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CC 03-24-20 #1 Moratorium on Evictions _Written Communications1 Cyrah Caburian From:Jeffrey Buchanan <jeffrey@wpusa.org> Sent:Sunday, March 22, 2020 9:28 PM To:Darcy Paul; Rod Sinks; Jon Robert Willey; Steven Scharf; Liang Chao Cc:Priscilla Acuna Subject:Support for Eviction Moratorium for Non-Payment of Rent Attachments:Cupertino Moratorium.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.  Dear Mayor and Council,  Please see the attached letter on behalf of Working Partnerships USA and our Silicon Valley Rising coalition of labor and  community partners urging the City of Cupertino to pass the proposed moratorium on evictions for non‐payment of rent  for the duration of the COVID‐19 state of emergency. This is the action we need to keep our communities whole and our  people in their homes during the crisis.  We welcome the opportunity to discuss these comments with you. I can be reached at (408) 221‐3570 or by email at  jeffrey@wpusa.org.  Best,  Jeffrey   Jeffrey Buchanan, Director of Public Policy   Working Partnerships USA   Office: 408.809.2135  Cell: 408.221.3570  www.wpusa.org  WORKING PARTNERSHIPS USA March 22, 2020 Mayor Scharf and Members of the City Council City of Cupertino 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014 RE: SUPPORT FOR EVICTION MORATORIUM FOR NON-PAYMENT OF RENT DURING COVID-19 EMERGENCY Dear Mayor and Council: On behalf of Working Partnerships USA and our Silicon Valley Rising Coalition, working to build a just economy across Silicon Valley, we urge the City of Cupertino to pass an immediate moratorium (freeze) on evictions for non-payment of rent for the duration of the COVID- 19 state of emergency. This is the action we need to keep our communities whole and our people in their homes during the crisis. As elected officials, we call on you to take immediate action to halt evictions resulting from our current crisis. We need consistent steps at all levels of government to respond to this uncertainty and hardship. While additional action is needed by state and federal authorities, now is the time for cities to take critical steps to ensure that working families do not face eviction and the risks of homelessness at a time when we need all our families to be seeking shelter-in-place. Evictions could further the spread the virus and further threaten public health. As leaders of the County’s Office of Labor Standards worker helpline, our organization has heard from hundreds of hourly workers in recent days across the county who have been laid off as a result of businesses shutting down form the County’s public health orders and are worried about their family’s security amid this disaster. Our brothers and sisters in union hospitality, building service and construction jobs have been hit especially hard, facing lost hours, layoffs and loss of income. An immediate moratorium is needed to help stabilize the health of our families and communities as public health officials take the necessary steps to slow the virus. In addition to moving quickly passing an eviction moratorium as an urgency ordinance, City Council must also ensure that landlords and tenants are aware of the moratorium and the urgency ordinance. Tenants must be given notice that these emergency protections are in place. One way that the City can ensure tenants receive this notification is to require landlords to provide their tenants written notice advising them of their rights during this public health crisis. In this notice, landlords should also be required to tell their tenants about organizations where a tenant can go to access emergency financial assistance to help them pay rent. Governor Newsom’s Executive Order issued Monday 3/16 recognizes the severe impact of potentially losing one’s home during the pandemic, and authorizes cities to take action to stop evictions of residents who are experiencing extra hardships due to COVID-19. Now is the time for the City of Cupertino to act. Thank you for all you are doing to keep our communities safe during this difficult time. We know that everyone is being impacted by this public health crisis and that the most vulnerable members of our community, especially those who are housing insecure or experiencing homelessness, are being hit the hardest. Please center them in your response to this crisis. We believe this emergency will require a number of actions from all levels of government to protect working families, we believe a moratorium is an important first step. We welcome the opportunity to discuss these comments with you. I can be reached at (408) 221- 3570 or by email at jeffrey@wpusa.org. Best, Jeffrey Buchanan, Director of Public Policy Working Partnerships USA 1 Cyrah Caburian From:Frank Geefay <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Monday, March 23, 2020 8:05 PM To:Steven Scharf Subject:Tell City Council to Enact an Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.  Re: Tell City Council to Enact an Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief  Dear The Honorable Scharf,  I am writing to you as a concerned member of the community. I would first like to thank Council for directing staff to  draft an ordinance for providing an eviction moratorium for renters within the city of Cupertino. Additionally, I would  ask that we do even more to make this resolution as strong as possible, such that we are protecting small businesses and their workers. This should at least include a ban against utility shut offs, a foreclosure moratorium for primary residential  and commercial properties, strong recommendations for paid sick leave, along with direct relief assistance—likely  administered through existing channels like West Valley Community Services.   With some studies showing a potential higher rate of unemployment than at the peak of the great depression, we must  implement every safeguard imaginable to protect all members of the community—whether at the federal, state, or local  level. With no definite end in sight to this crisis, the question of necessity should no longer be up for debate. As a city, it  would be an absolute shame if we looked back years from now—when thousands in the community lose their jobs,  income, and livelihood—and recognize that we could have done so much more.   I optimistically ask you to not only pass an eviction moratorium, but to also strengthen the language to include the  above relief as well!   Sincerely,   Frank Geefay  fgeefay@yahoo.com  7961 Sunderland Dr,  Cupertino, CA 95014   Constituent   1 Cyrah Caburian From:Emily Fan <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, March 24, 2020 12:30 AM To:Steven Scharf Subject:Tell City Council to Enact an Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.  Re: Tell City Council to Enact an Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief  Dear The Honorable Scharf,  I am writing to you as a concerned member of the community. I would first like to thank Council for directing staff to  draft an ordinance for providing an eviction moratorium for renters within the city of Cupertino. Additionally, I would  ask that we do even more to make this resolution as strong as possible, such that we are protecting small businesses and their workers. This should at least include a ban against utility shut offs, a foreclosure moratorium for primary residential  and commercial properties, strong recommendations for paid sick leave, along with direct relief assistance—likely  administered through existing channels like West Valley Community Services.   With some studies showing a potential higher rate of unemployment than at the peak of the great depression, we must  implement every safeguard imaginable to protect all members of the community—whether at the federal, state, or local  level. With no definite end in sight to this crisis, the question of necessity should no longer be up for debate. As a city, it  would be an absolute shame if we looked back years from now—when thousands in the community lose their jobs,  income, and livelihood—and recognize that we could have done so much more.   I optimistically ask you to not only pass an eviction moratorium, but to also strengthen the language to include the  above relief as well!   Sincerely,   Emily Fan  emilyfan8@gmail.com  10460 Glenview Avenue  Cupertino, CA 95014   Constituent   1 Cyrah Caburian From:Ryan Carrigan <rcarrigan@silvar.org> Sent:Tuesday, March 24, 2020 8:48 AM To:City Council Subject:Emergency Eviction Moratorium CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.  Hi Mayor and Council,  On behalf of SILVAR's members, I want to thank you for your hard work and guidance during the current  "Shelter in Place" order and appreciate that you are taking action tonight to help protect coronavirus  impacted tenants. SILVAR certainly does not oppose you taking action to support tenants and homeowners  who are suffering from loss of income or otherwise dealing with a medical emergency related to the virus.  However, I wanted to provide you with an example of a similar ordinance that provides a balance between  property owner and tenant requirements related to inability to pay rent. Sacramento was one of the first cities  to pass an eviction moratorium and requires notification of hardship when rent is due. This allows property  owners, particularly those who still have mortgage and other expenses related to the property, to plan for a  loss of rental income over the coming months.  Second, clarifying that the protections should end, and be tied to, the Governor's executive order on evictions  would be a better approach. That is currently extended to May, but could be extended if the Governor feels  progress isn't being made related to the health emergency.  The Sacramento ordinance also requires tenants to pay what portion of the rent during the deferral period  that they can. While that certainly helps property owner recover some of the costs they may still have, it could  be difficult to determine what is a fair prorated amount. I would just ask that it be made clear that once the  executive order is rescinded, it be made clear to tenants they are then required for the full amount of  prospective rent. As the Governor said, "this is a rent deferral, not a rent holiday."  Here is a link to Sacramento's ordinance: https://www.cityofsacramento.org/‐ /media/Corporate/Files/CDD/Code‐Compliance/Programs/FINAL‐FAQ‐TEMPORARY‐MORATORIUM‐ON‐ TENANT‐EVICTIONS‐DUE‐TO‐COVID‐‐19.pdf?la=en  Again, thank you for your leadership during this time. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if I can help  with reaching out to property owner's once this ordinance is passed.  Thank you,  Ryan Carrigan  Government Affairs Director  Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS  Code Compliance Division Tenant Protection Program Main Phone: 916-808-8121 E-Mail: tpp@cityofsacramento.org TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON TENANT EVICTIONS DUE TO COVID-19 On March 17, 2020, the Sacramento City Council adopted an emergency ordinance to establish a temporary moratorium on evicting tenants unable to pay rent due to a loss of income caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This moratorium will end once the Governor’s Executive Order N-28-20 issued on March 16, 2020 terminates on May 31, 2020, unless it is extended. WHO IS PROTECTED? All residential tenants regardless as to when the rental unit was built. Single family residences and condominiums that are rented are included in this ordinance. WHAT WAGE LOSS REASONS ARE COVERED? The loss of income must be related to the impacts of COVID-19. Either: 1.The tenant is sick with COVID-19 or has to care for a member of the household who has COVID-19; 2.The tenant experienced a lay-off, loss of hours, or other income reduction due to COVID-19; 3.The tenant complied with a recommendation from a government agency to stay at home, self- quarantine, or avoid congregating with others; or 4.Tenant had to miss work to care for a home-bound school-age child. WHAT IS THE TENANT REQUIRED TO DO? A tenant that has suffered a loss in income due to COVID-19 may pay a landlord less than the full amount of rent owed if the tenant: 1.Notifies the landlord in writing before the day rent is due that the tenant has suffered a loss of income due to COVID-19 and will be unable to pay the full amount of rent due. 2.Provides the landlord with verifiable documentation to support the loss of income claim. Documentation includes copies of payroll checks or a supervisor’s statement of a reduction in business to support a reduction in tips. This documentation may be submitted after the tenant provides the landlord with the notice that the tenant is unable pay the full amount of rent. 3.Pays the remaining portion of rent owed based on the amount of income received. For example, if the tenant owes $1,500 in rent and the tenant suffered a $500 wage loss in March, the tenant must pay the landlord $1,000 for April rent. WHEN MUST TENANT PAY BACK RENT? Tenants who were afforded eviction protection will have up to 120 days after the expiration of the Governor’s Executive Order N-28-20, including any extensions, to pay their landlord all unpaid rent. During that 120-day period, the protections against eviction apply for such tenants. WHAT IF A TENANT WAS LATE PAYING RENT BEFORE THE ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED? The ordinance does not prevent a landlord from evicting a tenant who failed to pay rent when due before the ordinance was adopted or for any other lease violation. Code Compliance Division Tenant Protection Program Main Phone: 916-808-8121 E-Mail: tpp@cityofsacramento.org WHAT HAPPENS IF THE LANDLORD MOVES FORWARD WITH AN EVICTION? If a tenant complies with the requirements, a landlord cannot serve an eviction notice, file or prosecute an unlawful detainer action based on a three-day pay or quit notice, or otherwise endeavor to evict the tenant for nonpayment of rent. A tenant may use this ordinance as an affirmative defense in an unlawful detainer or other action brought by landlord to recover possession of the rental unit. A landlord who violates this eviction prohibition is subject to administrative penalties up to $25,000 pursuant to chapter 1.28 of the Sacramento City Code. 1 Cyrah Caburian From:John Zhao <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Monday, March 23, 2020 7:02 PM To:Steven Scharf Subject:Tell City Council to Enact an Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.  Re: Tell City Council to Enact an Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief  Dear The Honorable Scharf,  I am writing to you as a concerned member of the community and the former Chair of the Housing Commission. I would  first like to thank Council for directing staff to draft an ordinance for providing an eviction moratorium for renters within  the city of Cupertino. Additionally, I would ask that we do even more to make this resolution as strong as possible, such  that we are protecting small businesses and their workers. This should at least include a ban against utility shut offs, a  foreclosure moratorium for primary residential and commercial properties, strong recommendations for paid sick leave,  along with direct relief assistance—likely administered through existing channels like West Valley Community Services.   With some studies showing a potential higher rate of unemployment than at the peak of the great depression, we must  implement every safeguard imaginable to protect all members of the community—whether at the federal, state, or local  level. With no definite end in sight to this crisis, the question of necessity should no longer be up for debate. As a city, it  would be an absolute shame if we looked back years from now—when thousands in the community lose their jobs,  income, and livelihood—and recognize that we could have done so much more.   I optimistically ask you to not only pass an eviction moratorium, but to also strengthen the language to include the  above relief as well.  Sincerely,   John Zhao  Sincerely,   John Zhao  jzhao098@gmail.com  10411 Lansdale Avenue  Cupertino, CA 95014   Constituent   1 Cyrah Caburian From:Ian Greensides <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, March 24, 2020 1:07 PM To:Steven Scharf Subject:Tell City Council to Enact an Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.    Re: Tell City Council to Enact an Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief  Dear The Honorable Scharf,  I am writing to you as a concerned member of the community. I would first like to thank Council for directing staff to  draft an ordinance for providing an eviction moratorium for renters within the city of Cupertino. Additionally, I would  ask that we do even more to make this resolution as strong as possible, such that we are protecting small businesses and their workers. This should at least include a ban against utility shut offs, a foreclosure moratorium for primary residential  and commercial properties, strong recommendations for paid sick leave, along with direct relief assistance—likely  administered through existing channels like West Valley Community Services.   With some studies showing a potential higher rate of unemployment than at the peak of the great depression, we must  implement every safeguard imaginable to protect all members of the community—whether at the federal, state, or local  level. With no definite end in sight to this crisis, the question of necessity should no longer be up for debate. As a city, it  would be an absolute shame if we looked back years from now—when thousands in the community lose their jobs,  income, and livelihood—and recognize that we could have done so much more.   I optimistically ask you to not only pass an eviction moratorium, but to also strengthen the language to include the  above relief as well!   Sincerely,   Ian Greensides  ian@greensides.com  19925 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Suite 100  Cupertino, CA 95014   Constituent   1 Cyrah Caburian From:Jean Bedord <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, March 24, 2020 2:04 PM To:Steven Scharf Subject:Approve Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief at Council, Mar. 24 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.    Re: Approve Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief at Council, Mar. 24  Dear The Honorable Scharf,  As a member of the community, I would like to thank Council for directing staff to draft an ordinance for providing an  eviction moratorium for renters within the city of Cupertino. Please expand this further to work with local utlity  companies for a moratorium against utility shutoffs.  I also urge you to provide for additional funds to provide rent assistance for renters through West Valley Community  Services. WVCS does an excellent job of providing social services for our community, and are best set up to administer  such a program. Time is of the essence since rent will be due on April 1, and employees are likely to have lost at least at  least half a month of income.  Protecting our businesses and their employees is more challenging, and I urge the city to assist them in applying for  local, state and federal monies. Understandably the city is not in a position to develop its own programs ‐ plus solutions  need to be tailored to the individual business.  I urge you to do the righ thing for for community, and enact relief for our a‐risk families.   Sincerely,   Jean Bedord  jean@bedord.com  11120 Santa Teresa Drive  Cupertino, CA 95014   Constituent   1 Cyrah Caburian From:Connie Cunningham <myvoice@oneclickpolitics.com> Sent:Tuesday, March 24, 2020 2:48 PM To:Steven Scharf Subject:Tell City Council to Enact an Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.    Re: Tell City Council to Enact an Eviction Moratorium+Provide Relief  Dear The Honorable Scharf,  Dear Mayor, Vice‐Mayor, and Councilmembers:  I am writing to you as a concerned member of the community. I would first like to thank Council for directing staff to  draft an ordinance for providing an eviction moratorium for renters within the city of Cupertino. Additionally, I would  ask that we do even more to make this resolution as strong as possible, such that we are protecting small businesses and their workers. This should at least include a ban against utility shut offs, a foreclosure moratorium for primary residential  and commercial properties, strong recommendations for paid sick leave, along with direct relief assistance—likely  administered through existing channels like West Valley Community Services.   With some studies showing a potential higher rate of unemployment than at the peak of the great depression, we must  implement every safeguard imaginable to protect all members of the community—whether at the federal, state, or local  level. With no definite end in sight to this crisis, the question of necessity should no longer be up for debate. As a city, it  would be an absolute shame if we looked back years from now—when thousands in the community lose their jobs,  income, and livelihood—and recognize that we could have done so much more.   I optimistically ask you to not only pass an eviction moratorium, but to also strengthen the language to include the  above relief as well!  Sincerely,   Connie Cunningham, Housing Commission, self only  Sincerely,   Connie Cunningham  cunninghamconniel@gmail.com  1119 Milky Way  Cupertino, CA 95014   Constituent   1 Cyrah Caburian From:Dennis Cunningham <BikeC2C@Comcast.net> Sent:Tuesday, March 24, 2020 2:36 PM To:City Council Subject:Support “Eviction Moratorium” & “Emergency Funding for Tenants CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.    Council members,    I urge you to vote “yes” tonight on two important issues on the Agenda:    1) Urgency Ordinance Imposing a Moratorium on Evictions for Non payment of Rent by Tenants Impacted by the COVID‐ 19 Pandemic  2) Emergency Assistance Funds for Tenants at Risk of Eviction due to Impacts of the Novel Coronavirus COVID‐19     I’m sure you don’t need me to list all of the reasons why these issues are critical, nor what the thinking is behind the  proposed actions.  You already know the Pros & Cons quite well.    What you do need to know is if your constituents want you to support the actions.  This 40+ year resident does.    Thank you for all the work you are doing on behalf of the people of Cupertino  These are scary times; let’s do what we can to reduce the adverse impacts.        Dennis Cunningham    ****************************   Dennis Cunningham  ****************************  ઃ઄અ   Wash ⩌⩍⩎⩏ your hands ٬٭ٮ٬٭ٮ  Stay home ౪౫౬౭౮౯   1 Cyrah Caburian From:Connie Cunningham <cunninghamconniel@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, March 24, 2020 2:43 PM To:City Council Subject:Special Council Meeting, Mar 24, Agenda Item 1, Moratorium on Evictions CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.    Dear Mayor, Vice‐Mayor and  Councilmembers,    Subject  Urgency Ordinance Imposing a Moratorium on Evictions for Nonpayment of Rent by Tenants Impacted by the COVID‐19  Pandemic   Thank you for this special meeting to address the needs of city residents who are in danger of losing their homes  because of the loss of income due to COVID‐19.   It is the right thing to do to avoid increasing the number of people who  are homeless. Paired with Item 2, Emergency Assistance Funds, the City can keep people in their homes, and keep  landlords from an undue burden, or perhaps, inability to pay their own mortgage.    My question is about the Enforcement of this ordinance.  "Enforcement  The City would not directly enforce the ordinance. A tenant could raise the ordinance as a defense to an unlawful  detainer action filed in court by the landlord, or a tenant file a private civil lawsuit against the landlord to enforce the  provisions of the ordinance.   In the event Council approves the ordinance, staff will immediately prepare outreach materials to publicize the tenant  protection measures in the ordinance."  Question #1:  Since the tenant must take action against an unlawful detainer action OR file a private civil lawsuit, how  will the City assure that all affected tenants will:    a) Have enough money to file a lawsuit?       i)  Note that, besides money, someone who is laid off due to impact of the COVID‐19 virus may have many issues that  will impede their ability to pursue a court settlement.    b) Know that Project Sentinel is an organization paid by the City to mediate the issue between them and their landlord?        i) Grant services include: Fair Housing and Tenant‐Landlord Counselings and Dispute Resolution Services    Question #2:  To be effective, this ordinance should have the widest dissemination possible.  Please tell us what the  outreach will be made to ensure that all tenants are aware of this ordinance.    Sincerely,   Connie Cunningham  Housing Commission (self only)  1 Cyrah Caburian From:Ryan Carrigan <rcarrigan@silvar.org> Sent:Tuesday, March 24, 2020 4:32 PM To:City Council Subject:Re: Emergency Eviction Moratorium CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.    Hi Mayor and Council,    Just a follow up to my previous email...the County Board of Supervisors has passed protection that would  extend to within incorporated cities. This ostensibly makes any action tonight by the city council duplicative.    Here is a quick write up from MV Voice: https://mv‐voice.com/news/2020/03/24/santa‐clara‐county‐passes‐ ban‐on‐evictions‐to‐protect‐renters‐hard‐hit‐by‐the‐coronavirus    And here is the ordinance: https://www.mv‐voice.com/news/reports/1585085000.pdf    Thank you,  Ryan  From: Ryan Carrigan  Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 8:47 AM  To: citycouncil@cupertino.org <citycouncil@cupertino.org>  Subject: Emergency Eviction Moratorium      Hi Mayor and Council,    On behalf of SILVAR's members, I want to thank you for your hard work and guidance during the current  "Shelter in Place" order and appreciate that you are taking action tonight to help protect coronavirus  impacted tenants. SILVAR certainly does not oppose you taking action to support tenants and homeowners  who are suffering from loss of income or otherwise dealing with a medical emergency related to the virus.    However, I wanted to provide you with an example of a similar ordinance that provides a balance between  property owner and tenant requirements related to inability to pay rent. Sacramento was one of the first cities  to pass an eviction moratorium and requires notification of hardship when rent is due. This allows property  owners, particularly those who still have mortgage and other expenses related to the property, to plan for a  loss of rental income over the coming months.    Second, clarifying that the protections should end, and be tied to, the Governor's executive order on evictions  would be a better approach. That is currently extended to May, but could be extended if the Governor feels  progress isn't being made related to the health emergency.    The Sacramento ordinance also requires tenants to pay what portion of the rent during the deferral period  that they can. While that certainly helps property owner recover some of the costs they may still have, it could  2 be difficult to determine what is a fair prorated amount. I would just ask that it be made clear that once the  executive order is rescinded, it be made clear to tenants they are then required for the full amount of  prospective rent. As the Governor said, "this is a rent deferral, not a rent holiday."    Here is a link to Sacramento's ordinance: https://www.cityofsacramento.org/‐ /media/Corporate/Files/CDD/Code‐Compliance/Programs/FINAL‐FAQ‐TEMPORARY‐MORATORIUM‐ON‐ TENANT‐EVICTIONS‐DUE‐TO‐COVID‐‐19.pdf?la=en    Again, thank you for your leadership during this time. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if I can help  with reaching out to property owner's once this ordinance is passed.    Thank you,    Ryan Carrigan  Government Affairs Director  Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS    Log in | Subscribe Search Wed Thu Fri Sat 55° High: 57° Low: 41° 1 The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously March 24 to halt evictions that would displace families and businesses as a direct result of the novel coronavirus. Voice file photo Uploaded: Tue, Mar 24, 2020, 3:35 pm Santa Clara County passes ban on evictions to protect renters hard hit by the coronavirus Residential and commercial properties included in moratorium that runs through May 31 In order for all area residents to have important local information on the coronavirus health emergency, MV-Voice.com has lifted its pay meter and is providing unlimited access to its website. We need your support to continue our important work. Please join your neighbors and become a subscribing member today. by Kevin Forestieri / Mountain View Voice The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday, March 24, to halt evictions that would displace families and businesses as a direct result of the novel coronavirus, which has ravaged the local economy in a matter of weeks. The moratorium on evictions, which takes effect immediately and lasts through the end of May, applies to both residential and commercial renters who can prove they've had a substantial loss of income as a result of the coronavirus. All cities within the county are included in the evictions ban. "Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures, and that's what a moratorium is," said County Supervisor Joe Simitian at the board's teleconference meeting. The moratorium is meant to mitigate the economic damage caused by efforts to contain the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, namely, public health officials' order to temporarily shut down schools and all nonessential businesses, resulting in high unemployment and lost wages. Home evictions would worsen the health crisis by increasing the county's already significant homeless problem, according to county officials, and the depressed local economy would be exacerbated if a high number of commercial renters are ousted due to failure to pay rent during the temporary shutdown. In order to stave off an eviction under the county ordinance, tenants have to show proof of a "substantial" loss in income -- which will be determined on a case-by-case basis -- including job loss, reduction in work hours, a business closure or a significant decrease in business income caused by a reduction in open hours or consumer demand. Large medical expenses for immediate family members can also be used to justify nonpayment of rent. Once the moratorium is over, tenants have 120 days to pay all the rent that's due. "It is important to note that nothing in this urgency ordinance relieves a tenant of the obligation to pay rent or restricts a landlord's ability to recover rent due," according to a county staff report. "The measure does, however, prevent evictions from occurring in the midst of this crisis." Some residents say the moratorium doesn't go far enough and simply kicks the can down the road, with an inevitable wave of evictions likely once the 120-day grace period expires. Palo Alto resident Kevin Ma told supervisors in an email that the moratorium must be coupled with greater access to renter aid, or else the ordinance would only be a quick Band-Aid fix to the problem. Stay up to date on local coronavirus coverage with our daily news digest email. Sign Up TOP BLOGS Food Safety and Coronavirus: A Comprehensive Guide By Laura Stec | 7 comments | 17,292 views These local restaurants are donating meals to Bay Area residents in need. Here's how to help. By Elena Kadvany | 5 comments | 8,039 views Another Way to Help Our Local Low Wage Workers By Steve Levy | 17 comments | 2,425 views Will the Coronavirus Save Lives? By Sherry Listgarten | 14 comments | 1,979 views Couples and Premarital: Shelter, Harbor . . . By Chandrama Anderson | 0 comments | 1,928 views View all local blogs Subscribe Home News Town Square Blogs A&E Real Estate Print Edition Join Contact We need your support now more than ever. Can we count on you?Subscribe 2 people like this Report Objectionable ContentEmail Town Square Moderator "We don't know how long the situation would last, and we see, based on the housing crisis, that many were living already close to the edge anyway," Ma said. "It'll be very hard for some to make up for lost time." Palo Alto resident Angie Evans urged supervisors to give renters as much flexibility as possible, granting them "minimal" requirements to prove economic hardship. Income verification alone does not take into account the high cost of child care, health services and other expenses that vulnerable families have to budget for each month. Cities, counties and private companies have rallied this week to raise funds for Santa Clara County residents out of work due to the coronavirus, announcing on Monday more than $11 million in financial support for the homeless and the unemployed. Cities including Mountain View have also launched their own renter relief programs aimed at keeping people housed during the disruption. Even before the Bay Area's regionwide shelter in place order on March 17 had shut down nonessential business, many storefronts on the Peninsula reported major losses and dwindling foot traffic. While some restaurants remain open for take-out orders -- they are considered essential and permitted to stay open -- others have temporarily shuttered. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on March 16 clearing the way for California cities and counties to enact eviction moratoriums, suspending state laws that would have preempted or restricted such ordinances in the past. Some Bay Area cities moved quickly to enact a temporary ban on evictions, including Palo Alto, while others were less eager to pass renter protections. The county's moratorium does not supersede stronger renter protections imposed by individual cities. Emily Hislop of Project Sentinel, who works with Mountain View landlords and tenants, said the county should urge cities to consider mediation programs to help renters manage months of unpaid rent. "Stopping the evictions is one thing, but we would like to encourage jurisdictions to look at dispute resolution programs to negotiate repayment or even reduced rent," Hislop said. "Everything is not going to magically be better after 120 days." Supervisor Susan Ellenberg said she supported the moratorium, but worried that having all unpaid rent due right after 120 days of the moratorium ending would be "catastrophic." She wondered whether the county could pass some kind of ordinance that could allow renters to pay for past rent over the course of a year. But going above and beyond what Gov. Newsom prescribed in his executive order last week may be difficult for Santa Clara County to implement without running afoul with state laws. County Counsel James Williams said that his office would look at the available legal options in the event that supervisors want to supplement the moratorium with additional protections in the coming months. Supervisor Mike Wasserman said he doesn't think it will be a huge problem, and that tenants can and likely will be able to pay back portions of unpaid rent during the roughly four-month grace period between the end of the ordinance and when unpaid rent is due. Any landlord who attempts to carry out an eviction in violation of the county's ban faces civil fines and penalties. Landlords are also barred from imposing late fees for unpaid rent if the tenant endured economic hardship caused by the virus. Comments Posted by SRB a resident of St. Francis Acres 37 minutes ago Thank you Joe for your prompt and decisive leadership in the midst of this crisis. Hoping it will inspire the Mountain View City Council .... which as of now is not scheduled to meet until April 14 !!! Don't miss out on the discussion! Sign up to be notified of new comments on this topic. Email: Your email address SUBMIT ORDINANCE NO. NS-9.287 AN UNCODIFIED URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA TEMPORARILY BANNING EVICTIONS FOR NON.PAYMENT OF RENT BY RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL PROPERTY TENANTS IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THE COVID.l9 PANDEMIC, AND SETTING FORTH THE FACTS CONSTITUTING SUCH URGENCY Summary This Urgency Ordinance imposes a temporary moratorium on evictions in Santa Clara County for non-payment of rent by residential and commercial real property tenants directly impacted by the COVID-l9 pandemic and sets forth the facts constituting such urgency. THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA FINDS AND DECLARES AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS, in late December 2019, several cases of a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 emerged in the Hubei province of China; WHEREAS, on January 30,2020, the World Health Organization ("WHO") declared COVID-l9 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern' WHEREAS, on January 31,2020, in the wake of the spread of COVID-l9, the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services declared a Public Health Ernergency; WHBREAS, on February 3,2020, the County of Santa Clara ("County") Health Officer declared a local health emergency, and the County's Director of Emergency Services proclairned a local emergency, to respond to the COVID-l9 pandemic and manage its spread throughout the County; WHEREAS, on February 10,2020, the Board of Supervisors ratified the local health emergency and local emergency; WHEREAS, on March 4,2020, Governor Gavin Newsom ("the Governor") issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency in the State of California related to the COVID-19 pandernic; Ordinance NS-9.287 re: Eviction Moratorium Page 1 of8 WHEREAS, Government Code section 8634 authorizes the County Board of Supervisors to promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property during a local emergency; WHEREAS, on March 16,2020, the County Public Health Officer issued an order requiring County residents to shelter in place through April 7,2020, in order to stop community spread of COVID-I9, subject to exceptions for the provision and receipt of essential services, and this order may be continued as necessary to address the pandemic; WHEREAS, as of 5:00 p.m. on March 21,2020, the County confirmed3}2 cases of infection and 10 deaths from COVID-19; WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health orders from the County Health Officer and from the State Health Officer are expected to result in the closure of many local businesses until at least April7 ,2020, and result in extreme restrictions on other local businesses until then, and likely thereafter; WHERBAS, the COVID-I9 pandemic and associated public health orders are expected to result in a significant loss of incorne to a widespread portion of the local population that depend on wages or business income to pay rent and may also result in substantial rnedical expenses for certain County residents; WHEREAS, the County is already experiencing a humanitarian crisis of homelessness and is one of the least affordable communities in the world; WHEREAS, the County is also experiencing a housing affordability crisis, which is driving homelessness and displacement of residents; WHEREAS, many of the County's renters are rent-burdened, paying over 30 percent of their income on rent, and some renters are severely rent-burdened, paying over 50 percent of their income on rent, which leaves less tnoney for families to spend on other necessities like food, healthcare, transpottation, and education; WHEREAS, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and his state of emergency Proclamation, on March 16,2020, the Governor issued an executive order suspending any provision of state law prohibiting a local govemment from exercising its police power to impose substantive limitations on residential or commercial evictions; WHEREAS, without local protection, eviction notices for failure to pay rent are likely to surge as residents and businesses are unable to earn income due to the pandernic, or are forced to pay substantial medical expenses associated with the pandemic; Ordinance NS-9.287 re: Eviction Moratorium Page 2 of8 WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is appropriate to temporarily prohibit evictions, through May 3 7,2020, for any tenant (residential or commercial) who can demonstrate that they are being evicted for the failure to pay rent, and that such failure is a direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; WHEREAS, the Board has determined that adoption of such a temporary moratorium prohibiting evictions is necessary for the protection of life and property as described herein; WHEREAS, this Order shall serve as an order and regulation also applicable within the cities in Santa Clara County pursuant to Goverrunent Code section 8634 and the regulations contained herein shall apply to all cities within Santa Clara County and within unincorporated Santa Clara County; and WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for the County to enact such substantive limitations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents in light of the emergency declared regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including but not limited to the need to keep residents in their homes during the tirne that they need to shelter-in-place. THB BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS: PROHIBITION ON EVICTIONS ARISING FROM SUBSTANTIAL INCOME LOSS OR MEDICAL EXPENSES RELATED TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC SECTION 1. Scope. This Ordinance is adopted to prohibit evictions through May 31,2020, unless extended by action of the Board of Supervisors, which action shall not require amendment of this Ordinance, for any tenant in Santa Clara County who can demonstrate that they have received a notice of eviction or similar action for failure to pay rent, and that such a failure is related to a substantial loss of income or substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses resulting from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic or any local, State, or federal govemment response to the pandemic. The regulations in this ordinance shall apply to cities within Santa Clara County and unincorporated Santa Clara County. To the extent that the governing body of a city enacts an ordinance or adopts a regulation that is more protective of residential and commercial tenants, such city ordinance or regulation shall apply in place of this Ordinance. Ordinance NS-9.287 re: Eviction Moratorium Page 3 of8 SECTION 2. Definitions. For purposes of this Ordinance, the following definitions shall apply: (a) Com,m,ercial Real Propert,y means any real property that is used for business, income-producing purposes, or any pu{pose other than for residential use, however organized, that meets the size standard for a small business in the industry in which that entity operates as defined in the U.S. Srnall Business Administration's table of size standards by industry, codified at l3 C.F.R. section l2l.20l; (b) Owner means any natural person, partnership, corporate or fictitious entity, acting as a lessor or sublessor, whether as a principal or through an agenI, who receives or is entitled to receive rent in exchange for the use or occupancy of any residential or commercial real property for rent, and includes a predecessor in interest; (c) Rent means the financial obligation or monetary payment a tenant owes an owner for the occupancy or use of commercial or residential real property whether by written or oral agreement; (d) Residential Real Property lneans any dwelling unit that is intended or used for human habitation; (e) Tenancy means the lawful occupancy of residential or commercialreal property and includes a lease or sublease; (0 Tenant means the lawful occupant of residential or commercial real property whether by lease or sublease. SECTION 3. Prohibition on ctions stemmins from coronavirus nandemic losses. (a) Through May 3 1,2020 and any subsequent extensions approved by the Board of Supervisors, the Owner of Residential Real Property or Comrnercial Real Property shall not terminate a Tenancy for failure to pay rent if the Tenant demonstrates that the failure to pay rent is directly related to a substantial loss of income or substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses associated with the 2020 COVID-I9 pandemic or any local, State, or federal government response to the pandemic. Ordinance NS-9.287 re Eviction Moratorium Page 4 of8 (b) Through May 3 I,2020 and any subsequent extensions approved by the Board of Supervisors, the Owner of Residential Real Property or Commercial Real Property shall not terminate a Tenancy for any no-fault cause for eviction, as those causes are defined in Civil Code Section 1946.2(b)(2), if the Tenant demonstrates that the Tenant has suffered a substantial loss of income or substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses associated with the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic or any local, State, or federal govemment response to the pandemic. (c) For this Section to apply, a Tenant mnst demonstrate through documentation or other objectively verifiable means: (l) Substantial loss of income from: (i) job loss; (ii) layoffs; (iii) a reduction in the number of compensable hours of work; (iv) a store, restaurant, office, or business closure; (v) a substantial decrease in business income caused by a reduction in opening hours or consurner dernand; (vi) the need to miss work to care for a home- bound school-age child or a family tnember infected with coronavirus; or (vii) other sirnilarly-caused loss of income, where the conditions listed in (i) through (vii) resulted frorn the 2020 COVID-19 pandernic or related guidance or public health orders from local, State, or federal authorities; or (2) Substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses for themselves or their immediate family members related to the 2020 COVID-l9 pandemic. (3) This prohibition shall also apply to an Owner's action that constitutes constructive eviction under California law. The Owner shall immediately correct any conditions of the property that could be considered to constitute cause for a constructive eviction under California law. (4) An Owner's failure to comply with this Ordinance shall render any notice of termination of Tenancy, where the termination would be in violation of this Section, void. Any notice of termination served on a Tenant during the2020 COVID-l9 pandemic must contain the reason for the termination of Tenancy. Any notice of termination served on a Tenant during the2020 COVID-I9 pandemic must also include a notice of Tenant's rights under this Ordinance as well as a notice of emergency rental assistance programs. These notices shall be provided on a form approved by the Santa Clara County Office of Ordinance NS-9.287 re Eviction Moratorium Page 5 of8 Supportive Housing. An Owner's failure to comply with this Ordinance shall render any notice of termination of Tenaficy, where the termination would be in violation of this Section, void. (5) This Section may be asserted as an affirmative defense in an unlawful detainer action. (6) Nothing in this Ordinance shall relieve a Tenant of the obligation to pay Rent, nor restrict an Owner's ability to recover Rent due. (7) Upon expiration or termination of this Ordinance, a Tenant who dernonstrated substantial loss of income or substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses as required under this Ordinance shall pay all past- due Rent within 120 days from the date of expiration of this Ordinance. (8) An Owner's failure to comply with this Ordinance does not constitute a criminal offense, but will subject an Owner to civil fines and penalties as set forth in Division A1 of the County Ordinance Code. (9) Whenever an Owner endeavors to recover possession or recovers possession of Residential Real Property or Commercial Real Property in violation of this Ordinance, retaliates against a Tenant for the exercise of any rights under this Ordinance, or attempts to prevent a Tenant from acquiring any rights herein, the Tenant may institute a civil proceeding for injunctive relief, money damages of not more than three times actual damages (including damages for mental or emotional distress), and whatever other relief the court deems appropriate. In the case of an award of damages for mental or emotional distress, said award shall only be trebled if the trier of fact finds that the Owner acted in knowing violation of or in reckless disregard of the limitations of this Ordinance. The prevailing parly shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs pursuant to order of the court. (10) An Owner may not charge or collect alate fee for Rent that is delayed during this Ordinance and for a period of 120 days thereafter. (11) For the purposes of this Ordinance, adequate documentation of lost income or out-of-pocket medical expenses from the 2020 COYID-l9 Ordinance NS-9.287 re: Eviction Moratorium Page 6 of8 pandemic shall include, but not be limited to: letters from employers citing the 2020 COVID-I9 pandemic or related govemment action as the basis for termination of employment or reduced work, employer paycheck stubs, bank statements, or letters or notifications from schools in which the Tenant has a dependent enrolled regarding COVID-1g-related closures that substantially affected the Tenant's income. Any Tenant eligible for protection under this Ordinance can provide documentation of lost income or out-of-pocket medical expenses at arry time prior to execution of a judgment for possession of their rental unit to stop such eviction from going forward. SBCTION 4. CEOA not applicable. This Ordinance is not subject to the California Envirorunental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and Section 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly). SECTION 5. Severabilitv If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The Board of Supervisors hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases may be held invalid. SECTION 6. Effective date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by a four-fifths vote of the Board of Supervisors as an Urgency Ordinance. This is based on the Board of Supervisors finding that this Ordinance is adopted in compliance with Government Code section 25123, that it is necessary for the protection of the public peace, health, or safety for the reasons contained in the findings set forth at the beginning of this Ordinance, which are incorporated by reference herein, and that it is necessary to prevent Santa Clara County from suffering potentially irreversible displacement of tenants resulting frorn the evictions that this Ordinance is designed to prevent. Ordinance NS-9.287 re: Eviction Moratorium Page 7 of8 SECTION 7. Expiration. Repeal. This Ordinance shall expire and shall be repealed as of May 3I,2020, unless shortened or extended by the Board of Supervisors based on the existence of a local emergency. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara, State of California, on the following vote AYES: NOES: ABSENT ABSTAIN CINDY CHAVEZ, President Board of Supervisors Signed and certified that a copy of this document has been delivered by electronic or other means to the President, Board of Supervisors. ATTEST: MEGAN DOYLE Clerk of the Board of Supervisors APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: Srful* wtLvtl+\vtS JAMES R. WILLIAMS County Counsel 2l&9425 Ordinance NS-9.287 re: Eviction Moratorium Page 8 of8 1 Cyrah Caburian From:Erika Fairfield <erika.fairfield@lawfoundation.org> Sent:Tuesday, March 24, 2020 4:42 PM To:City Council Subject:Public comments for 3/24/20 Special City Council Meeting re: Eviction Moratorium CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the  sender and know the content is safe.    Dear Mayor Scharf and members of the City Council,     I write to thank the City of Cupertino for taking swift and strong action to protect its residents by proposing an eviction  moratorium and urgency ordinance, and to further urge you to enact an such an ordinance so as to protect those who  are most vulnerable.      As people across the Bay Area have been ordered to shelter in place, so many are in fear of, or are already facing, a  reduction in or total loss of employment.  In our tight housing market where the high cost of rent was already a concern,  many of our neighbors are now wondering how they will remain housed with even less – or perhaps no – money coming  in for the foreseeable future.  At this time especially, and in the months that follow this unprecedented public health  crisis, it is of the utmost importance that our neighbors are protected from eviction as this we navigate the fallout of this  crisis together.    Although the County of Santa Clara has just enacted a county‐wide urgency ordinance, we urge the City of Cupertino to  pass one of its own.  This is especially important considering the proposed ordinance would provide residents of  Cupertino additional time to pay back rent after the resolution of the emergency, and given that the County’s ordinance  only lasts through the term of Governor Newsom’s emergency order, which expires May 31, 2020.  While it is uncertain  how long this health crisis will last, what is clear is that the economic effects upon the City’s residents, especially those  who are low‐income or otherwise especially vulnerable populations, will continue on in the months that follow.    Therefore, we ask that the City of Cupertino moves forward and enacts its own urgency ordinance to provide additional  protections to residents during these uncertain and difficult times.    Thank you,      Erika Fairfield | Senior Attorney | Housing Pronouns: she/her/hers  erika.fairfield@lawfoundation.org | p 408-280-2464 | f 408-293-0106 4 North Second Street, Suite 1300 San Jose, California 95113 www.lawfoundation.org Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & YouTube! 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