Eddie Altine advocates for rent control to aid Upland's low-income residents

During the recent Upland City Council meeting on April 28, 2025, community members presented petitions addressing critical local issues, highlighting the need for housing stability and animal welfare initiatives.

Eddie Altine, a resident, advocated for the implementation of rent control measures aimed at stabilizing housing costs for lower-income families in Upland. He emphasized the rising housing prices in the Dublin area, arguing that rent control could prevent excessive rent increases and ensure families are not priced out of their communities. Altine pointed out that such measures would not only support tenants but also provide guidelines for landlords, promoting long-term tenancy and property upkeep.

Valerie Ramirez, a senior at I Poly High School, brought attention to the overpopulation crisis in local animal shelters. She shared her experiences as a volunteer at a no-kill shelter, noting that overcrowding has led to a decline in the quality of care for animals and has forced shelters to refuse new intakes. Ramirez highlighted the importance of spaying and neutering pets to control the population and proposed that Upland adopt a program similar to Los Angeles' spay and neuter initiative, which offers free or discounted surgeries to residents. She believes that such a program could alleviate the financial burden on pet owners and help reduce the number of unwanted animals.

Tom Cope, a lifelong Upland resident, read a public comment on behalf of Sherry Wasson, who was unable to attend the meeting. Wasson, a certified California naturalist and bird watcher, expressed her concerns about local environmental issues, although specific details of her comments were not disclosed during the meeting.

The discussions during this meeting reflect ongoing community efforts to address pressing social issues, including housing affordability and animal welfare. The City Council's response to these petitions will be crucial in determining the future direction of these initiatives and their potential impact on the Upland community. As residents continue to advocate for change, the council faces the challenge of balancing diverse needs and resources in their decision-making processes.