Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Black Caucus, Black Freedom Fund Host State of Black California in Santa Barbara
The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) in partnership with the California Black Freedom Fund hosted the second event in the “State of Black California” series in Santa Barbara, on July 13.
The State of Black California is a “community conversation” organized to raise awareness about the effort to pay reparations to Californians who are the descendants of enslaved people in the United States.
Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) led the discussion with policymakers and other stakeholders that centered on California’s role in slavery and discrimination suffered by African Americans.
Members of the CLBC also discussed details of the 2024 reparations bill package that was introduced earlier this year in the California Legislature.
The Equity Research Institute at the University of Southern California (USC) presented research data that detailed well-being indicators of Black residents along the Central Coast. Dr. Kim Tabari, director of external affairs at USC, discussed key takeaways from an equity report published in 2021 highlighting regional disparities and facilitating ways to implement initiatives that promote social, economic, environmental, and health equity.
The equity report is a research project that includes an equity database, compiling data and information for teaching, research, policy, and action. The study examined the rise of social economic inequality and its impact on communities of color. The report indicated that systemic inequities imposed income, employment, education, health, and environmental burdens on Black people in Venture and Santa Barbara counties.
Marc Marc Philpart, executive director of CBFF, joined local community leaders and grassroots advocates discussing community building and organizing in the coastal region. Community leaders who contributed to the panel discussions include Jordan Killebrew of Juneteenth Santa Barbara, Simone Baker of Healing Justice Santa Barbara, and Audrey Gamble of Gateway Educational Services.
Santa Barbara was the second of a six-city tour hosted by CLBC and CBFF. The community events are hosted by CLBC members.
The next event will be hosted by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) on August 17, in Fresno.
For more information, residents can visit the event website and learn more about the series.
California Invests Nearly $2 Billion in Public Transportation
Last week, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) approved nearly $1.9 billion to upgrade and sustain public transportation systems statewide.
The state plans to invest a total of $5.1 billion among regional transportation planning agencies over several years, as mandated in Senate Bill (SB) 125, which Gov. Newsom signed into law in 2023.
The funding will pay for transit operations and capital improvements, allocating varying amounts of money to 22 agencies based on population.
“This vital funding serves as a lifeline for transit agencies all over the state and helps to advance California’s ambitious, world-leading climate goals,” said Newsom.
At the same time, we’re adding accountability measures that help put our state’s transit agencies on a path toward long-term stability,” the Governor added.
Planning agencies will also receive funds from the transportation package. CalSTA plans to approve $500 million for projects implemented this summer. More funds will be approved for future projects until the 2027-2028 fiscal year.
California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said the investment aligns with the state’s environmental and equity goals and responds to the needs of the public.
“California’s commitment to public transit is unwavering, and with billions more in funding in the pipeline — including for zero-emission equipment and operations — we are just getting started in delivering a more sustainable and equitable transit system for the people of California,” said Omishakin.
Oakland Crime Crisis: Gov. Newsom Steps Up State Police Presence
Gov. Gavin Newsom was Oakland on July 13 to announce his decision to scale up efforts to clamp down on crime in the East Bay, including increasing the number of California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers deployed to the area.
Newsom and CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee announced the recovery of 1,142 stolen cars, the seizure of 55 guns linked to crimes, and the apprehension of 562 suspects since February. Duryee said “Operation Safe Streets” (OSS) started in August last year with six CHP officers.
“The lawlessness we’re seeing on the streets of Oakland is unacceptable,” Newsom said. “Building on our partnership with local law enforcement, I’m deploying a new surge of CHP officers to help provide the people of Oakland and the East Bay the safety and security they deserve.”
An additional 120 CHP officers will be added to OSS. Starting July 15, law enforcement in Oakland will target organized crime, sideshows, carjackings, and other criminal activity every day of the week.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao stated that she is “deeply grateful” for Newsom’s efforts to curb crime in Oakland. Newsom said the state will make a significant investment to combat organized retail crime with an annual increase of 310% in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime.
“After years of rising crime rates, we are seeing a steady decrease — and we know this is in part because of the strong partnership between the Oakland Police Department and the California Highway Patrol,” Thao posted July 11 on the X platform. “This partnership models good government that yields results and I thank the Governor once again for his continued support and shared commitment toward keeping all Oaklanders safe.
“Fire Year”: Cal Fire Chief Warns of Dangerous Season Ahead
On July 10, California Fire Chief Joe Tyler joined Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state emergency officials to announce that California has expanded response and readiness efforts for this year’s fire season.
Speaking at the CAL FIRE McClellan Air Tanker Base in Sacramento, the officials provided updates on the state’s wildfire response and readiness.
Tyler highlighted that fire crews across the state are battling fires nonstop.
“We are not just in a fire season, but we are in a fire year,” said Tyler.
State fire officials encouraged residents to create wildfire action plans, including escape routes, meeting points, animal arrangements, and a communication plan with their families.
The state has prepared resources for aerial firefighting and plans to use new technologies to help protect communities from wildfire.
This year over 3,500 wildfires burned approximately 207,415 acres of land and damaged 128 structures across California.
“California is ready with the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet and new technology that helps us fight fire smarter – and we’re already seeing our investments pay off,” said Newsom.
“The last couple of years brought welcome relief for California as we saw historically low levels of wildfire. This season is shaping up to be very active, bringing the threat of dangerous wildfire to many parts of our state,” the Governor added.
The California Legislature approved $2.6 billion as part of this year’s budget agreement to protect residents from wildfires. In recent years, the state spent approximately $200 million to improve forest health and fire prevention.
According to the Governor’s office, the state also plans to add 2,400 firefighters as full-time staff over the next five years. State firefighters will have shorter work weeks to help implement state programs and initiatives that address wildfires.
Gov. Newsom on 2024 Presidential Campaign: “I’m All In”
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed unwavering support for President Joe Biden amid growing public doubt about the POTUS’s ability to campaign for a second term as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee.
The 2024 presidential race is critical for California issues including climate change and women’s rights, Newsom stated at a news briefing on July 10. Newsom also criticized former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party for pushing back on climate action and abortion rights.
Newsom recalled speaking with an obstetrician-gynecologist in Louisiana, a Republican-led state with anti-abortion laws, who witnessed a 13-year-old rape victim be forced to give birth while clutching a teddy bear.
“That’s the world we are living in under Donald Trump. That’s the world he is promoting. This is a consequential moment for all Californians and all Americans,” said Newsom.
“Forgive me, but this is a very intense thing for me. When I say I’m all in, I’m all in,” he said.
At the news briefing, the governor was questioned about his role as a surrogate for Biden during the presidential debate and whether that role will transition into him becoming the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential candidate. Newsom reiterated that he has no plans to challenge Harris or replace Biden on the Democratic ticket.
“I’m focused on supporting this campaign,” said Newsom. “This candidate is a man of character, decency, and honor. Contrast that with the darkness that is Donald Trump.”
Gov Newsom is among a coalition of Democrats including the Congressional Black Caucus that have announced their support for Biden.
He reiterated that this year’s campaign will have a great impact on California. The state was involved with 122 lawsuits during Trump’s presidency, Newsom recalled.
As voters cast their vote this year, they should remember, the chaos, fear, and anxiety they endured under the Trump administration, Newsom stated.
Housing Insecurity Makes Black Californians Face Higher Rates of Psychological Distress
A study on disparities revealed that Black people in California experiencing unstable housing are more likely to struggle with mental health at a higher rate, stated a report by the Center for Health Policy Research (CHPR) at the University of California Los Angeles.
The report details problems associated with housing insecurity and related mental health challenges, stating that 45% of people with unstable housing experienced psychological distress including depression and anxiety.
However, only 22% of adults with housing issues used mental health care to help manage the stress. People of color experienced the highest rates of housing insecurity, the majority of whom reported that they often worry about paying their rents or mortgages.
A total of 5.2 million people described their housing situation as unstable. Consequently, 26% of Black Californians reported that they faced housing insecurity, 44% higher than the national average. The study attributed this crisis to decades of redlining, a system of discrimination that denied people financial services including mortgages and insurance loans based on race and ethnicity.
Sean Tan, a co-author of the study and senior public administration analyst for the research center said that the state’s housing crisis has become a public health concern.
“Our study reinforces what research has demonstrated for years: Access to affordable housing affects a person’s health,” said Tan, regarding the state’s housing crisis. “It also spotlights the critical need for more affordable housing in California.”
The lack of affordable housing across the state has disproportionately impacted Black people. In California, approximately 43% of Black adults reported that they often worry about being able to pay their rent or mortgage.
Joelle Wolstein, a CHPR research scientist and co-author of the study, said housing insecurity has a ripple effect that goes beyond finances and worsens existing disparities.
“Housing is the largest regular expense for the vast majority of people, so it follows that people who typically have lower wages and fewer assets would have more unstable housing and worry more about paying their bills,” said Wolstein.
The CHPR study provided various recommendations for California lawmakers, including investments in creating and preserving affordable housing, connecting mental health services with housing resources, and enacting inclusive housing assistance policies.
