By Congresswoman Barbara Lee | Special to California Black Media Partners

In the words of W. E. B. Du Bois, a trailblazer in the founding of the NAACP, “The power of the ballot we need in sheer self-defense — else what shall save us from a second slavery? Freedom, too, the long-sought, we still seek — the freedom of life and limb, the freedom to work and think, the freedom to love and aspire.”

These profound sentiments have been a guiding force throughout my journey, one that has taken me from an elected official in the California State Legislature to a member of Congress proudly representing the 12th Congressional District, to my current candidacy for the U.S. Senate. The NAACP’s commitment to justice and equality has been a constant influence, shaping my perspective on democracy and inspiring me to champion these principles at every stage of my career.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, the roots of my connection to the NAACP run deep. My late mother, Mildred Parish Massey, was a trailblazer herself, named as one of the first 12 students in the NAACP lawsuit to integrate Texas Western College, now known as the University of Texas at El Paso. My grandfather W.C. Parish was the first African American letter carrier in El Paso. He spoke fluent Spanish in order to better serve his community and was an active member of the NAACP.

Even as my family moved to the seemingly progressive San Fernando Valley in Southern California, the specter of racism persisted. High school, supposed to be a time of joy and growth, became a battleground for fairness. Seeking to become a cheerleader, I encountered an unfair selection process that excluded Black and Brown girls. Here, the NAACP once again intervened, successfully advocating for a policy change, shifting from a selection process to an election. Winning that election at the age of 15 marked my first tangible encounter with the transformative power of democracy. It was a victory not just for Black girls but for all, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity.

Just as my former intern and a former student in the Oakland branch of the NAACP’s ACT-SO program, Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones, continues to lift up the legacy of the NAACP, so do many young people. They stand up, make their voices heard, register to vote, run for office, and work to secure our planet for the next generation. The NAACP’s legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation to carry the torch of justice, equality, and democratic values forward.

The documentary, “Barbara Lee Speaks for Me,” created by filmmaker Abby Ginzberg, became an unexpected testament to my journey. Initially hesitant to participate due to my ceaseless commitment to serving constituents, Californians, and our planet, the documentary went on to win multiple awards, including the NAACP’s Best Documentary Film in 2022.

Our democracy is fragile. The January 6th attempted coup of our government threatened the peaceful transfer of power. We withstood this test and prevailed, but let me tell you how I personally experienced that day where five people died and many more were injured, including 138 Capitol Police Officers. Our brave officers fought the protestors to save lives. This included Black officers who were called the “N” word, spat upon, and treated in a manner that was bigoted, racist, and disgusting. Yet they stood up and fought to save our democracy.

I was sitting in the House Chambers, when we barely escaped. We went to the undisclosed location, in the midst of COVID, where many Republicans refused to wear a mask and several contracted this illness. Some Republicans, who would later vote against certifying the election of President Joe Biden, had the nerve to pray out loud. In the early morning, we returned to the Capitol when told it was safe. I was determined to stay until the end to witness the peaceful transfer of power. Tensions were high. Two members, a Republican and a Democratic Congressional Black Caucus member, almost threw hands and had to be restrained. The good news is–though the peaceful transfer of power was almost thwarted–our democracy survived. The House voted to certify Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris, the first African American, the first Indian American, first woman—and yes—the first from Oakland, as our Vice President.

The trauma of that day was very real. That following weekend, I decided to stay in Washington, DC. I collect writing pens as a hobby and have a wonderful collection of about 400. To try and process my trauma, I wrote my name 400 times using my pens while listening to songs of empowerment. I found comfort in the music of Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn, and Beyonce?. I was inspired and uplifted. Our community is accustomed to finding comfort in moments of extreme trauma. I knew I had to do more.

When the NAACP approached me to be a plaintiff in their lawsuit holding Donald Trump, the Oath Keepers, the Proud Boys, and Rudy Giuliani accountable for the attempted overthrow of our democracy, I enthusiastically said “YES!” Mind you, this was before the January 6th Committee had been formed. My colleague Congressman Bennie Thompson was initially the lead plaintiff, but once he became Chair of the January 6th committee, I was asked to take over.

In a pivotal moment, a federal appeals court decision now allows civil lawsuits against Donald Trump related to the Capitol riot — a significant step in upholding our freedoms. This decision represents a victory for accountability and a testament to the robustness of our democratic institutions. Simultaneously, the American Women Quarters Program, a result of my legislation, will feature Ida B. Wells on quarters in 2025—a fitting tribute to one of the founders of the NAACP and a pioneering journalist and anti-lynching activist.

As we navigate these challenges, the NAACP continues to be my North Star and, as a woman of faith, I say God always steps in right on time in my life, ordering my steps in his ways. I am grateful for the NAACP and grateful for the impact it’s had on all our lives.

About the Author

Congresswoman Barbara Lee has been representing California’s 12th District (formerly 13th) since 1998. She is the highest ranking African American woman appointed to Democratic Leadership, serving as Co-Chair of the Policy and Steering Committee. She also serves on the Budget Committee and the powerful Appropriations Committee, which oversees all federal government spending.

By Lou K. Coleman

And you are going about business as usual. Wake up and pay attention! For we are not on the ‘Brink’ of WWIII. We’re in It. Russia, China, and Iran are openly at war with the United States. And although this is not an all-out war but a decentralized one, do not be fool, soon, and very soon things are going to be full blown and the impact of the upheaval; devastation, destruction, and death that will be brought about on America cannot be overstated. So be alert! Be watchful! Be on your guard, as Jesus commanded. Because I tell you a full-blown disaster is lurking around the corner!

“Weapons of mass destruction. U.S. and Chinese warships battling at sea, firing everything from cannons to cruise missiles to lasers. Stealthy Russian and American fighter jets dogfight in the air, with robotic drones flying as their wingmen. Hackers in Shanghai and Silicon Valley duel in digital playgrounds. And fights in outer space decide who wins below on Earth. Are these scenes from a novel or what could actually take place in the real world the day after tomorrow? The answer is both.” [Peter Warren Singer]. So be alert! Be watchful! Be on your guard, as Jesus commanded. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [Luke 21:26].

End time prophetic wars in their likely chronological sequence.

The War of Extermination [Psalm 83] – Read it. The First War of Gog & Magog [Ezekiel 38 and 39] – Read it. The Conventional War of the Tribulation [Revelation 6] – Read it. The Nuclear War of the Tribulation [Revelation 8 & 9] – Read it. Wars ??[Revelation ?13, Revelation ?12, ?and Revelation 16– ?[First ?War, ?Second ?War, ?Third ?War] – Read it!

God’s Warning! The Time is Near!

God did not just let them go into sin. He sent messenger after messenger, prophet after prophet, judge after judge, king after king—and they never listened. Maybe for a short time, they would put on a face of righteousness, but that was all it was. Because He loved them, God sent these men and women, but the people never listened. Even though God had compassion on them and wanted to save them from this, they were not willing. [2 Chronicles 36:15].

By Antonio Ray Harvey. | California Black Media

Since Gov. Gavin Newsom presented his 2024-25 budget to the State Legislature on Jan. 10, lawmakers — including members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) — have been sharing their initial reactions to potential cuts.

Those stakeholders have also been examining the Governor’s  $291 billion spending plan to get a clearer sense of how funding adjustments may impact families as the state faces a deficit estimated at tens of billions of dollars.

At the top of the list of concerns for some lawmakers are cuts the governor is proposing to balance the budget, as required by California’s constitution.

A day after Newsom announced his budget, Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), reacted with a post on his Facebook page.

“Yesterday’s budget proposal for human services programs causes me to be alarmed for our most vulnerable populations particularly in our CalWorks, Development Disability, and Foster Care programs,” wrote Jackson, who is a member of the CLBC.

“I will be using the next few months to review its impact from a social work lens. My priority is to ensure that this budget promotes stability and keeps people out of a state of crisis and on a path to thrive as the Governor has done for both the CalFresh and Childcare programs,” promised Jackson.

Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), also a member CLBC hosted a 60-minute Budget Townhall Webinar on Jan. 17 to discuss the budget and the forecasted deficit.

The webinar was presented to give the public an idea of budget cuts, budget proposals, and potential tax increases.

“This is really the beginning of conversations in the legislature and our conversation with the governor,” Weber said. “Once the May revision comes out after taxes have been done, we’ll have a better sense of where we are and what the budget will be.”

Webinar participants submitted a variety of questions concerning the budget such as how education funding will be impacted, strategies to address the budget shortfall, and will the deficit lead to tax increases and undermine progress made in housing the homeless and other social services programs.

During the webinar, Christian Griffith, Chief Consultant of the Assembly Budget Committee – responsible for directing the Assembly’s state budget process – said Newsom’s proposal involves spending reduction, spending delays, usage of reserves borrowing, and usage of the “special fund.”

“Reduction usually gets the most attention,” Griffith said.

The LAO – a nonpartisan government agency that provides fiscal and policy advice to the California Legislature – said the state budget estimates based on tax revenue are imprecise due to the IRS delaying tax filings in California until Nov. 16, 2023, because of natural disasters the state faced last year.

Griffith said the “budget problem” could create a financial burden on the state for a few more years. It was assumed that the state had a surplus of “$100 million two years in a row” but actually had $60 billion,” Griffith said.

“The main thing, a really big problem here, is not only do we have this problem right now, but we also project for the next three or four years that every year we are going to be spending $30 billion more than we take in revenue. We have a structural problem,” he said. “The easy thing is trying to find one-time money to plug a hole. The hard thing is when you have that structural thing where you’re always paying on that credit card every year.”

Funding for state initiatives that are likely to be cut or delayed include some climate change programs, housing programs, school facilities, higher education student housing loans, UCLA Immunology Institute, Middle-Class Scholarship financial aid programs, and more.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), who is a member of the CLBC, said, despite looming cuts she remains confident because the state has a cushion of nearly $18 billion in cash in its various reserves often called “rainy-day funds.”

“Thank God for California’s rainy-day fund! Kudos to former Governor Brown and current Governor Newsom for their foresight,” McKinnor posted on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “They’ve been tucking away funds, and in 2024-2025, it’s going to pour! Ready to weather any budget shortfalls with our well-fed piggy bank!”

Last week, the California Budget and Policy Center (CBPC) analysis of Newsom’s budget was positive, stating that the budget “protected or maintained” programs that provide economic security, particularly for lower-income families.

“California has the wealth and state leaders have the tools and resources to further protect essential services and build upon earlier progress,” the CBPC report stated.

One of the questions posed during the webinar hosted by Weber involved Proposition 98, the minimum funding level for Schools, which guarantees funding for kindergarten through the 12 grades and community colleges. Griffin said they should not be any trimming of the total education allocation, which is expected to be $109 billion, according to the budget.

The day before Newsom presented his proposal, the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Ella Baker Center launched a campaign focused on protecting budget spending for their priority programs called #SmartSolutions.

At a news conference held on the grounds of the Capitol, members from those organizations called on state leaders to focus limited resources on solutions that address root causes of crime and to enhance public safety for all Californians. CLBC Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) and Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) spoke about the danger of underfunding of housing, healthcare, criminal justice reform and other programs that are critical in Black and Brown communities.

“I like to remind you that every dollar we spend criminalizing poverty is a dollar we could’ve better spent ending it,” Bryan said.

RIVERSIDE, CA — The Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts (ADCR) Foundation is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 44th Annual Black History Parade and Expo, honoring the theme “A Legacy of Giving.” This extraordinary event will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Downtown Riverside, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the African American community with a day filled with entertainment, food, vendors, and family-friendly fun.

The highlight of the parade and expo is the esteemed Grand Marshal, Sam Knight, a Man of God and an inspirational figure in Riverside and the Inland Empire. Knight’s dedication to education, youth counseling, and community service has made a profound impact in the lives of many, making him a true pillar of the Riverside community. It is with great honor that the ADCR Foundation recognizes his remarkable contributions.

The Black History Parade, set to begin at 10 a.m., will bring a burst of energy and excitement to the streets of Riverside. Witness captivating floats, energetic marching bands, and the vibrant presence of community organizations and passionate individuals. The procession will conclude in front of the iconic Riverside Court House located on 4050 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, with a warm welcome to the Black History Expo.

Starting at 12 noon, the Black History Expo will transform the downtown area into a hub of festivities. This immersive experience will be a delight for all ages, offering a variety of entertainment, mouthwatering food options, and a diverse range of vendors. Families can partake in interactive activities, discover the hidden gems of African American history and culture, and immerse themselves in the spirit of unity and togetherness.

At the Expo stage, be captivated by the incredible talent of the renowned Tommy the Clown, who will be showcasing his electrifying dance moves and contagious energy. Tommy the Clown’s electrifying performance promises to be a highlight of the event, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

The 44th Annual Black History Parade and Expo is open to the public and welcomes individuals from all walks of life to come together in unity to celebrate diversity, heritage, and the remarkable legacy of giving in the Riverside community. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to pay homage to the past while embracing the present and future.

Prior to the parade weekend, there will be a Kickoff celebration on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Central Middle School, 4795 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506.  The Kickoff Reception is a wonderful outlet for community engagement and networking.

For more information about the event, please visit https://adcrfoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $34,944,702 in new federal resources for the City of San Bernardino from the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Homekey Program that will go towards 140 new interim housing units and additional supportive services.

“I’m proud to announce nearly $35 million in federal funding is coming to the City of San Bernardino to help tackle the housing crisis,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “By providing temporary shelter and additional resources like rehabilitation, education and employment services, this grant funding will help ensure that everyone in our community can have a roof over their heads.”

“San Bernardino is helping the state address homelessness by delivering a unique Homekey project. Their Community Wellness Campus is a creative approach that will serve individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The work and partnership behind this effort demonstrates what is possible when people think outside of the box and refuse to accept the status quo,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

“These funds are a powerful investment in our community to provide shelter, support, and a brighter future for those experiencing homelessness in San Bernardino. Since declaring a state of emergency on homelessness last year, we have been committed and focused on addressing this issue. The resources from Congressman Aguilar and Congress, augmented by the Governor and State, along with partners such as Lutheran Social Services, will help give hope to those in need,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran.

“This is a big win for San Bernardino. It allows us to continue making strides to address homelessness in the City and provide essential support to our homeless population,” said San Bernardino City Manager Charles Montoya. “We are grateful to our State and Federal partners for the funding opportunity, and Lutheran Social Services as our project partner.”

“I am thrilled that we have been selected and awarded funding through Project HomeKey. Being awarded this funding represents a significant milestone that underscores our commitment to providing shelter and vital services to the unsheltered individuals in San Bernardino,” said Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith, President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California.

According to a Point-in-Time Count and Survey conducted last year, homelessness in San Bernardino County increased by over 25 percent in 2023, and 71 percent of the homeless population were unsheltered.

The additional units will offer interim shelter at an existing campus, and supportive services including case management, peer support activities, rehabilitation services, behavioral and physical health services, assistance obtaining essential documentation, and education and employment services.

This grant was funded by the American Rescue Plan, which Rep. Aguilar helped pass. To make housing more affordable in the Inland Empire, Rep. Aguilar also recently announced additional housing vouchers for local veterans.

Photos and videos from the event are available here.

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

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Redlands High School Team Blue claimed the esteemed San Bernardino County Mock Trial championship title. The triumphant team is set to advance to the state competition scheduled for March 22-24, 2024.

“Redlands High School Team Blue’s triumph is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and teamwork displayed by these exceptional students,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Witnessing their persuasive arguments and critical thinking skills in action was truly inspiring. Congratulations to the champions, and best wishes to them as they advance to the state competition.”

Redlands High School Team White, also from the Redlands Unified School District, secured an impressive second place in this year’s county competition, with a possibility of competing at the state level as a wildcard entry.

Members of the Mock Trial 2023-24 Redlands High School Team Blue:

• Tala Al Ardah
• Markus Nieal Calip
• Kimberly Castro
• Josephine Faulkner
• Alexandra Martinez
• Nahiara Modrow
• Addison Moralez
• Abhisri Narayanan
• Clarice Pham
• Lauren Reiter
• Ryan Shagiakhmetov
• Carol Tadros
• Julia Tolstova
• Mikail Trimzi
• Grace Wang

Members of the Mock Trial 2023-24 Redlands High School Team White:

• Fatimah Ahmed
• Sam Buscaglia
• Nolan Cobb
• Ansh Dwivedi
• Brileigh Guillen
• William Howo
• Aabir Khan
• Aakriti Maske
• Evan Miller
• Mani Momeni
• Sarah Moore
• Elijah Riggins
• Emily Thompson

This year’s county competition witnessed the participation of over 475 students from 24 teams representing 21 high schools. Students were tasked with studying a hypothetical criminal case developed by Teach Democracy, conducting legal research, and preparing strategies and persuasive arguments for trial. Roles included attorneys, witnesses, defendants, bailiffs, and clerks, guided by local legal professionals who volunteered their time.

The event, co-sponsored by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office, saw students presenting their cases before a real judge, utilizing constitutional amendments and legal objections.

Redlands High School Team Blue is now gearing up for the California Mock Trial Finals where they will compete against teams from 35 different counties. Since the 1982-1983 school year, a Redlands High School Mock Trial team has won the county competition a total of 16 times. The last time a Redlands High School team secured a county competition victory was in the 2019 – 2020 school year. Notably, the team emerged victorious in the state competition during the 2014 – 2015 and 1996 – 1997 school years.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. #transforminglives

SAN BERNARDINO — The San Bernardino County School Boards Association and the San Bernardino County Committee on School District Organization are now accepting nominations for the 26th Annual Distinguished Service Awards.

The annual awards recognize notable individuals for their exceptional leadership and significant contributions to public education within San Bernardino County. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals known to take risks to improve educational opportunities for students, have had broad community involvement, have been willing to speak out on issues that directly impact children, and have the respect of their peers.

The deadline to submit entries is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

Criteria for nominations include how individuals have spent their career improving the quality of education in the county and through their efforts, have achieved a positive, ongoing impact on public schools. Honorees may be career educators, school board members or community members who actively support public schools.

Detailed nomination requirements can be found on the nomination form.

Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony during the spring meeting of the San Bernardino County School Boards Association.

The online nomination form can be submitted digitally at bit.ly/24DSAApp

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Black hair care industry manufacturers are rallying to defend their products against “attacks” from customers, scientists and federal government officials who claim they are harmful. The companies are being accused of producing relaxers and straightening creams with potentially toxic ingredients that may cause cancer.

On the frontlines of that defense in the Golden State is California Curl heiress Cheryl Morrow, who is also publisher of the San Diego Monitor News.

Morrow, daughter of the late Dr. Willie Morrow who invented and popularized the “California Curl,” also known as the “Jheri Curl” or “Jerry Curl,” has been vocal about debunking the cancer claims as misleading and assuring her customers that the relaxers her company create are not dangerous. She also highlights the pioneering spirit and innovation that led to the creation of products for Black hair care by Black companies before mainstream companies entered the businesses and began to dominate it.  In addition, she points out the many economic and social contributions pioneering Black-owned hair care manufacturers have made to the beauty industry and to Black communities across the country.

“In 2022, you come out with a study with an inconclusive correlation that all of a sudden subjugates a Black legacy of hair care manufacturing to be vilified, demonized, criminalized and connected to Cancer,” Morrow told California Black Media.

That same year, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump filed a mass tort lawsuit on behalf of Jenny Mitchell, a Black woman who he claims contracted uterine cancer after her use of chemical hair straightening products sold by L’Oréal USA. Crump is suing that company as well as entities that assisted in the development, marketing, and sale of the products including Motions, Dark & Lovely, Olive Oil Relaxer, and Organic Root Stimulator.

Mitchell says she first started using these products around 2000 and continued until 2022. In August 2018, Mitchell – who says she has no family history of uterine or other cancer – was diagnosed with the disease and underwent a full hysterectomy.

According to the lawsuit, Mitchell attended mandatory medical appointments every three months for two years and now has appointments every six months.

According to the study, published by Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also known as the “Sister Study,” frequent users of chemical hair straightening products, defined in the study as more than four uses a year, were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer than those who didn’t use those products. The study was conducted by the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

In the U.S., uterine cancer rates and deaths are on the rise. Non-Hispanic Black women have the highest death rates and are more likely than other populations to be afflicted with aggressive subtypes of uterine cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health, which tracked data from 34,000 women in the Sister Study for more than a decade.

“Black women have long been the victims of dangerous products specifically marketed to them,” said Crump in a press release. “Black hair has been and always will be beautiful, but Black women have been told they have to use these products to meet society’s standards. We will likely discover that Ms. Mitchell’s tragic case is one of countless cases in which companies aggressively misled Black women to increase their profits.”

The study claims that chemical hair straighteners typically contain products associated with higher cancer risk, such as formaldehyde, metals, phthalates, and parabens, which may be more readily absorbed by the body through scalp burns and abrasions often caused by chemical straighteners.

In October last year, the Food and Drug Administration proposed a ban on relaxers made with formaldehyde as an ingredient.

Morrow hosts events in the community and online to educate the public about Black hair care products and point out how she feels the studies and lawsuits are misguided.

“All of that is not by accident,” Morrow insists. “In creating relaxer advocates, my goal is not to protect one brand or manufacturer over another. My goal is to tell the truth, make sure the consumer is informed, to make sure that the industry in relaxing gets innovated.”

As part of her efforts, Morrow hosted an event at the San Diego Jacobs Center in December titled “Take Your Hands Off Our Legacy.” The event showcased Black hair professionals and technicians who educated consumers about the legacies of pioneers like Annie Malone, S.B. Fuller, Marjorie Stewart-Joyner, Joe Dudley, and Dr. Willie L. Morrow. These pioneers laid the foundation for safe standards and an industry that has not only celebrated the diversity of Black hair but also contributed significantly to entrepreneurship and job creation.

“They have the language in the lawsuit that the manufacturers did not and should have known that the relaxer was dangerous. My response to them is that they should’ve known that, actually, Black people have made their products safer and have been doing that since 2007. Dr. Morrow already did it with California Cream.”

My goal here is to clear the air on both sides. To make sure that the states are supporting education, to make sure that we have a pathway to better technology, marketing options, and higher education for cosmetologists and barber stylists. You will not do this by running a pristine and the greatest segment of beauty both domestic and international.”

Court records show that about 75 cases have been filed in the mass tort lawsuit, which was formed at the beginning of February of 2023.

Morrow argues that the lawsuit is being framed as an effort to protect Black women from predatory marketing of dangerous products – many of them, the plaintiffs claim, are created by large White-owned industries.

But, in the end, Morrow says, the lawsuit is hurting the Black entrepreneurs and professionals who originated those products and have been working hard to ensure they are safe for the Black women who buy them.

Gov. Gavin Newsom presented a $291 billion spending plan to the California Legislature on Jan. 10. Despite a looming shortfall estimated at tens of billions of dollars, Newsom avoided making cuts to critical expenditures in education, public safety, curbing organized retail theft, housing for the homeless, mental health care reform, climate action, and other issues that are priorities.

During his speech, delivered at the auditorium of the Secretary of State building in Sacramento, Newsom clarified that he expects the state to have a $37.9 billion deficit. That figure is considerably lower than the nearly $68 billion deficit projected last month by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Office (LAO).

“Those of you who’ve been writing about a different number I hope you’re immediately correcting,” Newsom said moments into his presentation. “We’ve been pretty damn transparent with you by making the point publicly, not just privately that that was not the number, but it continues to be reported as the gospel.”

On Jan. 13, the LAO released an analysis of Newsom’s budget proposal that placed the amount of the budget deficit problem to about $58 billion, $10 billion lower than its original projection and nearly $20 million more than the Department of Finance calculations.

In addition to ordering a reduction on general fund spending last month, Newsom proposed a number of actions to bridge the budget gap during his presentation, including the possibility of declaring a budget emergency, which would allow him to borrow cash from the state’s reserves. He also suggested making “moderate cuts” totaling $8.5 billion in spending from some programs that support climate change initiatives, housing and other services; and reconsidering the healthcare wage increase.

“Our state is in a strong position to close this shortfall while protecting key priorities and programs that millions of Californians rely on,” Newsom remained upbeat about the state’s economic forecast. “I look forward to partnering with the Legislature to meet this moment with a balanced approach that meets the needs of Californians and safeguards our state’s future.”

During the Q&A session after his presentation, Newsom, in response to a question posed by California Black Media stated that he took deliberate steps to safeguard programs that the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) had identified as important. They included the state’s equity multiplier funding program designed to support schools with significant numbers of socioeconomically disadvantaged children – an initiative strongly advocated by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), and funding for the Ralph J.Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA.

In a statement released Jan. 11, State Controller Malia M. Cohen, who is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s resources, says that she has faith in Newsom’s projections.

“While the Governor had difficult choices to make to address the budget shortfall, I’m confident that the budget announced (Jan. 10) will keep California moving forward and continue the work necessary to support vital public health and safety programs along with other core services,” Cohen stated. “As Controller, my office is prepared to provide the tools and resources necessary to ensure the state meets its financial obligations and maintains economic stability.”

Newsom’s budget plan reflects $18.4 billion in total budgetary reserves, including $11.1 billion in the Rainy Day Fund.

Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber thanked Newsom’s for keeping funding flat for programs that are central to the services her department delivers, including two new digital programs that promote transparency in political financing and provides electronic notarization of business documents.

 “The January Budget includes resources for the Secretary of State to maintain its core ongoing operations,” said Weber.

“In addition, the Budget includes funding to support the Help America Vote Act mandates and resources to continue the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS) Project and to support the continuation of the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project (NAP 2.0) which are mission critical and vital to the services the SOS provides to the public, Legislature, and its stakeholders,” Weber added.

Several Republican lawmakers expressed their disapproval of Newsom’s spending plan, including Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), who called the Governor’s budget “pure fantasyland.”

Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) and Vice Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, Sen. Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) also shared their views on Newsom’s budget proposal.

Jones stated in a Jan. 10 statement that Newsom’s plan is “year six of ‘Gavinomics’ where his budgets turn surpluses into deficits and his policies push Californians to flee.”

Niello stated that the governor’s rhetoric is a way to weave “through a deficit of dollars.”

“As the governor pulls revenue gimmicks and accounting tricks, it’s impossible to bury the truth: California is bleeding because of a decade of Democrats’ one-party rule and reckless spending,” Niello stated.

Calling California’s economy, the “greatest wealth generator in the world,” Newsom said he is confident California will close its budget gap, continue on its overall path of prosperity while providing innovative solutions to address social and economic issues.

“This is a story of correction, a story of normalization after a period of a tremendous amount of distortion,” Newsom said.