What College Leaders Are Saying About Trump’s Directive on Race and DEI

College leaders remain challenged by the consequences of this letter. Two weeks is insufficient time to fully evaluate and make necessary changes to sophisticated policies and programs. Potential funding reductions create substantial pressure. I want to understand how colleges will handle these changes and their eventual impact on campus diversity.

According to this letter, the Department of Education has significantly changed its stance on race-conscious policies. The expedited timeline reveals that they plan to implement their interpretation forcefully. Legal challenges against this letter remain uncertain as debates surround race-conscious approaches in higher education. Achieving institutional diversity without referencing race is a substantial policy difficulty.

House Budget Proposal Hurts Millions of People to Pay for Still More Breaks for the Rich

Now is the time to tell Congress to vote against the budget resolution. Tell them to oppose the budget resolution and any other legislation that would cut Medicaid because seniors will be harmed. Use this call-in line to reach your member of Congress: 866-426-2631.

Enhancing San Jacinto's Resilience to Climate Change Impacts

San Jacinto City Council

595 S San Jacinto Ave 

San Jacinto, CA. 92583

Dear Members of the San Jacinto City Council, 

I am writing to express my concerns about the increasing threat of climate change and its potential impacts on our community, particularly in light of recent devastating wildfires and extreme weather events across California, including the significant losses experienced in Los Angeles County, as highlighted in a recent MyNewsLA.com article https://mynewsla.com/government/2025/02/13/la-county-launches-blue-ribbon-commission-on-climate-action-and-fire-recovery-2. This article discussed the formation of the LA County Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery, which underscores the urgency of proactive measures to protect our communities. 

Like many other areas in California, San Jacinto faces risks related to wildfire, drought, and extreme heat. Our city must proactively mitigate these risks and enhance our resilience to climate change impacts. Inspired by the LA County Commission's focus areas, I would like to offer the following recommendations for your consideration:

1. Strengthening Fire Safety: 

• Review and Update Building Codes: I urge the council to review and update San Jacinto's building codes to ensure they incorporate the latest fire-resistant materials and construction techniques. This will help protect new and existing structures from wildfire threats. 

• Promote Defensible Space: The city should implement community education programs to encourage homeowners to create defensible space around their properties. Exploring incentives for homeowners who implement these measures could further enhance community participation.

• Enhance Vegetation Management: I recommend reviewing the city's vegetation management plan, particularly in high-risk areas. Adequate funding and resources should be allocated to ensure effective vegetation management practices.

• Improve Community Alert Systems: It is critical to ensure San Jacinto has a robust and reliable system for notifying residents of fire dangers and evacuation orders. Regular testing and community outreach are essential. 

2. Ensuring Equitable Recovery:

 • Address Affordable Housing Needs: The council should consider policies that support the development and preservation of affordable housing to minimize displacement in the event of a disaster. This is crucial for ensuring a just and equitable recovery for all residents.

• Explore Insurance Access Solutions: I encourage the city to explore ways to help residents access affordable insurance, particularly in high-risk areas. This might involve partnerships with insurance providers or advocating for state-level solutions.

• Support Vulnerable Populations: It is essential to develop a specific plan to support vulnerable populations in San Jacinto (e.g., the elderly and low-income people) during and after a disaster. This plan should address their unique needs, including evacuation assistance and access to resources.

• Establish Community Resource Centers: Establishing community resource centers that can provide support and information to residents during recovery is a valuable investment in community resilience.

These recommendations will help us better prepare for the challenges of climate change and ensure a more resilient future for our community. I would welcome discussing these issues further with the council and other community members.

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Eric Devezin

Fighting for justice in public policy, and in our society.

Trump hasn’t even been in office for two weeks and he, Vice President Vance, and their extremist enablers have already wreaked havoc on our political system—with lawless efforts to execute the white supremacist, misogynistic, and racist plans they laid out in their Project 2025 playbook. We can’t be complacent.

A Climate Plan for San Jacinto: Building a Sustainable Future

San Jacinto, situated in Riverside County, California, faces a range of climate-related challenges, including extreme heat, wildfires, drought, and air pollution. To address these issues and create a more sustainable future, our community must implement a comprehensive climate plan. The plan should prioritize both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation efforts aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow climate change. This can be achieved through the promotion of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and by improving energy efficiency in homes, businesses, and public buildings. Additionally, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles and expanding charging infrastructure can contribute to emissions reduction. Adaptation strategies focus on preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change. These include water conservation measures, emergency preparedness plans, urban forestry initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades to enhance resilience. By implementing these measures, San Jacinto can mitigate the negative effects of climate change and protect its residents. Equity must be prioritized to ensure that the climate plan benefits all community members. Environmental justice should be a guiding principle, ensuring climate action addresses the disproportionate impacts on low-income communities and communities of color. Engaging San Jacinto residents in developing and implementing the plan is crucial to ensuring that it meets their needs and reflects their priorities. #GoSanjacinto #sanjacinto #sanjacintoca #sanjacintocollege #sanjacintomountains To effectively implement a climate plan, San Jacinto will need to form partnerships with local, state, and federal governments, non-profit organizations, businesses, and residents. Funding for climate initiatives can be obtained through grants, public-private partnerships, and local government budgets. San Jacinto can give its citizens a more resilient and sustainable future by enacting a thorough climate strategy and addressing climate change head-on.

New Southern California rule would require dramatic reduction in rail yard pollution

New Southern California rule would require dramatic reduction in rail yard pollution - Trains

Government Solutions: A Public Administration Perspective on Openness and Truth-Telling

In the highly complex realm of public administration, trust in the government is the fundamental currency. Citizens should believe that their public institutions act in their best interests based on reliable information. This is precisely when the paramount imperative of cultivating a culture of openness in public administration should take on its greatest urgency. Why Openness Matters Psychological Safety: Employees who feel safe enough to speak up about their concerns and contribute new ways of doing things promote more responsive and honest public service. Diversity of voices: Because people are present and tolerate differing viewpoints, many more voices are heard and understood. Better policies and solutions are developed to address the needs of the whole society. Open Dialogue with Citizens: When decision-makers engage in dialogue and openly discuss the ‘why’, citizens are more willing to be involved and work on developing solutions. From Openness to Truth-Telling A culture that is open invites and favors truth-telling. Here’s how public administration can help it flourish: Transparency in Action: Publishing data, reports, and decision-making processes in a way that is open and easily accessible allows citizens to hold their government accountable. Collaboration and Open Dialogue: Build a culture of regular town halls, public forums, and online QAs that encourage citizens to ask questions and engage with us. Rewarding Candor: Ensure that public servants have an opportunity to air their concerns; be courageous and speak up when you perceive problems. Building a Culture of Trust An emphasis on openness and truth-telling builds trust with both the public and future generations. Better Policy Making: When decision-makers have a variety of viewpoints backed by accurate information, policy-making is more likely to reflect actual needs. Enhanced Public Engagement: Citizens participating in the process are more vested in the success of government goals. A Responsive Government: Open communication fosters public administration that adapts to the ever-changing needs of its citizens. The Road Ahead The process of creating both behavioral and cultural environments that promote openness and truth-telling is never complete, but honing those values, first and foremost, will help to create an administration that people trust to run efficiently and, most importantly, for their benefit.