Happily Divorced And After

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— This week, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that he secured $959,757 in federal funding for the City of San Bernardino’s Arrowhead Farms Septic to Sewer Project. This critical funding will connect properties within the Arrowhead Farms community to municipal sewer services at no cost to participating property owners, increasing property values for homeowners and reducing the risk of costly environmental hazards associated with septic tanks.

“I am proud to help secure this funding to facilitate the Septic to Sewer Project aimed at raising property values for these homeowners while addressing the environmental risks associated with outdated septic systems,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’ll continue to fight for more resources to raise the quality of life for working families in the Inland Empire and make our neighborhoods safer.”

“This money would alleviate some of the pressure on our residents, which will provide them with sewer, and a cleaner community,” said Joe Baca, Jr., Fifth District Supervisor, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. “This funding is all the more important for an underserved community like Arrowhead Farms.”

“Thank you to Congressman Aguilar for securing needed funds for this Septic to Sewer project.  This project is the first step toward providing safe, reliable wastewater services for Arrowhead Farms and better water quality for San Bernardino. We deeply appreciate the support of Congressman Aguilar and Supervisor Baca working together to improve local infrastructure and enhance quality of life in our community,” said Miguel Guerrero, General Manager, San Bernardino Municipal Water Department.

The Septic to Sewer Project offers free sewer connections, saving up to $35,000 in construction and connection fees, increasing property value, and reducing or eliminating septic system maintenance costs. Additionally, it will improve public health by preventing pollution from aging septic tanks, which can leak harmful contaminants like nitrates and fecal coliform into the environment. The project eliminates the risk of these hazardous spills and the associated remediation expenses.

In March 2024, Rep. Aguilar helped pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which included over $17 million in federal investments for 15 local projects across the region Rep. Aguilar represents in Congress.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) was proud to honor five outstanding teachers who have dedicated their careers to student success in San Bernardino County. This year’s recipients were recognized during a September 19 ceremony held at the Dorothy Inghram Learning Center in San Bernardino.

“Each honoree’s daily contributions are essential to the overall success of our students, schools and communities,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “It is such an honor to be able to recognize their dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of our community through education.”

Annually, each of the 33 school districts in San Bernardino County select a Teacher of the Year. The district’s finalist then advances to the county-level review. After submitting their application for consideration, a screening and selection committee narrows down several finalists to compete for the title of California Teacher of the Year. The California Department of Education will announce the 2025 California Teacher of the Year awardees in October 2024.

The County’s awardees consistently go above and beyond for their students, inspiring a love for learning and creating positive, nurturing and welcoming classroom environments. Their dedication to education is a true testament to the spirit of the California Teacher of the Year award and sets a shining example for educators everywhere.

In addition to their individual awards, the five honorees also received a check from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in the amount of $250.

To learn more about this year’s award winners, visit www.westsidestorynewspaper.com and look for this article.

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) faculty and administrators meet with California Community Colleges (CCC) and San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) leadership during the historic CCC Board of Governors meeting at San Bernardino Valley College on September 23, 2024.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is proud to announce the official approval of its new bachelor’s degree in water resources management, a landmark achievement for the college and the community. The California Community Colleges (CCC) Board of Governors granted the approval during their historic, first-ever meeting at SBVC on September 23, marking a significant milestone for the institution and its students.

“We are thrilled to receive approval for this groundbreaking program,” said SBVC President Dr. Gilbert Contreras. “This degree will not only equip our students with the specialized knowledge and skills required in the water resources management field, but it will also position SBVC as a leader in addressing critical workforce needs in our region. By offering this degree, we are opening doors to high-wage, in-demand careers that will benefit both our students and our community.”

The bachelor’s degree in water resources management is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the vital and evolving field of water management. Focusing on sustainable practices and advanced technologies, the program will address the growing demand for skilled professionals who can tackle complex challenges related to water supply, quality, and infrastructure.

“This program is a testament to SBVC’s commitment to educational excellence and community impact,” said Melita Caldwell-Betties, chair of the water supply technology program at SBVC. “Water is one of our most precious resources, and this degree will give students the expertise needed to make a difference. We are excited to launch this program and support our students in becoming future leaders in this critical field.”

The program’s approval comes at a crucial time for the water industry, which faces significant challenges due to an aging workforce and a looming wave of retirements. According to a recent SBVC regional labor market analysis, over 30% of water industry employees in the Inland Empire are expected to retire within the next 10 years. The new bachelor’s degree program will play a pivotal role in addressing the regional skills gap and providing trained professionals to fill these positions.

The Inland Empire is one of the top regions in the nation for water-related careers, offering high salaries and strong demand for qualified candidates.

Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of high-demand roles, including:

• Leadership positions in water supply utilities
• Water and wastewater treatment plant management
• Regulatory agency positions focused on water quality and environmental protection
• Groundwater and conservation district leadership
• Watershed and river basin authority management

SBVC is hoping to begin enrolling students in this innovative new degree program by Fall 2026.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— October 26th, the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will present a 3 p.m. matinee performance of “Movies with the Maestro” featuring some of Maestro Anthony Parnther‘s favorite film and television music including some of the scores he has personally led on the session stages of Hollywood.

“When I’m not here in San Bernardino with our world-class orchestra, I have the distinct pleasure of leading the Hollywood Studio Symphony on many of the most beloved film and television franchises on the planet,” explained Maestro Parnther. “This annual concert has quickly become a San Bernardino Symphony staple and it is great to see so many people from throughout the region excited to experience the incredible music of American television and cinema!”

The repertoire will include selections from Aladdin, Hocus Pocus, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Chariots of Fire, Ghostbusters, Transformers, The X Files, The Body Guard, and more. As always, patrons are encouraged to get into the spirit by dressing as their favorite movie star or bringing their light sabers to conduct along with the Maestro when selections from Star Wars are performed. In addition, this year the Symphony has added a special trick-or-treat time for all the young ones in attendance.

Shared Symphony Board of Directors President Donna Marie Minano, “This is absolutely one of the most fun and exciting concerts of the year! I encourage everyone to get tickets while they last and join us for the liveliest party in town!”

Tickets and Location Details

Tickets are available at $20-$100 per seat and may be securely purchased online at www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by telephone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Seats for children and students with ID are just $15 and may be obtained with the purchase of an adult seat.

Movies with the Maestro will be held at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth Street in downtown San Bernardino. Doors open at 2 p.m. for this 3 p.m. show. Free, lighted parking is available directly across from the venue and is accessible via D Street.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On a beautiful afternoon on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Sterling Natural Resource Center in San Bernardino among over 130 guests witnessed Stacey Barnier, Niki Dettman, Geraldine “Gerri” Foxall-Kater, Nefertiti Long, and Tansu Phillip receive the Citizens of Achievement Award and American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Redlands receive the Civic Engagement Award at the League of Women Voters, San Bernardino Area 49th Citizens of Achievement and Civic Engagement Awards Ceremony.

League of Women Voters need to ensure all citizens are registered and has information needed to cast a vote. Their action plan is to identify resources and training to support engagement in voter registration, voter education, and get out the vote efforts.

To learn more about the League of Women Voters of San Bernardino, please visit: San Bernardino Area | MyLO (lwv.org)

SACRAMENTO, CA– – Governor Gavin Newsom signs Assembly Bill 1877, a critical step toward justice for California’s youth. This legislation focuses on sealing juvenile records, providing young people with the opportunity to rebuild their lives without the lingering burden of past mistakes.

AB 1877 underscores the importance of offering a fresh start to individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and growth. Under the new law, juvenile records will be sealed if the person has not been convicted of certain serious offenses. This will allow young people to pursue education, employment, and housing opportunities without the shadow of a juvenile record holding them back.

“This legislation recognizes that a single mistake in their youth should not define a person’s future.

By sealing juvenile records, we open doors to brighter futures and empower young people to fully reintegrate into society,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson. “Everyone deserves a fair chance to contribute positively to their communities, and AB 1877 ensures that second chances are not just for a privileged few but for every young person who has earned it.”

AB 1877 requires the automatic sealing of qualifying juvenile records and ensures that individuals are notified when their records have been sealed. It also protects the integrity of sealed records while allowing access in specific legal circumstances, such as for exculpatory evidence in criminal cases.

By focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, AB 1877 aligns with California’s commitment to justice reform. The bill prevents barriers to success by allowing young people to move beyond past missteps and embrace a future filled with opportunity.

“Everyone benefits when our youth succeed. AB 1877 is a reflection of California’s dedication to justice and fairness for all, especially for those who deserve a chance to turn their lives around free of systemic barriers,” Dr. Jackson added.

Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson represents Assembly District 60, which includes the cities of Moreno Valley, Perris, Hemet, San Jacinto, a small portion of Riverside, and the unincorporated areas of Mead Valley, Good Hope, Nuevo, and East Hemet and is committed to promoting equity and opportunity for all Californians.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) today expressed his condolences to the family of a missing Morongo Band of Mission Indians tribal member and concern about issues expressed by her family  involving the investigation into her case.

“I wish to send my condolences to the family of Amy Porter whose family found her on Sunday morning in a desert area near the side of Interstate 10 in Yucaipa. It is my hope that the investigation is thorough and conducted in an appropriately timely manner.” He added, “I also hope that my legislation is signed to clarify and improve use of the Feather Alert and public safety on tribal lands.”

The Feather Alert is a public alert system similar to an AMBER or Silver alert and is overseen by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). It is used in the state when Native American are missing.

Porter’s family had been searching for her for a week and had requested the use of the Feather Alert and a speedier law enforcement search. Family and friends eventually launched their own search.

Ramos observed, “Ms. Porter’s family has raised questions about the delay in initiating the investigation into her disappearance and why the Feather Alert was not employed more quickly.”

The lawmaker added, that he authored three bills, now before the governor, that sought to address the questions raised by family members. The measures are:

• AB 1863 which seeks to streamline the Feather Alert requesting process and would allow a California Tribe to directly request the public alert and would require that the CHP respond to a law enforcement agency or tribe’s request to activate a Feather Alert within 48 hours of receiving the request. The Feather Alert has been active since Jan. 1, 2023, and California was the third state to enact the public alert. Ramos authored the legislation in 2022 that created the notification system here in California. Proposed changes to the Feather Alert were made in consultation with tribal leaders, CHP, Department of Justice (DOJ) and local government representatives. Ramos held roundtable discussions around the state and an informational hearing to increase awareness about the new program and hear from stakeholders about how the system was working and what changes would make it more effective. That hearing was followed by further discussions with tribes and law enforcement.
• AB 2138 would create a three-year pilot program allowing tribal law enforcement under specified conditions to obtain state peace officer status. Ramos, in an op-ed this spring, and at a roundtable discussion with tribes, lawmakers, and researchers heard why peace officer status would increase public safety on tribal reservations and their neighboring communities. A federal law known as Public Law 280 (PL 280) enacted in 1953 withdrew federal responsibility, in large part, for public safety on tribal lands. In the op-ed, Ramos wrote that PL 280 “eliminated federal support for law enforcement and courts, except for limited and specified expenditures. This has resulted in widespread confusion among tribal, local and state law enforcement agencies.” Peace officer status for tribal law enforcement officers would hasten response times and give greater investigatory power to tribes for criminal cases occurring on reservations often located in rural and isolated areas.
• AB 2695 would require the DOJ to collect and disaggregate domestic violence crime data so the state can better determine the scope of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis from the information that local law enforcement submits to DOJ. If AB 2695 is approved, local law enforcement would be required to note whether the crime was committed on tribal land. California is fifth in the nation in the numbers of MMIP unresolved and uninvestigated cases. Ramos stated, “While Ms. Porter’s case did not occur on tribal lands, she was a tribal member and her case may have involved domestic violence. It is important for us to understand the when and where about crimes as well as the who so that we can respond more effectively and proactively to increase safety.”

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Many cities in California limit the amount a landlord can raise rent each year. However, for nearly 30 years the state has imposed its own limits on the authority of local governments to enact rent control policies.

Landlords across California are currently allowed to set their own rental rates when new tenants move in. Prop 33 would repeal the state law (the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act) prohibiting cities and counties from capping rents on single-family homes, condominiums and apartments built after 1995.

By repealing the act, the initiative would allow cities and counties to limit annual rent increases on any residential housing and limit the initial rent for a first-time tenant. Any local laws currently inoperative under Costa-Hawkins would take effect upon its repeal.

The initiative would also add language to California’s Civil Code prohibiting the state from limiting “the right of any city, county, or city and county to maintain, enact or expand residential rent control.”

Justice for Renters, which is sponsored by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, is leading the campaign supporting the ballot initiative. Proponents of the proposition focus their campaign on a popular slogan, “the rent is too damn high.” Nearly 30% of California renters spend more than half their income on rent – that percentage is higher than that of any other state except Florida and Louisiana.

Representatives from the Yes on Proposition 33 campaign could not be reached for direct comment. However, Presidential candidate Kamala Harris recently showed her support for the proposition in an ad earlier in August.

“We applaud Vice President Harris’s support of rent control. Here in her home state, voters have a golden opportunity to expand rent control by voting Yes on 33 this November,” said Susie Shannon, campaign director for the Yes on Proposition 33 campaign in a press release. “Kamala joins the California Democratic Party and over a hundred California elected officials in the movement for relief for renters. Her embrace of rent control definitely increases the momentum for Prop. 33.”

Opponents of Prop 33 argue that rent control would worsen the state’s housing crisis by lowering property values and disincentivizing developers from building new housing. This would also drive prices up for existing rental units, they point out. California Black Media (CBM) spoke to Nathan Click of Click Strategies on why he opposes the proposition.

“We’re in a housing crisis as a state, and this is the exact wrong way that we should go about addressing it. Prop 33 has already been rejected twice by California voters, by nearly 60% in 2018 and 2020. They’ve rejected nearly identical measures. Non-partisan researchers at MIT have shown that measures like Prop 33 will result in an average reduction of home values of up to 25%.”

NAACP California/Hawaii State Conference President Rick L. Callender also opposes the proposition due to the impact he believes it will have to communities of color.

“Proposition 33 will hurt communities of color and exacerbate our homeless and housing crisis,” said Callender in a release. “Homeownership has been an essential path to wealth generation for Black and Brown families, and Proposition 33 will simply hurt individual homeowners, making it harder for Black and Brown families to build generational wealth.”

A “yes” vote supports:

• Repealing the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act (1995), thereby allowing cities and counties to limit rent on any housing and limit the rent for first-time tenants and
• Adding language to state housing law to prohibit the state from limiting “the right of any city, county, or city and county to maintain, enact or expand residential rent control.”

A “no” vote opposes repealing Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which prohibits rent control on single-family homes and houses completed after February 1, 1995.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media Partners

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several bills included in a priority reparations package introduced by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), including Assembly Bill 3089 — which formally apologies to Black Californians for the harms caused by slavery, discrimination and other historical injustices.

However, some advocates say they do not consider the legislation reparations.

Newsom signed the historic bills into law before members of CLBC in the State Capitol Annex Swing Spaces’ press room. The bills address key issues such as housing disparities, maternal health, economic inequality, and educational access –issues that have long disproportionately impacted Black Californians.

“Today’s bill signing represents a promise for the future based on years of hard work and dedication from the CLBC and our allies,” stated Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City). “Together with Gov. Newsom, we are sending a powerful message that California is leading the way in repairing the harm done to Black communities. Today marks a victory, but only the first in the continued fight for justice.”

AB 3089 passed the Legislature with unanimous bipartisan support. It acknowledges California’s historical role in the perpetuation of slavery and its enduring legacy.

A Sept. 26 statement issued by Newsom states that the “signing event marks a significant milestone in California’s ongoing efforts to promote healing and advance justice.”

“As we confront the lasting legacy of slavery, I’m profoundly grateful for the efforts put forward by Chair Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson and the members of the California Legislative Black Caucus,” Newsom stated. “The State of California accepts responsibility for the role we played in promoting, facilitating, and permitting the institution of slavery, as well as its enduring legacy of persistent racial disparities.”

Authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), AB 3089 requires the state to install a plaque memorializing the apology in the State Capitol.

Additionally, the bill imposes different duties on the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Joint Rules Committee (JRC) relating to the installation and maintenance of the plaque. Both entities will receive money from grants and private donations to finance the upkeep of the plaque.

The Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC) – a statewide grassroots advocates, organizers, and mobilizers for reparations and reparative justice – say they do not recognize AB 3089 as reparations.

On September 27, the organization’s members posted their thoughts about the bill on the X platform formerly called Twitter. CJEC members describe the reparations package as “racial equity bills.”

“An apology is not #Reparations, nor is it a first step toward Reparations. It’s a step backward. We don’t need any more words. We demand action. We demand Reparations,” CJEC posted.The following bills in the package were also signed by Newsom:

• AB 3131, Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) — Provides Equity Multiplier funding to school districts funding for education.
• AB 1815, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) — Prohibits discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles.
• AB 1896, Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) — Eliminates banning books without oversight and review in prisons.
• Senate Bill (SB) 1089, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) — Addresses grocery stores and pharmacy closures.

Other reparations bills signed into law are SB 1348, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) designating specific public universities as California Black-serving institutions; AB 1984 (Weber), requires systematically review of pupils’ suspensions and expulsions data; and AB 51, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), which supports Early Childcare and Education: California State Preschool.

Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 8 was part of the package, but it will be on the ballot as Prop. 6. The ballot measure would amend the state constitution to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime if passed by voters.

Two reparations bills were vetoed by Newsom.

The first, Bonta’s AB 1975 would have required the Department of Health Care Services to make medically supportive food and nutrition interventions a permanent benefit under the Medi-Cal program. Newsom stated that the bill would result in important and continuous General Fund costs for the program.

“I encourage the Legislature to explore this policy next year as part of the annual budget,” Newsom stated on Sept. 26.

Bradford’s SB 1050 was also vetoed. The bill would have addressed racially motivated eminent domain and restore property taken from its original owners or provide another effective remedy where appropriate, such as restitution or compensation.

Newsom said he did not sign SB 1050 because the bill “tasks a nonexistent state agency to carry out its various provisions and requirements.”

That “nonexistent agency,” the California African American Freedmen Affairs Agency (CAAFAA), would have been created by SB 1403, a bill introduced by Bradford. However, the Legislature did not bring that bill up for a vote on the Assembly floor during the last legislative session.

“I thank the author for his commitment to redressing past racial injustices,” Newsom said in a Sept. 25 statement. “However, this bill tasks nonexistent state agency to carry out its various provisions and requirements, making it impossible to implement.”

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

State leaders concerned about the persisting gap between the incomes of Black and White Californians are urging the state to take steps to address the problem.On September 18, International Equal Pay Day, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) released new pay and demographic data that show Black workers are more likely to be found in the lowest pay range in the state, earning, on average, $32,239 a year or less.

“While I am proud that California has one of lowest gender pay gaps in the nation, pay for women and communities of color remains among the state’s lowest for paid workers,” said California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Secretary Tomiquia Moss at a news briefing in Sacramento organized to share the data.

“The latest employee pay data show we still have work to do and, more importantly, shows exactly where employers can focus their efforts to realize opportunity and success for all Californians,” Moss added.

The CRD research is based on data collected from large employers in 2022, covering about 8.3 million workers across the state. While the state presents some of the nation’s strongest equal pay laws and one of the smallest gender-pay gaps in the nation, its third annual report of large employer pay data shine a light on the fact there needs to be more equity when it comes to the income of women and communities of color.

The CRD is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. Its mission is to protect Californians from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, businesses, and state-funded programs, and from racial-motivated violence and human trafficking.

According to the CRD’s data, Black (45%), multiracial (45%), Latino (44%), and Native American (43%) workers were among those in the lowest pay range. In contrast, about a quarter of White workers (25%) and close to one-fifth of Asian workers (19%) were in the lowest pay range.

In addition, the report explains that less than 1 in 20 Latinos, and 1 in 10 Black and Native American workers were in the top-earning positions, whereas nearly 1 in 4 White workers and 1 in 3 Asian workers were employed in the highest pay range.

White workers were almost twice as likely to be senior executives (62%) as compared to workers of color. California ranks third in the country for difference between men’s and women pay (13.3%), according to the report.

CRD Director Kevin Kish stated that gender pay gaps can have an ongoing effect “over the course of a single person’s lifetime,” and that difference in income can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost wages

“The data underscores the need for action. “We all need to do our part to build on our hard-won progress,” Kish stated. “From corporate boardrooms to small, family-owned businesses, I urge employers to look at their own practices and work with us in the fight to ensure equal opportunity on the job.”

Data about workers hired through labor contractors is not included, the CRD points out.  The findings in the report do not reflect California’s entire employed workforce, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated to be 18.4 million at the end of 2022.

Under state law, private job creators of 100 or more employees or workers hired through labor contractors are required to report pay, demographic, and other workforce data annually.

“We all share the responsibility to address the persistent inequality that affects communities up and down our state,” Moss emphasized.

Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Institute Empowerment Institute (CBWCEI), said Black women’s pay in California has not only stagnated – it is decreasing.

A CBWCEI report released earlier this year reveals that Black women’s labor force participation rate (LFPR) fell three percentage points between October and December of 2023. Although, Black women’s LFPR remains higher than the LFPR of women of other races, the decrease points to job insecurity and instability in the labor market. It is also a sign that conditions could get worse for the Black women overall.

“Several economic factors contribute to the fluctuations and potential decline in Black women’s labor force participation rates,” CBWCEI report stated. “Structural issues such as persistent wage gaps, limited access to quality education and job training programs, along with systemic barriers to career advancement disproportionately affect Black women.”

As a result of the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 973 in 2020, the state collects pay data to encourage employers to conduct self-assessments of pay disparities in their organizations, promote self-policing around equal pay compliance and support meaningful state and private enforcement of civil rights and anti-discrimination laws in the workplace.

On June 19, the CRD announced that it reached a $15 million settlement with Snapchat to resolve a more than three-year investigation over claims of employment discrimination, equal pay violations, and sexual harassment and retaliation.

CRD alleged that despite its growth from 50 employees in 2015 to over 5,000 in 2022, Snap Inc., Snapchat’s parent company, failed to set up measures to create an environment to ensure that women were paid or promoted equally. Instead, women were held under a glass ceiling and were told to wait in line.

“The gender wage gap is not just a statistic, it’s a lifetime of missed opportunities for women — especially women of color — who face the compounded impacts of racial and gender inequities,” stated California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “The wage and wealth gaps rob women and their families of financial security, career advancement, and the ability to build wealth for future generations. In California, we’re working through our Equal Pay Pledge to close the gap and normalize pay equity.”