Opening a Day Laborer Hall Takes Persistence : Chick Backed Off Too Soon; Wachs Effort Should Proceed

In a recent article on our Valley Commentary page, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Laura Chick noted the divisiveness of land-use planning issues, and she outlined a strong approach to her duties.

“A Los Angeles in crisis needs leadership, not followership. I will not make land-use decisions simply by holding my finger to the wind. Of course I will not ignore public sentiment. I will listen hard to the arguments and base decisions not on potential votes but on the substance of all legitimate concerns,” she said.

Well, Chick recently came up with the eminently sensible idea of establishing a city-run gathering place in Canoga Park for day laborers. The same approach has been used in several Southern California jurisdictions to minimize the impact of such job-seekers and job offerers on neighborhoods, streets, sidewalks and businesses. When she ran into protests from constituents who were against any officially sanctioned location for the laborers, however, the strong words were forgotten.

“For the time being, I give up on finding an appropriate site,” Chick said. “I’m frustrated and don’t know what to do to improve the situation.”

She is also concerned about a proposal under review by City Councilman Joel Wachs to create a city-run day laborer site in his district in Van Nuys, because activity there “spills over” to her own district.

The city of Agoura Hills, by contrast, attacked the day laborer problem with an ordinance prohibiting folks from seeking jobs or contributions from motorists, on sidewalks, on roadways or in commercial parking lots where owners post signs to prevent such activities. It is facing a legal challenge.

Wachs’ decision to establish a central location for day laborers in Van Nuys was correct, and so was Chick’s original thinking on the matter. Moreover, the objections that Chick faced in her efforts were shortsighted.

Having central locations for day laborers to seek work is by far preferable to having contractors cruising streets looking for workers. It’s also better than having the job-seekers scattered in various locations in disorganized and potentially disruptive fashion.

There is even evidence to suggest that the hiring halls that have been established in other regions are also helping unemployed workers, other than day laborers, find jobs. In a recession, that’s a plus. And many day laborers are legal immigrants who provide a service to employers at little cost.

Wachs should proceed apace with his efforts. Chick should revisit the issue, and the protesters who dissuaded her ought to trade their intransigence for a more informed look at the problem.