SB American News Week Ending 12/19

Vol. 49 No. 34

December 13, 2018 - December 19, 2018

This publication is a Certified DBE/ SBE / MBE in the State of California CUCP #43264 Metro File #7074 & State of Texas File #802505971 Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or words or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they suppress.

—Fredrick Douglass (1849)

Gun Violence Has Cut More Than 4 Years Off The Life Expectancy Of Black Americans

Editor in Chief’s Corner Email: sbamericannews@gmail.com Clifton Harris Publisher of The San Bernardino AMERICAN News

Dennis Rodman Visits Victorville Attorney Sharon Brunner Regarding Her Client Misty Sacapano And Other Victims Of Police Brutality Victorville News

By Defender News Service

Dennis Rodman and Clifton Harris, Publisher of The San Bernardino AMERICAN Newspaper.

Gun violence has shortened the life expectancy of Americans by nearly 2.5 years, with shootings driving down the average lifespan of black Americans by almost twice as much as that of white Americans, according to a study published this week.

The new research, led by a professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, examined federal data on gun deaths between 2000 and 2016. The study determined that black Americans have lost 4.14 years of life expectancy due to gun violence, while white Americans lost2.23 years.

Researchers found stark racial differences in the manner of death, as well as the ages at which people were killed in shootings.

Black Americans died much more frequently due to homicide, often at young ages, with many dying before the age of 20. For white Americans, gun deaths due to suicide were more prevalent, taking place more frequently among older individuals.

The study didn’t measure data for Hispanic Americans due to broader limitations in how federal data is reported that makes it dif-

ficult to accurately differentiate between Hispanics and non-Hispanics. It also didn’t measure data for other racial or ethnic groups.

The research further underscores the severe toll of gun violence in the U.S., along with the longstanding glaring racial disparities in how it affects people.

Between 2015 and 2016, a total of 27,394 people died in firearm homicides in the U.S., while an additional 44,955 died in suicides, according to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month.

Researchers have previously tried to calculate how these sorts of deaths weigh on the overall life expectancy of Americans. A separate study conducted in 2000 using more limited data set concluded that shootings reduced the average American lifespan by about 100 days, with a significant gap between black and white men: Black men lost 361.5 days, while white men lost 150.7 days.

That racial gap remains, according to the study published this week. But the firearm-related life expectancy loss for all Americans is nine times greater in the new

study than in the 2000 study.

We know that gun violence is not a unidimensional problem, it’s a multidimensional problem that needs solutions on two ends.Dr. Bindu Kalesan, Boston University School of Medicine With those numbers in mind, it’s imperative that elected officials and members of the public look for solutions,said Dr. Bindu Kalesan, a co-author of the study and an assistant professor of community health sciences at Boston University.

“We know that gun violence is not a unidimensional problem, it’s a multidimensional problem that needs solutions on two ends,” said Kalesan. She specifically stressed the need for further investment in local gun violence prevention programs, which can be more carefully tailored to the needs of a community.

More robust federal gun policy is also necessary, said Kalesan, though she conceded that routine interpersonal shootings and suicide ? the two forms of gun violence responsible for the biggest hit to life expectancy, accord-

ing to the study ? are also among the most difficult to control with sweeping firearm regulations.

Still, there’s room for improvement. For decades, policymakers have sought to address shootings in urban communities by ramping up law enforcement.

Although crime has fallen over the past few decades, that sort of approach has done little to address the broader social inequities that often accompany elevated levels of gun violence, added Kalesan.

“We are able to send stem cells into space, but we are unable to really address the social problems that we face in our society,” she said.

And when it comes to the broader debate about gun violence, it’s important to remember that gun deaths are only one part of the equation, said Kalesan.

“One thing people don’t realize is that 30 percent of [those who get shot] die, but 70 percent survive,” she said. “We have to consider them as well.”

This article originally appeared in the Defender News Network.

Community Education News

attend UCLA to study epidemiology.

Second-grader Emperor Martin has an amazing heart. He is kind and friendly with everyone. He is well-behaved, inquisitive, and enjoys a challenge, making him a model AVID scholar. Emperor’s long-term goal is to become a police officer.

Third-grader Matara Teava is a respectful and responsible student. She is doing well in reading, writing, and math, but math is her favorite subject. Matara wants to become a middle school teacher and a famous hula dancer.

Emmerton Elementary School Outstanding Students

Fifth-grader Heaven Calaway is the type of student every teacher wishes for. She works hard, participates in classroom discussions by posing in-depth questions, and is an all-around great student. Heaven likes to help people, so she is thinking of becoming a doctor or owning her own bakery.

Second-grader Diego Florido has already mastered all of the high frequency words, and he is eagerly expanding his vocabulary beyond that. He is always eager to take on new challenges. Right now, his goal is to play soccer and

Highland-Pacific Elementary School Outstanding Students

visits the Law Office of Sharon Brunner to share his views on police abuse after Misty Spacano, a close friend, suffered police abuse by a Victorville police officer in April of this year. To hear his comments, please go to our website: sb-american.com.

City Of Victorville Swears In Two New Council Members Victorville News

Newly Elected City Council Member Rita Ramirez

Newly Elected City Council Member Debra Jones

Rita Ramirez

With dogged determination

My Top 3 Priorities

then, we must develop and

·

Establish a High

implement a bold strategic

Desert University for accessi-

public safety plan that centers

bility and have educated pro-

on prevention, intervention, and

fessionals to attract busi-

enforcement. ·

nesses.

School Board Honored November Outstanding Students The San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education honored 12 students with Outstanding Student Awards at the November 6, 2018, Board meeting. The San Bernardino Symphony also recognized students by providing them and their families with free symphony tickets.

Outstanding Student Award winners are recognized for achievement in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, or for showing significant improvement in these areas. Students are awarded and inspired to have hope for their future by thinking about long-term educational and career goals.

On Tuesday, December 11th, 2018, Dennis Rodman, retired professional basketball player who played for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association (NBA),

Tackle Homelessness

Restore and renovate

- For our city to thrive, this

Historic Old Town and Route

complex issue must be dealt

66 to bring small businesses

with straightaway through a

and make it a Tourism Center.

coordinated effort with the

,

County, service organizations,

·

·

Save Green Tree Golf

Course and support Victorville residents and their homes from

experts on the issue, and local law enforcement. ·

Build Strength and Vi-

brancy to make Victorville a

property value devaluation.

healthier, safer place to live, Debra Jones

work, and conduct business.

My Top 3 Priorities

This begins with good gover-

nance, a sustainable economy,

Victorville must become an in-

improved infrastructure, and ef-

hospitable place for crime.

fective public safety.

· Highland-Pacific students Achilles War Cry Hart Zavala and Allysa Villarreal received special tribal honors for earning Outstanding Student Awards.

Third-grader Allysa Villarreal never hesitates to seek out information or help to overcome a challenge. She is a model for her classmates, not only academically, but because of her strong moral character and compassion. Allysa wants to attend college and write a mystery comic book.

Sixth-grader Achilles War Cry Hart Zavala is a true leader. He has a positive attitude, empathy for others, and good communication skills. He wants to study com-

puter science and robotics at CSUSB and become a game designer.

Jones Elementary School Outstanding Students Sixth-grader Kimberly Martinez is an English learner, but she hasn’t let that challenge stop her from serving three years on the student council and helping incoming students successfully (continued on page 2)

Combat

Crime

Our Values, Mission, & Vision Statement Our Values: Treat all people with care, respect, honor, and dignity. Tell it as it is with love, truth and integrity. Promote the interests of advertisers and sponsors along their strategic interest for the betterment of the community and beyond. Speak truth to power.

Our Mission: To continuously improve communication between all people of the world.

Our Vision: To be the best community newspaper in our region and the nation.

Provider of: A voice for the poor, the underserved, those that are marginalized, Positive and edifying news about people, places and businesses. Keep San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties informed about global trends while retaining the consciousness of local events and processes.

Memberships and Associations: The San Bernardino American Newspaper is a member of the California Newspaper Publishers Association, National Newspaper Association and addociated with California Black Media.

Visit Us Online: www.SB-American.com

PAGE 2

December 13, 2018

COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/ADVERTISING

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: New Earth offers new hope to teens seeking a brighter future By Angela Nicole Parker For Harry Grammer, founder and president of New Earth, working with system-entangled youth is not just a job, but a calling.

In fact, New Earth has “freed” thousands of homeless, foster and juvenile justice system youth, ages 13-25, through programs that ensure they are formally free of system involvement, regularly housed, employable, educationally advanced and emotionally balanced.

It is a struggle that Grammer knows all too well.

At 16, he was arrested and sentenced to five years of juvenile probation. At 18 he was a teen father struggling to provide for himself and his family. By the time he entered his 20s, however, his life had turned around and he was ready to pay it forward and make life better for youth in his community.

In 2003, he created “Expression Mondays” to allow youth to express themselves through poetry, spoken word and rap, and a year later New Earth was born. Its first signature program, FLOW (Fluent Love of Word), encouraged foster care youth to express themselves through creative writing and student presentations in a peer group setting.

“I understood the role that spoken word and music had in my healing, and making sure that I was able to express myself, and work through my issues, and I knew that it could be the saving grace for these kids,” Grammer said.

In 2004, New Earth introduced FLOW at Camp Gonzales and since then the program has touched the lives of more than 1,800 young people each year in probation camps, group homes, placements and juvenile halls throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

“When I first started entering the juvenile halls, I realized how

hungry these kids were for music,” Grammer said. “Think about it, kids are always listening to music…on their headphones … on their phones … and they now find themselves in a place where there is no music and here we come. It is like bringing water to the desert.”

It hasn’t been easy, though.

“For the longest time it was just us seven days a week, eight hours a day in these centers trying to keep these kids spirits up, trying to give these kids hope,” he said.

“At any given day there are 3,000 youth locked up, and statistics from 2009 show that in Los Angeles County there is an 86 percent recidivism rate for these youth. … And they are being sent back for minor infractions,” Grammer said. “I once met a young man who was given 6 months in jail because one of the stipulations for his probation was that he keep a 2.0 GPA and he fell below that. … We have got to do better by our kids.”

In addition to FLOW, New Earth offers case management, outdoor excursions, a music studio and vocational education in which

Studying Black Identity in South Africa Transformed My Worldview

By Chiagoziem "Sylvester" Agu, Albany State University

Sylvester Agu Of the more than 330,000 U.S. students studying abroad, only 6.1 percent are African American and 10 percent are Latino. This is one in a series of articles by students of color who are breaking down barriers by studying abroad thanks to the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship, which awards 10 full scholarships a year to students at Minority Serving Institutions.

These students will periodically share their stories, hopefully inspiring others to apply. My name is Chiagoziem "Sylvester" Agu. I'm 20, a sophomore of Albany State University, majoring in biology, a member of the Alpha Phi fraternity, with aspirations of pursuing a medical degree in cardiology. A few months ago, I had an extraordinary experience studying abroad in South Africa as a Frederick Douglas Global Fellow.

I spent four weeks in Cape Town on a full scholarship, studying political blackness, black consciousness, and the complexities of colored identity. Every day, I was exposed to something different. Although the knowledge I was acquiring was both intimidating and scary, I also found it empowering. This is my story.

It was 2001 when my young eyes first glimpsed America. I had flown with my family over 6,000 miles from my birthplace in Nigeria. I attended pre-K in the United States, but after a year, we flew

back home. I didn't return to America until 2012 when I arrived in Georgia for high school.

Before enrolling in high school, my knowledge of America came from sitcoms and talk shows like Maury and Jerry Springer, which I later learned spread stereotypes and false narratives. In Nigeria, I was on track to graduate high school at 15. When I came to America, I was 14 and technically a high school junior, but I was enrolled as a freshman. I studied hard academically but didn't realize how much I had to learn culturally. It was actually a blessing for me to have the time to assimilate and spend time with American youth in high school.

My father, a geography professor and journalist, still lives with three of my six sisters in Nigeria, where it is sometimes hard to express yourself as a journalist. My mother has been unable to work since 2005 when she suffered an aneurysm. She now lives in Texas with one of my sisters, who is a nurse.

My study abroad experience was one of the best decisions I have made as a college student. I was one of 10 students from a Minority Serving Institution who received the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship sponsored by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and the Penn Center for Minority Serving (continued in next 2 columns)

youths have the opportunity to receive their high school diploma and online degrees at the New Earth Arts and Leadership Center, opened in 2015.

“We want to make sure that our youth are making a viable, sustainable living wage,” Grammer said.

To ensure this, the organization works to impart youth with the soft skills they need to be employable, partnering with Microsoft to teach youth hard digital skills and LA Kitchen and LA Trade Technical College to teach youth culinary and construction skills. The plan is to match participants with jobs as soon as they complete their courses.

Additionally, Grammer, who in recent years has been named a CNN hero and a 2018 Obama Foundation Fellow, has laid the groundwork for the 2019 transformation of Camp Gonzales Youth Detention Center into a state-ofthe-art vocational center that will focus on independence and selfsustainability instead of incarceration.

“I feel like I have come full circle,” Grammer said. “To be able

to come back to Camp Gonzales where it all started and see that transformed … it’s an opportunity for us to become a model for the nation.”

Grammer is grateful for all the support that New Earth has received from the community but admits that his organization needs more help. The organization is currently in a building that they have outgrown and need more funding for general operations and capacity building.

“I have the most amazing people working with me, I just cannot say enough about them, but we need more support for our programs, we need more people to know about the work,” Grammer said.

“We are headed towards making a large impact. We see ourselves as a guiding light in the darkness enveloping this nation.”

“Making a Difference” is a weekly feature profiling organizations that are serving their communities. To propose a “Making a Difference” profile, send an email to newsroom@wavepublication.com.

This article originally appeared in Wave Newspapers.

Studying Black Identity in South Africa Transformed My Worldview...continued Institutions. The 10 of us from all different backgrounds studied for four weeks at CIEE's Global Institute in Cape Town. During that time, I had some of the deepest and most profound conversations and experiences of my life.

Learning about South Africa's history and the intricacies of colored identity that pervade the country allowed me to carefully analyze and process how similar South Africa is to the United States. Although the terms that classify different racial subgroups are different and the history of colonization might be different, the struggle remains the same.

One day during the program, we went to the beautiful city of

Johannesburg. Besides its beauty, we witnessed its unfortunate poverty. Residents wanted us to realize that they do not want money handed to them. They want transferable skills to build infrastructure and the means to create their own wealth, and a better life.

I am eager to take all the insight, motivation, and knowledge I found in Cape Town and give it back to my family, friends, and community. My experience in Cape Town as a Frederick Douglas Global Fellow was like getting a new pair of glasses - I felt like I was suddenly able to see more clearly. Studying abroad, every single day, I got a new pair of glasses.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Visits Oakland High School By The Oakland Post

Rev. Jesse Jackson (Second row, third from right) meets with Oakland High School students, Friday, Nov. 30, along with Oakland High Principal Matin Abdel-Qawi (front row, right).

Students at Oakland High School had a special visitor in Rev. Jesse Jackson on Friday, Nov. 30.

Speaking at a student leadership class, he said, “Learning languages is important. We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters.”

Jackson decided to visit Oakland High School partly because of the success the school has had in giving students access to computer science instruction, which is something he advocates.

“What clinched it was our increased graduation rate for African American girls,” said Princi-

pal Matin Abdel-Qawi. “Once he heard about that, he decided this was the place he wanted to come to acknowledge the work that we’ve done.”

After taking a photo with the class, Rev. Jackson moved to the school auditorium where he spoke to several hundred students. He listened to songs performed by the Oakland High Jazz Band, learned that the school’s varsity football team was set to play in the City Championship that night, and then was introduced by two seniors, twin sis(continued in next 2 columns)

Rev. Jesse Jackson Visits Oakland High School...continued ters, Kamiya and Kameya Turner.

“In front of my peers… it was exciting and thrilling to introduce Rev. Jesse Jackson and be part of this whole thing to get our students more civically engaged,” said Kamiya Turner. Once on stage, Rev. Jackson had the members of the football team stand and called for their peers to give them a round of applause. He asked the team captain how much they practice. The player responded 2-3 hours a day, five days a week.

Jackson made the point that all students should have the same dedication to their studies. He then led them in repeating, “I must master science, technology, engineering, art and math… I can learn, I will learn, I must learn.”

The students cheered the message.

Jackson also told the boys to treat all girls with respect and told the girls to never allow anyone to treat them poorly.

“In the legacy of Dr. King, in the legacy of (Cesar) Chavez, in the legacy of Mandela, I will not

self-destruct. I will not self-degrade… I am going to college. I will make a difference, no matter the odds, I am going to make it. I am somebody.”

By the end, he had the students shouting, “I am going to college!

I am going to college! I’m going to graduate from college!”

Wrapping up, Rev. Jackson emphasized the importance of civic engagement and exercising the right to vote. He then called up all 18-year-olds and those who will be 18 before the next election to register to vote.

Dozens of students filled out the forms. “We have so much power,” said senior Kameya Turner. “And when we say we can do something, we can achieve it.

So, by saying that we can vote and get this person into the House or into the Mayor’s seat, or anything, then we can actually do that. If everybody said that, then everybody would have that power.”

This article originally appeared in the Oakland Post.

UC Riverside receives $4.5 million for engineering graduate education Five GAANN Awards from the U.S. Department of Education will support 90 engineering graduate students

By Holly Ober The Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering at UC Riverside was selected by the U.S. Department of Education to receive five Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need, or GAANN, awards, totaling $4.5 million. Each proposal team will receive $895,000 over the next three years to support six graduate students per year. UC Riverside’s five grants constitute almost 7 percent of the total number awarded nationwide.

“Going five for five with our GAANN proposals this year speaks to the dedication of our faculty and staff who continually put our students first,” said Bourns College Dean Christopher

S. Lynch. “The true value of a GAANN award can be measured in the student experiences and research advancements supported.”

The GAANN program provides grants to academic departments and programs at universities to support graduate fellowships for students with excellent academic records who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue the highest degree available in their course of study at the institution.

Successful applicants must have applied within one of four "absolute priority" areas of national need— computer and information (continued on page 6)

School Board Honored November Outstanding Students...continued from page 1 transition into the Jones Elementary learning environment. Kimberly plans to study nursing at Valley College before transferring to UCLA. Third-grader Khloe Mendez is an exemplary student who is dedicated to her studies. She is achieving at or above grade level in reading and math. Khloe wants to attend Harvard University and someday become a surgeon.

Third-grader Melanye Reyes is a great role model. She is respectful, responsible, and works hard.

She is in the Dual Language program and is reading at a 4th-grade level. Melanye wants to become a biliterate teacher someday.

Muscoy Elementary School Outstanding Students Sixth-grader Diana Moran is a pleasant and positive student. As a result of her hard work and growth mindset, she has made tremendous academic progress.

She is advanced by two grade levels in reading. Diana wants to go to college and eventually work in a bank.

Fifth-grader Arianna Puga is always thinking of others. She helps out at school and she does it with a smile. She even helped launch a clothing drive for the needy. Arianna knows she wants to attend college, but she hasn’t

decided which one yet.

First-grader Nigel Tamallo is a model citizen. He is an active listener and classroom participant.

He struggled in kindergarten, but now he is working at grade level in all subjects. Nigel wants to become a firefighter.

Pacific High School Outstanding Students Twelfth-grader Marissa Ocasio is a kind, giving person. She helps her classmates and volunteers regularly with the Tzu Chi food distribution program, all while taking A.P. courses. Marissa wants to major in psychology or sociology and become a high school counselor.

Ninth-grader Miranda Owen has a 4.0 GPA, ranks #3 on the school’s singles tennis team, and plans to try out for basketball and track and field. Miranda said she wants to attend college and search “the multiple opportunities available in the world.”

Eleventh-grader Joseph Pratt is known for his hard work, positive attitude, and kindness. He plays football on the varsity team and string bass in the City Honor Orchestra. Joseph plans to attend a university in California, but he hasn’t decided on a school or major yet.

The San Bernardino AMERICAN News Staff Samuel Martin Sr.-Founder Clifton Harris/Editor in Chief/Investigative Reporter Mary Martin-Harris/Editor Clifton B. Harris/Audio Engineering Editor Legal /Display Advertising & Sales (909) 889-7677 The San Bernardino American News was established May 8,1969. A legally adjudicated newspaper of general circulation on September 30, 1971, case number 153913 by the Superior Court, of San Bernardino County. The San Bernardino AMERICAN News, a division of Don Roberto Group, Inc. is published every Thursday by Mary Martin-Harris and Clifton Harris P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393, Telephone (909)889-7677, Emails: msbamericannews@gmail.com sbamericannews@gmail.com The San Bernardino AMERICAN News subscription rate is $58.00 per year.

The San Bernardino AMERICAN New is committed to serving its readers by presenting news, unbiased and objective, trusting in the mature judgment of the readers and, in so doing strive to achieve a united community.

News releases appearing in the San Bernardino AMERICAN News do not necessarily express the policy nor the opinion of the publishers.

The San Bernardino AMERICAN News reserves the right to edit or rewrite all news releases.

Visit Us Online: www.SB-American.com

PAGE 3

December 13, 2018

WORLD GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS/ADVERTISING

The Tests Facing California’s New Aguilar’s Bill to Honor Jack H. Latinos to face a retirement crisis because of job-related disadvantages Governor Brown Becomes Law In one month Gavin Newsom will lead the state with the nation’s biggest economy and largest population — and one riven by economic inequality. What will be his most important challenges?

Published on December 4, 2018By Steven Mikulan

Gavin Newsom inherits a state that should be any governor’s dream: A California that is the cradle of the tech revolution and brims with prosperity, a one-party state with supermajorities in both chambers for Newsom’s Democrats. But there are clouds darkening the horizon: Daily prophecies tell of coming economic storms; legislative initiatives taken on behalf of immigrants, retirement security and the stemming of global warming are increasingly thwarted by a bellicose White House. And that Democratic Party monopoly in Sacramento masks a deepening ideological fault line dividing pro-business moderates and progressives – the latter of which have largely chafed for the last 16 years under the thrifty administrations of Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and are eager to burst out with far-reaching (if pricey) legislation.

Then, there are memories of three high-riding liberal governors (Pat and Jerry Brown, and Gray Davis) whose programs or careers were derailed by resentful taxpayers. There are more recent memories, too: Of an impulsive, hard-partying San Francisco mayor whose blunted ambitions

led him to spend eight years in the ceremonial wilderness of the lieutenant governor’s office.

Newsom is said to have matured into a more circumspect, pragmatic politician, although some of the old doubts were fanned back to life by an unflattering New Yorker profile that appeared shortly before his landslide victory November 6.

Perhaps overriding all these auguries is the undeniable fact that despite its enviable economy, its abundance of billionaires-in-residence and laudable array of social services, California still has the highest poverty rate in the U.S., nearly half of its children live in poverty or near-poverty, and merely finding an affordable place to live has become an existential challenge for many. These and similar factors superimpose on the state another kind of fault line, that of economic inequality. Most of the new governor’s time will be spent wrangling crises that spring from this disparity. Which is why, in this week’s new series about the problems faced by Newsom, Capital & Main primarily focuses on the inequality that separates so many Californians from one another.

Riverside County Supervisor to Serve on Executive Committee of California State Association of Counties Riverside County News SAN DIEGO – Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington will serve on the California State Association of Counties’ Executive Committee in 2019.

The statewide organization elected Washington, who currently is the chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, at its 124th annual meeting in San Diego. Washington joined more than 800 county officials and others for the weeklong event last month.

The association represents and advocates for counties before the California Legislature, administrative agencies and the federal government. The Executive Committee establishes priorities and policies each year that directly impact the programs and services provided by the counties.

“I am honored and proud to represent Riverside County on this important decision-making committee,” said Washington, who

served as an alternate on the committee for the past two years.

“I look forward to advocating for Riverside County and other counties on key issues.”

Washington will serve as a member of the Executive Committee’s Urban Caucus, which also will be represented by Keith Carson from Alameda County, Carole Groom from San Mateo County, Kelly Long from Ventura County, Buddy Mendes of Fresno County, Mark Ridley-Thomas from Los Angeles County and Bob Elliott, who will serve as an alternate from San Joaquin County.

The Executive Committee is comprised of the CSAC’s officers, six urban county supervisors, three suburban county supervisors and two rural county supervisors. California has 58 counties, all represented on the 62member CSAC board of directors.

Applications Now Being Accepted For The San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury SB County News

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Applications for the San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury are now being accepted. Successful applicants will serve as Grand Jurors for the fiscal year period beginning on July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020.

The Civil Grand Jury is charged by the California Penal Code to investigate all aspects of the county, including cities and special districts, and also potentially hear information on certain criminal investigations. All communications to the Grand Jury are confidential and every signed citizen complaint is responded to after investigated. Service as a Grand Juror involves an average of three to five full working days per week, which is compensated at $60 per day with appropriate mileage.

The regular Grand Jury meeting place is located in the City of San Bernardino.

To be eligible for selection, a person must be at least 18 years

Washington, D.C.— Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino) announced that his bill to honor former Stater Bros. Executive Chairman and Inland Empire philanthropist Jack H. Brown was signed into law by the president on December 6, 2018. The new law renames the post office at 390 West 5th Street in San Bernardino the “Jack H. Brown Post Office Building.”

"Jack was a titan in the region who was respected by everyone," said Aguilar. He continued, “He loved our community and spent his life working to make San Bernardino a better place. I’m proud to have known him and to honor him by making his name a perma-

of age, a United States citizen, and a resident of the County of San Bernardino for at least one year prior to appointment. Other requirements include: sufficient knowledge of the English language, possession of natural faculties, of ordinary intelligence, sound judgment, and good character. By law, elected public officials are not eligible.

Interested citizens are encouraged to apply on-line here. Applications can also be submitted in-person by downloading here, sent by mail, or picked-up in-person at 172 West Third Street, Second Floor, San Bernardino, CA. The application deadline is February 28, 2019.

Please refer to the recruitment timeline for important dates and information. For further questions or comments, please visit the Grand Jury's website at http:// wp.sbcounty.gov/grandjury/ or you may contact the Grand Jury Assistant at (909) 387-9120.

nent fixture in his hometown.”

After learning that Rep. Aguilar’s bill had become law the Brown family commented, “Today is a proud day for our entire family. Jack dedicated his life to serving the Inland Empire, and now his memory will forever be enshrined in the heart of San Bernardino, the city he loved so much. We’re grateful for the work of Congressman Aguilar to help make this possible, and look forward to carrying on Jack’s legacy of service to this community.”

Rep. Aguilar first introduced the bill in June of 2017 with the support of 50 members of California’s congressional delegation.

Klatch Coffee Opens New Location on the Way to Vegas Business/Consumer News

NEW BREWS FOR FONTANA Craft coffee powerhouse Klatch Coffee, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, expands its Inland Empire footprint with a new location in Fontana, Calif., opening Saturday, December 15. The store features the brand’s firstever drive-thru, part of the awardwinning roastery’s ongoing mission to provide globally sourced, gourmet brews to its customers with convenience.

ON THE HOUSE

State Association Elects Supervisor Washington To Key Leadership Role

La Plaza News

Government News

On Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16, the first 50 customers ordering in-store at Klatch Coffee Fontana can choose between a free six-ounce cappuccino or a buy-one-getone-free coupon for bags of whole beans, and drive-thru guests will receive a buy-one-getone coupon for whole beans (valid December 17-January 1 at any Klatch Coffee location).

Additionally, throughout opening weekend, patrons can enter in-store to win free coffee for a year, with a winner selected on Wednesday, January 2.

ONE FOR THE ROAD Situated just off Interstate 15, Klatch Coffee Fontana provides highway travelers an opportunity for one last caffeine fix on the journey between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The company’s worldclass baristas craft popular, madeto-order selections, including: Cold Brew, which took first place at America’s Best Cold Brew Competition 2018; the Golden Bean

Espresso, the only espresso to ever win four consecutive gold medals at the Golden Bean awards; and Capp on Tapp, a unique cold cappuccino made with nitrous oxide, adding natural sweetness without any additives. The menu also includes a variety of lattes, seasonally flavored coffees and café fare such as pastries, sandwiches and salads.

Klatch’s retail whole bean offerings boast an impressive selection of seasonal varieties, including the El Salvador Las Mercedes Pepinal 1 - a first-place winner at the El Salvador Cup of Excellence auction – and the Colombia Finca Guandinosa - second place winner in the Colombia Roasters United Competition. All whole bean coffees are sold by the bag in-store or through Klatch’s online subscription service.

BEYOND THE CUP The space, designed by San Francisco-based Retail Element Consulting, showcases Klatch’s earth tone color palette and “farmto-cup” philosophy, with photographs of the company’s global farming friends.

The brand’s signature quotation marks, symbolizing Klatch’s motto, “Where coffee is the conversation,” adorn the walls as a friendly reminder to customers to relax and connect with one another. Rustic reclaimed wooden tables and chairs against white marble countertops and subway tiles provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere and can accommodate 26 guests indoors and 18 on the patio.

Newly Redesigned Website Promotes Access To Justice SB County News

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Superior Court of San Bernardino County is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website built with an emphasis on responsive design, improved search functionality, an updated look, and easy-to-use navigation tools. The court’s information technology and operations department, along with several other key contributors worked with a team from Orange-based 360 Civic on the newly redesigned website.

New features include an interactive map of all court facilities, a dynamic list of most popular searches available through the “How Do I…” menu, one-click access to court services, and mobile adaptability. Court users are encouraged to explore the new site and submit feedback as the court continues to make site improvements to meet the needs of the public and our justice partners.

Aligned with the court’s 20182023 Strategic Plan, leveraging costeffective technology solu-

tions to redesign our court website allows us to expand access to justice by making information easier to find, searchable, and interactive.

“The court’s newly redesigned website will enhance the users experience, provide every user, on every device the opportunity to easily access a full menu of services; it’s adaptive and can translate information into multiple languages. We have confidence that this improvement will make it simple for each user to access the information he or she needs,” said Presiding Judge John P. Vander Feer.

The Superior Court of San Bernardino County continues its efforts to increase access to justice and provide the public, attorneys and litigants the ability to use our court system more efficiently and effectively.

For more information please contact the Communications and Public Affairs division at (909) 708-8779 or courts-pio@sbcourt.org

Latinos are facing a deeper retirement crisis than other ethnic groups because of lower access to workplace savings plans and other job-related disadvantages in accumulating nest eggs, reports the National Institute on Retirement Security and UnidosUS in a new study.

“Retirement plan participation rate for Latino workers (30.9 percent) is about 22.1 percentage points lower than participation rate of White workers (53% percent), because Latinos face higher access and eligibility hurdles,” the researchers from NIRS and UnidosUS find.

In 2014, 53.7 percent of Latinos 21 to 65 who worked for an employer that sponsored a retirement plan compared to 69.8 percent of all workers. Even when they are working for an employer with a workplace retirement savings plan, Latinos are hurt because they frequently don’t meet the eligibility requirements.

Among Latinos with access to a retirement plan, only 60.3 percent satisfy the eligibility requirements versus 72.9 percent for all workers with access. At the same time, Latino employees who are in workplace retirement plans have about one-third less savings on average than their White workers.

The study warns Latino women are particularly hard hit economically when they reach age 65.

“Without income from work, Latinas age 65 and older would not be able to afford basic expenses. Older Latinas also face poverty rates three times higher than older White women,” the study says.

The study points out Latinos typically get a late start in saving for retirement. “Workers earning low wages and struggling to make ends meet may very well find it difficult to set aside a portion of their income to save for retirement,” the report warns.

AFT President Randi Weingarten on Human Rights Day Government News WASHINGTON(12/10/18)— Statement by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on Human Rights Day: “As we mark the 70th anniversary of Human Rights Day, we note the escalating crises both here in the United States and abroad that threaten the rights of human beings to live safely and peacefully. One only need to look at the cruel and inhumane treatment of the children and refugees who have been caged and attacked with tear gas at the U.S.Mexico border to know that as global citizens, we have a long way to go before every world community affords all people respect, dignity and impartial justice.

“The principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remind us that all humans are born free and equal; have the right to life, liberty and security; and shall not be subject to torture or to inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. As educators, healthcare professionals and public employees, we vow to stand up for those ideals, and to fight against injustice and cruelty whenever we see it, here at home and around the globe.

“Earlier this year, the AFT filed formally a complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Council to protest the treatment

of refugees at the southern U.S. border and the indefinite separation of immigrant families on American soil. Today, more than 60 human and civil rights organizations have joined the complaint, and more than 25,000 individuals have co-signed our petition, including educators from around the world, calling for the immediate reunification of and justice for those families. We also continue to provide a host of classroom resources for educators and their immigrant students here in the United States in the face of increasingly hostile anti-immigrant rhetoric from the White House.

“Threats to human rights take many forms: from hate speech and racism and anti-Semitic violence in churches and synagogues and on college campuses, to the murdering of U.S. journalists abroad, to sexual assault and harassment against women, to the bigoted banning of immigrants and refugees from Muslim countries, to the separate and unequal treatment of black and brown children here in the United States, whether they’re detained at the border or attending schools that lack the resources for school nurses and updated textbooks. Today, we commit to honoring diversity as a strength, teaching tolerance and acceptance for all human rights, and creating a world where no person has to live in fear.”

With Interest Rates Rising,Where Should You Invest?

By Stash J. Graham Managing Director Graham Capital Wealth Management https://www.grahamcapitalwealth.com Everybody has an opinion about where the economy is headed, but at least one variable has been pinned down – the Federal Reserve will continue to raise interest rates into the foreseeable future. The Fed recently announced that it is lifting its federal funds' target rate, a benchmark for many consumer and business loans, by a quarter-point to a range of 2 percent to 2.25 percennceGraham t. It also stuck with its previous forecast for three more rate increases in 2019.

This is a game changer for investors. Over the last 12 years, investors grew used to rock-bottom interest rates and cheap money. Those days are fading fast and smart investors are now starting to tailor their investments based upon the new reality of rising interest rates.

Investing in a rising-interest-

rate environment is difficult as it acts as a suppressant on all asset prices. So sometimes it is best to play defense and focus on assets less sensitive to rising rates.

Companies have been taking advantage of the historically lowinterest-rate environment by issuing long-term bonds at favorable rates while retiring shorterterm bonds. The supply of these long-term bonds has been met by demand from investors starving for an adequate yield. Meanwhile, as the short-term bonds mature, investors will get their capital back and will be able to reinvest in a higher-interest-rate environment.

Financial firms tend to do well during a rising-interest-rate market, especially as the long end of the yield curve outpaces the (continued on page 6)

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PAGE 4

December 13, 2018

HEALTH/FITNESS/SENIOR NEWS

AARP Poll: Majority of caregivers with family suffering from dementia, spend less time with friends “It’s important to acknowledge and validate dementia caregivers’ feelings and needs, and to connect them with resources that can help, especially during the holiday season.”

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

For family caregivers, the holidays can be a joyful time when spirits are lighter and it feels good to care for loved ones and enjoy time together, celebrating with family traditions.

But for most family caregivers, the holidays also bring stress, according to Amy Goyer, a family and caregiver expert at AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.

“We’re already very busy with caregiving, and there’s even more to do during the holidays,” Goyer said.

A major concern is for those caring for sufferers of dementia.

A new AARP poll on dementia care has taken a closer look at the experiences of caregivers for family members with dementia and found more than half say their social life has suffered and nearly 45 percent say they feel alone.

In addition, they are more likely to grow further apart from the ones they care for and other family members because of their caregiving responsibilities. Social isolation and loneliness are linked to poorer physical and mental health outcomes, health experts said.

“Family caregivers take on big responsibilities that can be physically, emotionally and financially challenging. AARP’s new re-

search shows that this can be particularly true for those caring for loved ones with dementia,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer.

“That’s why AARP has developed resources to help family caregivers balance their own needs with the needs of their loved one.”

Not only are the millions of family caregivers for those with dementia less socially connected, they are significantly more likely to put off medical care – over half (55 percent) have done so, compared to just 38 percent among the total caregiver population.

However, there were positive health behaviors identified in the poll as well – 79 percent took steps to maintain or improve their brain health and 47 percent exercised more.

Still, when caring for those living with dementia, everyday stress is even higher, and holiday celebrations may be limited, Goyer said.

“Caregivers may feel particularly isolated or lonely – especially if their loved ones aren’t able to understand or take part in holiday traditions and if caregivers are unable to get out to be with friends or other family members,” she said.

“It’s important to acknowledge and validate dementia caregivers’ feelings and needs, and to connect them with resources that can

help, especially during the holiday season.”

Many family caregivers feel alone in their situation, but there are others who understand as they are going through similar experiences, Goyer said.

“I recommend connecting with other caregivers in an in-person support group, at a caregiving event, or online. The Alzheimer’s Association offers support for dementia caregivers, and AARP has teamed with them to offer the online Community Resource Finder, where caregivers can find local events and support groups,” she said.

AARP also offers a free online Caregiving Community where caregivers can post questions, comments and topics as well as get advice from Goyer and other caregiving experts.

Many caregivers also join closed social media groups, such as Facebook.

Other family members, friends or neighbors can help as well.

A previous AARP poll found that almost 8 in 10 family caregivers say it would be helpful to have someone to talk with during the holidays.

“If you are long-distance, you can call those you know who are caring for someone and really take the time to listen to them,” Goyer said.

“For those nearby, offer to come by with a meal or a cup of hot cocoa and let them know they can

confide in you, or offer to care for their loved one so they can enjoy some holiday activities.”

Also, on the AARP Family Caregiving Site, Goyer also offers these 10 Tips for Caregivers During the Holidays: Feeling Stressed? Reset your Expectations.

Meanwhile caregivers should be mindful of such things as prolonged social isolation and feelings of loneliness which have serious health effects that make it important to monitor and take care of themselves before they suffer a health crisis, Goyer said.

“It can be difficult to evaluate the stress levels and vulnerability of ourselves or another person. Isolation and stress can build up over time, so it’s important to make ongoing effort to prevent burnout,” she said.

The AARP Foundation has an assessment tool at Connect2Affect.org to help people better understand the signs of social isolation and offers solutions and ways to help others who are isolated.

“I advise people to watch for signs of burnout, like being shorttempered, changes in sleep patterns – sleeping too much or too little or waking up a lot, for example – crying a lot, severe mental, emotional or physical exhaustion, prolonged overwhelming sadness, loss of motivation – just not caring anymore, feeling hopeless and ineffective, letting paperwork pile up and bills go unpaid, allowing a vast change in our living environment or longing to run away,” Goyer said.

“These are red flags that tell us it’s time to put more effort into taking care of ourselves.

I view it like my car – it can’t run on empty and neither can I.” For the holidays, Goyer said caregivers should try to focus on the simple things like holiday music, movies, stories or food.

“Above all, fully experience the most meaningful things during the holidays and enjoy those treasured moments with your loved ones,” she said.

Covered California’s Dec. 15 Enrollment Covered California’s Dec. 15 Enrollment Deadline Nears for Health Coverage Deadline Nears for Health Coverage Starting Jan. 1...continued Starting Jan. 1 Health/Fitness News It’s open enrollment time for millions of Californians who’ve enjoyed health insurance and quality medical care through the Affordable Care Act. And Covered California, the state agency that administers the law, once again is leading the charge to get people signed up.

“The Affordable Care Act is now irrevocably woven into the fabric of America,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “We are not going back to the days when health insurance companies could turn people away because of a preexisting condition. Instead, we are looking forward to strengthening a system that is working and building on the historic gains we have made.”

Consumers must sign up for new health insurance and renew or change existing health plans

by Dec. 15 to have their coverage begin on Jan. 1, 2019. Covered California enrollment will continue through Jan. 15.

“We know that life can change in an instant, and it’s important to have health coverage when it does,” Lee said.

More than 3.5 million consumers have been enrolled through Covered California at one time or another since 2014. About 1.3 million consumers were enrolled in 2018, with nine out of 10 getting financial assistance to help them pay for coverage. In fact, Covered California has helped cut the state’s uninsured rate to a historic low of 6.8 percent.

“Covered California has been a key factor for what we’re doing for our community, and we right away saw the tie-in between good health and economic health,” said Pepi Jackson, President River-

side County Black Chamber of Commerce. “A lot of people don’t know that they can now afford health insurance. It’s almost like, you can’t afford not to have it.”

“Utilization is the key,” Jackson added. “Even with health insurance, if you don’t utilize it, it’s almost like not having it. We want to make sure people understand their access to health insurance.”

An estimated 1.1 million uninsured Californians are eligible to enroll in Covered California and new research shows that 82 percent of uninsured consumers surveyed, who are eligible for financial help to pay their monthly health care costs, do not know that they qualify for subsidies that can help bring that life-saving coverage within reach.

Last month Covered California launched an ad campaign that shows that the average consumer pays $5 a day for health insurance, with many paying much less. Consumers can find out whether they qualify for financial help, and see which plans are available in their area with the Shop and Compare Tool.

In addition, Covered California took its message to the streets by again launching its iconic statewide bus tour to encourage sign-ups, with a theme that “life can change in an instant.” The 10-day, 23-stop tour traveled more than 1,600 miles, beginning in Sacramento and visiting Oakland, San Jose, Salinas, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, Palm Desert, Riverside, Bakersfield and Fresno. Covered California sought to top previous outreach efforts with attention-grabbing, local dance crews depicting un(continued in next 2 columns)

expected health hazards and joyous events like the birth of a child at each bus stop.

“No one wants to face a million-dollar medical bill alone, which is why you need health insurance, and a plan through Covered California will protect you and your family when you need it,” Lee said.

Those interested in learning

more about their health coverage options can go to www.CoveredCA.com, where they can enroll online or get free, confidential help to sign up for health plans from local certified enrollers in their area. Consumers can also enroll by calling Covered California’s service center toll-free at (800) 300-1506.

Avoiding The Holiday Blues Alphonso Gibbs, Jr., LCSW-C, LICSW Men’s Health Network www.MensHealthNetwork.org www.YourHead.org The six weeks encompassing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s—collectively called “the holidays”—are for most a magically unique time of year, filled with holiday carols, reunions, displays of colorful lights, love, and affection,often expressed through gift giving.

But for some, the holidays bring hurt. Caused by factors including the weather, separation, death, stress, unrealistic expectations, hyper-sentimentality, guilt, or overspending, holiday depression—also called the “holiday blues”—can zap the merriment out of even the most wonderful time of the year.

Holiday depression affects one million people every year. Men and women, young and old, all fall victim to feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, and fatigue during this emotionally charged season.

Men’s Health Network offers the following 10 suggestions to help you identify and ward off— or at least better cope with—potential sources of holiday depression.

1. Acknowledge that you’re

hurting – Others may expect certain attitudes and behaviors from you that you may not feel. The retail industry’s “holiday hype” presents an overly sentimental, nostalgic, and even imaginary notion of the holidays (usually to try to sell you something). Sill, feelings of sadness, loneliness, or depression don’t automatically vanish just because it’s the holidays. Acknowledge your pain, be open and honest with others, refuse to feel guilty, and get help if necessary. It’s ok to laugh!

Don’t be afraid! You won’t be struck by a bolt of lightning for laughing! Remember, a closed mouth won’t get fed!!

2. Have a plan to deal with your feelings – Try to surround yourself with people who care about and support you—family, friends, or church members. Invest yourself in an exercise program (aerobic activities such as walking, running, cycling, etc., are recommended because of their mood-elevating ability). If necessary, see your doctor or therapist.

And learn to say “no.” Others’ expectations are not a reason for your own mental health to suffer.

Avoiding The Holiday Blues...continued 3. Set realistic expectations – Keep your expectations realistic rather than perfectionistic. Prioritize and reduce self-imposed holiday preparations. Delegate responsibilities. Realistically plan your budget, spending, and shopping. Do less and enjoy more.

Obsessing over endless details is bound to change this longawaited, once-a-year season from a time of exuberance to one of exhaustion. Make it a point to be honest with yourself, and if necessary and possible, limit the time and situations/people you want to be around. When you’ve had enough of either, make sure that you have a way to leave or step away.

4. Take time for yourself – Why is it called holiday depression?

Because, for most people, these feelings don’t occur at other times of the year. Remind yourself of what you enjoyed during the previous months, then continue them during the holidays.

Make yourself a priority! Instead of a “Discount Double Check,” give yourself an “Emotional Double Check”. Give yourself permission to feel what you feel.

Just don’t stay there too long!

Getting enough rest, eating and drinking in moderation, exercising, and continuing other favorite activities can maintain normalcy, routine, control, and predictability.

5. Consider that your depression may actually be caused by this time of year – Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, occurs because of reduced exposure to sunlight—which is just what happens during the holiday season when daylight hours are shorter.

Check with your doctor to see if light therapy might be beneficial for you.

6. Help others – Soup kitchens, homeless shelters, nursing homes, churches, and scores of other organizations can always use volunteers, especially at critical times of the year. Additionally, you’ll benefit from the company of other people around you rather than being alone.

And, help others help you! Tell those who care about you what you do or don’t need from them. They often don’t know how to help, or what to say, but want to.

7. Bury the hatchet – Perfect families don’t magically appear during the holidays, but family conflicts can. “Letting go” and forgiving can help heal past wounds. Additionally, family feuds can even be deliberately set aside until after the high-tension holidays in order to facilitate the peace and enjoyment of everyone at this special time.

8. Start your own traditions – Both families and traditions change with time. (Every tradition had to start somewhere!) Rather than reminiscing over the “good old days,” accept the fact that change may be necessary, grasp the season as it is now, look forward to the future, and create your

own family traditions that can be enjoyed and even preserved for future generations.

9. Keep your alcohol intake low – Don’t pour gasoline on a fire.

Remember, alcohol has a depressive effect on your nervous system, so if you’re experiencing the holiday blues, drinking too much alcohol will only worsen your depression.

10. Rededicate yourself to your spirituality – The “reason for the season” is often swallowed up by maddening materialism that can distract from the history, meaning, and significance of holiday celebrations. Step back, slow down, and refocus on transcendent, eternal matters. Rededicate yourself to spiritual pursuits, such as church attendance, church work, prayer life, and other disciplines. Regain the focus originally intended by this time of year.

11. Every day, Veterans who served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard connect with proven resources and effective treatments for depression and find solutions that improve their lives.

It can be difficult to handle depression on your own, so talking to your family and friends can be a first step. You can also consider connecting with: % Your doctor. Ask if your doctor has experience treating Veterans or can refer you to someone who does. If you feel comfortable enough with your physician, he or she may be able to help you find tools to manage loss of interest or pleasure even without direct experience with Veterans. % A mental health professional, such as a therapist % Your local VA Medical Center or Vet Center. VA specializes in the care and treatment of Veterans. % A spiritual or religious adviser Helplines – SAMHSA - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration 800-662-HELP (4357) www.samhsa.gov National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Your Head: An Owner’s Manual www.YourHead.org ULifeline.org – Online resources for students www.ulifeline.org ========= Sources: http://www.drhuggiebear.com/ i n f o r m a t i o n / howtoavoidpostholidaydepressionprint.htm http://www.eaptools.com (“Making the Holidays More Positive”) h t t p : / / w w w. u s m a . e d u / Publicaffairs/PV/001222/ depression.htm h t t p : / / www.wellnessjunction.com

OP-ED: Beverage Taxes Are Not the Health Solution that Working Families Need “…the fact that these beverage taxes are masquerading as public health initiatives means that they can often come at the expense of effective community health programs that have a positive impact on the lives of working-class people.”

By Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)

Every month, it seems another state or local government holds a vote on whether they should tax sugar-sweetened beverages. Recently, a broad coalition of Washingtonians, including labor unions such as the Teamsters, Machinists, and Building Trades, voted to ensure that groceries and beverages are exempted from new taxes that raise prices and cost jobs. Proponents of these taxes commission studies and cite health experts about the harmful effects of soda, and while they may be well-intentioned, they all

seem to miss one key thing. Beverage taxes aren’t healthy – rather, they are bad public policy that unfairly burden the working-class African-Americans and Latinos who can least afford them.

Make no mistake, these beverage tax initiatives that are cropping up around the country are devastating to poor- and middleincome people. A one-cent-perounce tax on soft drinks doesn’t sound so bad, but for the single parent buying 24-packs of soda for her kid’s birthday party, or the (continued on page 7)

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PAGE 5 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN Number: 20180013143 Filing Type: FBN Filing Date Filed: 11/16/2018 Began Transacting Business: N/A Filing Expires On: 11/16/2023 Business is Conducted By: A Corporation Fictitious Business Name(s): POPBAR RANCHO CUCAMONGA Business Address: 8443 HAVEN AVENUE, UNIT 141 RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Mailing Address: 13275 JOSHUA AVENUE CHINO, CA 91710 Registrant(s)Address: DIPPIN POPS CORP. 13275 JOSHUA AVENUE CHINO, CA 91710 A1#: C4208364 State: CA Signature/Officer Title: Pranav Kumar P. Patel, CEO

BY SIGNING, I DECLARE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published In The San Bernardino American Newspaper December 13, 20, 27, 2018, January 3, 2019.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN Number: 20180014013 Filing Type: FBN Filing Date Filed: 12/11/2018 Began Transacting Business: 11/02/2006 Filing Expires On: 12/11/2023 Business is Conducted By: An Individual Fictitious Business Name(s): LAST CALL INSURANCE SERVICES Business Address: 621 E. MAIN ST. BARSTOW, CA 92311 County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Registrant(s)Address: JULIE FUENTES 621 E. MAIN ST. BARSTOW, CA 92311 Signature/Officer Title: Julie Fuentes, Owner

BY SIGNING, I DECLARE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published In The San Bernardino American Newspaper December 13, 20, 27, 2018, January 3, 2019.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN Number: 20180012796 Filing Type: FBN Filing Date Filed: 11/08/2018 Began Transacting Business: N/A Filing Expires On: 11/08/2023 Business is Conducted By: An Individual Fictitious Business Name(s): GREAT CUTS Business Address: 15517 VILLAGE DR. SUITE 102 VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Mailing Address: 32921 ROME HILL RD. LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530 Registrant(s)Address: LUIS A. FLORES JR. 32921 ROME HILL RD. LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530 Signature/Officer Title: Luis A. Flores Jr., Owner

BY SIGNING, I DECLARE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published In The San Bernardino American Newspaper December 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN Number: 20180013557 Filing Type: FBN Filing Date Filed: 11/30/2018 Began Transacting Business:N/A Filing Expires On: 11/30/2023 Business is Conducted By: An Individual Fictitious Business Name(s): B & A BEAUTY SALON Business Address: 14592 PALMDALE ROAD SUITE 5 VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Mailing AddressL 8819 MAPLE AVE. HESPERIA, CA 92345 Registrant(s)Address: JUANA M. ROSALES 8819 MAPLE AVE. HESPERIA, CA 92345 Signature/Officer Title: Juana M. Rosales, Owner

BY SIGNING, I DECLARE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published In The San Bernardino American Newspaper December 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN Number: 20180013056 Filing Type: FBN Filing Date Filed: 11/15/2018 Began Transacting Business: 11/14/2018 Filing Expires On: 11/15/2023 Business is Conducted By: A Corporation Fictitious Business Name(s): M&L EXPRESSWAY INC. Business Address: 15873 WILLOW ST. HESPERIA, CA 92345 County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Registrant(s)Address: M & L EXPRESSWAY INC. 15873 WILLOW ST. HESPERIA, CA 92345 A1#: C2829159 State: CA Signature/Officer Title: Marisol Rios, Secretary

December 13, 2018

LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS

BY SIGNING, I DECLARE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published In The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 2018.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN Number: 20180012892 Filing Type: FBN Filing Date Filed: 11/13/2018 Began Transacting Business: 7/17/2008 Filing Expires On: 11/13/2023 Business is Conducted By: A Limited Liability Company Fictitious Business Name(s): 1. RIM OF THE WORLD BLUES BAR 2. RIM OF THE WORLD SPORTS BAR 3. RIM OF THE WORLD ROCKIN BLUES BAR 4. RIM OF THE WORLD ROCKIN SPORTS BAR 5. THE BURN-OUT SPORTS BAR 6. THE RIM BURN-OUT SPORTS BAR Business Address: 23459 CREST FOREST DR. UNIT B CRESTLINE, CA 92325-2943 County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 2943 CRESTLINE, CA 92325-2943 Registrant(s)Address: VALLEY VIEW VISTA PROPERTIES, LLC 1087 WATERMAN CANYON ROAD CRESTLINE, CA 92325 A1#: 200814310134 State: CA ROBIN R. DICKEY P.O, BOX 2943 CRESTLINE, CA 92325-2943 Signature/Officer Title: Robin Dickey, CEO

BY SIGNING, I DECLARE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published In The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 2018.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN Number: 20180013049 Filing Type: FBN Filing Date Filed: 11/15/2018 Began Transacting Business: N/A Filing Expires On: 11/15/2023 Business is Conducted By: An Individual Fictitious Business Name(s): 1. CASA RODEO BOOTS 2. RODEO HOUSE BOOTS Business Address: 12353 MARIPOSA RD. VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Registrant(s)Address: ISAAC PEREZ 13158 ARVILA DR. VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 Signature/Officer Title: Isaac Perez, Owner

BY SIGNING, I DECLARE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).) NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published In The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 2018.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20180013203 Date Filed: 11/19/2018 Filing Expires On: 11/19/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): INLAND VALLEY VETERINARY SPECIALISTS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 10 W. 7TH ST. UPLAND, CA 91786 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: PETVET CARE CENTERS (CALIFORNIA), INC.State of Inc./Org./Reg.: DE Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: ONE GORHAM ISLAND, SUITE 300 WESTPORT, CT. 06880 Name of Individual Registrant: Residence Street Address: This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A Signature/Title of Person Signing: Adeline Park, Vice President

BY SIGNING, I DECLARE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20180012460 Date Filed: 11/02/2018 Filing Expires On: 11/02/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): IN-SHAPE: VICTORVILLE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 14601 VALLEY CENTER DRIVE VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 Mailing Address: 6 S. EL DORADO ST. STE., 700

STOCKTON, CA 95202 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: IN-SHAPE HEALTH CLUBS, LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: California Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address:6 S. EL DORADO ST. STOCKTON, CA 95202 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 08/01/2013 Signature/Title of Person Signing: Sean Maloney, CFO

BY SIGNING, I DECLARE THAT ALL INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE AND CORRECT. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 2018.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20180013747 Date Filed: 12/04/2018 Filing Expires On: 12/04/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): DRIVE NOW AUTO CENTER County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 333 SO. WATERMAN AVE. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: DRIVE NOW AUTO CENTER INC. State of Inc./Org./ Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: C4215267 Residence Street Address: 333 SO. WATERMAN AVE. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A George R. Hajjar, CFO, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 13, 20, 27, 2018, January 3, 2019.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT ABANDONMENT 20180012986 Date Filed: 11/14/2018 Filing Expires On: 11/14/2023 County of Current Filing: SAN BERNARDINO Date of Current Filing: 10/01/2018 File No.: 20180004764 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): FAMILY HOMESTYLE CAFE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 24735 REDLANDS BLVD. STE. F LOMA LINDA, CA 92354 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: JIH CORPORATION State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./ Org./Reg. No.: C3378385 Residence Street Address: 24735 REDLANDS BLVD. STE. F LOMA LINDA, CA 92354 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 2/14/2012 Maribel Santana Alvarez, CFO, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE - IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. 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 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 13, 20, 27, 2018, January 3, 2019.

$40.00 TO PUBLISH YOUR DBA CALL TODAY! (909) 889-7677

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVVS 1800667 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ANDREA BERNARD HILL filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a.

ANDREA BERNARD HILL to Proposed

name: DUANE EDDIE HORTON SR. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall 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 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: 1/04/19 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: V15 Superior Court Victorville District 14455 Civic Drive Ste. 100 Victorville, CA 92392 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each 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: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: November 16, 2018 Judge Lisa Rogan Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 2018.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVDS 1831243 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: MICHEL RABI filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. MICHEL RABI to Proposed name: MICHAEL RABI THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall 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 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: 1/16/19 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: S16 Superior Court of California, County Of San Bernardino San Bernardino District CivilDivision 247 West Third St. San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each 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: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: December 5, 2018 Michael A. Sachs Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 13, 20, 27, 2018, January 3, 2019.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVVS 1800682 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ANTHONY BROWN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. ANTHONY BROWN to Proposed name: ANTHONY DAVID-LEE ROBINSON THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall 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 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: 1/18/19 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: V15 Superior Court of California, County Of San Bernardino 14455 Civic Dr. Victorville, CA 92392 Victorville Branch A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each 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: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: November 29, 2018 Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 13, 20, 27, 2018, January 3, 2019.

SUMMONS SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL. DEMANDADO): TANAKA A. RWIZI YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDADO EL DEMANDANTE): WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without you 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 Self-Help 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 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

Tiene 30 DIAS CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion 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 telefonica 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 mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/ espanol/), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas 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

remision 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 poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley la corte tiene derecho a reclamar los coutas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion 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.

CASE NUMBER: CIVDS 1815422 (Numero del Caso) The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 WEST THIRD ST. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415-0210 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): REESE LAW GROUP, Harlan M. Reese (Bar #118226) 3168 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92010 760/842-5850 (File No.554109) Date: June 19, 2018 (Fecha) (Secretario)Clerk, by Sabrina Jamison, Deputy (Adjunto) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper November 29, December 6, 13, 20, 2018.

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL. DEMANDADO): JEFFERY M. CURTIS YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDADO EL DEMANDANTE): WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without you 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 Self-Help 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 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

Tiene 30 DIAS CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion 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 telefonica 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 mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/ espanol/), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas 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 remision 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 poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley la corte tiene derecho a reclamar los coutas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion 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.

CASE NUMBER: CIVDS 1813353 (Numero del Caso) The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 WEST THIRD ST. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415-0210 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): REESE LAW GROUP, Harlan M. Reese (Bar #118226) 3168 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92010 760/842-5850 (File No. 555182) Date: May 31, 2018 (Fecha) (Secretario)Clerk, by Veronica Gonzalez, Deputy (Adjunto) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper November 29, December 6, 13, 20, 2018.

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL. DEMANDADO): DEBORAH LYNN MCLAUGHLIN; and DOES 1 through 10, inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDADO EL DEMANDANTE): FIDENCIA GONZALEZ SALDIVAR NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without you 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 Self-Help 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 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

Tiene 30 DIAS CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion 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 telefonica 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 mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/ espanol/), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas 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 remision 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 poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley la corte tiene derecho a reclamar los coutas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion 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.

CASE NUMBER: CIVDS 1803707

(Numero del Caso) The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 WEST 3RD ST.SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): MORTEZA AGHAVALI, ESQ., 200 SANDPOINTE AVE., SUITE 515, SANTA ANA, CA 92707 Date: February 15, 2018 (Fecha) (Secretario)Clerk, by Jessica Garcez, Deputy (Adjunto) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018.

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL. DEMANDADO): ERNESTO GUTIERREZ, JOSE RUBIO AND DOES 1 TO 10 YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDADO EL DEMANDANTE): ANCHOR GENERAL INSURANCE CO. NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without you 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 Self-Help 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 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar

su version. Lea la informacion a continuacion.

Tiene 30 DIAS CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion 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 telefonica 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 mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/ espanol/), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas 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 remision 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 poniendose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley la corte tiene derecho a reclamar los coutas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesion 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.

CASE NUMBER: CIVDS 1801014 (Numero del Caso) The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 WEST THIRD ST. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415-0210 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): REESE LAW GROUP, Jenny R. Louro, Esq., Bar #306535 3168 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92010 760/842-5850 (File No. 282923) Date: January 11, 2018 (Fecha) (Secretario)Clerk, by Daisy Mondragon, Deputy (Adjunto) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper November 29, December 6, 13, 20, 2018.

TO PUBLISH YOUR LEGAL OR CLASSIFIED AD OR TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE PLEASE CALL (909)889-7677 OR Email: msbamericannews@gmail.com

Visit Us Online: www.SB-American.com

PAGE 6

December 13, 2018

LEGAL ADVERTISING/ LOCAL/NATIONAL NEWS

The Colonies Scandal grows as a major participant heads to prison

Pelosi hopes to pass legislation to help DREAMers with a Democratic House Majority National News

Gail Fry Contributor

Bill Postmus booking photo As former San Bernardino County Supervisor and later Assessor Bill Postmus heads to state prison for his criminal actions taken in the settlement of a lawsuit with developer Colonies Partners, the County of San Bernardino faces a federal lawsuit filed by three of the defendants who faced criminal charges and were not found guilty and a related business.

According to court records obtained by San Bernardino American News, on Friday, November 30, 2018, former supervisor and later assessor Bill Postmus (Postmus) surrendered to the Court to start serving his three year prison sentence in accordance with his plea bargain.

On April 26, 2010, Postmus agreed to a plea agreement with prosecutors pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit a crime, receiving a bribe, conflict of interest and concealment of the embezzled public funds.

In a last ditch effort to avoid punishment, on July 12, 2018, Postmus filed a Motion to Withdraw his Plea. After several days of testimony with Postmus claiming members of the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office coerced him to agree to a plea bargain, on November 15, 2018, Judge Michael Smith sentenced Postmus to three years for his crimes specifying Postmus serve his time in state prison for the crimes of conspiracy and conflict of interest.

In an interview with San Bernardino American News, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Jody Miller explained Postmus was in custody at the West Valley Detention Center and will be transferred to a state prison.

The Colonies scandal was the fruit of a lawsuit brought by Colonies Partners (a developer) against San Bernardino County Flood Control and San Antonio Water Company (former owner of the land) regarding rights under easement documents, the construction of a flood control retention basin and the amount of flood water directed across the residential and commercial development known as “The Colonies” located along the 210 Freeway in the City of Upland.

The land just below Mount Baldy is known for its historical flooding, including the land now owned by the Colonies Partners, and over decades San Antonio Water Company granted flood control easements to the San Bernardino County Flood Control District.

Court records show on March 22, 2002, the Colonies Partners, L.P. filed its lawsuit against San Bernardino County Flood Control and San Antonio Water Company alleging its easements did not allow the county to direct 80 million gallons of water per hour of flood water to flow across their property planned for both residential and commercial development.

The Colonies lawsuit lingered from March 22, 2002 until its settlement in November 2006. Former San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Peter Norell (Norell) first assigned to hear the dispute had his rulings in favor of the Colonies

Partners reducing the easement rights of San Bernardino County Flood Control reversed by the Fourth District Court of Appeals in July 2005.

Former superior court Judge Christopher Warner (Warner) was then assigned to hear The Colonies lawsuit also issuing rulings in favor of the Colonies Partners.

It was later revealed in Grand jury testimony that complaints regarding Norell and Warner’s handling of the case were filed with the Commission on Judicial Performance.

Despite one law firm quitting over the settlement negotiations and another attorney representing the county, Dennis Wagner, objecting to the settlement, in November 2006, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the $102 million settlement with the Colonies.

The vote was Postmus, Biane and Ovitt in favor with supervisors Josie Gonzales and Dennis Hansberger dissenting.

Postmus later testified he and Biane were pressured to settle the Colonies Case or face exposure of embarrassing information that Postmus was a homo-sexual and a drug addict and Biane had financial troubles.

Additionally, campaign contributions totaling more than $450,000 began to flow starting on March 28, 2007 to various political action committees (PAC) related to Postmus, Biane and Ovitt.

Burum, principal of Colonies Partners, L.P. claimed they were just “mending fences” after a contentious legal battle in distributing the campaign contributions.

The Colonies scandal implicated numerous elected officials, current/former public employees and a developer in an alleged extortion scheme to pressure elected officials for a favorable vote in the settlement of the lawsuit filed by Colonies Partners, L.P. against San Bernardino County Flood Control, and San Antonio Water Company.

In the end Postmus as well as his former assistant assessor Adam Aleman, former supervisor Paul Biane (Biane), former chief of staff to supervisor Gary Ovitt Mark Kirk (Kirk), former sheriff deputy and later Sheriff Employees Benefit Association (SEBA) President James Erwin (Erwin) and Rancho Cucamonga-based developer Jeff Burum (Burum) all faced felony criminal charges.

Court records show on June 30, 2009, Aleman entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors pleading no contest to vandalism for destroying a countyowned computer, destroying a public record by falsifying meeting minutes, and presenting false claims. Aleman was sentenced to 6 months in jail on December 1, 2017.

By August of 2009, the California State Attorney General’s Office joined the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office in investigating and prosecuting the individuals implicated in the Colonies scandal describing it as the “Biggest Corruption Scandal in San Bernardino County History.”

In February 2010, Biane, Kirk,

Erwin and Burum faced numerous felony criminal charges. After numerous legal challenges and appeals on January 9, 2017, the trial for Biane, Kirk, Burum and Erwin began with a separate jury for Erwin. After the prosecution presented their case, the Defendants chose not to put on a defense.

On Monday, August 28, 2017, Biane, Kirk, and Burum were found not guilty by a jury of their peers. After a hung jury, on Friday, September 22, 2017, the judge dismissed Erwin’s charges.

According to public records, as of December 19, 2017, San Bernardino County spent a total of $34,283,438 in legal fees and costs to numerous law firms to both defend it in the civil lawsuit brought by the Colonies Partners and to pursue its damages from San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG), CalTrans and the City of Upland, litigation that was unsuccessful.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office in an October 20, 2017 letter claimed, “Unfortunately, we cannot answer your question because the District Attorney’s Office does not track expenses for individual investigations and prosecutions, and did not do so in the Colonies case.”

On March 1, 2018, The Colonies Partners, Jeffrey Burum, Mark Kirk and James Erwin filed a federal lawsuit against San Bernardino County, the State Attorney General and naming numerous people in their individual capacity seeking more than $400 million in damages.

On June 5, 2018 during the primary election, Attorney Jason Anderson, supported by the Colonies Partners and Burum, won the election for San Bernardino County District Attorney when he obtained over 50 percent of the vote defeating longtime San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos.

San Bernardino American News sought the opinions of high desert citizens, the area for which Postmus was the supervisor, to see what they thought of Postmus and the ongoing Colonies Scandal.

In an interview with Victorville Attorney James Terrell, Terrell opined, “The only one that should go to prison over this are the overzealous prosecutors who mishandled this entire case.”

“The way that they handled it, how they got their witnesses, they never put the case together properly, they never refuted, they never did anything right in this case, but make a buffoon of themselves,” Terrell explained adding, “And it is ironic that Postmus out of all people who became their star witness is the one going to prison.”

“And it is like everything else that the DA looks at and handles along with the county ends up being a farce,” Terrell shared.

“And you know my biggest fear in the world is that the new DA Anderson will not fire the eight people below him,” Terrell voiced declaring, “And if the eight people that were behind this are not gone by January 30, we need to do a recall.”

“Look who reviews the death cases, look at who has been putting people in prison, and look at the people reviewing the of-

ficer-involved shootings, let’s just take these three scandals,” Terrell suggested.

“One of the people that has been responsible for putting more African-Americans in prison than any cotton business in the South is Lead Gang Deputy District Attorney Michael Selyem (sic) he was found to be the biggest racist, misogynist @&#hole that we have ever had in county history,” Terrell explained.

“That nigger deserved it,” Terrell recalled Selyem had posted on Facebook, Terrell questioned, “What nigger deserved it that is symbolic for all people of color.”

Terrell spoke of the killing of Nathanael Pickett by a San Bernardino County Sheriff Deputy.

Terrell explained the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office falsely claimed deputy Woods suffered broken ribs.

“Officer Woods never had a broken rib and he never had a broken nose,” Terrell decried testifying, “They lie to the people, they lie to the taxpayers.”

Terrell explained out of 58 counties in the State of California San Bernardino County is either #1 or #2 for “having the highest percentage of inaccurate dirty unethical convictions.”

“And I think you consider all those things and then you realize Postmus is going to prison, really?” Terrell questioned explaining, “And guess what happens now because they weren’t truthful, now we’re going to have a malicious prosecution case like we’ve never had before.”

“I think that a very capable district attorney’s office run by professionals that wasn’t politically driven could have had a different result,” Terrell concluded.

Former Oak Hills Property Owners Association President Terry Kostak, who lived in the high desert when Postmus was in office and interacted with Postmus’ office when it came to development into the unincorporated area of Oak Hills.

“He was of course the #1 man on the supervisor’s board, and he was a local guy, we did see him on occasion and we had numerous run-ins with him because he was not representing our community,” Kostak recalled.

“That was definitely our issue with Bill Postmus was that when he wanted to help a friend of his he didn’t think twice to bend the rules of law to fit his needs for his friends because I understand if you were a friend of his, he would do anything for you as long as you return the favor.”

As to the Colonies Scandal, Kostak explained, “I never would have hesitated never have to assume that Bill and others were most likely guilty of what they were originally charged with because that’s just how it worked especially back then.”

“It wasn’t unusual to have you know people paid off or deals made you know the old money in the paper bag routine which numerous people used to swear happened that what with development, developers things like that,” Kostak explained concluding, “I believe that them getting off the hook at this point does not mean that they are innocent, it was the prosecution that fell through, I think they’re both guilty.”

UC Riverside receives $4.5 million for engineering graduate education...continued from page 2 sciences, rebuilding the nation's infrastructure, national civic literacy, and workforce development.

Departments that received funding are: • Chemical and Environmental Engineering • Materials Science and Engineering • Electrical and Computer Science • Computer Science and Engineering • Mechanical Engineering

The GAANN programs at UC Riverside are designed to recruit, retain, and matriculate top graduate students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue research, teaching, and mentorship that will contribute to sustainability, infrastructure, national security, and workforce development. The program aims to fill labor shortages of highly trained scholars in these fields.

Link: https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2018/12/10/uc-riverside-receives-45-million-engineeringgraduate-education

Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi vowed to pass legislation that would put DREAMers on a pathway to citizenship when her party retakes control “Our House Democratic Majority will once again pass the Dream Act to end the uncertainty and fear inflicted on patriotic young men and women across the country.” Pelosi said in a statement Saturday, responding to a letter sent Thursday by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Lawmakers in the Caucus urged Pelosi, who is likely to secure her second term as speaker of the House, to schedule votes on legislation to codify protections for DACA recipients and for immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) within the first 100 days of the 116th Congress.

Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-New York, one of the members of Congress who signed the letter to Pelosi, told CBS News that Democrats should move ahead “expeditiously” in January to pass bills

that shield DREAMers and TPS holders from deportation, without providing any funding for a wall on the southern border — which President Trump and many Republicans have said needs to be included in any bipartisan immigration proposal.

“These young people are still in limbo,” Espaillat said. “Had it not been for the courts, they would probably be underground, they would be in the shadows.”

The Trump administration tried to dismantle DACA, which covers approximately 800,000 undocumented immigrants, in the fall of 2017 — but a prolonged court battle has kept the program alive.

The government has appealed the TPS court ruling and urged the Supreme Court to hear the DACA case. In her statement, Pelosi also suggested Democratic-controlled committees in the House will probe the White House’s controversial practice of separating migrant children from their parents near the U.S.-Mexico border.

With Interest Rates Rising,Where Should You Invest?...continued from page 3 short-term end of the yield curve and the spread between those two grows.

Supplementally, long-term interest rates typically rise because there is an underlying belief that economic growth is occurring in the near-term future. For the last couple of the years, the spread between the short-term rates and long-term rates has been tight or narrow.

Financial firms like banks make money when they are able to borrow in the short term at lower rates and then lend at the longer, higher rates. They make money on the difference in yields. “Net Interest Income” is one of the primary fundamental metrics that all financial analysts study when reviewing a bank.

Many investors are already scaling back bond holdings.

Many retirees/pre-retirees approach retirement by becoming a bit more cautious with their investments so they increase bond holdings. With rate hikes affecting bond portfolios negatively (as rates go up, bond performance falls), this could adversely affect what many thought to be safe returns. Rising interest rates could ensure some loss to many bond portfolios.

The bottom line is that now is the time to meet with your financial planner and discuss how your portfolio should adapt to the new reality of rising interest rates. Remember, there are still plenty of worthwhile investments to be made, but for you to gain the maximum return, they probably won’t be the same investments that have been golden for the last few years.

'Let's Kill All The Blacks': Students Sing Racist Song at Dover High School "There was nothing 'implicit' about it," said one person on Facebook.

"This was an overt show of racism."

by Keka Araujo

A history assignment at Dover High School in New Hampshire gave some students the idea that it would be appropriate to spew racist vitriol to the tune of "Jingle Bells."

The assignment which was for an 11th grade U.S. History class, had students change the lyrics to a Christmas jingle to tell a story about Reconstruction. Two students in the class, who represented the Ku Klux Klan, thought that it would be a good idea to alter the lyrics to include "Let's Kill All the Blacks" and "White masks on our heads, blood beneath our feet, laughing till they're dead -- ha, ha, ha."

A biracial student in the class was uncomfortable as well as offended by the lyrics.

Chloe Harris, the student in question, expressed her concerns to the teacher but because she feared nobody would believe her. So she decided to whip out her cellphone and record the incident. The video has now been taken down.

"I went to the teacher," said Harris.

"I said I'm not really comfortable with these lyrics. I don't know why they need to sing it. I don't know why they need to present it in such an insensitive way."

Apparently racism is an issue at the school because Harris went on to say that she felt that nothing would be done about the situation.

"Thought if I don't record this, this is going to be the only evidence that I have that this happened and nobody's going to do anything about it," said the 16-year-old.

As the students recited the song, classmates laughed at the offensive ditty.

"When everyone was laughing I got really frustrated," said Harris. "I was like why are you guys laughing at this?

So I had to walk out of class. I'm disgusted by this."

Dover School District has launched an investigation.

WIlliam Harbron, the superintendent of the school district, stated: "The principal became aware of the situation late Friday and began working with teacher. Right now we're dealing the immediate need of communication out and dealing with the emotions surrounding the situation."

A letter sent to parents read: "We are deeply concerned that an event such as this could occur and understand the emotion and concern that this event will create for our students, families and staff. Administration from Dover High School and the District are working with students and the school community to respond immediately and effectively to this racial insensitivity."

Yes, "racial insensitivity."

The teacher involved has been suspended with pay pending the investigation. School officials haven't indicated whether or not the two white male students will be disciplined.

The school has a student population of about 1300 with only 14% of the students being minorities.

Visit Us Online: www.SB-American.com

Page 7

December 13, 2018

LIFESTYLE NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT/RELIGION

NBA Legend Kobe Bryant And Sports Academy Team Up to Create Mamba Sports Academy By Sentinel News Service Sports Academy and NBA legend Kobe Bryant announced a new joint business venture in holistic athletic training, including Sports Academy’s re-branding to MAMBA Sports Academy.

MAMBA Sports Academy will provide effective, safe and transparent overall human performance training to develop athletes to the peak of their potential. The Academy enlists diverse experts to support youth, amateur and elite athletes with a full-circle approach including body, performance and mind training.

MAMBA Sports Academy operates three distinct business units; physical training academies, a sports focused venture lab, and a charitable foundation, called the MAMBA Sports Foundation.

“Sports Academy has perfected the art and science of athletic training, from elite players to young kids getting started.

MAMBA Sports Academy is a natural expansion of my commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of kids through sports,” said Bryant.

“As a basketball coach to young girls, my team trained at Sports Academy, which is when I first experienced the superior level of services and attention to detail their experts delivered to our team. At MAMBA Sports Academy, we will focus on offering a premium experience on proper training for young athletes, and infuse a little ‘Mamba Mentality’ into their programs.”

Originally opened in 2016 by

“Looking for Man’s Approval When You Should be Wanting God’s Approval!”

By: Lou Yeboah

Lou Yeboah

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers shooting against former Washington Wizards player Marcin Gortat CEO and Founder Chad Faulkner, Sports Academy, a 100,000 square-foot facility, operates five basketball courts, five volleyball courts, two beach volleyball courts, a turf field, a comprehensive sports medicine practice for medical therapy and rehabilitation, a biomechanics lab, a worldclass cognitive training lab, an esports training ground, batting cages and pitching mounds, close quarters defense training, Gracie Barra jiu jitsu school, a mondo sprint track, a learning center for academic tutoring and training, and a yoga/cycling studio.

“The Academy’s unique proposition of holistic training has attracted athletes of all sports and skill levels to work with our team.

We’re extremely proud of the athlete community we’ve built in the Thousand Oaks area over the past two years,” said Faulkner.

“We look forward to how Kobe’s involvement will move us forward in the areas of on-site training, digital cognitive training, content creation, investments and charitable endeavors. His ‘Mamba Mentality’ philosophy will no doubt have a major impact on the development of the next generation of athletes.”

Sports Academy currently supports more than 50,000 young athletes annually through on-site camps, clinics and club teams.

The facility has become a mecca for elite athletes during off-season training including NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, MLS and

USOC athletes.

Last month, the Sports Academy team was a pillar in Thousand Oaks as the community was impacted by the Woolsey fires.

The Academy supported more than 3,500 effected families by opening its doors as a refuge, providing a place for kids to play, and collecting and distributing more than $20,000 in donated items for firefighters and volunteers.

MAMBA Sports Academy anticipates opening additional facilities in Southern California in the near future. The Academy rebranding is currently underway with all efforts at the facility and in market set for completion by January 2019.

This article originally appeared in the Los Angeles Sentinel.

Oh, I know I’m right about it because [John 12:43] says, “For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” Listen, “If you seek the approval of any man, you cannot please God!” [Galatians 1:10].

As Christians, our chief concern should be to gain God’s approval. We should not seek the approval of men, even of our family and friends, but of God Himself.

I tell you, the same misplaced desire for approval is why Jeremiah rebuked Israel: “Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water ” [Jeremiah 2:12–13]. Craving human approval is a cistern that cannot hold water. Why chase the approval of man?

There is a tyranny and bondage in living for man’s approval. “Instead of living

in bondage, craving the approval of everyone around us, the Bible calls us to live for the approval of God. I tell you, we need to be like Jesus - he got his validation from God - he pressed on despite the lack of approval from others.

Besides, the Scriptures call us again and again not to live for the expectations of man, but for the satisfaction of God. Tell me, can anything compare to having the smile of God’s approval? Having God’s approval is the only thing worth living for. Let’s be motivated by seeking approval – but not the approval of men or the approval of our culture – but the approval of God. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. [1 Thessalonians 2:4].

May we intentionally seek God, his will and his pleasure above all others, and may God continually minister his truths to us – Amen.

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” [Colossians 1:9-10]

Witness For Justice #922

Peace on Earth? What Peace?

Traci Blackmon Associate General Minister, Justice and Local Church Ministries 2

JERMAINE DUPRI, BRANDY, APRIL RYAN TOM JOYNER, MARVIN SAPP, DJ KHALED, JUNE AMBROSE, SHAUN KING AND MORE ARE CELEBRATED AT THE INAUGURAL URBAN ONE HONORS AWARDS OP-ED: Beverage Taxes Are Not the Health Solution that Working Families Need...continued from page 4 guy looking for a cheap drink after a long workday, those costs add up pretty quickly.

This gets to the heart of why beverage taxes have earned their reputation as unfair and regressive. Despite being portrayed as public health solutions, they end up harming the exact residents that they are supposed to help – primarily working-class AfricanAmericans and Latinos. There are no health benefits to making someone a dollar poorer, and the fact that beverage taxes overwhelmingly affect minorities only makes them more dangerous and disingenuous.

Voters are keenly aware of this, and Washington isn’t an isolated case. Look at Chicago, for example. Last year, under intense public pressure, the Cook County Board of Commissioners voted 15-1 to repeal a one-cent-perounce beverage tax that they had enacted several months earlier.

The tax had been in effect for just 70 days, and yet polls revealed that a staggering 90% of residents throughout Chicago and its surrounding areas opposed the tax.

Residents emphatically voiced their opposition to the tax, with many going so far as to cross county and state lines to do their grocery shopping. Restaurants, grocers, and convenience stores reported that revenue had dropped by as much as 50% during the ten weeks before the tax was repealed, and many employees feared that they would be laid off as a result. And this happens repeatedly – we’ve seen similar opposition in places like Seattle, Philadelphia, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. In each case, working

people are forced to bear the brunt of these taxes.

Once you factor in the number of jobs and small businesses that are threatened by such a tax, this becomes all the more apparent.

Consider a corner store with profit margins that rely heavily on beverage purchases, or a familyowned deli that can’t afford to lose customers who stop in for a soft drink. Consider an employee at a grocery store that gets laid off because it’s losing customers to another shop 20 minutes away that doesn’t have to comply with a beverage tax. If your goal is really to lower obesity rates, you can start by not taking money out of the wallets of working people.

Indeed, the fact that these beverage taxes are masquerading as public health initiatives means that they can often come at the expense of effective community health programs that have a positive impact on the lives of working-class people. These initiatives deserve dedicated and sustained funding and stop-gap beverage tax revenue is simply not the right way to raise this money.

Then again, maybe that’s why small shop owners and working people have been so vocal in their opposition to beverage taxes.

These taxes hurt the most vulnerable – America’s workers living on the economic edge. Health organizations and experts would do well to keep this in mind before they advocate for raising taxes on people who can’t afford them.

Stuart Appelbaum is the President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

REACH MEDIA’S D.L. HUGHLEY HOSTED THE STAR-STUDDED EVENT TO CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF EXTRAORDINARY INDIVIDUALS FEATURING SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BY ELLE VARNER, AVERY SUNSHINE, JOHNNY GILL, MARVIN SAPP AND K-CI OF JODECI SHOW TO AIR ON TV ONE IN 2019 Sunday evening, Urban One hosted the inaugural URBAN ONE HONORS Awards show at The Anthem in Washington, DC. The star-studded show, hosted by comedian and REACH Media personality D.L. Hughley,

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.

I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34 In this Advent season, this time set aside to reflect upon the birth of Jesus— an Afro-Semitic Palestinian who was forced with his parents to seek refuge in a foreign land—I am mindful our brown-skinned Jesus would not be welcomed at our southern borders. I am mindful there would be no shelter given or food shared for his family fleeing an oppressive regime. I am mindful this nation would not be a safe place for the Christ child to hide, that his family might have been greeted with tear gas and rubber bullets, or that he might have been taken from his mother’s arms.

As we retell the story of that Holy Night, I am mindful that there is no place in the United States where a minimum wage worker can afford a two-bedroom apartment, that there is no place for over 500,000 unhoused people to lay their heads. 1 Even as we sing songs of peace and joy in this season, we are surrounded by chaos and fear. Instead of building bridges, our current administration seeks to build walls. Instead of setting captives free, our government seeks appropriations for more private prisons and detention centers. As we sing of goodwill to all humankind, 40,000,000 people struggle with hunger in the United States, the world’s greatest food producing nation.

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace by those who profess to follow The Way, and yet there was no peace then and there is no peace now. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus confesses that he did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Jesus understood that peace is not simply the absence of war, but the presence of justice and love. And while loving God and seeking justice can be pursued without violence, they certainly do not come without conflict. Following Jesus can cause division within families, conflict with friends, and challenge to imperial notions of safety and control.

The message of Jesus’ coming is summarized as loving God and loving others. If we truly desire to celebrate the Christ child in this season we can do no less than this. It sounds simple. Loving God is easy enough for many to imagine, but loving people— all of the people—causes conflict. Loving people is an act of resistance against violence at our borders, against racism, against xenophobia, against homophobia, Islamophobia, against antiSemitism, against corporate greed, against sexism, against empire, and every force that stands against love and challenge the silent complicity many mislabel as peace.

Peace is not the absence of conflict. Peace is the presence of Justice and Love. Peace on Earth will require nothing less. __________ 1 The 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) is a HUD report to the U.S. Congress that provides nationwide data on homelessness.

2 2017 data: Feeding America

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December 13, 2018

NEWS/ AD VER TISING ADVER VERTISING

Cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water lead to increased testing

By Ray Downs

Air Force firefighters put out a fire at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

The firefighting foam used by military personnel has been known to contain cancer-causing chemicals, which have leaked into local water supplies around the country. File Photo by Samuel King Jr./U.S. Air Force Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Public water supplies around the country are increasing efforts to test for chemicals linked to cancer and other diseases after studies revealed millions of Americans may now be exposed to the toxins.

In Brevard County, Fla., groundwater testing this year near Patrick Air Force Base show high levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid, two water-resistant chemicals that used to be found in firefighting foam, as well as a variety of household products, ranging from no-stick frying pans to carpet-cleaning agents, and even the film inside microwave popcorn bags. And according to reports, several young women have been diagnosed with different types of cancer in the immediate area within just a few years of each other.

The chemicals have been phased out since 2015 by major chemical companies like Dupont and 3M at the suggestion of the Environmental Protection Agency. But they were in common use since the 1950s and have since been found in water supplies across the country.

In March, the Department of Defense released a report that found several military installa-

tions around the country showed unsafe levels of PFOS and PFOA in local water supplies. The EPA currently marks the unsafe level to be above 70 parts per trillion, although some researchers believe that benchmark is too high and lower levels are still unsafe.

Nonetheless, the DoD found PFOS and PFOA levels around the Patrick Air Force Base up to 4.3 million parts per trillion -- well above the EPA's warning levels.

Nick Van Der Linden, the interim communications director for the Florida Department of Health, said further testing has been done and an analysis is being performed by researchers at the Florida Cancer Registry.

"It is the goal of the department to conduct as thorough an investigation as possible, and no shortcuts will be taken in the data collection or verification process," Van Der Linden said in a statement. "The health and safety of Floridians is our top priority. Once the analysis is complete, it will be shared with the public."

But the PFOS and PFOA contamination issue is hardly unique to Florida or military installations.

The chemical -- which cannot be destroyed by boiling water, is considered "bio-permanent,"

meaning it doesn't break down naturally and, once in the human body, remains there forever, building up over time the more an individual ingests it -- is being investigated by local water treatment utilities around the country.

"This is a very substantial public health risk," said Philippe Grandjean, a professor of environmental health at Harvard University who has conducted research on PFOS and PFOA. "It's a national problem. This contamination has been found in most, if not every single state. It's not a local problem."

Nationwide contamination How much PFOS and PFOA is in U.S. drinking water is not known because the EPA only has data on about half of the water supply. But with known data, an estimated 5 to 6 million people are known to be exposed to unsafe levels of PFOS and PFOA, though the number could be much higher.

Other estimates indicate the chemicals have contaminated more than 1,500 water systems, affecting up to 110 million Americans.

"If you go out looking for it, if you go sample for it, you're gonna find it," said Peter Schneider, the water quality supervisor for the city of Greensboro, N.C., where officials recently announced it would test private water wells after the chemical was found in the surface water supply. "It's a very prevalent and persistent manmade chemical."

A 2017 analysis conducted by the Environmental Working Group and researchers at Northeastern University showed contamination in nearly every state, with the highest levels in California and the eastern part of the country.

In June, a study by the from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reported that PFOS and PFOA contamination has been found in just about ev-

ery aspect of the environment, including air, water, soil and food in various parts of the world.

"Based on environmental measurements and theoretical models, one study has proposed that the major exposure pathways for PFOS for the general population in Europe and North America are food and water ingestion, dust ingestion and hand-to-mouth transfer from mill-treated carpets," the report states. "For PFOA, major exposure pathways were proposed to be oral exposure resulting from migration from paper packaging and wrapping into food, general food and water ingestion, inhalation from impregnated clothes and dust ingestion."

The chemicals have also been found in human breast milk and umbilical cord blood.

Studies suggest that exposure to the chemicals may lead to cancer. The ATSDR report states that "increases in testicular and kidney cancer have been observed in highly exposed humans."

Other health effects may include increased risk of thyroid disease, increased risk of asthma, increased cholesterol levels, decreased fertility and lower birth weights, according to the report.

Although chemical manufacturers in the United States have stopped using PFOS and PFOA, the 50-plus years they were in use allowed for substantial amounts to get into the country's water supply. In addition, they are still being manufactured overseas in countries like China and products containing PFOS and PFOA are still entering the country.

Federal agencies have not taken any major steps to combating the contamination. In 2016, the EPA advised local governments to test for the compounds, but has not taken any additional efforts to eliminate the contaminants from water supplies.

Rob Billot, a Cincinnati attorney

who has been litigating PFOA and PFOS contamination lawsuits for 18 years and filed a class action lawsuit against chemical giants 3M, Dupont and Chemours on behalf of all people who have been affected by PFOS and PFOA, said the federal government is moving too slowly to deal with a major public health concern.

"As we sit here today, there is still no enforceable federal standard. It's time to set appropriate guidelines that are protective for human health," he said. "It would be important to see increased testing at additional water supplies.

Some states are taking that on now, going out and actually doing comprehensive testing of the various supplies."

Billot said the EPA's standard of 70 parts per trillion is too high.

Grandjean agrees. He published a study that found levels as low as 1 part per trillion may be enough to pose health risks.

"The water safety guidelines ought to be coming down. They're still too high, especially for having several of these different chemicals in the water at the same time," Billot said.

Testing got late start In Greensboro, N.C., officials implemented in October an active carbon filtration system to the city's water treatment program to remove PFOS and PFOA compounds. According to WFDD-TV, the city is leasing the system for $9,000 a month, in addition to $800 per day for treatment costs.

Like other municipalities around the country, Greensboro officials began testing for PFOS and PFOA only after the EPA sent out an advisory to do so in 2016.

"It's very recent issue in the sense that people have started looking and testing for it, but it's been out there," Schneider said.

That EPA's 2016 advisory was sent out almost 10 years after the EPA encouraged -- but did not

require -- chemical companies to stop manufacturing PFOA and PFOS. And that 2006 invitation came only after controversies that chemical companies were hiding reports that showed the harmful effects of the chemicals.

'We discovered later on that we have been kept from key information the companies had," Grandjean said. "We were not able to access the information and evaluate for ourselves whether this is something we should pursue or perhaps report to the EPA so that they could get their regulations started. We were kept in the dark."

He added: "As a researcher in public health, I would have done a lot of things differently had I known before 2000 or earlier that there were all these red flags that I just didn't see because the evidence was kept away from my eyes."

But with the effects known and the prevalence of the contaminant better understood, lawsuits have been filed against chemical manufacturers leading to multimilliondollar settlements.

In February, 3M agreed to pay $850 million to Minnesota for polluting the state's local waterways.

In 2017, Dupont and Chemours agreed to pay $670 million in a similar lawsuit involving residents in Ohio and West Virginia along the Ohio River.

And there are several more lawsuits in the works.

Bilott says the settlements reached in these lawsuits should be used for the costs of testing and water treatment.

"Local water suppliers and taxpayers should not be the ones footing the bill for this," he said.

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