This is the third piece in a series to highlight real life issues for renters in Pasadena. This series is presented in association with Pasadena Tenants Union.
RENTING IN PASADENA (3)
Old school (Photo – shankar s.).
Robert is a retired teacher and a Korean Era Veteran who has made Pasadena his home for fifty-eight years.
By Barbara Nishikawa Hodgson
Robert M. Roberts
Robert is a giver, from establishing an endowed scholarship for the College of Education to participating as a volunteer-member of the Pasadena Tenants Union (PTU) — a grassroots movement founded in November 2016 of tenants and homeowners concerned about the rising rents displacing families, seniors, teachers and health care professionals.
Graduating from the College of Education in math and science, he also received a master’s degree from USC in counseling and guidance. And as a Fulbright Scholar, he taught math and science in Morocco for two years.
A lifelong educator, Robert has taught and counseled students for in the Pasadena Unified School District for 24 years and has always encouraged his students to “Go ahead do it. It’s really important!”
Currently, Robert volunteers his time and support to the PTU. Having rented for over 50 years, he’s been fortunate to be treated well by his landlord. But recently, he realized that other tenants weren’t so lucky: 56% of Pasadena residents are renters and have little protection over rising prices; for example, a one-bedroom unit in Pasadena has risen 51.7 % in the last 6 years and currently rents for $2120 a month.
“We are in a housing crisis, and rent costs are out of control,” says Bob. “Something has got to change. What are the younger people, the middle-income and retired folks on fixed incomes going to do?”
Tomorrow: “At the Landlord’s Mercy”
> You may also want to check: - RENTING IN PASADENA (2) – Krystal Lopez Padley - RENTING IN PASADENA (1) – Chris Annek
Leave a Reply