Community Corner
Arnold Schwarzenegger Vows To Help 102-Year-Old Being Evicted
A 102-year-old widow and community activist is being evicted from her home of 30 years so her landlord can move his daughter in.
LADERA HEIGHTS, CA โ The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs announced Friday it is investigating the eviction of a 102- year-old woman from the home she rents in Ladera Heights to allow the landlord's daughter to move in.
Department investigators are evaluating whether the eviction notice to Thelma Smith complied with the county's interim Rent Stabilization Ordinance, which limits residential evictions in unincorporated areas, director Joseph Nicchitta said.
The department is working collaboratively with multiple county departments and agencies to investigate the matter and identify services available to the tenant, Nicchitta said.
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"We will ensure the resident is informed of her rights and connect her to every appropriate form of help through our county departments," Nicchitta said.
Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also pledged his assistance.
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"Thelma has been a dear friend for a long time," Schwarzenegger tweeted Friday. "Imagine doing this to a 102-year-old woman who gave back to the community her whole life. It is heartless. Thelma, I'll be reaching out to help. Landlords, you'll hear from me too."
Smith was given notice on March 8 that she must vacate the single- family home where she has resided for nearly 30 years so the landlords' daughter can move in, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Smith lives alone after the deaths of her husband and most of her family. The rest of her family lives on the East Coast, CBS2 reported.
Family and friends have looked into the possibility of her moving into assisted living or with someone who lives nearby, both of which are difficult due to her fixed income, according to CBS2.
A family friend told CBS2 Smith would need government help, as well as assistance from family and friends to make such a move.
When the landlord was asked by CBS2 if he would kick out a 102-year- old woman, he responded, "Would you take care of your child?"
Smith has until June 30 to move out.
A Go Fund Me account has been established to assist Smith. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/102-year-old-activist-needs-housing.
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