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Sharron Rouse, founder of Kindness for Kidneys International, shares her journey of being diagnosed with kidney failure at age 31, initially attributed to lupus or pregnancy complications. After years of disease management, dialysis, and eventually receiving a kidney transplant from her sister, she discovered through genetic testing that her condition was caused by APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD), a genetic variant primarily affecting people of West and Central African descent. This discovery provided her with answers and relief from uncertainty about the cause of her illness. Now an advocate for kidney disease awareness, she emphasizes the importance of genetic testing for at-risk populations and encourages people to discuss their healthcare options with doctors, particularly in recognition of APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease Awareness Day on April 28.

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The American Kidney Fund has announced the third annual APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease Awareness Day, dedicated to educating communities about this rapidly progressing genetic kidney condition that disproportionately affects people of African ancestry. As part of expanded efforts, AKF has launched the APOL1 Coalition, bringing together patient advocates, scientists, industry representatives, and professional organizations to coordinate resources and address priority needs related to the disease. People with two inherited APOL1 gene variants—particularly those who are Black, African American, African, Afro-Caribbean, or Hispanic/Latino—face increased risk of developing this aggressive form of kidney disease that can emerge at young ages. The awareness campaign includes a podcast episode featuring basketball Hall-of-Famer Alonzo Mourning, who was diagnosed with AMKD, along with various educational resources and advocacy activities during National Minority Health Month. # Key Takeaways

This article highlights two significant historical achievements by African Americans on May 7th. Joseph Winters, an abolitionist and inventor born in 1816, revolutionized firefighting by creating and patenting a horse-drawn fire wagon equipped with a collapsible ladder system in 1878, which dramatically improved emergency response capabilities in increasingly tall urban buildings. Additionally, Mary Eliza Mahoney was born on this date in 1845 and went on to break barriers as America's first professionally trained and licensed Black nurse after graduating in 1879, despite facing severe racial discrimination throughout her career. Mahoney later became a pioneering advocate for Black nurses by helping establish the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses to promote equality and professional development within the nursing profession. # Key Takeaways

Dr. John E. Warren argues that as California's June Primary approaches, Black voters face a critical opportunity to exercise electoral power despite candidates largely ignoring Black media outlets for advertising. He urges Black communities not to be discouraged by recent Supreme Court voting rights decisions but instead to strategically use their voting bloc to influence both primary and general election outcomes. Warren emphasizes the importance of sending Democrats to Congress to counter Trump's influence, particularly through newly redistricted California seats. He announces a Town Hall Meeting on May 20th to engage voters and stresses that while Black voters may represent a small percentage, they possess enough power to determine election outcomes across multiple races.

Ruby Merlin Barnard, known professionally as "Lady Ruby," was an accomplished jazz vocalist who died at age 84 after more than fifty years performing across America. Throughout her celebrated career, she collaborated with prominent musical acts and earned induction into the Hall of Fame Jazz Heritage in 2014. Beyond entertainment, she dedicated herself to humanitarian causes by performing at benefit concerts for AIDS awareness, cancer research, and LGBTQ communities, while also creating a special choir for children with autism inspired by her grandson's diagnosis. Her legacy includes not only her musical contributions but also the profound impact she made as a mother, grandmother, and advocate who used her artistic gifts to bring healing and hope to vulnerable communities.

Elon Musk's $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI, which he co-founded before leaving following a power dispute, is being presided over by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in California. Musk alleges that CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman breached charitable trust by transitioning OpenAI to a for-profit model, while OpenAI contends Musk is trying to advantage his competing AI company, xAI. Judge Gonzalez Rogers, a 61-year-old federal judge appointed by President Obama, has earned a reputation for running an exceptionally disciplined courtroom and treating all parties equally, regardless of their wealth or status. She has notably maintained control over the high-profile proceedings by restricting Musk's social media commentary, correcting his courtroom behavior, and keeping scientific speculation about AI out of the trial, demonstrating that even the world's richest person must follow her rules.

On April 28, Black-led organizations and other anti-hate groups gathered at California's State Capitol to advocate for renewing funding for the Stop the Hate program, which is set to expire in June 2026. The program, operated by the California Department of Social Services with approximately $250 million in funding since 2021, supports over 180 community organizations that assist hate crime victims and work on prevention efforts. Black Californians are disproportionately affected by hate crimes, comprising nearly 30% of victims despite representing only 6% of the state's population, with 494 anti-Black hate crime events reported in 2024. Organizations like the Black Youth Leadership Project and NAACP California Hawaii State Conference use these grants to provide educational advocacy, legal services, and support to communities facing racial discrimination and harassment. # Key Takeaways

San Diego County Probation operates the Community Transition Center (CTC), established 13 years ago as California's only centralized reentry facility that provides comprehensive support to individuals immediately after their release from prison. The center serves approximately 1,000 people annually on post-release community supervision by offering integrated services including behavioral health assessments, housing assistance, substance abuse treatment, and case management through a multidisciplinary team approach. Since its inception, the CTC has processed over 23,800 individuals, prevented more than 2,400 people from returning to custody, and saved over 17,100 jail days while supporting long-term public safety goals. The facility was created in 2013 following state legislation that transferred supervision of certain nonviolent offenders from state parole to county probation departments. Operating around the clock every day of the year, the center provides up to 36 beds, meals, clothing, phones, and connections to employment and life-skills resources for those transitioning back into the community.

San Diego County has released an interactive web report showcasing the effectiveness of its Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programs, which began in 2023. The report combines statistical data with narratives based on real people's experiences, demonstrating how coordinated support services address the root causes that lead to repeated incarceration for low-level offenses. Through collaboration between multiple county agencies including the Sheriff's Office and health departments, participants receive comprehensive assistance with substance abuse, mental health, and housing needs. The initiative aims to break the cycle of recidivism by providing rehabilitative services rather than relying solely on jail time, with the county planning to issue annual updates on program outcomes.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, ruling that states should not consider racial demographics when drawing congressional districts, which civil rights advocates view as a major setback for minority political representation. This decision particularly affects Southern states where Black Americans, including veterans of the civil rights movement like Edward Blackmon Jr., spent decades fighting to dismantle voting barriers and achieve political power after generations of disenfranchisement. The ruling threatens to reverse nearly sixty years of progress since the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which enabled millions of Black Americans to register and vote while allowing them to challenge discriminatory redistricting practices. Many Black lawmakers and activists fear the decision will enable states to redraw district maps in ways that dilute minority voting strength, making it harder for Black candidates to win elections and discouraging voter participation in communities already skeptical about political representation.

San Diego County has decided to compensate six local organizations approximately $150,000 for work they completed as subcontractors for the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego, whose former Chief Operating Officer faces embezzlement charges. Although the county's contract technically made HRCSD responsible for paying its subcontractors, officials determined compensation was warranted given the unusual circumstances where services were provided but never billed to the county. The county terminated all agreements with HRCSD in June 2025 and has commissioned an independent audit of its contracting procedures. Meanwhile, naloxone distribution programs have continued operating without disruption despite the contractor change. # Key Takeaways

A male coyote that made headlines for swimming to California's Alcatraz Island in January traveled much farther than scientists initially believed, according to new DNA analysis. While experts originally assumed the animal swam from San Francisco approximately one mile away, laboratory testing of the coyote's droppings revealed he actually originated from Angel Island State Park, located two miles from Alcatraz. The coyote, nicknamed Floyd by some observers, marked the first sighting of his species on the island since 1972, prompting officials to install monitoring equipment and consider relocation due to concerns about the native seabird population. Despite surveillance efforts, researchers have not detected the coyote since the original sighting and believe he has left the island, though his current location remains unknown. # Key Takeaways

Urban flooding, which occurs when city landscapes cannot absorb excessive water from extreme weather events, is becoming an increasingly serious threat as flash flood warnings hit record levels in 2025. Smart cities are now implementing innovative solutions combining artificial intelligence-powered monitoring systems, gray infrastructure like traditional sewer systems, and green infrastructure such as rain gardens to prevent flooding disasters. Contributing factors to urban flooding include impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt, inadequate drainage systems, and the 15% average increase in hourly rainfall intensity experienced by most U.S. cities since 1970. Technologies like Google's FloodHub can predict flash floods up to 24 hours in advance, allowing cities to optimize resource allocation and take preventative measures in high-risk areas. # Key Takeaways

Muscle strains, which involve torn or overstretched muscle fibers and tendons, affect millions of Americans and can become debilitating chronic conditions if not treated promptly. The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) should be applied within the first 48-72 hours after injury to reduce swelling and accelerate healing. Additional treatment options include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications for short-term pain relief, physical therapy using techniques like therapeutic exercises and massage, and chiropractic care focused on spinal adjustments. Unlike sprains that affect ligaments connecting bones, strains specifically impact muscles and tendons, commonly occurring from sudden explosive movements, heavy lifting, or repetitive motions. Early intervention is critical to prevent chronic pain and mobility limitations.

A California man accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents Dinner in late April now faces a fourth criminal charge for assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, allegedly brought multiple weapons including handguns, a shotgun, and knives when he rushed through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, leading to gunfire that wounded a Secret Service officer. The attack prompted immediate evacuation of Trump, Vice-President Vance, and other officials while attendees took cover, and has triggered a broader review of White House security protocols. Allen, who allegedly sent threatening emails to his family before the incident, remains in custody facing potential life imprisonment if convicted on all charges.

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The Thrive & Shine Glam Experience took place at the Jackie Robinson YMCA in San Diego on May 1-2, 2026, providing high school students from six local schools with comprehensive prom preparation services. The event was organized through collaboration between multiple community organizations including Thrive & Shine Academy, cosmetology schools, and youth service providers. Students received complete prom outfits, professional hair and makeup services, and nearly all participants were awarded $600 scholarships for post-secondary education. Beyond the makeover experience, the event connected students with professionals to explore career opportunities in beauty, community college, and trade programs, creating an atmosphere focused on both immediate confidence-building and long-term future planning. # Key Takeaways

The Young and Prosperous Foundation hosted its second annual Mother's Day Tea on April 25, 2026, honoring thirteen mothers and caregivers who have significantly impacted their families and communities. The event, titled "The Heart of the Home" and held at the United Domestic Workers hall, served as an extension of the foundation's Young Excellence Club mission, which focuses on developing young men through mentorship, academics, and civic engagement under the leadership of Dr. Raul Randle and Cecil Shelton. Attendees celebrated the honorees' accomplishments in perseverance, leadership, and community service through stories and tributes. Foundation leaders indicated plans to expand their youth programming and community outreach efforts moving forward.

Elderly Love, partnering with the Lincoln Hornets Alumni Association, hosted their second annual Spring Tea with Grammy & Me event celebrating grandmothers and intergenerational relationships. The highlight was the "Crown Me Queen" ceremony where nine grandmothers received certificates from Council Member Henry Foster III, tiaras, and crystal plaques recognizing their contributions to family and community. The afternoon featured interactive activities including children making Mother's Day plant arrangements with Felicia Booker, a sewing demonstration by Ms. Mary, and a presentation on afternoon tea history by Maryanne Parker. Pastor Patty Allen opened the event with a prayer, and the organizing team expressed appreciation to all contributors who made the celebration possible.

Following a Supreme Court ruling on April 29 in Louisiana v. Callais that weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, Black elected officials, civil rights lawyers, and community organizers held a virtual conference on May 1 to address the implications for minority voting rights. The decision makes it more difficult to challenge discriminatory voting maps by allowing states to defend racial inequities as partisan rather than racial gerrymandering, raising concerns about the dilution of Black political representation. While some conservative commentators praised the ruling for preventing what they view as racial manipulation of district boundaries, advocates emphasized that California remains vulnerable to these impacts despite its progressive reputation, particularly at local government levels. In response, organizations are mobilizing through voter education campaigns, legislative advocacy to strengthen California's Voting Rights Act, and grassroots engagement efforts, with leaders framing the moment as requiring coordinated action to protect Black voting power ahead of the 2026 election cycle. # Key Takeaways

Equality California continues advocating for LGBTQ rights despite shifting public attitudes and persistent discrimination, as demonstrated by a recent homophobic incident at Sacramento Pride where their program director personally used the CA vs Hate reporting system. The organization has evolved from sponsoring early marriage equality legislation in the 2000s to currently addressing anti-transgender rhetoric at school board meetings and concerns about federal healthcare policy changes. CA vs Hate, a state-run confidential reporting hotline launched in 2023, has handled nearly 1,000 reports across 46 counties in 2025 alone, responding to a significant increase in hate crimes. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, advocates successfully pushed Proposition 3 in 2024 to constitutionally protect marriage equality in California, recognizing that legal victories require ongoing protection and cannot rely solely on Supreme Court precedents.

Barbara Brown, a Houston woman born in the 1950s by a midwife in rural East Texas, has lived her entire life without a birth certificate due to systemic failures during the Jim Crow era when many Black Americans lacked access to hospitals and official record-keeping. Her situation has become increasingly problematic as she attempts to obtain identification documents like a passport and driver's license, with proposed legislation like the SAVE America Act potentially creating additional barriers to voting for those without citizenship documentation. Brown's experience reflects a broader issue affecting hundreds of Texans annually who must navigate the costly and complex process of obtaining delayed birth certificates. After submitting extensive paperwork, Brown recently received approval for her passport application and plans to continue pursuing her delayed birth certificate. # Key Takeaways

This article explains how commercial printing costs are determined and offers strategies for San Diego businesses to reduce expenses. Printing costs consist of three main components: labor fees, material selection, and set-up charges, with set-up fees remaining constant regardless of order size since preparation work stays the same. Businesses can lower costs by ordering in bulk, avoiding rush services, planning projects weeks ahead, and choosing appropriate materials for their specific needs rather than premium options for every job. The article emphasizes that understanding the pricing structure helps companies make informed decisions about when to use standard versus custom options, color versus black-and-white printing, and which finishing touches are truly necessary. # Key Takeaways

A recent CBS News poll reveals that 30% of Black likely voters in California's gubernatorial race remain undecided, representing a larger share than any individual candidate has secured. Meanwhile, California officials are strongly criticizing a Supreme Court ruling that could undermine Voting Rights Act protections for minority communities, with Governor Newsom and other leaders vowing to defend electoral access through state-level measures. The California Republican Party has launched its "California Promise" initiative—a 10-point policy agenda addressing issues like affordability, public safety, and homelessness ahead of the 2026 elections. Additionally, lawmakers are advancing legislation to eliminate tax breaks for large corporate landlords who own more than 50 single-family homes, aiming to improve homeownership opportunities for first-time buyers, while a new report shows Black police officer representation in California has declined over the past two decades despite ongoing staffing challenges. # Key Takeaways

Pop star Britney Spears has reached a plea agreement that allows her to avoid incarceration following a March arrest for suspected intoxicated driving on a California freeway. The 44-year-old artist accepted responsibility by pleading guilty to a reduced "wet reckless" charge through her attorney, resulting in probation, mandatory educational classes, and financial penalties. Prosecutors reduced the original DUI charge after Spears entered rehabilitation treatment and took steps toward positive behavioral changes. This legal outcome represents standard procedure for first-time offenders who had low blood alcohol levels and caused no accidents or injuries.

California has introduced new regulations allowing law enforcement to hold autonomous vehicle manufacturers accountable for traffic violations committed by their driverless cars, which will take effect on July 1st. Previously, police officers were unable to issue tickets to these vehicles due to the absence of drivers, even when witnessing clear traffic violations like illegal U-turns. The comprehensive rules require AV companies to respond to emergency officials within 30 seconds and impose penalties when their vehicles enter emergency zones. Companies like Waymo and Tesla operate these autonomous vehicles in cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles, where incidents such as cars making illegal turns during traffic stops and stalling in intersections during blackouts have created public safety concerns. # Key Takeaways

Following a Supreme Court decision that significantly restricts the use of race in drawing voting districts and weakens Civil Rights-era protections for minority representation, several states have begun responding with varying approaches. Republican-led states like Florida and potentially Mississippi are moving quickly to redraw congressional maps, with Florida's legislature approving new districts that could benefit the GOP within hours of the ruling. Some states including Alabama and Tennessee are considering similar redistricting efforts, though logistical challenges around upcoming primaries complicate immediate action. Meanwhile, Illinois had proactively attempted to strengthen state-level protections for race-based redistricting through a constitutional amendment, though that effort has been paused to allow legal review of the Supreme Court's decision. # Key Takeaways

The Academy Award statuette has a notorious history of disappearing through theft, misplacement, and unusual circumstances. Recent incidents include documentarian Pavel Talankin's Oscar being confiscated at a New York airport for being deemed a potential weapon, costume designer Colleen Atwood losing multiple statuettes to California wildfires, and Frances McDormand's trophy being stolen at the 2018 Governors Ball before quick recovery. Various celebrities including Jared Leto, Matt Damon, and Whoopi Goldberg have lost their Oscars over the years through moves, floods, and shipping mishaps. While some trophies have been recovered through chance discoveries or police intervention, others remain permanently missing, highlighting the surprising vulnerability of one of entertainment's most prestigious awards. # Key Takeaways

The Dementia & Brain Health Team has released a monthly calendar specifically designed to help community members track local dementia-related events and resources. The calendar for May includes various activities such as community meetings, educational programs, and events focused on dementia and caregiving support. All listed activities are free to attend, though some may require advance registration. The calendar can be accessed through blue hyperlinks for detailed information about each event, and is available for download on the team's website at LiveWellSD.org/Dementia. # Key Takeaways