As the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election approaches, a number of Black candidates are running for positions in the United States Congress, the State Senate, and the State Assembly. If elected, they would collectively represent a larger proportion of elected officials at the state level than California’s Black population of about 6.5%.
For more than two weeks now, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) have been facing sharp criticisms from frustrated advocates and other Black Californians after the State Assembly failed to bring up two reparations bills for a floor vote on Aug. 31.
The STOP Act – the acronym stands for the Secure Transactions and Organized Theft Prevention — was introduced by Assemblymembers Wendy Carillo (D-Boyle Heights), Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) and Mike Gipson (D-Carson).
By some accounts, California’s independent redistricting commission (IRC) has set the gold standard for fair elections, wresting control of legislative mapmaking from the archetypal smoke-filled backroom dealmakers who’ve made an art of keeping power to themselves. But recent examples point to the need for more and better reforms to ensure the state’s elections are open to all. In Los Angeles, leaked reports of city councilmembers’ racist comments amid redistricting discussions last year exposed how the system still works there. In San Mateo County, the most recent round of redistricting found the Board of Supervisors voting to preserve the status quo
The State Assembly rejected Senate Bill (SB) 918, authored by state Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), was written to strengthen restrictions on concealed firearm permits.
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D – Inglewood) took the oath of office by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D – Lakewood) on June 20, to serve as California’s newest member of the State Assembly.
Last week, the State Assembly voted 51-0 to pass a bill that, if the State Senate approves, would open the door for parents whose children are addicted to social media to sue companies like Tik Tok and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
The state Assembly voted 59-0 to approve the California Abolition Act on March 21, which would amend the Constitution of California to end involuntary servitude in the state.
Assemblymember Autumn Burke announced that she was resigning as California’s legislator representing the 62nd Assembly District.
As Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Assembly candidate, Heather Hutt, walked the 54th Assembly District, the Congresswoman, who is never shy, lets everyone they come into contact with know, “It is time to cast your vote for Heather Hutt.”
The California State Auditor announced that nearly 21,000 Californians applied to serve on the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission, of which more than 17,600 are tentatively eligible. The initial application period for the 14 seats closed on Monday, August 19, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
Since its creation, the 14-member commission which was created by the State Auditor, has been responsible for drawing district lines for the State Senate, Assembly, and State Board of Equalization in hopes of creating new opportunities and change in California.
In May, the state Assembly voted 44-19 in favor of the legislation.
If passed and signed into law, AB 1505 would strip away the existing right charter schools have to an appeal process if a local school board denies its petition for authorization or renewal.
Laster joined leaders of the California chapters of two prominent civil rights organizations, the National Action Network (NAN) and the National Urban League (NUL), for the meeting held at the Governor’s office at the Capitol. Both groups have been outspoken opponents of the legislation.
California State Assemblymember for the 54th District, Sebastian Ridley – Thomas explains the job of an assemblyman and his passion for economics and leadership.
Legislation by Assemblymember Chris Holden has been approved by the Senate Education Committee to form a partnership between high schools and community colleges to allow high schoolers to participate in college level courses so that they can be better prepared for education after high school.