Register now for the 'Central Valley Water Forum,' scheduled Saturday, March 13

At our January meeting, Volunteers For Change-Fresno's Water Issues team leader Dr. Bob Merrill described some of the issues surrounding water here in the Central Valley.

With those issues so numerous and complex, Dr. Merrill encouraged V4CF members to learn more at the 'Central Valley Water Forum: Facts vs. Fictions,' an event scheduled 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at Forum Hall in the Social Science Building of the Fresno City College campus.

With more than a dozen presenters, the Central Valley Water Forum promises a 'home-grown gathering that will provide residents a space to understand the issues and prepare for the tough decisions ahead that will define our Valley’s future.' Admission is free, box lunches will be available for $6, but prospective attendees must register to reserve their space.

Want to learn more? Full details including the schedule of presentations are available through the Community Alliance website and through our friends at RevivetheSanJoaquin.com. To ensure your seat, download and complete the registration form as soon as possible.

On behalf of V4CF, thanks again to Dr. Bob Merrill for keeping us informed about this set of issues!

V4CF members helping to circulate 'Restore Democracy to California' petition

Volunteers For Change-Fresno members are helping to circulate a petition to restore democracy to the way the California legislature votes on the budget.

The California Democracy Act, which will be an initiative on the November ballot, states 'All legislative actions on revenue and budget must be determined by majority vote.' By changing two words in the State Constitution from the current "two thirds" vote requirement to a "majority," this reform will stop gridlock in the legislature, where for many years a small minority has held the majority hostage over the budget -- with disastrous consequences for the state. For more information, see http://www.californiansfordemocracy.com/

A statewide petition drive is seeking one million signatures by mid-April. If you would like to sign the petition, contact V4CF members Ruth Afifi or Nancy Griesser via e-mail. To help circulate the petition, please contact Gary Lasky via e-mail.