IMPERIAL BEACH - Residents of an RV Park in the South Bay are rallying against what they're calling unfair rent increases and evictions.
Residents of Siesta RV Park in Imperial Beach made their voices heard Wednesday as they held a demonstration against some recent changes to their community. Juan Nevarez has lived at the site for about ten years and he tells reporting partner 10 News the changes are emotionally draining and financially devastating.
"No one here can afford to live outside this place," said Nevarez. "That's why we're fighting for this."
Siesta RV Park was sold to a new owner, Miramar Imperial Beach, LLC, back in January. In addition to the rent increases, tenants also have to start paying for trash and water service, but there are no meters at the individual spaces. Others like Rachel Orozco say they're now subject to a 'six month rule,' where they have move their RV or trailer off the property for two days and then they can move back in.
"I decided to leave it on the street, which is not safe," said Orozco. "That's my house. This is everything I own, everything."
Tenants are calling for an end to the 'six month rule,' a better explanation of the fees they're being charged and limiting rent increases to no more than three percent. They're also calling on the City of Imperial Beach to enact more rent protections.
Photo: KGTV