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.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— At its monthly meeting on Wednesday, the Omnitrans Board of Directors elected current Vice Chair and Mayor of Colton Frank J. Navarro to its Chair position, and current Board Member and Ontario Councilmember Alan D. Wapner to the position of Vice Chair. The offices will take effect immediately and will be held through June 2025.

“Both Mayor Navarro and Councilmember Wapner have a history of dedication to and support of Omnitrans,” said CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers after the meeting. “I look forward to partnering with the Board under their leadership to provide innovative mobility solutions to connect our region and strengthen the economy.”

Navarro, who has served as an Omnitrans Board alternate since 2012 and has been an active member since 2019, was first elected to the Colton City Council in 2012. In addition to his work for Omnitrans and the city, he serves on the Inland Valley Development Agency board, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) governing board, the Southern California Association of Government’s Regional Council and Transportation Committee, and as President of the San Bernardino International Airport Authority.

“It is an honor to have been elected as Chair of the Omnitrans Board,” said Navarro of his new position. “The agency provides a vital public service, and I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and Omnitrans’ results-focused staff to build service and continue to develop ridership and our workforce.”

Former Board of Directors Chair Wapner has a legendary record of public service, having served on the Ontario City Council for more than 27 years and as an Omnitrans Board of Directors member or alternate since 2000. He represents the city on regional boards including his service as President of the Ontario International Airport Authority, Vice Chair of the NLC Public Safety Policy Committee, the SBCTA Governing Board, the San Bernardino County Council of Governments Board of Directors, the Metrolink Board of Directors, the Metro Foothill Gold Line Extension Construction Authority Board of Directors, the League of California Cities Board of Directors and Public Safety Committee, the California Association of Councils of Government Board of Directors, and the National Association of Regional Councils Board of Directors.

Said Wapner of his election, “Omnitrans has ambitious goals in the coming years, including the West Valley Connector bus rapid transit project, and I look forward to working with its team to enhance the quality of life in our region.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a world where freedom could ring true for all. Nearly 60 years following his death, we still find ourselves looking to his messages for inspiration.

When accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Dr. King said, “I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.”

Whether it’s encouraging our students to apply for the California State Seal of Biliteracy, celebrating our multilingual student essay winners, or launching an Ethnic Studies Learning Institute to support our educators to implement new standards, we at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools are actively working to provide students with equitable, innovative, and inclusive learning opportunities. That’s how we can continue to transform lives through education.”

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, falling on his actual birthday, January 15th, we celebrate the profound legacy of a visionary leader, a tireless advocate for justice, and a champion of equality. Dr. King’s dream reverberates through the ages, inspiring us to strive for a world where every voice is heard, and every heart is free.

As the first California Native American state legislator, I reflect on the parallels between Dr. King’s fight for civil rights and my commitment to equality among Native Americans. His teachings guide us not just today but throughout the year, fostering unity and understanding.

Let’s carry Dr. King’s spirit of love, compassion, and justice into our actions, shaping a future where equality knows no bounds. May this day be a reminder that together, we can build a more inclusive and harmonious world for all.

By Lou K. Coleman

She cries in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she utters her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and how long will the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? [Proverbs 1:20-21]. Don’t you know that dismissal of God’s messages led to disastrous outcomes. [Proverbs 29:1]. For every violation of the law and every act of disobedience is punished [Hebrews 2:1-2].

Wisdom shouts in the streets; Do not ignore the warnings because before God sends down a judgment against a people, He always sends a warning and when a warning is given, it also come with instructions on what to do to prepare for the destruction.

Listen, massive changes are coming. Wars will be fought on a scale never seen before, and weapons of mass destruction will be used. The level of nuclear devastation from the events of this Fifth Trumpet is prophetically revealed to destroy a third of the United States, which also means the death of over one hundred million people. “One Woe is past, and behold, there are two more Woes coming after this” [Revelation 9:12]. And it is at this juncture that the world is warned of even far greater destruction that will follow. [Revelation 9:13-16]. I know this is unimaginable, but it is soon going to come to pass. Do not ignore the warnings. Wisdom Shouts in the Streets. Warning comes before destruction. Heed the warnings.

Just as God warned the people of the impending doom through Noah, in Noah’s time, most people will ignore the warnings. Noah preached to the people for 120 years, trying to warn them of what was going to happen, but none would listen. They mocked and ridiculed him as he gave the warning. They laughed and insulted as he constructed the ark. The people would not believe Noah and because they did not believe it, the flood came and took them all away. [Matthew 24:30].

Wisdom Shouts in the Streets…. Heed the Warnings of God!

By Tanu Henry, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

On January 12, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass held a press conference to announce the retirement of LAPD Chief Michel Moore, who will officially step down at the end of February.

Moore will be retained on contract as a consultant during the transition to a new chief.

“I want to thank Chief Michel Moore for his more than 40 years of service to the people of Los Angeles, and for his partnership in bringing homicides and violent crime down over the last year,” said Bass at the news briefing.

Bass remained even keeled although Moore was pressured to resign by a coalition of clergy and community leaders after a Los Angeles Times investigation revealed that he ordered detectives to investigate the merit of Bass’ scholarship at USC while she was running for mayor in 2022.

“If LAPD Chief Moore has directed detectives to investigate our mayor, Mayor Karen Bass, based on a personal agenda, we are asking him to resign immediately,” said the Rev. K.W. Tulloss in December, according to an L.A. Focus report.

Tulloss, who is the Pastor of Weller Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles and President of the Baptist Ministers, Conference, added,” If he does not resign? We’re asking that the L.A. Police Commission to immediately remove him.”

At the news conference there were no signs of tensions between Bass and Moore.

“Amidst a national police-recruiting crisis, LAPD also saw more than 1,000 applicants to its academy in a single month, which is the highest number in years. I have directed the immediate launch of a nationwide search for LAPD’s next chief, which will include significant community input and consultation with law enforcement officers and experts, said Bass.  The appointment of an interim chief will be made by the Board of Police Commissioners.”

As we come together to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let us reflect on the enduring legacy of a visionary leader who championed justice, equality, and unity for all. Dr. King’s tireless efforts in the pursuit of civil rights have left an unforgettable mark on our nation’s history, inspiring us to strive for a society built on the principles of inclusion and equity.

In the spirit of Dr. King’s teachings, it is crucial that we continue the journey towards creating a community where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve. Our commitment to fostering an environment of inclusion is not only a tribute to Dr. King’s dream but a pledge to uphold the values that bring us closer as a society.

Let us use this day as an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the principles of justice and fairness. By working together to break down barriers and promote understanding, we can build a future that embraces the richness of our differences and ensures equal opportunities for all.

Thank you for joining me in commemorating Martin Luther King Day and embracing the ongoing journey towards inclusion and equity.

By Tanu Henry, Lila Brown and Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

On January 11, Gov. Gavin Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Museum announced inductees into the 17th Class of the state’s Hall of Famers.

Among this year’s 10 inductees — both groups and individuals — are four Black Californians: Former San Francisco Mayor and California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown; award-winning filmmaker Ava Duvernay; Federal Judge and civil rights leader Thelton E. Henderson; and basketball Hall of Fame player and broadcaster Cheryl Miller.

Other 2024 inductees are: master chef and “mother of fusion cuisine Helene An; computer scientist and “father of the internet Vincent A. Cerf; all-female pop punk band The Go-Gos; Chicano Rock band Los Lobos; former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Congressman Leon E. Panetta; and artistic director and choreographer Brenda Way.

This year’s honorees join 150 other Californians who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“The contributions of this newest class of the Hall of Fame will have an impact on California – and the nation – for generations to come. Through their boundless qualities and trailblazing achievements, these visionaries embody the spirit of California and will continue to inspire millions more,” Newsom said in a press release issued after videotaped announcement last week.

First Partner Siebel Newsom also welcomed the “spectacular new group of trailblazers.”

“With a penchant for challenging the status quo, these individuals wholly reflect the courageous, ambitious, and bold spirit of California, and have made an indelible mark on our state, nation, and world,” she said.

Inductees are selected annually by the Governor and First Partner.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- “Can’t stop, won’t stop, going to the promised land” was the theme of the 39th annual Kingdom Day Parade, honoring the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. 

Organizers say the Monday, January 15 event is the world’s largest and longest-running King celebration, and a beloved Los Angeles tradition. The music-filled, lively procession traveled west on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and down Crenshaw Blvd., ending near Leimert Park, where the celebration continued all day long with a community festival.

Monday’s parade, one of many community activities going on across the southland, took place on what would have been the 95th birthday of King. Civic leaders, marching bands, cultural dance groups, Greek and service organizations and more joined in the festivities.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? |? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

On January 11, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, at a breakfast celebration held at the Grand Ballroom of the Town and Country Event Center in downtown Sacramento.

The annual CLBC event was attended by about 200 people, including members of the Legislature from diverse backgrounds, community leaders, staffers from the State Capitol, among other attendees.

“It was an honor to host this year’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day breakfast. The California Legislative Black Caucus put on another lively event with great discussion on ways we can honor Dr. King’s legacy and uplift all Californians,” CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori A. Wilson (D-Suisun City), posted Jan. 11 on the social media platform X.

At the breakfast, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), a member of the CLBC, served as the master of ceremonies at the breakfast held four days prior to the date that would have marked King’s 95th birthday on Jan. 15.

CLBC members Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) provided the invocation and Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) led the Pledge of Allegiance. Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), Vice Chair of the CLBC, shared a message from members of the Black Caucus.

Bradford revealed a little unknown fact about Dr. King’s name. He was born Michael King, Jr., on Jan. 15, 1929. In 1934, his father, a pastor, traveled to Germany where he was inspired by Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther, Bradford said.

“As a result, King, Sr. changed his own name as well as that of his 5-year-old son,” Bradford shared.

To the delight of the audience at the event, sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, vocalist Nia Moore-Weathers performed a powerful rendition of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a hymn written as poem by National Association for the Advancement of Color People (NAACP) leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900.

Wilson held a 30-minute fireside chat with guest speaker Kwame Anku about Dr. King’s life, achievements, and vision, and the importance of building wealth in Black families and communities.

Anku is the founding managing partner and chief investment officer of Black Star Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund. He got the idea to start the fund on the urging of Roger “Prince” Nelson, the singer, songwriter, multi-music instrumentalist who passed away in 2016.

Anku was named the 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year by Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and was also among 21 distinguished recipients of the prestigious Aspen Ascent Fellowship awarded by the Aspen Institute. He said King’s famous 1963 address at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the “I Have a Dream speech,” could have been more aptly titled “America, It’s Time to Look in the Mirror” reflecting its core messages of accountability and denied justice.

“We’re telling ourselves how great we are but we’re not living up to the promise that we’ve made to ourselves because that’s the bedrock of what we do when he said we have come here today to cash the check,” Anku told Wilson. “So, we’ve come to cash the check because this check guarantees us the riches of freedom and the security of justice. So now we’re not just cashing that check. Now, we are writing those checks.”

This year marks the 57th Anniversary of the CLBC. For nearly six decades, the CLBC has been a key advocate for issues such as fair housing and the prevention of homelessness.

Historically, the coalition of Black lawmakers has actively resisted redlining in banking and insurance in California, and fought against apartheid in South Africa, among other issues.

The CLBC plans to continue the legacy of Dr. King by developing legislation around its current priorities, which include pursuing reparations for eligible Black Californians, criminal justice reform, environmental justice, and helping to ensure greater access to education and enterprise for African Americans. During the 2024 legislative session, the CLBC aspires to secure funding for critical programs and organizations working to enhance the lives of Black Californians.

There are 12 members of the CLBC serving in the California Assembly and Senate.