Valleys - Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, inc.

Bakersfield

Meet David and Cynthia Hobdy: Birmingham Judge-and-Doctor Couple on Blessings and Lessons of a Loving Marriage

This Valentine’s Day, The Birmingham Times steps into the chambers of justice and the corridors of care to celebrate three extraordinary marriages where love lives at the intersection of duty and devotion. We shine a light on the relationships of three area judges and doctors who are building healthy bonds while serving a community shaped by history, faith, and resilience.

Stefi Mar February 17, 2026

Bakersfield

Tensions Flare at Newsom’s Signing of $90 Million Reproductive Health Bill

On Feb. 11, California Gov. Gavin Newsom held a news conference to sign a $90 million one-time emergency funding bill for Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health care clinics in the state. The event became tense when questions from reporters veered into unrelated political issues, prompting California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel-Newsom to step in and sharply criticize the press.

Stefi Mar February 17, 2026

Features

Ed. Dept. Dismissed 90% of Discrimination Cases, Report Says

The Education Department office responsible for protecting the rights of marginalized and minority students in the nation’s K-12 public schools dismissed nearly every discrimination complaint it received last year, due to the Trump administration’s massive reduction in force, according to a new government watchdog report.

Stefi Mar February 17, 2026

Bakersfield

High Risk, a Black-Owned Luxury Brand, Shuts Down Rodeo Drive With Daring Fashion Week 26 Runway Debut

In the heart of Beverly Hills – as America celebrates Black History Month – a Black-owned clothing line, High Risk, took over one of the most expensive streets in the world for the High Risk FW26 Runway Show last Friday.

Stefi Mar February 17, 2026

Featured

Obamas Make Courtside Appearance at NBA All-Star 75

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama were among the evening’s special guests, attending the Midwinter Classic alongside their daughter, Sasha. The family drew warm applause from fans as cameras panned to their seats during the nationally televised broadcast.

Kathleen Untalan February 17, 2026

Featured

Kawhi Leonard Delivers for the Home Crowd at NBA All-Star 75

From start to finish, there was zip, hustle and a level of intensity that hasn’t always defined All-Star weekends. The official record will show that USA Stars defeated USA Stripes, 47-21, after World was eliminated earlier in the format. History will preserve the numbers. But what stood out most was the atmosphere on the floor — competitive, spirited and dripping with pride.

Kathleen Untalan February 17, 2026

Bakersfield

All-Star Weekend Comes Home: Inglewood Shines on the NBA’s Biggest Stage

From the HBCU Classic and Rising Stars to a competitive All-Star Game and citywide events, Inglewood’s first time hosting NBA All-Star Weekend showcased Black culture, community pride, and the city’s growing national presence.

James Luckey February 16, 2026

Local

Ground Breaks for Inglewood First United Methodist Church’s Affordable Housing Project

Dozens of people filled the pews of Inglewood First United Methodist Church’s (IFUMC) sanctuary on Saturday, Feb. 7. Applause and “amens” filled the room in celebration of the church’s groundbreaking event as the community became one of the first religious organizations to develop affordable housing in the city.

Stefi Mar February 11, 2026

Los Angeles

Bad Bunny Shined on Super Bowl Sunday

A Super Bowl halftime show months in the making unfolded largely in Spanish—bold, unapologetic, and pulsing with Latin rhythm. Leave it to Bad Bunny to command one of the world’s biggest stages while having millions bobbing, weaving, and smiling to a beat rooted in culture and community.

Stefi Mar February 11, 2026

Local

The City of Los Angeles Scheduled to Host the Inaugural Los Angeles Jazz Festival

We are well into the New Year! There’s no turning back. 2026 promises to welcome millions of visitors to the City of Angels in the next few days and the months from now.

Stefi Mar February 11, 2026

Local

A Historical and Milestone Black History Month Celebration in Los Angeles

The City of Los Angeles marked the beginning of Black History Month on February 4, 2026. Guests heeded the invitation from the Los Angeles City Council, Mayor Karen Bass, and Lura Daniels-Ball, President, Our Authors Study Club, Inc. (OASC).

Stefi Mar February 11, 2026

Bakersfield

The Truth About California’s “Mileage Tax” – Clashing Viewpoints Continue to Heat Up a Partisan Policy Fight

As California grapples with declining gas tax revenues and a rapidly changing transportation landscape, Assembly Bill (AB) 1421 has emerged as a flashpoint in Sacramento – adding heat to an ongoing debate over how the state should pay for its roads, bridges, and transit systems in the years ahead.

Stefi Mar February 11, 2026

Bakersfield

Reclaiming Nature: State Agencies Partner with Black-Led Groups Aiming to Expand Access, Belonging

For generations, Black Americans have been written out of the story of the outdoors, say Black nature enthusiasts and leaders of Black conservation and environmental organizations.

Stefi Mar February 11, 2026

Bakersfield

NAACP Calls on Gov. Newsom to Veto Veterans Benefit Bill

As early as this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom could act on California Senate Bill (SB) 694, a measure approved by the Legislature that has reached his desk aimed at curbing what supporters call predatory practices against veterans seeking federal benefits,

Stefi Mar February 11, 2026

Bakersfield

It’s 2026 and You’re Uninsured. Now What?

Health policy changes in Washington will ripple through the country, resulting in millions of Americans losing their Medicaid or Affordable Care Act coverage. But there are still ways to find care.

Stefi Mar February 10, 2026

Bakersfield

Extend Obamacare Tax Credits: Calif. Assembly Votes to Pass Resolution Pressuring Congress and White House

On Feb. 5, the California State Assembly voted to pass Assembly Joint Resolution 25 (AJR 25) – legislation focused on maintaining lowered health care costs authored by Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) and Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay).

Stefi Mar February 10, 2026

Bakersfield

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed

News You Might Have Missed

Stefi Mar February 10, 2026

Bakersfield

When Health Insurance Costs More Than the Mortgage

When Noah Hulsman, who owns a skate shop in Louisville, Kentucky, learned he no longer qualified for federal subsidies to help him pay for his “gold” Affordable Care Act health plan, the 37-year-old opted for skimpier coverage. But the deductible is about a quarter of his yearly income.

Stefi Mar February 10, 2026

Bakersfield

California Insurance Bill Ignites Battle Between Fire Survivors and Big Oil

Survivors of the Los Angeles fires and consumer advocates joined Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) at the State Capitol on Feb. 5 to announce Senate Bill (SB) 982, the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act (AIR Act)

Stefi Mar February 10, 2026

Bakersfield

Black Voices Come Alive at 2026 Sundance Film Festival

Black filmmakers, actors and films were an integral part of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Now that the event is leaving Park City, Utah after 40+ years, they were around to say farewell. In 2027 the fest is headed to Boulder, Colorado.

Stefi Mar February 10, 2026

Category: Valleys

Stay in the Know