THE SAN BERNARDINO
AMERICAN
"If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best-colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you." ― Lyndon B. Johnson
Scan QR Code to visit our Website
NEWSPAPER
A Community Newspaper Serving San Bernardino & Los Angeles Counties
January 15, 2026 Thursday Edition December 5, 2024 Thursday Edition
Vol. 56 No. 40
Volume 55 No. 34 Mailing: P.O Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393
Office: 909-889-7677
Email: Mary@SB-American.com Email: Mary Clifton@SB-American.com @Sb-American.com
Mailing: P.O. Box 837, Victorville, CA 92393 Office: (909) 889-7677 Clifton@Sb-American.com
Website: www.SB-American.com Website: www.SB-American.com
Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance those of whom they suppress. —Fredrick Douglass (1849)
Gov. Gavin Newsom Delivers Final State of the State Address Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media Before a joint session of the California Senate and Assembly, Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered his final State of the State address on Jan. 8, fulfilling a requirement of the state Constitution that the governor report annually to the Legislature. Several members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) were present for the address, which ran a little over an hour. During his remarks, Newsom described California as a “beacon” of democracy and progress. “In California, we are not silent. We are not hunkering down. We are not retreating. We are a beacon. This state is providing a different narrative, an operational model, a policy blueprint for others to follow,” Newsom said. “This state, this people, this experiment in democracy, belongs not to the past, but to the future. Expanding civil rights for all, opening doors for more people to pursue their dreams,” he added. “It’s a dream that’s not exclusive, not to any one race, not to any one religion, or class. Standing up for traditional virtues -- compassion, courage, and commitment to something larger than our own self-interest
-- and asserting that no one, particularly the President of the United States, stands above the law.” It was Newsom’s first inperson address to a joint session of the Legislature since 2022. In previous years, he fulfilled the requirement with a written letter in 2023, a letter and video in 2024 on California’s 175th anniversary, and a recorded video message in 2025. Members of the CLBC in attendance included Assemblymembers Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles), Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-La Mesa) and Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton). From the Senate, Senators Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood), Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) and Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) attended. Black constitutional officers Malia Cohen, controller; Tony Thurmond, state superintendent of public instruction; and Shirley N. Weber, secretary of state, were also present. Cohen, who recently said
In his final State of the State address on Jan. 8, 2026, Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted California’s role as a national "beacon" of progress. He also criticized the Trump administration’s federal policies, calling them a "carnival of chaos" and an "assault on our values." CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
government spending exceeds revenue, emphasized fiscal discipline. “I remain committed to working with the Governor and Legislature to strengthen our long-term fiscal position and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent prudently, transparently, and with measurable results,” Cohen said. “While we face challenges ahead, taking a forward-looking and transparent approach to our budgeting will allow us to meet this moment with strength, discipline, and confidence.”
Newsom’s address covered the state’s resilience, economic strength and policy priorities, including housing affordability, climate action, health care and a reported 9% drop in unsheltered homelessness last year. He also discussed plans to address large investorsbuying homes, which contributes to the state’s affordability crisis. Newsom also pledged his continued support for high-speed rail. The high-speed rail project lost significant federal funding
after the federal government scaled back commitments in 2025, leading the state to shift efforts toward seeking private investment. In discussing wildfire recovery, Newsom recognized the first anniversary of the devastating 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires, specifically naming Altadena as one of the hardest-hit communities. More than 31 lives were lost during the fire season, which included the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena and the Palisades Fire in Malibu, the Pacific Palisades and other surrounding areas. The fires scorched 48,000 acres and destroyed roughly 16,000 structures. “(The Legislature) passed a dozen-plus bills to remove time-wasting red tape, allowing survivors to begin rebuilding. And it’s true, the city and county have issued over 2,500 building permits,” Newsom said. “But it’s not good enough. Not nearly enough. We need to turbocharge our efforts to rebuild these communities. That’s why we’re working to create a new rebuilding fund to close the gap between insurance payouts and the cost of rebuilding -- helping survivors get back in their homes even faster.”
According to UCLA, a year after the Eaton Fire, the Black community in Altadena faces a “generational crisis” marked by displacement and slow recovery, eroding a historic base of Black middle-class homeownership. Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Fresno) criticized N e w s o m ’s r e m a r k s o n homelessness after the address. “When (Newsom) came into office, the homeless population in the state was about 130,000. Now it’s nearly 180,000. So, he’s talking about a drop from an increase that he led over,” Tangipa told California Black Media. “You can’t brag about those numbers. We’ve seen HUD statistics from other states that have lowered the unsheltered and homeless numbers. He is bragging about failing for the last seven years.” To close his address, Newsom reiterated his vision for California’s role in the nation’s future. “Every year, the declinists, the pundits and critics suffering from California derangement syndrome look at this state and try to tear down our progress. But California’s success is not by chance -- it’s by design,” Newsom said.
Opinion: Dr. King’s Poor People’s Campaign foretold America’s affordability crisis By Charlene Crowell
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks at a protest (Photo Credit: Library of Congress) As 2026 unfolds, affordability, which emerged as a critical issue last year, will become a more pressing concern for most people in America. A comment by a respondent to a recent student loan borrower survey by The Institute for College Access & Support (TICAS) summarized the complexity of the affordability problem for striving workers: “With how the economy is, I
can barely afford to live. I have to choose between rent, loans, or putting food on the table. There’s no help and it feels like government doesn’t care,” said the consumer. The feeling that economic realities are suffocating the aspirations of hard-working people provides a poignant backdrop leading to the Jan. 19 official celebrations to honor the life, leadership and
contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s observance of the MLK holiday begs a key question: What would Dr. King do about an unsustainable economic crisis? After riots in many urban areas in the summer of 1967, MLK planned the Poor People’s Campaign, a multi-racial effort to use mass civil disobedience as a constructive, rather than destructive, force. On Dec. 7, 1967, Dr. King announced the economic justice effort at a news conference at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church. Although the cities of Detroit and Newark are often noted as the worst hotbeds of the nation’s summer riots in 1967, an estimated 158 riots erupted across America that year, resulting in 83 deaths and 17,000 arrests, according to a 2007 analysis of the landmark Kerner Commission report by The Journal of Economic History. In the wake of King’s April 1968 assassination, plans proceeded under the joint leadership of his widow, Coretta and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Ralph Abernathy. Their collaborative efforts led to weeks of demonstrations on the National Mall and meetings with policymakers in Washington, D.C. The organizers demanded economic justice and inclusion for Americans of all backgrounds,
including well-paying jobs with living wages, as well as financial rights and fairness, full employment, guaranteed annual income, and more housing affordable to low-income people. “All of our cities are potentially powder kegs,” King said in a speech at Stanford University that was titled, “The Other America.” “I think America must see that riots do not develop out of thin air. … All of these things have brought about a great deal of despair and a great deal of desperation, a great deal of disappointment and even bitterness in the Negro communities.” For Dr. King, the nation’s lengthy and violent outrage was a clear signal that Black America would no longer tolerate its history of racial resentments and economic injustices. He also appealed for the Black community to cast aside class divisions. But today, nearly 60 years later, many of the issues championed by the Poor People’s campaign remain or have worsened. In late October, the D.C.-based Urban Institute released The American Affordability Tracker, which found that: More than half of American families – 52 percent – lack the resources to cover what it really costs to live securely in their community;
People march and carry signs at Connecticut Ave. and L St., N.W., Washington, D.C. on June 18, 1968, as part of the Poor People’s Campaign. (Photo Credit: Library of Congress) Since 2019, the average monthly cost of groceries has increased 32 percent increase while annual income increased 29 percent; and Since 2017, annual childcare costs for two young children have risen by 40 percent, rents by 50 percent, home sale prices by 80 percent, and the lowest-priced “Silver” health care plan on the Affordable Care Act Marketplace has risen 41 percent. Trump administration changes taking effect in January 2026 will add to the ongoing financial challenges facing working people. Beginning Jan. 7, the Trump administration began sending
notices to millions of student loan borrowers who are in default – 270 days past due on their payments. Those who do not or are unable to begin regular repayments face having their paychecks garnished. The Department of Education stated last April that of the nation’s 42.7 million student loan borrowers, only 38 percent are in repayment and current on their loans. “At a time when families across the country are struggling with stagnant wages and an affordability crisis, this administration’s decision to continued on page 3
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Page 2
THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS - COMMUNITY/EDUCATION
What Families in California Should Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeships Offer an Answer to Know About Their School Options Childcare Shortages By Andrew Campanella
Andrew Campanella All parents in California and across America want their children to thrive in learning environments that reflect their diverse interests, talents, and individual challenges. That’s why one in five parents last year enrolled at least one of their children in a new K–12 school. In fact, the process of moms and dads actively choosing how and where their children learn—often referred to as school choice—reached a five-year high in 2025. Meanwhile, more than 60% of parents say they are likely to consider a new school for at least one of their children in 2026— suggesting another active year for families making enrollment decisions. What that means for your family depends, in large part, on where you live. In California, parents have more education options than they may realize. In addition to assigned traditional public schools, the Golden State has taken steps in recent years to give families more flexibility in choosing schools. Within the public education system, tuition-free schooling options include charter schools (which are widely available), theme-based magnet schools (available in many districts), and full-time online schools. In some cases, families may also have the option to send their children to public schools outside of their zones and districts, if seats are available. Parents can also consider private schools, which charge tuition and sometimes offer scholarships to help make private education more affordable. Finally, California moms and dads have the freedom to educate their children at home, and some
families pair homeschooling with microschools or learning hubs. If you want to explore these education options in advance of the 2026–27 school year, the time to begin that process is now. National School Choice Week begins January 25, with 1,973 school events across California, including school fairs, open houses, parent nights, and information sessions. Before starting your search, it can help to pause and write down your goals for your child and what you want in an ideal learning environment. Doing so helps center the process on what—and who—really matters: your daughter or your son. When possible, visit schools and schedule tours or meetings with staff. Research shows that parents who visit schools in person are twice as likely to enroll their children in a new school as parents who search without touring or visiting. During those visits, ask questions. One of the most common mistakes parents make is accepting education jargon— of which there is plenty—at face value. If you do not understand a term, a refer-ence to curriculum or instructional methods, or a school policy, ask for clarification until you do. You may also want to talk with other parents about their experiences, while keeping in mind that their perspectives are shaped by their own child’s unique needs. And remember: you know your child better than anyone else. When it comes to your child’s well-being, you are the expert. Finding the right school is not about choosing what works for every-one—it’s about choosing what fits your daughter or son best. To access a free guide to K–12 school choice options in California, visit https:// myschoolchoice.com/california. Andrew Campanella is the CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the non-profit organization that coordinates National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. He is also the author of The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Choosing the Right School for Your Child.
By Nirvi Shah, The Hechinger Report SAN FRANCISCO — In a playground outside a YMCA, Mayra Aguilar rolled purple modeling dough into balls that fit easily into the palms of the toddlers sitting across from her. She helped a little girl named Wynter unclasp a bicycle helmet that she’d put on to zoom around the space on a tricycle. Aguilar smiled, the sun glinting off her saucer-sized gold hoop earrings. “Say, ‘Thank you, teacher,’” Aguilar prompted Wynter, who was just shy of 3. Other toddlers crowded around Wynter and Aguilar and a big plastic bin of Crayola Dough, and Aguilar took the moment to teach another brief lesson. “Wynter, we share,” Aguilar pressed, scooting the tub between kids. “Say, ‘Can you pass it to me?’” Aguilar and Wynter are both new at this. Wynter has been in the structured setting of a child care center only since midAugust. Aguilar started teaching preschoolers and toddlers, parttime, in February. It has been life-changing, in different ways, for them both. Wynter, an only child, is learning to share, count, and recognize her letters. Aguilar is being paid to work and earning her first college credits — building the foundation for a new career, all while learning new ways to interact with her own three kids. Early educators are generally in short supply, and many who attempt this work quickly quit. The pay is on par with wages at fast food restaurants and big box stores, or even less. Yet unlike some other jobs with better pay, working with small children and infants usually requires some kind of education beyond a high school diploma. Moving up the ladder and pay scale often requires a degree. What’s different for Aguilar compared to so many other people trying out this profession is that she is an apprentice — a training arrangement more commonly associated with welders, machinists, and pipefitters. Apprentice programs for early childhood education have been in place in different parts of the country for at least a decade, but San Francisco’s program stands out. It is unusually well, and sustainably, funded by a real estate tax that voters approved in 2018. The money raised is meant
Early educator apprentice Mayra Aguilar, right, and her mentor teacher Jetoria Washington supervise children during outdoor play at the Wu Yee Children’s Services’ Bayview Early Learning Center in San Francisco. Credit: Emmanuel Guillén Lozano for The Hechinger Report
to cover the cost of programs that train early childhood educators and to boost pay enough so teachers can see themselves doing it for the long term. Some policy experts see apprenticeships as a potential game-changer for the early educator workforce. The layers of support they provide can keep frazzled newcomers from giving up, and required coursework may cost them nothing. “We want it to be a position people want to go into as opposed to one that puts you in poverty,” said Cheryl Horney, who oversees the Early Learning Program that employs apprentices at Wu Yee Children’s Services in San Francisco, including the site where Aguilar works. Aguilar, 32, is paid to work 20 hours a week at the Wu Yee Children’s Services’ Bayview Early Learning Center, tucked inside a Y in a residential neighborhood a little under a mile from San Francisco Bay. She works alongside a mentor teacher who supports and coaches her. The apprenticeship covers the online classes, designed just for her and other apprentices and taught live from City College of San Francisco, which Aguilar takes a few nights a week. She was given all the tools needed for her courses, including a laptop, which she also uses for homework and discussions with other apprentices outside of class. After high school, Aguilar had tried college, a medical assistant program that she quit after a few months. That was more than 10 years ago. She hadn’t touched a computer in all that time. When she was enrolling her youngest
daughter at another Wu Yee location, Aguilar saw a flyer about the apprenticeship program and applied. She is finding this work to be a far better fit: “This — I think I can do it. This, I like it.” The need for more early educators is long-standing, and in recent years there’s been a push for early educators to get postsecondary training, both to support young children’s development and so the roles command higher salaries. For example, a 2007 change in federal law required at least half of teachers working in Head Start to have bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education by 2013, a goal the program met. Despite efforts to professionalize the workforce, salaries for those who work with young children remain low: 87 percent of U.S. jobs pay morethan a preschool teacher earns on average; 98 percent pay more than what early child care workers earn. In 2022, Head Start lead teachers earned $37,685 a year on average. Apprenticeships are seen as one way to disrupt that stubborn reality: Would-be teachers are paid while being trained for everything from entry-level roles that require a small number of college credits or training to jobs, like running a child care center, that require degrees and come with more responsibility and even higher pay. According to a June 2023 report from the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank, 35 stateshave some kind of early childhood educator apprenticeship program at the city, regional, or state level, and more states are developing their own programs. U.S. Department of
Labor data shows that more than 1,000 early educator apprentices have completed their programs since the 2021 fiscal year. Early Care & Educator Pathways to Success, which has received Labor Department grants to help set up apprenticeship programs, estimates the numbers are far larger given its work has cultivated hundreds of apprentices in 21 states, including Alaska, California, Connecticut, and Nebraska. These programs can be complicated to launch, however. They sometimes require painstaking work to find colleges that will provide coursework specific to local regulations and at hours that work for apprentices who may be in classrooms much of the workday as well as tending to their own children. They require money to pay the apprentices — on top of whatever it already costs to run child care centers and pay existing staff. The apprentices also typically need other layers of support: coaching, computers, sometimes child care, and even meals for apprentices’ own kids as they study and take exams. In San Francisco, Horney advocated for her employer to set up an apprenticeship program for staffers at its 12 Head Start centers even before the tax money became available. She recalled losing teachers to chain retailers like Costco and Walgreens where they found less stressful jobs with more generous benefits. When she arrived in San Francisco to work in the classroom, with five years of experience and a bachelor’s degree, she was paid $15 an hour. “Now the lowest salary we pay is $28.67 for any sort of educator,” she said, and the wages and apprenticeships are even drawing people from other counties and stabilizing the San Francisco early educator workforce. “It has helped immensely.” Other parts of the country have seen success with similar initiatives. The YWCA Metro St. Louis in Missouri, which hasn’t had a single teacher vacancy for the last two years at the child care centers it oversees, credits its apprenticeship program. In Guilford County, North Carolina, vacancies and
continued on page 6
Department of Education calls back civil rights staff amid massive discrimination case backlog...continued
Department of Education calls back civil rights staff amid public servants are finally being dedicated federal employees to massive discrimination case backlog allowed to return to work, needless uncertainty, abuse and by Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer
Office of Civil Rights (OCR) employees at the Department of Education say it’s been chaos since they were called back to work to deal with an extensive backlog of discrimination complaints. Hundreds of OCR staffers were laid off in March as part of a reduction-in-force (RIF), and now the agency’s been forced to bring them back. Credit: Photo by Andy Feliciotti on Unsplash
The Department of Education (ED) has been forced to double back on its March 2025 decision to lay off hundreds of civil rights employees. In December 2025, the agency called back employees who worked in its Office of Civil Rights (OCR) because a massive backlog of discrimination complaints had erupted. One OCR staffer, who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation, said the office is now facing roughly 24,000 to 25,000 cases. “That’s the product of what has happened— the effect of not having staff working on cases,” said the employee. “Our heart hurts for the student with a disability whose individual
education plan or section 504 plan is not being enforced or implemented. Our heart hurts for students who, because of the color of their skin, are being treated a certain type of way or being bullied and harassed. Our heart hurts for the students who, based upon their national origin, are being mistreated and ostracized.” She said the current administration has disrupted how the office has historically run. “There’s just so much that we can’t help with. The state of affairs is different for this administration,” said the employee. “It’s, ‘we’re going to prioritize what we want to prioritize.’ The members of the public are suffering because no
one’s looking at whether or not there is any civil rights violation in what’s happening to them.” According to the staffer, the breakdown began months before the reduction in force (RIF) in March 2025. Following the administration change in January 2025, OCR employees were largely barred from communicating externally or advancing most cases. During that time, employees were inundated with emails from parents, school districts, universities and K-12 schools seeking updates on pending investigations, but they were prohibited from responding. Only disability-related cases were permitted to move forward, and even then, communication was limited. On March 11, the staffer said she was notified of the RIF— just days after the department had lifted these restrictions. That evening, while working remotely on her caseload, her computer automatically shut down around 6 p.m. When it restarted, she could no longer send emails or access key internal systems. The staffer and many of her colleagues were told their last day would be March 21. Lawsuits quickly followed, challenging the legality of the reductions in force. Courts
temporarily blocked the department from finalizing their terminations. Still, the staffer said, the administration has made it clear it intends to continue pursuing the RIF, leaving many employees uncertain about how long their reinstatement will last. “Unlawful is the word to describe what our experience was like in 2025, and many are hopeful that that will change,” said the staffer. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 252, which represents more than 2,700 ED employees, criticized the current administration’s handling of OCR staffing in a December statement issued when employees were called back to work. “For more than nine months, hundreds of employees at the Office for Civil Rights have been sidelined from the critical work of protecting our nation’s most vulnerable students and families,” said President Rachel Gittleman. She said agency leadership chose to keep civil rights staff on paid administrative leave rather than allow them to do their jobs, a decision the union estimated wasted more than $40 million in taxpayer funds. “While we are relieved these continued in next 2 columns
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has made clear that she would rather play politics than uphold her responsibility to protect students’ rights. Her actions have undermined the Department’s mission, harmed families and subjected
harassment,” said Gittleman. “We will continue to fight to hold this administration accountable and to stand with the hardworking public servants who show up every day to ensure every student in America is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.”
Parents and student athletes: If you’re hearing from sports agents, you’ll want to read this By BCP Staff If you’re hoping your athletic talents will lead you to endorsements during college or eventually to pro sports, signing with a sports agent might be an exciting first step — but it’s also serious business. That’s why the FTC is seeking information from universities about sports agents’ compliance with the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act. SPARTA requires agents to provide important information to student athletes and schools about agency contracts — and prohibits them from making false or misleading statements to student athletes or offering illegal gifts to induce student athletes to sign agency contracts. This week, the FTC sent letters to twenty universities to ask about the sports agents recruiting student athletes on their campuses. Are sports agents giving students written agency contracts that spell out the terms? Are they notifying the students’ schools within 72 hours of signing the agency contract or before the students’ next eligible athletic event, whichever comes
first? Are sports agents bending the rules under SPARTA by making false promises about how much money student athletes will make for endorsements? Lying about who they’ve worked with in the past? Or using illegal gifts to athletes (or their families) to convince them to sign? If you’re thinking of signing a contract with a sports agent: Let your school know when you hire a sports agent. Agents are required to notify your school about the contract. But you can let your school know about the contract as soon as you sign. Talk with someone you trust. A family member or friend can help make sure you get the information required under SPARTA, understand the terms of the agency contract, and keep good records. Tell the FTC if you think a sports agent has done something wrong. Share your experiences with us by going here. You can report to us anonymously, if you prefer.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Page 3
THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS - INLAND EMPIRE/COUNTY/GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS Newsom Issues Proclamation Announcing June Historic First: Monique Limón Is Sworn in as California Gov. 2 as Primary Election Day Senate’s First Latina Leader California voters will head to even-numbered districts and all By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
Senate pro Tempore Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) answers questions from the media after Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered his State of the State Address. Limón was officially sworn in November 2025, with a formal, historic ceremony held on Jan. 5, 2026, in Sacramento. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
Sen. Monique Limón (D– Santa Barbara) was sworn in as the 50th president pro tempore of the California State Senate on Jan. 5 at the State Capitol, marking the occasion with a series of official and ceremonial events. Limón’s appointment in the Senate chambers marks a significant milestone as she is the first Latina, the first mother, and the first woman of color to lead the California State Senate. The oath was administered by California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. “This state and this country have allowed for the daughter of immigrants, first-generation college-bound, ESL learner, granddaughter of a Bracero, to lead the incredible State Senate,” Limón said. “This is what California is about. This is what the United States is about. This is what we are about.” Limón officially took the oath of office and began her role on Nov. 17, 2025, succeeding Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg). As the Senate’s leader, Limón will oversee its administration, policy agenda, and daily operations, including chairing the Rules Committee that assigns bills, confirms appointments, and manages internal functions. Limón presides over floor sessions, maintains order, sets
the legislative agenda, mentors junior Senators, and represents the Senate in interactions with the Assembly and Governor, holding significant influence over the legislative process. Limón says her leadership priorities for the 2026 session center on fiscal responsibility and protecting existing social programs amidst a projected $18 billion state budget deficit and potential federal funding cuts. Limón’s broader policy agenda, established throughout her career, includes consumer protections, working families and gender equity, health access, and early childhood education, childcare affordability, and financial aid for underserved students, according to her office. Her 2026 legislative policy proposals will extend from housing to wildfire mitigation, childcare affordability, and health care access. In December, Limón assigned prominent committee chair and leadership roles to California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) member Senators Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood), and Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) for the remainder of the 2025–2026 legislative session. “As I look out to you today, I see diverse skills and
Senate pro Tempore Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), right, poses for a photo with Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond following the State of the State Address at the State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2026. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
experiences, walks of life, histories, expertise, and passion for all the issues that impact all of our communities,” Limón told her Senate colleagues after taking the oath. “I’m honored and humbled that you elected me to serve as your next leader, to be surrounded by the best of the best who lead with courage, who lead with strength and resilience to do what is often hard, but what is right for California.” Richardson delivered a floor speech welcoming the new leader. She expressed a commitment to working alongside Limón to address state issues and mentioned that she looked forward to “robust and lively debates” on building upon previous legislative work. “Don’t underestimate Senate pro Tem Monique Limón. She’s listening, she’s aware, she’s prepared,” Richardson said. “She knows the pros and cons, and she won’t be fooled by the rope-adope. Senator pro Tem Limón is ready. She’s skillful, she’s competitive, she’s capable.” Limón, born and raised in Santa Barbara, is the daughter
of Mexican immigrants. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in education from Columbia University. Before entering politics, she worked 14 years in higher education as an assistant director for the McNair Scholars Program at UC Santa Barbara and at Santa Barbara City College. A second ceremonial swearing-in was held on Jan. 9, 2026, at the Marjorie Luke Theatre at Santa Barbara Junior High School, her former school. Former Vice President Kamala Harris administered the oath at this event. “I look forward to partnering with you to tackle the needs of California from the Northern Foothills to the Golden Gate, from the Central Valley to the San Fernando Valley, from the Inland Empire to the San Diego Border,” Limón stated at that event. “Thank you. To the entire caucus, thank you all for your support and for putting your faith in me to lead this body and do this work in service for the people of California with you all.”
the polls on June 2, 2026, after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation last week declaring the date of the state’s next statewide direct primary election. The announcement, released on Jan. 5, formally sets the election in accordance with state law and outlines the offices that will appear on the ballot. The primary will determine candidates for California’s top executive, legislative and congressional races ahead of the November general election. Under the proclamation, voters will cast ballots for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, controller, treasurer, attorney general, insurance commissioner and state superintendent of public instruction, as well as members of the State Board of Equalization from each of the state’s four districts. California’s full congressional delegation will be on the primary ballot, with candidates running in each of the state’s 52 U.S. House districts. Legislative races will include state Senate seats from
80 Assembly seats. “I, Gavin Newsom, Governor of the State of California, pursuant to California law, including without limitation, section 12000 of the Elections Code, proclaim and order that a Statewide Direct Primary Election will be held throughout this State on Tuesday, the 2nd day of June 2026,” Newsom announced in an official proclamation. The primary will also include contests for county, judicial and other offices as provided by law. In addition, voters may be asked to decide on proposed constitutional amendments, ballot propositions and other questions that are required to be submitted under state law. California operates under a top-two primary system, meaning all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same primary ballot. The two candidates who receive the most votes in each race advance to the general election, even if both belong to the same political party.
Opinion: Dr. King’s Poor People’s Campaign foretold America’s affordability crisis... continued from page 1 garnish wages from defaulted student loan borrowers is cruel, unnecessary, and irresponsible,” noted Persis Yu, deputy executive director and managing counsel with the Student Borrower Protection Center. Further, if Congress does not enact spending bills for the current fiscal year by Jan. 30, another federal government shutdown will occur. Central to the budgeting crisis is whether to extend expired tax credits for the Affordable Care Act. Without these credits, many consumers will see their health insurance costs double, or even triple. According to a December 2025 poll by the KFF Foundation, 58 percent of respondents said an increase of just $300 per year in health insurance payments would significantly disrupt
their household finances. An additional 20 percent say a $1,000 per year increase in health insurance payments would disrupt their finances. While King’s lifelong quest for civil rights and economic justice deserves an annual observance, his dream of a nation that fulfills its promises for all of its people still needs a diligent and ongoing effort. Lawmakers should heed the concerns expressed by its people, especially when ample research documents how people are suffering. As Dr. King stated in his autobiography, “[T]here comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because Conscience tells him it is right.”
Padilla, Wyden Lead Amicus Brief Challenging Republican Attempts to Suppress Mail-In Voting
Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Pending SCOTUS case could make it harder for millions of Americans By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Proposed California Initiative Would Force State Action if President Exceeds Two-Term Limit
California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., announced that a new initiative was cleared for circulation on Jan. 5, 2026, allowing the proponent to begin collecting petition signatures. The measure, formally titled “Requires State Response if President of the United States Unlawfully Retains Office Beyond Two-Term Limit. Initiative Constitutional Amendment,” directs California to take action if a president remains in office after two terms in violation of the TwentySecond Amendment. Under the initiative, if a court finds a president has unlawfully retained office, “The State of California must stop recognizing the individual as President; the Attorney General must take lawful steps to arrest and prosecute the individual; and the Legislature must enact laws disqualifying the individual from future state office.”
The Legislative Analyst ’s Office (LAO) and the Director of Finance Joe Stephenshaw estimate a potential increase in one-time state costs “not likely to exceed the low millions of dollars” for enforcement, as well as additional costs to protect state employees, veterans, and servicemembers who refuse unconstitutional orders. Proponent Roberto Ramos must gather signatures from 874,641 registered voters — 8% of the total votes cast for governor in the November 2022 general election — within 180 days. Petitions must be submitted to county elections officials by July 6, 2026. The Secretary of State’s tracking number for the measure is 2007, and the Attorney General’s is 25-0030A1. Ramos can be reached at 549 Hilltop Terrace, Palmdale, CA 93551, (808) 600-0636, or RamosR2025@lawnet.ucla.edu.
Joy Atkinson, Advocate for Black Women in Public Policy, Remembered
to vote by mail
State/Government News WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and California’s former Secretary of State, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) led their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a landmark mail-in voting case that will be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court later this year. In 2024, the Republican National Committee (RNC) challenged a Mississippi law
that allows ballots postmarked by election day to be received up to five days after election day, arguing that this law violates federal law setting the timing of elections. If the 5th Circuit’s ruling is affirmed by the Supreme Court, vote-by-mail in more than a dozen states — including California and Oregon — will be thrown into disarray as huge numbers of voters, particularly rural, military, and overseas voters, could be disenfranchised. “ D e s p i t e Tr u m p a n d continued on page 4
MISSION STATEMENT
Joy Atkinson, a longtime civic leader and advocate for Black women in public policy and political leadership, has died. Atkinson served as consulting executive director of the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute and was a founding member of the organization. She spent decades supporting its leadership development programs focused on policy training, civic education and preparation for public service. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Atkinson worked to expand opportunities for Black women in government, advocacy and community leadership. The institute’s programs trained hundreds of women who later
pursued roles in public office, nonprofit leadership and civic engagement. Earlier in her career, Atkinson worked for former California Assemblymember Gwen Moore, where she gained experience in legislative operations and constituent services. She later held several civic leadership roles in Los Angeles, including appointments to city commissions focused on neighborhood empowerment and community engagement. Atkinson also served as a mentor to women pursuing careers in public service. Her influence continues through the individuals and organizations shaped by her work.
Clifton Harris Editor in Chief Investigative Reporter sbamericannews@gmail.com Mary Martin-Harris Publisher mary@sb-american.com Clifton B. Harris / Audio Engineering Editor Rosa I. Evans /Writer/Marketing strategist and founder of Tridyn Creative Media, specializing in branding and digital marketing. Legal /Display Advertising (909) 889-7677 The San Bernardino American News was established May 6, 1969. A legally adjudicated newspaper of general circulation on September 30, 1971, case number 15313 by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County. Our product is a local news publication, The San Bernardino American News, that is made available through both print and digital versions. We offer a wide range of content including local news, features, editorials, and columns that focus on the interests and concerns of the minority communities. Our mission at The San Bernardino American News is to provide accurate, compelling, and insightful content that speaks directly to the experiences and interests of minority communities in the County of San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles. We aim to be a trusted voice and platform for these communities, ensuring their stories are told and their issues brought to light. Our strategies involve a combination of robust content creation, digital and print media marketing, and a strong commitment to community engagement. By offering a range of monetization methods, we ensure our services remain accessible and valuable to our readership, while supporting the sustainability of our operations. News releases appearing in the San Bernardino AMERICAN News do not necessarily express the policy nor the opinion of the publishers. The San Bernardino AMERICAN News reserves the right to edit or rewrite all news releases.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Page 4
THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS-WORLD/ENTERTAINMENT/RELIGION
wins two Golden Globes; loses out on “Sinners” wins two Golden Globes; loses out “Sinners” Best Motion Picture...continued on Best Motion Picture Entertainment News
One Battle After Another emerged as a major winner, taking home the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. The film continued its strong showing by earning three additional honors, including Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor, along with Best Director and Best Screenplay awarded to Paul Thomas Anderson. Taylor’s win stood out, as she surpassed fellow nominee Amy Madigan for Weapons. During her acceptance speech, Taylor delivered a powerful message of representation and empowerment, emphasizing that women of color belong in every space, their voices are significant, and their dreams deserve recognition. “To my brown sisters & little brown girls watching tonight… We belong in every room we walk into. Our voices matter, our dreams deserve space,” Taylor said during her acceptance speech. Meanwhile, Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, claimed the Best Motion Picture – Drama award, edging out Sinners in the final category of the evening. Despite the loss, Sinners still achieved notable recognition by winning the Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. Addressing the audience, filmmaker Ryan Coogler reflected on the realities of the film industry, noting that filmmaking is often more about persistence than glamour. He expressed gratitude that the project received a theatrical release and shared how the team frequently reminded themselves during production in New Orleans that audiences would eventually experience the film on the big screen. “We don’t always, when we work in the film business, wear tuxedos and get glammed-out. It’s usually a grind,” Coogler told the crowd. “It was an honor on this movie to know that it was getting a theatrical release. We would remind people every day, in the dog days of summer in New
Orleans — we would say, ‘Hey, big movie. People are going to see this — big theater.’” Sinners earned $280 million in the United States and was a rare movie that garnered both critical acclaim and massive popularity. Coogler continued, “We didn’t know that they would show up, so we just want to say thank you that they did. It meant the world to us.” Golden Globes winners: Movies Best drama WINNER: “Hamnet” “Frankenstein” “It Was Just an Accident” “The Secret Agent” “Sentimental Value” “Sinners” Best comedy or musical WINNER: “One Battle After Another” “Blue Moon” “Bugonia” “Marty Supreme” “No Other Choice” “Nouvelle Vague” Best actor in a drama WINNER: Wagner Moura, “The Secret Agent” Joel Edgerton, “Train Dreams” Oscar Isaac, “Frankenstein” Dwayne Johnson, “The Smashing Machine” Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners” Jeremy Allen White, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” Best actress in a drama WINNER: Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet” Jennifer Lawrence, “Die My Love” Renate Reinsve, “Sentimental Value” Julia Roberts, “After the Hunt” Tessa Thompson, “Hedda” Eva Victor, “Sorry, Baby” Best non-English language film WINNER: “The Secret Agent” “It Was Just an Accident” “No Other Choice” “Sentimental Value” “Sirat” “The Voice of Hind Rajab” Best animated film WINNER: “KPop Demon Hunters” “Arco”
Padilla, Wyden Lead Amicus Brief Challenging Republican Attempts to Suppress Mail-In Voting... continued from page 3 Republicans’ baseless attacks, vote-by-mail remains one of the most effective and secure ways to make sure every eligible citizen can make their voice heard — especially for servicemembers, rural voters, and Americans living overseas,” said Senator Padilla. “We should be making it easier for Americans to vote, not bowing to Donald Trump’s flagrant attempts to suppress voting rights to cling to power. We are urging the Court to reject this blatant interference with California and other states’ election laws that protect Americans’ fundamental right to vote.” “Republicans will stop at nothing in their crusade against vote-by-mail because they’re afraid they can’t win elections on their own merits,” said Senator Wyden. “The Supreme Court needs to see this case for what it really is: a thinly-veiled attempt at full blown voter suppression by Donald Trump and his farright fan club. I’m all in to protect the fundamental rights of every American to make their voice heard on election day.” The amicus brief filing comes just days after the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to suppress mail-in voting. Closures
and consolidation of U.S. Postal Service (USPS) facilities as well as a recent rule change by USPS will result in mail less frequently being postmarked on the day it is received. As a result, mail-in ballots received by the USPS near or on election day could receive a delayed postmark and be invalidated. “Many states, including Oregon, have adopted sensible policies to allow mail-in-ballots to be counted so long as they are postmarked no later than Election Day,” wrote the Senators. “The Fifth Circuit’s ruling undermines the viability of these laws and threatens the disenfranchisement of voters, especially those living abroad or in rural areas.” Padilla and Wyden were joined by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) in filing the amicus brief. continued in next 2 columns
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle” “Elio” “Little Amelie or the Character of Rain” “Zootopia 2” Best director WINNER: Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another” Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” Guillermo del Toro, “Frankenstein” Jafar Panahi, “It Was Just an Accident” Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value” Chloe Zhao, “Hamnet” Best actor in a comedy or musical WINNER: Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good” Kate Hudson, “Song Sung Blue” Chase Infiniti, “One Battle After Another” Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee’ Emma Stone, “Bugonia” Best screenplay WINNER: Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another” Chloe Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell, “Hamnet” Jafar Panahi, “It Was Just an Accident” Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme” Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value” Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” Best actor in a comedy or musical WINNER: Timothée Chalamet, “Marty Supreme” George Clooney, “Jay Kelly” Leonardo DiCaprio, “One Battle After Another” Ethan Hawke, “Blue Moon” Lee Byung Hun, “No Other Choice” Jesse Plemons, “Bugonia” Cinematic and box-office achievement WINNER: “Sinners” “Avatar: Fire and Ash” “F1: The Movie” “KPop Demon Hunters” “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” “Weapons’ “Wicked: For Good” “Zootopia 2” Best actress in a comedy or musical WINNER: Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good” Kate Hudson, “Song Sung Blue” Chase Infiniti, “One Battle After Another” Amanda Seyfried, “The Testament of Ann Lee’ Emma Stone, “Bugonia” Best screenplay WINNER: Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another”
Chloe Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell, “Hamnet” Jafar Panahi, “It Was Just an Accident” Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme” Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier, “Sentimental Value” Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” Best original song WINNER: “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” (music by Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Park Hong Jun, lyrics by Kim Eun-jae [EJAE] and Mark Sonnenblick) “Dream As One” from “Avatar: Fire and Ash” (music and lyrics by Miley Cyrus, Andrew Wyatt, Mark Ronson and Simon Franglen) “I Lied to You” from “Sinners” (music and lyrics by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson) “No Place Like Home” from “Wicked: For Good” (music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz) “The Girl in the Bubble” from “Wicked: For Good” (music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz) “Train Dreams” from “Train Dreams” (music and lyrics by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner) Best supporting actor WINNER: Stellan Skarsgård, “Sentimental Value” Benicio Del Toro, “One Battle After Another’ Jacob Elordi, “Frankenstein” Paul Mescal, “Hamnet” Sean Penn, “One Battle After Another” Adam Sandler, “Jay Kelly” Best supporting actress WINNER: Teyana Taylor, “One Battle After Another” Emily Blunt, “The Smashing Machine” Elle Fanning, “Sentimental Value” Ariana Grande, “Wicked: For Good” Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, “Sentimental Value” Amy Madigan, “Weapons” Best original score Winner: Ludwig Göransson, “Sinners” Alexandre Desplat, “Frankenstein” Jonny Greenwood, “One Battle After Another” Kangding Ray, “Sirat” Max Richter, “Hamnet” Hans Zimmer, “F1: The Movie” Golden Globes winners: Television Best limited/anthology series or TV movie WINNER: “Adolescence” “All Her Fault” “The Beast in Me” “Black Mirror”
continued in next 2 columns
BASEBALL
Bob’s BASEBALL Tours Bob’s Tours Wrigley Field Tour
East Coast Tour
See MLB games in Milwaukee,
See 6 MLB games in Boston,
Minnesota, and 2 at Wrigley Field. Wrigley Field Tour begins and ends near Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport. Travelers are responsible for getting to the start of tour. Hotel near the Airport offers FREE shuttle.
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York (Yankees & Mets). Guided Tour NYC, Free time in Philadelphia & Baltimore, Day at Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Tour begins in Newark and ends in Pittsburgh. Hotels w/Free Shuttle near Major Airports.
Good tickets, hotels, quality Motor Coach. For brochure call or text 507-217-1326 or visit our website:
www.bobsbaseballtours.com www.bobsbaseballtours.com
Padilla, Wyden Lead Amicus Brief Challenging Republican Attempts to Suppress Mail-In Voting...continued As Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight over federal elections, Senator Padilla has led the charge opposing President Trump’s attempts to restrict the right to vote across the country, including his attacks on vote-by-mail. A day after the November 2025 elections, Padilla led a floor block sounding the alarm on the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to rig election rules one year out from the 2026 midterms. Last October, Padilla and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio-03) announced the Voter Purge Protection Act to prevent the Trump Administration’s voter purge efforts, including by prohibiting the removal of individuals from the voter rolls
due to changes in residence or not voting in previous elections. Padilla also warned that Trump may declare an election-related national emergency after the White House alarmingly hired former “Stop the Steal” and Trump campaign lawyer Kurt Olsen as a “special government employee” to “investigate” the 2020 election again, five years later. Before coming to the Senate, Padilla established automatic and same-day voter registration, upgraded California’s voting systems to meet higher security standards, and expanded mailin and in-person early voting as the chief elections officer for the most populous state in the nation.
“Dying for Sex” “The Girlfriend” Best drama WINNER: “The Pitt” “The Diplomat” “Pluribus” “Severance” “Slow Horses” “The White Lotus” Best actress in a drama WINNER: Rhea Seehorn, “Pluribus” Kathy Bates, “Matlock” Britt Lower, “Severance” Helen Mirren, “Mobland” Bella Ramsey, “The Last of Us” Keri Russell, “The Diplomat” Best stand-up comedy performance WINNER: Ricky Gervais, “Ricky Gervais: Mortality” Bill Maher, “Bill Maher: Is Anyone Else Seeing This?” Brett Goldstein, “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life” Kevin Hart, “Kevin Hart: Acting My Age” Kumail Nanjiani, “Kumail Nanjiani, Night Thoughts” Sarah Silverman, “Sarah Silverman: Postmortem” Best supporting actress WINNER: Erin Doherty, “Adolescence” Carrie Coon, “The White Lotus” Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks” Catherine O’Hara, “The Studio” Parker Posey, “The White Lotus” Amy Lou Wood, “The White Lotus” Best podcast WINNER: “Good Hang With Amy Poehler” “Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard” “Call Her Daddy” “The Mel Robbins Podcast” “SmartLess” “Up First” Best actor in a comedy WINNER: Seth Rogen, “The Studio” Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This” Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building” Glen Powell, “Chad Powers” Martin Short, “Only Murders in
the Building” Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear” Best supporting actor WINNER: Owen Cooper, “Adolescence” Billy Crudup, “The Morning Show” Walton Goggins, “The White Lotus” Jason Isaacs, “The White Lotus” Tramell Tillman, “Severance” Ashley Walters, “Adolescence” Best actress in a comedy WINNER: Jean Smart, “Hacks” Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This” Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear” Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building” Natasha Lyonne, “Poker Face” Jenna Ortega, “Wednesday” Best actor in a drama WINNER: Noah Wyle, “The Pitt” Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” Diego Luna, “Andor” Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses” Mark Ruffalo, “Task” Adam Scott, “Severance” Best comedy or musical WINNER: “The Studio” “Abbot Elementary” “The Bear” “Hacks” “Nobody Wants This” “Only Murders in the Building” Best actor in a limited series WINNER: Stephen Graham, “Adolescence” Jacob Elordi, “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” Paul Giamatti, “Black Mirror” Charlie Hunnam, “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” Jude Law, “Black Rabbit” Matthew Rhys, “The Beast in Me” Best actress in a limited series WINNER: Michelle Williams, “Dying for Sex” Claire Danes, “The Beast in Me” Rashida Jones, “Black Mirror” Amanda Seyfried, “Long Bright River” Sarah Snook, “All Her Fault” Robin Wright, “The Girlfriend” Carol Burnett Award Sarah Jessica Parker Cecil B. DeMille Award Helen Mirren
WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1290
Raising the Bar in 2026 Donna Bollinger This past year I continually heard myself repeating the same phrase: “My bar is really low.” I was describing advocacy work at the United Nations and the multiple issues confronting the world: conflicts and wars, gender-based violence, climate change, racism and incitement to violence, food insecurity, economic instability, rising nationalism, eradication of religious freedom, increasing poverty, natural disasters across the globe… the list continues. I often responded saying, “My bar is really low. Today, can we at least just stop killing children?” That’s a low bar, right? Should be easy to meet. Should not even have to be discussed, a nonissue, “Let’s stop killing children.” The global community can’t reach even that bar. I have struggled to write this article. I don’t want to go to the place this takes me. I don’t want to believe that we as humanity can allow such atrocities to continue. I resist hearing again the voice I heard on December 4, 2025. In truth the voice has never left me. The voice has become a tattoo on my soul, always in my heart and mind. It is not a loud voice, not an angry one. It’s just the voice of a little girl. The voice of Hind Rajab. On December 4, 2025, I sat in the dark in the Trusteeship Chamber of the United Nations. I was attending a special viewing of the documentary film, The Voice of Hind Rajab. The docudrama tells the story of a six-year-old girl who was fleeing Gaza City with family members when their vehicle came under attack. Five of her family were killed immediately; Hind’s teenage cousin placed a call to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and subsequently dies in the next attack. Hind took the phone. At first, she thought her family members were sleeping as she asked for someone to come rescue them. The film contains 70
minutes of Hind’s actual recorded voice pleading for help. The Red Crescent could see her location less than eight miles away. However, international complexities in an active combat zone prohibited entry or safe passage. Finally, an attempt was made but the ambulance, within eyesight of Hind’s vehicle, was attacked, killing both paramedics. Help would not arrive. Twelve days after Hind’s call emergency workers were finally able to enter the combat zone. They located the vehicle and found the bodies of six-year-old Hind and her family. The vehicle was riddled with 335 bullet holes. Hind’s voice stays with me. Somehow, I am struck more by her plea, by not speaking of guns and bombs but the universal fear of children, “Please hurry and come get me soon. It is almost dark and I am afraid of the dark.” A child’s voice, speaking with a child’s clarity. In our war. I am reminded of the Global Ministerial to End Violence against children held in November of 2024. This was the first such ministerial. It was sponsored by UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and governments including Colombia. I was invited to participate. A psychologist working with children in Palestine spoke of their angst about her coming. A young girl pleading, asked “why do you have to go, is this more important than us? What is the meeting even about?” When the psychologist replied saying, “well it’s a meeting to end violence against children,” the child asked, “You have to have a meeting about that?” Yes, sometimes we have to have a meeting about that. The voices of children call us to stop talking and meeting. They call us to take action. To raise the bar. It’s time we do. I pray this is the year we listen.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Page 5
THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS - LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20250011856 Date Filed: 12/19/2025 Filing Expires On: 12/19/2030 LIST FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME BELOW (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg): PROFESSIONAL IMAGE JANITORIAL SERVICES County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB address NOT acceptable): 9945 OLEANDER AVE FONTANA, CA 92335 Business Mailing Address: 9945 OLEANDER AVE FONTANA, CA 92335 Employees: 1 Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): MA GUADALUPE (Middle Initial only): (Last Name): VARELA SALGADO Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No: (Optional) Corporation or LLC Street Address: This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: (If registrant has not yet commenced to transact business, insert statement “Not Applicable.): Not Applicable /s/: Ma Guadalupe Varela Salgado, Owner, DECLARES THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20250011589 Date Filed: 12/11/2025 Filing Expires On: 12/11/2030 ABANDONMENT County of Current Filing SAN BERNARDINO Date of Current Filing. 05/24/2022 File No.: FBN20220004948 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME BELOW (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): JAGTAR TRUCKING County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB address NOT acceptable): 2284 KENDALL DR SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 Business Mailing Address: 2284 KENDALL DR SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 # of Employees: 1 Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): NAVTEJ (Middle Initial only): (Last Name): SINGH Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No: (Optional) Corporation or LLC Street Address: This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: (If registrant has not yet commenced to transact business, insert statement “Not Applicable.): Not Applicable /s/: Navtej Singh, Owner, DECLARES THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 25, 2025, January 1, 8, 15, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20260000088 Date Filed: 01/08/2026 Filing Expires On: 01/08/2031 LIST FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME BELOW (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg): DHF SOLUTIONS HEATING AND COOLING County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB address NOT acceptable): 1075 W STATE ST #D104 REDLANDS, CA 92373 Business Mailing Address: 1075 W STATE ST #D104 REDLANDS, CA 92373 Employees: Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): DANILO (Middle Initial only): H (Last Name): FABIAN Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No: (Optional) Corporation or LLC Street Address: This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: (If registrant has not yet commenced to transact business, insert statement “Not Applicable.): Not Applicable /s/: Danilo H Fabian, Owner, DECLARES THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20250011886 Date Filed: 12/19/2025 Filing Expires On: 12/19/2030 LIST FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME BELOW (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg): FOAM FACTORIE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB address NOT acceptable): 11606 RECHE CANYON RD COLTON, CA 92324 Business Mailing Address: 11606 RECHE CANYON RD COLTON, CA 92324 Employees: 1 Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): (Middle Initial only): (Last Name): Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg: FOAM FACTORY ENTERTAINMENT LLC State of Inc./ Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No: (Optional) Corporation or LLC Street Address: 11606 RECHE CANYON RD COLTON, CA 92324 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant to transact business under the
fictitious business name or names listed above on: (If registrant has not yet commenced to transact business, insert statement “Not Applicable.): Not Applicable /s/: Ted J. Reyland, Managing Member, DECLARES THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20260000088 Date Filed: 01/08/2026 Filing Expires On: 01/08/2031 LIST FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME BELOW (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg): DHF SOLUTIONS HEATING AND COOLING County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB address NOT acceptable): 1075 W STATE ST #D104 REDLANDS, CA 92373 Business Mailing Address: 1075 W STATE ST #D104 REDLANDS, CA 92373 Employees: Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): DANILO (Middle Initial only): H (Last Name): FABIAN Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No: (Optional) Corporation or LLC Street Address: This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: (If registrant has not yet commenced to transact business, insert statement “Not Applicable.): Not Applicable /s/: Danilo H Fabian, Owner, DECLARES THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20250011831 Date Filed: 12/18/2025 Filing Expires On: 12/18/2030 LIST FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME BELOW (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg): BRIGHTSIDE JUNK REMOVAL County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB address NOT acceptable): 1797 OMALLEY AVE UPLAND, CA 91784 Business Mailing Address: 1797 OMALLEY AVE UPLAND, CA 91784 Employees: 0 Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): CHRISTOPHER (Middle Initial only): D (Last Name): BRYDEN Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No: (Optional) Corporation or LLC Street Address: This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: (If registrant has not yet commenced to transact business, insert statement “Not Applicable.): Dec 16, 2025 /s/: Christopher D. Bryden, DECLARES THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 25, 2025, January 1, 8, 15, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20260000041 Date Filed: 01/05/2026 Filing Expires On: 01/05/2031 LIST FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME BELOW (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg): ASPHALT SOLUTIONS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB address NOT acceptable): 13940 RODEO DR VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 Business Mailing Address: 13940 RODEO DR VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 Employees: 2 Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): MA (Middle Initial only): G (Last Name): ORTIZ Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): CARLOS (Middle Initial only): E (Last Name): ORTIZ Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No: (Optional) Corporation or LLC Street Address: This business is/was conducted by: A Married Couple Registrant to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: (If registrant has not yet commenced to transact business, insert statement “Not Applicable.): May 20, 2013 /s/: Ma G. Ortiz, Owner, DECLARES THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20250011991 Date Filed: 12/26/2025 Filing Expires On: 12/26/2030 LIST FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME BELOW (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg): HHX INSURANCE SERVICES County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business (P.O. Box or PMB address NOT acceptable): 11740 CALABASH AVE FONTANA, CA 92337 Business Mailing Address: 11740 CALABASH AVE FONTANA, CA 92337 Employees: Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): (Middle Initial only): (Last Name): Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): (Middle Initial only): (Last Name): Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg: HHX INTERNATIONAL INC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No: (Optional) Corporation or LLC Street Address: 11740 CALABASH AVE FONTANA, CA 92337 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: (If registrant has not yet commenced to transact business, insert statement “Not Applicable.): Dec 26, 2025 /s/: Huixiang Hu, CEO, DECLARES THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20250011720 Date Filed: 12/16/2025 Filing Expires On: 12/16/2030 LIST FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME BELOW (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg): MOST WANTED AUTO GLASS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: (P.O. Box or PMB address NOT acceptable): 7420 NAPA CT RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 Business Mailing Address: 7420 NAPA CT RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 Employees: Name of Individual Registrant (First Name): JOSEPH (Middle Initial only): M (Last Name): RODRIGUEZ CARRANZA Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No: (Optional) Corporation or LLC Street Address: This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: (If registrant has not yet commenced to transact business, insert statement “Not Applicable.): Jun 02, 2023 /s/: Joseph M. Rodriguez Carranza, Owner, DECLARES THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 25, 2025, January 1, 8 15, 2026.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVBA 2600001 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: GERALDINE QUIDACHAY MENDIOLA filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. GERALDINE QUIDACHAY MENDIOLA to Proposed name: JERRY MENDIOLA THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 3-31-26 Time 1:30 p.m. Dept.: B1 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 235 E. Mt. View Street Barstow, CA 92311 Barstow District A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: Jan 05, 2026 James R. Baxter Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026. AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2532553 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: HAM filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. HAM to Proposed name: VINCENT EUGENE NELSON SR. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 2/9/26 Time 8:30 a.m. Dept.: S28 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street San Bernardino Justice Center-Civil
Division San Bernardino, CA 92415 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: 11/18/25 Gilbert G. Ochoa Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2534020 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: MELYNDA GEMINO filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. SKYLER LAWRENCE GEMINO to Proposed name: SKYLER LAWRENCE GODOY GEMINO THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 01/20/26 Time 9:00 a.m. Dept.: S23 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West 3rd Street San Bernardino District-Civil District San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: 12/08/25 Gilbert G. Ochoa Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2536102 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ISAIAH JOSEPH SILVERSTEIN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. ISAIAH JOSEPH SILVERSTEIN to Proposed name: JOSEF EIKE STEINEL THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 02/06/26 Time 8:30 a.m. Dept.: S14 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 Civil Division of the San Bernardino District A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: 12/26/25 Gilbert G. Ochoa Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 2026. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2534002 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: MACARIA LIYDIA OREYEL filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. MACARIA LIYDIA OREYEL to Proposed name: LYDIA OCHOA OREYEL THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 02/09/26 Time 8:30 a.m. Dept.: S14 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West 3rd Street San Bernardino District-Civil District San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: 12/08/25 Gilbert G. Ochoa Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026.
PETITION/PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ELIZABETH J. MCGANNON CASE NO: PROVV2500406
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: ELIZABETH J.
MCGANNON
A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MICHELLE ANN MCGANNON-HERRINGTON in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: MICHELLE ANN MCGANNON-HERRINGTON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will
be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 01/15/2026 Time: 9AM Dept: V12 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 14455 Civic Drive Suite 100 Victorville, CA 92392 Victorville District Probate Division IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: Michelle Ann McGannon-Herrington, In Pro Per 18468 Catalpa Street Hesperia, California 92345 (760)265-6299 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper January 8, 15, 22, 2026.
LIEN SALES (Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 3071 of the civil code of the State of California.) KSL TOWING ADDRESS:26981 HWY 74 PERRIS CA 92570 VIN: 5NPDH4AE7FH602367 PLATE: 9LRU069 VIN: 19XFB2F86EE265162 PLATE: 7GTT307 VIN: 5NPDH4AEXFH624878 PLATE: 8MBU287 VIN : 3C4NJDBN8RT175275 PLATE: 9RBV392 VIN: KMHC85LC8LU227647 PLATE: NONE SALE DATE: 11/28/25 (lien for tow and storage together with costs of advertising an expenses of sale.) Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 20, 2025. Correction January 15, 2026. (Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 3071 of the civil code of the State of California.) 15176 WHITTRAM AVE FONTANA CA 92335 VIN: 3FADP4BJ8HM113669 PLATE: 8KNY955 VIN: 1N4BL4CV5KC212429 PLATE: 8MKP493 VIN: 3GCPWDED8LG183065 PLATE: 61182Y2 SALE DATE: 11/28/25 (lien for tow and storage together with costs of advertising an expenses of sale.) Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 20, 2025. Correction January 15, 2026
CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-424-7581 (Cal-SCAN) AUTOS WANTED GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-833-4260105 (Cal-SCAN) Tiene un vehiculo no deseado? Donelo a Patriotic Hearts! Recogida rápida y gratuita en los 50 estados. Patriotic Hearts ofrece programas para ayudar a los veteranos a encontrar trabajo o iniciar su propio negocio. Llama ahora: 1-833-6951947 (24/7) (Cal-SCAN) FINANCIAL SERVICES Struggling with debt? If you have over $10,000 in debt we help you be debt free in as little as 24-48 months. Pay nothing to enroll. Call Now: 1-833-641-3437 (Cal-SCAN) HEALTH/PERSONALS/ MISCELLANEOUS Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-3889 (Cal-SCAN
HOME IMPROVEMENT Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-888-9895749 (Cal-SCAN INSURANCE/HEALTH DENTA L INSUR A NCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844- 203-2677 www.dental50plus. com/calnews #6258 (Cal-SCAN) MISCELLANEOUS The difference in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. CNPA’s Adver tising Services’ power to connect to nearly 13 million of the state’s readers who are an engaged audience, makes our services an indispensable marketing solution. For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 288-6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com DID YOU KNOW Newspapergenerated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com (Cal-SCAN) REAL ESTATE LOANS RETIRED COUPLE $$$$ for b usiness purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant. V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan.com Call 1-818-248-0000. Broker-principal DRE 01041073. No consumer loans. (Cal-SCAN) SERVICES BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-833-795-0042 (Cal-SCAN) WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-833-712-3809 Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (Cal-SCAN)
LEGAL ADVERTISING RATES Please call us or email our office for any questions regarding legal publications Fictitious Business Name Publishing/ Abandonment Publishing: $45.00 Fictitious Business Name Additional Businesses: $7.00 each Order To Show Cause For Change Of Name: $125.00 Change Of Names Additional Names: $5.00 each Notice Of Petition To Administer Estate: $275.00 Notice of Hearing: $275.00 (Additional statements $75 each page) Probates: $275.00. (Additional Statements $75 Each page) Summons: $285.00 & additional legal statements related to Summons:
Complaints, Amendments
Notice of Hearing $100 for 2 pages $75.00 each additional page Notice of Trustee Sales: $375.00 & up Public Notices: $200.00-$450.00 & up (based on size) *Notice Inviting Bids/Proposal: calculated by size: $25.04 per column inch Call (909)889-7677 or Email: mary@sb-american.com
L E G A L S / C L A S S I F I E D S G O H E R E
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Page 6
THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS - HEALTH/GOVERNMENT NEWS /CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS
Childhood Educator Apprenticeships Offer We can save Black mothers — if we better prepare Black fathers Early an Answer to Childcare Shortages...continued by Joshua Liston Zawadi
Joshua Liston Zawadi, a Dad Doula and a public voices fellow of the OpEd Project in partnership with the National Black Child Development Institute, argues that improving Black maternal health requires intentionally preparing and empowering Black fathers to be active advocates before, during and after birth. Drawing from his experiences as a father and “dad doula,” he highlights how sidelining fathers in maternity care weakens family outcomes and supports policies like the Dads Matter Act of 2025 that center fathers as vital members of the care team. Credit: Unsplash / Earving Segura
As a Black father sitting in countless doctors’ offices alongside my partner, I often found myself invisible — treated like a visitor instead of a vital part of the care team. I watched professionals speak over me, around me, but rarely to me. Even with doulas and midwives present, their focus centered almost entirely on my partner’s pregnancy journey. Despite being her biggest advocate, I was often left unacknowledged and underdeveloped. No one was teaching me how to navigate hospital systems confidently, advocate for her safety, or care for her body and spirit during and after birth. The truth is there’s a moment after every birth that no one really prepares fathers for. The visitors leave, the food trays are gone,
the baby’s cries echo through the house and then … it’s quiet. That’s the aftermath: the stretch of time when families either find their rhythm or fall apart. That “after” has traditionally been seen as a woman’s world, but I’ve learned — both as a father and as a “Dad Doula” — that when men are invited in early, when they’re part of the pregnancy and healing, the whole family flourishes. Believe it or not, it’s an idea gaining traction at the highest levels of government. U.S. Reps. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.) and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) recently introduced the Dads Matter Act of 2025, a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at supporting healthier families by increasing fathers’ involvement in their babies’ lives immediately before and after birth. It calls
Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeships Offer an Answer to Childcare Shortages... continued from page 2 staff turnover were a plague until recently, but an apprenticeship program for entry-level early educators has kept new teachers on the job. Elsewhere, there is hope for those kinds of results. In the Oklahoma City area, an apprenticeship program started in 2023 just yielded its first graduate, who worked in a child care center for two years and completed a 288hour training program. Curtiss Mays, who created the program for teachers at the group of Head Start centers he oversees, was in the midst of trying to hire 11 educators just as the first apprentice earned a credential that allows her to back up other teachers. “It’s a pretty major project,” Mays said. “We hope it’s the start of something really good.” Mays worked with the Oklahoma Department of Labor to set up the apprenticeship program, which he said has already pulled one person out of homelessness and is helping to lure more aspiring teachers. It will pay for education all the way through a bachelor’s degree if apprentices stick with it. Apprenticeship programs can be costly to run, but bipartisan federal legislation to support them has never gained traction. (Advocates note that apprenticeships can cost far less than a traditional four-year college degree.) Labor Department money for organizations that help set up and grow early childhood educator apprenticeships helped increase the number of apprentices in so-called registered apprenticeship programs — ones that are proven and validated by the federal agency. But some of those grants were axed by the Trump administration in May. In San Francisco, while setting up apprenticeships was as laborintensive as in many other places, the 2018 real estate tax provides a new and deep well of money to propel the early educator apprentice effort. The money pays for all of the things that are letting Aguilar and dozens of others in the county earn at least 12 college credits this year. In two semesters, Aguilar will have the credentials to be an associate teacher in any early education program in California. Other apprentices across San Francisco, in Head
Start centers, family-owned child care programs, and even some religious providers, can work toward associate or bachelor’s degrees using the new tax revenue to pay for it. Children color and glue paper clothes on paper people during a classroom activity at the YMCA of the East Bay’s Richmond Parkway Early Learning Center in Richmond, Calif., a Head Start center that provides free child care. They had just read “Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?” Credit: Emmanuel Guillén Lozano for The Hechinger Report Long before the ballot measure across the bay in San Francisco, Pamm Shaw dreamed up the forerunner of an early educator apprenticeship program in a moment of desperation. It was over a decade ago, and Shaw, who was then working at the YMCA East Bay overseeing a collection of Head Start centers, said her agency was awarded a grant to add spaces for about 100 additional infants. Except that her existing staff didn’t want to work with children younger than 3. So Shaw sent notices to the roughly 1,000 families with children enrolled in YMCA East Bay Head Start programs at the time and convinced about 20 people, largely parents of children enrolled in Head Start, to consider the role. She pulled together the training that would qualify the parents to become early educators — 12 college credits in six months. The education piece, Shaw realized, was a huge draw. Some of the parents had spent 10 years working toward associate degrees on their own without completing them. Giving them the chance to earn those degrees in manageable chunks — while getting paid and receiving raises relatively quickly as their education advanced — proved a powerful recruitment tool. “It changed their lives,” Shaw said. And these new teachers had their eyes opened to how what they would be doing wasn’t just babysitting. They took away lessons they used with their own children — who in turn took notice of their parents studying. “It’s actually child care,” said Shaw. “So much happens in the first year
continued in last 2 columns
on the Department of Health and Human Services to launch a national public awareness campaign and provide guidance to states and maternity care providers nationwide about the role of fathers during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. The government shutdown has ended. Now is the time to speak up. If you believe fathers deserve a seat at the table during pregnancy, birth and postpartum care, then call or email your members of Congress and urge them to support the Dads Matter Act of 2025. It is quite literally a matter of life and death. We talk a lot about maternal health, and we should. The U.S. has the highest maternal death rate in the world, with Black women being most at risk. However, when we talk about birth, the conversation too often leaves fathers on the sidelines — cheering, nervous, unsure, waiting for instructions and serving as audiences in the production of the birth story. But, men are valuable members of the cast. Research has shown that when men attend prenatal visits, learn postpartum warning signs, and share caregiving duties, their partners are less likely to experience postpartum depression, and their babies are more likely to thrive. This is why I started the Dad Doula program. We strive to provide safe spaces where partners learn to use their voices, presence and access to counteract the devastating rates of Black maternal mortality in this country. This work dismantles
the myth that fatherhood begins after birth and emphasizes that it starts right alongside it. When I coach fathers through the Dad Doula framework, I tell them, “You are not a bystander, you are a stabilizer. Your calm helps to steady the room. Your touch can ease her breathing. Your voice can call the nurse, or remind her she’s strong enough to do this.” Presence changes the outcome. I’ve seen it in my own practice. In rooms where men are engaged, I have watched atmospheres and perspectives shift; I’ve heard more laughter, seen less fear, and watched two individuals become one team. By educating and empowering those who stand beside the birthing person, Dad Doula turns what was once isolation into action, helping families thrive, together. This is the work and path ahead. Groups like the Ariah Foundation and Save a Rose Foundation, both in New York, and 4Kira4Moms in Atlanta, Ga., champion bringing our Black moms and babies back home alive, happy, healthy and heard. The aftermath doesn’t have to be the “aftermath.” That word usually carries a sense of tragedy like a storm, a mess to clean up. But what if we redefined it? What if the aftermath of birth meant a time of after-care, after-healing, after-love? A moment in time when Black fathers are allowed to lead with advocating for the one thing we know the most about: our families. This article was originally published by Amsterdam News.
of life that you never get to see again. Never, ever, ever.” It changed Shaw’s life, too, and inspired many other apprenticeship programs all over. Her role morphed into fundraising to build out the apprenticeship pipeline. The program, now baked into the YMCA of the East Bay system, reflected the overall early educator workforce: It was made up entirely of women, mostly women of color, some of them immigrants, and many first-generation college students. By the time Shaw retired a few years ago, more than 500 people in the Berkeley area had completed the early educator apprenticeship program. Erica Davis, a single mom, is one of its success stories. When she met Shaw, Davis said, she was relying on public assistance and jobs caring for other people’s children, while taking care of a daughter with significant medical needs, as well as her toddler-age son. Davis was at a Head Start dropping off paperwork for the family of a child in her care when an employee told Davis her young son might be eligible for Head Start too. He was, and as Davis enrolled him, she learned about Shaw’s apprenticeship program. Davis missed the first window to apply, but as she put it, “I was blowing their phone up. I needed to get in.” That was 2020. By this spring, Davis will have earned her bachelor’s degree from Cal State East Bay. She works full-time at a Richmond, California, Head Start center while taking classes and
supporting her kids, now in high school and elementary school. She can afford to rent a two-bedroom apartment, owns a car, and no longer relies on state or federal assistance to pay bills. She’s on the dean’s list, and, she said proudly, she can squat 205. “I didn’t take my education seriously,” Davis, 41, said of her younger self. “I feel like I’m playing catch-up now.” She is in her element at the YMCA of the East Bay’s Richmond Parkway Early Learning Center, reading to children, working on potty training, and leading the kids through coloring-and-pasting exercises. She has even become an informal coach for newer apprentices. The network and family feel of these apprenticeships is one of the things that helps many succeed, she said. “I have a sad story, but it turned into something beautiful.” While Davis said she prefers the flexibility of taking classes at her own pace, other apprentices thrive in the kind of classes Aguilar attends, with a live instructor who starts off leading students in a mindfulness exercise. That is the same approach to teaching apprentices at EDvance College in San Francisco, which works exclusively with early childhood apprentices, according to its president and CEO, Lygia Stebbing. The college provides general education classes in reading, math, and science for apprentices pursuing degrees, taught through
continued on page 7
7 Pills You Shouldn’t Take with Juice...continued Hydrocodone
after
7 Pills You Shouldn’t Take with Juice
Fentanyl
6. Antibiotics Includes:
Health News
Methadone
Ciprofloxacin
Why juice is so dangerous for this drug:
Why juice is so dangerous for this drug:
Erythromycin
Grapefruit juice shuts down an enzyme in your liver called CYP3A4, which normally breaks down many heart medications. Without it, drug levels skyrocket.
Grapefruit juice blocks drug breakdown, allowing opioids to accumulate — sometimes to fatal levels.
Most people reach for juice when swallowing pills because it tastes better than water. But certain juices — especially grapefruit, orange, apple, and cranberry — can turn everyday medications into overdoses, failures, or toxic reactions without you realizing it. The problem is that chemicals in the fruit can get in the way of the medicine breaking down, called metabolizing, in the digestive system. As a result, the medicine can stay in the body for too long or too short a time. More often, the problem is medicine staying in the body too long. In some cases, juice can increase drug levels by 500%. In others, it can block absorption so completely that the medication doesn’t work at all. Why Juice Can Be Dangerous with Medication You would think that juice is just “juice”, right? It’s something you’ve been drinking all your life and it couldn’t be dangerous. But juice doesn’t just “mix” with medicine — it hijacks how your body processes drugs by: Blocking liver enzymes Disabling intestinal transport proteins Increasing drug absorption unpredictably
This can cause: Sudden drops in blood pressure Heart rhythm disturbances Kidney damage Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) A single glass of grapefruit juice can affect drug metabolism for up to 72 hours. Best way to take:
Respiratory failure Unconsciousness
Best way to take:
Sudden overdose
✔ Water ✔ Follow spacing instructions carefully
Best way to take: ✔ Water only ✔ Never mix with juice or alcohol 4. Cholesterol Medications (Statins) Includes:
7. Anti-Rejection & Cancer Medications Includes: Tacrolimus
Lipitor (atorvastatin)
Cyclosporine
✔ Plain water ❌ No grapefruit, pomelo, or Seville orange juice
Zocor (simvastatin)
Certain chemo pills
Mevacor
2. Anxiety, Sleep & Mental Health Medications Includes:
Why juice is so dangerous for this drug:
Why juice is so dangerous for this drug:
Xanax, Valium, Klonopin
Grapefruit juice can multiply drug levels, leading to:
Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro
Juice can raise drug levels into the toxic range, causing: Organ damage
Muscle pain
Immune suppression
Muscle breakdown
Dangerous infections
Kidney failure
Best way to take:
Why juice is so dangerous for this drug:
Best way to take:
Juice — especially grapefruit — can raise these drug levels, leading to:
✔ Water ✔ Take at night (when cholesterol is made)
✔ Water only ✔ Same time every day
Trazodone Seroquel
Extreme sedation
5. Allergy & Cold Medications Includes:
Here are the most important medications you should never take with juice — and why.
Slow breathing
Allegra (fexofenadine)
Blackouts
Claritin
7 Medications You Should Not Take with Juice 1. Heart & Blood Pressure Medications Includes:
Increased risk of overdose
Zyrtec
Some juices also interfere with how antidepressants are absorbed.
Decongestants
Statins (Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor)
Why juice is so dangerous for this drug: Juice alters stomach acidity and enzyme activity, reducing absorption or increasing side effects like nausea and heart rhythm issues.
This can cause:
Confusion
Even one glass can disrupt medication levels for days.
Doxycycline
Best way to take:
Calcium channel blockers (Norvasc, Procardia)
✔ Water only ✔ Take at the same time daily for stable blood levels
Blood pressure drugs (Losartan, Verapamil)
3. Painkillers & Opioids Includes:
Anti-arrhythmia drugs (Amiodarone)
Oxycodone continued in next 2 columns
Why juice is so dangerous for this drug: Apple, orange, and grapefruit juice block transporters in the gut that help these drugs get into your bloodstream — making them up to 70% less effective. Best way to take: ✔ Water ❌ Avoid juice 4 hours before and
The Safest Way to Take Almost All Pills ✔ Use plain water ✔ Sit upright ✔ Wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else ✔ Avoid juice within 4 hours of medication unless your doctor specifically says it’s okay Always Remember… Juice is healthy — but not when mixed with medicine. If you take heart drugs, cholesterol meds, anxiety pills, painkillers, allergy meds, or antibiotics, drinking juice with your pill could turn a normal dose into a medical emergency or make the medication completely useless. When it comes to pills: Water saves lives. Juice changes drugs. By Nutritionist Mary Toscano | Published January 12, 2026
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Page 7
THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS -LIFESTYLE/FINANCIAL NEWS
Why is Crohn’s Increasing Among Black People? Health News
Lifestyle News inflammatory conditions just like Crohn’s. Healthcare Access
For the longest time, Crohn’s was not a major concern. At least for Black folks, who had lower rates of the gastrointestinal disease than other races. Unfortunately, that’s quickly changing. Today, there is an alarming trend in diagnoses of the condition – everything from severe abdominal pain and discomfort to malnutrition, diarrhea, and even severe mental health impacts. Why is Crohn’s disease increasing in Black populations? Let’s take a deeper dive and consider the main social and biological factors at play here… A History of Misdiagnoses While there are many reasons for the increase in Crohn’s among the Black population, one explanation is that it’s not actually increasing that much. For many decades, Crohn’s was thought to be a mostly ‘White disease.’ Although Black patients reported similar symptoms, many of their symptoms were attributed to something else. These biases came from narrow studies, which focused on people of European descent. As a result, many Black individuals suffered in silence, ignoring or enduring the pain, oftentimes
receiving diagnoses that did not fully treat the issue. The good news is, that this perception in healthcare systems is slowly but surely changing.
Microbiome Differences Your microbiome is essentially the environment in your gut. It’s a very complex ecosystem all its own, filled with all kinds of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more. When the balance is tilted or upset, many health conditions can result. This is why the food and drink you ingest is so important. Turns out, recent research shows that the microbiomes of Black folks may be different. In other words, Black individuals have different ratios of microorganisms that live in their intestines. Black culture – with certain diets, medications, and environmental exposures – also impacts these microorganisms. For instance, many diets that contain inflammatory foods and processed foods are more likely to lead to conditions like Crohn’s. Because so many Black communities do not have access to organic whole-food alternatives, the risk grows. Over time, this consumption of unhealthy foods can lead to
Although we’ve already touched on this, let’s go a step further. Consider, for example, systemic biases in healthcare. These can take many forms. You have a lack of adequate insurance coverage, which may discourage doctor visits. You have a lack of medical clinics and hospitals within communities, which can lead to poor diagnosis and treatment. And then you have the lack of Black doctors, which presents a cultural issue in misunderstanding how Black patients’ bodies respond differently. And even when there are culturally sensitive doctors available, only a small percentage are fully trained in gastrointestinal disease management. Due to these disparities in healthcare access, many Black patients with Crohn’s may never even get their condition evaluated, let alone diagnosed or treated! Urbanization Think about city environments for a moment. As societies have shifted from rural to urban living, many changes in food accessibility have occurred. Not only food access, but physical activity and stress as well. Sometimes, the congested cities – with people piled on top of each other – are like a petri dish for disease and illness. Fast food abounds, but quality whole foods are often hard to get. Then add in the stress of urban living. Many of these areas are of low socioeconomic status, causing physical and psychological stress to residents.
This can affect lifestyle choices as well, leading to substance use and unhealthy habits simply to cope. From there, inflammation is almost unavoidable. Over time, the effects of urbanization can take a serious toll. If left unchecked and untreated, diseases like Crohn’s have the perfect opportunity to take hold. Genetic Factors Finally, you have genetics. Biologically speaking, various genes may play a role in the risk of developing Crohn’s disease. This happens because your body may deal with inflammation differently, which can lead to all kinds of problems with your overall health and well-being. For example, variations in the OD2 gene are associated with Crohn’s in people of European descent, while IL23R gene variations are associated with Crohn’s disease in people of African descent. Although genes alone do not mean you’re going to, or not going to, end up with Crohn’s, they can play a large role. The good news is, you can affect your biology. Lifestyle changes, such as consistent exercise, healthier eating, and stress minimization can all do wonders. So, if you’re worried about Crohn’s – take a breather. You possess the power to manage your health, day by day, making changes that will help in the long term. Whether you’re Black, White, Brown, or Purple, you can take control of your health. And that’s something you should never forget!
Lifestyle/Financial News
The storms delivered more than 17 inches of rain to some areas, causing flooding, mudslides and debris flows, impacting mountain and high desert communities including Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia, as well as multiple roadways, including areas near Mt. Baldy. San Bernardino County continues to support residents and coordinate response and recovery operations with partner agencies as communities navigate ongoing impacts and begin long-term recovery. “Recovering from a disaster is hard enough without additional costs standing in the way,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Waiving recovery fees removes barriers and helps families and property owners move forward safely and legally, so our communities can rebuild as quickly as possible.” “From the mountains to the high desert, residents have been dealing with damage, debris and disrupted access,” said First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.). “By reducing their out-of-pocket costs to rebuild, we’re helping residents and business owners get repairs started. We’ll keep coordinating across departments and with our partners to support a steady
recovery.” In the days immediately following the storm, San Bernardino County Fire’s inspection teams surveyed homes and businesses. The Office of the Fire Marshal completed a damage assessment and found two buildings were destroyed and 31 sustained major damage. Another 23 buildings sustained moderate damage, 37 sustained minor damage and a total of 93 buildings were categorized as “affected” by the storm. Plan review and permit fee waivers The board approved waivers of San Bernardino County Land Use Services’ plan review and permit fees, up to $5,000 per property (both fees combined), with an aggregate countywide limit of $200,000, available on a firstcome, first-served basis through June 30, 2027, for post-disaster recovery and repairs to properties in communities damaged by the December 2025 storms. Under the board’s action, the Land Use Services’ plan review and permit process for impacted residents will be expedited. Debris disposal fee waivers The board also authorized San Bernardino County Public Works – Solid Waste Management to waive Standard Gate Rate Disposal fees for impacted property owners. This allows qualifying residents to dispose of acceptable debris at county landfills at no cost. The waiver
applies to properties identified by the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services in the Lytle Creek, Wrightwood, Phelan, and Hesperia areas, with a total waiver amount not to exceed $16,800. The program is limited to an estimated 48 residential properties, with a maximum of five tons per property, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30, 2026. Debris must be acceptable for disposal and cannot contain asbestos, hazardous materials or other unacceptable waste. For a detailed list of acceptable and prohibited materials at county landfills, visit the “Can I take it to the landfill” webpage. Background In response to the storms, county CEO Luther Snoke proclaimed a local emergency on Dec. 25, which was ratified by the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 29, enabling swift mobilization of resources and coordination with state and local partners. Last week, emergency crews were in Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Hesperia, Phelan and Piñon Hills accompanying the U.S. Small Business Administration and state and county partners to conduct preliminary damage assessments. The assessments help officials evaluate storm impacts and identify potential recovery resources. As part of recovery support, the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services
Photo Credits: Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino
Riverside, CA – January 13th, 2026 – Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) reflects as it concludes the food bank’s 45th year of operating. With rising needs in the Inland Empire (IE), the food bank highlights the vital work it does within the community while bringing attention to the ways the region must focus on addressing major issues within the food system to ensure equitable access to all community members. “45 years in operation is a wonderful accomplishment, but we recognize that we exist because there is a need, and seeing food insecurity rise is quite sobering. We see a future where all community members are fed adequate meals to sustain an active lifestyle, but as of now, that is still not happening,” said Joanna Solorio, Interim Chief Executive Officer at FARSB. “Food is a right, and we must continue to work with city,
county, and state officials to address this issue fully if we want to have sustainable, equitable access to nutritious food for all.” Solorio continued. With 530,000 food-insecure people in the IE, not everyone is getting the food they need for peak health and to sustain their busy lives as working parents, college students, or developing children. The food bank serves an average of 300,000 people each month; however, with an existing gap and an increase in need, there is clear cause for action to boost food security for families. FARSB operates alongside nearly 250 community partners to serve Riverside and San Bernardino counties and has seen a significant increase in need in both areas over the past few years, with funding cuts, social program changes, and rising cost-of-living all exacerbating the issue. This rise signifies the current need for food banks, while highlighting the unfortunate reality of growing hunger and food insecurity within the region. For more information about FARSB’s hunger-relief efforts, please visit www.FeedingIE.org For more information about our accomplishments during our time, please visit: FARSB's 45th Year Comes to a Close
RETIRED COUPLE
HAS $1MIL TO LEND ON CA. REAL ESTATE*
V.I.P. TRUST DEED COMPANY
Buys T.D.s and Buys/Lends on Partial Interests
OVER 40 YEARS OF FAST FUNDING Principal
(818) 248-0000 Broker
WWW.VIPLOAN.COM *Sufficient equity required - no consumer loans Real Estate License #01041073
CA Department of Real Estate, NMLS #339217
Private Party loans generally have higher interest rates, points & fees than conventional discount loans
By Evan Bollinger | Published October 16, 2024
San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approves financial relief to help storm-impacted property owners rebuild and recover The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved recovery fee waivers to help eligible property owners repair and rebuild following severe winter storms that started on Dec. 23.
Local Food Bank Reflects on 45th Anniversary Amid Rising Need
hosted a Local Assistance Center at the Rick Novack Community Center in Hesperia from Jan. 8 through Jan. 10.
View The San Bernardino AMERICAN NEWS Weekly E-Edition On our website: sb-american.com
Additional resources: San Bernardino County Land Use Services’ website: lus. sbcounty.gov. San Bernardino County Public Works – Solid Waste Management Division’s website: dpw.sbcounty.gov/solid-wastemanagement. San Bernardino County VOAD, in coordination with the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, is supporting recovery and cleanup efforts for communities impacted by recent flooding and mudslides. For help with debris cleanup, call the California Floods Home Cleanup Hotline at (800) 451-1954 (open through Jan. 23) or visit bit.ly/4bumkgu. For insurance-related assistance after flood and mudslide impacts, the California Department of Insurance consumer hotline is available in multiple languages at (800) 927-4357. Visit prepare.sbcounty.gov. Sign up for San Bernardino County’s Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) to receive emergency alerts such as evacuations warnings and orders for your area. Download the Ready SB County app to receive emergency alerts and safety information.
Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeships Offer an Answer to Childcare Shortages... continued from page 6 an early childhood lens so it feels approachable and relevant. And every lesson can be applied nearly in real time, unlike other paths to degrees, in which inperson teaching experience comes only after many classes, Stebbing said. Before beginning classes, apprentices get a crash course in using technology, from distinguishing between a tablet and a laptop to using Google Docs and Zoom, “so they can jump right into things,” she said. A writing coach and other student support staff are available in the evenings, when apprentices are taking courses or doing homework. Because many of the apprentices are older than typical college students and may even have used up their federal Pell Grants and other financial aid taking courses without earning a degree, the college works with foundations and local government agencies to offset the cost of courses so graduates don’t end up in debt. “We’ve really put the student at the center,” Stebbing said. For Mayra Aguilar, her mentor teacher Jetoria Washington is a lifeline who can help her unstick an issue with any aspect of the apprenticeship — in the classes she takes or the classroom where she works. Taking courses online means she can be home with her own kids in the evenings. Earning
money for the hours she spends in the classroom means she is not going into debt to earn the credential she needs to find a full-time job. The constellation of support has helped her shift from feeling in over her head to feeling ready to keep working toward a college degree. And she is having fun. On the playground, one of the kids had the idea to trace another with sidewalk chalk, working on their pencil grip as much as they were playing. Except it wasn’t just the other kids: They traced Aguilar, too. When it was time to go back inside, powdery green and pink lines crisscrossed the back of her brown pants and black blouse. She wasn’t bothered. “I love the kids,” she said. “They always make me laugh.” Aguilar has even picked up skills that she uses with her own children, something many apprentices describe. Now, she sometimes says to her youngest daughter, “Catch a bubble.” That’s preschool speak for “Be quiet.” When a teacher needs the toddlers’ attention, the kids hear this phrase, then fill their cheeks with air. Most of the time, at home and at work, a brief silence follows. Then the kids look up, ready to hear what comes next.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Page 8
THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS -LOCAL/NATIONAL NEWS/ADVERTISING
Crypto firms: Wolves in banks’ clothing By Alice T. Crowe
In this commentary, attorney and educator Alice T. Crowe warns that major cryptocurrency firms are positioning themselves as banks without being subject to the same consumer protections, posing heightened risks for Black communities. She argues that crypto companies deliberately target Black consumers—through celebrity endorsements, Bitcoin ATMs in Black neighborhoods, and promises of liberation from racist banking systems—while offering little recourse against fraud, volatility, or loss, potentially deepening existing racial wealth gaps rather than closing them. (Photo Credit: Unsplash/Ali Mkumbwa) Alice T. Crowe, a lawyer, educator and entrepreneur that has practiced law for over 25 years in New York. This week she gives insight to the impact of crypto markets promising liberation but subjecting Black communities to extreme financial risk. (Courtesy photo)
Imagine trying to take out $40 from an ATM, but the machine won’t give you cash. Instead, it’s a cryptocurrency ATM that only lets you buy bitcoin, and it charges a high fee. These machines allow you to buy or sell cryptocurrency using cash or a debit card. You have no idea that they are not connected to banks or the regular banking system. Many of these crypto ATMs are concentrated in Black neighborhoods. It’s not a coincidence. Crypto companies target Black consumers.
Big crypto firms such as Circle, Coinbase, Ripple and Crypto.com are trying to become banks by applying for special permission, a national trust bank charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). While this does not appear to be problematic, it will allow these firms to offer many of the services that regular banks provide, such as accepting payments and facilitating deposits. Having a name that
includes the word “bank” or “trust “can be misleading. Obtaining national trust bank status would give these financial institutions the legitimacy and market credibility they need to gain consumers’ trust. Here’s the problem: these firms don’t have to follow the same rules as banks. For example, banks must keep customers’ money safe and help local communities, as required by the Community Reinvestment Act. Banks make loans with customer deposits for houses,
businesses and schools. Crypto companies are not required to carry Federal Deposit Insurance. Crypto is a challenge to trace or freeze. There is no undoing a transaction if it is the result of a scam or theft. Banks have a dispute process and are required to provide recourse for loss or theft. Crypto banks don’t. To be sure, crypto will benefit those who can afford to take the losses. Yes, traditional financial institutions exclude, exploit, and oppress Black people in America. Redlining, loan rejection, predatory lending, and banks that overly scrutinize Black customers are real. Black people are all too ready to jump ship for something better.
Crypto companies exploit this desire with the narrative that crypto is a panacea for racism and societal ills. But crypto is a very niche market used by only a tiny fraction of Americans, as per a Federal Reserve Board study. The volatility and risk involved can devastate Black community gains. Given all the celebrity blackfaces used to promote crypto, how does crypto benefit the Black collective? Do most people have the financial ability to absorb the losses given crypto’s volatility? Especially when Black families have less wealth than White families in America. White families have six times the wealth of Black
families. The wealth gap alone makes crypto a risky bet for most Black people. Crypto firms target Black customers using Black icons, celebrity partnerships, crypto ball performances at presidential inaugurations, and the placement of Bitcoin ATMs all over the hood, much like predatory payday loans and check-cashing services. Some Black celebrities promote crypto by asking for payment in bitcoin. Beware, the same predatory hands that are reaching out to save Black people may also be there to bite them. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.
Epstein Files Battle Explodes as Redactions Shield Trump and Other Powerful Figures
HPV Testing Via Easy Self-Collection Now Available to Patients at Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties
By Stacy M. Brown
Local/National News
Confidential File The fight over the Epstein files reached a boiling point today as Congress moves to force their release, but the real story has already unfolded behind closed doors. The documents were scrubbed long before lawmakers ever approached the floor. What should have been a moment of transparency has become a demonstration of how political power shields itself while the public is told to wait. “Once the House passes the bill to release the Epstein files today, I will move for the Senate to immediately take it up and pass it,” Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Senate Democratic leader, stated. He added that “Republicans have spent months trying to protect Donald Trump and hide what’s in the files,” and he said the American people want the truth. According to Bloomberg News, Donald Trump’s name appears throughout the Epstein materials. What has not been widely reported is that an FBI FOIA review team blacked out Trump’s name and the names of other high-profile figures. Three people familiar with the review process said the redactions were completed before the Justice Department and FBI declared
that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted. “The only reason the House is voting today is because the Trump administration is refusing to comply with a subpoena,” Rep. Kelly Morrison of Minnesota, a Democrat, stated. She said the president and his administration “are legally required to release the files to Congress,” and she added that leaders have “been complicit in covering up the horrific abuses of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.” She ended by saying, “Today we will say no more.” Inside the FBI, the work stretched across two facilities in Winchester, Virginia. Director Kash Patel ordered agents from the New York and Washington field offices to join FOIA employees and review every Epstein-related document. Nearly one thousand staff worked through the night to process grand jury testimony, prosecutors’ materials, and decades of investigative files. Not everyone agreed with how the review unfolded. Michael Seidel, section chief of the Record and Information Dissemination Section, objected to the directives. Patel blamed him for delays in getting records
to Special Counsel Pam Bondi. Seidel was told he could retire or be fired. He chose to retire. “President Trump has the power to release the files today,” Rep. Robert Garcia of California, a Democrat, stated. He said millions of survivors of sexual abuse are watching to see whether leaders in the United States will confront powerful abusers. He added that survivors believe answers “can be found in the bank records of abusers,” and he warned financial institutions that “if they are hiding records, then we will be coming after them.” According to Bloomberg News, the FOIA team used privacy exemptions to justify blacking out Trump’s name and others. Because Trump was a private citizen when the Epstein investigation began in 2006, his name was withheld under rules meant to shield private individuals from embarrassment. “We have a little more work ahead of us, but my hope is Leader Thune will do the right thing,” Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a Democrat, stated, referring to Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota, the top Republican in the chamber. Fractures are appearing even
inside Trump’s own party. “Trump called me a traitor for supporting Epstein survivors,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a Republican, stated. She accused the president of tearing apart his own movement by refusing to release the files. The survivors themselves delivered the sharpest message. “We are launching a political movement to expose the systems that protected predators for far too long,” survivor Lisa Phillips stated. Wendy, another survivor, said she and others never asked to be pushed into political warfare and added, “Standing on the right side of history is not a comfortable place to be.” Sky Roberts, the brother of Virginia Giuffre, cried as he said Epstein trafficked his sister to a network of rich and powerful people. He said his sister made a “monumental impact” by speaking out. The names inside the Epstein files belong to some of the most powerful figures in the world. Their presence does not prove criminal conduct. It reveals proximity. And proximity is exactly what many have tried to deny for years. “Americans are tired of waiting and are demanding to see the truth,” Schumer stated.
RETIRED COUPLE
HAS $1MIL TO LEND ON CA. REAL ESTATE*
V.I.P. TRUST DEED COMPANY
Buys T.D.s and Buys/Lends on Partial Interests
OVER 40 YEARS OF FAST FUNDING Principal
(818) 248-0000 Broker
WWW.VIPLOAN.COM *Sufficient equity required - no consumer loans Real Estate License #01041073
CA Department of Real Estate, NMLS #339217
Private Party loans generally have higher interest rates, points & fees than conventional discount loans
ANAHEIM, CA (January 13, 2026) – January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and patients of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) now have access to a compassionate, lower-stress method of getting tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common cause of cervical cancer. Self-collection HPV testing is now available as an option for patients aged 30 years and older at all nine of PPOSBC’s health centers in Orange and San Bernardino Counties. Selfcollection HPV testing is FDAapproved, performed by the patient in privacy at a PPOSBC health center, and can be easily added to any existing appointment; no pelvic examination is necessary. HPV, which is extremely common in the U.S., has multiple strains, some of which can cause cancer. HPV vaccination protects against many of these strains, and most HPV infections (9 out of 10) clear on their own within two years. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV still infects about 13 million Americans and causes 36,000 new cancer cases each year, so it’s essential for every adult to be screened as recommended. PPOSBC is one of the first Planned Parenthood affiliates in the state of California to offer selfcollection HPV testing to patients. Previously, patients were required to do a full pelvic exam just to test for cervical cancer. Now, patients over 30 will be offered the option to self-collect. Those who elect to do so are given a test kit and instructions, along with privacy to collect the sample themselves in the exam room. The test results will be sent off to a lab for diagnostics. Test results are ready within three days. Patients who test positive for
HPV are called back for further screening, which may include a pelvic exam and a test to find abnormal cells (often called a Pap test). If the HPV test is positive for certain strains or abnormal cells are found, then a colposcopy or LEEP procedure is recommended. All of these services are available through PPOSBC. PPOSBC providers have reported that many patients appreciate having the option for self-collection HPV testing, and hope it will lead to earlier detection of possible cervical cancers. “At Planned Parenthood, we prioritize patient choice, compassionate care, and effective cancer screening programs that save lives,” said Janet Jacobson, M.D., medical director, PPOSBC. “Pelvic exams aren’t an easy experience for anyone, and they are particularly stressful for patients who are not prepared or have a history of sexual trauma or pain. Self-screening lowers this barrier, and we are pleased to offer it to all patients over 30. The earlier we can catch HPV, the easier it is for patients to monitor their health via regular screening and get any treatment they may need.” “Our doors are open, and we are here to provide care no matter what,” said Krista Hollinger, President and CEO, PPOSBC. “We are proud to offer this level of compassionate, patient-centered care that makes it easier for women to get lifesaving cervical cancer screenings. If you are as committed as we are to ensuring that all patients have choices and access to quality, comprehensive healthcare, we need–and are incredibly grateful for–all the help and support you can provide.” To learn more about PPOSBC’s work, please visit: www.pposbc. org