Gov. Jerry Brown

May 3 2013

The city’s new bus plant expands its clean image

Lancaster continues to frame the national debate about the merits of green technology as it welcomes Chinese automaker BYD Co. here to produce electric buses. The city is rapidly becoming known as the “solar capital of the world,” and local officials believe the new manufacturing deal will provide an economic boost on both sides of the Pacific Rim.

BYD Co. (Build Your Dreams) opened shop Wednesday at 46147 BYD Blvd. (formerly 7th Street W., just north of Avenue H) to make the “K9” electric bus destined first for Long Beach Transit.

Apr 25 2013

California budget in a state of lockdown

California’s balance sheet is mired in an unusual dilemma: while the criminal justice portion of the state budget has shot up, the higher education portion has shot down.

During recessions, higher education budgets typically experience significant state funding cuts (money for proposed construction projects, campus refurbishment, scholarships/grants) but the corrections budget remains about the same.

Gregg Reese  |   OW Staff Writer
Mar 14 2013

Two senators focus ‘Sunshine Act’ on hidden funds aimed at influencing state elections

“This money is so dirty it had to be laundered five times—and it still stinks.” —Gov. Jerry Brown

Oct 18 2012

Hundreds pay their respects

 Politicians and dignitaries from around the state, including Gov. Jerry Brown, Congresswoman Laura Richardson as well as Civil Rights icon Jesse Jackson were among those who came to pay their respects to the widow and family of former California Lt. Gov. Mervyn Dymally. He was laid to rest Wednesday at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mortuary in Culver City. The city of Carson, Tuesday voted to observe May 12 as Mervyn Dymally Day beginning in 2013./OW photos by Nash Baker. See www.ourweekly.com for related video.

Aug 23 2012

Some states are redirecting monies to their general funds

In February 2012, a joint state-federal settlement was reached with the country’s five largest loan servicers—Ally/GMAC, Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo—to addresses a pattern of unfair and predatory mortgage-servicing practices. The terms of the settlement indicated that as much as $25 billion in relief could be provided to distressed borrowers and direct payments to federal and state governments. While $25 billion is a significant number, the most important number is the amount that will reach your community.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.
 

Alabama
Freeman A. Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will address the annual African American Business Council luncheon on June 28. Hrabowski, who is chairman of President Barack Obama’s Advisory Commission on Education Excellence for African Americans, has a national reputation for his work studying the performance of minority students in math and science. Hrabowski, named one of the 10 best college presidents in the country by Time magazine, was a child leader in the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham in the 1960s.
 

Arkansas
The Liberty Counsel filed a motion and a brief in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas seeking to intervene on behalf of a Concepts of Life crisis pregnancy center to defend against a suit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights. The groups seek to impose a permanent injunction before the Human Heartbeat Protection Act goes into effect July 18. Liberty Counsel also filed a brief opposing the ACLU’s request for an injunction. The “Heartbeat” bill states that when a woman seeks an abortion at or after the 12th week, doctors must test for a fetal heartbeat before an abortion is performed and inform the pregnant mother that the child in her womb has a heartbeat. If a heartbeat is detected, a woman cannot have an abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, and if a mother’s life is in danger. “As we promised when the legislation was introduced, Liberty Counsel will defend this law without reservation for the people of Arkansas, born and pre-born,” said Matt Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. “No right is more foundational than the right to life. Without life, all other rights are irrelevant,” concluded Staver.