Friday, February 27, 2009
2/27/09
Well, the International District idea has gone through the County, City Council and yesterday the Senate. I think this will be great for area. Now how to redevelop without gentrification.
I think with any redevelopment there will be some gentrification - new people moving in, and often with higher incomes. But can that be done in a way that enhances the health of already existing residents? That will be a challenge.
On the drive to Santa Fe I had an interesting discussion about building power and influencing policy. Mainly with someone trying to figure it out from a non-profit perspective. I think we need to use that but also go beyond it. We need really strong working-class, and social justice organizations. Republicans will obviously bring us mostly unhealthy policies. And the Clintonian neo-liberal policies aren't much better. So thinking about supporting and creating movements that go to deeper and structural changes as opposed to minor reforms will be key.
Going from activism to organizing to being in power. That's what I think Vicente Navarro brings to light in his writings and it is what has re-encouraged me to work with La Raza Unida.
I think with any redevelopment there will be some gentrification - new people moving in, and often with higher incomes. But can that be done in a way that enhances the health of already existing residents? That will be a challenge.
On the drive to Santa Fe I had an interesting discussion about building power and influencing policy. Mainly with someone trying to figure it out from a non-profit perspective. I think we need to use that but also go beyond it. We need really strong working-class, and social justice organizations. Republicans will obviously bring us mostly unhealthy policies. And the Clintonian neo-liberal policies aren't much better. So thinking about supporting and creating movements that go to deeper and structural changes as opposed to minor reforms will be key.
Going from activism to organizing to being in power. That's what I think Vicente Navarro brings to light in his writings and it is what has re-encouraged me to work with La Raza Unida.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
2/26/09
Well today Senator Keller is doing District 17 day, and will get a memorial for naming my part of town the "International District." Should be good and hectic!
Thanks for the comments from out of state. Good to have people checking this out from Pomona! (My home town) and from Las Vegas. Very nice.
So I think if we all got a dollar raise - $40 a week gross - each working person would have between $35 on the high end, and $13 on the low end, to spend. And a majority of people would spend it. This would create income tax, sales tax, and new spending. Likely it would get us more than much of the unstimulating package. Some things like Universal Health Care and full employment are a way off, but we gotta try.
Thanks for the comments from out of state. Good to have people checking this out from Pomona! (My home town) and from Las Vegas. Very nice.
So I think if we all got a dollar raise - $40 a week gross - each working person would have between $35 on the high end, and $13 on the low end, to spend. And a majority of people would spend it. This would create income tax, sales tax, and new spending. Likely it would get us more than much of the unstimulating package. Some things like Universal Health Care and full employment are a way off, but we gotta try.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
2/25/09
Things are still tough. I'm mentally exhausted but know that things will be well.
Listened to the Obama speech last night. I still think that pushing up wages would do more than all of the unstimulating stimulus tax break baloney.
Keep Lefting!!!
Listened to the Obama speech last night. I still think that pushing up wages would do more than all of the unstimulating stimulus tax break baloney.
Keep Lefting!!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
2/23/09
Before things get too heavy here's some Johnny Cash for the day.
2/23/09
Well things have been crazy. But today I'm going to slow down and reflect.
I realize that the health and mental health system we have comes from a very individualized perspective and holistic means whole person, but not whole environment. It is like when school counselors get criticized for treating the student and then sending them back to a bad environment. Our health systems operate very much in that perspective.
Hopefully at some piont I cfan get all my stuff reorganized. Until then, it just feels like a roller coaster. Sometimes fun, sometimes a pain.
DEP Jefita...
I realize that the health and mental health system we have comes from a very individualized perspective and holistic means whole person, but not whole environment. It is like when school counselors get criticized for treating the student and then sending them back to a bad environment. Our health systems operate very much in that perspective.
Hopefully at some piont I cfan get all my stuff reorganized. Until then, it just feels like a roller coaster. Sometimes fun, sometimes a pain.
DEP Jefita...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
2/17/09
Had a great anniversary! just trying to keep up with family, work, and La Raza Unida. Temporarily out of the music scene and been too tired to do gym workouts. I'm going to try to walk 30 minutes and see how my leg/hip/back works with that.
There is so much going on. A stimulus package that leaves working-class folks behind in so many ways; Lots of bills I'm trying to follow in the legislature; and of course, fun family stuff.
I'll keep doing my best to post. Life is challenging, but I'm planning on continuing to move forward. Hopefully I'll get to catch up on sleep.
KEEP LEFTING!!!
There is so much going on. A stimulus package that leaves working-class folks behind in so many ways; Lots of bills I'm trying to follow in the legislature; and of course, fun family stuff.
I'll keep doing my best to post. Life is challenging, but I'm planning on continuing to move forward. Hopefully I'll get to catch up on sleep.
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Feb 13, 2009
Wow, tomorrow is my 19th anniversary. It's been great and challenging. Too much to put on here now. The hardest thing right now is feeling calm and feeling rested. Hopefully soon I'll get to a spot where I can stop and breath.
Mostly I just remember how important it is to keep going and not let the world get you down. There are things outside of my control and if I believed in the standard individualistic tripe I'd feel like a failure. But I can't control what other people do, think, or even interpret of my actions.
.
Mostly I just remember how important it is to keep going and not let the world get you down. There are things outside of my control and if I believed in the standard individualistic tripe I'd feel like a failure. But I can't control what other people do, think, or even interpret of my actions.
.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
02/04/09
Elections results are in! Congratulations to Lorenzo and his great team from family to Michael, Monica, Tomas, Emma, Maria, and everyone that helped!!!
You could tell by the turnout at the end how many people respect and care for Lorenzo.
You could tell by the turnout at the end how many people respect and care for Lorenzo.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Moved
On Saturday I went from living in the WZ to the International District! Que fancy!
All hai-ton (hi tone) y todo!
Orale pues.
All hai-ton (hi tone) y todo!
Orale pues.
Monday, February 02, 2009
2/2/09
Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago day. It was a cold weekend. And this is the home stretch for Lorenzo Garcia's campaign!
Tomorrow I go up to State legislature and hopefully figure out getting something done.
Keep Lefting!!!
Tomorrow I go up to State legislature and hopefully figure out getting something done.
Keep Lefting!!!
