Trump Chokes America with Teargas and the Asphyxiation of our Rights

All the while weaponizing the Bible WE CANNOT BE SILENT: At the White House:  African Human Rights Coalition condemns in the strongest terms the unconscionable behavior of Donald J. Trump, and his Republican Party today. He lashed out attacking the American people by stripping them of their basic constitutional rights, with the use of force, … More Trump Chokes America with Teargas and the Asphyxiation of our Rights

George Floyd’s Murder Reflects on an America that is Unsafe for African Refugees and Asylum Seekers

African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC) Statement on how the Murder of George Floyd Denotes America Unsafe for Refugees and Asylum Seekers from African Countries at this time: African Human Rights Coalition expressed its condolences and outrage on social media the moment we saw the video evidencing the cold blooded murder of George Floyd, a black … More George Floyd’s Murder Reflects on an America that is Unsafe for African Refugees and Asylum Seekers

San Francisco Tenderloin Lawsuit Over ‘Insufferable’ Sidewalk Conditions Amid COVID-19

UC Hastings, Other Tenderloin Residents Sue San Francisco Over ‘Insufferable’ Sidewalk Conditions Amid COVID-19 – Article in The Recorder accessed below… “The conditions now prevailing in the Tenderloin constitute a violation of the fundamental civil rights of those residing and working there,” wrote lawyers for Tenderloin residents suing to force the city to confront encampments … More San Francisco Tenderloin Lawsuit Over ‘Insufferable’ Sidewalk Conditions Amid COVID-19

Bay Area Regional Shelter-in-Place Orders Extended as Some Rules Ease

Health Officers caution that reducing restrictions too quickly could lead to a substantial resurgence of COVID-19 San Rafael, CA –The seven Bay Area Public Health Officers who ordered a Shelter-In-Place in mid-March will extend the orders through May 31 while some restrictions are eased and tools to strengthen containment of COVID-19 are put into place. The … More Bay Area Regional Shelter-in-Place Orders Extended as Some Rules Ease

Meeting Participation: Marin Board Of Supervisors Moratorium on Evictions

Board Meeting: Tuesday, April 28th, at 9:00 a.m. or thereafter Effective March 24, 2020, residential and commercial tenants throughout Marin County may not be evicted because of a sudden loss of income tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Resolution applies to all rentals in every city, town, and unincorporated area of Marin County and lasts … More Meeting Participation: Marin Board Of Supervisors Moratorium on Evictions

Bay Area Counties to Extend and Revision Current Shelter-in-Place Orders

Joint Statement and Press Release: Bay Area counties extend shelter-in-place orders through end of May: From the Seven Bay Area Health Officers on Upcoming Extension and Revisions to the Current Shelter-in-Place Orders: This global pandemic of COVID-19 is still in its early stages: We expect to be responding to COVID-19 in our communities for a long … More Bay Area Counties to Extend and Revision Current Shelter-in-Place Orders

Fighting for Asylum Seeker Rights Against the Order – See letter to CDC’s Kyle McGowan

FORMAL COMMENT TO GOVERNMENT PORTAL OBJECTING TO CDC RULE IN LETTER BELOW Melanie Nathan: “African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC- African HRC) has submitted the following comment and objection to the CDC Rule change that is harming all asylum seekers, especially the most marginalized who make their way to the Southern Borders of the United States. … More Fighting for Asylum Seeker Rights Against the Order – See letter to CDC’s Kyle McGowan

Child Abuse Tends to Spike in Times of Crisis

Marin HHS sends warning on eve of Child Abuse Prevention Month Calls to Marin County’s child abuse and neglect hotlines has plunged since the start of the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order, raising concerns of specialists with the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). According to HHS’ Children and Family Services Division, calls to … More Child Abuse Tends to Spike in Times of Crisis

Our San Francisco Pride Will Not be Defeated by COVID-19

Having been a Community Grand Marshal for San Francisco Pride in 2014 and also having served on the San Francisco Pride Board as vice president, I find it very sad but absolutely necessary to support the following Statement from the executive director of San Francisco Pride, considering the dangers we face as a result of … More Our San Francisco Pride Will Not be Defeated by COVID-19

Marin Issues Restrictions For Short-Term Rentals

New Order halts vacation rentals; limits use to COVID-19 response needs San Rafael, CA – While Marin residents continue to abide by the Stay At Home order and help flatten the curve, a stream of vacationers and visitors continue to occupy short-term rentals throughout the county. This increases the chance for community transmission of COVID-19 … More Marin Issues Restrictions For Short-Term Rentals

Marin COVID-19 Sheltering Order Changes Construction Permitting Process

County’s Building and Inspection Services altered by COVID-19 response San Rafael, CA – In response to an updated sheltering order related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Marin has adjusted its building permit and inspection services to reflect restrictions on some types of construction work. The Community Development Agency (CDA) is directing the temporary … More Marin COVID-19 Sheltering Order Changes Construction Permitting Process

Marin County Adds COVID-19 Virus Pandemic Restrictions in New Order

More time and additional restrictions needed to slow the spread and reduce future impact on local hospitals from COVID-19 San Rafael, CA – Health officers in seven Bay Area jurisdictions – including Marin County — are updating a previous stay-at-home order through May 3, 2020 in order to preserve critical hospital capacity across the region. … More Marin County Adds COVID-19 Virus Pandemic Restrictions in New Order

Helplines for Covid-19 Solitude, Caregivers, Families

There are many important and helpful hotlines for those experiencing specific mental health challenges and need immediate assistance. Disaster Distress Helpline Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) provides crisis counseling and support for anyone in the U.S. experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or … More Helplines for Covid-19 Solitude, Caregivers, Families

Bay Area Extend School Closures through Due to CoronaVirus Pandemic

Campuses remain closed to students; Schools continue to offer meals, resources San Rafael, CA –Marin County has aligned with seven Bay Area county health officers, and county superintendents to make a unified, regional decision to extend school closures and student dismissals from regular school attendance through May 1, 2020 to slow the spread of novel … More Bay Area Extend School Closures through Due to CoronaVirus Pandemic

Broken Access to Treatment makes Drug Users Vulnerable in COVID-19 Pandemic

Oakland, CA, Wednesday, March 25, 2020… In the rush to protect vulnerable populations from the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk to people struggling with addiction is especially high. And health professionals suggest this could undermine efforts to control the coronavirus spread. According to experts, people who use drugs are doubly at risk during this epidemic, not … More Broken Access to Treatment makes Drug Users Vulnerable in COVID-19 Pandemic

SONOMA Board of Supervisors Approves Eviction Defense Ordinance

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, which also serves as the Board of Commissioners for the Community Development Commission, today passed the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Ordinance, effective immediately for 60 days after the end of the local and public health emergency. The new ordinance aligns with the Governor’s Executive Order N-28-20 which authorized local jurisdictions … More SONOMA Board of Supervisors Approves Eviction Defense Ordinance

Know Your Transgender Rights During COVID-19 Pandemic

In times of crisis, transgender and non-binary people among other communities are often at higher risk of violence and discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic presents a series of unique challenges that may have long-term impact on transgender people and their families. Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) has prepared Know Your Rights guide for transgender and non-binary … More Know Your Transgender Rights During COVID-19 Pandemic

Photo of the Day: A Deathly Quiet JFK Airport on March 21, 2020

Day 06 of Shelter in Place, Marin: Photo of the day- My daughter, now in quarantine – just in case- took this photo of JFK airport upon her return home to Marin this weekend. Everything changed overnight for this NYU grad, as she left her NYC Apartment to join her family here in Marin. Out … More Photo of the Day: A Deathly Quiet JFK Airport on March 21, 2020

All Marin Parks Closed Amid COVID-19 Spread

Public Health issues order to stem influx of selfish visitors – ruining spaces for locals….. ugh… San Rafael, CA – The Public Health Division of Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an order March 22 for the immediate closure of all Marin parks – from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area down … More All Marin Parks Closed Amid COVID-19 Spread

Dammit Marin This is not a Vacation its a Pandemic

Visitors Pack Coastal Marin Despite Order Public Health authorities urge that now is not the time to visit San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) is urging Bay Area residents not to travel beyond their communities as they engage in outdoor activities during the statewide shelter-in-place order. On Saturday, … More Dammit Marin This is not a Vacation its a Pandemic

California Legislators on COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on LGBTQ Community

Senator Wiener and Assemblymember Gloria’s Statement Regarding Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the LBGTQ Community Sacramento – Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, issued the following statement: “Coronavirus is impacting everyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or immigration status. Yet, … More California Legislators on COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on LGBTQ Community

At Town Council Meeting President of San Anselmo Chamber Shocks with White Only Remark

Last week I happened to tune into my local San Anselmo Town Council meeting, only to hear neighbors speak for and against the Town Council’s attempts to refuse to permit legal cannabis stores under Proposition 64, where Marin County voted to legalize marijuana. Last night, the Town Council sought to take extreme measures with a … More At Town Council Meeting President of San Anselmo Chamber Shocks with White Only Remark

Marin HHS recommending cancellation postponement of nonessential indoor gatherings

UPDATED March 16,2020: Marin County Health & Human Services On March 16, the public health officers of seven Bay Area jurisdictions, including Marin, issued a legal order directing residents to shelter at home for three weeks beginning March 17. The order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. Scientific evidence … More Marin HHS recommending cancellation postponement of nonessential indoor gatherings

Marin Confirms First In-County Case of COVID-19

Residents can slow disease spread with simple, everyday behaviors San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) is working with medical staff at a local hospital to treat a Marin resident diagnosed with COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. The individual diagnosed was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise ship that … More Marin Confirms First In-County Case of COVID-19

Filmmakers Try to Shut Down LGBTQI Israel Film Festival

Over 100 LGBT Filmmakers Abroad Call for Boycott of Tel Aviv LGBTQI  Film Festival Haaretz is reporting that more than 100 LGBT filmmakers abroad have signed a petition calling for a boycott of the annual LGBT film festival in Tel Aviv, TLVFest, out of solidarity with the struggle by the Palestinian queer community. What a … More Filmmakers Try to Shut Down LGBTQI Israel Film Festival

Asking for Investigation on Termination of TPS After Death of Deported Salvadoran Immigrants

50+ Groups Release Letter Asking HFAC to Investigate Report on Termination of TPS After Death of Deported Salvadoran Immigrants Washington, DC – Earlier today, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and immigration experts gathered to call on the House of Representatives to investigate the Trump administration’s termination of TPS in coordination with his 2020 re-election campaign. … More Asking for Investigation on Termination of TPS After Death of Deported Salvadoran Immigrants

Elephant Refugees to be Screened at Sonoma International Film Festival

Updated: The below Article was written  before the COVID-19 postponement of the Sonoma Film Festival’s decision to screen its Festival Online. Happily Elephant Refugees will be screened on the opening night platform , July 30, 2020: Sales have opened NOW as a package with another film, The Guardian Elephant Warriors Of Reteti. BOTH FILMS CAN BE … More Elephant Refugees to be Screened at Sonoma International Film Festival