Sacramento Observer

THE SACRAMENTO OBSERVER — Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said the fire “started in a malfunctioning electric space heater” in an apartment unit spanning the second and third floors of the 19-story building. The door of the apartment was left...

THE SACRAMENTO OBSERVER — Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said the fire “started in a malfunctioning electric space heater” in an apartment unit spanning the second and third floors of the 19-story building. The door of the apartment was left open, allowing smoke to quickly spread throughout the building, Nigro said.

SACRAMENTO OBSERVER — From honored celebrities whose careers we’ve followed for decades to everyday folks who were largely unknown until they left this world, we said goodbye and “Rest In Power” far too often. As the year ends, we take a minute to reflect and acknowledge some of those who went on to glory in 2021.

SACRAMENTO OBSERVER — Dr. Versher says she suffered three seizures on Wednesday, the first within 30 minutes of leaving a meeting with members of the school’s Black Student Union. They’d gathered to discuss how to move forward and heal after the discovery that someone had marked up a wall near her assigned parking spot with the n-word. Staff was alerted around 4:00 p.m. on Monday that the wall facing the soccer field had been defaced, but it was seen as early as last Saturday.

THE SACRAMENTO OBSERVER — In a since-deleted Sunday tweet that appeared to lash out at people speculating about her husband’s cancellation and current whereabouts, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom wrote: “It’s funny how certain folks can’t handle truth. When someone cancels something, maybe they’re just in the office working; maybe in their free time they’re at home with their family, at their kids’ sports matches, or dining out with their wife. Please stop hating and get a life.” She had also been scheduled to go to Scotland.

SACRAMENTO OBSERVER — “Congratulations to all of the Black Republican candidates who made history Tuesday night winning their state-wide and local elections across the country,” RNC National Spokesman Paris Dennard stated. “Republican trailblazer Winsome Sears defied the odds to become the first Black woman elected to serve as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor. On the local level, Black Republicans like A.C. Cordoza (VA-91), Donald Douglas (KY,SD-22), and Jalen Johnson (Albany City Commission-II) highlight the growth and diversity of the GOP at all levels,” noted Denard, who also serves as the RNC’s director of Black Media Affairs.

THE SACRAMENTO OBSERVER — California is hiring a fiscal consultant to help San Francisco Unified — which is currently facing a $116 million shortfall — figure out how to slash 13% of its $1 billion annual budget. Hayward Unified is considering closing an elementary school — one that primarily serves immigrant families — to plug budget gaps. West Contra Costa Unified, confronting a possible $30 million deficit, says it may have to lay off teachers.

THE SACRAMENTO OBSERVER — California’s school vaccination mandate will take effect for students enrolled in grades 7 through 12 one semester after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the vaccine for children 12 and older. The mandate will also apply to children under 12 after a vaccine is approved for that age group.

SACRAMENTO OBSERVER — “Students don’t see themselves in those who are teaching them. And those who are teaching them — while well meaning — do not see equity from a racial or social justice lens.” Said California Community Colleges Board of Governors President Pamela Haynes. “We have to racialize this. We have got to call it as we see it, because it is Black and Brown students who are not being served by our institutions.” 

By Stacy M. Brown | NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent (NNPA) – It’s estimated that more than 28 million children would become eligible if the request meets approval. Pfizer and BioNTech officials have confirmed that they have...