Originally posted on Land Action's Facebook page | October 26, 2017
Disappointing news today. The sheriff came this morning to our proof-of-concept collective micro-farm at 3700 West to evict and change the locks on the gate. The garden had been actively growing food and the small home happily habitated for close to a decade.
The parcel itself was one of Oakland's most tax encumbered properties with a bill of back taxes, liens and other fines owed adding up to ~$650k. But somehow, while we were told the county would not accept partial payment of back taxes when we went to pay the last 4 years owed, a private speculator at the tax auction was allowed to buy the parcel for a bid of $60k. Far shy of what they were trying to make us pay to save our micro-farm.
This is a new move for the county, letting tax defaulted property go at auction to private bidders for faaaar less than what is owed. 3700 West had been untouched at the tax auction for probably close to two decades. I feel this does not bode well for the practice of adverse possession in this county.
It's time to dig in deep at our other micro-
farms and gardens!!!!
