Create the Range of Light National Monument
Deanna Wulff, executive director of Unite the Parks, is leading the effort to protect the 1.4 million acres of federal land between Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon national parks as the Range of Light National Monument. This area between the parks and in the center of the longest interconnected wilderness in the contiguous 48 states presents a rare opportunity to create an integrated ecosystem in one the most biodiverse places in the world.
From the blue oak woodlands to the granite spires of the high alpine, the beauty and biodiversity of the Sierra Nevada is nothing short of remarkable. While the Sierra Nevada takes up only 20% of California’s land mass, half of its native plant species live there and more than 400 of its species are found nowhere else on earth, including the infamous giant sequoia and gray wolf. The Range of Light National Monument is home to 24 species listed as endangered or threatened.
Adding 1.4 million acres to America’s conserved lands would serve wildlife and significantly advance the Biden administration goal of protecting 30% of the nation’s lands by 2030. This monument would preserve and expand forests and soils sequestering carbon and create a wildlife corridor enabling plants and animals to adapt to climate change. Protected landscapes are also the most fire-resilient, and local communities will benefit from the fire safety that parks and monuments provide.
Finally, the new national monument would also increase local employment by nearly 2,900 jobs—providing 40 new jobs for every job displaced. This would catalyze tourism, restoration and recreation while building a future for the region that serves the economy and the environment.
Unite the Parks is encouraging the Biden administration to use the Antiquities Act to create the Range of Light National Monument for people and wildlife for all time. It’s a legacy that will last for generations to come.
For more information or to sign on to a letter of support to be sent to President Joe Biden, visit unitetheparks.org.
Council on American-Islamic Relations
The Sacramento Valley/Central California office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SV/CC) reaffirmed its commitment to combating Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism following the reelection of Donald Trump. CAIR-SV/CC also commended California Muslims for turning out to vote in the November election despite deep frustration and disillusionment with both major parties due to their support of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said the following:
“No matter who won, we knew there would be work to do. The reelection of Trump has brought concerns to many of us who remember the heightened climate of fear and hostility that followed the 2016 election.
“Our community has not forgotten the rampant Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism during Trump’s presidency that sparked one of the largest waves of hate targeting American Muslims that CAIR has seen in its history.
“Amid his reelection, we reaffirm our commitment to defending the civil rights, safety and dignity of American Muslims and every community facing injustice.
“We commend American Muslim voters for making their voices heard in races across the country, and up and down the ballot, in the 2024 election. Our community made it clear: the genocide in Gaza is our red line.
“No politician or party has ownership of the Muslim vote. Going forward, we expect all elected officials to genuinely address the urgent concerns of Muslim voters, including President-elect Trump. It is important for Trump to now recognize that most Americans do not want to see more bigotry here at home or more war overseas.
“We urge the President-elect to pursue peace abroad, beginning with ending U.S. complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza. However, this must be a real peace based on justice, freedom and a state for the Palestinian people.”
Central Valley Movement Building Coalition
Below is a post-election statement from Central Valley Movement Building (cvmb.org).
Deep breaths. Hydrate. Ground yourself in the truths of this moment.
We are here, in the wake of loss that cuts deep. This election outcome might not be what we wanted, but it is only a pause, not a defeat. We are gathering, feeling, breathing life into the work ahead of us. Our path is forward, and our message is clear: Organize! Organize! Organize!
They will try to take more ground, claw at every inch we’ve gained. But we won’t allow it.
We are aware and ready to show exactly how far they will not go. What they fear is us, together, mobilized, rested, turning our collective breath into systems change.
This work must live and breathe in every corner of our society. We are here to take up space—unapologetically. In every room, every block, every gathering, our presence will be felt, brick by brick.
Our pain has a place too, but it will not stay buried within us. We use it as fuel, turning that pain outward, transforming it into power.
We center our most impacted people on whom this system has long failed. We bring them forward, amplify their voices and remind the world that ‘‘no matter what they do, we’re still gonna keep coming back.’’
This is how liberation grows—from our roots, reaching outward in every direction.
We breathe in pain, and exhale power. We move with those before us, beside us and behind us. We know our resilience. We know our worth. You’re not alone, you are loved.
We know “freedom is a constant struggle’’ but “we gon’ be alright.” Every action shifts the ground.
Arts Alive in Agriculture
The Fresno Arts Council seeks submissions for the 12th annual “Arts Alive in Agriculture,” a juried art exhibition. This competition honors the agricultural roots, resources and traditions of the diverse communities that produce our food in the Central Valley.
The Fresno Arts Council wants to highlight the Central Valley’s agricultural industry by exhibiting original works of art created by Central Valley–based artists.
The public is invited to join the Fresno Arts Council in recognizing and celebrating, through the unique vision of local artists, the important role that agriculture plays in the Central Valley and in our lives, on April 17, 2025, at “The Barn” at the San Joaquin Parkway Trust River Center from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The deadline for artist submissions is Feb. 3, 2025. For more information, visit fresnoartscouncil.org or contact andrea@fresnoartscouncil.org.
Community Water Center Action Fund
As we reflect on last week’s election results and their impact across the nation, we know many of us are anxious for what’s to come. There is still a lot to process and a few key races still haven’t been called.
Despite this uncertainty, we cannot deny the impact of our collective power building work. Our teams across Congressional Districts 13 and 22 knocked on 19,500+ doors, made 63,750+ phone calls and went above and beyond to provide rides to polls, pick up ballots and answer questions in communities where this support is critical to making sure people can actually vote.
In a small, rural town in Tulare County, the community of Orosi made their voice heard and elected three new board members to serve on the Orosi Public Utilities District by an overwhelming majority. Angela Ruiz-Alvarez, Nancy Cerda Serna and Serafin Brito ran for these seats with a determination to show change is possible for their community and to make sure Orosi and its neighbors can finally achieve water justice for all.
Finally, California voters approved Proposition 4, which will secure funding for climate change resiliency projects directed to communities in need. This means $610 million will now be available to fund safe drinking water projects.
This is what building community power looks like. This is the fuel we need to stay connected, heal and continue our work towards water justice. The fight continues.
—Susana De Anda, co-founder and executive director of the Community Water Center
