Poll: Becerra Widens His Lead Over Hilton; Californians Split on Wealth Tax

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media Democrat Xavier Becerra holds a 22-point lead over Republican Steve Hilton in California’s governor’s race, while voters remain closely divided over a proposed one-time tax on billionaires, according to a new Public Policy Institute of California poll. The September PPIC survey found that 60% of likely voters support Becerra,…

Wine Barrels

Wanda Haynes-Certified Sommelier Wine Barrels An important fact to keep in mind is that all wines aren’t produced using barrels. The use of a high-quality oak barrel is important, and three countries that dominate the wine barrel industry. French Oak French white oak is considered prized and the best oak to make into barrels.  The…

Asm. Corey Jackson Announces Launch of 24-Hour Childcare in His District

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) has secured $2 million in state funding to launch a proposed childcare special district serving families in Moreno Valley and Perris, paving the way for a system designed to provide childcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Moreno Valley-Perris Childcare Special…

COMMENTARY: The Audacity of Joyce Beatty

By BlackPressUSA Newswire Standing up to a bully requires more than slogans, press releases, or carefully staged outrage. It requires looking power in the face, refusing intimidation and saying, plainly, no. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty has that courage. The Ohio Democrat and former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus is standing virtually alone inside the Kennedy…

Who Gets to Build California? Small Contractors Seek a Bigger Share of the Infrastructure Boom 

Edward Henderson | California Black Media   William Jackson knows that ability alone is not enough for a small contractor to secure public infrastructure work.  “You’ve got to know where to go,” said Jackson, president of Global Electric, a Southern California electrical company. “And then when you go through, you have to have the resources in…

Gov. Newsom Signed These Black Caucus Members’ Bills Focused on Ballot Counting, Drones and Public Health 

Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation authored by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) that establishes uniform procedures for handling vote-by-mail ballots cast in person without identification envelopes. Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 1420 on Sept. 19 as part of a broader election-protection package. Richardson introduced the measure after her…

On World Rabies Day, Public Health Warns of Record Rabid Bat Detections in Los Angeles County 

Los Angeles County is experiencing its highest number of rabid bats ever recorded, prompting the Department of Public Health to urge local communities to take simple precautions that protect people and pets from rabies. As of September 28, World Rabies Day, 69 rabid bats have been confirmed, matching last year’s record with peak season still…

World Rabies Day booth with rabies warnings, pet vaccination advice, and Los Angeles County Health Department signage

4th Annual Inland Empire Black Parent Summit Brings Families, Educators and Community Together to Support Student Success

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.— On Saturday, October 17, the 4th Annual Inland Empire Black Parent Summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Santos Manuel Student Union at Cal State San Bernardino, 5500 University Pkwy. Registration is required.The Summit is a community gathering bringing together a host of nonprofit and community-based organizations,…

McDonald’s and BMOA Celebrate Herman Petty’s Legacy at the Obama Presidential Center

By BlackPressUSA Newswire Sponsored by McDonald’s. A proud moment at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, where the Herman Petty Room now recognizes a true Chicago trailblazer. In 1968, Petty opened his first McDonald’s near Jackson Park, creating a breakthrough moment for Black entrepreneurship on the South Side and helping open doors for generations of…

Inland Empire Caregivers Expo to Bring Free Resources, Expert Guidance and Community Support to the IE

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The Inland Empire Caregivers Expo will welcome caregivers, families, older adults and community members for a free day of information, connection and support on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts, 3438 Main Street, in Riverside. Created to strengthen…

Padilla Joins Duckworth in Renewed Push to Prevent Police-Involved Deaths

 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) in reintroducing the Police Training and Independent Review Act, legislation that would help prevent police-involved deaths and encourage independent, impartial investigations into law enforcement officials’ use of deadly force.  “Communities across California cannot feel safe if they cannot trust that law enforcement…

Author Kristen Amundson Explains ‘The Grandparent Effect’ and How It’s Helping Children Thrive Through Love, Support, and Connection

By Adam Shapiro Kristen Amundson has devoted her professional life to supporting students and parents throughout the education system. Previously, she authored “81 Questions for Parents” and “Unfinished Learning: Parents, Schools, and COVID School Closures.” Amundson, the former president and CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education, is now turning her attention…