Valley Voices for Peace
Valley Voices for Peace is an idea turned into reality by a grant from the U.S. Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom (WILPF). The idea behind this podcast is to supplement the already existing outlets such as the Community Alliance newspaper, KFCF 88.1 FM and many others to help Central Valley residents have even more of a voice.
Host Carol Goiburn says that as far as she knows, this is the first podcast of its kind for the peace community in Fresno. The grant focuses on giving voice to younger and up-and-coming activists who face their own issues and concerns surrounding justice and equality.
“The podcast is simple,” says Goiburn. “I ask all those who come on the show one question and that is, ‘Why is peace important to you?’ Wherever that takes us is wherever we go. It’s a simple question to ask but not an easy one to genuinely answer without reflection and contemplation and so the answers have been heartfelt and thoughtful.
“Imagine what the Gandhi peace walker answered or the retired Army captain who flew Blackhawk Medivac helicopters in Afghanistan or the world traveler who in her teens spent an entire summer with people very different from herself.”
Goiburn also noted that the peace community lost one of its most beloved activists last December: Bev Fitzpatrick. “While Bev could not be recorded for the show before her transition, her family and friends were, and they lovingly spoke of what they thought peace meant to Bev.”
Episodes are published at soundcloud.com; search for “valley voices for peace.”
CD22 Canvassers’ Feedback on Central Valley’s Mood
The Bay Area Coalition, in conjunction with Central Valley Matters, had 1,400 canvasser days and knocked on 49,000 doors, reaping 11,000 conversations in Congressional District 22 during the 2024 election. The canvassing campaign focused on low-propensity voters (the “don’t” or “won’t” voters).
Post-election, canvassers were asked to share their experiences. A summary of those comments:
- “Economy and kitchen table issues were top of mind, and I never felt like I had a good handle on a story of why the Democrats would be better at lowering prices than the Republicans…I needed to be able to tell [a] voter how [Democratic candidate Rudy] Salas and the Democrats would help their family feel secure about making their next mortgage or rent payment and putting groceries on the table.”
- “I came away from the campaign thinking that if we start knocking on doors a few months before the election, we will get nowhere. The work has to begin now…regularly stopping by homes to find out people’s needs and to give them information on what the Democratic Party is doing for them.”
- “We asked one man if he had already voted or planned to vote. He said he was voting for Trump. I asked him what he thought about Trump’s promise to round up undocumented residents. He said that Trump wasn’t targeting Latinos, [rather] Trump was targeting trans people like the trans homeless man who walked by as we were speaking.”
- “A delivery person I conversed with also told me he was voting for Trump. He explained that he thought Trump would improve the economy. He said that Trump’s tariffs would cause Chinese companies to transfer their manufacturing to the US, thereby increasing jobs in the US.”
- “I can’t help but feel like if the [Democratic] party leadership had walked the streets of Bakersfield a year ago and knocked on doors and talked to voters, they would have realized how deep the disaffection is, and heard what the voters really care about and course-corrected. I don’t fully understand why it feels like the party leadership was blindsided by the national mood.”
- “My experience canvassing left me more optimistic about the future, despite the result. At this point, I believe that we need more and more in-person direct outreach to voters. People are inundated with false and/or conflicting information online and on TV, and many are being radicalized or simply opting out because they can’t make sense of what to believe.”
Fair and Lawful Treatment
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked the student visas of more than 300 international students in recent weeks. Among those affected are students from several California institutions, including campuses within the UC system.
Although DHS has not publicly stated the criteria used, the timing, pattern and statements by the current Secretary of State suggest that students engaged in advocacy around Palestinian human rights might have been disproportionately impacted. This raises significant constitutional questions around free speech and viewpoint discrimination.
CAIR-Sacramento Valley/Central California is committed to ensuring that all students—regardless of their national origin or political views—are treated fairly and lawfully. In response, CAIR is
- opening legal intakes for students affected by these revocations;
- coordinating with civil rights attorneys, campus groups and national partners;
- offering guidance to institutions navigating their responsibilities to international students; and
- sharing community voices in the media.
If you or someone you know has been impacted, visit ca.cair.com and click “Get Help.”
Students and faculty can report campus discrimination or retaliation through CAIR’s “Hostile Campuses” tracker at islamophobia.org/reportcampus.
CAIR-SVCC remains focused on defending the civil liberties of all members of our community. With community support, it can continue to provide free legal aid, engage in policy advocacy and protect fundamental rights in this critical moment.
Dolores Huerta Turns 95
On June 6 at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Los Angeles, the Dolores Huerta Foundation (DHF) is hosting a celebration of Dolores Huerta’s 95 years of organizing, activism and community. She turned 95 on April 10.
Leaders across the country are standing up to honor Huerta’s extraordinary life and impact. From Los Angeles to the California State Capitol—and even the U.S. Congress—resolutions are being introduced to officially recognize April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day.
Her tireless fight for justice, dignity and equity has changed countless lives—and continues to inspire new generations of organizers and changemakers.
Huerta’s legacy is more than history—it’s a living movement.
Supporting DHF helps amplify her vision and continue the work of
- empowering youth leaders;
- uplifting the voices of grassroots organizers in local communities; and
- rallying for justice and democracy every day.
To attend the celebration or learn more about DHF, contact cbaer@doloreshuerta.org.
Abolishing Education Department Hurts Impoverished Communities
“Trump’s proposal to abolish the Department of Education is not just a political maneuver; it’s a direct attack on the educational opportunities of our most vulnerable communities,” says Espi Sandoval in a recent article in Tribuno Del Pueblo. “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and without a strong, accessible public education system, these communities will continue to fall further behind.
“The idea of a government that serves all citizens should include ensuring access to high-quality education for every child—not just those who can afford private schooling.”
Sandoval, an educator himself and a former Kerman City Council member, adds that “as educational leaders, we must fight for our children’s future and the dignity of families in underserved communities. Our elected officials must rise to the occasion and demand that education remains a priority for all Americans. We must maintain strong leadership standards and ensure every child can succeed.
“Trump’s push to abolish the Department of Education would leave our communities more vulnerable than ever. Our leaders must stand up, speak out and fight for our children’s futures. If they do not, the consequences will be felt for generations. Our youth’s education and our communities’ future depend on it.”
