skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Republicans weigh using the power of Congress to rein in Trump on tariffs; Stocks tumble again after China fires back in trade war; Mississippi urged to invest in jobs, not jails, to cut prison costs; Studies highlight gut health benefits of plant-forward diets in MI.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The administration stands behind its tariffs, despite declines in markets. Advocates nationwide push back against federal rollbacks affecting military families, and the environment and big budget plans advance in Congress.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The proposed dismantling of the Depart. of Education has rural schools scared, postal carriers say USPS changes will hurt rural communities most, fiber networks to improve internet may be supplanted by Musk's satellites, and it's time to PLAY BALL!

Two CA Cities Repeal Crime-Free Multi-Housing Programs

play audio
Play

Monday, September 11, 2023   

In the past week, two California cities - Riverside and San Bernardino - have repealed most of their "Crime-Free Multi-Housing" programs, which were designed to improve tenants' safety but have been criticized for destabilizing families, especially in low-income communities of color.

The program helps landlords choose better landscaping and lighting, and promotes neighborhood watch groups. City of San Bernardino Public Information Officer Jeff Kraus said it also established rules against criminal activity.

"Tenants were required to sign an addendum to the lease that, if there was illegal activity by either the tenant or the guests, that the tenants could be evicted," said Kraus. "And that component is where some of the controversy lies."

There have been cases in other cities where people were evicted even when the alleged crime took place elsewhere, or when there was no arrest or conviction.

Families have been uprooted when one member ran afoul of the law. And domestic violence survivors have been evicted after calling police.

San Bernardino will still help apartment complexes harden their property against crime, but agreed to scrap large parts of the Crime-Free Multi-Housing program as part of a settlement in a case over delays in the city's adoption of a state-mandated housing element.

Attorney Anthony Kim is a staff attorney with Inland Counties Legal Services, which brought the suit. He noted that the program required landlords to do a universal background check on all tenants.

"It's already pretty difficult for individuals to reintegrate themselves into society after getting out of jail," said Kim. "And everyone deserves housing, and having a record should not be any sort of precluding element to that."

A number of people testified against the program at the Riverside City Council meeting, including Desiree Sanchez - a member of the Inland Region Housing Justice Coalition and senior policy advocate with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.

"The removal of the program will ensure the city does not increase homelessness by putting an end to illegal evictions," said Sanchez. "And that's strengthening the public safety and economy of the City of Riverside."

The City of Hesperia recently withdrew its program after a federal lawsuit said it discriminated against Black and Latino renters.





get more stories like this via email

more stories
In addition to gut health benefits, many researchers say reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based foods can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and reduce the environmental footprint of food production. (NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…


Social Issues

play sound

Nearly 22,000 Florida college students could lose critical tuition help under a state House budget proposal. The plan would cut $3,500 annual grants …

Social Issues

play sound

Pro-worker and pro-democracy organizers and activists in Nevada are coming together to oppose some of the policies of President Donald Trump…


Organizations such as Minnesota's Urban Bird Collective are trying to foster a more welcoming bird-watching community, which includes encouraging more women to become birders. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Minnesota bird enthusiasts should keep their binoculars handy. April is a good month to spot various species migrating back to the region. Experts …

play sound

As President Donald Trump dismantles the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, advocates of the agency warn that veterans and military service …

The FBI says fraud and scam losses nationwide reported by those age 60 and older topped $3.4 billion in 2023, including $128 million in Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill to prevent cryptocurrency scams and regulate what are known as "crypto kiosks." Brendon Blake, AARP …

Social Issues

play sound

UPDATE: A statement about the arrest from the University of Cincinnati has been added. (8:10 a.m. MDT, Apr. 3, 2025) A recent arrest on the …

Environment

play sound

A huge offshore wind project is forging ahead off Humboldt Bay in Northern California - and Saturday, elected officials will tour the deepwater port …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021