(Editor note: Black tenants first complained about loss of intercom service in 2014. At that time it was four Black men who submitted written statements to owner and city employees. Those complaints were ignored as well as hundreds of others. Over time more Blacks were added to the complaint list including two additional Blackmen who were not tenants. This represents a small victory for Blacks over white suppression of housing services to Blacks over an eight year period. This will not be the end of the chapter because certain Blacks are still seeking the use of a tandem parking stall at the same location. Tenants still can also sue for damages for the 3-4 year statute of limitations period for personal injury or breach of contract. (Editor: The address in question is a rent controlled building at 1522 Hi Point St 90035, Los Angeles, California. There is a dispute. The May 19 2023 intercom system Akuvox installed is a SmartPhoneApp based system. The owner has not supplied the smart phones and internet for tenants to use the system. The previous intercom and keypad did not require tenants to use internet and smartphone to access it. What if a tenant does not have a smart phone or internet? In this unit as in some of the rest of the building, utilities are included in the rent. In addition, the owner (and sometimes the city) is liable to supply the housing services like kitchen sink, bathroom fixtures, light fixtures, garbage disposal, electrical outlets, doors, smoke alarms; each service requires certain parts to work. The owner is liable for repairs which may include parts. If the owner installed Akuvox, they are liable for the parts to make the system work which includes smartphone and WiFi/Internet. If an owner supplies a kitchen sink or bathroom tube, he must supply the knobs for the sink and shower to operate. It should not be this difficult in the city of Los Angeles in 2024 to get a working intercom and tandem parking stall. The owner even said in 2023 that subject Blacks were entitled to one of three tandem parking stall in 2021 but of course white tenants come and go into tandem stalls and still no tandem stall for the Black tenants complaining, who were never notified in 2021. The Power of Racism is Among Us. C’mon on down, to the Olympics, and see Los Angeles in all its two-faced racist glory!)
Complaints have been filed with the city rent stabilization departments RSO LAHD case number CE282421 as well as the State Civil Rights Department CRD Case 202305-20745222. (These are publicly accessible documents.) Reduction in housing services. Illegal rent increase. Racial and disability discrimination.)
LA City employees declared as “Racists” PC 22-1327
April 9, 2024
Los Angeles- Yes, it has been nine years since this struggle started. To summarize and update: as told to the city council and state Civil Rights Department, the owner said in writing (Gerst email and letter) in October 2023 that Black tenants unit 9 are entitled to a working intercom and a tandem parking stall. But the owner has intentionally not yet given those services to the complaining Blacks. The Akuvox system has two separate functions: door key entry and intercom. Tenants have the door key entry code. The intercom however, first, is not hooked up to tenant 9 unit (while last May fifteen other tenants had working intercoms), second trying to use the outside box, the user will see “network unavailable” and no repair in site, and third, Blacks in unit 9 have not been given the instructions to use the Akuvox system while select whites were given the instructions and free internet. Blacks in unit 9 have not been given the free Wi-Fi or smartphone, or instructions to use the Akuvox intercom functions. The property owner is Hi Point 1522 LLC and the management company is Power Property Management Inc. The rent agreement of the Blacks in question states that the tenants only have to supply a battery for the smoke detector, no other parts for any housing services. The City Housing department still refuses to make the repairs and bill the owner.
June 15, 2023
Los Angeles government documents describe city employees as “Racists Among Us”.
June 5, 2023
Subject: Regarding call from Benjamin Renka at 10:22 am. – To Benjamin Renka- city case LAHD RSO complaint CE280933
From: GJohnson( redacted)
To: 09e41e7459a05677911c@powerpropertygroup.mailer.appfolio.us; frontdesk@powerpropertygrp.com
cc: thomas@powerpropertygrp.com; highpoint1522@gmail.com; brent@powerpropertygrp.com; 09e41e7459a05677911c@powerpropertygroup.mailer.appfolio.us; frontdesk@powerpropertygrp.com; meghan@boldpartnersre.com; nisi@powerpropertygrp.com; richard.brinson@lacity.org; lahd.rso.central@lacity.org; hcidla.reap@lacity.org; bgreene@westsidejcc.org; mlitzer@westsidejcc.org; communications@skirball.org; familyprograms@skirball.org; patrice.doehrn@dfeh.ca.gov; tina.walker@dfeh.ca.gov; susan.strick@lacity.org; contact.center@dfeh.ca.gov; shou.committee@senate.ca.gov; mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org; paul.krekorian@lacity.org; councilmember.price@lacity.org; councilmember.harris- dawson@lacity.org; councilmember.lee@lacity.org; councilmtgitems@santamonica.gov; cityatty.help@lacity.org; councilmember.hernandez@lacity.org; councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org; councilmember.raman@lacity.org; councilmember.yaroslavsky@lacity.org; cd10@lacity.org; councilmember.park@lacity.org; councilmember.mcosker@lacity.org; councilmember.soto-martinez@lacity.org; james.cortes@dfeh.ca.gov; gavin@gavinnewsom.com; maintenance@alltimemaintenance.com; support@akuvox.com; admin@cd10voices.com; empowerla@lacity.org; sbrown@wwnc.org; pgabriel@wwnc.org; annchayman@aol.com; jayr@westlasawtelle.org; kyleopncwest@gmail.com; mitchedelson@gmail.com; info@tebh.org; bmeyers@tebh.org
Date: Monday, June 5, 2023 at 12:01 PM PDT
“Jewish tenants denied housing services at 1522 Hi Point St Apartments”
Power Property Management Inc.
09e41e7459a05677911c@powerpropertygroup.mailer.appfolio.us
Power Property Management Inc.
frontdesk@powerpropertygrp.com
Mayor Karen Bass, city of Los Angeles
To whom it may concern:
I received a call and voicemail from Benjamin Renka this morning at 10:22 am. Sorry I was not able to answer the call.
This was the transcription from the call: “Hi, Geary, this is Ben over at Power Property Management. I was just calling to make sure you were able to set up everything with your MyQ account for the intercom. If you have any questions please give me a call back at 310-661-8194, extension 19, thank you.”
Yes, I have numerous questions first is and why I have not gotten responses to numerous emails sent out the last six months, in particular April 13, 2023, May 6, 2023, May 11, 2023, May 12, 2023, May 22, 2023, May 23, May 25, 2023, May 28, June 3, June 4, and June 5 (today 10:02 am). have also sent a number of faxes. You do comprehend English, don’t you? This is a rent agreement situation which requires a good faith, reasonable, interactive process, not a one-sided affair that Power Property Management and owner Meghan Hayner engage in.
1. My understanding is that each tenant must receive their own access code, even if there are multiple tenants in each unit. As stated previously, I have not received any access code for the MyQCommunications account but I did receive an email from Akuvox. I need to rectify the two and explain do I log into both? Nevertheless, I did not receive an access code or any email regarding the MyQ account.
2. I do not waive any rights to the fact the use of the Akuvox and MQ will cause me to have to use my own electric Wi-Fi, cell phone, or laptop; this will represent an illegal rent increase first because there is nothing in my rent agreement that states I have to incur the cost of using my own personal devices to access a system intercom and keypad where such devices were provided by the owner since the inception of tenancy. I have not agreed to use my personal devices to access a system owned by the owner.
3. You have reduced the manual access to the intercom and keypad ( the rear door keypad remains). This is an illegal rent increase because there has been no reduction in rent.
4. Is there a monthly fee for tenants to use the Akuvox or MyQ account? As unreasonable, oppressive, malicious, and fraudulent as the owner has been, I am not surprised that the owner is intentionally not telling us is there a fee or not per month. The email from Akuvox indicates there is a monthly fee. A monthly fee is an illegal rent increase and I will not pay it.
5. Has the postal carrier been given access to the mailboxes? No answer from you on this since May 19, 2023 when you removed the keypad and intercom.
6. I would appreciate if you can answer these questions in writing. If you cannot write English, then send me a voicemail and I will have it transcribed at cost.
7. If you are not going to assure tenants immediately that the US postal service has access to the mailboxes (not my job to assure that) I will consider hiring an armed guard to assure the carrier has access and I will bill you for the costs. Cost of preparation of this email is $44.00. Please remit payment.
8. Since you have adequate knowledge of my concerns, and you ignore them to cause harm, I view your voicemail as saying (sic: the hell with) the Jewish tenants.”
Your voicemail, Benjamin, is not acceptable as a resolution to the issues herein.
All rights reserved.
Geary Juan Johnson
1522 Hi Point St 9
Los Angeles CA 90035
Phone ( )
June 5, 2023
Jewish tenants denied
housing services at 1522
Hi Point St Apartments
From: GJohnson(redacted)
To: thomas@powerpropertygrp.com; highpoint1522@gmail.com; brent@powerpropertygrp.com; 09e41e7459a05677911c@powerpropertygroup.mailer.appfolio.us; frontdesk@powerpropertygrp.com; meghan@boldpartnersre.com; nisi@powerpropertygrp.com; richard.brinson@lacity.org; lahd.rso.central@lacity.org; hcidla.reap@lacity.org
cc: bgreene@westsidejcc.org; mlitzer@westsidejcc.org; communications@skirball.org; familyprograms@skirball.org; patrice.doehrn@dfeh.ca.gov; tina.walker@dfeh.ca.gov; susan.strick@lacity.org; contact.center@dfeh.ca.gov; shou.committee@senate.ca.gov; mayor.helpdesk@lacity.org; lahd.rso.central@lacity.org; hcidla.reap@lacity.org; paul.krekorian@lacity.org; councilmember.price@lacity.org; councilmember.harris-dawson@lacity.org; councilmember.lee@lacity.org; councilmtgitems@santamonica.gov; highpoint1522@gmail.com; 09e41e7459a05677911c@powerpropertygroup.mailer.appfolio.us; meghan@boldpartnersre.com; cityatty.help@lacity.org; councilmember.hernandez@lacity.org; councilmember.blumenfield@lacity.org; councilmember.raman@lacity.org; councilmember.yaroslavsky@lacity.org; cd10@lacity.org; councilmember.park@lacity.org; councilmember.mcosker@lacity.org; councilmember.soto-martinez@lacity.org; james.cortes@dfeh.ca.gov; gavin@gavinnewsom.com; maintenance@alltimemaintenance.com; support@akuvox.com; admin@cd10voices.com; empowerla@lacity.org; sbrown@wwnc.org; pgabriel@wwnc.org; annchayman@aol.com; jayr@westlasawtelle.org; kyleopncwest@gmail.com; mitchedelson@gmail.com; info@tebh.org; bmeyers@tebh.org
Subject: Old Intercom and Rent Reduction Due – Contact with Akuvox- LAHD RSO complaint CE280933
Date: Monday, June 5, 2023 at 09:04 AM PDT
CF: 14-1371-S13
Name: Geary Juan Johnson
Date Submitted: 05/27/2023
Filename: 14-1371-S13_MISC_5-27-2023.pdf Comment:
14-1371-S13. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT relative to amending the Los Angeles Living Wage Ordinance (LWO) and the Los Angeles Hotel Worker Minimum (HWMO) Wage Ordinance. I support if done in a non-discriminatory manner in compliance with the state Unruh Act, civil code section 51,52. I oppose on the grounds the Los Angeles Housing Department acts in a racist and discriminatory manner in violation of the state Unruh Act. See attached emails May 11, 2023 at 12:07 pm, May 22, 2023 email at 11:53 am, May 23 email at 12:12 pm, and May 25, 2023 fax at 8:52:39, and email May 25, 2023 at 9:03 pm. Reference: Don’t the Jewish brothers and sisters at this address deserve a working intercom? Don’t the Jewish brothers and sisters at this address deserve a working keypad entry code for deliveries, guests, and friends? Don’t the Jewish brothers and sisters at this address who have a disability deserve a working intercom? Don’t the Jewish brothers and sisters at this address deserve an answer to complaints about illegal home sharing? Don’t the Jewish brothers and sisters at this address deserve access to tandem parking stalls? Reference: The Department of Real Estate has been asked to revoke the real estate broker license of Thomas Khammar (Power Property Management Inc.) on the grounds of violations of the real estate broker laws duties and refusal to provide housing services to Black tenants. Complaint 1-23-0217-015. DRE numbers 01443898, 01866167.
(The above is redacted from a city Los Angeles government posting. Also appears at https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-0841-S34_pc_05-27-2023.pdf and https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2023/23-1200-S91_pc_05-27-2023.pdf with related documents. https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2023/23-1200-S7_PC_PM_02-16-2023.pdf.)
Illegal rent increase rent controlled building
Dear Hi Point 1522 LLC and City of Los Angeles: This is to verify:
1. I had previously requested the repair or replacement of the intercom system that is in our unit that was previously usable. Since 2014 I have requested its repair or replacement. The unit is still in my apartment and still does not work. Pictures have been forwarded to the owner and city employees.
2. On May 19, 2023, as reported, the intercom and keypad control unit were removed from the front of the building without any written notice or otherwise to use as tenants. For over a week we are without any delivery of US mail, a violation of federal law, and we could not receive any other deliveries or guests.
3. On May 19, as reported to you, I noticed the partial installation of the Akuvox system at the front of the building. Doing my own research at considerable cost, I learned that the Akuxov system is a wired system that is accessible through an application that must be downloaded to computer or cell phone. The Akuvox system will allow the front building door to be opened remotely and does have keypad functionality. Whether the US postal service has been given access to the building, I was told repeatedly the carrier did not have access. No one from the owner or post office has verified that the postal carrier has access. As reported before, we need access for UPS, Fed Ex, DHL, emergency responders and medical supplies, as well as other deliveries, friends and guests.
4. I have received no written communication from the property owner regarding the tenant relationship with Akuvox and what we are to expect from the system and what are tenant obligations. As previously reported, there are short term hotel guests living in the building also.
5. I took the time to contact Akuvox and they wrote me, redacted below. However in their emails, there is no mention of Power Property Management Inc., no mention of Hi Point 1522 LLC. I imagine if other tenants received the same emails, they would not have a clue and would probably trash the emails. I notice from the outside Akuvox unit, no tenants have registered. Email reference: Akuvox employee Shirley Huang.
6. Our rental agreement says that owner pays for trash, water, electrical, and gas, which means it is included in the rent paid.
7. We paid for the installation of the previous keypad system and intercom around 2015-2022 thru rent increase city capital improvements, about $17.00 per month total, but our rental unit intercom was never connected to the front of building unit. The owner and city benefitted from the capital improvement rent monies.
8. The Akuvox system requires the use of a computer, cell phone, or otherwise as well as internet electrical connection. The cost of the computer, cell phone, and internet connection are illegal rent increases as this is a rent controlled building. It does not appear the Akuvox can be operated manually. “Internet bills are considered a utility bill, just like telephone bills, because they provide services to the home or business that are considered necessary for daily activity.” (Source: Google)
9. In order to use Akuviox, unless the owner writes us otherwise, we have to use our own paid for computer, cell phone, or internet; all such devices are paid monthly. The owner is obligated to give us a reduction in rent to cover the cost of using our own electrical devices to access the Akuvox system.
10. A cell phone and laptop are electronic devices. I have to use electricity to operate the app to access and operate the Akuvox system.
11. I remind all that we still have not been assigned a tandem parking stall, as requested since 2015. My rent check indicates I pay monthly for the use of a tandem parking stall.
12. Your actions are an illegal unilateral change in terms of the rental agreement. We did not agree to such Akuvox usage and we do not waive any rights by using the system.
13. You have reduced the intercom and keypad services without a corresponding reduction in rent.
14. It is unreasonable to expect tenants to communicate directly with Akuvox while the owner has not provided us any information on our obligations under such system. The emails from Akuvox indicate there is a cost involved.
15. As of today’s date, I have been informed by the US postal service that the US mail carrier still has no access to the building to deliver the mail.
16. Dear Nisi Walton/Thomas Khammar: my roommate has received some type of communication from you regarding an app and login for “MyQCommunity”. I did not receive a similar email. You have had my email since 2014 and then particularly in 2020 when you sued me in court for damages after I asked for intercom repair and tandem parking. Your position was that the owner did not have to supply those housing services to me: remember you offered exhibits where you had actual notice of my email herein; the court ruled against your argument and did not award you the $10,000 in damages you requested.
17. What fee/cost does the tenant have to pay monthly to use the Akuvox system or “MyQCommunity” app?
18. Nisi Walton: do you read and comprehend English?
19. What is the relationship between the SmartPlus app and the MyQCommunity app?
To the Mayor and Council I ask: what are the qualifications to get a tandem parking stall at this location?
Please respond in writing. I will be preparing a housing reduction in rent complaint. All rights reserved.
Geary Juan Johnson
1522 Hi Point St 9
Los Angeles CA 90035
Phone ( redacted)
I am a tenant who is Ham-Jew-DNA-Kushite/Black male American
I am a Black male tenant, aged over 45, and with a disability entitled to all privileges and rights under the State Unruh Act, CC 51,52
c: support@akuvox.com
(Ref: Walter Barratt’s “Just Bring Your Toothbrush” company says they provide housing services at this building to select tenants)
References:
Real Estate broker license complaint against Thomas Khammar. Petition for Writ case against LAHD City of Los Angeles. CRD retaliation case filed against the parties. City LAHD Harassment compliant CE280933. Court TRO file.
References:
LA Mayor Karen Bass Named in Denial Housing Services Complaint
Received from Akuvox around June 1 2023:
Dear Geary Johnson,
Your cloud account has been activated.We are giving you 1 month free trial that expires on 2023-07-01 .You can recharge to extend your account expiration date. Download the SmartPlus app to enjoy the Akuvox Cloud service now. Best regards,
The Akuvox Team
Dear Geary Johnson,
Your Akuvox Cloud account has been created.
Download the SmartPlus app to enjoy the Akuvox Cloud service now. User Name: (redacted) Password: (redacted) Area: North America
(Editor Note: I do not recommend using the Akuvox system because the relationship between owner, supplier, and end user is horrendous. Let’s set racism aside for a second. Think of the most unintelligent person you ever met; then imagine someone who is 100 times as unintelligent as that person; well that is what you get with the Hi Point 1522 LLC-Power Property Management Inc-Akuvox union. The simplest question will get no response for weeks or maybe never. You have heard of the “Four Stooges” (minus 1). I don’t imagine anyone could be that unintelligent unless it was on purpose. The Akuvox system appears to allow the landlord to violate privacy and GPS track and photograph and record tenants every movement and including guests and deliveries to the building. )
See Communications with City employees
Don’t the Jewish brothers and sisters at this address deserve access to tandem parking stalls?
At this Faircrest Heights neighborhood, rent controlled building, there are 18 one bedroom apartments and 28 parking stalls. Stalls 1A-12 are single car, stalls 13-19 are tandem (two car) stalls. The owner refuses to verify what is the application requirements to receive a tandem parking stall, hence the owner is named in numerous racial and disability discrimination complaints. The municipal code gives the city government authority over residential parking, tandem parking, guest parking, and all housing services in rent controlled properties. Many of the corruption charges against city government officials appear to be related to real estate and housing developers and land deals.
LA Rent Control (RAC) and Permits (LADBS) 