california news

The Trump administration's recent actions have severely undermined the federal infrastructure supporting domestic violence and intimate partner violence services. In just over four months, the administration has implemented funding freezes, staffing cuts, and information purges that threaten decades of progress in addressing this public health crisis. New grant requirements prioritize combating crimes linked to illegal immigration while restricting activities that frame domestic violence as social justice issues rather than criminal offenses. Additionally, the administration fired nearly all employees in the CDC's Division of Violence Prevention and proposed eliminating crucial prevention programs like DELTA and Dating Matters in next year's budget.

Somalia is experiencing a growing hunger crisis as crucial U.S. aid funding disappears under the Trump administration's dismantling of USAID, which previously provided 65% of Somalia's foreign aid. Save the Children is closing 121 nutrition centers, putting 55,000 children at risk by June, while overall projections indicate 4.6 million Somalis will face severe hunger. The Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu has seen over 500 malnourished children admitted between April and May alone, with doctors describing the current situation as unprecedented despite Somalia typically experiencing food insecurity due to climate shocks. Health workers are witnessing increasing child deaths from malnutrition-related complications, as illustrated by the tragic case of 1-year-old Maka'il Mohamed who died despite his father seeking medical care.

San Diego State University's Valuing Incarcerated Scholars through Academia (VISTA) program celebrated its first graduating class of 27 incarcerated students at Centinela State Prison in Imperial, California. Founded by Professor Annie Buckley and launched in August 2023, the program offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, and Art and Design to incarcerated individuals who have completed associate degrees and meet SDSU transfer requirements. The graduation ceremony on May 15 represented a transformative achievement for participants like Ruben Vargas, who gained renewed confidence and future opportunities through education. Recently, SDSU received a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to expand the VISTA program, with plans to develop new assessments, workshops, and potentially introduce a humanities degree.

Black and African American mothers in the United States face a maternal health crisis, being three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white mothers according to CDC data. In California, maternal mortality disproportionately affects Black women, with a rate of 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023. Doulas, who provide non-clinical emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum periods, have been shown to significantly improve maternal health outcomes. Research indicates doula care reduces rates of C-sections, epidurals, and premature deliveries while enhancing breastfeeding success and maternal empowerment, with Blue Shield Promise now working to expand doula access for Medi-Cal mothers.

The U.S. Postal Service continues to follow former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's "Delivering for America" plan, which has resulted in unprecedented semi-annual rate increases, deteriorating service quality, and significant financial losses exceeding $16 billion in just two years. Congress previously attempted to help by removing pre-funding requirements for retiree health benefits, but the USPS proceeded with service cuts and price hikes regardless. In response, Congress is now proposing the "USPS SERVES US Act," which would empower the Postal Regulatory Commission to prevent excessive price increases, limit hikes to once annually, and create an Office of Customer Advocate to address public concerns and protect essential mail services that reach every American address.

The San Diego Public Library celebrated the graduation of nineteen San Diegans from its Adult High School Diploma Program at a ceremony held at the Central Library on May 6, 2024, marking the program's 10-year anniversary. The program offers two educational paths: Career Online High School, which provides career certification alongside diploma coursework over 18 months, and Gale Excel High School, which allows 24 months for completion with additional elective options. Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded hundreds of diplomas, designed with accessibility features including online materials, 24/7 access, and laptop loans for scholarship recipients. Registration remains open to San Diego residents or city employees aged 19 and older who wish to earn their accredited high school diplomas.

Research led by Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge at Columbia University suggests that a balanced diet throughout the day can significantly impact sleep quality by supporting melatonin production. Her book "Eat Better, Sleep Better" outlines how foods rich in tryptophan (like legumes, nuts, and seeds) and supporting nutrients (such as zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins) can help regulate sleep cycles more effectively than single foods or supplements. The research indicates that Mediterranean-style diets high in plant foods, whole grains, and healthy proteins correlate with better sleep outcomes and reduced insomnia risk. Experts recommend gradually incorporating sleep-promoting foods into meals rather than restricting certain foods, though those with serious sleep disorders should seek medical treatment alongside dietary improvements.

Sojourner Truth delivered her famous "Ar'nt I A Woman?" speech challenging Black women's exclusion from the women's rights movement at the 1851 Women's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. Henry C. McBay, born on May 29, 1914, became a pioneering Black chemist who taught at Morehouse College for over 30 years, mentoring numerous doctoral students while conducting significant research. Thomas Bradley made history on May 29, 1973, when he was elected as Los Angeles' first Black mayor, serving five terms until 1993 after building a coalition of Black and white voters. These three historical events represent significant milestones for Black Americans in the realms of civil rights advocacy, academic achievement, and political leadership.

Motown legend Smokey Robinson has filed a $500 million defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who accused him of sexual assault. The lawsuit, filed jointly with his wife Frances in California, claims the women fabricated allegations as part of an "extortionate" lawsuit seeking $50 million in damages. Robinson denies all allegations, with his lawyers arguing the women should not have anonymity in their lawsuit. The four Hispanic women, who filed their case anonymously on May 6, allege incidents dating back to 2006 and claim they didn't report earlier due to fears about their livelihoods, family repercussions, embarrassment, and immigration status. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has opened a criminal investigation into the sexual assault allegations against the 85-year-old Hall of Fame musician.

Fedrick C. Ingram, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers, has strongly criticized Florida A&M University's hiring of Marva Johnson as a political strategy to control Black institutions. Ingram argues that Johnson, a DeSantis ally appointed despite protests, lacks qualifications having never served as an educator or in higher education administration. He characterizes the appointment as part of a broader conservative effort to control institutions that shape Black students' worldviews and revise history. Ingram has called on FAMU alumni and supporters to maintain pressure against this appointment, viewing it as representative of concerning political interference in educational institutions.

The fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin marks mixed progress in the city's recovery and reform efforts. While the Minneapolis Police Department operates under court supervision aimed at reducing racial disparities and violent crime has largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, parts of the city still bear scars from the rioting and property damage that followed Floyd's death. George Floyd Square has become a global memorial site, though its future remains contested as officials debate whether to convert it into a pedestrian mall. Despite initial calls to "Defund the Police" after Floyd's death, the police department is gradually rebuilding its ranks and working to restore community relations under new leadership.

Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff have issued a formal complaint against the Trump Administration for revoking international student visas through questionable surveillance methods. In their letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, they specifically criticized ICE's termination of California students' records and the State Department's "Catch and Revoke" initiative that uses AI to monitor students' social media activity. The Senators described these actions as unconstitutional violations of First Amendment rights, noting cases where students were detained without proper legal notice. They emphasized that California's international student population makes significant economic contributions while warning that these visa revocations threaten America's educational standing and innovation leadership.

The California Black Power Network (CBPN) organized a rally at the State Capitol where over 100 community advocates urged legislators to support a legislative package addressing reparations and protections for Black Californians. Several California Legislative Black Caucus members participated, advocating for specific bills including AB 1380 for incarcerated individuals, AB 7 for college admissions preferences for descendants of enslaved people, and AB 57 and AB 62 addressing homeownership and eminent domain victims. The rally also called for an investigation into the emergency response to the Eaton Fire, which advocates claim disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities. The event, supported by multiple Black advocacy organizations, emphasized the importance of repairing historical injustices and creating structural reforms for vulnerable communities.

For the first time in five years, San Diego County has experienced a significant 7% reduction in homelessness, with the City of San Diego showing the largest decrease at 13.5%. These findings come from the January Point in Time Count conducted by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, where volunteers physically count and survey homeless individuals to provide data for policymakers. The city has invested a record $315.9 million in homeless services and solutions, a 54% increase from the previous year, while implementing diverse shelter options targeting specific vulnerable populations. Despite overall declines in homelessness, particularly among veterans (22%), youth (23%), and families (66%), the rate of people entering homelessness still outpaces those finding permanent housing.

Target Corporation is forecasting declining sales and profits for 2025 amid multiple challenges, including backlash from ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, new tariff pressures, and organized boycotts by Black consumers and media. The company reported a 2.8% drop in first-quarter sales to $23.8 billion and a significant 36% decline in adjusted earnings compared to the previous year. Target CEO Brian Cornell announced organizational changes to improve performance, including a new acceleration office led by Michael Fiddelke. Meanwhile, the Black Press of America has launched a national selective buying campaign against Target after the company's January announcement to phase out DEI commitments, with Black media leaders criticizing Target's persistent refusal to invest in Black-owned newspapers and media outlets.

San Diego County's Behavioral Health Services has received $29.1 million in state funding from California's Department of Health Care Services to expand mental health and substance use treatment services. The funding, approved by voters in March 2024, will create two new facilities: a Substance Use Residential & Treatment Services facility with 73 treatment beds and 16 recuperative care beds, and the region's first Children's Crisis Residential Care facility with 16 beds at the Polinsky Children's Center. Five additional behavioral health providers in San Diego County also received funding, with the combined seven grants expected to add approximately 375 treatment beds and 1,538 treatment slots throughout the region.

On the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder, Reverend Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant organized a nationwide prayer protest against Target for scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Dozens of churches participated in 9-minute and 40-second demonstrations outside Target stores, representing the time Floyd was pinned down by police. Target had previously pledged $2 billion toward DEI efforts following Floyd's death but has since phased out programs aimed at increasing Black representation and supporting Black-owned brands, claiming these changes were part of a planned three-year cycle. The protests are part of the ongoing Target Boycott movement, which began as the Target Fast, while Target simultaneously reported declining sales and earnings in the first quarter.

With summer approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, the CDC reports concerning statistics about drowning deaths in the United States, which average 11 per day. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, with significant increases in recent years and notable racial disparities in fatality rates. The majority of pediatric drownings (80%) occur in residential settings like backyard pools, often due to inadequate supervision. Water safety experts recommend constant adult supervision near water, proper pool fencing, wearing life jackets when boating, and formal swimming lessons for both children and adults to reduce drowning risks.

The California Governor's revised budget proposal seeks to completely eliminate the California Reducing Disparities Project (CRDP), which funds 33 culturally-specific mental health programs serving marginalized communities across the state. This cut would dismantle vital community-driven initiatives like the Sisters Mentally Mobilized – Advocate Training Program that empowers Black women as mental health advocates. The California Black Women's Health Project argues that eliminating these trusted resources would devastate communities already experiencing significant mental health disparities. The organization is urging state leaders to restore funding for these essential programs to maintain California's commitment to health equity.

The San Diego City Council is reviewing a proposal for a new trash fee linked to Measure B, with the Environmental Services Department presenting an operational plan for implementation if approved in June. Residents opposing the plan can submit formal written protests under Proposition 218 by June 9, 2025, before the public hearing closes. The city requires 115,001 protest forms to reject the proposed fee, with strict guidelines that only one protest per household/parcel will be counted and electronic protests will not be considered. If implemented, the measure may change eligibility status for waste collection services, potentially transitioning some customers to City collection while others shift to Franchise Hauler collection.

The Lemon Grove School District in California has been informed that their $2.7 million federal grant for mental health services will be suspended starting December 2025, with $1.2 million already utilized to hire five mental health workers. This funding, part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act created after the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, has helped the district significantly reduce chronic absenteeism and suspension rates while improving mental health staff-to-student ratios. The Department of Education terminated the grant claiming it violated Federal civil rights laws, with a spokesperson stating the grants reflected "deeply flawed priorities" of the previous administration, while district officials view the cuts as detrimental to their predominantly Hispanic and Black student population who already face barriers to mental health care. District leaders are now appealing the termination, exploring litigation with other affected districts, and working to maintain the mental health positions through the upcoming school year.

The U.S. Senate unanimously voted to eliminate federal taxes on tips for service workers earning less than $160,000, establishing a tax deduction of up to $25,000 for reported cash tips. California State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh praised this decision and highlighted her similar state legislation, Senate Bill 17, which aims to end state taxes on service workers' tips. Despite the federal momentum, the California Senate Appropriations Committee placed Ochoa Bogh's bill on the "suspense file" for further consideration of its financial impact on the state. Ochoa Bogh emphasized that taxing the unpredictable income of tipped workers creates financial instability for families already struggling financially.

Operation Flags for Vets returned to Miramar National Cemetery this Memorial Day, bringing together over 300 volunteers who placed 20,000 American flags at the gravesites of veterans. Led by Mike Fuqua and Rotary International District 5340's Military Coordinating Committee, this community service effort transformed the cemetery into a visual tribute honoring those who sacrificed for the country. The event demonstrated the power of community unity in showing respect for fallen service members, with flags adorning every row and columbarium wall. Michael Brunker, Assistant Governor for Area 1 of Rotary International District 5340, highlighted how the ceremony showcased what communities can accomplish when united by deep respect and purpose.

Morehouse College posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion to Dennis Hubert, a Black divinity student who was lynched by seven White men in 1930 at age 18. Hubert's nephew, Imam Plemon El-Amin, accepted the degree during a commencement ceremony where Morehouse President David Thomas honored Hubert as a "son of Morehouse" and "martyr of justice." This recognition comes after recent community efforts to memorialize Hubert, including the work of the Fulton County Remembrance Coalition and Equal Justice Initiative, who placed a marker at the site of his killing in 2022. Many Morehouse graduates were previously unaware of Hubert's story, making this formal acknowledgment particularly significant in preserving his legacy.