INTRODUCTION

The Isla Vista Tenants Union empowers tenants through education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. IVTU promotes tenant interests and acts against violations of tenants’ rights. This year, IVTU continued its work with local groups, the county, the university, and businesses to realize its mission with several actions and initiatives.

ACTIONS AND INITIATIVES

ABREGO APARTMENT EVICTIONS

Most notably, IVTU worked with the AS Legal Resource Center to help the tenants evicted from the Abrego Apartments at 781 Embarcadero Del Norte win compensation after a mass eviction.

IVTU acted when five households were evicted from the Abrego Apartments in Isla Vista at the end of August. The complex had been taken over by a new management company Majestic Asset Management that renamed the building Abrego Villas. As reported by the KEYT news, “In the process of renovating the low-income apartments, eviction notices were handed out giving the tenants no choice to stay in the building and forcing them out within 60 days.” The report also quoted Tenant Union Chair Andrey Bogdanov explaining, “In order to avoid paying the tenants the benefits that they deserve, Majestic has tried to cancel some eviction notices and let other tenants return but they would be forced to pay a higher rent.”  IVTU fought to make sure the evicted tenants received the benefits they were entitled to by law. Although they were forced to relocate, the tenants eventually received compensation through an out of court settlement.

GAUCHO FOOD PROGRAM

IVTU also stablished the Gaucho Food Program to fight hunger and advocate for healthier diets in Isla Vista.

PARDALL CENTER RENOVATION

IVTU contributed funds for the renovation of the Pardall Center as a study and resource center for Isla Vista residents.

DELTOPIA MITIGATION

IVTU promoted localization of Deltopia by boycotting of Fuzion Glass Gallery, which had promoted Deltopia through its Facebook site.

GREEN BILL CERTIFICATION

At the end of the 2013/14 academic year IVTU became Green Bill Certified. IVTU is energy efficient and strongly supports the environmental sustainability of student organizations.