California voters told lawmakers last fall that they wanted doctors to get paid more to see low-income patients. But officials for the Newsom administration blew past a federal deadline to make that happen through Medi-Cal Monday, effectively leaving millions of dollars unclaimed.
The unclaimed money is tied to Proposition 35, a ballot measure passed by 68% of voters in November. The measure committed money from a special tax on health insurance plans to increase payments to doctors and health care facilities that treat lowincome patients in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program.
But first the state had to submit papers to the federal government for approval. That deadline was March 31.
Missing the deadline means that, for the first quarter of the year, doctors will
The Olympics and the Betrayal of Los Angeles’ Latino Community
By NOlympics LA
Los Angeles, long celebrated as a “city of sanctuary,” now finds itself at a dangerous crossroads.
The 2028 Olympic Games, designated as a National Special Security Event (NSSE), threaten to undermine the very protections that make this city a refuge for immigrant communities. Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, who claim to champion equity and inclusion, are instead enabling policies that would disproportionately harm the Latino population while hiding behind a facade of sustainability and social justice.
The NSSE designation grants the federal government —and by extension, agencies like the FBI,
Service, DHS, and ICE— unprecedented power in Los Angeles. Historically, such events have been used to justify sweeping surveillance measures, mass policing, and heavyhanded crackdowns on dissent.
Alarmingly, Mayor Bass has expedited this process by requesting the NSSE designation a full four years ahead of the 2028 Olympics, rather than the typical few months prior to the event. This unprecedented move has already set in motion extensive federal law enforcement coordination in Los Angeles, effectively placing the city under prolonged surveillance. This development coincides with President Donald Trump’s
Publisher’s Message
Are Black American Citizens on Trump’s Deportation List?
By Willie Brown
It’s a question on the minds of many Black Americans. In the 10 weeks that we’ve witnessed Trump sign a record 109 executive orders, including mass deportation of undocumented immigrants and a ban on Black History Month celebrations, the possibility of Black citizens being deported is not that far fetched.
As Latinos quickly found out, Trump’s assertion to deport the socalled “bad” Latinos (i.e. criminals) was nothing more than a ploy to get votes. Now, decent, hard-working–but undocumented–Latino families are being torn apart. Husbands are being separated from wives, and parents are leaving behind their children. In some cases, entire families are being deported–American born or not.
Trump is considering revoking birthright and naturalized citizenship, guaranteed under the 14th Amendment, as well. So if you think Black people born in the U.S. are safe, think again.
An outstanding article by Bella BAHHS on TheTribe.com spells out in detail the possibility of Black citizens being deported. The article is titled “The Revolutionary Column: Trump will deport Black Americans to overseas prisons, too, if we let him.”
This is a must-read for every Black US citizen.
According to BAHHS, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already visited some Latin American countries to begin implementing Trump immigration policies. On Feb. 4 Trump announced his administration is looking for legal ground to deport and send American prisoners convicted of violent crimes to a “mega prison” in El Salvador. In fact, a deal with El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele is in the works. Bukele has offered to house American prisoners in his country “in exchange for a fee.” That fee is reportedly more than all the money
earned by the country’s goods and services annually.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the annual cost to house criminals in public prisons is approximately $80.7 billion. Private prisons take in around $3.9 billion a year. “We spend more to detain prisoners here in the U.S. than El Salvador earns for all their goods and services,” BAHHS said.
The possibility of never seeing your incarcerated loved ones again is becoming very real.
Today, Trump is considering deporting American born prisoners–many of whom are disproportionately Black–to overseas prisons. But what happens when Trump breaks his promise of deporting Black American criminals and goes after law-abiding Black citizens as well, as we are witnessing within the Latino community?
This Saturday, April 5, antiTrumpers will protest across the nation. Organizers are calling on Black organizations to mobilize and join in. I must caution you, however, as many Black leaders are, to stay
home. Do not participate. With Trump removing guardrails that protect freedom of speech, police have been given free license to attack and arrest protestors as they see fit. Racist police are chomping at the bit, waiting for us to take to the streets so they can beat, shoot and arrest us. Don’t give them a reason to hurt you or anyone you love. Add to that, the need to be extremely cautious of how you move day to day. Obey traffic laws, stay away from gangs, and don’t hang out on city streets in large crowds.
Continue to fight quietly, nonviolently. Continue to resist with your dollars by boycotting the companies that hurt Black people by ending policies that promote equality in hiring. Google “MAGA Supporting Companies” to find a list.
Also, increase your support of blackowned businesses.
As the Trump administration continues to chip away at our rights, Black people must cling to the rights that still remain. Try as they may, the administration cannot control where we spend our dollars and who we assemble with. They cannot keep us from sticking together. They cannot trick us into thinking mass deportation won’t happen to us. We’ve been there, done that. We have survived the worst of racism before, and we will survive this too. But we must stay together and stay woke.
Inglewood Today
Announces Internships
Inglewood Today (https://inglewoodtoday.com) has announced immediate internship opportunities for aspiring journalists and data/ research assistants. The 31-year old media company is considering college and high school students for 3-6 month internships working hybrid 4-8 hours per week.
Journalist interns will have an opportunity to build their writing portfolios while interviewing celebrities, elected officials and other community leaders. They will also cover issues related to Inglewood and surrounding areas. Data/research assistants will work behind the scenes maintaining databases and helping to organize and launch a new blog.
Interested candidates may apply by submitting resumes to veronica@ inglewoodtoday.com. If applying for the journalist internship, candidates must also submit their best 2-3 writing samples.
Commentary - The Vibe Shift: As California Moves to Political Right, Dem Lawmakers Dig Their Heels In
By G. Maciel De La Vega | California Black Media
The Vibe Shift is an ongoing series covering the political, institutional, and cultural realignment in California caused by Trump’s win in the 2024 presidential election.
On March 16, the California Republican Party elected its first Black female chair, Corrin Rankin. However, she doesn’t want her identity to be a part of the story; “I’m a qualified person who happens to be a woman who happens to be Black. We’re a
of Black and pop culture influencers, including Amber Rose, who spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, UFC Champion Jon Jones, rapper Lil Wayne, NFL stars Terrell Owens and Herschel Walker, Azealia Banks, boxing star Mike Tyson, and perhaps the most famous Californian of all, Snoop Dogg.
There have been Democratic Party defections in the political arena, too. Former Democratic Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, who endorsed Trump in 2024, citing
have. We have a new category of sexual identity called ‘zoo,’ which was called ‘furry’ a year ago. Too many names, too many micro-minorities, and the definitions expansion does not match up with kitchen table economics.
Another category on the rainbow flag has not helped lower the cost of living or improve our quality of life.”
I think that the Democratic message is lost, is not focused. It does not center on quality of life, American identity, or American exceptionalism. The Democratic Party wants to be
across California. However, despite his recent comments, Newsom has not taken a public position on AB 89, authored by Kate Sanchez (R-Trabuco Canyon), which would ban transgender girls from interscholastic sports in California.
The next week, Newsom sat down for a talk with Steve Bannon, chief strategist of the 2016 Trump Presidential Campaign. With a 2028 presidential run all but certain, Newsom appears to be positioning himself closer to the political center and adopting the
party based on merit. If you have the qualifications and the experience, you should have the job, and it doesn’t matter what the color of your skin is,” she said in a recent interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.
Her words present a view that largely contrasts with the prevailing perspective held by many in the California Democratic Party who have typically made race a central issue.
With the Republican and Democratic parties each pushing further to the Right and Left, respectively, there appears to be a broader political realignment of Black and Latino voters nationally on the fraying from the Democratic Party.
In the 2024 presidential election, California’s 12 majority Latino counties shifted rightward, voting for President Trump in greater numbers than in 2020. Nationally, Trump enjoyed support from about 30% of Black men under 45, according to AP Vote Cast.
The political shift is underscored by a cultural shift that has been in the making for some time. In 2019, Kanye West – a Trump supporter and California influencer -- told Black Americans, “Own your power. Your power is not to just vote Democrat for the rest of our lives. That’s not the power. ”
Joining Kanye is an ever-growing list
concerns with kitchen table issues, immigration, and culture.
“As a straight male, religious, procapitalist person, the policies of the Democratic Party are incompatible with my civic interests. More than 30 percent of African American men between the ages of 45 and 64 supported Donald Trump because the Democratic Party gave us no options,” Ridley-Thomas told CBM in a phone interview.
That’s not our fault. That’s the Democratic Party’s fault. It is intolerant, it is anti-capitalist, and it is hostile towards religion,” Ridley-Thomas continued.
“They think that welfare and handouts and endless migration are attractive to Black men. They are not. Tax limitation, closed borders, community safety and pro-family policies are much more attractive. If this trend continues, it will be impossible for Democrats to win the presidency in the future.”
Ridley-Thomas ended by highlighting the cultural issues around LGBTQIA+ which have long been championed by the Democratic Party, but have, perhaps, splintered their coalition.
“Prop 8 passed for a reason and the radical Democrats wouldn’t let it go. The Supreme Court action in overthrowing it distorts the sensitivities that people
associated with losers, Black men and Christians want to be winners.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom similarly seems to be shifting to the cultural Middle. Although he undoubtedly has a record of standing up for LGBTQIA+ issues, his support is not uncritical. He recently hosted conservative political activist Charlie Kirk on his podcast, This is Gavin Newsom. In the interview, Newsom voiced his opposition to transgender female athletes in girls and women’s sports.
“I think it’s an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that. It is an issue of fairness -- it’s deeply unfair,” Newsom said during the podcast with Kirk.
“There’s also a humility and a grace,” Newsom continued. “You know that these poor people are more likely to commit suicide, have anxiety and depression and the way that people talk down to vulnerable communities is an issue that I have a hard time with as well. So, both things I can hold in my hand. How can we address this issue with the kind of decency that I think you know.”
Both the timing and substance of Newsom’s recent comments infuriated some Democrats and progressives
podcasting media model that has been so popular with the Right wing.
Despite political movement and positioning to the Left and Right of them, California Legislative Democrats seem unmoved. Rather, they are digging their heels in and firming their grips on long-held political and cultural orthodoxies.
Rankin’s rise to Chair of the California Republican Party comes just weeks after the California Legislative Latino Caucus confirmed that --despite a record number of Republican Latino lawmakers -- Republican Latinos will continue to be excluded from the California Latino Legislative Caucus.
In doing so, the Latino Caucus leadership confirms that they are using taxpayer-funded staff and resources to exclude Latino lawmakers representing over 4 million Californians based on partisan politics.
With the Vibe Shift in full force, California Legislative Democrats appear to be banking on more of the same. Perhaps they should be admired for their persistence. Time will tell.
Area Communities Community Connections
/ Link
Hip Hop and Spoken Word festival. greenwaycourtthea tre.org
Free family event with egg hunt, crafts, and Easter Bunny.
Discover the Power of AI — No Experience Needed! Meeting ID: 819 7443 1767 Passcode: 336391
STEM fun for kids 5–14, panels, giveaways. ���� Carly@ScienceSpor t.org
Hands-on experience with fire trucks, police cars, crafts, food trucks & more! Call (310) 412-8750
Labelle, Gladys
Stephanie Mills. ���� $98–$382 Ticketmaster
Inglewood Wins Big with Intuit Dome
By Maya Mackey
Less than a year before officially opening to the general public, Intuit Dome is bringing the city of Inglewood wins in both entertainment and community development.
Just this week, it was announced that Linkin Park, the rock band that skyrocketed to crossover fame in the mid 2000s with their collision course album, a feat that mashed up some of Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s greatest hits at that time, is changing their L.A. tour dates for September of this year from Dodger Stadium to Intuit Dome.
And on April 1st, rapper and L.A. native, Saweetie, partnered with Intuit Inc. and Intuit Dome to teach a financial literacy course for high schoolers. In addition to performing, she also shared some stories with students about what it was like for her to work multiple jobs while in college, also sharing the importance of how to navigate life after high school.
“Having a skill set to succeed in the future, to go out there and survive in the real world, is really important. And I feel like after [high schoolers] walk across that stage [and] get their diploma, they just need to have the skill sets to navigate in the world we are in today. And since things are always changing, it’s important to teach them that if they can acquire the knowledge, they can apply it to
their life. And that’s what teaching about financial success is all about,” she added (quote edited for clarity from Fox 11 news).
In March, the Times named Intuit Dome one of the 25 Greatest Places on Earth! And on this Saturday, April 5th, the LA Clippers are giving away discounted tickets to their home game as they begin a partnership with the City of Santa Ana. The
“City of Santa Ana Family Game Night” will sell tickets as cheap as $15 to residents of Santa Ana as The Clippers take on The Dallas Mavericks.
Only 7 months in, Intuit Dome continues to bring about a subtle buzz to the Wood with top-tier talent like Bruno Mars and Usher and community-driven initiatives like the Fire Aid benefit concert in
January to help the communities of Palisades and Altadena get back on their feet.
Kudos to Steve Ballmer, Mayor James T.. Butts and all involved for creating a new space in Inglewood to turn up on a Saturday Night and diversify where you can go in the greater Los Angeles area for entertainment.
Patti
Knight, Chaka Khan,
Sports & Entertainment
California Celebrates Eid: The Culmination of Ramadan in Islam
The Islamic holiday of Eid, meaning festival or fest, commemorates the end of Ramadan, the religion’s holy
come together in celebration and gratitude,” Siebel Newsom continued in the video.
“So, we want to express our thanks
because it showed me how powerful this period of fasting and consistent prayer is for the mind and the spirit,” said Kyser. “It helps me to channel
accustomed to eating so often.”
The discipline and reflection of Ramadan is rewarded during Eid celebrations. Traditionally, special
month of fasting.
During Ramadan, the faithful abstain from food and drink from sunup to sundown.
The Islamic population in California is estimated be around 500,000, yet over 1.8 billion people celebrate Eid worldwide, making it one of the biggest religious festivals in the world.
This year, Eid was celebrated on the evening of March 30, which is determined by the sighting of the waxing crescent moon.
“Eid Mubarak, California! As families and communities come together to mark the end of Ramadan, may this day be filled with peace, gratitude, and shared blessings,” Gov. Newsom posted on the social media platform X on March 30 with a video featuring him and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom commemorating the celebration.
“As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close and people break their fast, we wish everyone a happy Eid,” the Governor began the joint message.
“Tonight, families around the world
and gratitude to California’s Muslim community, an integral part of California,” the Governor continued.
“You hold yourself to a higher standard as reflected this last month of fasting and your deep commitment to faith and community does not go unnoticed.”
Islamic tradition teaches that Eid originated with the prophet of Islam, Muhammad in 624 AD. According to the Quran, Eid was established in Medina, Saudi Arabia, after the prophet moved from Mecca. It was during his arrival and subsequent time in Medina that he saw people commemorate two days where they participated in feasts, recreational activities, and occupied themselves with joy and togetherness. Upon observing this, he stated that God had created two days of festivity following Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha – the two official holidays Muslims now celebrate today.
California Black Media spoke with Sacramento native Jibril Kyser to share his experience fasting during Ramadan this year, the lessons he’s learned and the significance of Eid.
“It’s an incredible experience
my energy into where it should be.”
A typical day for Kyser during Ramadan begins around 4a.m. He prepares a meal and hydrates to give his body some sustenance. His fasting begins when the first rays of light hit the horizon and lasts until sunset. After his first meal of the day, Kyser performs the first of five prayers, with a special 6th prayer called Tarawih which occurs at night during Ramadan. After his first prayer, Kyser gets a few hours of rest before his work responsibilities as an accountant begin. During the day, he limits his physical activities and exposure to the sun to avoid dehydration. After sunset, he breaks fast with meals he prepares himself.
“I think the first three to four days of Ramadan were the hardest because I was eating a lot of food trying to bulk up before Ramadan,” Kyser recalls. “I was eating so much throughout the day, maybe three meals, four meals a day, just trying to bulk-up. I was just working out in the gym twice a day in the morning and in the afternoon at in the evening. That was the hardest adjustment period because I was so lethargic, and my stomach was so
prayers and feasts are held in mosques and with families. People wear their best clothes, gifts are exchanged, and charity is also emphasized. The phrase ‘Eid Mubarak’, meaning Blessed Eid, is joyfully shared within the community. Muslims use the celebrations to reflect on the lessons they learned while fasting and spending time with God in prayer.
Along with taking time to feed others while he was fasting and informing others about the beauty of Islam, Kyser has used his Ramadan experience preparing for Eid to realize opportunities for growth and expansion within his life.
“I want to slow down, make more informed decisions, and to recognize that this is a temporary life. Contemplating that impermanence, I ask myself if my deeds have been righteous and how have I shown up in my everyday life to my loved ones. Have I shown up to the people who care about me? Have I shown up to myself? I have answered some of those questions through reflection and I think that I’ve shown up really well for myself, and I still need to work on how I show up for other people.”
Edward Henderson | California Black Media
Brain implant can translate thoughts into spoken words
By Press Rundown
Scientists have made progress in developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) that translates thoughts about speech into spoken words in real time, potentially aiding individuals unable to speak. This experimental device was tested on a 47-year-old woman with quadriplegia who had not spoken for 18 years due to a stroke. During a clinical trial, researchers implanted the device in her brain, aiming to convert her intent to communicate into coherent sentences.
The study, detailed in the journal Nature Neuroscience, highlights that existing BCIs often experience delays between a person’s thoughts and the generated speech. These delays can hinder effective communication. The new approach aims to eliminate such interruptions. According to Gopala Anumanchipalli, a co-author of the study, the device operates by translating the user’s neural activity into speech units in real time, which could enhance the natural flow of conversation.
Researchers in California recorded the participant’s brain activity while she silently formed sentences in her mind. Using her pre-injury voice samples, they trained an AI model to synthesize her speech. The device is designed to process speech in small segments, transmitting approximately half a syllable every 80 milliseconds without waiting for complete sentences.
Experts, including Jonathan Brumberg from the University of Kansas, have recognized this as a significant advancement in
speech technology. While further research is necessary before the device can be widely implemented, Anumanchipalli believes that
with continued investment, this technology could be available for patient use within the next decade. The project has received partial
funding from the National Institutes of Health, although it has not been affected by recent budget cuts.
Continued from page 1: California...
not get the rate increases promised by the ballot measure. It also means that California will lose federal matching dollars intended to boost the Medi-Cal program during that time period.
The Department of Health Care Services, the agency that oversees Medi-Cal and the implementation of Prop. 35 did not respond by publication deadline to questions from CalMatters about why the state missed the funding deadline.
In recent legislative hearings,
alike who say rate hikes are long overdue and necessary to increase access for Medi-Cal recipients.
Assemblymember Dawn Addis, a Democrat from Morro Bay, said in a recent hearing that Prop. 35 was “widely popular” and she had supported it with the hope that rate increases would begin quickly.
Lawmakers have aggressively expanded Medi-Cal benefits and eligibility in the past 10 years. Today, one in three Californians get health
time when California is confronting other Medi-Cal challenges. The state is bracing for potential federal funding cuts that are tied to budget agreements moving through Congress.
And, the state program faces its own shortfall.
Newsom and the Department of Health Care Services are under increased scrutiny for requesting a $6 billion state loan to carry out Medi-Cal operations through the end of the year.
Learn more about legislators
increase the cost of Medicaid and that’s happening,” Newsom said.
Health care industry backed Prop. 35 Prior to the election, Newsom stopped short of opposing the measure but said Prop. 35’s passage would limit the Legislature’s ability to address future state budget deficits because it committed the money to a specific use.
Health Care Services Director Michelle Baass stated that California’s federal application was delayed by unfilled appointments on the advisory committee established by the ballot measure to oversee spending.
Enough of those appointments were filled for the committee to legally meet, but there is still one outstanding appointment. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office refused to respond to questions about why the appointment has not been made. The committee is set to meet for the first time April 14.
During a February hearing, another official for the health care services department said the agency never believed it would be feasible for the state to meet the March deadline.
1.Taking a news break?
2.Taking a news break?
1.We get it. Our weekly bulletin of essential California headlines ensures you don’t miss the important stuff.
2.We get it. Our weekly bulletin of essential California headlines ensures you don’t miss the important stuff.
The slow implementation is frustrating lawmakers and clinicians
care through the state program. But doctors say the amount they get paid to see Medi-Cal patients hasn’t increased in two decades.
Addis said during the hearing that “94% of Californians now have health care coverage, but so many folks can’t access providers. And what people in rural areas will point to is that providers just simply cannot afford to practice in rural areas because the reimbursement is so low.”
In a separate legislative hearing, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson noted that even with the unfilled position, the advisory committee has a quorum and could have met to discuss Prop. 35 implementation.
“This was something the voters were very, very clear about…I don’t think the residents would like for us to delay,” said Weber Pierson, a Democrat and obstetrician from San Diego. “It is extremely unfortunate that we will not be able to meet that first deadline and that we are just leaving funds on the table.”
Medi-Cal shortfall as costs increase
The missed deadline comes at a
mentioned in this story.
Dawn Addis
Democrat, State Assembly, District 30 (San Luis Obispo)
Akilah Weber
Democrat, State Assembly, District 79 (La Mesa)
State Republican lawmakers were quick to pin the blame on Newsom’s expansion of Medi-Cal access to all income-eligible immigrants who don’t have permanent legal status.
The administration defended the expansion and pointed to other cost drivers such as increasing pharmacy costs and growing senior enrollment, but acknowledged that about half of the money from the deficit is from the immigrant expansion.
Newsom also blamed the MediCal deficit partially on Prop. 35 in an interview with reporters earlier this month.
“Prop. 35 placed a lot of cost burdens as it relates to rates and so all those things have to be factored in. The voters chose that path with Prop 35, and we were clear, had strong opinions about it. The cost of (Prop. 35) would
Prop. 35 was backed by nearly the entire health care industry, including doctors, hospitals, clinics and ambulance companies. Those groups supported the measure in part because Newsom and past governors had previously reneged on promises to increase Medi-Cal payments and instead used the health care tax money to support general government expenses.
The proposition allocates $2 billion annually for 2025 and 2026 to the state general fund while reserving roughly another $2 billion for rate increases and other investments providers want.
Stuart Thompson, a lobbyist for the California Medical Association, which supported the measure, advocated at a March legislative hearing for the Prop. 35 committee to meet as soon as possible. Thompson noted that some payment increases that were approved separately by the Legislature in 2023 have still not been implemented and that the state needs to work to keep the ballot measure on track.
“We really want to get our bang for the buck and make sure that the way that Prop 35 is implemented really enhances the care for the most needed here in California,” Thompson said.
renewed calls for mass deportations, creating a perilous environment for undocumented residents. By aligning with federal security measures under the guise of Olympic preparedness, Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass are complicit in policies that could lead to increased deportations, undermining the sanctuary status they
conduct aggressive raids in favelas, targeting Black and Brown residents under the guise of “security.” In London (2012), CCTV monitoring and facial recognition technologies were deployed at an alarming scale, setting a precedent for future abuses. There is no reason to believe Los Angeles would be any different.
Exposition Park, BMO Stadium is slated to host soccer matches during the Games.
USC’s Galen Center: This venue will host badminton competitions and is located near South Central Los Angeles.
publicly uphold.
More Surveillance
The deployment of advanced surveillance technologies, particularly facial recognition systems, poses additional risks. Studies have consistently shown that these systems exhibit significant racial biases, with error rates disproportionately higher for people of color. For instance, research indicates that facial recognition technology can have an error rate of up to 35% for darker-skinned individuals, compared to less than 1% for lighter-skinned individuals. This disparity heightens the likelihood of misidentifying Latino residents, potentially leading to wrongful arrests and deportations.
During past Olympic Games, host cities saw an escalation in state surveillance and displacement, disproportionately impacting lowincome communities and people of color. In Rio de Janeiro (2016), police forces used the Games as an excuse to
For Latinos in LA, the implications are dire. Increased police presence in historically immigrant-heavy neighborhoods like Boyle Heights and South Central would likely lead to more racial profiling, detentions, and deportations. While Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass publicly decry federal overreach on immigration, they are quietly making it easier for the government to conduct mass surveillance and ICE operations under the banner of “keeping the Olympics safe.”
The proximity of Latino communities to venues means residents and visitors can easily access various Olympic competitions, making them a target of massive surveillance. Among the announced venues are:
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: Located in Exposition Park, adjacent to South Central Los Angeles, this historic stadium will host athletics (track and field) events.
BMO Stadium: Also situated in
Los Angeles Convention Center: Situated in downtown Los Angeles, this center will host fencing, taekwondo, table tennis, judo, and wrestling events.
Los Angeles Can’t Afford It
Beyond civil liberties, there’s the financial recklessness of hosting the Games. Los Angeles is already facing a severe budget crisis, with a shortfall projected in the hundreds of millions. Basic city services — streetlights, public transportation, and affordable housing— are in disrepair. It is reprehensible that city leaders continue to sell the Olympics as an economic boon when history tells us otherwise.
Every modern Olympics has led to cost overruns, and LA’s would be no different.
Billions of taxpayer dollars will be funneled into Olympic security and temporary bus rental programs for tourists, while workingclass Latino neighborhoods continue to struggle. If the city cannot even keep its streetlights on for months at a time, how can it justify the extravagant spending required to host an event of this magnitude?
The Gentrification Machine
Los Angeles initially committed to a “no-build” Olympics, promising that no new major developments would be necessary to host the Games. However, that commitment is rapidly being reversed. The city is now pushing to exempt Olympic-related construction projects from standard review processes, a move spearheaded by Councilmember Traci Park. This exemption effectively gives developers a blank check to build unchecked, without the oversight that typically protects tenants and working-class communities from displacement.
One of the key areas affected by this reversal is the Los Angeles Promise Zone, which was officially designated to drive economic and housing stability
in underserved communities. Instead, with the Olympics approaching, the Promise Zone is a vehicle for large-scale gentrification. The city could fast-track high-end developments under the guise of “Olympic readiness,” jeopardizing thousands of Latino families who have called these neighborhoods home for generations.
Proponents of LA28 claim it would be the “greenest” and most “equitable” Olympics ever. These are empty promises. The same officials pushing these narratives are failing to invest in real climate solutions, public housing, or public transit access for working-class communities. Instead, they are greenwashing a massive carbon-intensive event, sportswashing the displacement of vulnerable communities, and equitywashing policies that would make life harder for Latinos.
A Political Shift
Latinos have historically been a powerful force in shaping California’s political landscape, from the rise of the United Farm Workers under César Chávez to the decisive role Latino voters played in flipping Orange County blue in recent elections. Today, as Latino voters increasingly move away from traditional party allegiances, their political power is more important than ever. Supporting the Olympics in its current form is a direct betrayal of this electorate.
Latino families will not benefit from the Games—they will be pushed out, over-policed, and left to foot the bill for a spectacle designed to benefit corporate sponsors and elite investors. By aligning themselves with this failed model, Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass risk permanently alienating a community whose influence at the ballot box has only grown and will continue to shape the future of California politics. If they do not take immediate steps to halt the Olympics and end the dangerous expansion of surveillance, Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass will face political repercussions. Latinos make up nearly half of Los Angeles’ population, and their voices are growing louder against policies that threaten their safety and economic security. The political future of both leaders is on the line.
If these two leaders fail to stand up now, their legacy will not be one of progress. The Games must be stopped before they cause irreversible harm to the people who have built this city and continue to fight for its future.
