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AMERICAN

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

NEWSPAPER A Community Newspaper Serving San Bernardino, Riverside & Los Angeles Counties Volume 51 No. 15 Mailing: P.O. Box 837, Victorville, CA 92393

July 30, 2020 - August 5, 2020 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)

No Shelter In The COVID-19 Storm: 28 Million American Renters Face EVICTIONS by Sunita Sohrabji /EMS Contributing Writer

SAN FR ANCISCO — An estimated 28 million renters in the U.S. are facing evictions over the next three months, as states begin lifting their COVID-19 related eviction moratoriums. In April, most U.S. states imposed some manner of lockdown to control the spread of the virus, restricting most workers to their homes. Unemployment rates shot to 14.7 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than one-third of renters did not pay their rent that month, according to data from the National Multifamily Housing Council. Many states enacted eviction moratoriums, banning landlords from evicting a tenant due to non-payment of rent. But as those moratoriums expire in August, 20 to 28 million renters are facing evictions, said Emily Benfer, visiting professor and director of the Health Justice Clinic at Wake Forest School of Law and co-creator of the COVID-19 Housing Policy Scorecard with the Eviction Lab at Princeton University. The Congressional CARES Act, which provides 120 days of eviction relief for tenants in federally-backed housing, is set to expire July 25. “50 million renters today live in households that suffered COVID-19 related job loss or income loss. And 40 percent of that occurred in especially low income households,” said Benfer, at a July 17 briefing on evictions, organized by Ethnic Media Services. Other speakers at the briefing included Delegate Kumar Barve, of the Maryland state House of Delegates; Dr. Margot Kushel, director of the Center for Vulnerable Populations at the University of California, San Francisco; Nisha Vyas, senior attorney at the Western Center for Law and Poverty; and Akash Kalia, who in 2015 converted his father’s Santa Rosa, California motel into a shelter for chronically homeless people and veterans. Black and Latino renters — who have disproportionately experienced COVID-19 job

Clockwise, from top left: Dr. Margot Kushel, executive director of the Center for Vulnerable Populations at the University of California, San Francisco; Nisha Vyas, senior attorney at the Western Center for Law and Poverty; Akash Kalia, owner of the Palms Inn in Santa Rosa, California; Emily Benfer, co-creator of The Eviction Lab COVID-19 Housing Policy Scorecard at Princeton University; and Delegate Kumar Barve, Maryland state House of Delegates. (all photos via twitter)

losses and deaths — are at highest risk for being unable to pay their rents, said Benfer. Children are severely hit by evictions, Kushel said, noting that an abrupt loss of home can lead to disruptions in education and resulting mental health issues. Kushel predicted there would be a 20 to 40 percent rise in homelessness as eviction moratoriums are lifted. She acknowledged state and federal efforts focused on people currently experiencing homelessness such as California’s Project Homekey, a $600 million state initiative to buy hotels and motels to

house un-sheltered people. “But this will be a drop in the bucket for people who are currently experiencing homelessness and will not address the new inflows into homelessness,” she cautioned, adding that permanent solutions require a dramatic increase in the number of affordable housing units, along with an expansion of rental support. California is home to about 22 percent of the nation’s homeless population, with more than 150,000 people experiencing homelessness, according to 2018 data from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

45 percent of California’s residents are renters. On July 1, California Governor Gavin Newsom extended the state’s eviction moratorium to Sept. 30. Delegate Kumar Barve, who chairs the Maryland state House of Delegates Environment and Transportation Committee, sent a letter July 7 to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, asking him to extend the state’s eviction moratorium to Jan. 31, 2021. He noted that in a typical year in Maryland, a miniscule portion of the population faces eviction. “If you up that to 10 percent or 15 percent, you suddenly have

a problem. What we’re talking about in that instance would be a full scale social disruption,” said Barve, the longest serving Indian American legislator. Nisha Vyas of the Western Center for Law and Poverty discussed the lack of due process for tenants, who must file a response to their eviction notice within five days. Eviction lawsuits are fast-tracked: more than 75 percent are settled within 45 days, largely in favor of the landlords who are represented by attorneys, while the vast majority of tenants are not. “The process is designed to

be very efficient and to provide consistent results for landlords to be able to eject tenants and recover their properties. There’s often very little regard for the outcome of tenants,” said Vyas. “Evictions have played a significant role in creating California’s affordable housing crisis and our homelessness crisis,” she said, noting that some extremely low income households pay 90 percent of their income in rent. WCLP is co-sponsoring AB 1436 in the California State Legislature, which would create a process for tenants to pay back owed rent, and allow landlords to pursue unpaid rent via civil actions rather than evictions. The bill would also restrict negative impacts to a renter’s credit history after being served an eviction notice. “We’ve talked about the eviction crisis as a tsunami, and that metaphor is intended to capture the magnitude of the crisis, but this is not a natural disaster. It’s a disaster of our own making. To prevent it, we need to advocate for meaningful governmental intervention,” said Vyas. Kalia offered a path forward for the hospitality industry to bail itself out of the COVID crisis, which has left many hoteliers with empty rooms. The average homeless person costs a community about $80,000 per year, he said, noting that he has been able to house individuals for about $13,000 per year, including support services for mental health, substance abuse, and physical ailments. “Hotel owners in California have the ability to salvage their livelihoods by really accepting this model,” said Kalia, noting that hoteliers can make use of Project Homekey funds to convert their hotels and motels into permanent housing for currently un-sheltered people. “None of us know how long the hospitality industry is going to be hit. And this is a way for hotel owners to maintain their business viability and also provide a social good for the most vulnerable population,” he said.

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July 30, 2020

COMMUNITY/EDUCATION

Sir Knight 2020 Mr. Kameron Brantley Community/Education News

Publisher’s Corner

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 Social Lites, Inc. celebrated its 53rd Beautillion Awards Presentation under the leadership of Lisa Blacksher Owens, president and Tina Darling, Beautillion Chair virtually due to COVID-19 on Saturday, July 25, 2020. Gwen Rodgers (President), Dr. Margaret Hill and Danny Tillman of San Bernardino Unified School District Board Members were among dignitaries in attendance to witness five distinguished young men introduced to society naming Mr. Kameron Brantley as

Sir Knight. Sir Knight Brantley will be attending Moorehouse College Fall 2020. Over $13,000.00 in scholarships and gifts was awarded to all Knights. Master of Ceremony of the evening was Alumni, Sir Knight 2004 Raafi Bell. Alumni Sir Knight Neuman Sneed II 2019 provided inspirational remarks. Alumni 1981 Danny Tillman was the keynote speaker who was pleased to share his humble beginnings as he focused on the theme for the Beautillion

2020 Program, “Greatness is never given, it is earned.” Sir Knight Kameron Brantley was awarded over $6, 500.00 in scholarships and gifts. This included a $3,000.00 scholarship as Sir Knight and a $3,000.00 scholarship for participating in “The Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” essay contest, a $500.00 travel voucher, luggage, laptop to name a few. Knight Amari Osonduagwuke, identified first runner up was awarded $2,500.00 scholarship, $3,000.00 scholarship

for the “The Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” essay contest and provided with additional gifts. Knight Dyvon Brown, awarded President Scholarship in the amount of $500.00 and laptop. Knight Dylan Mack, awarded Perseverance Scholarship in the amount of $300.00 and laptop. Knight Andrew Mitchell was awarded scholarship in the amount of $300.00 in addition to receiving other gifts. Congratulations to all young men and best wishes for a bright future!

Opinion – Note to Congress: Voting to Strengthen AmeriCorps Means Jobs, Opportunity for Our Children By Kellee Kemp

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.

THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS SUBSCRIPTION RATE IS $58.00 PER YEAR.

TIME WISE

Private Investigations

“On Time, Just in Time” License Number 25694

Clifton Harris, BA, MLS Private Investigator Retired Law Enforcement Officer P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393

Courtesy photo: Kellee Kemp, MA, LMFT, Executive Director of the Yetunde Price Resource Center in Compton CA. With many California schools remaining closed this fall for in-person instruction and unemployment only getting worse, expanding tried and true programs that help bridge the learning gap and support workforce development will be critical to our response to the pandemic. Right now, members of Congress have an opportunity to do that and invest in our communities by passing the Cultivating Opportunity and Response to the Pandemic through Service Act (CORPS Act). The CORPs Act would expand important national service programs that serve communities and offer young people important professional development. Take for example AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that address critical community needs, including increasing academic

Courtesy Photo: Kids working on math problems at a Los Angeles school with a City Year AmeriCorps advisor.

achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty and sustaining national parks, among other things. City Year, a program of AmeriCorps, places corps members in public schools throughout the country to provide much-needed support to students from systemically under-resourced communities. You may have seen them around your community wearing their distinct bright yellow jackets. The program also provides intense, well-rounded leadership development and professional growth for those graduating high school or just out of college and facing grim job prospects. I never worked as hard as I did as a City Year AmeriCorps member. My service at 112th Street Elementary in the shadow of the Watts Towers and next to Nickerson Gardens public housing complex started

early with classroom prep and ended late with meetings with other City Year members. To this day, I credit my strong work ethic to this experience. At the same time that I learned how to be a professional, I learned how to support elementary school students and their families. The job training was rigorous: be on time, be prepared, have a pen and paper, listen, and ask questions. Those are the kind of soft skills young people entering the workforce need – especially during an economic downturn. I ended my City Year service in 2008 as the economy came crashing down. My experience working with students, their families, and teachers, showed me what social-emotional support looks like. It can be hard for a student to focus on their learning when there are other things going on in their lives, like food insecurity or

unstable housing. They require more support. They needed more resources, not punishment and suspension. Having a City Year member in the classroom allowed the teacher to keep teaching and students to get the individualized attention they needed. It’s a formula that works almost every time and it’s one we have the opportunity to invest in at a time of intense need. As students are marching in the streets, raising important issues of over-policing and inequity in our schools and other public institutions, I can't help but think of AmeriCorps as being a part of the solution. COVID-19 and lost instruction time will set students of color, in particular, back even further without intervention. In fact, NWEA, a research-based nonprofit, estimates that for continued in next 2 columns

Telephone (760) 514-8310 Fax: (909) 889-2882 E-mail: timewisepi968@gmail.com

Opinion – Note to Congress: Voting to Strengthen AmeriCorps Means Jobs, Opportunity for Our Children...continued elementary school students who do not receive or are not able to participate in effective distance learning during COVID-19 school closures, their learning loss could leave them a year behind if they return in the fall. AmeriCorps programs like City Year address urgent local needs and fill gaps in social services. Congress must expand them and pass the CORPS Act as part of the COVID-19 response and recovery. I grew up in South Los Angeles, so I lived at home during my AmeriCorps year. I remember two friends doing their service year with me had to share a bed in a bedroom in a crowded house to make it on the stipend AmeriCorps members receive. The CORPS Act would raise the stipend, something that hasn’t happened for many years, making it more accessible to young people who are on their own or without savings to fall

back on. It is important to me that AmeriCorps members, caregivers, and service providers come from and understand the community in which they are serving. Leaning into and expanding existing national ser vice infrastructure through the CORPS Act will put national service within reach for more people and provide young adults training as they prepare for their careers. It’s a unique opportunity to invest in current and future AmeriCorps members, as well as the communities they serve. Ask your members of Congress to pass the CORPS Act. Kellee Kemp, MA, LMFT, is the Director of the Yetunde Price Resource Center in Compton. She is a former City Year Los Angeles AmeriCorps member.

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July 30, 2020

FILM/SPORTS/ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

SPORTS DIGEST: Dodgers take a stand against racial injustice By Wave Staff and Wire Services

Ten Los Angeles Dodgers players have spoken out against racial injustice in a video released July 16 and committed to use their platforms to amplify the voices of Los Angeles social justice organizations. “For centuries, the Black community has lived in a different America,” pitcher Clay t on Ke r sh aw said . “Instead of addressing racism, inequality, and injustice, many of us simply look away. “Silence is no longer an option. I’m fighting for my teammates, their families, and their com munities.” The other Dodgers speaking on the video were Cody Bellinger, Walker Buehler, Kike Hernandez, Gavin Lux, Joc Pederson, A.J. Pollock, Ross Stripling, Justin Turner and Alex Wood. The players said they also will match funds raised from the “In This Together” special edition T-shirts benefiting the California Funders for Boys & Men of Color Southern California: Our Kids, Our Future Fund. The Dodgers wore the “In This Together” T-shirts during a workout at Dodger Stadium last week. The T-shirts are available for purchase at Dodgers.com/Together. The group is a coalition of 13 organizations including the Children’s Defense Fund of Califor nia, Brothers, Sons, Selves Coalition and the Community Coalition. Kershaw, Pederson, Stripling and Turner participated in a listening session last week with leaders of four of the organizations comprising the California Funders for Boys & Men of Color Southern

California who shared the history of racial and social inequities in Los Angeles and how their respective organizations have been working for decades to seek change. The players discussed how they want to use their platforms and resources to support the coalition’s efforts and be allies for the Black community. Additional sessions are planned. A member of the Los Angeles Angels made his own social justice statement this week. Angels relief pitcher Keynan Middleton evoked the names of Jackie Robinson and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in explaining why he took a knee during the playing of the national anthem before the Angels’ home exhibition game July 20. “Racism is something I’ve dealt with my entire life,” Middleton wrote on his Twitter and Instagram accounts. “As a Black man in this country it is my obligation to want to better the future for generations to come. “Over the past few months I’ve been out in the community taking part in peaceful protests and having the difficult conversations that are needed for change. “Before pioneers like Jackie Robinson, a Black man didn’t have a voice in the game of baseball. The foundation laid down and sacrifices made by Jackie and others is the reason I have the platform I do. “I will not allow that to go to waste. Kneeling for me is one way I can use my platform for change in a peaceful way. I have the utmost respect for all the brave men and women that served this country.

“We must all take this fight against racial injustice seriously. Until things start to change in this country and my brothers and sisters don’t have to live in fear I will be using my platform to implement change.” COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Cancel that USC season opener against Alabama in Arlington, Texas, Sept. 5. Ditto for the season finale against Notre Dame in the Coliseum. The Pac-12 Conference has announced conference-only schedules for football and several other fall sports this year. The decision limiting the conference’s football teams to playing only Pac-12 opponents means the cancellations of three games for each team. The decision means USC’s scheduled games against Alabama Sept. 5 in Arlington, Texas, Notre Dame Nov. 28 and New Mexico Sept. 12 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum are canceled, as are UCLA’s scheduled games against New Mexico State Aug. 29 at the Rose Bowl, Hawaii Sept. 5 in Honolulu and San Diego State Sept. 19 in San Diego. The Pac-12 is developing a series of potential fall sport scheduling models including conference-only schedules and delayed season starts. The decision also affects men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. The conference made clear that it hopes to play football and all other fall sports, provided the conference can meet the health and safety needs of its athletes and obtain appropriate permissions from state and local health authorities. The conference is also delaying

the start of mandatory athletic activities until a series of health and safety indicators, which have recently trended in a negative direction, provide sufficient positive data to enable a move to a second phase of return-to-play activities. Pac-12 athletes who choose not to participate in intercollegiate athletics during the 2020-21 academic year because of safety concerns about COVID-19 will continue to have their scholarships honored by their universities and will remain in good standing with their teams. “Conf ronted with an unprecedented global pandemic, in going to a conference-only schedule for fall sports in 2020, the Pac-12 Conference is acting responsibly on behalf of the health and safety of all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff while trying to do everything possible so we can compete this year,” USC Athletic Director Mike Bohn said. B oh n s a id h e h a s communicated with the athletic directors as Alabama, Notre Dame and New Mexico “and there is no additional information to share at this time.” The cancellation of the season opener drew mixed reactions from USC fans. Most were happy to hear the Alabama game was canceled, fearful of a repeat of the 52-6 beat down Alabama laid on the Trojans in 2016. Some fans were hoping the Trojans could surprise Alabama in the season opener, since Alabama lost several standouts from last season to the NFL and is breaking in a new quarterback. The cancellation of the Notre

Dame game is news because it will mark the first time since 1945 that the two schools haven’t met in football during the season. The USC-Notre Dame series, which began in 1926, has been contested every year except 1943-45 during World War II when travel was limited. UCLA Athletic Director Martin Jarmond said his university “fully supports” the decision “to delay the start of mandatory athletic activities and to limit fall seasons for several sports to conference-only competition.” “The health and safety of our student-athletes, staff and fans is paramount, and this move affords us the greatest level of flexibility to adapt and evolve in real time, in the midst of a very fluid situation,” Jarmond said. MORE CANCELLATIONS: The Los Angeles Rams told season ticket holders July 21 that the team anticipates the NFL canceling preseason play, making their first game at SoFi Stadium the Sept. 13 “Sunday Night Football” game against the Dallas Cowboys. The team also told season ticket holders if fans are allowed to attend games at SoFi Stadium during the 2020 season, the capacity at the 70,240-seat stadium would be limited to approximately 15,000 to allow for social distancing. Wearing a face covering would be required. The first NFL preseason game at SoFi Stadium was scheduled for Aug. 14 matching the Rams and New Orleans Saints. The Rams other home preseason game was scheduled Aug. 29

against the Denver Broncos. The Rams were also scheduled to play a third preseason game at the Inglewood stadium, Aug. 22 against the Los Angeles Chargers in what would have been a Chargers home game. The Chargers confirmed in an email sent to season ticket members that if they are able to have fans at their games it will be at a reduced capacit y to accommodate state and local social distancing guidelines and mandates. Single-game tickets that have been purchased have been canceled due to the reduction in capacity, and full refunds will be sent in three-to-seven days per the Chargers and Ticketmaster. SOCCER TOURNAMENT: The opening stage of Major League Soccer’s MLS Is Back tournament ends July 23 with Los Angeles Football Club expecting to move ahead to the second round and the Los Angeles Galaxy getting ready to fly home. With one game left in group play, LAFC is in second in Group F with four points behind group leader Portland, which has six points. LAFC is 1-0-1 so far in the tournament, defeating the Galaxy 6-2 July 18 after playing Houston to a 3-3 tie in the tournament opener. The Galaxy is 0-2, losing to Portland, 2-1 in its opener. The Galaxy plays Houston July 23 and LAFC plays Portland. If LAFC defeats or ties Portland, the club will advance to the second round. The post SPORTS DIGEST: Dodgers take a stand against racial i njust ice appeared first in Wave Newspapers.

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July 30, 2020

STATE / GOVERNMENT

More Than 23,500 Blue Shield of California Members Reclaim Their Health in First Year of Reimagined Wellvolution Program Digital and community health network supports members to achieve health goals; 83,000 pounds lost, blood sugar lowered, chronic conditions reversed BlueShieldCA News

OAKLAND, Calif., July 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In just one year, more than 23,500 Blue Shield of California members enrolled in Wellvolution – the nonprofit health plan's innovative digital and community health network – have prioritized their health and well-being, reporting weight loss, reduced stress and reversal in chronic conditions such as diabetes. The Wellvolution platform uses decades of research and leading technology to deliver personalized support, offering nearly 60 digital apps and 30,000 brick-and-mortar community locations, the largest network of such providers in the nation. Wellvolution's algorithm, developed in collaboration with Solera Health, matches members with customized programs and digital coaches. It is available to most Blue Shield members with their benefit plan at no additional cost, and is another example of how the health plan is reimagining health for individuals, families and communities. "We know that people want options in improving their health, depending on their personal preferences," said Bryce Williams, vice president of Mind Body Medicine at Blue Shield of California. "Wellvolution puts members at the center of its program and lets them choose the direction they want to take." Members said their top reason to join Wellvolution was to lose weight, with about 13,000 participants reporting they lost a total of more than 83,000 pounds in the first six months of starting the program. Other top reasons for joining Wellvolution were to move more, reduce stress and eat more healthily. The average age of participants was 49 with the largest age group between 50 and 59 years old. Women outnumbered men (72 percent vs. 28 percent) in the program's first year. Si nc e t he COV I D -19 pandemic, more members are tapping into Wellvolution. Engagement has spiked as much as 10 times compared to prepandemic levels, and there has been a significant increase in communication between members and their digital coaches online. "Our providers quickly pivoted when the pandemic began and have adapted their strategies

and approaches to address the reality of being indoors for hours each day and with potentially limited access to fresh foods and outdoor exercise," Williams said. "I enrolled in Wellvolution just as the pandemic was escalating and during the first days of coronavirus panic-buying, I was worried," said Hector Acosta, a Los Angeles optician who is enrolled in Wellvolution's Virta Health program. "But I found that all the food I could eat was available – meat, vegetables, butter, oils and other sources of fat I needed to replace carbs." Fi r st Ye a r Results More than half of the program participants in its first year were matched with digital-app high-acuity programs tailored to address specific health conditions or risks such as reversing or preventing diabetes, lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol, and eliminating the need for prescription drugs. Wellvolut ion prog rams that address specific health issues are measured for clinical outcomes, which are established quality assurance and improvement standards in the medical industry. Data from Wellvolution's best-performing programs show sustained clinical outcomes for members in normalization of A1C numbers* or at least a 5 percent weight loss. Among these programs: 60 percent of members signed up for weight management 31 percent of those members achieved the clinical outcome of 5 percent weight loss. 30 percent of members enrolled for diabetes prevention 27 percent of those members have reached positive clinical outcomes such as normalization of A1C numbers, healthier blood pressure and/or at least 5 percent weight loss. 10 percent of members signed up for diabetes treatment a nd r eve r s a l p rog r a m s More than 40 percent of those members achieved clinical outcomes such as normalization of A1C numbers, healthier blood pressure and/or at least 5 percent weight loss. Program Outcomes Below are snapshots of member

outcomes from three popular, clinically proven digital programs in Wellvolution that helped members address health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma and allergies: Virta Health: In six months, 93 percent of participants improved their blood sugar levels, with a 1.6 percent average A1C reduction. Research shows that a 1 percent reduction in A1C levels can reduce diabetes complications by 28 percent. Further, 74 percent of patients, in consultation with their physicians, have eliminated at least one diabetes medication, and those on insulin when they started the Virta treatment saw their dosage reduced by an average of 76 percent. Betr Health: Within 90 days, Wellvolution members using Betr Health saw an average weight loss of 12.6 percent and 1.4 percent reduction in A1C. In addition, 91 percent of members reported lower blood pressure and inflammation with improved sleep, digestion, mood and energy, and 86 percent of members, with the guidance of their physician, reported reducing or eliminating one or more medications. D igbi He a lt h: A mong participants, 72 percent saw an 8.92 percent average weight loss, and members with pre-diabetes or diabetes have seen an average decline of 1.01 percent in their A1C levels. In addition, 75 percent experienced reduced Irritable Bowel Syndrome and acid reflux; 75 percent experienced relief from headaches/migraines; 66 percent decreased their anxiety; and 66 percent lowered their chronic pain. Member Exper iences Abebi Bai n, Cov i na "I never knew I was eating foods – for years – that aggravated my asthma and allergies until I started Wellvolution," said Abebi Bain, 47, an elementary school teacher in Covina using the Betr Health app. "I had gained weight over the past few years and had developed sleep apnea and acid reflux in addition to my other issues. Nothing I did seemed to help me and unfortunately, I was taking five medications a day! But once I started using the Betr Health app, I discovered how to eat the right foods for my body and avoid 'triggers' that caused problems. I lost 23 pounds in my first month, my sleep apnea disappeared, and my asthma, allergies and acid reflux

were under control. Now, I haven't taken any of my medications in over seven months, and my stress levels are way down! People tell me I look younger, and I feel it. My aches and pains have significantly diminished, and I can actually wear my high heels again for hours without feeling knee pain!" Shirley Harris, San Diego "In just a few months I have completely reinvented myself," said Shirley Harris, 32, an executive assistant. "Wellvolution and Digbi Health made it so easy to focus on my whole lifestyle, and the digital app really held me accountable. I lost 30 pounds in three months!" she said. "Through Digbi Health's genetic and gutbiome testing process, I learned I was lactose intolerant and glucose intolerant, which I didn't know. This had been impacting my health my whole life," she said. "I have completely changed the foods and portion sizes I eat, and the amount of exercise I do. I started with a 10-minute walk every day and now I exercise six times a week for 60 minutes every day. I'm a new woman!" *AIC is a blood test that measures a person's average blood sugar levels over the past three months; it is used to diagnose risk for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Tw it t e r, o r Fa c e b o o k .

Commerce Department Files Petition to Clarify Liability Protections for Online Platforms and Protect Against Censorship State/Government News WASHINGTON – Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) filed a petition for rulemaking with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on behalf of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross seeking to clarify regulations related to section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The petition was filed in response to the May 2020 Executive Order on Preventing Online Censorship. It calls on the FCC to make clear when online platforms can claim section 230 protections if they restrict access to content in a manner not specifically outlined under the Act. “Many Americans rely on online platforms to stay informed and connected, sharing their thoughts and ideas on issues important to them, which can oftentimes lead to free and open debate around public policies and upcoming elections,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur

Ross. “It has long been the policy of the United States to foster a robust marketplace of ideas on the Internet and the free flow of information around the world. President Trump is committed to protecting the rights of all Americans to express their views and not face unjustified restrictions or selective censorship from a handful of powerful companies.” The petition also seeks further clarity from the FCC: Whether, and to what degree, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act provides protection for social media’s content moderation decisions T he conditions u nder which content moderation and editorial decisions by social media companies shape content to such a degree that section 230 no longer protects them Social media’s disclosure obligations with respect to their content moderation practices

FTC Alleges California Purveyor of Background Reports Misled Consumers To Think its Reports on Individuals Might Contain Criminal and Other Records MyLife.com violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act, used misleading billing and marketing practices, FTC says

State/Government News The Department of Justice on behalf of the Federal Trade Commission sued a Californiabased purveyor of background reports, alleging that the company has deceived consumers with “teaser background reports” that often falsely claimed to include information about arrest, criminal, and sex offender records, and also engaged in misleading billing and marketing practices. According to a complaint filed by the Department of Justice on behalf of the FTC, MyLife.com, Inc., and its CEO Jeffrey Tinsley have stated through their website that the company’s background reports on particular individuals may contain arrest, criminal, and sexual offender records—even when they did not include such information—to try to persuade consumers to sign up for autorenewing premium subscriptions. The complaint alleges that, in many instances, consumers searching the MyLife.com website for an individual’s background report are shown search results that imply, often falsely, that the subject of a search may have records of criminal or sexual offenses—records that can be viewed only by buying a MyLife subscription. The complaint alleges that MyLife’s misleading statements led some consumers to believe they or other individuals had arrest or criminal records when they did not, or if they only had minor traffic citations. The complaint maintains that MyLife is a consumer reporting agency (CRA), assembling and selling consumer reports that include information such as court or arrest records and sex offender records. MyLife has touted in testimonials that its reports were useful to those making housing, lending, and employment eligibility decisions. CRAs must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act

(FCRA), which requires them to take steps to ensure that they only provide consumer report information to those with a “permissible purpose” for receiving it; that they ensure the maximum possible accuracy of the information; and that they allow consumers to dispute and correct information in their consumer reports. The complaint alleges that MyLife has violated the FCRA by, among other things, failing to maintain reasonable procedures to verify how its reports would be used, to ensure the information was accurate, and to make sure that the information it sold would be used only for legally permissible purposes. Many consumers have purchased premium memberships because of the misleading information about criminal or arrest records in the “teaser background reports.” The complaint alleges that MyLife’s misleading billing practices violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act. For example, MyLife did not clearly disclose upfront charges, or that consumers’ subscription would automatically renew, and the company made it difficult for consumers to cancel their subscriptions or obtain a refund. In addition, the complaint alleges that the company misrepresented its refund and cancellation policies in violation of the Telemarketing Sales Rule. The Commission vote to refer the complaint seeking civil penalties to the Department of Justice for filing was 5-0. The Department of Justice filed the complaint on behalf of the Commission in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. NOTE: The Commission continued on page 6

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July 30, 2020

LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200006116 Date Filed: 07/13/2020 Filing Expires On: 07/13/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.)CASANOVA RANCH County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 34874 BIRCH RD. BARSTOW, CA 92311 Mailing Address: 34874 BIRCH RD. BARSTOW, CA 92311 Name of Individual Registrant: IZMIRA G. SMITH 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: 34874 BIRCH RD. BARSTOW, CA 92311 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Izmira Smith, 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 July 23, 30, August 6, 13, 2020. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200006257 Date Filed: 07/15/2020 Filing Expires On: 07/15/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./ Reg.): THEE LEFT HAND STYLIST County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 13747 GREENWOOD PLACE #2 VICTORVILLE, CA 92395

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200005783 Date Filed: 06/26/2020 Filing Expires On: 06/26/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.):PINNACLE HOME County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 5532 N. PINNACLE LN. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 Name of Individual Registrant: ESTHER CHUANG 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: 5542 N. PINNACLE LN 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: June 15, 2020 Esther Chuang, Manager, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper July 9, 16, 23, 30, 2020.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200006513 Date Filed: 07/23/2020 Filing Expires On: 07/23/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./ Org./Reg.): ESTEEM NOTARY SOLUTIONS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 5186 BENITO STREET, STE 394 MONTCLAIR, CA 91763

Name of Individual Registrant: MYESHIA E. BOWENS

Name of Individual Registrant: LAWRENCE W. FORTSON

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: 13747 GREENWOOD PLACE #2 VICTORVILLE, CA 92395

Residence Street Address:5186 BENITO STREET, STE 394 MONTCLAIR, CA 91763

This business is/was conducted by: An Individual

Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: January 17, 2012

Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: July 16, 2020

Myeshia Bowens , declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

Lawrence W. Fortson , 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 July 30, August 6, 13, 20, 2020.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200006280 Date Filed:07/16/2020 Filing Expires On: 07/16/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./ Org./Reg.): 1. MELANIN VIRGO BOUTIQUE 2. MELANIN POPPIN LIPZ 3. MELANIN VIRGO LASHES County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO

Submission Deadline For All Legal Publications is 5pm Mondays

Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 15505 LA PAZ DR. VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 Name of Individual Registrant: SAKENA HARRIS 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:15505 LA PAZ DR. VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Sakena Harris, 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 July 23, 30 August 6, 13, 2020.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200006116 Date Filed: 07/13/2020 Filing Expires On: 07/13/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.)CASANOVA RANCH County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 34874 BIRCH RD. BARSTOW, CA 92311 Mailing Address: 34874 BIRCH RD. BARSTOW, CA 92311 Name of Individual Registrant: IZMIRA G. SMITH 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: 34874 BIRCH RD. BARSTOW, CA 92311 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Izmira Smith, 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 July 23, 30, August 6, 13, 2020.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200005893 Date Filed: 07/01/2020 Filing Expires On:07/01/ 2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./ Org./Reg.):CANARY PHARMACY County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 4950 SAN BERNARDINO ST. #101A MONTCLAIR, CA 91763 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.:ONE STOP PHARMACARE INC. State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.:C3800519 Residence Street Address:4950 SAN BERNARDINO ST. #101A MONTCLAIR, CA 91763 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Vanson Luu, CEO, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper July 30, August 6, 13, 20, 2020.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVDS 2012085 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ROBERTA RENEE MULLIGAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. ROBERTA RENEE MULLIGAN to Proposed name: b. RENEE ROBERTA MULLIGAN THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 8/24/2020 Time 9:00 a.m. Dept.:S17 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 San Bernardino Justice Center-Civil Dept.

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: August 18, 2020 at 1:30 PM in Dept. S36 located at 247 W. Third St., San Bernardino, CA 92415. 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: Tracy T. Woo, Esq. (SBN 310384), 777 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Ste. 200-138, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 851-0901. Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper July 16, Correction 23, 30, 2020.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ELEANOR P. WIESE

CASE NO. PROPS 2000353 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of

ELEANOR P. WIESE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: GARY LYNN MAYS

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by BARBARA WIESE in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that BARBARA WIESE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: August 05, 2020 Time: 1:30 pm in Dept. : S35 located at 247 W. Third St Second Floor San Bernardino Justice CenterProbate Division, San Bernardino, CA 92415. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: Guay P. Wilson 14 N. Eighth Street Redlands, CA 92373 (909) 793-2044 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper July 16, 23, 30, 2020.

LYNN MAYS.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: 06/09/2020 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper July 23, 30, August 6, 13, 2020. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVDS 2013003 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: TEDDY BAYLIS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. TEDDY BAYLIS aka THEODORE MARKELL HENRY to Proposed name: b. TEDDY BAYLIS THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: August 24, 2020 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept.:S16 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 San Bernardino Justice Center-Civil Dept. A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: July 13, 2020 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper July 23, 30, August 6, 13, 2020.

PETITION/PROBATE

CASE NO. PROPS 2000384. To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of GARY A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Katrina L. Mays in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Katrina L. Mays be appointed as

CASE NO. PROPS 2000012 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of JOHN

A. BOYD JR. aka JOHN AARON

BOYD JR. aka JOHN BOYD JR.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MARQUITA J. WILLIAMS in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MARQUITA J. WILLIAMS 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: 8/11/20 Time: 8:30 am Dept.: S35 located at 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; HARTNELL LAW GROUP, APC. 25757 Redlands Boulevard Redlands, CA 92373-8453 (909) 796-6881 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper July 16, Correction 23, 30, 2020.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DOROTHY S. MORALES aka DOROTHY SILVA MORALES DOROTHY MORALES

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): AUBREY LAUREN BURGE, and Does 1 to 10 YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL D E M A N D A N T E ) : S TAT E FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un

formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): REESE LAW GROUP, Michael D. Schoeck, Esq. Bar #277945, 3168 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92010; 760/842-5850 (File No. 285846) DATE (Fecha): 01/17/2020 Sherri R. Carter, Executive Officer/ Clerk of Court (Secretario), by Lillian Castillejo, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served as an individual. 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6/20 CNS-3378339# THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN

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CASE NO. PROPS 2000415 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of DOROTHY

S. MORALES aka DOROTHY SILVA MORALES aka DOROTHY MORALES

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SANDRA M. MEDINA in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SANDRA M. MEDINA 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: 8/26/20 Time: 1:30 in Dept.: S36 located at 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; HARTNELL LAW GROUP, APC. 25757 Redlands Boulevard Redlands, CA 92373-8453 (909) 796-6881 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper July 16, 23, 30, 2020. SUMMONS SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): 20STLC00559

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July 30, 2020

LIFESTYLE/HEALTH/RELIGION

Legendary Rapper Biz Markie Battling Serious Illness Triggered By Diabetes Lifestyle News the blood vessels of the retina, potentially leading to blindness. Slow healing – Left untreated, cuts and blisters can become serious infections, which may heal poorly. Severe damage might require toe, foot or leg amputation.

Legendary rapper, Biz Markie, who brought us such hits like “Just a Friend” and “Vapors” has taken a serious hit to his health. The 56-year-old rapper – whose real name is Marcel Theo Hall – has been receiving treatment at a hospital in Maryland, although the extent of his condition is yet to be revealed. Representatives for the rapper have confirmed to TMZ that his hospitalization is not related to the coronavirus but was triggered due to complications from type 2 diabetes. Sources have also confirmed that the beatboxing champion has been the hospital for weeks. Apparently, he has been keeping his condition under wraps, but it steadily has gotten worse.

While we don’t know what kind of complication it is, and longterm complications of diabetes Type 2 develop gradually, they can eventually be disabling or even lifethreatening. Some of the potential complications of diabetes include: Heart and blood vessel disease – Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and narrowing of blood vessels (atherosclerosis). Nerve damage (neuropathy) – Excess sugar can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward. Eventually, you may

The California Endowment Pledges 10Year Support for Black-Led Organizing & Activism Lifestyle News LOS ANGELES - The California Endowment Board of Directors today announced it has approved a 10-year, $225 million pledge of funding support for Black-led organizing, activism, and advocacy in California. “The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the African-American community, in combination with recent tragic events of racial injustice, remind us that we must push further and harder to achieve meaningful systemic and structural change to advance racial equity,” said Board Chair Dr. Shawn Ginwright, professor of Africana Studies at San Francisco State University. The identified funding is longterm commitment by The California Endowment to build and strengthen Black-Led organizations and organizing throughout the State of California. While there will be an immediate infusion of one-time funding support, The Endowment has pledged a decade-long commitment of support to help sustain funding for organizations who are working to reimagine systems built on structural inequality and racism. “We are aware that structural racism in America constitutes a public health crisis,” said Board Vice-Chair Bishop Minerva Carcaño

of the United Methodist Church. “Above all, we know that reaching health and wellness in the AfricanAmerican community will require an investment that addresses the impact of centuries of oppression. But the healing of this community will contribute to the healing of every other community of color. The resourcing of activist, Blackled organizations to lead the critical efforts necessary to overcome racial injustice and inequity will help us all become healthy and well.” The 10-year pledge of support builds upon existing efforts by the Endowment to fund community organizing and activism in African American-led organizations across California, with a projected $50 million dollar increase in support in the coming decade. “We have witnessed extraordinary, unprecedented multi-racial and multi-ethnic support in the movement for Black Lives in recent weeks,” said President & CEO Dr. Robert K. Ross. “We also intend to enhance support to build and strengthen alliances that cross racial and ethnic boundaries in the state. California is poised to show the nation that by focusing on anti-Black structural racism, all continued in next 2 columns

lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs. Damage to the nerves that control digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. For men, erectile dysfunction may be an issue. Kidney damage – Diabetes can sometimes lead to kidney failure or irreversible end-stage kidney disease, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Eye damage – Diabetes increases the risk of serious eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma, and may damage

Hearing impair ment – Hearing problems are more common in people with diabetes. Skin conditions – Diabetes may leave you more susceptible to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections. Sleep apnea – Obstructive sleep apnea is common in people with type 2 diabetes. Obesity may be the main contributing factor to both conditions. Treating sleep apnea may lower your blood pressure and make you feel more rested, but it’s not clear whether it helps improve blood sugar control. Alzheimer’s disease – Type 2 diabetes seems to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, though it’s not clear why. The worse your blood sugar control, the greater the risk appears to be. Another hip hop pioneer took a huge loss at the hand of Type 2 Diabetes. Ten years ago, Doctor Dre, of the groundbreaking hip-hop TV show Yo! MTV Raps, developed Type 2 diabetes. The DJ and hip-hop expert revealed that the disease has caused him to lose a toe, suffer numerous ankle injuries and in 2013, it took his eyesight as well. “My stubbornness put me where I’m at. Now my energy is going to change that,” Dre said. “We got young people, grown people, old, all having this. We can prevent this. We can cure this.” The status of Biz’s condition is unclear at this time, but he is said to be “receiving the best care from an amazing team of medical professionals” while hospitalized.

The California Endowment Pledges 10-Year Support for Black-Led Organizing & Activism...continued vulnerable communities will benefit from structural change.” The Endow ment also announced the immediate deployment of $5 million in resources to Black-led groups engaged in health-related racial justice battles now, such as criminal justice, juvenile justice, and policing reform efforts. The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation, was established in 1996 to expand access to, quality

health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental affordable improvements in the health status of all Californians. The Endowment challenges the conventional wisdom that medical settings and individual choices are solely responsible for people's health. At its core, The Endowment believes that health happens in neighborhoods, schools, and with prevention. Learn more at www.calendow.org.

FTC Alleges California Purveyor of Background Reports Misled Consumers To Think its Reports on Individuals Might Contain Criminal and Other Records...continued from page 4 refers a complaint for civil penalties to the DOJ for filing when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and that a proceeding is in the public interest. The case will be decided by the court. T h e Fe d e r a l Tr a d e Commission works to promote

competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTCHELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE #1005

Prepare to Show Up Elizabeth Dilley Team Leader, MESA My friend Chris texted me the week before a Black Lives Matter rally in Cleveland last

month that was held to protest the murder of Desmond continued in next 2 columns

Prepare To Show Up...continued Franklin, who was shot and killed by an off-duty police officer while driving down a street. “Are you thinking of going?” she asked. I was thinking about it, but I didn’t know anyone else going and masked up as we were, it was unlikely I’d be striking up conversations to get to know others. As extroverted as I am, I admit I was a little hesitant. When we learned that we would be welcome in our clergy collars that settled it. Chris and I secured the number of an attorney we could call if we got arrested, and stocked up on water and snacks. We got a ride to the rally (and the promise of a pickup afterwards). We made commitments to check in with family regularly and had our spouses exchange numbers so they could be in touch with each other. We masked up, put on sunscreen, and had hand sanitizer at the ready. There is so much more to this work than just showing up. We planned together: Are we willing to be arrested? Are we willing to risk police brutality by putting our bodies between police and the organizers’ bodies? Who is an attorney we can call if we get arrested? What’s the time for our family to worry if they haven’t heard from us? Do we have enough food and water? Did we pack sunscreen? We shared our discernment with each other and with our families. We understood our roles: to bear witness to the pain

of Desmond’s family, to listen and obey the directions of the rally organizers, to ensure that the police knew there were clergy watching them, to stand between Black leaders and police if necessary, and to disrupt any white agitators from diluting the peaceful message of the organizers. We were not leaders in this moment, but followers and participants. We did not expect kudos for wearing our collars; in fact, sometimes a clergy collar is a symbol of oppression rather than liberation, so we expected a variety of responses to our presence. The organizers were wellprepared and responsive to the crowd of thousands who showed up, giving clear directions throughout the rally and march. Masks were encouraged and worn; medical students and others walked throughout the crowd to hand out hand sanitizer and water to those in need. The police were armed to the teeth, but mostly respectful as far as I observed. After the march, we met up with my family a few blocks away and made our way back home. Here is my advice to white folks who haven’t attended many rallies/ marches/protests but who want to increase their activism (and are able to in this season of Covid-19): find a buddy or two to accompany you and show up. Discern your level of engagement and set your limits. Remember that you are not a leader in this space, but you can be a trustworthy follower and co-conspirator. Wear a mask, put on sunscreen, and be prepared to be uncomfortable inside and out. Prepare, and then show up.

“Tell Them ─ It Would Have Been Better If They Had Never Known the Way to Righteousness Than to Know It and Then Reject the Command They Were Given to Live a Holy Life, Says the Lord!” By: Lou Yeboah

Lou Yeboah “The more you know of Me and My ways, the more severe will be your judgment for not trusting and obeying Me. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you" [Matthew 11:21–22]. After all you have learned and experienced, it would have been better if you had never know the way to reighteousness than to know it and then reject the command you were given to live a holy life. How shall you escape, if you neglect so great Salvation? Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. “As I live, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn from your evil ways, for why will you die? Do not be foolish! You must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. Darkened in their understanding and separated

from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Me that way. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like Me in true righteousness and holiness. [Ephesians 4:17-24]. I tell you, it would have been better if you had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command you were given to live a holy life. For the testimony of Scripture is clear that all unconverted people are under the wrath of God [Romans 1:18 -19]. God has delivered you and set you free from the chains of sin. So repent and turn back to Me. For it is My desire for you to live and to walk in the light. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. [Revelation 3:20]. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

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July 30, 2020

COUNTY/STATE NEWS

2020 Census Will Help School Districts Prepare for Next Generation of Students Communities Need Accurate Count of Children to Meet Need for More Schools, Educational Resources County National News In counties and cities across the country where the population is growing quickly, demand for new schools and educational resources is growing, too. Take, for instance, the 27J School District outside Denver. The combined population of three counties in the district has jumped by 30% since the 2010 Census – the last nationwide count – and was swelling so fast that the district in 2015 began issuing bonds to construct new schools. Results from the 2020 Census are important to school districts across the country – whether fast growing or not – because they  provide a baseline for the next 10  years of school planning. Last spring, three new schools were under constr uction, and middle- and high-school students there were sharing the newly opened Riverdale Ridge High School for the first half of the school year. “In 2010, we were still feeling the effect of the recession both in terms of residential development and, consequently, student enrollment,” said Kerrie Monti, district planning manager. Fast forward five years and the district was issuing bonds to build new schools. Denver is not alone. In Virginia’s Loudoun County, one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties, increases in public school enrollment has been staggering. In 2000, the school district had

45 schools and 29,254 students. By 2010, enrollment had doubled to 60,403 students in 76 schools. By the end of 2020, the district will operate 94 school facilities with a projected enrollment of 83,762 students based on annual estimates – nearly three times the number in 2000, according to the district. Growing populations lead to growing demand for new schools. “Enrollment projections [tied to census statistics] drive the need for new schools,” said Beverly Tate, director of Planning Services for Loudoun County Public Schools. “Renovations and/or additions at a number of schools have resulted from Loudoun’s public-school enrollment growth.” Shaping the Future of Schools With the 2020 Census Results from the 2020 Census are important to school districts across the country – whether fast growing or not – because they  provide a baseline for the next 10  years of school planning. School districts use the numbers to ensure there are enough buildings and classrooms for children as they move through the school system. Plus, results from the 2020 Census will be used by federal, state and local officials to inform decisions on how to spend billions of dollars in federal funds on education programs like Head Start for pre-K children, free- or

reduced-priced school lunches for low-income children and teacher training programs. That is why it is so important for families and caregivers to count everyone in their household when they respond to the 2020 Census, especially all children who live with them, including babies born on or before April 1. Children under five are among the nation’s most undercounted populations, and school districts can’t plan for children they don’t know will be coming to schools in the future. “The census only comes around once a decade,” said Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham. “A kindergartener counted in the 2020 Census … will be in high school when the next census comes around in 2030; that’s 10 years of school supplies, teachers, school lunches and school resources that are dependent on ensuring every child is counted.” It’s not too late to respond to the 2020 Census online at 2020census.gov, by phone at 844-330-2020, or by returning the paper questionnaire you received in the mail. By early August, census takers are set to begin visiting households that have not yet responded to the census to help ensure everyone is counted, including children. The deadline to respond is Oct. 31.

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July 30, 2020

NATIONAL/LOCAL NEWS

Senate Bill 793: What’s worse…the tobacco policy or the puff? By Yera Nanan

Photo 1 &2: Virtual Townhall on SB 793 On July 23, Greater Zion Church Family head pastor, Michael Fisher, hosted a Facebook Live conversation via Zoom which discussed the topic of criminalizing menthol. This Zoom call featured a distinguished panel of guests that had interest and knowledge in discussing Senate Bill 793, which directly affects the flavor menthol. SB 793 is a bill that would prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products and/or having the product with the intention of selling it. This bill stems from the Stop Tobacco Access to Kids Enforcement (STAKE) Act, which was made effective Jan. 1, 1995 to stop the selling of tobacco products to persons under 21 years of age. As the Zoom call commenced, a theme that became recurring throughout the conversation was no one is in support of any

using tobacco products but there is an argument as to whether legislation can create harm for the Black community. Senior pastor at Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church, K.W. Tulloss, started off the argument by being opposed to the bill since he believes it will increase the criminalization of Black people. “A bill that is prohibiting and possibly criminalizing our community is a bill that we cannot support”, said Tulloss. Tulloss acknowledges that smoking has been a problem in the community for long time but efforts should be poised toward educating people instead of unwanted attention by authorities. T h e A m e r ic a n Lu n g Association reports that nearly 17 percent of smokers in this country come from the AfricanAmerican community, making

them the second largest ethnic population of smokers. Out of this ethnic population, roughly 3 in 4 smokers use menthol cigarettes which can make the smoking process easier yet harder to quit. Carson Councilmember, Jawane Hilton, expressed how this ban is targeting menthol and people within the community will be negatively affected by this. “I think it has a few consequences in it that we need to rethink…we have a broad brush and we need to paint the brush back just a little bit to make sure out community is healthy”, said Hilton. Pastor William D. Smart Jr. of Christ Liberation Ministries, also added to the argument by making this a civil rights issue. “You cannot deny us a cigarette but not deny it to White people and their predominant choice…to me that’s racism and

discrimination”, said Smart. He argued that White people predominately smoke Newport cigarettes which have no flavor and hookah tobacco retailers are exempt from this bill which took the Mediterranean population into consideration. Others in this discussion felt that this is not a matter of race but instead this bill help save Black lives in the long run. ES Advisors Group President, Edward Sanders, supports the bill getting passed since he believes it will help not only the Black community but all communities. “If there is one thing you can do to save Black lives, it is moving menthol off the market…it’s not a question of racism and special treatment”, said Sanders. The CDC reports that tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States with more that 480,000

deaths annually. Sanders argues that 45,000 of those deaths are African-Americans with tobacco being a major contributor to heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. Co-Chairperson of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, Carol McGruder, also supports SB 793 and argues that racism doesn’t play a role in this specific bill. “The FDA in two different reports said it would be in the best interest of the public to take menthol off the market…we want to take off a product that kills 45,000 Black people every year in this country”, said McGruder. The African American Tobacco Control Leadership council is suing the FDA since they believe they have not protected Black people and racism can be found on their end. Councilwoman

Michelle Chambers of District 1 in the City of Compton, also gave her input on where resources and attention should be directed which is healthcare. “Give us some money for cessation…help us with cancer research and help us with mental therapy”, said Chambers. As someone who is against the bill, she argues that if this bill passes another George Floyd or Eric Garner incident could ensue and the criminal justice will be affected. As this bill continues to make its way through the legislature, the debate still remains if this will help reduce tobacco use across the board or marginalize the Black community even more. The California Senate has already passed the bill and it will make its way to the Assembly for consideration.