San Francisco renters took to the streets on May 31st to reclaim public space and call attention to the urgent need to protect tenants' rights in this ever-gentrifying city. The action was timed to raise awareness about the urgent need to stop Proposition 98 and save rent control in the June 3rd election.

Reclaim the Streets: Renters Rise Up! was organized by a collective of artists, teachers, tenants' rights activists, students, union organizers, and renters. The group gathered at Dolores Park in the Mission District and then festively proceeded through the streets of San Francisco, complete with music, performers, moving sound systems, spontaneous art, and dancing. Reclaim the Streets organizers did not obtain a permit for the action, because they believe that people should not need permission to use public space in San Francisco. Organizers say "Control of our neighborhoods should be in the hands of people who live in them, not high-paid developers, elite politicians, or hostile police. When we stand together, we can reclaim public space and fill it with art and celebration."

Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 | Announcement | ReclaimSF