CRITICAL TRENDING MATTER - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Critical Trending Matters (BAWU) — What to Know, What to Do 

America is moving through a stretch of fast-moving events — some heartbreaking, some dangerous, and some deeply consequential for democracy. Our goal at Bay Area Women United is simple: name what’s happening, ground it in verifiable facts, and offer practical next steps so people can respond with clarity (not panic).

1) National issues to be aware of:

A) Federal law enforcement shootings and public trust

Recent reporting highlights multiple high-profile incidents involving federal immigration enforcement and the use of force — including a New Year’s Eve shooting in Los Angeles involving an off-duty ICE officer, and another fatal incident in Minneapolis that has fueled protests and demands for transparency and accountability. 

Why it matters: When agencies hold extraordinary power, public confidence depends on clear accountability, timely public facts, and independent oversight.

B) Venezuela escalation, seizures at sea, and global instability

Since early January 2026, there has been major international fallout after the U.S. capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, which Maduro has publicly described as a “kidnapping.” 

In parallel, reporting describes a widening U.S. effort to seize Venezuela-linked oil tankers and expand legal actions targeting additional vessels. 

Why it matters: These events affect global energy markets, regional security, migration pressure, and diplomatic norms.

C) Strikes on vessels in international waters

Separate reporting has described U.S. military strikes against vessels in international waters framed as counter-narcotics operations. 

Why it matters: Any use of military force outside U.S. territory raises serious questions about legal authority, proportionality, and civilian risk.

D) Greenland rhetoric and pressure on Allies

Recent reporting describes President Trump escalating talk about annexing Greenland and threatening tariffs on countries that don’t support U.S. plans. 

Why it matters: This strains alliances and can destabilize international cooperation at the exact moment global coordination is needed.

E) Nobel Peace Prize controversy (medal vs. the honor)

The Nobel Committee has reiterated that while a laureate may give away the physical medal, the Peace Prize honor is inseparable from the original winner, after reports that the 2025 laureate gave her medal to President Trump. 

Why it matters: Symbols matter — but facts matter more. The official record of the prize does not change.

2) California: redistricting after Proposition 50 (what could happen next)

Now that Proposition 50 has passed, California is entering a high-stakes redistricting chapter tied to national tit-for-tat map fights. Reporting describes Prop 50 as enabling new congressional maps intended to counter partisan redistricting elsewhere (notably Texas). 

Possible outcomes to watch (CA and beyond):

• Court challenges and federal scrutiny over mid-decade redistricting.
• Other states responding with their own map changes, escalating a national arms race over representation.
• Public confusion about who draws maps: California traditionally relies on an independent Citizens Redistricting Commission process after the Census, so this moment is unusual and will be closely watched. 

BAWU lens: Regardless of party, voters deserve fair representation, transparent rules, and maps that don’t silence communities.

3) Bay Area issues constituents are talking about:

A) Taxes and Cost of Living: transit and city budget pressure

There’s growing public discussion about regional and local revenue measures, including legislation authorizing Bay Area voters to consider a sales tax increase for transit across multiple counties in a future election cycle. 

Oakland has also been publicly discussing revenue options to address budget gaps (including potential parcel tax concepts). 

B)   Background and History regarding 580 Ban on Trucks. 

Click here: https://www.nobigrigs580.org/  to learn more 

4) What’s trending on the positive side

Even in hard seasons, people are still building:

• Community mobilization (mutual aid, neighborhood cleanups, court watch, rapid response networks).
• Civic participation (packed public meetings, organized advocacy, coalition-building).
• Local resilience (workforce support, youth mentorship, violence interruption, and faith/community-led healing).

Hope is not passive. 

Hope should motivate you to get organized and engaged.

5) Next steps: What you can do, right now

1. Verify before sharing

Use reputable sources (local public radio, major outlets, court documents, official agency statements). If a claim feels explosive, slow down and confirm.

2. Use your voice with structure (and respect)

Keep your letter short: What concerns you → Why it matters locally → What you expect the legislative to do → What is the time-line for change.

3. Show up locally (it counts more than people think)

Board of Supervisors / City Council / School Board / Transit Board meetings / Various Community Meetings. (Two minutes of public comment becomes part of the public record).

4. Make the Commitment

• Volunteer once a month 
• Mentor one young person
• Join one neighborhood initiative
• Support one credible community organization doing violence prevention and healing.

We don’t have to agree on everything to agree on this: truth matters, people matter, and democracy only works when we participate. 

Let us move forward with Courage, Care, and  Action.

- Audree V. Jones-Taylor

Date

Your Name

Your City, State

Email Address

To: (Insert Names of Your Representative in the United States Congress and Senate):

I write to you as a concerned and engaged constituent who believes deeply in the promise of our democracy and the responsibility of our elected leaders to govern with integrity, transparency, and respect for the people they serve.

Across our nation, Americans are paying close attention to decisions being made at the federal level that affect public trust, civil liberties, economic stability, public safety, and our standing in the world. Whether the issue is the use of federal authority, immigration enforcement practices, international actions, fiscal priorities, or the protection of democratic norms, the common thread is this: the people expect leadership that is grounded in facts, fairness, and accountability.

I am asking you to give thoughtful consideration to the following concerns, as they relate to the issue(s) most pressing to me and my community:

• Upholding democratic principles and the rule of law

• Ensuring transparency and accountability in federal decision-making

• Protecting civil and human rights for all communities

• Using federal resources responsibly and ethically

• Strengthening public trust through bipartisan cooperation and moral leadership

As my representative, I urge you to lead with clarity and courage. The choices made today will shape not only policy outcomes, but public confidence in our institutions for generations to come.

I appreciate your service and your willingness to listen to the voices of those you represent. I look forward to seeing leadership that reflects the values of fairness, dignity, and responsibility that define our nation at its best.

Respectfully,

(Your Name)
 

Bay Area Women United is a collective of concerned women from across the Bay Area, with a reach that extends nationwide. We are united in our commitment to safeguarding the values and future of our country. 

Our mission:  

Bay Area Women United is committed to elevating communities through education, empowerment, and engagement across all backgrounds to actively participate in influencing policies and decisions that impact the quality of life. 

· Vision:

"We envision a society where leaders are held accountable, governance of the populace is just, human rights are protected, and communities thrive through informed and active participation."

Teresa Deloach Reed is a retired Fire Chief from the City of Oakland, bringing over thirty years of dedicated service in City Government.  She holds a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and a master's degree in Public Administration. 

Teresa has served on numerous professional boards, including the Bay Area American Red Cross, Alameda Health System Foundation, the State Board of Fire Services, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Deeply committed to community service, she is currently active with the Red Cross serving as Chair of the Alameda County Leadership Council, a member of the Urban League of Greater San Francisco Bay Area, a leader within First AME Church, Oakland, and a supporter of Alameda Health System Foundation.

Mona M. Fosterwhite, licensed attorney for the State of California since 2011.

Areas of practice; Estate Planning and Probate.

“My goal is to educate members of our community with a clear understanding of what is available to protect what you value most; yourself, your assets and your family’s future, by utilizing the tools available to reach YOUR goals”.

I enjoy sharing my knowledge and time by providing resources through volunteer activities, which include being an active member of the Los Medanos College Foundation Board since 2017. I will also be serving with the Alameda County Bar Association providing free legal services.

Karen Hill, PhD, RN, ANP-C, MSN,

Health Management Associates and KLH Consulting: Innovations in Healthcare

Karen Hill has over thirty years’ experience healthcare. She has a specialty in environmental and occupational health and clinical training in adult, adolescent, and young adult health. An expert in workplace health and safety, Dr. Hill is skilled in workforce assessment, engagement, and development. Her clinical capabilities span primary care, acute care, outpatient care, home health care transitions, and trauma-informed systems of care. She is experienced in the social determinants of health and health disparities and community engagement of underserved populations. Dr. Hill brings both clinical and administrative perspectives to client projects. She was clinic manager for Glide Health Services, a nurse-led clinic serving a largely unhoused, racially diverse population in San Francisco. Dr. Hill earned both her doctorate in from the University of California, San Francisco. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of San Francisco.  

Ethel Howze has devoted her life to enhancing Oakland’s quality of life through decades of dedicated public service. Beginning her career in 1969 at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center, she rose through leadership roles to become Recreation General Supervisor. Ethel pioneered innovative programs such as mobile recreation, teen clubs, and Play Day in the Plaza, and co-founded Oakland’s first Youth Commission with Mayor Elihu Harris. An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Links Incorporated, she has championed youth development and scholarship. Her visionary leadership and lifelong commitment have left an enduring legacy on Oakland’s recreation, equity, and community engagement. 

Judy Martin-Holland is an Oakland native and seasoned health care professional with over forty years of experience in clinical practice, leadership & administration, global health, education & regulation of the health professions, health policy, and health equity. She has been a long-term advocate for diversity of the health professions and for healthcare system change focused on access, cost, quality, and population health – focused on meeting the needs of both individual patients/families, and the community.

Judy holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nursing (UCSF), a Master’s degree in Nursing (UCSF), a Master of Public Administration, focused on public policy & organizational leadership (Cal State Hayward/East Bay), and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (Chico State).

Judy serves on the board of a senior housing community in Oakland, as a member of the Public Interest Panel of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, a life member of the National Black Nurses Association/Bay Area Black Nurses Association, and on two American Academy of Nursing expert panels: global health and health equity.

Audree V. Jones-Taylor is a trailblazing leader with over four decades of experience shaping parks, recreation, and public service to uplift communities. From serving as Director of Oakland Parks and Recreation to Chief of Staff for Baltimore Public Works, she has championed equity, access, and innovation in urban programming. An accomplished author, consultant, and mentor, Audree continues to inspire organizations and individuals with her vision for inclusive leadership. She holds a Master’s in Leadership from St. Mary’s College and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. Audree serves as an Emeritus Board Member for the MLK Freedom Center.