People Post is a space for opinion pieces, letters to the editor and guest submissions from members of the Long Beach community. The following is an op-ed submitted by Noberto Lopez, project director for Long Beach Residents Empowered (LiBRE), and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Long Beach Post.

The city of Long Beach declared a state of emergency on March 4, and, as we all prepared for the coming of the coronavirus in the United States, many tenants in Long Beach began to think about their homes and the what-if scenarios. What if I lose my job? What if they cut my hours? What if I receive a rent increase? What if I receive an eviction notice?

Not only do tenants have to worry about the coming of the virus and ensure they have enough food, supplies, and medicine to survive but many are worrying about receiving an eviction notice that may leave them out in the street during this national emergency.

Well, that became the case for many tenants on Friday the 13th, when a property management company decided to issue eviction notices to two buildings in Long Beach. One building in the 9th District and the other in the 2nd District.

Who are the tenants? The tenants consist of working families, children, students, seniors, small business owners, and a veteran. This company showed no remorse as the nation grappled with this pandemic. As a housing advocate, I see these actions as inhumane and careless toward the well-being of people.

During this moment of crisis, the last thing the tenants need is to be worrying about is where they are going to go when their notices expire. Currently, there’s a single mother with two young daughters that received an unlawful detainer last Thursday and will have to go to court soon—and may be left in the street if we don’t stop all evictions.

These owners and property management companies need to think about the lives they affect when they issue these notices.

Legislators at the state level including Long Beach representative, Sen. Lena Gonzalez, are sponsoring legislation to help protect tenants statewide. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order authorizing local governments to halt evictions help keep people home during these tough times.

We must do everything in our power as community members and advocates to ensure our families, seniors, and veterans have a roof over their heads rather than being sent out in the street during a life-threatening crisis.

Long Beach city officials have a chance to protect tenants, homeowners, workers, and small businesses with an emergency ordinance coming to council on Tuesday to address the needs of their residents due to the fear, anxiety and crisis this pandemic is causing. I wish landlords could think about the children, seniors, and other human beings that their decisions affect when they want to make more profit.

If you would like more info on your rights as a tenant please email Long Beach Residents Empowered (LiBRE) at [email protected].