By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
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 Aguiar-Curry (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 All-Star 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.
“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 state-funded 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 Medi-Cal 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 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
