PICO California invited over one hundred faith and community leaders to Sacramento on February 27th to make their voices heard in the State Capitol. Leaders from across the state met with their elected officials in the Senate and Assembly to talk about issues such as children’s healthcare, affordable housing, education, and other local concerns. Leaders also met with Governor Schwarzenegger’s staff to discuss possible healthcare reform.

Despite chilly, wet, and windy weather, nearly 600 people met at St. Joseph’s Church to discuss the health and safety of east Bakersfield. Organized by the East Bakersfield Faith Community Alliance- a network of east Bakersfield congregations and residents- the huge crowd met with newly-elected Sheriff Donny Youngblood to confirm a new partnership between the Sheriff’s department and EBFCA.

After EBFCA delivered their comprehensive, holistic plan to foster health and safety in “Our Neighborhood,” they gained a commitment from Sheriff Youngblood to do the following:

- Commission a Citizens Advisory Task force to address the health and safety issues in “Our Neighborhood.”
- Authorize a Sargent to be a Point of Contact for EBFCA and neighborhood residents to foster mutual information sharing, and build trust.
- Meet with EBFCA in 6 months to measure outcomes.

Media Coverage
Sheriff, residents open dialogue on violence

The San Bernardino city council found $114,000 for a Police Activities League and other after-school programs when they were confronted by a throng of over 150 people attending their February 20 meeting. Organized by the Youth Organizing Project of Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC), more than 50 teenagers, parents, and clergy testified about widespread community fears over violence and racial tensions. The chambers were packed to capacity and dozens of ICUC leaders had to watch the event on television feeds in the lobby. It was the largest attendance at a city council meeting in over a decade.

Media Coverage:
Students Weigh In on Crime
Council Bends to Crowd
Council Tags Tax Money for Police
Dim Reality Bright Hope
Can’t Agree on Measure Z

An over-capacity crowd exceeding 500 gathered at a Los Gatos synagogue to press county supervisors and state and local legislators to support of legislation that would guarantee health coverage for everyone in the county. Peninsula Interfaith Action and People Acting in Community Together organized the event and have been working together for months to advance the innovative initiative that would cover the estimated 200,000 Santa Clara County residents who have no health insurance. Read More>>

Concerned residents, clergy, and officials of Santa Monica, Venice, and LA were all in attendance Tuesday night as the brand new Police Chief of Santa Monica pledged to work regionally to eliminate gang violence. Four members of Santa Monica’s city council, including the mayor, agreed to organize a neighborhood watch program. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce committed to create a job program for youth, including training teens how to interview for employment opportunities.

Media coverage:
New Players Tackle Old Problem
Action Against Gang Violence in Santa Monica