Quick Take
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin empathizes with those who feel crushed at the thought of another Donald Trump presidency. But, she says, California and Santa Cruz County are resistant, and Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling a special session on Dec. 2 to take stock of what to do. “We can do hard things,” she writes, and lays out ideas for actions those disappointed can take to help the most vulnerable.
Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.
For many people in California, the reality of another Trump presidency feels like standing on the edge of a cliff, watching fundamental values and hard-won progress carelessly thrown into the wind with no certainty where they will land.
The fear is palpable – anxiety about the environment, reproductive rights, racial justice, immigrants, LGBTQ+ rights and the future of democracy itself. Under Donald J. Trump’s previous administration, Californians fought back against policies that endangered the climate, rolled back rights for marginalized communities and stoked division across the country.
Now, faced with the return of these policies and rhetoric, there’s an overwhelming sense of urgency to defend our state’s progress and protect the ideals we hold dear.
From safeguarding the Monterey Bay Sanctuary to protections for our DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) residents, we are bracing for what horrific actions await us as Trump occupies the Oval Office with control of the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court and a clear mandate from a majority of voters in our nation. There are indications that the Trump administration will roll back climate change regulations and increase domestic energy and oil production. He has also made several comments about mass deportation of immigrants and tried to shut down the DACA program during his first term. The fate of DACA is now in the hands of the courts, which are now under the control of Trump.
The local impacts on these issues, as well as other federal policies that are in danger, such as LGBTQ+ rights and federal education programs, set the stage for many battles ahead. California will not let our values regarding protecting our environment, standing up for our immigrants who contribute to our economy and communities, supporting LGBTQ+ rights and safeguarding our special education programs be obliterated by the president-elect and his appointees.
The state legislature, along with our local governments and community members, will stand in solidarity to hold firm on the progress we have made over the years to ensure a vibrant, inclusive future for our state and its people.
Since Nov. 5, many people, including me, have been grieving for what we have lost.
And, let me be clear, this is not about a Republican winning over a Democrat. This is about that the values I believe in and have taught my children – to be kind, honest, civil, respectful, grateful and charitable – have been thrown off that cliff by electing someone who is self-serving and hateful, who is a convicted felon, who belittles people, who lies incessantly, who supports autocracy over democracy, and who convinced a majority of citizens in our nation that he is the answer to their problems.
Clearly, there is much work to be done. As a California state assemblymember, I will be working closely with my colleagues to continue to address affordability issues in our state, especially as it relates to the cost of gas, energy, insurance, groceries and housing. Our priorities will continue to focus on building communities and educational systems that allow all people to thrive.
In addition to standing up against plans to deport immigrants and fighting to preserve our DACA program and laws governing birthright citizenship in the United States, California will continue to be a leader on ensuring safe, accessible and affordable reproductive health care.
Let’s remember, California is a nation-state, with 12% of our nation’s population and the fifth-largest economy in the world. As former Gov. Jerry Brown warned during the first Trump administration, “You don’t want to mess with California.”
I heard from many people who were troubled over how to explain this to their children. How do you tell our youth that the person elected to be the president of the most powerful country in the world, is not someone you would let take care of your dog, let alone be responsible for the safety and security of the people of the United States?
While it is important to take time to grieve and address our wounds, it is also critically important that we face the reality that Trump will be the president on Jan. 20, 2025, and we must make a plan for what we are going to do about it.
Autocrats hope that we will feel defeated, retreat, isolate ourselves and give up. But we are stronger, braver and more courageous than that.
We can do hard things.
In the state legislature, the governor has called for a special session on Dec. 2, so we can bolster our Department of Justice to be prepared for the impending lawsuits we expect. Last Trump regime, California filed 123 lawsuits against the federal government – and scored major victories. We have already taken action to protect our environment, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights and immigrants. With a special session, we will be nimble and able to pass and enact legislation and appropriate funds quickly as needed.
As for what each individual can do, it’s important to get up every day and do good in the world. Continue your daily routines of going to school, work, caring for family members and volunteering. Rest when needed. Take care of your physical and mental health.
I’m encouraging people to gather in trust circles where you can share thoughts, fears, tears and plans of action. Focus on the things you can control – and release that which you cannot change.
There will be marches and outrage posted on social media. Certainly, these symbolic gestures are good for demonstrating we are not alone and that others agree with our concerns, but if that’s all we do, we will achieve nothing.
As Trump takes actions as president, we will find different pathways to organize our resistance. Whether it be working with our local Welcoming Network to assist immigrant families, or joining efforts with the Diversity Center to protect LGBTQ+ families, or standing in solidarity with Planned Parenthood, there will be no shortage of ways to step up and help those targeted by a second Trump presidency.
Stay engaged, stay calm, stay vigilant and stay strong.
As I navigate through the fields of emotions since the election, I’m reminded of Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers, in an interview sharing the advice from his mother when there was a catastrophe. “Always look for the helpers.”
We are the helpers. For ourselves. For our families. For our vulnerable communities. For the future of this nation.
Together, we must believe, the only way out is through. Lace up your Chucks, and let’s get to work!
Gail Pellerin was recently reelected to her second term in the State Assembly, representing District 28, which includes most of Santa Cruz County and part of Santa Clara County. She served as Santa Cruz County Clerk from 1993 until 2020.