Gov. Newsom Approves Key Legislation Backed by Black Caucus in 2024 Session
By Joe W. Bowers Jr. California Black Media
In 2024, the 12-member California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), introduced nearly 600 bills aimed at improving the lives of all Californians, many with a particular focus on addressing inequities faced by Black citizens. Of these bills, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 230 into law and vetoed 50. The remaining bills either failed to pass out of committee, were rejected in one of the chambers, or were withdrawn by their authors for possible re-introduction later.
CLBC’s legislative victories reflect their commitment to creating a more equitable California for Black residents across areas like education, healthcare, housing, and criminal justice reform. The following are some of the key bills taking effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Education Reform for Black Students
Senate Bill (SB) -1348 by CLBC vice-chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D- Inglewood) designates California Black-Serving Institutions (BSIs), a groundbreaking effort to provide additional resources and support to higher education institutions that primarily serve Black students. This bill will help ensure that Black students have access to culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities.
Assembly Bill (AB)-51 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) makes sure that Black families from low-income communities have access to critical early childhood education.
AB-1113 by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D–Sacramento) expands the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) to include data on expanded learning opportunity programs. This bill improves the state’s ability to track student outcomes and offer targeted support to underrepresented students,
Princeton Poll Highlights Surge in Support for Reparations, Despite Implementation Doubts
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
A new study from Princeton University, in partnership with Liberation Ventures, offers a comprehensive look at public opinion on reparations in the United States. The 2024 Reparations Beliefs and Sentiments Poll shows that 36% of Americans support comprehensive reparations, which include cash payments, an apology, and investments in Black communities. An additional 19% of respondents are neutral on the issue, while 46% express opposition. According to a Gallup poll, the findings reflect a significant shift since 2002, when only 14% of respondents supported cash reparations. The study comes as reparations gain momentum across the country, with 23 cities and states establishing commissions in the past five years to study or implement reparations policies. Support for reparations is particularly strong among younger Americans, with nearly half of those aged 18-35 expressing approval. Political leanings also play a role: 49% of Democrats and 23% of Independents said a candidate’s support for reparations would increase their likelihood of backing that candidate. In comparison, 62% of Republicans indicated it would negatively impact their view of a candidate.
Vice President Kamala Harris recently addressed reparations during a 45-minute interview with the National
Association of Black Journalists and WHYY public radio, marking her most extensive comments on the issue since becoming vice president. Harris, who co-sponsored H.R. 40 as a senator—a bill to establish a commission to study reparations—emphasized the importance of acknowledging the long-term effects of slavery, redlining, and Jim Crow laws. “We just need to speak truth about history,” Harris told theGrio. “We need to speak truth
about the generational impact of slavery, the generational impact of redlining, of Jim Crow laws.” While Harris advocated for reparations through legislative action, she did not rule out the possibility of executive action. Harris linked the reparations issue to her broader economic plan, aimed at addressing systemic barriers such as student loan debt, medical debt, and racial bias in home appraisals, as well as Black maternal mortality. She emphasized the need for solutions addressing racial inequality’s historical and ongoing impacts.
Despite growing support for reparations, the poll highlights a significant gap between support and belief in the feasibility of federal reparations. While 36% of respondents support reparations, only 11% believe they will ever be implemented at the federal level. This “hope gap” suggests skepticism about whether political and public support will translate into actual policy change.
Princeton officials said the 2024 Reparations Beliefs and Sentiments Poll is the first comprehensive national survey on the topic and will be conducted regularly to track changes in public opinion over time. Researchers said, by establishing a baseline of public attitudes, “the poll will help measure how support for reparations evolves in the coming years and provide essential data for those working to address historical racial injustices.”
Groundbreaking Study Links Whole-Genome Duplications in Black Cancer Patients to Worse Outcomes and Environmental Carcinogen Exposure
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
A comprehensive new study published in Nature Communications has revealed a significant link between whole-genome duplications (WGDs) in cancer and the higher mortality rates observed among Black patients in the United States. The research, which analyzed cancer samples from over 1,800 self-reported Black patients, found that tumors from these individuals were significantly more likely to exhibit WGDs—an aggressive genomic alteration—than those from white patients.
The study’s findings highlight the critical role of both genetic and environmental factors in driving racial disparities in cancer outcomes.
“We observed that cancers from self-reported Black patients had a significantly higher incidence of WGDs across multiple cancer types,” the study authors stated. The increased prevalence of WGDs in Black patients, ranging from 11% to 35% higher depending on the dataset, was most prominent in breast, endometrial, and lung cancers. That genetic alteration, which leads to increased metastasis and disease progression, was also associated with shorter survival times, suggesting a potential mechanism for the
well-documented racial disparities in cancer mortality. WGDs are large-scale chromosomal events in which a cell duplicates its entire set of chromosomes. The process creates genomic instability, promoting more aggressive cancer behavior, metastasis, and drug resistance. Tumors with WGDs tend to be harder to treat due to their adaptability. “These duplications allow cancers to ‘sample a wider range of karyotypes,’ making them more capable of resisting treatment and spreading throughout the body,” the study noted. The findings are particularly concerning given the
existing disparities in cancer outcomes between Black and white Americans. Black women, for instance, have a 41% higher mortality rate from breast cancer and a 21% higher mortality rate from endometrial cancer than their white counterparts, even when diagnosed at similar stages of the disease. The study’s authors suggested that the higher frequency of WGDs in Black patients’ tumors may contribute to these disparities. “The increased incidence of WGDs in Black patients may be contributing to racial disparities in cancer outcomes,” the study concluded. Environmental Exposure and Its Role in WGD Frequency
In addition to genetic factors, the study pointed to environmental exposures as a significant contributor to the higher WGD rates observed in Black cancer patients. The researchers discovered that combustion byproducts, such as those resulting from the burning of fossil fuels, can cause WGD events in cell cultures. “We further demonstrate that combustion byproducts are capable of inducing WGDs in cell culture, and cancers from selfreported Black patients exhibit mutational signatures consistent with exposure to these carcinogens,” the authors said. The study tied the increased frequency of WGDs to
Associated Press in a phone interview in September that sources “very close to Kim and Sean Combs” provided him with a “flash drive, documents and tapes” from Porter that he eventually pieced together to create the memoir. Todd used the pseudonym Jamal T. Millwood when publishing the title.
Todd did not comment on the removal Tuesday when contacted by the AP.
The book details physical abuse, sexual coercion and other acts of violence Combs allegedly committed. The $22 paperback had a quiet release on Amazon but skyrocketed after the news of Combs’ arrest and the shocking details of the indictment against him. He has pleaded not guilty.
The memoir reached the No. 1 spot on Amazon’s bestseller’s list in September and dipped down on the charts before Amazon eventually pulled it from the site.
ATLANTA (AP) — Rapper Rich Homie Quan died from an accidental drug overdose, the medical examiner’s office in Georgia confirmed.
cause of death for the hip-hop performer, born Dequantes Devontay Lamar, was from a slew of drugs such as fentanyl, alprazolam,
the remix, including Jeezy and Meek Mill. Quan appeared on a YG track with Jeezy and released the London on da Track-produced song “Lifestyle” through his Rich Gang rap collective that included Young Thug and Birdman. Quan followed up with “Flex
Asm. Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) and Asm. Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, in Sacramento on September 26, celebrating after Governor Newsom signed several CLBC bills into law.Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media (CBM).
by CLBC chair Assemblymember Lori
Wilson (D– Suisun City) mandates implicit bias training for healthcare providers, addressing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, especially affecting Black women.
Vance and Walz Begin Cordially but End in Heated Clashes Over Trump and Jan. 6
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Republican Senator JD Vance of Ohio and Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, faced off in the only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election on Tuesday night, which began with a measured tone but eventually escalated into a combative exchange. The debate, which CBS News hosted at their Broadcast Center in New York and Norah O’Donnell and Margaret Brennan moderated, covered a range of important national issues, with Vance’s connections to former President Donald Trump and the January 6 uprising emerging as key flashpoints.
The debate’s early moments were largely civil, as both candidates laid out their platforms and shared their visions on topics such as foreign policy and the economy. However, tensions flared when Vance was asked about Trump’s recent comment that childcare was “not very expensive” compared to the money the country would gain from his policies. Vance explained that Trump was referring to the nation’s ability to raise funds by “penalizing companies shipping jobs overseas” and those using “slave laborers.” But Vance sidestepped when pressed on whether Trump was committed to the child tax credit, redirecting the discussion to economic penalties for outsourcing, prompting frustration from Walz.
The debate took a sharper turn when Vance was questioned about the 2020 election and Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection. Rather than directly answering whether Trump lost the 2020 election, Vance defended the former president’s actions that day, stating, “Remember, [Trump] said that on January the 6th, the protesters ought to protest peacefully, and on January the 20th, what happened? Joe Biden became the president. Donald Trump left the White House.”
Walz responded forcefully, calling Vance’s failure to answer directly “a damning non-answer.” He continued, “To deny what happened on January 6, the first time
an American president or anyone tried to overturn an election, is unacceptable. This has got to stop. It’s tearing our country apart.” Walz also drew attention to the broader implications of Vance’s remarks, reminding voters of the violence on January 6, including a march on the governor’s mansion in Minnesota. “What I’m concerned about is, where is the firewall with Donald Trump? Where is the firewall if he knows he could do anything, including taking an election, and his vice president’s not going to stand up to it? That’s
Prescription Drug
Biden Pushes for Reform
By Stacy M. Brown,
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The fight to lower prescription drug prices is hitting African Americans especially hard. A recent report by Patients for Affordable Drugs reveals that pharmaceutical companies have increased prices on more than 1,000 prescription drugs this year, nearly half of those price hikes exceeding the inflation rate. For many Black and Latino patients, especially those aged 65 and over, the rising costs are becoming unbearable.
Black Americans are more likely to suffer from conditions like diabetes, chronic pain, and high blood pressure, which means that these skyrocketing prices have a disproportionately negative impact on them. Enhertu, a drug used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer, has seen its price rise eight times since 2019. This is especially alarming for Black women, who are more likely to die from HER2positive tumors than white women. Meanwhile, the price of Revlimid, used to treat multiple myeloma, has jumped to over $89,000 per month. Black Americans are more likely to suffer from multiple myeloma and experience
BakersfieldNews Observer
Adjudicated a Newspaper of General Circulation August 11, 1980, Kern County Superior Court Decree, Case No. 16964, Government Code 6023.
Bulk Mailing Permit 724 Bakersfield, CA 93385
Published By Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, Inc. Corporate Office 1219 20th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 324-9466.
Member of The National Newspapers Publishers Association, Associated Press, and The Better Business Bureau
President: Ellen Coley
CEO: Jon Coley
Publisher/ Editor: James Luckey Jr. Operations Manager: James Luckey Intern: William Clark Coley
Credo-The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accounts to every person, regardless of race, color, or creed full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as any one is held back. The Observer Group Newspapers reserves the right to publish views an opinions that may not necessarily reflect those of the staff and management and are solely the product of the responsible individuals who submit commentaries published in these newspapers. Letters, articles and comments appearing in the Observer Newspapers reflect the opinions of the contributor and do not constitute the opinion or endorsement by The Observer Newspapers or its staff. The Observer Group Newspapers assumes no responsibility for photographs, articles, letters, press releases and unsolicited materials. Decisions as to the editing and publishing of materials are at the discretion of the Publisher and Editors. All rights are reserved on materials accepted for publication unless otherwise specified.
Bakersfield News Observer Los Angeles News Observer
The Valley’s News Observer
1219 20th St. Bakersfield,
Available online: www.ognsc.com
worse outcomes.
what we’re asking you, America,” Walz said, clarifying that accountability for democracy was at stake in the 2024 election. Vance avoided direct answers on election integrity and instead pivoted to discussions of censorship, blaming tech companies for “censoring their fellow citizens” and touting Trump’s endorsements by former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He continued to defend Trump’s policies, including tax cuts and immigration, while steering clear of addressing the core issue of Trump’s
role in questioning the election results. The debate further escalated as the two candidates clashed over climate change, healthcare, and gun violence. On climate change, Walz highlighted the BidenHarris administration’s investments in clean energy and infrastructure, citing the Inflation Reduction Act as a crucial step in addressing the crisis. “We’ve made massive investments in electric vehicles, solar technology, and job creation because we know climate change is real,” Walz said.
Vance countered by downplaying the urgency, arguing that Democrats were not serious about the issue. “If they really believed climate change was serious, they’d be doing more manufacturing and energy production here in America. That’s not what they’re doing,” he said, accusing Democrats of using climate change as a political slogan rather than implementing real solutions. Gun violence also sparked a heated back-and-forth. Vance proposed increased school security measures, suggesting, “We need to make sure
Prices Hit Black Americans Hardest
Price hikes force patients to make life-threatening decisions, officials said. Carrol Olinger, a 54-year-old from North Carolina with Type 1 diabetes, described to NBC News a harrowing period when she couldn’t afford her medications. Without insurance for five months, she resorted to rationing her insulin and taking blood pressure pills every other day to cut costs. “I had a headache every day,” she said. “I just felt drained and tired—and then on top of all of that, I was just, like, emotional for no reason.”
The business practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who negotiate drug prices with manufacturers and insurance companies, exacerbate this financial strain on patients. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Express Scripts, OptumRx, and Caremark, accusing these PBMs of inflating the cost of insulin and other drugs by prioritizing higher-priced options on insurance formularies while pocketing rebates from drug manufacturers. The FTC’s complaint suggests these practices unfairly raise patient costs and violate antitrust laws.
Pharmacy benefit managers argue they are not the sole cause of high drug prices, but the FTC is increasingly focused on their role. Express Scripts has denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit “unsubstantiated.” However,
the FTC’s action signals a growing push to reform the industry’s practices. A Salt Lake City pharmacist, Benjamin Jolley told NPR that he views the lawsuit as a potential turning point. “Is this overall system of rebates broadly legal or illegal?” he asked. “The FTC is alleging that, no, it is not.”
While lawsuits and regulatory actions move forward, advocates like Margarida Jorge, executive director of Health Care for America Now, point to the long-standing racial inequities in healthcare that contribute to the crisis. She cites the lack of affordable treatment for conditions like sickle cell anemia, which affects 1 in 13 Black babies born in the U.S., as a clear example of systemic racism. “There hasn’t been much attention to really getting down to the business of trying to cure sickle cell anemia with a drug that is affordable to regular people,” Jorge said in an NBC News interview. The Biden administration has taken steps to address the issue through the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries at $2,000 annually by 2025. President Biden also announced that Medicare will begin negotiating lower prices for some of the most expensive and widely used drugs. In his statement, Biden emphasized the stark contrast between his administration’s actions and the opposition from
Republicans in Congress, who he said have consistently tried to repeal these reforms.
“For too long, millions of Americans have faced the impossible choice of paying for their prescription drugs or being able to afford other basic needs,” Biden said. “While Big Pharma made record profits, Americans footed the bill for the industry’s price hikes. Not anymore.”
Starting in October, seniors and people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare will pay less for 54 Part B prescription drugs, Biden announced. “That means more money will go back into the pockets of people with Medicare – including some of the 822,000 seniors and people with disabilities who use these drugs annually to treat conditions like cancer, osteoporosis, and pneumonia, and some seniors will save more than $3,800 per day,” he stated.
“These lower costs are only possible because of the Inflation Reduction Act, which passed with the leadership of Democrats in Congress, and with Vice President Harris casting the tie-breaking vote in the Senate –without a single Republican voting for it,” Biden added. “While Republicans in Congress try to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act which would mean high drug costs for seniors, Vice President Harris and I will keep fighting to ensure all Americans can pay less for prescription drugs.”
Groundbreaking Cancer Study
carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pollutants that are prevalent in urban environments where many Black Americans live.
Due to historical redlining practices and continued economic inequality, Black communities are disproportionately located near industrial areas and high-traffic zones, exposing residents to higher levels of environmental pollutants. “Black individuals are more likely to live in areas with elevated levels of air pollution, including diesel exhaust and other combustion-related pollutants,” the researchers explained, suggesting that these environmental factors may be driving the increased frequency of WGDs in Black patients.
The Genetic Component: TP53 Mutations
The study also explored the genetic factors that might contribute to the higher frequency of WGDs in Black patients, focusing on the tumor suppressor gene TP53. Mutations in this gene, which is inactivated more often in Black patients, were strongly associated with the presence of WGDs. “TP53 mutations have consistently been linked with poor prognosis and aggressive cancer behavior,” the study noted. This gene plays a crucial role in regulating cell division, and its inactivation can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the spread of cancer.
The presence of TP53 mutations in combination with WGDs creates a hazardous situation for patients, as these tumors are more likely to metastasize and resist treatment. However, the study pointed out that while TP53 mutations were more common in Black patients, they were not the only factor driving the increased frequency of WGDs. Environmental factors, particularly exposure to carcinogens, were likely contributing as well.
Whole-Genome Duplications and Survival Rates
While WGDs were associated with worse outcomes across the board, the study found that Black and white patients with WGD-positive tumors had similar survival rates. “Among patients with WGD-positive tumors, there was no significant difference in survival time between selfreported Black and white patients,” the study reported.
However, among patients without WGD-positive tumors, Black patients had significantly shorter survival times than their white counterparts. This suggests that while WGDs play a critical role in cancer progression, other factors— such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and broader environmental exposures—are likely influencing overall survival.
“What this paper hints at is that we’re seeing something which looks like a genetic difference, but the source of that might actually not be genetic—it’s more environmental,” Kanika Arora, a computational biologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering, who was not involved with the study, told STAT, a health, medicine, and life sciences journal. Arora’s observation underscored the complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental exposures in determining cancer outcomes. Underrepresentation of Black Patients in Genomic Studies
The underrepresentation of Black people in genomic research is one significant limitation that the study highlights. Black people made up just 7% of the patients in the datasets analyzed despite comprising 13% of the U.S. population. The underrepresentation limits researchers’ ability to fully understand how genetic and environmental factors influence cancer in Black patients. “The genomic data that we have from people of African ancestry is small, and so we’re not as well powered as we could be to detect these sorts of molecular associations,” said Rameen Beroukhim, a neuro-oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School.
The lack of data makes it more challenging to draw definitive conclusions about the impact of environmental exposures, such as specific pollutants, on cancer subtypes in Black patients. Nevertheless, the study’s findings highlight the need for more inclusive research and targeted public health interventions.
Implications for Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Experts agree that the study’s findings could have profound implications for cancer treatment and prevention. “If pollutants are driving disparate cancer
rates, cancer treatment and prevention methods need to change accordingly,” Melissa Davis, head of the Institute of Genomic Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine, told STAT. Davis emphasized the need for a more holistic approach to cancer care—one that addresses not only the genetic and biological factors driving cancer progression but also the environmental conditions that contribute to these disparities.
“We treat patients, we treat their tumor, and then we send them right back into the environment, which we’re saying is causing their cancer, but then we don’t give them any additional information,” Davis said. “If it truly is that exposure that’s driving the cancer, we need to then work with our communities to be more informed, and then drive policies around that.” The study’s authors echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of reducing environmental carcinogen exposure as a key strategy for addressing cancer disparities. “Targeted prevention strategies and interventions to reduce exposure to environmental carcinogens may offer hope in reducing the incidence of WGDs and, in turn, reducing cancer mortality disparities,” they concluded.
Moving Forward
The study’s findings point to the need for a multifaceted approach to reducing cancer disparities. While genetic alterations like WGDs are a critical piece of the puzzle, they do not exist in isolation. Environmental exposures, social determinants of health, and access to care all shape cancer outcomes. Future research must focus on these intersections to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing cancer disparities in Black communities. As Jason Sheltzer, a geneticist at Yale School of Medicine and co-author of the study, put it, “These are not changing the sequence of the gene, they’re changing its dosage in the cell, and this has been recognized to influence cancer in a variety of ways.” The complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors requires equally complex solutions, but with targeted interventions and further research, addressing these disparities is within reach.
Gov. Newsom Approves Key Legislation Backed by Black Caucus
AB-3059 by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D–La Mesa) requires commercial health plans to cover medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This bill also simplifies the process for hospitals to distribute donor milk by removing the need for a tissue bank license, ensuring that families, particularly in Black communities where infant mortality rates are disproportionately high, have access to life-saving nutrition for their newborn.
Tackling the Job Security Job security is a critical issue for Black Californians, and the CLBC introduced several bills addressing these challenges. SB-1089 by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D–Los Angeles) requires grocery stores and pharmacies to provide advance notice to workers and the community before closures, addressing the issue of food deserts and limited access to essential services in vulnerable communities. AB-647 by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D–Pasadena) strengthens grocery worker protections by preventing mass layoffs and ensuring that trained and skilled grocery store and pharmacy workers are rehired. This bill supports job security for workers in essential sectors and helps maintain consistency in food safety and pharmaceutical access in their communities. Environmental Justice for Black Neighborhoods
Bonta’s AB-2851 mandates air quality monitoring near metal shredding facilities, protecting the health of Black communities often located near industrial areas from
harmful pollutants. Bradford’s SB-1130 prevents low-income Black families from being left out of the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program, which helps subsidize electricity costs. It would also require the state’s three largest investor-owned utilities to report on enrollment of customers in the FERA program.
Criminal Justice and Civil Rights Advocacy
Criminal justice reform remains a top priority for the CLBC given the overrepresentation of Black individuals in California’s criminal justice system. AB-1986 by Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D–Ladera Heights) bans certain books in state prisons, addressing concerns over materials that perpetuate racial stereotypes and divisive ideologies.
AB-3089 by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D–South Los Angeles) issues a formal apology for California’s role in chattel slavery, calls for systemic reforms and reparative justice for Black Californians. This bill was a key component of the CLBC’s reparations package.
AB-2975 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D–Compton) known as the Secure Hospitals for All Act, focuses on increasing hospital safety by requiring the installation of weapon detection systems at key entrances, such as those for Labor and Delivery and Emergency Departments. The bill aims to reduce workplace violence in hospitals, which disproportionately affects healthcare workers, including many from Black communities AB-672 by Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D -
Moreno Valley) would ensure that Black Californians and other underrepresented communities are able to alert authorities in a timely way regarding alleged violations of civil rights. This bill enhances the state’s civil rights enforcement capability and provides service and support to affected constituents. Economic Justice and Worker Rights Economic justice is still a pressing issue especially as Black Californians continue to face higher unemployment rates and economic disparities. Bradford’s SB-1177 ensures that minority-owned businesses, including Black-owned businesses, are prioritized for public utility contracts, helping to create more economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. AB-1 by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) strengthens collective bargaining rights for workers in the California Legislature, protects Black employees, and ensures they are given equal opportunities to advocate for
Beloved ‘Good Times’ Star and Emmy-Nominated Actor, John Amos, Dies
at 84
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
John Amos, the Emmy-nominated actor and pioneering television star who brought to life some of the most beloved characters in entertainment history, has died. He was 84. His son, K.C. Amos, confirmed in a statement that Amos passed away more than a month ago, on August 21, in Los Angeles of natural causes. The younger Amos didn’t say why he kept his father’s death under wraps for more than a month.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” K.C. said. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.”
Amos’ acting career spanned over five decades, with his most iconic role being that of James Evans Sr., the nononsense, hard-working father on the groundbreaking CBS sitcom Good Times (1974–1979). The show, which was the first sitcom to center on an African American family, became a cultural touchstone, and Amos’ portrayal of James Evans Sr. made him a symbol of strength and dignity for countless viewers.
However, his time on the series was cut short after three seasons due to creative differences with the show’s
producers. Amos famously clashed with the show’s direction, objecting to what he saw as the stereotypical portrayal of his on-screen son, J.J., played by Jimmie Walker.
“We had a number of differences,” Amos recalled in later interviews, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
“I felt too much emphasis was being put on J.J. in his chicken hat, saying ‘Dy-no-mite!’ every third page.” Amos’
insistence on portraying a more balanced, positive image of the Black family on television led to his departure from the show in 1976, when his character was written out in a dramatic two-part episode.
Born John Allen Amos Jr. on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Amos began his professional life with dreams of playing football. He played the sport at Colorado State University and had brief stints with teams like the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. But after a series of injuries and cutbacks, Amos transitioned to entertainment, beginning his career as a writer and performer.
Amos got his first major acting break as Gordy Howard, the good-natured weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, appearing on the iconic series from 1970 to 1973. He would go on to write and perform sketches on The Leslie Uggams Show and later landed roles in various television series and films.
In 1977, Amos received an Emmy nomination for his powerful portrayal of the adult Kunta Kinte in the landmark ABC miniseries Roots, a role that solidified his status as one of television’s most respected actors. Amos’ performance in Roots, one of the most watched and culturally significant TV events of all time, remains one of his most enduring achievements.
In addition to his success on television, Amos made his mark in films. He appeared in Melvin Van Peebles’ groundbreaking blaxploitation film Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971) and The World’s Greatest Athlete (1973). He was widely recognized for his role in Coming to America (1988), where he played Cleo McDowell, the owner of McDowell’s, a fast-food restaurant parody of McDonald’s. Amos reprised the role over three decades later in Coming to America 2 (2021).
His filmography also includes the Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby classic Let’s Do It Again (1975), The Beastmaster (1982), Die Hard 2 (1990), Ricochet (1991), Mac (1992), For Better or Worse (1995), The Players Club (1998), Night Trap (1993), and Because of Charley (2021).
Amos was also a familiar face on television throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, with recurring roles in shows like The West Wing as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and The Fresh Prince of BelAir as Will Smith’s stepfather. He appeared in The District,
Men in Trees, All About the Andersons (as Anthony Anderson’s father), and the Netflix series The Ranch. Beyond acting, Amos had a passion for writing and performing in theater. In the 1990s, when he found it challenging to secure roles in Hollywood, he wrote and starred in the one-person play Halley’s Comet, about an 87-year-old man waiting in the woods for the comet’s arrival. He toured with the production for over 20 years, performing in cities across the United States and abroad. In addition to his onscreen and stage accomplishments, Amos co-produced the documentary America’s Dad, which explored his life and career. He was also involved in Broadway, appearing in Carl Reiner’s Tough to Get Help production in 1972. John Amos’ life and career were not without personal challenges. In recent years, he was embroiled in a public legal battle between his children, K.C. and Shannon, over accusations of elder abuse. This unfortunate chapter cast a shadow over his later years. However, his legacy as a beloved television father and one of Hollywood’s pioneering Black actors remains untarnished.
Both K.C. and Shannon, children from his first marriage to artist Noel “Noni” Mickelson and his ex-wife, actress Lillian Lehman, survive Amos.
Pras Michel Files Lawsuit Against Lauryn
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a founding member of the iconic hip-hop group The Fugees, has filed a lawsuit against his former bandmate Lauryn Hill and MLH Touring, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case 1:24-cv-07403). The complaint, filed this morning, alleges fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract concerning The Fugees’ 2023 reunion tour. The lawsuit claims that Hill exploited Michel’s “vulnerable legal situation,” manipulating him into an unfair agreement regarding the tour’s financial arrangements. According to the complaint, Hill allegedly made off with a significant share of the tour’s proceeds, leaving Michel with a small portion that wasn’t in line with previous Fugees tours. In an email to the Black Press’ Let It Be Known News, Michel’s legal team, Robert S. Meloni of Meloni & McCaffrey, accuses Hill of concealing her intention to control the tour’s profits and misrepresenting crucial financial information. “We assert that Ms. Hill misrepresented critical financial information and concealed her intent to take an excessive 60% share of the tour’s proceeds, leaving Mr. Michel with only 20% instead of the group’s customary one-third split,” Meloni stated. Michel’s legal complaint also highlighted Hill’s reported chronic tardiness during the tour, with concerts
frequently starting two or more hours late. The lawsuit further alleges that Hill canceled the second half of the tour, financially penalizing and defrauding Michel in the process. Michel is no stranger to legal controversy. He was found guilty in 2023 of conspiring with fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low in three lobbying schemes to influence U.S. presidential administrations. While he remained free pending sentencing, Michel’s primary defense lawyer allegedly inappropriately relied on an experimental generative AI tool to create his closing argument in the star’s high-profile criminal trial. Michel’s new defense attorneys filed a motion late last year seeking a retrial. Michel’s new lawyer from the firm, ArentFox Schiff, stated that the Fugees’ member’s previous lawyer, David Kenner, made a poor closing argument, saying that it was frivolous, misunderstood the necessary points, mixed up different schemes, and overlooked important weaknesses in the government’s case.
The attorneys also asserted the conduct of U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of Washington, D.C, as a factor. In a separate legal action, Michel wants Hill held accountable for allegedly sabotaging the Fugees’ tour.
“This legal action aims to hold Ms. Hill accountable and secure justice for Mr. Michel,”
complaint. Hill or MLH Touring, Inc. have commented.
Meloni stated in the
Hill
Publicity photo from ‘’Good Times.’’ Pictured are John Amos (James) and Esther Rolle (Florida). This was for the premiere of the show. (Wikimedia Commons
Photo of the Evans family from the television program Good Times. From left: Ralph Carter (Michael), BernNadette Stanis (Thelma), Jimmie Walker (J.J.), Esther Rolle (Florida), John Amos (James).
March 10, 2011 - Actor/Producer John Amos in a publicity photo for, “Their Voices, Their Stories: African American Veterans Who Served on Iwo Jima.” (Catherine Farmer, National Archives)
ACA Rollback in Trump-Vance Plan Could Leave
Millions Without Health Coverage, Raise Costs for Cancer and Other Vulnerable Patients
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
While the twice-impeached former President Donald Trump has long promised a comprehensive health care proposal, he recently admitted he only has “concepts” rather than a fully fleshed-out policy. According to a report from the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Trump’s ideas would eliminate the Affordable Care Act’s current protections for over 20 million people. The critical elements of the Trump-Vance plan, which aligns with the conservative-backed Project 2025, include:Eliminating health insurance for millions: The plan would dismantle the ACA, stripping away protections for those with preexisting conditions and leaving millions without affordable coverage.
Increasing prescription drug and health insurance costs: Out-of-pocket expenses for medications and premiums would rise significantly, affecting seniors, families, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
Cutting Medicare and Medicaid would reduce the benefits of seniors and low-income families who depend on these programs, creating a ripple effect across the health care system.
Banning abortion nationwide: A national abortion ban would eliminate access to reproductive health services, compounding the plan’s impact on health care for women. When speaking to reporters this month, Vance confirmed that his and Trump’s plan would begin by rolling back protections for preexisting conditions and returning to high-risk insurance pools. Experts say this move would drive up healthcare costs for the most vulnerable populations.Preexisting Conditions at Risk: Huge Cost Increases Expected A central concern of the Trump-Vance health care plan is its treatment of people with preexisting conditions. The Center for American Progress found that repealing the ACA would lead to staggering cost increases for those with health conditions such as asthma, pregnancy, and cancer. Without ACA protections, insurers could charge:
$4,270 more for asthma,
$17,060 more for pregnancy,
$20,450 more for substance abuse disorder,
$26,180 more for rheumatoid arthritis, and
$140,510 more for metastatic cancer.
Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate in economics, noted that Trump’s “concept” for health care would “deny health care to millions of Americans, particularly those who need it most.” He added that Vance’s understanding of healthcare economics shows “someone completely unaware of the history of healthcare policies.”Impact on the Economy: Millions of Jobs at Risk
entrepreneurs and self-employed workers currently receive health insurance through the ACA.ACA Subsidies at Risk:
A Major Financial Blow The Trump-Vance plan’s opposition to ACA subsidies could lead to steep increases in health insurance premiums for millions of Americans. The subsidies, which were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act, have been instrumental in reducing healthcare costs for lowand middle-income Americans. Since 2021, Obamacare enrollment has nearly doubled due to these enhanced tax credits. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that without these subsidies, premiums will increase significantly, particularly for families earning more than $100,000 a year, who could lose access to federal assistance entirely. The CBO projects that a permanent extension of the subsidies would increase the federal deficit by $335 billion over the next decade. However, failing to extend them would result in a return to pre-ACA conditions, where health insurance was unaffordable for millions.According to an earlier analysis by AARP, a similar plan that Trump put forth during his first year in office would have increased out-of-pocket expenses for some seniors by as much as $16,000 annually.The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities also highlighted the disproportionate effect of the Trump-Vance plan on minority communities, with the number of uninsured Black households expected to increase by 85% and Hispanic households by 40%.“Although
The American Hospital Association echoed these concerns, warning that a repeal of the ACA would result in “likely catastrophic effects,” rolling back health coverage for millions of Americans and reducing access to everything from routine checkups to chronic illness treatment.The Treasury Department also reported that repealing the ACA would have devastating effects on small business owners with preexisting conditions. Approximately 4.2 million
Beyond the immediate impact on health insurance, the Trump-Vance plan could also devastate the broader economy. A joint study by the Commonwealth Fund and the Milken Institute School of Public Health estimated that repealing the ACA would result in losing 3 million jobs. These losses would extend beyond the healthcare industry, affecting small businesses and the labor market nationwide.
FDA’s Promised Guidance on Pulse Oximeters
Unlikely To End Decades of Racial Bias
Noha Aboelata, a family physician and the CEO of Oakland, California-based Roots Community Health, said “there was so much anger” among her colleagues when they realized that the pulse oximeters they had relied on were “systematically not working” on Black patients. (Arthur Allen/KFF Health News)
By By Arthur Allen
OAKLAND, Calif. — The patient was in his 60s, an African American man with emphysema. The oximeter placed on his fingertip registered well above the 88% blood oxygen saturation level that signals an urgent risk of organ failure and death.
Yet his doctor, Noha Aboelata, believed the patient was sicker than the device showed. So she sent him for a lab test, which confirmed her suspicion that he needed supplemental oxygen at home. Months later, in December 2020, Aboelata thought back to her patient as she read a New England Journal of Medicine article showing that pulse oximeters were three times as likely to miss dangerously low blood oxygen levels in Black patients as in white ones. At a time when Black Americans were dying of covid at high rates and hospitals struggled to find beds and oxygen for those needing them, the finding exposed one of the most blatant examples of institutional racism in American health care.
“I was like, ‘Were there other patients I missed?” said Aboelata, a family physician and the CEO of Oaklandbased Roots Community Health. As she shared the article with colleagues, “there was so much anger and frustration because we had every reason to believe we could rely on this device, and it was systematically not working in the population that we served.”
State attorneys general and U.S. senators have pressed the FDA to take steps to eliminate pulse oximetry’s racial
bias, which has caused delays in treatment and worse health outcomes, and more recently has raised concern about the reliability of hospital AI tools that draw on reams of data from the devices.
Aboelata’s clinic has sued producers and stores that sell oximeters, demanding they pull the devices or add safety warnings to the labels. Many of her patients rely on home oxygen, which requires accurate readings for Medicare to cover.
But getting rid of the devices, central to care for heart and lung diseases, sleep apnea, and other conditions, isn’t an option.
Since the 1990s, the convenient fingertip clamps have come to stand in for many uses of arterial blood gas readings, which are the gold standard for determining oxygen levels but dangerous if not done carefully. Makers of oximeters will sell around $3 billion of them this year because they are used in nearly every hospital, clinic, and long-term care facility. During the pandemic, hundreds of thousands of Americans bought them for home use.
One of them was Walter Wilson, a 70-year-old businessman in San Jose who has had two kidney transplants since 2000. Wilson contracted covid last December but delayed visiting a doctor because his home pulse oximetry readings were in the normal range.
“I’m a dark-complected Black guy. I was very sick. Had the oximeter picked that up I would have gotten to the hospital sooner,” he said. Wilson ended up back on dialysis after several years of good health. Now he’s looking to join a class action lawsuit against the device manufacturers.
“They’ve known for years that people with darker skin get bad readings,” he said, “but they tested them on healthy white people.”
After years of little action on the issue, the FDA in 2021 sent a safety warning to doctors about oximeters. It has also funded research to improve the devices and promised to issue new guidelines for how to make them.
But as the FDA polishes draft guidelines it had hoped to publish by Oct. 1, clinicians and scientists are unsure what to expect. The agency has indicated it will recommend that manufacturers test new oximeters on more people, including a large percentage with dark-pigmented skin.
Because of industry pushback, however, the guidance isn’t expected to ask device makers to test oximeters under real-world conditions, said Michael Lipnick, a University of California-San Francisco anesthesiologist and researcher.
Hospitalized people are often dehydrated, with restricted blood flow to their extremities. This condition, known as low perfusion — essentially, poor circulation — is particularly common with cardiovascular disease, which is more prevalent in Black patients.
Pigmentation and poor perfusion “work together to degrade pulse oximetry performance,” said Philip Bickler, who directs the Hypoxia Research Lab at UCSF. “During covid, Black patients showed up sicker because of all the
barriers those patients face in accessing health care. They’re showing up on death’s door, and their perfusion is lower.”
The FDA guidance isn’t expected to require manufacturers to measure how well their devices perform in patients with poor perfusion. All this means that the FDA’s efforts could lead to devices that work in healthy dark-skinned adults but do “not fix the problem,” said Hugh Cassiere, who chairs a panel for the FDA’s Medical Devices Advisory Committee, at its February meeting.
A History of Inaction
Although some recent industry-sponsored studies have shown that certain devices work across skin tones, research dating to the 1980s has found discrepancies in pulse oximetry. In 2005, Bickler and other scientists at the Hypoxia Lab published evidence that three leading devices consistently failed to detect hypoxemia in darkly pigmented patients — especially those who were severely oxygendepleted. Noting that these readings could be crucial to directing treatment, the authors called for oximeters to carry warnings.
The FDA’s response was modest. Its regulatory pathway for pulse oximeters clears them for sale as long as they show “substantial equivalence” to devices already on the market. In a 2007 draft guidance document, the FDA suggested that tests of new oximeters could “include a sufficient number of subjects with dark skin pigmentation, e.g., 30%.” However, the final guidance, issued in 2013, recommended “at least 2 darkly pigmented subjects or 15% of your subject pool, whichever is larger.” The studies were required to have only 10 subjects. And the agency did not define “dark-pigmented.”
Testing the devices involves fitting patients with masks that control the gases they breathe, while simultaneously taking pulse oximetry readings and samples of arterial blood that are fed into a highly accurate measuring device, invented by the Hypoxia Lab’s late founder, John Severinghaus.
Bickler, who evinces the bemused skepticism of a seasoned car mechanic when discussing the scores of devices his lab has tested, said “you can’t always trust what the manufacturers say.”
Their data, he said, ranges from “completely inaccurate” to “obtained under absolutely ideal conditions, nothing like a real-world performance.”
During the pandemic, a medical charity approached the lab about donating thousands of oximeters to poor countries. The oximeters it had chosen “weren’t very good,” he said. After that, the lab set up its own ratings page, a kind of Consumer Reports for pulse oximeters.
According to its tests, some expensive devices don’t work; a few of the $35 gadgets are more effective than competitors costing $350. Over a third of the marketed devices the lab has tested don’t meet current FDA standards, according to the site.
To investigate whether real-world tests of oximeters are feasible, the FDA funded a UCSF study that has
recruited about 200 intensive care unit patients. The data from the study is being prepared to undergo peer review for publication, Bickler said. He said the lab did not warm the hands of patients in the study, which is the customary practice of manufacturers when they test their devices. Warming assures better circulation in the finger the device is attached to.
“It affects the signal-to-noise ratio,” Bickler said. “Remember when car radios had AM stations, and you’d get a lot of static? That’s what poor perfusion does — it causes noise, or static that can obscure a clear signal from the device.”
Hypoxia Lab scientists — and doctors in the real world — don’t warm patients’ hands. But “the industry people can’t agree on how to handle it,” he said. Masimo, a company that says it has the most accurate pulse oximeters on the market, would happily comply with any FDA guidance, Daniel Cantillon, Masimo’s chief medical officer, said in an interview.
How Much To Fix the Problem?
The very best devices, according to the Hypoxia Lab, cost $6,000 or more. That points to another problem. With better accuracy, “you are going to reduce patient access to devices for a large proportion of the world that simply can’t afford them,” Lipnick said. Even if the FDA can’t please everyone, its anticipated call for more people with darker skin in oximetry tests will “assure there’s real diversity in the development and testing of those devices before they come to market,” Lipnick said. “That bar has been too low for decades.”
It is difficult to assess harm to individuals from faulty oximeter readings, because these errors are often one factor in a chain of events. But studies at Johns Hopkins University and elsewhere indicated that patients whose oxygen depletion wasn’t noticed — possibly thousands of them — had delayed treatment and worse outcomes. Already, Aboelata said, a few manufacturers — Zewa Medical Technology, Veridian Healthcare, and Gurin Products — have responded to the Roots Community Health lawsuit by including warnings about their devices’ limitations.
There’s not much she and other clinicians can do in daily practice, she said, other than establish a baseline reading with each new patient and be on the lookout for notable drops. Hospitals have other tools to check oxygen levels, but correct readings are critical for outpatient care, she said. In 2022, Connecticut enacted a law banning insurers from denying home oxygen or other services based solely on pulse oximetry readings. But “adapting around the crappy device isn’t the solution,” said Theodore Iwashyna, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health professor
To Protect Our Children, California Must Fix Our Water Quality Problem Now
to 80% of health outcomes. So, improving access to a community’s basic needs, like clean water, can have a significant impact – not only on just health outcomes, but life expectancy as well. Water quality and safety are nothing new in the Golden State. A decade after California declared access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water a human right, roughly one million California residents are still forced to rely on poor-quality water served by sub-standard water infrastructure systems. The state’s struggle is underscored by the fact that nearly 400 water systems are at risk of failing new, stringent testing requirements.
exposure in children
ethnicity, or income.
Environmental Justice is a key part of the California Black Health Network’s Health Equity Framework, and it is why we work to address the root causes of health inequities, sometimes referred to as Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Research shows that SDoH contribute
A 2020 CALPIRG Education Fund survey found that 53% of reporting school districts tested positive for lead in over 2,100 water fountains at 1,300 schools throughout the state. One school reported lead at 1,100 parts per billion (ppb) in one water fountain while another reported 2,000 ppb in a single classroom’s water fountain. These numbers far exceed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation of no more than 1 ppb of lead in water. The problem goes beyond schools, putting even our youngest, and most vulnerable at risk. The lead present in the drinking water at nearly 1,700 licensed child care facilities across California also exceeds the amount allowable for infants and preschool-age children. A sample from one facility tested last year was found to contain a lead level of 290 ppb -- 58 times the state limit. Exposure to lead is dangerous and can impact kids’ ability to learn and grow. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), low levels of lead
“have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing, and impaired formation and function of blood cells.” This is an unacceptable risk for our children while they’re at school and at home, but it’s an everyday reality for millions of low-income Californians across the state. To effectively tackle water quality issues, increased funding for water infrastructure projects and less restrictive regulations on bottled water are essential. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal for a $130 million annual fund until 2030 underscores the state’s minimal commitment to improving water systems. However, this investment must be coupled with supportive regulatory frameworks that facilitate, rather than obstruct, access to alternative water sources like bottled water. This balanced approach must also consider currently available tools for families to mitigate their risk. Ordinances prohibiting the sale of bottled water products, as proposed by multiple municipalities across California and implemented by others in the state, only reduce available supplies of
Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of the California Black Health
By Rhonda M. Smith
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback:
much higher in the Colorado after recently visited the state. Screenshot.
CA Assembly Passes Bill Backed by Newsom to Prevent Gas Price Spikes
On October 1, during a special session, the California Assembly advanced Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to prevent gasoline price spikes, according to the Governor’s office and lawmakers backing the measure.
The Assembly passed Assembly Bill (AB) x2-1, authored by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia AguiarCurry (D-Winters). The bill is on its way to the Senate for consideration.
If approved, ABx2-1 will empower the state to require oil refiners to maintain a minimum inventory of fuel to avoid supply shortages that trigger higher gasoline prices for consumers – and leading to higher profits for the industry.
In addition, ABx2-1 would authorize the California Energy Commission (CEC) to require refiners to plan for resupply during maintenance outages. The bill passed with a 44-18 vote, with 17 Assemblymembers not voting.
“Just last year, price spikes cost Californians more than $2 billion – forcing many families to make tough decisions like choosing between fueling up or putting food on the table,” Newsom stated. “This has to end, and with the legislature’s support, we’ll get this done for California families.”
Several members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) voted in favor of the measure, including Assemblymembers Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), and CLBC chair Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City).
During the debate, before the vote, Jones-Sawyer said high gas prices are affecting the livelihood of his constituents in South Los Angeles. He told his colleagues that gas in Denver, Colo., is $2.99 per gallon while motorists in South Los Angeles are paying $5.65 per gallon.
“I am hoping that in this legislation that we do have the teeth to ensure that people in South Los Angeles will be protected and that people will understand what we are doing today makes a huge difference in people’s lives,” Jones-Sawyer said.
Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) offered a solution to preventing soaring gas prices. He said the state needs more storage tanks and pipelines at oil refineries when they are conducting maintenance.
“If we are talking about having a reserve of gasoline so that we can help avoid price spikes, as has been purported, we need more storage, more infrastructure to do so,” Gallagher said. “Right now, the existing pie only takes you so far and if you hold gasoline back, prices will spike.”
California Launches New Homepage @ CA.gov
On Oct .4, the Governor’s office announced that the state has launched a new revamped digital portal at CA.gov where Californians have access to “hundreds of state services and programs.”
“This overhaul is the latest milestone in the state’s ongoing digital strategy to improve user experience, accessibility, and service delivery for millions of Californians,” read a press release.
“A big part of the work we’re doing to build a “California for All” is rooted in how accessible our government is to the people. As part of our ongoing work to connect people to their government, today we’re introducing a new CA.gov -- California’s ‘homepage’ that serves as a portal to state services and programs,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. State Chief Information Officer and California Technology Department Director Liana Bailey-Crimmin said, “We will continue to ensure timely and accurate government information is just a click away. Whether you’re looking for assistance with essential services or want to learn about what the Golden State is doing for climate action, new business development, or California government – this site has it.”
“Using advanced technology, the site has a greatly improved search feature, works well on mobile devices and meets modern web standards. The previous version of CA.gov was launched in 2017, and as user needs and technology evolved, the state implemented the work to revamp it,” Bailey-Crimmin added.
Asm. Mike Gipson Hosts Hearing on Big Sports Events’ Impact on Calif. Economy
On Oct. 2, Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) led an Assembly Standing Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism hearing focused on the impact of various attractions, including large sporting events, on California’s tourism industry.
Various guests testified about their experiences organizing events that draw large numbers of visitors to the state, including sports competitions like the NBA AllStar games, the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Gipson said the committee aims to expand its partnership with businesses to help the travel and tourism industry.
“The members of this body have dedicated a lot of time and resources to supporting our state’s travel and tourism industry,” said Gipson. “The Legislature did as much as we could to help the industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important that we all have a conversation together to make sure that we move out a plan that makes sense, but also is very supportive of the work that we have ahead of us.”
Advocates and business leaders in the travel and tourism industry provided details on how the Legislature can support them with resources and opportunities to help grow the state’s economy in the next five years.
Emellia Zamani, the Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for the California Travel Association, an advocacy organization representing several businesses, outlined the hardships presented by COVID-19.
Data provided by the association revealed that the industry experienced a loss of nearly half of the state’s 1.2 million tourism jobs, a 59% decline in visitor spending, and a 52% reduction in state and local tax revenue. The association director stated that California’s spending is expected to increase to $157 billion next year.
“As we move forward, the industry is looking for ways to remain competitive as a destination and increase our economic impact,” said Zamani regarding the industry’s future.
Report Shows Decline in Number of Black Students in Dual Enrollment Programs
Participation in dual enrollment high school and community college programs has increased among students in California. However, the percentage of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in dual enrollment programs has decreased in recent years, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis.
California policymakers and educators are integrating dual enrollment as a key mechanism for improving educational attainment, ensuring students have equal access to postsecondary opportunities. State legislators increased funding to expand dual enrollment programs under Assembly Bill 288 authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), a law that helps facilitate collaboration between high schools and community colleges. California made an annual investment of $200 million for high school students. The state also allocated $10 million for the STEM Pathways Grant program that supports creating 6-year programs for students to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics within 2 years of graduating high school.
Despite California’s investment over the years, the study revealed that the number of Black and Latino high school students enrolled in community college courses has declined since 2020. The enrollment gap between Asian-Pacific Islander students, who have the highest participation rate, and Black students doubled from 7 % in 2019 to 14.5% in 2022.
“For students whose life circumstances, such as economic hardship, may inhibit educational pursuits, opportunities to enroll in community college while in high school may be less accessible,” researchers stated.
Participation rates in dual enrollment programs are lower among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, English learners, youth in foster care, and students with disabilities compared to their counterparts. The research study attributed the steady decline in enrollment rates to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Report: Cal Drug Counter Drug Task Force Has Seized More Than 5,000 Lbs of Fentanyl
Last week, the Governor’s office reported that the California National Guard’s (Cal Guard) Counterdrug Task Force has seized more than 9.5 million pills containing fentanyl and 5,000 pounds of fentanyl powder at ports of entry across the state since January of this year. The seizures are estimated to have a street value of $43 million.
Gov. Gavin Newsom reinforced the deployment of Cal Guard service members from 155 to 400 at state ports of entry. State data showed that fentanyl is primarily smuggled into the country by U.S. citizens through the various ports of entry. The state has plans to spend $60 million over four years to expand the work of the Cal Guard in preventing drug trafficking by transnational criminal organizations.
Breaking Barriers:
By
based at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, aims to address a critical gap in cancer research: the underrepresentation of Black women in clinical trials, specifically for the drug niraparib.
George, a molecular geneticist, and Schlumbrecht, a gynecologic oncologist, have expanded their research beyond the U.S. and the Caribbean to Africa. In July, they launched the study in Nigeria, giving them access to data from a population often overlooked in cancer research.
According to the University of Miami, their goal is to understand how women of African ancestry metabolize drugs like niraparib, a PARP inhibitor that has transformed treatment for certain ovarian cancer patients.
While niraparib has proven effective, Black women made up only 1.6% of participants in the drug’s pivotal PRIMA study. George and Schlumbrecht’s new study is specifically designed to address this gap by enrolling women of African descent.
“We know from other drugs that how women of African ancestry metabolize drugs can differ from those of European ancestry,” Dr. Schlumbrecht explained in a
“Each month, the California National Guard continues the life-saving work of supporting local, state, and federal agencies in keeping dangerous and illicit drugs out of our communities. I thank Cal Guard for making our neighborhoods safer,” said Newsom.
The State government has implemented a statewide action plan to end the fentanyl and opioid crises. Last year, Newsom launched a Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, a framework that outlines State plans to support overdose prevention initiatives, hold the opioid pharmaceutical industry accountable, tackle drug trafficking, and raise awareness about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl.
In August, the State launched the Facts Fight Fentanyl campaign, a California Department of Public Health initiative that educates people about the dangers of fentanyl and ways to prevent overdoses and deaths. People seeking resources for prevention and treatment can access statefunded tools and services provided online, to support and empower people on the road to recovery.
Rep. Barbara Lee’s “Food as Medicine” Vision Becomes Federal Program
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) commended the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for launching the first-ever Food is Medicine (FIM) initiative virtual toolkit. The service is an interactive website with resources to advance the initiative nationwide to help communities reduce nutrition-related chronic diseases and food insecurity.
Lee applauded the HHS for supporting the development and expansion of the initiative across the country.
“The online toolkit will go a long way in helping communities across the country understand how to implement FIM programs and why they are critical to the people they serve. To put it simply: Nutritious foods are the cornerstone of good health,” said Lee.
“I look forward to working alongside local, state, and federal stakeholders as we continue to work to ending hunger and to transforming our ‘disease care system’ to a true health care system,” she said.
The HHS hosted its first-ever Food is Medicine Summit in January 2024, developing the FIM initiative and raising $2 million secured by Lee to launch the national Food as Medicine Program.
During her time in Congress, Lee has been an outspoken advocate fighting for people to have equal access to healthy and nutritious food and resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The FIM initiative was created building on the success of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health hosted by the Biden-Harris Administration. The conference had various stakeholders from various industries including medical professionals, policymakers, advocates, researchers, and farmers. Attendees at the conference helped craft a national strategy to end hunger in the country.
Assemblymember Akilah Weber Applauds Signing of Bill Securing Milk for Infants in Intensive Care
On Sept. 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) that ensures babies in neonatal intensive care units receive donor breast milk vital for their health.
Under new guidelines set by Assembly Bill (AB) 3059, medical facilities will provide families donor milk for their babies regardless of restrictions their medical insurance might have.
Weber said that the bill represents the final step in expanding access to donor milk for all families, making a difference in health outcomes for newborns and their families. AB 3059 defines donor milk as “essential” under commercial insurance coverage – a designation that MediCal requires as well for payment.
“Addressing disparities in health care starts with ensuring access to essential nutrition,” said Weber. “With the mortality rate for Black infants being three times higher than that of white infants, it’s crucial we address health care inequities beginning at birth.”
Dr. Michael V. Drake, president of the University of California, thanked Weber and Newsom for their leadership.
“Creating greater access to donor milk is vital for the health and well-being of newborns and their families,” said Drake.
Drake said that the University of California looks forward to supporting vulnerable families and their babies.
According to UC data, breast milk reduces some health risks in infants such as necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening bowel disease that occurs 60% more frequently among Black and Latino children.
AB 3059 lifts a restriction that required hospitals to have a license to give donor milk to patients. The new law only requires that the milk be obtained from accredited sources such as the University of California Health Milk Bank.
California Latino Legislative Council Elects New Leadership
The California Latino Legislative Caucus (CLLC) announced new leadership last week as the community
news release. “The data we gain will allow us to confirm appropriate dosing, counsel patients on side effects, lobby for government coverage, and ultimately expand access to this life-saving treatment.”
The study’s significance has already drawn national attention. The White House highlighted it as part of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, which seeks to cut the cancer death rate by at least 50% over the next 25 years.
“This recognition underscores the importance of our work,” said George. “We are increasing our ability to successfully identify and treat women of all backgrounds with ovarian cancer.”
George and Schlumbrecht said they plan to enroll patients from the U.S., the Caribbean, and Nigeria over the next three years, tracking their progress through ancillary studies on tumor DNA biomarkers and patient quality of life. The researchers will also explore homologous recombination deficiency profiles to assess whether the drug works as expected at the molecular level.
A key part of the study involves understanding the
celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. The CLLC elected Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) as the next Chair. The group also elected two vice-chairpersons: Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro) will serve as the Northern California Vice Chair and Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale) will serve as the Southern California Vice Chair. The CLLC has 37 members including senators, assemblymembers, and constitutional officers. The legislative group seeks to advance policy and develop ways that empower the Latino community statewide. Gonzalez, the newly elected chair, made history in 2020 when she served as the first Latina to chair the Senate Transportation Committee and the only woman to hold the position in the past 20 years. Before becoming chair, Gonzalez served as the Majority Whip in 2021, Senate Majority Leader in 2024, and later became the Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus in 2022.
“As Chair, I remain committed to advancing policies that support our communities and uplift future generations on such seminal issues as health equity, climate action, worker’s rights, economic opportunity, and more,” said Gonzalez. Ortega is a veteran labor leader and activist from an immigrant family. She has dedicated her career to advocating for working-class people in Alameda County. Ortega was the first Latina elected to the Alameda Labor Council representing 135,000 workers in the East Bay. She also became the first Latina Chair of the Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment.
“I know the work we do has a lasting impact that carries on for generations, and I’m ready to tackle the many challenges our Latino communities face,” said Ortega. “I am committed to making a change that will benefit working families and communities, who are the backbone of our economy and part of the rich cultural fabric that makes California so vibrant and diverse.”
Carrillo is an outspoken advocate for affordable housing to address the homelessness crisis and environmental issues. Before his current role, he was a member of the Palmdale City Council and worked as a city planner for 15 years.
“It’s a profound honor to step into this role and champion meaningful initiatives that will shape a brighter future for our diverse Latino communities,” he said. “I’m excited to continue working to empower immigrant families, workers, small businesses, students, and parents across California.”
California Community Colleges Launch Season 2 of ‘EDUCATE. ELEVATE.’ Podcast to Support Black Student Success
The California Community Colleges’ ICanGoToCollege.com campaign has launched the second season of its EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast series, which focuses on promoting Black student enrollment and retention. Season 1 had over 60,000 listeners, and the new season aims to build on this success by featuring inspiring student stories and expert advice.
The first episode of the new season brings together former foster youth Kevion Louis-Hernandez, Mt. San Antonio College alum; and Junely Merwin, a NextUp Project Expert, with host Danny Morrison. The conversation explores the challenges foster youth face and highlights the transformative impact of community college programs like NextUp, which help students overcome obstacles to reach their higher education and career goals.
“This season continues our commitment to addressing barriers faced by Black students and increasing equitable access to higher education,” said Paige Marlatt Dorr, Director of Communications and Marketing for California Community Colleges. EDUCATE. ELEVATE. is part of a broader initiative to reverse the significant enrollment declines experienced by Black students during the pandemic. Black student enrollment dropped by 25% system-wide between 2019 and 2022, but outreach efforts and support services have helped increase enrollment by nearly 15% over the last two years, bringing the total to almost 114,000 Black students in the 2023-24 academic year.
The podcast series features candid discussions on overcoming systemic barriers, educational resources, and strategies for student success. Season 2 offers a new visual style and will release episodes every two to three weeks through May 2025. To listen to the podcast and learn more, visit the Black Student Success page at ICanGoToCollege.com
variability among Black women. “Not all Black women are the same,” Schlumbrecht noted. “By including participants from the U.S., Nigeria, and the Bahamas, we are gaining insights that will inform clinical practice globally.” Their work in Nigeria is rooted in a long-standing collaboration with Nigerian medical professionals. Schlumbrecht has made five trips to the country, mentoring local researchers, teaching surgical techniques, and coleading tumor boards with Nigerian oncologists. These partnerships have been instrumental in establishing the study at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria. “The clinical trial is truly a team effort,” said Schlumbrecht. “This is an example of how we can eliminate ovarian cancer disparities when we work together across borders.” As the study progresses, the researchers said they hope to provide critical data on drug safety and effectiveness and advance global efforts to reduce health inequities and improve outcomes for women of African descent.
Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers
Dr. Sophia George and Dr. Matthew Schlumbrecht are leading an ambitious study focused on ovarian cancer treatment for women of African descent. Their work,
During the Special Session on Oct. 1, Asm. Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) tells his collegues that he learned that gas prices in South Los Angeles is
Danny Morrison, host of ICanGoToCollege. com, EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast
By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
Grass Roots Organization Sponsors “Stop the Hate” Mural at Heritage Skate Park, Bakersfield
Community Interventions, a local non-profit organization, is partnering with Mural Artist Deidre Hathor and Kern County General Services Parks and Recreation Department to lead artists and the community in creating street art for Heritage Skate Park. This project is funded by the California Department of Justice and the Sierra Health Foundation.
Community Interventions was funded to create a Stop the Hate Awareness Campaign for young people. The goal is to raise awareness of hate crimes and offer resources for reporting and healing from the impact of hate crimes in Kern County.
Heritage Skate Park is designed around Community Interventions’ theme. When a skater enters the skate park, they will see a brightly colored street art mural where the words read, “Sk8 Not Hate!”, a common phrase used by skaters,” says Deidre Hathor, Lead Muralist. In conversation with youth, Narria Roberson, said, “I experience hate crimes all the time, and I never knew what to do about it until I learned about the Stop the Hate campaign. It is important to have safe spaces like the skate park to enjoy as a youth.”
“This will be my third community project with Deidre. I am so excited about working on this project. I am a skateboarder, and I have skated at Heritage Skate Park. Being able to help paint this park is very special to me,” said Lucia Guzman, CSUB Graduate and Bakersfield Museum of Art Instructor.
“It is our goal to transform and impact the areas of hate crimes and/or hate incidents in our community. It is our goal at Community Interventions to help create safe spaces for our youth and community. We are serving communities that are historically vulnerable to hate
incidents and hate crimes. We are using art to talk about stopping the hate. This is how we broach the subject of hate in this community park. We are a proud diverse community, and we have to learn to get along, regardless of race, color, or creed. This skate park mural project will
not only bring the community together, it will also work towards strengthening our understanding of each other, which helps to combat hate,” says Ucedrah Osby, Founder and Executive Director of Community Interventions. Heritage Skate Park mural will be painted from
September 28th through October 6th, 2024. The anticipated completion date is October 9, 2024. If anyone wants to volunteer, call 661-404-2356. You can also see updates on Community Interventions’ Instagram and Facebook pages.
