Image courtesy OaklandLocal.com 
Refund Oakland is launching a week of actions to call attention to the crises facing working families and local residents, who struggle with cuts to jobs and benefits and health-threatening deterioration in housing and neighborhoods. Oakland’s budget must protect housing, public services and education. The city of Oakland begins budget hearings to review Mayor Jean Quan’s proposed 2013-15 budget.
Here’s what’s happening:
Monday, May 20:
Noon: Sutter Nurses Strike – Noon Rally at Alta Bates Summit to support Sutter nurses on their 4th day of a 7 day strike to protect patient care, nursing standards, and fight Sutter’s unfair labor practices! Join nurses to tell Sutter, “Patients over Profits!
Tuesday, May 21:
Noon: Robin Hood Tax Fair: We’ll be kicking things off w/ a Robin Hood Tax Fair @ City Hall in downtown Oakland hosted by the California Nurses Association! The fair will start @ 15th and Clay – between City Hall and 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza. Join the festivities and show how you would use Wall Street’s dollars to pay for healthcare, education, jobs, housing, end climate change and HIV/AIDS, and for a secure retirement! Join Robin Hood and his merry men and women in your finest green attire, and support Oakland City Council’s Resolution to demand a Robin Hood Tax! www.robinhoodtax.org
4pm March to Local Banks: Prior to the Oakland City Council voting to pass a resolution in support of the National Robin Hood Tax, ACCE & 1021 will take our message to local banks then marching back to City Hall to deliver our message to City Council!
5:30 pm City Council Meeting: Residents, nurses, families impacted by the foreclosure & economic crisis and other supporters will be on hand to advocate for the Oakland City Council to pass a resolution in support of the National “Robin Hood” or Financial Transaction tax on long unregulated Wall St. profits
Wednesday, May 22:
4pm OUR Walmart Rally:Corporate giant Walmart continues to profit while Associates are left to make ends meet with poverty wages and part-time hours. Walmart is continuing to retaliate against Associates across the country who speak out for change, but it is time we let the company know that Bay Area working families deserve better! Join Members of OUR Walmart as we announce our RIDE FOR RESPECT to Walmart’s headquarters Wednesday, May 22 at 4pm at the Hegenberger Walmart. For more info, visit corporateactionnetwork.org
Thursday 5/23:
5pm Virtual Blight and Habitability Tour: Causa Justa::Just Cause will be holding an exhibit of substandard housing and neighborhood conditions at Frank Ogawa Plaza. The health of Oakland’s tenants and Oakland’s neighborhoods have to be prioritized. That means a fully funded Code Enforcement department that can respond to calls and address issues of habitability and blight.
6pm City Council Budget Hearing:
Residents, city workers, youth and housing advocates will converge upon the City of Oakland’s Thursday Budget Hearing to call for city leaders to reinvest in the city by standing up to Wall St. & Corporate Interests. Speakers also plan to emphasize the importance of promoting a budget that balances the need for public safety and preserving already decimated public services.
Friday 5/24:
4pm Stop Illegal Dumping: Residents fed up with blight and dumping on our streets will be calling on out-of-state garbage companies to fund a program to patrol illegal dumping hot spots (location and time TBA)
ORGANIZATIONS: Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, California Nurses Association, Causa Justa::Just Cause, IFPTE Local 21,OUR Walmart, Peralta Federation of Teachers, SEIU 1021