By Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌, California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌

Housing, energy, food and gas are four essential household expenses, and their rising costs are forcing residents—especially lower-income households—to make difficult trade-offs, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) said at a conference on affordability last week in Sacramento.

Ransom, a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), noted a shift in consumer behavior, stating, “Before people used to choose between things that they wanted and things that they needed.”

“Now, what we’re hearing from constituents is they are prioritizing their needs differently,” she said. “Because of the affordability crisis, it’s no longer about choosing between other needs. Our constituents are now saying ‘what needs to be prioritized?’ Gas and food are at the top of the list.”

Ransom made the comments about affordability at Capitol Weekly’s informational conference titled “Affordability: The Cost of Living in California,” which was held on April 30 at the University of California’s Student and Policy Center.

Co-hosted with the University of California Student and Policy Center, the political conversations focused on identifying policy solutions to the state’s extremely high prices for energy, food, and essentials.

The keynote speakers at the conference were former Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Federation of Labor Unions, and Mike Madrid, a political strategist, author, and senior fellow at UC Irvine.

Conversations about affordability are taking on greater urgency as the election season kicks in, speakers said.

According to an April 2024 report by the Greenlining Institute, low-income Black Californians are struggling with affordability due to a combination of historical systemic barriers and modern economic pressures. The Greenlining Institute is a California-based policy, research, and advocacy nonprofit founded in 1993 to fight systemic racism and economic injustice.

Black households in California experience the highest levels of rent burden; approximately 65% of Black renters, according to the Greenlining report. Historical “redlining” and ongoing discrimination have restricted homeownership. Black families also pay 43% more for energy than White households, partly because they are more likely to live in older, less energy-efficient rentals.

In addition, roughly 1 in 3 Black adults (36.5%) reported household food insecurity in late 2025, more than double the rate for White adults. This is often exacerbated by “food deserts” in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

In March, Assembly Minority Leader Heath Flora (R-Ripon) expressed concerns about affordability in California, describing it as a crisis where families are being “pushed to the edge.”

“Californians should not have to choose between putting food on the table or filling up their car,” Flora stated. “We need to cut costs now. Not tomorrow, not next week, not next month. Now.”

Cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding are being driven by the Trump Administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), which is reducing federal spending by approximately $187 billion through 2034.

Those reductions are putting more pressure on the state to help, Ransom said. According to the AAA Gas Prices website, as of May 8, California’s gasoline prices averaged over $6 per gallon in some areas, with various locations experiencing spikes of $7 to $8 per gallon. In California, fuel prices are driven by refinery maintenance and market volatility, while high food prices are linked to rising transportation costs, experts say.

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Why the 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring EV Deserves a Spot on Your Test Drive List…
Let’s dive into something different today. Forget about the usual dry specs and let’s talk about what makes the 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring EV not just a vehicle, but a companion for your daily adventures and beyond.

Power and Poise on Four Wheels
First things first: the Solterra isn’t just any electric vehicle. With 215 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, this car combines the environmental benefits of an EV with the performance you’d expect from a traditional engine. And because it’s all funneled through Subaru’s symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, you get a responsive, stable ride whether you’re on rain-soaked streets or a snowy pass.

Safety First, But Make It Seamless
The Solterra comes packed with features that not only keep you safe but do so without a fuss. Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control are just starters. Ever worried about the car behind you when you’re stopping at lights? The Emergency Driver Stop System has got you covered. Plus, the array of airbags and Vehicle Stability Control ensure that you’re cocooned in safety, making every journey worry-free.

Tech That Gets You
Inside, the Solterra is a tech haven. The 12.3” Subaru Multimedia Audio System is where the magic happens—navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even SiriusXM for your road trip soundtracks. Not to mention, “Hey, Subaru!”, the voice-activated virtual assistant, is ready to help with your commands.

But it’s not just about convenience; it’s about enhancing your driving experience. The panoramic view monitor with a 360-degree camera and Parking Assist turns maneuvering in tight spots from a chore into a breeze.

Comfort That Keeps Up
Now, onto the interiors. Subaru has gone all out with comfort. Heated seats front and back, a heated steering wheel, and even a power sunshade for the panoramic moonroof—it’s all designed to make your ride as comfortable as possible, regardless of the weather outside. And with StarTex trimmed upholstery, the cabin isn’t just comfortable; it’s stylish and durable too.

Why Test Drive the Solterra?
Performance: It’s quick, agile, and backed by dual electric motors. Perfect for both city driving and off-road adventures.
Tech Features: From safety to entertainment, the technology packed into the Solterra is cutting-edge, user-friendly, and genuinely enhances the driving experience.
Comfort and Style: It’s designed to be a space where you want to spend time. Whether you’re commuting or heading out on a road trip, this car has the amenities to make every trip enjoyable.

Wrapping Up
The 2024 Subaru Solterra Touring EV might not just be your next car; it could be your reason to hit the road more often. With a blend of tech, comfort, and robust safety features, this car checks all the boxes for a modern driver’s needs. Sure, the EV range might make you pause, but with all its perks, it’s a contender that deserves consideration.

So, why not take it for a spin? Experience firsthand what the Solterra has to offer. Who knows, it might just surprise you.
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