Catalyst California (formerly Advancement Project California) advocates for racial justice by building power and transforming public systems.

Ten years ago, we set out to create a different kind of fundraising event that reflected the best of Los Angeles, and California. An event that brought folks together across geographies, generations, and ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds. An event that honored people who truly deserve applause for their commitment to racial equity. 

Historically, Black and Indigenous students have been among the student groups who struggle academically on state performance measures and need more support, but they are yet to be included in direct funding and supports. This continues to be the case despite this year marking the 10th anniversary of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which aims to make state funding of school districts more flexible and aligned with equity.

To strengthen LCFF’s ability to directly reach students in high-need communities, Governor Newsom offered his own proposal this year – the Equity Multiplier. The Equity Multiplier aims to provide additional funding to high-need schools to close achievement and opportunity gaps.

The Asian American and Pacific Islander community had a strong showing during a Los Angeles City Council committee meeting this week to discuss proposals for increasing the number of council seats and redistricting reforms in the wake ofa political scandalthe last time City Council boundaries were redrawn.