News

LA’s Rent Nightmare: 124% Spike Shocks Tenants

Published

4 weeks ago

January 16, 2025

In the wake of recent wildfires in Los Angeles, reports have surfaced of landlords attempting to impose staggering rent increases—some as high as 124%. These extreme rent hikes have left tenants shocked and scrambling for answers, especially as many residents are already grappling with displacement and financial strain caused by the fires. Here’s an in-depth look at the situation, the legal protections in place, and what tenants can do if they face such increases.

The Context: Wildfires and Housing Pressure

The devastating wildfires that swept through parts of California have not only destroyed homes but also exacerbated the ongoing housing crisis in Los Angeles. With thousands displaced, demand for housing has surged, creating an opportunity for some landlords to exploit the situation by dramatically increasing rents.

However, California law explicitly prohibits such practices during a state of emergency. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency following the wildfires, which automatically triggers protections under California Penal Code Section 396, commonly known as the anti-price gouging law.

What Does the Law Say?

Under California’s anti-price gouging law:

Landlords are prohibited from increasing rent by more than 10% during a declared state of emergency.
This law applies to both existing tenants and new listings for rental properties.
Violating this law is considered a criminal offense and can result in fines or imprisonment.

Despite these legal protections, reports indicate that some landlords are ignoring these rules, with rent increases ranging from 60% to 124% in certain areas.

Real-Life Examples of Rent Hikes

Tenant advocacy groups have reported alarming cases across Los Angeles:

A two-bedroom condo in Beverly Grove saw its rent jump from $5,000 to $8,000—a 60% increase.
A five-bedroom home in Santa Monica was relisted at double its previous rent, representing a 100% increase.
Some landlords have reportedly demanded increases exceeding 124%, leaving tenants unable to renew their leases or secure alternative housing.

These practices not only violate state laws but also exploit vulnerable residents during a time of crisis.

Why Is This Happening?

Experts suggest several factors behind these illegal rent hikes:

Increased Demand: Displaced residents are competing for limited housing options, driving up market demand.
Lack of Enforcement: While laws exist to prevent price gouging, enforcement can be slow or inconsistent, emboldening unscrupulous landlords.
Market Opportunism: Some landlords see the crisis as an opportunity to maximize profits, despite legal and ethical concerns.

What Can Tenants Do?

If you’re facing an illegal rent increase, here are steps you can take:

Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with California’s anti-price gouging laws and local tenant protections.
Document Everything: Keep records of communication with your landlord, including notices of rent increases or lease terms.
File a Complaint: Report illegal rent hikes to local authorities or tenant advocacy organizations like the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) or your county’s consumer protection office.
Seek Legal Help: Contact a tenant rights attorney or nonprofit organizations like Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) for assistance.
Spread Awareness: Share your story with local media or advocacy groups to bring attention to illegal practices.

Authorities Are Cracking Down

Tenant advocacy groups and government officials are urging strict enforcement against landlords who violate price gouging laws during this crisis. The Los Angeles Housing Department has set up hotlines for tenants to report illegal rent increases and is working with local prosecutors to investigate complaints.

Additionally, landlord associations have condemned these practices, emphasizing that most property owners comply with the law and urging tenants to report bad actors.

Conclusion: Protecting Tenants Amid Crisis

The reports of 124% rent hikes in Los Angeles highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement of tenant protections during emergencies. While California’s anti-price gouging laws provide safeguards, it’s clear that more oversight is needed to prevent exploitation during times of crisis.

If you’re a tenant facing an unfair rent increase, remember that you have rights—and resources are available to help you fight back against illegal practices.

For more information or assistance, contact your local housing authority or visit organizations like Tenants Together.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life.

Advice

Why So Many Filmmakers Fail (And How to Avoid Their Fate)

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

You dream of making movies. Of telling stories that captivate audiences, spark emotions, and maybe even change the world. You see yourself on set, calling the shots, a creative force to be reckoned with.

But the reality is harsh: most filmmakers don’t make it. They burn bright for a few years, then fade away, defeated by the industry’s challenges. They end up doing something else, always wondering “what if?”

Why does this happen? What separates those who thrive from those who crash and burn? Having spent over 25 years navigating the film industry, I’ve seen countless talented people come and go. Here are the top reasons why filmmakers fail – and, more importantly, how you can beat the odds.

1. Burning Bridges Instead of Building Networks

Filmmaking is a collaborative art. Your network is your lifeline. Yet, many aspiring filmmakers sabotage themselves by:

Thinking they know more than they do: Arrogance is a killer. Be humble, be open to learning, and listen to those with experience.
Under-delivering and over-promising: Don’t make promises you can’t keep. It’s better to exceed expectations than to disappoint.
Being difficult to work with: Nobody wants to hire someone who creates drama or is a pain to be around.

The Solution: Be the person everyone wants to work with. Be reliable, respectful, and solution-oriented. Build genuine relationships. People should be excited when you’re on set, not dreading your presence.

2. Not Understanding What Filmmaking Really Is

This is a big one. Many filmmakers approach projects with the wrong mindset. They think their job is to create a film that meets their standards of “good.” That’s a recipe for disaster.

Filmmaking, especially when you’re being paid, is a service. Your job is to create a tool that achieves a specific objective for your client. Does the film need to:

Make the client look good?
Sell a product?
Educate an audience?

If you don’t understand the core purpose of the film, you’re flying blind. You might create something beautiful, but if it doesn’t achieve its intended goal, you’ve failed.

The Solution: Ask questions. Understand the client’s needs. Focus on creating a film that works, not just a film that looks pretty. Don’t overwhelm clients with film jargon or try to force your artistic vision on them without understanding their objectives.

The Bottom Line

The film industry is tough, but success is possible. By building strong networks and understanding the true purpose of filmmaking, you can avoid the common pitfalls that lead to failure and build a fulfilling, sustainable career.

Health

Kennedy Assumes Top Health Post Amid Criticism

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in a narrow Senate vote of 52-48. This appointment marks a significant shift in American politics, as Kennedy, a prominent vaccine skeptic and former environmental attorney, takes the helm of the nation’s top health agency.

The confirmation vote largely followed party lines, with Republicans supporting Kennedy’s nomination and Democrats opposing it. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, a polio survivor, was the lone Republican to vote against Kennedy’s appointment.

Kennedy’s nomination has been met with both enthusiasm and concern. Supporters praise his pledges to promote healthier foods, tackle pollution, address root causes of chronic disease, and ban prescription drug ads. However, his appointment has drawn criticism from mainstream public health voices due to his long history of controversial statements about vaccines and promotion of unproven medical treatments.

During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy faced tough questions about his stance on vaccines, abortion, and his understanding of key health programs:

Vaccines: Kennedy maintained that he is not anti-vaccine but rather advocates for greater transparency in vaccine safety and effectiveness. However, he cited papers with flawed methods to support his claims, contradicting widely accepted meta-analyses on vaccine safety.

Abortion: Kennedy’s shifting stance on abortion rights was a point of contention, with both Democrats and Republicans questioning his current position.
Medicare and Medicaid: Kennedy acknowledged not having a specific plan for aligning these programs’ funding structures and made some factual errors when describing how they operate.

As the new HHS Secretary, Kennedy will oversee a vast $1.7 trillion agency responsible for food and hospital inspections, health insurance for millions of Americans, and research into deadly diseases. His tenure is expected to bring significant changes to the department, including potential shifts in vaccine policy, food regulations, and approaches to chronic disease management.

Medical experts and public health officials have expressed concern about Kennedy’s appointment, warning that his views on vaccines and other health issues could undermine public trust in established treatments and potentially harm public health efforts.

As Kennedy prepares to take his oath of office, all eyes will be on the Department of Health and Human Services to see how his controversial views and “Make America Healthy Again” agenda will shape the nation’s health policies in the coming years.

Health

Deadly Tuna Recall: Check Your Cans Now!

Published

3 days ago

February 12, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a nationwide voluntary recall of select canned tuna products due to a manufacturing defect that poses a risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria responsible for botulism, a potentially fatal foodborne illness. The recall affects products sold under the Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brand names at major retailers across 27 states and Washington, D.C.

What Happened?

The recall, announced on February 7 and publicized by the FDA on February 10, stems from defective “easy-open” pull-tab lids that may compromise the seal integrity of the cans. This defect could lead to leakage or bacterial contamination over time. While no illnesses have been reported so far, Tri-Union Seafoods has taken this precautionary step to ensure consumer safety.

Affected Products

The recalled products include specific lots of canned tuna sold at major retailers like Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and H-E-B. Key details include:

H-E-B Solid White Tuna in Water (5 oz): Sold in Texas.
Genova Tuna (5 oz and 7 oz): Distributed through Costco in Florida and Georgia and other retailers in multiple states.
Van Camp’s Tuna: Available at Walmart and independent stores in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Jersey.
Trader Joe’s Tuna: Sold in states including New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia.

For a complete list of affected products—including UPC codes and “Best If Used By” dates—consumers are advised to consult the FDA website or contact Tri-Union Seafoods directly.

Why Is This Dangerous?

Botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, blurred vision, slurred speech, and breathing difficulties. If untreated, it can lead to paralysis or death. The CDC warns that foodborne botulism can occur even if contaminated food looks or smells normal.

What Should You Do?

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products should take the following steps:

Do Not Consume: Even if the tuna appears or smells fine.
Dispose Safely or Return: Return the product to the retailer for a full refund or discard it immediately.
Contact Tri-Union Seafoods: For assistance with product retrieval or replacement coupons, email support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com or call 833-374-0171 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST).

Final Reminder

This recall does not affect other Tri-Union Seafoods products. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and check their pantry for any canned tuna matching the recall criteria. If you experience symptoms of botulism after consuming these products, seek immediate medical attention.