"Qui tacet consentit" (silence implies consent)

Fighting the Fee Increase

Dear Property Owners:

By now, you should have received a mail-in ballot asking whether or not you want another increase in garbage collection fees. Please take the time to send in your ballot. (link to sample ballot here)The City wants a 23 % hike in residential (20% for commercial) fees. A typical household would be paying betweenand $650 per year for garbage collection instead of the current $531. This is far, far more than inflation since 2006, when the last increase took effect. The City also wants to impose an automatic 3% per year escalator on these fees. This would take effect without further voter approval and regardless of whether the increases were cost justified.

For rental property owners the increase would be especially burdensome. The rates above are for a single 64 gallon container. Charges are much more for multiple containers, as well as for larger ones. The increases may not be passed on to sitting tenants.

The City's tactic here is tricky. It takes the position that the increase can be defeated only if an absolute majority of parcel owners mail in protests. The City has provided an envelope, but not a stamp. While if may cost you a few pennies you should show your feelings by cutting out the protest form, filling it out and sending it in a stamped envelope as soon as you can.

IF YOU DON'T SEND IN A BALLOT YOU WILL BE COUNTED AS A "YES" VOTE.
IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A BALLOT WE NEED TO KNOW.  EMAIL US WITH YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION

CONTACT US TO GET INVOLVED OR TO GET MORE INFORMATION

Berkeley Property Owners Association
email: bpoa@bpoa.org
Berkeley Can Do Better (www.berkeleycandobetter.com)
email: info@berkeleycandobetter.com
 

What can You Do????

• Pass out flyers
• Talk to the homeowners IN YOUR neighborhood
• Save the Date and Show up at the July 7th Berkeley City Council Meeting and Public Hearing.
• Write an article or a letter to the editor:
  The Daily Planet
  opinion@Berkeleydailyplanet.com or
  3023 A Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 95705
  The Berkeley Voice
  voice@cctimes.com or
  1516 Oak Street, Alameda, CA 94501
  Oakland Tribune
  kbender@bayareanewsgroup.com or
  4770 Willow Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588
  San Francisco Chronicle
  letters@sfchronicle.com or
  Letters to the Editor
  901 Mission Street
  San Francisco, CA 94103
  Daily Californian
  opinion@dailycal.org or
  P. O. Box 1949, Berkeley, CA 94701-0949

GOT QUESTIONS? HAVE ANSWERS? CONTACT US!

Berkeley Property Owners Association
email: bpoa@bpoa.org
Berkeley Can Do Better (www.berkeleycandobetter.com)
email: info@berkeleycandobetter.com
 

TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATON

The only thing worse than bullies who forcefully take what is rightfully yours are the bureaucratic thugs who claim it is moral for them to take it.Protect your rights to life and property with the same tenacity you would fight a bully. Don't let them use moral guilt to disarm you.

--Eric Khrom
  Brooklyn NY

Essay Contest!
Win $500

Send submissions to bpoa@bpoa.org
Contest Rules

FREE MONEY FROM ASHBY LUMBER?

Now, new and renewing BPOA members will receive 50% off their next purchase of up to $100 in merchandise from Ashby Lumber. That's like getting a check for $50 when you join or renew! The discount applies to nearly everything sold at Ashby Lumber & Hardware. Only power tools, sale items, and special orders are excluded. Coupons are mailed by BPOA to qualifying members. Not a member? Become one now! Join BPOA

SOFT STORY

ARE YOU ON THE LIST? INVENTORY LINK HERE

YOU MUST POST THIS NOTICE WITHIN 5 FEET OF ALL ENTRANCES

YOU MUST ALSO SEND THIS NOTICE TO YOUR TENANTS (AND A COPY TO THE CITY)

Some Basic Background Information on Economics and Rent Control

The High Cost of Rent Control

Landlord/Tenant Law 101
Beginning in early 2004, the BPOA Monthly published a series of articles about the basics of landlord tenant law, particularly as applied in Berkeley. Over the months we have covered the following subjects:

Rent Board Changes on Security Deposit Interest Rates

2009 AGA Information

thinking about eviction?

GOVERNOR AGREES: LANDLORDS ARE NOT IMMIGRATION COPS

Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 976 into law. The bill prohibits city councils from passing laws that require landlords to inquire about a prospective tenant's immigration status and report that information to local government.

Need Mentoring? Contact us! bpoa@bpoa.org

Getting Religious?

Read the Ten Commandments (for landlords!)

The ranks of property owners are swelling, as evidenced by requests to the office to join our organization.To familiarize newcomers with our local "system," andto facilitate contact with BPOA boardmembers, we have started a mentoring program.

Please call the office for information at (510) 525-3666. or Contact us.