Greetings all,
We voiced our collective concerns loud and proud at the Senate Health Committee meeting yesterday (see the video here:Senate Health Committee testimony). It was unnerving, to say the least, to be the sole voice of reluctant opposition at the hearing. But thanks to you all, I was not alone! Thank you to everyone for your signatures, words of encouragement, and enthusiasm!
The Senate Health Committee passed this bill out of their committee. So on to the Senate floor it moves for a vote next month, which is not great, nor unexpected.
Assembly member Gordon stated his commitment on record to try to work through our concerns and we believe he and his staff to be earnest in wanting to come to a compromise. It was rewarding and validating to hear attitudes shift from, “No, that’s not possible” to “Let’s sit down and talk about this.” And that change would not have happened without your support!
And now our work truly begins… Petaluma Bounty is not qualified nor supposes to speak for all gleaning and food recovery groups. We ask that all gleaning groups that want to shape the next step together join the existing California Gleaning Group listserv by requesting an invite at: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/cjamlist/join
For allies, donors, clients, pantries and activists that want to keep in the know regularly, please request an invite here: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/friendsofcalgleaners/join
For all other signers, thank you! We’ll send occasional updates and action items while respecting your busy inbox.
Please keep spreading the word about this issue and how others need to voice their concerns. We’ll keep the petition up and rolling here: https://www.change.org/p/california-senator-ed-hernandez-lois-wolk-jerry-brown-pause-ab234-and-consider-the-negative-impact-on-community-food-recovery-efforts
Finally, this has been the first step in an incredible learning experience and journey for all of us at Petaluma Bounty/ Petaluma People Services Center and we have so much more to learn! If you or someone you know has legislative/advocacy experience or helpful resources, please contact us directly.
In community,
Suzi and the Bounty Team
