May 25th is one of the most significant of modern holidays for African people globally. Number one, it is universally known as African Liberation Day, and has been since the Organization of African Unity created it in 1963, to represent the relentless thrust towards freedom and self-reliance and march away from colonialism and dependency. The day represents a time of re-dedication of one’s commitment to re-establish Africa as a united, global player on the world stage and to regain the dignity and integrity of being African in the modern world.

As another election comes upon us, one of its components reinforces the notion that California and the car culture are synonymous. The land that introduced drive-in theaters and restaurants, the freeway, the hot rod, the low-rider, and the motel (motor-hotel), will pay special attention as a measure involving automobile insurance comes up before the voting public.
Given the attachment many have for wheeled transportation, the upcoming ballot measure, Proposition 17, holds particular poignancy for voters.