As industry insiders, advocates for change, and social justice activists, we are joining forces in this Op-Ed to shed light on the critical need to strengthen California’s Film Tax Credit program through community and stakeholder participation and oversight. Thankfully, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-28) and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-61) have been spearheading this effort in the Legislature, calling for a Film Tax program that reflects the diverse landscape of the California workforce.
In The News
Starting in 2021, California took more of an interest in constructing affordable student housing. Since then it’s been a roller coaster ride.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers last year agreed to distribute $4 billion to the state’s three higher education systems with a mix of loans and grants through 2024-25 — which would add at least 20,000 beds at affordable rents. Fast forward to January 2023 and California’s facing a then-$22.5 billion deficit, and his administration wanted to delay some of the money by at least a year.
As industry insiders, advocates for change, and social justice activists, we are joining forces in this Op-Ed to shed light on the critical need to strengthen California’s Film Tax Credit program through community and stakeholder participation and oversight.
Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, says she wants to protect workers who lose their jobs when there are mergers between grocery store chains.
The potential costs of a new policy or program always factor into the legislative process — but that’s especially true when the state is facing down a $31.5 billion budget deficit.
When Sydney Kamlager-Dove vacated the California Senate to move up to the U.S. Congress, she sought out another Black woman to replace her. That woman, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, is featured in the fifth installment of our “A Powerful Sisterhood” series that highlights the contributions of past and present Black women lawmakers in California. Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) represents the 28th Senate District, which includes the communities of Ladera Heights, Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, Culver City, Leimert Park, South Los Angeles, West Adams, and View Park, where Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas lives.
On Saturday, April 1st, 2023, the California Science Center Foundation hosted its 24th Annual Discovery Ball where 600 guests dined and danced "Under the Maya Sky." This year's theme was inspired by the Science Center's newest exhibit, Maya: The Exhibition. Thanks to the generosity of presenting sponsor United Airlines and many other generous donors, the Discovery Ball achieved its revenue goal of $1.5 million in support of educational exhibits, programs and operations of the Science Center; including more than $200,000 to underwrite education program scholarships for young students facing financial barriers. "We are grateful for the wonderful generosity of our sponsors and guests, particularly United Airlines, our gala presenting sponsor, who have continued to support the Science Center," remarked California Science Center President and CEO, Jeff Rudolph. "Proceeds from our signature fundraiser enable us to provide exceptional science learning and education opportunities for our communities."
On Friday, May 5, 2023, State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas visited CCUSD to present a proclamation recognizing CCUSD’s 2021-22 Teacher of the Year Robyn Johnson. Johnson, a kindergarten teacher at Farragut Elementary School, has been teaching in the District for more than 20 years, and is also a local parent, volunteer and regular supporter of the Culver City Education Foundation.