california news

This article commemorates the birth and deaths of three influential African American musical and acting pioneers who share July 17 as a significant date. Diahann Carroll, born in 1935, broke barriers as the first Black woman to win a Tony Award and to lead a non-stereotypical TV series role. Billie Holiday, who died on July 17, 1959, rose from poverty to become one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century despite her short 44-year life. John Coltrane, who passed away on July 17, 1967, revolutionized jazz saxophone with his innovative style that combined various musical traditions and spiritual elements.

Federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, particularly a July 7 operation at MacArthur Park involving approximately 90 armed agents, have prompted strong opposition from California officials including Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom. Both leaders have denounced the raids as unconstitutional and harmful to immigrant communities, with Bass issuing Executive Directive No. 12 to prohibit city resources being used for immigration enforcement and to support affected families. In response, the City of Los Angeles is taking legal action against the federal administration, while a U.S. District Judge has ruled that ICE agents must have reasonable suspicion before stops and cannot rely on racial profiling. Various community organizations, including Black-led groups, have mobilized in solidarity with immigrants, emphasizing that the enforcement tactics disproportionately impact multiple communities.

of News Article San Diego Unified School District has approved a phone-free school day policy that will be implemented starting August 11 for the 2025-26 school year, becoming an early adopter of California's Phone-Free School Act (Assembly Bill 3216). The policy prohibits phone use during regular school hours, with high schools allowing usage before the first bell, during lunch, and passing periods, while exceptions are made for emergencies, health purposes, IEP requirements, and teacher-authorized instructional use. The district has established a progressive consequence structure for enforcement, utilizing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Restorative Justice Practices, with interventions ranging from verbal reminders to potential restrictions from school events for repeated violations. Detailed information about the policy, FAQs, and resources for families are available on the district's website.

A 49-year-old mother and her nine-year-old son were rescued from California's Sierra Nevada forest after being stranded for over 24 hours when their GPS failed in a remote area. The Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue Team discovered them on July 12 by following a trail of handwritten notes the mother had left tucked under rocks along a road. The rescue effort involved air assets and specialized off-road vehicles, with the search team already being in the area for monthly training when the call about the missing pair came in. After spending the night in their car to avoid wild animals, the mother (identified as Tami) and her son Stirling, who had been attempting to reach Camp Wolfeboro for a Cub Scout camping trip, were safely reunited with waiting family members.

The Conservation Fund (TCF) has purchased Zora Neale Hurston's former home in Fort Pierce, Florida, saving it from potential demolition or development. TCF will transfer the property to the Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation (ZNHFEF), which plans to transform it into a visitor and education center honoring the acclaimed Harlem Renaissance author. The home, where Hurston lived during her final years while writing for the Fort Pierce Chronicle, received National Historic Landmark status in 1991 but remained at risk until this intervention. Both organizations are now fundraising to replenish funds used for the purchase and make necessary improvements to the property, which forms part of the Dust Tracks Heritage Trail commemorating Hurston's contributions to American literature and history.

The San Diego City Council recently approved a controversial housing development in Encanto by a 6-3 vote, despite significant community opposition. Known as the Klauber Development, the project will subdivide four large lots into 23 smaller lots for market-rate housing on a 5.66-acre green space that many residents had hoped would become a public park. The development was made possible by a now-removed zoning policy called Footnote 7, which reduced minimum lot sizes in Southeastern San Diego from 20,000 to 5,000 square feet without community input. Although Footnote 7 was eliminated in April for future projects, developments already in the approval process, like the Klauber project, remain exempt from the change.

Parks After Dark is a free summer program taking place at five San Diego City parks on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings through early August. The program, now in its fourth annual iteration, is a collaborative effort between the San Diego Parks Foundation, the City and County of San Diego, Price Philanthropies, and the Prebys Foundation. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., participants can enjoy various activities including music, theatre, movies, arts and crafts, games, sports clinics, community resources, and free food for children. The events are designed to be multicultural and multigenerational, welcoming families and individuals from all communities to participate in these outdoor celebrations.

Senate Bill 515, introduced by Senator Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood), would require California local governments to disaggregate demographic data for Black or African American populations by distinguishing between African Americans descended from U.S. slavery, Black individuals not descended from U.S. slavery, and those who don't know or choose not to identify their ethnicity. The bill, which passed the Assembly Local Government Committee on July 2 with an 8-2 vote, aims to address the current practice of grouping all Black communities under one category on government forms. If enacted, SB 515 would take effect January 1, 2027, requiring cities and counties to collect more detailed demographic data to better understand the unique needs of different Black subgroups.

James Cloud Jr. celebrated his 84th birthday on July 1st at MLK Park with friends and family, combining the occasion with a book signing for his new work "From Rigger in the Navy to Soldier in the Army of God." The celebration brought together longtime companions from Las Vegas and San Diego to share memories, enjoy food, and laugh together. Pastor Glenn McKinney of St. Stephen's Church of God in Christ praised Mr. Cloud's journey as inspirational, noting how he had become a positive influence for his family and community. Mr. Cloud expressed gratitude for the attendance of his relatives, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as friends from his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

Six months after the devastating Eaton Canyon and Palisades fires, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a comprehensive recovery plan at Pasadena City College alongside local leaders. Newsom reported that cleanup efforts are 96% complete and detailed his administration's financial response, including 23 executive orders, a $2.5 billion relief package, and securing an additional $3 billion from FEMA and the Small Business Administration. LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger introduced the "LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding" plan to streamline recovery efforts through simplified permitting, infrastructure repairs, power line undergrounding, and enhanced support services. The Eaton Fire destroyed 9,400 structures and claimed 17 lives, while the Palisades Fire burned a larger area but destroyed fewer structures (6,800), with the combined death toll exceeding 30.

The Annual Summer Bash celebration for kids was held at MLK Park, organized by Cherish Moments Non-Profit Organization. The event featured numerous activities including inflatable games, music by DJ Styles, entertainment, arts and crafts, raffles, and complimentary food for community members. Local officials attended to demonstrate their support for neighborhood youth, with the celebration running from 10 am to 4 pm. Organizers Sherrell Kinsler and Kimberly Foster emphasized that the event's purpose was to create a joyful environment where children could feel valued and appreciated while bringing the community together.

Public broadcasting services NPR and PBS face significant financial challenges as they may lose funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), an independent nonprofit distributing federal money to public broadcasters nationwide. While NPR and PBS receive only 1% and 15% of their funding directly from the government through CPB respectively, local stations that pay for their programming could be severely impacted as many rely heavily on federal support. Rural and Native American communities would be particularly affected, as public broadcasting stations serve as vital information sources in areas with limited media access. Conservative Republicans have targeted public broadcasting funding, arguing it has a liberal bias and is unnecessary in today's diverse media landscape.

Fort Hays State University will honor six outstanding alumni during the upcoming Homecoming weekend in September, with Police Commander Benjamin A. Kelso of San Diego receiving the Alumni Achievement Award, the university's highest recognition for graduates. Kelso has served over 35 years in law enforcement with expertise in areas including neighborhood policing, traffic services, homeland security, and team development, while also holding two advanced degrees from FHSU. The other honorees include Michelle Dillard, Jeffery Curtis, Michael Slattery, Sara Brungardt, and Jacie Hoyt, who will be recognized for their various contributions and achievements. President Dr. Tisa Mason expressed excitement about celebrating these alumni who embody the "Tiger spirit" through their service to professions, communities, and society.

Vernita Largen Todd, Executive Director at San Ysidro Health, was interviewed on "From the Desk of the Editor" during Juneteenth week, where she discussed her role overseeing the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in San Diego. Todd shared her journey from Tennessee to San Diego and highlighted San Ysidro Health's founding by seven women who envisioned "access for all," now serving over 160,000 county residents. She addressed misconceptions about PACE eligibility requirements and emphasized that community care transcends geography, advocating for seniors in East County and rural areas like Alpine and Campo. The conversation is available on the Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper YouTube channel, with new episodes of the program airing every Wednesday on Facebook and YouTube.

The article by Dr. John E. Warren discusses the critical role of the Black Press in African American communities and its current struggles. He emphasizes that Black newspapers have been telling the community's story for 198 years through numerous historical challenges, but now face declining support despite the African American population having more income than ever before. Dr. Warren highlights how many organizations and individuals have shifted to social media rather than supporting traditional Black media outlets, while simultaneously corporations have reduced advertising revenue to these publications. He calls for renewed community support of the Black Press and urges major civil rights organizations like the National Urban League and NAACP to encourage their corporate sponsors to advertise in Black newspapers.

Inflation rose to 2.7% in June, reaching its highest level since February, driven partly by President Trump's tariffs increasing costs on various goods including furniture, clothing, and appliances. The Labor Department reported a 0.3% monthly price increase from May to June, up from the previous month's 0.1% increase. This inflation surge creates political challenges for Trump, who promised lower costs during his campaign but has instead imposed sweeping tariffs. The increased inflation makes it more likely that the Federal Reserve will maintain current interest rates at their upcoming meeting, despite Trump's pressure on Chair Jerome Powell to cut rates.

Los Angeles County experienced mass immigration raids last month, prompting thousands of demonstrators to protest against the Trump administration and ICE enforcement actions. When initial protests escalated with police using tear gas, President Trump deployed over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, leading to online debates about whether Black Americans should participate in these demonstrations. Despite the risks, some Black activists continue supporting the protests, noting that immigration is a Black issue with over 4 million Black immigrants in the U.S., including approximately 60,000 in Los Angeles. California officials, including members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, have opposed the ICE raids and supported immigrant communities.

President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," signed on July 4, will significantly impact California's 2025-26 state budget by cutting $1.6-2 trillion in federal spending over the next decade. The law reduces funding for critical safety net programs including Medicaid, food assistance, housing, transportation, education, and clean energy initiatives that many Californians rely on. Medi-Cal, which covers approximately 15 million California residents, faces severe cuts as the law replaces Medicaid's federal match with capped block grants, potentially resulting in a $2.8 billion annual loss for the state. The legislation also expands work requirements for CalFresh recipients and eliminates funding for clean energy and transit projects in underserved communities, disproportionately affecting Black Californians and other vulnerable populations.

Black Lives Matter (BLM) has reached its 12th anniversary with 51 chapters globally and thousands of on-the-ground organizers, according to co-founder Dr. Melina Abdullah. During a recent summit in Los Angeles, organizers from across the movement gathered to discuss strategy amid what Abdullah describes as unprecedented "fascism and unmasked racism." BLM Grassroots has released an annual action report highlighting various initiatives, including the successful campaign to free Brittany Martin, a mother imprisoned for comments made during a 2020 protest. Dr. Abdullah also addressed internal conflicts within the broader BLM network regarding financial management, particularly criticizing the BLM Global Network Foundation's purchase of a "$6 million mansion" in Studio City.

Reverend William Barber is organizing Moral Monday protests in 11 Southern states against the recently passed healthcare legislation that cuts $17 million from Medicaid. The protests target local Senate offices in states where an estimated 1.5 million people could lose healthcare coverage due to these cuts. Demonstrators, including clergy and affected individuals, plan to march with caskets representing those negatively impacted in each state. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina was noted as the only senator who voted against the bill, which President Trump signed into law on July 4th after it passed the Senate.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for federalizing the National Guard in Los Angeles, effectively removing control from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Bass claims this federal action represents an overreach of power, with ICE, National Guard, Border Patrol, and Marines now collectively targeting immigrants of various nationalities in the city. The mayor describes Los Angeles as a "Petri dish" for Trump's immigration policies, highlighting that the city's large immigrant population is being significantly impacted, with entire immigrant-dependent industries suffering and some areas becoming "ghost towns." Bass emphasizes that this federal intervention has multiple concerning dimensions: political overreach, humanitarian concerns for affected communities, and severe economic consequences for a diverse city where nearly half the population is Latino.

California's Legislature is advancing Assembly Bill 247, which would increase hourly pay for incarcerated firefighters from approximately $1 to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 when working on active wildfires. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, aims to provide fairer compensation for inmates who work dangerous, lengthy shifts battling California's devastating fires. Though initially proposing $19 per hour, the rate was reduced during negotiations. Despite opposition from the California State Sheriffs' Association citing cost concerns, the Senate Public Safety Committee approved the bill, which now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) serves as a voice for over 200,000 health and physical education professionals across the United States, with Michelle Carter directing their educational content and programs. In an interview, Carter emphasizes that physical activity for young children should start from birth and doesn't require structured workouts or expensive equipment, but rather safe spaces for play and exploration. SHAPE America offers resources like the "Active Start" guidelines that provide age-appropriate physical activity recommendations for children from birth to age 5. Carter stresses that movement is integral to how babies and young children learn about their world, develop strength and confidence, and establish foundations for lifelong health.

Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon has condemned Florida's $450 million immigration detention facility in the Everglades, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," describing it as a wasteful political stunt after witnessing poor conditions during a restricted tour. She reported seeing detainees crammed into cages with inadequate facilities, many of whom were asylum seekers or individuals accused of minor infractions rather than serious criminals, despite Governor Ron DeSantis's claims about detaining the "worst of the worst." Nixon and four colleagues have filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for violating their rights to conduct unannounced inspections of the facility. As public polling shows declining support for mass deportations, Nixon warns that this approach to immigration enforcement could spread beyond Florida and urges Americans to pressure leaders for accountability.

Sesame Workshop is working to regain control of the Elmo X account after a hacker compromised it over the weekend, posting racist and antisemitic content to Elmo's 650,000 followers. The unauthorized posts, which included antisemitic threats and references to the Jeffrey Epstein case, were quickly deleted, though a link to a Telegram channel from the alleged hacker remains on the account. This incident represents a stark contrast to Elmo's usual content focused on encouragement, kindness, and mental health awareness, which previously attracted engagement from prominent figures like then-President Joe Biden and Chance the Rapper. X has not yet responded to requests for comment about the situation.

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has died at age 82 in London following a prolonged illness, as announced by the presidential press office. Buhari, who served as president from 2015 to 2023 after winning two consecutive elections, was a former military general who had briefly ruled Nigeria following a 1983 coup before being overthrown. Current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Buhari as a patriot and statesman committed to Nigeria's unity, particularly noting his anti-corruption efforts and stance against Boko Haram insurgency. Despite initial popularity, Buhari's presidency was marked by economic challenges, security issues, and protests, though he remained respected for his principled leadership and integrity.

David "Syd" Lawrence, the first British-born Black cricketer to play for England, has died at age 61 after battling motor neurone disease. Lawrence had a notable cricket career with England and Gloucestershire that ended prematurely due to a knee injury, later becoming a bodybuilder, nightclub owner, and advocate against racism. His significant contributions to cricket were recognized through his appointment as Gloucestershire's first Black president and his recent receipt of an MBE from King Charles III for outstanding services to cricket. Even while facing his illness, Lawrence remained active in fundraising efforts to fight motor neurone disease and was honored by cricket organizations for his pioneering impact on the sport.

Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of assassinated civil rights leader Medgar Evers, sees parallels between her father's 1963 murder and today's political violence, which experts say is at its highest level since the 1960s-70s. At a recent conference celebrating what would have been Evers' 100th birthday, she was joined by daughters of other slain civil rights leaders, including Kerry Kennedy and Bettie Dahmer. The event featured voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, who criticized Trump administration efforts to potentially remove Evers' name from a Navy vessel and drew connections between historical political violence and current military actions against protesters. Evers-Everette emphasized the importance of remembering history to avoid repeating "the crazy, nasty, racist mess."

The 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey reveals persistent disparities in retirement savings between Black and non-Black Americans, even at higher income levels. Only 33% of Black households earning $75,000+ have saved $250,000 or more compared to 63% of non-Black households, with debt being a significant barrier for 63% of higher-income Black households. Black Americans are less likely to have personally saved for retirement (77% versus 87% for non-Black Americans) and often experience worse retirement outcomes, including earlier-than-planned retirement due to health issues. While Black Americans express confidence in day-to-day budget management, they struggle more with long-term financial planning and have less access to financial advisory services.