SB American News Week Ending 12/27

THE SAN BERNARDINO

AMERICAN

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

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

Volume 54 No. 36

December 21, 2023 Thursday Edition

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

Website: www.SB-American.com

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

Year Old Khaleena Brown, S t o r m s a re O n t h e Wa y. Nine Crowned Queen at The 55th Annual Are Californians Prepared? Miss Black Awareness Pageant Community Event News

With an El Niño weather pattern promising wetter wets and hotter hots, California's Office of Emergency Services and Listos California are urging residents to stay safe and be prepared.

By Mark Hedin

If your memories of last winter’s dozen “atmospheric rivers” have faded, Mother Nature is preparing a soaking wet reminder, with parts of the West Coast possibly looking at a month’s worth of rain by midweek and another close on its heels around Christmastime.

The storms are part of the periodic El Niño weather pattern that meteorologists say promises

more torrential rains and higher temperatures across California in the coming year.

In hopes of minimizing the disasters that extreme weather can bring, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), along with Listos California, Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media hosted a press briefing offering safety tips, advice and

resources to help Californians prepare for the flooding, high winds and cold temperatures that will likely occur in various parts of the state.

“Getting prepared for disaster starts with simple but important actions you can take now before storms hit,” said Diana CroftsPelayo, of OES: Sign up for locally specific, potentially life-saving emergency

alerts at safelistoscalifornia.org/ alerts.

Make plans for where you and your household will meet, so that even if you’re in disparate locations when a crisis occurs, you’ll be able to reunite.

Have a “go bag” with essential things you can quickly take with you if you have to leave your home in a hurry.

And don’t forget to use simple common sense. For instance, if you’re driving and encounter barricades, don’t drive around them! A car can be swept away in as little as 12 inches of water, Crofts-Pelayo warned. “If there’s a barricade there, it’s there for a reason. Do not cross it!

“There were too many sad stories last year of people getting trapped through flooded areas,” she said. Along similar lines, pedestrians can be swept away by the force of as little as 6 inches of rushing water. “Stay indoors during storms and high-wind events,” she cautioned. We had too many people hurt by falling trees “out trying to walk their continued on page 3

A Queen Has Been Crowned...

Each year the Miss Black Awareness Scholarship Pageant committee crowns a young ladies to represent in Inland Empire with sweet honesty, grace, and integrity.

Charlene Dixon, Pageant Dir. thanks Miss Black Awareness Lydia Blevins and your Royal Court for fulfilling your Royal duties in 2022-2023.

Queen Lydia Blevins and Princess SiYae Purnell crowned 9 year old Khaleena Brown as the 55th Miss Black Awareness Queen, Saturday December the 16th, concluding their year reign.

The Miss Black Awareness Pageant is a family affair from the beginning all the way through her reign. We are proud of the family for supporting of your little Queen. It's this kind of support that our young ladies need to be successful in life.

This year's Court includes Princess Jewels Holley, Kalani Gray, Duchess Lauren Keys, Pharrah Gray, and Amber Keys, and Queen Khaleena Brown.

All of our young ladies are title holders and we hope that they will all wear their crown proudly. Let it be known that they have not reached their destination we're on a journey together.

The qualities that we look for in our Queen, is commitment, dedication, follow through and

Khaleena Brown The 55th Miss Black Awareness Queen

Khaleena proved to be the ONE that met all of the requirements.

The Miss Black Awareness Scholarships Pageant committee is happy that the judges saw sweet honesty, grace, integrity and chose you.

If you missed the pageant you can meet Miss Black Awareness and her Court at the MLK breakfast at the Ontario DoubleTree, MLK parade in San Bernardino, and San Bernardino County Black History Parade and Expo February 24th at Citrus avenue and 210 freeway in Fontana.

Registration for 2024-25 Miss Black Awareness Scholarship Pageant will begin June 1st www.blackawarenessparades. com for more information.

909 913-0831

Justice Department Secures Landmark Agreement with City and Police Department Ending “Crime- “Giving the Gift of Christmas” 2-Day Event: A Festive Celebration for the Free” Rental Housing Program in Hesperia, California Unhoused Community Consent Order Resolves Allegations of Race and National Origin Discrimination, Requires Complete Repeal of “Crime-Free” Program and Ordinance, and Creates Settlement Fund for Individuals Harmed by Program Government/Local News The Justice Department announced today it has secured a landmark agreement to resolve a race and national origin discrimination lawsuit against the City of Hesperia, California, and the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’s Department. The department’s lawsuit alleged that the City and Sheriff’s Department engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination against Black and Latinx individuals and communities in Hesperia, in violation of the Fair Housing Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, through the adoption and enforcement of a socalled “crime-free” rental housing program. This is the Justice Department’s first resolution requiring the complete end of a “crime-free” rental housing program.

“The Justice Department is committed to ensuring housing policies do not discriminate against individuals based on their race, including so-called ‘crimefree’ programs,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta.

“In addition to promoting fair access to housing, today’s resolution will protect individuals who call for emergency or law enforcement assistance from retaliation.”

“So-called ‘crime-free’ ordinances are often fueled by racially discriminatory objectives, destabilize communities and promote modern-day racial segregation,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These ordinances can uproot lives, force families into homelessness and result in loss of jobs, schooling and opportunities for people who are disproportionately low-income people of color.

‘Crime-free’ ordinances may also constitute a discriminatory solution in search of a problem and run afoul of the core goals underlying the Fair Housing Act. As this settlement makes clear, the Justice Department will continue to fight discriminatory and unlawful ‘crime-free’ ordinances across the country and work to ensure that everyone has fair and equal access to housing.”

“The right to fair housing is fundamental and should not be infringed,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “This important settlement with Hesperia prevents the so-called ‘crime-free’ program from devastating individuals and families with the emotional upheaval and financial hardship

that accompanies evictions that occur with little notice. Today’s agreement and consent order will bring real change to Hesperia and beyond.”

“Discriminatory housing policies based on race and national origin, including those sanctioned and implemented by local governments, have no place in our society,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria L. McCain of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “This agreement sends a strong message that HUD and DOJ will continue to work together to vigorously enforce our nation’s fair housing laws.”

United States’ Lawsuit The department’s lawsuit, filed in 2019 based on an investigation by HUD, alleged that the City of Hesperia, with substantial support from the Sheriff’s Department, enacted a “crime-free” program with the intent of addressing what one City Councilmember called a “demographical problem:” Hesperia’s increasing Black and Latinx population.

The program required all rental property owners to evict tenants

upon notice by the Sheriff’s Department that the tenants had engaged in any alleged “criminal activity” on or near the property — regardless of whether those allegations resulted in an arrest, charge, or conviction.

In addition, the program encouraged housing providers to evict entire families when only one household member engaged in purported criminal activity and even notified landlords to evict survivors of domestic violence.

It also required all landlords to screen potential tenants through the Sheriff’s Department, which would notify landlords whether the applicant had “violated” the rules of the program in the past.

The City of Hesperia also later passed an ordinance relating to business licenses for rental housing properties that made registration in the “crime-free” program mandatory and imposed excessive fees.

The department’s complaint relied in part on analysis conducted by HUD, which showed that Black renters were almost four times more likely, and Latinx renters 29% more likely, to be evicted under the program than white renters.

HUD’s analysis also showed continued on page 2

Community Event News San Bernardino, CA- Tues, Dec 19th, 2023 & Wed, Dec 20th, 2023 Our organization, Women's Inspirational Network (W.I.N.) has collaborated with Couture Events to invite community leaders and members as the holiday season approaches. Together, we are thrilled to announce the “Giving the Gift of Christmas” 2 Day Event, a heartfelt initiative to bring warmth, joy and hope to the unhoused community in San Bernardino. This collaboration presents an opportunity for our community to join us in making a difference and spreading the spirit of giving during this festive season.

Event Overview: Day 1: Tuesday, Dec 19th, 2023 Community Outreach: Volunteers will be distributing food and care items to those in ended.

Day 2: Wednesday, Dec 20th 2023 Formal Event: A resource fair and Christmas sit-down dinner featuring various activities and support services.

Event Highlights: Catered Christmas Dinner Shopping for Essentials Dancing and Festive Activities Access to Mobile Shower Units Homeless Resources and Support Barbers and Stylists Offering Free Haircuts How you can MAKE A DIFFERENCE: 1. Volunteers Needed: Serve our community and be part of this

heartwarming event.

2. Mobile Shower Units: Provide dignity with mobile shower services 3. Barbers and Stylists: Donate your time and skills to boost confidence.

4. Warmth Items Drive: Collecting blankets, scarves, shoes, socks, shirts, and jackets for all ages. (All essential Items Welcomed) 5. Vendor Participation: Be a vendor who offers resources to our unhoused community.

6. Food Distribution Items 7. Monetary Donations: Support us with a monetary donation to purchase essential care items. https://paypal. m e / w i n n e t w o r k 5 ? c o u n t r y. x=US&locale.x=en_US Donation Drop off Location: Couture Events 1480 S E St. San Bernardino, CA 92408 Please call to arrange drop off: 909-341-0750 Let's come together to make this holiday season unforgettable for everyone. Your support, in any capacity you can offer, will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this event.

Spread the word, and share the Love!

Thank you for considering our invitation. We look forward to the possibility of working together to create a positive impact in our community this season. All donations are tax-deductible Women's Inspirational Network

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Page 2

COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/FINANCIAL/ADVERTISING

Fighting Car Scams with the CARS Rule

By Selen Ozturk

The risk of getting scammed when buying a car — the highest purchase many consumers make short of a house — can be as stressful as the risk of a pile-up commute.

The rule also requires dealers advertising a car in a certain language, like Spanish, to clearly disclose any added costs in that same language “so buyers know what they’re agreeing to,” said Jamie Brooks, an attorney with the FTC’s Division of Financial Practices.

Why bait-and-switch?

The risk of getting scammed when buying a car — the highest purchase many consumers make short of a house — can be as stressful as the risk of a pile-up commute.

At a Friday, December 15 briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services and the Federal Trade Commission, FTC officials explained how the agency’s Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule, requiring transparency from car dealers, will protect buyers from auto scams.

What is CARS and who’s affected?

Malini Mithal, associate director of the FTC Division of Financial Practices said the CARS Rule, announced by the FTC last week, combats two main scams that car buyers experience: bait-and-switch tactics, “where dealers advertise a low price to bring you to the lot, but after you spend hours there you learn that the car is way more expensive than what was advertised,” and junk fees, which are charges hidden by long, complicated auto contracts.

CARS — taking effect July 30, 2024 — will save car buyers facing these tactics an estimated

$3.4 billion and 72 million hours a year, she explained. “The rule especially helps honest car dealers who will be able to compete on a level playing field; they won’t have to worry about losing business to a competitor pretending to have a lower price to lure consumers onto their lot, but then charging much more once the consumer gets there.”

Malini Mithal, associate director, Division of Financial Practices, Federal Trade Commission, explains the language component of the FTC’s new Combating Auto Retail Scams Rule (CARS).

The CARS Rule makes this happen four ways, Mithal continued: first, dealers can’t lie about key information like costs, financing terms, add ons and rebates; second, dealers must tell consumers the total price of the car (e.g. the full price of a 10-year contract, not just the first few monthly payments); third, dealers can’t charge junk fees that don’t benefit the consumer (e.g. a second warranty with no coverage, or oil change add-ons incompatible with an electric car); and fourth, “Dealers can only charge for things if consumers know what the charge is for and agree to pay for it — so no more hidden costs in contracts.”

The CARS Rule focuses so much on bait-and-switch tactics because of how many actions the FTC has brought against it, “where dealers advertise one price to get consumers in the door, but then charge consumers much more after they’ve invested time on the lot,” said Brooks.

Most of this deceptive advertising involves misrepresenting a car’s full price, its monthly payment, or the dealership’s affiliation with government programs, she added.

Jamie D. Brooks, Attorney, Division of Financial Practices, Federal Trade Commission shares public feedback on the new FTC Combating Auto Retail Scams Rule (CARS), which was put in place to protect car buyers from predatory dealers.

For example, in 2014 the FTC sued Casino Auto Sales of La Puente, California for advertising an $18,000 down vehicle while burying an extra $5,000 down payment in fine print specifically targeting Spanish consumers. In 2020, the agency sued dealer ad agency Traffic Jam Events of Kenner, Louisiana for mailers which supposedly directed consumers to a COVID stimulus relief program site, the address of which was really a car lot.

These tactics not only harm car buyers but dealers themselves “who have to beat the bogus prices of dishonest competitors,” Brooks explained. “When a dealership advertises low prices,

people end up selecting that dealership over others under false pretenses.”

Many of these pretenses also involve “junk fees” for hidden add-ons — “like extended warranties, car or asset protection, or coatings that are supposed to protect the car” — which can easily cause unknowing buyers thousands of dollars, said Sanya Shahrasbi, an attorney with the FTC’s Division of Financial Practices.

“In the past two years alone,” she continued, “dealers have substantially increased prices for these add ons, even though such products and services largely are not constrained by supply.”

A 2022 FTC lawsuit against multistate dealer Napleton, the thirteenth-largest dealership group in the country, found that 83% or 16,848 of the dealer’s customers were charged for addons that they didn’t agree to; for instance, “one consumer paid for a $2,000 service contract that the dealer said was free.”

This Napleton action found not only that buyers were being charged for add-ons they didn’t agree to, but also that these buyers were disproportionately Black and Latino, added Mithal.

A 2023 action against Wisconsinbased dealer group Rhinelander Auto Center found analogous targeting of local Native American consumers.

Sanya Shahrasbi, Attorney, Division of Financial Practices, Federal Trade Commission, explains how sneak junks fees that cost consumers thousands into car purchases.

Much of the vulnerability of these racial and ethnic groups owes to language access obstructed by lengthy contracts hiding fees; many Napleton buyers, for example, found themselves with paperwork requiring more than 12 signatures continued on page 3

California School Dashboard 2023 Update Shows Significant Reduction in Chronic Absenteeism, High Graduation Rates, and Fewer Local Educational Agencies in Need of Additional Support Local educational agencies implementing new student supports and investments championed by Governor Gavin Newsom, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and the Legislature to accelerate learning and improve student outcomes.

Community /Education News

SACRAMENTO—The 2023 California School Dashboard is now online with data showing statewide improvements in student outcomes in several areas. The Dashboard is a key component of the state’s school accountability system, which includes the latest data on graduation rates, suspension rates, test scores, English Learner progress, the college/career indicator, chronic absenteeism, and local indicators.

Among other highlights, the 2023 Dashboard shows that students in California are graduating at higher levels than before the COVID-19 pandemic and are missing less class time year-over-year.

T h e f o u r- y e a r c o h o r t graduation rate for the class of 2023 is 86.2%. While this represents a slight decrease from the class of 2022 (less than one percentage point), California’s overall graduation rate is still higher than pre-pandemic levels. The slight decrease is likely due to the phase-out of Assembly Bill 104, which allowed for temporary flexibility in graduation requirements and course grading policies for high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2022–23 four-year adjusted cohort also included more graduates who meet the University of California/ California State University admission requirements than prior to the pandemic, with

223,727 students (50.4% of graduates) graduating eligible for admission at California’s public universities.

Additionally, 219 school districts and county offices of education that were previously eligible for differentiated assistance have made significant improvements in student outcomes and are no longer eligible for differentiated assistance. Only 68 school districts and county offices of education became newly eligible for differentiated assistance based on “needs to improve” outcomes for specific student groups. This statewide improvement comes after a record 617 districts and county offices of education were eligible for differentiated assistance in 2022 (following the pandemic).

This statewide improvement is primarily due to improved outcomes on the Chronic Absenteeism indicator, which indicates a reversal of a concerning trend in school attendance that began during the pandemic. The Chronic Absenteeism rate, which measures the number of students who missed 10 percent of the days they were enrolled for any reason, declined to 24.3 percent in 2022–23, which is a 5.7 percentage point decline from an all-time high of 30 percent in 2021–22. California’s reported decrease is greater than the 11-state average reported in October and, notably, equity

gaps in Chronic Absenteeism are becoming smaller, with the most vulnerable students improving fastest and no student groups any longer in the lowest “red” or “orange” categories.

“This is encouraging news— and our work is not complete,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “We have made an unprecedented investment in services that address the needs of the whole child. We can see that those efforts are paying off, but this is only the beginning.

We need to continue providing students with the tools they need to excel, especially now that we are successfully reengaging our students and families, so we can close gaps in achievement in the same way that we have begun to close the equity gaps in attendance and absenteeism.”

“Recovery from the pandemic has been a long process all across the country,” said California State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond.

“While we have a long way to go, these results show that California is making strides, especially in enabling students to get to school and graduate ready for college and careers. Governor Newsom, Superintendent Thurmond, and the Legislature have continually prioritized supporting our students and educators, and today’s data show a number of areas where we’re making progress. It is our hope

that the Dashboard results will provide valuable information to educators about the effectiveness of learning acceleration efforts and other programs implemented to help all students thrive.”

In recent years, the state has made significant investments in K–12 public education, with a focus on accelerating learning and prioritizing equity that includes $7.9 billion for the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant. The 2023 Budget Act provided $129.2 billion in total K–12 education funding— the highest per-pupil state funding ever for California students.

Additionally, beginning in the 2022–23 school year, the state allocated billions to expand access to Transitional Kindergarten for tens of thousands of four-year-old children to improve Kindergarten readiness and long-term student outcomes. The 2022 and 2023 Budget Acts also provided a total of $500 million to fund the Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists Grant Program, which supports the development of school literacy programs and interventions to help pupils in need of targeted literacy support.

The results of these important new investments should be reflected in future Dashboards.

More information is available on the California Department of Education Dashboard Resources web page.

We're Hiring!

California Sea Grant is seeking a Digital Science Communications Specialist California Sea Grant (CASG) is hiring a Digital Science Communications Specialist to develop and implement targeted communications and marketing strategies to highlight its programming in research, education and outreach.

CASG's communications team, which includes part-time science writers, communications fellows and interns, promotes the work of our extension specialists, funded researchers and partner agencies.

The Digitial Communications Specialist will collaborate with members of the communications team and CASG leadership to develop a plan for these communications across multiple platforms -- including written, visual and digital media -- and will set project milestones and track the plan's success. High-quality, high-volume work under deadline will be consistently required.

The Specialist will contribute to social media efforts, create compelling multimedia content and coordinate photography, video and graphic production as necessary. The position requires knowledge of content management systems, graphics and illustration software, web production and search engine optimization.

This position can be hybrid or primarily remote.

Application deadline: 1/7/2024.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY https://employment.ucsd.edu/ digital-science-communications-specialist-127180/job/27542663

Justice Department Secures Landmark Agreement with City and Police Department Ending “Crime-Free” Rental Housing Program in Hesperia, California... continued from page 1 that over 96% of individuals and households evicted under the “crime-free” ordinance lived in majority-minority Census blocks, even though only 79% of rental households in Hesperia live in such blocks.

The department’s lawsuit alleged that hundreds of people were targeted under Hesperia’s “crime-free” ordinance.

The program had real and devastating impacts on families across the City of Hesperia: For example, a Black woman living in Hesperia called the police repeatedly to come to her home because she did not feel safe with her boyfriend. The Sheriff’s Department notified her landlord about the numerous domestic disturbance calls and threatened the landlord with a misdemeanor. The landlord then forced the woman and her children out of their home. With nowhere to go, the family moved into a motel and attempted to rent another home in Hesperia, but the applications were repeatedly denied. Unable to rent another home for her family in Hesperia, she was forced to uproot her life, leave a house full of furniture behind and move across the country.

The program also impacted a

Latina woman living in Hesperia who called the police to get assistance for her boyfriend, who was experiencing a mental health crisis at her home.

When the Sheriff’s Department arrived before the paramedics, her boyfriend was arrested. The woman then received a notice to vacate based on the supposed violation of the ordinance, and she was forced to temporarily move into a motel.

One Black family was torn apart after a mother’s call to the police for help got them kicked out of their home and placed on the violators list, making it impossible to find another rental in Hesperia. The parents moved away and made the impossible decision to leave their teenage daughter behind to finish high school.

Consent Order As part of the resolution of this case, Hesperia already has repealed its “crime-free” ordinance, modified the rental housing business license ordinance, and reduced the fees associated with rental housing business licenses. The Sheriff’s continued on page 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Page 3

COUNTY/GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS/ADVERTISING

Opinion: Case of Missing Mississippi Clean California Shares Eco-Friendly Man Underscores Need for Ebony Tips for Greener Holiday Season ‘Tis the season when Americans produce 25% more waste Alert in California Sen. Steven Bradford | Special to California Black Media Partners

There is no greater pain than that of a mother who loses her child -- or whose child goes missing.

B e t t e r s t e n Wa d e h a s experienced both. Her 37-year-old son, Dexter Wade, disappeared on March 5 after visiting with her. She reported him to the police as missing the next week and began putting up fliers with his picture and going door to door to speak with neighbors.

For months, the police told her they had no information on his whereabouts.

But in August, the police brought her devastating news.

Her son, a Black man and father of two had been killed the very night he went missing. Police say he was struck while crossing a highway by an off-duty Jackson Police officer.

The coroner identified Wade using a prescription medicine he was carrying as he had no identification. The coroner’s office claims to have shared his identity with the police, provided them with Wade’s mother’s contact information and asked them to notify her.

The Mayor of Jackson called the almost 6-month delay a “communications failure” between the coroner and the police. The elder Wade and her attorney say the way authorities handled the death of her son is a civil rights violation and they want the federal Department of Justice to investigate.

Wi t h o u t t h e f a m i l y ' s

knowledge or consent, the county buried him in a pauper’s grave with only a small metal sign displaying the number 672.

Although Dexter Wade was a grown man, you can draw a direct line to why California needs and will benefit from the newly signed Ebony Alert notification law which will help locate missing Black children and young women ages 12-25.

Black people make up a disproportionate percentage of all missing persons in the United States. However, instead of receiving a greater share of the police resources to find them, Black lives get less.

When a Black person goes missing, in a sense, they vanish twice. First, they disappear from their friends and loved ones.

Second, they disappear from the police detective’s workload and from the news media’s attention.

This case speaks to the insulting reality of how Black lives are not a priority when they are missing. In the Dexter Wade case, authorities were clearly not looking even as they physically held his body.

Critics of the Ebony Alert say California should not have a special alert system just for African Americans. I would argue California should not need the Ebony Alert just for African Americans.

All people should be given equal value and equal resources should be utilized to find them.

But that’s not happening. So, not only does California need the Ebony Alert, but the rest of the nation does as well.

About the Author Sen. Steven Bradford is Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. He authored SB 673, the Ebony Alert. He represents parts southern Los Angeles County.

WDB helps Ontario company save jobs Government/Business News

From left: WDB Chairman William Sterling, WDB Business Services Representative Carmela Giliberto, Otto Instrument Service Vice President Jerry Luttrull, and Bradley Gates, Director of the County’s Workforce Development Department.

Otto Instrument Service Inc. was in a bind. Business was strong, but like any company in the aerospace and defense sector, Otto was facing a deadline to meet increasingly stringent federal cybersecurity requirements.

With a one-person Information Technology (IT) team and time running out, the Ontario small business faced the elimination of 18 jobs. That all changed when Jerry Luttrull, Vice President of Operations for Otto, heard about the WDB’s Layoff Aversion Program, which helps businesses develop an individualized action plan to access local resources and prevent a reduction in force or a shutdown altogether.

As a result of the professional and confidential consulting it

received through the Layoff Aversion Program, Otto was able to put together a plan and secure the resources and support it needed to meet the deadline, save those 18 jobs and add six more since then.

“By the end of this past September, we completed our insurmountable task,” Luttrull told WDB members during a recent Board meeting. “Programs like this are very important to small businesses, not only keeping up with the competition but in retaining jobs locally and preventing the technical brain drain out to Orange County and Los Angeles.”

WDB’s support will allow Otto Instruments to continue to expand its business and provide high-growth career opportunities in the technical and manufacturing sectors.

The family-owned business has been in operation since 1946 and employs about 100 people.

Layoff Aversion is one of a multitude of services provided by WDB to support business growth and career opportunities across the nation’s largest geographic county. Other programs and resources provided by WDB’s Business Services Team include customized recruitment, Onthe-Job Training funds, access to a large pool of screened job applicants, a free Human Resources Hotline, labor market information and customized training programs. For more, please visit our website.

County/Government News

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — This holiday season, Caltrans and the Clean California Campaign, in partnership with Keep America Beautiful, are encouraging Californians to make the holidays greener by reducing their trash and waste.

This is especially important this time of year as studies show Americans produce 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. “By making simple yet impactful changes, Californians can minimize waste and help keep their communities cleaner,” said Tony Taveras, director of Caltrans, which oversees Clean California. “By making greener choices this holiday season, Californians will also set a great tone to maintain a Clean California throughout the new year.”

Caltrans and Keep America Beautiful’s recommended wastereduction holiday tips include: • Recyclable GiftWrapping Paper: Instead of traditional wrapping paper that often ends up in landfills, opt for recyclable or reusable alternatives. This includes reusing newspaper and paper bags in place of wrapping paper for gifts. Don't forget to recycle the paper afterward – just remove the tape. Another creative idea for wrapping can be gently-used scarves, handkerchiefs, or tea towels to wrap gifts. You can also package baked goods and other edible gifts in reusable glass bottles or tins.

• Recyclable/E-Holiday Cards: In an age of digital connectivity, sending electronic holiday greeting cards can be an eco-conscious alternative to traditional paper cards. Making your own or using recyclable paper are other sustainable alternatives to traditional holiday cards.

• Natural Decorations: Buy a live, potted Christmas tree to decorate – then plant it in your backyard (if you have one!) after the holiday. If you do cut down a tree, be sure to recycle it after the holiday. Clean California and Keep America Beautiful recommend using items like pinecones, holly, and evergreen branches, emphasizing the beauty and sustainability of such choices. You’ll save money by not splurging on decorations and be able to return everything to nature after the holidays.

• Greener Gatherings: When entertaining, cut down on excess waste by using real dishware and cutlery instead of disposable plates and utensils.

Also, use washable cloth tablecloths and napkins instead of paper options. Make recycling easy for guests by placing recycling bins beside every trash bin, and make sure the products you provide can be reused or recycled.

For more tips and tricks to make your celebrations ecofriendly, check out this free ”Keep the Holidays Beautiful” e-book from Keep America Beautiful.

About the Clean California Campaign: This campaign is made possible by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping, $1.2 billion, multiyear cleanup effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces.

Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans has helped fund about 320 different community beautification projects and removed an estimated 2 million cubic yards of litter from state highways. That is enough to fill 634 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The program has also created nearly 8,700 jobs that have helped Californians overcome barriers to employment and drawn more than 10,000 volunteers to events ranging from community cleanups to large debris collections for appliances, tires, and mattresses.

For more information, visit CleanCA.com.

Fighting Car Scams with the CARS Rule...continued from page 2 across over 60 pages.

Regardless, Mithal continued, the CARS Rule “prohibits conduct which is already illegal, and if a dealer’s lying to you about the price of a car, they’re already violating the FTC, you’re within your rights to report them.”

How, then, will the CARS Rule help stop scams that are

already illegal?

Because it underscores the money, said Mithal, “and people stand up when they are on the hook for a lot of money … It’s easier to get money back to you when scamming dealers see that they’re exposed through this rule, and honest dealers see the law is on their side.”

Attorney General Bonta Conditionally Approves Sale of St. John of God Health Care Services’ Victorville Property to San Bernardino County County/Government News OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced his conditional approval of the sale of St. John of God Health Care Services’ Victorville facility to San Bernardino County. The facility is the only one offering substance use disorder treatment and recovery services in the High Desert region in Southern California. The conditional approval also approves Phoenix House Orange County, Inc. as the new operator of the property starting January 1, 2024. Under

California law, any transaction involving the sale or transfer of control of a nonprofit healthcare facility must secure the approval of the Attorney General.

“St. John’s Victorville facility provides invaluable substance use disorder treatment services for communities in the High Desert region,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Its patients deserve continued access to the care and treatment they need in order to heal, and live happy, continued in last 2 columns

Attorney General Bonta Conditionally Approves Sale of St. John of God Health Care Services’ Victorville Property to San Bernardino County...continued healthy lives. After a thorough review process, I am confident that the conditions I have imposed on the sale will protect the well-being of the residents and ensure that their access to these critical services and care remains uninterrupted.”

St. John of God Health Care Services is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation licensed to accommodate up to 66 treatment/recovery patients.

Phoenix House is a nonprofit drug and alcohol rehabilitation organization operating nationwide, including in Orange and Los Angeles counties.

As part of his conditional approval, Attorney General Bonta has imposed specific conditions for the proposed sale including: Maintaining, at a minimum, the same type and level of services being provided to residents.

Certification to provide

services to Medi-Cal patients.

Maintaining and continuing to employ staff who are in good standing.

Complying with nondiscrimination rules in the provision of services.

The California Department of Justice’s Healthcare Rights and Access Section (HRA) works proactively to increase and protect the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in California. HRA’s attorneys monitor and contribute to various areas of the Attorney General’s healthcare work, including nonprofit health facility transactions; consumer rights; anticompetitive consolidation in the healthcare market; anticompetitive drug pricing; privacy issues; civil rights, such as health equity, reproductive rights and LGBTQ healthcarerelated rights; and public health work on tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other products.

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Storms are On the Way. Are Californians P re p a re d ? . . . c o n t i n u e d f ro m p a g e 1 dogs in 70 mph winds.”

If you or someone in your household relies on electricity for essential medical equipment, contact your power company to make arrangements. If the company needs to cut off power in an area due to fire risks such as falling trees, it can prioritize keeping the power on for specific customers or help arrange backup power sources.

But don’t run a generator indoors, Pelayo said, those fumes are deadly. And along those lines, don’t rely on your kitchen stove as a heat source. And don’t forget to check on your neighbors and loved ones.

Other simple things to take care of ahead of time include having working flashlights and gas in the car.

Have fun in the snowy mountains, she said, as long as you’re adequately prepared.

And don’t go during a storm if your clothing and car aren’t appropriate for extreme weather, especially if you don’t live there.

Don’t put first responders in the position of “trying to save too many people at one time.”

Resources for staying safe in extreme weather ListosCalifornia is a “Number One resource,” with its storm safety information available in 13 languages at: Listoscalifornia. org/StormSeason. “If it’s too cold, if the weather is too intense,” you’ll find information on warming shelters and public shelters for specific disasters.

Using these resources comes without ID requirements or any questions about someone’s immigration status. “Accepting any kind of aid during a disaster is not counted in ‘public charge’ considerations around immigration applications,” she said.

“All we care about is for Californians to stay safe.”

There’s also a text-based educational program on public safety available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Punjabi accessible by texting CAWINTER to 20202.

Bianca Feldkircher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Western

Region, provided some details on El Niño and La Niña, which are highly predictable months ahead of time based on Pacific wind patterns and water currents coming off the coast of South America. When the winds are weak, as they’ve been this year, the currents turn eastward, away from the western Pacific, and draw the jet stream to the south, bringing more severe weather along with it, and leading to more moderate temperatures in northern parts of the U.S. She said that the National Weather Service foresees a 35% possibility of an “historically strong” El Niño season, rivaling those of 1997-8 and 2015-16, that could extend all the way till June.

Navigating insurance policies Jazmin Ortega of the state Department of Insurance provided some suggestions for how to best navigate the toooften-lengthy process of filing insurance claims after weatherrelated calamities. Her office, she said, has worked to extend the grace period for people to both pay their insurance bills and access benefits if they’ve been put out by the weather – including greater allowances for living expenses for people who’ve had to evacuate their homes.

She wanted people to be aware that flood insurance, just like earthquake insurance, is typically not covered in standard California home insurance policies.

“Less than 2% of Californians have it,” she said.

Flood insurance is available via the National Flood Insurance Program overseen by FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, at floodsmart.gov, but you should have it in place at least 30 days before you might need it, she cautioned. For those struggling to find fire insurance, she recommended the California Fair Plan (https://www.cfpnet. com/).

The Department has been a familiar presence at disaster assistance sites helping people navigate their policies and is continued on page 4

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Page 4

STATE/HEALTH//LIFESTYLE NEWS

OP-ED: Addressing the CDC’s Alarming Infant Mortality Report: Treating Cancer with Pills, Not A Call to Action for the African-American Community Chemo NNPA NEWSWIRE — The CDC’s report is a sobering reminder that our work is far from over. The fact that infant mortality has increased after two decades should serve as a call to action. It is our responsibility to respond to these inequities in the healthcare system and ensure that every Black mother and child receives the quality care they deserve.?

Monique LeNoir-Executive Director of the African American Wellness Project and Chanda Nicole Holsey Board Member, African American Wellness Project

Monique LeNoir and Chanda Nicole Holsey As a Black mother with two sons, and my colleague who is a Black mother of two daughters, and who suffered an infant loss at 27 weeks, we are deeply concerned about the recent breaking news from the CDC, which reports the largest increase in infant mortality rates in more than two decades.

While the overall increase in infant mortality rates may not be significant, the disparity within the Black community is nothing short of alarming. Black infants are experiencing the highest rates of infant mortality, with nearly 11 deaths per 1,000 births – more than double the rate for White infants. This news serves as a stark reminder that systemic health disparities continue to plague our community, and it is time for us to act. In the face of this troubling report, we are faced with a crucial question; what do we do about it? Specifically, what can Black mothers and fathers do to navigate the complex healthcare system effectively and demand the quality care they deserve?

The African American

Wellness Project (AAWP) is a trusted resource that empowers individuals to navigate the complex healthcare system effectively and demand the quality care they deserve. Our primary focus has been to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for and protect their health and our organization serves as a megaphone for trusted information and vital resources that empower African Americans.

As we grapple with the CDC’s latest findings, there are critical actions that we, as a community, must take to confront these disparities head-on: Raise Awareness: It is essential to raise awareness about the alarming infant mortality rates among Black infants.

We must engage in open and honest conversations within our communities, highlighting the disparities that continue to plague African-American women and children regardless of socioeconomic or educational status.

Provide Access to Reliable Information: Organizations

Storms are On the Way. Are Californians Prepared?...continued from page 3 available to help people process their claims at insurance.ca.gov or through 1-800 927-4357. It also does not concern itself with people’s immigration status.

She suggested that people review their policies to see if they need additional coverage, to remind themselves of what’s covered, and to document both their policies themselves – so that the relevant information can be accessed easily – and to also take pictures to document what they’ve been paying to insure.

Social media toolkit

Alf LaMont, of LaMont digital, described Listos California’s emphasis on emergency preparedness as “prepositioning resources prior to an event.” He also highlighted a social media toolkit (socialpresskit.com/ wetwinter) built around some of the most useful, popular online resources from last year’s storms.

The toolkit, he said, has 25 elements, including videos, graphics and locally sourced artwork, and is published in a dozen languages.

Over 100 Violations Issued to Warehouses for Failing to Comply with Indirect Source Rule State/Health News DIAMOND BAR—The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) has issued more than 100 violations to warehouses across the region as part of a recent enforcement initiative to bring these large facilities into compliance with the agency’s Warehouse Indirect Source Rule (Rule 2305).

Since October, South Coast AQMD has visited more than 500 warehouses and to date has issued a total of 109 Notices of Violation (NOVs) to warehouse owners and operators that have failed to meet rule deadlines. NOVs have been issued to warehouses in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.

“It is critical to reduce emissions from sources associated with warehouse operations,” said Wayne Nastri, South Coast AQMD Executive Officer. “Our enforcement team is actively working to ensure that all warehouses subject to our Indirect Source Rule comply

with their obligations in order to protect the health of all residents in our region, including those living closest to these facilities.”

In May 2021, the agency’s Governing Board passed Rule 2305, which requires warehouses greater than 100,000 square feet to take actions to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions or to otherwise limit exposures to air pollution in nearby communities. In September of this year, South Coast AQMD issued a Compliance Advisory announcing that the agency’s enforcement staff was preparing to take action against facility owners and operators that failed to meet the deadlines for actions required under the rule. The investigation and corresponding in-person visits started in environmental justice areas and then expanded throughout the agency’s fourcounty jurisdiction. continued in next 2 columns

such as the March of Dimes, and ours, AAWP, are committed to providing accessible and reliable information about effective ways to address the health of moms and children, healthcare options, and navigating the healthcare system. Visit such reliable guides and resources that can help you make informed decisions about your health.

Advocate for Change: Empower yourself with knowledge and become an advocate for change. Join local and national initiatives that aim to address healthcare disparities, and let your voice be heard.

Demand equal access to quality care for all, regardless of race or socio-economic status.

Support Community Initiatives: Support organizations like AAWP that are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the African-American community. Together, we can create a powerful force for change.

Seek Prenatal and Postnatal Care: For expectant Black mothers, seeking prenatal care is crucial. Accessing proper medical guidance throughout pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of infant mortality. Postnatal care is equally important to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Educate Healthcare Providers: Encourage healthcare providers to receive cultural competency training to better understand the unique needs and challenges faced by Black patients. Advocate for equitable healthcare practices and policies.

Practice Radical Self-Care: Finally, we know life does not stop while pregnant, but reducing stress during pregnancy is critical for preventing complications for mom and baby. Be vigilant about implementing self-care. Reduce stress, cut back on nonessential activities, have a good support network, seek resources in the community or from your provider about ways to help, identify the source of your stress and take active steps to remove or lessen it.

Traditionally, the best sources of information on how to overcome health disparities have come from The National Institutes of Health and the Office of Minority Health, but AAWP has emerged as an effective way to promote health equity and yield better outcomes for people of color. Our website, aawellnessproject.org provides access, guides, and resources that can help you make informed decisions about your health.

The CDC’s report is a sobering reminder that our work is far from over. The fact that infant mortality has increased after two decades should serve as a call to action. It is our responsibility to respond to these inequities in the healthcare system and ensure that every Black mother and child receives the quality care they deserve. The African American Wellness Project is committed to standing with our community to make meaningful change.

Together, we can and must make a difference. Our children’s lives depend on it.

Over 100 Violations Issued to Warehouses for Failing to Comply with Indirect Source Rule...continued About 1,000 warehouses were required to take actions in calendar year 2022 to reduce their air quality impacts. The rule is being phased in over a five-year period, and the number of warehouses that are required to take action this year will grow to about 2,000 facilities. Violators of air quality rules can face civil penalties of up to $11,700 per day of noncompliance with greater penalties available for negligent and intentional violations.

Warehouses are a key destination for heavy-duty trucks and have other sources of emissions like cargo handling equipment, all of which contribute to local pollution.

Emissions from sources associated with warehouses account for almost as much NOx emissions as all of the refineries, power plants and other stationary sources in the South Coast Air Basin combined. Those living

within a half mile of warehouses are more likely to have higher rates of asthma and heart attacks and must endure a greater environmental burden. Once the rule is fully implemented, it is expected to reduce smogforming emissions by 10-15 percent from warehouse-related sources.

More information can be found at: www.aqmd.gov/waire.

South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. For news, air quality alerts, event updates and more, please visit us at www.aqmd.gov, download our award-winning app, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

One of the Largest HIV Privacy Breach Payments Arriving in Mailboxes This Week State/Health News Los Angeles, CA – Checks for $1,821.58 were mailed late last week to hundreds of Californians whose confidential medical information—including their HIV status—was allegedly accessed and shared without their consent. The payment is part of the settlement of a class-action lawsuit brought on behalf of a “John Doe” plaintiff by lawyers for the non-profit Consumer Watchdog and Whatley Kallas, LLP. The payment is one of the largest of its kind in history.

Class members did not need to file a claim to receive the settlement payment.

As alleged in the lawsuit, an

employee of an organization contracted with the state of California illegally disclosed personal medical information to several health-related organizations. The lawsuit named the California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”), a former CDPH contractor—The Thrive Tribe Foundation (“Thrive Tribe”)—Evolve Healthcare, Gary “Julian” Goldstein, and Premier Pharmacy as defendants.

According to the lawsuit, Premier Pharmacy directed its agents Mr. Goldstein and Evolve Healthcare to acquire the personal data from the Los Angeles-based Thrive Tribe continued in next 2 columns

CHICAGO DEFENDER — Dr. Tejas Patil, Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, says biomarker testing opens the door to understanding your cancer and providing therapies that don’t require chemotherapy.

By Kim Norris, Founder/President of the Lung Cancer Foundation of America | Chicago Defender

Imagine taking a pill to battle lung cancer—no need for chemotherapy or radiation treatments. As recently as midNovember, the FDA approved a pill to specifically treat ROS1positive lung cancer, which is one of more than a dozen types of lung cancer with an identified biomarker.

Asking your doctor for biomarker testing can lead to a definitive diagnosis, allowing for more treatment options that involve “just taking a pill.”

Dr. Tejas Patil, Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, says biomarker testing opens the door to understanding your cancer and providing therapies that don’t require chemotherapy.

ROS1 cancer is one of more than a dozen types of lung cancer with an identified biomarker. This is why every lung cancer patient must ask their doctor, “What is my lung cancer’s biomarker?”

“What you’re telling a patient when you say you need to get biomarker testing is you need to have the genetic makeup of your tumor. You need to understand that so that we can know how to give you the most appropriate targeted treatments.

And specifically for ROS1, this is important because they’re pill-based treatments. These are not chemotherapy,” said Dr. Tejas Patil, Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Biomarker testing is the gateway to understanding this cancer. Several effective treatment options may become available after a definitive diagnosis through biomarker testing. In cases where the cancer has not yet spread and is in an early stage, surgery may be a viable option to remove the tumor altogether. For advanced stages, treatments in the form of oral medications have proven highly effective.

Clinical trials are also valuable for ROS1 lung cancer patients, as they provide access to investigational drugs. Depending on the trial phase, patients may receive the experimental drug or the best standard of care that represents the current optimal treatment available. The financial burden of care within clinical trials is typically covered by the trial sponsor, offering a chance to access potentially groundbreaking treatments.

For more information on ROS1 lung cancer, biomarker testing, and new therapies, please visit lcfamerica.org.

The post Treating Cancer with Pills, Not Chemo appeared first on Chicago Defender.

One of the Largest HIV Privacy Breach Payments Arriving in Mailboxes This Week...continued in order to increase its profits.

Defendants dispute that they have done anything wrong.

In addition to the payment, class members will have the opportunity to have their data segregated and deleted by certain defendants under the settlement agreement. Notices providing that opportunity will be mailed in early 2024.

Download the amended complaint here. https:// consumerwatchdog.org/wp-

content/uploads/2023/12/ John-Doe-v.-Thrive-Tribe_ First-Amended-Class-ActionComplaint.pdf Vi s i t t h e s e t t l e m e n t website with links to relevant documents here. https://www. thrivetribesettlement.com/ “We’re happy to announce that class members will receive these settlement payments in continued on page 6

Justice Department Secures Landmark Agreement with City and Police Department Ending “Crime-Free” Rental Housing Program in Hesperia, California...continued from page 2 Department also has agreed to stop enforcement of Hesperia’s “crime-free” program.

Under the proposed consent order, which still must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the defendants will spend $950,000 and commit to significant injunctive relief to remedy the effects of the “crime-free” and business license programs, including: a settlement fund of $670,000 to compensate individuals harmed by the program; the payment of $100,000 in civil penalties; funding of $95,000 for affirmative marketing to promote fair housing in Hesperia; funding of $85,000 for partnerships with community-based organizations; notifications to property managers, landlords and owners of the changes to the ordinances and fee schedule; submission of certain policies, procedures and ordinances for the United States’ review and approval prior to adoption; adoption of non-discrimination policies and complaint procedures; designation of civil rights coordinators; anti-discrimination training; a fair housing needs assessment; and regular reporting to the court and the United States during the order’s five-year term.

Individuals who believe they were harmed by Hesperia’s “crime-free” program may be entitled to compensation under the settlement fund and should contact the Justice Department at Hesperia.Investigation@usdoj. gov or 1-833-223-1571.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the ground of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available online at https://www. justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by submitting a report online at https://civilrights.justice.gov, calling the Justice Department at 1-833-591-0291, or emailing f a i r h o u s i n g @ u s d o j . g o v.

Individuals may also report discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint online at https://www.hud.gov/program_ offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/ online-complaint.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Page 5

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

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 11, 2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011560 Date Filed: 11/20/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/20/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg APLUS CARPET County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 11561 FOOTHILL BLVD STE 103. RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 #of Employees: 1 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: PRIMO FLOORING AND MORE State of Inc./ Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: C4711052 Residence Street Address: 11561 FOOTHILL BLVD STE 103 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: Apr 02, 2021 Bilal Bechara, 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 December 7, 14, 21, 28, 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 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 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 20230011764 Date Filed: 11/27/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/27/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): ALL AROUND SERVICES County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 15055 BEAR VALLEY ROAD SUITE #F HESPERIA, CA 92345 Mailing Address: 7850 KENYON AVENUE HESPERIA, CA 92345 #of Employees: 3 Name of Individual Registrant: RITA L. CAMARGO Residence Street Address: 7850 KENYON AVENUE HESPERIA, CA 92345 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Nov 27, 2023 Rita L. Camargo, Owner, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023.

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

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 11, 2024.

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

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 14, 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011182 Date Filed: 11/06/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/06/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LISAS MARKET County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 600 E D STREET ONTARIO, CA 91764 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: SHIV DADA CORPORATION State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 600 E D STREET ONTARIO, CA 91764 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Feb 28, 2019 Bhavi Patel, 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 December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011926 Date Filed: 12/01/2023 Filing Expires On: 12/01/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): AUTO KINGS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1697 N. 2ND AVE UPLAND, CA 91784 #of Employees: 1 Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: ANETICA INTERNATIONAL LLC State of Inc./ Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reb No.: Residence Street Address: 1697 N 2ND AVE UPLAND, CA 91784 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: Nov 30, 2023 Amir Jafari, 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 December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023.

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

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 14, 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 2024.

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

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Christina Ferrante, Attorney At Law 10700 Civic Center Dr., Suite 200 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (909)989-9923

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FBN 20230011146 Date Filed: 11/03/2023 Filing Expires On: 11/03/2028 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): HI-TECH COMPUTERS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 15247 ALEXANDRIA ST ADELANTO, CA 92301 #of Employees: 0 Name of Individual: BREANN BUNDA Residence Street Address: 15247 ALEXANDRIA ST ADELANTO, CA 92301 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Feb 01, 2016 Breann Bunda. Owner, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 14, 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 2024.

DAVID EUGENE KEITH COBB DECEDENT CASE NO: PROVA 2300298

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

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper December 21, 28, 2023, January 4, 11, 2024.

PETITION/PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: PHEBE

ANN SULLIVAN DECEDENT CASE NO: PROVA2300299

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

SULLIVAN

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

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: Jan 11, 2024 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Dept: F1 FONTANA SUPERIOR COURT 17780 Arrow Blvd.

Fontana, CA 92335 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.

Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper December 7, 14, 21, 2023.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

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

EUGENE KEITH COBB

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

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: Jan 03, 2024 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Dept: F1 FONTANA SUPERIOR COURT 17780 Arrow Blvd.

Fontana, CA 92335 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Edward G. Operini SB#130541 Law Offices of Edward G. Operini 16820 Ivy Avenue Fontana, CA 92335 (909)822-5041 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper December 14, 21, 28, 2023.

SUMMONS SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): CIVSB2216020 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): MANOACH SHULMAN, YOU ARE BEING SUED

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

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

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

warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Miss Out On Timely News!!

Visit The San Bernardino AMERICAN News Website: sb-american.com LIEN SALE

Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 3071 and 3072 of the Civil Code of the State of California, This undersigned, City Tow, 530 W 10th ST, San Bernardino, CA 92410. Will sell at public sale on 01/02/24 at 10:00am the following property: 2019 Nissan Sentra, Vin# 3N1AB7AP6KY393257.

The lien holder has the right to bid at the sale: American Lien, P.O. Box 12254, San Bernardino, CA 92423 Published in The San Bernardino American News 12/21/2023 Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 3071 and 3072 of the Civil Code of the State of California, This undersigned, City Tow, 530 W 10th ST, San Bernardino , CA 92410. Will sell at public sale on 12/27/23 at 10:00am the following property: 2018 Chevy Cruze, Vin# 1G1 BE5SM7 J7152477. The lien holder has the right to bid at the sale: American Lien, P.O. Box 12254, San Bernardino, CA 92423.

Published in The San Bernardino American News 12/21/2023.

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on the said property pursuant to Sections 21700-21716 of the Business & Professions Code, Section 2328 of the UCC, Section 535 of the Penal Code and Provisions of the Civil Code.

The undersigned will sell online at storagetreasures.com by competitive bidding on or after October 13, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. on the premise where said property has been stored and which are located at 540 W. Avenue L, Calimesa, CA 92320.

Property will be sold as follows, Misc., Household, Personal items, electronics, furniture, and clothing belonging to the following: CHristopher Underwood Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of a settlement between owner and obligatory party.

Publish Dates: 12/9//23 and 12/18//23 Published in The San Bernardino American News December 14, 21, 2023

PUBLISH YOUR LEGAL OR CLASSIFIED WITH THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS CALL US TODAY 909-889-7677

Storm Season Preparations Ongoing Across the State SACRAMENTO – As several areas of California face wet weather expected to continue through next week, the state is sharing multilingual resources, deploying a network of communitybased organizations through the Listos California campaign, and highlighting other work underway to protect at-risk communities this rainy season.

Storm season can bring unpredictable and severe weather conditions, so it’s important to stay informed, have an emergency plan in place and follow the guidance of local authorities to navigate the challenges that may arise during these weather events.

Storm Season Safety Guide Californians can sign up for a 5-lesson text message course through Listos California on what to do before, during and after floods, high winds, debris flows and other storm impacts. This course is available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Punjabi.

Text “CAWINTER” to 20202 via SMS to sign up.

The state this year has more flood fighting materials prepositioned in vulnerable communities, including 2.2 million more sandbags. The StateFederal Flood Operations Center supported preseason emergency response coordination meetings across the state, and the Department of Water Resources has provided flood fight training to 38 cities, tribal partners, reclamation districts and agencies this year so far in 23 counties across the state.

The Governor, in partnership with the Legislature, invested a total of $436 million in the most recent budget to support flood response and projects to protect communities from future flooding, including and $95 million in funding made available this fall for projects to repair levees, enhance flood diversion and recharge capacity, and support communities impacted by record flooding this year.

Here’s what else the state is doing: The Governor signed an urgency measure to expedite critical levee upgrades and speed up construction of the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project, while maintaining important environmental and water quality protections. The Governor previously signed legislation in 2021 and 2022 to advance funds for the project and cover up to 100 percent of non-federal costs.

DWR, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are closely coordinating to ensure the state’s reservoirs have flood space available for a second year of flood conditions while storing as much water as possible for supply later in 2024.

DWR supports forecast-informed reservoir operations (FIRO) assessments, which use improved weather and water forecasts to help reservoir operators decide when to release or hold water.

Forecasting and warning data from tools and research developed by DWR and academic partners this year help keep partner agencies and the public up to date on potential flood threats during storms and inform emergency response efforts.

Visit National Weather Service for current weather patterns in your area.

ADVERTISE YOUR LEGAL IN THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWS CALL TODAY! (909) 889-7677 or Email: Mary@ sb-american.com

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Page 6

WORLD/POLITICAL NEWS/LEGAL/CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Keeping it Real: Hey Amazon! How Do You Define Retaliation?

PETITION/PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DAVID EDWARD HUGHES DECEDENT CASE NO: PROVA2300284

by S.E. Williams

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

Sara Fee, a worker at KSBD, the Amazon air hub warehouse, speaks at the picket on October 22, 2022. The crowd booed as she recounted how workers recently received a one dollar raise and that she did not even notice a difference in her paycheck and was taxed more for her benefits. Credit: Aryana Noroozi for Black Voice News Newsroom / CatchLight Local

For those who followed the breaking news about Amazon’s leaked memo and then took time to read it got a real glimpse into the conniving that goes on behind the scenes in major corporations.

I’m sure their cunningness is not unique. In fact, having spent years on a vice-president’s staff for another major corporation in my previous life I might even venture to say it is probably pretty common.

In this instance, however, it struck me as particularly sleazy for a number of reasons beginning with this statement from the memo that feigns concern for public health.

“Enhance Amazon’s reputation in the health arena as Amazon Health plans to scale in California, proactively supporting PP and connecting our health teams to our CE grantees in the same or adjacent space, such as DAP Health and San Ysidro Health.”

Meanwhile, the area is designated a ‘diesel death zone’ by physicians due to high rates of asthma, cancer and respiratory illnesses associated with ozone and air pollution.

Or, in another example where Amazon seeks to promote their concern for the environment: “Positively affect legislative attempts to ban Single Use Plastic by showcasing Amazon as a leader in sustainability and counter the voices of environmental activists against Amazon. We will highlight our Climate Pledge, renewable battery investments in SoCal, new electric trucks at the Port of LA, the sustainable story around drone deliveries.”

Meanwhile, speaking of the environment, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties continue to

rank first and second respectively for the worst ozone pollution in the United States. And both counties also have the dubious honor of also ranking as the worst in annual particle pollution nationally, according to the 2022 State of the Air Report by the American Lung Association.

Don’t get me wrong, Amazon did make references to “air” at least four times in its secret memo but it had nothing to do with concerns over the region’s air quality or the health implications resulting from it.

As with any corporate sociopath all the references to air were in relation to itself…and its “air” hub.

Amazon touted how it would leverage its philanthropic efforts to develop third party advocates and coalitions. They must view this as a really great idea, because it’s mentioned twice in the document.

“Bolster third party advocates to support our Southern California legislative agenda.

For example, develop five goto community partners that I can call on to rally behind any priorities. Will do this by focusing on these relationships, and cultivating deep trust and friendship…” through partnership and sponsorship efforts.” In this regard I think it is important that we keep in mind that all money is not good money.

Next, as we enter an election year, I think it is important that the community also take heed to Amazon’s desire to gain more political control.

Maybe we should consider a litmus test for candidates at the local and state levels next continued on page 7

One of the Largest HIV Privacy Breach Payments Arriving in Mailboxes This Week...continued from page 4 time for the holidays,” said Jerry Flanagan, Litigation Director for Consumer Watchdog and one of the Co-Lead Class Counsel in the lawsuit along with lawyers for Whatley Kallas, LLP. “Compensating victims of data theft serves a dual role of deterring illegal activity by others in the future.”

According to CDPH, 460 individuals who provided their personal and medical information to Thrive Tribe for purposes of enrolling in two state programs were affected by the unauthorized sharing of their personal information in violation of state law.

CDPH is responsible for coordinating services for approximately 30,000 Californians enrolled in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the Office of AIDS’s Health Insurance Premium Payment program, which provide financial assistance to HIV positive individuals for medication and insurance coverage.

The personal and medical information allegedly released in the breach included, names, dates of birth, personal phone numbers and email addresses,

HIV statuses, and other medical conditions.

According to the lawsuit, not only are victims of the privacy breach at risk of identity theft, but recent medical studies “demonstrate that even if people living with HIV, or at risk of contracting HIV, do not know . . . who may have been made aware of their health status, acts such as the conduct alleged herein increase stress and anxiety due to the very real risks of the loss of housing, relationships, and employment. . . . ‘HIV stigma and discrimination can pose complex barriers to prevention, testing, treatment, and support for people living with or at risk for HIV.’” Many patients with HIV or AIDS do not disclose their diagnosis to employers, coworkers, or neighbors, or even family and friends, due to the social stigma that continues to be associated with the disease.

The case is John Doe v.

California Department of Public Health, et al., Case No. 20STCV32364, presided over

by Lawrence P. Riff in Dept. 7 of the Spring Street Courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles.

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

EDWARD HUGHES

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

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 01/04/2024 Time: 09:00 a.m.

Dept: FS-Fontana Room: F3 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 17780 Arrow Blvd.

Fontana, CA 92335 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Don M. Ross II, Esq. 57382 29 Palms Hwy Yucca Valley, CA 92284 (760)999-2095 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper December 14, 21, 28, 2023.

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

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

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

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION PARCEL NO. 1 PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST 1/2 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, SAN BERNARDINO BASE AND MERIDIAN, IN THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT OF SAID LAND ON FILE IN THE DISTRICT LAND OFFICE, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE SAID FRACTION LINE 390 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUING ALONG THE SAID FRACTION LINE 270 FEET; THENCE WESTERLY PARALLEL TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, A DISTANCE OF 300 FEET; THENCE SOUTH EASTERLY IN A DIRECT LINE TO A POINT WHICH IS WESTERLY AND PARALLEL TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 34, A DISTANCE OF 60 FEET FROM THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE EASTERLY 60 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING. APN: 421041-41-0-000 PARCEL NO. 2: THAT PORTION NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, SAN BERNARDINO BASE AND MERIDIAN, IN THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT OF SAID LAND ON FILE IN THE DISTRICT LAND OFFICE, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 , OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 9 NORTH, RANGE 3 WEST, SAN BERNARDINO BASE AND MERIDIAN, IN THE COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT OF SAID LAND ON FILE IN THE DISTRICT LAND OFFICE; THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG THE EASTERLY LINE OF SAID NORTHEAST 1/4, OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4, 390 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTHERLY 270 FEET ALONG THE EASTERLY LINE SAID NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION, 270 FEET; THENCE EASTERLY 20 FEET ALONG

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

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

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Page 7

INLAND EMPIRE/ ENTERTAINMENT/RELIGION NEWS

Combating Organized Retail Crime: California Highway Patrol Increases “Warning After Warning After Warning!”

Operations by Over 310%

By Lou K. Coleman

Arrests are up nearly 109% this year

all islands fled, and mountains were not found. [Revelation 16]. But still after warning after warning you still don’t get it!

Woe unto you!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: As part of Governor Newsom’s Real Public Safety Plan, the California Highway Patrol reports that in 2023, the agency arrested more suspects, conducted more takedowns, and recovered more stolen items than ever before to combat organized retail crime.

Inland Empire News SACRAMENTO — Today Governor Gavin Newsom announced the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will end 2023 by setting new records in the state’s efforts to combat organized retail crime.

As part of Governor Newsom’s Real Public Safety Plan, in the first 11 months of the year alone, the CHP — through its Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) — increased proactive organized retail crime operations by over 310%, made more than 1,000 arrests (a 109% year-over-year increase) and recovered 187,515 items stolen from retailers (38,600 more items than last year).

W H AT GOVERNOR NEWSOM SAID: “As reports of organized retail crime increase nationally, California is meeting the moment by leading more takedowns and making more arrests than ever before. I’m grateful for the CHP — along with our critical police, sheriff,

and district attorney partners — for their continued efforts to leverage the state’s tools and unprecedented resources to crack down on this unacceptable crime.” Working with our local law enforcement partners, and utilizing the CHP’s extensive statewide resources, we are cracking down and stopping organized retail crime,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.

“These early results, which are a team effort, show California is headed in the right direction.”

While total data for 2023 won’t be available until next month, data from the first 11 months of the year show the CHP’s efforts are up across the board. Highlights include: *Data for 11 months only: Jan 1 - Dec 1, 2023 **CHP’s proactive organized retail crime operations began in 2022

“My Truth” Dear…

By Cheryl Smith Publisher of I Messenger Media Texas Metro News

Mean well, but the less you say, is usually the better for all.

Now I know some people are going to say I don’t know what I am talking about and others will say, to each his or her own.

To anyone on this topic, I open the pages of this publication for you to express your truth. This is my experience for those who are grieving and those who want to comfort them. Sometimes there are no words.

Which brings me to my truth.

This December marks two decades since we celebrated the life of my father, Joseph Smith.

It also happens to be a time when I have had several friends find themselves in the same position.

I had no words because, with Joe Smith, I didn’t want to hear any words. I wanted to process this experience to make it make sense to me.

Still I listened respectfully as people said: “This too shall pass.” “He’s in a better place.”

“Just let the tears flow and you’ll be okay.” “It’s God’s will.” I can tell you that I had so many comebacks for those comments,

but I tried to remain respectful.

I needed to also take into consideration that some people feel awkward and don’t have a clue what to say; so they repeat what they’ve heard others say.

This is a perfect time to express concern, love, sympathy, support, or prayers. Just the other day, I told a sorority sister she has been in my prayers, and she thanked me and began sharing her feelings, as well as comments others have made to her. When I told her it had been 20 years since I first had that experience, she asked how I was doing.

I candidly told her that for me, “it” has not passed, the people who talk about a “better place” have never been there, and I still have not shed “the tears.”

As far as God’s will, well those who expressed this to me were not God, in my opinion. So, as I continue to live and grow and learn; I have to ask everyone to practice temperance and not just in instances when someone is grieving. We are not a kinder and gentler world and in fact, we are meaner and meaner. Just look at social media. If anyone wants a resolution for 2024, maybe start with one involving your tongue.

Cheryl Smith is the owner, Publisher and Editor of I Messenger Media LLC the umbrella for Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, and I Messenger digital magazine. Email her at www.penonfire2@gmail.com

Keeping it Real: Hey Amazon! How Do You Define Retaliation?...continued from page 6 year, like asking their positions on building more warehouses in the region. I highlight this because one of the key strategies noted in the leaked document states, “There are currently not enough Amazonians serving on prominent boards in Southern California.”

Another point in the document I found interesting was their clarity about the types of groups they will not support with donations, etc. Who would think they would single out something as important to community culture as an art gallery?

It’s true. Here is what Amazon said, “We will not continue to support organizations that did not result in measurable positive impact on our brand and reputation. Additionally,

we will not fund organizations that have positioned themselves antagonistically toward our interests. For example, in 2022 and 2023 we donated to The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture in Riverside. In 2023, the Cheech Center exhibited a local artist who depicted an Amazon facility on fire, and the artist then gave an interview expressing hostility towards Amazon. We will not donate to The Cheech.”

It seems like a petty, vindictive form of retaliation.

But, it is a striking warning to other nonprofits in the area who could benefit from their support.

It is basically telling everyone, “Keep your mouth shut or go continued in next 2 columns

In addition to its regular operations, Governor Newsom announced last month that the CHP is increasing its law enforcement presence for a “holiday blitz” in key retail districts across California through proactive and confidential law enforcement operations with allied agencies through the holidays — keeping more shoppers, merchants, and retail districts safe.

Since 2019, the CHP has led over 1,225 investigations that have ensured the arrests of more than 1,800 suspects and the recovery of nearly 500,000 items of stolen retail merchandise valued at more than $21 million.

To further support efforts at the local level, Governor Newsom

announced earlier this year that California awarded the largest-ever single investment to combat organized retail crime in California history — sending over $267 million to 55 cities and counties to increase arrests and prosecutions for organized retail crime.

The Governor’s Real Public Safety Plan — which focuses on strengthening local law enforcement response, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, and getting guns and drugs off our streets — is supported by California’s 2023-24 budget, which includes more than $800 million in funding to support multiple programs to improve public safety and crack down on retail crime.

Keeping it Real: Hey Amazon! How Do You Define Retaliation?...continued somewhere else for funding.”

I applaud The Cheech for its courage and for not compromising its integrity. It seems there are others, including taxpayer funded museums that want to stay as far away from anything that could be perceived as critical of the warehousing giant.

One thing this memo affirmed for me is that despite its protestations–it appears Amazon may retaliate after all. I say this because in January we reported on an Amazon worker, Sara Fee, who claimed she was put on paid suspension and investigated

by Amazon for organizing in support of workers’ rights. She was also surveilled and targeted

by Amazon union busters, officially known as labor and employee relations consultants.

We reached out to Amazon for their version of the story and they eventually responded claiming the charges were without merit.

In other words, the employee’s suspension was not retaliation.

They claimed Fee, “acted in an unprofessional and inappropriate manner that violated our standards of conduct. She was temporarily suspended with pay, and has returned to work.”

We printed their response, but that was not enough. They tried to pressure the reporter and later myself.

We refused to acquiesce to their request to change the story.

In the beginning of my communications with Amazon on this issue they claimed they were excited to establish a relationship Black Voice News, encouraged us to reach out at any time and even offered to give our photojournalist a tour. Of course, the discussion regarding the article ended on professional terms. However, months later when I called to arrange a tour for our photojournalist–we were denied…. Was that retaliation?

I’m sure you know what I think.

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

San Bernardino City Unified To Celebrate Heisman Trophy Winner Jayden Daniels With Parade On January 20 Inland Empire News

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is thrilled to announce a grand parade in honor of hometown hero and 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels.

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 WHERE: North End San Bernardino WHY: As a 2019 alum, Jayden Daniels has excelled in the classroom and the football field.

He has become an inspiration to aspiring student athletes in our community and across the nation. Join us in celebrating the achievements of Daniels, who, through hard work and dedication, has brought pride to our city.

Known as “That Kid Jayden,” the star quarterback for Louisiana State University (LSU) secured the prestigious Heisman Trophy earlier this month, placing San

Bernardino in the national spotlight. The parade will feature floats, SBCUSD marching bands and District, City, County, State leaders coming together to celebrate Daniels’ success and inspire the next generation of student athletes.

Photo and Interview Opportunities: - Visuals of Jayden Daniels along the parade route interacting with the community.

- Interviews with SBCUSD officials and local community members about the impact of this celebration.

- Media representatives who RSVP by the deadline will have priority to interview Daniels.

RSVP: Media representatives interested in covering the event must RSVP by January 18, 2024, to ensure proper accommodations and access.

Media Contacts: MaryRone Goodwin Director of Communications/ Community Relations SBCUSD (909) 381-1250 maryrone.goodwin@sbcusd. k12.ca.us

Lou K. Coleman

And you still don’t get it!

The things that has taken place in the world since the year 2020 up until now has only been a dress rehearsal compared to what’s coming in the year 2024.

I tell you; Revelation serves as a warning to all of us. We are approaching the mid-point of a decade in which we’ve already seen significant global transformation. War, pandemic, economic turbulence, and shifts in political power both within nations and at the international level. Why is it so hard for you to recognize that we are living in the very last days? Pay attention. The things that God said was going to happen is happening!

I saw from the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet three unclean spirits, like frogs. For they are spirits of demons working signs, which go out to the kings of all inhabitants to gather them to the battle of the great day of Almighty God. And there was lightening, and voices, and thunders, and there was a huge earthquake, such as had never been since men were upon the earth, such a great earthquake, and so big. And the great city became three parts, and the city of the nation’s fell, and Babylon the great was remembered before God, to give to her the cup of the wine of his anger and fury. And

Revelation is a series of signs shown to John that reveal “the things . . . that are and those that are to take place after this.”

[Revelation 1:19]. I tell you what the world is experiencing now is just a foretaste of the greater and final judgment still to come.

Wake up and smell the coffee because things are about to go haywire.

When you see the prophesied peace agreement, know assuredly that the Final Seven Years to the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ have begun! And although, [Daniel 9:27] prophesies the final seven years will begin with a time of relative calm- three and a half year, the second half of this 84-month time period, Revelation explains that things will quickly get worse ushering in the Great Tribulation which will bring about massive death and destruction. Do not be deceived.

The year 2024 ain’t gonna be nice. War is coming! This war will take place just before, or shortly after, the peace agreement is signed. Pay attention to world events and in all your getting, get an understanding.

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “[Daughter] of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. Therefore, daughter of man, pack your bags for exile. [Ezekiel 12:2].

Submission Deadline: Mondays By 5 pm WITNESS FOR JUSTICE Issue #1182

Jesus in the Rubble Jessica Quinn Communications Specialist in the Washington D.C. Office You may have seen the photo.

A baby Jesus figure, lying amidst the rubble, a piece of black and white checked fabric draped over his body. This is the nativity scene displayed by the Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. The scene was created to symbolize the reality of the children living and being born in Palestine at this time. “If Christ were to be born today,” said the Reverend Munther Isaac, “he would be born under the rubble and Israeli shelling.”

The scenes we have witnessed over the past few months in Gaza certainly support this imagery.

Photos of children covered in dust, family bent over the bodies of loved ones, aid workers carrying the injured into hospitals that lack the elements needed to offer care. As of December 7, at least 17,177 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 70% of whom were women and children. The Israeli government has cut off the people living in Gaza from food, water, fuel, and electricity, while continuing to drop bombs across one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The humanitarian catastrophe is massive.

In a statement released by the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, faith leaders in the region encouraged congregations to forgo festive activities this Advent season and to focus instead on the more

spiritual meaning of Christmas, to direct our attention to our siblings affected by the violence, and to fervently pray, “for a just and lasting peace for our beloved Holy Land.”

In addition to the call for prayer, the letter from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem included a call for continued action. Reverend Isaac, from the Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, was one of three Palestinian Christians from Jerusalem and Bethlehem who traveled to Washington D.C. earlier this month, to deliver a letter urging the Biden Administration and Congress to call for a constant and comprehensive ceasefire.

However you choose to observe Advent and Christmas this year, I invite you to join me in the commitment of continued advocacy for a just and lasting peace. To join in the growing call to Congress and the Administration to support an immediate ceasefire, and for humanitarian assistance to be permitted to enter Gaza. To give financially, as you are able, to the UCC appeal to support humanitarian aid.

As followers of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we cannot give up on hope for a better future where all live with dignity and justice. This Christmas, I will be thinking about that photo of Jesus lying in the rubble.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Page 8

LOCAL/NATIONAL/NEWS/ADVERTISING

Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., Celebrates 3rd Annual Holiday Fit after 50: Aging gracefully with exercise and a healthy diet Giveaway At Newmark Elementary Reginald Williams Special to the AFRO

Local/National News

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.

– Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. is excited to share the joy of the holiday season with Newmark Elementary School through the 3rd Annual Holiday Giveaway.

This year, Supervisor Baca, Jr. adopted Newmark Elementary, recognizing the school’s needs and the difference a kind gesture can make.

With generous support from Toys for Tots, and community partners, including the Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association, various County Departments, and the San Bernardino City Unified

School District, Supervisor Baca, Jr. provided a toy to over 400 students and a meal from In-NOut Burger for all the students, at the school.

“It’s all about the kids and making sure they have a great holiday,” said Supervisor Baca, Jr. “We want every student and teacher at Newmark Elementary to know they are appreciated.

In this season of giving, it’s important for us to show up for our students. That’s why, we are also providing Newmark Elementary with a $5,000

Largest US Credit Union Scrutinized Over Significant Gaps Between Approval Rates for White and Black Borrowers NNPA NEWSWIRE — Navy Federal approved a higher percentage of applications from white borrowers earning less than $62,000 annually than Black borrowers earning $140,000 or more.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

contribution to continue our support.”

This year’s holiday giveaway continues Supervisor Baca, Jr.’s commitment to supporting our schools and underserved communities. In addition, Supervisor Baca, Jr. is actively distributing toys to preschools and non-profit organizations across the Fifth District, further spreading holiday cheer and support to all in our community.

“As we bring toys to the children of the Fifth District, we’re reminded of the powerful

impact community unity and kindness can have,” Supervisor Baca, Jr. added.

About Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. is a dedicated public servant with a deep-rooted commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering a resilient community in the Fifth District of San Bernardino County. With a track record of spearheading projects that uplift neighborhoods, he consistently seeks innovative solutions to advance local development.

Largest US Credit Union Scrutinized Over Significant Gaps Between Approval Rates for White and Black Borrowers... continued credit unions adhere to similar rules as banks have continued.

Sara Pratt, a lawyer at Relman Colfax, noted that racial disparities in mortgage lending may also be linked to loan officers assisting white borrowers more than Black ones. Despite having no evidence of such practices at Navy Federal, Pratt emphasized that the approval rate gaps demand explanations from the lender. Federal law

stipulates that lenders can be in violation of fair lending rules without intentional racism, as a “disparate impact” on minorities can lead to discrimination claims.

This is not the first time Navy Federal has faced scrutiny over racial disparities, as a previous analysis in 2019 indicated significant gaps. This trend appears to have only intensified since then.

over $165 billion in assets. Last year, the credit union rejected approximately 3,700 Black applicants for home purchase mortgages, potentially impeding their path to homeownership, notably as interest rates spiked.

Bill Pearson, a spokesperson for Navy Federal, defended the credit union’s lending practices.

“Navy Federal Credit Union is committed to equal and equitable lending practices and strict adherence to all fair lending laws,” Pearson stated. However, experts in mortgage lending and advocates for fair housing express concerns about the institution’s practices, emphasizing that the racial gaps in approval rates raise questions about Navy Federal’s commitment to fairness.

The widening gap in homeownership rates between white and Black Americans, exemplified by Navy Federal’s 2022 approval rates of 77.1% for White applicants, 55.8% for Latino applicants, and 48.5% for Black applicants, mirrors a broader national issue. In comparison, other major lenders like Wells Fargo, US Bank, and Bank of America exhibit smaller racial approval rate gaps. CNN reported that advocates have urged lenders to improve automated underwriting systems to reduce racial disparities in decision-making. Some experts pointed out that Navy Federal’s unique member base may have different financial characteristics than large banks, potentially influencing the observed racial differences.

While federal regulators review banks’ lending under the Community Reinvestment Act, the network reported that credit unions like Navy Federal are not subject to the same scrutiny.

Calls for legal revisions to ensure continued in next 2 columns

These projects will reduce GHG emissions by a combined 36,647 metric tons, equivalent to taking 8,155 gas-powered passenger vehicles off the road for a year To date, $424 million has been invested in 37 California communities through the Transformative Climate Communities Program Local /National News

SACRAMENTO – Eleven disadvantaged, unincorporated, and tribal communities across the state are receiving grants through $98.1 million in funding recently approved by the California Strategic Growth Council to plan and implement projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health and the environment, and expand economic opportunity for residents.

Since 2016, the Council, has invested $424 million in 37 communities through the Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC), which empowers communities most impacted by pollution to pursue their own goals and strategies to tackle local air pollution and emissions.

Combined, projects from this funding round will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 36,647 metric tons, equivalent to taking 8,155 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles off the road for one year.

“The Transformative Climate Communities program is a key part of California’s leadership to confront longstanding inequities

you will lose it.”

Health experts maintain that muscle and strength loss plays a significant factor in why older adults live with chronic disabilities. The problems that more senior men experience is not due to their aging, but their abandonment of physical activity.

It isn’t unusual for former wellfit athletes to embrace—in their later years— a sedentary lifestyle complemented by a poor diet.

The axiom, “You are what you eat,” has been proven truthful.

Black men, who have the lowest life expectancy, live with and die from preventable chronic illnesses largely due to poor diet and minimal physical activities.

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California Awards $98 Million for 11 Community-Led Climate Resilience Projects Across the State Navy Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in the United States, is under fire for exhibiting the most substantial racial disparities in mortgage approval rates among major lenders. The disparities, reaching new heights in 2022, underscored a pronounced contrast in approval rates for white and Black borrowers.

Recent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau data indicated that Navy Federal approved over 75% of white applicants for new conventional home purchase mortgages in 2022. In stark contrast, the approval rate for Black borrowers applying for the same type of loan was less than 50%. The nearly 29-percentagepoint gap in approval rates at Navy Federal stands out as the widest among the top 50 lenders originating the most mortgage loans last year.

Even when considering similar incomes and debtto-income ratios, the racial disparity persisted. Navy Federal approved a higher percentage of applications from white borrowers earning less than $62,000 annually than Black borrowers earning $140,000 or more. A detailed statistical analysis conducted by CNN revealed that Black applicants to Navy Federal were more than twice as likely to be denied compared to white applicants, even when multiple variables, including income, debt-toincome ratio, property value, downpayment percentage, and neighborhood characteristics, were identical.

Navy Federal, initially founded in 1933 to serve Navy employees and now open to all armed forces members, Department of Defense personnel, veterans, and their relatives, boasts about 13 million members and holds

Aging is often a maligned occurrence. As men age, many begin to experience a host of physical ailments that can interrupt day to day life. Aching knees, shoulders, back and hips or a slower metabolism are just a few of the common complaints.

It isn’t unusual to hear men claim they hurt in places they never knew existed; moving gingerly becomes a way of life.

According to the National Institute of Health, muscle mass begins to deteriorate by as much as three to eight percent per decade after age 30 and even more aggressively after 60. A lack of exercise heightens a body’s physical decay. It affirms the adage: “If you don’t use it,

while building resilience in the communities impacted most by climate change,” said Lynn von Koch-Liebert, Executive Director of the Strategic Growth Council, a state body comprised of seven state agencies and three public members. “We’re thrilled to be investing in this year’s 11 community-driven projects, which will transform places that have suffered from pollution, underinvestment, and environment impacts for current and future generations of Californians."

The current round of TCC grant funding will support three Planning Grants, four Project Development Grants, and four Implementation Grants. Planning grants provide support to communities to successfully apply to future funding rounds though TCC or other funding sources, while Project Development Grants help fund pre-development costs, and Implementation Grants fund affordable housing, transit access and mobility, solar, energy efficiency, continued in next 2 columns

Real Estate License #01041073

CA Department of Real Estate, NMLS #339217

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

California Awards $98 Million for 11 Community-Led Climate Resilience Projects Across the State...continued building electrification, green infrastructure, air quality, workforce training, antidisplacement programs, and more.

“The impact of this grant on Coachella’s growth and future is significant. We are a resourceful community, and we look forward to continuing our mission to create much healthier, equitable and productive options for our residents,” stated Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez.

“These funds will enable our City and community partners to start implementing key strategies that will notably enhance the quality of life in our community.”

“It is a true honor to be recommended for a Tr a n s f o r m a t i v e C l i m a t e Communities Round 5 Award!

Over the past five years, our project has transformed into Pomona ACTS—a collaborative effort brimming with passion and involving fourteen local partners working on nine impactful community projects.

These initiatives are poised to address the challenges of climate change while capitalizing on opportunities to enhance public health, shared prosperity, and community identity across the project area. The Energy Coalition is proud to be part of this transformative endeavor.”

-Laurel Rothschild, Vice President, The Energy Coalition Implementation Grants $22,125,000 Award to The Energy Coalition – Pomona ACTS $22,125,000 Award to the City of Coachella – Coachella Prospera $22,125,000 Award to the San Diego Foundation – Rooted in Comunidad, Cultivating Equity $22,125,000 Award to the City of Bakersfield – Southeast Strong Implementation grant project

descriptions Project Development Grants $4,018,788.45 Award to Riverside County – Mecca and North Shore Climate Resiliency Plan $1,084,660 Award to Santa Barbara County – Resilient Cuyama Valley $1,055,500 Award to Mariposa County – Rural Transit Oriented Development (RTOD) Phase I $ 2 , 5 4 8 , 0 1 0 Aw a r d t o Mendocino County Resource Conservation District – Transformative Activities for Tribal Communities in Russian River Watershed and Surrounding Areas Project development grant project descriptions Planning Grants $300,000 Award to Urban Collaborative Project Community Development Corporation – Community Planning Collaborative for a Green Southeast San Diego $299,910 Award to Tranquillity Resource Conservation District – Transformative Communities Plan Development for Climate Readiness of an AgricultureBased Economy of Historically Underserved Farmers, and the Workforce of the Future $300,000 Award to GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles – PACT for Paramount Planning grant project descriptions As part of the December Council Meeting’s vote, the Strategic Growth Council also approved reserving surplus funds to provide gap funding for Project Development and Implementation Grant awardees during the post-award process prior to grant execution.