By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
California Highway Patrol to Protect Kamala Harris After Trump Pulls Security Detail
Former Vice President Kamala Harris will receive protection from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) after President Trump revoked her extended Secret Service detail, law enforcement sources said on Aug. 29.
Trump signed a memorandum on Aug. 28, ending Harris’ federal protection effective Sept. 1. Normally, former vice presidents receive coverage for six months after leaving office, while ex-presidents are protected for life. In January 2025, then-President Joe Biden extended Harris’ protection through July 2026 at her aides’ request. Without the order, her detail would have ended in July.
California officials quickly arranged for CHP to provide dignitary protection. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office would not confirm the plan. “Our office does not comment on security arrangements,” spokesperson Izzy Gardon said. “The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was more direct, calling Trump’s move “another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances and more. This puts the former Vice President in danger ,and I look forward to working with the governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles.”
The change comes as Harris prepares for a 15-city international book tour promoting her memoir, “107 Days.” Harris, the first Black woman to serve as vice president, has faced heightened security threats, though a recent Secret Service review found no credible threats.
Report: Taxes and Fees California Lawmakers Are Proposing Add Up to $14 Billion a Year
California legislators introduced proposals during the first eight months of the 2025-26 legislative session that could raise annual taxes and fees by more than $14 billion, according to a report from the California Tax Foundation.
The report comes as the state’s 2024-25 general fund revenue exceeded projections by $2.7 billion, giving lawmakers some fiscal breathing room.
The Legislature reconvened last week after summer recess, with a September 12 deadline to send bills to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Several bills have already failed to advance but remain eligible for consideration in January as two-year bills. Others are still active and must clear committees quickly to reach floor votes.
Some high-impact measures noted in the report include:
- Retroactive emissions liability on fossil-fuel companies (AB 1243 and SB 684), with potential costs in the tens or hundreds of billions of dollars.
- Corporate tax changes tied to executive-to-worker pay ratios (SB 573), originally estimated at $3.5 billion before the levy was removed.
- A digital advertising tax (AB 796) projected at $1.5 billion.
- Income tax surcharge on high earning businesses lacking childcare benefits for employees (AB 1428), estimated at $460 million.
- Regional sales tax hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area (SB 63), San Luis Obispo (SB 333), and Monterey County (AB 761), totaling more than $400 million combined.
- Ticket taxes for major sporting events in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties (AB 1237), estimated at $75 million.
- Fees on homebuilders (AB 1206), vehicle dealers (SB 791), plastic manufacturers (AB 973), and other industries.
The foundation’s analysis also highlights dozens of smaller measures, including new licensing fees for veterinary assistants (AB 1502), late-night alcohol sales permits (AB 342) and environmental assessments (SB 318), which together add up to millions more.
With the legislative deadline approaching, Democrats are weighing how far to push new revenue proposals while Republicans warn the tax hikes could drive businesses and residents out of California. Measures that stall this fall are expected to return in 2026, ensuring the debate over who pays for the state’s priorities will remain a central fight at the Capitol.
California High-Speed Rail Faces Delays, Rising costs Amid Funding fight
California’s long-planned high-speed rail project is now years behind schedule and could cost nearly $128 billion, more than triple the original $33 billion estimate, state lawmakers said Aug. 25. Construction is currently limited to a 119-mile stretch in the Central Valley, with full completion from San Francisco to Los Angeles unlikely before 2038.
The project, approved by voters in 2008, initially aimed to link Los Angeles and San Francisco by 2020. The first two phases now focus on connecting Merced to Bakersfield by 2032 and Gilroy to Palmdale by 2038, covering an $87 billion portion of the total projected cost.
Lawmakers held a news conference to provide updates and support Senate Bill 545, which would explore new funding sources and the economic impact of the rail corridor.
“This is how we grow our economy and cut pollution at the same time,” said Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, on Aug. 25.
Cortese said a majority of voters, especially younger Californians, continue to support the project and that the rail line could spur residential and commercial development along the corridor.
The funding fight escalated last month when the Trump administration pulled $4 billion in federal funding, prompting the California High-Speed Rail Authority to file a lawsuit seeking restoration. President Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have criticized the project as a “train to nowhere.”
Republicans remain skeptical. Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks) questioned whether taxpayers will see a return on the investment, citing the cost increase and urging a public vote on the project’s future. Strickland suggested the funds could be better spent on public safety initiatives like Proposition 36.
So far, the project has received nearly $24 billion in funding, primarily from state sources with some federal contributions. Supporters maintain that the train could ultimately pay for itself through increased ridership and development along the route, while opponents warn of escalating costs and decades of delays.
Prioritizing Healing Over Incarceration: Asm. Elhawary, Others Hold Rally
Faith leaders, labor partners, and justice advocates rallied at the California State Capitol on Aug. 24 in support of AB 1231, a bill that aims to expand diversion programs and shift the state’s approach to public safety away from punishment.
The “Safer Communities through Opportunities Act,” authored by Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles), would give judges more discretion to send people facing low-level, nonviolent charges to education, treatment, or job training programs instead of jail. Supporters say the proposal would reduce recidivism and keep families intact, while opponents warn it could allow repeat offenders to avoid consequences.
“This bill is about investing in opportunity over punishment. And that means those most impacted must be at the table, experiencing the process, and shaping the future,” Elhawary said in a social media post ahead of the event.
The rally, held on the West Steps of the Capitol, featured clergy from Los Angeles and other regions, immigrant families, grassroots organizers, and representatives from groups such as SEIU, PICO California, the Vera Institute of Justice, and the Drug Policy Alliance.
Speakers shared personal stories about the impact of incarceration on their communities and called on state lawmakers to move the bill forward before the legislative session ends.
Organizers said the demonstration was part of a broader push to replace punitive policies with community-based solutions. “Our people are making sure their voices are heard where laws are written,” Elhawary’s team posted, highlighting the participation of youth and directly impacted families.
If approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor, AB 1231 would mark one of California’s most significant justice-reform efforts in recent years, supporters said. Measures that do not advance this year are expected to resurface in 2026, keeping the debate over crime, safety, and rehabilitation at the forefront of state politics.
Gov. Newsom Expands CHP Teams to Reduce Crime in California’s Major Cities
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the next phase of his crime-fighting strategy Aug. 25, deploying new California Highway Patrol (CHP) crime suppression teams to major cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, the Central Valley, and the Bay Area.
The teams will work closely with local law enforcement to target high-crime areas, apprehend repeat offenders, and confiscate illicit weapons and narcotics.
“These crime suppression teams will provide critical support to our local partners by focusing on crime where it happens most,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “By combining resources, intelligence, and personnel, we can better disrupt criminal activity and strengthen the safety and security of communities across California.”
The expansion builds on previous successful deployments in Oakland, Bakersfield, and San Bernardino. Since April 2024, Bakersfield has seen 859 felony arrests, 721 misdemeanor arrests, 2,654 DUI arrests, and 1,386 stolen vehicles recovered, along with 114 firearms seized. Oakland reported a 34% overall drop in crime, including a 25% decrease in robberies and nearly 50% reduction in burglaries. San Bernardino also recorded lower violent crime and property theft, with officials making 357 felony arrests and seizing 145 stolen vehicles.
Statewide data highlight the broader impact of California’s public safety investments. Preliminary results from the first six months of 2025 show violent crime down 12.5% in the state’s eight largest cities compared to 2024. Homicide rates remain near historic lows, and California’s overall rate of violent crime continues to be lower than many other states, according to CDC data.
Newsom’s office emphasized that strategic partnerships, targeted enforcement, and ongoing state investment in public safety have been central to reducing crime. Since 2019, California has invested $1.7 billion to bolster local law enforcement, improve public safety, and combat organized crime.
“These deployments reflect a shared commitment between state and local authorities to protect communities while holding criminals accountable,” said Newsom. “When state and local partners work together, Californians see real results.”
The new deployments will extend the CHP’s presence in key areas, continuing a coordinated approach to prevent crime and improve public safety across California.
On Aug. 29, the Governor is also announced a statewide strategy prioritizing the removal of homelessness encampments and “bring services and shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness.”
California has put in place a strong, comprehensive strategy for fighting the national homelessness and housing crises — and is outperforming the nation as a result in turning this issue around. No one should live in a dangerous or unsanitary encampment, and we will continue our ongoing work to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home.”
California Lawmaker Proposes ‘Two-State Solution’ Amid Redistricting Dispute
California Assembly Republican leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) has proposed splitting the state into two separate entities as an alternative to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan, which voters will consider this November.
Gallagher’s “two-state solution” would separate the bluer coastal counties from the GOP-leaning inland regions, which he says have been left underrepresented.
“We don’t want any part of a government that won’t give us a voice,” said Gallagher during a press conference Aug. 27. “We can govern ourselves and make decisions that actually work for the inland parts of this state.”
Gallagher criticized Newsom’s redistricting initiative, known as Proposition 50, calling it the “Gavinmander” and claiming it diminishes representation for inland communities. “Newsom and his super majority can continue to govern in the way they want. I mean, knock yourselves out, guys, maybe gas will be $10 a gallon by the time you’re done, but we would like to pursue different policies,” he added.
The idea of splitting California is not new. In 2018, a proposal to divide the state into three was removed from the ballot by the state Supreme Court. Earlier, venture capitalist Tim Draper attempted a “Six Californias” initiative in 2014, which failed to qualify for the ballot.
Newsom’s office dismissed Gallagher’s plan as a political stunt, stating, “A person who seeks to split California does not deserve to hold office in the Golden State. This is a stunt that will go nowhere.” Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) echoed the sentiment, calling the proposal “ridiculous.”
Legal experts say a split is theoretically possible but unlikely. Constitutional law professor Jessica Levinson explained, “It absolutely is the case that the Constitution provides for a path, but that’s a difficult path. California’s legislature would have to agree… and Congress, similarly, would also have to agree, and I don’t see that happening either.”
Should the legislature reject the plan, Gallagher said he could pursue a ballot initiative to give voters a direct say in the proposal. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between California’s coastal and inland regions over representation and political influence, with Gallagher positioning his plan as a response to what he sees as disproportionate control by the state’s Democratic leadership.
NAACP California-Hawaii Partners with Black-Owned Coffee Company to “Caffeinate the Cause”
The NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference (CA/HI NAACP) has launched a new partnership with Roots Java, a 100% African American-owned coffee company.
Introducing the campaign “Caffeinating the Cause.” the partnership connects Black communities across the globe, from Rwandan coffee farms to local NAACP branches in California and Hawaii.
Roots Java sources its beans from Rwanda’s highlands, where careful cultivation creates a distinctive flavor. Through the campaign, 20% of every bag sold goes directly to the NAACP branch that facilitated the sale, giving local communities new resources to continue civil rights advocacy.
Rick L. Callender, president of the CA/HI NAACP, said the partnership builds “power that spans continents.” He added, “By supporting Roots Java, we’re uplifting Black farmers and entrepreneurs abroad — and by giving our branches a new fundraising tool, we’re strengthening our movement at home.”
Fitz Hill, founder of Roots Java, highlighted the connection between commerce and purpose. “Coffee connects people — and through this partnership, it connects purpose. We’re proud to work with the NAACP CA-HI State Conference to create meaningful impact on both sides of the Atlantic. This is about Black excellence, from farm to table,” Hill said.
The campaign has the backing of NAACP branches across California, including East Contra Costa County, Hayward-South Alameda County, Los Angeles, Monterey, Richmond, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Santa Rosa-Sonoma County, and Ventura County. The Maricopa County branch in Arizona is also participating.
Callender emphasized that the initiative demonstrates a “bold investment in Black futures,” creating opportunities for economic empowerment while supporting the fight for equity and civil rights at home.For more information or to participate in the campaign, visit rootsjava.com/naacp.