Holy Week is a time when many Christians seek to draw near to God as they mark the storied death and resurrection of Jesus. This year we hosted a week-long schedule of meaningful rituals of unity and community care across Los Angeles.
Tuesday
Cloverfield Commons
Santa Monica Airport is slated to be closed on December 31, 2028, and the Santa Monica City Council is currently exploring options for redeveloping the site.
A previous ballot measure called for the land to be used primarily for a park unless other uses are approved by the voters or required by state law.
We marched in front of Santa Monica City Hall in support of a proposal that would allow for housing, in addition to a park be built on the soon to be closed Santa Monica airport land. This project, were it to be approved, is titled “Cloverfield Commons.”
The Cloverfield Commons Coalition envisions a just housing community, so low-wage workers are able to afford living in the city they work in, rather than having excessive commutes to get to their jobs.
During this action, organizers and faith leaders took the mic to speak to the moral imperative of using the land for the benefit of all Santa Monica community members.
In addition to UNITE HERE! Local 11 and the entire Cloverfield Commons coalition, thank you to our Faith-Rooted Organizing Cohort fellows for supporting this action, including the entire CLUE Santa Monica / Westside Committee, including our MCs Reverend Nate Rugh and Neil Comess-Daniels, and action organizers Cathie Gentile, Reverend Jim Conn, Deacon Joanne Leslie, Mary Jo Dalton, and Vivian Rothstein!
Thursday
Interfaith Immigration Vigil
In the wake of a federal judge’s decision allowing ICE enforcement at holy and sacred spaces, faith leaders, organizers and community members gathered at the downtown Los Angeles Federal Building for a morning of prayer to defend the humanity and dignity of the migrant community, and the belonging of all of God’s children.
This was followed by a protest against detention and deportations with our friends at the Shut Down Adelanto Coalition. We called for ICE to stop the raids and targeting of activists, curtail detention activity, and shut down Adelanto ICE Processing Center and Desert View Annex
Thursday
The Original Pantry Cafe
Maundy Thursday is the fifth day of Holy Week in the Christian tradition, and we gathered to participate in a sacred action of foot washing for the laid-off employees of The Pantry. This action is rooted in the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet during their last supper before he went to the cross and was crucified.
Many workers at the Pantry had been there for decades, standing on their feet to cook and wait tables. These workers are the leaders building our thriving tourism industry. And yet, the Pantry owners have shown no respect for the dignity of the workers and the historic place the Pantry holds in Los Angeles.
The Pantry was owned by former LA mayor, Richard Riordan during his life and now by his trust. We call on the Riordan Trust to treat these workers with dignity and respect and direct the reopening of the restaurant so that they can live and flourish as God’s children.
Friday
Stations of the Workers Cross
On Good Friday, United Food and Commercial Workers members from El Super joined the LA Catholic community, members of CLUE, and Immaculate Heart Community in a powerful Stations of the Worker’s Cross.
This symbolic action in the Christian tradition enacts key moments in Jesus’ journey to the cross. We related Jesus’ last moments to the struggles faced by essential grocery workers today: low wages, unstable schedules, under staffing, lack of access to healthcare and a fair pension.
Two days ago, the contract covering approximately 600 El Super workers in Southern California expired, and negotiations with management will begin next week. Today’s procession took place ahead of the busy Easter weekend for El Super workers, in a time where grocery store corporations have raked in record profits, while their workers struggle to afford housing and to put food on the table.
Now, hundreds of El Super workers are kicking off “The Super Fight at El Super/ La Super Lucha en El Super”contract campaign for just and transformative contracts for themselves, their families and their communities. We know that our vibrant interfaith movement for worker justice will continue to accompany them in solidarity and resilience.
