About

History

For over 70 years, Graton was a location for day laborers seeking employment. By the mid-1990s, concerns arose due to the increasing number of day laborers, impacting the town's image, environment, and local businesses. The laborers, primarily from Oaxaca, Mexico, faced exploitation, withholding of wages, threats from employers, and discrimination from locals.

Recognizing these issues, in 2001, local residents connected with these laborers, founding the Centro Laboral de Graton (CLG). They discovered that many laborers had migrated because of NAFTA's economic impacts.

In 2002, CLG collaborated with the North Bay Consensus Council, initiating community dialogues about establishing a day labor center. By 2004, a democratic hiring process was initiated. However, recognizing the broader needs of laborers, a worker center was established in 2007, benefiting thousands.

CLG emphasizes leadership, rights advocacy, civic participation, and community service, offering training, health care, and legal support. The center remains a valuable community resource today.

Domestic Workers
Day Laborers
Domestic Workers
Domestic Workers, encompassing housecleaners, caregivers, and childcare providers, play a pivotal role in underpinning households and communities. Unfortunately, historical biases have often undervalued their contributions. At CLG, we're committed to championing the dignity and value of these essential workers. Our primary mission is to ensure they are treated with the respect they deserve. We are focusing on matching employers with housecleaners. As we grow, we hope to expand our services to other domestic professions. To engage housecleaning services through CLG, click on the button.
Hire Workers
Day Laborers

Day labor has evolved into a professionalized vocation, allowing workers to offer essential services to employers and support their families. Graton Day laborers prioritize skill enhancement, striving to be reliable and proficient. The role of day labor centers is pivotal in fostering mutually beneficial and respectful employment relationships.

Key findings from a 2006 U.S. study:

  • On any given day, 117,600 workers seek day-labor jobs.
  • 79% of hiring happens at informal sites:
  • Businesses: 24%
  • Home improvement stores: 22%
  • Gas stations: 10%
  • Busy streets: 8%
  • 21% of day laborers search for work at dedicated day-labor centers.

The U.S. day-labor workforce predominantly comprises Latino immigrants, especially from rural communities in Mexico and Central America. Notably:

  • Many speak languages like Mixtec, Zapotec, and various Mayan dialects.
  • Due to high unemployment in Sonoma County, CLG observes a slight rise in U.S. born individuals, spanning diverse backgrounds, seeking employment at the center.
Board of Directors

Warren Mar

President
Retired Labor Educator and Organizer

Daniel Malpica

Ass. Professor Chicano Studies
Sonoma State University

Lisa Maldonado

CA Nurses Association
Labor Representative

Anabel García

ALMAS Leader

Juan Cuandón

Secretary
Community Member
Landscaper
Staff

Samantha Rodriguez

Executive Director

Elijah Harris

Director of Community Engagement

Ada Lopez Reyes

Operations Specialist

Deonna Aguirre

Workforce Coordinator

Raul Barriga

Workforce Coordinator

Julio Lopez

Workforce Coordinator

Pamela Cruz

Workforce Coordinator