Friend—If you hadn’t gathered from some of our other emails last month, it is hot right now in Southern California.

That’s why it’s so upsetting to me that Universal Studios trimmed a row of shade-providing ficus trees that striking WGA and SAG-AFTRA members had been using to keep cool on the picket line.

Before and after photos of the trees in question—the city did not issue trimming permits for these trees, which are usually trimmed in the fall.

Shade is an equity issue in our city. Wealthier neighborhoods have more trees along the sidewalks, and poorer areas have had their trees cut down to provide easier surveillance for LAPD helicopters (seriously!).

In past summers, our campaign has held bottled water drives to help people experiencing homelessness get through the heat.

We’re doing the same thing this year, and we’re also bringing water to striking actors and writers out on the picket lines across the district.

Maebe and constituent Sarah Paulson

The entertainment industry has a big presence in CA-30, with many studios located within our bounds. My campaign stands proudly with labor—with writers, actors, and anybody who does the hard work of creating, telling stories, and exercising our nation’s ability for empathy.

July was an amazing month for the campaign, as we held a fantastic fundraiser and increased the ranks of our team. But we’ll need to keep up that momentum through the end of the summer to put us in the strongest position possible to advance through this crowded, 18-candidate primary.

Can you pitch in and help us spread the word about this people-over-profits, community-first campaign?

Stay cool, stay safe, and stay united,

Maebe