Comments for manilatown.org Blog

Comment on Partnership with Giuliana by Tina Oakland

Tina Oakland — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:14:09 +0000

It is with honor that I have people like this in my life. It is with honor that these two people are my friends, my political awareness guide, my family of showing international solidarity and to be added to the list of Internationalist. The unselfish love that they have given to so many communities by fighting for rights that we deserve but lack. This is an example of how we all should live our lives, your life should be to serve others, and live by example. Guiliana I am your sister in solidarity with your pain, I am never far if you ever need support.

Comment on Partnership with Giuliana by Ron C.

Ron C. — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:21:52 +0000

I was a friend of one of Bill’s daughters back in the late 70s when I had the honor and privilege of meeting Bill. He struck me right away as being down-to-earth and caring. He knew how to put first time acquaintances at ease and make you feel at home. I am saddened by his passing, but am awed by his legacy and how he left such an imprint on the community with his life. I am honored to have known him.

Comment on Bill’s Parents by Joy Neas

Joy Neas — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 00:09:53 +0000

I attended the 30th anniversary of the I-Hotel eviction. I never met Bill but through photos and words I feel like I did. Bill is an inspiration for advocates everywhere and my own fight to save seven hotels from being demolished in downtown Stockton. I know that Bill is greatly loved and his spirit was with us that day and in all the days yet to come!

Comment on Passing It On by Eric Mar

Eric Mar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:41:19 +0000

These interviews are wonderful! Will try to use them in SF State classes. Bill and his son Giulio came to speak to my students at SF State about 10 years ago; and I use the family portraits video and Fall of the I-Hotel film as well. This site will be another good addition to materials about our people’s struggles.

Comment on Bill’s Parents by Eric Mar

Eric Mar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:37:37 +0000

Thank you for this great tribute to Bill and his family! Long live the fighting spirit of Bill Sorro and the I-Hotel!

Comment on Passing It On by david dea

david dea — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 23:50:51 +0000

I remember Bill in many casual encounters will being involved with the Kearny Street Workshop and drop-in’s to the Hotel. Fine person.

Comment on Labor by Jan Jenson

Jan Jenson — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 01:54:48 +0000

As a single mom wanting to earn a decent living to raise my daughter, I got into the ironworkers in North Dakotra in 1976. They immediately stuck me into the rod patch – for nearly 3 years – thinking they were going to get rid of me. Didn’t work! The day I wanted to start working structural the powers that be decided to p0ut me on the steam drum detail – over 425 ft. in the air. I didn’t let them – said I would sue their buts off for endangering me and the life of my child, who depended on me. So I started on the ground and worked up. In 1980 I “boomed out” to San Francisco, where I worked for 10 years. I wish I had met Bill Sorro then… we would have some great stories and challenges to swap and talk about. The world was a much better place because of people like Bill, especially ALL the ironworkers unions in the SF Bay Area!
Check my website for 25 years of ironworking photos from jobsites I’ve been on or visited…!