pages: CityCouncil/2020-02-18.pdf, 6
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CityCouncil | 2020-02-18 | 6 | Ms. Berlanga stated Centro Legal prides itself on intervening early before a situation gets to the point of eviction, which is why lowering the number of eviction cases and increasing tenant education and outreach efforts is being proposed; at clinics, tenants want help interpreting leases or help deescalating issues; the focus is more collaborative efforts, but Centro Legal has duties to clients to enforce their rights and help provide notice; Centro Legal is very careful to investigate all of the facts before entering into a full legal representation. Councilmember Vella stated that she hears the concerns about translation; finding a balance between informational sessions versus one on one client time is difficult; questioned whether appointments could be scheduled in Alameda to meet needs with phone interpreters. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's inquiry, Councilmember Vella discussed scheduling appointments; stated people often do not want to drop in because they are concerned about having to wait; when scheduling, language preference can be addressed; inquired what Centro Legal does for other contracts. Ms. Berlanga responded Centro Legal administers contacts for other jurisdictions which are similarly evolving; stated pilot programs are started to determine the community's needs and modifications are made; appointments are a great idea; a weekly drop in clinic may not be a good use of resources; an appointment based system works well given timelines; a three day notice might not allow tenants to wait for the next drop in clinic; often, individual appointments are made or advice is given over the phone; unlawful detainers have a five day response time; for face to face meetings with tenants, volunteer or hired interpreters could be present, but if not, the language line could be used; further stated Centro Legal is open to talking to each Councilmember about ideas, groups to reach out to and locations, and is happy to spend as much time on the Island as works for tenants. Councilmember Vella stated Alameda has a tenants group; working with the tenant group is important; some drop in hours should be scheduled and coordinated with the tenant group or the Housing Authority; inquired whether materials are available in the known languages spoken in Alameda, such as Mandarin and Cantonese. Ms. Berlanga responded the budget modification requested increased funding to contract for translation of outreach materials. Councilmember Vella stated that she is very supportive of Centro Legal sending letters representing people who might not have a voice; letters are sometimes necessary and bring people to the table. Councilmember Oddie stated legal services are governed by the Business and Professions Code; by nature and law, attorneys are not the finder of facts; a dispute in facts does not mean landlords are right; Centro Legal's job is to represent and advocate for tenants if there is a dispute that might end up in court; inquired whether Centro Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 4 February 18, 2020 | CityCouncil/2020-02-18.pdf |