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Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed   

Bo Tefu | California Black Media 

New Video Ad: Black Elected Officials Speak Out in Support of Prop 50

A new video featuring Black elected officials from areas across California is urging voters to support Proposition 50 in the Nov. 4 special election. 

The measure, known as the “Election Rigging Response Act,” would allow the state to temporarily redraw congressional districts in response to other states, including Texas, redrawing their electoral maps outside the standard ten-year U.S. Census cycle, affecting the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections.

Officials featured in the ad include Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass; State Assemblymembers Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), and Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles); LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, L.A, City Councilwoman Heather Hutt; State Senators Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) and Laura Richardson (D- Inglewood), and LAUSD Board of Education member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.

In the video, the leaders emphasize that Prop 50 protects fair representation, preserves Black political power, and counters efforts in other states to manipulate congressional districts. They frame a “yes” vote as essential to defending voting rights and ensuring that all communities have a voice in Congress.

Supporters, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and former President Barack Obama, say the measure ensures equal representation and counters partisan gerrymandering in other states. Opponents argue it undermines California’s independent redistricting process and serves partisan interests.

The video coincides with on-the-ground efforts to mobilize voters. On Oct. 25, the California Black Power Network Action Fund and partners, including Black Women for Wellness Action Project and LA Black Worker Center, held a rally and canvassing event at Leimert Park. The event included voter outreach and canvass training.

Smallwood-Cuevas said, “Yes on Proposition 50 is about standing our ground. Our voices, our votes, and our representation are not negotiable.” Early voting and mail-in ballots are already underway, giving Californians an opportunity to shape the state’s congressional representation and protect democratic participation.

Gov. Gavin Newsom Highlights California’s Leadership in AI, Innovation, Agriculture and More

Gov. Gavin Newsom showcased California’s economic strength and leadership in innovation and technology during the California Economic Summit on Oct. 22, 2025.

Speaking alongside Dee Dee Myers, director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), Newsom emphasized the state’s position as a global leader in emerging industries and its commitment to providing opportunities for all residents.

“California is an economic powerhouse,” Newsom said. “We are entrepreneurs, innovators, pioneers, and self-starters. California invests in all corners of the state, building a strong economic future for all, helping every Californian get one step closer to fulfilling their California Dream.”

The summit highlighted California’s leadership in sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, biotechnology, fusion energy, nuclear technology, and space exploration. Newsom recently signed legislation to strengthen innovation on university campuses, aiming to maintain the state’s competitive edge in critical industries and attract global investment.

The governor also announced a historic expansion of the state’s Film and Television Tax Credit, increasing it from $330 million to $750 million. The initiative is expected to generate $1.4 billion for the economy by supporting the production of 52 new films in California, further boosting the creative sector and related jobs.

Earlier this year, Newsom introduced the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, a comprehensive plan developed by nine state agencies to guide regional growth, expand 21st-century job training, and create an environment that fosters well-paying jobs. The blueprint is designed to strengthen California’s innovation economy while improving access to economic opportunities across all communities.

Newsom emphasized that even amid national economic challenges, California remains committed to investing in talent, infrastructure, and technology to secure long-term prosperity. The summit brought together business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders to discuss strategies that support innovation, workforce development, and equitable economic growth throughout the state.

By reinforcing California’s leadership in technology, agriculture, and creative industries, the governor said the state is prepared to maintain its global economic dominance while providing residents with pathways to 

Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson: Prop 50 Isn’t Perfect, But It’s a Tough and Necessary Choice

State Sen. Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) has publicly endorsed Proposition 50, the “Election Rigging Response Act,” ahead of California’s Nov. 4 special election. While acknowledging the measure’s imperfections, Weber Pierson, who is chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), said it is necessary to protect the state’s political influence and the voting power of historically marginalized communities.

“Prop 50 isn’t perfect, but it’s a tough and necessary choice,” Weber Pierson said in a video released on social media.

The video, shared on Facebook, features the senator and other Black elected officials highlighting the importance of the measure in defending California’s political representation and safeguarding voting rights against partisan redistricting efforts in other states.

The video and accompanying posts also emphasize support from the CLBC, the NAACP, and Black Women for Wellness. Officials note that Prop 50 would temporarily allow California to redraw congressional districts if another state manipulates its maps outside the standard ten-year census cycle. The measure would apply to the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections before returning redistricting authority to California’s independent citizens’ redistricting commission.

Opponents, including former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, argue that Proposition 50 is a partisan attempt to favor Democrats and undermine the independent redistricting system Californians approved through a ballot measure in 2008. They describe the measure as “undemocratic” and a challenge to reforms intended to ensure fair representation.

Weber Pierson urged Californians to participate in the election and highlighted the broader stakes, including protecting access to political resources and funding for communities of color. Early voting and mail-in ballots are already underway.

The Facebook video concludes with a call for civic participation, encouraging residents to research their polling locations and vote yes on Proposition 50 to ensure fair representation and defend the political gains Black communities have fought for over generations.

For more information on the special election, voters can visit www.vote.ca.gov and follow updates from the California Legislative Black Caucus and supporting organizations on social media.

Amid Fed Gov’t Shutdown, Gov. Newsom Activates National Guard to Assist Food Banks

Gov. Gavin Newsom has activated the California National Guard and California Volunteers to support food banks across the state, responding to potential delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Approximately 5.5 million Californians rely on SNAP benefits, and the federal shutdown has raised concerns about interruptions in food assistance for families and individuals. To address this, Newsom is also fast-tracking up to $80 million in state funds to ensure food banks remain stocked and operational across nearly every county.

The National Guard will focus exclusively on humanitarian efforts, including food distribution and logistical support, without any law enforcement duties. Similar deployments during the COVID-19 pandemic helped deliver more than 800 million meals statewide, demonstrating the Guard’s capacity to assist in emergencies.

“This is serious, this is urgent — and requires immediate action,” Newsom said. He criticized the federal government’s inaction, stating, “Trump’s failure isn’t abstract — it’s literally taking food out of people’s mouths.” 

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom underscored California’s commitment to residents, saying, “California is taking action to support our families by deploying California’s National Guard and California Volunteers to strengthen food distribution and invest $80 million to keep food banks stocked.”

Major General Matthew P. Beevers of the California Military Department expressed pride in the National Guard’s involvement, noting, “We are honored to serve our communities once again.”

The deployment will focus on immediate support for food banks and vulnerable populations while the state coordinates with local agencies to address gaps in service caused by the federal shutdown. Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to contact their local food banks or visit www.calfoodbanks.org to find resources.

Newsom emphasized that the state remains committed to ensuring no Californian goes hungry during this federal funding lapse, signaling a proactive approach to protecting vulnerable communities while federal operations remain stalled.

California Students Sue Over Inequitable School Facility Funding in Low-Income Districts

A public interest law firm filed a lawsuit on Oct. 22 against the state of California, alleging that the program funding school construction projects favors wealthy districts while shortchanging low-income communities. The lawsuit, Miliani R. v. State of California, was filed in Alameda County Superior Court and highlights disparities in funding for school facility renovations across the state.

Plaintiffs include students, parents, teachers, and organizations from low-wealth districts, such as Coachella Valley High, Salinas City Elementary, and Lynwood Unified School District. The lawsuit argues that districts with the smallest property tax bases, which generally serve the most low-income, Black, Hispanic, and Native American students, receive far less state aid for facility upgrades than wealthier districts.

“It is district wealth, not student need, that too often dictates whether students have access to safe, functional facilities,” the lawsuit states. 

Miliani Lexani Rodriguez, a senior at Coachella Valley High School and the named plaintiff, said at a press conference, “The California Constitution promises every student a safe, clean, and equitable education. That includes the buildings we learn in. Right now, that promise is being broken for students like me and thousands of others across the state.”

The lawsuit details conditions such as leaking portables, black mold, malfunctioning HVAC systems, outdated science labs, and unsafe playgrounds. Plaintiffs contend that the state’s School Facility Program, which provides matching funds for renovations, has perpetuated inequality because wealthier districts can issue larger bonds and secure funding first.

Former Lynwood Unified Superintendent Gudiel Crosthwaite, who now lives in Sunnyvale, described the stark contrast between districts: “If you’re in Lynwood, and it’s 97 degrees and you don’t have running air conditioning or adequate HVAC systems for six, seven hours a day, it’s difficult to focus on your learning. That’s just a very simple thing.”

The lawsuit asks the court to overhaul eligibility and funding formulas for the School Facility Program, arguing that the current system replicates historic inequities. Scholars agree that equitable funding for school facilities remains one of the state’s unfinished education finance challenges. “The issue has flown under the radar for so many years,” said Michael Kirst, a Stanford professor and former President, California State Board of Education. “We need to complete the job of making California school finance more equitable.”

The case could have broad implications for how California funds school renovations and ensures that students in low-wealth districts have safe and modern learning environments.

Educators Unite to Help Youth Succeed — Despite Challenges

The Reaching At-Promise Students Association (RAPSA) has launched the Education & Leadership Advisory Table, a new initiative designed to transform education for students traditionally labeled as “at-risk.” RAPSA refers to these students as “at-promise,” emphasizing their resilience, determination, and potential.

The advisory table brings together educators, researchers, policymakers, school leaders, and advocates to provide guidance on policies and practices across K-12, higher education, and workforce systems. Members will also advise RAPSA on its ongoing and future programs, ensuring that the voices and experiences of students are central to decision-making.

“At RAPSA, we recognize that every young person carries immense promise,” said Khieem Jackson, managing director of RAPSA. “The launch of our Education & Leadership Advisory Table brings together some of the brightest minds to help reimagine systems, elevate voices, and ensure every student is seen, supported, and set up for success. This isn’t just about changing labels — it’s about changing lives.”

The advisory table includes leaders such as Dr. Jorge Ruiz de Velasco of Stanford University’s John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities, Catalina CiFuentes of Riverside County Office of Education, Javier Guzman of the Center for Powerful Public Schools, and Julian Cuevas, board president of Dixon Unified School District. 

Guzman said, “At-promise youth embody brilliance, creativity, and strength. Together, we can help our alternative schools pioneer the transformation our education system so urgently needs.”

Members bring expertise in areas such as college persistence, workforce readiness, and educational equity, and collectively aim to improve outcomes for students facing systemic challenges. 

Julian Cuevas said, “Changing outcomes for At-Promise youth requires that we transform how we lead, together. The Advisory Table is more than a convening; it’s a commitment to shared responsibility across schools, agencies, and communities to create conditions where every student can succeed.”

The launch underscores RAPSA’s dedication to collaboration, innovation, and equity in education. By connecting thought leaders, the organization aims to ensure that At-Promise students are supported, seen, and equipped to succeed both academically and in life.