Sacramento Observer

Former Vice President Kamala Harris appeared Oct. 2 at Richard Pan’s North Natomas campaign headquarters, rallying volunteers ahead of a phone bank. The Democrat is battling independent incumbent Rep. Kevin Kiley for California’s 6th Congressional District, a contest one recent poll shows virtually tied. “The work you guys are doing is powerful,” Harris told a packed room of volunteers, urging them to keep knocking on doors and talking to voters in the final weeks before the election Tuesday, Nov. 3.

In a video that garnered nearly 2,000,000 views across social platforms, Howard University Dental School student Darian Bogie told his followers how the Big Beautiful Bill, and its new caps on graduate school loans, pushed him out of his dental program. Due to the reach of his story, Bogie was able to surpass his $66,000 fundraising goal on GoFundMe. But for millions of others, the decision is more dire.

Two years ago, Dr. Flojaune "Flo" Cofer ran for mayor of Sacramento. More than 94,000 residents voted for her, and she fell short by fewer than 2,000 votes in the closest mayoral race in the city's history. On Nov. 3, District 1 voters have the chance to elect her to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors in her runoff against City Councilmember Eric Guerra. Many residents give little thought to the county until something goes wrong.

Aftershock returned to Discovery Park from Oct. 1-4 for its 14th year in a row, with the 2026 lineup bringing old-school classics to the main stage. Known as one of Sacramento’s largest annual events, this year’s set list was praised by attendees for its hip-hop standouts that filled the Friday lineup. Among the praise, Black concertgoers found fulfillment in more than just the music.

The McMurtry-Brown family returned to Elk Grove Regional Park for a reunion marking 50 years of preserving family history and strengthening generations. When 160 members of the McMurtry-Brown family gathered in the Sacramento and Elk Grove area this past July, the weekend represented far more than a routine summer get-together. It marked a 50-year milestone of preserving Black family history, honoring resilience, and reinforcing multi-generational bonds across the United States.

Sacramento-area leaders question Trump’s proposed $5,000 payment tied to Republican midterm victories, citing legal, funding and credibility concerns. With midterm elections only weeks away, President Donald Trump is promising Americans a $5,000 dividend if Republicans retain control of Congress in November. Some Sacramento-area civic leaders say financial relief is something Americans need, but tying that relief to an election is not the way to earn their votes.

An opponent argues Proposition 38 would steer $4.2 billion in bond funds to a proposed institute while limiting transparency and adding long-term state debt. Beware of billionaires who want you to pay for their ego trip. That’s the story behind Proposition (Prop) 38 and why voters should say “no.” Prop 38 requires the state to borrow $8.4 billion for immunology research. Medical research is a good thing we all support and benefit from it.

From a Harriet Powers quilting history talk to comedy, a Michael Jackson tribute and Elk Grove Library’s grand opening, Sacramento-area events fill the weekend. A Michael Jackson tribute, the Elk Grove Library grand opening, a celebration of Black quilting history and R&B singer Arin Ray highlight this week’s outings. All listed events, and more, can be viewed online on The OBSERVER’s community events calendar at SacObserver.com.

Those who are uninsured or can't afford a copay are encouraged to schedule an appointment now Mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective. But for many who are uninsured or underinsured, the cost of a routine screening can be a barrier. During this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, UC Davis Health is once again offering free mammograms to improve access to lifesaving screening.

Stockton residents can attend events on voting, gospel and support for Black students from Oct. 9 to 14. Hey Stockton! Three Events You don’t want to miss Oct. 9-14 Hey, Stockton! There’s plenty happening around the city this week, from community events and neighborhood resources to conversations about civic engagement, education, faith and more. Here are my three picks for the week! Why We Don’t Vote! And How Do We Change It?Friday, Oct. 9 | 7-9 p.m. The Well, 1200 N.