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Urgent from Wood Street Commons:

POORMAG



Good morning.


Ladies & gentlemen, friends, and members of the press, we have asked you here today to bear witness to the crimes on humanity that are taking place here on Wood St. We also humbly implore you to call upon City Council, Mayor Sheng Thao, and other elected officials, and urge them to stop the unlawful evictions at the Wood Street encampment.


Over the past two weeks, our residents & volunteers have fallen victim to the egregious acts of state violence that have occurred under the watch of LaTonda Simmons, Harold Duffy, and

Sgt. Patrick Gonzales. The most basic, core rights that we, as Americans - as humans - should be afforded, are being trampled and demolished, much like our homes and belongings have been. Even our pets are not safe.




These acts of state violence result in state created danger; they are unlawful, unconstitutional, and we demand that they come to an immediate halt!


Furthermore, we ask the city of Oakland to pursue legal action for the crimes that have been committed here. Our property, our freedom & our lives have been jeopardized and this must stop TODAY.

***





We'd also like to take this time to thank the volunteers & supporters who've sacrificed so much of themselves fighting for a people who are all-too-often unheard. We are deeply indebted to you all, and your selfless service should be an example of how we all should treat one another.


However, it is a sad state of affairs when volunteers are having to cover the nods of displaced residents because the government can't step up and do their job.


At this time, I’d like to take a moment to address some misinformation and false claims which have been circulating the internet. These false accusations are the work of some very small-minded individuals who have nothing better to do than to spew venomous lies and libel about individuals whom they could only wish to be in the shadow. One particular individual who has blatantly spread untruths about some of our residents actually ran for city council at one time. To him we ask, “Is this how a one-time candidate for political office acts?”

Just to set the record straight, Jaz Calibri was an art student, yes. She abandoned a successful art career and all of her friends and loved ones, she denounced most of her material possessions, and chose to live on the streets to advocate for those without a voice. Seneca Scott would do well to learn a thing or two from Ms. Calibri, as it seems the only voice he hears is his own.




Additionally, Jared Defigh was not arrested for false imprisonment. He was arrested, on Apr. 12, 2023, for civil disobedience. Jared chose to put his freedom & his life on the line and lie down in front of a bulldozer. This was a selfless act, and a courageous one, & again, Seneca Scott could learn something here … On a brief sidenote, just a reminder to anyone who thinks that this childish display was amusing in any way - spreading false claims about an individual which paints them in such a negative light, is called libel. It is a crime and is punishable in civil court. Something to consider if you don't want an actual criminal record, Mr. Scott.


Because of this, we have no other choice but to hold the parties in question legally responsible. If our peaceful protests, our blood, sweat and tears have not gotten their attention, perhaps lady justice will.


Thank you all for your continued support, and as always -

"vivá le resistance!"


Thank You.



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