No outlet covers in the kitchen

It seems relief is on the way for Maria Villanueva. The single mother from City Heights has been at the center of recent protests by residents who've heard their pleas for home repairs fall on the deaf ears of landlords and code-enforcement authorities.

Last Friday (October 2), city councilmember Marti Emerald sent staffer Rudy Vargas to tour Villanueva's apartment and take stock of some of her complaints, which included vermin infestation, a faulty stove, and a host of other concerns.

Among the other items noted by Vargas in need of repair: torn screens, leaky plumbing, missing outlet covers, exposed wiring, and substandard paint.

"The landlord expressed willingness to begin repairs and claimed that she was unaware of Maria's living conditions," according to Rafael Bautista, a real estate broker and representative of the San Diego Socialist Campaign who was present for the inspection.

Activists who have worked to bring attention to the plight of Villanueva and others have promised to revisit the property to ensure action is taken to bring her apartment up to code.