From: Mitchell Thompson < mitchthompsonmitch@gmail. com> Sent: Monday, April 11, 2022 7: 23 PM
To: Jill Galvez < [email protected]>; Mary Salas < MSalas@chulavistaca. gov>; Andrea Cardenas acardenas@chulavistaca. gov>; Steve C. Padilla <[email protected]>; John McCann [email protected]>
Subject: Item 8.1, City Council Agenda, April 12, 2022, Tenant Protections Item It is my understanding that you are considering a contract with CSA San Diego County (“ CSA”) to collect data relating to issues with respect to rental housing matters in Chula Vista. In researching CSA, it appears they are a fair housing entity-- they have been contracted in San Diego County to conduct preliminary investigations of possible violations of federal fair housing law by property owners. They appear to have a demonstrated track record in that area and that is the predominant activity they have been involved with.
The collection of data unrelated to fair housing issues appears to be a new activity for CSA. My principal concern with the proposed contract with CSA is that their entire history is that of advocating for residents with respect to property owner actions relating to fair housing. As such, they would be considered a “tenant advocacy” group. With that history, the fundamental question is whether the data collection will be truly objective if collected by a tenant advocacy group. I can see where the collection and compilation of data could be heavily skewed and used in an unfair and biased manner.
In its worst possible iteration, the “ game” would be that ACCE, the Chula Vista based tenant advocacy group, embarks on a program to refer its clients to submit complaints to CSA and all the data is a result of a system of ACCE-to- CSA turn- style data creation and collection. I believe, at a minimum, some sort of rental housing owner representation is needed in the development, implementation and oversight of the data collection program to ensure unbiased data collection.
I am encouraged by the City’s desire to collect information before any possible legislative or policy development. Please ensure whatever data you collect is collected in a fair and unbiased manner. Thank you for the opportunity to be heard.
Mitch Thompson, Chula Vista Resident & Rental Property Owner Warning:
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Item 8.1 - Thompson
Received 4/12/2022
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Item 8.1 - Kirkland
Received 4/12/2022