Help rebuild The Cave Dance Studio
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Hey everyone, thank you so much for taking the time to read this and donate to our cause. Unfortunately a few weeks ago the city of fremont emailed us stating that they were “unaware” that there was a dance studio running in our location. Even though we have a business license issued by the city of Fremont, which has been approved twice. This license also states the studios address and business type. After having a meeting with the city, they informed us that we have to relocate and that they can help by confirming wether the next space we move into is adequate for a studio. They agreed that we can continue using the studio until we find a new space to relocate to. After this meeting they told us they had to send an official citation notice, but not to worry because what we spoke about in the meeting still stands. The citation would just be for protocol. However when the landlord received the citation he was quick to address it. He got on the phone with Ere (co owner of the studio) and told her that the lease is officially dissolved and that we have to continue paying rent until we leave. Although that wasn’t ideal, we had to accept his terms. Relocating with absolutely no financial compensation was a very tough realization to come to. We had already invested about 60000 to the space to build a dance studio. We have only had the studio for a little more than a year, and the studio was still not making enough profit to pay its own rent. Neither the city or the landlord are doing anything to help us financially. We had placed our savings and everything we could into The Cave. Sadly, just as we began to discuss our next steps, we discover a letter in the studio. Once opened we realize its a three day notice to vacate from our landlord. Caught completely by surprise and with hopes to see if there’s a chance to fight it, we visit a lawyer on the “third day” (last day given). The lawyer confirms that there is nothing that can be done. If we chose to stay the landlord is in his right to sew us, and this can hinder our chances to be accepted by other landlords in the future when relocating. Shortly after receiving this information, we rush from the lawyers office to the studio to vacate it. The flooring and the mirrors had to stay because it is now considered part of the landlords property. We are sad to say that we are now closed. As a young business owner just trying to provide a safe space for my community, this has been very hard for me mentally and has really opened my eyes to how cruel business can be. I refuse to give up, I will keep fighting for a safe space and representation for my community. The Cave has been a home for so many and we have full intentions to rebuild. If you believe in what we do and find yourself in a position to donate and help us, it would be very appreciated. If you would like to know more about the situation in detail please check out our video on the studios instagram [email redacted]e.Dance.Studio thank you so much.
With love,
Itzel
With love,
Itzel
Organizer
Itzel Lara
Organizer
Fremont, CA