WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023 SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1973
HEALTHCARE WORKERS WALK OFF THE JOB AT ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER By Dennis J. Freeman LYNWOOD, Calif. Nurses as well as healthcare workers walked off the job at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood. The five-day strike began Monday and lasts until Friday, Oct. 13.
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EPRESENTATIVES from the United Nurses Association of California/Union of Health Care Professionals say staffing shortages, decrease in pay and a lack of resources caused employees of the hospital to walk out off the job and line the
Photos by Dennis J. Freeman
streets with picket signs. “Today, we're here because we’re trying to negotiate a fair contract with Prime Healthcare. We want a contract that will protect the nurses, for the patient's safety, give us the resources that we need, especially since we’ve been so shorts t a f f e d ,” said Maria Nunez. Nunez has been a nurse for 22 years. She has been working at St. Francis
Medical Center for that amount of time. Nunez said the lack of resources is heavily impacting the community around the hospital. “We’re a big and robust hospital,” Nunez said. “We serve trauma. We provide trauma services, stroke, and all these resources…our community is of low-income and you know, all of the services that we have are very essential for them. A lot of our patients here don’t have insurance and n Strike, see page 8
Gov. Newsom Vetoes Cannabis Café Bill Lila Brown | California Black Media On Oct. 8, Gov. Newsom vetoed Assembly (AB) Bill 374. This legislation would have allowed businesspeople to operate cannabis cafés in California, like those in Amsterdam, where non-marijuana food products can be served and consumed. This is despite the existing federal ban on the entire industry. The bill, authored by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), would have also allowed café owners to host and sell tickets to live events. In his veto message, Newsom said he appreciates the author’s intention to support cannabis retailers, many of them struggling to make a profit. However, he is concerned that the legislation “could undermine California's long-standing smoke-free workplace protections.” “Protecting the health and safety of workers is paramount. I encourage the author to address this concern in subsequent legislation,” wrote the Governor. n Concerns, see page 8
Compton walks in breast cancer awareness month event
Hundreds of people came out to support the 12th Annual Compton Walk for the Cure event that was held at Centennial High School on Oct. 7, 2023. The free event featured food vendors, games, breast cancer exams and speakers. For more photos, see page 3. Photo by Dennis J. Freeman