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“A Man In Debt is So Far A Slave” -Emerson

NEWSPAPER A Community Newspaper Serving San Bernardino, Riverside & Los Angeles Counties Volume 51 No. 40

January 21, 2021- January 27, 2021

Mailing: P.O. Box 837, Victorville, CA 92393

Office: (909) 889-7677

Email: Mary @Sb-American.com

Website: www.SB-American.com

Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance those of whom they suppress. —Fredrick Douglass (1849)

FBI Vetting Troops Before Inauguration NNPA NEWSWIRE — Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press that officials are conscious of the potential threat, and he warned commanders to be on the lookout for any problems within their ranks as the inauguration approaches. “We’re continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation,” McCarthy said in an interview after he and other military leaders went through an exhaustive, three-hour security drill in preparation for Wednesday’s inauguration.

America Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. NNPA NEWSWIRE — While parades and other festive gatherings for the heroic civil rights leader will not occur this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, national and local organizations throughout the country still will honor Dr. King’s legacy.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

About 25,000 members of the National Guard are expected in Washington from across the country — at least two and a half times the number for previous inaugurals. The planning and push to secure President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ inauguration includes the vetting of those employed to keep them safe. U.S. defense officials have expressed deep concer ns about a possible insider attack and threat from ser vice members, according to a report from the Associated Press. The report claimed that the FBI has vetted all of the 25,000 National Guard troops expected in the nation’s capital for the inauguration. The news wire service cited concerns that “gripped Washington following the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump insurrectionists.

“And it underscores fears that some of the very people assigned to protect the city over the next several days could present a threat to the incoming president and other VIPs in attendance,” the Associated Press noted. A r my Secret ar y Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press that officials are conscious of the potential threat, and he warned commanders to be on the lookout for any problems within their ranks as the inauguration approaches. “We’re continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation,” McCarthy said in an interview after he

and other military leaders went through an exhaustive, threehour security drill in preparation for Wednesday’s inauguration. He told the Associated Press that Guard members are also getting training on how to identify potential insider threats. About 25,000 members of the National Guard are expected in Washington from across the country — at least two and a half times the number for previous inaug urals. The report further noted that while the military routinely reviews service members for extremist connections, the FBI screening is in addition to any previous monitoring.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had urged law enforcement to vigilantly work to sniff out potential violent plots by insurrectionists and other nefarious actors. The had also expressed concern over whether some would attempt to disrupt the inauguration. Bowser has demanded unprecedented protection for the event. “Homeland Security must adjust its approach to the inauguration in several specific ways,” Bowser wrote in a letter this month to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf. “There must be a federal force deploy ment [plan] for all U.S. gover nment property,” Bowser demanded.

What does “Black History Month”mean to me? By: Phillip A. Brown, Editor, Urban Futurist Publication When I think of the celebrating by Black people during Black History Month, my spirit fills empty and a little sad. Our ancestors sacrificed so much for each proceeding generation, with the hope that one day there would be a prosperous nation of Black people free from the shackles of slavery, the bondage of sharecropping and the unjust laws of Jim Crow…And yes, from that man made disease, “racism”. How they must have imagined! That Black people one day would pool their intelligence, talent, land and money to build communities that support our culture, children and families. I believe our ancestors thought of a time in the future when businesses

and institutions owned by Black people would blanket the landscape of our communities creating jobs, knowledge institutes, inventions, housing, hotels, hospitals, banks, restaurants, stores etc…The evolution of “Black Wall Street” Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1921 prosperity spreading across America, before the bombings and total destruction by angry white mobs. What then, would they see today that would be cause for Celebration? After the “I have a dream” speech and the subsequent murder of Dr. Martin Luther King in 1968, what have Black people accomplished; no, not individually, but as a nation of people that give rise to the next generation of Black children? We have more freedom,

education, money and talent then any preceding generation. Yet Mother Nature, through hurricane Katrina unveiled the precarious living conditions of urban Black America. I too have a d ream for Black A mer ica! Imagine; that Black History Month (February) was a time for planting seeds (investing in businesses), and Juneteenth was a time to celebrate the new harvest of these businesses, jobs and institutions cooperatively funded and collectively owned by the community …Wealth creation, a legacy for the next generation to build upon… How, you m ay a sk , could we do t h is?

First, we would re-educate the Black Church community to an understanding that the tithes and gifts given on Sunday are on loan, and are to be used in a manner that is consistence with the parable of the “five talents”. That is, the offerings raised would be leveraged and multiplied by investing back into the community in the form of cooperative ownership in land, institutions and businesses owned and operated by the members to support the needs of the giving congregants, (The Church) and community. Second, the congregants would assess their talents and experiences and collaborate them in support of these newly established businesses continued on page 7

Fift y-th ree years after Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination, and 38 years after his birth date became a national federal holiday, America is now facing another pivotal moment of national racial reckoning. While parades and other festive gatherings for the heroic civil rights leader will not occur this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, national and local organizations throughout the country still will honor Dr. King’s legacy. In Maryland, the nonprofit Civic Works plans to welcome groups of volunteers to participate in its annual MLK Day of Service. The 9 a.m. plans include 150 volunteers banding together across nine sites [both physically with Covid-19 safety precautions, and virtually] to help green a vacant lot in Baltimore, landscape urban farms, sort clothes for AmeriCorps members, writing cards to seniors, and clean public spaces. The Brooklyn Academy of Music – or BAM – hosts an 11 a.m. tribute that includes a keynote address from Black Lives Matter Global Network founder Alicia Garza. The event will stream on bam.org and also BAM’s YouTube and Vimeo channels. In Florida, the Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Committee of St. Johns County will host the 36th annual Commemorative Event in the Lewis Auditorium in St. Augustine, FL and online as a virtual event in a celebration of the memory of Dr. King and the influence he had in the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. NNPA President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., is the featured speaker. Dr. Chavis will address the theme, “Our Lives Begin to End the Day We Become Silent about Things That Matter.” Chavis stated, “Dr. King’s dream and courage for freedom, justice and equality for all must reaffirmed and practiced in 2021 across America and throughout the world.” The Presidential Inaugural Committee is hosting “United We Serve: A Celebration of the

National MLK Day of Service.” Participants include the Rev. Dr. Bernice King; Martin Luther King III; Chesca; Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan.; Rosario Dawson; Andra Day; Yo-Yo Ma; the Rev. Al Sharpton; Sean Patrick Thomas; Diane Warren; Lynn Whitfield; and Bebe Winans. The event will be streamed live on at bideninaugural. org and on PIC social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook from 8:00–9:00 p.m. Eastern on Jan. 18. “This year’s inauguration will look different amid the pandemic, so we’re committed to providing dynamic programming that will engage more Americans than ever before, all from the safety of their homes,” said PIC CEO Tony Allen in a news release. “With the help of popular musicians and artists, rising stars, national, state and local leaders, and everyday Americans, we’re going to celebrate our diversity, honor those who are committed to service, and reflect on our history. We will come together as one nation, America united.” In Houston, the 43rd Annual Original MLK Day Virtual Experience & Live Parade of Giving occurs at MacGregor Park at 5225 Calhoun Road. There, residents are asked to drop-off donations to be distributed to those in need. In Pennsylvania, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with its “Food justice is social justice” campaign. The food bank will open one of its warehouses to 30 volunteers to prepare food for distribution across the organization’s 11-county service area from 9 a.m. to noon. In Atlanta, the Beloved Community Commemorative Service caps a weeklong celebration of Dr. King’s life that features a keynote address by Bishop T.D. Jakes. The event occurs online and features remarks from Grammy-winning continued on page 2

January 21, 2021

Page 2 COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/ADVERTISING

Dr. Gail C. Christopher Delivers NDORH Message Encouraging Racial Healing Community/ Education News

Dr. Gail C. Christopher Virtual Message is HERE WASHINGTON - Dr. Gail C. Christopher today delivered a critical message on racial healing to the nation, celebrating the 5th Annual National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH). Dr. Christopher, one of the nation’s leading advocates for racial healing, called on America to jettison racism and the false hierarchy of human value. Dr. Christopher, executive director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, said her message seeks to raise awareness of the need to heal from divisiveness and racial tensions that are being exacerbated across the country. She was instrumental in launching NDORH while working at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, a philanthropic organization she applauded

for supporting and attracting hundreds of thousands of NDORH participants over the years. “We designed this day to come after the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. And every four years, it would come just before an inauguration day,” said Dr. Christopher, a Senior Scholar at George Mason Center for the Advancement of Wellbeing. “This particular year is unique. Because we know our country needs healing, needs racial healing, more now than perhaps ever before…” Adds Dr. Christopher: “If we're ever really going to end racism in this country, we have to understand that what we have to do is change our fundamental conceptual framework about relationship, about how we relate to one another as human beings. And as long as we allow this backdrop continued in next 2 columns

Op-ed Submission: A letter to my daughter: “From the Promise to the Precipice” By Rev. Stephen Tillett

My Sophia: Soon, you will witness a first-time event in American history, the swearing-in of Kamala Harris, the first woman to be elected Vice President of the United States. The significance of her being an African American woman, and one of Nana’s sorority sisters, might escape you. After all, Barack Obama was president when you were born. Four years later, a woman, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, was the favored candidate for president. When you awoke on November 9, 2016, you learned that some things that seem certain do not always happen. When you learned that Mrs. Clinton lost the vote in the Electoral College, you cried. As a result of that experience, you have learned more about the highs and lows of politics than most children might be expected to know. Nevertheless, having people of color and women in positions of power may not seem that momentous to you. Babygirl, the events of January

6, 2021 have changed everything. And I’m sad to say you may be living in some of the most dangerous days in this country since the Civil War. There is a new word I will introduce to you today. Precipice. In the context of our politics, precipice means “a situation of great peril.” Since the election in November, there has been a nonstop drumbeat of disinformation (lies) about the way the election was conducted and its outcome. Anywhere else in the world, winning an election

Op-ed Submission: A letter to my daughter: “From the Promise to the Precipice”...continued and your peers, with angry mobs storming the Capitol building threatening to “hang” the vice president, and to harm members of Congress. You are certainly not seeing us at our best and I don’t want you to accept this ugliness as normal. Indeed, this country was founded on the highest written ideals. The Declaration of Independence says, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (and women) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” There were many times in the past 245 years when our country did not live up to those ideals, especially for those of us who are the descendants of stolen Africans. Indeed, these sentiments often remain aspirational (we hope they will become true someday), nevertheless we still choose to believe in the “promise of America.” After January 6th, our confidence is somewhat shaken. Yet we remain determined to, as President Abraham Lincoln said, to remember that “we are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory,

stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” He gave this speech in 1865 near the end of the Civil War. He was reminding us that despite our differences, we are not enemies. While events may have strained our bonds (as Americans) if we choose to work through the hard times and stay together, the “better angels of our nature” will help us find our way out of the darkness to a better place where we are all seen and valued as equals with rights that are respected and protected. I know times are hard, but don’t ever give up. Time does not march backward, always forward! We will try to do our best and then, we pray, your generation will do even better! Rev. Stephen Tillett, pastor of Asbury Broadneck United Methodist Church in Annapolis, Maryland, is author of Stop Falling for the Okeydoke: How the Lie of “Race” Continues to Undermine Our Country; Political Analyst for The Lavonia Perryman Show (910 AM Superstation, Detroit, iHeart Radio), and a retired Air Force Chaplain.

continued in next 2 columns

Clifton Harris Editor in Chief Investigative Reporter sbamericannews@gmail.com Mary Martin-Harris / Editor Clifton B. Harris / Audio Engineering Editor Legal /Display Advertising (909) 889-7677 The San Bernardino American News was established May 6, 1969. A legally adjudicated newspaper of general circulation on September 30, 1971, case number 15313 by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County. The San Bernardino AMERICAN News subscription rate is $58.00 per year. The San Bernardino AMERICAN News 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.

ACLU Statement on Trump Administration’s Community Organizations Condemn 1776 Commission Report Community/Education News Local Elected Officials for Mishandling NEW YORK — On Monday, than the exception throughout COVID-19 Response Community/Education News Inland Empire, CA — January 14, 2021. A group of local nonprofit organizations have co-signed the attached letter which accuses the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, Riverside County Supervisors, and the Riverside County Sheriff of mishandling the COVID-19 response of their respective jurisdictions. Co-signed by over 20 community organizations, the joint letter states, “Instead of leading the people you were elected to serve, you have chosen to pit the community against each other for political gain. We will no longer stand and be silent, and we cannot forget your lack of leadership.” This letter delineates that these elected officials have been pushing false narratives and ultimately pitting community against each other and local small businesses, while ignoring pro-public health guidelines. It is also a rallying call for the elected officials that do understand and comprehend the gravitas of the perilous next few months the Inland Empire is about to traverse. Hospitals in both counties are already at their

breaking points surging to using 100% of their ICU capacities. It’s an extreme crisis as there are more intensive care patients than there are beds. Front-line healthcare workers are barely holding on as new COVID cases from the holidays continue to stream in. Michael Gomez Daly, Executive Director of IE United, commented: “It is disgusting and downright shameful that these electeds whom have sworn oaths to protect and do what’s right for our communities, have instead been spewing falsehoods against science and encouraging so many people to ignore the realities of this Inland Empire crisis.” To make matters worse, hospitals are also challenged with distributing vaccinations as fast as they can. The rhetoric and false narratives regarding COVID health guides being amplified by these elected officials is severely undermining effective health and economic recovery. Riverside County has seen a staggering 50% of front-line workers refuse to take the vaccine because of skepticism.

Dr. Gail C. Christopher Delivers NDORH Message Encouraging Racial Healing...continued

by over 7 million votes means you are declared the winner. Sadly, because of the Electoral College, not here! That has created room for the lies to take hold and inspired the riot that occurred at the Capitol. I regret that we, your parents and ancestors, have allowed an atmosphere to take hold in our country that is unworthy of you

Publisher’s Corner

of a disparity, and inequity, and the dignity, and the respect, and the value that human beings are to be accorded and afforded, we will continue to have racial injustice.” Further, Dr. Christopher called for establishing a national Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Commission, noting that Rep. Barbara Lee and Sen. Cory Booker have introduced legislation and that the concept is being discussed with the Biden administration. “We'd like to

reinforce and to reiterate the primacy of this work, this work of enabling a new belief system, a new way of engaging each other,” she said in her message. Dr. Christopher said that deeply held beliefs drive behavior. “Our feelings create the motion of our lives,” she said. “And that was certainly made clear to us recently with the atrocious and unbelievable insurrection and attack, violent attack on our nation's capital.”

the Trump White House released the report of the presidential “1776 Commission,” which both defends America’s founding on the basis of slavery and likens progressivism to fascism.

In the following statement ReNika Moore, director of the ACLU’s Racial Justice Program, highlighted the white supremacy that will define the Trump administration’s legacy for decades to come: “Donald Trump has always attempted to use a fictional version of the past to justify racist policies. As such, it is only fitting that in the final days of his term as president, and on the day we celebrated the life of Martin Luther King Jr., his administration released a report that pushes a white supremacist version of our nation’s history, justifies slavery as ‘more the rule

human history,’ and compares members of the opposing political party to fascist dictators. “For four years, the Trump administration has not only shouted racist rhetoric from the mountain tops, but they’ve also implemented a framework to turn that language into policies that have had a devastating impact on the lives of marginalized communities across the world. This final racist, tyrannical manifesto should enshrine the legacy of the Trump administration as precisely what President Trump intended it to be: that of a bigoted, xenophobic tyrant who peddled a factually inaccurate version of our country’s history with the ultimate goal of empowering white supremacists.” This statement is online here: https://www.aclu.org/ press-releases/aclu-statementtrump-administrations-1776commission-report

America Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.... continued from page 1 gospel artist Kirk Franklin and U.N. Deputy SecretaryGeneral Amina J. Mohammed. The event will stream on Fa cebook a nd T he K i n g C e n t e r we b s i t e . In California, Stanford University’s four-day online festival honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy culminates on the holiday with musical performances, documentary f ilms, and conversations inspired by the question, Where do we go from here? “I hope the King Holiday can become an occasion for informing people about King’s legacy and how it relates to the King Institute, but more broadly, how it relates to the San Francisco Bay Area,” Clayborne Carson, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Centennial Professor of History, Emeritus, at Stanford, and

director of the King Institute, told the university’s news service. “One of the things that will be made clear is that the King family has had a very special relationship with this area and with Stanford.” In Detroit, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History hosts film screenings and other programming that includes a museum-wide live stream of the keynote speech by PBS White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor. The Rev. Dr. Bernice King posted a heartfelt thank you on Twitter to all those observing her late father’s holiday. “Thank you for the loving, sincere ways that you honored and celebrated my father on his birthday,” Bernice King wrote in the post that included a photo of her, her father, and her mother.

January 21, 2021

Page 3 STATE/GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS

Lawmakers Dig Into History of Inequality Kamala Harris Set to Become First Woman Vice President Black in Criminal Justice System...continued in American History Manny Otiko | California Black Media over Jones-Sawyer’s face. The represent the 51st State Assembly This Wednesday, when Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor swears in former California Sen. Kamala Harris as vice president, she will make history for several reasons. Harris – who was born in Oakland and spent part of her childhood in Berkeley -- will become the first woman and the first person both of Black and Asian descent to assume the second-highest political office in the United States. “With just a few days left, I am anticipating seeing Kamala raise her hand and take the oath to become the most powerful woman in American history. I am so honored. She is ready and able. And she is a sister, a good friend and an inspiration to so many people here in California and to so many more Americans,” said Amelia Ashley-Ward, the publisher of the San Francisco Sun Reporter, the city’s largest and oldest African American newspaper. Ward, who has been friends with Harris for decades now, says it seems “like yesterday” when Harris began running for district attorney 18 years ago. At that time, people in San Francisco told her to drop out because she was not prepared. “It was unheard of in this city for a Black woman to challenge the status quo and win. She did it and remained true to who she is,” said Ward. “From district attorney to attorney general to United States senator, to running for the presidency, then becoming vice president. I will be watching, inspired, and in tears, with a heart full of joy.” As Harris, who has represented California in the Senate for four years now, prepares to ascend to the vice presidency, she enters the White House at a time when the country is fraught with division and uncertainty. A raging pandemic has been sending shocks through the economy over the past 11 months. And

Kamala Harris Vice President the country is unsettled in the throes of an ongoing reckoning on race expressed partially by riots that erupted last summer after a Minnesota police officer violently killed George Floyd, an unarmed Black man. On top of those crises, far right-wing groups, which have been resurging across the country for more than a decade now, have been organizing protests with threats of violence opposing the election of Vice Presidentelect Joe Biden and Harris. On Jan. 6, a violent mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters, including some trained military personnel and law enforcement officers, stormed the U.S. Capitol. The violent riot resulted in five deaths, including the murder of a police officer, the evacuation of members of the U.S. Congress and significant damage to the historic building. As a result of the mayhem at the site where Biden and Harris will be sworn in, the inauguration is being held under tight security. Some 20,000 national guard troops have descended on Washington, D.C., to harden the city and the Capitol building against potential attacks. Much of the National Mall will be closed on Inauguration Day. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has told people to stay away from the inauguration because of COVID-19. She also asked federal authorities to cancel demonstration

permits for security reasons. Harris, who has said she supports having the swearing-in ceremony outside of the Capitol despite security concerns, says Americans should not be defeated by the people who attacked the building that symbolizes American democracy around the world. “No matter what challenges we face, democracy will always win,” Harris tweeted last week. This year’s scaled-back inauguwwration will be broadcast on TV and online and includes a number of events leading up to the main ceremony, including a virtual “We The People” concert hosted by actors Keegan-Michael Key and Debra Messing that was held Sunday night. On Martin Luther King Day, a “National Day of Service” featuring speakers and encouraging people to volunteer across America was held. On the day before Harris and Biden are sworn in, a lighting ceremony is being held in Washington, D.C., and across the country to honor Americans who have died of COVID-19. Becoming vice president of the United States is the culmination of a long political journey for Harris, whose father immigrated from Jamaica. Her mother, who is now deceased, was an immigrant from India. After completing two terms as district attorney of San Francisco in 2011, Harris was elected California attorney general

in 2010, becoming the first African American and first woman to serve in the role. Harris was also the first person of South Asian descent to be elected to the United States Senate when she was sworn in as the junior United States Senator for California in 2017. At the time, she also made history as the second African American woman to serve in the Senate after Carol Moseley Braun, who represented Illinois from 1993 to 1999. In the U.S. Senate, Harris served on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on the Budget. Harris is married to attorney Doug Emhoff, who is based in the Los Angeles area and will become a law professor at Georgetown University when he moves to Washington with Harris this week. Emhoff, who is Jewish, has two children from a previous marriage. Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37), who was chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) until this month, looked at Harris’s record. She said Harris has “fought long and hard on behalf of Californians everywhere both in Washington, D.C. a nd Sa c r a me nt o.” Harris was a member of the CBC until Monday afternoon when she turned in her letter of resignation to Gov. Newsom. “Congratulations on becoming this nation's first woman of color to be elected to serve as vice president,” Bass said in a statement. “Your tenacious pursuit of justice and relentless advocacy for the people is exactly what this country needs right now. California is better because of your work as attorney general and stronger because of your work as a senator. Now, all Americans will benefit from your work as vice president. We know you will make us proud as you always have.”

Black Lawmakers Dig Into History of Inequality in Criminal Justice System Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Two Black lawmakers, Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Gardena) and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), made history last month when they were both appointed Public Safety Committee chairpersons in their respective chambers of the California legislature. This is the first time in California history that two Black elected officials have simultaneously led the powerful committees responsible for legislation regarding criminal justice and oversight of law enforcement and other public safety services across the state. On Jan. 5, Bradford and JonesSawyer held a virtual news conference to preview their priorities for the 2021 legislative session. During the event, the men

traced the long and documented history of racism and racial discrimination that has long influenced and characterized the American criminal justice system. Bradford, the chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), said this year government should renew its focus on communities of color i n Califor nia. “We don’t want to look in retrospect at how we got here but a lot of criminal justice laws, policies, and practices were based on slavery,” Bradford said. “The use of deadly force, implemented in 1872, was a direct result of this: how do you kill -legally kill -- Black people in the state of California? So, Mr. Jones-Sawyer and I will be able to bring it to the forefront. We

hate to make it about race, but it is about race in this country.” In a rare public conversation, the pair addressed with unusual frankness the historical roots of racism in law enforcement and criminal justice. This is a topic frequently discussed within the Black community but can be thorny for politicians. It is typically discussed -- at least with that level of candor -- outside of the halls of government, within trusted circles or among activists. “We can now focus like a laser to make sure that our communities are not continually oppressed,” Jones-Sawyer said. “Many of these laws, African Americans will tell you, were based on slavery to catch runaway slaves. Many of those procedures, that we are trying to outlaw now, were created under those laws.” Highlighting racial profiling, excessive force, the killing of African Americans by police officers and vigilantes over the years, the conversation delved into how some law enforcement agencies operate in communities of color in California and across the nation. About 40 journalists as well as some of Bradford’s and Jones-Sawyer’s consituents participated in the virtual meeting.

Bradford drew parallels between recent incidents of law enforcement misconduct and the historical atrocities of “slave patrols.” Slave patrols, widely organized in Southern states during the 1800s, were squadrons made up of non-Black volunteers, empowered to use vigilante tactics to enforce laws related to slavery. Bradford said those actions have a “historical standpoint in criminal justice” and historical ties to some law enforcement practices. Overall, Bradford and JonesSawyer told members of the press, mainly from southern California, that they will concentrate on legislation that emphasizes rehabilitation, economics and education over incarceration, the closure of private prisons, and establishing a police culture that is transparent. Serving the 59th District in the State Assembly, JonesSawyer was elected to the state legislature in November 2012 and re-elected in 2014, 2016 and 2020. During his reelection bid, the California Correctional Peace Officer Association (CCPOA) posted a video displaying an image of a “crosshair” symbol continued in next 2 columns

political video, roughly two-anda-half minutes, was circulated on social media before it was deleted. “It is unconscionable that the president of a peace officer’s association would use such a scare tactic that could incite someone to take action and cause harm,” said Jones-Sawyer after the incident. Jones-Sawyer has authored or co-authored several bills focused on criminal justice reform and restorative justice, such as Assembly Bill 672. That legislation provides re-entry assistance such as housing and job training for persons that have been wrongfully convicted and consequently released from prison. Jones-Sawyer says as chair he will introduce “more bills in the Assembly” proposing criminal justice reforms than other public safety committees have done during past legislative sessions. He says closing more private prisons and providing some financial security for inmates once they are released are also some of his top priorities. “Giving them $200, a bus ticket, dropping them off, and then saying, ‘good luck to you’ just starts the process all over again,” JonesSawyer said, summarizing how prisoners are currently released back into society. “We have to provide wrap-around services and institute them to ensure they don’t go back to prison. We have to help make them productive citizens.” Bradford won the race to

District in a special election in 2009. He was reelected in 2010. In 2012, he was elected to represent the newly created 62nd Assembly Dist r ict Then, in 2016, voters elected him to represent the 35th District in the State Senate, which covers areas in and around Los Angeles. In 2018, he introduced 11 bills signed into law, including Senate Bill 1294, the “California Cannabis Equity Act.” SB 1294 is a first-in-the-nation bill that encourages equitable participation in the cannabis industry and fosters business opportunities for individuals who have been negatively impacted by the War on Drugs. Bradford, who replaced Nancy Skinner (D-Oakland) as the chair of the Senate’s Public Safety Committee, also authored Senate Bill 203, which requires that children under age 17 have an opportunity to consult with legal counsel before interrogation. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law on Sept. 30, 2020. “Many of us don’t even fully understand our legal rights when interacting with members of law enforcement,” Bradford said. “This law will protect all of California’s youth and build trust in our criminal justice system. Young people must know their rights and they should not be alone when being interrogated.”

We Cannot Not Lose Sight of the Historic Milestones By Ben Jealous

Ben Jealous Martin Luther King Jr. Day feels complicated this year. We have new reasons to celebrate. High on that list is the election of Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Rev. King preached, to the U.S. Senate. Georgians had the rare opportunity to vote for two senators at the same time. They elected Warnock, a progressive prophetic Black preacher, and Jon Ossoff, a young Jewish journalist and filmmaker. Seeing them campaign and celebrate together highlighted the vital partnership between Black and Jewish leaders in our struggle toward equality. It reminded me of that historic photo of King holding up pictures of the martyred civil rights colleagues James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwer ner. The people who made the Warnock and Ossoff victories p os sible — t he de d icat e d organizers led by Stacey Abrams and her many colleagues and collaborators—made me think of earlier generations of voting rights activists like Fannie Lou Hamer. This was the kind of moment for which King dreamed and worked. Yet many of us were robbed of the chance to fully appreciate and celebrate these historic milestones. Because the day after the election, while votes in Georgia were still

being counted, a mob of angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. I will not soon be able to forget the feeling in my gut at seeing a gallows and noose being erected outside the Capitol. Or the sight of the Confederate flag being paraded through the rotunda while rioters searched for members of Congress and the vice president. While the mob failed to get their hands on elected officials, they killed a Capitol Police officer and left four other bodies in their wake. We have ju st beg u n the truth-seeking that is necessary for accountability. There is no justification for the Capitol being so poorly defended when far-right activists had been making their violent intentions plain for weeks. Journalists and researchers, including the Right Wing Watch team at my organization, People For the American Way, had been documenting threats of violence and calls for civil war by people who believed Trump’s lies about the election being stolen from him and his supporters. It is impossible to ignore the difference between the light security at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and the massive shows of force that were brought out for Black Lives Matter protests and other marches. Did high-level law enforcement and military officials dismiss the threats from Trump supporters because they would be mostly white, because they were conservatives, because they were seen as allies of the law enforcement community? Their decisions left on-duty officers, as well as members of Congress, vulnerable. It was a fatal mistake. continued on page 6

January 21, 2021

Page 4 RELIGION/LIFESTYLE

“I Have Set Before Thee, Life and Death...!” By: Lou Yeboah

Lou Yeboah

Whatcha going to do? Because I tell you, Time is Running Out, says the Lord! Don’t think that you have forever to make up your mind, because you don’t! Make your eternal salvation secure TODAY! What is your life? It is like a flower that comes forth and then withers. [Job 14:2]. It is like a mist that appears for a little time then vanishes. [James 4:14]. Listen, life is uncertain. There are no guarantees. You may die tonight. Don’t gamble with your soul. Tomorrow is not a promise. Now, I have set before thee, life and death, whatcha going to do? I tell you, we tend to take life for granted. We assume tomorrow is a given. All we have for certain is TODAY. The Bible warns that every human being is subject to sudden death. No one has the promise of another day or hour. As [Amos 6:1] warns “woe to you who are complacent in Zion.” God will “deliver up the city and everything in it.”[verse 8]. Look, according to [WorldOMeter and Medindia ] it is estimated that approximately 150,000 people die daily. People who died yesterday had plans just like us. But unfortunately, they did not live to see those plans. The “Parable of the Rich Man” [Luke 12:16–21] who

stored food in his barns, ate, drank, and felt complacent about tomorrow. What happened to him? God said, “You fool, tonight I will take your life from you.” I beseech you to accept God’s offer of life. The choice He gives is a choice that will affect how you live your life in the NOW and where you will spend eternity in the FUTURE, whether in HEAVEN or HELL. Take advantage of the opportunities God’s grace provides. Joshua said, “Choose for yourselves THIS DAY whom you will serve.” [Joshua 24:15]. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; but I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.” [John 10:10]. I tell you, “NOW is the time of God's favor, NOW is the day of salvation." [2 Corinthians 6:12]. You need to choose, and it is URGENT! Jesus Christ is coming back. [Matthew 24:44] says, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Understand the present time. Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” [Romans 13:1112]. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” [Ephesians 5:15-20]. “But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray... I declare to you today that you shall perish. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.” [Deuteronomy 30:15-20] This is the Word of the Lord! “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." [Joshua 24:15]

Witness For Justice#1030

This Is Most American Traci Blackmon Associate General Minister When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. - Matthew 2:16 (NIV) On January 6, 2021, the symbolic heart of American democracy was attacked. January 6 was also the Feast of Epiphany, the revelation of the Christ child to the wise men. But the light of Epiphany not only revealed the birth of Christ, it also revealed the heart of Herod, a king whose reign was one of political expediency and for whom no sacrifice was too great to maintain power. Images are forever emblazoned in our collective memories of armed insurrectionists, acting upon the implicit and explicit orders of the current President of the United States, fueled by months of the baseless allegations of 14 Republican Senators and 147 House Republicans that an election had been stolen. This deluded mob descended upon our nation’s Capitol waving the battle flag of the Confederacy and, at one point, replacing the American flag they claim to defend with the banner of a defeated president for whom no sacrifice is too great to maintain power. The images are surreal and, were it not for live footage, it might be plausible and even preferable to the majority of White America to

dismiss the seditious behavior of those who sought to overthrow democracy. We might choose, once again, to erase from our institutionalized narrative the treasonous acts of those who breached barriers, scaled walls, broke windows, desecrated monuments, threatened and violated public servants, and even built a gallows—yes, a gallows on federal property—with impunity. The death toll of this failed coup has now risen to six, some of whom died as traitors and some of whom died as patriots. But all died needlessly and tragically because of the irrational fears of one man intoxicated by unchecked power and endless access to the masses. As we watched these culminating events unfold, media personalities began to proclaim,“This is not America!” I do not interpret such professions as denial as much as confessions of disbelief by those privileged to live in an America that has shielded them from such lived experiences. Nevertheless, as a Black woman living in America let me assure you there are many things this moment is not, but it is most American. It is as American as stolen land and the sustained genocide of over 5 million indigenous people under the Christian banner of a self-proclaimed superior race. It is as American as 400 years of enslavement of African-descendant peoples and continued in next 2 columns

“I Have Set Before Thee, Life and Death...!”...continued

Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Lineage — United States, December 29, 2020–January 12, 2021...continued

the amassing of wealth gained from their labor. It is as American as southern lynchings and the rampant raping of Black women, for which no white man has ever been executed. It is as American as the caging of refugees at our borders. It is as American as voter suppression, stop and frisk, and the war on drugs. It is as American as the militarized response to unarmed Black people protesting for the right to breathe and the de-militarized response to armed White vigilantes protesting the right to reign. It is as American as $600 stimulus checks for 51

(1). B.1.1.7 has been detected in over 30 countries, including the United States. As of January 13, 2021, approximately 76 cases of B.1.1.7 have been detected in 10 U.S. states.† Multiple lines of evidence indicate that B.1.1.7 is more efficiently transmitted than are other SARS-CoV-2 variants (1–3). The modeled trajectory of this variant in the U.S. exhibits rapid growth in early 2021, becoming the predominant variant in March. Increased SARS-CoV-2 transmission might threaten strained health care resources, require extended and more rigorous implementation of public health strategies (4), and increase the percentage of population immunity required for pandemic control. Taking measures to reduce transmission now can lessen the potential impact of B.1.1.7 and allow critical time to increase vaccination coverage. Collectively, enhanced genomic surveillance combined with continued compliance with effective public health measures, including vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine, will be essential to limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Strategic testing of persons without symptoms but at higher risk of infection, such as those exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or who have frequent unavoidable contact with the public, provides another opportunity to limit ongoing spread. * ht t p s://w w w.gov.u k / gover n ment /news/pheinvestigating- a-novel-variantof-covid-19. † ht t ps://w w w.cdc.gov/ c o r o n a v i r u s / 2 019 - n c o v / transmission/variant-cases.html. Global genomic surveillance and rapid open-source sharing of viral genome sequences have facilitated near real-time detection, comparison, and tracking of evolving SARSCoV-2 variants that can inform public health efforts to control the pandemic. Whereas some mutations in the viral genome emerge and then recede, others might confer a selective advantage to the variant, including enhanced transmissibility, so that such a variant can rapidly dominate other circulating variants. Early in the

million Americans while the wealth of one American, Jeff Bezos, is reported to have ballooned to $10.2 trillion dollars. In the light of the Epiphany season, may we have the courage to look not only upon the hope of the Christ but also the horror of a king whose thirst for power desecrates, as we work to give birth to the America that can be. May it be so. Traci Blackmon is Associate General Minister, Justice and Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ.

What Would Martin Luther King, Jr Say About Today? Lifestyle News

Today marks a day and a month of firsts. It is the first and only National Holiday established in the U.S. in honor of an AfricanAmerican. It is the first time that we have ever inducted a woman and, in particular, a woman of color to be the Vice President of the United States, the second highest office in our country. It is also the first time that an African American and Jewish American will represent the state of Georgia in the U.S. Senate. While it appears as though we could easily tout this as great progress toward the kind of America Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of, it is overshadowed by another first. January 6, 2021 marks the first time since 1814 that the U.S. Capitol has been under siege and attacked, only this time it was not the British, it was our fellow Americans. We do have much to celebrate today, however we cannot forget about how we all felt on January 6. We all witnessed, once again, the disparity in the enforcement of the law when people of color peacefully protest for social and racial justice versus what happens when others of a different persuasion show up under the guise of exercising their First Amendment rights, but instead with the conscious intention of bestowing death, destruction, and desecration on one of our Nation's most sacred places. I wonder what Dr. King would say if he were here today to witness this historic moment

of insurrection, incited by the President of the United States? His words from 50 years ago still ring true today. "Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." While it may be hard to see love as the answer to overcome the events of the past year - the killings of George Floyd, Brianna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many others to mention - and the impact on our lives from those who spew hate, racism, bigotry, etc., we can hope and faith. We can have faith that on the other side of these turbulent times there will be a new way of living, a new way of being, and a new America that we can all be proud of. An America where there is fairness, justice, and equality for all of us. An America where we will truly be judged by the content of our character and not by the color of our skin. We at the California Black Health Network will always stand on the right side of social, racial, and environmental justice to protect the lives, health and well-being of African-Americans and Black Immigrants across California, as well as our brothers and sisters of color. Let's all continue to march forward in spirit of Health, Hope, and Humanity. Happy MLK Day!

Summary What is already known about this topic?

Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Lineage — United States, December 29, 2020–January 12, 2021 Lifestyle News Summer E. Galloway, PhD1; Prabasaj Paul, PhD1; Duncan R. MacCannell, PhD2; Michael A. Johansson, PhD1; John T. Brooks, MD1; Adam MacNeil, PhD1; Rachel B. Slayton, PhD1; Suxiang Tong, PhD1; Benjamin J. Silk, PhD1; Gregory L. Armstrong, MD2; Matthew Biggerstaff, ScD1; Vivien G. Dugan, PhD1 On December 14, 2020, the

pandemic, variants of SARSCoV-2 containing the D614G mutation in the spike (S) protein that increases receptor binding avidity rapidly became dominant in many geographic regions (5,6). In late fall 2020, multiple countries reported detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants that spread more efficiently. In addition to the B.1.1.7 variant, notable variants include the B.1.351 lineage first detected in South Africa and the recently identified B.1.1.28 subclade (renamed “P.1”) detected in four travelers from Brazil during routine screening at the Haneda (Tokyo) airport.§ These variants carry a constellation of genetic mutations, including in the S protein receptor-binding domain, which is essential for binding to the host cell angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor to facilitate virus entry. Evidence suggests that other mutations found in these variants might confer not only increased transmissibility but might also affect the performance of some diagnostic real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays¶ and reduce susceptibility to neutralizing antibodies (2,3,5–10). A recent case report documented the first case of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in Brazil with a SARS-CoV-2 variant that contained the E484K mutation,** which has been shown to reduce neutralization by convalescent sera and monoclonal antibodies (9,10). This report focuses on the emergence of the B.1.1.7 variant in the United States. As of January 12, 2021, neither the B.1.351 nor the P.1 variants have been detected in the United States. For information about emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, CDC maintains a webpage dedicated to providing information on emerging SARSCoV-2 variants.†† § https://www.japantimes.co.jp/ news/2021/01/11/national/sciencehealth/new-coronavirus-variantjapan/. ¶ https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/press-announcements/ fda-issues-alert-regarding-sarscov-2-viral-mutation-healthcare-providers-and-clinicallaboratory?utm_medium.

United Kingdom reported a SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC), lineage B.1.1.7, also referred to as VOC 202012/01 or 20I/501Y.V1.* The B.1.1.7 variant is estimated to have emerged in September 2020 and has quickly become the dominant circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant in England continued in next 2 columns

A more highly transmissible variant of SARSCoV-2, B.1.1.7, has been detected in 10 U.S. states. What is added by this report? Modeling data indicate that B.1.1.7 has the potential to increase the U.S. pandemic trajectory in the coming months. CDC’s system for genomic surveillance and the effort to expand sequencing will increase the availability of timely U.S. genomic surveillance data. What are the implications for public health practice? The increased transmissibility of the B.1.1.7 variant warrants universal and increased compliance with mitigation strategies, including distancing and masking. Higher vaccination coverage might need to be achieved to protect the public. Genomic sequence analysis through the National SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance program will enable a targeted approach to identifying variants of concern in the United States.

January 21, 2021

Page 5 LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011699 Date Filed: 12/23/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/23/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): A TUTOR TO GO County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 13169 AURORA AVE. VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 Mailing Address: PO BOX 1752 VICTORVILLE, CA 92393 Name of Individual Registrant: SARAH SHABAZZ-UGWUMBA Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 13169 AURORA AVE. VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/01/2020 Sarah Shabazz-Ugwumba, 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 January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011685 Date Filed: 12/23/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/23/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): U FIRST INCOME TAX & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1264 S. WATERMAN AVE. SUITE 18 SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 Mailing Address: 7473 CATALPA AVE. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: THE RAGLAND GROUP LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 7473 CATALPA AVE. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Oct. 10, 2017 Tanisha Mack, Managing Member, 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 January 14, Correction 21, 28, February 4, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011688 Date Filed: 12/23/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/23/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): DIRECT PALLET CONSULTANTS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 7473 CATALPA AVE. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: THE RAGLAND GROUP LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 7473 CATALPA AVE. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Dec 22, 2020 Tanisha Mack, Managing Member, 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 January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2021. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011439 Date Filed: 12/16/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/16/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): MUSCLE SUPPLY County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 4013 KATSURA WAY SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 Name of Individual Registrant: MATTHEW J. GOMEZ 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: 4013 KATSURA WAY SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Dec 14, 2020 Matthew Gomez, 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 January 14, Correction 21, 28, February 4, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011593 Date Filed: 12/21/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/21/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LA CRYSTALERA County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 8282 SIERRA AVE #3902 FONTANA, CALIF 92335 Name of Individual Registrant: GLADYS M. OLIVA 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: 5874 SEMINOLE WAY FONTANA, CA 92336 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: June 17, 2020 Gladys M. Oliva, 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 January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011662 Date Filed: 12/22/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/22/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): TYKO INTERNATIONAL County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 4795 CLARENCE WAY FONTANA, CA 92336 Name of Individual Registrant: ARLETTE K. OGIAMIEN 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: 4795 CLARENCE WAY FONTANA, CA 92336 Name of Individual Registrant: BRICE KEMLE Residence Street Address: 53094 MEMORIAL STR LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92532 Name of Individual Registrant: PATRICK T. TONGANBOU Residence Street Address: 38307 PINE CREEK MURRIETA, CA 92562 Name of Individual Registrant: NICAISE N. KETCHA Residence Street Address: 10179 25TH STR RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 Name of Individual Registrant: CORANTINE P. TCHOUANCHE Residence Street Address: 4795 CLARENCE WAY FONTANA, CA 92336 Name of Individual Registrant: BIBLANE D. KAMGANG Residence Street Address: HINDENBURGDAMM 62 BERLIN, GERMANY 12203 Name of Individual Registrant: CLARISSE T. YONZDI Residence Street Address: 77 RUE PRINCE BELL DOUALA, CAMEROON 4036 This business is/was conducted by: A General Partnership Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Arlette Ogiamien, 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 January 7, 14, 21, 28 , 2021

Submission Deadline For All Legals & Classifieds is 5pm Mondays

PETITION/PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MICHAEL A. MONTEPARA aka MICHAEL ALPHONS MONTEPARA aka MICHAEL MONTEPARA CASE NO. PROPS 2000904 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: MICHAEL

A. MONTEPARA aka MICHAEL ALPHONS MONTEPARA aka MICHAEL MONTPARA A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by RUTH L. HENRICKS in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that RUTH L. HENRICKS 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: Superior Court Of California, County of San Bernardino 2nd Floor 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0212 Central Justice Center Date: 2/18/21 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept. : S36 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: Bryan C. Hartnell, Esq. HARTNELL LAW GROUP 25757 Redlands Blvd. Redlands, CA 92373-8453 (909) 796-6881 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper January 14, 21, 28, 2021.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ROBERT JOEL SCARBOROUGH CASE NO : PROPS 2100021 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: ROBERT

JOEL SCARBOROUGH

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: CRAIG SCARBOROUGH in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: CRAIG SCARBOROUGH 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: 02/25/2021 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept: S35 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA County of San Bernardino 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 San Bernardino District-Probate Division IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: RYAN S. CARRIGAN SBN 279709 6800 BROCKTON AVE. RIVERSIDE, CA 92506 (951)530-3297 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper January 21, 28, February 4, 2021.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: KASSANDRA DAWN JARAMILLO CASE NO : PROPS 2100004

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: KASSANDRA

DAWN JARAMILLO

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: DONALD L. MADDOX in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: DONALD L. MADDOX 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: February 16, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept: S36P 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0212 Probate IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: Donald L. Maddox 2235 Indigo Hills Drive, Unit 6 Corona, CA 92879 (951)858-1717 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper January 14, 21, 28, 2021.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ROBERT W. HALL, III aka ROBERT WILLIAM HALL, III aka ROBERT HALL, III CASE NO : PROPS 2000205

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: ROBERT W.

HALL, III aka ROBERT WILLIAM HALL, III aka ROBERT HALL, III

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: BRANDON J. HALL in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: BRANDON J. HALL be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: January 27, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept: S36 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0212 Central Justice Center 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: BRYAN C. HARTNELL, Esq. 25757 REDLANDS BOULEVARD REDLANDS, CA 92373-8453 (909)796-6881

Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper January 7, 14, 21, 2021. SUMMONS AMENDED SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): ALBERTO ABEL CONDOR and Does 1 to 12 YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): NO KIM LAM 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 SelfHelp 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. CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): CIVDS 1930847 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 W. THIRD STREET, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415 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): MICHAEL F. SMITH. ESQ., 1651 E. FOURTH STREET. SUITE 123, SANTA ANA, CA 92701 (714)558-0101 DATE (Fecha): 12/15/2020 Clerk of Court (Secretario), by Nicole Cartwright, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served PUBLISHED IN THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWSPAPER: January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

NOTICE OF SALE OF AUTOMOBILES / VESSEL / PROPERTIES Notice is hereby given pursuant to sections 3071, 3072, & 3051

NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS

(CVC) & (CH&N) 503, the undersigned will sell NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS 2021-06 at public auctions at the respective said addresses at 1. Purpose of the Procurement and Period of Performance 10AM on 01/28/2021 the VVTA is requesting proposals from qualified contractors to following vehicles, property provide Landscape Repair and recommendation Services for and vessel to wit: its Hesperia, CA, Administration and Maintenance facilities. 15 C A N A M The resulting contract will be not to exceed 120 days. DB 3JBPEAR29FJ001023 2. Obtaining the Request for Proposal (RFP) Document 36LK82 CA 07 FREE RFP documents may be obtained from VVTA, in person MH at 17150 Smoke Tree Street, Hesperia, CA 92345-8305, 1FDXE45S56DA05628 electronically at www.vvta.org/Procurement or via www. 5ZNM940 CA publicpurchase.com. Documents are also available via email G P SPEED AND SERVICE request to cplasting@vvta.org. RFP’s requested by courier 8735 BRILLIANT LN or via USPS mail shall be packaged and sent only at the ALTA LOMA, CA Proposers’ expense. 14 F R H T DS 3. Proposal Due Date and Submittal Requirements 3AKJGLD55ESFH3162 Proposals must be received before 3:00 PM (PST), Thursday, 9F83555 DS February 25, 2021 AGUIRRE TRUCK/ T R A I L E R R E PA I R 3.1. Sealed proposal packages will be accepted at the following 16620 BASELINE AVE address: FONTANA, CA Said sales are for the Victor Valley Transit Authority purpose of satisfying liens Attn: Christine Plasting, Procurement Manager for the undersigned for towing, storage, labor, 17150 Smoke Tree Street material and lien charges Hesperia, CA 92345-8305 together with advertising (760) 995-3583 and expense of sales dated this 01/21/2021 3.2. Envelopes, boxes, or electronic submissions via BY: GRANT LIEN SALES publicpurchase.com containing proposals shall be sealed and (Agent for the above lien clearly labeled with VVTA’s RFP number and the solicitation holders) title: “VVTA RFP 2021-06 LANDSCAPE SERVICES.” 562-865-8394 Fax: 562865-5593 3.3. Proposers are to submit to VVTA either one (1) hard Published in The San copy of the proposal and one (1) electronic copy via DVD/ Bernardino American CD, thumb/flash drive OR via www.publicpurchase.com. A Newspaper 1/21/21

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proposal is deemed to be late if it is received by VVTA after the deadline stated above. Proposals received after the submission deadline shall be returned, unopened to the Proposer. It is the Proposer’s sole responsibility to ensure that the proposals are received by the date and time stated above. 4. Bonds A Performance Bond and Payment Bond may be required by the awarded contractor after the notice of intent to award. 5. Prevailing Wage Minimum wage rates for this project have been predetermined by the Secretary of Labor. If there is a difference between the minimum wage rates predetermined by the Secretary of Labor and the prevailing wage rates as determined by the State for similar classifications of labor, the Contractor and his/her subcontractors shall pay not less than the higher wage rate. In accordance with provisions of Section 1773.2 (amended 1977) of the California Labor Code copies of the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the State Director of Industrial Relations and are available at the California Department of Industrial Relations' Internet web site at http://www.dir.ca.gov/ oprl/DPreWageDetermination.htm. Future effective general prevailing wage rates, which have been predetermined and are on file with the California Department of Industrial Relations are referenced but not printed. Copies of the prevailing wage rates are on file with VVTA and available upon request. 6. Vendor Registration with the California Department of Industrial Relations California SB 854 Compliance -VVTA will not accept a proposal from or enter the Contract with a Proposer, without proof that the Proposer and its Subcontractors are registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to perform public work under Labor Code Section 1725.5, subject to limited legal exceptions. The Proposer shall enter DIR Registration Number on the proposal. 7. Validity of Proposals. Proposals and subsequent offers shall be valid for a period of ninety (90) days. An award may be made without further discussion. VVTA reserves the right to withdraw or cancel this RFP at any time without prior notice and VVTA makes no representation that any contract will be awarded to a Proposer responding to this RFP. 8. Pre-Proposal Conference/Job Walk There will be a non-mandatory Pre-proposal Conference/Job Walk on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 9:30 AM PST. The deadline for questions is at 5:00 PM (PST), Friday, February 12, 2021. Prospective Proposers are requested to submit questions, in writing, to the Procurement Manager at cplasting@ vvta.org. Responses shall be shared with all known prospective proposers by written addenda only. The successful Proposer shall be required to comply with all applicable Equal Opportunity Laws and Regulations. Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper January 21, 2021.

January 21, 2021

Page 6 ENTERTAINMENT/POLITICAL/ADVERTISING

Is Removing Confederate Monuments, Changing Sports Teams Names Just A Distraction? NNPA NEWSWIRE — Professional sports team, including the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians announced they would drop the names that many said were offensive to Native Americans. Despite incremental progress, many still argue that unless much more is done to show that Black lives matter, removing racist monuments and changing racially insensitive team names and logos are just mere distractions. By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Workers remove statute of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from U.S. Capitol/ Photo by Jack Mayer, Office of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam Protests and unrest in 2020 sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, shined an even brighter spotlight on police brutality against African Americans. The actions led to renewed calls to remove Confederate statutes and other racially i nsensit ive st r uct u res. Professional sports teams, including the Washington Football Team (formerly the Redskins) and Cleveland Indians announced they would change the monikers that many said are offensive to Native Americans. Despite incremental progress, many still argue that unless much more is done to show that Black lives matter, removing racist monuments and changing racially insensitive team names and logos are just mere distractions. In other words, those who spoke with the Black Press on the subject said they are eager to see more tangible results.

“Dismantling Confederate monuments and ridding sports teams and brands of racist imagery is not enough,” Marcos Martinez, the owner of the blog, http://www.themenwhobrunch. com, wrote in an email. “For there to be racial progress, there need to be drastic improvements in failing schools in minority communities,” Martinez exclaimed. He noted the many academic studies that prove education leads to better life opportunities. “I know this firsthand because I lived in Brownsville, one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in New York,” Martinez remarked. “Many of my [peers] who attended the schools in Brownsville didn’t graduate or didn’t pursue higher education. Most of them are either incarcerated or deceased due to gun violence.” Darryl Smith, the founding partner for the firm, Florida Car Accident Law Team, said backlash

remains from the dismantling of racist statues and the changing of names by some sports teams. “The dismantling of the monuments and the rebranding of the teams’ racist imagery is not an end unto itself, and that should be remembered in the face of the expected backlash from those who really don’t want to see that imagery go away and make outsized noise about it,” Smith offered. “We want to remember that these things are distance markers on the road to moving society toward a more inclusive future,” he continued. “[Monuments] are inappropriate for spaces that are meant to represent all of the people in a particular jurisdiction as opposed to a select few. This is different from the concept of fighting systemic racism.” Since the murder of Floyd in May, an estimated more than 100 Confederate symbols have been removed from around the country, including a Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from the U.S. Capitol that had represented Virginia for more than a century. In July, the Washington Football Team announced it would drop the racist nickname, Redskins, after Pepsi, Nike, and FedEx received letters from investors calling on them to end their more than $620 billion

sponsorship deals with the team. The Cleveland baseball team later announced it would drop “Indians” as its nickname after the 2021 season. “Changing sport teams names and tearing down statues are great PR moves by companies and politicians, but we’re never going to fix the problem until we educate the youth,” pronounced Jamie Hickey, the founder of https://coffeesemantics.com/. “Racist parents that raise racist kids is the reason why we still have an equality issue in America. Kids aren’t born racist. They are raised to be racist,” Hickey declared. “It’s the same as when people say pit bulls are mean. There is no such thing as a mean pit bull, only mean owners.” Ken Eulo, the Smith & Eulo Law Firm’s founding partner in Orlando, Florida, said tangible change is needed. “In 2021, rebuilding is likely to be a recurring theme. Black Americans want to reinforce the idea of rebuilding and developing communities in what we hope will be a postCOVID-19 society,” Eulo said. “We want to see news, think pieces and human-interest stories that lend themselves to the idea of this being the time for Black innovation and continued in next 2 columns

Elderly and Disabled Subjected to Horrific Conditions During Covid Outbreak at California Prison in Vacaville Political News Vacaville-An outbreak of Covid-19 is raging out of control at the California Medical Facility, a prison in Vacaville that holds many elderly and high-risk people. On December 11, the number of positive cases at CMF was 2. On December 12, the prison went into lockdown. Within five days, the number of cases had risen to 58. As of January 17,, the number of positive cases was 260 (almost 13% of the population). At the height of the outbreak, the total was 463. In all, 520 people (almost 26% of the population) have been infected, and seven have died. D-dorm at CMF is currently being used as the triage / covid positive dorm. The dorm was formerly used to house the dogs that were part of the Paws for Life program. The dogs were removed shortly after the start of the pandemic, and the dorm was not cleaned prior to being used for quarantine. Staff are not stepping up to help clean, and the few incarcerated who are well enough to clean are not being given adequate cleaning supplies. Laundry is not being picked up. The strain of covid that is moving through CMF is causing severe diarrhea. Several people have soiled themselves and do not have access to clean clothes. Each person is only being given one roll of toilet paper per week. Around the end of December, a man fainted and defecated on himself. When medical staff refused to respond to calls for help, other incarcerated people in the dorm, who were themselves ill, cleaned him up and carried him to

his bed before he was finally taken to an outside hospital. In a similar incident, a man fainted and was refused medical attention for hours before finally being carried out on a stretcher. Staff are hesitant to call ambulances because of Plata v. Newsom, the ongoing litigation against the corrections department for its substandard healthcare. As in other prisons ravaged by Covid, the layout of CMF, along with reckless actions by staff, are exacerbating the situation. Some correctional officers are not wearing masks or refusing to wear them properly. Many refuse to wear gloves. Some are moving around from positive to negative units. People who are sick are not being given access to over-the-counter medications, and only a select few are being given antibody treatments. Poor ventilation within the prison is also a facilitator of the spread. The ramifications of the outbreak extend beyond the physical illness caused by the virus. The incarcerated have been

moved from one area to another in hopes of containing the virus. This has presented additional problems of loss of property. Access to phones has been restricted drastically so families are not in contact with their loved ones. The hearing impaired are further restricted, as they are barred from the specially-equipped phones they would normally use. The disabled population at CMF, who are supposed to have assistance with various daily living tasks from other incarcerated people have seen this help severely hampered by the outbreak. People with disabilities are required to be accommodated under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and no alternative accommodations for the disabled at CMF have been offered. Many of the population at CMF are over 60, with medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV and high blood pressure--all of which put them at higher risk of serious complications. Some have covid risk scores, as defined by

California Correctional Health Care Services as high as 16. The sudden and relentless spike in cases, as well as the prison's failure to take any substantive steps to mitigate the spread of the virus, have caused shock, fear, and outrage among loved ones of those inside. "This outbreak has been climbing steadily for an entire month with cases increasing almost every day," said Olivia Campbell, an advocate for the rights of the incarcerated. "Efforts to get it under control have been insufficient and incompetent at best. But I think it's much more sinister. When you have correctional officers purposely infecting people, and so-called medical professionals neglecting elderly, sick, disabled people, leaving them to their fates in appalling conditions, in a congregate setting, in a facility that is supposed to have adequate medical services, I really don't even have words for how cruel and despicable that is."

Is Removing Confederate Monuments, Changing Sports Teams Names Just A Distraction?... continued excellence in a way that may not have been advisable before.” This year needs to be a time “where we as individuals and a community find new ways to uplift ourselves after a year where we saw widely held beliefs, and long-standing conventions broken and cast aside in the wake of a global pandemic,” concluded Smith, of the Florida Car Accident Law Team. “This is a time where finding

ways to function outside the box can reap real benefits at a time when all bets appear to be off,” Smith demanded. “We need to see examples of Black people and black communities thriving in the face of this unprecedented adversity, and examples of our political and economic influence being wielded for the betterment of Black Americans and the Black diaspora.”

For the People Act (H.R./S. 1) Protects Voters & Democracy and Establishes CommonSense, Overdue Reforms Especially Needed in Aftermath of Anti-Democratic Insurrection, SPLC Action Fund Says Political News WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer, Jeff Merkley, and Amy Klobuchar announced they will introduce the For the People Act as S. 1. It has already been introduced in the House of Representatives as H.R. 1. The following statement in support of H.R./S. 1 is by Nancy Abudu, deputy legal director for the SPLC Action Fund: “The For the People Act (H.R./S. 1) is a transformational democracy reform package that would ensure streamlined and effective election administration procedures to help protect the fundamental right to vote in our country. Along with the passage of the For the People Act, Congress must also prioritize enactment of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, upon its reintroduction, which will restore and, where necessary, increase legal protections for some of the most historically disenfranchised communities. “In the aftermath of the insurrectionist sacking of the U.S. Capitol on January 6 – incited by the outgoing anti-democracy president – these pro-democracy reforms must be incorporated into any comprehensive legislative response. “Even before January 6, the 2020 election season underscored the urgent need for transformational democracy reform. Across the nation, Americans experienced unprecedented obstacles to voting, including an ever-worsening pandemic and barriers erected by elected officials. Indeed, since the 2013 Supreme Court ruling in Shelby County, Ala. v. Holder, states and localities across the Deep South have implemented laws and policies that create barriers to the franchise for voters of color — especially

Black voters in the Deep South — new citizens, young voters, and voters with disabilities. “The communities in which we work — where our organization is headquartered in Alabama, along with Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida where we have offices — were all covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act in full or in part until the Shelby County decision. “Both the Southern Poverty Law Center and the SPLC Action Fund work to protect voting and political rights in these five states. In addition to implementing harmful laws and policies, legislators and election officials in these states have failed to universally implement a range of common-sense reforms that would make voting simple and accessible to all, including online voter registration, no-excuse absentee voting, early voting, and automatic voter registration, among others. The result in the Deep South is a series of racist and systemic barriers to voting faced by Black, Brown, and Indigenous Americans, including long lines and closed polling places, overbroad and discriminatory purges of registered voters, overly restrictive registration rules, and overt voter intimidation. “H.R.1/S. 1 addresses many of these shortcomings. The commonsense reforms in this legislation, which are deeply popular and have passed in many states and localities, aim to accomplish three overarching goals: (1) protecting and strengthening the sacred right to vote, (2) ending the dominance of big money in politics, and (3) implementing anti-corruption, pro-ethics measures to clean up government. Without structural democracy reform, our nation continued on page 7

We Cannot Not Lose Sight of the Historic Milestones... continued from page 3 Or was it something worse? The history of lynchings and racist mob violence in this country is also a history of complicity by law enforcement officials. Sometimes police officers led the violence, as they did at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Sometimes they were conveniently absent, as they were when Freedom Riders were left open to attack by an angry mob. We are about to have new leadership at the Justice Department. And we have congressional leaders who are motivated to get the truth about what happened at the Capitol and to hold people accountable. We the people have a role to play, too. We must demand that public officials not sacrifice accountability in the name

of a false unity being called for by people who promoted the lies that fed rioters’ anger. And we can honor Dr. King, the late John Lewis, and the other civil rights heroes we lost this year, by remaining alert and ready to resist the inevitable new attacks on voting rights that will come from politicians who are unhappy with the outcome of the 2020 elections and are desperate, like Donald Trump, to hang on to power. And speaking of power, let’s celebrate another historical milestone this week: the swearing-in of Kamala Harris, a Black woman and daughter of immigrants, to serve as the vice president of the United St at es. Cong r at u lat ion s, Madam Vice President..

January 21, 2021

Page 7 COUNTY/HEALTH NEWS

Public Health clinics in Riverside County What does “Black History Month”mean to me?... not impacted by ‘pause’ in Moderna vaccine continued from page 1 County /Health News The four county-operated COVID-19 vaccination sites, on all four scheduled days this week, will not be impacted by the “pause” being requested by the state’s epidemiologist for some doses of the Moderna vaccine. More than 330,000 doses from the affected lot have been distributed to 287 providers across the state, officials said. The shipments arrived in California between Jan. 5 and 12. The state has not been notified of any other cluster or individual events related to this lot (Lot 041L20A). This week, a higher-than-usual number of adverse events were reported with a specific lot of Moderna vaccine (Moderna Lot 041L20A) administered at one community vaccination clinic. Fewer than ten individuals

required medical attention over the span of 24 hours. That clinic was not in Riverside County. In Riverside County, officials reviewed the Moderna doses planned for use at the vaccine clinics in Corona, Menifee, Beaumont and Indio and determined they were not part of the impacted lot. Any adverse reactions at the Riverside County vaccine clinics so far have been rare. The clinics are scheduled Tuesday (Jan. 19) through Friday (Jan. 22) from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The clinics are providing vaccines for those in Phase 1A (all tiers), 1B (tier 1), which includes individuals 65 and older. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit www. ruhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine.

For the People Act (H.R./S. 1) Protects Voters & Democracy and Establishes Common-Sense, Overdue Reforms Especially Needed in Aftermath of AntiDemocratic Insurrection, SPLC Action Fund Says... continued from page 6 will remain unable to fully address important substantive priorities for the American people, such as expanding affordable healthcare and stopping the spread of COVID-19, protecting the environment, and creating millions of good-paying jobs. “Immediate passage of this bill should be a top priority for Congress and the incoming Biden administration, especially as part of the way forward to secure democracy. H.R. 1 already passed the House of Representatives

in 2019 during the last session of Congress with unanimous Democratic support and was cosponsored by all members of the Senate Democratic Caucus. President-elect Joe Biden has previously stated that a ‘first priority’ of his administration will be to lead on a comprehensive set of democracy solutions like those reflected in the For the People Act. He should follow through on that promise, and Congress should meet this moment as well, passing H.R. 1/S. 1 without delay.”

and institutions…After all, the congregants will own them collectively with the entrepreneur and receive dividends based on their patronage…This vision would give new meaning to the celebration of Kwanzaa’s “cooperative economics”, through a cooperative plan of community building by investing our shared resources through a new support service system. As you can see, my dream has generational roots that bring forth rivers of truth, knowledge, hope and faith from past lives planted in Gods frozen, yet fertile soil,

waiting for future generations to unlock their promise. If we listen closely we can hear their heart beat within us, guiding us through our patch in the road we call life’s journey…If only more recipients of our ancestors sacrifice would stop and listen to the heart beat, then act accordingly, our journey and the next generations would be viewed from a much higher place on the mountain call prosperity… Heaven, here on earth...So what then shall we celebrate…their sacrifice, or our planting of seed in the journey? Relax, it’s only a dream…or is it.

California State Epidemiologist Statement Recommending Providers Pause Administration of Single Lot of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine County /Health News SACRAMENTO – California State Epidemiologist Dr. Erica S. Pan issued the following statement today recommending providers pause the administration of lot 41L20A of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine due to possible allergic reactions that are under investigation. “Our goal is to provide the COVID vaccine safely, swiftly and equitably,” said Dr. Pan. “A higher-than-usual number of possible allergic reactions were reported with a specific lot of Moderna vaccine administered at one community vaccination clinic. Fewer than 10 individuals required medical attention over

the span of 24 hours. Out of an extreme abundance of caution and also recognizing the extremely limited supply of vaccine, we are recommending that providers use other available vaccine inventory and pause the administration of vaccines from Moderna Lot 041L20A until the investigation by the CDC, FDA, Moderna and the state is complete. We will provide an update as we learn more.” All appeared to be experiencing a possible severe allergic reaction during the standard observation period – a type of adverse event that the CDC reports some people have experienced when receiving continued in next 2 columns

California State Epidemiologist Statement Recommending Providers Pause Administration of Single Lot of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine...continued a COVID-19 vaccine. While no vaccine or medical procedure is without risk, the risk of a serious adverse reaction is very small. While less data exists on adverse reactions related to the Moderna vaccine, a similar vaccine shows that the expected rate of anaphylaxis is approximately 1 in 100,000. More than 330,000 doses from this lot have been distributed to 287 providers across the state. The shipments arrived in California between Jan. 5 and 12. The state has not been notified of any other cluster or individual events related to this lot. The manufacturer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are reviewing the lot and related medical information. Below is the recommendation sent to providers today: Re c o m m e n d a t io n t h a t Providers Pause Administration of Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Lot 041L20A This week, a higher-than-usual number of adverse events were reported with a specific lot of Moderna vaccine (Moderna Lot 041L20A) administered at one community vaccination clinic. Fewer than ten individuals required medical attention over the span of 24 hours. Follow up investigation of outcomes of these individuals is underway, and more information will be forthcoming. All appeared to be experiencing a possible severe allergic reaction

during the standard observation period – a type of adverse event that the CDC reports some people have experienced when receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine site switched to another lot of Moderna vaccine after closing for a few hours. More than 330,000 doses from this lot have been distributed in the state, and we have not been notified of any other cluster or individual events related to this lot. The manufacturer, CDC and FDA are promptly reviewing the lot and related medical information. No additional clusters have been reported. Their investigation continues, and we expect to learn more this week. Out of an extreme abundance of caution and also recognizing the extremely limited supply of vaccine, we are recommending that providers use other available vaccine inventory and pause administration of vaccines from Moderna Lot 041L20A until the investigation is complete. There are not immediate replacement doses during the pause in addition to pending orders scheduled for shipment in the next few days. We expect to provide an update this week as we learn more. Providers of COVID-19 vaccine should continue their routine precautions to recognize and manage allergic reactions and potential adverse events. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ covid-19/clinical-considerations/ managing-anaphylaxis.html www.cdph.ca.gov

January 21, 2021

Page 8 LOCAL/NATIONAL NEWS/ADVERTISING

High Hopes Or Another False Hope? Green Cards For Undocumented “Essential Workers” On Biden’s Agenda By Anthony Advincula

NEW YORK—On a recent Monday, Maribel Lapuz got up at 4:30 a.m. The 46-year-old immigrant from the Philippines braved the sub-zero weather and took the train from Jersey City, NJ to a nursing home in Brooklyn, NY, where she has worked six days a week as a caregiver since last February. A thousand miles away, Mario Ramirez drove from one house to another starting at 5:00 a.m. doing construction and plumbing work in Marietta, Georgia. Ramirez, a 52-year-old Mexican immigrant, has never missed a working day since the start of the pandemic. “When the Tr u m p administration sent the $1,200 stimulus checks to workers,” Lapuz said, “I didn’t get it; I was ignored.” “Someone like me in this country is not eligible for unemployment,” Ramirez said. “That means I can’t stop working in order to support my family, despite the risk of COVID-19.” Their situations may soon change. Deemed “essential workers” by the federal government, Lapuz and Ramirez are among the 5 million undocumented immigrants who may be rewarded a path to citizenship—and it could happen during the first days of the Biden-Harris administration. Indispensable to American life and economy, undocumented essential workers are now at the core of an immigration plan currently being drafted by congressional Democrats and immigrant rights advocates, and aggressively promoted by the incoming administration.

T he new i m m ig rat ion legislation—folded into the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill that Biden unveiled last week—will include granting undocumented essential workers a green card and decreasing the wait time to obtain U.S. citizenship. “Essential workers, many of whom are undocumented immigrants, are unsung American heroes—risking their lives during this deadly pandemic to care for our communities and ensure food is on the table,” Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) said in a recent virtual press conference. “I’m working on legislation to immediately protect essential workers and their families from deportation and provide them with a fast-track path to citizenship.” Vice President-elect Kamala Harris weighed in publicly on the issue. Speaking last week with Spanish-language Univision, she said the incoming administration would automatically grant green cards not only to undocumented essential workers but also to DACA (Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals) recipients as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and shorten by 5 years the time it takes to get U.S. citizenship. “The incoming administration has a golden opportunity to set things right and offer immigrant essential workers and their families relief from this pandemic, relief from persecution because of their immigration status, and relief from invisibility,” said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights, on a press

call organized by America’s Voice. Pushback from Republicans has already started. Lora Ries, former acting deputy chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security, told The Los Angeles Times that the legislation will create more problems. “Such rewards will attract more people to illegally enter the U.S. to await their eventual green card, undermining border security,” Ries said. This week, more than 6,000 Honduran migrants and asylum seekers have reportedly been making their way north through neighboring Guatemala and Mexico. This caravan could represent a resurgence of such efforts as Biden has vowed to reform President Trump’s hard-line immigration policies. Some immigration advocates and scholars also question whether the upcoming immigration plan is the right approach. If the Biden-Harris administration proposes to extend legalization opportunities to 5 million undocumented essential workers, what about the other 8 million undocumented immigrants? “Millions of immigrant workers are on the frontlines, risking their lives to keep our country running. The depth of this crisis requires urgency,” said Mary Kay Henry, president of SEIU, on the press call with America’s Voice. “We can’t beat the virus when millions of undocumented essential workers are left out. Providing [a fast-track to citizenship] is the only way we’ll be able to tackle the pandemic.’ Alex Padilla, California’s

Secretary of State who is set to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate, defended the immigration plan for undocumented essential workers. “It’s not that we are not going to deal with other undocumented immigrants,” Padilla said on the call with reporters. “Because of the urgency of COVID relief, it’s better to act sooner rather than later.” Padilla invoked the immigration experience of his own parents, who came to California from Mexico in the 60s. They never had a formal education, he said, and never had a day off—his dad worked as a cook and his mom cleaned houses. “But they told us that if we work hard and do well in school, we can do what we want to be. That’s the American Dream,” he added. “After four years of [Trump’s] constant attack on immigrant communities, the Biden-Harris administration will help us turn the tides. I hope the Congress and our nation will recognize that these [undocumented essential] immigrants stepped up when the U.S. needed the most and put themselves in danger during this deadly pandemic.” “I’m very excited when I heard about this great news,” Lapuz said in Jersey City, NJ. “But I can’t help worrying that they are sending another false hope. I have been through this before.” “My family has been waiting for this moment. We risk our lives and help this country to survive the pandemic,” Ramirez said. “We should not be left in the dark anymore. My children were all born here—this is our home.”

Three New Variants of COVID-19 Discovered All over the World Local National/News

The COVID-19 pandemic has gone on for over a year and has quite frankly made many Americans experience pandemic burnout” or “pandemic fatigue.” We are not used to wearing masks regularly, always maintaining a social distance from people, washing our hands and sanitizing frequently. Perhaps the worst

offender has been being locked inside our homes for days, usually spending most of that time in front of a screen. As the global pandemic approaches its oneyear mark, it is entirely natural to feel burnout and fatigue from these precautions and restrictions, But experts are saying that we need to be more diligent in

our fight because new strains of the virus have surfaced all over the world. To better understand how this is happening, we need to first understand what is a new strain compared to a new variant. “A strain of a virus has distinct properties and a particular immune response. Then there’s going to be lots and lots of variants which will be, in many cases, minor accumulations of mutations and different kind of genetic lines of that strain,” JeanPaul Soucy, a PhD student at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, explained to CTVNews in Canada. Soucy said a certain strain of virus is considered a variant

when it has enough mutations to change a minor portion of its genetic code. He says the most recent variant found in the U.K. meets that benchmark. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus, a large family of viruses. Coronaviruses are named for the crownlike spikes on their surfaces. Scientists monitor changes in the virus, including changes to the spikes on the surface of the virus. These studies, including genetic analyses of the virus, are helping us understand how changes to the virus might affect how it spreads and what happens continued in next 2 columns

Three New Variants of COVID-19 Discovered All over the World...continued to people who are infected with it. Multiple COVID-19 variants have been found and are circulating globally. Here are the three that we know most about so far: In the United Kingdom (UK), a new variant called B.1.1.7 has emerged with an unusually large number of mutations. This variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants. According to U.K. researchers, the B.1.1.7 variant is up to 70 percent more transmissible because of its ability to have 22 coding changes to the virus genome. The new variant has since been found in other countries around the world, including Canada, France, Japan, Israel, Sweden and recently the U.S. Currently, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness or increased risk of death. This variant was first detected in September 2020 and is now highly prevalent in London and southeast England. In South Africa, another variant called 1.351 has emerged independently of the variant detected in the UK. This variant, originally detected in early October, shares some mutations with the variant detected in the UK. There have been cases caused by this variant outside of South Africa, but it has not been detected in the US. In Brazil, a variant called P.1 emerged and was identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. This variant contains a set of additional mutations that may affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies. This variant has not been detected in the US. Currently, there is no evidence that these variants cause more severe illness or increased risk of death. However, an increase in the number of cases will put more strain on health care resources, lead to more hospitalizations,

and potentially more deaths. The new, more transmissible variant of the virus that causes Covid-19 in the U.S. (B.1.1.7) could sweep North America in the coming weeks and become the dominant strain as soon as March 2021, leading to a new surge of cases through the spring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Friday. The CDC believes the variant, known as B117, is still circulating at low levels in the U.S. Only 76 infections caused by the new variant have been detected, in 12 states, though testing for it has not been routinely conducted. CDC officials acknowledge the variant is likely more widespread here than is currently recognized. Rigorous and increased compliance with public health mitigation strategies, such as vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine, will be essential to limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and protecting public health. Research done by CDC scientists suggests that unless the pace of vaccination of the population increases dramatically and people adhere stringently to Covid-19 control measures, the new variant will spread rapidly. Incoming White House chief of staff Ron Klain said the coronavirus pandemic will get worse before it gets better, projecting another 100,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the first five weeks of Presidentelect Joe Biden’s administration. Biden has set a goal of injecting 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccine in his first 100 days in office, a goal Klain said they were on pace to meet. Klain added he believed there was enough supply of the pair of vaccines currently granted emergency approval to ensure that those who have received their first shot will get the required second.

Trials Still Ongoing Before Approval of COVID Vaccines for Children Tanu Henry | California Black Media Pfizer and Moderna, two of the major pharmaceutical companies leading the production of COVID-19 vaccines, are taking steps to make sure their treatments are safe for children. A s of now, t hou g h , neither vaccine has been approved for children under 16 years old to receive. “The trials in children are now only beginning. We are discovering what the appropriate doses are for adolescents and perhaps even infants,” said Dr. William Schaffner, who is professor of Preventive Medicine in the Department of Health Policy as well as Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. “We expect the results of those trials this summer, everything going well,” he said. Pfizer says its vaccine is already safe for children between16 and 18 years old. Now, the company has begun phased testing on children between 12 and 16 in California and across the country. Their intention is to follow with trials on kids 12 and under. Moderna is in the process of recruiting children between the ages of 12 and 17 to participate in its vaccine trials across the country. Stéphane Bancel, chief

executive officer of Moderna, said his company’s goal is to complete the studies before the Fall 2021 school year begins. “This adolescent study will help us assess the potential safety and immunogenicity of our COVID-19 vaccine candidate in this important younger age population,” he said. “We hope we will be able to provide a safe vaccine to provide protection to adolescents so they can return to school in a normal setting.” In California, more than 300,000 children under age 17 have been infected with the coronavirus since last March. There have been six deaths, according to numbers compiled by the California Department of Public Health. Among African American children in the state, there have been 7,945 confirmed COVID-19 cases and one death. Schaffner said the vaccines currently being administered are safe for women who want to become pregnant and for mothers who are breastfeeding. “Those women need to be reassured. The mRNA does not go anywhere near, in our cells, to the human DNA in the mother or the babies,” he said, referring to the proteins present in the vaccines. “This is a safe process for all of them,” he said.