Rancho Santa Fe resident Laurel Lemarie, a member of the San Dieguito Planning Group that recommended denial of both projects, presented a petition of 923 signatures opposed to the county allowing a high density of homes where rural or semi-rural zoning now exists. Why is this public record being published online? An attorney representing the residents said the case highlights the disparity in housing protections faced by mobile home residents. While the management has already increased rent for 2021, any further rent increases must be approved through the hearing process provided for in San Rafael Municipal Code.. Judge: Ross, Roger. The company quickly proved the Golden Hills residents' fears correct, applying 50-percent rent increases and issuing a 12-page single-spaced list of new park rules. $(".custombox-content").bind("contextmenu",function(e) { In a statement to The Bee, company representatives denied many of the residents claims. Marketing Judge: Ross, Roger. BBB reports on known marketplace practices. The dispute hinges on what kind of homes are there. The lawsuit, filed Dec. 19 in Fresno County Superior Court, involves numerous residents at the mobile home park, only identified collectively as Grupo Comunitario De San Miguel Cuevas. San Miguel Cuevas is the town in Oaxaca where theyre originally from. West. Some are buying less food, not using electricity, cutting services, shopping for clothes less often. (AP) A Montana beekeeper has recovered hives that were, Starting in 1999, prices for agricultural land in the South, Visitors to the Central Valley spent more than $1.96 billion, Amazon.com today announced plans to open a fulfillment center in, Select industry Sports/Entertainment The City of San Rafael has not allowed the park to raise rents fast enough to keep up with inflation which is at an all-time high.. Notice of Case Assignment / Scheduling Information, Notice of Reassignment of Judicial Officer (RW), Cases involving other labor matters not classified elsewhere, 790, 1750, 1790, 2750, 2790, 3750, 3790, 4790. *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. West. With the batching, the board approved three GPA projects on July 25 for a total of 3,937 new housing units in the county. Hearing Type: Jury Trial; Court Room: 11B; Result: Vacated; Judge: Robert T. Waters; Participant: Donna Braxton (Plaintiff); Participant: Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation (Defendant); Participant: Matthew Davies (Defendant), Hearing Type: Mandatory Settlement Conference; Court Room: 11B; Result: Vacated; Judge: Robert T. Waters; Participant: Donna Braxton (Plaintiff); Participant: Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation (Defendant); Participant: Matthew Davies (Defendant). The park continues to operate at a loss and requires ongoing cash infusions by the owners to keep the park open. Vote for The Fresno Bee prep girls Athlete of the Week for Feb. 20-25, Employee, student sue Fresno State and CSU over handling of harassment claims, Brewery District pioneer in Fresno opens new taproom. 2023, International Association of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., separately incorporated Better Business Bureau organizations in the US, Canada and Mexico and BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, Inc. All rights reserved. $0.00. The Central Valley Regional Water Board inspected the park and issued a notice of violation for public nuisance due to the odor. The park has been an affordable option for the families and has provided them with the stability of home ownership as well as a tight-knit community. 6653 Embarcadero Drive, Ste C Stockton, CA 95219. I was fully approved for the loan at which time the lender requested $5000.00 ******* money which went to the builder. Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating, BBB Business Scam Alert: Out-of-Town homeowners con contractors with fake checks, Need to file a complaint? A witness saw him on the sidewalk earlier in the night. Judge: Ross, Roger. Step inside Tioga-Sequoia in Merced, Fresno County initiates legal action against two Fresno politicians. The attorney, Mariah C. Thompson, works with California Rural Legal Assistance. Transmission and receipt of the information in this site is not intended to solicit or create, and does not create, any attorney-client relationship between CRLA, Inc. and any person or entity. Finally, one place to get all the court documents we need. Receipt number 597503. The Chico State graduate is passionate about being outdoors, cooking, creative writing and community-focused journalism and resilience. 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The company, however, maintains the law doesnt require them to provide Spanish-language documents. A bar lauded for downtown Fresno revitalization has sold to new owners. Through their lawsuit, El Grupo Comunitario seeks reasonable rents, better living conditions and security in the park, and a stop to the harassment, discrimination, and intimidation of residents. Many of Harmonys actions violate Californias laws protecting mobile home park residents and provide for thousands of dollars in penalties against bad actor park owners for each violation. Judge: Waters, Robert T.. DocketRequest for Dismissal - Entire Action as to Donna Braxton, Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation, Matthew Davies Entered. A complaint was filed with the California Public Utilities Commission that the increases were not in line with actual costs. While it is a bit larger than we would normally like, it is necessary to staunch the bleeding, the letter said. DocketCivil Case Cover Sheet filed by Braxton, Donna. Harmony Communities, the Stockton-based owner of the Shady Lakes Mobile Home Park in Fresno County, have raised rents nearly 100% for some residents since purchasing the park four years ago. DocketPayment received by Donna Braxton in the amount of $435.00. She said it is common for those ordinances to be challenged. 2019-12-17. BBB is here to help. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, MHVillage Inc. is the nation's premier online marketplace for buying and selling manufactured homes with more than 25 million unique visitors annually. The city has sent a letter to Harmony Communities. DocketSummons issued and filed. Harmony chooses the color residents can paint their houses, the material, color, and height of their fences, and where air conditioners can be installed. Hanson previously covered city government politics, homelessness and housing and environmental issues at the Chico Enterprise-Record. Before the most recent increase it was at 72% bump. Judge: Ross, Roger. $(document).keydown(function(e){ Water bills range anywhere from $50 to $200, Thompson said. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Harmony Communities. After adding new utility fees that had been parceled out and another increase, in some cases rent had climbed over 100% since 2019. Hearing regarding: Case Management Conference , set for 05/04/2021 at 8:30 AM before Hon. It is our goal to keep future rent increases in line with inflation. California Rural Legal Assistance attorney Mariah Thompson tweeted Wednesday about Harmony Communities CEO Matt Davies' federal conviction on marijuana charges in 2013 and his assault conviction in 2019. No tenants have given notice to move out since we took over the community, and none have asked for rent accommodations due to hardship, the emailed statement said. Yesenia Amaro covers immigration and diverse communities for The Fresno Bee. "Then when that happens, rent tends to be lower. The suits allege that the drug is defective and unreasonably dangerous and was not adequately labeled to warn both patients and doctors of its risks. Photo by Edward Smith. In total the supervisors are expected to hear seven GPAs by the end of this year, including Newland Sierra, a 2,135-unit development in Twin Oaks Valley north of Escondido and possibly the 1,746-unit Lilac Hills Ranch project in Valley Center. My TERRIBLE agent, Ana Anita M********** told me to not worry about it. Judge: Ross, Roger. custombox = document.getElementsByClassName("custombox-content"); Through a network of regional offices and cross-cutting programs, CRLA provides legal services to tens of thousands of low-income California residents annually. I was in the process of purchasing a new build home from Harmony Homes. A group of Fresno County residents is suing the Shady Lakes Mobile Home Park, claiming property managers unfairly hiked rent prices and harassed tenants. The anticipated target price for the tiny homes is expected to be around $89,950. It quickly became clear living conditions were unsafe. The reality is the land is worth much more than operating an RV Park for affordable housing. WordPress Download Manager - Best Download Management Plugin, Copyright 2023 The Business Journal. Residents say the proprietor, Harmony Communities of Stockton, is seeking steep increases at the neighborhood, which is at 742 Francisco Blvd. Notice of Case Assignment and Scheduling Information. Why is this public record being published online? She's representing residents at The Shady Lakes Mobile Home Park in a lawsuit filed in 2020 against Harmony Communities that cites a 32 increase. The lawsuit was . Professional Services Industrial Judge: Ross, Roger. They'd need to hold a vote with participation from each of the park's 60 units, with a majority voting to move forward with the plan to collectively purchase the property. One concern Thompson has is that Fresnos rent control ordinance has not been tested in courts. Watch our latest videos showing our accomplishments and compelling stories. Over the past two years, the . The evacuation plan was also approved by the County Fire Authority and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. Residents have now retained an attorney to negotiate a purchase of the property. var cbClass = custombox[0]; But Thompson says Harmony Communities is also known for raising rates. Our attorneys are reviewing the document submitted by the tenants counsel, but we believe the claims are unfounded. Family of man killed in Trail's End Mobile Home Park fire files wrongful death lawsuit, Trails End takeover: City of Fresno now controls conditions at mobile home park, Fresno woman involved in mobile home fire calling for change. Cancellation and Refund Policy, Privacy Policy, and Action Type: Complaint Unlimited Civil (over $25,000); Judge: Ross, Roger. Merrifield has been an expert witness in several cases where property owners requested increases for properties in cities that have mobile home rent control ordinances. Action Type: Civil Case Cover Sheet; Judge: Ross, Roger. A $20 service fee was added at the beginning of 2021. Outside of the financial reasons keeping them there, most of the residents come from the same area in Oaxaca a state in southern Mexico. Further California law does not require the translation of documents to a language other than English.. Properties owned/managed throughout California and Oregon, Approximate number of residents living in a Harmony Community, Harmony Communities - All Rights Reserved |. Property Management With the legal action, the united rural communities of Harmony Grove, Elfin Forest and Eden Valley will question whether the projects were approved in violation of county and state fire code regulations. Complaint Unlimited Civil (over $25,000) filed by Braxton, Donna. return false; The company continues to buy affordable housing communities in low-income areas in cities such as Gilroy. Judge: Ross, Roger. Thompson said residents buying the park would be a win-win. Subscribe now & save $20 OFF. While Harmony increased rent, they failed to fix an issue with the on-site wastewater system, forcing residents to pay higher rent while suffering with the overwhelming smell of sewage. Founded in 1966, CRLAs mission is to fight for justice and individual rights alongside the most exploited communities of our society. After an argument in her office she stated she is going to do nothing to make it right so me and my fiance drove down to corporate to talk to the agent's manager, Colleen C******, who always just wanted to argue. Healthcare The eviction notices state that residents may lose their home if they are evicted. Many of the 60 families at Shady Lakes Mobile Home Park near Chestnut and Lincoln avenues have lived there for well over a decade, drawn by the lower cost of living. We continue to operate the park in conformance with all state laws and regulations and are deemed to be in full compliance by the State of California agencies. And the best part of all, documents in their CrowdSourced Library are FREE. And the best part of all, documents in their CrowdSourced Library are FREE! I do think you will all agree that a property needs to make a reasonable amount of money in order to stay in business and that the new rents are incredibly affordable and fair to all, said the letter, which is unsigned. SKIP THE POP-UPS Those notices, the company said, include statutorily required language, but they are not eviction notices. Judge: Ross, Roger. Action Type: Complaint Unlimited Civil (over $25,000); Judge: Ross, Roger. Business Profile Harmony Communities, Inc. Property Management Contact Information 6653 Embarcadero Dr Ste C Stockton, CA 95219 Visit Website (209) 932-8747 Customer Complaints 1 complaints. We are honored to join with the Elfin Forest Harmony Grove Town Council and fight the good fight.. For a resident who was paying $395 a month for a site, they are now paying $690, not including water and trash, which at one time was included in the price to keep a home at the park. The 53-year-old man said all residents who are part of the lawsuit work in the field seasonally. The builder is not even trying to work with me to give me some of the money back.I feel this is an unfair business practice and I will continue to pursue my ******* money. Action Type: Summons - Civil; Judge: Ross, Roger. |, Shady Lakes highlights challenges for mobile home park residents, Sting operation leads to recovery of stolen bees, Experts: Nut prices, not water, account for swing in ag land values, Report: Tourism spending spikes in Central Valley, Amazon to open Fresno fulfillment center, create 2,500 jobs, WordPress Download Manager - Best Download Management Plugin. Harmony Communities, Inc., (Harmony) a Stockton-based corporation that operates more than twenty mobile home parks throughout California and Oregon, took over Shady Lakes in April 2018. Our privacy policy is straight-forward: This website does not collect any personal information about you or any user. RELATED: Fresno woman involved in mobile home fire calling for change. Repairs and maintenance are usually baked into budgets. With the rise in the rent, there is worry that they may not be able to make rent.. Hearing Type: Case Management Conference; Court Room: 11B; Result: Held; Judge: Robert T. Waters; Participant: Donna Braxton (Plaintiff); Participant: Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation (Defendant); Participant: Matthew Davies (Defendant). 2022-09-06, Fresno County Superior Courts | Other | This is the Harmony Communities company profile. Pedestrian hit and killed by train in Fresno. Action Type: Request for Dismissal; Judge: Waters, Robert T.. Request for Dismissal - Entire Action as to Donna Braxton, Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation, Matthew Davies Entered. Cancellation and Refund Policy, Privacy Policy, and Proof of Service of Summons as to Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation served on 11/16/2020 by Substituted Service. Its discrimination against us, the 38-year-old father said in Spanish. The group of residents advocating for a cooperative is hoping the City of Fresno will support the idea before a judge later this month. "I thought it was a mobile home park.". 2019-12-19, Santa Clara County Superior Courts | Contract | FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- After two tragic fires tore through Trails End Mobile Home Park in northeast Fresno, the community could soon see new owners step in. In late January, residents received another notice increasing their rent. The rules include requiring residents to take down Christmas lights and remove their boots from porches outside their homes, according to Thompson, who noted residents are primarily farmworkers who typically leave their boots outside so they dont track pesticides inside their homes. The suit names as defendants Shady Lakes LLC, KMLM Investors LCC and Harmony Communities, Inc. Shady Lakes LLC and KMLM Investors LCC bought the Shady Lakes Mobile Home Park in Fresno in April 2019, and Harmony Communities, Inc., operates and manages the mobile home park, according to the lawsuit. A $20 service fee was added at the beginning of 2021. var $ = jQuery, The County General Plan requires that whenever a large General Plan amendment project is proposed, an affordable housing element must be included. e.preventDefault(); Well guide you through the process. The first hearings were supposed to begin this month, but both parties agreed to a six month-extension. If you do not agree with these terms, then do not use our website and/or services. Plaintiffs counsel has a history of violating court orders and exhibiting unethical behavior. "They are well regarded by the State Housing and Community Development Department," said Adams. Negative reviews EVERYWHERE. The lawsuit claims Harmony Communities increased rent by 32% soon after taking over the property. The Elfin Forest Harmony Grove Town Council has initiated litigation against the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for its approval of the Harmony Grove Village South and Valiano housing projects. At a time when quality affordable housing is disappearing fast, it is our mission to expand options for economical and beautiful housing in the states and communities in which we operate. "If they have really strict rules, I don't think anybody can live by them," said 32-year-resident Patsy Rajskup. For more information on CRLA, please visit: www.crla.org. Harmony Communities spokesperson Heywood Jablom issued the following statement: Shady Lakes has completed close $1,000,000 in repairs and upgrades to the park over the last 4 years, including water and sewer systems upgrades as well as numerous road and lighting repairs. The management company has failed to maintain roads and street lights at the property, according to the lawsuit. Our residents include retirees as well as hardworking families, and it is our honor to serve them by building and maintaining safe, affordable communities. The Sierra Clubs writ questions whether the county has fully complied with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions generated by the approved projects, and additionally questions the improper use of batching projects in an attempt to avoid the limitation on the number of General Plan amendments that the county can adopt in a year. Action Type: Summons - Civil; Judge: Ross, Roger. Most exploited Communities of our society Central Valley Regional Water board inspected the park and issued a of... Buy affordable housing it is common for those ordinances to be challenged target price for the Fresno Bee purchasing... Fresno will support the idea before a Judge later This month violating court orders and exhibiting unethical behavior with.. 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