In This Newsletter:

Dr. Jill Biden Visiting Central Valley
Fresno Proud Boys Investigation
Becerra to Lead Health and Human Services
Condemning Acts of Hate Against AAPI Community
Valley Vaccines and COVID
Democratic Party HQ

Dr. Jill Biden Visiting Central Valley

The First Lady will be visiting Delano on March 31 for an event organized by the United Farm Workers, the Cesar Chavez Foundation and the UFW Foundation to commemorate the legacy of Cezar Chavez. The event, honoring the birthday of the late labor rights giant, will be held at Forty Acres in Kern County. California’s farmworkers have been highlighted by the impacts of the pandemic and in the struggle for vaccination rights, so it is important to have this kind of focus from the new White House.

Fresno Proud Boys Investigation

The conservative nationalist group called the Proud Boys, designated as a terrorist organization in multiple countries, was deeply involved in Jan. 6’s attempted putsch and at least one Fresno police officer was involved with them. Published FBI.analysis has shown that White supremacy and violent nationalist organizations are deeply embedded in law enforcement organizations across the country.

Recognizing concerns from members of the Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ communities about their increased fear of this type of hate existing within the Fresno Police Department, Fresno City Council Members Miguel Arias and Esmeralda Soria issued a joint press release calling for an independent city investigation of this officer and other Proud Boys linkages. This investigation would not be bound by the secrecy enforced by the Police Officer’s Bill of Rights and the City Office of Independent Review’s policies.

“At a time when our students, families and school leaders are debating the presence of police officers in our schools with our children, we have an obligation to ensure the officers we send them represent the best and most competent, not members of dangerous hate groups,” said Arias.

“I applaud the Chief’s swift action on such troubling claims, yet ask that for the sake of the community’s trust we conduct an independent investigation that is transparent and makes our findings public,” added Soria.

Becerra to Lead Health and Human Services

The confirmation of California’s own Xavier Becerra to lead the Department of Health and Human Services is critical to reimagining and rebuilding a public health system for all. Becerra is the first Latino to hold this office.

Becerra has years of experience fighting for underserved communities, healthcare and justice. He took on the Trump administration and its agenda to roll back protections for workers, he defended the Affordable Care Act against Republican attempts to end it and he has always held strong to protecting women’s health.

As the first Latino to helm the Department of HHS, Becerra has been and will continue to be a stalwart champion for reimagining and rebuilding a more equitable healthcare system that meets the needs of the people.

Statement Condemning the Rise in Acts of Hate Against Members of the AAPI Community

Read the Fresno County Democratic Party’s press release here regarding the recent tragedies inflicted against the Asian American and Pacific Islanders community:

https://fresnocountydemocrats.org/statement-condemning-the-rise-in-hate-against-members-of-the-aapi-community/

Valley Vaccines and COVID

Who is eligible to register for vaccine appointments is continually updated as the United States has begun to gain control of the ongoing coronavirus epidemic. Most recently, Californians who share a home with high-risk individuals can now schedule their own appointments.

However, even if you do not fit into one of the many categories for an appointment, there is still a chance to start getting your first dose. Vaccine samples only stay viable for a short time, so any appointment cancelations produce spares that need to be used quickly.

If you try calling vaccination sites you might be able to be placed on a waitlist to be notified if extras become available and thus get a dose without meeting the recommended categories.

There are now at least 43 facilities across the county offering vaccine appointments: www.co.fresno.ca.us/Home/ShowDocument?id=52599.

Appointments can be made in advance, and the links to do so can be found on the Fresno County Vaccine website. All availability is limited by the vaccine supply. If you or a family member has received the first dose of the vaccine, remember that a second dose must be received for full effect.

For the health and prosperity of all those around you, wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing and reduce your incidents of contact with people who do not dwell in your home.

Check your eligibility and make appointments here: https://myturn.ca.gov. (Not all vaccine sites use this signup. Check other locations.)

County vaccine website: www.co.fresno.ca.us/departments/public-health/covid-19/covid-19-vaccines

Democratic Party HQ

The Democratic Party HQ (1033 U St.) is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday–Friday. Call 559-495-0606 or e-mail [email protected] for information or to volunteer.  Volunteers are needed for a short project at HQ refinishing chairs, let us know if you can help.
     Support your local Democratic Party by making a donation via ActBlue or by mailing a check to Fresno County Democratic Party, P.O. Box 5795, Fresno, CA 93755.

Our newsletter is prepared by Francis Horan.

Democratic Party Headquarters: 1033 U Street, Fresno, CA 93721

[email protected]
559-495-0606

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