The Valley’s The Valley’sNews Observer
Uncontained Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles, Displacing Thousands: How to Help
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Fierce wildfires are devastating the greater Los Angeles area, claiming at least five lives and forcing 100,000 residents to evacuate. Sparked by dry conditions and powerful winds, these fires have created unprecedented destruction in regions not typically known for such disasters.
The Palisades Fire, the most destructive in Los Angeles history, has scorched over 17,234 acres—nearly 27 square miles—destroying more than 1,000 structures. This massive blaze remains entirely uncontained, with evacuation orders still in place. Meanwhile, the Lidia Fire, covering 80 acres, is at 40% containment, and firefighters have managed to control the 30-acre Woodley Fire. The Sunset Fire, which ignited Wednesday evening in the Hollywood Hills, has rapidly expanded to 60 acres, threatening iconic landmarks.
“These are unprecedented conditions,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell during a Wednesday morning press conference, urging residents to comply with evacuation orders. “This is a tragic time in our history here in Los Angeles, but a time when we’re really tested and see who we really are.” Power Outages and Displacement
The fires have left more than 350,000 energy customers
without power, including 200,000 in Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the nation. Businesses and homes in Pacific Palisades have suffered extensive damage, leaving thousands of residents uncertain about their future.
“This is significant,” said Joanne Nowlin, Los Angeles regional executive director for the American Red Cross.
“It’s not just the fire, but you’ve got wind damage, power outages, trees falling, and deteriorating air quality. This is impacting thousands and thousands of folks in Los Angeles.”
State and Local Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday night, deploying more than 1,400 firefighters to combat the blazes. However, with high winds fueling the flames, experts warn that the fires will likely grow further.
How to Help As Los Angeles faces this catastrophic crisis, several organizations are mobilizing to assist evacuees and first responders.
California Fire Foundation: This organization works with local fire agencies and community-based groups to support communities affected by wildfires. They are currently aiding victims of the Palisades Fire.
World Central Kitchen: Founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, the nonprofit provides meals and water to first responders and evacuees on the ground.
California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund: This fund targets underserved communities and aims to provide long-term recovery relief for those most in need.
CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation: This group offers financial aid to firefighters and their families, supports burn victims, and promotes firefighter health and safety.
American Red Cross: Hundreds of volunteers have been deployed to Los Angeles to operate shelters and provide meals, medical care, and emergency supplies to displaced families.
Airbnb.org and 211 LA: These organizations are collaborating to offer temporary housing for evacuees in Los Angeles County.
How You Can Help Donations to these organizations can directly support evacuees, first responders, and long-term recovery efforts. Contributions of money, time, or resources are critical as Los Angeles battles this ongoing crisis.
In these trying times, Los Angeles Police Chief McDonnell’s words echo a collective sentiment: “This is when we see who we really are.”
devastating effects.
After receiving a text alert later that night notifying her that power went out at Curry’s house, she raced to check on her grandmother. But by the time she reached Momma D’s Altadena neighborhood, it was too late.
“I’m sorry your grandmother’s property is gone,” a law enforcement officer told Kelley when she arrived at the edge of the burn zone, which was cordoned off. “It totally burned down.”
The officer suggested Kelley look for her grandmother at the Pasadena Civic Center, where displaced residents sought shelter as the fire raged. Unfortunately for Kelley and her family, they did not find Momma D that night and began to fear the worst. Kelley was able to visit what was left of her grandmother’s home on Friday, thanks to the National Guard, which escorted her to the site.
“It was total devastation,” Kelley told ABC7. “Everything was gone except her blue Cadillac.”
On Sunday, shortly before learning the news of her grandmother’s passing, Kelley said she was “still praying for a miracle” but wasn’t holding out hope.
“Honestly, we don’t feel very hopeful that she’s still here with us,” she confessed.
Described as being part of Old Black Hollywood in the 1950s, Momma D reportedly acted for decades.
Working consistently as a background actress, Curry was seen in legendary films such as “The Ten Commandments,” “The Blues Brothers” and “Lady Sings the Blues.”
Loree Beamer-Wilkinson, another of Curry’s granddaughters, said she was still energetic despite her age.
“She was very active, you would not think she was 95,” she said.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Kelley paid tribute to her late grandmother.
“We had a great run. She impacted my life in so many ways,” Kelley wrote. “This loss is devastating.”
As of Monday, the combined death toll among the LA fires that began last week has risen to at least 24 people. Nearly 200,000 others have been displaced, and 39,000 acres of land have burned down.
The
left a devastating mark on Southern
and Brown communities of Pasadena and Altadena, where homeowners are grappling with unimaginable loss. Among them is Ruth Hopkins, publisher of The Pasadena Journal, the area’s only Black newspaper. Hopkins lost her family
home and with it, over 60 years of archives documenting the rich history, culture, and lives of Black residents in the AltadenaPasadena area. Her son, Jamal Dominique Hopkins has set up a GoFundMe campaign, for her and her grandson. Six historically Black Churches in Pasadena and Altadena have been destroyed and the families of more than 200 of their members have lost their homes. Those churches are: Metropolitan Baptist Church (the Rev. Tyrone Skinner); Lifeline Fellowship Church (Bishop Charles Dorsey); Abounding Grace COGIC (the Rev. Thomas Burrell); Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith (the Rev. G. LaKeith Kennebrew); Community Bible Church of Greater Pasadena (the Rev. Jean Burch); and Morningstar Baptist Church (the Rev. W.H. Trotter).
The Eaton fire, fueled by unseasonably strong winds of up to 70 miles per hour, has consumed over 10,000 acres, damaged and destroyed an estimated 7,000 structures, and claimed at least 16 lives. Black and Brown families, many with deep generational ties to the area, are now among the thousands displaced.
So far 24 people have been confirmed dead in all of the fires ongoing in Southern California.
Historically, Altadena has had a significant African American middle-class community compared to other parts of California. Currently, its Black population is 17.9%. Despite redlining policies that restricted Black homeownership in much of California, African Americans in Altadena Meadows, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, could secure loans to buy homes.
Jasmyne Cannick, an L.A.-based writer, media strategist and political commentator, released a list of Black families affected by the Eaton fire in Altadena and Pasadena. She also provided GoFundMe links the public can use to assist them.
“Those erratic wind gusts were throwing embers multiple miles ahead of the fire,” said Chad Augustin, Pasadena fire chief at a press conference. He said several firefighters from other places, including Sacramento and the state of Oregon, have come to the aid of the city.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that President Biden has approved a state of emergency
A Black American lawyer chronicles her 20,000+ mile journey to discover over 15 generations of her ancestors whose impact and cultural influence reign prominent in society today, including in the depictions of some of the most renowned artwork in the world. Adeyinka Glover seeks your support to raise funds to film a documentary about finding 18 generations of her family.
By Solomon O. Smith California Black Media
Eaton Fire has
California, including the Black
White House Celebrates Record ACA Enrollment as Trump Administration Plans to Overhaul Health Care
By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced
a historic milestone: nearly 24 million Americans— including approximately 64,000 District residents—have signed up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace coverage for 2025, with one week remaining in the open enrollment period. The record-breaking figure represents nearly doubling enrollment since President Joe Biden took office. Over 45 million Americans are covered through the ACA’s Marketplace and Medicaid expansion, marking an all-time high in health insurance coverage in U.S. history. Biden hailed the achievement as a direct result of his administration’s efforts to make health care more affordable and accessible. “When I took office, I made a promise to the American people that I would bring down the cost of health care and prescription drugs, make signing up for coverage easier, and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid,” Biden stated. “I’m proud that my administration delivered—even as Republican elected officials stood in the way. I urge Congress to double down on the progress we have made by extending the ACA premium tax credit this year.”
Over the past four years, the administration implemented initiatives contributing to record-breaking
enrollment and reduced healthcare costs. Key measures included enhancing ACA premium tax credits, which saved consumers an average of $800 annually on premiums, and simplifying enrollment processes, particularly for underserved and rural communities. Medicaid expansion in four additional states provided coverage for over one million people while eliminating bureaucratic barriers ensured millions could apply for or renew coverage seamlessly.
The administration also took aggressive steps to lower prescription drug costs, with the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program achieving prices 38% to 79% lower than U.S. list prices for the first ten negotiated drugs. Medicare beneficiaries benefited from a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs and a $35 monthly cap on insulin. The White House said those initiatives put billions of dollars back into the pockets of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Despite these successes, the ACA faces an uncertain future. President-elect Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers, who will control the House and Senate, have expressed intentions to overhaul the law. During his campaign, Trump criticized the ACA as overly expensive and suggested retooling or repealing key provisions. Republican leaders have signaled plans to prioritize changes,
which could result in significant premium increases and coverage losses.
Officials noted that enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire without Congressional action. If that happens, premiums could skyrocket. For example, a single parent earning $50,000 annually could see their premiums increase by $1,600, while a retired couple earning $85,000 could face an $18,000 increase. Experts estimate that between three and five million Americans could lose health insurance entirely.
The White House noted that the ACA’s impact extends beyond Marketplace coverage. Today, Medicaid covers approximately 80 million Americans,
Vice President Harris Announces Final Rule to Remove Medical Debt from Credit Reports
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Vice President Kamala Harris has announced a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule to eliminate medical debt from consumer credit reports. The White House explained in a release that the action would remove $49 billion in unpaid medical bills, benefiting 15 million Americans by raising credit scores and improving access to home loans, cars, and small businesses. Administration officials further noted that states and localities have already leveraged funds from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to eliminate over $1 billion in medical debt for more than 700,000 Americans. These efforts are part of a broader push to reduce the financial strain caused by medical emergencies, with jurisdictions projected to eliminate roughly $15 billion in medical debt for up to six million individuals.“No one should be denied economic opportunity because they got sick or experienced a medical emergency. That is why we have worked to cancel more than $1 billion in medical debt with support from the American Rescue Plan,” Harris remarked during the announcement. “This final rule ensures that medical debt will no longer be included in credit scores, transforming the financial futures of millions.”Medical debt remains the largest source of debt in collections, surpassing credit card, utility, and auto loan debt combined. The CFPB has reported that medical bills are often riddled with errors and inflated charges, making them a poor indicator of an individual’s creditworthiness. Officials added that the rule would remove medical debt from credit reports, building on earlier changes by major
News Observer
credit agencies that excluded specific categories of medical debt.According to administration data, jurisdictions including Cook County, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; and New Jersey have relieved hundreds of millions in medical debt for residents. For example, Cook County eliminated $382 million in debt for over 210,000 individuals. North Carolina recently launched an initiative to forgive up to $4 billion in medical debt for nearly two million residents, ensuring hospitals adopt policies that reduce the risk of future debt while improving financial assistance systems.
The Biden-Harris Administration has also implemented broader reforms to address the root causes of medical debt, including enforcing requirements for tax-exempt hospitals to provide financial assistance, simplifying debt forgiveness processes for veterans, and protecting consumers from surprise medical bills.“This unprecedented rule reflects our commitment to lowering costs and creating pathways to financial stability for families across the nation,” Harris stated.
Trump Sentenced in New York Hush Money Case, Avoids Jail as Inauguration Nears
a felony conviction without immediate consequences.
President: Ellen Coley CEO: Jon Coley
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Appearing virtually from his Mar-a-Lago home on Friday, President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced in the New York “hush money” case and received an unconditional discharge. The sentence leaves him free of jail time, fines, or probation as he prepares for his inauguration on January 20.
Justice Juan Merchan stated that the unconditional discharge was the only legal option available just days before Trump assumed the presidency. He called the case “truly extraordinary” and said that while the trial itself was not unusual, the sentencing circumstances were unique. He said legal protections were tied to the presidency, “not the occupant of the office.”
Trump offered no remorse during the hearing and later posted on social media, calling the case a “political witch hunt.”
The case focused on a $130,000 payment made to an adult film actress during Trump’s 2016 campaign. Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified business records to hide the payment. Despite a conviction on 34 felony counts, Trump avoided any sanction, becoming the first president or president-elect to carry
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass described Trump’s actions, accusing him of undermining the justice system. “Instead of preserving, protecting, and defending… a constitutionally established system of criminal justice… the defendant has engaged in a coordinated campaign to undermine its legitimacy,” he said.
Steinglass also referenced threats against prosecutors and judges, which he argued were meant to intimidate. “Such threats are designed to have a chilling effect… because they fear that he is simply too powerful to be subjected to the same rule of law as the rest of us.”
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) dismissed the case as baseless, writing that “the only crime committed in the fake New York case against President Trump was in that courtroom.” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) referred to the sentencing as “a cheap show” orchestrated by political opponents.
Justice Merchan addressed Trump directly after the sentencing. “Sir, I wish you Godspeed as you pursue your second term in office,” he said.
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of
decided to stay and fight for their homes. Garden hoses and shovels are the only weapons that most citizens were able to find to fight back embers from the burning remains of their next-door neighbors’ homes. The Eaton fire is the second largest fire currently burning in Southern California. An Altadena resident, Bruce, who did not want to give his last name, was watching his mother’s home and said he was prepared to do what he could to keep the house from burning down. He understands the frustration that some people have with the lack of water or manpower, but said he understands everyone is stretched thin.
Bruce’s family has been in Altadena and Pasadena for decades now, he says, and he condolers many people in his neighborhood
as part of his family.
“This is where we grew up at,” said Bruce. “It doesn’t even look
One man was in his neighbors’ yard with a hose, watering down a crumbling heap that was the remains of the house’s garage. The home had already been consumed by fire. An open gas line continued to spew a stream of blue flames; the heat from that leak could be felt several feet away. This man declined to give his name but said that he was not willing to leave the damage yet. Eventually he was able to get some help from firefighters driving through and reporting on the status of the fire.
Haywood Micheal Ammons, a filmmaker and father of two boys, stayed behind to protect the only remaining structure on a property his family owns. Surrounding structures had burning gas leaks that could not be put out with water. Ammons and Kevin Bautista, another resident with a deep connection to the property, tried to use a hose to push back embers but there was no water. Ammons managed to get firefighters to turn off the gas and put out hotspots.
The home remained intact, but the new additional unit built for his two sons and ex-wife is gone.
The Valley’s
Waiting patiently, a fir crewn watches for sparks from a downed transformer. Altadena, Calif.. Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
Ammons reflected on his relief and frustration. “The damage is done,” he said.
‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ Trends During L.A. Wildfires
Chuck D Responds with a Plea for Understanding
By Stacy M. Brown
WI Senior Writer
Chuck D, the legendary frontman of Public Enemy, has long emphasized the power of visuals in shaping understanding. “People listen with their eyes; they don’t really listen with their ears,” he has said, noting the weight of images emanating from the Los Angeles County wildfires. That perspective has taken on new significance as Public Enemy’s protest anthem, “Burn Hollywood Burn,” trends again during one of the worst wildfire disasters in Southern California history.
The song, released over three decades ago on the group’s iconic album “Fear of a Black Planet,” features Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane and critiques systemic racism, exploitation, and the lack of authentic Black representation in Hollywood. Lyrics such as “Make our own movies like Spike Lee / ‘Cause the roles being offered don’t strike me / As nothing that the black man could use to earn / Burn Hollywood, burn,” were intended as a call for empowerment, not destruction.
With wildfires devastating Los Angeles, some social media users have appropriated the song, misusing it in reels and videos depicting the destruction. Chuck D has spoken out, urging fans to respect the song’s original intent and avoid connecting it to the ongoing tragedy.
In a statement and in previous interviews, Chuck explained, “‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ is a protest song,” referencing its roots in the Watts Rebellion of 1965. He credited DJ Magnificent Montague’s famous phrase “burn, baby, burn” as inspiration, noting its origin as a rallying cry against inequality. He added, “We made mind revolution songs aimed at a one-sided exploitation by [an] industry. The song has nothing to do with families losing everything
they have in a natural disaster.” Chuck concluded with, “Learn the history. Godspeed to those in loss.”
Fans in the comments supported his plea. According to The Root, one commenter wrote, “I don’t know how anyone that listens to your music could have misconstrued that.” Another added, “As an L.A. native, we know that song wasn’t a literal desire to burn Hollywood down. You were expressing disdain for Hollywood elites. We gotcha back.” Chuck reiterated his request, writing, “Please don’t use our song on your reels and pictures of this horrifying natural disaster.”
The wind-fed wildfires have already killed at least 24 people, burned through 40,000 acres, and destroyed over 12,300 structures. The largest fire, the Palisades Fire, is only 14 percent contained and continues to threaten neighborhoods like Brentwood, Encino, and Westwood. Evacuation orders cover 105,000 residents, with an additional 87,000 in warning zones prepared to leave immediately. Entire communities have been reduced to ash as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the destruction.
Chuck D’s ability to recall moments in vivid detail has shaped much of his work, including his book, “The Moments That Met Me.” In a recent interview, he shared how he captures and documents history. “I take moments that I was in the middle of, and I draw everything out how I visualize it,” Chuck said in a published interview. “That goes back 62 years. I shocked my mom and said this is our apartment when I was 1 year old, and she’s like, ‘Well, that is it!’”As “Burn Hollywood Burn” trends, Chuck D reminded everyone of its purpose as a protest anthem. “The images, the words—they carry weight. Let’s honor them appropriately.”
Meet BigXthaPlug, The Booming New Voice
Who’s Becoming Country’s ‘Favorite Rapper’
By Michael Saponara
Billboard Hot 100 hits and Coachella sets were never part of BigXthaPlug’s plans for himself. Growing up in Dallas, the 26-year-old with the deep, bellowing voice had gridiron dreams of playing in the NFL — and even at his Billboard photo shoot, he throws a football around and speaks of his success in the game’s terms.
BigX compares his industry journey to that of former quarterback Cam Newton, who starred at a junior college before becoming a Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn University and, eventually, an NFL MVP. “I basically just pulled a Cam Newton,” he states. “Instead of going through all the steps, I just went crazy at that [junior college] and could’ve damn near went to the league.”
To rap fans, BigX’s story — his path from drug dealer to artist — isn’t foreign. “Pops” — the 6-foot-7 man with a massive frame just like BigX’s, who’s with his son in Los Angeles today — “had a trap house, and in the middle of that spot was a round wooden table and a mic,” BigX recalls of his first time in front of a microphone. “[Pops] was like, ‘Y’all n—s can’t rap. My son got more than y’all got.’ I was scoring on ’em, and I guess it was sounding good. He was like, ‘You good. You need to rap for real.’ ” Four years ago, BigX signed with UnitedMasters, which he still calls the “best thing I could’ve did.” He credits his first manager — an uncle who essentially ran off after BigX paid him $20,000 upfront — for steering him toward maintaining his independence with the distributor. BigX has stood out among hip-hop’s melodic-leaning
mainstream with his soulful production and booming chopped-and-screwed flows that have drawn comparisons to The Notorious B.I.G. — and the past 12 months have been particularly crucial in his ascent. He earned his first Hot 100 entry in December 2023 when the groovy “Mmhmm” reached No. 63. In October, he opened up about his insecurities, pain and triumphs on his second album, Take Care, which reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200.
“I feel like for the past decade it’s been a lot of mumble rap. People not talking about nothing,” he says. “I’m talking about something. A lot of the older people who love music, that’s what they grew up on — actual substance. Here’s this young dude that sound old, but he on these young-old beats. I literally mixed everything up so everybody could love it.”
BigX’s in-house producer, Tony Coles, adds, “He has this sort of Martin Luther King Jr. element to him where it’s [a] preacher almost and his voice is very powerful, and you got the badass production behind it.”
Next up, BigX — who Shaboozey tapped for a feature on his 2024 album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going — will connect with his Texas roots for a country mixtape slated to arrive in 2025 and feature a star-studded guest lineup including Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Post Malone. “Post Malone, Luke Combs, all those guys,” BigX says. “They claim I’m their favorite rapper.”
BigXthaPlug
un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos
Stephenshaw Delivers 2026 California Budget Amid Wildfire Crisis
By Joe W. Bowers Jr California Black Media
California Department of Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw, standing in for Gov. Gavin Newsom, presented the state’s $322.3 billion proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year at a press briefing on Jan. 10.
The presentation, held at the Media Briefing Room of the Swing Space Building in Sacramento, began with Stephenshaw addressing the devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California. He affirmed the state’s commitment to enhancing wildfire preparedness and resilience, emphasizing ongoing efforts to protect communities and natural resources.
“The budget I present to you today reflects a balanced approach, one that avoids new cuts to core programs while continuing investments in critical areas like wildfire preparedness, education, and economic resilience,” Stephenshaw stated.
Stephenshaw highlighted the administration’s progress in fiscal management, noting, “Thanks to the budget framework that the Governor proposed last May to not only balance the budget for the upcoming fiscal year but also ensure that our special fund for economic uncertainty was balanced for the next fiscal year, we really went a long way in moving California back onto some stable fiscal footing.”
Newsom officially sent the proposed budget to the Legislature, describing it as a balanced plan designed to maintain fiscal stability while continuing critical investments.
The Governor’s budget proposal projects a surplus of $363 million, alongside $17 billion in reserves, including $10.9 billion in the Rainy-Day Fund and an additional $4.5 billion in the Special Fund for Economic Uncertainties. However, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has expressed a more cautious outlook, estimating a $2 billion deficit, citing revenue volatility tied to capital gains and economic uncertainties.
The proposed budget includes savings from the elimination of 6,500 vacant government positions, generating $1.2 billion over two years. Additional operational efficiencies, such as reduced state travel budgets and IT system modernization, are expected to save $3.5 billion. Proposition 98, which guarantees a minimum level of
Higher education will receive $45.1 billion, with investments in equity-focused initiatives at UC, CSU, and community colleges. The proposal includes expanded financial aid through the Middle-Class Scholarship and $150 million to support teacher recruitment incentives, aimed at addressing persistent staffing shortages in public schools.
The budget introduces stricter accountability measures for homelessness funding, including enhanced oversight of the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program. Frequent reporting of expenditures and outcomes will be required to ensure effective use of funds. Investments also target affordable housing development, including funding for low-income housing tax credits and $100 million for encampment resolution efforts.
funding for TK-12 education and community colleges, is set at $118.9 billion for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Overall, TK-12 education funding totals $137.1 billion, including $83.3 billion from the General Fund. This translates to per-pupil funding of $18,918 from Prop 98 and $24,764 when accounting for all funding sources. The education budget includes a 2.43% costof-living adjustment for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address rising costs. It allocates $2.4 billion in ongoing funding for supporting the full implementation of Universal Transitional Kindergarten, along with $1.5 billion to reduce student-to-adult ratios. Additionally, $8.5 billion is earmarked for school facility modernization, safety upgrades, and universal school meals.
Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice, expressed optimism about the budget’s educational initiatives. “EdVoice is pleased to see the deep focus on literacy instruction and instructional materials in the Governor’s proposed budget, as reading is the most essential skill for future learning and opportunity,” Tuck said. “We must also ensure that teacher training in evidence-based literacy instruction is required for elementary school teachers.”
California’s persistent wildfire threat, underscored by the fires currently sweeping through Southern California, is addressed with $2.5 billion in prior wildfire funding and an additional $1.5 billion from the Climate Bond. These funds will support critical initiatives such as enhancing CAL FIRE’s capacity, deploying advanced firefighting technology, and implementing preparedness programs that utilize advanced detection and mapping tools to protect vulnerable communities. Additionally, the budget dedicates $200 million annually through 2028-29 for forest and fire prevention programs, including prescribed fire and fuel reduction projects, aimed at mitigating future wildfire risks.
The proposed budget includes programs like the California Competes program and workforce development initiatives that continue to support small businesses including Black Businesses and promote economic growth. The budget also maintains $1.6 billion in public safety funding, including $283.6 million in 2025-26 to enhance enforcement, prosecution, and accountability.
Stephenshaw explained that the budget aims to create opportunities and provide resources to help all Californians succeed, while focusing on the state’s commitment to equity and addressing critical needs. He pointed out challenges like possible Medicaid cuts and changes to immigration policies and emphasized working closely with the Legislature to refine the budget and tackle financial issues.
Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), stated, “We thank the Governor and Department of Finance staff
for their work on this initial budget proposal. While the governor’s spending plan seeks to achieve fiscal responsibility, there is much to do in the way of addressing the economic inequality faced by our most vulnerable populations.” She added that the CLBC is committed to collaborating with legislative colleagues and the administration to safeguard and expand investments in underserved communities.
Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R – Yuba City) offered a sharp critique on the budget, particularly targeting Newsom’s economic policies. “Newsom is doubling down on the same failed programs that stuck Californians with record homelessness, soaring energy and housing costs, and one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation,” Gallagher stated. “The only new thing in this budget is a giveaway to the governor’s Hollywood donors and even higher taxes on small businesses.” The proposed budget now heads to the Legislature for deliberation and potential adjustments before Newsom revises it in May. By law, the process must be completed, and the balanced budget signed by the end of June when the fiscal year ends.
Resources for SoCal Fire Evacuees:
Sign Up for No-Cost Meals, Phone Service, Rides and More
energy customers are without power, including 200,000 in LA County alone.
Residents in surrounding areas have been
to wear
to protect from pollutants and smoke carried by strong
and
Additionally, the LA
issued boil
notices
Pacific
zip codes 90272 and adjacent communities north of San Vicente when using water for drinking, cooking or cleaning. With a high number of displaced people, government agencies, local businesses and other organizations are offering support and resources to evacuees and first responders.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has listed a range of information with links available on its website. Services, including health and legal assistance and shelter and air monitoring, are available/ for those who are seeking immediate and longer-term aid. Unemployment Insurance – Individuals affected by the fires can apply for unemployment benefits immediately. Because Gov. Newsom has proclaimed a State of Emergency, they do not have to wait a week to begin receiving payments. FEMA has announced additional resources for affected Californians. People affected by the fires may be eligible for financial assistance. Additional information and guidance can be accessed at disasterassistance.gov.
The California Department of Insurance has updated its services and resources list to assist individuals navigating the insurance claims process, which is expected to be daunting as the estimated insured losses from the week’s fires may exceed $20 billion and total losses could exceed $50 billion, according to JPMorgan.
The Red Cross is offering shelters for displaced fire victims. Anyone who needs a safe place to stay can find shelters at redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
Los Angeles is providing businessowners services like one-on-one consultation, business and employment support, and assistance with applying for forthcoming microenterprise grants and microloans at the city’s 10 BusinessSource Centers (BSCs). To find a complete list of BusinessSource Centers, use this Interactive Map.
L.A. Based Author, Activist and Media Strategist Jasmyne Cannick provided this list of services families affected by the fires can use to connect to resources available to them.
The MALAN Fire & Wind Store Resources spreadsheet provides up-to-date information on
organizations opening their doors to victims. Restaurants in the Los Angeles area have offered free meals for those displaced by the fire. This list hosted on the LA Times website is updated daily with locations participating in aid for those in need of something to eat. The Abbey West Hollywood is offering free meals to evacuees and first responders AT&T is offering wildfire areas unlimited data, talk and text through Feb. 6. An official list of zip codes can be found here.
Verizon has waived call, text and data charges for customers in hardest hit areas. Free Wifi and charging stations have been deployed at three wildfire shelters.
The Jewish Federation of LA is directing evacuees and affected families to various resources, including legal support, mental health resources and volunteer opportunities.
Airbnb, in collaboration with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Uber and Lyft are helping evacuated residents with free rides to shelter locations.
U-Haul is opening its facilities across Southern California for 30 days of free self-storage to victims. The U-Box container disaster relief program is also available to assist evacuees and affected families. Planet Fitness is providing people free access to locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi, regardless of membership status. The offer is valid until Jan. 15 at Planet Fitness locations across Los Angeles County that the wildfires haven’t impacted. UFC Gym is offering residents, first responders, and others affected by the wildfires free access to locker rooms, showers, recovery services, electrical outlets, WiFi, and more until the end of January.
The SAVE Card is a $250 gift card given to eligible survivors of fire and natural disasters by firefighters on scene who are enrolled in the SAVE program. This allows survivors to purchase basic necessities such as food, clothing, gas, medicine, or a place to stay the night in the immediate aftermath of a house fire. Learn more about how to apply for the card here. If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health crisis due to the impact of the wildfires, call or text 988. You can also click here to use 988 Lifeline Chat.
California Dept. of Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw, left, and Chief Deputy Director Erika Li, right, presented Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $322 billion state budget proposal at the State Capitol Annex Swing Space on Jan. 10. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
California Dept. of Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw, left, and Chief Deputy Director Erika Li, right, presented Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $322 billion state budget proposal at the State Capitol Annex Swing Space on Jan. 10. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
For many in Altadena, staying in their homes meant keeping the flames from their neighbor’s house from spreading. Garden hoses and diligence were often the only tools available. Altadena, Calif.. Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
By Edward Henderson California Black Media Authorities in California and Washington continue to assess the fallout from the five devastating wildfires in Southern California caused by a mix of dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds.
As of Jan.10, ten deaths have been reported while emergency responders are still combing through the damage. The blaze has so far impacted over 45 square miles of land, over 180,000 residents were issued evacuation orders and nearly 350,000
cautioned
masks
winds.
Department of Water
Power has
water
to
Palisades
Los Angeles’s Historic Black Community
Devastated by Eaton Canyon Fires
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
As flames tore through the picturesque foothills of Altadena and Pasadena on January 7, 2025, the Eaton Canyon fires left a historic Black community—rooted in the Civil Rights Movement—nearly wiped out. Among the hardest-hit areas in Los Angeles County, Altadena has seen its many Black-owned homes, churches, businesses, and landmarks reduced to ashes. The unincorporated community in the San Gabriel Valley, home to 42,000 residents, has long stood as a beacon of Black homeownership and middle-class stability. With 18% of its population identifying as Black, Altadena also hosts a diverse community that includes Latino and Asian American residents. Tragically, the Eaton Fire alone destroyed over 1,000 structures, killed at least five residents in Altadena and displaced thousands. “Obviously it’s been a tough couple of days, but our family is making it through,” Los Angeles Sentinel Publisher Danny Bakewell Jr. said in a text to NNPA. “Both my girlfriend & my son lost their homes & the devastation is unreal for so many families -a lot of Black folks.”Jamal-Dominique Hopkins, a native of Altadena, lost his beloved childhood home on Loma Alta Drive to the blaze. His mother, Ruthie Hopkins, 81, and his son, Joshua, narrowly escaped thanks to the swift actions of Hopkins’ older brother, who evacuated them to safety. Hopkins described the devastation in a GoFundMe post, writing, “This isn’t just a loss for our family; it’s a loss for a community that has thrived despite challenges.”Ruthie Hopkins, the former editor and co-owner of The Pasadena Journal, a Black-owned newspaper, has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. The newspaper is a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents the Black Press of America and is celebrating its 198th anniversary in March.The fire also destroyed the family’s SUV, which was vital for Ruthie’s medical appointments. Now, she and Joshua are left with only the clothes they wore when escaping.A Legacy Reduced to Ashes Altadena’s Black community flourished during the Civil Rights Movement, growing from 4% of the population in 1960 to 27% by 1970, following the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968. It became a haven for Black families seeking to escape discrimination elsewhere, offering homeownership opportunities unavailable in most parts of the country.
Before the fire, Altadena boasted a Black homeownership rate of 81.5%, nearly double the national average for African Americans. Families like Kenneth Snowden’s embodied this legacy. Snowden’s family purchased their first Altadena home in 1962, and nearly 20
years ago, Snowden bought his own home in the area. Both properties were destroyed in the fire.
“Your $40 million home is no different than my $2 million home,” Snowden told reporters. “Give us the ability to rebuild, restart our lives. If you can spend billions of dollars fighting a war, you can spend a billion dollars to help us get back where we were at.”
Shawn Brown, founder of Pasadena Rosebud Academy, lost her home and the public charter school she built to serve the community’s children. Brown is working to raise funds to rebuild the school while seeking temporary locations in local churches—though some churches, like Altadena Baptist Church, have also burned.
Only the bell tower remains at Altadena Baptist.
The Rev. George Van Alstine is helping church members navigate the challenges of insurance claims and federal aid. He fears the destruction will lead to gentrification, pushing out long-standing Black residents.
“We’re seeing families who may have to leave because rebuilding here will be too expensive,” he said.
Brown urged her fellow Black homeowners to hold onto their properties despite developers’ offers. “Stand strong, rebuild, and continue the generational progress of African Americans,” she said.
Widespread Loss and Displacement
The destruction in Altadena mirrors the broader devastation caused by the wildfires sweeping Los Angeles County. Across the region, more than 12,300 structures have been destroyed, and at least 24 lives have been lost.
Economic losses are estimated between $250 billion and $275 billion, making this disaster one of the costliest in U.S. history.
Much of the media coverage has focused on celebrity mansions and wealthy neighborhoods, but Altadena’s plight highlights the profound impact on middle-class communities of color. Residents returned to find homes
passed down through generations reduced to rubble. Even the Mountain View Cemetery, where pioneering Black science fiction novelist Octavia E. Butler is buried, caught fire. Butler’s novel Parable of the Sower chillingly predicted wildfires caused by climate change, starting on February 1, 2025. Her legacy and connection to the community remain a stark reminder of the fragility of Altadena’s history.
Mobilizing Support
The community and its allies have rallied to provide relief in response to the devastation. James Bryant, a partner at the Cochran Firm, organized a GoFundMe campaign with support from Ivie McNeil Wyatt Purcell and Diggs, the Prince Hall Masons, and community advocate Jasmyne Cannick. The campaign has raised nearly $100,000 to assist Black residents of Pasadena and Altadena.
“The loss of a home is about more than property. It’s the loss of memories, mementos, and generational pride,” Bryant said.
Another GoFundMe campaign created by Hopkins aims to help his mother and son rebuild their lives, covering temporary housing, medical supplies, clothing, and other necessities.
The Spill App has also compiled a comprehensive list of African American families and individuals affected by the fires, helping coordinate donations and relief efforts. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. has maintained close contact with NNPA-member newspapers and media companies in Southern California, including David Miller of Our Weekly, Kenneth Miller of Inglewood Today and Pluria Marshall of the Los Angeles Wave.
14 States Awarded $1 Million Grants to Address Mental Health and Substance Use Crises
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has awarded $1 million in planning grants to 14 states as part of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program. Funded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, the program aims to address the ongoing mental health and substance use crises nationwide.The states receiving grants include Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. By 2026, up to 10 of these states will be selected to receive enhanced Medicaid reimbursements to sustain and expand behavioral health services.“Everyone in this country who seeks help for mental health or substance use issues should be able to receive it, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay for services,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Thanks to the BidenHarris Administration’s dedication to transforming our behavioral health care system, we are working to build a better continuum of care and expanding access to mental health and substance use care for all Americans.”Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows the scope of the mental health crisis varies across the country. In Colorado, 36% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in 2023, while in West Virginia, over 20% of adults experienced frequent mental distress in 2021.
Montana, one of the grant recipients, has one of the highest suicide rates in the nation, with 29.8 deaths per 100,000 people in 2020.The CCBHC model requires clinics to provide 24/7 crisis care, timely outpatient treatment, and a full range of services to meet community needs. These clinics must serve anyone seeking care, regardless of ability to pay, age, or residence. Since its inception in 2017, the program has grown from 67 clinics in eight states to over 500 clinics operating in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.“The planning phase for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics will help states develop sustainable funding to expand access to care for their communities,” said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use.Substance use disorders also remain a critical issue. Louisiana reported a drug overdose death rate of 52.6 per 100,000 people in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Alaska, alcohol use disorder remains a significant concern, with the state ranking among the highest for alcohol-induced deaths.
The CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program provides funding for a comprehensive range of services to ensure that care is accessible and coordinated. The first state planning grants were awarded in March 2023, and 10 states joined the program in June 2024. Officials said these grants ensure clinics can offer sustainable, culturally appropriate, evidence-based mental health and substance use treatment services.Help is available for those in crisis. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. To locate treatment facilities, visit FindTreatment.gov or call 800-662-HELP (4357).
Racial Disparities and Youth Sentencing Mark U.S. Life Sentencing Practices
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
The Sentencing Project, an advocacy organization promoting humane responses to crime, has released its report, “A Matter of Life: The Scope and Impact of Life and Long-Term Imprisonment in the United States.” The report provides a detailed analysis of life sentences, revealing that nearly 200,000 people—one in six individuals in U.S. prisons—are serving life terms. The United States accounts for 40 percent of the world’s life-sentenced population but represents only 4 percent of the global population. Life without parole, often referred to as “death by incarceration,” has reached record levels in the United States. The report found 56,245 individuals serving life without parole in 2024, a 68 percent increase since 2003. Another 41,398 individuals are serving
sentences,
The
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
New Property Insurance Bill
Aims to Help L.A. Fire Victims; Stabilize Market
Last week, Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) and Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 226, legislation the authors say will strengthen the state’s property insurance market and “protect homeowners, families and consumers.”
AB 226 also proposes increasing the claims-paying capacity of the FAIR Plan, The California Fair Access to Insurance Requirement (FAIR) plan, a private insurance pool for residents and businesses who can’t find insurance otherwise through the general market.
According to the Office of California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), the legislation would authorize the FAIR Plan “to request the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (I-Bank) to issue bonds if the FAIR Plan faces liquidity challenges in the event of a major catastrophe such as a wildfire.”
The California Building Industry Association issued a statement on Jan. 10, praising the plan and urging the Legislature and Governor to sign it into law without delays.
“AB 226 will help bolster the solvency of the California FAIR Plan and California’s property insurance market. The tragedy unfolding in Los Angeles underscores how urgently this measure is needed to address the insurance and related housing crisis,” the CBIA statement reads.
“This legislative proposal was originally introduced in the Legislature last year in the form of AB 2996. That bill did not receive a single ‘NO’ vote as it moved through
the legislative process, but unfortunately died on the final night of session,” it continues.
Rivas said the bill is one way to help L.A. fire victims.
“Our Assembly is taking action today,” Rivas said.
“The Assembly plans to advance legislation to support recovery efforts, including a bill focused on insurance claims for homeowners.”
California High Speed Rail Moves to Track-Laying Phase; Will Connect to Vegas
Gov. Gavin Newsom joined officials and workers to mark the start of the track-laying phase of California’s highspeed rail project. The event also celebrated the completion of a key 22-mile stretch in Kern County.
This milestone is a significant step toward the project’s eventual passenger service, expected between 2030 and 2033.
“This is not just a transportation project, this is a transformation project,” said Newsom.
The state “just took a massive step forward. We’re moving into the track-laying phase, completing structures for key segments, and laying the groundwork for a highspeed rail network,” he added.
At the groundbreaking, which was held near Bakersfield, Newsom and California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri celebrated the completion of Construction Package 4 (CP 4), which includes 11 civil structures, such as viaducts and overpasses. CP 4 spans from Poplar Avenue in Wasco to the Kern/Tulare County line. The project has created over 14,500 jobs to date, including more than 3,200 in Kern County.
“This milestone reflects our commitment to
advancing high-speed rail as a cornerstone of California’s infrastructure,” said Choudri.
The railhead, currently under construction, will serve as a freight yard for receiving and staging materials for track installation. The track-laying phase includes preparing the site for ballast, ties, and rail installation.
California’s high-speed rail system aims to connect the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California, forming a link for economic growth. Partnerships with Brightline West and High Desert Corridor are advancing plans for an interoperable rail network, enabling travel from Northern California to Las Vegas.
“High-speed rail connects communities and drives economic opportunity,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “This project will reshape our future.”
Rep. Barbara Lee Explores Bid to Run for Mayor of Oakland
Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, 78, who represented Alameda County in the U.S. Congress for 26 years, has filed paperwork to run for mayor of Oakland in a special election to replace former Mayor Sheng Thao, who was recalled in November.
Lee retired from Congress in 2024.
The special election follows Thao’s recall, driven by public dissatisfaction with issues such as the housing crisis, crime, and rising costs. Thao was the first Hmong American mayor of a major U.S. city.
As a progressive icon, Lee has been a popular figure in the city. Throughout her congressional career, she was reelected with more than 80% of the vote and is the only Black woman elected to the U.S. House from Northern California. Known for her principled stances, Lee was
the sole member of Congress to vote against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force after the September 11 attacks. In 2023, she was the first lawmaker to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
After losing her 2024 bid for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by the late Dianne Feinstein, Lee hinted she was considering running for Oakland mayor.
“The decision to run for mayor of Oakland, a city I have long called home, is not one I take lightly,” she said in her final days in Congress. Lee’s candidacy comes at a pivotal moment for Oakland as the city grapples with significant challenges. Supporters believe her leadership and deep ties to the community could bring stability and progress during a time of uncertainty. An official announcement is expected in the near future.
New Calif. Bill Aims to Ban Trans Students From High School Sports
Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) introduced a bill on Jan 6, Assembly Bill (AB) 89, calling for the prohibition of transgender girls from participating in girls’ high school sports in California. Dubbed the “Protect Girls’ Sports Act,” the bill would require sports organizations to enforce policies limiting female sports teams to individuals assigned female at birth.
Fairness in female sports is being stripped away,” said Sanchez, referring to trans athletes as “biological males” in a video announcement. Critics argue the legislation promotes discrimination and intensifies the challenges trans students face.
Sanchez’s proposal faces steep opposition in California’s Democratic-controlled legislature and conflicts with state laws that protect transgender students’ rights. A 2013 California law ensures trans students can participate in sex-segregated activities and use facilities aligned with their gender identity, a position backed by federal court rulings. The legislation arrives amid broader legal battles and heated debates surrounding transgender athletes in California. In one case, two high school students sued Riverside Unified School District, claiming a transgender teammate “unfairly” took their spot at a cross-country event. The controversy has fueled transphobic activism, with some students wearing anti-trans T-shirts and Republican lawmakers calling for the district superintendent’s resignation.
San Jose State University faced scrutiny after a volleyball player joined a lawsuit opposing trans women in NCAA sports. Such incidents, along with Sanchez’s bill, highlight a growing focus among conservative activists on transgender athletes.
Advocates for trans rights, including parents and groups like Our Schools USA, have condemned the growing opposition. Daisy Gardner, a parent of an LGBTQ student, said hate campaigns have forced some trans athletes to quit sports entirely. “It’s just not right for these kids to go through this,” said one parent anonymously. California remains one of 24 states safeguarding trans students’ participation in gender-segregated sports, making the bill’s future uncertain.
Report: 29% of Californians Say Someone in Their Home Has to Cut Back on Food to Save Money
Rising prices and inflation has left more than half of California’s low-income households struggling financially. In 2024, 29% of residents reported that they or someone in their household has cut back on food to save money, according to a December Public Policy Institute of California report. Many Californians, including 40% of lower-income adults, worry daily about the cost of housing.
“Only one in three Californians think that the American Dream – including the notion that if you work hard, you’ll get ahead --holds true,” stated the report regarding people’s outlook on the current economic condition.
The financial hardships are widespread, as 23% of Californians have experienced reduced work hours, 22% have struggled to pay rent or mortgages, and 21% have been unable to pay a monthly bill. Many also faced health-related financial difficulties, with 20% postponing medical visits or medication purchases, while others sought assistance through programs like CalFresh or food banks. These difficulties are most pronounced for lowerincome households, particularly those earning under $20,000 annually. Renters are especially vulnerable, with 34 percent reporting difficulty paying for housing, compared to just 12 percent of homeowners. Minority groups, particularly African Americans and Latinos, are more likely to report financial hardships than Asian Americans and whites. Among lower-income Californians, younger, lesseducated individuals, and those making under $20,000 a year are most likely to experience these challenges. Despite national indicators showing steady employment growth and lower inflation, many Californians continue to face low wages, particularly given the state’s high cost of living.
Chargers’ Offense Implodes in Wild Card Defeat to Texans
Despite a valiant effort from the defense, Justin Herbert’s four interceptions doom Chargers as their 2024-25 season ends at the hands of the Houston Texans.
By Austin Gage
For the second time in the last three seasons, the Los Angeles Chargers fell flat in the AFC Wild Card Round as they suffered a disappointing 32-12 loss Saturday afternoon to the Houston Texans.
Hoping to shake off any playoff ghosts left behind after an infamous 27-point blown lead against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023, Los Angeles once again traveled to the home of the AFC South champions, this time matching up against a 10-7 Houston team.
Season-long issues regarding consistency offensively appeared at the worst time in the playoffs for the Chargers as they were held by a stout Texans defense to just one touchdown and two field goals.
A hot start defensively gave Los Angeles the edge early on. Thanks to a forced fumble from safety Alohi Gilman on Texans’ wide receiver John Metchie, the Chargers were able to produce field goals on the first two drives offensively of their own. The reliable kicker Cameron Dicker nailed two shorter field goals of 35 and 39 yards each to give the Bolts an early 6-0 lead, and a stout defensive effort ensured an early lead deep into the second quarter.
Houston began the game in an offensive struggle against the stingy Los Angeles defense. Following the forced fumble, they ended their drives with the following: punt, punt, interception and punt. The interception was made by cornerback Deane Leonard as the third-year man out of Ole Miss was able to corral a misfire by Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to give the Chargers good field position. Unfortunately for the Bolts, great defensive effort did not translate into offensive efficiency.
In what may have served as a bit of a symbol of the offensive day that they were having, Los Angeles star quarterback Justin Herbert gave the ball back to Houston the very next play as he rolled to his right and slung a pass downfield toward the left side of the field. It was the standout rookie cornerback Kamari Lassiter who came down with the interception for the Texans and began a repeated offense that would haunt Herbert for the rest of
the game. Houston would later use a 13-play, 99-yard drive to put up their first points of the game late in the second quarter. The Chargers defense had a chance to get off the field on a 3rd and 16, but an impressive play by Stroud negated that chance. After a fumbled snap and chase by Stroud to pick up the football outside the pocket to his right, he was able to find a wide-open wide receiver in Xavier Hutchinson in the middle of the field for 34 yards. Capped off with a 13-yard pass to star wide receiver Nico Collins, Stroud gave the Texans a 7-6 lead that would be aided by another field goal just before the half for a 10-6 advantage in their favor.
Despite some sophomore year struggles for Stroud, who was the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, he played very well in the Wild Card to the tune of 282 passing yards and 42 rushing yards to go along with the toss to Collins for a singular score. As momentum shifted in the Texans’ favor, the Chargers fell apart completely offensively in the second half.
Despite another forced turnover from the defense on Houston star running back Joe Mixon via a forced fumble from veteran safety Tony Jefferson, Los Angeles followed with a turnover on downs on the ensuing possession. Herbert could not connect with wide receiver Quentin Johnston on fourth down thanks to outstanding defense from All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
After a field goal from the AFC South winners, the game still remained within one score for Los Angeles at 13-6. Then, disaster struck.
Looking for his favorite target in the talented rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, Herbert attempted a high pass that sailed just through the outstretched hands of the latter. Unfortunately for the Chargers, the ball found the hands of Texans’ safety Eric Murray, who raced down the left sideline all the way into the endzone for the pick-six. The dramatic play gave Houston a 20-6 lead late in the third quarter.
Desperately needing a response staring at a 13-point hole to begin the fourth quarter, Herbert and company
produced a solid drive with a few healthy gains. Back-toback throws to McConkey of 10 and 19 yards helped move the ball into Texans’ territory, but disaster would strike once again.
Targeting his tight end Will Dissly, Herbert fired a pass that slipped right through the middle of the former’s hands and once again found a Texan defender. It was Stingley Jr. who found the football this time and he was able to race 54 yards in the other direction to give his team a stellar field position. Stingley Jr. would end his day with two interceptions of Herbert to go along with five passes defended.
For Herbert, the game went as bad as it could have. After a phenomenal regular season in which he only threw three interceptions the entire campaign, he surpassed that total in Saturday afternoon’s matchup with a total of four. A massive 86-yard touchdown to McConkey in the early fourth quarter helped his statline a bit and allowed the Chargers to remain relatively close with a 25-12 deficit, but it was not the performance he was looking for in order to help the Chargers advance to the Divisional Round.
“It’s tough. I let the team down; you can’t turn over the ball like that and expect to win. I put the team in a tough position there with four turnovers like that. The defense hung tough, they got some turnovers and they gave us opportunities but I just have to be better,” Herbert said.
McConkey was a bright spot offensively for the Bolts despite all of the chaos on that side of the ball. He caught nine balls for 197 yards through the air with the touchdown, and his 197 receiving yards set a rookie record for most by a rookie in a postseason game.
“He was a beast, an incredible player. Tough as they come,” said Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
A response from the Texans on a long 14-play, 74-yard drive all but sealed the victory for the home team. With a 32-12 lead and another interception from Stingley on Herbert, Houston won a playoff game for the second year in a row and the Chargers bowed out of the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.
“They were the better team today, all respect to them.
Not being the better team today, I’m accountable for that so that’s on me. Congratulations to [head coach] Demeco Ryans and the Texans,” Harbaugh said. The Texans will travel to Kansas City to take on the AFC West Champion Chiefs while the Chargers season is over. Looking ahead, this offseason should be a busy one for Los Angeles. With over $70 million in cap space paired with the 22nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and seven other selections, the team may look a bit different come training camp and late summer of 2025. Veteran star linebacker Khalil Mack, who will be a free agent
Tough-Minded Rams Become “Desert Swarm”
Earl
Contributing Sports Writer The Los Angeles Rams dominated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 earlier this week to close out the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs. The game was played in front of 64,515 fans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to the wildfires taking over Southern California. The Rams’ pass rush was like a “Desert Swarm,” as it
rolled up an NFL record nine sacks. Kobie Turner had 2 while Neville Gilmore and Byron Young had 1.5 each.
The game was more or less over by halftime, as Los Angeles took a 24-3 lead into the break.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 19 of 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, earning his first postseason victory since Super Bowl 56.
The Rams (11-7) looked comfortable from the first snap. LA drove for a touchdown on the opening drive and built a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
“You guys represented exactly what were all supposed to be about,” said head coach Sean McVay in the locker room after the game. “A city that’s going through a lot of %#%* They can look at you guys and say I am proud of that group.
The football team, but especially the city — has had a tough week. As wildfires destroyed large segments of the city. The Rams channeled all that sorrow and uncertainty into a dominant defensive performance.
“I thought they epitomized and represented the city the right way,” McVay stated. “You talk about sports offering a platform for people to come together and offer a little temporary relief — I thought the way our team competed tonight was what that looked like.”
Minnesota’s Sam Darnold struggled throughout in the face of the RAM players like Rush. He completed 25 of 40 passes for 245 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Darnold also fumbled on one of the nine sacks, and the Rams recovered for a touchdown.
Notre Dame’s Freeman Has Chance to Make History
It was Jared Verse with 4:35 left in the second quarter who scooped up a fumble and raced 57 yards to give the Rams a 17-3 lead. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound linebacker somersaulted into the end zone at the end of the gamechanging play. TJ Hockenson and Justin Jefferson led the VIKES in receiving with 5 catches a piece totaling 122 yards as Hockenson had the only touchdown of the night for the visitor.
The game was moved to just outside of Phoenix nearly 400 miles east of Inglewood, California, in part because public safety resources were needed to address the wildfires. LA’s next game will be on the East Coast against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
ADD RAMS: IT was a joint effort by the AZ Cardinals and NFI to get the game moved to Chandler AZ. After practice last week. The players and coaches then joined a traveling party of 355 people, six dogs, and two cats, and headed to the airport, where the Arizona Cardinals had sent two team planes to aid their journey to Phoenix.
“We’re going in there for everybody in Los Angeles — everybody affected by the fires, everybody displaced, everybody evacuated,” Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht said. “That’s what this week’s for, for us. That’s what we play for.”
Buckeyes Earn Way to Title Game
83
for a
with 2:13
as the
Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl to advance to a shot for their sixth national title. Quinshon Judkins also ran for two touchdowns in a hard-fought game. The Buckeyes (13-2) got the semifinal victory in the same stadium where 10 years ago they were champions in the debut of the College Football Playoff as a four-team format. Now they have the opportunity to be the winner again in the debut of the expanded 12-team field. Sawyer got to Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers on a fourth-and-goal from the 8, knocking the ball loose and scooping it up before lumbering all the way to the other end. It was the longest fumble return in CFP history.
“That may be one of the greatest plays I’ve ever seen,” said Freshman -Walter Camp All-American Jeremiah Smith. “He made the sack, got the fumble, and took it to the house. It just speaks to his love for the Buckeyes. He gives everything he has every single play. He was due for one. He puts all that work in. For him, it’s something more. He’s a local kid. And not many people could make that play.”
Sawers was Mr. Buckeye all season, coming up with several big plays, but none bigger than that one that sealed the game. The senior finished the night with three tackles, one sack, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble. Linebacker Sonny Styles finished with a team-leading nine total tackles and three tackle- for-losses. Ewers and Sawyer were roommates in Columbus for the one-semester the quarterback transferred home to Texas and helped lead the Longhorns (13-3) to consecutive CFP semifinals. But next season will be their 20th since winning their last national
title with Vince Young in 2005. Texas had made it to the one-yard line with the help of two pass-interference penalties in the end zone before Quintrevion Wisner was stopped for a 7-yard loss. Judkins had a 1-yard touchdown for a 21-14 lead with 7:02 left. That score came four plays after quarterback Will Howard converted fourth-and-2 from the Texas 34 with a stumbling 18yard run that was almost a score. Howard was 24-of-33 passing for 289 yards with a touchdown
Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert, 10, is sacked by Houston Texans’ defensive lineman Will Anderson Jr., 51, during the second half of the Chargers’ 32-12 loss Saturday afternoon at NRG Stadium on January 11th, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (AP Photo/Ashely Landis)
Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against Texas during the 2025 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.© Alex Slitz, Getty Images
By Earl Heath Jack Sawyer forced a fumble by his former roommate that he returned
yards
score
left
Buckeyes beat
Dame coach Marcus Freeman and QB Riley Leonard
Ohio State. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) (CFP via Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91) as Jared Verse (8) dives on during the first half of an NFL wildcard playoff football gameAP Photo-Ross Franklin
History Making ShattersFire Lives and Homes History Making ShattersFire Lives and Homes
By Earl Heath
Contributing Writer
I was rolling down Interstate-5 cruising about 70 mpg, after a recent visit with some family and friends of distinction in Livermore, California. Like most people, after a trip long or short I’m always happy to get home. It was just 10- minutes away from my front door.
I-5 had little traffic most of the 4.5-hour drive.
I rounded a ben just outside of the San Fernando Valley and there it was. Mega Cloud of smoke bigger than big. It stretched for miles across both sides of the freeway. In the corner was a darker cloud of smoke ballooning up and down slowly. I would learn later it was the Eaton fire ravaging it way through the Altadena Area of So Cal.
The Eaton fire has destroyed more than 7,000 structures (at press time) in this diverse community making it one of the most savage firestorms in Los Angeles County’s history. Unfortunately the numbers are rising. Wildfires are a fact of life here in So Cal –but nothing prepared people for destruction on this scale.
“This is unreal, Oh my god. My house,” said Zaire Calvin. He and his family have called Altadena home for three generations. He and hey spoke with Bill Whitaker of 60 minutes.
“I just- Just wonder if anything’s left. The-- the rocking chair for the baby. (crying) I literally just built all of this,” Calvin, a high school football coach, has lived on this block his whole life. He’s seen a number of wildfires flare up in the foothills, but never in his 47 years had he seen anything like this.
“ It was like a hurricane, just fire, no water,” said son Jamire. “With like 80 miles an hour plus. It felt surreal.”
Another neighbor -Tony Richards lost his home 45 years. “I can’t believe I lost my home said Richards. ”I’m going to close this gate and get out of her, I am so damn mad.” Los Angeles fire crews maxed out, assistance comes from
outside county and state.
As three wildfires burn in Los Angeles County with the Palisades, Eton and Hurst Fire have burned a combined 38,600 acres. At least 24 people have died in the Eaton and Palisades fires, according to the latest update from the LA County Medical Examiner. There are 23 people who have been reported missing, (at press time) according to officials.
Out-of-state and outside county assistance continues to roll in as local fire personnel and resources are maxed out. There are firefighters from nine states including: Oregon, Washington State, Utah, Nevada and Arizona.
The Fremont Fire Department was part of a team of firefighters from Alameda County, Oakland, and Hayward that were deployed as part of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES). There are also firefighters coming in from Mexico and Canada.
At one news conference, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said all 29 county fire departments are at “a drawdown, with no fire apparatus or additional personnel to spare.”
Similarly, the Los Angeles Fire Department put out notice of a “recall operation,” asking all off-duty crews to report their availability to assist in firefighting -- the first time in 19 years the department has had to turn to this protocol.
Chief Marrone broke down how big it would be to stop the race ”I believe there was about 8,000 structures lost. For each structure it would take three fire engines to save it. So go 8 times 3 . that’s 24,000 firetrucks. There is not 24 thousand firetrucks in California.
“Los Angeles County firefighters will remain on the front lines until we reach full containment, and we ask that you keep Los Angeles County in your thoughts and prayers,” Marrone added.
Still shots taken in Altadena off of Woodbury Rd and Glenrose Ave. in Altadena (Photo: Sara Madina)
Still shots taken in Altadena off of Woodbury Rd and Glenrose Ave. in Altadena (Photo: Sara Madina)