By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Palm Springs Approves $27 Million Reparations Deal for Displaced Black and Latino Families
The Southern California city of Palm Springs approved a $27 million reparations compensation package for Black and Latino families who were displaced from their homes in the 1960s.
The city council voted on the deal Thursday, following an announcement last week. The move, which has garnered support from Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), comes as part of a broader push for reparations in California.
Areva Martin acted as lead counsel for the Palm Springs group and represented the impacted families.
“We are making history in Palm Springs,” said Martin. “This agreement demonstrates that it’s never too late to acknowledge past wrongs and take meaningful steps toward justice.”
The reparations agreement targets families from Section 14, a predominantly Black and Latino neighborhood demolished in the 1960s to make way for commercial development. Hundreds of families lost their homes in the process, and descendants have been advocating for reparations since the city issued an official apology in 2021. Despite the city’s apology, many were concerned that no payments had been made, prompting action from Butler earlier this year.
The deal includes $5.9 million in direct compensation for around 300 survivors and their descendants, well below the $2 billion initially requested. In addition to cash payments, the agreement includes $10 million for a first-time homebuyer assistance program and $10 million for a community land trust aimed at affordable housing. Other provisions include $1 million for diversity and inclusion initiatives, a renamed park, and a monument to honor the displaced families.
Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein called the settlement a fair and just resolution, expressing hope that the agreement would set a national precedent for reparations. While this follows a similar reparations program in Evanston, Illinois, California’s statewide efforts have faced resistance, especially following Newsom’s rejection of a state-level reparations proposal earlier this year.
The Palm Springs settlement is seen as a historic step toward addressing racial injustice, though challenges to similar programs continue elsewhere in the U.S.
California Reports First Case of Mpox in the United States
On Nov. 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States.
However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.
“This case was confirmed in an individual who recently traveled from Africa and is related to the ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa,” reads a statement the CDPH released.
According to the DDPH, “The affected individual received health care in San Mateo County based on their travel history and symptoms. The individual is isolating at home and recovering.”
Public health workers are also conducting a contact tracing exercise and reaching out to people who have been in close proximity to the affected person.
“The mpox specimens from the traveler are being sent to the CDC for further laboratory testing,” the CDPH press release continues.
Californians can take a number of steps to prevent Mpox. Here’s more information:
Preventing Mpox Infection
It appears clade I mpox spreads in a similar manner as clade II mpox, through close (skin-skin), intimate and sexual contact. The identification of a potentially more severe mpox version in the United States is a good reminder for individuals who have certain risk factors to take preventive action, including:
- Getting vaccinated if you may be at risk for mpox. For the greatest protection, make sure you get both doses of the vaccine. Find mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) near you.
- Taking precautions if you were exposed to mpox. Get the mpox vaccine before symptoms develop and consider avoiding intimate contact with others for 21 days. Watch yourself for symptoms and get tested if they develop.
- Preventing spread if you have been told you have mpox. Avoid contact with others until the rash is healed, clean and disinfect shared areas in the home, and notify people who may have been exposed.
- Talking to your sexual partner(s).
- Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash or sores that look like mpox.
- Not sharing items with someone who has mpox.
- Washing your hands often.
- Protecting yourself when caring for someone with mpox by using masks, gowns and gloves.
Visit the CDPH website to learn more about Mpox with Sexual Health Toolkits and a Campaign Materials Page.
California Department of Aging Offers Free Resources for Family Caregivers in November
In honor of National Family Caregivers Month this November, the California Department of Aging (CDA) is spotlighting a range of free resources to support caregivers of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Through its extensive network of Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), the state provides essential tools to help caregivers manage their responsibilities while prioritizing their own health and well-being. Resources offered include free education and training, counseling services, respite care, and financial and legal assistance.
“Caregiving is a great act of love, and this month — and every day — we uplift California’s caregivers as the under-recognized backbone of our families and communities,” said Susan DeMarois, director of the CDA. DeMarois emphasized the need for caregivers to access available support to better balance their roles without compromising their own health.
California is home to more than 4.5 million unpaid family caregivers, who contribute an estimated $81 billion annually in economic value through their care. Most caregivers are women who balance work, family, and caregiving responsibilities, often at the cost of their physical and emotional health. Given California’s aging population, the demand for caregiver support is rapidly growing, underscoring the importance of these free resources.
Thousands of caregivers accessed these services in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, benefiting from tools like professional care management and respite support. The Aging in California Resource Guide, available in six languages, offers additional information on caregiver support.
Caregivers can learn more about available resources by visiting the CDA website at aging.ca.gov and connecting with local CRCs or AAAs to discover personalized services to support them in their caregiving journey.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors Veterans Day with Call to Support Veterans’ Well-Being
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) issued a statement on Veterans Day honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans and their families. Lee, the daughter of Lt. Col. Garvin Tutt, a veteran who served in two wars, emphasized the importance of thanking veterans and actively supporting their needs.
“Our veterans deserve more than just a ‘thank you.’ They need our action. In Congress, I have continued to fight for investment in the well-being of our brave service members,” said Lee.
In Congress, Lee works to uphold commitments to veterans, focusing on essential services like health care, housing, and fair wages. She highlighted the recent PACT Act, which has helped reduce healthcare costs for veterans nationwide. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Lee advocates for sustained funding to ensure veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ve fought and will continue to fight to provide our veterans with the quality wages, housing, and health care they deserve,” said Lee.
Noting that over 20,000 veterans reside in California’s East Bay area, Lee expressed her ongoing commitment to invest in veterans’ well-being, affirming that real gratitude requires meaningful action.
Gov. Newsom Grants Pardons to Veterans, Initiates Posthumous Pardon for Vietnam War Hero
Gov. Gavin Newsom marked Veterans Day by granting pardons to five veterans. The governor’s directive included a posthumous pardon for Sergeant Richard Allen Penry, a Vietnam War Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient from Petaluma.
Penry served the country during the war, faced challenges reentering civilian life and struggled with PTSD, leading to drug-related convictions.
Newsom acknowledged the veteran’s contributions and said Penry led by example through, “extraordinary heroism at the risk of his own life.”
Newsom’s action highlights his commitment to supporting veterans’ well-being and addressing mental health needs. While the Governor cannot pardon Penry outright due to multiple convictions, he has requested the California Supreme Court’s approval to proceed with the posthumous pardon.
The Governor emphasized clemency as a tool for criminal justice reform, promoting accountability, removing barriers to reintegration, and addressing the health needs of incarcerated individuals. A pardon can aid veterans in rejoining society by restoring rights, preventing deportation, and improving access to employment, though it does not erase convictions.
Newsom’s review process considers self-development, justice, and community impact, showing a compassionate approach toward veterans who have struggled post-service.
“A pardon grant recognizes the grantee’s self-development and accountability after conviction,” said Newsom’s office regarding the executive clemency.
However, the directive does not erase a conviction or seek to minimize the harm caused by the recipient, the office clarified.
Newsom granted clemency to five veterans with various criminal convictions, recognizing their honorable military service. The pardoned veterans include:
- Don Archibald (Army), sentenced in 1966 for robbery.
- Marcus Page (Marines), convicted in 1994 for controlled substance transport.
- Robert Teagle (Army Ranger, Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient), convicted in 1981 for controlled substance transport.
- Alex Zonn (Air Force), sentenced in 1970 for marijuana possession.
- Brian Tinney (Navy), convicted in 1994 for grand theft and in 1996 for firearm possession.
These pardons highlight California’s support for veterans’ reintegration and rehabilitation. During his time in office, Newsom has issued a total of 186 pardons.
Gov. Newsom Goes to Washington to Advocate for California Priorities
Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of California’s congressional delegation.
During the week, he pushed for increased resources to improve public safety and quality of life in California.
“California is continuing our work to secure additional tools and resources to improve access to health care, clean air and water, and secure critical funding to support communities recovering from disasters,” said Newsom.
At the White House, Newsom met with President Joe Biden and key officials, advocating for disaster relief funding, healthcare expansion, and environmental protection. He also engaged in discussions with senior Biden-Harris officials, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, to address water quality improvements and the San Luis Dam project, which will support water supplies for two million Californians.
“Building on our strong partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, California is working closely with the White House over the next two months to deliver the critical protections and resources our communities need,” Newsom said.
On Capitol Hill, Newsom met with California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with other Congressional leaders, to emphasize the need to approve pending disaster funding, healthcare programs, and environmental protections. He also previewed California’s upcoming special session to proactively address potential federal challenges when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.
Newsom’s discussions also focused on securing Medicaid waivers from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to enhance behavioral health services and reduce homelessness. The state seeks approval for the BH-CONNECT waiver, which would address behavioral health and homelessness, and the MCO Tax Waiver, which would provide over $20 billion for Medi-Cal to improve healthcare access.
Additionally, California is pushing for Clean Air Act waivers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are crucial for enforcing air quality regulations. These measures are projected to prevent 11,000 premature deaths and provide $116 billion in health benefits over the next three decades, according to the Governor’s office.
California to Offer $43.7 Million in Federal Grants to Combat Hate Crimes
Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that 311 California nonprofit and faith-based organizations, including those representing communities targeted by hate crimes, will receive over $43.7 million in federal funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
The funding aims to enhance security measures such as reinforced doors, access control systems, and lighting to protect against hate-based violence.
“An attack against any community is an attack against our entire state and our values. We will protect the ability of every Californian to worship, love, and gather safely without fear of hate or violent attacks. California is continuing to safeguard all communities, including those most at risk,” said Newsom.
California receives 10% of the national allocation, the highest of any state. This funding comes in addition to $76 million in state funding for similar security improvements announced in July 2024. In total, California has invested over $230 million since 2015 to safeguard vulnerable communities.
“California is dedicated to helping our communities stay safe from violent hate crimes and get access to essential financial funding to support those efforts,” said Cal Office of Emergency Services (OES) Director Nancy Ward.
The grants are particularly important as hate crimes, especially against Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, and Black communities, have seen an increase. In response, California has also launched initiatives like the CA vs Hate hotline and website, providing a platform for reporting hate incidents anonymously. Newsom’s administration continues to prioritize the safety of all Californians, with ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and hate violence.
