March 15, 2001
Contact: Geri Almanza 415-431-4210

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MISSION RESIDENTS RALLY AGAINST EVICTION OF LONG TIME NEIGHBORS

Mission District residents will be rallying on March 17 at 12:00 PM. noon at 868 Shotwell St., to protest the attempted evictions of their long-time neighbors the Marenco, Recinos, and Barbarosa families. The families received a three day eviction notice from Jim Khorge, their landlord, citing them for "too much foot traffic, noise, and damage to the property" ordering them to vacate the residence where they have been living for the past 9 years.

The rally will begin at 868 Shotwell St. near 23rd. The event will also consist of a small march that will make a couple of stops at two businesses owned by Mr. Khorge - a check cashing place on 24th. & Shotwell and a liquor store on 24th and Folsom. The community is being urged to boycott these business until Mr. Khorge rescinds his eviction.

The families and their neighbors deny the validity of the complaints cited in the eviction notice. According to Juan Recinos, " We have lived here for 9 years without a problem." This sentiment is supported by their neighbors who have turned out in large numbers at neighborhood meetings to show their support for the families and express their anger about evictions. Small business owner Carmen Ramirez said, "The charges are completely untrue. I have lived across the street from them for 6 years and have never had any complaints about them."

Board of Supervisors President Tom Ammiano will be on hand to show his support, as well many housing activists, community members and the Mission's youth drumming group Loco Bloco.

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People Organizing to Demand Environmental & Economic Rights (PODER)
474 Valencia Street #155
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-431-4210 (phone)
415-431-8525 (fax)
poder@igc.org (email)