Residents urge rent control, low-cost spay/neuter program and removal of rodent poison stations at Memorial Park

Several residents used the public-comment period to ask the City Council to act on housing affordability, animal-welfare programs and park-safety concerns.

Eddie Altine presented a petition urging the council to implement rent control to stabilize housing costs for lower-income Upland residents. “I believe rent control would help lower that,” Altine said, arguing his research shows rent control can prevent excessive rent increases and encourage long-term tenancy. He submitted a petition and told the council he will continue gathering support.

Valerie Ramirez, a senior at a local high school who volunteers at a no-kill shelter, urged the council to adopt a spay-and-neuter program similar to Los Angeles’ program that offers free or discounted sterilization based on residency and income. Ramirez said high sterilization costs are a barrier; she cited typical surgery prices of “over $100” for a cat and “$200 to $375” for a dog and said the LA program provides discounts and income-based free services.

Tom Cope read a public comment submitted by Sherry Wasson, a certified California naturalist, who asked the city to eliminate zinc-phosphide rodent poison bait stations in Memorial Park and other city parks because of documented risks to predatory birds, domestic pets and people. The submission quoted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency material stating that zinc phosphide is “extremely toxic to birds, fish and other wildlife” and warned that predators can be poisoned after eating affected rodents.

Natasha Walton, speaking on behalf of People for Upland Parks, echoed concerns about the bait stations and asked the council to reconsider the lease-renewal with San Antonio Regional Hospital for parking in Memorial Park (item 10E on the consent calendar). Walton said the staff report and lease materials did not clearly identify the leased area on the park map and that the proposed license would restrict recreational uses in the affected area. She asked the council to consider greater transparency and protections for mature oak trees near the parking area.

The council did not take action on the comments during the meeting. City staff and the mayor said the written submissions and concerns were forwarded to the appropriate departments for follow-up; item 10E (the hospital parking/lease renewal) was included on the consent calendar and approved as part of the consent motion later in the meeting.