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N ll d te ti ie t ta y ec A o n st LAMONT, Calif.

(AP) – A baby o m n ab ti is if g te r s p fi io at ad u ab beidelivered st er c en y se n o o in o ci ev in o rs d ti n ng struckfrom le u to g g id o u t sc h ro , n se co th en im k al en ad centers. In a mental h d to nail Co eep raising Californ e methods low an mes early ce. who was fatally ce living in in Soushot by a polic o th th at a California woman during a series ea er er ta 1 an in ia o 9 n ck lt p d G se 8 ro th er h C 2 , st o v . u , e L fa al er an v ories investi Three weap n Cooper esca er ag if cility in Pen te al th d California. d in sworn n o u rm rn o o n h r f a ia av w o B . f thviolent e high expec hose suppo eachthe ons ere use e progreincidents ped re nsylvania b th te Polideath that e Oended ce Offiofcerthe rters on of range Cwith ssive d in the efore movinfrom coulde attackers who werestimony, Joshua Rywen Duri ounty Rwith the politiduring Thom “DNA test tations. so m suspect a weekend confrontation eg White. He have been H ca eo g to sa l n in gued that nCg his murder trial, L e’ id ef g s pet when th istear hSWAT t Feb e initially as should imm later testified he saw solve the Ryen Further com ispanic. . e ed 1 team, authorities and relatives said. ca 9 ia Ryen, their ooper killed husbanprosecutors succes t ca . te darted in fr th that they Chiang sa se named Dia plicating the pro lace baby id during thand finally ensurely take pThe M to cG neighbor C 10-year-old daugh d and wife Doug ansfully ar- ban was alive Tuesday morning, said Kern ont re u th ir n se at e a ju cu e Roper cam says when h DNA eviden stice is serv campaign. tions’ claim elonging to te ssica an hristopher the an d Peggy e im e ed fo “N s, ce al g County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Angela Monroe. rw ,” b o a h o Hughes. rPJe ca d w u t w er t t testing in out to chec as bigger th n h p law nly is it pro olice foundan 11-year-old inal. She turned former boyfriend ard with bloody clothomenforcemoen is case woel venwere sentAntoimaal report a housein Deputies a an shooting Controof who was a the evidence ing the bloodie Even thoth t solv cat. u ld to l co o an e ffi m cr v ce u an io e im d destroyed it. g rs at le imal h es, community over to the n rush is no coLamont, hospital, wby farm surrounded fields ed the blee st to the staatsmall tr au police, buttcrim- issubold, he is treadinNgewsom’s decision in African Am m h a. ere itSunday. was d they ericans, His carefu e that thsoutheast e Cooper ca ofe.”Bakersfield, about 8:30 p.m.

Dr. at panics and Kristi Krau Rivera sufferingiagnose se34-year-old watching. California voters acllroy on a potentiThey al other mino ly found Audreyanna sh se p H e expec , a veter olarizing ss e politi e is keepin rities liv- C g his focuth l spectr back into tsththe 11-pound (5-kinarian, tells the ontinued a ugunshot s on fairncaesfrom m are wound. ilogram) ca on page A e w il d s an“The af ter it regai d justwoman seven pregnant; that child t to 2 cGumonths ice thwas M ire visited ns st rength. at th if e is currently being treatedheatseaeshospital,’’ authorities b o b ca t said. it again, he’ on Friday. ll issu The investigation led to an Amber Alert being issued foret e a tick a 2-year-old boy, who was found unharmed at 11:10 for ja p.m. The statement did not say how the boy was related to the case.

A suspect and vehicle was found around 11:35 p.m. on a highway on the outskirts of Bakersfield, where deputies were met with gunfire. A SWAT team responded and exchanged gunfire with the suspect over a few hours before the suspect was declared dead around 4 a.m. Monday, the office said. No officers were injured.

The suspect was not immediately identified.

Lamont resident Martha Mejia, 46, told The Bakersfield Californian the shooting occurred at the home of her aunt and uncle, and that the suspect was a cousin, Javier Vidal, 36, and Rivera was his girlfriend.

Oralia Vidal, Javier Vidal’s aunt said the couple dropped by with their son to visit for Easter.

Mejia said she could tell Rivera likely wouldn’t survive but she and her daughter, Maria Mejia, 24, took turns performing CPR and checking her pulse for about 20 minutes until an ambulance arrived.

“We still did CPR for the baby,’’ Martha Mejia said.

“That was our main concern.’’

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Bobcat Re Baby Delivered After Beincove After Mother PoliceisCar g Hi Fatally Wounded

Neither Snow, Nor Rain, Nor COVID-19

Postal Workers Keep On Chida Rebecca California Black Media As frontline workers mount up daily to battle COVID-19, each “essential employee” fights in a different way to keep our economy powered; our lives and livelihoods sustained; and our cities and towns safe. While some tend to the sick in hospitals, others brave the streets to distribute food.

But what may seem as the postal worker’s simple act of delivering mail is proving to be more essential than most would expect.

Every day across California, about 63,000 postal workers continue to make sure precious cargo gets to where it needs to go in the state — life-saving medications to people living with chronic illnesses, pension checks to aging adults, mail-in ballots to homebound voters, and more. And even with growing competition from Amazon, FedEx, UPS and other courier services, the United States Postal Service (USPS) still delivers more online orders than any of those businesses.

Cheryl Morrow, an African-American businesswoman in San Diego, says both of her businesses — a print newspaper that she mails and beauty products that she ships - rely on the USPS. “The USPS is a partner that I can depend on,” said Morrow, who owns the San Diego Monitor News and a hair care company called California Curl.

“Other than following the new social distancing rules, their service has remained consistent throughout this crisis.

I appreciate that,” said Morrow talking about the USPS. Morrow said people don’t realize that the USPS has postmasters who are dedicated to helping business customers. They work with clients to make sure that their important mail shipments are moved and reach destinations on time.

Now that researchers have confirmed that the Coronavirus can be transmitted through the air and that it can even live on your mail, postal workers on the frontlines are more concerned about their safety than ever.

So far, about 30 USPS workers have died from COVID-19

and thousands have been infected, according to Mark Dimondstein, president of the Postal Workers Union, a national organization that represents more than 200,000 members.

“I’ve been a postal worker for four years,” says Renee’ Adams, who is African-American and delivers mail in San Diego.

Adams says the team she works with delivers approximately 20 packages an hour. Last Sunday, they had over 800 individual packages with only three postal workers in her unit on hand to make all the deliveries.

“They started at 8:30 a.m. but didn’t get finished until 9 p.m.,” she said. “They were calling people to report to work, but no one would pick up the phone.”

A trusted face, a friend and sometimes a confidante, postal workers across the nation often have to step in and do more than drop mail off to customers. Although the workload is great, Renee shares that there are aspects of her job that reinforce the importance of the human connection.

“I deliver to a lot a seniors,” she says. “They can’t go Continued on page A2

While Struggling Americans Await $1,200 Stimulus, Nation’s Wealthiest Reap Windfall

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent While struggling individuals and families look forward to a $1,200 federal stimulus check, America’s wealthy have again made off with most of the cash.

The $2.3 trillion coronavirus stimulus package includes a temporary tax change for individuals who make at least $1 million a year, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation. The Joint Committee’s analysis shows 43,000 taxpayers in the highest income bracket, making more than $1 million a year, could save a combined $70 billion in taxes. Almost all benefits from the tax break go to people making more than $100,000 a year.

The change in tax law reportedly suspends limits on how much money individuals can deduct against how much they owe based on lost income or business revenue, according to the committee.

Still, millionaires and billionaires are set to reap more than 80 percent of the benefits because of the Trump tax law change, which alters what certain business owners are allowed to deduct from their taxes.

It allows many of the country’s wealthiest to avoid nearly $82 billion of tax liability in 2020.

Nearly 82 percent of the benefits from the tax law change will go to people making $1 million or more annually in 2020, according to the Joint Committee.

Approximately 95 percent of those who benefit from the change make $200,000 or more.

The government began sending out $1,200 stimulus payments to individuals making less than $75,000, and $2,400 for couples earning no more than $150,000.

An additional $500 per child under 18 was provided to families while those high school and college students over the age of 17 were left entirely out.

In all, taxpayers will lose nearly $90 billion from the change to the law, which suspends a restriction introduced in President Trump’s 2017 tax bill.

The change allows owners of businesses known as passthrough entities to lower their taxes by deducting as much as they want against income unrelated to the company.

“It’s a scandal for Republicans to loot American taxpayers amid an economic and human tragedy,” Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse noted in a statement.

“This analysis shows that while Democrats fought for unemployment insurance and small business relief, a top priority of President Trump and his allies in Congress was

Millionaires and billionaires are set to reap more than 80 percent of the benefits because of the Trump tax law change, which alters what certain business owners are allowed to deduct from their taxes. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

another massive tax cut for the wealthy.”

Whitehouse and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) sent a letter expressing their concerns to Vice President Mike Pence, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, and Acting

Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought.

“We are specifically seeking information about whether any people in the Trump administration who were involved with developing the changes would also benefit from the provisions.”

Several published reports said both Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner stand to reap millions as a result of the stimulus package and the change in tax law.

So that Congress and the American public can better understand the provenance of these tax law changes, and assess whether any individuals within the Administration who stand to gain from these provisions were involved in their development, Whitehouse and Doggett have requested that Pence, and Vought provide the following information: • All communications from January 1, 2020, to the present between the White House, Department of Treasury, or the Office of Management and Budget and any nongovernment person or entity related to sections 2303 or 2304, or the policies modified by those sections.

• All communications between the Department of Treasury and the White House, and between the Department of Treasury and the Office of Management and Budget, related to sections 2303 or 2304, or the policies modified by those sections, in the development of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. • All studies, analyses, proposals, cost estimates, or other information considered by the White House, the Department of Treasury, or the Office of Management and Budget related to sections 2303 or 2304, or the policies modified by those sections, in the development of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. “It’s a scandal for Republicans to loot American taxpayers in the midst of an economic and human tragedy,” Whitehouse noted in his statement. “Congress should repeal this rotten, un-American giveaway and use the revenue to help workers battling through this crisis.”

Doggett added that the cost of the tax break is more than total new funding for all hospitals in America and more than the total provided to all state and local governments.

“Someone wrongly seized on this health emergency to reward ultrarich beneficiaries, likely including the Trump family, with a tax loophole not available to middle class families. This net operating loss loophole is a loser that should be repealed,” Doggett said.

Kern County Jail Aide and Inmates Arrested in Contraband Probe BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) – A Kern County jail aide and 13 inmates were arrested after deputies found contraband in a San Joaquin Valley detention facility, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The investigation began March 9 at the Lerdo PreTrial Facility north of Bakersfield and numerous searches turned up narcotics, jail-made weapons and cellphones, the department said in a statement Tuesday.

The aide was arrested April 9 and booked on a halfdozen charges including conspiracy and participation in a criminal street gang.

Two inmates, described as participants in a gang, were arrested on the same charges and 11 other inmates were arrested for investigation of violations involving possession of the contraband items.

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation was continuing.

The Lerdo Pre-Trial facility can hold more than 1,200 inmates.

Kern High School District Grading Guidelines To ensure equitable grading for all students, and in accordance with the guidance of Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, the Kern High School District (KHSD) will adopt a Pass/No Pass grading system for the 2019-2020 spring semester and the 2020 summer session. Specifically, this means no student should receive a grade lower than the grade they had at the time of the COVID-19 school closure on March 18, 2020.

Pass/No Pass grading will help mitigate the social and emotional stressors that KHSD students may experience due to fears created by COVID-19, and any other adverse effects that it may have on them and their families. It will also help to mitigate the shortened preparation time teachers and students have experienced in adapting to the abrupt change to distance learning.

For the spring semester grading period, a student would receive a “Pass” if the students had a grade of A, B, C, or D for the third quarter at the time of the school closure. A student who was failing (F) at the time of the school closure will be given the opportunity to raise their grade during the fourth quarter. The university systems are willing to accept pass/no pass grades in lieu of letter grades for all courses. Grades of pass/no pass will not affect the university systems’ calculation of GPA. For the duration of the school closure, focus is on the essential learnings of each course. Through distance learning, students are provided opportunities for remediation and improvement if they had a failing grade at the time of the school closure. For those students who had a passing grade when theDistrict transitioned to distance learning, focus continues on essential learnings and enrichment opportunities.

As this situation evolves, KHSD will continue frequent communications with our staff and community.

Please visit our webpage: KernHigh.org, for the most up to date information.

A2

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

World & Nation California to Give Cash Payments to Immigrants Hurt by Virus

By ADAM BEAM Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ California will be the first state to give cash to immigrants living in the country illegally who are hurt by the coronavirus, offering $500 apiece to 150,000 adults who were left out of the $2.2 trillion stimulus package approved by Congress.

Many Americans began receiving $1,200 checks from the federal government this week, and others who are unemployed are getting an additional $600 a week from the government that has ordered them to stay home and disrupted what had been a roaring economy.

But people living in the country illegally are not eligible for any of that money, and advocates have been pushing for states to fill in the gap. Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he would spend $75 million of taxpayer money to create a Disaster Relief Fund for immigrants living in the country illegally.

“We feel a deep sense of gratitude for people that are in fear of deportations that are still addressing essential needs of tens of millions of Californians,'' said Newsom, who noted 10% of the state's workforce are immigrants living in the country illegally who paid more than $2.5 billion in state and local taxes last year.

Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove said Newsom should spend the money instead on food banks,

equipment for students to continue their education online and local governments struggling with revenue losses.

“Instead of meeting these urgent needs, Governor Newsom has chosen to irresponsibly pursue a left-wing path and unilaterally secured $125 million for undocumented immigrants,'' said Grove, who represents Bakersfield.

California has an estimated 2.2 million immigrants living in the country illegally, the most of any state, according to the Pew Research Center. State officials won't decide who gets the money. Instead, the state will give the money to a network of regional nonprofits to find and vet potential recipients. Advocates say that's key to making the plan work because immigrants are unlikely to contact the government for fear of deportation.

“You need to use organizations that have trusted relationships with these families,'' said Jacqueline Martinez, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation.

A group of charities has committed to raising another $50 million for the fund from private donors, potentially offering benefits to another 100,000 people. But that money will have fewer limitations, meaning grants could be more than $500 or less, depending on the cost-of-living where a person lives.

Organizers began raising money on Friday and have raised more than $6 million so far, with contributions from the Emerson Collective, Blue Shield of California

Foundation, the California Endowment, the James Irvine Foundation, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and an anonymous donor.

“We want this to be as equitable as possible and benefit as many people as possible,'' said Daranee Petsod, president of Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees.

California has been the most aggressive state in the nation when it comes to giving benefits to immigrants living in the country illegally. Last year, California became the first state to give taxpayer-funded health benefits to low-income adults 25 and younger living in the country illegally. This year, Newsom had proposed expanding those benefits to seniors 65 and older.

The spending announced Wednesday means Newsom has committed to spending more than $2 billion responding to the coronavirus, an extraordinary amount in just over one month. Thursday, state lawmakers are scheduled to have their first oversight hearing of Newsom's spending.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

California has more than 26,600 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 850 deaths, according to

data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Those numbers are far behind other virus hot spots like U.S. like New York and New Jersey, which public health officials attribute to the state's aggressive implementation of physical distancing and stay-at-home orders.

Since mid-March, 2.7 million Californians have filed for unemployment benefits _ more than all of the claims California processed in 2019 combined. The state's Employment Development Department has been overwhelmed, causing delays for many people seeking assistance.

Wednesday, Newsom announced the state's call center will expand its hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

More than 1,300 state employees have been reassigned to help process the claims. And Newsom said the state will begin distributing federal unemployment benefits by the end of the month to people who usually aren't eligible for them, including the gig workers and the self-employed.

At least five other states are already issuing those benefits, prompting criticism from some state lawmakers.

“The people in Sacramento are making promises, and the bureaucracies and the technology are failing the people,'' Republican state Assemblyman Jim Patterson said.

Tanu Henry California Black Media “It’s been like tons, or gallons of alcohol being thrown on the open wounds of inequality and racism in this country. And as we think about how to recover, we’re going to have to think about how to make sure that we don’t go back to where we were before,” said Angela Glover Blackwell, an African-American author and policy specialist based in Oakland.

Blackwell is the founder and president of the nonprofit PolicyLink, a research institute and social action organization that advances racial and economic equity, according to the group’s website.

“It was unacceptable then and it will be unacceptable going forward,” Blackwell continued, pointing out the “painful” economic and health disparities the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare across the United States and here in California.

She was speaking Friday during Gov. Gavin Newsom’s daily COVID-19 press conference in Sacramento. During the briefing, the governor announced that he has appointed Blackwell and 79 other prominent Californians to the state Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery.

The governor said he is charging the diverse group of social, political and economic leaders to analyze every sector of the state economy and put together a road map to economic recovery. Newsom says he expects the task force to come up with “short-term, medium-term and long-term ideas” to put California on track to once again attain the level of economic prosperity the state had reached before the pandemic: 21 consecutive months of job growth; a $20 billion budget surplus in 2019; and 20 billion more stacked away in the state reserves.

“I have asked and tasked some of the best and brightest minds that we could source — a disproportionate number, almost exclusively, reside right here in the state of California – some of the most well-known business leaders in the world. The great social justice lawyers reside here in the state of California. Tribal leaders. Health care leaders.

Small business leaders.”

Tom Steyer, the billionaire businessman, civic leader, and former US presidential candidate will co-chair the task force along with Gov. Newsom’s Chief of Staff Ann

O’Leary.

Other African-American task force members include Gregory A. Adams, Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., and hospitals; Willie Adams, President, International Longshore and Warehouse Union; E. Toby Boyd: President, California Teachers Association; Stacy Brown-Philpot: CEO, TaskRabbit; Dr. Robert Ross: President and CEO, The California Endowment; among others.

The impact of the global Coronavirus pandemic in California has been deep and far-reaching, hitting the finances, health, and way of life of people across class, race, and geographical lines, but especially so among African Americans and other people of color.

At press time, the coronavirus had claimed the lives of more than one thousand Californians, and more than 28,000 more across the state had been infected by the deadly virus – with the largest concentration, more than 11,000 people, diagnosed in Los Angeles County alone.

Based on racial data the state has collected so far on mortality rates, a disproportionate number of Black

Californians have died from COVID-19: About 12 percent in a state where African Americans account for 6 percent of the total population of nearly 40 million people.

About 95 people died of COVID-19 Thursday, the deadliest day since the onset of the pandemic, and a day before the governor announced his economic recovery task force appointments.

Last week, the governor also announced that the state is officially in a “pandemic-induced recession.”

“This pandemic has forced millions of Californians out of jobs – with the most vulnerable hit the hardest,” he said. “We will use a gradual, science-based and data-driven framework to guide our re-opening timing while planning our economic recovery.”

More than 3.1 million Californians have filed for unemployment insurance since March 12, and the state unemployment rate has spiked to 5.3% from under 3% just two months ago. Before the onset of the pandemic, about 2,500 people applied weekly, on average, for unemployment insurance. Over the last few weeks, that weekly average has jumped to more than 200,000.

“This is an amazing moment despite all the suffering,” Blackwell said. “The silver lining could be to finally understand that we cannot go forward as a nation divided as we have been between haves and have nots.”

Other members the governor appointed to the task force are California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Los Angeles), Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), Assembly Minority Leader Marie Waldron (R-Escondido), former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, Walt Disney Company Executive Chairman Bob Iger, former head of the Small Business Administration Aida Álvarez and dozens of other Californians from sectors, including business, labor, health care, academia and philanthropy.

Gov. Newsom also appointed the state’s four living former governors as honorary members on the task force.

They are Hon. Jerry Brown, Hon. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hon. Gray Davis and Hon. Pete Wilson.

“We need to demonstrate for the nation that it is possible to have a recovery that is transformative, imaginative and radical,” Blackwell emphasized.

Gov. Newsom Taps Diverse Group for COVID-19 Recovery Task Force

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(1.) Governor Gavin Newsom, (2.)Dr. Robert Ross: President & CEO, California Endowment (3).Ken McNeely: President, Western Region, AT&T (4.) Gregory A. Adams: Chairman & CEO, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. & Hospitals (5.)Stacy Brown-Philpot: CEO, TaskRabbit (6.)April Verrett: President, SEIU 2015 (7.)

Willie Adams: President, ILWU (8.) Lee Saunders: President, AFSCME (9.) Angela Glover Blackwell: Founder in Residence, PolicyLink (10.) James Manyika: Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company (11.)Lloyd Dean: CEO, Dignity Health (12.) E. Toby Boyd: President, California Teachers Association

Postal Workers Keep On

Continued from page A1

anywhere, and they don’t have anyone to talk to. They want to talk to us but they’re scared to come near us, and they don’t want to sign for their packages just in case we have [coronavirus]. We have to sign the receipts for them.”

Postal workers, businesspeople and Californians under shelter in place orders all seem to appreciate the value and constancy of the USPS. But some politicians in Washington have been giving the mail delivery service that has enabled communications between Americans for more than 200 years a hard way to go.

According to the Washington Post, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin threatened Congress that President Trump would veto the $2 trillion stimulus package that lawmakers approved earlier this month if it included a $13 billion direct grant to the USPS. A bipartisan team of congressional negotiators had already agreed to the provision. Instead, the feds offered a $10 billion loan to USPS in the final stimulus bill the president signed. The Treasury Department has not

yet approved the funds although the bill passed more than a week ago.

The Post Office is not taxpayer funded, so it normally runs on revenue from postage and services,” Dimondstein said, according to a Common Dreams report. “And if 40 to 50% of that dries up in this pandemic—which is what looks like it’s happening, in a very quick and precipitous way—then that money has to be made up.”

He is demanding that Congress includes a $25 billion aid package to the USPS in the next stimulus bill.

At home, Renee has two adult children, a grandbaby and a sister. Since the quarantine, one of her daughters has lost her job, while the other daughter and sister are waiting to hear back regarding recurring contract work.

“I’m just happy that I can get up and go to work because I don’t know what I’d do if I had to stay home with no money coming in. I’m grateful that I have a job it’s hard at times, but I have four people depending on me,”

she said.

Due to COVID-19, economists estimate, some 22 million Americans have lost their jobs across the country and the unemployment rate is hovering around 18%.

More than 7 million have applied for unemployment insurance just within the last month, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

In California, more than 3.1 million Californians have filed for unemployment insurance since March 12, and the state unemployment rate has spiked to 5.3% from under 3% just two months ago, according to the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency.

Renee’s frontline work helps to keep a roof over her family members’s heads until employment opportunities open up again.

“But you know it’s to the point now that if you don’t show up for work, you can lose your job because you can easily be replaced,” Renee said.

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A3

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER BCV-20-100137 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 Branch: Family Law PETITION OF: MARLENA VASQUEZ DOUGLAS FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: MARLENA VASQUEZ DOUGLAS for a decree changing names as follows: Present name a. ANTHONY RAYMOND MORALES JR. b. MARLINA NYIMAH MORALES Filed a petition with this court Proposed name a. ANTHONY RAYMOND DOUGLAS b. MARLINA NYIMAH DOUGLAS 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 28, 2020 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 13, 2020 Linda S Etienne COURT COMMISSIONER Andrea Sanders DEPUTY Marlena Vasquez Douglas 3421 Mona Way Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Phone: (661) 619-9951 IN PRO PER BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020 �������������������������������

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 Mar 16, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020 �������������������������������

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B1971 Doing business as: BARRINGTON’S JAMAICAN KITCHEN at 4120 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: BARRINGTON ANTHONY LEWIS, 3600 Ashe Road, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: BARRINGTON ANTHONY LEWIS The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 09/09/2013 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: Mar 16, 2020 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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B1962 Doing business as: FIVE C’S FINANCIAL at 3208 Flintridge Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: KENNETH RAY HARMER, 3208 Flintridge Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 Full name of registrant: MARIANNE BIANCA ODDO HARMER, 3208 Flintridge Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: MARIANNE BIANCA ODDO HARMER The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 10/02/2012 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: Mar 16, 2020 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 Mar 16,

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE 2025

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B1861 Doing business as: DEJA VU SHOWGIRLS at 1524 Golden State Hwy., Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 Mailing Address: 8252 E. Lansing Rd., Durand, Mi. 48429 County: Kern Full name of registrant: GRAPEVINE ENTERTAINMENT, INC., CA, 1524 Golden State Hwy., Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: CHRISTOPHER KRONTZ, PRESIDENT The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 08/01/1990 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: Mar 10, 2020 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 Mar 10, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020 ������������������������������� SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso):

PUBLIC NOTICE

BCL-19-016745 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): CHARLES W LUNG, an individual; and DOES 1 to 5, inclusive 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

PUBLIC NOTICE 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,

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

(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, Bakersfield, CA 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) 974-7600 Fax: DATE (Fecha): September 9, 2019 TAMARAH HARBER-PICKENS, Clerk (Secretario), by Layton Johnson, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served.

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (DLF) PUB: Apr 8, 15, 22, 29, 2020 �������������������������������

NIA, COUNTY OF KERN 1215 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 GUARDIANSHIP of: MADISON FLORETTA GRISSUM, Minor This notice is required by law. This notice does not require you to appear in court, but you may attend the hearing if you wish.

1.NOTICE is given that STELLA ESQUER and JOSEPH MENDEZ (representative capacity, if any): PETITONER has filed (specify): PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN OF THE PERSON 2. You may refer to documents on file in this proceeding for more information (Some documents filed with the court are confidential Under some circumstances you or your attorney may be able to see or receive copies of confidential documents if you file papers in the proceeding or apply to the court.)

4. A HEARING on the matter will be held as follows: Date: July 13, 2020 Time: 8:30 am Dept: P Address of Court Same as noted above BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 15, 22, 29, May 6, 2020 �������������������������������

NOTICE OF HEARING GUARDIANSHIP CASE NO: BPB-17-002666 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFOR-

SO CAN YOU.

LIEN SALE NOTICE OF LIEN SALE Lien Holder: GRAND PRIX 417 E. BRUNDAGE LN. BAKERSFIELD, CA 93307 Vehicle: 2016 DODGE RAM Vin: 1C6RR6NM7GS403670 Make: DODGE Date of Sale: 5/5/2020 at 12:00 PM BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Apr 22, 2020 �������������������������������

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

A4 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

Entertainment

Beyonce, Gaga Offer Hope at All-Star Event Fighting COVID-19

By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) – Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, Shawn Mendes and others sang classic songs brimmed with messages of hope and change during a TV special aimed at fighting the coronavirus, while Beyonce and Alicia Keys spoke passionately about how the virus has disproportionately affected black Americans.

Beyonce made a surprise appearance on Saturday’s TV special “One World: Together At Home,’’ thanking “delivery workers, mail carriers and sanitation employees’’ for their hard work during the pandemic.

“Black Americans disproportionately belong to these essential parts of the workforce that do not have the luxury of working from home. And African American communities at large have been severely affected in this crisis. Those with pre-existing conditions are at an even higher risk. This virus is killing black people at an alarmingly high rate here in America,’’ Beyonce said.

African Americans account for more than one-third of COVID-19 deaths in the United States where the race of victims has been made public. Data from states, cities and counties show black people are regularly overrepresented compared to their share of the population.

“Please protect yourselves,’’ Beyonce continued. “We are one family. We need you. We need your voices, your abilities and your strength all over this word. I know it’s

very hard but please be patient, stay encouraged, keep the faith, stay positive and continue to pray for our heroes.’’

An Associated Press analysis, based on data through Thursday, found that of the more than 21,500 victims whose demographic data was known and disclosed by officials, more than 6,350 were black, a rate of nearly 30%.

African Americans account for 14.2% of the 241 million people who live in the areas covered by the analysis.

The nation had recorded more than 33,000 deaths as of Thursday.

Keys presented similar data when she spoke during the special, ending with: “Keep your frequency high and I’m sending you all my love.’’

Gaga, who curated the all-star TV event, kicked off it off by urging people weathering the coronavirus pandemic to find a way to smile through the pain with a performance of Nat King Cole’s version of the song “Smile.’’

She performed during the second part of an eighthour event supporting the World Health Organization alongside advocacy organization Global Citizen.

“I care so much about the medical workers that are putting their lives at risk for us,’’ Gaga said.

Wonder performed “Lean On Me’’ by Bill Withers _ who died on March 30 _ while playing piano. He told viewers: “During hardships like this we have to lean on each other for help.’’ John Legend and Sam Smith, each

This July 14, 2019 file photo shows Beyonce at the “Lion King” premiere in London. Beyonce, along with Timothy McKenzie and Ilya Salmanzadeh, failed to get an Oscar nomination for best original song for “Spirit,” from the film “The Lion King.” (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP, File)

This Feb. 24, 2019 file photo shows Lady Gaga at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Through music, Lady Gaga told those stressing during the coronavirus pandemic to smile and Stevie Wonder encouraged viewers to lean on one another. The A-listers kicked off the two-hour TV special “One World: Together At Home” Saturday, April 18, 2020. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/ AP, File)

from their own homes, duetted on “Stand by Me’’; Lizzo sang “A Change Is Gonna Come’’ with passion; and Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, sitting together, performed “What a Wonderful World.’’

Paul McCartney sang the Beatles’ “Lady Madonna’’ and talked about the work his mother did as a nurse.

The members of the Rolling Stones _ from four different locations – joined forces to perform “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.’’ And Taylor Swift sang “Soon You’ll Get Better’’ while playing piano.

Former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, Oprah Winfrey, Bill and Melinda Gates, Ellen DeGeneres, Pharrell Williams, Kerry Washington, Lupita Nyong’o and Henry Golding offered positive words while photos of health care workers and everyday people were shown on the screen. Reggaeton star J Balvin even offered tips on handwashing, while doctors and other medical workers spoke about social distancing and relief efforts.

“One World: Together At Home’’ featured stars appearing in intimate settings, beamed virtually to the world. It aired simultaneously on ABC, NBC, CBS, iHeartMedia and Bell Media networks and was hosted by Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel.

Colbert told viewers to “take out their wallets and put them away.’’ Kimmel added that over $50 million had already been raised to help those during the worldly crisis.

At the event’s end, organizers announced that the total

amount raised was nearly $128 million.

Performers included Billie Eilish and her producerbrother Finneas, Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Kacey Musgraves, Maluma and Keith Urban. Gaga, Legend, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli and Lang Lang closed the special with a collaborative performance of “The Prayer.’’

Earlier in the day, a six-hour streaming event featuring Andra Day, Niall Horan, Kesha, Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, Heidi Klum and Jason Segel aired on digital platforms as part of the “One World: Together At Home’’ event.

“It’s Kesha from quarantine day 500. I miss my fans so much,’’ Kesha said, sitting in front of her fireplace as her cat made noises in the background. “I know that there’s so many people working and not sleeping and sacrificing so much to help figure this out for everyone and I just think the vulnerability of us all as human beings right now is really showing a really beautiful side to humanity.’’

Country singer Maren Morris, rock performer Hozier, British star Rita Ora and Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi also performed during the early part of the special, which included videos focused on health care workers on the front lines fighting the spreading coronavirus. It also aired a package of people getting married _ some in front of their homes, others inside _ during the pandemic.

In this Nov. 27, 2018, file photo, Stevie Wonder performs live at a news press conference for the “House Full of Toys 22nd annual Benefit Concert” in Los Angeles. Through music, Lady Gaga told those stressing during the coronavirus pandemic to smile and Stevie Wonder encouraged viewers to lean on one another.

The A-listers kicked off the two-hour TV special “One World: Together At Home” Saturday, April 18, 2020.

(Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)

Lizzo Brought Down the House Singing “A Change Is Gonna Come” for One World: Together At Home She covered the Sam Cooke classic during the Global Citizen virtual concert.

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Wednesday, April 22, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A5

Features

A6

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

Local

Casa Esperanza Transitional Home for Women

By Keely Lopez Casa Esperanza Transitional Home for Women is a nonprofit organization with a goal of providing safe and supportive transitional housing in Bakersfield, California, for homeless women and their children.

The program has been inspired and modeled after the Alexandria House in Los Angeles, California. Their success is the motivation behind what Casa Esperanza is planning to achieve.

Our intention is to have residents that will live

Independence Through GRACE

By Catherine Waldon, Co-Founder/Program Director Independence Through GRACE is a faith-based enrichment program for adults with developmental disabilities located in the heart of downtown Bakersfield.

GRACE is known for providing a safe environment that offers kindness and love to each of the participants who attend the program.

The mission of GRACE is Gaining Respect, Access, Connections, and Experience for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Christ-centered programs to encourage and support them in reaching their full potential.

The “GRACE space” is a fun and enriching drop-in center with exciting opportunities for learning and growth each day. Participants enjoy ballroom dance, art and music enrichment, meal planning and preparation, Bible study, as well as volunteering weekly in the community.

GRACE relies on the generosity of our community to support its efforts in providing a place where participants are valued, accepted, and respected. Our staff works to discover each person’s strengths, with the ultimate goal of assisting our participants in reaching their maximum potential while they gain confidence in their abilities.

Give Big Kern enables GRACE to not only reach potential donors for much-needed funds but to also spread the good news of GRACE to our community. We endeavor to reach adults with special needs to make them aware of our program.

Now Is The Time To GIVE BIG KERN! In Part 2 of a 3 week series in the Bakersfield News Observer, readers will have an opportunity to learn about hard-working Kern County nonprofits that are fundraising through the website GiveBigKern.org, a crowdfunding effort hosted by Kern Community Foundation. Give Big Kern is celebrated as Kern’s own official Day of Giving on May 5, but the website is already open for donations and will remain open till May 6.

As you read these agencies’ brief profiles and learn about their needs, please consider donating to them especially now, during the COVID-19 crisis, which has negatively impacted charities in a big way. Just go to GiveBigKern.org, search for an agency by name or cause, find your passion and give. You can also fundraise for a nonprofit you love, and invite your friends, peers and loved ones to donate, too.

If you don’t have money to give but would like to pledge volunteer hours—because nonprofits are going to need a lot of help when the statewide shelter-in-place order is lifted—find the Volunteering page on the drop-down menu of GiveBigKern. org. Use the button at the bottom of the page to submit your volunteer pledge.

Thank you and we hope you will enjoy reading about local charities and how you can support them through Give Big Kern!

in a family-like environment that produces a spirit of community and a sense of extended family while transitioning to sustainable independence.

Casa Esperanza’s mission is to break the cycle of homelessness.

A transitional home for women and their children is something that would greatly benefit the community.

As Casa Esperanza plans to open our home in December of 2020, we are seeking funds for house renovation, food, training, transportation, education, and…the list goes on.

However, things are starting to get slightly worrisome because of the COVID-19 crisis. “Hearts of Hope,” an important fundraising event for Casa Esperanza, was supposed to be held on April 2. Rescheduling Hearts of Hope amid this pandemic may prevent us from hitting our fundraising goal as originally planned.

These are uncertain times, but Casa Esperanza is still very much determined to continue forward movement despite any setbacks. That said, donations and support are very much needed and appreciated now more than ever.

We have had to adjust to other methods of fundraising while navigating through this time of heavily relying on the internet. And Give Big Kern is a BIG help to Casa Esperanza, as it is a practical way to receive donations online—with no social distancing concerns whatsoever!

To learn more about and donate to our organization please, visit givebigkern.org and search for “esperanza.” You can also visit our website at www.esperanzabakersfield.org.

The participants at GRACE enjoy being active and love when volunteers come to our program to share their talents and knowledge. We encourage volunteers to download an application from our website (www.itsgrace. org) and spend time with these amazing individuals.

COVID 19 has impacted everyone in our country, and sadly GRACE had to temporarily shut its doors.

However, our work continues! Even though we can’t be together at the GRACE space, we are connecting with our participants through technology - virtual Bible Study, FaceTime, Facebook, and phone calls. We’re adjusting but praying to return soon! Donate to us at givebigkern.org.

Search for “grace.”

Baking class at Independence Through GRACE. (Photo Courtesy of Catherine Waldon)

Art class at Independence Through GRACE. (Photo Courtesy of Catherine Waldon)

Flood Bakersfield Ministries

By Victoria Ogas Flood Bakersfield Ministries, Inc. (Flood) provides services designed to meet the physical, relational and spiritual needs of those who are deeply impoverished in our community with an emphasis on housing stability to

Tamara and her dog, Rosie, celebrate being recently housed. With them is a Flood employee practicing COVID safety. (Photo Courtesy of Flood Bakersfield Ministries)

promote self-worth, increased self-sufficiency and greater overall health.

Flood was born out of a Saturday night alternative worship service at Jesus Shack called “Celebration.”

In 2008 Flood, a separate 501(c) (3) corporation, was created to provide quality outreach to people experiencing homelessness, and supportive services to stabilize those housed.

Flood fulfills an important role within the BakersfieldKern Regional Homeless Collaborative by specializing in reaching those most vulnerable, who often are unable to secure the assistance they need on their own due to circumstances that include health concerns, physical disabilities, substance abuse, and mental illness.

This is largely done on foot by frequenting places where the homeless commonly congregate and live. Street Outreach Workers aim to build meaningful and trusting relationships over time with those they meet. This enables the individual, with the necessary assistance from their Street Outreach Worker, to link to resources and, for some, to progress to the point of being ready to be housed.

Once a clear path to housing is identified, a Housing Placement Specialist advocates to obtain suitable housing.

Flood, in partnership with private donors and community resources, obtains and delivers, as available, furnishings, appliances and household goods to those transitioning from homelessness to housing.

Housing Placement Specialists provide linkage to community resources including health care, behavioral health services and life skills groups. Through regular home visits, needs are assessed and plans developed to address them. Flood aspires to equip each individual with life skills to ensure that they remain stably housed.

Despite the current epidemic, Flood remains vigilant in serving those in need while emphasizing health precautions. Consider donating to Flood through Give Big Kern. Just go to givebigkern.org and search for “flood.”

Flood Bakersfield Ministries’ Street Outreach Workers (blue shirts) build meaningful and trusting relationships with people experiencing homelessness. (Photo Courtesy of Flood Bakersfield Ministries)

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A7

Local

Barnes Signs Cameron Smith to NLI Junior college standout Cameron Smith signed a National Letter of Intent to compete for the Roadrunners next season.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The CSU Bakersfield men’s basketball program has shifted its focus toward the future and continues to strive for shaping next year’s squad. On the day the NCAA re-opened the signing process, Head Coach Rod Barnes wasted no time in inking Cameron Smith to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Roadrunners.

A junior college transfer coming to CSUB by way of Pearl River Community College, Smith was an integral part of the Mississippi-based team’s run to dominant success.

The 6-foot-7 forward helped the Wildcats to back-to-back Region XXIII titles and a 54-5 record in his two seasons.

After posting the only undefeated record in the country, Smith’s 28-0 squad earned the No. 1 seed at the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Championship before its cancelation.

“We are extremely excited about adding Cameron to our squad,” said CSUB Head Coach Rod Barnes. “He will impact our program both on and off the court. We were looking for a versatile player who could be effective on both ends of the court. Cameron can play inside and outside, which will allow us to use him with different lineups.”

After serving as a role player on a stacked squad his freshman season, Smith leaped into a starting role in 201920. He played every minute in PRCC’s victory in the Region XXIII Final, helping his team to the title with nine points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks.

On the season, Smith was second on the team in rebounding (6.7 per game) behind only 6-foot-10 Isaih Moore. Smith also added 7.9 points, 1.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per contest this year as PRCC surged to an undefeated record.

Barnes went on to describe Smith’s accomplishments and the strong recommendations he received: “Whenever I talked to Cameron’s coaches and opposing coaches, the words were the same: ‘He makes everyone around him better and he is a winner.’ He won in high school and then again in junior college, where he was coached by my former player, Coach Chris Oney.”

A native of Okolona, Miss., Smith put together a standout prep career for Okolona High School before playing for PRCC. As a senior, Smith led the Chieftains to a Mississippi State Championship while posting a 31-2 record along the way.

Smith is expected to be an integral part of CSUB’s squad for his final two collegiate seasons. The `Runners will continue to prepare for the 2020-21 season, the team’s first as a member of the Big West Conference with the goal of returning to the NCAA Tournament as its priority.

Cameron Smith (center) (Photo Courtesy of PRCC Athletics via GoRunners.com)

Remembering Dr. Dorothy Irene Height

By Alexis M. Herman President of the Dorothy I. Height Foundation April 20, 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of the death of our gentle but fearless leader and mentor, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. This significant anniversary offers us an opportunity for reflection during these unprecedented times we are living in today.

Dr. Height undoubtedly was a creative, compassionate, and visionary leader. Her scholarship, travels and experiences shaped her understanding of power and how to navigate it with competence and kindness. Through the programs and initiatives she developed, she used her power to empower poor women and girls around the world.

During the early Civil Rights Movement when women worked behind the scenes, her quiet power brought wisdom and a social worker’s perspective to deliberations and strategies of the “Big Six” civil rights leaders. With an understanding of the importance of power of location, she purchased a building in Washington, D.C. between the White House and the Capitol, the only African Americanowned building along that corridor of power.

For decades, her political power was put to use serving as an advisor to five U.S. presidents. She led some of the largest and most influential women’s organizations in American history, including her beloved National Council of Negro Women. And she achieved these accomplishments always wearing fabulous hats and an engaging smile.

While those achievements were immense, they pale in light of her greatest and most enduring accomplishments.

During the turbulent times and critical issues that prevailed throughout her lifetime, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was “A Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” Her activism started as a teenager by bringing her peers together to nonviolently protest policies that prohibited African American children from swimming, debating or going to school with Caucasian youth.

She bravely confronted and navigated the injustices and engaged adults who had the power to make changes.

Over the years, issues such as racism, the struggle for economic and social justice, women’s rights, voter’s rights, equal access to education, healthcare and jobs, fair wages, and dignity for all, brought purpose and passion to her life.

When she walked into a room, wisdom, humanity, and hope arrived with her. She was the bridge to alignment and unity to many civil rights organizations and leaders.

To African American, Caucasian, Latina, Asian, and Native American women organizations, she served as a bridge of vision and consensus in their pursuits seeking equality, equal pay, and jobs.

Through programs she implemented, she was at the forefront of the Y.W.C.A. realizing its most significant lifelong mission, eradicating racism. None of these were simple or easy undertakings, yet she courageously pursued what she knew to be right and good. Wherever the waters were troubled, she created a bridge, effective coalitions, and solutions.

Many of the critical issues of Dr. Height’s era persist today. Over fifty years ago, she called attention to the health disparities related to social detriments, especially for Black women and the elderly. Chronic health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes were always at the forefront for education and outreach to our communities.

Today with thousands impacted by COVID-19 and millions who are unemployed, the consequences of these same health disparities are more apparent than ever.

The troubled waters we now face have washed waves of reminders of the work our country still has to do. Leaders are searching for answers, managing fears and anxiety, and competing for vital resources in their communities.

In these turbulent, frightening, and uncertain times, we are called to embrace Dr. Height’s spirit of direct action, by courageously bridging the waters with viable solutions,

to serve the needs of our brothers and sisters, to hold leaders accountable for environmental and social justice policies, to provide food for the many who are in need today, to protect and defend the right to vote, to be the voice of the voiceless, and to lead with purpose and passion toward a just and safe society.

Ten years after her passing, we must embrace her spirit to right the wrongs and keep navigating troubled waters until we reach calm seas and still waters that were always her goals for women and children, for the country, for all of us. Today we must not only remember Dr. Height, but also renew her fighting spirit, and be that “bridge over troubled waters” that we need and seek. Girded by our faith and in the spirit of Dr. Height, I pray that each of us will find ways, large and small, to courageously speak up, stand up, and reach out to bring truth and mercy to “the least of these.”

In the days and weeks ahead, we would do well to remember her words spoken at the dedication of the Headquarters Building of the National Council of Negro Women, “Through this last century we learned that it is in the neighborhoods and communities where the world begins. That is where children grow and families are developed, where people exercise their power to change their lives…. Building on my religious faith deeply rooted in my childhood and youth, I found my life’s work. I am the product of many whose lives have touched mine, from the famous, distinguished and powerful to the little known and the poor. The past has taught me many lessons—most especially, that I have a responsibility to future generations.”

In memory of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, contributions may be made to the National Council of Negro Women at www.ncnw.org under donate.

Alexis M. Herman is the President of the Dorothy I. Height Foundation

In memory of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, contributions may be made to the National Council of Negro Women at www.ncnw.org under donate.

Political, Healthcare System is Broken & Corrupt

By Roger Caldwell NNPA Newswire Contributor “History is bound to repeat itself. Look at what went wrong in 1918 (Spanish Flu). Then do the opposite,” says the History Channel.

President Woodrow Wilson was the American President in 1918, when 675,000 Americans died as a result of the Spanish Flu and over 20 to 50 million people died around the world. This pandemic happened 100 years ago, and a lack of leadership from the federal government helped the flu spread like wildfire.

President Woodrow Wilson took no decisive measures with a coordinated federal plan and gaps were filled at the state and local level. There was a general lack of preparedness and the public health infrastructure was inadequate with no leadership and organization. Public officials lied, made up facts and 25% of the military personnel who had the flu, infected the citizens around the country.

The flu started in March 1918 and the second wave came in the fall, when the majority of Americans died.

This mysterious strain of the flu happened during the end of World War I and moving lots of men and materials in crowded conditions contributed to the spread of the virus.

America and nations around the globe refused to lockdown their countries and the flu spread rapidly.

“The chaotic culture of the Trump White House

contributed to the crisis. A lack of planning and a failure to execute, combined with the president’s focus on the news cycle and his preference for following his gut rather than the data cost time and perhaps lives,” says Eric Lipton of the NY Times. The 1918 pandemic lasted 1 year and there were 3 different waves where the majority of people died.

In order for the 2020 pandemic to end in America, the entire country must be shutdown in every state and the president must place large-scale orders for masks, protective equipment, critical hospital equipment, ventilators and community leaders educating their constituents. This is not a time for “happy talk.” The Coronavirus Task Force must enforce the quarantine with military forces and local police.

China started its lockdown on January 23, 2020 and by the beginning of March, the country was starting to open back up. They were able to get infected cases to low levels, and the United States must follow the same course of action. The population practiced social distancing and the government was able to test on a wide scale.

At this point, America’s testing process has failed, with testing of less than 1% of the population completed. There is no vaccine and more healthcare workers are getting infected with the virus with no time off. Before the country can be opened, there must be widespread testing and a national database of cases to prevent the spread of the virus.

With over 500,000 thousand Americans infected with the virus, and the most citizens to die in any country — over 20,000 — the political and healthcare system is broken.

Instead of the pandemic slowing down, it is speeding up and rapidly growing.

In the African American community, the coronavirus is exposing systemic racism with frightening numbers. In Chicago, the Black population is 29% but 70% of the people dying from the virus are Black. In Louisiana, the Black population is 32% but 70% of the people dying from the virus are Black. In other cities, like Washington, DC, Baltimore, Detroit and Dallas, there are alarming numbers

that indicate health disparities are killing more Blacks.

No one will save Blacks but us. However, Black leaders must sound the alarm. When America gets a cold, African American get pneumonia. There is a failure of leadership with President Donald Trump and his Vice President Mike Pence managing and running the Coronavirus Task Force.

They have done a terrible job, lying to Americans, with a general lack of preparedness.

There is glaring incompetency in Trump’s handling of the crisis, and the failure of testing has spread the virus. As our president continues to fabricate the truth at every daily briefing, don’t believe anything President Trump promises.

The Signs Of Time

By Letha Horne From “Tears Of Joy and Sadness” Wars, and rumors of Wars, Fighting and killing, which only means that the Bible is fulfilling.

It’s time to run for cover.

I don’t mean run to the mountains and hide our face; we all know the rocks are no hiding place.

Jesus is our rock, and our shield.

So let us come to Jesus, whosoever will.

In the African American community, the coronavirus is exposing systemic racism with frightening numbers.

In Chicago, the Black population is 29% but 70% of the people dying from the virus are Black. In Louisiana, the Black population is 32% but 70% of the people dying from the virus are Black. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

The time will come when we can’t tell one season from another, Except for the budding of the trees.

Have we not already seen days like these?

We’re living in the last days, So bear this in mind: There’ll be no more water, But fire next time.

Earthquakes in devious places, Races against races, nations against nations, And a wicked and wiser generation.

When all these things have come to pass, Behold, He comes quickly.

We are supposed to watch as well as pray, For we know not the hour, the minute or the day.

A8

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Wednesday, April 22, 2020