Graphic by Maya Uribe
By Dennise Arriaza
People living in California are finding it increasingly difficult to live there. Each year the prices in California continue to rise with inflation impacting goods like eggs and other necessities people need. So what drives people to live in California? I have always lived in California, growing up, it was difficult to understand all the commodities that living on the west coast provided and at what cost it came. As a first year business student, I am now aware of the living costs this state has. I am especially more informed on the increasing housing market since I am very interested in real estate and want to know the impacts of California, more specifically, in Ventura County. It is important to inform our communities about rising prices and how it makes it very difficult to afford living in California. Clearly, rent increases should not continue since it is making it more difficult for people to sustain themselves and create a comfortable living situation.
Despite the financial strain, many are drawn to California for its natural beauty and lifestyle. California provides all types of opportunities and scenic routes for people to enjoy. The coast, snow and deserts are all within this beautiful state which draws people in. Recently, Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, issued an executive order that prohibits rent increases of more than 10 percent in Los Angeles County. This was due to the recent Palisades fire that heavily impacted Los Angeles, causing many to lose their homes. The Los Angeles Times stated that the fires destroyed up to 56 percent of all properties that make up the Pacific Palisades. There were many types of structures destroyed besides homes such as churches, schools and hospitals. The emotional effects on people were devastating, especially seeing their homes destroyed around the holiday season. This led to people coming together in acts of gratitude. Many people donated items to help those affected, donating clothes, food and other necessities.
Other nearby counties such as Ventura County also continue to face rent increases. There are restrictions that landlords face with the certain amount of rent increase they can impose, this being the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which limits annual rent increases to 5 percent based on the current rent and the local rate of inflation. The issue with increasing rent becomes even harder when wages to help with high rent do not go up enough to support the bare minimum lifestyle to live in California. There were recent raises in fast food wages going up to $20 per hour, and although this sounds great it is still not sufficient enough for someone to afford the state’s cost of living. These higher wages for entry first level jobs also makes the job market more competitive. When people are able to get these jobs it can be much harder to have fair hours and it can lead to the pay not even being enough as one would need it to be.
While individual action can help, these changes require major support and policy shifts. There are many ways to help solve these issues and although the main issue lies with the economy, there are other things that we as a society can do to help us with the increasing rent prices. We can seek opportunities with nonprofit organizations that help in searching for more affordable housing depending on your income status, like the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH.) Overall, efforts are still being made in regards to the cost of living.
For SCANPH resources check here:
