OAKLAND — The California Court of Appeals has denied the Oakland Housing Authority's bid to overturn a ruling favoring a group of Lockwood Gardens tenants accused of bribing their way up a lengthy public housing waiting list.

The housing authority had challenged a September ruling by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Winfred Smith, who dismissed arguments 34 families were in their apartments illegally.

"By challenging the judge's decision OHA was in essence calling our clients squatters and wanted to go around the law and put them on the street," said Robert Salinas, who represents several families. "It's a tremendous victory for the tenants."

Carolyn Wilson, a former clerk with the Oakland Housing Authority, is serving a one-year jail sentence and five years probation for pushing people to the top of the long public housing waiting list after accepting money for move-in costs. She recently was convicted of computer fraud and misappropriation of public funds.

In the wake of the criminal case against Wilson, the tenants also filed civil lawsuits against the housing authority, contesting allegations they paid money to housing officials for higher spots on the waiting lists. The tenants say they signed leases and were given keys to the apartments, but did nothing illegal to obtain their places.

According to authority spokesperson Bronwyn Hogan, filing the challenge was a way to see if the agency could move the case along.

"We are

prepared, however, to keep going at the regular pace of the proceedings," she said.

Chanteel Holoman and other tenants embroiled in the case said the court ruling last week just proves they did nothing wrong or fraudulent.

"I will fight to the end," she said. "I feel like I have a right to live in here (Lockwood Gardens) just like anyone else."

Many tenants said they are relieved to know they will not be evicted, but would like to see the issue resolved.

Tomisha Wade and her family have lived at Lockwood Gardens since 2005. Although she has been working with an attorney regarding the case, she worries she could still lose her housing.

"I won't feel secure about my housing until the case is over and I know for sure," she said.

In a related issue, the city of Oakland is expected to file a lawsuit today accusing the Oakland Housing Authority of failing to maintain and repair its properties and for poor management practices. The housing authority oversees more than 3,300 apartments in Oakland, of which

1,615 units do not have on-site managers.

The civil and criminal cases involving the management of public housing around the city have highlighted the intense demand for local affordable housing.

Currently, the housing authority can only provide units to one in every 11 families. About 14,000 families in Oakland receive public or Section 8 housing.