I had the privilege to be invited onto the Your Atheist Pastor Podcast, which originally aired last week, July 19, 2020. Here is the video version of the interview with the host Stefanie, who I also know professionally through teaching music. Atheism and secularism is a foundational aspect of my politics and what I hopeContinue reading “Political Payne appears on Your Atheist Pastor Podcast”
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My thoughts on the passing of Michael Brooks
After hearing from a new YouTube subscriber asking what I thought of the sudden and unexpected death of progressive show host Michael Brooks, I had to grapple with my own inner turmoil over whether to say anything or not. I was devastated by the loss of Michael, which was learned on July 20 by theContinue reading “My thoughts on the passing of Michael Brooks”
Donald Trump and his administration are dangerous for America
Some things you just can’t sugarcoat. Some issues don’t have “two sides” that should be equally respected. Some issues are so clear, that you have to speak the truth about them. Donald Trump and his administration are dangerous for America on so many levels: from the erosion of justice to flagrant corruption to trampling onContinue reading “Donald Trump and his administration are dangerous for America”
Interview: Owning a restaurant in the age of COVID, with Jacob Town
Independent journalist Joe Payne interviews Jacob Town, co-owner of The Spoon Trade, about the challenges of running a restaurant post-COVID.
Farmworker infected with coronavirus dies in Santa Maria guest-worker housing
By Joe Payne On the day that advocates and community members called for protections for Santa Maria Valley farmworkers hit hard by COVID-19 infection rates, Leo Begario Chavez-Alvarado passed away. A guest worker who worked in Santa Maria for Alco Harvesting, Chavez-Alvarado was tested for coronavirus after he died July 7. The test came backContinue reading “Farmworker infected with coronavirus dies in Santa Maria guest-worker housing”
Advocates call for regulation as Santa Maria farmworkers suffer most from coronavirus infection
By Joe Payne The two most direct governing bodies to the Central Coast’s current coronavirus hotspot, Santa Maria, received a dire warning from a community advocate for the local farmworker and indigenous immigrant population regarding the COVID-19 infection rate: “We are literally a ticking time bomb.” Hazel Davalos, the organizing director for CAUSE (Central CoastContinue reading “Advocates call for regulation as Santa Maria farmworkers suffer most from coronavirus infection”
Santa Maria gyms fail to enforce facemasks as coronavirus infections spike
By Joe Payne As the coronavirus infection rate in Santa Maria continues to rise, several local gyms are lax on state-mandated face covering requirements for members. When called and asked if visitors needed facemasks, staff at four prominent gyms along Broadway confirmed that customers could remove their masks once beginning workouts and were only requiredContinue reading “Santa Maria gyms fail to enforce facemasks as coronavirus infections spike”
Why aren’t Americans wearing facemasks to prevent spread of coronavirus?
As the coronavirus continues to spread across the U.S., infecting millions, why do so many Americans resist the most simple remedy to the transmission of the virus—facemasks? For my latest video, I take a look at some of motivations and influences for those who still resist this simple measure despite all the evidence of howContinue reading “Why aren’t Americans wearing facemasks to prevent spread of coronavirus?”
Juneteenth: Facing the realities of slavery in America
By Joe Payne As a student of history, I have liked to think I have some shred of understanding of the pain and plight that people of color face, where it comes from and why, especially concerning black and indigenous Americans. But no matter how much I think I know, learning more continually illuminates myContinue reading “Juneteenth: Facing the realities of slavery in America”
Rallies planned at Santa Maria City Hall for City Council budget hearing on June 16
By Joe Payne The Santa Maria city budget is under scrutiny, but for divergent reasons. Two local groups plan to rally outside City Hall on Tuesday, June 16, just before a budget hearing to call for changes they want to see. The Santa Maria City Council proposed cutting services and staffing after a massive drainContinue reading “Rallies planned at Santa Maria City Hall for City Council budget hearing on June 16”
Political Payne 