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Inspectors are supposed to visit all farmworker housing to ensure its safety, but some used FaceTime
State

Inspectors are supposed to visit all farmworker housing to ensure its safety, but some used FaceTime

  • By FELICIA MELLO and WENDY FRY/CalMatters CalMatters

With a significant rise in the number of agricultural guest workers, California regulators have struggled to ensure that farms are providing safe housing for them. The state's Department of Housing and Community Development employs three inspectors to oversee all employer-provided dwellings. The department conducts routine housing inspections before workers move in, which makes it difficult to catch such issues as overcrowding. In a few cases, inspectors awarded permits to employer-provided housing after conducting a video call. Agency officials said increased state funding has allowed them to step up enforcement. They say more inspectors are being hired and that they are striking the appropriate balance between protecting workers and ensuring due process for businesses.