Page 33 - Sonoma County Gazette March 2017

OUR COUNTY cont’d from page 32
Immigration has been a hot topic over the past few months, and
a series of federal executive orders has sent shivers down the spine of many of our 5th District residents. I have received a tremendous outpouring of concern about the e ect that increased deportation will have on our community. The fact is that deportation of long- standing, hardworking residents breaks up families – some of whom are American citizens – and disrupts businesses, schools, and other services that our community relies on. If you know someone who is undocumented or has family members who are, make sure that they know their rights.
• Everyone has the right to remain silent – and you do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
• If you have valid immigration papers, you should show them to requesting officials.
• If Immigration agents come to your home, ask them to show you a warrant. An arrest warrant allows police to enter your home if there is a reasonable suspicion that the person is there – a deportation warrant DOES NOT allow officers to enter your home.
• If arrested, you have both the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Do not discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer.
• If taken into ICE custody, you have the right to a lawyer, but the government will not provide one for you. Ask for a list of free or low cost legal services, and ask to contact your consulate.
• You may remain silent. Do not sign any papers without speaking to your lawyer.
• Know your immigration case number (“A” number), this will help your family locate you.
First and foremost, remember that you have rights no
matter who you are. And remember that you are a valued member of our community, no matter where you come from, what color your skin is, what language you speak, what gender you are, or who you love. I’m proud to represent a beautifully diverse community, and I will ght to preserve that diversity.
Village Network of Petaluma invites you to public programs this month
at the Village o ce, 402 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma (at Oak St. and the carwash). Open to members, volunteers, and the public. Please RSVP to info@ petalumavillagenetwork.org or 707-776-6055 to ensure you have a seat at this presentation.
“Nothing is so beautiful as spring ...What is all this juice and all this joy?” – Gerald Manley Hopkins
After 10 days away, I came home full of Mexico’s sun, warmed to the core on the heels of storms our area. The sun was shining at last here, and I wandered the yard to see what was new. My yard presented the rst da odil and rst violets. The lemon tree was loaded with yellow orbs. I pulled some weeds, easily! The cat was glad to see me, and “there’s no place like home” was never more true.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Taking Control of Your Driving Future
Monday, March 6 at 10:00 – 11:30 am. Rosemary Robles, Senior Driver Ombudsman with more than 30 years at the California DMV, will show to maintain your driving privileges, options for a limited license, transportation alternatives, how to take and pass the license renewal test, and safe driving tips.
Welcome to the Village
Thursday, March 16 at 11 am. An information meeting for adults 50+ and their family members to learn more about the innovative Village concept of “friends helping friends” to continue living vibrant, active, and connected lives in our own homes as we age. Get your questions answered, and meet Village members and volunteers. No RSVP necessary.
Penngrove Social Firemen Corned Beef and Cabbage Feed
Sunday, March 11, 2017. Served 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
This tasty plate of features corned beef and cabbage cooked by Stan Pronzini
and the kitchen crew, beverages and a Pot-O-Gold drawing with prizes of Visa gift cards of $200, $100, and $50. Meat is provided by Bud’s Meats. Dessert will be sold by the Penngrove 4-H. It’s so good, you’ll want to buy a second plate to take home. All proceeds help maintain the Penngrove Clubhouse and Penngrove Park, for the bene t of the community. At the Clubhouse, 385 Woodward Ave. corner of Oak St. and Woodward. Cost: Adults $15.00, Children under 12, $7.50. Tickets at the door. For information, contact Stanley Pronzini 217-7161.
Ponder Thoughts
Contributed by my neighbor, Gerald Haslam
Many years ago, I was ordered to list my “race” on a job application. I listed “mongrel,” only to be told that was an unacceptable term. So I listed “American” and learned that too was unacceptable. My third try was “Unknown. Raised by Gypsies”; I knew I wasn’t going to get the job, so why not have some fun. The truth is that three or four generations ago, my family had a name problem at Ellis Island: my “Silveira” ancestors became “Silves” and my “Boysen” ancestors became “Johnsons.” Meanwhile my Spanish/Mexican and Irish kin may have dodged authorities and snuck in--according to family folklore. In any case, German and Danish, English and Portuguese entered legally. The result: My multi-lingual great-grandmother used to say something like, “Son gente, nada mas” (They are people, nothing more).
I was raised to think of myself as proudly American. Five uncles and cousins fought for America in WWII, and I later served overseas in the US Army, then was active in my community, in my church, and for my family. I went to school and earned a doctorate, and am still enjoying one marriage, ve kids, and
13 grandkids. Just think how much better o America would be if someone
had stopped my ancestors and other people like us at the Border. Today, with inmates apparently running the asylum, it may trouble someone that those early Hispanics were often part Arabic...and that my name, like my soul, retains an Islamic hint.
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