It was news that about 20 tenants at Regency Court Apartments who are intellectually challenged and disabled had hoped for.
"I don't have to move. I love it here, and this is my home. This is close to where I walk," said Lily Hixon, a Regency Court tenant.
The apartment complex is a senior community, but had housed disabled residents for a number of years. Younger tenants were notified last month that their leases would not be renewed.
Schwarzenegger on Friday toured the apartment of one of the tenants who faced eviction, and he was given an action hero's welcome, because they knew he was bringing good news.
"The eviction notice is being terminated, and you have the right to stay here," Schwarzenegger announced Friday.
The governor held up the news article in Thursday's L.A. Times about the pending eviction. He said his heart throbbed when he finished reading it, and heard a voice from his late mother-in-law, Eunice Shriver.
"She says, 'Arnold, why are you sitting around now? You just read the story, do something about it. You're supposed to represent me, especially now since I passed away. Someone has to be out there fighting for the Special Olympians and for people that have disabilities and that are intellectually challenged,'" Schwarzenegger said.
The governor said he talked to the owners of the complex in Rockford, Illinois, and the entire issue was resolved in two hours.
"I'm so glad that the governor got involved. I have not been happier in a very long time," said Regency Court tenant Laura Minges.
The state is continuing its investigation into what prompted the eviction notices.
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