Joan Cirillo

My name is Joan Cirillo, and I've lived in Mission Bay Mobile Home Park in San Leandro, California, for over 40 years. This place isn't just where I live—it's my history. My parents moved here first, and I came to take care of them. I was one of the youngest residents back then. Now, I'm one of the oldest. I never left because Mission Bay felt like home. I sold my house down south and stayed here because it was affordable, and because it gave me a sense of belonging.

Back then, Mission Bay was a vibrant community. We had exercise classes, card groups, social events—things that brought people together. It was a place where seniors could live with dignity and connection. But over the years, that's changed. The activities disappeared, and the cost of living skyrocketed. When my parents moved in, rent was $250. Today, it's over $1,000. More than half of my income goes straight to rent, which doesn't even include the extra fees and fines BSM Mobile Home Communities adds to our monthly bills.

BSM Mobile Home Communities owns my manufactured home and has owned Mission Bay for about 50 years. They also own 14 other parks in Northern California. I'm asking them to stop charging residents for personal use of the clubhouse. That space should be for us—it's supposed to be a community center, not a revenue stream. I'm also asking them to stop the excessive rent increases and to stop adding unnecessary fees and fines. These costs are hurting us, especially seniors on fixed incomes.

I'm not just speaking for myself. I'm speaking for every resident who feels the pressure, who's afraid they won't be able to stay in their home, who's watching their community fade away. That's why I'm working with Mission Bay Resident Association and MHAction to fight for changes to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance. We need protection. We need fairness. We need to make sure Mission Bay—and parks like it—remain places where people can live, not just survive.

I've lived here most of my life. I've seen what this community can be. And I'm not giving up on it. I'm standing up, speaking out, and doing everything I can to make sure future residents—especially seniors—have a chance to live with dignity, stability, and peace.