Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Paula public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in development
Mobile home park rent control and overcharges
Mobile home park residents urged the council to act on the 1992 Measure P rent-control measure before park owners file new rent-increase applications in 2027. The city attorney said the county archives don't contain Measure P's actual language yet, leaving legal questions unanswered.
Managing citywide growth and infrastructure
Councilmember Chavez wants a workshop on how the city's rapid population growth over the next ten years will strain roads, traffic, and public safety — the council agreed to schedule it, likely this summer.
Adaptive reuse of vacant Rite Aid building
Santa Paula has over 200,000 square feet of vacant industrial space in a county short on such buildings — a marketing opportunity for advanced manufacturing and business services that could bring jobs and sales tax.
Affordable Housing at Alma Santa Paula (Missing Middle)
The council turned 53 more apartments affordable for households earning up to 80% of county median income — filling the 'missing middle' for families earning too much for subsidized units but too little for market rents. Rents will still run roughly $2,355 to $3,266 a month.