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November 30, 2023 Thursday Edition

Volume 54 No. 33

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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)

Vice President Harris announces commitments exceeding $900M for the Women in the Sustainable Economy Initiative

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire

Vice President Kamala Harris on Nov. 23 announced the Women in the Sustainable Economy (WISE) Initiative, which the White House says supports the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) theme of “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.” Its goal is to strengthen women’s economic empowerment globally.

The initiative contains over $900 million in commitments from governments, private sector companies, foundations, and civil society. The funds will bolster women’s economic participation in key sectors such as clean energy, fisheries, recycling, forest management, and environmental conservation.

The WISE Initiative is a core element of the broader BidenHarris administration’s dedication to advancing women’s economic empowerment globally. The commitment aligns with the U.S. National Strategy on Gender

Equity and Equality and the U.S. Strategy on Global Women’s Economic Security. Notably, it builds on the administration’s previous announcement in Ghana, where $1 billion was pledged to empower women globally and bridge the digital gender divide.

According to a White House Fact Sheet, the initiative operates on three foundational pillars: Promoting Well-Paying Jobs: Ensuring women have the necessary skills, training, and access to decent jobs in energy, land, and water use and management.

Supporting Women-Owned Businesses: Facilitating increased access to banking, financial services, networks, markets, and technical assistance for women in critical sectors Eliminating Barriers: Advancing STEM education for girls and addressing obstacles to women’s economic participation

in energy, land, and water use and management.

Under the WISE umbrella, flagship initiatives include the Engendering Industries program, which is focused on creating economic opportunities for women in sectors like water, agriculture, energy and information technology.

The Climate Gender Equity Fund (CGEF), a public-private partnership under the direction of USAID, promotes financial inclusion for women-led organizations in climate finance for long-term economic growth.

Global commitments from governments include Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Mexico and Norway, each contributing significant funds to support women’s economic participation and empowerment.

Administration officials confirmed that the private sector, philanthropic organizations,

and civil society are active participants. Major players such as Amazon, CARE, Citi, LinkedIn, Mastercard Impact Fund, PepsiCo, Reckitt, Unilever and the Visa Foundation commit substantial financial resources to promoting women’s economic empowerment.

In reinforcing the U.S. commitment, Harris announced a contribution of $163 million to advance women’s economic security domestically and globally. Collectively, partners are pledging over $900 million, marking a historic step towards fostering women’s participation in the sustainable economy.

“This initiative not only aligns with the APEC theme but also represents a bold stride in the global pursuit of gender equality, economic empowerment, and sustainable development,” administration officials said in a release.

AFRO inside look: how to survive the holiday season with ease

By Aria Brent, AFRO Staff Writer, abrent@afro.com

The women of Onyx Therapy Group’s “Grown A** Woman Podcast” detail how they keep their mental and emotional health a priority during the holiday season (Image courtesy of Onyx Therapy Group on YouTube)

The holidays can be a very strenuous and stressful time of the year in more ways than one.

While many people look forward to the holidays, others dread them because of the emotions that come with the occasion. The pressure to “show up and show out” can be very overwhelming, but there are ways to overcome it.

On Nov.20, the ladies of “Grown A** Women Podcast”

spoke with the AFRO’s editorial team about how they handle the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

The women, experts in fields ranging from mental health and education to risk management, say using the word “no,” prioritizing one’s own needs and setting boundaries are key to balancing mental and emotional health during this time of the year.

“Once you have that break, we often spend so much time trying to make the holidays perfect and please people that we forget to take care of ourselves,” explained Ayana Malone, Ed.D., one of five hosts to run the podcast.

Malone is an educator with a background in special education,talent and equity. She noted how vital it is for educators

of all sorts to really take the time to relax during holiday breaks because of how demanding the education field can be.

“My biggest tip I can give for teachers, educators and principals is take the time. People are going to want you [to come] places.

They’re going to want you to come to their parties, and they’re going to want you to come over here for dinner,” stated Malone. “‘No’ is a complete sentence. ‘I cannot come’ is a full sentence.

You need to take that time to really relax and regroup.”

Finding things or people that help you feel at ease and at home during this time of year is equally as important as actually taking the time out to relax. Fellow host, Jonai Morse Carr shared what continued in next 2 columns

AFRO inside look: how to survive the holiday season with ease...continued she found helpful while serving in the U.S. military during the holiday season— sometimes a long way from home.

“You don’t even know sometimes that you’re going to feel the way that you do until you get there. You’re on this one high because you know you’re going to do this job and you’re going to be gone for ‘X’ amount of time and your focus is there.

Then this holiday comes up and you’re like ‘oh my goodness I’m not with my family,’” Carr said, of her time experiencing the holidays during a deployment.

“One of the things I did was latch on to those connections that I made with my soldier friends while I was overseas and we kind of created our own little military traditions. We would all make sure we meet up at the same time to go have the meal together, we would play games, we would all make sure we were checking in on each other and making sure that we were talking to our families.”

Carr said members of the civilian world can help those who are serving in the military during the holidays by writing to them or making a phone call.

She also encourages members of the armed forces to not give in to isolation.

“I would encourage everyone to just reach out to somebody.

Even if it’s not family, maybe there is someone else that you know that could be going through the same thing. It’s super important to just connect with someone,” said Carr.

CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, LaNail Plummer, Ed.D., shared how the holiday season can be particularly stressful for Black women and explained that knowing yourself and your limits is much needed for this

time of year.

“I find that for Black women, we are often put in this position of being like the superhero.

We have to have it all together.

We have to know how to do it perfectly if we are finding ourselves in matriarchal roles and people are looking for us not just for things like recipes, they’re looking for us to be the one to mediate a conversation,” said Plummer. “In these particular stressful situations, a person may have been able to manage their anxiety and depression outside of the holiday season, but once they get into the interactions of their family, who may have been part of their trauma and who may be triggering them it gets even more complicated.

Plummer spoke on ways that Black women can take care of themselves during one of the most stressful times of year.

“I think for Black women we have to be very mindful of our boundaries, but that also means that we have to be aware of who we are and what makes sense for us,” she said. “[If] I’m a person that needs to step away from my family every once in a while, then guess what— I’m going to plan a grocery store run.”

While Plummer noted, with age comes fewer excuses and explanations to others, she said taking time for yourself— no matter the reason— is key.

Plummer’s sentiment of how important it is to know yourself and your limits was further explained by Nikki Wood risk management expert.

Wood explained that people prepping for the holidays can divide their tasks into three categories, to gauge stress ahead of time and make decisions. continued on page 7

Trump’s America in 2025: No Protections for Americans With Preexisting Conditions Government News After failing to undercut the law during his presidency, Donald Trump is reviving his dangerous promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), threatening to bar millions of Americans from health coverage for reasons they cannot control.

Repealing the ACA would strip protections from as many as 135 million Americans with preexisting conditions – making more than 50 million completely uninsurable in the individual marketplaces that existed before the ACA. If Trump is reelected, insurance companies could once again deny coverage to folks battling cancer or suffering from chronic illnesses, or force women to pay more for coverage simply because of their gender – exacting an enormous physical, financial, emotional toll on patients and their families.

The ACA is wildly popular, but Trump is too focused on

lining the pockets of insurance companies to care.

We’ll remind him at the ballot box next November.

Statement from Biden Harris 2024 spokesperson Seth Schuster: When Donald Trump says he would repeal the Affordable Care Act, he’s admitting that he is more than OK denying protections for roughly 135 million Americans with preexisting conditions.

Whether you have cancer or diabetes, or are simply a woman, Trump’s plan means insurance companies would again be able to deny coverage for no reason at all – other than the fact that they can. But Donald Trump doesn’t care, because like everything in his life, he only cares about himself – and turns out, a billionaire doesn’t have to worry about his health insurance. The American people have rejected MAGA attempts to take away continued on page 8

Thursday, November 30, 2023

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COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/FINANCIAL/ADVERTISING

Debunking the human value hierarchy myth

By Joseph Williams,Word in Black As George Mason University’s “chief wellbeing officer,” Dr. Nance Lucas wanted to create a positive, healthy environment for stressed-out students. Along with classes on mental and physical health, Lucas’ Center for the Advancement of Wellbeing offered students specialized learning dorms and cultural enrichment programs on art and music.

But she was puzzled to notice Black students — who make up 11 percent of the student body at George Mason, a liberal arts school in the Northern Virginia suburbs — didn’t seem interested.

“One of the comments from some of our students of color — this was probably around 2015 — was, ‘This wellbeing stuff at Mason is for White, rich people who can afford yoga studios and gym memberships,’” Lucas says. “And so my first response — and again, this is showing my White woman naivete — was, ‘Ok, we need to do a better job of educating our students about what we mean around wellbeing.’”

But the education campaign flopped, too: “It didn’t work.

Same thing,” she says.

So, Nance “got together a couple of my colleagues, two vice presidents who were over overseeing those strategic goals at that level, and said, ‘You know, let’s start working at the intersections of diversity, inclusion, and well-being. On the well-being side, I think we can learn quite a bit there.”

That conversation led to a university-wide summit in 2018, focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion; participants for the highly-anticipated meeting ranged from students and faculty to the school’s leadership, Nance says. Out of that meeting came a number of recommendations — including adopting the Truth, Racial Healing and Reconciliation framework created by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. They also invited Dr. Gail Christopher, author of the TRHT curriculum, on campus

George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Wellbeing tackles the idea that healing and self-care are “for White, rich people.” (Photo courtesy of Unsplash / Chiamaka Nwolisa) to train staff.

With that foundation, “We started to create special programs that were designed and targeted at BIPOC student audiences,” Lucas says.

Since then, George Mason has held racial healing circles, convened specialized workshops aimed at empowering Black students, and set aside an entire week for the wellbeing of students of color. That included a “Black author talking about the stigma of mental health among Black individuals and people of color in general,” she says.

The center even promoted proper rest: in a post on the Center’s web page, an article promotes the book, “Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto,” by Tricia Hersey.

“Hersey posits, as racialized people, we often feel we’re running against the current, trying to travel upstream while being met with resistance on all sides,” according to the post

by Shekila Melchior, director of strategic initiatives and partnerships at George Mason’s

Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

“For hundreds of years, racialized people in the United States have labored in body, mind, and soul. We can find racial justice healing in our collective spaces — the laughter from the belly, the celebration of our community, the successes of the generation to come, and the rejuvenating power of rest.”

While George Mason’s campus writ large has adopted a theme of kindness, Black, Asian, and Latino students “are suffering alone — whether it’s from a microaggression in the classroom or they don’t feel like they belong,” Nance says. The mission to advance racial healing, she says, starts with “connecting them to a larger community and making them aware of resources” and educational opportunities.

The key to reversing Black students’ sense that they didn’t belong was to be intentional about helping them see themselves as part of George Mason and the Wellbeing Center, Nance says.

“Part of that was due to this perception of who it was for, and they didn’t see themselves in it.”

Although the THRT healing circles have been paused for now, the campus still considers itself a participant in the mission of racial reconciliation and recovery. Too often on college campuses, she says, stories told around campus as well as in the classroom don’t center people of color.

To avoid repeating that paradigm, she says, the Center for the Advancement of Wellbeing had to be intentional to avoid making the same mistake.

Healing is “having them see the power of stories — connecting their stories to common humanity,” she says.

“Things like love and kindness and wholeness are part of the racial healing process. That’s what the circles really are designed to do — debunk the myth that there is a hierarchy of human value. And that’s the very beginning part of the journey to racial healing.”

FTC Scales Language Barriers to Battle Scammers

languages available.

You can make either fraud or identity theft reports online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or IdentityTheft.gov or, in Spanish, ReporteFraude.ftc.gov and RobodeIdentidad.gov.

Those four web pages all have drop-down lists in a box labeled “languages” or “idiomas” that let users complete reports in dozens of other languages.

Bungo also described numerous resources the FTC provides at no cost for people to distribute within their communities, whether online or in print.

For instance, there’s a fraud handbook for recent immigrants and refugees and guidance for small business owners. There’s information about “four warning signs of a scam,” descriptions of common tricks such as fake invoices, business impersonation, bad business practices, phony job opportunities, phony online retailers and “phishing” links disguised to look like they’re from companies trying to make a delivery.

If asked, the agency will also print and ship these guides to community organizations, at no charge, Bungo said.

Information the ‘most powerful

weapon’ against scammers Lawyer and journalist Jongwon Lee described a scenario he witnessed and reported on in Atlanta’s Korean community, where a retiree lost tens of thousands to an investment scammer who gained his trust in part by being conversant in Korean.

Publicity about the case, a pyramid scheme that became known as Club Mega Planet, helped prosecutors uncover other victims in several states.

Making law enforcement aware of additional cases increases the likelihood of criminals being arrested, and prompt reporting can help prevent the stolen money from being spent before it can be recovered.

“The FTC’s Language Access Initiative is historic,” Lee said.

“It shows that government agencies are looking to do justice for immigrants like us. Language access gets rid of fear and shame and gives you confidence and encouragement that you are not alone and somebody is listening to you.”

“Information is the most powerful weapon against scammers. Get educated and informed.”

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By Mark Hedin As of this fall, the FTC's Language Access Initiative will expand its services to include up to a dozen new languages.

Image via Rawpixel The F e d e r a l Tr a d e Commission has a new strategy for battling fraud. As of this fall, its Language Access Initiative provides interpreters who can take fraud reports and provide advice in many more languages than just English and Spanish.

At a Nov. 21 press briefing the federal agency hosted with Ethnic Media Services – simultaneously translated into Spanish, Korean and Mandarin – two FTC officials and a lawyer/ journalist described how the new multilingual services work and some of the ways they’re expected to help protect consumers.

“We’ve long had the ability to hear from people in English and Spanish,” said Monica Vaca, deputy director in the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

“Getting reports from people

FTC Scales Language Barriers to Battle Scammers... continued

in other languages has been a limitation for us.”

Va c a e m p h a s i z e d t h e importance of people making those reports not just for their own sake but to help the FTC get the word out before more people are scammed. “We can only bring cases and do education about scams that we know about,” she said.

Fraud toll nears $9 billion Just based on the number of reports people made in English or Spanish, fraud and deceptive or unfair business practices cost U.S. consumers close to $9 billion last year, noted Larissa Bungo, senior attorney with the FTC’s Division of Consumer and Business Education.

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out for FTC help either on the phone or online.

Doing so will alert the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network – a pool of 3,000 law enforcement officers at federal, state and local levels – to be on the lookout.

If the FTC can catch the culprits quickly enough there is the possibility of getting your money back – another reason to not hesitate if you think you’ve been cheated.

For example, the FTC was able to recover $245 million that it is returning to customers of Epic Games, creator of the popular game Fortnite, which the FTC alleged tricked young players into making unintentional purchases.

scammers often work from overseas where they and the money they obtained are harder for law enforcement to reach.

Even if you successfully dodge a scam, reporting the attempt helps inform and thus protect otherwise unsuspecting potential victims, Bungo said.

The multilingual call-center staff and information available at the agency’s website can also provide a range of “next steps” for people to consider.

By phone, call (877) 382-4357, then press 3. A succession of messages in different languages will tell you what number to press next to reach an in-person interpreter who knows your language.

The deadline for filing a claim is Jan. 17 of 2024.

Lines are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

EST, which is 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the West Coast.

Clifton Harris Editor in Chief Investigative Reporter sbamericannews@gmail.com

New language choices available as of last month include Portuguese, French, Tagalog, Somali, Vietnamese, Arabic, Russian, Polish, Korean, Ukrainian, Hmong and Mandarin.

Mary Martin-Harris Publisher mary@sb-american.com Clifton B. Harris / Audio Engineering Editor Legal /Display Advertising (909) 889-7677

Don’t hesitate to report fraud Of course, to get money back with FTC help, you have to identify yourself when making a report, but in any case, you will never be asked about your immigration status.

Sometimes, success in getting money back depends on how the victim was defrauded. For instance, if payments were made using a credit card, it may be possible to contest the charge with the card company.

So be careful. “Only scammers insist you pay by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer,” Bungo advised.

Another reason to not delay reporting suspicions is that

The FTC has the ability to find interpreters in almost 200 languages, as needs arise.

This multilingual reporting system can also be used to report identity theft situations.

For those, call (877) 438-4338, then follow the same process of dialing 3 to access the various continued in next 2 columns

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Thursday, November 30, 2023

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COUNTY/GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS/ADVERTISING

National Urban League’s Marc H. Morial and National Action Federal Reserve’s Proposed Regulation Network’s Al Sharpton commend FCC’s vote to prevent digital Could Harm Small Businesses-Especially Minority-owned discrimination S. E. Williams

by Special to the AFRO broadband which have hindered our communities’ ability to fully participate in an increasingly interconnected world. This vote by the FCC will place us on the course of ensuring all experience the social and economic benefits of high-speed internet access.

“Our organizations tirelessly advocated for both disparate impact and disparate treatment to be included in the definition of digital discrimination, for the Commission to explore paths for ISPs to create an internal compliance process to ensure that nondiscrimination principles are at the core of their business practices, and for the complaint process to be accessible so that it benefits consumers and not just well-resourced institutions, all of which were ultimately reflected in the FCC’s Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Wednesday.

Gps coverage area. Earth observation. Space communications idea, orbiting satellite navigation, modern technologies. Outer space, cosmos, universe. Vector isolated concept metaphor illustration (Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and National Action Network Founder and President Rev. Al Sharpton today (Nov. 26) issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communication Commission’s vote to adopt rules to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination of access to broadband services based on income level, race, ethnicity,

color, religion, or national origin: “Two years ago, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which makes significant investments to close the digital divide and aligns with many of the recommendations outlined in the National Urban League’s Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion.

Congress said that ‘the digital divide disproportionately affects communities of color, lowerincome areas, and rural areas,

and the benefits of broadband should be broadly enjoyed by all’ and the FCC’s rules to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination move the nation closer to the goal of equitably closing digital divide in America.

“As legacy civil rights organizations who represent Black and other historically underserved communities, we have seen how the lack of inclusive and equitable policies have created barriers to accessing

“ We c o m m e n d F C C Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for her continued engagement and thoughtful partnership with the civil rights community in the fight for digital equity. We are also thankful for the leadership of FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks who has been a consistent leader, including in this proceeding, on issues that matter to communities of color and who made recommendations that the Commission extend deliberations about the establishment of an Office of Civil Rights, which has been a longtime advocacy goal for our community.”

Survey data showing credit crunch comes as Federal Reserve considers a proposed regulation that could make obtaining loans more expensive and more difficult.

A credit crunch is impacting small business owners nationwide hindering their growth and causing some to say that if it continues, they’ll be forced to close altogether.

A new, nationwide survey from Goldman Sachs, 10,000 Small Businesses Voices, shows 78% of small business owners are concerned about their ability to access capital and 53% say they can’t afford to take out a loan given current interest rates. 85% say if access to capital continues to tighten it will impact their growth forecast.

Of those that say their growth forecast will be impacted, 67% will halt expansion plans if credit continues to tighten, and, alarmingly, 21% would close their business if the credit market continues on this trajectory.

The access to capital challenges are even more stark for minority-owned businesses– especially those that are Black owned.

Black small business owners have a higher application rate for business loans or lines of credit, but have a much lower rate of receiving the full funding requested compared to their white peers.

Consider this: While 43% of Black business owners have applied for a loan or line of credit

A nationwide survey from Goldman Sachs, 10,000 Small Businesses Voices, shows access to capital challenges, stark for small businesses in general, are even more stark for minority-owned businesses– especially those that are Black owned. (uschamber.com)

Apryl Stewart is founder and CEO of Skyview Concessions, which is a leader in airport retailing. Stewart poses for a portrait in front of the Vera Bradley store in LAX’s terminal 1 location, which opened last year. (source: courtesy of rodriguezstrategies.com)

in the past year–versus 30% of White small business owners– only 26% reported receiving all of the funding they requested– versus 51% of White small business owners.

While 78% of all small business owners said it was difficult to access capital, the challenge is more pronounced among minority small business owners. Among small businesses, continued on page 4

Annual Reparations Symposium to The Role of the Consumer Protection Bureau in Safeguarding Consumers Feature National Town Hall Meeting Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase Government News November 22, 2023 — Robin Rue Simmons, Executive Director of FirstRepair and Dr. Ron Daniels, Convener of the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) announced today that community stakeholders, reparations advocates, scholars, public interest lawyers, elected officials and representatives of government from around the country are slated to attend the Third Annual National Symposium for State and Local Reparations November 30th – December 2nd in Evanston, IL The goal of the Symposium is to continue building a national network of local and state reparatory justice initiatives to promote information-sharing, networking and collaboration to strengthen the reparations movement in the U.S. The network will be linked to a Local Reparations Resource Center in Evanston administered by FirstRepair.

Invitations to the Symposium are limited to facilitate a rich learning/sharing experience among the participants during discussions about the obstacles, challenges and opportunities, failures and successes of developing local and state reparatory justice initiatives.

FirstRepair and NAARC have also arranged for presentations by resource persons in various fields who will provide useful information on developing local and state reparations initiatives.

In addition, FirstRepair has developed a Tool Kit on local reparations that will be shared with participants. The Orrington Hilton is the host hotel and venue for the Symposium.

Attendance/participation in the proceedings at the Orrington Hotel is by invitation only.

However, a major highlight of the Symposium each year is the National Town Hall Meeting which is free and open to the

public. This year’s Town Hall Meeting will be held at the historic Second Avenue Baptist Church, 1717 Benson Avenue, 7:30 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM) hosted by Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors, Senior Pastor and President of the North Shore NAACP. The goal of the Town Hall Meeting is to provide the community at-large with an opportunity to meet and greet the Participants from the Symposium from around the country and hear up to date information on the Evanston, U.S. and global reparations movement.

FirstRepair and NAARC have assembled a stellar assembly of panelists for what promises to be a powerful Town Hall Meeting.

Laleta Davis Mattis, Chairperson of the Jamaica Reparations Commission, Kingston, Jamaica New York State Senator James Sanders, Queens, NY Julianne Malveaux, President Emeritus, Bennett College for Women, Washington, DC Avera Martin, Esq., Noted Civil Rights/Human Rights Attorney, Los Angeles, CA Sheila Y. Flemming, CoChair, Social Action Committee, Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Atlanta, GA Kamm Howard, Executive Director, Reparations United, Chicago, IL Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor, Founder/Executive Director, National Black Cultural Information Trust, Washington, DC Robin Rue Simmons, Executive Director, FirstRepair Ron Daniels, Convener, NAARC, Moderator The Town Hall Meeting is Free and Open to the Public.

For Further Information Call 847.563.8579

Consumer protection is a vital aspect of any thriving economy.

It ensures that consumers are treated fairly and have the means to address issues they may encounter when dealing with businesses. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) plays a crucial role in safeguarding consumers’ interests in the United States.

To demystify the CFPB, we’re diving into their role and the process for consumer complaints.

What Is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a federal agency established under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010. It officially opened its doors in July 2011, and its primary mission is to protect consumers by promoting transparency, fairness, and competition in the financial services industry. The CFPB regulates various financial products and services, including mortgages, credit cards, student loans, and payday loans.

Unlike the Better Business Bureau, which also works to protect consumer rights, the CFPB regulatory agency has the authority to enforce federal consumer financial protection laws. It works to ensure that financial institutions comply with these laws.

What Are the Key Responsibilities of the CFPB? The C F P B ’s key responsibilities include: Consumer Education. The CFPB provides resources and educational materials to help consumers make informed financial decisions. Topics and resources include credit scores, mortgage loans, student loan repayment, and financial literacy for adults and kids.

Rulemaking and Supervision.

The bureau creates and enforces

the law, the CFPB may share the complaint with state and federal agencies.

3. Forwarding to the Company After a thorough review, the CFPB forwards the complaint to the financial institution or company involved. The company is required to respond to the CFPB and the consumer within a specific timeframe, typically 15 to 60 days.

Photo: Vladimir Gjorgiev via 123RF rules and regulations that govern financial institutions and their practices. It also supervises and examines financial institutions to ensure compliance with these rules.

Complaint Handling. One of the essential functions of the CFPB is to handle consumer complaints related to financial products and services.

Data Collection and Analysis.

The CFPB collects and analyzes complaint data to identify patterns of unfair or deceptive practices in the financial industry.

This information helps the bureau develop new regulations and policies to protect consumers more effectively. They also design and conduct research on consumer finance and household behavior, measure the financial well-being of adults in America through surveys, and maintain databases of information such as small business lending resources and mortgage trends.

Photo: alexlmx via 123RF What Are the Steps for Filing a Complaint at the CFPB? Let’s explore how the complaints process works. Here

are the steps: 1. Filing a Complaint Consumers can submit complaints about financial services, including bank accounts, loans, credit reports, and debt collection, to the CFPB. The CFPB suggests trying to remedy the situation with the company before submitting a complaint. Complaints cover a range of issues, such as billing disputes, improper credit reporting, and deceptive practices by financial institutions.

Submissions should include the following information: A concise description of the issue, including important dates, amounts, and communication with the company.

Supportive documentation such as statements or communication records.

A selected company from the list in the form or complete their contact information.

Contact information, including name, email, phone number, and address.

2. Complaint Review Upon receiving a complaint, the CFPB reviews the details provided by the consumer. This step may involve contacting the consumer for additional information and verifying the complaint’s accuracy. If applicable and consistent with

4. Resolution The financial institution must investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve it. If a resolution is reached, the CFPB monitors the outcome to ensure the consumer is satisfied.

5. Escalation If the consumer is unsatisfied with the resolution proposed by the financial institution, they can escalate the complaint. The CFPB may take further action, including mediation or legal enforcement, to resolve the issue.

6. Public Database To promote transparency, the CFPB maintains a database of consumer complaints.

This database is accessible to the public and available for consumers to research companies and their complaint histories.

How Should Employees Submit Reports of Misconduct?

Employees aware of or who suspect potential misconduct can file reports through the CFPB. The Freedom of Information Act protects reporters, and submissions are confidential.

Relevant information includes “conduct that may potentially violate any rules or laws over which the CFPB has authority.

It may also include information or analysis about problematic policies or procedures, i n s u ff i c i e n t c o m p l i a n c e management systems, or inappropriate or unlawful data gathering or analysis.”

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Page 4

STATE/HEALTH//LIFESTYLE NEWS

To improve our health, change our story

By Joseph Williams, Word In Black

“Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Framework” author Gail Christopher says Black health starts with changing America’s racial narrative. (Courtesy photo)

From disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes to women being three times more likely to die during childbirth than Whites, the data confirms a simple, indisputable, alarming fact: Being Black in America is hazardous to your health.

Multiple studies have shown that structural racism — from Jim Crow laws that institutionalized second-class citizenship to microaggressions from coworkers at the office — is a key contributor to poor health outcomes among Black people.

It’s why some 300 jurisdictions, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have declared racism a public health threat.

That’s why Dr. Gail Christopher, a researcher and public health specialist, believes that the path towards improving the health of Black people begins by ending the story the U.S. tells itself about race.

“After decades of working on this idea of ending health inequities and moving toward healing (from) racism, I realized that we had to have a

comprehensive approach,” says Christopher, executive director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE), which focuses on the grassroots factors that contribute to health inequities.

She concluded that a common factor — America’s White supremacist racial hierarchy — is the root cause.

“The mission is to eliminate health inequities, but we know that we can’t do that without ultimately eliminating racism in this country. So there’s a beautiful intersection there,” Christopher says.

That theory, she says, led her to work with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to create the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) framework, a program aimed at helping communities achieve lasting change through dialogue and workshops.

“The first pillar of the truth, racial healing, and transformation framework is narrative change,” Christopher says. “We’re wired as human beings to believe stories,” she says, citing a famous quote from 17th-century philosopher René Descartes, “I think, therefore, I am.”

And “in America,” says Christopher, “we really believe in racial hierarchy.”

Change that paradigm by embracing the TRHT framework, she says, and Black health outcomes will improve.

Racial healing, and improving health outcomes for Black people, “begins with creating a new narrative of who we are, how we became who we are,” Christopher says. “And that has continued in next 2 columns

Federal Reserve’s Proposed Regulation Could Harm Small Businesses-Especially Minorityowned ...continued from page 3 81% of Hispanic owners and 85% of Black owners are concerned about their ability to access capital.

“Small business owners are the backbone of our economies, but the ongoing credit crunch means that capital to fund expansion plans, reinvest in our companies or hire more workers is unaffordable and inaccessible,” said Apryl Stewart, Founder and President of Skyview Concessions in Torrance, CA. “Now, even after 11 interest rate hikes since March 2022, the Federal Reserve is pushing a new regulation, which could make loans more expensive and more difficult to obtain.

This latest survey data makes it perfectly clear that we need regulators to stop the squeeze on small businesses.”

Apryl Stewart is founder and CEO of Skyview Concessions, which is a leader in airport retailing. Stewart poses for a portrait in front of the Vera Bradley store in LAX’s terminal 1 location, which opened last year. (source: courtesy of rodriguezstrategies.com) On top of being concerned about their ability to access capital, small business owners are concerned about the overall business climate and the state of the U.S. economy: Nearly a third (31%) of small business owners say 2023 has been the most difficult year for business while only 6% more of those surveyed said 2020’s pandemic year was more difficult (37%).

Thirty-three percent of small business owners applied for a new business loan or line of credit in the past year, with 65% of those who have applied stating they found it difficult to access affordable capital. Meanwhile, among small businesses with outstanding loans, 35% have

a variable interest rate. Eightyeight percent of those with variable interest rates have seen their interest rates increase, with 58% saying the increase has been between 3-10%.

The survey’s findings come after an announcement last week that small business owners across the country are joining a diverse group of stakeholders including lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, the NAACP, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Urban League, in mobilizing to raise concerns about the Federal Reserve’s proposed regulation, formally called “Basel III Endgame.”

“Now, even after 11 interest rate hikes since March 2022, the Federal Reserve is pushing a new regulation, which could make loans more expensive and more difficult to obtain. This latest survey data makes it perfectly clear that we need regulators to stop the squeeze on small businesses,” Stewart declared.

“This latest survey data makes it perfectly clear that we need regulators to stop the squeeze on small businesses,” declared.Apryll Steward, founder and CEO of Skyview Concessions. (source: courtesy of rodriguezstrategies.com) In July 2023, US regulators proposed the Basel III Endgame rule, which will require large banks and most regional banks to further increase the amount of capital they hold by an estimated 20% on average. The According to stakeholders the potential negative impacts of this rule on small businesses are many.

Reduced access to capital If capital requirements for banks are significantly increased as proposed, they will be continued on page 6

To improve our health, change our story...continued to be done at the individual level and at the collective level.”

Both take place at the NCHE, which trains community leaders and clinicians to tackle on-theground issues linked to health problems, such as the relocation of an industrial waste facility to a Black community or reframing data to identify and address inequities. The organization also sponsors 18-month fellowships for select professionals.

NCHE has partnered with the American Public Health Association and produced a series of briefs called “Healing through Policy,” which identifies policies and practices that align with the TRHT framework, Christopher says. “And you can download that from our website, you can download it from the (American Public Health Association) website, or the de Beaumont Foundation website.

But it lists all kinds of practical policies that relate to all of those

(TRHT) pillars.”

Eliminating structural racism to improve Black health outcomes seems like an ambitious goal, particularly in an era when politicians in states from Texas to Idaho have banned the teaching of subjects and books that relate to race. But Christopher believes her mission is a marathon, not a sprint. And she’s seen times change before.

“I say to people all the time: there are some advantages to growing older and living a long time. Very few of them are physical, but it allows you to live through cycles,” she says.

There are decades of progress followed by decades of backlash, Christopher says, but when the dust settles, more progress than regression has been made.

“And, eventually, it dies down, and it dissipates,” Christopher says. “People stay the course.”

This story was originally published by Word In Black.

Case count doubles and recalls expand in Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit products A CDC food safety alert regarding an outbreak of Salmonella infections has been updated: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/ sundsvall-11-23/index.html State/Health News Key Points: Since the last update on November 17, 2023, an additional 56 people infected with this outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from an additional 17 states, creating a total case count of 99 people in 32 states.

An additional 28 people have been hospitalized, totaling 45 hospitalizations overall.

Minnesota has now reported two deaths.

Interviews with sick people and laboratory findings continue to show that cantaloupes are making people in this outbreak sick.

Additional brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes and fruit have been recalled: Rudy brand whole cantaloupes Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes Investigators are working to identify any additional cantaloupe products that may be contaminated.

As previously reported, Canada is also investigating this outbreak and has linked illness in Canada with the same Salmonella strain to cantaloupes.

What You Should Do: Do not eat any recalled cantaloupes and other fruit products. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them.

Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled fruit using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe

Salmonella symptoms: Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving Bloody diarrhea So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down Signs of dehydration, such as: Not peeing much Dry mouth and throat Feeling dizzy when standing up What Businesses Should Do Do not sell or serve recalled cantaloupes or recalled fruit products.

Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled fruit.

Salmonella Symptoms: Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.

Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.

Some people—especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.

For more information about Salmonella, see the Salmonella Questions and Answers page.

If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.

Common issues with your birth certificate and what to do about them

By George Townsend Special to the AFRO Your birth certificate is one of the most important identification documents you have – containing vital information about you, your birth and your family.

It is important that your birth certificate has accurate information. Often, many Marylanders need to change some of the details on their birth certificate, either because of an error at the time the certificate was created or because of a subsequent change in their name or gender identity.

This article discusses common issues related to birth certificates and how to make changes to your important identification

documents.

Name Change SThe most common change to a person’s birth certificate is when an individual legally changes their name or the name of their child. As a general rule, the quickest and easiest birth certificate changes are those that occur within one year of a child’s birth. Parents of a newborn child may change the name of their child one time within the first year after birth without having to obtain a court order.

All parents listed on the child’s birth certificate must submit a continued in next 2 columns

Common issues with your birth certificate and what to do about them...continued written request to the Maryland Department of Health along with a sworn and notarized affidavit attesting that they are the child’s true parents and are making the name change of their own free will.

For adults and children over 1 year of age, the process to change a name on a birth certificate requires a court order. A petition must be filed in the Circuit Court of the county in which the person resides, accompanied by a copy of the birth certificate to be amended. There will be a time period for anyone to object to the name change, which will require a court hearing on whether the name change is proper. After the hearing, or after the objection period ends, if there is no objection the court will typically enter an order granting the name change. A name change will be denied if it was attempted for fraudulent purposes or to infringe on the rights of some other person.

For a parent attempting to change the name of a child over 1 year of age, additional documentation is required. The petition would require the consent of the other parent, if there is one on the birth certificate. If the child is over 10 years old, the child must also consent to the change.

Misspelled Name When a name is misspelled on a birth certificate, the mistake can be corrected without having to hold a hearing. For a child under 7 years of age, the Vital Statistics Administration merely needs a notarized letter correcting the mistake, either from the parent, hospital or attendant at birth (or a notarized physician’s office record indicating the correct name). For a person 7 years of age or older, the correct spelling must be shown on at

least two documents from a list of approved sources, including hospital, school or employment records.

Parent Information Parental information may also be corrected in a manner similar to name changes. The Vital Statistics Administration merely needs to receive from the parent their birth certificate, church or school records, or some other pertinent record approved by the Secretary of the Department of Health.

Gender Change A person may change the sex listed on their Maryland birth certificate by providing the Vital Statistics Administration with either 1) a signed statement from a licensed health care provider attesting that the person is receiving gender-affirming treatment or is intersex, or 2) a court order indicating that the person’s sex has been changed.

In any case, the Vital Statistics Administration can only amend certificates for individuals born in Maryland. Maryland residents born elsewhere would need to review the requirements of the state that issued their original birth certificate.

Amending or correcting a birth certificate can be an important step in acquiring vital identification documents, accessing government or educational programs and affirming name and gender identities. If you have questions about the process, contact the Vital Statistics Administration or consult with an attorney about the options available to you.

George Townsend is a workforce development attorney at Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service. To learn more or get assistance, visit mvlslaw.org.

In the giving spirit? Here’s how to donate safely on Giving Tuesday

By Larissa Bungo Senior Attorney

Giving Tuesday is a terrific time to support your favorite cause or charity. Here’s how to avoid charity scams and make your donations count.

Donate to charities you know and trust. Watch out for names that only look like real charities. Donate using contact information you know is real, like the charity’s website.

Research the organization — especially if the donation request comes unexpectedly. Search the name plus “complaint,” “review,” “rating,” or “scam.” And check out the charity with the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or Candid. If the message was from a friend, ask them if they know the organization themselves.

Confirm the number before

you text to donate. Go straight to the charity to confirm the number. If it’s not their number, use a number you know is real or go to the charity’s website to donate.

Be cautious about donating to an individual in crowdfunding sites. Some scammers pretend to collect for a cause but their true intentions are to pocket your money. Giving to someone you personally know and trust is safest. Review the platform’s policies and procedures. Some crowdfunding sites will check out postings asking for help after a humanitarian crisis to confirm they’re legit. Others don’t.

Don’t donate to anyone who insists you pay by cash, gift card, wiring money, or cryptocurrency.

That’s how scammers tell you to pay. If you decide to donate, pay by credit card, which gives you more protections.

Share this infographic to help others spot and avoid charity scams. Go to ftc.gov/charity for more.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Page 5

LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS/NEWS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011404 Date Filed: 11/15/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/15/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): PIRTEK OF VICTORVILLE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 13425 RODEO RD OAK HILLS, CA 92344 # of Employees: 0 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: MR UNITED INC. State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./ Org./Reg. No.: 5678183 Residence Street Address: 13425 RODEO ST OAK HILLS, CA 92344 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Martha A. Barron Carrillo, President, 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 November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011400 Date Filed: 11/15/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/15/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): 1. CALIFORNIA SURGICAL SPECIALISTS MEDICAL GROUP 2. CALIFORNIA SURGICAL SPECIALISTS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 500 NORTH EUCLID AVENUE UPLAND, CA 91786 #of Employees: 1 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: ALI ABIDALI DO PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL CORPORATION State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 5902279 Residence Street Address: 500 NORTH EUCLID AVENUE UPLAND, CA 91786 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Ali Abidali, 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 November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230010030 Date Filed: 10/02/2023 Filing Expires On: 10/02/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): E&C AUTO BODY AND PAINT SOLUTIONS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 14543 HESPERIA RD VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 #of Employees: 2 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: E&C AUTO BODY AND PAINT SOLUTIONS State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.:5885617 Residence Street Address: 14543 HESPERIA RD VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Oct 02, 2023 Cesar Arreola Gonzalez, President, 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 November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 2023.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: CIVSB 2325127 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ROSALBA JAZMIN PATINO RODRIGUEZ & JOSE ERNESTO GARCIA HERRERA filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a.

AARON ERNESTO GARCIA HERRERA to Proposed name: AARON ERNESTO GARCIA PATINO 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: 12/08/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept.: S22 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 San Bernardino District-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: Oct 13, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011323 Date Filed: 11/13/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/13/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LONG DOG LOCALE LLC County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 5151A CRACKER JACK LANE FORT IRWIN, CA 92310 # of Employees: 1 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: LONG DOG LOCALE LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: AR Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 202359118417 Residence Street Address: 737 TOWN AND COUNTRY DRIVE BOONEVILLE, AR 72927 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: Sep 08, 2023 Ivy Nicole Gonzalez, 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 November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230010959 Date Filed: 10/30/2023 Filing Expires On: 10/30/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): SCOUT FRAGRANCE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1381 NORTH PICO AVE SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92411 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: SCOUT BRAND CO LLC State of Inc./Org./ Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 202358118047 Residence Street Address: 1381 NORTH PICO AVE SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92411 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: Not Applicable Eric Green, Managing Member, 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 November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011470 Date Filed: 11/16/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/16/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): ANN’S CUPBOARD County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 14742 BUTTERFLY CT VICTORVILLE, CA 92394 Mailing Address: 15437 ANACAPA RD VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 #of Employees: 1 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: ANNS CUPBOARD LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 202358014083 Residence Street Address: 15437 ANACAPA RD VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 This business is/was conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Oct 01, 2023 Laura A. Mathews, 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 November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011258 Date Filed: 11/09/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/09/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): ELECTRICAL INNOVATIONS OF CALIFORNIA County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 12524 GOLD DUST WAY VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg INNOVATIONS OF CALIFORNIA State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No: 4570301 Residence Street Address: 12524 GOLD DUST WAY VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Emmanuel Tshuma, President, 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 November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011622 Date Filed: 11/20/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/20/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): IT’S A BERRY DESIGN & PRINTING County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 46850 NATIONAL TRAILS HWY NEWBERRY SPRINGS, CA 92365 Mailing Address: PO BOX 398 NEWBERRY SPRINGS, CA 92365 #of Employees: 0 Name of Individual Registrant: THERESA A BERRY Residence Street Address: 46850 NATIONAL TRAILS HWY NEWBERRY SPRINGS, CA 92365 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Jul 06, 1990 Theresa A. Berry, 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 November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011333 Date Filed: 11/13/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/13/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): CARNITAS Y TAQUITOS CISNEROS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 18108 MAIN ST HESPERIA, CA 92345 Name of Individual Registrant: PEDRO CISNEROS Residence Street Address: 18108 MAIN ST HESPERIA, CA 92345 Name of Individual Registrant: LIDIA ISELA ESCOBEDO Residence Street Address: 18108 MAIN ST HESPERIA, CA 92345 This business is/was conducted by: A Married Couple Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Jul 31, 2023 Pedro Cisneros, 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 November 16, 23, 30, December 7, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011776 Date Filed: 11/27/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/27/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): JOSHUA TREE RV & CAMPGROUND County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 6225 SUNBURST AVE JOSHUA TREE, CA 92252 #of Employees: 3 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg. : JT SUNBURST HOLDINGS, LLC State of Inc./Org./ Reg: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 202110510312 Residence Street Address: 7190 WEST SUNSET BLVD. #90E LOS ANGELES, CA 90046 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: April 12, 2021 Christopher Haydon, Managing Member, 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 November 30, December 7, 14, 21, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011314 Date Filed: 11/13/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/13/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): CCL DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SUPPLY County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 9033 BASELINE ROAD SUITE C RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 #of Employees: 2 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: CINDERELLA’S CLOSET YOUR SPECIALTY LINGERIE BOUTIQUE State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 4327008 Residence Street Address: 9033 BASELINE ROAD, SUITE C RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Oct 19, 2020 Dana Shartia Walker, President, 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 November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230010823 Date Filed: 10/25/2023 Filing Expires On: 10/25/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): BUSY BEEZ CRAFTS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 19195 SADDLE LN APPLE VALLEY, CA 92308 Name of Individual Registrant: SAMANTHA N SNAPE Residence Street Address: 19195 SADDLE LN APPLE VALLEY, CA 92308 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 Samantha N. Snape, 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 November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011160 Date Filed: 11/03/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/03/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): TIMELESS MEMORIES BOOTH County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 525 N CENTRAL AVE 6A UPLAND, CA 91786 #of Employees: 1 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: CALI AUTO DIRECT LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 202354516754 Residence Street Address: 525 N CENTRAL AVE 6A 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: Oct 29, 2023 John Anthony Stevenson, Chief Executive Officer (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 November 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023.

Gilbert G. Ochoa Judge Of The Superior Court FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011499 Date Filed: 11/16/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/16/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): INLAND EMPIRE PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 15632 BEAR VALLEY RD SUITE 106 VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 Mailing Address: 6086 LOS ALTOS CT RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91739 #of Employees: 3 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: INLAND EMPIRE PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 5853026 Residence Street Address: 15632 BEAR VALLEY RD SUITE 106 VICTORVILLE, CA 92395 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Hani Ghawi, President, 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 November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011100 Date Filed: 11/02/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/02/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): ALBERTOS MEXICAN FOOD/ONTARIO County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 850 N MOUNTAIN AVE ONTARIO, CA 91762 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: MARTINEZ FOOD INC State of Inc./Org./ Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 13160 TELEGRAPH RD SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA 90670 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Oct 01, 2023 Sandra Moreno, President, 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 November 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230010085 Date Filed: 10/04/2023 Filing Expires On: 10/04/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): PEACOCK SYSTEMS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 15320 FAIRFIELD RANCH ROAD SUITE C CHINO HILLS, CA 91709 #of Employees: 4 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: PEACOCK ENTERPRISES, INC. State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: 2099785 Residence Street Address: 15320 FAIRFIELD RANCH ROAD SUITE C CHINO HILLS, CA 91709 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Sep 25, 2023 Krupesh Desai, President, 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 November 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023.

Published in the San Bernardino American November 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER: CIVBA 2300553 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: CELINA URIBE filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. JOSIAH LAXUS URIBEGREEN to Proposed name: JOSIAH ANTONIO URIBE 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: December 19, 2023 Time: 1:30 p.m. Dept.: B1 The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 235 E. Mt. View Barstow, CA 92311 Barstow District 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: Oct 30, 2023 James R. Baxter Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American November 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023

PETITION/PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DELFIN ANGEL PEREZRODRIGUEZ DECEDENT CASE NO: PROVA 2300206

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: SAMMY PEREZ in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: SAMMY PEREZ 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: December 5, 2023 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept: F1 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 17780 Arrow Boulevard Fontana, CA 92335 San Bernardino-Fontana District (Probate) 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: Sammy Perez 2859 Campo Raso San Clemente CA 92673 (949)280-3149 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 16, 23, 30, 2023.

SUMMONS SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): ELIZABETH MEDINA, an Individual, CRISTINA GARCIA ALVEZ. an Individual, BREYANNA RONEY ANAYA, an Individual and Does 1-25, Inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED

BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): HERMOGENES MALAGUIT an Individual, SHARON LIZ ESCARA MALAGUIT, an Individual NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

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

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

There are other legal requirements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): CIVSB 2108333 The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SAN BERNARDINO SUPERIOR COURT 247 W. Third St. San Bernardino, CA 92415 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Fernando D. Vargas Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas 8647 Haven Ave., Ste. 200 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (909) 982-0707 DATE (Fecha): Jun 28, 2021 Clerk of Court (Secretario), by Alma

Vallejo Garcia, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 16, 23, 30, December 7, 2023.

COMPLAINT-Personal Injury, Property Damage, Wrongful Death SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 W. Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 San Bernardino Justice Center PLAINTIFF: HERMOGENES MALAGUIT an Individual, SHARON LIZ ESCARA MALAGUIT, an Individual DEFENDANT: ELIZABETH MEDINA, an Individual, CHRISTINA GARCIA an Individual, BREYANNA RONEY ANAYA an Individual and DOES 1 to 25, Inclusive CASE NUMBER: CIVSB 2108333 COMPLAINT-Personal Injury, Property Damage, Wrongful Death Type: MOTOR VEHICLE Personal Injury ACTION IS AN UNLIMITED CIVIL CASE (exceeds $25,000) 1.

P l a i n t i f f : HERMOGENES MALAGUIT an Individual, SHARON LIZ ESCARA MALAGUIT, an Individual alleges causes of action against defendant: ELIZABETH MEDINA, an Individual CRISTINA GARCIA ALVEZ, an Individual, BREYANNA RONEY ANAYA, an Individual and DOES 1-25, Inclusive 6. The true names of defendants sued as Does are unknown to plaintiff. a. Doe defendants 1-25, Inclusive were the agents or employees of other named defendants and acted within the scope of that agency or employment. b. Doe defendants 1-25, Inclusive are persons whose capacities are unknown to plaintiff.

8.This court is the proper court because: c. Injury to person or damage to personal property occurred in its jurisdictional area.

10. The following causes of action are attached and the statements above apply to each : a. Motor Vehicle b. General Negligence 11. Plaintiff has suffered a. wage loss b. loss of use of property c. hospital and medical expenses d. general damage e. property damage f. loss of earning capacity g. other damage: Costs of suit herein and any other Court may deem just and proper.

14. Plaintiff prays for judgment for costs of suit, for such relief as is fair, just and equitable; and for a. (1) compensatory damages The amount of damages is: (1) according to proof Date: 03/30/2021 Donald W. Matejka SIGNATURE OF PLAINTIFF OR ATTORNEY

FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION--Motor Vehicle ATTACHMENT TO Complaint. Cross – Complaint Plaintiff: HERMOGENES MALAGUIT an Individual, SHARON LIZ ESCARA MALAGUIT. an Individual MV- 1. Plaintiff alleges the acts of defendants were negligent, the acts were the legal(proximate) cause of injuries and damages to plaintiff; the acts occurred on: 04/05/2019 at Orange St. at or near Union Ave. in the City of Redlands, CA 92374 MV-2 DEFENDANTS a.

The defendants who operated a motor vehicle are: ELIZABETH MEDINA , an Individual, BREYANNA RONEY ANAYA. an Individual and Does 1 to b.

The defendants who employed the persons who operated a motor vehicle in the course of their employment are: Does 1 to c.

The defendants who owned the motor vehicle which was operated with their permission are: Costs of suit herein and any other the Court may deem just and proper.

Does 1 to d.

The defendants who entrusted the motor vehicle are: Does 1 to e.

The defendants who ere the agents and employees of the other defendants and acted within the scope of the agency were: Does 03/30/2021 f.

The defendants who are liable to plaintiffs for other reasons and the reasons for the liability are: Does 1 to 25, Inclusive FIRST CAUSE OF ACTIONGeneral Negligence ATTACHMENT TO Complaint GN-1 Plaintiff: HERMOGENES MALAGUIT an Individual, SHARON LIZ ESCARA MALAGUIT, an Individual alleges that defendant: ELIZABETH MEDINA, an Individual, CRISTINA GARCIA ALVEZ, an Individual, BREYANNA RONEY ANAYA, an Individual and Does 1 to 25, Inclusive Was the legal (proximate) cause of damages to plaintiff. By the following acts or omissions to act, defendant negligently caused the damage to plaintiff on 04/05/2019 at Orange St. at or near Union Ave. in the City of Redlands, CA 92374 (description of reasons for liability) Plaintiffs, HERMOGENES MALAGUIT an Individual, SHARON LIZ ESCARA MALAGUIT, an Individual, suffered serious bodily injuries and related damages when ELIZABETH MEDINA, an Individual, CRISTINA GARCIA ALVEZ, an Individual, BREYANNA RONEY ANAYA, an Individual and Does 1-25, Inclusive while operating the vehicle in a reckless, negligent and unlawful manner cause a violent collision with Plaintiffs’ vehicle.

Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper. November 16, 23, 30, December 7, 2023

SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): Shirley Byrd YOU ARE BEING SUED

BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): Green Solution Environmental Services, Inc. NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

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

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

There are other legal requirements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino 247 W. Third St. San Bernardino, CA 92415 CASE NUMBER (Numero de Caso): CIVSB 2318953 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Bryant C. MacDonald Esq. 300 E. State Street, Suite 450 Redlands, CA 92373 (909) 793-7995 DATE (Fecha): Aug 11, 2023 Clerk of Court (Secretario) by Abrianna Rodriguez, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served Published In The San Bernardino American Newspaper November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 2023.

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Thursday, November 30, 2023

Page 6

WORLD/POLITICAL NEWS/LEGAL/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Commentary: Bridging Apologies - Lessons from Japanese American Internment Demand Recognition of Injustices Against Black Californians Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media

Independence, CA - A display at the Manzanar National Historic Site Visitor Center describes the discrimination that Japanese-Americans faced during the 1940's. The Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten American concentration camps where the US government incarcerated Japanese immigrants ineligible for citizenship and Japanese American citizens during World War II. (Maxim Elramsisy CBM)

In August, the California Attorney General's Office, publicly apologized for its role in the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. This belated acknowledgement highlights America’s capacity for prejudice and injustice.

Attorney General Rob Bonta’s apology, issued on the 35th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, recognized that his office had used legal tools to deprive a generation of Japanese Californians of their liberty and financial security.

The Civil Liberties Act of 1988, signed by Pres. Ronald Reagan, not only authorized compensation for wrongfully interned Japanese Americans but also included a formal presidential apology and established a public education fund to prevent similar injustices from recurring.

Retired Assemblymember Mariko Yamada, who represented the 4th District and whose family experienced internment, praised Bonta’s action, stating, “I applaud Rob Bonta for acknowledging the past complicity of the Office of CA Attorney General in the wartime Japanese American incarceration and its associated land grabs. It's never too late to correct an injustice--words matter, and courageous actions mean even more.”

Bonta acknowledged that more work is needed to address the legacy of Japanese American internment and stressed the importance of treating all Californians equally. In his

apology, he referred to the nationwide surge in anti-Asian hate crimes and the ongoing struggle for racial justice, invoking the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr’s words, "A time comes when silence is betrayal,” as a call against complacency in the face of injustice.

The historical injustices faced

by Japanese Americans and Black Californians, while by no means equivalent, share undeniable parallels. Both communities have endured systemic discrimination, economic marginalization, and the inescapable trauma of racial violence, leaving lasting scars on individuals and families.

However, when asked about extending a similar apology to Black Californians for the enduring harms of slavery and its ongoing societal impacts, Bonta’s office did not directly respond, sparking the need for further dialogue.

Although Bonta's apology is a noteworthy step forward, a critical question lingers: Why has a similar recognition and apology not been extended to Black Californians?

Yamada pointed out to California Black Media (CBM) that the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) recognized the need for government recognition and reparations for the Black community in their Juneteenth 2023 statement, marking the anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988.

JACL stated “In fact this year, even as we remember 35 years ago the successful fight

Federal Reserve’s Proposed Regulation Could Harm Small Businesses-Especially Minorityowned ...continued from page 4 pressured to offer less financing to borrowers or offer it at a higher cost. The smaller borrowers are likely to be squeezed out – including small businesses, households, and consumers.

Further disadvantage minorityowned small businesses Minority-owned businesses already face significant challenges accessing capital.

According to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices survey, 81% of Hispanic small business owners and 85% of Black small business owners are concerned about their ability to access capital. This proposal would make it even harder for minority-owned businesses to access loans and credit.

More expensive borrowing Many banks already consider small businesses to be bigger risks. The capital proposal will further exacerbate the problem, making it more expensive for banks to lend to small businesses.

A nationwide campaign titled, Tell the Fed to Stop the Squeeze on Small Business,launched

recently with two new digital advertisements, and will continue in the coming weeks with added paid media, as well as other activations of small business owners to ensure policymakers understand the devastating impact of the proposed regulation.

A significant majority, 87% of survey respondents said it is important for their elected officials in Washington to weigh in with the Federal Reserve regarding their proposed regulation.

The nationwide survey of 1,240 small business owners was taken October 9-12, 2023.

Respondents came from 48 U.S. States, including California, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. The full survey results can be viewed here.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices, which in April marked its three-year anniversary, builds on 10,000 Small Businesses and organizes program participants to advocate for policies that matter to them.

Follow this link to learn more. https://www.goldmansachs. com/citizenship/10000-smallbusinesses/US/voices/index.html

for redress for the Japanese American community, we recognize another 35 years passing without recognition from our government for the need to provide Black reparations.”

Don Tamaki, a Bay Area-based attorney with a history of working for redress and reparations for Japanese Americans, was the only non-Black member of the nine member California Reparations task force. He recognizes the long history of solidarity across the movements and shared with CBM his view of the unique and extensive 400year struggle endured by Black Americans.

Tamaki suggests that the reason Japanese Americans have received an apology, while Black Californians have yet to be acknowledged, is rooted in the country’s deep-seated anti-Black bias and a long history of denying Black Americans' humanity and experiences.

Tamaki’s personal connection to the internment issue offers valuable insights for advocating for a state apology. His parents were recipients of compensation and a formal apology from the federal government. He recalls the awakening of Japanese Americans in the 1960s, influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and King’s televised demonstrations against racial injustice. Tamaki underscores that the Japanese American redress movement, inspired by these events, was aided by Black legislators and activists.

As we welcome steps toward accountability by the Attorney General’s office in the case of Japanese American internment, we also urge the state to apply similar principles of acknowledgment and justice across all communities.

Recently, Tamaki along with five members of the California Reparations Task Force – Dr. Cheryl Grills, Lisa Holder, Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), and Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) and the California Black Power Network and the Equal Justice Society announced the formation of the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth.

The Alliance aims to expand support for reparations for

eligible Black Californians by diversifying its allies across different races and sectors. Their strategy involves educating the public about reparations and advocating for the Reparations Task Force’s recommendations.

Alliance leaders have suggested a joint effort with the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) to advance legislation based on these recommendations.

Bradford, the CLBC vice chair, indicated that while the caucus hasn’t yet set legislative priorities for implementing the Task Force’s recommendations, an apology for the legacy of slavery could be a key proposal.

He suggested that an apology should be a central focus, stating, “If you were to ask me, an apology has to be front and center.”

In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a nonbinding resolution, apologizing to Black Americans for slavery and for subsequent legal segregation and discrimination.

Despite this, neither Congress nor the White House has taken substantial action to redress these historical injustices.

Tamaki, along with Grills and Holder, have been organizing philanthropic support for reparations and have secured endorsements from over 470 organizations and businesses.

They aim to reach 1,000 endorsements by the end of 2023.

Recognizing the ongoing and cumulative harms experienced by African Americans is an essential part California’s journey towards justice.

The call for a state apology to its Black residents for historical injustices is more than a plea for words; it’s a call for actions that rectify past wrongs and lay the groundwork for a more equitable California.

About the Author Joe W. Bowers Jr. is a contributing editor to California Black Media. He is a graduate of Stanford University.

This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.”

L E G A L S & C L A S S I F I E D S

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SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): CIVSB 2220684 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): Shannay D Johnson, YOU ARE BEING SUED

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

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

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

There are other legal requirements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino CA 92415-0210 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Harlan M. Reese, Esq. (CA Bar No.: 11826), REESE LAW GROUP, 3168 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92010; 760/842-5850 (File No. 568362) DATE (Fecha): OCT 21 2022, Clerk (Secretario), by Stephanie Garcia, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served .

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INLAND EMPIRE/ ENTERTAINMENT/RELIGION NEWS

5 Things to Know About Blood Pressure Before It’s a Problem Blackdoctor.org News

Blood pressure is more than just numbers your doctor writes on a chart.

To explain it, Dr. Shawna Nesbitt, medical director of the Hypertension Clinic at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, talks about plumbing.

Think of blood vessels as pipes in a house, she says. Those pipes feed blood to the whole body.

If the pressure in them gets too high, it can damage the pipes or whatever they connect to – such as the heart, brain or kidneys. In fact if you have chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure, it is more likely that you will have heart problems. That is why controlling your blood pressure is so important.

“Controlling it doesn’t just matter to one of those organs. It matters to all of those organs,” says Nesbitt, also a professor of medicine and associate dean of student diversity and inclusion at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

In other words – high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a big deal. Here are five things you might not know about it.

You should start thinking about it before you have it.

Blood pressure tends to increase as people age. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore it until it’s a problem, says Dr. Raymond Townsend, director of the hypertension program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

It rarely has symptoms. “So unless you check it, you don’t know,” he shares.

It could be wreaking invisible havoc, for example, by aging the circulatory system, Townsend says. “You may be 60 years old, but if you’ve had untreated high blood pressure for a while, your blood vessels may be 80.”

High blood pressure affects 121.5 million U.S. adults, American Heart Association

statistics show. It is defined as a systolic pressure (the top number) of 130 or higher or a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of 80 or higher that stays high over time.

People who are Black; have a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke or kidney disease; and women who had blood pressure issues during pregnancy should pay extra attention, Nesbitt notes.

The good news, Townsend says, is if you spot high blood pressure before it does damage, “you’re in the primary prevention game. And that’s where you want to be. Because we have great evidence to show that managing your blood pressure will keep your heart, brain and kidneys working a whole lot longer.”

Managing it protects your brain.

If high blood pressure damages your brain’s blood vessels, bad things can happen. A stroke is one. But the risk goes beyond strokes.

Neurologists are finding that dementia is a vascular disease, which means high blood pressure can cause a little damage in lots of small areas of the brain, Nesbitt shares. “And because you’ve got a little damage in a lot of places, then you have the sum total of all of those areas that just don’t function so well anymore.”

Townsend says studies suggest people whose blood pressure is better controlled tend to score better on tests of cognitive function.

Lowering blood pressure isn’t a cure-all for brain health, he notes, but prevention is key.

“The goal is to preserve it at its high level when you’re 30 or 40 years of age.”

Black Americans need to pay special attention.

Hypertension is far more common in Black adults in the U.S. than in adults of other races and ethnicities. Yet it’s less of a problem for people of African heritage living in other countries.

“Which makes you question why continued in next 2 columns

Netflix Film Producer Takes Interest In Popular Black Book Series That Has Sold 12 Million Copies Entertainment News

Nationwide -- Pierre Bagley, an independent filmmaker who has directed the likes of Taraji P. Henson and whose films have aired on Netflix, Bounce TV, TNT, and more, is now set to adapt and produce a film series based on the popular Bluford books series written by a multiracial team of authors. To date, the books in that series have sold more than 12 million copies.

The Bluford books series has caught the industry off guard because of its massive and avid fan base. In 2001, an indie publisher disrupted the Young Adult market by rejecting the cynical, baseless notion that “black kids don’t read,” by publishing a 7-book YA series, set in an urban American high school. All the main characters were Black and Brown — unheard of at the time — and they were complex and multifaceted, their stories realistic and edgy but also uplifting. The Bluford Series was born.

Today, the series spans 23 titles and has sales of more than 12 million copies with readers in all 50 states and boasting a readership of more than 50 million. Bluford has

achieved historic success in YA fiction (U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is an avid fan). It has also fueled a vocal fanbase clamoring for a television/film series.

“For over two decades, the Bluford High Series has represented hope, resilience, compassion, and overcoming adversity, all hallmarks for creating captivating content, which is the sole focus of our creative team’s efforts,” says Pierre Bagley.

Mr. Bagley and Academy Award-winning producer David Dinerstein have joined efforts to bring Bluford to the screen and will be pitching the series to various streaming outlets (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc) as well as broadcast and cable.

The producers took an unconventional route of appealing directly to Bluford’s massive audience and asking the simple question: Why?… Why can’t this bright, passionate audience of millions have a TV/ film series based on the books they read growing up? Why can’t they watch these stories that resonate for them? They asked the question and the response has been enormous.

Learn more about the Blueford Book series via its official website at Bluford.org Also, follow the brand on Facebook at @Bluford.Series

5 Things to Know About Blood Pressure Before It’s a Problem... continued it is so much more prevalent in America than in other places,” Nesbitt says.

Systemic problems, such as the fact that Black Americans are more likely to lack access to healthy food or safe places to exercise, are significant factors.

So is the stress of dealing with racism.

“What we are looking at is a manifestation of the living conditions of Black Americans,” she adds. “And because we have rampant examples of differences in how we live, and how we experience the world every day, those things have a toll on our physical health. And blood pressure’s one of the first things that we see that makes that difference very evident.”

Watching sodium? Remember potassium, too.

Sodium has long been singled out for its relationship to high blood pressure. But many experts these days emphasize the importance of the sodiumpotassium balance, Townsend shares.

Potassium helps regulate blood flow. And if you’re eating a lot of processed foods, you’re probably getting too much of the former and not enough of the latter, Nesbitt adds.

The DASH or Mediterranean

diets offer a healthy balance of nutrients. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, sweet potatoes and low-fat dairy products.

Little changes can make a big difference.

For decades, Townsend says, researchers have known the most important predictor of blood pressure when you’re older is excess weight.

But you don’t have to go to extremes to help blood pressure, he said. “You may be 40 or 50 pounds overweight, but if you lose 10 or 15, not only are you headed in the right direction, you begin to see some benefit.”

There isn’t a quick fix for high blood pressure, Nesbitt shares. But you don’t have to fix everything at once.

“I always talk to patients about the changes that you can make that you will commit to,” she says. Someone having four alcoholic beverages a day might cut back to one or two for a sustained period. Once they develop that habit, they can attack the next.

“It is important that we keep focus on that we’re not doing this for vanity’s sake,” she adds. “We’re doing this for your healthy lifestyle and longevity.

This is for the long run.”

AFRO inside look: how to survive the holiday season with ease...continued from page 1 “It’s really the ‘knownknown,’ the ‘known-unknown’ and ‘the unknown-unknown.’ It’s categorizing,” said Wood. “If you know how to make that amazing mac and cheese, you don’t have to worry about that,” she said, giving an example of a “knownknown” task that may not be as stressful given the background knowledge.

“But let’s say you have a recipe for mac and cheese, but you’re not really sure [of it]— that’s your known-unknown,” explained Wood. “Then there’s the unknown-unknown. Don’t ask me to make anything if I don’t know how to make it.

I’m not going to stress about it, because I don’t even know anything [about it].”

Wood said that really understanding those categories can apply to anything.

Although the ladies discussed how important it is to plan ahead, they also recognized that not every situation can be prepared for ahead of time. Carr shared tips on how to handle blending families for the holidays. Last year she and her wife spent time with their family members as newlyweds.

“Everybody has to get used to this new blend and what we did last year was bring the families together at our house and everybody got to meet and get to know each other a little bit more.

That was huge for us,” shared Carr. “We had to talk about which

holidays were important to us, what are some of the traditions that we’re used to with our families and how could we meet somewhere in the middle.

I think ultimately just start with communication between you and your spouse first. Don’t let your parents and your cousins and godparents interfere. Have that conversation on your own—in your household—and figure out what’s important to you and how you’re going to move forward from there.”

Tips on how to meet your partner’s family and make a good impression were also given out by life and leadership coach, Deana Kennedy. She noted that being informed about previous holiday interactions and arriving with something to share with the family, like a food item or beverages, is always a great way to be introduced.

“Try to meet the folks beforehand. At least have a conversation and get some intel from your partner on what their family is like, and what the dynamic is like at the table,” noted Kennedy. “Always bring something, do not go emptyhanded. Whether it’s something you made yourself or something you bought from the store, make sure you bring something there and just be open. Be open to new traditions that people might have that are different from your own, be open to new family dynamics [and] be open to food.”

JOB OPENING: CUSTODIAN POSITION: NEW HOPE CHURCH is accepting applications for a part-time Custodian position at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, San Bernardino; CA. Applications are available at the New Hope Church Office. For additional information, resume is desired; please contact the Church Office at (909) 887-2526.

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Ability to read, listen and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

•

Must have strong janitorial knowledge and experience.

• Ability to work independently and complete duties and projects with little direct supervision.

• deadlines.

Ability to accurately work under pressure in meeting

Basic Duties: Clean sanctuary, classroom, offices, fellowship hall, conference room, kitchen, restrooms, and other assigned areas including facilities owned and operated by New Hope Missionary Baptist Church during an assigned shift or an assigned cleaning crew; perform minor repair and maintenance and assure cleanure of the during assigned hours.

“In All You’re Getting, Get An Understanding!”

By Lou K. Coleman

Lou K. Coleman

Because there can be no doubt that we are living in the last days.

The signs we are seeing and the things taking place in this world point to the soon coming final events, the mark of the beast, the time of trouble and the return of Jesus Christ. In all your getting, get an understanding! [Proverbs 4:7].

You can know what the signs are that will precede Christ’s coming and watch for them.

Why stay in ignorance about the meaning of the events taking place around you?

Jesus commands watch and to be ready. [Luke 21:36]. I tell you; your entire life is about to change. Events will unfold soon to destroy the world’s way of life as we have known it. Soon, mankind will suffer through the most devastating, bloody war in human history—called, in biblical terminology, the Great Tribulation. [Matthew 24:21– 22]. We are now approaching that time, and these things are now being revealed. [Daniel 12:10]. In all you’re getting, get an understanding!

We are living in a time like no other before us, and yet just as in the days of Noah and Lot, people continue to 'eat and drink' and live as if nothing is going to happen.

What willful ignorance! The truth is that God is shaking all that can be shaken. And what is still to come is too dreadful to think about.

Listen in [Romans 13:11] we are given a warning. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now, is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”

The Apostle Paul is telling us that we need to be aware of the times in which we live and act accordingly. Jesus also stressed the importance of this when He asked, “Can you not discern the signs of the times?”

[Matthew 16:3]. I tell you; you must understand the spiritual significance of current events.

We are not living in ordinary times. We are nearing the end of an age—the end of a civilization.

So, in all your getting, get an understanding. A world-shaking crisis is inexorably building and will, in the near future, explode the appearance of normalcy. You need to know that the progression of disturbing news stories is not random and inconsequential. In fact, they foreshadow remarkable key trends and specific events that will change everything you are familiar with in the next few decades!

Get wisdom!

Get understanding! Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore, get wisdom.

And in all you’re getting, get understanding. [Proverbs 4:5-7].

WITNESS FOR JUSTICE #1179

It Is Right and Just Thaddaeus Elliott Justice and Peace Fellow Recently, I have been disturbed by the growing erasure of Thanksgiving as a legitimate holiday deserving of its moment to shine. Too many have now embraced a jump from Halloween to Christmas on November 1. In October, Target already looked like the North Pole and Black Friday had begun. When we do give Thanksgiving consideration as a holiday, we are easily caught up in holiday tropes: the consumption of too much food, the romanticization of a meal shared by the English and the Wampanoag, the distraction of parades and football. But what about the namesake activity of giving thanks?

I must confess, I find it difficult some days to be thankful and celebratory in a time where it feels the world is unraveling and upending itself. Wars are being waged that are stealing the lives of children. We have elected officials more interested in instigating physical altercations during congressional hearings than governing to ensure that vital social programs are funded to meet the growing needs and hurts of the world. In the face of all that, taking a day to share a meal with the ones we love (for those of us who can) and count our blessings can feel almost shameful, as though we are turning away from the pain consuming our world.

But it is times like these when intentional expressions of gratitude are most necessary.

Dr. Robert Emmons, named the leading scientific expert on gratitude, has long studied the positive benefits of keeping a gratitude journal and engaging in other gratitude practices.

Some of the social benefits found in his research are those who practice gratitude are more compassionate, more forgiving,

and feel less isolated. If we are to be doers of justice in the world, we need to nurture our compassion, we must practice forgiveness and we need to act in community together.

In church, during the preface liturgy before communion, the leader will say some variation of “Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God,” and the people will respond with a variation of “It is right to give God thanks and praise.” Some versions say it is “right and just.” Psalm 100:5 says we should joyfully give God praise and bless their name “because the Lord is good, [their] loyal love lasts forever; [their] faithfulness lasts generation after generation.” (CEB) S o , b e f o r e I f o rg e t Thanksgiving and dive into the Christmas spirit, I will do the radical thing and practice gratitude: I give thanks to my family, for through their steadfast love I understand the unrelenting love and loyalty of God. I give thanks for my colleagues, for through their compassion and friendship I am sustained in the pursuit of justice. And I give thanks and praise to God for all they have done and continue to do, because doing so reminds me that even in the world’s brokenness, it is good and worth saving. Even in our brokenness we are good and worth saving.

Despite everything, God hasn’t given up on us, so neither will I. I hope that you who are reading this, wherever and with whomever you may be, that you take this day to give God thanks for something, anything. Because it is right and just to do so.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Thaddaeus Elliott is the Justice and Peace Fellow for the United Church of Christ.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

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LOCAL/NATIONAL/NEWS/ADVERTISING

America in 2025: No Protections Major brands are not only pausing ads on Elon Musk’s Trump’s for Americans With Preexisting X. They’re stepping away from the platform altogether Conditions...continued from page 1

By Oliver Darcy, CNN previously posting multiple times a day on the platform to their millions of followers. Instead, these brands have switched over to the Meta-owned rival Threads, where they have started actively posting.

For instance, when “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” on Monday shared the news that host Stephen Colbert would be off the air this week due to appendicitis, the program did so on Threads. Prior to Musk’s backing of an antisemitic post, Colbert’s show, however, was primarily active on X, regularly posting videos and other content.

Now, the inverse is true.

When reached for comment on Monday, a representative for X did not directly address questions on the loss of the media behemoths on the platform, which must be setting off alarm bells inside the social media company. It is already quite bad for the struggling company to be starved of advertising revenue.

It’s even worse if it is also starved of content, particularly from household entities that have helped make the platform the center of real-time discussion for years.

It is, of course, possible that these companies will reverse course down the road and resume

posting and even advertising on the platform. It would not be the first time that has happened after advertisers have fled an outlet en masse. But it’s also possible that won’t happen.

With Musk at the helm of the platform for the foreseeable future overseeing the critical decisions that have led to a surge in hate speech (while also personally contributing himself to the awful rhetoric), the risk versus reward calculus on whether to engage with the company has taken a sharp nosedive. The situation is not dissimilar to when Tucker Carlson permanently chased most advertisers away from Fox News’ 8pm hour during his time at the network.

And if more companies and other notable figures abandon Musk’s platform for other social networks, it will extinguish the allure it once had, providing yet another reason for average users to ditch the troubled platform.

“Every day, more brands are waking up to the reality that Twitter is dead and X is a cesspool,” Platformer’s Casey Newton said. “The global town square is now dispersed across many different platforms, and increasingly the most relevant conversations are taking place elsewhere.”

Keeping it Real: Voter Fraud…The New “Lost Cause”

CARE Court to Begin Serving Residents in Los Angeles County

Credit: Shutterstock

CNN—The exodus from X is bleeding beyond just major advertisers.

In recent days, a number of prominent media brands have not only paused their paid marketing campaigns on the embattled Elon Musk-owned social platform, but have ceased posting on it altogether, going silent on the once essential site that sought to be the world’s “digital town square.”

The flagship accounts belonging to Disney, Paramount, Lionsgate, Sony Pictures, Universal, and Warner Bros.

Discovery (CNN’s parent company) have not posted on the platform in roughly 10 days, following Musk’s disturbing endorsement of an antisemitic

conspiracy theory, which he still has not apologized for.

None of the studios commented on the record when CNN reached out for comment. But people familiar with the social media strategies of Paramount and WBD confirmed under the condition of anonymity that it’s no coincidence: the companies have made the active decision to stop posting under certain handles on X due to concerns, including brand safety.

The blackout on X extends beyond these companies’ corporate accounts, in some cases. For instance, the most high profile accounts affiliated with Disney have gone dark on X, such as @StarWars, @Pixar, and @MarvelStudios, which were

by S.E. Williams If we’ve learned nothing else during the age of Trump, we’ve learned that the illusion of voter fraud runs deep among many remaining in the Republican Party to the point that it supersedes almost everything else on their agenda including truth, justice, fairness, legality, integrity, even threats to human life.

Despite this illusion, in what’s been defined as an “exhaustive piece of reporting by the Associated Press” found fewer tha 475 cases of potential voter fraud out of 25 million votes cast nationally in the 2020 Presidential Election and yet, the Big Lie–though waning in intensity–persists.

And nowhere is the issue of voter fraud sputtering along more inappropriately than here in Riverside County. And now it appears, where Republican District Attorney Mike Hestrin once beat the drum on this issue, Riverside has a new “voter fraud drum major” in the guise of Sheriff Chad Bianco–who is himself under investigation.

Amid claims of election fraud ahead of the November 2020 election, Hestrin and Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel allegedly pressured the Registrar of Voters to remove a ballot dropbox that had been available to voters for over 20 years, threatening to sue if she didn’t. The registrar argues that their request was intended to suppress voters.

Hestrin also purportedly pushed the county’s Registrar of Voters to place undercover agents at polling places and capture the license plates of those delivering ballots to drop off locations during the 2020 election cycle among other antics.

In fairness to Bianco, I guess he is just following the political playbook on voter fraud while he also deflects from the investigation into his own department by the California Attorney General’s office.

“It is important to protect the integrity of our elections. But we must be careful not to undermine free and fair access to the ballot in the name of preventing phantom voter fraud.”

Brennan Center for Justice Not unlike the cast of fervent believers or manipulative misfits

State Program Launches December 1st to Support Families and Individuals Struggling with Severe Schizophrenia and Associated Psychotic Disorders

Certainly, time will tell whether there is organized and pervasive voter fraud being perpetrated here in Riverside County or if Bianco will turn up a small number of easily explainable errors that can occur on occasion without malice or forethought and then proceed to use those for some type of political leverage. Credit: naacp.org

(however you choose to define them) banging the drum for Trump and proclaiming voter fraud in the wake of the 2020 Presidential election, there are many die-hard believers here in the inland region and many of them hold elected offices.

So, it appears that Hestrin passed the mantle to Bianco though it is still unclear beyond politically correct statements quoted in other outlets as to what exactly is driving Bianco’s investigation beyond overused and trite Trump era phrases like wanting to—restore the public’s faith in elections.

Bianco claims to have clear justification for the investigation declaring to the Press Enterprise, “When witnesses or victims come forward with claims of criminal conduct, the Sheriff’s Office investigates those claims.”

Certainly, as citizens, we expect nothing less. The question, however, is whether the reports are credible or just political gamesmanship by those in his party who are holding tight to the New Lost Cause of voter fraud.

Another clear example of the pervasive New Lost Cause mindset here in Riverside County is the push to have the Board of Supervisors discontinue use of the Dominion electronic voting machines much maligned by the Republican Party, despite the fact that in mid-April, Fox News reached a near $800 million dollar civil settlement to avoid a lawsuit over the lies it perpetrated against Dominion machines.

Certainly, time will tell whether there is organized and pervasive voter fraud being perpetrated here in Riverside County or if Bianco will turn up a small number of

easily explainable errors that can occur on occasion without malice or forethought and then proceed to use those for some type of political leverage. Doing the math on the Associated Press findings you arrive at a fraud rate of .0019% at the national level.

Based on such odds it is hard to see whether Bianco will find anything of substance. But, of course, we can never say never.

Regardless of the outcome, we know the game because we’ve seen it play out nationally and we know the caliber of characters involved in perpetuating the myth.

In the final analysis, it almost doesn’t matter— because we know it’s never been about protecting votes… it’s all about finding ways to suppress the vote… including gutting the Voting Rights Act. Gerrymandering the redistricting maps, reducing days, hours and locations of early voting, photo ID laws and the list goes on… .

At some point the naysayers will just have to face reality–the BIPOC numbers are too great and getting greater….the New Lost Cause is already lost.

Republicans are running out of options to cheat their way into power… I think they might earn more votes if they faced reality and just spent time serving the people rather than conniving with ways to deprive voters their right to choose representatives who will be reflective of their community and represent their needs and aspirations.

What are they afraid of?

Of course, this is just my opinion. I’m keeping it real.

WHAT: Supervisor Janice Hahn, along with Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County Samantha P. Jessner, Dr. Lisa Wong, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo D. Garcia (Independent Defense Counsel Office) will announce the launch of the state-funded Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) program. Better known as CARE Court, this program will help eligible individuals with severe untreated schizophrenia and other associated psychotic

their health care election after election. November 2024 won’t be any different.

Trump says he wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would eliminate its protections for Americans with preexisting conditions.

HuffPost: “Donald Trump says he is still interested in repealing the Affordable Care Act, which means health care for tens of millions of people would be in jeopardy if he becomes president again next year. Trump said Saturday on his website Truth Social that he was ‘looking at alternatives’ to the 2010 health care law, also known as ‘Obamacare,’ which has reduced the number of Americans without health insurance to historic lows and established basic guarantees of coverage for all Americans regardless of pre-existing conditions.”

More than 50 million people have a preexisting health condition that would have made them uninsurable in the individual health care market before the Affordable Care Act. KFF: “An updated KFF analysis estimates that almost 54 million people – or 27% of all adults under 65 —have pre-

existing health conditions that would likely have made them uninsurable in the individual markets that existed in most states before the Affordable Care Act.” As many as 135 million Americans under 65 have a preexisting condition that could force them to face higher costs or be denied coverage altogether if they sought coverage in the individual market without the Affordable Care Act’s protections.

Center For American Progress: “According to new estimates from the Center for American Progress, 135 million people under age 65, or about half of nonelderly people, have a preexisting condition that an insurer could use to discriminate against them if they ever sought coverage through the individual market in the absence of ACA protections.”

KFF: “People with preexisting health conditions were often denied coverage or charged higher premiums for individual market coverage before the ACA took effect in 2014.” ### Paid for by Biden for President

CARE Court...continued in both columns disorders get access to treatment and services to stabilize their symptoms. Rather than cycling through jails and emergency rooms, CARE Court gives eligible individuals and those who care for them the opportunity to receive timely, customized supports, including counseling, medication, housing options and social services. Through a collaborative inter-agency effort, Los Angeles County is starting the CARE program on

December 1, 2023, one year ahead of the state’s mandate for all 58 counties.

WHEN: Thursday, November 30, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Superior Court of Los Angeles County – Norwalk Courthouse 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 Third Floor, Department E (Courtroom)

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