Vol. 65 No 11 Thursday, March 13, 2025

THE HONORABLE LEON WILLIAMS Remembering

BLACK WOMEN ARE BEING EXCLUDED YET AGAIN

CBC DECLARES WAR ON TRUMP, MUSK, AND PROJECT 2025

‘We’re Not Running from Our Own House’

By Stacy Brown

In what might be an unprecedented show of force, a powerful contingent of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) met with African American journalists inside the Democratic Whip’s Conference Room at the U.S. Capitol, laying out their battle plan against Donald Trump, Elon Musk and the farright’s dystopian blueprint known as Project 2025. CBC Chair Yvette Clarke, First Vice Chair Troy Carter, Whip Sydney Kamlager-Dove, former Chair Steven Horsford, Reps. Jahana Hayes, Summer Lee, and the ever-outspoken Jasmine Crockett made it clear—while

they lack the votes to halt Trump’s cruel and life-threatening policies, they are on the offensive with one goal in mind: retaking the House next year to neutralize his agenda.

See CBC page 2

CALIFORNIA VS. TRUMP: ATTORNEY GEN. BONTA LAYS OUT

During an online conference on Feb. 26, California Attorney General Rob Bonta detailed how the Trump Administration had used its first five and a half weeks to execute an agenda that runs counter in various ways to California state policies and priorities.

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has issued scores of executive actions that make good on many of his campaign promises. Bonta said the impact of Trump’s exercise of his powers is creeping up on the doorsteps of California’s diverse residents.

“People are scared, worried, anxious, and uncertain about what’s happening in the federal government. And will it impact their lives and loved ones,” Bonta said. “Sadly, I think it’s pretty clear that that’s part of

the president’s strategy: To flood the zone, overwhelm us with a barrage of damaging, dangerous, and illegal executive orders and actions that impede on the law and values that make America strong.”

See RESISTANCE page 7

2023 report done by The

Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI), focused on how Black Women experience California — interviewing 1,252 Black Women throughout the state. The report found that 8 in 10 Black women report being discriminated against or mistreated due to their race or gender in the workplace, 4 of whom said racism and discrimination have limited their income and earnings.

See WOMEN page 2

CITY COUNCIL ADDRESSES “UNINTENDED” IMPACTS CAUSED BY ADU BONUS PROGRAM

Council votes 6-3 to partially pull back developments in incompatible residential zones around the city

After a long and heated council meeting last Tuesday, San Diego City Council voted 6-3 to revise the city’s Bonus ADU Program by restricting its application in neighborhoods deemed incompatible, such as single-family zoning.

Hours of public comment revealed the community’s mixed reactions on how the city has used the program as a tool to address the regional affordable housing shortage.

While the program helps increase housing supply for low to medium income renters, it has also drawn strong opposition from residents in areas experiencing the greatest increase in housing developments, such as College Area, Clairemont, North Park, and Southeastern.

“Our community has been marginalized for decades and developers are salivating at the chance to reap their profits at our expense. To allow hundreds of ADU’s to be dumped into our neighborhood is disrespectful and demoralizing,” said Encanto resident John Alexander.

See ADU page 2

By Tihut Tamrat VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF

L to R: Rob Bonta, California Attorney General and David Trujillo, ACLU California. PHOTO: CBM

PHOTO: Freepik

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

WILLIAMS

He was a statesman when we needed one most. He was a peacemaker in times of conflict, both racial and personal. He was a neighbor to so many who lived in communities beyond the one he resided in since 1947. At the time he purchased his home, Golden Hill had White Only restrictions in terms of home ownership. He was certainly the “trailblazer” so many called him as the first Black man to hold a number of elected positions in the City and County of San Diego. He

CABWCEI examined those disparities deeper and upon more questioning found that the mean wage of all California residents vs. all California women by race, Black women’s wages fare lower than the average California resident in their earnings.

“Black women were paid $54,000 in earnings and Black single moms were paid $50,000 compared to the nearly $90,000 white men earned,” said Dr. Sharon Uche, Researcher and Data analyst of CABWCEI.

The California Black Women’s Workplace Experiences Survey conducted from December 6-16, 2024 collected insights from 452 employed Black women across California. The report shows that nearly 3 in 5 Black women (57%) have experienced racism and/or discrimination at their workplace in the last year. Higher than the racism they face while shopping (54%) and when eating at a restaurant (41%). Most report that these experiences have been damaging to their physical and mental health.

“Nearly half of Black women in California (49%) feel underappreciated, marginalized, excluded from, or passed over for work opportunities. Few feel fully confident that leadership and opportunities are available to them. In fact, only

As Trump prepared to address a joint session of Congress, most CBC members had vowed they would attend—not to validate him, but to “look him in the eye” as he and Musk continue to ravage the country. “Many of us are expecting lies to be told,” Kamlager-Dove stated. “We’ll be curious to see all of the gaslighting that has happened on the other side too. We want to facilitate ways in which we can work with [The Black Press].” Rep. Marilyn Strickland was blunt about why she won’t be bullied out of attending. “I’m going to this address because this is the People’s House, and people elected me to represent them. He’s not running me out of my own House,” she

won the citywide election to represent the Fourth City Council in 1969. He went on to get elected to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors where he served from 1982 until 1994.

He chaired the Metropolitan Transit System from 1993 until he retired in 2006. He played a major role in the creation of The Southeastern Economic Development Corporation and the Centre City Development Corporation, two key redevelopment agencies in the city’s history. He was responsible for the creation of Emergency Call Boxes along our highways before the development of cell phones which everyone carries

(16%) strongly agree that opportunities for leadership and/or advancement in their workplace are available to them,” says Dr. Shakari Byerly, Managing Partner of EVITARUS, a public opinion research and strategic consulting firm.

“A solid majority of Black women (64% or more) are able to find at least some level of support in the workplace from their supervisor and/or colleagues,” she adds.

59% of Black women report being at least “somewhat” satisfied in their current job — however a notable proportion (38%) say they are “unsatisfied.” California Black women identify compensation/benefit levels, supervisors/company leadership, and the work environment/work culture as key drivers of workplace dissatisfaction.

When thinking about their ideal job and workplace, (92%) of Black women ranked salary or wage rate as very important. (87%) of Black women ranked benefits and the ability to maintain work/life balance as very important. (85%) ranked job security as very important and (76%) ranked work environment/ workplace culture as very important, which all show the highly important priorities for Black women in the workplace.

“Really, the backdrop of the labor and challenges that Black women face situate against their aspirations. Black women in California, according to the study, identify salary, benefits, work life bal-

declared. Maryland Rep. Glen Ivey refused to sugarcoat Trump’s economic disaster. “The things he’s done are terrible. The tariffs he put in place are terrible. They’re taking money out of people’s pockets,” Ivey stated, highlighting how federal employees in his district are being sacrificed for what he called a “big grift” benefiting the billionaire class, including Musk. “Trump is pulling money together for a multi-trillion-dollar tax cut for people like Musk,” he said. Horsford didn’t hold back, slamming Trump’s budget-slashing schemes. “That [stuff] is real. We understand. The tax cuts—his ultimate goal—so he can screw America, and Black America is at the top of his list,” he warned.

Many members argued that their presence at Trump’s address was itself an act of resistance.

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot, commonly known as a granny flat. Under the Bonus ADU program, for each ADU an owner builds and marks as affordable they earn the right to construct an additional ADU. In areas near transit, this process can be repeated, giving no limit to the amount of units that can be built, so long as it fits on the lot and does not exceed the city's height restrictions.

In single-family zoned neighborhoods like Encanto, the larger lot sizes have made the area vulnerable to developers looking to build the maximum amount of units that space will allow, resulting in ADU complexes. Recently, Encanto residents have come across permits for up to 18 projects in their neighborhood, including one with up to 43 units on a single lot.

“These projects are not your average 2-4 bonus ADUs, they are mostly 8+ unit projects per single family lot,” said Neighbors for Encanto in a statement on their website.

District 4 Councilmember Henry Foster brought forward the motion to remove the program citing the impact caused by outlier projects like the ones presented in Encanto.

In his staff presentation, he also raised concerns about fire safety and evacuation risks, insufficient parking, and the lack of fees to cover the community impact of these projects.

However, not all were in favor of a complete erasure of the program, especially in the midst of a homeless and housing crisis.

One speaker, San Diego resident CJ Cashman, pointed out how the affordability of renting an

today. He played a major part in the county’s creation of the Office of Public Defender as an alternative to outsourcing criminal defense representation to those who couldn’t afford private attorneys. He started the local Hate Crimes Registry and founded the county’s first Human Relations Commission, which today is named after him. He brought the Trolley to San Diego State University, which today is named after him.

Born in Oklahoma, where he experienced the Dust Bowl so many of us only know from the “Grapes of Wrath”, Mr. Williams’ family moved to Bakersfield, California before relocating to

ance and job security as a highly important feature of quality opportunities,” clarifies Dr. Byerly.

“This may not be surprising,” she says. “These findings may be similar for other populations. But it stands in stark contrast to the ceiling that Black women report facing in their jobs.”

In a question asked in the survey, “What aspects of your job contribute most to your dissatisfaction? Please select the top three factors”, (38%) reported their dissatisfaction in their current job. The top three factors ranked as top reasons for their dissatisfaction were salary level, wages, and/or benefits (49%); company/organizational leadership/ supervisors (47%); and work environment/work culture (47%).

Furthermore, nearly 1/3 of Black women in California have had a member of management make a negative comment about them in the workplace, (32%) reporting it came from a supervisor, (81%) saying the comments were unjustified. Race/ethnicity played a key factor in those comments (64%) reporting it factored “a lot” into these matters.

Microaggressions, defined as indirect, subtle, or thinly veiled, everyday instances of racism or marginalization that may or may not be intentional on the surface, are heavily prevalent in the workplace. More than 2 in 3 Black women have experienced or witnessed microaggressions in the workplace.

“If we don’t show up, they will have people filling those seats and a room full of sycophants cheering for his ass as he continues to gaslight us,” Kamlager-Dove said. “So one oppositional thing to do is to show up and make him look us in the face and lie to our constituents. He’s done nothing about the $15 eggs or a damn thing to keep the planes in the air. An act of resistance is showing up and telling him to his face that he is lying—just like an act of resistance is not showing up and telling him F— you.” Then came Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the CBC’s fiercest fighter, ready to take the war to Trump and the farright machine. She zeroed in on the Black Press and digital media as crucial allies in breaking through the noise. “The [Black Press] is part of that strategy. To make sure you have a message from us to get out,” Crockett said. “Everyone

ADU has been critical in helping San Diegans stay in the region and raise their family.

“My sister is a school teacher and is a single mom living paycheck to paycheck,” he said. Unable to afford rent for a home in her district, “she recently moved into an eight-unit ADU complex that is newly built. Her kids are now able to play in the neighborhood with kids, they ride their bikes, they have friends. She has the American Dream experience for her kids, which she wouldn’t have been able to have if these ADU’s weren’t built.”

As of December 2024, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in San Diego is $2,900, a 53% higher rate than the national average.

Under state law, cities are required to develop a program that incentivizes and promotes the creation of ADU homes offered at an affordable rate. In addition, state law also requires that up to 3 ADU homes be permitted in single family zones and 8 in multifamily zones.

The bonus program exceeds state law requirements and was deemed as a revolutionary tool to address the city's housing crisis. San Diego is the only city in the state to have such a program. In 2023, over 239 ADU’s were built, with less than half of those marked as affordable, according to a memorandum by the citys planning director, Heidi Vonblum.

District 7 Councilmember Raul Campillo voted no on the motion out of caution for not violating state housing laws.

San Diego in 1941 to serve in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He lived and worked through discrimination and segregation in housing, restaurants, hotels, and a refusal to sell him car insurance. Yet he remained the kind of person always willing to get people to the table for solving problems and working things out. He gave over five decades of service to the City and County of San Diego, all of whom have suffered a great loss in his passing.

Services will be held Friday, March 28, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by Cypress View Mortuary.

When prompted, “Have you ever personally experienced or witnessed microaggressions within your workplace?,” (42%) have personally experienced a microaggression within their workplace, (10%) witnessed microaggressions aimed at others, and (15%) both personally experienced and witnessed microaggressions aimed at others within their workplace.

“This data highlights that we haven’t made much progress in moving the needle”, says Glenda Gill, President and CEO of Save a Girl, Save a World.

“I believe we have to invest in policy change and practice transformation for the next generation. Because if we don’t they [Black women] don’t want to be involved. We hear from many of them talking about how they want to be entrepreneurs and create their own environments. If we don’t address these issues, they’re not going to want to be in the workforce. If we improve the experiences of Black women, we will improve it for everyone”, she adds.

“We have a legislative solution that focuses on accountability,” says Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of CABWCEI. “A legislative act that looks at discrimination from an intersectionality standpoint, meaning now you can select both race and gender when filing a discrimination case against an employer.”

With DEI initiatives being dismantled at the federal level, the process of filing a race discrimination complaint is now uncertain.

wants to pretend things are normal, but they’re not. For everyone trying to be prim and proper, God bless them. Some of us, such as I, are a little rough around the edges, but people respond. Trump is idiot talk, but it resonated.

“But Black America has always been the trendsetters, and we have that in the Black Caucus,” she continued. “We have to make sure we are hitting all parts of our Black demographics. We will talk to them differently. We will engage in the podcast, we will do the platforms. I’m on every single thing.” The CBC told Black journalists they’re also launching a bus tour—not just in their districts, but deep into Republican

“I am happy that the Council is making progress on improving this program. However, I ultimately voted no on the motion because I wanted to be sure whatever the city does meets legal requirements imposed by the State,” said Campillo in a statement.

City staff will have 90 days to draft an ordinance to change the ADU program.

AMERICA’S THREE-WEEK DESCENT INTO DICTATORSHIP UNDER TRUMP

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

Donald Trump has spent a lifetime evading accountability. As a private citizen, authorities fined Trump for refusing to rent to Black tenants, declared bankruptcy multiple times, lost a $90 million civil judgment for sexual assault, and a jury convicted him on 34 felony charges. However, none of that mattered once Trump seized the presidency again.

With Mitch McConnell’s help, Trump flooded the courts with loyalists and stacked the Supreme Court with cronies who ruled that he was immune from prosecution. Just three weeks into his second term, the first convicted felon to hold the presidency had made it clear: the law no longer applies to him. America’s system of checks and balances has collapsed, and a dictator now sits in the Oval Office.

Trump has shredded the very foundation of democracy, dismantling government agencies, ignoring court orders, and bending the Republican-controlled Congress to his will.

With Elon Musk’s backing, Trump shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development, gutting a program that fed and provided medical care to millions worldwide. This move has already threatened the lives of millions. With Musk pulling the strings and under his administration, airplanes seemingly fall out of the sky almost daily. Trump also fired 17 inspectors general without congressional notice, silencing watchdogs meant to prevent government corruption. He ignored a court-backed law requiring TikTok to sell or shut down.

“The president is openly violating the law and Constitution on a daily basis,” said Brendan

Nyhan, a political scientist at Dartmouth College.

Trump’s actions have called the bluff of America’s constitutional system. Lawsuits are piling up, but courts move too slowly to contain his sweeping power grabs. Republican lawmakers refuse to act, either cheering him on or cowering in fear of political retribution.

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis admitted that Trump’s actions “run afoul of the C onstitution in the strictest sense.” His response? “Nobody should bellyache about that.”

Congress was meant to serve as a check on executive power, but today’s Republican Party has handed Trump complete control. They confirmed Russell Vought, a key architect of Project 2025, to lead the Office of Management and Budget after a marathon Democratic protest. Trump fired the chair of the Federal Election Commission despite her insistence that his action was illegal.

His administration has floated eliminating the Education Department, slashing food stamp programs, and imprisoning migrants in detention camps. The Fourth Geneva Convention, which the U.S. has upheld since World War II, prohibits forced deportations, but Trump has proposed the mass removal of 2.3 million Palestinians from Gaza—a move University of Michigan professor Juan Cole compared to the ethnic cleansing tactics of Stalin.

“I grew up in an America full of revulsion for Stalinism, and even the few Communists I ever met were critics of it,” Cole wrote. “Now, we have a new American Stalinism, as dismissive of individual and collective rights and liberties as Uncle Joe had been.”

SDHC Coverage

Thanks for your coverage of the effect of President Trump’s crackdown on “DEI” and finding a person to show the impact of such policies re: housing. Hope you’ll do a follow-up on the waitlisted families or the status of affordable housing access in the coming months!

Thank you! Saad Asad

Re: Shaken, But Okay

We, the people of SD, are not okay. We are far from okay. This entire city is financially headed into the toilet and it boils down to that we allowed 10% rent increases too long and it’s still going on. Another huge factor is our local politicians failed to monitor the local economy, at all. I have been deep diving this and the result I have ended up with so far is that for the last 5+years San Diego has had no real economic strategists provide input to handle and provide stability to the local economy.

What they have done, is developed a strategy of blameshifting. By following California Policy on things like what minimum wage should be, they’ve kicked it down the road, that was there’s no pushback on them, they can just say, “Well, if the wage is good enough for California, then it's good enough for us”.

Professionals have come in La Mesa and determined that a livable wage is $33.75/hr. Current La Mesa Minimum wage is $16/hr.

I know this because after 10 years of loyal, full time employment where I have been a manager for 8 years, I am loosing my apartment this month and will be sleeping in my trunk. I have spent

Trump’s own former diplomat to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Chargé d’Affaires Harry Kamian, condemned Russia’s mass deportation of Crimean Tatars in 1944-47 as a crime against humanity. Yet, just three weeks into Trump’s second term, the U.S. follows the same playbook.

The courts remain one of the last remaining obstacles to Trump’s total rule. A judge blocked his attempt to strip birthright citizenship, and another halted his unconstitutional freeze on federal spending. However, Trump has ignored these rulings, refusing to release frozen funds despite direct judicial orders.

Los Angeles Times columnist Jackie Calmes described Trump’s second term as “a diktat a day.” He has purged thousands of protected federal employees, defied Congress’s control over federal spending, and attempted to dismantle legally established agencies.

“Trump’s Day 1 clemency for his nearly 1,600 fellow Jan. 6 insurrectionists was at least within a president’s express powers, as are tariffs,” Calmes wrote. “Much else is not.”

One of Trump’s most dangerous abuses of power is his alliance with Musk. The world’s richest man and a quarter-billion-dollar Trump campaign donor has embedded his own operatives in key government agencies, including the Treasury Department, USAID, the Education Department, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

At the Treasury, Musk’s handpicked team seized control of government-wide payment systems, gaining access to Americans’ financial data and prompting a top career official to resign. His next target: the Education Department. USAID, once the world’s largest

hundreds of hours trying to get answers from politicians and have gotten literally no where.

See SHAKEN page 7

PRA/Complaint: SDPD IA, POST

Desertification, CPP, Attorney General

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl has recently taken to the media to inform residents that they should brace for slower police response times due to the city's staggering $252 million budget deficit. However, it’s unclear whether Chief Wahl is seeking public sympathy to deflect from his and Mayor Todd Gloria’s apparent mismanagement of taxpayer funds. The public isn’t buying it.

In a statement to Fox San Diego News, Chief Wahl warned, “Cuts the city’s police department will need to make in the coming months are likely to exacerbate issues seen over the last few years amid an intractable staffing shortage and high rates of turnover.” But let’s examine what’s truly exacerbating these issues.

For starters, Chief Wahl has been accused of misusing taxpayer dollars. He reportedly purchased brand-new Jeep Cherokees for himself and a top civilian staff member as personal vehicles, despite no clear need for such expenditures. Additionally, he spent public funds on new office furniture, including a bed, and installed an electronic security keypad at his secondary office in the former San Diego Chargers training facility (now called Police Headquarters 2). This was done even though he already has an office at the downtown police headquarters.

Furthermore, Chief Wahl promoted nearly 20 new lieutenants and created new commander positions under the guise of departmental reorganization. In reality, this move appeared to demote two assistant chiefs—one Black and one Hispanic— while elevating his personal friends. Despite these promotions, Chief Wahl continues to lament a shortage of patrol officers. Why does the San Diego Police Department need close to 100 lieutenants? This raises serious questions about priorities and fiscal responsibility.

provider of food aid, has been decimated, leaving humanitarian efforts in shambles.

Musk bragged about his takeover on social media, claiming, “I went over it with him in detail, and he agreed that we should shut it down.” Russia approved. Former President Dmitry Medvedev praised Musk’s intervention as “a smart move.”

Even among Republicans, there is a quiet acknowledgment that Trump’s power has gone unchecked. When pressed about Musk’s infiltration of federal agencies, Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker conceded, “Do I want Congress to exercise its right and power as a coequal branch of the federal government? Yes, I do.”

But Congress has done nothing. Senate Republicans are confirming Trump’s handpicked loyalists, standing by as he purges independent agencies, and enabling his consolidation of power. Litigation will come, but the process is slow, and Trump’s violations mount by the day.

“Whole lotta big cases coming the federal judiciary’s way,” said conservative Stanford Law professor Orin Kerr.

Calmes added they’re “forfeiting Congress’ constitutional status as a coequal branch of government, with unique legislative and spending powers. In the meantime, we just keep counting Trump’s days as dictator.”

Chief Wahl and Mayor Gloria seem to have banked on voters approving a recent tax hike to cover their reckless spending. Fortunately, the public saw through this and rejected the measure. Now, the consequences of their mismanagement are coming to light.

Adding to the department’s troubles, a high-ranking official in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT) was recently arrested after allegedly crashing his department-issued vehicle into multiple cars following a night of drinking at a SWAT banquet. If the Swat commander was the SDPD member involved, the SWAT Commander is identified as Lieutenant Jason Scott according to the SDPD’s organizational chart, and he reportedly fled the scene but was later apprehended. This incident underscores the leadership crisis within the department. Patrol officers are struggling with a lack of vehicles, yet the chief prioritizes luxury cars for himself and his inner circle while ranking officers engage in misconduct that further drains taxpayer resources.

See PRA page 7

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CHURCH DIRECTORY

Patrick James Walter Boyd Sadie

Wafer

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

Service was held March 6, 2025, at New Creation Church. Arrangements entrusted to Preferred Cremation and Burial.

Patrick James Wafer was born on January 31, 1961, in Los Angeles, CA. He was the only child of Jack “Rural” Wafer and Lorene Wafer. He was deeply close to his parents and was known as his dad’s shadow and mom’s baby.

Patrick attended National City Christian School, Horace Mann Middle, and graduated from Crawford High School in 1978. He went on to attend Texas College in Tyler, Texas, where he joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, played baseball, and in 1982, earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a Minor in Christian Methodism.

He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church. His family attended Phillips Temple C.M.E. and later St. John C.M.E. San Diego, where his father pastored. In 1982, Patrick accepted the Call to Preach. His ministry appointments included:

1985: Pastor, Phillips Chapel C.M.E., Yuma, AZ

1987: Admin. Assistant for Arizona-New Mexico Region C.M.E.

1989: Pastor, Edward’s Chapel C.M.E., El Centro, CA

1991: Senior Pastor, St. John C.M.E., San Diego, CA

2002: Pastor in Charge of Services, New Creation Church

2010: Joined New Life Christian Covenant Church under Pastor Charles A. Mullen, Sr.

Patrick’s career with the San Diego Unified School District Police Department as a Community Service Officer spanned 33 years. He ran programs like Students Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E.) and Safety Patrol, coached basketball, and mentored youth. Known as “Officer Wafer”, he impacted many young lives in southeast San Diego.

Beyond his career, Patrick was a Night Manager at Grove Bowling Center and a competitive bowler, traveling for tournaments and supporting junior bowling programs. Whether known as “Officer Wafer”, “Reverend Wafer”, “Wafe” or simply “Pat”, he had a heart for the community and never forgot those he met. On February 17, 2025, Patrick transitioned from this life to glory. He awoke in the arms of his Savior, hearing, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Patrick is survived by his wife of 14 years Sandra Candler Wafer of San Diego, CA, brothers; Mark Wilson (Angie) of Tulare, CA, and Kevin Lee of El Centro, CA, sister Patricia Lee of Phoenix, AZ, children; Willard Nibbs, Patrick J. Wafer Jr., Jessica Wafer, and Bryant Wafer, step-daughter Renee Candler, six grandchildren; Jordan, Kameran, Kamiyah, Jazzylynn, Jaelani, and Darius, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

Service was held February 18, 2025, at Word of Life Worship Center. Arrangements entrusted to Preferred Cremation and Burial.

***************************************************************************

Walter Boyd Watson, known affectionately as Johnny to his friends and family, passed away on January 28, 2025, at the age of 86 in San Diego, California. He was born on November 27, 1938, in Tampa, Florida. He lived a life marked by dedication, service, and a vibrant community presence.

A proud veteran, Johnny retired as a U.S. Navy Chief, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his country. After his military career, he channeled his leadership skills into entrepreneurship, becoming the respected owner of “Johnny’s Auto Body& Restoration Services”, a business that thrived under his guidance and served the community for many years.

Johnny’s passion for life was evident through his numerous involvements and achievements. As the founder of the San Diego Chapter of Brothers of the Sun and The Highway Kings motorcycle clubs, he brought together fellow enthusiasts to enjoy the freedom of the open road and the bonds of friendship. His dedication to fraternity and service shone brightly in his participation in Fidelity Lodge No. 10, where he was initiated into Freemasonry in 1967. Johnny’s journey within the Masonic brotherhood was distinguished and full of leadership roles, including serving as Worshipful Master, District Deputy Grand Master, and Worthy Patron for Order of Eastern Stars Ruth Chapter No. 11. His peers recognized his commitment and honored him with the elevation to the 33rd degree, the highest honorary degree within the Scottish Rite. His leadership continued as he served as Commander in Chief for the San Diego No.91 Consistory and Potentate for Azeem Temple 102, and as Commander in Chief for Server Commanders Of the Rite.

Johnny’s life was not only marked by his service to organizations but also by the love and devotion he had for his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife Gwendolyn Watson, children; Ronald, Sharon, Walter 3rd, Michael, Sherrie, Joey, and Camara, siblings; Lewis, David, Johnny, Mae Alice, and Helen, along with a host of friends and family. We will fondly remember his kind nature, intelligence, and generosity.

Walter Boyd Watson’s memory will be cherished, and his life celebrated as a beacon of service and community. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to guide us, just as the stars he once navigated by on his beloved motorcycle rides.

Houston Pays Tribute To The Late Us Rep. Sylvester Turner

By Nadia Lathan Associated Press

Mourners in Houston paid tribute to the late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner of Texas as he lay in state at city hall Tuesday, [March 11], part of a week of public events to honor the Democratic lawmaker and former mayor.

Turner, 70, died on March 5, just weeks into his first term in the House and only hours after attending President Donald Trump’s address to Congress in Washington. His family said he died at his home following health complications.

Residents observed a memorial at Houston City Hall, where Turner served as mayor for eight years before being elected to Congress in November.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire made brief remarks to mourners and the Houston Symphony performed while visitors paid their respects.

“Sylvester knew each and every community, and he treated everyone with equality and inclusion,” Whitmire said.

“That’s what made him really special. He brought that public service and that message across not only our great city, but our great state.”

Turner had filled the House seat held by longtime Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died in July. Prior to becoming mayor, Turner served as a legislator in the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years.

Turner is also scheduled to lie in state at the Texas

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

Service was held March 4, 2025, at Preferred Cremation and Burial. Arrangements entrusted to Preferred Cremation and Burial.

On August 10, 1987, Sadie Jones “Moomoo” was born to her loving father

Thomas Jones Senior and her beloved mother Sadie Smith. Sadie Jones was a beloved mother, sister, daughter, and friend, who passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was 37 years old. Sadie faced her battle with incredible courage, grace, and an unyielding determination. Throughout her illness, she continued to be an inspiration to those around her, never letting her fight define her but instead showing everyone the true meaning of strength. Her faith, her love for her children, and her ability to see beauty in life, even in the hardest of times, were a testament to her unbreakable spirit. Sadie leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devotion to her children, family, and all those who knew her.

Sadie Jones was a devoted mother to her four children, Dawan, Mark, Shirley, and Raven, who were the center of her world. As a mother, she gave everything to ensure her children felt loved, cherished, and supported in every aspect of their lives. Her love and dedication to them were unshakable, and her children will carry her memory with them always.

Sadie’s love extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a friend to many and a comforting presence in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness, generosity, and ability to make others feel seen and heard were gifts that she freely shared with all who crossed her path. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her friends and extended family, who will forever hold her close.

Sadie joins her beloved mother Sadie Smith, her sister Tina Jones, and her brother Tommy Jones, in heaven with her.

Though we mourn her loss, we find comfort in the knowledge that she is now at peace, reunited with her loved ones, and resting in the embrace of our Heavenly Father Jesus Christ.

Rest in peace, dear Sadie…dear “Moomoo.” You will forever be loved, remembered, and missed by all who knew you. Your love and light will continue to guide us until we are together again.

T he Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Former Houston Mayor and U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

State of Fair Housing, 57 Years Later

“Be fair, don't deny anyone housing based on race or other prohibited factor”

By Macy Meinhardt

V&V Staff, CA Local News Fellow

Marking its 32nd year of participation, the San Diego Fair Housing Council joined advocates, legal experts, and policymakers at the annual Fair Housing Laws and Litigation Conference on February 13-14 to discuss the evolving state of equal housing.

Born out of the civil rights movement, Fair Housing Act legislation protects individuals from housing discrimination on the basis of race, religion, nationality, sex, disability, and other protected characteristics. Despite its enactment over 57 years ago, long-lasting impacts of racialized housing practices like segregation still persist today. As a result, states like California have taken the lead in evolving and expanding upon these protections.

This year's gathering comes at a critical moment. It comes as no surprise the agenda to make housing more equitable is at odds with the new presidential administration’s hostility on civil rights initiatives.

However, as noted by, Bobb Shwemm–a renowned housing litigation lawyer, researcher, and author— the challenges of today are not unprecedented, and plenty of progress can be made at the state and local level to further advance equal housing rights.

“Not being able to rely on the federal government in the upcoming years is neither new nor should it deter our continuing work,” wrote Schwemm, as an introductory message to members of the conference.

Specific Fair Housing Act challenges raised for 2025 will be tackling source-of-income discrimination, limiting unfair evictions, and AI-generated price-fixing software for home advertisements.

With the event falling within Black History Month, special homage was paid to civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King who played a critical role in getting Congress to pass the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

Gary Rhoades, a fair housing attorney and author from Kansas City, broke down the legislative and political history of this passage, signed into law just four days after Dr. King was assassinated on April 8, 1968.

The passage of the Fair Housing Act prohibited overt kinds of housing discrimination, yet still, “forces driving residential segregation have persisted, sometimes taking on new forms to achieve the same discriminatory ends,”stated in a California Department of Housing and Community Development report.

The report highlights how racially explicit zoning practices were gradually replaced by race-neutral methods, such as single-family zoning, to maintain segregation by limiting affordable housing options like apartments and condominiums.

During the conference, civil rights specialist Stella Adams underscored the real-life consequences of these policies, citing the Eaton Fire in Altadena as a tragic example. She discussed how redlining and systemic racism deeply affected African American communities, segregating Black homeownership rates within certain areas of the city which promote disparities in emergency response times and infrastructure—factors that exacerbated the devastating impact of the fire, which claimed 17 lives and caused significant property damage.

“Fires have no color and have no boundary, but the services do,” said Adams, raising her voice, “Do you understand the fair hous-

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Bonta Backs Lawsuit Against Unlawful Removal of NLRB’s Gwynne Wilcox

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and a coalition of 20 attorneys general filed an amicus brief in Wilcox v. Trump supporting Gwynne Wilcox, who was unlawfully

DOJ continues efforts to protect privacy, hold businesses accountable, and ensure financial fairness for Californians. For more info visit oag.ca.gov/consumers.

removed from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by President Trump. The brief argues that the removal undermines federal agency independence and violates the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). This vacuum would harm workers everywhere if the NLRA's inactivity continues, removing the guaranteed ability to join a union and engage in collective bargaining.

“Workers rely on the NLRB to protect their rights… However, Member Wilcox’s unlawful removal jeopardizes these rights,” said Bonta. Attorney General Bonta Releases California’s Top 10 Consumer Complaints

Bonta released 2024’s Top 10 Consumer Complaints during National Consumer Protection Week, highlighting efforts to safeguard Californians. He urged residents to report misconduct at oag.ca.gov/report, emphasizing that consumer complaints help drive investigations. Top 10 Consumer Complaints (2024):

ing implications in services and facilities?” Adams asked rhetorically.

In an effort to apply the courage and strength from moments past to the realities of today when it comes to fair housing, the conference sought to answer a pressing question: How should we proceed?

The conference brought together fair housing agencies, legal experts, and advocacy groups to discuss key issues, including legal compliance, women's housing rights postRoe, disability rights, environmental justice, and the state of fair housing in California courts. Discussions also focused on fostering awareness among appraisers and lenders, creating a fair housing vision for decision-makers, promoting multilingual and culturally competent outreach, and expand-

ing civil rights protections. Local leaders and housing advocates in attendance at the event included: US Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50), District 4 Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, District 4 Councilmember Henry Foster, Executive Director of San Diego’s Fair Housing Council, Mary Scott Knoll, Ricardo Flores, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Sophia Rebecca Maria, Pride Law Firm, and Catherine Rodman with Fair Housing Advocates.

As the fight for fair housing continues, even in the backdrop of a hostile administration, advocates stress the need for municipal ities to push stronger protections and policy reforms to dismantle systemic barriers and create truly inclusive, equitable housing opportunities for all.

Rep. Al Green is Censured After Protesting Trump

By Lauren Burke NNPA

Battle Over CFPB’s Future Intensifies as Lawmakers and State AGs Defend Consumer Protections

Consumers face uncertainty over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) fate as efforts to dismantle the agency escalate. The CFPB, created after the financial crisis to protect consumers from predatory practices, has been sidelined, leaving 1,700 employees in limbo.

On March 10, CFPB leaders must appear in court to confirm compliance with a federal order to continue operations. Meanwhile, Jonathan McKernan, nominee for CFPB Director, has criticized the agency, calling it a “crisis of legitimacy.”

State attorneys general and lawmakers are rallying to defend the CFPB, warning that eliminating it would leave consumers vulnerable. “The only reason to get rid of this watchdog agency is to protect bad actors,” said NY Attorney General Letitia James.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren reaffirmed the agency’s legitimacy: “The CFPB has been sidelined, but it is not dead… Congress, and only Congress, can shut it down.”

City of La Mesa to Launch Biennial Community Survey

The City of La Mesa is conducting its 2025 Community Survey via email or phone to gather resident feedback on City services, public safety, traffic, and resource allocation. Survey results will be presented at a future City Council meeting and posted online. For questions, contact the City Manager’s Office at 619.667.1339.

In one of the quickest punishments of a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the modern era, Congressman Al Green (D-TX) was censured by a 224-198 vote [March 6th] in the House. His cen sure featured no hearing at the House Ethics Com mittee and his punishment was put on the floor for a vote by the Republican controlled House less than 72 hours after the infraction in question. Of the last three censures of members of the U.S. House, two have been members of the Congressional Black Caucus under GOP control. In 2023, Rep. Jamal Bowman was censured.

On the night of March 4, as President Trump delivered a Joint Address to Congress, Rep. Green interrupted him twice. Rep. Green shouted, “You don’t have a mandate to cut Medicare, and you need to raise the cap on social security,” to President Trump. In another rare event, Rep. Green was escorted off the House floor by security shortly after yelling at the President by order of GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson. Over the last four years, members of Congress have yelled at President Biden during the State of the Union. Georgia Republican Marjorie TaylorGreene was joined by Republican Rep. Lauren Bobert (R-CO) in 2022 in yelling at President Biden. In 2023, Rep. Greene, Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), and Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI) yelled at Biden, interrupting his speech. In 2024, wearing a red MAGA hat, a violation of the rules of the U.S. House, Greene interrupted Biden again. She was never censured for her behavior. Rep. Green voted “present” on his censure and was joined by freshman Democrat Congressman Shomari Figures of Alabama who also voted “present”.

All other members of the Congressional

Black Caucus voted against censuring Green. Republicans hold a four-seat advantage in the U.S. House after the death of Texas Democrat and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner yesterday. Ten Democrats voted along with Republicans to censure Rep. Green, including Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, who is in the leadership as the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. “I respect them but, I would do it again,” and “it is a matter of conscience,” Rep. Green told Black Press USA’s April Ryan in an exclusive interview on March 5.

After the vote, a group of Democrats sang “We Shall Overcome” in the well at the front of the House chamber. Several Republican members attempted to shout down the singing. House Speaker Mike Johnson gaveled the House out of session and into a recess. During the brief recess members moved back to their seats and out of the well of the House. Shortly after the vote to censor Rep. Green, Republican Congressman Andy Ogles of Tennessee quickly filed legislation to punish members who participated in the singing of “We Shall Overcome.” Earlier this year, Rep. Ogles filed legislation to allow President Donald Trump to serve a third term, which is currently unconstitutional. As the debate started, the stock market dove down over one-point hours from close. The jobs report was made public last week.

COVER: Fair Housing Graphic. PHOTO: San Diego County

Former member of the NLRB Board, Gwynne Wilcox. PHOTO: Instagram Threads via ceramicmeltdown

PHOTO: NNPA

Resistance:

Bonta made the statement while delivering an address as the guest speaker of a virtual conference hosted by Capitol Weekly, a non-partisan publication focused on California politics.

“I am here to enforce our laws, defend our rights, and protect our people. I am here to ensure progress prevails in California.”

–Rob Bonta

“The Resistance: California vs. Donald Trump.” The 4 ½ hour event explored Trump’s presidential executive orders, mass firings, deportations, and billionaire Elon Musk’s handling of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

One of the directives Trump signed on Jan. 21 bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the federal government and urges the private sector to follow suit.

Some corporations such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart have eliminated or scaled back their DEI programs.

Bonta had already advised California businesses, nonprofits, and other entities not to sway from DEI initiatives in their workplaces.

“I urge all California businesses not to fall for this scare tactic,” Bonta stated.

Shaken:

Continued from page 3

Last, I did get a hold of a whistleblower at the Section 8 office. I am now 13 years on the list for section 8. They lost my application last year, and so they moved me down to 8 years.

After a few hours on hold, I finally got a hold of an employee. He told me that I will never see any money. He told me that section 8 hasn't received any money in years. He told me that there are 55 thousand people in front of me in the line, and that his job is that he gets paid to answer the phone. When I contacted the county and told them this, they were unable to and unwanted to discuss any housing issues with me, nor help me. What they did ask me was "to identify the employee that I spoke to with specific dates and times"...they just wanted

PRA:

Continued from page 3

Mayor Todd Gloria, the public demands accountability. We need a police chief who prioritizes responsible spending and transparent leadership. The current state of the San Diego Police Department is unacceptable, and taxpayers deserve real answersnot excuses.

Accountability is not the enemy. Below is the complaint and public record request: Complaint: Complaintant: Tasha Williamson

Incident: SDPD Officer Driving Under the Influence/Hit and Run Arrest (damaged several cars including a city owned vehicle)

Alleged Arrestee: Lieutenant Jason Scott Occurred March 2, 2025

PRA: Does Lieutenant Jason Scott have any history of arrest?

It was brought to my attention that I should also be asking for a public records request from the Sheriff's Department and District Attorney's Office for the following:

A high-ranking official in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT) was recently arrested after allegedly crashing his department-issued vehicle into multiple cars following a night of drinking at a SWAT banquet. If the Swat commander was the SDPD member involved, the SWAT Commander is identified as Lieutenant Jason Scott according to the SDPD’s organizational chart, and he reportedly fled the scene but was later apprehended.

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

The online conference was held almost three weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills appropriating $50 million to “Trump Proof” the state of California. It provides Bonta and the California Department of Justice (DOJ) funding to file lawsuits against the Trump Administration as well as protect California laws, institutions, and policies, Bonta said.

The funding is two-fold. First, Senate Bill SBX1-1, authored by Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) amends the 2024 Budget Act to include a State Litigation Fund, distributing $25 million to the DOJ.

SBX1-1 was enacted in case the Trump Administration decides to withhold funding for emergency aid after a natural disaster such as the wildfires that occurred in Los Angeles. The DOJ says it intends to go after the federal government in courts if aid is withheld.

The second bill that was born out of the Special Legislative Session called by Newsom, SBX1-2, amends the Budget Act to add funding for Legal Services, including $25 million for legal assistance for Californians and immigrant communities.

Authored by Weiner and Gabriel, SBX1-2, also allows the DOJ to provide free legal services for veterans, people with disabilities, homeless youth, families facing eviction, seniors, victims of domestic violence, wage theft, and human trafficking.

Bonta stated that the funding is sufficient and that his office is staffed to han -

me to snitch.

Trumps' inevitably going to make this all worse.

My calculations are we need about 10x times the housing we have for low income. We also need to ease the process of build ing here in SD. There are almost no homes being built here because it's so expensive. The fees from the county are astronomi cal. They are charging 4-5x per hour for an engineer to review your plans than what your average engineer charges here. No one I know has any money. Everyone is broke.

Corey French

dle litigation that resists obstructive policies and interference from the Trump Administration.

The funds would be used “wisely and prudently and efficiently,” Bonta said.

“I am here to provide facts, reasons, and assurances of California’s nation-leading protections,” Bonta said. “I am here to enforce our laws, defend our rights, and protect our people. I am here to ensure progress prevails in California.”

Capitol Weekly hosts quarterly conferences for bipartisan panels to analyze public policy issues in the state and across the nation.

This year's first conference included over a dozen experts discussing how California activists and officials can defend policies that oppose Trump's injunctions.

The first panel focused on health care. The spirited debate featured Beth Malinowski, SEIU California; Devon Mathis, former California Assemblymember (R-Porterville); Dr. Richard Pan, former California Senator; and Amanda McAllister Wallner, Health Access California.

The second panel discussed California’s environment and climate. Kip Lipper, Chief Policy Advisor on Energy and Environment to the Senate pro-Tem; Catherine ReheisBoyd, Western States Petroleum Association; and Victoria Rome from the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The final panel included Sen. María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles); Luis Alvarado, Luis

Alvarado Public Affairs; Kevin R. Johnson, University of California at Davis School of Law; and David Trujillo, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) California Action.

“It’s going to take every resident in the state working together to say ‘we’re going to stand up for our neighbors,’” Trujillo said during the panel discussion.

The Trump administration has already begun exerting pressure on Sanctuary Regions – cities, counties, and states that have passed policies that shield undocumented individuals from apprehension by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Trump has threatened to prosecute state and local officials who resist federal immigration policy. After he was sworn in for his second term, his administration keyed in on the sanctuary cities across the country.

California, where roughly 6% of the population is undocumented, is clearly on Trump’s radar, the panel acknowledged. Trujillo said that there is a law that limits the federal government’s power to force states to enforce immigration laws.

“I just want to mention that the 10th Amendment (of the U.S. Constitution) prevents the federal government from commandeering states or other cities and counties from law enforcement,” Trujillo said. “That is the safeguards that we have. I think we have a clear precedent here (in California). A lot of this is rambling to create fear among our communities.”

A deputy within the Sheriff's Department communicated that there was an attempt to sweep this under the rug. Allegations that the SDPD officer was not treated like a typical hit and run, DUI suspect.

PRA: Sheriffs

All White males who worked for SDPD were arrested on March 1, 2025, and March 2, 2025, by Sheriff Deputies?

What are the Sheriff's Department procedures or policies as related to the apprehension of an off-duty police officer who hits multiple parked vehicles, flees the scene and is suspected of DUI, hit and run?

PRA: District Attorney: Were any charges upheld for court against any SDPD officer who was apprehended by Sheriff Deputies on March 1, 2025, or March 2, 2025, and when is the court date and time? What is the SDPD Officer's name?

2nd PRA for City of San Diego and Police: Did the City of San Diego or San Diego Police Department pay for the March 2025 SWAT banquet with any city funds? Were there alcohol drink limits to ensure the safety of off-duty officers and guests who could potentially endanger the safety of the public leaving an SDPD SWAT banquet? Did guests have the ability to get home via Uber, Lyft, or Taxi for free to ensure the safety of off-duty officers, guests, and the public?

This should be separate from the CPRA Request No. 25-1806

Tasha Williamson

WANTED JOURNALIST & PHOTOJOURNALIST

The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint is looking for journalists and photojournalists, as independent contractors, for paid assignments. Additional position of Assistant to Editor available.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•Professional writing experience required.

•Newspaper experience is desired.

We might be the answer, if you’ve experienced recent job loss.

Email latanya@sdvoice.info

69 th ENCANTO LITTLE

By Charles Warren and Darrel Wheeler

On March 8, 2025, the league reached a major milestone, celebrating its 69th Opening Day with an event that embodied the spirit of the community. Families, players, and supporters filled the stands and sidelines, bringing excitement and energy to the field as a new season officially began.

International Women’s Day was commemorated on Saturday, March 8th at the Mission Hills Library honoring eight women who have made lasting contributions to San Diego. Organized by co-chairs Aster Keleta and Anne Hoiberg and emceed by Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat, first Black woman surgeon in San Diego County, the event highlighted the power and perseverance of women in shaping the community’s history and future.

When asked why parents chose Encanto Little League as the place for their children to play baseball, the response was unanimous: “Encanto Little League wasn’t chosen just for the love of baseball, but for the valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and personal growth that come with it,” as one parent shared.

Special guests graced the event,

including Captain Vernon Peterson of the San Diego Police Department’s Southeastern Division, members of the San Diego Fire Depart-ment, and District 4 Representative Tiffany Harrison. The cere monial first pitch was thrown by Captain Peterson and other honored guests, kicking off the day’s games with enthu siasm and energy.

The day’s ceremonies were made even more special with the involve ment of young players/ members from the league and community. Miguel Tavares Jr. and Logan Parrish led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, while Christian Gillium deliv ered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. The Little League Pledge, recited by Derrick Brown Jr. and Elijah Lopez, reinforced the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. Pastor Javier Castaneda offered an opening day prayer, blessing the players and the season ahead.

International Women’s

The eight women are Elizabeth Lou, Founder of the Nile Sisters Development Initiative; Makeda Cheatom, Owner of the WorldBeat Multicultural Center; Aster Keleta, social advocate and leadership advisor of non-profit organizations; Anne Hoiberg, president of several non-profit organizations and past research psychologist for the Naval Health Research; Mary M. McKenzie, President of United Nations Association of San Diego; Dr. Maria B. Ugarte, Executive Director of the Bilateral Safety and Corridor Coalition that empowers victims of human trafficking; Dr. Linda M. Nolte, retired English teacher and now substitute for the San Diego Unified School District; and Nancy Cassidy, founder of San Diego

Climate Mobilization Coalition.

Attendees, including community leaders and activists, gathered to recog nize the honorees’ achievements in leadership, activism, and community service. Anne Hoiberg, an advocate in the non-profit sector, empha sized the impor tance of women’s history while continuing the fight for gender equity in San Diego, “What’s a matter with [San Diego]? Why don’t we have 4 or 5 or even 10 statues of women who have contributed so much!”, referring to the only two statues of women in San Diego, Sojourner Truth on the campus of the University of California San Diego and Kate Sessions in Balboa Park.

Dr. Marisa B. Ugarte, Executive Director of the Bilateral Safety

COLLEGES HOST EVENTS CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

his March, the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), including San Diego City, Mesa, Miramar, and Continuing Education colleges, are hosting an array of events in honor of Women’s History Month. The month-long celebration will begin with a film screening on American tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams at Miramar College and conclude with a dance showcase curating women’s achievements and advancement through music and art at Mesa College.

All events are free and open to the public. Among the highlights:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5

Noon–2 p.m.

Documentary Screening of Venus and Serena Film screening featuring American professional tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, preceding a panel discussion with Student Affairs, and refreshments.

Miramar College, I-101A/B 10440 Black Mountain Rd., 92126

11:10 a.m.–12:35 p.m.

Meet Author and Activist Julissa Arce

Jessica Arce will speak on paving a way for justice, belonging, and embracing cultural differences in America.

Mesa College, G-101

7250 Mesa College Dr., 92111

6–7:35 p.m.

The Good Foot Arts Collective present

“No Xcuses”

The No Xcuses campaign ensures the dance floor stays a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. The Good Foot Arts Collective will discuss respect, boundaries, and violence prevention on the dance floor.

Mesa College, L-102 7250 Mesa College Dr., 92111

THURSDAY, MARCH 6

9:35–11 a.m.

The Gracia Molina de Pick Feminist Lecture Series featuring Elva Salinas

This series seeks to honor the founder of the San Diego Mesa College Chicana/o Studies Department, Gracia Molina de Pick, and recognizes her life-long commitment to education, feminism, and dedication to the mission of the community college.

Mesa College, G-101

7250 Mesa College Dr., 92111

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

7:30–9:00 p.m.

Local Black Women Poets’ Tribute to Black Women Authors & Poets

Black women poets from the local community will read selections from their favorite Black women authors and poets as well as their own works. A discussion will take place following the readings. Mesa College, Join Zoom Meeting Here

MONDAY, MARCH 17

11:15 a.m. –12:15 p.m.

The Rebellion: What is Sustainability in Sewing? Founder of Sew Loka, Claudia RodríguezBiezunski, will lead a conversation about rebellion against fast fashion and fun creative ways to be more sustainable with your clothes. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn basic sewing skills and to create a button wallet.

Mesa College, LRC-229

7250 Mesa College Dr., 92111

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

11 a.m. –Noon

Crafting Feminism

Chicana Artist Katie Ruiz will deliver a guest lecture, exploring the modality of using craft as activism. Feminism has had a history of utilizing different modalities to convey its messages. Craft, sewing circles, mending, and crochet have been examples of how craft shaped feminism. Mesa College, LRC-229 7250 Mesa College Dr., 92111

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

10 a.m.–Noon

Careering While Asian Womxn Panel

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) womxn leaders will lead a panel on how they trailblazed in non-AAPI fields, sharing strategies that honor their cultural roots and how they thrive in predominantly Eurocentric industries.

Mesa College, G-101 7250 Mesa College Dr., 92111

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

11:30 a.m. –1 p.m.

Book discussion and Black Storytellers of San Diego, Inc. performance

A guided discussion of Zora Neale Hurston’s seminal novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God Attendees will share a favorite passage and enjoy short performances from the novel presented by members of the award-winning Black Storytellers of San Diego, Inc. Mesa College, LRC-435 LOFT 7250 Mesa College Dr., 92111

THURSDAY, MARCH 27

7:30 p.m.

Celebrating Women’s Stories Through Dance Mesa College Dance will capture the essence of women’s struggles, achievements and advancement through movement, music, fashion, and art. Mesa College, L-116 7250 Mesa College Dr., 92111

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

By Tihut Tamrat CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mesa College Dance Showcase.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Mesa College

Above: Mary M. McKenzie, President of United Nations Association of San Diego; Left: Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat, boardcertified OB-GYN and surgeon

LITTLE LEAGUE OPENING DAY

With an impressive turnout, young athletes took their first steps toward another year of competition and camaraderie. As the games were underway, players took the field. The energy and excitement for a new season of Encanto Little League baseball were undeniable.

One of the young talents, pitcher, and infielder Gionni Holiday, shared his thoughts on the league and his aspirations for the future. “I like base-

ball because it’s a fun sport, and I like the competition,” Holiday shared. “I want to take baseball to the next level in high school and college. I am not sure about the pros yet.”

Until those next levels are complete, the 12-year-old stu dent at O'Farrell Charter will be perfecting his skills for Encanto's Major League Grey's one swing at a time.

The sponsors in attendance included SD Madres, Ochoa’s Automotive, Prostate Cancer Awareness for Life, and the San Diego Padres. Their contributions helped ensure a memorable

Women’s Day Commemoration

Corridor Coalition, spoke on combating human trafficking and the vital role of women in advocacy, “The first right of a woman is the right to not have to prostitute, the second r ight is not to have to undergo violence and exploitation of gender inequality,” advocating for women that are exploited at such a young age at the border.

Mary M. McKenzie, President of the United Nations Association of San Diego, reflected on how local efforts connect to global gender justice movements. “Human rights is a big focus of the United Nations. The United Nations not only spotlights women's rights, whether it's for the ability to work or to get educated because women are facing starvation and/or horrible human rights abuses, but also shows how they are interconnected on a broader, global level.”

Aster Keleta wrapped up the event with an ode to the women who have spoken and a message for them and everybody in the room, “We should be thinking proactive, thinking about our kids, our grandchildren, what world do we want to leave for them?”

The celebration not only honored the past but also sparked discussions about the future, ensuring that the legacy of these women continues to inspire generations to come.

Tuesday, April 8, thirteen vote centers will be

from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Find a ballot drop box or vote center near you at sdvote.com.

PHOTOS: Tihut Tamrat

Above: Aster Keleta, social advocate and leadership advisor of non-profit organizations;

Right: Dr. Maria B. Ugarte, Executive Director of the Bilateral Safety and Corridor Coalition

(L to R) Makeda Cheatom Owner of the WorldBeat Multicultural Center; Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat; and Elizabeth Lou, Founder of the Nile Sisters Development Initiative.

SPORTS

THE REMARKABLE JAYLENE HUGHES: A BASKETBALL STANDOUT

By Michael West CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It’s unusual for a freshman high school basketball player to stand out at any level of competition, much less dominate. Especially when the achievement is marked by a little controversy. Jaylene Hughes splashed onto the San Diego and national scene a mere ten games into her High School Basketball career.

The five-foot, seven-inch Point Guard flourished over four games in December 2023, scoring 35;48;58 and 45 points in succession. The 58-point outburst accounted for all but two of her floundering Mount

Miguel Matadors’ 60 points in a 61-60 loss. The Division bottom dweller (posting a 4-24 record in the 2023-2024 season, then 4-25 in 2024-2025) consisted of six freshmen and one Sophomore when

Jaylene graced the Matadors her first year in High School.

The controversy stemmed from doubts about whether she was that successful. The California CIF quietly disavowed Jaylene’s stats for the 20232024 season, refusing to acknowledge her 38.7 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game profile. That didn’t phase Jaylene however, as she followed up her 58-point Mount Miguel in that December with another 58-point stunner on February 13, 2024 against playoff-bound Helix High.

So what did young Miss Hughes do for an encore? She transferred from Division I Mount Miguel to Division II Granite Hills. The phenomenal Sophomore merely led the team in scoring, boasting a solid 21.3 points per game and 1.8 rebounds this season. However, the Eagles failed to reach the

playoffs, posting an 11-16 record for the 2024-2025 season. The up-and-coming Hughes was the fifth leading scorer in the San Diego Section Division II. Jaylene’s rise stems from her family’s basketball roots. Her brother Jasen Jr. led Mount Miguel to the San Diego Section Division II finals in the 20232024 season. Both siblings trained vigorously with their father, who coached Jaylene in her Freshman season.

The most notable aspect of her young career is the fact that she wasn’t phased by the mini controversy surrounding her 2023-2024 statistics. She simply transferred to a rival school, and quietly mounted a notable, and consistent performance. Jaylene Hughes will definitely remain a force in San Diego County Girls’ Basketball.

By Michael West

CONTRIBUTING

WRITER

Last Fall, Dreyden Garner transferred back to his roots at University City after a noteworthy campaign at Lincoln High during the 2023 football season. His was expected to boost his profile having emerged as the second leading Wide Receiver for the Hornets his Junior Year. The gazelle-like pass catcher not only returned to quickly establish he was going to be the Centurions’ leading receiver, he also garnered (no pun intended) attention from major Division I football schools.

So it was quite a surprise that the fleet footed wideout didn’t immediately announce who he committed to in early December. Well, it

turns out he actually did commit in December, but it wasn’t to any of the schools that were considered to be his favorites.

None of the schools he mentioned as favorites picked up the flashy receiver, and that was quite a surprise. Though listed as a Three Star Wide Receiver in the fall, schools like San Diego State, Arizona and Oklahoma State had offered scholarships to Garner.

It was no surprise then, that the big-play wideout would be the highest rated Wide Receiver Sacramento State has ever signed. In fact, Garner is the highest rated Wide Receiver to ever sign a scholarship with an FCS team.

If you believe Garner was excellent in High School, Sacramento State is about to unleash a thunderstorm upon the Big Sky Conference. The Hornets picked up what I consider an All Conference Player. The reliable and sure-handed receiver caught 136 passes for 2,921 yards and 31 touchdowns over his four seasons in San Diego.

As surprising a development as this is, I believe this may be a golden opportunity for Garner to not only post outstanding numbers for Sac State (as they are popularly called), but Garner will be on display to the same schools he impressed going into his senior season. With the advent of NIL in college football, I believe Garner will end up at one of the very schools that offered him a scholarship his junior season.

Congratulations Mr. Garner!

COMMUNITY

Mark Jenkins, founder and owner of San Diego’s Preferred Cremation and Burial, has been honored by the California L egislative Black Office for having made “a positive impact across the s tate.” The presentation of his proclamation was made recently during a gala dinner in Sacramento in recognition of February’s Black History Month.

The Office, in partnership with the California Black Chamber of Commerce, noted in its proclamation that, “under the steadfast guidance of small business owner Mark Jenkins, Preferred Cremation and Burial “is deserving of the highest honors and public commendations.”

The proclamation, presented by District 79 Assembymember Dr. LaShae SharpCollins, also noted that, “Preferred Cremation and Burial has provided the San Diego community with 25 years of compassionate and impeccable service and peace of mind.”

Mr. Jenkins has been cited often over the years for his involvement in philanthropic causes and cultural endeavors. His telecast Christmas jazz concerts have been a notably welcome event for many years. For

Courtesy of Preferred Cremation and Burial

Jaylene Hughes.

PHOTO: Jaylene Hughes via Instagram

Dreyden Garner. PHOTO: via X Mark Jenkins

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

An Encroaching Desert Threatens Mauritania’s Homes and History

By Sam Metz Associated Press

As the world’s climate gets hotter and drier, sandstorms are more frequently depositing inches and feet of dunes onto Chinguetti’s streets and in people’s homes, submerging some entirely. Treeplanting projects are trying to keep the invading sands at bay, but so far, they haven’t eased the deep-rooted worries about the future.

Chinguetti is one of four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Mauritania, a West African nation where only 0.5% of land is considered farmable. In Africa — the continent that contributes the least to fossil fuel emissions — only Somalia and Eswatini have experienced more climate change impacts, according to World Bank data.

Community leader Melainine Med El Wely feels agonized over the stakes for residents and the history contained within Chinguetti’s walls.

It’s like watching a natural disaster in slow motion, he said.

“It’s a city surrounded by an ocean of sand that’s advancing every minute,” El Wely, the president of the local Association for Participatory Oasis Management, said. “There are places that I walk now that I remember being the roofs of houses when I was a kid.”

He remembers that once when enough sand blew into his neighborhood to cover the palms used to make roofs, an unknowing camel walking through the neighborhood plunged into what was once someone’s living room.

“Human-caused climate change is the culprit; known for making the planet warmer, it is also making more and more land drier,” the U.N. report said. “Aridity-related water scarcity is causing illness and death and spurring largescale forced migration around the world.”

Date farmers like 50-year-old Salima Ould Salem have found it increasingly difficult to nourish their palm trees, and now have to pipe in water from tanks and prune more thoroughly to make sure it’s used efficiently. Salem’s neighborhood used to be full of families, but they’ve gradually moved away. Sand now blocks the doorway to his home. It’s buried those where some of his neighbors once lived. And a nearby guesthouse built by a Belgian investor decades ago is now half-submerged in a rippling copper-hued dune.

Though many have departed, Salem remains, aware that each time a member of the community leaves, their home can no long serve as a bulwark and the rest of the community thereforex becomes more likely to be swallowed by the desert.

“We prefer to stay here. If I leave, my place will disappear,” the 50year-old date farmer said.

Sudan’s Military Is Making Advances To Retake The Capital

By Fatma Khaled and Samy Magdy Associated Press

The war in Sudan appears to be reaching a critical juncture after nearly two years of fighting that has killed tens of thousands, driven millions from their homes and seen bloody atrocities.

For the first time, the military has been making steady advances against its rival, the notorious paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, and it could soon wrest back control of the capital, Khartoum.

The RSF responded by announcing at a gathering in Kenya that it and its allies will establish a parallel government.

Few think the war will end any time soon, but here is a look at what the developments could mean.

What’s happening on the ground?

The war erupted in April 2023 between the military and the RSF with battles in Khartoum and around the country. The leaders of the two forces had been allies who were meant to have overseen the democratic transition after a popular uprising in 2019, but instead worked together to thwart a return to civilian rule.

However, tensions exploded into a bloody fight for power.

Since then, at least 20,000 people have been killed, though the number is likely far higher. The war has driven more than 14 million people from their homes and pushed parts of the country into famine.

In recent weeks, the military has pushed deeper into the Greater Khartoum area, which includes the capital and its two sister cities, Omdurman and Khartoum North. Its forces are aiming to retake districts still held by the RSF, including the presidential palace and key ministries.

Will the war end if the military retakes Khartoum?

That partition would not be “stable or durable,” Boswell said, meaning more fighting would ensue.

Military chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan has shown no sign of engaging in serious peace talks. The RSF, headed by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has seemed to be determined to keep fighting.

Boswell said a victory in Khartoum could also cause strains to break open in the military’s coalition. The military has been backed by a collection of armed factions – including former Darfur rebels and Islamist brigades — that are historic rivals united only by the goal of fighting the RSF.

What is the significance of the RSF’s ‘parallel government’?

“They are trying to achieve a victory politically that they cannot achieve militarily,” Cameron Hudson, a senior fellow in the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told AP.

The RSF’s 16-page government charter, seen by the AP, calls for “a secular, democratic and decentralized state,” maintaining what it called Sudan’s “voluntary integrity of its territory and peoples” — a nod to Sudan’s many communities demanding autonomy from Khartoum.

The RSF grew out of the notorious Janjaweed militias, mobilized two decades ago by then-president Omar al-Bashir against populations that identify as Central or East African in Darfur. The Janjaweed were accused of mass killings, rapes and other atrocities. Before the latest war erupted, the RSF joined with the military to overthrow civilian leaders, and RSF fighters attacked pro-democracy protests, killing and raping activists.

The civilian pro-democracy movement has split between pro- and anti-Dagalo factions. A leader from the Umma Party, traditionally the main political party, signed the charter at the Nairobi meeting. The party responded by throwing him out.

The growing ties with the RSF could broaden the war into the SPLM-N’s stronghold, the Nuba Mountains, spared fighting since a 2016 ceasefire deal with the military.

Acacia, gum and palm trees once shielded the neighborhood from encroaching dunes, but they’ve gradually disappeared. The trees have either died of thirst or have been cut down by residents needing firewood or foliage for their herds to feed on.

Sandstorms are not new but have become increasingly intrusive, each leaving inches or feet in the neighborhoods on the edge of the city, retired teacher Mohamed Lemine Bahane said.

The solution, he believes, has to be planting more trees both in neighborhoods and along the perimeter of town. Such “green belts” have been proposed on a continent-wide scale as Africa’s “Great Green Wall” as well as locally, in towns like Chinguetti. Mauritania’s Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture as well as Europeanfunded NGOs have floated projects to plant trees to insulate the city’s libraries and manuscripts from the incoming desert.Opien Itantem.

Trump Mocks Lesotho Meanwhile Musk Invests There

By Keketso Phakela and Gerald Imray Associated Press

U.S. President Donald Trump says no one has ever heard of Lesotho. The foreign minister of the small African kingdom tells The Associated Press that Trump should “speak for himself.”

“It is surprising and disappointing that he claimed no one knows Lesotho, especially given that the U.S. has an embassy here,” Minister Lejone Mpotjoane said, a day after Trump’s dismissive comment in a speech to Congress caused some laughter. “He should speak for himself and not generalize.”

Mpotjoane said Trump appeared to pick on Lesotho because it isn’t a rich country but warned: “One day America may need Lesotho’s support.”

In fact, Trump’s key adviser Elon Musk has already sought it.

“It is disappointing that he claimed no one knows Lesotho, especially given that the U.S. has an embassy here.”

–Minister Mpotjoane

United Nations General Assembly in New York. Matekane posted a photo on X of them shaking hands. The message said in part: “Exciting developments lie ahead.”

Musk has been instrumental in the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development in his role as head of the new Department of Government Efficiency.

Trump mocked Lesotho while criticizing some U.S. foreign aid contracts as a waste of money in his 99-minute speech on Tuesday [March 4th].

“Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of,” Trump said, struggling to pronounce the name correctly as Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson, sitting behind him, grinned.

But Musk in September was meeting with Lesotho’s prime minister, Sam Matekane, while trying to do business with the southern African nation.

Musk’s Starlink internet satellite service, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has applied for a license to operate in Lesotho. It’s one of several African countries where it is bidding to win contracts. The Lesotho Communications Authority said last month it recently received Starlink’s bid for a 10-year license.

Musk was born in South Africa, which surrounds Lesotho and its 2.3 million people.

He met with Matekane on the sidelines of the

Those cuts have threatened Lesotho’s HIV program and forced it to lay off at least 1,500 health workers — about 7% of the country’s health staff — in what the government has described as a severe blow. U.S. aid has been credited with helping Lesotho provide life-saving treatment to more than 200,000 people living with HIV.

Lesotho has received American assistance for nearly 20 years through USAID, which gave it over $44 million last year. The dismantling of the agency and widespread terminations of U.S. foreign aid contracts have hit Africa harder than any other region.

Lesotho’s foreign minister, asked about Trump’s comment on promoting LGBTQI+ in his country, said he was not aware of the $8 million contract Trump mentioned because USAID funding was largely channeled through non-governmental organizations. The minister didn’t comment on the U.S. aid cuts.

Lesotho repealed its laws against homosexuality in 2012 but same-sex marriages are still not recognized, and activists say LGBTQ people face stigma and discrimination.

This wasn’t the first time Trump has been disparaging about Africa. During his first term, he used a crude expletive that refers to a pit latrine to describe some African countries.

PHOTO: Freepik

PHOTO: Creative Commons License

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

HEALTHY LIVING

Meet Dr. Richard Drew, The Father Of The Nation’s Blood Bank

By JoAnn Siudara Sharp Community Medical Group

San Diegans are known for their community engagement — a point of pride for those living in “America’s Finest City.”

One of the easiest and most important things locals can do for the community is donate blood. And according to the area blood bank, San Diego needs over 350 units a day to keep up with demand.

When you donate blood, you’re helping a variety of populations, including people:

• Liv ing with life-threatening blood disorders

• L iving with cancer and other chronic diseases

• E xperiencing trauma from burns or accidents

• E xperiencing childbirth complications

• R eceiving an organ donation

“By simply rolling up your sleeves and giving the gift of life through blood donation, you have the power to bring healing, hope, and humanity to those in need,” says Dr. Suzanne Afflalo, a family medicine doctor with Sharp Community Medical Group. “Your contribution can transform despair into hope for countless individuals — one donation at a time.”

America’s first

blood

bank: Black excellence in action

Blood banks were not the norm prior to the 1940s, when Dr. Charles Richard Drew, celebrated as the “father of the blood bank,” saw the significant need for a donated blood repository. Though regularly facing racism, Dr. Drew attended Amherst College and McGill University’s medical school, where he focused his dissertation on blood transfusions and effective methods for the storage of blood. He was later the first Black American to earn a medical degree from Columbia University.

As World War II escalated in 1940, blood was desperately needed to treat the injuries of Allied troops and civilians. Great Britain reached out to him in New York for his help, and in response, Dr. Drew created a system to recruit blood donors, separate the plasma, store and test the plasma, and arrange for shipment of the plasma overseas, using the American Red Cross to fulfill the mission.

Dr. Drew was estimated to have helped the organization successfully collect over 14,500

SDCCE Partners with Lincoln High School

exam, after which they’ll be licensed HVAC technicians.

To the uninitiated, the first day of Oscar Aparicio’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) spring semester class at San Diego College of Continuing Education’s Educational Cultural Complex was no different than the first day at any other of the hundreds of courses being taught at the college’s seven campuses. But this was a seminal moment: more than half of the 33 students perched at their desks on this day were from Lincoln High School who enrolled through a groundbreaking partnership aimed at expanding career opportunities for teens from the inner city.

In fact, a 2024 Gates Foundation report found that increasing numbers of high school students prefer educational pathways that are shorter, cheaper, and more directly linked to specific job opportunities. This program fits the bill, as the 17 Lincoln High School students taking part will spend 11 weeks learning fundamental concepts and skills essential to the field, such as understanding AC and DC currents, using multimeters for troubleshooting, wiring and connecting fan motors, and the nuances involved with installing thermostats, ductwork, furnaces and heat pumps. Those who pass the course will qualify to take a school-funded EPA certification

Before summer arrives, College of Continuing Education will arrange at least one job interview per student. The potential reward? HVAC mechanics and installers are earning, on average, more than $66,000 annually in San Diego County, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

At Lincoln High School, just a mile east of the Educational Cultural Complex, nearly 86% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, or their parents did not graduate high school. Ninety-eight percent of students are members of minority populations, and 30% are English language learners.

Kevin Morales, 18, said he jumped at the opportunity after hearing about the program from a Lincoln High School teacher. “I’m just looking forward to learning new job skills that can help me in the future,” he said.

“These are skills that will always be needed and always be in demand.”

Not all Lincoln High students are looking for an immediate career.

Williams said some have already been accepted to a university, and being a licensed HVAC technician opens the door to good-paying, part-time work while they pursue a degree in electrical engineering or a related field.

donations, saving thousands of lives through his efforts. Shortly after, Dr. Drew became the first director of the American Red Cross Blood Bank. However, his greatest legacy may be his role as an educator of — and inspiration to — Black medical students and

doctors around the world.

How You Can Make A Difference

Though the country is no longer at war, the Red Cross reports someone in the U.S. still needs blood every 2 seconds. And just one pint of donated blood can save up to three lives.

The process to donate blood in San Diego is quick and easy — and can help save a life. When you go to the San Diego Blood Bank to donate, a staff member will walk you through a series of questions to make sure you’re eligible; take your blood pressure, temperature, and pulse; and take a blood sample to ensure your blood count is acceptable.

In San Diego, you can schedule an appointment to donate blood via the San Diego Blood Bank website or by calling 619-4008251. Walk-ins and visits to mobile blood drives near you are also welcome.

Additionally, A Healthier Me, Dr. Afflalo’s organization focused on improving the overall health of underserved communities in San Diego, hosts regular blood drives and health fairs. Visit the A Healthier Me website to learn more.

Joint Center Reports on Child Care Needs for Black Students

By Justin Nalley and Gabrielle Smith Finnie, Ph.D.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, published an issue brief, “Black Student Parents’ Access to Affordable Child Care Support at Community Colleges.”

The brief examines the availability of the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program at community colleges with an enrollment of at least 40 percent Black students and offers legislative proposals for congressional reauthorization and adequate appropriations for this critical childcare program.

appropriations: Congressional appropriations for CCAMPIS were $50 million in the academic year 2018–19, $65 million in the academic year 2021-22, and $75 million in the academic year 2023–24. This growth is meaningful but should be increased.

The Senate Appropriations Committee recommended $80 million for the academic year 2025–26. An increase in CCAMPIS appropriations should raise grantee funding, fully cover out-ofpocket childcare expenses for student-parent participants, and reach more program participants.

The CCAMPIS program is a federal program designed to support student parents with childcare access and expenses. Colleges that receive CCAMPIS grants can use the funding to subsidize childcare costs for Pell Grant-eligible students, support campus-based or community-based childcare programs, provide before or after-school childcare services, or provide student support like financial and career counseling.

The research found that community colleges with substantial Black student populations were underrepresented among CCAMPIS recipients. Nationally, 13 percent of community colleges have at least 40 percent Black enrollment.

The following policy recommendations offer ways to enhance CCAMPIS to support Black student parents: • I ncrease CCAMPIS program

• C ollect federal data on students’ parenting status: Black student parents are often a hidden population due to the lack of federal data collection on students’ parenting status. Congress should pass a version of the Understanding Student Parent Outcomes Act of 2023 to improve data collection for student parents in higher education. If passed, the law would require a study on the best practices to improve outcomes for student parents at higher education institutions, including enrollment trends for the availability of campus-based childcare services, including CCAMPIS grants. The bill also would require that findings be disaggregated by race and ethnicity, reported to Congress, and made publicly available.

• Produce publicly available, racially disaggregated CCAMPIS performance reports: CCAMPIS grants report data on the population served, campus and community resources used to help low-income students access childcare services, progress on childcare facility accreditation, and grant impact on the quality, availability, and affordability of campus-based childcare ser-

vices. The U.S. Department of Education quantifies CCAMPIS’s success by measuring postsecondary persistence and degree completion rates. The CCAMPIS program should disaggregate participant enrollment and outcomes by race and ethnicity to the extent feasible to protect student privacy.

• C onduct an equity analysis of CCAMPIS awardees: The U.S. Department of Education should build upon this study and conduct an equity analysis of past CCAMPIS awardees to uncover potential inequities and ensure that the share of CCAMPIS community college grantees with substantial Black student enrollment is proportionate to their representation in the larger community college population.

• R emove limitations to federal childcare and basic needs support: The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is a federal-state partnership program that subsidizes low-income families’ participation in work-related education and training programs by making childcare services available through vouchers, direct family benefits, and provider contracts. CCDF allows states to design income and eligibility requirements for families to receive childcare assistance.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group

Kevin Morales, a student enrolled in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program. PHOTO: SDCCE

PHOTO: Blackpressusa

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES

Spiffy Home Cleaning LLC Located at: 5202 Marigot Pl. San Diego, CA 92124

County of San Diego

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9003711

Fictitious business name(s): Pronto Catering Located at: 4901 Morena Blvd. Ste 804 San Diego, CA 92117 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Corporation

This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: Harvey Cuong Le 5202 Marigot Pl. San Diego, CA 92124

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 25, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 25, 2030 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004437

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 24, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 24, 2030 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9003712

Fictitious business name(s): Giuseppe Bar Services Located at: 4901 Morena Blvd. Ste 804 San Diego, CA 92117 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Corporation

The first day of business was: 01/27/2016

This business is hereby registered by the following: Gciuffa Inc 4901 Morena Blvd. Ste 804

San Diego, CA 92117

State of Incorporation/ Organization California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 24, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 24, 2025 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004678

Fictitious business name(s): Karim Cab Located at: 5005 Trojan Ave. #7 San Diego, CA 92115

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 02/19/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Abdelshafi Abdelkarim 5005 Trojan Ave. #7 San Diego, CA 92115

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on March 6, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on March 6, 2030 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004677

Fictitious business name(s): Auburnly Skin Located at: 1901 4th Ave. Ste 100-F San Diego, CA 92101 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company

The first day of business was: 10/23/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following:

Auburnly Skin LLC 1901 4th Ave. Ste 100-F San Diego, CA 92101 State of Incorporation/ Organization California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on March 6, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on March 6, 2030 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

Fictitious business name(s): The Black Pastor Radio Station Located at: 421 Broadway #5141 San Diego, CA 92101

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 03/04/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Stephanie Lanare Maxwell-Robles

421 Broadway #5141 San Diego, CA 92101

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on March 4, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on March 4, 2030 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004436

Fictitious business name(s): Stephanie MaxwellRobles Ministries International Located at: 421 Broadway #5133 San Diego, CA 92101

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 03/04/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Stephanie Lanare Maxwell-Robles 421 Broadway #5133 San Diego, CA 92101

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on March 4, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on March 4, 2030 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004435

Fictitious business name(s): The Stephanie Maxwell-Robles Show Located at: 421 Broadway #5125 San Diego, CA 92101

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 12/10/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following: Stephanie Lanare Maxwell-Robles 421 Broadway #5125 San Diego, CA 92101

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on March 4, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on March 4, 2030 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004434

Fictitious business name(s): Lanare Publishing Located at: 421 Broadway #5121 San Diego, CA 92101 County of San Diego

421 Broadway #5121

San Diego, CA 92101

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on March 4, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on March 4, 2030 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2025-9004433

Fictitious business name(s): Lanare Entertainment

Television And News

Network

Located at:

421 Broadway #5143 San Diego, CA 92101

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 03/04/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Stephanie Lanare

Maxwell-Robles

421 Broadway #5143 San Diego, CA 92101

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on March 4, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on March 4, 2030 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2025-9004334

Fictitious business name(s):

Spot Light Event Center Located at: 6244 El Cajon Blvd. #17 San Diego, CA 92115

County of San Diego

11380 Via Rancho San Diego #J El Cajon, CA 92019

This business is conducted by:

A Limited Liability Company

The first day of business was: 03/03/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Spot Light Event Center 11380 Via Rancho San Diego #J El Cajon, CA 92019 State of Incorporation/ Organization California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on March 3, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on March 3, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004013

Fictitious business name(s): Montes Motorsports Located at: 805 Energy Way Chula Vista, CA 91911 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 02/26/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Mario Enrique Montes Bernal 805 Energy Way Chula Vista, CA 91911

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 26, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 26, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

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Fictitious business name(s): Wrenchmasters Located at: 8606 Argent St. Ste D Santee, CA 92071

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability company

The first day of business was: 02/01/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Guys Garage LLC 525 Prescott Ave. El Cajon, CA 92020 State of Incorporation/ Organization California

3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002940

Fictitious business name(s): Home Helpers Home Care of North San Diego Located at: 325 W 3rd Ave. Ste 101 Escondido, CA 92025 County of San Diego

428 S Falcon St Anaheim, CA 92804

This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: C and C Van LLC 428 S Falcon St Anaheim, CA 92804 State of Incorporation/ Organization California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 11, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 11, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

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Fictitious business name(s): Imperial Embroidery Located at: 105 S 31St. San Diego, CA 92102 County of San Diego

2668 L St. San Diego, CA 92102 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: Kimberly Riveros

2668 L St. San Diego, CA 92102

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 26, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 26, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004094

Fictitious business name(s): Mandate Project Impact Inc.

MPI Inc. Located at:

3645 Ruffin Rd. Ste 200 San Diego, CA 92123-1875

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Corporation

The first day of business was: 12/12/2014

This business is hereby registered by the following: Mandate Project Impact Inc.

3645 Ruffin Rd. Ste 200 San Diego, CA 92123-1875

State of Incorporation/ Organization

California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 27, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 27, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004092

Fictitious business name(s): GodRadio1

Gospel On Demand Radio

Located at:

3645 Ruffin Rd. Ste 200 San Diego, CA 92123-1875

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Corporation

The first day of business was: 04/01/2000

This business is hereby registered by the following:

M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records, Inc.

3645 Ruffin Rd. Ste 200 San Diego, CA 92123-1875

This fictitious business name will expire on February 27, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9003641

Fictitious business name(s): Sprinter's Bay

Sprinter Mobile Repair Adu Dream

Arch Gridline Located at: 13350 Pacific Pl. Unit 2104 San Diego, CA 92130

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company

Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: NNK LLC 13350 Pacific Pl. Unit 2104 San Diego, CA 92130

State of Incorporation/ Organization California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 21, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 21, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9003941

Fictitious business name(s): BC Grub Located at: 8655 Lake Ashmere San Diego, CA 92119

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Married Couple

Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: Consuelo Mondaca 8655 Lake Ashmere San Diego, CA 92119

Ricardo Gomez 8655 Lake Ashmere San Diego, CA 92119

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 26, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 26, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9003690

Fictitious business name(s): Wind + Water Sailing Charters Located at: 2180 B. Vista Way #1023

Oceanside, CA 92054

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company

The first day of business was: 02/24/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Sail Oside LLC 2180 B Vista Way #1023 Oceanside, CA 92054 State of Incorporation/ Organization California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 24, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 24, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004008

Fictitious business name(s): Kneaded Cuts & Co LLC Located at: 6122 University Ave San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 02/25/2025

February 26, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9004007

Fictitious business name(s): Knots In Knead Located at: 6124 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115-5719 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 11/18/2018

This business is hereby registered by the following: Jessica Storey 6124 University Ave San Diego, CA 92115-5719 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 26, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on February 26, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9003882

Fictitious business name(s): Noma Design and Build Junky Monkey Noma Noma Design & Build Junky Monkey Trash Removal Junky Monkey Demolition Monkey Junk Removal Located at: 11363 Tribuna Ave San Diego, CA 92131 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Corporation

The first day of business was: 06/01/2017 This business is hereby registered by the following: YD Design 11363 Tribuna Ave San Diego, CA 92131 State of Incorporation/ Organization California This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 25, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on February 25, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9003987

Fictitious business name(s): N.U.M.B.E.R.S. Located at: 404 Euclid Ave San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego PO Box 122785 San Diego, CA 92112 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Corporation

The first day of business was: 07/29/2019 This business is hereby registered by the following: National United Members Blacks Empowering Rights Sovereignty PO Box 122785 San Diego, CA 92112 State of Incorporation/ Organization California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 26, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 26, 2030 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9003099

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 03/04/2025 This business is hereby registered by the following: Stephanie Maxwell-Robles

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 18, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 18, 2030

State of Incorporation/ Organization

California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 27, 2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Jessica Storey 6124 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115-5719

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 26, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on

Fictitious business name(s): Centro Transport Located at: 9747 Businesspark Ave. Ste 243 San Diego, CA 92131 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 01/01/2012 This business is hereby registered by the following: Mohammed Abdulqadir Aways 9747 Businesspark Ave. Ste

County of San Diego

P.O. Box 153084 San Diego, CA 92195

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 01/01/2013

This business is hereby registered by the following: D'Wayne Albert Bullock

P.O. Box 153084 San Diego, CA 92195

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 24, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on January 24, 2030 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9003488

Fictitious business name(s): American Electric Located at: 224 South Orange Ave. El Cajon, CA 92020 County of San Diego

P.O. Box 21 El Cajon, CA 92022 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9001788

Fictitious business name(s): Heisman Factory Located at: 4349 Rosebud Ln. A La Mesa, CA 91941 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 01/02/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Paul D Matthis 4349 Rosebud Ln. La Mesa, CA 91941

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 27, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on January 27, 2030 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9003440

Fictitious business name(s): Lady Cheryl's Coiffeurs

Lady Cheryl's Located at: 18 N Euclid Ave. National City, CA 91950 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 04/01/1979

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 19,

3295 Meade Ave. San Diego, CA 92116 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Corporation

The first day of business was: 01/01/2025 This business is hereby registered by the following: Christ United Methodist Ministry Center 3295 Meade Ave. San Diego CA 92116

This business is hereby registered by the following: Cheryl Brown-Johnson 18 N Euclid Ave. National City, CA 91950

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 19, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 19, 2030 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000392

Fictitious business name(s):

The Middle Eats Located at: 1282 Angelus Ave. San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 01/01/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Andrea Fadwa Nasser 1282 Angelus Ave. San Diego, CA 92114

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 7, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on January 7, 2030 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9001756

Fictitious business name(s): Ashford Speech And Advocacy P.C. Located at: 333 N Melrose Dr. Unit E Vista, CA 92083

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Corporation

The first day of business was: 01/27/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Ashford Speech Therapy and Advocacy P.C.

333 N Melrose Dr. Unit E Vista, CA 92083 State of Incorporation/ Organization California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 27, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on January 27, 2030 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002019

Fictitious business name(s): Socal Civil Consulting

Socal Pressure Washing Solutions Located at: 5011 Providence Road San Diego, CA 92117 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Corporation Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

San Diego, CA 92117

State of Incorporation/ Organization

California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 29, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on January 29, 2030 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002592

Fictitious business name(s): San Diego Salsa Located at: 569 E Ave. #B Coronado, CA 92118

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: Ryan Boney 569 E Ave. #B Coronado, CA 92118

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 6, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 6, 2030 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002789

Fictitious business name(s): Becoming Known Therapy Located at: 3111 Chicago St. San Diego, CA 92117

1310 S Riverside Ave. #3F-324 Rialto, CA 92376

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: Esther Pui Men Chau

1310 S Riverside Ave. #3F-324 Rialto, CA 92376

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 10, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 10, 2030 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002895

Fictitious business name(s): The Boulevard Studio Suites --Boulevard Studio Suites Located at: 6244 El Cajon Blvd. #16 San Diego, CA 92115

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A General Partnership

The first day of business was: 02/11/2025

This business is hereby registered by the following: Kashauna Shinae Heard 7251 Peter Pan Ave. San Diego, CA 92114

Kim Foster 7251 Peter Pan Ave. San Diego, CA 92114

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 11, 2025

This fictitious business name will expire on February 11, 2030 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME 2025-9003639

Fictitious business name(s) to be abandoned: Reiki Energy Wave Located at: 7185 Navajo Road, Suite K San Diego, CA 92119 County of San Diego

6930 Hyde Park Dr. Unit 210 San Diego, CA 92119

This business is conducted by: An Individual The Fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on: 11/02/2023 and assigned File no. 2023-9022404

The fictitious business name is being abandoned by: Teri Jean Green

San Diego, CA 92101

Central Courthouse

Case Number

25CU012035C

Petitioner or Attorney: Elizabeth Grace Scanlon

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner

Elizabeth Grace Scanlon filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME:

Elizabeth Grace Scanlon

PROPOSED NAME:

Elizabeth Grace Scanlon Buck

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter 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 that includes the reasons for the 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 30, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT

OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN

served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.

The address of the court is: 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA

330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101

Hall of Justice Case Number 25CU008849C

Petitioner or Attorney: Mary Delaney O'Keefe

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Mary Delaney O'Keefe filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Mary Delaney O'Keefe

PROPOSED NAME: Delaney O'Keefe St. Thomas

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter 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 that includes the reasons for the 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 10, 2025

Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.

FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.

The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice

Case Number 25CU008854C

Petitioner or Attorney: Caroline St. Thomas Beresford-Wood

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner

Caroline St. Thomas Beresford-Wood filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Caroline St. Thomas Beresford-Wood

PROPOSED NAME: Caroline O'Keefe St. Thomas

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter 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 that includes the reasons for the 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 10, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

information on obtaining certified copies.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.

The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Central

Case Number 25CU009462C

Petitioner or Attorney: Kristina Lisa Salerno Mantrop aka Lisa Christine Salerno

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner

Kristina Lisa Salerno Mantrop aka Lisa Christine Salerno filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Kristina Lisa Salerno Mantrop aka Lisa Christine Salerno

PROPOSED NAME: Kristina Lisa Mantrop

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter 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 that includes the reasons for the 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 8, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

be changed, to determine if a certified

6930 Hyde Park Dr. Unit 210 San Diego, CA 92119

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County February 21, 2025 3/13, 3/20, 3/27, 4/3

OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

This business is hereby registered by the following: Socal Contracting Solutions Inc.

5011 Providence Road

Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment

A RESPONDENT

OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE

A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to

NOTICE OF HEARING Date:

certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.

The address of the court is:

330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101

2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA

330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Case Number

25CU005719C

Petitioner or Attorney: Troy Lynoid Bloxon Jr.

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Troy Lynoid Bloxon Jr. filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Troy Lynoid Bloxon Jr.

PROPOSED NAME: Eliyeynay Ummah Yashar'el

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter 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 that includes the reasons for the 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: March 24, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL

OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and

no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.

The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20

SUMMONS (Citation Judicial)

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (Aviso al demandado): Ma Del Rosario Renteria Garcia

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (Lo esta demandado el demandante): Vu Hoang Nguyen

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

25PE000570C

attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinto.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 dias, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DIAS 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 secretano de la corte que le de 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 podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas 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 Calitornia 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 o más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

Case Number: 37-2023-00036547CL-PA-NC

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): San Diego Superior Court 325 S. Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081

The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff 's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): John P. Le Phong, ESQ. 7711 Summer Day Dr., Corona, CA 92883 (626) 536-0368

DATE (Fecha): 08/29/2023

Clerk By: Irma Ledesma Deputy Clerk 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Mark Walton Chandler, a.k.a. Mark W Chandler and Mark Chandler

A Petition for Probate has been filed by David Eric Chandler and Kristine Chandler Madera in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.

The Petition for Probate requests that David Eric Chandler and Kristine Chandler Madera 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: April 9, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. in Department 502 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101 Central Courthouse

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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

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

You may examine the file kept by the court

If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250.

A REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE FORM is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner:

David Eric Chandler and Kristine Chandler Madera 3598 Grovedale St., Corona, CA 92881

309 Woodfield Dr., Asheville, NC 28803 (951) 768-4783 (828) 699 3356 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Veronica Agnes Pereyra Case Number: 25PE000532C

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

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Adriana Pereyra in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.

The Petition for Probate requests that Adriana Pereyra 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: April 3, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. in Department 503 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101 Central Division

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE FORM is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner: Adriana Pereyra 4379 Swift Ave., Apt. 5 San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 855-3040 3/13, 3/20, 3/27

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Daniel Rowan

Case Number: 25PE000582C

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

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Ashley Rowan and Blair Rowan in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.

Invitations for Bids (IFB) North Park/Mid-City Bikeways: University Bikeway Solicitation No.: 42500357 CIP 1223081 Federal Aid Project No.: ATPL-6066(151) The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking contractors to deliver the North Park/Mid-City Bikeways: University Bikeway project. This project is constructing of approximately 2.8 miles of Class II and Class IV bikeway along University Avenue between Estrella Avenue and 69th Street within the City of San Diego and approximately 0.25 miles of Bike Boulevard improvements on Estrella Avenue between Orange Avenue and University Avenue. Roadway improvements are required to accommodate the bikeway. Features include raised concrete medians, concrete curb & gutter, asphalt concrete dike, bus islands, a protected intersection, street lighting, traffic signal modifications and other traffic safety measures linked to signage and striping.

Work includes, but not limited to, controlling for water pollution; traffic control; erosion control; clearing and grubbing; curb, gutter, cross gutter, driveway, colored concrete, and sidewalk work; roadway excavation; imported borrow; asphalt concrete pavement; PCC pavement; landscaping and irrigation; proprietary BMPs; wayfinding signage; pavement markings and signage; street lighting; trenching and backfill for underground electric conduits; water appurtenances and fire hydrant relocations; storm drain installation; traffic signal modifications. Additive alternate A consists of pavement rehabilitation and associated curb ramps, traffic signal modifications and other appurtenant work associated with rehabilitating the roadway along University Avenue.

The work will also include the procurement of all materials and performing all other work necessary to complete the work in accordance with the project plans and specifications. This project is federally funded and has a DBE goal of 23%. The Engineer’s Estimate is $23,446,836.40. This project is subject to the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).

The Optional Pre-Bid Meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on March 18, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM PST/PDT. The deadline for Bid submittal is April 10, 2025 by 2:30 PM PST/PDT unless otherwise stated in an addendum.

A copy of the solicitation documents and any communications or addenda can be accessed via www.bidnetdirect.com/sandag.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PMPST/PDT unless otherwise stated in an addendum. A copy of the solicitation documents and any communications or addenda can be accessed via www.bidnetdirect.com/sandag.

Don’t Miss Your Deadline!

Reminder: You have 45 days from your filing date to publish your Fictitious Business Name (FBN) statement. Stay compliant — let us handle your publication needs!

The Petition for Probate requests that Ashley Rowan and Blair Rowan 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: April 8, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. in Department 504 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101 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

Case Number:

Corporate America Abandons DE&I, But Black-Owned Brands Are the Future

By Stacy M. Brown

Newswire Senior

Correspondent

While corporations retreat, Black entrepreneurs continue to build, innovate, and thrive. According to NBC Select, over three million Black-owned brands are in the U.S., spanning every industry imaginable. As corporate America abandons its DE&I commitments, the power shifts to conscious consumers who invest in businesses that uplift and sustain marginalized communities.

Here are just a few standout Blackowned brands leading the charge:

Clothing & Accessories

• Telfar – The brand that revolutionized luxury fashion with its motto: “Not for you—for everyone.”

• Hanifa – A trailblazing womenswear brand founded by Anifa Mvuemba, known for its stunning digital fashion shows.

• Pyer Moss – Founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond, this label merges activism and high fashion.

• Grayscale – A streetwear brand bringing bold aesthetics and social commentary to the forefront.

• Sassy Jones – A standout accessories brand built on bold, unapologetic self-expression.

Beauty & Skincare

• Fenty Beauty – Rihanna’s globally inclusive beauty empire that set a new standard for shade diversity.

• M ented Cosmetics – Beauty products created specifically for deeper skin tones.

• T he Lip Bar – A Black-womanowned brand disrupting the beauty industry with bold, nontoxic lipstick shades.

• P attern Beauty – Founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, specializing in products for textured hair.

• Alikay Naturals – Natural haircare products with a devoted following.

Home & Lifestyle

• E stelle Colored Glass – Handblown glassware that brings Black excellence to fine dining.

• Jungalow – A home décor brand from designer Justina Blakeney, blending culture and bohemian flair.

• L inoto – Luxury linen bedding made with sustainability in mind.

• Y owie – A modern design studio curating unique home goods from independent artists.

Food & Beverage

• Partake Foods – A Black-owned

snack company offering allergen-friendly cookies and treats.

• McBride Sisters Wine Collection – The largest Black-owned wine company in the U.S., run by two sisters redefining the industry.

• U ncle Nearest Whiskey – Honoring Nathan “Nearest” Green, the Black distiller behind Jack Daniel’s original recipe.

• C apital City Mambo Sauce – The D.C. favorite taking over the condiment industry.

Meanwhile, corporate America’s performative commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is unraveling at an alarming rate. In the years following the murder of George Floyd, corporations made bold promises to support marginalized communities, pledging billions in investments to level the playing field. But as the political landscape shifts and accountability wanes, those commitments are being discarded.

A staggering number of major corporations have scaled back or eliminated DE&I programs: Amazon, Target, Amtrak, Goldman Sachs, Disney, Deloitte, PBS, Google, Pepsi, General Motors (GM), GE, Intel, PayPal, Chipotle, Comcast, Accenture, The Smithsonian Institution, the FBI, Meta, Walmart, Boeing, Molson Coors, Ford Motor Co., Harley-Davidson, and John Deere have all abandoned or severely reduced their diversity efforts. The very companies that once paraded their commitment to racial equity in multimillion-dollar ad campaigns are now quietly erasing those initiatives from their bottom lines.

Not everyone is staying silent. Dr. Jamal Bryant, the influential pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in metro Atlanta, is lead -

ing a 40-day economic fast—or boycott—of Target in direct response to the retailer’s decision to phase out its DE&I initiatives. Target, headquartered in Minneapolis—the city where George Floyd was murdered in 2020—originally pledged $2 billion in investments toward Black-owned businesses. That commitment was due in December 2025, but on January 24, Target announced it would end its DE&I efforts, effectively abandoning that financial commitment. Bryant, appearing on the Black Press’ Let It Be Known news program, condemned the move. “After the murder of George Floyd, they made a $2 billion commitment to invest in Black businesses,” he said. “When they pulled out of the DE&I agreement in January, they also canceled that $2 billion commitment.”

Target is just the beginning. Bryant calls for 100,000 people to halt their spending at the retail giant as a direct challenge to corporate America’s retreat from racial equity. “Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” he said. “Because of how many dollars are spent there and the absence of commitment to our community, we are focusing on Target first.” The boycott, designed to coincide with Lent, aims to leverage Black economic power to hold corporations accountable. Within just one week, 50,000 people had already signed the petition at targetfast.org, signaling the growing momentum behind the movement.

Bryant’s demands go beyond reinstating DE&I. “White women are the number one beneficiary of DE&I,” he noted. “What I am asking for is a quarter of a billion dollars to be invested in Black banks so that our Black businesses can scale.”

He also called for Target to partner with HBCUs by integrating their business departments into its supply chain infrastructure. Meanwhile, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)—the nation’s largest Black-owned media organization—has announced its own national public education and selective buying campaign in response to corporate America’s retreat from DE&I.

“We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America,” said NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. reinforced the need for financial realignment.

“Black Americans spend $2 trillion annually. We must evaluate and realign to question why we continue to spend our money with companies that do not respect us. These contradictions will not go unchallenged.” In response, Bryant has partnered with Ron Busby, president and CEO of the U.S. Black

Chambers, to provide consumers with a directory of 300,000 Blackowned businesses. “You can’t tell people what not to do without showing them what to do,” Bryant said. “If you’re not going to Target or Walmart but need essentials like toilet paper, soap, or detergent, we’ll show you where to get them and reinvest in Black businesses.”

And the impact of the boycott is already felt. Since Black consumers began boycotting Target, the company’s stock has dropped by $11, Bryant noted. Stockholders are now suing Target due to the adverse effects of the boycott on its stock value. Bryant said the question is no longer whether corporate America will keep its promises—it’s clear that it won’t. He said the same companies that plastered Black squares on social media and made grand statements about inclusion are now proving where their true priorities lie. “America has shown us time and time again: if it doesn’t make dollars, it doesn’t make sense,” Bryant stated.

William A. Scott II founded the Atlanta Daily World on March 13, 1928 to foster conversation among Black Atlantans. Initially a weekly, it became the first Black daily news paper in 1932. Scott expanded his influence, launching a newspaper chain but was tragically murdered in 1934. His brother, C.A. Scott, took over, steering the paper toward conservative politics.

The Daily World covered key civil rights issues, opposed sit-ins, and promoted Black business and voting rights. C.A. Scott retired in 1997, succeeded by Alexis Scott. Today, the paper publishes weekly and updates daily online, continuing its legacy in Black journalism.

2009

ANNE WIGGINS BROWN PASSES AWAY

Anne Wiggins Brown, born in 1912 in Baltimore, overcame racial barriers to become a celebrated Broadway performer. Denied entry to music schools due to her race, she became the first African American vocalist at Juilliard. In 1935, she starred as Bess in Porgy and Bess, earning acclaim despite criticism of the opera’s racial stereotypes. Brown continued performing but faced segregation, prompting her move to Europe in 1946. She settled in Norway, transitioning to coaching and directing. In 1998, Peabody Institute awarded her its highest honor. She passed away in Oslo on March 13, 2009, leaving a lasting musical legacy.