After my first post in a long while, I was elated by the positive response. In fact, some good friends fed me more hope.
Joaquin Martinez for District I
I’ve known this was going to happen for a while. I’ve known Joaquin for a long time now and have always been impressed by his commitment and drive to serve the community. I met him during his service in the nonprofit sector and was impressed by his campaign abilities during his run for State Senate. But he has proved himself as an effective doer as a staffer for current District I CM Robert Gallegos. Of course, I’m proud to say CM Gallegos has served me more effectively than most on the horseshoe on issues beyond my own district. That said, Joaquin is sure to continue that trend of excellent constituent services and transparent policy-making. Learn more about him by following his campaign on Facebook.
Richard Cantu for At-Large 3
Our current HCDE Trustee Richard Cantu announced his intention to run for At-Large 3 recently. Cantu has relevant experience, both as an elected official and as a countywide campaigner. He has actually been reaching beyond political connections. I look forward to an exciting grassroots campaign that is about and for the people, which is something we all need. Stay tuned.
Ivan Sanchez for District J
Many have already seen Sanchez making the rounds as he challenges a well-funded incumbent, who based on his fundraising, is looking for more. Running a grassroots campaign that promises to deliver results for the people, Sanchez offers experience as a Congressional staffer and real estate development pro. He helped found a millenial networking group that is quite active, too. He has also been part of the movement calling for more Latin@ representation on City Council.
With at least one other name that I hear about (but have not seen anything official or biographical in my inbox) set to run for At-Large 1, it seems Latin@s are indeed in the running for citywide and district positions. We’ve needed more of this.
COVID-19 Is Still Here
But just a reminder to candidates and people alike, COVID-19 hasn’t gone anywhere despite the Biden Administration’s call to end the pandemic emergencies on May 11. The “end” only means that vaccines and boosters will cost the uninsured over $80 each. That free testing will end. And that a host of other benefits will be gone.
Recently, Biden’s CDC ended the use of Evushield, an immune boost for the immunocompromised because it is ineffective against the new variants. Its creator, Astrazeneca, states they are working on clinical trials for a replacement, but those who required the added protection have been left in the lurch with only suggestions for masking, staying away from other humans, and continued boosters. Thanks! Like, maybe suggest it to everyone else!
Locally, COVID-19 is still around. Almost 15% of people being tested are positive. The wastewater reading is over 300%. People are still dying and getting sick. It’s not the flu. New variants are highly transmissible. COVID-19 is an inflammatory disease that affects ones organs and tissues in the long term, not just during infection. Together, all of Biden’s cancellations will have effects, while enriching corporations who didn’t feel they made enough money the last few years. And appeasing the COVID-deniers.
Anyway, mask up, stay boosted, and try not to be foolish by being among crowds you can’t trust. As much as I might support some of the aforementioned candidates, I won’t be at their events for obvious reasons.
doscentavos.net 