In this episode, I continue my conversation with the Si Se Puede Collective - Veronica Goei (Grail Family Services), Shawn Gerth (Veggielution), Victor Vasquez (Somos Mayfair), Jessica Paz-Cedillos (School of Arts and Culture), and Maritza Maldonado (Amigos de Guadalupe). We explore what happens when interdependence gets tested: warm handoffs instead of failed referrals, the power of five voices speaking as one, and how they turned the city's "no" into a vaccination model that got replicated across the region.This episode's What I'm Learning covers reflecting on 2025's federal cuts, new California laws, and what I'm watching in 2026 - including five San Jose City Council seats up for election. Our Community Spotlight features MLK Day events including the 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon. ───────────────────────────────────────LINKS & RESOURCESWhat I'm Learning Sources:• San Jose Spotlight - "What is San Jose's purpose?" editorial• Santa Clara County Measure A information• California minimum wage increase to $18.45/hour (effective January 1, 2026)• New California laws: equal pay protections, gender-neutral restrooms in schools, student immigration rights postings• San Jose City Council elections 2026 - 5 seats upCommunity Spotlight:• 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon - African American Community Service Agency - aaborgsj.org• MLK Day of Service Tree Planting - Our City Forest - ourcityforest.org• MLK Day Cleanup - Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful - keepcoyotecreekbeautiful.orgGuest Information - Si Se Puede Collective:• Amigos de Guadalupe (Maritza Maldonado, Founder & CEO) - amigosdeguadalupe.org• Grail Family Services (Veronica Goei, Executive Director) - grailfamilyservices.org• School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza (Jessica Paz-Cedillos, Executive Director) - schoolofartsandculture.org• Somos Mayfair (Victor Vasquez, Co-Executive Director) - somosmayfair.org• Veggielutione (Shawn Gerth, Executive Director) - veggielution.orgMentioned in the Episode:• Mexican Heritage Plaza - La Plaza, site of COVID vaccination and food distribution• Gardner Health Services - partnered on vaccine administration• Martha's Kitchen - marthaskitchen.org• Loaves and Fishes - loavesfishes.org• Hunger at Home - hungerathome.org• Tony and Alba's Pizza (Diana and Al) - free meals for kids during SNAP disruption• 95116 zip code - Mayfair neighborhood, East San JoseTake Action:Connection is resistance. Joy is resistance. Don't let this chaos tear us apart.• Think about who's in your collective• Practice the warm handoff• Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 19thLINKS & RESOURCESWhat I'm Learning Sources:Community Spotlight:Guest Information - Si Se Puede Collective:Mentioned in the Episode:Take Action:

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