Local Issues
Pursuing Justice
BY EDGAR SANCHEZ Thongxy Phansopha feels lucky to be alive this Christmas. “I am so grateful” not to be dead, the 32-year-old queer nonbinary Laotian American said in a recent interview. Then, in a pained […]
Year: 2020
Local Issues
A Dialogue Begins
BY EDGAR SANCHEZ Delphine Brody, a queer transgender woman who lives in Sacramento, is terrified of the city’s police force. “During emergencies, I avoid calling 911,” Brody told this column on Nov. 21. “I fear […]
Local Issues
Taking Root
BY EDGAR SANCHEZ In March 2016, Alfred Melbourne walked out of Wasco State Prison in Kern County—free at last. He had served 18 years for assault with a firearm and assault with a deadly weapon. […]
Local Issues
Finding a Way Home
What is Sacramento County doing to help people experiencing homelessness? Find out in this 8-page special publication.
Environment
Seeds of Change
BY EDGAR SANCHEZ Rubie Simonsen has worn many hats. The 30-year-old Sacramentan has been a yoga instructor, a community volunteer, a poet, a website designer and a youth program manager. But the role Simonsen values […]
Local Issues
Be Sure to Vote!
by Thea Marie Rood Tomorrow is Election Day but it’s not too late to make sure your voice is heard. Sacramento Regional Transit District can make it happen—and it’s free! Working with two partners—Sacramento County […]
Youth
Calling All Kids!
by Thea Marie Rood Especially with the weather turning cooler—and the rainy season on the horizon—Sacramento kids need some safe, reliable transportation. Not only is the Sacramento Regional Transit District providing plenty of buses, light […]
Local Issues
Make a Plan to Vote
by Thea Marie Rood With just one week to Election Day, now is the time to map out your strategy: How will you get yourself or your ballot to the polls? Sacramento Regional Transit District […]
Local Issues
Kids Ride Free on SacRT
by Thea Marie Rood The Sacramento Regional Transit District’s fare-free transit program, which waives fares for students and youth in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade across SacRT’s service area, has been extended for another year, […]
Environment
Environmental Justice
BY EDGAR SANCHEZ As wildfires and a merciless pandemic convulsed California, a Sacramento conference explored 2020’s perils and how minorities are bearing the brunt of COVID-19. The Oct. 15 virtual event—entitled “The World on Fire: […]
Local Issues
Mark your calendars
by Thea Marie Rood Voters have a lot to consider this election season, but thanks to Sacramento Regional Transit’s Drive the Vote program, one thing we don’t have to worry about: transportation to and from […]
Youth
RydeFreeRT: A Proven Success
by Thea Marie Rood The Sacramento Regional Transit District’s fare-free program, which waives fares for students and youth in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade across SacRT’s service area, has been extended for another year, through […]
Local Issues
AGGIE SQUARE
BY EDGAR SANCHEZ In mid-2018, Bill Motmans received an invitation he couldn’t refuse. The Tahoe Park resident was asked to serve on a committee that would help guide development of Aggie Square, the cutting edge […]
Local Issues
Get Out the Vote
BY EDGAR SANCHEZ The long, hot summer of 2020 was unlike any Josh Harris had ever experienced. Once it began, he repeatedly took to the streets to demand that police treat Black people like him […]
Local Issues
Murals carry Census message to San Joaquin Valley residents
By Allen Pierleoni One creative way to promote Census participation in undercounted farmworker and immigrant communities is through culturally rooted art forms. That’s why five dramatic murals have joined a related program of original songs […]
CA Census
For people with disabilities, being counted is important
“We’ve all paid into the system and so in order for people with disabilities to receive our fair share of that, we need to be counted by the Census.”
Aaron Carruthers
Executive Director, California State Council on Developmental Disabilities […]
CA Census
Census could help alleviate San Joaquin County’s affordable-housing crisis
By Allen Pierleoni Why is it essential that every one of the 330 million-plus people living in the United States steps up and be counted in the 2020 Census? Because the results will determine the […]
CA Census
Reaching out to the hard-to-count
California Rural Legal Assistance is making inroads in the Census count By Allen Pierleoni In case there’s any question about who is eligible to be counted in the 2020 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau makes […]
CA Census
Stand Up and be Counted
“The accuracy of this census will shape the next 10 years for our communities. It’s worth the time to complete it before it’s too late.”
Cori Lucero
Executive director of Government and Community Relations, UC Merced
[…]
CA Census
Visión y Compromiso
POR THEA MARIE ROOD visionycompromiso.org “Es importante ser contados para que no solo recibamos los fondos necesarios para nuestras comunidades, sino también para tener una representación justa”, dice Nataly Santamaria, la gerente de la red […]
CA Census
Vision y Compromiso
BY THEA MARIE ROOD visionycompromiso.org“It is important to be counted so that we not only get the necessary funds to our communities but also to have fair representation,” says Nataly Santamaria, the promotora network manager […]
CA Census
Movimiento Jakara
POR THEA MARIE ROOD jakara.org “Jakara ha estado involucrado en todos los frentes: hemos adoptado un enfoque de ‘todas las manos a la obra’,” dice el director ejecutivo Naindeep Singh. “[Eso incluye] divulgación en ferias […]
CA Census
Jakara Movement
BY THEA MARIE ROOD jakara.org “Jakara has been engaged on all fronts — we have taken an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach,” says executive director Naindeep Singh. “[That includes] outreach at fairs and festivals, hosting our own events […]
CA Census
Faith in the Valley
POR THEA MARIE ROOD faithinthevalley.org “Soy afroamericana, y a medida que crecía, mi familia sentía que nuestras vidas no eran asunto del gobierno”, dice la pastora Trena Turner, directora ejecutiva de Faith in the Valley. […]
CA Census
Faith in the Valley
BY THEA MARIE ROOD faithinthevalley.org “I’m African American, and when I was growing up, my family felt like nothing was the government’s business,” says Pastor Trena Turner, executive director of Faith in the Valley. “And […]
CA Census
Fundación Dolores Huerta
POR THEA MARIE ROOD doloreshuerta.org Hay dos razones importantes para completar el Censo, dice Camila Chávez, directora ejecutiva de la Fundación Dolores Huerta. “Por cada miembro de la comunidad que se cuenta, eso significa fondos […]
CA Census
Dolores Huerta Foundation
BY THEA MARIE ROOD doloreshuerta.org There are two important reasons to complete the Census, says Camila Chavez, executive director of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. “For each community member who is counted that means federal funding […]
CA Census
Manos a la obra
POR ANNE STOKES Llegar a las comunidades de manera tradicional ¿Qué puedes hacer con 20 mil dólares? ¿Comprar un automóvil nuevo? ¿Hacer un depósito inicial para una casa? ¿Tomar unas vacaciones de lujo (pre-COVID, por […]
CA Census
Boots on the Ground
BY ANNE STOKES Reaching out to communities the old-fashioned way What can you do with $20,000? Buy a new car? Make a down-payment on a home? Take a luxury vacation (pre-COVID, of course)? In many […]
CA Census
Una forma diferente de llamar a la puerta
POR ALLEN PIERLEONI Los estudiantes universitarios están encontrando nuevas formas de conectarse con los vecinos en comunidades difíciles de contar Hacer contacto personal con vecinos en comunidades difíciles de contar es la forma más básica […]
CA Census
A different way of knocking on doors
BY ALLEN PIERLEONI College students are finding new ways to connect with neighbors in hard-to-count communities Making personal contact with neighbors in hard-to-count communities is the most grass-roots form of Census outreach, and likely the […]
CA Census
Stars of the show are local
By Allen Pierleoni Video skits posted to social media make the Census message clear in a relatable way – Participate! What’s essential to the success of the 2020 Census? Clearly, the ongoing priority of community […]
CA Census
Reaching Out Across Generations
BY ANNE STOKES The Fresno Center uses social media to educate younger and older generations about the Census Historically, the United States has been a golden door to immigrants and refugees striving to build a […]
CA Census
En la misma onda
POR ANNE STOKES El rapero llega a la gente a través de la música A veces, no solo es importante lo que dices, sino cómo lo dices.Para muchos residentes del Valle de San Joaquín, el […]
CA Census
On the Same Wavelength
BY ANNE STOKES Rapper reaches out through music Sometimes, it’s not just what you say, but how you say it that matters. For many San Joaquin Valley residents, language can be a barrier that keeps […]
CA Census
La música y la novela difunden el mensaje del Censo
POR ALLEN PIERLEONI Radio Bilingüe encontró la combinación ideal en la magia de la radiodifusión Por tradición, los trabajadores agrícolas inmigrantes en California se encuentran entre los grupos cuyas cifras están más subestimadas u olvidadas […]
CA Census
Music and drama spread the Census message
BY ALLEN PIERLEONI Radio Bilingüe found the ideal combination of broadcasting magic Traditionally, immigrant farmworkers in California are among the most undercounted or forgotten groups in the U.S. Census. But Fresno-based Radio Bilingüe is working […]
CA Census
Census data = funding
Here are just a few areas that will be touched by 2020 Census data: The placement of new hospitals and health clinics The number of doctors and other health providers needed in certain areas The […]
CA Census
Determine los próximos 10 años
POR DEBBIE ARRINGTON Porque el Censo es importante para nuestros hijos, vecinos y familias ¡El censo de 2020 casi ha terminado! Y hay mucho en juego en este gran conteo de todas las personas. Las […]
Local Issues
Shape the next 10 years
BY DEBBIE ARRINGTON Why the Census is so important for our kids, neighbors and families The 2020 Census is almost over! And a lot is riding on this big count.Californians’ responses will not only help […]
CA Census
Lúcete y participa en este conteo
El Censo de los Estados Unidos coloca el poder del gobierno en manos del pueblo. Al proporcionar un conteo exacto de la población de los hogares en todo el país, los recuentos del Censo determinan: […]
CA Census
Completa el Censo para un mejor cuidado médico
¿Por qué es esencial que cada persona en los Estados Unidos sea contada en el Censo 2020? Debido a que los datos se utilizarán durante la próxima década para ayudar a guiar la distribución a […]
CA Census
Por el bien de los niños
POR ALLEN PIERLEONI Como muchas madres, Cassandra Gutiérrez desea lo mejor para su hija Arixsandra “Ari” quién actualmente tiene dos años y vive con sus padres en Vallejo. Eso, naturalmente, incluye una bíen fundada educación. […]
Local Issues
Jakara Movement
Central Valley, Fresno y Sacramento1-888-JAKARA-1jakara.org “Jakara ha estado involucrado en todos los frentes: hemos adoptado un enfoque de “todas las manos a la obra”, dice el Director Ejecutivo Naindeep Singh. “[Eso incluye] llegar a la […]
CA Census
Jakara Movement
Central Valley, Fresno and Sacramento1-888-JAKARA-1jakara.org “Jakara has been engaged on all fronts — we have taken an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach,” says Executive Director Naindeep Singh. “[That includes] outreach at fairs and festivals, hosting our own events […]
CA Census
Hmong Innovating Politics
Merced, Modesto, Sacramento y Stockton916-382-0177 hipcalifornia.com “La gente tiene preguntas sobre cómo se usará la información”, dice Cha Vang, Directora de Organización Estatal para HIP. “Comenzó con la cuestión de inmigración y, aunque ya no […]
CA Census
Hmong Innovating Politics
Merced, Modesto, Sacramento and Stockton916-382-0177 hipcalifornia.com People have questions about how the information will be used, says Cha Vang, Director of Statewide Organizing for HIP. “It started with the immigration question, and even though it’s […]
Local Issues
Faith in the Valley
Fresno, Merced, San Joaquin y Stanislausfaithinthevalley.org “Nuestras comunidades, con razón, tienen pensamientos u opiniones variados sobre nuestro gobierno. Cuando estaba creciendo, mi familia sentía que nada era asunto del gobierno”, dice la pastor Trena Turner, […]
CA Census
Faith in the Valley
Fresno, Merced, San Joaquin and Stanislausfaithinthevalley.org “Our communities, with reason, have varied thoughts or opinions about our government. When I was growing up, my family felt like nothing was the government’s business,” says Pastor Trena […]
CA Census
Evangelista Community Relations
Auburn530-718-4937 “Estamos haciendo campaña en áreas rurales, donde es mucho más difícil llegar a la gente: tanta extensión, sin WiFi, luchando contra el clima”, dice Tomas Evangelista, fundador de Evangelista Community Relations. “Pero tener esa […]
CA Census
Evangelista Community Relations
Auburn530-718-4937 “We’re canvassing in rural areas, where it’s a lot harder to reach people — so far spread, no WiFi, battling the weather,” says Tomas Evangelista, founder of Evangelista Community Relations. “But to have that […]
CA Census
CNC Education Fund
Coachella, Fresno, Hanford, Merced y Sacramentocncedfund.org La coalición de organizaciones se ha asociado con el estado de California para motivar a los residentes del Valle Central a completar el Censo, especialmente en las áreas que […]
CA Census
CNC Education Fund
Coachella, Fresno, Hanford, Merced and Sacramentocncedfund.org A variety of organizations have partnered with the state to reach hard-to-count people and households “We provide a visual so they can see the nine questions they’ll be asked,” […]
CA Census
“Que sus voces sean escuchadas”
POR ALLEN PIERLEONI Es vital que los veteranos participen en el Censo; sus beneficios y servicios dependen de ello. La Oficina del Censo de los Estados Unidos tiene algo que decir a la comunidad de […]
CA Census
Representation Matters
BY ANNE STOKES For the first time, Census recognizes LGBTQ community Katalina Zambrano first started identifying as transgender in the seventh grade. Back in the 1990s, there were no support services in her community for […]
CA Census
‘Let your voices be heard’
BY ALLEN PIERLEONI It’s vital for veterans to participate in the Census; their benefits and services depend on it The U.S. Census Bureau has something to say to the nation’s veteran community: “Think of the […]
CA Census
How the Census Impacts Education
BY THEA MARIE ROOD Learn how your neighborhood’s children will be affected for the next 10 years If you need a reason to participate in the Census, here’s a big one: Education for your community. […]
CA Census
Census data can help everyone enjoy the ride
Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers takes a close look at the condition of the nation’s infrastructure and gives it an overall grade. In 2017, we rated a “D+.” The ASCE periodically […]
CA Census
Like most of California, Merced has a housing crisis and needs more new homes built.
BY ALLEN PIERLEONI A home for every family 2020 Census could help alleviate San Joaquin Valley’s affordable-housing crisis. Federal funding based on Census data nourishes a broad spectrum of programs, including support for affordable housing […]
CA Census
Census touches these health-related programs
The data gathered by the 2020 Census will examine the medical-related needs and program-related priorities in urban and rural areas, and fund counties and states based on that information. Did you know that Calaveras County […]
CA Census
Be counted for health care
BY ALLEN PIERLEONI Census data guides the distribution of funds for new hospitals and clinics,caregiver staffing and medical supplies Why is it essential that every person in the United States be counted in the 2020 […]
CA Census
Stand Up and be Counted
BY ANNE STOKES U.S. Census count determines the fate of billionsof dollars of California funding. The U.S. Census puts the power of the government into the hands of the people. By providing an accurate population […]
CA Census
Remember our children!
While the U.S. Census count determines funding for schools, public assistance programs, libraries and more, children are most commonly left out. It’s important to count kids — even newborns — when filling out the Census […]
CA Census
¡El Censo del 2020 es aquí ahora!
POR DEBBIE ARRINGTON Y hay mucho en juego en este gran recuento. Una vez cada 10 años, el gobierno federal intenta contar a cada persona que vive en suelo estadounidense. Es una tarea de cada […]
CA Census
Take 10 minutes to shape the next 10 years
BY DEBBIE ARRINGTON The 2020 Census is here now! And a lot is riding on this big count. Once every 10 years, the federal government attempts to count every person living on U.S. soil. It’s […]
CA Census
La confidencialidad es una prioridad
POR DEBBIE ARRINGTON Su información privada no será compartida con otras agencias. Su información personal es confidencial y el Censo la mantendrá así. No importa lo que haya escuchado o leído, sus respuestas seguirán siendo […]
CA Census
Confidentiality is a Priority
BY DEBBIE ARRINGTON Your private information will not be shared with other agencies. Your personal information is confidential, and the Census will keep it that way. No matter what you’ve heard or read, your answers […]
Local Issues
Be Counted
BY EDGAR SANCHEZ Abelardo “Abe” Ruiz believes in the power of the census. The proud Sacramentan has participated in every decennial population count since 1980, when he was a new immigrant from Mexico. This year […]
CA Census
‘Let your voices be heard’
“Veterans love to tell war stories, but now they
need to start telling
Census stories.”
— Virginia A. Wimmer.
Deputy director, San Joaquin County Veterans Service Office
[…]
Local Issues
Latinx Support BLM
BY EDGAR SANCHEZ Three months ago, a Sacramento teen faced a decision: To be or not to be at a local march against police brutality? A young Chicano, Roger D. Zapata, concluded he had to […]
Local Issues
SacRT Steps Up for the Community
by Allen Pierleoni Sacramento Regional Transit District has been a national model when it comes to implementing conscientious protocols that keep its customers and employees safe during the coronavirus pandemic. For instance, a creative offshoot […]
Local Issues
Riding the (Light) Rails
A Q&A with Light Rail Operator Jessica Clark by Anne Stokes Light Rail Operator Jessica Clark has been with Sacramento Regional Transit District for eight years, driving light rail trains for four. She talks to […]
Local Issues
Volunteers for a Safer Sacramento
by Allen Pierleoni When Jessica Gonzalez learned that Sacramento Regional Transit District had received 60,000 free face masks from federal, state and city sources, she knew just what to do. To help fight the pandemic, […]
Local Issues
A Seat on the Bus
By Anne Stokes For 38 years, Joyce Adams-Watkins has been getting Sacramentans where they need to be. We talked with Sacramento Regional Transit District’s senior-most bus operator to see what it’s like keeping Sacramento moving. […]
Local Issues
Diverse Voices Ask for Change
BY EDGAR SANCHEZ As a newcomer to Sacramento, Katherine Moua admits to not knowing much about Mayor Darrell Steinberg – except that he wields power and influence at City Hall. But when she learned that […]