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NEWSPAPER A Community Newspaper Serving San Bernardino, Riverside & Los Angeles Counties Volume 51 No. 50

April 01, 2021- April 07, 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)

Children’s Defense Fund: State of America’s Children Reveals that Children of Color are 71 Percent of Those That Live in Poverty

Probe Into Prison Deaths Ends Up Uncovering $8 Billion in Untracked State Money Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

Part One of an ongoing series on this impactful and informative report

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Dr. Wilson did note that the Children’s Defense Fund is pleased about President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which, among other things, makes it easier for parents to keep their jobs and provides a lifeline for disadvantaged children. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) The child population in America is the most diverse in history, but children remain the poorest age group in the country with youth of color suffering the highest poverty rates. “While we reported on the 73 million children in the U.S. in 2019, which is 22 percent of the nation’s population, we also note that 2020 was the first year in American history that a majority of children are projected to be children of color,” said the Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, the president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund. Dr. Wilson’s remarks come as the Marian Wright Edelman founded nonprofit released “The State of America’s Children 2021.” The comprehensive report is eye-opening. It highlights how children remain the poorest age group in America, with children of color and young children suffering the highest poverty rates. For instance, of the more than 10.5 million poverty-stricken children in America in 2019, approximately 71 percent were those of color. The stunning exposé revealed that income and wealth inequality are growing and harming children in low-income, Black and Brown families. While the share of all wealth held by the top one percent of Americans grew from 30 percent to 37 percent, the share held by the bottom 90 percent fell from 33 percent to 23 percent between 1989 and 2019. Today, a member of the top 10 percent of income earners makes about 39 times as much as the average earner in the bottom 90

percent. The median family income of White households with children ($95,700) was more than double that of Black ($43,900), and Hispanic households with children ($52,300). Further, the report noted that the lack of affordable housing and federal rental assistance leaves millions of children homeless or at risk of homelessness. More than 1.5 million children enrolled in public schools experienced homelessness during the 2017-2018 school year, and 74 percent of unhoused students during the 2017-2018 school year were living temporarily with family or friends. Millions of children live in food-insecure households, lacking reliable access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food, and more than 1 in 7 children – 10.7 million – were food insecure, meaning they lived in households where not everyone had enough to eat. Black and Hispanic children were twice as likely to live in foodinsecure households as White children. The report further found that America’s schools have continued to slip backwards into patterns of deep racial and socioeconomic segregation, per petuating achievement gaps. For instance, during the 20172018 public school year, 19 percent of Black, 21 percent of Hispanic, and more than 26 percent of American Indian/Alaska Native school students did not graduate on time compared with only 11 percent of White students. More than 77 percent of Hispanic and more than 79 percent

of Black fourth and eighth grade public school students were not proficient in reading or math in 2019, compared with less than 60 percent of White students. “We find that in the course of the last year, we’ve come to the point where our conversations about child well-being and our dialogue and reckoning around racial justice has really met a point of intersection, and so we must consider child well-being in every conversation about racial justice and quite frankly you can only sustainably speak of racial justice if we’re talking about the state of our children,” Dr. Wilson observed. Some more of the startling statistics found in the report include: A White public school student is suspended every six seconds, while students of color and nonWhite students are suspended every two seconds. Conditions leading to a person dropping out of high school occur with white students every 19 seconds, while it occurs every nine seconds for non-White and students of color. A White child is arrested every 1 minute and 12 seconds, while students of color and non-whites are arrested every 45 seconds. A White student in public school is corporally punished every two minutes, while students of color and non-Whites face such action every 49 seconds. Dr. Wilson asserted that federal spending “reflects the nation’s skewed priorities.” In the report, he notes that

children are not receiving the investment they need to thrive, and despite making up such a large portion of the population, less than 7.5 percent of federal spending went towards children in fiscal year 2020. Despite Congress raising statutory caps on discretionary spending in fiscal years 2018 to 2020, children did not receive their fair share of those increases and children’s share of total federal spending has continued to decline. “Children continue to be the poorest segment of the population,” Dr. Wilson demanded. “We are headed into a dark place as it relates to poverty and inequity on the American landscape because our children become the canary in the coal mine.” Dr. Wilson did note that the Children’s Defense Fund is pleased about President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which, among other things, makes it easier for parents to keep their jobs and provides a lifeline for disadvantaged children. The $1.9 trillion plan not only contained $1,400 checks for individuals, it includes monthly allowances and other elements to help reduce child poverty. The President’s plan expands home visitation programs that help at-risk parents from pregnancy through early childhood and is presents universal access to topnotch pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds. “The American Rescue Plan carried significant and powerful anti-poverty messages that will have remarkable benefits on the lives of children in America over continued on page 3

What started out as an investigation into inmate deaths in some of California's county jails led to an audit that uncovered severe overcrowding, a lack of mental health resources and $8 billion in State funds for which three county Sherriff offices cannot properly account. “What’s happening right now in these counties is not only unjust, but a disservice to our communities,” said Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles). “It's more than just about housing people. The sheriff’s departments have a duty to provide care and to rehabilitate those individuals who walk through their doors. That simply is not happening, while billions of dollars are being left on the table," she said. In an attempt to curtail California's prison overcrowding problem, in 2011 the state Supreme Court ordered a sweeping reduction of the prison population. This led to the California Public Safety Realignment Initiative signed into law by former Gov. Jerry Brown. The program planned and arranged the transfer of thousands of incarcerated people from state prisons to county jails. It also provided billions of dollars in taxpayer funds to the counties across the state to house and provide services to the inmates. The law also set up the Community Corrections Partnerships (CCPs) in each county to oversee and manage the state funds. Then, last March, following a spike in inmate deaths, Kamlager requested an audit of county jail systems focused on Alamada, Fresno and Los Angeles counties. About a year later, last week, California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle released the findings of her investigation. In a letter to the Legislature, Howle shared her findings. She wrote, “our assessment focused on public safety realignment, and we determined that these three counties and the Corrections Board have not done enough to mitigate the effects of realignment or effectively overseen related spending and services.”

Howle told lawmakers, since 2011, Alameda, Fresno and Los Angeles counties all have run overcrowded prisons, violating the state’s jail capacity rules. “The counties’ jails often lack adequate outdoor and educational facilities to provide certain vocational and rehabilitative programs for inmates who serve terms longer than three years,” she wrote. Howle also told the legislators Alameda and Fresno counties did not provide adequate information about inmates’ health to the jail staff. Responding to the audit, Fresno County corrections board executive director Kathleen Howard said the state audit “makes little sense.” “There is, however, a fundamental disconnect between the overall position of the State Auditor on the structure of 2011 Public Safety Realignment funding and the role of the CCPs in handling these funds and the consistent interpretation given the statutory and constitutional framework by the BSCC and all the counties in California over the past 10 years,” Howard wrote. Los Angeles and Alameda counties have also responded to the auditor’s report with their own explanations, clarifications and recommendations. Since then, the Auditor’s office has said it stands by its report and followed up with a point-by-point reply to each county. In Califor nia, Af rican Americans account for about 6 % of the state’s population but make up a disproportionate 28.3 % of incarcerated people. In contrast, Whites make up about 36 % of the state’s population but 21 % of prisoners. C o n c e r n s of p r i s o n overcrowding in California came to a head when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to greatly reduce California’s prison population with the assertion that the massive number of inmates hindered the state’s ability to provide proper physical and mental health services, therefore violating their continued on page 6

April 01, 2021

Page 2 COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/ADVERTISING

Commentary: Teachers Hesitant to Return to Classes Have Led to Safer School Reopening Plans Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

A year ago, K-12 education was closed across California as part of an effort to mitigate the spread of the COVID -19 virus. At that time, it was assumed that children could be a primary driver of the virus like they are Influenza A. It took a few months, but health officials determined that COVID -19 is not a pediatric driven pandemic. Young kids can get the virus, but they are not significant transmitters. Most experience mild or no symptoms and while some might have to be hospitalized, death is rare for children. Children under 15 have a lower risk of dying from COVID-19 than dying from the flu or suicide. A side effect of the virus is a serious and rare illness called multisystem inflammatory syndrome or MIS-C, which can be fatal or cause lasting heart damage. In states where schools have

restarted in person classes, data show levels of transmission of the virus is much lower than in the surrounding community when strict safety protocols developed by public health officials have been adopted. The safety protocols include universal masking, basic hand hygiene, classroom ventilation, maintaining increased physical distance, and contact tracing. While guidelines for the safe opening of schools have been available for months from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the 58 California county health departments, according to federal data California has lagged other states in offering in-person instruction to students. 18 % of California schools offer inperson learning compared to all schools in Florida and 62 % in Connecticut. Schools in California

have not been able to open while their county was in the most restrictive purple tier indicating high case rates of COVID-19. Many school districts including Los Angeles Unified and San Diego Unified have recently announced plans to make inperson instruction available to students who want it. President Biden has been pushing for all K-8 schools to open by May 1 which is the 100th day of his administration. As part of the push to safely reopen schools the Biden administration is allocating about $125 Billion for K-12 education as part of the American Rescue Plan. In an effort to salvage what’s left of this academic year and prepare for the 2021-22 school year, the Legislature passed Assembly Bill (AB) 86 and Governor Newsom signed it, offering a $2 Billion COVID-19 safety fund for school districts in the red tier to share if they manage to offer in-person instruction for grades K-6 and at least one middle or high school grade by April 1. For those that can’t, they will lose 1 percent of the incentive every day they are not open through mid-May. Newsom said when he signed AB 86, “There is nothing more foundational to an equitable society than getting our kids safely back into classrooms. Our kids are missing too may rites of passage - field trips, proms, and graduations.”

New Rent Relief Program Tries to Help Small Landlords By Isabella Bloom, Ethnic Media Services

From left to right: Maeve Elise Brown, Executive Director, Housing and Economic Rights Advocates; Jung Hyun Choi, Senior Research Associate, Urban Institute; John Yen Wong, Founding Chairman, Asian Real Estate Association of America Jie Wang owns three rental properties in Oakland. Her whole family relies on income from tenants paying their rent. Many have lost their jobs during the pandemic. Eviction moratoriums protect tenants who can’t pay part or all of their rent. But small housing providers like Wang still have mortgages, utilities and other expenses. A lack of government support puts pressure on them to sell their properties. “Nobody can escape from this coronavirus,” Wang said. “I have a very good relationship with all my tenants. I try to help them.” Wang spoke on a recent panel hosted by Ethnic Media Services along with other housing rights advocates and researchers. The panel discussed the risk of treating all landlords the same. The word “landlord” stirs up connotations of large real estate corporations, wealthy enough to maintain their properties through the pandemic. However, small landlords, often referred to as mom-and-pop landlords, have been hit hard by losses in income due to tenants who have been at least partially unable to pay their rent during the pandemic. According to the Urban Institute, individual investors like Wang rather than large conglomerates own more than

75% of one-to-four-unit rental properties. In addition, mom-andpop landlords of color are more likely to own duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes. Their rent rates tend to be cheaper, so they’re also more likely to draw minority tenants. Maeve Brown is the executive director and founder of Housing and Economic Rights Advocates, a statewide nonprofit law office that provides free legal services to low- and moderate-income Californians. She works with many people of color who have never had any training on how to manage their properties and consistently charge below-market rent rates. “Another key part of the story here is our failure to appreciate what small landlords are actually providing — our failure systemically to recognize that they really are affordable housing providers,” Brown said. “If localities and our state government actually recognized the truth of that, that should have an impact on the policy choices that they make.” Mom-and-pop landlords often are also more connected to their communities and tenants. John Wong, the founding chairman of the Asian Real Estate Association of America, has lived in San Francisco for nearly 67 years and been a realtor for over

40. In the briefing, he described the relationships he’s experienced and witnessed between mom-andpop landlords and their tenants. “I talk about this spectrum of housing providers because I think it speaks to our response to COVID,” Wong said. He added that mom-and-pop landlords tend to know their tenants personally. “The relationships have typically been very, very amicable,” he said. Rent relief programs like the $2 trillion CARES Act have primarily benefited larger, wealthier real estate corporations, leaving behind mom-and-pop landlords. “The policy choices that the state has made have just made no distinction between large landlords and small landlords,” Brown said. “State policy choices have squarely placed the burden of nonpayment of rent on the shoulders of small landlords — of small, affordable housing providers.” The danger with placing that burden on mom-and-pop housing providers is that it pressures them into selling their properties to investors and real estate conglomerates. The result is that California will lose more and more of its affordable housing. “If they lose their property, they’re probably going to lose it to an investor who will charge as much money as the market can possibly bear,” Brown said. Landlords of color are also more likely to have a mortgage and lower income, so the pressure to sell during the pandemic is higher, according to Urban Institute. There may be new hope for mom-and-pop landlords and their tenants in the form of a new rental assistance program, but it comes continued on page 8

Students and parents are anxious for schools to safely open for in-person instruction. The term “learning loss” has become synonymous with distance learning which was only intended to be used by school districts for a short period of time. For many students, the year that they have been shut up at home has not only taken a toll on their academic progress but affected their mental health and society may be reckoning with the fallout for many years to come. In general, Black and Latino children have struggled more academically than their Asian and White peers. Keeping up with schoolwork has been complicated by not having access to technology and reliable internet. Concentrating on studies has been more difficult when they live in communities that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. For many families remote learning created a childcare crisis, forcing some parents to leave their jobs. Many parents became frustrated with balancing jobs and supervising their children’s lessons. The power to restart in-class instruction is vested in local school boards. It’s their responsibility to develop a plan for the safe opening of their schools relying on direction from the governor and continued on page 4

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 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.

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April 01, 2021

Page 3 STATE/GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS

McDonald's Names Desiree RallsMorrison as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Business News

CHICAGO, March 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) announced today that Desiree Ralls-Morrison has been named the company's General Counsel and Cor porate Secretary, overseeing global legal operations and corporate governance. RallsMorrison will start on April 26, 2021 and will be based at the company's Chicago headquarters in the West Loop. McDonald’s Corporation announced today that Desiree Ralls-Morrison has been named the company’s General Counsel and Cor porate Secretary, overseeing global legal operations and corporate governance. Ralls-Morrison most recently served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Boston Scientific Corporation, a world leader of innovative medical solutions. "I'm thrilled that Desiree is joining our team not just for the strong experience she brings, but for the values-based leadership that has defined every aspect of her career," said Chris Kempczinski, McDonald's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Her commitment to leading with integrity, along with her work to support positive change in communities, will strengthen our efforts to bring our values to life across the business. As the leader of our Global Legal function, I'm confident that Desiree will build on the strong foundation in place to deepen our commitment to our communities, embed our values across all aspects of the System and help us further bring our Accelerating the Arches growth strategy to life." " McD o n a ld's r ole i n communities is known throughout the world, and I am proud and humbled to be joining a company with such an immense impact,"

said Ralls-Morrison. "The challenges are complex, but the opportunities are significant. I look forward to leading this talented legal team as we support Chris, the Senior Leadership Team and the entire System to deliver on McDonald's business priorities and its vital purpose to feed and foster communities." Prior to Boston Scientific Corporation, Ralls-Morrison served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Boehringer Ingelheim USA, Inc., and General Counsel of the Consumer Group at Johnson & Johnson. Ralls-Morrison currently serves on the Board of Directors for DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. and was previously a Director for The Partnership, Inc., whose mission is to ensure the economic competitiveness of the Boston area by attracting, retaining and convening professionals of color. Desiree was also a Founding Member of The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund in Massachusetts. In 2019, Desiree was named one of the most powerful women in corporate America by Black Enterprise Magazine, and in 2020, she was named as one on the top innovative General Counsels around the world by the Financial Times. Ralls-Morrison earned her juris doctor from Harvard Law School and her Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science from Wesleyan University. About McDonald's McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with over 39,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 93% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business owners.

The Lookout: “Rape is Rape,” Say Lawmakers Pushing New Sexual Assault Laws...continued rape cases to understand that rape is rape. The Spousal Rape Law will fix a historic defect in California’s rape and sexual assault laws. All victims of rape deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity by the criminal justice system. I firmly support the passage of AB 812,” Rosen said. Supporters of AB 812 say matching the qualifiers in the language for spousal and nonspousal rape will make their definitions identical – and, thusly, their consequences. "The relationship between a person who is raped and their attacker — whether they are strangers, friends, or even spouses -- should not have any importance in the eyes of the law," says Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell), co-author of AB 812. "Rape is rape. It is one of the most vicious crimes imaginable and it should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." The Assembly Committee on Public Safety is currently reviewing AB 812. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 10% to 14% of married women will be raped during their marriage. Of that percentage, 18% of women victims claim that their children bore witness to this crime. SB 530 is identical in its intention to do away with the spousal rape distinction. "California's spousal rape law is a slap in the face to all women and sexual assault survivors and it must go," said Michele Dauber, Frederick I. Richman Professor of Law and Professor at Stanford University. "It's time that California law recognizes that all rape is equally serious regardless of the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. Rape is rape, period." The Senate Public Safety Committee has scheduled a hearing for April 20 on SB 530. Another piece of legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 1455, also focuses on rape. It is designed to

give victims of sexual assault at the hands of law enforcement more time to pursue a civil case against their attackers. According to an investigation by Mercury News, over 80 law enforcement officers currently serving have been convicted of at least one crime. "It’s scary for any sex-assault survivor to seek recourse against their perpetrator in any situation and I think even more difficult if the person who perpetrated the crime is a law enforcement official,” Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), author of AB 1455, told the Daily Democrat. “There’s a power dynamic involved. The goal is to level the imbalance of power and give victims more time.” The Assembly Judiciary Committee is currently reviewing AB 1455. The California Criminal Cop Project, a study two UC Berkeley School of Journalism students conducted with the help of dozens of reporters from six California Media organizations, found that over 600 police officers were convicted of a crime in the last decade, 50 of which were related to sex offenses. Results of the research project, released in 2020, focused on the occurrence, frequency and penalties of police officer crime convictions. Senate Bill (SB) 615, authored by Senator Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore), would require individuals who commit certain sexual acts with a minor more than three years younger to register as a sex offender. As it stands currently, registration is not required unless the offender is over 10 years older than the minor. The Senate Committee on Public Safety has set an April 27 hearing for SB 615. Survivors of sexual assault and rape face an unspeakable burden that weighs heavily on their spirits for years. And while the law cannot provide absolution, there is hope that it might someday provide justice.

Children’s Defense Fund: State of America’s Children Reveals that Children of Color are 71 Percent of Those That Live in Poverty...continued from page 1 the course of the next two years,” Dr. Wilson declared. “The Children’s Defense Fund was quick to applaud the efforts of the President. We have worked with partners, including leading a child poverty coalition, to advance the ideas of that investment,” he continued. “Most notably, the expansion

of the child tax credit which has the impact of reducing poverty, lifting more than 50 percent of African American children out of poverty, 61 percent of Indigenous children, 45 percent of Hispanic children. It’s not only good policy, but it’s specifically good policy for Black and Brown children.”

The Lookout: “Rape is Rape,” Say Lawmakers Pushing New Sexual U.S. Department of Agriculture Assault Laws Announces Oscar Gonzales as Assistant Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media Watching your tax dollars, elected officials and legislation that affects you. There are few betrayals as heinous and damaging as being violated by the people we trust with our wellbeing. While no amount of legislation could ever fully restore what survivors of sexual assault and rape have lost, there are two four new California bills legislators are proposing to help them receive the justice they deserve. The first two are Assembly Bill (AB) 812 and Senate Bill (SB) 530. Both aim to punish spousal rape

as severely as non-spousal rape. As it stands now, spousal rape in California does not have as many qualifiers as non-spousal rape, which means that it is more difficult to convict someone of said crime if they are married to the victim. “As a prosecutor, I am concerned any time a law is fundamentally flawed in both statute and application," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. "My office has tried enough continued in next 2 columns

Secretary for Administration

Gloria Romero. Most recently, Gonzales served as Vice President for Government Relations, Western States, for Goldman Sachs. Prior to that, he was Vice President for Community and Government Relations for Aura Financial, a CDFI-certified fintech company disrupting the predatory lending industry with loans that helped low income people. Gonzales has a long track record of working at the federal and state level to advocate for social justice for underserved and marginalized communities with a focus on Hispanic communities. He worked for several years for the United Farm Workers Foundation. His wife, Christine Chavez, is the granddaughter of American labor and civil rights legend Cesar Chavez. “Oscar has dedicated his life and career to fighting for underserved and marginalized communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “He grew up in a working-class family in

East Los Angeles and has worked at nearly every level in food and agriculture— from working on a horse farm to serving at the highest levels of leadership in state and federal government. With Oscar’s leadership and a team that reflects the diversity of our nation behind him, USDA is committed to ensuring equity across the Department, rooting out systemic racism and discrimination, and removing barriers to access to USDA programs.” Prior to serving in government, Gonzales worked with various nonprof it orga n i zat ion s, including the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Building Up Los Angeles, the Corporation for National Service, California Community College Foundation, National Hispanic Environmental Council, East Los Angeles Residents Associat ion, and the UFW Foundation. He is a graduate of the University California, San Diego and East Los Angeles College.

Assemblymember Holden’s Legislation to Create State School Nurse Consultant at California Department of Education Passes First Policy Committee State/Government News Sacramento, CA - Today, Assemblymember Chris Holden’s legislation, AB 285 that creates a State School Nurse Consultant within the Department of Education passed the Assembly Education Committee. The purpose of the State School Nurse Consultant would be to oversee school nurses and supervisors of health, and to advise the State Superintendent on student health issues. “Keeping students, faculty, and staff safe at schools during this on ongoing pandemic takes a lot of expertise, communication, and coordination between different agencies at different levels of government,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “A State School Nurse Position will help keep our children healthy and safe beyond the current pandemic.” A school nurse at the Department of Education will lend strong insight into how schools operate safely during this pandemic. Outside of infectious disease events like the current Pandemic, there are additional

public health issues that impact schools that would benefit from this new position. Health issues like mental health, diabetes, nutrition, vision, physical activity, safety are all issues that schools are trying to address. A School Nurse Consultant will provide guidance and insight to schools so our students can thrive in and outside of the classroom. Currently, there is no school nurse to address health issues in the Department of Education. New laws and mandates are placed on schools to address health issues like administering medications, vision tests, and EpiPens, but there is no position at the California Department of Education to advise school districts on the implementation of those laws. AB 285 aims to enhance a public health perspective at the Department of Education, which will better-serve California students. “AB 285 is a solution we always needed, but is now more urgent than ever in the face of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” continued Holden.

Fintech Startup Greenwood Raises $40 Million in Funding to Provide Black and Latino Banking Services The biggest names in finance invest in Greenwood including 6 of the top 7 banks and others – Truist, Bank of America, PNC, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Mastercard, Visa, and SoftBank Business News

State/Government News WASHINGTON, March 29, 2021 — Oscar Gonzales was appointed today by President Biden to serve as Assistant Secretary for Administration at the U.S. Depar t ment of Ag r icult u re ( USDA). Previously, Gonzales served in the Obama Administration in several senior positions with USDA, including as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration as well as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Senior Advisor on Immigration

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Oscar Gonzales as Assistant Secretary for Administration...continued

Reform to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. He also served as the California State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), where he oversaw FSA programs across 58 counties in the nation's largest agricultural producing state. His government background includes working for top California leaders, including Governor Gray Davis, Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, and Senate Majority Leader continued in next 2 columns

ATLANTA, March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenwood, the digital banking platform for Black and Latino individuals and business owners, today announced it has closed $40 million of Series A funding from six of the seven largest U.S. banks and the top two payment technology companies: Truist, Bank of America, PNC, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Mastercard, and Visa. The group is joined by FIS, a leading provider of technology solutions for merchants, banks and capital

markets firms globally, and Popular, the largest Hispanicowned bank in the U.S.; venture capital firms TTV Capital, the SoftBank Group Corp's SB Opportunity Fund and Lightspeed Venture Partners (Scout Fund); sports and entertainment names including Quality Ventures, the private equity arm of sports media conglomerate Quality Control, and All-Pro NFL running back Alvin Kamara. Greenwood will continued on page 5

April 01, 2021

Page 4 RELIGION/LIFESTYLE

“There Is A Time for Everything...!” By: Lou Yeboah

Lou Yeboah And a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace” [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not foolishly, but wisely, knowing how to make the most out of every opportunity...” [Ephesians 5:15-17]. God has set before you life and death, blessings and cursing. Choose life, so that you and your descendant may live!” [Deuteronomy 30:15-19]. Because like the church at Ephesus you have "left your first love." Putting yourself in the midst of a spiritual crisis. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. [Proverbs 3:8 Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11]. Besides, why do you think Christ's ministry began on a note of URGENCY and NEED FOR ACTION: "The TIME HAS COME," he said. "The KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR. REPENT and believe the good news!" [Mark 1:15]. Be wise, choose life, so that you and your descendant may live. Because I tell you, time is running out! Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is near. Therefore, lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; Live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. [Romans 13:11-14]. I tell you, God longs to forgive and forget, but you must first turn to Him in confession and

repentance.“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “Return to Me with all your heart… and rend your heart and not your garments.” For I am gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness.” [Joel 2:12]. Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart” [Psalm 95:7-8]. Remember, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, and today is the day of salvation. Today is the acceptable time! [2Corinthians 6:2]. “Make every effort to enter the narrow door, because many, I tell you will try to enter and will not be able to.” Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers...” [Luke 13:22-27]. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. [Isaiah 55:7]. “In the valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim the people stood and listened. From Mount Ebal they heard of disasters and troubles and difficulties that would come because they did not serve the Lord their God. Mount Ebal stood as a warning that God takes sin seriously and that harsh consequences follow the breaking of His laws. From Mount Gerizim they heard of the blessings that would come upon them and overtake them if they would obey the Lord their God. “Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the country. Your crops will be blessed, your herds and the young of your flock will increase, your basket and kneading bowl will be blessed. Blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out.” [Deuteronomy 28]. Do not procrastinate any longer! Today is the day of salvation! For God says, "At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you. Behold, now is the acceptable time, behold now is the day of salvation." [2 Corinthians 6:2]. There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. “He that will, let him take of the water of life freely” [Revelation 22:17].

Witness For Justice#1040

What We Say Matters John Dorhauer On January 6th, the nation watched in horror as a swarming horde of white supremacist insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capital Building. We saw a Confederate flag carried into the rotunda, t-shirts promoting Nazi propaganda, elected representatives hiding in fear for their lives, and various bombs, guns, and weapons brandished against law officers who were either utterly overwhelmed, completely absent from the scene, or conspiratorially involved in the insurrection. On March 16th, we heard reports of the most recent mass shooting incident at the hands of a white man that took the lives of

non-white victims. Six of the eight victims of his murderous spree were Asian women. The common denominator in these horrific events was the hate speech that emanated from the mouth of our former President. For months he lied to America about a stolen election. For months he referred to the Coronavirus as the “China virus,” after which hate crimes against Asian Americans rose at alarming rates. This kind of pernicious, malevolent, vitriolic rhetoric is not new to America or unique to the former President– not even close. continued in next 2 columns

What We Say Matters...continued But it is especially virulent when it comes out of the highest office in the land. Throughout his time in office, the former occupant of the White House empowered the movement of white supremacists, who used his words to promote their agenda and increase their enrollment. They moved out of the margins and began taking center stage as the President continually referred to them as good people. In a presidential debate, he told them to “stand back and stand by” – a statement that gave recruiters on the dark web fodder for their propaganda, the result of which was an almost unprecedented overnight growth in their memberships. Good people of faith who believe in a God who created all with equal worth and value, and who endowed all with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, must not remain silent and inactive while this hatred grows. Too often throughout American history, white people of faith have jumped on the anti-racism bandwagon as it rolled toward justice – only to jump off when they felt like they had done enough or when the demands on their commitments to justice reached a limit they were not willing to exceed. Whites must commit to two things at this time as the antiracism movement faces a rising

tide of fascism and racial animus. First, whites must join leaders and movements of color and stay in it to win it – not quitting when the going gets rough or when whites get tired. Second, whites must take a backseat on this bus. They will not, should not, cannot drive this work. Stacey Abrams and Raphael Warnock and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ibram Kendri and Michelle Alexander and Val Demmings and Pramiya Jayapal, Deb Haaland, Sheila Jackson, and so many other leaders from historically underrepresented communities who call for, organize, and instantiate pathways to equity and justice. Whites who likewise long for this kind of beloved community must actively disengage from a privilege that serves as one of the largest remaining obstacles to racial equity, a privilege that in the past has allowed us to exit the scene long before real justice had arrived. Lives are being lost every day as white perpetrators of hate speech and hate crimes grow their ranks following four years of presidential favor. But racial justice and equity will not be denied, and white people of faith must add their efforts to it. John Dorhauer is the General Minister and President for the United Church of Christ.

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MONDAYS by 5pm. Visit our website: sb-american.com for latest news Commentary: Teachers Hesitant to Return to Classes Have Led to Safer School Reopening Plans...continued from page 2 Legislature and following safety protocols provided by the CDC and state and local public health directives. The willingness of parents to send their kids back to the classroom varies based on their experience dealing with Covid-19 which is related to race, ethnicity and income. White and wealthier families that are frustrated with remote learning and as a group has been least affected by the virus are demanding resumption of in person instruction. They trust that their school district can safely reopen. Black and Latino parents while wanting their children to return to school have experienced the inequitable impact of Covid-19 and are concerned about exposing their children to the virus in a school setting and bringing it home. While these parents understand their children are not faring well academically and mentally with distance learning they are not willing to risk their safety. Contributing to the unease that Black and Latino parents have about school reopening classrooms has been their children’s teachers expressing their hesitancy to returning to school without all teachers and staff having the opportunity to be vaccinated. Studies show that transmission in schools appears to be primarily from teacher to teacher, then from teacher to student, but almost never from

student to teacher. So vaccinating teachers is important to everyone’s school safety. While the stance that the teachers took may have delayed inschool learning, Newsom decided that 10 % of vaccines a week would be reserved for teachers and other school staff. Although AB 86 and CDC guidelines have not included vaccinating teachers in the strategy for safe school reopening, school districts have included it as part of their teacher union agreements. In addition, regular testing of students and staff is another strategy being adopted by school districts to detect virus on campus before it can spread. While zero risk of COVID-19 infection is not possible, results from hundreds of school districts opened across the county and the world show virtually no communal spread of the virus, if safety protocols are followed. By listening to the concerns expressed by teachers, school districts have made in-person instruction safer for students and given parents more confidence to send their kids back to school. About the Author Joe W. Bowers Jr. is an advocate for education opportunities for all and the education writer for CBM. He is a former corporate engineer and business executive and is a graduate of Stanford University.

TWENTY PEARLS Documentary Film about First Black-Greek Letter Organization Now Available Nationwide Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Makes History with Film Production and Distribution Lifestyle News

CHICAGO, March 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® announces the North American release of TWENTY PEARLS, the off icial documentar y film which chronicles the organization's history. Narrated by Phylicia Rashād, TWENTY PEARLS journeys through 113 provocative years. Only 40 years past the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, nine Black college women enrolled at Howard University where they organized and built a sisterhood in 1908. The organization has now grown to more than 300,000 members internationally and has been pivotal in watershed moments that have impacted American history. Through narration, interviews, and archival assets, viewers will see how Alpha Kappa Alpha impacted the Harlem Renaissance, World War II, NASA, Civil Rights, Women's Rights, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) all culminating in the election of the first woman, African American and Asian American Vice President of the United States of America. Interviews include Alpha Kappa Alpha International President and CEO Dr. Glenda Glover, Vice President Kamala Harris, Miss Universe Ireland 2019 Fionnghuala O'Reilly, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt and many more. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated announces the North American release of TWENTY PEAR LS, the official documentary film which chronicles the organization’s history. Narrated by Phylicia Rashād, TWENTY PEARLS journeys through 113 provocative years. "Telling our own story is essential to preserving our history and uplifting the culture," said Dr. Glover. "Alpha Kappa Alpha's remarkable 113-year journey is punctuated by stories of history makers, ceiling breakers, public servants and ordinary women who have changed the course of American history. Through this beautifully written and narrated odyssey, this film highlights, in undeniable ways, the vision, courage, tenacity, determination and power of Black women while dispelling any age-old questions about the relevance of HBCUs and the Divine 9." The film production marks another first for AKA. The sorority is the first African-American Greek-letter organization to distribute a full-length, feature

documentary film. TWENTY PEARLS premiered on Friday, March 26, 2021 on Comcast Xfinity Black Experience and Comcast Xfinity platforms, xf i nit y.com, Xf i nit yFlex internet and Xfinity Mobile. The documentary will now be distributed across North America through On Demand to Atlantic Telephone Cable, Bardstown Cable, Cass Cable TV Inc., Charter Communications, Citizen's Cable, Comcast, Cox, Fidelity Cable, Golden West Cablevision, Grande Communications, Great Lakes DSB, Hiawatha Broadband Comm., Homestead on Demand, Hotwire Communications, Kuhn Communications, MidContinent, OTELCO, Paul Bunyan Communications, Pencor Services, Phonoscope Cable, Plantation Cable, RCN, Service Electric Cable TV, Service Electric Cablevision, Troy Cablevision, Wyandotte Municipal Services and more. Check your cable guide for availability. About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greekletter organization established by African-American collegeeducated women dedicated to elevating the stature of African Americans, particularly girls and women. Through a robust international program of service, Alpha Kappa Alpha continues to institute groundbreaking social initiatives and social service programs that transform communities for the better. Today, these include Target 1: HBCU for Life: A Call To Action; Target 2: Women's Healthcare and Wellness; Target 3: Building Your Economic Legacy; Target 4: The Arts!; Target 5: Global Impact; and The Signature Program #CAP. The sorority is comprised of over 300,000 members in more than 1000 undergraduate and graduate chapters in the United States and internationally. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is a 501 (c)(7) organization. As a tax-exempt organization, AKA does not directly or indirectly participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. To learn more about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and its programs, visit www.aka1908. com.

April 01, 2021

Page 5 LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210002189 Date Filed: 03/04//2021 Filing Expires On: 03/04/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LOS COMPADRES BAR County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 25496 BASELINE ST. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 Mailing Address: 25722 7TH ST. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92410 Name of Individual Registrant: ASCHLY S. LUGO 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: 25722 7TH ST. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92410 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 25, 2015 Aschly S. Lugo, 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 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210002094 Date Filed: 03/02/2021 Filing Expires On: 03/02/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): ROLLING DEALS AUTO SALES County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1680 SOUTH “E” ST. SUITE B-227 SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF 92408 Mailing Address: 2168 S. ATLANTIC BLVD. SUITE 432 MONTEREY PARK, CALIF 91754 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: ELEKTRO SALES INC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CALIFORNIA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 2168 S. ATLANTIC BLVD. SUITE 432 MONTEREY PARK, CALIFO 91754 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 Eduardo Bogdan Oleynick, President, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210002891 Date Filed: 03/19/2021 Filing Expires On: 03/19/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): PADILLAS BACKHOE SERVICE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 13403 SEQUOIA RD. VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 Name of Individual Registrant: YADIRA HERNANDEZ 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: 13403 SEQUOIA RD. VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 Name of Individual Registrant: RAFAEL PADILLA Residence Street Address: 13403 SEQUOIA RD. VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 This business is/was conducted by: A Married Couple Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Oct 23, 2020 Yadira Hernandez, 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 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210002994 Date Filed: 03/23/2021 Filing Expires On: 03/23/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): UNIVERSAL SELF STORAGE HESPERIA, LLC County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 9312 “I” AVENUE HESPERIA, CA 92345 Mailing Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 IRVINE, CALIF 92612 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: NSA UNIVERSAL DR., LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: DE Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 8400 EAST PRENTICE AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111 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: Sep 25, 2015 Tamara D. Fischer, 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 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210001736 Date Filed: 02/22/2021 Filing Expires On: 02/22/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): IN HIS GRACE DANCE COMPANY County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business:13802 RED HILL PL. VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 Name of Individual Registrant: REBEKAH M. LAWRENCE 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: 13802 RED HILL PL. 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 Rebekah M. Lawrence, Owner, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2021. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210002078 Date Filed: 03/02/2021 Filing Expires On: 03/02/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): TUNJIA FASHION County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business:16218 SOLITUDE AVE. CHINO, CA 91708 Name of Individual Registrant: STELLA K. TUMENTA-HASHEMI TARI 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: 16218 SOLITUDE AVE. CHINO, CA 91708 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Feb 23, 2021 Stella K. Tumenta-Hashemi Tari, Owner, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210002974 Date Filed: 03/22/2021 Filing Expires On: 03/22/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): 1. IWASAKI ENTERPRISES 2. OC APPAREL SHOW County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 2220 RANCHO HILLS DRIVE CHINO HILLS, CA 91709 Name of Individual Registrant: JAMES IWASAKI 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: 2220 RANCHO HILLS DRIVE CHINO HILLS, CA 91709 Name of Individual Registrant: LISA IWASAKI Residence Street Address: 2220 RANCHO HILLS DRIVE CHINO HILLS, CA 91709 This business is/was conducted by: A Married Couple Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Mar 11, 2021 James Iwasaki, President, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct. NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210002993 Date Filed: 03/23/2021 Filing Expires On: 03/23/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): UPLAND UNIVERSAL SELF STORAGE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1695 N. BENSON AVENUE UPLAND, CA 91784 Mailing Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 IRVINE, CALIF 92612 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: NSA UNIVERSAL DR., LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: DE Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 8400 EAST PRENTICE AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111 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: Sep 25, 2015 Tamara D. Fischer, 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 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210002998 Date Filed: 03/23/2021 Filing Expires On: 03/23/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LOMA LINDA UNIVERSAL SELF STORAGE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 25980 BARTON ROAD LOMA LINDA, CA 92354 Mailing Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 IRVINE, CALIF 92612 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: NSA UNIVERSAL DR, LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: DE Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 8400 EAST PRENTICE AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111 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: Sep 25, 2015 Tamara D. Fischer, 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 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210003003 Date Filed: 03/23/2021 Filing Expires On: 03/23/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): UNIVERSAL SELF STORAGE HIGHLAND LP County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business:28099 GREENSPOT ROAD HIGHLAND, CA 92346 Mailing Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 IRVINE, CALIF 92612 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: NSA UNIVERSAL DR, LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: DE Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 8400 EAST PRENTICE AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111 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: Sep 25, 2015 Tamara D. Fischer, 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 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210003014 Date Filed: 03/23/2021 Filing Expires On: 03/23/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): HESPERIA UNIVERSAL SELF- STORAGE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 10150 “I” AVENUE HESPERIA, CA 92345 Mailing Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 IRVINE, CALIF 92612 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: NSA UNIVERSAL DR, LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: DE Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 8400 EAST PRENTICE AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111 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: Sep 25, 2015 Tamara D. Fischer, 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 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210003016 Date Filed: 03/232021 Filing Expires On: 03/23/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): FONTANA UNIVERSAL SELF STORAGE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 15007 BRIDALPATH DRIVE FONTANA, CA 92336 Mailing Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 IRVINE, CA 92612 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: NSA UNIVERSAL DR, LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: DE Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 8400 EAST PRENTICE AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111 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: Sep 25, 2015 Tamara D. Fischer, 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 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210003020 Date Filed: 03/23/2021 Filing Expires On: 03/23/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): UNIVERSAL SELF STORAGE SAN BERNARDINO LLC County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 3086 W. KENDALL DRIVE SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 Mailing Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 IRVINE, CALIF 92612 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: NSA UNIVERSAL DR, LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: DE Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 8400 EAST PRENTICE AVENUE, 9TH FLOOR GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111 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: Sep 25, 2015 Tamara D. Fischer, 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 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Date: Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 25, April 1, 18, 15, 2021. AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVDS 2101283 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: MALE SALUZZI and filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. MALE SALUZZI to Proposed name: MICHAEL SALUZZI THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 4/19/21 Time 9:00 a.m. Dept.: S-16 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO San Bernardino District-Civil Division 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2102582

Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 2021.

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: SARARAY SIGRUN BLOODWOLF filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. SARARAY SIGRUN BLOODWOLF Proposed name: to: SARA RAY BLOOD WOLF ROBICHEAUX THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 4/13/21 Time 9:00 a.m. Dept.: S-16 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 Civil Branch 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

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVBA 2100062

Date: March 02, 2021 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2021. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2102754 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: SZU-HAN CHANG filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. SZU-HAN CHANG Proposed name: to: SALLY SZUHAN JEHNG b. SALLY SZUHAN CHANG to SALLY SZUHAN JEHNG THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 4/26/21 Time 9:00 a.m. Dept.: S-16 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO San Bernardino Justice Center 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: Jan 22, 2021 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 2021. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2103632 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: COCO MARIA JACKSON filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. PROPHET JOSIAH JAMES CARTER Proposed name: to: MARLON JOSIAH CARTER b. KING JUSTICE VAUGHN JACKSON to: JAMES VAUGHN JACKSON THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 4/29/21 Time 9:00 a.m. Dept.: S16 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO San Bernardino Justice Center 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. KENNETH ALLEN HEISE Proposed name to: KENNETH ALLEN STEWART THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 4/27/21 Time 1:30 p.m. Dept.: B4 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 235 E. Mt. View Barstow, CA 92311 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: 3/05/21 Commissioner Scott Seeley Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 2021.

PETITION/PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MARK STEVEN GAYLORD aka MARK S. GAYLORD CASE NO : PROPS 2100197 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: MARK

STEVEN GAYLORD aka MARK S. GAYLORD

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: JANICE GAYLORD in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: JANICE GAYLORD 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:04/19/2021 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept: S37 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 Central 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. Attorney for petitioner: William M. Nassar, Esq. 1461 Ford Street Ste. 203 Redlands, CA 92373 (909) 307-2000 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper March 18, 25, April 1, 2021.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ABEL V. AVILA aka ABEL VELASCO AVILA aka ABEL AVILA aka ABEL AVILA, SR. CASE NO : PROPS 2100263 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: ABEL

V. AVILA aka ABEL VELASCO AVILA aka ABEL AVILA aka ABEL AVILA, SR. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: ABEL P. AVILA in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: ABEL P. AVILA 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: April 21, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept: S-35 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 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: HARTNELL LAW GROUP, APC 25757 Redlands Boulevard, Redlands, CA 92373-8453 (909)796-6881 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper, April 1, 8, 15, 2021.

Fintech Startup Greenwood Raises $40 Million in Funding to Provide Black and Latino Banking Services...continued from page 3 continue to build a community focused on financial empowerment and deliver a range of financial products and services. Greenwood closes $40M of Series A funding from 6 of the 7 largest U.S. banks and the top 2 payment technology companies. "The net worth of a typical white family is nearly ten times greater than that of a Black family and eight times greater than that of a Latino family. This wealth gap is a curable injustice that requires collaboration," said Ryan Glover, Chairman and Cofounder of Greenwood. "I am elated that many of the world's top fintech companies have invested in Greenwood and join us in this mission. The backing of six of the top seven banks and the two largest payment technology companies is a testament to the contemporary influence of the Black and Latino community. We now are even better positioned to deliver the world-class services our customers deserve." The company's $40 million capital raise is led by Truist Ventures, the corporate venture capital division of Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC). The investor group is committed to advancing economic empowerment of m i nor it y a nd u n d e r s e r ve d communities and racial equity in financial services. A video featuring the investors in this funding round can be viewed at www. bankgreenwood.com/ bankingtheculture. Greenwood will feature best-in-class online banking services, innovative ways to support Latino and Black-owned banks and give-back programs

focused on Black and Latino causes and businesses. "We think it is critical that our actions live up to the promise of our name," said Glover, referring to Tulsa, Oklahoma's Greenwood District of the early 20th Century, which included the prosperous "Black Wall Street". "Truist Ventures is helping to inspire and build better lives and communities by leading the Series A funding round for Greenwood's innovative approach to building greater trust in banking within Black and Latino communities," said Truist Chief Digital and Client Experience Officer Dontá L. Wilson who oversees Truist Ventures. "In addition to the opportunity to work with and learn from this distinguished group of founders, our investment in G reenwood is reflective of our purpose and commitment to advancing economic empowerment of m i nor it y a nd u n d e r s e r ve d communities." "G r e e nwo o d i s the right idea at the right time," said Shu Nyat ta, Managing Partner of SoftBank's Opportunity Fund. "Galvanizing a broad coalition of consumers and companies to close the racial equity gap is very closely aligned with our mission at the Opportunity Fund. We are enthusiastic supporters of what Greenwood is trying to accomplish." G reenwood was announced in October 2020 and already has signed up more than 500,000 community members. To learn more and join the Greenwood community and product waitlist, visit www. bankgreenwood.com.

April 01, 2021

Page 6 WORLD/ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Gender Pay Gap Costs $78 Billion: For Black Moms, an Even More Disturbing Picture Bo Tefu | California Black Media

Business and Labor leaders are joining hands with women working in male-dominated industries in California, stepping up their participation in the fight for gender in the state. They say the time is now to advocate for equal pay for women. According to the National Partnership for Women and Families (NPWF), women across the state who work full-time lose more than $78 billion annually as a result of the wage gap, compared to the national average of $956 billion. The report also showed that the wage gap is larger for mothers with children under the age of 18. An overwhelming 79 % of Black mothers raising minors are bread-winners majority of whom have incomes below the national poverty level. Senator Holly J. Mitchell who also serves as the commissioner for California’s commission on women and girls, is working with several state and business leaders to catalyze equal pay and navigate the COVID-19 pandemic for Black women in California. “Women of color, and Black women in particular, cannot afford for the wage gap to remain so devastatingly large. Its elimination must be a priority,” said Sen. Mitchell. National data also revealed that early in the pandemic, unemployment for Black and Latino women was three times higher than that of their white male counterparts. Marking “Equal Pay Day”

on March 24, business leaders from eight companies, including tech giants Twitter and Adobe, signed the Equal Pay Pledge to promote equity for women in California’s labor force. Other major companies in California that signed the pledge for equal pay include health care provider Blue Shield of California, biotech company Genentech, and energy company Edison International. Diversity and inclusion executives from different companies announced their collaboration with the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG) and the California Partners Project, a nonprofit that supports equal pay for women statewide. Alisha Wilkins, chair of the CCSWG, said her organization is partnering with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office to launch a workers rights training program that provides tools and resources for self-advocacy in the workplace. “Women in our state faced a significant wage gap, and lack of economic security was particularly acute for women of color, making it even more difficult to weather the current crisis,” said Wilkins. State officials and leaders of the women’s commission proposed an annual gender pay analysis that reviews promotion processes, antidiscrimination initiatives, as well as best practices in an effort to ensure equity for all workers. Since 2019, the state has bolstered plans to, “champion real change for the women of our

state as we rebuild, reframe, and reimagine what life can look like for the women of California going forward,” said Wilkins. Dalana Brand, a diversity and inclusion executive at Twitter, tweeted that the social media giant is committed to closing the gender pay gap by being transparent about workers’ pay. “We believe that pay equity is critical to building diverse and inclusive workplaces, and a better, more equitable world,” said Brand. “Signing on to this pledge is an extension of our commitment to pay equity across the board at Twitter.” Data from the CCSWG indicates that women earn 88 cents on the dollar compared to men, despite California’s progressive laws on equal pay. Labor force demographics also reveal that Black women in California earn 62 cents on the dollar as compared to 90 cents for Asian women, 55 cents for Latina women, and 50 cents for Indigenous women. Katie Juran, the senior director of diversity and inclusion at Adobe, said signing the pledge reinforced Adobe’s commitment to pay parity. “We believe everyone deserves respect and equal treatment and one of the most important ways to demonstrate that is by ensuring we pay our employees fairly, regardless of gender,” said Juran. According to the NPWF, the wage gap is fueled by gender disparities rather than career choices. The report states that the wage gap persists regardless

of one’s industry, occupation, or level of education. From jobs involving manual labor to corporate professions, women are paid lower salaries across the board. The report also states that discrimination and biases in the workplace are major contributors to the wage gap. Along with gender disparities in the labor force, the COVID-19 pandemic imposed additional stressors for working women who also have to strike a worklife balance. Brand said, “women across industries, including the tech world, continue to experience vast gaps in pay – a reality worsened by the coronavirus pandemic.” Wilkins added, “the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic may have triggered significant new economic instability, but many women in California were already struggling to pay the bills prior to this crisis.” California’s First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom also continues to spearhead gender equity initiatives to help counter the financial setbacks women experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As the pandemic threatens to undo nearly three decades of progress for women, now is the perfect time for companies to support women workers and build equity in the workplace,” said Newsom. “All women have a right to be valued, seen as equals, and paid equally,” she said.

Former NFL Player And Financial Expert To Speak At Black And Brown Business Summit In West Des Moines Brian Copeland is a starting NFL Linebacker and a Financial Wellness Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Real Estate Developer, a Venture Investor, and a worldwide motivational speaker. Entertainment News

Nationwide -- The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is set to host the first annual Black and Brown Business Summit (the Summit) presented by Principal Financial Group® on April 22 and 23. This two-day conference was created by the WDM Chamber’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI Committee) with the goal of elevating

ethnic minorities and bringing BIPOC businesses together to assist with connection building, programming, promotion, training and to provide resources to help businesses grow and prosper. “The goal of the Black & Brown Business Summit is to – Learn, Grow and Thrive,” said Angela Jackson, Chair of the WDM Chamber’s DEI Committee and SVP, Diversity,

Equity and Inclusion at Athene. “Small businesses and businesses of color have been negatively impacted during this global pandemic. The summit aims to provide educational resources, connections to help these business owners grow their business as well as share resources for those who are new entrepreneurs and looking to start a business. We also want to highlight diverse and dynamic successful businesses to encourage others.” Programming for the Summit includes breakout sessions led by top experts, Mel Essex Award, inspirational keynote speakers, and networking. Breakout sessions are divided into two tracks – New Entrepreneurs (businesses in their first two years of operation) and Established Entrepreneurs (businesses that have been in existence for 2+ years, are

established and looking to grow in scale). Keynote speakers include George Her rera, cur rent Independent Director of the board of Travel and Leisure Co. and former President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce who helped raise millions to lend to minority small business owners, and Brandon Copeland. Copeland is a starting NFL Linebacker and a Financial Wellness Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Real Estate Developer, a Venture Investor, and a worldwide motivational speaker. The pitch competition, to be held the first day of the Summit and brought to you by exclusive pitch competition partner Hycontinued in next 2 columns

Former NFL Player And Financial Expert To Speak At Black And Brown Business Summit In West Des Moines...continued Vee, will serve as a chance for 25 to 30 businesses to participate in the workshop. At the end of the day, 5 to 6 individuals from the workshop will be selected to present their pitch to a panel of judges to win a chance for $10,000 total cash prizes. The deadline to apply is March 26. View and fill out the application here. The week prior to the Summit, from April 12 - 18, the WDM Chamber will be hosting Diversity Week, an opportunity for Black & Brown businesses across the state to have their product or service highlighted via social media to elevate their profile and sales. “We are proud to be partnering with some of the most highly recognized businesses and area leaders in offering this meaningful program for not only our city and state but also for Black & Brown businesses nationally,” said Katherine Harrington,

WDM Chamber President and CEO. “From Diversity Week, the pitch competition, to nationally recognized speakers and in-depth education from experts, we are doing our best to help minorityowned businesses succeed and set them up for growth.” Tickets for the Summit are available for $15. There are a limited number of tickets available for in-person participation hosted at Athene in West Des Moines. The Summit is following all COVID-19 safety guidance and protocols for in-person guests. Masks and social distancing are required. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding panelists for breakout sessions and learn more about the Summit on the WDM Chamber’s website at https://wdmchamber.org/ bbbsummit.

A Timeline of California’s Efforts to Equalize Access to the Internet Quinci LeGardye | California Black Media

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, California legislators are making strides toward addressing and alleviating systemic inequalities brought to light during the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, several bills have been introduced in the state Legislature regarding the digital divide that persists in disadvantaged communities, fueled by a lower rate of internet access. When important parts of life for most Americans moved online during the state’s stay-at-home

orders in Spring 2020, including remote work, telehealth and online school, the existence of a racial digital divide became apparent. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, 81 % of African American households and 79 % of Latino households had broadband internet subscriptions, compared to the statewide average of 84 %. The report also found that 26 % of K-12 students and nearly 40 % of low-income students did not have reliable internet access in Fall 2020. In Dec. 2007, the California continued on page 8

Probe Into Prison Deaths Ends Up Uncovering $8 Billion in Untracked State Money...continued from page 1 Eighth Amendment rights to freedom from cruel and unusual punishment. However, this newly released report, focused on Almeda, Fresno and Los Angeles County jails, suggests that "Realignment" actually contributed to the overcrowding issue and the lack of oversight at the county level, and has negatively impacted the wellbeing of the inmates the initiative was designed to help. Kamlager says that the lack of planning involved with the initiative coupled with the lack of transparency over the last decade are contributing factors to the auditors’ conclusions. “These findings show a clear need for a major increase in oversight and transparency in this process to ensure public safety,” Kamlager said. “They also show that the Board of State and Community Corrections is not up to the task of overseeing this process, or a similar program of this magnitude and weight.” Kamlager continued by suggesting that this audit, shocking as it may be, could be a step in the right direction. "While dismayed by the delay and appalled by the findings, I

hope the audit will give the boards of supervisors for these counties the tools they need to exact real change. Advocates have been fighting for this information for a while," Kamlager said. Advocates like Californians United for a Responsible Budget (CURB), a grassroots organization intent on improving state policy on a number of hot button issues agrees. “We incarcerate too many people for too long, already. Tax dollars that were used a generation ago to pay for schools and public housing have been diverted to pay for more law enforcement and incarceration,” CURB said in a statement. CURB’s concerns are shared by Vonya Quarles, an attorney and co-founder and executive director of of Starting Over Inc., a Corona-based organization that focuses on protecting the rights of the currently and formerly incarcerated. “We don’t have a justice system, we have an injustice system,” Quarles said, calling out California’s prison system. “We have an addiction to cheap labor, an addiction to slavery.”

April 01, 2021

Page 7 NATIONAL/HEALTH NEWS/ADVERTISING

Magic Johnson Gets COVID Vaccine: “We Got to Get Back to Normal” National/Health News

(Photo credit: Magic Johnson twitter) As of last Friday, 100 million vaccine shots had been administered across the country. On Thursday, President Biden announced a new goal: 200 million shots by April 30 and his desire to have a celebration by July 4th. In California, some 27% of people have received at least one dose, with nearly 400,000 shots administered a day. The massive effort to inoculate the nation is in full swing. NBA legend and businessman, Ear vin “Magic” Johnson received his coronavirus vaccine Wednesday at an event at the University of Southern California, according to his personal Twitter page. Johnson got vaccinated alongside long-time friends actor, comedian and host Arsenio Hall and actor Danny Trejo. The Lansing-born NBA point-guard legend who is HIV positive had this to say when he got vaccinated:

“I am so happy to be here with Danny and my 40-year friend Arsenio Hall to take this vaccination because it’s so important. I’ve been doing everything the right way, wearing my mask, cleaning my hands all the time, I’ve been taking a COVID-19 test seems like every two weeks,” said Johnson, who received the Pfizer vaccine. “We got to do this cause we got to get back to normal and this is the only path to it, by the way, Donald J. Trump and Barack Obama both got this,” said Hall. “They don’t agree on nothing, but they’ve both got vaccines. So, God bless you all stay safe and let’s do this.” Johnson received the Pfizer vaccine, while Trejo received Moderna’s and Hall received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Johnson, Trejo and Hall, dubbed

the “New L.A. Dream Team’’ by Garcetti. Many know Magic for his years in the NBA or his incredible business work with Starbucks, movie theaters and other business ventures. But many also know about Magic’s open battle with HIV. Many don’t know that the breakthroughs against COVID have come in part from the research done on HIV. As Magic has an “un-detectable” level of HIV, the general public wonders what does that really mean? An HIV-positive person can achieve undetectable levels after undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). A level of a person’s HIV viral load is what causes them to be more or less likely to transmit the disease. An undetectable viral load reduces the likelihood of transmission by 100 percent. Once a person achieves an

undetectable status, it is possible to remain at this level provided that the person is compliant with their ART medication. On Sirius XM, Johnson explained the details of his health, saying that he is not healthy because of his wealth nor because he consumed a specially concocted drug that cured his disease, as many have surmised. In fact, the Hall of Famer explained that he takes the same drugs that other folks battling the virus take as well as a cocktail of three of them every day after dinner. The 6’9″ L.A. Dodgers owner wanted to make clear that he still has the virus but it is in a dormant state, telling the radio show host Renada Romain, “I do have it and have had it for 22 years. It’s just laying asleep in my body.” The virus that causes AIDS has claimed the lives of more than 32 million people worldwide since the 1980s. Scientists are continuing their research and creating new initiatives to develop a vaccine to overcome this scourge. The state of HIV research has benefitted coronavirus research, she added. “Vaccine strategies that were tested for HIV and did not work are being used for Covid-19 vaccines, including the adenovirus vaccine (used by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson). “There are interactions and lessons to be learned on both sides.” The subject of a vaccine strategy has mobilized research since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, Bruck-Landais said, mentioning “many failures, and vaccine projects or vaccination strategies that have since evolved thanks to our greater knowledge of the virus and the immune system”. March 29, 2021 by Marcus Williams

The Virus, Vaccines and New Variants: Weighing the Threat of a Mutant COVID Strain Manny Otiko | California Black Media

Health care specialists, including several medical doctors, are keeping their eyes on coronavirus variants that some fear could lead to new strains of COVID-19 that could possibly undermine global efforts to vaccinate people and stem the global crisis. According to the Centers of Disease Control, the B117 variant (first detected in the UK), the most threatening because of its prevalence, is the cause of 20 % of new infections in the United states – and 30 % of new infections in Florida. Dr. Nirav Shah, Senior Scholar at Stanford University’s School of Medicine and chief medical officer of Sharecare, a health data services firm, says there are currently four different variants of COVID-19. He said the virus

is adapting because “of evolution and natural selection.” “The more virus particles there are, the more chances that a single virus particle may be a little different than the rest of them,” said Shah. “One or more virus particles is all you need to have a slight change. Maybe these spike protein changes – just a little – and it can attach to cells better than all the other particles.” Shah said the virus is adapting as it encounters new hosts. But scientists are in a race to get everyone inoculated before the level of the disease in a community gets too high. The B117 strain, he says, is 50 more % infectious than the original strain of the coronavirus and it could lead to up to a 60 % to 70 % higher rate of deaths, according to a paper published in

the journal Nature. Shah said some of the COVID-19 virus variants could reinfect people who have contracted the disease before. The good news, he says, is that the B117 is susceptible to existing vaccine therapies, although other variants like 1351 (first detected in South Africa) and P1 (first detected in Brazil), could reduce the effectiveness of the COVID shots in patients. Fortunately, to date, scientists studying COVID-19 have not identified any variants that have been designated “Variants of High Consequence.” Those in that category “cause more disease and more hospitalizations, and they have been shown to defeat medical countermeasures, like vaccines, anti-viral drugs and mono-clonal antibodies,” says Shah.

Shah was speaking at recent news briefing on COVID-19 Virus variants organized by Ethnic Media Services. Other panelists on the Zoom teleconference were: Dr. Daniel Turner Lloveras, a member of the Latino Coalition Against COVID-19; Dr. Dali Fan, a UC Davis Health Science clinical professor and Dr. Kim Rhoads, an African American physician and Associate Professor, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, at UC San Francisco's School of Medicine. Although the average citizen may be surprised at how COVID-19 is changing, Fan, said the virus' adaption and mutation are much like other diseases. He also presented some statistics from the Center for Disease Control about the coronavirus vaccines and their development. He said the vaccines were tested before they were released to the public. “All three vaccines are very effective against symptomatic COVID-19,” said Fan. He said there are differences in the content of the vaccines and how they are stored. Fan said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires one dose, is easier to transport and is perfect for pop-up clinics and rural areas. “It may be a better option for continued in next 2 columns

The Virus, Vaccines and New Variants: Weighing the Threat of a Mutant COVID Strain...continued people who want to get fully vaccinated quickly,” he said. Turner-Lloveras said that one of the issues overlooked during the coronavirus pandemic is the impact of the digital divide. Black and Latino communities often lag in vaccination rates because they don’t have access to high-speed Internet to discover information and arrange for their vaccination appointments. “Internet access is a civil rights issue, at this stage,” said TurnerLloveras. “All of the resources that are provided to people are online.” He also said more than 20 million seniors don’t have broadband access. “This is a group that needs to be vaccinated, but they don’t have access to the Internet," he said. He’s trying to solve this problem with a group called the Digital Companeros, who meet with senior citizens and help them walk through online registration and information. The organization also has a WhatsApp group to target people who access the Internet through their cell phones. According to Rhoads, some of these reports about Black hesitancy and under-vaccination may not be accurate. She talked about her experiences serving a predominantly African American population in San Francisco through Umoja Health, a coalition of community health organizations that joined their efforts to increase COVID-19 awareness, testing and vaccinations in Black communities in the Bay Area. The organization held a mass testing event in the Sunnydale and Bayview Hunters Point neighborhoods in San Francisco

where they screened about 400 people, taking a community-based approach she calls “service in the name of public health.” No one came back positive for the coronavirus at a time when there was a 2 % positivity rate in all of San Francisco. She said the people, who were tested by community members, were also eager to get the vaccines. However, she attributes their willingness and openness with their confidence in Umoja Health. “The community developed rapid trust in us. I was very surprised by this and they called out to us when one community member tested positive,” she said. “We saw neighbors going to door to door, knocking telling people to come out and get tested. “What we recognized from that mass-testing site was that it was not going to work for the African American community,” said Rhoads. “But something more intimate would.” Rhoads said when African Americans know and trust the health care workers, there is more participation. Because of the organizations successful testing effort, Alameda County has now entrusted it to provide vaccines in Oakland and areas across Alameda County with African American populations. “It is based on a pop-up model. We mobilize with local folks who go door-to-door, hand-tohand, face-to-face, peer-to-peer, asking questions about COVID. As we moved into the vaccination phase, the Alameda Public Health Department recognized that as a major asset. They knew we could reach people, they couldn’t.”

New Report Highlights Medical Debt Crisis & Solutions Top Cause of U.S. Bankruptcies, Worsened by COVID, Hits Communities of Color Hardest National /Health News OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – Medical debt, long the leading cause of U.S. bankruptcies, has been greatly worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic – but the problem is solvable according to a new Greenlining Institute report, Solving the Medical Debt Crisis. Even before the pandemic – which cost over five million Americans their employee health coverage as many ran up unexpected medical and hospital bills – medical debt caused approximately 62% of bankruptcies. And its impact was not distributed equally, Greenlining’s analysis shows: Nationally, about one third of Black adults have past-due medical debt, compared to less than a quarter of Whites. In California, people of color are more than half again as likely as Whites to have some sort of pastdue debt in collections. As bad as the problem is, Greenlining concludes that state and national actions could go a long way to solving it. “Medical debt is a crisis, but it’s fixable,” said report author Brianna Wells, Greenlining’s Health Equity Fellow. “Health care systems and the federal and state governments can and should act to remove this crushing burden from millions of American families.” Key policy recommendations include: • Expand comprehensive financial assistance policies for all large, for-profit health care

facilities, including ambulatory surgical centers and outpatient clinics. • End the practice of turning over medical debt to third-party collection agencies and prohibit such agencies from reporting medical debt to credit reporting bureaus. • Mandate public reporting of debt collection practices by healthcare providers. • Center medical debt elimination as a part of California’s COVID-19 recovery package via measures such as the proposed COVID-19 Medical Debt Collection Relief Act, which would suspend the collection of medical debt retroactively from February 1, 2020 until the “end of the public health emergency” and ban wage garnishment and bank account seizure. • Cancel medical debt outright. The government can purchase medical debt from debt collectors and health care providers at discounted rates, aiding consumers while avoiding a financial windfall for debt collectors. • Incorporate debt cancellation into California’s larger strategy toward reparations for racial injustice. Closing the racial wealth gap by addressing debt (including medical debt) in California requires a reparations package for the Black community. To learn more about The Greenlining Institute, visit www. greenlining.org.

April 01, 2021

Page 8 COUNTY/LOCAL NEWS/POLITICAL

Heavily Armed Texas Man, 31-Year Old Paul Murray, Targets VP Harris NNPA NEWSWIRE — “The Brazos County [Texas] Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with Paul Murray over the past two weeks at the request of family members due to his behavior,” Texas officials wrote in a statement issued to the media. By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Paul Murray, an army veteran from Texas already wanted by the Secret Service, was arrested outside of Vice President Kamala Harris’s official residence. U.S. Secret Service officers took Murray into custody after finding a large-capacity ammunition-feeding device, a rifle and ammunition, and another unidentified dangerous weapon. Vice President Harris and Second Gentlemen Doug Emhoff have not moved into the residence at the U.S. Naval Observatory, and neither were there during the incident. “The Brazos County [Texas] Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with Paul Murray over the past two weeks at the request of family members due to his behavior,” Texas officials wrote

in a statement issued to the media. “There were no criminal violations found, but our agency continued to monitor the situation because of concerning behavior and statements, as well as information that Murray may have been in possession of weapons.” Authorities said deputies, working with the family and health care providers to obtain a mental health evaluation, received information that Murray may have traveled to Washington, D.C. “We communicated that information with our local and federal partners in an effort to ensure the safety of all involved,” the statement read. “Sheriff [Wayne] Dicky is grateful for the efforts of all the agencies that took part in this

Matthew Rushin, Wrongfully Convicted After Car Crash, Released From Prison The Press House News

Matthew Rushin, a young, Black, autistic man who was wrongfully convicted after a 2019 car accident, has been released from prison. After he was conditionally pardoned by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam in November 2020, Matthew remained in prison, contracting COVID-19 while behind bars. On Monday, March 29th, after a long and nightmarish ordeal, he finally walked free. Lavern and Demetrius Rushin had worked tirelessly to free their son, who was 21 at the time of his arrest. Matthew, who was diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger’s as a child and later suffered a traumatic brain injury, was a student at Old Dominion University — a young man who loved to compose poetry and play the piano. On the rainy night of January 4, 2019, he went to pick up pastries at the Panera where he worked when he was involved in a serious car accident. After the accident, the commonwealth’s attorney for Virginia Beach issued a news release that read, in part: “Had this case gone to trial, the commonwealth’s evidence would

have proven that on January 4, 2019, Matthew Rushin struck another moving vehicle in a parking lot . . . did not stop, and instead fled the parking lot. Just moments later, Rushin was driving recklessly on First Colonial Road, passing traffic and speeding. When he reached a median break, he drove straight into oncoming traffic and [struck] another vehicle head-on. It was occupied by a husband and wife who were visiting Virginia Beach from New York.” Matthew’s parents — as well as experts and criminal justice advocates who have stepped up to support him — disagreed with this version of events, saying that Matthew clipped a car in the parking lot and initially panicked and drove off. He was in the process of making a U-turn to return to the scene when the crash occurred. Terra Vance, an autistic woman and psychology consultant, has examined the details of the case. She points to pedal misapplication, a common cause of crash collisions among those with poor executive function (a common factor in autism and ADHD), as the cause

event. It is through these efforts to share critical information that situations like this can be resolved without harm to anyone. Protecting our community is the highest priority of the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office.” Murray’s mother reportedly called the police to request a welfare check on her son, stating she was concerned about his mental state. Court documents revealed that the 31-year-old Murray complained to police that he wasn’t getting support from Veteran’s Affairs and was not taking prescribed medication. Despite the mental health concerns, many Americans have expressed concern that Murray may have targeted the vice

president for political reasons or because she’s a woman of color. “He had a rifle and a large capacity clip in his vehicle,” Twitter user @1988Vor wrote. “Is he just another ‘bad day’ Christian man or mentally disturbed?” Added University of Miami visiting professor Rula Jebreal: “The day after a terrorist killed 6 Asian-American women & a gunman was arrested outside VP Kamala Harris’ home, 172 progun, pro-MAGA insurrection congressmen (who voted to overturn 2020’s free & fair U.S. Presidential election) voted against The Violence Against Women Act.” Neither Vice President Harris nor the White House has issued statements regarding the incident.

Matthew Rushin, Wrongfully Convicted After Car Crash, Released From Prison...continued of the crash. Against his parent’s wishes, Matthew’s legal counsel coerced him into a plea agreement, which he signed believing it would allow him to come home. He was instead ordered to serve 10 years of a 50year sentence. Matthew’s freedom is being celebrated by the family, friends, and supporters who fought for him, including author John

Grisham, actress Jamie Lee Curtis, Beyonce’s mother — Tina Knowles Lawson — and music executive and criminal justice advocate Jason Flom. For Media Inquiries: Dawn Kamerling The Press House dawn@thepresshouse.com 646.322.4903

New Rent Relief Program Tries to Help Small Landlords... continued from page 2 with a caveat. The new California rental relief program intended to help the state’s most vulnerable renters and landlords opened March 15. The program, which comes from Senate Bill 91, extends the eviction moratorium to June 30 and draws from $2.6 billion in federal funds for rent relief. “The SB 91 moratorium and the state rental assistance program, in my opinion, is the most important thing to have for smaller momand-pop housing providers,” Wong said. Tenants and landlords both have to fill out certain parts of the online application, available on the California state website Housing is Key. The first group of eligible renters are those with greatest need — households making 50% or less of the area’s median income, or anyone who has been unemployed for at least 90 days. The next group includes households making 80% or below the area’s median income. Undocumented tenants are also eligible. Data from Urban Institute shows that, throughout the U.S.,

less than a third of tenants and less than half of landlords are aware of federal rental assistance programs. This is why John Wong aims to spread information about rental assistance programs to mom-andpop landlords, especially those who may be linguistically isolated. “I personally have a heavy focus on making sure that individuals who have English as not their primary language have access to information that these funds are available,” Wong said. The way the rent relief works is 80% of a tenant’s rent owed between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, will be paid directly to the landlord, so long as the landlord agrees to forgive the remaining 20% of the back rent. But this new rental assistance program doesn’t distinguish between small and corporate landlords. For mom-and-pop landlords like Jie Wang, absorbing the remaining 20% of unpaid rent can be a crippling blow after a year of unpaid rent. “I’m open to the low-income renter,” Jie Wang said. “As long as I can survive, I will receive all the tools to help me and to survive this very difficult situation.”

Applications Now Being Accepted For The San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury County/Local /News SA N BE R NA R DI N O, CA―Applications for the San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury are being accepted. Successful applicants will serve as Grand Jurors for the 2022 calendar year beginning on January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2022. The Civil Grand Jury is charged by the California Penal Code to investigate all aspects of the county, including cities and special districts, and also potentially hear information on certain criminal investigations. All communications to the Grand Jury are confidential and every signed citizen complaint is responded to after investigation. Service as a Grand Juror involves an average of three to five full working days per week, which is compensated at $60 per day with appropriate mileage. The regular Grand Jury meeting place is located in the City of San Bernardino. To be eligible for selection, a person must be at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen, and a resident of the County of San Bernardino for at least one year prior to appointment. Other

requirements include; sufficient knowledge of the English language, possession of natural faculties, of ordinary intelligence, sound judgment, and good character. By law, elected public officials are not eligible. Interested citizens are encouraged to apply on-line http:// www.sbcounty.gov/GrandJury/ CTS/Ge ne r al I n for mat ion. Applications can also be submitted in-person by downloading http:// wp.sbcounty.gov/grandjury/wpcontent/uploads/sites/15/2018/12/ SB-County-Civil-Grand-JuryApplication.pdf, sent by mail, or picked- up in-person at 172 West Third Street, Second Floor, San Bernardino, CA. The application deadline is July 30, 2021. Please refer to the https:// wp.sbcounty.gov/grandjury/ wp-content/uploads/ sites/15/2021/01/2022-Timeline. pdf for important dates and information. For further questions or comments, please visit the Grand Jury's website at http:// wp.sbcounty.gov/grandjury/ or contact the Grand Jury Assistant at (909) 387-9120.

Don’t Miss Out On Timely News!! Visit The San Bernardino American News Website sb-american.com A Timeline of California’s Efforts to Equalize Access to the Internet...continued from page 6 Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) authorized the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF), which financially supports infrastructure projects, to provide broadband services to areas without access and build facilities in underserved areas. CASF has been funded through multiple legislative bills since CPUC adopted timelines, application requirements and criteria for broadband funding in June 2008. AB 1665, which was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in Oct. 2017, modified the CASF goal and extended its end date. The modified goal is to provide funding for broadband infrastructure projects that would provide broadband access to no less than 98 % of California households by no later than the end of 2022. The law also requires the CPUC to report a final financial and performance audit of the CASF by April 2021. In Aug. 2020, after the switch to online learning brought the digital divide to the forefront, Gov. Newsom signed an executive order directing state agencies to accelerate their efforts to provide high-speed internet. His goal: service with a 100 Mbps download speed. This level of internet speed would allow households to have two or three people streaming video at the same time. In Dec. 2020, AB 14, also known as the Internet for All Act of 2021, was introduced by Assemblymember Cecilia AguiarCurry (D-Winters) in partnership with Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach). If passed, the bill would require the CPUC to prioritize

approving CASF infrastructure projects in areas with either no internet or levels too slow to support video downloads or streaming. It would also make the CASF program promote telehealth and virtual learning, in addition to its initial goals for economic growth and job creation. In the same week, Gonzalez introduced the legislation through SB 4, the Broadband for All Act. “The heartbreaking reality is that 1 in 8 California homes still do not have internet access and communities of color face even higher numbers of students and families who remain disconnected. Only miles from our State Capitol, there are areas of our state where Californians have no access to broadband connectivity. In partnership with Gonzalez and nearly two dozen of our Legislative colleagues, we have the momentum to get this effort across the finish line early next year,” said Aguiar-Curry. “No student should be worried about having to visit a neighbor’s house, fast-food restaurant, park or a WIFI bus to access the internet to do their homework or having to take turns with their siblings to access WIFI because the connection is too slow. Medically fragile patients from low-income communities shouldn’t have to worry about visiting their doctor during a pandemic because they do not have internet at home for a telemedicine appointment. We need to take action now to bridge the digital divide and bring an end to the inequity that our communities most in need have long suffered,” said Gonzalez.