Uncontained Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles, Displacing Thousands: How to Help
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Fierce wildfires are devastating the greater Los Angeles area, claiming at least five lives and forcing 100,000 residents to evacuate. Sparked by dry conditions and powerful winds, these fires have created unprecedented destruction in regions not typically known for such disasters.
The Palisades Fire, the most destructive in Los Angeles history, has scorched over 17,234 acres—nearly 27 square miles—destroying more than 1,000 structures. This massive blaze remains entirely uncontained, with evacuation orders still in place. Meanwhile, the Lidia Fire, covering 80 acres, is at 40% containment, and firefighters have managed to control the 30-acre Woodley Fire. The Sunset Fire, which ignited Wednesday evening in the Hollywood Hills, has rapidly expanded to 60 acres, threatening iconic landmarks.
“These are unprecedented conditions,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell during a Wednesday morning press conference, urging residents to comply with evacuation orders. “This is a tragic time in our history here in Los Angeles, but a time when we’re really tested and see who we really are.” Power Outages and Displacement
The fires have left more than 350,000 energy customers
without power, including 200,000 in Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the nation. Businesses and homes in Pacific Palisades have suffered extensive damage, leaving thousands of residents uncertain about their future.
“This is significant,” said Joanne Nowlin, Los Angeles regional executive director for the American Red Cross.
“It’s not just the fire, but you’ve got wind damage, power outages, trees falling, and deteriorating air quality. This is impacting thousands and thousands of folks in Los Angeles.”
State and Local Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday night, deploying more than 1,400 firefighters to combat the blazes. However, with high winds fueling the flames, experts warn that the fires will likely grow further.
How to Help
As Los Angeles faces this catastrophic crisis, several organizations are mobilizing to assist evacuees and first responders.
California Fire Foundation: This organization works with local fire agencies and community-based groups to support communities affected by wildfires. They are currently aiding victims of the Palisades Fire.
World Central Kitchen: Founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, the nonprofit provides meals and water to first responders and evacuees on the ground.
California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund: This fund targets underserved communities and aims to provide long-term recovery relief for those most in need.
CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation: This group offers financial aid to firefighters and their families, supports burn victims, and promotes firefighter health and safety.
American Red Cross: Hundreds of volunteers have been deployed to Los Angeles to operate shelters and provide meals, medical care, and emergency supplies to displaced families.
Airbnb.org and 211 LA: These organizations are collaborating to offer temporary housing for evacuees in Los Angeles County.
How You Can Help Donations to these organizations can directly support evacuees, first responders, and long-term recovery efforts. Contributions of money, time, or resources are critical as Los Angeles battles this ongoing crisis.
In these trying times, Los Angeles Police Chief McDonnell’s words echo a collective sentiment: “This is when we see who we really are.”
Doctors, Nurses Press Ahead as Wildfires Strain Los Angeles’ Health Care
By Bernard J. Wolfson and Molly Castle Work and Emily Alpert Reyes Los Angeles Times
The rapidly spreading wildfires that have transformed much of Los Angeles County into a raging hellscape are not only upending the lives of tens of thousands of residents and business owners, but also stressing the region’s hospitals, health clinics, first responders, and nursing homes.
At least one medical clinic burned down. Senior patients were evacuated by ambulance from nursing facilities as embers swirled around them and their providers. Medical offices have closed, and routine appointments have been canceled. Some providers have lost homes or had to evacuate their neighborhoods, keeping them from work in many cases and making it a challenge for some health care centers to maintain sufficient staffing.
Amid the maelstrom, doctors, nurses, and other caregivers did their jobs.
when she brought her home, having spent all day at a local hospital.
The Eaton Fire had ignited only a few hours earlier, and Kelley didn’t believe the blaze would grow so quickly and have such devastating effects. After receiving a text alert later that night notifying her that power went out at Curry’s house, she raced to check on her grandmother. But by the time she reached Momma D’s Altadena neighborhood, it was too late.
“I’m sorry your grandmother’s property is gone,” a law enforcement officer told Kelley when she arrived at the edge of the burn zone, which was cordoned off. “It totally burned down.”
The officer suggested Kelley look for her grandmother at the Pasadena Civic Center, where displaced residents sought shelter as the fire raged.
Unfortunately for Kelley and her family, they did not find Momma D that night and began to fear the worst. Kelley was able to visit what was left of her grandmother’s home on Friday, thanks to the National Guard, which escorted her to the site.
“It was total devastation,” Kelley told ABC7. “Everything was gone except her blue Cadillac.”
On Sunday, shortly before learning the news of her grandmother’s passing, Kelley said she was “still praying for a miracle” but wasn’t holding out hope.
“Honestly, we don’t feel very hopeful that she’s still here with us,” she confessed.
Described as being part of Old Black Hollywood in the 1950s, Momma D reportedly acted for decades.
Working consistently as a background actress, Curry was seen in legendary films such as “The Ten Commandments,” “The Blues Brothers” and “Lady Sings the Blues.” Loree Beamer-Wilkinson, another of Curry’s granddaughters, said she was still energetic despite her age.
“She was very active, you would not think she was 95,” she said. In a Facebook post on Sunday, Kelley paid tribute to her late grandmother.
“We had a great run. She impacted my life in so many ways,” Kelley wrote. “This loss is devastating.”
Salgia arrived at the hospital at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. He was joined by colleagues, many of whom had also evacuated their homes.
“We all felt very strongly that we needed to take care of our patients — no matter what’s happening to us physically and emotionally, what’s happening to our houses — that we need to make sure that the people we serve were taken care of,” Salgia said in an interview. He doesn’t know if his house is still standing.
In Pacific Palisades, St. John’s Physician Partners, a primary care and pediatric clinic affiliated with Providence Health & Services, burned down, said Patricia Aidem, a spokesperson for the large Catholic hospital chain based in Renton, Washington.
On Tuesday night, Ravi Salgia, an oncologist at City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, saw the house above his Eaton Canyon home go up in flames. As debris and sparks fell, he, his wife, and their older daughter estimated they had no more than seven minutes to get out. In the middle of the night, Salgia got a call that the hospital had become an emergency command center and was at risk of evacuation, meaning he needed to help evaluate patients and make discharge preparations.
Not far from the eastern edge of the Palisades Fire, Providence St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, one of the group’s major LA-area hospitals, was so close to evacuating that it called other hospitals in the area to find space for patients who would be displaced, Aidem said. USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, in Glendale, also faced potential evacuation, along with other hospitals in the region.
“All hospitals in close proximity to the fires remain on high alert and are prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen,” the Hospital Association of Southern California said in a statement. “The fires are creating significant operational hurdles,” the association added.
The association also said emergency services have been strained by high call volumes, while road closures have impeded the transport of patients, supplies, and health care workers. Some health facilities have been hit by power outages, the association said, while “many staff members are directly impacted by evacuations and fire-related disruptions, further complicating operations.”
California Department of Managed Health Care on
As of Monday, the combined death toll among the LA fires that began last week has risen to at least 24 people. Nearly 200,000 others have been displaced, and 39,000 acres of land have burned down.
A Black American lawyer chronicles her 20,000+ mile journey to discover over 15 generations of her ancestors whose impact and cultural influence reign prominent in society today, including in the depictions of some of the most renowned artwork in the world. Adeyinka Glover seeks your support to raise funds to film a documentary about finding 18 generations of her family. She will travel to numerous countries where her ancestors lived and where their images exist today in
White House Celebrates Record ACA Enrollment as Trump Administration Plans to Overhaul Health Care
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced
a historic milestone: nearly 24 million Americans— including approximately 64,000 District residents—have signed up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace coverage for 2025, with one week remaining in the open enrollment period. The record-breaking figure represents nearly doubling enrollment since President Joe Biden took office. Over 45 million Americans are covered through the ACA’s Marketplace and Medicaid expansion, marking an all-time high in health insurance coverage in U.S. history. Biden hailed the achievement as a direct result of his administration’s efforts to make health care more affordable and accessible. “When I took office, I made a promise to the American people that I would bring down the cost of health care and prescription drugs, make signing up for coverage easier, and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid,” Biden stated. “I’m proud that my administration delivered—even as Republican elected officials stood in the way. I urge Congress to double down on the progress we have made by extending the ACA premium tax credit this year.”
Over the past four years, the administration implemented initiatives contributing to record-breaking
enrollment and reduced healthcare costs. Key measures included enhancing ACA premium tax credits, which saved consumers an average of $800 annually on premiums, and simplifying enrollment processes, particularly for underserved and rural communities. Medicaid expansion in four additional states provided coverage for over one million people while eliminating bureaucratic barriers ensured millions could apply for or renew coverage seamlessly.
The administration also took aggressive steps to lower prescription drug costs, with the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program achieving prices 38% to 79% lower than U.S. list prices for the first ten negotiated drugs. Medicare beneficiaries benefited from a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs and a $35 monthly cap on insulin. The White House said those initiatives put billions of dollars back into the pockets of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Despite these successes, the ACA faces an uncertain future. President-elect Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers, who will control the House and Senate, have expressed intentions to overhaul the law. During his campaign, Trump criticized the ACA as overly expensive and suggested retooling or repealing key provisions. Republican leaders have signaled plans to prioritize changes,
which could result in significant premium increases and coverage losses.
Officials noted that enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire without Congressional action. If that happens, premiums could skyrocket. For example, a single parent earning $50,000 annually could see their premiums increase by $1,600, while a retired couple earning $85,000 could face an $18,000 increase. Experts estimate that between three and five million Americans could lose health insurance entirely.
The White House noted that the ACA’s impact
Vice President Harris Announces Final Rule
to Remove Medical Debt from Credit Reports
By Stacy M. Brown
Vice President Kamala Harris has announced a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule to eliminate medical debt from consumer credit reports. The White House explained in a release that the action would remove $49 billion in unpaid medical bills, benefiting 15 million Americans by raising credit scores and improving access to home loans, cars, and small businesses. Administration officials further noted that states and localities have already leveraged funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to eliminate over $1 billion in medical debt for more than 700,000 Americans. These efforts are part of a broader push to reduce the financial strain caused by medical emergencies, with jurisdictions projected to eliminate roughly $15 billion in medical debt for up to six million individuals.“No one should be denied economic opportunity because they got sick or experienced a medical emergency. That is why we have worked to cancel more than $1 billion in medical debt with support from the American Rescue Plan,” Harris remarked during the announcement. “This final rule ensures that medical debt will no longer be included in credit scores, transforming the financial futures of millions.”Medical debt remains the largest source of debt in collections, surpassing credit card, utility, and auto loan debt combined. The CFPB has reported that medical bills are often riddled with errors and inflated charges, making them a poor indicator of an individual’s creditworthiness. Officials added that the rule would remove medical debt from credit reports, building on earlier changes by major credit agencies that excluded specific categories of medical
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debt.According to administration data, jurisdictions including Cook County, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; and New Jersey have relieved hundreds of millions in medical debt for residents. For example, Cook County eliminated $382 million in debt for over 210,000 individuals. North Carolina recently launched an initiative to forgive up to $4 billion in medical debt for nearly two million residents, ensuring hospitals adopt policies that reduce the risk of future debt while improving financial assistance systems. The Biden-Harris Administration has also implemented broader reforms to address the root causes of medical debt, including enforcing requirements for tax-exempt hospitals to provide financial assistance, simplifying debt forgiveness processes for veterans, and protecting consumers from surprise medical bills.“This unprecedented rule reflects our commitment to lowering costs and creating pathways to financial stability for families across the nation,” Harris stated.
Trump Sentenced in New York Hush Money Case, Avoids Jail as Inauguration Nears
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Appearing virtually from his Mar-a-Lago home on Friday, President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced in the New York “hush money” case and received an unconditional discharge. The sentence leaves him free of jail time, fines, or probation as he prepares for his inauguration on January 20.
Justice Juan Merchan stated that the unconditional discharge was the only legal option available just days before Trump assumed the presidency. He called the case “truly extraordinary” and said that while the trial itself was not unusual, the sentencing circumstances were unique. He said legal protections were tied to the presidency, “not the occupant of the office.”
Trump offered no remorse during the hearing and later posted on social media, calling the case a “political witch hunt.”
The case focused on a $130,000 payment made to an adult film actress during Trump’s 2016 campaign. Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified business records to hide the payment. Despite a conviction on 34 felony counts, Trump avoided any sanction, becoming the first
Doctors, Nurses Press Ahead as Wildfires Strain Los Angeles’ Health Care
Continued from page A1
and eye irritation. Over 700 people — and possibly far more — have been evacuated from nursing homes and other care facilities, according to the California Department of Public Health.
On Wednesday, West Valley Health Center, operated by Los Angeles County’s Department of Health Services, closed due to a power outage, the department said. And UCLA Health said the closure of some of its clinics in Pasadena and on L.A.’s Westside was due partly to “utility shutoffs.”
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles said two of its specialty care clinics, in Encino and Santa Monica, were closed Thursday “due to the impacts from the wind storm, power outages and wild fires.”
Providence also has shut several clinics this week.
The two biggest blazes, the Palisades Fire in the parched coastal hills of western L.A. County and the Eaton Fire on the Eastside, have together torched more than 50 square miles, burned thousands of structures, reduced beloved cultural landmarks to ashes, killed at least 10 people, and severely injured many more.
The monster winds that fueled the explosion of the fires on Tuesday and Wednesday have begun to quiet down, though significant gusts are still expected to complicate the task of firefighters for the next several days.
Routine medical care will likely be disrupted for thousands in the days ahead.
eye clinic.
Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, close to the Eaton Fire, said some of its outpatient offices were affected by evacuation notices and heavy smoke.
Dignity Health, another large health system, said some of its hospitals were operating on generator power due to high winds, and some, including Glendale Memorial Hospital, had canceled elective surgeries. Other hospitals, including USC Verdugo Hills and Providence St. John’s, temporarily halted nonemergency surgeries due to the impact of the wildfires.
Christine Kirmsse, a registered nurse, evacuated her Santa Monica home on Wednesday night and is staying at a hotel an hour away. But she said she feels strongly that she needs to come into work.
“There’s obviously so much help that’s needed,” Kirmsse said. “And it’s important to me because I have the skills to be able to help. In times like this, this is when community is the most powerful.”
KFF Health News’ Chaseedaw Giles and Tarena Lofton contributed to this report.
This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
KFF Health
president or president-elect to carry a felony conviction without immediate consequences.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass described Trump’s actions, accusing him of undermining the justice system. “Instead of preserving, protecting, and defending… a constitutionally established system of criminal justice… the defendant has engaged in a coordinated campaign to undermine its legitimacy,” he said.
Steinglass also referenced threats against prosecutors and judges, which he argued were meant to intimidate. “Such threats are designed to have a chilling effect… because they fear that he is simply too powerful to be subjected to the same rule of law as the rest of us.”
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) dismissed the case as baseless, writing that “the only crime committed in the fake New York case against President Trump was in that courtroom.” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) referred to the sentencing as “a cheap show” orchestrated by political opponents.
Justice Merchan addressed Trump directly after the sentencing. “Sir, I wish you Godspeed as you pursue your second term in office,” he said.
www.ognsc.com
Kaiser Permanente, the giant HMO and medical provider, said it closed multiple medical sites Thursday due to the fires, including a pharmacy and laboratory and an
A view from Ravi Salgia’s house on Jan. 7 before the oncologist and his family fled to safety in less than seven minutes. Salgia doesn’t know whether his home is still standing. (RAVI SALGIA)
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ Trends During L.A. Wildfires
Chuck D Responds with a Plea for Understanding
By Stacy M. Brown
WI Senior Writer
Chuck D, the legendary frontman of Public Enemy, has long emphasized the power of visuals in shaping understanding. “People listen with their eyes; they don’t really listen with their ears,” he has said, noting the weight of images emanating from the Los Angeles County wildfires. That perspective has taken on new significance as Public Enemy’s protest anthem, “Burn Hollywood Burn,” trends again during one of the worst wildfire disasters in Southern California history.
The song, released over three decades ago on the group’s iconic album “Fear of a Black Planet,” features Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane and critiques systemic racism, exploitation, and the lack of authentic Black representation in Hollywood. Lyrics such as “Make our own movies like Spike Lee / ‘Cause the roles being offered don’t strike me / As nothing that the black man could use to earn / Burn Hollywood, burn,” were intended as a call for empowerment, not destruction.
With wildfires devastating Los Angeles, some social media users have appropriated the song, misusing it in reels and videos depicting the destruction. Chuck D has spoken out, urging fans to respect the song’s original intent and avoid connecting it to the ongoing tragedy.
In a statement and in previous interviews, Chuck explained, “‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ is a protest song,” referencing its roots in the Watts Rebellion of 1965. He credited DJ Magnificent Montague’s famous phrase “burn, baby, burn” as inspiration, noting its origin as a rallying cry against inequality. He added, “We made mind revolution songs aimed at a one-sided exploitation by [an] industry. The song has nothing to do with families losing everything
they have in a natural disaster.” Chuck concluded with, “Learn the history. Godspeed to those in loss.”
Fans in the comments supported his plea. According to The Root, one commenter wrote, “I don’t know how anyone that listens to your music could have misconstrued that.” Another added, “As an L.A. native, we know that song wasn’t a literal desire to burn Hollywood down. You were expressing disdain for Hollywood elites. We gotcha back.” Chuck reiterated his request, writing, “Please don’t use our song on your reels and pictures of this horrifying natural disaster.”
The wind-fed wildfires have already killed at least 24 people, burned through 40,000 acres, and destroyed over 12,300 structures. The largest fire, the Palisades Fire, is only 14 percent contained and continues to threaten neighborhoods like Brentwood, Encino, and Westwood. Evacuation orders cover 105,000 residents, with an additional 87,000 in warning zones prepared to leave immediately. Entire communities have been reduced to ash as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the destruction.
Chuck D’s ability to recall moments in vivid detail has shaped much of his work, including his book, “The Moments That Met Me.” In a recent interview, he shared how he captures and documents history. “I take moments that I was in the middle of, and I draw everything out how I visualize it,” Chuck said in a published interview. “That goes back 62 years. I shocked my mom and said this is our apartment when I was 1 year old, and she’s like, ‘Well, that is it!’”As “Burn Hollywood Burn” trends, Chuck D reminded everyone of its purpose as a protest anthem. “The images, the words—they carry weight. Let’s honor them appropriately.”
Meet BigXthaPlug, The Booming New Voice
Who’s Becoming Country’s ‘Favorite Rapper’
By Michael Saponara
Billboard Hot 100 hits and Coachella sets were never part of BigXthaPlug’s plans for himself. Growing up in Dallas, the 26-year-old with the deep, bellowing voice had gridiron dreams of playing in the NFL — and even at his Billboard photo shoot, he throws a football around and speaks of his success in the game’s terms.
BigX compares his industry journey to that of former quarterback Cam Newton, who starred at a junior college before becoming a Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn University and, eventually, an NFL MVP. “I basically just pulled a Cam Newton,” he states. “Instead of going through all the steps, I just went crazy at that [junior college] and could’ve damn near went to the league.”
To rap fans, BigX’s story — his path from drug dealer to artist — isn’t foreign. “Pops” — the 6-foot-7 man with a massive frame just like BigX’s, who’s with his son in Los Angeles today — “had a trap house, and in the middle of that spot was a round wooden table and a mic,” BigX recalls of his first time in front of a microphone. “[Pops] was like, ‘Y’all n—s can’t rap. My son got more than y’all got.’ I was scoring on ’em, and I guess it was sounding good. He was like, ‘You good. You need to rap for real.’ ” Four years ago, BigX signed with UnitedMasters, which he still calls the “best thing I could’ve did.” He credits his first manager — an uncle who essentially ran off after BigX paid him $20,000 upfront — for steering him toward maintaining his independence with the distributor. BigX has stood out among hip-hop’s melodic-leaning
mainstream with his soulful production and booming chopped-and-screwed flows that have drawn comparisons to The Notorious B.I.G. — and the past 12 months have been particularly crucial in his ascent. He earned his first Hot 100 entry in December 2023 when the groovy “Mmhmm” reached No. 63. In October, he opened up about his insecurities, pain and triumphs on his second album, Take Care, which reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200.
“I feel like for the past decade it’s been a lot of mumble rap. People not talking about nothing,” he says. “I’m talking about something. A lot of the older people who love music, that’s what they grew up on — actual substance. Here’s this young dude that sound old, but he on these young-old beats. I literally mixed everything up so everybody could love it.”
BigX’s in-house producer, Tony Coles, adds, “He has this sort of Martin Luther King Jr. element to him where it’s [a] preacher almost and his voice is very powerful, and you got the badass production behind it.”
Next up, BigX — who Shaboozey tapped for a feature on his 2024 album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m
Going — will connect with his Texas roots for a country mixtape slated to arrive in 2025 and feature a star-studded guest lineup including Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Post Malone. “Post Malone, Luke Combs, all those guys,” BigX says. “They claim I’m their favorite rapper.”
Stephenshaw Delivers 2026 California Budget Amid Wildfire Crisis
By Joe W. Bowers Jr California Black Media
California Department of Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw, standing in for Gov. Gavin Newsom, presented the state’s $322.3 billion proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year at a press briefing on Jan. 10.
The presentation, held at the Media Briefing Room of the Swing Space Building in Sacramento, began with Stephenshaw addressing the devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California. He affirmed the state’s commitment to enhancing wildfire preparedness and resilience, emphasizing ongoing efforts to protect communities and natural resources.
“The budget I present to you today reflects a balanced approach, one that avoids new cuts to core programs while continuing investments in critical areas like wildfire preparedness, education, and economic resilience,” Stephenshaw stated.
Stephenshaw highlighted the administration’s progress in fiscal management, noting, “Thanks to the budget framework that the Governor proposed last May to not only balance the budget for the upcoming fiscal year but also ensure that our special fund for economic uncertainty was balanced for the next fiscal year, we really went a long way in moving California back onto some stable fiscal footing.”
Newsom officially sent the proposed budget to the Legislature, describing it as a balanced plan designed to maintain fiscal stability while continuing critical investments.
The Governor’s budget proposal projects a surplus of $363 million, alongside $17 billion in reserves, including $10.9 billion in the Rainy-Day Fund and an additional $4.5 billion in the Special Fund for Economic Uncertainties. However, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has expressed a more cautious outlook, estimating a $2 billion deficit, citing revenue volatility tied to capital gains and economic uncertainties.
The proposed budget includes savings from the elimination of 6,500 vacant government positions, generating $1.2 billion over two years. Additional operational efficiencies, such as reduced state travel budgets and IT system modernization, are expected to save $3.5 billion. Proposition 98, which guarantees a minimum level of
Higher education will receive $45.1 billion, with investments in equity-focused initiatives at UC, CSU, and community colleges. The proposal includes expanded financial aid through the Middle-Class Scholarship and $150 million to support teacher recruitment incentives, aimed at addressing persistent staffing shortages in public schools.
The budget introduces stricter accountability measures for homelessness funding, including enhanced oversight of the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program. Frequent reporting of expenditures and outcomes will be required to ensure effective use of funds. Investments also target affordable housing development, including funding for low-income housing tax credits and $100 million for encampment resolution efforts.
funding for TK-12 education and community colleges, is set at $118.9 billion for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Overall, TK-12 education funding totals $137.1 billion, including $83.3 billion from the General Fund. This translates to per-pupil funding of $18,918 from Prop 98 and $24,764 when accounting for all funding sources.
The education budget includes a 2.43% costof-living adjustment for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address rising costs. It allocates $2.4 billion in ongoing funding for supporting the full implementation of Universal Transitional Kindergarten, along with $1.5 billion to reduce student-to-adult ratios. Additionally, $8.5 billion is earmarked for school facility modernization, safety upgrades, and universal school meals.
Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice, expressed optimism about the budget’s educational initiatives. “EdVoice is pleased to see the deep focus on literacy instruction and instructional materials in the Governor’s proposed budget, as reading is the most essential skill for future learning and opportunity,” Tuck said. “We must also ensure that teacher training in evidence-based literacy instruction is required for elementary school teachers.”
Resources for
California’s persistent wildfire threat, underscored by the fires currently sweeping through Southern California, is addressed with $2.5 billion in prior wildfire funding and an additional $1.5 billion from the Climate Bond. These funds will support critical initiatives such as enhancing CAL FIRE’s capacity, deploying advanced firefighting technology, and implementing preparedness programs that utilize advanced detection and mapping tools to protect vulnerable communities. Additionally, the budget dedicates $200 million annually through 2028-29 for forest and fire prevention programs, including prescribed fire and fuel reduction projects, aimed at mitigating future wildfire risks.
The proposed budget includes programs like the California Competes program and workforce development initiatives that continue to support small businesses including Black Businesses and promote economic growth. The budget also maintains $1.6 billion in public safety funding, including $283.6 million in 2025-26 to enhance enforcement, prosecution, and accountability.
Stephenshaw explained that the budget aims to create opportunities and provide resources to help all Californians succeed, while focusing on the state’s commitment to equity and addressing critical needs. He pointed out challenges like possible Medicaid cuts and changes to immigration policies and emphasized working closely with the Legislature to refine the budget and tackle financial issues.
Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), stated, “We thank the Governor and Department of Finance staff
for their work on this initial budget proposal. While the governor’s spending plan seeks to achieve fiscal responsibility, there is much to do in the way of addressing the economic inequality faced by our most vulnerable populations.” She added that the CLBC is committed to collaborating with legislative colleagues and the administration to safeguard and expand investments in underserved communities.
Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R – Yuba City) offered a sharp critique on the budget, particularly targeting Newsom’s economic policies. “Newsom is doubling down on the same failed programs that stuck Californians with record homelessness, soaring energy and housing costs, and one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation,” Gallagher stated. “The only new thing in this budget is a giveaway to the governor’s Hollywood donors and even higher taxes on small businesses.” The proposed budget now heads to the Legislature for deliberation and potential adjustments before Newsom revises it in May. By law, the process must be completed, and the balanced budget signed by the end of June when the fiscal year ends.
SoCal Fire Evacuees:
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energy customers are without power, including 200,000 in LA County alone.
Residents in surrounding areas have been cautioned to wear masks to protect from pollutants and smoke carried by strong winds. Additionally, the LA Department of Water and Power has issued boil water notices to Pacific Palisades zip codes 90272 and adjacent communities north of San Vicente when using water for drinking, cooking or cleaning. With a high number of displaced people, government agencies, local businesses and other organizations are offering support and resources to evacuees and first responders.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has listed a range of information with links available on its website. Services, including health and legal assistance and shelter and air monitoring, are available/ for those who are seeking immediate and longer-term aid.
Unemployment Insurance – Individuals affected by the fires can apply for unemployment benefits immediately. Because Gov. Newsom has proclaimed a State of Emergency, they do not have to wait a week to begin receiving payments. FEMA has announced additional resources for affected Californians. People affected by the fires may be eligible for financial assistance. Additional information and guidance can be accessed at disasterassistance.gov.
The California Department of Insurance has updated its services and resources list to assist individuals navigating the insurance claims process, which is expected to be daunting as the estimated insured losses from the week’s fires may exceed $20 billion and total losses could exceed $50 billion, according to JPMorgan.
The Red Cross is offering shelters for displaced fire victims. Anyone who needs a safe place to stay can find shelters at redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
Los Angeles is providing businessowners services like one-on-one consultation, business and employment support, and assistance with applying for forthcoming microenterprise grants and microloans at the city’s 10 BusinessSource Centers (BSCs). To find a complete list of BusinessSource Centers, use this Interactive Map.
L.A. Based Author, Activist and Media Strategist Jasmyne Cannick provided this list of services families affected by the fires can use to connect to resources available to them.
The MALAN Fire & Wind Store Resources spreadsheet provides up-to-date information on
organizations opening their doors to victims. Restaurants in the Los Angeles area have offered free meals for those displaced by the fire. This list hosted on the LA Times website is updated daily with locations participating in aid for those in need of something to eat.
The Abbey West Hollywood is offering free meals to evacuees and first responders AT&T is offering wildfire areas unlimited data, talk and text through Feb. 6. An official list of zip codes can be found here.
Verizon has waived call, text and data charges for customers in hardest hit areas. Free Wifi and charging stations have been deployed at three wildfire shelters.
The Jewish Federation of LA is directing evacuees and affected families to various resources, including legal support, mental health resources and volunteer opportunities.
Airbnb, in collaboration with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Uber and Lyft are helping evacuated residents with free rides to shelter locations.
U-Haul is opening its facilities across Southern California for 30 days of free self-storage to victims. The U-Box container disaster relief program is also available to assist evacuees and affected families.
Planet Fitness is providing people free access to locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi, regardless of membership status. The offer is valid until Jan. 15 at Planet Fitness locations across Los Angeles County that the wildfires haven’t impacted. UFC Gym is offering residents, first responders, and others affected by the wildfires free access to locker rooms, showers, recovery services, electrical outlets, WiFi, and more until the end of January.
The SAVE Card is a $250 gift card given to eligible survivors of fire and natural disasters by firefighters on scene who are enrolled in the SAVE program. This allows survivors to purchase basic necessities such as food, clothing, gas, medicine, or a place to stay the night in the immediate aftermath of a house fire. Learn more about how to apply for the card here. If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health crisis due to the impact of the wildfires, call or text 988. You can also click here to use 988 Lifeline Chat.
California Dept. of Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw, left, and Chief Deputy Director Erika Li, right, presented Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $322 billion state budget proposal at the State Capitol Annex Swing Space on Jan. 10. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
California Dept. of Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw, left, and Chief Deputy Director Erika Li, right, presented Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $322 billion state budget proposal at the State Capitol Annex Swing Space on Jan. 10. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
For many in Altadena, staying in their homes meant keeping the flames from their neighbor’s house from spreading. Garden hoses and diligence were often the only tools available. Altadena, Calif.. Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
By Edward Henderson California Black Media Authorities in California and Washington continue to assess the fallout from the five devastating wildfires in Southern California caused by a mix of dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds.
As of Jan.10, ten deaths have been reported while emergency responders are still combing through the damage. The blaze has so far impacted over 45 square miles of land, over 180,000 residents were issued evacuation orders and nearly 350,000
Los Angeles’s Historic Black Community Devastated by Eaton Canyon Fires
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
As flames tore through the picturesque foothills of Altadena and Pasadena on January 7, 2025, the Eaton Canyon fires left a historic Black community—rooted in the Civil Rights Movement—nearly wiped out. Among the hardest-hit areas in Los Angeles County, Altadena has seen its many Black-owned homes, churches, businesses, and landmarks reduced to ashes. The unincorporated community in the San Gabriel Valley, home to 42,000 residents, has long stood as a beacon of Black homeownership and middle-class stability. With 18% of its population identifying as Black, Altadena also hosts a diverse community that includes Latino and Asian American residents. Tragically, the Eaton Fire alone destroyed over 1,000 structures, killed at least five residents in Altadena and displaced thousands. “Obviously it’s been a tough couple of days, but our family is making it through,” Los Angeles Sentinel Publisher Danny Bakewell Jr. said in a text to NNPA. “Both my girlfriend & my son lost their homes & the devastation is unreal for so many families -a lot of Black folks.”Jamal-Dominique Hopkins, a native of Altadena, lost his beloved childhood home on Loma Alta Drive to the blaze. His mother, Ruthie Hopkins, 81, and his son, Joshua, narrowly escaped thanks to the swift actions of Hopkins’ older brother, who evacuated them to safety. Hopkins described the devastation in a GoFundMe post, writing, “This isn’t just a loss for our family; it’s a loss for a community that has thrived despite challenges.”Ruthie Hopkins, the former editor and co-owner of The Pasadena Journal, a Black-owned newspaper, has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. The newspaper is a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents the Black Press of America and is celebrating its 198th anniversary in March.The fire also destroyed the family’s SUV, which was vital for Ruthie’s medical appointments. Now, she and Joshua are left with only the clothes they wore when escaping.A Legacy Reduced to Ashes Altadena’s Black community flourished during the Civil Rights Movement, growing from 4% of the population in 1960 to 27% by 1970, following the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. It became a haven for Black families seeking to escape discrimination elsewhere, offering homeownership opportunities unavailable in most parts of the country. Before the fire, Altadena boasted a Black homeownership rate of 81.5%, nearly double the national average for African Americans. Families like Kenneth Snowden’s embodied this legacy. Snowden’s family purchased their first Altadena home in 1962, and nearly 20
years ago, Snowden bought his own home in the area. Both properties were destroyed in the fire.
“We’re seeing families who may have to leave because rebuilding here will be too expensive,” he said.
passed down through generations reduced to rubble. Even the Mountain View Cemetery, where pioneering Black science fiction novelist Octavia E. Butler is buried, caught fire. Butler’s novel Parable of the Sower chillingly predicted wildfires caused by climate change, starting on February 1, 2025. Her legacy and connection to the community remain a stark reminder of the fragility of Altadena’s history.
Mobilizing Support
The community and its allies have rallied to provide relief in response to the devastation. James Bryant, a partner at the Cochran Firm, organized a GoFundMe campaign with support from Ivie McNeil Wyatt Purcell and Diggs, the Prince Hall Masons, and community advocate Jasmyne Cannick. The campaign has raised nearly $100,000 to assist Black residents of Pasadena and Altadena.
“The loss of a home is about more than property. It’s the loss of memories, mementos, and generational pride,” Bryant said.
Another GoFundMe campaign created by Hopkins aims to help his mother and son rebuild their lives, covering temporary housing, medical supplies, clothing, and other necessities.
The Spill App has also compiled a comprehensive list of African American families and individuals affected by the fires, helping coordinate donations and relief efforts. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. has maintained close contact with NNPA-member newspapers and media companies in Southern California, including David Miller of Our Weekly, Kenneth Miller of Inglewood Today and Pluria Marshall of the Los Angeles Wave. Both
“Your $40 million home is no different than my $2 million home,” Snowden told reporters. “Give us the ability to rebuild, restart our lives. If you can spend billions of dollars fighting a war, you can spend a billion dollars to help us get back where we were at.”
Shawn Brown, founder of Pasadena Rosebud Academy, lost her home and the public charter school she built to serve the community’s children. Brown is working to raise funds to rebuild the school while seeking temporary locations in local churches—though some churches, like Altadena Baptist Church, have also burned.
Only the bell tower remains at Altadena Baptist.
The Rev. George Van Alstine is helping church members navigate the challenges of insurance claims and federal aid. He fears the destruction will lead to gentrification, pushing out long-standing Black residents.
Brown urged her fellow Black homeowners to hold onto their properties despite developers’ offers. “Stand strong, rebuild, and continue the generational progress of African Americans,” she said.
Widespread Loss and Displacement
The destruction in Altadena mirrors the broader devastation caused by the wildfires sweeping Los Angeles County. Across the region, more than 12,300 structures have been destroyed, and at least 24 lives have been lost.
Economic losses are estimated between $250 billion and $275 billion, making this disaster one of the costliest in U.S. history.
Much of the media coverage has focused on celebrity mansions and wealthy neighborhoods, but Altadena’s plight highlights the profound impact on middle-class communities of color. Residents returned to find homes
9027 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA.
14 States Awarded $1 Million Grants to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Crises
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has awarded $1 million in planning grants to 14 states as part of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program. Funded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, the program aims to address the ongoing mental health and substance use crises nationwide.The states receiving grants include Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. By 2026, up to 10 of these states will be selected to receive enhanced Medicaid reimbursements to sustain and expand behavioral health services.“Everyone in this country who seeks help for mental health or substance use issues should be able to receive it, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay for services,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Thanks to the BidenHarris Administration’s dedication to transforming our behavioral health care system, we are working to build a better continuum of care and expanding access to mental health and substance use care for all Americans.”Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows the scope of the mental health crisis varies across the country. In Colorado, 36% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in 2023, while in West Virginia, over 20% of adults experienced frequent mental distress in 2021.
Montana, one of the grant recipients, has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, with 29.8 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020.The CCBHC model requires clinics to provide 24/7 crisis care, timely outpatient treatment, and a full range of services to meet community needs. These clinics must serve anyone seeking care, regardless of ability to pay, age, or residence. Since its inception in 2017, the program has grown from 67 clinics in eight states to over 500 clinics operating in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.“The planning phase for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics will help states develop sustainable funding to expand access to care for their communities,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use.Substance use disorders also remain a critical issue. Louisiana reported a drug overdose death rate of 52.6 per 100,000 people in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Alaska, alcohol use disorder remains a significant concern, with the state ranking among the highest for alcohol-induced deaths. The CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program provides funding for a comprehensive range of services to ensure that care is accessible and coordinated. The first state planning grants were awarded in March 2023, and 10 states joined the program in June 2024. Officials said these grants ensure clinics can offer sustainable, culturally appropriate, evidence-based mental health and substance use treatment services.Help is available for those in crisis. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. To locate treatment facilities, visit FindTreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357).
Racial Disparities and Youth Sentencing Mark U.S. Life Sentencing Practices
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The Sentencing Project, an advocacy organization promoting humane responses to crime, has released its report, “A Matter of Life: The Scope and Impact of Life and Long-Term Imprisonment in the United States.” The report provides a detailed analysis of life sentences, revealing that nearly 200,000 people—one in six individuals in U.S. prisons—are serving life terms. The United States accounts for 40 percent of the world’s life-sentenced population but represents only 4 percent of the global population. Life without parole, often referred to as “death by incarceration,” has reached record levels in the United States. The report found 56,245 individuals serving life without parole in 2024, a 68 percent increase since 2003. Another 41,398 individuals are serving virtual life sentences, which require at least 50 years in
before release eligibility. Researchers noted that overall crime rates have reached near historic
yet incarceration rates persist. The findings also highlight the
and
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
New Property Insurance Bill
Aims to Help L.A. Fire Victims; Stabilize Market
Last week, Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) and Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 226, legislation the authors say will strengthen the state’s property insurance market and “protect homeowners, families and consumers.” AB 226 also proposes increasing the claims-paying capacity of the FAIR Plan, The California Fair Access to Insurance Requirement (FAIR) plan, a private insurance pool for residents and businesses who can’t find insurance otherwise through the general market.
According to the Office of California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), the legislation would authorize the FAIR Plan “to request the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (I-Bank) to issue bonds if the FAIR Plan faces liquidity challenges in the event of a major catastrophe such as a wildfire.”
The California Building Industry Association issued a statement on Jan. 10, praising the plan and urging the Legislature and Governor to sign it into law without delays.
“AB 226 will help bolster the solvency of the California FAIR Plan and California’s property insurance market. The tragedy unfolding in Los Angeles underscores how urgently this measure is needed to address the insurance and related housing crisis,” the CBIA statement reads.
“This legislative proposal was originally introduced in the Legislature last year in the form of AB 2996. That bill did not receive a single ‘NO’ vote as it moved through
the legislative process, but unfortunately died on the final night of session,” it continues.
Rivas said the bill is one way to help L.A. fire victims.
“Our Assembly is taking action today,” Rivas said. “The Assembly plans to advance legislation to support recovery efforts, including a bill focused on insurance claims for homeowners.”
California High Speed Rail Moves to Track-Laying Phase; Will Connect to Vegas
Gov. Gavin Newsom joined officials and workers to mark the start of the track-laying phase of California’s highspeed rail project. The event also celebrated the completion of a key 22-mile stretch in Kern County.
This milestone is a significant step toward the project’s eventual passenger service, expected between 2030 and 2033.
“This is not just a transportation project, this is a transformation project,” said Newsom.
The state “just took a massive step forward. We’re moving into the track-laying phase, completing structures for key segments, and laying the groundwork for a highspeed rail network,” he added.
At the groundbreaking, which was held near Bakersfield, Newsom and California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri celebrated the completion of Construction Package 4 (CP 4), which includes 11 civil structures, such as viaducts and overpasses. CP 4 spans from Poplar Avenue in Wasco to the Kern/Tulare County line. The project has created over 14,500 jobs to date, including more than 3,200 in Kern County.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to
advancing high-speed rail as a cornerstone of California’s infrastructure,” said Choudri.
The railhead, currently under construction, will serve as a freight yard for receiving and staging materials for track installation. The track-laying phase includes preparing the site for ballast, ties, and rail installation.
California’s high-speed rail system aims to connect the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California, forming a link for economic growth. Partnerships with Brightline West and High Desert Corridor are advancing plans for an interoperable rail network, enabling travel from Northern California to Las Vegas.
“High-speed rail connects communities and drives economic opportunity,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “This project will reshape our future.”
Rep. Barbara Lee Explores Bid to Run for Mayor of Oakland
Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, 78, who represented Alameda County in the U.S. Congress for 26 years, has filed paperwork to run for mayor of Oakland in a special election to replace former Mayor Sheng Thao, who was recalled in November.
Lee retired from Congress in 2024.
The special election follows Thao’s recall, driven by public dissatisfaction with issues such as the housing crisis, crime, and rising costs. Thao was the first Hmong American mayor of a major U.S. city.
As a progressive icon, Lee has been a popular figure in the city. Throughout her congressional career, she was reelected with more than 80% of the vote and is the only Black woman elected to the U.S. House from Northern California. Known for her principled stances, Lee was
the sole member of Congress to vote against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force after the September 11 attacks. In 2023, she was the first lawmaker to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
After losing her 2024 bid for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by the late Dianne Feinstein, Lee hinted she was considering running for Oakland mayor.
“The decision to run for mayor of Oakland, a city I have long called home, is not one I take lightly,” she said in her final days in Congress. Lee’s candidacy comes at a pivotal moment for Oakland as the city grapples with significant challenges. Supporters believe her leadership and deep ties to the community could bring stability and progress during a time of uncertainty. An official announcement is expected in the near future.
New Calif. Bill Aims to Ban Trans Students From High School Sports
Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) introduced a bill on Jan 6, Assembly Bill (AB) 89, calling for the prohibition of transgender girls from participating in girls’ high school sports in California. Dubbed the “Protect Girls’ Sports Act,” the bill would require sports organizations to enforce policies limiting female sports teams to individuals assigned female at birth.
Fairness in female sports is being stripped away,” said Sanchez, referring to trans athletes as “biological males” in a video announcement. Critics argue the legislation promotes discrimination and intensifies the challenges trans students face.
Sanchez’s proposal faces steep opposition in California’s Democratic-controlled legislature and conflicts with state laws that protect transgender students’ rights. A 2013 California law ensures trans students can participate in sex-segregated activities and use facilities aligned with their gender identity, a position backed by federal court rulings. The legislation arrives amid broader legal battles and heated debates surrounding transgender athletes in California. In one case, two high school students sued Riverside Unified School District, claiming a transgender teammate “unfairly” took their spot at a cross-country event. The controversy has fueled transphobic activism, with some students wearing anti-trans T-shirts and Republican lawmakers calling for the district superintendent’s resignation.
San Jose State University faced scrutiny after a volleyball player joined a lawsuit opposing trans women in NCAA sports. Such incidents, along with Sanchez’s bill, highlight a growing focus among conservative activists on transgender athletes.
Advocates for trans rights, including parents and groups like Our Schools USA, have condemned the growing opposition. Daisy Gardner, a parent of an LGBTQ student, said hate campaigns have forced some trans athletes to quit sports entirely. “It’s just not right for these kids to go through this,” said one parent anonymously. California remains one of 24 states safeguarding trans students’ participation in gender-segregated sports, making the bill’s future uncertain.
Report: 29% of Californians Say Someone in Their Home Has to Cut Back on Food to Save Money
Rising prices and inflation has left more than half of California’s low-income households struggling financially. In 2024, 29% of residents reported that they or someone in their household has cut back on food to save money, according to a December Public Policy Institute of California report. Many Californians, including 40% of lower-income adults, worry daily about the cost of housing.
“Only one in three Californians think that the American Dream – including the notion that if you work hard, you’ll get ahead --holds true,” stated the report regarding people’s outlook on the current economic condition.
The financial hardships are widespread, as 23% of Californians have experienced reduced work hours, 22% have struggled to pay rent or mortgages, and 21% have been unable to pay a monthly bill. Many also faced health-related financial difficulties, with 20% postponing medical visits or medication purchases, while others sought assistance through programs like CalFresh or food banks. These difficulties are most pronounced for lowerincome households, particularly those earning under $20,000 annually. Renters are especially vulnerable, with 34 percent reporting difficulty paying for housing, compared to just 12 percent of homeowners. Minority groups, particularly African Americans and Latinos, are more likely to report financial hardships than Asian Americans and whites. Among lower-income Californians, younger, lesseducated individuals, and those making under $20,000 a year are most likely to experience these challenges. Despite national indicators showing steady employment growth and lower inflation, many Californians continue to face low wages, particularly given the state’s high cost of living.
How Head Start Installs Confidence for Two Generations
By Olivia Harvey
The founders of Head Start have always viewed parents as critical partners in their work to educate young children. They also understood that this partnership meant parents should help decide which services would most benefit their families and those in the community. As a result, Head Start created a formal leadership and policymaking role for parents and community members called the Policy Council.
Thank you to Head Start parent, Policy Council member, and alumna Olivia Harvey for recently sharing her story. A few years ago my daughter Maliya was six years old and had just started kindergarten, after graduating from the Children First Head Start program in Sarasota County, Florida. It was hard to believe we’d reached this
major milestone, but with all the love, care, and guidance she received from her incredible teachers, I’m confident that she will continue to blossom and thrive. Children First and the Head Start program have always been close to my heart, and the hearts of my family. My husband Malik is also a proud Head Start graduate along with some members of his family. He’s a wonderful support system and understands our shared mission of raising the healthiest, happiest family possible. Our lives are centered around family, and in addition to Maliya, we also have two other children, our sons Jeremiah and King. When we had our kids, we knew we didn’t have to look far to find quality, affordable childcare with amazing teachers we could trust. With the challenges we were facing, we knew we could turn to Children First’s Head Start program to help us find our path to success.
My family has been involved with Children First since Jeremiah was a toddler. Our family advocate, Ernestine, was there for Maliya and our entire family every step of the way. I know that even when my daughter is in high school, Ernestine will be there in a heartbeat if we ever need anything. The teachers care so deeply about the kids, and they never forget their faces. One day, Maliya came home with a photo taken by her teacher, Miss LaTonda. It was a baby picture of me because Miss LaTonda had been my teacher as well. I couldn’t believe she had kept it for all these years! It was such a special memory to share with my daughter, and it’s moments like this that let me know we will always be a part of the Children First family. Through Head Start, I also found a lot of support personally and as a parent. Due to the pandemic, I had reduced hours and was forced to seek other employment. During this time, I needed something that would allow me to feel professional and help me keep my skills up while at the same time offering me the flexibility to be a mom.
Luckily, Children First was offering a Job Skills Training Course as part of the agency’s Family Strengthening services. The class was perfect because it provided a sense of accountability and belonging. I learned about identifying and overcoming obstacles related to employment, and there was a special focus on resume writing, interviews, and ‘acing’ the first 90 days at a new job, which has benefited me! After a mock interview with my vocational family advocate Laura and her colleagues, I felt so confident with the skills that I had learned, and I decided to reach a higher goal in the workforce. I was offered a position at Sarasota School of the Arts & Sciences, where I have been working as a paraprofessional. While working full-time, I’ve also had the opportunity to go back to school to earn my bachelor’s degree to become a history or math teacher. My ambitions have led me to be a working professional, a fulltime mom, and now, a student, but I’m not stopping there. In the future, I would like to earn my master’s degree and work as an administrator, with one of my ultimate goals being to run for the school board. Because of Children First, Head Start, and my vocational coach, Laura, it feels like a whole new world of possibilities has opened. While I was unexpectedly unemployed but fighting to stay engaged, I was supported every step of the way. Laura and the team at Children First continue to guide me and my family on our journey to success. Although we still face unique challenges, I feel grateful and am so proud of how far we’ve come. Because Malik and I were able to grow and thrive in a
Head Start alumna Olivia Harvey (on the right) at Children First Head Start program in Sarasota County, Florida, as a child. Her daughter later attended the same program