Evictions, Ellis Act & the FTAA - April 20th in San Francisco

Evictions, Ellis Act and the FTAA – April 20th in San Francisco

They came in garbage bags as raincoats, umbrellas, plastic bags wrapped around cameras and some in just plain sweatshirts – but they came out. The march started at 3:30p.m. at Powell with two inspiring poems and signs, protesting the FTAA and evictions, being passed out.

Today’s march was organized by MAC and Just Act organizers, with peanut butter bagel sandwiches from SF Food Not bombs fueling the energy and of course the ever faithful sound system from Reclaim the Streets. The focus was on connecting issues like gentrification to the larger picture of free trade and economic globalization. This march was held in solidarity with actions happening in Quebec City and at the us/Mexican border close to San Diego.

Seven foot high cardboard houses were made with slogans on them like: No FTAA or Globalize Liberation not Corporate Power. These were carried as a couple hundred people marched up Powell street to John Wai’s house to "call him out." Wai is another S.F. slumlord putting profits before people. A rally was held in front of his apartment complex at 645 Stockton and ended with a loud chant of: "John Wai – Shame on you!" Neighbors sneaked a peek through blinds or half-open windows, and then the cardboard houses were left as a reminder for Wai.

The march headed back down town ended in a rally at Powell with a couple speakers – one youth organizer from the Mission who is currently fighting eviction, and then one man from Bolivia where they are fighting to keep their water safe from large corporations.