Protesters go on hunger strike in San Jose, urge leaders to protect renters

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A group of people in San Jose has refused to eat anything for the past three days as they fight for renter's rights.

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The group hopes their hunger strike will send a message to the city council ahead of an important vote. Rent has become an affordability issue. Renters say they are getting evicted for no reason.

Renters came to San Jose City Hall to tell their story.

Alan Kane showed his 90-day eviction notice from his apartment on Moorpark Avenue. "How can they evict a handicapped person. I'm permanently disabled," he said. "Children, wife -- they're telling our family just get out for no reason."

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Kane wants protection from the city. He and dozens of others rallied in support of two ordinances going before the council Tuesday.

The tenants protesting want the city council to approve an ordinance which would require landlords to give just cause before evicting anyone. The other policy would protect renters who are displaced if a property owner redevelops or demolishes a property.

"We need to look out for those who are being mistreated, but I think this legislation goes a little bit too far and I think it may even wind up in courts," said San Jose City Councilmen Johnny Khamis.

Khamis says while the proposals are well-intentioned, it will make it much harder for property owners to get rid of problem tenants. He also says they only affect 44,000 units, those built in 1979 and before.

Kamis wants justice but says policies may be more hurtful than helpful.

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