Vol 66 No. 7 Thursday, February 12, 2026

COUNTY BUDGET WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHTS FISCAL PRIORITIES AND CHALLENGES

VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE

As planning ramps up for the County’s upcoming budget, finance staff outlined what to expect during a budget workshop at Tuesday, January 27th’s Board of Supervisors meeting.

The session emphasized the importance of transparency, collaboration, access to information and public input in County decision making. It was also an opportunity for residents to share their priorities while learning about future opportunities to participate in shaping the budget.

The County’s budget impacts nearly every resident. Regionally, the County provides emergency preparedness, criminal prosecution, detention facilities, social services, behavioral health programs, food and restaurant inspections, elections and beach water monitoring. In the unincorporated area, the County delivers municipal services like law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, building permits and animal services. Some cities also contract with the County for services.

See WORKSHOP page 2

STATE SETTLEMENT SHINES LIGHT ON CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTIONS FOR BLACK STUDENTS

A state civil rights investigation into Yuba City Unified School District (YCUSD) has resulted in a settlement requiring district-wide corrective actions after allegations that a Black elementary school student was subjected to repeated racial harassment over multiple school years.

The settlement, announced by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), stems from a 2024 complaint filed by the Black student’s family under the

Ralph Civil Rights Act.

According to CRD, the alleged misconduct included incidents over multiple school years in which students used racial slurs while repeatedly kicking, slapping, or taunting the student. The complaint also alleged that a teacher pulled the student’s hair and used disparaging comments. CRD said the family raised concerns with school administrators multiple times, but the conduct allegedly continued.

The Yuba City Unified settlement highlights how existing civil rights laws can be u s ed to protect Black students from racial harassment in all California schools -- particularly in districts where they represent a very small share of the overall student population. In Yuba City Unified, Black students account for 183 of the district’s 12,176 students, or roughly 1.5 percent of enrollment.

See SETTLEMENT page 5

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

PLayback

The State Controller’s Office (SCO) currently safeguards more than $15 billion in unclaimed property. Common forms of unclaimed assets include dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, stocks, bonds, insurance benefits, and contents from safe deposit boxes.

Visit the SCO’s claimit.ca.gov portal to search for and claim unclaimed assets.

“And During Black History Month” – California Officials Blast Trump for Posting Video Depicting the Obamas as Apes

Gov. Gavin Newsom and a number of elected officials joined a wave of national backlash after President Donald Trump shared — and later deleted — a video widely condemned as racist for depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes.

On Feb. 6, Newsom’s office blasted the President on social media.

“Disgusting behavior by the President. Every single Republican must denounce this. Now.” the social media post read.

Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) called for the President to be removed from office.

“Donald Trump is a racist, a stain on our White House and should be removed from office,” Rivas posted on Facebook. “Silence is complicity, and every Republican must speak out and reject his latest racist act.”

Senate Pro Tem Monique Limón called on her colleagues to “denounce this behavior.”

“I will not share the disgusting video depicting our former president and first lady, but I will however call on all, including our Republican colleagues, to vehemently denounce this behavior,” said Limón in a statement.

INSURANCE BILL

The legislation aims to tackle California’s growing home insurance affordability crisis.

Supporters say SB 982 is critical to improving affordability and stabilizing the insurance market by “shifting the cost of wildfires and other climate-driven disasters from the survivors who are suffering” to the large fossil fuel companies they hold accountable for them.

“With the cost of home insurance shooting through the roof and more and more families getting rejected by private insurers, we have to do everything we can to stabilize the market and boost affordability,” Wiener said.

The AIR Act would authorize the Attorney General to take large oil and gas corporations to court for damages related to climate change-fueled extreme weather disasters, such as wildfires and flooding.

One of the leading opponents of the bill is the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), a nonprofit trade group representing companies involved in most petroleum exploration, production, refining, transportation, and marketing across Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

“This is a political stunt that will kill jobs and increase costs for consumers ,” WSPA stated to Energy Security and Freedom. “This bill would essentially make oil and gas companies financially liable for every natural disaster impacting California — creating a never-ending web of litigation and claims with no foundation in fact or science.”

WORKSHOP

The workshop comes as state and federal funding—nearly half of the County’s revenue—is expected to decrease, creating challenges for operations. By law, program revenue must be used for specific programs.

Finance staff said these challenges coupled with declining revenue, slowing growth and rising costs will lead to difficult decisions in the upcoming budget.

The remainder of the budget comes from property taxes, fees and other local sources. Property taxes make up most of the County’s general purpose revenue, or discretionary funding, meaning

“The video shared is not just a meme video — the symbolism carries with its centuries of racist pain that seeks to dehumanize our Black community,” she continued. “Please speak out and condemn this behavior. We cannot allow this dialogue to continue.”

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) posted on his Facebook page on Feb. 6.

“If this is your President and you support this … we really just can’t be friends right now,” said Bryan.

On Feb. 7, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), responded to Trump on her Facebook page.

“Don’t be jealous because we are not in the Epstein files,” Mckinnor wrote alongside a picture of Michelle and Barack Obama.

The controversy began after Trump posted the video on his Truth Social platform on Feb. 5.

The clip promoted false claims about the 2020 election before briefly showing the Obamas’ faces superimposed on primates’ bodies, a trope widely understood as racist.

Trump said he did not watch the full video before it was posted and declined to apologize.

“I didn’t see the whole thing,” Trump told reporters, adding that he only viewed the portion about election fraud. Asked whether he would apologize, Trump said, “No, I didn’t make a mistake.”

He also said he condemned the imagery but maintained he had not personally seen the offensive portion before it was posted.

The White House initially defended the post as part of an internet meme before later saying it had been removed and may have been posted in error.

“This is from an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

Gayle Nicholls-Ali and Rasheed Ali’s home of over 33 years in Altadena was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on Jan. 7, 2025. that ripped through the unincorporated area in Los Angeles County and damaged over 9,400 buildings. The Alis appeared at the State Capitol with the coalition of labor leaders, survivors of climate-driven disasters, and legislators that included Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (D-Los Angeles), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).

said in a statement. But there are no apes in ‘The Lion King,’ only a mandrill, Rafiki. She also dismissed criticism as “fake outrage” and urged media outlets to focus on other issues.

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) also expressed outrage about the video and the President’s action.

“Vile. Disgusting. Abhorrent. Racist. And during Black History Month,” Padilla said in a statement. “Truly no words to fully describe how despicable and low the video posted by the President is. America deserves better.”

Over 2 Million Sign Up for Covered California; Special Enrollment Still Available

Covered California is nearing record enrollment for the 2026 coverage year after open enrollment closed on Jan. 31, with more than 1.9 million Californians selecting or renewing health plans for the upcoming year.

Although regular open enrollment has ended, many Californians can still sign up through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if they experience a qualifying life event. These events include losing job-based coverage, marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or other changes in household circumstances. Most people have 60 days from the date of the qualifying event to enroll in a plan outside of open enrollment.

Coverage selected through an SEP generally becomes effective on the first day of the month after enrollment, offering a critical safety net for those who lose health coverage mid-year.

Californians can determine eligibility and apply year-round at CoveredCA.com, where financial assistance options and plan comparisons are available.

Legislators Push for Stronger DUI Penalties. What You Should Know

California lawmakers, on Feb. 3, unveiled a package of bills aimed at reducing DUI fatal-

“Altadena is a special community full of talented people rooted in a generational legacy that other neighborhoods strive to be,” Elhawary said. “Seeing how much this affected my family, neighbors, our community, and students was heartbreaking.”

The Alis, who are visual and music artists as well as educators, were abroad celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary in the Bahamas when they lost their home, cars, and, tragically, decades of artwork.

The couple had home insurance, but the coverage fell far short of what it would take to rebuild. Fortunately, they have received grants and funding through a GoFundMe campaign that has helped them move back into the historical Black community.

“This bill matters because it recognizes that everyday Californians shouldn’t be stuck paying higher premiums, losing coverage, or relying on GoFundMe while these enormous corporations

the Board can decide how to spend these dollars.

Despite this year’s challenges, staff will work closely with the Board to ensure the budget meets the region’s social, health and safety needs while maintaining long-term sustainability.

California law requires County departments to make budget requests based on ongoing program and service needs. To date, departments have submitted requests totaling $180 million for ongoing programs and $310 million for one-time needs such as technology, sustainability and facility improvements. These figures will be refined, and decline, as budget development continues.

By law, the budget must be balanced. That means that the County cannot adopt a plan that spends funds that it doesn’t have.

ities, injuries, and repeat offenses, responding to a more than 50% increase in alcohol-related roadway deaths over the past decade. The legislation emphasizes accountability, prevention, and enhanced law enforcement training.

Key legislation the DUI legislation package includes:

• AB 1546 (authored by Schultz) Targets repeat DUI offenders. A third DUI within 10 years becomes a “wobbler” (misdemeanor or felony), while a fifth or subsequent conviction is automatically a felony. Strengthens ignition interlock device (IID) requirements and extends license revocation from four to five years for severe offenders.

• AB 1662, authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee): Closes loopholes allowing dangerous drivers to avoid DMV points after diversion. Ensures license suspensions begin upon release from incarceration, keeping highrisk drivers off the road.

• Ignition Interlock Device Requirement for First-Time Offender, authored by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine): mandates ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders, a measure previously delayed due to funding concerns.

• Advanced DUI Training for Law Enforcement, authored by Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto): expands officer training beyond basic academy instruction to help identify impaired drivers more quickly and efficiently.

Lawmakers describe the package as a starting point for broader action to improve DUI enforcement and road safety across California.

Read the full article online at www.sdvoice.info

Ali added, “People were displaced as far as San Bernardino.”

According to YouGov.com, two in five Americans have homeowner’s insurance (41%), but in California, only 31% of residents have a policy. The state has the lowest rates in the market, lagging behind states like South Dakota (59%), North Dakota (55%), Arizona (44%), Oregon (45%), and Nevada (39%).

YouGov is a leading global online market research and data analytics firm that conducts surveys on politics, public affairs, and brands, relying on a panel of more than 30 million registered members.

walk away from the damage they caused with no accountability,” Gayle Nicholls-Ali stated.

Many Black Americans secured homes in Altadena primarily during the 1950s through the 1970s, and established a middle-class, historic Black community that became a refuge from nearby redlined, segregated areas. Some of those homeowners had paid off their mortgages long before the Eaton Fires and did not have disaster insurance.

After the fire, some of the affected homeowners moved in with family or found temporary housing in hotels, at short-term rentals, or in trailers.

The fire disproportionately affected Black households, with nearly 60% of Black-owned homes in the area sustaining severe damage.

“After the fires, the majority of us were sent to far-flung communities. Why? Because Black people who were middle class, who had owned their homes for 20 to 30 years,” Ali told CBM.

“Once their house was gone, destroyed in the fire, we had to apply for apartments.”

“The economy shows mixed signals with short-term challenges in federal and state revenue,” said Chief Financial Officer Joan Bracci. “County general purpose revenue is growing, but so are expenditures. The recommended budget will prioritize mandated programs and involve some very difficult decisions.”

Service levels for mandated programs and discretionary programs will be reviewed, and budget balancing efforts will focus on streamlining operations, improving efficiency and exploring additional funding sources like state and federal grants and partnerships.

Decisions will also be informed by the Board’s budget priority areas of public safety, housing and homelessness, behavioral health, public health and climate action. Data and commu-

The rate of renters’ insurance coverage is particularly low in California, with just 14% of residents covered. This rate is far below states like the District of Columbia (37%), Idaho (21%), Colorado (19%), Oregon (19%), Nevada (19%), and Arizona (18%).

According to a December 2025 report by the Greenlining Institute, communities of color are significantly more likely to be uninsured or underinsured. Based on recent studies by the non-profit public policy, research, and advocacy organization based in Oakland, about 11% of Black homeowners nationwide are completely uninsured.

In the Golden State, the risk is particularly high for Black, Hispanic, and lower-income homeowners, who are disproportionately represented among those without insurance.

“No one should be pushed out of their home by insurance costs, and the AIR Act will take an important step toward ensuring they won’t be,” Wiener said.

nity feedback will also play key roles.

Community engagement remains central to the County’s General Management System, values and operations. Public input is gathered yearround to shape County programs, priorities and service delivery. As budget development continues, there will be additional opportunities for the public to learn more, share their priorities and make recommendations.

To learn more about important dates and the budget process, visit the County’s budget page at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/ openbudget/en/home.html

This article originally appeared on CountyNewsCenter.org

ALEX PRETTI AND RENEE GOOD WERE LYNCHED — HOW WILL WE RESPOND?

We don’t need better training for the men who killed these activists. We need a moral movement to disarm them and reconstruct democracy.

From 1920 until 1938, a flag on Fifth Avenue in New York City proclaimed an uncomfortable reality to passers-by on New York’s busy streets: “A man was lynched yesterday.”

In the South, where Jim Crow held a vice grip on the government 60 years after the end of the Civil War, masked men regularly kidnapped people who defied White supremacy, brutally murdered them in public, celebrated their extrajudicial execution as a moral victory, then lied about what the victims had actually done.

After this happened to friends of hers in Memphis, Tenn., Ida B. Wells devoted her life to challenging the lies told about lynching victims by investigating the true reasons for their deaths.

She found the victims of lynchings were never guilty of the crime used to incite the mob. Instead, whether economically

or politically, they incited the ire of Jim Crow’s paramilitary forces because they refused to submit to its dehumanizing demands.

For refusing to bow, they were made an example.

On Jan. 24, Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at the local VA, was lynched by masked men on the streets of Minneapolis, Minn. Before they had any time to investigate what had actually happened, the Trump regime smeared Pretti with lies.

Stephen Miller, who has set ICE deportation quotas to counter an imagined invasion of non-White people, called Pretti a “domestic terrorist.” Greg Bovino, who held a press conference as spokesperson for the MAGA regime, accused Pretti of planning to “massacre law enforcement.”

But Pretti was holding a phone, filming masked men who were terrorizing people on his city’s streets. We know this because other courageous neighbors were doing the same thing. One of them captured the celebratory clapping of agents that began as the 10 shots that killed Pretti were still being fired.

The masks. The lies. The celebration. These are the hallmarks of a lynching. They clarify what we are facing.

These are not men who made a mistake. They are not law enforcement officers who need better training. They are executing their mission to force Americans to comply with the Trump regime — and thanks to the Big Deadly and Destructive Bill that passed Congress last summer, they have unprecedented resources to do it.

They only way to stop a lynch mob is to build a moral movement that can reclaim the tools of government, hold people accountable for their crimes and reconstruct a democracy committed to liberty and equality for all.

Just as American history helps us name what we’re seeing, it can also show us the way out. Jim Crow was defeated in the 20th century by a coalition of people who countered the distorted moral narrative of a fiery cross with a moral movement that demonstrated the power of nonviolence.

Sixty-two years ago, after three civil rights workers were kidnapped and murdered in Mississippi, hundreds of college stu-

RULE OF LAW: A MORAL MANDATE TO ABOLISH ICE

The call to “Abolish ICE”—the federal agency known as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—is often dismissed as a radical demand for disorder, but for those who recognize the moral arc of the universe, it is a necessary response to a legacy of weaponized law enforcement. Established in 2003, ICE has increasingly functioned as a paramilitary force that bypasses the judicial norms expected of American police. While we speak of foundational principles, we must confess these ideals have frequently been betrayed.

A nation built upon the systemic denial of Black humanity suffers from a deep-seated “groupthink”—a spiritual blindness regarding who is entitled to divine protection and who is subject to state violence. This hypocrisy targets our Black and Brown brothers and sisters—including African and Caribbean immigrants—applying an enforcement culture that defies the biblical command to love the sojourner as yourself (Leviticus 19:33-34). As the patriarch of the family and a voice for the Igbo perspective, I see how this disregard for life tears at the very fabric of our community.

The terminal dangers of an agency operating without judicial oversight have been laid bare by the recent bloodletting in Minneapolis. On Jan. 7, 2026, Renee Good—a widow and teacher—was gunned down in her vehicle by a masked ICE agent. Barely two weeks later, federal agents killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Pretti, a servant who spent his career caring for veterans, was acting as a peaceful observer when he was tackled and shot in the back while pinned to the ground.

In the wake of these tragedies, we have witnessed a shameful display of government deception and backpedaling. Officials initially branded these victims as “domestic terrorists,” attempting to smear their characters to justify state-sponsored

homicide. When undeniable video evidence emerged showing Pretti was shot in the back, the administration pivoted, making light of the loss by calling it a “protocol” issue while continuing to obstruct state investigators.

From an industrial-organizational (I/O) psychological perspective, this behavior is a textbook example of organizational narcissism and a lack of psychological safety. When an organization’s culture is rooted in absolute authority without external accountability, it develops a “fortress mentality” where the preservation of the agency’s image is prioritized over human life or truth. This leads to “moral decoupling,” where agents separate their professional actions from their personal moral compasses, justified by a toxic organizational identity.

Scripture warns that a house divided cannot stand. A system that bypasses constitutional protections inevitably targets the “other,” eroding justice for all. Peer-reviewed research confirms that punitive enforcement creates a “chilling effect,” fostering deep distrust in legal authorities.

A practical, redemptive solution involves transferring Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to the FBI. The FBI is a legacy agency bound by established judicial protocols and warrant requirements that ICE historically bypasses. Moving these investigators to the Bureau forces federal power back into a framework of transparency and probable cause. This ensures the “sword” of the state is used only for its rightful purpose: pursuing genuine threats like human trafficking, rather than executing nurses in the street.

Abolishing ICE is an act of constitutional restoration. It removes the temptation of a paramilitary force and subjects all federal action to the scrutiny of the courts, respecting the dignity of all as children of God.

Rev. Stacy Swimp is a licensed minister, award-winning social commentator, youth advocate and certified community health worker.

dents were gathered in Ohio for training. When civil rights leader Bob Moses told the group what had happened, every one of those young people decided to risk their lives to continue on with the work of registering voters.

Like them, those of us who know what these masked men are doing is wrong cannot sit back and curse the darkness from the comfort of our normal lives. Instead, we must recognize what’s stirring within us as righteous anger to fuel a moral struggle.

We must let the blood of Alex Pretti and Renee Good and the more than 30 people who have died in ICE custody over the past year cry out from the ground. It is calling us to build a moral movement wherever we live.

Alex Pretti was lynched, as Renee Good was before him. In this moment, we must each make our decision about what we will do with the power of nonviolence to reclaim the tools of our government.

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is the president of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the national Poor People’s Campaign. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove is a preacher and author.

ERASING EXHIBITS WILL NEVER ERASE BLACK HISTORY

By Alice T. Crowe LAWYER, EDUCATOR AND ENTREPRENEUR

Crews equipped with crowbars dismantled an exhibit at Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia on Jan. 22. The panels removed honored the lives of nine people enslaved by George Washington.

Under a Federal directive, staff were to take down information that “disparages” American icons and fosters national shame. The take-down of the exhibit looked more like the removal of evidence at a crime scene than a safety measure to prevent an attack on patriotism.

Fortunately, Philadelphia is now suing the federal government. This action goes beyond regular park maintenance; it is part of a larger, organized effort to erase the truth about the Black experience in America. Erasing Black history from walls won’t erase it from reality. Suppressing truth only amplifies it.

Black history doesn’t need permission to exist. It speaks its unwavering truth no matter who it offends. The coordinated efforts by erasure agents to dismantle monuments, pull books from shelves, rewrite curricula, water down content or spread disinformation about slavery and Jim Crow won’t stop the truth. Anti-woke watchdogs can ban all discussions in classrooms throughout America about redlining and unfair housing, but they can’t make the segregated neighborhoods that redlining maps created disappear.

See ERASING EXHIBITS page 5

CHURCH DIRECTORY

BLACK HISTORY

1907

ROBERTA MARTIN IS BORN

1909

NAACP IS FOUNDED

1983

EUBIE BLAKE PASSES AWAY

Roberta Martin, born on February 12, 1907, was a pioneering Black gospel singer, pianist, composer, and publisher. Raised in Arkansas, Illinois, and Chicago, she formed influential gospel groups in the 1930s and adopted the Wise piano style after hearing the Bertha Wise Singers. She founded the Roberta Martin Singers, composed over 100 songs including “Try Jesus; He Satisfies,” and built a global gospel legacy. Known as the “Helen Hayes of the Gospel World,” Martin died in 1969.

Founded on February 12, 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest continuously active civil rights organization. Emerging after racial violence in Springfield, Illinois, it pursued justice through legal challenges, publicity campaigns, and interracial cooperation, helping overturn segregation laws including Plessy v. Ferguson.

Throughout the 20th century, the NAACP fought lynching, education inequality, and voter suppression, playing a key role in Brown v. Board of Education. Despite criticism, it remains a vital watchdog advancing civil rights and democratic equality.

Eubie Blake, born in Baltimore in 1883, became a major force in ragtime and early jazz. A child prodigy, he turned professional as a teenager and later moved to New York, where his compositions helped define early 20th-century Black musical culture.

With partner Noble Sissle, Blake created the Broadway hit Shuffle Along. He later championed the ragtime revival, performing and lecturing into his nineties before his death on February 12, 1983.

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

Settlement:

Continued from cover

According to statewide survey data from the California Healthy Kids Survey, which is administered by the California Department of Education to assess school climate and safety, a substantial share of students report being bullied or harassed at school, with measurable differences by race and ethnicity available through the survey data system.

‘There is no place in our schools for anti-Black harassment or discrimination. I applaud our team at the Civil Rights Department for ensuring the Yuba City Unified School District takes action to protect the civil rights of its students.’

—Kevin Kish

State officials said the settlement is intended to address both the harm alleged by the family and concerns about school culture, staff response, and accountability. The agreement was reached through mediation and does not include an admission of wrongdoing by the district. The settlement was secured by Senior Staff Counsel Shilpa Ram and mediated by Senior Attorney Mediator Yu-Yee Wu, according to CRD.

SUNRISE 05/21/1935

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

On behalf of the 61st and Division Streets Church of Christ, we extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the outpouring of love and support following the loss of our Minister Emeritus, Dr. Taylor A. McKenzie. He transitioned to his heavenly home on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Born on May 21, 1935, for many throughout the Brotherhood, Dr. McKenzie was a comrade in ministry, an inspiration, and deeply beloved. For our congregation, he was our pastor. He shepherded, counseled, and faithfully led us for 57 years. More than anything, he taught us Jesus and that Jesus alone is enough. We are extremely grateful for his life, his ministry, and his dedication to our church and community. Though this season is difficult for our congregation, we still trust God. Jesus Christ is still our Lord, and we are comforted by the peace that comes through our relationship with Him.

As a congregation, we will continue to honor the life and legacy of Dr. McKenzie by magnifying God, reflecting the character of Christ, and serving our community. Thank you all for your prayers, support, and encouragement during this time.

The Memorial Services for Dr. McKenzie will be Saturday, February 7th at 10am at 6070 Division Street, San Diego, CA.

May God’s peace and strength continue to uphold each of you. — Minister J. J. Kelly

The YCUSD settlement is notable because it involves the Ralph Civil Rights Act; a law CRD more commonly applies to cases involving hate violence in public spaces and only rarely in K–12 schools. By contrast, other school districts in California -- including Los Angeles Unified, Antelope Valley Union High School District, Elk Grove Unified, and Santa Monica–Malibu Unified -- have faced state or federal intervention over racial harassment affecting Black students under different legal authorities, such as Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 or state education oversight provisions. The Ralph Act applies fully in schools when allegations involve race-based threats or violence.

Advocates for Black children say the Yuba City case reflects deeper, longstanding failures in how school systems respond when Black students report harm.

Jerry L. Green, from the Student Advocacy Network Institute (SANI) who works with families nationwide, said such cases often reveal institutional instincts to protect systems rather than students. “This is a failure in the whole system,” Green said. “When a student is assaulted on a school site and no one calls police or child protective services, that tells you the system is protecting itself instead of the child.”

Under the settlement, YCUSD is required to implement a series of actions aimed at preventing future incidents and improving how concerns are handled. These measures include mandatory training for teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals on harassment and discrimination policies; written guidance clarifying reporting procedures; climate and culture surveys at the affected schools; family education meetings; and age-appropriate counseling and small-group discussions

“Every single student has the right to feel safe at school,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish. “Teachers, administrators, and other school staff are responsible for helping make that happen. There is no place in our schools for antiBlack harassment or discrimination. I applaud our team at the Civil Rights Department for ensuring the Yuba City Unified School District takes action to protect the civil rights of its students.”

Erasing Exhibits:

Continued from page 3

History won’t stay silent. It lives in the hearts and spirits of people. Gatekeepers can remove books by Octavia Butler, Maya Angelou or W.E.B. Dubois’ Black Reconstruction from the shelves. Still, they can’t erase the lived experiences of millions of Black Americans whose stories will be passed down. They can’t erase the memory of those who have told their stories for decades. They can’t dismiss the stories that prove what Whitewashing can’t erase.

Stories like that of Claudette Colvin, at age 15, arrested in 1955, nine months before Rosa Parks, for refusing to give up her seat to a White woman on a segregated Montgomery bus. Her courage in defying Jim Crow laws helped fuel

the modern Civil Rights Movement. Gatekeepers can’t silence the decadeslong voice of Viola Fletcher, who was one of the oldest living survivors of the massacre that took place in the Black section of Tulsa, Okla. in 1921. Fletcher died at age 111 on Nov. 24, 2025. She lived and remembered the horrific acts of domestic terrorism wielded by an angry mob of White residents that descended on the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Okla., burning and looting homes and businesses in the thriving majority-Black neighborhood, known as “Black Wall Street.”

Anti-woke watchdogs may try to sanitize history by calling lessons about enslavement, segregation, or stories that show Black pride “divisive” con -

focused on safety and inclusion.

The settlement also includes $30,000 in compensation to the family who filed the complaint.

The agreement does not appoint an independent monitor to oversee compliance, leaving implementation to the district, with CRD retaining authority to step in if the agreement’s terms are not met.

In a response to California Black Media, Superintendent Doreen Osumi said the settlement allows the district to move forward while continuing efforts to strengthen school systems.

“While the settlement does not include findings of wrongdoing by the district, we are steadfast in our responsibility to continue strengthening our systems, so every student feels safe, supported, and respected at school,” Osumi said. She added that the district has taken steps to reinforce expectations for student behavior, improve staff training at identified school sites, and monitor progress through school climate indicators, staff training participation, and feedback from administrators and families.

The YCUSD settlement follows a widely reported racial 2022 incident in the district in which a video circulated showing high school football players participating in a mock slave auction involving Black classmates -- an episode that drew statewide and national attention and led to disciplinary action and public apologies by the students involved.

Lorreen Pryor, CEO and president of the Black Youth Leadership Project, said cases like these underscore what is at stake for Black children and their families when schools fail to act decisively. “For so long, our children have been left unprotected in educational settings,” Pryor said. “When complaints are raised and nothing changes, families become frustrated and exhausted, and children are left to just tough it out. Kids should not have to survive their childhood.”

cepts. But when has America ever truly been united? Jim Crow laws made it legal to separate people in this country. Ignoring that history does not change it. In fact, Jim Crow influenced Apartheid in South Africa and policies in Nazi Germany, helping to divide those societies as well.

The irony is that the more books are banned or exhibits are removed, the more these acts underscore the importance of Black history. People are more driven to tell stories and expose the truth. No amount of woofle dust can make the actual lived experiences of Black people in America disappear. We need the truth. How else will we get to reconciliation and advance reparatory justice?

May Time

Soften Your Pain

In times of darkness, love sees… In times of silence, love hears... In times of doubt, love hopes… In times of sorrow, love heals... And in all times, love remembers. May time soften the pain Until all that remains Is the warmth of the memories And the love.

THE ANTHEM WE CARRY:

“Lift Every Voice and Sing”

1900

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was first performed in public on February 12, 1900, by a choir of 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida.

Often referred to as “The Black National Anthem,” Lift Every Voice and Sing was a hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900. His brother, John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954), composed the music for the lyrics. A choir of 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School, where James Weldon Johnson was principal, first performed the song in public in Jacksonville, Florida to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.

At the turn of the 20th century, Johnson’s lyrics eloquently captured the solemn yet hopeful appeal for the liberty of Black Americans. Set against the religious invocation of God and the promise of freedom, the song was later adopted by NAACP and prominently used as a rallying cry during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

—Courtesy of NAACP

We have a wonderful history behind us… and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements.

— Carter G. Woodson, American historian and scholar known as the father of Black history

Our Negro National Anthem Something Everyone Should Know

LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING

By James Weldon Johnson, circa 1900

Lift every voice and sing, ‘Til earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the list’ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on ‘til victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet

Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, ‘Til now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand, True to our God, True to our native land.

Darrel Wheeler

John & Donna Ringgold Celebrat e Y ears of M arriage

By Darrel Wheeler Contributing Writer

On the first Saturday of this new February, senior Pastor John Ringgold and first Lady Donna Ringgold celebrated 50 years of marriage at their place of worship, Bethel Baptist Church, on 1962 Euclid Ave.

At 12 noon, the immaculately dressed couple walked through the doors of Bethel to a loud-standing ovation from their fam ily, friends and congregation of Bethelites. The very special occa sion appeared to bring plenty of joy and happiness to the celebrated dynamic duo.

The Ringgold's, to God be the Glory, received the royal treatment as they were treated to praise dancing, songs of praise, and words of appreciation.

The Ringgold's 50 years and beyond story was also read out loud for all the eager listeners in atten dance. Some scripture reading, open-mic, prayer and a luncheon were also part of the busy agenda. The open microphone was an opportunity for the attend ees to share their personal experiences with the anniversary celebrators provoking numerous emotional moments and laughter.

The event also featured a children's appreciation segment where John and Donna's children spoke about their parents.

Daughter Jerusha said, "With my parents what you see is what you get, I love their consistency. Growing up, our home was full of laughter. Even now when we get together we still laugh a lot."

Bethel Baptist, known for their welcoming hospitality, made sure everybody was treated with their trademark kindness and care.

"This was absolutely beautiful, thank you," said Pastor Ringgold as he told the Bethelites to: "Give yourselves an applause for a job well done. Amen.”

“We want to say thank you to everybody that helped put this together,” said the first Lady of Bethel. "You didn't have to do this for us but you did and I wanna say a whole lot of thank you's because we really appreciate everybody. Also, I want to recognize my relatives for sharing those special memories."

IN MORE NEWS

CITY NEWS YOU CAN USE

VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE

City of

San Diego Announces $16.5 Million Toward Creating More Affordable Homes

The City of San Diego announced a $16.5 million investment in its Bridge to Home program to accelerate the development of affordable housing. The funding builds on $123 million already allocated, supporting 2,676 affordable homes across 28 projects. The latest round includes $12 million from former redevelopment funds and $4.5 million from state housing allocations for low-income residents and those at risk of homelessness.

Since the Bridge to Home program launched in 2021, five of the 28 projects, totaling 390 affordable homes, have been completed. Of those homes, 146 include supportive services and are set aside for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These projects are:

• Jacaranda on 9th in Downtown

• Ventana al Sur in San Ysidro

LOCAL HEALTH

• The Iris at San Ysidro in San Ysidro

• S erenade on 43rd in City Heights

• PATH Villas El Cerrito in El Cerrito

Developers can apply through April 6, 2026, with projects evaluated on feasibility and community benefit. Deliver applications electronically to: CMarcella@sandiego.gov

ATTN: Christie Marcella, Deputy Director.

San Diegans Encouraged to Participate in Community Recreation Needs Assessment

Residents have less than one month to participate in the City of San Diego’s first Community Recreation Needs Assessment (CRNA) in an online community survey, in an effort to shape the future of parks and recreation programming. Community members can share feedback through a five-minute online survey, open through Feb. 28.

Launched in August 2025 with Keen Independent Research, the CRNA gathers input on recreation, communication, and financial needs across all neighborhoods. The assess -

5 Sugar Intake Tips to Prevent Cavities in 2026

Holiday celebrations often feature lots of great food and drinks, including sweet treats to indulge in. But too much sugar in your diet can weaken your teeth, leaving your smile vulnerable to cavities. After a sweet holiday season, follow these five sugar intake tips so you can prevent cavities and improve your oral and overall health in 2026.

Restore the balance. If your holiday season was filled with candy canes, hot cocoa and cookies, now is the time to revive a balanced diet with a variety of healthy foods from each of the five major food groups. Fill your plate with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy foods.

Sugary beverages like soda and juice should be served sparingly,

as healthier options like water and plain milk have far more nutritional value. “Water is the best beverage for your teeth,” said American Dental Association (ADA) dentist, Mirissa Price, D.M.D. “Not only does water help wash away cavity-causing bacteria and weaken the acids in your mouth, but water with optimal levels of fluoride strengthens your teeth against cavities.

Be picky if it’s sticky and watch out for starch. You might think dried fruit is a healthy choice, but raisins and dried cranberries often stick to your teeth, giving the bacteria in your mouth more time to feast on the natural sugars. Meanwhile, starchy foods like chips and cakes often get trapped between your teeth where cavities also form. “If you choose these foods, pair them

EDUCATION

ment supports the Parks and Recreation Department’s Equity in Parks and Recreation initiative, aimed at ensuring inclusive access to safe, welcoming spaces citywide. Feedback

with water, and make sure to brush and floss thoroughly,” said Dr. Price.

Resolve to maintain your dental routine. Speaking of brushing and flossing, it’s important to keep up with your dental care routine no matter what your diet

will help guide future goals, resources, and improvements. To participate, visit the CRNA webpage or contact sdparksneeds@ keenindependent.com.

looks like. That means brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth once a day. Choose dental products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance and see your dentist regularly for valuable checkups. Appointments can fill up fast after the holidays, so schedule them far in advance to avoid delays.

Timing matters. Instead of eating sweets on their own, pair them with meals or eat them shortly after mealtimes. During a meal, your mouth releases more saliva, which is another tool in the fight against tooth decay, canceling out acids and washing away food from teeth and gums. Saliva also contains minerals to repair weakened teeth. For snacks between meals, choose

a healthy option like fruit, vegetables or cheese. “If you find yourself enjoying a sweet treat apart from a meal, chewing sugar-free gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance after can increase saliva and may help counter acidity,” said Dr. Price. Set a good example. It’s no surprise that most kids also want to enjoy a sweet treat now and then, but remember that cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease. Provide children with foods and drinks that are healthy and low in sugar, remind them about regular at-home dental care, and set a good example by modeling all the tips above.

“Making choices to keep your mouth healthy doesn’t stop you from enjoying good food,” said Dr. Price. “Finding a balance is key, and the start of a new year is a great time to focus on healthy behaviors to benefit your dental and overall health.”

Statepoint

Education Department Dismissed 90% of Discrimination Cases, Report Says

A former staffer from the Office of Civil Rights says discrimination cases are becoming more egregious

By Alvin Buyinza

Word In Black

The Education Department office responsible for protecting the rights of marginalized and minority students in the nation’s K-12 public schools dismissed nearly every discrimination complaint it received last year, due to the Trump administration’s massive reduction in force, according to a new government watchdog report.

At the same time, the Government Accountability Office found that the administration’s attempt to lay off about half of the department’s Office for Civil Rights — a move that was challenged in court — may have cost taxpayers as much as $38 million over the nine months it took to resolve the case.

The volume of discrimination cases the civil rights office dismissed and the price tag for gutting the office highlight the dramatic effects of the Trump administration’s twin goals for public education: dismantling the Education Department and waging a so-called “war on woke” that would end federal enforce -

ment of civil rights law.

The Office of Civil Rights Is In “Turmoil”

Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc of the United States, said in a statement that the GAO report shows how the civil rights office has been “thrown into turmoil” even as discrimination complaints compound and vanish from the public eye.

On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump promised to shutter the Education Department. In March, Trump laid off nearly half of the OCR staff and shuttered seven of the department’s 12 regional offices. But a federal judge blocked the move last summer. While the case was ongoing, the Trump administration put the employees on administrative leave and told them not to report to work. That meant taxpayers were still paying their salaries, even though they were not actually working.

Between March 11 and September 23, 2025, the department’s Office of Civil Rights received over 9,000

complaints alleging discrimination, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office. More than 7,000 of those complaints — around 90% — were dismissed.

In 2025, OCR, under the Trump administration, only reached a resolution agreement in just two out of 14 racial harassment cases, according to the OCR. What Is The Office of Civil Rights?

The Education Department’s OCR is the sector that handles cases of discrimination against race, sex, disability, religion and age in schools and colleges. The office investigates these complaints and

sends out guidelines to the respective institution to comply with civil rights law.

Complaints can be dismissed for a variety of reasons, the report says. In the GAO’s 2021 report on school bullying, for example, changes to OCR’s guidance led to a sharp uptick in dismissals of bullying complaints.

The dismissal rate also jumped from 49% of resolved complaints in the 20102011 school year to 81% in the 2019-2020 school year.

But compared to prior years and administrations, the department, under Trump’s second term, is dismissing far more complaints and issuing fewer resolutions. Experts say this could lead to more civil rights abuses going unnoticed.

Discrimination Complaints Are Worsening

Beth Gellman-Beer, who led the OCR’s regional office in Philadelphia before being laid off in March, says her office had 1,000 cases on the docket when her team

received notice that it would be cut. Under the Trump administration, the bigoted behavior her office investigated had become more egregious.

She cited a case from 2024 concerning students at a Pennsylvania high school who wore Confederate flag attire during the school’s homecoming week.

The students posted on social media that anyone who had a problem with the Confederate flag should “go down south and call a white person racist and see what happens.”

Parents, teachers and community leaders alerted school officials, according to the complaint. Although school administrators forced students to remove their attire, they also insisted they didn’t believe the behavior amounted to racial harassment.

Gellman-Beer says she often thinks about that case and similar cases. Without a robust OCR workforce, there’s virtually no one available to ensure schools comply with civil rights laws.

“No one’s following up on those cases. That’s what keeps me up at night,” she says.

Court Ruling Forces Trump Administration To Restore CFPB Funding

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

Over the past year, the Trump administration took a series of steps to weaken the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Despite broad and bipartisan legislative and consumer support for the agency’s efforts that delivered transparency in financial transactions for consumers, these reversals also ended the kind of data collection, research, and investigations of consumer complaints that together held violators accountable, while making defrauded consumers financially whole.

Russell Vought, appointed to serve as both Secretary of the Office of Management and Budget and CFPB’s Acting Director, ordered the agency to close its offices early last year and then months later, chose not to request any funding from the Federal Reserve. Unlike many federal agencies subject to annual congressional appropriation, the CFPB receives its funding directly from the Federal Reserve. Caught up in this agency role reversal were an estimated 1,400 employees left uncertain whether their jobs could be retained or their collective mission continued.

But on December 30, a federal district judge issued a series of rulings that made clear that no administration could ignore or eliminate what Congress previously enacted into law, clearing the way for the Bureau to continue its important work.

In just two consumer categories – fees for late credit card payments and overdraft – an estimated $15 billion were taken from the pockets of consumers. Overdraft regulation that was set to take effect last year was scuttled at a cumulative consumer cost of $5 billion, while $32 monthly credit card late fees took another $10 billion from the pockets of everyday working people.

“By stopping virtually all work at the Consumer Bureau, President Trump is giving financial companies a green light to cheat working Americans out of their hard-earned money,” said Mike Calhoun, President of the Center for Responsible Lending.

Speaking directly to the administration’s refusal to request agency funding, Judge Amy Berman Jackson’s 32-page ruling wrote in part:

“The defendants’ interpretation of the DoddFrank Act is contrary to the text and intent of the statute and the way it has been consistently interpreted by both the Federal Reserve and the CFPB… [N]ot one penny of the funding needed to run the agency that has returned over $21 billion to American consumers comes from taxpayer dollars. The only new circumstance is the administration’s determination to eliminate an agency created by Congress with the stroke of pen, even while the matter is before the Court of Appeals.”

The ruling also itemized the duties CFPB “shall” perform:

• Reinstate all probationary and term employees terminated between February 10, 2025 and December 30, the date of this order, including but not limited to the Private Student Loan

Ombudsman.

• No ter mination of any

CFPB employee, except for cause related to the individual employee’s performance or conduct; nor issue any notice of reductionin-force to any CFPB employee.

• Ensure that employees can perform their statutorily mandated functions, the defendants must provide them with either fully equipped office space, or permission to work remotely and laptop computers that are enabled to connect securely to the agency server.

• Ensure that the CFPB Office of Consumer Response continues to maintain a single, toll-free telephone number, a website, and a database for the centralized collection of consumer complaints regarding consumer financial products and services, and that it continues to monitor and respond to those complaints.

• Rescind all notices of contract termination issued on or after February 11, 2025, and they may not reinitiate the wholesale cancellation of contracts.

For Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee and a long-time CFPB champion, reacted to the court ruling saying, “Let’s be

clear, the Trump Administration’s efforts to defund or dismantle this agency are not about fiscal responsibility, they are about shielding their allies on Wall Street and other powerful corporate interests from oversight while working families are left to fend for themselves.”

“At a time when families are already being squeezed by the Trump Administration’s reckless economic agenda, weakening the CFPB only makes it harder for people to keep up with rising costs, avoid financial abuse, and stay afloat”, Waters concluded.

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: CC26-0713-52-00-00 RE-ROOFING AT HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026, outside the main office of Herbert Hoover High School, 4474 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115. All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC26-0713-52-00-00 Re-roofing at Hoover High School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $7.6 million and $8 million inclusive of allowances. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the

7101 Tuther Way San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego

PO Box 740043 San Diego, CA 92174

registered by the following: Olivia Marie BermudezHopkins 4382 Utah St Apt 9 San Diego, CA 92104

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 28, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 28, 2031 02/12, 02/19, 02/26, 03/05

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9001323

Fictitious business name(s): Frog & Ink

4436 Hamilton Street San Diego, CA 92116

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 01/18/2026

This business is hereby registered by the following: Spencer Raymond Siddons

4436 Hamilton Street San Diego, CA 92116

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 21, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 21, 2031

02/12, 02/19, 02/26, 03/05

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9000023

Fictitious business name(s): Non Champs 11311 Breckenridge Way San Diego, CA 92131 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 03/01/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following: Manh Nguyen 11311 Breckenridge Way San Diego, CA 92131

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 02, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 02, 2031 02/12, 02/19, 02/26, 03/05

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9002241

Fictitious business name(s): Refractweb 6977 Navajo Rd #520 San Diego, CA 92119

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Limited Liability Company

Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: Pulse Partners AI LLC

6977 Navajo Rd #520 San Diego, CA 92119

State of Incorporation/ Organization California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 29, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 29, 2031 02/05, 02/12, 02/19, 02/26

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9001052

Fictitious business name(s): Elevare Voyages & Events

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 01/12/2026

This business is hereby registered by the following: Edward Harrison PO Box 740043 San Diego, CA 92174

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 16, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 16, 2031 02/05, 02/12, 02/19, 02/26

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9002351

Fictitious business name(s): Eco Smart Pest Management Inc 4577 51st St San Diego, CA 92115

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Corporation

The first day of business was: 01/07/2026

This business is hereby registered by the following: Eco Smart Pest Management Inc 4577 51st St San Diego, CA 92115

State of Incorporation/ Organization

California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 26, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 26, 2031 02/05, 02/12, 02/19, 02/26

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9000105

Fictitious business name(s): BC Legacy Group LLC 8339 Aqua View Ct Spring Valley, CA 91977 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company

Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: BC Legacy Group LLC 8339 Aqua View Ct Spring Valley, CA 91977 State of Incorporation/ Organization

California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 05, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 05, 2031

02/05, 02/12, 02/19, 02/26

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9001747

Fictitious business name(s): Noble Cleaning Services 5548 Riley St. #6 San Diego, CA 92110

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 01/23/2026

This business is hereby registered by the following: Adela Basillo Segunda 5548 Riley St. #6 San Diego, CA 92110

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 23, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 23, 2031

02/05, 02/12, 02/19, 02/26

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9001873

Fictitious business name(s): Auburnly Skin 8148 La Mesa Blvd La Mesa, CA 91942

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 01/26/2026

This business is hereby registered by the following: Hannah Elizabeth Burch 8148 La Mesa Blvd La Mesa, CA 91942

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 26, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 26, 2031

01/29, 02/05, 02/12, 02/19

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9001378

Fictitious business name(s): SOS Optometry 7227 Broadway #306 Lemon Grove, CA 91945

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: Nazret, Gaim, Weldeghiorgis 7227 Broadway #306 Lemon Grove, CA 91945

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 22, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 22, 2031

01/29, 02/05, 02/12, 02/19

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2026-9001125

Fictitious business name(s):

JuJu Cleaning Service 4813 Auburn Dr. Apt. A San Diego, CA 92105

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: Judith Ocampo Aguilar 4813 Auburn Dr. Apt. A San Diego, CA 92105

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 16, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 16, 2031 01/29, 02/05, 02/12, 02/19

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9000043

Fictitious business name(s): Realtor on a Journey 410 Thelma Way National City, CA 91950 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 01/02/2026 This business is hereby registered by the following: Patricia Garcia 410 Thelma Way National City, CA 91950

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 02, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 02, 2031 01/29, 02/05, 02/12, 02/19

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9000031

Fictitious business name(s): Mosaic Unified Services 1713 Carrillo Pl, Unit 3 Chula Vista, CA 91913 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: Brian Lee Moses 1713 Carrillo Pl, Unit 3 Chula Vista, CA 91913 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on

January 02, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 02, 2031 01/22, 01/29, 02/05, 02/12

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9000975

Fictitious business name(s): JJ American Turf and Paver 445 47th Street #3 San Diego, CA 92102 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 01/15/2026

This business is hereby registered by the following: J Jesus Delgado Lagunas 445 47th Street #3 San Diego, CA 92102

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 15, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 15, 2031 01/22, 01/29, 02/05, 02/12

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2026-9000188

Fictitious business name(s): Tatizen Studio 5075 Camino De La Siesta San Diego, CA 92108 County of San Diego 6571 Zena Dr San Diego, CA 92115-7029

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 11/01/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Tetiana Reshetnykova 6571 Zena Dr San Diego, CA 92115

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 06, 2026

This fictitious business name will expire on January 06, 2031 01/22, 01/29, 02/05, 02/12

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9023532

Fictitious business name(s): Rug-Emporium 6193 University Ave San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 12/10/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Nimo Sheikh Omer 6193 University Ave San Diego, CA 92115

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on December 16, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on December 16, 2030 01/22, 01/29, 02/05, 02/12

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Central Branch Case Number 26CU003683C

Petitioner or Attorney: Sara Keshavarzi

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Sara Keshavarzi

filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

a.PRESENT NAME: Sara Keshavarzi

PROPOSED NAME: Sara Parish

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter 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 that includes the reasons for the 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: March 11, 2026 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT

OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter 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 that includes the reasons for the 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: March 10, 2026 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners

If all the requirements have

document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.

The address of the court is:

330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101

01/29, 02/05, 02/12, 02/19

SUMMONS (Citation Judicial)

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (Aviso al demandado): Additional Parties Attachment form is attached YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (Lo esta demandado el demandante): Rita Risley, an Individual NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you.

Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.

courtinto.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretano de la corte que le de un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de Calitornia Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 o más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

Case Number: 37-2024-00004826-CU-WTCTL

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): San Diego Superior Court 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff 's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es):

Justin O. Walker, Walker Law, PC 2247 San Diego Ave. Suite 136 San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 839-9978

DATE (Fecha): 02/02/2024

Clerk By: A. Girdon Deputy

List additional parties: Defendant FLOYD'S 99-CALIFORNIA LLC, a Colorado limited liability company; ROISE BARBERS, INC., a California general stock corporation; JOSHUA COYNE, an individual; RYAN DURAN, an individual; MANUEL DIAZ, an individual; VINCENT SUDOR JR., an individual; and DOES 1 through 50, inclusive 01/29, 02/05, 02/12, 02/19

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO

325 S. Melrose Vista, CA 92084 Superior Court of California Vista Branch

Petition For Dissolution (Divorce) of: Marriage

Case Number: 23FL001717N

PETITIONER: Britt Thomas-Brown

RESPONDENT: Leo C. Brown, II

1. LEGAL RELATIONSHIP: We are married

2. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Petitioner has been a resident of this state for at least six months and of this county for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of this Petition. (For a divorce, unless you are in the legal relationship described in 1b., at least one of you must comply with this requirement.)

3. STATISTICAL FACTS

(1)Date of marriage (specify): November 07, 2008

(2)Date of separation (specify): December 07, 2021

(3)Time from date of marriage to date of separation (specify): 13 Years

4. MINOR CHILDREN There are no minor children

5. LEGAL GROUNDS (Family Code sections 22002210, 2310-2312):

a.Divorce of the marriage or domestic partnership based on 1.irreconcilable differences, abandonment

9. SEPARATE PROPERTY There are no such assets or debts that I know of to be confirmed by the court.

10. COMMUNITY AND QUASI-COMMUNITY PROPERTY

a.There are no such assets or debts that I know of to be divided by the court.

11. OTHER REQUESTS a.Attorney's fees and costs payable by respondent.

b.Petitioner's former name be restored to (specify): Britt Thomas

Date Filed: February 15, 2023

By: N--10: Mertsoc, Kelly C SUMMONS (Family Law)

NOTICE TO RESPONDENT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO) Leo C. Brown, II

Petitioner's name is: (Nombre del demandante): Britt Thomas-Brown Case Number: 23FL001717N

You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL120)at this court and have a copy served on the petitioner.

A letter or phone call will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs.

For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

NOTICE-RESTRAINING

ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

Tiene 30 días de calendario después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una

Respuesta (formularlo FL -120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta ollamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo.

Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales.

Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www. lawhelpca.org) o poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.

AVISO-LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte dé otras órdenes. Cualquier agencia del orden público que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas órdenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California.

EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte.

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte son): Superior Court of California County of Vista 325 S. Melrose Dr. Vista, CA 92081

The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner's attorney, or petitioner without an attorney, are: (El nombre, la dirección y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, son): Britt Thomas-Brown PO Box 1144 Santa Monica, CA 90406

Date: (Fecha): 02/16/2023

Clerk, by (Secretario, por) D.Sanchez, Deputy (Asistente) 01/29, 02/05, 02/12, 02/19

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Thomas Bernard Bell

Case Number: 26PE000266C

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

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Irene T Outlaw in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.

The Petition for Probate requests that Irene T Outlaw 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: March 12, 2026 at 1:30 P.M. in Department 503 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101

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: Marquetta Stewart-Brown PO Box 881363 San Diego, CA 92168-1363 (619)656-2128 02/12, 02/19, 02/26

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Fannie Ryan-Jennings

Case Number: 25PE003587C

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Fannie Ryan-Jennings

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Jerlila Ryans in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.

The Petition for Probate requests that Jerlila Ryans 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: March 19, 2026 at 1:30 P.M. in Department 503 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101

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 US Authorizes A Short Extension To African Trade Agreement

By Gerald Imray Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump has extended a 26-year-old free-trade agreement with African countries that was left in doubt last year when his administration allowed it to expire while enforcing his policy of reciprocal tariffs.

Trump on Tuesday (February 3)signed into law an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

But the extension is short-term, lasting only until Dec. 31. The trade office said the agreement, which gives eligible sub-Saharan African nations duty-free access to the U.S. market for some products, would be modified to account for tariffs the U.S. has imposed on other countries as part of the Republican president’s America First policy. The agreement is key to many African countries that feared it would be another economic blow following the new tariffs and cuts to U.S. aid under Trump.

Here is what to know.

Trade agreement allowed to expire

AGOA was introduced in 2000 under former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Only some nations are eligible, and the U.S. can remove countries that fail to meet requirements including establishing market-based economies or upholding democratic standards and human rights. The East African nation of Uganda was removed in 2024 by the Biden administration for enacting a strict anti-gay law that the U.S. called a human rights violation.

The agreement allows some 1,800 products to be exported to the U.S. duty-free, including crude oil, cars and car parts, clothing, textiles and agricultural produce. It drives much of the trade between the U.S. and Africa, which was valued at more than $100 billion in 2024 by the U.S. trade office.

AGOA included 34 African countries when the Trump administration allowed the expiration at the end of September, with many businesses in those nations claiming the end of the deal would endanger tens of thousands of jobs.

Renewal has a short timeline

The extension until the end of 2026 is short compared to the 10-year extension agreement when it previously came up for renewal in 2015.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement Tuesday ( February 3) that the Trump administration would work with Congress “to modernize the program to align with President Trump’s America First trade policy” without giving details of possible changes.

South Africa, the continent’s most advanced economy and one of the biggest beneficiaries of AGOA, said it welcomed the renewal but was concerned by the short-term nature of the extension. Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau told South African news outlet News24 that he hoped the U.S. would soon “provide certainty” of the AGOA details.

US pressures Africa’s big economies

The Trump administration has applied political pressure on sub-Saharan Africa’s two biggest economies, South Africa and Nigeria, leaving them uncertain where they might fit into a renewed form of the agreement that is highly important to both nations.

Trump has criticized the South African government as anti-American and made baseless claims that a white minority group in the country is being violently persecuted. The U.S. has applied 30% tariffs, among the highest in the world, raising fears that its biggest African trade partner would be removed from AGOA due to the diplomatic fallout. Similarly, U.S. ties with Nigeria have been strained over Trump’s allegations that Christians are being persecuted in Africa’s most populous country, claims officials say are inaccurate.

NOTICES

the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner: Jerlila Ryans 7116 Schilling Ave. #9 San Diego, CA 92126 (858)212-2745 01/29, 02/05, 02/12

America First is difficult for Africa

Trump’s America First policy has been especially hard on Africa by cutting billions of dollars for the now-dismantled United States Aid Agency while imposing tariffs on small or struggling economies. Some African countries such as Lesotho have said the double blow has been almost impossible to bear.

The U.S. has moved to renegotiate assistance methods for Africa, including a series of bilateral health agreements announced in recent months. The pledges of assistance also commit African nations to invest in their own health systems, which the Trump administration says will improve self-sufficiency and cut waste.

The U.S. has called on African nations to remove trade barriers to American imports. The U.S. trade office said AGOA would follow the America First policy and “must demand more from our trading partners.”

The aggressive trade policies have pushed some African nations to enhance ties with other countries or regions, especially China, which is already the continent’s largest trading partner.