by Desirée Aquino
Workers and advocates march in front of Woodfin Hotel.
Twenty-one immigrant workers at the Woodfin Suites Hotel in Emeryville are back on the job for the next three months, while continuing to call for a boycott of the hotel. The workers were fired by Woodfin in response to their claims that the hotel failed to comply with Measure C, a local living wage law for hospitality workers.
The workers are seeking permanent job security, a living wage and over $160,000 in back pay. A town hall meeting was held yesterday to organize continued support for the workers by community leaders, students and residents.
Community groups reject City’s WiFi deal
A coalition of community groups and Internet professionals is calling for the cancellation of the pending Google/Earthlink WiFi deal with San Francisco, citing a report by the Budget Analyst’s Office that demonstrates the deal will create a monopoly for the companies, as well as provide San Franciscans with slower Internet access.
The coalition, Public Net San Francisco, claims that the deal fails to live up to the primary goal of providing free, fast and equal access to the Internet for all San Franciscans. The groups propose that the City use its existing high speed fiber optic network.
Sequoia Hospital, Healthcare District distribute $165,000
Alejandra García Williams presents a certificate of appreciation to Mario Gutiérrez, during the Health Week celebration at the Mexican Consulate in San Francisco.
Eight local agencies have received funds from Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City and Sequoia Healthcare District to identify health needs in target populations and create programs to address those needs. Initiatives include culturally competent physical activity and nutrition programs for youth, daily meals for families in homeless shelters and wellness programs for seniors to manage their healthcare and improve their lives.
The agencies receiving grants are: Child Care Coordinating Council of San Mateo County, Inc., Family Service Agency of San Mateo County, Ravenswood Family Health Center, Redwood City Educational Foundation, Kennedy Middle School Community School, Samaritan House Free Clinic of Redwood City, Shelter Network and Youth and Family Enrichment Services.
