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Indybay Feature
Day Labor Program Urgent Update
1) Mayor Terminates Contract With SF Day Labor Program. 2) San Francisco Day Laborers To Demand Removal Of Captain Corrales at 3/26 Police Commission Hearing.
On March 7, 2003, La Raza Centro Legal, the non-profit agency that currently administers the San Francisco Day Labor Program received official notification from the office of Mayor Willie Brown that they will no longer receive funding from the City to continue their essential work. Despite the fact that La Raza has had demonstrated success in running the Program for the last three years, the contract was awarded to Volunteers of America (VOA), the only other bidder, an organization with no connection to the community in question, that has entirely failed to address the needs of the workers in Oakland, where it has been administering the local Day Labor Program. The funding which was denied to La Raza included the past due amount for running the program for the fiscal year of 2002-2003 (which includes services provided from July 2002 through present.) While La Raza pledges to continue running the Day Labor Program, that the City will default on expected funds, in addition to denying future sponsorship, is a major blow to an agency already facing severe economic hardships.
La Raza Centro Legal is filing an appeal of the decision on the basis of extreme bias within the Technical Review Committee process. Jennifer Friedenbach, a member of the six-person committee, stated in a letter of complaint to Ron Vincent of the Mayor’s office, “I have been a member of dozens of technical review panels for Department of Health Services, and Department of Public Health. I have never been a part of one that has been even close to being so blatantly biased and ‘rigged’.” While La Raza’s proposal included self-provision of a site for the program, a plan with demonstrated success in addressing workers’ needs (including housing, education, and healthcare), Volunteers of America expected the city to purchase a new building on its behalf and failed to offer any comprehensive plan to provided the necessary services. Furthermore the VOA’s utter lack of respect for and connection to the community in question was evident in its proposal to “educate day laborers on how to use the bathroom” and intension of “contacting the SPANISH consulate for cultural information.” VOA has openly collaborated with Oakland Police in their unjust harassment of Day Laborers, which includes forcibly removing them from the sidewalks where they await work. As Friedenbach concluded, “In my experienced opinion, there would be no way for VOA to get a higher score then La Raza, based on information provided in the proposals.”
In addition, Mexican American Legal Defense Fund is filing a lawsuit in Federal Court on behalf of La Raza Centro Legal against the Mayor and the City of San Francisco for violation of the agency’s First Amendment Rights to protest. The Mayor’s campaign against the program began after the laborers’ organized a demonstration last spring in response to escalated levels of repression by Mission neighborhood police officers. This treatment became more pronounced immediately following the appointment of Captain Greg Corrales to the Mission Police Station last year. Captain Corrales, who was recently indicted in connection with the SFPD cover-up scandal and remains under investigation, has spearheaded a campaign of repression against workers on Cesar Chavez Street. The harassment included officers forcing laborers from the sidewalks, citing employers who stopped their vehicles to pick up workers, and demanding that laborers exit employers vehicles. Several workers were even arrested for simply leaning against buildings on Cesar Chavez Street. Workers have filed reports with the Office of Citizen Complaints, and the Day Labor Program will be attending the Police Commission Hearing on Wednesday, March 26th at 5:30 PM to ask for the immediate dismissal of Captain Corrales from his current position. Public support is greatly appreciated. Contact Renee Saucedo at (415) 553-3404 for further information. Letters of concern can be sent to Mayor Willie Brown at: City Hall Room 336, 1 Dr. Carlton Goodlett Way, San Francisco, CA, 94102.
La Raza Centro Legal is filing an appeal of the decision on the basis of extreme bias within the Technical Review Committee process. Jennifer Friedenbach, a member of the six-person committee, stated in a letter of complaint to Ron Vincent of the Mayor’s office, “I have been a member of dozens of technical review panels for Department of Health Services, and Department of Public Health. I have never been a part of one that has been even close to being so blatantly biased and ‘rigged’.” While La Raza’s proposal included self-provision of a site for the program, a plan with demonstrated success in addressing workers’ needs (including housing, education, and healthcare), Volunteers of America expected the city to purchase a new building on its behalf and failed to offer any comprehensive plan to provided the necessary services. Furthermore the VOA’s utter lack of respect for and connection to the community in question was evident in its proposal to “educate day laborers on how to use the bathroom” and intension of “contacting the SPANISH consulate for cultural information.” VOA has openly collaborated with Oakland Police in their unjust harassment of Day Laborers, which includes forcibly removing them from the sidewalks where they await work. As Friedenbach concluded, “In my experienced opinion, there would be no way for VOA to get a higher score then La Raza, based on information provided in the proposals.”
In addition, Mexican American Legal Defense Fund is filing a lawsuit in Federal Court on behalf of La Raza Centro Legal against the Mayor and the City of San Francisco for violation of the agency’s First Amendment Rights to protest. The Mayor’s campaign against the program began after the laborers’ organized a demonstration last spring in response to escalated levels of repression by Mission neighborhood police officers. This treatment became more pronounced immediately following the appointment of Captain Greg Corrales to the Mission Police Station last year. Captain Corrales, who was recently indicted in connection with the SFPD cover-up scandal and remains under investigation, has spearheaded a campaign of repression against workers on Cesar Chavez Street. The harassment included officers forcing laborers from the sidewalks, citing employers who stopped their vehicles to pick up workers, and demanding that laborers exit employers vehicles. Several workers were even arrested for simply leaning against buildings on Cesar Chavez Street. Workers have filed reports with the Office of Citizen Complaints, and the Day Labor Program will be attending the Police Commission Hearing on Wednesday, March 26th at 5:30 PM to ask for the immediate dismissal of Captain Corrales from his current position. Public support is greatly appreciated. Contact Renee Saucedo at (415) 553-3404 for further information. Letters of concern can be sent to Mayor Willie Brown at: City Hall Room 336, 1 Dr. Carlton Goodlett Way, San Francisco, CA, 94102.
For more information:
http://www.sfdaylabor.org
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Finally the mayor and city have come to their sense that La Raza has done nothing for the Day Labor program except earning them the right to stand on the street to look for work like prostitutes. The space was to small that they were suppose to move into, Renee did nothing but push her own political agenda onto these workers. Instead of fighting for a space that would be large enough to shelter the workers and maybe some classes for the day laborer all Renee cared about was getting a small little office for herself up on "Cesar Chavez" street. With Bayshore so close and all the home repair shops and empty buildings that they could have moved into later this year, where contractors would have been able to pick them up with appropriate wide streets and restrooms could have been put in on INDUSTRIAL STREETS instead of trying to force workers onto residential streets. But all Renee cared about was herself, not the community she lived in and certainly not the workers. All she cared about was putting the workers on a street called "Cesar Chavez" because the supervisors decided to throw a bone to the Mexican/Americans. What has been accomplished by having the workers on Cesar Chavez , simple NOTHING. Did you expect Cesar Chavez to rise up and clean the feces and urine from peoples homes or get these workers jobs? Just like "Columbus St." does nothing for Italian/Americans. She deserves everything she's getting.
an actual Mission resident that live on 26th St.
an actual Mission resident that live on 26th St.
I like day laborers. They make a community out of the chasm that is Cesar Chavez. Of course, the police would rather keep a close eye on these people than to ticket speeders, red-light runners, etc. Children have been killed on Cesar Chavez and Potrero because the police and the DPT care more about keeping cars speeding along.
Unfortunately, poor people (e.g. day laborers)are seen as a danger instead of victims.
How sad that the City wants to punish the people who are trying to help.
Thank you Renee and all of the people who worked on this. Yes, with classes and support groups. What a shame that ignorant yahoos rallied behind Mayor Brown
Unfortunately, poor people (e.g. day laborers)are seen as a danger instead of victims.
How sad that the City wants to punish the people who are trying to help.
Thank you Renee and all of the people who worked on this. Yes, with classes and support groups. What a shame that ignorant yahoos rallied behind Mayor Brown
...they are more than welcome to go back to the countries they came from.
such shallow comments, "BBB and Protesters Stole..."
"protesters stole...", the pig department decides where to blow its cash, not the people. they wasted tons of money and resources on peole acting completely within their rights during these protests. use your brain. it's called o-v-e-r-t-i-m-e for doing nothing, a police department specialty.
as for day laborers going back to where they came from... how old are you? 10? grow up. this is supposed to be the USA, great country, protecter of all the poor and oppressed peoples, right?. we can spend billions of $$ on a war under the guise of helping people, but not a few grand on helping people who live here and are trying to make ends meet? you big hypocrite. does BBB stand for bush's butt boy or what?
and finally, rock on bikes not bombs. nice to know someone is paying attention. this is a shame. does anyone know what His Willieness' motives/reasons were for doing this? That little man is SO out of touch with the reality of the common man... it's disgusting.
"protesters stole...", the pig department decides where to blow its cash, not the people. they wasted tons of money and resources on peole acting completely within their rights during these protests. use your brain. it's called o-v-e-r-t-i-m-e for doing nothing, a police department specialty.
as for day laborers going back to where they came from... how old are you? 10? grow up. this is supposed to be the USA, great country, protecter of all the poor and oppressed peoples, right?. we can spend billions of $$ on a war under the guise of helping people, but not a few grand on helping people who live here and are trying to make ends meet? you big hypocrite. does BBB stand for bush's butt boy or what?
and finally, rock on bikes not bombs. nice to know someone is paying attention. this is a shame. does anyone know what His Willieness' motives/reasons were for doing this? That little man is SO out of touch with the reality of the common man... it's disgusting.
While America's high tech industry lays off thousands, Bush makes multibillion dollar contracts with high tech companies of the Zionist crusader state. Have you lost your job in the high tech industry? Moving to the poor side of town? Breaking up your kids from their friends? Well, don't worry. The polititians you keep voting for aren't loosing thier jobs and pensions. Plus, the Zionists give them $40 million dollars for thier campains out of the billions of dollars the polititians give them out of your taxes. Every thing is just fine. The Hebrews murdered the Canaanites for the land 3000 years ago, so they must have a "right" to murder Palestinians for the land over the last 60 plus years. And other alleged Christians were evil to other Jews, so to even things up a bit, todays alleged Christians must be permitted to finance the Zionist's collective efforts to destroy Palestine because they think it is good for thier souls. Chumps!
El Reportero
Vol. 13, Edition 5
April 2 - April 10, 2003
Number of Day Laborers rebel against Renee Saucedo
Workers express support for Capt. Corrales
by Fresia Rodríguez Cadavid
Day laborers Julio Arredondo (left) and Dindrako Zelaya speak before the Board of Supervisors
Photo by Jason Steinberg
The Day Labor Program of San Francisco, led by attorney Renee Saucedo, have held several protests against the police in the past two years, particularly Mission Station captain Greg Corrales, accusing officers of harrassment.
However, as Corrales remains indicted by a grand jury in connection with a brawl five months ago, a number of day laborers, who have voiced their opinions against him, are now supporting the captain.
As it would turn out, though, that support had consequences for the workers. While Saucedo and the day laborers went to a San Francisco Police Commission hearing on March 26, five of the workers spoke in favor of Corrales being reinstated if the charges are dropped.
According to one of the workers, Dindrako Zelaya, Saucedo attempted to get all the workers to sign a letter against Corrales to present at the hearing, but the five laborers refused.
Two days later, Zelaya said, they were kicked out of the program.
Also, according to Zelaya, Saucedo then accused the five men of being "traitors."
"I don't know Willie Brown, but she says, 'You are Willie Brown's spy,'" he said.
Zelaya, along with fellow worker Julio Arredondo, spoke against Saucedo at Tuesday afternoon's Board of Supervisors meeting, in which they said they were kicked out of the Day Labor Program "just because we are not in agreement with Renee Saucedo."
"Our fight in this country is not against the police," Zelaya said. "It's not against Captain Corrales. It's against unfair employers. She doesn't respect the freedom of speech."
Saucedo, on the other hand, said that the five men were kicked out as a result of a majority vote by the rest of the day laborers.
"(Workers getting fired) happens every day," she said.
The reason: because, according to Saucedo, "they've allied themselves with the neighbors who have decided that they want day laborers off of César Chávez Street."
When asked why those workers, who still look for work on that street, take sides with those who want the workers off the street, she said she doesn't know.
At the Police Commission hearing, a letter was given to the Police Commission last Wednesday afternoon with signatures from 50 workers requesting Corrales' removal from Mission Station, even if he is reinstated.
Meanwhile, a separate letter signed by 10 others, including Zelaya and Arredondo, was given to the commission, asking the organization to deny Saucedo's request to have Corrales removed.
"We have met with the captain and believe that he has our best interests in his heart," the letter read. "Without a doubt, we know that he supports the workers' right to find jobs."
Currently, the day laborers' job situation is in a sad state, according to the workers. The letter to the Police Commission said that day laborers only get "two to three hours of work every two to three weeks," and that Saucedo puts her political agenda before the need for workers to get jobs.
"In place of jobs, we are told to march against the police captain (Corrales)," the letter said. "The agency should be finding jobs for us. Instead, they fight to have the captain removed."
Mike Miller Quintana, who lives on César Chavez Street and talks to many of the workers, also said that Saucedo uses the program for her own political game.
"The purpose of the program is to get people jobs," Quintana said. "But it's really a political football. She's not interested in talking. She calls anybody who disagrees with her a racist.
"She doesn't know how to get them jobs," Quintana added. "That never even comes up with her."
The next Police Commission hearing is scheduled for Friday, April 4, with a number of Mission residents believing that Corrales will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the Day Labor Program has been officially given to the Volunteers of America, an Oakland-based organization. As a result, Saucedo, along with La Raza Centro Legal, has filed a lawsuit against the City of San Francisco, including Mayor Willie Brown and Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services representatives Ron Vinson and Sergio Canjura.
http://www.elreporterosf.com/news.shtml
Vol. 13, Edition 5
April 2 - April 10, 2003
Number of Day Laborers rebel against Renee Saucedo
Workers express support for Capt. Corrales
by Fresia Rodríguez Cadavid
Day laborers Julio Arredondo (left) and Dindrako Zelaya speak before the Board of Supervisors
Photo by Jason Steinberg
The Day Labor Program of San Francisco, led by attorney Renee Saucedo, have held several protests against the police in the past two years, particularly Mission Station captain Greg Corrales, accusing officers of harrassment.
However, as Corrales remains indicted by a grand jury in connection with a brawl five months ago, a number of day laborers, who have voiced their opinions against him, are now supporting the captain.
As it would turn out, though, that support had consequences for the workers. While Saucedo and the day laborers went to a San Francisco Police Commission hearing on March 26, five of the workers spoke in favor of Corrales being reinstated if the charges are dropped.
According to one of the workers, Dindrako Zelaya, Saucedo attempted to get all the workers to sign a letter against Corrales to present at the hearing, but the five laborers refused.
Two days later, Zelaya said, they were kicked out of the program.
Also, according to Zelaya, Saucedo then accused the five men of being "traitors."
"I don't know Willie Brown, but she says, 'You are Willie Brown's spy,'" he said.
Zelaya, along with fellow worker Julio Arredondo, spoke against Saucedo at Tuesday afternoon's Board of Supervisors meeting, in which they said they were kicked out of the Day Labor Program "just because we are not in agreement with Renee Saucedo."
"Our fight in this country is not against the police," Zelaya said. "It's not against Captain Corrales. It's against unfair employers. She doesn't respect the freedom of speech."
Saucedo, on the other hand, said that the five men were kicked out as a result of a majority vote by the rest of the day laborers.
"(Workers getting fired) happens every day," she said.
The reason: because, according to Saucedo, "they've allied themselves with the neighbors who have decided that they want day laborers off of César Chávez Street."
When asked why those workers, who still look for work on that street, take sides with those who want the workers off the street, she said she doesn't know.
At the Police Commission hearing, a letter was given to the Police Commission last Wednesday afternoon with signatures from 50 workers requesting Corrales' removal from Mission Station, even if he is reinstated.
Meanwhile, a separate letter signed by 10 others, including Zelaya and Arredondo, was given to the commission, asking the organization to deny Saucedo's request to have Corrales removed.
"We have met with the captain and believe that he has our best interests in his heart," the letter read. "Without a doubt, we know that he supports the workers' right to find jobs."
Currently, the day laborers' job situation is in a sad state, according to the workers. The letter to the Police Commission said that day laborers only get "two to three hours of work every two to three weeks," and that Saucedo puts her political agenda before the need for workers to get jobs.
"In place of jobs, we are told to march against the police captain (Corrales)," the letter said. "The agency should be finding jobs for us. Instead, they fight to have the captain removed."
Mike Miller Quintana, who lives on César Chavez Street and talks to many of the workers, also said that Saucedo uses the program for her own political game.
"The purpose of the program is to get people jobs," Quintana said. "But it's really a political football. She's not interested in talking. She calls anybody who disagrees with her a racist.
"She doesn't know how to get them jobs," Quintana added. "That never even comes up with her."
The next Police Commission hearing is scheduled for Friday, April 4, with a number of Mission residents believing that Corrales will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the Day Labor Program has been officially given to the Volunteers of America, an Oakland-based organization. As a result, Saucedo, along with La Raza Centro Legal, has filed a lawsuit against the City of San Francisco, including Mayor Willie Brown and Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services representatives Ron Vinson and Sergio Canjura.
http://www.elreporterosf.com/news.shtml
For more information:
http://www.elreporterosf.com/news.shtml
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