LiUNA Laborers Executive Board. Photo by BB Rivas / El Concilio Family Services
Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of stories profiling the award-winners of El Concilio Family Service 2013 Latino Leadership Awards. The awards gala will be held on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The event is sold out. Click here or call 805-486-9777 for more information.
Amigos805 staff reports
LiUNA Local 585 was established in 1934 to be the voice for all working people, the organization reported in its acceptance letter. The group has participated in numerous community events, assisting nonprofits including providing funding and support for the Safe Route to School Program at Wright Road, supporting the Oxnard Youth KEYS program and the Rebozo Festival in Camarillo, being the main sponsors of the César E. Chávez photography exhibit, supporting the Santa Paula Farmworker’s Monument and the Oxnard Plaza Park Veterans Memorial.
According to one nomination letter, “For many years Local 585 has been very dedicated in providing training and jobs to our county laborers and has contributed greatly to our communities throughout the county. In July of last year my office, with the support of Local 585 and other construction companies, paved Wright Road in the unincorporated area of El Rio. For years children from the community who walk to Rio Real Elementary School got wet during the rainy season because the road had no sidewalks and got flooded. Local 585 and other businesses contributed labor, services, and materials at a cost of about $565,000 free of public funds. Local 585 has contributed thousands of hours in other community projects, which provide training in construction jobs, and in turn build a strong economic community. It’s a win/win for our communities.”
For more information on El Concilio’s programs and services, visit www.elconciliofs.org or call 805-486-9777.