By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
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Assembly Honors Dr. William “Bill” Burke as Family Returns to Capitol Where His Legacy Began
The first Black woman elected to the California Legislature, Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, her daughters, former Assemblymember Autumn Burke Adams and Christine Burke Adams, and her granddaughter, visited the California State Capitol on June 8 to attend an Assembly floor session honoring the life and legacy of Dr. William “Bill” Burke.
The Assembly adjourned in memory of Dr. Burke, Brathwaite Burke’s husband of 54 years and a prominent civic leader who began his public service career at the Capitol. Dr. Burke, founder of the Los Angeles Marathon, died May 29 at the age of 87.
“Thank you to the members of the California State Assembly for adjourning in memory of my dad,” Autumn Burke posted on LinkedIn.
“His first job in the Capitol was working for Speaker Jesse Unruh. It was there that he met my mom and began a lifetime of service to the State of California, both in the Capitol and far beyond it.”
Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) joined fellow lawmakers, including Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), in paying tribute to Dr. Burke. Assemblymembers Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) and Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) delivered remarks celebrating his life and contributions.
“Dr. Burke was a giant, not only for his accomplishments, but because of his generosity in sharing his knowledge, wisdom, and encouraging others,” McKinnor said, fighting back tears. “I am deeply grateful for learning from him. To Yvonne, Autumn, Christine, Isabella and the entire family, please know that California mourns with you. We pray that God grant you peace, comfort, and strength during these difficult times.”
In Los Angeles, Dr. Burke was widely recognized as a pioneering entrepreneur, civic leader and advocate for environmental justice. He is perhaps best known as the founder of the Los Angeles Marathon, which became one of the nation’s premier road races and a symbol of the city’s resilience and unity.
He was also chair of the South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board.
The Capitol holds deep personal and historical significance for the Burke family. Yvonne Brathwaite Burke served as an assemblymember from 1967 to 1973, a member of Congress and Los Angeles County supervisor, while Autumn Burke represented the 62nd Assembly District from 2014 to 2022, continuing the family’s tradition of public service.
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Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove Introduces Bill to Restore Free Admission to Federal Parks Free on Juneteenth, MLK Day
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) introduced legislation June 11 that would restore Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day as fee-free admission days at national parks and other federal recreational lands.
Kamlager-Dove’s district covers parts of Los Angeles County, including Culver City, Ladera Heights, View Park-Windsor Hills, Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw and West Adams.
The measure, known as the Encouraging Public Service in Our National Parks and Public Lands Act, comes after the Trump administration removed the two holidays from its list of fee-free days and replaced them with President Donald Trump’s birthday and other dates centered on patriotic themes.
The bill would amend federal law to permanently designate Juneteenth and MLK Day as free admission days while preserving other long-standing fee-free dates intended to encourage volunteerism and public service on federal lands. Supporters say the change would prevent future administrations from altering the list without congressional approval and restore the program’s original focus on community engagement and stewardship.
“It’s ridiculous that Donald Trump thinks that he deserves more recognition than MLK Jr. or the millions of enslaved Black Americans who realized they had independence on Juneteenth,” said Kamlager-Dove. “Not only do these fee-free days recognize important days in American history, they are also used to promote public service within our public lands.”
Under the legislation, fee-free admission days would include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. She said free admission days have helped build partnerships between visitors and park staff while encouraging volunteer projects and conservation efforts across public lands.
“Free entry days in our National Parks have promoted cooperation between park rangers and visitors for decades,” Cortez Masto said. “We need to make sure that these days continue to reflect our commitment to working together and being good stewards of our public lands through volunteering and service.”
The legislation has garnered support from more than a dozen House Democrats and several Senate Democrats.
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Democrats Rally Behind Becerra After Primary Victory, Setting Stage for November Showdown With Hilton
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is entering the general election with a growing wall of support from some of California’s most influential Democratic leaders, signaling a rapid consolidation of the party following the June 2 primary.
Becerra, who finished first in the crowded gubernatorial primary field, will face Republican businessman and commentator Steve Hilton in November after vote counting confirmed the two candidates as the top finishers. You
In recent days, Democrats from across the party’s ideological spectrum have lined up behind Becerra, portraying him as the candidate best positioned to keep California in Democratic hands.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris praised Becerra’s record of public service and described him as a leader who understands California’s diverse communities, while Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted Becerra’s experience as attorney general, cabinet secretary and longtime public servant, urging Democrats to unite for the November contest.
Newsom, who remained neutral during the primary campaign, endorsed Becerra shortly after the race was called.
“I’m proud to support Xavier as our nominee for Governor and look forward to helping ensure a smooth transition,” Newsom said. “He will stand up to Donald Trump, defend our families, and keep California moving forward.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also threw her support behind Becerra, emphasizing his leadership credentials and his historic candidacy.
“I know as Governor, he will do whatever it takes to stand up to Donald Trump, defend our rights, and protect our communities,” Harris said. “I look forward to standing with Xavier as California makes history by electing our first Latino governor in 150 years.”
Harris also praised Becerra’s “calm, steady brand of leadership,” according to her endorsement statement.
One of the most notable endorsements came from former Congresswoman Katie Porter, who competed against Becerra in the primary. Porter said Becerra shares California values and has demonstrated a willingness to stand up to former President Donald Trump and defend the state’s interests. Her endorsement was viewed as an important signal of Democratic unity after a contentious primary campaign.
Even billionaire environmental activist and former rival Tom Steyer, who narrowly missed advancing to the general election, urged Democrats to rally behind Becerra. Following his concession, Steyer endorsed Becerra and called on voters to unite to prevent a Republican victory in November.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, whom Newsom appointed to succeed Becerra as attorney general in 2021, also joined the growing list of supporters, praising Becerra’s leadership and experience.
Former State Controller Betty Yee, another former gubernatorial candidate, has also expressed support for Becerra following the primary, adding to the coalition of elected officials and former rivals now backing his campaign.
_______California State Controller Malia M. Cohen Appoints Council of Economic Advisors
California State Controller Malia M. Cohen announced the formation of a new Council of Economic Advisors that will provide independent economic analysis and policy recommendations to help guide decisions affecting the state’s fiscal health and economic future. You
The council, chaired by Dr. Jerry Nickelsburg, faculty director emeritus and senior economist at the UCLA Anderson Forecast, brings together six economists and policy experts from across California. Members will advise the controller on global, national, state and local economic trends and their impact on California’s finances.
The move comes as the Controller’s Office seeks to expand its use of data-driven analysis following the release of California’s audited financial statements ahead of key state budget discussions. The advisory panel will assess economic conditions across California’s regions and industries and recommend policy solutions related to affordability, tax policy, healthcare, education, workforce development, small business growth and equitable economic development.
“While we continue to reimagine financial transparency in order to give Californians a clearer understanding of the state’s financial condition, we need to call upon expert talent that has its fingers on the pulse of what is driving global, national, statewide and regional markets,” Cohen said.
According to the Controller’s Office, the council will combine economic expertise with real-time fiscal information, including state cash receipts and expenditure data, to help identify challenges and opportunities affecting California’s economy. Officials said the group will serve as a resource for developing policies that support long-term fiscal stability and economic opportunity.
Nickelsburg said council members are honored to provide economic insights and recommendations that could have a meaningful impact on California residents and the state’s financial resources.
In addition to Nickelsburg, the council includes economists from California State University, Fullerton; the Bay Area Council Economic Institute; Global Economic Advisors; Claremont McKenna College; the Inland Empire Economic Partnership; and the State Controller’s Office.
As California’s chief fiscal officer, Cohen oversees the state’s financial resources, manages state cash flow, issues financial reports and conducts audits of agencies that spend state funds.
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Disability Advocates Rally at Capitol to Stop $367.7 Million “Gutting” of In-Home Health Care Funding
Disability advocates, caregivers, families and state lawmakers gathered at the California State Capitol on Monday to oppose Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed $367.7 million reduction to the state’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, warning the cuts could jeopardize care for thousands of seniors and people with disabilities.
The rally, led by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio), focused on provisions included in the governor’s May budget revision that would reduce spending on IHSS, a program that helps eligible Californians remain in their homes and communities rather than move into institutional care settings.
Advocates said the proposed reductions would shift significant costs to counties, eliminate safeguards for some recipients and reduce access to critical services that allow people with disabilities and older adults to live independently. Speakers urged lawmakers to reject the cuts as budget negotiations continue in Sacramento.
“The governor’s proposal would shift nearly $370 million in costs onto counties, creating uncertainty for those who rely on approved care hours,” Gonzalez said during the rally. He added that the proposal would also eliminate protections that help recipients maintain services during Medi-Cal transitions, reinstate restrictive asset limits and eliminate the backup provider system used by many families when caregivers are unavailable.
Additional savings are expected to come from ending temporary IHSS coverage for some recipients who lose Medi-Cal eligibility, restoring a $2,000 Medi-Cal asset limit for individuals and eliminating the IHSS Backup Provider System.
Several speakers argued that the changes would disproportionately affect vulnerable Californians who depend on consistent in-home care. Elizabeth, a disability advocate who addressed the crowd, described herself as “a proud immigrant’s daughter and proud to be part of California’s diverse disability community.”
Gonzalez pledged to continue fighting the proposal and called on state leaders to protect services that support independent living. “I will continue standing with this community and fighting to protect these critical services,” he said.
According to the governor’s office, proposed reductions are part of broader efforts to address California’s budget challenges.
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$3 Million in Refunds: Defrauded Homeowners in Covid Mortgage Scam to Get Payback
More than 1,800 consumers will receive nearly $3 million in refunds after state and federal regulators secured restitution in a mortgage assistance scam that targeted struggling homeowners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the refunds on June 8, saying the payments stem from a multiyear enforcement action against companies that falsely promised to reduce mortgage payments and prevent foreclosures.
About half of the affected consumers are in California, officials said.
Regulators said the scheme operated under multiple business names, including Golden Home Services and Home Matters USA, and used telemarketing operations to target homeowners facing financial hardship. Victims were told they were participating in legitimate mortgage relief programs, but a federal court later found the operators engaged in deceptive practices and collected millions of dollars without delivering promised relief.
A 2024 court ruling banned the companies and their operators from the telemarketing and debt relief industries and ordered them to pay restitution.
“This case shows what’s possible when state and federal partners work together with purpose to crack down on fraud, hold bad actors accountable, and deliver justice for victims,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.
DFPI Commissioner KC Mohseni said the refunds are part of ongoing efforts to protect consumers from financial scams targeting homeowners in distress.
“We are pleased to be able to give refunds to people who have been scammed out of their hard-earned money,” said Mohseni. “We will continually pursue all avenues to prevent scammers from preying on and profiting off Californians.”
The FTC said refund checks are being mailed to affected consumers. Recipients are advised to cash checks within 90 days, as indicated on each payment.
Officials warned consumers that the FTC will never require payment or personal financial information in order to issue a refund.
Consumers with questions about their payments can contact refund administrator JND Legal Administration at 1-833-674-0067 or visit the FTC’s refund information page for assistance.