By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

John Lowell Burton, an influential figure in California politics who served as State Assemblymember, U.S. Congressman, President pro Tempore of the State Senate, and Chair of the California Democratic Party, passed away of natural causes on Sept. 7.

Burton was 92.

Gov. Gavin Newsom honored his legacy: “There was no greater champion for the poor, the bullied, the disabled, and forgotten Californians than John Burton. He was a towering figure — a legendary force whose decades of service shaped our state and our politics for the better.”

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, a longtime friend, reflected on Burton’s determination.

“His life’s work reminds us that authentic leadership means having the courage to speak truth to power and never forgetting where you came from,” Lee said.

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) said Burton was a guiding light and fierce defender of justice.

“John was a mentor to countless progressive leaders across California, including me,” said Padilla.  “I’ll always be grateful for his counsel over our breakfasts at Delancey Street Restaurant in San Francisco, surrounded by residents working to rebuild their lives.”

Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis also paid tribute to Burton.

“John Burton left an indelible mark not only on California, but on all of us who were inspired by his example. He showed us what it means to lead with courage, to fight for the voiceless, and to speak truth without fear,” said Kounalakis.

Burton’s decades in office were marked by passionate advocacy for civil rights, environmental protection, education, healthcare, and foster youth. He overcame personal struggles — including addressing addiction in the 1980s — and returned to public service with renewed purpose. His work reshaped California’s political landscape and inspired generations of leaders.

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11) remembered her friend.

“Today, working families have lost one of the most outspoken, ferocious and unyielding champions our nation has ever known,” said Pelosi in a statement, adding that Burton “was a progressive warrior and dear friend whose big heart, sharp mind and boundless fight for justice shaped California and America.”

According to Newsom and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Burton will be posthumously inducted into the California Hall of Fame and flags will be flown at half-staff in his honor.

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton has filed a federal lawsuit challenging California’s proposed congressional redistricting plan, known as Proposition 50, arguing that it violates the 14th Amendment and equal protection rights for voters. The suit was filed Sept. 4 in the U.S. Central District Court of California’s Southern Division.

Hilton, a former Fox News commentator and prominent contender in the race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, had warned last month he would take legal action if Democrats advanced redistricting plans that he claims would favor their party. The lawsuit names Newsom and Secretary of State Shirley Weber, whose office oversees elections in California.

“After Gavin Newsom’s Partisan Power Grab, a Democrat Vote in California Will be Worth Eight Times What a Republican Vote is Worth, a Grotesque Assault on our Democracy,” said Hilton in a campaign news release. He also described Proposition 50 as a “scheme” that ignores California’s constitutional requirement that redistricting occur only once every 10 years after a census.

“The Constitution does not say one person, one vote sometimes. It does not say one person, one vote, only for the majority party. It says one person, one vote for everyone. If this map is allowed to stand, millions of Californians will have their voices silenced and their votes devalued,” Hilton added.

If voters approve the newly proposed maps in a special election on Nov. 4, five Republican-held districts, including that of Kevin Kiley in Northern California, could be redrawn to include more Democratic-leaning areas. The new boundaries would make Kiley’s district smaller and add parts of urban Sacramento County.

Other Republicans have also pushed for a ban on mid-decade redistricting, but state courts have not acted, and the California Supreme Court has twice declined to intervene in related ballot measures. Kiley has appealed to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to support efforts to prevent mid-decade redistricting nationwide.

Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco are the two most prominent GOP candidates hoping to challenge a crowded Democratic field for governor as Newsom reaches his term limit next year.

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California lawmakers have passed a bill requiring K-12 schools, state universities, and community colleges to notify students, faculty, and families when immigration enforcement authorities are present on campuses. The legislation, known as the SAFE Act, comes amid the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation efforts and increasing immigration enforcement activity near schools.

State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Alhambra), who authored the bill, said it is modeled on early warning systems already used for other campus emergencies.

“With students returning to school, this legislation is more important than ever,” said Pérez. “In the face of mass deportations, raids and immigration enforcement authorities showing up at schools, the SAFE Act can help inform and empower school communities to make the best decisions about their safety and their family’s safety.”

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who oversees the state’s public school system, strongly supported the bill.

“Our immigrant families are living in fear and our time to act is limited. The school year has begun, and now is the time to make decisive efforts to protect our communities and maintain schools as a safe place for learning,” said Thurmond.

Democratic Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Rolling Hill Estates) emphasized the need for safe learning environments.

“Students cannot learn unless they feel safe,” said Muratsuchi. “For decades we had a bipartisan agreement to keep educational institutions, schools, campuses, free from immigration enforcement activities.”

The bill now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has until Oct. 12 to sign it into law. If approved, it will take effect immediately and remain in place until 2031.

The SAFE Act is part of a broader set of California proposals aimed at protecting immigrant communities, including measures to prevent enforcement officers from entering nonpublic areas of schools or hospitals without a warrant. The legislation follows high-profile incidents, such as the detention of a 15-year-old outside a Los Angeles high school in August, which drew widespread public outrage.

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