For her, passing SB 1103 is of vital importance. “It’s not just about the San Fernando Valley, this benefits everyone in California,” she says.
State Senator Caroline Menjivar speaks with pride and passion. She shares her experiences traveling through District 20, which she represents, and listening to the needs of those striving to achieve the American dream.
“People come to me and share their stories. I’ve seen their problems, trying to make the leap from street vendors to owners of a small established business. However, the rising rents and the fact that most contracts are not translated into their language make it difficult for them to fulfill that American dream.” says the state senator from her office in Sacramento.
This year, she introduced SB 1103, which seeks to provide tenant protections against rent increases and mandates that lease agreements be translated when necessary.
“I’ve had a good response in the Assembly and Senate, but the road ahead is still long; we must keep fighting. I don’t know what Governor Gavin Newsom thinks. Both community members and property owners have approached me to discuss it; I meet with everyone, and we must find a middle ground,” she says.
Menjivar knows what she’s talking about. She is the first generation of Salvadoran parents who came to this country to fight for and achieve their dreams.
“I saw my father go from being a busboy to owning his own business in East Los Angeles, a small dealership. I always overheard how rent increases would hurt him financially, and later, when the pandemic hit, how it was necessary to give him information about all the aid available for businesses like his,” she says.
“I know many are struggling. For many, the problem isn’t the rent or the contracts, but recovering from the impact caused by the pandemic. Their revenues aren’t enough, and duffer from decresded foot traffic.”
This is another crucial element that Senator Menjivar is well aware of.
“There is a need for a lot of education. Often, as immigrants, we don’t want to seek help; we think we can do it alone. Then things get difficult. We need to provide greater access to resources that exist to help small businesses,” she adds.
Menjivar has heard countless stories that have impacted her—from the furniture store that had to close due to rent increases to the woman who had to choose between her apartment or her business. She chose her business and then slept in her car.
For her, passing SB 1103 is of vital importance and a significant support for the community.
“It’s not just about the San Fernando Valley; this benefits everyone in California. I’ve received excellent feedback from people in other cities who express their approval for discussing this issue,” she says.
She has encountered many stories of immigrant women seeking to establish their businesses. Menjivar knows the path is full of obstacles, and with the pandemic, it has been very difficult for established businesses.
“I know many are struggling. For many, the problem isn’t the rent or the contracts, but recovering from the impact caused by the pandemic. There aren’t enough revenues, and not much foot traffic. What I’m trying to do is create different projects, for example, bringing more public transportation, building business corridors, and economic developments. That’s the way to help them. We have to build around those businesses,” she says.
Menjivar also expresses the need for simpler procedures. For many in the community, they are very complicated, and it is necessary to invite them to follow a straightforward process.
“What we’re asking for is already done in the residential sector; we just need to do it in the commercial sector. I don’t think we’re asking for much. Property owners can still carry out evictions, and they don’t have to renew contracts. We just want things to be clear and have protections for the merchants,” she says.
On June 27, the State Assembly discussed the Bill and a third reading was requested.
Doug Smith: ‘(SB1103) This is the beginning of this conversation at the state level.’
SIGN PETITION
