Riverside Independent_4/29/2024

MONDAY,

Thousands of campers flock to Stagecoach Country Music Festival

Thousands of campers made their way to the Empire Polo Club on Thursday in advance of the 2024 Stagecoach Country Music Festival, which was headlined by Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Morgan Wallen.

The annual three-day festival was held Friday to Sunday at the Empire Polo Club, 81800 51st Ave.

Church headlined the first night of the festival Friday. Other acts that performed included Jelly Roll, Elle King, Dwight Yoakam, Carin Leon and Paul Cauthen.

Lambertheadlined Saturday, when other performers included Post Malone, Willie Nelson, Leon Bridges, Ernest and Charley Crockett.

Wallen was Sunday night’s headliner, following other performers including Hardy, Bailey Zimmerman, The Beach Boys, Megan Moroney and Clint Black.

Festival attendees also had the opportunity to attend late-night performances on the Palomino stage, which included Nickelback, Diplo and Wiz Khalifa, according

to festival organizers.

The venue also featured a Ferris wheel, the Compton Cowboys, Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse and a Honkytonk Dance Hall.

More information is available at stagecoachfestival.com/set-times/.

Non-campers were allowed to start finding parking spots in the general parking area as early as 9 a.m. Friday to Sunday before the venue opened at noon each day. Shuttle services will began to depart from local hotels at 11:30 p.m. each day.

Festival attendees also had the opportunity to attend late-night performances on the Palomino stage, which included Nickelback, Diplo and Wiz Khalifa, according to festival organizers.

The venue also featured a Ferris wheel, the Compton Cowboys, Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse and a Honkytonk Dance Hall.

Campers checked in as early at 9 a.m. and have to check out by 10 a.m. Monday when the event concludes, according to festival officials.

Non-campers were

allowed to start finding parking spots in the general parking area as early as 9 a.m. Friday to Sunday before the venue opened at noon each day. Shuttle services began to depart from local hotels at 11:30 a.m. each day.

From 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Thursday, Avenue 52 was closed between Monroe Street and Madison Street to accommodate the arrival of campers.

Avenue 50 between Monroe Street and Madison Avenue will be closed through May 6 “to protect the safety of workers, residents, and commuters,” according to city officials, who expected significant traffic on Avenue 48, Highway 111, Interstate 10 and Jefferson, Washington and Monroe streets.

Road closures near the venue — on Avenue 49, Avenue 50, Hjorth Street, and Madison Street — were in place from Friday to Monday.

Additionally, delays were expected Monday on streets surrounding the festival site and on Interstate 10 as 40,000 campers were expected to leave the area, according to city officials.

Riverside council OKs program to help prevent seniors from becoming homeless

TBy Staff By City News Service

he Riverside City Council last week approved a pilot program designed to provide financial assistance to elderly residents struggling to pay rent.

The council’s unanimous vote Tuesday to launch the program is an effort to help some of Riverside’s most vulnerable residents who may find themselves at risk of becoming homeless, according to a statement by city spokesman Phil Pitchford.

“The Supplemental Rental Assistance Program for Seniors will provide Riverside residents ages 70 and up with as much as $600 of supplemental rental assistance payments while they wait for a Section 8 voucher to be issued or for an affordable senior housing unit to become available,” Pitchford wrote. Rental assistance payments can continue up to a year.

Funding for the program totaling $900,000 is through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, which initially provided fiscal aid to local governments dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our seniors on fixed incomes are especially vulnerable to the housing crisis in Cali-

Motorists were encouraged to take alternate routes if traveling near the affected areas.

An Uber location will be located on the southwest corner of Avenue 49 and Monroe Street while friend, family and taxi drop-off and pick-ups are expected to be on the northeast corner of Avenue 52 and Madison Street.

RGolf carts are not allowed at any of the affected streets near the festival.

To help ease the traffic conditions, approximately 40,000 guests will be shuttled to and from the concert venue from varying locations throughout the Coachella Valley, according to city officials.

Police: Illicit drugs seized, more than dozen arrested in cartel crackdown

By City News Service

iverside police Chief Larry Gonzalez said Wednesday a yearlong joint local-federal law enforcement investigation that interdicted the trafficking of fentanyl and other potentially deadly narcotics in the metropolitan area was aimed at “safeguarding the community,” netting 15 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs.

“We will continue leveraging every available resource to disrupt drug distribution trying to make its way into our Riverside neighborhoods,” Gonzalez said of “Operation Hotline Bling,” which involved a crackdown on members of the Sinaloa drug trafficking network out of Mexico.

Riverside Police Department personnel joined U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Postal Service inspectors to carry out the operation, which began in the winter of 2023.

“Our collaboration with the DEA is not just about enforcement; it’s about safeguarding the future of our community and ensuring that Riverside remains a safe and thriving place

Man convicted in violent takeover robbery at cannabis shop

Former treasurer of Canyon Lake nonprofit who stole funds sentenced

An aerial nighttime view of the Stagecoach festival. | Photo courtesy of Goldenvoice

Man who started costly fires in Riverside headed to state prison

A38-year-old parolee who ignited two fires in Riverside that together caused nearly $2 million in damage was bound for state prison Wednesday to serve a term of two years, eight months behind bars.

George Alexander Hill, an area transient, pleaded guilty last week to arson involving a structure under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admission, prosecu-

tors dropped another arson count, as well as sentenceenhancing allegations of using an incendiary device and targeting multiple structures in an act of arson.

During a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Walter Kubelun certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.

According to the Riverside Fire Department, the

By City News Service

defendant ignited a blaze that caused an estimated $100,000 damage to a Walmart in the 5200 block of Van Buren Boulevard on Oct. 23, 2022.

The non-injury blaze was knocked down a short time later and did not cause the store to cease operations.

RFD Arson Investigator Ray Mendoza said that on the night of Dec. 18, 2022, Hill torched a pile of pallets outside a building, and the fire spread to the interior of the structure, where stuffed

animals were manufactured. Firefighters battled the blaze for an hour before gaining the upper hand. Again, no one was injured.

Total damage to that business was estimated to be $1.5 million, according to the fire department.

A possible motive for the offenses was not disclosed.

According to court records, Hill had prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and possession of controlled substances.

Palm Desert free Concerts in the Park series to get underway Thursday

By City News Service

Palm Desert’s Concerts in the Park series, which consists of free weekly performancesthroughout May, will get underway Thursday.

Concerts will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each consecutive Thursday in May at the amphitheater in the Palm Desert Civic Center Park, 43900 San

Pablo Ave., according to city officials. The first concert on May 2 will feature Pretzel Logic recreating the sounds of Steely Dan.

“The concerts feature a diverse range of talented performers and tribute bands designed to please music lovers of all ages and tastes,” Palm Desert city officials wrote in a

statement. “The public is welcome to bring chairs and picnic baskets, or enjoy delicious creations offered by food trucks parked by the amphitheater.”

The concerts will continue with the A-List band on May 9, The Reflexx on May 16, The Dreamboats on May 23 and Country Nation May 30, city officials said.

Former treasurer of Canyon Lake nonprofit who stole funds sentenced

The former treasurer for a Canyon Lake nonprofit organization from which he stole almost $25,000 over a nearly three-year span was sentenced Tuesday to two years felony probation.

Robert Miller Templeton, 81, of Canyon, Lake pleaded guilty last month to one count of embezzlement by a fiduciary under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admission, prosecutors dropped a related felony charge.

During a hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta on Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Jeff Zimel certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.

In addition to the 24 months’ probation, Zimel ordered Templeton to pay $24,061 in victim restitution.

According to an arrest warrant declaration filed by sheriff’s Investigator

By City News Service

Charlie Alkire in March 2021, evidence of Templeton’s thefts from the Canyon Lake Travel Club surfaced during an audit by the man who replaced him as treasurer after the defendant resigned in December 2019. Nothing was suspected until the new financial officer, Travis Montgomery, began scrutinizing the flow of money during Templeton’s tenure, from January 2017 to the end of 2019, the declaration stated.

“There were 56 club checks written out as pay to the order of Templeton or his personal business, MRT Consulting,” Alkire wrote.

The withdrawals totaled $24,061, according to the sheriff’s affidavit.

“None of the checks were recorded as withdrawals on the club’s monthly financial statements completed by Robert during the years he was treasurer,” Alkire said. He said the funds were ultimately confirmed deposited into Templeton’s Wells Fargo bank account.

“Robert Templeton

accomplished the thefts through access to the club’s checkbooks and also through covert efforts to mask the thefts by manipulating the treasurer’s monthly financial reports,” according to the declaration.

Templeton had a prior misdemeanor conviction for reckless driving, but no felonies, according to court records.

Food and beverage trucks will be available one hour before the show. No alcohol or smoking will be allowed.

Additionally, a sign language interpreter will be on-site to sign the concert on the east side of the stage.

More information about the series can be found at discoverpalmdesert.com.

Woman suspected with 3 inmates of smuggling narcotics into county jail

A32-year-old woman suspected of working with three incarcerated men to smuggle narcotics into a Riverside County jail was free from jail Thursday.

Melissa Troncoso of Indio was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of smuggling narcotics into a correctional facility, conspiring to smuggle narcotics into a correctional facility, child endangerment and possession for sale of methamphetamine, heroin and cannabis, according to Sgt. Ken Thurm of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

The department’s Corrections Investigation Bureau started an investigation in February due to inmates coordinating with someone outside of the jail facilities to smuggle narcotics, by way of the United States Postal Service, into the jail, Thurm said. The suspects were allegedly smuggling fentanyl, heroin, PCP and methamphetamine.

A search warrant was subsequently served in the 46000 block of Clinton Street

By City News Service

in Indio, where Troncoso was found with two juveniles, according to Thurm. There was also allegedly evidence consistent with the facilitating and smuggling of narcotics into the jail, such as 4 1/2 ounces of methamphetamine, 3 1/2 ounces of heroin and 6 ounces of concentrated cannabis.

Troncoso was booked into the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta, but posted a $50,000 bail bond and was released the same day, according to inmate records.

Three Indio residents — 26-year-old Eric Guzman,

33-year-old Christian Kong and 30-year-old Daniel Mendez — who were already in custody for other charges were additionally arrested on suspicion of conspiring to smuggle narcotics into a correctional facility, Thurm said. They all remain held at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta, Mendez on $1 million bail and the other two suspects without bail.

Anyone with additional information related to the drug smuggling investigation was asked to call Correctional Deputy Gerald Dye at 951-922-7152.

The aftermath of a fire smolders at a Riverside stuffed-animal factory Dec. 18, 2022. | Photo courtesy of the Riverside Fire Department

| Photo courtesy of the city of Palm Desert

Robert Templeton. | Photo courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

The Southwest Detention Center, also known as the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center. | Photo courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

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Pro-Palestine encampment established on UCLA campus, met by Israeli supporters

By City News Service

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have established an encampment on campus at UCLA, and it has grown to about 50 tents Friday, drawing Israeli supporters to meet them over the past two days.

Thepro-Palestinian groups and Israeli supporters at UCLA are part of a growing display of tensions among college students and groups in Los Angeles and nationwide, and demonstrations are expected to continue Friday.

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A day after nearly 100 people were arrested following pro-Palestine protests on the campus of USC Wednesday, a similar protest emerged on the Westwood campus of UCLA, with participants forming an encampment of tents outside Royce Hall.

By mid-morning Thursday, several dozen protesters were sitting and milling around inside the encampment, which was established around 4 a.m. The encampment slowly grew as the day wore on, with dozens of tents being erected and more protesters gathering.

Organizers of the “Palestine Solidarity Encampment,” similar to their counterparts at USC, issued a list of demands that include divestment of all University of California and UCLA Foundation funds from companies tied to Israel, along with a university call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and an academic boycott by UC against Israeli universities, including a suspension of

study-abroad programs.

“For 201 days, Israel has murdered, injured, starved, disappeared, displaced and kidnapped Palestinians with impunity,” according to a message posted online by organizers of the UCLA encampment, including the UC Divest Coalition at UCLA, Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace UCLA.

“For 201 days, the world has watched in silence as Israel has murdered over 30,000 Palestinians,” the message continued. “Today, UCLA joins students across the country in demanding that our universities divest from the companies which profit off of the occupation, apartheid and genocide in Palestine. Now, more than ever, we must rise in solidarity to demand that the world centers Palestine, that the genocide is immediately ended and that our university is no longer complicit in human rights violations.”

Participants erected a makeshift wooden fence alongside the encampment and displayed signs with slogans such as “UCLA Says Free Palestine,” “Blood on the UC Hands” and “When people are occupied, resistance is justified.”

It was not immediately clear if all of the participants in the UCLA action were students.

“Our top priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our entire Bruin community,” Mary Osako, vice chancellor of UCLA Strategic Communi-

cations, said in a statement Thursday morning. “We’re actively monitoring this situation to support a peaceful campus environment that respects our community’s right to free expression while minimizing disruption to our teaching and learning mission.”

Around midday, a small group of counter-protesters, some holding Israeli flags, began gathering in the area. The day remained mostly peaceful, but early Thursday evening some brief shoving matches broke out, prompting a quick response from campus security, which worked to keep the two groups apart.

There were no reports of injuries or arrests.

On Wednesday, hundreds of people took part in a pro-Palestine protest and attempted “occupation” of Alumni Park on the USC

campus. That event ended with 93 arrests of people who refused to disperse from the area on the private campus.

The USC campus remained closed to the general public Thursday, but open to students, staff and faculty with proper identification.

Late Wednesday afternoon, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles issued a statement calling protests at USC and other college campuses across the nation “alarming.”

“Antisemitism, hate, and intolerance towards Jewish students has no place on any campus,” according to the federation. “JFEDLA is working to ensure the safety of every Jewish student across Los Angeles. While we believe in peaceful civic discourse, these protests have escalated to the point of creating a dangerous climate for Jews on campus.”

California climate leaders fight to keep setbacks around oil and gas wells

By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service

Leaders concerned about pollution and climate change are raising awareness about a ballot measure this fall on whether the state should mandate buffer zones around new oil and gas wells.

Voters will be asked to uphold or revoke Senate Bill 1173, which would require a 3,200-foot setback around any new well near schools, neighborhoods and hospitals.

Meghan Sahli-Wells, former mayor of Culver City and a leader with the group Elected Officials to Protect America, fought to phase out the Inglewood oil field and said no community should be a sacrifice zone.

“A study from Harvard

found that in California, 34,000 people died in 2018, prematurely, from fossil fuel air pollution,” Sahli-Wells pointed out. “These figures are three times higher than other studies.”

The Stop the Energy Shutdown campaign, supported by the California Independent Petroleum Association, opposes the setback rule, arguing it could constrict local supply and cost jobs in the industry. A court put the bill on hold pending the outcome of the November election.

A “yes” vote would keep the setbacks. A “no” vote would rescind them.

Clean energy advocates are also speaking out against companies operating older

low-producing wells rather than pay to shut them down and seal them up properly.

Ahmad Zahra, a city council member in Fullerton, said Assembly Bill 2716 would incentivize their closure by charging companies $10,000 a day to operate so-called “stripper wells.”

“We have over 40,000 oil wells currently sitting orphaned or idle, leaking methane and volatile organic compounds into the air, water and soil,” Zahra emphasized.

Other states are following California’s lead. Rep. Debbie Sariñana, D-Albuquerque, New Mexico, is sponsoring a bill to require setbacks near sensitive locations since more than 32,000 children

in the state attend school within a mile of an oil and gas extraction site.

“Over 80 schools in northwestern New Mexico - the San Juan Basin and southeastern New Mexico, the Permian Basin - are within one mile of an oil and gas well,” Sariñana noted. “Some schools are surrounded by dozens and even hundreds of wells within a single mile.”

Disclosure: Pacific Environment contributes to Public News Services’ fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, and Oceans. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, visit https://www. publicnewsservice.org/dn1. php.

The “Palestine Solidarity Encampment” occupies UCLA’s Westwood campus. | Photo courtesy of People’s City Council - Los Angeles/X

Oil companies must set aside more money to plug wells, a new rule says. But it won’t be enough.

By Mark Olalde, ProPublica, and Nick Bowlin, Capital & Main

This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.

For the first time in more than 60 years, the Bureau of Land Management will force oil and gas companies to set aside more money to guarantee they plug old wells, preventing them from leaking oil, brine and toxic or climatewarming gasses.

The rule, finalized this month, comes at a critical time. Money previously set aside to clean up wells on federal land would have covered the cost of fewer than 1 out of 100, according to the government’s own estimates, and the vast majority of the country’s wells sit inactive or barely producing, meaning they’ll soon need to be plugged.

But the federal agency’s work falls short of protecting taxpayers from the oil industry’s cleanup costs, according to a ProPublica and Capital & Main review of contracts or other cost estimates at tens of thousands of wells across the country. While the updated rule will shrink the gap between companies’ finan-

cial guarantees to plug wells, known as bonds, and the cost of the work, it still leaves a significant shortfall.

One math error alone leaves taxpayers on the hook for roughly $400 million more than they should be. A Bureau of Land Management employee’s arithmetic mistake yielded an incorrect average cleanup cost for wells that the agency has plugged, largely at taxpayer expense. That artificially low cost estimate became the foundation of the new bonding requirements. When ProPublica and Capital & Main pointed out the error in December, and that it could potentially cost taxpayers — and save oil companies — hundreds of millions of dollars when multiplied across the many thousands of wells the new rule would touch, the agency downplayed the miscalculation.

A spokesperson said the bureau “recognized the issues,” but they weren’t “significant enough” to correct. The proposed bond

amounts are minimums, which “may be adjusted” through a review every five years. Staff can then demand companies set aside more money, the spokesperson said.

But over the most recent five-year period, oil companies ignored the Bureau of Land Management’s demands to increase their bonds more than 40% of the time, a ProPublica and Capital & Main review of agency data found. The final rule did not change how these reviews are carried out or enforced.

Evidence abounds of regulators’ past failures to hold the industry to account for cleanup: hundreds of thousands — potentially millions — of so-called orphan wells that companies have walked away from and left to the government to plug. Environmentalists, researchers and some politicians worry the window is closing to fix the problem while the industry is still profitable and there’s political momentum.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, along with environ-

mental groups and taxpayer advocates, heralded the changes. “These reforms will help safeguard the health of our public lands and nearby communities for generations to come,” Haaland said. The Wilderness Society called the rule a “big step forward for the woefully outdated oil and gas program,” while the Sierra Club said it would help in “limiting harmful impacts to lands, wildlife and community health.”

Mark Squillace, a University of Colorado Law School professor who studies natural

resources, agreed that the changes are an improvement over what was there before, “but it does not go far enough.” A ProPublica and Capital & Main investigation found that the country faces a shortfall well into the tens of billions of dollars between the cost to plug wells and the money available to do so. Unaddressed, those costs could be passed on to taxpayers.

“We have too many abandoned oil and gas wells that were not adequately bonded,” Squillace said.

Bad math at the Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management oversees an estimated 30% of the country’s mineral wealth, including oil and gas, but its oil bonding rules hadn’t been updated since they were written in 1951 and 1960, not even to account for inflation.

A 2019 Government Accountability Office report found that, as a result, bonds were insufficient to cover

See Oil well Page 05

An oil well in Long Beach. | Photo courtesy of the city of Long Beach

the cleanup costs of 99.5% of wells on federal land. (The bureau never fulfilled a public records request filed in May 2023 seeking updated details on bonds or a related request filed in September 2019.)

The Biden administration attempted to rectify bonding issues via the Inflation Reduction Act, but the Senate parliamentarian stripped reform provisions from the bill, saying they were not germane. The executive branch then launched a process to rewrite administrative rules that apply to the nearly 90,000 wells on federal public land, where cleanup costs vary widely depending on the depth and condition of the well, among other factors.

Republicans unsuccessfully attacked that process, with the House of Representatives in March passing a bill sponsored by Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert to stop the rule and bar the agency from ever completing similar regulatory updates. It was not passed by the Senate.

The Bureau of Land Management published its final rule this month. It increased from $10,000 to $150,000 the minimum bond required to cover a group of wells, called a lease, and from $25,000 to $500,000 the minimum to cover all of a company’s wells in a state. The rule also requires the amounts to be adjusted every decade to account for inflation.

The agency based the required bond amounts on the cost to plug a typical orphan well, which it estimated to be $71,000. It drew from a narrow sample — 22 wells the agency recently paid to plug in three states — contending that was “a sufficient representation of wells to support the rulemaking.”

But the agency acknowledged higher per-well cleanup costs elsewhere in its own research, stating that it expects to spend between $112,500 and $180,000 to plug each orphan well in the future. The agency did not explain why it appears to contradict itself.

Adding to skepticism over the agency’s calculations, three wells included in the agency’s sample cost only $500 each to plug.

That figure is “hard to imagine,” said Chris McCullough, an engineer who previously managed complex plugging projects for California. At one site McCullough helped plug, two wells were leaking gas into a densely populated neighborhood a mile from Dodger Stadium. His crew spent $1.2 million overall to seal the wells, move infrastructure and set up a shuttle service for residents while the job was in progress.

Meanwhile, Bureau of

Oil well

Land Management records show that a single well in Alaska, for example, recently cost the government more than $13 million to plug. This project, however, was not included in the agency’s calculation. (An agency spokesperson said the well was “not a useful comparison” because plugging wells in Alaska includes costs that would be unusual at orphan wells in the Lower 48.)

The agency’s decision to factor in low-cost outliers while eschewing the most expensive sites ignores the reality that plugging wells brings unexpected challenges, according to geologist Dan Dudak, who also oversaw cleanup work for California and now owns an environmental consulting firm alongside McCullough. Doing such work in Alaska, Dudak explained, requires setting up “small, mobile, self-contained towns” to support “the personnel and equipment necessary to plug a single well.”

In the Lower 48, plugging costs are also high. Across Indian Country, for example, it would cost an average of more than $82,000 to plug a typical well, not counting the millions of additional dollars needed to first find the wells and study what sort of cleanup is needed, according to Interior Department data published in 2023. The department also allocated $150 million to plug roughly 600 polluting or dangerous orphan wells elsewhere on federal land — $250,000 per well.

Even more wells are plugged by states’ oil agencies, which recently offered a glimpse into what experts consider realistic plugging costs in their applications for federal funds to support that work. Alaska, California, New Mexico, North Dakota and West Virginia regulators all told the Interior Department that it takes more than $150,000 to plug a typical orphan well and address pollution around it.

Energy finance think tank Carbon Tracker Initiative in April published a report analyzing the impact the federal agency’s new bonding levels would have in Wyoming’s Big Horn Basin. The study, authored by petroleum reservoir engineer Dwayne Purvis, found that, while the rule would require drillers to set aside millions of dollars in additional bonds, it would still only be enough to cover 3% of the projected cleanup cost.

“Despite the progress in the new rules,” Purvis said after reviewing the final version, “I’m convinced that the situation merits much more financial assurance in one form or another than this change provides.”

Cracks in the system’s foundation

While the Bureau of Land Management’s updated rule focused on how much money should be set aside to clean up wells, it ignored another looming threat: cracks in the key financial tool oil companies use as bonds.

In public comments on the rule, both environmental groups and oil industry representatives asked it to address the shriveling market for surety policies, which are the most common type of oil cleanup bond and are similar to insurance policies in that a third party guarantees wells are plugged.

The bureau did nothing to mitigate that risk in the final rule. As evidence that bonds are secure, the agency instead pointed to a Small Business Administration program that helps small oil companies obtain surety bonds if they aren’t financially strong enough to purchase such policies from the market.

Meanwhile, many insurers are already declining to provide surety bonds to oil and gas companies or are requiring unobtainable levels of collateral as drillers become a riskier bet, surety brokers in three oil-producing states and state regulators in several others confirmed to ProPublica and Capital & Main.

Trevor Gilstrap, senior vice president of AssuredPartners, an insurance brokerage firm, called the surety market “so stinking bad right now.” Surety providers, he said, went from asking oil companies for as little as no collateral when underwriting a bond a decade ago to between 50% and 100% collateral now.

“Throughout my more than a decade in the insurance industry, with a strong focus on placing insurance and bond programs for oil and gas companies, I have never encountered a more challenging surety market,” he wrote in a letter commenting on oil bonds in New Mexico.

Insurance providers’ shrinking interest is all the more reason to require sufficient bonds now before oil companies walk away from their wells, researchers and activists say.

“Challenges in the oil and gas surety market should be taken as a giant flashing alarm for the financial health of the oil and gas industry itself,” said Andrew ForkesGudmundson, who works on bonding reform with environmental group Earthworks. The government must take this moment seriously, he added, otherwise “they and the taxpayers will be left holding the bag.”

Republished with Creative Commons License

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10 times as much of this toxic pesticide could end up on your tomatoes and celery under a new EPA proposal

By Sharon Lerner, ProPublica

This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox.

When you bite into a piece of celery, there’s a fair chance that it will be coated with a thin film of a toxic pesticide called acephate.

The bug killer — also used on tomatoes, cranberries, Brussels sprouts and other fruits and vegetables — belongs to a class of compounds linked to autism, hyperactivity and reduced scores on intelligence tests in children.

But rather than banning the pesticide, as the European Union did more than 20 years ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed easing restrictions on acephate.

The federal agency’s assessment lays out a plan that would allow 10 times more acephate on food than is acceptable under the current limits. The proposal was based in large part on the results of a new battery of tests that are performed on disembodied cells rather than whole lab animals. After exposing groups of cells to the pesticide, the agency found “little to no evidence” that acephate and a chemical created when it breaks down in the body harm the developing brain, according to an August 2023 EPA document.

The EPA is moving ahead with the proposal despite multiple studies linking acephate to developmental problems in children and lab rats, and despite warnings from several scientific groups against using the new tests on cells to relax regulations, interviews and records reviewed by ProPublica show.

To create the new tests designed to measure the impact of chemicals on the growing brain, the EPA worked with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which comprises some of the world’s wealthiest democratic countries and conducts research on economic, social and scientific issues. The

OECD has warned against using the tests to conclude a chemical does not interfere with the brain’s development.

A scientific advisory panel the EPA consulted found that, because of major limitations, the tests “may not be representative of many processes and mechanisms that could” harm the developing nervous system. California pesticide regulators have argued that the new tests are not yet reliable enough to discount results of the older animal tests. And the Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee, a second group of advisers handpicked by the EPA, also warned against using results of the nonanimal tests to dismiss concerns.

“It’s exactly what we recommended against,” Veena Singla, a member of the children’s committee who also teaches at Columbia University, said of the EPA’s acephate proposal. “Children’s development is exquisitely sensitive to toxicants. … It’s disappointing they’re not following the science.”

The EPA’s proposal, which could be finalized later this year, marks one of the first times the agency has recommended changing its legal safety threshold largely based on nonanimal tests designed to measure a chemical’s impact on the developing brain. And in March, the EPA released a draft assessment of another pesticide in the same class, malathion, that also proposes loosening restrictions based on similar tests.

The proposed relaxing of restrictions on both chemicals comes even as the Biden administration has been strengthening limits on several other environmental contaminants, including some closely related pesticides.

In response to questions from ProPublica, the EPA acknowledged that it

“will need to continually build scientific confidence” in these new methods but said that the introduction of the nonanimal tests to predict the danger chemicals pose to the developing brain “has not been done in haste. Rather, a methodical, step-wise approach has been implemented over the course of more than a decade.”

The agency said its recent review of acephate included a thorough examination of a variety of scientific studies and that, even with its proposed changes, children and infants would still be protected.

The EPA expects to start accepting public comments on the acephate proposal in the coming months before it makes a final decision. The agency anticipates soliciting comments on malathion this summer.

Some environmental scientists strongly oppose loosening the restrictions on both acephate and malathion, arguing that the new tests are not reliable enough to capture all the hazards a chemical poses to the developing brain.

“It will put children at an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD that we already know are linked to this class of chemicals,” said Rashmi Joglekar, a toxicologist at the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at the University of California, San Francisco.

Health and environmental scientists are concerned about more than the direct impact of having potentially greater amounts of acephate and malathion on celery and other produce. They also worry that using the new tests as a basis for allowing more pesticides on crops will set a dangerous precedent for other brain-harming chemicals.

“I think the companies see this as a new way over a 10- or 20-year period to

gradually lobby” the EPA “to allow higher levels of pesticides in food,” said Charles Benbrook, an agricultural economist who has monitored pesticide regulation for decades. “If they can convince regulators to not pay attention to animal studies, they have a very good chance of raising the allowable exposure levels.”

Industry Helped Fashion EPA’s Testing Strategy

Since its founding in 1970, the EPA has relied on studies of mice, rats, guinea pigs and other species to set exposure limits for chemicals. The lab animals serve as a proxy for humans. Scientists expose them to different doses of substances and watch to see what levels cause cancer, reproductive problems, irritation to the skin and eyes, or other conditions. Some tests look specifically at chemicals’ effects on the offspring of rats exposed during pregnancy, and some of those tests focus on the development of their brains and nervous systems.

But over the past decade, chemical manufacturers and animal rights advocates have argued for phasing out the tests on the grounds they are impractical and inhumane.

By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service

The animal experiments are also expensive, and the pesticide industry, which by law shoulders the cost of testing its products, is among the biggest proponents of the change.

The EPA has allowed the chemical industry and animal rights groups to help fashion its testing strategy. Agency officials have co-authored articles and held workshops on the use of the cell-based tests to regulate chemicals alongside representatives of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals as well as Corteva Agriscience, BASF and Syngenta Crop Protection, companies that make pesticides regulated by the EPA.

The EPA said its scientists have been working to develop the nonanimal tests for decades with other government and scientific organizations, both nationally and internationally.

“It is absurd to describe those scientific efforts as an apparent conflict of interest,” the agency said in a statement.

The EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs has previously come under fire for its willingness to allow pesticides onto the market without required toxicity testing.

In 2018, as The Intercept reported, staff members held a party to celebrate a milestone: The number of legally required tests the office had waived for pesticide companies had reached 1,000. A science adviser to the office at the time said the move spared companies more than $6 million in expenses.

While phasing out animal experiments would save money and animal lives, experiments involving collections of cells do not always accurately predict how entire organisms will respond to exposure to a toxic chemical. The new cellbased tests and computer techniques that are sometimes used with them can be reliable predictors of straightforward effects like eye or skin irritation. But they are not yet up to the task of modeling the complex, real-world learning disorders that have been linked to acephate and malathion, according to Jennifer Sass, a senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy organization.

The new tests can show whether a chemical can kill a brain cell. And they can show

Tomatoes. | Photo by Waldemar on Unsplash

See EPA proposal Page 07

if a chemical affects how a brain cell connects with other brain cells, said Sass.

“But these tests can’t show that a kid is going to be able to sit through class and not go to the principal’s office,” she said.

While the cell-based tests may point to certain harms, they are likely to miss others, said Sass, who likens their use to fishing with a loose net. “You only know what you caught — the big stuff,” she said. “You don’t know about all the little stuff that got through.”

A 2023 study revealed the failure of the cell-based tests to detect certain problems. In it, scientists exposed brain cells to 28 chemicals known to interfere with the development of the nervous system. Although the tests were specifically designed to assess whether chemicals harm growing brains, they failed to clearly identify harm in one-third of the substances known to cause these very problems. Instead of registering as harmful, the test results on these established developmental neurotoxins were either borderline or negative.

Because of these potential blind spots and other uncertainties associated with the tests, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has advised against interpreting results of the nonanimal tests as evidence that a chemical doesn’t damage the brain. Several scientific groups have recommended that the EPA

do the same.

A federal advisory panel of scientists assembled to advise the EPA on pesticiderelated issues published a 2020 report that identified numerous limitations and gaps in the nonanimal studies, finding that they “underestimated the complexity of nervous system development.”

In 2021, the Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee, a group the EPA created to provide advice on how to best protect children from environmental threats, warned the agency that, “due to important limitations,” the test results “cannot be used to rule-out a specific hazard.”

In comments to the EPA, California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation also cautioned the agency against using the tests to conclude that a chemical doesn’t cause specific harms. The California regulators emphasized that the traditional battery of animal tests was still necessary to understand complex outcomes like the effects on children’s developing brains.

“To abandon it at this time would be to abandon a critical support for healthprotective decisions,” they wrote.

EPA Accused of Double Standard

As much as 12 million pounds of acephate were used on soybeans, Brussels sprouts and other crops in 2019, according to the most recent estimates from the U.S. Geological Survey. The federal agency estimates that

EPA proposal

up to 30% of celery, 35% of lettuce and 20% of cauliflower and peppers were grown with acephate. Malathion is used on crops such as strawberries, blueberries and asparagus. (The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits the use of most synthetic pesticides, including acephate and malathion, to grow and process products certified by the agency as organic.)

Acephate and malathion belong to a class of chemicals called organophosphates, which U.S. farmers have used for decades because they efficiently kill aphids, fire ants and other pests. But what makes the pesticides good bug killers — their ability to interfere with signals sent between nerve cells — also makes them dangerous to people. For years, there has been a scientific consensus that children are particularly vulnerable to the harms of pesticides, a recognition that

led the EPA to strengthen restrictions on them. But with both acephate and malathion, the agency is now proposing to remove that extra layer of protection.

The EPA effectively banned another organophosphate pesticide, chlorpyrifos, in 2021, based in part on evidence linking it to ADHD, autism and reduced IQ in children. (In response to a lawsuit brought by a company that sells the pesticide and several agricultural groups, a court vacated the ban in December, allowing the resumed use of chlorpyrifos on certain crops, including cherries, strawberries and wheat.) While some health and farmworker groups are petitioning the EPA to ban all organophosphate pesticides, the agency is arguing that it can adequately protect children by limiting the amount farmers can use.

Several studies suggest

that, even at currently allowable levels, acephate may already be causing learning disabilities in children exposed to it while in the uterus or in their first years of life. In 2017, a team of University of California, Berkeley researchers, partly funded by the EPA, found that children of Californians who, while pregnant, lived within 1 kilometer of where the pesticide was applied had lower IQ scores and worse verbal comprehension on average than children of people who lived further away. Two years later, a group of UCLA scientists reported that mothers who lived near areas where acephate was used during their pregnancies had children who were at an increased risk of autism with an intellectual disability.

The EPA considered this research when deciding to relax the limits on acephate use but stated that flaws and inconsistencies made these epidemiological studies “not compelling.” The agency also dismissed a rat study submitted to the EPA in 2005 in which the pups of mother rats exposed to higher levels of acephate were, on average, less likely to move than the pups of mothers exposed to lower levels. The EPA told ProPublica that “no conclusions could be drawn” from the experiment, citing the “high variability of the data” it produced. But some scientists outside the agency find that study a particularly worrisome indication of the

pesticide’s potential to harm children.

In its proposals to increase the allowable amount of both acephate and malathion on food, the EPA also had to look past other potentially concerning test results. Some of the cell-based tests of acephate showed borderline results for interference with brain functions, while some of the tests of malathion clearly indicated specific problems, including interference with the connections between nerve cells and the growth of certain parts of nerve cells. Several scientists interviewed by ProPublica said that such results demand further investigation.

Some scientists see a double standard in the agency accepting the imperfect nonanimal tests while citing flaws in other research as reasons to dismiss it.

“They’re acknowledging limitations in epidemiology while at the same time not acknowledging the even greater limitations of using a clump of cells in a petri dish to try to model what’s happening in a really complex organism,” said Nathan Donley, a scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental advocacy organization.

Asked about the criticism, an EPA spokesperson wrote in an email to ProPublica that the agency “does not believe there was a double standard applied.”

Republished with Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

Health officials warn of potential lead poisoning from ointment

By Staff

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health earlier this month warned residents not to use a Vietnamese herbal ointment because it contains lead and can be fatal.

A woman in Sacramento died in March from severe lead poisoning that occurred after she used a product called “Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu,” or Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract, which officials said has been marketed as a hemorrhoid treatment “with a suggested intra-rectal application.”

The woman bought the product on Facebook, and a friend or relative in Vietnam mailed it to the United States. Officials said it was unclear if the ointment is available for purchase in “informal marketplaces” in

the U.S.

The California Department of Public Health had the ointment tested and found it contains 4% lead, or 39,000 parts per million, which is “a highly dangerous amount of lead,” officials said. Any amount of lead exposure can cause lifelong learning, behavioral, reproductive, cardiovascular and other health problems.

Lead poisoning can be difficult to identify because after exposure, symptoms may not be visible and can vary from person to person, according to health officials. Symptoms are tied to the level of lead in a product, how often it is used and for how long.

Mild symptoms are fatigue, irritability or mood swings, difficulty

concentrating and difficulty sleeping; moderate symptoms are muscle and joint pain, nausea, decrease appetite, stomach cramps, constipation and diarrhea, feeling tired or sleepy, headache and tremors; severe symptoms are intense stomach cramps, a pins-and-needles sensation, tingling, burning or numbness in hands, seizures, coma and death.

The county and state health departments urged anyone who used the ointment to:

1. Stop using the ointment immediately and contact your health provider to get a blood lead test, called a venous blood test.

2. Place the jar of ointment in a sealed plastic bag and contact the Califor-

nia Department of Public Health at 510-620-3620 or email toxoutbreak@cdph. ca.gov.

3. Get a blood lead test for any other household members, especially children, if they have been exposed to the ointment — kids are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning.

Officials provided a letter online with instructions for blood testing that anyone who has used the ointment can take to their health care provider. It’s available for downloading in English or Vietnamese at https:// tinyurl.com/5n84b2zd.

Information and answers to questions about childhood lead poisoning prevention in LA County are available by calling 800-524-5323 or at getyourchildtested.com.

| Photo courtesy of Canva

Probate Notices

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF TRINIDAD E. LOPEZ

Case No. 24STPB04167

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

TRINIDAD E. LOPEZ

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Norma Alzaga in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Norma Alzaga 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 administra-tion authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objec-tion to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on May 15, 2024 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 9 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

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 ap-pearance 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 issu-ance 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 knowl-edgeable 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:

DARIN W BARBER ESQ SBN 189008

LAW OFFICE OF DARIN W BARBER

16163 WHITTIER BLVD WHITTIER CA 90603

CN106049 LOPEZ Apr 22,25,29, 2024 AZUSA BEACON

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

ELAINE G. MERCIER

CASE NO. 23STPB09765

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ELAINE G. MERCIER.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by RICHARD B. ASHWORTH in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that RICHARD B. ASHWORTH 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: 05/17/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 2D located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

SCOTT A. HANCOCK - SBN 115747

SNYDER & HANCOCK 1112 FAIR OAKS AVE. SOUTH PASADENA CA 91030

Telephone (626) 799-7156

4/22, 4/25, 4/29/24 CNS-3805083#

ROSEMEAD READER

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ALTA ESTEL DUMAS AKA

ALTA E. DUMAS AKA ALTA

DUMAS

CASE NO.

24STPB04164

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ALTA ESTEL DUMAS AKA ALTA E. DUMAS AKA ALTA DUMAS.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by EDNA MARY WADE in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that EDNA MARY WADE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/15/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 9 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

KURT WEISER - SBN 246775

DAVID DORIA - SBN 317419

GREENMAN, LACY, KLEIN, HINDS, WEISER

900 PIER VIEW WAY, PO BOX 299

OCEANSIDE CA 92049-0299

Telephone (760) 722-1234

BSC 225009

4/22, 4/25, 4/29/24

CNS-3805192#

ARCADIA WEEKLY

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ANN NA WANG

CASE NO. 24STPB04340

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ANN NA WANG.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by WILLIAM ZHANG in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that WILLIAM ZHANG 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: 05/21/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 29 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA

90012

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

LYNDA I. CHUNG - SBN 181018

KATHARINE B. LAU - SBN 303135, VALENSI ROSE, PLC

1888 CENTURY PARK EAST, SUITE 1100

LOS ANGELES CA 90067-1715 Telephone (310) 277-8011 4/25, 4/29, 5/2/24 CNS-3806251# TEMPLE CITY TRIBUNE NOTICE OF PETITION TO

ESTATE OF: SHARON LEE HODGSON

CASE NO. 24STPB03877

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of SHARON LEE HODGSON.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by KENNETH WAYNE FELDMANN in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that KENNETH WAYNE FELDMANN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/23/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 62 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA

90012

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

DANIEL B. BURBOTT - SBN 279759, GAUDY LAW INC.

267 D STREET UPLAND CA 91786

Telephone (909) 982-3199 4/25, 4/29, 5/2/24

CNS-3806325# AZUSA BEACON

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

LYNN LOLA COLEMAN GUSTAFSON

CASE NO. 24STPB04457

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of LYNN LOLA COLEMAN GUSTAFSON.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CRAIG COLEMAN in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CRAIG COLEMAN 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 in-

terested 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: 05/24/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 4 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

STEPHEN L. BELGUM - SBN 53143

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRUST & PROBATE CENTER 1252 N. SAN DIMAS CANYON ROAD

SAN DIMAS CA 91773

Telephone (909) 305-0005

4/25, 4/29, 5/2/24

CNS-3806946#

DUARTE DISPATCH

Public Notices

Erica Gutierrez FOR CHANGE OF

CASE NUMBER:24NNCP00114 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 150 W. Commonwealth Ave, Alhambra, Ca 91801, Northeast Judicial District TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Erica Gutierrez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing

as follows:

Gutierrez

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reason 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 a. Date: 06/14/2024 Time: 8:30AM Dept: X. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: San Gabriel Sun DATED: April 5, 2024 Robin Miller Sloan JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Pub. April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 2024 SAN GABRIEL SUN

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITION OF Kathryn Elizabeth Mauger & William Taylor

Woods FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE

NUMBER: 24STCP01038 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 312 N. Spring St, Los Angeles, Ca 90012, Central Judicial District TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner Kathryn Elizabeth

Mauger & William Taylor Woods filed a petition with this court for a decree chang-

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of DUANE E. KLEVER.

AN ANCILLARY PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by YOLANDA KLEVER in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE ANCILLARY PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that YOLANDA KLEVER be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE ANCILLARY 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: 05/09/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 5 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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 LINDA MCLARNAN-DUGAN - SBN 169190

LAW OFFICES OF LINDA MCLARNAN-DUGAN

150 N. SANTA ANITA AVE., SUITE 300 ARCADIA CA 91006

Telephone (626) 296-8670

4/22, 4/25, 4/29/24

CNS-3805773#

WEST COVINA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF MARGARET MO-CHIEH CHIEN aka MARGARET CHIEN

Case No. 24STPB02745

To all heirs, beneficiaries, cred-itors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of MARGARET MO-CHIEH CHIEN aka MARGARET CHIEN

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Lily Won Hwa Chien in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Lily Won Hwa Chien 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 administra-tion authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objec-tion to the petition and shows good cause

why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on June 18, 2024 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 99 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

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 ap-pearance 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 knowl-edgeable 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:

TIMOTHY D WONG ESQ

SBN 167393

LAW OFFICES OF TIMOTHY D WONG 1031 S GLENDORA AVE W COVINA CA 91790 CN106076 CHIEN Apr 25,29, May 2, 2024 MONTEREY PARK PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

MARIA T. FABELLA

CASE NO. 24STPB04139

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MARIA T. FABELLA.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MARIA E. ALVAREZ in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that MARIA E. ALVAREZ 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 with limited authority. (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: 05/16/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 5 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

MICHAEL G. EBINER, ESQ. - SBN

183499, EBINER LAW OFFICE

100 N. CITRUS STREET, SUITE 520

WEST COVINA CA 91791

Telephone (626) 918-9000 4/25, 4/29, 5/2/24

CNS-3805777#

WEST COVINA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: RUBEN C. CASTANEDA

CASE NO. 24STPB04204

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of RUBEN C. CASTANEDA.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by RUBEN A. CASTANEDA in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that RUBEN A. CASTANEDA 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 with limited authority. (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: 05/17/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 29 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

MICHAEL G. EBINER, ESQ. - SBN

183499, EBINER LAW OFFICE

100 N. CITRUS STREET, SUITE 520

WEST COVINA CA 91791

Telephone (626) 918-9000 4/25, 4/29, 5/2/24 CNS-3805784#

BALDWIN PARK PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

LYDIA B. MACALALAD

CASE NO. 24STPB04000

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of LYDIA B. MACALALAD.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by ANNABEL EUSTAQUIO-BOURQUE AND RENATO EUSTAQUIO in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that ANNABEL EUSTA-

QUIO-BOURQUE AND RENATO EUSTAQUIO be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/16/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

ROBERT MILLS, ESQ. - SBN 155896

LAW OFFICE OF ROBERT MILLS

1429 S. VALLEY CENTER AVE.

GLENDORA CA 91740

Telephone (626) 827-1419

4/25, 4/29, 5/2/24

CNS-3805803#

GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

ANTONIO M. ARAIZA

CASE NO. 24STPB04343

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ANTONIO M. ARAIZA.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by ANTHONY S. ARAIZA in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that ANTHONY S. ARAIZA 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 with limited authority. (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: 05/24/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 79 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

GILBERT A. MORET - SBN 38113

LAW OFFICES OF GILBERT A. MORET

5430 E. BEVERLY BLVD., STE. 250 LOS ANGELES CA 90022

Telephone (323) 278-9991

4/25, 4/29, 5/2/24

CNS-3806260#

PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

DAVID ALAN PARKER

CASE NO. 24STPB04338

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of DAVID ALAN PARKER.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by STEVE MANUEL PARKER in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that STEVE MANUEL PARKER 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 with limited authority. (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: 05/20/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 4 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA

90012

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

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Thomas Edwin Murray aka Thomas Edwin Murray Jr Case No. PROVA2400312

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Thomas Edwin Murray aka Thomas Edwin Murray Jr

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Marceline E. Medina in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Marceline E. Medina be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on May 29, 2024 at 9:00 AM in Dept. F2. located at 17780 Arrow Blvd, Fontana, Ca 92335.

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: KRISTINE M. BORGIA SB#276777

KRISTINE M. BORGIA LAW CORPORATION

3963 11TH STREET SUITE 202 RIVERSIDE, CA 92501 APRIL 25, 29, MAY 2, 2024 SAN BERNARDINO PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

RICARDO MARTINEZ

ALFARO AKA RICARDO

CASE NO. PROVA2400313

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of RICARDO MARTINEZ ALFARO AKA RICARDO A. MARTINEZ.

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: 06/06/24 at 9:00AM in Dept. F2 located at 17780 ARROW BLVD., FONTANA, CA 92335

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

PRISCILLA C. SOLARIO, ESQ.SBN 259607

LAW OFFICES OF PRISCILLA C. SOLARIO

9431 HAVEN AVE., STE. 108

RANCHO CUCAMONGA CA 91730

Telephone (909) 529-1011 4/25, 4/29, 5/2/24

CNS-3806739#

ONTARIO NEWS PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

JAMES LEE MOSES

CASE NO. 24STPB04443

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of JAMES LEE MOSES.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by KEITH MOSES AND SCOTT MOSES in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that KEITH MOSES AND SCOTT MOSES be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/23/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 79 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

KATHERINE LINDSEY, ESQ. - SBN 252438, BARTH CALDERON LLP

333 CITY BOULEVARD WEST, SUITE 2050

ORANGE CA 92868

Telephone (714) 704-4828

BSC 225030

4/25, 4/29, 5/2/24

CNS-3806928#

WEST COVINA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: BETTY SOI MEE LEE

CASE NO. 24STPB04425

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of BETTY SOI MEE LEE.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by SAMUEL LEE in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that SAMUEL LEE 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: 05/20/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 4 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA

90012

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

Telephone (626) 499-4500

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

MARCEL MESA AKA

MARCEL LUJAN MESA

CASE NO. 24STPB04449

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MARCEL MESA AKA MARCEL LUJAN MESA.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by FRANCES LUJAN MESA AND WALTER CHARDIE in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that FRANCES LUJAN MESA AND WALTER CHARDIE 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 with limited authority. (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: 05/29/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 29 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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 ILIANA MADRIGAL, ESQ. - SBN 278590, CHAVEZ LAW GROUP

13225 PHILADELPHIA ST., STE. A WHITTIER CA 90601, Telephone (323) 506-3142 4/29, 5/2, 5/6/24 CNS-3807420#

BALDWIN PARK PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

CAROLYN JANE MORGAN

AKA CAROLYN MORGAN

CASE NO.

30-2024-01394810-PR-LA-

CMC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of CAROLYN JANE MORGAN AKA CAROLYN MORGAN.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JOHN MICHAEL MORGAN in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JOHN MICHAEL MORGAN 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 with limited authority. (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: 06/27/24 at 1:30PM in Dept. CM06 located at 3390 HARBOR BLVD., COSTA MESA, CA 92626

NOTICE IN PROBATE CASES The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/ time set for your hearing.

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

CATHERINE KIM, ESQ. - SBN

243811, ERNEST J. KIM, ESQ.SBN 181280, LAW OFFICES OF ERNEST J. KIM 17541 17TH STREET, SUITE 100 TUSTIN CA 92780

Telephone (949) 975-1870 4/29, 5/2, 5/6/24 CNS-3808252# ANAHEIM PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MICHAEL L. WOODARD CASE NO. 20STPB10005

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MICHAEL L. WOODARD.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by TERESA NAVARRO in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that TERESA NAVARRO be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the

authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 05/23/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

GREGORY P. SWAIN - SBN 324283, BARBARO, CHINEN, PITZER & DUKE LLP

301 E COLORADO BLVD.

PASADENA CA 91101-1911

Telephone (626) 793-5196

4/29, 5/2, 5/6/24

CNS-3808124#

BURBANK INDEPENDENT

Public Notices

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITION OF Clarence Anthony Brown FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: 24LBCP00111

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, 275 Magnolia, Long Beach, CA 90802, South Judicial District TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner

Clarence Anthony Brown filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name a. OF Clarence Anthony Brown to Proposed name Anthony X 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reason 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

a. Date: 05/21/2024 Time: 8:30AM Dept: 26. The address of the court is same as noted above.

3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Belmont Beacon DATED: April 9, 2024 Michael

P. Vicencia JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Pub. April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 2024 BELMONT BEACON

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME PETITION OF Rouslan Akhmerov FOR CHANGE OF NAME

CASE NUMBER: 24NNCP00146 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 150 W. Commonwealth Ave, Alhambra, Ca 91801, Northeast Judicial District TO ALL

INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. Petitioner

Rouslan Akhmerov filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name a. OF Rouslan Akhmerov to Proposed name Russ Udin 2. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reason 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 a. Date: 06/07/2024 Time: 8:30AM Dept: X. The address of the court is same as noted above. 3. a. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Glendale Independent DATED: April 16,

is hereby given that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under the California SelfStorage Facility Act, pursuant to Sections 21700-21716

this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. Jaquelynn Marie Velasco

Statement filed with the County of Riverside on March 25, 2024 NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.

Peter Aldana, County, Clerk

File# R-202403895

Pub. 04/08/2024, 04/15/2024, 04/22/2024, 04/29/2024 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

FBN20240002976

File No.

The following persons are doing business as: Fernandez Hauling, 851 W Flora St, Ontario, CA 91762. Mailing Address, 851 W Flora St, Ontario, CA 91762. Jesse Fernandez, 851 W Flora St, Ontario, CA 91762. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Jesse Fernandez. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of

San Bernardino on March 25, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#:

FBN20240002976 Pub: 04/15/2024, 04/22/2024, 04/29/2024, 05/06/2024 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No.

FBN20240003190 The following persons are doing business as: METRO-LOK, 1339 Brooks St, Ontario, CA 91762. Mailing Address, 1339 Brooks St, ontario, CA 91762. ANOLDA ENTERPRISES, LLC (CA, 27365 Bottlebrush Way, murrieta, CA 92562;

WILLIAM FUENTES, PRESIDENT.

County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on January 1, 2024. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277).

/s/ WILLIAM FUENTES, PRESIDENT. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on March 29, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name State-

ment must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240003190 Pub: 04/22/2024, 04/29/2024, 05/06/2024, 05/13/2024 San Bernardino Press

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as N & L TRANSPORT

26366 Baldy Peak Rd

Menifee, CA 92586

Riverside County

ENRIQUE SAVEDRA, 26366 Baldy Peak Dr, Menifee, CA 92586

Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. ENRIQUE SAVEDRA Statement filed with the County of Riverside on April 17, 2024

NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.

Peter Aldana, County, Clerk

File# R-202405097

Pub. 04/22/2024, 04/29/2024, 05/06/2024, 05/13/2024

Riverside Independent

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Goldleaf Scientific 3300 Harrison St suite 2 Riverside, CA 92503

Riverside County Lab Locus LLC (CA, 30042 Mission Blvd Ste 121-244, Hayward, CA 94544

Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a limited liability company (llc). Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. Ryan Henry, Manager

Statement filed with the County of Riverside on April 17, 2024 NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.

Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202405113

Pub. 04/22/2024, 04/29/2024, 05/06/2024, 05/13/2024 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. 20240003581

The following persons are doing business as: APEX INTERNATIONAL CULTURE AND ART EXPO, 5388 Arrow Hwy, Montclair, CA 91763. Mailing Address, 5388 Arrow Hwy, Montclair, CA 91763. Carissa and Harry Foundation (CA, 5388 Arrow Hwy, Montclair, CA 91763; Sam Ip, President. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino

This business is conducted by: a corporation. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct.

A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement

becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Sam Ip, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on April 12, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: 20240003581

Pub: 04/22/2024, 04/29/2024, 05/06/2024, 05/13/2024 San Bernardino Press

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Big Voice Pictures

560 Desert Way

Palm Springs, CA 92264

Mailing Address, PO Box 931, Palm Springs, CA 92263.

Riverside County

Kathleen Barbini, 560 Desert Way, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. Kathleen Barbini

Statement filed with the County of Riverside on April 11, 2024

NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under

federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.

Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202404844 Pub. 04/22/2024, 04/29/2024, 05/06/2024, 05/13/2024

San Bernardino County board approves federal homelessness funding plan; city gets $4.6M to address encampments

By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com

TheSanBernardino County Board of SupervisorsonTuesday approved a plan to spend over $11.2 million in federal funding to address homelessness.

Three U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs — Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships and Emergency Solutions Grant — will enable the county and participating cities to provide “decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities” for low- and moderate-income county residents, according to the 2024-25 Annual Action Plan that supervisors approved 5-0.

“CDBG, HOME or ESG funds may be used for emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, housing preservation, capital improvements, public services, housing development, fair housing, and program management,” according to a county statement.

CDBG funds total $6.9 million, with $3.7 million for HOME and $613,906 for ESG, officials said.

Thirteen cities have opted into the county’s 2020-25 HUD Consolidated Plan — Adelanto, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Montclair, Needles, Redlands, Twentynine Palms, Yucaipa and the Town of Yucca Valley. Chino Hills and Rancho Cucamonga participate only

in HOME.

CDBG money pays for public facility and street infrastructure projects, homelessness prevention, transitional housing, food distribution, transportation, child care and job training for young people, seniors and veterans, officials said.

“The CDBG allocation for projects is proportionately split between the Cooperating Cities and the County’s unincorporated area,” Carrie Harmon, director of the county housing department, wrote in a report to the board. “The Cooperating Cities’ allocation is approximately $2.8 million and functions as a pass through in which each city receives an individual disbursement based on ... current census data. The County’s share of funding is approximately $3.0 million.”

After receiving HOME and ESG funding, the county allocates it through partnerships with housing developers, nonprofit organizations and county departments, officials said.

“Available funds are awarded to select service providers through a procurement process to ensure services are made available countywide,” according to the county statement. “HOME program funds are utilized to help finance the new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of affordable housing, as well as Tenant Based Rental Assistance for

low- and very low-income families.”

ESG activities are categorized in five program components: street outreach, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention and the homeless management information system, which allows HUD to “document homelessness and helps to ensure coordination between service providers while avoiding duplication of services and client data,” the plan states.

SB city receives funds for encampment reduction

The city of San Bernardino will receive nearly $4.6 million to try to reduce homeless encampments, Gov. Gavin Newsom and city officials announced last week.

The project will cover a 5.2-mile corridor along Waterman Avenue that has encampments where approximately 200 homeless individuals live, according to a city statement. The area includes two freeways, State Route 18 and Interstate 210, and extends into areas such as maintenance tunnels of the freeway structure, pedestrian passageways and surrounding neighborhoods.

“This new funding will get people out of tents and into housing across California,” said Newsom, who announced the $192 million grant package April 18 during a virtual press conference attended by San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran and many

other local-level officials from throughout the state.

“But it is not just about addressing homelessness,” Newsom added. “It is about taking back our parks and sidewalks.”

In a statement Tran said, “This funding is a significant step forward to clean up Waterman Avenue and to provide essential support and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness in our city.”

The funding to San Bernardino will provide permanent housing for 60 people, help place 40 or more homeless individuals in interim housing within the targeted area along Waterman Avenue and provide “support services that may lead toward perma-

Drugs

for people to live, work and raise families,” Gonzalez said.

In addition to the 15 arrests, authorities said 376 pounds of methamphetamine, 37 pounds of fentanyl, 600,000 fentanyl pills and 1.4 kilograms of cocaine were confiscated. The estimated street value of the narcotics was $16 million.

“The steadfast collaboration, determination and long hours poured into this operation speak to the vehemence of our investigators and partners,” DEA Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division Matthew Allen said. “We are committed to keeping dangerous drugs off our streets and are intent on holding all substance laws violators accountable.”

The DEA has acknowledged that fentanyl is a dominant trade of the Mexican drug cartels, which

bring the drugs across the southern border. The synthetic opioid is 80-100 times more potent than morphine and can be mixed into any number of street

consuming. Ingestion of only two milligrams can be fatal. Among the individuals snared during Operation Hotline Bling was exRiverside County sheriff’s

narcotics and prescription drugs, without a user knowing what he or she is

nent housing,” according to the city statement.

The governor’s announcement included a total of 20 projects in 17 communities statewide.

In Southern California, in addition to San Bernardino’s grant, Los Angeles County will receive $51.5 million, Oceanside will receive $11.4 million and Anaheim will receive $3.1 million, according to the governor’s office. Grants to the remaining 13 municipalities in the central and northern parts of the state range from $2.5 million to $18.2 million.

“The one thing these 17 communities have in common is strong plans to meet the needs of its local unhoused,” California Department of Business,

Consumer Services, and Housing Secretary Tomiquia Moss said in a statement. The state’s Encampment Resolution Funding Program is a competitive grant program that aims to help cities and counties reduce encampments and house the homeless. Officials estimated that the projects funded by the awards announced today will provide services and support for nearly 3,600 individuals of which 2,200 will receive permanent housing.

The California Interagency Council on Homelessness, which is co-chaired by Moss and California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Mark Ghaly, will administer the encampment grants.

He was charged with transportation of controlled substances, possession of controlled substances for sale and sentence-enhancing allegations of perpetrating a drug-related offense while armed.

Rocha was arrested last September during a

traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Calimesa, following a lengthy investigation involving local and federal personnel.

“After a K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle, a search was conducted,” sheriff’s Capt. Rob Roggeveen said.

“Located in the vehicle was (104) pounds of packaged fentanyl pills -- M30s. Also located in the vehicle was a loaded handgun.”

According to a Riverside police statement, “the DEA and Riverside police provided investigative leads to the sheriff’s department, ultimately assisting in the arrest of the deputy.”

His next court appearance is Monday at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

Among others arrested in recent weeks on federal narcotics charges were Edwin Michael Alva, 31, of San Jacinto; Christopher Antonio Arreola Alvarado, 25, of Perris; and Jose Javier Raya Cortez, 21, of Perris.

Officials said Cortez will be prosecuted in Delaware, while the others will be prosecuted in U.S. District Court in Southern California.

correctional Deputy Jorge Alberto Oceguera Rocha, 25, of Banning.

| Photo courtesy of the Riverside Police Department

Gov. Gavin Newsom, in the top left corner, announces homeless funding at a virtual conference attended by San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran and officials from throughout California. | Photo courtesy of the governor’s office

Man convicted in violent takeover robbery at cannabis shop

By City News Service

A24-year-old man who joined his brother in a takeover robbery at a Banning cannabis store, where two people were stabbed and another almost shot, was convicted Thursday of attempted murder and other offenses.

Following nearly a week of deliberations, a Riverside jury found Raymond Emilio Paul Matus of Beaumont guilty of the attempted murder count, as well as robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and sentenceenhancing allegations of using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony and inflicting great bodily injury.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Steven Counelis scheduledasentencing hearing for July 12 at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Matus is facing more than 12 years in state prison.

He’s being held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail.

His older brother Richard Matus Jr. died from fentanyl

poisoning at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta in 2022. He was 29.

According to a trial brief filed by the District Attorney’s Office, on the night of June 23, 2018, the defendants targeted the Go Green Calming Solutions marijuana shop at 6020 Ramsey St.

The brothers burst into the outlet, and the security guard, identified in documents as “J.S.,” immediately identified Richard Matus as a threat and physically engaged him.

The brief said another employee, Daniel Tellez, came to the guard’s aid, and they managed to wrest a handgun away from Richard Matus, causing it to fall to the floor.

Prosecutors said Raymond Matus went to assist his older brother, stabbing Tellez in the left arm, prompting the man and the guard both to retreat to the rear of the outlet.

Another employee, Thomas Harris, also attempt-

A42-year-old man who sold large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine out of his Perris home pleaded guilty Thursday to possession of controlled substances for sale and other offenses and was immediately sentenced to two years in state prison.

Miguel Angel Lopez admitted the possession count and a charge of child endangerment under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attor-

fornia,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said in a statement. “This program uses federal funds to bring stability to Riverside seniors who have been waiting for a Section 8 voucher.”

The council’s vote followed a report that assessed how many Riverside seniors are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. According to the county’s 2023 Homeless Point-in-Time Count, 109 homeless seniors between the ages of 55-64 and 46 homeless seniors 65 or older were living in Riverside.

As of mid-February, 1,535 seniors ages 62 years and up living in Riverside were on the county’s waiting list for

ed to subdue Richard Matus and prevent him from taking possession of the pistol again. According to the prosecution, “the defendant looked at the struggle for the gun that was occurring ... and stabbed Harris from behind.”

“(Raymond Matus) stabbed Harris eight to 10 times in an attempt to assist his brother get free,” according to court papers. “The defendant stabbed Harris even when his accomplice brother was back on his feet, and Harris was no longer struggling for the gun.”

A patron of the marijuana shop, Rafat Ali, heard the commotion from the parking lot, armed himself with a baseball bat and went in to help the employees.

When he encountered Richard Matus with the firearm, Ali headed for the exit. Prosecutors allege that a shot was fired in the victim’s direction, and he fell, but wasn’t struck by gunfire.

“Ali sustained a laceration to his chin because he fell, not because he was shot in the face,” according to the defense’s brief.

The brothers initially fled the shop without anything, but they returned moments later and grabbed “three jars of marijuana and a backpack” belonging to one of the employees, according to the prosecution.

Tellez and Harris suffered non-life-threatening stab wounds, for which they were treated at San Gorgonio Memorial Medical Center, where Ali was also treated for the cut on his chin, court papers said.

Within two days of investigators circulating security surveillance photographs of the assailants via social media, numerous people contacted police, confirming the men’s identities, according to documents. A week later, the pair were arrested without incident in San Diego.

Richard Matus had prior convictions for driving under the influence and being a habitual traffic offender. His younger brother had a juvenile conviction for robbery, court papers stated.

The Matus family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit last year against the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in connection with the death of Richard Matus,

Man admits selling fentanyl, meth in Perris

By City News Service

ney’s Office. In exchange for his admissions, prosecutors dropped three related felony charges against Lopez.

During a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Thursday, Superior Court Judge Gail O’Rane certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.

According to sheriff’s officials, Lopez came under investigation in early February after deputies were

informed of drug trafficking at his home in the 1000 block of Ruby Drive, near Mildred Street.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Kamal Kabbara said that Special Enforcement Bureau investigators served a search warrant at the property on the afternoon of Feb. 16 and “located and seized hundreds of multi-colored fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, methamphetamine and thousands of dollars in cash.”

“Additionally, deputies

seized ballistic panels, ammunition and a collapsible baton,” Kabbara said. “At the residence, deputies discovered a 12- year-old child alone in the vicinity of the narcotics.”

The youth, whose identity was not disclosed and whose relationship to the defendant was not specified, was placed in the care of county Child Protective Services staff.

Lopez was taken into custody without incident.

According to court records, he had prior misdemeanor

Pilot program

Section 8 housing, Pitchford reported. Of those housing assistance requesters, 346 were age 70 or older. Wait times for Section 8 housing are usually six months to a year, Pitchford said. Seniors who face the greatest risk of becoming homeless live alone and on a fixed income, often with little to no savings.

Statewide seniors struggle to keep up with rent increases that exceed any raises to their fixed incomes, such as Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income. “The difference between staying housed and becoming homeless can be a few hundred dollars a month

for our seniors, and this program is designed to fill that gap,” Mayor Pro Tem Steve Hemenway said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to bring hope to some of our residents who really need it.”

To be eligible for Supplemental Rental Assistance Program for Seniors, seniors must be Riverside residents, must have a household income that does not exceed 50% of area median income, which is $36,250 for a oneperson household, and they must pay more than 30% of their income for rent.

Applications from seniors 70 or older with an income at or below 30% of

AMI will be prioritized for rental assistance, Pitchford said. If there are funds that have not been spent and there are no applications pending for seniors at or over the age of 70 years old within six months of the program’s launch, people 62 or older on the Section 8 wait list with incomes at or below 50% AMI will be eligible for assistance, with priority for households at or below 30% AMI.

convictions for possession of controlled substances and illegal alteration of a firearm. He had no felony priors.

Preliminary data released earlier this year by the Department of Public Health showed there were 388 confirmed fentanyl-related fatalities countywide in 2023, a 23% decline from 2022, when there were 503.

Fentanyl is manufactured in overseas labs, principally in China, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Admin-

who reportedly suffered a massive coronary after taking an unspecified quantity of fentanyl smuggled into his jail cell.

The plaintiffs allege staff were deficient in their response and pointed to wider, systemic problems caused by the sheriff, his administrators and the county, setting the stage for their loved one’s loss.

istration, which says the synthetic opioid is smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border by cartels.

The drug is 80-100 times more potent than morphine and can be mixed into any number of street narcotics and prescription drugs, without a user knowing what he or she is consuming. Ingestion of only two milligrams can be fatal.

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans between 18 and 45 years old.

The city’s new rental assistance effort for seniors is separate from another citywidehomelessness prevention program funded by the state Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention grant program, which can only assist with up to three months of past due rent, Pitchford said.

Richard Matus Jr. and Raymond Matus. | Photo courtesy of the Matus Brothers/X