Read the transcript for this report below.
CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ-DELGADO, HOST: Fresno residents rallied Thursday morning at the steps of city hall to call attention to high rents. KVPR’s Esther Quintanilla was there.
ESTHER QUINTANILLA: A crowd of more than 100 Fresnans gathered outside the building, carrying signs that read “Rent Control Now.” Marisa Moraza is a campaign director with the statewide organization Power California.
MORAZA: We are here because Fresno is in a crisis. The cost of rent is out of control.
QUINTANILLA: Rent prices have increased by more than 20% over the last 3 years, according to a report by Apartment List. According to census data, more than half of Fresnans are renters.
MORAZA: It is past time for City Council to step up and work with community to ensure everyone has affordable, quality housing.
QUINTANILLA: Advocates called for an annual rent cap, expanded tenant protections, and for a rental mediation board. For KVPR News, I’m Esther Quintanilla
This story is part of the Central Valley News Collaborative, which is supported by the Central Valley Community Foundation with technology and training support by Microsoft Corp.
