One year ago this evening we all were filled with hope and excitement as the polls closed on the 2020 election. I wanted to check in with all the wonderful people who helped us make history in CA-08.
2021 has been a year none of us could have predicted. It began with the January 6 insurrection that caught many of us off guard. The joy of the Biden/Harris victory was quickly dampened. That said, our heroes in the House and Senate, and in the White House diligently worked to bring us two working-family supporting, climate-saving, infrastructure-building bills that will be an incredible start toward building back better. A better society, renewed hope, and a pathway to leading the world out of the climate crisis.
And I have to mention last night, even though I’d rather not. Try not to get disheartened. We were supposed to lose the VA governor's race, and would have needed a miracle to win that race. That’s how it’s always been in off-year elections, change is slow and Virginia is not yet blue. A few learnings: if your net worth is $440 million and you make up terrible things to divide people and keep beating that drum, you can buy a Governor’s race. It’s a bummer, but forward is the only direction we can accept. We will pay attention and learn for the midterms. Remember, it’s going to be hard but we have to try. Look what we did in CA-08 last cycle! My advice: pick one or two WINNABLE house races and LFG - give it everything you have. As soon as CA redistricting is done, I will announce my picks for the CA House races where I am all in and I’d love to work with you to hold the House. Also please note - I’m taking my organizing to Twitter for faster communication - follow me @chrisbubser.
MY TRIP TO WASHINGTON LAST WEEK
Some of my heroes who helped save the Affordable Care Act, and are always there when the most important policies are being debated, called us to Washington last week. I’m thrilled that I went. Here’s a brief highlight reel. Don’t listen to the media! They like to foment chaos. The Build Back Better package WILL pass and it WILL improve lives. I, too, have had it with Manchin and Sinema. A few of us met Sinema at DCA and Manchin at the dock of his yacht to plead with them to help their constituents and all Americans. Sometimes you have to show up.
Early morning “meeting” with Senator Manchin.
While in Washington, I marched with the wonderful people from CASA and CPD to bring attention to the need for a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and other hardworking people who need it. I attended a rally at the Supreme Court with Congress Member Mondaire Jones and Senators Ed Markey and Tina Smith. It’s time to pass legislation to expand the court. We didn’t break the court; Mitch McConnell did. And like it or not there’s only one way to fix it. And I was privileged - and frankly shook - by attending the Poor People’s Campaign press conference with five (now four) fierce young climate activists from Sunrise Movement who are on a hunger strike.
Supporting the hunger strikers at the White House.
There is much to do to make our voices heard. If you’re interested in direct action and advocacy, reach out and I can include you in future trips to Washington. It is life changing. Save the date for December 1 when the Supreme Court will take up the Mississippi case - actually, just book your trip. We need to show up.
REDISTRICTING
Folks often ask if I am running again. Because there is a redistricting this year, and there is the potential for significant changes for the Congressional districts, I have focused my attention on keeping people engaged, providing input for redistricting and digging in on the climate crisis.
The California Redistricting Commission is early in the map drawing phase. A coalition of people in Inyo, Mono and Alpine counties are paying close attention to redistricting and we’re happy to update you on how things develop. As it looks now, the Congressional and State Assembly districts for Mono and Inyo Counties will look very different from the past.
CONGRESSIONAL (US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES) 2012 MAP VS. DRAFT VISUALIZATION (as of 11.2.21)
CURRENT CA-08 Congressional District 2012 - Present (Mono, Inyo and Part of San Bernardino Counties)
Visualization of potential NEW Sierra Nevada Congressional District (not final) (Inyo, Mono, and all Sierra counties to North - no areas to south of Inyo)
As you can see, Inyo and Mono Counties will be included with the rest of the Sierra Nevada counties in the proposed map. If these maps hold, this Sierra district could present a great opportunity to get dedicated leadership for Inyo, Mono, and the Sierra counties to our north..
CLIMATE
There are many wonderful climate groups that are working hard to make sure we get climate legislation that will avoid some of the most catastrophic effects of the climate crisis. I’ve been engaging with groups like Friends of the Inyo, Eastern Sierra Land Trust, Sierra Club Range of Light Group, to push back on the endless stream of extractive industries trying to mine on our local federal and tribal lands, and take every last drop of water.
Speaking of water, I did fulfill my dream of hiking (some of) the John Muir Trail this summer. The trip was greatly impacted by the wildfires and closures of the National Forests. What I saw was profoundly disturbing (dry streams that historically flowed copiously year-round) and yet so hauntingly beautiful (tiny trees pushing their way out of a bone-dry, blackened forest.) The forest will fight back. But we must help it.
Year-round stream near Cathedral Peak in Yosemite was dry as a bone in Sept 2021.
More recently, I have been working with Climate Changemakers by participating in their weekly hour of action. Join us either Wednesday at 9 am PT or Thursday at 5 pm PT. You will leave educated on a climate issue, prepared to make a difference by telling your personal story and energized because you will have taken direct action on that issue with the help of Climate Changemakers excellent tools. Go here for more information: https://www.climatechangemakers.org/events
...AND THANK YOU
Finally, I just wanted to say thank you. Now that I have had time to reflect upon our campaign, I am overcome with gratitude at the enthusiasm and generosity that so many showed. The struggles have not gotten any easier, but they are changing and I know that together, we will create the world we know is possible. Please stay in touch! I will always be working on climate, healthcare and voting rights issues, and if there's good trouble to be had, you will probably find me. I’d be delighted for you to join me.
With my deepest gratitude,
Chris
P.S. Since you read all the way to this point, here’s a treat - Cathedral Lake at sunset. This is what is known as alpenglow for those who have never been in the high country at sunrise or sunset.
