A shocking number of innocent people have been sentenced to death. And the tragic reality is that capital punishment is imposed mostly on poor people who cannot afford to hire an effective lawyer. And while proponents claim the death penalty is a crime deterrent and keeps us safer, that doesn't seem to be the case, according to the National Research Council of the National Academies. After more than three decades of research examining whether the threat of a death sentence deters people from committing aggravated murders, there is no reliable evidence that the death penalty deters murder.  Add your name today to urge President Biden to commute all federal death sentences before he leaves office.

Why This Change is Important   Family unity is a core value of the United States, and the current waiting times for sibling immigration visas undermine this principle. Currently, U.S. citizens may wait 15 to 20 years or more to bring their siblings to the U.S., an unreasonable delay that creates long-term separation and hardship. This delay is not just an inconvenience; it is an emotional and financial burden for families.   Facts: Emotional Impact: Families are forced to live with the distress of separation for decades, often missing out on critical life moments. Important family events—weddings, births, illnesses, and even funerals—occur without the support of siblings who are still waiting for immigration approval. Economic Impact: Families are often separated across borders, which creates financial burdens as relatives who might have supported each other are unable to reunite and share resources. When families are finally reunited, they often face economic challenges, which could be alleviated by reducing the wait times.   Family Support Systems: A reduction in the wait time would allow families to reunite sooner, making it easier for siblings to share responsibilities for caring for aging parents or helping each other with childcare.   The Human Side:   Take, for example, the case of Mohamed, a U.S. citizen living in Michigan. He has been waiting for nearly 18 years to reunite with his sister in Egypt. During this time, his sister has missed the births of his children, their graduations, and even important family events like weddings. The emotional toll on Mohamed and his family is immense, but they are powerless to change the system. Like Mohamed, millions of other U.S. citizens are facing the same heart-wrenching wait.   Why Should Others Join in the Campaign?   1. Support for Family Unity:   Many Americans understand the value of being with family in times of need. By reducing wait times, we ensure that families can come together sooner, providing mutual support in difficult times. Family reunification benefits everyone—not just the immigrants but also U.S. citizens who want to build their lives with the support of their loved ones. 2. Humanitarian Reasoning:   The U.S. prides itself on being a nation of immigrants. By advocating for change, we align with the values that make America a beacon of hope for families around the world. Speeding up the immigration process for siblings ensures that the U.S. remains a compassionate and welcoming nation that values families. 3. Economic Benefits for the Country:   When families are united, they can more easily contribute to the U.S. economy. Whether it’s through work, investing in local communities, or contributing to the country’s cultural diversity, family reunification strengthens our nation as a whole.   A Call for Action:   This is not just about policy—it's about families. People all across the U.S. are living with the pain of long separations. With your support, we can change the law to ensure that the immigration process for siblings is fair, timely, and humane. Together, we can advocate for a change that unites families sooner, strengthens our communities, and ensures a more just immigration system for all. Join this campaign because family should not have to wait 20 years to be together. Let’s work together to make the U.S. immigration system fairer and more compassionate for everyone.

Whether it’s allegations of sexual assault, concerns about heavy drinking, lack of experience, extremist ties, or past suggestions that the troops should be deployed against protestors and political opponents, one thing is crystal clear: Hegseth is unfit for the role. The Secretary of Defense oversees the largest and most powerful military in the world – and the bloated, too-powerful Pentagon bureaucracy that comes with it. This role demands, at the very least, a leader who prioritizes people’s well-being, has a willingness to root out corruption, understands the military should be a tool of last resort, and approaches our common security with seriousness and responsibility. We knew that would be a tall order for the incoming president, but Hegseth’s record not only falls embarrassingly short, it makes him a potential threat to the safety and security of millions of people, here at home and around the globe. The good news? Multiple outlets are reporting that Hegseth’s nomination is on the rocks. One senator told Politico, the prospects for his confirmation are "bad and getting worse.”[1] When you speak out to your senators today, your voice can tip the scales to derail his appointment before it even begins.  We cannot allow extremist rhetoric, scandal, and unqualified leadership to take root in the Department of Defense. Urge your Senators to reject Pete Hegseth’s nomination.

Hostile architecture harms everyone, not just the homeless. It leaves the elderly, pregnant women, and the disabled without a place to properly rest. These types of seating are incompatible with mobility aids and make life harder for an already marginalized group. Anti-homeless architecture in Lafayette should be replaced with proper seating for the benefit of all citizens. 

Donald Trump’s reelection as president by the narrowest margin of victory since the 19th century means that nearly all of his criminal cases have either been dismissed or put on hold for now.  And despite what Trump and his supporters claim, his reelection as president must not mean that he gets to skirt accountability in the history books and public record.  It’s not hyperbole to believe that this is likely our last chance to read for ourselves the full lengths Trump went to in order to overturn democracy a few years ago before he and his Cabinet of loyalists take office again. In fact, Trump has already made clear his intention to go after those who once investigated him.  Attorney General Garland must move swiftly to release the full report before it’s too late. Photo Credit: Getty Images

For over a hundred years, the entertainment industry has been a vital part of California’s story, helping transform our state into the 5th largest economy in the world. This industry doesn’t just entertain– it fuels our communities, creates jobs, and supports public services that make California a better place for everyone. The taxes we pay go toward schools, healthcare, environmental protections, workplace safety, civil rights, and support for our neighbors in need. As entertainment industry families, we live, work, and give back in California. We’re homeowners, parents, volunteers, mentors, and active tax-paying citizens dedicated to making our cities and neighborhoods stronger. This industry is not only our livelihood, but our legacy. Right now, nearly 40% of us are out of work. Since 2022, more than 20,000 jobs in the below-the-line crafts have disappeared, costing California $2 billion in lost wages and hundreds of millions in tax revenue that are crucial to our economy. California is the heart of this industry, and it’s here that the magic of film and television truly lives. But without competitive film and television tax incentives, many of us are being forced to leave the state we call home. Over the last 10 years film and television incentives have expanded globally. This has made California's tax incentive program unable to compete, putting the 2nd largest industry in the state in danger of collapse. Recently Governor Gavin Newsom put forth a proposal that would raise California’s annual incentive cap from $330 million to $750 million. While this is an important initial move, we need more substantial changes to keep our work in California. We need to ensure that creators, artisans, performers, and ancillary businesses reliant on this sector can continue to maintain their income, but also guarantee that the state keeps reaping the economic advantages this industry offers, such as drawing millions of international tourists– tourism being the 3rd largest industry in the state of California. We cannot afford to allow the motion picture industry to continue to leave California. We're not just losing the livelihood of tens of thousands of working families, we're also losing our legacy as the heart of the entertainment industry, and our status as the filmmaking capital of the world.  In signing this petition, we stand together asking you to keep Californians working. We must act now to protect our legacy and ensure California’s future. Our survival depends on it.

Time and time again, the far-right majority of the Supreme Court has put special interests and politics ahead of people and above delivering justice under the law. But we cannot and will not be silent. Student debt fuels economic, gender, and racial inequality. Our persistent racial wealth gap means that students of color, especially those who are Black and brown, are more likely to have student debt, borrow in higher quantities, and face more struggles in repayment. A higher education should be the key to a better future, instead of a lifetime debt sentence that limits borrowers’ ability to buy homes, start small businesses, and save for retirement, cutting into opportunities for wealth-building over their lifetimes. This is why student loan cancellation is so important. Trump's agenda includes dismantling the Department of Education (DOE), which would have devastating impacts on our communities. The DOE oversees the Pell Grant and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which gives aid to college students who need financial aid. The DOE also enforces the civil rights of students, and supports school programs that support students with disabilities. But Trump, Republicans, and Republican-appointed Supreme Court justices cannot have the last word. We won’t let them win. We have to push back and be in solidarity with each other. Together, we can keep getting loud to show the President Biden that he has the power to to give millions of Americans the student loan relief they need and deserve. President Biden must cancel student debt via executive order before Trump and Republicans gain control over all three branches of our federal government. Will you sign the petition?

By signing this petition, you are showing the CCBC administration that you want a strong and fair working relationship in our negotiations to make the college an even better place for our students and faculty to learn and grow.  

Fellow Tulsa Public Schools Parents and Guardians, We need your support to ensure that our classrooms remain places of learning, inclusivity, and growth—not platforms for political agendas. We have created a petition urging Tulsa Public Schools leaders to reject this mandate. By signing, you can join us in demanding that political rhetoric stays out of our classrooms. Let’s ensure our children’s education remains focused on their growth and future, not the ambitions of elected officials.

Emma Prusch Farm Park stands as a living testament to San Jose’s agricultural heritage and serves as an irreplaceable community treasure. When Emma Prusch gifted this land to the people of San Jose in 1962, she entrusted us with preserving a piece of Santa Clara Valley’s farming legacy amid our rapidly urbanizing landscape. Her vision continues to enrich our community in countless ways. This park is far more than just open space - it’s a vital educational hub where urban children discover the wonders of agriculture through hands-on experiences. The park houses San Jose’s largest 4-H barn, providing unique opportunities for city youth to learn farming skills that are increasingly rare in our digital age. Through its community gardens and rare fruit orchards, the park connects diverse groups of residents, fostering cultural exchange and community bonds through shared cultivation of the land. Veggielution Community Farm, operating within the park, plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity by providing fresh produce and educational programs to low-income families. This partnership exemplifies how the park continues to serve its intended purpose of benefiting all San Jose residents, regardless of their background. The park’s programs and facilities offer irreplaceable opportunities for environmental education, agricultural preservation, and community engagement. In our rapidly developing city, Emma Prusch Farm Park remains one of the last connections to the agricultural heritage that once earned our valley the nickname ‘Valley of Heart’s Delight.’ Protecting this legacy and ensuring its proper management isn’t just about preserving the past - it’s about securing these vital resources for future generations of San Jose residents

Multiple groups supporting Sen. Cruz’s campaign in Texas have spent nearly $16 million on aggressive ads bashing support for transgender athletes competing in women's sports. It’s overwhelmingly clear that Cruz and his cronies would rather spout blatant lies than talk about the real issues impacting Americans. Lying about trans kids is just the latest tactic in their playbook of distracting voters from the GOP’s dangerous agenda—an agenda that would criminalize essential health care and make communities less safe for our children. Contrary to what these sham ads would have you believe, the reality is that gender-affirming care is backed as medically necessary by leading health groups like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.  We need to elect leaders who value honesty, transparency, and the truth. The health of our kids and our entire democracy is at stake. Republicans must stop running ads with blatant lies. Sign the petition to demand Ted Cruz and Republicans pull these dishonest and dangerous ads from the air!

The concept of a ban on fracking in Pennsylvania has been getting a lot of attention in recent weeks. But banning fracking in a place where it has been happening for 20 years is not the same thing as banning it where it has never happened. What must happen here and what will happen is a phase out of fracking. How rapid the phase out is will determine how smoothly the public, workers, and entire communities will be able to make the transition. We're calling on Governor Shapiro and our state legislators to start the rapid phase out now and urging them to take the steps we have listed.