Pasadena : Judge Denies Rent Restraint

A Superior Court judge has refused to issue a restraining order against rent increases at Ashley Trailer Park on Colorado Boulevard near Rosemead Boulevard. Howard Rotter, an attorney representing the 13 residents remaining in the park, had sought the order, arguing that the park’s owners are using large rent increases and security deposits to drive out residents and clear the land for a more profitable use. Over the past year, 10 of the Pasadena park’s 23 spaces have become vacant.

Rotter has told residents he plans to ask for a preliminary injuction Aug. 22 against owners Jack McCaskill and Richard and Mary Coffin.

In the interim, Rotter has advised his clients to pay their August rents, which average $350. Most residents are elderly and on fixed incomes. All of the residents paid the increase, except Basil Tellou, 62, whose rent was raised from $43 to $275. Besides being unable to pay the $500 needed to cover his rent and a supplemental security deposit, Tellou said he is morally opposed to the owners’ efforts to displace residents.