Vol. 50 No. 50
April 2, 2020 -April 8, 2020
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 words or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they suppress. —Fredrick Douglass (1849)
COVID-19 The Worst Is Yet To Come, Medical Experts Tell Reporters At Ethnic Media Services Briefing by Ethnic Media Services
Sunita Sohrabji, EMS Staff Reporter
Publisher’s Corner Publisher of The San Bernardino AMERICAN News
Email: sbamericannews@gmail.com
Clifton Harris Editor in Chief
Civil Rights Leader and MLK Aide Joseph Lowery Dies at 98 The Associated Press and former AP writer ERRIN HAINES Published: 29 March 2020
Civil rights leader the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery speaks at an event in Atlanta announcing state lawmakers from around the county have formed an alliance they say will combat restrictive voting laws, Aug. 14, 2013. Lowery, a veteran civil rights leader who helped the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and fought against racial discrimination, died Friday, March 27, 2020, a family statement said. He was 98. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
Dr. Turner-Lloveras (above) is an assistant Professor of Medicine at Harbor-UCLA/David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles at Harbor-UCLA. SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The United States, currently leading the world in the number of people infected with coronavirus, is at the crest of fully experiencing the pandemic, a panel of medical experts and community health advocates told reporters March 27. The U.S. has registered more than 136,000 infections and approximately 2,400 deaths, according to March 26 data from the World Health Organization. The telebriefing — organized by Ethnic Media Services and sponsored by the Blue Shield of California Foundation — featured two physicians speaking from the front lines of the global health crisis: Tung Nguyen of the University of California, San Francisco, and Daniel TurnerLloveras of the Harbor UCLA Medical Clinic. A large percentage of the immigrant community relies on public health facilities, Turner-
Lloveras said, but fear to seek care because of the new public charge rule the Trump administration rolled out Feb. 23. The rule says immigrants who seek any form of federal public aid could be denied permanent status in the U.S. About 43% of undocumented immigrants have no health insurance, said Turner-Lloveras. “We cannot contain a virus outbreak by providing care to only some of the population. We cannot successfully contain an outbreak if there are those among us who are afraid to seek care,” he said. Public health innovator Rishi Manchanda, founder of HealthBegins, said the pandemic disproportionately affects immigrants and people of color. Psychiatrist Sampat Shivangi, currently serving on the Trump administration’s Council for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, spoke about the
psychological effect of selfisolation and the possible surge in substance abuse. Veteran activist Manju Kulkarni, executive director of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON), briefed reporters on the rise of hate crimes against the Asian American community in the wake of the pandemic, and said she has “never seen doctors so scared by an infection. We could be looking at a million infections by next week and four million by next month.” The virus is deadly: 15 to 45 of every 1,000 infected people will die of a COVID-19 related illness, Nugyen said, noting that the elderly are particularly vulnerable. No vaccine exists for the disease, and the U.S. is still 12-18 months away from developing one. No cure exists, said medical experts on the panel, cautioning against spreading misinformation about
using hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug President Trump has touted as a possible cure for coronavirus-afflicted people. “You need to just stay home,” Nguyen stressed. The most effective methods to steer clear of the virus are social isolation and avoiding touching objects and surfaces. For communities of color and immigrants, who tend to live in multigenerational households, it’s imperative that people who must leave the household for work wash up and change clothes afterward, before engaging with their families again. The virus may be in the air for up to three hours. It can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours and on plastic and steel for 72 hours, the UCSF physician said. New York City is currently experiencing the worst of the pandemic, Turner-Lloveras said, (continued on page 4)
How The Coronavirus Crisis Is forcing School Districts to Bridge The Digital Divide Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
Two weeks ago, Gov. Newsom announced that Californians should not count on schools reopening before summer break. Most school districts had already announced that their campuses would be closed for two to four weeks to support the containment of the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Prior to most schools “terminating classroom instruction”, Newsom issued an executive order ensuring that teachers would be paid during school closures and that districts would receive their regular funding as long as the school district districts delivered “high quality educational opportunities through distance learning or independent study.” Distance learning as defined by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is “simply when the teacher and the
student are in two different locations.” Over 8000 educators statewide participated in a webinar conducted by Thurmond to go over guidance the California Department of Education issued to all school districts detailing how they can provide distance learning opportunities for students including those with disabilities and English learners. As school districts assess the Coronavirus crisis, most have been preparing as if they will not reopen classrooms for the rest of the school year. They are developing distance learning plans, trying to duplicate online the lessons they originally prepared to deliver in their classrooms. Online distance learning is feasible because, when California adopted the Common Core State Standards, students had to be
Photo Fortune school staff hand out chrome books and free lunch to parents that need them March 23, 2020. computer literate and know how to type in order to take state tests. Low tech school districts and charter schools transitioned to
using high tech learning tools and bought devices like Chromebooks and iPads, loaded (continued on page 2)
ATLANTA (AP) — The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, a veteran civil rights leader who helped the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and fought against racial discrimination, died Friday, a family statement said. He was 98. A charismatic and fiery preacher, Lowery led the SCLC for two decades — restoring the organization’s financial stability and pressuring businesses not to trade with South Africa’s apartheid-era regime — before retiring in 1997. Lowery, considered the dean of civil rights veterans, lived to celebrate a November 2008 milestone that few of his movement colleagues thought they would ever witness — the election of an African American president. Presidential Medal of Freedom 2009 At an emotional victory celebration for President-elect Barack Obama in Atlanta, Lowery said, “America tonight is in the process of being born again.” An early and enthusiastic supporter of Obama over thenDemocratic opponent Hillary Clinton, Lowery also gave the benediction at Obama’s inauguration. “We thank you for the empowering of thy servant, our 44th president, to inspire our nation to believe that, yes, we can work together to achieve a more perfect union,” he said. In 2009, Obama awarded Lowery the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. In a statement Saturday, Obama said Lowery “changed the face of America.” “He carried the baton longer and surer than almost anybody. It falls to the rest of us now to pick it up and never stop moving forward until we finish what he started — that journey to justice,” he said. Obama said he and his wife, Michelle, were grateful for Lowery’s “personal and spiritual support he offered us from the early days of our campaign ... and for the friendship and counsel he provided ever since.”
Iraq War Critic In another high-profile moment, Lowery drew a standing ovation at the 2006 funeral of King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, when he criticized the war in Iraq, saying, “For war, billions more, but no more for the poor.” The comment also drew head shakes from then-President George Bush and his father, former president George H.W. Bush, who were seated behind the pulpit. Christian Faith Lowery’s involvement in civil rights grew naturally out of his Christian faith. He often preached that racial discrimination in housing, employment and health care was at odds with fundamental Christian values such as human worth and the brotherhood of man. “I’ve never felt your ministry should be totally devoted to making a heavenly home. I thought it should also be devoted to making your home here heavenly,” he once said. Lowery remained active in fighting issues such as war, poverty and racism long after retiring, and survived prostate cancer and throat surgery after he beat Jim Crow. Tributes from leaders “We have lost a stalwart of the Civil Rights Movement, and I have lost a friend and mentor,” House Majority Whip, U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn, in a statement Saturday. “His wit and candor inspired my generation to use civil disobedience to move the needle on ‘liberty and justice for all.’ It was his life’s work and his was a life well lived.” Former President Bill Clinton remembered walking with Lowery across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on the 35th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. “Our country has lost a brave, visionary leader in the struggle for justice and a champion of its promise, still unrealized, of equality for all Americans. Throughout his long good life, Joe Lowery’s commitment to (continued on page 3)
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PAGE 2
April 2, 2020
COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/NATIONWIDE
Getting Creative to Survive: Barbers and Beauticians Share COVID-19 Chida Rebecca and Tanu Henry | California Black Media
Across the country, barbers and hairstylists are feeling the effects of COVID-19. In the Black community, the impact is more severe. Black-owned salons and barbershops have always served as a hub for men and women to congregate and catch up on the latest news, gossip and overall happenings within the community. These “meeting places” of sorts have also proven to be extremely profitable for its owners. But per executive orders from Gov.Gavin Newsom, all nonessential businesses in California have been forced into temporary closure; among them, barbershops, beauty salons, nail technician shops and other cosmetology centers. In one fell swoop, the COVID19 pandemic has caused hairstylists and barbers across the state to go from running lucrative, bustling businesses to owing rent or mortgage on a shuttered commercial space that is now home to an under-performing business with an uncertain future. A few barbershops and beauty salons in California open up occasionally, observing the federal and state governments’ social distancing guidelines, but others remain completely closed. “I’m just waiting for somebody to show up and tell me I’m breaking the law,” laughed one Los Angeles-area barber who asked to remain anonymous.
Although he sometimes does private bookings for a few of his clients who are celebrities, he told California Black Media he has never had to accept appointments from clients he did not know just to keep earning money. So, during this crisis, he dons a mask and gloves, goes out and does what he has to do. “This is a crazy time for everybody,” he said. “And its tough, tough time for our businesses. We just have to ride it out and see what happens.” Customers are equally upset. Many of them have taken to #BlackTwitter to express their frustration. “My barbershop is closed indefinitely,” tweeted Anthony Wheeler. “This is the worst result of #covid19.” Justin Henderson, another Twitter user, wrote, “The barbershop i go to is closed indefinitely and the company I work for wants us to use video chat for every virtual meeting. If this goes on for more than 2 more weeks, I may no longer be recognizable.” Bridget Winton, a respected San Diego-based hairstylist and salon owner is among the 33,570 cosmetologists in California trying to rebound from the coronavirus effects. “I’m glad that I have a couple of options to make money,” she said. “I have a direct franchise (continued in next 2 columns)
Getting Creative to Survive: Barbers and Beauticians Share COVID-19...continued business offering health, wellness and beauty products that consumers still need even if they don’t come in. For me, it’s a nice little backup. It’s not as much money as I could be making if I’m in the trenches full time, but its steady money.” Winton, who’s been in the industry for over 30 years says she learned early on the importance of creating multiple streams of income within her company. By turning her salon into a “one-stop-shop,” she has been able to meet many of her clients’ total body needs. “I’m a full-service salon. I do facials, body treatments, body contouring, skin restoration, along with scalp treatment and hair services,” she said. When coronavirus began its rapid spread, Winton started to visit which of her “streams” she’d focus on to maintain a flow of revenue. The services that required her to touch the skin would have to stop. “At first, when all of this happened, I was able to get a few people in and do some hair treatments, but if anybody came to me for skin rejuvenation or body treatments, I wasn’t doing them because I’m opening the pores of their skin and it was just too easy to pass on any germs,”
she said. Fortunately, for Winton and other independent businesspeople in the cosmetology industry, they now have a safety net if they need it. Last week, the U.S. Congress passed the CARES act to help individuals and businesses the Coronavirus pandemic has affected. President Trump signed it into law on Friday. The state of California has also extended unemployment benefits to freelancers and “gig workers,” including all barbers and beauticians. That means they can now apply to receive a weekly paycheck that ranges between $40 and $450 dollars, depending on their average weekly income, and an additional $600 a week from the federal government. For now, Winton keeps working on restructuring her businesses to meet her new reality. For starters, she has launched a newsletter to stay connected and keep her clients informed. “I’m going to be taking my business online and set it up where I can interact with people one at a time, and use that time wisely to educate my clients. I’m in the process of updating my website and cleaning that up,” she said.
Rep Gaetz Dragged Mercilessly After Ill-Informed Howard U Tweet By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia variety of different responses. Some have praised the legislation, while others still have questions. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). (Photo: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America / CC BY-SA / Wikimedia Commons) The historic $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill passed by the Senate has resulted in a
And, then there’s Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). Gaetz took to Twitter to express his outrage that the measure included $13 million for Howard University, one of America’s
Rep Gaetz Dragged Mercilessly After IllInformed Howard U Tweet...continued historically black colleges and universities. “Education is important, but a $13 million check to Howard does not belong in COVID-19 relief,” Gaetz stated.
“Why is Howard University in the relief bill? Great question! Howard University’s hospital is a COVID-19 treatment facility. It is within walking distance from your office. I hope this helps,” Hofstetter stated.
Twitter immediately struck back. “HU Facts: Howard University operates a world-class medical simulation center, 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art simulated learning environment, offering resources to advance a comprehensive healthcare education program,” the university tweeted in direct response to Gaetz’s tweet.
Many others also took issue with Gaetz. “Howard University has a medical center that treats COVID19 patients,” tweeted Helena Hamilton. “$25 million went to the Kennedy Center. How many patients are they helping right now? Yet, you didn’t tweet about them.”
“Hopefully young Matt Gaetz will never need the services of Howard University Hospital, which is not only a COVID-19 treatment facility but, in addition to everything else, has done excellent work treating victims of substance abuse,” responded Dr. Greg Carr, the chair of Howard University’s Department of Afro American Studies and 2-time Male HBCU Professor of the Year.
“$100 billion to hospitals, but this one bothers you. I wonder what’s different about this particular hospital,” twitter user Barbara Garner wrote.
In a post-script, Carr noted that Howard “also has top-notch psychiatrists.”
Added Mondaire Jones, who worked in the Department of Justice under President Obama: “Congressman Gaetz, who works in DC, can’t imagine that Howard University has a hospital that serves the DC area community. But it does, and a quick Google search will tell anyone who doesn’t already know.”
Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), a Howard graduate, also responded by giving Gaetz a bit of a math lesson. “The bill provides $30 billion to protect students and help schools, colleges and universities combat the coronavirus. This is $13 million,” Harris tweeted. “$13 million equals .04 percent of $30 billion,” she added. “Why do you take issue with money going to Howard, Congressman?” Author Steve Hofstetter also chimed in.
(continued in last 2 columns)
Sports journalist Maliik Obee tweeted: “It’s going to Howard University HOSPITAL. You literally work like 2 miles from there and would know if you actually left that musty office.”
Gaetz did have his supporters . “We need relevant legislation, not special interest legislation. Keep fighting the good fight,” Jessi Ebben, a GOP Congressional Candidate out of Wisconsin, tweeted at Gaetz. Gaetz said his position is simple. “The needs of American people and businesses should come first. We should be reinvesting in the US economy,” he said.
How The Coronavirus Crisis Is forcing School Districts to Bridge The Digital Divide...continued from page 1 textbooks on them and required students to use them to complete assignments. The "digital divide" between students with access to computers and internet at home and those without access has long been a public-policy debating point, but the disruption to learning caused by the Coronavirus crisis demands that something be done about it now. Districts serving large lowincome and minority student populations must bridge the digital divide if their distance learning efforts are going to succeed. While students have access to a digital device at school, many don’t have one at home. Or if they do, they may not have access to broadband internet. Across California, an estimated 230,888 Black Californians (12 percent of Black households) do not have an internet subscription compared to 7.4 percent for White households. And 217,860 Black Californians (10.2 percent of Black households) do not own a computer compared to 7.2 percent of White households, according to research conducted by California Black Media and included in the organization’s “Counting Black California” report. In 378 of the hardest-to-count census tracts in the state, where large percentages of African Americans live an average of 64 percent of the households don’t have access to the internet. These households include over 67,300 Black residents, according to the same report. In cases where children in the lowest-income homes have a home computer, they might have to share it with a parent who now has to work from home or school age brothers and sisters trying to complete school assignments as well. Complicating the transition to distance learning for school districts is the fact that many teachers can’t just switch to online teaching overnight. They need training.
However, unlike school districts in other states that have closed down and are not offering instruction to students, that is not an option considered by California school districts. Instead, school districts across the state are identifying what they need to do to provide distance learning and are finding ways to deliver it. Natomas Unified is located in northwestern Sacramento. It was named the second most diverse school district in the nation in a New York Times study. They declared that they would transition to a distance learning model just a day after Newsom’s statement about schools not reopening. According to Superintendent Chris Evans, they started preparing weeks before making the decision. “If we were going to do something virtually, I wanted to make sure there is equity in students having access to digital devices, other than a phone,” Evans said. They surveyed who needed computers and internet access and worked out an arrangement with Verizon to provide unlimited Wi-Fi access for three to four months. A key element to their plan was being able to sign a memorandum of understanding with their teachers union on contract modifications to facilitate teachers’ participation in distance learning. Currently, between 6,000 and 7,000 Chromebooks are being distributed to students and teachers to start pilot-testing lessons for two weeks before they move forward on teaching curriculum online for the rest of the year — or until they are able to physically open their classrooms. Just as ready to engage in providing distance learning to its students is Fortune School of Education. It is a group of seven public charter schools in Sacramento and San Bernardino with a student population that is over 90 percent minority and 85
percent low income. Margaret Fortune, Founder and CEO of Fortune School said “I had literally just briefed my team that we need to make a distance learning plan that will be built to last for the rest of the school year,” when Newsom said schools might not open until summer. Fortune has already distributed hundreds of Chromebooks to families that needed them and are implementing their distance learning program using Google Classroom as their learning management system and Google Hangouts to host face-to-face meetings with scholars and teachers. Micah Ali, President of the Compton Unified School District Board of Education, said he felt, “Confident, poised, and ready to deliver instruction, virtual learning, no matter how long.” School districts like Compton Unified and Stockton Unified that provide 1:1 access to a digital device and have arrangements with internet providers to provide free or low cost Wi-Fi are able to bridge the digital divide as they plan to deliver distance learning to the low income and minority students they serve. And, school districts like San Lorenzo Unified and Inglewood Unified that don’t have 1:1 student access to a digital device, are figuring out how to provide a computer and internet access to students who need them so that they can implement their distance learning programs. Los Angeles Unified and San Diego Unified, the state’s two largest school districts, are asking the Legislature to approve an additional $500 for every child in the state to help pay for the transition to full online learning. In that letter, the superintendents, Austin Beutner - Los Angeles Unified and Cindy Marten - San Diego Unified said, “Pick your metaphor: This is the moon shot, the Manhattan Project, the Normandy landing, and the Marshall Plan, and the clock is ticking.”
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April 2, 2020
COMMUNITY/ GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS/ADVERTISING
House Passes $2 Trillion Stimulus Package Deal By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia
Lawmakers and President Trump have said they want the checks mailed by April 6. Still, because the Internal Revenue Service has reduced staff at all of its locations because of the coronavirus, many believe the checks may not go out until May. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) The $2 trillion stimulus deal reached earlier by the Senate, was finally passed by the House on Friday, March 27. President Trump is expected to immediately sign the massive legislation that promises to provide a much-needed shot in the arm for working and unemployed individuals, and small and big businesses. The deal includes approximately $367 billion for small business loans administered through the Small Business Administration. It also includes direct payouts to most Americans and more money and an extension of unemployment benefits. While the bipartisan measure unanimously passed in the Senate, at least two Republican congressmen opposed the bill. Colorado Rep. Ken Buck argued that he didn’t want “the cure to be worse than the problem itself.” Buck objected to the inclusion in the package of $75 million for public broadcasting, $50 million for museums and libraries, and $25 million for the Kennedy Center. Earlier, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) blasted Senate members for including $13 million for Howard University, a historically black college. Rep. Thomas Massie (RKentucky) attempted to force a full yes or no vote that reportedly irritated House members who agreed to do a voice vote in which members were not required to attend in person and risk
personal safety in light of the spreading coronavirus. Earlier, several civil rights organizations noted watching with vigilance as Senate negotiations and, later, voting in both chambers took place. “We know that when the economy goes into decline, people of color always bear the brunt,” said Teresa Candori, communications director for the National Urban League. “We will be fighting to make sure the most vulnerable communities are not an afterthought.” The coronavirus is “an equalopportunity pandemic,” stated Melanie Campbell, president of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. “If you think about (Hurricane) Katrina, if you think about other catastrophes, a lot of times, bailouts ended up taking care of the top, and then it trickles down to the people,” Campbell said. “Our federal government has to be bold about responses as this is an ever-evolving pandemic that can become a real catastrophe for people’s daily lives.” Many said they’re reminded that the household wealth of communities of color declined during the 2008 recession. They said those losses never recovered, and it’s led to fears that minorities will again suffer a severe and long-term hit as the nation battles COVID-19 and whatever the aftermath might
present. The agreed upon stimulus package includes one-time direct payments of $1,200 per adult who made $75,000 or less in 2019 and $2,400 for couples who made less than $150,000. An additional $500 will be added for each child. If individuals haven’t filed 2019 taxes, the payouts will be based on their 2018 returns. The payments will phase out at a rate of $5 per every additional $100 in income over $75,000 in adjusted gross income for single adults, $112,500 for heads of household, and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. The checks would be directly deposited into bank accounts if you included direct deposit information on your tax form. If you did not, your check would be mailed. Lawmakers and President Trump have said they want the checks mailed by April 6. Still, because the Internal Revenue Service has reduced staff at all of its locations because of the coronavirus, many believe the checks may not go out until May. Residents are not expected to have to fill out any forms or call the IRS because the government will automatically send payment based on information culled from a 2018 or 2019 tax return. Meanwhile, with unemployment rates expected to approach 20 percent – and as much as 30 percent among minorities, Senate
speaking truth to power never wavered, even in the hottest fires.” His wife, Evelyn Gibson Lowery, who worked alongside her husband of nearly 70 years and served as head of SCLC/ WOMEN, died in 2013. “I’ll miss you, Uncle Joe. You finally made it up to see Aunt Evelyn again,” King’s daughter, Bernice King, said in a tweet Friday night.
need a little bit of that good crazy to make the world a better place.’ We will miss his ‘good crazy’ in a world so dominated by ‘bad crazy.’ Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and all those who have benefited from his dedication to justice.”
in 1977 following the resignation of Abernathy, who had taken the job after King was assassinated in 1968. He took over an SCLC that was deeply in debt and losing members rapidly. Lowery helped the organization survive and guided it on a new course that embraced more mainstream social and economic policies. Coretta Scott King once said Lowery “has led more marches and been in the trenches more than anyone since Martin.” He was arrested in 1983 in North Carolina for protesting the dumping of toxic wastes in a predominantly black county and in 1984 in Washington while demonstrating against apartheid. He recalled a 1979 confrontation in Decatur, Alabama, when he and others were protesting the case of a mentally disabled black man charged with rape. He recalled that bullets whizzed inches above their heads and a group of Klan members confronted them. “I could hear them go ‘whoosh,’” Lowery said. “I’ll never forget that. I almost died 24 miles from where I was born.” In the mid-1980s, he led a boycott that persuaded the WinnDixie grocery chain to stop selling South African canned fruit and frozen fish when that nation was in the grip of apartheid. He also continued to urge blacks to exercise their hard-won rights by registering to vote. “Black people need to understand that the right to vote was not a gift of our political system but came as a result of blood, sweat and tears,” he said in 1985. Like King, Lowery juggled his civil rights work with ministry. He pastored United Methodist churches in Atlanta for decades and continued preaching long after retiring. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, in
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) emphasized the need for more available benefits and a more extended period. Under the stimulus deal, the federal government adds $600 per week to the state benefits jobless workers currently receive. The deal adds four months to the 26week limit that benefits are paid. “It’s unemployment insurance on steroids,” Schumer proclaimed. “But, and most importantly, the federal government will pay your salary, your full salary, for now, four months.” Michele Evermore, the senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project, called the inclusion of the new unemployment provision, “unprecedented.” “Because this situation is so different, we have to break all the rules,” Evermore stated. The new stimulus also adds a “pandemic unemployment assistance program,” which provides jobless benefits to independent contractors, gig economy workers, and the selfemployed, who typically don’t qualify for such assistance. For small businesses, the stimulus means they will get $367 billion to keep making payroll even while workers are required to stay at home. Companies with 500 employees or less that keep paychecks steady could get up to $10 million each in forgivable small business loans. Federally guaranteed loans will provide eight weeks of assistance for qualifying employers who maintain payroll. Those who meet requirements would have costs such as utilities, mortgage interest, and rent forgiven. Individuals can also defer payment of their 2020 payroll taxes for up to two years, and employers are allowed to cut workers’ hours but not lay them off. Those workers are then eligible for some unemployment benefits. Businesses can apply for COVID-19 relief through the stimulus by visiting, www.sba.gov/coronavirus. The website is expected to become operational soon
Congressional Black Caucus Focuses on Economic Recovery of African Americans in COVID-19 Crisis By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor
The first draft of the COVID-19 Senate stimulus bill focused money to bailout large corporations and the top one percent. But after days of negotiation that included President Trump big footing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the legislation was changed to focus more on the needs of main street Americans The coronavirus health crisis that hit America in the middle of March has compelled Governors to shut down states, requested citizens to stay in their homes and moved Congress to pass an unprecedented stimulus of over two trillion dollars. As the COVID-19 crisis hit its peak, the Congressional Black Caucus began to fight to “support the needs of Black families, seniors, workers, businesses, and communities. On March 20, the CBC submitted an extensive 11page proposal to House and Senate leadership with recommendations to support the recovery of Black America.” The first draft of the COVID-19 Senate stimulus bill focused money to bailout large corporations and the top one percent. But after days of negotiation that included President Trump big footing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the legislation was changed to focus more on the needs of main street Americans. Those priorities included a higher direct payment to individuals from $600 to $1200. Another change was an additional $500 child tax credit per child and a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions. Black Caucus members also added $447 million for Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Several other provisions asked by members of the Congressional Black Caucus were an expansion of unemployment benefits to $600 per week in addition to the base max eligible for unemployment insurance, $15.5 billion in additional funding for SNAP, a temporary moratorium of 6 months for federal student loans and funding the Minority Business Development Agency $10 million to make grants to minority-owned businesses. There is also a provision adding $1 billion for the Community Services Block Grant and $750 million for Head Start and $4 billion in homeless assistance grants. The U.S. House is expected to pass the Senate bill on March 27. Other stimulus legislation is expected in the future but Congress is also expected to take much of April off because of days added to the Easter recess in the wake of the COVID crisis. Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke
There Could Be More Income Tax Return Cash on the Table for You Civil Rights Leader and MLK Aide Joseph Lowery Dies at 98...continued from page 1 Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
A loss to civil and human rights Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said the “civil and human rights community has lost a giant.” “In the fight for civil rights, Rev. Lowery did not leave the battlefield. He never retired his fiery oratory, his rapier wit, or his outsized love for all people. Until the end, he deployed them in service to equality for all. It was the truth. And he was going to tell it. He was an unapologetic advocate who did not stand on ceremony and never allowed the presence of the powerful stop him from dispensing bitter truths. Even as our own movement shied away from full-throated advocacy for LGBTQ rights, Rev. Lowery was out front pushing for everyone’s rights and humanity. It was the truth. And he was going to tell it. As we celebrate Rev. Lowery’s life, we are reminded of our obligation to speak the unvarnished truth: to those in power, within our own movement, and on behalf of those left behind. It is our truth. And now we need to tell it. “He was known for saying ‘There’s good crazy and there’s bad crazy – and sometimes you
A friend and mentor to generations Rev. Timothy McDonald, cochair of the African American Ministers in Action program at People For the American Way, released the following statement: “The Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery was the dean of the Civil Rights Movement, and a friend and mentor to generations of activists. He truly did ‘act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with his God.’ It is a great and humbling honor that he called me one of his sons, and a great responsibility to continue his life’s work to make ‘justice for all’ a reality, not just a promise, in this country. “People For the American Way and the members of its African American Ministers in Action will keep Dr. Lowery’s memory in our hearts, his wisdom on our minds, and his prophetic words on our lips as we put our hands and feet to the work before us. Rest in peace, beloved brother.” Founded SCLC with King, Abernathy and others Lowery was pastor of the Warren Street Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama, in the 1950s when he met King, who then lived in Montgomery, Alabama. Lowery’s meetings with King, the Rev. Ralph David Abernathy and other civil rights activists led to the SCLC’s formation in 1957. Lowery became SCLC president
1921, Joseph Echols Lowery grew up in a Methodist church where his great-grandfather, the Rev. Howard Echols, was the first black pastor. Lowery’s father, a grocery store owner, often protested racism in the community. After college, Lowery edited a newspaper and taught school in Birmingham, but the idea of becoming a minister “just kept gnawing and gnawing at me,” he said. After marrying Evelyn Gibson, a Methodist preacher’s daughter, he began his first pastorate in Birmingham in 1948. In a 1998 interview, Lowery said he was optimistic that true racial equality would one day be achieved. “I believe in the final triumph of righteousness,” he said. “The Bible says weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” A member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Lowery is survived by his three daughters, Yvonne Kennedy, Karen Lowery and Cheryl Lowery. He died at home in Atlanta from natural causes unrelated to the coronavirus outbreak, the family said. While plans are underway for a private family service in alignment with public health guidelines on social distancing amid the pandemic, the family said late Saturday, a public memorial will be held in late summer or early fall. ___ This story has been corrected to show that one of Lowery’s daughters is Cheryl Lowery, not Cheryl Lowery-Osborne. The spelling of the Edmund Pettus Bridge also has been corrected. ___
Jerome Horton For people who have not yet filed their tax returns, the United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced March 21 that they are moving the 2019 income tax filing due date from April 15 to July 15 this year, a three month extension. After the IRS’s announcement, the state of California postponed its tax deadlines until July 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That update superseded the California Franchise Tax Board’s (FTB) previous announcement that extended the period for filing and payment of taxes until June 15, 2020. With the approval of the federal government’s $2 trillion stimulus
package, designed to ease the financial impact of the global Coronavirus pandemic, taxpayers can take full advantage of several breaks federal and state agencies are offering. Start by paying attention to the California State Controller's summary of the tax credits. By making sense in the simplest terms, taxpayers could learn that there is more tax-return money on the table for them. “The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting life for people and businesses statewide,” State Controller Betty Yee said in a statement addressing filing federal returns and paying taxes owed. “Hopefully, this small measure of relief will allow people to focus on the health and safety of themselves and their families during these challenging times.” Two tax credits specifically — one federal and the other in California — are aimed at giving families and businesses a lifeline. For starters, eligibility for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) has been expanded. People who earned less than $30,000 in 2019 — (continued on page 6)
The San Bernardino AMERICAN News Staff Samuel Martin Sr.-Founder Clifton Harris/Editor in Chief/Investigative Reporter Mary Martin-Harris/Editor Clifton B. Harris/Audio Engineering Editor Legal /Display Advertising & Sales (909) 889-7677 The San Bernardino American News was established May 8,1969. A legally adjudicated newspaper of general circulation on September 30, 1971, case number 153913 by the Superior Court, of San Bernardino County. The San Bernardino AMERICAN News, a division of Don Roberto Group, Inc. is published every Thursday by Mary Martin-Harris and Clifton Harris P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393, Telephone (909)889-7677, Emails: msbamericannews@gmail.com sbamericannews@gmail.com The San Bernardino AMERICAN News subscription rate is $58.00 per year. The San Bernardino AMERICAN New is committed to serving its readers by presenting news, unbiased and objective, trusting in the mature judgment of the readers and, in so doing strive to achieve a united community.
Errin Haines, a former staffer of The Associated Press, was the principal writer of this obituary.
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.
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April 2, 2020
HEALTH/FITNESS/SENIOR NEWS
Amazon Closes 10 Warehouses As Employees Test Positive For Coronavirus Health/Fitness News
(Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images) The growing number of Amazon centers where employees have tested positive has sparked concern from warehouse workers, as well as from Amazon’s technology workers. The retail giant, which employs some 800,000 workers globally, has not confirmed a total number of its warehouse or delivery staff who have tested positive with COVID-19. Workers and local news reports have flagged positive cases in two facilities in New York as well as in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Texas. The first case of COVID-19 that Amazon has confirmed in one of its 14 fulfillment centers in the Inland Empire region of California (just east of Los Angeles) was earlier this week. The cluster is Amazon’s largest concentration of warehouses and fulfillment centers in the world, employing about 18,000 people, according to a study by the Economic Roundtable, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization. The Moreno Valley center is the latest warehouse where Amazon workers have tested positive. Amazon has had positive cases of COVID-19 in 10 of its fulfillment centers in various parts of the U.S., CNBC reported Thursday. It temporarily closed a warehouse in the New York City borough of Queens last week after a worker tested positive. Amazon has also closed a facility in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Amazon hasn’t closed the Moreno Valley center, according to two employees who work there and asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized
to speak to the media. But one of the sites Amazon has closed is a warehouse in Shepherdsville, Ky., until April 1st. This is after several workers there tested positive for the coronavirus — the first prolonged closure of a facility confirmed by the company. “At the order of the Governor the [Kentucky] site is closed until April 1st,” an Amazon spokeswoman told NPR in an email Thursday. “We will continue to work closely with health department and the Governor to reopen the site.” Amazon has promised two weeks of paid leave for workers who test positive for COVID-19 or who are asked by health or corporate officials to quarantine at home. However, Amazon’s employees — speaking on social media and in press conferences organized by worker groups — say they feel exposed every time they go to work. And they say they can’t afford to take unpaid leave but also struggle to receive pay without official testing results, which are hard to access across the country. The virus can last on cardboard for up to 24 hours. That’s noteworthy because many customers are using other online delivery services like Amazon during the coronavirus outbreak instead of going to stores in person. Food products packaged in cardboard could also be a risk. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos wrote last week that the company has…ordered “millions of face masks” for employees and contractors, but “very few of those orders have been filled.” “This isn’t business as usual,
Will A Mask Really Protect You From Coronavirus? Health/Fitness News
and it’s a time of great stress and uncertainty,” wrote Bezos, who’s the world’s richest person. “It’s also a moment in time when the work we’re doing is its most critical.” In addition to announcing that it will be hiring an additional 100,000 workers, the company has also said it would temporarily raise its pay through April, by $2 per hour in the U.S. and similar amounts in the United Kingdom and Europe. Amazon’s recent acquiring of online pharmacy PillPack, has been widely seen as a move that will disrupt the pharmacy business and could have a positive impact on patient engagement access to affordable prescriptions. PillPack targets a specific sector of patients who have to take several different medications at any time. It packages pills in individual packets that help people remember when to take their drugs every day, an issue faced by many people taking, for example, drugs for diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressures and cancer. Buying PillPack is not Amazon’s first move into healthcare. It already sells over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin and antihistamines here in America, in addition to vitamins, supplements, and other healthrelated products. It even launched its own line of off-brand medicines called Basic Care in mid-2017 which sells medical supplies such as face masks and swabs and plans to expand into supplying hospitals and clinics with them as well. Those who are watching the
Will A Mask Really Protect You From Coronavirus?...continued available for the healthcare workers who really need them. More and more celebrities like Kim Kardashian West, Kate Hudson, and Gwyneth Paltrow have been spotted running errands (when we were allowed to go outside regularly) or on planes in surgical mask and N95 respirators even posting photos of themselves on their social media. So, the best ways to prevent
By now, I’m sure you’ve seen people walking around in a variety of masks in an attempt to protect themselves from the coronavirus, but are the masks really beneficial? Are they the right type? Are they on properly? Masks are sold out all over the country. Even Amazon, the world’s largest company, can’t get enough masks for workers in its warehouses. Some healthcare professionals can’t find masks to do their jobs safely. If you are lucky enough to find a mask, wearing masks can give you a sense of security, but maybe a false sense of security. You may feel as if you are shielded from a virus entering your noise or mouth (even your eyes), but because you’re feeling invisible, you may get careless with the handwashing, and face touching. According to the CDC, the only people that should wear a mask are healthcare professionals, those caring for coronavirus patients, or those who have the virus themselves.
One of the most important things to remember, all masks are not created equal. The popular blue surgical mask with white trim around the top and bottom may not do a good job guarding you from infected droplets. A better use for these masks is when you have the infection and you don’t want to pass your droplets from others. Wearing a cloth bandana or scarf around your mouth and nose can trap moisture in and help bacteria and viruses to grow. Some people have resorted to wearing the mask that painters and construction workers use. A reusable respirator is not very useful unless you’re able to wash it every time someone sneezes or coughs in your vicinity.The N95 respirators is what healthcare professionals use. It filters out at least 95% of particles in the air. There is growing concern that if people can find and order these masks, there may not be enough (continued in next 2 columns)
move closely anticipate that Amazon will eventually drive drug prices down due to its almost monopoly-like control over the delivered goods industry. According to results from the 2018 Walker Sands Future of Retail report, 29% of consumers say they’re excited aboutthe convenient experience Amazon provides, and that they’re already used to using it to make purchases. Some 61% of respondents say they want to order prescriptions from Amazon because of its ability to ship quickly, and 54% said they would do so because of their existing trust in it and ensuring that their medicine was safe, accurate, cost-effective and easy to ingest. They’d also want to know that their questions about the medicine were easily answered as they would be if they picked them up in person from a pharmacy technician at a drugstore for instance. For patients with chronic conditions, as many as 50% don’t take their prescribed medications because of high costs, she says, and as many as 20% to 30% of prescriptions are never filled. With Amazon and PillPack, the pesky action traveling to and waiting in line at the pharmacy will be eliminated and hopefully help individuals get the medicine they desperately need and overcome past barriers. There’s also the prospect of threading through Amazon’s same-day distribution into pharmaceutical deliveries. There could also be the utilization of telemedicine. However, much of this speculation about the future will take quite some time to implement, we’re sure. Amazon’s acquisition could have other long-term implications for traditional care providers, by adding another factor that can provide care management capabilities—offering a technological link that can ensure patients get the right treatment at the right time from the comfort of their own familiar environment i.e. their homes. There’s also the prospect of threading through Amazon’s same-day distribution into pharmaceutical deliveries. But, as exciting as these possibilities may sound, Amazon is in the early of the deal and will be figuring out logistics as the time passes. We’ll keep an eye on this exciting venture.
contracting the coronavirus is follow the safety guidelines which are frequent handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds, cough and sneeze into the bend of your elbow, don’t touch your face, disinfect surfaces, and practice social distancing. Follow these safety guidelines and you won’t need to wear a mask and you will free up the mask supplies for the healthcare workers who really need them.
‘Am I going to die?’ Alone and scared, confined seniors struggle with anxiety By Erica Hellerstein, Mercury News
Food bank volunteer Betty Kimmel wears a protective mask as she hands out oranges to seniors at Teamsters 315 Hall in Martinez on March 19, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters For the past few weeks, as coronavirus radically altered daily life, 79-year-old Diana Fernandes has been struggling quietly inside her San Francisco home, weathering a challenge from within.Fernandes lives alone —her husband died in 2017 —and
has been left to manage a painful foot injury and the threat of the virus on her own. As an asthmatic, she is already in a higher risk category so she has been avoiding contact with (continued in next 2 columns)
‘Am I going to die?’ Alone and scared, confined seniors struggle with anxiety...continued people. She hasn’t seen another person since March 14.She misses watering her plants outside and shopping at Trader Joe’s for her favorite foods: apricots, figs, English muffins, mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes. Now, she’s relying on regular deliveries from Meals on Wheels for food.“I have to live with what I can,” said Fernandes over the phone from her home. “It would be nice to have someone to take care of me but it is expensive so not to worry. I do my best.”Fernandes is among the millions of elderly Californians who live alone amid a strange new reality imposed by the coronavirus. Confined indoors, they are safer from the threat of the virus, but increasingly vulnerable to isolation, fear and anxiety as their connections to the outside world shut down. Friends and volunteers can’t visit, and most senior centers are closed.Already, social service providers are fielding heartbreaking calls from seniors, alone, hungry, some disabled and without the financial or community support needed to get through a lockdown with no end in sight.“One elder called and said, ‘Am I going to die?’ That was how she opened her conversation with me,” said Cathy Michalec, executive director of Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly San Francisco, a nonprofit aimed at reducing senior isolation that is sendingcare kitsto elderly residents. “Seniors are isolated always. I think for some seniors really it just amplified the fact that they are alone.” Experts say isolation can pose a significant risk to seniors. Statewide, there are about 5.7 million Californians over the age of 65, according to the California Department of Aging. Roughly one-fifth live alone.“Nutrition
and isolation are two of our top concerns right now,” said California Department of Aging director Kim McCoy Wade. “If I have one message, it’s for us all to be checking in on each other. Somebody you might not have called last week or two weeks ago, call them now.”Sally, a San Francisco 80-year-old who asked to be identified by her first name only, spends so much time on the phone now she sometimes feels “like a teenager.” But the daily calls that have become a staple of her quarantine can’t replace the face-to-face interactions with friends that were part of her life before the virus swept through the Bay Area.“I didn’t know what an extrovert I was,” she said. “I always thought I was an introvert. But I’m not. I really miss my friends. I had a really good life before, I didn’t realize it. Now I feel like I’m a prisoner.”As she struggles to cope with the isolation imposed by the virus, she has a growing list of worries: running low on food and supplies: declining physical and mental health; missing out on exercise and walks that were a part of her routine; and of course, contracting the virus. She takes her temperature every morning.Still, she has found some bright spots. She is a poet and recently hosted a reading over the phone for about 15 people —an event she said was a “big success.” She’s also making sure to catalog her experiences and hopes to submit them to a local library’s archive.Social service agencies, nonprofits and volunteers who work with seniors are also scrambling to adapt as more older people seek food and emotional support. With tens of thousands of home-bound seniors across the Bay Area, local service providers are seeing two (continued on page 6)
HEALTH ALERT * People experiencing symptoms of contagious illness should seek medical guidance. * Persons aged 65 years and older and persons of any age with certain underlying health conditions are at increased risk should they contract COVID-19 and are encouraged to selfquarantine. * Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. * Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands. * Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes. * N95 masks are not recommended outside a healthcare setting. Surgical masks can be worn by sick individuals to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs to others. For information about the coronavirus crisis, visit the County's coronavirus website at wp.sbcounty.gov/dph/coronavirus. New information and resources are updated daily. The public can also contact the coronavirus public information line from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (909) 387-3911, or email the County at coronavirus@dph.sbcounty.gov.
COVID-19 The Worst Is Yet To Come, Medical Experts Tell Reporters At Ethnic Media Services Briefing...continued from page 1 and its overloaded hospitals lack medical supplies to treat all ill patients. California hospitals, which had an extra week to prepare, may be better-equipped to manage the surge. They are trying to triage appropriately, using telemedicine and other resources to avoid a crush of people coming in at once. Turner-Lloveras has worked in low-income communities in Los Angeles and advocates for hospitals to be “ICE-free zones” that limit immigration agents’ access so they cannot arrest and detain people seeking medical care. He also spoke out against the overcrowding at ICE detention centers that can increase the community spread of the virus. Manchanda also has worked in South Central Los Angeles’ lowincome communities. He told reporters that the pandemic disproportionately affects the economic well-being of people of color and the immigrant community as well as their health. “It’s hard to not work for many communities of color. Lower wages and insufficient insurance
coverage limits their access to treatment and often forces them to work even while ill, increasing the risk of exposure to the community,” he said. Also, many minorities live in large cities, frequently in public housing, placing them at a greater risk for infection. And members of ethnic communities often work in frontfacing jobs, such as grocery-store clerks, and take public transportation to get to jobs, resulting in higher rates of exposure. Manchanda added that limited access to testing, language barriers, and underlying illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease that disproportionately affect certain minorities, put immigrants and minorities at greater risk of infection and death. The rise of xenophobia against Asian Americans is real, Kulkarni said, citing the case of a child who was punched in the head 20 times at school because a bully thought he was Asian. A3PCON has received 750 reports of COVID19-related hate crimes in the past month, she said.
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April 2, 2020
LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200003536 Date Filed: 03/18/2020 Filing Expires On: 03/18/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): FORGET ME NOT MICROBLADING County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 771 W. FOOTHILL BLVD. UPLAND, CA 91786 Mailing Address: 7543 WELLINGTON PLACE RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 Name of Individual Registrant: MELISSA P. FLORES 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.: Residence Street Address: 13115 2ND STREET CHINO, CA 91710 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 03/01/2020 Melissa P. Flores, Owner, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. 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 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. 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 March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 2020.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200002327 Date Filed: 02/21/2020 Filing Expires On: 02/21/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): SHINE BRIGHT NETWORK LLC County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 27076 CYPRESS ST. HIGHLAND,CA 92346 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: SHINE BRIGHT NETWORK LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 202002810805 Residence Street Address: 27076 CYPRESS ST. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Daisy Meza, Manager, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. 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 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. 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 March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200002460 Date Filed: 02/25/2020 Filing Expires On: 02/25/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): ALWAYS AVAILABLE TRANSPORTATION County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 11947 TAYLOR CT. VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: BABAJI LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 11947 TAYLOR COURT VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: February 05, 2015 Deepak Bawa, CEO, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. 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 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. 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 March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 2020.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200002710 Date Filed: 02/28/2020 Filing Expires On: 02/28/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.):WILLIAMS AUDIO MEDIA County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1733 S. PALMETTO AVE. ONTARIO, CA 91762 Name of Individual Registrant: DEREK WILLIAMS 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. Residence Street Address: 1733 S. PALMETTO AVE. ONTARIO, CA 91762 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A Derek Williams, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. 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 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. 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 March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 2020.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200002722 Date Filed: 02/28/2020 Filing Expires On: 02/28/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): SUBWAY #38224 County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1333 N. MOUNTAIN AVE. ONTARIO, CA 91762 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: SANGHA FAST FOOD INC. State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No. 2301309 Residence Street Address: 15195 BEARTREE
ST. FONTANA, CA 92336 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A Manleen K. Sangha, President, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. 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 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. 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 March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200002176 Date Filed: 02/19/2020 Filing Expires On: 02/19/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): 1. SONUS 2. SONUS HEARING CARE PROFESSIONALS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1425 W. FOOTHILL BLVD. SUITE 110 UPLAND, CA 91786 Mailing Address:5555 GARDEN GROVE BLVD. SUITE 200 WESTMINSTER, CA 92683 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: SERENDIPITY HEARING, INC. State of Inc./ Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 3324324 Residence Street Address: 5555 GARDEN GROVE BLVD. SUITE 200 WESTMINSTER, CA 92683 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 11/15/2010 Loren Lunsford, President, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. 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 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. 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 March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 2020.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200003077 Date Filed: 03/06/2020 Filing Expires On: 03/06/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): MR T’S TOWING, INC. County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 997 E. 8TH ST. UPLAND, CA 91786 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: MR. T’S TOWING, INC. State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./ Org./Reg. No.: C1773459 Residence Street Address: 997 E. 8TH ST. UPLAND, CA 91786 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/01/2019 Omran Alqazah, President, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. 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 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. 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 March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200003041 Date Filed: 03/05/2020 Filing Expires On: 03/05/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): GDS CONSTRUCTION County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 17927 SALMONBERRY WAY SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 Name of Individual Registrant: GERARDO D. SANCHEZ 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. Residence Street Address: 17927 SALMONBERRY WAY SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A Gerardo D. Sanchez, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. 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 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. 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 March 12, 19, 26, April 2 , 2020.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVDS 2006461 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ANNASTACIA WANJIRU WANYOIKE-GROETSCH filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a ANNASTACIA WANJIRU WANYOIKE-GROETSCH to Proposed name: b. ANNASTACIA WANJIRU BLACK 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: 4/15/2020 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: S16
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 924150210 San Bernardino District-Civil Division 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: Lynne M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2020.
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVVS 2000127 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: GARY MIDDLETON filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a GARY MIDDLETON to Proposed name: b. GARY MYREE MIDDLETON 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: 4/22/2020 Time:8:30 a.m. Dept:V15 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, VICTORVILLE DISTRICT 14455 Civic Drive Ste. 100 Victorville, CA 92392 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: March 03, 2020 Carlos M. Cabrera Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 2020.
PETITION/PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE (Probate-Decedents’ Estates) NOTICE OF ADMINISTER
PETITION TO ESTATE OF:
ROBERT W. HALL, lll aka ROBERT WILLIAM HALL, lll aka ROBERT HALL, lll Case Number: PROPS 2000205 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: ROBERT
W. HALL, lll aka ROBERT WILLIAM HALL, lllaka ROBERT HALL, lll A Petition for Probate has been filed by: BRANDON J. HALL in the Superior Court of California, County of: SAN BERNARDINO The Petition for Probate requests that BRANDON J. HALL 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: 05/06/20 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept::S36 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, County Of San Bernardino, 247 W. Third Street , Second Floor San Bernardino, CA 92415 -0212 Main/ Probate 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 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 DE154) 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. Attorney for Petitioner: BRYAN C. HARTNELL HARTNELL LAW GROUP, APC 25757 REDLANDS, BOULEVARD, REDLANDS, CA 92373-8453 (909 ) 796-6881 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper March 19, 26, April 2, 2020
Economic Recovery Bill Makes More California Workers Eligible for Unemployment Insurance
NOTICE INVITING BIDS
NOTICE INVITING BIDS
Self-employed, part-time, “gig” workers can now receive benefits
PROJECT NO. 808 0017 PEDESTRIAN HYBRID BEACON ON CACTUS AVENUE AT WOODLAND PARK IN THE CITY OF MORENO VALLEY CALIFORNIA Bids shall be received electronically prior to 2:00 p.m., April 30, 2020 only in the City of Moreno Valley Bid Portal through PlanetBids. The link to register to become a prospective bidder and electronically bid on this project can be found at the following address: h t t p : / / w w w. p l a n e t b i d s . c o m / p o r ta l / portal.cfm?CompanyID=24660. The bid results will be available on the above website immediately following the time of bid deadline. PROJECT SPECIFIC SCOPE OF WORK The project consists of installing marked crosswalks, a raised stamped concrete median, and a pedestrian hybrid flashing beacon system to on Cactus Avenue and Redwing Drive in front of the Woodland Park. The work also includes the construction and reconstruction of four access ramps, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and spandrel; removal of metal fence; reconstruction of asphalt pavement, reestablishment of traffic striping, restoration of landscaping and planting new trees and sod; and modifications of existing irrigation systems. All work must be completed within Ninety (90) working days after the date of commencement specified in the Notice to Proceed to Fulfill Preconstruction Requirements. All bidding documents shall be downloaded electronically on the City of Moreno Valley Bid Portal through PlanetBids at the address shown above. The cost for downloading is $50.00. For technical information relating to the details of this Project and bidding requirements, please submit all Requests for Information (RFI) via the “Questions and Answer” tab within the City of Moreno Valley Vendor Portal in PlanetBids. All RFI’s shall be submitted no later than April 23, 2020, by 2:00 p.m. Any RFI received after the date and time specified herein will not be considered.
Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on unemployment benefits for self-employed, part-time and gig workers included in the coronavirus response legislation: “The $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus signed into law last week includes new unemployment benefits for self-employed, part-time and gig workers who in the past haven’t been eligible for such benefits. These workers were made eligible because the economic damage caused by the coronavirus isn’t discriminating between different types of workers and so neither should federal benefits. “In California, more than 2 million workers are self-employed and 3.4 million work a part-time job. The state is also home to millions of so-called ‘gig workers,’ independent contractors who work through online platforms such as Uber and Lyft. These nontraditional workers comprise as much as one- quarter of all workers in the state. “I encourage all Californians who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic to apply for unemployment benefits if needed. Even if you weren’t eligible in the past, you may be now.” Frequently Asked Questions (compiled by Democratic committee staff): How do I file for unemployment insurance?
Californians can apply for unemployment benefits through the California Employment Development Department.
The best way to begin the process is by going online and clicking HERE. Claims can be filed online Sunday 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 2 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 2 am to 8 p.m.
How much can I get from Unemployment Insurance?
The exact amount you can receive through unemployment insurance depends on your state and your previous earnings. Between now and July 31, an additional $600 will be added to every unemployment compensation check, so no one eligible will receive less than $600 per week.
What if I’m not eligible for traditional Unemployment Insurance?
The CARES Act temporarily expands unemployment insurance to cover individuals who are not traditionally covered, including the self-employed, gig-workers, independent contractors, and workers with irregular work histories. It also expands the list of allowable criteria for claiming unemployment compensation to include many reasons related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Contact the unemployment office in the state where you worked to determine your eligibility.
What if I’ve been out of work because of COVID-19 for several weeks already?
If you exhaust the weeks of unemployment compensation available to you through your state’s laws, you will be eligible for an additional 13 weeks of benefits. These benefits will be federally-funded, but you will still receive them through your state.
How long will the expanded benefits be in place?
Dated: March 31, 2020 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper April 2, 2020.
$40
FBN publications are Submission Deadline For Legal Publications & News Releases Is Mondays by 5pm Email To: msbamericannews@gmail.com or website sb-american.com to upload your legal
Expanded eligibility for unemployment insurance will be in effect until December 31, 2020. A $600 additional benefit will be added to unemployment compensation received for weeks between when the bill is enacted and July 31, 2020.
Is there a waiting period?
The CARES Act includes incentives for states to waive the waiting week between applying for unemployment compensation and receiving it. Contact the unemployment office in the state where you worked to determine whether there will be a waiting week.
Need to publish your FBN, Name Change or Summons? Go to our website: sb-american.com to upload your legal and make payment through our Paypal account You don’t have to worry about social distancing. It’s that easy!
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PAGE 6
April 2, 2020
ENTERTAINMENT/LOCAL/NATIONAL NEWS
DACA And TPS Recipients Qualify For Federal Coronavirus Relief by Ethnic Media Services
Araceli Martínez Ortega, La Opinion/Ethnic Media Services
Jackie Vimo is a policy analyst who leads NILC’s economic justice program Health and public policy experts talk about how to protect ourselves during this period of the pandemic Undocumented immigrants affected by the coronavirus are not at risk of being arrested by immigration agents when they request medical services, while access to health will not be considered a public charge when applying for a permanent residency or certain nonimmigrant visas. “The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has said it will not take immigration enforcement actions in clinics and hospitals against undocumented immigrants,” Jackie Vimo, public policy analyst for the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), said during a teleconference on the coronavirus organized by Ethnic Media Services, in which public health officials, health professionals and legal experts participated. She also stressed that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has already declared that the public charge rule will not apply to those seeking medical treatment and services related to COVID-19. The public charge allows denial of residence to those who have
received certain public benefits. Vimo established that beneficiaries of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that are in effect in these programs and have a social security number qualify to receive $1,200 per person included in the COVID-19 stimulus package approved by Congress. In addition, they can apply for unemployment aid. But she recommended that, when it comes to a couple who files taxes jointly, if one of them has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), whomever is the legal resident or citizen should request the $1,200 aid individually. Undocumented immigrants, even with an ITIN, are not eligible for the $1,200 aid in relief package approved by Congress. The immigration status does not matter Rigoberto Reyes, director of the Los Angeles County Immigrant Office, said that immigration status and ability to pay are not an obstacle to receiving preventive health care and tests related to the coronavirus. My Health LA, the free health
care program for low-income residents of Los Angeles County, does not restrict immigrants from receiving access, he said. “We recommend that they contact 844-744-6452, before going in person, to receive information on how they should proceed,” he emphasized. While undocumented immigrants don’t qualify for benefits like CalFresh food stamps, or cash aid programs like Calworks and other programs, they may qualify if they have children or other people in their families with their immigration papers in order. He reminded people that Los Angeles County has just opened a help center for unemployed workers and business owners. For information, call: 1-800-5938222. You can report complaints of price manipulation, request free help for food, and report home evictions using that same number. Reyes said that there is a ban on evictions from March 4th until May 4th. How to Protect Yourself Dr. Félix Aguilar, medical director of the Chinatown Service Center reminded people that the coronavirus only survives for a few hours, and not for days or weeks. “It is not AIDS, it is not the plague or Ébola but something that can be killed with soap and water,” he stressed. Who Is at Risk? “Those with low defenses, the elderly, and smokers. Although deaths have occurred at any age,” he said. Dr. Aguilar recommended that you wash your hands often, for
20 seconds, and remember to do the same when you get home. His advice to Latino families where many people live, and cannot exercise social distance, is to frequently clean the house, wash their hands, and keep surfaces clean. And if someone falls ill with coronavirus, he recommended keeping their distance, not sharing what they use, and using bandanas as face masks. Symptoms of those with the coronavirus are: fever over 100.4 °F and shortness of breath. Exercising helps improve mental and physical health during the coronavirus. (Getty Images) Mental Health Dr. Lisseth Rojas Flores, an professor of Clinical Psychology at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, advised developing an action plan to care for mental health in times of the coronavirus. Her recommendations include: Organize routines with a schedule of activities for the family, and especially for children, with times for school work, meals, chores, rest, and distraction. Waking up and going to sleep at regular times. Observe the children’s reactions to see if they are not isolating themselves, or are throwing tantrums, or crying. Listen to them, talk to them, and connect with them. Recognize your own fears and emotions, and develop a self-care plan with strategies to deal with those fears. Remember that chronic stress can have a longterm impact on health. Seek spiritual support, feed your soul, exercise, and only pay attention to good and credible information.
County Public Health will conduct a drive-thru sample collection event for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the High Desert on Thursday, April 2. Local/National News
LOCATION: San Bernardino County Fairgrounds ADDRESS: 14800 7th St., Victorville TIME: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. for appointments, 1 - 2 p.m. (or until supplies last) for walk-ins (no appointment needed) This event is open to San Bernardino County residents only. Residents can request an appointment at sbcovid19.com at 2 p.m. today, March 31. Residents who cannot access the form online can call the COVID-19 hotline at (909) 387-3911 and staff will assist in completing the
request form. This event is free of charge and does not require health insurance. All persons will be prescreened upon completing the appointment request form to ensure that all persons meet testing criteria. "With a nationwide shortage of testing supplies for COVID-19, we want to make sure that our most vulnerable populations receive testing priority," stated Acting County Health Officer Dr. Erin Gustafson. "As more community testing is available, the better we are able to mitigate the virus.
Everyone can help us fight the threat by taking state and county orders seriously by staying at home and continuing good hygiene." Public Health held a pilot sample collection event for COVID-19 testing on March 27 in at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino. A total of 122 samples were collected for COVID-19 testing. Test results from the pilot sample collection event is estimated to be complete on Friday, April 3. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the State Public Health
Officer on March 19 issued a statewide stay-at-home order with exceptions for essential tasks and services. See details here: covid19.ca.gov/stay-homeexcept-for-essential-needs. The Acting County Health Officer and the Board of Supervisors have declared a local health emergency to help ensure county government and the public are prepared and allow flexibility in response. Various county departments and agencies are working together and in (continued in next 2 columns)
There Could Be More Income Tax Return Cash on the Table for You...continued from page3 including through selfemployment — may qualify, and those who also have a child under age six may be eligible to claim the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). California’s YCTC was introduced in 2019. Upon qualifications for CalEITC and having a child under the age of six as of the end of the tax year, taxpayers could qualify for up to $1,000 through this particular tax credit. Between CalEITC and YCTC, FTB anticipates returning $1 billion to taxpayers this year. Taxpayers earning less than $55,952 may also qualify for the federal EITC. Through a combination of CalEITC, YCTC, and the federal EITC, a family can receive up to $8,053. In a simple breakdown, the following are the qualifications for CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit: You must be at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child, and earned less than $30,000 during the previous year. You must have worked during the tax year with income from W2 wages, or self-employment, or salaries, or tips, or other employee wages, subject to California withholding (any one of these income sources can qualify), This credit can be up to $240 (state) and $529 (federal) with no children, up to $2,982 (state) and
$6,557 (federal) for 3 or more children, and various other amounts for 1-2 children. You must file both a federal and state return if you are interested in receiving money from both sources. This is actual cash (a windfall for those not familiar with this credit) and is intended to equalize the playing field for wage earners in the under $30,000 category. You can submit retroactive claims for this credit for up to the last four years. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax help for those uncomfortable with submitting tax filings and earn less than $54,000 a year. Responding to the economic challenges of the Coronavirus crisis, the federal government passed legislation that will provide up to a $1,200 payment for single individuals, $2,400 for married couples and various tax credits to businesses. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) introduced the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) March 19 as a third-phase effort to address the economic fallout the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. Jerome E. Horton, a former California state legislator and exmember of the California Board of Equalization, who is now Chairperson for the Poverty Prevention Alliance, said the
piece of legislation is a “good beginning.” “You can actually get $1,200 per individual, and for a family, it doubles,” Horton told California Black Media. “The important thing about the tax credit is that individuals would have had to file their 2018 tax returns. So it’s important to encourage everyone to file.” The legislation authorizes the IRS to issue to individuals with incomes of up to $75,000 a onetime $1,200 payment, phasing out at a rate of 5 percent for every $100 in income above $75,000. The payment is thus phased out entirely for an individual making $99,000. Married couples with combined incomes of up to $150,000 would receive $2,400, subject to the same phaseout guidelines that apply to individuals. So, for married couples, the payments would be phased out at $198,000. The provision also provides an additional $500 per child, also subject to a similar incremental phaseout. The most important key to this tax credit for families and businesses is that emphasis is put on filing the 2018 tax returns, Horton said. They must be filed and the parties filing do not have to worry about previous hardships that prevented them from doing it. “If you didn’t file because you didn’t think that you owed any
taxes or the government didn’t take any taxes out of your check, please go ahead and file,” Horton said. “The individuals who wanted to stay off the radar, should file anyway,” he said, “so that they can take advantage of this stimulus.” Individuals with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking abilities need help filling out tax returns qualify. All income-eligible Californians who need help filing a Personal Income Tax (PIT) return can find it through the VITA program at sites statewide until July 15. All VITA volunteers are IRS-certified and can be trusted not to charge money for their services. This tax season, the FTB expects to process 20 million PIT returns, and the IRS expects to process more than 150 million PIT returns. Horton stresses that taxpayers should file for the tax break brought on by the stimulus and file with confidence. “My understanding is that Congress is planning to do another $4 trillion stimulus package down the road,” Horton said. “They are considering it depending on how (the first stimulus) works itself out. But then, you must file your tax returns,” he said. Jerome Horton,chairperson for the Poverty Prevention Alliance and former president of the California Board of Equalization.
County Public Health will conduct a drive-thru sample collection event for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the High Desert on Thursday, April 2....continued partnership with cities, schools, and the business and nonprofit communities to ensure an effective response. As with any virus, especially during the cold and flu season, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your health and those around you: * People experiencing symptoms of contagious illness should seek medical guidance. * Persons aged 65 years and older and persons of any age with certain underlying health conditions are at increased risk should they contract COVID-19 and are encouraged to selfquarantine. * Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. * Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands. * Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes. * N95 masks are not recommended outside a healthcare setting. Surgical masks can be worn by sick individuals to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs to others. For information about the coronavirus crisis, visit the County's coronavirus website at sbcovid19.com. New information and resources are updated daily. The public can also contact the coronavirus public information line from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (909) 387-3911, or email the County at coronavirus@dph.sbcounty.gov.
Remaining indoors as the weather gets warmer can feel like a challenge. The following are some ways to keep busy and productive at home: Find a furry friend: Foster a dog, cat or rabbit through San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control and save an orphaned animal. Connect virtually with loved ones: There is no better time to call, text, or video chat loved ones to check in. Use free online County resources for young children: If you are the parent or caregiver of a young child, decrease boredom and prevent the loss of preschool skills by clicking here to find resources and activities. Work on professional development: Teachers and other education professionals may take free online professional development courses. Do art activities at home: Visit Create at Home for free and fun resources to engage your family members with the arts at home. Get organized: Organize your personal spaces like closets, home office/desk areas, cupboards, drawers, and vehicles. Keep a routine: Take time to create and maintain a routine. Schedule time to eat, sleep, perform self-care rituals, pursue at-home hobbies, etc. Stay tuned in with yourself: Take time to monitor your mental and physical health every day.
‘Am I going to die?’ Alone and scared, confined seniors struggle with anxiety...continued from page 4 patterns play out at once. The first is a spike in needamong seniors who may not have previously required help from food relief organizations. The second is a declining number of volunteers, particularly at local food banks and Meals on Wheels chapters, where a significant portion of the volunteer base is over 65.On a typical day, Contra Costa County’s Meals on Wheels program serves about 2,300 meals to home-bound seniors and people in senior living centers. That’s already grown to 2,800 meals daily. Santa Clara County’s Health Trust Meals on Wheels program has more than doubled its weekly meal distribution, too, and seen a jump in the number of people calling for help, said director Teresa Johnson.But even as the need for support rises, visitation and activity programs have been cut by shelter-in-place orders. Brendon Coates, 37, a volunteer with Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly-San Francisco, can’t see the senior he has been visiting twice a month since 2018. Usually, when Coates stops by, they talk about old Hollywood movies and swap sugar-free chocolates. Coates has been calling regularly and checking in, but said he does sometimes worry about how his older friend is doing, isolated and with no family nearby.Phone lines and DIY volunteer groups that have sprung up to help Bay Area seniors have also seen a flood of calls. Paige Wheeler Fleury, who helped found the volunteerledOakland at Riskwebsite, which connects healthy young people in Alameda County with seniors and other-high risk community members who need help with groceries, supplies, or phone check-ins, described “heartbreaking” situations: a 94-
year-old disabled woman with no friends or family members who doesn’t have money for food; a blind man in his late ‘70s who has no microwave, refrigerator, or stove and relied on a now-closed senior center for daily meals, with no money until April 1.“He called us about three times and said, ‘I’m hungry and I have no one to help me.’ It was pretty emotional when I spoke to him,” she said. The group was able to send out an emergency delivery of food, but Wheeler Fleury said she is short on sign-ups for volunteers in his area —Oakland’s San Antonio neighborhood —who could continue to help get him groceries.Dr. Patrick Arbore, an expert in elderly suicide prevention and isolation and founder of the San FranciscobasedFriendship Line, a crisis intervention and support phone hotline for seniors and people with disabilities, said the line has seen an uptick in calls as seniors navigate theloneliness of coronavirus. He recommends people who live in buildings with seniors slip the 800 971-0016 phone number of the Friendship line —which serves people across California —under their doors.“It can be a life-sustaining link for them,” he says. “It’s a very stressful time and when I talk to older people over a period of six hours as I did today and I hear them, I hear the fear. They will say, ‘I’m scared.’ And their routines are just totally altered. And that’s the thing that I can hear is that they’re alone.” Erica Hellerstein is a reporter with the Mercury News. This article is part ofThe California Divide, a collaboration among newsrooms examining income inequity and economic survival in California
Our Values, Mission, & Vision Statement Our Values: Treat all people with care, respect, honor, and dignity. Tell it as it is with love, truth and integrity. Promote the interests of advertisers and sponsors along their strategic interest for the betterment of the community and beyond. Speak truth to power. Our Mission: To continuously improve communication between all people of the world. Our Vision: To be the best community newspaper in our region and the nation. Provider of: A voice for the poor, the underserved, those that are marginalized, Positive and edifying news about people, places and businesses. Keep San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties informed about global trends while retaining the consciousness of local events and processes. Memberships and Associations: The San Bernardino American Newspaper is a member of the California Newspaper Publishers Association, National Newspaper Association and addociated with California Black Media.
Visit Us Online: www.SB-American.com
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April 2, 2020
LIFESTYLE NEWS/ADVERTISING/RELIGION
Unsolved Murders Of Black Family Re-Examined In New Film Streaming On Amazon Prime Lifestyle News
Rapper Scarface Battling Coronavirus COVID-19, “I Felt I Was Gonna Die”...continued trying to take something as precious as my life. He’s merciful.” “It was serious, man. I wanted to die back then,” explains Scarface. “And if you ask me why … I can honestly tell you I don’t know. I have no idea. Maybe I felt
worthless.” Luckily, he explained, he moved beyond those thoughts. Scarface started at 291 pounds and is currently around 185, and is looking good despite this recent fight with coronavirus.
Beware Of Scams And Fraud Schemes Lifestyle News
Nationwide (BlackNews.com) - American Wisper (now streaming on Amazon Prime) is the true story of the unsolved murders of an upper-class African American family. In the summer of 2016, three children and their mother were found shot to death in their large New Jersey home close to NYC. They were discovered by father and husband Josiah Wisper - a brash businessman who owned bars, restaurants, stores and real estate in Harlem, New York. Wisper immediately became the prime suspect in the case, or what is more commonly known as "A Person of Interest". He was eventually ruled out as a suspect by police and law enforcement officials, but never in the eyes of those in the Harlem community his relatives, friends, and people he had known for nearly half his life. Wisper quickly embarks on a search to find out who murdered his family - his personal (and original) video recordings, journals and diaries take us to family, friends, police precincts, newspapers drug dens, gun stores and street-gang hangouts - all in the hope of piecing together the clues needed to solve this shocking and tragic crime. His "on-camera" journey takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotions, leading us to a horrifying conclusion - and Josiah's final
discovery of what it takes to be a man. Based on true events, and based on withheld police reports issued at the time of the murders. Directed by Russ Emanuel and produced by Howard Nash. Screenplay by Howard Nash and Rodney Cavin. The producers of American Wisper want it known that they are seeking to have the original case re-opened, and feel that a movie about the injustice suffered by the real Josiah is the only way to make that happen. But, a clarion "Call to Action" isn't as easy as it sounds: According to writer/producer Howard Nash, "I've noticed a fair amount of racism when it comes to smaller, independent films with African American leads. The smaller movie sites and platforms are not even selecting them. So it becomes even more important to get the word out, so that people can see things for themselves." "Wisper... a very tight thriller without clear heroes or victims thanks to a tight directorial effort, a tense script and strong performances by all involved... it's a genre movie that shouldn't be missed." -- Mike Haberfelner SMT News & Reviews The film is the winner of two international film festival awards. Stream it now on Amazon Prime: http://bit.ly/american-wisper
Rapper Scarface Battling Coronavirus COVID-19, “I Felt I Was Gonna Die”
Office of the Inspector General The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing. Scam and Fraud Scheme Advisory List The SBA does not initiate contact on either 7(a) or Disaster loans. If you are proactively contacted by someone claiming to be from the SBA, suspect fraud. The SBA does not provide grants to small businesses. The SBA provides guarantees to lenders to encourage them to make loans to small businesses. If you are contacted via social media about an SBA grant program for small businesses, suspect fraud. If you are contacted by someone promising to get approval of an SBA loan but requires any payment up front or offers a high interest bridge loan in the interim, suspect fraud. Look out for phishing attacks/ scams utilizing the SBA logo. These may be attempts to obtain your personally identifiable information (PII) to obtain personal banking access, or to install ransomware/malware on
your computer. If you are in the process of applying for an SBA loan and receive email correspondence asking for PII, ensure that the referenced application number is consistent with the actual application number. The SBA limits the fees a broker can charge a borrower to 3% for loans $50,000 or less and 2% for loans $50,000 to $1,000,000 with an additional .25% on amounts over $1,000,000. Any attempt to charge more than these fees is inappropriate. Any email communication from the SBA will come from accounts ending with gov. The presence of an SBA logo on a webpage does not guaranty the information is accurate or endorsed by the SBA. Please cross-reference any information you receive with information available at sba.gov. If you have a question about getting an SBA disaster loan, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. If you have questions about other SBA lending products, call the SBA’s Answer Desk at 800827-5722 or send an email to answerdesk@sba.gov. Report Fraud Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online at, https://www.sba.gov/ about-sba/oversight-advocacy/ office-inspector-general/officeinspector-general-hotline.
Undress for success?
Lifestyle/Entertainment News Lifestyle News
The coronavirus pandemic is forcing many of us to work from home using such 21st century technologies as video conferencing. It turns out that quite a few make sure their video cameras are turned off during these online meetings, reports the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC]. Why? A
survey shows that 12% of those polled admitted it is because they don’t want to get dressed up for those sessions, Some say they take the calls in their pajamas and even in the nude. The survey was conducted by Mentimeter, a company that offers platforms for interactive presentations.
Giving thanks Lifestyle News
The latest celebrity to test positive for the novel coronavirus is Geto Boys’ Scarface, who revealed his diagnosis on Thursday during a livestream. Born Brad Terrence Jordan, Scarface always had a signature word play and impressive word delivery style. After all, he has been heralded as one of the 50 Greatest MC’s of our time. But in an interview with friend and Geto Boys collaborator, Willie D, Scarface seemed to be at a loss for words attempting to explain his symptoms and how bad he was feeling. The rapper explained that he had been sick for weeks, in-andout of treatments, but officially got his results on Wednesday night. What started out as an “itch” in the throat, led to Scarface heading to the emergency room, where he was given an IV and antibiotics. After he was discharged, he returned to the ER “even sicker,” and noted that “It started off with pneumonia in both of my lungs and three or four days later my kidneys failed. I’ve been to the point where I felt I was gonna die.”
Now an avid golfer, the Houston rapper said his condition improved enough that he was allowed to recover at home, stating that he might be at the “back end of it” because he “had it for so long.” “It’s been to the point where I’d be laying down and I couldn’t get comfortable because it was like an elephant sitting on my chest, bro,” he said. “I could not breathe, I couldn’t sit up.” Scarface said he was “glad to be alive” and feeling better after dealing with COVID-19. “I can’t wait to go out and suck up some of this sunshine,” he said. This isn’t the first time Scarface has had serious health problems. After being diagnosed as manic depressive when he was only 12 years old, his mental health has…improved in recent years. Face says he is taking the journey one day at a time. “Some days are better than others,” he said. “Even right now, yeah. But I know I want to live. And now when I look back upon that dark time, now that I’m alive, I thank God for forgiving me for (continued in next 2 columns)
Hoarders have come out in droves across the country due to the COVID-19 outbreak and it appears they particularly seek to load up on toilet paper. This has caused empty shelves in drug stores and supermarkets and dismay for all of us who are home bound for the duration, says the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC]. There have also been reports of public bathrooms being raided for toilet paper. But Colorado Parks and
Wildlife is hoping that a kind reminder might just be the trick that can help keep their public conveniences at Boyd Lake State Park well stocked. An electronic sign at the entrance to the park reads: "Thank you for not stealing our toilet paper!!!” In addition, they’ve tweeted the message: "To those that haven't stolen toilet paper at our #ColoradoStateParks, thank you,"
Update: Day & Time -San Bernardino Charters Fill Food Void for Local I.E Students and Families Lifestyle News For more information visit palcenter.org or call 909-887-7002 for more information. Locations:
Bernardino 985 South E Street, Suite A San Bernardino, CA 92408 Monday thru Friday Time:11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
PAL Charter Academy - San Bernardino 1691 N. Sierra Way San Bernardino, CA 92406
“A change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things.” Barack Obama
Monday thru Friday Time:11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Dwaine Radden Sr. Chief Executive Officer Provisional Accelerated Learning Center
PAL Charter Academy - Muscoy 2450 Blake Street Muscoy, CA 92407 Monday thru Friday Time:11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Options For Youth - San
P: (909)887-7002 ext 101 F: (909)887-8942 dradden@palcenter.org www.palcenter.org www.palcharteracademy.com
“I Tell You, We Should All Pray As Moses Did In Psalms 90:12...” By: Lou Yeboah
Lou Yeboah “Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Of all that Moses could have asked, he simply asked, “Lord, teach us to number our days.” Moses understood that his time here on earth was short. Paul said that it is closer than when we first believed. The night is just about to be over and it is day time. Wake up! You can’t continue to live like you have been living. Don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. It would be madness to jeopardize your soul for naught; post to hell without excuse; and place yourself under the possible necessity of being damned. How long have you got left? How many more times will your eyes flicker open in the morning as consciousness comes into focus? How many more breaths are going to flood your lungs with life-giving oxygen? How many more beats of your heart will pump that oxygen to your vital organs, until it stops for good? Do you ever think about these things? I tell you, we should all pray as Moses did, Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may our hearts unto wisdom.” This message is a reminder, a word of warning or, caution for those who are so busy living from day to day they forget how completely fragile and uncertain life is. Simply stated by James, our lives are only a mist, a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Here today and gone tomorrow; here one minute and gone the next. Decide today to give yourself over to the will of God, letting each day
count for eternity. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while He is near.” Proverbs- 1:24-28; 27:1; 29:1 warns us that we are not to wait too late about making our decision of commitment to God and to receive forgiveness for our sins. Don’t take a chance and think that you will have time to get saved or repent later on in life. For Hell is filling up fast with people who thought that they would repent later on in their life. Some of them, like you, had heard the Gospel: were convicted by the Holy Spirit and Word of God; and had expected to get saved “SOMEDAY.” Unfortunately, for them, their “SOMEDAY” never came. According to Christ, it is absolutely imperative and important for us to be transformed if we desire to enter into God’s Kingdom. Decide today to give yourself over to the will of God, letting each day count for eternity. Allow God to have His way with you. “Whereas ye know not what shall be on tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Be awed by God's eternity. Be humbled by life's brevity. “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death… Now choose life…” Deuteronomy 30:15-20.
Witness For Justice #988
Stay Home, Stay Engaged Michael Schuenemeyer Team Leader, Health and Wholeness Advocacy Ministries I was last in my office on March 13th, not only because the United Church of Christ national office building is closed and all staff are working from home, but also (and more importantly) because I developed a dry cough. Consequently, I began selfisolating, assuming I may have COVID-19. I can’t know this for sure at this point, because testing has lagged so far behind in the U.S. that available tests must be prioritized for those with more serious symptoms. I imagine I’m not alone in the frustration I feel about the lack of preparedness of our health care system to respond to this pandemic and the stress of feeling helpless, not just about my own situation but the vulnerable place in which we collectively find ourselves. Having worked in HIV & AIDS response for past 35 years, I also know there are important sources of resilience that will get us through this unprecedented and difficult time. A key skill for resilience is finding meaning and purpose, which may be found by staying engaged. In this time of physical distancing, think of it this way: stay at home but not on the couch. Stay engaged with your spiritual life, relationships, community, and the work of justice. In 1987, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ adopted a pronouncement, “Health and Wholeness in the Midst of a Pandemic,” which called on the church to be compassionate, person-centered, supportive of medical science and health care providers, collaborative, and radically inclusive as they embody of the love of Christ in ministries of healing. Community activism also plays a vital role in community health, especially in the midst of a pandemic. The legacy of community activism in response to the HIV pandemic changed its devastating trajectory and led to more just policies, investments in research, the strengthening of health systems, and the expansion of health services. The
COVID-19 pandemic requires a response grounded in justice. Funding, resources and leadership to strengthen our health care systems are needed for the U.S. to follow the course of the most successful strategies: “easy access to testing, rigorous contact tracing, clear and consistent science-based messaging, and a commitment to studiously abide by quarantines while clamping down on socializing no matter how tempting it may be to stray.” Just as calling HIV or AIDS a “gay disease” has contributed to the stigma that is a barrier to ending the epidemic, calling COVID-19 the “Chinese virus” increases harm against Asian and Pacific Islander communities and perpetuates stigma of transmission and care. Encouraging a human rights approach to COVID-19, UNAIDS reminds us of the lessons learned from the HIV pandemic: Right now, we are facing an unpredictable and highly dynamic situation as a global community. However, as we have seen from the solidarity, support and power of communities in the HIV epidemic and already in communities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the response must not be fear and stigma. We need to build a culture of solidarity, trust and kindness. Our response to COVID-19 must be grounded in the realities of people's lives and focused on eliminating the barriers people face in being able to protect themselves and their communities. Whether by online meetings, phone calls, emails or other physically distant ways of engaging, it is not only possible but vital to strengthen communities for the sake of justice. Meaning and purpose can be found in community building, and from it will come the essential tools for resilience, healing and recovery.
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NEWS/ AD VER TISING ADVER VERTISING
April 2, 2020