Pastor Preston's ministry is on the streets where he encourages others he meets. He lives in a tent at 15th and Webster. Preston earns some cash watching cars in the evening. He is concerned about what he believes is Oakland's history of misuse of federal funds (such as for enterprise zones) over the years, the city's weak retail base, a lack of affordable housing, and gentrification as tech companies come to the city. His shopping cart has an upside down American flag so that people will stop and ask him about it. While he's patriotic, he believes America is upside down right now, "We have lots of problems and issues." (July 2017)
Shaun, at one of Oakland's many homeless encampments, worked for an airline company in SF for nearly 20 years. He is a 3rd degree black belt Tae Kwon Do; has suffered from unknown sources of seizures recently, but is focused on helping others, including Marlon, who has mental health issues. Tattoos represent moments from his life, this one is for twin daughters who died shortly after birth.
Aquino was working very hard to find a new job when I noticed that she was walking into store after store on Market St. in S.F. She told me that she has a background in marketing and social media. She has two young girls and recently moved to S.F. from the Northwest. She admitted that finding a job is difficult, but she is optimistic.
Richard is homeless currently. He is from Ohio and had been in Oakland just a few months when we spoke in March (2017). He says that he is managing pretty well, reading the scriptures out loud here along MLK Way and finding "hope" in spite of it all.
Lin works in St. Helena and grew up in the shadow of the Walt Disney Studios, Burbank, Calif., where her mother, Cecile, was one of a few select, career waitresses in his private dining room, the Coral Room. There, only Walt's invited guests, executives, and “A” listers dined. Although she regrets throwing away stacks of original Disney animation cels, when she was 18, Lin has a special place in her heart for Mr. Disney because he cared for her family after her father and mother were in a serious auto accident on their way to Las Vegas in October 1963. Injuries left Lin's mom quadriplegic. Mr. Disney arranged for Cecile to be at a hospital close to their home and that permitted the children to visit. He sent over a car full of Christmas gifts and provided lifetime access to Disneyland. Though Cecile had been employed for only six years, Disney provided benefits for a 25-year employee. Cecile modeled some and was a gardener before her injuries. Lin fondly recalls her mother's one-of-a-kind style and grace as vividly as her beautiful red hair.
Soft spoken, thoughtful, David, 61, has lived just off San Pablo Ave., most of his life. Originally, this was his grandfather's house, and he lives with his mother now. He is retired from Oak Knoll Naval Hospital. His wife died of cancer recently, which has been difficult. He has fond memories of driving around town in a pickup with his grandfather to plumbing jobs. Before retiring, he was devoted to an after school youth sports program that he helped found and run for 17 years. One of the kids was Portland Trailblazer Damian Lillard (2012 NBA rookie of the year). His uncle Burl Toler was the first professional black referee in the NFL.
Pocahontas was on her bike on San Pablo Ave. and told me that she is Cherokee, originally from Minnesota, living recently in Florida, and now caring for her 98-yr. old mother with Alzheimers.
Raymond believes in the power of love, works in his West Oakland community, helps bring people together, and supports men focusing on their spiritual lives. He believes God's great gift to us is "choice." He is concerned about gentrification and the lack of concern that companies extend to existing West Oakland residents.