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Fear and uncertainty in California's Central Valley after immigration raids; organizations warn of a major blow to the agricultural sector

Pamela Cruz

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2025.01.15

Fear and uncertainty in California's Central Valley after immigration raids; organizations warn of a major blow to the agricultural sector

Mari Pérez Ruíz at a community meeting with indigenous farmers from the Central Valley of California affected by the raids. Photo: Manuel Ortiz P360P — Mari Pérez Ruíz at a community meeting with indigenous farmers from the Central Valley of California affected by the raids. Photo: Manuel Ortiz Escámez P360P

This is a collaborative work of journalists Peter Schurmann, Nicolás Díaz Magaloni and Manuel Ortiz Escámez, from Península 360 Press and Ethnic Media Services.

From one day to the next, some agricultural farms in California's Central Valley are empty. Many of the hands that work these fields are undocumented immigrants who, now, for fear of being arrested and deported in ICE raids, have found themselves forced to not go to work, a situation that not only affects their pockets, but also a vital sector for the state.

“Farmers in the area are very scared, they were taken by surprise (by these raids). Most of these people are not going to work, so if the farmers stop, the California countryside stops. The Central Valley is an agricultural region and it is one of the most important in the world, that is to say, these farmers not only work to feed us in the United States but in a large part of the world and these are the devastating and terrible consequences of the raids.”

This is what Manuel Ortiz said during the radio program of Península 360 Press on the program Made in California with Marcos Gutiérrez, where he introduced Mari Pérez Ruíz, executive director of the Alliance for the Empowerment of the Central Valley, who highlighted the impact of the raids in Tulare County by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“Our rural communities here in Tulare County have been impacted by ICE immigration raids. Some of the most affected communities were the indigenous communities in the states of Guerrero, Chiapas and Oaxaca, and it has also created a lot of concern in our agricultural community, which is also made up of the Filipino community as well as the Mexicans,” said Perez Ruiz.

The activist pointed out that, since the day the raids began, it was known that these agents went to gas stations, supermarkets, food stores and the countryside, places where immigrants do their daily tasks, claiming that they are looking for people who have some legal problem or who have committed some crime. However, the organization has confirmed that this narrative is false.

“There has been a narrative that they are going after people who have criminal records or pending legal action, but what we have seen in the community is that it is not true, there is nothing that has corroborated that narrative that has been told, ICE comes to communities where people are doing daily things like going to buy food for the family, going to work, going to put gas in their car for the work day, that is what we are seeing,” he stressed.

She also said that families have documented that they are afraid of their families being detained and need resources and information, which has not arrived quickly and consistently in the affected areas.

In this regard, Mari Pérez Ruíz explained that the organization she leads is working with organizations such as Public Advocates from Sacramento and with the Union of Peasants (UFW), which seeks to provide workshops to immigrants so they can learn about their rights, and thus be able to advocate for themselves and their loved ones, and even prevent detention or deportation.

In response to this, Pérez Ruíz said that they have a lawyer from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), named Mayra, who is willing to receive direct calls from the community to take their information and review their cases and resources to help them in the event of a possible deportation. Her phone number is (213) 977-52-91, providing services in Tulare and Kern counties.

She also said that the Central Valley Empowerment Alliance (CVEA) is also seeking to meet the families impacted by these raids in order to understand their needs.

“We as an organization want to know who these impacted families are, because maybe they have children, families, who are going to be defenseless, who are not going to have resources, and we want to connect with who they are in order to help with rental assistance, provide food, legal resources, and be able to give them the information they need, because they have many questions and there is no constant information,” she said.

Mari Perez Ruiz also provided her phone number for those who are being affected by the raids, especially in Tulare County, but they also serve Madera, Fresno, Kern and Kings counties. Those interested can contact her at (916) 396-99-44.

“Our intent is not to provide services, although we are doing that, but to create the leadership to be able to change our communities so that there is more equity and racial and social justice,” she said.

On the other hand, he recalled that in counties such as Tulare and Kern there is a high rate of people who are in line with Donald Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, from ranch owners to authorities such as Police and Sheriff Departments.

He added that although the agricultural sector in the state has a lot to lose from these raids, the owners of these farms and ranches are the first to obtain subsidies and aid for losses in their crops. Many of them believe that it is the immigrants, especially the undocumented ones, who receive the most help in times of crisis like these, however, the truth is different.

Arturo Rodríguez, also from CVEA, said that children are already beginning to show fear in the face of raids, wondering if they can go out to play and not be taken away.

“The hardest thing to see was that a girl and a boy, aged four and six, had to ask their mother if they could go out and if it was safe. Some also told me that they haven’t gone to school these past few days. So, think about the terror that can hit our children, our children who shouldn’t be worried about adult things. They should be worried about going to play, going to school, putting on their backpacks, covering their heads because it’s cold, but not afraid to go to the store or to go out in front of their house because they could take their daddy or their mommy, or even themselves.”

Manuel meets with journalists Peter Schumann and Nicolás Díaz Magaloni in the town of Poplar, in Tulare County, a rural area where they are working collaboratively with Peninsula 360 Press and Ethnic Media Services.

There, Manuel said, the three of them have been touring the area and to their surprise, people have told them that they thought the raids were an invention of the press, rumors that had been spread to worry them, but there is still a week to go before Donald Trump is sworn in as the next president of the United States and things are already looking serious, as some interpret these investigations as a message from local authorities, particularly police, to the White House for the new president, "to tell him: we are here, we are with you, at your service."

People have said they thought the raids were a fabrication by the press, rumors that had been spread to worry people, but there is still a week to go before Donald Trump is sworn in as the next president of the United States and things are already looking dire. Photo: Manuel Ortiz P360

He explained that they have also heard testimonies that immigration officers are following an ethnic and racial profile, “that is, they are detaining people based on their appearance.”

He added that there is a bill, HR29, which was already approved in the House of Representatives with Democratic and Republican support, and which is now going to the Senate, hoping to be approved before January 20, the day Trump takes power, and it implies that "immigration agents will be able to detain anyone much more easily, they will not necessarily focus on serious crimes, they are already doing it, we are seeing it in the Central Valley, but this law will still make it much easier for them to engage in this type of behavior like the one we are seeing here."

Manuel, Peter and Nicolas continue to seek out farm and ranch owners in the Central Valley to learn their perspective on these raids and how it affects their businesses, however, they said, it is not an easy task.

Manuel Ortiz called for awareness that the raids are real and are happening in different parts of the state.

“What is happening is real, take your precautions, organize and identify the grassroots organizations that are working on these issues in your communities, get closer, take the necessary phones and ask these organizations the questions you need to ask or even go to your consulates, I think it is time for unity,” he said.

“We are a few days away from a change that could be radical in the United States, we don't know, but these raids have begun, this is real, so we have to start preparing and be very united, both community journalists and organizations, very united because I think that unity is what will allow us to get ahead of what is coming to us,” he concluded.

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Organizations declare themselves ready to defend the migrant population in the event of Trump's return

Eric Alcocer Chavez

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2025.01.14

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The federal administration headed by Donald Trump, starting on January 20, will face a strong response from activists and government bodies, especially in cities like San Francisco, committed to combating anti-immigrant policies that threaten to deport nearly 12 million people in the United States.

During a lengthy plenary hearing of the Immigrant Rights Commission, various leaders raised their voices to reject the policies promised by Trump, calling them “discriminatory and dangerous for millions of working families who have contributed to the development of the country.”

Francisco Ugarte, manager of the Immigration Defense Unit of the San Francisco Public Defender's Office, said that "we are ready to defend the migrant population; there are people who are deported because they do not have adequate defense and advice, we are going to put the personnel and resources that we have at the disposal of the migrant population."

He highlighted the city of San Francisco's commitment to remaining a safe place for immigrant communities, even in the face of federal pressure.

The session brought together activists, community organizations and local officials who outlined strategies to protect migrants and reinforce the sanctuary city policies that characterize San Francisco.

Local authorities reaffirmed their position of not collaborating with immigration agents in the detention and deportation of undocumented persons, stressing the importance of safeguarding the human rights of all residents, regardless of their immigration status.

“San Francisco has been and will continue to be a haven for those seeking a better life. We will not allow threats of mass deportation to destroy the fabric of our communities,” emphasized Lariza Dugan-Cuadra, executive director of the Central American Resource Center of Northern California (CARECEN) SF.

With Trump taking office, immigrant rights organizations anticipate an increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric and deportation policies. However, local leaders and activists made it clear that they are prepared to face these challenges and ensure that immigrants receive the necessary support in these uncertain times.

The event was chaired by Celine Kennelly, President of the Migrants' Rights Commission (IRC), and was attended by numerous representatives of non-profit organizations, activists and government bodies.

The event was attended by staff from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and the California Immigration Policy Center, as well as the San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network and the San Francisco Bar Association's Center for Justice and Diversity, among others.

You may be interested in: Detention of undocumented immigrants in San Francisco raises concern in the immigrant community

Mexican fire brigade in California advances in mitigating fires in Palisades

Pamela Cruz

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2025.01.14

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The national coordinator of Civil Protection of Mexico, Laura Velázquez Alzúa, reported that the fire brigade that Mexico has sent to Los Angeles, California, is already in coordinated work with the local government to mitigate the devastating fires that have destroyed more than 15,600 hectares and more than 3,600 infrastructures.

This was stated during the morning press conference of the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, when she communicated remotely and specified that this Tuesday, January 14, 2025, a deployment is planned to carry out search and rescue work in the affected infrastructure and homes.

He also explained that CONAFOR brigades are advancing in the construction and expansion of firebreaks with chainsaws and hand tools, opening new gaps.

In this regard, he noted that there has been absolute coordination with the government of California, which has expressed its gratitude for the support and help in the face of the relentless disaster.

"We are working in unity according to their instructions, in absolute coordination with the government of California in favor of the population and reaffirming our solidarity between the peoples of Mexico and the United States," said Velázquez Alzúa.

In this regard, President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted the solidarity of the Mexican people and their capacity and support in the face of emergencies and needs.

“Our government is humanist, above all; that is our vision, our thinking, and it corresponds to the people of Mexico. The people of Mexico are generous and fraternal, and today the government is supported by Mexican humanism, and wherever we can, we will always help,” he said.

He added that he particularly supports the city of Los Angeles, which has welcomed many compatriots.

“During the mid-19th century, throughout the 20th century and now, it has received many Mexicans, so it is, in a way, a very small form (of support) because there are 72 forestry fighters and members of SEDENA, of Defense, who are part of the DN-III-E plan and who are specialists, so always our solidarity and support, particularly to this city, well, we are brothers,” the Mexican president stressed.

Sheinbaum also explained that, when the city's reconstruction process begins, "of course it will require labor, and there are no better construction workers than Mexicans."

Los Angeles Fire Count

Laura Velázquez Alzúa recalled that the wildfires in Southern California began on January 7, 2025 near the town of Palisades, in Los Angeles County, which was the result of a combination of extreme weather factors and adverse environmental conditions.

In the days leading up to the fire, the region experienced an intense heat wave accompanied by strong winds, creating an environment conducive to the rapid spread of the flames, according to the California government.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for strong winds of 50 to 70 mph through Wednesday and very low humidity across much of Southern California from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. These conditions could increase the risk of rapid fire spread.

He also said that, according to information from the California government, there are three points where the fires are located: the largest is in Palisades, with an impact of more than 9,596 hectares and only 14 percent control; in Eaton, with an impact of 5,713 hectares and 33 percent control; and in Hurst, with an impact of 323 hectares and 95 percent control.

The damage caused by these three major events totals 15,632 hectares affected and 3,644 hectares damaged to hydraulic and energy infrastructure, as well as to housing. It was also reported that more than 70,000 people have been evacuated.

The United States government's resources consist of 15,000 elements, 1,460 fire trucks, 80 aircraft, 170 tankers and 175 heavy machinery.

On January 11, following instructions from the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, two aircraft of the Mexican Air Force took off from Santa Lucia bound for Los Angeles, California with a delegation from the Mexican government, made up of the National Defense, CONAFOR, the National Coordination of Civil Protection and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to support the response actions to the forest fires through a task force of 72 specialized elements.

"We are the first international delegation to join the response efforts to fight the fires in California," said the coordinator.

Today, in the #MañaneraDelPueblo, the owner of the #CNPC, @laualzua, reported on the actions carried out by the Mexican team in support of fighting the fires in California.

“We are the first international delegation to join the response efforts” 🇲🇽🤝🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/EszlsQyD8m

— National Civil Protection Coordination (@CNPC_MX) January 14, 2025

That same Saturday, the Mexican delegation arrived at Los Angeles International Airport and was received by the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, who thanked the Mexican government and its president for their support in dealing with the fires.

The delegation traveled to the logistics center in Viewmont, California, which is fully equipped with all essential supplies to support the personnel responding to the emergency.

The following day, Sunday, January 12, the Mexican delegation of firefighters and civil protection specialists reported prepared for the incident command post, where the California government supplemented the Mexican team's ground combat equipment.

On Sunday, there was a briefing led by technical staff from the California Fire Department, where a binational coordination protocol was established, the objective of which is to optimize joint strategies in fighting fires. There, experiences from both countries were shared and these fires in California could be faced together, in unity and respect.

They also went to the monitoring and supervision area, where the deployment of air and land resources is coordinated in order to learn about the operating protocols.

On Monday, January 13, the Mexican delegation arrived at the command post, joining the operational structure to support the response actions and the evaluation of the capabilities of the Mexican team, where the following operations were assigned: the National Forestry Commission to carry out fire management tasks and the Secretariat of National Defense to carry out search and rescue work, while the CNPC collaborates in forest fire mitigation efforts together with local authorities.

The Defense Emergency Response Battalion is contributing to the California government's fire department in a coordinated manner with specific tasks.

You may be interested in: California Governor Receives and Thanks Mexico for Help in Confronting Catastrophic Fires

Bay Area shelters take in pets from Los Angeles County left homeless by wildfires

Habitat

Peninsula 360 Press

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2025.01.14

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By Kathleen Kirkwood. Bay City News.

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Shelters across the Bay Area are taking in cats and dogs previously housed in Los Angeles-area shelters in an effort to free up space for pets displaced or rescued from the wildfires.

An East Bay SPCA team traveled early Sunday morning to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Center in Lancaster and returned with 10 dogs — nine large and one small — to help overwhelmed shelters in Los Angeles County.

“In a crisis like this, every cage counts,” said Karalyn Aronow, vice president of operations for the East Bay SPCA. “We’re glad this transport was able to create space for more animals and relieve some of the pressure on neighboring shelters.”

The Los Angeles dogs will be ready for adoption starting Wednesday at the East Bay SPCA facility in Oakland. Officials said they are prepared to take in more pets from Southern California as needed.

In recent days, the Monterey County SPCA has also been relocating pets from the Los Angeles area. A team from the shelter headed to Southern California on Saturday and has so far taken in 11 pets, including a cat, a kitten, five dogs and four puppies.

“We know all too well how disasters can impact pet owners given our recent experiences here, and we are here to do everything we can to help the shelters that are working so hard to rescue and care for animals,” said Scott Delucchi, president of SPCA Monterey County.

Pets fostered by the Monterey County facility include Lyle, a 1-year-old terrier mix; Ben Jr., a 14-week-old tabby kitten; Winter, a 1-year-old pug; and Gemma, a 4-month-old pit bull mix puppy.

(R) Peace of Mind Dog Rescue (POMDR) Adoption Coordinator Emily Termotto checks kennels at a Los Angeles County, California, animal shelter in January 2025. The Los Angeles County shelter coordinator contacted POMDR to let them know of the impact of the fires on pets. POMDR brought four dogs back to Pacific Grove. (POMDR via Bay City News)

The pets are expected to be available for adoption starting Tuesday.

The Monterey County SPCA also has a trained animal rescue team ready to assist in fire areas when requested.

Another organization, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue of Pacific Grove, traveled to Los Angeles early Saturday morning after receiving a call from the Los Angeles County shelter coordinator.

The nonprofit's co-founder and advisory board member, Monica Rua, and adoption coordinator, Emily Termotto, visited four shelters and brought in four dogs.

Fortunately, many of the shelters they visited had already sent many dogs to foster homes or to other shelters or rescues.

“Several times they were willing to load dogs into the POMDR van and someone adopted them right out of their arms,” according to a statement from the organization.

Monica Rua, co-founder and advisory board member of Peace of Mind Dog Rescue (POMDR), cares for a dog at a Los Angeles County, California, animal shelter in January 2025. The Los Angeles County shelter coordinator contacted POMDR to let them know about the impact of the fires on pets. POMDR brought four dogs back to Pacific Grove. (POMDR via Bay City News)

“It was heartwarming to see so many organizations and individuals come together to help,” Rua said.

The group’s van arrived at the clinic on Saturday night at 11 p.m. “The puppies were walked, fed and tucked in overnight. They will all go to foster homes this week and be put up for adoption.”

More information about adoptable pets is available at https://eastbayspca.org/, https://www.spcamc.org/ and https://www.peaceofminddogrescue.org/.

You may be interested in: Efforts to mitigate wildfires in Los Angeles continue. Mexican humanitarian aid team prepares to cooperate

Public Health Threats in 2025: Experts Warn of Bird Flu, Norovirus and More, Highlighting Crucial Importance of Vaccination

Health

Pamela Cruz

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2025.01.13

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Avian flu, Norovirus, Human Metapneumovirus and Oropouche, as well as the continuing threat of Covid-19, are some of the many public health crises the world will face in 2025, so vaccination will be key to avoiding tragedies like those seen in the pandemic.

This was stated by health experts during a conference held by Ethnic Media Services, who discussed the characteristics of each disease and strategies for its prevention.

For Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, founding director of the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases at Boston University, climate change will be a key factor, as she said it influences the spread of infectious diseases, altering the distribution of vectors and increasing the vulnerability of health systems.

In this regard, he pointed out that climate-related disasters, such as forest fires, also indirectly impact public health by affecting access to medical supplies and resources.

“I am concerned about climate change and its impact on the spread of infectious diseases. We are seeing a lack of predictability in where diseases appear and how much more they can manifest due to changes in vectors and their distributions.”

He also stressed the importance of resilient public health systems to face these challenges, while recalling the importance of vaccination and its crucial role in resilience.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, and Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, both stressed the concern about seasonal flu, with hospitals and emergency rooms overwhelmed by influenza cases.

“If I had to pick one organism, I think influenza. Not just bird flu, but human influenza, which is starting to increase. I am concerned that the anti-science movement is preventing people from taking advantage of all the tools we have, including effective vaccination,” said Chin-Hong, who added that there is concern about anti-vaccine misinformation preventing people from taking advantage of the prevention tools available.

“Our emergency rooms and hospitals are full of people with the flu, and COVID is on the rise in my area. Annual flu vaccination is essential to protect the vulnerable population,” Shaffner said.

Under-vaccination is an emerging threat. According to Dr. Ben Newman, chief virologist for Global Health at the Texas A&M University Research Complex, the decline in adult vaccinations and the possibility of mandatory vaccinations for school-aged children being reduced could weaken herd immunity and increase the risk of outbreaks.

“I stick with undervaccination as a threat. Vaccines that would be given to adults are being given at a much lower level overall. It is possible that some of the safety net of herd immunity will be removed, which underscores the urgency of increasing vaccination rates,” he explained.

Schaffner described EMS worker Julian Doe's experience with a norovirus outbreak, highlighting its high contagiousness and the importance of hand hygiene with soap (hand sanitizers are not effective against this virus). Regarding HMPV, he said that although an outbreak is being observed in China, a global pandemic is not expected, and stressed the need for better diagnosis to better understand the disease.

Regarding Mpox, new variants and vaccination, Dr. Chin-Hong explained the emergence of a new mpox variant (clade 1B), more severe than the previous ones and with greater transmission capacity. He recommended the JYNNEOS vaccine for gay and bisexual men and for people with close contact with mpox cases.

In the case of Oropouche, he also warned of a significant increase in this virus and cases in South America and the Caribbean, and its possible transmission through sexual contact. He recommended the use of mosquito repellents with a high concentration of DEET or Picaridin.

COVID-19 is not gone, so Dr. Newman reported on the circulation of the XBC subvariant, although the predominant subvariants (JN1 and KP3) are covered by the available vaccines. He expressed concern about the decline in vaccination and the lack of public data on vaccine coverage by ethnic groups.

However, avian influenza has become a global threat; Dr. Bhadelia and Dr. Maurice Pitesky, associate professor in cooperative extension at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted the expansion of avian influenza (H5N1) in several mammalian species, increasing the risk of transmission to humans.

The lack of an adequate surveillance system for agricultural workers, especially in vulnerable populations, is a cause for concern, they said.

In light of this, the need to develop new vaccines and implement strategies to improve access to vaccination for agricultural workers was discussed, including the possibility of a “grand bargain” between the government and the agricultural industry to guarantee compensation and access to vaccination.

“Vaccines don’t prevent disease, vaccination prevents disease. And what I’m concerned about are future policies that will erode our ability to fully administer vaccines to the population and further reduce trust in public health. There are no short-term solutions,” Schaffner explained.

The press conference concluded with a call to action to improve epidemiological surveillance, strengthen public trust in public health, and develop and implement strategies to ensure equitable access, as well as a stronger vaccination scheme.

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Efforts to mitigate wildfires in Los Angeles continue. Mexican humanitarian aid team prepares to cooperate

Andrea Hernandez

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2025.01.13

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As of Monday, the fires in Los Angeles, California, have left thousands of homes damaged and 24 dead, a figure that is expected to rise as teams with sniffer dogs enter the affected neighborhoods.

This morning, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties for high winds that could worsen the wildfire situation.

As part of efforts to mitigate the fires, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) announced that 783 convicted firefighters were sent to the scene to support the more than 2,000 CalFire firefighters.

Likewise, the Mexican humanitarian aid team sent by President Claudia Sheinbaum is in Los Angeles receiving instructions from CalFire to reconnoiter the terrain and coordinate their efforts in the Palisades fire, one of the most devastating.

Mexican humanitarian aid team prepares to cooperate in mitigating fires in Los Angeles — The Mexican humanitarian aid team sent by President Claudia Sheinbaum is in Los Angeles receiving instructions from CalFire to survey the terrain and coordinate their efforts in the Palisades fire, one of the most devastating. Photo: P360P

The coordinator of civil protection for Mexico, Laura Velázquez Alzúa, said that she is with the team to fight the fires and strengthen the brotherhood and solidarity with the Mexicans who are here in California.

"We are a people and a government of Mexico that have been characterized by their solidarity and today more than ever we are going to demonstrate this and strengthen our brotherhood with the United States, which is very powerful," he said.

You may be interested in: California Governor Receives and Thanks Mexico for Help in Confronting Catastrophic Fires

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors gets a makeover with two new faces

Community

Pamela Cruz

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2025.01.13

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Following the November 5, 2024 elections, where in addition to choosing the next president of the United States, local officials were elected, including supervisors, the San Mateo County Board was renewed with two new faces who, although they had already worked as public servants, now do so from this trench.

On Jan. 7, San Mateo County supervisors selected David Canepa as chairman and Noelia Corzo as vice chairman for the upcoming year, while welcoming two new members: Jackie Speier, a former member of Congress who previously served on the Board of Supervisors in the 1980s, and Lisa Gauthier, a former East Palo Alto mayor and council member.

The addition of Gauthier and Speier gives the Council a female majority.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is comprised of: District 1, Jackie Speier; District 2, Noelia Corzo (Vice Chair); District 3, Ray Mueller; District 4, Lisa Gauthier; District 5, David Canepa (Chair).

Jackie Speier

Speier served as a supervisor from 1980 to 1986 before being elected to the California State Assembly and Senate, followed by service in the U.S. Congress from 2008 to 2023. She won election in Supervisorial District 1, which was previously represented by Dave Pine, who left office due to term limits.

“I can’t express how excited I am to be back home. I thank the residents of District 1 for the privilege and opportunity to serve and deliver for all of San Mateo County. After 40 years at all levels of government, I learned that all politics is local. If you want to accomplish something, serve at the local level,” Speier said.

Speier highlighted several priorities, including the high cost of living, combating child poverty and creating more affordable child care and housing, particularly on public land. Speier also drew laughs by pointing to the jacket she was wearing at today's ceremony while holding up a black-and-white photo of herself wearing the same jacket during her inauguration 45 years ago.

“You wonder why I still have it,” she joked before being sworn in later, flanked by her son Jackson Sierra and granddaughter Alina Sierra, by former 16th District Congresswoman Anna Eshoo.

Lisa Gauthier

Gauthier comes to the board after 12 years on the East Palo Alto City Council, including three terms as mayor. She won election to the District 4 seat vacated by Warren Slocum due to term limits.

Gauthier has said he wants to address the high cost of living and the shortage of child care. From the podium, Gauthier referenced his 4-year-old grandson sitting in the front row, whom he held as his daughter Brittnee Gauthier swore him in. He said he motivates much of his work.

“Your future means everything to me. San Mateo County should be a place where you can grow, survive and thrive. And I know we can do that,” she said.

Second term

This is the second time that David Canepa has served as president, the first time being in 2021.

This is Canepa's second term as president, the first being in 2021.

Canepa shared his vision for “a county built on collaboration and common sense” to guide decision-making on, among other priorities, affordable housing, the environment, health, the economy and equity. He also compared the fear and unknowns about the new federal administration to those the county faced with innovation and compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“But let me tell you what I do know: I know that San Mateo County will fight tooth and nail for its residents, especially the most vulnerable,” Canepa said. “We will not quietly accept changes and actions that harm our community. We will navigate these potentially turbulent waters ahead to ensure that everyone who lives and works here is treated with decency and respect.”

Canepa, who won re-election in 2024 and represents District 5 on the Board, was sworn into office by California State Comptroller Malia Cohen and was accompanied by his wife and son.

Noelia Corzo, who represents District 2 and was elected vice president of the Board of Supervisors, also highlighted the need to improve the county and the community by accepting the vice presidency.

“It is our duty to do right by each of our residents. It is our duty to improve and transform our systems so that they serve all of us fairly and equitably through support and accountability,” she said. “Let us continue to foster equity, justice and ethics in our work every day.”

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California Governor Receives and Thanks Mexico for Help in Confronting Catastrophic Fires

Pamela Cruz

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2025.01.11

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On behalf of the people of California, and especially Los Angeles County, Governor Gavin Newsom thanked the Mexican government and its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, for their help in dealing with the devastating and catastrophic fires that have ravaged several cities.

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“It is a pride to have the support of the president (Claudia Sheinbaum) and the support of the foreign minister of this new administration. I am not surprised, based on a relationship that goes back many years, particularly with the new president and her familiarity with the state of California,” said Newsom in an interview with Peninsula 360 Press.

The aid, which arrived Saturday afternoon at Los Angeles International Airport, was received by Newsom himself; the Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento, Tonatiuh González; and the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, Carlos González Gutiérrez.

Arrive at #LosAngeles the Mexican delegation to join the efforts to extinguish the #fires massive earthquakes that are hitting the region.
📹 Video by Peninsula 360 Press pic.twitter.com/98kVrBt7ct

- Peninsula 360 Press (@Peninsula360P) January 11, 2025

“We are so grateful,” Newsom said. “I had the pleasure of being there at her inauguration, and this is what friends do, this is what relationships are about when a friend is in need, being there for each other. We want to be there for the people of Mexico in times of need and disaster. And we are incredibly honored and grateful that the president was willing to send the help that you see behind me, it will be on the lines in the next 24, 36 hours. And we are very, very grateful.”

For her part, the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, reported that a humanitarian aid group from the Government of Mexico has left for California to support the fight against forest fires affecting the southern region of this state.

“At this moment, the humanitarian aid group is leaving for Los Angeles, California. We are a generous and supportive country. Thank you to the team of the DN-III-E Plan of the Ministry of Defense, to the forestry fighters and to Laura Velázquez Alzúa, national coordinator of Civil Protection. You carry with you the courage and heart of Mexico,” the Mexican president detailed on her social networks.

It is worth noting that the mission took off from the Santa Lucía military base at 8:00 a.m. this Saturday in two aircraft belonging to the National Defense Secretariat: a Hercules aircraft and a Sparta.

The mission took off from the Santa Lucía military base at 8:00 a.m. this Saturday in two aircraft belonging to the National Defense Secretariat: a Hercules aircraft and a Sparta. Photo: Manuel Ortiz Escámez – P360P

The team is made up of six civil protection specialists from the National Civil Protection Coordination (CNPC), 30 forest fire fighters from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), 32 forest fire specialists from the Defense and two representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).

The team is made up of six civil protection specialists from the National Coordination of Civil Protection (CNPC), 30 forest fire fighters from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), 32 forest fire specialists from the Defense and two representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE). Photo: Manuel Ortiz Escámez – P360P

Defense Secretary General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo said the Mexican delegation that will provide humanitarian aid in California has distinguished itself for its ability to respond to disasters throughout history, since Mexico is located in an area that is also affected by hurricanes, earthquakes and fires, among other disasters.

He recalled that in previous years the Mexican Army applied the DN-III-E Plan to support natural disasters in other countries, such as the passage of Hurricane Katrina, also in a fire that occurred in Chile and recently in Turkey due to an earthquake.

“You have to take good care of yourselves. You know perfectly well that talking about forest fires means talking about many risks. Take good care of yourselves, that is the most important thing. Your family and all of Mexico are waiting for you, we will wait for you. Take good care of yourselves. Nothing is worth more than a person’s life. You are going to support another country and your fellow countrymen,” he said.

For her part, the national coordinator of Civil Protection, Laura Velázquez Alzúa, reported in a joint statement that a special coordination strategy has been designed with the combatants in California.

"We will provide support with a team with extensive experience in fighting forest fires and providing assistance to the population, which has effectively participated in national and international events," he added.

With this effort, the Government of Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to international solidarity and its willingness to provide support in emergency situations. Through collaboration with the California authorities, Mexico once again demonstrates its leadership in disaster management and the protection of the population.

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Detention of undocumented immigrants in San Francisco raises concern in the immigrant community

Eric Alcocer Chavez

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2025.01.11

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Listen to this note:

This Friday, January 10, agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted an operation in the Mission area of San Francisco, where at least three undocumented people were detained.

One of those arrested is of Honduran origin. During the arrest, two of his companions tried to intervene and were also detained by the agents.

Rumors had been circulating in the days leading up to the operation of ICE raids in several Bay Area cities, including San Jose and San Francisco. While no arrests were confirmed at the locations mentioned, the operation in the Mission has raised alarm in the immigrant community, which fears an increase in raids and arrests.

Community support and available resources

Local organizations have stepped up their efforts to inform residents about their rights and provide legal assistance in case of encounters with ICE. Dolores Street Community Services has made available an emergency number (415) 282-6209, for those who need immediate help in these situations.

Additionally, the Bay Area Rapid Response Hotline, (415) 200-1548, continues to operate 24 hours a day to provide support and guidance to those affected by immigration enforcement operations.

Recommendations for the community

Lawyers and activists recommend that undocumented people know their rights if they are detained by ICE.

It is essential to remember that they have the right to remain silent, to not sign documents without proper legal advice and to request the presence of a lawyer.

Meanwhile, ICE is still being monitored for the possibility of opening new detention centers in Northern California, which could increase detentions and deportations in the region. Lawmakers and immigrant rights advocates have expressed concern about these measures.

The immigrant community must remain vigilant and in contact with support organizations to protect themselves and ensure that their rights are respected.

You may be interested in: Q&A: Trump, migration and the identity crisis in Mexico

Guanajuato families affected by California fires located

Pamela Cruz

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2025.01.10

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Guanajuato families affected by California fires located

The government of Guanajuato, Mexico, located Guanajuato families affected by the fires in California. — El gobierno de Guanajuato, México, localizó a familias guanajuatenses afectadas por incendios en California. Foto: Boletín del Gobierno de Guanajuato

Listen to this note:

El gobierno de Guanajuato, México, localizó a través de personal de su Oficina Enlace en Los Ángeles, California, a los connacionales guanajuatenses afectados por los incendios masivos en dicha ciudad estadounidense, mismos que han dejado a miles de damnificados y más de 9 mil viviendas destruidas.

Así, el gobierno de Guanajuato refirió que, tras un recorrido por dos de los centros de evacuación instalados para asistir a las personas damnificadas por los incendios, se localizó a dos familias originarias del estado, particularmente de los municipios de San José Iturbide y Uriangato.

Estas familias se localizaron en el Centro de Convenciones de Pasadena, donde han acudido parte de los damnificados de la ciudad de Altadena y donde vive una población muy importante de latinos.

Se trata de Teresa Campuzano y sus tres hijos, originarios de San José Iturbide y quienes tienen 18 años viviendo en Estados Unidos.

Esta familia perdió todos sus bienes materiales a consecuencia de los incendios. Informó en un comunicado el gobierno de Guanajuato.

“Ahora vamos a tratar de sobrevivir… a empezar de nuevo… Lo más difícil ahora es encontrar una renta porque en primer lugar no hay muchas opciones, es muy costoso y para quienes no tenemos documentos a veces no es tan fácil”, comentó Teresa.

De igual forma, se localizó a un matrimonio originario del municipio de Uriangato, conformado por Miguel Ángel Montaño y su esposa Sonia. Esta familia perdió su casa en las faldas del cerro en Altadena, donde tenían viviendo más de 30 años.

“Aunque lo más valioso es la vida, nos duele haber perdido el esfuerzo de tantos años”, dijo Miguel Ángel.

Como parte de los apoyos del gobierno del estado, encabezado por la gobernadora Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo, para estas familias afectadas, personal de la Oficina Enlace en Los Ángeles coordina acciones con organizaciones de guanajuatenses en Estados Unidos para brindarles ayuda y donativos.

De igual forma, la Secretaría de Derechos Humanos analiza la posibilidad de ofrecer apoyos económicos o en especie a estas personas.

Las y los guanajuatenses que requieran ayuda pueden acudir a la Oficina Enlace del Gobierno del Estado en Los Ángeles, ubicadas en 1829 W Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles, California, o se pueden comunicar con la encargada de esta oficina, Lucero Amador al 323 208 7099 y 323 615 6820.

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