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News Observer Bakersfield

Volume 46 Number 43

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Scrubbing CA Landmarks of It’s Racist Symbols — and the Word “Negro”

By Antonio Ray Harvey and Manny Otiko California Black Media This past weekend, the Mississippi Legislature approved the removal of the Confederate battle

Dr. Daniel Walker (Facebook profile photo)

emblem from the state flag. It’s a sign of the times, historians say, that speaks to the turning spirit of the nation – even happening in a state that has remained a proud stronghold, clinging to enduring customs that nod to a romanticized version of the “Old South.”

Gov. Tate Reeves said he will sign the bill into law.

The deep south state was the lone holdout flying a flag that flaunts the Confederate “Stars and Bars,” which has long stood as a symbol of White supremacy, racism, and slavery. Now, Magnolia State lawmakers say they will create a commission that will design a new flag.

Worldwide protests against injustice and racism have led to a revolt in the United States against monuments that honor public institutions or figures who stood for — or upheld — racism. The death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man police officers killed in Minneapolis has brought police brutality, racism, and economic inequality in America into sharp focus. That has prompted the nation to look inward and soul search, which has now expanded to questioning the country’s tradition of celebrating controversial figures that honor its racist past.

Across the United States, protesters have defaced, torn down or petitioned the removal of enshrinements honoring confederate soldiers, segregationists, slave traders, white supremacists and others identified as racist.

“There is no room in the hallowed halls of Congress

or in any place of honor for memorializing men who embody the violent bigotry and grotesque racism of the Confederacy,” said Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12), Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. On June 18, Pelosi ordered the removal of four portraits depicting confederate leaders from the nation’s Capitol.

In California, after 137 years, legislators announced the removal of statues depicting Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella of Spain from the Capitol Rotunda. They had been on display under the building’s dome since 1883.

“As the first California Native American elected to the Legislature, I welcome removal of the statue. It is a symbol of genocide and atrocities toward Indigenous people throughout the world, including the United States,” said Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland), reflecting on the removal of the Columbus monument. “We need to harness this opportunity to portray factual history from the view of those who suffered.

Yet, we must also focus on the present in order to change the future.”

These acts around the country have sparked a debate about whether or not history — and public memorialization of our past — should be sanitized.

Dr. Daniel Walker, an African American historian and professor, says not creating, funding or publicly displaying these symbols do not equate to “sanitizing” history.

“It is removing what are, in many cases, false history. It is correcting what are misinterpreted histories, and, at some times, removing what is fully oppressive history,” Walker told California Black Media.

Renaming CA State Park Negro Bar, Formerly “Ni**er Bar” In northern California, a movement to study and correct local symbols deemed racist is brewing around one of the state’s African American-themed landmarks. Negro Bar is an area located within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area near Sacramento.

Located in the city of Folsom, Negro Bar sits on the west bank of the American River, which flows south into the adjoining Sacramento River.

The picturesque park was named after an area where Black miners once worked during the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. The miners were isolated because of their color.

At Negro Bar, the Black miners struck gold in 1850, one to two ounces for each man on the average per day, according to an article published in the nowdefunct Sacramento Placer Times.

Clarence Caesar, a Black historian at California State Library’s California Historical and Cultural Endowment said Negro Bar is the state’s “first Black gold mining site.”

The park’s name has gone through several changes. It was initially identified as the racial epithet, “(N-word) Bar,” as described in the book “Riches for All: The California Gold Rush and the World.”

Before recent anti-racism protests, local Black community leaders and historians had agreed to continue using the current name, which doesn’t seem to bother the many kayakers, fishers, and hikers of all races that flock to that park during the hottest days.

The Sacramento Chapter of Buffalo Soldiers, a history group that pays homage to the U.S. Army’s Black 10th Cavalry of Company G, staged events at Negro Bar for many years, beginning in the 1990s up until the midContinued on page A2

California Moves One Step Closer to Granting

Parolees Right to Vote Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media Assemblymember Kevin McCarty’s (D-Sacramento) Assembly Constitutional Amendment 6 (ACA 6) passed out of the California State Senate last week.

The bill, known as the Free the Vote Act, will seek voters’ approval in the 2020 November election to restore voting rights to former inmates who are free from incarceration but still on parole.

Currently, in California, a person’s right to vote is suspended when they are imprisoned or on parole for a felony conviction, although they can vote while on probation, county post-release community supervision and federal supervised release.

Only two states, Maine and Vermont, allow people to vote while still incarcerated.

ACA 6 passed out the Senate with a 28-9 vote.

It’s been a long road for ACA 6 since it first passed out of the California Assembly with bipartisan support back in August 2019. About 48,000 people on parole would become eligible to vote should Californians approve the amendment.

“ACA 6 passed on the Senate Floor. To get to this day was not easy, and there’s still work to be done,” McCarty said in a Twitter post following the Senate vote. “But I am thrilled that Californians will have an opportunity to weigh in this November, and use their voice to give voice to others.”

ACA 6 is sponsored by the California Secretary of State Alex Padilla and jointly authored by Assemblymembers Dr. Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), and Rob Bonta (D-Oakland).

Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) also co-authored ACA 6.

Assemblymembers Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Kevin Mullin (D-San Mateo), Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay), Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), and Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles) sponsored the bill.

Last year, Nevada and Colorado restored voting rights to approximately 87,000 people on parole.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Local

Family Guy Actor to Stop Voicing Black Character

LOS ANGELES (AP) – “Family Guy’’ voice actor Mike Henry said Friday he is stepping down from the role of Cleveland Brown on the Fox animated series.

Henry wrote on Twitter that he will stop playing the show’s main African American character because “persons of color should play characters of color.’’ The 54-year-old voice actor, who is a white man, has voiced the character since the series’ debut in 1999.

Henry had also voiced the Latin maid named Consuela on the series.

His decision comes after voice actors Jenny Slate and Kristen Bell – who are white – pulled out of their roles to recast their biracial characters with someone of color. Slate played the mixed-raced Missy on Netflix’s “Big Mouth’’ and Bell was voiced as Molly on Apple TV Plus’s “Central Park.’’

Slate said she initially reasoned that she could play her character, because Molly’s mother is Jewish and white, just like her mom. But now, she understands that her initial thoughts were wrong.

“I acknowledge how my original reasoning was flawed,’’ Slate said. “That it existed as an example of white privilege and unjust allowances made within a system of societal white supremacy, and that in me playing Missy, I was engaging in an act of erasure of Black people.’’

Kaepernick’s Path to be Netflix Series LOS ANGELES (AP) – Colin Kaepernick is joining with Emmy-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay on a Netflix drama series about the teenage roots of the former NFL player’s activism.

“Colin in Black & White’’ will examine Kaepernick’s high school years to illuminate the experiences that shaped his advocacy, Netflix said Monday.

“Too often we see race and Black stories portrayed through a white lens,’’ Kaepernick said in a statement.

“We seek to give new perspective to the differing realities that Black people face. We explore the racial conflicts I faced as an adopted Black man in a white community, during my high school years.’’

Kaepernick, born to a white mother and Black father, was adopted in Wisconsin by a white couple who moved to California when he was a child.

In 2016, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback began kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality, drawing both support and criticism, with his detractors including President Donald Trump. Kaepernick became a free agent in 2017 but went unsigned.

Writing on the six-episode series was completed in May, the streaming service said. DuVernay, writer Michael Starrbury and Kaepernick are the executive producers.

Kaepernick will appear as himself as the limited series’ narrator, Netflix said. Further casting details and a release date were not immediately announced.

“With his act of protest, Colin Kaepernick ignited a national conversation about race and justice with farreaching consequences for football, culture and for him, personally,’’ DuVernay said in a statement. “Colin’s story has much to say about identity, sports and the enduring spirit of protest and resilience.’’

Kaepernick, who led the 49ers to the Super Bowl following the 2012 season, filed a grievance against the league in 2017, contending teams colluded to keep him out. The sides reached an undisclosed settlement in 2019.

The 32-year-old Kaepernick still wants an opportunity to play. A workout in Atlanta last November that was organized by the NFL turned chaotic and resulted in no job offers.

In the aftermath of nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell apologized to players for not listening to them earlier and encouraged them to protest peacefully.

Goodell says he’s encouraged teams to sign Kaepernick.

“This young man is talented enough to play in the National Football League,’’ league executive Troy Vincent said recently.

Removing John Wayne’s Racist Name SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) – In the latest move to change place names in light of U.S. racial history, leaders of Orange County’s Democratic Party are pushing to drop film legend John Wayne’s name, statue and other likenesses from the county’s airport because of his racist and bigoted comments.

The Los Angeles Times reported that earlier this week, officials passed an emergency resolution condemning Wayne’s “racist and bigoted statements’’ made in a 1971 interview and are calling on the Orange County Board of Supervisors to drop his name, statue and other likenesses from the international airport.

The resolution asked the board “to restore its original name: Orange County Airport.’’

“There have been past efforts to get this done and now we’re putting our name and our backing into this to make sure there is a name change,’’ said Ada Briceno, chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County.

According to those who crafted the resolution, the effort to oust Wayne, a longtime resident of Orange County who died in 1979, is part of “a national movement to remove white supremacist symbols and names (that are) reshaping American institutions, monuments, businesses, nonprofits, sports leagues and teams.’’

In a 1971 Playboy magazine interview, Wayne makes bigoted statements against Black people, Native Americans and the LGBTQ community. He said, “I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don’t believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people.’’ Wayne also said that although he didn’t condone slavery, “I don’t feel guilty about the fact that five or 10 generations ago these people were slaves.’’

The actor said he felt no remorse in the subjugation of Native Americans.

“I don’t feel we did wrong in taking this great country away from them. . (O)ur so-called stealing of this country from them was just a matter of survival,’’ he said. “There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves.’’

Wayne also called movies such as “Easy Rider’’ and “Midnight Cowboy’’ perverted, and used a gay slur to refer to the two main characters of the latter film.

Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner told the Times that he had just heard about the Democratic resolution and was unaware of its wording or merit.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

World & Nation

Scrubbing CA Landmarks of Racist Symbols — and the Word “Negro” Continued from page A1

2000s.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) has stated that it recognizes the seriousness of offensive public symbols and that their interpretations can change over time. The department welcomes feedback from the public.

“In response to comments received in 2018, the department has undertaken a review to better understand the public’s perspective about the name and its continued use,” CDPR stated on its website.

People who are not happy with the current name say

Negro is an archaic term for Black people. A petition to rename Negro Bar currently has more than 60,000 signatures.

But some Black people are in favor of staying with the current name. One of them is Jonathan Burgess, a native of Sacramento. His great-grandfather was an enslaved Black man whose owner brought him to California during the Gold Rush.

He says the current name is “part of history.”

He said changing the name would be a “miscarriage of justice” and he doesn’t consider Negro Bar offensive.

He added that some activists don’t have a great understanding of history, and that’s why they want to tear down all monuments.

However, Burgess is firmly against statues that honor Confederate officers. He said those statues lionize people who fought against their own country to maintain slavery.

“These were people who fought against our government,” he said. “Pull them down.”

The city of Folsom and the California State Parks’ Office of Historic Preservation have procured another African American landmark called Negro Hill.

Negro Hill, listed No. 570 in California Historical Landmarks Program, was an established community for African American, White, Asian, Spanish, and Portuguese miners founded by a Black man named “Kelsey.”

Negro Hill, comprising of “Little Negro Hill” and “Big Negro Hill” camps, was located across the South Fork of the American River from Mormon Island, according to Sierra Nevada Geotourism. It was first mined in 1848, four miles from Negro Bar. Negro Hill had a population of 1,200 by 1853. When laws were enacted to limit the rights of Black people in the 1850s, disenfranchisement forced the African Americans to leave Negro Hill.

What’s left of Negro Hill is now at the bottom of Folsom Lake, swallowed by an expanding lake basin. But the departed buried at the landmark town have been reinterred at the nearby Mormon Island Memorial Cemetery.

Michael Harris, a Sacramento activist who studies both Negro Bar and Negro Hill, ensured that the 36 gravesites received new headstones to keep the Gold Rush era community’s legacy alive.

More Monument Removals Around California The Statewide Coalition Against Racist Statues (SCARS) and numerous social justice partners celebrated the removal of the Capt. John Sutter statue from Sutter Park in Sacramento.

Sutter, an early settler of California’s capital city, is memorialized as a Gold Rush icon and Sacramento founding father, but, SCARS has stated that he “was actually a cruel and depraved slavemaster.” The removal of the statue, which was issued by the administration of Sutter Hospital, ends “the glorification of Indigenous genocides and ‘De-Sutters’ Sacramento,” SCARS said in a written statement.

“Being a Native American in Sacramento and seeing the idealization of a person who brought a reign of terror to our local Native tribes — and beyond — is triggering.

I grew up here, learned about Sutter in my primary school education, participated in the field trips to the fort that left me shocked,” wrote Vanessa Esquivido (Nor Rel Muk Wintu, Hupa, Xicana), an expert on Native American Studies, in a letter to CBM. In Antelope Valley, an inland area north of Los Angeles, Quartz Valley High School has ditched its Rebel mascot. And Fort Bragg, a small North Coast town with less than 8,000 residents, is considering changing

its name. The Confederate general Braxton Bragg, for whom the scenic seaside town is named, enslaved over 100 Black people.

On June 26, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to protect monuments, memorials, and statues.

Walker says the solution to preserving history without lifting up racist historical symbols is simple.

“Take all the monuments that have been removed and confiscated, put them in one place,” he said. “Put them in a museum, and say, ‘this is the Confederacy.’ This is how bad we’ve been in America. This is the real story.”

Minority-Owned Miestro.com Paves Faster, Simpler Path for the

Massive E-Learning Space Industry As social distancing and shelter at home became the newest challenge for burnt-out seasoned professionals to surmount in the era of COVID-19, one small company had already been helping frustrated corporate executives turn their expansive knowledge into robust revenue in the multi-billion-dollar e-learning industry.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Miestro.com is a small, minority-owned, but fast-growing player in the massive open online course (MOOC) industry and has been carving out its own space as a viable online course creation platform for authors, speakers, industry experts and entrepreneurs with small businesses.

“It’s never been a better time for professionals to leverage their knowledge and expertise and build recurring revenue through the development of online courses,” says Justin Burns, the 33-year-old founder of Miestro.com.

“Our platform was created to allow users to easily create comprehensive online courses and broadcast their expertise to the world in a matter of minutes,” he said.

As a result of his own success as a trained e-learning and education consultant, author and speaker, Burns is becoming known as the go-to authority when it comes to online selling success in the digital age. The author of the best-selling digital marketing book, “ExpertCode,” Burns has been instrumental in helping hundreds of course

creators fulfill their dreams of building and launching successful online courses.

Burns, who has built Miestro into a seven-figure earning company that incorporates the online course platform and personal success coaching in a few short years, had to overcome many personal and professional challenges and setbacks himself. However, he continues to leverage those lessons for the success of his own company, as well as the success of his course creation customers and coaching clients.

“There was a time when I was perceived as unlikely to ever achieve professional success because I was uninterested in education when I was younger, to the point where my family thought I might have a learning disability,” says Burns. “However, after a mentor taught me about the financial opportunities involved in online training and I began study it and leverage my natural speaking and selling abilities, my life and financial prospects started to change,” he shared. “I learned that when it comes to overcoming challenges, you have to learn to build your own boat and that’s what I’ve done with Miestro,” Burns said.

Enhancing user experience stays at the forefront of Miestro’s operation, so Burns recently revamped his branding and site offerings to increase ease of use, incentive badges and gamification and even allows course creators to

record their screens. Miestro.com is also a very cost-efficient option compared to some competitors, as its member programs provide the blueprint to walk course creators through specifically how to create their own customized courses. Prices range from $49 for basic program and opportunity to create three courses, to $199 for unlimited course creation opportunities and coaching features. The company also hosts online course education summits a few times a year, with one scheduled for July 31 to August 2, 2020.

Burns who was approached to be acquired by another company, says he’s in no rush to sell his company and is determined to build Miestro.com into a top tier learning management system (LMS) company and make his mark as the only black founder in the e-learning space.

“We live in a world where people need to have a great user experience and I’m excited that we have been getting great feedback on our revamped site that makes it easier, faster and more efficient for our members,” says Burns.

“Minorities are not really big players in this space, but Miestro.com is well-positioned to grow quickly and we’re excited about where we are and where we’re going as we continue to attract new members, including some very Justin Burns, the 33-year-old founder of Miestro. com well-known industry leaders,” he said.

Small Businesses File Bankruptcy Nearly 500 Using Increased Eligibility Limit Since February

New statistical table and analysis available on the American Banking Institute’s (ABI) SBRA Resources website show that 471 small businesses have elected to file for bankruptcy relief under new subchapter V to chapter 11 of the Code since it was enacted.

The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (SBRA) took effect on February 19, 2020, to provide a better path for small businesses to successfully restructure, reduce liquidations, save jobs and increase recoveries to creditors, and it also recognizes the value provided by entrepreneurs.

In response to the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the CARES Act on March 27 increased the eligibility limit for small businesses looking to file under subchapter V from $2,725,625 of debt to $7,500,000. The threshold will return to $2,725,625 after 1 year.

While no official (e.g., government) figures on

subchapter V cases have been released to date, ABI’s Ed Flynn compiled the figures after a case-by-case review of records from the PACER system. A consultant and special editor to the ABI Journal, Flynn previously worked for more than 30 years at the Executive Office for U.S. Trustees and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. In addition to providing the monthly totals of subchapter V elections, he included an analysis of the filings on the SBRA Resources website that also breaks down the subchapter V elections by circuit.

“The data on subchapter V elections and additional analysis from Ed Flynn will help provide a better picture to practitioners, researchers and the public about how struggling small businesses are utilizing the new law,” said ABI Executive Director Amy Quackenboss. “These statistics, and the wealth of information contained within ABI’s SBRA Resources site, make the site an invaluable reference.”

ABI launched the “SBRA Resources” website in

February to help practitioners and struggling small businesses learn about the new law and stay updated on SBRA developments. The site features information on ABI events on the new law, FAQs about the SBRA, an infographic, the legislative history of the SBRA, informative videos of ABI presentations on the SBRA, updated news and commentary, articles from the ABI Journal and ABI committee newsletters, and more.

ABI is the largest multi-disciplinary, nonpartisan organization dedicated to research and education on matters related to insolvency. ABI was founded in 1982 to provide Congress and the public with unbiased analysis of bankruptcy issues. The ABI membership includes nearly 11,000 attorneys, accountants, bankers, judges, professors, lenders, turnaround specialists and other bankruptcy professionals, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information.

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While no official (e.g., government) figures on subchapter V cases have been released to date, ABI’s Ed Flynn compiled the figures after a case-by-case review of records from the PACER system. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A3

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TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP SLOW THE SPREAD. Learn more at coronavirus.gov

wing bases: (a) the certification not executed his A4 capacity as Chairman of the Board ofwas Supervisors, ​consentsby to the Certifying BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER brought to enforce responsibilities relation the environmental has omitted a step or failed toinmake a to decision or finding required by een satisfied. approvalas of applicable; the certification satisfies its omitted one ns at 40 CFRHUD’s 1500-1508, (c) the RE has s and allows the County of Kern to PUBLIC use Program funds.

NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE on of the Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Study ble; (d) theOF grant recipient or other participant in the development O RELEASE FUNDS es not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before release of funds and RE) Request State for Release of Funds and Environmental Certification r Federal, or local agency has submitted a written finding that mission date specified above or its receiptofofSupervisors, the request n his capacity as Chairman ofactual the Board ​consents in to ronmental quality.

Objections must be prepared and submitted ng bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying is brought shall to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental 58.76) be addressed to HUD Environmental Officer), s omittedand a step or failed to make a decision or (Attn: finding required by been satisfied.

HUD’s approval ofRE the satisfies its 4054, Los Angeles, CA or certification contact by phone (213) seet, at 40Ste. CFR 1500-1508, as applicable; (c) 90012 the has omitted one ties and allowsPotential theAssessment County oforKern to use contact Program funds. of 894-8133. the Environmental Environmental Impact Study 3) objectors should HUD to verify the

Legal Notices

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2391 Doing business as: 7 ELEVEN 38530A at 1900 Union Ave, Bakersfield, Ca. 93305 Mailing Address: 5901 Moonlight Peak Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 County: Kern Full name of registrant: GREWAL H & R, INC., CA, 5901 Moonlight Peak Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: HARDEEP SINGH GREWAL 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: May 21, 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 May 21, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 10, 17, 24, July 1, 2020 �������������������������������

e; (d) the grant recipient or other participant in the development not RELEASE authorized byOF 24 FUNDS CFR Part 58 before release of funds and TO Federal, State or local agency has submitted a written finding that his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, ​consents in to nmental quality.

Objections must be prepared and submitted (RE) Request for Release of Funds and Environmental s.76) brought to enforce responsibilities relation to the environmental and shall be addressed to HUDin(Attn: Environmental Officer), Certification PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN MODIFACTIONS ONLY:phone een satisfied.

HUD’s approval of theor certification satisfies itsof the request et, Ste. 4054, Los Angeles, CAabove 90012 contact by (213) bmission date specified or its actual receipt ACT (Government Code Section 54953.2) es and bases: allowsPotential the(a) County of Kernshould to use contact Program funds.

894-8133. objectors HUD to verify the wing the certification was not executed by the Certifying

uralomitted Resources Department has a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by O RELEASE OF FUNDS Development ons at 40 CFRDivision 1500-1508, as applicable; (c) the RE has omitted one M” Suite 250 of Funds onStreet, of the Environmental Assessment or Environmental RE) Request for Release and Environmental Certification Impact Study mission date above or its actual of the request ble; (d)(Government the specified grant recipient or 54953.2) otherreceipt participant in the developmentNOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINd, 93301 CTCalifornia Code Section ng bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying ESTATE OF es not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before release of funds and GLADYSISTER MARIE MONTGOMERY, ral Resources Department :as (661) 862-5020 aka GLADYS M. MONTGOMERY, omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by aka GLADYS MONTGOMERY erevelopment Federal, State or local agency has submitted a written finding that Division CASE NUMBER: se:at(661) 40 CFR862-5052 1500-1508, as applicable; (c) the RE has omitted one BPB-20-002069 To all heirs, beneficiaries, Street, Suite 250 quality.Assessment Objections must be prepared and submitted in creditors, nironmental of the Environmental or Environmental Impact Study contingent ay: (800) 735-2929 creditors, and persons who ,e; California 93301 otherwise be interested (d) theand grant recipient or other participant the development 58.76) shall be addressed to HUDin(Attn: Environmental Officer),may in the will or estate, or both, of GLADYS MARIE MONTGOMERY, not authorized by 24 Part 58 CA before release funds and 661) 862-5020 eet, Ste. 4054, LosCFR Angeles, 90012 orofcontact by phone (213) akaakaGLADYS M. MONTGOMERY, GLADYS MONTGOMERY Federal, State or local agency has submittedindividuals a written finding that need specialA PETITION ersons with disabilities.

Disabled who :3) (661) 862-5052 FOR PROBATE has 894-8133. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify thebeen filed by JANET HARRIS; onmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN MODIFACTIONS ONLY:

:Board (800) 735-2929 of Supervisors

GORDON MONTGOMERY in the Superior Court of California, may request assistance at the Clerk of the County of KERN 8.76) and shall be addressed to HUD (Attn: Environmental Officer), 1215 Truxtun Ave Bakersfield, 93301 nue, Bakersfield, California or or bycontact calling 868-3585 or viaCa. et, Ste. 4054, Los Angeles, CA 90012 by (661) phone (213) Branch Name: METRO rsons with disabilities.

Disabled individuals who need special DIVISION 894-8133.

Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the THE PETITION FOR PROBATE ade accommodate individuals with that JANET HARRIS Boardtoof reasonably Supervisors may request assistance at the Clerk of thedisabilities by requests be appointed as personal representative to administer ats.

Requests California for assistance should(661) be made fiveor(5) estate of the decedent. e, Bakersfield, or by calling 868-3585 viaworking daysthe THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, eACT to reasonably accommodate individuals disabilities by if any, be admitted to probate.

(Government Code Sectionwith 54953.2) The will and any codicils are available for examination in s.

Requests for assistance should be made five (5) working days the file kept by the court. tural Resources Department THE PETITION requests authority to administer the ACT (Government Code Section 54953.2) estate under the independent Development Division Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the ral Resources Department personal representative to take many actions without M” Street, Suite 250 obtaining court approval.

Development Division Before taking certain very important actions, however, California ”ld, Street, Suite 25093301 the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless 93301 :, California (661) 862-5020 they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent (661) 862-5020 le: (661) 862-5052 administration authority will be granted unless an interested : (661) 862-5052 person files an objection to the petition and shows good ay: (800) 735-2929 cause why the court should y: (800) 735-2929 https://kernplanning.com/community-development-2/

https://kernplanning.com/community-development-2/

July 17, 2020.

July 17, 2020.

PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETING

PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETING

PUBLIC HEARING FOR CON PLAN AND ACTION PLAN on August 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.,

PUBLIC HEARING FOR CON PLAN AND ACTION PLAN on August 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.,

goldenj@kerncounty.com

not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: October 30, 2020 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: P Room: located at 1215 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided on Probate Code section 9100.

The time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above.

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Michael R. Young, SBN 39491 The Law Offices of Young & Nichols 1901 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 Telephone: (661) 861-7911 Email: myoung@youngnichols. com Attorney For: Janet Harris

rsons withwith disabilities.

Disabled individuals who need special persons disabilities.

Disabled individuals who need special of Supervisors may request assistanceassistance at the Clerk at of the eBoard Board of Supervisors may request the Clerk of the ue, Bakersfield, California or by calling (661) 868-3585 or via nue, Bakersfield, California or by calling (661) 868-3585 or via de to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities by ade to reasonably accommodate with s. Requests for assistance should be madeindividuals five (5) working daysdisabilities by ats. Requests for assistance should be made five (5) working days

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 17, 24, July 1, 2020 �������������������������������

Published Bakersfield News Observer June 1, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2500 Doing business as: DURAN PROPERTIES at 5401 Business Park South #107, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Mailing Address: 18039 Crenshaw Blvd Ste 307, Torrance, Ca. 90504 County: Kern Full name of registrant: EVERARDO DURAN, 3814 W 184th Street, Torrance, Ca. 90504 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: EVERARDO DURAN 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: June 8, 2020 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 June 8, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E)

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUB: June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 2020 �������������������������������

court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided on Probate Code section 9100.

The time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above.

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

Petitioner: Cynthia Biggs 5500 Lennox Avenue #10 Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Telephone: (661) 742-0368 Email: crbiggs@live.com

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2537 Doing business as: THE KITCHEN at 1317 20th Street, Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: HJR INVESTMENTS, LLC., CA, 1317 20th Street, Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: JERAMY BROWN, MEMBER The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 10/13/17 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: June 9, 2020 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 June 9, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2552 2020-B2553 Doing business as: BE A DIVA / BEADIVALASHCO at 3461 S Chester Ave #13, Bakersfield, Ca. 93304 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: ANGEL MARTIN, 3461 S Chester Ave #13, Bakersfield, Ca. 93304 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: ANGEL MARTIN 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: June 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 June 10, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2555 Doing business as: M & S HOLDINGS at 5215 Ashe Road, Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: MARK J. ASHLEY, 3031 21st Street, Bakersfield, Ca. 93301-3130 Full name of registrant: SUSAN M. ASHLEY, 3031 21st Street, Bakersfield, Ca. 93301-3130 The business is conducted by: Married Couple SIGNED: MARK J. ASHLEY The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 03/02/1998 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: June 10, 2020 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 June 10, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 2020 �������������������������������

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF DOUGLAS RAY SHIPPEY CASE NUMBER: BPB-20-002292 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of DOUGLAS RAY SHIPPEY A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CYNTHIA BIGGS in the Superior Court of California, County of KERN 1215 Truxtun Ave Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 Branch Name: METROPOLITAN THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CYNTHIA BIGGS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval.

Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: August 21, 2020 Time: 10:30 a.m. Dept: P Room: located at 1215 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 24, July 1, 8, 2020 �������������������������������

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2571 Doing business as: 7 ELEVEN 38654A at 3130 24th St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 Mailing Address: 9708 Riata Lane, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 County: Kern Full name of registrant: LYLA ENTERPRISES INC., CA, 9708 Riata Lane, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: SAADAT KHAN, 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: June 12, 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 June 12, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 2020 ������������������������������� ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER BCV-20-101335 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 PETITION OF: CHRISTINE MARIA YOUNG SERXNER FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: CHRISTINE MARIA YOUNG SERXNER for a decree changing names as follows: Present name CHRISTINE MARIA YOUNG SERXNER Filed a petition with this court Proposed name CHRISTINE MARIA YOUNG 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: Aug 17, 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: June 11, 2020 Linda S Etienne COURT COMMISSIONER Cindy Rodriguez DEPUTY CHRISTINE MARIA YOUNG SERXNER 12404 Locksley Drive Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 Phone: (650) 455-2601 E-Mail: cmyoung83@gmail.com IN PRO PER BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 24, July 1, 8, 15, 2020 ������������������������������� Public Notice: This is to notify the following persons that his/ her personal household and/or miscellaneous goods will be sold at publics auction or private sale.

Stor It Self Storage 4200 Patton Way Bakersfield, Ca 93308. The Sale will take place online at www. storagetreasures.com; the bidding will end July 8, 2020 at 6:00pm.

Oscar Vasquez K081 - Misc. Anitra Lashea Griffin E019 - Misc. Darryl Blackwell I002 - Misc. Angela Wiggins A058 - Misc.

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: June 24, July 1, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE been filed by STEVE GENTZ; JOYCE COOLAHAN in the Superior Court of California, County of KERN 1215 Truxtun Ave Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 Branch Name: METRO DIVISION THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that STEVE GENTZ; JOYCE COOLAHAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval.

Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: July 30, 2020 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: P Room: located at 1215 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided on Probate Code section 9100.

The time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above.

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

Attorney for Petitioner: William Edwards 237587 William Edwards Law 168 H Street Bakersfield, Ca. 93304 Telephone: (661) 324-0111 Email: weejlaw@yahoo.com Attorney For: Steve Gentz BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 1, 8, 15, 2020

������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2682 Doing business as: JED CONSULTING SERVICES at 4208 Rosedale Hwy, Suite 137, Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: JESSE DILLON, 4101 California Ave, #25, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: JESSE DILLON 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: June 18, 2020 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 June 18, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2699 Doing business as: BLUE BLAZER COUNSELING at 4208 Rosedale Hwy, Suite 302-249, Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: RICK ALLEN HOBBS, 3715 Burr Street, #18, Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: RICK HOBBS 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: June 19, 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 June 19, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020 �������������������������������

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NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF NANCY ROMMEL CASE NUMBER: BPB-20-002362 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of NANCY ROMMEL A PETITION FOR PROBATE has

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2734 Doing business as: ANIMAL EMERGENCY & URGENT CARE at 4300 Easton Drive, Suite 1, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: KERN ANIMAL EMERGENCY CLINIC, INC., CA, 4300 Easton Drive, Suite 1, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 The business is conducted by: Corporation

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE SIGNED: KATHERINE RATLIFF, DVM, PRESIDENT The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 10/27/1986 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: June 23, 2020 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 June 23, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2724 Doing business as: THERMO KING OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA at 529 Manwell Blvd, Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 Mailing Address: Same County: PO Box 2367, Fresno, Ca. 93745 Full name of registrant: THERMO KING FRESNO, INC., CA, 3247 E Anndale Ave, Fresno, Ca. 93725 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: KEVIN NILES, VP ADMIN The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 04/07/2015 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: June 23, 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

Legals

PUBLIC NOTICE 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 June 23, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020

������������������������������� SUMMONS FAMILY LAW CITACION DERECHO FAMILIAR CASE # MFL-20-000111 NOTICE TO RESPONSENT: AVISO AL DEMANDADO GAIL SMITH 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): CALVIN CLEMONS 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.

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 SelfHelp 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 FL120) 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

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A5

PUBLIC NOTICE 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) KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 1773 State Highway 58 Business Mojave, CA 93501 East Kern Division 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): Zari Hadjian 1430 Truxtun Blvd. 5th Floor Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 Telephone: (800) 806-1172 Date (Fecha): May 27, 2020 (SEAL) Tamarah Harber-Pickens Clerk (Actuario), Lacey Krull, Deputy BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020 �������������������������������

Features

Investment to Increase Voter Registration SPLC Announces $30 Million Investment NNPA Newswire Staff Report

• The SPLC and the Community Foundation will award The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) today announced it their first round of grants in early July and a second round later in the is investing up to $30 million from its endowment in voter outreach summer. Organizations that work with communities of color have been organizations in the Deep South to increase voter registration and invited to submit grant applications as part of the first round. The second participation among people of color with a lower propensity to vote. round will be conducted through an open Request for Proposals process.

The initiative, called Vote Your Voice, is focused on increasing voter Officials noted that Vote Your Voice builds on the SPLC’s ongoing participation specifically in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and voting rights work to enable every citizen in the Deep South the opportunity Mississippi, beginning in 2020 and running through 2022. to have their voice heard at the ballot box.

“This initiative is especially important right now, as millions of people In the past two years, the SPLC invested a combined $2 million to across the country feel the urgency to make our voices heard this fall after help pass the Amendment 4 ballot initiative in Florida and increase voter the continued silence from our leaders on the many Black people being registration and turn-out in Louisiana and Mississippi state elections. killed by police,” SPLC President and Chief Executive Officer Margaret Meanwhile, in federal courts, the SPLC has successfully Huang, said in a news release. sued Florida on its unconstitutional poll tax and has ongoing litigation “Voting won’t solve this problem the day after the election but in challenging Mississippi’s lifetime voting ban for citizens with certain felony order to begin dismantling white supremacy, we need to ensure that every convictions. voter of color is able to cast their ballot without interference or hardship.”

Since May of this year, the SPLC has filed litigation Huang continued: in Alabama and Louisiana to challenge election laws that force voters to “The work ahead of us will not be easy. The COVID-19 pandemic choose between participating in democracy and protecting their health. has and will continue to have a disproportionate impact on democratic Information regarding Vote Your Voice is available here, with a grant participation for communities of color who have been harmed most deeply application coming soon: https://www.splcenter.org/vote-your-voice by the health and economic crisis and who will encounter greater barriers to voter participation given the new risks of voting in person on Election Day.” Numerous organizations across the five states are working to promote voter participation and reach communities of color, returning citizens and young people, but they are struggling to secure resources to further their outreach amid the COVID-19 pandemic, an era of social distancing, and major economic recession, the SPLC said in a statement.

Vote Your Voice, a partnership with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta (Community Foundation), will administer grants up to a total of $30 million available for nonprofit-nonpartisan activities through 2022 as organizations navigate reaching their constituents amidst the pandemic and other obstacles.

“We are proud to partner with Southern Poverty Law Center to target education and mobilization efforts that support a robust, and fair, election process,” said Community Foundation Vice President of Community Lita Pardi.

“We must all work to end systemic barriers that deny our citizens their right to vote, especially in Black communities across the South.”

Other Vote Your Voice goals include: • Reconnecting with constituencies that historically and currently face barriers to voting, focusing on returning citizens, voters of color, and those who have been purged from voter rolls.

• Engaging voters who are often ignored by outreach programs, including low-propensity voters of color and voters of color who live outside of major metro areas.

• Building greater capacity for voter outreach work to combat voter suppression by providing multi-year support through the 2022 election cycle.

Since May of this year, the SPLC has filed litigation • Funding and supporting organizations that are led by in Alabama and Louisiana to challenge election laws that force people of color. voters to choose between participating in democracy and

Real Table Talk protecting their health. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

By Chaplain Debbie Walker, BSN, RN, OCN Texas Metro News Contributor Take a seat, take a breath, and let me walk you through a straightforward and truthful perspective on this new entity that is the topic of our conversations nowadays, Coronavirus, or COVID-19 which is now a part of everyday conversation. For the next few minutes, I will give some helpful insight for self-preservation, and some care tips for your family, your neighbors, and your community circles so that we can get through this together.

I have divided this into seven (7) Action Plans for each day of the week.

My prayer is that we shall get through this together, and that you and your family stay safe.

Action Plan I Self-Care: Take care of yourself and prevent yourself from being infected so you can take care of others. Simply stated, proper handwashing is your best protection. Wash your hands frequently and after touching common areas, follow shelter-in-place orders and travel restrictions, cough in the crook of your elbow, keep your hands away from your face, and call your health care provider if you feel ill.

Invest in a digital thermometer, take your temperature if it is 99.6f orally, and you have a cough and/or feel sick, call your physician, get tested at a testing site directed by your health care professional. Many areas have drive thru testing sites with certain criteria.

Until you are tested, stay away from others. A sixfoot social distance is important when you go outside for food, gas, exercise, and if you are and essential business or employee. Please pay attention to ever changing instructions.

Toss away the worries about not having hand sanitizer or paper towels, the medical community prefers that you wash your hands with soap and water for 20 to 30 seconds.

You may dry with a clean washcloth.

Low on toilet paper? Well there is nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned bath of a shower for complete cleansing. It is not necessary to purchase expensive bodywash, a bar of soap still does the job.

Our basic instincts of hygiene should kick in. I am attaching a great guide and link for effective hand washing from the World Health Organization (WHO): Feel free to attach this to all sink areas as a reminder. Sing “Happy Birthday” twice to make sure it is at least 20 seconds.

When you go out, use your knuckles to press elevator buttons, commonly used pin pads, open doors with your elbow, use your back if possible, and use hand sanitizer if you have it. If you do not have hand sanitizer, take your bar of soap in a plastic baggie with you and wash your hands (if there is no soap).

Never dry your hands on your shirt or pants.

I make it a practice of making hand hygiene the first thing I do when I enter my home, and or touch a common surface. Many will spray commonly touched areas with disinfectant spray such as doorknobs, keypads and handles.

Remember, keep a social distance of at least 6 feet when you are out. I have chosen to use self-check-out and take my own bag into the store.

Action Plan II Community Care: Consider for a moment who on your street, in your building, in your family, in your circles are disadvantaged by age (65 years or older), disability (physical and mental), and/or social (food insecure, laid off, or homeless), and reach out to them. If you have, share.

If you need, ask.

There is a well-known proverb of the monkey trap that shows how the monkey holds on tightly to the rice through a small hole in the coconut and is thus trapped by the idea of “what has worked in the past works now.” (The Book of Awakening, 2018) Only through generosity and care for one another, sharing as we are taught in grade school can we make it through this together. Bartering is an old way of economics that may very well be a survival techniques for a collective community.

Many of us have hidden artistic talents that in the absence of money may be our new business venture. Time is on our side. With many ecommerce sites, assisting others

with $5.00 can go a long way with meal planning. A bag of rice, pinto beans, and a pound of ground beef can feed a family of 4 dinner for about $5.00.

We must become creative with how we shop, perhaps spending an extra $5.00 at the store can buy a loaf of bread, a dozen eggs, and peanut butter for your neighbor. This puts everything in perspective now. Blessings will abound when they can return the favor.

Action Plan III Faith in Humanity: Be anxious for nothing, talk with one another. We are in this together, become creative with ways to connect with your circle. Make the old-school telephone calls to check on one another.

Use video conferencing mediums such as Zoom to create groups to have a fun evening out, to share your musical talents, and/or to share family events, prayer, stories, games. Sign up is FREE, attached is the link https:// zoom.us/signup Go into your hallways, your porches, your balcony,

9 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily to fight off infection according to Healthy Sleep 2020.

Take a moment to browse this link which also states that healthy sleep keeps blood sugar levels stable in diabetics as well. https://www.healthypeople. gov/2020/topicsobjectives/topic/sleep-health. In addition, daily exercise outdoors is great for your mental and physical health.

When was the last time you threw a baseball in the park, or rode your bicycle? A simple walk around the block does not cost anything. Drink 6-to-8 glasses of water (three to four 480 ml water bottles) daily unless you are on a fluid restriction. I like to add a wedge of lemon or lime for the vitamin C. If you are like me, and prefer tea, I make a mint tea with a little honey and lemon. Green tea is also an excellent choice as well. I avoid sugar, if possible and opt for honey. A list of inexpensive foods that I add to my pantry to keep me in good health are onions, garlic, greens, fresh ginger root, turmeric, tomatoes, oranges, pineapple (rich in Vitamin C and Zinc), Cinnamon, and red pepper flakes.

Action Plan V If you have credible information share it. Please do not share information that has not been verified, and/or is from untrusted news sites. Believe the responsible journalists and news sites. Make the adjustments with the most updated information.

If you have a degreed health care professional in your family, get updates from them if possible, and support them emotionally. We must flatten the curve so that our health care communities can take great care of those who must be hospitalized.

This is an excellent time to talk frankly with your loved ones regarding what their Advanced Directives to Physicians and Family or Surrogates, Medical Power of Attorney, and Out-of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate(DNR) Information forms filled out for your state. Be aware that most medical facilities will not allow visitors due to concerns for community spread, thus these documents are very important. I am attaching a link for Texas available in English and Spanish. https://hhs.texas.gov/lawsregulations/forms/ advance-directives.

Action Plan VI Routine for Sanity: Set a Routine and stick to it. It is very important to get out daily and smell the air, listen to the sounds, stretch your arms up to the sky. Is it sunny today? Are the clouds out? Is it raining? Life will continue.

If you can, dig into the earth and plant something that you can eat. Teach your children about gardening, even a small tomato plant on a balcony has powerful messages of sustaining one’s self. Watching a flower bloom for the first time is healing. Nurture one another, really listen. You may not agree with the other opinion, but allow the person to talk, two ears, one mouth is what our Creator gave us.

Play some old board games such as checkers, dominoes, truth or dare, or spades inside your home. Have the kids put on a talentshow. Have your own church service, share it with streaming.

Do you have a sewing machine? Make something together from a favorite clothing item, or T-shirt. See who comes up with the best idea. This is a time for families to reconnect. Put the cell phones down during this time.

Limit your intake of the news to just 1 to 2 hours per day and sit down and have a what is “news” in your life conversation. Cook together at home, sit at a table together, make meal prep stations, assign a Chef, and SousChef, add music, make it fun, post a menu for the night.

Set a Routine and stick to it. It is very important to get out daily and smell the air, listen to the sounds, stretch your arms up to the sky. Is it sunny today? Are the clouds out? Is it raining? Life will continue.

(Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

your stoops (6-foot distances) and introduce yourself. Be creative, have talent shows, share cooking tips (not the food), play guessing games. Group chat texts with humor can see you through. Do not be embarrassed to admit that you are struggling, share your tears and joys. Lift one another up.

If you are a faith community leader, check on your membership via way of a phone call, a text, a drop by their home (with social distance), to let them know they are not alone. This is the time to get a pet if you live alone, and/or a plant to have something depend on you.

Many animals are suffering during this outbreak, and many studies show how being a pet parent can help with loneliness. Many programs will give you free pet food.

Action Plan IV Healthy Cells: Keeping your immune system healthy by maintaining a balance between rest, activity, and nutrition. The cells charged in building our immunity must be cared for. It is recommended to get about 7 or

I have made an adjustment to purchase frozen fruits and vegetables which keep and store better. Wash your fresh produce prior to cooking, and try to shop during non-peak time, or during senior citizen/disabled times if you fall in this category.

Taking a brisk shower/bath daily will boost your circulation and help you to feel better. Remember your skin is an organ and keeping clean is very important, not just washing your hands. Try to reduce your stress levels by adding music if you are also struggling with difficult diagnoses such as cancer. (The Effects of Music Therapy on Anxiety and Depression of Cancer Patients, 2016).

Follow your provider’s directives for treatments, and make sure you have a 30 to 90-day supply of medications.

Many drug companies will assist with co-pays or reach out to the essential social workers to help you if you need assistance with your medications. Some pharmacies offer more cost-effective alternatives why you physician approval. Reading, prayer, journaling, painting, are also other therapies, and can pass the time.

Action Plan VII Illness/Recovery: What if you are sick and test positive? Notify your employer, circle, community that you have come into contact with so that they may get tested.

Strictly follow your health care professional’s advice. Know when to seek emergency medical attention. Look up your local municipality’s coronavirus support hotline, call them and tell the person answering that you think that you have COVID-19. Put a mask on to limit your potential to infect others that may be nearby.

When to Seek Medical Attention: If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

The following is a trusted link for up to date information: https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019- ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick. html#warningsigns Chaplain Debbie Walker, BSN, RN, OCN is the Executive Director of The American Black Cross, a 501(c) (3) NonProfit based in the Dallas, TX area. She is married to Ernest Walker, is a mother, an ordained minister and delivers community through print, radio and television since 1998, under 411Mag Ministries.

A6

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

Entertainment

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Opinion: Netflix and Pills — #BlackAF and the Downside of Popping Molly on TV Chida Rebecca California Black Media The Netflix series #blackAF ended its first season this spring, but its episodes live on, accessible to anyone who wants to watch them on the digital streaming service.

It stars Kenya Barris, creator of critically acclaimed Blackish (and its spinoffs Grown-ish and Mixed-ish), as a fictionalized version of himself. Barris and his co-stars in #blackAF uncover the “messy, unfiltered, and often hilarious world of what it means to be a ‘new money’ Black family trying to ‘get it right’ in a modern world where ‘right’ is no longer a fixed concept.”

In episode two of #blackAF, parents Kenya and Joya (Rashida Jones) decide to attend a festival where they seek to relive their twenties, deciding to go for a Molly do-over after a non-eventful first experience with the drug.

Though rich in satire, that episode – like the others – presents 2020’s African American family life as frenzied, hyper-honest and decidedly untraditional.

Maybe #blackAF’s aim is to get as close to reality TV as possible in its spoofing of Black Hollywood’s rich and famous. But even if it is just exaggerating fauxreality, uncensored drug use on the show still raises the question of how much responsibility media companies should bear when they jazz up their story lines with dangerous behavior for the sake of authenticity, comedic relief or dramatic effect.

“The responsibility we have as Black artists is the same as a doctor, a lawyer, a business leader or educator: To uplift our community,” said Rickerby Hinds, professor and chair of the Department of Theater and Digital Production at the University of California Riverside.

“And while that may sound like a cliché, it has proven to be the formula for the success of other communities,” said Hinds. “If we continue to “get mine” and get out, then our communities will continue to be the most affected by negative issues.”

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “[Molly or] 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic drug.”

Initially popular on the nightclub scene, Molly (slang for molecular) is “chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception.”

NIDA adds that “MDMA increases the activity of three brain chemicals” by producing increased activity and acts in the reward system to reinforce behaviors (Dopamine); it increases heart rate and blood pressure — which is especially problematic for individuals with heart and blood vessel problems (Norepinephrine); and it affects appetite, mood, sleep patterns, and other functions, triggering hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust. The release of the large amounts of (Serotonin) likely causes the emotional closeness, elevated mood, and empathy felt by those who use MDMA,” the NIDA adds.

Molly, the powdery substance, is usually sold in capsules. Sometimes dealers mix in other dangerous drugs like the deadly synthetic opioid Fentanyl, which is also used to lace marijuana cigarettes and other drugs. The death rate from Fentanyl overdoses is rising fastest among African Americans, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

Though blackAF’s second episode begins with Kenya and Joya’s emphatic opposition to drug use, they end up sauntering into their musical night out – VIP style and high “AF.” The evening culminates with Joya being escorted out of the festival on an ambulance gurney.

The show may have been entertaining, but experts say the reality is this: In “real life,” individuals battling depression and desiring escapism can become subliminally intrigued by even lighthearted portrayals of drug use — and they

Actress Rashida Jones and Producer Kenya Barris (Photo: Netflix)

may become curious about its enjoyable effects.

This is also true for opioid use.

Because of the increasing prevalence of Opioid use — due in part to people who voluntarily take them at first and then become addicted — over the last few years, the federal government as well as states around this country and community-based organizations have been placing emphasis on curbing the abuse of that particular class of prescription drugs.

While media coverage has largely presented opioid abuse a white rural epidemic, it is steadily growing in Black communities both in terms of use and the ways Blacks are disproportionately penalized for use and possession.

“The impact of opioid use in the Black community has been under-reported,” says Dr. Lenore Tate, a Sacramentobased psychologist who operates a private practice.

“Although the rate of opioid use is higher for Whites than it is for Blacks, death rates from opioid abuse and overdoses have been steadily increasing in the Black community for the past five years,” says Tate, who has served as a consultant to the California Legislature on public health.

According to the Addiction Center, Molly has served as a gateway drug for 92% of its first-time users ushering them to using other substances including marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin, one of the most wellknown opioids.

Whether it’s MDMAs like Molly; opioids like Percocet, OxyContin or Vicodin — or other harmful drugs, substance abuse continues to rise in the United States.

Across the United States in 2018, more than 10 million Americans misused opioids, according the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. About 67,000 people around the country died from overdoses.

In California, there were a total of 2,199 opioid overdose deaths in 2017, according to data compiled by the KFF, the Centers for Disease Control and the National Center for Health Statistics. Blacks accounted for 147 of those fatalities; Hispanics, 483; and White deaths totaled 1,397.

Opioid abuse also contributes to the high rate of homelessness in California, the highest in the United States, according to the California Department of Public Health.

With such staggering statistics, shouldn’t the world of entertainment use more discretion with the content it creates?

Tate points out that the media may present an image with only “a kernel of truth,” but that may be enough to “subtly distort reality” for some viewers who might associate a specific group with those “shared attributes or characteristics.”

From negative portrayals of Blacks in America’s first 3-reel silent film, “The Birth of a Nation,” and similarly controversial depictions in 1970s era Blaxploitation films to violent “gangster rap” videos of the 1980s and the reality TV explosion of the 1990s until now, some experts say the media has been a major force in shaping how Blacks are viewed by the American public.

“The media has historically had a significant impact in contributing to racism through reinforcing negative

stereotypes, glamorizing substance abuse, sexuality and criminal activity,” Tate explains.

For content creators like Tamera Hill, a San Diego based screenwriter, producer, and director, the power of the creative pen carries a lot of weight and should not be taken lightly.

“A writer’s purpose is to persuade, inform, and entertain. I’ve always treated the gift of writing as an oath to God and my community,” she said.

“We have a plethora of platforms now and our voices can be heard,” Hill continued. “I choose not to waste it on frivolous stories that do not build, encourage, or inspire.

Media is a powerful tool. Our words turn into images and affect culture and trends in our community. We are responsible.”

Instead of leaving the substance abuse prevention messaging to Hollywood, programs like the MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) Access Points Project are educating individuals about the dangers and prevalence of opioid use.

The public awareness campaign titled “Choose Change California” provides information on opioid use disorder and a list of centers across the state where people addicted to opioids can go for Medication Assisted Treatment and community-based wraparound services. The campaign is a collaboration operated by Sacramento- and Fresno-based The Center at Sierra Health Foundation and funded through the California Department of Public Health MAT Expansion Project.

OWN Network Hit is Number One

GREENLEAF Willie Brown, Jr. Is Not Dead

Willie Brown Jr.,at the San Francisco Sun Reporter Talented 25 reception March 4, 2016. (CBM File Photo)

Staff California Black Media Former California Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, Jr., is not dead.

On the June 28 broadcast of the 2020 BET Awards, the network included Brown’s image and name in a video montage of famous African Americans who have died within the last year. The tribute included Diahann Carroll, Bill Withers, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, Pernell Whitaker and others.

“I can confirm that Mayor Willie Brown is very much alive and not deceased,” said Amelia AshleyWard, publisher of the Sun-Reporter, San Francisco’s longest running African American newspaper and a California Black Media partner.

Ashley-Ward said she had spoken to Brown earlier in the evening. He received roughly 200 back-toback calls after BET aired the tribute, according to Ashley-Ward.

Brown, 86, still lives in the Bay Area. He served in the California Assembly for a little over 30 years from 1964 to 1995 — 15 of which he was Speaker of that lower house of the California legislature.

After that, San Franciscans elected Brown mayor in 1995. He served in that capacity until 2004.

Its more than likely that BET intended to honor one of Brown’s namesakes, another famous African American with California ties: ProFootball Hall of Famer Willie Ferdie Brown.

The NFL cornerback played 16 seasons in the league for the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders. After that, he also coached the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders from 1979 -1988.

Coach Brown died in October of 2019 in Tracy.

He was 78.

By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. NNPA Newswire Entertainment and Culture Editor The fifth and final season premiere of OWN’s hit megachurch drama “Greenleaf ” (6/23/20) delivered 1.9 million viewers and ranked as Tuesday night’s #1 cable telecast in OWN’s key demographic of women 25-54, which is up +2% from last season’s premiere. The acclaimed drama from Lionsgate, award-winning writer/executive producer Craig Wright (“Lost,” “Six Feet Under”), and executive producers Clement Virgo (“Empire”), Kriss Turner Towner (“Black Monday”), and Oprah Winfrey was also the night’s #1 telecast across all broadcast and cable for African-American women.

Greenleaf stars Merle Dandridge as Grace Greenleaf; Keith David as Bishop James Greenleaf; Lynn Whitfield as Lady Mae Greenleaf; Kim Hawthorne as Kerissa Greenleaf; Lamman Rucker as Jacob Greenleaf; and Deborah Joy Winans as Charity Greenleaf-Satterjee.

In addition, the season premiere of “Greenleaf ” ranked as the #1 most social scripted series across all of broadcast and cable, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, on Tuesday night (non-sports).

OWN was Tuesday night’s #2 cable network among women 25-54 with “Greenleaf ” the #1 cable telecast in the key demo. OWN was Tuesday night’s #1 network on all of television, including broadcast and cable, for African American women and total viewers.

Currently, OWN has four of the Top 20 original scripted series (“The Haves and the Have Nots,” “Greenleaf,” “If Loving You Is Wrong,” “Cherish the Day”) on ad-supported cable among women 25-54, which is more

than any other network.

In the second episode of the fifth and final season of “Greenleaf ” tomorrow night (Tuesday June 30 at 9:00 p.m.

ET/PT), Noah (Benjamin Patterson) returns to Memphis to help Grace (Merle Dandridge) with A.J (Jacob Gibson), offering her stability in a world that’s upside-down and spinning out of her control. Bishop (Keith David) and Lady Mae (Lynn Whitfield) take a walk through their history when they visit Mavis’s club as a potential venue for their future. Jacob (Lamman Rucker) continues to dig into the past and uncovers a shocking revelation about the history of the Greenleaf family home.

Source: The Nielsen Company; Nielsen Social Content Ratings. Ranked by total interactions.

“Greenleaf ” has garnered ten NAACP Image Award nominations, including wins for Outstanding Drama Series in 2020, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2019 and 2020 (Lynn Whitfield). The “Greenleaf ” Soundtrack Volume Two was named Outstanding Gospel/ Christian Album (Traditional or Contemporary) by the NAACP Image Awards in 2018. The series has also been recognized by the Alliance for Women in Media’s Gracie Allen Awards and by the Black Reel Awards for Television.

“Greenleaf ” is produced for OWN by Lionsgate in association with Harpo Films and Pine City. Executive producers are Oprah Winfrey, Craig Wright, Kriss Turner Towner, and Clement Virgo.

A “Greenleaf ” spinoff, currently in development with Lionsgate, was announced in May 2020.

Viewers can now catch up on the show’s complete four seasons on Netflix.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

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California Black News Brief: Stories to Watch California DMV Resumes Driving Tests; Asks for Your Patience

The DMV has also extended the enforcement date for REAL ID, the state’s enhanced identification card to Oct. 1, 2021, a year later than previously announced. After that, travelers will need a REAL ID to travel through T.S.A. checkpoints and to access federal facilities.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began administering behind-the-wheel drive tests June 26, after a long suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DMV will only be accepting previously cancelled test appointments, and will make changes to increase the amount of tests each office can administer each day.

Even with plans to increase testing hours, the DMV still expects it will take several weeks to get through these tests and begin accepting new appointments. DMV Director Steve Gordon said, “I’m asking for everyone’s patience as we safely clear the backlog of behind-the-wheel drive test appointments. For all of those Californians who have been waiting, we know how important this is to you.”

The DMV initially opened on June 11 to customers who had existing appointments, and for transactions that could only be completed in-person, including paying registration for impounded vehicles, applying for a reduced-fee ID card, or reinstating a suspended or revoked driver’s license. According to the D.M.V. website, new appointments are not currently available.

There will be new testing protocols for behind-thewheel drive tests to comply with social distancing. All applicants will have to wear a face mask throughout and answer screening questions before the exam. Temperature checks will also be taken in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, and will expand statewide in the coming weeks.

The DMV’s test administrators will also give applicants pre-test instructions outside of the vehicle. They will wear face coverings and gloves, and will place plastic covers on the passenger seat and floorboard of each test vehicle. Also, at least two windows will need to be down throughout the test for increased ventilation.

On June 24, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, along with leaders of multiple California legislative caucuses, urged California residents to stand up to hate by reporting suspected hate crimes in a powerful video. AG Becerra office’s website also released sharable digital resources in 14 languages to inform the public about hate crimes.

The video featured the respective chairs of the California Legislative Black Caucus, California Latino Legislative Caucus, California Legislative Women’s Caucus, California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, California Legislative Jewish Caucus and the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.

“It’s going to take all of us working together to take on hate and its corrosive effects on our society,” said Attorney General Becerra. “That’s why we stand united against hate and we hope you’ll join us in fighting back.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime, report it.

“Millions of us call this state home —we won’t let trumped up rhetoric tear us apart. No matter where you’re from, who you love, or how you worship, it takes all of us to build a better place and a better future for our children.”

The state Department of Justice’s renewed commitment to fighting hate crimes comes in the wake of increased reports of hate incidents and crimes that have accompanied the George Floyd protests and the hateful rhetoric surrounding COVID-19.

“I commend Attorney General Becerra for bringing

Quinci LeGardye California Black Media

“Stand Up:” California AG Shares Resources to Fight Hate Crimes

together this coalition of legislators to speak out against hate and bigotry,” said California State Senator Scott Wiener. “Especially after last month — when, in an episode highlighting the structural racism embedded deep in our society, George Floyd, a Black man, was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer — we must stand firmly against racism and hate.”

According to the Attorney General’s office, a hate crime is defined under California law as a criminal act committed, in whole or in part, because of the victim’s race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Hate incidents are separate and defined as non-criminal actions or behaviors motivated by hate, including name-calling, insults and distributing hate material in public places.

The Attorney General’s office also advises actions for people to take if they believe they’ve been the victim of a hate crime, including writing down exact words used and relevant facts of the incident, saving all evidence and photos, and getting the contact information of other victims and witnesses.

Cal AG, City Attorneys Go After Uber and Lyft

On June 24, a coalition consisting of the California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the City Attorneys of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco announced plans to file a preliminary injunction motion to require Uber and Lyft to immediately stop misclassifying their drivers as independent contractors.

The injunction motion follows the coalition’s lawsuit against Uber and Lyft, which alleges “that Uber’s and Lyft’s misclassification of drivers deprives workers of critical workplace protections such as the right to minimum wage and overtime, and access to paid sick leave, disability insurance, and unemployment insurance,” according to a June 24 press release from the Attorney General’s office.

With this bold move in their legal battle against the two biggest ride-hailing companies, the Attorney General and city attorneys argue that immediate action needs to be taken, and that the companies’ misclassification harms the public by depriving the state of tax revenue and depriving their drivers of employment protections.

“Misclassifying your workers as ‘consultants’ or ‘independent contractors’ simply means you want your workers or taxpayers to foot the bill for obligations you have as an employer — whether it’s paying a legal wage or overtime, providing sick leave, or providing unemployment insurance. That’s not the way to do business in California,” said Attorney General Becerra.

“Now more than ever drivers need these benefits,” said San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera. “Despite a campaign of misinformation, nothing prevents Uber and Lyft from properly classifying drivers and giving them flexibility.”

The motion is the Attorney General’s latest step towards enforcing AB 5, California’s worker misclassification law.

Uber and Lyft have spoken against the law since it was passed September 2019, claiming that their business would be adversely affected.

In a press statement, an Uber spokesman argued that the company’s drivers value their independence. “When over 3 million Californians are without a job, our elected leaders should be focused on creating work, not trying to shut down an entire industry,” the statement read.

According to Lyft’s statement, the company believes “the courts should let the voters decide. Trying to force drivers to give up their independence 100 days before the election threatens to put a million more people out of work at the worst possible time.”

Uber and Lyft have funded a campaign for a ballot measure in the November election, which would override AB 5 to classify ride-hail drivers as independent contractors and enact labor and wage policies, healthcare subsidies and occupational accident insurance for ride-hail drivers.

Kern Behind State In Ben Crump Heralded Census Response; as Black America’s New Push For Participation Begins Attorney General

By Janell Gore South Kern Sol The U.S Census Bureau has begun dropping off 2020 Census questionnaire packets in Kern County.

Census Bureau workers will make a stop at more than 9,000 homes throughout the County, according to the Census Bureau.

This will consist of leaving the questionnaire at the front door of homes who do not receive mail. This operation will help ensure a complete and accurate count of all communities, which helps guide hundreds of billions of dollars in public and private sector spending per year.

Kern County is behind the state in response rates.

Only 56 percent of Kern households have responded, while 62 percent of the state’s households have responded.

Kern is just one of many counties where this will be

taking place. The Census Bureau will deliver 2020 Census invitations and paper questionnaires at the front doors of roughly 5.1 million stateside households and a total of 12,464 households in the counties of Kern, Kings, and Tulare, the news release says.

The Census Bureau began hand-delivering census materials on March 15, but suspended all fieldwork for this operation on March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

The Census Bureau is encouraging those who have not responded to the Census to do so. People have until Oct. 31 to respond.

People can fill out census questionnaire online using their census ID number, by phone, or mail.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic they will keep this contactless to meet the approval of health regulations.

Attorney Benjamin L. Crump, Esq. (Courtesy Photo)

Momentous events can occur in an instant, but more often they emerge after a long build-up.

The explosion of protests all over the world was such a moment following the George Floyd killing. And Ben Crump who has been called the African American family emergency plan received yet another call from an African American family who was devastated unexpectedly by an unjustifiable killing at the hands of the police.

This is not out of the ordinary for the North Carolina native Ben Crump who moved to South Florida when he was 12 years old. He first received national recognition when he represented 14-year-old Martin Lee Anderson who was killed at the Bay County Sheriff’s Boot Camp in 2006. Crump advocated for the family and received the largest settlement from the state of Florida for wrongful death. He worked with the Black Conference of State Legislators to close boot camps in the state.

Crump rose to international prominence when he represented the family of Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old child who was killed by neighborhood watchman George ZImmerman in 2012.

Most recently, Crump has represented three of the most high profile cases in America today in his representation of the families of Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot while jogging in Brunswick, Georgia, and Breonna Taylor, gunned down in her bed by Louisville police in Kentucky. But his role in the movement stretches back more than a decade and includes the cases of Michael Brown and Tamir Rice, as well as Corey Jones, Pamela

Attorney Benjamin L. Crump, Esq. (Courtesy Photo)

Turner, Botham Jean, Stephon Clark and others. \ His face and voice are everywhere – from rallies to funerals, from cable news to a recent profile in the Washington Post. At Floyd’s Houston funeral, the former President of the National Bar Association was introduced by the Rev. Al Sharpton as “Black America’s attorney general.”

Ben Crump’s passion for civil rights and justice goes back to his childhood in small Lumberton, NC, where he attended his first integrated school in fourth grade and came to idolize Thurgood Marshall. His family moved to Florida when he was in middle school and he got his undergraduate and law degrees from Florida State University. The 50-year-old Crump is the founder and principal of Ben Crump Law, which has grown to over eight offices across the country, but he never forgot his Lumberton, North Carolina, roots.

He began his law practice handling personal injury cases, but his determination to right wrongs and achieve justice spans the spectrum from fighting for Black Americans killed by police to ensuring restitution for poor residents subject to environmental toxins. His current workload includes cases accusing Flint, MI, of poisoning Black residents though a tainted public water supply and Johnson & Johnson of targeting Black women with talcum powder that causes ovarian cancer.

Crump is widely known as the go-to attorney when police violate the rights of Black men and women. And, sadly, those cases abound: Even though they make up less than 13% of the U.S. population, Blacks are more than twice as likely as whites to be shot and killed by law enforcement.

In an era when cell phone videos and bodycams are capturing acts of police misconduct and keeping the cases front and center, there is no end in sight for Ben Crump’s work on behalf of victims. He is simultaneously encouraged and concerned about the necessary shift in public opinion in the wake of the 8 minutes and 46 seconds that took George Floyd’s life.

“I’m not stunned that this is happening in 2020. It takes extraordinary effort in America for Black people to get simple justice,” Crump, said in that Washington Post profile. “I feel like I’m running out of time.”

“If we don’t change the culture and the behavior of policing in America, we will continuously see our children killed and become hashtags - more than we can keep up with.”

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Wednesday, July 1, 2020