Valleys - Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, inc.

Bakersfield

The Voting Rights Act Is Under Threat. So Are Workers’ Rights.

In our workplaces, in our communities and in our government, the right to vote is how working people make our voices heard. The late Rep. John Lewis (Georgia) proclaimed, “Your vote is precious, almost sacred.” The Supreme Court’s recent decision allowing Texas to use a racially discriminatory congressional map threatens that precious right once again—and with it, the foundation of worker power itself.

Stefi Mar December 22, 2025

African Americans

The Truth Is Under Attack; The Black Press Needs You

This is not a reflection. It is a demand. The Black Press of America is being deliberately starved, and unless people act now, it will collapse in full view of the nation it has served for nearly two centuries. This is not about nostalgia. It is about whether truth survives when power decides it should not.

Stefi Mar December 22, 2025

Bakersfield

Evan Turnage Announces Run for Congress, Targeting Longtime Incumbent Bennie Thompson

Jackson, Mississippi native Evan Turnage, a 33-year-old antitrust lawyer and former top Senate counsel, formally entered the race for Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District on December 17, setting up a Democratic primary challenge to longtime incumbent Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson in the March 10, 2026, election.

Stefi Mar December 22, 2025

Bakersfield

Guns Marketed for Personal Safety Fuel Public Health Crisis in Black Communities

Leon Harris, 35, is intimately familiar with the devastation guns can inflict. Robbers shot him in the back nearly two decades ago, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. The bullet remains lodged in his spine.

Stefi Mar December 22, 2025

Bakersfield

Washington’s Homeless Hide in Plain Sight, Growing Sicker and Costing Taxpayers More

Every night, Abdullah Ibrahim retreats from the streets into a wooded stretch along the Potomac River.
As night falls and temperatures drop, he erects a tent and builds a fire beneath a canopy of pine, hemlock, and cedar trees.

Stefi Mar December 22, 2025

Bakersfield

Worried About Health Insurance Costs? There May Be Cheaper Options — But With Trade-Offs

For the millions of Americans who buy Affordable Care Act insurance, there’s still time left to enroll for 2026. But premium increases and the expiration of enhanced tax subsidies have led to larger-than-expected costs.

Stefi Mar December 22, 2025

Bakersfield

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Corey Jackson, a Strong Equity-Focused Voice in the Legislature

Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) represents the 60th Assembly District. He was first elected in November 2022.

Stefi Mar December 22, 2025

Los Angeles

Rose Bowl showdown set: Indiana meets Alabama with CFP stakes

facebooktwitterinstagram PASADENA — The grand stage of the Rose Bowl will host a compelling College Football Playoff quarterfinal as the No. 1–seeded Indiana Hoosiers prepare

Kathleen Untalan December 22, 2025

Los Angeles

Chargers slow Cowboys, clinch AFC playoff spot

facebooktwitterinstagram ARLINGTON, Texas — Quarterback Justin Herbert delivered one of his most efficient performances of the season, and the Los Angeles Chargers punched their ticket

Kathleen Untalan December 22, 2025

Los Angeles

Rams falter late as Seahawks seize NFC West in overtime thriller

facebooktwitterinstagram LOS ANGELES — For three quarters, the Los Angeles Rams looked firmly in control. By the end of a wild overtime finish, the Seattle

Kathleen Untalan December 22, 2025

Local

FAME Church Spreads Joy to Thousands of Residents at Annual Christmas Giveaway

facebooktwitterinstagram More than 5,000 Los Angeles residents were served this weekend as First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles (FAME) hosted its beloved Annual

Kathleen Untalan December 22, 2025

Local

Jazzin’ Up the Holidays for a Good Cause WinterFest ‘25

The Center of Hope courtyard was transformed into an intimate concert venue for a wonderful celebration of jazz music, benefiting a good cause, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12:00-6:00 pm.

Stefi Mar December 16, 2025

Local

FIRST A.M.E. CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES TO HOST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY SERVING THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES IN NEED

First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles (FAME), the city’s oldest African American–founded church, will host its Annual Christmas Giveaway on Saturday, December 20 at 9:00 a.m., continuing a more than 40-year tradition of holiday giving to support thousands of families facing financial hardship across Los Angeles.

Stefi Mar December 16, 2025

Front Page

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Sen. Laura Richardson, Who Made Legislative History This Year

Elected in November 2024 to represent California’s 35th Senate District in the Los Angeles area, Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro) brings decades of experience in public service to her role.

Stefi Mar December 16, 2025

Front Page

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas – an Advocate for Jobs and Justice

Representing the 28th Senate District, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) brings a lifelong commitment to working families, shaped by her upbringing as the daughter of a single mother who was a military veteran and a registered nurse.

Stefi Mar December 16, 2025

Front Page

‘Call Jacob’ Sponsors Annual LAFOA Dinner At LAPD Academy

The Los Angeles Football Officials Association (LAFOA) brought together more than 130 officials, family members and supporters for its annual dinner at the Los Angeles Police Academy—an evening that blended humor, history and heartfelt recognition of those who make the game possible.

Stefi Mar December 16, 2025

Bakersfield

Top Black Caucus Members Asks Trump Officials About Antifa and Finds No Answers

On September 22, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating “antifa” as a domestic terrorist organization. Trump has repeatedly referred to “antifa” on social media. On October 8, at the White House, Trump hosted an “antifa” roundtable. Sitting between his Attorney General Pam Bondi and his Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the event branded “Antifa” as a domestic “terrorist organization.”

Stefi Mar December 16, 2025

African Americans

Dying From a Name: Racism, Resentment, and Politics in Health Care Are Even More Unaffordable

As millions of Americans brace for health insurance bills that will soon double or worse, the coming crisis is not the result of confusion or accident. It is the consequence of a long campaign that treated health care not as a human necessity, but as a battleground for grievance, race, and political spite.

Stefi Mar December 16, 2025

Bakersfield

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, Champion of Reparations, Housing and Workers’ Rights

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) represents
California’s 61st Assembly District, covering areas including Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, Venice, Westchester, and West Athens.

Stefi Mar December 16, 2025

Bakersfield

2025 in Review: Seven Questions for Assemblymember Lori Wilson – Advocate for Equity, the Environment, and More

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) joined the California Legislature in 2022 after making history as Solano County’s first Black female mayor, bringing with her a track record of fiscal discipline, community investment, and inclusive leadership.

Stefi Mar December 16, 2025

Category: Valleys

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