Berkeley
Elected Leaders Discuss Efforts to Build “The Resistance” at Town Hall Meeting
More than 200 community members attended a town hall meeting Saturday, June 17 where State Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), Assemblymembers Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) and Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) the CA State Legislature’s efforts to build “The Resistance” – to protect immigrants, expand health care, fund education and address climate change. Following the panel, attendees raised their own questions about a variety of topics including single-payer healthcare, criminal justice reform, affordable housing and climate protection.
The town hall took place at the Cesar Chavez Education Center in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood. KPIX 5 Reporter Melissa Caen moderated the conversation between the three legislators and their constituents.
“While Washington moves backward, California continues to move forward,” said State Senator Nancy Skinner. “We’re keeping our promises on climate protection, we’re defending our residents, and increasing our investments in education from preschool to higher education.”
“It’s always energizing to hear from such engaged constituents,” said Assemblymember Rob Bonta. “The East Bay is passionate about advancing our shared values of justice and inclusion. We continue to hear that driving theme.
“We will never stop fighting to improve lives and create greater equity and opportunity for everyone in our communities,” he said.
“California is the world leader in innovation, not just technological innovation, but also legislative innovation,” said Assemblymember Tony Thurmond.
“As the sixth largest economy in the world, we must continue to invest our resources in places that will lead to better results for all people,” said Thurmond. “Now more than ever we must continue to invent ways to uplift our communities when Washington is determined to bring them down.”
In addition to the panel discussion and audience questions, a dozen community organizations and non-profits provided information to attendees on how to engage in local efforts, such as awareness campaigns, service projects, and policy advocacy.
