Statewide - Observer News Group

Thurmond Details Education Priorities, Funding Challenges During Senate Committee Hearing

by Stefi Mar | Mar 3, 2025 | Bakersfield, Education K-12, Los Angeles, Statewide, Valleys | 0

The California State Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education, chaired by Sen. John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), held a hearing on Feb. 27, where State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond provided a State of Education address and discussed key education funding priorities.

California Legislative Black Caucus 2025 Legislative Package Includes Reparations Priorities

by Stefi Mar | Feb 27, 2025 | Bakersfield, Los Angeles, National, Politics, State, Statewide, Valleys | 0

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) has unveiled its 2025 legislative priorities. Titled the the “Road to Repair 2025,” the bill package continues the CLBC’s effort to address the generational harm caused by slavery and systemic discrimination against Black Californians.

In Unexpected Move, Calif. Republican Lawmaker Bill Essayli Introduces Reparations Bill

by Stefi Mar | Feb 27, 2025 | Bakersfield, Features, Los Angeles, Politics, State, Statewide, Valleys | 0

Last month, about 100 reparations advocates met at the State Capitol to build support for bills they backed that didn’t make it to the Assembly floor for votes during the last legislative session.

CA Republicans Call on Trump Admin to Help Beat Back State’s Natural Gas Restrictions

by Stefi Mar | Feb 18, 2025 | Donald Trump, Local, Los Angeles, Statewide, Valleys | 0

California Republican leaders are pushing back against state and local initiatives across the Golden State aimed at preventing Californians from buying or installing gas appliances in their homes.

Another Push for Reparations for Slavery and Black a Wall Street

by Stefi Mar | Feb 18, 2025 | African Americans, Bakersfield, Front Page, Los Angeles, National, Statewide, Valleys | 0

The growing movement for reparations for the descendants of Africans enslaved in America is receiving another jolt of energy. Democratic Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Presley is revitalizing the work of the late Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee with the reintroduction of H. R. 40. The newly reintroduced bill would create a 15-member commission to study concrete solutions to the Black Wall Street Tulsa Massacre.

Two New California Bills Are Aiming to Lower Your Prescription Drug Costs

by Stefi Mar | Feb 11, 2025 | Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Politics, State, State & Local Politics, Statewide, Valleys | 0

Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has introduced two bills in the State Senate that could lower prescription drug prices for California residents.

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

by Stefi Mar | Feb 11, 2025 | Bakersfield, Features, Los Angeles, State, State & Local Politics, Statewide, Valleys | 0

Lawsuit Accuses UC Schools of Giving Preference to Black and Hispanic Students

California Housing Officials Recommend State Protect Renters From Extreme Heat

by Stefi Mar | Feb 11, 2025 | Bakersfield, Features, Los Angeles, State, Statewide, Valleys, Weather | 0

Citing the hundreds of lives lost to extreme heat each year, California state housing officials are urging lawmakers to set residential cooling standards long opposed by landlords and builders who fear such a measure would force them to make big-ticket upgrades.

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

by Stefi Mar | Feb 4, 2025 | Bakersfield, Congress, Features, Los Angeles, National Politics, Politics, State, State & Local Politics, Statewide, Tech, Valleys | 0

News You Might Have Missed

Opinion: Trump’s Inaugural Address Makes Lofty Promises; Raises Lingering Questions for Black Californians

by Stefi Mar | Jan 28, 2025 | Bakersfield, African Americans, Donald Trump, Los Angeles, Op-Ed, Statewide, Valleys | 0

President Donald Trump’s second inaugural address outlined his vision for a “golden age” in America. Delivered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the speech acknowledged Black voters for their record turnout and pledged to honor King’s dream. While Trump’s words struck a hopeful tone, promising national unity, prosperity, and restoration, his lack of specifics on systemic inequities — particularly those impacting Black Californians –raises concerns about the direction of his administration’s policies.