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Councilmember Cook- Kallio noted this is a lockout rather than a strike, and questioned if the Council has any emergency authority under the Brown Act to request that they allow negotiations to continue and employees to return to work. Mr. Lowell explained that the Brown Act only refers to an emergency in terms of allowing the Council to agendize an item within the 72 hours prior to a meeting. An emergency is defined as a work stoppage, crippling activity, or other activity that severely impairs the public health, safety, or both as determined by majority of the Council. If the Council wished to add this to tonight's agenda, it would have to find that this situation meets those requirements. He advised it would be a difficult finding to make in this situation and recommended that, if it wishes to take up the issue, the Council direct that this matter be agendized for its next meeting. Nischit Hegde, Unite Here Local 2050, said her organization has represented Castlewood workers for over 30 years. They have been in negotiation with the company since September 2009 and on February 24, 2010 were told that workers would be locked out the following day. She said Unite Here Local 2050 has not seen a lockout in at least 15 years and $739 is 40% of the average workers take home pay, creating a situation where employees are forced to choose between feeding and clothing their families or providing health care. She thanked the Council for what they have already done but said that workers and Unite Here would appreciate a resolution requiring Castlewood to end the lockout and resume negotiations in good faith. Bob Lane said Castlewood went before the Employment Development Department (EDD) to blame workers for the lockout and to prevent them from collecting unemployment benefits. The EDD rejected the argument and granted workers the benefits they are entitled. He ask the Council's help in restoring a fair negotiation process to achieve fair contracts for people who live and work in Pleasanton. Mayor Hosterman explained that because the matter is not agendized, Council discussion will have to be held until Matters Initiated by Council. She said both she and Councilmember Cook Kallio have called Castlewood General Manager Jerry Olson and that the most effective approach will be to put pressure on management. Melanie Sadek, Murphy's Paw, shared appreciation for everything the Council and staff has done for downtown businesses the last few years and provided an update on what downtown businesses have done support the community in return. She reported that national studies show that $68 of every $100 spent at a small business goes directly back into the local economy. Allen Robert shared his concern with the statements made in the ballot arguments in support of the Oak Grove measure and asked that the signers of the argument correct mistakes. Joe Ely urged the Council to pass a resolution in support of Proposition 15, demonstrating the benefits of removing the damaging influence of campaign contributions on elections and public policy. Councilmember Sullivan thanked Mr. Ely for his comments and said the item would be discussed under Matters Initiated by Council. Kathy Dowding read the names of the 16 American soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since the last Council meeting and invited the public and Council to join Pleasantonians for Peace in its peaceful protests. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 12 March 16, 2010