State - Observer News Group

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

by Stefi Mar | Jul 1, 2025 | Bakersfield, CA vs Hate, Local, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

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.

CA vs Hate Teams Up With San Francisco Giants and Oakland Roots

by Stefi Mar | Jun 3, 2025 | Bakersfield, CA vs Hate, Features, Los Angeles, Valleys | 0

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is partnering with the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Roots to take a stand against hate and discrimination.

Black Orgs Converge on California State Capitol for Legislative Day

by Stefi Mar | May 28, 2025 | African Americans, Bakersfield, Front Page, Los Angeles, NAACP, Politics, State, State & Local Politics, Statewide, Valleys | 0

Several influential, Black-focused organizations from across California convened in Sacramento to engage with elected officials and lobby for specific policies that would affect Black communities around the state.

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

by Stefi Mar | May 21, 2025 | Bakersfield, Features, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

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.

New California Bill Goes After “Buyers” of Commercial Sexual Activity

by Stefi Mar | Apr 29, 2025 | Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

A coalition, comprised of anti-trafficking organizations, law enforcement officers, mayors, federally recognized California tribes, organized labor leaders, and policymakers, is urging support for Assembly Bill (AB) 379.

The Real ID Deadline Is May 7. Here’s What Californians Need to Know

by Stefi Mar | Apr 29, 2025 | Bakersfield, Local, Los Angeles, State, Statewide, Valleys | 0

On May 7, the federal government will start enforcing Real ID requirements at U.S. airports and some federal facilities.

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed 

by Stefi Mar | Apr 29, 2025 | Bakersfield, Features, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

News You Might Have  Missed 

Four Black Caucus’ “Road to Repair” Bills Aim to Reduce Biases; Determine Reparations Eligibility

by Stefi Mar | Apr 29, 2025 | Bakersfield, Features, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

“Senate Bill (SB) 437 utilizes the California State University to explore options to determine how to confirm if an individual is a descendant of a person who was a victim of American chattel slavery,” said Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego).

California Holds the Line on DEI as Trump Administration Threatens School Funding  

by Stefi Mar | Apr 22, 2025 | Bakersfield, Donald Trump, Education K-12, Features, Los Angeles, State, Valleys | 0

California education leaders are pushing back against the Trump administration’s directive to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in its K-12 public schools — despite threats to take away billions in federal funding.

California Rideshare Drivers and Supporters Step Up Push to Unionize

by Stefi Mar | Apr 21, 2025 | Bakersfield, Local, Los Angeles, State, Statewide, Valleys | 0

On July 5, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into federal law the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Also known as the “Wagner Act,” the law paved the way for employees to have “the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations,” and “to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, according to the legislation’s language.