Despite rising unemployment rates in the United States, especially in California, which has the highest rate, Carlos Enrique Ruiz remains undeterred in his months-long job search. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, he was one of over 200 attendees at a job fair in his newly adopted City of San Fernando.
“I am looking for any kind of factory work,” Ruiz, 55, said in Spanish as he waited in line to check in at the gymnasium of Las Palmas Park. He moved to California from Delaware after his working wife was the victim of a hit-and-run accident that left her with broken ankles and a pelvis. While she recovers in their native Guatemala, Ruiz hopes to earn enough for both of them.
“I washed dishes and cleaned at a restaurant in my last job,” he explained. “Working at a factory would be a change of pace.”
The job fair, co-sponsored by the Northeast San Fernando Valley WorkSource Center and the City of San Fernando, marked the first collaboration between the nonprofit organization and the city since the work center, operated by Goodwill Southern California, opened a year ago at Mission College in Sylmar. The event featured about 30 recruiters from various industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, transportation and logistics, hospitality, retail and caregiving.
At the gym, attendees were seeking work for various reasons: to achieve a better work-life balance, ensure job security, earn higher salaries, pursue career growth or to seek a better match with their current interests. Some traveled from other parts of the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles.
“I’m a graphic designer looking for a position that pays me at least $50,000 and up to $100,000 a year,” said Jose Gonzalez from Calabasas, who lost his graphic design job in Santa Monica a few weeks ago. He wants to remain in his field and is in no rush to settle for less. “I have some savings,” he stated confidently. “I would rather wait and find something I like.”
Cristian Ortega Mendoza, a 31-year-old single father of an 8 year old, traveled from South Central LA hoping to talk directly to recruiters. He’s been attending several job fairs recently, seeking a job in warehousing or retail – something different from cooking, which he has done for the past six years.
Eric Mejia from North Hollywood is only looking for a part-time job that doesn’t interfere with his college studies. The 28 year old has worked part-time at a bank for years but is ready for a change.
“I want something related to the career that I’m studying,” said the psychology major attending LA City College. “Maybe in health services.”
Abraham Alvarado, also 28, is searching for a position aligned with his major. “Hopefully in public relations, marketing, or the service field,” said the UCLA student pursuing a degree in communications.
“We’re looking for apartment managers and maintenance staff,” said Rod Estrera of Excell Residential Services, a property management company based in downtown LA that oversees around 60 buildings in California, including Van Nuys, Winnetka, North Hills and Sylmar. Managers earn between $18 and $22 per hour and can work on- or off-site. Estrera explained that he seeks candidates with about a year of experience and strong people and computer skills.
“We are willing to train,” he said. Maintenance staff should know basic plumbing, drywall repair, carpentry, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
For her part, Gisela Menjivar of Impact Leadership Network (ILN), a financial management company based in Calabasas, said they are looking for people with professional skills.
“We are looking for ambitious individuals with skills in business and management and some financial background.” She added that ILN offers free training and internships.
Other recruiters included the San Fernando Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, Personal Assistance Services Council, Northeast Valley Health Corporation, Creative Behavioral Consultants Inc., Express Employment Professionals, Childcare Careers, Impact Leadership Network and Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians.
Will Pettner, assistant to the city manager for the City of San Fernando, was satisfied with the number of recruiters and attendees. “We had more companies and people than we anticipated,” he said, noting that there was a waiting list for recruiters.
Before the event started, Cristina Moreno, social services coordinator for the City of San Fernando, suggested that if the job fair was successful, it could lead to more hiring events in the future.
Halfway through the fair, Shelah Potter, site program manager for the Northeast San Fernando Valley WorkSource Center, confirmed that based on Wednesday’s outcome, she is already planning quarterly events.
“The next one will be in late January or early February,” she said with a smile.