New Latino Group Aiming for Day Labor Center in Petaluma
Center would offer English classes, trades workshops and serve as a community hub for Latino workers
Photos
After hitting an impasse more than five years ago, a group of residents has revived the idea of building a day labor center in Petaluma, a place where workers could access basic health services, take English classes or learn skills that would keep them safe on the job.
The people behind the effort are members of the city’s first nonprofit organization devoted entirely to Latino issues, a group called PLACE, which stands for Petaluma Latinos Active in Civic Engagement and which began meeting late last year. The group's mission is to promote civic and social engagement of Latinos in the community.
“What we are trying to do (with the day labor center) is create is a place where people can feel connected to one another and not feel like they are all alone,” said Gloria McCallister, a PLACE member who also works as a private Spanish tutor. “What many people don’t realize is these people don’t want to leave their countries, but they are being forced to by economic necessity.”
The exact number of day laborers in Petaluma is not known, but PLACE members say it’s clear there is a big need. Day laborers who are injured on the job or not paid have no recourse against the employer.
In addition, day laborers, or jornaleros, as they are called in Spanish, have nowhere to relieve themselves, are taunted and yelled at by passing motorists and have no protection from the elements.
"One time, some kids drove by and started shooting pellet guns at us," said Juan Luis Angeles, 36, a day laborer originally from Hidalgo, Mexico. "Other times, people scream at us and tell us to go back home."
But above all else, day laborers say a center would provide a secure place to wait for work, without being told to move on by the police. It would also protect people from the elements, say PLACE activists.
“It’s really immoral to see those workers in cold weather, drenched by the rain or waiting in the heat and not do something about it,” said Donna Shearer, a Petaluma resident and professor at Sonoma State University’s OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute.
Even before she teamed up with the fledgling Latino nonprofit, Shearer saw the importance of building a hiring hall for day laborers. She visited centers in Graton and Healdsburg and was impressed by the programs offered, such as English classes and workshops that improve workers’ skills. At Graton, there is even a coffee cooperative that works with a local company to import coffee from Oaxaca, Mexico, which is served at the center.
A hot cup of coffee and a place to congregate can go a long way for building community, says Israel Escudero, a Latino activist originally from Mexico. So do classes that utilize time otherwise spent just waiting around to learn new skills.
“We will need volunteers to teach workers how to properly use tools,” Escudero said. “We have people going out on projects and hurting themselves because they don’t know how to use the equipment.”
A similar effort in 2005 to build a day labor center floundered after organizers could not build enough momentum for the project. This time, they’ve learned their lesson, said Teresa Lopez, another PLACE member and the daughter of Mexican immigrants.
Organizers have began outreach to the community and are seeking partners to collaborate on various aspects of the center. They also want to make sure day laborers are included in the ongoing discussion, so that they are not only clients of the center, but active participants in its creation.
“It’s always been a dream of ours to have a hiring hall in Petaluma,” Lopez said. Perhaps this time around, the dream is poised to one day become reality.
Debbie Brooks
7:04 am on Monday, May 23, 2011
A wonderful idea - long overdue. I hope Petaluma residents and businesses gets on board with support to make this happen
Sandy D'Angelo
9:43 am on Monday, May 23, 2011
Where would the money come from for this? I don't have to pay anything for it. They say "they are being forced to by economic necessity.” How about Americans here? I'd say we are in a very bad economic situation.
Marlow Setervang
8:07 am on Monday, May 23, 2011
They want to build one in Napa too. They also want the tax payers to help and pitch in. But more important, we need to take care of our Senior Citizens that are here and neglected already. And not support special interests groups or nationalities. It's a very BAD IDEA. Nothing came free for me other than struggling and paying taxes like every other citizen here.
Tess Alsing
9:57 am on Monday, May 23, 2011
I'm not allowed to break the law in this country, even though I am a legal US citizen. I don't understand why people from other countries should be allowed to break the law and then be supported by the community for doing so. This would only encourage more illegal immigration (and not just from Mexico). I welcome immigrants wholeheratedly as long as they come here legally. But I just can't support people who break the laws of this country.
C Eber
10:48 am on Monday, May 23, 2011
A day laborer center is not just for immigrant labor. It can be for all who have no jobs and want to work, even for a day. And as I see it, there are quite a few in Petaluma who are unemployed and could use a support system like this.
Karina Ioffee
10:50 am on Monday, May 23, 2011
Great point, C.
John Cheney
11:07 am on Monday, May 23, 2011
JOHN CHENEY
There was a story of raising homeless, and without my help it would include my daughter's family. If you work as a illegal or hire some one that is here illeagallly, you should be arrested. They take jobs could be filled by a person here legally. It doesn't matter what race you are ,we need a hiring hall for people needing work.And check & verifiv every ones right to work. Also insure aliving wage, and health care if someone gets hurt. I 'm retired and would be more than willing to volueen. PLACE , Petaluma Latino Active-- are latinos the only ones that eat? If they open a work center without veriffing that eveyone there is legal I will be enfront with the largest picket sign I can make, rain or shine. Where do our unemployed and homeless go, into the sea? You cannot come to this country illeagally and work we must enforce the laws for eveyone and not allow our wage and jobs to be undercut by someone here illeagally.
Karina Ioffee
11:14 am on Monday, May 23, 2011
One of the points the organizers stress is that not all of the day laborers are undocumented. In fact, some have been here for decades and are permanent residents. Just something to keep in mind.
Bob Newkirk
8:51 pm on Monday, May 23, 2011
Karina, you replied that not all day laborers are undocumented. Yet the photo you used in the story are of Illegals. I went down as saw those same men and asked them to work with the requirement that they have legal status. They did not. As a matter of fact, I then asked all the others at the gas station and they all had no papers. That was 15 men all Illegal. So then I went to the other two popular hang outs in Petaluma and proposed the same thing. The results were the same, all were illegal. On top of this, they all wanted $20.00 per hour in cash. If you know where the Legal Laborers are, you should let us all know. As of my posting, I talked with a total 48 guys that all had no papers. This "Day Labor Center" does very much look like a plan to provide Illegals with a free place to hang out to get work to pay no taxes at the expense of the city, which is, in turn at expense of all of us. There are existing employment agencies and anyone with legal status is welcome and will most likely find a job.
Michelle
5:27 pm on Monday, May 23, 2011
I believe, if immigrants decided to change country due to economic reasons or not, they have to pay for it. I am an immigrant & let me tell this-it is not cheap. Nothing is for free & it is a lot of work. If they are here for decades why they don't speak English. Who will pay for the facility, education, health. I think, people who learned "how to properly use tools", didn't learned it for free. Who will take responsibility for the injuries, if it will happened at work? We already have free English classes & agencies & recruits for legals, we don't need "a hiring hall in Petaluma", unless who wants it will pay for it, & report to IRS about made money, & don't ask city for help - city doesn't produce anything and existing on our taxes. And how Latinos are different from other ethnic groups? Just by number of illegals, trying to get a free ride.
Marjorie Helm
11:36 pm on Monday, May 23, 2011
Thanks to Petaluma Patch for beginnig to show us the human face of immigration. Isn't it a truism (and true!) that we all come here from somewhere? Isn't it time that we recognize compassion as our shared humanity?
Michelle
8:07 am on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Yes, we all come here from somewhere. Marjorie, I don't know what generation of immigration you are and what is your LEGAL STATUS, but Americans came openly, honestly, accordingly to low of my country. Not snicking in. Do you know, after you just apply for green card, immigration officer will say- you have to start to work and PAY Taxes now, you have to learn English, if your child will fight in school, you'll be deported.... No one told me to go and get free education (except English for beginners), or free housing, or food stamps, etc. First of all, learn ENGLISH and a lot of doors will open for you. Now days, due to "politically correct' fear to offend someone, you have to learn Spanish to open those doors. So, my point is - illegal means against the low.
Second, don't mix Compassion and Life-time support on American's taxes expense.
Your local legal immigrant.
Bob Newkirk
9:02 am on Tuesday, July 12, 2011
That is right Susan, the Liberals and haters like Christopher are destroying America by supporting the draining of every cent available. Christopher has shown by his post that he is a racist of the worst kind. He supports everything illegal and defames all those that stand up for what is right and most importantly he defames everything American while blaming everything on everyone else. Typical liberal spew that is in fashion and will soon fade when the next election proves that the slime (liberals) that are less than 20% of America will once again have to crawl back under the moss cover rocks they oozed out from under to blaspheme the country that gave them the freedom to hate it. Christopher and his Flag burning cohorts will be ridiculed into obscurity. We all have that to look forward to.
Karina Ioffee
7:54 am on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
@Bob. Wow you interviewed 48 people and all told you their immigration status? In English or Spanish? If so, you are a thorough reporter and should come work for Patch. No, seriously, this tidbit came from PLACE organizers. I did not personaly ask each day laborer in Petaluma what their immigration status was.
Bob Newkirk
8:34 am on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Hi Karina, I do speak fluent Spanish and did not have to interview them, all I had to do was state that I needed workers but they must have legal papers to get paid. They all turned away time and again.
Some showed me fake Social Security Cards and three showed fake CA drivers licenses. Six, showed out of state licenses that I could not verify, but did not look real and they did not know their own info on the cards. In all, I was talking and being social and humerus with them. Telling them that my boss gave me the rule and I could get fired. Very often, they said that if I returned they could get another persons papers to use and my boss would not know the difference. None were offended with me. They did not appreciate my boss, haha. None of them wanted taxes taken out of their $20.00 per hour pay and all wanted cash. I asked every now and then, when the conversation lead to it: "Where do you live." I was surprised to learn that Petaluma's Low Income Housing across the street from Golden Eagle Shopping Center is home as well as several other locations. So, not only are they working only for cash, they are living in subsidized housing at tax payer expense while being here illegally. They were all nice to me, though disappointed at not qualifying for work that day. It took me all of a little more than three hours to talk to 48 people. I wanted to put a face to the story and it could have gone any direction. However, it only went one way.
Karina Ioffee
9:05 am on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Marlow Setervang
11:26 am on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Please everyone. In observance of Memorial Day, (AKA Decoration Day) Set out the United States of America flag and also the California Bear Flag in Memory of Soldiers that gave up their life for us citizens. Any other foreign flag should be considered "Treason" and disrespect to our dead.
My dad came to Ellis Island to immigrate. Requirements were Must Speak English, and hold his hand on the Bible and swear not to be a Burden to our Country. Also my grand parents and my wife also immigrated legally. They didn't break the law the first thing they did coming here.
Have a safe Holliday.
Michelle
3:14 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Thank you Marlow! I wish we have more patriots like you.
Bob Newkirk
9:36 am on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Christoper, your use of the word "Illegal" is inflammatory at best. In the current world in which we live the "Illegal" immigrant problem is one that consists of millions of peoples that DO NOT pay taxes in regards to wages, which includes payments to the government, Social Security, Unemployment insurance and others. They do however have assisted living, food stamps, free clinics, free school and a host of other free support services that are ALL paid for by the rest of the country via wage our taxes. These same immigrants, protest the American Flag and rejoice in not learning English or assimilating into the country that DOES support them. Are you saying you mother was one of these people? You are saying your own mother came here, did not learn the language, did not pay her share of taxes, did not pay for her own medical bills which included having you. Your mother received a free apartment at other peoples expense and sent you to school knowing she paid nothing for your education while also receiving money for food purchases and a monthly check for your support. You your self then went onto schools at government support using Tax payers subsidies, grants and other cost advantages while not ever having put into the system? Then you went on to get your own free apartment in one of Petaluma's Low-e Income but newly built apartments and receive a monthly support check and you work for cash??? Ahh, I see, If this is the case, your comments make sense.
Bob Newkirk
7:16 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Christopher, just so you know, I don't for a minute believe your parents or their parents for that matter, believed that coming to America meant using the system to get the rest of the country to pay their bills and expenses. I do however believe they came here to BE Americans and worked all their lives to support themselves and the country that accepted them. They put INTO the system and did not take away from it. Your family was proud to be American and proud to be part of and contribute to this great country. They would be very concerned about todays immigrants that expect to be taken care of and whom have no interest in the Country Itself. The failure to see or understand the difference is where the system falls apart.
Ptown
10:46 am on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
First of all the "whiteys won't do these jobs" is really getting played out (it's actually prejudice). The fact is many middle class and higher Americans (regardless of color) won't do some work for low pay. Back to immigration, I don't see how one can dig their feet in on one side because of so many variables. Yes illegal immigrants do work that is needed and would be left unstaffed without them. On the other hand a Ca dl and social security card cost $100. Yes the Ca dl would not pass the police test, but it does pass the copy machine for employment test. So yes, jobs citizens seek are also being taken by illegal immigrants. I think building a shelter for the labor center is a good idea as long as all $ comes from private donations. I also think if classses are to be taught to the workers they should be paid by the workers ( they still have night english classes at PHS and Petaluma Adult School). Just think about Petaluma having all these free perks, others cities laborers from far and wide may flood Petaluma with a huge pool of a cheap workfore. In the end I'm just happy to have a good open relationship with our neighbors to the south. Can you imagine if a wall was put up 50 years ago or even today? Terrorists would be drooling for Mexicans never settling in the US and for the US and Mexico to have a hateful relationship.
Matteo
8:37 pm on Monday, July 11, 2011
Like if I said inner city people, often black folk, of similar age and gender are more inclined to stealing and shooting. That wouldn't be "prejudicial, based upon race, but a statement that reflects my own observations." I'm sure you'd agree chris.
also chris have you analyzed your need to bring race into your argument? So far I saw nationalities and illegal/legal immigration. No mention of brown/black/white etc before you did.
If you truly "believe social and economic class are far more relevant than race in this country, in determining who does which kind of labor" then why mention whites (which is a race).
You could very easily have said wealthier people are not very interested in planting our fields.
Devin Castles
6:46 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Illegal immigration is certainly a problem, but I think people greatly overestimate the adverse economic impact it has on this state and this country. Along with propping up industries like agriculture, there just isn't much evidence that illegal immigrants receive way more in benefits than they pay in sales taxes (not to mention that many illegal immigrants pay income taxes). Most services are government services are not available to undocumented people, so it is a bit confusing where people get the idea that illegal immigrants are a tremendous drain on the government spending and the economy.
If this is about economics, outrage at undocumented workers should be supplemented with actual evidence of the harm they are causing. If this is strictly a fairness issue, then we should be pushing for comprehensive federal immigration reform that includes a more workable path to citizenship (like we have had in the past) and less tolerance for companies that exploit undocumented workers.
As for patriotism, if it is unpatriotic to show any concern for undocumented immigrants, then it is probably time to tear down Lady Liberty and the motto resting at her feet.
Bob Newkirk
7:13 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Besides not having any factual information to support your theory and asking others to provide it for you, you have the wrong idea on the "motto' resting at her feet". this "motto" was in fact not included with the Statue of Liberty and had nothing to do with its representation at all. This "motto" was from a poem contest and was added as a plaque inside the base of the entry to the building under the statue and has not ever been on or at the foot of the statue. Outside of all this, the immigrants that came to America before and during the time of the statue, did so to create a better life by becoming American Citizens, learning English and assimilating into the country. All this while not being a burden on the country and not asking for or expecting any free services at the expense of the rest of the hard working people. Today's immigrants, expect and receive a vast array of services & subsidies that many (like you) pretend do not exist and must not cost anyone anything at all because, you personally did not write the check. That is not how the socioeconomic system works. Every cent taken in by any form of government come directly from those that pay Wage/Payroll taxes. Do you really want a posted list of the hundreds of millions of dollars that are in fact spent in support of the millions of Illegal immigrants or are you just playing around hoping that your story is accepted blindly?
Devin Castles
8:39 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 50 to 75 percent of unauthorized immigrants pay federal, state and local taxes. http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/87xx/doc8711/12-6-Immigration.pdf
Some immigrants pay no taxes and take advantage of certain services. I'm saying that in the aggregate, I don't think they are a drag on the economy, when you look at how many actually do pay money into programs they can't benefit from because they aren't citizens, the sales taxes they pay, and the jobs they fill. Now, it's still illegal regardless of its economic impact. But I'm curious why you think today's immigrants are so much less inclined to become US citizens and contribute to our country. Moreover, it seems like a day laborer center where they could improve skills and learn English would encourage them to become the kind of citizens you would like them to be. And my Lady Liberty comment was over the top anyway, so I'm glad you called me out on that.
Matteo
9:04 pm on Monday, July 11, 2011
Devin, I took a look at the pdf you posted. Here is an issue I found.
"Some studies estimated that states may collect more in
taxes from unauthorized immigrants than they spend to
provide education for children who are unauthorized
immigrants, but those studies do not include costs associated
with health care or law enforcement."
Here is an example:
"In 2006, the Missouri Budget Project estimated that
unauthorized immigrants paid between $29 million
and $57 million in state income, property, and excise
taxes.45 That organization estimated that the state
spent between $17.5 million and $32.6 million to
provide elementary and secondary education for
between 5,800 and 10,833 unauthorized immigrants.
Local districts incurred between $26.5 million and
$49.3 million in additional costs for educational
services."
Based on this study, illegal immigration costs more in benefits than it earns in taxes.
Do 50-75 percent of "all" unauthorized immigrants pay taxes or working or what is the parameter for unauthorized immigrants that pay taxes that you mention?
Bob Newkirk
10:00 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
We all tend to get wound up. That's why it good to talk about things. I do agree that many immigrants pay taxes such as sales tax. But much of what sales tax is, is that it goes to road, parks, polices, fire, schools and more. That is just a small part where the money comes from. I have a degree in Global Economics and tend to see the much bigger picture than the doe eyed youngster in line for his free school lunch. Its always hard to argue against that. That said, there is no such thing as an individual that can be used as the basis for an epidemic. By your statement you allow that the few that pay some taxes, overcompensate the many that do not. This is where the math meets the road. Mathematically, when you take the real collectible numbers and offset those with the expenditure against them, you have a negative number that is so powerful, if can not be denied. If America's financial condition was more like that of Switzerland, I would be inclined to support rampant spending to bring the huddled masses into the warm arms of the tax paying public pockets. Unlike Switzerland (that helps almost no-one and nobody seems to care) America is supporting 150 of 158 countries around the world and currently supporting 10% of the entire population of Mexico on top of its own calamities. It is far too easy for those that do not actually write these checks themselves to scream virulently about how many more checks need to be written. They have no concept of checks and balances.
Bob Newkirk
10:20 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Devin, I have to ask. Did you read the report on the site you sent?
Do you understand the full financial picture laid out in it? Even the preface lists: " Most available studies conclude that the unauthorized population pays less in state and local taxes than it costs state and local governments to provide services to that population". It goes to list examples of such costs and the numbers are staggering. Hundreds of millions of dollars. Where is it that you think this money comes from? The US Government is not business and has no income of its own. It is an organization that subsists solely on the back of you and I and every other working tax paying American. Using the ideology that the money is endless, it would only make sense that those that believe this must sit down, do the math, split up the few billion dollars in cost over runs that are being generated by Illegal immigration and they should start writing person checks to cover the cost of that which they decree if just. Until such a time as you start writing these checks for your share, you are saying that you are not responsible for that which you say everyone else is. What is wrong with that picture?
In regards to the work center, there are already programs, free English classes and employment agencies all at tax payers expense. Building a center for the purpose of the support and authorization of Illegal Immigrants to break the law and deride the wage earning system of the American economy is not good.
Realistic Petaluman
11:10 am on Thursday, May 26, 2011
Chris Fisher is a leader of the Petaluma Bounty Farm project, so keep that in mind when deciding which local groups deserve your volunteer time and/or charitable donations.
Karina Ioffee
12:57 pm on Thursday, May 26, 2011
Realtistic Petaluman, telling readers to not volunteer at a local organization because you disagree with someone's comments is absolutely inappropriate. If you continue with threats like this, you will be banned from this forum.
Christopher Fisher
12:22 pm on Thursday, May 26, 2011
I am not a leader of the Petaluma Bounty Farm project. I am an occasional volunteer on the Bounty farm though. Apparently "Realistic Petaluman," was sufficiently upset by my commentary to ANONYMOUSLY threaten a local non profit farm who's sole purpose is to grow, give away and hopefully, on occasion, sell healthy and wonderful, locally grown food to people who need it. Yep, it sure takes a brave person to put on a pseudonym and throw threats around the web.
Neither the Petaluma Bounty non profit nor the Petaluma Bounty Community Farm espouse political views of any kind, much less agree with mine. My opinions are my own and I stand by them. They have been posted solely here, on Patch. And thanks to Patch for allowing the conversation.
If it really bothers "Realistic Petaluman," perhaps he or she would like to know the numerous other extraordinary local endeavors I donate time and/or money to, so that he or she can further refine his or her list of worthy groups, as I'm quite busy and always working on building a healthier, sustainable community: McNear Elementary School, Daily Acts, Rebuilding Petaluma Together, Save Shollenberger Park, the Butter & Egg Days Parade, the Petaluma Farmer's Market, COTS, the Aqus community, the River Heritage Center, Petaluma Tomorrow, the Peace & Justice Ctr of Sonoma County, and more. Would that I could do more, or that all of these orgs had a fraction of the resources the could use...
D. Shearer
6:55 pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
People interested in the Day Labor Initiative idea for Petaluma might want to check out The US Chamber of Commerce 12 page document that clarifies some common misunderstandings re immigrants (documented and undocumented) looking for work in the United States.. The web site is: www.uschamber.com/immigrationmythsfacts.pdf
Bob Newkirk
10:49 pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
U. S. Chamber of Commerce DEMANDS MORE ILLEGALS FOR MORE DEPRESSED WAGES as part of their propaganda. They use the entire population as a referral database in comparison to the affects of Illegal Immigration. Real data is when the demographics of the group itself are used as a shown percentage. Then those percentages are used as data references. The US Chamber of Commerce is misleading and reaching out to the uniformed. http://mexicanoccupation.blogspot.com/2011/05/u-s-chamber-of-commerce-demands-more.html
Christopher Fisher
1:32 pm on Sunday, June 5, 2011
Lots more on this subject in an article in yesterday's PD, here:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110604/WIRE/110609710/1350
Out of nearly a million seasonal workers in CA agriculture, nearly 800,000 are reported to be here illegally. That's an awful lot of folks putting food on our tables.
Christopher Fisher
10:36 am on Tuesday, July 12, 2011
This morning's comment is highly amusing, Bob. With all the bilious venom oozing from your comment I can't help but wonder if today's the day you chose to switch to decalf. But it becomes abundantly clear who is actually the "hater" among commenters here. I am attempting to further a conversation about immigration and other issues, while you've devolved from citing statistics to throwing personal insults and deliberate slanders at me. I do not hate anyone, not even people deliberately insulting me when they've run out of other means to score in a debate. But I'm not going to allow you to call me a racist and run. I do not tolerate discrimination of any kind in my household and teach my kids that we all bleed red blood and we all believe each other's poop is far stinkier than our own. Otherwise, we all have human rights and rights as citizens in this glorious republic that we must stand up for, and we all have to eat and drink to survive. Now, we must also collectively prepare for a far more difficult future for ensuing generations. Or we could follow your path and attempt to shout down people who don't agree with us. Discussing race as a factor in illegal immigration (and related issues) does not make me a racist, just someone willing to discuss difficult issues.
But the worst insult you've thrown at me is "liberal." Liberals and conservatives tend to be neither liberal nor conservative. They are simply flip sides of the same corporate party. And that really hurts, Bob. :(