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NEWSPAPER A Community Newspaper Serving San Bernardino, Riverside & Los Angeles Counties Volume 51 No. 46

March 04, 2021- March 10, 2021

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

Office: (909) 889-7677

Email: Mary @Sb-American.com

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

White House Responds to House Passage of President Biden’s $1.9 Trillion “American Rescue Plan”

ERCOT resignations follow massive Winter Storm Power Outage

By Staff Writer Rebecca Aguilar Texas Metro NewsGarland Journal I Messenger

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The sweeping $1.9 trillion rescue package could include direct payments of as much as $5,600 for families of four. The legislation provides direct payments worth up to $1,400 per person. The full amount would go to individuals earning less than $75,000 a year and married couples earning less than $150,000.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Rebecca Aguilar

According to the Congressional Budget Office, nearly $19.1 billion would go to state and local governments for back rent, rent assistance, and utilities for at-risk, low-income households with unemployed members. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA) Washington, DC — President Joe Biden today praised the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of his $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.

Speaking from the Roosevelt Room, President Biden said an overwhelming percentage of the American public has made it clear that they support the measure.

“I called her just a few moments ago… Speaker Pelosi, for her extraordinary leadership and all those who supported our plan,” President Biden remarked.

“And with their vote, we are one step closer to vaccinating the nation. We are one step closer to putting $1,400 in the pockets of Americans. We are one step closer to extending unemployment benefits for millions of Americans who are shortly going to lose them.

“We’re one step closer to helping millions of Americans feed their families and keep a roof over their head. We’re one step closer to getting our kids safely back in school. And we’re one step closer to getting state and local governments the money they need to prevent massive layoffs for essential workers.”

Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed the bill which includes $1,400 direct payments to residents making less than $75,000.

The fast-tracked bill now heads to the Senate, which will use the reconciliation process to pass legislation by a simple majority.

“We are on track to get this bill done and get it on the President’s desk before the expiration of the enhanced unemployment benefits,

which is Mar. 14,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters.

The sweeping $1.9 trillion rescue package could include direct payments of as much as $5,600 for families of four.

The full amount would go to individuals earning less than $75,000 a year and married couples earning less than $150,000.

The payments, which are calculated based on either 2019 or 2020 income, would cut off individuals earning more than $100,000 and families earning more than $200,000.

Unlike previous stimulus packages, adult dependents would be eligible for the payments.

What’s not in the package is the $15 minimum wage that President Biden sought. The Senate parliamentarian ruled that Democrats could not use reconciliation to push that part of the legislation through.

Schumer reportedly seeks to craft a bill that would penalize corporations who don’t offer at least $15 an hour to their employees.

Meanwhile, in its current form, the bill increases the federal weekly unemployment boost to $400, from the current $300, extends the 15 percent increase in food stamp benefits through September, and it includes $880 million for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC. According to the Congressional Budget Office, nearly $19.1 billion would go to state and

local governments for back rent, rent assistance, and utilities for at-risk, low-income households with unemployed members.

States and tribes would receive an estimated $10 billion for mortgage payment assistance and other financial help to homeowners affected by the pandemic.

About $11 billion would provide rental assistance, homeless services and support, housing counseling, and mortgage support.

Further, the bill expands the child tax credit to $3,600 for children under six and $3,000 for children under age 18, and the credit becomes fully refundable, allowing more low-income parents to take advantage of it.

President Biden and House Democrats would also allow families to receive monthly child tax credit payments, rather than a lump sum once a year.

Proponents have opined that it is the right time to go big in this stimulus package – which President Biden has dubbed “The American Rescue Plan.”

“Frankly, given the makeup of the Senate, this is our best opportunity and the right moment in the midst of this pandemic to give millions of workers a long-overdue raise,” proclaimed Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington).

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) championed passage of the measure.

“The need is great. The opportunity is there,” Pelosi declared. “The precision of this legislation to directly address the needs of the American people, the

lives of the American people and the livelihoods.”

At the White House, President Biden said he hopes for swift Senate passage.

“Now the bill moves to the United States Senate where I hope it will receive quick action.

We have no time to waste,” the President remarked. “If we act now — decisively, quickly and boldly — we can finally get ahead of this virus. We can finally get our economy moving again.”

NORT H W W EST PA C COMMUNTY UPDATE DATE: Monday, March 8, 2021 TIME: 6:30 PM Z O OM: 882015 48 035 PASSCODE: 078471 Sign up at Eventbrite.com: Northwest PAC Community Update (SEE BELOW) Find out what is happening in your city and school Our guest speakers are Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers, President San Bernardino City Unified School District Helen Tran, Mayoral Candidate Kimberly Calvin, 6th Ward Councilmember, City of San Bernardino IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE ASK OF THE GUEST, EMAIL TO C3LADIES@YAHOO.COM. SUBMIT NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 27, 2021 AND PUT NWPAC IN THE SUBJECT LINE

Following harsh criticism for mishandling the massive power outage that affected more than 4.5 million Texans during last week’s winter storm, five of the 15-member Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) board resigned on Tuesday. Responsible for the Texas power grid and managing the flow of 85 percent of the electricity used in Texas, ERCOT came under fire from citizens and elected officials, and not just in Texas. “I think they are cowards for not wanting to deal with the consequences,” said Kristy Willis of Arlington, adding that she and her wheel-chair bound daughter were without power for 32 hours in frigid temperatures.

“I have a special needs daughter in a wheel-chair, and it would have been too difficult to try to relocate because I was afraid of slipping on the snow and ice.”

TX Governor Greg Abbott, who had called for ERCOT board members to resign after the massive power blackout, released a statement on Tuesday welcoming the resignations. “The lack of preparedness and transparency at ERCOT is unacceptable. We will ensure that the disastrous events of last week are never repeated.” The Public Utility Commission (PUC) oversees ERCOT. Abbott appointed the three PUC Commissioners.

“Having out-of-state board members resign will not change the failed oversight by the Public Utility Commission or the lack of common sense policy by the Texas Legislature,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, in a statement he issued on the resignations.

According to ERCOT’s website, in addition to Chairman Sally Talberg, who lives in Michigan; Vice-Chairman Peter Cramton, who resides in Maryland; Terry Bulger, Vanessa Anesetti-Parra and Ray Hepper also do not live in Texas. Four members submitted a joint resignation letter Tuesday that expressed their concerns about being out of state leadership. They also said that Texas should invest in an infrastructure to prevent another power outage disaster.

“We have noted recent concerns about out-of-state board leadership at ERCOT. To al-low state leaders

a free hand with future direction and to eliminate distractions, we are resigning from the board effective after our urgent board teleconference meeting adjourns on Wednesday, February 24, 2021,” read part of their statement.

News of the resignations did not appease Texans.

“Resigning does not make one ‘not guilty,’” said Dee Fuente, adding that she wants answers from ERCOT and Abbott.

According to Fuente, her husband left their West Dallas home last Monday night when the power went out. He and their dog stayed in their car with the engine running outside a gas station to keep warm in frigid temperatures.

“We prayed that we would make it out and no one would get hurt,” said Fuente. Unfortunately, there were several other cases of displaced, having medical emergencies and also reports of citizens who didn’t survive the more than five days of freezing temperatures and power outages.

During a packed virtual town hall meeting last week, called by Texas State Senator Royce West and attended by more than 20 area elected officials, ERCOT and provider Oncor reps, the questions were intense as many shared their horror stories of dealing with the power outages, some lasting more than 40 hours, despite initially being told of 15-45 minute outages.

The senator said citizens deserved answers, adding that generator companies had been forewarned.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t fix this 10 years ago,” said Sen. West, referencing the cold temperatures and snow storm during Super Bowl XLV in 2011.

Oncor said there were two major issues: “winter storm outages and controlled power outages directed

by ERCOT, which serve to reduce high demand and protect the integrity of the electric grid.” Those outages have disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities, according to Dallas City Councilman Omar Narvaez, who said one of the zip codes in his district, 75212, has the second highest percentage of residents with power outages.

According to Woody Rickerson, continued on page 2

March 04, 2021

Page 2 COMMUNITY/EDUCATION/ADVERTISING

The Catholic Church Played Major Role in Slavery In 2016, Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. offered a public apology after acknowledging that 188 years prior, Jesuit priests sold 272 slaves to save the school from financial ruin.

By Stacy M. Brown,NNPA Newswire Contributor

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has launched a global news feature series on the history, contemporary realities and implications of the transatlantic slave trade.

(Read the entire series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11) “When the missionaries arrived, the Africans had the land and the missionaries had the Bible. They taught us how to pray with our eyes closed. When we opened them, they had the land and we had the Bible.” — Jomo Kenyatta, First President of Kenya, Africa Washington, D.C.- September 4, 2018 – The Catholic Church played a vital role in the transAtlantic slave trade, according to historians and several published thesiis on the topic.

The trans-Atlantic slave trade was introduced by the coming of the Europeans who came with the Bible in the same manner that Arab raiders and traders from the Middle East and North Africa introduced Islam through the Trans-Saharan slave trade,

according to AfricaW.com, a premiere informational website available throughout the continent.

“In fact, the Church was the backbone of the slave trade,” the authors wrote. “In other words, most of the slave traders and slave ship captains were very ‘good’ Christians.”

For example, Sir John Hawkins, the first slave-ship captain to bring African slaves to the Americas, was a religious man who insisted that his crew “serve God daily” and “love one another.” His ship, ironically called “The Good Ship Jesus,” left the shores of his native England for Africa in October 1562. Some historians argue that if churches had used continued in next 2 columns

The Catholic Church Played Major Role in Slavery... continued their power, the Atlantic slave trade might have never occurred.

By the same logic, others argue that the Catholic church and Catholic missionaries could have also helped to prevent the colonization and brutality of colonialism in Africa. However, according to a 2015 Global Black History report, the Catholic church did not oppose the institution of slavery until the practice had already become infamous in most parts of the world.

In most cases, the churches and church leaders did not condemn slavery until the 17th century.

The five major countries that dominated slavery and the slave trade in the New World were either Catholic, or still retained strong Catholic influences including: Spain, Portugal, France, and England, and the Netherlands.

“Persons who considered

themselves to be Christian played a major role in upholding and justifying the enslavement of Africans,” said Dr. Jonathan Chism, an assistant professor of history at the University of Ho u s t o n - D ow n t ow n .

“Many European ‘Christian’ slavers perceived the Africans they encountered as irreligious and uncivilized persons. They justified slavery by rationalizing that they were Christianizing and civilizing their African captors. They were driven by missionary motives and impulses,” Chism said.

Further, many Anglo-Christians defended slavery using the Bible.

For example, white Christian apologists for slavery argued that the curse of Ham in Genesis Chapter 9 and verses 20 to 25 provided a biblical rationale for the enslavement of Blacks, Chism said. continued on page 3

ERCOT resignations follow massive Winter Storm Power Outage...continued from page 1 ERCOT Vice President of Grid Planning and Operations, one out of four were not getting the power they needed because of the need for more generators because of broken or frozen parts.

“The cold weather has caused a lot of them to break and this is colder than any weather we’ve seen,” he said, adding that the natural gas pipeline freezing was not anticipated. Texas State Rep. Ramon Romero, Jr., told Texas Metro News every angle into the massive power outage should be

investigated, “It’s not just ERCOT, but also the PUC and the energy providers, transmission lines, generators, and the producers.”

He said he believes blame can go in any direction, but it’s important to gather the facts first.

“Personally, I want answers as to how we will never allow this to happen again,” said Rep. Romero.

“The people of Texas will have to decide what to do with those that put us in this situation.”

Cheryl Smith contributed to this report.

Publisher’s Corner

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.

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.

TIME WISE

Private Investigations

“On Time, Just in Time” License Number 25694

Clifton Harris, BA, MLS Private Investigator Retired Law Enforcement Officer P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393

Telephone (760) 514-8310 Fax: (909) 889-2882 E-mail: timewisepi968@gmail.com

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Vaccines are: SAFE

California’s top medical experts have confirmed the safety of all COVID-19 vaccines.

EFFECTIVE

Up to 95% effective to prevent COVID-19.

FREE

WE ARE ALL BETTER

TOGETHER

COVID-19 vaccines are available for free.

PRIVATE

Your personal information is confidential and protected.

Even after being vaccinated, you should continue wearing your mask, washing your hands and watching your distance until the vaccine has been widely distributed.

Vaccine supply is limited. Learn more about vaccines at VaccinateALL58.com and help end the pandemic. You can also sign up to be notified when it’s your turn to make an appointment at MyTurn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255.

Across the nation, the Black community is disproportionately affected by COVID-19 cases.

In California, Black residents are the 4th most affected group by COVID-19, making up 4% of all California cases.

Historically known as advocates and providers, Black churches across the state are stepping up to bridge the gap between the government and free access to community-based testing. As leaders in the community, the church testing sites are exemplifying the way to properly engage the Black community in providing resources and reducing the spread of COVID-19.

AACEC-CAL.ORG/COVID19TESTING

March 04, 2021

Page 3 STATE/GOVERNMENT/BUSINESS

In Four Large Cities, California Homicides Increase Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Online Videos Guide Vendor Registration with Riverside County Social Services...continued

California on Track to Reach Capacity Goal of 3 Million Vaccines Per Week, Pending Available Supply...continued

The department also supports natural and manmade disaster relief across the sprawling 7,300 sq. mile Riverside County area.

Baldwin said DPSS has a great need for buying, renting, purchasing, or leasing of material, equipment, supplies and services for the county’s at-risk and vulnerable populations. The educational video segments on how to register as a vendor and guidelines for doing business

with large volume providers across the state, with a focus on those providers who ser ve Wave 1 counties.

“The enhanced network will build on the state’s existing capacity and vaccination processes that are working well, while enhancing state oversight of the vaccine supply and accountability for all vaccine doses to ensure equitable access to vaccines for communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19,” said Paul Markovich, president and CEO of Blue Shield of California. “The state will continue to have responsibility for allocating the vaccine to ensure Californians get the protection they need from Covid-19, and we are working diligently in support of those efforts.”

The state and Blue Shield also announced an updated implementation timeline for the Statewide Vaccine Network.

On March 1: All providers and local health jurisdictions will move to a uniform, state-directed eligibility criteria, eliminating confusion on who is eligible to receive a vaccine on a county by county basis.

Blue Shield of California will begin making allocation recommendations – based on criteria set by the state – to state officials for doses delivered the following week. The state will

with DPSS can be viewed directly by clicking here or by visiting http://www.rivcodpss.org.

“The Department of Public Social Services has wonderful opportunities for businesses and providers,” said Tina Grande, director of the county’s Purchasing Department. “Riverside County is a great place to do business and we invite vendors to participate in the county’s fair and open bidding processes.”

CART Launches I.E. Antiracist Summit State/Government News Los Angeles recorded over 300 homicides in 2020, a statistical high mark it had not reached in 11 years.

Now, a little over a year later, the body count from that sharp homicide increase continues to stack up -- not only in California’s largest city but also in other major cities across the state. As authorities begin to investigate the uptick in crimerelated deaths, one thing is clear: a majority of those homicides have occurred in urban areas of the state where large numbers of African Americans live.

Within the 15-day period before 2021 began, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported 19 murders. During the first few days of the new year, that number doubled. By the seventh day, 45 people had been shot and killed, the LAPD reports.

After crunching the 2020 data, the LAPD reported a 38 % uptick in homicides. Among them, there were more than 350 shooting victims, indicating an increase in the use of firearms.

“This is just over twice the rate of the same period last year,” LAPD chief Michel Moore said during a January press briefing.

As of Jan. 29, Sacramento reported that six people had been shot and killed during five different incidents. Before that, during the last six months of 2020, there was a slew of killings involving young people in the state capital, ending a 24-month stretch since 2018 when not one youth was murdered.

Last year, Sacramento saw 43 homicides, up from 34 in 2019, and the most since 2015, according to the Sacramento Police Department (SPD).

Eight of those homicides were gang-related, and four of them involved juvenile victims. One victim was a nine-year-old girl who was shot and killed by a stray bullet during a drive-by shooting.

There were 192 firearm-related assaults in 2020, a nearly 30%

increase over the previous year.

SPD police officers made over 50 arrests and seized over 60 illegally possessed firearms in the month of January alone.

In 2019, officers seized a total of 974 illegal firearms. In 2020, this number increased to 1,235.

“The year 2020 was a challenging year for our community (and) our department,” said SPD public information representative Karl Chan.

“The last year saw a strain on the police’s resources like never before,” Chan continued.

“Officers were often pulled from policing our communities to stop major demonstrations around our (State) Capitol.”

Oakland is also off to a violent start this year. The Oakland Police Department (OPD) reports that January was the deadliest month in almost 20 years. A total of 15 murders were recorded during the first month of 2021. Only one homicide was committed in January of 2020.

Overall, Oakland had 64 murders in January alone, a 129% increase. The city’s mayor Libby Schaaf said Oakland is at a point where “emotions are high.” The violence is “caused by overall stress,” she believes.

Schaaf also blames the spike in homicides on an influx of weapons.

“We are seeing more and more powerful guns on our streets than we have ever seen before,” Schaaf said.

In San Diego County, 52 murders were registered in the first six months of 2020 with sharp increases in March and April, according to the San Diego Association of Governments. San Diego County experienced 38 homicides during the same sixmonth period in 2019. Homicide detectives said 41 % of those killings were connected to arguments, 22% to robberies and continued on page 6

Online Videos Guide Vendor Registration with Riverside County Social Services The department is expanding vendor pool to serve nation’s tenth most populous county State/Government/Business News RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Ca.— Suppliers and service providers looking to do business with one of the largest social service agencies in California can now view online videos to guide them through the vendor registration process, Riverside County officials announced today.

“We are strengthening and expanding business partnerships with an eye on the needs of our communities,” said Sayori Baldwin, director of the Dept. of Public Social Services (DPSS).

“Strong, committed partners are essential to bringing quality services to children, families, and adults in complex and challenging circumstances.”

Riverside County is the fourth most populous county in California and the tenth most populous in the nation, with 2.5 million residents.

Last year DPSS provided food, cash, health, workforce, foster/ adoption, and protective services to more than one million people living in Riverside County. continued in next 2 columns

Moreno Valley, CA – The Center Against Racism and Trauma (CART) to launch the inaugural Antiracist Summit for the Inland Empire that will be held on Wednesday, March 17th at 5:00 pm via Zoom. This event commemorates March 21st as the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The theme for this year’s event is “The Antiracist Movement.” This event will be the signature event on Antiracism for the Inland Empire. The public can register at: www.destroyracism. org/events “We are pleased to announce that the speaker for the event will be Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to be an Antiracist. It is time for the Inland Empire to be a leader in antiracism," said Corey Jackson, Co-Director of CART.

“Growing up in the Inland Region and now raising two Black girls, we must build a more fair and justice society for the next generation,” said Jernine McBride, Co-Director of CART. The Center Against Racism and Trauma is an Inland Empirebased organization who’s mission is to equip the Inland Empire with information and opportunities to fight against all forms of racism. CART is designed to eliminate racism with education and action. We confront racism in all its forms, by targeting communities displaying racist ideologies, providing resources for children and parents, and working with elected officials to change racist policies ingrained in local government.

To access CART content, please go to: www.DestroyRacism.org

California on Track to Reach Capacity Goal of 3 Million Vaccines Per Week, Pending Available Supply California to Move to Single Statewide Vaccine Eligibility Standard on March 1, Eliminating Confusion Caused by Varying County Standards State Vaccine Network Transition begins in phases starting March 1; Full Operation Expected by End of March My Turn to Become Leading Source for Scheduling Appointments Over Time State/Government News SACRAMENTO –Taking another step to fulfill Gov. Gavin Newsom’s charge to build a Statewide Vaccine Network that can administer vaccine as quickly as it becomes available, California announced today that it is on track to create the capacity to administer 3 million vaccinations per week by March 1.

“While supply is still extremely limited, we need to prepare now for a time in the near future when supply increases and hopefully dramatically,” said Yolanda Richardson, Secretary of the Government Operations Agency and the state’s lead on vaccine operations. “We are well on our way to hitting our 3 million doses per week capacity goal, and by the end of April, our goal is to create the capacity to administer 4 million shots per week.”

That 3 million capacity figure includes both providers in the Statewide Vaccine Network and other providers who receive their vaccines directly from the federal government. When additional vaccine becomes available, the state is in position to quickly scale up operations.

As counties and providers are onboarded in the coming weeks into the Statewide Vaccine Network, MyTurn.ca.gov will become the main source for Californians to sign up for appointments. Over 500,000 vaccinations have been

administered via My Turn, and more than 1.6 million Californians have signed up for a My Turn notification. Next week, My Turn will begin piloting the use of single use codes, allowing communitybased organizations, navigators or others to sign up members of disproportionately affected or other prioritized communities.

This feature also minimizes the unauthorized sharing of codes.

O ver t i me, prov ider s administering vaccines will be required to use My Turn or an electronic health record that automatically shares vaccination data with the state’s immunization databases, and to work with the state to connect into the My Turn platform. The use of My Turn will also help the state have greater visibility into who is getting vaccinated and how to better fine tune equity-focused allocation and outreach efforts. This will be a key component of the state’s continued focus on vaccine equity.

My Turn is available in eight languages, and for those without internet access, appointments can be made by calling (833) 4224255. The hotline is available in English and Spanish, with third party translators available in more than 250 additional languages.

Blue Shield of California, the state’s Network Administrator, has expeditiously contracted continued in next 2 columns

make final allocation decisions, continuing to use the existing split which prioritizes 70 percent of doses for those 65+ and the other 30 percent in the educational and childcare, emergency services and food and agriculture sectors. Included in that is the 10 percent set aside for educational and childcare workers. This allocation is for first doses only, with second doses being sent to the provider who administered the first vaccination dose.

The data-driven allocation criteria will continue to evolve to reach equity targets, and will be adjusted to ref lect newly-eligible populations.

Wave 1 and Wave 2 counties continue onboarding. (See counties included in each wave below.)

In partnership with the counties, continue targeted equity strategies in place, such as farmworker mobile and popup sites, opening clinics in lowest quartile HPI tracts, etc.

On March 7: Wave 2 and Wave 3 Counties Continue Onboarding On March 31 Blue Shield will take full management responsibility for the statewide vaccine n e t wo r k a n d c o n t i n u e providing vaccine allocation recommendations to the state to assist in its allocation decisions. w w w.c d ph.ca .gov

The Catholic Church Played Major Role in Slavery...continued from page 2 In this passage, Noah cursed Canaan and his descendants arguing that Ham would be “the lowest of slaves among his brothers” because he saw the nakedness of his father. A further understanding of the passage also revealed that while some have attempted to justify their prejudice by claiming that God cursed the black race, no such curse is recorded in the Bible.

That oft-cited verse says nothing whatsoever about skin color.

Also, it should be noted that Black race evidently descended from a brother of Canaan named Cush. Canaan’s descendants were evidently light-skinned – not black. “Truly nothing in the biblical account identifies Ham, the descendant of Canaan, with Africans. Yet, Christian apologists determined that Africans were the descents of Ham,” Chism said.

Nevertheless, at the beginning the sixteenth century, the racial interpretation of Noah’s curse became commonplace, he said.

I n 2016, Ge orget ow n University in Washington, D.C. offered a public apology after acknowledging that 188 years prior, Jesuit priests sold 272 slaves to save the school from financial ruin.

This is how The New York Times first reported the story: The human cargo was loaded on ships at a bustling wharf in the nation’s capital, destined for the plantations of the Deep South.

Some slaves pleaded for rosaries as they were rounded up, praying for deliverance.But on that day, in the fall of 1838, no one was spared: not the 2-month-old baby and her mother, not the field hands, not the shoemaker and not Cornelius Hawkins, who was about 13 years old when he was forced onboard.

Their panic and desperation would be mostly forgotten for more than a century. But this was no ordinary slave sale. The enslaved African-Americans had

belonged to the nation’s most prominent Jesuit priests. And they were sold, along with scores of others, to help secure the future of the premier Catholic institution of higher learning at the time, known today as Georgetown University.

“The Society of Jesus, who helped to establish Georgetown University and whose leaders enslaved and mercilessly sold your ancestors, stands before you to say that we have greatly sinned,” Rev. Timothy Kesicki, S.J., president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, said during a Liturgy of Remembrance, C o nt r it io n , a n d Ho p e.

“We pray with you today because we have greatly sinned and because we are profoundly sorry.”

During the early republic, Catholics celebrated the new Constitution for its guarantee of religious liberty while simply accepting its guarantee of slaveholding, according to Blackthen.com.

Internal church politics mattered too. When the Jesuit order was suppressed in 1773, the plantation system of the order in Maryland was seen as a protection for their identity and solidarity.

The universal church taught that slavery enjoyed the sanction of Scripture and natural law.

Throughout the antebellum period, many churches in the South committed to sharing their version of the Christian faith with Blacks.

They believed that their version of Christianity would help them to be “good slaves” and not challenge the slave system, Chism said.

“Yet, it is important to note that African Americans made Christianity their own, and Black Christians such as Nat Turner employed Christian thought and biblical texts to resist the slave system. Furthermore, Black and white abolitionist Christians played a major role in overturning the system of slavery,” he said.

March 04, 2021

Page 4 RELIGION/LIFESTYLE

“What A Dangerous Situation You Have Put Yourself In!” By: Lou Yeboah

Lou Yeboah Delaying choosing between “Life and Death.” What’s wrong with you? What will you do when you stand before God? What will you say? You’ve been warned, you’ve been talked to, the Holy Spirit has been tugging at your heart, and yet in still, you continue to indulge in sin. What sorrow awaits you. [Luke 11:44; Romans 2:5]. Listen, God has made it very clear that the, “Consequence of Sin is Death,” but “The Gift of God is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus.” [Romans 6:23]. The only reason you are not in Hell today is because of God’s grace and mercy. But be not deceived, God’s warning is clear. You play with fire, you will get burnt. [Galatians 6:7]. I tell you, you ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which you have heard, lest at any time you should let them slip; for if the word spoken by Angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall you escape if you neglect so great of salvation, which was first spoken by the Lord [Hebrews 2:1-3]. Turn to God NOW while the mercy door is open and repent, because right now your soul is in danger of going to Hell!

The Bible says, “God is angry with the wicked every day” [Psalm 7:11-12]. This is the testimony of God Himself. He is angry at your sinful heart. He is full of wrath for your many sins. If you do not turn, He said He has sharpen His sword; He hath bent His bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for you the instruments of death.

[Psalms 7:12]. I tell you, you are in danger of going to Hell right now! Your problem is that you have no fear of God. You have no fear of His judgment. What a dangerous situation you are in!

You best get your house in order and get it in order NOW! Who are you and what is your life that you should put off until some future date? You are a mist that rises up and vanishes away. You are a puff of smoke that is here one minute and completely gone the next. [James 4:14]. Get your house in order and get it in order NOW, before it will be too late!

[2 King 20:1]. Do not put off until some later time those matters of the Spirit that each one of us need to resolve. According to the Bible, “the appointed time has grown very short” [1 Corinthians 7:29].

Christ’s return is imminent and His timeline makes your choosing urgent. Turn to God NOW while the mercy door is open and repent, because right now your soul is in danger of going to Hell!

As [Hebrews 9:27] tells us, “It is appointed to man once to die and then comes the judgment.”

Every one of us will have to stand

Witness For Justice#1036

Remaining Vigilant Michael Schuenemeyer

In their first month, the BidenHarris administration has issued a broad range of executive orders to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. These federal protections are a boost in the movement for justice and equality, however, they should not lull us into complacency. There is much work yet to be done: not only for Congress to pass the Equality Act, securing consistent and explicit non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ, but also to fight anti-LGBTQ legislation that has been introduced in the current legislative sessions of half the states in this country.

A particularly pernicious trend among the state legislative bills introduced is the plethora of anti-transgender/non-binary bills. These bills seek to ban transgender girls and women from participating in sports and to deny life-affirming treatment options for transgender and non-binary children, youth, and young adults. Some state bills would criminalize parents who support gender-affirming treatment for their transgender and gender-diverse children.

When elected officials legislate against you, it is harmful and stigmatizing. The legislative efforts to ban evidence-based care for transgender and genderdiverse youth are in direct opposition to recommendations from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), which declared in a November 2019 statement that it “strongly opposes any efforts – legal, legislative, and otherwise – to block access to

these recognized interventions.

Blocking access to timely care has been shown to increase youths’ risk for suicidal ideation and other negative mental health outcomes.”

The AACAP statement is consistent with the 2018 policy statement issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which clearly states that the best outcomes for transgender and non-binary youth happen “when parents and medical care teams are able to support youth with access to comprehensive, genderaffirming, and developmentally appropriate health care that is provided in a safe and inclusive clinical space.” The current wave of legislative bills not only reduce the care options for transgender and gender-diverse children and adolescents but also impose a mental health burden, leading many to experience depression and suicidal ideation. It is an abuse of power for elected officials to pursue policies that place such obstacles in the way of families in their efforts to provide care and support to their children.

As a person of the Christian faith, I am called to love my neighbor, to honor the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and to do no harm. Transgender and non-binary persons are beloved by God, and I trust the words of the psalmist who affirms that each of us is awesomely and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

I cannot be silent or complacent when those who may be different from me are harmed by policies of fear and ignorance. We must remain alert to these harmful continued in next 2 columns

before God and give an account of our lives. Are you ready for your date? Taking into consideration that the Scripture says your date with death has already been set.

Boasting about tomorrow, how arrogant! [James 4:13-17]. Life Is Short. Eternity Is Long. Live Like It. If you don’t as [Proverbs 5:11] says at the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent.

I tell you, the time to get your heart and mind right with God is NOW! Because whether you realize it or not, everything is proceeding according to God’s schedule! And the only reason why Christ has not come sooner is His patience with mankind. He 'is long suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Be wise and not foolish. Do not let the warning go unheeded. Act upon them NOW! As Paul warned the people in Corinth: "As God's fellow worker I urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For He says, 'In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, NOW is the time of God's favor, NOW is the day of salvation" [2 Corinthians 6:12]. Stop dancing and wavering between two opinions. [I Kings 18:21]. It is insane to waver back and forth on such an important subject! The salvation of your eternal soul is at stake. Heaven and Hell are at stake! How long will you risk losing your soul? How

long will you play with eternal realities? Your indecision is what makes your case so alarming.

You are on the road to perdition – it is the path that all the wicked have walked on, who went to Hell before you. They went on, halting between two opinions, and giving themselves false comfort, until they slipped and fell into Hell fire.

I exhort you to halt no longer. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. [Deuteronomy 30:19].

Jesus says in [John 5:24], “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life.

They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life."

Peter made his choice, and it was right; he told Jesus that he chose Him. The choice between life and death is in your hands.

Choose wisely. “For many who waited to be saved at the eleventh hour died at the ten-thirty hour.: Thus saith the Lord. “The end is now upon you, and I will unleash my anger against you. I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices. I will not look on you with pity; I will not spare you, then you will know that I am the Lord.” [Ezekiel 7:9]. I tell you, what a dangerous situation you have put yourself in.

Remaining Vigilant...continued pieces of legislation. We need to let our elected officials know that these bills are unfair and unjust. It is vital that we engage in education about state, local and federal legislative efforts, and center the experiences of transgender and non-binary persons in our resistance to bigotry.

I applaud the Biden-Harris administration for the executive orders addressing discrimination

against our LGBTQ community, I encourage Congress to quickly pass the Equality Act, and I implore each of us to remain vigilant against the antiLGBTQ legislation in our state legislatures, especially the antitransgender and non-binary bills.

Michael Schuenemeyer is the Team Leader for Health and Wholeness Advocacy Ministries for the United Church of Christ.

The Executive Leadership Council Increases Educational Scholarships To $1 Million Dollars In Support Of Black College Students Lifestyle News WASHINGTON DC (February 23, 2021) – The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the pre-eminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of global Black executives in C-suites, on corporate boards and in global enterprises, will offer $1 million in scholarships for Black undergraduate students in 2021, for which scholarship applications are now being accepted. Through the generous support of 15 corporate partners, The ELC expands its scholarship programs to support the academic success of more than 100 Black undergraduate students in 2021. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills and a commitment t o c om mu n it y se r v ice.

“Change occu rs when preparedness meets opportunity,” said Crystal E. Ashby, interim president and CEO of The ELC. “In these ever-changing times, The ELC supports the next generations of leaders so they are ready when it is their time. The

ELC successfully engaged current and new corporate partners to join our vision to expand our educational scholarships in 2021 to $1 million. The result of our partnerships,” she added, “is that The ELC will support 100 Black undergraduate college students in 2021, the most ever in the history of our organization.”

The mission of The ELC’s Scholarship Program is to build a pipeline of Black corporate talent by supporting the academic achievement and development of Black undergraduate students.

The ELC scholarship program consists of 14 one-year and multiyear awards of tuition support in amounts ranging from $7,000 to $20,000 per year. All ELC scholarship recipients will gain access to internship and early career placement opportunities through our 2021 scholarship partners and 2021 Honors Symposium sponsors set for this fall.

Corporate sponsors include Br i s t ol Mye r s S q u i bb, continued in next 2 columns

The Executive Leadership Council Increases Educational Scholarships To $1 Million Dollars In Support Of Black College Students...continued Brunswick Corporation, Chevron Corporation, ExxonMobil, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HSBC Bank USA, Johnson & Johnson, Linde plc, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Moody’s, Nationwide, Phillips

66, Raytheon Technologies, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and USAA. For information on each of the 14 ELC scholarships or to apply before the deadline of March 31, 2021, visit elcscholars.com.

Subscribe to The San Bernardino American News Annual Subscription only $58 to suscribe call us @ (909) 889-7677 or go to our website: sb-american.com

White Person Who Jumped Vaccine Line in Black Area Shares Their Story Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media

On Feb. 22, a White Pasadena resident says “they” received an e-mail from a friend containing access codes to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in a nearby neighborhood that is predominantly Black. The problem? Those codes were meant for people in Latino and Black communities that have been hit hardest by the pandemic.

Last week, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services sent about 1,000 access codes to community groups that were to be used to register people for vaccinations in Los Angeles and Oakland, according to spokesperson Brian Ferguson.

However, these codes were leaked. This resulted in people who the codes were not intended for reserving appointments and showing up at vaccination sites in heavily Black and Latino communities.

“I was excited. I felt a rush to sign up at the chance to keep myself safe," a White Pasadena resident accused of jumping the line in Black communities told California Black Media (CBM).

"I’m thinking about getting pregnant and knowing I could be safe from COVID before that happened would be really reassuring," said the person who spoked to CBM on the condition of anonymity.

The incident brings to life the two dueling opinions in an enduring, deeply controversial and divisive public fight over race and state policy in California, a state where Proposition 209 outlawed affirmative action or any consideration of race in public employment, public education or public contracting in 1996. On one hand, the unauthorized use of the codes underscores how racebased policy may have unintended outcomes when implemented, leaving some people feeling left out or overlooked. On the other hand, it reveals the importance of targeting funding – in this case life-and-death assistance -- to particular racial and ethnic minorities who may be most affected by a specific problem.

Explanation of Access Code Fiasco California Gov. Gavin Newsom responded last week, sharing what he plans to do to remedy the fiasco.

“We’re going to go away from group codes to individual codes,” Newsom said. “We don’t like to see those abuses.”

Newsom has since said that he plans on "revamping" the program.

According to Ferguson, state officials believe that most of the outsiders who received the codes did not misuse them intentionally.

“When I found out the codes were not meant for us, I was frustrated," the Pasadena resident said. "I wouldn’t have cut the line if that’s what I knew we were doing, but I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t realize that was happening."

According to the Los Angeles Times, this was a common story amongst nonresidents who received codes that weren't meant for them.

The Pasadena resident, whose preferred pronouns are they, their, and them, said, after visiting the state online vaccine portal, “My Turn,” they entered their race and address into the system. However, the system did not inform them that they could not use the access code.

“We put in our information, including race and zip code and it didn’t deny us. There was no mention in the email or on the website," they said.

Upon realizing what had happened, they attempted to correct the mishap on their end.

“My husband and I had conversations about it and decided to cancel our appointments," they said.

This resident, along with many others, expressed outrage, complaining that the system did not efficiently assist those it was designed to help.

"I’m so angry that the system puts the responsibility on the recipient to do the right thing and be educated enough to know what is going on," they said. "It feels like a conspiracy."

March 04, 2021

Page 5 LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210000952 Date Filed: 01/29/2021 Filing Expires On: 01/29/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LP BODY REPAIR County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business:16666 FOOTHILL BLVD. FONTANA, CA 92336 Name of Individual Registrant: PATRICIA LOPEZ 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: 11317 HOMEWOOD DR. FONTANA, CA 92337 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: May 01, 2020 Patricia Lopez, Owner, declares that all information in this statement 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 February 11, 18, 25, March 4, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210001023 Date Filed: 02/01/2021 Filing Expires On: 02/01/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): FLAGSHIP LOGISTICS County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 1030 NORTH MOUNTAIN AVE. #337 ONTARIO, CA 91762 Mailing Address: 1030 NORTH MOUNTAIN AVE. #337 ONTARIO, CA 91762 Name of Individual Registrant: ARTHERLEY G. WILLIAMS JR. Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 1030 NORTH MOUNTAIN AVE. #337 ONTARIO, CA 91762 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Jan 21, 2021 Artherley G. Williams Jr., 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 February 11, 18, 25, March 4, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210001334 Date Filed: 02/10/2021 Filing Expires On: 02/10/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): LIVESTOCK EVENT SERVICES County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business:7979 FOLEY ROAD HESPERIA, CA 92345 Name of Individual Registrant : KELLY L. O’BRIEN-SECORD 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: 7979 FOLEY ROAD HESPERIA, CA 92345 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Feb 01, 2021 Kelly L. O’Brien-Secord, 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 February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210001834 Date Filed: 02/24/2021 Filing Expires On: 02/24/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): ANAHUAC TRANSPORT County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 2635 E. PALM PASEO, #1257 ONTARIO, CA 91764 Name of Individual Registrant: GABRIEL VILLASENOR 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: 2635 E. PALM PASEO #1257 ONTARIO, CA 91764 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Feb 15, 2021 Gabriel Villasenor, 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 March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210000721 Date Filed: 01/26/2021 Filing Expires On: 01/26/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): BLEEDMONEY CLOTHING County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business:11611 VILLA ST. ADELANTO, CA

92301 Name of Individual Registrant: LADALE E. WILLIAMS JR. Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: State of Inc./Org./Reg.: Inc./Org./Reg. No.: Residence Street Address: 11611 VILLA ST ADELANTO, CA 92301 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Jan 21, 2021 Ladale E. Williams Jr., 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 February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210001752 Date Filed: 02/22/2021 Filing Expires On: 02/22/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): JULIO’S AUTO CENTER County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 25436 E. 3RD ST. SAN BERNARDINO, CA92410 Mailing Address: 5383 PARK LN. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92404 Name of Individual Registrant: JULIO C. OROPEZA 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: 5383 PARK LN. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92404 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 Julio Oropeza, 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 March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210001138 Date Filed: 02/04/2021 Filing Expires On: 02/04/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): SOCAL GARAGE DOOR SERVICE County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business:14870 FARMINGTON ST. HESPERIA, CA 92345 Name of Individual Registrant: MARK A. VEGA 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: 14870 FARMINGTON ST. HESPERIA, CA 92345 This business is/was conducted by: An Individual Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: June 01, 2015 Mark A. Vega, 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 February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210001358 Date Filed: 02/10/2021 Filing Expires On: 02/10//2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): THE CAR GUYS RC County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 8180 MASI DR., SUITE A RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 Mailing Address: 313 MINARET ST. CORONA, CA 92881 Name of Individual Registrant Name of corporation or limited liability company as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.: I & S CORPORATION State of Inc./Org./Reg.: CA Inc./Org./Reg. No.: C4308514 Residence Street Address: 313 MINARET ST. CORONA, CA 92881 This business is/was conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: Not Applicable Mohammad Patel, President, declares that all information in this statement is true and correct.

NOTICE- IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920. WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORT IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET. SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE.) Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper February 18, Correction 25, March 4, 11, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210001429 Date Filed: 02/11/2021 Filing Expires On: 02/11/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): ABC AUTO REGISTRATION County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 228 E. 40TH ST. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92405 Name of Individual Registrant : FADI YEHIA 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: 2150 S. GLENWOOD AVE. COLTON, CA 92324 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 Fadi Yehia, 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 February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210001515 Date Filed: 02/16/2021 Filing Expires On: 02/16/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): SILVER STAR AUTO II County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 224 E. 4OTH ST. SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92404 Name of Individual Registrant: FADI YEHIA 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: 2150 S. GLENWOOD AVE. COLTON, CA 92324 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 Fadi Yehia, 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 February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 2021.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20210001362 Date Filed: 02/10/2021 Filing Expires On: 02/10/2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME (as shown in the Articles of Inc./Org./Reg.): R & I COMPUTER County of Principal Place of Business: SAN BERNARDINO Street Address of Principal Place of Business: 9431 HAVEN AVE. SUITE 100 RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730 Mailing Address: 14332 MOUNTAIN AVE. CHINO, CA 91710 Name of Individual Registrant: ROBERTO L. DE BELEN 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: 14332 MOUNTAIN AVE. 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: Feb 03, 2021 Roberto De Belen, 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 March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021.

SUMMONS SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): CIVDS 2007145 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): BRIAN JOHN MADSEN aka BRIAN J. MADSEN aka BRIAN MADSEN aka BRIAN KERRY MADSEN aka BRIAN K. MADSEN aka BRIAN MODSEN aka BRIAN S. CANMADSEN aka BRIAN S. MADSEN and Does 1 through 100, inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED

BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE) BOPTI FEDERAL CREDIT UNION: NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

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

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

There are other legal requirements.

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

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

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

sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

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

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

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

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

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINOUNLIMITED JURISDICTION 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415 San Bernardino Courthouse 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): A. Lysa Simon, SBN 94884 9846 White Oak Avenue, Suite 205 Northridge, CA 91325 DATE (Fecha): 3/02/2020 Clerk of Court (Secretario) by, Felix Garza Deputy (Adjunto) (SEAL) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 2021.

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AT PRIVATE SALE NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AT PRIVATE SALE IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO-JUSTICE CENTER IN re: ESTATE OF MARY ROBERTA BURDICK CASE No.:PROPS 1100294 NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AT PRIVATE SALE ( P R O B AT E CODE §§ 10300,10304) 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, subject to confirmation, on March 29, 2021, or thereafter within the time allowed by law, Roberta Burdick, Administrator of the Estate of Mary Roberta Burdick, will sell at private sale to the highest and best net bidder on the terms and conditions stated below all rights, title, and interest that the estate has acquired in addition to that of the decedent at the time of death, in the real property located in SAN BERNARDINO County, California.

2. This property is commonly referred to 1126 W. Berkeley Court, Ontario, California 91762 and is more fully described as follows: Lot 17 of Tract 4792 in the City of Ontario, as per plot recorded in Book 58 of Maps, Pages 4 and 5, Records of said County. APN# 1010-121-140000.

3. The property will be sold subject to current taxes, covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations, rights, rights of way, and easements of record, with any encumbrances of record to be satisfied from the purchase price.

4. The property is to be sold on an “as is” basis, except for title.

5. The Administrator has given an exclusive listing to Amber Keith of Keller Williams Realty, 1473 Ford Street, #200, Redlands, CA 92373.

Tel. No. (909) 213-7703.

6. Bids or offers are invited for this property and must be in writing and can be submitted to seller’s attorney, Noreen T. Fontaine, 400 Ramona Avenue, Suite 212-N, Corona, CA 92879 Tel. No. (951) 278-8290; Fax. (951) 268-9454; Email: noreen@ attyfontaine.com or deliver to Noreen T. Fontaine personally, at any time after first publication of this notice and before any sale is made.

7. The property will be sold on the following terms: Terms of sale cash in lawful money of the United States on confirmation of sale and acceptable to the court on confirmation of sale, e.g., 10 percent (10%) of the amount of the bid to accompany the offer by certified check, and the balance to be paid on confirmation of sale by the court.

8. Taxes, operating and maintenance expenses, and premiums on insurance acceptable to the purchaser shall be prorated as of the date of recording of conveyance, transfer taxes, and any title insurance policy shall be at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers.

9. The right is reserved to reject any bid.

10. For further information, contact Noreen T. Fontaine at 400 Ramona Avenue, Suite 212-N, Corona, CA 92879; Tel. No (951) 278-8290; Fax. No. (951) 268-9454.

Date: February 18, 2021 Noreen T. Fontaine Attorney for Roberta Burdick Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper February 25, Correction March 4, 11, 2021.

PETITION/PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: WILLIAM J. HEDGE CASE NO : PROPS 2100175

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

J. HEDGE

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by: CHRIS HEDGE in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that: CHRIS HEDGE 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: March 29, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m. Dept: S36 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0212 Family Law And 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: Sasha L. Collins 5425 Everglades Street Ventura, CA 93003 (805)644-7188 Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper March 4, 11, 18, 2021.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CIVSB 2102373 TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: SERGIO DANIEL MONTEJANO ORTIZ filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: a. SERGIO DANIEL MONTEJANO ORTIZ to Proposed name: DANIEL LEVI MONTEJANO THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: April 01, 2021 Time a.m. Dept.: The address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO San Bernardino District-Civil Division 247 West Third Street San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210 A Copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: The San Bernardino American Newspaper P.O. Box 837 Victorville, CA 92393 Date: February 18, 2021 Lynn M. Poncin Judge Of The Superior Court Published in the San Bernardino American Newspaper March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021.

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD GOES HERE CALL TODAY FOR A QUOTE (909) 889-7677

Research funding to support new faculty in California 2021 New Faculty Awards announced California Sea Grant is pleased to announce seven new research projects, a total of $346,000, supporting early-career faculty members at universities throughout the state.

The one-year projects focus on two key areas of California Sea Grant’s strategic plan: sustainable fisheries & aquaculture, and coastal resilience.

California Sea Grant has a long-established funding program for new faculty, with calls normally released every other year. Like all of the program’s competitive research funding, the grant proposals are vetted by a technical review panel for scientific merit, and representatives from state agencies who advise Sea Grant on research that is needed to inform resource management and policy decisions.

Direct Relief Establishes "Fund for Health Equity" with Initial $75 Million Founding Partner AbbVie Foundation and Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott provide Anchoring Investments SANTA BARBARA, Calif., March 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -Direct Relief today announced the formation of its Fund for Health Equity with $75 million raised against a goal of $150 million. The Fund will be steered by an Advisory Council with deep connections and experience in communities in which the effects of historic racism and socioeconomic disparities persist. The members are: Co-Chair Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, 18th U.S. Surgeon General of the United States, Founder BayouClinic, Inc. Co-Chair Byron Scott, MD, MBA, Board Director of Direct Relief and Chair of its Medical Advisory Council Martha Dawson, DNP, MSN, RN, FACHE, President and CEO President of the National Black Nurses Association, Associate Professor the University of Alabama at Birmingham Jane Delgado, PhD, MS, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health Gail Small, JD, Head Chief Woman, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe A key aim of the Fund over the initial five-year period is to provide financial support to community health centers and free & charitable clinics, as well as other community-based organizations and educational institutions that focus on non-clinical matters and circumstances that strongly affect a person's health – physical environment and social, political, cultural, and economic factors – commonly known as the social determinants of health. The Fund will invite applications at a later date.

Initial anchoring support for the Fund has been provided by long-term partner AbbVie, which announced in December its contribution as part as part of its larger social investment, and by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This month the NBA also announced its support as part of NBA All-Star 2021, and the Fund welcomes others to join the efforts.

Direct Relief provides extensive, ongoing charitable support to over 2,000 such organizations across the U.S. with donations of essential medications for patients without insurance or means to pay, and also during emergencies.

This experience has highlighted the lack of complementary philanthropic financial support in amounts and with flexibility that would enable groups with proven effectiveness and the earned trust of communities to build upon successful programs or try promising new ones – opportunities that the Fund will seek to fulfill.

"Direct Relief is profoundly grateful for the extraordinarily generous financial resources already provided to the Fund for Health Equity and for the guidance offered by distinguished members of the Advisory Council who have devoted their lives to promoting health equity," said Direct Relief's CEO Thomas Tighe. "This effort will in no way detract from the immediate, necessary work that remains to be done as the Covid pandemic rages, but it will help shape for the better what exists when we emerge from the pandemic by providing support to those who know best what can make a difference."

NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS 2021-08 1. Purpose of the Procurement and Period of Performance Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) is seeking a qualified construction firms for the work to install ChargePoint Bus Chargers at its Hesperia and Barstow yards. The final charging stations must comply with Manufacturer Specs and Southern California Edison’s electrification project. The period of performance is not to exceed 45 days.

2. Obtaining the Request for Proposal (RFP) Document RFP documents may be obtained from VVTA, in person at 17150 Smoke Tree Street, Hesperia, CA 92345-8305, electronically at www.vvta.org/Procurement or via www.publicpurchase.com.

Documents are also available via email request to cplasting@ vvta.org. Proposals requested by courier or via USPS mail shall be packaged and sent only at the Proposer’s expense.

3. Proposal Due Date and Submittal Requirements Sealed proposals must be received by Thursday March 25, 2021 at 3:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).

3.1. Sealed proposal packages shall be delivered to the following address: Victor Valley Transit Authority Attn: Christine Plasting, Procurement Manager 17150 Smoke Tree Street Hesperia, CA 92345-8305 (760) 995-3583 3.2. Envelopes or boxes containing Proposals shall be sealed and clearly labeled with VVTA’s RFP number and the solicitation title: “VVTA RFP 2021-08 CHARGEPOINT BUS CHARGER INSTALLATION.” 3.3. Proposers are requested to submit to VVTA one (1) hard copy of the proposal and one (1) electronic copy via DVD/ CD, thumb/flash drive, OR via www.publicpurchase.com. A proposal is deemed to be late if it is received by VVTA after the deadline stated above. Proposals received after the submission deadline shall be returned, unopened to the Proposer. It is the Proposer’s sole responsibility to ensure that the proposals are received by the date and time stated above.

4. Bonds The awarded contractor may be required to provide a Performance Bond and Payment Bond after the notice of intent to award. A Bid Bond is not required for this solicitation.

5. Prevailing Wage Minimum wage rates for this project have been predetermined by the Secretary of Labor. If there is a difference between the minimum wage rates predetermined by the Secretary of Labor and the prevailing wage rates as determined by the State for similar classifications of labor, the Contractor and his/her subcontractors shall pay not less than the higher wage rate. In accordance with provisions of Section 1773.2 (amended 1977) of the California Labor Code copies of the prevailing rate of per diem wages as determined by the State Director of Industrial Relations and are available at the California Department of Industrial Relations' Internet web site at http://www.dir.ca.gov/ oprl/DPreWageDetermination.htm. Future effective general prevailing wage rates, which have been predetermined and are on file with the California Department of Industrial Relations are referenced but not printed. Copies of the prevailing wage rates are on file with VVTA and available upon request.

6. Vendor Registration with the California Department of Industrial Relations California SB 854 Compliance -VVTA will not accept a proposal from or enter the Contract with a Proposer, without proof that the Proposer and its Subcontractors are registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to perform public work under Labor Code Section 1725.5, subject to limited legal exceptions. The Proposer shall enter DIR Registration Number on the proposal.

7. Validity of Proposals. Proposals and subsequent offers shall be valid for a period of ninety (90) days. An award may be made without further discussion. VVTA reserves the right to withdraw or cancel this RFP at any time without prior notice and VVTA makes no representation that any contract will be awarded to a Proposer responding to this RFP. 8. Pre-Proposal Meeting There will a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting on Monday, March 1, 2021, at 9:00 AM (PST) located at 17150 Smoke Tree Street Room A104, Hesperia, CA 92345. The deadline for question is at 5:00 PM (PST), Friday, March 12, 2021.

Prospective Proposers are requested to submit questions, in writing, to the Procurement Manager at cplasting@vvta. org. Responses shall be shared with all known prospective Proposers by written addenda only.

The successful Proposer will be required to comply with all applicable Equal Opportunity Laws and Regulations.

Published in The San Bernardino American Newspaper March 4, 2021.

Publish Your FBN Statement with The San Bernardino American News For ONLY $45 go to sb-american.com to upload.

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March 04, 2021

Page 6 WORLD/ENTERTAINMENT NEWS EDITORIAL

The Solution to Trump, White Privilege and The Republican Party

By Dr. John E. Warren

We know from the appearance of former President Trump at the conservative Republican gathering in Florida over the weekend that their agenda against America continues.

We see over 28 states with Republican controlled legislatures have introduced more than 100 bills aimed at voter suppression. These include restricting the number of Voting sites, limiting the hours of voting from 9 till 59pm Monday through Fridays with no weekend voting; There is also legislation to limit the number of drop boxes for return of mail in ballots and the requirement of state issued voting I.D. cards.

But the solution to this assault on democracy has already been demonstrated in both the state of Georgia with its massive voter turnout that produced two U.S. Senators to change the balance of power in the U.S. Senate and thereby empowering our Vice President, Kamala Harris to be the tie breaking vote as the President of the U.S. Senate.

We have also seen the State of

Virginia pass a state version of the Voting Rights Act amendments that were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013.

African Americans, Africans who have become naturalized citizens with the right to vote, Latinos, Asians who are now under massive hate crime attacks, Native Americans and any other people of color who now make up the growing majority of Americans, must become politically active. We must follow the Stacey Abrams approach of voter outreach, education and turnout that Georgia used to elect two U.S. Senators.

We must do this in every state starting now with a look at who will run for Congress and the U.S. Senate in 2022. We must change the approach of civic now being taught in our schools starting with an understanding of the political process at the very local level.

We must come to understand that every vote counts and that we can not wait until there are more homicides and abuse of political power from racist law enforcement personnel and White Supremacist who think that democracy means only them and their iinterest.

The Republican Party has demonstrated its lack of concern for human life other than their own throughout this pandemic.

Now that a 1.9 Trillion Covid Relief Bill is before the Senate, a Bill that can mean the difference between life and death for continued in next 2 columns

The Solution to Trump, White Privilege and The Republican Party...continued

In Four Large Cities, California Homicides Increase...continued from page 3

millions of Americans, we see a solid and lockstep Republican block in the Senate determined to vote against the bill and further continue the suffering of All people in this country regardless of their color. This is the Party opposed to Food Stamps to feed starving families, but yet believes in subsidies and tax benefits to corporations and big business with those same dollars that could be used to save lives. We must remember that the Republican Party is the Party of White Privilege, even though some mis-guided Blacks belong to it.

We must learn the track

3% to gang violence. Another 34 % were attributed to other factors.

In Chula Vista, a city10 miles south of San Diego, there were 10 homicides in 2020. That number represents more than a 300 % increase over the city’s average of three homicides a year.

San Francisco has neither experienced an uptick nor a decrease in homicides in 2021.

The three murders committed in the city so far this year happened in January -- the exact number that occurred in January of 2020, according to the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD).

The first of the San Francisco homicides in 2020 was a Black woman, Emma Hunt, a 32-year-old a mother of two.

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely one culprit helping to trigger the increase in homicides in the state over the last 24 months. Stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic fallout and the national racial reckoning centered around protests that erupted after the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are considered factors as well, crime experts say.

“This year, we’re really seeing something really unprecedented,” said Jeff Asher, a co-founder of AH Datalytics, a national data analysis firm, during a television interview with NBC 7 in San Diego.

Asher, who studies national crime numbers every year, stated that 57 police departments across

records of those who say they will represent us just as the FBI is learning the identity of those 57 white local elected officials that participated in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. We must start a collective movement because the Republican Party, its members, the White Supremist and those who use the term “Make American Great Again (MAGA)” to disguise their racist, don;t think we are capable of long range planning. We too must both plan now and act now as if the 2022 elections were tomorrow.

Let’s beat them at their own game.

SBVC Launches Online Welcome Center to Expand Virtual Student Services SBVC News

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.

- The Welcome Center, which has long provided assistance to current and prospective students on all things San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), has taken its services to the virtual world.

The updated Welcome Center webpage now gives students the option to join a Zoom call and remotely participate in its Information Table. Existing students can also ask their general questions by

scheduling an appointment with a Welcome Center ambassador.

Student Success and Support Program (SSSP) Coordinator Joseph Nguyen, who helped spearhead the center's website redesign, says he is excited to make their services more accessible to incoming students, or those who just need a little bit more guidance when it comes to becoming a Wolverine.

For more information, visit valleycollege.edu/welcome.

the country saw homicides climb 36.7% last year over 2019 figures.

“This really is a national t r e n d ,” Asher s a i d .”

With the largest population in the country, California recorded the largest number of homicides in 2019: 1,690 for the year, according to Statista. com, a national market research and consumer data company.

In 2019, of the California homicides where the victim’s race or ethnicity was identified, 44.2 % of victims were Hispanic, 28.6 %were Black, 19.8 % were white, and 7.4% were from other race or ethnic groups, according to the California Attorney General’s 2019 annual report.

Additionally, firearms continue to be the most “common weapon” used in homicides, the report found.

On Feb. 19, the SPD’s SWAT team and Sacramento District Attorney’s Office Investigators announced the arrest of two individuals charged with two counts of possession of assault weapons with extended magazines and handguns.

“By taking these guns off the streets, our officers have made our city safer for the community and our officers,” said Daniel Hahn, California Capital city’s first African American police chief. “These investigations are important, as they not only address violence occurring in our community, but also can lead to other serious crimes.”

World-Renowned Ophthalmologist Dr. Patricia Bath Could Be First Black Woman Inducted Into The National Inventors Hall Of Fame

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Dr. Bath was the first Black female doctor to receive a medical patent World/Entertainment News

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Desert Community Bank is in your neighborhood, so we understand your unique needs when it comes to financing a home: Nationwide -- Dr. Patricia Era Bath lived a life without limits.

She was the first Black American to complete an ophthalmology residency at New York University (1973), the first Black American Woman appointed to UCLA Medical Center's surgical staff (1975), and the first woman to lead a post-graduate training program in Ophthalmology.

And she was just getting started.

In 1986, she invented the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment, one of the most important surgical tools in the history of ophthalmology, where she used the Excimer Laser to develop a device and method for minimally invasive cataract surgery. In 1988, Dr. Bath became the first Black woman to receive a medical patent [U.S. Patent No. 4,744,360].

Her illustrious career included being awarded five U.S. patents.

Her method has helped eye surgeons restore or improve vision for millions of patients worldwide.

Of the twenty million cataract surgeries performed worldwide annually, Dr. Bath's Laserphaco

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technique is used in one million of them. Her Laserphaco methodology has been used in Western Europe, Japan, China, India, and Latin America since 2000. Today, the Laserphaco method is semi-automated by computers, software, and robotics. It now uses a faster femtosecond laser and was finally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2011.

Dr. Bath (1942-2019) was a trailblazing physician who has been nominated 11 times to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, an entity that recognizes the enduring legacies of exceptional U.S. patent holders. If admitted, she would be the only Black woman out of 603 inventors. In honor of Black History Month, the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) encourages the public to nominate an African-American inventor for consideration in their Class of Inductees. Click here to nominate Dr. Patricia Bath.

“My mother's invention is as significant to the laser cataract surgery industry

as Bell's telephone is to the telecommunications industry and Edison's light bulb is to the electric lighting industry,” Dr. Eraka Bath stated. “Being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame would be an amazing honor.”

She was the first to document that Blacks suffered blindness disproportionately to other racial groups, and in 1976 she cofounded the American Institute for Prevention of Blindness to address vision inequities. As an outspoken champion of underserved populations affected by inadequate healthcare access, she coined the concept of "community ophthalmology" to address preventable blindness through education, public health outreach, and local medical services.

For more information about Dr. Patricia Bath, please visit DrPatriciaBath.com or follow her official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For press inquiries, contact Nepherterra Estrada Best at 414-704-9932 or neph@ p r id e c om mu n ic at ion s.ne t

March 04, 2021

Page 7 NATIONAL/HEALTH NEWS/ADVERTISING

California Launches “COVID-19 Community Champions”

Campaign Honors African American Heroes in Local Communities

Barbershop 2.0: The App That’s Putting Black Health in the Palm of Our Hands Charlene Muhammad | California Black Media

National/Health News SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The state of California in partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation has launched a “COVID-19 Community Champions” campaign to recognize COVID-19 warriors who have made significant contributions in their communities.

Honorees of the campaign include medical community leaders, Dr. Elaine Batchlor, CEO, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital (Los Angeles); Dr. David M. Carlisle, President, Charles R. Drew University (Los Angeles); Dr. Rodney Hood, Founder of the San Diego County COVID-19 Equity Task Force; Dr. Adrian James, Chief Medical Officer for West Oakland Health Council; and Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett who was part of the National Institute of Health team that worked with Moderna, the pharmaceutical company that developed one of the two mRNA vaccines that have been proven to be up to 95 percent effective.

The COVID-19 Community Champions campaign is in par tnership with several California radio stations, including KJLH-FM and KDAYFM (Los Angeles), KBLX-FM, KDYA-AM and KMEL-FM (Bay Area), KSSX-FM (San Diego), KHYL-FM and KDEE-FM (Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto) and KKBB-FM (Bakersfield). The stations will celebrate honorees’ in 30 second pre-recorded radio spots with amplification in print advertorials and social media

throughout February. Information on COVID-19 vaccine will also be included in the campaign.

“COVID-19 champions are our neighbors, friends and our loved ones whose actions – big or small -- make an outsized impact in our lives,” said Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California Surgeon General. “This is an opportunity to recognize these Californians’ perseverance and resilience, while paying tribute to their valuable contributions in helping our community endure during the pandemic.”

The campaign will also recognize everyday COVID-19 champions in communities throughout the state. To join the campaign, Californians are encouraged to tune in to their local radio station for more information and to post a picture of their favorite local champion via Facebook or Instagram using #COVIDCommunityChampions.

State and local leaders hope the #COVIDCommunityChampions campaign will help encourage the community to stay optimistic and inspired to continue practicing safe behaviors like wearing a mask, washing hands, maintaining physical distance and making a game plan to get vaccinated.

Califor nians can visit VaccinateALL58.com or call (833) 422-4255 for information on the COVID-19 vaccine and can sign up at MyTurn.ca.gov to be notified when they are eligible to make an appointment for vaccination.

Dr. Bill J. Releford, a Los Angeles County-based physician and founder of the Releford Foot and Ankle Institute in Inglewood, is putting Black health care in their own hands.

Last week, he launched a high-tech digital tool that he hopes will save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic -- and beyond. He also hopes it will turn around the troubling disparities that exist when it comes to the health of Black Americans.

The “Barbershop 2.0,” Releford’s new app, allows users to access Black physicians from anywhere in the world.

Dr. Releford says he is building on another project he launched in 2009, the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program.

With that initiative, he worked to screen 500,000 Black men for diabetes and high blood pressure in over 100 barbershops.

Releford says during the development process, he has had to keep some of the features of his software program under wraps before it officially launched last week. In a one-on-one conversation with California Black Media contributor Charlene Muhammad, Releford talked about the benefits of the app -not just for Black men, but for their families and communities, too.

CBM: Congratulations on your creation, Dr. Releford. It appears uniquely positioned to have an immediate effect on Black men's health. Barbershop 2.0. Tell us what's it all about?

BR: With my first health initiative for Black men, we were going to Black-owned barber shops across the country, screening men for diabetes and high blood pressure, with nurses and volunteers. Now, we have Covid-19. It has been bittersweet.

We know the bitter part very well, but some of the things that have come out of it have been beneficial.

The sweet part would be the fact that it's forced people to leverage a lot of technology that has always been there but has never been optimized. Number two, we are launching the Black Barbershop Physician Network, where you can see a Black physician, on your phone in the comfort of your home.

Health disparities have a number of driving factors. One of the most prominent driving factors, other than the racism, of course, is that studies have shown that African Americans prefer to get care from Black doctors, and studies also have confirmed that outcomes are better when patients are treated by Black physicians, particularly Black men. Study results that that were particularly

granular in their data showed that White doctors tend to make less eye contact with Black patients as compared to their White patients.

White doctors also touch their Black patients less than their White ones. One thing that I have been hearing over the decades in practice, is a Black patient will come to me and say, 'Wow! We're so glad to see you, because they act like they didn't want to touch me at such-and-such office. I hear it all the time, not knowing that there was some scientific confirmation of the things that people were just saying to me organically.

How does the app work?

You'll be able to see a Black physician on your phone, in the comfort of your home, using telemedicine. We also have a remote vitals component, where I can check your respiration, your heart rate, and your oxygen saturation from your phone, just by downloading the app. We can check your vitals anywhere, around the world -- whoever downloads this.

Is this just for Black men?

It's not just for Black men, but the focus, our main brand has been, of course, dealing with health disparities, focusing on African American men. It's available to anyone who wants to use the application, but a lot of our messaging is related to African American men.

When is your launch?

The app was fully operable on December 19, however, I needed to give my myself a little time to get

the kinks out. It launched last week on all major digital app stores.

The urgency is now. It's a health risk just being Black in America. We do live in the most technologically advanced country in the world. However, African Americans usually are not beneficiaries of that technology until maybe it's antiquated or never at all. So, we know the bittersweet part, but the sweet part of this is I'm hoping we can start having some genuine conversations about our health.

How did you come up with this idea, and what was the draw for Black physicians?

Number one, they're passionate about our people, and this is a program where money is not the driving force. Love has to be the driving force first. People first, then money, then things.

I discourage people to join our network if their first question is, “well how do I get paid?”

That's not going to be for them.

Although there's money to be made, I don't want that to be your primary objective. Before you ask for money, tell me how you can serve, first. How can you add value, first. Or add value, then ask.

So, there is a spiritual component so to speak?

It's got to be! It's got to be.

So, this is a program that's not for everybody. An old man told me, "Men count numbers, but God makes numbers count."

I'm passionate about this. Not just me, but for me to serve.

March 04, 2021

Page 8 COUNTY/LOCAL NEWS/ADVERTISING

I GOT MINE. DID YOU GET YOURS?

A federal rule will reverse strides in cancer treatment By Richard M. Ingram " You' ve got c a n c e r."

That's one of the scariest sentences in the English language.

But it's less frightening than it used to be. Cancer death rates plummeted 29 percent between 1991 and 2017, according to the American Cancer Society.

Survival rates have soared.

Almost 99 percent of prostate cancer patients are still alive five years after diagnosis -- up from 68 percent in the 1970s.

We can thank cutting-edge drugs for these gains. My fellow oncologists now prescribe breakthrough medicines rather than relying on old-school chemotherapies that kill healthy cells alongside tumorous ones.

Unfortunately, the government is about to make our jobs harder -- and cut off access to cancer drugs for millions. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently finalized a "mostfavored-nation" rule, which was set to take effect on January 1.

The rule's goal is to lower drug prices for Medicare patients.

But the rule is sure to backfire, with tragic consequences.

The most-favored-nation rule imposes a cap on how much Medicare will pay for 50 drugs, including many cancer treatments. The limit is pegged to the amount government health systems in other developed countries pay for those drugs.

CMS hopes this tactic will force drug makers to lower prices.

That's a risky gamble. The rule notes that "some manufacturers will adhere to their current pricing instead of lowering sales prices." The rule goes on to say "this behavior may persist," and "would result in unmet demand."

Patients who need specific cancer medications won't get them. CMS assumes by 2023, 19 percent of Medicare recipients who would otherwise have received top-of-the-line therapies will not have access to them.

The rule will also jeopardize patients' access to treatment by shuttering local oncology clinics. There are more than 2,100 community cancer centers around the United States, treating 65 percent of the nation's cancer continued in next 2 columns

A federal rule will reverse strides in cancer treatment ...continued patients. These centers provide top-notch doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and financial counselors. Undergoing cancer treatment is an exhausting endeavor. These professionals make a life-or-death difference.

At my clinic, Shenandoah Oncology, we figuratively -- and often literally -- wrap our arms around patients. Our licensed clinical social workers provide emotional support to patients and families. Our pharmacists and nurse navigators guide patients through the ups and downs of treatment regimens. And our financial counselors sign patients up for assistance programs.

Drugs shrink tumors, but a fullspectrum support network enables patients to truly beat cancer.

Currently, clinics like mine buy drugs up front, administer medications, and then bill Medicare. The program reimburses us for the cost of the drugs plus a small fee to cover services provided by essential workers.

When the rule kicks in, the

dollar amount of reimbursements to clinics will drop. Clinics will have to decide if they can afford to offer certain drugs. Worse, they'll have to lay off staff and cut services, if not close altogether.

Many clinics will go out of business, leaving patients with no good options. Especially in rural areas, patients might have to drive hours to find a safety-net hospital.

Those hospitals rarely provide the same resources and support.

If not reversed, the mostfavored-nation rule will lead to lower quality life and earlier death for thousands. We have made enormous progress in combating cancer. Let's not set it back.

Dr. Richard M. Ingram is a practicing medical oncologist and president of Shenandoah Oncology, in Winchester, Virginia. He is also president of the Virginia Association of Hematology Oncology, and volunteer on the board of directors of the Community Oncology Alliance. This piece originally ran in the Virginian-Pilot.

Nursing Homes See 82 Percent Decline In COVID Cases Indicating The Vaccines Are Working Lowest Amount Of New COVID Cases Since CMS Started Tracking In May 2020 County/Local /News WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center

for Assisted Living (AHCA/ NCAL), representing more continued in next 2 columns

Nursing Homes See 82 Percent Decline In COVID Cases Indicating The Vaccines Are Working... continued than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released a report today showing nursing homes in the U.S. have seen the lowest number of new COVID cases since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) started tracking back in May 2020, suggesting that the vaccines are working.

Recent CMS data shows that nursing homes have seen an 82 percent decline in new COVID cases among residents since the peak during the week of December 20 of last year when there were more than 30,000 new resident cases. In the same period of time, community cases in the general population dropped by 46 percent, showcasing that vaccines are having an impact in protecting the elderly population in nursing homes.

“We still have a long road ahead, but these numbers are incredibly encouraging and a major morale booster for frontline caregivers who have been working tirelessly every day for a year to protect our residents,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “This new data showcases just how important it is for nursing homes residents and staff, as well as the general public, to get the vaccine because it is clearly working.”

The report also shows cases have dropped to the lowest level since CMS started tracking weekly COVID cases

in nursing homes last May. Along with the lowest number of new COVID cases, new data also shows COVID related deaths in nursing homes declined by 63 percent since December 20, 2020.

“Though this report brings hope, we cannot let our guard down. We must continue to encourage folks to get vaccinated, especially caregivers and staff,” added Parkinson. “Public health officials must also continue to ensure that long term care residents and staff remain the highest priority for accessing the vaccine, as the on-site clinics with CVS, Walgreens and other pharmacy partners are coming to a close.

“Most importantly, we call on the Administration to review its current guidance to nursing homes on restricting visitors and group activities,” concluded Parkinson.

“With millions of residents and caregivers now fully protected thanks to the vaccines, residents must be able to safely reengage in meaningful activities and be reunited with their loved ones.”

In December, AHCA/NCAL launched #GetVaccinated, a nationwide campaign that aimed at encouraging all long term care residents, families and staff members to consent to the vaccine as well as provide credible information to help inform their decision. Last week, AHCA/NCAL also announced the nationwide goal of getting 75 percent of all long term staff vaccinated by June 30, 2020.