Houston native Shannan E. Johnson, screenwriter, former TV executive and founder of The Professional Pen, shares her advice for anyone trying to break into Hollywood in an interview with The Defender.
Johnson, who grew up in Scenic Woods and worked as a creative executive at NBCUniversal’s Syfy before founding her script consultancy, explains why today’s writers have to wear every hat, from producer to manager, and how building your own audience gives you more control over where your work lands.
In this video, you’ll hear about:
• Why the real power in Hollywood sits in the executive suite
• Wearing every hat as a writer, and why you still need a lawyer
• Learning the business from the set and the office
• Planning where your script will land before you write it
• Building an audience you own
• Finding another way through the door
Chapters
0:00 Meet Shannan E. Johnson
0:17 Where the power is in Hollywood
0:31 Tip 1: Wear every hat
0:46 Tip 2: Start on set
1:03 Tip 3: Know where your script will land
1:14 Tip 4: Build an audience you own
1:27 Tip 5: Find another way through the door
Read Laura Onyeneho’s full profile, “Shannan E. Johnson: Screenwriter charts her own Hollywood path,” on defendernetwork.com.
#ShannanEJohnson #TheProfessionalPen #Screenwriting #Hollywood #BlackFilmmakers #Houston #TheDefender
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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 Press
20 Years of California Climate Law: Gov. Newsom and Former Gov. Schwarzenegger Lead Milestone Celebration
Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently gathered at the California Economic Summit to mark the 20th anniversary of the Global Warming Solutions Act. The bipartisan celebration highlighted how the landmark law established a framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the state’s cap-and-invest program. While the governors credited these policies with fostering clean-energy innovation and driving economic growth, critics continue to raise concerns regarding the impact of environmental regulations on energy affordability for residents. Read more to learn about the state’s climate milestones.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Photo courtesy of Gov. Newsom’s office.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger celebrated two decades of the state’s landmark climate law on Wednesday, Oct. 14, highlighting California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while growing its economy and expanding clean-energy investment.
The Democratic governor and Republican former governor appeared together at the 15th annual California Economic Summit in Long Beach to mark the 20th anniversary of Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act, which Schwarzenegger signed in September 2006. The law established a framework for reducing California’s greenhouse gas emissions and helped lay the groundwork for the state’s cap-and-invest program.
“We’ve shown the world what a state can accomplish,” Schwarzenegger said, highlighting California’s climate leadership.
Newsom credited Schwarzenegger’s decision to sign AB 32 with helping create the state’s cap-and-invest program, which requires companies to reduce their emissions, purchase allowances, or fund projects that offset pollution. Revenue from the program supports climate initiatives, affordable housing and transportation projects, as well as electricity bill credits for residents.
Newsom said California has reinvested $16 billion to offset residents’ electricity costs since the program began and expects to receive another $8 billion over the next four years.
He also argued that predictable climate policies encourage businesses to invest in California’s clean-energy economy, pointing to Tesla as an example of the opportunities the state’s regulatory framework created.
“There’s no Elon Musk without what Gov. Schwarzenegger did because there would be no Tesla,” Newsom said.
Schwarzenegger agreed that long-term policy certainty helps attract investment, arguing that California’s climate initiatives demonstrate that environmental protections and economic development can advance together.
The state extended its cap-and-invest program through 2045 last year, giving businesses a longer-term framework for planning investments and meeting emissions requirements.
However, California’s approach continues to face criticism over energy affordability and regulatory costs. Wayne Winegarden, a senior fellow at the Pacific Research Institute, argued that assessments of the state’s climate policies should better account for the high energy costs Californians face. Critics have also questioned how much of the state’s economic growth can be directly attributed to its environmental regulations.
The governors’ joint appearance underscored their shared support for climate action despite their political differences. Schwarzenegger has criticized Newsom’s support for Proposition 50, the 2025 redistricting measure that temporarily allowed California lawmakers to redraw congressional districts.
The anniversary comes as California continues to pursue emissions reductions and clean-energy investment while facing questions about the cost of its climate policies for households and businesses.
Black Press
Becerra Hosts Meet-and-Greet With Black Leaders in L.A.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra recently met with Black elected officials and community leaders in South Los Angeles to outline his platform for California’s future. Introduced by L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Becerra detailed his priorities for expanding affordable housing, protecting healthcare access, and defending diversity and inclusion initiatives. The discussion addressed immediate challenges such as homelessness accountability, the impact of federal funding cuts, and the rising role of artificial intelligence in public life. Read more to learn how Becerra plans to address these issues.
California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra speaks with Black media journalists during a roundtable discussion in Los Angeles on Oct. 15, 2026. CBM photo by Maxim Elramsisy.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra outlined his priorities for housing, health care, education and civil rights during an Oct. 15 meeting with Black elected officials and community leaders in South Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell introduced Becerra, citing his experience in the Legislature, Congress and federal government.
“We need people who have walked where we have walked and understand the communities that we all live in, come from, and represent,” Mitchell said.
Becerra pledged to defend diversity, equity and inclusion programs against federal opposition and criticized voter identification requirements as barriers to voting.
“If there’s a fight for that diversity, that strength, that inclusion, that equity, count me in, and let me use the governor’s office to make it clear,” he said.
Identifying housing and health care as immediate priorities, Becerra said more than 40,000 housing units are awaiting financing. He cited Proposition 1, a housing bond measure on November’s ballot, as a potential funding source.
“Prop 1 would give us the money to help start getting those moving,” he said. “And the more you build, the more you relieve the pressure, the demand for housing, which means you can probably see the price stabilize as well.”
On homelessness, he demanded measurable results from cities and counties receiving state funding.
“We will demand accountability when it comes to homelessness,” he said. “I’m not willing to let $1 from the state, from taxpayers, go to a city or a county unless they can show me how they’re going to use the dollar and what the results will be.”
He advocated temporary shelter, mental health and substance use treatment, and intervention before families lose their homes.
Becerra warned that federal Medicaid cuts could leave millions without coverage and threaten hospitals and clinics.
“If these families lose their insurance and still go in for care, now the doctors and the hospitals won’t get paid,” he said. “I want to make sure neither the patients nor the providers feel like Trump’s cuts are going to undermine our health care system.”
He said he is consulting providers and insurers but offered no financing plan.
Addressing surveillance and artificial intelligence, Becerra urged safeguards against discriminatory tracking and dangerous technology, including possible government authority to shut down unsafe AI systems.
“Once you give up your privacy, you can’t get it back,” he said.
He also criticized federal immigration enforcement and advocated comprehensive immigration reform, citing uncertainty for families and employers dependent on immigrant labor.
On education, Becerra supported expanded early childhood learning, tutoring, stronger academic standards and experienced teachers in underperforming schools. He opposed directing public education funding toward for-profit private schools.
“Keep your taxpayer dollars in our public community schools,” he said. “Don’t let those tax dollars go to for-profit private schools first, because it’s already tough enough as it is.”
He said schools must address learning gaps early rather than advancing students without grade-level skills.
“Too many of our kids are starting even kindergarten, and they’re not ready to learn,” he said. “And is it surprising that by the third grade they’re not reading or doing math at grade level?”
He also urged districts to assign skilled teachers to schools with the greatest needs, working with unions to address compensation.
Black Press
Early Childhood Nonprofit Celebrates a Century of Success
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — “Our work has never been more urgent,” said NAEYC CEO Michelle Kang. “We need systems that truly value children and the people who care for and educate them. Early childhood educators are the workforce behind the workforce—skilled, dedicated professionals whose impact reaches children, families, businesses, and communities nationwide. By recognizing these educators’ expertise, investing in their compensation, and elevating their contributions, we invest in our collectiv
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) commemorates its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century of advocacy, innovation, and leadership in early childhood education (ECE).
Founded in 1926 as the National Association for Nursery Education, NAEYC began with a simple but powerful belief: young children deserve better, and the people who care for them deserve a voice. Today, NAEYC stands as the nation’s largest early childhood education association, with tens of thousands of members, 50 affiliates in nearly every state, more than 5,800 accredited early learning programs serving over half a million children and nearly half a million families, and nearly 180 accredited higher education programs teaching the next generation of early childhood educators.
“Our work has never been more urgent,” said NAEYC CEO Michelle Kang. “We need systems that truly value children and the people who care for and educate them. Early childhood educators are the workforce behind the workforce—skilled, dedicated professionals whose impact reaches children, families, businesses, and communities nationwide. By recognizing these educators’ expertise, investing in their compensation, and elevating their contributions, we invest in our collective future.”
Over the past 100 years, NAEYC has created the foundational infrastructure of the early childhood education field. Key milestones include:
- Publishing the first professional standards in 1929
- Collaborating to develop the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in the 1970s
- Launching the first voluntary national accreditation system in 1985
- Establishing Developmentally Appropriate Practice guidelines in 1987 to promote each child’s optimal development and learning
- Creating the field’s first Code of Ethics in 1989
More recently, NAEYC convened Power to the Profession (2017–2020), a national collaboration of 15 organizations and 11,000+ educators that developed the “Unifying Framework,” which defines shared career pathways, qualifications, and compensation recommendations for the early childhood workforce.
While the science is clear that high-quality early childhood education changes trajectories for children, families, and communities, today’s early childhood educators remain undervalued and under-supported. Early childhood educators currently earn a median wage of $15.41 per hour, even as families pay an average of $13,128 per year for child care.
“Families can’t afford to pay more, educators can’t afford to earn less,” said Kang. “Our entire nation suffers as parents can’t find or afford the high-quality care they need, pulling themselves out of the workforce in the process.”
A Year of Reflections and Events
As the centerpiece of its centennial commemoration, NAEYC has launched A Year of Reflections, a storytelling initiative inviting educators, families, and advocates to share the moments, mentors, and milestones that have shaped their journeys in early childhood education. Monthly themes throughout 2026—from beginnings to workforce advocacy to a vision for the future—aim to not only surface important stories and storytellers in the field but will help inform NAEYC’s next chapter.
Featured
3-Year-Old Benched for Being Too Good? Pastor Introduces Second Wife
Should a toddler be benched for scoring too many goals? Plus, a pastor’s controversial marriage reveal and a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of 90s R&B.
A 3-year-old soccer standout is making headlines after his mother claims he was benched for being “too good.” Nevada Pierre has reportedly scored more than 40 goals in just five games while competing against children two years older than him. So, should exceptional talent be celebrated or sidelined?
Meanwhile, an Ohio pastor and his wife are going viral after introducing his second wife to their congregation. The announcement has social media talking, and we have questions!
Plus, it’s officially the end of an era! The youngest millennials turn 30 this year, meaning an entire generation is now in its 30s and 40s.
And we’re taking it back to the golden age of R&B! It’s 1998, and you can only attend ONE concert. Who are you choosing? Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Blackstreet, Jagged Edge, 112, or Dru Hill?
We’re talking headlines, relationships, nostalgia, and Black history on today’s Black Press USA Morning Show.
Watch LIVE Monday through Friday, 8–9 AM ET.
#BlackPressUSA #MorningShow #BlackNews #NevadaPierre #Millennials #90sRnB #BlackCulture
Featured
3-Year-Old Benched for Being Too Good? Pastor Introduces Second Wife 📱
Is a 3-year-old soccer star being benched for talent? Plus, a pastor’s viral second wife announcement and a trip back to the golden age of 1998 R&B.
A 3-year-old soccer standout is making headlines after his mother claims he was benched for being “too good.” Nevada Pierre has reportedly scored more than 40 goals in just five games while competing against children two years older than him. So, should exceptional talent be celebrated or sidelined?
Meanwhile, an Ohio pastor and his wife are going viral after introducing his second wife to their congregation. The announcement has social media talking, and we have questions!
Plus, it’s officially the end of an era! The youngest millennials turn 30 this year, meaning an entire generation is now in its 30s and 40s.
And we’re taking it back to the golden age of R&B! It’s 1998, and you can only attend ONE concert. Who are you choosing? Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Blackstreet, Jagged Edge, 112, or Dru Hill?
We’re talking headlines, relationships, nostalgia, and Black history on today’s Black Press USA Morning Show.
Watch LIVE Monday through Friday, 8–9 AM ET.
#BlackPressUSA #MorningShow #BlackNews #NevadaPierre #Millennials #90sRnB #BlackCulture
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