California May Close Its State-Run Youth Prisons. What Comes Next?

If California Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to close the state’s last three youth prisons is approved, what will that mean for the rest of the country? YR Media talked to Ella Baker Center for Human Rights Executive Director Zachary Norris about California’s decision and what divesting in incarceration and reinvesting in communities looks like. Read […]

Los Fauna Adapt To The Times

The statewide shutdown means bands and artists have to rethink how they’re producing music. Boyle Heights 60’s psychedelic garage rock band Los Faunas describes the changes they’ve made to their process during quarantine: “It is stressful. But we like to take it one day at a time and if not all of us can make […]

Black Liberation Is Latinx Liberation Too

In her commentary, Maria Bernal articulates the need for Black/Latinx solidarity. “It is easier to direct anger towards a whole group of people than it is to change the environment that created the motivation for these crimes. Black liberation is liberation for Latinx people too. Anti-Black messaging, no matter who it comes from, is a […]

Local Activist On SCUSD Sacramento Police Contract

Across the country, more and more school districts are cutting ties with local police departments. Access Local TV spoke to one local activist in Sacramento fighting to divest funds from the police back into the community. “By cutting the $600,000 dollar contract with the Sacramento police department and reinvesting that money in an alternative safety […]

Siblings Occupy City Hall, Demand Justice for Vanessa Guillen

The death of 20-year-old army specialist Vanessa Guillen deeply affected sisters Estefany, Jackie and Nadra Sanchez. “It could have been me,” said Estefany Sanchez, a former servicewoman. “I was sexually harassed by two sergeants.” Guillen’s death moved the three women to organize ongoing protests at Richmond City Hall. Read more at Richmond Pulse.

Have Face Coverings In Kern Become A Thing Of The Past? Health Experts Say Masks Can Help Flatten The Curve

When Delia Ramos visited Bakersfield, she was shocked to see how few residents were wearing masks. “When picking up groceries, I was only part of a few people wearing a mask because it wasn’t required. In Clovis, it isn’t required either, but people still wore their masks,” said Ramos. As COVID numbers rise, public health […]

Comebacks for ‘Karens’ with Comedian W. Kamau Bell

Comedian W. Kamau Bell talked to Nyge Turner of YR Media’s Adult ISH podcast about dealing with microaggressions and racism. They go through multiple scenarios together in a game Nyge invented called “Hot Potato Racism.” Among Bell’s advice: “You have to figure out a way to make that person feel ridiculous.” Read more at YR […]

Sacramento City And Police Sued For Rubber Bullet Usage

Sacramento residents are fighting back after a number of local protests ended in police violence and excessive use of force. “My 5-year-old, she can’t look at me without crying,” commented Shantia Love, who was blinded in one eye during a protest by a rubber bullet fired by the Sacramento PD. Read the full story at […]

Boyle Heights ‘Artivist’ Helps Raise Funds For Migrants In Detention Centers

Boyle Heights artist Julio Salgado is no stranger to using his art to create social change. Now, he’s directing his efforts to support immigrants in detention centers. “My job is to think of initiatives where we bring artists from our communities, those who are undocumented or formerly undocumented. One of the main goals for the […]

Richmond Revolution Celebrates ‘Black Joy’ For Juneteenth

Richmond, Calif. residents gathered together for Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The event featured music, food, and dancing celebrating African American heritage and culture. “You need to create safe spaces to release stress, feel love, and support,” said Eleanor Neal, one of the event attendees. Read more at […]