Asian seniors at Westlake Christian Terrace in Oakland live in fear facing daily violent attacks

(OAKLAND) Over 500 Asian elderly tenants at the Westlake Christian Terrace in Oakland have lived in fear since July due to daily violent robberies and attacks. Asian community leaders weighed in to demand Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao take immediate actions to protect them.

Oakland community leader Carl Chan and the Asian Justice Movement attorney Charles Jung called for a press conference on July 30 at the senior housing complex and joined the elderly tenants making public pleas for more protections from the City of Oakland.

Nearly 30 violent attacks and robberies have occurred within the proximate area of Westlake Christian Terrace which is located at 28th Street in Downtown Oakland, and over 15 of the victims are from Westlake Christian Terrace, including 14 Asian Americans, according to Asian Justice Movement.

"All citizens of Oakland deserve to live in safety. In particular, crime targeting the most vulnerable in our community is unacceptable. We demand that you explain in detail your plans for ensuring the safety of the residents of Westlake Christian Terrace," Asian Justice Movement wrote in an open letter to Mayor Thao on July 19.

Charles Jung, an attorney representing Asian Justice Movement, said they received a reply from Thao only and no further details have been provided.

Thao responded to Wind Newspaper's inquiry and stated, “This is completely unacceptable. Everyone has a right to safety in their communities and in their homes and it’s our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us, including our elderly residents."

"I’m grateful to the Oakland Police Department (OPD) officers who have made 7 arrests and charged 3 individuals, thanks in part to people who have reported their crimes," Thao said in the statement. "OPD has increased both foot and car patrols near the building and are keeping officers in the area during downtime in between their calls to maintain a presence. When possible, we advise elderly residents to walk in groups.”

According to the updates released by the Oakland Police Department, about 20-25 victims filed police reports related to the attacks and robberies occurring at the Westlake Christian Terrace area. 7 juveniles were arrested, 3 of whom were charged. All suspects who were arrested are minors.

Sister Marie Taylor, Westlake Christian Terrace Resident Council (WCTRC) President, said the perpetrators who attacked and robbed the elderly tenants committed the crime in groups with vehicles fleeing from the scene. Some were African Americans, while another group was of Vietnamese descent.

There are two high rise senior housing facilities, East and West Towers, within the Westlake Christian Terrace West complex. The East Tower was built in 1968, while the West Tower in 1976, to address the need for affordable senior housing. There are 200 apartment units in each tower. Most of the 500 tenants are Chinese and Asian Americans.

Taylor said the crime surrounding the Westlake towers did happen in the past, but not as bad as the latest situation since July. Sometimes three to four attacks occurred one after another in a single day in broad daylight.

Almost all victims in the related attacks and robberies were Asian elderly women. The crimes have become more and more violent. "When is the violence going to stop? Not only grabbing and kicking, now they are using a gun and intimidating to get what they want," said Taylor.

Maria Tsang who has lived at the facility for 20 years described what had happened to her 80-year-old neighbor recently. Tsang said her neighbor who could speak good English was assaulted when she went out for some food. The victim was very weak and told the suspect that she would give him all her money, but she was still pushed to the ground and assaulted.

Tsang said all her neighbors have lived in fear. "They have stopped all their activities. They are scared to go shopping, grocerying, and walk around this area" said Tsang.

"One day we all get old. We shouldn't be living in this condition," said Chun Chung, a tenant at the housing complex.

"They are supposed to be cared for and loved. Instead they are facing all these crimes. Our government has to do something," said Carl Chan who proposed a number of solutions on the crime situation.

Chan suggested more law enforcement agencies, the Alameda Sheriff Department and BART Police Department, joined Oakland Police Department and California Highway Patrol (CHP) to patrol the senior housing complex for more police presence.

Chan also asked for more resources from Alameda County and a free daily shuttle service for the tenants.

In the open letter to Mayor Thao, Asian Justice Movement requested a permanent placement of police vehicles at the locations where residents are targeted by crime, including 27th and Valdez and 28th and Valdez.

“Asian Americans have been disproportionately targeted for violence. It’s time for public officials to take ownership and responsibility for protecting the vulnerable elders in our community,” said Charles Jung of the Asian Justice Movement.