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Loaded With “Comeback” Support, Lawmakers OK California’s $267 Billion Budget

Although California lawmakers approved the budget in time for the state reopening, “and while we proudly embrace the California comeback, this last year reminds us that we need to plan for the unexpected,” said Gov. Newsom.

Published

5 years ago

June 26, 2021

Christy Price

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The California Legislature approved Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $267 billion state budget for fiscal year 2021-22. It is packed with support for programs and policy initiatives intended to drive California’s economy out of the downturn caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Cash that will be pumped into the general fund accounts for the major share of the budget, with a total of $96 billion directed to K-12 education and community colleges. That amount is based on minimum funding requirements set by Proposition 98, a ballot initiative that voters approved in 1998.

“We must maintain a strong fiscal foundation that does not overcommit the state to long-term spending it cannot afford, which could lead to future cuts,” he said.

Newsom first proposed the budget in January of this year, and added some revisions in May, including funding to address issues affecting Black and Brown communities. Although lawmakers say they aim to prioritize long-term issues such as childcare and public health, Newsom says he wants to focus on reviving the job market by supporting the tourism industry and small businesses to amend California’s economic crisis.

Newsom announced the full reopening of the state on June 15 at Universal Studios Hollywood as nearly half of California’s population is fully vaccinated. The state also lifted COVID-19 restrictions, including social distancing, mask requirements, and county tiers in most public settings statewide. The state continues to offer cash prizes to newly vaccinated residents as part of its “Vax for the Win” incentive program which started this month.

The state’s fiscal year starts, “with the largest surplus in California history,” Newsom said. “We’re using this once-in-a-generation opportunity to create an economic recovery that will leave nobody behind – with money going directly back to Californians, the nation’s largest small business relief programs, and unprecedented investments to address California’s most persistent challenges such as homelessness, climate change and equity in our education system.”

Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), who is a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, shared the governor’s optimism about the newly approved budget. He highlighted the economic inequality accelerated by COVID-19 and its impact on low-income families in California. Holden expressed confidence that the budget makes investments in priorities that will address the state’s most important issues.

“This time last year, we feared the pandemic would destroy our economy and leave the state in a deep hole,” said Holden referring to the Legislature’s decision.

“Even though the outlook for beating the virus is in sight, we know families continue to struggle in this pandemic,” he said.

However, since the Legislature approved the budget, “we are in a much better position than we ever thought given the circumstances. We are making robust investments for priority issues including our economic recovery, education, and homelessness while contributing at a record level to our reserves,” said Holden.

Most Democratic lawmakers gave the budget a thumbs up, but some Republicans remained hesitant about the certainty of California’s economic recovery based on the newly approved budget.

Republican lawmakers claim that the state’s budget is a “placeholder budget” used by legislators to take advantage of loopholes in California’s Constitution.

California’s Constitution mandates that the Legislature pass the budget by midnight each year on June 15 — or lawmakers forfeit their salaries.

The day before the state’s reopening, Republican Sen. James Nielsen was vocal about his opposition to the newly approved budget in a Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee meeting.

“This is a fake budget. It’s a feel-good budget. It’s a ‘let us get paid’ budget. But, what we’re voting on is not going to be the [real] budget,” said Nielsen.

“We already know what they’re voting on today, it’s kind of a fraud on the people to make them think, ‘Oh, look at all these wonderful things we’re getting,’” said Nielsen.

The pushback from Republican lawmakers raised questions about the state’s final budget as Newsom and California legislators negotiate and modify how funds will be allocated. This process has to be completed by July 1, when the budget goes into effect.

Last week, Newsom also eliminated executive orders he implemented at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. New executive orders he signed lifted the stay-at-home order and the county tier system following the approval of the budget and the reopening of the state.

The California Department of Public Health also released a new order that removed restrictions in public spaces, including at schools and during major events.

As of June 15, people in California are no longer required to wears masks or social distance. But state officials recommend that non-vaccinated people still protect themselves in public places to prevent infection.

California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.

Christy Price

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100 Black Wings’ Team Oakland Youth Athletes Heading to Taiwan for 2026 International Children’s Games

By Post Staff The Bay Area Chapter of 100 Black Men is sending nine youth athletes from its 100 Black Wings’ Team Oakland Delegation to Taiwan on Thursday, July 30, to represent the City of Oakland at the 58th International Children’s

Published

20 minutes ago

August 9, 2026

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The delegation going to the International Children’s Games in Taiwan includes (from left) Dewayne Littlepage, Gia Goodlow, Abisewolu Redmond, Mahari Moore, Marvin Thomas, Najae Ellison, Royal Moore, Sir.Kamryn Lloyd, and Jasani Highsmith. The delegation’s coaching leadership includes Head Coach Dr. Tommie Smith, Senior Coach Margaret Dixon, Girls Coach Evangela Dixon, Strength and Conditioning Coach Nola Turnage, and Boys Coach Michael Flood, Jr. Photo courtesy of 100 Black Men of the Bay Area.

By Post Staff

The Bay Area Chapter of 100 Black Men is sending nine youth athletes from its 100 Black Wings’ Team Oakland Delegation to Taiwan on Thursday, July 30, to represent the City of Oakland at the 58th International Children’s Games (IGC) in Hualien County, Taiwan.

The Games will bring together young athletes ages 12 to 15 from 76 city delegations around the world. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 2, and athletic competitions take place Aug. 3-5.

While many international competitions center around national teams, the ICG brings young people together as representatives of their respective cities. This year’s theme – “Shining Hualien, Shining Together!” – reflects the host city’s vision of using sports, education, culture, and tourism to promote friendship, peace, inclusion, and sustainable development.

“Team Oakland’s participation demonstrates what can happen when young people are given opportunity, preparation, and a community that believes in them,” said Danny L. Williams, chairman of 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc.

“These athletes will carry Oakland’s talent, strength, and spirit onto an international stage while building relationships that can extend far beyond the competition,” he said.

Team Oakland will compete in track and field events including the 100-meter and 400-meter races, hurdles, long jump, shot put, javelin, and traditional and mixed 4×100-meter relays.

The athletes representing Oakland are: DeWayne Littlepage, Gia Goodlow, Abisewolu Redmond, Mahari Moore, Marvin Thomas, Najae Ellison, Royal Moore, Sir Kamryn Lloyd, and Jasani Highsmith.

The delegation’s coaching leadership includes Head Coach Dr. Tommie Smith, the

1968 Olympic gold medalist in the 200-meter sprint; Senior Coach Margaret Dixon;

Girls Coach Evangela Dixon; Strength and Conditioning Coach Nola Turnage;

and Boys Coach Michael Flood, Jr.

Delegation leadership also includes Williams, Head of Delegation Juanita Metters-Upshur, and city representative Dr. Mark Alexander.

“Our athletes have trained with tremendous discipline, but this journey represents much more than competition,” said Metters-Upshur, head of delegation. “They will have the opportunity to travel internationally, proudly represent Oakland, experience another culture, and form friendships with young people from communities across the world. We are incredibly proud of them and grateful to the families, coaches, partners, and supporters who have helped make this experience possible.”

In addition to track and field, the games will feature swimming, tennis, table tennis, Taekwondo, archery, football, and 3×3 basketball. Hualien County is located between Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean and hosts the International Children’s Games for the first time this year.

The International Children’s Games were founded in 1968 by Slovenian coach Metod Klemenc, based on the belief that sports can bridge differences in culture, religion, and race.

The ICG is approved by the International Olympic Committee and emphasizes friendship, fair play, teamwork, perseverance, and cultural understanding among young people.

The Oakland delegation’s participation reflects the 100 Black Wings’ programmatic commitment to developing young people through athletic achievement, discipline, leadership, cultural exposure, and global citizenship.

Team Oakland is supported by a network of families, coaches, community partners, and advocates who believe that international experiences can expand how young people view themselves and their possibilities.

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Oakland ‘Port Serves as a Powerful Engine for Good Jobs and Economic Development

POST NEWS GROUP — Summing up the theme of his talk on Saturday, July 25, at Youth Uprising in East Oakland, Mr. Muhammad said, “Rather than advocating a particular policy, the presentation sought to increase public understanding of one of Oakland’s most important public assets by connecting the city’s history, labor movement, transportation network, and global economy into a single narrative.”

Published

28 minutes ago

August 9, 2026

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Port Commissioner and Maritime Attorney Derrick Muhammad delivers a speech at Youth Uprising in East Oakland on Saturday, July 25. Photo by Graig Brooks.

By Post Staff

In a speech to an audience of local residents and community leaders, Port Commissioner and Maritime Attorney Derrick Muhammad delivered a presentation recently to answer a question that might seem simple on its surface but one that has many aspects that are crucial for the future of the East Bay. “What does it mean for the City of Oakland to be a port city?”

Summing up the theme of his talk on Saturday, July 25, at Youth Uprising in East Oakland, Mr. Muhammad said, “Rather than advocating a particular policy, the presentation sought to increase public understanding of one of Oakland’s most important public assets by connecting the city’s history, labor movement, transportation network, and global economy into a single narrative.”

In attendance were many East Bay residents and community leaders, including retired third-generation longshoreman and prominent Black labor leader Clarence Thomas, civil rights attorney and former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, Secretary-Treasurer of Alameda Labor Council Keith Brown, Isaac Kos-Read of Kos-Read Group, president of the National Council of Negro Women, and Alameda County Aisha Williams.

Quiana Canada, C.O.O. of Youth UpRising, said she was excited to learn

about the pathways and workforce development opportunities for our youth. This weekend provided a wonderful introduction to the history and impact of being a Port City. We thank all of the organizers and sponsors for their ongoing commitment to the future of our youth.”

Commissioner Muhammad explored the evolution of Oakland as a Port City,

how rail, the waterfront, and wartime expansion were catalysts for the growth of West Oakland, both locally and for the development of containerization and global trade.

He also examined the Port of Oakland’s role as an economic engine and its contributions to creating career pathways into the maritime economy, developing small-business opportunities connected to the waterfront, advancing environmental stewardship and modernization, and shaping potential futures for the port.

He also emphasized that the Port is much more than ships and cranes that the public can see as it passes by on the highway. It is a major economic engine that provides a gateway to middle-class careers, international trade, a public asset, and an important part of Oakland’s historic identity.

The presentation concluded with a question-and-answer session that addressed topics including contracting, automation, workforce development, international trade, environmental sustainability, and maritime careers.

Looking ahead, this presentation was intended to become part of an ongoing community education initiative designed to increase public understanding of the maritime economy and encourage broader civic engagement around Oakland’s waterfront.

Future presentations are expected to expand on additional topics related to transportation, logistics, labor history, international trade, and economic opportunity.

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JPMorganChase Expands San Francisco Housing Investments Under $750 Billion Initiative

OAKLAND POST — In San Francisco, JPMorganChase will provide nearly $200 million in financing for a 342-unit residential building at the Power Station development in the Dogpatch neighborhood. The firm previously financed the Sophie Maxwell Building at the site, which opened in 2025 with 105 permanently affordable apartments for middle-income residents.

Published

3 days ago

August 6, 2026

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JPMorganChase is expanding its housing investments in San Francisco, committing nearly $200 million to a new residential development and millions more to affordable housing projects, research and community organizations working to address the city’s housing shortage.

The San Francisco effort is part of the firm’s American Dream Initiative, through which it plans to deploy more than $750 billion nationwide through 2035 to increase housing supply and support homeownership. The commitment represents a nearly 40% increase over its housing investments during the past decade.

In San Francisco, JPMorganChase will provide nearly $200 million in financing for a 342-unit residential building at the Power Station development in the Dogpatch neighborhood. The firm previously financed the Sophie Maxwell Building at the site, which opened in 2025 with 105 permanently affordable apartments for middle-income residents.

The company also plans to invest up to $15 million in Fifth Space’s new Essential Housing Fund, which will support affordable housing development in San Francisco, including an expected 250 units in Potrero Hill.

“Too many families are struggling to make rent in San Francisco, and our administration is working every day to help them stay here. Building housing is a critical piece of that work, and we’re taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to make that happen,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “JPMorganChase’s investment in housing reflects their commitment to San Francisco’s future, and these projects with hundreds of new homes show what we can do when the private sector and the city come together to tackle the issues that matter to families.”

Another $6 million in grants will go to the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund, Community Vision Capital & Consulting, San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association, the Housing Action Coalition and Housing California. The firm will also support housing research by the Urban Land Institute Foundation, Terner Labs and other institutions to develop local policy recommendations.

Nationally, JPMorganChase aims to finance the construction or preservation of 1 million affordable housing units for households earning less than 120% of area median income. It also plans to help 500,000 customers, including 200,000 first-time buyers, purchase homes by increasing mortgage lending by more than 40% and hiring 850 home lending advisers.

“JPMorganChase has a decades-long history of supporting San Francisco’s housing ecosystem—working with developers, community organizations, and local government to help bring more housing to market,” said Noah Wintroub, global chair of J.P. Morgan. “Through the American Dream Initiative, we’re ready to do even more. With the right public policies in place, the firm can provide more capital for housing, scaling solutions that help expand supply and affordability.”