‘Hope for the next generation’: Supervisors to support reparations for Black Californians

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to support a series of bills making their way through the California Legislature that would provide reparations to Black people who have been harmed by systemic racism and other inequities. The action was praised by activists and other residents who called the county supervisors’ endorsement a significant step forward in an ongoing effort to right historic injustices. The 4-1 vote means San Diego County will be listed as a formal supporter of all 14 bills — each now at different stages but progressing through the statehouse — that make up the reparations package. Supervisor Joel Anderson was the lone no vote. Each bill — ranging from civil rights and educational initiatives to health care access and criminal justice reform — aims to address the lasting effects of slavery, segregation and systemic racism. Several of these bills would directly impact San Diego County, said Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, who proposed the motion and was a member of the state’s reparations task force that developed the recommendations. “It is no secret that our county carries the stain of historical racism and discrimination against the Black community,” said Montgomery Steppe. “As a member of...