From the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Related Categories: Santa Cruz Indymedia | Environment & Forest Defense | Health, Housing & Public Services | Labor & Workers
Neighbors and Labor Rally Against La Behemoth; Change to Zoning Law
On August 21st, workers and Santa Cruz community members rallied in front of La Bahia protesting a variety of issues, including the ratio of unionized labor during the reconstruction and then operation of the new hotel. Neighbors, particularly those that live on First Street, are upset that the proposed project exceeds the current legal height limit and because the site is not zoned for such a large building. Other people want to preserve, rather than destroy, the historic landmark built in the 1920s.
A press release by the Build a Better La Bahia Coalition, a group of neighbors, construction and service workers, and community representatives interested in the successful development of a hotel at the site of La Bahia, states that they want the new hotel to be "both economically and environmentally successful." However, concern for the environment, at least from the labor unions, appears to be token at best. In 1999, Mary Spicuzza wrote an in-depth article in Metro Santa Cruz about the plans for La Bahia. In the article, Spicuzza notes, "Union advocates concede that the their primary concern isn't preserving landmarks or keeping neighbors happy, it's organizing workers."
On the other hand, Ross Gibson and the City of Santa Cruz Historic Preservation Commission seem to be the most influential in regards to architectural preservation and environmental concerns, as well as the relocation of residents.
A press release by the Build a Better La Bahia Coalition, a group of neighbors, construction and service workers, and community representatives interested in the successful development of a hotel at the site of La Bahia, states that they want the new hotel to be "both economically and environmentally successful." However, concern for the environment, at least from the labor unions, appears to be token at best. In 1999, Mary Spicuzza wrote an in-depth article in Metro Santa Cruz about the plans for La Bahia. In the article, Spicuzza notes, "Union advocates concede that the their primary concern isn't preserving landmarks or keeping neighbors happy, it's organizing workers."
On the other hand, Ross Gibson and the City of Santa Cruz Historic Preservation Commission seem to be the most influential in regards to architectural preservation and environmental concerns, as well as the relocation of residents.

On September 23rd, there will be a Santa Cruz City Council meeting at City Hall, at 7pm. The Build a Better La Bahia Coalition (BBL) is asking that people show up and also speak for a minute or two against the City's plan to approve a change in the zoning law that will allow the massive new hotel to be built on Beach Hill.
BBL is also requesting that people send an email to the City Council, RE: LA BAHIA, to: citycouncil [at] ci.santa-cruz.ca.us
For more coverage and background information, please see:
STOP La Bahia Expansion and Takeover!
by Radio Trabajadora
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/08/25/18529888.php
Aug. 21: Santa Cruz Beach Rally for a Better La Bahia Hotel Plan
by Build a Better La Bahia Coalition
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/08/18/18527604.php
New, taller La Bahia conference hotel proposed (November 14, 2005)
http://santacruz.indymedia.org/newswire/display/18991/index.php
Is La Bahia part of Santa Cruz's leisurely past or a key to its economic future?
By Mary Spicuzza
http://www.metroactive.com/papers/cruz/06.30.99/la-bahia-9926.html
BBL is also requesting that people send an email to the City Council, RE: LA BAHIA, to: citycouncil [at] ci.santa-cruz.ca.us
For more coverage and background information, please see:
STOP La Bahia Expansion and Takeover!
by Radio Trabajadora
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/08/25/18529888.php
Aug. 21: Santa Cruz Beach Rally for a Better La Bahia Hotel Plan
by Build a Better La Bahia Coalition
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/08/18/18527604.php
New, taller La Bahia conference hotel proposed (November 14, 2005)
http://santacruz.indymedia.org/newswire/display/18991/index.php
Is La Bahia part of Santa Cruz's leisurely past or a key to its economic future?
By Mary Spicuzza
http://www.metroactive.com/papers/cruz/06.30.99/la-bahia-9926.html

Balloons are used to demonstrate the actual height of the proposed project.



Liuna.org
"LIUNA—the Laborers’ International Union of North America—is the most progressive, aggressive and fastest-growing union of construction workers, and one of the most diverse and effective unions representing public service employees."
"LIUNA—the Laborers’ International Union of North America—is the most progressive, aggressive and fastest-growing union of construction workers, and one of the most diverse and effective unions representing public service employees."

Marla owns a house on First Street which would be severely impacted by the proposed reconstruction.

Tim is a Santa Cruz City Councilmember


unitehere.org
"UNITE (formerly the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees) and HERE (Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union) merged on July 8, 2004 forming UNITE HERE. The union represents more than 450,000 active members and more than 400,000 retirees throughout North America.
"UNITE HERE boasts a diverse membership, comprised largely of immigrants and including high percentages of African-American, Latino, and Asian-American workers. The majority of UNITE HERE members are women."
"UNITE (formerly the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees) and HERE (Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union) merged on July 8, 2004 forming UNITE HERE. The union represents more than 450,000 active members and more than 400,000 retirees throughout North America.
"UNITE HERE boasts a diverse membership, comprised largely of immigrants and including high percentages of African-American, Latino, and Asian-American workers. The majority of UNITE HERE members are women."


This view would be gone if La Behemoth is constructed.



We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network
Listed below are the latest comments about this post.
These comments are submitted anonymously by website visitors.