Hi John,

Today, we celebrate Independence Day and the founding of this great nation. I hope you are able to take time to enjoy this holiday with friends and family! Here in Sacramento, we are facing a DANGEROUS heat wave this week. As a medical professional, I want to caution you to be careful and stay safe during this intense heat. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and consider spending time in one of our local Cooling Centers, especially if you or loved ones are sensitive to extreme heat.

As we take a moment to celebrate our nation, we must reflect on the path forward to living up to our founding ideals. The United States was founded because our people didn’t want to live under a tyrant — but now, our Constitution and freedom are under attack from right-wing forces that want to end American democracy as we know it.

You can count on me to stand up to MAGA authoritarians desperate to circumvent the will of the people. As we reflect on the meaning of the Fourth of July and move into this election season, I hope you will stand with me in this existential fight for the continuation of our democracy.

I hope you and your family have a SAFE and HYDRATED 4th of July!

Thank you,

Dr. Ami Bera