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

NEWSPAPER A Community Newspaper Serving San Bernardino, Riverside & Los Angeles Counties Volume 51 No. 41

January 28, 2021- February 3, 2021

Mailing: P.O. Box 837, Victorville, CA 92393

Office: (909) 889-7677

Email: Mary @Sb-American.com

Website: www.SB-American.com

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

President Biden Issues Executive Orders on Racial Equity

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The 46th president had pledged to do his part in the fight against systemic racism in America.

The President said he wants all federal agencies to review equity in their programs and actions. With the executive order, President Biden demanded that the Office of Management and Budget analyze whether federal dollars are equitably distributed in communities of color.

A New America Dawns with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

After taking the oath of office, President Joe Biden immediately went to work.

In his first hours in the White House, the Democrat picked up a pen and signed 17 executive orders to begin undoing some of the damage inflicted by Donald Trump’s administration.

Among the first actions was President Biden’s order to advance racial equity and support for underserved communities.

The 46th president had pledged to do his part in the fight against systemic racism in America.

The President said he wants all federal agencies to review equity in their programs and actions. With the executive order, President Biden demanded that the Office of Management and Budget analyze whether federal dollars are equitably distributed in communities of color.

Last month, the new President’s team told the Black Press that Biden intended to follow through on legislation put forth by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).

Congresswoman Norton’s bill mandates that all federal agencies provide a line item in their budget for money spent with Black and Latino-owned newspapers and businesses.

Congresswoman Norton’s bill would reject any agency budget that did not demonstrate “substantial” advertising and other spending with minority-owned businesses.

T he exe cut ive a ct ion also disbands the former a d m i n i s t r a t i o n’s “17 76 Commission,” an 18-member board Trump put together

presumably to study his stated concern about the education system being too liberal when it comes to American history.

“The [president’s] equity agenda is grounded in advancing racial justice and building back better for communities who have been underserved, including people of color and Americans with disabilities, LGBTQ+ Americans, religious minorities, and rural and urban communities facing persistent poverty,” the Biden White House wrote in a statement.

Among the other executive actions taken by the President include ordering that non-citizens count in the U.S. Census.

That order reverses Trump’s order last summer prohibiting the Census Bureau from counting undocumented Americans.

The Biden administration said Trump’s order violates the U.S. Constitution.

“It is inconsistent with our nation’s history and our commitment to representative democracy,” The White House noted.

“President Biden will ensure that the Census Bureau has time to complete an accurate population count for each state and he will then present to Congress an apportionment that is fair and accurate, so federal resources are efficiently and fairly distributed for the next decade.”

The President also moved to protect workers from discrimination, and he called on Congress to grant permanent status and a path to citizenship to Dreamers. In keeping with another campaign promise, President

Biden also signed an order to end the Trump-imposed travel ban on individuals from Muslim countries.

He ordered the U.S. State Department to restart visa applications for affected countries.

President Biden also ordered the immediate stoppage of funds toward a border wall.

“Over the last four years, the previous administration took enormous steps backward. One of the first things we must do is undo the Trump regression, and executive orders are one of the most effective tools to accomplish just that,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement.

“We must use every tool

in our toolbox, including executive orders tailor-made to quickly undo some of the most egregious policies the previous administration implemented, to address the multiple crises we face, deliver immediate relief to American families, and put us back on a path to a more prosperous and equitable country.”

Senator Schumer continued: “From the reversing the heinous Muslim Ban and inhumane family separation policies to reentering the Paris Climate Agreement, mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and accelerating vaccine distribution, the executive orders announced by the BidenHarris administration today are just the beginning.”

Gun Industry and NRA Target Blacks and Latinos as First-Time Gun Owners and Future Pro-Gun Advocates, New Violence Policy Center Study Details State/Government News Washington, DC – In response to stagnation in the traditional white male market, the gun industry and National Rifle Association (NRA) are now targeting Blacks and Latinos as potential new gun buyers according to a new study from the Violence Policy Center (VPC).

The 39-page report, How the Firearms Industry and NRA Market Guns to Communities of Color, documents efforts begun in 2015 that have only intensified over time. The VPC report reveals the scope of this marketing effort

as evidenced by: gun industry marketing studies and related materials from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF, the trade association for the firearms industry); articles in gun industry publications, advertisements, videos, and social media; and, NR A articles, online programming, a n d r el a t e d m a t e r i a l s .

In its marketing efforts to communities of color, the gun industry frequently focuses on continued on page 3

Absent the routine large crowds, and with snow flurries helping to push the tens of thousands of American flags that blanketed the National Mall in Washington, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office before an enthusiastic gathering that featured more law enforcement than spectators.

After Chief Justice John Roberts swore him in, President Biden spoke about the importance of a unified America after four years of an administration that orchestrated perhaps the most profound divide in modern history.

“My whole soul is in this,” Biden pledged. “To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words and requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy, unity.

“Uniting to fight the foes we face. Anger, resentment and hatred, extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness, and hopelessness. With unity, we can do great things, important things.”

As former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton – along with their wives – looked on, President Biden proclaimed that “this is democracy’s day.”

“A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve,” Biden remarked. “Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested anew. And America has risen to the challenge.

“Today we celebrate the triumph, not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy.

The people, the will of the people, has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded.”

Before the President’s swearingin, Vice President Kamala Harris made history when she took the oath of office.

Vice President Harris becomes the first female, first African American, and first South Asian to hold the office. Accompanied by her husband, the nation’s first second-gentleman Doug Emhoff, Vice President Harris sported a purple overcoat to honor Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to run for President.

An HBCU graduate, Vice President Harris also proudly sported the pearls of the Alpha

Kappa Alpha sorority.

The blustery D.C. day began under the ominous cloud that was stirred up by the Jan. 6 insurrection egged on by former President Donald Trump.

More than 25,000 members of the National Guard descended upon the area, along with countless officers from various law enforcement agencies.

Members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), and new Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), were escorted into the Capitol by bus surrounding by D.C. Police and federal cops.

Before the festivities, Trump unceremoniously left the White House via Marine One. He landed at Joint Base Andrews, where he would fly to Florida.

“We will be back in some form,” Trump, still refusing to accept the reality of his defeat, promised a small gathering of family and supporters at the airport.

He left behind a splintered nation and a country suffering its worse pandemic in more than a century with over 400,000 deaths.

Upon arrival at the White House, President Biden went out of his way to greet D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and immediately went to work attempting to beat back the pandemic.

“We’ll press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibilities,” Biden said.

“Much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build, and much to gain. Few people in our nation’s history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we’re in now.

He continued: “A once-in-a-century virus that silently stalks the country.

It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II. Millions of jobs have been lost, hundreds of thousands of businesses closed, a cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.”

January 28, 2021

Page 2 COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/ADVERTISING

Your Student Loans Are Paused– But Not Yet Pardoned

Publisher’s Corner

Quinci LeGardye | California Black Media

Clifton Harris Editor in Chief Investigative Reporter sbamericannews@gmail.com Mary Martin-Harris / Editor 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 subscription rate is $58.00 per year.

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

On Jan. 20, at the request of President Joe Biden, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it would extend the federal student loan payment moratorium, suspending payments on student loans through Sept. 30.

The interest rates on these loans will also stay at 0 % until Sept. 30.

Federal student loan payments have been suspended since March 2020 as part of the federal government’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium extension came on the day of President Biden’s inauguration, and less than two weeks before the previous pause on payments was set to expire on Jan. 31. The request to extend the moratorium was one of 17 executive actions President Biden signed on his first day in office. An estimated 41 million Americans will benefit from the extended pause on payments.

“Too many Americans are struggling to pay for basic necessities and to provide for their families. They should not be forced to choose between paying their student loans and putting food on the table,” said the Department of Education in a short statement.

In addition to the pause on payments, collections on defaulted, federally held loans will continue to be halted, and all borrowers

with defaulted federal loans whose wages are being garnished will receive a refund. Also, each month until Sept. 30 will still count towards public service loan forgiveness for borrowers in public-service jobs, as well as the federal student loan rehabilitation program, which erases a default from a person’s credit report after nine consecutive payments.

As for the question of cancelling student debt, which has been a topic throughout Biden’s campaign, the Biden administration has yet to take any official action as of Jan. 24. On a Jan. 19 call with reporters, incoming Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese said that the Biden administration supports forgiving up to $10,000 in student loan debt per person through congressional action.

Federal student loan debt has been a looming concern for families for a while now -before the pandemic began. The total amount some 40 million American student loan borrowers owe has reached nearly $1.6 trillion. According to the Federal Reserve, the average borrower owns over $32,700 in student debt and the average monthly student loan payment is $393.

Some liberal lawmakers and debt cancellation advocates have called for President Biden

to cancel student debt through executive action. In a letter first sent last November that was updated Jan. 15, over 325 nonprofit and community organizations called on President Biden and Vice President Harris to cancel all federal student debt on the first day of their administration.

The letter argued that “cancelling student debt would stimulate the economy, help reduce racial wealth gaps, and could have a positive impact on health outcomes.”

The organizations who signed the letter included the NAACP, National Action Network, Hispanic Federation and the Faith in Action National Network.

"Before COVID-19 … student debt was already a drag on the national economy, weighing heaviest on Black and Latinx communities, as well as women.

That weight is likely to be exponentially magnified given the disproportionate toll that COVID-19 is taking on both the health and economic security of people of color and women. To minimize the harm to the next generation and help narrow the racial and gender wealth gaps, bold and immediate action is needed,” the organizations wrote.

Research has shown that student loan debt is a large part contributor to the racial wealth

gap, and it hinders economic progress for Black communities.

According to a 2019 report by the Century Foundation, The Roosevelt Institute and Demos, Black families, who typically have less generational wealth than white families, rely more heavily on student debt and use riskier forms of student debt than white families. The report also found that Black students are far more likely to experience negative financial events including loan default, higher interest rate payments and higher graduate school debt balances after graduating. According to a 2016 Brookings Institution report, Black college graduates owe $7,400 more on average than their white peers immediately after graduation, and over the four years after graduation, the blackwhite debt trap grows to $25,000.

Student loan debt cancellation is a divisive issue, with conservatives historically opposing cancellation.

It is expected that any congressional action taken toward debt cancellation will be met with opposition from Republicans. With the election of Senators Warnock and Ossoff, Democrats now have slim majorities in the House and Senate, and the cancellation of at least a small amount of student loan debt looks possible.

“Religion” of the Radical Right: Experts Warn of Growing QAnon Threat Manny Otiko | California Black Media

Some Americans had not heard about QAnon before a mob of President Trump’s suppor ters at t acked the United States Capitol on Jan 6.

Believers in what experts call the QAnon conspiracy theory were among several far-right groups that invaded the Capitol and attempted to overthrow the government that day earlier this month. San Diego resident Ashli Babbitt, a U.S. Air Force vet who

a Capitol Police officer shot during the chaos, was a QAnon follower.

Last week, three experts from different disciplines gave an hourlong briefing on the history and background of QAnon to a group of California journalists. The virtual meeting was organized

by Ethnic Media Services.

According to the panel, QAnon is a loosely organized, mostly internet-based cult that floats several conspiracies that

many of its followers believe.

Prominent among them is this one: the government is controlled by high-level Satanists who drink children’s blood. The idea of elites drinking blood is tied to age-old anti-Semitic myths.

The group also sees President Donald Trump as their leader, the experts say, and they envision a day when their organization takes control of the government and execute the Satanists. QAnon is also allied with other far-right and White nationalist groups.

Meili Criezis, program associate at Polarization and Extremism Research Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University in Washington, D.C., says QAnon grew out of a debunked conspiracy theory about pedophiles and former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The conspiracy theory alleged that one of Clinton’s staffers was a member

of a group of pedophiles who kept children in the basement of a Washington, D.C. pizzeria. An armed listener of Right-wing talk radio host Alex Jones’s “InfoWars” stormed the restaurant to rescue the children only to find the business did not have a basement.

He was arrested and jailed after shooting up the building.

But the myth of pedophiles in Washington preying on children continue to spread on the Internet, especially on YouTube.

QAnon is an outgrowth of those misinformation campaigns.

Criezis said when the insurrectionists attacked the Capitol, many QAnon members thought this was “The Storm,” the moment they would take back “their government.”

Babbitt screamed out the phrase before she was shot that day.

“There was a lot of online continued in next 2 columns

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.

“Religion” of the Radical Right: Experts Warn of Growing QAnon Threat...continued discussion that this was the moment of ‘the Storm,’” said Criezis, who has studied the growth of QAnon in online spaces such as 4chan, an unregulated internet message board. The conspiracy was spread by a figure called “Q,” who claims to be a high-level government official.

He leaked messages on 4chan.

However, since the fallout of the Capitol attack, technology companies have cracked down on online chat planning violence. QAnon members and groups have been kicked off Facebook and Twitter. Criezis says QAnon members have now migrated to Telegram, a new social media site that is popular with white supremacists.

Criezis said QAnon has also penetrated the Republican Party. There are at least two Republican representatives, Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (RGa.), who have ties to the group.

Greene filed paperwork to impeach President Joe Biden on the first day of his presidency.

She has also repeated conspiracy theories about 9/11 and the Sandy Hook School shooting being “false flag” events designed to give the government an excuse to crackdown on civil liberties.

Boebert is facing accusations that she played a role in providing information to the insurrectionists.

“The GOP must contend with this conspiratorial group in their party,” said Criezis.

Colin P. Clarke, assistant teaching professor at Carnegie Mellon's Institute for Politicsand Strategy and a senior research fellow at The Soufan Center, briefed journalists on the national security implications of QAnon and other far-right groups who attacked the Capitol.

According to Clarke, other far-right groups besides QAnon participated in the attack,

including the Proud Boys, a white nationalist gang, and militia groups such as the Oath Keepers and III Percenters.

He also said those far-right groups have ties to white supremacist groups in Canada, Russia and Germany. This makes it an international problem.

Although these groups have different goals and motivations, what draws them together is fear of America’s changing religious and ethnic landscape.

“They’re more united by what they’re against than what they’re for,” said Clarke.

Clarke said he expected the Biden administration to make the threat of far-right, violent extremism one of its top issues.

Ricardo Corzo Moreno, a theologian and former president of the Multi-Ethnic Group of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, analyzed QAnon from a religious point of view. He said the group blends elements of apocalyptic ideas and End Times theology. According to Moreno, about 15 % of Latinos belong to Evangelical churches. Trump leveraged his appeal to Evangelical Christians to inspire support, he says. Many Evangelicals saw him as a great president because he decided to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv, Israel to Jerusalem. According to Moreno, they interpreted this as a religious sign that indicated the world would soon end and Jesus would return.

“They (evangelicals) have a literal understanding of the Bible,” said Moreno.

Many Latino Evangelicals were devastated when Trump lost, Moreno says, adding that the QAnon conspiracy cult is far from over. It’s still popular among Evangelical Latinos, both here and in South America.

Moreno said he fears it’s “ be com i ng a new religion for a lot of people.”

January 28, 2021

Page 3 STATE/GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS

African American Women Provide Financial Security For Survivors Of Domestic Violence State/Government/Business News

CTA State Council of Education Unanimously Re-Elects President E. Toby Boyd, Vice President David Goldberg, and Secretary-Treasurer Leslie Littman...continued advocating for a strong public health infrastructure, and layered prevention measures within schools that are effectively maintained and enforced.

Combined with a deliberate vaccine roll out for all school employees, we look forward to working with parents, local school districts and communities to safely open our schools for in-person instruction. The pandemic is not

going to interfere with CTA’s long-standing mission to proudly advocate for a free and equitable public education for all students and the future they deserve.”

The CTA State Council of Education is comprised of 700 democratically elected educators from across the state and is the union's top governing body. The three leaders' terms end June 25, 2023.

State announces regional stay-at-home order lifted, Riverside County businesses to resume within purple tier restrictions TACOMA, Wash., Jan. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blessings From My Heart To Your Table IS ON A MISSION to revive women and their children that have been traumatized (sexually, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually) and equip domestic violence survivors with job skills and provide financial security.

"Blessing customers tables to save women from violence" Blessings From My Heart To Your Table is raising money to provide MORE underserved survivors with culinary training, homes, prenatal and financial assistance AND everyday essentials to children and women survivors of abuse.

DONATE NOW AT WWW. BLESSINGSCATERING.ORG/ SPONSOR-US Domestic violence survivors experience trauma at a higher level than the average individual and with added pressures like the lack of job skills, money and homelessness, pregnancy, and the responsibility of raising emotionally healthy children, the trauma level among survivors is increased to unhealthy and dangerous heights of PostTraumatic Stress Disorder.

Many survivors return to their abusers due to lack of financial security, homelessness, and everyday basic needs. Survivors escape their abusers and are faced with great financial burdens to replace material possessions and live a stable life. Many have a difficult time obtaining work. Blessings Is here to offer

a solution to this community of women survivors and their children- especially now during this COVID-19 pandemic when domestic violence is on the rise.

Blessings owner and founder Delphia Brewton is an African American survivor of domestic violence. Blessings uses culinary as employment and a form of healing as culinary gives immediate validation and builds confidence overtime.

Blessings provides culinary training, employ ment opportunities, and financial assistance to survivors living in shelters across Washington state and homes for survivors.

Blessings believes in powerful collaborations to help the most underserved and traumatized women and vulnerable children in Washington state to provide real change to women who need it. Blessings partners with local women shelters and organizations to enhance their services.

Blessings has served 100's of women since they opened in 2012.

Blessings has provided over 2000 meals to homeless survivors of domestic violence.

Blessings has raised over $40,000.00 for survivors of domestic violence. Please donate at www.blessingscatering.org/ sponsor-us Blessings From My Heart To Your Table Phone Number: 253-321-7373 ext. 2 Blessings@blessingscatering. org

CTA State Council of Education Unanimously Re-Elects President E. Toby Boyd, Vice President David Goldberg, and Secretary-Treasurer Leslie Littman Leadership Terms End June 2023 State/Government News BURLINGAME — CTA President E. Toby Boyd, a kindergarten teacher, was elected to another two-year term as president of the 310,000-member California Teachers Association during the quarterly meeting of the State Council of Education held virtually today. CTA Vice President David Goldberg a nd Se c ret a r y-Tre a su re r Leslie Littman were also reelected to two-year terms.

Boyd, 62, of Sacramento, draws on 26 years in education and served as Mathematic, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) advisor and element ar y coordinator for Elk Grove Unified School District, and also served as the liaison between the school district and the universities involved with the program.

Goldberg, 49, has been an educator for more than 20 years spending most of his career as a

bilingual teacher at Murchison Elementary in the Los Angeles Unif ied School District.

Littman, 52, of Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County, has taught AP US History, Economics and Government at Hart High School in the William S. Hart Union High School District for 25 years.

“Speaking on behalf of David and Leslie, we are humbled and honored to continue to serve California’s 310,000 dedicated and hard-working educators, who are doing extraordinary work during these uncertain times,” Boyd said.

“We will continue to support students, their families and educators through this pandemic, while advocating for safe teaching and learning conditions. We hear the concerns of parents, students, and fellow educators every day and are deeply committed to continued in next 2 columns

Local officials remind residents to wear masks, avoid gatherings to slow the spread State/Government News The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that the stay-at-home order for Southern California is lifted.

This puts Riverside County in the state’s purple tier, which allows many businesses to resume either indoor or outdoor operations.

“So many of our small businesses that have shouldered significant burden throughout this pandemic can now refocus on their recovery,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor. “While some of our businesses may be reopening, we cannot lose sight of the fact that coronavirus continues to be widespread throughout all of Southern California. It is absolutely critical that we continue to wear masks, avoid gatherings and practice good

hygiene to slow the spread.”

Businesses like restaurants and gyms can operate outside, while personal care businesses like hair salons, barber shops and nail salons can operate inside.

All residents are encouraged to take a PCR swab test to contain the disease. Anyone, with or without symptoms or health insurance, can take a free PCR swab test. Visit GetTested.ruhealth.org to make an appointment. Other testing options can be found online at: https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/.

For more information on which businesses may now resume more operations, visit https:// covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/.

For more information on safe business reopening guidance and other business resources, visit https://rivcobcs.org/.

“Bait and Switch”: Firings Make Some Drivers Regret Yes Vote on Prop 22 Quinci LeGardye | California Black Media Less than a month after Prop 22 became law in California, some app-based drivers are regretting their yes vote last November that helped approve the ballot initiative.

The proposition passed with 59 % of the vote. It exempted Uber and Lyft drivers -- as well as others who work for other delivery and ride-hail companies – from the state’s controversial employee classification law AB 5. Under that law, which took effect in January 2020, most companies in the state had to switch contractors working for them from freelancers to full-time W-2 employees.

But now that ride-hail and other app-based companies can keep contracting with drivers, one corporation, Albertsons Companies, whose subsidiaries include Vons, Safeway and Pavilions, among others, has recently decided to fire some its full-time drivers in California.

The company now plans to operate the bulk of its delivery driving program in the state through third-party driver services.

Some of the affected drivers have taken to the internet to share their stories.

“I voted for the ballot measure because I thought it’d help drivers like me. Now I’m out of a job,” said one driver, who chose to remain anonymous, to Mai Tran, a NewYork based writer for the online publication Gen by Medium. He added that Vons delivery drivers were told that they were getting laid off on Dec. 8 last year, and that he voted yes on Prop 22 because he was influenced by positive TV ads. He didn’t realize, he continued, that voting yes would hurt him and his fellow drivers.

He described the proposition as “a bit of a bait and switch.”

According to Albertsons,

the full-time delivery drivers in California will continue to work until the end of February.

After that, the stores’ deliveries nationwide will be fulfilled by DoorDash. Drivers at Bay Area stores, who are unionized, will not be affected by the layoffs.

Albertson’s decision to lay the drivers off puts Vons and Pavilions – both chains founded in Southern California – in line with a national trend of grocery stores using independent drivers from third-party services to make deliveries, instead of employing full-time drivers. Ralphs, another well-known Southern California supermarket chain, currently operates its delivery service through Instacart.

Target uses Shipt and Walmart uses Doordash. DoorDash and Instacart contributed $52 million and $32 million, respectively to the Yes on 22 campaign.

An Albertsons representative said in a statement, “Albertsons Companies made the strategic decision to discontinue using our own home delivery fleet of trucks in select locations, including Southern California, beginning February 27, 2021. We will transition that portion of our eCommerce operations to thirdparty logistics providers who specialize in that service. Our HR teams are working to place impacted associates in stores, plants, and distribution centers.”

Opponents of Prop 22 have long predicted that the proposition’s passing would lead to a rise in gig-work over fulltime employment. Though Prop 22 includes language requiring gig companies to implement a wage floor and access to health continued in next 2 columns

“Bait and Switch”: Firings Make Some Drivers Regret Yes Vote on Prop 22...continued insurance for their drivers, the law exempts these companies from offering significant workplace benefits, including unemployment i nsu rance and workers’ compensation. Prop 22 also makes it harder for app-based drivers to unionize. Albertsons employees who are members of a union will not be affected by the layoffs.

Unions and drivers have begun a legal fight against the law. On Jan. 12, a plaintiff group consisting of the Service Employees International Union, SEIU California State Council, three ride-share drivers and one passenger filed a lawsuit with the California Supreme Court against Prop 22. The lawsuit argues that the law is unconstitutional because it takes away workers’ rights and limits the state legislature’s ability to govern, since they face a large barrier to amending the law.

Prop 22 requires a seven-eighths majority vote in the state legislature for any modification of it.

Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), author of AB-5, said, “Prop. 22 not only created a permanent underclass of workers in California. It stripped the Legislature of its power to step in and improve working conditions for hundreds of thousands of app-based workers. The State Supreme Court should have an opportunity to weigh in on whether corporations can use the initiative process to write their own laws with artificial barriers designed to block elected representatives f rom doi ng thei r job.”

A statement from the Yes of 22 campaign, credited to Uber driver Jim Pyatt, defended the law.

“Nearly 10 million California voters — including the vast majority of app-based drivers — passed Prop. 22 to protect driver independence, while providing historic new protections. Voters across the political spectrum spoke loud and clear, passing Prop. 22 in a landslide,” he said.

Gun Industry and NRA Target Blacks and Latinos as First-Time Gun Owners and Future Pro-Gun Advocates, New Violence Policy Center Study Details...continued from page 1 the self-defense use of firearms, despite the fact that guns are rarely used to stop crimes or kill criminals and are far more likely to be used in homicides, suicides, or fatal unintentional shootings. Recognizing that Blacks and Latinos are already disproportionately impacted by lethal gun violence, these efforts can only increase death and injury in these communities.

VPC Executive Director and study author Josh Sugarmann states, “Much like the tobacco industry’s search for replacement smokers, the gun industry is seeking replacement shooters.

Along with the hope of increased gun sales, a corollary goal of this effort is to turn more Blacks and Latinos, who historically support gun violence prevention measures, into pro-gun advocates for future political battles.”

How the Firearms Industry and NRA Market Guns to Communities of Color traces the origin of this coordinated marketing effort to the 2015 NSSF “Industry Summit,” the theme of which was “diversity.” After the event, an NSSF press release lauded the “cohesive effort across the industry as a whole to address this subject and innovate change…

[W]e’re about to experience a ground-swell shift in that attitude.”

Or as the head of NSSF boasted, “What a difference this is from just a few years ago when the industry was lamenting that it was becoming stale, male and pale.”

How the Firearms Industry and NRA Market Guns to Communities of Color offers a detailed look at NSSF, firearms industry, and NRA marketing efforts, including: Examples of magazine ads from gun manufacturers Glock, KEL-TEC, Smith & Wesson, and Springfield Armory targeting Blacks and Latinos, including an ad showing a Black man looking askance as he pumps gas into his car at a filling station. The ad warns, “It’s a jungle out there” and urges the reader to “Protect yourself with the all new 9mm HELLCAT from Springfield Armory.”

Marketing presentations offered at NSSF industry-only events, such as “Diversity: The Next Big Opportunity.” At the event, the speaker promised, “Diversity is the next area of success for

our industry” and that it would lead to “new shooters, and new gun owners, and new Second Amendment advocates….”

NSSF marketing publications (some publicly available, others limited to NSSF members) with titles such as: Changing Faces of the Shooting Sports: Meeting the Needs of an Increasingly Diverse Customer Base; A Hispanic Market Study: Firearms and the Shooting Sports; and, Understanding Diversity in Hunting and Shooting Sports.

NRA marketing efforts, which have primarily involved two approaches: presenting Black and Latino spokespeople in its public education and marketing efforts; and, publicizing groups, as the NSSF states, “whose memberships are considered non-traditional.”

NSSF and NRA efforts to increase gun sales over the past year exploiting the COVID-19 crisis. Citing the bump in sales, in October 2020, NRA publications asserted that no longer was “gun ownership…merely the preserve of white men” and promised that “these alterations will yield a change in our political debate.”

Additional sections of t he st u dy i nclu d e: A detailed section utilizing WISQARS data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention detailing the disproportionate impact lethal gun violence has on Blacks and Latinos.

An analysis of how rarely guns are used by private citizens in justifiable homicides or nonlethal self defense incidents, utilizing data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Supplementar y Homicide Report as well as the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey.

In its conclusion, the study states, “As with the alcohol and tobacco industries, the joint actions of the NRA and the firearms industry should be seen for what they are: a cynical marketing effort by a rogue industry that values its own perpetuation above all, including any lives lost or communities adversely impacted.”

For the landing page of the study and related materials in both English and Spanish, please visit: https://vpc.org/how-the-firearmsi ndu st r y-a nd-n r a-m a rketguns-to-communities-of-color/

January 28, 2021

Page 4 RELIGION/LIFESTYLE

“You Stiff-Necked People─Uncircumcised in Heart and Ears…!” By: Lou Yeboah

Lou Yeboah You always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.” [Acts 7:51]. Tell me, if you refuse to obey the law of the land, what will happen to you? You will be punished! Then what do you think will happen when you refuse to obey My Laws? When those in authority command you to do something, you do it, and rightly so, because the Word of God tells you in [Romans 13:1-2] “Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. Now since I am sovereignty over all things and persons, tell me, what do you think will happen when you refuse to obey My laws and commands?

I will tell you want will happen.

“If you refuse to obey My laws and commands and break the covenant I have made with you, I will punish you. I will bring disaster on you—incurable diseases and fevers that will make you blind and cause your life to waste away.

I will turn against you, so that you will be defeated, and those who hate you will rule over you; you

will be so terrified that you will run when no one is chasing you.

“If even after all of this you still do not obey me, I will increase your punishment seven times. I will break your stubborn pride; there will be no rain, and your land will be dry and as hard as iron. “If you still continue to resist me and refuse to obey me, I will again increase your punishment seven times. I will send dangerous animals among you, and they will kill your children, destroy your livestock, and leave so few of you that your roads will be deserted.

“If after all of this you still do not listen to me, but continue to defy me, then I will turn on you and punish you seven times harder than before. I will bring war on you to punish you for breaking our covenant. I will cut off your food supply, so that ten women will need only one oven to bake all the bread they have. They will ration it out, and when you have eaten it all, you will still be hungry.

“If after all of this you still continue to defy me and refuse to obey me, then in my anger I will turn on you and again make your punishment seven times worse than before. I will destroy your places of worship on the hills, tear down your incense altars, and throw your dead bodies on

Witness For Justice#1031

To Heal, We Must Remember Roberto Ochoa Program Associate for Congregations of Color and Ethnic Identified Congregations Sometime during January 19, 2021, the 400,000th soul was reported lost to Covid-19 in the United States. In less than one year, the U.S. has lost more people to Covid than the total American fatalities in the conflicts of WWI, Korea, and Vietnam combined. It is estimated that by the middle of February, the U.S. will have suffered more deaths than it did in WWII. One would think that in a time like this we’d be united to fight a devasting disease causing so much pain and destruction to our families and communities. Every life lost is a parent, child, sibling, relative, significant other, a friend. Every life with a name. Over 400,000 names precious to a loved one.

Yet we find ourselves a nation divided, fueled by false narratives of a rigged election by those who refuse to accept the truthful outcome of a fair election. We watched in sadness and horror as an insurrection, encouraged by a sitting President, attacked the Capitol in attempt to overturn the will of the American people by force. The mob failed, and an additional six lives with names precious to loved ones were needlessly loss on January 6, 2021.

During the second impeachment of President Donald Trump, one of the arguments presented by those who opposed impeachment was that the country needed healing and unity, not further division.

It was remarkable how quickly the same voices in Congress that questioned the validity of a national election and fanned the embers of “Trumplican” loyalists to violence, wanted to just forget the whole thing and move towards reconciliation.

When asked on a news program if an impeachment trial would impede national reconciliation, Senator Chris Coons from

Delaware answered, “There can only be reconciliation with repentance.” Sen. Coons’ response struck a chord in me as a person of faith. For me to be one with God and one another, I must be willing to be held accountable for any injustice I commit, especially when it causes harm to another. I must be willing to acknowledge my actions when seeking healing and reconciliation, and to ask for forgiveness. Repentance!

How can we heal if we choose to ignore or forget? How can we heal if there is a refusal to acknowledge actions of misinformation that has led many to their deaths? How can we heal if there is no repentance?

The healing process is a painful one. It means taking medicine to rid our bodies of toxic disease that brings us harm. It means exercising our muscles to strengthen ourselves to recovery, and it hurts. Healing means remembering not to repeat the habits that caused damage in the first place. Healing means being willing to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and to commit to do better going forward.

In watching the touching ceremony of remembrance of the lives loss to Covid-19, the night before Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th President, I was touched by his charge to a hurting and broken nation that for us to heal, we must remember. We must remember our beloved 400,000+ and do better even when the journey to wholeness becomes painful.

May God bless our nation as we journey towards healing. Amen.

Roberto Ochoa is the Program Associate for Congregations of Color and Ethnic Identified Congregations, Faith Education, Innovation, and Formation, Justice and Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ.

your fallen idols. I will make those of you who are in exile so terrified that the sound of a leaf blowing in the wind will make you run. You will run as if you were being pursued in battle, and you will fall when there is no enemy near you. You will die in exile, swallowed up by the land of your enemies. The few of you who survive in the land of your enemies will waste away because of your own sin and the sin of your ancestors.” [Leviticus 26:14-46] L e s s o n fo r Li fe — Take God At His Word.

What more does God have to do to get your attention, for you to take Him at His Word and do what He wants you to do? If you do not repent and surrender your life unto the Lord, if you don't get right with God, you are going to Hell! Fear who can cast both soul and body into hell" [Luke 12:4–5]. For God says, He will send His anger against you; He will judge you according to your ways, and He will repay you for all your abominations. For His eye will not spare you, nor will He have pity..” [Ezekiel 7:2-9].

I tell you a day of trouble is near [Isaiah 22:5]. I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver

at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. [Habakkuk 3:16]. The Bible reveals that the worst, most indescribably terrifying time in the entire history of this planet is soon to occur. What are you waiting for?

From the very beginning, God has shown patience, grace and mercy towards us. But there will comes a time when His patience will run out. [Romans 2:4–5─ 2 Peter 3:8–10]. Right now He is offering relief from His judgment for the repentant. Don’t wait! Don’t delay! The whole Bible story leads to a day when God will deal with all sin fully, finally, and forever.

This will be the day of wrath, when God will recompense every evil and bring to judgment every sin.

You are given a second chance by God, do not waste time to cease the opportunity and act on it immediately!

“And the Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy.” [2 Chronicles 36:15-20].

In the midst of the pandemic, Bev Hughes, Independent Sales Director, earns MaryKay Car! Lifestyle News

Bev Hughes, a San Bernardino resident, picked up her 1st free MaryKay car on January 20, 2021 from Rotella Chevrolet in Fontana, Ca. She earned her car in 4 months and became a Independent Sales Director in November of 2020.

She says, "It is such an honor to have accomplished this goal in the midst of the pandemic, learning to work from home and teaching and encouraging other women to pursue their God given dreams becoming what God intended.

She looks forward to using her gifts and talents in the community to inspire others to live their dreams. She plans to publish a Magazine to inspire, educate and encourage becoming a better you!

If you are looking to start your own business working from home, Beverly encourages you to join her team of awesome leaders with an amazing company that rewards you with luxury! Training provided.

Contact Bev at https://marykay. com/bhughes2104 for more info.

API Outlines Affordable and Accessible Barstow High School Teacher Who Energy in State of American Energy Died from COVID-19 Leaves Behind Report Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Lifestyle News Irvine, California – Attorneys representing an alleged victim of recently deceased Barstow High School Teacher Katherine O’Neill announced the filing of new allegations against additional Barstow Unified School District employees and Administrators. Click Here for complaint: https://drive.google. com/file/d/1bg6QsmzJRv_Yw_ fzAU29ImfiIeAB9AZ3/view O’Neil was arrested in March 2019 by San Bernardino County Authorities on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with the Jane LD Doe, the plaintiff in this case. According to the Sheriff’s Department, O’Neill did have an intimate relationship with the girl and had sent explicit text messages that contained obscene material.

It has been reported that O’Neill died last Thursday of COVID-19.

During investigations into Ms. O’Neill it has been alleged that she had more than five victims over a twenty year time period.

These investigations had led to allegations that in the late 2000s, Barstow High School Principal, Scott Godfrey, received notification of the risk that O’Neill was presenting to students of potential sexual abuse. Despite reporting, Ms. O’Neill remained a teacher within the District for ten more years to allegedly abuse several more students.

Similar investigations have revealed that former Assistant Principal Dr. Amy McDonald and her Secretary Laura Moore, permitted O’Neill to sign a form representing that O’Neill was authorized to give permission for a victim to leave campus. O’Neill is alleged to have represented that she was the parent or guardian of minors and this was never verified by the administrators allowing O’Neill the opportunity to remove the student from campus.

These allegations have recently resulted in the naming as Defendants of Scott Godfrey, Dr. Amy McDonald, and Laura Moore. Mr. Godfrey is currently an Assistant Principal within Barstow Unified and Dr. Amy McDonald is currently Principal at Skyline North Elementary School.

Morgan Stewart, the victims’ attorney, stated, “Katherine O’Neil’s twenty-year history of predatory behavior was an open secret among administrators at Barstow High School. She routinely sought out vulnerable girls and tried to exploit weaknesses so she could abuse them. Administrators not only ignored red flags and parent complaints, but they also facilitated the abuse by violating school by providing passes without parental consent which allowed O’Neill to leave campus with our client and sexually abuse her.” He added, “This is the very nature of a school district that has failed its students.”

Manly, Stewart & Finaldi is the nation’s leading firm representing athletes in child sexual abuse cases against school districts, Universities and Olympic Governing Bodies. They recently represented 180 alleged victims of former Olympic Team doctor Larry Nassar resulting in a $500 million-dollar settlement against Michigan State University. In 2018 the firm settled cases against the Torrance Unified School District for $31 million on behalf of alleged victims of former wrestling coach and convicted child molester Thomas Snider, against Los Angeles Unified School district for $8 million in cases involving former football coach and convicted child molester Jamie Jimenez and for $14 million in cases involving former Los Angeles Unified District employee Ronnie Lee Roman.

Photo: API President and CEO Mike Sommers Speaks During State of American Energy/API American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers said there’s growing confidence that America’s future will be brighter and cleaner because of today’s natural gas and oil abundance and an adapting, evolving industry.

“Today, I’m going to outline a path, a vision, for an affordable, secure, reliable cleaner energy future one marked by a shared commitment across many industries to innovation, action, and problemsolving,” Sommers avowed.

The remarks kicked off API’s annual State of American Energy address. Sommers outlined actions the natural gas and oil industry is taking to support the nation’s economic recovery and a vision for an affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy future.

The virtual event drew more than 2,000 attendees.

It featured young professionals and energy leaders, including a New Mexico teacher, a Pennsylvania-based union trade leader, and the National Newspaper P ublishers Association President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “We’ve become conditioned to pitting using energy against making environmental progress, yet history has shown that this is a false choice,” Sommers expressed.

“Both developing energy and

reducing emissions are essential to advance our society and protect the environment without energy and environmental progress.”

The State of American Energy report revealed that the natural gas and oil industry remains a reliable foundation for America’s economic recovery.

The industry stands ready to help the country build – today, tomorrow, and in the future – through innovation and new technologies, to supply affordable, dependable energy while continuously improving environmental performance, Sommers outlined.

“Natural gas and oil are both supporting our nation’s recover y, and eventually come back from the Covid-19 pandemic,” Sommers maintained.

“Our products served as critical building blocks for millions of face masks, surgical gowns, and other PPE worn by frontline workers. Our crews worked long shifts to make those products and power hospitals and plants.”

He noted that the industry had refrained from political battles and focused on the essential work the nation depends upon in producing and delivering American energy, which contributes to national security, answering the climate changes with action and ingenuity while keeping energy affordable. continued on page 6

January 28, 2021

Page 5 LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011699 Date Filed: 12/23/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/23/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): A TUTOR TO GO County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 13169 AURORA AVE. VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 Mailing Address: PO BOX 1752 VICTORVILLE, CA 92393 Name of Individual Registrant: SARAH SHABAZZ-UGWUMBA Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 13169 AURORA AVE. VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/01/2020 Sarah Shabazz-Ugwumba, 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 January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011685 Date Filed: 12/23/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/23/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): U FIRST INCOME TAX & BUSINESS SOLUTIONS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1264 S. WATERMAN AVE. SUITE 18 SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 Mailing Address: 7473 CATALPA AVE. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: THE RAGLAND GROUP LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 7473 CATALPA AVE. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 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. 10, 2017 Tanisha Mack, 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 January 14, Correction 21, 28, February 4, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011688 Date Filed: 12/23/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/23/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): DIRECT PALLET CONSULTANTS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 7473 CATALPA AVE. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 Name of Individual Registrant: Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: THE RAGLAND GROUP LLC State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 7473 CATALPA AVE. HIGHLAND, CA 92346 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: Dec 22, 2020 Tanisha Mack, 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 January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011439 Date Filed: 12/16/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/16/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): MUSCLE SUPPLY County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 4013 KATSURA WAY SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 Name of Individual Registrant: MATTHEW J. GOMEZ Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 4013 KATSURA WAY SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92407 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Dec 14, 2020 Matthew Gomez, 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 January 14, Correction 21, 28, February 4, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011593 Date Filed: 12/21/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/21/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LA CRYSTALERA County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 8282 SIERRA AVE #3902 FONTANA, CALIF 92335 Name of Individual Registrant: GLADYS M. OLIVA Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 5874 SEMINOLE WAY FONTANA, CA 92336 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: June 17, 2020 Gladys M. Oliva, 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 January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20200011662 Date Filed: 12/22/2020 Filing Expires On: 12/22/2025 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): TYKO INTERNATIONAL County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 4795 CLARENCE WAY FONTANA, CA 92336 Name of Individual Registrant: ARLETTE K. OGIAMIEN Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 4795 CLARENCE WAY FONTANA, CA 92336 Name of Individual Registrant: BRICE KEMLE Residence Street Address: 53094 MEMORIAL STR LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92532 Name of Individual Registrant: PATRICK T. TONGANBOU Residence Street Address: 38307 PINE CREEK MURRIETA, CA 92562 Name of Individual Registrant: NICAISE N. KETCHA Residence Street Address: 10179 25TH STR RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 Name of Individual Registrant: CORANTINE P. TCHOUANCHE Residence Street Address: 4795 CLARENCE WAY FONTANA, CA 92336 Name of Individual Registrant: BIBLANE D. KAMGANG Residence Street Address: HINDENBURGDAMM 62 BERLIN, GERMANY 12203 Name of Individual Registrant: CLARISSE T. YONZDI Residence Street Address: 77 RUE PRINCE BELL DOUALA, CAMEROON 4036 This business is/was conducted by: A General Partnership Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Arlette Ogiamien, 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 January 7, 14, 21, 28 , 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210000568 Date Filed: 01/20/2021 Filing Expires On: 01/20/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): RUSTIC LOVE

BY TAMARA County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 12804 EASY ST. CHINO, CA 91710 Name of Individual Registrant: TAMARA J. SPEAR Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 12804 EASY ST. CHINO, CA 91710 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 Tamara Spear, 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 January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 2021

PETITION/PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: MICHAEL A. MONTEPARA aka MICHAEL ALPHONS MONTEPARA aka MICHAEL MONTEPARA CASE NO. PROPS 2000904 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: MICHAEL

A. MONTEPARA aka MICHAEL ALPHONS MONTEPARA aka MICHAEL MONTPARA A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by RUTH L. HENRICKS in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that RUTH L. HENRICKS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Superior Court Of California, County of San Bernardino 2nd Floor 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0212 Central Justice Center Date: 2/18/21 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Dept. : S36 IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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

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

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

Attorney for petitioner: Bryan C. Hartnell, Esq. HARTNELL LAW GROUP 25757 Redlands Blvd.

Redlands, CA 92373-8453 (909) 796-6881 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper January 14, 21, 28, 2021.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ROBERT JOEL SCARBOROUGH CASE NO : PROPS 2100021 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both of: ROBERT

JOEL SCARBOROUGH

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: CRAIG SCARBOROUGH in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: CRAIG SCARBOROUGH 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: 02/25/2021 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Dept: S35 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA County of San Bernardino 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 San Bernardino District-Probate Division IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner: RYAN S. CARRIGAN SBN 279709 6800 BROCKTON AVE. RIVERSIDE, CA 92506 (951)530-3297 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper January 21, 28, February 4, 2021.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: KASSANDRA DAWN JARAMILLO CASE NO : PROPS 2100004

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

DAWN JARAMILLO

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: DONALD L. MADDOX in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: DONALD L. MADDOX 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: February 16, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept: S36P 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0212 Probate IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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

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

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

Petitioner: Donald L. Maddox 2235 Indigo Hills Drive, Unit 6 Corona, CA 92879 (951)858-1717 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper January 14, 21, 28, 2021.

SUMMONS AMENDED SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): ALBERTO ABEL CONDOR and Does 1 to 12 YOU ARE BEING SUED

BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): NO KIM LAM NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

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

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

There are other legal requirements.

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

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

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

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

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

que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

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

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

CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): CIVDS 1930847 The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 W. THIRD STREET, 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): MICHAEL F. SMITH. ESQ., 1651 E. FOURTH STREET. SUITE 123, SANTA ANA, CA 92701 (714)558-0101 DATE (Fecha): 12/15/2020 Clerk of Court (Secretario), by Nicole Cartwright, Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served PUBLISHED IN THE SAN BERNARDINO AMERICAN NEWSPAPER: January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021.

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD GOES

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in Social/Behavioral Health, Sociology, Social Work or a related field from four-year college or university; and two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certificates and Licenses: · Valid driver's license · Current CRP certification · TB shot up to date · Mental health aid certification Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities: · Time Management · Oral and written communication skills · Professionalism · Customer service · Organization · Follow-up Skills · Ability to counsel youth on factors contributing to youth violence including mental disorders, wellness, life issues, and lifespan development

HERE CALL TODAY FOR A QUOTE (909) 889-7677

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Need to publish a Legal or Classified Ad? call us at (909) 889-7677 We publish FBNs, Name Changes, Petitions , Summons, Employment , Help Wanted, For Sale And More!

CLASSIFIEDS Young Visionaries is Hiring a Mental Health Specialist for our S.M.A.A.R.T. Program Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Job Description Job Title: Mental Health Specialist Department: Behavioral Health Reports To: Program Coordinator FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Summary: Responsible for implementing case coordination and psychotherapy services for the Youth Violence Prevention Program.

Works directly with clients, under the supervision of the Program Coordinator or Director of Program Services. Ability to counsel youth on factors contributing to youth violence such as mental disorders, wellness, life issues, and lifespan development by performing the following duties.

Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Works with adolescents participating in after-school youth violence prevention program, counseling, and case management services.* 2. Assesses levels of risk.* 3. Coordinates intakes and carries out need’s assessments, including possible home visits.* 4. Works with clients to develop individualized service plans in conjunction with other professionals, with specific goals and objectives, including substance abuse treatment, mental health care, and vocational training.* 5. Implements and facilitates individual and/or group counseling sessions.* 6. Offers information and counseling support to clients and their families.* 7. Maintains confidential client records, files, and prepare reports.* 8. Travels to off sites to provide services.* 9. Schedules and forecasts planning for special events that publicize the organization and its programs to the community.* 10. Oversees all program activities to ensure all goals are being met.* 11. Performs decision making and problem solving with programs and projects.* 12. Provides active communications with mental health specialist and managers.* 13. Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator or Director of Program Services.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence.

Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and database software.

Special Project Coordinator/Manager Deadline 2/12/2021 Employment Opportunity Special Project Coordinator/Manager Job Description AGENCY DESCRIPTION: The African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) was formed in 2008 and is composed of a cadre of dedicated community activists, academics, public health advocates, and researchers. Though initially based in and focused on California, we have partnered with community stakeholders, elected officials, public health agencies, and tobacco control advocates across the country and around the world. Our mission is to save our 45,000 Black family members living with us today in this country who will die next year from tobacco-caused diseases. Our advocacy and educational activities focus on stopping the decades-long predatory targeting of the Black community being conducted by the nicotine addicting tobacco industry. We work at the intersection of public health policy and social justice advocacy. Our work has shaped the national discussion and direction of tobacco control policy, practices, and priorities, especially as they affect the lives of Black Americans, African immigrant populations, and ultimately all smokers. The AATCLC has been at the forefront in elevating the regulation of mentholated and other flavored tobacco products on national and local tobacco control agendas. Please refer to these websites, www.savingblacklives.org, www.amplify.love, and www. centerforblackhealth.org/tobacco/ for background information.

POSITION SUMMARY: The AATCLC is launching a national initiative “Quantum Leap,” and we are hiring a consultant to assist with the development and implementation of this special project. Quantum Leap will increase the national visibility and reach of the AATCLC and take our efforts to a higher level. The consultant selected for this position will be required to work directly with the AATCLC Leadership to coordinate the day-to-day operations of this effort. The ideal candidate will have experience in campaign development, advocacy, policy development/implementation, materials development, social media, and supervision of their managers. This position will also work closely with the AATCLC Steering Committee and will be required to coordinate and participate in all strategic planning retreats and team meetings.

The successful candidate will be able to work virtually but preference will be given to those with some familiarity of the national commercial tobacco control landscape and living in the Washington, D.C. area. Tobacco control experience is desired, but not mandatory.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES Coordinate “Quantum Leap” annual planning meetings and assist with the development of “Quantum Leap’s” long term plan Possibly engage and manage other consultants Coordinate activities to update and refresh public relations and promotional materials, as well as website Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, and other correspondence to effectively promote the AATCLC Create a database of resources to help support with the exploration of federal legislative policies Ability to represent the AATCLC at high level meetings Handle logistics and coordinate trainings, webinars, and symposia Coordinate and manage scheduling calendar of AATCLC Maintain accurate records and deliverable tracking measures for progress reports Report to the Project Directors Perform other duties as needed QUALIFICATION AND DESIRED CAPABILITIES: Proven ability to work independently AND effectively as an individual and as part of the team Strong organizational, detail orientated, and time management skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Proficient in Microsoft, Social Media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Constant Contact Professional experience in administrative management, health policy or related field Willingness to be flexible with work schedule Intelligence, discernment, and sense of humor a plus Able to apply principles of cultural humility in her/his work practices and in everyday life Knowledge of federal, state, and local efforts to ban menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products Advocacy experience At least 2 years supervisory experience Salary: This is a non-benefited consultant position. Compensation commensurate with experience.

Applications will be accepted until February 12, 2021 and must include: Cover letter stating intent addressed to Ms. Carol McGruder Current resume or CV E-mail to: cmcgruder@usa.net Contact information for (2) professional references No telephone calls please, but questions may be sent (after reading all materials) to cmcgruder@usa.net Interviews will be conducted the week of February 15, 2021 via teleconference, so candidates must have access to a computer with a video camera Selected candidate should be available to begin work the week of February 22, 2021.

January 28, 2021

Page 6 ENTERTAINMENT/POLITICAL/ADVERTISING

Another Viewpoint – Talking “All-Time Greats” with the Grandkids AFRO — LeBron James can’t seem to stay off of this page, but this time he brought Michael Jordan along. I am sure you have guessed there has been another chapter added to the “Who is the greatest baller of all time” debate: James or Jordan? This latest argument comes from Shashank Uppalike (sounds like a movie). I have never heard of this gentleman, but he sure got my attention.

By Tim Lacy, Special to the AFRO

Public Premiere Of Berdoo Will Captivate Audiences Film Created By and About San Bernardino Community Premieres Publicly January 29 “Go to school and you’ll succeed in life,” they said, but they don’t know how hard it is just to get there.

Entertainment News

LeBron James can’t seem to stay off of this page, but this time he brought Michael Jordan along.

I am sure you have guessed there has been another chapter added to the “Who is the greatest baller of all time” debate: James or Jordan? This latest argument comes from Shashank Uppalike (sounds like a movie). I have never heard of this gentleman, but he sure got my attention.

I have been listening to this comparison long enough for it to get on my nerves, so I gathered my knucklehead grandchildren (Maddie, John and Jordan) around the kitchen table to see if we could shed any light on

this subject, (we are still fighting over the Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson – “who was the greatest?” debate. No luck.)

The first thing we settled on was the fact that they were too young to see a lot of the greats and had to rely on research and what they learned from my stories. But so have a lot of the so called experts. The best thing about using young minds is they have no fear and will jump in on an argument with both feet.

LeBron is used to crashing through the lane like Grant went through Richmond, but with Dikembe Mutumbo in the paint, LeBron could start his charge in

Biden and Harris Flex Their Muscles on Their First Day in Office

By Ben Jealous

Ben Jealous

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris aren’t wasting any time.

When we all woke up on the morning of January 20, Donald Trump and Mike Pence were still president and vice president. By the time we went to bed, Vice President Harris had sworn in new senators Raphael Warnock, Jon Ossoff, and Alex Padilla. And President Biden had signed a dozen executive actions to reverse harmful Trump policies on the pandemic, the economy, immigration and climate change—and renew a national commitment to equality under the law.

No other administration has done so much so quickly. And the flurry of executive actions was just a jump-start to the new direction that we the people voted for.

Let’s celebrate for a moment what a remarkable week this was.

I deeply appreciated the national pause that Biden and Harris gave us the night before the inauguration.

They stood at the reflecting pool on the National Mall to remember the more than 400,000 Americans who have died from COVID-19 and honor our caregivers. We needed that simple, humane, recognition of our collective grief.

The next morning, Trump got up early to take a cowardly flight out of town rather than attend the swearing-in of the team that beat him by 7 million votes. It was probably just as well because we didn’t have to think about him during the ceremony.

We could focus instead on the continued in next 2 columns

Cleveland and wind up in South Beach. “Not in my house!” And we could all say a prayer for King James as he started through the lane to challenge Shaq. This would be like trying to ride a tricycle through the Great Wall.

Michael Jordan had a storied career, but people forget that Dr. “J” was gathering frequent flyer miles from the top of the key to the hoop, long before people were buying Air Jordan sneakers.

Allen Iverson created a highlight film when he decided he wanted to go to the basket. Allen bobbed his head, shuffled his feet, rolled his shoulders and left Jordan wondering, “Where the Hell did

he go?” The only way Jordan could stop “The Answer” was to nail one of his shoes to the floor.

This is just a short list of game changers, but waiting in the wings are, Kareem AbdulJabbar, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell (Mrs. L’s contribution) and Walt Frazier.

I got a little f lak over Walt, but all I had to do was confiscate the ice cream scoop and order was restored.

I am sure you can add a few favorites to this list and we welcome the support.

This article originally appeared in the A FRO-Amer ican.

Biden and Harris Flex Their Muscles on Their First Day in Office...continued history-making Vice President Kamala Harris. We could welcome the fact that she was escorted to the inaugural stage by the heroic Eugene Goodman, the U.S. Capitol Police officer who kept a violent mob away from the Senate chamber during the insurrection Trump had incited just two weeks earlier.

We could enjoy great musicians and the brilliant performance of Amanda Gorman, a radiant young Black woman whose poetry, like Biden’s inaugural speech, was honest about the challenges we face and hopeful about our ability to take them on.

As the day wore on, we could deeply appreciate the magnitude of what we accomplished when we replaced Trump, Pence and his team with Biden, Harris and their team.

Some changes Biden ordered in his first days in office are immediate. We have a new strategy in place for getting a handle on the pandemic. Harmful last-minute actions taken by Trump on his way out the door will be suspended and reversed. A temporary ban on evictions and foreclosures will be extended. So will a pause in student loan payments.

Federal contractors will have to stop discriminating if they want to work for the federal government. Deportations will be suspended, and the bigoted Muslim ban is no more. The integrity of the 2020 census will be restored. The U.S. will rejoin the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accords.

The Biden-Harris team also made it clear that they are willing to tackle big problems that stand in the way of making equality and opportunity real for millions of us: They have launched an effort to root out systemic racism and discrimination in federal agencies and policies.

The administration is clearly committed to doing what it can on its own. Now we need Congress to show the same kind of urgency in passing economic relief and recovery legislation.

We also need Congress to pass the For the People Act, a priority for voting rights activists. It would strengthen our democracy by protecting the right to vote and limiting the role of big money in politics.

Sometimes, when we have a lot going on in our lives all at once, it can be hard to know where to begin. The Biden-Harris team is making a bold start. Let’s push them to keep being bold when the going gets tough, and let’s have their backs when they do.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation. Jealous has decades of experience as a leader, coalition builder, campaigner for social justice and seasoned nonprofit executive. In 2008, he was chosen as the youngest-ever president and CEO of the NAACP. He is a graduate of Columbia University and Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and he has taught at Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania.

Sa n B e r n a r d i n o, CA Berdoo is a powerful new film that follows the challenging lives of students in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD). It is a film that shares the stories of multiple students and their moving struggles surrounding school.

Berdoo ’s official, virtual premiere is Friday, January 29 at 5:30 p.m. The online watch party will include a live question-andanswer session and will include

a special message from both SBCUSD and the creator of Berdoo.

Whether you live in San Bernardino or not, we invite everyone to view this documentary that paints a moving picture of struggle, perseverance, and hope.

And, most importantly, Berdoo will give you a closer glimpse at some of the special people in SBCUSD who have dedicated their careers to education and their lives to making Berdoo, continued on page 8

API Outlines Affordable and Accessible Energy in State of American Energy Report...continued from page 4 “T han ks to A mer ican technology and innovation, the United States is now the world’s leading producer of natural gas and oil,” Sommers told the gathering.

“Securing America’s energy future has long been a point of unity since the 1970s, and nine US presidents have focused on American energy security and advocated for reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.”

He insisted that energy affordability is more important than ever as the country recovers from the pandemic.

“A government that’s focused on recovery for all should reject policies that could drive up energy costs and hurt those who can least afford them,” Sommers said.

“That is the case we’re making, and we are working with President Joe Biden and his administration.

Our country has a lot of economic ground to make up, millions of more jobs to recover, and when the business at hand is the economic revival, no industry can help more than this one. The pandemic offered reminders of just how crucial the natural gas and oil industry is to everyday life.”

Dr. Chavis, a longtime environmental justice advocate, said the more than 230-member NNPA, which represents the Black Press of America, has enjoyed a great partnership with API and expects to continue as both strive to ensure that all residents have access to affordable energy.

“There are energy poverty places in America where we don’t get access to energy and natural gas that’s affordable,” Dr. Chavis declared. “We need to make sure that natural gas is accessible to all communities. We want to overcome these so-called energy poverty places in America.”

Chavis continued: “One of the things we’ve enjoyed over the years is the close working relationship between the American Petroleum Institute and NNPA. As we begin 2021, the outlook is how to make progress, how to expand opportunities.

“I’m hopeful that 2021 would not only be a year of transition, but a year where we focus on diversity and inclusion not only in terms of words but with deeds, and I think there are so many opportunities in the oil and natural gas industry in America. And, of course, API is leading the [way].”

During the event, Sommers announced the launch of API Energy Excellence, which e s t a bl i she s b e n ch m a r k s on safety, security, and environmental protection that every API member will be expected to pursue and reach.

API Energy Excellence defines superior and ever-improving performance that will unify the industry’s future progress in critically important areas to the nation, local communities, and ourselves, Sommers remarked.

Core elements range from safety culture and community engagement to employee training and equipment design and aim to accelerate safety and environmental progress by sharing best practices and new technologies and annual progress reporting.

“With this new program, we’re creating a roadmap for accelerating performance across all segments of our industry,” Sommers said.

“For nearly a century, API’s standards have supported the safe and environmentally responsible development, production, and transportation of natural gas and oil operations. API Energy Excellence is the next big step.”

January 28, 2021

Page 7 COUNTY/HEALTH NEWS

Trust the Vaccine and Get Your Shot: A Black Physician’s Call to People of Color

By Dr. Asefa Jejaw Mekonnen

County /Health News

Dr. Asefa Jejaw Mekonnen receiving his COVID-19 vaccine.

As a physician of color, I am well aware of the history of scientific experimentation in the African American community.

Tuskegee and the Henrietta Lacks experiments were inhumane and inconceivable by any measure.

Continued structural racism in healthcare and the justice system have eroded trust, and is a catalyst for ongoing mistrust.

Unfortunately, it will take time and continued struggle to change this and establish social equality.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take lives at an alarming rate. We are still battling an unprecedented health care crisis.

Black and brown communities have been affected the most.

By now, we all know someone

who has died due to COVID-19.

Because of unprecedented technological, scientific, and governmental collaboration — and a novel approach to vaccine development — we have made the most significant scientific achievement of the century with the COVID-19 vaccines, all in just 10 months.

I am a principal investigator for Moderna’s Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial being conducted at Meridian Clinical Research. I am a witness of the ethical and scientific integrity of the trial. I have campaigned to improve minority participation in the trial so we can have proportionate evidence that can be generalized to the greater population.

From “Vaccines to Vaccinations”: Officials Urge Black Community to Take COVID Shot Steven Vargas | California Black Media COVID-19 hospitalizations are starting to decrease in California, but that decline does not mean the pandemic is over, state health officials warn.

The number of cases in California dropped by 31% over 14 days leading up to Jan. 22, according to the New York Times California Coronavirus Map and Case Count. The most recent peak in California was Jan. 12 with almost 46,000 cases reported that day. On Jan. 22, California reported about 25,000 new cases, almost half the number of cases reported Jan. 12.

Healt h profe ssionals representing “Vaccinate All 58,” a statewide vaccine safety and equity campaign Gov. Gavin Newsom launched, joined a Zoom press briefing with California Black Media organized in partnership with the Center at Sierra Health Foundation. The event was held to discuss the next steps for distribution of the vaccine. The news conference also addressed changes that must be made -and misconceptions that must be disproved -- to encourage a large cross section of reluctant African Americans to feel comfortable enough to take the vaccine.

“We have stepped up our support to hospitals, and we are saving lives,” California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris said at the briefing. “And we are optimistic that this curve is flattening and that the pace of vaccination is accelerating. We will get through this together.”

Part of getting through the pandemic together is for everyone to get vaccinated, Burke Har ris explained.

“Our big goal is to turn vaccines into vaccinations,” she said. “So as our state continues to ramp up the rollout of our vaccines, we are continually committed to a fair and equitable allocation and distribution

process. Equity has been central to California's vaccine strategy.”

Equitable distribution has proven to be difficult. In a study The Undefeated and the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) conducted last year, half of Black U.S. adults surveyed said they are not planning to take the vaccine.

Several other independent surveys have echoed that report’s findings.

This prompted the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to turn to community partnerships to build trust of the vaccine in California’s African American communities.

“We are partnering with 160 or so community-based organizations,” CDPH spokesperson Darrel Ng said. “We're not quite ready to announce them yet, but they will be all over the state.”

Speakers participating in the briefing said outreach will be conducted through local organizations, including nonprofits and churches. Shantay R. DaviesBalch, President and CEO of the BLACK Wellness and Prosperity Center, described one recent effort. She said a survey was held in the Fresno community to obtain data on how to move forward with programming that will be effective in raising awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Burke Har ris said the state is laser-focusing its efforts to reach communities that are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, particularly Blacks and Latinos.

In Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti, County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and two city councilmen representing South Los Angeles held a conference at St. John's Well Child & Family Center to encourage those distrustful of the vaccine to get vaccinated, especially since coronavirus infections disproportionately continued in next 2 columns

This trial has diverse participants. The trial data was reviewed by an independent scientific team to eliminate bias.

The emergency approval process included experts from diverse ethnic groups, including prominent scientists like Dr. James E. K. Hildreth, a black immunologist.

Efficacy and safety data were impressive, with more than 90% protection from severe COVID-19.

If our society does not get vaccinated, all the development efforts will not save lives, and we will not achieve a herd immunity on a meaningful timeline. The success of a vaccination program is in its coverage. Recent vaccination coverage data reported by Kaiser Health showed that as of January

14, 2021, in the 16 states where race was reported, African Americans were vaccinated at a much lower rate compared to Caucasians.

This pattern repeats itself among healthcare workers, wherein the proportion of black healthcare workers ware fairly represented.

We must change this dynamic.

Black healthcare workers and community leaders need to come to the fore to educate our society. We need to explain the COVID-19 vaccine development process and abolish any fear and uncertainty with clear scientific facts. We also need to improve access for high-risk people of color who must be vaccinated.

An email to the medical staff will not reach the ground floors of the hospital, where the porter or the environmental worker, who have been the backbone of the COVID -19 response, are located. We need a new method of communication regarding vaccine distribution. We no longer live in the past. Scientific integrity is very closely monitored and human subject protections are upheld. We must trust the science and roll up our sleeves for the vaccine. We can begin to control the pandemic and save lives.

Dr. Mekonnen is a pulmonary and critical care medicine physician based in Rockville, MD.

Community Organizations Condemn Local Elected Officials for Mishandling COVID-19 Response... continued Co-signed by over 20 community organizations, the joint letter states, “Instead of leading the people you were elected to serve, you have chosen to pit the community against each other for political gain. We will no longer stand and be silent, and we cannot forget your lack of leadership.”

This letter delineates that these elected officials have been pushing false narratives and ultimately pitting community against each other and local small businesses, while ignoring pro-public health guidelines. It is also a rallying call for the elected officials that do understand and comprehend the gravitas of the perilous next few months the Inland Empire is about to traverse. Hospitals in both counties are already at their breaking points surging to using 100% of their ICU capacities. It’s an extreme crisis as there are more intensive care patients than there are beds. Front-line healthcare

workers are barely holding on as new COVID cases from the holidays continue to stream in.

Michael Gomez Daly, Executive Director of IE United, commented: “It is disgusting and downright shameful that these electeds whom have sworn oaths to protect and do what’s right for our communities, have instead been spewing falsehoods against science and encouraging so many people to ignore the realities of this Inland Empire crisis.”

To make matters worse, hospitals are also challenged with distributing vaccinations as fast as they can. The rhetoric and false narratives regarding COVID health guides being amplified by these elected officials is severely undermining effective health and economic recovery. Riverside County has seen a staggering 50% of front-line workers refuse to take the vaccine because of skepticism.

Drinks That Help You Lower Cholesterol County /Health News

From “Vaccines to Vaccinations”: Officials Urge Black Community to Take COVID Shot...continued affect the South L.A. community, made up predominantly of Black and Latino residents.

Currently, in the state of California, vaccines have been distributed to healthcare providers and are now available to adults 65 and older. Soon, the state will launch a website where people can register with a new system that will notify them when they are eligible to receive the vaccine.

Regarding the vaccine’s safety, Dr. Elaine Batchlor, CEO of Martin Luther King Jr Community Hospital in Los Angeles County, explained that both the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna vaccines went through various trials and have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration. She also explained that the vaccine trials incorporated a diverse pool of people, including communities of color and older adults. She noted that an African American woman, Dr. Kissmekia Corbett, was one of the leading researchers on the Moderna vaccine.

“I know that that many people in our community are hesitant and worried about safety, so I want to stress that these vaccines have been held to the same safety standards as all vaccines,” she said.

The vaccines both require two doses. The doses of the Moderna vaccine must be given 28 days apart and the Pfizer vaccine must be given 21 days apart. When the vaccine is available to the broader public, people will be able to receive the vaccine from their primary care provider. If someone

does not have a primary care provider, the County Department of Public Health will direct them to the nearest testing center that administers the vaccine.

Davies-Balch noted that “Vaccinate all 58” is working to ensure that the vaccination clinics are accessible to everyone. But the date on which the vaccine will be available to everyone is still not known.

In the meantime, Burke Harris urged people to continue to follow the “four w’s”: wear a mask, wash hands, watch your distance and wait to see your friends and loved ones.

Even those who get vaccinated must follow physical distancing protocols because of the uncertainty around transmission, the experts say. Although the vaccine prevents those infected from getting ill, there are still studies being conducted to see if it prevents transmission. This means that someone who has been vaccinated could possibly carry the virus to someone who hasn’t been, exposing them to COVID-19. Although Batchlor believes the vaccination prevents transmission, she explained that data still needs to be supplied to support that theory.

For now, the goal is to swiftly administer as many vaccinations as possible, she said.

“Once we reach community immunity, we will be ready to throw all of our masks in the trash and go back to our normal activities and interactions,” Batchlor added.

Community Organizations Condemn Local Elected Officials for Mishandling COVID-19 Response County/Health News Inland Empire, CA — January 14, 2021. A group of local nonprofit organizations have co-signed the attached letter which accuses the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, Riverside County

Supervisors, and the Riverside County Sheriff of mishandling the COVID-19 response of their respective jurisdictions. continued in next 2 columns

High levels of bad cholesterol and total cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Instead of the costly trip to the doctor for surgery after your cholesterol has gone up too much, put your levels in check with a few dietary changes: specifically, what you drink. It plays a huge part in your good and bad cholesterol levels, so here’s what to switch it up to.

Cranberry Juice While you may be used to drinking some cranberry juice cocktail, you’ll want to switch to the sugar-free version for these heart benefits. WebMD notes a long-term study found drinking two glasses of plain cranberry juice per day was enough to raise levels of good HDL cholesterol.

Additionally, the beverage seemed to also lower levels of LDL cholesterol. And you can thank the powerful antioxidants that are in the fruit for that.

If cranberries are just too bitter for your palate, it may also be worth giving blueberries a try.

Verywell notes a few studies have found the antioxidants in blueberry juice can help lower LDL cholesterol levels, too.

Green Tea Healthline explains a metaanalysis from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that this beverage has the ability to lower “bad,” or LDL, cholesterol. The study noted there was no significant impact on “good,” or HDL, cholesterol, however.

So, why is green tea so good?

The antioxidants found in this drink are what help cholesterol

the most, though it’s important to note not all green tea is equal.

How processed the tea is can also affect how good it is for your body.

Aside from green tea, hibiscus tea also has incredibly high amounts of antioxidants.

Ginger Tea Ginger has been used medicinally for centuries to treat health problems such as nausea and diarrhea. Preliminary studies also indicate that it may also help lower cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. Go easy on this tea, though.

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends not consuming more than 4g of ginger daily.

Tart Cherry Juice Tart cherries are loaded with antioxidants that provide several benefits, including reducing cholesterol levels.

In a study conducted at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, rats that received whole tart cherry powder as part of a high-fat diet had significantly lower levels of cholesterol than other rats.

Cherry juice is readily available at supermarkets and natural health stores.

However, you can also make your own at home using dried cherries or cherry powder.

Taking these drinks on a consistent basis while engaging in exercise can help you drink your way to better health!

January 28, 2021

Page 8 LOCAL/NATIONAL NEWS/ADVERTISING

Black Farmer’s Antibiotic Free Legislators Introduce Bill to Address Student Mental Health Meat Products Now Available In Crisis Exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic Grocery Stores And Online Legislation would provide critical guidance so that educators can better identify and address student mental Local/National News

health concerns

Local/National News

Nationwide (BlackNews.com) -- Meet Ricky Dollison, a fourthgeneration African American farmer who is the owner of Dollison Farms located in Poulan, Georgia. He is also the owner of a company called Warrior Creek Premium Meats that produces responsibly raised, antibioticfree bacon, sausage, ground beef, ribeye steaks, pork tenderloins, and chicken leg quarters.

The family-owned and operated business also produces a multitude of leafy greens, peanuts, cotton, soybeans, and corn for their livestock. They also raise cattle and their signature swine, “The Georgia Dolli”, in which their premium sausage, country cut bacon, and ham are derived.

Their high-quality meats are Georgia born and raised, without added hormones, by-products, nitrates, or antibiotics. Warrior Creek Premium Meats can be found at various grocery stores throughout Southwest Georgia such as Towson Meats, Snipes, Publix, and Piggly Wiggly.

Small farmers have always been the major food producers of the world, even before COVID-19.

Now during a pandemic with scarce equipment and limited financial resources, creating value-added products and extending harvest offerings directly to customers is imperative for their survival beyond the next generation.

This Black-owned family farm operation is on the list of very few who are certified and able to sell nationwide. Dollison is also the CEO of AG First Community Coop and a farmer advocate for the state of Georgia. He recognizes that bringing his company's premium meats and their vegetable harvest directly to market is necessary for their survival.

Warrior Creek Premium Meats ship nationwide directly from the farm to your freezer. Monthly subscriptions are also available.

For more details and / or to place an order, visit WarriorCreekPremiumMeats. com

SACRAMENTO, CA — Amid growing concern about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills) today announced the introduction of legislation that would enable educators in California to better identify and address student mental health issues.

Joi ntly aut hored w it h Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, the measure—known as Assembly Bill (AB) 309— would require the California Department of Education to create a model mental health referral protocol for use by schools across California. These protocols would provide guidance to help educators better identify students with mental health needs and quickly and efficiently connect them with appropriate services.

“Like parents across California, I’m deeply concerned about the impact the pandemic has

had on our kids’ mental health and emotional wellbeing,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel.

“California already was facing a student mental health crisis, and there are concerning signs that the situation has gotten worse as a result of the social isolation and disruption of the past year. This important legislation will equip our teachers with better tools and resources so that they can help our students navigate these extremely challenging times. This will be especially important as we look to reopen our schools and bring students back into the classroom after months of distance learning.”

Recent data suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated mental health issues among school-aged youth.

New data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show the proportion of emergency room visits related to mental health crises has increased dramatically for young children and adolescents since the start of the pandemic. Another recent

Dr. Ebony Hilton Leads Call for ‘Secretary of Equity’ NNPA NEWSWIRE — The importance of the position is underscored

by Covid-19 statistics, which show that African Americans are disproportionately affected by the virus. Data also show that access to the vaccine is eluding the Black community.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia

Public Premiere Of Berdoo Will Captivate Audiences...continued from page 6 as we lovingly know this city, a better place for children.

The film was available for viewing on YouTube over the holidays and was viewed over 7,000 times. It has received an incredible response from the community and local organizations.

About Berdoo Named for the moniker that locals use to refer to their city, Berdoo was inspired by research conducted at the Loma Linda University School of Public Health. The creator of the film, Nishita Matangi, and her team collaborated with the San Bernardino City Unified School District to look into the barriers to attendance among high school students in the school district.

While gathering data, through interviews and focus groups, they heard the stories of resilience in both the students and the community as a whole. These stories weren’t reflected by the data and headlines they saw while conducting background research on San Bernardino. They knew the stories needed to be shared and conversations about a film began.

Matangi pitched Berdoo for a project in a program she was attending at Harvard Medical School called Media and Medicine. She then continued the production as part of the practicum requirements for her master’s degree in Public Health at LLUSPH. It was important to her to create a space for the community to share their own stories, so she made sure everyone involved in the project (from the crew to the interviewees) were from San Bernardino.

The film seeks to highlight some of the struggles students face while growing up in San Bernardino, but showcase the programs and people from the school district that are trying to address those struggles. It also highlights the resilience of the community and the people that are a part of it.

Throughout the years, and no matter the economic situation, the San Bernardino City Unified School District has continued to be a resource for the community.

Approximately two thirds of the San Bernardino population is impacted by the school district in one way or another.

Why Berdoo : “I was inspired by the people and their intriguing experiences and realized my initial negative introduction through data and articles didn’t reflect the true sense of the community. It was important to me that this story be told by people from Berdoo, from the crew to the interviewees,” said Matangi.

Every person has a story that deals with barriers within this community. Take the story of Minessotta Vikings running back Alexander Mattison, whose family didn't always have a place to call home, and who saw friends struggle to keep up with school while working and helping raise their siblings. He found hope through his family, friends, and the teachers that invested in him; teachers like Mr. Hinkleman, who invested in Alex on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.

Watch the premiere at https:// www.facebook.com/BerdooFilm/

Dr. Ebony Jade Hilton is part of the Phase one vaccination because she’s a health care worker.

An honest and comprehensive reckoning with America’s racial history and enacting solutions to address it is perhaps the transcendent issue of our time, argues Janet Murguia, the president of UnidosUS, a D.C.based advocacy organization.

“The path forward may be difficult, complicated, and contested, but it is essential to pursue,” Murguia remarked in a news release where she and other advocates form the Racial Equity Anchor Collaborative.

The collaborative is the foremost diverse coalition of national, racial justice, and civil rights organizations representing and serving more than 53 million people in the U.S. The group calls on President Joe Biden to create an office within the White House to coordinate efforts to reduce racial inequality in all its forms.

Shortly after his Jan. 20 swearing-in, President Biden issued an executive order to advance equity and support for underserved communities.

The President had pledged to do his part in the fight against systemic racism in America, and his executive order charges all federal agencies with reviewing equity in their programs and actions.

President Biden has demanded that the Office of Management and Budget analyze whether federal dollars are equitably distributed in communities of color.

The coalition argues that the new administration also should establish a White House Office on Racial Equity and Inclusion.

The office would coordinate the full range of federal agency efforts to advance racial equity, centered on the administration’s promise to confront systemic racism and heal the “soul of our nation.”

Murg uia declared that creating such office is “a crucial first step toward ensuring that our country lives up to its core shared value of equal opportunity for all Americans.”

T he coal it ion is not alone in pushing the Biden administration to create an office responsible for racial equity.

Dr. Ebony Hilton, the medical director and co-founder of GoodStock Consulting, LLC, and an anesthesiologist and critical care physician at the University of Virginia, has started a change.org petition for the Biden administration to create and appoint a “Secretary of Equity.”

Comparable to a Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer of continued in next 2 columns

CDC report found that 25 percent of respondents between the ages of 18-24 had contemplated suicide in the previous 30 days.

And rising suicide rates and an increasing number of mental health emergencies have prompted officials in Las Vegas to consider opening schools more quickly than planned. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, one in five children exhibited signs of a mental health disorder, with California adolescents reporting even higher rates of depressive symptoms than the national average.

“The mental health of California’s children and youth, already at a crisis point, is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are seeing everincreasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation among our young people. AB 309 will provide model protocols that will enable our teachers and other school staff to connect students with the help they need in an appropriate and timely

way,” said Assemblymember O’Donnell, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee and joint author of the measure.

“As California moves towards recovery in the coming months and years, ensuring that students have access to needed mental health support will be crucial to ensuring an equitable recovery,” said Debbie Raucher, Education Director for John Burton Advocates for Youth. “AB 309 will provide educators with the tools that they need to make this a reality.”

Teachers are often the first to notice changes in student behavior that can signal mental health issues, yet many educators report a lack of preparedness in addressing these challenges.

Research demonstrates that early detection and treatment of mental illness improves students’ attendance, behavior, and academic achievement.

AB 309 is expected to be heard in Assembly committees in the coming months.

Dr. Ebony Hilton Leads Call for ‘Secretary of Equity’... continued an organization, the Secretary of Equity would serve as a catalyst to initiate equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) assessments and policies while leveraging best practices and resources across various federal agencies, Dr. Hilton wrote in a letter on behalf of GoodStock Consulting.

“The vision of the position is to use objective information and analytics to create and support a culture of inclusion and belonging where individuals from all diversity dimensions, racial and ethnic identities, ages, nationalities, social and economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity/ expression, religious, political and ideological perspectives, and physical and mental abilities, are able to thrive and be actively engaged,” her letter continued.

The importance of the position is underscored by Covid-19 statistics, which show that African Americans are disproportionately affected by the virus. Data also show that access to the vaccine is eluding the Black community.

According to statistics compiled by the independent nonprofit KFF, which focuses on national health issues, as of January 19, 2021, over 12 million COVID-19 vaccines had been administered across the country.

To date, race and ethnicity vaccination patterns appear to be at odds with who the virus has affected the most, KFF reported.

Based on vaccinations with known race/ethnicity, the share of vaccinations among Black people is smaller than their share of cases in all 16 reporting states and smaller than their share of deaths in 15 states.

For example, in Mississippi, Black people account for 15 percent of vaccinations, compared to 38 percent of cases and 42 percent of deaths, and, in Delaware, 8 percent of vaccinations have been received

by Black people, while they make up nearly a quarter of cases (24 percent) and deaths (23 percent).

In Pennsylvania, just 3 percent of those vaccinated are Black.

“As vaccine distribution

continues, ensuring racial equity will be important for mitigating the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on people of color, preventing widening health disparities, and achieving broad population immunity,” KFF officials wrote.

Dr. Hilton noted further that the Secretary of Equity would provide strategic and programmatic leadership for diversity and inclusion initiatives that advance diversity as a critical component of federal and local policies.

“This position will lead a team of Equity Officers that sit within these targeted federal agencies to assess the existing and potential disparities specific to that agency and its respective industries – greater than racial disparities and within all diversity dimensions,” Dr. Hilton noted.

“As mentioned, this position would work across various agencies with specific interest and collaborative partnerships with the agencies that directly impact the social determinants of health like the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Treasury, the Small Business Administration and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.”

Regarding establishing a White House Office on Racial Equity and Inclusion, the National Urban League President Marc Morial also noted his support.

“Even before 2020 exposed our pandemic of a deadly triple disease and economic hardship and racial unrest, America was a nation that still had only begun to grapple with the legacy of white supremacy,” Morial stated.

“Establishing a White House Office on Racial Equity and Inclusion is our best hope of nurturing that awakening and achieving our true potential.”

Watch Dr. Ebony Hilton’s interview with the Black Press at Facebook.com/BlackPressUSA, Twitter: @BlackPressUSA, and YouTube.com/BlackPressUSATV.