The Justice and Equity Coalition held a community event for Escondido residents Sunday afternoon to discuss topics from rent control to family separation.
The topics were picked by J&E after previous workshop sessions, according to Jessica Amezcua, an organizer for the event.
“I am a local resident, and I have, multiple times, seen [people I know] scared to go outside of their houses,” Amezcua said.
The community gave input on housing and rent control, services for those with special needs, and immigration and family separation.
“I believe all these three issues are very crucial and important,” Amezcua told NBC 7. “Not only here in Escondido, but important in other cities as well.”
Escondido elected officials and those currently running for office were invited, according to Amezcua. Seven attended.
Mayor of Escondido Sam Abed confirmed his attendance but did not show, Amezcua said.
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“A lot of these individuals – immigrant communities, minority communities – they need to understand that there are people willing to help,” Amezcua said. “And that these issues matter because we should not be scared in the streets – we should not be scared in our own community – we should feel safe.”
J&E is comprised of the Resurrection Church Social Justice Ministry, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Community Church of Poway, the United Service Workers West’s Janitors Union, the Justice Overcoming Boundaries, and the Employee Rights Center.
The meeting lasted from 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
About 600 people attended.
