#NNPA BlackPress

Bill to “Save Local Journalism” Awaiting Gov. Newsom’s Signature

Published

4 years ago

September 3, 2020

With a 69-4 vote, the Senate passed Assembly Bill (AB) 323 Tuesday. It proposes granting ethnic media outlets, mid-size publications, and daily newspapers an additional year to pursue alternative and sustainable distribution models that don’t involve contract drivers. That would allow them to come into compliance with the state’s controversial AB 5 labor law.

AB 323, known as the “Save Local Journalism Act,” which is now awaiting the governor’s signature, would go into effect Jan. 1, 2023 if it is signed.

 Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio’s (D- Baldwin Park) is the author of the bill.

“AB 323 provides a bridge for our local newspapers to continue informing readers and their communities. Today the bill passed with overwhelming support and will be heading to Governor Newsom,” Rubio said via her Twitter account Aug. 31.

My bill, AB 323, provides a bridge for our local newspapers to continue informing readers and their communities. I am happy to announce that today the bill passed with overwhelming support and will be heading to Governor Newsom. #SaveLocalJournalism #Fighting48th pic.twitter.com/Vg3xz2Eedu
— Assemblywoman Rubio (@AsmBlancaRubio) August 31, 2020

AB 323 will also require state agencies to contract with the community and ethnic news outlets to promote their public awareness campaigns in order to reach underserved communities throughout the state.

AB 5 was enacted to enforce a 2018 California Supreme Court ruling commonly called the “Dynamex Law.” Originally, the legislation mostly focused on what some lawmakers regarded as “abuses” by large companies like Uber, Lyft and other rideshare and app-based delivery companies. They say those corporations rely on a workforce of contractors, but do not provide those workers any employment benefits and other labor protections mandated by California law.

In the Assembly chamber before the floor vote, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), who authored AB 5 and voted “no” on AB 323, gave an impassioned testimony.

“I cannot condone or support an unsustainable business model that operates at the expense of low-wage workers,” Gonzalez told her colleagues.

But critics say the intention of AB 5 was lost in its language and enforcement, charging that it cast too wide a net, and that it ended up hurting some contractors – including artists, dentists, writers, salespeople, musicians, translators, and others. Those are people who generally prefer the independence and flexibility of being freelancers or sole proprietors, they argue.

Since AB 5 passed about a year ago, legislators have created several carve-outs to exempt some of the affected professional categories, allowing them to continue to work as independent contractors under the law. But many remain impacted.

In October of 2019, Gov. Newsom signed AB 170, a law that gave newspapers in California a one-year extension (until the end of 2020) to reclassify the contract drivers who deliver their newspapers as W-2 employees — or come up with a new way to distribute their newspapers to subscribers.

AB 323 extends that sunset date that currently exempts newspaper carriers from the restrictions of AB 5 to the end of 2021. Until then, those publications will not have to meet the three-part criteria, commonly known as the “ABC” test, which the state uses to determine if workers are employees or independent contractors.

By offering a buffer for carriers, AB 323 is also aimed at strengthening and stabilizing California’s community news organizations while protecting their ability to provide all Californians with important information about news and events in their communities.

“We are living through times of unprecedented unrest and change, and the need has never been greater for specialized outlets that facilitate improved civic engagement and better cross-cultural communication,” said Regina Brown Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media. “Assemblywoman Rubio’s leadership and the unwavering support of AB 323’s coauthors and supporters make it possible for our outlets to continue their mission to better inform our communities.”

The bill encourages the Department of General Services (DGS) to be responsible for ensuring that state agencies include local news organizations in their advertising and public awareness campaigns. DGS is the business manager for California, providing procurement and business solutions for local and state agencies.

“The First Amendment and our independent press are critical to the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives. My colleagues and I bring varied viewpoints to the Capitol, but as shown by the overwhelming bipartisan support for AB 323, we are united in our support for our local news outlets and the citizens they serve,” Rubio said in a written statement.

Michelle Snider

Associate Editor for The Post News Group. Writer, Photographer, Videographer, Copy Editor, and website editor documenting local events in the Oakland-Bay Area California area.

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Michelle Snider

Associate Editor for The Post News Group. Writer, Photographer, Videographer, Copy Editor, and website editor documenting local events in the Oakland-Bay Area California area.

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#NNPA BlackPress

OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org