[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]os Angeles County officials say they are investigating the legality of an eviction notice served on a 102-year-old woman in Ladera Heights whose case sparked outrage on social media and a pledge of help from former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Schwarzenegger on Friday said he would step in to help his “dear friend” Thelma Smith, who has lived in the same Craftsman-style home for nearly 30 years. On Tuesday, Los Angeles County officials said they were investigating the legality of the landlord’s order.
“Imagine doing this to a 102-year-old woman who gave back to the community her whole life,” Schwarzenegger told his 4.36 million followers followers on Twitter. “It is heartless. Thelma, I’ll be reaching out to help. Landlords, you’ll hear from me, too.”
Smith spent the majority of her career as an executive secretary for the Sugar Ray Robinson Youth Foundation in Harvard Heights. In an interview with ABC7, Smith showed off a fruit basket gifted to her by Schwarzenegger. It is unclear what if anything the former governor and actor can do in the matter that prompted a slew of social media outrage including from Congresswoman Karen Bass.