Help Jessi Replace her Nanner

Friends, Family, and Beautiful Strangers—

      As some of you may know, Jessi’s car was destroyed by a drunk driver this past Sunday morning.  He struck 2 parked cars outside her Oakland apartment, continued to damage them trying to drive away, and left the scene in a different vehicle with his own wrecked vehicle in the middle of the street.  It took several hours for Oakland PD to arrive and in the interim he even returned and cleared his possessions from his vehicle. He has apparently reported his vehicle stolen after the fact and denies involvement, despite showing an apparent history of extensive fraudulent behavior with his insurance. This is baffling the other agencies involved.  We just found out that his company claims he has no coverage.  The police report was made by an officer who showed up hours later and apparently did not go to the address of the driver only three blocks away. It looks like her only recourse would be a trip to small claims court after the New Year.

    As you know, Jessi is one of the sweetest, most kindhearted people you could ever meet.  She’s recently been working very hard to carve out a life of creativity and independence in the Bay Area. It’s been a long road creating a home, continuing her education, working self-employed as a woman in a male-dominated builder’s trade, and establishing her own workspace. Reliable transportation is key in her ability to do her work, grow her business and continue learning her craft. That has been abruptly taken from her.

    Jessi’s car - affectionately named the Black Banana, or more commonly, the ‘Nanner - was the first car she’s ever owned. She took very good care of this classic Toyota and invested $2,300 in maintenance and repairs just 4 weeks ago. Even if the blue book value is eventually recouped, it will be far less than what she has invested or the disruptions to her work in the interim. Funds raised here would help with the unexpected immediate expenses – renting a short-term replacement, towing and storage while waiting for appraisal.   At this point it seems unlikely that insurance will cover anything without extensive legal action. Jessi was aware that she would need to invest in a more capable work vehicle in the upcoming year, and it would be amazing if this unexpected purchase she now needs to make could be an upgrade from the precious lil ‘Nanner lost in the night.

    Now Jessi’s quite shy about asking for help. She’s very much aware of all the struggle and injustice in the world and she wouldn’t ask for this.  As her friend I know how much she gives and how hard she works. While the past year has been rife with challenges for Jessi (much like everyone else), this event feels like a cosmic slap in the face. This is really in danger of taking the wind out of her sails. I ask those who are able to show her the power of kindness. She could really use virtual hugs and the support of her community. Even if you can’t donate money, I’m sure she’d love to just hear from her friends and be told what a great job she’s doin’. If this isn’t your preferred format, you’re welcome to donate directly through her Paypal/Venmo. Likewise, if you’re reading this and aren't able to send good energy her way, or feel there are other places that need it more, why not use this post to inspire you to do some extra good somewhere out there in the world? Be the change! 

                                                           Thanks for your consideration, Christian

Paypal: [email redacted]

Venmo: @JessEberlin