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Prop 10 Fails, Measure Y Passes

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The repeal of Costa-Hawkins has not passed on the state ballot this midterm election.  Proposition 10 would have repealed the statewide Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which sets restrictions on rent control legislation throughout the state. It exempts buildings built after 1995, single family homes, and condos from rent control.
The opposition to Prop. 10 was funded by a whopping $74 million from real-estate companies. The top three funders were: California Association of Realtors, Essex Property Trust, Inc., Blackstone Property Partners, L.P.
The repeal also failed passage when it was an assembly bill introduced by Assembly Members Rob Bonta, David Chiu, and Richard Bloom in January.
A post from statewide tenants rights organization Tenants Together on Wednesday reads: “We want to thank the hundreds of organizations and allies statewide who came together to support Prop. 10.  Labor, faith-based organizations, community groups, and political leaders came together in a broad, unprecedented coalition to stand up to the real estate industry. We’ll be back.”

But Tenants Together is celebrating some victories on the local level.  In Oakland, voters approved Measure Y, which removes the exemption for owner-occupied duplexes and triplexes from Just Cause eviction regulations.  They also approved Measure W, which taxes vacant properties to earn $10,000,000 annually for 20 years to fund homeless services and resources to address illegal dumping.
In Alameda, Measure K failed to pass, which would have removed the sunset provision on the city’s rent control law and required changes to the law to pass by voters instead of City Council.  The current temporary rent control law allows no-cause, no-fault evictions with financial settlement. An opinion piece published in East Bay Times by Denise Sicat Wong and Brad Hirn before the election read, “If Measure K passes, no-cause evictions and burdensome rent increases will become permanent.”
 

Arts and Culture

Beverly Lorraine Greene: A Pioneering Architect and Symbol of Possibility and Progress

Greene graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1936 with a degree in Architecture — a remarkable accomplishment for an African American woman at the time. She was never discouraged by the racial and gender discrimination that saturated her field.

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Beverly Lorraine Greene. Public domain photo.
Beverly Lorraine Greene. Public domain photo.

By Tamara Shiloh

In the mid-20th century, Beverly Lorraine Greene was recognized as the first African American woman licensed to practice architecture in the United States.

Greene was born on Oct. 4, 1915, in Chicago during an era when opportunities for African Americans, particularly women, were severely limited.

Her parents, James and Vera Greene, were deeply invested in her education, instilling in her a belief in the power of intellect and perseverance. She grew up during the Great Migration that transformed Chicago starting in 1900.

Greene graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1936 with a degree in Architecture — a remarkable accomplishment for an African American woman at the time. She was never discouraged by the racial and gender discrimination that saturated her field.

Greene continued her education, earning a master’s degree in City Planning and Housing in 1937, also from the University of Illinois. Her ambition was not merely to design structures but to shape spaces that fostered equity and community. In 1942, she became the first African American woman licensed as an architect in the United States, obtaining her credentials in Illinois. This groundbreaking achievement, however, did not translate immediately into job opportunities.

Early in her career, she faced significant discrimination from firms unwilling to hire a Black woman. However, her determination never wavered. In 1945, Beverly moved to New York City, a place she believed could offer broader professional opportunities.

She joined the architectural department of the New York City Housing Authority, focusing on affordable housing projects. Her work during this time reflected her commitment to using architecture as a tool for social justice, ensuring that marginalized communities had access to well-designed, dignified living spaces.

Greene’s talents soon drew the attention of prominent firms. She was hired by Isadore Rosenfield, a respected architect known for designing hospitals. She contributed to the design of healthcare facilities, including the modernization of Harlem Hospital. Her portfolio expanded in collaboration with architectural personalities such as Marcel Breuer and Edward Durell Stone.

Notably, she worked on the prestigious UNESCO headquarters in Paris — a landmark project that brought her skills to an international stage. Her involvement underscored her ability to navigate the intricacies of large-scale, global projects, proving that her talents transcended the limitations society sought to impose.

Greene’s career was tragically cut short when she passed away unexpectedly in 1957 at the age of 41. Though her life was brief, her impact was profound. She shattered entrenched barriers, paving the way for future generations of Black architects and women in the field.

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Activism

Resources for SoCal Fire Evacuees: Sign Up for No-Cost Meals, Phone Service, Rides and More

As of Jan.10, 10 deaths have been reported while emergency responders are still combing through the damage. The blaze has so far impacted over 45 square miles of land, over 180,000 residents were issued evacuation orders and nearly 350,000 energy customers are without power, including 200,000 in LA County alone.    

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Trees and bushes in or near yards were typically the first to catch fire before the blazes spread to homes. Altadena, Calif. Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith
Trees and bushes in or near yards were typically the first to catch fire before the blazes spread to homes. Altadena, Calif. Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Solomon O. Smith

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media  

Authorities in California and Washington continue to assess the fallout from the five devastating wildfires in Southern California caused by a mix of dry conditions and powerful Santa Ana winds.

As of Jan.10, 10 deaths have been reported while emergency responders are still combing through the damage. The blaze has so far impacted over 45 square miles of land, over 180,000 residents were issued evacuation orders and nearly 350,000 energy customers are without power, including 200,000 in LA County alone.

With a high number of displaced people, government agencies, local businesses and other organizations are offering support and resources to evacuees and first responders.

The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has listed a range of information with links available on its website.

Unemployment Insurance – Individuals affected by the fires can apply for unemployment benefits immediately. Because Gov. Newsom has proclaimed a State of Emergency, they do not have to wait a week to begin receiving payments.

FEMA has announced additional resources for affected Californians. People affected by the fires may be eligible for financial assistance. Additional information and guidance can be accessed at disasterassistance.gov.

The California Department of Insurance has updated its services and resources list to assist individuals navigating the insurance claims process.

The Red Cross is offering shelters for displaced fire victims. Anyone who needs a safe place to stay can find shelters at redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

Los Angeles is providing business owners services like one-on-one consultation, business and employment support, and assistance with applying for forthcoming microenterprise grants and microloans at the city’s 10 BusinessSource Centers (BSCs).

L.A. Based Author, Activist and Media Strategist Jasmyne Cannick provided this list of services families affected by the fires can use to connect to resources available to them.

Restaurants in the Los Angeles area have offered free meals for those displaced by the fire. This list hosted on the LA Times website is updated daily with locations participating in aid for those in need of something to eat.

The Abbey West Hollywood is offering free meals to evacuees and first responders

AT&T is offering wildfire areas unlimited data, talk and text through Feb. 6. An official list of zip codes can befound here.

Verizon has waived call, text and data charges for customers in hardest hit areas. Free wi-fi and charging stations have been deployed at three wildfire shelters.

The Jewish Federation of LA is directing evacuees and affected families to various resources, including legal support, mental health resources and volunteer opportunities.

Airbnb, in collaboration with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate.

Uber andLyft are helping evacuated residents with free rides to shelter locations.

U-Haulis opening its facilities across Southern California for 30 days of free self-storage to victims. The U-Box container disaster relief program is also available to assist evacuees and affected families.

Planet Fitness is providing people free access to locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi, regardless of membership status. The offer is valid until Jan. 15 at Planet Fitness locations across Los Angeles County that the wildfires haven’t impacted.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health crisis due to the impact of the wildfires, call or text 988. You can also click here to use 988 Lifeline Chat.

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Activism

Port of Oakland to Host January Meeting for Interfaith Council of Alameda County

State, county, and city officials have been invited to join ICAC board members and the community to explore effective strategies for addressing these interconnected challenges across Alameda County, including ICAC’s Safe Car Park program expansion and efforts to convert trailers into shelter for the unhoused.

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The Port of Oakland. Courtesy photo.
The Port of Oakland. Courtesy photo.

Special to The Post

The Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) will hold its first meeting of 2025 on Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Port of Oakland, located at 530 Water St. Hosted by the president of the Port of Oakland, the meeting will run from 1-2:30 p.m. and will focus on pressing community issues including environmental justice, housing solutions, and crime and safety.

State, county, and city officials have been invited to join ICAC board members and the community to explore effective strategies for addressing these interconnected challenges across Alameda County, including ICAC’s Safe Car Park program expansion and efforts to convert trailers into shelter for the unhoused.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend and contribute to this important discussion. For more information, visit interfaithAC.org.

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