Connect with us

Berkeley

Oakland Moms4Housing Say ‘Housing is a Human Right,’ but the Judge isn’t Sure he Agrees

Published

on

On Nov. 18, two unhoused mothers and their children began occupying a vacant property at 2928 Magnolia St. in West Oakland. Although the owner, Wedgewood LLC, would describe their actions as criminal, some Oakland housing rights activists and city officials have expressed support for the mothers.

The Oakland Community Land Trust, a nonprofit organization that “acquires and stewards land” has offered to negotiate an agreement to acquire the property. Oakland Council President Rebbeca Kaplan and Councilwoman Nikki Fortunato Bas are urging the company to agree. Dominique Walker, 34, and Sameerah Karim, 41, who launched the Moms4Housing collective, attempted to purchase the property from Wedgewood LLC on December 3rd and the company responded with an eviction notice. They have since refused to negotiate any remedy besides them assisting the mothers and children in leaving the house.

“Nobody wants to evict these people, but when you steal someone’s home, you get evicted,” stated Sam Singer, a crisis representative for Wedgewood, when asked why the company declined negotiations.

Carrol Fife, Director of ACCE (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment), spoke out against speculative-based business plans that have left as many as 78 percent of Alameda County’s homeless unsheltered when the nations average is closer to 35 percent. A majority of these unsheltered homeless live in tents but some also live in cars and abandoned buildings.

At a hearing on December 30th at the Hayward Hall of Justice, the mother’s attorneys, Leah Simon-Winsberg, Micah Clatterbaugh, and Dan Siegel, requested to introduce expert testimony which allegedly proves the current housing crisis is largely caused by companies, like Wedgewood, who purchase multiple properties in a community and leave them vacant for long periods of time. They requested that the court take into consideration the human right to housing and declared that the court had a standing to step in and provide equity. Judge Patrick McKinney said that he would consider the argument but noted that he was not convinced that the mothers ever had a “right of possession” without a lease or other agreement.

After the hearing, over 300 community member gathered at the occupied house, now coined “Mom’s House”, for a rally of support. At the rally, the mother’s thanked the crowd for supporting what they call activism for housing rights in Oakland. The mothers are still awaiting a ruling from Judge McKinney, though Walker stated that the 41 days of shelter still “feels like a win” to them.

Lauren Janelle Richardson

Lauren Janelle Richardson

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Activism

The Case Against Probate: False Ruling Invalidates Black Professor’s Estate Plan, Ignoring 28-Year Relationship

Zakiya Folami Jendayi, beneficiary of Head’s estate, states that “The errors, ranging from misstatements of fact, omissions of critical evidence, and reliance on false arguments and testimony, formed the basis of Judge Sandra K. Bean’s ruling against me, Dr. Head’s previous student, mentee, sorority sister and long-time friend,and despite the fact that I was her chosen, power of attorney, Advanced Healthcare Directive agent, trustee, executor and sole beneficiary.” 

Published

on

Dr. Head and Zakiya Jendayi, Their 28 year old friendship was ignored by Probate Court Judge Bean who ruled in favor of Dr. Head's estranged sister's. One sister could not identify Head, in a picture shown while under oath.
Dr. Head and Zakiya Jendayi, Their 28 year old friendship was ignored by Probate Court Judge Bean who ruled in favor of Dr. Head's estranged sister's. One sister could not identify Head, in a picture shown while under oath.

By Tanya Dennis

Part 5                         

In a shocking miscarriage of justice, a California probate judge issued a Statement of Decision on March 28 riddled with numerous documented errors that invalidated the estate plan of esteemed Black Studies professor Dr. Laura Dean Head.

The ruling from the Alameda County Superior Court’s probate division in Berkeley has sparked outrage from advocates for probate reform, community members and civil rights activists, who say the decision reflects deep flaws in the probate system, blatant disregard for due process, and the wishes of the ancestors. Judge Sandra Bean’s ruling reflects a repeated outcome seen in Black and Brown communities.

Zakiya Folami Jendayi, beneficiary of Head’s estate, states that “The errors, ranging from misstatements of fact, omissions of critical evidence, and reliance on false arguments and testimony, formed the basis of Judge Sandra K. Bean’s ruling against me, Dr. Head’s previous student, mentee, sorority sister and long-time friend,and despite the fact that I was her chosen, power of attorney, Advanced Healthcare Directive agent, trustee, executor and sole beneficiary.”

Reading court transcripts, the most egregious violations according to Jendayi reveal a pivotal point in the ruling that rested on a letter from Dr. Stephan Sarafian of Kaiser Permanente, who misidentified Dr. Head as male, misstated the day, month, and year, and asserted Head lacked capacity.

Under cross-examination, he reversed his opinion and admitted under oath that he never conducted a mental evaluation, did not diagnose Dr. Head with incapacity, did not write the letter, and stated he merely signed it “in case it was needed in the future.”

Despite Sarafian’s perjury, on Oct. 17, 2024, the California Court of Appeal upheld the lower court decision that relied on Sarafian’s discredited letter to invalidate Dr. Head’s estate plan, ignored Jendayi’s requests to impeach his testimony and dismiss Sarafian’s testimony and letter that both the Kaiser Grievance Department and the Medical Board of California denounced.

In her ruling, Judge Bean agreed with the false argument by attorney Leahy, which alleged that Jendayi provided the names of the beneficiaries to Head’s estate attorney, Elaine Lee. Bean made this decision despite Lee’s sworn testimony that Dr. Head had met with her alone, behind closed doors, and made the independent decision to leave her estate to Jendayi.

According to court records, Judge Bean reversed the burden of proof in the undue influence claim before any of Jendayi’s witnesses testified, forcing Jendayi to disprove allegations that were never substantiated by witnesses or records.

Bean ruled: “Respondent took Dr. Head to her apartment where she assumed complete control of Dr. Head’s day-to-day care, medical care, and all aspects of her life.” Jendayi proved that statement was false.

Bean also ruled that Respondent controlled Dr. Head’s necessities of life, food, and hospice care, despite zero testimony or documentation supporting any of those claims.

The court reduced Jendayi’s role to “a friend who, at best, cared for Dr. Head during the final two months,” totally ignoring 28 years of friendship, testimony, evidence, letters of recommendation, emails, and medical records.

Exhibits confirming Dr. Head’s intent and capacity, including the discredited medical letter, Exhibit 90, were omitted or misrepresented in the judge’s final decision.

Jendayi says, “The injustice within the probate justice system is devastating, traumatizing and financially depleting. It’s nothing short of legalized crime!”

Jendayi is now appealing to the Supreme Court of the U.S. with a petition citing denial of due process, judicial misconduct, and systemic bias in probate courts.

Continue Reading

Bay Area

Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley Celebrates 90th Anniversary

Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., who has served as Progressive Missionary’s pastor since September 1977, said the church also delights in the fact that it has hosted only five pastors in its 90-year history, including Pastors James E. Moore, H. A. Green, F. Douglas Farrell, and Edward Stovall, who served for 37 years.

Published

on

Progressive Missionary Baptist Poster. Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., Pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley with his wife, Kay Frances Stuckey.
Progressive Missionary Baptist Poster. Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., Pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley with his wife, Kay Frances Stuckey.

By Oakland Post Staff

The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley is celebrating its 90th church anniversary on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at 3301 King Street in Berkeley.

Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., who has served as Progressive Missionary’s pastor since September 1977, said the church also delights in the fact that it has hosted only five pastors in its 90-year history, including Pastors James E. Moore, H. A. Green, F. Douglas Farrell, and Edward Stovall, who served for 37 years.

The celebration will feature Pastor Darnell Manuel of the Union Baptist Church in Vallejo as guest speaker, along with many other special presentations.

Those who wish to share in Progressive’s history can purchase a 100-page full-colored souvenir book for $25.

The church boasts a number of notable people who either regularly attended or became members of the church since its inception, including former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor, and one of the organizers of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Helen J. H. Stephens.

Pastor Stuckey often remarks how longevity flourishes at the church — it boasts 13 centenarians (people who have reached 100 years or more). Currently, it has one centenarian who is still surviving, Mrs. Dorothy Chambers, and 14 members who have reached 90 years or more.

Recently, on Feb.17, the pastor and his wife Kay Frances, celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.

Continue Reading

Activism

Faces Around the Bay: Author Karen Lewis Took the ‘Detour to Straight Street’

“My life has been a roller-coaster with an unlimited ride wristband! I was raised in Berkeley during the time of Ron Dellums, the Black Panthers, and People’s Park. I was a Hippie kid, my Auntie cut off all our hair so we could wear  the natural styles like her and Angela Davis.

Published

on

Karen Lewis. Courtesy photo.
Karen Lewis. Courtesy photo.

By Barbara Fluhrer

I met Karen Lewis on a park bench in Berkeley. She wrote her story on the spot.

“My life has been a roller-coaster with an unlimited ride wristband! I was raised in Berkeley during the time of Ron Dellums, the Black Panthers, and People’s Park. I was a Hippie kid, my Auntie cut off all our hair so we could wear  the natural styles like her and Angela Davis.

I got married young, then ended up getting divorced, raising two boys into men. After my divorce, I had a stroke that left me blind and paralyzed. I was homeless, lost in a fog with blurred vision.

Jesus healed me! I now have two beautiful grandkids. At 61, this age and this stage, I am finally free indeed. Our Lord Jesus Christ saved my soul. I now know how to be still. I lay at his feet. I surrender and just rest. My life and every step on my path have already been ordered. So, I have learned in this life…it’s nice to be nice. No stressing,  just blessings. Pray for the best and deal with the rest.

Nobody is perfect, so forgive quickly and love easily!”

Lewis’ book “Detour to Straight Street” is available on Amazon.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to receive news and updates from the Oakland Post

* indicates required

CHECK OUT THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE OAKLAND POST

ADVERTISEMENT

WORK FROM HOME

Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540

Facebook

Wayne Wilson, Public Affairs Campaign Manager, Caltrans
Activism1 day ago

Juneteenth: Celebrating Our History, Honoring Our Shared Spaces

Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook. Courtesy of Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. VanHook.
Activism1 day ago

OPINION: California’s Legislature Has the Wrong Prescription for the Affordability Crisis — Gov. Newsom’s Plan Hits the Mark

Shutterstock
Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌3 days ago

Air Quality Board Rejects Two Rules Written to Ban Gas Water Heaters and Furnaces

Uncategorized3 days ago

Oakland Housing and Community Development Department Awards $80.5 Million to Affordable Housing Developments

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

Tiguan’s AI Touchscreen & Gear Shift: VW Just Changed the Game! #2

Sly and the Family Stone play the Opera House in Bournemouth. Mojo review. Photo by Simon Fernandez.
#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

IN MEMORIAM: Legendary Funk Pioneer Sly Stone Dies at 82

U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12). File photo.
Activism3 days ago

Congress Says Yes to Rep. Simon’s Disability Hiring and Small Biz Support Bill

Dr. Head and Zakiya Jendayi, Their 28 year old friendship was ignored by Probate Court Judge Bean who ruled in favor of Dr. Head's estranged sister's. One sister could not identify Head, in a picture shown while under oath.
Activism3 days ago

The Case Against Probate: False Ruling Invalidates Black Professor’s Estate Plan, Ignoring 28-Year Relationship

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

PRESS ROOM: Clyburn on 10th Anniversary of Mother Emanuel AME Church Shooting in Charleston

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

Black Press, Shoppers Turn Up Heat on Target

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

PRESS ROOM: Local Students Attend PGA WORKS Beyond the Green at 71st KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

Israel and Iran! Will There be U.S. Involvement?

#NNPA BlackPress3 days ago

For the First Time in its 116 Year History, the NAACP Won’t invite the Sitting President to Their Annual Convention

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

PRESS ROOM: Juneteenth 2025: Chavis Urges America to Confront the Enduring Legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

#NNPA BlackPress4 days ago

Crypto, Golf, and Now Phones: Trump Cashes in on the White House

Trending

Copyright ©2021 Post News Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.