A backlog of unprocessed disability claims in the Oakland Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has led military veterans to call on congressional leaders for assistance to obtain benefits.

Community advocates came together to participate in a panel discussion focused on the link between healthy and affordable housing in downtown Oakland on Friday. East Bay Housing Organizations’ 16th Annual Affordable Housing Week began last Friday with a kick-off celebration at Uptown Body and Fender. This year’s event, entitled “Affordable Housing: Building A Movement,” offered a weeklong series of more than 16 presentations, tours and discussions about the benefits and successes of affordable housing in the East Bay area. As…