Q + A with the Downtown Women's Center

Located in Downtown Los Angeles near Skid Row, the Downtown Women’s Cetner (DWC) is the only organization in L.A. focused exclusively on serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless women. 

DWC envisions a Los Angeles where every woman is housed and on a path to personal stability. Its mission is to end homelessness for women in greater Los Angeles through housing, wellness, and advocacy. Founded in 1978, it was the first permanent supportive housing provider for women in the United States. DWC also offers the only health clinic for women on Skid Row.

The DWC ethos is that homelessness is not inevitable, but a societal problem that bears especially hard on women. We recently spoke with Ana Velouise, Director of Communications and Policy at DWC, about L.A.’s current surge in homelessness and how Angelenos can help both DWC and others throughout L.A. who are experiencing homelessness.

Q: What are the primary driving factors to homelessness for women?Are there particular issues that women experiencing homelessness face?

DWC:The staggeringly high prevalence of gender-based violence is the most distinguishing difference between women and men experiencing homelessness. 

For many women, this violence is not just one instance, but rather an ongoing reality. Of the women surveyed for the 2016 Downtown Women’s Needs Assessment, nearly 50% experienced violence at some point during the last 12 months and 25% had experienced violence at least four times within the last year. So, a history of trauma is a particular issue that women experiencing homelessness face.

In addition to violence against women, high housing costs, job loss, and systemic racism and agism are all drivers of homelessness for women. Many of the women we serve became homeless as a result of increased rent and/or job loss.

Q: Managing donated goods and clothing seems like it could be challenging. What are the items the DWC needs the most? What are the things people donate that aren’t helpful? What would you like to tell the public about your donated goods program?

DWC:We keep an updated wish list of items we currently need on our website. It includes an Amazon list and a variety of other items! We’re always in need of gift cards, new socks, and new bras. In terms of items that aren’t helpful to us, we don’t need women’s sanitary products (because the majority of women we serve are older) or children’s items.

Q: Many Angelenos are very concerned about the steep rise in homelessnessin the last few years. What is the number one thing that you want L.A.constituents to know about homelessness? (To allow them better understandit).

DWC:The number one thing we would want Angelenos to know is that people experiencing homelessness are our neighbors and human beings. Particularly for women, they are experiencing homelessness for reasons that are not personal failings, but failures on the part of safety nets which are supposed to help in times of need. Also, it costs less to house people than to have them living on the streets of our city, so solving the homelessness crisis is both the right thing to do from a moral and from a fiscal standpoint.

Q: How can the average Angeleno help DWC? How can local government help now? 

DWC:There is a proven solution to ending homelessness, and that is permanent supportive housing. In order to build more affordable housing and permanent supportive housing, we need Angelenos to attend their neighborhood councils and contact their City Councilmembers to voice support for these projects in their neighborhoods. 

You can also help the homelessness crisis by having conversations about it with your friends, family, and neighbors. There are many myths about people experiencing homelessness that are helpful to debunk and discuss, and the more we gather and discuss solutions as a community, the greater the likelihood that we house all our homeless neighbors.

Learn more at www.DowntownWomensCenter.org.

Q + A with Safe Place for Youth (S.P.Y.)

Based in Venice, California, Safe Place for Youth (otherwise known as S.P.Y.) was established in 2011 by a group of dedicated volunteers and founder Alison Hurst. 

From their cars, Hurst and several volunteers were offering hot food, clean socks and other clothing to homeless youth around Venice Beach. What began as a humble volunteer effort has became an official nonprofit organization with nearly 30 staff members, specifically aimed at helping homeless youth, ages 12 to 25.

They offer drop-in services (such as sleeping bags, bus tokens, food, clothing, Internet, housing referrals, and much more), case management, street outreach, health services, as well as arts, education and employment programs. 

According to the Los Angeles Housing Services 2017 Youth Count report, there are nearly 6,000 homeless youth on the streets of L.A. on any given night. When asked how they became homeless, nearly 60% had either been kicked out by a parent or caregiver or runaway from unbearable home environments that include physical and/or sexual abuse, homophobia or transphobia, or parental mental illness or substance abuse. 23% reported previous involvement in the foster care system.

We spoke with Cody Metzger, Development Associate at Safe Place for Youth, about what the organization is doing to aid L.A.’s youth experiencing homelessness.

Q: Can we solve homelessness? Or to what degree are we just controlling it?

SPY:Yes, we can [solve it]. But it will take the community at large stepping up and doing its part. Homelessness is a result of systemic problems, many of them deep-rooted in our country’s culture. But we can solve it. This is why SPY was founded, to address the problem amongst our youth to prevent individuals from becoming chronically homeless. 

Q: What are the primary driving factors that perpetuate homelessness?

SPY: There are many factors that perpetuate homelessness, but some of the main ones are lack of affordable housing, lack of proper mental health care, flaws in our educational system (individuals who have not completed high school are more likely to wind up homeless, in jail or both), income inequality, and just a general lack of resources for our society’s most vulnerable.  

Q: How does domestic violence impact the number of teens seeking shelter?

Or what other issues are youth facing before they become homeless?

SPY:Domestic violence can play a substantial role on teens becoming homelessness. Almost all of the youth we serve at SPY have faced some form trauma. 

23% of the youth we serve have indicated experiencing some form of domestic violence. 26% of our members indicate being current or former foster youth. We see many youth who were literally kicked out by their foster family on their 21stbirthday. Additionally, many of the youth we serve have parents who are also homeless or have severe mental health and addiction issues. 

Q: Are there particular issues that teens experiencing homelessness face?

How does SPY focus on or address these specific needs?

SPY: Young people find themselves homeless or at-risk of homelessness through no fault of their own, and they are among the marginalized and underserved youth in our community. 

Youth experiencing homelessness deal with a complex set of issues related to disconnection from family and community, abuse and neglect, significant past trauma, grief and loss, mental illness, and criminalization. This typically translates into few prospects for education, employment, or social participation and can manifest into psychological distress and trauma. 

As one of the fastest growing homeless populations, youth require unique housing and support services that are responsive to their developmental needs as young adults as they learn to care for themselves, gain life experience, and transition to adulthood.

Q: What are the items that SPY needs the most? What would you like to tell

people about your donated goods program?

SPY: We are always in need of new underwear, socks, and T-shirts. Ideally, we would like to a find a company to commit to donating these goods on a recurring basis, so we never run out. 

Q: Many Angelenos are very concerned about the steep rise in homelessness

in the few years. What is the number one thing that you want L.A.to know about homelessness?

SPY: There is hope and you can make a difference more than you know! 

It doesn’t have to be as black and white as serving a meal or writing a check. People can incorporate their own unique skills into how they give back. One example that comes to mind: We recently had a volunteer come to us and let us know that he is a freelance filmmaker. Sure enough, our Volunteer Appreciation Week rolled around and we decided we wanted to make a video. We asked this volunteer if he would donate his time and equipment to make a short video and he did! The video turned out beautifully and this volunteer is now in talks to teach a filmmaking workshop at SPY. Sure, he could have written a check (and we need that too!), but by being creative we found a way for him to give back in such a personalized way. 

Our youth have so much potential and so much hope. We need our community to step up and take care of them because the system and often times their own families have failed them. When did it become okay for an 18 year old to sleep under the freeway? 

For more information, visit: http://www.safeplaceforyouth.org/partners

To get involved and / or volunteer, email: codym@safeplaceforyouth.org

Q + A with Wendy Carillo, California Assemblymember, District 51

Wendy Carrillo is newly elected to California’s Assembly. She’s a Democrat, a  former labor organizer, she’s under 40, and passionate about public service. 

She feels strongly about civil rights, especially for immigrants, since she is an immigrant herself. 

Hailing from Latin America, the Assemblywoman, once said: “As an immigrant from El Salvador, it’s my duty to shine light on President Trump’s misguided decision to end TPS (the Temporary Protected Status designation for El Salvador).”

We recently interviewed Carrillo about her new post and her vision for California. 

Q: What are the top policy priorities you'll be focusing on as an Assemblymember? What do you hope to accomplish in your first year?

Carrillo:In the Assembly, I have made it my priority to focus on healthcare, women’s rights, education, job creation, immigration and affordable housing.

In the last eight weeks in office, I have introduced legislation to help local small businesses win public contracts, help local cities and counties deal with the homelessness crisis, and will continue to push for more affordable housing.

As a member of the Assembly Health Committee and the Mental Health Services Oversight Commision, I am working for universal healthcare and ways for people to get the mental health services they need. 

In addition to the Health Committee, I also sit on the following committees: Appropriations, Public Safety, Rules and Water Parks & Wildlife. I will be honing in on these issue areas to be the most effective representative of the 51st Assembly District community.

Q: What is the most effective way for constituents to communicate with you and let you know how they feel about issues? 

Carrillo: My team and I welcome constituents to our offices both in the district and capitol. We’re always happy to have conversations regarding your concerns or direct you to the specific agencies that can help mitigate issues.

You can reach us in person in both our district and capitol offices, by phone, mail, email, or our website. For constituent issues, we have a direct contact form on our website. Our information is below.

Capitol Office:

State Capitol, Room 2160

P.O. Box 942849

Sacramento, CA 94249-0051

Tel: (916) 319-2051

Fax: (916) 319-2151

District Office:

1910 West Sunset Boulevard

Suite 810

Los Angeles, CA 90026-3350

Tel: (213) 483-5151

Fax: (213) 483-5166

Q: Is there a bill that you believe is important in the CA State legislature that isn't getting enough attention?

Carrillo: There are many bills before the legislature that are being considered that deserve a lot of attention, but perhaps it would be better to discuss specific issues that we should highlight. Issues of particular importance to our district are universal healthcare and a mechanism for its funding along with bail reform, both issues that disproportionately impact communities of color, like in AD 51.

School funding is another critical issue. Access to a quality education is a great equalizer and can create pathways for upward mobility. However, unequal access to education is real and pervasive, and marginalized communities are unfairly impacted. California was once a beacon of education innovation and since the passing of Prop. 13 in the late ’70s, we have dramatically decreased our investment in public education. California is now 46th in the nation in per pupil spending. This is not acceptable. We need to reform Prop. 13 to tax corporations and commercial properties their fair share and use those funds to invest in public education from K-12, community colleges, and in our California State University and University of California system. I’m looking forward to working with United Teachers Los Angeles and other education advocates to increase funding for public schools and invest in our students and teachers. 

Q: How can constituents stay engaged in and learn more about the legislative process? Are there resources you recommend for folks to better understand how the state legislative process works?   

Carrillo:As a former journalist, I would say that verified, responsible journalism is the ultimate service to constituents. Legitimate, validated information is power, especially news informing readers about legislation that may affect them. Supporting journalism  — from zines like this to national publications  — can be your entryway to the legislative process. 

Signing up for our e-alerts and newsletters is another way to stay informed as well as checking our website frequently. In addition, throughout the year we will be holding coffee and conversation events around the district. Please stay tuned for the dates and locations. Visit our website www.assembly.ca.gov/Carrillo, and make sure to sign up for updates! 

My staff is happy to help you understand where a specific bill is in the process, but for a general understanding I recommend visiting bit.ly/BillCycle. [1][2][3]

Q: One thing about being in a large and powerful state like California is that the state legislature has the chance to set legal precedent for the rest of the nation. What kinds of examples do you hope California sets for the rest of the country?

Carrillo: California has been and will continue to lead on humanitarian issues, including protecting immigrants. As the Trump administration continues to assault our  communities, California is pushing back. Furthermore, California is certainly leading on the environmental front and is going to great lengths to ensure the steps we have taken to combat climate change and clean air are not rolled back. California is the laboratory of the nation and whatever the federal government is doing, we will lead the fight against the scourge of climate change and explore innovative alternative energy solutions. Senate Pro Tem Kevin De Leon’s landmark legislation, SB 100 is an excellent example of these efforts. It will put California on track to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. If we are to preserve our planet for future generations, we must lead by example through bold approaches like this one.

Q: As a formerly undocumented immigrant, and now an elected official, you have a unique perspective on immigration policy. What message would you like to give fellow policymakers as they work for legislative solutions, at the state and national levels? 

Carrillo:I have the deepest sympathies for the duress and fear many Dreamers, DACA recipients, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, undocumented and mixed-status families currently face across our nation. I have been very honest about my own story as a formerly undocumented young person and unrecognized refugee because I believe in speaking truth to power. The United States is a country founded by immigrants with an egregious history of slavery and Native American abuses. 

I believe that we need to work toward creating opportunity, equity and justice for everyone who calls California home and on the national level, we must work toward understanding the reason why people immigrate, our direct influence across the world, and how we are good stewards of Democracy. Many elected officials on both sides of the aisle say they believe “In God We Trust” — the God I know would not condone the separation of families, building walls and ignoring human rights abuses. The immigration discussion is far more encompassing than policy — we are discussing the morality of our nation and seeking to save the very soul of who we are as Americans.

Our country’s future will be far better than its past. Building that future for all of us, regardless of where you come from, what you look like, whom you choose to love or your legal status, is a future for which I will continue to fight. I hope that if you’re reading this, you’ll join me. This country belongs to all of us, not just a few. 

Q: And, what message do you have for constituents who are concerned about immigration policy?

Carrillo: If you are concerned, know that there are many legislators and advocates across our state and on the federal level working toward real solutions to change our immigration policies. 

If you are undocumented or know someone who is, it’s important that you know your rights. 

Everyone living in the United States is afforded basic rights, including:

●      The right to remain silent when an immigration officer asks you questions.

●      You don’t have to open your door when an immigration officer does not have a warrant.

●      You don’t have to answer or sign anything.

●      Making sure the warrant has your name on it.

●      The right to speak to a lawyer.

For a fact sheet on everyone’s protected rights, visit the National Immigration Law Center at bit.ly/NILCFactSheet.

In addition, during my short time in the Assembly, I have authored and the Assembly has adopted House Resolution 69 urging the President to rescind his misguided decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS), as well as Assembly Bill 1862 which would provide services to Salvadorans impacted by the decision. California is home to the largest Salvadoran population outside of El Salvador, and we will continue to fight for ALL immigrants. 

Lastly, I will say, do not give up hope, and do not give into fear. You are loved and you are worthy of all of life’s gifts. If you are feeling depressed, scared or in solitude, know that you are not alone and there are many people who continue to fight and many more that are willing to help. For free and confidential support if you are feeling alone or thinking of harming yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. 

Q + A with Jimmy Gomez, U.S. Representative, California’s 34th District

Jimmy Gomez was recently elected to serve in Congress as part of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving California’s 34th District. 

Previously, he served as a California State Assemblymember for four and half years. 

Gomez has been supportive of progressive values within California, and hopes to take that experience to the federal level. 

He went to college at UCLA, and then earned his Master’s degree in Public Policy at Harvard. He lives in Eagle Rock in L.A. and is an avid Dodgers fan. 

We recently interviewed him about his new job and the ideas he’s bringing to Congress.

Q: What's the number one lesson you've learned since getting to Washington, and what do you hope to bring to your new position as a U.S. Representative?

Gomez:One the biggest lessons I've learned in Washington is that we live in a very diverse country and that there are a lot of diverse Representatives. I represent one of the most progressive districts in the nation, and I want others to see what we've done

here for working families, immigrants, and the environment. I want to see how it can

be done in the rest of the country. It's going to take some creativity to try to get

people to not shut down, but I want to push for what we believe in Los Angeles, here

in Washington D.C.

Q: What did you learn as a California Assembly member that you are carrying with you to the national legislature?

Gomez: In the national legislature, it's all about learning the unspoken rules of the

legislative body. It's about trying to push the envelope and having bold ideas, and

trying to do things different through policy and politics. The work I did in the

Assembly regarding paid family leave, the environment, and workers’ rights are all

at the forefront of my agenda. I plan to bring the work I've done in these areas to

the federal level.

Q: Which committees are you on or do you hope to join? How do you plan to focus your energy this year? What are your top priorities for your constituency?

Gomez: I am proud to serve on the powerful House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. As a member of the Oversight Committee, the main investigative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, I will use all measures available to investigate misconduct, conflicts of interest, and corruption across the Trump administration. I have introduced the Bribe Act, which fights corruption and foreign influence over our government. I've also been an outspoken advocate for an accurate and complete 2020 Census. Too much is at stake for California to sit on the sidelines.  

As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, I am committed to fighting for our shared environmental values. Californians know all too well the risks that offshore drilling poses to our economy, public health, and marine life. I will also use my role to support my multi-year efforts to revitalize the Los Angeles River. We are at a critical moment where we can sustainably transform the river from a concrete canal back into a place of community and ecological restoration.

Q: Is there a bill you wish more of your constituents knew about?

Gomez:Generations of valiant men and women have put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our nation and to defend the rights and freedoms that define what it means to be American. While we may never be able to truly repay the debt owed to these courageous warriors, we must continue to ensure that, upon their return, our

veterans are given the care they deserve and are successfully transitioned back into

civilian life. My bill, the Wage Adjustment for Veterans Enrolled in School (WAVES)

Act, would provide student veterans in Los Angeles and across the nation the

opportunity to earn an education and put money in their pockets to meet the needs of

their families. It's our responsibility as Members of Congress, regardless of party

lines, to unite around legislation that reflects our duty to help veterans.

Q: The nation is so deeply divided right now — both across our communities, and in our government — how do you hope to address that in the House of Representatives? Do you have strategies to find common ground?

Gomez:In order to address that deep divide, we need to focus on the problem, how that problem impacts all communities, and how that problem can be solved for everyone. I know it might come to as a surprise to see a working-class progressive from Los Angeles and a conservative member from North Carolina work together to introduce

bipartisan legislation, but I sincerely hope that the rest of Congress can work as

well as I have with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. That's how we're going to solve the

problems facing working families across the country.  Last year we introduced the

Great Act, a simple bill that makes the federal grant reporting process more easily

available, accessible, and transparent. The bill was reported out of committee and

is now awaiting consideration on the House floor.

Q: What do you wish your constituents would do to get more involved?  What are some effective ways your constituents can communicate their concerns to you?

Gomez:I encourage all of my constituents to organize, stay loud and engaged, and mobilize at the grassroots level for issues that are important to them. I am proud of our

student leaders fighting for more gun control, they are a great example of what we

should all aspire to be. To make your voice heard on the issues you care about, I

encourage you to call my Washington, DC office at (202) 225-6235. If you would like

to receive periodic updates from me, follow us on Facebook at /RepJimmyGomez as well as Twitter @RepJimmyGomez, and sign up for my e-alert on my website!

Q: In terms of issues facing the nation, what concerns you most?

Gomez: America has always been and will continue to be the land of opportunity. For

everyone. Unfortunately, too many working families in Los Angeles and across our

nation are living paycheck to paycheck, don't have access to quality healthcare, and

lack affordable housing. And between the reckless GOP tax bill and efforts to repeal

the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it's no surprise that the American people's

frustrations with Congress are at an all-time high. We cannot lose sight of the

American Dream. We cannot forget that we live in a land where the son of a bracero

and a nursing home laundry attendant can grow up to be a Member of Congress. We must continue to fight for equal opportunity for all.

Q + A with the League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters

 

Note: This interview was first published in the Fall 2017 Volume 1 of our Guide to Civic Engagement.

The League of Women Voters is a national organization, founded in 1920, six months before the passage of the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote in the United States.

The organization was created to help millions of women carry out their responsibilities as voters.

We spoke with Los Angeles chapter Executive Director Marilu Guevara and Vice President of Development Crissi Avila. They explained how more women can wield their voting power to make a difference at the ballot box.

Q: The League was founded right before the 19th Amendment passed, which gave women the right to vote, after a 72-year-long struggle for women who wanted a voice. Was there ever an election with close to 100% participation by women?

MG: The League of Women Voters of Los Angeles is coming up on its 100th year anniversary and its mission of education on public policy and engagement resonates more than ever.

Since its inception, it has faced challenges of voter apathy, partisanship, and misinformation. Despite this, its legacy of nonpartisanship has assured that it stays above the fray of partisan party politics and has assured its longevity. Today, many people seek our unbiased voter guides, ballot measure speakers, and volunteer opportunities. While there has never been 100% participation in an election by women, we continue to work towards informed participation by both men and women.

Q: How bad is voter turnout these days, and what needs to happen to get more people in general to want to vote?

CA: That is the million dollar question! Turnout was about 12% in March (local L.A. elections), but about 60% in November 2016 (presidential election). We are finding that registering voters is only the first step. Many register and then never bother to vote. We need programs and outreach to communities typically ignored to get them involved in the democratic process. Once they realize they can be effective, they are more inclined to vote. This is one strategy.

MG: The average turnout for a local election hovers around 11%. We find that people who understand the ballot measures and who know the candidates are more likely to vote. The League works to create awareness and promote education around voting issues and the voting process. Registering to vote is the easiest thing to do, it is much harder to get educated and cast an educated vote.

Q: Why should people vote in every election, not just the Presidential ones?

CA: Because only a handful of people make decisions that affect ALL our lives.

What's currently going on with our housing shortage, horrible traffic, etc. all needs to be solved by local officials. We had only about 12% voter turnout in L.A. (in March’s local elections). That means about 10% of the population of L.A. County decided what’s going to pass. That’s not representative democracy by any stretch. And that's registered voters - not even eligible voters. Doesn't that worry you?

For more context think of it this way: 58% of eligible voters voted in the Presidential election. That means that 30% voted in our current president. Whether you like the President or not isn’t the worry. The distressing fact is that only 30% of our country decided who our current President would be. Shouldn’t it be at least 51%?

Q: If a voter wants to do their own research on candidates in a race, do you have any suggestions on where they should be looking for research and information on candidates?

CA: We have our Voter's Edge website http://votersedge.org/ca which has all the candidates listed. You can also read the candidates’ websites and see who endorses them. That is key.

Also many are rated with various groups; go to https://votesmart.org/ and put in your zip code. Click on ratings and it will give you a list of how a variety of groups rate a particular candidate.

Q: What specific volunteer and participation opportunities does the League offer?

CA: We have a variety of volunteer activities on-going that we are working on including the following:

•       Being part of the speaker's bureau — you go out and speak to different groups about the propositions/referendums on the ballot.

•       Debates – moderating and working at candidate forums

•       Voter registration drives

•       You can start up your own unit (or club) with our support and decide what local issues you want to work on. We have started up one at Mount Saint Mary's College and another eastside unit that are working on homelessness. We also have about 5 other units that meet regularly.

•       Homelessness and Community Policing are two areas that we are working on specifically.

•       YES (Youth Empowered Solutions) Committee will start meeting this fall — we do outreach to youth to get people involved politically and recently did a drive to register 3,000+ students at Compton Unified School District in partnership with other groups.

•       Another volunteer is starting up social events to get more college students involved in our outreach, so planning fundraisers/social events is another element.

·       We are open to other ideas!

Q + A with Laura Friedman

Laura Friedman,

Assemblymember, 43rd District

California State Assembly

Note: This interview was first published in the Fall 2017 Volume 1 of our Guide to Civic Engagement.

Laura Friedman is a mother, a wife, and spent six years on Glendale, California’s City Council, where she focused on supporting small businesses, job creation, non-profit organizations, the arts, and environmental sustainability. She was elected to the California State Assembly in November 2016.

Because she’s a woman in politics and someone new to serving at the state level, we asked her questions about the state of our nation and what it takes to lead in 2017 and beyond.

Q: What's the number one thing ordinary citizens can do right now to be involved in politics?

LF: The number one thing that you can do is get to know your elected officials. Find out who represents you at the local level on your city council, your county supervisor, your state representatives in the Assembly and Senate, and your congressional representatives. There are plenty of websites that make the search easy.  The next step is communicating with them. Believe it or not, we want to hear from you.  Tell us about the issues you’re passionate about, where you stand, and what you expect from us. It’s easier than ever before. I hear from my constituents daily through social media, email, my website, phone calls, drop-ins to my office, and even through the fax.  As I approach each vote, I want to know what my constituents think.  

Q: What do you see as the number one issue critical to our nation's future right now?

LF: Our access to affordable, quality health care is repeatedly under attack, and the threat is real. The proposals put forward by Congressional Republicans and supported by President Trump would eliminate health care for tens of millions of Americans. That’s something that we can’t ignore.  

However, the issues that keep me up at night are climate change and environmental degradation. These pose a real and immediate threat to life on earth. What could be more important?  A lot of my work in Sacramento has to do with protecting the environment, climate change, clean energy, water resources, and habitat protection.

Q: The Women’s March was a huge success — hundreds of thousands turned out and marched. What can women specifically do year-round to amplify their voices?

LF: Attending the Women’s’ March was incredibly inspiring. To be surrounded by thousands of women of all ages, all united in our push for equality, was simply amazing. The fact that it was a global demonstration with millions marching was beyond my expectations. We have to harness that power and that passion and keep up the commitment. Every time our rights are threatened, whether it be our right to comprehensive reproductive care, pay equity, or environmental justice, we need to speak up and show up.

This year the Affordable Care Act faced serious threats that would eliminate access to quality, affordable health care for millions of women and their families. The fact that the bill was stalled [twice] in the U.S. Senate is a testament to all of the calls, letters, e-mails, demonstrations, and protests. However, the fight isn’t over. The moment we go quiet, when our representatives in Washington aren’t held accountable, is when they’ll be successful in cutting the programs and protections that we all rely upon.

Q: Fake news and the claim of fake news has become something that the President has shouted about quite a bit. How can citizens decipher the real from the unprofessional?

LF: Technology has made it incredibly easy to connect to information. It’s also made it incredibly easy to spread misinformation and outright lies. If you’re getting all of your news from social media, keep this in mind – skepticism is a virtue. It's important to dig a little deeper. Check out what the old stalwarts of print media are reporting. They’re held to a higher ethical standard than an anonymous blogger, and we need their journalism now more than ever.

Q: What are the first 3 things you read each day to stay informed?

LF: The Los Angeles Times, the Sacramento Bee, and BBC News to get a global perspective. I'm also an NPR listener.

Q: California is in a good position to lead on progressive issues. Even though we are in a blue state, how can people here do more or help others in other places across the country?

LF: You’re right. California is leading the nation on a number of issues, from environmental protection to affordable health care. When the Trump Administration pulled out of the Paris Agreement on combating climate change, California joined with several other states and renewed our commitment to the agreement and asked world leaders to include us even if our leaders at the federal level stepped away. We have opportunities to help our fellow Americans in other states. We can form local phone banks to support candidates that share our values. We can continue to fight for what’s right in Congress.

Q: What is your greatest hope for the next 4 years in our country?

LF: I hope that we can protect California and all of our residents from the threats to our environment, our health care, and our rights. I hope that we can demonstrate to the nation that we can embrace progressive values and maintain our rank as the 5th largest economy in the world. 

I hope that we can use the next few years to unite behind political candidates that hold those same values. At the end of the day, I hope that we emerge at the end of the next four years with a renewed commitment to our shared future.