Dr. Zabin spoke about the current leadership of Gavin Newsom as governor, and Joe Biden as president, and the opportunity to advance climate solutions during their terms. This means labor, as well as environmental preservation. All will have a seat at the table to confront the critical issues we share.

Access to health care and utilization of health care are two different things, Lucia said, citing workers like Bernal. Nearly 500,000 Californians eligible for coverage through a job or otherwise remain uninsured; “affordability of premiums is the main obstacle,” she added.