Category: Local

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

New Poll Shows Americans Value Skilled Trades but Say They’re Overlooked

A new Harris Poll report reveals that while Americans overwhelmingly view skilled trades as essential to society, they also believe the field is undervalued, overlooked in schools, and facing a generational perception gap that could deepen the labor shortage crisis already gripping the nation.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Gun Violence Restraining Orders: Stopping Shooters Before They Strike

State officials and community advocates in California are working to raise awareness about Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs), a legal tool that allows firearms to be temporarily removed from individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others. Although the law has been on the books since 2016, many Californians still don’t know these orders exist.

Local
Stefi Mar

Back Together Again with Lakeside, and Major at the Inglewood Family Unity Day

The city of Inglewood welcomed hundreds of residents to Darby Park for the 2nd Annual Inglewood Family Unity Day. The lyrics to “The Second Time Around” by Shalamar and “Back Together Again” by Lakeside come to mind while writing this review, particularly about the 2nd Annual Inglewood Family Unity Day.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Scott Bill Targets USDA Discrimination as Trump Ends DEI Protections

As the Trump administration moves to eliminate key diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) protections at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Democratic Congressman David Scott of Georgia has introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding the future of Black farmers and reversing decades of systemic discrimination.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

AI Isn’t Killing Jobs—Yet. But Entry-Level Workers and Middle Managers Should Be Watching Closely

Despite relentless corporate hype and rising concerns about mass unemployment, artificial intelligence has yet to lead to widespread job losses. Reports from Goldman Sachs, Brookings, CNN, the World Economic Forum, and tech industry analysts all point to the same conclusion: AI is changing the workforce—but the doomsday scenario hasn’t arrived. According to Goldman Sachs’ Q2 2025 AI Adoption Tracker, AI usage among U.S. firms rose from 7.4% to 9.2% in just one quarter. Yet the research found “no sign of a significant impact on most labor market outcomes.” Job growth, wage trends, unemployment, and layoff rates in AI-exposed industries remain consistent with those in less-exposed sectors.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

How To Find the Right Medical Rehab Services

Rehabilitation therapy can be a godsend after hospitalization for a stroke, a fall, an accident, a joint replacement, a severe burn, or a spinal cord injury, among other conditions. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are offered in a variety of settings, including at hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and at home. It’s crucial to identify a high-quality, safe option with professionals experienced in treating your condition.

Local
Stefi Mar

Who’s In Charge of Los Angeles

“This is the federal seizure of power,” according to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who emphasizes that the Trump administration has federalized the National Guard, seizing power from California Governor Gavin Newsom. She says the administration has “taken his ability to manage the National Guard.” This week, Bass filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding his immigration measures in the city, which she considers “overreach.” She wants the federal authorities out of LA. According to Bass, there are three components to this: political, humanitarian, and economic. Calling Los Angeles a “Petri dish” that President Trump is “experimenting” with.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

Did You Know? Celebrating the Rich Legacy of Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Did you know there’s a remarkable place in California dedicated to honoring the resilience and legacy of African Americans? Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, located in Earlimart, CA, was founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth—a visionary and the highest-ranking Black officer of his time in the U.S. Army. This unique town symbolizes Black determination, self-sufficiency, and cultural pride.

Local
Stefi Mar

Traveling Through the African Diaspora in Los Angeles

It is no wonder that Los Angeles is a melting pot of various cultures. If I were a betting man, with someone else’s money, I would venture to say that the global community is represented in the City of Angels. I had the pleasure of taking a trip through the African diaspora on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

Local
Stefi Mar

Exciting News: Lineup for the 6th Annual Leimert Park Jazz Festival

Summer is in full swing. This is also associated with warmer weather and many outdoor festivals. The cultural landscape of Los Angeles invites you to get out to enjoy the various events throughout out the city. The global jazz community is anxious in a healthy way. Locally, jazz aficionados and music lovers are excited that festival season is finally heated up.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Music’s Role for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families

Hearing is one of the first senses to develop — babies are listening to and learning from their birth parents before they are born! Once children are born, music and singing have important impacts on their early development. It supports brain development and skills across multiple Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) domains.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

California Leaders Address Rising Hate Incidents with Policy Focus and New Data

California lawmakers and state agencies are intensifying efforts to combat the growing prevalence of hate crimes and bias incidents across the state. On June 25, a legislative hearing and two newly released government reports highlighted the persistent threats facing communities targeted by race, religion, gender identity and other forms of discrimination.