Community Asks GGRA to Drop LawsuitPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Jan. 24‚ 2007A coalition of faith, community and labor organizations conducted an innovative outreach effort yesterday to an unusual audience – restaurant owners. The Golden Gate Restaurant Association, a trade association that represents restaurant owners and managers in San Francisco, has sued the City to prevent the implementation of universal health care. In an effort to prevent the suit from going forth, the coalition decided to pursue a new strategy – educate GGRA members that their dues are blocking health care for thousands of San Franciscans. Seventy-five activists met at the UNITE-HERE Local 2 office for a pep talk and instructions, and then dispersed in teams to target various restaurants throughout the City. “This is not a confrontational action,” said organizer Robert Haaland. “We’re here to educate the owners about what’s going on.” The action was planned so that activists would reach the restaurants around 4:00-5:00 p.m, when they have few customers and a request to speak with the owner or manager is not unreasonable. By the end of the day, 26 restaurants were visited. |