Bakersfield News Observer
News Observer Weekly — September 16, 2026 | Top 5 Stories of the Week
ICE shock gloves raise questions for California police. Plus, the top 5 stories you need to know this week.
Six thousand pairs of electric shock gloves. Sixteen point seven million dollars. That’s a federal contract, for ICE. And the Sacramento County Sheriff already bought ten of his own, for thirty-five thousand dollars. California has two weeks to decide whether its police can wear them.
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
If you’re a Black man 45 or older — or 40 with a father, brother or uncle who
had prostate cancer — call your doctor and ask one question: should I be
screened? Before you call, ask your family what the men in it died of. The
American Cancer Society says most men diagnosed early will not die of this
disease. No doctor? ACS helpline, free, 24 hours: 1-800-227-2345
ON THE GOVERNOR’S DESK
AB 2760 pauses California law enforcement’s use of shock gloves for three years
pending a DOJ safety study. It passed 29-9 and 55-16. Newsom has until
September 30 to sign it.
ON YOUR NOVEMBER BALLOT
Prop 38 would authorize $8.4 billion in bonds for immunology and immunotherapy
research — $500–600 million a year in debt payments for about 20 years. Read
both arguments before you vote.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Cold open
0:42 Sacramento: Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins’s Bill Would Pause Law Enforcement’s Use of Shock Gloves Pending Study
3:09 Los Angeles: Blacks and Latinos Clash Over LA’s Barrio Run; Mayor Karen Bass Calls for Dialogue Across Racial, Neighborhood Lines
5:26 Inglewood: How Inglewood’s Homeless Seniors Are Finding Relief Through Housing and Trauma-Informed Care
7:52 Your November Ballot: Prop 38 Would Allocate $8.4 Billion to Immunology and Immunotherapy Funding
10:15 Your Health: Prostate Cancer is Twice as Likely to Kill Black Men. Talking to Your Doctor Could Help Save Your Life
12:46 What to do this week
THE FULL STORIES
Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins’s Bill Would Pause Law Enforcement’s Use of Shock Gloves Pending Study
2. Blacks and Latinos Clash Over LA’s Barrio Run; Mayor Karen Bass Calls for Dialogue Across Racial, Neighborhood Lines
3. How Inglewood’s Homeless Seniors Are Finding Relief Through Housing and Trauma-Informed Care
How Inglewood’s Homeless Seniors Are Finding Relief Through Housing and Trauma-Informed Care
4. Prop 38 Would Allocate $8.4 Billion to Immunology and Immunotherapy Funding
On Your November Ballot: Prop 38 Would Allocate $8.4 Billion to Immunology and Immunotherapy Funding
5. Prostate Cancer is Twice as Likely to Kill Black Men. Talking to Your Doctor Could Help Save Your Life
Read everything at ognsc.com
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#BlackPress #Bakersfield #LosAngeles #SanFernandoValley #AntelopeValley #BlackNews
Bakersfield News Observer
Election Day Voting in Bakersfield
Bakersfield voters turned out in force on Election Day to cast ballots, register, and ensure their voices were heard. See how the community participated.
On Nov. 3, voters headed to the election division office in Bakersfield to cast their ballots. Some voted in person after not receiving a mail-in ballot, while others came in to complete ballots they hadn’t signed. Unregistered voters could also register and vote at the office. Staff helped voters throughout the day, and the polls remained open until 8 p.m. Every vote is a chance to make your voice heard.
Reporting: Cecil Egbele
#ElectionDay #Vote #Voting #Bakersfield #CivicEngagement
Bakersfield News Observer
News Observer Weekly — November 4, 2026 | Top 5 Stories of the Week
We honor the legacy of labor icon Dolores Huerta and break down the top five stories impacting California this week. Plus, vital tips for tracking your ballot.
As usual, Dolores got there first. That’s Barack Obama, on the woman who was saying Sí, se puede decades before he said Yes, we can. Dolores Huerta died a week ago today, at her home in Bakersfield. She was ninety-six.
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
Voted by mail? Make sure it counts. Ballots postmarked by Nov. 3 count if they
arrive within seven days. Track yours at the California Secretary of State’s
website (sos.ca.gov). Kern County Elections: 661-868-3590.
PUBLISH A LEGAL NOTICE
Need to publish a fictitious business name, name change, probate or summons in
Kern or Los Angeles County? File online at https://legal.ognsc.com — upload your
paperwork, review the notice, see a flat price before you pay. Kern notices run
in the Bakersfield News Observer; L.A. County notices run in the Los Angeles News
Observer. Deadline: Friday 5 p.m. Pacific for the next week’s paper.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Cold open
0:55 Bakersfield: Dolores Huerta, Farmworker Champion, Dies at 96 in Bakersfield
2:54 Kern County: ‘Don’t Ghost Your Vote’: Young Kern County Residents Say Why Their Peers Skip the Polls
5:21 Long Beach: NAACP California-Hawaii Convention Concludes With Call to Action: ‘We Will Not Be Deterred’
6:52 From the Observer: publish a legal notice
7:48 California: California Big-City Mayors Want at Least $1 Billion in State Funding to Fight Homelessness
10:21 Family Budget: ‘Raising a Child Shouldn’t Break the Bank’: California Is Helping Families Save on Childcare Costs
12:03 What to do this week
THE FULL STORIES
Dolores Huerta, Farmworker Champion, Dies at 96 in Bakersfield
Dolores Huerta, farmworker champion, dies at 96 in Bakersfield
2. ‘Don’t Ghost Your Vote’: Young Kern County Residents Say Why Their Peers Skip the Polls
3. NAACP California-Hawaii Convention Concludes With Call to Action: ‘We Will Not Be Deterred’
NAACP California-Hawaii Convention Concludes with Call to Action: ‘We Will Not Be Deterred’
4. California Big-City Mayors Want at Least $1 Billion in State Funding to Fight Homelessness
California Big-City Mayors Want At Least $1 Billion In State Funding to Fight Homelessness
5. ‘Raising a Child Shouldn’t Break the Bank’: California Is Helping Families Save on Childcare Costs
‘Raising a Child Shouldn’t Break the Bank’: California Is Helping Families Save on Childcare Costs
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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
Black Media in 2026: Why Representation Still Matters #shorts
How I Prepared to Open a Business Without Experience #shorts
How Financial Transparency Brought My Team Together #shorts
How the Sandwich Generation Can Help Protect Aging Parents’ Finances
As Progressive Democrats Celebrate ‘Blue Tsunami,’ Oakland Counts Victories
Golden State Valkyries Become Bay Area Legends Winning WNBA Championship on Halloween Night
IN MEMORIAM: Marcia Ann Gillespie, Editor of Essence and Ms. Magazines, Dies at 82
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi Honors local ‘Women of the Year’ at Annual Awards Ceremony
Pete Rhodes on 45 Years of Building Black Media in Minnesota | Blacklight on Sports
Richmond Neighbors Put Pantry Power on the Map
All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk
Practitioners of African Traditional Spirituality Offer Ancestral Reverence Ritual Oct. 31
Latinas Deserve Equal Pay. Unions Help Make It Happen.
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Black Media in 2026: Why Representation Still Matters #shorts
How I Prepared to Open a Business Without Experience #shorts
How Financial Transparency Brought My Team Together #shorts
Pete Rhodes on 45 Years of Building Black Media in Minnesota | Blacklight on Sports
Find Black-Owned EV Businesses That Invest in Your Community #shorts
Stand, Rep, Vote
Houston Igbofest welcomes legendary Ijele Masquerade
Stand Rep Vote – Explainer
Judge V’s Bees make sweet honey in the Tre
Cyberstalking Nightmare Exposes Hidden Dangers of Online Accounts
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