BUPPIE | BUSINESS Gov. Newsom Releases May Budget Revision; Addresses Reparations Cash Payments

By Antonio Ray Harvey| California Black Media

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom released the “May Revision” of his Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 budget proposal that he submitted in January. Despite a $32 billion projected shortfall, the $306.5 billion spending plan protects key investments in priorities that matter most to Californians, Newsom said. Education, health care, housing and homelessness, public safety, and climate action are among key focus areas.

“In partnership with the Legislature, we have made deep investments in California and its future –transformative efforts that will benefit generations of Californians, and that this budget will continue to guide as we navigate near-term ups and downs in revenue,” Newsom said during a two-hour news conference held near the State Capitol on May 13.

“As we prepare for more risk and uncertainties ahead, it’s critical that we keep the state on a solid fiscal footing to protect Californians and our progress in remaking the future of our state,” he continued.

Newsom says he does not foresee a recession but recognizes increased risks to the budget since the first month of 2023.

The plan reflects $37.2 billion in total budgetary reserves, including $22.3 billion in the Budget Stabilization Account. Highlights include:

•Billions to continue implementing expansion of health care access and reduce costs measures for programs such as CalAIM to transform Medi-Cal, extending health care to low-income Californians of all ages regardless of immigration status.

•Maintains billions of dollars for aid to local governments, encampment resolution grants, and more to address homelessness.

•Adopted a legally binding goal that local governments must plan to build approximately 2.5 million new homes by 2030, and 1 million of these units must be affordable housing.

•Advancing a $48 billion multi-year commitment to implement its worldleading agenda to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, protect communities from harmful oil drilling, deliver 90% clean electricity by 2035, and more.

•Investing $1.6 billion for all students, regardless of income, to access two free school meals per day – up to 12 million meals per day statewide.

“With the May Revision, the Governor is again putting money where his mouth is -- and where California needs to be -- investing in bold and transformative proposals to advance equity and address pertinent disparities in Black communities and in the classroom,” said Assembymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

Wilson applauded the “accountability measures” in the budget that “leverage the entire $80 billion in Local Control Funding Formula to focus on lowperforming student groups and schools, and require districts to publicly identify and address where Black student performance is low, while providing additional services at high-need schools using the complementary $300 million Equity Multiplier are what the Black Caucus has been fighting for –for years.

During the press conference, Newsom also addressed repreparations payments, a potential budget issue that could come to the forefront soon.

The California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans will submit its final report to the legislature on June 29 in Sacramento.

Among other proposals, the ninemember panel recommends a formal apology from the state of California that lessens the gravity of circumstances that historically caused hardships for the Black community.

In addition, the panel suggests that descendants of slavery living in California should be entitled to receive up to $1.2 million in compensation.

Last week, reports surfaced that Newsom said he would not “endorse” direct cash payments to Black Californians based on a statement he made last week about broadly advancing equity and inclusion. Newsom clarified his comment.

“My posture is that let me receive the final report, continue to work with legislative leaders and the task force and assess where to go from there,” Newsom told California Black Media. “We put out a statement that was amplified, no small part by Sen. (Steven) Bradford and Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer and others. We look forward to reviewing the details of the task force’s recommendations.”

After July 1, the panel’s two-year charge will end, and state lawmakers will have the opportunity to consider the proposals for legislation. The final report is expected to be about 1,000 pages,

The final meeting for the Task Force is June 29 in Sacramento.

Responding to the Governor’s budget proposal, California Republicans criticized Newsom’s and California Democrats’ “reckless policies.”

“Today’s massive $32 billion budget deficit should be a wakeup call to all Democrats that after years of increased spending, they should have better results to point to than an outrageous cost of living, surging crime, rampant homelessness, a fentanyl crisis, failing schools and inadequate water storage,” said California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson. “Now is the time for smarter policies and responsible spending that California Republicans have long advocated for.” our educational programs on opposite sides of the country. The organization was also in a weak financial position, and so the thought of taking this on was risky and daunting to say the least. It’s easy to see why many people were against the idea, and also why several told me with certainty that it couldn’t be done. Luckily, I believed it could be done, and there were a few others who joined me in supporting this vision, as impossible as it seemed.

Despite the looming deficit, Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Inglewood), CLBC vice-chair, remains confident.

“As a person who was here in the Legislature during the state’s worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, I know we have the skills, the know-how, and the resolve to address this budgetary shortfall and keep California moving forward,” he said.

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Looking back at the journey and its many challenges, an appropriate solution appeared for each and every roadblock along the way. For myself, it meant I needed to be open, flexible, and place my trust in the process, which often did not go as I originally planned. Of course, trusting the process became easier as things grew, and I witnessed how issues would work themselves out organically as long as I stayed committed to doing my best. By 2016, the National Children’s Chorus had opened its doors in Washington, D.C., our third chapter, and later that year we received a $1M gift from an anonymous donor who believed in our educational work. Since that time, we have nearly tripled in terms of growth, with strong organizational development, even during the recent pandemic, supported by a first-rate team of over 100 employees.

3) How can youth in Inglewood get involved in auditioning for the NCC?

Our auditions are open to every child and this year’s Nationwide Auditions take place on May 21st. Auditions will be held one-on-one online for all chapter cities including Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, as well as for select children who live outside our chapter cities. We always want the process to be fun and

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hateful or racist behavior, on or off duty.”

California Commission on Aging Wants More Representation

Last week, the California Commission on Aging met in Los Angeles.

The group advocates for aging adults and advises Gov. Newsom and the Legislature on issues facing aging Californians. During the meeting, they discussed legislation it is sponsoring, including Assembly Bill (AB) 820, a bill that would “increase the representation of older adults on seven state boards, commissions, and advisory committees.”

AB 820 has been referred from the California Assembly to the State Senate, where it is being reviewed by the Committee on Rules.

PPIC Report: California Is Getting

Even More Democratic

In a report titled, “The Dynamics of Party Registration in California,” the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is reporting that the number of Democrats continue to increase in the Golden State.

According to the report, “between the 2012 and 2020 presidential elections, the registered population grew about 20% -- roughly twice as fast as the votingeligible population” in California.

Of that number, 4.2 million new encouraging which mirrors our teaching principles. We know that auditions can seem nerve-wracking, but in truth we are never looking for finished, polished performances. Instead, we keep our eyes open for students with a passion for music, the willingness to learn, and the commitment it takes to grow within a world-class curriculum. We are extremely proud to say that in addition to music, our students learn life skills during their time at NCC that they can take with them in many avenues of life. This includes being confident in a social environment, disciplined at one’s craft, positively contributing toward one’s community, and more. In addition, the National Children’s Chorus has a longstanding relationship with top-level colleges that offer unique opportunities in conjunction with College Prep 360.

4) You recently signed a partnership here in Los Angeles with LAUSD. Tell us about that and how it can help our community of youth?

We are delighted to say that we recently kicked off a partnership with LAUSD called “Project Unison” which grants fully-funded scholarships to gifted students whose families lack access to high-level music training due to various circumstances beyond their control. Studies have shown that musical education is imperative in the well-being of mental and emotional health, which has supercharged this initiative. Though this has been two years in the making, and Los Angeles is the inaugural recipient city (before rolling out to all chapter cities nationwide), we are so excited to begin our work with these amazing new students.

5) You have your annual Los Angeles fundraising gala coming up. Why is this so important and how can our readers get involved to attend or support?

Democrats registered, 3.5 million signed up as some other party or No Party Preference and 1.8 million new registrants were Republican.

Endorsements – Rep. Barbara Lee and Reggie Jones Sawyer

Last week, the California Assembly Progressive Caucus announced that it is backing Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) in his run for L.A. City Council.

“The California Legislative Progressive Caucus is thrilled to announce our support for our CoFounder Reggie Jones-Sawyer’s campaign for Los Angeles City Council,” the group wrote in a statement. “Throughout his career, from his time as a labor organizer to his tenure in the State Assembly, Reggie has been an unrelenting, pioneering champion on the most critical issues facing California.”

Stacy Abrams, a former Georgia gubernatorial candidate, voting rights advocate and renowned Democratic Party figure, endorsed U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) in her campaign to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein who is not seeking reelection.

“Barbara Lee is the leader California and the nation need right now in the U.S. Senate,” said Abrams said. “I am proud to endorse her for the U.S. Senate.”

The National Children’s Chorus has annual galas in NYC and Los Angeles. The New York Gala was a big success earlier this month and the Los Angeles Gala “All You Need is Love” is taking place on Thursday, May 18th, at the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica. The special thing about our galas is that 100% of the proceeds benefit the NCC’s scholarship fund. We don’t use any of the fundraising money from our galas to cover operating costs or the event itself, which is often the case for many similar non-profit events. We are proud to say that every dollar raised goes directly to the students.

Over the last three years, while we navigated a daunting global crisis, the NCC vividly saw music empowering students to cope, rise above, and ultimately transcend their challenges. In many cases, music made the difference between success and failure; happiness and hopelessness; as well as loneliness and connectedness. At a time when it was so common for young people to experience suffering, NCC students were reporting resilience, joy, creativity and optimism. We know this because we spoke with them, engaged in dialogue, and checked in every single week, both individually and in small groups. What we were hearing and witnessing was astonishing. Needless to say, we learned so much about our students and specifically what they need from us as their mentors. Accordingly, we have taken all of this and allowed it to shape the future of our growing organization, including our top priorities along with music excellence.

As the NCC prepares for a new era and an exceptionally bright future, our upcoming Scholarship Benefit stands to empower our mission and strengthen our impact. For those attending, the May 18th event will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by formal sit-down dinner, graced with elegant musical entertainment in honor of The Beatles and an exciting preview of the NCC’s upcoming album to be recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London this July. There are still some tickets available and we invite patrons to visit our website in order to attend or donate.

Public Notice

Fictitious Business Name Statement

File No. 2023084600

The following Person is doing business as:

Digital Mixology 7825 West Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90305

Registered Owner(s): Charles Hollins, 7825 West Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305

This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on April 6, 2023.

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime) Charles Hollins, Owner.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on April 6, 2023.

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

Original April 27; May 4, 11, 18, 2023

IT0042230120020375

Inglewood Today

Public Notice

Notice Of Public Hearing West Basin Municipal Water District Water Standby Charge

West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) continues to expand its water recycling program. The program’s projects increase the supply of drinking water to property owners within West Basin’s service area by using recycled water for non-drinking water purposes (e.g., irrigation, parks, industrial cooling towers).

West Basin has adopted a resolution of intent to levy water standby charges. A copy of this resolution is available for public review by contacting West Basin’s Board Secretary at WestBasinBoardSecretary@ westbasin.org or by submitting a written request to West Basin’s below specified Avalon Boulevard Office. The resolution describes how West Basin will fund the debt service obligation on West Basin’s water recycling facilities by the proposed levying of a water standby charge. The proposed annual standby charges shall be effective July 1, 2023 as follows:

For property located in the City of West Hollywood the rates shall be as follows: single-family home or duplex shall not exceed $9.60 per acre of land, or portion thereof, or $9.60 for each parcel of land less than one acre. For property used for multiple-family residential purposes, including but not limited to condominiums, apartments, mobile homes, motels and hotels, the rate shall not exceed $6.40 per dwelling unit. For property used for any nonresidential purpose the rate shall not exceed $48.00 per acre of land, or portion thereof, or $48.00 for each parcel less than one acre.

For property located outside of West Hollywood the rates shall be as follows: single-family home or duplex shall not exceed $14.40 per acre of land, or portion thereof, or $14.40 for each parcel of land less than one acre. For property used for multiple-family residential purposes, including but not limited to, condominiums, apartments, mobile homes, motels and hotels, the rate shall not exceed $9.60 per dwelling unit. For property that is used for any nonresidential purpose the rate shall not exceed $72.00 per acre of land, or portion thereof, or $72.00 for each parcel less than one acre.

NOTE: THIS CHARGE WILL NOT EXCEED THE CHARGE THAT IS AS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT. THERE IS NO STANDBY CHARGE INCREASE WHATSOEVER. The charge, if adopted, will be collected on the annual property tax bill, or as directed by West Basin’s Board of Directors.

PLEASE NOTE that the Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on May 22, 2023, at 1:00 pm at West Basin’s address shown below and by teleconference at 1-213-349-1594 (Access code, 992-175-598#) to receive comments and written protests, if any, on continuing the proposed water standby charges for West Basin’s fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023. In addition, the Board will review all public protests and/ or written comments before considering adoption of the proposed standby charge. Any person may email or file a written protest with West Basin’s Board Secretary, at the street address below or by emailing WestBasinBoardSecretary@westbasin.org, to be received no later than 12:00 pm on May 22, 2023. The protest must identify the landowner and contain a description sufficient to identify the land owned by the landowner.

West Basin Municipal Water District 17140 S. Avalon Blvd., Suite 210 Carson, CA 90746 (310) 217-2411

Edward

J.

Caldwell Acting General Manager West Basin Municipal Water District