Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
News You Might Have Missed
By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
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Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson Applauds Sen. Monique Limón’s Historic Rise as Senate Leader
Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), last week congratulated Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) after she was named Pro Tem Designee of the California State Senate.
“Senator Limón’s selection as the first woman of color to be named Pro Tem is nothing short of historic,” Weber told California Black Media. Limón is Latina.
“Her leadership represents the voices of communities long underrepresented at the highest levels of state government,” Weber continued. “I look forward to working alongside Senator Limón to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for all Californians.”
On June 9, California Senate President pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) announced that the Senate Democratic Caucus had unanimously selected Limón as the Pro Tem Designee. The leadership transition is scheduled to take place in early 2026.
“Serving as the Leader of the State Senate is the honor of a lifetime,” McGuire said. “And today, the Senate unanimously elected Senator Limón as the Pro Tem Designee. Sen. Limón always puts people first, she’s a bridge builder and never stops fighting for progress. We are going to be well served under her leadership and the Golden State will be stronger thanks to Sen. Limón’s commitment to the communities of this great state.”
Limón currently represents California’s 21st Senate District, which includes communities such as Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard, and Santa Maria. She serves as Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, Vice Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, Vice Chair of the Central Coast Caucus, and Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector.
“I am grateful to have the support of my colleagues to be the next President pro Tempore of the California State Senate,” Limón said. “At this critical time in our state, I am committed to working with my colleagues and remain dedicated to defending our California values and uplifting all of our communities. Together, we will build diverse coalitions and develop solutions to the most pressing issues of our time. I want to thank President pro Tempore Mike McGuire for his continuous steady leadership and unwavering commitment to Californians.”
McGuire has served as Senate President pro Tem since February 2024. He represents California’s North Coast, stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border.
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Honorees of the 2025 California Black Women’s Trailblazer Hall of Fame were celebrated for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and service to the community pictured with honorees LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and LA City Councilmember Heather Hutt. Recognized at the event were: 2025 Legacy Trailblazer Hall of Fame Honorees Tinisch Hollins, Adimika Meadows Arthur, Dana Sherrod, MPH, Lyndsey C. Wilson, MA, Hon. Cassandra James, Hon. Dr. Tonia Lediju, Hon. Courtney Welch, Shantay R. Davies-Balch, Dr. Arrickia McDaniel, Shaunelle Curry, Hon. Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers, Tige Charity, Veronica Gunn, Tiffany Nicole Massey, Kikanza Nuri Robins, Diane Robertson, Esq., Brittany Walker, Ernesta Banks Wright, Dedra “Dee” Sandford, and Cheryl Alethia Phelps. 2025 Legacy Trailblazer Hall of Fame Awardees: Wendy Calhoun, Bridgid Coulter Cheadle, Lisa Collins, Teri Holoman, Nichol Whiteman, and Dr. Lynn Richardson. 2025 Trailblazer Hall of Fame President’s Award, MC Lyte; 2025 Trailblazer Hall of Fame Chairperson Award, Senator Laura Richardson;2022 Legacy Trailblazer Hall of Fame Award, Keisha Thompson Photos by Leroy Hamilton
Trailblazers and Torchbearers: California Think Thank Celebrates the Power of Black Women
On June 13, the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CBWCEI) hosted its annual event honoring over two dozen women from across California at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles. Themed “The Power of Her: Honoring the Black Women’s Strength, Resilience, and Brilliance,” the evening celebrated the extraordinary leadership of Black women making an impact in every corner of society — from grassroots movements to state government and beyond.
This year’s event was co-chaired by hip-hop icon MC Lyte and nationally recognized financial empowerment strategist Dr. Lynn Richardson. Together, they helped create a space where Black women — often the behind-the-scenes changemakers — were placed squarely in the spotlight, celebrated for their brilliance, resilience, and unwavering dedication to community.
“This event is special because we are honoring our best and brightest,” said Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of CBWCEI.
“We’re creating a safe space for Black women who work tirelessly behind the scenes to have their brilliance recognized and their impact felt—not only across our state but across the nation.”
The Power of Her was more than a theme — it was a declaration of presence, excellence, and legacy.
MC Lyte offered a powerful reflection on the purpose of the gathering:
“This event doesn’t just honor greatness — it nurtures it, documents it, and ensures it becomes a resource for generations to come. Every woman we celebrate tonight is a symbol of what’s possible when purpose meets opportunity.
From grassroots activism to corporate boardrooms, they lead with integrity and impact. These women are not just trailblazers — they are torchbearers, lighting the way for future generations of Black girls and women.”
Dr. Richardson — known for empowering women to build generational wealth through financial literacy and purpose-driven leadership — summed up the evening’s impact:
“This event lifts up Black women leaders shaping a better California for all.”
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Rep. Maxine Waters Attends Funeral of “National Treasure” Charles B. Rangel in New York
U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) joined former President Bill Clinton, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other politicos at a funeral mass held to honor the life and contributions of former U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel.
The service was held on June 13 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
“This weekend, the country lays to rest a true giant, Congressman Charles B. Rangel,” said Waters of Rangel in a statement.
Rangel, who served in Congress for nearly five decades, was a decorated Korean War Vet and who became the first Black chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
He died in Harlem on May 26 at 94.
“I offer my deepest condolences to his two children, Steven and Alicia, his grandchildren, and all those who loved him. Charles was a colleague, friend, and one of the most profound legislators this country has ever seen,” said Waters, who is the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee.
Waters, a former California Assemblymember, also recognized Rangel for being a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus,
“The Congressional Black Caucus advocates for policy and legislation that ensures equal rights, opportunity, and access for Black Americans and other marginalized communities in America,” she added.
Remembering how Rangel’s leadership impacted the Black Press and Black economic empowerment in New York and around the country, Waters called her former colleague “a national treasure” who will be “dearly missed.”
‘Rangel combined his leadership with some of the most outstanding leaders of his generation – David Dinkins, Basil Paterson, and Percy Sutton – to form ‘The Gang of Four,’ also known as the Harlem Clubhouse. This powerful coalition of Black men shaped political power, supported civic institutions, media outlets, and economic development in Harlem, provided backing for minority-owned businesses, and advocated for fair housing, labor rights, and equitable education,” Waters stated.
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Sen. Alex Padilla Condemns Homeland Security Dept. After Being Forcibly Removed, Handcuffed
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) strongly condemned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on June 12 after federal agents shoved him to the ground and handcuffed him while he attempted to ask a question at a press conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles.
Padilla, who is California’s senior U.S. Senator and serves as the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, was in Los Angeles as part of his oversight responsibilities, according to his office.
An aide said the Senator had been listening to Secretary Noem’s remarks when he attempted to question the Secretary about the federal government’s immigration operations.
“If this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what they’re doing to farmers, to cooks, to day-laborers throughout the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country,” Padilla said in a statement after his release.
Padilla was briefly detained after the incident but was released shortly afterward. His office emphasized that he was performing his duty of Congressional oversight at the time of the encounter.
The Department of Homeland Security defended its handling of the situation, accusing Padilla of “disrespectful political theater.” The agency said Secret Service officers mistook him for a potential threat because he was not wearing a U.S. Senate security pin.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Padilla “physically resisted law enforcement when confronted” and that agents acted appropriately.
The confrontation took place amid growing tension in Los Angeles over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Protests have gripped the city for several days, and the White House has deployed National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to support federal immigration agents.
Padilla said he will continue to push for accountability regarding the federal government’s actions. “This incident underscores why we must keep demanding transparency and fairness in how our communities are treated,” he added.
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Mayor Karen Bass, Other Southern California Mayors, Demand Immediate End to Federal Immigration Raids
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, joined by more than 20 regional mayors and local officials, called for an immediate end to federal immigration raids that have swept through Southern California communities in recent days.
The elected officials delivered the message on June 9 as protests and tension mounted over Pres. Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement actions, including the deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles.
“Mayors across the L.A. region and the country have spoken out unequivocally against these reckless raids and the Trump administration’s chaotic escalation here in Los Angeles,” said Bass. “When you raid Home Depots and workplaces, when you tear parents and children apart, and when you deploy troops to our streets, you’re not trying to keep anyone safe. You’re trying to cause fear and panic. These raids must stop.”
Mayor Peggy Lemons of Paramount echoed Bass’s concerns.
“Community members should not have to fear for their children who may be rounded up while in school, or for their grandparents who are elderly and may be picked up while out for an afternoon walk,” she said. “This shameful destruction of people’s lives who have been here for decades falls squarely on the shoulders of lawmakers whose polarized partisanship is destroying real people.”
Huntington Park Mayor Arturo Flores called the military deployments an “alarming escalation that undermines the values of our democracy.” He added, “Deploying military forces and conducting militarized ICE raids in immigrant neighborhoods is not about public safety — it is about political theater rooted in fear.”
Mayors from cities including Ventura, Vernon, South Gate, Bell Gardens, and Santa Monica joined the call, emphasizing a shared commitment to protecting immigrant families and rebuilding public trust.
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Legislative Analyst’s Office Report: Retail Theft Up 11% Over a Decade
California has seen an 11% increase in reported retail theft from 2014 to 2023, according to a report released last week by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO).
The report, titled “Retail Theft in California: Looking Back at a Decade of Change” revealed that although rates dipped during the early COVID-19 pandemic — thanks in part to stay-at-home orders and store closures — the trend has since reversed, with a 32% spike between 2021 and 2023.
Despite the uptick, the state’s retail theft rate remains far below the historic highs of the 1980s. But lawmakers and voters have grown increasingly concerned, which led to the introduction of a number of new laws proposing tougher penalties to curb the problem.
“A combination of reduced consequences, fewer arrests, and evolving tactics by offenders has made retail theft more pervasive,” the LAO report found.
Proposition 47, passed in 2014, is cited in the report as a turning point. It reduced penalties for shoplifting and theft under $950 to misdemeanors, limiting law enforcement’s ability to arrest suspects. The report notes this shift, along with pandemic-era changes like early prison releases and reduced probation terms, likely reduced the odds of apprehension and incarceration — two key deterrents to crime.
The report notes that retail theft declined in smaller counties during the pandemic — measured as changes during the period after 2019. However, increases were concentrated in larger counties in the state, including Los Angeles, Alameda, San Mateo and Sacramento.
In 2024, Californians voted to approve Proposition 36, a ballot initiative, that now allows prosecutors to aggregate smaller thefts into felony charges, and AB 2943, authored by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur ( D-Los Angeles) gives officers broader authority to arrest suspected shoplifters, even without witnessing the crime firsthand.
“These changes are designed to close the gap in enforcement that Proposition 47 opened,” said Zbur when the law was passed. “We’re restoring balance.”
“Ultimately, we need to ask: Do the benefits outweigh the costs?” the report concludes. “And are we reducing crime without creating new disparities?”
The LAO recommends lawmakers ask 10 questions when assessing whether anti-retail theft laws are working:
