SB American News Week Ending 6/19

Top Calif. Educators Join Counterparts in D.C. to Measure Progress 70 Years After Brown v. Board Decision

| California Black Media

(CBM) – From May 22 to 24, delegates from the California Association of African American Superintendents & Administrators (CAAASA) and the National Coalition on Education Equity (NCOEE) convened in Washington, D.C. for a public education conference titled “Establishing a National Agenda for Meeting the Promise of Brown V. Board: 70 Years Later.”

The conference, whose theme was a tribute to the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, kicked off with a symbolic visit to the Supreme Court, where participants marked the 70th anniversary of the U.S. high court’s historic decision.

The gathering brought together top educators, researchers, policymakers, and advocates from cities across the nation, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, and many more to evaluate the progress and chart the future of Black education in America.

Dr. Adam Clark, CAAASA/ NCOEE President and Superintendent of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, began the conference by explaining why it was important to have the meeting in Washington, D.C.

“Our inaugural conference here marks a critical milestone in our shared pursuit of educational excellence and equity,” Clark said.

Clark outlined the urgent issues in Black education in his opening address, including the need to promote Black student achievement, prepare future educators, foster leaders within the Black community, enact supportive legislation, and partner with civil rights organizations to

Members of the California Association of African American Superintendents & Administrators, the National Coalition on Education Equity, and conference attendees pose on the steps at the site of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling of 1954. Photo by Gregory Jones – Gremar Photography

enhance educational outcomes.

The conference held seven plenary sessions and thirteen workshops, reflecting on the past seven decades since the Brown decision and inspiring future action.

Conference workshops tackled a range of critical topics, from post-Brown school segregation to the significance of Black educators, pathways to educational equity, and strategies for Black student success. Sessions also addressed the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to ensure equitable education for all students.

Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, President of the California

State Board of Education, and Dr. Na’ilah Nasir, President of the Spencer Foundation, spearheaded the commissioning of nine white papers authored by twelve renowned education and civil rights researchers:

Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond (Learning Policy Institute) and Dr. Sean Darling-Hammond (University of California, Los Angeles) reviewed educational equity and proposed policies.

Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings (Professor Emerita at the University of WisconsinMadison) explored Brown’s impact on Black teachers.

Dr. Travis J. Bristol (University of California, Berkeley) and Dr. Desiree Carver-Thomas (Learning Policy Institute) outlined strategies for

Black teacher recruitment and retention.

Dr. Gary Orfield (Co-Director of the Civil Rights Project at UCLA) examined school integration history and suggested desegregation steps.

Dr. Joaquín M. S. Noguera (Loyola Marymount University) and Dr. Pedro A. Noguera (Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education) discussed strategies for educational change to achieve justice and equality.

Kent McGuire (William and Flora Hewlett Foundation) discussed strategies for educational change for justice and equality.

Rucker C. Johnson (University of California, Berkeley) and Ary Amerikaner (Brown’s Promise) addressed public school

resegregation and race’s impact on school finance.

Dr. Carol D. Lee (Northwestern University) interpreted the Brown decision as a metaphor for African Americans’ transformative role.

Kenneth A. Wesson (Educational Consultant, CAAASA) emphasized American history’s influence on Black education and its unique contributions.

The event also featured a number of influential speakers in the field of education, including Dr. Chase Moore, Special Assistant for the U.S. Department of Education; Lezli Baskerville, Commissioner of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic

California Hosts Symposium to Connect Small Businesses With Billions

Ray Harvey | California

Despite the state’s looming budget deficit, Toks Omishakin, California Secretary of Transportation, shared some upbeat news during the first-ever Small Business Symposium held virtually on June 5. Omishakin said the “sun is shining on us” referring to small business owners and the commitment of the state and federal governments to continue making investments in the sector to expand opportunities.

“The state budget has challenges. Nevertheless, this is still the most fruitful period of transportation investments in California and America,” the Omishakin said. “It’s time for us to take advantage of the fact that we have the policies and the funding to help small businesses in the state.”

So far, the state has received over $42 billion in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds from the Biden Administration in almost three

including more than $29 billion for transportation-related

Opportunity for Black Americans; Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); and Dr. Tyrone Howard, Professor of Education at UCLA and President of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Their presentations underscored the enduring impact of the Brown decision and the urgent need for continued advocacy and action.

The participants analyzed the state of Black K-12 education in 1954 versus today, using insights from researchers, national leaders, legislators, educators, and community leaders to devise a collaborative way forward.

The aim being to execute a national action plan over the next five years, leading up to the 75th anniversary of the Brown decision.

When the NCOEE/CAAASA conference concluded, participants overwhelmingly recommended future conferences, praising the actionable steps and evidence-based resources provided for promoting equity in public education.

Organizers expressed their gratitude to the co-hosts and partners, including the Learning Policy Institute, Spencer Foundation, Education Trust, College Board, William T. Grant Foundation and National Urban League, who made the event possible. They underscored the collective determination to advance educational equity and ensure that the promise of educational equity becomes a lived reality for all children. For more information and access to the conference resources, visit www.ncoee.org

of Dollars in Contracts

Joe W. Bowers Jr.

Food 4 Less/Foods Co. Workers

Announce Strike Authorization Votes as Contract Expires

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442, together representing 6,000 Food 4 Less/Foods Co. workers across California, released the following statement on the day of their contract expiration to announce scheduled strike authorization votes following numerous labor violations by their employer throughout negotiations that have prevented them from getting the fair contract they deserve.

The UFCW Food 4 Less/Foods Co. Bargaining Committee said the following:

“When we started contract negotiations with Food 4 Less/ Foods Co., we made it clear that it’s important to us that we reach a tentative agreement before contract expiration and we came to the table willing to put in the time and work to get that done. But instead of working with us towards a reasonable contract, our employer would rather play games with our livelihoods and offer proposals that grossly underestimate our value and their wealth.

“While we are trying to bargain a fair contract for all 6,000 Food 4 Less/Foods Co workers, the company has engaged in multiple labor violations from discrimination and unlawful surveillance of workers, to prohibiting us from participating in union activity, unilaterally changing our contract, and blocking us from talking to our Union Representatives. These actions are nothing more than an attempt to strong-arm us into accepting an offer that is less than what we deserve and less than what their parent company, Kroger, provides other grocery workers in the area.

“Everyone deserves a wage that reflects their work and no one deserves to be bullied at their job. By violating our rights, Food 4 Less and Kroger are making it harder to help our customers and keep our stores well-serviced, which is why we’ve been forced to take a strike authorization vote

next week.

“Moving forward, we will continue to stand together with our fellow UFCW members, our customers, and our community as we take this important next step in making our voices heard.”

BACKGROUND

On May 22, 2024, the seven UFCW Locals representing Food 4 Less/Foods Co. workers filed unfair labor practice (ULP) charges against Food 4 Less/ Foods Co. for undermining negotiations and workers’ right to representation by discriminating against employees based on union activity, prohibiting employees from participating in union activity, monitoring employees engaging in union activity, and unilaterally changing contract terms outside of the legal bargaining process.

Because of these multiple ULP violations, Food 4 Less/Foods Co. members will vote next week on whether to authorize their bargaining committee to call for a strike at any time should one become necessary.

The UFCW Food 4 Less/ Foods Co. bargaining committee, made up of members and leaders from all seven UFCW Locals representing Food 4 Less/Foods Co. workers across California, has been in negotiations with the company since April, trying to reach a tentative contract agreement that is equitable to other grocery contracts in the area owned by the same parent company, Kroger, with little effort made by Food 4 Less/ Foods Co. to reach an acceptable deal before expiration. Throughout contract negotiations, Food 4 Less/ Foods Co. workers, customers, and thousands of UFCW union members from across the country have taken action by holding massive rallies, gathering petition signatures, and calling on the company to bargain in good faith and reach a fair and reasonable contract agreement with its workers.

The results of the strike authorization votes will be announced after voting ends on June 14.

First Partner Siebel Newsom kicks off summer with Annual Summer Book Club

SACRAMENTO – California

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today announced the start of this year’s First Partner’s Summer Book Club. The Summer Book Club, part of the First Partner’s California for ALL Kids initiative, is an annual program and partnership with the California State Library that aims to increase literacy and reduce learning loss by encouraging kids and caregivers to read throughout the summer. Research has shown that many students experience summer learning loss, falling behind in reading by at least two months. And studies show that access to reading and learning opportunities between the ages of 0 and 5 are a foundational part of an individual’s future health, education, and economic

First Partner Siebel Newsom kicks off summer with Annual Summer Book Club...continued of books over the summer. We’re incredibly grateful that the First Partner makes this happen for so many California kids."

This year’s book list was curated by the First Partner in partnership with librarians across the state. The books highlight themes such as navigating mental health struggles, identity and belonging, and the importance of exploration and curiosity. The books range in reading levels from preschool to high school and will be available for checkout at most public libraries across the state.

SACRAMENTO – La Primera

Pareja de California Jennifer Siebel Newsom anunció hoy el inicio del Club de Lectura para el Verano de la Primera Pareja. Este Club de Lectura, que es parte de la iniciativa de la Primera Pareja California para TODOS los niños, o conocido en inglés como California for All Kids, es un programa anual en coordinación con la Biblioteca Estatal de California que tiene como objetivo aumentar la alfabetización y reducir la pérdida de aprendizaje al animar a los niños y personas que los cuidan a leer durante el verano. De acuerdo a estudios recientes, muchos estudiantes suelen sentir la pérdida de aprendizaje durante el verano, quedando al menos dos meses atrás en la lectura. Esto muestra que el acceso a la lectura y las oportunidades de aprendizaje entre los 0 y los 5 años son una parte fundamental de la futura salud, la educación y la participación económica del individuo.

“Las bibliotecas abren las puertas a un mundo vibrante de libros y cuentos, despertando un amor por la lectura que puede durar toda la vida. Las selecciones del Club de Lectura para el Verano de este año cuentan historias de familia y comunidad, celebran la belleza de la diversidad y el amor propio, y describen las maravillas de pasar tiempo en la naturaleza. Le pido a las familias californianas que vean esta lista de libros y luego vayan a su biblioteca local para ver una de las selecciones del Club de Lectura para el Verano

In seven libraries in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Mateo, and Solano counties, First Partner’s Summer Book Club titles are at the heart of community Book to Action programs. These programs will inspire readers to take part in community service and civic engagement activities related to the books they read. Through California for All Kids, First Partner Siebel Newsom is working to give California children the best start in life by taking a whole child approach to their well-being.

de la Primera Pareja.”

Primera Pareja Siebel Newsom Greg Lucas, el bibliotecario del estado de California: “Nada ayuda a crear lectores más fuertes que una dieta constante de libros durante el verano. Estamos muy agradecidos de que la Primera Pareja haga posible esto para tantos niños de California."

La lista de libros de este año fue seleccionada por la Primera Pareja en colaboración con bibliotecarios de todo el estado. Los libros destacan temas sobre cómo afrontar los problemas de la salud mental, la identidad y el sentimiento de pertenencia, y la importancia de la exploración y la curiosidad. Los libros varían en niveles de lectura desde preescolar hasta la preparatoria y están disponibles para sacar prestado en la mayoría de las bibliotecas públicas del estado. En siete bibliotecas de los condados de Los Ángeles, Orange, Riverside, San Mateo y Solano, los títulos del Club de Lectura para el Verano de la Primera Pareja están en el centro de los programas comunitarios conocidos en inglés como Book to Action. Estos programas inspirarán a los lectores a participar en el servicio comunitario y el compromiso cívico relacionado con los libros que leen. Por parte de la iniciativa California para TODOS los niños, la Primera Pareja Siebel Newsom está trabajando para darles a los niños californianos el mejor comienzo a su bienestar por parte del enfoque integral del niño.

Middle College High School Wins the California Department of Education's Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award

participation.

“Libraries open the door to the captivating world of books and storytelling, sparking a love of reading that can last a lifetime. This year’s Summer Book Club picks tell stories of family and community, they celebrate the beauty of diversity and loving oneself, and they describe the wonders of time spent in the great outdoors. I encourage California families to review the booklist then head over to your local library to check out one of this year’s First Partner’s Summer Book Club picks.”

First Partner Siebel Newsom

What California State Librarian Greg Lucas said: “Nothing helps create more strong readers than a steady diet

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—

Middle College High School (MCHS) in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) earned a California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award from the California Department of Education (CDE).

CDE launched the California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award in 2023 to honor middle college high schools, early college high schools and alternative education schools that offer exceptional programs

Middle College High School Wins the California Department of Education's Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award...continued

2023 school year include:

100 percent graduation rate

100 percent completion rate for A–G courses, which are required for students to qualify for UC admission

100 percent of graduates were accepted to a four-year college or university 48 percent of graduates also earned an associate’s degree at the same time as their high school diploma

Since opening in 2001, Middle College has offered SBCUSD high school students a chance to take both high school and community college courses at the same time, with the potential to earn an associate’s degree by the time they graduate high school. Unlike SBCUSD’s comprehensive high schools, MCHS does not have traditional attendance boundaries. Students apply to attend the high school, which is located right next to

Inland

that allow high school students to be concurrently enrolled in both high school and college courses. Schools must demonstrate equity, strong college partnerships, positive student outcomes based on available data, as well as other factors.

MCHS is one of only nine schools statewide and the only one in San Bernardino County to earn the award in 2024. MCHS accomplishments from the 2022–

San Bernardino Valley College. Although any SBCUSD student may apply, MCHS targets students who would be the first in their family to attend college, have good attendance and who show high academic potential that they are not currently meeting.

About San Bernardino City Unified School District: The San Bernardino City Unified School District is California’s eighth-largest school district and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for college, career and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and empowerment, the District serves a diverse student population in the San Bernardino and Highland communities. For more information about SBCUSD, visit www.sbcusd.com and follow the District @SBCityUSD on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Empire Community Foundation Appoints Torie Weiston-Serdan, PhD as Education Equity

Riverside, CA – Michelle Decker, CEO of Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), has appointed Torie WeistonSerdan, PhD as its new Education Equity Program Officer.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Weiston-Serdan joining us at IECF. She brings a wealth of experience to advancing educational opportunities for all students in our region,” Decker. “At a time when the need for equity in education has never been more urgent, Dr. WeistonSerdan’s expertise and passion will be invaluable in driving our mission forward. We truly look forward to the ideas and leadership she will bring to our foundation and to the broader community.”

In her new role, Dr. WeistonSerdan will help shape and guide IECF’s education funding programs and regional engagement to ensure all Inland Empire students have fair and just opportunities to maximize their educational success. Among her key duties will be leading the Foundation’s education equity

Program Officer

grantmaking, partnering with regional and statewide education stakeholders, designing targeted grant programs to expand opportunities for students of color and low-income students, and evaluating the impact of foundation investments in closing achievement gaps.

"I am thrilled to join IECF as the Education Equity Program Officer. This role presents an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students across our region. I firmly believe that every child deserves access to a highquality education that enables them to reach their full potential regardless of their background or circumstances,” said Dr. Weiston-Serdan. “I also believe that education is a critical tool for liberation and that it must be fully utilized to create meaningful change.”

Dr. Weiston-Serdan is a scholar and practitioner with over 20 years of teaching and youth programming experience. An award-winning leader in the youth mentoring field, she wrote Critical Mentoring: A Practical Guide, which has become the handbook for equity-focused youth work.

Outside of teaching and research, Dr. Weiston-Serdan serves as Chief Visionary Officer of the Youth Mentoring Action Network, a non-profit dedicated to building youth power globally through mentoring, education, and wellness. She also founded

La Primera Pareja Siebel Newsom lanza el club de lectura para el verano

(l-r) Middle College High Linked Learning Program Specialist Grace Navarro, Principal James Espinoza, SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Marcus Funchess celebrate Middle College High School winning a California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award. (Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)

Torie Weiston-Serdan, PhD

Stop Asking Black Student Athletes to Fix America’s DEI Mess

By John Celestand | Word in Black | The AFRO

John Celestand and Afro publisher Dr. Toni Draper at the 2023 Black Matters Expo. John Celestand is the program director of the Knight x LMA BloomLab, a $3.2 million initiative that supports the advancement and sustainability of local Black-owned news publications. He is a former freelance sports broadcaster and writer who covered the NBA and college basketball for multiple networks such as ESPN Regional Television, SNY, and Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia. John was a member of the 2000 Los Angeles Lakers NBA Championship Team, playing alongside the late great Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. He currently resides in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife and son. Credit: Photo Stephen Hopkins.

John Celestand is the program director of the Knight x LMA BloomLab, a $3.2 million initiative that supports the advancement and sustainability of local Black-owned news publications. He is a former freelance sports broadcaster and writer who covered the NBA and college basketball for multiple networks such as ESPN Regional Television, SNY, and

Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia. John was a member of the 2000 Los Angeles Lakers NBA Championship Team, playing alongside the late great Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. He currently resides in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife and son. Credit: Courtesy photo Back in early March, in a statement released on social media, legendary Dallas

Mexico Celebrates Election of First Woman President

By Wayne Campbell and Francine Mclean | The AFRO

first woman president elect, Claudia

thanks her constituents for trusting her and helping her break through yet another glass ceiling. Credit: Shutterstock

“For the first time in 200 years of the republic, I will become the first female president of Mexico. I do not arrive alone. We all arrived, with our heroines who gave us our homeland, with our ancestors, our mothers, our daughters and our granddaughters.”

– Claudia Sheinbaum

Women have played a fundamental role in Mexico’s independence, reform and revolution.

Unfortunately, they did not have a right to political participation. Finally, women in Mexico got this fundamental right to vote on October 17, 1953. Their struggle began during the Mexican Revolution, with the starting point being the First Feminist Congress of the Yucatan in 1916. At that historic meeting, the women gathered there demanded equality, education and citizenship in order to build together with the men in a responsible manner.

Historically, Yucatan was the first state to recognize women’s right to vote in 1923. Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected as Mexico’s first woman president in an historic landslide win. Mexico’s official electoral authority said preliminary results showed the 61-year-old former head of government of Mexico City winning between 58 percent and 60 percent of the vote in the June 2 election. It was a landmark vote that saw not one, but two women vying to lead one of the hemisphere’s biggest nations.

Sheinbaum’s election will see a Jewish leader at the helm of one of the world’s largest predominantly Catholic countries. Mexico has a population of over 129 million people. In a country with one

Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith blasted his alma mater, the University of Florida, for eliminating its diversity, equity, and inclusion program. Smith warned minority athletes at Florida to “please be aware and vocal” about the decision the university was making, which in essence meant closing the doors on students of color.

A few days later, NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson asked “current and prospective” student-athletes to “reconsider any potential decision to attend, and compete at a predominantly white institution in the state of Florida.” He pointed out that “these institutions reap considerable financial benefits from the very individuals they fail to stand by in matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

So, should Black athletes refuse to attend schools that defund DEI?

After all, today’s athletes command major coin when it comes to NIL (name, image, and likeness) dollars. Their ability to enter the portal and transfer to other universities without

repercussion could, if leveraged correctly, have a tremendous influence on how universities handle DEI.

The question came up again this week for me after news broke that the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, plans to divert the school’s entire $2.3M DEI budget toward public safety and policing.

Basically, UNC “said that the opposite of funding DEI programming is funding police,” writer, researcher, and Harvard Kennedy fellow Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman wrote on X this week.

North Carolina brought in nearly $123 million in revenue from athletics in 2022. If every Black athlete at the school refused to play until the DEI budget was restored, that would undoubtedly put pressure on the school.

But even though today’s college athletes are in a prime position to effect change around DEI at universities because of their platforms, power, and heavy influence, is this really their responsibility?

Mexico Celebrates Election of First Woman President...continued

community began to grow substantially by the early 20th century, as thousands of Jews fled from the Ottoman Empire to escape instability and antisemitism.

International conflict

Sheinbaum’s win also comes at a significant time as the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has displaced more than one million Palestinians and left more than 35,000 people dead, according to officials in Gaza. Since the beginning of the war last year, Sheinbaum has condemned attacks on civilians. She even called for a cease-fire and said she supports a two-state solution.

of the highest rates of murder against women in the world, Sheinbaum’s victory underscores the advances women have made in the political sphere.

Both of her parents were scientists. Sheinbaum studied physics before going on to receive a doctorate in energy engineering. Sheinbaum is accustomed to breaking the proverbial glass ceiling. In 2018 she became the first female head of government of Mexico City, a post she held until 2023, when she stepped down to run for president.

Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote in the election, but turnout appeared to be slightly lower than in past elections. Voters were also electing governors in nine of the country’s 32 states, and choosing candidates for both houses of Congress, thousands of head of government positions and other local posts, in the biggest elections the nation has seen.

Jewish ancestry

Sheinbaum, whose Jewish maternal grandparents immigrated to Mexico from Bulgaria fleeing the Nazis, had an illustrious career as a scientist before delving into politics. Her paternal grandparents hailed from Lithuania. An estimated 50,000 Jewish people live in Mexico. The majority are settled in Mexico City and its surroundings, with small communities in the cities of Monterrey, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Cancún, San Miguel de Allende and Los Cabos.

The first Jews arrived in Mexico in 1519 along with the Spanish colonization. The

Without a doubt Sheinbaum is Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s political protégé. She started her political career as his environmental minister after he was elected head of government of Mexico City in 2000. She has been unwaveringly loyal ever since, even supporting his prooil energy agenda despite her environmental background.

It is often said that while

Sheinbaum lacks López Obrador’s charisma and popular appeal, she has a reputation for being analytical, disciplined and exacting. Most importantly, she has promised to support López Obrador’s policies and popular social programs, including a universal pension benefit for seniors as well as providing cash payments to low-income residents. Under Mexico’s constitution, presidents can only serve one six-year term.

This is indeed a proud and momentous moment for gender equality and female empowerment not only for the region but the entire world. Mexico is known for its strong patriarchal structures. Sheinbaum’s election to the presidency speaks volumes regarding the advancement women have made in Mexico since Universal Adult Suffrage.

The election of Sheinbaum will undoubtedly provide hope to thousands of Mexican girls in particular and girls in general that their biological sex is not an indicator of what they can achieve.

Biden’s Immigration Order Limits Asylum Rights

Overview:

President Biden’s new executive order restricts migrants’ ability to apply for asylum, potentially leading to more undocumented minors crossing the border solo.

The order is influenced by an immigration statute used by Donald Trump, but implementing it will be challenging due to various factors.

By Jean Lantz Reisz, University of

Herald

President Joe Biden

Immigration is a top issue in the upcoming presidential election – and President Joe Biden’s new executive order restricting migrants’ ability to apply for asylum is likely to further elevate the subject in national politics.

The number of undocumented migrants crossing the U.S.Mexico border has soared in recent years, with 249,785 arrests taking place along the border in December 2023. That marks

Biden’s Immigration Order Limits Asylum Rights... continued

effect when the number of people crossing the U.S.-Mexico border each day exceeds an average of 2,500.

There have generally been more than 2,500 people without visas crossing the U.S.-Mexico border for each day of Biden’s entire presidency. Effectively, this is a ban on asylum, meaning the legal right for undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S. because of the harm they face in their home countries.

Under Biden’s order, some undocumented migrants who express a fear of returning to their home countries may be eligible for other kinds of legal protections – for example, legal protections intended for torture survivors.

In order to get this special legal protection, migrants would have to show U.S. border and immigration officials a lot of evidence outlining the danger

they would face in their home countries. They would need to show more evidence than is required for asylum-seekers. Migrants will generally not have this evidence on hand and, as a result, will not receive any kind of legal protection or chance to stay in the U.S. Over the past decade, including during Biden’s presidency, approximately twothirds of people who applied for asylum while they were in deportation proceedings were granted asylum or another kind of legal protection that allowed them to stay in the U.S., according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a data organization at Syracuse University.

Biden’s order means that many individuals who previously would have been entitled to asylum, per U.S. law, will now be

continued on page 6

Stolen Remains of 19 Black People Now Being Cared For By Philly Youth

Lifestyle/County/Government News

Nationwide -- A group of young people from Philadelphia who are a part of the National Youth Foundation are stepping up to care for and beautify the grave site for the stolen remains of 19 African Americans who died in the 1800s. Their remains were previously housed at Penn Museum which is owned by the University of Pennsylvania since 1966. However, earlier this year, the remains were given a proper final resting place in a private ceremony held at Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Pennsylvania.

The remains of these deceased men and women are collectively referred to as the “Black Philadelphians” and were stolen by a physician named Samuel G. Morton who in the early 19th century decided to use their remains for his horrible, pseudoscientific eugenics research. Morton and his cohorts unethically stole the remains and housed them at the Academy of Natural Sciences where he had served as President.

However, now that the remains have been buried with dignity, The National Youth

Southern California | Cincinnati

a 13% rise from the 222,018 migrants arrested by the Border Patrol along the U.S.-Mexico border in December 2022.

Jean Lantz Reisz, an immigration law scholar at the University of Southern California, explains four key things to know about how this executive order will take effect and influence immigration trends.

1. The executive order is basically an asylum ban

Biden announced his executive order on June 4, 2024. It prevents everyone who crosses the U.S.-Mexico border without a visa, and not passing through an official port of entry, from seeking asylum. It goes into

Foundation, the “I Matter” Project, and the historic Eden Cemetery recently collaborated for a youth beautification and education initiative. More than 50 young people planted flowers around the gravesite and even held a private ceremony to educate the local community about the history of the “Black Philadelphians”.

Today, this same historic burial ground serves as the final resting place for numerous Black trailblazers such as Marian Anderson, who is celebrated as one of the most renowned contralto singers of the 20th century, and William Still, often referred to as the “Father of the Underground Railroad,” who played a vital role in aiding those escaping slavery on their journey to freedom.

The beautification and education initiative accomplished by the young volunteers of the National Youth Foundation and Eden Cemetary was sponsored by Rap Snacks, Youth Service America (YSA), and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

Inland Empire Community Foundation Appoints Torie Weiston-Serdan, PhD as Education Equity Program Officer...continued from page 2 the Center for Critical Mentoring and Youth Work which works extensively with other community-based organizations in support of their youth advocacy efforts, specializing in training mentors to work with diverse youth populations: i.e. Black, Latinx, LGBTQQ, etc. Her work has been featured in Blavity, Forbes, Inside Philanthropy, and Philanthropy Women. Dr. Weiston-Serdan is one of the founding board Members for MENTOR CA and currently serves on the boards of Give Build Share, Big Brothers Big Sisters LGBTQ National Advisory Council, the Research Board of the National Mentoring Resource Center, and the California Endowment.

Added, Dr. Weiston-Serdan, “My vision is for the Inland Empire to be a place where every student has the resources,

support, and opportunities they need to thrive academically and personally. I am excited to contribute to the critical work of ensuring that all students in our region have the chance to succeed and build bright futures for themselves and their communities."

About the Inland Empire Community Foundation Founded in 1941, the Inland Empire Community Foundation is the oldest and largest community foundation in Inland Southern California. We partner with individuals, families and corporations to build a culture of philanthropy. Since inception, we have given out over $127 million in grants and scholarships. For more information visit the IECF’s website at www.iegives. org. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Mexico’s

Sheinbaum,

CA

By Sejal

Knee surgery in 2021 limited Elizabeth Duran’s physical activity and caused her to gain weight. Duran, 65, took pills for high blood pressure and dealt with her anxiety privately.

In the fall of 2023, her doctor referred her to a county program, Recipe 4 Health, that delivers fresh produce to her house. Duran, who is Hispanic, credits the program with getting her back on track.

“I was familiar with Swiss chard and kale,” said Duran, “but I never would really choose those things.” After learning their nutritional value in the program, she looked up how to cook them.

Duran said participating in Recipe 4 Health helped her control her blood pressure, sleep better, and reduce her anxiety.

Since its inception in 2020, Recipe 4 Health – part of the “food as medicine” initiative – has connected over 6,000 Alameda residents, 83% of them people of color and more than half Spanish speaking, to healthy vegetables and health coaching. The results are impressive.

“One third of our patients with prediabetes and diabetes show a clinically meaningful reduction in their blood sugars,” noted the program’s chief medical officer, Dr. Steven Chen. “Two thirds of the patients improved their cholesterol indicators, thus reducing heart disease risk” while “44% of our patients are reducing their depression symptoms.”

Such outcomes can help prevent chronic illnesses and cardiovascular disease which ultimately save healthcare dollars, said Chen. He believes that consistent funding for Recipe 4 Health is critical to its longevity.

Currently, Recipe 4 Health receives much of its funding from CalAIM, a multi-year initiative that combines federal and state dollars to address social drivers of health, including food and housing insecurity.

The state Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) administers CalAIM, and funds local Medi-Cal plans to reimburse programs like Recipe 4 Health that provide medically supportive nutrition.

DHCS was granted a five-year extension for federal funding for CalAIM, which was previously set to expire in Dec 2021. As he inches closer to 2026, Chen is looking for a stable funding source for his program that does not need frequent renewal.

This is why he is urging lawmakers to adopt AB 1975, Assemblymember Mia Bonta’s (D-Oakland) second attempt to require Medi-Cal coverage of medically supported food programs. If passed, California would become the first state in the country to require its Medicaid program to cover this benefit. The bill is currently makings its way through the state legislature.

“Too many Californians, particularly Californians of color, are living with largely preventable chronic illnesses and conditions,” said Bonta, noting her measure would go a long way in advancing health equity in the state.

A majority of those enrolled in Recipe 4 Health are low-income people of color.

Every week for 3 months, program participants receive 16 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, said Sasha Shankar, co-farm director at Dig Deep Farms, which supplies the program’s produce.

Weekly health coaching, meanwhile, helps participants learn about nutrition, exercise, and stress management, while also helping them set and meet health goals.

To participate in Recipe 4 Health, Medi-Cal patients in Alameda County need a referral from their primary care provider at participating health centers, which include Alameda Health System, Bay Area Community Health, Lifelong Medical Care, Native American Health Center, and Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center.

The program is separate from CalFresh, California’s food stamp program, and many patients are able to receive both Recipe 4 Health and CalFresh benefits at the same time.

Primary care providers can refer patients if they are food insecure, or have a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, or stroke.

Nearly 10% – roughly 154,000 – of Alameda’s 1.6 million residents live in homes that experience food insecurity.

Once participants have been referred by their primary care provider, Recipe 4 Health receives the referral and passes it to the county MediCal plan, Alameda Alliance for Health for authorization. The referral is also forwarded to partners Dig Deep Farms and Open Source Wellness, which provides health coaching. These partners contact the participant to verify contact information before starting services. Still, despite its successes the program has not been without challenges. “Literally a few weeks into the program and the pandemic hit,” said Chen. “We went totally to doorstep delivery. And then we went to virtual groups.”

The pandemic had several other ripple effects on the program. As fewer people saw their primary care provider for routine care, fewer referrals were made to Recipe 4 Health.

Contact information in the clinic’s medical records also became outdated. If phone numbers were not updated in the clinic’s record, referrals would carry that incorrect information to Recipe 4 Health. When that happens, “We have data to show that drops off significantly,” by as much as 50%. “Wrong number, you can’t reach the patient, kind of dead in the water,” said Chen.

Lack of time or transportation can also prevent people from participating in weekly coaching sessions. In 2023, only 1,105 of 1,949 – about 56% – Recipe 4 Health participants attended coaching. That has put a strain on Open Source, explained Director Elizabeth Markle, who said Recipe 4 Health is currently seeking to renegotiate its contract with the organization by moving to a fee-for-service model. Rising inflation and food costs have also had an impact. Shankar said that Dig Deep Farms was reimbursed $23 per bag of produce delivered to participants in 2023, and that reimbursement rates had to be increased in 2024.

But compared to the billions California spends each year treating chronic illnesses, Recipe 4 Health’s per-patient outlays – roughly $785 per participant for the year, based on information provided by Chen’s team – are more cost effective.

When critics ask, “How do we pay for this food?” Chen replies, “We’re already paying for it. It’s just through our healthcare system.” Dr. Sejal Parekh is a practicing pediatrician and a Stanford Health Equity Media Fellow.

Proyecto de ley de California busca consagrar la nutrición de apoyo médico como parte de la cobertura de Medi-Cal

Los participantes de Recipe 4 Health han visto resultados impresionantes, incluida una disminución de los indicadores de enfermedades crónicas. AB 1975 aseguraría una financiación permanente para el programa.

La cirugía de rodilla en 2021 limitó la actividad física de Elizabeth Durán y le hizo ganar peso. Durán, de 65 años, tomaba pastillas para la presión arterial alta y lidiaba con su ansiedad en privado.

En el otoño de 2023, su médico lo remitió a un programa del condado, Recipe 4 Health, que entrega productos frescos a su hogar. Durán, que es latina, le da crédito al programa por ayudarla a recuperar su bienestar.

“Estaba familiarizado con las acelgas y la col rizada”, dijo Durán, “pero nunca elegiría esas cosas”. Después de conocer su valor nutricional en el programa, buscó cómo cocinarlos.

Durán dijo que participar en Recipe 4 Health la ayudó a controlar su presión arterial, dormir mejor y reducir su ansiedad.

Desde su creación en 2020, Recipe 4 Health, parte de la iniciativa “alimentos como medicina”, ha conectado a más de 6,000 residentes de Alameda, el 83 % de ellos personas de color y más de la mitad de habla hispana, con verduras saludables y asesoramiento sobre salud. Los resultados son impresionantes.

“Un tercio de nuestros pacientes con prediabetes y diabetes muestran una reducción clínicamente significativa de su nivel de azúcar en la sangre”, señaló el director médico del programa, el Dr. Steven Chen. “Dos tercios de los pacientes mejoraron sus indicadores de colesterol, reduciendo así el riesgo de enfermedades cardíacas” mientras que “el 44% de nuestros pacientes están reduciendo sus síntomas de depresión”.

Estos resultados pueden ayudar a prevenir enfermedades crónicas y cardiovasculares que, en última instancia, ahorran dinero en atención médica, dijo Chen. Él cree que una financiación constante para Recipe 4 Health es fundamental para su longevidad. Actualmente, Recipe 4 Health recibe gran parte de su financiación de CalAIM, una iniciativa plurianual que combina dólares federales y estatales para abordar los factores sociales de la salud, incluida la inseguridad alimentaria y habitacional. El Departamento de Servicios de Atención Médica (DHCS) del estado administra CalAIM y financia planes locales de Medi-Cal para reembolsar programas como Recipe 4 Health que brindan nutrición con apoyo médico. Al DHCS se le concedió una extensión de cinco años para la financiación federal para CalAIM, que anteriormente estaba programada para expirar en diciembre de 2021. A medida que se acerca el año 2026, Chen busca una fuente de financiación estable para su programa que no necesite una renovación frecuente.

Es por eso que está instando a los legisladores a adoptar la AB 1975, el segundo intento de la asambleísta Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) de exigir la cobertura de MediCal para los programas de alimentos con apoyo médico. De aprobarse, California se convertiría en el primer estado del país en exigir que su programa Medicaid cubra este beneficio. El proyecto de ley se encuentra actualmente en trámite en la legislatura estatal.

“Demasiados californianos, particularmente californianos de color, viven con enfermedades y afecciones crónicas que en gran medida se pueden prevenir”, dijo Bonta, señalando que su medida contribuiría en gran medida a promover la equidad en salud en el estado.

La mayoría de los inscritos en Recipe 4 Health son personas de color de bajos ingresos.

Cada semana durante 3 meses, los participantes del programa reciben 16 porciones de frutas y verduras frescas, dijo Sasha Shankar, codirectora agrícola de Dig Deep Farms, que suministra los productos del programa.

Mientras tanto, el asesoramiento de salud semanal ayuda a los participantes a aprender sobre nutrición, ejercicio y manejo del estrés, al mismo tiempo que los ayuda a establecer y alcanzar objetivos de salud.

Para participar en Recipe 4 Health, los pacientes de Medi-Cal en el condado de Alameda necesitan una derivación de su proveedor de atención primaria en los centros de salud participantes, que incluyen Alameda Health System, Bay Area Community Health, Lifelong Medical Care, Native American Health Center y Tiburcio Vásquez Centro de Salud.

El programa es independiente de CalFresh, el programa de cupones para alimentos de California, y muchos pacientes pueden recibir los beneficios de Recipe 4 Health y CalFresh al mismo tiempo.

Los proveedores de atención primaria pueden derivar pacientes si padecen inseguridad alimentaria o padecen una afección crónica como diabetes, presión arterial alta, colesterol alto, insuficiencia cardíaca o accidente cerebrovascular Casi el 10% (aproximadamente 154.000) de los 1,6 millones de residentes de Alameda viven en hogares que experimentan inseguridad alimentaria.

Una vez que los participantes han sido remitidos por su proveedor de atención primaria, Recipe 4 Health recibe la derivación y la pasa al plan Medi-Cal del condado, Alameda Alliance for Health, para su autorización. La referencia también se envía a los socios Dig Deep Farms y Open Source Wellness, que brindan asesoramiento sobre salud. Estos socios se comunican con el participante para verificar la información de contacto antes de iniciar los servicios.

Aún así, a pesar de sus éxitos, el programa no ha estado exento de desafíos. “Literalmente, unas semanas después de iniciado el programa, llegó la pandemia”, dijo Chen. “Fuimos totalmente a la entrega a domicilio. Y luego pasamos a grupos virtuales”.

La pandemia tuvo varios otros efectos dominó en el programa. A medida que menos personas acudieron a su proveedor de atención primaria para recibir atención de rutina, se realizaron menos derivaciones a Recipe 4 Health.

La información de contacto en los registros médicos de la clínica también quedó obsoleta. Si los números de teléfono no se actualizaran en el registro de la clínica, las referencias llevarían esa información incorrecta a Recipe 4 Health. Cuando eso sucede, “tenemos datos que muestran que disminuye significativamente”, hasta en un 50%. “Número equivocado, no se puede localizar al paciente, está como muerto en el agua”, dijo Chen.

La falta de tiempo o de transporte también puede impedir que las personas participen en las sesiones de entrenamiento semanales. En 2023, solo 1.105 de 1.949 (alrededor del 56%) participantes de Recipe 4 Health asistieron al entrenamiento.

Eso ha ejercido presión sobre el código abierto, explicó la directora Elizabeth Markle, quien dijo que Recipe 4 Health actualmente está tratando de renegociar su contrato con la organización pasando a un modelo de pago por servicio. El aumento de la inflación y los costos de los alimentos también han tenido un impacto. Shankar dijo que a Dig Deep Farms se le reembolsaron 23 dólares por bolsa de productos entregados a los participantes en 2023, y que las tasas de reembolso tuvieron que aumentarse en 2024.

Pero en comparación con los miles de millones que California gasta cada año en el tratamiento de enfermedades crónicas, los desembolsos por paciente de Recipe 4 Health (aproximadamente $785 por participante por año, según la información proporcionada por el equipo de Chen) son más rentables. Cuando los críticos preguntan: “¿Cómo pagamos por esta comida?” Chen responde: “Ya lo estamos pagando. Es simplemente a través de nuestro sistema de salud”.

El Dr. Sejal Parekh es pediatra y miembro del programa Health Equity Media de Stanford.

CSLB Conducts Joint Sting with NSCB in South Lake Tahoe

Sacramento, CA – The Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT), in partnership with the Nevada State Contractors Board (NCSB), conducted an undercover sting operation in late May to catch unlicensed contractors in South Lake Tahoe.

Six individuals will be referred to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office for charges related to unlicensed contracting. The misdemeanor charges can carry a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and/or a $5,000 criminal fine or up to $15,000 in civil penalties. A second offense results in a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of 20 percent of the contract price or $5,000 – whichever is greater.

The bids ranged from $1,200 to more than $26,000 for home improvement projects, including interior and exterior painting and bathroom remodeling. All bids exceeded the legal threshold of $500, above which a contractor's license is required.

The unlicensed contractors caught in this operation may face additional charges for advertising construction services without possessing the necessary license. It is a misdemeanor for any person to advertise for construction or improvement work unless that person holds a valid license in the classification being advertised. Unlicensed individuals’ advertisements for contracting services must explicitly state their lack of licensure and the value of work performed (materials and labor) may not exceed $500.

"Our goals are to protect consumers from fraudulent contractors and to level the playing field for licensed contractors following the law," said David Fogt, CSLB Registrar. "We continually educate consumers about the importance of hiring licensed contractors and strongly urge homeowners to take a few moments to verify a contractor’s license before proceeding with any construction project in California.” For more information, visit CSLB’s website, or connect with us on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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

California Hosts Symposium to Connect Small Businesses With Billions of Dollars in Contracts...continued from page 1

goal was 17.5% but we passed it with 17.6%,” Omishakin said. “In 2022-2023, it was the first time in the history of this program it exceeded $1 billion going to DBEs. These programs combined, state and federal, were north of $2 billion in small business and DBEs just from Caltrans.”

Omishakin continued, “Now that’s a whole lot of money and a lot of opportunities for people to continue doing work with the state.”

With the theme, “Scaling to New Heights Through Contracting Opportunities,” the symposium featured representatives from state agencies and departments discussing opportunities available for small businesses interested in working with the state.

The symposium was hosted by the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (OBED), the California Government Operations Agency, and the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).

The event included updates from the directors and Department Executives at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA), California Department of General Services (DGS), California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), and the California Department of Technology (CDT).

“We’ve never had a gathering like this before on small business where all the top leaders in state government participated,” Omishakin said. “The entire team worked hard to get the word out.”

The leaders of the entities were also available to answer questions, provide guidance on requirements to qualify and share tips for accessing resources.

Dee Dee Myers, the Director of California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (OBED), said the state has 4.1 million small businesses with a workforce of 7.1 employees.

“California is the largest, most diverse small business community in the country,” Myers said. “That’s a million more than the next state which happens to be Texas. “Ninetynine percent of our business meet the SBA definition of small business, which means having fewer than 500 employees. Ninety-eight percent have fewer than 20 employees.”

The Chief of California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) Catrina Blair provided an overview of participation for 844 certified small businesses and 29 DBEs from out of the state working on a 171-mile project that expects to build out around 800 miles with 24 stations.

Phase 1 of the future electrified high-speed rail will start its excursion from San Francisco to the Los Angeles basin in under three hours, surpassing speeds of 200 miles per hour. Blair said that CHSRA provides contracting goals and opportunities for small businesses, DBEs, and Disabled Veterans Enterprises.

“The High Speed Rail has many moving parts and announcements are released regularly about progress on our social media accounts (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn),” Blair said. “Additionally, reading our project update report and business plan is the best way to stay informed about our specific details and project status.”

Omishakin explained that the impetus to organize the “historic” symposium with state leaders and the business community came when he was a keynote speaker at the California African American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) Second Annual State of California African American Economy Summit in Los Angeles in January.

“Attendees brought up the fact that they didn’t know where the dollars are, how much money was coming in, or where opportunities lie,” Omishakin said. “I told them, ‘You will hear back from me as a state together. Not just me but the rest of the team that works for Gov. Gavin Newsom.”

Bill Seeks to Enshrine Medically Supportive Nutrition as Part of Medi-Cal Coverage

Parekh Participants in Recipe 4 Health have seen impressive results, including decreased indicators of chronic illness. AB 1975 would ensure permanent funding for the program.

LEGAL/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

NOTICE INVITING BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Coachella Valley Unified School District (“District”) is seeking sealed bids from qualified general contractors for work on the following public-works construction project, as described in more detail in the other Bid Documents (“Project”): Bid No. 170-2024FB Expanded Learning Program Campus Upgrades.

PLACE FOR SUBMITTING BIDS: Bids must be submitted to the District at the following: Coachella Valley Unified School District Superintendent’s Office 87-225 Church Street, Thermal, CA 92274

BID DEADLINE: Bids must be received at the Place for Submitting Bids not later than 2:00PM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024

BID DOCUMENTS: Available for free download from CVUSD Bid Manager at https://www.astihosted.com/CVUSD/ dbm/Vendor/Ven_Default.asp

ALL CONTRACTORS BIDDING THE PROJECT ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED USERS

REQUIRED BID SECURITY: Each bid must be submitted with bid security as described in the Instructions for Bidders.

The Contract Time is 30 days.

CONTRACTOR should consult the General Conditions, Supplementary Conditions, and General Requirements regarding Milestones and Liquidated Damages.

Scope of Work:

This project consists of the following Scopes of Work:

1. Replace existing chain-link fencing with 8’ ornamental fencing (Black) including existing gates, install two underground conduits to support a communication and camera system.

2. Convert the existing interior custodial closet into a ADA compliant restroom, including relocating or modifying

mandatory conference for the purpose of describing labor-law requirements.

RETENTION: Substitution of securities in lieu of retention, pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300, will be permitted as provided in the General Provisions.

DEFINED TERMS: Capitalized terms used, but not defined in this Notice Inviting Bids shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in other of the Bid Documents.

Any request for substitutions pursuant to Public Contract Code section 3400 must be made at the time of Bid on the Substitution Request Form set forth in the Contract Documents and included with the bid.

No telephone or facsimile machine will be available to bidders on the District premises at any time.

It is each bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure its bid is timely delivered and received at the location designated as specified above. Any bid received at the designated location after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids shall be returned to the bidder unopened.

Publication Dates:

Advertised June 6, 2024 June 13, 2024

Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference: June 14, 2024

Bid Opening: June 18, 2024

Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper June 6, 13, 2024.

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14. Replacement of Old A/C Units at all Buildings if needed

CONTRACTOR LICENSE: The class or classes of California contractor licenses required to bid on and perform the Work are: Each bidder shall be a licensed contractor pursuant to the California Business and Professions Code, and be licensed to perform the work called for in the Contract Documents. The successful bidder must possess all valid and active licenses as follows: Class B, C16, C23 and C10 Licenses at the time of award and throughout the duration of this Contract. The Contractor’s California State License number shall be clearly stated on the bidder’s proposal

CONTRACTOR PREQUALIFICATION: Prequalification

pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 20111.6:

____ is required in connection with the Project; or X is not required in connection with the Project. If required, the Instructions for Bidders describes the prequalification requirement in more detail. Contractors may obtain the prequalification questionnaire and instructions by requesting it from the District.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: The District will conduct a mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit on (date) June 14, 2024, at 7:00am_. The conference initially will commence at Attendance at Expanded Learning Campus 1390 7th Street, Coachella, California 92236 the pre-bid conference and site visit is mandatory, any bidder that does not attend shall be deemed non-responsive.

AWARD OF CONTRACT: The award of the Contract will be based on the following method of determining the lowest bid: Base Bid.

SURETY BONDS: The successful bidder must provide a Performance Bond and a separate Payment Bond, each in an amount equal to 100% of the total Contract Price, and each issued by a California-admitted surety as defined in Code of Civil Procedure Section 995.120.

LABOR LAW: The Project is a “public work” that is subject, among other provisions, to Labor Code Sections 1720 through 1861, inclusive. As described in the Instructions for Bidders, each contractor (including subcontractors) must be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”) in accordance with Labor Code Section 1725.5, and bidders must provide evidence of registration for themselves and their subcontractors. Each worker on the Project must be paid not less than the applicable Prevailing Wages. A copy of the applicable rates of Prevailing Wages is on file and available for review at the Place for Submitting Bids, and a copy will be posted at the Project Site. The Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR. The successful bidder

Biden’s Immigration Order

Limits Asylum Rights...continued

from page 3

expelled to Mexico or their home countries without the opportunity to apply for asylum.

2. This could lead to a rise in undocumented minors crossing the border solo

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The San Bernardino American News Publishes The Following Legals: Fictitious Business Name Petitions/Probates Summons

Name Changes Notice of Lien Sale

Alcoholic Beverage License Foreclosure Notices

Bids/Proposal and More

Call (909)889-7677 or Email: mary@sb-american.com

Many individuals who reach the U.S.-Mexico border and cross into the U.S. without a visa or an online appointment to meet with U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be quickly turned back and deported to Mexico or returned to their home countries. The U.S. will need cooperation from Mexico to be able to turn back non-Mexican citizens to Mexico. Mexico currently accepts Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan citizens deported from the U.S. In December 2023, about one-fourth of the migrants apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border were from Mexico, while another one-fourth were from El Salvador, Guatemala or Honduras. The largest group of apprehended migrants were from other countries, including Venezuela and China.

Biden’s order will not apply to people who are under 18 and cross the U.S.-Mexico border without a parent or guardian. These children will be detained and placed in deportation proceedings where they can seek asylum or other immigration protections.

This creates the risk that desperate parents will send their children alone across the border. This happened from March 2020 through May 2023, when COVID-19-related border restrictions, called Title 42, similarly banned undocumented

immigrants crossing the U.S.Mexico border from seeking asylum. This restriction did not apply to unaccompanied minors. It resulted in a sharp spike in undocumented minors crossing the U.S. southern border from 2020 through 2023.

3. Biden is taking a page out of Donald Trump’s book Biden is basing this executive order, in part, on an immigration statute called 212(f), which gives the president very broad authority to suspend the entry of certain noncitizens because it would be “detrimental” to U.S. interests.

Former President Donald Trump cited this law when he implemented a travel ban that temporarily suspended the entry of noncitizens from seven countries, including five Muslimmajority countries, in 2017. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the third version of this ban as being lawful in 2018. Biden reversed the ban in 2021.

4. The executive order won’t be so easy to implement Biden’s ability to actually reduce the number of migrants who cross the U.S.-Mexico border without a visa or any other kind of authorization will depend on several factors. The president will need Mexico to accept more deported citizens of different countries in order for the U.S. to swiftly turn away migrants. U.S. Border Patrol and immigration agencies have also been overwhelmed by the large influx of undocumented migrants crossing the border. They cannot easily apprehend and screen all

migrants or quickly respond to migrants’ applications to stay in the U.S. in immigration courts, which have a historic and massive backlog. Quickly processing and deporting migrants back to their home countries will also be an obstacle that could limit the order’s effectiveness. U.S. immigration officials will first need to determine whether someone who states a fear of returning to their country qualifies for other kinds of legal protection that are not asylum. Deporting a Mexican citizen or a Cuban, Venezuelan, Nicaraguan or Haitian citizen can be done quickly and easily, since Mexico will accept them. Deporting migrants from other countries would require their governments to help them get the necessary travel documents and, in most cases, arrange airplane flights. Still, Biden’s order may deter many migrants who plan to cross the border in the hopes of being allowed to remain in the U.S. and seek asylum. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Jean Lantz Reisz, University of Southern California Jean Lantz Reisz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Raising Successful Kids: Picking the Right School Starts Earlier Than Parents Think

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Choosing the right program that meets the unique needs of a child also has benefits beyond the immediate ones. We have all seen parents who push their children in high school or college to pursue a field of study, sport, or other extracurricular activity to make mom and dad “happy,” neglecting the needs of the child.

love to make jokes about how things are different from when they were growing up. Many start with something like this: “In my day we had to actually pick up the phone and ask who it was to know who was calling us.” While we laugh about how technology has rapidly changed our lives from one generation to the next, more parents need to embrace this reality as it relates to education. The place to start is when parents make that first critical decision about where to send their child for early childhood education. Too often we see parents picking a program based on their memories of what daycare was like for them. They did not like the preschool at the church decades ago, so they will never enroll their little one in a program based in a religious setting. The memory of preschool was unenjoyable, so they would never consider it for their three-year-old today. How accurate can memories really be

from so long ago? Or they make choices about the quality of a program from what a neighbor or friend told them or an online review. An all-day program was right for one child but not for another—there is no universal “right” answer. My experience began as a Head Start student and years later, I served as a Head Start teacher. One of the things I learned as a teacher was the importance of supporting the social and emotional development of all my students and providing positive guidance. These are competencies stressed for educators like me who’ve earned a Child Development Associate® Credential™. I join my fellow educators in believing it is critical to develop a warm, positive, supportive, and responsive relationship with each child, and to help each child learn about and take pride in his or her individual and cultural identity. These are wise words that parents

should also take to heart when looking for a program that will spur their child to the success, we all want.

Choosing the right program that meets the unique needs of a child also has benefits beyond the immediate ones. We have all seen parents who push their children in high school or college to pursue a field of study, sport, or other extracurricular activity to make mom and dad “happy,” neglecting the needs of the child. The best way to create a successful ecosystem is to start at the earliest age. Parents should choose an early childhood education environment that matches their child’s needs, not one based on faded memories of youth. Dr. Moore leads the Council for Professional Recognition, a nonprofit that supports early childhood education professionals and administers the Child Development Associate® Credential™.

Dr. Calvin Moore, Jr., CEO, Council for Professional Recognition

Comedians

Jazz Superstars Shine on the 2024 Capital Jazz Festival

By Dwight Brown Entertainment/Travel Writer for DwightBrownInk. com and NNPA News Wire

The biggest, brightest jazz, smooth jazz and R&B stars come to Columbia Maryland every year to shine a light on the Capital Jazz Festival. That orbit has been a perennial alignment since 1993, when the fest was inaugurated. It happened again in 2024 when 20,000+ fans roamed through Symphony Woods Park, sitting in the roof-covered, 19,000+seat Merriweather Post Pavilion amphitheater or on the grass at the Symphony Woods stage. Everyone was stargazing. Anthony Hamilton started the parade of heavy-weight stars at the fest on Friday night June 7th. The kickoff show. The setup for the next two big weekend nights. Saturday June 8th the largest crowds gathered. The real party started.

On Symphony Stage cool acts abounded: House music queen CeCe Peniston, tenor extraordinaire El DeBarge, the sassy Joss Stone and the prolific singer/songwriter Babyface thrilled the audience. Over on the Pavilion Stage, the talent was even more stellar. The day culminated with the legendary jazz/fusion group Spyro Gyra, and its beautiful lament “The Unknown Soldier, an ode to the Tomb of the Unknown

Jazz Superstars Shine on the 2024 Capital Jazz Festival ...continued

the sound speakers to everyone in the darkened park. From the front rows all the way to the last seats on the far-off lawn. Clear voice, warm sound, he projected the song like a storyteller warning about love’s mishaps. “Weight of love on my shoulders. I thought that it would be easier than this. I found my heart had grown colder. But the warmth of your kiss, I can't dismiss.” The Grammywinning singer proved he was love’s messenger. Someone sent to mend broken hearts and kindle romances.

Sunday June 9th brought everyone together. Last night. Final songs. Long goodbyes.

The Symphony stage was alive and rocking with R&B artists like blue-eyed soul singer Jon B and the ladies’ man Raheem DeVaughn. He teased the women, danced with them, threw roses their way and stripped off his shirt during his final number, to great applause.

Over on the Pavilion stage, the night was even more electric. R&B heavyweight Leela James growled the blues and smooth jazz keyboardist Alex Bugnon blessed the evening with his interpretation of the George Benson staple “The World is a Ghetto,” originally recorded by the group War in 1972. Meshell Ndegeocello’s group brought a very ethereal, new wave R&B/jazz sound that was as refreshing and as it was spiritual. The rhythmic feel of her song “Virgo” was enchanting and inviting. “They're calling me, back to the stars (la, la). Deep out of space. I could see, I can hear you, I can touch, I could feel you…” She announced that her new album was dedicated to James Baldwin, one of her idols. It will be released August 2nd, on his birthday.

Every year the fest does a tribute. This time Marvin Gay was the honoree, and the Wayne Bruce band played his hits and featured vocalists sang his tunes. Will Downing crooned “What’s Going on.” Jazz pianist Bob James, former leader of the famed group Fourplay, reunited with El DeBarge for their classic rendition of “After the Dance.” DeBarge did double duty as he

teamed up with hitmaker Valerie Simpson on several duets, including “You’re All I Need to Get By.” Each song and each singer seemed to get better and better.

When Downing sang with backup singer Miss Monet on “If this World Were Mine,” it seemed like this tribute couldn’t get any more emotionally charged. Afterall, Monet is Gay’s goddaughter. But the next thrilling moment topped that. The duo Kindred the Family Soul crashed the party, grabbed the mic and rocked out to “Got to Give It Up.” Everyone was up on their feet dancing, swaying and shaking like they had something to shake. That’s when Marvin Gay’s spirit lit up the place.

When evening turned into night, the songbird Andra Day came out, introducing and singing songs from her latest LP, and of course she performed her iconic, inspirational tune “Rise Up.” Her softer tones set the mood for the very hip and cool Kem. If anyone in the fest epitomized a debonair, self-assured jazz vocalist, it was him. Love songs are his thing: “Love Calls.” “Lie to Me.” He sang, danced and exuded an overt sexuality that was very much in the spirit of Marvin Gay. Being a sexy singer, the way he does it, was a vision. He should patent his swag. It’s that good. And so, it came. And so, it went. Another Capital Jazz Festival that showcased the music industry’s top artists, who mesmerized thousands of music fans. Folks who gathered for the music, mingled with fellow jazz lovers and communed together in Symphony Woods Park. They partied ‘til the wee hours. Until the stage cleared, lights went out and just the moon and stars shined above.

Check out this clip of the incomparable Gregory Porter: https://www.facebook. com/100011065748818/ videos/1249786512660019/

For more info on the fest, click here: Capital Jazz Fest. Visit NNPA News Wire Travel Writer Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com

4th of July Fireworks at Universal Studios Hollywood

“Keep Dragging Your Feet – You Will Be Sorry!”

By Lou K. Coleman

Lou K. Coleman

For as David said in [1 Samuel 20:3] as surely as the Lord lives and you live, there is about one step between you and death. Why endanger yourself every hour? [1 Corinthians 15:30-31].

Repent and be converted. Don’t wait for the rebuke. Understand that the Lord is not slow in keeping His promises, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. [2 Peter 3:9]. What are you waiting for?

The Bible commands it, our wickedness demands it, justice requires it, Christ preached it, and God expects it. The divine, unalterable edict is still valid: God commands all people everywhere to repent.

Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it and find rest for your souls.

But they said, we will not walk in it. [Jeremiah 6:16]. Listen to the sound of the trumpet, but they said, we will not listen. [Jeremiah 6:17]. Therefore hear, you nations; you who are witnesses, observe what will happen to them. [Jeremiah 6:18]. I will bring calamity upon these people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not heartened unto My words, nor to My law, but rejected it. [Jeremiah 6:19].

The Tragedy of Willful Rejection of God's Word! They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore, great wrath came from the Lord of host: [Zechariah 7:12].

Keep Dragging Your Feet –You Will Be Sorry! Repent now before it’s too late! I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.

[Deuteronomy 30:19]

Anxious Summers

Trayce Potter

With summer vacation comes a temporary break from morning routines: the frenzy of getting children up, bookbags and lunches packed, sticky syrup faces and hands wiped down, the dreaded drop off and pickup school lines, homework, missing uniforms, and all the daily struggles that come with school and children. During these summer months, parents may be able to catch a few extra moments of sleep and can temporarily turn off the myriad notifications and reminders from school apps and email. All is well so it seems. However, a recent conversation with my rising second grader and then an administrator at their school highlighted a different reality. With summer break comes transition—the ending of what has been consistent and familiar for nine months to embrace something altogether different in the fall. As excited as we are about our children’s accomplishments and growth, we may miss the cues that they are having some fear about the upcoming change of grades.

is having a meltdown (because they are overstimulated with all the noise);

The child at church who can’t sit still (because they are used to movement in their Montessori classroom).

Soldier. Then the very eclectic and energetic duo Black Violin brought their high-energy string music to the fans.

The evening continued to crescendo when Lalah Hathaway started her set with her latest single “So in Love,” from a new album that drops June 14th. Her vocals were as silky and sultry as ever. Three songs into her performance, Hathaway welcomed headliner Gregory Porter to the stage, and they sang their famous 2016 jazz duet “Insanity.” His deep baritone/bass voice paired well with her contralto. Back and forth. Forth and back. They exchanged verses like lovers having a conversation set to music. With dulcet, romantic tones, they emoted the beauty of the tender love ballad Porter composed and wrote: “How did we ever lose our minds? And fall apart, knowing we're the only ones. To heal each other's hearts. Bring your love on back to me. Stop this insanity. Before we go too far.”

For the final act, Porter and his booming voice set the audience’s hearts aflame. Starting his set with his signature song “Holding On,” his voice echoed out over

CALENDAR LISTING: JULY 4, 2024

Universal Studios Hollywood Celebrates 4th of July With Elaborate Firework Displays, Live Performances and Themed Décor, All Included with Theme Park Admission

Visit Universal Studios Hollywood to Purchase Tickets

Location: Universal Studios Hollywood Date: Thursday, July 4

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. with 9:00 p.m. fireworks display

Overview: Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the 4th of July with a dazzling fireworks display, live performances, themed décor and more. All festivities are included in the price of theme park admission. Guests are invited to bring family and friends to celebrate Independence Day at Universal Studios Hollywood to experience the theme park’s slate of awardwinning lands, rides, and attractions, then transition to the rhythmic beats of a fife and drum band, festive décor and an exhilarating fireworks display beginning at 9:00 p.m.

More Information:www. UniversalStudiosHollywood. com

Children can feel anxious about their new teachers, the more challenging coursework and tests that lie ahead, and making new friends and finding their place in this new system, even if they are only moving up one grade.

This is a lot for children who are still developing and learning how to make sense of everything around them.

The CDC reports that approximately 9.4% of children aged 3–17 were diagnosed with anxiety for the time period of 2016–2019, while 4.4% were diagnosed with depression.

This translates to approximately 5.8 million and 2.7 million children, respectively. We also know that those numbers skyrocketed during and after Covid-19 and are only steadily rising as we monitor the longlasting effects of isolation, social media consumption, the economy, the political climate, and other stressors in our world.

These numbers highlight an important truth. Chances are, that on any given day, each of us has encountered one of these children, even if we don’t live with them.

The child in Target who is hiding in the clothes (because they are overwhelmed by all the people); The child at the restaurant who

These are the children that show up in our churches that all too often are labeled as disruptive because they can’t sit still, are disengaged because they are lost in their tablets and cellphones, or lazy because they aren’t showing up on Sunday mornings. So, how do we as parents and caregivers, clergy, volunteers, and just concerned people of faith offer support to the young people in our life? We must make space for grace and realize that our children have been through a lot, just as we have. One technique I use with my son when his anxiety is high is to use evidence-based facts to confront the overwhelming situation before him. If experience and facts point to a different reality, we can help steer him to see a different reality than the one in his head. Another technique we use throughout the year is scheduled downtime. It is easy to over-program and overcommit in this fast-paced society. So sometimes, we just say no. We make sure we have time to rest and just enjoy each other, our homes, and do nothing. Rest is a gift from God and more people should partake! A quick Google search will review all kinds of games and techniques to help children overcome anxious thoughts, but I encourage you to seek professional help through your child’s pediatrician, trained mental health professionals, and school administration for more serious support, when needed. As a parent and Director of the UCC National Office’s Love of Children program, I am passionate about highlighting the challenges and barriers that keep our children from living their most joyous and authentic lives. Over the coming months, we will be adding additional resources to help you navigate ministry with children and youth so both you and the young people in your lives feel seen and supported alike.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rev. Trayce Potter is the Minister for Children and Youth Engagement and the Director of Love of Children for the United Church of Christ.

Gregory Porter 2024 Capital Jazz Fest by Dwight Brown

Lalah Hathaway 2024 Capital Jazz Fest by Dwight Brown

El DeBarge and Valerie Simpson perform at Marvin Gay tribute

Audience at 2024 Capital Jazz Festival

Denny’s Invests $3.3 Million in Holistic Approach to Feeding People: Body, Mind and Soul with Launch of Nationwide Community Alliance

Denny’s Invests $3.3 Million in Holistic Approach to Feeding People: Body, Mind and Soul with Launch of Nationwide Community Alliance. Pictured (l-r): Kendra Bullock-Major, Executive Director, Orange Blossom Classic; Gail Sharps Myers, Denny’s Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer; Randy Brown, Denny’s Senior Manager, Business Diversity; Vice Mayor Reggie Leon, Miami Gardens; Michael Whitacre, Denny’s Director of Franchise Operations; Mayor Rodney Harris, Miami Gardens; Kelli Valade, Denny’s CEO and President; Brenda J. Lauderback, Chair, Board of Directors, Denny’s Inc.; Fasika Melaku-Peterson, Denny’s Senior Vice President, Chief Learning and Development Officer; David A. Armstrong, J.D. President, St. Thomas University; Nader Talebzadeh, Denny’s Director of International Operations; Dean Tarlika Nunez-Navarro, Benjamin L. Crump College of Law; Benjamin L. Crump; Sylvia Pérez Cash, Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer, HACR; April Kelly-Drummond, Denny’s Vice President, Chief Inclusion and Community Engagement Officer; Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP

Kickoff Includes Signing of Alliance with 14 Partners including NAACP, HACR and the St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law, and Scholarship Presentation

SPARTANBURG, S.C., June

2024 – Denny’s (NASDAQ: DENN), America’s diner, announced today that it is elevating its decadeslong commitment to communities nationwide by forming an alliance with 14 influential civic and educational organizations. The alliance is central to the brand’s Community initiative. Denny’s groundwork for the Community initiative began over three decades ago when the company partnered with the NAACP, HACR, and 24 diverse civil

rights organizations and nonprofit groups to drive positive change in the communities it serves. These efforts include over $2 billion in investments in diverse-owned businesses and donations exceeding $2.5 million in scholarships. Denny’s unwavering commitment to nurturing its workforce and addressing societal concerns takes a monumental leap forward with the launch of Community. To amplify its dedication to

Denny’s Invests $3.3 Million in Holistic Approach to Feeding People: Body, Mind and Soul with Launch of Nationwide Community Alliance..continued

feeding people: body, mind, and soul, Denny’s launched Community, a collaborative initiative dedicated to social change and forging strong alliances with trailblazing advocates, globally recognized civil rights leaders, and influential community and civic organizations representing historically marginalized communities. Denny’s will center its efforts around five key pillars: human and civil rights, business diversity, education, community involvement, and the cultivation of an inclusive leadership pipeline, in collaboration with its national and community partners.

The Denny’s Community initiative is a five-year partnership with organizations including: the St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), League of Latin American Citizens, NAACP, National Urban League, National Action Network, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, and more.

Under the Community banner, Denny’s will allocate a total of $3.3 million for a multi-year commitment to its partners and support organizations to deploy local initiatives in cities and towns across the nation. These efforts include serving hot meals to underserved neighborhoods and groups via the Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner (MRD), which operates as a fully functional kitchen on wheels and travels across the nation, enhancing charitable giving programs, natural disasters, and emergency relief efforts.

Another key pillar in the Community initiative is promoting business diversity. Denny’s is partnering with the National Minority Supplier Development Council, US Pan Asian Chamber of Commerce, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, National Veteran Business Development Council, United States

Fearlessness.

This is what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s.

It’s not easy to accept that nearly two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s are women, including Black women.

But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, like monitoring Type 2 diabetes and lowering blood pressure.

Because you have what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s. Talk to your health care provider about signs, screening and early detection.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Disability:IN.

The official launch of Denny’s Community Alliance took place at a press conference at the St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law. Denny’s CEO and President Kelli Valade signed the Community Alliance agreement and presented a $500,000 scholarship gift from Denny’s to the College of Law in support of its commitment to social justice, with further programs and activities unfolding nationwide with the Denny’s Community partner organizations.

Leaders of the coalition who attended the announcement include Benjamin L. Crump, St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law; Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP; and Sylvia Pérez Cash, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Hispanic Association of Corporate Responsibility (HACR).

“With the establishment of Denny’s Community initiative, we are continuing our work to connect with our guests and others in our communities,” said Valade. “Our partners are the embodiment of service and how to prioritize equity. We are honored to create this alliance that will impact and address challenges facing our society while breaking barriers to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world for all.”

BlackPressUSA.com - 47 Million Americans. 1 Voice.

“We are grateful for corporations like Denny’s that recognize the vital importance of unity,” said Benjamin L. Crump. “We are honored to collaborate with leaders in this new alliance and are grateful to Denny’s for the scholarship support, which will help educate the social justice leaders of tomorrow, keeping the mission of equity and justice alive for decades to come.”

“The NAACP has been proud to partner with Denny’s for the last three decades, working collectively towards a more diverse corporate America,” said Derrick Johnson,

President & CEO, NAACP. “The Community initiative is a crucial investment in those who have invested in the growth and success of the Denny’s brand. We are excited to continue this journey together, executing the vision of a more equitable and just society for all.”

“HACR is honored to enter a new phase of our decades-long partnership with Denny’s as part of Denny’s Community Alliance,” said HACR President and CEO, Cid Wilson. “Their multi-year investment is invaluable as we intensify our efforts to advance Hispanic inclusion. We recognize that real change requires sustained effort and are grateful to collaborate with a company, and peer advocacy organizations, that share our long-term commitment and unwavering focus. Our thanks to the leadership at Denny’s, for their steadfast commitment to Hispanic inclusion and overall DEI, including Kelli Valade, Board Chair Brenda Lauderback, board member and former CEO John Miller, and April Kelly-Drummond.”

Denny’s April Kelly-Drummond, vice president and Chief Inclusion and Community Engagement Officer: “Bottom line: we are committed to serving communities everywhere – and all are welcome. We are proud to embark on this ambitious Community journey with our esteemed colleagues and partners to address social injustice in

the restaurant industry and beyond, as well as create equitable access and opportunities for all particularly in the areas of education and economic empowerment.”

“For nearly 65 years, St. Thomas University (STU) has educated a diversity of national, local, and international students, helping them become ethical leaders for our global community,” said STU President David A. Armstrong, J.D. “Today, the university recognizes Denny’s efforts to promote human and civil rights, education, and community involvement. We thank Denny’s for their generous contribution to fund scholarships at the Benjamin L. Crump College of Law and its Center for Social Justice, which are training the world’s future servant leaders.” St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law is one of America’s fastest growing and most diverse law schools, with a 71% enrollment increase since 2018 and over 300 incoming students expected in fall 2024. Black and Hispanic students make up roughly three-quarters of STU’s nearly 6,500 overall enrollment and that of the law school, which recently earned the second-highest bar passage rate in Florida. For more information on Denny’s Community campaign and DE&I efforts, please visit http://www. dennys.com.

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