Conserving 7th Street's History

We are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude by the turnout for Esther's Rock-breaking ceremony! Our gathering was a significant milestone, not just for EB PREC as we begin 12 months of construction on Esther's, but also for the history of 7th Street. The morning was filled with the sound of legacy residents exchanging stories and childhood memories connected to Esther's. Guests explored the hollowed interior of Esther's, taking in its shape and structure one last time before our rehab begins.

Food was catered by Michauxnée Olier, chef for Willows & Pine and great-granddaughter of the family who ran the historic restaurant, The Barn (pictured above with the tiled roof). We were also honored to receive an a capella performance by Miss Mechelle LaChaux who began her signing career at Esther's Orbit Room when she was 13 years old.

For a recap of the event, give Reo Eveleth's article in Coyote Media a read:

"Saturday’s event was one more step in EB PREC’s plan to revitalize not just Esther’s, but the whole area [as part of its 7th Street Thrives initiative]. That plan includes turning the space that previously housed The Barn into a museum and community center. And last week the organization received a two-year option that would allow them to purchase the empty 26,000-square-foot lot next door. Staff are already thinking about how to raise funds to buy the lot, and gathering ideas for the space — “it’s going to be community-led and community-owned, just like the rest of the block,” said Ojan Mobedshahi, EB PREC’s finance director.

When the speeches were done, Mobedshahi invited people up to take a crack at the wall, using provided hardhats, chisels, and hammers. Several in attendance jumped at the chance, including LaChaux, EB PREC investors, and local community members. “People with desk jobs love to hit things,” Mobedshahi joked. When the public had their fill, the work was taken up by a smaller group of volunteers with demolition experience."

Click the button below to read the Coyote Media Collective's full article, and consider subscribing to support their worker-owned journalism! We would also like to extend our appreciation to Soul Blends Coffee for providing the event with some much needed caffeine, and Reya Photography for capturing this significant moment for 7th Street and our cooperative. A very happy holidays from EB PREC, stay tuned for construction updates and more in the new year!

READ ARTICLE

Reviving 7th Street's Infrastructure

Report by Sabine Dabady, 7th Street Thrives Manager

Over the past two years, 7th Street Thrives has focused on documenting and improving basic infrastructure along the historic 7th Street corridor, beginning with widespread street-light outages first reported in 2023. Early efforts revealed how difficult it is to navigate the 311 system: verification requires nighttime checks, photos, clear geo-locations, and persistent follow-up, all compounded by missing pole labels, outdated maps, long delays, and cases where unresolved issues were marked “fixed.”

In 2024, the team also identified irregular trash pickup and a need for more public cans. Advocacy during that period led to six-day-a-week service and three new cans—an important win given that only 12 cans were added citywide that year. By late spring 2025, it remained unclear which lighting complaints had actually been resolved, prompting a fresh review and a more comprehensive approach. This work has now expanded into a full inventory of every street light and trash can along 7th Street, including mapping, photo documentation, evening field checks, 311 reporting, and coordination with multiple City of Oakland departments. Some repairs have taken weeks or even months, underscoring the need for sustained attention. Since then, work has expanded into a full inventory of every street light and trash can along 7th Street, including mapping, photo documentation, evening field checks, 311 reporting, and coordination with multiple City of Oakland departments.

To ensure every asset functions reliably, community participation will be essential. Are you interested in helping us map public infrastructure to support corridor safety in 2026? Email sabine@ebprec.org with “Lights” in the subject line!

Cheers to 7 years!

Report by Chris Wakefield, Cooperative Education & Engagement Manager

On a frigid Thursday night, EB PREC Owners gathered by the virtual Zoom fireplace for our annual All Member Meeting, hosted by our Organizing Circle. Over 30 Investor, Resident, Staff, and Community Owners participated in a year-end celebration, sharing programmatic aspirations, toasts for the new year, and a gift card raffle. Executive Director Noni Session set the stage by reflecting on EB PREC’s transformation over the last year; noting how the expansion of our Organizing and Property Management Circles, to filling long-awaited Maintenance and Real Estate Analyst positions, have queued up our Cooperative for a productive (and sustainable) 2026.

This most recent All Member Meeting marked seven years since EB PREC opened its membership to the public. What started with a handful of believers who understood the need to create #LandWithoutLandlords and build a #RestorativeEconomy, has blossomed into a a movement with hundreds of members and new PRECs sprouting across the country. We couldn't be more grateful for our community's support and what the next seven years hold for our movement. Interested in becoming a member? Visit our Membership page today!

Resident Ownership? What is it?

Ever wondered what it's like living on, co-stewarding, and co-owning EB PREC liberated land? We've got you covered with the launch of our FREE virtual Mini Workshops! Our first series covers "Resident Ownership", which is a unique housing cooperative structure created by EB PREC. Whether you’re already an EB PREC Resident/Resident Owner, or simply someone curious about what Resident Ownership looks like in practice, these workshops are a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of community wealth-building through our cooperative model.

We've published our first two videos with more to come, so be sure to subscribe to our youtube channel! Click the button below to view our playlist! You can learn more about resident ownership and current openings here, or by contacting our Residential Property Manager, Atif, at (510) 470-0060 or email atif@ebprec.org.

WATCH MINI-SERIES

We're hiring!

In 2024, our non-profit affiliate CALLI acquired 4799 Shattuck Ave. in North Oakland, aka Omni Commons. This 20,000 sqft building is a long-time community organizing hub and event space. The building has long-term non-profit tenants with office and meeting space, a vacant office and creative space that needs to be activated and leased up, as well as 7,000 sqft of event space across three separate rooms.

We are looking for a candidate to manage the property and community relations, with a strong commitment to our vision and mission, and the technical capacity to ensure this property operates smoothly and sustainably as a resource for the community into the future. Is that you? Click the button below to read the full job description. Know someone who might be a good fit? Please share this listing! To apply: submit your resume & a cover letter to info@ebprec.org with the subject line "Community Stewardship & Property Manager". Priority deadline is January 25th.

LEARN MORE

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Welcome Joty!

We're incredibly excited to welcome Joty to our team as our new Property Management Assistant! Joty is a lifelong Oakland resident and has been an active member of the EB PREC community for over two years. She brings a wealth of experience in community organizing, property management, and a deep commitment to our mission of Black land liberation. Welcome aboard, Joty!

Odds & Ends

MEMBERS CORNER:
It's time for EB PREC to elect (or re-elect) our Directors! If you're a member, please consider:

• Running for Board! 2 year term starts May. Open Seats: Governance Director, Financial Director, Community Director, Resident Director. Learn more & nominate yourself or someone else here: https://forms.gle/66ZDNfGGWAwXLS7f9
• Running our elections! Join our Joint Elections Committee. Stipend available. Email secretary@ebprec.org for more information.

VACANCIES: 
Interested in becoming a Resident Owner or know someone who might be? Check out these two cooperative housing opportunities below and share these listings with anyone who think might be a good fit!

• Coop 789 - available approx March 1-April 1; fill out screening form on our partner's website
• Pippin St - another unit becoming available approx Feb 1-March 1; fill out resident interest form. More info here.