Street Corner Mobs in Novato (San Mateo, Redwood City: rental, homes, neighborhood)

[DoberPup]

I've just recently returned home from a wonderful week-long trip to Marin but was left wondering about something I don't recall seeing when I was still a NorCal native and resident.

Every time I drove up and down Redwood Avenue in Novato I saw groups of Hispanic men on every corner, just standing there talking amongst themselves and not looking particularly useful. Is this the preferred method of obtaining employment? I'm assuming that is the case.

Most places I've lived this would be considered loitering, and it just struck me as odd.

Other than that, I feel rejuvented from my brief trip home. Bless you who get to live in NorCal all the time, you're so fortunate.

[City Boy]

You've never heard of a day laborer? This has been going on for years now all over the country.

[antialphabet]

"Not looking particularly useful?" haha

[youngmoney]

SF is actually a sanctuary for the 'illegale immigrante.' (Pardon my Spanglish!) Marin residents protested and paraded when ICE raided some homes in San Rafael. Furthermore, there seems to be no push amongst residents to enforce loitering laws. Elsewhere, in other parts of the country, I am sure these "corner mobs" would be shut down asap.

[DoberPup]

Thank you youngmoney. My entire point was that in the 40 years I lived in the Bay Area I had never seen this activity. Where I live now there is a hugely Hispanic population, and they all appear to be well employed and an equal part of the community without standing around like those men I saw there. No disrespect intended, it was just not a sight I had been exposed to in my "perhaps" sheltered upbringing.

[gizmo980]

I've been seeing that since the beginning of time... seriously, I don't remember ever NOT seeing day laborers on the street! I grew up in San Mateo, and they would hang out near East Poplar, and in Redwood City on 5th St. Where I live now (in the city), they generally stand near the U-Haul rental on Bayshore. I personally don't care, and respect them for trying to work - but as my mother learned recently, you do have to use caution if you hire them. I've never had any problems (have used them a few times for odd jobs), but two guys my mother hired ripped her off. Luckily she was insured, but it taught her a lesson about - at the very least - supervising anyone who's working at your home.

[kettlepot]

This isn't just a California phenomenon. This past summer I drove through Brewster, New York, a small town in Westchester County, and fictional hometown of "That Girl," Ann Marie/Marlo Thomas, and the entire downtown of several blocks looked as you described. It's all part of the Third Worldization of the United States. However, it does keep labor cheap for wealthy people who can afford to hire help, such as politicians who enforce our immigration laws, and the people who donate to their political campaigns...

[skywalker400]

Yeah pretty much outside any Home Depot in the suburbs you'll see them too, no matter how well off the town is. The Canal area in San Rafael has long been a place to pick up workers, same with Cesar Chavez Ave in the city. Thread title gave me a good laugh though.

[DjRey]

Originally Posted by youngmoney

SF is actually a sanctuary for the 'illegale immigrante.' (Pardon my Spanglish!) Marin residents protested and paraded when ICE raided some homes in San Rafael. Furthermore, there seems to be no push amongst residents to enforce loitering laws. Elsewhere, in other parts of the country, I am sure these "corner mobs" would be shut down asap.

Yeah your right on. Im all for people working and contributing to society,Its all good. But some street corners like the one in San Rafael make the whole neighborhood look like s***. Its sad to say.