Editors Introduction

Lucie Hollingsworth 

Many of our readers may feel far removed from the housing affordability crisis, but perhaps we're not opening our eyes wide enough. The housing affordability crisis affects us all, which is why we've dedicated this issue of the Marin Lawyer to the subject. Are you having trouble hiring staff? Figuring out how to walk your children to school without encountering homeless individuals? Have you tried to hire a caregiver for aging parents? (FYI – at $17 per hour, there's a good chance whoever you hire lives in their car.) As an attorney focusing on housing and homeless policy, these are the complaints I regularly hear – and they often come from the same people who object to new housing developments.  

 

In this issue of Marin Lawyer, we're fortunate to have submissions from experts addressing the many facets of this crisis. We explore the impacts of homelessness on our community and creative solutions from the perspectives of Deputy Public Defender Christine O'Hanlon and St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin and Larkin Street Youth Services staff, interviewed by MCBA board member Emily Harrington of Maier Law Group LLP. 

 

Articles from Marin attorneys dedicated to removing barriers to producing and preserving affordable housing come from Robin Baral and Dana Dean of Hanson Bridgett LLP. We also feature pieces on dismantling past racist policies that denied many in Marin homeownership and generational wealth, written by Savannah Wheeler of Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California and Elisha Yang of Hanson Bridgett LLP. 

 

Local landlord-tenant attorney Vincent DeMartini of DeMartini, Walker, & Ghaedi LLP issues a call to action, explaining how attorneys can contribute their time to help low-income tenants and landlords resolve eviction cases with dignity and a chance for a "soft landing." 

Finally, it seems fitting that this issue honors the venerable Judge Verna Adams, who is retiring after 24 years on the bench. Throughout her long career, Judge Adams has positively impacted thousands of marginalized and underserved members of our community. 

 

While you might think you're about to embark on a rather heavy read and consider forgoing this issue entirely, don't give up on us yet! We truly believe our readers will come away with a sense of optimism and new ideas on how we can all address Marin's housing affordability crisis and contribute to a healthier, more inclusive community.