Thompson described the rules as impermissible, and said the management company issued notices to residents in violation of those rules. Retired There are 14 claims on the complaint, including accusations of retaliation against members of the community association and to maintain a water treatment system on the premises. RELATED: Fresno woman involved in mobile home fire calling for change. 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. With the job that we have, it wont be enough, he said in Spanish. Our work impacts farmworkers, individuals with disabilities, immigrant populations, LGBT communities, women, children and families in rural areas. The company was also involved in a controversial 2018 RV park rent hike in San Leandro, which does not have rent control. It is not a recreational vehicle park, subject to a different statutory scheme, he wrote. The case status is Pending - Other Pending. Harmony chooses the color residents can paint their houses, the material, color, and height of their fences, and where air conditioners can be installed. Natalie Hanson reports on breaking news, police and fire and criminal justice. Proof of Service of Summons as to Matthew Davies served on 12/02/2020 by Substituted Service. Contact Information 8912 Spanish Ridge Ave STE 200 Las Vegas, NV 89148-1312 Get Directions Visit Website (702) 478-8375 1/5 Average of 1 Customer Reviews Customer Complaints 4 complaints closed in. Over the past two years, the . Replacing a laundry room or a lamp post may be expensive, but usually those rent increases will be temporary until the improvement has been paid off. What that means is that there is sort of a justice gap where other types of renters in the state are able to get these very important protections, the mobile home parks are left in a different situation, she said. Under terms of the lawsuit, residents would at most compel ownership to better maintain the property they acquired in 2019 as well as get them to undo what they say is retaliation against the lawsuit. Judge: Ross, Roger. The first hearings were supposed to begin this month, but both parties agreed to a six month-extension. DocketSummons issued and filed. According to a release, the lawsuit is being filed to protect public safety, defend the integrity of the Countys General Plan and demand supervisors get serious about affordable housing.. BBB is here to help. With the rise in the rent, there is worry that they may not be able to make rent.. We are currently in the process of buying a house from them in Bella Park. Hearing regarding: Jury Trial Assignment (est 7-10 days), set for 07/25/2022 at 1:30 PM before Hon. Thompson also represents the rent control group of residents at that mobile home park. We do this by identifying existing, high potential properties ripe for investment, upgrade, beautification and expansion. I was fully approved for the loan at which time the lender requested $5000.00 ******* money which went to the builder. 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. Your questions and concerns are important to us. The company also said they have not filed any evictions. INSANELY HORRIBLE COMPANY! DocketMinutes finalized for Case Management Conference held on 05/04/2021 08:30 AM . She said it is common for those ordinances to be challenged. Travel There is no way to reverse the rent, said Thompson. Hospitality Corporate Headquarters: 838 West Hastings Street, Suite 300 | Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6 | 604-669-2663 They will do everything they need to do in order to pay the rent, Thompson said. The letter stated it was because the park was not profitable and a city ordinance had kept them from increasing rent, according to the Marin Independent Journal. Utility payments are one example of a variable cost for property 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. 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. Banking and Finance explains why any relief sought by the complainant cannot or should not be granted. The Central Valley Regional Water Board inspected the park and issued a notice of violation for public nuisance due to the odor. City officials and residents at R.V. 41017Petition027264b; Comment: Index of Exhibits ISO Petition for Rules Injunction, 41017Statemen03bc915; Comment: of Nature and Extent of Oral Testimony and Estimate of Time of Hearing, 41017Verified00eca3a; Comment: for Permanent Injunction Against Violations of Rules and Regulations, 03/28/2022: 3/28/22 Amended Petition Filed, 02/18/2022: 2/18/2022 - Proof of Service of Electronic Service, 02/18/2022: 2/18/2022 - HRG: 2/22/2022 - Proposed Order, 02/18/2022: 2/18/2022 - HRG: 2/22/2022 - Memorandum of Points & Authorities, 02/18/2022: 2/18/2022 - HRG: 2/22/2022 - Ex Parte for Order to Quash, 02/07/2022: 2/7/2022 Amended Document Filed, 02/07/2022: 2/7/2022 Amended Statement HRG 2/24/2022, 02/07/2022: 2/7/2022 Notice of Hearing HRG 2/24/2022, DocketList filed; Comment: Petitioner's Index of Exhibits in Support of Amended Petition for Rules Injunction, DocketAmended Document Filed; Comment: Verified Amended Petition for Permanent Injunction Against Violations of Rules and Regulations Under California Civil Code 798.88 and Award of Attorney's Fees and Costs Under California Civil Code 798.85, DocketPetition for; Judicial Officer: Cullers, Mark; Hearing Time: 8:30 AM; Cancel Reason: Court Order, DocketEx Parte Hearing; Judicial Officer: Cullers, Mark; Hearing Time: 8:29 AM; Result: Heard, FinancialFinancial info for Rocha, Phillip: Fee Waiver $60.00, FinancialFinancial info for Rocha, Phillip: Transaction Assessment $60.00, DocketProof of Service; Comment: RE: Electronic Service of Ex-Parte & Supporting Documents, DocketOrder Received for Signature; Comment: PENDING REVIEW @ 2/22/2022 HEARING Forwarded to Dept: 404 Order for: Quashing Service of Summons, DocketDeclaration Filed; Comment: RE: of Ephraim Camacho, DocketEx parte Filed; Comment: For An Order Quashing Service of Summons Re: Petitioners Verified Petition For Permanent Injunction and Award For Attorney Fees And Costs, DocketOrder Granting Waiver of Court Fees and Cost Signed; Comment: By Deputy Clerk, FinancialFinancial info for Harmony Communities, Inc.: EFile Payment Receipt # WEB-2021-17987 Harmony Communities, Inc. $225.00, FinancialFinancial info for Harmony Communities, Inc.: Transaction Assessment $225.00, FinancialFinancial: Harmony Communities, Inc.; Total Financial Assessment $365.00; Total Payments and Credits $365.00, DocketStatement filed; Comment: of Nature and Extent of Oral Testimony and Estimate of Time of Hearing, DocketList filed; Comment: Index of Exhibits ISO Petition for Rules Injunction, DocketPetition filed; Comment: for Permanent Injunction Against Violations of Rules and Regulations, Fresno County Superior Courts | Other | I even have proof that she accidentally admitted fault and said she printed wrong brochure but seems like she did not realize that that's the brochure she circled & put into our contract that states which house we are getting. DocketHearing Result: Vacated Judge: Waters, Robert T.. DocketCase status updated to Disposed. These are very community-minded folks, Thompson said. The company continues to buy affordable housing communities in low-income areas in cities such as Gilroy. We would happily engage with a non profit who was able to perform and transact at a similar price point.. 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). And a notice given to a resident at Shady. Harmony immediately raised space rent by $130.00a 32% increase that made rents unaffordable to families living in the park. 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. A $20 service fee was added at the beginning of 2021. Police said its unclear why he on tracks, Great Wolf Lodge backs out of agreement to build waterpark near Fresno. I have tried to appeal to the builder to no avail. Some are buying less food, not using electricity, cutting services, shopping for clothes less often. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. Jacqueline Arsivaud, chair of the Elfin Forest Harmony Grove Town Council, argued that neither project will provide affordable housing. As the roofing started going up I knew 100% they were building the wrong home. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. Retail By continuing to use this website, you agree to UniCourts General Disclaimer, Terms of Service, 2021-05-10, Santa Clara County Superior Courts | Personal Injury | 2019-12-19, Santa Clara County Superior Courts | Contract | Law Their lives are theyre constantly in crisis. Other, BLOG: Years first job killer will hit motorists in the wallet, Californias first Job Killer of the year, as determined by, BLOG: Three business themes for 2023 and beyond, As we move deeper into 2023, the business community is. We do not want to displace a single person with this rent increase and merely desire for the owner to make a reasonable profit and be able to provide safe and affordable housing for all of you.. $100.00. Finally, one place to get all the court documents we need. It says the nearest comparable neighborhood, a site in eastern Larkspur, charges about $2,000 for similar accommodations.. Members of El Grupo Comunitario own their homes and have lived in the park for years or decades renting the space where their home is located. The next court hearing is on March 30. , He added that Shady Lakes is available for purchase. Case Details Parties Documents Dockets Case Details Yesenia Amaro covers immigration and diverse communities for The Fresno Bee. Water bills range anywhere from $50 to $200, Thompson said. While it is a bit larger than we would normally like, it is necessary to staunch the bleeding, the letter said. In 2015, she won the Outstanding Journalist of the Year Award from the Nevada Press Association, and also received the Community Service Award. | Pacific Publishing Group, Inc. Attorneys representing them on that are working hard with, you know, community partners and the County of Fresno to try and obtain funding to help residents purchase the park in a way that can bring the rent down, Thompson said. Many of the residents have received notices requesting their gates be left unlocked at all times, and have had personnel with the company enter their private property and take photos of everything around their house, Thompson said. Because of the consequences of not paying the rent, people who own mobile homes will always pay the rent, Thompson said. $(window).load( function() { Decision making is done collectively. As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. 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. "If they have really strict rules, I don't think anybody can live by them," said 32-year-resident Patsy Rajskup. The city and the residents say otherwise. The community suffered two destructive fires in April and June of 2021. 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. Outside of the financial reasons keeping them there, most of the residents come from the same area in Oaxaca a state in southern Mexico. Harmony Communities, Inc. vs. Rufino Hernandez, Larsen, Austin vs Harmony Communities, Inc. et al. With the batching, the board approved three GPA projects on July 25 for a total of 3,937 new housing units in the county. 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. Davies received a five-year prison sentence in the marijuana case, which received national attention. But to lower rents, they would have to buy at a price that wouldnt set in stone the increased rates. Want access? 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 evacuation plan was also approved by the County Fire Authority and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. Corporate Headquarters: And the best part of all, documents in their CrowdSourced Library are FREE. "There's special funding available from the federal government and other investors to lend to these communities so that residents can purchase their parks themselves," said Thompson. Additionally, Harmony Communities allegedly didnt maintain the common areas at the mobile home park in good condition. Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Harmony Communities, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. Automotive 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. Receipt number 597503. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Harmony Communities. My TERRIBLE agent, Ana Anita M********** told me to not worry about it. Judge: Waters, Robert T.. DocketRequest for Dismissal - Entire Action as to Donna Braxton, Harmony Communities, Inc., a California corporation, Matthew Davies Entered. The projects faced opposition from neighboring residents due to the fire risk of adding more density in a high fire hazard severity zone as well as exceeding the number of homes allowed in the General Plan. The company was also involved in a controversial 2018 RV park rent hike in San Leandro, which does not have rent control. UniCourt uses cookies to improve your online experience, for more information please see our Privacy Policy. Action Type: Request for Dismissal; Judge: Waters, Robert T.. HearingHearing 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). Several of the residents interviewed by The Bee said they have been threatened with eviction notices. Why is this public record being published online? 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. We are not asking the tenants to move. El Grupo Comunitario has stood up for the rights and dignity of the families in Shady Lakes and has refused to let a corporate out-of-town landlord bully them and force them out of their homes., Full complaint filed with Superior Court of California available at: https://tinyurl.com/shadylakes. Last summer, the mobile home park came under the authority of Fresno officials, instead of the state. Finally, one place to get all the court documents we need. To receive the latest information about new communities, available properties and exciting changes to the communities we manage, send us an email by CLICKING HERE. Judge: Waters, Robert T.. DocketHearing regarding: Jury Trial Assignment (est 7-10 days), set for 07/25/2022 at 1:30 PM before Hon. The owner of Shady Lakes LLC is Bruce Davies, the same owner of Harmony Communities. There are programs that help mobile home residents secure financing. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Epsteins letter reminded the landlord the park is bound by that judgment. 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.. For more information on CRLA, please visit: www.crla.org. Shady Lakes said the company provides some of the most affordable housing in the area. Pedestrian hit and killed by train in Fresno. The park continues to operate at a loss and requires ongoing cash infusions by the owners to keep the park open. Some residents believe the rental increases that occurred shortly after the complaint was filed were retaliatory. The residents attorney reported the sewage odor to the Central Valley Regional Water Board in June and July 2019. The management company also instituted 29 rules, which were described in the lawsuit as burdensome, unreasonable, oppressive, and unnecessary.. A complaint was filed with the California Public Utilities Commission that the increases were not in line with actual costs. SKIP THE POP-UPS Thompson described the $200 monthly increase as brutal.. Construction She recently received the 2018 Journalistic Integrity award from the CACJ. The builder, Harmony Homes, refused to return the $5000.00 ******* money. Work was done to correct what was a terrible odor, but Thompson said many clients complain it still stinks from time to time. $(document).keydown(function(e){ UniCourt uses cookies to improve your online experience, for more information please see our Privacy Policy. Healthcare Action Type: Complaint Unlimited Civil (over $25,000); Judge: Ross, Roger. The problem is buying it at a price that would allow residents to bring rent down. Kerrie Merrifield, a forensic certified public accountant and owner of Axiom Forensics in Los Angeles, said its hard to imagine even a 32% increase in rent the original increase after the acquisition. 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