The ONME Network

As California’s senior Senator and the longest-serving woman senator ever since her election to the Senate in 1992, Democrat Dianne Feinstein, the 90-year-old senior senator from California, died on Sept. 28, 2023 in Washington, D.C. She was born in San Francisco, CA, June 22, 1933.

Images of orange groves and Spanish-themed hotels with palm tree gardens filled countless pamphlets and articles promoting Southern California and Florida in the late 19th century, promising escape from winter’s reach.

This vision of an “American Italy” captured hearts and imaginations across the U.S. In it, Florida and California promised a place in the sun for industrious Americans to live the good life, with the perfect climate.

But the very climates that made these semitropical playgrounds the American dream of the 20th century threaten to break their reputations in the 21st century.

In California, home owners now face dangerous heat waves, extended droughts that threaten the water supply, and uncontrollable wildfires. In Florida, sea level rise is worsening the risks of high-tide flooding and storm surge from hurricanes, in addition to turning up the thermostat on already humid heat. Global warming has put both Florida and California at the top of the list of states most at risk from climate change.

Ever since local online, Central Valley news outlet, Mid Valley Times, posted a peculiar news report on July 25 about a code-enforcement check-up revealing an illegal lab, in the predominantly agricultural city of Reedley, Calif., owned by a man who lives in China, more interesting facts are being exposed to the public through news updates.

Southern California residents have been warned to evacuate; see which areas

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--The National Weather Service is warning that severe tropical weather could impact several parts of California starting this weekend. In advance of the storm, residents are urged to stay away from parks, deserts, waterways and off-roadways, and anticipate power outage and water shut offs.

With the possibility of lightning, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, high surf – and even wildfire – the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is also advising residents to stay alert, prepare early, and follow all safety guidelines.

Today, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for much of Southern California to support Hurricane Hilary response and recovery efforts as the state continues mobilizing and coordinating resources ahead of the storm’s forecasted impacts starting today. The Governor signed the emergency proclamation in San Diego while visiting with California National Guard troops. Also today, the Governor met with first responders and local officials, including San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. He also was in touch with federal officials, including the White House.

“California has thousands of people on the ground working hand-in-hand with federal and local personnel to support communities in Hurricane Hilary’s path with resources, equipment and expertise. We’re mobilizing all of government as we prepare and respond to this unprecedented storm,” said Governor Newsom.

“As we head into this weekend, I urge Angelenos to continue monitoring the hurricane and be mindful of extreme weather warnings,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “We know the severe impact that weather can have on our communities. I am making sure Los Angeles is prepared on behalf of our residents, including the unhoused Angelenos living on our streets, to get through this storm.”

Produced by AMPTV, this over 2-hour special celebrating Juneteenth reviews the important points in history in the Anti-Slavery Movement, the Civil War, the history behind Juneteenth, as well as reflecting on abolitionists and historical figures such as, Phyllis Wheatley, Harriet Beecher Stowe, William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and former slave, Laura Smalley of Hempstead, Texas (1941.)

Meanwhile, watch the late Chadwick Boseman perform a passionate an excerpt of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.

Checkout the latest Juneteenth events happening throughout California!

According to Our Bodies Our Selves Today, a collaboration of the Center for Women’s Health and Human Rights at Suffolk University and the nonprofit organization, Our Bodies Ourselves, stated, "In the United States, we’re living through a major demographic shift, in which 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 each day. By 2030, one-quarter of the U.S. population will be over 65, with similar shifts happening all over the world."

The website reference continued to note that our society is not prepared for this aging of the population and the opportunities and challenges it will bring.

In this edition of News Too Real, show host, Julia Dudley Najieb reviews the March 29, 2023, In an Older Adult Behavioral Health Central Valley Roundtable held in Fresno, Calif., Inclusion & Equity, Not Isolation Is a Priority Goal of California’s Master Plan for Aging. The candid discussion was meant to be the first of many discussions throughout California. Community partners discussed, listened, and learned about the challenges around older adult behavioral health. Because the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating emotional impact on older adults and their families – compounded by historic racial injustice and health inequities, California leaders are now eager to hear directly from older adults and communities of color about their well-being. They are extremely concerned about data that suggests older adults (65+) are the least likely to report receiving mental health care (21 percent) compared to all other age groups.

Show host Julia Dudley Najieb closes out Herstory Month reviewing notable greats honored by the California legislature,followed by an overview report from a call with over 60 ethnic media and Gov. Gavin Newsom. Dudley Najieb will do a longer follow-up in longer show next week, News Too Real , Friday, April 7, 2023.

The federal government closed Signature Bank this past Sunday; regional banks have the most to lose right now if the panic runs continue--Black banks should be considered




In this episode of News Too Real, show host & producer, Julia Dudley Najieb explores the in-depth reasons as to why banks fail; on the contrary, Black banks have had key discriminatory factors contributing to their losses and failures. Dudley Najieb reveals those historical challenges, as well as comforting news on 21 thriving, mostly FDIC insured, Black-owned banks nationwide.

In "Brewing Within" episode 5, ONME News, Julia Dudley Najieb talks to a parent who resides in Fresno County where her son was transitioning from eighth grade to the ninth grade -- in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. She found some workable solutions, as well as roadblocks that were challenging.

Thereafter, Dudley Najieb talks with renowned teacher and coach Chris Finley, who felt pulled in different directions as a parent, teacher and coach. He describes the difficult experience he had to wade through, and the biggest upsets he felt could have been avoided if there was better communication.