Editor’s Note: The following information was sent to the People’s Tribune about the nationwide actions for Rent Control May, 20, 2025, and press conference today in Vallejo. “Last year, in Vallejo [and also in other cities] a homeless man was crushed to death by a city-operated backhoe during an encampment sweep late last year. The City has yet to take any action to guarantee the safety of homeless people, and the sweeps continue. Vallejo renters will gather in solidarity with renters in 17 cities across the nation [May 20] protesting the rise of corporate landlords and housing insecurity—to demand immediate rent control and just cause eviction protections in communities.”
From the Vallejo Justice Coalition:
This action is especially urgent in the wake of the tragic death of James Oakley II, an unhoused Vallejo resident who was crushed to death by a city-operated backhoe during an encampment sweep late last year. Despite widespread public outcry, the City of Vallejo has resumed encampment sweeps without implementing basic safety reforms. This press event uplifts James Oakley’s memory and calls for rent control and tenant protections as essential tools to prevent displacement and future tragedies.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday May 19, 2025
Contact: Cristal Gallegos, Director- Vallejo Housing Justice Coalition, 415-519-9121, cristal@righttothecity.orglease see below for briefing:
“Enough is Enough”: Vallejo Tenants Rally for Rent Control in Nationwide Housing Justice Movement
WHEN: Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 5:00 PM
WHERE: Vallejo City Hall (Steps), 555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, CA
WHO: Vallejo Housing Justice Coalition, tenant leaders, faith leaders, local allies, and housing justice groups from across the state. Visuals will include banners, signs, and testimony from impacted residents.
WHAT: Vallejo renters will gather—in solidarity with renters in 17 cities across the nation protesting the rise of corporate landlords and housing insecurity—to demand immediate rent control and just cause eviction protections which have been and continue to displace immigrants, people of color and working class communities.
The rally will honor James Oakley II, a Black unhoused resident killed by city equipment—a tragic symbol of Vallejo’s housing crisis and government inaction.
Demonstrators will call for rent caps, expanded rental assistance, and social housing investments while opposing HUD budget cuts and criminalization of homelessness. In DC, Representatives Ramirez and Tlaib will join a parallel Capitol rally.
Organized by the Vallejo Housing Justice Coalition as part of a national day of action with Popular Democracy, Right to the City Alliance, People’s Action Institute, VOCAL-US, and National Homelessness Law Center.
WHY:
- Stops displacement before it starts (which is important as our state continues to face an affordable housing and homelessness crisis)
- Shields our most vulnerable: seniors, families, disabled residents, workers, immigrants
- Breaks the cycle of corporate landlord profiteering
- Stabilizes communities while building permanent solutions
- Paves the way for housing that serves people
—
Cristál Gallegos, Project Director, Vallejo Housing Justice Coalition, 707-646-9150, 415-519-9121 (personal cell)
