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AMERICAN

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

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

October 7, 2021 Thursday Edition

Volume 52 No. 25 Mailing: P.O. Box 837, Victorville, CA 92393

Office: (909) 889-7677

Email: Mary @Sb-American.com

Website: www.SB-American.com

Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them and these will continue till they have resisted either with words or blows or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance those of whom they suppress. —Fredrick Douglass (1849)

Help Find Daniel Robinson: Search continues for Missing Geologist, 24

By Dee Ford Byas, The Arizona Informant Newspaper

Op-Ed: Successful Black AmericanOwned Business Leaders Unfairly Targeted

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

Those of us in America’s Black press are fully aware of the double standards and the racial stereotyping that cast unfair dispersions on Black entrepreneurs who dare to strive to own legitimate multi-milliondollar businesses.

The family is steadfast in efforts to find their loved one and get the truth about what happened, causing Daniel Robinson’s prolonged disappearance.

A $10,000 reward is offered for any information on the whereabouts of Daniel Robinson, 24, who went missing more than two months ago from a remote Buckeye, Arizona, worksite.

The Arizona Informant received exclusive details regarding the status of search efforts to locate the young geologist who was last seen leaving his job site near Sun Valley and Cactus Road on June 23.

From having allegedly walked off the job and not showing up to having “walked off naked into the desert and joined a monastery to become a monk,” the family is steadfast in efforts to find their loved one and get the truth about what happened, causing Daniel Robinson’s prolonged disappearance.

As of September 30, there were no further updates available from the Buckeye Police Department, according to Zachary Astrup, a sergeant and patrol/bike squad member. The organization issued a second press release on July 21, after the department was notified of Daniel’s jeep discovered by a rancher on his property about four miles southwest of the job site where he was last seen.

His jeep, reportedly discovered in a ravine, had rolled, and landed on its side with its airbags deployed.

Reports indicated that he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. His personal effects including clothes, cell phone, wallet, and keys were recovered at the scene, according to the report.

Detectives allegedly conducted a ground search by foot with help from the Department of Public Safety’s Ranger helicopter, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the search and rescue dogs. However, the search was said to have come up “empty.”

Detectives reportedly continue to analyze evidence from his vehicle and reevaluate further searches

but as of this point, “no foul play is suspected,” the report noted.

“Once the police department received the initial report, the case was investigated as a missing person immediately.

At this time, no facts or evidence have been presented that indicate any foul play. The Buckeye Police Department used all available resources to include off-road vehicles, police helicopters, searches on foot, and the civil air patrol to help search a large area,” Astrup said.

Unsurprised that there was no updated information from the Buckeye police about the case, the family has sought its own private investigator to proceed with exhausting all efforts and resources to search for the missing geologist.

The father, David Robinson II, has taken the helms of locating his son. He recounts receiving a call from his daughter, who lives in Phoenix, on June 23, alerting him in South Carolina that Daniel was missing; she was informed by one of Daniel’s coworkers.

“Naturally, Davisha was very worried, and so was I about his whereabouts. However, since Daniel usually calls his family when he decides to take a trip, I was not too alarmed until I found that it was more than six hours since anyone has heard from him,” said the father, noting how “perturbed” he became with no word from his son.

Unable to search for him from South Carolina, he called Daniel’s job for information with no success in finding him. Then, he called the Tempe Arizona Police Department to file a missing person report but was directed to the Buckeye Police Department since that would be the right precinct for the area where Daniel was last seen.

“After contacting the Buckeye Police Department, the next two days of trying to pull their

teeth to go out and look for my son proved to me that I had to leave immediately from my home and search for Daniel myself. The Buckeye Police Department showed no interest in searching for my son,” he said.

“Instead, they quickly adopted a theory that my son decided to abandon his family and friends.

On a couple of occasions, the Buckeye Police suggested that my son may [has] joined a monastery and became a monk.

It was offensive to me, and it motivated me even more than I was; all ready to do whatever I had to do to find my son.”

He constantly contacted the Buckeye Police Department and Daniel’s job, Matrix for all the information he could get as he traveled.

“I did everything that I could to put pressure on the police department to go out and search for him. Unfortunately, it took pressure from my auntie in Philadelphia to get them to get a helicopter almost a week later. It was another sign that the Buckeye Police Department didn’t take my son’s disappearance seriously,” he said.

The father added how he was even told by Buckeye police that they “couldn’t do much because my son is a grown man,” so he took matters in his own hands, he said, interviewing the last person who saw his son.

“I needed to look that person in the eyes who said that my son got into his jeep and drove off into the desert and vanished. I had to find a way to get into that desert, find that worksite and see for myself,” said the father.

He described how he kept going to the gate with binoculars on Sun Valley Parkway in Buckeye and decided to “get in there one way or another because something, everything that was

being told to me about my son’s disappearance, was not adding up.” “ T he Buckeye Pol ice Department had started searching over a week after my son went missing and said nothing was found each time. I became frustrated and tired with the police department’s lack of enthusiasm, so I created my search. Finally, I started a search with hard work and meeting the right people,” he said.

During that search, he said, about five “remains of other people in the desert” were recovered. “The remains of people were found in areas where the Buckeye Police Department told me they searched for my son but have not found these themselves.

I have deep doubt that Buckeye did one thorough search for my son. If so, why didn’t they find the remains? Because of my lack of trust in the Buckeye Police Department, I decided I need my investigator on the search,” he said.

“After checking with detectives, I am aware of one set or partial human remains that has been recovered. If there were any additional remains recovered, it may not have been within the jurisdiction of the Buckeye Police Department. The remains that were discovered are pending identification by the Office of the Medical Examiner,” said Astr up when asked about the discovered remains.

An investigator came onboard and uncovered evidence the Buckeye Police Department did not, said David Robinson II, adding some evidence came from the Buckeye Police Department’s report, but “unfortunately, they either didn’t know how to read their data or didn’t care to read it correctly.” “ T he Buckeye Pol ice Department refuses to look at continued on page 6

There is an old African proverb that captures one of the challenges that too many financially successful Black-owned business leaders face today in America.

That proverb is “Your earned riches may engender envy and jealous criticism but be not dismayed by the foolishness of the envious.”

Across the nation as business owners are attempting to recover from the COVID-19 global pandemic, African American business leaders who are defying the odds with their financial success are often targeted by “mainstream media” and others who summarily and unfairly castigate Black business leaders’ economic achievements. Is this syndrome racially motivated?

The simple answer is “Yes.” Former Congressman and past leader of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), The Honorable Parren J. Mitchell (D-MD), 19222007, once said in defense of Black business leaders, “There is a national systematic campaign to unfairly subjugate and to prevent the financial success of Black American businesses.”

It appears that business leaders from communities of color in the United States are being held to a different standard of business practice, ethics, and regulation.

Such is the case, I believe, with respect to Jack Brown III who was recently targeted for business practice criticisms by the New York Times because of what they state are personal financial profits that Mr. Brown has earned as result of his businesses providing shelters to New York City’s homeless.

The Times emphasized, “Since 2017, as homelessness has risen to record levels, the city has awarded more than $352 million to a nonprofit run by Mr. Brown to operate shelters. The money is meant to help homeless people regain their footing in life, but it has benefited Mr. Brown, too.”

Is the Times implying that there is something wrong or unethical for earning a financial profit from ones work and business? Brown’s CORE Services companies — non-profits and for-profits — have worked effectively in continued on page3

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

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

The San Bernardino AMERICAN News subscription rate is $59.00 per year.

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

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

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

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Page 2

COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/ADVERTISING

California Becomes First State in Nation to Announce COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Schools

After implementing first-in-the-nation school masking and staff vaccination measures, California becomes the first state to announce plans to require student vaccinations – adding the COVID-19 vaccine to list of vaccinations required for school, such as the vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella Students will be required to be vaccinated for in person learning starting the term following FDA full approval of the vaccine for their grade span (7-12 and K-6).

SBCUSD Scheduled For NonStudent Days On October 8 and 11 Community/Education News

Community/ Education News

California announces plans to add COVID-19 vaccine to list of required school vaccinations SAN FRANCISCO – At a school in San Francisco, Governor Newsom announced plans to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of vaccinations required to attend school in-person when the vaccine receives full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for middle and high school grades, making California the first state in the nation to announce such a measure. Following the other first-in-the-nation school masking and staff vaccination measures, Governor Newsom announced the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for in-person school attendance— just like vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella and more.

“The state already requires that students are vaccinated against viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella – there’s no reason why we wouldn’t do the same for COVID-19. Today’s measure, just like our first-inthe-nation school masking and staff vaccination requirements,

is about protecting our children and school staff, and keeping them in the classroom,” said Governor Newsom. “Vaccines work. It’s why California leads the country in preventing school closures and has the lowest case rates. We encourage other states to follow our lead to keep our kids safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

California announces plans to add COVID-19 vaccine to list of required school vaccinations Thanks to the state’s bold public health measures, California continues to maintain the lowest case rate in the entire country and is one of only two states to have advanced out of the CDC's 'high' COVID transmission category.

More information about the announcement can be found here.

The vast majority of school districts have reported that over 95% of students have returned to in-person instruction this school year, as can be seen on the state’s Student Supports &

Study Finds Black Women Murdered by Men Are Nearly Always Killed by Someone They Know, Most Commonly with a Gun Annual Violence Policy Center study ranks the states by the rate of females killed by males in advance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October Community /Education News

Washington, DC — Nine out of 10 Black women murdered by men are killed by someone they know, most often with a gun, according to the new Violence Policy Center (VPC) study When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2019 Homicide Data.

Each year the VPC releases this report in advance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. The study uses 2019 data, the most recent year for which information is available. The study covers homicides involving one female murder victim and one male offender using data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Supplementary Homicide Report.

The study found that in 2019, 501 Black females were murdered by males in single victim/single offender incidents, at a rate of 2.34 per 100,000. In comparison, the rate for white women murdered by males for that year was 0.99 per 100,000. Nationwide, across all races, 1,795 females were murdered by males in single victim/single offender incidents in 2019, at a rate of 1.18 per 100,000.

Firearms, especially handguns, were the most common weapons used by males to murder Black females. When the murder

weapon could be identified, 70 percent of Black female victims were shot and killed with guns.

Within that group, 65 percent were killed with a handgun.

VPC Legislative Director Kristen Rand states, “Lethal violence against women, and in particular intimate partner homicide, is a national crisis with a particularly devastating impact on Black women.”

Additional findings from the report relating to Black females murdered by males include: Compared to a Black male, a Black female is far more likely to be killed by her spouse, an intimate acquaintance, or a family member than by a stranger.

Where the relationship could be determined, 91 percent of Black females killed by males in single victim/single offender incidents knew their killers. Of the Black victims who knew their offenders, 60 percent were wives, commonlaw wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. More than nine times as many Black females were murdered by a male they knew than were killed by male strangers.

The vast majority of homicides continued in next 2 columns

In-Person Dashboard. Thanks to unprecedented resources and public health measures (measures shown to be highly effective), California is leading national trends in preventing school closures and keeping kids in classrooms, accounting for only 14 out of over 2,000 school closures nationwide, or roughly 0.7% – despite the fact that California educates an estimated 12% of the nation’s public school students. If California’s rates had aligned with national trends, the state would have seen upwards of 240 school closures.

In order to further protect students and staff and continue supporting a safe return to in-person instruction for all students, the Governor directed the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to follow the procedures established by the Legislature to add the COVID-19 vaccine to other vaccinations required for in-person school attendance—such as measles, mumps, and rubella—pursuant to the Health and Safety Code.

COVID-19 vaccine requirements will be phased-in by grade span, which will also promote smoother implementation.

Upon full FDA approval of age groups within a grade span, CDPH will consider the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians prior to implementing a requirement.

Following existing statute, full approval of ages 12+ corresponds to grades 7-12, and full approval of ages 5-11 corresponds to grades K-6. Students who are under the age of full approval, but within the grade span, will be required to be vaccinated once they reach the age of full approval (with a reasonable period of time to receive both doses), consistent with existing procedures for other vaccines. The requirement will take effect at the start of the term following full approval of that grade span, to be defined as January 1st or July 1st, whichever comes first. Based on current information, the requirement is expected to apply to grades 7-12 starting on July 1, 2022. However, local health jurisdictions and local education agencies are encouraged to implement requirements ahead of a statewide requirement based on their local circumstances.

Governor Newsom’s historic $123.9 billion Pre-K and K-12 education package is providing an unprecedented level of school and student funding to transform the state’s public schools into gateways of equity and opportunity, supporting the potential of every California student by: achieving universal transitional kindergarten for fouryear-olds by 2025, expanding af terschool and sum mer programs, providing universal free school nutrition, increasing the number of well-prepared staff per pupil, creating full-service community schools to support the mental and social-emotional well-being of students, and more.

Study Finds Black Women Murdered by Men Are Nearly Always Killed by Someone They Know, Most Commonly with a Gun...continued of Black females murdered by males were not related to any other felony crime. Most often, Black females were killed by males in the course of an argument. In cases where the circumstances could be identified, 89 percent were not related to the commission of any other felony.

The number of Black females shot and killed by their husband or intimate acquaintance was nearly four times as high as the total number murdered by male strangers using all weapons combined.

In 2019, Black females accounted for 14 percent of the female population in the United States, while 28 percent of the females killed by males in single victim/single offender incidents where the race of the victim was known were Black.

The study also ranks each state based on the homicide rate for women across all races killed by men. Below are the states with the 10 highest rates

of females of all races murdered by males in single victim/single offender incidents in 2019.

The study calculates the rate of women murdered by men by dividing the total number of females murdered by males in single victim/single offender incidents by the total female population and multiplying the result by 100,000. The rate of Black women murdered by men is calculated by dividing the total number of Black females murdered by males by the total Black female population and multiplying the result by 100,000. This is the standard and accepted method of comparing fatal levels of gun violence.

To view the full report, please visit http://vpc.org/ s t u d i e s / w m m w 2 0 21. p d f . *** The Violence Policy Center is a national educational organization working to stop gun death and injury. Follow the VPC on Twitter and Facebook.

Educators Continue to Support Efforts for All Eligible Students and Staff to be Vaccinated Community /Education News

BURLINGAME — California Teachers Association President E. Toby Boyd issued the following statement in support of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide school vaccine mandate:

“Teaching and learning are most effective in person, and the COVID-19 vaccine is a proven measure to prevent life threatening continued in next 2 columns

No School for SBCUSD Students on October 8 and 11, 2021 Friday, October 8 and Monday, October 11, 2021, are non-school days for all San Bernardino City Unified School District students, excluding Middle College High School and Inland Career Education Center (ICEC) students.

Teachers will not be holding in-person or distance learning lessons during those days, and students are encouraged to take a break from their tech devices for at least a few hours each day. October 8 and 11 provide students opportunities to read a

book for fun, enjoy a walk or other outdoor physical activity, or visit a museum. Students may still be required to complete homework assignments during the time off.

M idd le Col lege H ig h School students follow the San Bernardino Valley College schedule and are expected to attend class on both October 8 and 11. ICEC students are in session on Friday, October 8 but are off on Monday, October 11, 2021.

All students return to school on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.

Educators Continue to Support Efforts for All Eligible Students and Staff to be Vaccinated...continued illness, keeping schools safe and open for in-person instruction, and will get us closer to being able to put this devastating pandemic behind us. Since the beginning, CTA has called for access to vaccines, testing and multi-layered safety measures in order to be reunited with our students in our classrooms.

As the science advances and COVID vaccines are approved for younger students, this is the next step toward ensuring the health and safety of our schools and communities consistent with other vaccine requirements in schools.

While recognizing the need for medical and religious exemptions, we believe vaccinations are key for both student and educator safety, keeping our schools

open for in-person instruction and for combating this pandemic. Ninety percent of CTA members are vaccinated, and an overwhelming majority supports a vaccine mandate for students and staff. Several California school districts have already worked with educators and families in announcing vaccine mandates and will not be impacted by this new order.

Phasing in the implementation timeline will allow local districts to prepare with families and educators and offer schools a vaccination site. Working together we can and will beat the deadly coronavirus that has claimed nearly 70,000 Californians and 700,000 lives in the U.S.”

Community Workshop invites public to discuss potential funding, renovations at Yucaipa Regional Park Community /Education News

San Bernardino County Regional Parks Department and the City of Yucaipa invite residents, the park community and all stakeholders to attend an informational workshop on potential renovations on the swim complex and trails at Yucaipa Regional Park.

As part of the Prop. 68 Regional Parks funding program, a grant will be submitted in November for possible funding up to $3 million in the spring of 2022. A survey will be available online at parks.sbcounty.gov/park/yucaiparegional-park beginning Oct. 4 through Oct. 11 for additional input by the community.

This information meeting will provide a roundtable for ideas and discussion as the grant process moves forward. This will be a great opportunity for the community to participate and provide feedback on this potential project at Yucaipa Regional Park.

The in-person workshop will be held on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021 at 6

p.m. at the Yucaipa Community Center, 34272 Yucaipa Blvd.

For more infor mation, please cont act Casey McPheron or Todd Gutjahr at: • Casey McPheron, Administrative Supervisor, San Ber nardino Cou nt y Regional Parks Department 909-387-2757 or parks@ p a r k s . s b c o u nt y.gov • Todd Gutjahr, Public Works Analyst, City of Yucaipa 909-797-2489 Ext. 289 or tg ut ja h r@y ucaipa.org COVID-19 Self-Attestation County Guidelines Individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 may be exempted from a wearing face covering for this workshop.

For those who are unvaccinated, face coverings will be required.

No social distancing is required regardless of vaccination status.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Page 3

STATE/GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS

Black Biz Owners Push for Equal Access to Trillions in Upcoming Fed Spending Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Credit: Shutterstock Black-owned businesses in California and around the country are closely watching as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi decides when she has enough support from the congressional Democratic caucus to call a vote on the $1.2 trillion bipartisan federal infrastructure spending bill.

Dubbed the “American Jobs Plan” by the Biden administration, the spending bill finances construction projects, airports, roads, bridges, education initiatives, and more. As a component of Biden’s broader “Build Back Better plan,” the legislation includes spending to combat climate change and support expanding the country’s social service and safety net programs for lower income families.

The infrastructure bill is expected to expand opportunities for small businesses, including minority-owned ones, who procure contracts to implement various parts plan, hopefully accelerating racial equity, minority business owners say.

Some Black business owners are concerned that, as has often been the case with large government spending programs, they will be overlooked.

“Here is an opportunity for Black businesses to profit from unprecedented taxpayer spending that will help build all of our communities across America. But

we also know, from the past, that inclusion of Black-owned and other minority-owned businesses is not always automatic in situations like this,” said Gene Hale, President of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce.

“Even informing us that these opportunities exist – letting us know how we can grow and secure our businesses – is never a priority,” added Hale. “That has to change.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-37) said the infrastructure plan reflects the agenda that helped Democrats reclaim the White House.

“The needs in our communities, especially for Black and Brown people, are too great to be put on hold,” said Lee in a statement issued on Sept. 22. “This is an opportunity for Democrats to be unified in our goal of realizing the vision and promise of this nation.”

United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves said the financial investment by the federal government is “historic in nature” and should allow California Black businesses to utilize goods and services represented the plan’s vision.

“It’s making sure that Blackowned businesses have the opportunities, that for decades, missed out on,” Graves told California Black Media in a oneon-one interview by telephone.

“We’re going to make certain that Black businesses have a seat at

the table because the President has required that every agency have a plan for how Black businesses are going to be included in every single investment decision.”

The Senate passed the infrastructure bill on Aug. 10 and a budget reconciliation bill that calls for an additional $3.5 trillion more in spending is being debated. Now the House of Representatives has to approve the legislation and forward it to Biden for his signature.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12) has yet to set a date for a floor vote on the bill as a battle continues between liberal and moderate Democrats on the package’s price tag.

“Let’s be clear: for months, progressives have been open, honest, and transparent with House leadership and the administration about our focus on passing both bills,” Lee stated.

“We all proudly support the President’s entire Build Back Better package, which is why, from the inception of these negotiations, my colleagues and I advocated for the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework alongside the re c onci l iat ion pa ck age.”

The Senate infrastructure bill includes an amendment that would allow the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to become a permanent fixture of the federal government.

The amendment will expand the agency’s ability to open regional offices and rural business centers. The outreach facilities would be managed through historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs), according to the office of Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, who co-sponsored the measure with Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.

Minority business owners h ave h ist or ical ly be e n systematically excluded from securing often lucrative federal contracts for infrastructure work, such as building bridges and highways, Graves said.

According to a 2016 MBDA report, public contracting data indicated that disparities exist in contracting activity between minority and nonminority business enterprises.

Specifically, the report revealed that minority business enterprises (MBEs) typically secure a lower number and dollar amount of contracts in proportion to the number of MBEs that are available in the marketplace to bid on and perform contract work.

Graves told CBM as the federal government “deploys” inf rast r uct ure f unding the old way of bidding on contracts will be eliminated. “(MBDA) is the single agency across the federal government that is focused solely on supporting the growth and long-term success of minority businesses,” Graves said. “(MBDA) is working with every single federal agency to make sure that as we deploy these dollars, make these investments, minority businesses are right there at the table.”

Under the guidance of Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Graves is tasked with administering increased job opportunities, establishing economic policies to shore up small businesses and train workers for in-demand jobs. continued on page 7

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Commits $922 Million to Advance Global Nutrition to Help Women and Children

By BlackPressUSA

World hunger spiked in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent data estimates that around one-tenth of the global population, or 811 million people, were undernourished last year, and 3 billion people lacked access to healthy diets, largely due to lack of affordability.

(Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) The foundation’s largest nutrition commitment to date comes as malnutrition rates are rising while foreign aid levels are decreasing NEW YORK — The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced a commitment of $922 million over the next five years to address global nutrition and advance its mission that all women and children have the nutrition they need to live healthy and productive lives. The pledge, delivered at the first-ever United Nations Food Systems Summit, is the foundation’s largest nutrition commitment to date.

“Nutrition is fundamental to better health, and to an equitable COVID recovery. Yet both malnutrition rates and aid levels are moving in the wrong direction,” said Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation. “This funding will help more people around the world get the nutrition they need to live a healthy life, and we hope it serves as an invitation for more donors, foundations, governments,

and private-sector leaders to build on today’s investment with more bold commitments.”

“We will continue to prioritize and invest in nutrition because it is critical to reducing preventable deaths, improving maternal and child health and building resilience for the future,” said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation. “While malnutrition accounts for nearly half of all child deaths, it still receives less than one percent of foreign aid—a trend that must change.”

World hunger spiked in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data estimates that around one-tenth of the global population, or 811 million people, were undernourished last year, and 3 billion people lacked access to healthy diets, largely due to lack of affordability. Undernutrition remains the underlying cause of nearly half of all child deaths, and the world is currently not on track to achieve targets for any nutrition indicators by 2030.

The estimated cost of malnutrition on the global economy could be as high as US $3.5 trillion per year, yet global

nutrition continues to be an underinvested area of health and development, accounting for less than 1% of global foreign aid. National budget allocations in high-burden countries are similarly low. Yet, addressing malnutrition is one of the smartest investments governments and donors can make in the health and economic prosperity of people and nations, with every $1 invested in nutrition returning $16 back into the local economy.

The $922 million commitment over the next five years will advance the foundation’s systems approach, prioritizing efforts across food, health, and social protection systems to reach the most vulnerable. The foundation will continue to invest in proven approaches to improve nutrition for the world’s most vulnerable, including a focus on the 1,000-day window of opportunity—from conception through age 2. Nutrition is now prioritized through four key foundation portfolios: Fo r t i f y i ng c o m m o n ly continued in next 2 columns

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Commits $922 Million to Advance Global Nutrition to Help Women and Children...continued consumed foods with vitamins and minerals: Food fortification— adding safe levels of essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods such as salt, flour, and cooking oil—is one of the most scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective ways to reduce malnutrition worldwide, but it has yet to reach its full potential. The foundation will deepen its engagement in large-scale food fortification by investing in solutions to produce actionable data; delivering high-quality technical support to millers and food producers; achieving innovations in the types and level of vitamins and minerals that can be delivered through staple foods; increasing industry self-monitoring and transparency; and promoting the adoption of more and better standards for large-scale food fortification.

Nutritious food systems: This portfolio aims to increase equitable consumption of safe, affordable, nutritious diets year-round through evidence-driven food systems and agricultural programs and policies. Priority areas include increasing availability and use of dietary data for program design and evaluation; improving evidence for how agricultural programs can positively impact nutrition; providing technical assistance for the design and implementation of evidencedriven and gender-responsive food systems programs and policies; and improving food safety.

Maternal, infant, and young child nutrition: Poor maternal nutrition is a major driver of maternal mortality and newborn and infant mortality and is a historically underfunded area. This portfolio explores how to provide the right nutritional support to the most vulnerable populations, including pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young children who are malnourished.

This involves developing evidence on how to deliver high-impact interventions and new innovations th rough health ser vices, social protection systems, and community-based platforms.

Research and innovation to identify new approaches and interventions: This portfolio

focuses on research and product development to identify solutions to optimize maternal health and nutrition and support the physical growth and neurodevelopment of young children. Priority areas include developing new approaches to anemia prevention and treatment and research to inform next-generation nutritional products during pregnancy and lactation, such as multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) and balanced energy and protein (BEP) supplementation.

Together, these strategies aim to address the unique role that health, food, and social protection systems can play in delivering both the food and the care that people need to live healthy and productive lives.

Accelerated investments in nutrition, food systems, and health systems must be a pillar of both the immediate and longer-term phases of the COVID-19 response. Recent impact modeling data predicts that without immediate action, there will be an additional 283,000 malnutrition-related deaths in children under 5 over the next three years, and 13.6 million more children under 5 will be wasted (underweight for their height) over the same period. As a result, we stand to lose a decade or more of progress on nutrition.

“With just nine years left to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, good nutrition is a driver of every global goal,” said Chris Elias, president of the Global Delivery Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“That’s why improved nutrition has always been a goal of our foundation and will continue to be.”

The UN Food Systems Summit and the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit are working collaboratively to advance solutions across systems with mutual recognition that malnutrition in all its forms is one of the biggest challenges we face to ensuring optimal health, resilience, and prosperity for all. N4G mobilization efforts have generated unprecedented and impactful commitments to improve global nutrition, but billions more are needed to put the world on track to meet global goals.

Op-Ed: Successful Black American-Owned Business Leaders Unfairly Targeted...continued from page 1 New York for over a decade.

Both nonprofits and for-profits have to be run as successful businesses in order to be sustainable. Jack Brown has been a national leader in multiple Blackowned businesses not only in NYC, but also in other cities he has been effective in providing much need services to the homeless and to people “returning” back to society after prison incarceration.

Investigative journalism has its rightful and respected space in our democracy. But it should always be balanced and nonracially prejudicial. The Times piece on Jack Brown was full of unsubstantiated innuendo and one-sided repor ting.

Those of us in America’s Black press are fully aware of the double standards and the racial stereotyping that cast unfair dispersions on Black entrepreneurs who dare to strive to own legitimate multimillion-dollar businesses.

After the Times feature on Brown was published, Rudy

Giuliani, who is well known for his unprincipled attacks on African American leaders, joined in the chorus against Jack Brown.

I conclude w it h t he following tweet that I posted: “It is questionable to see Rudy Giuliani and the NY Times aligned. But today the Times published an innuendo-filled story targeting successful Blackowned business leader, Jack Brown, who Rudy Giuliani then calls Brown a ‘poverty pimp.’

Sadly, Former President Trump, Giuliani, some in the NY Times, and many others take the position that there are limits and ceilings both politically and economically across the nation that are categorically prescribed by race. We do not agree. We will not submit. The unfair targeting of Black business leaders must be stopped in America.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Page 4

LIFESTYLE/SPORTS/ENTERTAINMENT/RELIGION

No Time to Die

“Now Consider This, You Who Forget God...

Or I Will Tear You in Pieces, With No One to Rescue You.”...continued

By Dwight Brown NNPA News Wire Film Critic

It’s a farewell. An elongated sendoff James Bond fans will instinctively desire. And they should. As should any action film enthusiast who likes a dash of style mixed in with their adrenaline-rush martini.

James Bond (Daniel Craig) has retired from the game and MI6. He is not happy when his buddy CIA agent Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) shows up in Jamaica beseeching him to find a missing Russian scientist (David Dencik) who may have created a bioweapon that could now be in the wrong hands.

It’s a request the old 007 wants

to refuse. A sojourn that could bring him too close to his destiny.

Four heads brainstormed and created the premise and script that takes the most iconic secret agent in movie history on a doozy of a journey: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and writer/director Cary Joji Fukunaga. Working from their blueprint, Fukunaga (Beasts of No Nation, True Detective) masterfully directs the brilliant cast and an ultra-stellar tech crew through their paces until he has fashioned a 2hr 43min polished action/espionage/thriller that

crescendos and crescendos until the audience is drained dry.

There will be debates for a lifetime about the “best” James Bond. What won’t be in that testy conversation is who was the most skilled actor and athlete. That would be Daniel Craig. His air of sophistication, lack of chauvinism and sensitive interactions with the new era of Bond women will leave him on a throne that few can approach.

Bond’s cavorting and rescue attempts are helped immensely by the leading women: Léa Seydoux as a love interest, Lashana Lynch the new 007, Naomie Harris the ever-ready Moneypenny and Ana de Armas a fellow agent.

Lifestyle News BIG BEAR, Calif. – The American Beverage Association, in partnership with The Recycling Partnership, announced today the Big Bear City Community Services District will be the next recipient of a grant-funded investment made possible by the beverage industry’s Every Bottle Back initiative. The $166,000 investment will provide 12,000 households with free, lidded curbside carts that will increase the capacity of recyclables collected, improve recycling rates and help prevent plastic waste from ending up in Big Bear’s scenic environment.

Spearheaded by the American Beverage Association, Every Bottle Back is a groundbreaking initiative by The Coca-Cola Company, Keurig Dr Pepper and PepsiCo to reduce the beverage industry’s plastic footprint by getting back more of the industry’s recyclable plastic bottles to be remade into new bottles, as intended.

“We’re thrilled to be working with our partners to help Big Bear improve its recycling system to capture more of our recyclable bottles,” said Katherine Lugar, President and CEO of the American Beverage Association.

“This investment will help close the loop on our bottles and create a more circular economy for recycled materials throughout the region.”

This Every Bottle Back investment will also provide educational materials to residents to cut down on contamination

in the recycling stream and support improvements to the existing transfer station. This allows the region to accumulate and efficiently ship recyclables to Burrtec, a materials recovery facility (MRF) in San Bernardino County, helping to create a strong local market for recycled plastics.

“The goal of California’s beverage companies is to build an efficient closed loop recycling system,” said Rick Rivas, Vice President - California at the American Beverage Association.

“Through Every Bottle Back, we’re increasing the amount of bottles collected which allows us to use more recycled content and preserve the environment for generations to come.”

This investment is estimated to yield 33 million new pounds of recyclables over 10 years including 1.3 million pounds of PET used to make beverage bottles.

On the heels of its West Coast Contamination Initiative, The Recycling Partnership is working with partners like the American Beverage Association to catalyze system improvements by meeting communities where they are – whether it’s preventing recycling facility fires in Chula Vista, delivering curbside recycling carts to Culver City, or increasing convenient access to recycling in Big Bear.

“The Recycling Partnership is excited to work with the American Beverage Association and other partners to expand curbside continued on page 5

continued on page 7

to die, and death will flee from them... One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things. Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar, which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” So, the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, day, month, and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.

Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. And thus, I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire, the smoke, and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. [Revelation 9:1-21].

Witness For Justice#1067

Honoring All Pathways to Recovery Erica M. Poellot

“Now Consider This, You Who Forget God...Or I Will Tear You in Pieces, With No One to Rescue You.” [Psalms 50:22] By: Lou Yeboah

Big Bear Selected for Curbside Recycling Investment Under Beverage Industry’s ‘Every Bottle Back’ Initiative in collaboration with The Recycling Partnership Curbside recycling expansion in Big Bear, Calif., made possible through public-private partnerships spearheaded by America’s leading beverage companies

The male actors have gusto too: Wright, Ben Whishaw as Q the gadget man, Ralph Fiennes as M and Rami Malek as a pockmarked faced evil doer.

The locations (Southern Italy, the Faroe Islands, London, Norway and Jamaica) give fans all the exotic locals and bustling urban sites they crave. Car chases, motorcycle rides, running like gazelles, propelling off bridges tethered by a rope—it’s all here.

Tension is pretty much nonstop from the opening scene with a perilous iced-over pond to the closing moments just seconds away from Armageddon. Find

will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them” [Genesis 6:6-7; Genesis 7:22–23].

Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit.

And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So, the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.

Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months.

Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man.

In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire

Lou Yeboah Hear, O earth: behold, I am bringing disaster on this people, because they have not listened to My words, and as for My law, they have rejected it [Jeremiah 6:19]. Oh, how great and bitter it is going to be for those who refuse to repent, when it is forever too late. You will cry, “Lord, Lord, open unto [me] and I will say, “I know you not.” [Genesis 27:34; Genesis 27:38; Matthew 25:11, 10, 12]. Then those of you who escape will remember Me among the nations to which they will be carried captive, how I have been hurt by their adulterous hearts which turned away from Me, and by their eyes which played the harlot after their idols [Ezekiel 6:9].

Surely, as a woman treacherously departs from her lover, so you have dealt treacherously with Me… [Jeremiah 3:20]. “You neglected the Rock who begot you and forgot the God who gave you birth.

[Deuteronomy 32:18]. Consider this, I will tear you in pieces.

They were not concerned about His message of salvation. He wanted so desperately to lead His people to everlasting life, but they were not only blind, but they were also willfully blind and willfully ignorant. Repeatedly He would say with tears in His voice, “Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees. Woe unto you who have ears and hear not. Woe unto you that are full, for you shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh, for the time is coming when you shall mourn and weep.”

[Luke 6: 24-25]. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem how I’ve wanted to save you and gather you as a hen gathereth her chicks, but you would not listen” [Matthew 23:37].

I gave you cleanness of teeth by sending you famine and drought so that you would turn back to Me – yet you have not returned to me. I withheld rain from you so you would return back to Me – yet you have not returned to me.

I sent blight, mildew, and locust – so that you would return unto Me, but you have not returned.

Your young men were killed in battle with a sword – yet you did not return to me. Because you will not return to me, prepare to meet your God.” And meet Him without ever turning to Him in life on earth. Meet Him – Condemned. [Amos 4:6-12].

I ask you, what are you waiting for? Repent NOW before it is too late! For, “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” [Martin Luther King, Jr.] Repent NOW before it is too late!

The Bible warns that every human being is subject to sudden death. No one has the promise of another day or hour. Our days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle like flowers that quickly fade [Job 7:6; Job 14:2], and like a mist that appears for a little time then vanishes. [James 4:14].

Consider this, you who forget God. My spirit shall not always strive with man” [Genesis 6:3].

But they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, until there was no remedy. [2 Chronicles 36:16] “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So, the Lord said, “I continued in next 2 columns

May we experience the healing potential in multiple pathways to recovery. That is, may we have respect for any positive change, trust in the ability of individuals to improve their health and wellness, respect for living a self-directed life, and encouragement, as all people strive to reach their full potential. Amen. (Prayer based on SAMHSA’s Working Definition of Recovery) I began my healing journey from substance use disorder on January 3, 2003. Or, more accurately, I began again on that Friday in January after seasons spent exploring multiple pathways towards healing.

The path I embarked on in 2003 was initiated by a close friend name Sidnee, who had found her own way through chaotic use to healing in fellowship with other people with lived experience of substance use. She witnessed to hope found in community and through service, and I eagerly joined her there.

In that fellowship, experienced belonging, connection, and increased trust in my ability to craft a new relationship with my substance use, in conversation with and supported by a loving community. It was also during this time that I was gifted health insurance and an opportunity to engage a therapist to address my gateway drug: trauma.

While the communities I grew in were well-populated, it became increasingly obvious that, for many, these spaces did not offer language that called them by name or told stories of recovery that reflected their own. Friends, family, and others did not join me in these spaces, and I wondered about these many silences and absences.

The definition of recovery from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) offers some insight into my wonderings.

Their working definition does not describe recovery as a destination but as a process. Cessation of all substance use, or abstinence, is not mentioned as a step or a goal in this process. In fact, substance use is only one small part of the process in a much larger, multi-

faceted picture of wholeness that centers health, home, purpose, and community, and decenters the use of drugs and alcohol.

SA M H SA’s d ef i n it io n challenged the ways I had come to understand how healing from substance use disorder might look and the ways in which we might support one another in pursuit of this wholeness. It expanded my ability to recognize other communities of healing, such as harm reduction communities, with which I had previously been unfamiliar and with which many are unacquainted due to stigma.

As I have come to experience them, the pathways to healing from substance use disorder are many. They include: clinical treatment, harm reduction, use of medication, access to housing, comprehensive trauma care, family support, support from faith communities and fellowships, and many other approaches.

In all instances, healing from substance use disorder returns people to community and fosters fellowship, upholds the dignity, autonomy, and humanity of each person, is non-coercive, is led in partnership with people with lived experience of substance use, centers justice and equity, recognizes the impact of trauma and other social determinants of health, and celebrates any change which moves a person closer to the life they envision and desire for themselves.

Let us pray.

May we be converted to a faith in compassion not judgement, to understanding not stigma, to community not othering, to language of dignity not dehumanization, to respect for any positive change not abstinence only. May we be converted to a faith in people who use drugs and the healing power of harm reduction.

Erica M. Poellot is the Director of Overdose and Drug Use Ministries for the United Church of Christ - Director of Faith and Community Partnerships for the National Harm Reduction Coalition - and Senior Ministry Innovator at Judson Memorial Church in NYC.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Page 5

LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210009424 Date Filed: 09/16/2021 Filing Expires On: 09/16/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): FAMILY NAILS & SPA LLC County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1270 W. FOOTHILL BLVD. UPLAND, CA 91786 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: FAMILY NAILS & SPA LLC State of Inc./Org./ Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address:1270 W. FOOTHILL BLVD. UPLAND, CA 91786 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: May 28, 2021 Tan D. Tran, CEO, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210009927 Date Filed 09/29/2021 Filing Expires On: 09/29/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): MOBILE EXPERTS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 2700 LITTLE MOUNTAIN DR., SUITE A104 SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92405 Mailing Address: 2375 LAWRENCE AVE. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92405 Name of Individual Registrant: FRANCISCO J. PONCE JR. Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 2375 LAWRENCE AVE. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92405 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Francisco J. Ponce Jr., declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210009381 Date Filed: 09/15/2021 Filing Expires On: 09/15/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): KROWND CONSTRUCTION County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 16039 KNOLL VIEW CIR VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 Name of Individual Registrant: SAMUEL PASILLAS Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 16039 KNOLL VIEW CIR VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Samuel Pasillas, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper September 23, 30, October 7, 14, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210009429 Date Filed: 09/16/2021 Filing Expires On: 09/16/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): HOLLYWOODLAND FILM SOCIETY & ARCHIVE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 216 E. REDLANDS BLVD. REDLANDS, CA 92373 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./ Reg.: HOLLYWOODLAND FILM SOCIETY & ARCHIVE CORP State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: C4653779 Residence Street Address: 216 E. REDLANDS BLVD. REDLANDS, CA 92373 Name of Individual Registrant: Residence Street Address: This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Louis D. Bernal, CEO, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper September 23, 30, October 7, 14, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210008786 Date Filed: 08/24/2021 Filing Expires On: 08/24/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): STORAMERICA VICTORVILLE LOCUST #2 County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 12185 LOCUST AVENUE VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 Mailing Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 IRVINE, CA 92612 Number of Employees: 0 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: COLTON HOLDINGS LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 200505610049 Residence Street Address: 2042 BUSINESS CENTER DRIVESUITE 100 IRVINE, CA 92612 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Oct 31, 2016 John Minar, Manager, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper September 2, 9, 16, 23, Correction October 7, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210009950 Date Filed: 09/30/2021 Filing Expires On: 09/30/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LARRY’S SWEET HOUSE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 5542 N. PINNACLE LN. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 Name of Individual Registrant: ESTHER CHUANG Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 5542 N. PINNACLE LN. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Esther Chuang, Owner, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper October 7, 14, 21, 28 , 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210009852 Date Filed: 09/28/2021 Filing Expires On: 09/28/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): 1. MELA INTERIOR DESIGNS 2. MELA ECO DESIGN County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business:25534 MANDARIN CT. LOMA LINDA, CA 92354 Name of Individual Registrant: PAMELA NOLASCO Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 25534 MANDARIN CT. LOMA LINDA, CA 92354 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Pamela Nolasco, Interior Designer, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper October 7,14, 21, 28, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210009302 Date Filed 09/10/2021 Filing Expires On: 09/10/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): NICK’S PIZZA County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 21510 BEAR VALLEY RD. STE L1-1 APPLE VALLEY, CA 92308 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: SVIS FOOD SERVICES INC. State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: C4760046 Residence Street Address: 21510 BEAR VALLEY ROAD STE L1-2 APPLE VALLEY, CA 92308 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Jan 01, 1985 Sarbjit Singh Sandhu, CEO, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVBA 2100285 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: MATAUTU HURRELL-BROWN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. TUITAITAGA MATAUTU SINIVA HURRELL LAUFALETAUA Proposed name: to: TUTAITAGA MATAUTU HURRELL THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: Oct 04, 2021 Time 1:30 p.m. Dept.: B2 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 235 East Mountain View Street Barstow, CA 92311 Barstow Branch A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: 8/16/2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2123770 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: KEVIN PAUL SMITH filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. KEVIN PAUL SMITH Proposed name: to: SHUKRI RASHEED THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 11/01/2021 Time 9:00 a.m. Dept.: S16 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO San Bernardino Justice Center 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: Sep 20, 2021

Carne Halgrimson Judge Of The Superior Court

Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court

Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper September 16, correction 23, 30, October 7, 2021.

Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper September 30, October 7,14, 21, 2021.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVMB 2100142 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: YURELI LOPEZ & ISMAEL MEDINA filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. JUNIOR OBED MEDINA LOPEZ Proposed name: to: ISMAEL OBED MEDINA LOPEZ THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 10/22/21 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept.:M4 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO Joshua Tree Courthouse 6527 White Feather Rd. Joshua Tree, CA 92252 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: Sep 03, 2021 John W. Burdick Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 2021.

PUBLISH ALL YOUR LEGAL PUBLICATIONS WITH THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS FBN PUBLICATIONS WITH 1 BUSINESS CAN BE PUBLISHED FOR $45 IT IS EASY AND CONVENIENT! SCAN AND UPLOAD ANY LEGAL PUBLICATION ON OUR WEBSITE: sb-american.com ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED ON THE PAY FEATURE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2123615 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: RACHEL ANN LIE filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a RACHEL ANN LIE Proposed name: to: RACHEL ANN KWAN THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 10/14/2021 Time 9:00 a.m.

Dept.:S17 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO San Bernardino Justice Center 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: Sep 07, 2021 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court

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Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper September 16, 23, 30,October 7, 2021.

PETITION/PROBATE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MARARET S. DOWNARD aka MARGARET SUZANNE DOWNARD aka MARGARET DOWNARD CASE NO: PROSB 2100716

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: MARGARET

S. DOWNARD aka MARGARET SUZANNE DOWNARD aka MARGARET DOWNARD A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: RUTH L. HENRICKS in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: RUTH L. HENRICKS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: Nov 09, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Dept: S36 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 Central Justice Center

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Bryan C. Hartnell 25757 Redlands Boulevard Redlands, CA 92373-8453 (909)796-6881 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper October 7, 14, 21, 2021.

NOTICE OF LIEN SALE

Notice is here given pursuant to Sections 3071 and 3072 of the Civil Code of California, the undersigned, Risk Free Trucking 17465 Alder St. Unit C Hesperia, CA 92345, will sell at public sale on: 10/19/2021 at 10:00 AM the following property: 2011 Dodge Ram, TX License Plate:NM98439 Vin#3D73Y4CL1BG572878 .

The Lienholder has the right to bid at the sale.

Published in The San Ber nardino A mer ic an Newspaper 10/7//21.

Big Bear Selected for Curbside Recycling Investment Under Beverage Industry’s ‘Every Bottle Back’ Initiative in collaboration with The Recycling Partnership...continued from page 4 recycling access to 12,000 households in Big Bear,” said Cody Marshall, Chief of Community Strategy at The Recycling Partnership. “We are grateful to our partners and the city of Big Bear for their support of this important recycling transformation that will keep valuable recyclables out of our environment and waterways and put them back into the circular economy to provide critical feedstock for local producers.”

“The Dist rict is grateful to The Recycling Partnership and its partners for the generous grant to enhance our recycling efforts,” said Solid Waste Superintendent Jon Zamorano. “By

diverting waste from landfills, we not only decrease the workload on our collection crews, who have been stellar throughout the pandemic, but we also lay the foundation to build a more sustainable and cleaner Big Bear City for generations to come. We’re looking forward to seeing an increase in recyclables because of this grant.”

This investment in Big Bear is the 11th of 15 initial projects that the beverage industry has committed to fund under Every Bottle Back.

These investments total $12.5 million in committed funding and will yield an estimated 693 million more pounds of PET over 10 years.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Page 6

COUNTY/NATIONAL/HEALTH NEWS

Stranded in the ER: Can California California Extends Worker Vaccine change its treatment of kids in crisis? Requirement to Protect Vulnerable Californians from COVID-19

BY JOCELYN WIENER

Workers in Adult and Senior Care Facilities and Employees Providing In-home Direct Care Must Be Fully Vaccinated

by November 30 County/National/Health News

A play area at WestCoast Children’s Clinic in Oakland on Sept. 22, 2021. The clinic serves nearly 1,500 children annually, many of whom are in foster care or on Medi-Cal. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters The children keep coming.

Some are rushed to the emergency room of Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego harboring thoughts of suicide, others because they’ve tried — again and again — to hurt themselves.

Dr. Ben Maxwell, Rady’s interim child psychiatry director, worries that a long-brewing crisis is now morphing into a full-blown emergency. When Maxwell started at the hospital 10 years ago, he’d see an average of 40 children and adolescents arriving each month in a mental health crisis. The average these days is 400 or 450.

Many of these young patients wait for days in the emergency room. With a statewide shortage of pediatric mental health hospital beds, Maxwell has nowhere else to send them.

Around the state and country, other hospitals report the same: Children and teens are coming into emergency rooms in psychiatric crises, and then they’re getting stuck. The pandemic has only made it worse.

As the crisis unfolds in the state’s emergency rooms, a controversial bill that aims to help these children is awaiting the governor’s signature. AB 226,

by Democratic Assemblymember James Ramos of San Bernardino County, would allow for creation of “crisis psychiatric residential treatment facilities” for children with Medi-Cal. These nonhospital settings would allow young people in mental health crises to spend a few weeks stabilizing before returning home.

Similar facilities exist in California to serve privately insured children. But they are not available for most children insured by Medi-Cal, proponents say, because there’s no way to adequately fund them.

“We need to do a better job making sure we’re equipped here in the state of California to respond when our youth are crying out.”

The bill before the governor would change that, allowing nonprofit organizations that specialize in children’s mental health a way to collect federal funds to operate crisis beds and treat the state’s low-income children.

Among the bill’s supporters are children’s mental health advocates, county behavioral health systems and providers like Maxwell. They say this new designation could potentially create a few hundred nonhospital residential beds around California for children and teens who are experiencing psychiatric emergencies, specifically the 40% of the state’s children currently insured by Medi-Cal. “​​We need to do a better job making sure we’re equipped here in the state of California to respond when our youth

are crying out,” Ramos said.

Expanding access to nonhospital residential beds could relieve pressure on hospitals and emergency rooms while offering children a more homelike residential placement nearer to their families, proponents say.

The facilities would also provide a less restrictive alternative to pediatric psychiatric hospital beds, which themselves are in short supply, proponents say. Of the state’s 58 counties, only 16 have inpatient mental health hospital beds for children and adolescents.

But the bill has critics among advocates for disability and foster children’s rights. They worry it will simply expand the most restrictive kinds of mental health treatment while failing to address the shortage of intensive outpatient mental health services and crisis services for children. “​​It’s like getting a filter for smoke and not putting the fire out,” said Kim Lewis, a managing attorney at the National Health Law Program. “At some point, you’re missing the point. More beds and more beds and more beds and let them keep coming because there’s nothing downstream to stop them from coming.”

Some state departments have also pushed back. In a letter of opposition to the bill in July, the Department of Finance said that, given the bill’s general fund impacts — about $1 million a year — it should go through the budgetary process.

Concerns about children’s mental health in the state have been mounting for more than a decade. In 2017, then Gov. Jerry Brown signed a related bill into law. But because it did not come with a way to draw down federal funding for children with Medi-Cal, no such facilities were created, said Adrienne Shilton, senior policy advocate for the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, the bill’s sponsor.

Pandemic fuels crisis for kids Then, during the pandemic, the situation got markedly worse.

“We are now in a crisis that you poured a bunch of gasoline on and lit on fire,” said Alex Briscoe, head of California Children’s Trust and former director of Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, who supports the bill.

Skyrocketing psychiatric emergency room visits among children reflect not pathology, he said, but the influence of racism, classism, housing insecurity and “what it’s like to be a kid in this culture.”

He rattles off a reference list of bleak statistics: California ranked 48th in the nation for children’s access to mental health care, according to a 2020 scorecard released continued on page 8

SACRAMENTO – To provide additional protections against COVID-19 for vulnerable individuals across the state, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today issued a public health order requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for workers in adult and senior care facilities and those employed in in-home direct care settings. The order applies to all adult and senior care facilities, certain persons who provide In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), certified home care aides, and Waiver Personal Care Services (WPCS) providers, hospice workers who provide services in the home or a licensed facility, and all employees, as well as service provider workers, who provide services through the state’s regional centers that serve individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

“We can and must continue to protect our most vulnerable communities from the ongoing threat of COVID-19,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “These care settings are home to Californians with complex medical conditions, all of whom are at high risk of having severe but preventable outcomes including hospitalization,

severe illness, and death,” said Dr. Aragon. “Increasing vaccination rates among those who are providing care will help curb the spread of COVID-19 in these high-risk settings.”

California has reported 19,830 confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the pandemic, and nearly 50% of those were reported in health care, congregate care, and direct care settings. Of these outbreaks, the most (22%) have occurred in adult and senior care facilities and in-home direct care settings and cases and outbreaks often include workers and unvaccinated individuals.

The new vaccine requirement mirrors the state’s vaccine requirement for health care workers announced on August 5. Workers covered by today’s order must have their first dose of a one-dose regimen or their second dose of a two-dose regimen by November 30, 2021.

California is leading the nation in vaccinations according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with more than 50.4 million doses administered and 83.8 percent of the eligible population having received at least one dose. However, in continued in next 2 columns

California Extends Worker Vaccine Requirement to Protect Vulnerable Californians from COVID-19...continued recent months the state has seen increasing numbers of individuals – overwhelmingly unvaccinated – contracting COVID-19 and being admitted to the hospital and ICU. California remains committed to increasing vaccination rates and urges businesses and local communities to encourage individuals to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free. Unvaccinated Californians age 12 and up and individuals who are eligible for boosters can go to myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255 to schedule an appointment or go to myturn. ca.gov/clinic to find a walk-in clinic in their county. www.cdph.ca.gov

Moreno Valley Dispensary to support Riverside Breast Cancer Charity County/Health News MORENO VALLEY -- Shango Cannabis will sell its signature line of pink merchandise, including Shango T-shirts and other swag throughout National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Proceeds will benefit The Pink Ribbon Place.

The Riverside Community Health Foundation, a 501(c)3 NonProfit Organization, established The Pink Ribbon Place in 2009.

The program provides Inland Empire families impacted by cancer with bras, hats, scarves, breast prostheses and wigs, as well as support services, education and other resources, all at no cost.

“Shango is honored to serve these brave cancer survivors,” Shango Controller Julie Dubocq said. “Providing resources that can help them succeed on their journey to recovery has become an essential part of our charitable giving.”

The Pink Ribbon Place also offers counseling sessions for those diagnosed with cancer,

their immediate family members and their primary caregivers to build skills and confidence they need to cope with the emotional hardships on this difficult journey.

"The Pink Ribbon Place team is so grateful for businesses like Shango, whose teams truly understand the value of giving back to charities who offer direct services,” said Terri Akens, director of Community Health Programs. “These efforts directly impact our ability to continue offering quality services at no cost to individuals and families impacted by cancer throughout the Inland Empire.”

Shango will donate 100 percent of pink merchandise profits at its Moreno Valley dispensary to help pay for items patients need immediately after surgery, such as wigs, bras and prostheses.

“Funding programs like The Pink Ribbon Place is an integral continued on page 8

Help Find Daniel Robinson: Search continues for Missing Geologist, 24...continued from page 1 any possibility other than their initial theory that my son decided to abandon his family,” he said, recalling his interaction with police from viewing pictures of the scene to seeing the vehicle.”

“The detective once again suggested that my son most likely walked off naked into the desert and joined a monastery to become a monk. I was angry inside and already emotional about seeing my son’s jeep for the first time wrecked,” he stated.

The concerned father detailed how the police kept insisting that he touch the vehicle when he went to see it, but he was too emotional to do so, he said, noting that the officer “opened the back door and pointed out things that were still in it,” took a bag with his son’s items and dumped it on a seat.

“I still didn’t touch that vehicle even though they kept suggesting that I do. Finally, I told him that I was ready to leave. He then said that I needed to make arrangements to have the vehicle removed from their impound because they will have it towed away to a towing company, and I would have to pay for storage. I didn’t have a chance to breathe before I had to worry about finding some place for it. I explained that I needed time, and he agreed to give me a few more days,” said the father.

With more questions looming, he vividly recalled sitting in his hotel room, thinking about what transpired and “realized that they didn’t do any forensics work.”

He requested a meeting with the Buckeye chief of police, Larry Hall and his detectives, noting the lack of forensics work at the scene where his son’s vehicle was found.

“Their explanation was they didn’t do any because there was no blood in the vehicle and no sign of foul play. I asked how

they know that my son was even driving the vehicle. The detective said that ‘he was obviously driving because it’s his vehicle.’ I asked again how they knew that it was my son driving or someone else was also in the vehicle. They didn’t have a response,” he stated.

Two days later, the father said a detective called to state they were doing forensics, dusting for fingerprints, which is something he said should have been done at the scene before removing the vehicle and releasing personal effects that were all in evidence bags “but marked as safekeeping.”

“The items were never considered evidence to the Buckeye Police Department because their theory that my son walked away naked and probably became a monk was clear to them.

Unfortunately, they refuse to change position until now that my investigator shared his findings with them. They so far have asked me one question; and I have not heard from them again,” he added.

“We were originally supposed to be working along with Buckeye P.D., but that fell through, and we have been gathering all of our information on our own,” said Phoenix-based vehicular crimes investigator and expert, Jeff McGrath.

Referred by an attorney friend, who the Robinson family initially contacted for assistance, McGrath was unaware of the missing Robinson saga until he got involved per the father’s request.

“When I was told that they found Daniel’s vehicle wrecked in the desert, then I started to understand why my friend was asking me to help,” he said, calling the case unique.

While he said his team is “slowly answering some of the many questions that were

left unanswered,” the biggest question remains, which is the whereabouts of Daniel Robinson.

“This case started with a short investigation and final determination where Mr. Robinson was still left with confusion and a lot of questions.

When we were brought onboard, a month had passed, and time was critical. As soon as we began our investigation, a month after Daniel went missing, we were able to uncover some issues with the initial investigation,” McGrath said.

“It appeared to us that the original detectives did not know there were some problems with how Daniel’s car was damaged.

They had the information that they downloaded from the car’s Airbag Control Module (black box) and they did not see or understand that it did not match with the vehicle’s damage and location. It was brushed off as, Daniel crashed and walked away from his vehicle, never to be seen again and that was it. As we began to unravel those questions, we would come across more new questions,” he stated.

Since he began investigating, although the focus has narrowed, with help from many volunteers and the many hours devoted to the case, answers are slowly revealed, but “the big answer” to where Daniel is “keeps eluding us,” said McGrath.

He explained how families r eg u la rly s e e k out sid e professionals to investigate crimes against them or crimes they are accused of and many other non-criminal incidents.

“A lot of times our local, county, state, and federal law enforcement do a great job, but there are a handful of times where they get it wrong, or it’s just rushed. This is not because

they don’t care, but a lot of times because they are not properly or adequately trained. It’s like going to the wrong doctor for a heart condition and that doctor thinking they can treat you just fine. Well maybe they will, but if they’re wrong because they don’t know what they’re doing, the result(s) could be devastating. There are outside professionals —Private Investigators—that specialize in all types of matters and that’s where we come in,” McGrath said.

In the five years, McGrath has been involved in private investigation work, he boasts a 99% success rate, noting how he “can count on one hand how many cases we’ve lost,” but the disappearance of Daniel Robinson is presenting challenges as time passes by.

“At this point, two months have passed since Daniel went missing.

I don’t want to say the chances are ‘grim,’ but we have to be realistic in that if he is out in that desert, with temps reaching as high as 115 degrees, it’s not ideal for survival,” he said, adding the next step in this process is to conduct more interviews and continue working with his team and many volunteers to “help find Daniel.”

Meanwhile, the Robinson patriarch described feelings of worry and fear as he wonders if his son is hurt, in danger.

“I am afraid to hear that something has happened to him.

Not having answers to where Daniel is or what happened to him keeps me up at night; it makes me anxious. I feel like a big part of myself is missing,” said the United States Army veteran, who is an entrepreneur and businessman.

Tips and information can remain anonymous as the family awaits calls or texts to 803-200-7994.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Page 7

WORLD/LOCAL NEWS/ADVERTISING

Science Spooktacular Comes to Victor Valley Museum

Governor Newsom Signs ‘George Floyd Law’ Authored

by Assemblymember Holden...continued

Calling all mad scientists! Time to get a little spooky and even a little kooky in October.

witnessing excessive force.”

California law requires police officers to intercede when observing another officer using force that is beyond that which is necessary, but there are no universal measures used to determine that an officer has in fact interceded. In the case of George Floyd, a lawyer for one of the accused junior officers argued that there was intervention because the junior officer asked the supervising officer if they should turn Floyd on his side.

Under the new law, police officers will be required to intercede when witnessing excessive force under the updated guidelines and report the incident in real time to dispatch or the watch commander. The officer’s due process will be protected as the employing agency would review evidence and determine if the offending officer met the standard for intervention.

Retaliation against officers that report violations of law or regulation of another officer to a supervisor would be prohibited.

Last year, Governor Newsom’s Policing Advisors released their recommendations which included legislation to “Require officers to intervene to prevent or stop other officers from engaging in excessive force, false arrest, or other inappropriate conduct.”

“Today’s signing is a big step forward for police responsibility and accountability. Instituting these core values are paramount

World/Local News

Get ready for potions, slime and science thrills packed with Halloween-themed activities suitable for guests of all ages!

Science will get a little spooky and even a little kooky at Victor Valley Museum’s Science Spooktacular. Join us for chilling science thrills and other spinetingling experiences on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Explore all of the icky stuff that makes you say “ewww” with live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and animal encounters highlighting the creepy, cool, and just plain weird sides of science - lots of fun and excitement for the whole family! Plus, watch the 1958 American horror science-fiction movie, The Fly. We’ve partnered with the Mojave Desert Land Trust, UCCE Master Gardeners, Big Bear Alpine Zoo, San Bernardino County Regional Parks, San Bernardino

County Library, Wildlife Biologist, Jill Coumoutso, and our very own Fossil Preparation Lab and anthropology volunteers.

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands.

The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is free. For more information, visit sbcounty.gov/ museum. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.

to building public trust that has eroded between law enforcement and communities across California,” said Holden.

A B 26 cla r if ies a nd establishes intervention to include, but not limited to: · The use of deescalation tech niques · Confronting the officer applying excessive use of force · Physically stopping the excessive use of force, when in a position to do so · Recording and documenting the incident in real time with body cameras · Reporting the incident to dispatch or the watch commander in real time stating the offending officer’s name, unit, location, time and situation in order to establish that an attempt to intervene has been made AB 26 also makes the following the changes to state law: · Requires the peace officer to report the incident immediately to his/her supervisor · Prohibits retaliation on a peace officer for reporting the incident · Prohibits an officer from training other officers for a period of at least three years from the date that an excessive use of force complaint is substantiated · Requires an officer who fails to intervene be disciplined up to and including in the same manner as the officer who used excessive force

New HHS Report: Vaccination Linked to Laura Bush Foundation for America’s the Reduction of 22,000 COVID-19 Cases, Libraries Opens Grant Application 9,700 Hospitalizations, and 3,800 Deaths School libraries across the country can now apply for a Among Seniors in California library grant

World /Local News

World/Local News DALLAS — Today, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries opened the application for grants to support school libraries in need, with the goal of encouraging all students to develop a love of reading and learning. Since its inception in 2002, the Laura Bush Foundation has awarded more than $17 million to over 3,000 schools across the country.

To apply, public schools must have a Title 1 designation and private schools must have at least 50% of the student population qualify for financial aid. Applications will remain open until Dec. 31, 2021.

Visit www.bushcenter.org/ lbf to learn more and apply.

In the 2020-2021 grant cycle, The Laura Bush Foundation awarded more than $1 million in grants to 205 school libraries across 43 states. Many librarians used the funds to update their library collections by adding

more dual language titles and books that showcase a wide range of stories and perspectives The Laura Bush Foundation is managed as a restricted fund at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. More information can be found at www.bushcenter.org.

George W. Bush Institute Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the George W. Bush Institute is an action-oriented, nonpartisan, policy organization with the mission of developing leaders, advancing policy, and taking action to solve today’s most pressing challenges. Through three Impact Centers — Domestic Excellence, Global Leadership, and an Engagement Agenda — the Bush Institute delivers measurable results that save and improve lives. To learn more, visit www.BushCenter.org.

Governor Newsom Signs ‘George Floyd Law’ Authored by Assemblymembe r Holden World /Local News Los Angeles, CA – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assemblymember Chris Holden’s police reform legislation, AB 26 that establishes clear guidelines for police responsibility and accountability when witnessing excessive force by another member of law enforcement.

“Derek Chauvin was charged for killing of George Floyd, but justice for George Floyd doesn’t

rest in Chauvin’s conviction alone – there were three additional officers who simply stood by and watched him die,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden.

“I thank Governor Newsom and everyone who supported AB 26 that will make it crystal clear in our state law what is a peace officer’s duty to intervene when continued in next 2 columns

A new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that COVID-19 vaccinations may have helped prevent roughly 22,000 new COVID-19 infections and 3,800 deaths among seniors in California during the first five months of 2021. The study, which was conducted by researchers with HHS’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), also found that nationally, vaccinations were linked to a reduction of approximately 265,000 COVID-19 infections, 107,000 hospitalizations, and 39,000 deaths among Medicare beneficiaries between January and May 2021.

“This report reaffirms what we hear routinely from states: COVID-19 vaccines save lives, prevent hospitalizations, and reduce infection,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized getting vaccines quickly to pharmacies, nursing homes, doctors’ offices and even provided increased reimbursement rates for at-home COVID-19 vaccinations, so that seniors and others can easily get vaccinated.”

Today’s report reflects the devastating effect COVID-19 has had on our vulnerable seniors and demonstrates that efforts to prioritize and vaccinate this group directly correlate to saving lives.

More than 352,000 lives were lost during the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the availability of vaccines, nearly 80 percent of these deaths were among people 65 and older who were also Medicare eligible. For the period of January to May 2021,

when vaccination grew from one percent to 47 percent among adults 18 to 64 and from one percent to 80 percent among seniors, the study found an 11-12 percent decrease in weekly COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths among Medicare beneficiaries for every 10 percent increase in county vaccination rates.

All racial and ethnic groups and all 48 states analyzed experienced reduced numbers of COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations, and infections, linked to vaccination rate increases. Texas and Hawaii were excluded from this analysis due to data reporting limitations.

American Indian and Alaska Native Medicare beneficiaries saw the largest vaccinationrelated percentage decrease in SARS-CoV-2 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. The study also found that vaccines were linked to a reduction of about 5,600 deaths among nursing home Medicare beneficiaries, a group that was disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Today’s repor t f ur ther underscores why it’s critically important to get all eligible individuals living in the United States vaccinated against COVID-19. The study found that high vaccination rates for all adults were even more protective for Medicare beneficiaries than just a high elderly vaccination rate on its own. The COVID-19 vaccines protect communities by reduci ng i n fect ions, deaths, and hospitalizations.

Recently, Secretary Becerra issued a directive, effective continued in next 2 columns

New HHS Report: Vaccination Linked to the Reduction of 22,000 COVID-19 Cases, 9,700 Hospitalizations, and 3,800 Deaths Among Seniors in California...continued September 25, authorizing all CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program providers to make available and administer PfizerBioNTech booster doses to all people who are eligible. This includes seniors over age 65. The science has demonstrated this authorized booster can provide added protection to seniors. The

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also issued a reminder to Medicare beneficiaries that all COVID-19 vaccines, including the authorized booster will be covered without cost-sharing.

To find the ASPE report, visit: https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/covid19-vaccination-rates-outcomes.

Deadline To Submit Legals and Press Releases Is Mondays By 5pm Black Biz Owners Push for Equal Access to Trillions in Upcoming Fed Spending...continued from page 3 Graves, the 19th deputy Secretar y of Commerce, is also African American and comes from a family of successful businesspeople.

Graves’s four-times great grandparents operated a successful horse and buggy taxi business in Washington, D.C., that once stood at the site of the Department of Commerce's headquarters. Their son went on to be a proprietor of a widely-regarded hotel nearby and become one of our nation’s first Black patent-holders through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

In California, voters rejected the 2020 general election Proposition (Prop.) 16, a ballot measure that would have reinstated affirmative action in California. Over 56% of the state’s 11 million voters checked “no” on the measure.

What appears to be a barrier on the state level, at the federal level, Graves said “the door is open for all of us.” The federal government

is asking states and localities to develop plans to make sure no minority business is dissuaded from participating in the plan.

“We want to see how they play to use these dollars effectively in an inclusive and equitable way to make certain that opportunities exist for every minority business out there (in California) that have capabilities,” Graves said. “We do want to make sure they don’t get discouraged or turned away.”

The infrastructure plan, Graves listed, would also eliminate lead pipes in drinking water systems, provide high-speed broadband, upgrade schools and federal buildings, replace buses and rail cars, and more.

“It’s also the single-largest public investment in history and the most impor tant investment in ensuring that every American has access to reliable, affordable broadband,” he said.

No Time to Die...continued from page 4 the scientist, stop the world from impending disaster, hunt down the bad guys and save the innocent using quirky, new inventions and wit. Basic elements viewers have come to expect abound.

The finest tech team money can buy delivers on the visuals.

Plush homes to high-tech labs are stunning to view thanks to production designer Mark Tildesley. Scandinavian forests, Jamaican shores and London streets look inviting because cinematographer Linus Sandgren lights and frames them impeccably.

The classiness of the cast’s clothes is eye-catching without stealing the show. And for anyone unimpressed after an initial radio, streaming or YouTube listen to the theme song "No Time to Die," sung by Billie Eilish and written

by Eilish & Finneas O'Connell, the tune is far more impressive and haunting, in context, as it’s played over the opening credits.

Fukunaga and editors Elliot Graham and Tom Cross are champs at keeping the scenes jumping, blending them into each other in a dazzling array. However, there are lapses that will test some viewers’ patience. Chiefly during one-on-one conversations that go on too long. e.g., M and Bond catch up on old times after their separation, and what should take seconds feels like tiresome minutes. Bond and Lyutsifer Safin (Malek) exchange barbs in a crucial scene, way past the point of the dialogue. Also, the plotting gets very dense and convoluted.

In contrast, there are moments when the verbal exchanges are just right: Bond and Madeleine put their cards on the table. She: “There is something I need to tell you.” He: “I bet there is.”

Turns out her declaration is a gigantic understatement, and his response only skirts his mixed emotions. Here, shorter is stronger. Considering the nearly three hours of running time, every moment should be vital. The 23-month wait was plenty of time for the filmmakers to sit in a room and cut the footage down to bare minimum.

The entire ensemble cast shines.

Malek seethes and hisses as the villain. Seydoux’s portrayal of Bond’s lover is so deceptive she keeps you guessing. Daniel Craig’s complete devotion to the character makes this Bond and this movie as vital as any film in the franchise will ever be. He’s all in.

When the final credits roll, many viewers will wonder who will be the next James Bond and how can anyone fill Craig’s shoes? There will be a successor.

There always is. Wait for it.

Or as the vile Lyutsifer Safin warns Bond: “Life is all about leaving something behind.”

Trailer: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=BZc4PVVd-0w In theaters star ting October 1s t , 2 0 21.

Visit NNPA News Wire Film Critic Dwight Brown at Dwig htBrow n I n k.com and Black PressUSA.com.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Page 8

COUNTY/POLITICAL NEWS/ADVERTISING

Walmart Hiring up to 20+ CDL-A Drivers and 4 Diesel Truck/Trailer Maintenance Technicians in Apple Valley— Driver Earnings Average $87,400, Technicians Starting Pay at $25.75 an Hour Hiring event to be held Oct. 12, 2021, with potential for on-the-spot job offers County/ Political News

Moreno Valley Dispensary to support Riverside Breast Cancer Charity...continued from page 6

Don’t Miss Out On Timely News!!

Visit The San Bernardino American News Website:

sb-american.com Credit: Shutterstock

Apple Valley, CA. – [Oct. 12, 2021] – Walmart is hiring up to 20+ CDL-A drivers and 4 diesel truck/trailer maintenance technicians in the Apple Valley area. Each year, Walmart’s almost 10,000 drivers travel over 700 million miles and deliver millions of cases of merchandise to Walmart and Sam's Club 4,700 locations across the nation — all while remaining one of the largest and safest fleets on the road.

As the Walmart business continues to grow, the company is recruiting the best and safest drivers to join its private fleet.

Across the country, Walmart is planning on growing its private fleet to 11,000 drivers in 2021 which includes 20+

drivers in Apple Valley, CA. While there are different factors that make up a driver’s pay, Walmart drivers can earn an average of $87,500 in year one. Drivers also have access to company benefits on the first day and can earn as much as 21 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) in their first year. To drive for Walmart, a commercial driver must have at least 30 months of full-time experience with no serious traffic violations in the last four years.

Wages for diesel truck/trailer maintenance technicians start at $25.75 per hour and can reach up to $33.00 an hour based on technician level, shift and schedule. Hired technicians will be eligible to receive up

to $3,000 in sign-on bonuses.

There will be opportunity for onsite interviews and offers, and candidates will be able to talk to drivers and check out a Walmart tractor.

HIRING EVENT DETAILS: Interested applicants are invited to attend a hiring event on: Oct. 12, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 21101 Johnson Rd, Apple Valley, CA 92307 Please note: T he job fai r will be on-site.

Applicants can register here: h t t p s: // b i t . l y/ 39 k D q f t Lear n more at: w w w. d r ive 4wa l m a r t .c om a nd www.fixtrucks4walmart.com

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1/19/21 1:23 PM

part of our overall commitment to the Inland community,” Shango Founder and CEO Brandon Rexroad said. “This is the one of the most effective ways we can help breast cancer survivors.”

Shango is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is located at 11875 Pigeon Pass Road, STE C-1, in Moreno Valley, CA 92557. Call 1-866-4SHANGO fo r m o r e i n fo r m a t io n .

Other programs offered by The Pink Ribbon Place include: Aquamotion Water Aerobics: A pool aerobics class, which includes steady state aerobics, circuit training and highintensity intervals that strengthen the cardiovascular system.

Iyengar Yoga: A form of yoga that incorporates all the

components of physical fitness with a focus on structural alignment of the body, as well as mental relaxation. The class, taught by volunteer, certified yoga instructors, is tailored to those undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment and in remission.

Support Groups: A place for cancer survivors, newly diagnosed and years into survival, to connect with others, to share experiences and resources.

Pink Ribbon Thrift: A boutique style thrift shop inside Pink Ribbon Place where the community comes together to support local families impacted by cancer.

The Pink Ribbon Place is located at 4275 Lemon Street., Riverside, CA 92501. Phone (951) 823-0261 or email pink@rchf.org

Stranded in the ER: Can California change its treatment of kids in crisis?... continued from page 6 by the Commonwealth Fund.

Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for children 10 and up, according to the CDC. As need continued to accelerate during the pandemic, low-income children experienced a 34% decline in access to mental health support, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

“T he process is just failing them over and over.”

State officials, mental health advocates and health care providers have been scrambling to find solutions. The Newsom administ ration this year promised to prioritize children’s mental health, budgeting an unprecedented $4.4 billion for a range of efforts, including a public awareness campaign and school-based interventions.

Heather Husz t i, ch ief psychologist at Children’s Hospital Orange County, said she has seen a doubling of the number of children admitted to the hospital’s inpatient medical unit for suicide attempts during the past year.

“Since May of 2020, it all exploded,” she said. “And it’s just been nonstop ever since.”

Children’s Hospital Colorado recently declared a “state of emergency” with respect to children’s mental health. In that declaration, Maxwell, of Rady Children’s, sees a portent of the San Diego hospital’s future.

“I’m very concerned that’s the point we’re reaching,” he said.

“And we will have no resources to help these kids in need.”

Families struggle to find care W h i le ch i ld r e n w it h commercial insurance have access to placements that children with Medi-Cal do not, their families say they also often struggle to find appropriate care.

The stepmother of a 16-yearold San Diego boy, who ended up in Rady Children’s Hospital last spring after a suicide attempt, said she and her husband searched and searched for an appropriate outpatient program for their son. They were turned away by some 30 psychologists, she said; many never even called her back.

“I really felt at a loss about how to help my son,” she said.

Eventually they were connected by a psychiatrist to an intensive home-based program that is “really doing wonders,” she said.

She feels for all the other families that are still looking.

“It was the worst experience we’ve ever been through,” she said.

Shilton, of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, says she regularly

hears stories from providers about children being shipped far from their families because there’s no pediatric hospital bed for them locally. Others end up waiting in emergency rooms for days or weeks because no inpatient bed is available.

Kelley Gin, chief of clinical programs at WestCoast Children’s Clinic in Oakland, said the children he serves — many of them in foster care – are often “treated and streeted,” stabilized in the hospital and then discharged with no long-term plan in place.

After these children leave the hospital, Gin said, many end up staying in inappropriate settings, sometimes including a conference room couch, while child welfare staff search for a place to take them in.

“And then everyone is surprised when the crisis reignites and there’s another hospitalization,” Gin said.

Gin says the system is broken at many levels. Intensive outpatient programs that can treat children outside of a residential setting are “widely unavailable” for children with Medi-Cal, he said. But he says the need to reform the entire system must also include expanding access to non-hospital residential care.

“What’s really most outrageous to me at the moment is the status quo,” said his colleague, Jodie Langs, the clinic’s policy director. “The process is just failing them over and over.”

Advocates splinter over bill’s plan The bill, which passed out of the legislature unanimously, still faces some strong opposition.

Opponents say they are frustrated that it is focused on building out the most restrictive part of the mental health system, rather than expanding options for intensive treatment and crisis care that can be offered while children are living at home.

Melinda Bird, an attorney w it h D is abi l it y R ig ht s California, said she is “very concerned about the potential for abuse” in locked facilities without appropriate safeguards.

She worries that creating more institutional placements is “just the wrong direction,” and will encourage counties to default to more restrictive levels of care.

“We’re trying to move our system away from segregated, locked cong regate ca re facilities,” she said. “They know that they don’t help our kids.”

She wants to see short-term crisis stabilization units — where children in crisis can come for up

to 24 hours — built in counties that don’t currently have them.

Jennifer Rodriguez, executive director of the San Franciscobased Youth Law Center, which advocates for foster youth and children in the juvenile justice system, echoed these concerns.

“When you talk to young people who have experienced any institutional locked setting, for them those experiences are traumatic,” she said. “We should only be using them when we’ve tried everything else and there is no other option.”

Rodriguez also worries about the possibility of “warehousing” children who have nowhere to go.

She points to Alabama, where child advocates filed a federal class action suit this spring, alleging that the state for years had trapped and isolated children in psychiatric residential treatment facilities.

Proponents of the bill say those concerns can be addressed with appropriate guardrails.

These could be outlined by the state and could include time limits, facility size restrictions a nd ongoi ng over sig ht.

Earlier this year, an investigation by the San Francisco Chronicle and a nonprofit publication called The Imprint found that California had sent thousands of children in foster care and the juvenile justice system to for-profit out-of-state residential treatment programs where they suffered physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The state has since banned out-of-state placements for these children.

Some advocates for expanding residential treatment options in California say that situation shows that children should be kept closer to home, where the state can better monitor the services they receive.

Everyone agrees that something must be done to address the growing mental health needs of the state’s children.

The mother of a 14-year-old Santa Barbara area boy who was rushed to the emergency room after he tried to take his own life said that, for him, being hospitalized and sedated “was a really super traumatic thing.”

For her, trying to find help afterward was also overwhelming — she barely slept. She wishes there had been a place for him that was more welcoming and supportive.

“It just feels like you’re on your own,” she said.

Our health care reporting is supported by the California Health Care Foundation, Blue Shield of California Foundation and the California Endowment.