She fought remodel evictions for years. Now she’s the one being evicted

Paloma Esquivel | (TNS) Los Angeles Times

LONG BEACH, California — As a housing activist, Maria Lopez spent years working to close what she saw as a significant, if little known, loophole in eviction law.

Working with the Long Beach Tenants Union, Lopez organized dozens of renters facing “substantial remodel” evictions across her hometown, speaking at City Council meetings and leading protests to draw attention to the rule, which allows landlords to evict tenants if they plan significant renovations to their properties.