Business owners worry union's picket will distract from "Rediscover Downtown Day"

By Victoria Spilabotte

CREATED Oct. 9, 2012

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  • This weekend you're invited to rediscover downtown. It's a big push for Las Vegas locals to support downtown business. But some business owners worry a union's picket could distract from the day's events. Video by ktnv.com

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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- "He paints in acrylic, I love that he pairs the dinosaurs with cowboys," Marty Walsh said as she walks by the latest exhibit at her art gallery called Trifecta.

Walsh is going on nine years as a downtown business owner, showcasing local artists.

"Downtown is becoming culturally mature in it's own brand and in its own way," Walsh said.

Her gallery may be a staple in the downtown community, but there are dozens of other new businesses popping up nearby. Like the Corner Store, which Cima Mizrachi opened with her husband five months ago on Main Street.

"I would love to for everyone to see how Main Street has become a walkable shopping district," Mizrachi said Tuesday when she addressed a group of local businesses owners.

On Saturday, the community is invited to rediscover downtown. Forty-five businesses are set to offer special incentives for shoppers.

But some businesses worry a picket on Fremont Street by the Culinary Worker's Union could disrupt the day's events.

"The culinary is going to do what the culinary wants to do and I think they have the right to do that we don't have a problem with it," Rich Worthington, Downtown Las Vegas Alliance said. "It's unfortunate they coincide, but we like to think it's a coincidence."

The union said it represents about 3,500 downtown workers.

"Workers have decided to take to the streets to make sure their retirement and health benefits are covered," Yvanna Cancela, Culinary Worker's Union, said.

Cancela said the union supports downtown business and it feels part of the downtown revitalization with the office located on South Commerce Street.

But owners said they don't want the picket to put a negative spin on Rediscover Downtown Day.

"With all of the businesses and what we're offering, that should bring people down," Mizrachi said. "I don't want to let any negativity get in the way of all the positive things we are doing."

Cancela said the union doesn't know how many people will attend the picket.

The Heart Walk and Rediscover Downtown Day will be going on all at the same time.

For more information on Rediscover Downtown events visit www.rediscoverdowntownlv.com