Resolution in Support of Petaluma Mobile Residents United and Their Ongoing Fight Against Coercion Tactics to Displace Residents

WHEREAS, mobile home park residents in Petaluma, many of whom are seniors and
vulnerable individuals, have faced relentless legal and financial attacks from corporate park
owners seeking to undermine their rights and security; and

WHEREAS, Petaluma Mobile Residents United (PMRU) has raised over $420,000, incurring
significant debt to defend residents from predatory rent increases, unlawful conversions, and
retaliation; and

WHEREAS, PMRU has successfully advocated for protections, including a senior park overlay
for all five senior parks in Petaluma, preventing illegal conversions and displacement; and
WHEREAS, mobile home park residents continue to face harassment, intimidation, and legal
battles:

Youngstown: Residents have endured two arbitrations in three years, with park
owners demanding excessive rent increases. One arbitration resulted in an unjustified
increase and $78,000 in legal fees, now under appeal. Park owners also attempted an
illegal senior-to-all-ages conversion and issued two closure notices — both blocked by
new city regulations.

Little Woods: Park owners sought an additional $1,530 per month in rent through
arbitrations—both denied—leading to retaliatory removal of parking and illegal
termination of tenancy notices to homeowners. Persistent harassment and intimidation
have been reported to the District Attorney.

Capri Villa: Purchased by park owners in 2024, this park saw coercion tactics, illegal
long-term leases, and the removal of parking. Park owners filed frivolous arbitrations
against 12 residents, all denied. A state inspection is scheduled for April 2025; and

WHEREAS, legal precedents set in Petaluma are crucial to protecting mobile home park
residents statewide from corporate exploitation; and

WHEREAS, lawsuits against the City of Petaluma by predatory park owners underscore the
need for continued advocacy and enforcement of tenant protections;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sonoma County Democratic Party stands in
unwavering solidarity with PMRU and all mobile home park residents fighting against
exploitation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sonoma County Democratic Party will urge lawmakers
to strengthen tenant protections, enforce rent stabilization laws, and hold predatory park
owners accountable; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution be shared with elected officials, community
leaders, and organizations to amplify the urgent need for legislative and legal action.

Resolution adopted by the Sonoma County Democratic Party on May 13, 2025

The Sonoma County Democratic Party (SCDP / Sonoma County Democratic Central Committee) is the official governing body
of the Democratic Party in Sonoma County. The SCDP works in cooperation with the
California Democratic Party (CDP) and the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
Public meetings of the Sonoma County Democratic Party are open to all registered Democrats

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