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Category: Features

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Commentary: California Must Protect Mental Health Funding That Centers Our Communities

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised budget proposal includes the California Department of Health’s complete elimination of the California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP), a devastating move that would dismantle critical, community-driven mental health programs across the state. This includes our own Sisters Mentally Mobilized – Advocate Training Program, which trains and supports Black women as mental health advocates and change agents in their communities.

Stefi Mar May 27, 2025
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Affordable Childcare Remains a Barrier: Solutions in New Report

While America’s childcare supply grew nationally, the price of that care continues to rise—placing affordable, high-quality care out of reach for many families. A new report released by Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA), Child Care in America: 2024 Price & Supply, shows that despite promising signs of increased supply, affordability remains a major barrier — and underscores the need for increased sustained federal and state investment.

Stefi Mar May 27, 2025
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

The Lead Up to the Five-Year Anniversary of George Floyd

“Companies have not necessarily been transparent” in the corporate data collection process about their commitments following the police-involved death of 46-year-old George Floyd, says Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League.

Stefi Mar May 27, 2025
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

AFT Official on FAMU Hire: ‘They’re Trying to Run our Minds’

The hiring of Marva Johnson by Florida A&M University is a calculated political strategy to control Black institutions and influence how future generations think, said Fedrick C. Ingram, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers. “They are trying to change the mindset, get into the brain trust of young people to try and change history, to try and change a cultural mindset,” Ingram asserted.

Stefi Mar May 27, 2025
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Trump Demands Probe of Celebs Who Backed Harris

President Donald Trump’s latest tirade marks a new chapter in what critics call one of modern history’s angriest and most vengeful post-election victory laps. Despite reclaiming the White House, Trump and his inner circle continue to lash out—not at rivals in government, but at celebrities who backed his 2024 opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Stefi Mar May 27, 2025
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

May Revise: Newsom’s 2025 Budget Preserves Services Critical to Black Communities

On May 14, Gov. Gavin Newsom presented his revised 2025–26 state budget, a $321.9 billion proposal designed to close a projected $11.9 billion deficit while maintaining core investments in education, health care, and behavioral health. During a 90-minute presentation, Newsom started by touting California’s status as the world’s fourth-largest economy before laying out fiscal adjustments needed to guide the state through what he described as an “uncertain and volatile” climate. 

Stefi Mar May 21, 2025
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

A Victory in Voting Rights

The NAACP Legal Defense Fund is taking a victory lap for a Supreme Court win against Alabama’s discriminatory redistricting practices that targeted Black voters there. Attorney Deuel Ross for the Legal Defense Fund says, “The Supreme Court ruled that Alabama had violated the Voting Rights Act by chopping up that Black population and declining to create two majority Black Districts.”

Stefi Mar May 20, 2025
African Americans
Stefi Mar

The DEI Deception: White Women Benefit, Black Americans Blamed

While President Donald Trump and his allies at the Heritage Foundation work to gut diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across America, a dangerous narrative continues to spread—that DEI is some handout to Black Americans.

Stefi Mar May 13, 2025
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Sounding The Alarm

Hands off Our History plans more protests like the Saturday Washington DC rally, where several organizations banded together to draw attention to attempts to remove artifacts from the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. “Black people built this country, and we will not allow anyone to erase us from the American story because Black History is American History,” says Melanie Campbell, president/CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.

Stefi Mar May 13, 2025
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Opinion: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

Stefi Mar May 13, 2025
Features
Stefi Mar

Protect Your Smile This Summer: Limit Sugar-Sweetened Drinks!

Summer can be a great time to establish and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. As a dentist, I also emphasize the importance of limiting sugary drinks, which can significantly impact our children’s overall health and well-being.

Stefi Mar May 6, 2025