphasized that many seniors are experiencing financial difficulties and called for immediate action to prevent the conversion of senior mobile home parks into all-age parks, a move that could jeopardize their housing security.

The resident pointed to recent actions taken by the Santa Maria County Board of Supervisors, which successfully intervened to protect a local mobile home park from such conversions. This example was used to encourage the city council to adopt similar protective measures for Santa Maria's senior mobile home communities.

In addition to housing concerns, Diane Martinez, an outreach specialist for the Family Services Agency, expressed gratitude to the mayor and city manager for their commitment to an upcoming event focused on youth mental health. She encouraged other council members to participate, highlighting the importance of community engagement in fostering a safer environment for Santa Maria's youth.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the pressing need for the city to address housing stability for vulnerable populations and to support initiatives aimed at improving community well-being. As the council considers these issues, residents are hopeful for proactive measures that will enhance the quality of life in Santa Maria.