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Tenants tell South Pasadena council Caltrans sales process is pricing long‑term renters out of homes
Summary
Dozens of tenants and advocates urged the council to intervene in Caltrans’ long-running sales program, alleging inconsistent pricing, delays and a lack of transparency that risk displacement of long‑term residents; they asked the city to press for reforms or transfer sales to a housing agency.
A long public‑comment block at the Nov. 19 meeting was dominated by Caltrans tenants and advocates who portrayed the state sales process as inconsistent, opaque and displacing long‑term residents. Speakers described canceled contracts, sudden rescinded offers, escalating prices, deferred repairs and sales terms that make purchase unaffordable for tenants who had expected a path to ownership under the Roberti Act and related programs.
Paige Phillips, a tenant of 33 years, told the council: “Many of us here today stand on the edge of losing everything because of an unfair, unlawful, and deeply unjust sales process created by Caltrans.” Chuck Fata, Ross McLean, Ally O’Connor, Marisha Wojcick, Suzanne Easter, Roberto Flores and many others recounted similar experiences: long tenancy, unpaid or under‑repaired properties, confusing communications, or being barred from purchase after years of upkeep. Several speakers asked the city to push for a more transparent process, to involve the Department of Housing and Community Development, or to seek legislative remedies.
Attorney Chris Sutton and other legal advocates urged cities in the region to push state lawmakers to force timely sales and repairs that protect tenants’ rights; Sutton urged joint action by South Pasadena, Pasadena and Los Angeles to press the state to accelerate sales and require Caltrans to repair homes prior to market transactions. Several speakers asked the council to work with the office of State Senator Sasha Renee Perez (who later attended and took questions) to press Caltrans to remedy what they described as systemic failures.
Council members acknowledged the depth of frustration and said they will coordinate with Senator Perez's office and continue engagement. Councilmember comments emphasized tenant‑first priorities and transparency; the mayor noted the city’s limited authority over Caltrans but committed to follow up and to partner with tenants and state representatives.
No formal council action on Caltrans sales was taken at this meeting; council and the senator's office agreed to continue discussions and follow up with the tenants and with the agency.
