By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
Supporters Push Gov. Newsom to Sign Bill Granting Admissions Preferences to Descendants of Enslaved People
Two days after Assembly Bill (AB) 7 passed out of the State Senate with a 30-10 vote, about 150 people from across the state converged on the State Capitol, urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign the measure into law by Oct. 12.
Gov. Newsom has until Oct. 12 to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature this legislative session. Any measure not vetoed by that date will automatically become law.
Authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), the bill would allow (but not require) public and private colleges in California to offer preferential admissions to applicants who are direct descendants of enslaved people, to the extent permitted by federal law.
Following Senate concurrence, the bill was sent to the governor’s desk on Sept. 12.
A diverse group representing Black Lives Matter Grassroots, Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative, the Social Justice Learning Institute, Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, University of California Student Association (UCSA), California Faculty Association, and California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) attended the rally.
The support the bill has received through the legislative process has been “enormous,” Bryan said, pointing out that supporters who participated in the rally at the State Capitol were college-aged students who have shown the most engagement.
Malia Fraser is the Black Student Success Officer for the UCSA and chairperson of the African Student Union at UCLA. At the rally held in front of the State Capitol, Fraser said Black students make up about 4% of the UC and California State University system’s student population.
“Today we are fighting for a future where institutions finally reckon with their past and take steps toward repair,” Fraser said.
Opponents of California’s Assembly Bill (AB) 7 have argued that the bill violates Proposition 209 and that providing admissions preferences to descendants of enslaved people is unconstitutional.
However, CABL defends the legality of AB 7, pointing to the bill’s lineage focus rather than race. CABL President Tamara Michael said the approach is intended to stand up to legal challenges, particularly in light of federal rulings against race-based affirmative action.
“Let me be clear, (AB 7) isn’t about special treatment. It’s about restorative justice, creating a legal framework that allows our universities to acknowledge and repair historical wrongs,” Michael said. “AB 7 is a mechanism for justice. Not a handout.”
AB 7 is a key priority for the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and part of its “Road to Repair 2025” package — a 16-bill initiative designed to confront the lasting effects of slavery and systemic racism in the state.
The bill intends to single out a “legacy of exclusion” in education, Bryan said. The supporters of the AB 7 took their message to Newsom’s office at the State Capitol Swing Space Annex.
“Seeing 150 people go over to the governor’s office is powerful,” Bryan told CBM. “There have been people involved all year, all across the state, and across the country. There is no reason why (Newsom) shouldn’t sign it. I’m hopeful.”
Gov. Newsom Releases Annual “State of the State” Letter
As part of the events organized to mark California’s 175th anniversary of statehood last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his annual State of the State letter on Sept. 9.
The letter outlined the state’s recovery from natural disasters, its legal battles with the federal government, and its investments in education, housing, and clean energy.
In the address from the Governor’s Mansion, Newsom described California as a national leader in innovation and climate action, while warning that federal actions threaten the state’s progress. “The state of the state is strong, fully committed to defending democracy, and resolved to never bend,” he wrote in the letter.
Newsom praised firefighters, law-enforcement officers, and ordinary citizens who responded to January’s hurricane-force winds and wildfires
in Los Angeles. He said expedited debris removal and rebuilding permits helped families and businesses recover faster as he pledged long-term support for affected communities.
The Governor said California has filed 41 lawsuits this year to challenge federal policies that he argued would increase costs, reduce public services, and damage higher education in the state. Newsom also pointed to recent immigration raids and funding threats to UCLA as examples of what he called a hostile federal stance.
“California, this uniquely blessed state, is standing up,” he wrote.
Newsom’s letter also highlighted new investments in education, including universal transitional kindergarten, tuition-free community college, and career training in health care, education, and green energy. He noted that California has created apprenticeship and “earn-and-learn” programs projected to serve more than 500,000 people by 2029.
On affordability, the Governor cited the expansion of child-care slots, paid family leave, and targeted tax credits, as well as the CalRx program designed to lower prescription drug prices. He also highlighted billions invested in affordable housing, along with policies that incentivize local governments to build new homes — and enforce accountability when they fall short.
Newsom framed these initiatives as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the economy, expand opportunity, and maintain California’s leadership in clean technology and innovation. He closed by linking the state’s resilience to its history of pioneering ideas. “Over 175 years, we have drawn pioneers in thought and industry,” he wrote.
Asm. Tina McKinnor’s Bill proposing Homebuying Assistance to Descendants of Enslaved People Passes Assembly.
The California Assembly passed AB 57 on Sept. 8, creating a 10 percent set-aside of home loans under the California Dream for All Program specifically for descendants of formerly enslaved people.
The bill is co-authored by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) and a group of lawmakers comprised of California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) members. The authors say AB 57 aims to increase homeownership and generational wealth among historically marginalized communities.
The California Dream for All Program, administered by the California Housing Finance Agency, provides shared appreciation loans to qualified first-time homebuyers. Under AB 57, once the certification process is established by the proposed Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery, at least 10% of the program’s funds will be reserved for applicants certified as descendants of formerly enslaved people.
“I am so excited that the Assembly just passed AB 57,” McKinnor said in a video message. “We are going to close the gap, and we are going to get generational wealth for descendants of African American slaves.”
The legislation would become operative only if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs Senate Bill (SB) 518 into law, which would establish the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery.
AB 57 also directs the agency to adopt policies that maximize the number of households assisted, expand opportunities for wealth accumulation, and maintain consumer protections for homebuyers.
Supporters say AB 57 represents a critical step in addressing historic inequities in homeownership.
“Listen, listen Governor Newsom, I’m asking you, sign this bill. This is going to be great for California,” McKinnor added.
Coauthors include Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles), Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Corey Jackson (D-Riverside), Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro), Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton), LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego), and Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), along with Senators Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) Laura Richardson (D-Los Angeles), and Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles).
Atty Gen Bonta, Mayor Bass, and Other California Leaders Blast SCOTUS Decision “Legalizing Racial Profiling”
California political leaders sharply criticized the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift restrictions on federal immigration enforcement, calling the ruling “un-American” and effectively “legalizing racial profiling.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the decision is a direct threat to communities across the country.
“This isn’t just an attack on the people of LA, this is an attack on every person in every city in this country,” Bass said. “Today’s ruling is not only dangerous – it’s un-American and threatens the fabric of personal freedom in the U.S.”
The Supreme Court stay allows federal immigration officers to resume operations without prior limits in Los Angeles, potentially ending a late-summer lull in raids. Earlier this year, masked agents targeted individuals, including people who appeared Hispanic, sparking outrage.
“With the stroke of a pen, the Supreme Court has undermined the rights of millions,” Bass said, standing outside a Home Depot where federal agents previously conducted sweeps. She emphasized the city’s resistance, adding, “I have already directed all city departments to bolster protocols and training in compliance with the city’s law prohibiting the use of resources in immigration enforcement.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, whose office filed an amicus brief supporting the lawsuit challenging the immigration stops, also criticized the ruling. “How they prevent the use of race to tackle discrimination but allow the use of race to potentially discriminate is disturbing, and it is troubling,” Bonta said, calling the court’s rationale “dangerous and wrong.”
The Trump administration defended the ruling as a “major victory.” Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said law enforcement will continue to “arrest and remove the murderers, rapists, gang members and other criminal illegal aliens that Karen Bass continues to give safe harbor.”
Bass warned that renewed immigration sweeps could affect working families, tearing communities apart. She emphasized that Los Angeles would continue to uphold city laws that protect residents and urged federal authorities to respect the rights of all Californians.
Mayor Bass Endorses Former L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa for California Governor
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, on Sept. 9, endorsed former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for California governor, highlighting his ability to unite communities and address the state’s most pressing challenges.
Bass cited Villaraigosa’s experience and coalition-building skills as key reasons for her support. “That’s why I’m supporting Antonio for governor — a leader who can unite our state with our shared values and ensure that basics like high-quality schools, safe neighborhoods, affordable homes, and good-paying job opportunities are available and accessible for all Californians,” she said.
Villaraigosa, who served as mayor from 2005 to 2013 and was previously Assembly Speaker, described Bass’ endorsement as a boost to his 2026 campaign. He emphasized his focus on affordability and economic opportunity statewide. “Our children can’t buy a home without our help. I’m focused on affordability,” Villaraigosa said in an interview on Sept. 9.
The two leaders share a long political history, with Villaraigosa having endorsed Bass in her successful 2022 mayoral campaign. Bass’ endorsement signals strong support from Los Angeles’ political class and could give Villaraigosa early momentum as the gubernatorial race heats up.
Several other Democrats are running for governor in 2026, including former California Assembly Speaker and Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins; former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services and former California Attorney Gen. Xavier Becerra; former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter; California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond; and former California State Controller Betty Yee. Republicans Steve Hilton, a businessman and TV Show host, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are also in the race.
Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis has dropped out to run for state treasurer.
Your EV Will No Longer Give You the Privilege to Drive in HOV Lanes
California drivers with Clean Air Vehicle decals will lose their ability to drive solo in carpool lanes starting Oct. 1, as the federal government did not extend funding for the program, officials announced.
The program, which has encouraged adoption of clean and zero-emission vehicles for more than two decades, currently benefits roughly 500,000 drivers in the state.
The decals also provided access to reduced toll rates in some areas, a perk that will end with the program. “Californians are committed to lowering their carbon footprint and these decals helped drivers be good stewards of our highways and environment,” said Steve Gordon, director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles in a statement. “By taking away this program, hundreds of thousands of California’s drivers will pay the price. It’s a lose-lose and we urge the federal government to retain this program.”
The carpool lane benefit was originally designed to incentivize electric and low-emission vehicle purchases. More than a million motorists have applied for the decal since its inception, and California is one of 13 states that offered the perk. Vehicles that qualified included fuel-cell electric, natural gas, or plug-in electric models.
Gov. Gavin Newsom blamed congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump for the program’s expiration, calling it a “traffic jam” that threatens environmental progress and commuting efficiency. “That’s Trump’s America: more traffic, more smog and a government more committed to slashing proven programs than solving real problems,” Newsom said in a statement.
Last year, Newsom signed a state bill extending the program through 2027, but federal approval is required to continue the benefits. The program ends simultaneously with the $7,500 federal tax credit for new electric vehicles, further reducing incentives for EV buyers.
California Energy Commission data shows that 25% of new cars sold in the state are zero-emission vehicles, reflecting growing consumer interest despite program cuts. Drivers may continue using carpool lanes only if they meet the multiple-occupant requirement. California law provides a 60-day grace period after the program ends before citations are issued for decal misuse.
Newsom, Legislators Reach Cap and Trade Deal; Republicans Slam Proposal
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week that state leaders had reached a deal to extend California’s landmark cap-and-trade program, a centerpiece of the state’s climate policy that requires businesses to pay for the greenhouse gases they emit.
“After months of hard work with the Legislature, we have agreed to historic reforms that will save money on your electric bills, stabilize gas supply, and slash toxic air pollution — all while fast-tracking California’s transition to a clean, green job-creating economy,” said Newsom in a statement released Sept. 10.
Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes) criticized the Legislature’s last-minute cap-and-trade deal reached last week, arguing that the process excluded public input and ignored pressing community concerns.
In a statement, Wallis argued that California lawmakers rushed through a multi-billion-dollar agreement that locks in spending priorities until 2045 without addressing refinery pollution, air quality in frontline communities, or affordability challenges. “Good policy isn’t made in secret,” Wallis said. “Californians deserve public input on decisions that will shape our state for decades — we are at our best when we work together, not in silos.”
Wallis faulted legislative leaders for moving the measure without hearings or opportunities for residents to weigh in. He said the deal prioritized “political projects — not working families.” A bipartisan group of legislators, he added, offered amendments to address affordability and environmental concerns, but those proposals were ignored.
The cap-and-trade system, launched in 2013, is California’s primary tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by requiring polluters to purchase allowances for the carbon they emit. Critics of the new deal argue it extends the program’s structure without adequately strengthening pollution safeguards in disadvantaged communities. Supporters say the agreement preserves stability in California’s climate policy and ensures continued funding for clean-energy investments.
The deal is expected to reach Newsom’s desk, where it will likely receive his signature. Newsom has championed cap-and-trade as part of California’s broader strategy to cut emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.
New California Law Lets Abortion Pills Be Dispensed Without Patient Names
California lawmakers have approved one of the nation’s strongest protections for abortion pill providers, passing Assembly Bill (AB) 260 — legislation that allows medication to be mailed without patient or prescriber names on the label.
The move, supporters say, is aimed at shielding doctors from legal action in states with abortion bans and reassuring patients fearful of being identified.
The measure passed by wide margins in the Assembly and Senate last week and now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is expected to sign it. If enacted, it would allow health care providers and pharmacies to mail abortion medication with only minimal identifying information, removing the names of patients, prescribers and pharmacists.
Supporters say the bill will bolster “shield laws” already adopted in California and several other states following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade. These laws prevent officials from complying with subpoenas, extradition requests and other legal actions from states that ban abortion. Advocates argue that omitting names will make it harder for states with bans to build legal cases against providers and patients.
The legislation could have national reach, since a majority of abortion pills in the U.S. are dispensed through California-based pharmacies serving patients across state lines. Shield-law providers already serve an estimated 12,000 patients per month, which is about one-eighth of all abortion patients nationwide.
Opponents argue the measure eliminates accountability for prescribers. James Bopp Jr., general counsel for National Right to Life, called the law “almost horrifying.” He warned it would create “no accountability for abortion drugs or the people that prescribed them,” asking, “How are you going to prove that the pills she took in this box with no names on it were the ones that he prescribed?”
Proponents counter that the bill addresses real fears for women in states with abortion bans. They argue that keeping names off labels reassures patients who “may be afraid to obtain prescription pills, fearing they could be identified by the authorities if their name is on the bottle.”