KB Homes Announces Fire Sale

Work has resumed on the problem plagued Ascent at Warner Center project at 21301 West Erwin Street. This is the location of a construction fire that caused major damage to two floors. Representatives from White Residential and KB Homes refused comment on Friday when asked if corners were cut in an effort to speed up construction. Industry experts have speculated that the structure might be condemned due to shoddy workmanship. When asked about the status of the project, management referred all comments to their legal staff. A sign remains on the gate that reads “Limited Entry; Off limits to unauthorized personnel by order of the Dept of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles. Warning: this structure or site has been damaged and may be dangerous to occupy. Further damage may occur at any time. Enter at your own risk. This facility was inspected under emergency conditions on 03-24-08, 10:30am”. No Helix Electric employees were seen on Friday. Two men believed to be from Withee Malcolm Architects were on site briefly. A banner on the building directs the public to the KB Homes/Ascent Sales Gallery at 21101 Oxnard Street just far enough away to mask the smell of burnt lumber.

LA Valley College Welcomes Labor Leader

Dolores Huerta cofounder of the United Farm Workers Union was guest speaker at the Valley College Labor Fair on Wednesday. After being welcomed by Dr. Tyree Wieder, President of the College, Dolores led the group in a union clap and chants of “Si Se Puede”. It was the first ever student-organized labor event for the college. Members of the Puente Club, M.E.Ch.A., and CalPIRG, along with other groups participated. Representatives from the American Federation of Teachers, Farm Workers, Electricians, P.I.P.E. Trades, and Grocery Workers all sponsored booths to help build inroads for students to become aware about labor and opportunities in labor unions. This modest event will no doubt grow in the coming years. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Construction Careers Policy Adopted

The City of Los Angeles has passed a landmark project labor agreement covering construction through the Community Redevelopment Agency. The City Council voted unanimously to adopt the language. Members of the Building Trades, many of whom were wearing their hard hats packed the Council Chambers. Every Council person took the opportunity to congratulate the great work of all the union as well as community groups that worked together to get it passed. After the successful vote a victory luncheon was held in the Tom Bradley Penthouse atop City Hall. Maria Elena Durazo of the LA County Federation of Labor introduced the various stakeholders and participants who worked so tirelessly to bring this measure to fruition. After lunch Mayor Villaraigosa held a press conference on the West Lawn with members of the Building Trades holding signs and banners as a backdrop. Then it was off to the LA County Fed for a Victory BBQ. This has been a great week for Labor!

Union Made Movie a Hit!!!

I had the pleasure of attending the premier of the new movie Union Made Six Lives Transformed. It's a fantastic movie that shows just how important unions are in the lives of many Angelenos. The event took place at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and several prominent Labor leaders were there as well as rank and file members and clergy. The six union members that were profiled in the movie attended with their families as well.

5th Annual Alt Build Expo

The 5th Annual Alternative Building and Materials Design Expo hosted by the City of Santa Monica is scheduled for Friday, April 25th, Saturday April 26th and Sunday April 26th at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. This is a new location for the event that will hold more people. Admission is free and parking is just $8. It’s presented as the most extensive presentation of green building and water conservation in the Southland. Representatives of the electrical union will host a booth to provide information on solar and alternative energy solutions. Space is available on a first come-first serve basis. For more information please call (310) 390-2930.

Union Made Six Lives Transformed

On Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 6PM, Union Made Six Lives Transformed will be shown at Paramount Studios, Sherry Lansing Theater. Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa is expected to attend this special screening. The documentary film follows the lives of six members of the Ironworkers Union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Pipe Trades Unions. The film was based on a front-page article in the Los Angeles Times that looked at community organizing by Los Angeles Building Trades Unions. These unions continue to reach out to individuals from difficult backgrounds and are helping to improve the community by doing so. The documentary looks at the power of unions to transform people’s lives through quality jobs and training. A reception will precede the event. Food will be served. The film is approximately 60 minutes in length.

Huge Turn Out for LA Workers

Thousands of unionists showed their support for LA’s workers by attending the Hollywood to the Docks March and Rally. Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary–Treasurer of the LA County Federation of Labor addressed the crowd at the kickoff rally on the lawn of the La Brea Tar Pits. After all the politicians and Labor leaders gave their presentations the march began. The ILWU Drill Team who traveled from San Francisco led the march. The East side of Wilshire Blvd. was blocked off by police to accommodate the large crowds of marchers. The first stop was the intersection of Wilshire and Western in front of the historic Wiltern Theatre. Over a thousand SEIU volunteers all wearing their purple t-shirts joined up with the crowd. A flat bed truck with sound equipment was used as a make shift stage. Politicians like Mark Ridley Thomas and others pledged their support for the workers. Spanish radio talk show host El Cucuy broadcast interviews with the workers by cell phone and later gave a rousing speech (in Spanish of course). The next leg of the journey ended at a church basement where a delicious lunch was served. Daniel Villao, Council Representative of the LA/OC Building Trades Council thanked the group for their dedication to workers throughout Los Angeles. The march will continue through Thursday and will conclude with a rally in San Pedro.