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News Observer Bakersfield

Volume 47 Number 32

Serving Kern County for Over 47 Years

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Bruce’s Beach Is Just One Example in California

Blacks Illegally Lost Land

(Photo Credit: City of Manhattan Beach)

Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media The disturbing story of Los Angeles County’s Bruce’s Beach Park -- location of the first West Coast seaside resort for Black beachgoers and a residential enclave for a few African American families – has been making headlines around the country.

One hundred years ago, Manhattan Beach city officials seized the Bruce’s beachfront property from an African American couple, Charles and Willa Bruce, citing

an “urgent need” to build a city park. But the area was not developed for recreational use after it was forcefully taken from the Black owners.

In addition to the Bruce’s land, the city grabbed about two dozen other properties from African American families along the city’s Pacific shore using eminent domain laws.

“This was a strategy and a tactic used everywhere – here in California. That’s why we get so much resistance when we fight it,” said Sacramento resident Jonathan Burgess, referring to Bruce’s beach and other properties he said were

forcefully and illegally taken away from Black Californians in the past. Burgess’s family is engaged in a fight of their own to reclaim property in Northern California’s Gold Country that he says authorities stole from his ancestors.

Gold country is a mineral-rich area along the foothills of the Sierra Nevada that was a popular destination during California’s 19th century Gold Rush.

“The timing couldn’t be better because of what’s happening in Manhattan Beach. First, you have to reconcile

Quinci LeGardye California Black Media The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an alarming number of deaths over the past year: just under 3 million people across the globe; more than half a million people in the United states; and north of 60,000 victims died here in California.

The families and loved ones of those victims have been slammed with unexpected funeral costs. Many of them have had to suffer the loss of someone they loved while facing unanticipated financial strains caused by the pandemic.

In an effort to provide some relief for those Americans, the federal government has announced a new program.

“The COVID -19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus,” reads the official announcement of the program on FEMA’s website.

“Although we cannot change what has happened, we affirm our commitment to help with funeral and burial expenses that many families did not anticipate,” said acting FEMA administrator Bob Fenton.

Beginning April 12, FEMA will provide financial relief for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Anyone who lost a loved one to COVID-19 will be able to apply for retroactive reimbursements for funeral costs, up to $9,000 per burial.

Funeral expenses will count as the purchase of burial, a plot, a headstone, clergy services, cremation, the transfer of remains or other services associated with a funeral. According to National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial was $7,640 in 2019.

Funding for the program was included in both

COVID-19 stimulus packages passed by Congress recently -- the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act signed by former President Trump in December 2020 and the American Rescue Plan

an official death certificate attributing the death either directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and show that the death occurred in the U.S. In addition, they will have to submit funeral expense documents, such as receipts or a funeral home contract. Applicants will also have to provide proof of funeral funds received from other sources, as the program will not reimburse funds received from burial insurance or financial assistance from agencies or other sources.

If multiple people contributed toward funeral costs, they will be able to apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicants.

According to FEMA, the agency will reimburse funeral costs for multiple people in the same family, up to a maximum of $35,000.

Consideration of reimbursements for funeral expense began as early as May 2020 when Congresswomen Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) introduced the COVID Funeral Assistance Act. It proposed reimbursements of up to $10,000. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) has also been an advocate for federal funeral assistance.

“Families across this country are living on the edge because of this public health and economic crisis. On top of facing unimaginable hardship and loss, the last thing they should have to worry about is how to pay for funeral expenses,” Lee said.

FEMA has also included a fraud alert on its website.

“We have received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA has not sent any such notifications and we do not contact people prior to them registering for assistance,” it reads.

To learn more, applicants can visit the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance page on FEMA. gov, or call the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Hot Line at 844-684-6333, or TTY at 800-462-7585.

Continued on page A5

FEMA to Start Reimbursing for COVID Funeral Costs

signed by President Biden in March 2021.

Applicants for the program will be required to provide

COVID-19 Testing and Black America According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, a majority of Black Americans (61%) now say they plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine (or that they’ve already received one), compared to only 42% in November, 2020. As trust increases, we need to also increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in our communities to create better health outcomes.

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO National Newspaper Publishers Association The COVID-19 pandemic across America and throughout the world is still a serious danger to public health for all communities, but especially for African American and other people of color communities. African Americans are still disproportionately negatively impacted by this deadly virus.

This is why more COVID-19 testing for Black America is so important in 2021: African Americans comprise 13% of the U.S. population, but more than half of all COVID-19 cases, and nearly 60% of all COVIDrelated deaths in the U.S., were in cities with large Black Getting tested for important health issues - and understanding the results - empowers people to make populations. Now that federal-government approved informed and sometimes critical healthcare decisions. In fact, 70% of medical decisions are based on results Continued on page A2

from diagnostic tests.

Free!

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

CDPH Issues Statement on Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine

(SACRAMENTO April 13th, 2021)– Today the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a statement from Dr. Erica Pan, state epidemiologist, regarding the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

“Today, the CDC and FDA have recommended a temporary pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine out of an abundance of caution.

Of over 6.8 million doses administered nationally, there have been six reported cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot with symptoms occurring 6 to 13 days after vaccination.

“California is following the FDA and CDC’s recommendation and has directed health care providers to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until we receive further direction from health and safety experts. Additionally, the state will convene the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to review the information provided by the federal government on this issue. As the federal government has said, we do not expect a significant impact to our vaccination allocations. In California, less than 4% of our vaccine allocation this week is the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.”

For more information about the adverse effects, and what to do if you are experiencing symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider. We will provide additional details on what this means for our state efforts as they become available.

Waters Statement on Polic Shooting of Daunte Wright

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, issued a statement on the police killing of Daunte Wright.

“I am deeply horrified by yet another police killing of an unarmed black man – no more than 14 miles from where Derek Chauvin stands trial for the murder of George Floyd. Despite the worldwide protests and the increased scrutiny of policing practices, Daunte Wright, a young man who so feared for his life that he called his mother during the stop, is dead following what was just a minor traffic incident. Daunte’s mother now joins a painfully long list of women whose children have fallen victim to emboldened police officers who hide behind their badge.

“It is the unfortunate reality that driving while Black, running while Black, walking while Black, sitting in your vehicle while Black, bird watching while Black, serving in the military while Black, and quite frankly – doing anything that any other person could do, but doing it while Black, is dangerous and all too often ends in death. How many more of our sons and daughters must die for a so-called traffic violation? How many of our neighbors must die for a so-called counterfeit bill?

“It is worth mentioning that hundreds of men and women – domestic terrorists – armed with weapons, explosives, and military gear, vandalized our nation’s Capitol, endangered the lives of many elected officials, and were allowed to leave the scene, flying home to brag about what they had done. Our country’s two-tiered justice system has been laid bare before the world and it is not enough to offer thoughts and prayers. There must be swift action to completely transform our criminal justice system. It is broken. The Senate must therefore act now to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

“In this moment of immense pain for our community, and as people peacefully protest against this century’s long injustice, I stand with you, committed as ever to push forward legislative solutions in the Congress that adequately address the terror we are facing in our communities.”

Mother of 3 Murder Victims Arrested After Bakersfield Carjacking

By OLGA RODRIGUEZ, DAMIAN DOVARGANES Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) – The mother of three children – all under the age of 5 – found slain inside a Los Angeles apartment Saturday morning has been arrested, police said.

Liliana Carrillo, 30, was arrested in Tulare County, about 200 miles (322 kilometers) north of Los Angeles.

It wasn’t immediately known if she had a lawyer who could speak on her behalf.

The children’s grandmother returned home from work and found their bodies and the mother missing, Los Angeles police Lt. Raul Jovel said.

The gruesome discovery was made around 9:30 a.m. in the 8000 block of Reseda Boulevard, Jovel said.

Police said initial reports suggested the children had been stabbed to death, but no official cause of death has been released.

Jovel said investigators were still working to determine a motive.

The department received reports Carrillo was driving her car and heading north on Interstate 5 when she got in an altercation in the Bakersfield area. She abandoned her car and carjacked another vehicle, Jovel said.

Carrillo was detained in the Ponderosa area of Tulare County, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Bakersfield, police said.

“At this point, she is a suspect in this incident but that doesn’t exclude other people,” Jovel said.

Lupe Cuevas, a neighbor of Carrillo and her children, told the San Bernardino Sun that she interacted with the three children and their grandmother during afternoon walks around the neighborhood.

One of the children, a girl, was drawn to her Chihuahua, Rosie, Cuevas told the newspaper.

“Those babies were such sweet little ones,” she said.

“It hurts.”

“She wasn’t shy. She was sweet.” Cuevas said. “An angel shouldn’t have to go that way.”

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BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

World & Nation

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

GM Announces 400% Increase in Ad Spending with Black-Owned Media General Motors officials said it would be more productive to host a series of meetings involving a more extensive mix of Blackowned media publishers and executives.

“To ensure that our conversations are both substantive and constructive, we are going to postpone [the originally scheduled meeting] and reschedule it into a series of smaller conversations that take place over the next few weeks,” GM global Chief Marketing Officer Deborah Wahl told the executives.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent General Motors, a longtime corporate partner of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), announced increasing advertising spending in Blackowned media by 400 percent.

According to a news release, the company said it would grow spending from 2 percent to 8 percent of its total budget by 2023.

By that estimate, General Motors’ advertising spending would jump from about $45 million to approximately $180 million.

Several Black-owned media officials recently pressed General Motors CEO Mary Barra for a meeting after determining that the company was not doing enough to promote economic inclusion.

Reportedly, a meeting between Barra, and a contingent led by Byron Allen of Allen Media Group, was postponed.

General Motors officials said it would be more productive to host a series of meetings involving a more extensive mix of Black-owned media publishers and executives.

“To ensure that our conversations are both substantive and constructive, we are going to postpone [the originally scheduled meeting] and reschedule it into a series of smaller conversations that take place over the next few weeks,” GM global Chief Marketing Officer Deborah Wahl told the executives.

“We also intend to expand the dialogue to invite our

According to a news release, the company said it would grow spending from 2 percent to 8 percent of its total budget by 2023. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

existing Black-owned media partners currently in the GM portfolio.”

For years, the company has been a corporate sponsor to the NNPA, the trade association representing 230 African American newspapers and media companies in markets throughout the country.

Also, General Motors’ Chevrolet brand and the NNPA have partnered since 2016 to provide deserving HBCU students with the exciting opportunity to “Discover the

Unexpected” about themselves and their communities via a journalism fellowship program.

The Discover the Unexpected Journalism Fellowship (DTU) provides six HBCU students with scholarships ($10,000 each), stipends ($5,000 each), an eightweek fellowship with the nation’s leading Black news publications, and the “road trip of a lifetime” in an all-new Chevrolet Blazer or other Chevrolet vehicle.

Each year, a selection of four NNPA Publishers

provides the fellows with the opportunity to gain real-world journalism experience during the eight-week Fellowship Program.

“General Motors has been taking steps to deal with systemic racism,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “It doesn’t happen overnight or in one year.”

months or over the course of the next year.

On April 6, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA13) and Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) hosted a virtual conference to inform Californians about the details of the American Rescue Plan. Throughout the conversation, they both spelled out the importance of direct relief to Black and Brown families and small businesses in the state. They said what’s currently offered in the American Rescue Plan helps, but it is hardly enough. They also said some measures in the bill should be made permanent.

Newly appointed Senator Padilla, formerly California’s Secretary of State, spoke about the scope of the law. He also described how his work on the law has taken up a significant chunk of his time since February when he was sworn in to serve in the U.S. Senate “Since my appointment to the Senate it has been COVID, COVID, COVID. We know how devastating COVID has been for the country and California is no exception, but it has disproportionately impacted working class communities and communities of color. So. it was great to partner with [Congresswoman Lee] and all of our colleagues to push through the American Rescue Plan.

When we step back and take our breath, we recognize, it’s one of the most progressive pieces of legislation approved

by Congress since the New Deal. And, so, it is tremendous help that’s now arriving,” said Padilla.

Lee spoke about forms of assistance included in the American Rescue Plan designed to help individuals and families in poverty. Those include the new expanded earned income tax credit and the expanded Child Tax Credit, as well as more money allocated for rental assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). She also commented on the importance of the law’s focus on poverty, especially in a high-cost state such as California.

“Here in California, oftentimes we think of it as the Golden State which it is, but we have such huge numbers of people living below the poverty line, and it’s growing even more each and every day because of the pandemic.

Nationally, the crisis has plunged more than 8 million more people into poverty since last year. About one in seven households nationwide including more than one in five African American and Latino households, and many Asian Americans and Pacific Islander households are struggling just to secure the food that they need,” said Lee. The expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) makes the credit available to more workers not raising children, as the previous credit only went to a small number of these workers. With the increase, the maximum EITC is tripled, going from about $540 to about $1,500, and the income cap for qualification goes from about $16,000 to at least $21,000. It also expands the age range of eligible workers without children to include young adults aged 19-

24 who aren’t students and older adults age 65 and older.

The expansion of the Child Tax Credit is designed to significantly reduce child poverty, by increasing both the scope of the credit to include 17-year-olds and by increasing the dollar amount to $3,600 for children under age six and $3,000 for other children under age 18. The expansion also makes the Child Tax Credit available to all children except those with the highest incomes.

According to the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the changes in the Child Tax Credit will lift 4.1 million children in America above the poverty line -- a large number of them Black and Latino, whom the old credit disproportionately left out.

“The expansion of the Child Tax Credit is one of the things I’m most proud of having supported. We have the opportunity to uplift half the nation’s children who are living in poverty, out of poverty. In California alone, that’s

half a million children,” said Padilla.

“We have a lot of work to do, and California has some of the highest poverty rates for Black and Brown children throughout the country. And so, this is not something we in California can sidestep,” said Lee. In addition to providing details on the current relief available, Lee and Padilla also spoke about the need to expand or make some of the provisions of the American Rescue Plan permanent as many Californians work to build back the wealth that they lost during the pandemic.

“In the law, we did put $1400 in direct payments. For me, not enough, I think we need to have at least $2,000 a month guaranteed until the end of the pandemic. People did not lose their jobs because they wanted didn’t want to work. They didn’t lose their businesses because they just wanted to shut down. This was as a result of the pandemic and so our government needs to step up,” said Lee.

Padilla and Lee: Rescue Plan Will Lift Half a Million California Kids Out of Poverty Quinci LeGardye California Black Media President Biden signed the latest federal COVID-19 stimulus package, known as the American Rescue Plan, into law on March 11.

Over the past month since the bill passed – and as stimulus checks have gone out to people across the country -- some members of California’s congressional delegations have been coming home to inform their constituents about other forms of relief that law has established for them.

Many of them will be implemented within the next few

News Observer Bakersfield

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Member of The National Newspapers Publishers Association, Associated Press, and The Better Business Bureau President: Ellen Coley Operations Manager: Jon Coley Editor: James Luckey Credo-The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accounts to every person, regardless of race, color, or creed full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as any one is held back.

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California Secretary of State Alex Padilla speaks at a news conference Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, at the Capitol in Sacramento, California. (Photo Credit: Yahoo)

COVID-19 Testing and Black America Continued from page A1

vaccines are available, it does not mean that COVID-19 testing is no longer needed.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is very concerned about the current state of health disparities and inequities that are realities for the majority of African Americans. Facts, data, and truth about the pandemic are vital to our future.

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, a majority of Black Americans (61%) now say they plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine (or that they’ve already received one), compared to only 42% in November, 2020. As trust increases, we need to also increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in our communities to create better health outcomes.

The Black Press and the Black Church are two fundamental trusted institutions in our communities. We are pleased to learn about a new emerging partnership with Black church leaders which is creating greater access to much-needed COVID-19 testing in our communities. A partnership between Quest Diagnostics, Choose Healthy

Life and the United Way of New York City is bringing COVID-19 testing and education to Black communities in cities across the U.S., and they are working with trusted voices in Black churches to increase participation.

The pandemic has also made it even clearer that Black Americans need access to additional resources to take control of their health. In Chicago for example, Black residents make up 30% of the population but account for 70% of COVID-related deaths, and the majority of Black COVID-19 patients who have died in Chicago also had underlying health conditions, like respiratory problems, hypertension, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black Americans, and Black people experience risk factors that contribute to heart disease like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol more often and earlier in life compared to White people. Thus, overall healthcare testing is needed throughout Black America.

Getting tested for important health issues - and

understanding the results - empowers people to make informed and sometimes critical healthcare decisions.

In fact, 70% of medical decisions are based on results from diagnostic tests. Because there aren’t always obvious symptoms of a health issue, testing is one of the most effective ways to identify health concerns that may need to be addressed.

Quest Diagnostics is committed to creating partnerships with others to increase access in Black and other underserved communities. It’s time for the entire healthcare system to step up with similar commitments – with access to treatment and preventative care – to help Black communities move past this pandemic on an even ground with White America. Access, testing, and equity are keys to achieving and maintaining good health for all.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), and Executive Producer and host of The Chavis Chronicles (TCC) on PBS TV stations weekly across the United States.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A3

Entertainment

Hip Hop Superstar DMX Has Died at 50

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent DMX, the sensationally talented and gruff-voiced rap artist and actor who rose from the hardscrabble streets of Yonkers, New York, to become one of hip-hop’s most prolific stars, has died at the age of 50.

Most famous for the “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, suffered a heart attack last week.

He was rushed to White Plains Hospital where doctors worked for several days to try and revive him.

“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days,” the family wrote in a statement.

“Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart, and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”

Raised by his aunt, DMX took hip-hop by storm in the 1990s.

He won Source magazine’s Unsigned Hype Award in January 1991 and released the promo single ‘Born Loser’ for Columbia Records.

After a nearly three-year hiatus, DMX returned to the limelight with an appearance on LL Cool J’s “4, 3, 2, 1.”

He worked with the Diddy protégé Ma$e on ’24 Hours To Live’, the LOX’s “Money, Power & Respect,” and the remix of Ice Cube’s smash hit, “We Be Clubbin.’”

After signing a contract with Ruff Ryders/ Def Jam Records, DMX recorded his iconic hit, “Get At Me Dog,” which quickly rose up the rap and pop music charts.

His seminal CD, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” cemented

photo of the rapper covered in blood, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood entered the charts at number one and eventually went triple platinum.

The following year, DMX hit the road with Jay-Z and the Method Man/Redman team on the blockbuster Hard Knock Life tour.

“The Ruff Ryders posse – of which DMX was a core, founding member – released a showcase compilation, Ryde or Die, Vol. 1,” AllMusic.com editors wrote.

“With contributions from DMX, as well as Eve, the LOX, and multiple guests, Ryde or Die, Vol. 1 debuted at number one in the spring of 1999, further cementing DMX’s Midas touch.”

DMX went on to star in a myriad of motion pictures and television shows, including “Any Given Sunday,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” and “Cradle 2 the Grave.”

DMX reportedly is survived by a fiancée, his mother and 15 children.

IN MEMORIAM: his legacy as a rap music genius.

The website AllMusic.com noted that, following the deaths of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious BIG, DMX took over as the undisputed reigning king of hardcore rap.

“He was that rare commodity: a commercial powerhouse with artistic and street credibility to spare,” editors at AllMusic.com wrote.

“His rapid ascent to stardom was actually almost a decade in the making, which gave him a chance to develop the theatrical image that made him one of rap’s most

distinctive personalities during his heyday.”

Hype Williams’ motion picture “Belly” was among the first to cast DMX in leading roles.

The 1998 film also included Nas, Taral Hicks, Method Man, R&B singer T-Boz, and National Newspaper Publishers Association President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. Before the end of 1998, DMX completed his second album, and a pending buyout of Def Jam pushed the record into stores that December. Featuring a controversial cover

Will Smith Film Departs Georgia Over Voting Restrictions

By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer NEW YORK (AP) – Will Smith and director Antoine Fuqua have pulled production of their runaway slave drama “Emancipation” from Georgia over the state's recently enacted law restricting voting access.

The film is the largest and most high profile Hollywood production to depart the state since Georgia's Republican-controlled state Legislature passed a law that introduced stiffer voter identification requirements for absentee balloting, limited drop boxes and gave the State Election Board new powers to intervene in county election offices and to remove and replace local election officials.

Opponents have said the law is designed to reduce the impact of minority voters.

In a joint statement, Smith and Fuqua – who are both producers on the project – said they felt compelled to move the production out of Georgia.

“We cannot in good conscience provide economic support to a government that enacts regressive voting laws that are designed to restrict voter access,” Smith and Fuqua said. “The new Georgia voting laws are reminiscent of voting impediments that were passed at the end of Reconstruction to prevent many Americans from voting.”

“Emancipation” had been scheduled to begin shooting in June. Apple Studios acquired the film last year in a deal reportedly worth $130 million. Based on a true story, the film stars Smith as a slave who flees a Louisiana plantation and joins the Union Army.

Hollywood's response to the Georgia law has been closely watched because the state is a major hub of film production and boasts generous tax incentives. Some filmmakers have said they would boycott, including “Ford v. Ferrari” director James Mangold. But major studios have so far been largely quiet. In 2019, a Georgia anti-abortion law (later declared unconstitutional) prompted studios to threaten to cease production in the state.

NEW YORK (AP) – Reaction to the death of Grammy-nominated rapper DMX, who died Friday at 50.

– “Earl Simmons was a wonderful, caring father, and a sensitive, thoughtful man. Unfortunately, Dark Man X took over and ran amok, tormented and struggling to find the light. ... DMX gave me the inspiration to keep going at Def Jam when rap became soft and silly,” Lyor Cohen, a former executive at Def Jam, said in a statement.

– “DMX is a legend,” said hip-hop and electronic music producer Flying Lotus. “You can't be a fan and not feel empathy for him in his journey,” Flying Lotus said on Wednesday while the rapper was hospitalized. “You think of `Belly' and all the great stuff that he was part of. But he was dealt such a weird hand, I think, with the drug stuff.

And I just have empathy because I know it's a real thing that addiction is crazy. And so many people, they struggle with it and it's not easy.”

– “It's so sad to hear about the passing of DMX. He was a true legend to the hip-hop community. I was individually inspired by him from his unique style. I remember touring and being on a lot of shows with him.

One day I was coming out of my hotel and DMX saw me and asked, `was his child's mother pulling me back?' `Pulling Me Back' was my latest record at that time for the ladies. I used to date his child's mom and he knew that but he was cool. It never was an issue because he knew it was before him. He always showed me love and we always talked when we ran into each other,” rapper Chingy said in a statement.

– “Gods Poet. I Love You,” rapper Nas said in an Instagram post.

– “(hash)mydog X I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve. I will be forever grateful to have known you. You were one of the most special people I have ever met. Full of Humour, talent, wisdom honesty and love and most of all loyalty. This world has lost a REAL ONE but the heavens have gained an ANGEL,” rapper Eve said in an Instagram post.

– “RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones,” actor Viola Davis said on Twitter.

– “Rest In Peace DMX, a true legend. It was truly my honor to work and get to know you,” actor Jet Li said on Twitter.

– “What they thought was a battle ended up being a family reunion. Of 2 Doggs who loved everything about each other thank. U. X for loving me back. C u when I get there,” rapper Snoop Dogg, who faced off against DMX in a Verzuz battle last year, said in an Instagram post.

– “Rest easy king Hug my Babegirl Aaliyah when you see her !!!!” said producer Timbaland on Twitter.

– “Earl you had and still have a heart of gold. You and Baby Girl will meet again with all the beautiful people we have lost. Will never forget your kindness. NEVER! Blessing to your family! Eternally!” said Diane Haughton, the mother of the late singer Aaliyah, said on Instagram.

GLAAD Media Awards Presenters Support Transgender Athletes

For Black Journalists, Working Chauvin Trial Drains Emotions

By DAVID BAUDER AP Media Writer NEW YORK (AP) – At the end of a stressful day, Sara Sidner seeks the friendly wag of a dog's tail. Shaquille Brewster turns to sports on TV, and Julia Jenae talks things out with colleagues.

Each is covering one of the nation's biggest stories, the murder trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin. Each is also a Black journalist, reporting on an issue of great racial significance and forced _ as part of their jobs _ to watch video of George Floyd's life ending again and again.

“You really feel the consequences of it,” said Brewster, who at age 28 is delivering repeated reports on NBC News and MSNBC programs.

The National Association of Black Journalists has taken note of the assignment's potential difficulties, calling on news organizations to make resources available to help employees cope. Reporters covering the trial may be susceptible to trauma tied to their own experiences or previous stories about encounters between police and Black people, said Dorothy Tucker, NABJ president.

For some of the Black journalists covering the trial, it is important to bear witness.

“I had zero trepidation,” said CNN's Sidner. “In fact, I felt it was my absolute duty to do this.”

The Los Angeles-based Sidner covered the story soon after it broke last May and wants to see it through _ even though it will never really end for the people involved or touched by it.

Whenever Court TV's Janae travels to Minneapolis from her network's Atlanta headquarters to cover the case, she purposely visits the street corner where Floyd, a Black man, declared dead after the white police officer's knee was pressed to his neck for more than 9 minutes.

She's covered many trials but said the magnitude is different this time.

“I think people want to see a diversity of people covering this story because racial equality is at the heart of it _ the heart of the unrest and the heart of what pained people so much,” Janae said.

The journalists not only watch videos of Floyd's death

Nas, Eve, Snoop, Aaliyah's Mom React to Death of Rapper DMX

during the trial, they've had to study them. Before the trial, Brewster watched to count how many times Floyd said “I can't breathe,” how many times he called “Mama” and how long Chauvin's knee was on Floyd's neck.

For the most part, they go into reporter mode, concentrating on observing and figuring out what the day's story is going to be. Mel Reeves, a reporter for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, dismissed as “superfluous” a question about his feelings while covering the trial.

“I guess I have sort of compartmentalized what is happening,” said Brandt Williams, reporter for Minneapolis Public Radio. “It's like when a first responder comes across a scene that is bloody. You can set aside your feelings and do your job.”

Still, Sidner confessed on Twitter that “I'm a wreck y'all” on the day witness Charles McMillian cried on the stand when recalling Floyd's death.

Not everyone can watch. CNN commentator NiaMalika Henderson, who is not covering the trial, wrote that she avoids it in part because it reminds her of when her mother cried about the Rodney King verdict. Henderson confessed she's never seen the Floyd video.

The Poynter Institute, a journalism think tank, noted recently that mental health experts say repeated exposure to such disturbing scenes can be devastating. Journalists need to be reminded this also applies to them, “maybe especially to you,” and be able to recognize signs of trouble, Poynter said.

“Regardless of the arguments about how he died, you're still watching someone die,” Jenae said. “As humans, that's hard on anyone.”

MPR's Williams noted another sort of compartmentalizing that most white journalists on the story can't relate to.

“I know it's always a possibility that I could be one of those men winding up in a video at the hands of an officer, but it's not at the forefront of my mind,” he said.

A few months ago, Jenae said a viewer complimented her on conducting a fair interview with the brother of Thomas Lane, another former Minneapolis police officer who was fired after being on the scene the day of Floyd's

death.

The remark would have insulted her when she was younger, she said. Why wouldn't she conduct a fair interview? Because she's Black and Lane and his brother were white? Skin color was going to determine whether or not she could do her job?

Instead, she accepted it as an expression of empathy.

“What I hear most from viewers is they appreciate that it must be difficult to cover it as an unbiased journalist,” Jenae said.

If he has any bias, it's to make sure that Black people are portrayed as the complex, multi-faceted people they are, much more than the tropes that often show up in popular media, Williams said.

“I've always focused on letting my work speak for itself,” he said.

Reeves, whose newspaper is aimed at a Black audience, describes himself as an activist and doesn't pretend to be unbiased. His dispatch the day of McMillian's testimony read, “If the trial of Derek Chauvin ... was a sporting contest with the score kept at the day's end, the score would be witnesses and Black progressive humanity, one.

Chauvin and the system of policing, zero.”

He said his audience simply wants to see an end to police abuse.

“I'm writing from that perspective,” he said, “the people who are getting brutalized, who are catching hell and who have no confidence that this trial _ despite how it looks like now and despite all the points the prosecution is making – they have no confidence that Chauvin will go to jail. That's our reality.”

Sidner said her Twitter feed has become a forum for viewers to debate the case. It hasn't been abusive, except for one person who called her an “enemy of the people” because he disagreed with her analysis, she said.

At the end of the day, the journalists want to turn off the news. Brewster wants to laugh with friends, “because I realize I haven't had anything to laugh about that day.”

And those dogs that Sidner looks for to pet? It's to remind her that there is such a thing as unconditional love, she said.

By LYNN ELBER AP Television Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) – “Schitt’s Creek” and “The Boys in the Band” were winners at the GLAAD Media Awards, which included soccer’s Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger calling for transgender students to be accepted as “part of the team” in sports.

Harris and Krieger, spouses who play for the Orlando Pride and were on the 2019 World Cup-winning U.S. women’s national team, presented an award in Thursday’s virtual ceremony to the film “Happiest Season,” about a lesbian romance.

The couple drew attention to transgender athletes amid widespread efforts to restrict their participation, including a recently signed Mississippi bill that bans them from competing on girls or women’s sports teams. It becomes law July 1.

“Trans students want the opportunity to play sports for the same reason other kids do: to be a part of a team where they feel like they belong,” Krieger said.

Added Harris: “We shouldn’t discriminate against kids and ban them from playing because they’re transgender.”

“Star Trek: Discovery,” “I May Destroy You” and “A Little Late with Lilly Singh” were among the other projects honored in the pre-taped ceremony hosted by Niecy Nash.

It’s available on Hulu through June.

The GLAAD awards, in their 32nd year, recognize what the media advocacy organization calls “fair, accurate, and inclusive” depictions of LGBTQ people and issues.

Presenters and winners in this year’s event highlighted priorities including the importance of solidarity and selfrespect.

“Friends, I’m so proud to stand with the LGBTQ community tonight, just as the LGBTQ community stands with Black and diverse communities,” said Sterling K. Brown, who presented the outstanding documentary award to “Disclosure.”

The “This Is Us” star, citing the Black Lives Matter and Black Trans Lives Matter movements, said that “we’re going to keep spreading that message of unity and justice until every one of us is safe to live the lives we love.”

JoJo Siwa, the teenage YouTube personality and performer, presented the award for outstanding children’s programming to “The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo.” She said in January that she’s part of the LGBTQ community.

“I have the best, most amazing, wonderful girlfriend in the entire world who makes me so, so, so happy and that’s all that matters,” Siwa said. “It’s really cool that kids all around the world who look up to me can now see that loving who you want to love is totally awesome” and should be celebrated.

Other awards went to Sam Smith, who was honored as outstanding music artist for the album “Love Goes”; Chika, named breakthrough music artist for “Industry Games,” and “We’re Here” won outstanding reality program.

Cast members from “Glee,” including Chris Colfer, Amber Riley and Jane Lynch, paid tribute to Naya Rivera and her character in the series, gay cheerleader Santana Lopez. Rivera, 33, died in an accidental drowning in July 2020.

A4

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1061 2021-B1062 2021-B1063 2021-B1064 2021-B1065 2021-B1066 2021-B10617 2021-B1068 2021-B1069 Doing business as: GLOBAL ELITE FORCE SECURITY/OME ORGANIC VARIETY FARM/THE OME STORE/OLAI MULTIVERSAL ACADEMY/ OME FILMS/G GIRL’S CAFE/VOTSEE FASHIONS/SPANISH ENGLISH EXPLOSION CLOTHING/VOTSEE MAGAZINE at 26179 Twenty Mule Team Rd., Boron, Ca. 93516 Mailing Address: 27137 Nudgent St., Boron, Ca. 93516 County: Kern Full name of registrant: OLAI MULTIVERSAL ENTERPRISES LLC, CA, 26179 Twenty Mule Team Rd., Boron, Ca. 93516 The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: GEORGE PRINCE ANDREW DOVER, CEO The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/12/2020 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 4, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 4, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 24, 31, Apr 7, 14, 2021 �������������������������������

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

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

Tiene 30 dias de calendario despues de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citacion y Peticion para presentar una Respuesta (formulario FL-120) ante la corte y efectuar laentrega legal de na copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefonica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerio.

Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar ordenes que afecten su martrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte tambien le puede ordenar que pague manutencion, y honorarios y costos legales.

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

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

AVISO-LAS ORDENES DE RESTRICCION SE ENCUENTRAN EN LA PAGINA 2: Las ordenes de restriccion estan en vigencia en cuanto a ambos conyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la peticion, se emita un fallo a la corte de otras ordenes. Cualquier agencia del orden publico que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas ordenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

EXENCION DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario un formulario de exencion de cuotas.

La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a peticion de usted o de la otra parte.

The name and address of the Court is: (El nombre y direccion de la corte son) SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN, 1215 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 The name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or petitioner without an attorney, is (El nombre, direccion y numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante si no tiene abogado, son): ENRIQUE JERONIMO GOMEZ 12700 LYNN ST. BAKERSFIELD, CA. 93305 Telephone: (661) 472-2995 Prepared By Luis M Solorzano LDA#111 933 NILES, ST. BAKERSFIELD, CA. 93305 Telephone: (661) 323-0333 Date (Fecha): June 10, 2020 (SEAL) Clerk, By: (Actuario, por), A. PAGALAN, Deputy (Asistente) BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (LMS) PUB: Mar 24, 31, Apr 7, 14, 2021 �������������������������������

This statement expires on March 17, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 2021 �������������������������������

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1223 Doing business as: EL POLLO RIKO at 5620 California Ave #A., Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: EL POLLO RIKO LLC, CA, 5620 California Ave #A., Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: JOSE BEHAR, Managing Member The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 10, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 10, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 24, 31, Apr 7, 14, 2021 ������������������������������� ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER BCV-21-100483 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 PETITION OF: BONNY MAY COATS FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: BONNY MAY COATS for a decree changing names as follows: Present name BONNY MAY COATS Filed a petition with this court Proposed name BONNIE MAY COATS THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: May 11, 2021 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: 12 The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER Date: March 9, 2021 Linda S Etienne COURT COMMISSIONER Andrea Sanders DEPUTY Petitioner: Bonnie May Coats 812 Pebble Beach Drive Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Phone: (661) 564-1648 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 24, 31, Apr 7, 14, 2021 ������������������������������� SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) CITACION (DERECHO FAMILIAR) CASE NUMBER NUMERO DE CASE): BFL-20-002219 NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: AVISO AL DEMANDADO (Nombre): FRANCISCA LOPEZ MENDEZ You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page. Lo han demandado. Lea la informacion a continuacion y en la pagina siguiente.

PETITIONER’S NAME IS: NOMBRE DEL DEMANDANTE: ENRIQUE JERONIMO GOMEZ You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter or phone call will not protect you.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B0909 Doing business as: CHEERS POP UP TABLESCAPES at 5200 Sunburst Court, Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: JANET GUAJARDO, 5200 Sunburst Court, Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Full name of registrant: AZUSENA ROJAS, 2701 Pine Street., Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 The business is conducted by: General Partnership SIGNED: JANET GUAJARDO The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: February 25, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on February 25, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 24, 31, Apr 7, 14, 2021 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1329 Doing business as: RUSTY’S DOGGY DAYCARE at 8109 Wellstone Way, Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: MELISSA ORTIZ, 8109 Wellstone Way, Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: MELISSA ORTIZ The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 17, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: M HERNANDEZ, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1111 Doing business as: SANTA RITA DENTAL BY DR. SIADATIE at 3873 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: SIADATIE A PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CORPORATION, CA, 1322 Bell Ave. #7C, Tustin, Ca. 92780 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: TISA SIADATIE, CEO The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 5, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: M HERNANDEZ, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 5, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 2021 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1312 Doing business as: SUNLESS CHARM at 702 Douglas St. Apt. E, Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: JAZMIN ZAMORA, 702 Douglas St. Apt. E, Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: JAZMIN ZAMORA The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 16, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: M HERNANDEZ, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 16, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 2021 ������������������������������� SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): BCL-20-012200 NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): JAY NGUYEN, an individual; YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA, a National Banking Association NOTICE! You have been sued.

The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

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

Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form.

If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro.

Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil.

Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California 93301 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): THE DUNNING LAW FIRM APC Donald T. Dunning (144665) James MacLeod (249145) 4545 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 200 San Diego, Ca. 92123 Telephone: (858) 974-2556 DATE (Fecha): 04/22/2020 TAMARAH HARBER-PICKENS, Clerk (Secretario), LAURA PASOS, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 2021 ������������������������������� SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): BCV-21-100067 NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): RICARDO CASTRO JR; RICHELLE LINN CASTRO and DOES 1 through 40 inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): ALTA ONE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION NOTICE! You have been sued.

The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

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

Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form.

If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro.

Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil.

Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California 93301 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Alana B. Anaya, Esq. SBN: 195758 Anaya Law Group 2629 Townsgate Road, Suite 140 Westlake Village, Ca. 91361 Telephone: (805) 230-9222 (805) 230-9221 DATE (Fecha): 01/12/2021 TAMARAH HARBER-PICKENS,

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Clerk (Secretario), SOPHIA MUNOZ ALVAREZ, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served 1. as an individual defendant.

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 2021 �������������������������������

BCV-20-102832 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 PETITION OF: DONNELL FOSTER FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: JONES for a decree changing names as follows: Present name JONES Filed a petition with this court Proposed name DONNELL FOSTER THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: June 1, 2021 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: 12 The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER Other: Petitioner to provide proof of service on DCDR and on law enforcement as required per CCP Sec. 1279.5(c) and (e).

Date: March 25, 2021 Linda S Etienne COURT COMMISSIONER Andrea Sanders DEPUTY Petitioner: Jones 3109 N. Half Moon Dr. #A Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Phone: BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 �������������������������������

selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro.

Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil.

Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California 93301 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Alana B. Anaya, Esq. SBN: 195758 Anaya Law Group 2629 Townsgate Road, Suite 140 Westlake Village, Ca. 91361 Telephone: (805) 230-9222 (805) 230-9221 DATE (Fecha): 01/19/2021 TAMARAH HARBER-PICKENS, Clerk (Secretario), SOPHIA MUNOZ ALVAREZ, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served 1. as an individual defendant.

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 �������������������������������

Individual SIGNED: BRENNA MEDINA MEJICANO The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 10, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 10, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1028 Doing business as: YOUNG-WOO PARK, CPA at 3409 Calloway Dr., Suite 502B, Bakersfield, Ca. 93312 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: YOUNG-WOO PARK, 10205 Ascot Crossing St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: YOUNG-WOO PARK The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 02/12/2003 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 3, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 3, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 2021 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1155 Doing business as: SWEET TREE FARMS at 306 Oleander Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93304 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: ANN FLORENDO, 306 Oleander Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93304 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: ANN FLORENDO The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 06/01/2005 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 8, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: M HERNANDEZ, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 8, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1352 Doing business as: WASCO PIZZA FACTORY at 2325 Highway 46, Wasco, Ca. 93280 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 989, Oakhurst, Ca. 93644 County: Kern Full name of registrant: RIVA PARTNERS, LLC, CA, 42722 Lulniu, Ahwahnee, Ca. 93601 The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: MARY JANE RIVA, Member The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 17, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 17, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1381 Doing business as: AB AND N GARDENING SERVICES at 5807 Karen Pl., Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: ABEL BAUTISTA MARTINEZ, 5807 Karen Pl., Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 Full name of registrant: NOELIA ROCHA, 5807 Karen Pl., Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 The business is conducted by: Married Couple SIGNED: ABEL BAUTISTA MARTINEZ The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/10/2020 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 18, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: M HERNANDEZ, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 18, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 ������������������������������� AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER BCV-21-100643 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 PETITION OF: ANA BERTHA MEDINA MACIAS FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ANA BERTHA MEDINA MACIAS for a decree changing names as follows: Present name JULIO MATIAS Filed a petition with this court Proposed name JULIO MATIAS MEDINA THE COURT ORDERS: that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: June 3, 2021 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: 12 The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER Other: Non-petitioning parent to be served as required by CCP Sec. 1277 Date: March 26, 2021 Linda S Etienne COURT COMMISSIONER Andrea Sanders DEPUTY Petitioner: Ana Bertha Medina Macias 6012 Gwendolyn St. Bakersfield, Ca. 93304 Phone: (661) 330-7799 E-Mail Address: amedina395@gmail. com BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 ������������������������������� SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): BCV-21-100121 NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): KANON FRANKLIN SAWYER III aka KANON F. SAWYER and DOES 1 through 50 inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): ALTA ONE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION NOTICE! You have been sued.

The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

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

Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form.

If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

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

ORDER ON REQUEST TO SERVE BY PUBLICATION CASE NUMBER: ADHE 2100533 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Riverside, 880 N. State St., Hemet, CA 92543 PETITION OF: BRANDEN DAVID SCHOCK Hearing Date and Time: 05/06/2021 Dept: S202 The court finds that RICHARD RIVERA cannot be served in any other manner specified in the Callifornia Code of Civil Procedure 415.50. The court orders that the Citation be served by publication, at least once per week for four successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Riverside.

Additionally, Petitioner must serve the relatives listed on the Request to Serve by Publication and Declaration of Due Diligence and Declaration Regarding Relatives to be Served under Family Code 7881(a).

IT IS SO ORDERED Dated: BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1276 Doing business as: NILES CARE PHARMACY at 6700 Niles St. Suite 100, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 Mailing Address: 3704 Windermere St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 County: Kern Full name of registrant: KRISHNAOM CORPORATION, CA, 3704 Windermere St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: SERENA KIM, Chief Executive Officer The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 11, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 11, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1205 Doing business as: KNIGHTS LAZER at 4304 Eakins Ct., Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: BRENNA MEDINA MEJICANO, 4304 Eakins Ct., Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 The business is conducted by:

������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1636 Doing business as: SPEECH FOR ALL GROUP LLC at 4550 Panama Lane #A, Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Mailing Address: 2205 Gambel Oak Way, Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 County: Kern Full name of registrant: SPEECH FOR ALL GROUP LLC, 4550 Panama Lane #A, Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: BIDYARANI SHAMURAILATPAM, President The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: April 1, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on April 1, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1477 Doing business as: KERN ISLAND INSURANCE SERVICES at 1830 Truxtun Ave Ste 218, Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2720, Bakersfield, Ca. 93303-2720 County: Kern Full name of registrant: BXB LTD, CA, 1830 Truxtun Ave Ste 218, Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: STEPHEN SNITCHLER, President The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/01/1986 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 26, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 26, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1610 Doing business as: LMA’Z at 4201 California Ave #40, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: LATASHA ABRAHAM, 4201 California Ave #40, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: LATASHA ABRAHAM The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: April 1, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on April 1, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1483 Doing business as: C & R HONEY FARMS at 9801 Sunset Blvd, Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: ROCIO CALDERON, 9801 Sunset Blvd, Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 Full name of registrant: CARLOS A. VILLALPANDO, 9801 Sunset Blvd, Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 The business is conducted by: CoPartners SIGNED: ROCIO CALDERON The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A5

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

business name or names listed above on: 01/05/2021 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 26, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 26, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021

transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: April 1, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: M HERNANDEZ, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on April 1, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021 �������������������������������

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on:12/30/2019 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 29, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: M HERNANDEZ, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 29, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021 �������������������������������

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1493 Doing business as: LEGACY HEARTH at 708 Elsey St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: TMMR, INC., CA, 708 Elsey St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: MARISA BANKS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1474 Doing business as: THE WRIGHT INSPECTION at 319.5 Sycamore Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: SHANE RAYMOND WRIGHT, 319.5 Sycamore Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 The business is conducted by:

������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1640 Doing business as: TULE ADVENTURE CO at 11205 Cave Ave, Bakersfield, Ca. 93312 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: HEATHER WEST, 11205 Cave Ave, Bakersfield, Ca. 93312 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: HEATHER WEST The registrant commenced to

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Individual SIGNED: SHANE RAYMOND WRIGHT The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 25, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 25, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: MICHAEL SLADICH The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: April 2, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on April 2, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021

�������������������������������

The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: MICHEAL ANTHONY SMITH The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: March 29, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: M HERNANDEZ, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on March 29, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021 �������������������������������

The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: JERMAINE ROLLINS The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: April 1, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: R ROBERTS-MARTIN, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on April 1, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021 �������������������������������

The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: LISA VEASEY-BRIAN The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: April 3, 2021 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: M HERNANDEZ, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. 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 to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common law (see section 14411 ET SEQ., business and professions code).

I declare that all information in this Statement is true and correct. (A) Registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on April 3, 2026 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1500 Doing business as: VALLEY TEAK PROS at 11116 Grand Prairie Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: MICHEAL ANTHONY SMITH, 11116 Grand Prairie Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93311

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1619 Doing business as: TM MOTORSPORTS at 9004 Cinnabar Ct., Bakersfield, Ca. 93312 Mailing Address: PO Box 615, Edison, Ca. 93220 County: Kern Full name of registrant: JERMAINE ROLLINS, 9004 Cinnabar Ct., Bakersfield, Ca. 93312

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1687 Doing business as: LISA VEASEY HAIRCARE at 2408 Valentine St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93304 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: LISA VEASEY-BRIAN, 2408 Valentine St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93304

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021-B1665 Doing business as: MAS RADIOLOGIC CONSULTANTS at 2105 19th Street, Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: MICHAEL SLADICH, 2105 19th Street, Bakersfield, Ca. 93301

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Blacks Illegally Lost Land Bruce’s Beach Is Just One Example in California Continued from page A1

the wrongs before you talk about reparations. That’s how you repair everything that happened afterward. You have to ask and wonder why there’s not massive wealth passed down from California’s early African American pioneers,” Burgess continued.

Like Burgess, descendants of other Californians whose ancestors’ properties were unlawfully seized or stolen, are beginning to speak up. They are demanding restitution for their losses. With the backing of some lawmakers, advocates and historians, these incidents involving direct land theft, intimidation, coercion, and more, will likely become cases to investigate as California begins to wrestle with its history of slavery and discrimination and how those forces have impacted African Americans throughout the history of the state – and still contribute to racial inequity today.

Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 3121 into law. Former Assemblymember and current California Secretary of State Shirley Weber authored the landmark law which mandates the creation of a committee to study Californians involvement in slavery and discrimination and make recommendations for how

(Photo Image of the deed of trust courtesy of Jonathan Burgess)

(Photo credit: Courtesy of California State Parks, 2019)

African Americans can be compensated for injustices sanctioned or committed by government.

On April 9, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn announced that the county will return a plot of Manhattan Beach land to the family of the Black couple who purchased Bruce’s Beach in 1912 for $1,225.

But last week the City Council of Manhattan Beach, a mostly-White city in southern Los Angeles County, voted to issue a statement of acknowledgement and condemnation,” stopping short of voting to apologize to the Bruce’s descendants.

There is also support in the California Legislature.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) has announced new legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 796. It would exempt the Bruce’s Beach property from state zoning and development restrictions and enable the county to return the site to its rightful owners. The legislation is co-authored by Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance).

After the Bruces bought the ocean-view parcel of land, which was considered a remote area at the time, they began operating Bruce’s Lodge and managed to construct a boarding space, an entertainment facility, café, and tents for changing clothing along with bathing suits for rent.

Attracting African American beachgoers, the business incensed White neighbors who began buying property around the beach or posting No Trespassing signs near the front entrance of the beach, forcing guests to walk nearly two miles to get to and from the resort. There was also an arson attack on the resort reportedly committed by local members of Ku Klux Klan.

In Tulare County, the historic African American farming town of Allensworth suffered a similar fate to Bruce’s Beach. It was the first municipality in California to be founded, financed and governed by Blacks with its own schools, library, church, hotels and businesses.

Founded by Allen Allensworth, a man who born into slavery in Louisville, Kentucky in 1842, and later became a Colonel in the U.S. Army and the highest-ranking Black officer when he retired in 1906, the town had as many as 300 residents during its peak in the 1920s. But by 1925, a company called the Pacific Farming Company that was responsible for supplying irrigation water to the town, did not.

The lack of water affected the townspeople livelihood and the farmers’ productivity in the Central California town, and a lengthy and expensive legal dispute ensued between Allensworth and the company, which depleted all of the town’s resources. The residents and nearby farmers soon abandoned their land and slowly left the area in search of employment elsewhere.

Then, there’s the city of Folsom, 20 miles east of Sacramento. Parts of that city sits on land purchased

by Joseph Libbey Folsom from the estate of William Leidesdorff, a wealthy African American merchant from San Francisco.

Leidesdorff obtained and owned the property from a Mexican land grant called “Rancho Rio de Los Americanos,” which was initially the city’s name before it was changed to Folsom. When Leidesdorff, 38, passed away in 1848 of Typhoid fever, his estate was passed on to his mother Anna Marie Sparks, and relatives who were living on the Island of St. Croix, according to the book, “William Alexander Leidesdorff - First Black Millionaire, American Consul and California Pioneer.”

Folsom went to St. Croix to negotiate a price to purchase land located on the American River near the Sierra Nevada and close to a boom town where some Blacks became involved in gold mining. On Nov. 3, 1849, The two parties settled that Leidesdorff’s family would receive $75,000 for the land. Sparks received the first installment of $5,000, but she refused the second amount of $35,000 when she learned that Folsom’s valuation of the land she owned was below the market rate. She filed a lawsuit against Folsom, but California law ruled in his favor.

By then, people in the area had already began calling a portion of the estate “Negro Bar,” an area on the American River where Black people were designated to live in tents and mining camps.

After the Black miners were forced to move, Folsom renamed the town Granite City. After his passing in 1855 at the age of 38, Granite City was renamed in Folsom’s honor. When Folsom took full control of Leidesdorff’s estate, the land’s value increased exponentially and made him a millionaire, according to Leidesdorff’s biography.

“Ms. Sparks was not well educated and could not read well,” said Shonna McDaniel, who operates the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum in Sacramento. “I believe he took an advantage of her, manipulating her into believing the land was worthless. It was just another way to take something of value in California.”

Both Allensworth and Negro Bar are California State Parks now.

Back in Los Angeles County, Hahn describes the arc of the Bruces’ story – from business savvy entrepreneurs for their time and resources to their sad fate -- as an “American Dream that turned into a nightmare.”

The parcel the Bruce’s bought was dormant for almost 30 years before it was opened as a park in the 1960s. It was renamed Bruce’s Beach in 2007.

“This land was taken from the Bruce family because they were Black and, before it was stolen, was one of the

precious few beaches Black families could enjoy,” Hahn said. “When I realized that the county now had ownership of the Bruce family’s original property, I felt there was nothing else to do but to give it back to its rightful owners.

Bruce’s Beach Park is currently housing L.A. County’s lifeguard training facility.

Last week, Bradford, who is chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus and an appointee to the state’s still-forming reparations task force, held a press conference to share details about SB 796.

“There comes a time when someone must take a position that is neither safe, nor political, nor proper,” said Bradford, quoting Martin Luther King, Jr. “He must take it because his conscience tells him it’s the right thing to do.”

He said the bill “would finally allow Bruce’s Beach to

be returned to its rightful owners.”

L.A. County Board of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, L.A. County Fire Department Chief Daryl Osby, former Manhattan Beach Mayor Mitch Ward, Justice for Bruce’s Beach Founder Kavon Ward, and Bruce family representative Duane Shephard, all attended the news conference, along with Bradford, Hahn and Muratsuchi.

“We’re not looking for an apology. We want our property back. We want restitution for the loss of revenue for 96 years from the generational wealth that would have been built up,” Shepherd said on MSNBC two days after the news conference. “We want punitive damages from the city of Manhattan Beach City Council and the police department at that time for colluding with the Ku Klux Klan to railroad our people out of there.”

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BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

Features

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Environmental Justice League Names Executive Director

Bernice A. King joined the children of late civil rights champions the Rev. C.T. Vivian, and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, in blasting voter suppression laws that have cropped up since the 2020 election. (Photo: Bernice A. King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and the CEO of the King Center introduces civil rights leaders Julian Bond, John Lewis, and Andrew Young at the Civil Rights Summit at the LBJ Presidential Library. Photo

by Lauren Gerson. / Wikimedia Commons)

53 Years After MLK’s Assassination,

SACRAMENTO – The California Environmental Justice League today announced it has hired Devin T. Murphy to serve as the 501(c) nonprofit’s executive director.

“Climate change poses an existential threat to life on planet Earth,” said League Board Member Cliff Oakes. “Devin’s proven leadership will help to swiftly and effectively move the League’s mission of environmental justice forward.”

Murphy was elected to the Pinole City Council in 2020. Prior to being elected, he served as a Pinole’s planning commissioner. Murphy also served as an appointee of the Pinole City Council and West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) to the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. In that position, he was responsible for overseeing $1.6 billion in funding from voter-approved bond measures preparing for generations to come. Murphy also founded Visit Pinole, a campaign to support economic growth and vitality of small businesses in the city. As a small business owner, he has helped businesses and nonprofits thrive and grow.

“Environmental Justice can no longer be put on the backburner,” said Murphy. “I’m passionate about raising awareness around this pressing issue and driving positive change.”

The mission of the Environmental Justice League is to: · raise awareness of environmental impacts on our diverse communities and seek solutions to ensure that historic injustices borne by people of color are not repeated; · build a multi-disciplinary network of state, local and community organizations who can help advance environmental objectives from the perspective of healthcare, socio-economics, cultural diversity, and more; and · drive practical, affordable, and sustainable environmental policies through advocacy, coalition building and public awareness.

For more information, visit www.

EnvironmentalJusticeLeague.org.

Children of Civil Rights Icon Fight Voter Suppression Bernice A. King joined the children of late civil rights champions the Rev. C.T. Vivian, and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, in blasting voter suppression laws that have cropped up since the 2020 election.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Fifty-three years after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, the slain civil rights icon’s legacy is easily seen in how his daughter has continued to fight for many of the same causes.

Bernice A. King joined the children of late civil rights champions the Rev. C.T. Vivian, and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, in blasting voter suppression laws that have cropped up since the 2020 election.

In a letter, King, Al Vivian, and John-Miles Lewis took issue with corporate leaders who have done little or nothing to back up comments their businesses have made supporting racial equity.

The trio said those corporations have “disrespected” their fathers.

“Rather than sowing seeds to provide democracy the greatest chance to grow today and prevail tomorrow, legislators are attempting to transport us back to the shameful period of American history when mass voter suppression for communities of color was the law of the land,” King, Vivian, and Lewis, wrote.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, signed into law legislation that imposes new ID requirements for mailin voting and limits ballot drop box availability.

The law also gives voters less time to request and return a mail-in ballot, and it prohibits anyone from giving food or water to those standing in line to cast their votes.

The new law represents the state’s response to President Joe Biden’s victory in Georgia in November and Democratic Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff winning run-off elections in January.

Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and others have either condemned the new voting restrictions or have issued social media statements expressing concern.

Reportedly, when Delta Air Lines ended its association with the National Rifle Association, Republican lawmakers removed a tax break from their tax reform bill that would have saved the airline $40 million.

But King said that should not frighten businesses from making the right choice.

“Corporate leaders have the greatest influence in Washington and on our state legislators,” King told Forbes.

“They pay lobbyists and invest in campaigns. They need to use their leverage—their lobbying leverage—on Capitol Hill and at the state level.”

On the evening of April 4, 1968, an assassin’s bullet tore through King while he stood on the balcony of his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

King, who was 39, arrived in Memphis to support a sanitation workers’ strike. The civil rights leader had repeatedly expressed concern about economic inequality and went to Memphis because of how poorly the city treated African American sanitation workers.

One night before he was killed, King delivered his final – some say prophetic – speech. “We’ve got some difficult days ahead,” the resolute King preached.

“But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop … I may not get there with you.

But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.”

The letter, authored, in part, by Bernice King, highlighted the icon’s statements about overcoming racism.

“Evil cannot permanently organize. It bears within it seeds of its own destruction,” the letter states.

The children of the three civil rights icons went on to state: “This belief undergirds our abiding faith in America, even as legislators in Georgia and 39 other states attempt to root our nation in the oppressive weeds of yesterday through a new generation of Jim Crow voting laws.”

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A7

Local

‘Give B-I-I-I-G!’ to Local Nonprofits on givebigkern.org Throughout April, the Bakersfield News Observer will continue to feature stories contributed by local nonprofits participating in the Give Big Kern online fundraising campaign hosted by Kern Community Foundation.

Consider giving locally to the charities featured in the pages of the Bakersfield News Observer this week and in the following issues till the end of the month. Simply go to givebigkern.org, use the search bar to find a nonprofit you care about, and give. The minimum donation is just $5. The Give Big Kern campaigns continues till May 4.

You can also pledge volunteer hours to the organization of your choice by using the menu at the top of the page on the Give Big Kern website and choosing the “Volunteering” option. Fill out a brief form online, choose the agency you would like to support through volunteering from the drop-down menu, and your contact information will be provided to them so they can get in touch with you when public health protocols allow. For more information, write to us at info@kernfoundation.org.

Give Big Kern, an online fundraiser to support local nonprofits, lasts from April 4 to May 4. Just go to givebigkern.org, find a nonprofit you feel passionate about, and, as Mascot Billy the Give Big Goat likes to say, “Give B-I-I-I-G!”

This volunteer from a local church group helped bag STEM kits for STEMTaught Foundation to deliver to local schools. Volunteers of all ages, including families and service clubs, are needed.

Write to Stemtaughtfoundation@gmail.com for more information. (Photo courtesy of STEMTaught Foundation)

Girls have fun while creating crafts at a Global Family girls empowerment prevention program in Bakersfield. (Photo courtesy of Global Family Care Network.)

Global Family Care Network

By Charity Jensen Head of Programs Global Family Care Network is a nonprofit organization working to protect children and preserve families in Kern County, and in nine countries worldwide. We implement anti-human trafficking education, girls’ empowerment, shelter, and aftercare programs. Global Family founded the Daughter Project Girls Home (DPGH) in Bakersfield in 2016, a residential therapeutic program that serves victims of commercial sexual exploitation who are minors— between ages 12 and 18. The DPGH provides evidencebased and trauma-informed therapeutic, educational, social, and case management services.

According to the Polaris Project, a data-driven social justice movement that combats sex and labor trafficking, there was a 25% jump in human trafficking cases from 2017 to 2019, with 23,078 survivors identified. California is one of the largest sites of human trafficking in the United States. In 2018, there were 1,654 cases of human trafficking reported in California alone, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Commercially sexually exploited children have complex physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. The trauma they experience is multifaceted and long-term.

Thus, addressing and healing from this particular type of trauma requires dedication and time spent in therapy and self-care. No child should be in a situation where they are displaced from a home and vulnerable to being out on the streets, where they can fall prey to further abuse, neglect, and/or commercial sexual exploitation or trafficking.

Global Family is excited to participate in Give Big Kern 2021! Our goal is to raise funding from the community to provide high-quality services to victims of trafficking in Kern County. All donations go directly to our programs. Funding will be used to ensure that therapeutic, educational, and social programs are provided to survivors, to help them recover and move towards independence.

Donate to us by visiting givebigkern.org and searching for “global family.” Learn more about us at globalfamily. care.

No Sister Left Behind CEO Glenda Woolfolk and Treasurer Linda Factory pass out personal protective equipment at a health fair held in conjunction with other agencies at Bakersfield High School in March.

(Photo courtesy of No Sister Left Behind)

No Sister Left Behind

By Glenda Woolfolk President/ CEO No Sister Left Behind was launched in an effort to lessen the disparities associated with Black women concerning their well-being.

No Sister Left Behind addresses these disparities from a holistic approach called “Total Well-being.” The seven aspects of total well-being are social, mental, emotional, physical, financial, career and community.

Our Total Well-being programs provide women with the tools they need to thrive in their home, community and beyond.

We need help with startup costs associated with daily sustainability such as office space and office equipment, maintenance, marketing, outreach through a “boots on the ground” approach, materials needed for program participants, and with providing essential COVID personal protective equipment and supplies needed to maintain Centers for Disease Control and State of California public safety guidelines.

Because COVID has changed what our programs were planned to look like, we have begun our programs virtually, and as public health guidelines are relaxed, we will change to in-person service delivery. All of No Sister Left Behind’s programs are free and open to the public.

Our hope is that through Give Big Kern we will raise the funds needed to provide successful programs while introducing our much-needed organization to the local community. We are grateful for the opportunity to join other nonprofit organizations participating in Give Big Kern and also working hard to serve Kern County. To donate to us between now and May 4, visit givebigkern.org and search for “no sister left behind.” For more information, please e-mail nosisterleftbehind2@gmail.com, or call 661378-7783. Please visit our website, nosisterleftbehind2.org.

Habitat volunteers framing and raising the walls for the Rodman home in East Bakersfield in March 2020, before having to close our construction site due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will provide a single mother of two and her children a stable place to call home. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire)

STEMTaught Foundation

Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire

By Soleil Hurst Community Outreach Coordinator

By Verenise De La Cruz Resource Development Coordinator

For the past six years, the STEMTaught Foundation has worked daily with thousands of teachers, students, and administrators of K-6 public schools in Kern County and others in California to deliver engaging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education resources free of charge.

Since 1990, Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire has tackled the issue of housing insecurity in our community by partnering with low-income families in Kern County and assisting them in getting access to safe, secure, and affordable housing options.

During the last five years, we have helped over 4,000 classrooms participate in hands-on STEM labs and computer programming activities. We have offered curricular materials and training to more than 600 teachers to help them be more confident and experienced in conducting science labs in their own classrooms. The STEMTaught Foundation donates supplies to schools in need, including inner city schools and rural schools in the agricultural farming communities of Kern County.

Our mission is to impact youth through hands-on STEM education and to create solutions for better handson STEM in classrooms.

The school districts we serve are Delano, Shafter, Rio Bravo Greely, Rosedale Union, Midway, Wayside Elementary in Bakersfield City School District, and Berkshire Elementary in Panama-Buena Vista School District.

Normally we operate with an open sign-up calendar and teachers sign up for class visits. We bring fun handson STEM activities to their classrooms and work directly with students and teachers. The pandemic has completely changed how we serve, since COVID-19 shut down schools; but the STEMTaught Foundation has worked hard to keep kids innovating and creating at home with STEM kits donated to 10,000 students in grades K-6. STEMTaught scientists have run hands-on Zoom sessions with thousands of students in distance learning classrooms all over Kern County. We also benefit from lots of community volunteers without whom we could never assemble all the STEM kits we distribute.

Your generous donation will go toward supporting our efforts in Kern County schools. Donate to the STEMTaught Foundation by visiting givebigkern.org, then searching for “Stemtaught.” You can also visit our website, stemtaughtfoundation.org, to learn more about our work.

We build decent and affordable homes for members of our community while providing an outlet where unwanted items can be donated and repurposed at our Habitat ReStore, a combination nonprofit home improvement store, second-hand market, and donation center.

Our Habitat ReStore is located at 5101 White Lane.

We are proud to share that since our establishment, Habitat Golden Empire has helped 82 families find affordable housing and has worked with over 160 lowincome homeowners through our Habitat Home Repair Program since 2011. Habitat Homeowners in Kern county have also financed over $10 million in affordable mortgages.

At HFHGE, we rely heavily on generous community support to continue our projects while serving families.

We could not have accomplished all that we have in 31 years of serving the community without the support of our benevolent Habitat volunteers, partners, and stakeholders.

They are the true Habitat Heroes of it all!

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has impacted everyone in our country, presenting significant, unforeseen challenges.

For HFHGE, we were forced to close our doors at our office and ReStore, which impacted our ability to provide needed products, programs, and services to people in need. Through it all, our amazing community continued to stand with us and graciously welcomed our re-opening in June 2020.

As we persevere through these challenging times, we ask you to consider helping drive our mission of providing long-term sustainable housing for families in Kern County by donating to us through Give Big Kern.

Just go to givebigkern.org and search “Habitat Golden Empire” to find our page. Then give using the “Donate” button.

A8

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

Local

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Your 2020 Taxes: IRS Moves April 15 Due Date and Announces More Changes Manny Otiko California Black Media The federal government has moved the tax filing deadline to May for taxpayers this year.

That is just one of the few adjustments the Internal Revenue Service says it has made this year responding to the financial hardships many Americans are facing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Safety is also a concern.

“Our focus as the pandemic continues is to help taxpayers and the tax industry in a way that ensures the safety of our employees and the taxpayers in the communities we serve,” said Ken Corbin, commissioner at the IRS Wage and Investment Division. “That’s one reason we extended the due date for individuals to May 17, 2021.

The extension only applies to individuals and not filers like corporations – or people who are making estimated payments. For those filers, the IRS says, the April 15 deadline remains.

Corbin was participating in a news briefing Ethnic Media Services organized that focused on IRS rule changes for 2020 tax filers, including how some provisions in the American Rescue Plan will affect Americans’ taxes this year. Susan Simon, director, Customer Assistance, Relationships and Education, Wage and Investment Division, Internal Revenue Service also attended the briefing and shared information about some adjustments the agency has made this year.

Simon encouraged 2020 taxpayers to file electronically.

That way, she explained, there are fewer mistakes, filers don’t have to risk their health by going into a brick-andmortar offices to meet with tax preparers, and the agency can process their returns much faster.

“The average return comes back in 21 days if you filed

electronically,” she said. “It’s six weeks by paper.”

paid them last year will not be taxed. For couples, that

This year, the IRS has some good news for parents.

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, the federal government has increased the amount of the child tax credit. Families with children will get a credit of $2,000 per child filed as a dependent. Parents will also be able to add children born this year as beneficiaries online via IRS. gov.

Another provision in the American Rescue Plan will benefit people who were unemployed during 2020. The agency says up to $10,200 in unemployment insurance

number is $20,400. People who filed their income taxes before the U.S. Congress approved the law and President Joe Biden signed it into law, will get the money they’ve already paid the feds in a refund beginning in May. Simon said taxpayers should be aware of some common tax scams and avoid them. One easy way is to use a Personal Identification Number, commonly called a PIN for an added layer of security. She said the IRS has documented several cases of scammers fraudulently filing

taxes on behalf of other people using their social security numbers.

Another popular scam, she says, targets college students with phone calls -- or anyone with an email that ends in “edu.” The perpetrators threaten those people via calls or emails – often saying they have broken laws. Then, they request tax payments from them.

But Simon said the IRS will never ask for your information, request you make an online payment or threaten you with arrest. The first contact with delinquent taxpayers is always by mail, she said.

“We’re not going to call someone unless we’ve sent a series of bills,” said Simon.

As of April 2, the IRS had received 85 million 2020 individual tax returns and issued over 56 million refunds totaling almost $164 billion.

To make filing online easy for 2020 taxpayers, the IRS is providing a number of digital tax preparation options, including a mobile app called IRS2GO. “We also have a partner program called ‘text counseling for the elderly.’ It helps with electronic filing by text,” said Simon.

The IRS is also adapting to America’s increasingly multilingual society. The agency now prints filing forms in different languages.

According to Simon, IRS forms are available in 20 different languages including English, Russian, Spanish, Urdu and two forms of Chinese, Tagalog and Arabic.

“That covers the most commonly used languages in the U.S.” she said.

Last week, the IRS also announced new guidance under the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act of 2020 that was signed into law by President Trump last year. The new provision would allow businesses to temporarily make a 100 % tax deduction for food and beverages from restaurants, beginning Jan. 1, 2021. It will run through Dec. 31, 2022.

For more information, visit irs.gov.

California to Fully Reopen Mid-June If Vaccine Supply Continues To Increase, Governor Newsom Says

By Elizabeth Sanchez South Kern Sol California will be able to fully reopen June 15 if the State continues to see an increase in COVID-19 vaccine supplies, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday at a San Francisco vaccine clinic.

Newsom spoke of the progress the state has been making over the last few weeks. Last week alone, 2.5 million Californians were vaccinated, according to Newsom. State officials also anticipate more than 30 million Californians will have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the month.

“If we keep the pace, we are moving now beyond the blueprint,” Newsom said. “We are announcing today that on June 15, we will be moving beyond the blueprint and will be getting rid of the colored tiers.”

Although Newsom plans to rid of the colored Tier system in June, if the state meets certain criteria, Kern County remains in the Red Tier (Tier 2) of the COVID-19

Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

Kern Public Health said Tuesday Kern County meets the Orange (Tier 3) metrics as of Tuesday, and if Kern’s metrics continue to meet Orange Tier thresholds next week, then it could progress into the Orange Tier as early as April 14.

Newsom stressed the importance of continuing to take precautions, such as wearing masks and becoming vaccinated.

“On June 15, we can start to open up as business as usual subject to ongoing mask wearing and ongoing vigilance,” said Newsom.

As of Tuesday, California had more than 3.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, resulting in more than 58,000 deaths. Kern Public Health officials announced 63 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases to 106,543. There have been 1,292 COVID-19 deaths in Kern.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A9

Local

Black Males and Police Encounters

By John E. Warren, Publisher The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint While many of us are reliving the murder of George Floyd through the trial of Derek Chauvin for his murder, we are getting constant reminders that police abuse and murder of Black men and women continues with no lessons learned. Sunday’s “murder” of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, should never have happened over a traffic stop or any nonviolent police encounter. Add to that the graphic video of the Black/ Latino Army officer being abused and pepper sprayed because he questioned why he was being stopped and taken out of his car at gunpoint and hollered at, all of it over a license plate.

It appears that since Rodney King’s beating with “nightsticks”, the replacement order of the day is shoot to kill if it’s a Black man or woman. It also appears that in spite of all the marches, demonstrations, media coverage of such shootings as well as wrongful death lawsuits, law enforcement still feel justified in its treatment and murder of Black people. Clearly there is no national sense of change

in attitudes, but rather an increase in police hostility. Since the police don’t intend to change their attitude toward us, we must change our attitude during such police encounters.

Black men and women must live through police encounters to fight another day. Clearly, from what we have heard and seen from video of such encounters, survival of such police contact depends on our ability to not ask questions and do as we are told, no matter how wrong and inhumane or offensive the instructions from such officers.

We must remember that the idea is to cause escalation of the encounter so that the initial cause of the contact gets replaced with a more serious charge of disobeying a police officer leading up to resisting arrest if one questions the reason for the stop or contact.

We must remember that the police are intentionally rude and disrespectful, with the aim at provoking resistance to police directives such as “get on the ground,” which is offensive and unnecessary. We have also seen cases such as Mr. Philando Castile, in Minnesota, who told the police he had a gun and carry permit, but was still shot while sitting in his car with his fiancee and baby. We must remember that all resistance, questioning of reasons for stops, or any comments other than “Yes” and, or “No” can lead to death.

Any sudden movements, reaching for or holding a cell phone, which already caused one Black man his life while standing in his own garage, can cause death. Let’s live to fight back, no matter what the insult. Then, we can begin to win.

Vice President Harris’s Desk

VP Harris’s new desk was built by Navy Seabees out of wood and hardware salvaged from the USS Constitution during renovations.

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BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

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Wednesday, April 14, 2021