by Randy Shaw, 2007-09-26
After San Francisco enacted historic legislation requiring individual mailboxes in single room occupancy hotels (SROs), activists throughout the state sought a similar law. The result was AB 607, sponsored by Assemblymember Julia Brownley (D-Woodland Hills). Passed by the California Legislature, the bill was sent to the Governor on September 6. The bill would, after July 1, 2008, require all residential hotels to provide each unit with a locking receptacle acceptable for mail delivery. It also authorizes, under certain circumstances, cities and counties to enact ordinances that provide greater protections and increased penalties for a residential hotel's failure to comply with the law. The bill awaits Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature, and we will keep readers posted.