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For Farmworkers With Few Safety Nets, It's A Question Of Survival
It's just about the peak of strawberry season in California, one of the most lucrative times of the year for berry farms.
But with major supply chain issues due to COVID-19, this year they're looking at big losses - and in turn workers who rely on them for income may lose their jobs.
For Maria, an undocumented single mother of four who picks strawberries in Oxnard, it's a question of survival, as few safety nets are available.
“I don’t want to panic, but this goes through my mind: What will happen if I lose my job? The kids, the rest, the food. How am I going to pay the rent? How am I going to feed them? This all passes through my mind,” she said.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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