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Author: Stefi Mar

African Americans
Stefi Mar

Inglewood Unified Enters New School Year With Local Control In Sight, But Questions Linger

As the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) opened its doors for the 2026–27 school year on Monday, August 17, district leadership stood on the threshold of a historic turning point. Backed by all 153 standards met on its latest Financial Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) review and a 95% first-day attendance rate, the district is within arm’s reach of returning to local governance after nearly 14 years under state receivership.

Stefi Mar August 25, 2026
Arts & Culture
Stefi Mar

The Vision Theatre Performing Arts Center Reopened in South L.A.

The skies over South L.A. shone brightly on a recent evening. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Heather Hutt (District 10), and Daniel Tarica, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs General Manager, were joined by a full house of community stakeholders for the ribbon-cutting for the reopening of the Vision Theatre Performing Arts Center (VISPAC). This monumental occasion was held on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Stefi Mar August 25, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

7th Annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival Returns to the Village

The month of August will be written in the jazz history books with a couple of notations. The entry will include the postponement of two jazz festivals. One of the festivals has been produced for over three decades. The other festival was making a debut with a magnificent showcase of jazz, Latin Jazz, and Caribbean music throughout Los Angeles.

Stefi Mar August 25, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Rising Car Insurance Rates Are Putting New Pressure on Household Budgets

Rising car insurance rates are forcing households to reconsider how much they drive, what coverage they carry, and which expenses can wait. Drivers can ease the pressure by comparing policies, reviewing deductibles, and removing unnecessary costs without giving up essential financial protection.

Stefi Mar August 25, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

Why Black-Owned Businesses Can’t Afford to Be Invisible to AI

Many people use AI tools to search for products and services instead of search engines. If Black-owned businesses aren’t easy for AI to find, they end up losing potential customers. Let AI help you gain the trust of people who are considering your business for the first time so your brand can grow.

Stefi Mar August 25, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

Insurance redlining means two identical drivers pay different prices

Insurance redlining happens when the address on your policy shapes your rate more than your record behind the wheel. Companies build prices from personal details like your neighborhood and credit, not just your driving history. The result: two drivers with identical records can pay far different premiums, and the steeper bill usually falls on Black neighborhoods.

Stefi Mar August 25, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

The cost of living is becoming a stronger magnet for smaller cities

Choosing to live in a smaller city with a lower cost of living isn’t always an easy decision. You’ll feel more confident if you see how much you’ll save on food and transport. Never ignore such costs since they add up quickly and can make you spend more even if your rent is affordable.

Stefi Mar August 18, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

Rights & Rituals: Black Women and the Sage We Breathe

1Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Stefi Mar August 18, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Car Wash Workers Cope with Lingering Impacts of ICE Raids

Mario relied on his job in the car wash industry to raise his three children. It was during a shift at a Santa Ana car wash last August that he was arrested by federal agents, taken to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center and held for two months.

Stefi Mar August 18, 2026