Sit-in at Berkeley Redwood Gardens

Press Release: Sit-in at Berkeley Redwood Gardens

When: Mon. Oct.13, 1pm

Where: Redwood Gardens 2951 Derby St
            3rd floor lounge next to elevator

Contact info: Eleanor Walden
Redwood Gardens Residents’ Committee
Email: ewalden3 [at] comcast.net


Sit-in at Berkeley Redwood Gardens

Berkeley  -- Seniors and disabled residents of Redwood Gardens in
Berkeley are staging a sit-in on Mon. Oct. 13th at 1pm at 2951 Derby
St. 3rd floor south side next to elevator.

The senior and disabled residents at Redwood Gardens in Berkeley are
being treated in a manner that borders on abuse but certainly falls
into the category of violation of quality of life, disruption of the
peace and quiet of living quarters, invasion of privacy, as well as
intimidation and disrespect.


This HUD housing facility is owned and managed by CSI Cooperative
Corporation and their affiliate Redwood Gardens. Since the corporation
assumed management of this facility they have set about making changes
to completely remodel the facility, not only with negligible benefits
to the residents, but with adverse effects upon us.


We are mobilizing to protect ourselves against the continued assault
against our persons, homes, peace of mind, and safety.


There are several issues that effect most people in Redwood Gardens:

Garden area was dug up and residents were commanded to move their
plants or lose them; both of which already happened. Many plants and
heritage roses were lost or  damaged in the process. See coverage in

Berkeleyside:
http://www.berkeleyside.com/2014/10/09/at-berkeley-senior-home-concern-over-a-beloved-garden/


A much disputed laundry room is planned for the 3rd floor of the
building. The residents object to this on the grounds that a laundry
with heavy equipment is a danger in the event of an earthquake;
located on a 3rd floor of residential building is inappropriate when
washing machines are predictably subject to flooding and consequently
inundation of apartments beneath causing mold (one of the most potent
forms of pollution); and the disturbance of noise and vibration, and
chemical pollution in the living areas.


We were told that complete kitchen and bath remodeling will be made
but no time frame for rebuilding has been given.  We are being forced
to move everything out of our kitchens and bathrooms. The apartments
are very small, there is no space to store possessions out of the way
and all residents are of advanced age or disability with limited
income. To ask residents to do this work without pay amounts to slave
labor practices.


Access to the door of the north parking lot has been blocked with the
distinct  possibility that first responders: fire trucks, para-transit
vans, cars picking up or dropping off seniors will block the entrance.
Safety is at risk in any of these possible situations.


Recycling area was rebuilt with a surrounding redwood fence which
would be lovely except for the fact that it is so designed that fewer
recycle bins than previously are situated in the space and cannot
accommodate the material. The trash was spilling out the second day
after it was installed. Rats do not respect "keep out" signs.


In addition to these practical objections underneath all of the
so-called "improvements" is that the residents have not been consulted
on any of the changes. Notice of changes came down as fiat and the
residents used as slave labor to accomplish the corporate purpose of
CSI. Additionally, we are then insulted with patronizing letters
telling us that "it is all for our good" and any deviation from the
plan must be supported by a letter from the doctor.

Bottom line is that our quality of life has been completely disrupted
and their demands unreasonable. Our sit-in is an effort to bring about
a dialogue with the corporation in which we know our voices are being
heard and our integrity respected. We invite the media to come to
listen to our story on Mon. Oct. 13th, 1pm, 3rd floor Redwood Gardens
2951 Derby St. Berkeley.


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