Latest news with #StanislausArtsCouncilGallery
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Assemblyman Juan Alanis chose his party over his values in endorsing Sen. Alvarado-Gil
'Update: Stanislaus Democrats and Republicans react to Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil's party switch,' ( Aug. 13, 2024) I was surprised to read State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil's recent email touting an endorsement from Assemblyman Juan Alanis. What in the world could he possibly be endorsing? Is it the absolute lack of accomplishment during the course of her four-year senate term? Or maybe the cravenly opportunistic party switching, demonstrating an absolute lack of conviction? Or perhaps Alanis is endorsing the unprofessional allegations about Alvarado-Gil, her office and her conduct? Alanis has chosen the easy path of choosing party over the best interests of our community. That should be remembered next November. Larry Bolton Modesto Opinion 'If you changed your last name after getting married, your right to vote is at risk | Opinion,' ( March 11) During the process of getting my REAL ID, I was told by the Department of Motor Vehicles that my birth certificate was invalid because it did not reflect my married name. When I pointed out that I had not been married when I was born, and that I was providing them with my marriage certificate that showed the change in my name from Leslie Shaw to Leslie Shaw Klinger, I was told this was not enough. So I provided my California Drivers License, which reflects my married name, and still I was told this was not good enough. Eventually, this was resolved by renewing my passport, bringing that into the DMV and finally having them accept that as proof that I deserved a REAL ID. While I think providing a valid identification when registering to vote is fine in and of itself, this requirement that my current name match the name on a birth certificate issued almost 70 years ago is ridiculous. I plan on contacting my elected representatives to ask them to help me understand how this would not disenfranchise me or others from voting — something American women endured hardship to achieve. Leslie Shaw Klinger Modesto 'Public grand opening set for new downtown Modesto space. Here's when and where,' ( Aug. 5, 2024) Most cities the size of Modesto have at least one thriving art gallery that attracts both out-of-town visitors and residents. The Stanislaus Arts Council Gallery is the anchor for visual arts in downtown Modesto. The gallery works with a consortium of downtown community organizations to coordinate events, and the Third Thursday Art Walks support the businesses of the Modesto Downtown Improvement District. Art education is also the focus of shows for college students, school children and emerging artists. The gallery showcased the work of Heartland Grant recipients in their community projects. In June, the gallery will present 'California Native Flora and Fauna,' showing off the beauty of our state's unique landscapes. Although the gallery is smaller than the previous Mistlin Gallery, this space will still play a vital role in attracting members of the community to the downtown area. Barbara Gill Modesto 'UPDATE: Winter storm warning issued for Northern California until early Monday morning, according to the NWS,' ( March 16) A violent tornado outbreak over the weekend affected millions in the Midwest and South, killing at least 40 people, just days after the Trump administration ordered another round of massive layoffs at the country's severe weather tracking agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk also want to dismantle the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which assists people who have been devastated by extreme weather events to find shelter and food. Extreme weather events are happening more frequently and more intensely; we need to insist that these vital agencies are fully funded. Anita L. Young Modesto
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Stanislaus Audobon Society: Outraged by capricious, cruel firing of federal parks employees
'Recent layoffs threaten beloved Pacific Crest Trail,' ( March 8) The Stanislaus Audubon Society has had a long, productive relationship with the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge. However, there is a real and present danger that our invaluable refuge will be closed indefinitely in the near future due to the benighted policies of the current presidential administration. I am outraged by the capricious, cruel firing of federal employees of national parks and refuges, as well as the withholding of operating funds. These careless, destructive actions do not reflect the wise stewardship of public lands that Americans expect of our democratic government. For those of you who are interested in conservation and the decent treatment of our public servants, we urge you to tell your representatives to put an end to this executive overreach and abuse. We must restore federal employees, provide funds for hiring needed workers and release funds for the continued maintenance of our natural treasures. Salvatore Salerno President, Stanislaus Audubon Society Opinion Frustrated with gallery 'Downtown Modesto venue could be shut down. How can it be saved?' ( March 7) I've been a part of the Modesto art community for some time, so I was initially excited for the Stanislaus Arts Council Gallery to be part of our community. The Modesto Art Walk was one of my favorite things to participate in — a free opportunity for low- or no-income individuals to put their work into the community to be seen. Unfortunately, things have changed with the new year, including the implementation of vendor fees for this event and new submission requirements for a gallery-run exhibition. The reason the Stanislaus Arts Council Gallery is failing is because it is preying on small-time, independent artists that don't have much to give. Billie May Modesto Expand Medicaid, don't cut 'California Republican David Valadao wants to stop big Medicaid cuts. Can he succeed?' ( Feb. 24) President Donald Trump's recent statements about Medicaid contradict what he has previously said about the need to protect this vital program. He may claim that he won't make cuts to Medicaid, but his latest budget proposals suggest otherwise. Medicaid serves over 80 million Americans, many of which are children, people with disabilities and the elderly. Cutting funding for Medicaid would cause undue financial stress to states, ultimately resulting in facility closures and more medical debt. For many people, cutting Medicaid is a matter of life or death. Health care is essential to a functioning society. Policymakers should be focusing on expanding access to health care for all Americans, not just the wealthy few. Rebecca Arteaga Modesto Ethics and a lack thereof 'Modesto readers say Donald Trump is a liar and criminal,' ( Aug. 6, 2024) My ancestor, Adam Derryberry, bravely fought in the Revolutionary War. Through his legacy, I carry the honor of being a Daughter of the American Revolution. The values I inherited — courage, integrity and a commitment to the greater good — stand in stark contrast to the ethos of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. My family's tradition is one of sacrifice for a just cause, not the pursuit of power at any cost. Micki Archuleta Nerced Putin's puppet 'Modesto readers say Donald Trump is a liar and criminal,' ( Aug. 6, 2024) President Donald Trump must be removed from office by any and all democratic means possible, as quickly as possible. Virtually every action taken by the Trump-Musk co-presidency has been shown to benefit not Americans, but Russia. Who benefits from the unlawful dismantling of our political and social institutions? From senseless tariffs and territorial threats against our closest North American neighbors? From Trump's threatened withdrawal from NATO, and the shredding of long-standing alliances with Europe? Even a wanna-be dictator can't be this astonishingly submissive. Mark S. Haskett Modesto
