The Press Enterprise Goes After "Who Done It?"
Ever since the arrest warrants were issued for Daniel Navarro of Pomona, and Luis Sanchez of Chino on multiple charges of animal cruelty at the Chino slaughterhouse, we've said these individuals were perhaps guilty, but probably not the ultimate decision-makers.
Navarro and Sanchez are the guys seen in the Humane Society video that led to closure of the Hallmark/Westland slaughterhouse and shortly thereafter to the largest beef recall in U.S. history.
They are the guys fired by the Hallmark/Westland owners, and charged by the county prosecuting attorney under California law. Is anybody looking any higher up the food chain?
Yes, the Riverside-based Press Enterprise is on the case. Reporters Ben Goad and Janet Zimmerman today wrote this:
Irene Zamora, who said she worked as a Hallmark quality assurance inspector in 2004, blamed the problems on a manager at the plant. She spoke to a reporter Tuesday at her home in Riverside and was not part of the congressional hearing.
Zamora said the two men charged with animal abuse in the case, pen manager Daniel Ugarte Navarro, 48, and his assistant, Jose Luis Sanchez, 32, were acting on the other manager's orders.
According to Zamora, she was fired after six months because she was zealous about cleaning up the plant, making sure workers had new boots and gloves and were following procedures for cleanliness and safety.
Zamora, 41, said she went to Stan Mendell, the operations manager and brother of owner Steve Mendell, and complained about the manager, but Stan Mendell told her there was nothing he could do.
The plant's owners and top executives only visited the area called the kill floor once or twice a week, she said.
"I feel bad for Stan and the bosses. There's a lot of things Irene Zamora, who said she worked as a Hallmark quality assurance inspector in 2004, blamed the problems on a manager at the plant. She spoke to a reporter Tuesday at her home in Riverside and was not part of the congressional hearing.
Zamora said the two men charged with animal abuse in the case, pen manager Daniel Ugarte Navarro, 48, and his assistant, Jose Luis Sanchez, 32, were acting on the other manager's orders.
According to Zamora, she was fired after six months because she was zealous about cleaning up the plant, making sure workers had new boots and gloves and were following procedures for cleanliness and safety.
Zamora, 41, said she went to Stan Mendell, the operations manager and brother of owner Steve Mendell, and complained about the manager, but Stan Mendell told her there was nothing he could do.
The plant's owners and top executives only visited the area called the kill floor once or twice a week, she said.
"I feel bad for Stan and the bosses. There's a lot of things that man (the manager) did without anybody knowing. If you did not do what he said, you were out the door," said Zamora, who went to work for the city of Riverside's recreation program and also stocked shelves at a Food 4 Less after leaving Hallmark.
The Press-Enterprise is not naming the manager because he has not been formally accused of criminal wrongdoing or charged with any crimes.
that man (the manager) did without anybody knowing. If you did not do what he said, you were out the door," said Zamora, who went to work for the city of Riverside's recreation program and also stocked shelves at a Food 4 Less after leaving Hallmark.
The Press-Enterprise is not naming the manager because he has not been formally accused of criminal wrongdoing or charged with any crimes.
If true, the Westland/Hallmark empire was destroyed by not by the owners, but someone they hired to run their operations. And, they did not listen to warnings about it. This isn't all The Press Enterprise has to say. Check it out here.
The owners of Halmark Meat packing are not entitled to plead ignorance to what goes on in their facility.I would be happy to see all of the employees jailed and fined and the facility bulldozed.What about the USDA inspectors?Perhaps they need to be accompanied by ASPCA representatives.I tend to question the integrity of the inspections.I come from 2 generations of Dairy Farmers and never have I seen evil, cruel,dangerous, immoral, unethical actions.It is fueled by greed, stupidity, and total lack of compassion or humanity.
And then, ship these products to feed innocent children in our schools.I think I changed my mind.They should be hanged.Let their last meal be one of their own hamburgers!For Shame.
Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. President Steve Mendell
Carol & Steve Mendell
233 Jasmine Ave, Corona del Mar, CA
http://herndon1.sdrdc.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?27931472458
http://www5.city.newport-beach.ca.us/revenue/results.asp?ID=C
(949)723-6284
Inside of their house:
http://od1068295.isanexpert.com/Listings/AllPictures_r4.aspx?ETID=100&PID=26414735
Animal cruelty at a slaughter house are you kidding me? Although those employees actions were deplorable as humans, it is ridiculous that MR Mendell be subjected to such loose and forked tongues. I have known Mr Mendell as a family friend and business partner to my father (who does not live in a billion dollar home, but is an average joe). I know the morals and standards that Steve holds himself and his family to. It is horrible (but understandable) that a business owner who has invested 18 years of his life be torn down in such a way because of lazy and careless employees. Yes, he is ultimately responsible. Yes, perhaps even stiffer reviews of his employees was called for. However, the USDA has dropped the ball... not only here but in general. He has passed inspections by the USDA and the cows shown in these videos were tested and did NOT COME BACK as being tainted. As a person, it is horrible to see this. But no one is screaming animal cruelty when they are tearing into thier USDA approved steak. He and his family are suffering more than you care to admit. It is easy to speculate on a situation that does not hit home. It is easy to condemn someone in a public forum. I know that if he had been aware of this, there would have been an immediate stop to this behavior. These actions do not merit the death threats that he, his wife, and his children have received. It is a horrible situation for all involved. Again, although he is ultimitly responsible for these actions, it is the lazy and thoughtless employees that should be prosecuted. Have you ever been to a slaughter house? That in itself is more cruel than anything you could see on that video. This man, his family, his business, and his life are ruined. He feels deeply for the actions that occured. Before you condemn the man, condemn the system.