Comment on the High-Speed Rail Draft EIR

The California High-Speed Rail Authority released the second draft of the EIR (Environmental Impact Report) for the Fresno-to-Bakersfield section of the high-speed rail project on July 20, 2012.  The EIR and an Executive Summary of the report are available on the rail authority’s website.  You may also request a CD-ROM of the draft EIR by calling (916) 679-2341.The draft’s public comment period closes on October 19, 2012.  You can submit your comments on the rail authority’s website, by email at Fresno_Bakersfield@hsr.ca.gov, or at one of three public hearings:

Monday, August 27, 2012, 3-8 p.m.
Beale Memorial Library
701 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Tuesday, August 28, 2012, 3-8 p.m.
Hanford Fraternal Hall
1015 N. 10th Avenue
Hanford, CA 93230

Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 3-8 p.m.
Fresno Convention Center, Exhibit Hall III
848 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721

Saturday, August 25^th the Citizens for CaliforniaHigh-Speed Rail Accountability will host a free workshop to explain how the review process works.  The workshop is from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church, 9125 13 1/2 Ave., Hanford, California 93230. T he workshop is limited to 400 people; make your reservation by emailing cchsraorg@gmail.com.

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Land of Promise

Pamela Harris, Executive Director of Iris Films, has just informed us that she has placed her 2007 documentary Land of Promise: the Story of Allensworth on YouTube and Vimeo. In Land of Promise, Harris captures the battle to stop two mega dairies from being built next to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, on the eve of the town’s 100^th anniversary. 

The film includes interviews with Alice Royal who was born in her grandparents Allensworth home in 1923, Ed Pope who spearheaded the campaign to build the state park, Mayor Nettie Morrison who lead the campaign to stop the mega dairies, Lupe Martinez an advocate for Allensworth, and Frank Medina who migrated from Texas to Allensworth in the late 60’s.

 Harris was a co-director of “Waging a Living,” a PBS documentary that looks at the daily life of four people that are “hustling backwards”; the growing number of Americans that work full-time but still live below the federal poverty level.

Harris is currently working on two projects, Afro Uruguay: Forward Together – a documentary centered on the efforts of two courageous Uruguayans that are fighting to make a better life for the economically marginalized Afro Uruguayan community, and Intentional Black Communities in America – a pictorial history of Intentional black towns in America.

Pamela Harris we thank you for sharing Land of Promise.

President of Oakland Chapter Dies

Ms. Janeice R. Patterson

November 4, 1960 - July 30, 2012

We have just learned of the passing of Ms. Janeice R. Patterson, president of the Oakland Chapter of the Friends of Allensworth. Ms. Patterson passed away at her home on Monday, July 30^th.  Church services were held today at the Community Reform Church, followed by burial services at the Rolling Hills Memorial Park, Richmond, CA.

You can share your thoughts and memories of Ms. Janeice R. Patterson in the guestbook on the CPBannon Mortuary website. The guestbook will remain online until September 1, 2013. 

Our prayers go out to the Patterson family.  May they find comfort in knowing that one day the painful tears of sorrow will turn into the pleasant tears of remembrance. 

With heartfelt sympathy,

Stephen Hill, Sr.

Friends of Allensworth

San Diego Chapter No 12