This story from a recent Sunday Chronicle makes the island sound like such a paradise. Too bad there’s zero mention of the mold problem, which has been causing me breathing problems for nearly a year. Below is an email I sent to some of the Bay Area’s media, who didn’t really take an interest in the story (except for one conversation I had with a reporter from KRON.
———- Forwarded message ———-
Date: Tue, 7 May 2002 19:31:30 -0400 (EDT)
From: Gabe
To: ppodger@sfchronicle.com
Cc: vk@sfgate.com, 7oys@kgo-tv.com, 4listens@kron.com, gay@kron.com,
alerts@sfbg.com, john.mecklin@sfweekly.com, jmontes@sfexaminer.com,
ahampton@sfexaminer.com
Subject: mold problem on Treasure Island – health risks to residents
Dear Ms. Podger,
I left a voicemail for you this afternoon and thought I’d follow up with an email.
As a potentially related story to the one you wrote May 3 (“Evictions may be tied to mold woes”) – I received today from The Villages at Treasure Island (under management of John Stewart Leasing Co.) a letter and lease addendum regarding the mold problem here on the island. The addendum essentially transfers responsibility to residents and asks me to give up my rights by acknowledging the mold problem.
I have lived on Treasure Island for nearly 3 years and have developed asthma and an incessant cough since living here. I’ve known about the mold problem for quite some time (you can see it everywhere) and am angered that every time I’ve reported it, the leasing company hasn’t bothered to take it seriously. And now this.
I believe that others here on the island may have reported similar complaints and the John Stewart Co. would rather relieve us of our rights than do something to correct the problem.
I contacted the administrator of the leasing company here on the island today and asked what would happen if I refused to sign the addendum; he said he would have to check with legal department and get back to me. I’m certain that if I refuse to sign, I will be forced out of my lease. And I’m not willing to give up my rights.
Sincerely,
Gabe
