To the landlords and property managers who claimed at council meetings and op-eds to support rent control, but just not this ordinance: Now is the time to walk your talk. We heard you say you were the “good” landlords who kept rents “below market value,” who were proud of your fair and humane practices. Be those people now. Don’t raise rents the minute the temporary freeze is lifted just because you can again. Don’t even think of evicting tenants just because they were active in the “Yes on M” campaign. Instead of jumping at the chance to maximize profits before the next ordinance comes along, jump into the discussion of how to help valuable community members — your kids’ teachers, your service workers and health professionals — afford living here. Be willing to admit that you’re part of the solution and be willing to give a little. Do the right thing.
— Diane Bloch, Santa Cruz
The Sentinel welcomes your letters to the editor. Letters should be short, no more than 150 words. We do not accept anonymous letters. Letter-writers should include their full name as well as a street address and telephone number. We don’t publish those details in the newspaper, but need the information for verification purposes. Occasionally, we reject letters simply because we’ve had so many on the same subject. Submit your letters online at santacruzsentinel.com/submit-letters.