Rent control stalls, could go up for vote

Richmond’s rent control ordinance — the first to pass in California in over 30 years — was approved in July with the aim of protecting low-income renters against being priced out by a cutthroat Bay Area housing market. But an association of property owners, managers, and developers submitted more than 7,000 signatures to block it from becoming law — a move that has inflamed rent control supporters and raised questions about the signature-gathering tactics employed by opponents. If the County Elections Office certifies the signatures, the city council can opt to repeal the ordinance, place it on the ballot next year, or call a special election for voters to decide. "Richmond is prime for redevelopment, but the playing field needs to remain fair." Read more on Richmond Pulse.