Vandals burglarize Oakland health care service for low-income immigrants
By Angela Woodall

Posted: 07/20/2009 04:55:12 PM PDT
Updated: 07/20/2009 06:38:56 PM PDT


The Street Level Health Project was forced to turn away clients Monday after a weekend break-in that staff said was intended as retaliation for the Fruitvale District clinic's services to day laborers and other low-income immigrants.

The burglary happened Sunday sometime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., when it was discovered, clinic spokeswoman Kristen Cashmore said. The burglars stole a laptop, two desktop computers and digital equipment kept in the administrative offices of the building located at 2501 International Blvd., according to Cashmore. The thieves also vandalized furniture and computer equipment, she said.

The Street Level Health Project provides lunches, English classes, medical screening, health care referrals and other services to mainly low-income immigrants living in the Bay Area. The offices will remain closed until a police investigation has been finished.

In response to the incident, staff and community members gathered Monday afternoon outside the building. "We refuse to be threatened," Executive Director Laura Perez said.

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