A crowd of 100 people rallied and marched to Vanguard Properties on April 3 in the Mission District, to protest the potential Ellis Act eviction of San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) music teacher, and long time resident, Benito Santiago.
Other organizations that participated were the Senior and Disability Action, Eviction Free San Francisco, and the Housing Rights Committee.
“What do we want? No evictions! When do we want it? Now!” were the words chanted, along the rhythm of Benito Santiago’s drum beat.
Through phone calls and letters, participants hoped to meet property owner Michael Harrison in person during the march to demand a stop to Santiago’s eviction. Upon arrival a sign on the door read, “Closed due to protest, please use entrance on 21st Street.”
Teachers, seniors and people with disabilities were often portrayed during the rally as the community members that are most vulnerable to the Ellis Act, the California law that gives landlords the right to evict their tenants by “going out of business.” It is common that once evicted, properties would be converted into Tenants in Common (TICs) condominiums for an investment.
According to a report by the city’s budget and legislative analyst, requested by Supervisor David Campos, Ellis Act evictions rose 170 percent from March 2010 to February 2013.
A letter read aloud by Tony Robles and Theresa Imperio of the Manilatown Heritage Foundation that was addressed to Harrison, described the city’s diminishing community and culture due to the eviction epidemic. They also demanded to rescind the eviction of Santiago.
Although offered a $24,000 buy-out, Santiago, who is 63, said that he has invested too much San Francisco and in his apartment of 37 years, refusing the offer in hopes of inspiring others to fight against evictions.
While no appearance was made by the property owner, Eviction Free San Francisco founder Erin McElroy announced that they will continue to rally on April 11 for a total of four SFUSD teachers who are facing eviction.
Santiago continues to teach music to developmentally disabled children through the SFUSD.