Need your help. West Seattle PCC
Market has released the Real Change vendor who
is highly professional and dignified. Real Change vendor coordinator Michael Garcia says she is one of their best; no complaints. CEO of PCC says new vendor will be there. Lots of support
for her, calls to manager, requesting a meeting,
W.Sea. High School principal/staff supportive. Any
ideas, thoughts, respond to this thread please.
school paper
(our vendor now has an apt. and needs her rent money)
charlabob
Member Profile
I didn't know the stores could "fire" the vendors -- could you explain that? Meantime, I'll call the store and do whatever else you suggest.
Perhaps a letter to the editor of PCC's rag, 'er paper.
What excuse did they use?
This is really sad to hear! The "red lady", as my son calls her, is one of the reasons we LOVE to go to PCC. And I know I'm not the only one. Whenever we are there I see at least 2 or 3 customers stop to talk to her. I would REALLY like to know what PCC's reasoning his for "releasing" her and what that means for her? I'll write and call whoever, but I sure would like to know more details.
SarahScoot
Member Profile
@dtipke - Huh? Can you please rephrase your post so that one can actually understand the point you're trying to convey? I can't be the only one that can't make any sense of this beyond that PCC "released" the woman in red who sells Real Change... the rest of your post made no sense to me :-(
wundrgrrrl
Member Profile
ditto scoot!
Yes, please post more information, if possible. That vendor is wonderful, I can't imagine going to PCC without her being there out front with a smile for everyone!
Till dtipke revisits - She originally e-mailed us and at the time we were in the middle of several other things and since it sounded like she had some urgency in getting the message out, I suggested she post here. I asked a followup question because I thought R/C vendors paid for the papers and resold them wherever; dtipke explains that they do so with a venue's permission, and she says PCC told R/C that this woman couldn't be at the store any more. I will be trying to reach PCC and R/C to ask what their side of it is, but in the meantime I know the OP here wanted to start a campaign of support for the vendor.
PCC is the only regular R/C vending spot in WS, according to this page on their website:
http://www.realchangenews.org/VendorMap/map.htm
(I could swear I'd seen them elsewhere)
pigeonmom
Member Profile
I've seen them at Thriftway
TammiWS
Member Profile
And Jefferson Square Safeway
Gina
Member Profile
and various corners at California and Alaska.
Well, I'm very curious why the store would tell her to leave. I'm at PCC usually twice or more per week and I have never seen anything problematic about her being there. I was worried when I didn't see her in her usual post earlier this week. She is always very friendly and pleasant.
Agree. She is a delightful, friendly lady. Thank you for looking into this, TR. We'll be interested in what you find out.
There are regulars at Admiral Way Safeway, too...have been for quite some time. I'm so sorry to hear this. She is so friendly. I usually just give her the dollar and tell her to resell the newspaper...more money for her...
There was an article in the "Seattle Weekly" on April 10, 2007 titled "Not All the Peddlers of Seattle's Homeless Paper Are Homeless" written by Huan Hsu:
http://www.seattleweekly.com/2007-04-11/news/not-all-the-peddlers-of-seattle-s-homeless-paper-are-homeless.php
I think that's point of Real Charge, as a organization. It doesn't mean the transition from homelessness is the end of it...it takes a safety net, security, and some income, to truly complete that transition.
And even then, it doesn't take much to fall back into it, and that's true for a good chunk of us on the blog.
ScottB...
the real Change organization is a first step employment option for the homeless and poor...
The key word that seems to have been overlooked here is employment...
whether a person is an independent contractor selling the Real Change Newspaper or an independent contractor selling high tech computer equipment.. their jobs are still real.
i have never seen anyone complain about bonuses for hard work.. those are assumed in any other position to be rewards for doing your job well.
Whether the vendor receives their bonuses from the company (Real Change) or from those who do direct business with them should not matter.
If the goal is to get people gainfully employed... why would we penalize them when they do so by taking away their job?
St the bottom of the PCC webpage there is a link to contact the organization...
i would suggest emailing the CEO, The Board of Trustees and the newsletter if you wish to support the real Change vendor who is being replaced.
if they are going to take such a heavy handed approach to a vendor.. we can at least make them tell us why they made the choice...
in the meantime.. there are too many other West Seattle groceries that offer organic produce and locally produced products for me to patronize this one.
I saw her at the Farmers' Market today. Didn't stop to chat, but she looked like she was doing well.
I'm still waiting to hear PCC's side of it. I've been a member since 1989 and have a great deal of loyalty to the WS store, but as a member/owner of the cooperative I want to know how and why decisions like this are made. You can bet they will be hearing from me if they don't have an extremely good reason...though I can't imagine what that reason could be.
JoB, by all means, let them know if you're not planning to go back to that store. I know PCC has been struggling to compete as other grocery stores start carrying more local/organic/natural products, and with a Whole Foods (supposedly) on its way to the neighborhood they really can't afford to alienate customers by doing stuff like this.
charlabob
Member Profile
I called PCC yesterday and was told (by a very nice assistant manager) that they just wanted to give someone else a chance -- that it was NOT a reflection on her. Tomorrow I'm going to call the manager, Mike -- TR's "official report" will be great! I'm just trying to find out what the great unwashed public is told. It was obvious I wasn't the first to ask...
TheHouse
Member Profile
I used to work for a large grocery corporation (over 10 years ago) and what I would assume happened is that someone finally wised up and stated if you allow Real Change to solicit in front of your store, you have to let other groups solicit in front of your store or you are discriminating (this happened with the girl scouts in my case). Guess what we did?? We banned all soliciting....even from the Girl Scouts.
I never saw this woman mainly b/c PCC doesn't satisfy me, but if she was so awesome why wasn't she working on the inside of PCC instead of pawning that useless newspaper?
My wife is sad the Yvonne (spelling?) is gone. She went today and wondered where she had gone. After I told her, she wants to know where Yvonne will be so that she can buy it from her.
I have to ask. Did you know her name? My wife did but I didn't. She had told me a few times. She is a very nice person.
Nice blowtorch House. I bet you will get a few shouts from that one.
Maybe the PI should have used the real change vendors too.
Oh House, you are so ever charming.
Can you possibly provide a description of what this woman looks like?
flowerpetal
Member Profile
African American, Glasses, about 5'3", plump, always a warm smile, never pushy about buying a paper, always something nice to say,
House, if that were the case, I'd be for it. I can't stand being accosted by any of them. From bell ringers to signature gatherers. I especially hate when they stand between you and the door. And those girl scouts can give you quite the dirty look when you say no thank-you.
This seems to be a case of replacing one vendor with another however. And I actually like the paper and buy it downtown frequently. Although I'm given a choice usually to approach them if I'm interested.
As for PCC, over priced yuppie food. And now I'll get yelled at more than you. The sacrifices I make for my conservative friends.
westseattledood
Member Profile
Disclosures: 1) I'm a PCC member; 2) The vendor lady has always been friendly and not even close to obnoxious or pushy for sales. Certainly not to me, anyway.
I guess I'm wondering if the Real Change vendor received any kind of advance notice, not because PCC would have ben obligated, but as a courtesy? And, if she was given that courtesy, how much notice was she given?
This could be as controversial as I'm willing to get here on the forum.
Be nice.
That's all.
:]
Magpie
Member Profile
Sometimes what I read here just kills me..I had many encounters with said woman and she was always polite..I don't like agressive, panhandling types either and I have never known a girl scout to give me a dirty look when I didn't buy their cookies (or a camp fire girl for that matteror a boy scout when I didn't buy their popcorn.) If someone is rude, then they are rude, generalities should be put aside.
OK, it was really the girl scouts mom.
alki_2008
Member Profile
Curious if PCC has a policy of how long any Real Change vendor can remain at their store. If they allowed any particular vendor to stay for only "x" months each, then I wouldn't be opposed to their releasing this Red-lady vendor. If there's no established policy, then I'd be interested to hear their side before assuming that they've done something "wrong" in releasing her.
The article ScottB linked was actually interesting, especially with the explanation of Real Change's "turf system". Perhaps another vendor wanted the PCC "turf"?
As long as she was selling enough papers to maintain her "turf", it wouldn't matter if another vendor wanted the space...
And if PCC had an established policy of length of time that a Real Change Vendor can remain at their store... that is one thing...
but to establish such a policy after releasing the vendor is quite another.
Yeah, why doesn't she get a job selling $10 baguettes and organic-gluten-free-shade-grown-fair-trade $25 a pound coffee to the overfed and the lactose intolerant of West Seattle, rather than a newspaper that actually has some interesting and thoughtful stories?
Absurdity factor of current blog: +10 on the day.
flowerpetal
Member Profile
Has anyone asked the Real Change vendor how she feels about this? My impression of her is that she can take care of herself. If someone knows where she is now, let me know. I'd be curious to talk with her more than I would a CEO at PCC; E-I-E-I-O!
alki_2008
Member Profile
JoB - do you know if she was in the 300 or 600 club? From the article, the 300's can keep their "turf" for half the day and the 600's can keep it for the entire day.
I guess I'm confused if it's Real Change or PCC that manages which locations each vendor can be at?
And flowerpetal has a point. Does the vendor really want everyone to rally on her behalf, or is she fine with having moved to another location?
Maybe it's worthwhile to ask her before assuming. Just sayin'.
Just when I decide maybe it is safe to come back...
HOW ON EARTH DOES A THREAD ABOUT A NICE LADY SELLING REAL CHANGE TURN INTO AN ARGUMENT? The fact that she is working AT ALL is a great thing right now, why would it be better if she were working inside the store House? Does that make her a better person somehow? What's it to you, anyway?
And yeah, ok, PCC is overpriced - but why basically call everyone who shops there a yuppie? Maybe some of us are just sick of the crappy service and limited selection of the other places in the area.
And when did this turn into Girl Scout bashing? Dirty looks? They've only ever been lovely and polite when I have seen them. Give them a freaking break already, they already are pretty much forced to wear silly uniforms and peddle their wares to strangers. They don't need you acting like they are little b***hes or something.
I don't even know why I ever come back to read anything here, it always just ends up making me angry. Anything is fair game to wicked attacks.
flowerpetal...
you have a point about asking her what she wants... but what is the harm in ensuring she has a choice?
She may have discovered that being "released" from her spot at PCC was a good thing for her and has offered her better opportunities...
but since her long term position at PCC was earned by her performance, shouldn't she be given the opportunity to choose?
Alki_2008... you are right, i assume she was in the 300 or 600 club... and i don't know that is true... but if she wasn't, why would PCC be in a position to release her from a placement she had earned?
I fully suspect that the real change lady has made the best of her situation... she has proven herself to be a credible entrepreneur...
But that doesn't change my position regarding what i know of PCCs decision...
nor does it change my desire to know where i can find her now...
and whether she has any security at all in her new location.
LOL... miss audrey..
and what do you really think ;~>
i think you have truly made a difference today... now if i can just figure out how to do that jubilation icon...
\|/ \|/ \|/ \|/ \|/
Wicked attacks? Arguments? The only anger I see is coming from the one making the complaint. Everyone else is pretty much discussing why people are getting involved without first speaking to the woman in question. It's entirely possible she wanted a change. No one has asked her. Before the benefit gets planned, it might be a good idea to get details.
As for me personally, I don't like solicitors of any kind, at any place, by any door. So. It's my opinion to have. I would prefer (if they must) that they set up shop over to a side where I can approach them if I'm interested. And it was the food I called over priced yuppie. I apologize if the food felt personally attacked and insulted. Just my opinion. And again, so? Who says you can't prefer it. Nothing wrong with where you choose to spend your money.
this seems to be a rant about a local business, and I think we need to hear more from the business at hand. I'd be interested, JoB, what you hear from them. Overpriced yuppie food implies that yuppies shop there. I'm definitely not a yuppie, but love to shop in their bulk section. Good organic, and non-organic foods and spices for much cheaper than boxed at the local SW, MM, etc. Yes, there's nothing wrong with where we choose to spend our money...10 buck yummy bacon, anyone? (sorry, really shouldn't have said that - lol).
So while we may disagree on a few things, JT, I do agree that some answers from both sides need to be forthcoming.
Luckie
Member Profile
I ran into Yvonne (the Real Change vendor) in the Junction today. She says she's on her way back to PCC. Well, _near_ PCC; she says she's going to be "on the sidewalk now, so they can't say anything."
I was at PCC an hour ago and a woman was selling Real Change, sitting out front at the one of the tables. I could swear it was the same woman who's always been there.
Yvonne, the vendor, is back, she says thanks to those that called in and spoke up. As for myself, glad I can now avoid this thread forever...yeesh, guys!
This is great news! We just got back from a weekend trip and were talking on the way home about how we were worried that Yvonne was not at the PCC the past week. So glad that she is back. Just her smile makes my day better ever time I go there!
I have conversed with Yvonne for a couple years now at PCC and today, on MLK Day of all days was surprised when she said, "I'm back." When I asked if she was sick, she mentioned that she was asked to leave for being too aggressive. I was shocked and disappointed that someone would make such a "complaint," but immediately went back into the store and affirmed the management for rethinking their response.
I too got the good news that Yvonne was reinstated as the "Real Change" vendor at P.C.C. I had spoken to her directly after the decision was made by the manager at P.C.C. to replace her. She was very upset by this and called me directly to tell me what had happened. One of her friends and supporters wrote the very first blog asking everyone for help. Thanks to everyone who called P.C.C in support of Yvonne. She is one of the most respectful,courteous,and thoughtful people that I know and she makes my day when I see her there. She has also been asked to move away from the door and has. She is never pushy and she remembers the names and family members of most of the customers that frequent the West Seattle store. I have not shopped there since I found out about her position being terminated. I was overjoyed to find out that she was back. Next time I go to the store I too will affirm the managers decision to reinstate her spot. Most of us are only a paycheck away from being homeless.She has worked very hard at making a new life for herself. Take the time to ask people their story.You may be surprised.
I read the whole thread tonight, and I'm delighted with the conclusion. She's a lovely lady, has never been pushy with me, and I wish her all the success in the world.
I haven't shopped at PCC since Yvonne's layoff. One reason I went to PCC is because of her friendliness, her smile, and her dedication to awesome customer service. She is loved and adored by West Seattle.
There is always going to be a bad apple who can't stand joy and enthusiasm and will complain.
I think we should still formally complain to PCC about the management's behavior.
I can't wait until WHOLE FOODS comes in and Yvonne gets her spot there. Ha!
I am tired of vendors, peddlers, bell ringers, etc. and this one is not an exception. She told my friend long ago that selling these papers is a "good gig". Think of it, she buys some papers and collects many more dollars than papers.
Just a few weeks ago. I sat across from her-I was inside and she was outside. She sold three papers and got another ten or twelve dollars by people just stopping by to give her money. That would be tax free money. I would like to see someone else there. She got really mad one day when someone got on her turf. It was almost funny if she had not been so tough about it-underneath that friendly grin lurks another layer. I will complain to the manager now that she is back. I thought she was the gauntlet we had to suffer to get in the door. I for one, want all vendors gone, gone, gone. It is tough enough getting the money to shop without being stopped on the way in to the store.
I am tired of vendors, peddlers, bell ringers, etc. and this one is not an exception. She told my friend long ago that selling these papers is a "good gig". Think of it, she buys some papers and collects many more dollars than papers.
Just a few weeks ago. I sat across from her-I was inside and she was outside. She sold three papers and got another ten or twelve dollars by people just stopping by to give her money. That would be tax free money. I would like to see someone else there. She got really mad one day when someone got on her turf. It was almost funny if she had not been so tough about it-underneath that friendly grin lurks another layer. I will complain to the manager now that she is back. I thought she was the gauntlet we had to suffer to get in the door. I for one, want all vendors gone, gone, gone. It is tough enough getting the money to shop without being stopped on the way in to the store.
alki_2008
Member Profile
I tend to agree that I'd prefer to NOT have someone standing by an entrance/exit - whether that person is selling something, petitioning, collecting for charity, or otherwise.
I don't shop at the WS PCC, but may stop by to see what this hub-bub was all about. If Yvonne used to be close to the doors and has moved further away, then that's great. If she used to be close to the doors and any customers complained, then I don't fault PCC for asking her to leave or move. Just as some of you like seeing her there, there may also be people who didn't like it - and their views should be equally acknowledged. It's not PCC's responsibility to support Real Change vendors.
As for the new Whole Foods. I don't see any reason that Yvonne would, or should, be entitled to that location. There are plenty of Real Change vendors, so why not give them the opportunity as well?
Totally_Anonymous, has it occurred to you that some of us might also want our shopping experience to be *totally anonymous*, without being referred to as bad apples?
Whether someone standing at the door is joyful or pissy is really irrelevant. Imagine if every place you went someone was at the entrance with a request. School, church, post office, restaurant, place of employment. Everywhere you went, every door you pass through, there's another someone with something to sell. A walk down California would be a nightmare.
Why is a grocer entrance sacred and those of us who don't care for it accused of being cold hearted and argumentative?
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