Bakersfield News Observer 6.14.23

Drake, GloRilla, Lizzo, 21 Savage Enter BET Awards as Top Nominees

Autopsy Finds Olympian Tori Bowie Died from Childbirth Complications

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Wednesday, June 14, 2023

California Celebrates Black Freedom Juneteenth 2023:

Edward Henderson

California Black Media

Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Even before that national proclamation, Juneteenth had been recognized as a holiday in California.

California Black Media spoke with Ronald Preston Clark, a writer and educator in San Diego. He shared his perspective on the holiday and how, even though he grew up in a family connected to Black culture, he did not really appreciate the full significance of the Juneteenth until he was a student at Hampton University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Virginia.

Sacramento Skate Park Named for Black Motorist Fatally Beaten in Police Traffic Stop

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) –Officials dedicated a California skate park Sunday in honor of Tyre Nichols, a Black man who spent much of his youth in the state and was killed last January in what prosecutors said was a fatal beating by police in Tennessee during a traffic stop.

was not celebrated in their families or taught in schools. It wasn’t until activists and historians led grassroots movements for decades that the holiday became more widely recognized.

While Clark says he is happy to celebrate Juneteenth with his family and to see the holiday gain national recognition, he doesn’t want it to turn into a commercialized event like other cultural holidays.

“We should always remember that the reason for the holiday is that our ancestors were set free - two years after they should have already been free. And then the years that followed were still filled with violence, hatred and bigotry towards us.”

History of Juneteenth

AUSTIN, TEXAS - JUNE 16, 2019 - The Texas

African

“I didn’t start to look into celebrating it until being surrounded by the excellence at Hampton. As I’ve gotten older, and further into my teaching career, I have been more intentional with my celebration and understanding of Juneteenth. I am now sure to educate others on its significance,” he said.

Clark is not alone in his experience. For many Americans – including some Black Americans -- Juneteenth

Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19th, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were notified by Union soldiers that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation.

Two and a half years earlier, on December 31st, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes across the country to celebrate what was

Continued on page A2

How Four California Cities Are Approaching

Reparations for Black Residents

California Black Media

The California Reparations Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans will hold its last in-person meeting on June 29 in Sacramento. The meeting will take place in the First Floor Auditorium of the March Fong Eu Secretary of State Building, located at 1500 11th Street.

The task force will submit its final report to the California legislature. If approved, California could become the first state to provide reparations to the descendants of enslaved Black Americans.

Task force vice-chairperson Rev. Amos Brown said the state legislature must “do the right thing” before leaving San Francisco for a speaking engagement in Jackson, Miss., to recognize the 60th year since NAACP field secretary Medgar Evers was killed on June 12, 1963.

“It’s now time for some deliberate action,” said Brown, the pastor of Third Street Baptist Church in San Francisco. “If they don’t provide support, action, or forms of reparations in this nation, and in this state, they will be giving credence to bigotry, racism, and inhumanity towards Black folks.”

During the past 24 months, while the state reparations task force held public hearings and listened to expert testimony to uncover historical wrongdoings and

Continued on page A2

Black Mother Fatally Shot by White Neighbor Amidst Confrontation Over Stolen iPad

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

In a tragic incident that has ignited outrage and calls for justice, Ajike “AJ” Owens, a 35-year-old Black mother of four, was fatally shot by a white neighbor at a housing complex in Ocala, Florida. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has denounced the killing as an “unjust” act, highlighting the absence of an arrest or charges against the shooter.

According to Crump’s Twitter post on Monday, the deadly incident occurred on Friday, June 2, when Owens attempted to retrieve an iPad taken from one of her children.

The details surrounding her death have sparked protests and raised concerns about racial tensions in the community.

During a press conference, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods provided a more cautious assessment, indicating that the shooting culminated in an ongoing feud between the neighbors.

Woods revealed that law enforcement visited the address approximately six to eight times over the past two and a half years.

While he refrained from confirming whether Owens was trying to recover the stolen iPad at the time of the shooting, Woods mentioned that the shooter had thrown a pair of skates toward Owens’ children before the fatal confrontation.

Expressing frustration, Woods stated, “If somebody threw something at my child, I’d be pissed off. What parent wouldn’t be? Who wouldn’t be upset, regardless of whether they intentionally threw it at them?”

He also emphasized that he wished the shooter had contacted law enforcement instead of resorting to personal actions. Woods further expressed regret that Owens did not reach out to the authorities.

The sheriff did not disclose the shooter’s identity, age,

The

Ajike “AJ”

or race, but he did mention that she was cooperating with the investigation. He urged the community to exercise patience as the inquiry progressed, revealing that authorities haven’t concluded interviews with all those who witnessed the incident.

“We’re not cold-hearted bastards. We’re not going to interview children the night they possibly witnessed their mother being killed. We’re going to wait,” Woods asserted.

He emphasized that his office was committed to bringing justice to the family and friends affected, seeking the support of professionals and expert counselors in handling the emotional impact on the children involved.

According to accounts from neighbors who spoke with the Ocala Star-Banner newspaper in Florida, the incident occurred as several children were playing on the grass in front of a duplex building at the housing complex.

Witnesses reported that a female resident emerged from one of the units, threw something at the children, grabbed an iPad, and swiftly retreated inside.

One of the children informed Owens of the incident, which prompted her to approach the woman’s door.

The confrontation escalated with intense aggression from both parties, involving banging on doors and walls and threats.

Tragically, the unidentified woman shot Owens through the door.

Woods affirmed that once the investigation concludes, authorities would present their findings to the Marion County State Attorney’s Office, which will then determine if charges are warranted.

The incident adds to a series of recent similar shootings.

In April, a woman was fatally shot in New York after a man objected to a car entering his driveway.

In another incident in Texas, two cheerleaders were shot, with one sustaining critical injury, when they mistakenly approached the wrong car after an event.

Also, Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old Black teen, was shot and wounded in Kansas City after knocking on the wrong door after his parents sent him to pick up his siblings. Charges were filed against the shooters in all three incidents.

An avid skateboarder, Nichols spent much time as a youth at the park on the outskirts of Sacramento. City officials and others held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated skate park now named for Nichols.

Nichols moved to Memphis, Tennessee, shortly before the coronavirus pandemic and lived there with his mother and stepfather. He enjoyed photographyespecially taking photos of landscapes and sunsets.

“Photography helps me look at the world in a more creative way. It expresses me in ways I cannot write down for people,” Nichols wrote on his website showcasing his photos.

On the night of Jan. 7, Memphis police pulled over Nichols on his way home from taking pictures of the sky. Just a few minutes from home, he was brutally attacked by several police officers, according to a lawsuit Nichols’ family filed against Memphis police.

Nichols died three days later at a hospital. Five Memphis officers were fired and have been charged with murder and other offenses in the death. The officers, who are all Black, each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

The death of Nichols, a 29-year-old father and FedEx worker, has raised fresh questions about police violence against unarmed Black men.

In video footage of the beating, Nichols is heard saying he just wanted to go home, family lawyers have said. He was less than 100 yards (90 meters) from his mother’s house.

Juneteenth Now Recognized as a State Holiday in Nevada

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Juneteenth is now a state holiday in Nevada, which is joining a growing number of states including Texas, New York, Virginia and Washington that honor the day when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free.

Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo signed the bill into law on Thursday, elevating the June 19 holiday from a day of observance to a state holiday, meaning many state employees can take the day off. It now joins holidays including New Years’ Day, Veterans Day, July 4, Labor Day, Nevada Day and Christmas.

The measure passed by votes of 40 to 1 in the state Assembly and 19 to 2 in the state Senate.

“As the first state to ratify the 15th Amendment, which gave African Americans the right to vote, Nevada has a long and proud history of supporting civil rights,’’ said Democratic Assemblywoman Claire Thomas, one of the bill sponsors. ‘’By designating Juneteenth as a state holiday, Nevada continues to honor that legacy and celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for equality. “

The celebration stems from when news of the slavery abolition reached Galveston, Texas, in 1865 - two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery in the U.S. and five months after the 13th Amendment’s signing, which declared all enslaved people free.

The annual celebration started in Texas but spread as Black Texans moved elsewhere. Hundreds of companies also give employees the day off.

In 2021 President Joe Biden signed a bill passed by Congress to make Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Racist Message, Dead Raccoon Left for Oregon Mayor

REDMOND, Ore. (AP) - Someone left a dead raccoon and a sign with “intimidating language” that mentioned a Black city councilor outside the law office of an Oregon mayor, police said.

Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch found the raccoon and the sign on Monday, the Redmond Police Department said in a news release. The sign mentioned Fitch and Redmond City Councilor Clifford Evelyn by name, police said.

Fitch called the sign’s language “racially hateful.” He declined to elaborate but told The Bulletin, “I feel bad for Clifford. It seems there’s some people in town that can’t accept the fact that Clifford is Black and is on the City Council.”

Police aren’t revealing the sign’s exact language in order to maintain the integrity of the investigation, city spokesperson Heather Cassaro said. Police said they are investigating the act as a potential hate crime. Evelyn, a retired law enforcement officer who was elected to the council in 2021, described the act as a hate crime but said he has confidence in the police investigation, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. Raccoon imagery has long been an insulting, antiBlack caricature in the United States. With roots in slavery, it’s among “the most blatantly degrading of all Black stereotypes,” according to the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery in Michigan.

In recent years, a Black Redmond teenager found a threatening message on her doorstep, while a failed Deschutes County Commission candidate displayed a Confederate flag at the city’s Fourth of July parade. “The people in this part of the country are just gonna have to catch up,” Evelyn said. “It’s just the knuckleheads that can’t get on track. And they’re causing harm to everyone and making us look bad.”

details surrounding

Owens death have sparked protests and raised concerns about racial tensions in the community.

American History Memorial is an outdoor monument commemorating the impact of African Americans installed on the State Capitol grounds/Moab Republic

Chad Brown, an advisory board member of the African Descendants of Slavery-Los Angeles, discusses reparations activities around the state with the media at the meeting held at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Sept. 23, 2022. (CBM photo Antonio Ray Harvey)

Antonio Ray Harvey

California Celebrates Black Freedom Juneteenth 2023:

Continued from page A1

known as “Freedom’s Eve.”

They were anticipating news that President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation that ended slavery in Confederate States had become official on January 1,1863.

However, not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation took effect in 1863, it could not be implemented in some places in the Deep South still under Confederate control.

As a result, in Texas, the westernmost Confederate state, enslaved people would not be free until approximately 2,000 Union troops led by Major Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay on June 19, 1865. and announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree.

Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation commemorating Juneteenth in California.

“This Juneteenth, I urge all Californians to reflect on the ongoing cause of freedom for Black Americans remembering that, though General Granger’s announcement in 1865 called for “absolute equality,” that

vision was, and remains, far from complete.”

Here is a snapshot of some Juneteenth 2023 celebrations taking place around the state:

The California Black Women’s Collective is joining GirlTrek, a national Black women’s health movement, to celebrate Juneteenth with a walk in solidarity with others across the country.

The organization is encouraging women around the state to organize a local walk in their neighborhoods on June 17, wear blue and amplify their activities online with pin drops, a printable digital poster, and the hashtags #GirlTrek and #WelcomeWalks.

Los Angeles

LEIMERT PARK JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL (JUNE

19)

4395 Leimert Blvd., Los Angeles 90008

Monday, June 19 - Noon to 9 p.m.

The Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival will feature 300-plus Black-owned businesses, three main stages, two DJs stages, a spoken word stage and more.

You can find a complete list of Juneteenth events in the Los Angeles area here East Bay

JUNETEENTH-IN-BERKELEY Alcatraz-Adeline Corridor

Sunday, June 18 - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Juneteenth-in-Berkeley, held annually in June on Father’s Day, is produced by Berkeley Juneteenth Association, Inc., a non-profit, serving the community since 1986. They rebranded as Berkeley Juneteenth Cultural Celebrations to pursue and sponsor more cultural events throughout the year. You can find more Bay area Juneteenth events here

Sacramento SACRAMENTO JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL 2022

William Land Park

Friday, June 16 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, June 17 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sacramento’s 20th Annual Juneteenth Festival will kick off on Friday Night with a “Gospel Under the Stars Concert” featuring two stages of live entertainment. On Saturday, there will be a parade, talent show, Black history exhibits, food vendors and more. You can find more Sacramento Juneteenth events here

San Diego Black Biz Flea Market: Juneteenth Celebration

WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, United States

Sunday, June 18 – 12 noon to 5 p.m.

The Black Biz Flea Market Juneteenth Celebration! will feature 30-plus Black-owned businesses, great eats, music, shopping, giveaways and more.

You can find more San Diego Juneteenth events here

Inland Empire 2023 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM

Civic Center Amphitheater, 14075 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley

Saturday, June 17 - 1 to 5 p.m.

The community is invited to celebrate an afternoon full of entertainment, children’s activities, food booths, retail vendors (jewelry, clothing, and art) and local artists.

Contra Costa 2023 LET FREEDOM RING East Contra Costa County

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Contra Costa Event Park 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch Saturday and Sunday, June 17-19 12 Noon to 5 p.m. This event will feature carnival rides, food, craft & arts, a job fair, community resources and live entertainment.

Biden Promotes Order Aiding Military Spouses

By AAMER MADHANI

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Joe Biden on Friday will sign an executive order that aims to bolster job opportunities for military and veteran spouses whose careers are often disrupted by their loved ones' deployments.

Biden is using a visit to the recently renamed Fort Liberty in North Carolina to highlight the order. The order directs agencies to develop a federal governmentwide strategic plan on hiring and job retention for military spouses; bolster child care options; improve the collection of data on military and veteran spouses, caregivers and survivors in the federal workforce; and more than a dozen additional actions.

First lady Jill Biden, in a call with reporters to preview the action, said the order was largely framed by conversations through the White House's Joining Forces initiative, which looks to support families, caregivers and survivors of members of the U.S. military. The Democratic president is expected to sign the order during his visit to

the base.

With nearly one in five military families citing challenges with spousal employment as a reason for considering leaving active-duty service, the issue is no small matter for the military's recruitment and training efforts, according to the White House. More than 16,000 military spouses work within the federal government.

"We're asking agencies to make it easier for spouses employed by the federal government to take administrative leave, telework and move offices," the first lady said. "We're creating resources to support entrepreneurs. And the executive order helps agencies and companies retain military spouses through telework or when they move abroad."

The president is unveiling the order at the Army's recently renamed Fort Liberty. His visit comes a week after military officials at the base, formerly known as Fort Bragg, held a ceremony at which it officially shed its Confederate name.

The base was originally named in 1918 for Gen.

Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general from Warrenton, North Carolina, who was known for owning slaves and losing key Civil War battles that contributed to the Confederacy's downfall.

The recent renaming of the installation - the largest U.S. Army base by population, with roughly 47,000 active-duty soldiers - didn't play a role in selecting the base to serve as a backdrop for Biden to announce his executive order, according to an administration official who was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity. It was unclear if Biden would address the base renaming during his visit.

Before their visit to Fort Liberty, the Bidens will meet with students at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The historically black community college is part of a coalition that received $23.7 million to train students for clean energy jobs from Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package.

The Biden administration has put an emphasis on funding programs that help prepare workers for jobs that

require some post-secondary education but not necessarily a four-year degree.

Biden's trip to North Carolina comes as some of the Republican Party's top presidential contenders gather to address delegates at the state convention in Greensboro, less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from his stop at Fort Liberty. On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is headlining a dinner, fresh off his campaign tour to a trio of early voting states, where thousands gathered to hear him castigate Biden and pledge to reverse the Democratic incumbent's "disastrous economic policies" if elected.

On Saturday, former Vice President Mike Pence and former President Donald Trump, the current GOP frontrunner, will speak to delegates in separate appearances. Earlier Saturday, Trump, who has been indicted on charges of mishandling classified documents at his Florida estate, is to address the Georgia Republican Party's convention in Columbus, Georgia.

Reparations for Black Residents

Continued from page A1

reparations for the Sacramento Black community.

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discriminatory policies against descendants of enslaved Blacks in order to determine appropriate compensation, some cities in California started their own reparations efforts.

In June 2021, the city of Los Angeles established the Reparations Advisory Commission (RAC), a seven-member task force comprised of activists, academicians, attorneys, racial justice advocates, and more. It is supported by Los Angeles’ Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department’s Office of Racial Equity.

The RAC advises the city on the formation of a reparations pilot program for Californians who are descendants of enslaved Black Americans in the Los Angeles area, according to Khansa T. “Friday Jones” JonesMuhammad, a member of the commission. The RAC provides recommendations for the format, function, and goals of the initiative, including strategies and opportunities to seek public or private funding.

In April, RAC hosted its first in-person forum at the California African American Museum.

“African Americans in Los Angeles are overrepresented in homelessness and underrepresented in generational wealth. It is the result of a system that has denied African Americans the ability to fully exercise their God-given liberties,” said RAC Chairperson Michael Lawson at the meeting. Lawson is the CEO and President of the L.A. Urban League.

“The closure needed is a mutual recognition of the wrongs that have been meted upon the members of the victimized community. I am grateful to everyone who joined us as we take this step forward together,” he added.

In December 2020, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance establishing the 15-member San Francisco African American Reparations Advisory Committee (AARAC).

Over the course of two years, AARAC developed a San Francisco Reparations Plan that addresses institutional and city-sanctioned wrongdoings against Black communities in San Francisco.

AARAC specifically focuses on improving different aspects of Black life, including education, housing, workforce development, economic opportunities, financial stability, small businesses, access to public transit, and food security. The committee is committed to reducing violence, addressing health disparities and preventing overcriminalization of African Americans.

In March, AARAC presented to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors over 100 recommendations, including a proposal to pay each qualifying Black city resident a onetime lump sum reparation payment of $5 million.

In an interview with San Francisco’s KRON 4 News on March 24, Eric McDonnell, the chairperson of AARAC, stated that the recommendations are an estimation of the atrocities experienced by Black Americans.

“Our task (AARAC) was to do the appraisal, and it’s the city’s task to determine, based upon recommendations, what they decide to adopt,” McDonnell said.

In 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, San Diego established the Department of Race and Equity (DRE) to address disparities experienced by individuals in the city. This initiative was led by San Diego City Councilmember Monica Montgomery-Steppe, who is a member of the state’s reparations task force.

Last year, the city of Sacramento began developing a municipal reparations initiative committed to “truth telling and trust building” called the Sacramento Centered on Racial Equity (SCORE) plan.

SCORE is designed to interrupt patterns and processes rooted in dominant cultural patterns that perpetuate systemic racism and racial hierarchy within the city.

Betty Williams, the President of the Sacramento Branch of the NAACP, praised the work SCORE has started but she wants to further expand discussions on

“I want an outreach team to go out in the community to ask the critical question: ‘Do you want a (reparations) task force and what should it look like?’” Williams told California Black Media. “That’s the discussion I’ve had with

Mayor (Darrell) Steinberg on how to put something like this together. It’s not just monetary. Education, housing, small business -- all of those things should be part of the recommendations and of what reparations should look like for Black Sacramentans.”

Dr. Michael Stoll, director of UCLA Ralph Bunche Center’s Black Policy Project, testifies before the California Reparations Task Force in Los Angeles about a study, research, and data concerning the Black experience across the state. Right of Stoll are UCLA graduates and scholars Jendayln Coulter, Chinyere Nwonye, and Elliot Wood. Sept.23, 2022. (CBM

Antonio Ray Harvey)

Joseph Williams, director of Los Angeles-based Students Deserve, shared his knowledge of the mistreatment of students of color in Southern California. The task force meeting was held in San Francisco in April 2022. (CBM photo Antonio Ray Harvey)

Drake, GloRilla, Lizzo, 21 Savage Enter BET Awards as Top Nominees

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.

AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Drake could make an impactful mark at the BET Awards later this month.

The chart-topping performer scored seven nominations at the show airing live on June 25 in Los Angeles. He’s up for best male hip-hop artist, male R&B/pop artist along with best collaboration and viewer’s choice with Future and Tems for their song “Wait for U.”

Drake’s three other nominations are shared with 21 Savage, who is up for five nods. The tandem is nominated

for album of the year through “Her Loss,” best group and viewer’s choice for their hit “Jimmy Cooks.”

Rapper GloRilla, nominated for her first Grammy earlier this year, will enter the ceremony as the second-most nominated act with six. She’s up for best female hip-hop artist, new artist, album of the year for “Anyways, Life’s Great” and video of the year for “Tomorrow 2” with Cardi B. She’s scored two nominations in the best collaboration category for “Tomorrow 2” and “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” with Hitkidd.

Along with 21 Savage, Lizzo came away with five

nominations. Beyoncé, SZA, Ice Spice, Chris Brown and Burna Boy each have four noms.

Show officials say there are plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop during the telecast. Performers will be announced soon.

The awards show will honor categories in film and sports as well. Best movie nominees include “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Creed 3,” “Emancipation,” “Nope,” “The Woman King,” “TILL” and “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes,

who collected his second Super Bowl title and MVP trophy this year, is nominated for sportsman of year. He’ll compete against LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Aaron Judge, Jalen Hurts, Gervonta Davis and Bubba Wallace. LSU stars Angel Reese and Alexis Morris, both nominated for sportswoman of the year, led their school to its first-ever women’s basketball championship in April. They are nominated against Allyson Felix, Candace Parker, Naomi Osaka, Sha’Carri Richardson and Serena Williams.

Brittney Griner, Mercury Teammates Confronted at Airport by ‘Provocateur,’ WNBA Says

DALLAS (AP) - Brittney Griner and her Phoenix Mercury teammates were confronted by a ''provocateur'' at a Dallas airport on Saturday.

The WNBA said in a statement it was looking into the team's run-in with a "social media figure'' whose "actions were inappropriate and unfortunate."

"The safety of Brittney Griner and all WNBA players is our top priority,'' the league said, without specifying what exactly happened.

Before the season started, the league had discussed with Griner's representatives and the Mercury security concerns when the All-Star center traveled for road games after she returned from detainment in Russia. The thought was that the highly publicized case compromised her and others' safety. The league granted Griner permission to book her own charter flights.

The WNBA added charter flights for the playoffs this season, but only a handful of back-to-back regular-season games were scheduled for such flights.

WNBA teams have flown commercially during the regular season since the league's inception in 1997. The league typically doesn't allow teams to charter because it could create a competitive advantage for teams who can afford to pay for them.

"Prior to the season, the WNBA worked together with the Phoenix Mercury and BG's team to ensure her safety during her travel, which included charter flights for WNBA games and assigned security personnel with her at all times," the league's statement reads. "We remain steadfastly committed to the highest standards of security for players."

Mercury player Brianna Turner said in a tweet people at the airport followed the team with cameras "saying wild

remarks."

"Excessive harassment," Turner tweeted. "Our team nervously huddled in a corner unsure how to move about. We demand better."

A Twitter user posted a video that appears to show a part of the confrontation where the individual asks questions of Griner about "why she hates America?"

The Bring Our Families Home Campaign, an advocacy group that works to bring home Americans who are held hostage or detained in foreign countries, issued a statement condemning the incident.

"Accosting a recently returned hostage like this is unacceptable, and we urge social media companies to prohibit the monetization of any resulting content. Our Campaign stands with Brittney, her teammates, and the Phoenix Mercury,'' the organization said.

Griner has been warmly received by crowds at home in Phoenix and on the road. This past week, she played two games in her home state of Texas and the team was headed to Indianapolis to face the Fever on Sunday.

Still, Saturday's incident left many calling for change in flights for the Mercury and teams around the league.

Griner's agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, said on social media, after the incident, that she feels that all teams need to charter flights.

"Brittney Griner and the WNBA players are leaders who inspire hope for a better, more inclusive and less divided America," Kagawa Colas said. "They are celebrated for the ways their activism inspires positive change. In doing that, they also become targets for hate, threats and violence. And today's incident is a clear reminder of that. We cannot celebrate these women and their leadership without also protecting them. It's past time for charters

and enhanced security measures for all players."

The WNBA players' union issued a statement Saturday, saying the situation at the airport makes it "quite clear that the matter of charter travel is NOT a 'competitive advantage' issue."

"What BG and all of her PHX teammates experienced today was a calculated confrontation that left them feeling very unsafe," the WNBPA statement reads. "Everyone who was paying attention knew this would happen.''

The Mercury released a statement saying the team will be working with the league on next steps.

"We are committed to our support of BG and advocating for all American hostages abroad," the team statement reads. "We will continue our support of marginalized communities and fighting the kind of hate that targeted us today. No one, regardless of identity, should ever fear for their safety."

Features

Juneteenth now stands alongside other recognized holidays in Nevada, such as New Year’s Day, Veterans Day, July 4, Labor Day, Nevada Day, and Christmas.

Nevada Joins Growing Number of States Recognizing Juneteenth as a State Holiday

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Nevada has officially declared Juneteenth a state holiday, joining a growing list of states commemorating the last enslaved individuals in the United States learned of their freedom.

The state’s Republican Governor, Joe Lombardo, signed the bill into law on Thursday, elevating June 19 from a day of observance to a full-fledged state holiday.

The legislation means that many state employees can now take the day off to celebrate the holiday.

Juneteenth now stands alongside other recognized holidays in Nevada, such as New Year’s Day, Veterans Day,

July 4, Labor Day, Nevada Day, and Christmas.

The bill received overwhelming support in the state Assembly and Senate, with votes of 40 to 1 and 19 to 2, respectively.

Democratic Assemblywoman Claire Thomas, one of the bill’s sponsors, highlighted Nevada’s historic commitment to civil rights as the first state to ratify the 15th Amendment, granting African Americans the right to vote.

“By designating Juneteenth as a state holiday, Nevada continues to honor that legacy and celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for equality,” she expressed.

The significance of Juneteenth lies in its origin, which

dates to 1865 when news of the abolition of slavery finally reached Galveston, Texas.

The momentous announcement came two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation officially ended slavery in the United States and five months after the 13th Amendment was signed, legally declaring all enslaved people free.

Initially observed in Texas, the Juneteenth celebration spread as Black Texans migrated to other parts of the country.

In recent years, numerous companies have also recognized the importance of this day by granting their employees time off to commemorate it.

The federal recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday came in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed a bill that Congress had passed. Biden’s action solidified Juneteenth’s status as a pivotal moment in American history, and its significance continues to grow as more states follow suit in honoring this important day.

With Nevada officially recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday, it stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to equality and commemorating the progress made in the ongoing fight for civil rights.

(Shutterstock/Rawpixel.com)

Bill Proposes Teaching Media Literacy at Each Grade Level in California

Two bills aimed at equipping K-12 students with the ability to discern between accurate and false news -- and teach them media literacy, more broadly – are currently progressing through the California legislature. Assembly Bill (AB) 873, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), and AB 787 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland) would mandate that schools in California offer instruction at every grade level to promote a more informed and civically engaged society.

As of June 7, both AB 873 and AB 787 are pending review on the Senate floor and have been referred to the Education Committee.

“Children today are being inundated by misinformation and disinformation on social media networks and digital platforms,” Berman said in a May statement. “The last few years have been a terrifying wake-up call to the insidious nature of online misinformation, from jeopardizing public health, to threatening the foundation of our democracy, to dangerously rewriting history. Anyone who spends much time on social media could greatly benefit from media literacy training.”

Media literacy, also known as information literacy, develops students’ critical thinking skills around all types of media platforms and instructs students to evaluate online information that affects them, their communities, and the world.

AB 873 intends to direct the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) to incorporate media literacy content into the English language arts/English language development, science, mathematics, and history-social science curriculum frameworks when those frameworks are next revised.

A growing number of states are now requiring schools to educate students in media and information literacy, including New Jersey, Illinois, and Delaware.

“This bill is an important step to help ensure young people are equipped with the relevant media and informational literacy

skills so critical in the 21st century,” said Nicholas Harvey, K-12 Policy Director for Generation Up.

AB 787 would require, on or before January 1, 2025, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) Tony Thurmond, in consultation with the State Board of Education, to survey teacher librarians, principals, and technology directors to monitor how they are currently integrating digital citizenship and media literacy education into their curriculum.

AB 787 would also require Thurmond to share the results of the survey with an advisory committee consisting of specified representatives.

A 2022 Pew Research Report found that the number of teens who use the internet at least once a day has increased by 5% since 2014-2015. Many of these teens are active on popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram. Currently, 97% of teens report using the internet daily, compared with 92% in 2014-15.

Pew Research Center reports from 2018 and 2022 also found that 95% of teens have access to smartphones, and 45% are online more frequently. In addition, the reports stated that 56% of Black teens are online, compared to 55% Latinos, and 37% of White teens.

“If these practices are important and salient to our youth, then it is critically relevant for educators to acknowledge this insight as they teach, and for researchers to write about studies in humanizing ways,” according to a January 2023 International Literacy report titled, “Normalizing Black Students/Youth and their Families’ Digital and STEAM Literacies.”

Common Sense Media’s California policy manager Kami Peer, a nonprofit focused on youth and media, told the Napa Valley Register that Berman’s and Gabriel’s legislation would change the way student’s use the media to obtain information and handle ever-changing digital tools.

“We believe these two bills, if signed into law, would bring California to the forefront of this important policy area and ensure our students are well-equipped to face the rapidly evolving digital, online landscape,” Peer said.

Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

California Black Media Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed

Joe Bowers, Tanu Henry, Edward Henderson and Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

Your roundup of stories you might have missed last week.

Rest in Peace: California Reparations Task Force Economist William Spriggs Passes

Dr. William “Bill” Spriggs, an educator and one of the economists serving on the California Reparations Task Force, passed away on June 6.

The chief economist for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and a former chairperson of the Economics Department at Howard University, Spriggs, 68, held several economic policy positions in the federal government, spanning two presidential administrations.

Among those mourning his passing is U.S. President Joe Biden. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Spriggs, a man who brought as much lasting brilliance to economics as he brought joy to his friends and colleagues,” Biden shared in a written statement. “Bill was a towering figure in his field, a trailblazer who challenged the field’s basic assumptions about racial discrimination in labor markets, pay equity, and worker empowerment. His work inspired countless economists, some of whom work for our Administration, to join him in the pursuit of economic justice.”

In March, Spriggs was among four economists who developed formulas estimating that the amount California owes Black residents who are descendants of enslaved people in the

United States is likely to exceed $800 billion.

“Devastated to hear the news of Dr. #BillSpriggs’ passing! He left a tremendous mark on society, contributing to the firstin-the-nation California Reparation Task Force, including the compensation section of our final report (releasing on June 29). Rest well!,” California Reparations Task Force Chairperson Kamilah V. Moore tweeted on June 7.

California State Library Expands to Provide Free Books to Children Across California

Last week, the California State Library announced the expansion of its resources and services partnership with Imagination Library This program, started by the Dolly Parton Foundation, provides free books monthly to all children in the state under the age of five. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office collaborated on this effort. To date, Imagination Library has distributed 200 million books to children in five different countries.

“Reading is a team sport,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas. “The more that you engage a community and get people to understand the value of creating stronger readers, the more successful the program will be and the stronger and more resilient the community is going to be.”

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom attended the launch ceremony and stated that “reading to kids early and often is good for their literacy and a great way to begin to cultivate a lifelong love and appreciation for reading.

The program’s expansion was driven by bipartisan legislation signed last year by Gov. Newsom. The bill -- authored by Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) -- provides a dollar-for-dollar match from the State Library to help local organizations that partner with the Imagination Library to sign up more children to receive books.

Newly Released Census Data: Most Californians Are Renters and They Are Not Doing Well

Last week, a new report based on census data was released showing the impact of California’s high cost of living on people who earn the lowest incomes in the state.

According to census data, 45.5% of homes in California are occupied by renters, second only to New York at 49.7%. Nationwide, the rate of renter-occupied housing units is 36.9%, the highest it’s been since 1970.

United Ways of California uses data such as the costs of food, health care, childcare, transportation and other basic needs to compile its “Real Cost Measures of Living in California” report

According to the study, African American and Latino household seem to be struggling the most.

51% of Latino households fall below the Real Cost Measure compared to 45% of African American households, 30% of Asian American households, and 23% of White households.

Factors contributing to California’s high renting percentage are housing prices and having a larger immigrant community that the rest of the United States.

Last week, some California lawmakers held a rally to

raise awareness about a proposed amendment, authored by Assemblymembers Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) and Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), that would make adequate housing a constitutional right.

Governor Gavin Newsom Announces the Launch of Gun Safety Website

On June 5, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the launch of GunSaftey.ca.gov, a website that provides information on how Californians can obtain and use Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO) to protect their loved ones.

A GVRO, is a temporary action taken by a local court when someone is at risk or causing harm to themselves or others. The individual in crisis cannot purchase or possess firearms or ammunition while the order is in place.

“California is taking aggressive and relentless action to end the unbearable tragedy of gun violence,” said Newsom at the launch event. “While other states remain complacent in the face of recurring, gut-wrenching tragedy, California is making it easier than ever to access commonsense tools like Gun Violence Restraining Orders to protect our communities.”

Republican Lawmakers Hold Anti-Fentanyl Rally

On June 6, Republican lawmakers held an anti-fentanyl rally in Sacramento to announce the introduction of Assembly

Constitutional Amendment 12. The amendment, also known as “Alexandra’s Law,” would require the state to issue a warning to convicted fentanyl dealers advising them that continuing to sell fentanyl is extremely dangerous. The warning would empower prosecutors to file homicide charges if the dealer continues to sell fentanyl and causes a death.

“Alexandra’s Law is a simple and reasonable approach to holding drug dealers accountable when they knowingly murder Californians with fentanyl,” said Matt Capelouto, whose daughter Alexandra died in 2019 from fentanyl poisoning and inspired the law. “It will give law enforcement the ability to stop someone who continues to sell a drug that results in instant death.”

The California Department of Public Health reports that about 6,000 Californians died in 2021 from fentanyl-related overdose. The Republican Caucus noted that this was an average of 110 people a week.

“I have been clear that we must take a multi-pronged approach to fully tackle the fentanyl crisis,” said Assemblymember Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin). “We cannot rely on education and treatment alone. It is critical that we give our law enforcement the tools necessary to hold dealers and sellers accountable.”

Dr. William “Bill” Spriggs, left, passed away on June 6, 2023. He was one of four economists for the California Reparations Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans (CRTF). Spriggs, 68, is shown here with fellow economist Dr. Kaycea Thompson, right, at a CRTF meeting in Los Angeles, Calif., on Sept. 23, 2022. (CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey)

Greg Lucas, CA State Librarian

Autopsy Finds Olympian Tori Bowie Died from Childbirth Complications

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

According to an autopsy report, three-time Olympic medalist and world champion sprinter Tori Bowie tragically died due to complications during childbirth.

Bowie, 32, reportedly had a “well-developed fetus” and was eight months pregnant, according to the Florida Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office report.

NBC News reported that evidence indicated that she was undergoing labor at the time of her passing.

The autopsy report determined that Bowie’s death was ruled natural, with toxicology results showing no signs of drugs or other substances in her system.

The examination highlighted possible complications that contributed to her death, including respiratory distress and eclampsia, a condition characterized by seizures, or a coma related to pre-eclampsia.

This high blood pressure disorder can occur during pregnancy.

The Mayo Clinic explained that eclampsia can manifest without any previously observed signs or symptoms of preeclampsia, making it difficult to predict and prevent.

Warning signs that may appear before seizures include severe headaches, vision problems, mental confusion, or altered behaviors.

However, in many cases, there are no symptoms or warning signs.

Eclampsia can occur before, during, or after delivery.

Further, Bowie’s death continued to highlight the disparities in the maternal experience of Black women.

Black women in the United States continue to suffer from the highest maternal mortality rate in the country.

In 2021 alone, the maternal mortality rate for Black women stood at a staggering 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births—nearly three times higher than the rate for white women.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that this glaring disparity underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and systemic changes to address the healthcare inequities faced by Black mothers.

Bowie’s tragic death came to light when authorities in Orange County, Florida, responded to a request for a well-being check on a woman in her 30s who had been missing for several days.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there were no signs of foul play.

On May 3, Bowie’s management company and USA Track & Field announced her death, expressing deep sorrow and condolences to her family and friends.

Icon Management Inc., her management company, described her as a champion and a beacon of light.

Bowie gained recognition for her remarkable performance as the anchor leg in the 4×100-meter relay team, leading them to a gold medal in Brazil alongside Tianna Bartoletta, Allyson Felix, and English Gardner.

She also won the silver medal in the 100-meter event and the bronze medal in the 200-meter event during the 2016 Olympic Games.

Additionally, Bowie secured the gold medal in the 100-meter event at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London.

Raised in Sand Hill, Mississippi, Bowie credited her success to her loved ones, particularly her grandmother.

She described herself as a small-town girl at heart, hailing from a place devoid of stoplights.

In linking Bowie’s tragic death to childbirth complications,

Dr. Alison Cowan, a practicing OBGYN and head of medical affairs at Mirvie – a company developing prediction tools for life-threatening pregnancy complications – shed light on the importance of awareness and prevention.

In an email to the Black Press, Dr. Cowan emphasized the preventability of many pregnancy-related deaths in the United States, with cardiovascular causes being the leading contributors.

Among these causes are hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cardiac and coronary conditions, and cardiomyopathy.

Dr. Cowan highlighted the significance of educating the public about the risks of pre-eclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder during pregnancy that can have severe consequences for both the mother and the infant.

She stressed the importance of recognizing and treating pre-eclampsia to prevent the development of eclampsia, which involves seizures.

Pregnant individuals should be aware of the signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia and attend regular check-ups to monitor their condition.

Dr. Cowan said it is worth noting that many women who develop pre-eclampsia have no identifiable risk factors.

Like her fellow runner, Allyson Felix, Bowie was an elite athlete impacted by this condition.

Mirvie is actively working on developing predictive testing to identify those at the highest risk of pre-eclampsia, Dr. Cowan said. The initiative aims to inform women of their risk and empower them to take necessary measures for a healthy pregnancy, ultimately reducing the occurrence of similar tragedies in the future.

The examination highlighted possible complications that contributed to her death, including respiratory distress and eclampsia, a condition characterized by seizures, or a coma related to pre-eclampsia.

Mississippi Civil Rights Lawyer Arrested for Filming Controversial Traffic Stop

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Mississippi civil rights lawyer Jill Collen Jefferson found herself on the wrong side of the law after recording a traffic stop involving officers from the very

police department she is suing in federal court.

The arrest has drawn attention to the ongoing struggle for justice and police reform in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests that have swept the nation.

Jefferson, president of JULIAN, a prominent civil rights organization, had filed a federal lawsuit against the Lexington Police Department on behalf of a group of city residents just last year.

Her attorney, Michael Carr, revealed that Jefferson was apprehended late Saturday evening, June 10, while documenting officers’ actions during a routine traffic stop.

Despite numerous attempts to obtain comments from the Lexington Police Department, they have failed to respond to comment requests.

regarding allegations of police brutality within the small town.

A lawsuit in which Jefferson is a plaintiff, alleges that Black residents in Lexington, a small Mississippi town about 63 miles north of Jackson, have been subjected to false arrests, excessive force, and intimidation, causing them to feel “terrorized” by the police.

In their legal action, JULIAN sought a temporary restraining order against the Lexington police department to secure protection for the town’s predominantly Black population.

Jefferson has repeatedly emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that it is both morally unacceptable and unlawful for Lexington residents to experience such fear and terror from the very police department entrusted with their protection. Jefferson urged the intervention of both the courts and the Department of Justice without delay.

Jefferson’s lawsuit exposed a disturbing pattern of false arrests, excessive force, and intimidation by the police against the residents of Lexington, her attorney insisted.

“Through her ordeal, she aims to bring to light the corrupt practices that have tainted this city, possibly inspiring a nationwide reckoning.”

According to Carr, Jefferson complied with the officer’s request to provide identification and questioned why she was approached while filming on a public street.

However, she was swiftly arrested and charged with three misdemeanors: failure to comply, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. Jefferson remained in custody at the Holmes County Jail over the weekend, awaiting a court hearing.

Following negotiations, Police Chief Charles Henderson eventually agreed to release her without requiring a bond.

However, Jefferson adamantly refused to pay the $35 processing fee that the jail demanded to secure her release because she thought her arrest was unfair and unconstitutional.

The arrest has drawn attention to the ongoing struggle for justice and police reform in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests that have swept the nation.

The incident occurred merely nine days after Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division visited Lexington to engage with community members

“As an advocate for her clients, Jill Jefferson firmly believes that this systematic misconduct has plagued the citizens of Lexington,” Carr stated.

Her attorney noted that the incident further underscores the urgent need for comprehensive police reform and the significance of the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.

Text Message Scams Are Getting Worse: How to Protect Yourself in the Digital Age

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

In an age of advanced technology and widespread connectivity, text message scams, including in big cities,

have become a big problem for people nationwide.

As these deceptive practices continue to grow, authorities have cautioned that it is vital for people to be aware, watchful, and cautious to protect their personal information.

From 2015 to 2022, the number of reports about possible text scams rose by 500%, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Also, officials said that more than 475 million robotexts are sent every day, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said that Americans had lost more than $231 million to text message scams in the first three quarters of 2022.

Experts say that scams that use text messages continue to grow and target people in cities with numerous potential victims. Scammers are also increasingly targeting busy cities with high populations, such as Washington, New York, and Chicago.

Officials say that there are several reasons why text message scams are so common. One of them is that scammers can work on digital platforms without being caught, which makes it easier for them to start large-scale fraud campaigns.

Also, the fast-paced nature of city life can make people more likely to make quick decisions, which makes them more likely to fall for these scams.

Authorities warned that people should take specific steps to avoid falling for text message scams.

The FTC said that scams often promise to get you to click on links.

This could include offering gift cards, coupons, or a non-interest credit card.

A scammer may also say they have information about you or may trick you by claiming suspicious activity on your account, sending a false bill, or falsely informing you that your package has arrived.

Deborah Moss, who owns a small food business, told CBS News that she got caught up in a complex bank scam that started with a harmless text message.

Moss, who had dedicated over a decade to building her business, says she had finally accumulated enough savings to pursue a peaceful life in rural Guerneville, California.

Soon after answering the message, Moss got a phone call from a person who identified themselves as a Chase Bank representative, and the bank’s name appeared on the caller ID.

Initially dismissing it as a minor inconvenience, Moss

promptly replied.

At the other end of the line was an individual identifying as “Miss Barbara” from “Chase ATM.”

She requested permission from Moss to issue a new debit card to resolve the alleged fraudulent charge.

Barbara asked Moss to confirm her identity by reading the numbers from a text message to her over the phone.

“And I would just repeat those numbers to her, and she’d say, ‘That’s great. Thank you so much, Ms. Moss,’” said Moss.

Miss Barbara called Moss multiple times over the next week about a problem with the card delivery. She asked Moss to verify her identity by reading back the numbers from subsequent text messages.

It wasn’t until Moss visited her nearest bank branch that the devastating truth emerged.

A supervisor informed her that the scam completely depleted her life savings of nearly $160,000.

“That was all my money. It took me 12 years to get that money, and that was my life savings,” Moss said.

“My world fell apart. My whole world fell apart,” Moss said.

JPMorgan Chase said that scammers deceived Ms. Moss and got her personal information, which compromised her account.

Here are some crucial things to do to reduce the risk:

Check the source out: Be careful when you get unwanted text messages, especially ones that ask for personal or financial information. Always check the sender’s name before responding or giving out any private information.

Don’t click on strange links: Don’t click on links in text messages, especially if they come from sources you don’t know or look sketchy. These links can lead to harmful websites or cause the download of dangerous software.

Educate yourself: Keep up with the latest text message scams and hackers’ most common tricks. Get to know how they do things so you can better spot and avoid possible dangers.

Beware of urgency and pressure. Scammers often make victims feel they must move quickly or use highpressure tactics to get what they want.

Be careful about messages that tell you to do something right away or offer deals that seem too good to be true. Enable two-factor authentication: Use two-factor authentication whenever you can to give your online accounts an extra layer of security.

Ways to Maintain Children’s Mental and Physical Health Over the Summer

By Janell Gore South Kern Sol

As Summer vacation is starting, many children welcome a lot of free time. While spending the day binging a new show or playing video games may be tempting, it’s important to stay active.

The Kern County Public Health Department and Kern County Behavioral Health hosted a press conference encouraging families to engage in healthy behaviors to help with both physical and mental health.

“Children who are physically active tend to have better grades in school and have better cognitive performance,” said Brynn Carrigan, director of Kern County Public Health. “Staying active can and should be fun. Make it a family affair and include everyone in your household. Go swimming, go on a hike, go to the park or play a sport and focus on having fun together.”

Doing the activities as a family will encourage each other to stay out longer and be active more. For kids, it is recommended that they get 60 minutes of vigorous activity a day.  Carrigan continued to explain the importance of also incorporating a healthy diet while being active. She stated that it is beneficial for growth and as a preventative measure against different health conditions.

Understanding that there may be different barriers for families to providing healthy food alternatives over the summer Carrigan expanded on different resources available for families.

“There’s a lot of programs here locally through CAPK, through Kern County Public Health’s Waste Hunger Not

Food program that can help serve as resources for families to help access this healthier food that we want to encourage people to eat,” said Carrigan. “But it’s really important that our parents focus on trying to reiterate healthy food for our kids when they’re home throughout the day.”

Maintaining your student’s physical health is just one part of their overall health with the other part being mental health.

With the change in daily routine and loss of structure, some kids may struggle with the adjustment. Stacy Kuwahara, director of Kern Behavioral Health discussed that prioritizing ways to keep students mentally engaged over the summer and actively using their “mind-muscle” can help with the adjustment.

As parents are trying to keep their children active Kuwahara advised being attentive to changes in their kids and looking out for warning signs.

“Look for persistent changes in their mood that last for at least two weeks. This might include intense feelings like anger, fear, and anxiety. Are those intense feelings interfering with their ability to do regular daily activities?” said Kuwahara.

Along with changes in mood, Kuwahara stated to look for changes in behavior like loss of interest or acting out of control. Excessive sleep or no sleep may also be signs of struggling with mental health.

If parents are noticing these signs they should take them seriously and welcome space for them to speak to the parent or another trusted adult about what they are going through.

Kuwahara acknowledged how hard these conversations

can be for both the parent and kid but explained that it is very important. If a child is expressing extreme hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm Kuwahara said that a conversation needs to be had.

“Be open, listen, and create a safe space for them to talk about what’s going on,” said Kuwahara.

Before approaching children with a conversation about their mental health Kuwahara advised getting in the right environment for the conversation and the right time and

place can be different for each child. For some children, it may be while engaging in an activity and others may be in a calm and quiet setting.

When having the conversation Kuwahara said to ask questions and be in a space to listen but also pay attention to their body language and behavior.

“The most important thing is to be in a good place when you start the conversation so that you can create a comfortable place for them to open up,” said Kuwahara.”

The REAL ID Delivers Conveniency: Apply for Yours Today

Carrie Stanton DMV Regional Administrator

The REAL ID is here, and it’s easier to get than you think.

What is the REAL ID and why do you need one?

The REAL ID is an identification card or driver’s license that is also considered a federally accepted form of identification.

Beginning May 7, 2025, federal laws will require air travelers aged 18 years and older to have a REAL ID, valid passport, or another federally approved form of identification to fly within the United States and enter secure facilities such as military bases. If you haven’t applied for the REAL ID yet now is the perfect time!

You can do it online with the necessary documents to complete the application – one proof of identity such as a valid passport, original or certified copy of birth certificate or valid permanent resident card; AND two documents to prove California residency such as a utility bill or bank statement. You can check DMV’s REAL ID checklist to see if your documents qualify as a REAL ID document.

Once you complete the online application and upload the needed documents, you will receive a confirmation code and be asked to make an appointment online to visit your local DMV office.

Many people have completed the in-office visit in about 15 minutes with an appointment.

Over 15.8 million people in California have their REAL ID as of May 2023. Though the REAL ID isn’t

required and is optional, regular California driver’s licenses and identification cards will have limits federally. When traveling, you want to get through the airport as quickly and as simply as possible. Starting May 7, 2025, if you don’t have a REAL ID you will need to bring a passport to travel domestically.

This may cause some headaches for those who don’t have a REAL ID and aren’t used to traveling domestically with a passport. But when you have the REAL ID, it eliminates having to remember to bring your passport to fly within the United States.

Start your REAL ID application now to avoid the rush when you need it later.

Visit dmv.ca.gov/realid and get started today!