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Category: Valleys

Arts & Culture
Kathleen Untalan

Sixth Annual Afro Mujeres Fest Reclaims Heritage, Healing, and Culture in South Central LA

The all-women Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble Bloco Obini—composed of local educators, nurses, activists, and healers—brought their drums into the center of the venue. Carrying the spirit of Ayan Agalu, the Yoruba spiritual archetype symbolizing the drum’s power to bring strength and unity, their polyrhythmic drumming drew attendees from across the grounds into an expansive dance circle.

Kathleen Untalan July 28, 2026
Los Angeles
Kathleen Untalan

Dodgers Roll After All-Star Break

The Los Angeles Dodgers entered the All-Star break on a sour note after being swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Since the break, however, the defending National League powerhouse has quickly regained its form.

Kathleen Untalan July 28, 2026
Los Angeles
Kathleen Untalan

Big Ten Media Days Open With Championship Expectations

CHICAGO — With the last three College Football Playoff national championships won by Big Ten schools, the conference opened its 2026 Football Media Days this week with plenty of confidence and even higher expectations.

Kathleen Untalan July 28, 2026
Education
Stefi Mar

Commentary: Inglewood’s School District Return to Local Control Offers Lessons for California

Nearly 14 years after California intervened in the Inglewood Unified School District’s (IUSD) fiscal crisis, the district is closer than ever to regaining full local control. That achievement deserves recognition. It also gives California an opportunity to evaluate what its longest-running school receivership can teach about helping school districts recover from fiscal crisis.

Stefi Mar July 22, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

From Blueprint to Breakthrough: Tackling Affordable Housing in New York City

Finding an affordable place to live continues to be a challenge for many as widespread housing shortages persist across the U.S. Rising home prices and high interest rates have made homeownership inaccessible for a large portion of the population. Meanwhile, as rental demand increases, the number of renters facing affordability challenges is also growing.

Stefi Mar July 21, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

Surveillance Pricing Fight: State Senate Debates Bill Banning Retailers From Using AI to Set Prices Based on a Buyer’s Profile

Surveillance pricing—the algorithmic practice of using personal data to determine individualized costs for goods and services—is widespread in California, according to Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego). He warns that this system is actively impacting consumers across the state, and Black Californians could be specifically targeted.

Stefi Mar July 21, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

COMMENTARY: She Is Me — You Are Your First Love Story

There is something beautiful about women who love deeply. We are the women who answer late night phone calls, sit in hospital rooms, pray for our friends’ children, celebrate others while quietly carrying our own burdens, and somehow find a way to pour from cups that have been empty for quite some time.

Stefi Mar July 21, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Aftermarket Auto Parts Breathe New Life into Older Cars

From giving owners the opportunity to solve obsolescence issues related to discontinued parts to providing them with cost-effective repairs, these are some of the primary ways aftermarket auto parts breathe life into older or broken-down vehicles. They also offer upgrades that help boost vehicle reliability, comfort, and performance.

Stefi Mar July 21, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

‘Michael’s’ Billion-Dollar Success Meets a Stunning Family Reversal

As the blockbuster “Michael” crossed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office and cemented Michael Jackson’s estate as the steward of the first music biopic ever to reach the milestone, another chapter involving one of the singer’s closest relationships has moved into federal court.

Stefi Mar July 21, 2026