By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
Calif. Senate Committee Advances Bill Expanding Ghost Gun Restrictions
On July 15, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance legislation that would expand restrictions on manufacturing and possessing firearms — specifically “ghost guns.”
Assembly Bill 1263, “Firearms: Ghost Guns,” which was introduced by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), was approved with an 11-1 vote by the committee. It has now moved to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations for consideration.
“When you talk about ghost guns, again, on the television, when you talk about mass shootings, a lot of those times a ghost gun is involved,” Gipson told the committee. “Ghost guns are untraceable (and) have no serial numbers. We can’t live in a society where these guns are not traceable. Law enforcement and the Department of Justice need to know who these guns are registered to.”
According to Every Town For Gun Safety, a ghost gun is categorized as a privately manufactured firearm without a serial number, making it difficult to detect. The weapons are often made from kits or unfinished parts, such as 80% lower receivers or 3D-printed components.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) estimated that nearly 71,000 alleged privately made ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement between the years 2016 and 2022.
Several organizations argue that AB 1263 violates the right to privately build firearms and infringes upon the industry’s Second Amendment rights. Adam Wilson, who represents Gun Owners of America, told the committee and Gipson that the bill is unconstitutional and that building firearms privately is a fundamental right.
“AB 1263 is a deeply flawed and unconstitutional attempt to criminalize both technology and free expression,” Wilson said. “It punishes not just action but information itself, specifically, the sharing of CAD (Computer-Aided Design software) files and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) codes (for 3-D printing) that can be used to make firearms and parts. You can’t ban information because it makes you uncomfortable.”
Bill Protecting the Privacy of Elected Officials Clears Senate Judiciary Committee
A bill aiming to protect the personal information of elected officials and candidates is on its way to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1392, authored by Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-La Mesa), passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 15 with a 13-0 vote. Sharp-Collins is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).
“Unfortunately, in this current climate, political violence is on the rise, including increases of threats and actual violence against elected officials,” Sharp-Collins said. “In California, voter roll information is publicly accessible. So, a change in state law is necessary to protect elected officials, candidates, and their families.”
AB 1392 prevents the disclosure of residence addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses listed on voter registration affidavits for federal, state, and local elected officials and candidates.
This legislation comes amid increasing concerns about security threats and harassment directed towards public officials. Recently, in Minnesota, elected politicians and their spouses where were targeted in their homes.
Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber is a sponsor of Sharp-Collins’s bill.
The bill directs the Secretary of State, via a certificate of election, to notify county elections officials of newly elected officials in their jurisdiction,” Weber stated in a letter to the committee. “It also requires counties, within five business days of receiving that certificate, to make the official’s voter registration information confidential.”
The California Broadcasters Association, the California News Publishers Association, and the First Amendment Coalition oppose AB 1392.
Those press freedom advocates are concerned that the measure would hinder transparency and accountability. The groups argue that the public and the press should be able to at least obtain information on which city the candidate or official resides in to ensure the candidate lives in the area they are seeking to represent.
Danny Cando-Kaiser, a representative for the First Amendment Coalition, told the committee that she hopes the conversation continues about the safety of candidates while the reporters can still do their jobs effectively.
“We remain opposed to the bill but hopeful that our conversation, should the bill get out today, will help to narrow concerns around First Amendment access to information that is so vital to journalists and others,” Cando-Kaiser said.
Black Families Forced Out of Russell City Among Californians to Get $900,000 in Reparations
Alameda County and the City of Hayward have launched a $900,000 reparations fund for families displaced from Russell City, a once-thriving, majority-Black community bulldozed in the 1960s to make room for industrial development.
The newly created Russell City Redress Fund is part of a growing local effort to address historical injustices. Around 1,400 residents — including Black, Latino, Asian, and poor white families, were forced from their homes and often paid pennies on the dollar for their properties. Approximately 700 parcels were seized before the city cleared the area.
“This is the result of collective and local action,” said Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Márquez. “It’s really painful to know that it’s taken over 60 years to get to this place.”
Hayward contributed $250,000 to the fund, while Alameda County is providing $650,000. The county’s share includes $400,000 from Márquez’s District 2 and $250,000 from District 4, represented by Supervisor Nathan Miley.
Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas said the city wants to prioritize surviving elders. “The descendants of Russell City are aging,” he said. “We want to acknowledge what happened and provide some kind of benefit.”
The Johnson family, who lived in Russell City before the displacement, has long pushed for reparations. Jonathan Johnson said the gesture, while appreciated, is not enough.
“Apologizing is one thing. But how are we going to make the individuals who suffered mightily whole in this process? $900,000? I don’t even think you can really buy a nice home in the Bay Area for that anymore,” he said.
Officials say eligibility criteria and payment details are still being finalized. Márquez hopes the program will be retroactive to 2021, when Hayward issued its formal apology. Some potential beneficiaries have died in the years since.
County leaders expect to share more information about the timeline for payments in the coming months, as statewide reparations efforts remain stalled in the Legislature.
Former California Senator Laphonza Butler Joins ChatGPT Maker as Strategic Adviser
Former U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler is now advising OpenAI, marking her first known client since leaving Congress and joining global public affairs firm Actum.
OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT, confirmed Butler’s advisory role last week, although it’s unclear what specific issues she will be focused on.
Butler, a Democrat appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to complete the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s term, served just over a year before returning to her roots as a political strategist.
As a recent member of Congress, Butler is barred from lobbying for a year.
OpenAI is navigating a critical phase in its evolution, aiming to adopt a more traditional corporate structure to compete for funding. This shift has drawn pushback from former co-founder Elon Musk and California-based civic leaders. Butler’s deep connections with labor groups could prove influential as the company tries to win over skeptical stakeholders.
Before her brief Senate tenure, Butler was a prominent labor leader with SEIU, an adviser to then-Senator Kamala Harris, and president of EMILY’s List. She also consulted for private firms like Uber and Airbnb.
As a senator, Butler focused on AI-related legislation, including a $250 million proposal to train marginalized communities for tech jobs. She often raised concerns about AI’s impact on equity.
Gov. Newsom Announces California’s Version of “DOGE, But Better”
Gov. Gavin Newsom is bringing California’s tech talent into state government operations with a new initiative aimed at making government more efficient and effective for all Californians.
On July 14, Newsom announced the California Breakthrough Project, a task force made up of top tech executives from companies such as Snap Inc., Instacart, Ripple, and Coinbase. The group met for the first time in June and will work directly with state leaders and front-line employees to identify inefficiencies, modernize systems, and improve public services.
“Our state is uniquely positioned to bring the best and brightest together to advance our work,” said Newsom. “We will not shy away from progress, but embrace it for the benefit of all Californians, including our state workforce.”
The Governor also signed an executive order requiring every state agency to implement new efficiency measures. The order directs agencies to streamline hiring, contracts and procurement, while encouraging faster, more effective public service delivery.
The project builds on Newsom’s earlier work to modernize state government. Since 2019, California has upgraded the DMV, used AI and drone technology to help fight wildfires, and implemented digital tools to improve traffic and public safety. Under a new platform called Engaged California, state workers will now be invited to help shape future improvements through a digital democracy platform.
The California Breakthrough Project will maintain public transparency and ethical safeguards. It will also explore how artificial intelligence can be safely and responsibly used in public services. The group includes leaders such as Ron Conway of SV Angel, Asheesh Birla, and Chris Larsen of Ripple, among others.
California has also partnered with tech company NVIDIA on an AI training and innovation program to prepare workers and students for the future.
Newsom said the goal is to move beyond slow, outdated systems and toward a more agile, tech-forward approach to governance.
“This is about creating real results for real people,” he said. “We’re focused on making government work better — because Californians deserve nothing less.”
State officials say the initiative reflects California’s broader push to modernize government operations and deliver faster, more effective public services through innovation, technology, and collaboration with industry leaders.
After Trump Yanks Support Line, California Steps Up for LGBTQ+ Youth
Following the Trump administration’s decision to end LGBTQ-specific support on the national suicide hotline, California leaders are stepping in to ensure young people in crisis still receive affirming care.
Starting July 17, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline stopped offering its dedicated LGBTQ option, known as the “Press 3” line, which has connected more than 1.5 million people with support since it launched in 2022. In response, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) announced a new partnership with The Trevor Project to enhance training for the state’s 988 crisis counselors.
“While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the community: We see you and we’re here for you,” said Newsom. “We’re proud to work with The Trevor Project to ensure that every person in our state can get the support they need to live a happy, healthy life.”
Crisis counselors in California already receive specialized training, but the new initiative will add expert guidance to strengthen their response to LGBTQ youth. The move builds on the state’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health and the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, which funds programs targeting suicide prevention, mental health stigma, and support for LGBTQ youth.
“To every young person who identifies as LGBTQ+: You matter. You are not alone,” said CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson. “California will continue to show up for you with care, with compassion, and with action.”
Twelve call centers across California operate 24/7, offering support to anyone in a behavioral health crisis. Youth can also reach out directly to The Trevor Project at 1‑866‑488‑7386 or chat at TheTrevorProject.org/GetHelp.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said the state’s actions show its commitment to kindness in the face of federal rollbacks. “No matter what this administration throws at us, I know this state will always meet cruelty with kindness and stand up for what’s right,” she said.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to speak with trained counselors at any time. Help is available and free to everyone, regardless of immigration or insurance status.
California Sues Feds After Trump Cuts $4 Billion for Bullet Train
California has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to pull $4 billion in funding from the state’s high-speed rail project, a move state leaders call politically motivated and economically harmful.
Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the lawsuit Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, just one day after the Federal Railroad Administration canceled the funding. The money was intended for construction in the Central Valley, which is the only section of the train line currently under construction.
Gov. Gavin Newsom condemned the decision, calling it “a heartless attack on the Central Valley that will put real jobs and livelihoods on the line.”
“Trump’s termination of federal grants for California high-speed rail reeks of politics,” Newsom said in a statement. “We’re suing to stop Trump from derailing America’s only high-speed rail actively under construction.”
The lawsuit names Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and acting FRA Administrator Drew Feeley as defendants. It argues that the funding decision was “arbitrary and capricious” and an “abuse of discretion,” pointing to former President Donald Trump’s long-standing opposition to the project.
Although the route between San Francisco and Los Angeles was fully cleared environmentally last year, construction remains unfinished. The train was originally expected to be completed in 2020, but delays and rising costs have pushed the project’s budget to about $133 billion, which is nearly four times the original estimate.
The Trump administration cited a 310-page compliance review released last month, which found serious budget shortfalls and missed deadlines. California rail officials pushed back, calling the report misleading and inaccurate.
Ian Choudri, head of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, requested a delay in the decision and a follow-up meeting. Less than two weeks later, the funding was cut.
State leaders are asking the court to reverse the decision and restore the funding. The case adds to a growing list of legal battles between California and the Trump administration over funding for key infrastructure and education programs.
Efforts Underway in California Legislature to Dismantle Key Justice Reforms
California lawmakers are quietly pushing legislation that would scale back major criminal justice reforms once hailed as breakthroughs. These policy changes were introduced five years after George Floyd’s killing sparked nationwide demands for police accountability.
Among the proposed bills are measures that could weaken racial profiling oversight, reduce protections for jurors with police bias concerns, and limit public access to police misconduct records. The efforts are backed by powerful law enforcement unions, including the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), which has poured more than $20 million into state politics since 2002.
Former Assemblymember and current Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, who helped pass the original reforms, said she was blindsided. “I was shocked this year,” Weber told the San Francisco Chronicle. “I’ve had about three bills that people have tried to overturn — and without good reason.”
One bill, Assembly Bill 284 by Assemblymember Juan Alanis, R-Modesto, would alter the Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA), which requires police departments to track and report stop data. The bill would allow law enforcement voices to publicly challenge board findings and expand law enforcement representation on the oversight board.
Another bill, Senate Bill 758 by Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, would roll back part of a 2020 law banning prosecutors from removing jurors based on racial bias or distrust of law enforcement. Critics say the change would reopen the door to discriminatory jury selection.
A third bill, Assembly Bill 1178, targets police transparency rules by adding new restrictions on disclosing officer misconduct records, especially those involving undercover officers. The bill is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Civil rights groups including the ACLU and the Ella Baker Center oppose the rollback efforts, arguing they reverse hard-won progress.
Weber warned that some lawmakers are quietly reviving past opposition to reforms. “Many of them backed off because they realized I was still alive,” said Weber. “I don’t know what will happen when I leave this Earth.”
The fate of the bills will unfold in the coming months, with key votes expected before the end of the legislative session.