State - Observer News Group

President Biden Names Silicon Valley Woman to White House African Diaspora Council

by Stefi Mar | Dec 5, 2023 | Bakersfield, Front Page, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

African Diaspora Network (ADN) founder and executive director Almaz Negash has uplifted and championed investment in businesspersons, entrepreneurs, and innovators of African descent in U.S. communities and across the African continent for 13 years.

Gov. Newsom Appoints Tomiquia Moss to Lead State Agency Tackling Homelessness, Consumer Rights

by Stefi Mar | Dec 5, 2023 | Bakersfield, Front Page, Los Angeles, State, State & Local Politics, Valleys | 0

On Nov. 28, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Tomiquia Moss as Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH).

California Black Media Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed

by Stefi Mar | Dec 5, 2023 | Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

News you may have missed.

New California Law Offers Fresh Protection From Steep Ambulance Bills

by Stefi Mar | Nov 28, 2023 | Bakersfield, Features, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

Last year, Jennifer Reisz’s college-age daughter, Megan, was kicked in the chest multiple times by the family’s horse. Megan fell to the ground, unable to move or speak. Though she was alone, her Apple Watch detected her distress and called 911.

Legislature Revisits Bill That Would Increase Voter Registration Options for Californians

by Stefi Mar | Nov 28, 2023 | Bakersfield, Front Page, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

A bill that would have given more “entities” the authority to register eligible voters in Californians, Senate Bill (SB) 299, stalled in the Senate Health Committee last June.

California Students to Receive Media Literacy Classes Under New Law

by Stefi Mar | Nov 28, 2023 | Bakersfield, Education K-12, Front Page, Los Angeles, State, Valleys | 0

California has enacted a law mandating the inclusion of media literacy education in the K–12 curriculum, which state officials called a proactive approach to address the growing challenge of misinformation. The legislation, known as Bill No. 873, received approval from Gov. Gavin Newsom in October and is set to take effect in January 2024. 

California Black Media Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed

by Stefi Mar | Nov 28, 2023 | Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Politics, State, State & Local Politics, Valleys | 0

News you may have missed

Commentary: Bridging Apologies – Lessons from Japanese American Internment Demand Recognition of Injustices Against Black Californians

by Stefi Mar | Nov 28, 2023 | Bakersfield, Los Angeles, State, Valleys | 0

In August, the California Attorney General’s Office, publicly apologized for its role in the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. This belated acknowledgement highlights America’s capacity for prejudice and injustice.

2024 Legislative Session: Black Caucus Members Named as Committee Chairs

by Stefi Mar | Nov 28, 2023 | Bakersfield, Congress, Features, Los Angeles, State, Valleys | 0

Several Black legislators serving in the California state Assembly have been appointed as committee chairs for the 2024 legislative session. All are members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

UCLA Project Explores Solutions, Responses for Addressing Hate

by Stefi Mar | Nov 14, 2023 | Bakersfield, Front Page, Los Angeles, State, State & Local Politics, Valleys | 0

Aaron Ellis, 43, has personally experienced the pain and animosity victims of hate incidents suffer.

Attorney Gen. Rob Bonta Release Data That Links Domestic and Gun Violence

by Stefi Mar | Nov 14, 2023 | Bakersfield, Front Page, Los Angeles, State, Valleys | 0

 Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office released data that established which demonstrated a connection between domestic violence and gun violence, and highlighted the risks women face in abusive relationships.

As Gov’t Invests Billions in Infrastructure, Advocates Say “It Costs” to Sideline Blacks, Other Minorities

by Stefi Mar | Nov 14, 2023 | Front Page, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Valleys | 0

As California and the federal government invests trillions of dollars in infrastructure projects, advocates say there’s a cost for not guaranteeing equitable racial and ethnic participation in contracting, as firms are hired to carry out the necessary work.