This newspaper exists because of the generous support of the community. That support was evident at the Community Alliance annual fundraiser held at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Nov. 30. President-elect Donald Trump’s attacks against any media that oppose his fascist agenda might have had the effect of making this our most successful fundraiser ever.
The event was not only a financial success but also brought the community together at a critical time. Having a local, independent and progressive newspaper in Fresno is something to celebrate.
The keynote speaker, Assembly Member Joaquin Arambula (D–Fresno), whose district encompasses southern and western Fresno County, reminded us that “California, in the time since I have been elected, we have had the largest expansion of healthcare coverage in our nation, with the Affordable Care Act, known as Health for All.
“A movement that I have helped to lead has enrolled a million Californians into Medi-Cal who are income-eligible regardless of their immigration status.”
Several attendees speculated that Arambula would run for mayor of Fresno when he is termed out of the Assembly.
Lilia Gonzales Chavez, executive director of the Fresno Arts Council, spoke about the importance of art in the community and how through a successful tax initiative, the City of Fresno has “granted 112 programs and projects” with approximately $5 million.
“I’m pleased that the Community Alliance is a beneficiary of this fund,” Chavez continued. “They successfully applied and received a grant to develop and provide a community calendar that will track and announce all of the activities that are taking place in the arts and cultural community and tell their story.”
There was music by Kathryn and Carl Johnsen (Rosetree Celtic Music). Several Community Alliance newspaper writers spoke, and we brought in enough donations to keep the paper going for another year.
We are aware of the dangers ahead, but with the solidarity and support of the people in this community we will help build the unity needed to confront the challenges ahead. Si se puede!
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Mike Rhodes is the executive director of the Community Alliance newspaper, was the editor of this newspaper from 1998 to 2014 and is the author of several books. Contact him at mikerhodes@fresnoalliance.com.
[insert Fundraiser24-8.jpg]Lilia Gonzales Chavez, executive director of the Fresno Arts Council, spoke at the Community Alliance fundraiser about the importance of arts and culture in our community. Photo by Peter Maiden
[insert Fundraiser24-12.jpg]Assembly Member Joaquin Arambula (D–Fresno), the keynote speaker at the event, commented that he is from an immigrant family and stressed why immigrant rights are important and why expanding healthcare to everyone, whether documented or not, is necessary. Photo by Peter Maiden
