Stefi Mar - Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, inc.

African Americans

Historic Black Baltimore Community Secures $3.15M Federal Grant for Flood Relief

After decades of persistent flooding and property damage, Turner Station, a historic Black community in Baltimore County, has received a federal grant to the tune of $3.15 million for flood resiliency and mitigation upgrades. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), alongside Baltimore County Executive Katherine Klausmeier and leaders from Turner Station Conservation Teams, announced the funding on March 12.

Stefi Mar April 7, 2026

African Americans

A Clinical Perspective on Common Health Conditions Affecting Black Women

Black Women’s Health Disparities Highlight Gaps in Research and Care

Stefi Mar April 7, 2026

African Americans

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

News You Might Have Missed

Stefi Mar April 7, 2026

African Americans

Victor Glover’s Historic Journey Carries Community Pride Beyond Earth

After a groundbreaking lunar mission, the Pomona native reflects a new generation of possibility

Stefi Mar April 7, 2026

African Americans

After Deep Federal Cuts, California Lawmakers Push for Full Restoration of Medi-Cal Benefits

California’s public health programs could lose billions of dollars due to recent federal budget cuts, state health officials told lawmakers during a joint committee hearing on March 10.

Stefi Mar April 7, 2026

African Americans

Long Beach Conference Tracks Rise of Hate and Extremism — and How Christianity Is Sometimes Weaponized

About 350 business professionals, educators, nonprofit leaders, community members and youth gathered in Long Beach for Confluence Rising’s fifth annual Roots of Justice Convening, a forum focused on confronting hate and building more inclusive communities, schools and workplaces in California and across the country.

Stefi Mar April 7, 2026

African Americans

California’s Big-City Mayors: Cutting HHAP Funding Threatens Gains Made in Homelessness Fight

Between 2020 and 2024, Long Beach experienced a minimal but incremental decrease in chronic homelessness that was interrupted by the Los Angeles County wildfires in early January 2025, according to a point-in-time count conducted by the city’s government.

Stefi Mar April 6, 2026

Bakersfield

Health Experts: Protect Yourself but No Need to Worry Yet About “Virus Without Vaccine” Spreading in California

Health officials say a respiratory virus spreading in parts of the United States is not new, and most people should not panic, even as cases increase in California and other states.

Stefi Mar April 6, 2026

African Americans

“I Want to Write a New California Story”: Eric Swalwell Makes His Case for California Governor

With California’s gubernatorial contest still taking shape, Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell — a former prosecutor and longtime member of Congress who gained national visibility during the Trump-era investigations and impeachments — is presenting himself as a candidate with both a prominent national profile and a focus on the affordability pressures facing Californians.

Stefi Mar April 6, 2026

Los Angeles

Dodgers Roll on Opening Day, Celebrate Championship Legacy at Chavez Ravine

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion, using a pair of explosive middle innings to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 8-2, before a sold-out crowd at Dodger Stadium.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

Los Angeles

Trout Powers Angels to Opening Day Shutout in Houston

The Los Angeles Angels opened their 2026 campaign with a statement win on the road, defeating the Houston Astros, 3-0, in front of more than 41,000 fans at Daikin Park.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

Arts & Culture

Eggtraordinary Event Enjoyed by Residents of Hawthorne

faThis popular event, the Spring Event, Earth Day, and Service Provider Fair, was a fun-filled day for families in the “City of Good Neighbors.” Today’s community gathering of people from all walks of life produced priceless smiles of kids playing and the sounds of laughter that reverberated throughout the park.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

Bakersfield

U.S. Pedestrian Deaths Fall 11% in First Half of 2025, According to New GHSA Research

Despite recent progress, more than 16 people die every day on U.S. roads over six months

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

Bakersfield

South Hampton K-8 Students Among Top 10 Finalists for Samsung’s ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ Competition

Students at South Hampton K-8 School have placed among the top 10 national finalists for Samsung’s 2025-2026 “Solve for Tomorrow” competition.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

African Americans

Brooklyn Academy of Music Names Jamaican-Born Tamara McCaw as President

The renowned Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has announced the appointment of Jamaican-born cultural executive Tamara McCaw as its new president, marking a historic leadership transition for one of the United States’ most influential performing arts institutions.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

African Americans

Black Artists in America, Installation Three Wraps at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens

The tulips gleefully greet those who enter the gates at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens on an almost spring day. More than 650,000 bulbs of various hues are currently on display. And they are truly breathtaking.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

Bakersfield

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

News You Might Have Missed

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

African Americans

How Resilient Black Women Turn Job Loss into New Ventures

In the aftermath of mass layoffs in 2025, many Black women are turning uncertainty into opportunity by launching businesses, strengthening professional networks and being innovative. Through resilience, creativity and community support, they are carving paths to stability and success in a shifting economy.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

African Americans

California Women’s, Black Caucuses Unveil 2026 Legislative Package Focused on Families and Equity

On March 25, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), in collaboration with the California Legislative Women’s Caucus (LWC), stood in unity to present a 2026 legislative package aimed at advancing family-centered economic and social equity.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

African Americans

Baltimore’s Coppin State Builds Pipeline for California Students to Attend HBCU

Twelve Inglewood Unified students left a school assembly last week with college acceptances — and for several, scholarship offers — after a visit from Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, president of Coppin State University.

Stefi Mar March 31, 2026

Author: Stefi Mar

Stay in the Know