Hi Jlynne,
Unfortunately, you have made several promises to your LL that have not been kept. Although, I find his practice of raising the rent 3x in less than a year very unreasonable, you have agreed to the increase and now owe the rent.
California Tenant & Eviction Law Resources:
http://www.caltenantlaw.com/Rights.htm
http://www.tenantslegalcenter.com/html/the_tenants_legal_center.html
Search the net and call around to see if you can receive free legal advice/representation. Also check out local charities for monetary assistance.
Cali. Eviction Prevention:
http://www.unitedwayla.org/pages/031502_uwtofillgap.html
Do a search using www.google.com for eviction prevention california and/or rental assistance california. There may be funding available to help you catch up on your rent. You may also be able to apply to welfare for a "one shot deal". If you are able to prevent your eviction, BE SURE to get a signed lease from your LL stating the term of your tenancy and the agreed rent for that term, so that he can't just raise it as he pleases.
Best of Luck!