VietRISE connected with these residents during a city council meeting where rent stabilization was being discussed. From there, VietRISE and the mobile home residents began to meet and strategize on how to pass this ordinance, holding meetings at coffee shops and in the seniors’ homes. We focused on highlighting the experiences of Vietnamese residents facing housing insecurity, a fact that was not well-known to other communities in the city. Together, we developed a plan to feature photos of the seniors and ensure their voices and experiences were taken seriously. Because it was the height of COVID-19, the seniors could only safely call in to city council meetings.

A multigenerational, multiracial coalition was built throughout this campaign, and with the support of councilmembers who believed in the policy, we were able to secure this win. 

In 2023, to safeguard the RSO, VietRISE, TUSA, and our city council allies placed the ordinance on the ballot for the 2024 General Election. Currently, a narrow city council majority (4-3) can repeal this hard-fought ordinance, which has significantly benefited Santa Ana residents. If the measure passes, any future repeal would require a public vote.