Category: Commentary

Bilingual commentary — Leaving Our Mark on the World

If we have any ambition at all, we will want to make a difference, leave our mark on the world, and know that our existence, once it’s over, meant something. But how should we approach this daunting task?

Let’s consider a few ideas about how we can go about this sacred mission.

First and foremost, we need to discover our passion, or passions. Our healthy obsessions are fundamentally unique because we are, in essence, supremely unique. Whether we pursue science, music, art, writing, creating movies or work as an acrobat in the circus, we enrich our lives according to our natural talents and interests. Likewise, we enhance the lives of others who are inspired by our dedication or who see a reflection of something profound in our passionate approach to life.

Guest commentary — An Immigrant Tale in the Time of Trump*

Our three-alarm opera begins very early in our house each morning. First, Lady Whiskers, our huge Coon cat, meows politely, already in front of the bedroom door telling us quite empathically that she is ready to go into the darkness of the morning and begin her early dawn hunt. Our puppy, Maximiliano (Mad Max), hearing his sister, begins crying for attention and some warm milk. Half an hour later our family alarm goes off, all the while classical music is mesmerizingly reminding us to be mindful, trucha, and cool for the battles that lay ahead. This how we had begun our morning wakeup ritual for a while, until Trump ascended to the Monarchy of the United States roughly three weeks ago, and completely highjacked, assaulted, and disrupted our world.

Guest contribution — VCTA Demands Accountability on VCMS

How Ventura County Medical System is Draining Taxpayer Dollars

Ensuring efficiency and accountability in government spending is often a slow and complex process. However, the Ventura County Taxpayers Association (VCTA) is dedicated to making sure taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly and transparently in our public institutions.

This newsletter aims to inform Ventura County residents and encourage action from the Board of Supervisors and other decision-makers to adopt three steps it must take to restore public trust and ensure responsible financial management at the Ventura County Medical System (VCMS).

Bilingual commentary — Exhausted by Outrage

Particularly since election day last November (for some reason), I have become aware of an expanding phenomenon in this country: outrage exhaustion. What this term means is that we are, in a word (or two), “worn-out” from being angry all the time.

Outrage exhaustion means that we no longer have the capacity for escalating outrage after a long and boisterous presidential campaign that tested our limits of indignation and cyclical anger. We know for certain that we have saturated our outrage circuits when we don’t even get upset with the barista for using steamed milk instead of oat milk in our latte.

Bilingual report — City of Ventura Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sánchez-Palacios addresses recent federal immigration enforcement actions

Dear City of Ventura Residents and Community Stakeholders,

In light of the recent federal immigration enforcement actions taking place across the nation, including in California, I want to address our community to provide clarity, support, and reassurance. Ventura is a community built on inclusion and mutual respect. Local organizations are available to provide assistance, legal guidance, and resources to those in need.

• Know your rights. You have constitutional protections. Review resources and
information from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
• Seek guidance from trusted organizations. Groups like the El Concilio Family Services, and the Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) offer legal resources and support.
• Create a family safety plan. Have a plan in place, including childcare arrangements
and emergency contacts. If you are at risk of losing housing, the City also offers rental assistance for transitional age youth (ages 18-24) through our Homelessness Prevention Program.
• Report and document. If you or someone you know is impacted by an enforcement
action, take note of key details and reach out to local support organizations.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — After Day One: Trump Wants to Redefine America

On the first day of his second term, President Trump issued a series of immigration-related executive orders and proclamations that will quickly re-shape the U.S. immigration system. These executive orders affect nearly every facet of a complex and demanding system. Most of the policy changes introduced through these actions are framed as directives to federal departments and agencies. However, their language also aims to stoke fear as a means of testing the boundaries of executive authority.

Guest contribution — 805Undocufund — Response to ICE Activity in Santa Barbara and Goleta

SANTA BARBARA — On Sunday, Jan. 26, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles carried out operations in Santa Barbara and Goleta. The 805Undocufund Hotline and Alert system intervened to prevent an arrest.

“What we witnessed yesterday was clear evidence that ICE is not targeting individuals with judicial warrants but instead engaging in widespread intimidation tactics to fulfill the administration’s new quota policies,” said Primitiva Hernandez, Executive Director of 805Undocufund. 

Through the Rapid Response Hotline and Alert System, the community intervened after an employer reported that their employee was being questioned by ICE agents while in their car. Executive Director Julissa Peña from the Immigrant Legal Defense Center (ILDC) provided assistance, ensuring the individual’s constitutional rights were upheld and facilitating their release from further questioning.

“Yesterday, ICE came into our communities without warrants, dressed in plainclothes, and driving unmarked vehicles. They resorted to verbal and physical intimidation, flagrantly attempting to violate people’s rights,” said Primitiva Hernandez. “One such incident involved ICE agents surrounding an individual’s truck, mocking him, and shouting degrading comments like ‘come out and be a man.’ Thankfully, the ILDC intervened over the phone while outside the individual’s vehicle, empowering the individual to assert their rights and preventing further abuse.” 

Bilingual commentary — Too Busy to Exercise

When I used to work in offices and organizations, I heard all the excuses from colleagues for not exercising, such as:

I don’t have enough time for exercise
I’m too tired to do exercise after working all day
I’m not interested in exercising
Too much effort is required to exercise
I don’t have to lose weight
Exercise is “not necessary”
But in an era of unprecedented rates of obesity and lifestyle-induced diseases, it becomes imperative for us to somehow, in some way, carve out sufficient time for exercise in our daily lives. For without exercise in our routine, the body, designed for motion and exertion, begins to naturally degenerate. 

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Trump’s First Immigration Executive Actions

President Trump wasted no time trying to radically change the U.S. immigration system. On his first day in office, he issued 10 executive orders that seek to redefine America—excluding everyone from asylum seekers to countless children of immigrants. 

In the American Immigration Council’s new fact sheet, After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions, we break down what these policy changes seek to accomplish immediately and what they will mean for immigrants and all Americans in the future.

Read the Analysis

Farm Bureau of Ventura County — Webinar and Resources on Immigration (webinar on Jan. 29) & CBP Activity

National Immigration Project Webinar on Immigration

Join the National Immigration Project on Wednesday, January 29 at 5pm ET for a free webinar for community defenders, advocates, and impacted community members to go over the basics of what you can do to protect yourself and your community in the face of potential immigration enforcement.

We’ll go over what immigration policies have changed in the first week of the Trump administration; a primer on your Fourth Amendment rights; and ways for families to prepare in case of an arrest by immigration officials. Our 1.5-hour program is meant to address your most burning questions and to remind you of the protections you already have. As policies change, we will continue to provide community defenders with the information and trainings they need to fight back and to keep their people ready to face whatever comes.

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Community Update

I want to ensure you’re ready for the extreme conditions forecasted for our area. The National Weather Service and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services are closely monitoring a Red Flag wind event expected to last through Tuesday.

During this period, dry conditions combined with northeast winds of 25 to 40 MPH—and gusts reaching up to 60 MPH—create a heightened risk of wildfires.

Southern California Edison is implementing Public Safety Power Shutoffs in wind-prone areas. The primary period of concern for shutoffs extends through Tuesday morning, though circuits restored earlier may still be at risk for additional shutoffs depending on conditions.

MLK message to LULAC Family

As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded of the power of his vision. This vision continues to guide us in our work today. Dr. King’s dream of equality, justice, and a “Beloved Community” resonates deeply with our shared mission at LULAC. His strong commitment to nonviolence as a force for change reminds us that unity, courage, and action make progress possible.

This year, we find ourselves at a historic crossroads. The path ahead is uncertain, and challenges are many for the Latino communities we serve across the United States and Puerto Rico. Yet, I want to assure you that our sense of purpose has never been stronger. We are not merely observing the changes around us; we are preparing and taking deliberate action to confront them with clarity and determination.

Bilingual report — January News from People’s Self-Help Housing

This year sees People’s Self-Help Housing celebrate its 55th Anniversary!

Since 1970, when a group of committed individuals said ‘we can do better to help house our neighbors’, we have been doing just that. Originally building through the self-help program – ten families building alongside each other, working on one another’s homes – and then amplifying those efforts through the development of multifamily housing, the DNA of our organization is mutuality and support.

Bilingual commentary — The Importance of Eye Contact for Pedestrians

When I was a teenager, my father seemed eager to teach me how to drive. He himself never had any formal driving instruction, but he had earned his “street cred” as a driver on the battlefield known as the Los Angeles freeway system.

Every workday during my first 18 years, I saw him put on his “driving armor,” metaphorically speaking. He would leave home early in the morning, get into the family car, and go out to fight the good fight on the freeways of Los Angeles to earn a living. There were grueling miles between our modest home in the suburbs and his job at a print shop in Hollywood. 

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Who runs the U.S. immigration system?

he Laken Riley Act Would Give States Sweeping Power Over Immigration Policy …

Who runs the U.S. immigration system? If the Senate passes the Laken Riley Act this week, the answer might not be Congress?or?the president. The bill, already passed in the House, would hand state attorneys general, like Ken Paxton in Texas, veto power over large swaths of federal immigration policy. 

People’s Self-Help Housing Begins 55th Anniversary Celebrations 2025 to mark significant milestone in the organization’s history

CENTRAL COAST — This year, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH)celebrates 55 years as an organization. To commemorate this historic milestone, PSHH has launched a new celebratory logo and webpage for its use throughout 2025.
 
“What a privilege for an organization to celebrate 55 years,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “From our origins on the heels of the seminal Fair Housing Act of 1968 to today, we have been proud to participate in the numerous partnerships that have brought tens of thousands of units of affordable housing to the Central Coast.”

Ventura County Community Foundation update on recent wildfires

As we face one of the most devastating fire seasons in our region’s history, our hearts are with all those impacted by the fires across Los Angeles County and here in Ventura County. Please know you are not alone, and if you or a loved one need support, please reach out to 2-1-1 or complete this needs assessment if you are in Ventura County. A team of local nonprofits is working collaboratively together and are standing by to help.

Your community foundation is committed to raising funds to address the immediate and long-term needs of those most impacted by the recent Mountain Fire, while remaining prepared to respond to other disaster-related challenges across Ventura County. 100% of all contributions go directly to those most affected and local nonprofits supporting those most in need.

Free, online “Fearless Femme Summit” from Feb 3 to 6 offers career-boosting advice for women in STEM

SANTA BARBARA — More women than ever are working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, but they’re still vastly outnumbered by men. For many women professionals that can lead to a feeling of isolation, as well as problems with discrimination, unconscious bias and a lack of role models and support.

Leadership coach Mary Jean Vignone, Ph.D., aims to change that. From Feb. 3 to 6 she will be hosting the second annual “Fearless Femme Summit: Propel Your Career in STEM” The free event, which will be held entirely online from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, is designed to help women in STEM reach new heights in their careers and become authentic leaders.

Registration is open to STEM professionals, students and the public at no cost by signing up at www.fearlessfemmesummit.com. Participants can also sign up for a paid group coaching program and individualized emotional intelligence assessments that include free access to Fearless Femme Summit speaker videos.

Bilingual commentary — Immigration Triggers a Civil War

One of the major reasons that got Donald Trump elected to the U.S. presidency for the second time was his thundering promise to conduct a mass deportation of all illegal immigrants. For many of his supporters, this promise was all they needed to reinforce their commitment to their fearless leader. 

Meanwhile, “co-president” Elon Musk ignited a civil war within MAGA world well before Trump’s inauguration when he declared that immigrant labor is essential for the engineering talent required to keep America great. This outlook flies in the face of those who strongly support the view that Americans are quite capable of providing that expertise. Some among the MAGA faithful were triggered, resulting in even more racist rhetoric that hinted at the tainting of our white American blood.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Mass deportations will make us less safe

President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plan will target thousands of people who richly contribute to their families, communities, and our local economies often for decades. While Trump and his advisors claim they will start with “criminal immigrants,” their plans will include millions of people who pose no public safety risk at all—just as we saw during his first administration. 

H-1B Modernization Rule Provides Some Comfort But Also Raises Concerns 

By issuing a final rule, the Biden administration has made it more difficult for the Trump administration to reverse some agency practices with which it disagrees. 

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Power outages

I want to acknowledge the significant inconvenience and frustration caused by the ongoing power outages affecting our area. Many residents, myself included, have been without power for more than three days.

I have reached out to Southern California Edison (SCE) to urge them to expedite efforts to restore power in Ventura County. Unfortunately, their response has been slower than we hoped, but I remain committed to advocating for a swift resolution.

During this challenging time, I encourage you to stay informed and access available resources:

Outage Updates: SCE provides an outage map at www.sce.com/outage-center/check-outage-status.
Emergency Information: The latest updates and emergency services can be found at www.vcemergency.com.
Food Assistance: For those in need, Food Share offers support. You can find more information at foodshare.com.

Community Environmental Council — 2025 is the year for climate leadership!

CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program is designed to foster connection, confidence, and inspiration for grassroots climate action. Gain the tools and support to tackle climate impacts in your life, work, and community. Let’s work together for a sustainable future — the climate movement needs YOU!

Our Climate Stewards program empowers participants to play an active role in their community to advance rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. Together, our community of 200-strong Climate Steward alumni are leading climate justice initiatives and pushing forward thousands of local solutions.

The next cohort starts January 28, 2025. Now is the perfect time to invest in your future, and the future of our planet!

Farmworker communities protest regulation of cancer-causing pesticide as unscientific and racist

VISALIA — More than 100 people (on Jan. 8) attended the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s (DPR) public hearing at the Visalia Veterans’ Memorial Building on its draft regulation of cancer-causing 1,3-dichloropropene (aka 1,3-D, brand name Telone) that addresses only “occupational bystanders” and relies on completely different assumptions of lifetime cancer risk exposure than the law regulating the same pesticide towards children and residents near agricultural fields. 

First District Supervisor Das Williams — That’s A Wrap!

(Jan. 6), my tenure on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors came to an end. I consider myself fortunate and blessed that voters have trusted me to serve in elected office and make a difference for 21 years.

When I first came into office people called me a young gun. But in two decades I have seen a lot, and want to leave you with some parting thoughts.

I don’t believe any elected official can make every call right. When you vote on several thousands of pieces of legislation per year, you can never be perfect, as much as I have deeply wanted to.

The issues of our time are daunting.

SLO Bigs to Celebrate Milestone 30th Year Anniversary and launch 30 for 30 Campaign

SAN LUIS OBISPO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo (BBBS SLO) is excited to kick off National Mentoring Month this January. National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the power of mentorship in shaping the lives of young people. The organization invites the community to join in celebrating the countless mentors, volunteers, and supporters who make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in San Luis Obispo County.  

LAUNCH, Korean Cultural Center issues ‘Call for Artists’ in Southern California for upcoming exhibit

“Edge of Now” invites artists to submit works that capture personal, cultural, and global transformations We seek works that explore the rich tapestry of contemporary life where multiple cultures intersect, where personal and collective experiences are shared, and where the celebration of self, community, and place unfolds alongside the challenges we all encounter.

Year in Review from People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC)

This year was marked with so much success because of strong partnerships, faithful support and visionary investments from people like you. Thank you for every part you played through your advocacy, goodwill and generous support. You made stories like these below possible!

Ventura County Community Foundation’s (VCCF) Power of Purpose December 2024 newsletter

Over the past weeks, we have witnessed extraordinary acts of generosity that have not only improved the lives of hundreds of families in our community, but have also addressed some of Ventura County’s most urgent challenges, including access to clean water, advancing higher education, preserving local journalism, and affordable housing.

Because of your compassion and unwavering support for your neighbors, last week VCCF’s Board of Directors approved an additional $650,000 to assist those most affected by the Mountain Fire. To date, more than $975,313 has been granted, providing families with access to temporary housing, replacement of vital medical equipment, and other essential resources. Your generosity has also covered emergency veterinary bills for injured pets, supported over 450 animal rescues, and provided families with much-needed financial assistance and childcare as they work to rebuild their lives. You have helped farmworkers who lost both work and housing, and so much more.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Support Our Resilient Local Food System

When you support SBCFAN, you’re supporting programs that make a tangible impact—programs like our Emergency Aid and Food Justice Program.

This year, we awarded $40,000 to 9 recipients across Santa Barbara County, providing critical funding to students, local food producers, small businesses, and community organizations addressing food inequity. These grants helped recipients plan, grow, experiment, strengthen, and ultimately build a more resilient local food system.

805 UNCOCUFund — Impacts of ICE Raids in the Past 4 Days

This year felt as if we have lived a thousand lives. As Executive Director of 805UndocuFund, and as someone who comes from an immigrant family, I carry the weight of these past days and year deeply. The numbers are staggering, but what stays with me are the faces, the phone calls, the children waiting for parents who never came home. This level of enforcement violence is not accidental, it is intentional, and it is devastating entire communities in real time.

What gives me hope is our collective response. Community members are showing up for one another with courage, care, and refusal to be silent. Mutual aid, rapid response, and collective defense are acts of love and resistance. As we close this year, I am asking you to stand with our community. Your support allows us to act immediately, protect families, and ensure that no one is taken in silence or forgotten.

In solidarity,

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Last Chance to Make a Difference in 2024!

The clock is ticking! This is your last chance to donate in 2024 and support SBCFAN’s vital work to strengthen Santa Barbara County’s food system.

Every dollar counts, and your contribution goes directly toward building programs that empower our local food producers, tackle food inequity, and create a more resilient, sustainable future. With your help, we’ve already accomplished so much this year, and with your continued support, 2025 will be even brighter.

Bilingual commentary — The Devastating Costs of Mass Deportations

One of the factors that swept Donald Trump back into power and onto the world stage was his inexhaustible and malicious exaggeration of the “immigrant problem.” Images of immigrants eating pets and walking into kitchens and slitting our throats danced in his supporters’ heads as they marked their ballots last month.

Many of us realize, intuitively, that “mass deportation” of “all the illegals” is hardly possible without great damage to the American economy and to our personal lives.

Not wanting to rely on my “intuition,” I searched online for some hard numbers. The information I uncovered was shocking. A “special report” by the American Immigration Council (AIC) laid out the devastating consequences of such a massive operation.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible

***

President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.

Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.

Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration

County of Ventura District 2 Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Help Make the Holidays Bright for Local Children – Volunteers Needed

This holiday season, you’re invited to join me in supporting the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Together, we can help bring some cheer to over 33,000 children in need right here in Ventura County! The Fire Departments of Ventura County and ABC7 have teamed up to make sure every child experiences the magic of the season.

I have learned that more volunteers are needed to help out at Toy Central in Camarillo! This is a great way to give some time to help make the season special for local kids in need.

? Toy Center Location: 135b West Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010

(Target shopping center off Las Posas, between BevMo and Del Taco)

DignityMoves Launches Holiday Gift Drive to Support Residents Transitioning Off the Streets

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — The holiday season is a time for connection, compassion, and generosity, and for those transitioning from homelessness to stable housing, it can be especially meaningful. This year DignityMoves is continuing its holiday tradition at their La Posada Village on Hollister Ave. and their downtown Santa Barbara Street Village  by giving each of the 114 residents a stocking, basket or gift bag with personal and holiday items.

The residents of this “interim supportive housing” – a stop-over between tents and permanent housing –  have a safe and dignified place to get out of survival mode to start to rebuild their lives.

For many of the current residents, this will be the first holiday season in years spent off the streets, making it all the more meaningful. 

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Resilience and Remembrance

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching seven years since the 1/9 Debris flow that took the lives of 23 people and damaged hundreds of homes.

This tragic event has changed us all in profound ways. For me, and for our Flood Control staff, it has further heightened our personal and professional commitments to improve safety, which is why we are embarking on a Montecito Flood Control Master Plan (more on that below) to improve the capacity of all creeks in Montecito.

Please join me on Thursday, January 9th and remember, at Raising Our Light.

Bilingual commentary — The Importance of Reading With a Child

Every year, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day give us an opportunity to reconnect with our families, for better or for worse. At these gatherings, we might choose to interact with the entire group, or we may decide that it is best to focus our attention on different family members, one at a time.

Last month at my daughter’s Thanksgiving dinner, I chose to do the latter. After the feast and the familial banter, I had the privilege of sitting down with my youngest grandson, age 6, as we read his storybooks together. 

Bilingual report — Ventura PD urges safe driving and responsible celebrations this holiday season

VENTURA — As the holiday festivities approach, the Ventura Police Department reminds community members to celebrate responsibly and refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or any over-the-counter drugs that may impair driving ability.

From December 12 to January 1, the Ventura Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This high-visibility enforcement effort is part of the national campaign, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’ aimed at keeping roads safe from impaired drivers who jeopardize the safety of everyone.

Bilingual commentary — Meeting Our Ancestors

Our great-grandparents would never recognize the world in which we live. How could we ever explain to them instant worldwide communication via satellite, social media, or contemporary U.S. politics, for that matter?

I began pondering this question after reading a novel—an old-fashioned book, no less. I often visit the downtown library in Oxnard and select a book in Spanish, the language of my ancestors, just to maintain my Spanish language skills. The title caught my eye: “Un Verano Italiano,” by author Rebecca Serle.

Guest contribution — The Ultimate Holiday Guide To Lompoc On California’s Central Coast

LOMPOC — It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Looking for festive fun, delicious treats, and unforgettable sights in Lompoc this holiday season? Dive into our roundup of festive delights and seasonal fun for you and your crew, and enjoy a magical holiday season.

Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell District 2 Update – Mountain Fire and Community Resources

This Thanksgiving, I want to share how grateful I am to be part of a community that shows such extraordinary strength, compassion, and resilience—especially in the face of challenges like the Mountain Fire. For many of our neighbors, this season has been unimaginably difficult. If you’ve been affected, please know I am here to support you every step of the way.

Next week, we’ll be holding a Phase 2 Debris Removal Workshop to help residents navigate the next steps in recovering and rebuilding their properties. It’s part of an on going effort to make sure you have the tools and resources you need to move forward.

If you need assistance, resources like 211 and Food Share are available for you. For those looking to give back, donations and volunteer efforts are a powerful way to make an impact. Donations can be made with the Ventura County Community Foundation for the Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund or you can learn about volunteer needs through the United Way volunteer program.

I continue to be moved by the stories of generosity and resilience that define our community. A neighbor using water from their pool to help protect a home before evacuating. First responders carrying disabled residents to safety. Volunteers standing shoulder to shoulder with families, helping sift through the ashes of what was lost. Past fire victims gathering with those currently impacted, sharing insights, lessons, and hope.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Thanksgiving Week, Let’s Honor Immigrant Farmworkers

With the approach of Thanksgiving, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the people who make this holiday possible. Many of the fruits, vegetables, and other staples of our Thanksgiving feasts are harvested by immigrant farm workers. 

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours!

This year, I hope we can all reflect on why we celebrate this holiday. It’s the celebration of the first harvest in the New World by the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims settled in America to escape religious persecution and seek opportunity. The story of Native Americans welcoming them with open arms is a vital part of our history that we should not forget. Understandably, given the Navajo half of my family, what happened next also leaves us with many mixed feelings. But the symbol of Thanksgiving nevertheless defines who we strive to be.

Just as America has been the destination of people all over the world who seek refuge from danger and to build a better life, intolerance towards those people has also always been a part of American history. We have to remember that no American unless you are purely Native, belongs here more than any other one. At our best, we are the country where people go to escape persecution, not the country that persecutes people for originating somewhere else. May our arms stay open, as the Pilgrims encountered some 400 years ago.

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJFVC) announces a Donation Match for Sustainability

Today, the SJFVC Board of Directors launches a match opportunity. We will match your donation dollar-for-dollar up to a maximum of $8,656 through December 31, 2024. Please take advantage of this chance to make your donation more impactful. Your $250 contribution becomes $500, for example. Click below to “Donate Now” or send a check to Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, P.O. Box 1271, Camarillo, CA 93011.

People’s Self-Help Housing Commemorates Retirement of Sheryl Flores, Director of Home Ownership

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) recently commemorated the retirement of their Director of Home Ownership. After more than 28 years of service to affordable housing, California native and longtime San Luis Obispo resident, Sheryl Flores is stepping down.

“Sheryl has been a tremendous asset to the growth and success of our organization,” said Ken Trigueiro, PSHH CEO & President. “It would be impossible to list all of her contributions, but we simply would not be who we are today without her leadership, expertise, and passion for the work.”

Born and raised in Sunol, CA in the rural east bay area of San Francisco, Sheryl settled on the Central Coast after studying at Cal Poly.?Coming to the organization in 1996 from the world of agricultural and business lending, she brought with her a set of financial and development skills which would prove invaluable to PSHH over the years.

Bilingual commentary — Thoughts on the Presidential Election

Like nearly half of the country, I’ve been in a funk over the past couple of weeks. As I process the astoundingly unexpected sweep of the Republican victory in this election, my mind fills with questions. 

Some of those questions are being answered as the statisticians dissect the body of electoral evidence and conduct a postmortem on the results of the election. 

The voters have spoken. They lurched rightward in spite of the signs indicating that women were galvanized in their support of reproductive rights, that Latinos were tired of the insults directed at them and their families, and that Blacks were not going to abandon the Democratic Party in its hour of need.

But enough women, Latinos, and Blacks did indeed abandon Kamala Harris to trigger the avalanche of support for Donald Trump that even he did not seem to expect—much like when he won the election in 2016. To add insult to the Democrats’ injuries, Republicans took control not only of the White House, but also of the House and Senate. 

Guest contribution — As America Recognizes Great American Smokeout (on Nov. 21), Take a Step Towards Kicking the Nicotine Habit

Have you thought about kicking the nicotine habit to improve your health and reduce your chances of acquiring lung cancer or heart failure?

If you’re looking for extra motivation, then consider quitting smoking during the Great American Smokeout that takes place this Thursday, Nov. 21. Doing so won’t only improve your health, but it will also reverse years of likely damage done to your heart and lungs.

When it comes to giving up the nicotine habit, naturally, you may say that’s easier said than done, as giving up smoking can seem to be a daunting task. You may also think that it’s too late to quit smoking and reverse years of impact on your health.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council: Biden has 64 days left in office to protect vulnerable immigrants

The federal government currently lacks the resources to fulfill Trump’s pledge of mass deportations in the first months of his presidency, but ICE?can and will act?quickly to target immigrants for arrests. However, before that begins, President Biden has two months left in office to take decisive action to protect people at risk under Trump’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement plans.