BeaconMediaNews.com
12 JULY 21, 2011 - JULY 27, 2011
Justices Reject Industry Claims, L.A. Law Protecting the Jobs of Employees Continued from page 1 health and safety standards or collective bargaining. “This is an important victory for tens of thousands of grocery workers who now don’t have to worry about losing their jobs simply because of a corporate ownership change,” said Roxana Tynan, deputy director at LAANE, which intervened in the case to defend the ordinance. “This decision is good for our families, our communities and our economy, which have already been hit hard by record unemployment in the past several years.” The L.A. grocery worker retention ordinance was enacted after a wave of supermarket ownership changes in which longtime employees were abruptly laid off. In passing the law, City Councilmembers argued that both the rights of workers and the interests of consumers would be protected. Similar legislation limiting layoffs in the wake of ownership changes has been enacted by numerous local and state governments. The ruling comes as supermarket chains in Southern
California are trying to make major cuts in health benefits for grocery employees, a stance that has triggered a growing chorus of community criticism. “Given the grocery industry’s efforts to eliminate basic job protections for its own workers, it’s hardly surprising that mega-corporations like Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons are now trying to eviscerate health care coverage for those same employees,” said Rabbi Jonathan Klein, executive director of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice L.A. (CLUE-LA). “This ruling sends a clear message to the industry: live up to your rhetoric and treat your employees fairly.” Grocery workers were elated with the high court’s decision. “This means so much to me and my family,” said Jackie Gitmed, who has worked at Ralphs for 35 years. “I have had co-workers lose their jobs overnight when a company changes hands, and I’ve seen the toll it takes on them and the customers. Now we will all be protected.”
Yoga in the Garden
L.A. Arboretum offers rejuvenating classes in nature's splendor
Yoga in the Garden under the Pacara Earpod tree in the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Garden. –Photo courtesy of Dorothea Paul
Students across the country and around the world enjoy the many benefits of regular yoga practice including improved flexibility, balance and strength, as well as stress relief and mindfulness. Imagine how much those benefits would be multiplied if the practice could be done in a healing pastoral setting! This summer Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Gardens did just that. They are offering a new series of classes entitled Yoga in the Garden. Taking advantage of nature’s splendor, each class begins with a 10-15 min-
ute stroll to a different destination on the grounds followed by an hour-long traditional Indian hatha yoga practice in the open air. Certified yoga instructor Candyce Columbus says, “Yoga practice has been an integral part of my life and well-being for more than 16 years.” Since 2009 she has been sharing the knowledge passed on to her from many wonderful teachers and that which she gains from her ongoing personal study. “Regardless of fitness or flexibility I believe everyone can benefit from yoga.”
Each session includes asanas (yoga poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), vinaysa (yoga flow series), mudras (yoga in the hands), meditation (guided) and relaxation. Her classes are well-balanced, varied, informative and enjoyable. “I am dedicated to my students and to helping them lead active, healthy lives.” Columbus adds, “Teaching yoga surrounded by the beauty of nature is a dream come true for me! There is nothing so enlivening as practicing yoga with a soundtrack of birds and the
heavenly aromas of eucalyptus and blossoming flowers.” “Practicing yoga in a garden is yoga as it was originally intended,” comments longtime yoga student Carol Burrill of Monrovia. “It’s good to get out of a studio and connect with the Earth’s energy under our feet, breathe the abundance of oxygen in the fresh air, and become conscious of our connection with the natural world around us.” Yoga in the Garden classes take place 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursdays. The next session begins on Thursday, August 4. Another session begins Thursday, September 8. Fees are $30 per series of four classes and include admission to the Arboretum so students can stay to enjoy the relaxing environment afterward. Fees for Arboretum members are $25 per series. To register or for more information call Education Manager Jill Berry at 626821-4623 or email her at jill. berry@arboretum.org.