S.F. Tenants Call for End to Ellis Act

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A child listens to tenants speak at a protest against the Ellis Act. Photo courtesy of Mission Local.

By Jamie Goldberg, Mission Local
Roberto Alfaro Sr., 67, has lived in his Mission District apartment at 164 Lucky St. for 27 years. Ana Gutierrez, 66, has lived in the unit next door for 34 years. Both are retired, disabled and living on a fixed income. These are the only San Francisco apartments they have ever known.

Last month, they were told they were being evicted under the Ellis Act, a state law that allows landlords to take rental units off the market.

“I raised all my kids in that place,” said Gutierrez, who lives in the apartment with her two sons. “I’ve been there ever since I came to San Francisco.”

“We don’t know what to do,” she added.

Alfaro and Gutierrez were among dozens of people who gathered beneath the Christmas tree at 18th and Castro streets on Wednesday to protest Ellis Act evictions. Carrying signs in English and Spanish that read “Happy Holidays. Now get the hell out,” the protesters called on state legislators to repeal the Ellis Act and for local politicians to lend their support.

No landlords were present at the protest.

Read the complete story at Mission Local.

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