SB American News Week Ending 1/10/24

THE SAN BERNARDINO

AMERICAN

“A Man In Debt is So Far A Slave” -R.W. Emerson

Scan QR Code to visit our Website

NEWSPAPER A Community Newspaper Serving San Bernardino, Riverside & Los Angeles Counties

January 04, 2024 Thursday Edition

Volume 54 No. 38

Mailing: P.O. Box 837, Victorville, CA 92393 Office: (909) 889-7677 Email: Mary @Sb-American.com Clifton@Sb-American.com

Website: www.SB-American.com

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 with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance those of whom they suppress. —Fredrick Douglass (1849)

Saying GOODBYE to 2023: The good and

the bad

By Ralph E. Moore Jr. Let’s see, we went from one war in Europe (Russia invading Ukraine) to another major war in the Middle East (Israel and Hamas) – twice the horror. Pope Francis and Rev. William Barber have been very clear moral leaders in opposition to these outbreaks of violence.

On Christmas Day, Pope Francis harshly criticized the weapons industry and its “instruments of death” that feed the wars. He recently turned 87 years old and he made a call for peace in the world and in particular between Israel and the Palestinians.

Speaking from St. Peter’s Basilica to a throng of roughly 6,000 folks, Francis said he grieved the “abominable attack” of Hamas against southern Israel on Oct. 7 and called for the release of hostages. He pleaded for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the “appalling harvest of innocent civilians” as he called for “humanitarian aid to reach those in need.” The Pope has declared that war has never solved anything. And he is so right.

Reverend William Barber joined forces with religious leaders of various faiths in a vigil at the White House last month on Nov. 20, 2023.

“We must join forces with Jews and Christians and Muslims around the world who are calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, and the safe return of all hostages and civilian prisoners — and to stop the killing,” said Barber, acting

with the voice of moral authority for which he is known.

Wars are ugly, cruel, unfair and awful in every way. This is not an attack on veterans, they serve honorably, they sacrifice their time away from family and friends and they risk their lives oftentimes doing their duty. They deserve our honor and respect.

In better news this year, the dreadful Rudy Guiliani (once called “America’s mayor” by some) was smacked with a $148 million judgment by a court on Dec. 20, 2023. On Nov. 8, I wrote in the Moore Report about the two poll workers from Georgia, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea ArShaye “Shaye” Moss, whom

Guiliani accused many times over and publicly of stealing election results from Trump and crediting them to Biden. There was no basis whatsoever for his very hateful and harmful claim, but he was very effective in thoroughly ruining the lives of the two innocent women.

The two women were vindicated by the judgment, even though it is questionable at best what Guiliani’s wealth is (he has continuously refused to disclose to the courts). Freeman and Moss are sheroes for enduring what they have–and then seeking justice. The court proclaimed their innocence 148,000,000 times in judgment dollars.

Sometimes justice surprisingly comes along.

On another note, as we look back on 2023, the St. Ann Church initiative for the expedited canonizations of the first six African-American candidates took a big step forward. A subcommittee of the church’s Social Justice Committee (Delores Moore, Mary Sewell and I) traveled to Rome to advocate with the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints for sainthood for Mother Mary Lange, Father Augustus Tolton, Mother Henrietta DeLille, Mr. Pierre Toussaint, Ms. Julia Greeley and Sister Thea Bowman. The Dicastery

vets the lives of the candidates to determine if they are suitable to be considered for sainthood and they vet the proposed miracles required as proof of their sanctitude. It is hard to believe there are no Black Saints from the United States in 2023.

Black Catholics have had to fight for first class membership in the Catholic Church since the enslavement origins of 1619.

We determined in 2022 that we would be in Rome on All Saints Day 2023, so we got our passports, raised the money for travel and accommodations and sought an audience with the Pope and/or the Dicastery. We were informed on Oct. 13 of our

audience on Oct.31, and off we went. None of us had ever been to Rome before.

We visited St. Peter’s Basilica (perhaps the largest church building in the world) and the Plaza where thousands gather weekly to see the Pope from a window high above the ground.

We didn’t get a chance to have an audience with Pope Francis, we did leave gifts with the faces and names of the “Saintly Six.” The package also included an anchor paper weight (a symbol of St. Ann’s original construction by a ship’s captain) and a wall coat rack also in the shape of an anchor. I wrote about the Rome trip on Oct. 6 and Nov. 21 in the Moore Report. We are making progress.

I continue to be saddened by the high rate of crimes (murders, shootings, car thefts and car jackings) in our city, but I am heartened to hear that under Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s leadership, Baltimore will end this year with fewer than 300 murders for the first time since 2014. That’s some 2023 progress, I guess.

The Orioles and the Ravens are performing at a high level to the delight of baseball and football fans. And we could be on our way to the Superbowl.

“Ain’t that good news?”

Here’s to 2023- the good, and the bad- and the great memories to come in 2024.

New Laws Going Into Effect On January 1st Government/Local News

S A C R A M E N TO – I n partnership with the Legislature, Governor Gavin Newsom this year signed landmark legislation to support the reproductive rights of Californians, increase affordable housing, hold Big Oil accountable, and protect the safety, health, and well-being of all Californians.

Here is a quick look at a few bills that will take effect on January 1, 2024:

U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, California is building on its nation-leading efforts to safeguard reproductive freedom for all Californians.

Assemblymember BauerKahan’s AB 352 requires companies that manage electronic health records to protect all Californians’ and visitors’ electronic medical records related to abortion, gender-affirming care, pregnancy loss, and other sensitive services. This closes a major loophole in privacy protections for people traveling to California for abortion and gender-affirming care.

Senator Skinner’s SB 345 protects providers and people from enforcement action in California of other states’ laws that criminalize or limit reproductive and genderaffirming health care services.

FIGHTING FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

ADDRESSING THE OPIOID CRISIS

What you need to know: As the country continues to reel after the

What you need to know:

W H AT GOVERNOR NEWSOM SAID: “California is more than just a state of dreamers, we’re a state of doers.

Thanks to the Legislature's strong partnership in 2023, the state is leading by example to create opportunity, and advance and protect the rights of all Californians.”

To combat the opioid crisis, California is expanding lifesaving treatment to communities in need. Assemblymember Haney’s AB 663 allows for more mobile pharmacies to be created in communities across the state and enables them to dispense treatment medications for opioid use disorder.

Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis WORKERS’ RIGHTS What you need to know: To help ensure Californians can take the time they need to care for themselves and their families, Governor Newsom signed Senator Gonzalez’s SB 616, which expands the number of sick days available to workers from 3 to 5.

INCREASING ACCESS

VOTER

What you need to know: California has some of the

strongest voting laws in the nation and continues working to make elections more accessible for all. Assemblymember Pellerin’s AB 545 allows voters with a disability to complete a regular ballot outside of any polling place—known as curbside voting—and removes the requirement for a voter to declare under oath that they are unable to mark their ballot in order to receive assistance doing so.

TAKING ON BIG OIL What you need to know: The Governor is committed to making big oil more accountable for fleecing Californians at the pump. Senator Skinner’s SBX12 grants the California Energy Commission new authority to penalize refineries and set a maximum gross gasoline refining margin if necessary to help combat price gouging. It also creates a new independent state watchdog to investigate

market or price manipulation.

INCREASING AFFORDABLE HOUSING What you need to know: The state is increasing the amount of affordable housing available for Californians. Legislation signed this year aims to speed up the process to secure permits and meet housing goals.

Senator Wiener’s SB 423 extends and expands existing law, requiring local governments that are failing to meet state housing planning goals to streamline affordable housing projects. This will increase affordable housing throughout the state in uncooperative cities.

Senator Weiner's SB 4, known as the "Yes in God's Backyard" bill, allows housing to be developed on property owned by religious or independent higher education institutions. These groups are given this authority “by right,” which requires no

discretionary local governance intervention.

ADDRESSING THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS What you need to know: Addressing our nation's behavioral health crisis, the Governor signed legislation to improve health care delivery systems and make these services more accessible. These efforts will help tens of thousands of Californians and fill critical needs across the state, from homeless Californians with severe behavioral health issues to kids suffering from depression and everyone in between. Together, these reforms will be proposed to the voters for approval on the March 2024 ballot as Proposition 1.

Senator Eggman’s SB 326 reforms the Mental Health Services Act—making better use continued on page 3

Thursday, January 04, 2024

Page 2

COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/FINANCIAL/ADVERTISING Black parents worry about a 4-day school week?...

Should Black parents worry about a 4-day school Should continued week?

by Maya Pottiger Word in Black

Nationwide, about 90 percent of four-day school weeks are used by rural, White populations. Here’s what Black families should know about the model.

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers, educators and parents have been playing catch up.

The recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report showed devastating declines in math and reading achievement levels. On top of that, schools nationwide continue to struggle with chronic absenteeism and staffing shortages.

So Paul Thompson, an associate professor of economics at Oregon State University, finds it odd that schools have started shifting to a four-day model as an effort to recruit and retain key personnel. It also goes against the other lesson we learned from the pandemic: numerous families rely on schools for valuable resources.

“There’s these big equity concerns about shifting the burden of what schools have traditionally done for students and parents and communities — providing child care, food provision, physical activity, all of those things — and are shifting away from the school district onto families and communities on that additional day,” Thompson says.

“What the implications of that are is extremely important, as well.”

Currently, it’s a small sample of schools concentrated in a handful of states — or about 7 percent of districts, mostly in Oregon, Missouri, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico – that are utilizing the four-day school week.

As researchers study the impacts of these shortened school weeks, they’re asking key questions: Who is mostly being impacted by this? And what are the impacts?

Mostly White, Rural Students — For Now Four-day school weeks currently exist in mostly rural, White communities. But as the concept gains popularity, states with large indigenous student bodies are also adopting the practice.

Across the country, 90 percent of districts using a four-day model are rural, and they have an average of 454 total students enrolled in the district, according to an MIT study. Looking at districts with the five-day model, only half are rural, and the average enrollment is 3,735 students.

“But, as this continues to grow, and as teacher shortages affect schools from across the spectrum of different types of districts, we may see this model continue to expand into urban areas,” Thompson says.

Colorado’s 27J School District, with nearly 23,000 students, is now the largest district using a four-day model — and preliminary results aren’t good, with a study reporting home prices and student achievement both declined. And Independence School District in Missouri, which also adopted it, serves more than 14,000 students.

However, RAND study participants cautioned that while the four-day model worked in their rural communities, it wouldn’t be as accepted in

students spend less time in front of teachers, it has a negative impact on achievement.

When Oregon schools made the switch, students lost three to four hours of classroom time, and that “translated almost directly to the negative effects that we saw on student achievement” to students in third through eighth grade, Thompson says. And, he added, “If you look nationally, you see these similar impacts.”

In districts with four-day school weeks, those with low levels in classroom time are the places where researchers see big negative impacts on achievement. But, in schools that are maintaining instructional time close to a five-day school week model, there isn’t much difference on achievement levels.

This outlines two potential policy recommendations, Thompson says. When switching to a four-day week, schools should focus on maintaining instructional time, either through lengthening the school day, or offering remedial or experiential learning opportunities on the offday.

And, beyond educational impacts, there are other negative effects on students. A four-day school week impacts nutrition for students who rely on school for breakfast and lunch. And, after Colorado districts switched, juvenile crime increased.

“Our research has shown differences in how much students are eating breakfast, sugary beverages, drug use, things like that,” Thompson says. “So there’s implications that go beyond the traditional academic impacts that most educational interventions have.”

Fewer Days Mean Longer Days

Community /Education News

resulting in one civilian death, 10 civilian injuries, and $14 million in direct property damage between 2017 and 2021. Overall, fires that begin with Christmas trees represent a very small but notable part of the U.S. fire problem, considering that they are generally in use for a short time each year.

To safely dispose of a Christmas tree, NFPA recommends using the local community’s recycling program, if possible; trees should not be put in the garage or left outside. NFPA also offers these tips for safely removing lighting and decorations to ensure that they remain in good condition: Use the gripping area on the plug when unplugging electrical decorations. Never pull the cord to unplug any device from an electrical outlet, as this can harm the wire and insulation of the cord, increasing the risk for shock or electrical fire.

As you pack up light strings, inspect each line for damage, throwing out any sets that have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires. continued in next 2 columns

“before” and “after” pictures: Scammers often use stock or altered photographs, not photos of people who used what they’re trying to sell you.

Scammers will say just about anything to get you to buy their weight loss or fitness products.

To spot the scams, keep an eye out for these common false promises: If someone says you don’t have to watch what you eat to lose weight, that’s a scam.

If someone says using their product helps you lose weight permanently, that’s a scam.

Community/Education News

Happy New Year! Start off 2024 with a bang by enhancing your students’ statistical and civic literacy skills with Statistics in Schools (SIS) resources! From discovering the total number of kids ages 8 to 14 in your state to exploring census-related terms, SIS activities help boost students’ understanding and use of data well before they reach college.

What better way to ring in the new year?

January 4 – National Trivia Day

More than one-third of Christmas tree home fires occur in January...continued

January 6 – National Technology Day

Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags or wrap them around a piece of cardboard.

Store electrical decorations in a dry place away from children and pets where they will not be

National Technology Day It’s National Technology Day! Check out our Teachers' Guide to Data Access Tools for Students to discover a variety of tools you and your students can

damaged by water or dampness.

For more information on home fire safety all winter long, visit “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires,” a winter safety campaign NFPA promotes annually with the U.S. Fire Administration.

New year, new weight loss scams

By Ari Lazarus Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Scammers follow the headlines — and the seasons. As the new year rolls around, we’re sure to hear lots of “new year, new you” advertising around health and fitness products. But some of those promotions are just scams out to get your money. Here’s how to spot them.

Image Products promising lightningfast weight loss are always a scam. Spot one? Tell the FTC:

ReportFraud.ftc.gov Scammers often post ads online for things like weight loss pills, patches, or creams. The ads sometimes look like news reports about a “miraculous” new product to help you lose weight without dieting or exercising.

(Except it won’t.) Scammers might even steal logos from real news organizations to make their posts seem more real.

If you take the next step and check out the reviews, you might find positively glowing ones.

Which scammers often write themselves or pay others to do it. Same with those dramatic continued in next 2 columns

If someone tells you that, to lose weight, all you have to do is take their pill, that’s a scam.

If someone promises that you can lose 30 pounds in 30 days, that’s a scam.

If anyone says their product works for everyone, that’s a scam.

Spot one of these scams? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

To learn about healthy eating, visit nutrition.gov, ChooseMyPlate.gov, or the Weight Management & Healthy Living Tips from the National Institutes of Health.

Step into the New Year Using Real-Life Data in the Classroom

Generally, research — and experience — shows that when

Despite changes to the weekly schedule, the amount of months students are in the classroom is

not known yet if these cuts are leading to any changes in lesson plans, like omitting topics or cutting projects. But, overall, the curriculum is staying the same, and “the goal is that teachers just become more efficient in their teaching,” Thompson says.

However, even though fourday school week students, on average, had 49 more minutes per day of instructional time, they lost 58 hours of instructional time per school year compared to a traditional five-day week, according to a 2021 RAND report.

New year, new weight loss scams...continued

Kahoot Celebrate this day using the Census Bureau’s Kahoot! collection of games that improve and test students’ knowledge using real-life data about things like population, American history, U.S. businesses, education, and more. Students can explore fun topics like the average annual salary of workers with a bachelor’s degree and the top three states with the most chocolate makers. Who will come in first, second, and third?

Not Promising for Student Achievement

More than one-third of Christmas tree home fires occur in January January 2, 2024 – More than one-third (34 percent) of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January. With this post-holiday fire hazard in mind, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) strongly encourages everyone to keep the festive memories and remove the hazards by disposing of Christmas trees promptly after the holiday season.

“As much as we all enjoy the look and feel of Christmas trees in our homes, they’re large combustible items that have the potential to result in serious fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at. “The longer Christmas trees remain in homes, the longer they present a risk.”

Carli notes that fresh Christmas trees, which continue to dry out and become more flammable over time, are involved in a much larger share of reported Christmas tree fires than artificial trees.

According to the latest statistics from NFPA, there was an estimated annual average of 150 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees,

places like “big cities,” where key factors would be different, like higher numbers of working parents and higher childcare costs.

And these homogenous districts have made it difficult to study the impacts on a range of racially or socioeconomically diverse students. Instead, the research has mostly focused on the average impact.

The MIT study offers a window into this, finding districts with the four-day model have “significantly smaller portions” of Black and Asian students and a significantly higher portion of free or reduced-price luncheligible student population than five-day districts.

“We’re still a little off from really understanding what the true equity concerns are here,” Thompson says. “That’s a big thing that’s currently missing.

We know how it affects the average student, but what about these more at-risk students, either academically or financially?”

As more districts around the country consider switching, William Rodick, Ph.D., the P-12 practice lead at the Education Trust, says he hopes they’re thinking about lessons learned in the pandemic.

NAEP results continue to show concern in general student progress in math and reading, but especially for Black and Latino students, English learners, and students from low-income backgrounds. These students, in particular, rely on schools to provide food, devices, and highspeed internet.

If they need those supports on those other four days, Rodick says, they’re also going to need them on the fifth.

“These are students who rely on school supports and additional educational services, students that really need to build strong relationships with teachers,” Rodick says. “So taking an additional day of contact, we can imagine that’s going to have negative consequences on certain student groups.”

generally the same, Thompson says. Instead of attending for 170 or 180 days, students are now in class for about 150 days.

Days in a four-day school week are often extended to make up time missed from skipping the fifth day of instruction. The 3060 added minutes are “generally insufficient,” Thompson says, but teachers seem to appreciate it.

In the surveys he’s done, Thompson reports teachers say the added time allows them to go more in-depth than they otherwise would have been able to in a single class period. It’s

use to access data. Elementary and middle school students can explore the State Facts for Students data tool that looks at cool things like the total number of zoos and botanical gardens, fitness and recreational sports centers and more in your state.

High school students can explore data using the Census Business Builder tool for demographic and economic data at the county, city, ZIP code and census tract level. A great way to recognize this day!

January 16 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day Martin Luther King Day Did you know that the percentage of Black or African American adults with a fouryear college degree increased by about 24 percent from 1964 to 2020? Celebrate this day with students by sharing with them our elementary school history activity, I Have a Dream – Learning About Martin Luther King Jr., which includes key statistics like this and others such as changes in the U.S. population, voting rates and education levels of Americans since the early 1960s when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Learn More: https://www. census.gov/programs-surveys/ sis/resources/kahoot.html?utm

Clifton Harris Editor in Chief Investigative Reporter sbamericannews@gmail.com Mary Martin-Harris Publisher mary@sb-american.com Clifton B. Harris / Audio Engineering Editor Legal /Display Advertising (909) 889-7677 The San Bernardino American News was established May 6, 1969.

A legally adjudicated newspaper of general circulation on September 30, 1971, case number 15313 by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County.

The San Bernardino AMERICAN News offers online subscriptions. Your weekly newspaper will be delivered to your email for $1.00 for a period of 6 months.

The San Bernardino AMERICAN News 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.

Thursday, January 04, 2024

Page 3

COUNTY/GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS/ADVERTISING

Standing up for Inclusion and Empowerment: Six Questions for the Sec. of State Certifies Candidates for March Primary, Including Trump National Black Justice Coalition Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Edward Henderson | California Black Media best serve the population.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

David Johns, Executive Director Since its inception in 2003, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) has been America’s premier civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+, and same gender loving (LGBTQ+/ SGL) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS through coalition building, federal policy change, research, and education.

The organization’s mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ+/SGL bias and stigma.

Operating out of Los Angeles, the NBJC supports Black individuals, families, and communities to strengthen the bonds and bridge the divides between the movements advocating for racial justice and LGBTQ+/SGL equity.

The leadership at the NBJC envisions a world where all people are fully empowered to participate safely, openly, and honestly in family, faith, and community, regardless of race, class, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Black LGBTQ+/SGL Americans constitute a significant subset of Black families with 3.7 percent of all Black Americans (more than one million people) identifying as LGBTQ+/SGL, according to the Williams Institute in 2013.

NBJC acknowledges that the challenges facing the community are exacerbated by the stigma and marginalization that attend social constructions of race, normative gender, and sexuality.

In an effort to empower Black LGBTQ+/SGL people and their families, NBJC prioritized three policy pillars in 2023: Ensuring

that all Black lives matter; cocreating a nation where everyone can thrive; and repairing and healing a divided nation.

California Black Media spoke with Jeffery Wallace, President and CEO of Leaders Up, which is a member of the NBJC. What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

Despite California being a progressive state, when we look at economic outcomes, we still see a major gap between us and our White counterparts. Leaders Up looks at how to build an antiracist and inclusive economy where there is no racial disparity in the areas of education, employment, compensation and benefits. Beyond that, how do we normalize psychological and physical safety in the labor market, equal opportunities for pathways to leadership and sharing power.

In particular, we know that the queer and trans community are under full frontal assault. What NBJC has allowed us to do is to incorporate an intentionality, a level of consciousness where we can work with our employers and our development partners around identity and inclusion.

Ensuring that when we think about Black folks, we’re thinking about Black queer folks and the unique supports and advocacy necessary to ensure they have the support they need to thrive.

It has been critical as we think about an intersectional economy that we center queer identities in that work and ensuring the workplace has the capabilities to

Our greatest success has been defining how we shift from employment and placing folks into careers to transforming the conditions of the economy and the workplace and education system to ensure that those types of opportunities can be generated at scale. Over the last 10 years we’ve been able to place 70,000 people into employment.

However, when the pandemic hit, young people of color in particular were the last ones hired and the first ones fired. Which means that the conditions of the economy had to be transformed in the way where industries saw frontline workers and people color as vital aspects of their strategy. So, we decided to do something about that.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Systemic racism. I think that when we think about a system that has been designed even in California for African Americans to not win, that’s the biggest challenge that we’re facing.

The biggest challenge is also ourselves. For us to organize in a way for us to consolidate our power and shift the conditions we operate in. It’s time for us to not just win the game but change the rules of the game to ensure policies are designed to give Black folks the equitable opportunity to build out here.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

It’s capital. Finding out how to amass the capital that frees us up to do the work in a more impactful way. So,

we’re no longer concerned about sustainability and more concerned about transformation.

That’s the biggest gap between Black service organizations and our White counterparts. Access to resources to be able to have the capacity to dream and execute with intention and impact.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Absolutely. The more that the movement incorporates organizations like ours, it becomes important for us to dream big around the capital for Black folks to build economic power. Our interest is for Black folks to have the agency to live the lifestyles that aligns with their aspirations and needs. When we think about reparations and the missteps America made postCivil War and the intentional harms that California has allowed to happen to Black people, the equitable thing to do is to invest in not just reparations but healing and infrastructure.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

You can visit our website at leadersup.org. We are always looking for professionals who want to give back through career coaching. We have a myriad of opportunities to expose young adults to different career pathways. And we’re looking for business leaders who are looking to connect to the next generation of talent and do it in a way where you are improving your own workplace environment so that you have deeper retention and higher performing teams.

You can also visit nbjc.org to connect with the work we are doing nationwide.

Edward Henderson | California Black Media What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

RETIRED COUPLE

V.I.P. TRUST DEED COMPANY

Buys T.D.s and Buys/Lends on Partial Interests

OVER 40 YEARS OF FAST FUNDING Principal

(818) 248-0000 Broker

Real Estate License #01041073

CA Department of Real Estate, NMLS #339217

Private Party loans generally have higher interest rates, points & fees than conventional discount loans

New Laws Going Into Effect On January 1st... continued from page 1 of Mental Health Services Act funding to address today’s needs and increasing accountability to the public.

Assemblymember Irwin’s AB 531 would issue $6.38 billion in bonds to fund 11,150 new behavioral health beds and housing as well as 26,700 outpatient treatment slots.

PUBLIC SAFETY What you need to know: In September, Governor Newsom signed Senator Grove’s SB 14 to steepen penalties for human trafficking of minors in California. The law designates human trafficking of a minor for purposes of a commercial sex act as a serious felony.

STREAMLINING THE UC TRANSFER PROCESS

What you should know: AB 1291 by Assemblymember McCarty establishes the University of California (UC) Associate Degree for Transfer Pilot Program, beginning with UCLA, to prioritize admission of a student who earns an associate degree for transfer (ADT) from selected community colleges and to redirect a student who meets those requirements but is denied admission to the applicable campus and offer admission to at least one other campus. Expanding ADTs to the UC system allows qualified community college transfer students to fulfill the requirements of an ADT and meet the requirements for participating UC and CSU campuses, streamlining the transfer process and saving students money by being able to earn two degrees in four years.

Dr. Shirley N. Weber, the California Secretary of State, has certified a list of 20 candidates, including former Pres. Donald Trump, for the state’s presidential primary election scheduled for March 5, 2024.

Weber made the decision on Dec. 28 to certify Trump despite calls from a number of prominent Democrats, including California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, to disqualify him. They cite the former president’s actions and inactions during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol as a violation of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which should disqualify him from public office.

Responding to Kounalakis, Weber emphasized that removing a presidential candidate is a matter of public interest and must be handled within legal parameters and in the best interests of all California voters.

“It is incumbent upon my office to ensure that any action undertaken regarding any candidate’s inclusion or omission from our ballots be grounded firmly in the laws and processes in place in California and our Constitution,” Weber stated.

So far, Trump’s quest to run for the presidency has been

Striving for Quality and Affordable Health for Everyone: Six Questions For The California Endowment

HAS $1MIL TO LEND ON CA. REAL ESTATE*

WWW.VIPLOAN.COM *Sufficient equity required - no consumer loans

Dr. Shirley N. Weber, California Secretary of State

blocked by two states, Maine and Colorado. Appeals of the decisions in both states are expected to be heard by the Supreme Court of the United States.

In a letter to Weber dated Dec. 20, Kounalakis urged the Secretary of State “to explore every legal option” to remove Trump from California’s 2024 presidential primary ballot following the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling in Anderson v.

Griswold.

“I am prompted by the Colorado Supreme Court's recent ruling that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s ballot as a Presidential Candidate due to his role in inciting an insurrection in the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021,” Kounalakis wrote.

“This decision is about honoring the rule of law in our country and protecting the fundamental pillars of our democracy.”

Weber wrote back to Kounalakis, saying that she is guided by her “commitment to follow the rule of law.”

“As California’s Chief Elections Officer, I am a steward of free and fair elections and the Democratic process,” wrote Weber. “I must place the sanctity of these elections above partisan politics. As you may not be aware, my office has been engaged in multiple lawsuits regarding the former president’s appearance on the ballot.”

Weber also acknowledged the complicated nature of the issue and her decision regarding it.

“We can agree that the attack of the capitol and the former presidents’ involvement was abhorrent, there are complex legal issues surrounding this matter,” she added.

President and CEO Robert K. Ross, MD

The California Endowment’s (TCE) mission is to expand access to affordable, high-quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians.

Since the organization’s establishment in 1996, TCE has awarded more than 22,000 grants amounting to over $2.9 billion to community-based organizations across California, making it the largest private health foundation in the state.

TCE provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are not private foundations, California state and local government entities, and faithbased organizations that welcome and serve all state residents.

According to TCE, in many parts of the country, including California, a person living in an affluent neighborhood can expect to live 15 years longer than someone living in a low-income underinvested neighborhood, sometimes just a few blocks away.

Many of these underserved places, due to the legacy of racial

and economic segregation, lack basic health-protective amenities such as parks, grocery stores, good schools, jobs, and housing.

TCE empowers organizations in California to change this reality, with the belief that race, geographic location, gender nor sexual orientation should not limit access to a healthy life. The Endowment also hosts events and programs to build unity and amplify voices in the community for social change.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Castle Redmond, Managing Director of TCE about the organization’s impact, challenges and achievements over the last year.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

We fund organizations doing work within our strategic focus areas. We Many of them work on behalf of Black people and the community, not exclusively, but it’s a big part of what we want to accomplish in California.

We focus on public education.

We're trying to transform the public education system in California by supporting organizations that are doing the work to transform it. Over the last year, some of the best work we did is funding community groups supporting mental health in the school system. For example, The Alliance for Boys and Men of Color is an organization we support to ensure that funding gets to schools that have high numbers of Black students.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

There are a host of challenges that are systemic and not new.

Structural racism and inequities hit the same folks who were hit hardest by slavery, indigenous genocide, by Jim Crow, northern and western segregation, redlining, and the rest. The same folks are hit with structural racism now. In California, Black people are, by far, the most affected by homelessness. It’s the same with incarceration and gun violence. The backlash from structural racism is landing on us. The aftermath of COVID – the deathrates and lockdowns -- with schools being closed for the longest, we’re still reeling and trying to recover from that.

Lastly, our schools in the districts that serve large numbers of Black students are being hit by a fiscal crisis. All of that stems from structural inequities.

What was your organization’s

biggest challenge?

We are a highly committed organization. We are explicit about transforming structural inequity. The biggest challenge is figuring out exactly how to move from strategy to implementation.

Figuring out those levers that will have the greatest impact. This problem is amplified because everyone is adjusting because of the changes that have taken place since COVID. The conditions have shifted, the landscape has shifted, and for us to navigate that is a challenge.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

We support our grantees.

We don’t take the lead, but we support organizations that are pushing for reparations.

One of these organizations is the California Black Freedom Fund. We are finishing up our giving of a $10 million grant to the Fund and they are supporting reparations. In the future, if there is an opportunity for us to play an appropriate role for a foundation, we’re exploring what that might be.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you are doing?

Join local community organizing efforts that are led by and for Black people in your community or surrounding communities. They can also give to the Black Freedom Fund. That would be the number one funding organization to look to.

Thursday, January 04, 2024

Page 4

STATE/HEALTH//LIFESTYLE NEWS

Advancing Health Education and Equity: Six Questions for The 8 Foods That Will Help Improve your Memory... continued California Black Health Network Edward Henderson | California Black Media The California Black Health Network conducts outreach, education, and advocacy to achieve health equity for Black Californians through the lens of understanding critical issues that lie at the intersection of racial justice, social justice, and environmental justice.

What was your greatest success over the course of the last year?

Rhonda M. Smith, Executive Director The California Black Health Network (CBHN) is the only organization committed to advancing health equity for African Americans and Black immigrants in the Golden State.

CBHN’s mission is to ensure that all Black Californians, irrespective of their educational background, socio-economic class, zip code, sexual orientation, gender identity, living conditions or immigration status have access to highquality and equitable primary and behavioral healthcare. This mission aims to prevent people from unnecessarily succumbing to disease-related fatalities and is supported by CBHN’s many events, informational sessions, fundraisers, and training sessions.

One recurring event that CBHN hosts is the online Health Equity Forum. At the forum, various stakeholders convene to discuss the most pressing health issues affecting Black communities.

C B H N ’s H e a l t h 4 L i f e series brings together health professionals from diverse disciplines to share information about family health history.

That knowledge of genetic genealogy is an important aspect of achieving a healthier community in the eyes of CBHN. The organization also forges partnerships with community groups to participate in festivals and other recreational events to bring health information to the public in more informal settings.

CBHN prioritizes supporting research and educational initiatives that document the underlying factors influencing the health status of Black Californians and informing policy initiatives aimed at reducing disparities. CBHN’s #carrythevoice campaign provides the Black community with a platform to share their experiences with the healthcare system.

California Black Media spoke with Rhonda M. Smith, Executive Director of CA Black Health Network, about the organization’s impact, achievements and challenges over the year.

What does your organization do to improve the lives of Black people in California?

Over the past year, we were recognized for our work and impact. CBHN was chosen as Nonprofit of the Year by the Sacramento Black Chamber, and as a DEI Award Honoree by the Sacramento Business Journal. In addition, we enrolled over 1,000 people in healthcare coverage and provided health education to over 2,000 Black Californians to improve health literacy and self-empowerment.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

I think that our health is our greatest asset. Unfortunately, Black Californians don’t all have the same opportunity, ability, and resources to live long healthy lives like other racial or ethnic groups. So, access to quality, equitable, culturally competent, and affordable healthcare is our biggest challenge. If we don’t have good health and longevity, it affects all other aspects of our lives.

What was your organization’s biggest challenge?

Like all nonprofit organizations, we’re in the business of fundraising, and like many Black-led organizations there’s the challenge of the philanthropy giving gap. The unrestricted net assets of Blackled organizations are 76% smaller than their White-led counterparts, and their average percentage of

revenue was less than half. It’s a major challenge, especially in garnering investments for core operating support and capacity building -- especially since there has been a decline since 2020 of funding opportunities available for Black-led nonprofits.

Does your organization support or plan to get involved in the push for reparations in California?

Yes, and we support the activities of the reparations task force and will do our part to address the issues identified in chapter 12 related to physical and mental health.

How can more Californians of all backgrounds get involved in the work you’re doing?

They can start by becoming a member of the Black Health Network, attend our webinars and events, and volunteer their time, talent, and treasure in support of the organization’s mission and work, and join the Campaign for Black Health Equity.

The Black Health Network is the membership arm of the California Black Health Network and is a virtual community of like-minded health equity leaders, professionals, policy makers, advocates, individuals, and partners who work to ensure that Black Californians live lives free from violence, racism, and health inequities.

As a Network member, you will be able to network and interact with others virtually; exchange information and collaborate on common interests and goals; develop professional or social contacts; and leverage tools and resources to help you achieve impact in your mission to improve the health and wellbeing of Black Californians. Visit CaBlackHealthNetwork.org for more information on how you can get involved.

The 12 Most Common Health Problems 8 Foods That Will Help Improve for People 55+ your Memory State/Health News

Health News

within it.

With that in mind, add a few more pumpkin seeds to that pumpkin pie recipe during the fall get-togethers so everyone can receive the wonderful benefits.

Broccoli Oh, broccoli, every small child’s worst nightmare. If only little kids knew that broccoli could help them remember why they should eat it in the first place, they’d be better off.

In all seriousness, broccoli is a part of the leafy green family, known for its ability to improve memory. This is primarily because of the lutein, vitamin K, and beta-carotene elements within the food group.

Chocolate If broccoli is a little kid’s worst nightmare, chocolate is their first obsession. Well, luckily for them, chocolate also helps with memory and keeping your head on straight during bouts of brain fog.

Research has shown that consuming chocolate can improve your verbal episodic memory 2 hours after you eat it. Episodic memory helps you remember events in your life, such as where you placed your keys or what you bought from the store.

Oranges Oranges are another tasty treat

which can lead to lower immunity and make it harder for seniors to fight off infections.

What you can do Medication and therapy are great ways to combat depression.

Increasing your physical activity may also help.

Seniors report spending just eight to 11 percent of their free time with family and friends, according to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. So spending time with loved ones may help you combat the depression and isolation you may be feeling.

According to research, one in three older women and one in 12 older men have lower urinary tract symptoms that can include incontinence causing urgent needs to use the toilet, frequent bathroom trips, or losing tiny amounts of urine with certain activities.

Thanks to new medications and surgical techniques, people are living longer. However, a 35-year-old body will be a very different body than a 75-year-old one. Many issues, both genetic and environmental, affect how we age.

The most widespread condition affecting those 65 and older is coronary heart disease, followed by stroke, cancer, pneumonia and the flu. Accidents, especially falls that result in hip fractures, are also unfortunately common in the elderly.

A lot of our elders are coping with at least one of the following conditions, and many are dealing with two or more of the following: 1. Heart conditions Hypertension, vascular disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease are all risk factors for many adults as they age.

Heart disease affects 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women 65 and older, according to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics.

What you can do

What you can do

“Exercise, eat well, get a good night’s rest. Eating well means eating in a fashion that will allow you to keep a healthy weight with a well-balanced and healthy diet,” says geriatrician Marie Bernard, MD, deputy director of the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Maryland.

2. Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease The Alzheimer’s Association reports that one in nine people age 65 and older, which is about 11 percent, have Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer ’s can have a significant impact on the safety of seniors, including issues of safety and self-care and the cost burden of care.

3. Depression According to the American Psychological Association, 15 to 20 percent of Americans over 65 have experienced depression,

continued in last 2 columns

Have you been playing the Google memory game and noticed you’re getting worse each passing day? A lot of the time, your memory can deteriorate without warning, but there is a way to fight back.

This article introduces 8 foods that can get your brain back in working order and improve your top score in those memory exercises. You may even be shocked to learn that some of your daily favorites have been helping your memory all along.

Coffee Starting your day with a cup of coffee is a no-brainer. It gets your motor running early in the morning and helps you remember everything you need to do before you head into the office. Numerous studies have found that caffeine can positively impact your short and long-term memory.

Turmeric

Turmeric is another fan favorite for those trying to live a healthy lifestyle because of its vast benefits. On top of improved memory, turmeric can help with inflammation because of its antioxidants, but it can also help arthritis, liver disease, and many other ailments.

Don’t be afraid to put turmeric powder in your next dish or make a smoothie with the beneficial spice. Turmeric tea is also a popular option if you want something warm.

Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin Seeds Health Benefits Pumpkin seeds are abundant during the fall season thanks to the festive activities centered around the scary fruit. It has a profound impact on memory because of the zinc and magnesium components that lie continued in next 2 columns

Green Tea Who doesn’t love a cup of green tea when they feel sick or lounging around the house? Well, now you have another reason to drink it religiously: the healing tea can boost memory.

Green tea is full of caffeine and a molecule called L-theanine, the substances responsible for giving your brain the stuff it needs. You only have to ensure it is regular green tea, not those innocentlooking green tea shots.

Eggs Last but certainly not least on our list is eggs. Eggs have many other benefits besides improving memory, so it’s always a good idea to crack open a few and make an omelet.

This breakfast staple boosts long and short-term memory because of the choline within the yolks. On top of making your brain sharper, it can also reduce inflammation, lessening any pain you may have.

The 12 Most Common Health Problems for People 55+... continued

4. Incontinence (urine and stool)

Credit: Shutterstock

that can help your brain when you can’t find your way. This is primarily because the orange fruit has citric acid, which has been found to slow memory deterioration.

These benefits are great for early-onset dementia patients who could have Alzheimer’s. So don’t be afraid to get extra orange juice in the morning because it helps you remember to feed your pet before you leave.

Physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, blood pressure management, and maintaining a healthy weight can all reduce the risk of incontinence. An added bonus? They also reduce your risk of obesity, stroke, diabetes, and reduced mobility, all of which increase the risk for urinary incontinence.

5. Arthritis “Arthritis is probably the number one condition that people 65 or older contend with,” says Dr. Bernard. In fact, the CDC estimates that it affects 49.7 percent of all adults over 65. This can lead to pain and lower quality of life for many seniors.

What you can do You may feel discouraged to be active if you are living with arthritis. However, along with other treatments, exercise can provide great relief. Talk with your doctor to develop a personalized activity plan that perfectly fits your lifestyle.

6. Osteoporosis “Osteoporosis can contribute to becoming less mobile and potentially disabled should you fall and have a fracture or as the vertebral bodies collapse,” Bernard shares. According to National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 54 million Americans over age 50 are affected by low bone mass or osteoporosis.

These people are at greater risk of a fracture or break, which could lead to poor senior health and reduced quality of life.

7. Diabetes Diabetes is a serious health risk for many seniors. The CDC estimates that 25 percent of people ages 65 and older are living with diabetes.

What you can do Talk to your doctor about getting a blood test for your blood sugar levels. The earlier you know your risk of developing diabetes, the sooner you can make changes to improve your outlook. These changes include physical activity and eating healthily.

8. Breathing problems Chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are the third most common cause of death among people 65 and older, according to the CDC. Asthma, another respiratory disease, is also common among people 65 and older. About 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women are living with asthma, and 10 percent of men and 11 percent of women are living with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, according to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics.

What you can do Chronic respiratory disease makes seniors more vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections.

However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Getting lung function tests and taking

continued on page 7

Thursday, January 04, 2024

Page 5

LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230012511 Date Filed: 12/19/2023 Filing Expires On: 12/19/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LAST CALL INSURANCE SERVICES County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 621 E MAIN ST BARSTOW, CA 92311 Name of Individual Registrant: JULIE FUENTES Residence Street Address: 1251 W BUENA VISTA ST BARSTOW, CA 92311 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Nov 02, 2006 Julie Fuentes, Owner, 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 28, 2023, January 4, 11, 18, 2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230012276 Date Filed: 12/13/2023 Filing Expires On: 12/13/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): X&E CLEANING SERVICES County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 16606 SHOLIC ST VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 #of Employees: 2 Name of Individual: ESTEFANIA A TORRES Residence Street Address: 16606 SHOLIC ST VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Estefania A. Torres, 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 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 11, 2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230012287 Date Filed: 12/13/2023 Filing Expires On: 12/13/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): POETIC PLUMBING County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1272 CLINTON CT UPLAND, CA 91786 Mailing Address: 1272 CLINTON CT UPLAND, CA 91786 Name of Individual Registrant: TYLER B CLARK Residence Street Address: 1272 CLINTON CT. UPLAND, CA 91786 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Tyler B. Clark, 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 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 11, 2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230012030 Date Filed: 12/06/2023 Filing Expires On: 12/06/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LOXROXX County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 2999 KENDALL DRIVE SUITE 204 SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 Name of Individual Registrant: LORENA RODRIGUEZ Residence Street Address: 2999 KENDALL DRIVE SUITE #204. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 Name of Individual Registrant: MARK A TORRES Residence Street Address: 2999 KENDALL DRIVE SUITE #204. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 This business is/was conducted by: Copartners Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Lorena Rodriguez, General Partner, 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 14, 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011935 Date Filed: 12/01/2023 Filing Expires On: 12/01/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): VALLEY VIEW SPA County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1833 MENTONE BLVD. MENTONE, CA 92359 #of Employees: 1 Name of Individual Registrant: JOSHUA A FLORES Residence Street Address: 1319 STEVENS AVE SAN GABRIEL, CA 91776

This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Nov 28, 2023 Joshua A Flores, Owner, 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 28, 2023, January 4, 11, 18, 2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011992 Date Filed: 12/04/2023 Filing Expires On: 12/04/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): SILVERWOOD RANCH HOUSE RESTAURANT County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 13910 HIGHWAY 138 HESPERIA, CA 92345 Name of Individual Registrant: JIM J KIM Residence Street Address: 5191 US HIGHWAY 138 PHELAN, CA 92371 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Feb 26, 2006 Jim J. Kim, 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 14, 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230012142 Date Filed: 12/11/2023 Filing Expires On: 1211/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): ZOE LEARNING CONCEPTS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1942 SOUTH E STREET. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 Mailing Address: 7438 BEAR CREEK CT HIGHLAND, CA 92346 #of Employees: 1 Name of Individual: NORMAN D JONES Residence Street Address: 7438 BEAR CREEK CT HIGHLAND, CA 92346 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Nov 01, 2023 Norman D. Jones, 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 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 11, 2024.

Don’t Miss Out On Timely News!!

Visit The San Bernardino AMERICAN News Website: sb-american.com FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011146 Date Filed: 11/03/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/03/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): HI-TECH COMPUTERS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 15247 ALEXANDRIA ST ADELANTO, CA 92301 #of Employees: 0 Name of Individual: BREANN BUNDA Residence Street Address: 15247 ALEXANDRIA ST ADELANTO, CA 92301 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Feb 01, 2016 Breann Bunda. Owner, 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 14, 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 2024.

SUMMONS SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): CIVSB2220781 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): BRANDY N GREEN, YOU ARE BEING SUED

BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response.

You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

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

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case.

The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen.

Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

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

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

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, 247 WEST THIRD STREET, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415-0210 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): HARLAN M. REESE, ESQ., (CA BAR NO.: 118226), REESE LAW GROUP, 3168 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92010; 760/842-5850 (File No. 568481) DATE (Fecha): OCT 24 2022 Clerk (Secretario), by SAMANTHA BECERRA, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) 12/28/23, 1/4, 1/11, 1/18/24 CNS-3767882# THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): CIVSB2216020 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): MANOACH SHULMAN, YOU ARE BEING SUED

BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): WELLS FARGO BANK, N. A. NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear

your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response.

You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

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

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case.

The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen.

Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

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

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

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino CA 92415-0210 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Angelika Sidoruk Esq., (CA Bar No.: 338048), REESE LAW GROUP, 3168 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92010; 760/842-5850 (File No. 568055). DATE (Fecha): Aug 18, 2022, Clerk (Secretario), by Robert Miranda, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served .

12/14, 12/21, 12/28/23, 1/4/24 CNS-3762194# THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): VICTORIA HUNTER, DOES 1 through 50, Inclusive, and ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY YOU ARE BEING SUED

BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY, a Delaware corporation NOTICE! You have been sued.

The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help 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 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Ti e n e 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen.

Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca.

Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas.

Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): CIVSB 2306278 The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 247 W. Third St. San Bernardino, CA 92415 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Robin L. Thornton (SBN 255736)/ Matthew C. Maler (SBN 343580) Fennemore Wendel 1111 Broadway, 24th Floor Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 834-6600 DATE (Fecha): May 24, 2023 Clerk of Court (Secretario),

by Leanne Landeros, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper December 14, 21, 28, 2023 January 4, 2024.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION PARCEL NO. 1 PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST 1/2 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, SAN BERNARDINO BASE AND MERIDIAN, IN THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT OF SAID LAND ON FILE IN THE DISTRICT LAND OFFICE, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE SAID FRACTION LINE 390 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUING ALONG THE SAID FRACTION LINE 270 FEET; THENCE WESTERLY PARALLEL TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, A DISTANCE OF 300 FEET; THENCE SOUTH EASTERLY IN A DIRECT LINE TO A POINT WHICH IS WESTERLY AND PARALLEL TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 34, A DISTANCE OF 60 FEET FROM THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE EASTERLY 60 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING. APN: 421041-41-0-000 PARCEL NO. 2: THAT PORTION NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, SAN BERNARDINO BASE AND MERIDIAN, IN THE COUNTY OF SAN

BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT OF SAID LAND ON FILE IN THE DISTRICT LAND OFFICE, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 , OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, SAN BERNARDINO BASE AND MERIDIAN, IN THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT OF SAID LAND ON FILE IN THE DISTRICT LAND OFFICE; THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID NORTHEAST 1/4, OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4, 390 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTHERLY 270 FEET ALONG THE EASTERLY LINE SAID NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION, 270 FEET; THENCE EASTERLY 20 FEET ALONG A LINE WHICH IS AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION; THENCE S O U T H E A S T E R LY 2 0 0 FEET TO A POINT WHICH IS NORTHEASTERLY AND 200 FEET DISTANT FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY 200 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. APN: 421041-38-0-000 PARCEL NO. 3: ALL THAT PORTION OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, SAN BERNARDINO BASE AND MERIDIAN, IN THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT OF SAID LAND ON FILE IN THE DISTRICT LAND OFFICE, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE MOST EASTERLY CORNER OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY CONVEYED TO HERBERT C. JOHNSTON, ET UX., BY DEED RECORDED AUGUST 8, 1960, IN BOOK 5207, PAGE 182, OFFICIAL RECORDS, SAID POINT BEING IN THE NORTHERLY LINE OF U.S. HIGHWAY 66; THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG THE NORTHEASTERLY LINE OF SAID JOHNSTON PROPERTY TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY CONVEYED TO STANLEY H. HALL, ET UX., BY DEED RECORDED JUNE 30, 1960, IN BOOK 5175, PAGE 242, OFFICIAL RECORDS; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG THE SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF SAID HALL PROPERTY TO THE MOST EASTERLY CORNER THEREOF; THENCE SOUTHERLY ON A DIAGONAL LINE ACROSS SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 TO BISECT SAID U.S. HIGHWAY 66, AT A POINT HALFWAY BETWEEN WHERE THE EAST LINE AND THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4 OP THE NORTHWEST A OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 ACROSS SAID HIGHWAY; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG THE NORTHERLY LINE OF SAID HIGHWAY TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. APN: 0421-041-40-0-000 PARCEL 4: THAT PORTION OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, SAN BERNARDINO MERIDIAN, IN THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT THEREOF, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE NORTHERLY LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 34, DISTANT 20 FEET EASTERLY OF THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 34; THENCE CONTINUING EASTERLY A DISTANCE OF 289.55 FEET; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY TO A POINT ON THE NORTHWESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF STATE HIGHWAY, U.S. NO. 66, 80 FEET WIDE, SAID POINT LYING 66 MINUTES SOUTHWESTERLY FROM THE INTERSECTION OF THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 34 AND THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID HIGHWAY NO. 66; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID HIGHWAY NO. 66 TO A POINT MIDWAY BETWEEN THE POINT WHERE SAID HIGHWAY CROSSES SAID SOUTH LINE OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE EAST LINE OF SAID SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 (116 FEET, MORE OR LESS); THENCE NORTHWESTERLY 738.05 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING. APN: 0421-04133-0-000.

Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper December 14, 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 2024.

Seeking Financial Support for the 'Justice Initiative' I, Heather Gray, the writer and founder of the 'Justice Initiative', am seeking financial support for the 'Justice Initiative' work and research that I have engaged in for years.

As mentioned in previous articles, I created the 'Justice Initiative' was at the behest of the renowned Reverend C.T. Vivian who I was blessed to have as my mentor.

The Reverend said to me 'Heather there are relatively few whites who have been around as many black revolutionaries as you and you have to write.'

So, thanks to him, I created the Justice Initiative and rarely sent out anything without first consulting with the Reverend.

And, as I've noted, any amount you donate is so appreciated and I thank those of you who have already kindly donated to the 'Justice Initiative'.

Donations can be made on my PayPal account.

When you click on the PayPal account link a '0' comes up and you insert how much you would want to donate.

The financial support would, of course, be a compilation of donations from the vast number of recipients on the 'Justice Initiative' list from throughout the world.

As mentioned in earlier postings.

'Justice Initiative' recipients are from Africa, Australia, Canada, Europe, Southeast Asia and the United States.

I thank you in advance for your financial support by donating to my account on PayPal whatever the amount it might be.

Below is also the donation notice that is included in the 'Justice Initiative' postings which includes the red 'Donate' button to click on or, again, you can click here for my PayPal account and I thank you in advance for your support and to repeat I thank those of you who have already donated.

Heather Gray Justice Initiative January 2, 2024

Need To Publish A legal or classified ad?

Call The San Bernardino

AMERICAN NEWS @ (909)889-7677 Or Email: mary@sb-american.com

Thursday, January 04, 2024

Page 6

WORLD/POLITICAL NEWS/LEGAL/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

XCast Labs Will Be Banned from Supporting Illegal Telemarketing Practices to Settle FTC Charges It Assisted and Facilitated in Sending Hundreds of Millions of Illegal Robocalls XCast Labs Will Be Banned from Supporting Illegal Telemarketing Practices to Settle FTC Charges It Assisted and Facilitated in Sending Hundreds of Millions of Illegal Robocalls World /Political News

Credit: Shutterstock

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider XCast Labs, Inc., agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it funneled hundreds of millions of illegal robocalls through its network, even after receiving multiple warnings about the unlawful conduct.

Under the proposed court order, XCast Labs will be required to implement a screening process and end its relationships with firms that are not complying with telemarketing-related laws. The Department of Justice litigated the case and filed the proposed order on the FTC’s behalf.

“XCast was warned several times that illegal robocallers were using its services and did nothing,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

“Companies that turn a blind eye to illegal robocalling should expect to hear from the FTC.” “Today’s order is another example of the Justice

Department’s efforts to protect American consumers from illegal robocalls and to stop telecommunications providers from enabling those calls,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

“We will continue to work with the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the Telemarketing Sales Rule.”

XCast Labs, headquartered in Los Angeles, is a nationwide provider of VoIP technology, providing services that allow its customers to send and receive phone calls, including robocalls, over the internet. Telemarketers who blast illegal robocalls typically use VoIP service providers like XCast Labs to transmit their calls.

According to the May 2023 complaint, the FTC sent letters to several VoIP providers, including XCast Labs, in early 2020 warning them that assisting and

County waste department to provide free composting/vermicomposting and Make Your Own Worm Bin Class Saturday in Moreno Valley World /Political News

facilitating illegal telemarketing or robocalling is against the law.

XCast Labs received dozens of “traceback” inquiries from US Telecom’s Industry Traceback Group regarding suspected illegal calls that originated on XCast Labs’ network, as well as inquiries from law enforcement agencies about transmission of suspected illegal traffic on the XCast Labs network.

Even after receiving these direct warnings, XCast Labs transmitted illegal robocalls to consumers. The FTC also discovered that many of these suspect robocalls were part of organized campaigns to generate telemarketing leads by impersonating officials from the Social Security Administration.

The proposed order, to which XCast Labs has agreed, prohibits the company from violating the Telemarketing Sales Rule in the future. It also bans XCast Labs from assisting and facilitating any high-risk customer, including those that are engaged in initiating, causing, or transmitting telemarketing robocalls or calling numbers on the DNC Registry and any telephone call using Caller ID spoofing to display a phone number that the calling party does not have the legal authority to use.

Next, the order permanently bars XCast Labs from providing VoIP services to any company with which it does not have an automated procedure to block calls that display invalid Caller

ID phone numbers or that are not authenticated through the FCC’s STIR/SHAKEN Authentication Framework. Further, the order requires XCast Labs to screen current and prospective VoIP customers to ensure they are not violating telemarking-related laws and terminate relationships with any customer that does not pass the screening process.

Additionally, the order requires XCast Labs to pay a $10 million civil penalty, which will be suspended based on its inability to pay. If the company is later found to have misrepresented its financial condition, the full amount will immediately become due.

The Department of Justice filed the proposed order in the U.S. District Court for Central District of California.

Thomas Biesty and Frances Kern of the Bureau of Consumer Protection were the primary FTC staff on this matter.

NOTE: Consent order the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer. ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts.

County waste department to provide free composting/ vermicomposting and Make Your Own Worm Bin Class Saturday in Moreno Valley...continued class materials needed for the class visit: http://www.rcwaste. org/vermicomposting. Tools to assemble the worm bin will be available for use at the workshop, along with worms to get your bin started. This workshop provides a hands-on opportunity to explore vermicomposting and take home an inexpensive working worm bin.

The class and workshop are free and will end by 1:00 p.m.

Residents can pre-purchase compost bins and worm bin kits using Visa, MasterCard, or Discover by calling department

accounting section (951) 4863200. The classes and workshop will be held outdoors, please dress to accommodate weather and outdoor temperatures. These programs are offered to teach residents about the ease and advantages of organic material recycling and how composting helps preserve valuable space in county landfills.

For more information, call (951) 486-3200, visit www. rcwaste.org/composting/how or email WasteCompRecyc@ rcwaste.org

Submission Deadline

Monday By 5pm

The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources will host a free backyard composting class and Make Your Own Worm Bin workshop Saturday, January 6, in Moreno Valley.

Learn how to recycle organic resources, such as yard trimmings, as well as fruit and vegetable waste into a dark, crumbly, sweet-smelling soil conditioner. The hands-on class will teach residents how compost can be used to enrich the soil in gardens, lawns and house plants.

Instead of putting organic waste into the garbage to be hauled to the landfill, learn to compost.

The free Backyard Composting class and demonstration begins at 9 a.m. at Riverside County Department of Waste Resources at 14310 Frederick Street.

Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It’s a great way to turn waste into a resource for the garden. In composting, organic material is mixed together in a pile or bin, where literally millions of tiny microbes digest the material and turn it into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

Low-cost compost bins, for $18 will be available for purchase

by Riverside County residents (limit three per household).

County residents can purchase compost bins by cash, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover (credit card service fee will apply).

Residents will then learn how to further breakdown food and yard waste with help from worms, through a process known as vermicomposting. The Vermicomposting and Make Your Own Worm Bin workshop will begin at 10:00 a.m., immediately following the composting class.

Put worms to work with vermicomposting to break down organic waste into material containing nutrients for plant growth. Volunteer master composters will teach county residents how to set up, build, care for and harvest castings and worms.

Adult county residents interested in the workshop can purchase a worm bin kit for $35 or bring their own supplies. To see a short list of continued in next 2 columns

Google settles $5 billion privacy lawsuit over tracking people using ‘incognito mode’

By The Associated Press undefined

Credit: Shutterstock

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google has agreed to settle a $5 billion privacy lawsuit alleging that it spied on people who used the “incognito” mode in its Chrome browser — along with similar “private” modes in other browsers — to track their internet use.

The class-action lawsuit filed in 2020 said Google misled users into believing that it wouldn’t track their internet activities while using incognito

mode. It argued that Google’s advertising technologies and other techniques continued to catalog details of users’ site visits and activities despite their use of supposedly “private” browsing.

Plaintiffs also charged that Google’s activities yielded an “unaccountable trove of information” about users who thought they’d taken steps to protect their privacy.

The settlement, reached Dec. 28, must still be approved by a federal judge. Terms weren’t disclosed, but the suit originally sought $5 billion on behalf of users; lawyers for the plaintiffs said they expect to present the court with a final settlement agreement by Feb. 24.

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the settlement.

L E G A L S &

Eliminate g ut ter cleaning forever! Leaf Filter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-424-7581 (Cal-SCAN) AUTOS WANTED DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS Fast Free Pickup – Running or Not - 24 Hour Response Maximum Tax Donation – Help Find Missing Kids! Call 1-888491-1453. (Cal-SCAN) Tiene un vehiculo no deseado?

Donelo a Patriotic Hearts!

Recogida rápida y gratuita en los 50 estados. Patriotic Hearts ofrece programas para ayudar a los veteranos a encontrar trabajo o iniciar su propio negocio.

Llama ahora: 1-844-244-5441 (24/7) (Cal-SCAN) GOT AN UNWANTED CAR???

Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast free pick. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-877-529-0495. (CalSCAN Donating your vehicle? Get more!

Free Towing. Tax Deductible.

Plus a $200 restaurant voucher and a 2-night/3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations. Call Heritage for the Blind to donate your vehicle today. CALL 1-844491-2884 (Cal-SCAN) AUTOS WANTED/LUXURY WANTED! Old Porsche 356/911/912 for restoration by hobbyist 19481998 Only.

Any condition. Top $ paid!

PLEASE LEAVE MESSAGE 1-707-339-5994. Email: Porscherestoration@yahoo.com Cal-SCAN FINANCIAL SERVICES Over $10K in Debt? Be debt free in 24 to 48 months. No upfront fees to enroll. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 1-888-2314274. (Cal-SCAN)

C L A S S I F I E D S CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book.

FREE author submission kit!

Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 1-855-667-0380 (CalSCAN) Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options.

Request a FREE Quote -Call now before the next power outage: 1-844-439-5645 (SCAN)

HEALTH/MEDICAL Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-888-892-5598 (Cal-SCAN) Safe Step. North America?’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service.

Now feat ur ing our FR EE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today!

Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-888-989-5749 (CalSCAN) HOME IMPROVEMENT Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we’re waiving all installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 9/30/23) Call 1-833-985-4766 (Cal-SCAN) INSURANCE S AV E B I G o n H O M E INSURANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies.

Get a quote within minutes.

Average savings of $444/year!

Call 1-844-410-9609! (M-F 8am8pm Central) (Cal-SCAN) INTERNET FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with onetime $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-855-480-0769 (CalSCAN) MISCELLANEOUS DID YOU KNOW Newspapergenerated content is so valuable it’s t a ke n a nd re peat e d , condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916--288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com (CalSCAN) The difference in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. CNPA’s Advertising Services’ power to connect to nearly 13 million of the state’s readers who are an engaged audience, makes our services an indispensable marketing solution. For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 288-6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com REAL ESTATE LOANS RETIRED COUPLE $$$$ for business purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant.

V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan.com Call 1-818248-0000. Broker-principal DRE 01041073. No consumer loans.

(Cal-SCAN)

Thursday, January 04, 2024

Page 7

INLAND EMPIRE/ ENTERTAINMENT/RELIGION NEWS

Former U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson dies at 89

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

(NNPA Newswire) — Former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, a trailblazer and dedicated public servant, died at 89. Kirk Johnson, her son, confirmed her death on Dec. 31. Johnson had been recently admitted to hospice care and left behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and contributions to the nation.

Kirk Johnson highlighted his mother’s accomplishments as a trailblazer, public servant and remarkable family member in a statement that the family released to express their sorrow over her passing. The family acknowledged the mourning of an extraordinary woman while celebrating her life and legacy.

“I am heartbroken to share the news that my mother, Eddie Bernice Johnson, has passed away,” Kirk Johnson said.

“She was a remarkable and loving mother, mother-inlaw, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, as well as a trailblazer and public servant.

While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman, we celebrate her life and legacy. She will be deeply missed.”

The younger Johnson said funeral services are pending.

“I am stunned and saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,” Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson wrote on X Dec. 31. “Congresswoman Johnson was a groundbreaking leader for this country and for our state and city, and there really are no words to express my profound sense of grief and loss at the passing of this legendary American.”

Eddie Bernice Johnson was

born to Edward and Lillie Mae Johnson in Waco, Texas. She graduated from A.J. Moore High School and earned her nursing certificate from Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame in 1955. According to the Texas Metro News, Johnson furthered her education at Texas Christian University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

She earned a master’s of public administration from Southern Methodist University in 1976.

Johnson championed STEM, women’s rights, veterans, fair housing, transportation and the Affordable Care Act throughout her career. She was a founding member of the tri-Caucus (Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus) and the Dallas Coalition of Hunger Solutions. Noted Ambassador Ron Kirk highlighted Johnson’s numerous firsts, including being the first African American to serve as chief psychiatric nurse at the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital.

In her political career, Johnson served in the Texas House and Senate, becoming the first African American woman in Dallas to be elected to office. When she went to Washington, she became the first registered nurse to ever serve in Congress. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Links, Inc. Johnson was the first African American and first female chair of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. She was also the first African American to serve as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare’s regional director, appointed by then-President Jimmy Carter.

Before her retirement, Johnson’s portrait was unveiled and hung in the Science Committee Room on Capitol Hill. The program for STEM women has also been named in her honor. Upon her retirement at the end of the 117th session, she was the oldest member of the House of Representatives.

The Congressional Black continued in next 2 columns

Former U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson dies at 89...continued Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) and members of the CBC issued a statement mourning the loss of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

“Among her many accomplishments in the Texas State Legislature as a nurse and member of Congress, Congresswoman Johnson was perhaps best-known to those close to her as a mother, wife, and friend, and she will be greatly missed,” CBC members stated. “She leaves a legacy and a lifetime of public service that will not soon be forgotten.”

They acknowledged her groundbreaking achievements.

Johnson’s impact extended beyond legislation; she delivered hundreds of millions of dollars toward revitalizing transportation in Texas, notably for the Southern Gateway Project and the DART Rail System. The DART and Amtrak rail centers in Dallas were renamed the Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station in her honor.

Johnson’s multifaceted career included being a mother, wife and friend in addition to a public servant, leaving a void that those who knew her will feel deeply.

“Her legacy as a trailblazer and advocate for justice, equality, and progress will endure,” CBC members said.

The 12 Most Common Health Problems for People 55+...continued from page 4 the correct medication, or using oxygen as instructed, will help improve your quality of life.

9. Frequent falls, which can lead to fractures It is no surprise that the risk of falls increases with age. These falls often require emergency room care. Each year, 2.5 million people ages 65 and older are treated in emergency departments because of falls, according to the CDC. What you can do Most falls occur at home. So it is wise to remove any tripping hazards around your home. These include area rugs and slippery bathroom floors.

10. Parkinson’s disease Although it can occur in people younger, Parkinson’s disease often affects people over the age of 60.

11. Cancer The CDC reports that 28 percent of men and 21 percent of women over age 65 are living with cancer.

What you can do When caught early through screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks, many types of cancer are treatable. Cancer isn’t 100 percent preventable, however, by improving your quality of life and

working with your medical team to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can lower your odds of developing cancer and/or improve your odds of survivorship if you do develop cancer.

12. Eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, Macular Degeneration) Common age-related eye problems include presbyopia, glaucoma, dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and temporal arteritis.

What you can do Make sure to keep up with regular eye doctor appointments, especially if you have diabetes.

Other things to be aware of As the body changes, other things to be aware of are: A slowed reaction time, which is especially important when judging if a person can drive.

Thinner skin, which can lead to breakdowns and wounds that don’t heal quickly A weakened immune system, which can make fighting off viruses, bacteria and diseases difficult A diminished sense of taste or smell, especially for smokers, which can lead to diminished appetite and dehydration The list can seem daunting.

However, with proper care, aging adults can have a life filled with joy.

From shunned to celebrated: Hip-hop’s journey into the mainstream

By Megan Sayles -AFRO Business Writer

and all the other musical genres for the last six or seven years.

Within that, hip-hop extends to everything,” said C. Keith Harrison, founding director of University of Central Florida’s Business of Hip-Hop Innovation and Creative Industries Certificate. “It’s become the cultural air we breathe from fashion, to sports, to higher education curriculum.”

Hip-hop was born in the South Bronx in New York City during the 1970s. It wasn’t just rap, it included deejaying, b-boying and graffiti painting. JamaicanAmerican Clive Campbell, better known as DJ Kool Herc became hip-hop’s founding father when he introduced the breakbeat dj technique at a house party in 1973.

However, it was not always celebrated as it is today. In its early years, mainstream (i.e., White) society denounced

and Entertainment Business.

“Watching the journey of hiphop into the mainstream has been tremendous to be a part of, but it’s bittersweet. As it gets into the mainstream even more, we have to protect the culture.”

While there are various answers to who brought hiphop into the mainstream, Young thinks it was Run DMC, as she, like the prolific hip-hop group, grew up in Queens, New York. Others may attribute the achievement to the Sugarhill Gang, L.L. Cool J or Public Enemy.

“Hip-hop is finally getting its just due, and hip-hop artists are able to sell anything globally and worldwide.”

Before coming to teach at Howard University, Young spent much of her career in hiphop marketing. She started her journey at Def Jam Records, founded by music moguls Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, and worked alongside artists, like Jay-Z, Slick Rick and Foxy Brown.

Jasmine Young is the director for the Howard University School of Business Warner Music/ Blavatnik Center for Music and Entertainment Business. Credit: Photo courtesy of Howard University “America right now is a prime time for hip-hop artists,” said Young. “Hip-hop is finally getting its just due, and hip-hop artists are able to sell anything globally and worldwide.”

Hip-hop’s selling superpower is not just reserved for new hits.

More and more companies are harnessing its global reach to

Keith Harrison is the founding director of University of Central Florida’s Business of Hip-Hop Innovation and Creative Industries Certificate. Credit: Photo courtesy of University of Central Florida

Jasmine Young is the director for the Howard University School of Business Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music and Entertainment Business. Credit: Photo courtesy of Howard University the genre, criticizing it for themes they viewed as violent, inappropriate and offensive.

“I remember a time in hiphop where it was just taboo.

Hip-hop artists were fighting to get into doors, and they were

only allowed in certain venues,” said Jasmine Young, director for the Howard University School of Business Warner Music/ Blavatnik Center for Music continued in next 2 columns

promote their products.

It started with the drop of Run DMC’s “My Adidas” in 1986, which promoted the brand’s Superstar sneakers. Now hiphop’s influence is seen from high fashion, with Dior and Travis Scott, to fast-food menus, with Saweetie and McDonald’s.

Harrison said you can’t watch 10 commercials consecutively without seeing a brand leverage hip-hop to market itself.

“There’s no major corporation, outside of a few exceptions, that doesn’t utilize hip-hop language, hip-hop images or hip-hop artists in its marketing,” said Harrison.

“You really do not have a cuttingedge marketing plan if hip-hop is not being acknowledged in some aspect. People utilize hiphoppers as influencers.”

Hip-hop has also been recognized for its intersection with innovation and entrepreneurship. Early on, many of the genre’s artists, like the late Nipsey Hussle, sold mixtapes and CDs out of the trunk of their cars.

Today’s hip-hop businesses come in the form of Drake’s OVO fashion brand, Jay-Z’s entertainment company, Roc Nation, and Snoop Dogg’s venture fund, Casa Verde Capital.

“Hip-hop artists are in Silicon Valley, the food and beverage space and clothing, they’re leveraging their for whatever they want,” said Harrison. “‘Can’t stop, won’t stop’ has been the mantra of our era with hip-hop.”

Megan Sayles is a Report For America Corps Member.

“Since You Are Not Willing to Listen, Then You Are Going to be Destroyed, Says the Lord!”

By Lou K. Coleman

the land desolate [Isaiah 13:4-9].

Lou K. Coleman

Your house will be left desolate. Not one stone will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down. [Matthew 24:2].

Photo by Alexey Ruban on Unsplash In 2017, a Nielsen report confirmed that hip-hop had become the most popular genre of music in the U.S., unseating rock for the first time. Today, it’s still reigning supreme across the world, with Spotify announcing that, globally, a quarter of all streams in 2023 were hip-hop music. The genre garnered more than 400 million listeners this year.

Its abundance of admirers has translated into an $8 billionbusiness as estimated by Forbes.

Many believe hip-hop’s success has been due to the fact that it’s not just a genre but a culture that’s pervaded all aspects of society.

Keith Harrison is the founding director of University of Central Florida’s Business of HipHop Innovation and Creative Industries Certificate. Credit: Photo courtesy of University of Central Florida “It’s outflanked rock and roll

From shunned to celebrated: Hip-hop’s journey into the mainstream...continued

So, when you see standing in the Holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers!

Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. [Matthew 24:15-21].

Since you are not willing to listen know that the Lord Almighty is mustering an army for war. They come from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens— the Lord and the weapons of His wrath— to destroy the whole country. Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. Because of this, all hands will go limp, every heart will melt with fear. Terror will seize you; pain and anguish will grip you; you will writhe like a woman in labor. You will look aghast at each other, your face aflame. For, the day of the Lord is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger— to make

Wisdom Call - Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance, she cries aloud: “To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.

Listen, I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to say what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who have found knowledge.

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. [Proverbs 8].

Throughout Bible history, God has repeatedly provided man with more than “ample warning” of His impending judgments. His purpose for warning man is to motivate him to repent and come back to Him [Luke 15; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 8; Revelation 9]. For the most part, man has not taken advantage of God’s “ample warning” because of his evil and doubting heart; man will be destroyed! [Genesis 6:5; Deuteronomy 1:35; Revelation 9:21].

Thursday, January 04, 2024

Page 8

LOCAL/NATIONAL/NEWS/ADVERTISING

with the leaders of the The State of Black homeownership is difficult “Dancing Inland Empire” free dance workshop but promising Local/National News

By Bria Overs Word in Black undervalued by 21 percent to 23 percent by appraisers, lowering their homes’ selling price.

Recommendations for addressing these concerns include finding new ways to tax people based on levels of wealth to account for the profiles of different racial and ethnic groups.

But more importantly, guards are needed to stop racial bias, Perry says.

“We need data to examine t h e d i ff e r e n c e s a c r o s s neighborhoods, and we need systems to hold tax assessors and cities accountable,” he adds.

What’s Next?

Black couple buy new house Photo credit: (Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik) “Challenging.” That is how Courtney Johnson Rose describes the state of housing in Black America in 2023. Rose is the president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), a minority professional trade organization serving real estate workers.

The rate of Black homeownership in America has never reached 50 percent, a level other racial and ethnic groups hit in years past. The closest the Black community has ever come to it was in early 2004 when it hit 49.7 percent. It has been rapidly declining in the nearly 20 years since, hitting its lowest point in early 2019 at 40.6 percent.

“It’s a challenge to sell real estate and to inspire people to buy real estate in this type of market,” Rose says. “Rates are high, prices are high. We’ve had buyers in my office that we’ve been looking for six months to find the right house.”

According to NAREB’s annual “State of Housing in Black America,” blaming a lack of desire for homeownership would be unfair. The current process for purchasing has created systemic barriers and obstacles that, for some, are nearly impossible to jump over.

“We need to figure out new ways for Black Americans to build wealth because, in many

markets, it’s very difficult to become a homeowner because of the wealth profile of Black Americans,” Andre M. Perry, senior fellow at Brookings Metro, says. “We certainly need homeownership as a vehicle to build wealth, but we need other as well.”

All is not lost, though. Rose says educating, preparing, and reforming systems to be more inclusive for potential and existing Black homeowners can help the community get there.

What Black homeowners and homebuyers face The list of obstacles is long, including several that remain out of the control of Black people.

The list includes low wages and wealth, housing unaffordability, lack of housing supply, discriminatory property tax systems, and even vulnerability to the effects of climate change.

Black net worth has increased by 61 percent since 2019, from a median of $28,000 to $45,000.

However, more money is needed to purchase a home. Providers of conventional home loans denied Black applicants three times more than White applicants. The report found that “unfavorable debt-to-income ratio, poor credit history, and inadequate collateral were the top three reasons for

Christmas Morning Blaze Engulfs Beyoncé’s Childhood Home

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

loan denial among Black and white prospective borrowers.”

Then there’s the housing affordability problem. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), 37.4 percent of homes sold this summer were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $96,300.

Most Black families do not make half of that.

Contributing to this problem are interest rates, which were raised by the Federal Reserve 11 times since March 2020 in an attempt to recover from the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortunately for borrowers, as inflation holds steady at 3.1 percent, the year will end with no new increases, and some reports claim the Fed may cut interest rates three or more times in the coming year. Rose hopes this news will encourage more Black Americans to enter the housing market.

In addition to housing unaffordability, property tax systems have made it harder for Black folks to keep their homes. A report from the Brookings Institute found that Black-owned home values were “over-assessed” by tax collectors at 10 percent to 13 percent higher than White-owned homes. At the same time, Black homes are

Black millennials are the future of homeownership. The NAREB reported the group accounting for the most significant generational share of mortgage loans in 2022.

Yet, their homeownership rate is only half that of white millennials, and is at risk of declining because of systemic obstacles and the economy.

“Student loan debt is one of the biggest impediments they have for being able to purchase real estate,” Rose says. “A lot of them went to college, which was the right thing to do, but for the first 15 years out of college, they’re paying off the debt they spent to get their education.”

To provide opportunities for education and advancement, NAREB kicked off its multi-city Black Wealth Tour, making stops in Houston and Birmingham earlier this year. The tour will visit Atlanta, Little Rock, Los Angeles, and other cities in 2024.

“If you have a community that’s active, and that wants it, we can get to the finish line,” Rose says. “I don’t think we have an apathetic community. I think the Black community wants to build wealth, they want to understand, they want to learn and grow. If that desire is there, the NAREB is here to keep on pushing to try to open the door for them.”

This article was originally published by WordinBlack.

Christmas Morning Blaze Engulfs Beyoncé’s Childhood Home...continued said. “We have Beyoncé tourists here all the time; it’s bizarre,” May said. “This house was for sale in ’93, which was when the Knowles moved out, and we took a look at it but ultimately didn’t go forward with it.” For the family living in the home, now displaced, May hopes the

Christmas morning fire doesn’t draw additional fanfare. “Oh, I hope [it draws] less people – there’s nothing to see today that you couldn’t see yesterday or six months from now,” he said. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Join the "Dancing with the leaders of the Inland Empire" project for two FREE dance workshops in the Inland Empire! Makeda Kumasi of WE 3 PRODUCTIONS, Joy Willson of Caribbean Joy Dance Group, and Monique Williams-Randolph of Unity Dance Studio, are hosting the workshops that feature classes in Jazz, Caribbean and West African Dance. The first workshop will be in Victorville on January 13th from 9am to 12pm at the Hook Community Center, 14973 Joshua St. Victorville 92394.

The second workshop will be in San Bernardino on January 27th from 1pm to 5pm at San

Bernardino Valley College, 701 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., in Gym 214.

This activity is funded in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, as part of the Creative Corps Inland SoCal Arts Project. The “Dancing with the Leaders of the Inland Empire” multi-media production will be touring this Summer 2024 with three shows in three locations! Victorville 6/8/24, San Bernardino 6/15/24, and Riverside 6/22/24. More information is coming soon.

Press Contact: Makeda Kumasi we3makedakumasi@ gmail.com (909) 644-8188

RETIRED COUPLE

HAS $1MIL TO LEND ON CA. REAL ESTATE*

V.I.P. TRUST DEED COMPANY

Buys T.D.s and Buys/Lends on Partial Interests

OVER 40 YEARS OF FAST FUNDING Principal

(818) 248-0000 Broker

WWW.VIPLOAN.COM *Sufficient equity required - no consumer loans Real Estate License #01041073

CA Department of Real Estate, NMLS #339217

Private Party loans generally have higher interest rates, points & fees than conventional discount loans

Harvard President Claudine Gay Resigns Amidst Scandals and Plagiarism Allegations...continued Hamas attack and allegations of plagiarism in her scholarly work.

The controversy escalated after her congressional testimony on December 5, where she faced criticism for evasive answers regarding antisemitism.

The Harvard Corporation had previously expressed unanimous support for Gay after “extensive deliberations” following the congressional hearing. However, the recent plagiarism allegations and ongoing controversies seemingly led to a change in circumstances, resulting in Gay’s resignation. Just the second woman to lead Harvard, Gay expressed her decision in a letter to the Harvard community. “It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to

share that I will be stepping down as president,” she stated.

Accusations of plagiarism surfaced in the past month, with a new and unsigned complaint published in The Washington Free Beacon adding to about 40 previous allegations. The complaint highlighted issues in Gay’s scholarly work, including her doctoral dissertation from 1997. The controversy gained traction through conservative media, with accusations suggesting inadequate citation in approximately half of the 11 journal articles on her resume.

The university acknowledged instances of insufficient citation but stopped short of labeling it “research misconduct.”

Harvard President Claudine Gay Resigns Amidst Scandals and Plagiarism Allegations

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The San Bernardino

AMERICAN

A Christmas morning fire broke out at the childhood home of global music icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. Authorities said the incident happened at around 2 a.m. on Monday at the home in the historic Riverside Terrace neighborhood of Houston. According to local news affiliates, a prompt response from the Houston Fire Department, arriving at the twostory brick house within three to five minutes, prevented further devastation. District Chief Justin Barnes said the flames were successfully contained within 10 minutes of their arrival, averting potential injuries or worse.

Beyoncé’s family reportedly purchased the residence on the 2400 block of Rosedale in 1982, and the megastar herself

resided there until the age of five. Notably, the home gained renewed attention when Beyoncé took photographs of the property during her visit to Houston for the Renaissance World Tour.

The now-damaged house, built in 1946, served as a backdrop to the singer’s formative years and has been featured in various films and documentaries celebrating the artist’s life.

Jack May, a neighbor living nearby, told KHOU-TV he witnessed the flames and emergency crews at work. “My first thought was they have little children, so we came out, and there was no indication that there was any tragedy, so we watched and prayed for the best,” May continued in next 2 columns

Claudine Gay Harvard President Claudine Gay has resigned, making her tenure the shortest in the university’s history. The decision comes after just six months and two days in office, amidst mounting allegations of plagiarism and criticism over her handling of antisemitism issues on campus. Harvard University spokesperson Jonathan L. Swain

declined to comment on Gay’s decision, but Harvard’s official student newspaper confirmed the move. The first Black president in the storied university’s nearly 400-year history, Gay faced scrutiny over various incidents, including the administration’s response to the October 7 continued in next 2 columns

News Covers Community, Local, County, National News & MORE! Visit our website: sb-american.com