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Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed   

August 18, 2025

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber will host a commemorative event on August 25 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, featuring panel discussions and a special exhibit from the California State Archives. The California Black Health Network will present a legislative briefing on Black maternal health disparities on August 27, highlighting that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women.

Who is affected

  • Voters and citizens interested in voting rights history and current voting access
  • Black mothers and pregnant women facing significantly higher maternal mortality rates
  • NAACP local branches receiving funding through the coffee partnership
  • State employees whose work arrangements are affected by telework policies
  • California taxpayers who could potentially benefit from state real estate cost savings
  • Black workers across Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and San Diego
  • Community members and activists engaged in labor rights and social justice

What action is being taken

  • California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber is hosting a commemoration event for the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act on August 25
  • The California Black Health Network is presenting a legislative briefing on Black maternal health disparities on August 27
  • The NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference is partnering with Roots Java for the "Caffeinating the Cause" fundraising initiative
  • Governor Newsom's office is disputing the state auditor's report on potential telework savings
  • The Southern California Black Worker Hub for Regional Organizing is holding its 2nd Annual Black August Commemoration

Why it matters

  • The Voting Rights Act commemoration highlights ongoing efforts to protect equal ballot access while acknowledging challenges to voting rights in some states
  • The Black maternal health briefing addresses a critical disparity where Black women face 3-4 times higher mortality rates due to systemic racism and inequitable care
  • The NAACP partnership creates a sustainable funding source for local advocacy efforts through coffee sales
  • The telework debate represents potential significant cost savings ($225 million annually) versus workplace effectiveness considerations
  • The Black August Commemoration recognizes both historical struggles and current challenges faced by Black workers while advocating for improved labor protections

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the scheduled events on August 25 (Voting Rights Act commemoration) and August 27 (Black maternal health briefing).

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed