By Bo Tefu and Edward Henderson, California Black Media
“And During Black History Month” – California Officials Blast Trump for Posting Video Depicting the Obamas as Apes
Gov. Gavin Newsom and a number of elected officials joined a wave of national backlash after President Donald Trump shared — and later deleted — a video widely condemned as racist for depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.
On Feb. 6, Newsom’s office blasted the President on social media.
“Disgusting behavior by the President. Every single Republican must denounce this. Now.” the social media post read.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) called for the President to be removed from office.
“Donald Trump is a racist, a stain on our White House and should be removed from office,” Rivas posted on Facebook. “Silence is complicity, and every Republican must speak out and reject his latest racist act.”
Senate Pro Tem Monique Limón called on her colleagues to “denounce this behavior.”
“I will not share the disgusting video depicting our former president and first lady, but I will however call on all, including our Republican colleagues, to vehemently denounce this behavior,” said Limón in a statement.
“The video shared is not just a meme video – the symbolism carries with its centuries of racist pain that seeks to dehumanize our Black community,” she continued. “Please speak out and condemn this behavior. We cannot allow this dialogue to continue.”
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) posted on his Facebook page on Feb. 6.
“If this is your President and you support this … we really just can’t be friends right now,” said Bryan.
On Feb. 7, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), responded to Trump on her Facebook page.
“Don’t be jealous because we are not in the Epstein files,” Mckinnor wrote alongside a picture of Michelle and Barack Obama.
The controversy began after Trump posted the video on his Truth Social platform on Feb. 5. The clip promoted false claims about the 2020 election before briefly showing the Obamas’ faces superimposed on primates’ bodies, a trope widely understood as racist.
Trump said he did not watch the full video before it was posted and declined to apologize.
“I didn’t see the whole thing,” Trump told reporters, adding that he only viewed the portion about election fraud. Asked whether he would apologize, Trump said, “No, I didn’t make a mistake.”
He also said he condemned the imagery but maintained he had not personally seen the offensive portion before it was posted.
The White House initially defended the post as part of an internet meme before later saying it had been removed and may have been posted in error.
“This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. But there are no apes in ‘The Lion King,’ only a mandrill, Rafiki.
She also dismissed criticism as “fake outrage” and urged media outlets to focus on other issues.
Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) also expressed outrage about the video and the President’s action.
“Vile. Disgusting. Abhorrent. Racist. And during Black History Month,” Padilla said in a statement. “Truly no words to fully describe how despicable and low the video posted by the President is. America deserves better.”
New Trailer Bill: Proposal Calls for Moving Department of Education Under Gov’s Office
Language for a budget trailer bill that would shift oversight of the California Department of Education (CDE) under the governor’s office was released on Feb. 2, marking a key step in advancing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s broader plan to overhaul the state’s education governance system.
The trailer bill language reflects a sweeping proposal included in Newsom’s 2026–27 state budget plan that would move responsibility for managing the CDE into the executive branch while strengthening the coordinating role of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The proposal is intended to modernize what state leaders and policy researchers have long described as a fragmented and sometimes conflicting operational structure that oversees California’s TK-12 education system.
Under the plan, the State Board of Education would assume greater oversight authority, aligning policy development more directly with implementation by the Department of Education.
“For far too long, California’s fractured education governance system has contributed to persistent inequities disproportionately impacting low-income students, students of color, and multilingual learners,” said Christopher J. Nellum, Ph.D., Executive Director of EdTrust-West last month when Newsom first proposed the plan.
“EdTrust-West commends Gov. Newsom for championing these essential reforms, and we look forward to working with state leaders and fellow advocates to ensure we build an accountable education system that finally delivers on its promise to our most vulnerable students,” Nellum added.
Newsom has framed the effort as long overdue, pointing to decades of reports calling for reform.
“California can no longer postpone reforms that have been recommended regularly for a century,” Newsom said, describing the proposal as a step toward greater accountability, clarity, and coherence in how the state serves students and schools.
The proposal draws on recommendations dating back to a 1920 legislative review and the Legislature’s 2002 Master Plan for Education, as well as a December 2025 report from Policy Analysis for California Education warning that governance reforms were overdue. Analysts have argued that overlapping authority among the governor, superintendent, State Board of Education, Legislature, and local agencies has created inefficiencies and inconsistent policy implementation.
If adopted, the changes would also expand the superintendent’s role in coordinating education policy across early childhood, TK-12, and higher education systems. Lawmakers are expected to debate the proposal as part of the broader state budget process in the coming months.
State Controller Malia M. Cohen: February Is Unclaimed Property Month in California
California State Controller Malia M. Cohen and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D‑Anaheim) announced on Feb. 5 that the Legislature has adopted Assembly House Resolution (HR) 79, officially designating February 2026 as Unclaimed Property Month. The declaration aims to increase public awareness of California’s unclaimed property program and encourage residents to check for lost or forgotten assets.
The State Controller’s Office (SCO) currently safeguards more than $15 billion in unclaimed property, representing over 84 million individual properties that could belong to nearly 39 million Californians. Common forms of unclaimed assets include dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, stocks, bonds, insurance benefits, and contents from safe deposit boxes.
“My office is safeguarding more than $15 billion in unclaimed property. In these uncertain times, taking a few minutes to visit claimit.ca.gov could mean reconnecting you or your loved ones with money that’s rightfully yours,” Cohen said in a statement.
“I want to thank Assemblymember Valencia for authoring HR 79 to help raise awareness about California’s financial lost and found.”
Valencia, who chairs the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee, emphasized the financial benefit for residents.
“Every year, California returns hundreds of millions of dollars in unclaimed property back to their rightful owners,” he added. “A quick search could put money back in your wallet.”
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) also voiced support, noting the resolution’s practical impact.
“Too often, families are unaware their money is sitting unclaimed. That’s why I’m happy to join Assemblymember Avelino Valencia in raising awareness for this important program,” Rivas said.
Cohen and Valencia encouraged Californians to visit the SCO’s claimit.ca.gov portal to search for and claim unclaimed assets.
Over 2 Million Sign Up for Covered California; Special Enrollment Still Available
Covered California is nearing record enrollment for the 2026 coverage year after open enrollment closed on Jan. 31, with more than 1.9 million Californians selecting or renewing health plans for the upcoming year.
This figure includes both new enrollees and returning members, with many qualifying for low-cost coverage through financial assistance.
“As open enrollment draws to a close, Californians still have time to look out for themselves and those they love, but they need to act fast,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman during a Los Angeles enrollment event.
“Affordable health plans are still out there for many of our enrollees, but with the federal changes it is more important than ever that consumers take advantage of our marketplace and shop.”
The 2026 open enrollment period took place amid policy and cost uncertainties, especially the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits at the end of 2025. Early data from Covered California and regional partners indicate that while overall enrollment remains strong, fewer new enrollees signed up early compared with last year. This trend is attributed in part to the changing subsidy landscape.
Although regular open enrollment has ended, many Californians can still sign up through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if they experience a qualifying life event. These events include losing job-based coverage, marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or other changes in household circumstances. Most people have 60 days from the date of the qualifying event to enroll in a plan outside of open enrollment.
Coverage selected through an SEP generally becomes effective on the first day of the month after enrollment, offering a critical safety net for those who lose health coverage mid-year.
Californians can determine eligibility and apply year-round at CoveredCA.com, where financial assistance options and plan comparisons are available.
California Assembly Honors the Life and Public Service of Civil Rights Champion Allen Hammond
On Feb. 3, the California Legislature paid tribute to Allen Steward Hammond, IV, a civil rights advocate, educator, and public servant, who passed away on Jan. 11 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The Assembly’s observance honored his memory and celebrated his decades of work advancing equality, media fairness, and education in California and around the country.
“Allen’s passion for civil rights and equality shaped not only his work, but who he was at his core,” said Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), whose district Hammond lived in.
“Hammond, a native of Washington, D.C., helped desegregate Woodrow Wilson High School, graduated from Grinnell College, and earned a law degree and master’s in communication from the University of Pennsylvania.”
Berman highlighted Hammond’s service in President Jimmy Carter’s Administration, where he led the Minority Telecommunications Development Program to expand minority ownership in media.
“This was the beginning of a long career dedicated to increasing access to transformative technologies and reducing bias in the media,” said Berman.
Hammond later brought his commitment to equality into the classroom, teaching telecommunications and contracts law at New York Law School and Santa Clara Law School, where he was honored as Professor of the Year before retiring. He also served on the board of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California and engaged with community fitness programs, demonstrating his dedication to service beyond the legal sphere.
Berman praised Hammond’s influence on future generations of lawyers saying, “His extraordinary legal mind and legacy of service live on through his teaching and mentorship, inspiring generations of lawyers.”
The Assembly observed a moment of silence in his honor, joined by Hammond’s spouse of 49 years, Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the California State Board of Education.
Hammond’s career reflected a lifetime of advancing civil rights, media fairness, and public service. Lawmakers emphasized that his work continues to shape communities, students, and the legal profession across California.
Black History Month @ 100: Gov. Newsom, First Partner Honor Prominent Black Californians
Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom marked Black History Month with a video message honoring the contributions of Black Californians, as the annual observance reaches its 100th anniversary.
In the video, shared on the governor’s official social media account, the Newsoms reflected on the role Black Americans have played in shaping California and the nation, while highlighting prominent Black Californians whose work has influenced culture, politics, and social change.
“This year, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, we honor the remarkable impact that Black Americans have had on our country and on the world,” said Siebel Newsom.
Newsom emphasized the long history of Black leadership and activism in the state, saying Black Californians “for more than 175 years have changed the world, broadened minds, and pushed progress forward.” He added that Black History Month offers a moment to reflect on both past struggles and accomplishments.
“This month, we take the opportunity to remember the lessons we’ve learned, all the accomplishments that have been achieved, and whose shoulders we stand on,” said Newsom.
Siebel Newsom highlighted several influential Black figures connected to California and beyond, including poet and author Maya Angelou, science fiction writer Octavia Butler, Black Panther Party co-founder Huey Newton, political activist and scholar Angela Davis, and Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth, the founder of Allensworth, California, one of the state’s first Black towns.
“These are just a few of the many Black leaders and visionaries who define excellence, who are the definition of changemakers,” said Siebel Newsom.
The message was released as California state agencies, schools, and community organizations observe Black History Month through educational programs, cultural events, and public discussions focused on Black history, identity, and civic engagement.
Siebel Newsom closed the message by wishing residents well, saying, “Happy Black History Month, California.”
Assembly Votes to Advance Asm. Isaac Bryan’s Bill on Direct Payments to Foster Youth
The California Assembly on Tuesday unanimously approved Assembly Bill AB 1080, legislation that protects foster youth from being charged for the cost of their own care and ensures they retain full access to certain benefits.
The measure, introduced by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), extends existing protections to retirement and disability insurance benefits for youth in foster care.
“Two years ago, we passed a bill that prohibited county agencies from collecting foster youth survivor benefits and using them to reimburse themselves,” Bryan said on the Assembly floor. “This bill continues that progress by extending that prohibition to the rest of Title II benefits, which include retirement and disability insurance benefits.”
AB 1080 is part of ongoing efforts by California lawmakers to provide financial fairness for vulnerable youth. Bryan noted the legislation has received bipartisan support, reflecting shared recognition of the need to prevent counties from using foster youth benefits to offset administrative costs.
“Our previous efforts have had bipartisan support, and I respectfully ask your aye vote,” he said.
The Assembly approved the bill with 67 “aye” votes and no opposition, moving it forward in the legislative process for further consideration. Supporters said the measure strengthens protections for foster youth by ensuring they receive the full benefits earned on their behalf, without financial deductions by county agencies.
Legislators Push for Stronger DUI Penalties. What You Should Know
California lawmakers, on Feb. 3, unveiled a package of bills aimed at reducing DUI fatalities, injuries, and repeat offenses, responding to a more than 50% increase in alcohol-related roadway deaths over the past decade. The legislation emphasizes accountability, prevention, and enhanced law enforcement training.
Public Safety Committee Chair Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank), said the rise in DUI deaths, which exceed 1,300 annually in California, is a “pressing concern” that demands action.
“Quite simply, we as policymakers need to do more,” said Schultz.
Key legislation the DUI legislation package includes:
AB 1546 (authored by Schultz) Targets repeat DUI offenders. A third DUI within 10 years becomes a “wobbler” (misdemeanor or felony), while a fifth or subsequent conviction is automatically a felony. Strengthens ignition interlock device (IID) requirements and extends license revocation from four to five years for severe offenders.
AB 1662, authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee): Closes loopholes allowing dangerous drivers to avoid DMV points after diversion. Ensures license suspensions begin upon release from incarceration, keeping high-risk drivers off the road.
Ignition Interlock Device Requirement for First-Time Offender, authored by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine): mandates ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders, a measure previously delayed due to funding concerns.
Advanced DUI Training for Law Enforcement, authored by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto): expands officer training beyond basic academy instruction to help identify impaired drivers more quickly and efficiently.
Advanced DUI Training for Law Enforcement, authored by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto): expands officer training beyond basic academy instruction to help identify impaired drivers more quickly and efficiently.
Wilson emphasized that the legislation is “not about punishment. It’s about accountability.” Schultz added that while there may be fiscal considerations, “we are losing way too many lives on our roads.”
Petrie-Norris said investments in the bills “will save lives and prevent tragedies.”
Lawmakers describe the package as a starting point for broader action to improve DUI enforcement and road safety across California.
Related