The Redwood City Council has called on its citizens to avoid the use of fireworks and thus become subject to fines of up to $50,000, jail time and serious personal injury to themselves and others who may be hit by one of the devices.
And, he said, like other cities across the state, Redwood City has increasingly seen commercial-grade fireworks being transported and used illegally.
These, he clarified, are not “safe and sensible” flares or fireworks: they are intended to be set off by licensed operators for public display.
The most recent fireworks-related arrest was a felony because of the power of the devices.
Thus, the use of all fireworks by persons not licensed to display fireworks is illegal in the City of Redwood City, as it is in most communities on the Peninsula.
"Fireworks are dangerous and can cause fires and injuries that are easily preventable. Additionally, fireworks cause unnecessary anxiety and fear to people and pets in our community," the city said in a statement.
In that regard, Fire Chief Ray Iverson reminded that this time of year can be particularly challenging with illegal fireworks. “The best way to prevent an injury is to leave fireworks to the professionals and not try to light them in the first place. Even sparklers burn at temperatures that can melt metal.”
The call was made amid a severe drought in the state, which is causing an increase in forest fires.
To report illegal fireworks, authorities have asked that you call the Redwood City Police Department's non-emergency line at (650) 780-7118 at the time of the incident and provide specific addresses or identifying information to assist responding officers.
In addition to the City Administrative Citation Fines – up to $1,000 – someone who violates the State Fireworks Law can be fined and jailed. Under the California Health and Safety Code, penalties for violating the State Fireworks Law can range from fines of $500 to $50,000, and violators can also be incarcerated in the county jail.
For more information on the City's Social Host Ordinance related to fireworks, interested parties can visit the website www.RedwoodCity.org/NoFireworks.
The city council also said that in recent weeks, there have been incidents of large crowds of young cyclists visiting the city centre, mainly near Courthouse Square, where while many obey the law, there have been incidents of traffic violations, property damage and illegal use of fireworks.
Redwood City said it is enforcing laws to keep residents and youth safe and downtown attractive and thriving, taking a comprehensive approach to making the heart of the city a safe and fun place for everyone.
“We know that safety is Job 1, and we are working with our police and fire departments to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who visits our downtown and the businesses that make it thrive,” said Mayor Giselle Hale.
He added that efforts are also being made to address youth behavioral issues through community partners such as the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL) and Redwood City Together to keep kids out of trouble.
A prospective phase 2 study in which the drug Dostarlimab was administered as a single agent to a total of 18 patients with colorectal cancer resulted in a big surprise for medical scientists in the field of oncology.
After all of those patients had at least 6 months of follow-up with the monoclonal drug that blocks the protein in immune cells, all had a complete clinical response, with no evidence of tumor by physical exam, endoscopy, PET scans and MRIs.
The drug was given every 3 weeks for 6 months to patients with stage II or III rectal adenocarcinoma with cells that have mutations ‒ or changes ‒ in certain genes.
"I think this is the first time this has happened in the history of cancer," said Dr. Luis A. Diaz Jr., one of the authors of the study published in the scientific journal New England Journal of Medicine and led by a team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, who said they were not aware of any other study in which a treatment had completely eliminated cancer in all patients.
While the small study, funded by drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline and the Simon and Eve Colin Foundation, among others, showed good response to the single-agent treatment, it will need extended follow-up and repetition to assess the duration of response and whether it amounts to a cure.
This treatment was to be followed by standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy procedures, as well as surgery. However, none of this was necessary, as the tumors disappeared completely, without presenting significant clinical complications.
According to Andrea Cercek, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and co-author of the paper, “there were a lot of tears of joy” upon seeing the results.
It is worth noting that, on average, one in five patients has some adverse reaction to drugs such as the one taken by the patients, dostarlimab, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The drug was administered every three weeks for six months and cost about $11,000 per dose, The New York Times reported.
How does the colorectal cancer drug work?
Dostarlimab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody that exposes cancer cells, allowing the immune system to identify and destroy them.
The inspiration for the rectal cancer study came from a clinical trial Diaz conducted in 2017, funded by the pharmaceutical company Merck, in which 86 people with metastatic cancer in various parts of the body participated.
But all the cancers had a genetic mutation in common that prevented cells from repairing DNA damage - mismatch repair deficiency - which occurs in four percent of cancer patients.
As if that weren't enough, Diaz is working to develop a "molecular Pap test" that can diagnose ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer at an early stage. A crucial advance that would mean being able to detect more cases of these cancers and begin treating them as quickly as possible.
Senate President Pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, along with Speaker Anthony Rendon and legislative colleagues, in partnership with Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and NARAL Pro-Choice California, announced Wednesday that Senate Bill SCA 10, an explicit constitutional right to abortion and contraception, has been introduced in the California State Senate.
The legislation is intended to protect abortion rights in the state constitution, given the pending U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
"Too many times, history has shown us that human rights must be enshrined in the constitution so that no one can infringe on them. This is one of those historic moments, and it must be met with a historic response," Atkins said.
In that regard, he noted that their duty as legislators is to fight for the people of California and their right to make decisions about their own bodies and access critical medical care. “This constitutional amendment is the additional armor we need for that battle.”
The constitutional amendment was co-authored by Speaker Rendón and numerous legislators in both chambers.
“Denying women the ability to make their own health care decisions is denying that we are all equal,” said President Rendon.
"By ensuring that Californians have the right to choose enshrined in our constitution, we will ensure that everyone can determine their own future as they see fit, regardless of the political whims of a radicalized Supreme Court," he said.
SCA 10, which requires a two-thirds majority vote of both the Senate and Assembly, would place a constitutional amendment on the November 2022 ballot requiring California voters to explicitly establish a fundamental constitutional right to abortion and the right to choose or reject contraception that is consistent with and reinforces the state’s existing rights to privacy and equal protection.
“Recent events have shown us that we must take every action imaginable to ensure that abortion rights remain possible in California. No judge or politician should be able to rob people of their power to control their own bodies, their own lives, their own futures,” said Jodi Hicks, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.
For her part, NARAL Pro-Choice California Director Shannon Olivieri Hovis said that, in the face of countless attacks on reproductive freedom and access to abortion, "now is the time to take bold action to ensure that California can meet this moment and defend our values as a state of reproductive freedom."
The introduction of the SCA follows a slew of legislation introduced this year: the Legislative Women’s Caucus has a package of bills aimed at expanding and protecting the reproductive rights of Californians and those who may need to come here to seek critical medical care.
The 2022-23 state budget proposals currently being negotiated by the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom also prioritize more than $125 million for a variety of reproductive health allocations.
SCA 10 will be heard in policy committees next week, and votes from both chambers are needed by June 30 to qualify for the November ballot.
Commenting on the introduction of the constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights in California, Governor Gavin Newson said, “California will not stand by as unprecedented attacks on the fundamental right to choose endanger women across the country.”
"This measure will ensure that women in our state have an inviolable right to a safe and legal abortion that is protected in our constitution."
The Vice President Kamala Harris anunció esta semana más de mil 900 millones de dólares en nuevos compromisos del sector privado para crear oportunidades económicas en el norte de Centroamérica, duplicando así el valor de las inversiones iniciales en respuesta a su Llamado a la Acción.
Como parte de su función de abordar las causas fundamentales de la migración desde Centroamérica, en mayo de 2021, la vicepresidenta Kamala Harris lanzó el programa «Llamado a la Acción» para que las empresas y las compañías sociales se comprometieran de manera significativa a promover las oportunidades económicas para las personas de la región.
Ello, en apoyo de la estrategia de Estados Unidos para abordar las causas fundamentales de la migración lanzadas en julio de 2021.
Los compromisos agregados en el marco de esta iniciativa suman ahora más de 3 mil 200 millones de dólares que, en conjunto, buscan crear un ecosistema de oportunidades que contribuya a dar esperanza a los habitantes de la región para que construyan vidas seguras y prósperas en casa, aseguró Harris.
En ese sentido, la funcionaria federal detalló que la administración del presidente Joseph Biden, reconoce que el desarrollo a largo plazo en el norte de Centroamérica requiere algo más que los recursos del gobierno de Estados Unidos.
Ante ello, la vicepresidenta Kamala Harris hizo un llamamiento al sector privado para que aproveche sus recursos y experiencia para apoyar el crecimiento económico inclusivo en el norte de América Central.
Asimismo, en el transcurso del último año, la vicepresidenta ha convocado a directores ejecutivos y líderes filantrópicos para avanzar en este esfuerzo, y lo hará de nuevo al margen de la Cumbre de las Américas en Los Ángeles en eventos organizados por la Alianza para Centroamérica y la Cámara de Comercio.
Entre los nuevos compromisos, destacan 10 empresas y organizaciones que anunciaron inversiones importantes, tal es el caso de Agroamérica, una corporación familiar de alimentos e ingredientes sostenibles, la cual invertirá más de 100 millones de dólares en seis nuevos proyectos que generarán mil puestos de trabajo permanentes y con salarios dignos en el norte de América Central durante los próximos 5 años.
Coatl, una empresa de servicios digitales, invertirá 35 millones de dólares en El Salvador para ampliar el acceso rural a Internet de alta velocidad durante los próximos 5 años, expandiendo y operando una red rural de banda ancha altamente fiable sobre las líneas eléctricas de alta potencia existentes.
Fundación Terra, una fundación independiente financiada por las aportaciones de Terra Inversiones, invertirá 24.5 millones de dólares en nuevos programas durante 5 años. Estos programas apoyarán la educación secundaria, el acceso digital, el emprendimiento y la conservación del medio ambiente, incluyendo becas para dar clases particulares de matemáticas y español a 40 mil estudiantes en El Salvador, Guatemala y Honduras, lo que promoverá la inclusión financiera.
Gap Inc. planea aumentar su abastecimiento en Centroamérica en aproximadamente 50 millones de dólares al año, para un compromiso de crecimiento total de 150 millones de dólares para 2025, como parte de su estrategia para aumentar la resistencia de la cadena de suministro mediante la deslocalización de más producción en el hemisferio occidental. Este aumento de las compras en la región apoyará unos 5 mil puestos de trabajo adicionales en Centroamérica.
Millicom, empresa de telecomunicaciones, invertirá 700 millones de dólares para ampliar y mantener sus redes de telefonía móvil y de banda ancha en Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador durante los próximos dos años.
Pantaleon, un conglomerado que incluye inversiones en agroindustria e inmobiliarias, invertirá 9.4 millones de dólares para financiar la fase inicial de un parque industrial de mil 200 acres en la costa sur de Guatemala. Una vez completado, se espera que el parque albergue una combinación de empresas de fabricación, logística y distribución, entre otras.
SanMar, un mayorista de ropa con sede en Estados Unidos, aumentará sus compras de productos fabricados en el norte de América Central en 500 millones de dólares para 2025.
Unifi, una empresa que produce hilos reciclados y sintéticos, estableció su operación de fabricación y venta en El Salvador en 2010, y se ha comprometido a invertir 15 millones de dólares en los próximos cinco años para ampliar la capacidad, mejorar la eficiencia y reducir el uso de energía.
Visa invertirá más de 270 millones de dólares en los próximos cinco años para ampliar la inclusión financiera y la infraestructura digital, con el objetivo de incorporar a 6.5 millones de personas y 1 millón de pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMES) al sistema financiero formal en Guatemala, El Salvador y Honduras.
Yazaki North America, un productor de componentes de automoción, invertirá 110 millones de dólares adicionales para contratar a más de 14 mil nuevos empleados en Guatemala y El Salvador para finales de 2026. Esto se suma al reciente anuncio de invertir 10 millones de dólares en una nueva fábrica en Guatemala, que está programada para iniciar la producción con sus primeros mil empleados en enero de 2023.
El Llamamiento a la Acción, que comenzó con sólo 12 empresas y organizaciones, incluye ahora 40 empresas y organizaciones que se han comprometido a invertir en la región, en representación de los servicios financieros, el sector textil y de la confección, la agricultura, la tecnología y las telecomunicaciones, y las organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro.
On May 24, 2022, nineteen children, as well as two adults, were killed in a horrific wave of gun violence at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, making it the second-deadliest school shooting in the United States.
In the face of this tragedy, “the Senate is dragging its feet on approving universal background checks for gun ownership. Even as the nation cries out for justice, the government fails to act,” reads the invitation to participate in the “March for Our Lives,” a peaceful march on behalf of all those who are fed up with living in fear of being hit by a bullet and for those who are no longer with us due to gun violence.
Sequoia students founded the March for Our Lives Sequoia Union to advocate for an end to gun violence and to enact new reforms to prevent mass shootings like the Parkland shooting.
Although March for Our Lives is a national organization, the district chapter spreads the March for Our Lives agenda at the local level. Members support the mission through practical letter writing, political education, hosting webinars, and campaigning.
“It is up to the youth of tomorrow to take up the mantle and push for meaningful change. Change starts with a first step. We invite you to take the first step and join us – and other MFOL chapters across the country – on June 11 for an in-person march in Redwood City!” details the Sequoia Union and San Jose chapter collective.
The event will take place on June 11th from 9:00-11:00 am in the front plaza of the Redwood City Public Library, located at 1044 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City.
It should be noted that registration is required to participate. Those interested can do so by clicking here.
March for Our Lives is a global organization founded by survivors of the Parkland shooting.
After witnessing the violence firsthand, many students realized the severity of the gun violence epidemic and are now determined to end it with a nationwide demonstration. Although March for Our Lives Sequoia Union is a modest chapter within the national organization, the team believes its impact is far more significant than one might expect.
March for Our Lives Sequoia was born in 2019 by Lita Billman and Cassandra Lea. In 2020, Nicholas Kwok, Christopher Kwok, and Nicholas Lawrence expanded the school chapter to a district-wide demonstration.
Currently, March for Our Lives Sequoia Union consists of over 25 members dedicated to ending gun violence.
Este martes 7 de junio, se celebraron las elecciones primarias, y ya hay resultados preliminares donde se da a conocer quienes son aquellos candidatos que irán a las elecciones generales para competir por diversos puestos a nivel federal, estatal y local.
The the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors ha hecho su tarea en materia electoral, sin embargo, la participación por parte de los votantes dejó mucho que desear, pues, al menos en un conteo previo, solo participó 14.6 por ciento de todos aquellos elegibles para ejercer su derecho al sufragio.
De acuerdo con la Oficina de Mark Church, oficial principal de elecciones y secretario-registrador del condado de San Mateo, había 433 mil 539 votantes registrados, sin embargo y de acuerdo con las boletas de voto recibidas por correo y aquellas devueltas a los centros de votación y buzones el jueves 2 de junio o antes, fueron emitidos 63 mil 362 votos, de los cuales, 6 mil 481 se emitieron en centros de votación, y 56 mil 881 por correo.
Among the preliminary local results, provided by the county itself, the following stand out:
Al ser la única candidata a Superintendente del condado de San Mateo, Nancy Magée permanece en el puesto al obtener el 100 por ciento de los votos ‒44 mil 963 papeletas marcadas a su favor‒.
In the case of the three contenders vying to become a member of the Board of Supervisors for the 2nd District, Carlos Piedra leads with 44.73 percent of the votes, a discrete advantage of only 1.55 percentage points over his rival Noelia Corzo, who so far has 43.18 percent of the electorate's preference.
For the same seat, but for the 3rd District, Ray Mueller takes first place with 35.81 percent of the vote, followed by Laura Parmer-Lohan with 30.54 percent.
Como secretario-registrador del condado de San Mateo, dos fueron los contrincantes, obteniendo un arrasador éxito Mark Church, quien mantiene el puesto al obtener 83.57 por ciento de los votos.
Para obtener el puesto de Contralor del condado, solo su actual representante estuvo en las boletas, por lo que Juan Raigoza ha obtenido el 100 por ciento de los votos ‒46 mil 386‒.
Como Juez de Instrucción o Forense del condado de San Mateo, su actual oficial, Robert Jon Foucrault ha obtenido 99.98 por ciento de los votos.
Lo mismo sucede en el caso de Juez de Distrito, donde el único en la boleta es quien ejerce el puesto actualmente, Stephen M. Wagstaffe, y que por ende obtuvo el 100 por ciento de los votos ‒47 mil 366‒.
En el caso de alguacil, los números dan como virtual ganadora a Christina Corpus con 54.36 por ciento de los votos, seguido del actual Sheriff, Carlos Bolaños, quien hasta el momento cuenta con 45.62 por ciento del gusto del electorado.
Sandie Arnott, quien actualmente se desempeña como Tesorera y Recaudadora de Impuesto del condado de San Mateo, mantendrá su posición, pues fue la única en contender por el cargo, obteniendo el 100 por ciento de los votos ‒49 mil 160‒.
Los residentes del condado de San Mateo también pudieron emitir su voto respecto a medidas escolares que podrían implementarse en los centros escolares del área.
Así, para la Medida C para el Distrito Escolar de Belmont-Redwood Shores, ganó el Sí con 72.72 por ciento de los votos; por la Medida G para el Distrito Escolar de Brisbane ganó el Sí con 69.59 por ciento de los votos; por la Medida H del Distrito Escolar de Hillsborouhg City, ganó el Sí con 59.47 por ciento de los votos.
En el caso de la Medida J para el Distrito Escolar Primario de Jefferson, ganó el Sí con 61.36 por ciento de los votos; para la Medida E del Distrito Escolar Primario de Millbrae, no se llegó al 55 por ciento que requería para pasar, pues apenas obtuvo 50.84 por ciento de los votos; en tanto, la Medida I para el Distrito Escolar de Ravenswood City, fue aprobada al obtener 68.06 por ciento de los votos.
Con una amplia ventaja sobre sus contrincantes durante la jornada electoral primaria, celebrada este martes 7 de junio, el gobernador Gavin Newsom logró avanzar a las elecciones generales de noviembre, en las cuales ya se coloca como favorito sobre su contendiente republicano para obtener un segundo mandato al frente de California.
De acuerdo con los resultados preliminares, pues aún no se han contado las boletas recibidas por correo y aquellas entregadas en centros de votación o buzones después del jueves 2 de junio, así como los registros condicionales o papeletas provisionales, Newsom ha obtenido un 70.9 por ciento de las preferencias del electorado.
El senador republicano Brian Dahle se coloca en segundo puesto con 8.45 por ciento de los votos, lo que indicaría que sería el contendiente de Newsom en las generales de noviembre.
La ventaja de más de 62 puntos porcentuales de Newsom frente a su más cercano contendiente es una victoria luego de que se enfrentara a una elección revocatoria que amenazó con derrocarlo.
Newsom fue uno de los 26 candidatos a la gobernatura por California que aparecían en la boleta.
Los demócratas se mantienen liderando el estado dorado, pues en la carrera por el Senado de EE. UU., al senador de California, Alex Padilla le fue igualmente fácil llegar a una segunda vuelta en las generales de noviembre.
El designado para el puesto por Newsom el año pasado después de que Kamala Harris renunciara para convertirse en vicepresidenta, ha obtenido 68.79 por ciento de los votos, más de 57 puntos porcentuales por arriba de su más cercano rival, el republicano Mark Meuser, quien ha obtenido, hasta el momento, 10.91 por ciento del gusto del electorado.
Para obtener el puesto de Vicegobernador de California, aventaja la demócrata Eleni Kounalakis, misma que mantiene el cargo desde 2019, siendo la primera mujer en obtener el puesto, con 68.60 por ciento de los votos, seguida por el republicano David Fennell con 11.87 por ciento de las papeletas a su favor.
En el caso de Secretario de Estado por California, mantiene una fuerte posición la actual poseedora del cargo, la demócrata Shirley Nash Weber, quien tiene, hasta el momento, 73.74 por ciento de los votos, seguida del republicano Rob Bernosky con 12.40 por ciento.
Como Contralor, aventaja la actual presidenta de la Junta de Ecualización por el Distrito 2, Malia M. Cohen con 26.34 por ciento de los votos, sin embargo, y pisándole los talones, el republicano oriundo de Carolina del Norte Lanhee Chen tiene, hasta ahora, 23.32 por ciento del gusto para ocupar el cargo.
Para Tesorero, Fiona Ma, con 72.77 por ciento de los votos avanza a una segunda ronda, posiblemente acompañada de su rival republicano, Jack M. Guerrero, quien ostenta 16.01 por ciento de las papeletas a su favor.
El cargo de Fiscal General de California es peleado por 6 candidatos, Rob Bonta lidera el listado, pues cuenta con 68.32 por ciento de los votos, más de 56 puntos porcentuales por delante del republicano Eric Temprano quien ostenta 11.96 por ciento de los sufragios.
En el caso de Comisionado de Seguros, Ricardo Lara, el actual funcionario al frente del puesto, aventaja con 42.27 por ciento de los votos, poco más de 17 puntos porcentuales por delante del también demócrata Marc Levine, quien ha obtenido 25.15 por ciento de los sufragios.
Para obtener el puesto de miembro de la Junta Estatal de Ecualización por el Distrito 2, la demócrata Sally J. Lieber va arriba con 55.90 por ciento de los votos, seguida de Peter Coe Verbica con 24.69 por ciento del gusto de los votantes.
For U.S. Representative for District 15, Kevin Mullin leads with 41.05 percent of the vote; for the same office, but for District 16, Anna G. Eshoo leads with 58.03 percent of the vote. Eshoo with 58.03 percent of the vote.
For state Assembly member for District 9, Phil Ting wins with 78.86 percent of the vote; for the same seat, but for District 21, Diane Papan wins with 44.72 percent; and for District 23, Marc Berman wins with 76.26 percent.
Como Superintendete de Instrucción Pública, el favorito, hasta ahora, es Tony K. Thurmond con 58.12 por ciento de lo votos.
Those interested in following the vote count and state and local results can do so by clicking here. click herewhere, officially, San Mateo County provides continuous updates.
On June 1, the season of natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes began in the United States. Experts are calling for preparation for a prolonged, potentially deadly period of these phenomena, which requires solutions that allow for the construction of long-term climate-resilient infrastructure and prosperous economies.
This was stated by activists from Florida, Oregon, California, Louisiana and Texas during a session with the media held by Ethnic Media Services, where they stressed the importance of pressuring elected leaders to address what they say is the U.S.'s failed disaster relief system.
Ashley Shelton, founder and president of the Louisiana Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, highlighted the importance of monetary assistance for those who have lost and suffered from the effects of natural phenomena such as extreme rainfall, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires, among others.
He said that those affected are using everything they have to survive and save what they can, leaving them bankrupt and owing a lot of money, since the resources they normally have to pay bills and make various necessary purchases are diverted to expenses such as hotels and food available at the time.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should be the first to respond to affected areas, but, Shelton said, “they don’t show up until two weeks after the storm. And what that does is it creates this gap where people are desperate, they’re reeling and they’re hurting.”
After Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana in 2021, killing more than 100 people, Shelton's organization was able to raise around $200,000 just one week after the event to help those affected cover basic expenses after many insurers failed to respond to their customers in a timely and satisfactory manner.
In this regard, he explained that work has been done to approve legislation regarding insurance companies and ensure that they are responsible to their clients in the event of incidents such as natural disasters.
She also noted that the organization she leads has organized a couple of different workshops throughout the state to talk about what is available in the community at these events, in an effort to obtain economic aid that effectively reaches those most in need, as well as how to make the government accountable.
Having the necessary documentation has also become a critical point during contingencies, because many times, during these catastrophic events, important papers are lost and it is difficult for insurers or banks to obtain them, as it requires long and complicated processes.
"The only thing that really works in a disaster is the community coming together to help each other," Ashley said.
While FEMA's support is important and necessary, the support and networks that the community can weave to support each other in the face of such disasters is critical.
In this regard, he stressed that, in discussions at both the federal and state level, the organization is promoting the idea of granting tax credits to victims, such as the possibility that people living in the contingency area receive $500 during the first three months after a disaster is declared.
Preparing for natural disasters in the US without speaking English
Daysi Bedolla Sotelo, director of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN), a union representing farmworkers in Oregon, noted that the information provided to those affected is mostly in English, which limits assistance to people who need it.
Oregon faces severe drought and an imminent risk of serious wildfires that could devour entire towns.
The concern, he said, is latent when, although there are alerts about these fires or contingencies, not everyone can understand the information, since there are no resources in Spanish, or in indigenous languages.
"We have a large population from different countries, of course, but also indigenous languages are often not taken into consideration and we are only talking about Spanish, but there are many other dialects that are also spoken and that has been a great concern for agricultural workers," he said.
He pointed out that these farm workers, who are exposed to heat and toxicity due to smoke, are not taken into account.
"They are the ones who are providing the food on our tables and they were not being protected," he said.
The organization is already working with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - an agency of the United States Department of Labor - to make a series of presentations in which agricultural workers can learn, in different languages, how to prepare for forest fires and where to find the necessary resources.
This includes what documents to have on hand and how to prepare an emergency backpack, among other details that they believe they may know, but are not ready.
Bedolla explained that they have gone to labor camps and farms where community members are known to work, in order to ensure that they are informed and prepared for major contingencies.
He recalled that two years ago, when the first major fire hit, it was devastating for the communities, where many lost their homes, and right after that a winter storm came, so they hope that this year things will turn out much better for everyone thanks to the preparation.
Accessibility is another recurring theme in these phenomena, since, in addition to language, people face not having a smartphone or even internet.
Oregon is preparing for another heat wave, one that may be more severe than the one experienced in 2021 – which was classified as the most severe in the last 20 years due to the high temperatures recorded – where even a farmworker lost his life.
While it is unpredictable what will happen in terms of the number of such events, he said, "unfortunately we have to be prepared."
Finally, she highlighted that undocumented farmworkers can receive help from FEMA after devastating natural phenomena, however, “it has been extremely challenging when it comes to agencies. We have made efforts and we have been able to secure funding for our undocumented individuals, because as you all know, they do not qualify for stimulus checks.”
Last season, the state and three sister organizations had to set up an emergency fund for undocumented farmers who were too scared to go to government agencies for help, she said. “They don’t know what the repercussions will be,” Bedolla said.
Mental health and disasters
In addition to the economic and physical impact, natural disasters also have an impact on the mental health of survivors.
According to Chrishelle Palay, executive director of the HOME Coalition in Houston, Texas is no stranger to natural disasters, knowing them well, from severe winter storms to tropical storms and hurricanes.
An example of this was the 2021 winter storm, Yuri, which recorded temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit, and which left thousands in Texas without electricity due to failures in the electrical grid, leaving the community suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
“We were left in freezing conditions and darkness for four days and in some areas even for weeks,” Palay recalled. “After temperatures rose and the pipes heated up, another disaster struck when the pipes burst and we were left without running water.”
The circumstances experienced at the beginning of 2021, and in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic, Texans along the Gulf Coast live in concern and uncertainty, not only about the proper functioning of the electrical grid, but also about the deterioration of conditions that are worsened by these extreme events.
“Harvey happened almost five years ago, and unfortunately low-income communities of color continue to live in leaky roofs and homes with moldy ceilings and walls. We are concerned about the continued exacerbation of problems that already existed,” she said.
He stressed that the coalition he leads is already working with the community and Houston County to address the main needs of residents, who are afraid of losing more than just material things.
Climate migration and the need for a home
Activist MacKenzie Marcelin, climate justice manager for Florida Rising, added that housing access and affordability remain a key concern for many, particularly low-income residents in states like Florida where costs have risen sharply, leading to forced migration.
"Many people are experiencing housing insecurity, not knowing where they are going to live next. Going into this hurricane season, it's a big concern," he said.
Marcelin and other activists are coordinating the “Justice on Every Block Campaign,” which seeks to pressure local and state governments for greater accountability and oversight of property owners throughout Florida, ensuring that they comply with local safety ordinances and implement anti-discrimination housing policies.
Among the measures, he reported that they are also promoting 90-day eviction notices for pregnant women and tenants with children.
"We believe housing is a right, so we are trying to pass a bill to protect tenants and make sure they have as many rights as these developers."
She also stressed that they work with other organizations that focus on environmental justice, such as some universities that offer research on the subject.
“Some of them have also been great partners and we know that we have been more successful when we work collectively with everyone. It’s about looking for the intersections where we can all come together. And at the end of the day, we’re all living on this earth and we’re all at the mercy of what’s happening with climate change. It’s affecting us in very different ways. But at the end of the day it’s affecting all of us.”
Preliminary results put the virtual San Mateo County sheriff as Christina Corpus, sin embargo, aún quedan muchas papeletas por contar, pues las boletas de voto por correo que se recibieron el viernes 3 de junio hasta el día de las elecciones y los días siguientes aún no se han contado.
Con un porcentaje de votos de 54.36 por ciento ‒30,503‒ contra 45.62 por ciento ‒25,600‒ de los obtenidos por su contrincante y actual alguacil del condado, Carlos Bolaños, Corpus se coloca a la delantera de la contienda.
Si bien es cierto que los resultados de la noche de las elecciones pueden ser diferentes del recuento final, este miércoles por la noche se publicará una cantidad estimada de boletas que quedan por procesar.
Los resultados incluyen las boletas recabadas en el centro de votación, las de voto por correo y devueltas a los centros de votación y buzones el jueves 2 de junio o antes.
Sin embargo, no incluyen las papeletas de voto por correo recibidas por correo o entregadas en centros de votación o buzones después del jueves 2 de junio.
Corpus no se ha pronunciado hasta el momento de su virtual triunfo a través de ninguna plataforma o red social.
La jefa de policía de Millbrae, quien tiene experiencia de 21 años en materia de seguridad y leyes al ocupar posiciones como teniente, comandante, capitán y jefe, refirió durante su campaña que, de convertirse en alguacil del condado de San Mateo, buscará centrarse en proteger a la comunidad contra delitos violentos, robos de automóviles y robos en viviendas.
A su vez, dijo, reconstruir las relaciones con la comunidad inmigrante para restaurar la confianza con la Oficina del Sheriff; innovar las políticas de uso de la fuerza y adoptar nuevas tecnologías para reducir las situaciones de fuerza letal; y pasar a estándares de capacitación basados en el desempeño con resultados medibles, brindando retroalimentación, herramientas y desarrollo de habilidades para producir los mejores resultados.
Asimismo, señaló que implementará programas de capacitación para atender mejor a los miembros de la comunidad con problemas de desarrollo y de salud mental; apoyará el mantenimiento de la fuerza laboral policial en el condado de San Mateo para construir relaciones más sólidas e inculcar la propiedad en las comunidades a las que servimos.
Finalmente, destacó que liderará un cambio de cultura, pasando de la mentalidad de un guerrero encargado de hacer cumplir la ley a la de un guardián.
Pennsylvania has become a mirror of the fight to make diversity visible in the US despite intense partisan politics bent on restricting voter access, resulting in the creation of maps that reflect the state's growing diversity.
This was stated by experts in the framework of a session organized by Ethnic Media Services which was attended by activists whose organizations have been the foundation for the history of redistricting in Pennsylvania.
They agreed that despite the best efforts of many organizations, African-American, Latino and Asian communities were systematically excluded from conversations about the drawing of maps across the country.
In the words of one of the activists present at the panel, what is happening in Pennsylvania is an effort by a multiracial coalition of organizations that have managed to construct "what a democracy that reflects all of us really looks like."
Salewa Ogunmefun, executive director of Pennsylvania Voice, commented that from his perspective, "Pennsylvania has the best system of electoral redistribution," which has been achieved thanks to the efforts of the commission to generate a relationship with the legislature, so that they could see the communities as people who should be listened to in decision-making.
He also stressed the importance of educating community members on the subject: "In order for them to make the best decisions, they need to have the best information."
Finally, she said that Pennsylvania Voice also seeks to make voting easier and create a democracy that encourages the participation of each eligible voter. "We are in a historic moment, it is the largest social movement in the history of the United States and that gives us the opportunity to create deeper connections and relationships to allow everyone to be part of the process."
For her part, María del Carmen Gutiérrez, director of the organization Membership, pointed out that one of the most important lessons about the redistricting process has been that “we have the opportunity and the ability to participate in all processes related to our communities to make our voices clear,” making sure not to exclude any member of the community, regardless of their color or language.
Maria highlighted efforts to achieve better democracy for all and stressed the importance of educating participants about the right to ask for help in their language throughout the electoral process, as there are cases in which they have decided not to vote because they do not understand the process.
Kris Henderson, executive director of the Amistad Law Project, commented that "there have been many times, laws that for many years could give a second chance to many people who are in prison," however, these bills are stalled, so the redistricting process could be the way to make them a reality.
Finally, he said they want to make sure voters understand the process, that the maps are better and that people can vote.
