I am presently living at the above mentioned Westminster Manor in San Diego, California. This senior building is owned by the Presbyterian Church, which is directly across the street, aka Date Street Presbyterian.

I moved here on March 1, 2009. It was not disclosed to me by the Leasing Agent of Westminster Manor or the Maintenance Supervisor, that this senior hi-rise has been, for at least a year and possibly longer according to some residents, infested with bed bugs and is still experiencing an infestation. I found out approximately two (2) weeks after move-in when I was sitting in the Lobby visiting. A resident noticed a bug on a ladies blouse collar and asked her if he could remove it. He identified it as a bed bug. This was not good news.

I have been hearing, on an on-going basis and too many times for comfort, reports of various units on various floors being treated for bed bug infestation. Only the units that actually have bed bugs are treated. Consequently, the bugs are moving around looking for a new host … Not good news.

When I exit the building on the Ground Level, I sometimes see a mattress, sofa, etc wrapped in plastic with wording “bed bugs” awaiting trash pick-up. Again, this is not good news.

I recently found out, by happen chance, that the apartment directly above me and an apartment across the hall from that unit has bed bugs and was being sprayed that day, Monday, October 19, 2009, by Orkin. The Maintenance Supervisor did do a cursory check of my apartment unit four (4) days later. He used a flashlight to check the air bed I sleep on and the metal railing that is on the floor of the closet that holds the doors in place. According to this inspection, nothing was seen. This was somewhat of a relief, however when you live in a building that has an infestation, it is hard to have peace of mind.

What is really sad is that aging people are already dealing with life issues and should not have to deal with any additional.

I pray that the Date Street Presbyterian Church as owners of the Westminster Manor (WMM), the WMM Management Team, the WMM Maintenance Department, and the residents of WMM will effectively find a solution to this recurring problem. A solution that is non toxic to residents and animals, and effective in relieving this situation ASAP. This would be good news.

Thelma Downey
Current Resident, WMM

P.S. I advised my children … Not a good idea to visit Mom here. Plus, I could carry something on my clothes or in my car to their place.

The college’s Residence Life office should be able to help you find organizations that give advice to tenants on their rights OR be able to fill you in on local rental laws. Even though your daughter is off-campus, the Residence Life office should care about this and help you find the info you need.

If you have further questions, please click the Forums button at top right, and post in our forums.

I read of your experience here. I am sorry you are going through this and I hope you will get a resolution of your problem soon– that the Housing Authority will treat your building more aggressively.

I also hope you and your neighbors will write and call your elected officials and remind them you are voters too.

It breaks my heart that elderly people are being treated this way.

After all, none of us would be here — and our cities and countries would be nothing — without them and all they did in their earlier lives.