SB American News Week Ending 12/11

Vol. 50 No. 33

December 5, 2019 -December 11, 2019

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)

#RolandMartinUnfiltered Is a Black News Platform With The Largest Audience In America Nation's Only Black Digital Show Focuses on News & an Analysis of Politics, Sports & Culture National News

Publisher’s Corner Email: sbamericannews@gmail.com Clifton Harris Editor in Chief Publisher of The San Bernardino AMERICAN News

OPINION: Danger of Historical Amnesia in the Era of Trump POST NEWS GROUP — “To view Trump’s win as the “most volatile” political moment in American history is inaccurate. We are living in volatile and terrifying times, but they are not exceptional political times. We are living in a time of a resurgence and consolidation of power to white supremacist groups. We must vigilantly confront how the evolution of American democracy is not linear.” By Annie “Q” Sajid, Oakland Post News

Roland S. Martin, the founder, host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered (far right) with panelists (left to right) Dr. Julianne Malveaux, attorney A. Scott Bolden and attorney Monique Pressley. Washington, D.C. - (November 29, 2019) -- Roland Martin reaches more African Americans each day with news and information using his streaming platform than anyone else in the U.S. Martin, a veteran broadcast journalist who celebrated the oneyear-anniversary of #RolandMartinUnfiltered in September, has over 100.7 million views with almost 435 million minutes viewed across YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in that short timeframe. Martin believes he is providing a service digitally that is long overdue. "I understand that African Americans are tired of mainstream media ignoring the many issues

impacting us on a daily basis. Therefore, I conduct interviews with newsmakers and I produce and stream content related to criminal justice, health, politics and other topics that are extremely important to the Black community," said Martin. "I fill the void left by mainstream media's lack of resources and time to dedicate ongoing coverage of the myriad of issues facing African Americans. In addition, because my news program is streamed, viewers can watch the show anywhere using their tablets, mobile phones and other devices." Many are taking note and understand the significance and

value of Martin's efforts. Says National Urban League President and CEO, Marc Morial, "Roland Martin is one of the most important voices in Black America today. His insight and no-nonsense approach to bringing news and opinion to, for, and about Black America is a welcome alternative to the sameness of many other journalists. His voice is respected, vital and essential." "We would like to congratulate Roland and his team on a successful first year," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "Communities of color deserve to hear from their voices - journalists

from the community, who are invested in shining a light on the issues that affect the community. Roland Martin has been a steadfast reporter with the utmost integrity, and is an important voice for Black America." Adds Melanie Campbell, President & CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), "Despite the proliferation of sports, entertainment and news networks and channels in America, there is a tremendous void when it comes to Black news and information. Roland Martin has created a (continued on page 6)

PART I: A Quest for Garifuna Visibility in America's Census By Khalil Abdullah/Ethnic Media Services Latina clerk heard me speaking Spanish to my wife and called me back to the counter." For ethnicity, he had checked black. "You checked the wrong box," the clerk said. "You can't check black. You speak Spanish. You have to check Hispanic.'" Today, Amaya is a member of the Census Bureau's National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic and Other Populations Gilberto Amaya (NAC), designed to solicit Washington, D.C. (Ethnic recommendations on ways to Media Services) - Gilberto improve the accuracy of the Amaya's career in international decennial count in determining development has taken him ethnic minorities. He is allied with across more than 30 countries as other Garifuna organizations, he implemented renewable energy scholars and Afro latino systems, agribusiness projects, advocates to document their and poverty alleviation heritage and expand their initiatives. He witnessed postvisibility. independence struggles of The Garifuna, descendants of sovereign states whose names Africans of mixed tribal ancestry, are rarely heard on U.S. nightly were captured and shipped from newscasts -- Burkina Faso, Togo, Africa to the Caribbean islands Zambia, Zimbabwe. A native of of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Honduras, he has memories of Garifuna historians recount onblending into and being board insurrections that ran the welcomed by communities in ships aground. The captives Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central escaped inland, intermarried with and South America. the indigenous Carib and Arawak Yet, near his home in Fairfax, Va., Indians, also prey for forced-labor a bureaucracy momentarily bondage. Sometimes referred to stripped him of his identity. The as the Black Caribs, the Garifuna incident sparked Amaya's quest led and participated in to have "Garifuna" fully unsuccessful revolts, the Carib recognized by the U.S. Census Wars, to overthrow British Bureau. dominion, sometimes with "After conducting some public assistance of France, England's business at a government agency imperial rival. in Virginia," Amaya recalled, "I Though slavery had ceased in was leaving the line, and the England by the late 1700s, the

slave trade continued in the Americas. Given public outrage and the political strength of the abolition movement, the British demurred, in the Caribbean, from wholesale execution of prisoners deemed guilty of armed resistance. Though many Garifuna died after being captured and held in austere privation, others were transported 1,700 miles westward and abandoned to their fate. "They put more than 2,000 people on ships and transported them across the Caribbean to the bay islands of Honduras," Amaya explains, "and that's where the Garifuna people landed in mainland Central America. From their arrival on the coast, they eventually spread northwest to the rest of Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and south to Nicaragua. Through migration, some large communities are here, like in the South Bronx, New York." Amaya says New York's Garifuna population is America's largest, between 70,000 to 100,000, "but that is only an estimate because we don't really show up in decennial census data." Garifuna communities are also in Houston, Los Angeles, and elsewhere here and abroad in smaller concentrations. The Garifuna are not entirely new arrivals in America. "Migration is in our people's DNA," Amaya states. "The earliest Garifuna migration to the United States was after World War II, when they were recruited

to work on the merchant marine ships supplying Europe during the war against the Axis powers. They weren't conscripted into the U.S. military, but many chose to remain in America after the war and never returned home. They sent for their families to join them in America." Education was Amaya's path to the United States. He grew up on the Honduran coast, an outstanding student who became the first Garifuna to graduate with a degree in industrial-mechanical engineering from the National University of Honduras in the capital, Tegucigalpa. There he met and married Rachel, a Garifuna, also a student. They have six children. "I went to work for the Honduras government for 10 years until I was offered an opportunity to work for a U.S. Agency for International Development contractor for projects in Latin America," he says. "Later, they decided I would be more useful to their work in Africa." The contractor preferred Amaya be U.S.-based, so the family moved to Philadelphia. He earned his master's degree in international development from the University of Pennsylvania. "Wherever you go -- and I've been around, in all of Latin America, in Europe, and different places -- and I've read about different places -- it doesn't matter (continued on page 3)

This past President’s Day, many anti-Trump rallies were organized in the name of a “Not My President’s Day.” Ironically enough, the “Not My President” refrain began as a racist chant of the Tea Party to delegitimize Barack Obama’s status as the first Black US president. The framing of Trump as “Not My President” perpetuates the idea that his presidency is an outlier in American history. The backbone of the United States is built on the land theft and murder of Indigenous people and the violent enslavement of Black people. Trump’s win exemplifies the cycles of American history in which any perceived racial progress is inevitably followed by white backlash. To present Trump’s presidency as an unexpected crisis, rather than a byproduct of emboldened American white supremacy, erases this nation’s violent past. Adrienne Maree Brown insightfully shared in her postelection reflection, “Things are not getting worse, they are getting uncovered. We must hold each other tight and continue to pull back the veil.” While there is a warranted collective anxiety around Trump’s incendiary and dehumanizing political rhetoric, his policies are not fundamentally different from the xenophobic and profit-driven policy agenda of previous presidents. Many liberals forget Obama was dubbed the deporter-in-chief because his administration oversaw the forcible removal of more than 3 million undocumented immigrants and a significant expansion of private for-profit detention centers. Resistance efforts against such inhumane policies were ongoing in the Obama era, but weren’t as visible as they are now. In the current political moment, we have seen constant direct action, some

with deep strategic movementbuilding such as the collaboration between the Movement for Black Lives and the It Takes Roots Alliance. Others have had a less intersectional understanding of what is at stake, such as the national women’s march which was held accountable for excluding the struggles of women of color, trans women, working-class women, and those whose experiences occupy multiple intersections. To view Trump’s win as the “most volatile” political moment in American history is inaccurate. We are living in volatile and terrifying times, but they are not exceptional political times. We are living in a time of a resurgence and consolidation of power to white supremacist groups. We must vigilantly confront how the evolution of American democracy is not linear. In Robin D.G. Kelley’s oneyear reflection post-Trump, he proposes we move away from “a lack of political imagination beyond crisis recovery and beyond politics as problem management.” We must not just fight back, we must re-imagine and fight for movements that guarantee rights to low-income communities and communities of color including: right to a dignified and stable home, right to accessible and affordable transit, and the right to not just participate in democracy, but democratize power to correct the trajectory of American history. Among other hats, Annie “Q” Sajid is a communications professional based in Oakland, CA. Currently, she works for Urban Habitat, a policy advocacy organization working to advance equitable policies for low-income communities and communities of color in the Bay Area. This article originally appeared in the Oakland Post.

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.

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December 5, 2019

COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/ADVERTISING

Serena Williams Builds Schools in Jamaica, Africa By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Educational News

Serena Williams at The American Issue for The FADER (Photo: sperry/Wikimedia Commons

NNPA NEWSWIRE — In a recently released video, Williams donned a pair of jeans, workboats, a hardhat and went to work on Salt Marsh Elementary School in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica. Williams, who has won a total of 39 Tennis Grand Slams – including Doubles titles, has also built grade schools in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Williams built the Marsh Elementary through a partnership with the nonprofit Helping Hands Jamaica, while the schools in Africa were in conjunction with Build Africa. While many deep-pocketed philanthropists and celebrities will write checks to support worthy causes, Tennis megastar Serena Williams routinely goes the extra mile. In a recently released video, Williams donned a pair of jeans, workboats, a hardhat and went to

work on Salt Marsh Elementary School in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica. Williams, who has won a total of 39 Tennis Grand Slams – including Doubles titles, has also built grade schools in Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Williams built the Marsh Elementary through a partnership with the nonprofit Helping Hands Jamaica, while the schools in Africa were in conjunction with Build Africa. It’s part of the mission of Williams’ Serena Williams Fund and her other charitable efforts, which include the Serena Williams Venture, where the tennis champion seeks to boost the bottom line of individual companies. “In 2014, I launched Serena Ventures with the mission of giving opportunities to founders across an array of industries.

Board Of Education Meetings To Return To 777 North F Street

Serena Ventures invests in companies that embrace diverse leadership, individual empowerment, creativity, and opportunity,” Williams said in a statement posted on her organization’s website. “Serena Ventures focuses on early-stage companies and allowing them to be heard. As we grow, we hope to mentor young founders and take burgeoning entrepreneurs to the next level,” she stated. “Serena Ventures extends relationships, encourages collaboration among portfolio companies, and expands partnership opportunities across my vast network. Similar to many of the companies we have invested in, we are just getting started and are hoping to make a difference.” Also, according to Charity Buzz, the Serena Williams Fund was

established to promote equity; through education, gender, race, disability, or anything else that stands in the way of someone achieving their goals and living their best possible life. “The mission of this charity is to help the individuals or communities affected by to violence, and [to ensure] equal access to education,” Williams stated. Knowing the value of creating strong partnerships with organizations with expertise in their fields, Williams counts as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador. She has partnered with organizations such as Beyond the Boroughs Scholarship Fund, The Equal Justice Initiative, The Caliber Foundation, and Build Africa Schools. Jessica Curney of Borgen Magazine reported that before each of her matches, Williams reads and writes affirmations out loud from her diary about wanting to help people, kids, and work in Africa. “Through the Serena Williams Fund, Williams dedicates her offseason time improving access to education by building schools in underprivileged areas of the world,” Gurney reported. “She has done extraordinary tasks using her own resources and through partnerships with the Serena Williams Fund and other foundations dedicated to providing and improving education for those in difficult conditions or developing countries. Her active role has notably left a mark on those who have had their lives changed significantly through this act of kindness.”

The public is invited to the official ribbon cutting ceremony and reception for the newly renovated San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) Community Room on December 10, 2019, at 5 p.m. The SBCUSD Community Room has been closed since early 2018 as part of the Board of Education (BOE) building renovation. During the renovation, the Board of Education members have been meeting at Indian Springs High

School. Beginning December 10, the Board members will once again meet in the Community Room at the BOE, 777 North F Street in San Bernardino. The Board meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Although some departments have begun moving back to the BOE, the building is not yet fully open to the public. Copies of the current Board agenda are available at www.sbcusd.com by selecting the Recent Meeting Agenda button.

Inglewood Unified School District: The Canary in the Coal Mine...continued 26 candidates to be interviewed, a LACOE interview panel made a recommendation and it was approved by County Superintendent Debra Durado, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and President of the Board of Education Linda DarlingHammond. Before her appointment, Torres was acting interim County Administrator and, for about a year, she was the LACOE Deputy Superintendent charged with working with Melendez. So she takes the job already knowing what needs to be prioritized and what resources she will need to succeed in turning around the school district.

This may be the model that should be adopted for future state takeovers. Instead of firing the superintendent of the school district, a reasonable transition period should be observed. Prior to the appointment of Torres, each state administrator had to figure out on their own how they would lead. That process failed to produce satisfactory progress. It is time for the Legislature – hopefully, during the upcoming session - to craft legislation that will provide better direction on how school districts under state receivership are managed. The future of the students in those districts will be the beneficiaries of the legislation they approve.

ATC Mason Honors Terrorist Attack Victims Community News

Inglewood Unified School District: The Canary in the Coal Mine According to the California Education Code, all California school districts will have to submit a first interim budget report by December 15. Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media This report compares the school district’s ongoing fiscal condition to what was projected in the budget they submitted in July. The report includes the latest student enrollment and attendance figures, data on staffing, year-to-date accounting, and projections of expenditures and cash flow. Through this review, districts assess whether they will be able to meet their obligations and are required to self-certify whether their fiscal condition is positive, qualified, or negative (i.e., will meet, may not meet, or will not be solvent over the next three years). Most schools districts will certify that they will meet their financial obligations for the current and two subsequent fiscal years, but there are a growing number of districts that will assign themselves qualified or negative certifications. Large school districts, based on their July budgets, that may be on the list of qualified and negative include Los Angeles Unified, Sacramento City Unified, Sweetwater Union, and Oakland Unified. Districts with negative and qualified certifications must come to terms with the fact that unless they find new revenue sources or better control their expenditures they will have to request a state loan to avoid fiscal insolvency. According to Assembly Bill 1200, called the Eastin Act, the state of California is required to maintain the financial soundness of public school districts. Since 1991, when the bill passed, nine districts have been given emergency loans. Four are still repaying loans they accepted. Under AB 1200, a district secures a state loan through Legislative action. A stateappointed administrator takes over, the superintendent is fired, and the board of education becomes an advisory body. All decisions about the district’s operational priorities are taken away from the local level until the state loan is paid in full. State intervention has not been a guarantee that the school district in receivership will be better managed. This has to

Wetzel Family

concern school districts facing this prospect. Inglewood Unified is currently the only school district in state receivership. Its experience is “the canary in the coal mine” that districts on the verge of accepting a state loan need to look at closely. In September 2012, the governor approved Senate Bill (SB) 533 authorizing an up-to $55 million loan to Inglewood Unified to allow it to avoid fiscal insolvency. The State Superintendent and California Department of Education (CDE) took over Inglewood’s schools and drew down $29 million from the loan, obligating the school district to pay $1.8 Million a year for 30 years to retire the loan. Between 2012 and 2017, the state superintendent appointed three administrators, two interim administrators and one trustee. During this period of unstable leadership, the district’s finances and operations did not significantly improve and little progress was made toward being

able to return to local control. In 2015, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee approved an audit concerning the State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s oversight of the Inglewood Unified School District. A key recommendation the State Auditor made to the Legislature was “any future state emergency funding for a school district appropriated by the Legislature should specifically require the state superintendent to document the selection and appointment process of a state administrator, including the rationales for progressing certain candidates once screened or reasons that particular individuals were ultimately selected to serve as state administrator.” So far, the Legislature has failed to implement the recommendation put forth by the audit. It’s clear that Inglewood’s progress has suffered because of a lack of stable leadership provided by the State.

A similar experience happening to any other school district in the future is unacceptable. In 2018, Assembly Bill (AB) 1840 provided financial relief to Inglewood Unified and Oakland Unified as both school districts struggled to balance their budgets and pay off state loans. In that legislation, responsibility for managing a school district under state receivership was removed from CDE and given the responsible County Office of Education. The last State Administrator appointed by CDE to lead Inglewood Unified, Dr. Thelma Melendez, recently retired. Under the guidelines of AB 1840, a new County Administrator, Dr. Erika Torres, was announced by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). All that is known about how this appointment was made is that the Fiscal Crisis Management and Assistance Team (FCMAT pronounced Fick-mat) identified (continued in next 2 columns)

San Bernardino, CA — San Bernardino County AuditorC o n t r o l l e r / Tr e a s u r e r / Ta x Collector (ATC) Ensen Mason today joined Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman, County Environmental Services, and Public Health in remembering the victims of the terrorist attack at a County office four years ago today. Fourteen people died, including 13 members of our County family, and many more were wounded physically and emotionally. “Our thoughts and prayers today are with the families of those who suffered and died in this horrific, unprovoked attack on innocent people,” said Mason. “I join the Board of Supervisors in requesting that all ATC employees join people throughout the county in a moment of remembrance this morning at 10:55 AM, the time of the attack.” The ATC Department was touched by this tragedy as Michael Wetzel, the husband of former ATC employee Renee Wetzel and father of their six children, was among those

murdered by the terrorists. Michael Raymond Wetzel was a San Bernardino County health worker who was an integral part of Lake Arrowhead. Wetzel, a 1996 graduate of Rim of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead, lived in the mountain community with his family and actively participated in his children’s sporting events and other activities. He spent much of his time as an active member of the Church of the Woods, which is also based there. Professionally, he was a supervising environmental health specialist for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. Renee Wetzel worked for ATC as an Office Assistant III from March 2012 to September 2013. She was promoted during her time at ATC, and was known for her strong work ethic and her great heart for other people. Our hearts go out to Renee and her family as they continue to endure the pain that comes with this great loss. Please join us in united prayer for them at 10:55 AM.

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. 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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December 5, 2019

WORLD GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS/ADVERTISING

Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris drops out of presidential race ByDanielle Haynes

USDA Provides $6 Million to Expand Counting Children Matters Most: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Census Broadband Infrastructure for Two Rural Oregon Counties...continued 2020...continued respond in recent censuses, according to the Census Bureau's national spokesperson. But, as one census advocate said, it is a crime of sorts not to participate because is the children who suffer most without your full participation. FAQ: Can someone find out my private census responses?

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., said Tuesday her campaign "doesn't have the financial resources" to continue. Photo by Tami Chappell/UPI | License Photo Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris withdrew from the 2020 race on Tuesday, citing a lack of campaign funds. "I've taken stock and looked at this from every angle, and over the last few days have come to one of the hardest decisions of my life," she said in a Medium post. "My campaign for president simply doesn't have the financial resources we need to continue." Harris hasn't been able to raise money at the same level as some of the party's other candidates, bringing in $11.8 million in the third quarter -- less than half of that raised by Tom Steyer ($49.6 million) and Sens. Bernie Sanders ($28 million) and Elizabeth Warren ($24.7 million). "I'm not a billionaire. I can't fund my own campaign. And as the campaign has gone on, it's become harder and harder to raise the money we need to compete," she said. The California Democrat ended

her bid 10 months after joining the crowded field. Early in her campaign, Harris polled in the Top 2 or 3 of Democrats, but in recent months had fallen to fifth or sixth, according to RealClear Politics' average of polls. Harris announced her candidacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January. "The future of our country depends on you and millions of others lifting our voices to fight for our American values," she said in her announcement video. "That's why I'm running for president of the United States. I'm running to lift those voices; to bring our voices together." Harris said she plans to "keep fighting every day" for adequate teacher pay, ending gun violence and women's health. "Our campaign has been about fighting for people whose voices that have not been heard or too often ignored," she said. The one-term senator is up for re-election in the Senate in 2022.

Counting Children Matters Most: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Census 2020 By Khalil Abdullah

(Ethnic Media Services) Within the African American community, the conversation about the upcoming 2020 census ranges from 'why bother' to 'we're all in.' Let's speak to the 'why bother' question. FAQ: Why should I bother with Census 2020? I filled out the census form the last time and I didn't see any improvements in my neighborhood or community. Answer: Whether or not you saw the improvements you expected, many benefits of the census still touched your life, your community, and the people you love and care about especially children. If you have a sense of responsibility for the quality of life of children in your family or beyond, your participation in the census has a direct impact. Over 200 federal programs derive revenue from data gathered by the census. This list includes school lunch programs and the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) which provides direct monetary assistance for low income pregnant women and new mothers and their children. Other programs range from Section 8 Housing assistance to LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP helps families pay heating bills and assists with repairs to furnaces, insulation and weatherization costs. Without these programs, the cost of living for everyone in a neighborhood, city, or county would be higher. Take LIHEAP as an example. Without the financial subsidy to those in need, other ratepayers and customers like yourself, would likely face an

increase in monthly utility bills. Just consider the funding that assists with the cost of schools, teachers, and education. The lives of children are profoundly affected by your decision to participate in the census. This is one reason why those who represent African American communities, be they clergy, elected officials, or social justice advocates, see engagement with the census as a moral imperative. FAQ: That still doesn't explain why I don't see the improvements promised during the last census in 2010 or even during the 2000 census. Answer: You know the saying, "all politics is local." Almost nowhere does this apply more than when money is being allocated. There are layers of responsibility for how money is spent, including federal and state formulas as well as decisions made at the local level, often by elected officials. The census has a direct bearing on our election processes of redistricting and reapportionment which help determine how your vote is counted and who gets elected. We will take these up as separate FAQ topics. The immediate question is: will you fill out the census form? FAQ: What happens if I do not fill out the form? Is that a crime? If so, what's the punishment? Answer: Not answering the census or providing false answers are each punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, but no one has been fined for failure to

Answer: Your information is confidential and protected by Title 13 which brings heavy fines and possible imprisonment for anyone who divulges your personal information. The Census Bureau cannot, under penalty, share your information with the IRS, Homeland Security, immigration or law enforcement agencies or anyone else, including housing officials. However, census information is made publicly available after 72 years. FAQ: What if I participate in the census, but there are more people living in my home than I'm supposed to have according to my lease or rental agreement? Answer: The Census Bureau is trying to gather data. It is not seeking to determine whether you

are violating your lease or local zoning codes, but you have raised an important point. Families are often fluid -- grandparents taking care of grandchildren while parents are at work or away from home. Should you claim a student away at school in another state as a member of your household? There are many scenarios where family members should be reported, but African Americans were undercounted by 2.1 percent in the 2010 census and many of those missed were children. Why? In part because people were unsure whether they should report a child or whether that was someone else's responsibility to do so. The best thing to do is ask the Census Bureau or one of the many organizations participating in partnership during Census2020. This article is a monthly column by Ethnic Media Services aimed to educate about the need to respond to the 2020 U. S. Census. Next Topic: If you're all in, what to expect. This article is a monthly column by Ethnic Media Services aimed to educate about the need to respond to the 2020 U. S. Census. Next Topic: If you're all in, what to expect.

Rep. Torres Calls for Common Sense Gun Control Policies Former 9-1-1 Dispatcher Blasts Congressional Stagnation on 4th Anniversary of San Bernardino Shooting State Government News

POMONA, CA – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) published an op-ed with the Inland Empire Daily Bulleting commemorating the four-year anniversary of the San Bernardino shooting, which claimed 14 lives, including two of her own constituents, on December 2nd, 2015. Rep. Torres, who spent 17 years working as a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the Los Angeles Police Department, recounts her own experiences as she calls for Congressional action to curb gun violence: “I’ve been on the other end of the line from gun violence,” Congresswoman Torres writes. “I’ve heard the earsplitting crack of a firearm going off, and experienced the horrific moment when a desperate voice on the other end screams in pain and then goes silent. I know exactly what the price is for Congressional inaction on gun violence, and I’m disgusted to see innocent people continue to pay

for it with their lives.” Rep. Torres is the author of the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act, legislation that would help law enforcement crack down on gun trafficking. She is also a lead co-sponsor of legislation that would help track assembled weapons known as “ghost guns,” which are currently untraceable, and has voted for numerous bills to strengthen background checks. “The problem we have is access,” Congresswoman Torres continues. “We can’t legislate troubled thoughts out of someone’s head, but we can pass laws that prevent a gun from winding up in that person’s hands. “Two of my constituents died four years ago in San Bernardino. At a bare minimum, we owe it to them to pass the common-sense laws that would prevent the same events from playing out, over and over. It sickens me to think that so much time has passed, and so little change has occurred.”

USDA Provides $6 Million to Expand Broadband Infrastructure for Two Rural Oregon Counties Nearly 650 residents and businesses in small, remote communities will gain high-speed internet access Government News

JOHN DAY, Ore., Dec. 3, 2019 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director John Huffman today announced that USDA is providing $6 million to expand high-speed broadband infrastructure that will provide eConnectivity for nearly 650 new customers in rural Wheeler and Grant counties. This is one of many funding announcements nationwide in the first round of USDA’s ReConnect Pilot Program investments. “Internet access is no longer an amenity. It is an essential component of daily life and is as important to rural communities as gaining access to electricity was a century ago,” Huffman said. “Small, remote communities, however, face unique challenges in connecting homes, farms and businesses to this vital resource. We are proud to announce today significant funding to expand high-speed internet access in two frontier-designated Oregon counties.” Oregon Telephone Corporation (OTC) will use a ReConnect Program grant to deploy 89 miles of fiber to serve some of the most remote areas of the continental

United States. The new broadband infrastructure will provide network speeds ranging from 30 megabits per second (Mbps) to 1 gigabyte per second (Gbps). The network will allow Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and video services to be delivered to each customer. Currently, many areas around the town of John Day lack internet service faster than 1.5 Mbps. In a public-private partnership with John Day in its capacity as the leader of the intergovernmental Grant County Digital Network Coalition, OTC is working to provide the fastest internet access to as many residents at the lowest price possible. Under the partnership, OTC will build a fiber network and deliver broadband service to residents and businesses while leasing infrastructure to John Day to provide service to public agencies. The first new fiber route is northwest of John Day. It will connect the towns of Long Creek, Monument and Spray. The second route will start at the northern edge of the town of Seneca and continue to Canyon (continued in next 2 columns)

City, just south of John Day. Overall, this expanded fiber optic network will extend broadband across a 242-squaremile area that includes 418 households, 22 businesses, 22 farms, three schools and two fire

stations. Almost 650 new customers will be able to receive reliable access to high-speed internet services, improving the quality of life for those who live and work in these remote, rural communities.

Homicide Detectives seeking info regarding the identities of the suspects involved in a fatal shooting in Hesperia SB County Sheriff News

DATE/TIME: Monday, December 2, 2019 6:29 p.m. INCIDENT: Murder Investigation LOCATION: Smoke Tree Street/ First Avenue, Hesperia VICTIM: James Curtis Hampton, 39 years old, resident of Hesperia SUSPECT(S): Two unidentified males #1: light skinned black male, 5’8” #2: dark skinned Hispanic male, 5’8”-5’10” SUSPECT VEHICLES: Black pickup truck, unknown make/model Gold colored sedan, unknown make/model SUMMARY: On Monday, December 2, 2019 at 6:29 p.m. deputies responded to calls of a disturbance and shots fired on Smoke Tree Street. Deputies arrived and found the victim, identified as Curtis Hampton, unresponsive in the roadway. Medical personnel pronounced Hampton deceased at the scene. Homicide Detectives responded to conduct the investigation. Detectives determined two armed suspects confronted Hampton at his residence on Smoke Tree Street and a fight ensued. Hampton ran into the street where he was shot by one

of the suspects. An acquaintance of Hampton’s was near the residence and heard the fight. He went to check on Hampton and was confronted by one of the suspects who struck him with a gun. The suspects fled in a black truck and a gold colored sedan. Detectives believe the suspects intended to rob Hampton of money and/or drugs. It is unknown at this time if any property was taken. Detectives have interviewed several witnesses and are asking for anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspects, or neighbors with home security camera footage, to contact Detective Simon DeMuri, Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com. Refer: Sergeant Ryan Smith or Detective Simon DeMuri Station: Investigations Homicide Detail

Specialized Division –

Phone No. (909)387-3589 Case No. DR#191908210 H#2019124 JOHN McMAHON, SheriffCoroner San Bernardino County SheriffCoroner Department

ICE Prison’s Dollar-a-Day Wages Face Class-Action Suit A federal court ruling allows hundreds of thousands of former detainees to sue the GEO Group. By Robin Urevich

Photo: Eflatmajor7th

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees who allege they were required to work for $1 a day and, in many cases, for no pay at all, are one step closer to their day in court. The undocumented immigrants were all incarcerated at the Adelanto Detention Facility and the other detention centers operated by the GEO Group. GEO is the nation’s largest private prison company and currently holds more than 10,000 ICE detainees. On November 26, U.S. District Court Judge Jesus G. Bernal

announced his decision to allow hundreds of thousands of former detainees to join together to pursue back pay and damages when he granted class action status in Raul Novoa v. the GEO Group, dealing a defeat to the private prison firm. The plaintiffs allege that a socalled voluntary work program in which detainees are paid $1 a day to do janitorial work, prepare meals and do laundry isn’t voluntary at all. Instead, they argue GEO requires detainees to work under the threat of solitary confinement or even criminal prosecution, saving the company millions of dollars in wages it would otherwise have to pay non-detainee workers. They further contend that GEO has a (continued on page 6)

PART I: A Quest for Garifuna Visibility in America's Census...continued from page 1 the type of regime, the left the right, a democracy an autocracy, a theocracy. Black people are always in the same position, at the bottom of the economic ladder. "And, in my work, poverty alleviation, I have to look at those things and say, so why are we being sold the idea in Latin America that we're all the same, that we have the same rights, the same opportunities, yet we're always at the bottom? Nowhere is there anything close to a racial democracy. I came to the realization that it was a deliberate effort by the white Hispanic elite to keep the situation like that, and to inflate their [own] numbers." Amaya contends the same dynamic has been at play in the United States. Though AfroLatinos contribute to the growth of the Hispanic population, their presence and needs have been marginalized by those whose outlooks and priorities are

infused with the stigmas of the colonial past. When Amaya got involved with census work, he recalls only those who identified as white in leadership positions or as spokespersons for national Hispanic organizations, and similarly in media and government, even during the Obama administration. "We are promoting the inclusion of Afro-Latinos in census work," Amaya said. "I work to get the word out about the differences that exist on the census and the invisibility of the Afro-Latinos within the larger Hispanic population." Khalil Abdullah, a former executive director of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, is a writer for Ethnic Media Services. He is also a former editor/writer for New America Media and former managing editor of the Washington Afro Newspaper.

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PAGE 4

December 5, 2019

HEALTH/FITNESS/SENIOR NEWS

Black Can Crack! Avoid Dry Winter Skin With These 5 Steps Why heart health is important for women with diabetes

Health/Fitness News

Does that healthy summer glow seem to be fading? Although the cool, crisp air may feel refreshing, it’s actually dry. Dry air can rob your skin of its natural oil and moisture, giving you an unwanted ashy, flaky look. Well, what can you do to avoid looking like a real-life snowman? Follow these 5 tips! 1. Decrease Your Time In The Shower A long, hot shower seems like the perfect remedy for relaxation on a cold winter day. However, showering with hot water for long periods of time can have a drying effect on your skin. The hot water combined with soap can wash away the natural oils in your skin. Decreasing your shower time to ten minutes or less can help prevent your skin from drying out. Applying natural moisturizers to your skin like jojoba oil or shea butter afteryou pat yourself dry from the shower will help to seal in moisture. Adding essential oils like rose, geranium, or chamomile to your moisturizer can amp up the moisturizing power. 2. Cleanse Your Skin With A Moisturizing Soap The thought of not using soap to get clean is hard to imagine for most. There’s nothing wrong with using soap, but soap can be harsh on the skin, especially in the

winter.

Avoiding antibacterial soaps or soaps that have fragrance can prevent the skin from drying. Moisturizing soaps with little to no fragrance have a less drying effect on the skin. 3. Don’t Over Exfoliate Clearing away dead skin cells is an important part of any skincare routine. However, exfoliating too much during the cold months can be damaging to your skin. When you over-exfoliate, you strip away your skin’s natural oils and cause inflammation. This canlead to breakouts and hyperpigmentation of the skin, aka dark spots or blemishes. If you have normal or oily skin, limit the use of exfoliating creams or sponges to 1 time per week instead of 2 to 3. If dry skin is the norm for you, limiting exfoliation

Think Twice Before Getting Another Powder Gel Manicure Health/Fitness News

to twice a month may be beneficial during dry months. 4. Stay Hydrated! Drinking water during the cold season is just as important as when the sun is blazing. Your skin is the largest organ your body has and plays a vital role in your health. It provides a protective barrier for your internal organs and muscles while serving as an avenue for your body to get rid of toxins. Drinking at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily will provide your skin with what it needs to do its job. 5. Rest Up! With our busiest holidays during the cold months, it can seem nearly impossible to get enough rest. Rest is an important component of having healthy

skin. Without adequatesleep, our skin has a hard time regenerating from the damage done by harsh winter weather conditions. Sleep deprivation causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin which can lead to inflammation and premature aging. Setting a time to unplug from your newsfeed or favorite show can help you get to bed earlier. Putting your children on a sleep schedule will help cut down on endless hours of trying to get them off to sleep. Your skin not only is important to your physical health, it adds to your self-esteem and confidence! By incorporating these tips, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing in any weather. Dr. Candace McMillon-Dantley is on a mission to inspire and educate women to health. She is the creator of The Doc Knows, a health and wellness site for women. When she’s not health writing, she is health motivating and educating through presentations on healthy nutrition, self-care, and conditions of the body. Her experiences as a business owner, chiropractor, wife, and mom of two resonate with all women. Connect with Dr. Candace on Instagram @drcandace. Posted on November 26, 2019Dr. Candace McMillonDantley

Think Twice Before Getting Another Powder Gel Manicure...continued healthy. Not to mention unsanitary. Overall, normal gel and acrylic manicures pose fewer health threats. After removal, we suggest giving your nails a break for at

least a week and nourish the nail beds with vitamin oil at night. At minimum, layer the nails with petroleum jelly. We hope this helps you make an informed decision the next time you make a trip to the nail salon!

Covered California Health Plans Help Prevent Disease in African American Communities Health News We know how frustrating it is to sit in the nail salon for hours, painstakingly waiting until your manicurist has completed your full set before looking down and realizing that you’ve smudged your nails. Powder dip manicures — one of Pinterest’s top trends for 2019 — boast long-lasting manicures that won’t crack or smudge. This trend has taken over most nail salons. We are well aware of the pros of this nail polish alternative, but what about the cons? Here’s a breakdown of what you should know before you request a dipped manicure. 1. There’s No Harmless UV light While the UV light isn’t a concern so much for skin cancer under the nail because light does not penetrate the nail completely, it’s risky because the tops of the hands arebeing exposed to UV light that over the long term could be very detrimental. A study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that during the gel manicure UV drying process, one’s hands take in an energy dose equal to the daylong recommended limit for outdoor workers. 2. A Longer-Lasting Mani Can Be Damaging To The Nail Beds

Powder gels have garnered favor because of how long they can maintain their integrity. There’s often not a chip, break, or smudge for up to five weeks. But that longevity can actually be a detriment to the health of the natural nails. Problems under the nail or the skin around the nail are often hidden away under the pretty manicure and go longer without being detected. 3. Dipping Nails Into Powder Can Cause Harmful Infections Often, manicurists push up their clients’ cuticle, trim the dead skin, clean the nails tobeing exposed

to UV light that over the long term could be very detrimental. A study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that during the gel manicure UV drying process, one’s hands take in an energy dose equal to the daylong recommended limit for outdoor workers. 2. A Longer-Lasting Mani Can Be Damaging To The Nail Beds

Powder gels have garnered favor because of how long they can maintain their integrity. There’s often not a chip, break, or smudge for up to five weeks. But that longevity can actually be a detriment to the health of the natural nails. Problems under the nail or the skin around the nail are often hidden away under the pretty manicure and go longer without being detected. 3. Dipping Nails Into Powder Can Cause Harmful Infections Often, manicurists push up their clients’ cuticle, trim the dead skin, clean the nails topowder and efile the rest of the residue off. This is harmful for many reasons. For one, soaking nails in acetone for long periods of time can thin out the nail and irritate the skin around the nail. This makes the nail lose layers and lose strength. It’s more prone to breaking and splitting, which could be uncomfortable. It can also result in nail dehydration. Acetone soaks are extremely drying to the nail and cuticle and can cause brittleness. Additionally, aggressive removal with filing or scraping the surface of the nail can result in nail plate thinning and consequential weakness. With the use of acetone to take off both gel and powder dip manicures causing dehydrated, brittle nails and the added use of an electronic file during removal, this manicure method is a lot less (continued in next 2 columns)

Sheila Head has been an entrepreneur in Oakland, California for 36 years. “I love what I do,” said the hairstylist and owner of Head Designs. But while her business was relatively healthy, Head’s body was not. “I only would go (to the doctor) when I absolutely had to go,” Head said. “Then Covered California came around, and I jumped on it. My life seemed to blossom.” Open enrollment is underway for consumers to sign up for health insurance through Covered California. A key deadline is Dec. 15 for consumers who want their coverage to begin on Jan. 1. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31. A free health screening revealed that Head was prediabetic. “Oh, no. I don’t want to have anything to do with diabetes,” said Head. Diabetes is one of the diseases that disproportionately affects African Americans. The U.S. Office of Minority Health estimates that African Americans are 80 percent more likely than other races to get diabetes and are twice as likely to die from the disease. Sheila Head This year’s open-enrollment period features some of the biggest changes since Covered California first began offering health coverage in 2014. First, two new state initiatives — the state subsidy program and the restoration of the individual mandate — were key elements in Covered California’s record-low 0.8 percent rate increase for the upcoming year. While preliminary, early data shows that 85 percent of eligible low-income Californians are qualifying for a state subsidy on top of their federal tax credits. About 50 percent of middle-class Californians across the state with household incomes between 400 and 600 percent of the federal poverty level are finding out they are eligible to receive a state subsidy starting in January. VIDEO: Covered California’s

Sheila Head new “Real Stories” video on diabetes prevention https://vimeo.com/344660285/ fed1cdc03a “We have heard from people across the state who will be saving hundreds of dollars a month because California is putting its people first,” Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. “Whether you never thought you could get financial help, or if you have checked before, you need to check again because there is new money available that may dramatically reduce the cost of your coverage.” The new state subsidies are already helping consumers who have selected a plan for 2020. Eligible low-income consumers who qualify for a subsidy are receiving an average of $19 per month, per household, while eligible middle-income Californians who receive a subsidy are getting an average of more than $500 per month, per household. Enrolling for coverage now is critical because California restored the penalty that was part of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from 2014 to 2018. That means most consumers who do not get covered could face a fine when they file their 2020 taxes in the spring of 2021. A family of four would pay a penalty of at least $2,000, and potentially more, for not having health insurance throughout 2020. The penalty aside, Lee and Head focused on the positive aspects of being insured, includ(continued in next 2 columns)

Health News

(Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA

If you have diabetes, you have a higher-than-average risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. While men and women generally have similar rates of Type 2 diabetes, women are twice as likely to have heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., killing one woman every 60 seconds. It’s the leading cause of death for African American and white women and, among Hispanic women, it causes as many deaths as cancer each year. Two-thirds of women who die suddenly of heart disease have no previous symptoms. Women are more likely than men to have the following heart attack symptoms: Pain in the neck, jaw, abdomen or back Nausea Shortness of breath Dizziness Fatigue More than 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease. Women of all ages can get heart disease. While the risk gets higher with age, lifestyle, diet, smoking and hereditary conditions can increase a younger person’s risk. Risk factors for heart disease include: Diabetes Smoking High blood pressure High LDL (bad) cholesterol

Obesity Poor diet Physical inactivity If you have a family history of heart disease, there are still steps you can take to lower your risk. Below are some important steps women can take to reduce their risk of heart disease: Know your risk factors; have your blood pressure checked regularly, along with your cholesterol and triglycerides Stop smoking Eat healthy, including lean proteins such as white meat chicken and lean ground beef, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Check out the Healthy Eating video at parklanddiabetes.com/healthy for more tips on eating healthy with diabetes Find ways to relax more and lower your stress level Get moving and exercise more. Check out the Move Your Body video at parklanddiabetes.com/ move for easy tips on how to get more exercise into your day If you are a woman who has diabetes, it’s very important to keep your blood sugar within the range recommended by your doctor. If you don’t know how to manage your blood sugar, make an appointment with a health care provider to get more information on keeping your diabetes under control. For more information on how to keep your heart healthy and manage your diabetes, go to www.parklanddiabetes.com. This article originally appeared in the Dallas Post Tribune.

Covered California Health Plans Help Prevent Disease in African American Communities...continued ing free health screenings, an annual checkup and peace of mind knowing that if a health crisis occurs, you won’t go bankrupt when bills pile up. Free preventative health care services offered by all Covered California health plans helped Head make wise choices to stay healthy, and she is now an active participant in an innovative diabetes-prevention program offered through her health provider, Blue Shield. “Covered California gave me, like, my own heath care team,” Head said. “I hope everyone will have the opportunity to feel like

I’ve been feeling.” Covered California Open Enrollment Information Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can: Visit www.CoveredCA.com. Get free and confidential in-person assistance, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller. ·Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free. Call Covered California’s Service Center at (800) 300-1506. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 31, 2020. Enroll by Dec.15 to have coverage start on Jan. 1.

Senate Drug Plan Brings Death and Taxes By Stacy Washington The Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act would stall future drug development and deprive Americans of lifesaving cures -all without reducing patients' outof-pocket costs. The bill would alter Medicare Part D, the federal prescription drug benefit for seniors and people with disabilities. Today, 45 million Americans receive drug coverage from Part D. Part D is a free market success story. Instead of administering the benefit directly, Uncle Sam subsidizes private insurers who sell plans to beneficiaries. Since these insurers compete for customers, they have every incentive to keep costs low. Part D cost nearly $350 billion less over its first 10 years than originally estimated. Unfortunately, the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act would upend this tried and true structure. The bill's most egregious penalty might be the 20 percent tax it would impose on manufacturers for some drugs sold in Part D. The package would cost biopharmaceutical firms $55 billion over the next 10 years. This massive tax would save the government money, but it wouldn't do much for patients -98 percent of Medicare beneficiaries won't see a reduction in their pharmacy bills. Some could even face increased out-of-pocket costs.

Over time, this bill would harm patients by making it harder to fund drug research. It takes $2.6 billion on average for researchers to bring one new treatment to market. Scientists rely on the revenue from successful drugs to fund future research projects. The myriad taxes in the bill would impede manufacturers' ability to earn back development costs. That would make it difficult for firms to attract the investment they need to research new treatments. Without that funding, scientists would have to abandon the roughly 4,500 drugs currently being developed for cancer, Alzheimer's, and other diseases in the United States. The package wouldn't just hurt patients. The pharmaceutical sector supports close to 5 million jobs and contributes more than $1 trillion in economic output each year. Nearly half of drug firms said that reductions in R&D could lead to layoffs and facility closures. The Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act would cripple the life sciences sector and do nothing to help patients afford their medicines. Talk about a loselose. Stacy Washington is a decorated Air Force Veteran, an Emmy nominated TV personality, and the host of the nationally syndicated radio program "Stacy on the Right."

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PAGE 5

December 5, 2019

LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190013892 Date Filed: 11/27/2019 Filing Expires On: 11/27/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): J.M INTERPRETING County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 10082 ROSE DR. OAK HILLS, CA 92344 Name of Individual Registrant: JORGE VILLALPANDO 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: 10082 ROSE DR. OAK HILLS, CA 92344 Name of Individual Registrant: MELISSA A. MARRERO Residence Street Address: 10082 ROSE DR. OAK HILLS, CA 92344 This business is/was conducted by: A Married Couple Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Melissa Marrero, Spouse, 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 December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2019. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190013845 Date Filed: 11/26/2019 Filing Expires On: 11/26/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): DIANA VILLALPANDO INTERPRETING County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 16464 VERDE ST. HESPERIA, CA 92345 Name of Individual Registrant: DIANA VILLALPANDO-CUEVAS 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: 16464 VERDE ST. HESPERIA, CA 92345 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Diana Villalpando-Cuevas, 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 December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2019. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190013848 Date Filed: 11/26/2019 Filing Expires On: 11/26/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): I.T. LANGUAGE SERVICES County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 16464 VERDE ST. HESPERIA, CA 92345 Name of Individual Registrant: HENRY VILLALPANDO 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: 16464 VERDE ST. HESPERIA, CA 92345 Name of Individual Registrant: BRENDA A. VILLALPANDO Residence Street Address: 16464 VERDE ST. HESPERIA, CA 92345 This business is/was conducted by: A Married Couple Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Brenda A. Villalpando, 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 December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2019. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190013109 Date Filed: 11/07/2019 Filing Expires On: 11/07/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): UNINCORPORATED RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION DBA AVERY DEVAUL COTTRELL[corp sole] County of Principal Place of Business: LOS ANGELES Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 500 W. TEMPLE STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 Mailing Address: 12403 CENTRAL AVENUE STE. 735 CHINO, CA 91710 Name of Individual Registrant: AVERY IMAGO DEI Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: AVERY DEVAUL COTTRELL State of Inc./Org./ Reg.:CALIFORNIA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 12403 CENTRAL AVENUE STE 735 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: December 23, 1987 Cottrell, Avery-Devaul, [28 USC§1746 (1)], Individual, 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 November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2019. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190012804 Date Filed: 10/30/2019 Filing Expires On: 10/30/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): ALLENDALE MANAGEMENT County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO

Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 8780 19TH ST. #162 ALTA LOMA, CA 91701 Name of Individual Registrant: JASON TORRES 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: 8780 19TH ST. #162 ALTA LOMA, CA 91701 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: September 01, 2019 Jason Torres, 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 November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2019. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190013084 Date Filed: 11/07/2019 Filing Expires On: 11/07/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): STORAGE MAX SELF STORAGE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 8363 FOOTHILL BLVD. RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 Mailing Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 IRVINE, CA 92612 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: JM TRUST State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 IRVINE, CA 92612 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Partnership Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: November 4, 2016 John Minar, Trustee of General Partner of Bear Gulch Properties, LP, 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 November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2019. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190012595 Date Filed: 10/25/2019 Filing Expires On: 10/25/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): A1 AUTO County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 363 W. 6TH ST. #4 SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92401 Mailing Address: Name of Individual Registrant: RAZA RIZVI 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: 5285 DELLA AVE. ALTA LOMA, CA 91701 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Raza Rizvi, 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 November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2019. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190013831 Date Filed: 11/26/2019 Filing Expires On: 11/26/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): TERMITE WOODWORKING County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 871 JULIET CT. UPLAND, CA 91784 Name of Individual Registrant: RICHARD L. TAPERT 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: 871 JULIET CT. UPLAND, CA 91784 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Richard Tapert, 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 November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2019. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190013472 Date Filed: 11/18/2019 Filing Expires On: 11/18/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): DEMPSEY’S PUB County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 15444 VISTA ROAD HELENDALE, CA 92342 Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 2562 HELENDALE, CA 92342 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: CUSTOM CAPITAL ASSETS INC. State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: C3209741 Residence Street Address: 14542 KETCH LANE #2562 HELENDALE, CA 92342 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: November 17, 2019 Carole Toscano, CFO, 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 November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2019. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190013291 Date Filed: 11/13/2019 Filing Expires On: 11/13/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): TRI-CITY COMMONS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 420-424 E. HOSPITALITY LANE SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 Mailing Address: 414 WALNUT AVE. HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648-5158 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: CAPITAL TCC GENERAL, LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 201811310355 Residence Street Address: 414 WALNUT AVE. HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648-5158 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Partnership Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 6/14/2019 Steven Wise, General Partner, 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 November 28, December 5, Correction 12, 19, 2019. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20190013013 Date Filed: 11/05/2019 Filing Expires On: 11/05/2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): AMCS ID LIVE SCAN County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1070 W. BENNINGTON ST. APT. B UPLAND, CA 91786 Name of Individual Registrant: TERENCE A. WESTBROOK 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: 1070 W. BENNINGTON ST. APT. B UPLAND, CA 91786 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Terence Westbrook, 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 November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2019.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVDS 1932458 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: IVEK RODRIGO filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. ANUTHMI MITHARA PELAWASIGE to Proposed name: ANUTHMI MITHARA WAAS 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:12/19/19 Time:8:30 a.m. Dept: S17 Superior Court Of California County Of San Bernardino San Bernardino District-Civil Division 247 W. 3rd Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 San Bernardino District A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: October 31, 2019 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper November 14, 21, 28, December 5, 2019 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVDS 1933675 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ARLEEN ANN PLOEHN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. HOPE RENEE LUCERO to Proposed name: HOPE RENEE PLOEHN-LUCERO 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: December 18, 2019 Time:8:30 a.m. Dept: S17 Superior Court Of California County Of San Bernardino San Bernardino District-Civil Division 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 San Bernardino County 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: November 06, 2019 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper November 21, 28, December 5, 12, 2019

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVVS 1900583 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: JADA WILSON NOAH JOHNSON filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. DE’ VAUGHN HERNANDEZ to Proposed name: DE’ VAUGHN NOAH JOHNSON 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: 1/ 03/20 Time 8:30 a.m. Dept: V15 Superior Court Of California County Of San Bernardino 14455 CIVIC DR. VICTORVILLE, CA 92393 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: November 20, 2019 Carlos M. Cabrera, Judge Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper November 28, December 5, Correction 12, 19, 2019 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVDS 1935611 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: STEPHANIE MARIE ANTONIO filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. STEPHANIE MARIE ANTONIO to Proposed name: STEPHANIE TUANO ANTONIO 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 1/08/2020: Time:8:30 a.m. Dept: S16 Superior Court Of California County Of San Bernardino San Bernardino District-Civil Division 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 San Bernardino Justice Center 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: November 26, 2019 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 2019

SUMMONS

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): 19STLC03151 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): DYLAN LEE GENE SAMPSEL YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines

de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): REESE LAW GROUP, Michael D. Schoeck, Esq. Bar #277945, 3168 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92010; 760/842-5850 (File No. 284879) DATE (Fecha): 04/02/2019 Sherri R. Carter Executive Officer / Clerk of Court (Secretario), by Diana Diaz, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served 1. as an individual defendant. 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/19 CNS-3314382# THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): CIVDS1803186 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): LUIS ARTURO CIFUENTES YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): NATIONAL UNITY INSURANCE COMPANY NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, 247 West Third St, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): REESE LAW GROUP, Jenny R. Louro, Esq. Bar #306535, 3168 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92010; 760/8425850 (File No. 282477) DATE (Fecha): FEB 07 2018 Clerk (Secretario), by SARBRINA JAMISON, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served 1. as an individual defendant. 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12/19 CNS-3294467# THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN

PETITION/PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE (Probate-Decedents’ Estates) Notice Of Petition to Administer Estate Of: JUDY JANE RENDLEMAN Case Number: PROPS 1901091 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: JUDY JANE

RENDLEMAN A Petition for Probate has been filed by: ROBERT RENDLEMAN II in the Superior Court of California, County of: SAN BERNARDINO The Petition for Probate requests that ROBERT RENDLEMAN II 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: December 12, 2019 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept:: S35 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, 247 WEST THIRD STREET SAN BERNARDINO JUSTICE CENTER - PROBATE DIVISION SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415-0212 SAN BERNARDINO MAIN/CENTRAL If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner:GUAY P. WILSON 14 N. EIGHTH STREET, (P.O. BOX 166) REDLANDS, CA 92373 Telephone: (909)793-2044 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 21, 28, December 5, 2019.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE (Probate-Decedents’ Estates) NOTICE OF ADMINISTER

PETITION TO ESTATE OF:

ANICACIO MORALES

BENAVIDES

Case Number: PROPS 1901111 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: ANICACIO

BENAVIDES MORALES A Petition for Probate has been filed by: ALEJANDRA BENAVIDES MORALES in the Superior Court of California, County of: SAN BERNARDINO The Petition for Probate requests that ALEJANDRA BENAVIDES MORALES be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. 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 January 07, 2020 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept:: S35 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, County Of San Bernardino, 247 W. Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 Probate Branch 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. Petitioner: Alejandra Benavides Morales 2328 1st Avenue San Bernardino, CA 92407

( 562) 337-4786 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 28, December 5, 12, 2019

PUBLISH

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

YOUR

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO In re: MARTINEZ FAMILY TRUST created August 25, 2006 by LEOPOLDO M. MARTINEZ, Decedent.

LEGAL OR CLASSIFIED ADS WITH

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (PROB C § 19050)

THE

Notice is hereby given to the creditors and contingent creditors of the above-named decedent that all persons having claims against the decedent are required to file them with the Superior Court, at San Bernardino, and mail or deliver a copy to Gloria Rendon, as trustee of the trust dated August 25, 2006, of which the Decedent was the Settlor, at 3435 Lan Franco Street, Los Angeles, California, within the later of 4 months after date of first publication of notice to creditors or, if notice is mailed or personally delivered to you, 30 days after the date this notice is mailed or personally delivered to you, or you must petition to file a late claim as provided in Probate Code § 19103. A claim form may be obtained from the court clerk. For your protection, you are encouraged to file your claim by certified mail, with return receipt requested. GLORIA RENDON, as Trustee of the MARTINEZ FAMILY TRUST, under Declaration of Trust dated August 25, 2006 7462 Cypress Avenue, Fontana, CA 92336

SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS CALL TODAY! 909-889-7677 OR EMAIL: msbamericannews@gmail.com

Submission deadline: Mondays by 5 pm Website: SB-American.com

Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 21, 28, Decem ber 5, 2019.

We're Hiring! California Sea Grant Extension Specialist - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Califoria Sea Grant and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo seek a California Sea Grant Extension Specialist, to be based in San Luis Obispo, California. The extension specialist will be a full-time employee of Cal Poly hired as a research scientist. We are looking for an interdisciplinary, applied marine scientist with experience or interest in conservation, management, and local issues in San Luis Obispo County and the California central coast, whose work strongly interfaces with aquaculture. We are especially interested in candidates who can build an outreach program based on applied research complementing Cal Poly and California Sea Grant Extension expertise particularly related to aquaculture. For more information on the position and the California Sea Grant extension team, please visit the California Sea Grant website. This position will be recruited through Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Full details regarding the recruitment and application information are available on the Cal Poly website. Read More Contacts For additional information regarding the position, application mechanics, or Cal Poly, contact Benjamin Ruttenberg (Director of the Cal Poly Center for Coastal Marine Sciences; bruttenb@calpoly.edu; 805756-2498) For additional information about California Sea Grant contact Rose Madson (California Sea Grant Assistant Director; rmadson@ucsd.edu; 858-534-4601).

Macy's Donates to Mentor Program San Bernardino— 11/26/19 — Macy's donated to Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy (YVYLA), to help give support to their S.A.M. Program, which stands for Student Achievement Mentor Program. Macy’s states, “We're proud to support incredible organizations whose impactful work plays a vital role in our charitable initiatives—and beyond” A donation of $5,000.00 was donated to the Young Visionaries SAM Program. Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy’s Student Achievement Mentoring (SAM) is a program designed to address and reduce suspensions through effective implementation of positive behavior support systems. SAM is a goal-oriented program designed to support the educational and professional aspirations of all students. The Program increases the completion of developmental courses, retention and graduation rates. To accomplish this, the program increases exposure to educational, professional, and civic opportunities. The Student Achievement Mentoring Program through mentoring works to: • Improved Self Confidence and Self Esteem • Increase Motivation • Broaden horizons and experience of students • Raise Achievements and Aspirations • Build Relationships • Establish Employment Development Skills • Support to Graduation The City of San Bernardino is home to a diverse and prominently minority population: 66% Hispanic, 14% African American, 13% White, 4% Asian, and 3% other. 23% percent of the population is foreign-born. In San Bernardino, the 2016 median household income was $39,472, compared to $63,783 for the State. Unemployment has remained above both state and national levels since the 2008 financial crisis, and the 2018 unemployment rate for the City was 5%, compared to 3.9% for the county, 4.6% for the state, and 4.1% for the United States. Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy has large annual outreach events for the San Bernardino community. For example, February, “Hearts for Hygiene” at this event YVYLA collects 200 bags of hygiene and distribute them to the youth in our programs that need hygiene. June is Young Visionaries Annual Youth Conference, this conference average up to 300 youth in attendance. The month of August the youth group has an annual “2000 Backpack and School Supplies” giveaway, the month of November is a Thanksgiving event giving out 1000 Thanksgiving Turkeys and boxes of food to 1000 families in need. During the month of December for Christmas YVYLA has their annual 1000 Toy giveaway to 1000 community youth. “We would like to thank, Macy's for their generous donation and recognizing the need in our community” says Terrance Stone, CEO and Founder of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy.

Visit Us Online: www.SB-American.com

PAGE 6

December 5, 2019

LEGALS/ LOCAL/NATIONAL NEWS

Family, supporters press Texas governor for new trial for man on death row By Barrington M. Salmon, Contributing Writer, The Final Call @bsalmondc

(Photo: The Final Call) A crowd some of Rodney Reed’s family members estimated was about 1,000 people, recently gathered at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, Texas demanding that Gov. Greg Abbott act to halt the execution of Mr. Reed in a controversial murder case. In the past several months, there has been a groundswell of support for Mr. Reed, 51, who has been on death row for 20 years. In 1996, he was charged with and convicted of the rape and murder of 19-year-old Stacey Stites by an all-White jury. Rodney Reed and his family have always maintained his innocence and his brother and family spokesman Roderick Reed said the family wants a stay of execution and a new trial. Rodney Reed is scheduled for execution Nov. 20 when an appeals court stepped in November 15th to suspend his death sentence indefinitely. The decision also ordered the court where he was originally tried to

consider new evidence in the case. “All we want is a fair trial. That’s all we’re asking for,” Mr. Reed told The Final Call. “We want to be able to present witnesses and new evidence and clear his name … I believed he would have gotten off when he was on trial because we knew the truth. He and the rest of us as a family have always stood in that truth.” Roderick Reed said he knew his brother and Ms. Stites had been in a relationship and had met Ms. Stites but because of the racial climate and the potential for backlash and retaliation, the couple had kept their relationship secret. Ms. Stites, at the time, was engaged to a police officer, Jimmy Fennell, who many believed was her killer. The uncovering of new evidence, recent affidavits from witnesses that point to Mr. Fennell’s involvement in Ms. Stites’ death and enduring questions about details of the victim’s death necessitates a new

ICE Prison’s Dollar-a-Day Wages Face ClassAction Suit..continued from page3 corporate policy of drafting detainees to do additional janitorial work for free, and that the company requires would-be dollar-a-day workers to also work without compensation until they are officially hired into the paid positions. Lauren-Brooke Eisen, a senior fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice and the author of Inside Private Prisons: An American Dilemma in the Age of Mass Incarceration, believes that the lawsuits could have implications beyond immigration detention centers. “If the detainees prevail in their

lawsuits,” she says, “this body of litigation may also shape future litigation of convicted individuals in jails and prisons who argue that they are not being paid fair wages for their work behind bars.” Three similar cases are pending against the GEO Group – two in Washington state and one in Colorado — where class-action status has already been granted. Five lawsuits challenging detainee labor practices at facilities operated by CoreCivic, a slightly smaller private prison firm, are also making their way through the courts.

Outgoing AU Ambassador to US Blasts Commission for New Smear Campaign By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia The African Union is now claiming that its former Permanent Representative to the United States, Dr. Arikana ChihomboriQuao, was guilty of misconduct while in office. In a release, African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat said, “a high-level team was deployed to the AU Representational Mission to the USA in Washington, DC from October 16 to October 26 to carry out a supervisory audit of the Office activities. “During this mission, the team found evidence, corroborated by Dr. Quao, that she initiated and implemented with AU funds, activities of entities that have no AUC formal approval or legal link to the African Union, nor any of its organs.” Mahamat said the AU investigative “team found that some entities, initiatives, associations, and corporates have conducted some activities backed by Dr. Quao without prior knowledge or consent and against the rules of the African Union.” According to Mahamat, “claims made in social media suggesting that Dr. Quao’s end of tenure is due to any pronouncements or opinions she may have held during her three-and-a-half-year tenure, are blatantly untrue and unsubstantiated.” However, Mahamat did not say why none of these claims surfaced when he terminated Dr. Quao. In his letter written on October 7, he stated that Dr. Quao was terminated simply because her contract was set to expire.

Former African Union Permanent Representative to the United States, Dr. Arikana ChihomboriQuao Supporters of Dr. Quao pointed out that Mahamat “conjured up the supervisory audit” to cover up the real reason he terminated such a successful advocate for the African Union and the continent as a whole. “I more than successfully carried out my tenure,” Dr. Quao stated this week. “When I came here, most people hadn’t heard of the African Union. The State Department said it was closed, and this office was dead. They were using this office as a protocol office, and that’s a shame.” Dr. Quao, who has previously wondered if her speeches denouncing France’s continued colonization of Africa was the reason for her termination, said Mahamat is merely jealous of her success. “What I’ve been doing is what the chairman should have been doing, but he’s not capable,” Dr. Quao stated. “He’s too busy being jealous of me. One gentleman who has been in Washington for 50 years told me that he’s seen ambassadors come and go, but he’d never seen anything like what I’ve been able to accomplish. The AU is now (continued in next 2 columns)

trial, Mr. Reed’s supporters say. Roderick Reed and his wife Wana recounted the isolation the family endured. The family approached local churches and civil rights organizations for help but was rebuffed, he said. “The family had been turned down repeatedly by local clergy. The Nation of Islam was the only one present,” said Student Min. Robert L. Muhammad, who has been supporting the Reed family for about 17 years. “The family has been disappointed and dismayed but recently, we have seen a great outpouring of support recently that is very encouraging.” Mrs. Reed concurred. “We were shunned by their people, shunned by Black press,” she recalled. “When the family first went out to Black churches, one pastor said, ‘I wouldn’t touch this with a 10-foot pole.’ ” Both spoke of the Reed brothers—Robert, Ronald, Richard, Roderick, Ryan—being denied jobs because of their last names, and some older family members staying away from the family home for fear of being shot, ostracized or punished for their family ties. Bastrop, Texas is 33 miles from Austin, the state capital and 85 miles from San Antonio. In 2017, the town had 8,802 residents. Min. Muhammad and the Reeds described a small Southern town steeped in racism, with the typical American racial hierarchy of

Whites on top, Latinos in the middle and Blacks languishing at the bottom. “Bastrop is racist but it’s lot different and deeper now,” Mrs. Reed said. “You don’t realize how deep it is because it’s almost second nature. It’s so deeply engrained in people. But it’s not like how it used to be. We have Confederate monuments on the courthouse lawn. Things may be getting better but there is always a sense of looming White supremacy and the racial hierarchy.” Min. Muhammad, who heads Muhammad Mosque No. 64 in Austin, agreed. “Bastrop has a history of racism that existed there from the early 1900s to the ’70s and ’80s,” said Minister Muhammad, who was born and raised in nearby Austin, which is a considerably more liberal city. Mr. Reed said he knew his brother was dating Ms. Stites although that wasn’t common knowledge. His brother, his sisterin-law said, got caught up in the narrative of a Black guy was in relationship with White woman in a Southern town. Staff at The Innocence Project, which is handling Mr. Reed’s case, and the Reed family have raised a number of troubling questions and highlighted a series of discrepancies which they say all add up to Mr. Reed being an innocent man railroaded (continued in next 2 columns)

Outgoing AU Ambassador to US Blasts Commission for New Smear Campaign...continued known worldwide, and nobody can deny that. I came to Washington to work, not to drink tea and coffee.” Further, Dr. Quao has said that the AU never provided her with any directives on how to accomplish the Ambassador’s mission. Thus, she was forced to come up with ideas and initiatives on her own, as well as figure out how to engage and unite the African Diaspora and encourage them to invest in Africa.

Dr. Quao said it was her determination to unite Africans, bringing their knowledge and skills to build their businesses in an effort to help redevelopment efforts throughout the Continent. The AU has declined further comment. Dr. Quao received appointment as Ambassador in December 2016. Immediately, she went to work organizing and successfully (continued in last 2 columns)

#RolandMartinUnfiltered Is a Black News Platform With The Largest Audience In America...continued from page 1 digital news platform that is filling that void. Although it has only been in existence for a year, #RolandMartinUnfiltered has become a critical voice, conduit and source of news and information for the Black community that brings a consistent Black perspective to the issues of the day important to Black America. Roland also provides opportunities for many more Black journalists, scholars, pundits and other experts to bring their perspectives to the news on a daily basis and that is a unique service that the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation is proud to support." States Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), "AFSCME is proud to support #RolandMartinUnfiltered because Roland has developed a digital news platform that provides a wide breadth of news and information to the African American community. In many ways, his platform goes well beyond the traditional news coverage that the current television networks and other digital platforms provide. And we are especially glad to see that as part of his ongoing reporting, he also includes news and information about the labor movement's relevancy within the Black community." In August, the Pew Research Center published numbers that show 60% of African Americans still prefer getting their news from television while 25% prefer receiving news online with only 9% choosing radio and 5% print as their news sources. However, as a completely digital platform, and with the fast emergence of

streaming technology, Martin is positioning #RolandMartinUnfiltered to be one of the major providers of digital Black news and informational content to the nation. With NBC News and Fox News launching streaming news services in the last year, as well as the digital expansion at CBS News, ABC News, CNN and other networks, Martin says he launched his venture at the right time. "The numbers of Blacks watching television news reflects an older population of people primarily over 60-years-old," said Martin. "The people who watch my show via streaming are usually between 18 and 55-yearsof-age. We're developing strategies to attract the Baby Boomers and Millennials to ensure they also receive news from an explicitly African American perspective. I believe more Black consumers are beginning to use digital platforms to receive news and I want #RolandMartinUnfilterd to be their first choice." Currently, 60% of Martin's viewers on Facebook are women, 65% on Twitter are women, and 64% following him on Instagram are women with household incomes between $40,000 and $100,000. Conversely on YouTube, 68% of his followers are men while 32% are women. #RolandMartinUnfiltered is available on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitche and Tune In. Here is a link to a recent #RolandMartinUnfiltered broadcast https:// www.facebook.com/ rolandsmartinfanpage/videos/ 2801694319894620/.

Outgoing AU Ambassador to US Blasts Commission for New Smear Campaign...continued implemented programs that renewed interest throughout the African Diaspora. She openly criticized governments for maintaining neocolonial policies meant to keep African people separated. An estimated $50 billion leaves Africa each year because of corruption, and Dr. Quao noted that France still extracts a colonial tax of $500 billion annually from francophone African countries. Under her leadership, she’s been a staunch advocate for PanAfricanism. Dr. Quao started a “Return to Africa” mission that included the campaign to build a Wakanda Village, a project she envisioned built in both Zimbabwe and Zambia as a nerve center for development. She anticipated raising $5 billion in development funding and that Africans would fund the project throughout the diaspora and would be its sole owners. The project would consist of five African Centers of Excellence in each of the five regions of the continent, which would serve as nerve centers for development delivering state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, hotels, industrial homes, shopping centers, and other amenities. “We are going to build the Africa that we want so those [throughout the diaspora] who say I cannot go home because home is not what I’m used to,” Dr. Quao said earlier this year.

Following her termination, many Africans in the diaspora petitioned the AU to get her reinstated. There are close to 100,000 signatures on the petition and those numbers are increasing daily. Now, Dr. Quao finds herself fighting against the AU to maintain her reputation. She said their claims of misappropriation of funds are false. Also, the AU’s contention now that all programs and projects under Dr. Quao had no formal approval and that it found no evidence that donations and funds collected were deposited in any AU account. “We are required to file quarterly progress reports,” Dr. Quao stated. “I implemented programs and spelled out in the reports what activity took place, and I forwarded those reports to the chairman’s secretary. All programs, including those for men and youth of the diaspora, were created to bring them closer together, and so youth could understand what’s going on throughout the diaspora.” Dr. Quao continued: “Unequivocally, not a single penny was ever donated to the AU under my leadership that wasn’t deposited into the bank. If we received any donations, it has to go to the AU. I refute that there’s no accountability. I posted my quarterly reports, I’ve spoken about these programs, and I’ve spoken about them to the AU and in front of all of the countries.”

Family, supporters press Texas governor for new trial for man on death row...continued by the criminal justice system. It includes discrepancies about the time of Ms. Stites’ death as well as, the fact that the murder weapon, a belt, has never been tested for DNA evidence; and the state’s three forensic experts’ admission on the record to errors in their testimony, which led to Rodney Reed’s conviction and death sentence. They have submitted affidavits that the original time of death is inaccurate, charging the timeline for Mr. Reed killing Stites implausible. Further, renown forensic pathologists including Dr. Michael Baden, Dr. Werner Spitz, Dr. LeRoy Riddick, M.D., and Dr. Cyril Wecht, have all concluded that Rodney Reed’s guilt is medically and scientifically impossible; Mr. Reed and Ms. Stites were having a consensual sexual relationship although at the time of the trial, no one came forward to corroborate their relationship. Today, new witnesses including Stites’s cousin and a co-worker, Alicia Slater, have corroborated Rodney Reed’s claim that they knew that Reed and Stites were romantically involved for months after the murder, and Jimmy Fennell was the prime suspect in the case. Mr. Fennell’s best friend at the time of the crime, Bastrop Sheriff’s Officer Curtis Davis, has now revealed that Mr. Fennell gave an inconsistent account of where he was on the night of the murder. Two witnesses have come forward in recent weeks and submitted signed affidavits that add to the mounting evidence against Mr. Fennell. These affidavits include testimony from an insurance salesperson who stated that Mr. Fennell threatened to kill Ms. Stites while applying for life insurance. The second witness was a deputy in the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at the time of the murder, who alleges Mr. Fennell made an alarming and incriminating statement at Ms. Stites’s funeral regarding her body. Then there is an alleged a confession by Mr. Fennell that came to light Oct. 29. Mr. Fennell served 10 years and was released from prison in 2018 after being convicted of assaulting a woman who was in his custody as a police officer. Arthur Snow, a former member of the Aryan Brotherhood and prison mate of Mr. Fennell, disclosed a conversation in which Mr. Fennell allegedly confessed to murdering Stacey Stites stating, “I had to kill my nigg**-loving fiancée.” The prosecution’s only forensic evidence linking Rodney Reed to the crime was semen taken from Ms. Stites’s body, which was

attributed to the consensual relationship between them. The prosecution used this to connect him to the murder and refute a consensual romantic relationship, but some testimony has been recanted and discredits the state’s case, The Innocence Project said. “We identify as death penalty abolitionists,” Mrs. Reed said. “Gov. (Greg) Abbott has been silent. He’s aware of Rodney’s case but has not made any statement, said nothing about it. He may be waiting for the (state) Supreme Court to act.” Mrs. Reed said there are many holes in this case and substantial doubt. “We want the state to give Rodney’s life back, show that he’s innocent,” she said. “The family wants them to stop the execution ASAP. Abbott can issue a stay and he has the power to direct this towards a new case.” Rodney’s case has caught the attention of celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian—who Mrs. Reed said has called, kept in touch and who is working behind the scenes along with rapper Meek Mill. Prison abolitionists, anti-death penalty advocates, ministers, priests and pastors have joined to lift their voices calling for Gov. Abbott to issue a stay of execution and order a new trial. Journalist and social justice activist Shaun King started a petition that had garnered more than 2 million signatures. Then on Oct. 10-11, Dr. Phil McGraw explored the case on his television show to consider Mr. Reed’s claims of innocence. “I don’t think it’s a question of whether he’s guilty or not guilty,” said Dr. Phil, who had an inperson interview with Mr. Reed, according to the Death Penalty Information Centre. “I think the question is, has he had a fair trial with a full airing of all of the evidence. And I think the answer to that question, in my opinion, is not just ‘no’ but ‘hell no.’” The Innocence Project and Rodney Reed are seeking DNA testing of evidence that they say will exonerate him. Mrs. Reed described the conditions under which her brother-in-law has lived for the past two decades. “He’s incredibly strong. God has allowed me to see and witness true strength,” she said. “I went to visit him. He was upbeat. He is in a 6-foot square cell 23 hours a day, 7 days a week. He’s a big man in small space. He has pretty severe sensory deprivation. He’s not allowed to hug his mother, (continued on page 8)

Visit Us Online: www.SB-American.com

Page 7

December 5, 2019

LIFESTYLE NEWS/ADVERTISING/RELIGION

FILM REVIEW: In Fabric

Marianne Jean Baptiste as Sheila eyeballs glued to the screen for 118 minutes. You’re hooked until he’s through weaving a very sordid tale about a dress with a mind of its own and a curse that is deadly. Sheila (Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Secrets & Lies) ) is very conscientious. She’s a chatty and polite bank teller. As a recently divorced single mom, she lives with her young adult son Vince (Jaygann Ayeh, The Souvenir). Her offspring, judging by the moans and groans that emanate from his bedroom at night when he’s hosting his ladyfriend (Gwendoline Christie), should have been living on his own years ago. Sheila, tired of being alone, puts her profile on a dating page and is about to meet a new man for dinner. Wanting to make the right impression, she heads to a bizarre London department store and is tempted to buy something wild, for a woman of a certain age. A creepy-looking store clerk (Fatma Mohamed), who slithers down the aisles like Morticia Adams (of The Adams Family), champions a low-cut red dress. Sheila: “Isn’t it a little risqué? I don’t normally wear this kind of thing.” Clerk: “Be bold. Your date will compliment you. Touch it. Feel it. Here.” Sheila’s restaurant rendezvous doesn’t go well. He’s a bore. Selfabsorbed. No feel for small talk. No sense of humor. Pity. But at least she has the dress she adores. Unfortunately, the feeling is not mutual. The frock gives her

a rash. It moves around on its own, causes a series of accidents, mishaps and oddities that leave puddles of blood in its wake. There is something so matterof-fact about Sheila that when unnatural things vex her you feel extra sorry about her misfortune. Her life turns to tatters. So do the lives of anyone who dons the scarlet garment. Strickland sets the scare meter at moderate. The horror is consistent but not explosive. Ghastly in the right places. A little mangling here. Oral sex there. A washing machine run amuck. Untimely deaths. The director brushes on the macabre like an artist choosing the right colors, shapes and textures for a Salvador Dali painting. Tasteful. Sick. Weird. More like an art film gone askew. Not at all like a tacky B-movie. The costume designer (Jo Thompson) threads together a catchy wardrobe for the cast, who look prepared to go to work or a freak show, depending. Sets (Adrian Greenwood) and production design (Paki Smith), from Shelia’s cramped two-story flat to a department store with a secret dumbwaiter that leads to a coven, pull you into a workingclass life that clashes with an underworld. The score (Cavern of AntiMatter) has both whimsical and sinister tones. Ditto the sound design (Rob Entwistle). Editing (Matyas Fekete) the footage

down to a fairly lengthy movie that doesn’t feel long is not an easy feat. The rainbow of colors (Bobbie Cousins art director) is well captured by cinematography (Ari Wegner) with lighting that is particularly sensual during a very intimate peeping tom scene. The camerawork evokes an odd feeling as you become the watcher observing a voyeur. Baptiste leaves her everywoman imprint all over the footage. Sheila’s inflection, nonchalant delivery and stoic facial expressions rarely waver, even in the presence of two overbearing bosses, played snidely by Steve Oram and Julian Barratt. Mohamed’s accent, as the temptress clerk, is so thick you could trip over it, and the clandestine life the character leads gets spookier every minute. Jaygann Ayeh’s chemistry with Baptiste is so natural it’s as if Sheila was his real helicopter mom and he was her actual ungrateful millennial son. Even with the dry humor and intelligent writing, make no mistakes about it, In Fabric is designed to scare the s— out of you. It does. Small eerie moments pile up, fraying your nerves, building and building. Like someone first sticking needles in your back, then switching to shivs. Visit NNPA News Wire Film Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com and BlackPressUSA.com.

Universal CityWalk Announces the Arrival of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen to Its Array of Diverse Dining Options, Opening in 2021, as Southern California’s Leading Outdoor Leisure Complex Continues Its Ongoing Revitalization...continued

Universal CityWalk Announces the Arrival of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen to Its Array of Diverse Dining Options, Opening in 2021, as Southern California’s Leading Outdoor Leisure Complex Continues Its Ongoing Revitalization Entertainment News Universal City, CA, December 3, 2019 – Decadent desserts, artisanal milkshakes and eclectic culinary inspirations are signature creations of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen™, an original concept restaurant, opening at Universal CityWalk in 2021. The visually stunning eatery will arrive to Universal CityWalk bringing an extensive menu of brunch, lunch and dinner items, sumptuous milkshakes and desserts and delectable confectionary treats to L.A. residents and guests visiting from around the globe. Hearty items will feature palate pleasing twists on classic steaks, seafood and pasta entrees to gourmet burgers and sandwiches and all-day brunch. The arrival of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen marks the ongoing celebration of Universal CityWalk and will be located adjacent to the popular Universal Cinema and joins recent dining establishment additions, including Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, VIVO Italian Kitchen, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Voodoo Doughnut. The spotlight continues to

shine brightly on Universal CityWalk, one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers, which has boosted the city’s rhythm with a variety of memorable experiences for over 25 years. More information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Twitter @UniStudios, FacebookUniversal Studios Hollywood and Instagram @UniStudios. Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, moviebased theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Attractions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, and the new mega (continued in next 2 columns)

And You Are Still In the Same Place that You Were Last Year!”...continued

By Dwight Brown, NNPA Newswire Film Critic

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Credit Writer/director Peter Strickland for succeeding where others have not. His direction exhibits a quirky, artistic style. Scenes melt into each other effortlessly. There’s a dazzling visual flare that keeps your eyeballs glued to the screen for 118 minutes. You’re hooked until he’s through weaving a very sordid tale about a dress with a mind of its own and a curse that is deadly. She thought she was simply buying a sexy red dress, off the rack. But when that frock came home with her, so did the supernatural. Writer/director Peter Strickland had a wicked vision in mind when he created this campy horror film, which has a style that is reminiscent of the 1977 cult classic Suspiria, by famed 1970s/ 80s Italian horror director Dario Argento. Argento gained notoriety for his arty mixture of thriller, mystery, psychological and erotic elements versus unbridled gore. Director Luca Guadagnino (Oscar-nominee Call Me by Your Name) attempted to mimic Argento’s style with his misguided 2018 remake of Suspiria. His failure proves that stepping into this horror subgenre successfully is not that easy. Credit Strickland for succeeding where others have not. His direction exhibits a quirky, artistic style. Scenes melt into each other effortlessly. There’s a dazzling visual flare that keeps your

“Here We Are - Approaching the End of This Year

attraction “Jurassic World—The Ride.” Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons Ride™” and DreamWorks Theatre featuring “Kung Fu Panda Adventure.” The worldrenowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest

movie and television production studio where they can also experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious— Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.” The adjacent Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex also includes the all-new multimillion dollar, redesigned Universal CityWalk Cinema, featuring deluxe recliner seating in screening room quality theatres, and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert stage.

“Here We Are - Approaching the End of This Year And You Are Still In the Same Place that You Were Last Year!” By: Lou Yeboah

Lou Yeboah Why? Don’t you know that if you want to walk on water, you got to get out of the boat. Forward is a fight. On the road to moving forward are many obstacles. It’s not the easy road of the least resistance but the hard road of great resistance. Why? Because Satan does all he can to prevent our growth and development. He knows how great that path is so he resists every step forward we take. But I want you to know that you have all the

weapons of warfare you need to carry on for, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” [Isaiah 54:17] “If God be for you who can be against you?” [Romans 8:31]. I tell you, don’t let anything get in the way of you moving forward. God wants to do more than you can ever imagine. Move out and move forward! You see, there is only one way to move in the Kingdom: Move Forward! When we ‘Move Forward’ the Lord will open the door! Be dissatisfied with your position. As Paul said in [Philippians 3:12] “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” I tell you, God has (continued in next 2 columns)

created an open place for you to walk in. If you would just believe and move forward into the things of God, “He would supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” It’s time to ‘Move Forward! Don’t wander in wilderness - move out and move forward. The command given is, “Forward!” As [Deut. 1:7] says, “Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites; go to all the neighboring peoples in the Arabah, in the mountains, in the western foothills, in the Negev and along the coast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and to their descendans after them.” [Deut. 1:7-8]. You have

stayed long enough in this mountain…now set up your journey. Go up and possess the land.” Forward March! I want you to know that the purpose of my thought and intention today is to convey the significance of the moment or occasion we as a people of God have embarked upon. It is an occasion of opportunity, a point of entering, a moment of possessing. Now is the time we must move. “For a great door and effectual is opened unto (us).” For God desires to take us places that “eyes have not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” Shake yourself off from the things that inhibit or obstruct your mobility and progression from entering into the things God has prepared for you. Forward March!

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Email us @ msbamericannews@gmail.com or call (909) 889-7677 Witness For Justice #971

The Witness of Water Tracy Howe Wispelwey Minister for Congregational & Community Engagement Last week, as closing arguments began in the latest trial of Dr. Scott Warren, the organization he volunteered with, No More Deaths, continued defiantly to do the work they felt called to: to end suffering and death in the Sonoran desert by setting out water and providing humanitarian aid, the very thing Dr. Warren was now facing 20 years in prison for. The first time I heard about groups going into the desert to set water out was in 2000. I was fresh out of college, and it was one of the first encounters I remember where the acts of mercy and compassion, embodied as solidarity with the vulnerable and dangerous plight of people, testified loudly to me: this is the gospel! Nineteen years later, the movement of people across borders globally continues, as it has since people began. This is nothing new and it won’t stop. However, militarization along the U.S.-Mexico border has increased. Nationalist and white supremacist policy has increased. Humanitarian aid, setting water out in the desert, has been criminalized. Nevertheless, the gospel still calls us to embody solidarity (Matthew 5:1-12), to act in faith, hope and love of creation and our fellow human siblings (Matthew 25:34-46), and to demonstrate true, living relationships. The stakes have grown for me, not because of the increased risk of arrest, or possibility of being targeted by border patrol as some of my colleagues have been. The stakes have grown for me because I am in the process of getting free

of the dehumanizing spiritualities of the world. I am living more fully into the truth that I am beloved by God, made in God’s beautiful and transforming image. My faith grows stronger rooting into the knowledge and the demonstration of mercy and compassion, and embodying solidarity with the most vulnerable—what I understand as the core of the gospel, which is about to be celebrated again around the world by all different traditions of Christianity in the proclamation of Advent and Christmas. The United Church of Christ stands with immigrants and refugees, and I was honored to join a special water drop delegation facilitated by No More Deaths in the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, where the remains of many migrants have been found over the years. As we were driving back to the courthouse, we learned the jury had reached a verdict: not guilty on all charges. Whatever comes next in regards to policy, the construction of walls, or militarization of our lands, we will not stop the work of mercy and compassion, of restoring the truth of our living relationships with one another. It’s worth it because we belong to one another. It’s worth it even if we are imprisoned. It’s worth it—as Jesus demonstrated—even if the powers and principalities, the empires and the state, put us to death. Jesus will be born again, embodying the vulnerability of a baby in the arms of migrant woman.

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Black, Red & Ready: African-American Republicans Want to Turn Deep Blue California Purple By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Corrin Rankin, President, Legacy Republican Alliance Black Republicans in California are focused and organizing. They want to “reintroduce” African Americans in the state to the GOP, Black Republican leaders and activists say. By increasing the number of Black Republicans holding political office in the state and inspiring more Black Californians to vote red, they believe their efforts will purple the deep blue African-American vote in the fourth bluest of blue states in the country, according to a ranking by The Hill, a Washington D.C.based website that covers the U.S. Congress, Presidency and national politics. “We are Black first, then Republican,” says Corrin Rankin, 45, a GOP activist and delegate who splits her time between homes in San Mateo and San Joaquin counties. “We believe Republican policies are more in line with our values as Black Americans than democratic policies,” says Rankin. “We believe in low taxes, small and efficiently-run governments, and limited regulation. The more regulations you have, the less people especially people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds - are able to get involved in any industry.” Last February, at the state Republican convention, Rankin says she and other AfricanAmerican conservatives who attended decided to organize

themselves and form an association called the Legacy Republican Alliance (LRA), a political action committee, after they found out the California Republican Party had a directive to not reach out to Black voters. “We understand from a business perspective that the number of Black Republicans in the state is relatively small, but that was not the right way to go for the party,” she says. “There were other ethnic organizations at the convention. That’s why we decided to create the LRA, to increase our numbers and make our voices heard so that we can have a seat at the table.” California has the fifth largest Black population in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. African Americans account for about 6.5 percent of the state’s total population of nearly 40 million people. Democrats in California make up 72 percent of Black registered voters, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Six percent of those AfricanAmerican likely voters are Republican. Independents account for about 20 percent. And there are no Black Republicans who are members of the state legislature or among California’s delegations to the United States Congress. But some African-American leaders in the California Democratic Party are concerned that their party has not done a good job empowering Blacks when it comes to things like organizing voter registrations and encouraging voter participation. Many point out, too, that fellow Democrats at the state, county and local levels often overlook issues important to African Americans like failing schools and the high cost of housing, and they sometimes advance public policies that disproportionally impact Blacks as well as middle

class and lower-income families. Those Black Democratic leaders – two of them spoke with California Black Media off the record for this article – say those missteps by their party cause them to work harder to ensure that their party remains the first choice for Black Californians. But Taisha Brown, who was sworn in chair of the California Democratic Party African American Caucus last month, says Black support of the Democratic Party and elected Democrats in the state has never been stronger. And with more African-American Democrats being appointed to influential leadership positions in the state, she is confident things are moving in the right direction. “We may not see eye-to-eye on every issue as Democrats in California, but we still stand with each other, and we support a party where there is room to have difficult conversations that allow us to move forward together in good faith as we work for a better California, a better country, a better life for all of our families,” she said. “Now, more than ever, we have to listen to each other and think about how the things we fight for impact all of us.” Since the LRA was formed, Rankin says the group has launched a website and focused on informing Black Californians that Republican policies on employment, business, education, taxation, criminal justice reform, community- police relations and criminal justice reform are better for their families and communities. They have also been actively raising money to support Black Republican candidates and LRA members, including Navy veteran Joe Collins who is running for U.S. Congress against Rep. Maxine Waters in the 43rd district which covers the Los Angeles area; Aja Smith, an Air Force vet,

also running for U.S. Congress against Democratic Rep. Mark Takano in the 41st district in the Inland Empire; Tamika Hamilton, another Air Force vet running for Congress against Democratic Rep. John Garamendi in the 3rdCongressional district west of Sacramento; and Major Williams who is running for mayor of Pasadena. Another member of the LRA, Jonathan Madison, has been elected Regional Vice Chair of the Bay Area GOP. In April of this year, the California Republican Assembly (CRA), a statewide conservative activist group former California Gov. and U.S. President Ronald Reagan called “the conscience of the Republican Party,” elected Johnnie Morgan, 68, as its first African-American president for a three-year term. Morgan says one of his main goals as CRA president is to recruit more African Americans and Independents to join the California Republican Party. “African Americans place a high value on family as does the Republican Party,” Morgan told California Black Media. Rankin is encouraging Black Californians who want to make a difference in their communities to reach out to the LRA for mentorship and guidance on how to get elected to county or municipal office. “You can run for city council or your local school board and represent yourself, your interests, your neighbors and your community,” she says. Rankin says the LRA is building a framework in California that it hopes to take nationwide. “Our state is in desperate need of diverse and thoughtful leaders who will bring a much-needed, new approach to solving California’s toughest challenges,” she says.

December 5, 2019

The Salvation Army Raises $72,000 to Serve the Needy in San Bernardino County Local News (Redlands, Calif.) Cooking guru, entrepreneur and auctioneer extraordinaire, Martha Green served as the keynote speaker at the recent Salvation Army Red Kettle Kick Off at the ESRI Café in Redlands. The event raised $72,000 of the $100,000 goal. All funds raised will go to help the Homeless, Hungry and Hopeless. “Please give at the Red Kettles this Christmas Season so that we can help more people in need,” said Green. Last Christmas The Salvation Army assisted over 1000 families and delivered 5,500 toys to 1,400 children. The Red Kettles are one of the main fundraisers for The Salvation Army and the funds raised help those in need here in the county throughout the year. The Salvation Army has served the Inland Empire since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. “Just wanted to take a quick moment to thank all who attended and donated to this years Red Kettle Kickoff”, said Major Edward "Duke" Markham, Corps Officer/ Administrator, The Salvation Army San Bernardino California South Division. “I want to thank Martha Green for joing us, she did a great job and has shared that she will continue to be of support to us and our mission

here in San Bernardino County to help those in need,” Major Markham. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. For more information please call: 909.792.6868 or 909.888.1336. About The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps The Salvation Army provides emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of The Universal Christian Church, and also offering holistic programs for people of all ages. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino serves the communities of: Redlands, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Mentone, Bloomington, Loma Linda, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, Muscoy, San Bernardino and other Mountain Communities. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local numbers are (909) 8881336 or (909) 792-6868.

Family, supporters press Texas governor for new trial for man on death row...continued from page 6 family or friends since all this time. But despite all that he’s pretty positive.” She said Mr. Reed has no access to a computer, cell phone, or technology. He has supporters who reach out to him and that happens through his partner Judy Ann, who shares every day comments from his supporters and updates. “He has family visits two hours a week. There’s a lot to get out because he’s trying to get everything out,” she said. “It can be a little tense sometimes. Rodney remains very strong and is being cautiously optimistic.”

Roderick Reed said his brother’s incarceration has been “a gamechanger, life changing.” “Dealing with this for this amount of time is a life changer. It has changed our lives. We’ll never be the same,” he said. “But every day knowing the truth and that Rodney’s innocent and this experience has brought me to a whole other place in my mind.” Now, Roderick Reed said, he’s focused, looking forward to the day when his brother comes home. “I’m very optimistic. He will be exonerated. We will have time to heal,” he concluded.