Politics & Government

Surf and Sand Residents Target Councilman in Rent Control Protest

Residents gathered outside the office of Councilmember Kirby Nicol on Tuesday.

For years, the City of Capitola has been grappling with Surf and Sand Mobile Home Park Owner Ron Reed regarding rent control. No longer willing to foot the legal bill to stop Reed from hiking up prices in the park, the Capitola City Council .

Councilmember Kirby Nicol in particular has been staunchly against rent control. 

“I would not have voted for rent control in 1979...I don't believe price controls have any place in a free society, because I think they always lead to pain and suffering,” he said at the meeting. “And the people hurt most are the proposed beneficiaries.”

Find out what's happening in Capitola-Soquelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In response to the repeal and Nicol's stance on rent control, about 20 residents of Surf and Sand picketed outside Nicol's real estate office on Capitola Road on Tuesday afternoon.

Many wielded signs specifically targetting Nicol. One, in particular, read "Nicol votes for elder abuse." See the sign in the photo above.

Find out what's happening in Capitola-Soquelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Check back in Wednesday morning for further coverage of the protest.


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