Team Ramco said to refuse new sign from Phoenix radio host

In an effort to diffuse a racially charged situation, a Phoenix radio talk show host offered to replace a controversial sign at a Yuma business, but his goodwill gesture was refused.

Carlos Galindo, a Phoenix activist and radio talk show host for KASA radio, shipped the new sign, which says "No Hay Trabajo Aquí" ("No Employment Here") to Team Ramco, 4701 E Gila Ridge Road, but owners there would not accept it.

The new sign would have replaced the current sign which states "No Yobs Aqui." The current sign has ignited a virtual firestorm in recent days prompting harsh criticisms from many who feel it's racist because they believe it pokes fun at those with heavy Spanish accents.

Flash Sharrar, owner of Team Ramco, says he put up the signs almost a year ago because he was having issues with job seekers who constantly came to his business.

Sharrar says he got the idea for the spelling from a skit from comedian Carlos Mencia, and does not feel it is racist. He says the signs were to alert job seekers to the fact that his automotive shop is not affiliated with Ramco Employment which is located nearby.

"I read the story about the sign," said Galindo. "The sign serves as fuel in the racial war. Hispanic leaders statewide have displayed outrage at the content of the sign, and have indicated it is demeaning to Hispanics and meant to mock the way immigrants speak.

"I asked Sharrar to replace the sign, and I wanted to do it the right way by having a new sign made in proper Spanish so it could be understood by those immigrants requesting a job.

"Sharrar agreed and I had the sign made up free of charge and donated by Marcos Printing in Phoenix, Arizona. I then coordinated with Transportes Superior who makes daily trips to San Luis, Arizona, and they agreed to transport it for free to their office in San Luis. I then contacted Louis Knutson, owner of the Midco Courier Service, who attempted to deliver it to Sharrar at 2 p.m. Thursday."

Galindo said Sharrar's agreement to accept the new sign turns out to have been an empty promise.

"I was just supposed to drop off the sign and I was refused," said Louis Knutson, owner of Midco Couriers. "I am just doing my job and I was under the impression that Mr. Sharrar, who was not at the business at the time, was going to accept it.

"I was told by the front desk attendant that they did not want it, were not interested, did not want any part of it, and did not want to be harassed any further.

"Mr. Galindo told me Mr. Sharrar would accept it, so I was surprised when he did not. Team Ramco is a customer of mine and they have always treated me with respect.

"I can understand the frustration on both parts and it would be nice if both parties could work together to get it straightened out. Other than that, I really don't want to be in the middle of it."

The Sun visited Team Ramco but was told by Sharrar to leave the premises.

Sharrar refused to comment on the situation.

Galindo says he believes Sharrar was leading him around by his nose the entire time, and only told him what he wanted to hear.

"He played the part to the hilt. I don't believe he actually thought I would follow through with it. I don't think people expect me as an immigrant advocate to be articulate. I believe in assimilation done the American way. We do want to assimilate, but we have to get those folks out of the dark."