Know the Facts.
FACTS MATTER.
FACT #1:
63% Burbank Voters Already Voted NO on Rent Control with Measure RC in 2020
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Votes cast in favor “Yes” 17,994 (36.21%)​
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Votes cast in opposition “No”: 31,697 (63.79%)
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Yet three members of the Burbank City Council (Mayor Perez, Vice Mayor Takahashi, and Council Member Anthony) undermine the ​will of the people and push a new rent control ordinance anyway. This new ordinance is a threat to Burbank's democracy.
BONUS FACT:
Approximately 60% of Burbank's residents are Renters. That means even the majority of renters voted for NO RENT CONTROL!
Learn about Measure RC (2020):
FACT #2: Socialist activists called the "Burbank Tenants Union" (BTU) has been pushing this anti-democratic Ordinance for 2 years
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The Burbank Tenants Union (BTU) promotes a socialist agenda through its advocacy of the book Abolish Rent by Tracy Rosenthal and Leonardo Vilchis, a manifesto that endorses universal government-controlled property and the elimination of private property rights. This ideology echoes collectivist principles found in Karl Marx’s The Communist Manifesto, which historically have led to economic stagnation and authoritarianism. The BTU’s push for state-controlled housing disregards the will of Burbank’s voters, who rejected rent control in 2020. By undermining this democratic outcome, the BTU seeks to incite resentment against housing providers and push for policies that threaten economic vitality and individual freedoms.
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BONUS FACT:
Council member Konstantine Anthony is a co-founder of the BTU. He is also a member of the Democratic Socialists of America - Los Angeles (DSA-LA).
Spoiler alert: there is nothing "democratic" about the DSA-LA.
Fact #3: California Already has Rent Control and Additional Tenant Protections.
Below are current State Laws and bills, and City Ordinances that affect housing providers
California State Housing Laws
Bills that affect both housing providers and tenants. We recommend you focus on the summaries of each bill.
Current Law:
Current Threats:
Burbank City Ordinances
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Current Law:
Current Threats:
Burbank Rent Registry - Program for Rental Data Collection
Proposed - City Council will discuss Oct 28th
The BTU goes the extra mile to make sure housing providers' perspective and needs are not heard or considered by getting council member Chris Rizzotti recused.
Fact #4: The BTU is playing political games to make sure Housing Providers' Needs are Silenced at City Council.
Burbank council member Chris Rizzotti recused from Housing Control discussions?
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has ruled that council member Rizzotti must recuse himself from discussions and voting regarding housing control and rent registry in Burbank on the basis of being a small housing provider himself. His perspective is crucial to the conversation for equal representation. He is one of two council members who understand how housing control will devastate Burbank and cause more problems for Burbank tenants. See the links to the decisions in writing here:​​
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