{"id":250396,"date":"2026-04-03T18:33:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T18:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/250396\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T18:33:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T18:33:09","slug":"las-read-books-in-eagle-rock-says-a-rent-increase-is-forcing-them-out-pasadena-star-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/250396\/","title":{"rendered":"LA\u2019s READ Books in Eagle Rock says a rent increase is forcing them out \u2013 Pasadena Star News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nineteen years ago, READ Books<\/a> opened in Eagle Rock, and ever since, the snug 680-square-foot space has been an ideal place to discover a book on its heaving shelves \u2014 or to greet the now 17-year-old shop dog, Florence.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s about to change.<\/p>\n

On Feb. 21, the store\u2019s owners, Jeremy and Debbie Kaplan, posted a message on social media<\/a> that said they\u2019d gotten a letter informing them that the building had been sold, and that their rent was going to be raised by 133%, from $1,200 to $2,805 a month.<\/p>\n

SEE ALSO:\u00a0Like books? Get our free Book Pages newsletter about bestsellers, authors and more<\/a><\/p>\n

They needed to decide in about two weeks, or they\u2019d need to be out in 30 days, says Kaplan during a conversation last weekend at the store, which was full of bike-helmeted kids and book-hungry adults perusing the shelves.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe panicked, like, What the hell are we going to do with all these books? \u2018\u201d says Kaplan, who says he thought the letter was trying to intimidate the couple. \u201cBecause they also said they wanted a 3 to 5-year lease.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once the shock wore off, he said they started to make plans. \u201cOur next response was: Let\u2019s find out what our rights are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"JeremyJeremy and Debbie Kaplan, the owners of READ Books in Eagle Rock, say they will have to move after a rent increase of more than 130%. Jeremy is seen here in the store on March 29, 2026. (Photo by Erik Pedersen\/SCNG)<\/p>\n

From a fellow local business owner, Kaplan says they learned that a bill called SB 1103 requires that small business owners receive 90 days\u2019 notice following a proposed rent increase of more than 10%. They filled out the required form and included it with their rent check.<\/p>\n

And then they waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn March 1, another guy comes in, drops down a letter,\u201d he says. \u201cWe\u2019ve got our 90-day notice.\u201d<\/p>\n

It felt good. \u201cWhen you win a little battle,\u201d he says, \u201cIt gives you courage.\u201d<\/p>\n

But he says that it has only bought the store some time. \u201cWe still need to find a place,\u201d says Kaplan.<\/p>\n

SEE ALSO:\u00a0Where\u2019s the nearest bookstore? See our map of 80+ SoCal bookshops<\/a><\/p>\n

After reaching out to local community groups and political representatives, Kaplan says the bookstore is not alone. He\u2019s put together a map with information about other small businesses he says are in similar situations, and he drafted a petition<\/a> entitled, \u201cStop Displacement in Eagle Rock: Protect Our Small Businesses Now,\u201d that looks to stabilize rents, establish good faith negotiations, comply with SB 1103 regulations and commit to community preservation.<\/p>\n

As well, he has joined with others to create Support North East Los Angeles Shops (SNELAS), a newly formed group of small businesses and local activists who have been meeting with local representatives.<\/p>\n

Since first posting about the situation on social media, the bookstore has gotten attention from CBS News<\/a> and LAist<\/a>, and Kaplan says he plans to keep speaking out in hopes that it helps other people.<\/p>\n

SEE ALSO:\u00a0Get book recommendations and stories about bestsellers and authors in our book section<\/a><\/p>\n

And as for the Kaplans\u2019 bookstore?<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe we\u2019re going to find something. We\u2019re resourceful and enough people are working to help us, but it\u2019s going to be hard; the options are shrinking because of the actions of the landlords,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s unfortunate that having a small business has become a survival of the fittest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suspect we\u2019ll survive,\u201d he says. \u201cBut not everyone will. It\u2019s going to be hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

The building\u2019s owners were called for comment, but had not responded by publication.<\/p>\n

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