Bakersfield News Observer
News Observer Weekly — October 14, 2026 | Top 5 Stories of the Week
L.A. County’s homelessness crisis escalates. This week on News Observer Weekly, Marcus and Nia tackle the top 5 stories impacting your community.
Seventy-three thousand people in Los Angeles County slept without a home last night. Maxine Waters’ number for fixing that is one trillion dollars. And Karen Bass’s number is control. She wants the city, not the county, deciding where L.A.’s housing money goes.
This week on News Observer Weekly, Marcus and Nia break down the five stories that mattered most to our readers — from Observer Group Newspapers, publishers of the Bakersfield News Observer, the Los Angeles News Observer and Valley’s News Observer, serving Kern County, Los Angeles, and the San Fernando and Antelope valleys.
ONE THING THIS WEEK
Monday, Oct. 19 is the last day to register to vote the regular way in Kern
County. Check your registration or register in two minutes at
registertovote.ca.gov. Miss it? Same-day registration is available in person
through Election Day, Nov. 3. Ballot already on the kitchen table? Sign and
date the envelope and drop it in one of Kern County’s 20 drop boxes, open 24
hours until 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Lost ballot? Call and they’ll replace it.
Kern County Elections: 661-868-3590.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Cold open
0:40 Housing: Maxine Waters Calls for $1 Trillion Federal Housing Investment
3:03 Los Angeles: Mayor Bass Seeks Greater Control Over Homelessness Response as Black Press Raises Affordability Concerns
5:23 Kern County: Valadao vs. Villegas: Where the Candidates Stand on Health Care, Water, Immigration and the Economy
7:55 Sacramento: As Gov. Newsom’s Term Nears End, Advocacy Groups Urge Him to Commute Life Sentences
10:59 Bakersfield: Voting Is Sacred: Faith Leaders, Registrar Urge Kern County Residents to Make Their Voices Heard
13:23 What to do this week
THE FULL STORIES
Maxine Waters Calls for $1 Trillion Federal Housing Investment
Maxine Waters Calls for $1 Trillion Federal Housing Investment
2. Mayor Bass Seeks Greater Control Over Homelessness Response as Black Press Raises Affordability Concerns
3. Valadao vs. Villegas: Where the Candidates Stand on Health Care, Water, Immigration and the Economy
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: CALIFORNIA’S 22ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
4. As Gov. Newsom’s Term Nears End, Advocacy Groups Urge Him to Commute Life Sentences
As Gov. Newsom’s Term Nears End, Advocacy Groups Urge Him to Commute Life Sentences
5. Voting Is Sacred: Faith Leaders, Registrar Urge Kern County Residents to Make Their Voices Heard
Voting Is Sacred: Faith Leaders, Registrar Urge Kern County Residents to Make Their Voices Heard
Read everything at ognsc.com
Subscribe for the top five, every week.
#BlackPress #Bakersfield #LosAngeles #SanFernandoValley #AntelopeValley #BlackNews
Bakersfield News Observer
Cómo publicar su DBA en el condado de Kern o Los Ángeles desde su teléfono
¿Registró su DBA en Kern o Los Ángeles? Aprenda a completar el requisito de publicación legal desde su teléfono en solo cinco minutos siguiendo este video.
¿Acaba de registrar su Nombre Comercial Ficticio (DBA) en el condado de Kern o Los Ángeles? La ley de California exige publicarlo en un periódico adjudicado una vez por semana durante cuatro semanas. Este video le muestra cómo hacerlo desde su teléfono en unos cinco minutos.
Presente su aviso aquí: https://legal.ognsc.com (toque “Español” arriba)
0:00 Por qué tiene que publicar
0:10 Comience su trámite
0:19 Seleccione su condado
0:33 Seleccione el tipo de aviso
0:43 Suba su documento sellado
0:53 Revise la información
1:10 Vea su precio
1:18 Datos de contacto y prueba
1:28 Pague con seguridad
1:33 Confirmación y prueba de publicación
1:47 Fecha límite
Los avisos del condado de Kern se publican en el Bakersfield News Observer (miércoles). Los del condado de Los Ángeles, en el Los Angeles News Observer (jueves). Fecha límite: viernes a las 5:00 PM (hora del Pacífico) para la semana siguiente.
¿Preguntas? [email protected] · (661) 324-9466
Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, Inc.
#DBA #NombreComercialFicticio #NegocioPropio #KernCounty #LosÁngeles #Bakersfield #AvisoLegal
Bakersfield News Observer
Publish your DBA from your phone in 5 minutes (Kern & LA County) #shorts
Register your DBA in Kern or Los Angeles County in just five minutes right from your phone. Watch our quick guide to streamline your business filing today.
The Bakersfield News Observer explores a streamlined method for registering a Doing Business As (DBA) name directly from a mobile device. This instructional video highlights how entrepreneurs and small business owners in Kern and Los Angeles counties can complete the necessary paperwork in approximately five minutes. By leveraging digital tools, the process aims to simplify administrative tasks for those looking to formalize their business identity without visiting a county office in person.
Whether you are a new entrepreneur or managing a side hustle, understanding the local filing requirements is essential for legal compliance. This quick tutorial breaks down the essential steps required to navigate the registration process efficiently. Viewers can learn how to finalize their documentation quickly, ensuring their business is properly filed and ready to operate within these specific California jurisdictions.
Bakersfield News Observer
How to Publish Your DBA (Fictitious Business Name) in Kern or LA County From Your Phone
Did you just file a DBA in Kern or LA County? Learn how to complete your mandatory publication requirement right from your phone in under five minutes.
Just filed a Fictitious Business Name statement with the Kern County or Los Angeles County Clerk? California requires you to publish it in an adjudicated newspaper once a week for four weeks. This video shows how to do it from your phone in about five minutes.
File here: https://legal.ognsc.com
0:00 Why you need to publish
0:08 Start your filing
0:14 Pick your county
0:26 Pick your notice type
0:35 Upload your stamped statement
0:44 Review the details
1:00 See your price
1:08 Contact info and proof option
1:18 Pay securely
1:24 Confirmation and proof of publication
1:38 Filing deadline
Kern County notices run in the Bakersfield News Observer (Wednesdays). Los Angeles County notices run in the Los Angeles News Observer (Thursdays). Deadline: Friday 5:00 PM Pacific for the following week.
Questions: [email protected] · (661) 324-9466
Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, Inc.
#DBA #FictitiousBusinessName #KernCounty #LosAngeles
Bakersfield News Observer
News Observer Weekly — October 28, 2026 | Top 5 Stories of the Week
From Inglewood’s billboard controversy to final election reminders, we break down the five biggest stories you need to know this week.
We make money while we sleep. That’s the mayor of Inglewood, talking about billboards. And six days from now, Inglewood voters decide whether he gets to keep sleeping on it.
This week on News Observer Weekly, Marcus and Nia break down the five stories that mattered most to our readers — from Observer Group Newspapers, publishers of the Bakersfield News Observer, the Los Angeles News Observer and Valley’s News Observer, serving Kern County, Los Angeles, and the San Fernando and Antelope valleys.
ONE THING THIS WEEK
Vote. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Official drop boxes close at 8 p.m. that
night. Mailed ballots must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and arrive within
seven days. Sign and date your envelope. Not registered? You can still register
and vote the same day, in person, through Election Day.
State voter hotline: 800-345-VOTE (8683). Kern County Elections: 661-868-3590.
A NOTE ON THIS EPISODE
Stories two and three were reported at an SEIU Local 2015 rally for two Democratic
candidates. Rep. David Valadao and Steve Hilton did not appear; we include
Valadao’s own debate answer and encourage voters to read both sides.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Cold open
0:43 Inglewood: Inglewood Mayor Defends Billboard Revenue as Measure BB Heads to Nov. 3 Election
3:03 Kern County: Villegas Rallies SEIU Caregivers in Bakersfield in CD-22 Race Against Valadao
5:49 Governor’s Race: Becerra to Bakersfield Caregivers: “You Are My Family”
7:56 Corcoran: Healing the Wounds Behind the Walls
10:39 Los Angeles: Metro to Kick Off Vermont Bus Rapid Transit Project Ahead of 2028 Olympics
12:33 What to do this week
THE FULL STORIES
Inglewood Mayor Defends Billboard Revenue as Measure BB Heads to Nov. 3 Election
Inglewood Mayor Defends Billboard Revenue as Measure BB Heads to Nov. 3 Election
2. Villegas Rallies SEIU Caregivers in Bakersfield in CD-22 Race Against Valadao
Villegas rallies SEIU Caregivers in Bakersfield in CD-22 race against Valadao
3. Becerra to Bakersfield Caregivers: “You Are My Family”
4. Healing the Wounds Behind the Walls
5. Metro to Kick Off Vermont Bus Rapid Transit Project Ahead of 2028 Olympics
Metro To Kick Off Vermont Bus Rapid Transit Project Ahead of 2028 Olympics
Read everything at ognsc.com
Subscribe for the top five, every week.
#BlackPress #Bakersfield #LosAngeles #SanFernandoValley #AntelopeValley #BlackNews
Bakersfield News Observer
News Observer Weekly — October 21, 2026 | Top 5 Stories of the Week
Marcus and Nia break down this week’s top five headlines and share essential info on how to register and vote in person through Election Day.
Shirley Weber is California’s secretary of state. Her grandparents died before the Voting Rights Act, and never got to cast a ballot. And her message to you, thirteen days out, is that her vote counts exactly as much as yours. One each.
This week on News Observer Weekly, Marcus and Nia break down the five stories that mattered most to our readers — from Observer Group Newspapers, publishers of the Bakersfield News Observer, the Los Angeles News Observer and Valley’s News Observer, serving Kern County, Los Angeles, and the San Fernando and Antelope valleys.
ONE THING THIS WEEK
Not registered? It’s not too late. The regular deadline was Oct. 19, but you
can still register and vote the same day, in person, through Election Day,
Nov. 3 (you’ll cast a provisional ballot that counts once the county confirms
your eligibility). A past felony conviction does not stop you from voting in
California unless you’re currently serving a prison sentence for a felony.
Worried about safety at the polls? Use an official drop box.
State voter hotline: 800-345-VOTE (8683). Kern County Elections: 661-868-3590.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Cold open
0:44 Elections: Before You Vote: 6 Things California Voters Need to Know
3:24 Governor’s Race: Becerra Outlines Housing, Homelessness and Health Care Priorities in Governor’s Race
5:22 Sacramento: California Political Legends Reunite in Sacramento
7:34 Health: Cash for Moms: A New Approach to Improving Black Maternal Health
10:18 Inglewood: Inglewood Study Finds Nearly 7 in 10 Seniors Wearing Ill-Fitting Shoes
12:16 What to do this week
THE FULL STORIES
Before You Vote: 6 Things California Voters Need to Know
Fact check: 6 things to know before you vote, from California’s secretary of state
2. Becerra Outlines Housing, Homelessness and Health Care Priorities in Governor’s Race
Becerra Outlines Housing, Homelessness and Health Care Priorities in Governor’s Race
3. California Political Legends Reunite in Sacramento
4. Cash for Moms: A New Approach to Improving Black Maternal Health
Cash for Moms: As Medicaid Cuts Loom, Cities Test a New Approach to Black Maternal Health
5. Inglewood Study Finds Nearly 7 in 10 Seniors Wearing Ill-Fitting Shoes
Read everything at ognsc.com
Subscribe for the top five, every week.
#BlackPress #Bakersfield #LosAngeles #SanFernandoValley #AntelopeValley #BlackNews
Bakersfield News Observer
News Observer Weekly — October 7, 2026 | Top 5 Stories of the Week
Nolan Wells’ mysterious death remains unsolved, while Kern County ballots are now in voters’ hands. This week’s top 5 stories, up now on News Observer Weekly.
Nolan Wells was eighteen. A Mississippi grand jury says nobody is responsible for his death. The state medical examiner says she can’t tell you how he died. The district attorney’s message to the family was, we’ll never know. The family’s answer was, we’ll never stop.
This week on News Observer Weekly, Marcus and Nia break down the five stories that mattered most to our readers — from Observer Group Newspapers, publishers of the Bakersfield News Observer, the Los Angeles News Observer and Valley’s News Observer, serving Kern County, Los Angeles, and the San Fernando and Antelope valleys.
ONE THING THIS WEEK
Kern County ballots started going out Oct. 5. When yours arrives: fill it out,
SIGN AND DATE THE ENVELOPE (unsigned ballots cannot be processed), and return it
by mail (no stamp, postmarked by Nov. 3) or to a 24-hour drop box by 8 p.m. on
Nov. 3. Not registered? The regular deadline is Oct. 19; same-day registration
is available in person after that through Election Day. Track your ballot with
“Where’s My Ballot” at kernvote.com. Kern County Elections: 661-868-3590.
NOW LAW
AB 2599, the Truth in Disclosure Act, signed Sept. 30. California is the first
state to require companies with $100 million or more in worldwide receipts to
disclose, under penalty of perjury, whether they or their predecessors profited
from chattel slavery.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Cold open
0:37 Justice: Rulings Leave Questions Lingering in Nolan Wells Case
3:25 Sacramento: Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Requiring Large Corporations to Disclose Profits From Chattel Slavery
5:55 Inglewood: Inglewood Shifts $2.8 Million in HOME-ARP Funds to Sankofa Place Affordable Housing Project
8:34 Kern County: Your Ballot Is in the Mail: Here Is What Kern County Voters Need to Know
10:21 Los Angeles: Mayor Bass Hosts 3rd Annual Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit to Prepare Small Businesses for LA28 Contracts
12:22 What to do this week
THE FULL STORIES
Rulings Leave Questions Lingering in Nolan Wells Case
2. Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Requiring Large Corporations to Disclose Profits From Chattel Slavery
Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Requiring Large Corporations to Disclose Profits From Chattel Slavery
3. Inglewood Shifts $2.8 Million in HOME-ARP Funds to Sankofa Place Affordable Housing Project
Inglewood Shifts $2.8 Million in HOME-ARP Funds to Sankofa Place Affordable Housing Project
4. Your Ballot Is in the Mail: Here Is What Kern County Voters Need to Know
Your ballot is in the mail. Here is what Kern County voters need to know
5. Mayor Bass Hosts 3rd Annual Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Procurement Summit to Prepare Small Businesses for LA28 Contracts
If you are in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free and available 24 hours a day, by call or text.
Read everything at ognsc.com
Subscribe for the top five, every week.
-
Black Press1 week agoSecretary of State Shirley Weber Pushes Back Against DOJ Demands Over California Voter Rolls
-
Art1 week agoCapturing Black Life’s Beauty
-
Black History7 days agoRetirement Triggers Doctor to Pen Book for Young Audience
-
Black History1 week agoOakland Honors 60 Years of the Black Panther Party at the All Power to the People Gala
-
Featured22 hours agoMulti-Faith Leaders Representing 10 Million People Launch National Anti-Authoritarian Initiative
-
Black Press7 days agoFatigue, Bloating, and Inflammation: Spotting the Subtle Signs of MASLD

