Ellis Victims Disrupt Eviction Lawyers’ Luncheon

Nine tenant activists showed up to object to this one-sided panel, which included only speakers in favor of Ellis Act evictions. We waited patiently through Sirken’s presentation, but when Zacks took the microphone, Jose Morales (who just received an Ellis Act notice) could stand it no longer.

Morales walked through the crowd right up to Zacks, clutching his “STOP ELLIS ACT EVICTIONS” sign. He told the attendees about the reality of these evictions, reminding them that seniors across San Francisco are being evicted through Ellis Act evictions. He continued walking through the audience, holding his sign and preaching to his reluctant congregation.

Noting with disgust that there wasn’t a single tenant advocate on this supposedly “educational” panel about the Ellis Act, I commented that “even Bill O’Reilly puts a token liberal on his show.”

One tenant being Ellised by Zacks observed that these lawyers had a personal financial stake in these evictions, not just as lawyers, but as owners themselves of the buildings. Another tenant being Ellised told the crowd to open their ears and to listen to all sides of the issue.

Tenant activists began chanting “hey hey, ho ho, the Ellis Act has got to go.” Zacks was drowned out by the noise and sat back down.

John O’Reilly, a real estate lawyer and the chair of BASF’s Real Property section rushed over and asked Raquel Fox of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, “why are you doing this?” Fox responded, “why are YOU doing this?”

Security was called. Protesters continued to speak to the captive audience, exposing the bias of this panel and highlighting the devastating effects of mass evictions in San Francisco. Conversation at the tables got louder. This quiet, orderly gathering of lawyers had turned to chaos.

Finally, security showed up in large numbers. Protesters left slowly and peacefully, but their point was made. Those who expected a quiet “how-to” seminar on making money through evictions learned that real people who are affected by these evictions will stand up for themselves.

After leaving the building, disabled tenant Esterlita Santa Cruz said, “That felt good.” My guess is she’ll be at the next protest.