September 7, 2023

1st ann i v e yrasr

Celebrating 31 Years of Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities

City of Champions

“ Mental Health Services Highlights...” See Page 2

Beyoncé shines bright celebrating her 42nd birthday during her Renaissance concert at Sofi Stadium

Kristian Walker Junior Writer fake news anchor desk, wearing

The R&B superstar celebrated her birthday in style with a sold-out show in Inglewood on Monday, September 4th. Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour was a star-studded event, with the singer shining the brightest among Hollywood’s elite at the SoFi Stadium.

Despite having to reschedule some dates earlier this year, Beyoncé’s third show at SoFi coincided with her birthday. As the highest-grossing tour by a female artist or black artist in history, Beyoncé asked her fans to dress up for her birthday month, which they happily obliged.

Fans who arrived early had the chance to purchase limited edition “Beyoncé’s B-day Party” t-shirts for $55 each. However, reports on social media indicated that the merchandise was selling quickly, and the lines were long. The anticipation was high, as it

was rumored that music legend Diana Ross would sing “Happy Birthday” to Beyoncé.

Diana Ross, dressed in a black sequin gown with feather sleeves, serenaded Beyoncé in front of her adoring fans. Beyoncé held Ross’ hand and mouthed “Oh my God” in awe.

After the song ended, the birthday girl thanked Diana Ross and gave her a big hug. Videos of the heartwarming moment were quickly shared on social media.

In a surprise appearance, Kendrick Lamar joined Beyoncé on stage in Inglewood, California, performing “America Has a Problem” with her for the first time on her 42nd birthday. Videos on Instagram captured the Compton native atop the

Beyoncé recently released an updated version of the Renaissance track, featuring new contributions from Kendrick, the Pulitzer Prizewinning rapper. In addition, she has also collaborated with Travis Scott on his song “Delresto (Echoes),” which is included in the album Utopia, released in July.

The birthday show was attended by a star-studded audience, including Meghan Markle, Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Adele, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Quinta Brunson, Justin Bieber, and more.

While Beyoncé will continue to celebrate as her tour progresses and concludes in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 1st, only fans in the Los Angeles area had the opportunity to wish her a very happy birthday.

a bright yellow jacket with silver stripes. Although there was a brief issue with his microphone, it was quickly resolved.

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services Highlights

Tips and Resources to Prevent Suicide During National Awareness Month in September

New National Data Shows U.S. Suicide Rates Were at an All-Time High Last Year with Nearly 50,000 Deaths by Suicide

Culver City, California, Sept. 06, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -EDITORS NOTE: Click HERE FOR PRESS KIT

For National Suicide Prevention Month this year, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services is sharing the risk factors, warning signs and supportive resources to remind individuals that suicide is preventable. Didi Hirsch is home to the nation’s first Suicide Prevention Center and serves as the lead agency for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in California in collaboration with 11 other regional crisis centers.

“Suicide remains a public health crisis impacting communities across the country, but there is hope,” said Lyn Morris, LMFT and CEO of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. “Research shows that suicide can be prevented in many cases, and anyone can take action to help a person who may be struggling. While organizations like Didi Hirsch are always here to help, family and friends can provide critical support to loved ones if they know what to look for and speak up when they do.”

Suicide is a leading cause of death and affects people of all backgrounds, ages and ethnicities. It is a complex

issue with no single cause. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that suicide rates increased approximately 36 percent between 2000 and 2021. Rates of suicide also increased by 2.6 percent between 2021 and 2022, according to the CDC.

Warning Signs to Know for Suicide Prevention

Warning signs for someone who may be struggling with suicidal ideation can include:

• talking about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden, feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain;

• discussing, mentioning, threatening or planning suicide;

• changes in behavior;

• increased use of alcohol or drugs;

• giving away possessions;

• despairing texts or posts on social media;

• social withdrawal or isolation;

• signs of significant depression, irritability or anxiety; and

• feelings of failure or shame.

How to Support Someone in Crisis

If someone you know is experiencing any of these warning signs, there are things anyone can do to support them, including:

• Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide, listening to their answers and taking them seriously;

• Be there and find out what and who they believe will be the most effective sources of help;

• Help keep them safe by establishing an immediate safety plan;

• Help them connect with resources and encourage them to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via call, text or chat;

• Contact 988 yourself for support and guidance on how to help someone; and

• Follow up with them to see how they are doing.

Suicide Prevention Resources from Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services

Didi Hirsch’s Suicide Prevention Center provides a variety of supportive services, including individual therapy to help those who are struggling with depression, anxiety and/or severe stress, as well as suicide-specialized therapy and support groups for individuals and families with thoughts of suicide, attempts or loss. Additional crisis care services include new support groups for healthcare professionals and first responders. Individuals across California can access these services in person or via telehealth. Visit www.crisiscare.org for more information.

For youth mental health there is Teen Line, a program of Didi

Hirsch, which is a national crisis and support hotline that connects youth with highly trained teen counselors who provide confidential peer support and mental health resources. Trained teen volunteers known as “listeners” help teens clarify and validate their concerns, explore coping skills and find resources to help. Youth can contact Teen Line by calling 800-852-8336, texting 839863, or by email at teenline. org/email-us.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is Helping Prevent Suicide

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides confidential support 24/7 for people experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis, connecting them with trained crisis counselors via call, chat and text in both English and Spanish. Individuals can reach out for support even if they are not experiencing an immediate crisis to receive emotional support.

Data shows more individuals are reaching out for help and contacting 988 than ever before. Didi Hirsch is California’s lead agency for 988 and partners with 11 other crisis centers to answer contacts across the state. Data

from Didi Hirsch shows that California answers more 988 calls, chats and texts than any other state. Didi Hirsch is also one of the designated crisis centers in the U.S. answering 988 contacts in Spanish with its highly-trained bilingual crisis counselors.

The Media can Support Suicide Prevention in Reporting

To help keep our communities safe, Didi Hirsch urges reporters to follow established media guidelines in reports about suicide: refrain from describing suicide methods or the contents of a suicide note, always include resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, say “died by suicide” rather than “committed suicide” and avoid sensationalizing. Research also shows that stories of hope and how people have survived or found healing have the power to help others and dispel stigma and myths about suicide. Detailed media guidelines are available here. For more information on crisis care and suicide prevention resources, visit crisiscare.org, 988lifeline.org, and bethe1to.com.

All signs point to a rise in Covid

Covid hospitalizations, deaths, and wastewater data are all increasing in the United States as the country enters the fall season. These indicators suggest a rise in Covid activity.

Hospitalizations have been on the rise, and deaths have also increased. Wastewater samples and lab tests across the country are detecting the virus.

Experts, such as Jodie Guest, a professor of epidemiology at Emory University, believe that these indicators show increased rates of Covid transmission in communities.

Tracking individual cases has become more challenging as states are no longer required to report numbers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and at-home testing has increased. Therefore, experts are relying on other tools to monitor the virus.

Hospitalizations are considered a good indicator of the severity of Covid disease. The number of hospitalized Covid patients has been increasing since hitting a low point in late June. As of the week ending August 26, there were over 17,400 people hospitalized with Covid, a 16% increase from the previous week.

However, hospital testing protocols have changed, and now only symptomatic individuals are being tested. This makes it difficult to directly compare current hospitalization numbers to those seen earlier in the

pandemic, as asymptomatic cases may be missed.

Emergency room visits with a Covid diagnosis have also been increasing since early July. The week ending August 19 saw 2.3% of ER visits with a Covid diagnosis, up from 0.5% in early July.

Wastewater samples are showing an increase in Covid cases, indicating higher levels of the virus in communities. Marlene Wolfe, an assistant professor of environmental health at Emory University, stated that wastewater data provides a clear picture of the recent uptick in cases.

Deaths have slightly increased after a summer with weekly totals below 600. The week ending August 19 saw 636 deaths.

Other signs of increased Covid activity include knowing multiple people experiencing symptoms or testing positive for Covid and seeing empty Covid test shelves in stores.

Experts do not believe that the BA.2.86 variant is to blame for the current increases in cases and hospitalizations. Instead, the CDC attributes the rise to XBB subvariants, such as EG.5 and FL.1.5.1.

The advice to protect against Covid

remains the same, including wearing masks, staying home when sick, getting tested if exposed or symptomatic, and staying up to date on vaccines. Improving indoor ventilation can also help prevent infection.

The FDA and CDC are expected to approve new Covid boosters in the coming weeks, targeting one of the XBB variants. Experts recommend waiting for the boosters to become available and encourage people to get vaccinated.

Kristian Walker Junior Writer

Area Communities

Serving Ladera, Hawthorne, Westchester, Lawndale, Gardena, Carson

Breaking Ground: New Affordable Housing Will Transform A Once-Restricted South La Site

122 affordable homes at Manchester Urban Homes addresses economic and racial injustices by offering equitable housing opportunities to working families

LOS ANGELES, CA—

Co-developers Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County (NHSLA) and Abode Communities broke ground today on a site that was once governed by a restrictive covenant that forbade the sale or rental to “any person of the African or the Mongolian race.”

The planned development, Manchester Urban Homes, will feature 122 affordable family homes in a mix of multifamily residential and townhome-style buildings. The project, located at 8721 S. Broadway, is anticipated to complete in early 2025.

“The Manchester Urban Homes groundbreaking is an example of how far we’ve come and how far we still must go to make sure every Angeleno has a place to call home,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “It is another important step forward on our longstanding commitment to delivering more affordable housing. I want to thank Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County and Abode Communities for their work to serve South Los Angeles on this project and beyond.”

“It’s not every day that you get to set right the wrongs of history with a shovel and a patch of land, but watching Abode and NHS put up affordable homes for the people of South LA on the site of a racist restrictive covenant is what justice in practice looks like,” said Councilmember Marqueece HarrisDawson. “Where exclusion was once law, inclusion will soon be real.”

The history of this site shines a light on the racist and exclusionary policies that carry partial responsibility for today’s housing crisis. Restrictive covenants, like the one in the original title of this property, were outlawed by the Supreme Court in 1948 but still

widely and illegally used until the Fair Housing Act of 1968. A detail from the restrictive covenant is linked here.

“This site is an incredible opportunity for restorative justice,” said Lori Gay, President & CEO of NHSLA. “It is an honor to reclaim this land, where Black and Asian people were once excluded by force of law, to the community as housing available and accessible to everyone. That is the joy of living in Los Angeles—we all get to share in each other’s experiences, our rich diversity, and work together to transform our communities.”

For nearly seven decades, the property operated as a community church run by Bishop Dr. Will T. Washington. In service to the community at large, Bishop Washington and his son, Pastor Thom Washington developed the surrounding area with a barber shop, beauty salon, and beauty supply stores. Their goal was to have an entire city block filled with spaces that offered economic development opportunities to the community. Years later, after economic

downturns resulted in foreclosures, NHSLA bought the land with the hope to continue that legacy through the provision of affordable rental housing to families in South LA.

NHSLA enlisted nonprofit affordable housing provider and co-developer Abode Communities to assist in securing the remaining required construction and permanent financing, as well as provide ongoing property management and resident services after the project is placedin-service.

“We are excited to partner with NHSLA on this transformative residential community” said Holly Benson, President & CEO of Abode Communities. “As a long-term owner and operator of affordable housing, we know that affordable housing investment in this neighborhood will serve as a catalyst for growth, economic mobility, and generational prosperity for decades to come.”

Residents will benefit from onsite services that include financial counseling that aim to support them in achieving their personal goals, building generational wealth, and retaining their housing.

Building amenities include a green alley, community garden, central courtyard and playground, a lounge area with rooftop deck, community room, bike safety and transit ridership programs.

Local investment for this $83.6MM development included a $7.0MM permanent loan, and a $2.3MM grant from the City of Los Angeles and Council District 8, respectively. Major permanent financing also included funding from the California State Department of Housing & Community Development Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities and Infill Infrastructure Grant program, a permanent loan from Citi Community Capital, Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity investment by U.S. Bank, and a seller carryback loan from NHSLA. Construction financing included taxexempt bonds awarded to the project by the State of California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and issued by the City of Los Angeles. U.S. Bank utilized the bonds to provide a $40.6MM construction loan to the project.

Inglewood Today News

Sports & Entertainment

Clippers Hawaiʻi Classic Tickets On Sale Now

Clippers.com

Fans can purchase tickets to the Oct. 8 preseason game at www.clippers. com/tickets; Net proceeds will benefit the Maui Strong Fund

LOS ANGELES – The LA Clippers have announced that tickets for the team’s preseason game against the Utah

Jazz in Hawai‘i on Sun., Oct. 8 are on sale now at www.clippers.com/tickets, with net proceeds from ticket sales benefiting the Maui Strong Fund. The Clippers are returning to Hawai‘i to tip off the 2023-24 season, in partnership with The Hawaiian Islands, and the team will host the Jazz at 3 p.m. HT at Simplifi Arena at the Stan Sheriff

Center on the campus of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

Following Media Day on Mon., Oct. 2 in Los Angeles, the Clippers will travel to Hawai‘i for training camp, which will be held from Tues., Oct. 3 through Mon., Oct. 9. During the preseason trip, the LA Clippers Foundation and the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)

will assist with wildfire recovery efforts and renovate facilities at a local school. For a detailed training camp schedule or to apply for credentials for the game, please email credentialreq@clippers. com.

BUPPIE | BUSINESS

California Black Media, Ethnic Media Services Host Award Show and Conference

communities heal from hate.

The Ethnic Media Conference Awards and Expo took place at the KimptonSawyer Hotel in downtown Sacramento on Aug. 31. The event celebrated the work of journalists, podcasters, photojournalists, and investigative reporters whose contributions have been published by media outlets serving ethnic audiences across California.

The awards ceremony, sponsored by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media, recognized winners selected from over 300 entries republished between January 1 and December 31, 2022.

“We had more awards, we had more submissions than ever, and we had judges saying this was the best we’ve ever seen. “Now, that is against the odds of remarkable,” said Sandy Close, Ethnic Media Services (EMS) Executive Director.

In all, 26 writers, communications specialists, educators, playwrights, and publishers from across the state served as the judges. The award categories were: Breaking news, commentaries, explanatory analyses, feature reports, and photography.

The Ethnic Media Conference Awards and Expo was a full day event attended by over 300 journalists, publishers, elected officials, business leaders, and others.

Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber

and U.S. Census Director Robert L. Santos opened the conference with messages that underscored the importance and power of ethnic media in California.

“California is the most diverse state

on what’s going on out there, or if we cannot partner with the ethnic media in the ways that we have; we won’t have anyone telling our stories. We need a strong, funded ethnic media,” Callender said.

in this nation, and it’s reflected in this room,” said Weber. “It’s reflected in our relationships with each other, and it’s reflected in our values. We will always celebrate that.”

California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Chair Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) and CLBC’s vice chair, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) made appearances at the event. State Controller Malia Cohen was the guest speaker at the awards ceremony and Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin participated in a plenary session.

Three plenary sessions were held. The breakout meetings were designed to discuss pressing statewide issues and how to develop public awareness campaigns that resonate with and engage all communities.

Rick L. Callender, the President of the California/Hawaii NAACP State Conference, spoke on behalf of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) about how ethnic media covers issues that the mainstream media often overlook.

“If we cannot rely on the ethnic media and the Black press to do exactly what they are doing, to continue to report

“I know when I was listening to the folks from the state, we talked about the $90 million that was put into the community. Well, that’s excellent but I need to make sure that these dollars are getting to our ethnic media,” Callender added.

The final session before the presentation of awards was a Reporters Roundtable. A diverse group of journalists discussed the challenges of breaking the silence around community taboos and other sensitive issues that sometimes are left uncovered.

Ethnic media outlets are designed to cater to audiences defined by characteristics such as race, ethnic origin, religious affiliation, or gender identity.

Pan-ethnic media outlets target multiple ethnic audiences (such as panAsian Americans and Pacific Islanders, pan African diaspora, pan-immigrant, pan people-of-color, pan LGBTQ+).

Integrated into the Ethnic Media Conference Awards and Expo was the Stop the Hate Campaign (STH). This campaign facilitates cooperation between leaders of community-based organizations and ethnic media to address inter-ethnic tensions and help

Authorized by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the STH program provides funding to qualified nonprofit organizations. These organizations offer support and services to victims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes, as well as their families. The program also promotes crime prevention measures.

The sponsors of the Ethnic Media Conference Awards and Expo were: Pacific Gas and Electric; BMO; SoCalGas; the California Wellness Foundation; the California Newspapers Publishers Association; Stop the Hate, Spread the Love; and Blue Shield California Foundation.

“Every time we come together like this, representing Black-owned and other Ethnic-owned media in California, we display the power we have to effect change in our communities and in our state government,” said Regina Wilson, Executive Director, California Black Media.

“The work we do in our communities is based on trust we have earned, commitment we have shown and relationships we have built over decades,” Wilson said. “Organizations can’t just show up, slap an ‘ethnic’ name on a media company and claim that they are serving our state’s diverse communities.”

Antonio Ray Harvey| California BlackMedia

A Tragic Death, Health Fears Add to Concern Over California New Extreme-Heat Reality

A Riverside County family is grieving -- and a local community is stunned -- after a 12-year-old boy suffered a fatal medical emergency during an excessive heat wave last week in Lake Elsinore.

On Aug. 29, Yahushua Robinson, a student at Lake Canyon Middle School, allegedly did not “dress out” appropriately for gym class and was consequently punished by running laps in his street clothes. His aunt told NBC4 Los Angeles that he was denied a water break by his Physical Education teacher. His classmates reported that Robinson repeatedly complained of difficulty breathing before collapsing and becoming unresponsive.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Robinson was pronounced dead at Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta.

The coroner’s report attributed Robinson’s death to cardiac arrest.

On the day of the incident, temperatures reached a high of 106° F. The California Department of Education advises schools throughout the state to assess whether outdoor activities, such as physical education and sports, should continue under such conditions. However, it is still being investigated whether the proper protocol was followed. At 11a.m., Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the school.

“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and our school community,” said Lake Canyon Middle School Principal Gil Rodriquez.

The family has since started a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral costs and other related expenses for the child they affectionally called “YaYa.”

Around the state, there is a growing concern among Black Californians about how extreme heat could affect elderly family members, impact skin care and exacerbate other health concerns. Authorities have warned that sweltering temperatures will now be a part of life in the Golden State.

Worldwide, July was the hottest month on record, and the California Governor’s office reports that 2023 is “shaping up” to be the hottest year on record.

During an Aug. 29 press briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services (EMS) and California’s Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications, speakers discussed what’s changed and what we can do to adapt to this new reality.

“These are not your grandmothers’ heat waves,” said Braden Kay, Extreme Heat and Community Resilience

Program manager for California’s Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.

“We have a critical need to support behavior change and mind-shift for

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case # 23TRCP00239

incentive for drinking.’”

To combat the extreme heat, California is making historic investments in climate action and public awareness. The state has launched a website at heatreadyca.com.

“It is an “all-of-stategovernment approach” to the challenge, Kay said. The site offers a new grant program to support awareness campaigns and add trees and shade infrastructure.

Last week, the Governor’s Office of Emergency of Emergency Services (CalOES) released a number of online toolkits (in 12 languages) to inform state residents about extreme heat and natural disasters.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include feeling fatigued and tired, said Okonkwo-Holmes. Swelling in the lower extremities and high blood pressure are other signs.

“We really need our bodies to stay cool, 96-99 degrees. If we’re not listening to those warning systems, we can get seizures and death,” Okonkwo-Holmes added.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Petitioner: Aaron Love Coleman, 13020 Kornblume Ave., #47, Hawthorne CA 90250, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, One Regent St., Inglewood, CA 90301, to change his name.

FROM: Aaron Love Coleman-TO: Aaron Lamont Troy Coleman

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on, July 21, 2023, 9:30 AM, Dept. 8, Room 504, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Publication Dates: August 17, 24, 31; September 7, 2023.

a lot of people who feel their bodies should just be able to handle the heat, but are not,” Kay continued. “Not just today, not just this summer, not just next summer, but for decades to come.”

According to Kay, “Extreme heat is a climate risk that all 58 counties in California will face,” noting that 90-degree weather now sometimes occurs as early as March and as late as November.

Sara Gardner, a massage therapist in San Diego, said skin care is extremely important during heat waves and everyone should wear sunscreen to protect their skin from dangerous sun rays.

“When it’s hot and dry out, I’ve have found exfoliating and moisturizer to be a must every day. I like to use ice each morning directly on my skin to help close my pores which helps me make sure I don’t let out as much sweat and buildup throughout the day. I also like to lock in my moisture with a cream, typically something with Vitamin C.

Experts who participated in the EMS news briefing said Black Californians, Indigenous communities and other people of color are the most affected by health disparities worsened by extreme heat and are at a higher risk of heat-related deaths.

“As doctors, perhaps one of the most useful things we can do is educate the public,” said Sharon OkonkwoHolmes, a doctor of family medicine at Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

“Older adults in general don’t feel as thirsty, but I’m telling them, ‘Stay on top of your hydration. Add lime, lemon, cucumber, whatever’s necessary to make you have an

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2023134885

The following Person is doing business as: B-Clean Plumbing 339 West 91st Street Los Angeles, CA 90003

Registered Owner(s): Maynor Betancourth, 339 West 91st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003

This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on June 20, 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.) Maynor Betancourth, Owner.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on June 20, 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 August 17, 24, 31; September 7, 2023

IT0042230120020377

Inglewood Today

Mark Hedin, Lila Brown and Edward Henderson

California Black Media Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed

Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Gov. Newsom’s New Executive Order Opens Pathway to State Jobs, Higher Pay

On Aug. 31, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to improve access to higher paying and more fulfilling careers for students and workers.

The executive order launches the development of a new Master Plan on Career Education designed to prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow, including jobs that don’t require college degrees. Additionally, the executive order directs the state to take further steps to reduce other barriers to state employment.

“All families, students, and workers deserve the freedom to succeed: to build real-life skills and pursue careers — including those that don’t require college degrees,” said Newsom. “California is leveraging billions of dollars in investments to prepare students and workers for good-paying, long-lasting, and fulfilling careers.”

The Master Plan on Career Education aims to create career pathways; prioritize hands-on learning and reallife skills; and advance universal access and affordability for all Californians through streamlined collaboration and partnership between government and the private sector.

The executive order also builds on California’s effort to improve the state’s hiring process. Recognizing that many state jobs do not require fouryear college degrees for success in a position, the Governor’s executive order directs the California Human Resources Department (CalHR) to evaluate whether a college degree is needed for a particular position whenever its classification is reviewed. CalHR is currently engaged in outreach efforts to help more Californians access state employment.

Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer Applauds Passage of Gun Safety Resolution

On Aug. 31, the Senate Public Safety Committee voted to pass Senate Joint

Resolution (SJR) 7, the Right to Safety Act, legislation that could impact federal gun laws.

“This is not a symbolic gesture,” said Assemblymember Reggie JonesSawyer (D-Los Angeles). “This is a push to have a real national conversation on the issue of gun violence in America and do something about these near-daily horrific acts.”

According to the resolution’s language, “The measure would apply to the United States Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the Constitution of the United States for the purpose of proposing a constitutional amendment relating to firearms, as specified.

Jones-Sawyer says if SJR is approved by the Legislature, it will give California and other states a chance to fight back against an “activist Supreme Court.”

“Poll after poll shows a majority of Americans want action taken to have gun safety laws in place,” Jones-Sawyer said. “A Right to Safety Amendment to the U.S. Constitution will do exactly that without impeding on the Second Amendment.”

California Senate Sees Leadership Shifts on Both Sides of the Aisle

Both Democrats and Republicans in the California Senate announced changes in their leadership last week.

Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins, who made history as the first woman and first LGBTQ+ Californian to hold the Senate’s top job, announced on Aug. 28 that the Democratic Caucus had convened and chosen Sen. Mark McGuire (D-Healdsburg) as the Senate Pro Tem designee.

Atkins, who is termed out and must leave the Senate at the end of next year, will step down from her post in January 2024.

“I am confident that this will be a seamless transition, and that Senator McGuire will continue to guide the Senate and California down a path of success. Senator McGuire has been a key member of my leadership team, a trusted confidant, and time after time, the convener who sets the table to get things done,” she said. “The Senate and

the people of California will be in good hands with Senator McGuire as their future leader of the Senate.”

The same day, Senate Republican leader Sen. Brian Jones (R-Santee) announced that Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) will replace Sen. Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach) as Senate Republican Caucus chair.

Nguyen is the first Vietnamese American state legislator in the United States. She is stepping down to run for a seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

“I look forward to working with him on our priorities to fix California. As a retired firefighter, Kelly is a fearless advocate for protecting the public and tackling fentanyl in our communities,” said Jones at a Capitol press briefing.

Anti-LGTBQ Groups Announce Plan to Place Transgender Student Rights on 2024 Ballot

Last week, multiple anti-LGBTQ groups announced an effort to place three initiatives on the November 2024 California ballot aimed at limiting the rights of transgender youth.

The initiatives, which need 550,000 valid signatures each to get on the ballot, are an effort to put policies in place that lawmakers have refused to take up with legislation, the activists say.

One of the initiatives requires that parents be notified if their child identifies as transgender at school. The second would prohibit transgender students from participating on sports teams not aligned with their gender at birth. The third would ban gender-affirming medical care for minors. This includes puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery.

Similar policies have been put in place in 20 U.S states. Many are currently facing court challenges.

“We need to make sure that the legislation that we’re doing will stand the test of time … and is as robust and appropriate as possible in response to the threats that are out there,” Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego), vice chair of the California LGBTQ Legislative Caucus, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Legislation regarding students’ rights to control the disclosure of their identity or sexuality is being considered in the State Legislature. However, a floor vote in the Assembly or Senate is unlikely before lawmakers go on recess Sept. 14.

Another bill, AB 1314, that would require schools to notify parents if their children self-identify as a gender different from the one on the birth certificate is currently under review in the Assembly Education Committee.

Victim Advocates, Business Owners, Law Enforcement and Republican Officials Rally Against Crime

On Aug. 31, Republican lawmakers, businessowners, crime victim advocates and law enforcement officials held a rally at the State Capitol demanding an end to policies, in their view, that have made communities around the state less safe.

The rally took place one day ahead of the Appropriations Committee suspense hearing where the fate of several bills the Republican Caucus prioritized was determined for this session.

California Black Media (CBM) will follow up with more coverage on bills that advanced this session and others that have been put on hold.

“Enough is enough – the Legislature needs to stop excusing and enabling the crime wave that’s turning people around the state into victims,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City).

“Members of the Appropriations Committee have a choice: double down on the pro-criminal policies that got us into this mess or protect law-abiding Californians. I hope they make the right decision.”

Speakers, including trafficking survivor Dominique Brown, of Breaking the Chains, called on the committee to advance Senate Bill (SB) 14, which would make human trafficking of a minor a serious felony.

“SB 14 is a critical step to protect children and young adults from the horrors of human trafficking,” said Brown. “I hope the passage of SB 14 will make a lasting statement that God’s children are not for sale.”