“We are gathered here today because these resilient tenants came together for CHANGE.
Ongoing nuisances and the ownership’s refusal to make lasting repairs and accommodations forced tenants to form a tenant association three years ago.
During this time, tenants acted in three ways:
They blocked a rent increase
They notified the ownership about the lack of security
They demanded repairs
Tenants have organized with the Alliance for Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) to amplify their concerns.
After countless meetings with our law firm and ACCE, tenants wanted the ownership to take accountability for their lack of responsiveness.
Tenants have attended City Council Meetings to talk about the issues that are impacting their lives daily.
Because of tenants’ organizing efforts, Oakland City Council Members, elected officials, and code enforcement have all come to Oakland Station and witnessed firsthand the inhumane living conditions at Oakland Station.
ACCE and the City Attorney’s Office have even sent letters to the Ownership regarding the substandard housing conditions, and what did they do in response? THAT’S RIGHT NOTHING!!! THE OWNERSHIP DENIED ANY WRONGDOING.
As tenants continued to voice their concerns and make complaints about Oakland Station, they were met with retaliatory eviction notices!
This is no way to treat elderly, disabled, low-income, and hard-working tenants who are doing their best to live peacefully in their home. But guess what, these tenants are not accepting NO FOR AN ANSWER!! And we are here today because tenants will continue to organize until they see CHANGE! THAT’S RIGHT CHANGE! So what do we want? CHANGE. And when do we want it? NOW”
-Attorney Martin T. Harris