Blog - Page 14 of 16 - Faith in the Valley

Organizations like Faith in the Valley are seeking ways legal residents and citizens like this farmworker can respond if massive roundups and deportations begin. (Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP)

Rapid Response Training Programs are Aiming to Document ICE Activities

December 13, 2017
Faith in the Valley
Blog, San Joaquin

“We cannot stop ICE from doing what they do,” said Curtis Smith, a local pastor and community organizer, as he warned the volunteers not to interfere with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “But we can offer support so that people know they can count on their community to show up in their time of need.” The “rapid response” training program was one of a half-dozen being carried out this fall by Faith in the Valley.

A MoveOn.org rally against the Trump Administration's Muslim ban. (Photo by Alejandro Alvarez)

Tell Congress: We Oppose Any Muslim Ban

December 8, 2017
Faith in the Valley
Blog

We are extremely disappointed by the Supreme Court’s initial ruling this week to allow the Administration’s “Muslim Ban”—banning travel to the United States by residents of six Muslim-majority countries—to go into effect. We are sickened by this policy (grounded in absolutely no sound basis or rationale).

Incarcerations by 1K persons by race, according to the Advancement Project California, creators of RACE COUNTS, an initiative and web tool that measures disparities in California’s 58 counties.

PICO Partners With RACE COUNTS Initiative to Compare Equality of Minority Groups in San Joaquin County

November 29, 2017
Faith in the Valley
Blog, San Joaquin

San Joaquin County residents, overall, are struggling to prosper, researchers say. And while the community is lagging behind other counties, the largest group of people affected by disparities continues to be minorities, particularly black residents, which make up 6.7 percent of the county’s population.

Faith in Fresno leaders speak about the Fresno Legal Defense Fund at press conference.

Despite Being Denied by City Council, Fresno Gets Legal Fund for Undocumented After All

November 22, 2017
Faith in the Valley
Blog, Fresno

Numerous cities have dedicated public money to similar efforts in the face of increased immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, including Los Angeles and Chicago. But the Fresno City Council voted down a proposal in June to contribute public money to such a legal defense fund. “Even so, our community did not leave that day feeling defeated. We felt empowered,” Faith in Fresno organizer Sukaina Hussain said.

Drop the Delay – Protect Renters Living in Misery

October 25, 2017
Faith in the Valley
Fresno

After nearly 14 years of protests, dozens of meetings with various officials, extensive research and lots of prayer, hundreds of concerned citizens and dedicated families finally convinced the Fresno City Council to pass breakthrough legislation that will begin to hold slumlords accountable for their unhealthy and dangerous properties. This historic vote to approve the Rental Housing Improvement Act happened in February. It’s now time for the vote to turn into action.

Victory! SB 31, Religious Freedom Act, Signed Into Law

SB 31’s passage sends an important message to our Muslim sisters and brothers about our love and care for them during a time of increasing vulnerability. People of faith across the state do not stand for the dehumanization represented by the federal administration’s attempts to create a Muslim registry or Muslim ban.

When Will Fresno’s Promised Rental Inspection Program Begin?

October 11, 2017
Faith in the Valley
Fresno

Faith in the Valley, a grassroots organization that represents around 120 congregations in the central San Joaquin Valley said the city declined to meet with the group so organizers could get an update on the plan. The organization wants to help and is concerned about tenant education. “We can’t wait for it to begin, we have to let folks know this is coming,” said community organizer Lety Valencia.

Victory! SB 54, CA Values Act, Signed into Law

After nine long months of communities and congregations struggling to defend themselves against the rising tide of deportations that are ripping families apart, SB 54, the California Values Act, has been signed into law. Faith in the Valley, along with PICO California and its 400 member congregations across 24 counties, thank Governor Brown, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De León, his staff, and...

ACLU of CA Launches Statewide Campaign to Educate Californians on the Role of District Attorneys, the Power They Wield and Their Impact on Mass Incarceration

The American Civil Liberties Union of California (ACLU-CA) and local partner organizations today launched Hey, Meet Your DA!, a campaign designed to raise awareness about the powerful role district attorneys (DAs) play in the state’s 58 counties, and to increase accountability and transparency within the offices.

A Rally for Unity in the Fight Against Bigotry

Toni McNeil was standing in a circle surrounded by dozens of people gathered Friday to condemn white supremacy following the incidents in Charlottesville, Virginia, when a white man tapped her on her right shoulder. As she turned, the man called her over to him. The interaction lasted less than 60 seconds but it made her want to cry. “I want to tell you I’m sorry,” he told her with tears in his eyes and her hand in between his.