Join our Justice and Witness, Faith in Action/ICJJ team in supporting this action:

Register: tinyurl.com/JailJusticeRally

Register: tinyurl.com/JailJusticeRally

We demand:

1. An independent investigation into the death of Leonard Brown and everyone who has died in the jail over the last two years.

2. That family members be informed within 24 hours of the deaths of their loved ones, and the public is notified immediately thereafter.

3. That the Sheriff publicly discloses deaths that took place after a transfer or in a hospital if the incident or condition began in the jail,

4. That Alameda County establishes an independent coroner separate from the Sheriff’s office.

5. That the family of a detainee be notified when their loved one is in the medical ward of the jail or hospitalized outside the jail.

6. That every person booked into the jail be assessed at intake by a clinician for suicidal ideation, drug or alcohol addiction, and other medical conditions.

7. That the Board of Supervisors implements Sheriff oversight.

8. That the number of people with serious mental illness (SMI) in Santa Rita Jail be reduced to ZERO by 2026.

9. That the County budget prioritizes upstream solutions and adequately funds both hospitalization and treatment in the community.

10. That the Board of Supervisors creates an independent ombudsperson for detainees and family members of the incarcerated.

Dear Ones,

These past few days, after the atmospheric river and the cyclone bomb, the air is fresh, the sky is clear and blue, and the thirsty parched land rejoices with the precious gift of water. Water is a gift, much like our own health, that we must never take for granted. Today, as part of that caring for my own health, I am receiving a booster shot. It’s part of life in this age of the global pandemic.

Today is also the 4th anniversary of my father’s death. He is with me, in a new and mysterious way, and continues to inspire me, in so many ways, particularly in his courage, his sense of responsibility, his curiosity, and his faith.

This is the season for reflecting on the meaning and the preciousness of our lives. I am taking time away this weekend to do so. But please come to worship! We are blessed to have with us as our guest preacher, Nichola Torbett. You can read more about her below.

On Sunday, Nov 7th, we will remember those we love who have died , and we’ll build an altar together with all the faces of our beloveds who have died, so bring photos and symbols with you on Sunday in person, or bring them to your worship space at home if you’re worshiping online.  Also joining us on Nov 7th is Rev. Jerri Handy, who has completed her interim work, and is headed back to Mexico.

With Love,
Pastor Laurie

Urge Congress to Pass the Budget Reconciliation Bill!

The Build Back Better budget reconciliation bill is widely described as the best chance in a generation to enact climate policy that will really make a difference in lowering greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. The bill’s Clean Energy Performance Program that rewards electric utilities for adopting renewable energy, its tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, manufacturing, and charging infrastructure, its environmental justice measures and incentives for battery technologies are estimated together to reduce US emissions by 45% by 2030.
As the death toll from excessive heat, floods, wildfires and storms grows, Lord knows we must do this!

Please consider emailing members of Congress or the Senate and urge them to pass the entire Build Back Better legislation with all of its climate measures.  Below is a sample note.  Or you can go to Interfaith Power & Light’s link to text a message to Congress.

Dear Rep_______

Please do all that you can to ensure passage of the Build Back Better budget reconciliation bill including all its climate measures.  Scientists told us through the latest UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report that we are running out of time to prevent irreversible and catastrophic changes to the climate system. Already, wildfires, floods, heat, drought, and hurricanes have killed thousands of people. We need Congress to take action now.”

Along with Senators Manchin of West Virginia and Sinema of Arizona, there are plenty of House reps that still need to be convinced to vote for this legislation, including these five Democrats from California. Please write to them if you are from their districts!

Rep Jim Penetta (D-Carmel Valley, Salinas)

Rep Josh Harder (D-Modesto) https://harder.house.gov/ (209) 579 5458

Rep Jim Costa, (D Fresno) https://costa.house.gov/about/our-district

Rep Salud Carbajal (D-San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara) https://carbajal.house.gov/

Rep Lou Correa (D-Orange County) https://correa.house.gov/press

Or you can remind our Senators and Reps not to compromise on climate measures as debate in Congress continues.

Senator Dianne Feinstein https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/

Senator Alex Padilla https://www.padilla.senate.gov/

Barbara Lee (D-Oakland, Berkeley, Albany) https://lee.house.gov/

Mark DeSaulnier (D-Walnut Creek, Richmond) https://desaulnier.house.gov/contact/email