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LAPD Places Moratorium on Use of CalGang System

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LAPD Places Moratorium on Use of CalGang System

Los Angeles – Effective June 19, the Los Angeles Police Department (in conjunction with the Board of Police Commissioners) is placing a moratorium on all entries and use of the CalGang System.

Based on recent audits and ongoing complaint investigations, the accuracy of the database has been called into question. To strengthen community trust and avoid any adverse impact on individuals, particularly in communities of color, LAPD will no longer use this resource.

The database will remain accessible only to the CalGang System Administrator for the sole purpose of removing entries that come to the Department’s attention as being erroneously entered in the database.

Mayor Garcetti and Los Angeles World Airports Announce Terminal Wellness Pilot Project

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Mayor Garcetti and Los Angeles World Airports Announce Terminal Wellness Pilot Project

LOS ANGELES –– Mayor Eric Garcetti June 22, joined Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) leadership to launch the Terminal Wellness Project deploying thermal camera technology that can help identify travelers with an elevated body temperature –– the latest measure in the city’s continuing response to the COVID-19 health crisis. 

“A world-class airport isn’t defined just by our historic investments in a reimagined LAX and an improved traveling experience –– it’s also about world-class safety,” said Mayor Garcetti. “This project reflects the best of this city’s innovative spirit, and it will help keep travelers healthy and set a new industry standard.” 

Prior to the pandemic, LAX was the third busiest airport in the world and moved a record 88.1 million travelers in 2019. In April, passenger traffic at LAX was more than 95% below what it was a year earlier. 

Starting June 23, thermal cameras will be deployed at two locations inside the Tom Bradley International Terminal –– at the main entrance on the departures level and inside the terminal near select international arrivals. Both arriving and departing passengers will be screened. The cameras are designed to rapidly identify people with body temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher, which is the guideline for detecting a fever set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This is a voluntary program with signage alerting passengers where this trial will take place. If a voluntary participant is identified as having an elevated body temperature, a medical professional near the camera operator will approach the identified person and request a secondary screening using a handheld, non-contact thermometer. Departing guests who are identified as having an elevated body temperature will be advised that they should not travel. Passengers on arriving international flights identified as being potentially ill may be referred to CDC staff on site.

These thermal camera temperature checks will not replace other safety measures in place. To protect guest privacy, the cameras will not store, transmit, or share any data or images taken. Guests who decline to participate will have the opportunity to use a different pathway.

LAWA is launching the program in partnership with the Carlyle Airport Group through Schneider Electric, which will provide three types of cameras to help determine which is most accurate and effective at detecting potentially ill people. Faith Group will provide an evaluation of the technology and signage. The equipment being tested is on loan at no cost. 

The airport will work closely with multiple partners to evaluate the technology including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), airlines, CDC, and L.A. County Department of Public Health. Results from this program will be shared with these partners and leading airports around the world in an effort to set new standards for the industry.

“Los Angeles World Airports has been rapidly evolving its policies, procedures, technology offerings, and physical spaces to ensure the safety and health of passengers and employees alike,” said Justin Erbacci, LAWA’s Chief Executive Officer Designate. “With the incredible help from the Carlyle Airport Group, Schneider Electric, and our other partners, LAX will lead the nation in a comprehensive test of thermal imaging. Our Terminal Wellness Pilot Project is part of our extensive efforts to protect all those traveling through LAX and is another example of how LAWA is setting new standards for the airport industry with best practices, technology and innovation.”

Under Mayor Garcetti’s leadership, LAX has taken aggressive action to protect travelers and residents from COVID-19. The airport added signage directing guests to practice social distancing, wear a face covering at all times, and wash their hands frequently. LAX has increased deep cleaning throughout the airport focusing on “high touch” areas, and has installed more than 250 hand sanitizer stations. LAWA is continually working with partners, shops, and restaurants to deliver a seamless, contact-free experience.

San Pedro Statues Graffitied With Colonizer

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San Pedro Statues Graffitied With Colonizer

Sunday morning, June 21, San Pedro residents discovered “colonizer” had been sprayed onto a statue of a Spanish conquistador, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at Cabrillo Beach. Also, red paint was poured onto another, depicting former Sen. Steven M. White, supporter of the Chinese Exclusion Act. The residents reported that they rushed to clean them before crowds arrived to celebrate Father’s Day.

At about 7 a. m. a member of the community was at the beach when she noticed that blood-red paint had been poured over the heads of these two statues, said San Pedro resident George Matthews, of the San Pedro Caring Proactive Residents Clean Up Crew. He and a group of about five people met about 8 a.m. and spent three hours using rags, paint thinner, graffiti remover and turpentine to dissolve and wipe away the paint.

LA County and City Reach A Deal to Bring Thousands of Homeless People Indoors Within Month

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LA County and City Reach A Deal to Bring Thousands of Homeless People Indoors Within Month

LOS ANGELES – Almost 7,000 homeless people living in encampments near freeways, as well as homeless seniors over 65 and others vulnerable to COVID-19, will be brought indoors over the span of 18 months under a joint legal agreement signed by the county and City of Los Angeles and approved June 18, by Judge David O. Carter.

Under the agreement, the City committed to provide 6,000 new beds within 10 months, plus an additional 700 beds over 18 months. The county has committed to investing $300 million over five years to fund essential services for the people occupying those beds.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and Council President Nury Martinez were chosen by Judge Carter to help negotiate the joint agreement between the County and the City.

City Council President Martinez said the Court has challenged us to do better. We are now positioned to dive into difficult but honest conversations with our county partners about future financial resources and obligations. 

On May 15, Judge Carter ordered both the county and city to “humanely” relocate anyone camped within 500 feet of an overpass, underpass, or ramp and into a shelter or “an alternative housing option.” Today’s agreement encompasses not only those people but also the most vulnerable segment of the homeless population – those who are 65 years or older, or who have chronic underlying health conditions that put them at high risk of being hospitalized or dying if they contract COVID-19.

In approving the agreement between the county and the city, Judge Carter dropped his injunction.

Harris, Porter Demand Better Oversight of Coronavirus Money

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Harris, Porter Demand Better Oversight of Coronavirus Money

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  On June 10, Sen. Kamala D. Harris and Rep. Katie Porter, both from California, called on congressional leadership to remove a roadblock hampering oversight of taxpayer dollars going to large corporations. Harris and Porter urged leaders of both parties to quickly appoint a chairperson of the Congressional Oversight Commission, which oversees a $500 billion fund for bailing out the nation’s biggest companies.

The Congressional Oversight Commission was created as part of the CARES Act. It has the authority to conduct hearings and gather evidence about how the executive branch administers the $500 billion coronavirus relief fund for large corporations. However, the commission is limited in its ability to exercise its powers without a majority vote. Since the CARES Act became law on March 27, congressional leadership has yet to appoint a chairperson — a person jointly agreed upon by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — restricting the oversight that can be done.Details: https://tinyurl.com/coronavirusoversightletter

In the Spirit of Clarity

RLn
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In the Spirit of Clarity

By James Thebaut

On May 29th Random Lengths published a “review of “Beyond the Brink: California’s Watershed” the most recent documentary produced by my production company, The Chronicles Group. The film is currently being broadcast on PBS stations throughout the state of California and in markets across the US.  I felt compelled to respond to the review because my specific objectives in creating the “California’s Watershed” were clearly misunderstood. Also it’s the first time I’ve ever responded to an article or review of any of my body of work, which spans fifty years as a professional. My career includes being a regional environmental planner, a movie and documentary producer and a brief stint as a mayoral candidate in Seattle.

As the Producer/Director of California’s Watershed, I’ll assume full responsibility for not clearly communicating my purpose for the film. Quite simply, I was creating a very specific 27 minute “Call to Action” which focuses on the rapidly escalating demise of the Sierra Nevada Mountains Watershed and attempts to communicate the dangerous impact this process will have on water and food security on the State of California, the nation and the planet. It’s my perspective that California is a microcosm of the world. The Watershed has been mismanaged, exploited and abused for decades, compounded by the climate crisis that has impacted the forest ecosystem and the critical snow-pack.

I attempted to indicate the Watershed provides precious water to not only Northern California but also to one-third of the Southern California’s supply.  The Watershed is also critical to the economic stability of the State and importantly crucial to the crop-rich farms in the San Joaquin Valley. The Valley provides food to the entire nation, which clearly establishes why the demise of the Watershed is a significant National Security emergency!

I also attempted to present a brief look at the history of the Watershed, describing how the irresponsible Fire Suppression policy has evolved and led to uncontrolled growth of the forest. And finally, how the danger of the climate-warming crisis is adding to the forests’ destruction and the catastrophic fires bringing devastation and destruction to the residences in forest communities.  

The film also attempts to emphasize the critical use of incorporating science into viable “green and natural infrastructure” solutions as well as establishing public and private partnerships to implement the crucial solutions.  I backed up this thesis by providing a specific example on how Yuba County, California is actually administering and applying solutions. 

What really caught my attention was that the review questioned my personal integrity and credibility as well as that of the Chronicles Group. 

Furthermore it questioned the Association of California Water Agencies’ (ACWA) financial support for the production and implied that ACWA had untoward influence over the production’s  content.  In response, there is an absolute understanding with all former and current contributors; the Chronicles Group has total and unquestioned editorial control of all the content in all productions. And this precondition is made crystal clear to all of The Chronicles Group’s prospective contributors. 

The Chronicles Group is a small non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and operates on a very tight shoestring budget!  Its educational productions are totally dependent on grants from public agencies and on receiving tax-deductible financial contributions from private entities in order to support The Chronicles Group’s public awareness agenda.  The basis for its support and financial contributions stems from the spectrum of its overall resumé of non-nonpartisan, public policy-oriented educational projects. ACWA and other public and private organizations have been extremely supportive and generous because they support and respect the Chronicles Group’s commitment to generating probing, educational content to inform the public about issues of vital importance to the sustainability of our planet. 

The Chronicles Group has now commenced production on a sequel to the California’s Watershed documentary and its working title is “HEALINGl” 

The objective of this new documentary is to build upon the aforementioned “Call to Action” and to inspire and educate as to the next tangible steps needed to revitalize, restore and manage California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains Watershed.

This past week I was filming in the mountains above Fresno and the conditions are so extremely dire and it would only take a “spark” to set off a disastrous fire.  I hope I have brought some clarity to my reason for writing this piece and put to rest any unsubstantiated questions about the motives and integrity of myself and those associated with my films.  The topics I address are simply too important to be distracted from by cavalier assertions. 

Californians to Wear Face Coverings in Most Settings Outside the Home

Terelle Jerricks
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Californians to Wear Face Coverings in Most Settings Outside the Home

Californians Must Wear Face Coverings When in Higher-Risk Situations, Especially Indoors

Face Coverings Help Reduce the Spread of COVID-19  

Governor Newsom: “Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease.”

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health today released updated guidance that requires Californians to wear a face covering in high-risk settings. A growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the disease and that the use of face coverings, combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of COVID-19.  

“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.” 

Governor Newsom also addressed why he took this action now. “Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease. California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations. That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing.” 

“As Californians venture into our communities more, wearing face coverings is another important way we can help protect one another,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health. “Combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, wearing cloth face coverings when we are with others outside of our household will reduce the spread of COVID-19, which is still a very real threat across our state.”

Today’s guidance mandates the use of cloth face coverings by the general public statewide when outside the home, with limited exceptions. 

Californians must wear face coverings when they are in the situations listed below: 

  • Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space; 
  • Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank; 
  • Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle; 
  • Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when: 
    • Interacting in-person with any member of the public;  
    • Working in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time;  
    • Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others;  
    • Working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities;  
    • In any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance. 
  • Driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present. When no passengers are present, face coverings are strongly recommended. 
  • While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of six feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible. 

The following individuals are exempt from wearing a face covering: 

  • Children aged two and under; 
  • Persons with a medical, mental health, or developmental disability that prevents wearing a face covering; 
  • Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; 
  • Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.  
  • Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service; 
  • Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking, provided that they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or residence; 
  • Persons who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, when alone or with household members, and when they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others; 
  • Persons who are incarcerated. Prisons and jails, as part of their mitigation plans, will have specific guidance on the wearing of face coverings of masks for both inmates and staff. 

More information about the state’s COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page. 

More information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

California Public Health Officials Release Guidance Requiring Californians to Wear Face Coverings in Most Settings Outside the Home

Terelle Jerricks
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0
California Public Health Officials Release Guidance Requiring Californians to Wear Face Coverings in Most Settings Outside the Home

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health June 18, released updated guidance that requires Californians to wear a face covering in high-risk settings. A growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the disease and that the use of face coverings, combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of COVID-19.  

“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.” 

Governor Newsom also addressed why he took this action now. “Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease. California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations. That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing.” 

“As Californians venture into our communities more, wearing face coverings is another important way we can help protect one another,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health. “Combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, wearing cloth face coverings when we are with others outside of our household will reduce the spread of COVID-19, which is still a very real threat across our state.”

The guidance mandates the use of cloth face coverings by the general public statewide when outside the home, with limited exceptions. 

Californians must wear face coverings when they are in the situations listed below: 

Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space; 

Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank; 

Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle; 

Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when: 

interacting in-person with any member of the public;  

Working in any space visited by members of the public, regardless of whether anyone from the public is present at the time;  

Working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others;  

Working in or walking through common areas, such as hallways, stairways, elevators, and parking facilities;  

In any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance. 

Driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present. When no passengers are present, face coverings are strongly recommended. 

While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of six feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible. 

The following individuals are exempt from wearing a face covering: 

Children aged two and under; 

Persons with a medical, mental health, or developmental disability that prevents wearing a face covering; 

Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; 

Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.  

Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service; 

Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking, provided that they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or residence; 

Persons who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, when alone or with household members, and when they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others; 

Persons who are incarcerated. Prisons and jails, as part of their mitigation plans, will have specific guidance on the wearing of face coverings of masks for both inmates and staff. 

More information about the state’s COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page. More information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

LGBTQ Organizations Unite in Calling for Transformational Change in Policing

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LGBTQ Organizations Unite in Calling for Transformational Change in Policing

Black people have been killed, Black people are dying at the hands of police, our country is in crisis, and we all need to take action. We cannot sit on the sidelines, we cannot acquiesce, and we cannot assign responsibility to others. We, as leaders in the LGBTQ movement, must rise up and call for structural change, for divestment of police resources and reinvestment in communities, and for long-term transformational change. Now is the time to take action, and this letter amplifies our strong calls for urgent and immediate action to be taken. 
Ongoing police brutality and systemic racism have plagued this nation for generations and have been captured on video and laid bare to the public in the United States and around the world. In 2019, more than 1,000 people were killed at the hands of the police.1 We mourn the unacceptable and untimely deaths of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Stephon Clark, Freddie Gray, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Mya Hall, Tony McDade, Rayshard Brooks, and many more who were gone too soon. 
We have seen with increased frequency the shocking video footage of police brutality. Officers have been recorded instigating violence, screaming obscenities, dragging individuals out of cars, using unnecessary force, holding individuals at gunpoint, and kneeling on peoples’ necks to the desperate plea of “I can’t breathe.” These occurrences are stark reminders of a police system that needs structural changes, deconstruction, and transformation. No one should fear for their lives when they are pulled over by the police. Parents should not have to “have a talk” about how to engage with the police to their children. We as a nation are bleeding, and it is now, once again, time to call for change at every level of government. 
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, along with more than 400 other civil rights organizations including LGBTQ organizations, outlined critical steps ranging from demilitarizing law enforcement to ending qualified immunity that must be taken at the federal level to end police brutality and create accountability. In response to the continued violence, Representative Karen Bass (D-CA), working closely with the Congressional Black Caucus and other leaders in Congress, introduced the Justice in Policing Act of 20202 that reflects those core priorities that we support.3
We also call for a divestment of public funding from police and a reinvestment in communities.4 Specifically, both the power and scope of police responsibilities should be significantly curtailed, by shifting certain responsibilities – such as mental health crisis response – from armed police officers to the professionals who are properly trained and better equipped to manage those responsibilities. True change must include the following principles. 
1. Divesting of Public Funding From Police and Investing in Our Communities 
Public funding should be shifted from police to reinvesting in our communities. Crime is often a symptom of scarcity and our frayed social safety net is sorely underfunded. The United States spends twice as much on policing, prisons, and courts as it does on direct welfare programs such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and supplemental social security.5 Congress, states, and local governments can reduce incidents of crime and create healthy communities by investing in direct assistance programs, affordable housing, education, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and early intervention programs (including violence interruption programs). 
2. Shifting Most First Responder Responsibilities Away From Police
Our current crisis-response system should place healthcare workers, like social workers and psychiatrists, at the frontline of immediate health crisis events, not police officers. Inadequate healthcare and a lack of social safety nets have led to increased police interaction with individuals experiencing mental health crises. As a result, police officers are often called to assist in mental health emergencies, despite having little or no relevant training. This should change.
3. End Predictive Policing
We must address and stop the current use of predictive policing techniques that disproportionately affect minority communities. Predictive policing forecasts crime using algorithmic techniques, based on historical crime data, to determine where to deploy police and who is most likely to commit a crime. Not only does this dangerously reinforce discriminatory biases in the criminal justice system, resulting in over-policing of vulnerable communities, such as people of color and those from the LGBTQ community, but there is a lack of transparency from agencies that employ this method.6 Law enforcement agencies are often not required to share how or what data is being analyzed. Furthermore, these predictive technologies serve to escalate the level of enforcement and increase police presence in communities that are already over-surveilled. All law enforcement strategies must take into account the privacy concerns of the communities being policed, as well as the impact of over-policing on vulnerable communities. The use of predictive policing algorithms disregards both.
4. Police Union Contracts Should Be Made Public and Officers Held Liable

Currently, police union contracts make it nearly impossible for civilians to view information about officers, including incidents of prior misconduct.7 In doing so, police officers are shielded from accountability for their actions. The disciplinary history of a police officer whose personnel records are riddled with instances of misconduct and bad behavior should not be protected from public scrutiny. Making these contracts public and removing barriers that restrict access to records of police misconduct would allow for greater transparency and oversight and are necessary for public safety. Police union contracts must also hold police officers financially liable for killings and excessive use of force, including ending paid administrative leave and eligibility to be rehired by police departments.

As we consider these proposals, we should also evaluate how we reduce our over-reliance on policing to secure public safety.

We, the undersigned, call out for change and call out for change now. There is no state, no municipal jurisdiction, and no law enforcement agency where transformational changes are not necessary and urgent. When celebrating Pride Month this June, we must remember that the protests and riots from Compton’s Cafeteria to Stonewall were sparked by Black and Latinx transgender women calling for police reform due to harassment and mistreatment of LGBTQ people. We commemorate the history of the LGBTQ Movement, namely our resistance to police harassment and brutality across the nation, when such violence was common and expected. We remember this time as transformative, where we overcame our pain and fear to push for the ability to live a more authentic and free life. Today, we join together again to say that enough is enough. 
The time for structural change and transformation is now.

California “Berning” for Ro Khanna to Chair the State’s Delegation to Democratic National Convention

Norman Solomon
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California “Berning” for Ro Khanna to Chair the State’s Delegation to Democratic National Convention

The Democratic Party is at a crossroads in California, where Bernie Sanders defeated Joe Biden in the presidential primary three months ago, winning more than half of the state’s delegates to the national convention. In recent days, over 110 Sanders delegates — just elected in “virtual caucuses” across the state — have signed a statement calling for Congressman Ro Khanna to be the chair of California’s delegation to the Democratic National Convention in mid-August.

Fairness, logic and even party unity all argue for Khanna to chair the delegation.

Noting that “Sanders received appreciably more votes in the California primary than any other candidate,” the statement points out that “Khanna has been a national champion on issues supported by California Democrats — health care for all, national budget priorities based on human needs and opposing Trump on huge increases in military spending and endless wars, criminal justice reform, and a path to citizenship for immigrants.”

Released by Our Revolution, Progressive Democrats of America and RootsAction.org (where I’m national director), the statement has been endorsed by the California Nurses Association as well as by Amar Shergill, the chair of the state Democratic Party’s large Progressive Caucus. Four-fifths of the state’s Bernie delegates elected in congressional districts have already signed it.

“Having our state delegation chaired by one of the Bernie 2020 campaign’s national co-chairs would send an important message of inclusion to disaffected voters across the country,” the statement says. “As state delegation chair, Congressman Khanna would be well-positioned to serve as a voice for authentic unity behind a ticket headed by Biden for the imperative of defeating Trump.”

But whether the powers that be in the Democratic Party are truly interested in such “authentic unity” will be put to a test at a June 28 statewide delegates meeting, where California’s delegation chair is scheduled to be chosen. (I’ll be part of the meeting as a Bernie delegate.) Rules for that meeting — or even information on who will run it – have not yet been disclosed.

A common steamroller technique at such meetings is for an omnibus package with myriad provisions — including decisions made in advance by those in power — to be presented for a single up-or-down vote. Instead, what’s needed is a truly democratic election, with nominations for delegation chair and a ballot enabling each delegate to cast a vote for one of the candidates. (What a concept.)

Sanders defeated Biden by a margin of 8 percent in the California primary. But hidebound tradition as well as raw political power are arrayed against the Bernie delegates pushing for Khanna to chair the delegation.

Traditionally, the Democratic governor would be the chair of the state’s delegation to the national convention, as was the case four years ago with Gov. Jerry Brown. And the current Democrat in the governor’s office, Gavin Newsom, is unlikely to favor giving up this chance to enhance his national stature and aid his evident presidential ambitions.

For progressives, however, much more is at stake than political prestige.

Every indication is that only a state delegation chair will be allowed to introduce proposals or amendments to the entire convention. Simply having the option of doing so, on issues like Medicare for All and a Green New Deal, could give the state party chair leverage for programs championed by the Bernie 2020 campaign. That’s exactly the kind of leverage that party power brokers want to prevent from falling into the hands of genuine progressives.

______________________________

Norman Solomon is co-founder and national director of RootsAction.org. He is a Bernie Sanders delegate from California to the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Solomon is the author of a dozen books including “War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death.”

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