California is moving toward transparency for bad cops. As we learn more about the violence, biases, misconduct, dishonesty, and abusive acts of law enforcement (in spite of recent efforts by police to erase the evidence) it’s easy to focus on the role cops play in the streets. But equally if not more impactful is the role they play in the courthouse. In almost every criminal case, the prosecutor must call at least one police officer witness in order to prove the charges. Police are professional witnesses, trained to go under oath and testify as to their recollections, actions, findings, and practices. If making the arrest is the first half of their job, working with prosecutors and testifying is the other half. ... read more »

We can each be part of the change by asking for help when we need it, and making sure our friends and family do the same. ... read more »

California has long been our nation’s leader in environmental stewardship. But in its narrow focus to push for new environmental policies, the state legislature is now proposing regulations that would come at the expense of access to safe, clean drinking water — particularly for California’s most disadvantaged communities. ... read more »

Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader said he does not support reparation for decentness of slaves, concluding “None of us currently living are responsible” for slavery.  In a sense, Senator McConnell is right. Reparation is not the responsibility of White Americans or any individuals living today. It is the responsibility of the government.  For it was the U.S. government which enacted the legal institution of human chattel enslavement, primarily of Africans and African Americans, in the 18th and 19th centuries.  ... read more »

Wendy's Window ... read more »

Success “On The Way”... Ask Dr. Jeanette! ... read more »

At two years of age, my mother was worried because I cried almost constantly.  She noticed that my finger looked broken, which we would soon discover was a result of bone deterioration.  What she was about to discover after rushing me to the hospital shocked her.  She was told her two year old boy was suffering from Sickle Cell Disease.  It was 1988 and newborn screening only started in California in 1990. ... read more »

Growing up, my family didn’t celebrate Father’s Day. My parents divorced, after nine years of marriage, when I was six-years old. My father was distant during the marriage, ... read more »

Now is the time to include our experiences and our voices to improve upon the state’s policy. ... read more »

As young student activists and organizers in Ohio and Los Angeles in the early 1970s, my parents were a part of a rapidly-growing movement within the Black community that sought to create the kinds of community institutions we knew we needed in order to prosper and thrive. ... read more »

After three years of nearly nonstop advocacy efforts, the hopes of California’s developmentally disabled and their families now rests with the Governor and key leaders of the Legislature.  I’m writing from AbilityFirst Joan and Harry A. Mier Center in Inglewood, servicing children and adults with disabilities in your community. ... read more »

Election Day is Tuesday June 4, 2019.  All persons who reside within the boundaries of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) are eligible to vote on ballot Measure EE.  ... read more »

Ask Dr. Jeanette, "Success On “The Way” ... read more »

Shocking. Shameful. Unconscionable. Intolerable. These are just a few of the terms used by those in reaction to word that a 12 year-old child was restrained by Sacramento police officers who then placed a white plastic bag over his head and shoulders. Let’s review recent events in the City of Sacramento, who many are now referring to as “SacraSelma” in reference to the civil rights struggles that emanated from Selma, Alabama during the civil rights battles of the turbulent 1960’s. ... read more »

The truth is, there really is no “first Memorial Day”. ... read more »