City enacts protections against evictions, utility shutoffs and price gouging

Santa Ana City Council passed an emergency resolution Tuesday that supports protections from eviction, prevents utility shut-offs and enacts other relief measures for residents and businesses.

In their last in-person city council meeting before moving to virtual, councilmembers unanimously voted to declare a local emergency before passing an assortment of actions designed to slow the economic impact of COVID-19 and ease the financial burden on Santa Ana residents as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The resolution guarantees that regardless of immigration status, residents cannot be evicted and utilities will remain on with late fees waived.

“The eviction is a really critical piece and it’s really going in accordance with the governor’s letter,” Mayor Miguel Pulido said, referencing the executive order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom March 16 that gave cities authority to “halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shutoffs.” The protections also extend to businesses.

Councilwoman Cecelia Iglesias clarified that this doesn’t waive tenants’ obligation to pay rent, it only stops the eviction process. Landlords will still be expected to follow California legislation enacted at the beginning of the year that limits the amount that rent can be increased to protect against rent-gouging. Iglesias encouraged renters and landlords are encouraged to open a dialogue and come to an agreement that works for both sides.

The emergency resolution gave the city attorney authority to enforce laws against price-gouging.

“We all know the real issue is the tsunami that’s approaching us,” remarked Mayor Pulido. “ It’s the virus. And we need to do everything we can to keep ourselves safe. Until the wave passes, it can’t be business as usual with a little modification.”

Other items from tonight’s emergency resolution:

Street sweeping tickets will not be issued through the end of March, and any tickets dated on or after March 15 will be waived.
City Council meetings will continue as scheduled on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. but will be held virtually until further notice.
Effective March 18, Santa Ana City Hall will be closed to the public, though all employees will continue to report to work.