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

October 21, 2021 Thursday Edition

Volume 52 No. 27 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)

General Colin Powell Dies at 84 from complications from Covid 19 NNPA NEWSWIRE — “General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19,” the former General’s family wrote on Facebook.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Have You Seen These Missing Individuals of Color?

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The National Newspaper Publishers Association routinely keeps track of missing individuals of color and has endorsed the mission of the Black and Missing Foundation. Derrica and Natalie Wilson started the Black and Missing Foundation in 2008. The nonprofit has continued to raise awareness of missing persons of color and provide vital resources and tools to missing people’s families and friends.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The Philadelphia police department said it needs the public’s help in finding 13-year-old Jada Blackwell, last seen on Sunday, October 10, along East Haines Street.

General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell has died from complications from Covid-19, his family members have confirmed.

T he f i r s t Bla ck US secretary of state was 84.

“General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs

of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19,” the former General’s family wrote on Facebook.

“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” the family wrote.

They reported that Powell had been fully vaccinated.

Powell became the first Black national security adviser during the end of Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

He also counted as the youngest and first African American chairman of the

Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush.

Powell was thrust into the global spotlight after leading the United States to victory during the Gulf War, with many even considering him as a presidential candidate.

Gov. Newsom Stands Firm on Mandates as State Reaches COVID Milestone Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

Credit: Shutterstock Califor nia Gov. Gavin Newsom took to Twitter earlier this month to praise Californians for getting vaccinated when the state's COVID rate dropped to 57.3 cases per 100,000 people, the lowest in the U.S. "85% of eligible Californians have received at least one COVID vaccine shot. The result? California continues to have the lowest case rate in the nation," he said.

Califor nia's COV I D -19 vaccination rate is currently 16th in the country with 71.8% of the population fully vaccinated.

For now, 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).

The coronavirus vaccines will be added to other vaccines like ones for measles, mumps rubella, tetanus, and whooping cough, for example, that are required without exception for all students in the state. For those and other shots explicitly stated in California law, no waivers are allowed for any reason, even religious or philosophical ones.

But even though the state’s COVID-19 rates have flattened and the numbers of hospitalizations and deaths have significantly dropped, the governor is facing mounting protests from people opposed to government-imposed

vaccine mandates, including parents who do not want their children to take the shot.

Responding to those critics, Newsom’s campaign sent out a letter that included a sur vey asking recipients for feedback on his vaccine mandate for schoolchildren.

“As you have probably heard, California is the first state in the nation to require our students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This will go into effect following full FDA approval,” Newsom said in the letter.

“Why did I make this decision?

Because it’s the right thing to do, and it will keep our kids safe. This decision may not be popular with some of the people who protest vaccination sites and are opposed to mask-wearing in almost any circumstance, but it will save lives.”

On Oct. 8, Newsom also signed several bills that give dentists, podiat rists and optometrists the authority to administer COVID-19 vaccines.

Those bills are Assembly Bill (AB) 526, 691 and 1064.

The governor also tweeted his advice on vaccine booster shots.

"Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Get your booster when

it's your turn," tweeted Newsom.

As it currently stands, booster shots are not required but are authorized for "individuals 65 years of age and older, individuals 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19, and individuals 18 through 64 years of age whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19 including severe COVID-19," according to the FDA. Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock highlighted the f luid nature of the nation's pandemic response.

“This pandemic is dynamic and evolving, with new data about vaccine safety and effectiveness becoming available every day," Woodcock stated in a press release.

"As we learn more about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, including the use of a booster dose, we will continue to evaluate the rapidly changing science and keep the public informed," Wo o d c o c k continued.

California Black Media’s coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.

In Philadelphia, an alltoo-familiar plea circulates.

The city’s police department said it needs the public’s help in finding 13-year-old Jada Blackwell, last seen on Sunday, October 10, along East Haines Street.

Jada stands 5 feet two inches and weighs about 130 pounds.

While authorities said they couldn’t describe her clothing, Jada has brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information should im mediately call 215 - 6 8 6 -3353 o r 911.

Of course – and unfortunately, Jada Blackwell isn’t an isolated case.

On June 11, 17-year-old Janiah Cane went missing from her home in Chicago. Authorities said she has black hair and brown eyes and stands 5 feet 6 inches tall. Janiah reportedly weighs 140 pounds and frequently changes hairstyles.

Anyone with information should immediately call 1-800843-5678, 312-746-6000, or 911.

Additionally, it’s been nine months since loved ones last saw

Creg Lyles of Waterford, Michigan.

The 33-year-old’s disappearance has stunned his distraught

Janiah Cane family, who said he’s always in contact with his loved ones.

“He was act ually the glue to his family,” his aunt Sharon Dillon told reporters.

Authorities reported that they recovered boots near the apartment complex where Lyles lived that could belong to him.

“If anybody knows anything, continued on page 3

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 21, 2021

Page 2

COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/ADVERTISING

New Cal Law Addresses Anti-Black Bias in Home Appraisal Process Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Credit: Shutterstock Paul Austin and his wife Tenisha Tate, a Bay Area Black couple, were confident that the sale of their Marin City home would net them a sizeable profit. They had invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into renovations before putting it on the market.

But that process turned sour when the couple discovered alarming race-based discrimination baked into the system of home appraisals.

Austin shared that harrowing experience with the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals during its fourth meeting on Oct. 13.

California’s Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, signed into law in 2020, created the nine-member task force to investigate the history and costs of slavery in California and around the United States. The group is charged with studying and developing reparation proposals for African Americans and recommending appropriate

ways to educate Californians about the task force’s findings.

Austin’s testimony added to the growing body of evidence that the wealth gap that exists between Black and White families in the United States was created -- and has been maintained throughout history – by deep-rooted racial biases and intentional government policy at the federal, state and local levels.

“We had an appraiser come out in 2019 to appraise our home,” Austin said, talking about selling of his home, which is located five miles north of San Francisco.

“She was an older White woman, and she appraised our house for just under a $1 million after we had already put in an additional $400,00 into our property. We did our homework because we should have appraised for $1.4 million. We had to fight against it.”

Austin and his wife added an additional 1,300 square feet to the home’s original 1,300 square

footage, he told the Task Force A qualified appraiser is responsible for creating a report based on a visual inspection.

The property’s lot size, square footage, amenities, and number of bedrooms and bathrooms are expected to provide the basis for an unbiased valuation.

When Austin and Tate found a second appraiser, they decided to ask a White female friend to pose as the seller. This time around, they actually netted a surprisingly higher offer of $500,000 more.

When Austin and Tate’s story went viral and made headlines in news reports around the world, other Black families emerged to share disturbing stories of how they, too, were given deceptively low estimations of their homes’ values.

“We’re right at the beginning.

The story is now being told,” Austin told the task force. “But within our community, we have not had the opportunity to galvanize people to start looking at their loans and appraisals and comparing them with others, and I mean White folks, to see what’s going on in this industry.”

On Sept. 28, Gov. Newsom signed Assemblymember Chris Holden’s (D-Pasadena) legislation Assembly Bill (AB) 948, which would address discrimination in the real estate appraisal process, such as the prejudicial treatment of Austin and his wife received.

“Black homeow ners

SBCUSD Employee Onboarding Program A State Model Of Excellence Community/Education News

Photo of a pre-COVID culminating onboarding event for SBCUSD administrators.

(Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD) The San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD’s) comprehensive efforts to acclimate employees into its professional culture and values, starting with welcoming and training new hires, has earned acclaim from the California School Boards Association (CSBA).

The District’s Onboarding Program, overseen by the Human Resources Division, has earned a distinguished Golden Bell Award and will be formally honored in December at a reception in San Diego.

The District’s onboarding process is personalized depending on the role of the new employee and offers various opportunities for ongoing professional development and mentoring.

SBCUSD has about 47,000 students and is California’s seventh largest school district.

The District has about 8,000 employees. As San Bernardino

County’s largest school district and one of the Inland Empire’s largest employers, SBCUSD has a duty to hire and retain the most qualified employees, something that is even more important during the pandemic, said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Marcus Funchess, who oversees the Human Resources Division.

“We’re proud of our onboarding process because it helps new employees feel they are part of our SBCUSD family,” Funchess said. “Once our employees go through onboarding, they have the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their position, whether they’re a new teacher or custodian. Additionally, they develop an understanding of how their own purpose can align with our District’s vision.”

SBCUSD offers employees many opportunities to participate in professional development that focuses on sharing best

practices with an emphasis on equity, access, inclusion, and innovative educational practices.

The District designs excellent educational experiences for staff and gives employees diverse opportunities for authentic collaboration throughout the year.

Each year, CSBA recognizes outstanding educational programs and school governance practices that effectively address the needs of California students. The District has earned several Golden Bell Awards in recent years, including one for its efforts to cultivate future teachers from its student ranks through the Grow Your Own program. The Demonstration Teacher Program, also overseen

by Human Resources, previously won Golden Bell acclaim.

Demonstration teachers are experts in various subjects and open their classrooms to other District teachers who are working to hone their instructional skills.

in predominantly W hite neighborhoods are getting their homes appraised for far less than their neighbors,” Holden said. “It’s just another example of how bias, whether explicit or implicit, creates inequity for Black Americans. This is redlining 2.0.”

AB 948 would require the Bureau of California Real Estate Appraisals to gather demographic information on buyers and sellers of real estate property and compile data of homeowners from protected classes who file complaints based on low appraisals. The legislation also requires appraisers to take anti-bias training when renewing their licenses.

“This bill reflects a starting point in a much-needed conversation about how discrimination is still prevalent in the home buying and selling process, and I am committed to addressing this inequity,” Holden said.

Less than one in five Black California households could afford to purchase a home valued at the statewide medianprice of $659,380 in 2020, as compared to two in five White California households that could buy a home at the same price, according to the California Association Realtors (CAR).

CAR also stated in a February report that the affordability gap continued in next 2 columns

Submission Deadline for Press releases & Legal Advertising 5 pm Monday Please email to : msbamericannews@gmail.com

New Cal Law Addresses Anti-Black Bias in Home Appraisal Process...continued is “stark in expensive counties like San Francisco,” where a median-priced home of $1,650,000 was only affordable for 8% of Black households, 15% of Latinx households, and 22%of Asian households, compared to 35% of White households.

The 2019 homeownership rate in California was 63.2% for Whites, 60.2% for Asians, 44.1% for Latinx and 36.8% for Blacks, according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

Austin said that his family was part of the “second wave Great Migration” of Black people from the Deep South that settled in California around the 1940s. Many of them worked in the Sausalito shipyard in Marin County.

Many of the Black families that came to California during that period lived in government housing in Marin City while working in the naval shipyards in and around San Francisco.

When World War II ended, Austin’s grandparents had

enough money to purchase a home anywhere in Marin County.

“Due to redlining, they did not have that opportunity.

Blacks weren’t able to buy land outside of Marin City,” he said. “If you look at Marin County, currently it’s arguably the richest county in California.

The data also shows, when race counts, that Marin County, as a whole, has the largest disparities anywhere. It’s such a huge gap.”

Austin, who attended the Historical Black College and University, Texas Southern University in Houston, said that he doesn’t want to see his children or other Black Californians deal with the same types of issues.

“Just think that if we didn’t have the will to fight the appraisal company,” Austin said. “It’s the systems that have been created

by White people for White people that continuously, negatively affect people that look like me.

Now it’s time to take those steps and right the wrongs.”

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Page 3

STATE/GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS

Cal Black Caucus Gives Thumbs Up to Law Reforming Courtroom Sentencing

Have You Seen These Missing Individuals of Color?...continued from page 1

Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Credit: Shutterstock Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) are applauding a new law Gov. Newsom signed on Oct. 8 that modifies the state court sentencing procedure for crimes.

Senate Bill (SB) 567 requires judges to only hand out sentences with lengths that match a number of years that reflect the median point of the possible term.

Moving forward, according to the new law, sentences will only exceed middle term after circumstances presented to a jury are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

“We are now in a period of reckoning that requires us to confront the reality and interconnectedness of racism,

inequality, and injustice which have permeated our institutions and deprive people of liberty, without the fundamental standards for fairness in our processes,” said Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Gardena), who is chair of the CLBC The new law marks a correction to a ruling that was only meant to last 2 years but ended up lasting 14.

In 2007, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) held in Cun ningham v.

California ruled that California’s determinate sentencing law was unconstitutional. The court found that California law impermissibly allowed judges to impose an upper/maximum term based upon facts that were never presented to a jury and deemed to be true beyond

a reasonable doubt. This was a violation of the 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution right to a trial by jury, according to the SCOTUS. Later that year, a temporary law was put into place allowing judges to impose any of the three sentencing terms as long as they stated a reason for giving them. The law allowed judges to apply a maximum sentence without granting defendants the opportunity to have a jury determine if the reasoning for the sentence was true or not.

The law was supposed to last until 2009 when a review of the sentencing process could determine a long-term solution.

However, the mandate ended up lasting until Gov. Newsom signed

the law a little over a week ago.

Bradford was a lead proponent of SB 567 as part of this year’s criminal justice reform efforts.

“SB 567 makes our criminal justice system more credible, and is a step in the right direction for criminal justice reform. I am grateful to Governor Gavin Newsom for signing the bill and appreciate the support of my legislative colleagues who voted for the bill because, only together, can we create a system that gives the public more confidence,” he said.

The bill was also sponsored

by California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, and Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice and supported by organizations such as Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and San Francisco Public Defender.

“SB 567 is a huge step forward in the fight for true justice in the courtroom. The impact of long sentences on individuals and families should not be taken lightly or subjected to arbitrary terms.

As a lawyer and someone who has been impacted by the loss of loved ones to incarceration, I find this bill a worthy step in the right direction,” said Joanna Billingy, Policy Manager, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children.

S B 5 67 w i l l t a k e effect on January 1, 2022

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Coming Soon to Cali: A “Zero-Fee” Commission to Honor Contributions to Public Banking Option Justice-Involved and At-Risk Youth in Edward Henderson | California Black Media Riverside County State/Government/Business News RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – The Riverside County Probation Department is pleased to invite the media to the Riverside County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission (JJDPC) Awards Ceremony. The event will honor individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the lives of justice-involved and at-risk youth in the County of Riverside.

WHAT: Riverside County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission Awards Ceremony WHEN: Thursday, October 21, 2021 - 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

WHERE: Riverside County Administrative Center 4080 Lemon St. Riverside, CA 92501 Awards will be presented in several categories; The Bert R. Van Horn Award is provided to Riverside County Probation employees for providing superior service and care to youth housed at county juvenile detention facilities.

The Starfish Award will recognize a dedicated Riverside County Office of Education teacher who worked tirelessly

through the pandemic to provide educational services in juvenile detention facilities, ensuring some sense of connection and normalcy for those in her charge.

In addition, the JJDPC will celebrate the Foster Parents of the Year and community-based organizations working to serve at-risk populations.

The Commission will also award Riverside Count y Sheriff’s Deputy Cody Ballard the Service Above Self Award.

Ballard responded to a radio call of a mother and her infant who planned to spend the night on a bus bench, having missed the last bus to their destination. Ballard used his own funds to secure a hotel room for the evening for the mother and infant to ensure their safety.

About the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission The mission of the JJDPC is to inquire into the administration of juvenile court law within Riverside County, to assure the highest standards of care and services for the youth within the juvenile justice system, and to engage in activities designed to prevent juvenile delinquency by coordinating on a countywide basis with community agencies.

The JJDPC is dedicated to the promotion of an effective juvenile justice system operated in an environment of credibility, dignity, fairness and respect for the youth of Riverside County.

On Oct. 4, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation paving the way for a new public banking system in California.

AB 1177, known as the ‘California Public Banking Option Act’, creates a zero-penalty, zerofee, and zero-minimum-balance platform for basic financial services.

These services include direct deposit from employers and public benefits, automatic bill pay to registered payees, recurring payments and donations to account holders’ organizations or charities of choice, and an infrastructure to support account holders in building credit.

“AB 1177 will help Californians stay protected from overdraft fees and penalties and give them an opportunity to save money and build wealth while fighting the racial wealth gap,” said Assemblymember Mig uel Santiago (D -Los Angeles), lead author of the bill.

“California is leading the nation’s public banking movement and we must keep working to provide no-fee banking services to all Californians,” he added.

Santiago wrote the bill with the intention to help close the financial services gap that leaves 1 in 4 Californians unbanked or underbanked. Modeled after the state’s public retirement program CalSavers, the bill forms a commission of representatives from the Treasurer’s office, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, financial access experts and community members to oversee market analysis on how the program should be implemented.

Proponents of public banking

in California say Wall Street banks have failed low-income communities, particularly people of color. They also say the banks will provide easier access to capital that will be critical to helping small businesses and neighborhoods rebound after the pandemic.

“Financial exclusion and scarcity have been a tool for oppression, discrimination and systemic inequity for too long.

Public banking options such as BankCal, along with new technology that allows for free exchange over the internet, are urgently needed to decentralize power, privilege and financial control,” said Briana Marbury, Executive Director of the Interledger Foundation, a non-profit that advocates for standards and technologies that support an open and integrated global f inancial system.

Opponents of the bill believe that government-owned banks open the door for corruption and that the cost of any mismanagement of funds will come out of taxpayers’ pockets.

A 2015 article published by the Cato Institute critiques past public banking projects, highlighting shortcomings and failures.

Mark A. Calabria, who was chief economist to Vice President Pence and former director of the Federal Housing and Finance Agency authored the article.

He cites devastating losses Ger many’s public banks suffered during the sub-prime mortgage crisis of 2008.

Calabria also points to public continued in next 2 columns

we want them to contact the Waterford Police Department immediately,” Dillon said.

If anyone has information about Creg Lyles, please call ( 2 4 8) 618 - 6 0 41.

The National Newspaper P u bl i s h e r s A s s o c i a t i o n routinely keeps track of missing individuals of color and has endorsed the mission of the Black and Missing Foundation.

D e r r ic a a n d Na t a l ie Wilson started the Black and Missing Foundation in 2008.

The nonprofit has continued to raise awareness of missing persons of color and provide vital resources and tools to missing people’s families and friends.

At least 40 percent of individuals missing in America are individuals of color.

Last month when 22-year-old Gabby Petito, a white woman, vanished and was later discovered murdered, media outlets were

called out for their dogged coverage of that case – they have a practice of lifting missing white people and overlooking individuals of color.

“We find that when people of color, men and women, go missing, automatically it’s assumed that there’s some criminal activity involved, or they’ve just run away. So they are stereotyped and not taken seriously,” Natalie Wilson has stated.

When authorities classify a case as a runaway, there’s no Amber Alert, and the media tends to ignore the matter, she said.

“Even if they are runaways, we have to find them within the first 48 hours because we need to understand why they ran away and realize that many are lured into sex trafficking,” Wilson stated.

For more i nfor mat ion on the Black and Missing Foundation, visit http://www. bla ck a nd m i s si ng i nc.c om .

Coming Soon to Cali: A “Zero-Fee” Public Banking Option...continued banking failures closer to home.

“The recent history of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, quasi‐ public banks at the federal level, illustrates that mismanagement and corruption are alive and well at the intersection of the public and private,” he wrote.

However, Trinity Tran, cofounder of the California Public Banking Alliance, argues instead that AB1177 does not create a new bank but “creates a statewide retail banking option trough which every California worker can access zero-cost services.”

While California is known for its groundbreaking legislation, it will not be the first state with a banking system like this. North Dakota’s public banking system

was founded back in 1919.

Marbury believes that the bill is only the first step toward a more broader initiative that would revolutionize accessibility to financial growth and equality.

“T h is is a n excit i ng development, but not farreaching enough. Public banking initiatives should be introduced in other states across the US to ensure equal access to financial services for the most vulnerable sectors of our population while elevating the economic health of society as a whole,” she said.

In addition, global financial inclusion should encompass both “brick and mortar” bank access for everyone and a more inclusive internet,” she added.

Together, We Can Save Our Water and Our Future By: Nichole Morgan, California Water Resources Control Board Member

For some reason, the day we learned about the water cycle in science class stayed with me. Then, many years later when deciding on a career I knew that I wanted to help bring clean water to homes that currently didn’t have access to safe and reliable drinking water and to protect the environment for f ut u re ge ne r at ion s.

Now that I serve on the board of the state agency that is responsible for protecting and managing California’s water resources, my view of what it means to ensure people have access to water has expanded, especially as we grapple with another drought.

California is only getting hotter and drier. We’re seeing it all over the news as the water crisis hits closer and closer to home. Karla Nemeth, director of the state Department of Water Resources, put our harsh reality into perspective when she said, “the challenge is there is no water.” As Californians, we’re no strangers to the drought, but continued on page 7

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Page 4

LIFESTYLE/SPORTS/ENTERTAINMENT/RELIGION

Black Panther Actress Passes Away at 95

Urban Vibe Entertainment Presents 2022: The New Year's Comedy Laugh Fest | January 2, 2022 | State Farm Arena... continued

Lifestyle News

is the #1 syndicated morning show in America.Tommy provides a key role in the morning show, lighting it up with his own cast of colorful characters and zany humor, which are showcased in the fan-favorite segment, “Tommy’s Prank Calls.”

In 2018, Tommy added hosting duties for OWN’s new dating series Ready to Love. The show explores the real-life dating interactions of sexy, successful and grown Black men and women in their 30s and 40s who are looking for lasting love and an authentic relationship. A unique twist on a typical dating show, Ready to Love, highlights the men’s observations and experiences in the search for true love in Atlanta.

Earthquake is a Washington DC’s own comedian, actor and

As soon as you saw her on the big screen, it was like she was destined to play royalty. Dorothy Steel was 95-year-old actress who died Friday morning at her home in Detroit. “She went out strong,” her publicist said. Her agent Cindy Butler confirmed, according to People. A cause of death was not yet shared.

“It’s with a heavy heart I announce this morning Dorothy Steel transitioned this morning in her hometown of Detroit.

That is what she wanted to be home,” Butler wrote. “Thank you Ms. Dorothy for giving me the opportunity to ride this wave with you. Thank you for all the Casting Directors who hired Ms. Dorothy. Thank you to the world for loving on her from afar.”

Steel played a tribe leader in the fictional land of Wakanda in the film, which was shot in metro Atlanta. Her role in “Black Panther” was her

biggest, but she had a handful of credits in other films, including “Jumanji: The Next Level.”

“It was just amazing, it truly was,” Steel told Channel 2 of the experience in 2018. “If anyone would have told me I would be an actor, I would’ve said you got to be out of your mind.”

Steel was born in Detroit in 1926 and didn’t land her first acting role until she was 88 years old. “Black Panther” was her first appearance on the big screen.

She was in the middle of filming “Black Panther 2” when she died, according to her publicist.

The Marvel franchise flew her home to Detroit to spend her last moments with loved ones.

“This was going to be my last role,” Steel said, according to her publicist.

She begun acting when she was 88, and landed the role of a lifetime as an elder in Black continued in next 2 columns

Urban Vibe Entertainment Presents 2022: The New Year's Comedy Laugh Fest | January 2, 2022 | State Farm Arena The New Year’s Comedy Laugh Fest January 2, 2022 State Farm Arena Tickets on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com

Black Panther Actress Passes Away at 95... continued Panther, proving that it’s never too late to go for your dreams.

“It was just amazing, it truly was,” Steel told WSBTVChannel 2’s Nefertiti Jaquez.

The film did and still is breaking records. It’s recorded that it hit $218 million in sales over a three-day weekend as well as is breaking merchandizing records, not to mention it’s the best February release of any movie, ever AND the best first-weekend release of any Marvel film.

Steel landed the job after she sent her audition tape when Marvel called her last year.

“We sent it in and an hour later they said, “Who is that old lady? We want her,'” she recalled.

Steel ended up landing the part of the merchant tribal elder who advises the King of Wakanda played by lead actor Chadwick Boseman.

Lifestyle /Entertainment News Cedric Antonio Kyles better known by his stage name Cedric the Entertainer, is an American actor, comedian, and game show host. He hosted BET’s ComicView during the 1993–94 season and Def Comedy Jam in 1995. He is best known for co-starring with Steve Harvey on The WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, as one of The Original Kings of Comedy, and for starring as Eddie Walker in Barbershop.

He hosted the 12th season of the daytime version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2013–14 and starred in the TV Land original series The Soul Man, which aired from 2012 until 2016. He has also done voice work for Ice Age, the Madagascar film series, Charlotte’s Web and the Planes franchise. In 2019, he will receive a Hollywood walk of fame star.

DL Hughley is an American actor, political commentator, radio host, author and standup comedian. Hughley is best known as the original host of BET's ComicView from 1992 to 1993, the eponymous character on the ABC/UPN sitcom The Hughleys, and as one of the "Big Four" comedians in The Original Kings of Comedy. Additionally, he has been the host of CNN's D. L. Hughley Breaks the News, a correspondent for The Jay Leno Show on NBC, and a local radio personality and interviewer in New York City. In early 2013, D.L. Hughley landed in 9th place on Dancing with the Stars.

Eddie Griffin A popular comedian turned actor who started his career on-stage as a

dare, funnyman Eddie Griffin has built an ever-growing fan base since jumping onto the comedy scene in 1990. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Eddie was voted class clown three years in a row in high school. His first love was always dance and by the young age of 16, he opened his own dance studio and was choreographing the Kansas City Chiefs half-time shows. But all of that would soon change when one night his cousin dared him to go on stage at the local comedy club Sanford and Sons where he was told to do 3 minutes. He performed off-thecuff for 45 minutes successfully.

It was then that Griffin purchased a one-way ticket to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a stand up. He played The Pastor opposite Dave Chappelle, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in 2018’s Academy Award Winning feature film A Star is Born. His Showtime Comedy Special Eddie Griffin: Undeniable debuted on Showtime in February 2018 to rave reviews.

Nephew Tommy Radio host, actor, comedian, producer, entrepreneur Thomas Miles, aka "Nephew Tommy,"is making his mark on the world of entertainment. As co-host of the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show, which airs weekdays from 6-10 AM on more than 100stations, Tommy entertains nearly seven million weekly listeners. The program, which combines heart, humor, music and celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment, continued in next 2 columns

voice-artist, Earthquake earned a strong fan-base in standup comedy via programming platforms fueled by BET, HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and more. Born Nathaniel Stroman, ‘Quake’ (as he’s known by fans), entered America’s households on the classic run of BET’s Comic View and HBO’s comedic rites of passage program, Def Comedy Jam. Pointedly, Earthquake wowed audiences with one of his most memorable performances for HBO’s coveted 30-minute comedy special series, One Night Stand.

Tickets for the January 2, 2022 performances at State Farm Arena a r e o n s a le Fr id ay, October 22 at 10 a.m. and available at Ticketmaster.com.

“Chadwick the King. Every day, he would make sure if I was on the set, he would come by and make sure he gave me a big old hug and kiss,” Steel said.

With most of the cast being younger, Steel said she quickly became the “grandmother” on the set of ‘Black Panther,’ which she said is not just a movie but a movement.

“We were one big melting pot of black people and we knew we were doing something that had never been done before. Ya know?” she said.

Steel’s accomplishment is really extraordinary, especially for an older Black woman in Hollywood.

While male actors see their careers peak at the age of 46, female actors reach their professional pinnacles at age 30, according to a TIME analysis of the careers of over 6,000 actors and actresses.

Halle Berry Makes Her Directorial Debut in the Boxing Flick ‘Bruised’ Lifestyle /Entertainment News

Jackie Justice (Halle Berry) is a mixed martial arts fighter who leaves the sport in disgrace. Down on her luck and simmering with rage and regret years after her fight, she’s coaxed into a brutal underground fight by her manager

Lou Yeboah Judgment has been unleashed.

You can hear, but not understand.

You can see, but not perceive. It’s too late! [Paraphrasing God’s call to Isaiah in [Isaiah Chapter 6]. You wouldn’t listen, you wouldn’t see, you wouldn’t believe, and now you

what I did to Shiloh I will now do to you. I will thrust you from My presence, just as I did all your brothers, the people of Ephraim. So do not plead with Me, for I will not listen to you.

God's judgment upon nations in the past were written for our admonition – [1Corinthians 10:11].

It is to our shame that we don’t realize the time period in which we live. We have failed to realize that there comes a time when everything will be set into motion and no man can stop it. No prayer that can be prayed. We cannot hope for a moment that God will change His mind. Once He has set these things in motion, they will continue until they are completed.

I tell you the end time is coming without delay. All individuals will one day be judged, and there is such a thing as the judgment of a nation! Just read the stories of the Old Testament/Sodom and Gomorrah a lot of similarities between Sodom and the world, especially America…certainly our level of sin and iniquity is at least equal, if not in excess/Israel, and because of that the result of such excess is that America has passed the point of no return, the point of “dread release,” when God delivers a nation from judgment to destruction. Read [Deuteronomy 28:15-48]. The curses of a nation under judgment are listed there.

The chilling thing about our behavior as a nation is that the Bible teaches that when a nation under judgment refuses to repent, it will ultimately reach a point where God will deliver it from judgment to wrath from discipline to doom. The Bible further teaches that when this terrible point of dread release is reached, the nation cannot be saved even by the prayer of the Righteous!

[Read Ezekiel 14:12-20].

[Micah 3] reminds us that the God who sits patiently on His throne of grace…on the mercy seat there in Heaven, is sometimes forced by a nation to rise up off of that throne, and trample an entire nation under His feet, saying, I cannot tolerate the sin, rebellion, and wickedness any longer. [Romans 1: 24-32].

Therefore, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evilmindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, u n l ov i n g , u n fo r g i v i n g , unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death.

A message to the Nations – It’s Too Late!

And then “The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’ And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations, fell and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.” [Revelation 16:17–21].

Witness For Justice#1069

Who Are These Rules Serving?

Katie Adams

and boyfriend Desi (Adan Canto) and grabs the attention of a fight league promoter (Shamier Anderson) who promises Jackie a life back in the octagon. But the road to redemption becomes unexpectedly personal when Manny (Danny Boyd, Jr.) — the son she gave up as an infant — shows up at her doorstep. Bruised marks the directorial debut of Academy Award winner Halle Berry and also stars Adriane Lenox, Sheila Atim, Valentina Shevchenko, and Stephen McKinley Henderson in a triumphant story of a fighter who reclaims her power, in and out of the ring, when everyone has counted her out.

Br uised prem ieres on Netf lix November 24th.

“A Message to the Nations ̶ It’s Too Late!”

By: Lou Yeboah

“A Message to the Nations ̶ It’s Too Late!”...continued

can’t.” “Tell them it is too late.

Judgment is already in motion.”

You have rejected the Word, the Law of the Lord, the Holy One Himself. And He swore by Him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, “There will be no more delay!” [Revelation 10:6]. I spoke to you repeatedly, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Therefore, continued in next 2 columns

You might have heard a lot recently about the filibuster in Congress. It’s a rule in the Senate that allows any Senator to hold up legislation, making it harder for legislation to pass because it requires a supermajority—60 votes—for passage through the Senate. Baked into the Senate rules of conduct is a slow and deliberative process that gives each Senator vast power over consideration of legislation. While the House of Representatives might churn out legislation, the Senate slows things down and takes a more contemplative approach, considering legislation with a sharp eye toward viability.

I used to have a kind of a romantic attachment to the filibuster. Blame it on The West Wing or Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and the idea of someone taking a principled stand on something they care about.

But if you examine data about the filibuster—unromantically— it’s clear: these rules aren’t working. Instead, they’ve created a logjam allowing a very tiny handful of people to hold up legislation that could have a positive impact for millions around the country. Everything from voting rights protections to the “build back better” agenda hinges on the capricious whims of a few.

The rules of the Senate always have been living documents,

allowing for changes in time, temperament, and the national climate. This is one of the times when those rules need to be living and malleable again, when we’ve got to pull out all the stops and enact what some may feel is a radical change to get legislation passed. The rules need to encourage a vibrant, active, and pragmatic Congress, where people disagree but compromise and where silly stunts are considered beneath the dignity of Congress rather than their bread and butter.

Isn’t that what Congress can and should be? A body of elected legislators who come together to tackle the hard problems, who find ways to order our common life for the common good?

I’ve (naively) hoped at times that the gravity of what governing means could elevate the discourse in Congress. In the absence of that, it’s time for us to take a critical and creative look at the rules that dictate how the Senate (and Congress) work, asking at each time: who are these rules serving? Elected officials and their egos, powerful corporations and their agenda of exploitation, special interests focused on the bottom line?

If the answer isn’t “the people,” then the rules need to change.

Katie Adams is the Policy Advocate for Domestic Issues for the United Church of Christ.

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Page 5

LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210010292 Date Filed: 10/08/2021 Filing Expires On: 10/08/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): 1906 PROPERTIES County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1120 ONEIL STREET UPLAND, CA 91784 Mailing Address: 1120 ONEIL STREET UPLAND, CA 91784 Name of Individual Registrant: STEPHANIE C. CROWELL 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: 1120 ONEIL STREET UPLAND, CA 91784 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 Stephanie C. Crowell, 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 21, 28, November 4, 11, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210010247 Date Filed: 10/06/2021 Filing Expires On: 10/06/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): BALANCING HAPPENS @ BOOKKEEPER’S County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 16109 SPRUCE ST. #A HESPERIA, CA 92345 Name of Individual Registrant: ELIZABETH EDDLEMON 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: 16109 SPRUCE ST. #A HESPERIA, CA 92345 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Sep 01, 2021 Elizabeth Eddlemon, 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 21, 28, November 4, 11, 2021.

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 20210010357 Date Filed: 10/12/2021 Filing Expires On: 10/12/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): 5331 BRIGHTON CT County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 5331 BRIGHTON CT SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 Name of Individual Registrant: DIANA SALERNO 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: 5331 BRIGHTON CT 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 Diana Salerno , 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 14, 21, 28, November 4, 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 Number of Employees: 1 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, Correction 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 Number of Employees: 12 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, Correction 14, 21, 28, 2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2124824 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: DARLENE CASILLAS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a.

LOGAN DMITRI VASQUEZ Proposed name: to: LOGAN DMITRI CASILLAS 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: November 17, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Dept.: S16 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 San Bernardino Justice Center/ Civil Division 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: August 17, 2021 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 2021.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2125947 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: JACKY J. XIANG filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a.

JACKY J. XIANG Proposed name: to: JIAYI XIANG 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: Dec 02, 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 3rd 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: 10/14/21 John M. Pacheco Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper October 21, 28, November 4, 11, 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 2123938 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. NMESOMA DEBORAH ROBERT OKORIE Proposed name: to: DEBORAH NMESOMA ROBERT 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: 11/08/21 Time 9:00 a.m. Dept.: S17 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO San Bernardino District-Civil 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: September 13, 2021 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper, October 14, 21, 28, November 4, 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 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper September 30, October 7,14, 21, 2021.

PETITION/PROBATE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MARK STEVEN GAYLORD, SR. CASE NO: PROPS 2100197 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: MARK

STEVEN GAYLORD, SR.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: CHARLES D. GAYLORD in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: CHARLES GAYLORD be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

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: 03/08/2022 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Dept: S35 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0212 San Bernardino Main Courthouse 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: Aaron F. Garcia LAW OFFICES OF AARON F. GARCIA, APLC 71-780 San Jacinto Drive, Building J Rancho Mirage, California 92270 (760)346-3788 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper October 21, 28, November 4, 2021.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MARGARET 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, Correction 14, 21, 2021.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ERNESTINA JUANITA CHAVEZ CASE NO : PROSB 2100763

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

JUANITA CHAVEZ

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: BENJAMIN D. CHAVEZ in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: BENJAMIN D. CHAVEZ 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 15, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Dept: S35 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0212 San Bernardino Justice Center/ Probate Division 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.

Petitioner: Benjamin D. Chavez 2542 South Balboa Avenue Ontario, CA 91761 (909)331-7889 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper October 21, 28, November 4, 2021.

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Thursday, October 21, 2021

Page 6

COUNTY/NATIONAL/HEALTH NEWS

Study Shows How Medical Community Neglected African Americans with Covid

Public/Media Assistance Needed to Identify Unknown Patient County/Health News

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The report noted that hospitalization rates for Black and Latinx patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 are approximately three times higher than those of similar White patients. “It is therefore unsurprising that of the 216,635 COVID-19–related deaths in the United States to date for which we have race and ethnicity data available, 29.3% have been Black (34,374) or Latinx (29,063), which correlate with US population norms,” the authors continued.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The study investigated variation in 60-day post-discharge clinical, financial, and mental health outcomes of diverse patients with COVID-19.

(Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) It’s well-documented that the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in communities ever ywhere, but African Americans mainly have borne the brunt of the disease’s impact.

Now, a new study published by the University of Michigan delves f u r ther into yet another systemic problem.

Findings from the study show that Black patients experienced the lowest physician followup post-discharge and the most protracted delays (35.5 days) in returning to work.

More than half of hospital readmissions within the 60 days following discharge were among non-White patients (55%), and the majority of post-discharge deaths were among White patients (21.5%).

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Black and Latinx communities in the United States compared with White communities in both morbidity and mortality,”

the study authors wrote.

The repor t noted that hospitalization rates for Black and Latinx patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 are approximately three times higher than those of similar White patients.

“It is therefore unsurprising that of the 216,635 COVID-19– related deaths in the United States to date for which we have race and ethnicity data available, 29.3% have been Black (34,374) or Latinx (29,063), which correlate with US population norms,” the authors continued.

White persons in the United States account for approximately 76% of the population and 61.1% of deaths (132,315).

Notably, Black and Latinx adults have an increased prevalence of comorbid conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, associated with an increased risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.

Further, significant numbers of Black and Latinx adults

Covered California Encourages Members to Re-up for Health Insurance After RecordSetting Year

County/Health News

During this historic COVID pandemic, more people than ever before signed up for health insurance through Covered California, the state agency that administers the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare).

With a record 1.6 million consumers now enrolled in brand-name health plans

through Covered California, the agency recently announced that the renewal process is now underway for its current members for health coverage in 2022. The good news is that he vast majority of Covered California members will receive financial help, from the new American Rescue Plan, that will dramatically lower their monthly health care costs.

This year, Covered California has also seen an uptick in African Americans enrolling in health plans, with quality health care being critical during the pandemic. African American enrollment in Covered California health plans increased more than 30 percent in 2021 over last year.

“Covered California continues continued in next 2 columns

have occupations considered essential, requiring close contact with others, thereby hindering the ability to effectively socially distance, self-isolate, or work from home, the study revealed.

“Health disparities, or preventable differences in health outcomes, are known to be driven by a variety of economic, environmental, and social factors, including institutional or structural racism and bias in health treatment,” the authors conceded.

For example, researchers cited a recent study that evaluated patients with COVID-19 among five US emergency departments.

That study found that Black patients accounted for the majority (56.7%) of readmissions within 72 hours, whereas White patients only accounted for 16.7%.

The study investigated variation in 60-day postdischarge clinical, financial, and mental health outcomes of diverse patients with COVID-19.

“I think people only think of Covid in terms of death, you know, or having like a mild cold,” Dr. Sheria G. RobinsonLane, a gerontologist and the study’s lead researcher, wrote.

“They don’t think about all of those spaces in between where people are having these effects post-Covid.”

Robinson-Lane said one of the most surprising findings was the lack of follow-ups with physicians, noting that hospitals need to improve discharge plans to serve patients better. The physician shortage and stigma to going into the doctor’s office when infected with Covid might contribute to the lack of follow-ups, Robinson-Lane said.

“So, we need to do a much better job about coordinating care, to find out what it is that people need,” she said. “Because we’re seeing a significant number of people also that are dying within those 60 days after hospitalization.”

Covered California Encourages Members to Re-up for Health Insurance After Record-Setting Year..continued to meet the needs of the state’s diverse population during this pandemic and heads into the upcoming open-enrollment period next month with more enrollees than ever,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “The surge in enrollment is driven by the increased financial help and lower monthly premiums made possible by the American Rescue Plan, which is helping more Californians than ever to get access to quality and affordable health care – no matter their income level.”

New Financial Help and Credits Available to Lower Monthly Health Plan Costs to $0 The American Rescue Plan provides new and expanded financial help that will be available throughout 2022, which will help Californians across all income levels. The financial help covers about 90 percent of a consumer’s monthly health insurance premiums, making the cost of health coverage more affordable than ever before.

It’s important to note that you can only get this financial help

through Covered California.

Covered California also estimates that about 1 million of its existing members will be eligible for coverage at no cost because of a new state law called the California Premium Credit.

The new law means that some consumers will be able to get the same comprehensive health coverage – with all the benefits and protections of the Affordable Care Act – for free, and the State of California will be providing a credit of $1 per member per month for all Covered California members throughout 2022.

“Getting more people insured, and keeping them insured, not only leads to better health outcomes – it also lowers the cost of health insurance for everyone,” Lee said.

Current Covered California enrollees can begin renewing their health coverage now, and they have until Dec. 31 to renew their existing health plan or make changes to their plans for 2022.

People who do not actively select a plan for next year will be renewed in their current health plan, so they continued on page 8

On October 14, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m., an unidentified male on a bicycle was hit by a car at 223rd and Vermont Avenue in Torrance and was brought to the hospital by ambulance. The hospital is seeking the public’s and news media’s help in identifying this patient because he had no documentation or evidence of his identity with him or in his property. Below is a general description of the patient; anyone with information that may help to identify him is asked to contact the hospital at: (424) 306-6310.

Sex: Male

Race/Ethnicity: Possibly Asian Approximate age: 50-60 years old Eyes: Brown Hair: Dark brown/gray salt and pepper Height: 5’3” Weight: 150 pounds Other descriptive information: He has salt and pepper-colored short hair and may be balding in the front. No tattoos. He is petite, but muscular. His bicycle was reported to be spray-painted different colors. He had one key with him and a watch, socks and shoes.

COVID-19 Testing Still Critical to Managing Pandemic Pinkston News Service October 18, 2021 WASHINGTON, DC — (Pinkston News Service) — The White House recently announced a new $1 billion investment to increase the supply of rapid, athome COVID-19 tests to more than 200 million per month by December. It is a signal from the Biden administration that although U.S. cases continue to decline, aggressive public health initiatives and mitigation measures must still be pursued — including testing.

Health experts advise that testing can provide some valuable peace of mind, especially for people traveling to see family and friends during the upcoming holiday season.

"When you're gathering around the holidays, you have to assess the circumstances. If you have younger kids who are unvaccinated with older relatives who are vaccinated, but still could be vulnerable from a breakthrough infection, using testing… makes a lot of sense,” former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said recently.

But as testing ramps up to better meet continuing demand, Americans will still have to navigate a maze of testing options and protocols. For those wondering what type of test is best for them, experts recommend framing the search for a test around one central question: why do you want to get tested?

Rapid antigen tests, the type promoted by the Biden administration, can be particularly effective at helping someone determine within minutes whether they are putting themselves and others at risk. These affordable tests “have a very unique ability to detect what matters most for public health, which is to answer the question, ‘Am I infectious?” said Dr. Michael Mina of Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health at a recent UC San Francisco online forum. As UC San Francisco department of

medicine chair Robert Wachter told the Wall Street Journal, rapid tests allow you to “hop on the virus early so it doesn’t have the chance to replicate and descend into your lungs.”

In a recent New York Times essay calling for the United States to prioritize rapid testing, Mina and Dr. Stephen Phillips opined that the “regular use of rapid tests can make schools and workplaces safer,” and “make everyday activities — including indoor ones, such as dinner parties, play dates, weddings and visits with grandparents — less risky.”

Rapid antigen tests may sometimes fall short for people traveling internationally. That’s because many over-the-counter tests do not deliver the verified test results required by the CDC for border entry. To meet this need for verified test results, new telehealth companies like eMed (www.emed. com) offer at-home rapid testing with the added convenience of a virtual test guide who can provide certified results suitable for passengers re-entering the U.S. For people who have COVID-19 symptoms, the general consensus is that a PCR test is in order, regardless of vaccination status.

PCR tests require that a sample be analyzed in a laboratory setting to determine if any of the virus's genetic material is present. While PCR test results generally take between a couple of hours and a few days to deliver, they are highly reliable, according to the CDC. For individuals without symptoms, a PCR test still might be necessary to meet entry requirements for some concerts, sporting events and more.

Even with the Biden administration's efforts to boost test availability, supply chain difficulties or spikes in demand might limit testing options available locally.

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Page 7

WORLD/LOCAL NEWS/ADVERTISING

Despite Misinformation and Distractions, Biden-Harris Accomplishing Black Agenda

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, Cedric Richmond, said that the administration also changed federal rules that punished most Black homeowners who didn’t have a clean title to their property because of slavery and systemic racism.

The $4.2 billion received in 2021 by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) represents the largest single-year federal government funding from any administration in U.S. history.

And it’s not even close.

“We see more and more misinformation. When you see reports that the Biden administration is cutting funding to HBCUs by $30 billion, it is patently false,” Cedric Richmond, the senior advisor to the President, told a group of publishers from the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

Richmond, who also serves as the White House Office of Public Engagement director, remarked that the deliberate misinformation published by news outlets and posted on social media is meant to undermine the President and Democrats.

Notably, the dubious accounts aim to suppress the Black vote further, Richmond declared.

“It’s being pushed around so young African Americans and people who went to HBCUs would get discouraged and say that there’s no difference from President Biden and President Trump, or that Trump did more for HBCUs,” Richmond asserted.

“Fu nd i ng for H BCUs

is usually less than $1 billion per year,” he noted.

“Just this year alone, we’ve given HBCUs $4.2 billion, and because of that, some HBCUs are financially capable of forgiving student debt right now. A lot of them are making investments in their campuses.

“We still want to double or triple funding over the next ten years to invest in their facilities.

We’re going to do that, but there’s been no administration ever to invest in HBCUs more than us.”

The former Congressional Black Caucus Chair spent the bulk of the day on Wednesday, October 13, with the Black Press of America.

He appeared at 7:30 a.m. on the NNPA’s live breaking news program, “Let It Be Known,” before sitting for an 11:30 a.m. livestream interview with NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards and NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. Dr. Chavis later conducted a one-on-one interview with Richmond inside the White House for his PBS-TV and PBS-World show, “The Chavis Chronicles.”

The Louisiana-native spelled out several of the many initiatives and programs that the Biden-Harris administration has implemented that benefit the Black community.

He also noted the various strategies the administration has engaged in protecting voting rights and advancing homeownership in the Black community.

He said the President’s Build Back Better plan includes creating jobs and opportunities that have previously escaped t h e Bl a ck c o m mu n it y.

Richmond also noted the various executive orders that have aided the cause of leveling the playing field, including the order on advancing racial equity and support for underser ved communities through the federal government.

And while Republican-led states have implemented voter oppression laws and lawmakers have failed to enact federal statutes to protect voting rights, the Democratic National Committee has pledged to invest $25 million in voter outreach and litigation.

“The President has called for reforming the filibuster, and we’re not letting obstruction slow us down,” Richmond declared.

“We don’t know where we are on the [latest] Senate bill until they have a vote, but we will continue to fight on a three-prong approach.

We have doubled the size of the Voting Rights Division in the Department of Justice, we are continuing to file lawsuits over

the unconstitutional laws that have passed around the country, and we are fighting them in the courts.

“So, we keep pushing, and we keep doing the things needed to get it done. We’re not going to wait and put all of our eggs in one basket.”

The administration has also put in place programs and mechanisms to ensure that individuals remain in their homes during the pandemic, Richmond relayed.

“We signed an executive order tasking HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge to review and analyze all barriers to homeownership and systemic racism in housing in the federal government,” Richmond continued.

“Secretary Fudge has embarked on an extensive review of appraisals and other things that determines the worth of a house.

“The President’s goal is to provide federal down payment assistance to firsttime homebuyers, which will specifically help people of color. It’s the best way to attain generational wealth.”

Richmond added that the administration also changed federal rules that punished most Black homeowners who didn’t have a clean title to their property because of slavery and systemic racism.

“We don’t have all day to tout all of the things we’ve been able to accomplish over the first [10 months], but we have to show the Black community what we’ve done for them,” Richmond insisted.

“Whether it’s promoting Black maternal health, the equity we put in the pandemic response, banning private prisons, telling U.S. Attorneys to stop with the harshest sentencing recommendations.”

He concluded that “we are investing in community violence and intervention programs using trusted interrupters to continued in next 2 columns

Together, We Can Save Our Water and Our Future...continued from page 3 as we anticipate another dry year, it’s more important than ever for all of us to take action to save our water for today and years to come.

It is imperative for us to understand that the drought truly impacts everyone. From our state’s ecosystems to its economy, we all rely on an ample water supply; without it, we all suffer. Climate change is ultimately driving these threats to California, including the dire drought conditions, low reservoir levels and parched landscapes seen throughout the West.

Unfortunately, we can already see some of the consequences of the overuse of water. California’s fish and wildlife are facing severe challenges, threatening the survival of species, including our iconic Chinook salmon. The drought also affects businesses across California, especially small business, like familyowned restaurants and hotels.

Many business owners are already struggling to reconcile dried out wells and limited water supply, in addition to still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Water is essential not only to keep our economy healthy, but to keep our communities thriving with business that foundation to many of our communities.

Now is the time to strengthen conservation efforts and make active changes to save water.

We know that it can be hard to change our habits when it comes to conserving water, but the smallest changes really can make a difference. If we all make little changes in our daily routine to save water, it adds up.

Below are some simple steps we can all follow to conserve water both indoors and out.

Inside the Home: 1. Wash your produce

in the container instead of under r unning water.

2.

Only use your dishwasher and washing machine for full loads.

3.

Install low-flow shower heads as well as taking shorter showers. Showers under 5 minutes can save about 15 gallons, saving you money and the planet!

4. Turn the water off when brushing your teeth and soaping your hands.

5.

Install a high-efficiency (HET) 1.28 gallons-per flush toilet.

Check with your water supplier for current rebate information.

O ut side t he Home: 1. Water you r yard in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.

2.

Check your sprinkler system and adjust them so that only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street to eliminate any wasteful runoff.

3.

Plant drought-resistant trees and plants! There are so many options to create a beautiful landscape that conserves water - succulents and California poppies are great options.

4. Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks, patios and walkways instead of hosi ng t hem dow n.

5. I f yo u h ave a pool, install a pool cover to reduce evaporation and filter backwash. And, if draining your pool is necessary, make sure to find a use for that water.

We know it won’t be easy, but it’s up to us to make the necessary changes to conserve the water that we need. Let’s make sure our kids and future generations get to enjoy the California that we know and love. Together, we can make our water last. Visit www. saveourwater.com to learn more about what you can do to help.

Despite Misinformation and Distractions, Biden-Harris Accomplishing Black Agenda...continued resolve disputes for the first time.

“We are investing in re-entry so that those individuals can have a path to success, and when they do,

people in the community will see it. All of this is done with being intentional about investing in the African American community.”

Despite Disasters and Chaos, Haitian Immigrants Most Likely to Be Denied U.S. Asylum OP-ED: The White House Supports New reporting highlights racist treatment of Black immigrants Link: https://bit.ly/3vyDqmv

By Glenda Glover, Ph.D., JD, CPA, is President of Tennessee State University, and International President and CEO, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

World /Local News Washington, DC — In a piece for NPR, Marisa Peñaloza reports on the ongoing racism in the application of U.S. asylum policy and what Haitian migrants face in navigating a broken immigration system. Haitian immigrants are the most likely to be denied U.S. asylum, as thousands have been rejected entry in the past months.

Haiti is in a state of emergency after recent natural disasters left thousands homeless, struggling with food insecurity, economic collapse, and a political system in chaos following a presidential assassination. Gangs control much of the country, and killing and kidnapping civilians for ransom is part of daily life. More than 40,000 have fled the violence. Those that reach the U.S.-Mexico border are met by a Biden administration that immediately expelled thousands back to Haiti, without even the opportunity to apply for asylum.

Despite pushback from diplomats, experts and advocates about the dangerous and deadly conditions on the ground, the

Biden Administration has continued deportation flights to Haiti. Advocates have tracked at least 75 flights in the last 30 days - with some 8,000 people - since horrifying images at the border in Del Rio caught national attention. Despite mounting criticism and escalating protests, the Biden Administration has continued to choose cruel and counterproductive policies over safety and humanity for Bl a ck i m m ig r a nt s.

Following a national week of action and a new lawsuit filed

by Lawyers for Civil Rights on behalf of Haitian migrants who faced abuse from U.S. border officials, the Biden Administration is facing mounting pressure to change how Black migrants are treated and rescind the previous administration’s Title 42 policy, which relies on a flimsy public health rationale to exclude and expel almost all asylum seekers.

The NPR article is excerpted below and can be read in full here. "​​Like thousands of Haitians,

Gibbens Revolus, his wife, Lugrid, and their 2-year-old son, Diego, made the treacherous journey to the U.S.-México border from Chile and ended up under the international bridge in Del Río, Texas, last month.

Photos from the makeshift camp in Del Río show desperation and unsanitary conditions where almost 15,000 Haitians hoped to apply for asylum. U.S. Border Patrol officers on horseback were seen corralling people, pushing them back to the Río Grande and onto México.

I want people to understand the misery," says Revolus who describes the journey as "hell."

Revolus can't remember the exact date when his family started the journey to the the U.S. border. "Time blurs," he says. But it took them almost three months of travel mostly by bus, many days by foot and the family crossed from Colombia to Panama in a jam-packed boat. Revolus says his infant son kept getting sick, constantly

HBCUs

throwing up and having diarrhea.

Border Patrol officers detained the family in Del Río on Sept. 24 when the makeshift camp was cleared by authorities. They were taken to a detention center in Texas.

"We were not given the chance to make our case for asylum," Revolus says. The family was put on a deportation flight to Haiti on Sept. 27.” …“Many Haitians see U.S. immigration policy as historically racist and anti-Black – pointing to the U.S. occupation of Haiti from 1915 to 1934, including the support of a brutal dictatorship and the recent massive surge of migration in Del Río, Texas.” … “The island nation has been battered by natural disasters, including earthquakes and hurricanes. A catastrophic quake in 2010 killed more than 220,000 Haitians, left several thousand injured and about 1.5 million homeless – that was the catalyst for the massive exodus of Haitians to Latin America.”

We must ask Congress to reinforce the agenda of the President and Vice President to include the proper research funding to strengthen HBCUs, support the students they serve, address historic discrimination, and put HBCUs on equal footing with majority institutions.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have changed the college landscape and have provided a significant return on investment. Our country cannot reach its goals without strong, viable, sustainable HBCUs – goals necessary to close the education gap, health, wealth and economic gaps.

HBCUs were founded to educate the newly freed slaves, and have fulfilled this mission with limited

resources, discrimination in funding, and inadequate facilities.

At HBCUs we see Black excellence at its best. HBCUs have made enormous contributions, and in spite of finding a way to survive, the lack of funding has prevented many HBCUs from excelling at an even higher level. As president of Tennessee State University, I see first-hand the difficulties that HBCUs experience and continued on page 8

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Page 8

COUNTY/POLITICAL NEWS/ADVERTISING

#FIYAH! The Live Interview with Jazz Legend Gerald Albright

OP-ED: The White House Supports HBCUs... continued

NNPA Newswire

State University, as Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs. The Board, originally established by the Carter Administration, is meant to engage key stakeholders in fields such as education, business, and philanthropy to advance the goals of the HBCU Initiative.

Ensuring Continued Support for HBCUs through the Build Back Better Plan The President’s Build Back Better plan would provide tuition subsidies to students who attend HBCUs with a family income below $125,000. It would also provide free community college to students who attend one of the 11 HBCUs that are also community colleges.

Build Back Better also includes a $5 billion increase in funding for HEA Title III and Title V, which can be used by HBCUs, Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), and MSIs to strengthen their academic, administrative, and fiscal capabilities, including by creating or expanding educational programs in highdemand fields (e.g., STEM, computer sciences, nursing, and allied health). Build Back Better would direct an additional $2 billion toward building a

“Top to bottom,” says Gerald Albright, “Whether in concert, listening to my music over the radio or CD player, I always want my listeners to be taken on a musical journey with different textures, rhythms, chordprogressions and moods.

Gerald Albright joined the NNPA’s Taylor Thomas to discuss a wide range of subjects. Everything from his new EP, “G-Stream,” an ode to today’s current technology and streaming music platforms, to some of his classic recordings.

Albright also discusses his long history with jazz as an artform, reminiscing about many of the music greats that he has had the privilege of performing with.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Albright was already an accomplished saxophonist by the time he enrolled at the University of Redlands, but he switched to

bass after he saw Louis Johnson in concert. A few months after graduating from college, he joined jazz pianist/R&B singer Patrice Rushen, who was in the process of forming her own band.

Later, when the bassist left in the middle of a tour, Albright replaced him and finished the tour on bass guitar. Playing both sax and bass, he became the consummate session and touring musician in the 80s, working with everyone from Anita Baker, Ray Parker, Jr., Atlantic Starr, The Temptations and Maurice White to Les McCann, Teena Marie, the

Winans and Whitney Houston.

He launched his solo career in the infancy of what became the smooth jazz format, with Just Between Us in 1987 and has been a core part of the genre with charttopping albums, countless radio hits and as a member of many all-star tours, including Guitars & Saxes and Groovin’ for Grover.

In the late 90s, he fronted a big band for and toured with pop star Phil Collins and did a dual recording with vocal great Will Downing called Pleasures of the Night. Between his last two

Grammy-nominated solo albums Pushing the Envelope (2010) and Slam Dunk (2014), he enjoyed hit collaborations with two huge hits – 24/7 with guitarist Norman Brown and Summer Horns by Dave Koz and Friends (including Mindi Abair and Richard Elliot), which were also Grammy-nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Albums.

He toured with Brown and Summer Horns, and most recently has been on the road with South Africa gospel/jazz singer and guitarist Jonathan Butler. Albright’s other albums whose titles perfectly reflect their flow include Smooth (1994), Groovology (2002), Kickin’ It Up (2004) and Sax for Stax (2008).

Because Albright’s musical muse has taken him to so many fascinating locales along the contemporar y R&B/urban jazz spectrum, he’s joyfully defied easy categorizations.

“Top to bottom,” Albright says, “Whether in concert, listening to my music over the radio or CD player, I always want my listeners to be taken on a musical journey with different textures, rhythms, chord progressions and moods.

I want people to know where I’ve been and where I’m going, and to let them hear that I’m in a really good place in my life.”

pipeline of skilled health care workers with graduate degrees from HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs. Recognizing the historic underfunding of HBCUs and other institutions that serve large numbers of students of color, the President’s plan also would invest $40 billion in upgrading research infrastructure, half which would be reserved for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs. The President also proposed creating a new national lab focused on climate that would be affiliated with an HBCU. In summary, the Build Back Better legislation is a game changer for HBCUs. We all must continue to work with Congress to pass this legislation as it would indeed Build Back Better HBCUs. We must ask Congress to reinforce the agenda of the President and Vice President to include the proper research funding to strengthen HBCUs, support the students they serve, address historic discrimination, and put HBCUs on equal footing with majority institutions.

Glenda Glover, Ph.D., JD, CPA, is President of Tennessee State University, and International President and CEO, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Deadline To Submit Legals and Press Releases Is Mondays By 5pm

ESPN Reaches Multi-Year Agreement OP-ED: The White House Supports with the CIAA for Men’s and Women’s HBCUs...continued from page 7 Covered California Encourages Members to Basketball Tournaments Multi-year Agreement Through at Least 2024 Men’s and Women’s Tournament Championship Games to Air on ESPNU All 22 Tournament Games Available on an ESPN Platform ESPN News

ESPN and the Central I ntercolleg iate At h let ics Association (CIAA) have announced a multi-year, multiplatform media rights agreement, enhancing ESPN’s college sports portfolio and coverage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) with the addition of the conference’s men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. ESPNU will carry both CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship Games, while all 22 games of both tournaments will be available on an ESPN platform through at least 2024.

The new agreement marks the first time both men’s and women’s tournaments will have expanded coverage on ESPN platforms.

An ESPN platform last carried the men’s tournament in 2017 and women’s event in 2012.

The 2022 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place February 22-26 at Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Md. The men’s tournament is celebrating its 76th year, while it will be the 47th edition of the women’s tournament.

“We are excited to carry the men’s and women’s CIAA basketball tournament on ESPN platforms adding to our expansive conference tournament coverage and commitment to HBCU sports,” said Dan Margulis, ESPN senior director, programming and acquisitions. “The CIAA tournament is more than just a basketball event, it is an incredible cultural gathering with past, present and future hall of famers and legendary coaches. We are so honored to be able to tell its story.”

“Teaming up with ESPN to showcase the rich legacy of the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments across their digital platforms is right where we want to be in terms of exposure of our championship,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “This relationship properly aligns with our strategic plan to enhance the visibility and experience of our studentathletes, coaches, member institutions, and the CIAA community, including our fans and alumni. I am excited to renew our relationship with ESPN."

the continuing, looming disparity in the educational gap.

The Build Back Better Act is significant legislation that proposes to invest in HBCUs, and reflects this Administration’s understanding of how important these investments are in helping HBCUs continue their central role in resolving many of the challenges that threaten the general welfare and prosperity of our country.

The President and Vice President have provided historic support for HBCUs and invested in HBCUs at unprecedented levels. We must now work with Congress to pass the legislation that will more sustainably support HBCUs. These investments as detailed from the White House are described below: Historic Investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) American Rescue Plan.

The American Rescue Plan provided over $4 billion in relief funding to HBCUs, including approximately $1.6 billion in debt relief to 45 HBCUs (13 public institutions and 32 private institutions) earlier this year.

FY 21 Grant Funding. In FY21, the Department of Education awarded a total of $1 billion to build the capacity of institutions that serve large numbers of students of color and low-income students. $500 million of this funding went directly to HBCUs. FY 22 Budget Request.

The President’s FY22 budget requests a total of $887 million for HBCU-specific funding in Higher Education Act (HEA) Title III funds—an increase of $247 million over last year’s level. This would triple the mandatory Title III funding at the Department of Education— for a total of $252 million. Title III mandatory funds provide formula grants to all HBCUs to invest in capacitybuilding initiatives and student success programs. The President’s budget request includes funding for

research opportunities at HBCUs, labs, IT infrastructure, workforce development programs in STEM, and DOJ funding for Violence Against Women Act programs at HBCUs, among other priorities.

Teacher Quality Funding.

Through the FY22 budget request and the Build Back Better plan, President Biden has proposed $60 million for the Augustus Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program to support teacher preparation programs at HBCUs and minorityserving institutions (MSIs).

Strengthening the White House Initiative on HBCUs In September, President Biden signed an Executive Order to re-establish the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs and issued a proclamation recognizing Nat ion al H BC U We ek .

The President’s Executive Order calls for a whole of government approach to support HBCUs in responding to and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and bolster HBCUs in a number of ways, including by breaking down barriers and improving access to Federal funding and other programs, particularly in areas of research and development.

The Order specif ically directs senior officials in the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President to consult and collaborate with the Initiative on policy priorities for HBCUs. Federal agencies must submit plans by February 1st of each year to describe how they are increasing HBCU access to Federal programs and improving Federal recruitment activities at HBCUs to build pathways to Federal employment.

During HBCU week, President Biden also named Dr.Tony Allen, President of Delaware continued in next 2 columns

Re-up for Health Insurance After Record-Setting Year..continued from page 6 do not suffer a gap in coverage.

When consumers renew their coverage, many will find that they have more choices to choose from this year. Three of Covered California’s health insurance companies will be expanding their coverage areas, and a new company will be joining the marketplace, bringing the total number of health carriers to 12 for 2022. These are brand-name health insurance companies -- Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Bright Health Care, Chinese Community Health Plan, Healthnet, Kaiser, L.A. Care, Molina Healthcare, Oscar, Sharp Health Plan, Valley Health Care, Western Health Advantage -- who offer quality care through some of the best doctors and hospitals in the state.

Free Preventive Health Care Always Available with Covered California Plans Not only will renewing consumers have choice of health plans, but they should be reminded that Covered California health plans are designed to make it easier for someone to get the preventive health care they need for free – including annual physicals, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, flu shots and all other immunizations, and screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer.

As Af r ican A mer ican disproportionately suffer from chronic health conditions and diseases like hypertension, diabetes, asthma and cancer, these preventive health care ser vices and screenings can literally be lifesaving.

And with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, such preventive health care services are top of mind for many people. Free mammograms are always available to women with Covered California health plans, and early detection of

breast cancer is key – especially among African American women.

According to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, African American women have a 31 percent breast cancer mortality rate – the highest of any U.S. racial or ethnic group. Among women younger than 45, the breast cancer incidence is much higher among African American women that white women, and the mortality rate for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer is 42 percent higher than the comparable rate for White women.

In addition, Covered California health plans offer free video telehealth visits with primary care physicians, along with free mental health care and substance abuse services, of particular importance during these challenging times.

E a s i l y R e n e w Yo u r Health Coverage for 2022 Covered California members renewing health insurance for 2022 should go to CoveredCA.com, log in to your account and click on the “RENEW” button. You may also use the Shop and Compare Tool to see your health plan options and cost. It is important to review your health plan during the renewal period because you could receive additional financial help from the American Rescue Plan to lower the monthly cost of health insurance. This means you may now qualify for financial help, even if you didn’t in the past. Or you may receive even more help than you did before! The amount of financial help you may get depends on your income, age, where you live and your family size.

For questions or additional help renewing your Covered California health plan, contact an enrollment expert in your area for free assistance or call Covered California (800) 300-1506.