Friday, July 11, 2025

 
Home Blog Page 31

Migrants deported from U.S. to Salvadoran prison remain under U.S. control : NPR

0


The exterior of the Terrorist Confinement Center as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives, in Tecoluca, El Salvador, March 26, 2025.

Alex Brandon/AP


hide caption

toggle caption

Alex Brandon/AP

WASHINGTON — The government of El Salvador has acknowledged to United Nations investigators that the Trump administration maintains control of the Venezuelan men who were deported from the U.S. to a notorious Salvadoran prison, contradicting public statements by officials in both countries.

The revelation was contained in court filings Monday by lawyers for more than 100 migrants who are seeking to challenge their deportations to El Salvador’s mega-prison known as the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT.

The case is among several challenging President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

“In this context, the jurisdiction and legal responsibility for these persons lie exclusively with the competent foreign authorities,” Salvadoran officials wrote in response to queries from the unit of the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The U.N. group has been looking into the fate of the men who were sent to El Salvador from the United States in mid-March, even after a U.S. judge had ordered the planes that were carrying them to be turned around.

The Trump administration has argued that it is powerless to return the men, noting that they are beyond the reach of U.S. courts and no longer have access to due process rights or other U.S. constitutional guarantees.

But lawyers for the migrants said the U.N. report shows otherwise.

“El Salvador has confirmed what we and everyone else understood: it is the United States that controls what happens to the Venezuelans languishing at CECOT. Remarkably the U.S. government didn’t provide this information to us or the court,” American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Lee Gelernt said in an email.

Skye Perryman, CEO and president of Democracy Forward, said the documents show “that the administration has not been honest with the court or the American people.” The ACLU and Democracy Forward are both representing the migrants.

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment. White House and Homeland Security Department officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The administration in March agreed to pay $6 million for El Salvador to house 300 migrants. The deal sparked immediate controversy when Trump invoked an 18th century wartime law, the Alien Enemies Act, to quickly remove men it has accused of being members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

In a related case, the administration mistakenly sent Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the same prison, despite a judge’s order prohibiting the Maryland man from being sent to El Salvador.

The administration initially resisted court orders to bring him back to the U.S., saying he was no longer in American custody. Eventually, Abrego Garcia was returned to the U.S., where he now faces criminal charges of human smuggling while legal battles continue.

Last month, a coalition of immigrant rights groups sued to invalidate the prison deal with El Salvador, arguing that the arrangement to move migrant detainees outside the reach of U.S. courts violates the Constitution.



This story originally appeared on NPR

Capgemini to buy WNS to boost its business process services with AI – Computerworld



For Gartner vice president analyst DD Mishra, WNS’s investments in intelligent automation, analytics, and agentic solutions including its TRAC analytics suite and Malkom knowledge management platform will complement Capgemini’s existing technology and consulting strengths.

Sharath Srinivasamurthy, research vice president at IDC, pointed to the acquisitions WNS has itself made in recent months, including Kipi.ai, Smart Cube, and OptiBuy to enhance its data, analytics, and procurement stack and extend its proficiency in business process operations, said.

However, Rajesh Ranjan, managing partner at Everest Group, views the WNS acquisition as more of a strategic play rather than being focused on garnering more agentic tools or capabilities.



This story originally appeared on Computerworld

Who Is Cierra Ortega? 5 Things About the ‘Love Island USA’ Alum – Hollywood Life


Image Credit: Ben Symons/Peacock

Cierra Ortega became the talk of the town once her exit from season 7 of Love Island USA was announced. Fans know by now that her departure wasn’t a normal vote by the islanders, but rather an abrupt removal by the reality dating series. As Cierra grapples with her elimination, Hollywood Life has rounded up five facts about Cierra below.

Cierra Is a Social Media Content Creator

Cierra has established herself as a social media influencer. As seen on her Instagram page, she has shared fashionable videos of herself promoting various fashion brands, traveling around the world and attending various events. Among the most famous fashion brands she has collaborated with was Kim Kardashian‘s SKIMS shapewear company.

Cierra Is of Mexican & Puerto Rican Heritage

As seen in her Instagram bio, Cierra is of Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage. And per NBC, she is a Libra, and she had no qualms about going after what she wanted in Love Island USA.

“I’m the full package: brains, beauty, and boobs. I don’t care whose toes I have to step on,” Cierra’s Love Island USA bio read. “If I can take your man, he was never your man in the first place.”

Cierra Was Born in Arizona & Lives in L.A.

Cierra lives in Los Angeles now, per her Instagram bio, but she’s an Arizona girl at heart.

What Happened to Cierra in 'Love Island USA' Season 7? Find Out
(Photo by: Ben Symons/Peacock)

Cierra Was Coupled Up With Nic on Love Island USA 

Before she was suddenly removed from the show in episode 30, Cierra was coupled up with Nic Vansteenberghe. The pair seemed to be going pretty strong to the point where Nic seemed really upset when Cierra abruptly exited the show.

“Right before Cierra had left, my mind was clear,” Nic explained during the episode after Cierra’s exit was announced. “I knew what the future would look like, and now I’m lost. I think now that my strongest connection is gone, there’s like — just figure it out from here.”

However, Nic chose to couple up with Olandria Carthen.

Cierra Was Removed From Love Island in Season 7 After Racial Slur Resurfaced

Days after fans called for her removal, Love Island USA narrator Iain Stirling announced that Cierra “left the villa due to a personal situation, leaving Nic officially single.”

Neither Peacock nor its parent company, NBCU, immediately addressed Cierra’s departure. However, it became clear that the reason may have been because of a past social media post in which she used an anti-Asian racial slur.




This story originally appeared on Hollywoodlife

Four in 10 staycationers return to the same destination | UK | Travel

0


A poll of 1,200 UK travellers found 77% at least sometimes revisit the same place they’ve been before. And seven in 10 (71 per cent) of those who have ever gone back to a familiar location have also chosen to book the exact same accommodation at some point. 

Reasons for returning to the same destination included wanting to revisit a beautiful spot (37%), bring back happy memories (31%), and go somewhere that feels like a home away from home (20%).

Trips down memory lane don’t end there, with holidaymakers re-exploring a destination this year planning to journey back to a specific beach (48%), restaurant (37%), or scenic viewpoint (32%).

Most popular locations to revisit included seaside spots (46%), countryside escapes (37%), and places to camp (14%). But despite this, over a third (36%) agreed trying new things is the best part of going on a staycation. 

Darren Whittington, spokesperson for The Camping and Caravanning Club, which commissioned the research alongside creating a tool to uncover your staycation personality and a list of exciting activities to try on your next trip, said: “We can be creatures of habit when it comes to our holidays, but there’s so much to see in the UK. 

“Trying a new activity or taking up a hobby can elevate a holiday to one you’ll never forget. With UK holidays now making up 59% of all the trips we take, there’s a lot of opportunity to discover new places and things to do, creating memories that will last a lifetime along the way.

“And with the rising popularity of staycations, more and more people are realising how much the UK has to offer, whether you prioritise excitement or relaxation.”

More than eight in 10 (86%) agreed they enjoy trying new things when they go away. And according to them, the best things about broadening their horizons include the opportunity to discover something new (62%), grow as a person (29%), and learn new skills (23%).

The research by OnePoll found new experiences also provide 47% time to bond with their family and 15% relish the chance to pick up a new hobby. 

Respondents were excited to embark on adventures such as going on a cross-country road trip (24%), discovering a hidden gem (41%), and visiting sets from their favourite films or TV shows (23%). With activities they’re keen to try ranging from wild swimming (14%) and paddleboarding (13%) to mountain climbing and biking (12%).

Specific regions holidaymakers are most interested to explore are the Scottish Highlands (36%), Cornwall (36%), and the Lake District (35%). Where they hope to discover a range of new sights, such as beaches to stroll on (44%), historical sites to broaden their knowledge (41%), and botanical gardens to help them connect with nature (26%).

And of those who are still unsure about trying something new on their next trip, potential motivators included nearby activities they want to try (34%) and the chance to gain a fresh perspective on the world (27%).

Darren added: “There’s such a range of things out there to try – and it’s fantastic to see so many are already open to adventure. But for the one in 10 people who don’t enjoy trying new things while on holiday, we believe that the campsite is the perfect base to launch yourself into the incredible outdoors, try something new, and make this your summer of why not. 

“Whether you’re drawn to the seaside, the mountains, the woods, or anything in between – there’s something out there for you to discover. It’s about time we break out of our routines and experience the full array of beautiful places and opportunities the UK has to offer.”



This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk

Amazon Prime Day deals on kitchen essentials include up to 50 percent off on air fryers, Instant Pots and sous vide machines

0


Amazon’s Prime Day sale has officially begun. If you’re considering updating your kitchen setup, first check out the best kitchen deals we could find. Engadget editors and reporters have tested and reviewed a whole bunch of and many of the gadgets we recommend are currently on sale. Right now, we’re seeing discounts on Ninja air fryers, Kitchen Aid appliances, Anova sous vide machines and even an indoor pizza oven. We’ve linked to our testing for each product so you can get some background before diving in. Here are the best deals on kitchen tech in Amazon’s Prime Day sale.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro for $320 ($80 off): This is the premium pick in our air fryer guide — but really, it does far more than just air fry. As our reviewer noted, its massive cubic-foot-capacity and numerous cook modes make this more like an auxiliary oven. (It can even cook an entire 14-pound turkey.) It went on sale for $300 during last year’s Black Friday sales.

Ninja Foodie Dual Zone Air Fryer (10 QT) for $180 ($70 off): This is the air fryer to pick if you’ve ever wished you could air fry two different things at the same time. We named it the best dual-zone air fryer you can get — it even has a feature that makes sure the two different foods are ready at the same time.

Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer (6 QT) for $100 ($70 off): After studious testing (and dutiful eating) our reviewers named this one the best air fryer you can buy. And, after reading that assessment, I bought one myself so I can verify this is one great machine. The Odor Ease tech really does keep the cooking smells at bay and the window lets me keep an eye on all the crisping that’s going on in there.

Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer (4QT) for $65 ($65 off with Prime): Here’s a smaller version of the Instant air fryer we named best overall. It has a four-quart capacity, which is perfect for one person and small kitchens. And, like its larger sibling, pre-heats quickly.

Ninja Air Fryer (4 QT) for $80 ($50 off): The budget pick from our air fryer guide isn’t currently on sale, but this four-quart Ninja fryer has twice the capacity and is nearly the same price. It can also roast and dehydrate in addition to air frying and reheating.

Image for the mini product module

Cuckoo Twin Pressure Rice Cooker for $190 ($70 off with Prime): This is the best premium rice cooker in our guide to those machines. We like how quickly it cooks all types of rice to perfection (we tested it with long-grain white basmati, brown and sushi-grade white rice). Just keep in mind that it can be a little difficult to clean and the manual isn’t the most user-friendly.

Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker for $40 ($10 off with Prime): Our top pick for a budget rice cooker is on sale for Prime members. The brown rice came out particularly good in our tests and the cooker is easy to clean with a dishwasher-safe cooker pot and steamer basket. Just note that it’s pretty small and doesn’t have the granular controls of pricer models.

Image for the mini product module

Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide Machine for $200 ($50 off): The premium pick in our guide to sous vice machines has a powerful 1,100-watt heater that cuts down on cooking times. It also uses your phone as the controller (just don’t get it if you’re hoping for on-device buttons).

Anova Sous Vide Cooker 3.0 for $145 (37 percent off): Our top pick for a sous vide machine delivers 1,100 watts of power and a flow rate of eight liters per minute which will get your water up to the right temperature faster. It also has intuitive digital touch controls and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Ooni Volt 12 Electric Indoor Pizza Oven for $630 ($269 off): This is our pick for the best indoor pizza oven — but it can be used outdoors as well thanks to its weather-resistant design. It has front-mounted controls that let you individually control the upper and lower heating elements and it can get up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 20 minutes.

Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender for $330 ($50 off): Note that we’ve seen this go for as little as $255 in past sales, and it dropped to $300 as recently as May. But this is still a decent $50 discount on a blender that will make any food you put in it smooth. We recommend it in our guide to the best kitchen tech.

KitchenAid Classic Series (4.5 QT) for $300 ($50 off): Prime Day and Black Friday sales are usually the best times to snag Kitchen Aid’s iconic mixers — unfortunately, this discount isn’t even as good as the $250 it sold for in May. Still you can save $50 on a classic appliance that we recommend in our guide to essential kitchen gadgets. These mixers are durable, reliable and, with the wide range of attachments, can truly expand your cooking arsenal.

Vitamix 5200 Blender Professional-Grade for $350 ($150 off with Prime): I can personally attest to the nearly magical abilities of Vitamix blenders. It can make chunky salsas, smooth-as-silk soups and smoothies in which the chia and hemp seeds seem to disappear into the fruit. This pro-grade model is down to the lowest price we’ve tracked this year.



This story originally appeared on Engadget

‘Superman’ First Reactions Heap Praise on James Gunn’s DCU Opener

0


The summer of Superman is finally upon us and, with the review embargo now lifted, we finally know if all the waiting, all the hype, all the discourse, and all the marketing, was worth it. Written and directed by Guardians of the Galaxy’s James Gunn and starring relative newcomer David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, Superman marks the beginning of the newly recalibrated DCU on the big screen. So, will we be looking up in awe, or looking down in misery? Let’s find out…

Related


‘Superman’ Had To Remove a Controversial Scene After “Really Bad” Test Screening Reaction

Audiences hated the contentious scene, which had to be deleted after the test screening’s incensed reactions.

“‘Superman’ soars with heart, humor, and style—a bold yet faithful take on the iconic hero,” one critic wrote on X/Twitter. “James Gunn sets a fresh tone while honoring the character’s legacy, and David Corenswet shines with sincerity and strength. A promising, thrilling start to DC’s new era.”

“David Corenswet portrays an exceptional iteration of [Superman] with sincerity, heroism, purity, and inspirational traits,” said another. “Corenswet & Rachel Brosnahan’s chemistry for Clark and Lois is off the charts.”

“SUPERMAN: Gosh, I absolutely loved this,” another reaction began. “James Gunn’s feature-length comic book splash page is so unapologetically silly, earnest, and intentionally corny that it utterly charmed me. Left a big, stupid smile on my face by the end.”

‘Superman’ Lands in Theaters on July 11

David Corenswet suited up as the new DCU's Man of Steel in James Gunn's Superman

Warner Bros. Pictures

However, not everyone was as enamored, with another reaction saying, “Not the super start to the DC Universe everybody had been hoping for. James Gunn is brilliant at conjuring spectacle and creating alien realms, not so great at storytelling.”

But, this is Superman, so we shall bring things back to a happier, more hopeful place. “#Superman made me so damn happy,” said another critic. “The movie is loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humor and levity, but the beating heart of the film is Superman’s humanity, and his insistence on doing good and making the world a better place.”

Written, directed, and co-produced by James Gunn (the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise), Superman stars David Corenswet (Twisters, Hollywood) in the iconic role of Superman/Clark Kent alongside Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the X-Men movies, Nosferatu) as Lex Luthor.

The comic book outing also stars Edi Gathegi (For All Mankind), Anthony Carrigan (Barry, Gotham), Nathan Fillion (The Suicide Squad), Isabela Merced (Alien: Romulus), Skyler Gisondo (Licorice Pizza, Booksmart), Sara Sampaio (At Midnight), María Gabriela de Faría (The Moodys), Wendell Pierce (Selma, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan), Alan Tudyk (Andor), Pruitt Taylor Vince (Bird Box), and Neva Howell (Greedy People). Superman is scheduled to land in theaters on July 11, 2025, and you can check out the official synopsis below.

“Superman, DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. Written and directed by James Gunn (the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise), the filmmaker brings his signature style to the original superhero as he crafts a newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.”


superman-2025-poster.jpeg


Superman


Release Date

July 11, 2025

Runtime

130 Minutes

Director

James Gunn

Producers

Lars P. Winther, Peter Safran






This story originally appeared on Movieweb

James Gunn’s Superman First Social Media Reactions Are Here

0


Social media reactions are finally here for James Gunn’s Superman movie, with critics giving their first thoughts on the DC Universe installment with David Corenswet. After years of waiting, the Man of Steel is making his return to the big screen with Gunn’s Superman movie set to open in theaters later this week.

Superman will mark the only theatrical release for DC Studios in 2025, but the film will have a huge impact on the DCU franchise going forward. With several major DCU heroes and villains also making their debut in Superman, fans are about to get a huge taste of Gunn’s superhero reboot.

While Superman is still a few days away from its theatrical release, several members of the press have been able to see the film in advance, and they are now finally sharing their initial thoughts on the new Superman movie. Check out several reactions below:

ScreenRant’s Molly Freeman calls Gunn’s Superman movie “GREAT from start to finish,” adding that it’s also the “shot of adrenaline the superhero movie genre needs.”

ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender praised Superman for being a “splendidly human story,” while adding that Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan’s chemistry as Clark Kent and Lois Lane is “perfect.”

ScreenrRant’s Ash Crossan shared how the DCU installment is “beautiful, hopeful, and reminds you why these stories matter,” for Superman’s big-screen return.

ScreenRant’s Joseph Deckelmeier stated that the new Superman movie “felt like watching childhood leap off the page in real-time,” while adding that this will be a film for “families, comic book nerds & anyone who has ever loved a good dog story.”

FanDango’s Erik Davis defined Gunn’s Superman as “the perfect superhero movie and a terrific start for the new DC Studios.”

CinemaDebate’s Sheraz Farooqi commented that while Superman is “not without flaws,” the DCU film is “brimming with heroism and thrills, anchored by an emotional throughline that gives it gravitas.”

Comic Book Resources’ Sean O’Connell gave him the “biggest, goofiest, stupidest, full-faced grin as I revelled in everything @JamesGunn staged,” while adding positive words about the cast and world building.

Mama’s Geeky’s Tessa Smith shares how Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult “nail their roles perfectly,” while also adding that the “electric” chemistry between the Man of Tomorrow and Lois shines in the Superman movie.

Eric Goldman commented on how Gunn “embraces the earnest, sometimes lovably corny side of comics and their super (ahem) fun concepts in a way that evokes Raimi’s Spider-Man” throughout Superman.

Collider’s Perri Nemiroff added that Gunn’s Superman “made me so damn happy,” while sharing that DC Studios movie “is loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humor and levity, but the beating heart of the film is Superman’s humanity, and his insistence on doing good and making the world a better place.”

As time will tell when full Superman movie reviews begin to emerge, it’s clear from the first online reactions that Gunn’s DCU movie is what the Man of Steel has needed for many years. Based on the early reactions, the Superman movie is not only succeeding in bringing back elements that fans have missed seeing with the hero on the big screen, but also brings something refreshing.

What is also coming through with the first reactions is how many critics are sold on the Superman movie cast, especially with Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult as Superman, Lois, and Lex. It’s also clear that the DCU world-building is one of the stronger aspects for Superman, which bodes well for some of the other heroes who are showing up in the film.

While there are notes from critics that Gunn’s Superman movie may not be for everyone, it is definitely sounding like this is the perfect start that DC Studios needs for the DCU franchise. Even though there may be elements that might not work entirely for Superman, time will tell what additional reviews say, as well as how the general audience responds to the movie.

But knowing that Corenswet’s Superman in the DCU is likely to resonate with a lot of critics and fans, DC Studios is off to a solid start as they will get into more movies and TV shows that will include Krypton’s last son down the line. With only a few days left before it opens in theaters, the world will soon get to experience Superman for themselves.

Source: See links above.


Superman 2025 poster


Superman


Release Date

July 11, 2025

Runtime

130 Minutes

Producers

Lars P. Winther, Peter Safran


  • Headshot Of David Corenswet In The 47th Toronto International Film Festival: `Pearl`

    Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El

  • Headshot Of Rachel Brosnahan

    Rachel Brosnahan

    Lois Lane

  • Headshot Of Nicholas Hoult

    Nicholas Hoult

    Lex Luthor

  • Headshot Of Edi Gathegi

    Edi Gathegi

    Michael Holt / Mister Terrific





This story originally appeared on Screenrant

Parkway Drive Tease Australian Edition of Park Waves Festival

0


Parkway Drive are ready to bring the storm home. After successfully launching their self-curated Park Waves festival in Germany last year, the Australian metalcore titans have hinted at an Australian edition.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The Byron Bay outfit and tour promoters Destroy All Lines recently shared a cryptic teaser across social media. The clip shows the band tearing through massive Australian stages, backed by footage of wild crowds and Parkway’s trademark pyrotechnics, before the words “COMING SOON” appear on screen.

“Parkway Drive are up to something 👀 Get ready for the next wave… PARK WAVES IS COMING,” reads the caption. Fans eager for updates can now register at the Park Waves website and follow its social media channels for official announcements.

Originally debuting in Dresden, Germany, in 2024, Park Waves quickly established itself as a destination festival for heavy music fans. The lineup featured Parkway Drive as headliners, alongside Dying Fetus, Fit For A King, Erra, and fellow Aussies Thy Art Is Murder and Alpha Wolf, blending international acts with a healthy dose of homegrown brutality.

The Australian teaser arrives as Parkway Drive continue to make history. Just weeks ago, they became the first metalcore band to headline the Sydney Opera House, performing a sold-out show with a symphonic orchestra. Earlier this year, they also sold out Australia’s inaugural metal cruise, Hellbound.

Currently co-headlining the Summer of Loud tour across the U.S., Parkway Drive are also celebrating their 20th anniversary as a band—a milestone few in their genre have achieved.

Parkway Drive first formed in the coastal New South Wales town of Byron Bay in 2003, issuing their debut album two years later. They received their first top ten album in Australia with 2007’s Horizons, which also hit No. 27 on the Top Heatseekers charts. 2010’s Deep Blue launched a four-record run which saw the group consecutively charting within the top 40 of the Billboard 200, with 2015’s Ire resulting in a peak of No. 29. 

Alongside becoming their first release to top the Top Hard Rock Albums chartIre also was their first of three consecutive records to top the Australian charts. Their 2022 album Darker Stil saw them receive their third ARIA Award for best hard rock or heavy metal album

For updates and to register for early info, visit parkwavesfestival.com.au.




This story originally appeared on Billboard

Who Went Home on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ Season 10? Eliminations Revealed

0

[Warning: The below contains spoilers for the Bachelor in Paradise Season 10 premiere.]

A new season of Bachelor in Paradise officially began on Monday, July 7, which meant a whole new group of singles from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette hit the beach for another shot at love. Episode 1 was three hours long, with the first rose ceremony taking place at the end.

Over the course of the first week, six women and ten men arrived on the beach. The women were in control for Week 1, which meant that they got to give out the roses, and four men were sent home. Each week, the power shifts, with more people arriving throughout the course of the show.




This story originally appeared on TV Insider

Some tenants are evicted for renovations. It’s called ‘renoviction’

0

The Los Angeles City Council is inching closer to permanently protecting renters from “renovictions.”

On July 1, the City Council unanimously voted to amend a rule that granted landlords the ability to evict tenants in order to take on a substantial remodel or renovation of their property.

Under the current “just cause” ordinance, a substantial remodel that would allow a landlord to evict tenants included structural, mechanical or plumbing work.

The approved amendment will prevent landlords from using a substantial remodel as a legal reason to evict their tenants, unless they get a Government Agency Order.

A Government Agency Order happens when a local government agency, including the Los Angeles Housing Department, Los Angeles Building and Safety, the Los Angeles County Health Department or the Los Angeles Fire Department, gives a landlord an order to vacate or abate a unit based on the need to address housing code violations.

What is a ‘renoviction’?

Tenant rights groups say some landlords will use a renovation as an excuse to evict tenants, only to charge higher rents to a whole new set of tenants after the renovation. This is called a “renoviction.”

“To make it clear, what we’re doing today is we’re denying renovictions, but we’re also creating a clear pathway to renovations that works for both tenants and the landlords,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, an advocate of the proposed policy whose district includes Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana and Woodland Hills.

Is this a permanent solution to the problem?

The decision comes four months after the council voted in favor of an interim ordinance with the same goal: preventing landlords from using “just cause” to evict tenants when implementing a remodel.

The temporary protection lasts only until Aug. 1 because the city has been exploring permanent legislation for several months.

In addition to the amendment, the city has instructed the Los Angeles Housing Department and the city attorney to create rules for relocation during the remodel and amend penalties for violators of the proposed ordinance.

“We want to have a clear pathway for legitimate renovations not renovictions,” Blumenfield said.

What will be required of landlords during a substantial remodel

In 90 days, the Los Angeles Housing Department will bring forth a proposal to the City Council to consider which will include what is required of a landlord if a tenant must be relocated during a remodel.

The proposal will provide rules for:

  • How landlords will pay their renter a mutually agreed upon monetary amount for relocation.
  • How landlords will provide comparable or better housing for displaced tenants for the duration of a renovation. In this scenario, the landlord will be required to pay all relocation expenses and pay rent for the temporary housing.
  • How the tenant will continue to pay their landlord their monthly rent payment prior to a required relocation. The payments made will cover the time the renter is living in temporary housing during the relocation time period.
  • How the tenant will return to their original unit with any new rent increase not to exceed the 10 percent allowable by state law.

What about penalties for landlords who use renovations to evict tenants?

The proposal will also include an updated penalty for violators of three times compensatory damages including mental or emotional distress, reasonable attorney’s fees and civil penalties of up to $10,000 but not less then $2,000 per violation, according to the city’s report. Additional penalties could be added per violation if a tenant is older than 65 or is disabled.



This story originally appeared on LA Times