Rent Control at Mobile Homes Set for Debate

For as long as most people here can remember, the City Council has been staunchly, philosophically opposed to rent control.

So it surprised some and angered others in this tiny town when the issue of establishing rent control for the residents of the city’s 10 mobile home parks appeared on the agenda for tonight’s council meeting.

“It’s none of our damn business,” said Councilman Harry Dotson, who vowed to continue to oppose rent control in Stanton.

Leading the charge is longtime councilman and former rent control foe Sal Sapien, who said he put rent control on the agenda because in the dozen years he has been on the council, mobile home park residents have not ceased complaining about unreasonable rent increases that are forcing them out of their homes.

Dotson, however, said he opposes having rent control in the entire city because he believes that it is only a handful of residents who continually gripe about rent hikes and unsafe living conditions in the parks.

Further, Dotson said he is concerned such a rent control ordinance would adversely affect the city’s already precarious financial situation.

“If we have to train staff to administer this, I would like to know where the money is going to come from,” said Dotson, adding that the city has cut fire and sheriff services this year because of belt tightening.

If Stanton eventually decides to pass a rent control law for mobile home parks, it would be only the second city, behind San Juan Capistrano, in Orange County to do so. The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. Information: (714) 379-9222.