The latest in The Tribune’s monthlong “Substandard of Living” series examining the experiences of low-income renters living in poorly maintained housing in San Luis Obispo County.
The Tribune spent nine months investigating the issue by talking to residents, conducting surveys, speaking to experts and evaluating government resources.
An investigation by The Tribune and the Promotores Collaborative of San Luis Obispo showed many renters throughout the county live in housing that’s old and in need of repairs.
San Luis Obispo Tribune reporters Lindsey Holden and Cassandra Garibay joined Jose Guzman at KTAS Telemundo in Santa Maria to discuss their upcoming investigative series on substandard housing conditions in SLO county.
Thousands of local residents are out of work due to stay-at-home orders designed to curb the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus — and that means many tenants are likely short on rent money.
This story was produced as part of a larger project led by Lindsey Holden, a participant in the 2019 Data Fellowship.
Other stories in this series include:
Can’t pay rent because of coronavirus? Here’s a guide to your housing rights in SLO County
Are you stuck in a SLO County rental with bugs, mold
San Luis Obispo County’s beaches and vineyards make it an ideal destination for vacationers and wealthy Californians — but the workers who power the region’s economy don’t share that wealth.