Title
SUBJECT: Sub-Committee Report on Efforts Regarding a Possible Eviction Moratorium
REPORT IN BRIEF
Mayor Pro Tempore Serratto and Council Member Echevarria make up the Council Sub-Committee tasked with researching ideas and issues surrounding evictions and certain restrictions within California related to COVID-19. This item allows for a report of their findings and recommendations moving forward.
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff on recommendations related to a possible Eviction Moratorium.
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DISCUSSION
Due to the COVID-19 emergency, our community is facing several medical and economic challenges. One concern in particular that continues to be shared by some individuals within our community is the fear of eviction. To address this fear, the Governor of California and the Merced County Superior Court and Presiding Judge have taken several steps to protect families during these difficult times. Below is a timeline of events that outline the protections in place for residents of Merced County:
* 03/16/20 Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-28-20 which waived the 30 day time limitation in Penal Code section 396(f) protecting tenants from eviction after an emergency declaration and suspended any state law that would preempt or otherwise prevent local governments from exercising their police power to limit residential and commercial evictions based on non-payment of rent arising from COVID-19.
* 03/18/20 HUD authorized the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to put a 60 day moratorium on foreclosures and evictions for single-family homeowners who can't pay their mortgage due to COVID-19. Applies to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, too.
* 03/20/20 Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye granted Merced Superior Court's requests including deeming March 23rd to April 17th holidays for computing filing time for civil matters and for criminal detention limitations. Also extends up the time limitations on criminal matters.
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