My SOUL was taken from me! . . . my Kia Soul
Hey Folx!
As some of you know, I recently moved back to Oakland after being away for 4 years. Not even a month in, my car was stolen. This certainly is triggering for me considering the same thing happened the week I was moving away. And I had just filled up my tank and gave it wash that night!
I love my Oakland, I really do! And these are the moments that make me sad and disappointed in my fellow Oaklanders who are unable to care for their community. This is not who we are, dagnabit! We gotta do better with each other!
After speaking with the police and the insurance company, I estimated the total cost whether or not they find the car: at minimum, I will be out of pocket $1500, which I don't have. If it is found, insurance will certainly cover costs, but if I want to replace things with factory parts, I have to come out of pocket for what they don't cover. Ideally I'd like to maintain the value of the vehicle, especially since it has low miles...hopefully, if they find it, the miles will not be racked up!
I know its just a car. But its also a life-line. It was my opportunity to take my dog and myself into nature since the neighbohood I live in isn't walkable. I had just started planning a road trip for the summer to visit friends. I only considered living in this neighborhood because the price was right for now and having the car would allow me to come and go without feeling unsafe on public transit when the evenings are dark when I get home from work. It also allowed me to get to work from East Oakland to West Berkeley. I am now trying to navigate how to commute without being a nuisance when asking for rides on those late nights; using rideshare services would cost me upwards of $22 each way. Taking public transit gives me a 2 hour commute each way and costs roughly $12 each way, which also means I need to pay for care for my dog since that makes for a long day for her to be inside.
The thought of possibly getting the car back and knowing people I don't know were in it doing who knows what is a tad repulsive. And at the same time, I know I have the "medicine" to douse out that energy. And I have plently of folks who would help with that!
I would more than appreciate any financial donations you can make to help me recover the costs this debaucle is already creating. If that's not possible, rides to the grocery store or work are also very much appreciated! If you can take the time to meet and greet my pup and take her for walks, we'd most definitely love that! We're not far from some easy hiking trails near the Oakland Zoo.
Please share widely! I will keep you all updated as things unfold!
In Gratitude,
Tina
