By Steven Barker
News Editor
Vice President Joe Biden is coming to California State University, Bakersfield.
According to Amanda Renteria, D-Woodlake, candidate for the 21st congressional district, Biden will come to campus on Oct 7, the same day in which Renteria and her opponent, incumbent David Valadao, R-Hanford, are scheduled for a debate, which will also be hosted by CSUB.
While no exact time for his arrival was given, Renteria said Biden will appear before the debate begins. The debate between Valadao and Renteria was originally scheduled for Sept 15 at 5:30 p.m. but was cancelled when Valadao was requested in Washington.
Biden is not scheduled to appear at the debate.
Renteria, who made the announcement in front of the Icardo Center, said Biden’s visit is intended to introduce him to the issues facing California’s Central Valley.
“What I’m to talk with him about is to really give him a sense of what’s going on with the water crisis, with the immigration issues around here, jobs,” Renteria said. “I think most people don’t know what we do across the country, and the more we can build bridges and bring people to really see the faces, see the families, see the students, the more people will understand what we really do for this country.
“When you think about it, we’re the ones that bring food to everyone, not just this country but around the world, and it’s time that we get that kind of attention here.”
Renteria emphasized her role in securing Biden’s visit. When asked by a reporter who exactly was responsible for ensuring his visitation, Renteria answered: “Me. Me. I asked him to come here, and I’m glad he’s coming here.”
Renteria encouraged members of the local community to attend, adding that she would make tickets available for the event through her office.
“We’re opening it up to everybody,” Renteria said. “You gotta come to our office. Please come get our tickets.”
According to Renteria’s website, she is the first Latina in history to serve as Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate. Formerly a high school teacher, she holds a Master’s degree from Harvard’s Business School. Renteria can be contacted at her website, amandarenteria.com.
California’s 21st congressional district represents four counties: Kings County, western Fresno County, northwestern Kern County and southwestern Tulare county. Major cities of this district include areas of Bakersfield, Delano, Sanger, Selma and Hanford, while smaller cities include Buttonwillow, Wasco, Mendota, Kerman, Lemoore, McFarland, Arvin and Shafter.
