Calabasas will expand rental assistance program
Low-income seniors helped
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

The Calabasas City Council unanimously voted to expand a rental assistance program that is currently serving about 30 lowincome seniors and disabled residents.

The program was adopted in December 2003, when the city decided to allocate $50,000 from the general fund to provide rent subsidies to low-income seniors in Calabasas Village. It was expanded last year to include lowincome and disabled Calabasas residents at any rental property.

With the June 30 renewal deadline looming, staff members presented two options: renew the program valued at about $31,500 annually, or increase the subsidy or number of participants in the program by increasing funding to about $54,000.

Community Development Director Maureen Tamuri said the "modest expansion" was doable for the city.

"Based on the number of phone calls we are receiving in interest of the program and eligibility," Tamuri said, "we believe that (program expansion) would certainly provide for what we believe to be both an increase in the subsidy probably by about $25 per month, and then an increase of anywhere from eight to 10 individuals over time depending on how many we could actually qualify into the program."

To qualify, individuals must live in multifamily housing or a mobilehome community, and annual income cannot exceed 80 percent of Los Angeles County's median income. The head of household must be 62 years or older or permanently disabled.

The city has 35 recipients- 32 from the Village- and the majority are seniors. Each received a $75 subsidy; owner Larry Rosenthal contributes half for residents of Calabasas Village.

Reva Isaacman, president of the homeowners association at Calabasas Village, expressed appreciation for the program and asked the council to expand it.

Isaacman said their leases call for an annual increase of 3 percent or the amount of growth of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is higher. In 2005, the CPI was 5.2 percent, and in 2006 it was 4.5 percent. In 2009, a 5 percent rent increase will be tacked on.

"So you can see how important this rental assistance program is for the people who need it," Isaacman said. "We hope you will vote tonight to extend the program."

Councilmember Barry Groveman recently went with Tamuri and City Manager Tony Coroalles to ask owner Rosenthal to continue funding half of the subsidies, and according to Groveman, Rosenthal agreed.

"Needless to say we need to reissue this program," Groveman said. "But I'd like to ask for at least $25 more. I would entertain any friendly support to go up to $125. We can more than justify that."

All the council members agreed that a $50 hike to $125 subsidies would be within means.

Councilmember Mary Sue Maurer recommended factoring in the annual increases to the number. The council agreed, and next year, the projected increases will be worked into the city's contribution.

Maurer also asked the city's staff to notify the council if anyone is turned away due to lack of funds, so the council could consider contributing more.

Councilmember Dennis Washburn asked Tamuri if the staff saw any downside to expanding the program, fiscally or otherwise.

"We really don't," Tamuri said, "and you will find that you will have many, many satisfied individuals and residents of the city who truly, truly appreciate your assistance in this area."