A wave of public commenters on Nov. 19 pressed the South Pasadena City Council to act on behalf of long‑term tenants living in properties controlled by Caltrans, saying the agency’s sales process has been inconsistent, opaque and in some cases punitive.

Tenants, longtime residents and attorneys described a pattern in which occupants were told they would be given an opportunity to purchase their homes but then saw prices re‑set, waits in escrow and shifting terms that they said make purchase unaffordable. Several speakers cited the Roberti Act (state law intended to prioritize occupants for sale of vacated Caltrans properties) and urged local and state officials to ensure tenants’ rights are respected.

Paige Phillips told the council she and other tenants at 2042 Alpha Avenue face a minimum asking price her family cannot afford after decades of caregiving and repairs. "I am not asking for a handout. I am demanding the reasonable opportunity I've earned," she said. Ally O’Connor, a single mother and full‑time health worker, said her Caltrans home was offered for sale at a listed minimum of $1,200,000 — a price she said she cannot qualify for despite having maintained the property for 15 years.

Speakers recounted litigation and audits: attorney Chris Sutton described a history in which Caltrans has closed some sales cheaply to nonprofit or public buyers while contesting affordable sales to occupants, and he urged cities in the region to press legislators to require expedited sales and repairs. Several tenants said submitted escrows have stalled for years and that Caltrans has been slow to perform repairs that would be the agency’s responsibility under affordable‑sales rules.

Speakers made specific requests: an independent audit of Caltrans’ home‑sales program, transfer of sales oversight to the Department of Housing and Community Development, stronger enforcement of the Roberti Act, and legislative or regulatory action to prevent what tenants described as “moving goalposts.” Many recounted long tenancies (some 15–52 years) and described financial and emotional hardship caused by delay and uncertainty.

Sen. Sasha Reneé Perez (25th District) attended and told the council her office has been meeting with affected tenants, has raised issues directly with Caltrans and will continue to press for answers. Perez said her office is tracking the concerns and would partner with local officials on legislative or administrative remedies where appropriate.

Council members thanked speakers, said they shared concerns about fairness and transparency, and indicated staff and the senator’s office would follow up. The council did not take a binding vote on policy at the meeting but members suggested working with the senator’s office and contacting state officials about next steps.