Lupe Ramirez with Anaheim Democrats Club representative and the President of the club, Kenneth Batiste.

Over fifty homeowners at Rancho La Paz attended a surprise party in honor of Lupe Ramirez on February 23 held by the President of the Anaheim Democrats Club, Kenneth Batiste. Ramirez, who has serious health issues, is moving to be with her brother in Denver and is passing the baton to the group to carry on.

The seniors at Rancho La Paz credit Ramirez with leading them through tough times at the park after it was sold to a predatory new owner, John Saunders, who more than doubled the space rent. Her organizing work led to a state law preventing the hike in fees. Saunders is now attempting to convert the park from a senior park to an all-ages park, so the fight continues.

Councilmember Dr. Ahmad Zahra presented Lupe Ramirez with a certificate from Fullerton City Council and residents of Fullerton for her tremendous accomplishments in organizing homeowners at Rancho La Paz in the ongoing fight for seniors.

California Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva presented Lupe Ramirez with recognition from the state for her groundbreaking leadership toward achieving justice for mobile homeowners. Ramirez credited Quirk-Silva for listening and taking action by writing and getting a bill passed that prevented drastic rent increases of 45-60%. Quirk-Silva said the work to protect homeowners is ongoing.

Rancho La Paz Residents say goodbye to long-time resident Lupe Ramirez, who became the driving force of the park residents, forming an HOA to fight the new landlord, John Saunders, unfair rent hike.