Despite the continuing public health emergency, California courts have resumed most eviction cases. From April 6 through Sept. 1, a state Judicial Council emergency rule suspended evictions across the state, except those necessary to protect public health and safety. This emergency protection was critical in preventing unnecessary evictions and protecting public health.
Since the order expired, Legal Aid of Sonoma County has been representing a growing number of tenants faced with eviction, tenants like David Kiddoo and Louise of Santa Rosa, as The Press Democrat reported recently.
Removing someone from their home makes it exceedingly difficult for them to shelter in place or comply with social distancing precautions for obvious reasons. All evictions undermine the fight against COVID-19 because evictions lead to homelessness; doubling up in units’ causing overcrowding; and more people living in congregant settings – putting individuals at higher risk of contracting and spreading the virus. While this public health crisis disproportionately impacts Black, Latino and immigrant residents in our community, make no mistake that unnecessary evictions threaten the public health of all Sonoma County residents.
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