Bakersfield Hotel Full of Asbestos

August 29, 2006 - Construction workers who’ve performed renovations at a Bakersfield (CA) hotel protested this week amidst allegations that they had been exposed to dangerous asbestos since they began working at the hotel in January 2003.

Workers at the Padre Hotel, owned by Pacifica Enterprises LLC, said that about 50 employees were forced to work amidst asbestos for about seven months during renovations.  Furthermore, the workers claimed that Pacifica had not warned them about the asbestos materials they handled during the renovation. 

An article in the Bakersfield Californian notes that Pacifica has been cited for asbestos violations twice. In June 2005, the company, based in San Diego, settled a lawsuit brought by the Kern County District Attorney's office, for its alleged avoidance of asbestos removal from the Padre. The suit settled for $460,000 with Pacifica admitting no wrongdoing.  Renovation at the Padre was been halted for the last year or so.

Worker Alex Lopez, of Riverside, is already worried about the affect the asbestos has had on his health.  Lopez, 42, told the Californian that he’s suffered serious skin rashes, believed to be caused by the asbestos.  He also visits a pulmonary specialist every three months.  Last time, the doctor found a black mark on his lung.

"I am worried," Lopez said. "My wife and three kids are worried about me. It's hard for me to sleep. I keep thinking about it."