Observer Group Newspapers

On October 1, the sales tax goes up across Los Angeles County. Nowhere will the increase land harder than the Antelope Valley, where shoppers in Lancaster and Palmdale already pay the highest sales tax rate in the United States. One thing to know before anything else: the tax does not apply to groceries or prescription medication. Food and medicine will cost the same after the change as before it.

By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer Los Angeles, CA – The skies over South L.A. shone brightly on a recent evening. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Heather Hutt (District 10), and Daniel Tarica, Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs General Manager, were joined by a full house of community stakeholders for the ribbon-cutting for the reopening of the Vision Theatre Performing Arts Center (VISPAC). This monumental occasion was held on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

By Marion Apio | Contributing Writer | California Local News Fellow As the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) opened its doors for the 2026–27 school year on Monday, August 17, district leadership stood on the threshold of a historic turning point.

By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer Los Angeles, CA- Parents are probably wondering how the summer season went by so fast. It seems like only yesterday that students were singing “School is Out for the Summer.” The excitement of another school year is upon us. Children have returned to campus to continue their educational journey.

By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer Los Angeles, CA – The month of August will be written in the jazz history books with a couple of notations. The entry will include the postponement of two jazz festivals. One of the festivals has been produced for over three decades. The other festival was making a debut with a magnificent showcase of jazz, Latin Jazz, and Caribbean music throughout Los Angeles. I’m a person who has finally processed all of this.

By Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌ ‌|‌ ‌California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌ On Aug. 19, a bipartisan coalition of mayors from California’s largest cities gathered at the State Capitol to urge voters to approve Proposition (Prop) 1, an $11.25 billion housing and veterans bond measure on the November ballot. Also known as the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, Prop 1 would provide state funding for local affordable housing projects.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber is asking voters to help protect the integrity of the November 2026 election by taking one important step: Vote early. Weber said her office is working to combat misinformation, expand voter outreach and maintain ballot security as California prepares for the Nov. 3 general election.

By Fisher Jack | Oakland Post Gov. Gavin Newsom nominated three Black women — Justice Rashida Adams and Judges Denise Hippach and Juliet Macaulay — to serve on the California Courts of Appeal. Justices Adams, Hippach and Juliet Macaulay are among eight appellate court nominees recently announced by Newsom. The governor also appointed nine Superior Court judges across five counties.

By Antonio‌ ‌Ray‌ ‌Harvey‌ ‌|‌ ‌California‌ ‌Black‌ ‌Media‌ Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Aug. 22 designed to protect immigration service providers and humanitarian volunteers from targeted harassment, doxing and violence. Authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), Assembly Bill (AB) 2624, the Privacy for Immigration Support Services Providers Act, establishes an address confidentiality program modeled after California’s Safe at Home program.

By April D. Lee Rising car insurance rates are forcing households to reconsider how much they drive, what coverage they carry, and which expenses can wait. Drivers can ease the pressure by comparing policies, reviewing deductibles, and removing unnecessary costs without giving up essential financial protection. A routine renewal notice can now disrupt an entire household budget.