Community
When Gavin Newsom Showed Up for My Community
In this last month, Newsom will be blamed for everything from the fires (PG&E is a better culprit if Mother Nature isn’t good enough for you); to the coronavirus (You saw how Republicans in lock-step with Trump enabled the virus to grow in 2020. Hundreds of thousands of Americans died needlessly); And you can throw in climate change (though Newsom has been one of the most forthright about addressing climate change. The Republicans? Climate deniers all).
California Gov. Gavin Newsom needs friends right now. I’m not a “friend.” But as a journalist he once invited me to coffee to talk about some columns I wrote, which included negative swipes about his policies. He reached out. We chatted. He’s still not a “friend.” But if I was on the street homeless, I know he wouldn’t be as cruel as some of his past policies might have indicated at first.
He would have at least given me some new cardboard.
Maybe made sure I had access to public services. But he’d help.
Since that meeting (he was mayor of San Francisco), he’s climbed to the highest office in the state.
Me? I’m talking to you directly.
I’ve written about him sparingly, but I did write a couple of years ago when we were both in attendance at the funeral of Alice Bulos.
Bulos was the “Godmother of Filipino American Politics.” You didn’t make political lumpia without the help of Alice Bulos. By lumpia, I mean that Filipino version of the egg roll, stuffed with anything you want. Cabbage? Tofu? Collards? You can put anything in a lumpia wrapper. Then you flash fry it crispy, add the secret dipping sauce. Have no party without them.
Lumpia. That’s how Bulos put together coalitions of different groups in politics.
You need Alice’s lumpia recipe.
At her funeral, Newsom towered over most of the Filipino Americans who were in attendance. He was like the whole string bean in the lumpia. But he came. He went to Mass. He walked out with the casket. And then he hung out with all of us outside the church. Took selfies. It was the same old Gavin. He was only lieutenant governor back then. But he wanted to be governor. Was he “campaigning” us? No, he was being personal. And real. He had to be there for all that Alice Bulos meant.
He showed up for her. And for us.
Right now, Newsom could use Alice’s recipe. He’s up for a recall vote that’s about to turn nasty as we get to the final month before the election which will be held on Sept. 14.
In this last month, Newsom will be blamed for everything from the fires (PG&E is a better culprit if Mother Nature isn’t good enough for you); to the coronavirus (You saw how Republicans in lock-step with Trump enabled the virus to grow in 2020. Hundreds of thousands of Americans died needlessly); And you can throw in climate change (though Newsom has been one of the most forthright about addressing climate change. The Republicans? Climate deniers all).
Republicans will do worse than Newsom on any of the big issues. And they’ll ignore all the little issues real folk care about.
Republicans do have a full roster of people among the more than 45 candidates who want the job. Some are talk show hosts. Having been one myself, I know the ones running can’t be serious. Running for office is just a publicity stunt. Lord help us if they win. Look at Trump. But they suck votes away from Newsom and wreak havoc on government when it already has enough problems on its hands– like fires, climate change and the coronavirus.
Start caring about this election. This is no slam dunk. In a UC Berkeley/Los Angeles Times poll, among likely voters, 47% want the recall; 50% are for Newsom.
That’s way too close with a month away.
Newsom needs people to show up by marking up their mail-in ballots (arriving by the middle of August), sending them in, or by voting in-person on September 14.
Don’t let voter apathy and more stringent coronavirus restrictions have an impact. A Republican running for fun, or a Trump wannabe isn’t what California needs right now.
My Filipino American friends who were at Alice Bulos’ funeral know how critical this all is.
They haven’t forgotten when Newsom showed up for us.
Emil Guillermo is an award-winning journalist and commentator. He vlogs at www.amok.com and on Facebook Watch. Twitter @emilamok.
California Black Media
Audit: California Is Poorly Monitoring Homelessness Spending
California has failed to monitor state spending and evaluate the outcomes of homelessness programs, according to a report issued last week by the California State Auditor’s Office. California State Auditor Grant Parks urged Governor Gavin Newsom to continue to hold local governments accountable in an open letter dated April 9. The audit highlighted that tracking programs and collecting accurate data could help the state save money.
By California Black Media
California has failed to monitor state spending and evaluate the outcomes of homelessness programs, according to a report issued last week by the California State Auditor’s Office.
California State Auditor Grant Parks urged Governor Gavin Newsom to continue to hold local governments accountable in an open letter dated April 9. The audit highlighted that tracking programs and collecting accurate data could help the state save money.
“The state must do more to assess the cost-effectiveness of its homelessness programs,” Parks said.
The report showed that California spent approximately $20 billion on programs and initiatives addressing homelessness in the past five years. Although state funds were allocated to fund shelters and subsidized rent, homelessness in the state increased by 65 during the last year.
In 2021, Gov. Newsom signed a law that required organizations that received state funds to collect data and evaluate the progress of programs they implement.
California auditors revealed that only two out of five action plans were cost-effective. One was Project Homekey, which converted hotels into housing during COVID-19, and CalWORKS, a housing support that offered financial assistance to low-income residents.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressed concern after the report was released.
“The biggest conclusion that the auditors came back with is there’s just inadequate transparency and data and information available,” said Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) in a statement.
Republican Sen. Roger Niello (R-Roseville) said, “These audit results are a wake-up call for a shift towards solutions that prioritize self-sufficiency and cost-effectiveness.”
Activism
Obituary: Social Justice Leader, the Rev. Cecil Williams, Passes at 94
On April 22, community leader and social justice advocate Reverend Cecil Williams died at his home in San Francisco surrounded by his loved ones, according to his family. He was 94 years old.
By California Black Media
On April 22, community leader and social justice advocate Reverend Cecil Williams died at his home in San Francisco surrounded by his loved ones, according to his family.
He was 94 years old.
The reverend was a civil rights leader who advocated for the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the Bay Area.
Williams was the head pastor of the non-denominational GLIDE Memorial United Methodist Church. The church welcomed individuals from the queer community and people struggling with homelessness, housing instability and substance use disorder (SUD).
Through his work, Rev. Williams attracted national attention. Prominent political and cultural leaders such as Maya Angelou, Bono, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Clinton all attended church services at Glide.
Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) said she is deeply saddened about the passing of her dear friend.
“The Reverend changed the lives of millions through radical love, support, inclusivity, and a commitment to service to the most marginalized,” Lee said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said that the reverend inspired people across California to embody the values of generosity and acceptance.
Rev. Williams was, “a visionary leader whose legendary compassion and love for his community transformed the lives of people from all walks of life,” Newsom said.
Rev. Williams served as the chief executive officer of the Glide Foundation until his retirement in 2023.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 1 – 7, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 1 – 7, 2024
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Community2 weeks ago
Financial Assistance Bill for Descendants of Enslaved Persons to Help Them Purchase, Own, or Maintain a Home
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Oakland Post: Week of April 3 – 6, 2024
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V.P. Kamala Harris: Americans With Criminal Records Will Soon Be Eligible for SBA Loans
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Oakland Post: Week of April 10 – 16, 2024
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