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News Observer Bakersfield

Volume 46 Number 50

Serving Kern County for Over 46 Years

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Shirley Weber’s CSU Ethnic Studies Bill is Now State Law

Assemblymember Shirley Weber, center, receives applause from fellow lawmakers during a floor session on June 10, 2020. Weber’s bill, AB 1460, was signed into law yesterday making ethnic studies courses a requirement at CSU. (Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo)

Joe W. Bowers Jr. California Black Media Gov. Newsom signed AB 1460 into law on Monday, Aug. 17.

The new state law requires California State University (CSU), the nation’s largest four-year public university system, to provide courses in Ethnic studies at each of its 23 campuses beginning with the 2021–22 academic year and requires CSU students to take a 3-credit course in Ethnic studies in order to graduate beginning in the 2024-

2025 academic year.

The bill was introduced last year by Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), professor emeritus of Africana studies at San Diego State, on behalf of the California Faculty Association (CFA) and with support from the legislative ethnic caucuses (Black, Latino, and Asian Pacific Islander). It passed on Aug. 3 after legislators engaged in personal and passionate debates during committee hearings and on the floor of the Assembly and Senate as each expressed their perspectives on the pressing

Manny Otiko California Black Media Last week, the California Supreme Court ruled that Los Angeles County had to pay $8 million to the family of Darren Burley, an unarmed Black man who died under circumstances similar to George Floyd.

In 2012, Deputy David Aviles placed his knee on Burley’s neck and back while restraining him. Aviles weighs 200lbs. Burley died 10 days later in the hospital.

The violent murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police has inflamed the country and sparked protests in California and around the nation and the world.

But the disproportionate use of excessive police force against Black men, too often ending up fatally, is not new to California.

“From Rodney King in 1991 to Stephon Clark in 2018, California has a bad history with excessive use of force by police officers,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden (D- Pasadena) in a news release.

In response to this, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) has authored a series of bills to reign in police violence. Those bills include: • AB 1196, which would ban the use of the chokehold.

It passed in the State Assembly and is now under review in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

• AB 1506. This would require police shootings to be investigated by a division of the Department of Justice. The State Assembly passed the legislation. It is currently under review in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

• AB 2342. This would allow parolees to reduce their terms by attending college or volunteering. It passed in the Assembly and is now under review in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

• AB 1022. This bill would require officers to report incidents of excessive force. The bill passed in the Assembly and the Senate Public Safety Committee. It is under review in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

• AB 1185. This would require an oversight board for sheriff’s departments. It passed in the Assembly and is now under review in the Senate Public Safety Committee.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra praised Holden’s AB 1022, which is also called “the George Floyd” law.

“Americans across the nation demand more accountability in our criminal justice system,” said Becerra. “It’s going to take sustained, thoughtful reform like Assembly Bill 1022 to help answer the call. At the California Department of Justice, we’re committed to partnering with our legislators and stakeholders across the state to help get the job done.”

Becerra said he commends Holden and the bill’s other legislative supporters for getting it through the Senate Public Safety Committee. It’s time for important policies like a peace officer’s duty to intervene to be more than just recommendations. We’re ready for them to be the law of the land.”

Holden said Americans were shocked that officers

need for our society to deal with its history of racial inequities.

Ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary study of race and ethnicity that gained acceptance nationally in universities following the 1960’s Black student uprisings. Research shows that students of color and white students benefit academically and socially from taking Ethnic studies courses. These courses can play an important role in building an inclusive multicultural democracy.

According to Charles Toombs, CFA president and a professor of Africana Studies at San Diego State, Ethnic studies differs from other disciplines. It is crucial in its own right.

Because of that, AB1460 specifies that CSU students take a course in one of the four historically defined racialized core groups: African American studies, Latino studies, Native American studies or Asian American studies.

The bill states, “It is the intent of the Legislature that students of the California State University acquire the knowledge and skills that will help them comprehend the diversity and social justice history of the United States and of the society in which they live to enable them to contribute to that society as responsible and constructive citizens.”

AB1460 passed despite opposition from CSU Chancellor Timothy White, the Academic Senate of the California State University, and the leadership at all 23 CSU campuses.

Chancellor White asked the Executive Senate Committee at each CSU campus to write a letter of opposition when the bill was introduced. Allison Wren from CSU Academic Affairs Division presented CSU’s three main objections to AB 1460 at an Assembly Higher Education Committee Hearing.

“First, we believe the legislature should not impose curriculum,” Wren said. “A legislative mandate, such as this will set the dangerous precedent of allowing the government to determine curriculum. And this does in fact threaten the academic freedom of our campuses.”

“Second, the proposed bill is not necessary,” she continued. “We already have cultural diversity requirements on all 23 campuses. Many of these requirements are met by existing courses in Ethnic studies or courses and other departments such as anthropology, history, gender Women’s Studies, among many others.”

“Finally, such a requirement could adversely impact our associate degrees for transfers programs. The bill could Continued on page A2

Regulating Police Brutality

didn’t intervene when they saw Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin choking the life out of Floyd. Instead, they formed a protective cordon around him and held off the crowd.

“We were outraged when we watched the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer from a knee to the neck,” said Holden. “Equally disturbing, was the lack of intervention from the police officers who witnessed a clear use of excessive force.”

Members of Congress Demand Answers About California

DMV $50M Personal Data Sale

Rocklin, CA / USA - March 25 2019: A California DMV sign in front of the Department of Motor Vehicles building in Rocklin. (Courtesy Photo)

By Manny Otiko California Black Media When news broke about Facebook collaborating with data mining companies during the runup to the 2016 presidential election, it may have broken the damn. Now almost four years later, more citizens are raising concerns about their data and who’s sharing it.

Several members of California’s delegation to the United States Congress, including Rep. Barbara Lee (DCA-13), who is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, are demanding information from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They say the DMV has been selling California drivers’ personal data.

According to Motherboard, a tech publication that’s part of the Vice network, the DMV generates about $50 million a year from selling drivers’ data. “We’re troubled by press reports about the California DMV’s disclosure of vast quantities of data which could enable invasive biometric policing and be a symptom of a deeper privacy malady. The California DMV receives more than $50 million annually from selling the personal information of Californians, according to press reports. The individuals whose data are being sold are reportedly not informed of this practice or given the opportunity to opt-out. What information is being sold, to whom it is sold, and what guardrails are associated with the sale remain unclear,” said the letter addressed to Steve Gordon, Director, California Department of Motor Vehicles. Eleven U.S.

Representatives from California signed the letter. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12) and Hon. David S. Kim, Secretary, California State Transportation Agency. The letter also addressed concerns about data possibly being shared with federal agencies such as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI. Since California allows undocumented immigrants to gain driver’s licenses, their personal data may be used by ICE to track and deport people in the country illegally. “What types of organizations has the DMV disclosed drivers’ data to in the past three years? In particular, has the DMV sold or otherwise disclosed data to debt collection agencies, private investigators, data brokers, or law enforcement agencies?” the letter inquired. According to a statement responding to the letter, the DMV says the money generated from the data sale helps offset some of the agency’s operating costs. The practice is not only confined to California.

Both Virginia and Wisconsin DMVs also sell driver personal data. The practice is sanctioned under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which was passed in the 1990s. “In this day and age, unfortunately, government entities don’t resist the lure of selling Americans’ personal information for private exploitation. This problem will only get worse as cities, trying to be ‘smart,’ collect more information about what we do and where we go,” said Lee Tien, senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, in an e-mail to Motherboard.

Free!

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Health Officials Confirm 218 New Covid-19 Cases

Kern Sol News The Kern County Public Health Department confirmed Monday 218 new COVID-19 cases in Kern County, bringing the total to 26,788 cases.

Of the total number of cases, 8,432 people have recovered. Health officials confirmed zero new COVID-19 related deaths, leaving the total at 204 deaths.

According to the California Department of Public Health, 71 people were in the intensive care unit as of Saturday, leaving 21 ICU beds available in Kern.

Head too kerncounty.com for COVID-19 testing information.

Kern High School District Back to School Meal Distribution This fall, the Kern High School District (KHSD) will distribute meals to high school students at each comprehensive high school on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm and Nueva Continuation High School in Lamont from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Since school begins on Monday, August 24, the first drive-through distribution will begin on Friday, August 21. The KHSD has two federally funded meal programs depending on what site the student attends.

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) – no meal charge for students Arvin High School, Mira Monte High School, Bakersfield High School, North High School, East High School, Ridgeview High School, Foothill High School, Shafter High School, Golden Valley High School, South High School, Highland High School, West High School, Independence High School, Nueva Continuation High School, and Kern Valley High School On Tuesdays, these sites will serve breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

On Friday, these sites will serve breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for Monday and Tuesday.

National School Lunch Program – Free, reduced, or meal charge Centennial High School, Frontier High School, Liberty High School and Stockdale High School On Tuesdays, these sites will serve breakfast, lunch, and a snack for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Friday, these sites will serve breakfast, lunch, and snack, for Monday and Tuesday.

To pick up a meal students will need to show School ID. For more information, please contact KHSD Public Information and Communications Manager, Erin Briscoe-Clarke, at (661) 827-3171, or Erin_Briscoe@ KernHigh.org.

Judge Orders Immediate Testing of All Detainees and Staff at Immigration Center LOS ANGELES (AP) – A judge in California ordered immediate testing of all detainees and staff at an immigration detention center where COVID-19 was spreading for weeks while officials refused to test for the virus.

Federal District Court Judge Vince Chhabria ordered the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to conduct quick-result testing of everyone in the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Facility in Bakersfield, The Los Angeles Times reports.

At least 54 of the 104 detained people remaining at the facility are positive for the virus. Initial results from quick tests Saturday found 11 more positive cases, MacLean said.

Chhabria’s order also directed about 140 staff members at Mesa Verde to be tested during their next shift, and weekly thereafter.

The order followed results Friday showing nearly half of the detainees tested earlier in the week were positive for COVID-19.

Deputy Public Defender Emi MacLean of the San Francisco public defender’s office said the judge cited the “deliberate indifference’’ of ICE and GEO Group, the private company managing the facility.

The public defender’s office represents detainees at the facility in San Francisco Immigration Court.

The order followed a series of hearings in a classaction lawsuit filed in April that sought to ensure the facility was taking adequate measures to ensure the detainees’ safety. As the litigation proceeded, ICE tested only those who showed symptoms of possible infection and reported there were none, MacLean said.

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

The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

A2

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

World & Nation

To Gov. Newsom: Time Is Almost Up to Do the Right Thing for Ethnic Studies

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. California Black Media On August 3, the California State Assembly passed AB 1460. Now, the deadline for Governor Newsom to sign or veto it is approaching fast.

AB1640 requires California State University (CSU), the nation’s largest four-year public university system, to provide courses in Ethnic studies at each of its 23 campuses beginning with the 2021–22 academic year. It also requires CSU students to take a 3-credit course in Ethnic studies in order to graduate beginning in the 2024-2025 academic year.

The bill was introduced last year by Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), professor emeritus of Africana studies at San Diego State, on behalf of the California Faculty Association (CFA) and with the support of the legislative ethnic caucuses (Black, Latino, and Asian Pacific Islander). It passed after legislators engaged in personal and passionate debates during committee hearings and on the floor of the Assembly and Senate, each expressing their perspectives on the pressing need for our society to deal with its history of racial inequities.

Ethnic studies is an interdisciplinary study of race and ethnicity that gained acceptance nationally in universities following the 1960’s Black student uprisings. Research shows that students of color and White students benefit academically and socially from taking Ethnic studies courses. These courses can play an important role in building an inclusive multicultural democracy.

According to Charles Toombs, CFA president and a professor of Africana Studies at San Diego State, Ethnic studies differs from other disciplines. It is crucial in its own right.

Because of that, AB1460 specifies that CSU students take a course in one of the four historically defined racialized core groups: African American studies, Latino studies, Native American studies or Asian American studies.

The bill states, “It is the intent of the Legislature that students of the California State University acquire the knowledge and skills that will help them comprehend the diversity and social justice history of the United States and of the society in which they live to enable them to

contribute to that society as responsible and constructive citizens.”

AB1460 passed despite opposition from CSU Chancellor Timothy White, the Academic Senate of the California State University, and the leadership at all 23 CSU campuses.

Chancellor White asked the Executive Senate Committee at each CSU campus to write a letter of opposition when the bill was introduced. Allison Wren from CSU Academic Affairs Division presented CSU’s three main objections to AB 1460 at an Assembly Higher Education Committee hearing.

“First, we believe the legislature should not impose curriculum,” Wren said. “A legislative mandate, such as this will set the dangerous precedent of allowing the government to determine curriculum. And this does in fact threaten the academic freedom of our campuses.”

“Second, the proposed bill is not necessary,” she continued. “We already have cultural diversity requirements on all 23 campuses. Many of these requirements are met by existing courses in ethnic studies or courses and other departments such as anthropology, history, gender Women’s Studies, among many others.”

“Finally, such a requirement could adversely impact our associate degrees for transfers programs. The bill could potentially also adversely impact CSU graduation.”

Weeks before AB 1460 passed, CSU Trustees approved an “Ethnic Studies and Social Justice” studies graduation requirement as an amendment to the school’s general education curriculum. Its critics say the approval was timed to present Newsom with an alternative to AB 1460.

The 13-5 vote of CSU Trustees marks the first significant change to the university’s General Education requirements in 40 years. The approved courses include the four core ethnic studies disciplines AB 1460 requires and adds courses on the history and culture of other oppressed groups, such as Muslims, Jews or LGBTQ people. The requirement goes into effect in the 2023-24 school year.

The board members acknowledged the need for more ethnic studies, citing that the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the national protests over police violence and systemic racism figured in why they voted.

However, in a letter to Chancellor White before the Trustee vote, Legislators led by Assemblymember Weber pointed out that the policy, “does not respond to the challenges we currently face, has been rejected by the faculty, and is not supported by students.”

“The changes proposed by the Chancellor’s office will significantly water down the intent of AB 1460 and will result in something akin to a “diversity” requirement, which was not developed in collaboration with the CSU Council on Ethnic Studies,” she added.

CFA said, “How the board can look at anyone with a straight face and say that an Ethnic Studies requirement can be fulfilled without ever having to take a course in Ethnic studies is beyond believable.”

Weber followed that up by commenting that though it’s written as an Ethnic studies requirement, the policy approved by the CSU board permits students to meet it without actually taking an Ethnic studies course.

So, it is up to Governor Newsom to decide which Ethnic studies graduation requirement will be implemented at CSU. If he signs AB 1460 or just lets 12 days go by after the bill passes without signing it, AB 1460’s strict definition of Ethnic studies will supersede the policy that CSU Trustees approved.

If it becomes law, AB 1460 would be the first time the Legislature dictated a CSU graduation requirement. The Legislature fully debated this concern and concluded that the CSU system on its own lacked the will to adequately tackle society’s reckoning around race and inclusion.

Weber in explaining why it was necessary for the Legislature to act said, “I know the Ivory Tower seldom opens its door unless the door is kicked down. And that’s the reality of the Ivory Tower.”

AB 1460 is inspired by the legacy of Ethnic studies that arose out of the protests and activism of CSU students demanding course offerings that covered the experiences of oppressed racial American communities. It offers Newsom the best opportunity to initiate radical change on race in our public higher education system and introduces CSU graduates to perspectives critically needed to solve society’s most pressing problems.

Shirley Weber’s CSU Ethnic Studies Bill is Now State Law Continued from page A1

potentially also adversely impact CSU graduation.”

Weeks before AB 1460 passed, CSU trustees approved an “Ethnic studies and Social Justice” studies graduation requirement as an amendment to the school’s general education curriculum. Its critics say the approval was timed to present Newsom with an alternative to AB 1460.

The 13-5 vote of CSU trustees marks the first significant change to the university’s general education requirements in 40 years. The approved courses include the four core Ethnic studies disciplines AB 1460 requires and adds courses on the history and culture of other oppressed groups, such as Muslims, Jews or LGBTQ people. The requirement goes into effect in the 2023-24 school year.

The board members acknowledged the need for more Ethnic studies, citing that the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the national protests over police violence and systemic racism resonated in their thoughts as they voted.

However, in a letter to Chancellor White before the trustee vote, legislators, led by Assemblymember

Weber, pointed out that the policy, “does not respond to the challenges we currently face, has been rejected by the faculty, and is not supported by students.”

“The changes proposed by the Chancellor’s office will significantly water down the intent of AB 1460 and will result in something akin to a “diversity” requirement, which was not developed in collaboration with the CSU Council on Ethnic Studies,” she added.

CFA said, “How the board can look at anyone with a straight face and say that an Ethnic studies requirement can be fulfilled without ever having to take a course in Ethnic studies is beyond believable.”

Weber followed that up by commenting that though it’s written as an Ethnic studies requirement, the policy approved by the CSU board permits students to meet it without actually taking an Ethnic studies course. By signing AB 1460, Newsom sided with Weber and her legislative colleagues in deciding that a strict definition of Ethnic studies was needed to supersede the policy that CSU trustees approved.

AB 1460 is the first time the Legislature dictated a CSU graduation requirement. The Legislature fully debated this departure from precedent and concluded that the CSU system on its own lacked the will to adequately tackle society’s reckoning around race and inclusion.

Weber in explaining why it was necessary for the legislature to act said, “I know the Ivory Tower seldom opens its door unless the door’s kicked down. And that’s the reality of the Ivory Tower.” AB 1460 is inspired by the legacy of Ethnic studies that arose out of the protests and activism of CSU students demanding course offerings that covered the experiences of oppressed racial American communities.

Newsom by acknowledging that legacy is advancing the proposition that radical change on race in our public higher education system has to be fostered and is directing that policy be instituted that assures CSU students are introduced to perspectives critically needed to solve society’s most pressing problems as a requirement for graduation.

Trump Administration Ramps Up Efforts to Dismantle Post Office

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire to dismantle the United States Postal Service or revamp the agency in a way that has angered Democrats and others who said it’s a tactic to prevent mail-in voting for the upcoming election.

The CARES Act passed in April authorized the postal service to borrow up to $10 billion from the Treasury Department for operating expenses if it’s determines that, due to the COVID-19 emergency, the post office would not fund operating expenses without borrowing money.

“They have withheld that money. They have broken the law,” Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass told BlackPressUSA during a livestream interview last month.

Other Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), also told BlackPressUSA that the president is trying to dismantle the postal service.

Trump has steadfastly opposed funding the postal service.

Despite recently voting with his wife by mail in a Florida primary election, the president said he’s against mail-in voting.

“Trump is not stupid. He knows if there is a decentsized turnout in this election, he loses,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) wrote on Twitter.

“He and his friends believe they can suppress the vote by destroying the post office. We aren’t going to allow that to happen.”

Several postal workers have reported the removal of sorting machines at postal facilities and the removal of sidewalk mailboxes.

Postal officials reported that in the last week, the agency had removed letter collection boxes in at least four states: New York, Oregon, Montana, and Indiana.

Postal workers in at least three states – West Virginia, Florida, and Missouri – have received notification that retail operating hours also face reduction.

Removing mailboxes had become a practice along marathon and parade routes since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, however, the latest removals are believed intentional and strategically coordinated to impact the election.

In response to the removal of mailboxes and a slowdown in the delivery of mail, the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) sent a letter to the Postmaster General on Aug. 7. New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver (D), Louisiana Secretary of State R. Kyle Ardoin (R), Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) joined in signing the letter.

“State and local election officials are busy planning for the November general election, and many expect an

Slowdowns at the post office have reportedly also resulted in seniors receiving their medications late and other important mail like social security checks. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

increase in the use of absentee and mail ballots, along with other election-related mailings,” the state officials wrote.

“We view the [United States Postal Service] as a vital partner in administering a safe, successful election and would like to learn more about any planned changes around USPS service due to COVID-19, preparations for increased election-related mail, USPS staffing levels and processing times, and other pertinent issues.”

The postal service has sent letters to warn 46 states that it could not guarantee all mail-in ballots cast for the November election would arrive in time to be counted.

Some states, like Maryland and Virginia, received a “heightened warning” that the postal service could not meet state-mandated deadlines.

In response, a large group of protesters staged a “noise demonstration” on Saturday, Aug. 15, outside of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s home in Washington, D.C. The demonstration was organized by the direct-action group “Shut Down D.C.” The organization said they believe DeJoy is “dismantling” the U.S. Postal Service in favor of President Donald Trump’s re-election. They said his actions contribute to voter suppression.

“DeJoy has fired or reassigned much of the existing USPS leadership and ordered the removal of mail sorting machines that are fundamental to the functioning of the postal service. Meanwhile, mail delivery is slowing down under other decisions made by DeJoy, such as eliminating overtime for postal workers,” the organization wrote in a statement.

This week, the U.S. Inspector General opened an investigation into DeJoy’s policy changes at the post office.

According to some lawmakers, those changes are reportedly taking a toll on military veterans who are experiencing much longer wait times to receive mail-order prescription drugs.

Slowdowns at the post office have reportedly also resulted in seniors receiving their medications late and other important mail like social security checks.

It has also angered those who work for the agency.

Postal workers throughout the country have reported low morale, and many have cited the actions of Dejoy, who was appointed by Trump. On Friday, Aug. 14, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), a union that boasts nearly 300,000 active and retired postal workers, endorsed Presumptive Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Biden.

“Vice President Biden is, was, and will continue to be a fierce ally and defender of the United States Postal Service, letter carriers, and our fellow postal brothers and sisters,” NALC President Fredric Rolando said in a statement.

“Together, Biden and [vice presidential running mate] Sen. Kamala Harris fully exhibit the experience, dedication, thoughtfulness and steady hands that will work to ensure that letter carriers and working families are put first,” Rolando declared.

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Wednesday, August 19, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3048 Doing business as: BEER BANK FOOD MART at 623 Decatur St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: SHAANMART INC., CA, 623 Decatur St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: MANDEEP S PANDHER, 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: July 13, 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 July 13, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3190 Doing business as: CALI WRLD at 2207 Brundage Ln., Bakersfield, Ca. 93304 Mailing Address: 2009 Manning St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 County: Kern Full name of registrant: CALI WRLD LLC., CA, 2009 Manning St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: ANTHONY NETTERS, MANAGER The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 07/10/2020 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: July 20, 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 July 20, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3136 2020-B3137 2020-B3138 Doing business as: KINGDOM TAX SERVICE / KINGDOM TAX & NOTARY SERVICE / KTS NOTARY SCHOOL & SERVICE at 3208 Stine Road, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: DREAM DEVELOPMENT IN MOTION LLC., CA, 2741 Hempstead Lane, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: NANCY CASTEEL 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: July 16, 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 July 16, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, 2020 ������������������������������� ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER BCV-20-101594 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 PETITION OF: EVANGELINA OSEGUEDA FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: EVANGELINA OSEGUEDA for a decree changing names as follows: Present name JESSE JR. ULLOA Filed a petition with this court Proposed name JESSE ULLOA OSEGUEDA 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: Sept 16, 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

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A3

PUBLIC NOTICE petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER Date: July 10, 2020 Linda S Etienne COURT COMMISSIONER Yesenia Sanchez DEPUTY Evangelina Osegueda 426 South Haley St. #B Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 Phone: (661) 441-9491 E-Mail: rosygil1222@gmail.com BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 29, Aug 5, 12, 19, 2020 ������������������������������� SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): DCL-20-000017 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): MARIA M VALDEZ, an individual; and DOES 1-100, inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): CROWN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

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

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

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

There are other legal requirements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1122 Jefferson St Delano, CA 93215 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Michael Raichelson/SBN-174607, Sarah Jane Reynolds/SBN 299510; Luis Duenas/SBN 271873; Martin Weingarten/SBN 201906 PERSOLVE LEGAL GROUP, LLP 9301 Corbin Ave Ste 1600 Northridge, CA 91324 Telephone: (818) 534-3100 Fax: DATE (Fecha): January 15, 2020 TAMARAH HARBER-PICKENS, Clerk (Secretario), by Sonia Herrera, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served.

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (PLG) PUB: Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 2020 Order to Show Cause Hearing is set for 10/16/2020 at 10:00 A.M. in Department A. BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (PLG) PUB: Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 2020 �������������������������������

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3149 Doing business as: FAMILY FOOD MART at 138 E First Street, Buttonwillow, Ca. 93206 Mailing Address: PO Box 27, Buttonwillow, Ca. 93206 County: Kern Full name of registrant: AHMED M ALAMSI, 620 E. Howard Ave., Pixley, Ca. 93256 Full name of registrant: ALIA ALAMSI, 125 E. San Mateo St., Avenal, Ca. 93204 The business is conducted by: General Partnership SIGNED: AHMED M ALAMSI, PARTNER/ MANAGER The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 08/27/1998 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: July 16, 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 July 16, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3308 Doing business as: J J PALLET LIQUIDATION at 4300 Easton Dr. #24, Bakersfield, Ca. 93309 Mailing Address: 7321 Wild Mustang Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 County: Kern Full name of registrant: JOSE ZESATI, 7321 Wild Mustang Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93311 Full name of registrant: J JESUS ZESATI, 6708 Cerralvo St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 The business is conducted by: General Partnership SIGNED: JOSE ZESATI 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: July 27, 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 July 27, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3230 Doing business as: PM MEDIA at 2609 Texas St., Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 Mailing Address: 4602 Islands Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93312 County: Kern Full name of registrant: AMANDEEP DHALIWAL, 4602 Islands Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93312 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: AMANDEEP DHALIWAL 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: July 22, 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 July 22, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3101 Doing business as: EVER PARTY RENTAL at 909 White Lane, Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: EVER MISAEL RODRIGUEZ, 909 White Lane, Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: EVER MISAEL RODRIGUEZ 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: July 14, 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 July 14, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 5, 12, 19, 26 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3104 Doing business as: JAFARNAMA SAHIB TRUCKING at 4503 Chinta Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Full name of registrant: GURCHARAN SINGH, 4503 Chinta Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: GURCHARAN SINGH 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: July 14, 2020 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: R ROBERTS-MARTIN, Deputy This fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the County Clerk’s Office. A new fictitious business name statement must be filed before that time. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another to a trademark or trade name under federal, state, or common 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 July 14, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 12, 19, 26, Sept 2, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3420 Doing business as: FAHRENHEIT 450 HDPE SERVICES at 15343 Rubcion Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: REBECCA CHAMMAS, 15343 Rubcion Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 Full name of registrant: JOSEPH CHAMMAS, 15343 Rubcion Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 Full name of registrant: COLE CHAMMAS, 15343 Rubcion Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: REBECCA CHAMMAS 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: July 31, 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 July 31, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 12, 19, 26, Sept 2, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3370 Doing business as: SPENCERS CAFE at 7800 McNair Lane, #B, Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Mailing Address: 13061 Rosedale Hwy, Suite G-183, Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 County: Kern Full name of registrant: KERN COUNTY CAFES. INC., CA, 13061 Rosedale Hwy, Suite G-183, Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: GILBERT BLEVINS, PRESIDENT The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 04/01/2014 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: July 30, 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 July 30, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 5, 12, 19, Sept 2, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3373 Doing business as: SPENCERS CAFE at 3501 Mall View Road, #116, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 Mailing Address: 13061 Rosedale Hwy, Suite G-183, Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 County: Kern Full name of registrant: CENTRAL VALLEY CAFES, INC., CA, 13061 Rosedale Hwy, Suite G-183, Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: GILBERT BLEVINS, PRESIDENT The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 04/01/2014 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: July 30, 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 July 30, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 5, 12, 19, Sept 2, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3374 Doing business as: LIONESS THE LABEL at 279 Deep Creek Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: KELLIE RENEE BELL, 279 Deep Creek Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: KELLIE RENEE BELL The registrant commenced to

PUBLIC NOTICE

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: July 30, 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 July 30, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 5, 12, 19, Sept 2, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3314 Doing business as: DCS POOL SERVICE at 3202 Giovanetti Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: JASMINE DANAE JAMES, 3202 Giovanetti Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Full name of registrant: COLIN JAMES, 3202 Giovanetti Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 The business is conducted by: Married Couple SIGNED: JASMINE DANAE JAMES The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 07/01/2020 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: July 27, 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 July 27, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3457 Doing business as: TWIN PARENTS INVESTMENT PROPERTY at 4730 Fort Apache Rd. STE 300, Las Vegas, Nv. 89147 Mailing Address: PO Box 22644, Bakersfield, Ca. 93390 County: Kern Full name of registrant: TWIN PARENTS INVESTMENT PROPERTY, LLC, NV, 14116 Palm Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: JAMES TSAI The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 03/01/2017 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: August 4, 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 August 4, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3458 Doing business as: DREAM HOMES COME TRUE at 4730 Fort Apache Rd. STE 300, Las Vegas, Nv. 89147 Mailing Address: PO Box 22644, Bakersfield, Ca. 93390 County: Kern Full name of registrant: DREAM HOMES COME TRUE, LLC, NV, 14116 Palm Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 Full name of registrant: HULLING JUAN The business is conducted by: Limited Liability Company SIGNED: JAMES TSAI The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 03/01/2017 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: August 4, 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 August 4, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3413 Doing business as: MICHAEL TODD at 400 Copinsay Ct., Bakersfield, Ca. 93312 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: 5 FEATURES, CA, 400 Copinsay Ct., Bakersfield, Ca. 93312 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: LAURA BLAKE 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: July 31, 2020 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

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 July 31, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 �������������������������������

to be false, is guilty of a crime This statement expires on August 7, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 �������������������������������

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 are: (El nombre y direccion de la corte son) SACRAMENTO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse 3341 Power Inn Road, Sacramento, CA 95826 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): Rosie Dhillon (SBN 263318) SAMRA DHILLON & ASSOCIATES 9355 E. Stockton Blvd., Ste. 120, Elk Grove, Ca. 95838 Telephone: (916) 968-1864 Date (Fecha): May 13, 2020 (SEAL) Clerk, By: (Actuario. por) C. FOSTER, Deputy (Asistente) BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 �������������������������������

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3519 Doing business as: TD SERVICES at 15003 Oakencroft Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: TRISHA LEA DAVIS, 15003 Oakencroft Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93314 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: TRISHA LEA DAVIS The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 06/01/2014 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: August 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 August 10, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B35195 Doing business as: AAMCO TRANSMISSIONS & TOTAL CAR CARE at 1401 Union Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93305 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: CHRISTIANSEN DEVELOPMENT, INC., CA, 5900 Sucre Pl., Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 The business is conducted by: Corporation SIGNED: CORTLAND CHRISTIANSEN The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 10/04/2010 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: August 7, 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 August 7, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3455 Doing business as: SAINTZZZZ at 3108 Royal Oak Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: JASLYN LIZETTE MANZO, 3108 Royal Oak Drive, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: JASLYN LIZETTE MANZO 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: August 4, 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 August 4, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3501 Doing business as: STRONG CONFIDENCE MOTHERS at 7708 Palodura Ct., Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: GEORGINA NIEMEYER, 7708 Palodura Ct., Bakersfield, Ca. 93308 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: GEORGINA NIEMEYER 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: August 7, 2020 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: R EDMIASTON, 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

]FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3474 Doing business as: MUFEEDS MINI MART at 1430 E Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93305 Mailing Address: 8107 Fighting Irish Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 County: Kern Full name of registrant: ROXANA MUNOZ, 8107 Fighting Irish Dr., Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: ROXANA MUNOZ The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 07/30/2020 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County on: August 5, 2020 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: R EDMIASTON, 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 August 5, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 ������������������������������� AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER BCV-20-101424 Superior Court of the State of California, for the county of Kern, 1415 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301 PETITION OF: MARGARITO CHAIDEZ JR. FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: MARGARITO CHAIDEZ JR. for a decree changing names as follows: Present name MARGARITO CHAIDEZ JR. Filed a petition with this court Proposed name MARGARITO HERNANDEZ JR. 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: Oct 6, 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: August 10, 2020 Linda S Etienne COURT COMMISSIONER Cindy Rodriguez DEPUTY Margarito Chaidez Jr. 5315 Sunbird Ct. Bakersfield, Ca. 93313 Phone: (626) 239-5370 E-Mail:juniorchaidez199@gmail.com BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 ������������������������������� SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) CITACION (DERECHO FAMILIAR) CASE NUMBER: 20FL01720 NOTICE TO RESPONSENT: MANJINDER SINGH AVISO AL DEMANDADO (NOMBRE:) 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: JASPREET KAUR NOMBRE DEL DEMANDANTE: 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

NOTICE OF TERMINATION of NOTICE OF DEFAULT TRUSTEE SALE & DEED OF TRUST By: Acuna, Celia R, ACUNA FAMILY TRUST, Affiant: DOC#220090326; 220090327 Kern County, Property: 1408 Ming Ave, Bakersfield, Ca 93304 Respondents: ZBS LAW, LLP; CSMC 2019-SPL1 TRUST et al. DEBTORS and/or assigns. By Tacit Procuration; Default Governed under Article 9 & COML 3603(b) BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 NOTICE OF HEARING-GUARDIANSHIP CASE NO: BPB-20-002611 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF KERN 1215 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93301 GUARDIANSHIP of: LOGAN GENE SMITH Minor This notice is required by law. This notice does not require you to appear in court, but you may attend the hearing if you wish.

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

4. A HEARING on the matter will be held as follows: Date: Sept 14, 2020 Time: 10:30 am Dept: P Address of Court Same as noted above BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 ������������������������������� FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2020-B3268 Doing business as: GALAXY NAILS & SPA at 1601 Panama Lane #D106, Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 Mailing Address: Same County: Kern Full name of registrant: NGHIA TRONG DOAN, 17340 Wentzel Way, Granada Hills, Ca. 91344 The business is conducted by: Individual SIGNED: NGHIA TRONG DOAN 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: July 25, 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 July 25, 2025 BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020 ������������������������������� STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE NO: 2019-B1283 Business Name you wish to abandon: ALPHA PERFORMANCE Street address of business: 2013 S Union Ave., Bakersfield, Ca. 93307 County: Kern Mailing address of business: Same Registrant(s) whose wish to abandon the business name: CARLOS ADNCIN QUIROZ BARAJAS, 6416 Easter Lily, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306 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.)

Business was conducted by: Individual SIGNED: CARLOS ADNCIN QUIROZ BARAJAS This statement of abandonment filed on: July 22, 2020 MARY B BEDARD County Clerk By: N FRANCO Deputy BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Aug 19, 26, Sept 2, 9, 2020

A4

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

Entertainment

2 Men Charged in ’02 Killing of Run-DMC Star Jam Master Jay

By Jim Mustian, Michael Balsamo, Tom Hays And Michael R. Sisak Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly two decades after the slaying of Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay, federal prosecutors said Monday they have solved one of New York City’s most enduring mysteries, charging two men from his neighborhood with murder and suggesting that the hip-hop artist — celebrated for his anti-drug stance — was ambushed over a cocaine deal.

The suspects were identified in court papers as Ronald Washington, 56, who is currently serving a federal prison sentence stemming from a string of robberies while on the run from police after Jay’s 2002 death, and Karl Jordan Jr., 36, who is also charged with engaging in a cocaine distribution conspiracy in 2017.

Jason “Jay” Mizell, known professionally as Jam Master Jay, formed Run-DMC with Joseph “Run” Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniel in the early 1980s. Together, they helped take hip-hop mainstream with hits like “It’s Tricky” and the Aerosmith remake collaboration “Walk This Way.” Jay’s death, following the long unsolved slayings of rappers Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas in 1996 and Christopher “Biggie Smalls” Wallace in Los Angeles in 1997, shook the hip-hop world. Chuck D of Public Enemy compared his death to that of John Lennon. More than $60,000 in rewards was offered, but witnesses refused to come forward and the case languished.

“This is a case about a murder that for nearly two decades had gone unanswered,” Acting U.S. Attorney Seth DuCharme said at a news conference announcing the charges. “Today, we begin to answer that question of who killed Jason Mizell, and why, and we’re confident that we can prove those charges beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Washington, who had reportedly been living on a couch at Jay’s home in the days before the killing, was publicly named as a possible suspect or witness as far back as 2007. Prosecutors allege he waved a handgun and ordered another person at the recording studio to lie on the ground while Jordan shot Jay in the head Oct. 30, 2002.

According to prosecutors, Jay would bring in bulk amounts of cocaine to sell retail and was killed as retribution for cutting Washington out of a plan to distribute 10 kilograms in Maryland.

“They walked in and murdered him in cold blood,” DuCharme said.

A message seeking comment was left with a publicist for Run-DMC. The group performed anti-drug concerts, established scholarships and held voter registration drives at its live shows. In Hollis, the Queens neighborhood where he grew up, Jay was seen as a role model. Friends were puzzled by his death, thinking him an unlikely target FILE - The rap group Run-DMC, from left, Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason Mizell “Jam Master Jay,” poses at the 31st annual Grammy for violence. in New York, on March 2, 1988. Two suspects have been indicted in the 2002 killing of hip hop artist Jam Master Jay, which until now had been one of New If convicted, Washington and Jordan each face a Awards York City’s most notorious unsolved killings, according to two law enforcement officials, Monday, Oct. 17, 2020. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, or the death penalty. Prosecutors Before ending up on Jay’s couch, Washington served Washington filed a handwritten petition asking to said in court papers that Attorney General William Barr with Jay when he was killed, including the two armed gunmen. prison time for grand larceny, assault, criminal use of a immediately be released to home confinement, arguing had not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.

At Jay’s funeral, McDaniels remembered his friend firearm, heroin possession and other charges. He was been his medical history put him at risk for complications from Jordan pleaded not guilty at an arraigned held Monday by teleconference because of coronavirus-related and fellow Run-DMC star as “the embodiment of hip- linked to the 1995 fatal shooting of Randy Walker, a close coronavirus. Federal prosecutors responded by asking for more time to respond, delaying any decision until after precautions. His lawyer declined comment. Washington, hop.” He was also a husband and a father of three children. associate of the late Tupac Shakur.

“Jam Master Jay was not a thug,” McDaniels said.

Afterward, prosecutors said, Washington hopped Washington was charged. who is imprisoned in Kentucky, will be arraigned later this “Jam Master Jay was not a gangster. Jam Master Jay was a from motel-to-motel and robbed businesses including Jordan, just a teenager when Jay was killed, was week, prosecutors said. supermarkets and a Burger King while detectives pursued declared a juvenile delinquent after a 1999 robbery arrest Prosecutors have asked that both be jailed pending unique individual.”

Prosecutors, though, now say Jay had been bringing him in connection with Jay’s killing. He remained at large and had a firearm case dismissed when the complaining trial. cocaine into the New York area since 1996. for nearly three months until police on Long Island nabbed witness refused to cooperate with law enforcement. In The 37-year-old Jay was shot once in the head with At the time, Jay’s acquaintance with Washington — a him for robbing a motel. recent years, prosecutors said, he’s been caught on audio a .40-caliber bullet by a masked assailant at his studio in Last month, as prosecutors were preparing to seek and video surveillance six times selling cocaine to an Hollis. Police identified at least four people in the studio repeat offender with convictions dating in 1982 — worried and upset his family. a grand jury indictment against him for Jay’s death, undercover federal agent.

Beyoncé’s Message to America: “Vote Like Your Life Depends on It”

Beyoncé, whose net worth is over $400 million, recently released the song “Black Parade,” celebrating Black pride. (Photo: BET Networks via YouTube)

Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Independent Journalist Popular singer Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, 38, had a message for the audience at this year’s BET Awards.

During the ceremony, Beyoncé was presented with a Humanitarian Award by former first lady Michelle Obama, who congratulated Beyoncé on her commitment to the Black community.

“You can see it in everything she does, from her music that gives voice to Black joy and Black pain, to her activism that demands justice for Black lives,” Obama said. Obama also honored Tyler Perry, Trayvon Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton, and others.

“You’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain,” Beyoncé said as she accepted the award, adding, “I’m encouraging you to continue to take action, continue to change and dismantle a racist and unequal system. We have to vote like our life depends on it, because it does.” The singer from Houston dedicated her award to protesters around the country.

Several celebrities have become increasingly involved in philanthropy focused on struggling communities. They include Beyoncé, Pusha T, Trey Songz, Common and John Legend. Trey Songz and Pusha T have both participated in large efforts in their hometowns of Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia to feed needy families as part of the “Feed Your City Challenge.”

Thousands have benefited from their events, including the literal tons of food that have been given away to help families in those communities. Pusha T had previously

been involved in philanthropy with a focus on giving back to his community in Norfolk. The rapper has said the work of The Ricky Davis Legacy Foundation in Houston inspired him to replicate a similar effort in Hampton Roads, Virginia. On June 3rd, a large food giveaway drivethru event took place in Norfolk and Trey Songz hosted a large drive-thru food giveaway event in Petersburg on June 20.

Beyoncé was honored at the 20th annual BET Awards in part because of her BeyGOOD initiative. BeyGOOD is a philanthropic initiative that teams up with local charities in places of need to help the homeless, sick children and the unemployed. BeyGOOD joined with Bread of Life, Greater Houston Community Foundation, and Texas Southern University to assist people displaced after Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.

Beyoncé, whose net worth is over $400 million, recently released the song “Black Parade,” celebrating Black pride. “…I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle. Please continue to remember our beauty, strength and power. “Black Parade” celebrates you, your voice and your joy and will benefit Black-owned small businesses,” the description reads under the YouTube Video of “Black Parade.”

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

R. Kelly’s Manager Charged with Phone Threats

By LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) – R. Kelly's manager has been arrested in California on charges that he threatened a shooting at a Manhattan theater two years ago, forcing an evacuation and the cancellation of the screening of a documentary addressing allegations that the singer had sexually abused women and girls.

Donnell Russell, 45, of Chicago, was charged with conspiracy and with threatening physical harm by interstate communication.

He appeared remotely Friday from Los Angeles before a magistrate judge in Manhattan. He was permitted to remain free on $75,000 bail. An email seeking comment was sent to his court-appointed lawyer.

The charge comes on the heels of Russell being charged in Brooklyn federal court earlier this week with harassing a Kelly victim and her mother after the unidentified woman

filed a lawsuit against Kelly. Authorities said Russell sent a letter to the woman's lawyer with cropped nude photographs of her and later sent her a text warning her: “Pull the plug or you will be exposed.''

In the latest case, authorities said the threats by Kelly's manager and adviser in December 2018 forced the cancellation of the screening of Lifetime's “Surviving R. Kelly'' series at the NeueHouse Madison Square as police took precautions, although they determined that there was no imminent threat.

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a release that a number of the Grammy award-winning R&B singer's accusers were to attend the screening.

“Threats of gun violence aimed at intimidating and silencing victims of sexual abuse are unlawful as well as unacceptable,” she said.

William F. Sweeney Jr., head of New York's FBI office, said it “defies logic that a threat like the one alleged

here could stop victims from speaking about their alleged abuse.”

Sweeney said Russell succeeded in shutting down one airing of the documentary but failed to silence the women featured in the film.

“Each and every day, we do everything in our power to make sure victims of sexual abuse have the opportunity to be heard, and will continue to do so regardless of those who allegedly use violence as a means to stop them,” he said.

Kelly remains jailed in Chicago after pleading not guilty to dozens of state and federal sex crime charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York.

The charges range from sexual assault to leading a racketeering scheme aimed at supplying Kelly with girls.

Kelly also is accused of having unprotected sex with a minor in 2015 without disclosing he had herpes.

Donnell Russell

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER A5

Features

Asm Cooper Calls Out Env Orgs’ Racism Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Sacramento) inked a two-page open letter to leaders of environmental organizations, calling out racism and the lack of diversity in their organizations.

Cooper, who represents the 9th District and is Chair of the Assembly’s Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration, released the letter through his Twitter account, stating that “It’s time we have a discussion about environmental racism.”

The Sierra Club California (SCC), the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Environment California “have long had all White or (mostly) leadership teams,” Cooper wrote.

“These organizations from their leaders to their funders, are nearly all White, and attempt to trade on race issues by branding their efforts as: ‘environmental justice’ — for which they do not apologize,” Cooper wrote in the letter dated Aug. 3.

Cooper backed his allegations, adding, “these organizations consistently push legislation that is designed to ‘protect or improve’ the environment,’ but fall way below addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities,” he wrote.

In the letter, Cooper included information provided by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), an independent nonprofit research institution based in San Francisco.

PPIC reported that California residential electric power rates are 55.8% higher than the average of other states. The report also says that California drivers are dishing out more at the pump to pay for the second-highest gasoline prices in the nation at 98 cents per gallon (47% higher than the average of the 49 other states).

“These higher costs impact disadvantaged communities, especially those who live in areas like the Central Valley, and force them to pay more for energy costs than coastal community households do,” Cooper stated.

“These disadvantaged communities throughout the state are mostly comprised of Black and Brown people.”

Cooper penned the letter after the Sierra Club California recently announced its commitment to invest $5 million of its budget into initiatives to diversify its staff and environmental and racial justice efforts.

Michael Brune, the Executive Director of the Sierra Club California, released a statement on July 22. In it, he apologized for his organization’s “substantial role in

Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Sacramento) at the Capitol - June 10, 2020. (Courtesy Photo)

perpetuating white supremacy.”

The Sierra Club California is the legislative and regulatory advocacy arm for Sierra Club chapters in California. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest environmental organizations.

The Sierra Club California has chapters in every state and a national membership that exceeds 1 million.

California is unique among states in that it has 13 chapters of the organization, representing more than 400,000 members and supporters.

“It’s time to take down some of our own monuments, starting with some truth-telling about the Sierra Club’s early history,” Brune stated. “That will be followed by posts

on how we’ve had to evolve on issues of immigration and population control, environmental justice, and Indigenous sovereignty.”

Cooper commended the 128-year-old organization for the public apology and putting up funds to address internal and external racial issues. But the Assemblyman still pointed out the Sierra Club’s timing.

Recent and continuing racial strife in the country, including the death of George Floyd on May 25, played heavily into the environmental organization’s decision, Cooper said.

“I have to ask why it took the murder of an unarmed Black man, nationwide civil unrest, and protest?” Cooper

stated.

In his July 22 letter, Brune also admitted that SCC was an exclusive organization that catered to certain members and “screened out any applicants of color” from 1892 to the 1960s.

One of SCC’s founding members is environmentalist and naturalist John Muir, the “Father of the National Parks.” Muir Woods National Monument near Mill Valley, Calif., is named in honor of the Scottish American.

“The Whiteness and privilege of our early membership fed into a very dangerous idea -- one that’s still circulating today,” Brune wrote. “It’s the idea that exploring, enjoying, and protecting the outdoors can be separated from human affairs. Such willful ignorance is what allows some people to shut their eyes to the reality that the wild places we love are also the ancestral homelands of Native peoples.”

Before joining the Assembly in 2014, Cooper served as a Captain in the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for 30 years and spent 15 years as Elk Grove’s founding mayor and councilmember.

Elk Grove, located 15 miles south of downtown Sacramento, is the second-most populous city in Sacramento County with more than 172,000 residents.

In response to Cooper’s Aug. 3 letter, “Environmental Racism and Lack of Diversity,” and Brune’s July 22’s press release, “Pulling Down Monuments,” the assemblyman engaged in some back-and-forth dialogue with Mary Nichols.

Nichols is the Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB is charged with protecting the public from the harmful effects of air pollution and developing programs and actions to fight climate change.

On Nichols’ Twitter account, which has since been removed, she posted a disturbing message in regard to the death of George Floyd, who died when a Minneapolis, Minnesota, police officer pinned his knee on his neck for nearly nine minutes.

Nichols posted on June 1, “‘I can’t breathe’ speaks to police violence, but it also applies to the struggle for clean air. Environmental racism is just one form of racism. It’s all toxic. Government needs to clean it up in word and deed.”

Cooper responded by tweeting, “How dare you use a dying man’s plea for help as a way to discuss your agenda.

Have you no shame?”

Nichols later issued an apology via Twitter, stating “I apologize for speaking at the wrong time about the wrong topic. Racism comes in many forms and I believe we must fight every instance of it in our society.”

Governor Newsom Must Pick an African American to Replace Sen. Kamala Harris

Top row: Congresswoman Maxine Waters, City Council Member Herb Wesson, Assemblymember Shirley Weber, Mayor London Breed, Congresswoman Karen Bass. Bottom row: Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, State Senator Holly Mitchell.

By Hardy Brown Special to California Black Media U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to serve on a major party’s presidential ticket made history last week when Joe Biden, the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee, announced that she would serve as his running mate. While much of the national and local news centered around the selection of Senator Harris, California political insiders were having a different conversation. Almost immediately after Biden’s announcement, the politicos in the Golden State began formulating predictions on who Gov. Gavin Newsom would select to serve the balance of Senator Harris’s term in the U.S. Senate, which ends in January 2023.

The opportunity to see the celebrated rise of a member of another ethnic minority, whether it be the Latino community, API community, or other group, should not come at the expense of California’s Black community.

Political insiders in Sacramento report that Newsom is already being pressured by outside groups to make history by appointing a Latino to replace Harris. With close to 40% or more of the state population being Latino, the governor will be under pressure to deliver to such a large constituency. However, according to some capital insiders and news reports, discussions have already been had with the governor to appoint California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to the U.S. Senate, should Sen. Dianne Feinstein decide to retire before her term ends in 2024.

Black women and men have poured decades of work, blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice into the Democratic Party, and Gov. Newsom must recognize that. Black voters are not the Democratic Party’s mules; they should not have to put the histories of other groups’ oppression on their backs and step aside so someone else can walk through the political door that Senator Harris has opened. To prevent what would be a consequential snub, the Governor should be intentional about acknowledging the important role that Black people have in California politics, and the trail that has been blazed by Kamala Harris, by choosing among California’s Black elected officials to replace her in the U.S. Senate. Fortunately, California has an impressive list for the Governor to consider:

Congressional Members Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, was an early supporter of Gov. Newsom and is beloved by her Bay Area constituency. Though she is in her 13th term as a Congresswoman and may not want to give up the seniority she’s earned in the House, Lee would garner support from progressives and African Americans statewide, and be a force in the U.S. Senate.

Congresswoman Karen Bass. It is likely that Governor Newsom has already added Representative Karen Bass (D-CA-37) to his shortlist of candidates to fill Senator Harris’s seat. A 10-year veteran in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Bass, the current Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and former Speaker of the California Assembly, possesses both the leadership skills and the acumen to serve in the U.S. Senate in this historic moment.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Affectionately called “Auntie Maxine” by fans from all backgrounds and ages, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) has been a member of the U.S. Congress for almost 30 years. She is both loved and loathed for her no-nonsense, in-your-face politicking and sharp criticism of political opponents, including Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump. Waters served 14 years in the California Assembly before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she is the current chair of the House Financial Services Committee.

Constitutional Officers Superintendent Tony Thurmond. Tony Thurmond became California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction after successfully defeating a well-funded opponent statewide. Prior to this position, he served as a state Assemblymember, a member of the Richmond City Council and a member of the West Contra Costa County Unified School District. Superintendent Thurmond has enjoyed national attention in the wake of COVID-19 with innovative plans to initiate distance learning and to reopen public schools.

Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen. Board

Member Malia Cohen, a native of the vote-rich Bay Area, is no stranger to Gov. Newsom and is a tested and proven viable statewide vote getter, having garnered 72 percent of the vote in her 23-county Board of Equalization District, representing over 10 million Californians. She was elected the first Black woman to Chair the BOE, which administers the $70 billion property tax system. Prior to her election to Constitutional Office, BOE Chair Cohen served two terms on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and as President of the Board.

State Legislators State Senator Holly Mitchell. Senator Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angles), who serves as the Chair of the California State Senate Budget Committee, is one of the most well respected, and powerful policy makers in California.

Senator Mitchell has developed a close working relationship with Gov. Newsom which has served the state well. They have pursued policies that align with their respective agendas on homelessness, criminal justice reform, early childhood development, seniors etc.

Assemblymember Shirley Weber. Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-Sam Diego) serves as the Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. She is one of the most effective and respected policymakers serving in the California legislature. She passed landmark legislation establishing a new reasonable force standard in the wake of the death of Stephon Clark by Sacramento law enforcement officers. This year she championed the Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5, which placed on the November ballot Proposition16. If voters approve, Prop 16 would overturn anti-affirmative action Proposition 209, which passed in 1996.

Local Elected Officials City Council Member Herb Wesson. Los Angeles city council member Herb Wesson is former speaker of the state assembly, former president of the Los Angeles City council and is currently a candidate for Los Angeles County supervisor. He is well known around the state and is widely regarded as a persuasive and effective deal maker.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas is one of the most effective policymakers in the state of California. Ridley-Thomas previously served

in both the California State Assembly and the California Senate, and served as the Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. He was a strong supporter of Gavin Newsom in his race to become Governor, and Ridley-Thomas has worked closely with the governor to address homelessness in Los Angeles County and statewide.

Mayor London Breed. Mayor London Breed, the first African American woman to serve as Mayor of San Francisco, made a splash on the national political stage this year because of her pro-active response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to serving as Mayor of San Francisco, Breed served as the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Breed, who was appointed to the San Francisco Fire Commission by then-Mayor Gavin Newsom, enjoys a close working relationship with the governor and has the experience of running a major metropolitan city.

When coming up with this list, I did a poll check and talked to both young and older veterans in the political space.

Chaya Crowder, an African American Political Science Professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, said, “Black women continue to be the most loyal voting block within the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party cannot continue to rely on Black women as voters without having Black women in represented in elected office.”

Danny Bakewell, publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel and producer of the largest Black festival in California, ‘Taste of Soul,’ said, “at a time that we say Black lives matter, Black people must be considered for this and other positions.

Gov. Newsom has been confronted with a plethora of difficult decisions in 2020, ranging from the management of COVID-19 to balancing a budget in the middle of a severe recession. After the general election, if the Democrats win, the Governor would be charged with an equally important decision -- who to choose to serve out the remaining two-and-a-half years of Senator Harris’s term. Our advice to the Governor is to be thoughtful in his deliberations and understand that his decision will speak very loudly to Black communities throughout California and the nation.

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BAKERSFIELD NEWS OBSERVER

Local

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Kern Public Health Ramps Up Contact Tracing Efforts Amid Spikes Of Covid-19 Cases Elizabeth Sanchez South Kern Sol Since the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the nation, health professionals have been worried about a number of resources to fight the virus. First it was tests, then ventilators and Intensive Care Unit beds, and then nurses and now contact tracers.

Within the past two week, the Kern County Public Health Department has hired more than 20 staff members, bringing the total to more than 100 staffers, many of which contact trace on any given day, according to Michelle Corson, the department’s spokeswoman. The County is currently not hiring anymore contact tracers; however, that could change in the future, Corson said.

Kim Hernandez, Kern Public Health’s lead epidemiologist, said now that cases have begun to decrease, contact tracing has become a little more stable.

“We had a large surge earlier this month and got a lot more staff,” Hernandez said. “We’re still feeling out how many staff needs to continue on their current job duties.

We’re assessing tasks where needs are.”

Hernandez said because of the unknown virus expectations, Public Health is constantly having to move staff around in order to be able to respond with contact tracing.

Contact tracers begin case investigations for people who test positive for COVID-19. They help these patients recall everyone they have had close contact with during the time they may have been infectious. The contact tracers then notify the exposed people as quickly as possible. These people are then given support to help them understand their risk, what they should do, and how to monitor symptoms.

Contacts are encouraged to stay home, monitor their health, and maintain social distance (at least 6 feet) from others until 14 days after their last exposure to the infected patient, in case they also become ill.

One contact tracer reaches out to 15 to 25 patients per day, according to Corson. The goal is to reach out to patients within 72 hours when receiving a positive lab result.

On average, for every case Public Health identifies, there are about four contacts identified, Kern Public Health Director Matt Constantine said at a July 16 press conference.

On Thursday, Kern Public Health announced 320 new COVID-19 cases. This means if each case had four

(Courtesy Photo) contacts, contact tracers would have to reach out to about 1,280 people in three days to reach the department’s goal.

With a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, some patients are left waiting for their results for as long as two weeks, leaving for the potential of exposing others because contact tracing hasn’t begun.

Corson said there have also been some patients who got tested at a private practice, were found positive and were never contacted by public health officials for contact tracing; however, this isn’t the case for all patients. Doctors

at a private practice or testing facility are mandated to notify Public Health.

“If this is done timely, then an initial letter is sent to the patients notifying them to fill out the self-report questionnaire via online,” Corson said. “This will expedite the process when Public Health staff contacts them for contact tracing investigation.”

Other communities across California have expanded beyond county employees for contact tracing and have partnered with community-based organizations to aid with

the task.

Fresno County has partnering with the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission to immediately add 300 contact tracers to help stop a surge of COVID-19 cases, reports GV Wire. Officials announced on Tuesday that $5.5 million in Fresno County CARES act funding would go toward the effort.

Fresno County Supervisors said the contract tracers “will help bridge communications gaps that may be preventing rural farm worker communities and other under-served populations from receiving the information and support needed to help contain COVID-19,” GV Wire reports.

Fresno’s contact tracing efforts include working with 17 CBOs, incluidng Fresno Building Healthy Communities, Central Valley Health Policy Institute, Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries, Centro Binacional, Go Public Schools, and Cultiva La Salud.

The diverse set of organizations will allow contact tracers to reach out to vulnerable communities that will be done in a “culturally and linguistically appropriate way,” said Emilia Reyes, CEO of the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission.

The Kern County Public Health Department, in partnership with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has developed a COVID-19 awareness campaign, and all the materials are in both English and Spanish.

“Specifically, we have provided awareness in Spanish through social media, flyers and infographics, billboards (several located in East Bakersfield), radio and TV PSA’s and our COVID-19 webpage includes Spanish guidance documents and dashboard,” Corson said.

Kern Public Health also provides sign language translation services during press conferences; however, other languages have not been used for the County’s COVID-19 resources.

In Oakland, a $63 million grant from Kaiser Permanente will go to Oakland-based Public Health Institute to provide targeted, community-based contact tracing in areas hit hard by the virus, says Cap Radio. The goal is to recruit contact tracers to work directly in their own communities, said Public Health Institute (PHI) President and CEO Mary Pittman.

Pitman says the key to contact tracing is, “reaching out to community-based organizations — to trusted people in the community — to explain what we were trying to do.”

Tips for Reducing Financial Stress

Arleana Waller is the founder of the MLK commUNITY Initiative www.COLDf.org (Courtesy Photo)

By Nereida Choate and Arleana Waller, Bank of America Bakersfield Market Leader, Founder, MLK commUNITY Initiative In vulnerable and underserved areas such as Southeast Bakersfield, we’re seeing these communities be disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus – healthwise and financially - with layoffs or furloughs, medical and other bills leading to increased levels of worry. It’s no wonder that we are hearing from more and more people who share with us that they are stressed about their finances.To help alleviate and reduce financial stress, MLK commUNITY has invited our local Bank of America leaders to provide free financial education to community members. We agree that now may just be a great time to ‘reset’ your finances by examining your situation, redefining your goals and creating a plan that sets your family up for financial success for years to come.Our eight-week virtual weekly workshops will start August 20 and cover a range of topics to create better money habits, especially in these unprecedented times.Here is a sneak peak of the types of tips we will cover that can help you jumpstart that process: Step 1: Understand Financial Stress Managing your finances, especially during challenging times, can be stressful. But if you break it down, you’ll quickly see that financial peace of mind comes from having a handle on several small (and very manageable) aspects of your finances. Start by listing out your finances – income, spending, saving, rent, mortgage payments, credit card debt, etc. – and prioritize which items need your attention first.

Then, seek tools and resources that help you along the way.

Tools like the Bank of America Savings Calculator can help you calculate how long it will take you to reach a specific goal.

Step 2: Revamp Your Budget Unexpected situations triggered by the coronavirus pandemic may require that you rework your budget. The Nereida Choate is the Bank of America consumer monthly budget is the single most important tool for staying market leader for Bakersfield. (Courtesy Photo) on track, keeping you accountable to your financial plans and helping you reach your goals. Start by identifying all

fixed expenses, considering how those may have changed in the past several months and forecasting where they will land when things return to normal. Then list all variable expenses, adding everything from birthday gifts to anticipated home repairs, so every dollar has a job. If necessary, adjust your variable spending so you are not spending more than you are bringing in.

Step 3: Lower Your Borrowing Costs If a significant portion of your budget is tied up in loan payments, now is a good time to evaluate your borrowing and, potentially, reduce the amount of money you owe each month. With interest rates especially low right now, homeowners may consider refinancing their mortgage loans, particularly if they can reduce their interest rate by one percent or more. If you’re paying down a credit card balance, it may be worth exploring your options for a low-interest account. Depending on your credit, you may qualify for a credit account with zero percent interest on balance transfers, which could help you on your path to eliminating debt.

Step 4: Plan for the Unexpected Even if your family hasn’t lost any income, these past few months may be a reminder of the importance of emergency savings. Additionally, conversations such as life insurance, disability insurance and retirement are likely to come up as you start thinking about your financial future.

An emergency fund of up to six months of expenses can help bring peace of mind to families planning for their futures. Jump start your emergency fund by cutting a couple variable expenses from your budget and setting up an automatic transfer into a savings account, helping you avoid temptation. Further, review insurance coverage across the board to ensure it meets the needs of your family today, and for the next several years to come. These past few months have reminded us of the importance of being prepared for whatever may come our way. As you continue navigating this ‘new normal,’ you will find that small, simple changes can help you recalibrate your finances, plan ahead for your future and gain peace of mind in your financial life.

Kern County Library Continues Curbside Pick-Up Service Estrella Ramos South Kern Sol Although summer is nearly over, summer reading does not have to end. The Kern County Library is still open with a curbside pick-up service.

You must have a library card. You can register quickly here: https://www.kerncountylibrary.org/get-a-librarycard/. It will grant you access to eBooks and other internet resources. In order to check out physical materials, you must convert your card.

A confirmation email is sent to you and provides details on how to do so. Essentially, you must schedule a time to convert it. CA license or ID will be needed.

For minors 17 and under, a guardian must be present to finalize the application and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and signed acknowledgment of financial

responsibility.

Once this is all done, library members can begin checking out books.

The first step is to request items through the library catalog. This is done through the ValleyCat catalog domain. The system will automatically notify you if they are available.

A simple online form must be completed to schedule an appointment to pick up your books. There are seven branch locations to choose from: Arvin, Beale, Delano, Kern River Valley, Ridgecrest, Taft, and Tehachapi.

The last step is to pick up. There are signs posted in the parking area. A phone number will be provided to call while you wait in your car. Then, your items are brought to you. Do not forget you library card. Library staff will deliver your materials to the trunk and/or rear of your

vehicle.

Return is contact-free, as well. The library is accepting returns through the book drops at all 24 locations across the County. Returned items will still show as checked out on your account while undergoing a 3-day quarantine process before staff can safely check them in. So, be sure to not wait until the due date. This preserves the safety of the staff and the community.

Safety is a prime concern. Kern County library staff have received proper training and have the personal protective equipment that is necessary. All employees wear face coverings according to the CDC and County recommendations. Of course, social distancing is practiced.

All steps can be found at https://www. kerncountylibrary.org/curbside-services/.

Kern County Students, Teachers Get Significant Investment For Distance Learning Support From Bank of America August 17, 2020 — When the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in physical school closures last spring, thousands of local students and educators had to quickly figure out how to safely and effectively continue academics remotely.

Mary C. Barlow, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, looked to the private sector and community partners for support. Among the first to come forward was Bank of America with a $75,000 COVID Relief Grant to help support the purchase of 20,000 Chromebooks and 5,700 WiFi hot spots. The grant will help provide the needed resources for students to stay connected with their distance learning curriculum as Kern County schools begin the new

school year.

An estimated 40,000 students countywide did not have access to the internet and/or a computer at home when schools physically closed on March 18, 2020.

With the help of philanthropic partners such as Bank of America, Valley Strong Credit Union, Bakersfield West Rotary, and others, students now have devices and internet connectivity that will allow them to stay in touch with teachers, curriculum, and perhaps most importantly, their peers. “We were presented the opportunity to look at what online distance learning looks like for public schools, a modality that our partners in higher education have long

offered and excelled at,” said Mary C. Barlow, Kern County Superintendent of Schools. “It’s an exercise that would have happened naturally, but is being accelerated due to our current reality. This tremendous support from Bank of America, along with the other local support we have received, will transform lives.”

Over the past several months, KCSOS, in partnership with school districts, has implemented various strategies to help bridge the gap in technology and has since rolled out robust online learning platforms through Canvas and other education applications.

“Access to education is key to long term economic stability and growth, so it was important for us to help the Kern County Superintendent of Schools overcome some of the barriers that students and educators were facing when the crisis began. These are truly unprecedented times, and KCSOS quickly pivoted to identify alternative sources of support like the private sector and community leaders to create an effective remote learning model,” said Karen Zuber, Bakersfield market manager, Bank of America.

For information on how to financially support local distance learning efforts, please email superintendent@ kern.org.