Bay Area
$4 Million Dedicated to Affordable Housing in Fairfax: County loan allows nonprofit to purchase, rehabilitate apartments
The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a $4 million loan[PDF] from the County’s Affordable Housing Fund on January 31 so a nonprofit housing development and management company can buy and refurbish an 80-unit complex in Fairfax, preserving it for lower-income residents.

San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a $4 million loan[PDF] from the County’s Affordable Housing Fund on January 31 so a nonprofit housing development and management company can buy and refurbish an 80-unit complex in Fairfax, preserving it for lower-income residents.
MidPen Housing Corporation[External] will receive the loan from the Affordable Housing Fund, designed to support multifamily projects throughout Marin that house those earning at or below 80% of the area median income, or about $149,100 for a household of four. Marin, one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, is experiencing a severe shortage of homes for lower-income households.
The funding is earmarked for Sherwood Oaks Apartments at 200 Bolinas Road in downtown Fairfax, walking distance from grocery stores, parks, and public transit and situated in a highly regarded school district. MidPen, based in San Mateo County, is seeking additional grants and loans to complete its first acquisition in Marin.
The County’s loan is coordinated by the Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA) Housing and Federal Grants Division. The fund helps the County leverage additional state, federal and philanthropic dollars to increase the supply of affordable homes in Marin. MidPen’s acquisition of Sherwood Oaks will make the units permanently affordable with restrictions to prevent future displacement of existing residents and add to inventory of homes deemed affordable compared with the rest of Marin.
With social equity and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as driving motivations, the County has a long track record of effective use of the Affordable Housing Fund. CDA strives to work with nonprofits that foster diverse communities and allow residents from all backgrounds live in dignity, harmony, stability, and respect. MidPen’s project aligns with the County goal of providing housing in high-opportunity areas, defined as places that already have strong economic, environmental, and educational outcomes for residents.
Affordable Housing Fund money has been distributed through the years to projects in Marin’s cities and towns as well as the unincorporated areas of West Marin. Recent allotments have gone toward the conversion of former U.S. Coast Guard multifamily housing in Point Reyes Station, an acquisition by BRIDGE Housing, and several projects managed by Homeward Bound of Marin.
Learn more about CDA housing’s program or the federal grants program on the County website.
Bay Area
Gov. Newsom Looks Back at 2024 Milestones; Presents Vision for 2025
Newsom opened by recounting his announcement atop the Golden Gate Bridge of $150.4 billion in record-breaking visitor spending. He reflected on signing a bill with singer Demi Lovato to protect young content creators from financial exploitation. He celebrated the Olympic flag transfer ceremony, signifying California’s preparation for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

By Joe W. Bowers, California Black Media
In a recent video address, Gov. Gavin Newsom shared key moments that shaped California in 2024. He emphasized achievements in tourism, technology, public safety, and environmental resilience while underscoring the state’s ability to tackle challenges head-on.
Newsom opened by recounting his announcement atop the Golden Gate Bridge of $150.4 billion in record-breaking visitor spending. He reflected on signing a bill with singer Demi Lovato to protect young content creators from financial exploitation. He celebrated the Olympic flag transfer ceremony, signifying California’s preparation for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Focusing on innovation, Newsom praised NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang for his leadership in advancing generative AI. He showcased the transformation of an abandoned mall into a quantum computing center in L.A. that addresses global challenges.
He also highlighted the ARCHES coalition’s work on green hydrogen, aiming to decarbonize California’s industries.
Newsom emphasized California’s leadership on clean transportation with over 2 million electric vehicles sold and a statewide network of 150,000 public chargers. He spoke about joining Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi to celebrate the long-awaited electrification of Caltrain, linking San Francisco to San Jose.
In climate resilience, Newsom spotlighted removing the Klamath Dam, the largest project in U.S. history, restoring salmon migration and tribal lands. He discussed agreements with Italy and Pope Francis to address greenhouse gas emissions and praised the legislature’s action to increase transparency and hold oil companies accountable for gas price spikes.
Turning to health, housing, and education, Newsom outlined progress on Proposition 1 to improve mental health care, legislative efforts to increase housing construction, and the expansion of universal free school meals for all public school students.
Public safety highlights included combating fentanyl trafficking, expanding the California Highway Patrol, and addressing organized retail theft through new legislation.
Newsom also celebrated the state’s balanced budget for the current and upcoming fiscal years. He joked about his detailed budget presentations as his “yearly Super Bowl,” highlighting the importance he places on fiscal responsibility.
The Governor closed by reflecting on 2024 as a year defined by resilience and optimism, crediting California’s ability to navigate polarization and overcome challenges. He emphasized the importance of preserving California’s values of innovation and inclusiveness while continuing to invest in communities, infrastructure, and equity as the state looks ahead to 2025.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

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Activism
Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Reflects on Her Career as She Bids Farewell to Congress
“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and marked the end of her 26-year career in public service.
Lee, who is succeeded by Lateefah Simon, a civil rights and racial justice activist, praised people in her community for their support. She also highlighted her dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity.
“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.
Throughout her tenure, Lee earned a reputation as a principled lawmaker known for taking bold and sometimes unpopular stances. One of her defining moments came in 2001 when she was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force in response to the September 11 attacks. This decision led to death threats but ultimately cemented her legacy of courage.
Lee’s leadership extended beyond her district, where she fought for social justice, the rights of low-income communities, and global health initiatives. She was a key figure in pushing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She was a vocal critic of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.
The Congresswoman also faced significant challenges in her career, including a failed Senate bid in 2024. Yet, Lee’s efforts have paved the way for more excellent representation, with more Black women now elected to Congress. She worked closely with organizations like Representation Matters to encourage more women of color to run for office.
Lee says she looks to the future, confident that the next generation of leaders will continue her unfinished work, particularly on issues like military force and reproductive rights.
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