Central Valley Partnership February Meeting

Elections Have Consequences And we are now in the midst of a once-in-a-generation election. Our monthly meetings lift up the issues, policies and organizing priorities most pressing to the San Joaquin Valley at this moment.This month we will meet on Tuesday, February 18th starting at 5:30pm at the Carpenter’s Union Hall (1361 North Hulbert Avenue) in Fresno.This month’s agenda (copied below) focuses on our ongoing concern on immigration and the defense of immigrants; introduces three new organizers and their organizations focused on environmental action in the region; and highlights advances and opportunities for city-driven change through policies in support of working families.Partnership meetings are open to the public. Light snacks are served.Spread the word, bring your neighbors.Agenda5:30pmIntroductions/Announcements/Refreshments5:45pmWelcome6:00pmICE Tactics, Enforcement Trends & Opportunities for Community ResponseA presentation overview of the known and documented tactics used by ICE officers and enforcement trends of the agency including data on the number of individuals detained from the Central Valley in two Northern California detention centers. We consider opportunities for community response, counter-tactics, and ways to push back in defense of our family members and neighbors. •Sandra Hernandez, Youth Organizer•Ariana Martinez Lott, Community Organizer, Faith in the Valley•Angelica Salceda, American Civil Liberties Union, Staff Attorney6:20pmEnvironmental Action in the Age of Climate CrisesThe San Joaquin Valley has one of the most compromised ecosystems in the United States – one which has produced social inequality, devastated wildlife habitat and drastically impacted natural resources. The long history of displacement of local residents from public and open lands by corporate agriculture will now be interrogated and challenged as historically “white” environmental organizations have recently hired new organizers to trailblaze solidarity across previous divisions.•Audubon California (Pedro Hernandez, Outreach and Engagement Manager – Climate Policies)Audubon California’s work in the San Joaquin Valley will involve building political power and awareness to advance climate action for wildlife, ecosystems, and communities on the local, state and federal level. With advocacy guided by equity, diversity, and inclusion of marginalized communities, Audubon will expand the scope of its work to better represent and serve communities throughout the state.•California Wilderness Coalition (Andre Sanchez, San Joaquin Valley Organizer). CalWild works to protect and restore the wild and undeveloped landscapes in and near the San Joaquin Valley, with a primary focus on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. They hope to grow advocacy capacity for federal public land in the region by empowering a diverse local constituency, and meeting with elected officials, agency staff, and other stakeholders.•California League of Conservation Voters (Andrew Escamilla, Central Valley Community Organizer) CLCV will be dedicated to increasing education on environment and environmental justice issues in the Central Valley, holding local elected officials accountable, working with existing infrastructure in the community to build a local league driven by environmental justice leaders, and making oil and gas money toxic.6:50pmA 2020 Agenda for Working Families in Fresno – Miguel Arias, Fresno City Council PresidentThe City of Fresno is setting an agenda for change in the San Joaquin Valley focused on issues impacting working families. Fresno City Council President Arias will discuss: (1) achieving a city-wide policy in support of project labor agreements, (2) establishing regulations for the cannabis industry, (3) passing a public tax for improved city parks and public services, and (4) strengthening the city’s general plan to revitalize existing neighborhoods.7:15pmAnnouncements7:30pmAdjournmenthttps://www.facebook.com/events/809024879612855/