Proposed Day Labor Center morphs into multicultural facility

Two like-minded initiatives have joined forces with the shared goal of building a multicultural center in Petaluma, a place that could be used by organizers of community events, such as Petaluma’s rich El Día de los Muertos celebration, while also doubling as a Day Labor Center where people looking for work could connect with employers and sharpen their skills.|

Two like-minded initiatives have joined forces with the shared goal of building a multicultural center in Petaluma, a place that could be used by organizers of community events, such as Petaluma’s rich El Día de los Muertos celebration, while also doubling as a Day Labor Center where people looking for work could connect with employers and sharpen their skills.

To make this dream a reality, organizers of El Día de los Muertos and those behind the Day Labor Center are hosting a fundrasier on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Petaluma Sheraton Hotel featuring keynote speaker Dolores Huerta, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and an advocate of Latino workers for more than 50 years.

Those involved hope it will also bring in the funds needed to secure this year’s El Día de los Muertos, when vibrant handmade altars honoring deceased loved ones will be placed in many homes and downtown businesses, and events centered around cultural celebrations of music and art will take place throughout town.

This year marks the 14th annual El Día de los Muertos celebration in Petaluma, which has grown from just 200 people to more than 3,000 participants.

“What was once a cultural celebration for one part of the community in Petaluma, now has grown into Petaluma’s own celebration,” said event organizer Abraham Solar. “We may have different languages, cultures and ways of doing things, but we have in common that we love the people that are a part of our lives. El Día de los Muertos celebration allows people to share that.”

But as a small group of dedicated volunteers prepares for the month-long array of festivities, they’re faced with steep funding challenges. Putting on the elaborate series of events can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 each year, and this year the committee is still in need of about $10,000 to make the celebration a reality. Beyond paying for venues, entertainment, food and other supplies, the celebration relies on hundreds of volunteers to help fill the gaps with their time and efforts.

Ideally, organizers would like a headquarters in town where participants and collaborators could meet and plan for future celebrations. Many of the event organizers are also involved in the grassroots campaign to build a Day Labor Center in Petaluma, so the vision was expanded into an inclusive multicultural facility where workers could also find safe employment.

“These men that stand on the corner, they need a more dignified way of looking for employment,” said organizer Teresa Lopez.

With guidance and oversight from the Petaluma People Services Center, event organizers will use the proceeds from Saturday’s fundraiser to invest in a joint multicultural facility and secure the festivities planned for this year’s El Día de los Muertos.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit the Petaluma Day Labor Initiative on Facebook or email PDLI@petalumapeople.org.

(Contact Allison Jarrell at allison.jarrell@arguscouri er.com)

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