Lay of the Land
Central Valley Matters directly funds several grassroots groups that are active in the Central Valley’s Congressional District 22. All the groups have been vetted for their work in Central Valley communities to improve the lives of hardworking but marginalized people. Here are updates on these groups:
Delano Guardians. While engaging with people in the community, the group is hearing about hardships from rent increases and higher water bills. Organizer Lupe Martinez says these stories show residents feel their voices are not being heard and that the Delano Guardians work to help residents realize they do have power and their voices and votes do matter.
Community Water Center Action Fund. While canvassing and phone banking in Tulare, Kings and Kern counties, the group is hearing that residents face problems with water quality and affordability. “Something so necessary to living has become so expensive,” said Imelda Ramirez, field director for the group. “This is especially hard in high temperatures when drinking water is essential.”
Valley Voices. Valley Voices has doubled down on outreach in Kings County doing “community canvassing” and focusing on Latino voters. The group has found that misinformation and disinformation are rampant but accepted as fact, and its canvassers are working to replace that deceit with true and compelling information. With a track record of helping communities, the group is effective as a trusted messenger.
Dolores Huerta Foundation (DHF). Working primarily in Tulare and Kern counties, DHF uses a multigenerational approach to ensure that every impacted generation of people in the Central Valley is activated, informed, inspired and supported to create tangible local change. Its voter, civic and local government education programs not only make residents aware of their power of voting together but also lead to increased representation by leaders who prioritize their issues.
Loud for Tomorrow Action Fund. Based in Kern County, the group is dedicated to the belief that the future of the Central Valley depends on the leadership development and political education of young people—building youth power through civic engagement, advocacy and justice. Loud for Tomorrow trains young activists to lead local issue campaigns with an environmental and electoral justice lens.
Most Cuts Averted in State Budget
Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature passed a budget that protects the core services that older adults and people with disabilities rely on. Despite this year’s fiscal downturn, the 2024‒25 state budget maintains vital health, human services and economic security programs that millions of older Californians rely on.
The California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) notes that the final budget maintains in-home supportive services (IHSS) for undocumented Californians in the Medi-Cal program and the IHSS backup provider system, senior nutrition programs, HomeSafe, Adult Protective Services and CalFresh.
“While this budget maintains core programs for older adults and people with disabilities, we are extremely disappointed that Medi-Cal share-of-cost reform implementation was excluded from the final budget,” reports CARA.
“In addition, we are disappointed at the continued lack of state investment in preventing and ending older adult homelessness. Older adults [account for] nearly half of homeless Californian adults and are the fastest growing age group of people experiencing homelessness.”
Sikh Appointed to Superior Court Bench
Raj Singh Badhesha’s appointment to the Fresno County Superior Court Bench represents the culmination of decades of perseverance and dedication by Sikhs in America. He is the first Sikh to wear a judge’s robe in Fresno County. Moreover, he is the first Amritdhari (fully initiated) Sikh judge in the United States who wears the dastar (Sikh turban) or pagri.
In response to his appointment, Badhesha remarked, “It is my hope moving forward that Sikh youth know that they can use this example and aspire to serve this county, this state and this nation in any position they wish to pursue.”
“As I step into this new phase of service, I am aware of the great weight of the responsibilities bestowed upon me,” says Badhesha. “I will strive to do my best each and every day, act impartially, honorably and with the utmost integrity.”
The Sikh community has deep roots in the Central Valley, with Sikh farmers and laborers having settled in the region more than a century ago. Their contributions to agriculture and local industry have been invaluable, and their cultural influence is woven into the fabric of the region.
Badhesha’s appointment “is a groundbreaking moment for Sikhs in America,” notes Naindeep Singh, executive director of the Jakara Movement. “It reflects our community’s resilience and our contributions to the broader society.”
