BAKE 7.15.20 4C

News Observer Bakersfield

Volume 46 Number 45

Serving Kern County for Over 46 Years

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Hooking Small Businesses Up

Quinci LeGardye California Black Media Gov. Newsom says he wants to help small businesses.

Combined, they are a major economic engine in the state.

He wants them to get online quicker and expand their markets to reach new customers in cyberspace. This is as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hammer their bottom lines and change the way we shop.

To that end, the governor declared July 2020 “California for All Small Business Month” in a proclamation issued July 8.

“With local businesses across the state working to meet unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 crisis, California for All Small Business Month is an important time to recognize their essential contributions to our state, and each do our part to help California’s diverse small businesses recover and thrive,” reads the proclamation.

African American business owners and advocates across the state are optimistic. The much-needed assistance Gov. Newsom has announced in a time of crisis, they say, will enable them to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global marketplace.

“95% of the world customers are outside of the United States. As small businesses learn to pivot as a result of the Covid pandemic, it is imperative that they have the online presence and access to capital to reach those potential clients,” said Gene Hale, president of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC). “ Supporting local businesses will help stimulate those communities and invigorate job growth.”

The Small Business Month proclamation coincided with the start of “Calling All Californians: #ShopSafeShopLocal,” a new campaign the governor’s office is leading.

The #ShopSafeShopLocal campaign encourages shoppers in California to help small businesses operate safely during the pandemic. It also provides small business owners with resources to help them improve their online presence, including free website development and digital marketing.

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development has partnered with leading tech companies in the state, including Google, eBay, Square and Yelp, to provide services to small businesses, including free online advertising, free websites, and COVID-19 relief. They will also connect California businesses with under 750 employees to shipping companies that can help them set up e-commerce deliveries.

“Local has taken on a new meaning and California’s beloved small businesses need our help now more than ever,” said Isabel Guzman, co-chair of the Small Business Subcommittee and Director of the state’s Office of the Small Business Advocate, in an OpEd she co-authored with Sarah Friar, who is co-chair of the Small Business Subcommittee and CEO of San Francisco-based Nextdoor.

The Press Enterprise, a Riverside County media outlet, published their statement.

Nextdoor is a San Francisco-based company that provides a hyper-local social networking platform to connect people with each other and to businesses and resources in their community.

“Supporting nearby stores, business owners, and

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Man Pleads Not Guilty to Rape, Murder of Teen He Met Online

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) – A Southern California man has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he raped and killed a 13-year-old girl he met online, then set her body on fire.

Armando Cruz, 24, of Inglewood, entered pleas Tuesday to a dozen charges including murder, kidnapping and rape in the July 2 death of Patricia Alatorre of Bakersfield.

He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Cruz met the teenager on social media and he sent her an explicit photo while she sent him more than 20 nude images of herself and met him on two occasions, Bakersfield police alleged in court documents.

On the first occasion, Cruz drove from Los Angeles north to to Bakersfield, about 90 miles away, where he forced her to perform oral sex, police said.

The second time they met, the girl didn’t want to go with him but he drove the girl away from their meeting place, forced her to perform oral sex and then raped the screaming girl and strangled her, performing more more sex acts on her body before dousing it in lighter fluid and setting her on fire, police alleged.

Cruz was arrested on Sunday after authorities located his pickup truck, which matched one the girl was seen entering before she vanished, authorities said.

(Shutterstock Photo)

local employees, as they modify operations to slow the spread of COVID-19, is an essential commitment to our community,” Guzman and Friar wrote.

In addition to resources from business partners, the campaign’s website includes links to state and county industry guidance, free business consulting, and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association’s personal protective equipment (PPE) marketplace. The online portal links California businesses with COVID-19 safety equipment.

“California’s small businesses are adapting to the new marketplace, integrating technology at higher rates than ever, developing creative ways to connect with clients digitally and repurposing to serve their communities with innovations that meet the moment,” said Gov. Newsom.

“California remains committed to helping all of our diverse small businesses become more resilient and thrive.”

There are nearly 4 million small businesses in California. In good times, they make up over 99% of all businesses in the state and employ nearly half of the state’s workforce — over 7.1 million people, according to U.S Small Business Administration’s 2018 numbers.

Before the pandemic, across the United States, African-American and Latino women-owned businesses were experiencing the fastest growth, according to 2012 U.S. Census Bureau data.

But COVID-19 is presenting new financial and operational challenges, especially for businesses owned

by African Americans and other ethnic minorities in California.

“According to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, in the last 4 months, there has been a 15 percent drop of active business owners across the nation,” Guzman and Friar shared. “That decrease is nearly double for Black-owned and operated businesses at 26%, and at 19% for Latino, 21% Asian, and 25% immigrant.

The governor also emphasized the importance of maintaining social distancing protocols while shopping.

“Critically, amid the ongoing emergency, we must all do our part to keep small business employees, owners, and others safe by wearing face coverings when we go out, practicing safe shopping and following public health protocols.”

HeroZona Foundation Establishes Nation’s Largest

COVID-19 Testing Site

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Like most of Arizona, Phoenix has suffered a tremendous spike in COVID-19 cases, and coronavirus testing has been limited.

In response to the rapidly expanding numbers of the virus in Arizona and the need for additional testing, Alan “A.P.” the HeroZona Foundation has partnered with the American Legion’s Travis L. Williams Post 65. HeroZona and the American Legion are hosting free drive-through COVID-19 screening in the parking lot of South Mountain Community College.

Florida-based genetics testing laboratory, Lab 24, has agreed to perform the testing at what’s now considered the largest testing site in the country.

According to reports, Arizona now has the highest per capita new case rate in the nation. HeroZona and the American Legion specifically selected the South Mountain Community College site to ensure that African Americans and other minorities could have access to quality testing.

They hope to mitigate the virus’s impact in a state with more than 120,000 cases and over 2,100 deaths.

Hospitals throughout the state are reporting overflows in their intensive care units, creating a shortage in available hospital beds.

HeroZona is a non-profit organization that empowers heroes in the community through entrepreneurship, employment, and education. HeroZona works with veterans, first responders and those that bring social good to or future generations and under-served communities.

A.P.” Powell, the founder and CEO of HeroZona, calls the recently established free drive-thru testing site “COVID City.” Funding for the site came via the CARES Act established earlier this year. “We saw high demand, so we acted,” said Powell. “While the [South Mountain] site was established because of the increase in local cases, others from outside the area are also welcome.”

According to Powell, 1,700 people are being tested each day. COVID City is open Tuesday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We are testing everyone in the car,” Powell declared, referring to a policy which ensures testing for every passenger in arriving vehicles. “You just need a valid I.D. and we’ll get you tested. We want to make sure that if you have to go out and work, you can get tested first.”

“We had a lady who wanted to see her daughter. She didn’t have health insurance and couldn’t see her doctor, but we gave her the test, and without it, she wouldn’t have been able to see her daughter,” Powell stated.

“We wanted to do something for this community to ensure that they have the same resources that every community in the state has. We wanted to give them something they can feel good about it, and keep their families safe,” Powell added.

Once tests are administered, Powell said it would take seven to 10 days before results come back. “If the test is

Free!

Black Students Afraid to Return to School After Racist Tweet MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) – Many Black students at Kansas State University are afraid to return to school after a white student made a racist tweet about George Floyd, a Black man who died at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis.

Jaden McNeil, tweeted “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!’’

A statement that drew support from national white supremacist groups, The Kansas City Star reported.

Some people supported McNeil’s right to free speech, but many called for him to be expelled for his insensitive remarks.

Michaela Ross, a sophomore, said she feels that the school is not welcoming to Black students.

“And our administration has not taken actionable measures against racist incidents that have happened there, and this is not the first one,” Ross said.

Students even took to Twitter to share their experiences of racism on campus using the hashtag (hash) BlackAtKState.

“I think the tensions are very high, and I don’t think that it is safe at all,’’ said Amaya Molinar. She said she has been called a racial slur on campus.

Molinar said university officials are aware of students’ concerns because they have offered counseling.

“But we don’t want counseling. Instead of teaching us how to live with racism on campus they should focus their efforts on eliminating it.’’

Last week, President Richard Myers announced that the university would not expel McNeil.

“While these messages are disrespectful and abhorrent, we cannot violate the law,’’ Myers said.

Instead, the university provided a list of things it will do, including developing a social media policy for students and recruiting and retaining more students and faculty of color.

Floyd died after a white officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for nearly eight minutes. Floyd’s death sparked protests worldwide against racial injustice and police brutality.

Protest to Be Held After BLM Sign Painted Over

Hospitals throughout the state are reporting overflows in their intensive care units, creating a shortage in available hospital beds.

positive, you will get a call from a doctor,” said Powell, who recovered from COVID-19 earlier this year but has recently lost five friends.

“If it’s negative, you will get an email. We’re trying to make it more efficient, but the demand is high. However, we know it’s at least good to know you can get something back and that there’s some solution.”

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and the CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) emphasized, “The (NNPA) salutes the leadership of AP Powell and the HeroZona Foundation for effectively responding with a much-needed testing solution for Arizona’s COVID-19 crisis. HeroZona’s successful model for COVID-19 testing in Phoenix, should be urgently replicated across the nation.”

John Leon, a barber in the Pheonix area, recently got in line at 4:30 for a test after experiencing an itchy throat and other symptoms.

He told a local television station that he followed precautions during the pandemic. “I keep [the barbershop] sprayed down. I wipe everything down. I wear a mask and make everybody else wear a mask who comes into the shop,” Leon said.

Despite waiting more than two hours, Leon appreciated the organizers’ efforts. “I like the way they have this setup,” he said. “They set it up real nice so that they can take a lot of people.”

Powell again emphasized the importance of bringing testing to the South Phoenix community, which includes ZIP codes with some of the highest numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arizona.

“We wanted to make sure we do our part to keep veterans and citizens of this community safe and make sure that they feel like they’re going to get the same resources anybody else can get,” Powell said.

MARTINEZ, Calif. (AP) – Anti-racism protesters are expected to take to the streets Sunday in a San Francisco Bay Area city where two people were charged with hate crimes after allegedly defacing a city-sanctioned “Black Lives Matter’’ mural.

The two were charged July 7, the same day that police in Martinez were called to investigate after someone painted “White Lives Matter’’ on a city street.

Activists organized Sunday’s march after police found flyers threatening Black Lives Matter supporters in the name of a white-power group, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Fearing violence, police asked the protesters and counter-protesters to postpone, but both sides declined, the newspaper said.

“Tensions are high – people are just on edge,’’ Che Travers told the Chronicle. She hung “Martizians for Black Lives’’ signs on the door of the art shop she owns down the street from the Black Lives Matter mural.

Police are investigating the “White Lives Matter’’ graffiti. Detectives were searching for witnesses and video surveillance, officials said.

Meanwhile the district attorney’s office announced it had filed three misdemeanors, including a hate crime charge over the alleged defacement of the “Black Lives Matter’’ mural on the Fourth of July. Nicole Anderson, 42, and David Nelson, 53, are both white and live in Martinez. It wasn’t known if they have attorneys.

A viral video showed the woman, identified as Anderson, dumping a bucket of black paint and rolling over the mural’s freshly painted yellow block letters. A man, identified as Nelson, says on camera that racism is “a lie’’ and that “all lives matter.’’

Martinez is a city of about 38,000 people 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco.

A2

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

World & Nation

The Impact of COVID-19 in Our Community:

Let’s Not Put Our Health at Risk

By J.C. Watts, Founder and chairman of J.C. Watts Companies Washington, D.C., city attorney George Valentine was Black, brilliant, and fit. But after contracting COVID-19, he became so weak, he had trouble moving and even speaking. When it got to the point where he could barely breathe, George called an ambulance and waited on the steps of his house for it to arrive. Every second he waited must have seemed like an eternity. Two days later, George died. He was 66 and had suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure before getting sick with the coronavirus.

New research seems to confirm that, across the nation, the coronavirus has disproportionately impacted Black people, with death rates more than twice as high as that for any other race. Why is this happening-and can we do anything about it?

There are several explanations for the disparity, and most have to do how we live, where we work, and our underlying health conditions. There are also factors that are within our immediate control that we can all do right now to protect ourselves, but that many in our community are failing to do.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cite several possible reasons that Black Americans are more affected. One is that many of us live in more highly populated areas where it’s more difficult to practice physical distancing from one another. Many of us also live in multi-generational households where it’s easier for younger family members to spread the virus to more vulnerable elderly members. This is especially true for lower-income households with smaller living spaces.

Another reason is that a large percentage of African Americans hold frontline service industry jobs as food servers, cleaners, and personal-care providers, and in fields such as nursing that are all considered essential during the pandemic, and they bravely continue to go to work each day.

One other big factor is that, sadly, our people also tend to have more underlying medical conditions-like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension-that make us more vulnerable.

While many of these factors are difficult to change in the near term, we can do some things immediately to

New research seems to confirm that, across the nation, the coronavirus has disproportionately impacted Black people, with death rates more than twice as high as that for any other race. Why is this happening-and can we do anything about it? (Photo: FDA.gov)

reduce our risks. In my own community in Oklahoma, I’ve witnessed many Black folks not wearing masks or practicing any degree of physical distancing in public. A lot of people just plain aren’t following recommendations to keep themselves and their families safe.

Let’s be real for a minute. Some of this stems from past

experiences with government that make people skeptical about what they’re hearing from public officials. For some, it’s the bitter memories of government-enforced segregation and other racist policies. For others, it’s the fact the young Black men have more negative encounters with the police, and people don’t want to wear masks and give anyone an

excuse for mistaking them for criminals. For others, it’s that politicians have made promises to us for decades and have failed to make good. Why trust them now?

Despite all this, please don’t put your health at risk.

We have to do all we can to protect our communities and our loved ones from being exposed to infection.

First, avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Being in the same enclosed room with somebody who has the virus can lead to infection. Second, keep at least six feet between you and others if you have to leave home. People can be infected even if they’re not showing symptoms.

Third, wash your hands or sanitize them often and for at least 20 seconds. Also avoid touching your face, mouth, and eyes with unwashed hands.

I know the advice about wearing masks is a tough one for many folks, but perspectives have changed during this pandemic. So, cover your mouth and nose with a bandana or other face covering if you have to leave home. The mask provides some protection for others in case you’re infected and don’t know it.

Finally, be sure to get medical help if you have any flulike symptoms or have trouble breathing, persistent pain in your chest, a fever, or a dry cough.

As I write this, The Heritage Foundation’s National Coronavirus Recovery Commission, of which I’m a member, is wrapping up its final report offering recommendations to help us all recover from this pandemic. The commissioners are deeply concerned that COVID-19 has hit minority communities so hard and are urging medical researchers to look into how we can prevent this disproportionate impact in the future.

The commission is also recommending ways that our churches and community institutions can be a positive force for encouraging people to take preventative actions to stop the spread of COVID-19.

I’m hopeful that our nation will conquer this disease and that together, we will emerge from this chapter in our history stronger than before. But ultimately for that to happen, the cure must start with us.

J.C. Watts is founder and chairman of J.C. Watts Companies, chairman of Black News Channel, and a member of National Coronavirus Recovery Commission.

Thousands View NNPA’s First Virtual Convention

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent The first virtual convention in the 80-year history of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) earned a thumbs-up from partners and sponsors.

The successful event’s website, vitualnnpa2020.com, generated more than 55,000 pageviews to conference attendees in only two days. Several hundred thousand additional impressions were generated by social media posts and livestreams on Facebook and YouTube.

“We share in your excitement and applaud your efforts in successfully executing the first virtual NNPA Annual Convention,” Lester Booker, of General Motors Communications, wrote in a congratulatory email to NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Over the past two days, I’ve had the opportunity to view some of the convention and was impressed with its content, execution, and professionalism,” Booker continued, noting that GM officials continue to value and appreciate the company’s more than 50-year partnership with the Black Press of America.

Several other partners and sponsors joined General Motors, including Pfizer Rare Disease, RAI Services Company, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the NFL, Facebook Journalism Project, AARP, Black Hollywood Education Resource Center (BHERC), Hyundai, Wells Fargo, Molson Coors, Volkswagen, The United States Census, Comcast Universal, Compassion & Choices, API, Ascension, Nissan, and UAW. “The NNPA overall is pleased with the impact, the reach and the engagement across the United States and throughout the world for our first virtual convention,” NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., stated.

“This represents a tremendous step forward for the Black Press of America. We note that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Press of America has been able to overcome many of the obstacles that the pandemic continues to present. We plan to rebroadcast the virtual NNPA 2020 convention as soon as we conclude some post-production edits and additions.”

Chavis added that the NNPA remains most grateful to its corporate sponsors for helping to make the first virtual convention a success.

“We intend to let the world know that we appreciate our partners and sponsors and their support,” Chavis declared.

Claudette Perry, the NNPA’s executive administrator,

stated that she’s breathing a sigh of relief that the convention was well-received by so many viewers.

“I was very delighted that many of the celebrities whose stories have been conveyed through the Black Press for decades showed their appreciation for our publishers with their congratulatory sentiments on our first virtual convention as well as their recognition of 193 years of the Black Press,” Perry said.

“To the NNPA in-house production team, I say thank you for all the great content and design you brought to the convention virtual space. You are awesome. I thank also the young people on the technology panel who had great advice for us ‘beyond millennials.’”

Perry continued: “To our corporate partners and sponsors I extend my deepest appreciation for their support of our 2020 convention. The NNPA will continue showing its support for each of you, post-convention and throughout the year.”

Sparking the interests were several important topics and a host of celebrity guests, including livestream interviews and performances by Deniece Williams, Anthony Hamilton, Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana, Sandra “Salt” Denton, Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman, and journalist Jemele Hill.

“The livestreams were amazing with all of the big names that we had it really brought an element that you don’t always see at a conference, and it really has helped to shine a spotlight on our publishers,” NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards declared. “The shoutouts to the Black Press from people like Magic Johnson, Sen. Kamala Harris, Rep. Maxine Waters, Attorney Joey Jackson, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the others were simply delightful.”

Richards noted that she’s grateful to the partners and sponsors of the NNPA, and she’s elated that each continues to support the publishers of the Black Press of America.

“That’s who I’m so happy for today,” Richards said.

“Our publishers work so hard, and they have fought the good fight for so long, this conference and what NNPA has put together and accomplished with digital has let the world know how vital the Black Press is and always have been.”

Following opening remarks by Chavis, Richards, and NNPA Convention Chair Terry Jones, Wells Fargo presented a discussion titled, “Navigating Finances through COVID-19,” which was followed by a webinar titled, “Hope, Misinformation, Fear, Sickness and Death: Physicians Discuss the Impact of COVID-19 on Black Communities.”

That physicians’ webinar included nationally-renown African American physicians Ebony Jade Hilton, LeighAnn Webb, Taison Bell, Cameron Webb, and Rochanda Mitchell who all are members of the NNPA Coronavirus Task Force.

Terry Jones emphasized, “The Virtual NNPA 2020 Annual Convention was impactful across the nation and throughout the world via print, online and social media.

The Black Press retains its relevancy as the trusted voice of Black America.”

A webinar about the Black Press of America’s future engagement and empowerment, included Mississippi Link Publisher Jackie Hampton, AFRO Publisher Dr. Frances Draper, Cincinnati Herald Publisher Jan Michele Kearney, “Make it Plain” host Mark Thompson, and Washington Informer Editor D. Kevin McNeir.

“I thought it was time we show the larger scale folks that we do the same kind of work they do,” McNeir stated during the webinar.

“I’ve been with the Black Press for 25 years. I believe we have a story that is unique and significant, and it has not gotten old. We give the Black story, that’s who we are.”

Day 1 of the conference concluded with the NNPA National Townhall titled, “Education and the Future of Black America, From Pre-K to High School and onto College.”

The education town hall panel included Dr. Peggy Edwards-Jones, Kathryn Procope, and Dr. Elizabeth Primas, program manager of the NNPA Education Public Awareness Program.

The second day of the convention featured webinars on “Technology and Innovation: The Challenges and the Opportunities for the Black Press,” that included data scientists Enchanta Jackson and Jamercia Gray, computer scientist Perry Busby, New York Beacon Associate Publisher Ashley Smith, and Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry Sr. The final webinar of the convention was “Black Millennial Voices and Visions for Transformation,” hosted

by Houston Forward Times award winning Associate Editor and BlackPressUSA columnist Jeffrey Boney. The millennial panel included Micha Green, Editor of the Washington, DC AFRO; Lafayette Barnes IV, Editor of The Bridge and Assistant Editor of The Washington Informer; and Franklin Chavis, founder and curator of Black Millennial Voices.

The conference concluded with a star-studded awards ceremony and performances that included a stirring rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend,” by The Temptations,

Sparking the interests were several important topics and a host of celebrity guests, including livestream interviews and performances by Deniece Williams, Anthony Hamilton, Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana, Sandra “Salt” Denton, Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman, and journalist Jemele Hill.

who dedicated their performance to the Black Press, two special songs by Supremes legend Mary Wilson and a prerecorded performance by Ziggy Marley.

Wilson received the NNPA Lifetime Trailblazer Achievement Award, and Marley received the NNPA Global Icon Award which he dedicated to his legendary parents, Bob and Rita Marley.

“I’ve received many awards throughout my life, but this one feels special to me,” Marley stated in accepting his award. “Music is a powerful tool. Human beings have powerful beings. We can achieve whatever we wish to achieve if we are willing to do what it takes to achieve it.

Standing up or kneeling down.”

Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Attorney Ben Crump, HipHop Legend MC Lyte and Congresswoman Karen Bass, Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, were also among those receiving awards.

“Receiving the Outstanding Congressional Leadership Award, I am humble. The work that we have done together over the last few years have been so important to us as a nation, but also to me personally,” Representative Bass stated. “I will take this award and continue to work on behalf of Black America.”

Before concluding the night with a special recorded music mix by DJ D-Nice, hip-hop legend, actor, and entrepreneur Ice Cube received the Artist of the 21st Century Award.

“It’s an amazing honor and would like to thank everyone responsible for getting me this award,” Ice Cube stated. “This is a very cool honor from the Black Press of America. I’ve learned from some of the artist who’ve come before me that just being an artist and not trying to move the social landscape forward in some way, shape, or form is a waste of opportunity.”

News Observer Bakersfield

Adjudicated a Newspaper of General Circulation August 11, 1980, Kern County Superior Court Decree, Case No. 16964, Government Code 6023.

Bulk Mailing Permit 724 Bakersfield, CA 93385

Published By Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, Inc. Corporate Office 1219 20th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 324-9466.

Member of The National Newspapers Publishers Association, Associated Press, and The Better Business Bureau

President: Ellen Coley Operations Manager: Jon Coley Editor: James Luckey

Credo-The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accounts to every person, regardless of race, color, or creed full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as any one is held back.

The Observer Group Newspapers reserves the right to publish views an opinions that may not necessarily reflect those of the staff and management and are solely the product of the responsible individuals who submit commentaries published in these newspapers. Letters, articles and comments appearing in the Observer Newspapers reflect the opinions of the contributor and do not constitute the opinion or endorsement by The Observer Newspapers or its staff. The Observer Group Newspapers assumes no responsibility for photographs, articles, letters, press releases and unsolicited materials. Decisions as to the editing and publishing of materials are at the discretion of the Publisher and Editors. All rights are reserved on materials accepted for publication unless otherwise specified.

Los Angeles News Observer Bakersfield News Observer Valley s News Observer 1219 20th St. Bakersfield, Ca 93301 Mailing Address P.O. Box 2341 Bakersfield, CA 93303 Phone (661) 324-9466 FAX. (661) 324-9472

“Our publishers work so hard, and they have fought the good fight for so long, this conference and what NNPA has put together and accomplished with digital has let the world know how vital the Black Press is and always have been,” said NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards.

Emails and general info: observernews@gmail.com, Advertising: observeradvertising@gmail.com Available online: www.ognsc.com

Features

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A3

Companies Tied to Top California Officials Get Federal Aid

By CUNEYT DIL Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif (AP) _ Businesses tied to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and two of the state’s legislative leaders were among those that received federal loans aimed at keeping small businesses afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, records released Monday showed.

A Northern California-based winery and hospitality company, PlumpJack, founded and partly owned by Newsom, received a loan worth $150,000 to $350,000 from the Paycheck Protection Program, according to data released by the U.S. Treasury Department.

Before taking office as governor in 2019, Newsom announced he would step away from his businesses and put his assets in a blind trust managed by a family friend and attorney.

“You would have to ask the people that are running those businesses,” Newsom said in response to a question about why his company applied for the loan.

The trustee of the blind trust and company did not return emails. Federal data shows the loan helped save 14 jobs.

A labor consulting company led by state Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove, a Bakersfield Republican, received a loan within the same dollar range. Grove listed herself as president and CEO of Continental Labor Resources Inc. on most recent state public disclosure forms,

A labor consulting company led by state Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove, a Bakersfield Republican, received a loan within the same dollar range.

reporting that she drew an income of over $100,000. The loan saved 365 jobs at the company, according to data.

A consulting firm founded and run by Jennifer LeSar, the spouse of state Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, received a loan in the range of $350,000 to $1 million, helping retain 15 jobs. LeSar Development Consultants counts California cities and housing groups among its clients, working on homelessness and affordable housing policy.

Kounalakis’s husband, Markos Kounalakis, is director of a family-run real estate company in Sacramento that received a loan worth between $350,000 to $1 million. In state public disclosure forms, Kounalakis reported Markos, a longtime foreign affairs news columnist and analyst, as drawing a salary between $10,001 to $100,000 from AKT Investments, Inc., which dubs itself the largest land development company in Northern California.

Under the PPP initiative, the government is backing $659 billion in low-interest business loans that will be forgiven if employers use the money on payroll, rent and similar expenses. Companies typically must have fewer than 500 workers to qualify.

The public may never know the identity of more than 80% of the nearly 5 million beneficiaries to date because the Trump administration has refused to release details on loans under $150,000 received by the vast majority of borrowers.

That secrecy spurred an open-records lawsuit by a group of news organizations, including The Associated Press. Still, the release of the data is the most complete look at the program’s recipients so far.

Records show over 87,000 businesses in California received loans worth $150,000 or more.

Newsom’s company, PlumpJack Management Group, LLC, is part of a portfolio of brands that include a resort hotel near Lake Tahoe, five restaurants and bars, four Napa Valley wineries, a sports retailer and more. His blind is trust managed by Shyla Hendrickson.

Hendrickson did not return emails from the AP about whether Newsom’s businesses received any loans under $150,000.

Newsom developed PlumpJack after he helped found it as a wine and spirits shop in San Francisco in 1992, on the same street the management group is still located.

Financial disclosure forms give an imprecise figure on how much Newsom draws from the five companies making up the PlumpJack portfolio. For 2019, Newsom reported on annual state financial disclosure forms making at least $200,000.

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

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

������������������������������� 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

�������������������������������

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 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

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)

PUBLIC NOTICE PUB: July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2020 ������������������������������� 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 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 ������������������������������� 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 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:

PUBLIC NOTICE 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 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

PUBLIC NOTICE 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 ������������������������������� PUBLIC NOTICE: This is to notify the following persons that his/her personal household and/ or miscellaneous goods will be sold at public 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 22, 2020 at 6:00 pm. Christopher Taylor K051 – Misc. Christopher Taylor K053 – Misc.

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 8, 15, 2020 ������������������������������� ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER BCV-20-101416 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 PETITION OF: WAYNE DIEGO RIVERA FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: WAYNE DIEGO RIVERA for a decree changing names as follows: Present name WAYNE DIEGO RIVERA Filed a petition with this court Proposed name BRUCE OLIVER WAYNE 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 19, 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 23, 2020 Linda S Etienne COURT COMMISSIONER Cindy Rodriguez DEPUTY Wayne Diego Rivera

PUBLIC NOTICE 804 Schipper St Arvin, Ca. 93203 Phone: (661) 557-1341 E-Mail: wrivera944@gmail.com BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 8, 15, 22, 29, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B2549 Doing business as: FE’S HOMESTYLE KITCHEN at 10321 Mount Snow Ln., Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: KRISTEN FELICIA PALMER, 10321 Mount Snow Ln., Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: KRISTEN FELICIA PALMER 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: 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: July 8, 15, 22, 29, 2020

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER BCV-20-101464 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 PETITION OF: KAROL DIANE GAUTT FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: KAROL DIANE GAUTT for a decree changing names as follows: Present name KAROL DIANE GAUTT Filed a petition with this court Proposed name KHYAHNAH SIOBAHN YIKIKAH ABIYAH 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 25, 2020 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: 12 The address of the court is: Same as

PUBLIC NOTICE 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 26, 2020 Linda S Etienne COURT COMMISSIONER Cindy Rodriguez DEPUTY Karol Diane Gautt 1924 Stine Road Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Phone: (661) 827-8997 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 2020 �������������������������������

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER BCV-20-101531 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 PETITION OF: TIKE DENISE MILLER FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: TIKE DENISE MILLER for a decree changing names as follows: Present name TIKE DENISE MILLER Filed a petition with this court Proposed name TIKEE DENISE MILLER 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 27, 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: July 6, 2020 Linda S Etienne COURT COMMISSIONER Yesenia Sanchez DEPUTY Tike Denise Miller 5704 Marbella St Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Phone: (661) 444-6634 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 2020 �������������������������������

A4

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

Entertainment

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Stephanie Mills Talks Music, Social Justice and Her Son’s New Book PUBLIC NOTICE

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Iconic Grammy and American Music Award winner Stephanie Mills is unapologetically pro-Black. On her social media pages, she often sends shoutouts to “talented Black men” and “Black Queens.” She observed Black Out Day and Juneteenth.

With one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music, the Grammy and American Music Award-winning recording artist has five best-selling albums and ten Billboard #1 singles.

With a career that spans more than 35 years, Mills has distinguished herself as an actress and performer whom her manager says is just as much at home on the Broadway stage as in the recording studio.

Her endless string of hit records include, “Whatcha Gonna Do with My Lovin,’” “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” “If I Were Your Woman,” “I Feel Good All Over,” “You Putting a Rush on Me,” “I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love,” “Something in the Way You Make Me Feel,” and “Home.”

She’s also known for her stirring duets with Teddy Pendergrass on “Two Hearts,” and “Feel the Fire.”

“You know, when I was recording with Teddy, he was like a brother to me, but I look back, and he was so phine…

He could have been my husband!” Mills laughed.

When BlackPressUSA reached out to her manager, Amp Harris, to invite the “Home” singer for an interview, her response was priceless: “BlackPressUSA, oh heck yeah, I’m doing it!” Mills declared.

Unfortunately, technology challenges prevented her from keeping our originally scheduled date. However, that didn’t stop Mills from tweeting, “I was scheduled to interview with BlackPressUSA and Stacy Brown. I had technical issues. However, I am a woman of my word. Plus, it’s a Black organization, so I had to make it right.”

Two days later, Mills more than made it right. She sat for an hour-long interview in which “The Wiz” star talked about her disgust over the police killing of George Floyd, her son’s new book, and her celebrated career.

“I’m crying now just thinking about that man who had his knee on George Floyd’s neck,” Mills stated, insisting on talking about police brutality and “that man in the White House.”

“I think there should be a federal law that has to be adhered to in Chicago, New York, and across the country when police do these things,” she proclaimed, adding that she’s working to help make that happen.

Mills is also promoting the 2020 Census. “Counting everyone helps ensure communities receive federal resources to support healthcare, education, accessibility services, and more,” Mills noted.

Her 19-year-old son, Farad J Mills, was also a fascinating topic of conversation. “He’s my greatest gift.

He’s smart, intelligent, funny, charming, charismatic, handsome, and a wonderful young man,” Mills declared.

Farad J, who has Down Syndrome, works with Mills and her manager, and he’s also written a book, “The Adventures of Farad J.” “He doesn’t know how much he has fulfilled my life,” Mills said of her son whom can be seen dancing with his mom to one of Mills’ hit songs in a video she recently posted on Twitter.

Disney World Reopens Even as Coronavirus Cases Surge in Florida

By TAMARA LUSH and MIKE SCHNEIDER Associated Press ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – “The Most Magical Place on Earth'' has reopened after nearly four months with new rules in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are reopening Saturday, while Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios will follow four days later.

“It's the chance to come back and be in the magic,'' said Diane Watkins, a preschool teacher from Helena, Alabama, who visits the park about eight times a year. “Hot or not, mask or not, we're just happy to be here. I feel like everybody here is in the same frame of mind. Everybody is just so excited to be here.''

Watkins said that when she and her 16-year-old daughter walked into the Magic Kingdom on Saturday

morning, then saw all the cast members lined up and clapping on Main Street, she cried.

“It was very emotional,'' she said.

The reopening comes as a huge surge of Floridians have tested positive for the new coronavirus in recent weeks.

On Saturday, there were about 10,000 new cases reported, according to state statistics. Many cities and counties around the state have recently reinstated restrictions that had been lifted in May, when cases seemed to drop.

All of Disney's Orlando parks closed in mid-March in an effort to stop the virus's spread. Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando closed around the same time but reopened several weeks ago after instituting similar rules to protect employees and customers from the virus.

Lori Lovell of Evansville, Indiana, strolled around Frontierland on Saturday morning with friends.

“I have missed coming here. It just feels really good to be back. This is where I've made so many memories.

It's kind of our second home. Not being able to come here was hard.''

Disney's new rules include mandatory masks and social distancing. Visitors will need reservations to enter a park, and they won't be allowed to hop between parks.

Both visitors and employees will receive temperature checks when they enter. Fireworks shows and parades have been suspended to prevent drawing too many people together.

Park-goers say that nearly everyone in sight wore masks on Saturday morning. Capacity is nowhere near where it is under normal circumstances, they said.

“I've been here on spring breaks where you can barely walk around. The walkways are very wide open,'' said Lovell.

There were lots of hand sanitizer stations around, and people were respecting the physical distancing cues and guidelines. Since the park is at lower capacity, there was only a five-minute wait for the popular Buzz Lightyear ride – normally it's about 90 minutes, Watkins said.

Some attractions and dining areas aren't yet open. Another change: visitors can't hug and greet the costumed Disney characters. Instead, the characters are in “cavalcades,'' or motorcades, as they make their way through the park.

Disney has been opening its parks back up around the globe for the past two months. In May, the company opened Disney Springs, a complex of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in Lake Buena Vista.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A5

Features

Draymond Green speaking at a May 2016 press conference. (Photos by: Antonio Ray Harvey)

Assemblymember Evan Low (D- Silicon Valley) on the floor California State Assembly June 10, 2020. (Photos by: Antonio Ray Harvey)

Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green Takes Defense Skills to New Arena: Politics Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media Draymond Green, 30, who has won three National Basketball Association (NBA) Championships with the San Francisco-based Golden State Warriors, is known to be an agitator on the court.

Now, the three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection has mounted an attack off the hardwood in another arena: Politics. Green is speaking out, online and off, expressing his displeasure for Assembly Bill (AB) 1998, the “Dental Practice Act,” which is authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell).

Low’s district covers parts of the South Bay and Silicon Valley. Home to a number of tech companies, the area is more than 50% White and under 3% African American.

Latinos account for about 17%.

Last week, Green fired off a series of tweets directed at AB 1998 and Low. He tagged the politician in them.

The NBA player went on the defense after Low made an indirect reference to him in a published report.

“No Californian deserves to be harmed by substandard, profit-hungry care, regardless of whether they’re an NBA champion,” the politician said.

Green took Low’s comment as a flagrant foul — aggressive contact, in this case, coming from a politician against an opponent.

Green shot back, telling Low his bill would hamper low-income communities’ access to dental products.

“The only issue of profits here is you giving more to dentists, while, once again, underserved communities are

shut out. Sounds like you’d prefer if I shut up and dribble @Evan_Low,” Green tweeted on July 10, the day Low’s comment surfaced in the media.

AB 1998, the “Dental Practice Act,” if passed by the California Senate, would require dentists to conduct an inperson examination of their patients prior to approving a treatment plan for clear aligners or other orthodontics.

The bill would also prohibit internet companies from offering direct-to-consumer products to Californians until legislation is passed that establishes parameters for how teleorthodontic companies may operate.

Green’s political pushback against AB 1998 may be rooted in more than one stake the athlete has in teledentistry.

Green has a financial investment in the SmileDirectClub (SDC), a global leader in the online dental care industry.

He also shares personal stories of how affordable directmail dental products helped him fix his teeth and regain his confidence while he was growing up.

SDC markets non-prescription straightening aligners at discounted costs to correct teeth-positioning problems.

In September 2019, Forbes reported that Green started investing in SDC four years earlier in 2015 at a $150 million valuation. The financial publication also mentioned that Green could make 40 times more from his investment.

SDC began trading publicly on Sept. 12, 2019, according to Forbes.

On May 21, during a Business and Professions Committee hearing on AB 1998, Low opened up his presentation to the members of the committee with a salvo

declaring that teledentistry and telehealth are “telecrap.”

“This will disproportionately hurt communities of color; not everyone can go to health-care providers,” Low said. “The reality is that subpar treatment can do real harm, the risk is too high.”

Green says he is standing up for disadvantaged African Americans who can’t afford to just drop into a dentist’s office to get x-rays and clearance before they can purchase dental products they need from companies like SDC. “Do you want them to tell them they’re not worthy of a good smile? They’re not worthy of confidence, employment opportunities, and so many other benefits, a good smile brings? @Evan_Low,” Green tweeted.

If approved, AB 1998 would make it more difficult to access teledentistry services by requiring an in-person visit to a dentist.

Two days before Green’s Twitter rant, he sent a twopage letter to several California politicians explaining the hardship he experienced trying to get affordable dental care.

In it, the athlete said his mother struggled to pay $7,000 for the metal braces he wore between his eighth and 12th-grade years. He also wrote that he broke his retainers when arrived at Michigan University and couldn’t leave to fix them because of the strict demands of his basketball schedule.

Because of “crooked teeth,” he wrote, smiling wasn’t a gesture of his for many years.

“After 7 years of hiding my smile, I made a decision that I was going to finally fix my teeth again. Only this

time I decided that I would try invisible aligners. I came across a tele-dentistry platform with licensed dentists by the name of SmileDirectClub,” Green stated in the letter.

Green told recipients of his letter that the California State National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the California Black Chamber of Commerce are all opposed to AB 1998.

In March, California State NAACP President Alice Huffman asked the legislature to knock down any bill that would create an obstacle to affordable dental care.

Huffman said SDC’s teledentistry platform for clear aligner therapy treatments has helped more than 100,000 Californians, including African Americans.

“Now, more than ever, the African American community needs as many options as possible to close the disparity gap for oral health care. African Americans and other people of color have the right to affordable, quality health care treatment,” Huffman said.

In his letter, Green said because Assemblymember Low’s constituents are among the richest Californians, maybe he is unaware how his legislation might hurt poor Californians.

“If there is something I’m missing as to why you would consider adopting a bill that would take away doctor discretion to subject a patient to radiation, that would also limit access and significantly increase the cost of dental care then let’s set up a call to discuss,” he offered. “This is California. We’re supposed to be leading on these issues.

Instead, this bill is a step in the wrong direction.”

Wells Fargo Commitment Could Result in Billions

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent In April, Wells Fargo announced it would donate gross proceeds from the Paycheck Protection Plan to nonprofits working with small businesses.

This month, the bank has ramped up its efforts by unveiling the details of an approximately $400 million initiative to help small businesses impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The goal is to help keep the doors of small businesses open, retain employees, and rebuild.

Through Wells Fargo’s new Open for Business Fund, the company will engage nonprofit organizations to provide capital, technical support, and long-term resiliency programs to small businesses, emphasizing those that are minority-owned businesses.

“We realized early on that small businesses were taking the brunt of what was happening with COVID-19 and the economic slowdown that occurred,” said Jenny Flores, Wells Fargo’s head of small business growth philanthropy.

“We also noticed that diverse individuals were having a very negative impact, and with the data, it was coming to 41 percent or 450,000 Black-owned businesses closed when COVID hit. That is a disproportionate impact not only to the entrepreneurs but also to the employees they have and the pocketbook,” Flores stated.

Through June 30, Wells Fargo funded loans under the PPP for more than 179,000 customers, with an average loan amount of $56,000, totaling $10.1 billion.

Of the loans made, 84 percent of those are for companies with less than ten employees; 60 percent were for amounts of $25,000 or less; and, 90 percent of these applicants had $2 million or less in annual revenue.

Given the federal government’s extension of the PPP,

Wells Fargo will reopen its PPP loan application process to eligible customers as soon as possible through a link in Business Online Banking, the bank noted in a news release.

Additionally, the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund’s initial grants will allocate $28 million to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), also known as nonprofit community lenders.

The grants are aimed at empowering Black and African American-owned small businesses, which the National Bureau of Economic Research said are closing at nearly twice the rate of the industry.

Among the first grantees are Expanding Black Business Credit Initiative (EBBC), which will support the launch of a Black Vision Fund to increase the flow of capital to Black-focused CDFIs for transformational work to close the racial wealth gap in African American communities.

The CDFIs will also receive capital for urgent deployment to impacted businesses in the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Midwest.

Further, a Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) will provide grants and low-cost capital to more than 2,800 entrepreneurs, focusing on preventing loss in revenue, sustaining employment, and averting vacancies among vulnerable small business owners in urban and rural markets nationwide.

“This is an extension of the commitment we had to diverse businesses,” Flores noted.

“Small businesses need cash to open again, and we are putting $260 million for community development financial pocket lenders that have a track record of reaching diverse communities. We want them to be able to do new loans and to have grant money.”

Wells Fargo counts as one of the top PPP lenders in the country and has spent a lot of time understanding

various strategies to assist small businesses, Flores declared.

“We have key members across the country, and I talk to entrepreneurs directly,” she said.

“This reflects a very thoughtful approach, one that is based on really putting the customer right at the center, listening to what they need. This has potentially $1 billion of impact in a three-year period,” Flores added.

“When they get the loans and recycle that and then

for every million CDFI loans out to small businesses, they can support 18 businesses and create 31 jobs.

“Hence, if you take the $250 million and work through it, it’s thousands of businesses we’re impacting in such a positive way. We’re really proud of the opportunity we have to collaborate with CDFIs and particularly those who are led by diverse entrepreneurs.”

Given the federal government’s extension of the PPP, Wells Fargo will reopen its PPP loan application process to eligible customers as soon as possible through a link in Business Online Banking, the bank noted in a news release.

Black For A Minute

By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint It’s interesting to watch corporate America try to find the right position from which to capitalize on the Protest of Racism Pandemic. Already, some who have done no business with Blacks are lining up to find a Black nonprofit to give a few thousand dollars to. Note: the operative word is “non profit.” There is a big difference between making a gift to a nonprofit, which one can write off at tax time, and doing business with a Black-owned business, especially when a part of one’s corporate profits come from Black consumers.

Now is a good time to tell corporate America that we are not “all in this together” unless we are doing business with those who are doing business with us.

Corporate America will remove “Uncle Ben” and “Aunt Jemima” from food labels, but their marketing components still do not advertise with our newspapers or media groups. Even worse than that is the fact that those crying “Black Lives Matter,” and rightfully so, are still slow in demanding that the business of business with us be a real part of the justice we seek.

Corporate America must realize that this is not a moment to throw us a few dollars and go back to business as usual. This time, there are, and will be, real demands and expectations. Just as old statues are coming down, flags are being changed and old names are being removed, so must new names come with meaning and corporate America must come with substantive change. Substantive change such as equal pay where it did not exist before; and a real commitment to removing racism, police brutality, and attacks on Black people, no matter where we are.

This movement will not allow people or corporations to be Black for a minute and return to business as usual.

Those days are gone.

Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint. (Courtesy Photo)

A6

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Local

The Links, Incorporated

Giving Back to Our Community As the long lazy days of summer rolled in during the last week of June and the first week of July, it was two days of giving back to the community for the Bakersfield (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. According to Olivia Washington, President of the Bakersfield (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the Chapter received a donation from the Western Area of The Links, Incorporated. This donation was made possible through the Western Area $60,000 COVID -19 Collective Impact Fund which was established to support programs and services that respond to the critical needs of the communities, families, students, and businesses throughout the Area’s ten states who are severely impacted by COVID-19.

On Monday, June 29, 2020, the Bakersfield (CA) Chapter donated over 1000 plus pairs of socks, underwear, and face masks to the M Street Navigation Center which is owned by the County of Kern and operated

by Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK).

Four hundred face masks were previously donated to the Center earlier in June. The supplies were received by Laurie Hughey, Program Coordinator. The Bakersfield (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated selected the M Street Navigation Center- CAPK because of the Homeless Initiative of the Western Area of The Links, Incorporated.

According to Bakerfield.Com, in January 2020, 1,580 homeless people were identified in Kern County as being homeless. The vast majority of those counted (i.e. 63.5% or 1,004 people) were unsheltered, meaning they sleep in parks, empty buildings, and cars, primarily in the metro Bakersfield Area.

On Wednesday, July 1, 2020, the Bakersfield (CA) Chapter donated personal protective equipment materials (mask, soap, and gloves) to the residents of Saint John Manor, a HUD Senior housing community. The supplies were received by Kaye Davis, Resident Services Coordinator. Saint John Manor was chosen because, in 1978-1979, the Bakersfield Chapter was instrumental with the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development in establishing Saint John Manor.

The Bakersfield (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is all about transforming our community.

Who are the Links, Incorporated? The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-forprofit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of more than 16,000 professional women of color in 288 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations.

We are linked in friendship and connected in service.

The key programming initiatives of The Links, Incorporated are organized into Facets. Members regularly contribute more than 500,000 documented service in their respective communities annually through various programs. The Bakersfield (CA) Chapter’s Services to Youth Facet, Arts Facet, Health and Human Services Facet, International Trends and Services Facet, and National Trends and Services Facet spearheaded the purchasing, organizing, and the distribution of the items to the Center and Saint John Manor.

The award-winning Bakersfield (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has been a presence in the Bakersfield community for 40 plus years. The Bakersfield (CA) Chapter was instrumental in hosting the D.A.R.E program, The Links Leadership STEAM Academy Annual Community Awareness Event, and in 2016, the Chapter donated $10,000 to restore the Pinkney House (located at the Kern County Museum). The Bakersfield (CA) Chapter was recently recognized at the National Links, Incorporated 42nd virtual Assembly for Best Practices STEAM Leadership Academy for students in grades 5th12th.

The Bakersfield (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated fundraises to underwrite their programming.

If you are interested in donating to the chapter, please go to https://bakersfieldchapterthelinksincorporated.com and click on the donate button.

For more information, visit http://www.linksinc.org

Karen Nealy, Debra Strong, and Tammy Brown. (Courtesy Photo)

Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood.

(Left to right); Gredell Davis, Kaye Davis (Saint John Mano, Resident Services Coordinator), Ida Richardson, Michele Burris, and Essie Davis. (Courtesy Photo)

(Left to Right) Laurie Hughey, M Street Navigation Center, Program Manager, and The Bakersfield (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated members touring the Center. (Courtesy Photo)

Arleana Waller, MLK CommUNITY Inititive.

Isaiah Crompton, MLK CommUNITY Inititive.

Sheriff Youngblood & MLK CommUNITY Initiative to Assemble Community-Wide Advisory Council BAKERSFIELD, CA — Sheriff Donny Youngblood is working in collaboration with the MLK CommUNITY Initiative to assemble a Community-Wide Advisory Council. “We are going to do this; however, I want to make sure it represents the community we serve. We work for the people. We want to build a trusted relationship with those who depend on us to protect them,” says Sheriff Youngblood.

Arleana Waller states, “This collaboration shows a commitment to our communities as a whole. We want to educate and enlighten and be educated and enlightened.”

She continued, “We believe the only way to accomplish this goal is to bring a diverse voice to the table, to roll up our sleeves and to work from a space of love and understanding - together we can.”

This follow-up meeting took place on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, one month from the exchange between the Sheriff’s Office and a panel of community members via a Zoom meeting held on June 10, 2020. The Zoom meeting resulted in over 6,000 live views last month. The follow-up meeting was held at the Sheriff’s Office.

In attendance at the July 8th meeting was Arleana

Waller, Sheriff Donny Youngblood, Undersheriff Doug Jauch, and Isaiah Crompton. Effective immediately, the four agreed to begin to build out the Sheriff’s Office Community-Wide Advisory Council. “This is a major historic moment and a positive move in the right direction,” says Isaiah Crompton.

Demographically speaking, the Council will be designed to be both diverse and culturally inclusive and will represent not just the greater Bakersfield area communities, but all Kern County communities.

Still in the planning stages, the initial Advisory

Council with the Sheriff’s Office will consist of about 20 local leaders/organizations. The Council plans to add other community partner organizations over time. After guidelines and protocol are established for the Sheriff’s Office Community-Wide Advisory Council, other interested partners, community leaders, organizations and concerned community members will be added.

For more information, or if you are interested in participating, please contact: Arleana Waller – email: mlkcommunityinitiative@gmail.com or text: 661-3790670 OR email: communitymeeting@kernsheriff.org