Summary of facts:
Many of the people in the smaller farming communities are renters. Most of them do not speak, read or write English. Yet their rental agreements are written in a language which they cannot read, and in terms they do not comprehend.
The property owners clearly have an unfair advantage. They collect deposits and rent, demanding that they be paid in cash. They convince the renters that no receipts to show payment are necessary. The owners rarely make needed repairs on rented properties; however, and for the most part, renters must make their own repairs without being compensated. Because they cannot show receipts for rent, repairs, or deposits; the owners unjustifiably evict them. The cycle is then repeated over and over again. Because their is no written record of any kind, the police have no choice but to enforce the eviction.
Issue:
The weather is changing quickly. Most of the renters have small children; they will not be able to sustain the colder winter days. Time is of the essence! Because the harvest is done, and farm work will be scarce, the problem will get worse before it gets better.
Strategy:
Have meetings at the local library, and inform the public at large of their renter's rights. There may have to be more than one meeting on this issue. Meetings addressing other areas of concern have been planned.
I have scheduled the first meeting for Monday, 25 November, at 6:00 pm to 7:30pm, Selma Library. The meeting is being sponsored by the Fresno Brown Berets Autonomous Chapter for the benefit of those who need it and live in the Selma community. Most of our brothers and sisters who are being ripped off claim Oaxacan/Mixteco/Zapotec lineage. I will be handing out flyers, posting notices, and continue talking to people wherever I can. I need someone to get in touch with the people who work in the area of making presentations on renter's rights.
I have scheduled other public information meetings concerning topics that are of vital importance to the these communities and of the highest priority.