LANCASTER – Mayor R. Rex Parris provided disgruntled tenants and defensive managers of the Desert Palms Mobile Home Park Community an opportunity at Tuesday’s council meeting to go public with their grievances.
Tenants complained to the city that they have had to endure ongoing water shut-offs and sediment-filled water, along with inconsistent utility fees from management.
A tenant by the name of Maria said that she and her husband have come home on a number of occasions to a “house that does not have running water,” while also trying to keep up with utility bills that fluctuate from $40 to $90.
“She said she is not here to ask for money – she wants justice done,” a translator for the woman told council members. “And she wants what’s right for her and husband and family.”
Another tenant discussed the frequent water shut-offs, along with experiencing dirty water once water is restored.
“What they’re asking for is their basic necessities,” the translator said. “There’s no water to bathe, no water to cook, and when the pipes turn back on the water is full of sediment. The sediment has ruined the tenants’ showers and bathrooms, and it’s ruined the washer machines that the tenants own.”
As a demonstration, she held up a bottle of water that was filled with dirty sediment – supposedly taken from a tenant’s toilet after water service had been restored.
The Desert Palms Mobile Park’s management challenged the accusations, offering documentation showing that not only are problems with the water pump being addressed in a responsible and timely manner, but that changes in the utility fees were not their doing.
The two representatives from the mobile park management, Annabelle, the regional manager, and Karen, the assistant property manager, said their meter and billing have been found to be in compliance.
“All of our meters are state-certified,” they said, “No problems have been found with billing or compliance at all. These meters are not owned by the park and have nothing to do with the [changing rates of] electric bills.”
Parris agreed that park management would not be responsible for the fluctuation in utility fees, but said that city staff would resolve the concern by requesting that utility companies perform an audit.
In response to the problems with the water pump, the managers said they recently “installed a water meter to check the flow,” and that their technician would verify this.
Not entirely satisfied with their explanation, Parris asked, “So what’s with the water problem, are you saying the tenants made all this up?”
To which the managers replied: “Our documentation shows that there is no problem with the water.”
City staff clarified the water pump issue, confirming that the pump has been replaced and that the park’s owners are working on a “secondary water system” that would allow them more water pressure, while also providing a backup to the other pump. However, staff did confirm that the water had been shut off in the past – and within the last 6-8 weeks.
Parris told staff that the tenants should be compensated for every day they had gone without water, saying he appreciates they’re fixing the problem but that still does not address what tenants have suffered in the past.
“I want us to figure out how many days these folks went without that which the law requires them to have,” he said. “And then the park management can come to some accommodation for the past wrongs – or I want you to get ahold of Neighborhood Legal Services, and ask them to come in and file a lawsuit. I do not want the citizens of this city having to take baths in that,” he said, pointing to the sediment-filled water bottle.
Mayor Parris told both sides he wanted them to stop their fighting and work together. He said the city would provide a mediator to help work out ongoing issues between both sides.
“What I want is a mediator there; I want [management] working with these tenants, I want this resolved,” Parris said. “I don’t want families taking baths in dirty water. And I want the city to verify that this is no longer happening.”
In addition, the mayor warned the park’s management to fix any problems that prevent tenants from having clean and dependable water in the future.
“You cannot take hard-working families and not give them at least the bare minimum of what it takes to thrive in this community,” he said. “What they are telling me is that in the past they weren’t getting that. It’s going to take a while to rebuild their trust, but I suggest you do it.”
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About the author
Jim E. Winburn is freelance reporter covering news of public interest. –Previous related story: Desert Palms mobile home park residents demand better living conditions
Tony says
Suggest they file (Tenants) an grievance with the CDPH or State Water Resources Board. They and not the city is responsible for water issues. They can be fined and taken over if they don’t comply. Tell that to your Mayor. He doesn’t have the authority
Rosy says
I just want to add people often times do not want to complain and fight for their rights due to scare tatics that landlord use, such as calling ICE. Also, they should not have to fight for a utiility that is included in their rental contract. Thank you to the mayor to care of this
Manager says
The translation throughout the meeting had a few discrepancies, Ms. Johnson caught one but there were many more. For example;
A tenant by the name of Maria said that she and her husband have come home on a number of occasions to a “house that does not have running water,”
Maria actually stated “to a house where I cannot water my yard because of water we are not allowed to use excessive water”.
2 cents McGee says
Their water issue should addressed but that’s as far as it should go . These people shouldn’t be expecting anymore . If their dwelling is in poor conditions they need to take responsibility and fix it and not expect free hand outs. It’s sad to say since I am Mexican decent but a lot of latinos nowadays that come here from other country’s come with the same mind set , they come hearing about all the hand outs the U.S gives to illegals . As soon as they get here some are already on Wic,EBT and other social services since they hear from word of mouth. These Latino lady’s like other races will start pumping out kids since they know the more you have the more handouts you will recieve . Most are still living with their boyfriend , husband while they claim this. This erks me to know that while I work 80 hour pay periods , commute daily and gets taxed close to 600 dollars a pay check these people are driving around in nice newer cars and trucks . I’m all for the hard working individual that comes to this country and makes something of themselves honestly like my father the guy came here legalized himself and learned English , worked his butt off and never once thought about committing this kind fraud.
gt says
THank You for your post, 2 cents McGee
Proud to be me says
You are so immature and racist. Obviously you were not taught well how to respect people of other colors and backgrounds. There is nothing wrong with people that are different just because of the color of their skin, the language they understand and speak, or the place they were born. Have you noticed? There are so many nationalities in this world that speak many different languages, there is nothing wrong with those people, it is who they are, and how they were born. We are all equal, we are all valuable human beings no matter our color, our language. This is not about race, this is about human beings fighting for their rights to have decent living conditions. Do you know what it is like to be discriminated against just because of your color, of your ethnic origin, of the language you speak, of your income level, do you know what it is like? You probably don’t. You probably have never dealt with those issues. You have probably had it easy, good for you. These people are not on section8, and are not living on handouts.
gt says
YES, I NOTICE the DECENT HONEST, , WANT TO DO THE RIGHT THING PEOPLE…..They come here to have better life which I encourage BUT I notice and know they also work hard and go through the process of earning their citizenship….Hispanics and YES Immigrants OF ALL DIFFERENT Countries…But they STILL follow the Law….and THEY EVEN LEARN ENGLISH…..People like that I admire!!! and commend!!….they are strong, willing, decent. hard working people!!!….I love it!! Just wish all the illegals would stop being LAZY and do what it takes to get legal….if for some reason the gov wont legalize its usually a good reason, than they need to stay in their OWN country….THIS GOES NOT FOR JUST HISPANIC immigrants,,,,,BUT ALL countries….NOT A RACE THING!!!!!…..IT IS A EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, NO DISCRIMINATION THING!!!!!….EVERYONE!!…, NO MATTER WHAT GENDER, RACE, ETHNICITY, RELIGION, DISABILITY OR HANDICAPP …..EVERYONE NEEDS TO FOLLOW THE SAME LAWS OF THIS COUNTRY….IF ANY HERE ARE HERE ILLEGALLY THAN GO GET LEGAL FOR GOD SAKES….OR GO HOME!
gt says
they are not on section 8 because they are most likely non-citizens, undocumented…..They could get it though if they earned their citizenship….why not?? section 8 is designed to help and assistant U.S. citizens, right??….
bluiblnd says
Yes as a matter of fact I have faced discrimination many times, the last time was just recently when I was passed over for a JOB b/c I couldn’t speak Spanish and I was the most qualified, is that fair considering I was born & raised here? In my opinion if you want to be a citizen of this country do it legally and learn how to speak english!
justified says
I am first generation latino. A proud American who loves this country. I totally agree that the least they can do is make their signs in english. Lets not forget though that this trailer park has been a sh*t hole for over thirty years with plenty of white trash living there!
David says
What a bunch of ignorant comments. Or do you think it’s ok for landlords to shut off water without warning and allow it to be contaminated during maintenance? Did you know the first constitution of California was written in Spanish??? The time for announcing your racial hatred is over. This is no longer the place. Let’s build a caring community.
TF says
First of all, native Americans were here first, Mr fed up. Are u native Amrican? Secondly not all illegal are asking for hand out, stop taking a race /ethnicity over what some in their own race are doing. And third, white people are not much better when it comes to section 8, welfare and other free programs this country is offering. Instead being against the illegal start working on a better future for veterans that after serving your country, they end up with no support.
mr fed up says
To TF: im black or African American, I work 50 hours a week in Los Angeles commuting. I still come home after working my butt off and fix up my house in live in a mobile home right down the street from desert palms on Avenue I, so I know how bad some of these parks are and some that are good, its the residents responsibility to fix there homes, not the park.
mr fed up says
Everybody needs to get over the open borders, the native americans were here first, or California use to be part of mexico, blah blah blah. This is the United States California been part of the U.S. for 156 years, so get over your illegal ” talking points”……….
Assistant says
Please correct a few errors to this story.
“These meters are not owned by the park and have nothing to do with the [changing rates of] electric bills.”
The meters are owned by the park and are state certified.
“However, staff did confirm that the water had been shut off in the past – and within the last 6-8 weeks” We did not state this. A city staff member stated it had been at least 6-8 weeks since the last shut off. Ms. Suarez had also stated that the water had not been shut off since the August 2014 council meeting.
soapbox journal says
American_made, I know we are going to get heat for these posts but I totally agree with you. i have struggled all my life but I still managed to keep a roof over my head and food on the table, I currently live in a nice back house, I drive a 25 year old car that has been well maintained. I do not ask for for any help or handouts. When my husband, at that time, lost his job we were not eligible for any public assistance, nothing but unemployment. I do not know how we did it but we did.
American_Made says
WELL THE FIRST PROBLEM MIGHT BE , speaking english..IF your going to protest here in the U.S.A. the Red white and Blue ……NOOOOOOOT green white red… your signs should be in english… Get off welfare ,Get off Section 8 , BECOME A LEGAL CITIZEN , GET A JOB… so then you can get a better place to live .. You want to live with your hand out all the time , well then you can live the way you are now….
Mr fed up says
I sense, this is another way for illegals to get a free money, look at desert palms, and the other trailer parks, there in bad condition ever since illegal aliens started moving in
Mexican and proud and a citizen says
WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THEY’RE ON SECTION 8 OR ON WELFARE? WHO DO YOU THINK ARE THE ONES WORKING OUT IN THE FIELD PICKING YOUR FRUIT & VEGETABLES. YOU’RE SO DAM IGNORANT. YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR REMAKES TO YOUR SELF. I’M SURE THEY HAVE A JOB.
mr fed up says
I do have a job, I commute to L.A., 5 days a week, so your welcome, FYI Im married to a Mexican-American.
Greg says
It would be nice if America had an official language. By law I mean.
gt says
That’s it!!!….I am going to start Calling I.C.E on all these illegals….they may be some nice and some “hard workers” ( and NO not only Hispanics only helped build our buildings and hones! it was mostly White, Black, and Mexican MEN who ALL worked Very hard) But I am sure that there are A LOT of REALLY NICE people doing things illegally today…..ALL I AM SAYING is if you want to be in America to have better life then YES PLEASE GO FOR IT!!! but take Pride in it , and pride in yourself and don’t live ILLEGALLY!!!! just go through the damn process to get you legal!…..there are many places that will help you with the process!…..but to earn citizenship, you must learn English!!!! DO it! We Speak English here….USA is generous enough to let you stay here once you go through the process of becoming legal….THE LEAST YOU ALL CAN DO IS LEARN ENGLISH….So you will become Productive citizens…..Some Non Spanish speaking citizens can NOT get a certain job position because they are NOT Bilingual, or they get paid LESS because NOT Bilingual …..So guess how much MORE these NON English people could make if they would speak English and already being fluent in Spanish….It would increase the number of them sitting doing NOTHING and get free gov money, because they popped out a kid real quick so they can stay here…..I have reported to I.C.E. already….and making sure they follow through with their end….They have deported some illegals that were illegally shacking up In a house. I will keep calling to report!!!! I am a Natural Citizen of America and HAVE TO OBEY THE LAW AND LIVE LEGALLY or there ARE Consequences !!! SO “they” the illegals here Illegally!,, should be made to do the same, LIVE BY OUR LAW!, get LEGAL and then STAY!! and WELCOME!!…..If you Can’t get legal?….Then Sorry, YOU HAVE TO GO HOME!!!!!
SHMx2 says
@gt, why don’t you post your real name? Let me take a guess, you work for LM, NG or you are raping I mean, working for the government. Get off your “high-horse”, drop your confederate flag and learn your damn history. Geez, the things we have to read, my eyes bled from your lack or proper grammar and excessive punctuations. SHM & LOL at the same time!
EducateEveryone says
“Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color.”
This is 2014 and not 1914, correct?
SMHx2 says
“It’s a universal law– intolerance is the first sign of an inadequate education. An ill-educated person behaves with arrogant impatience, whereas truly profound education breeds humility.”
A. Solzhenitsyn
p.s.
AV Times, you keep removing my comments while you leave this racist’s rants posted? What gives?
William says
@SMHx2
You can write to the AV Times directly by clicking on Contact at the top upper right corner and sending an email.
They will reply in a day or two. Have a specific issue for them to address.
They are pretty fair and wil handle things that they can if you request it.
Theresa says
I know of people that live in Mexico, but, have Medi-Cal here…They come here occasionally, to go to the Drs. and stock-up on their medications and go back across the border until their next appointment.
Water Equality says
Have you seen the houses that are section 8? Man, they are nice houses, not a trailer in a community where they shut off water! The houses usually end up trashed too from what I hear from landlords around here, because they don’t have any pride in it. These people have pride in where they live and are only asking for what they deserve. Looks to me like they pay their rent and what-not. I’m not a bleeding heart for immigrants either, they take away jobs from my husband who works in landscaping for a licensed* and bonded contractor. Many unlicensed contractors give them a bad name and take away their work. Really the people who hire them are to blame. Anyways, These people just want clean water. There is nothing wrong with that. I agree they should work hard just like the rest of us to have a better house, but not clean water, even bums who shower in park bathrooms get clean water.
Assistant says
The park has proven that the water meets all standards is in fact clean. The shut off was a distinctly different issue which had to do with lack of conservation efforts by park residents.
Sadly some individuals feel that since they do not pay for water (which is the case for Desert Palms) they can leave a hose running for hours or ignore a leaking swamp cooler since they don’t pay for water.
Pride of ownership is something we have been trying to foster. Many yards had become unacceptable as well as homes themselves.