CoMo-CAL — Advocates For You

(Editor’s comments: . The following articles detail what was accomplished, the time-line and action taken by leader Sally Studer and a handful of dedicated residents. It DOES NOT show the heart-ache, sleepless nights, and hundreds of hours of hard work. It has been a roller-coaster ride for Sally and her small group, but it shows what can accomplish for the good of all. (By the way, this selfless effort DOES NOT help Sally or some of the others of her group, as they DO NOT live in the City of Modesto – Sally is resigned to losing her home – this is heartbreaking!) And I want to personally thank Sandy Cissell for her efforts to keep me appraised of happenings in Modesto. Congratulations to all from CoMO-CAL! You have set a standard for all residents looking to get rent control for their area!

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The City of Modesto now has a MOU and Rent Control Ordinance

Modesto formed a “stakeholders” committee consisting of a Vedder Park owner, a WMA Representative, 3 park residents (advocates), our attorney Bruce Stanton and the City Attorney. The first meeting was held on May 2nd, 2007.

After several meetings with compromises made by all concerned parties, the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a rent control ordinance were agreed to then the City voted to enact both. Both documents were written with few changes, the same documents can be used by the other Jurisdictions in the County.

If any park owner violates the terms of the MOU, the park will be transferred to the much more restrictive ordinance, verification of compliance is required. A Committee consisting of three park residents and three park owners will meet on an ongoing basis to deal with MRL violations and other issues in the parks.

Sally’s Story

My small park sold in November, 2003 and by 2005 nearly 50% of the residents had lost their homes due to escalating space rents.

In August 2005 a friend and I wrote a petition and questionnaire and began walking parks to distribute them. I contacted residents who had responded to attend a meeting at my house. Lynda and a work crew from her park were among those who came.

Within a month more parks were walked and our 1^st official meeting was held. By Feburary 2006, after distributing over 4500 Petitions and Questionaires throughout the county, data was compiled showing rapid rent increases in several parks. The next month that data was presented to the Board of Supervisors and ALL city councils. It has been a full time job for Lynda and me. Other residents helped when and where they could. Sandy came on board in December 2006 and Ray March 2007. We now have a team of 5 with a variety of talents, including our treasurer Gloria.

Frank contacted me when an article appeared in our local paper, and he and others associated with CoMO-CAL immediately became a vital resource. What is required to improve living standards for park residents is knowledge, organization and dedication and that is being accomplished through CoMO-CAL. Our heartfelt thanks for all the help you’ve given us,

Sincerely,

Sally Studer

Stanislaus Mobilehome Owners Advocacy

(Editor’s Note: Thanks Sally for the kind words. Our group is all about networking! It works!)