Pacifica’s intention to convert the ICF to market rate housing indicates its intent to shut it down and move out its nearly 90 residents. Although such an action would be forbidden by the Sale Conditions, Pacifica apparently believes that it will be free of any restrictions on its maintenance of the facilities after February 5, 2021. Pacifica’s efforts in this regard are opposed by the ICF residents, the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council, Congresswomen Judy Chu and Maxine Waters, State Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin De León, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Koreisha Senior Care & Advocacy and many others.

Keiro can play a crucial role in saving the residents: Because Keiro entered into the original agreement with Pacifica regarding the sale of the facilities and is a party to the imposition of the Sale Conditions, it may be deemed a necessary party to any decision by the AG’s Office to amend or extend them. Some of the undersigned have requested that the AG’s Office extend the Sale Conditions, but we expect Pacifica to argue that only the Buyer (Pacifica) or the Seller (Keiro) has standing to request a modification of the Sale Conditions. 

All it would take to help save the residents is for Keiro to request that the AG’s Office amend or extend the Sale Conditions to prevent Pacifica from shutting down the ICF for a reasonable period of time in light of the pandemic. Through this simple act that only Keiro can take, your Board can save the ICF and help unify the Japanese American community around what we all agree is an imperative—rescuing nearly 90 desperate seniors who have nowhere else to go. Pacifica is days away from being freed to do what it wishes. The time for Keiro to act is now.