“CALIFORNIA MUST LEAD WITH COURAGE”
NAACP Urges Legislature to Pass Stalling Reparations Bills
By Antonio R ay Harvey CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, California-Hawaii State Conference (CA/ HI NAACP), is urging the Legislature to pass two reparations bills authored by state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson
(D-San Diego), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC).
The bills — Senate Bill (SB) 518 and SB) 437 — were assigned to the “Suspense File” after review in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
See COURAGE page 2
MARKING A MILESTONE: QUEEN MOTHER HARMON TURNS 94
By Alyssa Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Founder of the San Diego Peace Coalition, the San Diego Democratic Delegate and a longtime respected community activist, Mrs. Kathleen Harmon, affectionately known as “Queen Mother”, celebrated her 94th birthday this past Sunday, August 24th, at Kaluu Restaurant and Bar with a host of family and friends who came from across the country to honor her big day.
See MILESTONE page 6
‘LEGACY, LEADERSHIP AND LOVE’: THE SCLC IN 2025
By Macy Meinhardt
Finding itself in a new era of activism, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference — one of the most storied civil rights organizations in American history — has entered a new chapter under a newly appointed president and CEO.
Last summer, DeMark Liggins was elected president during the group’s 65th annual convention in Atlanta; shoes once filled by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Founded in 1957 under Dr. King’s stewardship, the SCLC played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, from the Selma to Montgomery march to the passage of the Voting Rights Act. That history, the new president emphasized, continues to define the organization’s place in the national story.
“Our legacy at SCLC is entrenched in the fabric of America,” he said. “Steadfast to our mantra of saving the soul of America, our movement has produced a bevy of leaders beyond Dr. King,” Liggins said, in a recorded presidential message speech.
See SCLC page 2
TRUMP’S RACIST TAKEOVER OF THE SMITHSONIAN
Donald Trump’s administration has intensified its takeover of the Smithsonian Institution, advancing an agenda that historians and civil rights leaders say is rooted in racism and political censorship.
Under the guise of “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” Trump’s March executive order placed Vice President J.D. Vance in charge of purging Smithsonian exhibitions of what the White House calls “divisive” narratives, targeting especially those that address race, slavery, and systemic injustice. The latest moves include the removal of references to Trump’s two impeachments from the National Museum of American History’s “Limits of Presidential Power” exhibit.
Smithsonian officials claimed the change was part of a “restoration” to the exhibit’s 2008 version, but ABC
News reported on August 1, 2025, that it followed White House pressure during a broader content review. Trump is the only U.S. president impeached twice—once in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but both proceedings were temporarily erased from the museum’s public record.
READ MORE ON THE ASSAULT ON BLACK HISTORY. See page 2
ADMINISTRATION TRIES TO PRETEND SLAVERY NEVER HAPPENED
The Trump White House has declared war on history itself. In an official article published Friday, Aug. 22, on the White House website, the administration blasted the Smithsonian Institution for telling the truth about slavery, systemic racism, and inequality in America. It was not just an attack on museums—it was an attack on memory, on facts, and on the lives of generations of Black Americans who endured the country’s greatest crimes.
See ADMINISTRATION page 2
Mrs. Kathleen Harmon
PHOTO: Alyssa Thomas
Students from UCLA visit the State Capitol on April 22 to show support for the reparative justice
and
437, authored by Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego). PHOTO: Antonio Ray Harvey/CBM
PHOTO: Southern Christian Leadership Conference
PHOTO: The White House, Washington DC/ Mesut Dogan via NNPA
REDISTRICTING, THE BLACK PRESS AND THE BLACK VOTE
By Dr. John E.
By now, we all are aware that the President of the United States is leaving no stone unturned in his effort to hold onto power by attempting to increase Republican seats in the House of Representatives in the coming Midterm elections. While historically, Congressional Districts are redrawn after the 10-year census, mandated by the Constitution, we have just seen
the Republicans in Texas redraw their Districts in an effort to create five additional seats in the House of Representatives. At present they hold control by less than five seats.
The process of drawing boundaries so as to limit the voting strength of some i.e., Blacks and Browns, while increasing the voting power of what would otherwise be a smaller number of Republicans. This is called Gerrymandering In response to this effort, the State of California, which has a Congressional Delegation of 52 with 12 Republicans, has, by special order of the Governor and the legislature, moved to redistrict California so as to convert as many as possible of those Republican seats to Democratic, thereby neutralizing the Texas effort to keep control of the House. The Republicans are attempting to identify other states in which to repeat this effort. If this is to be one of our first steps in stopping Trump, then every voter needs to be not only informed but also prepared to vote against this effort to change our representation in the House of Representa-
tives in order to keep this president in power.
It is the Black Press and not social media that will keep our communities informed on this effort to set us back to pre-Voting Rights Act. The idea is to undo our social and economic gains. This is a continuation of what he is doing in every area of government. His cuts to healthcare and the dismantling of social services are but a small example of what he has in mind for those who are not among his supporters.
As the Black Press leads the charge to keep us informed, we must act on the information provided by our papers. We must energize those among us who think voting is unnecessary. We must do our part to stop every plan he brings that violates our constitutional rights. Redistricting must become one of our chief weapons against Trump as we seek to make sure that no one he supports gets elected. Let’s not sit this one out and find ourselves put out.
TRUMP WRONG TO FEDERALIZE POLICING IN WASHINGTON, DC
By A. Scott Bolden
President Donald Trump sounded like a 19th-century European colonialist justifying the subjugation of “savage natives” in “darkest Africa” when he recently ordered a federal takeover of the police force in Washington, D.C, and deployed 800 National Guard troops in the city. This followed Trump’s order assigning 500 federal law enforcement officers — including FBI agents who should be protecting the nation against major threats — to combat D.C. street crime.
Black people make up the largest racial group in Washington — about 43 percent — and the city’s mayor, police chief and non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives are all Black. The president seems to believe they are incapable of fighting crime.
Trump falsely claimed in an Aug. 11 news conference that D.C. “has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged out maniacs and homeless people.” Not coincidentally, Trump used his news conference to also attack other cities run by Black mayors: Baltimore, Chicago, Los
Angeles, New York and Oakland.
I’ve lived in Washington for decades. It is a beautiful city. We have some of the world’s finest museums, monuments, parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces.
Trump notably failed to mention that crime in Washington fell 35 percent to its lowest level in 30 years in 2024, and violent crime has plummeted an additional 26 percent so far this year. The truth is that Trump is the best friend criminals have — as long as they break the law in support of him.
Washington already has more police officers per capita than any state or large U.S. city. Turning over the police department to federal officials without local knowledge and no hands-on policing experience — assisted by National Guardsmen without law enforcement training — won’t improve the police department’s performance. It will make things worse.
More federal funding for private-public partnerships with local businesses and houses of worship can create alternative paths for young people to help them stay out of trouble, graduate from high
school, and go on to job training, college, or careers. Programs like these are far cheaper than tracking down and imprisoning criminals, and are more effective at protecting public safety.
Because the District of Columbia is not a state, the president and Congress have greater power to exercise control than they do over the 50 states. The 700,000 residents of the capital are as entitled to self-government as other Americans are and will hopefully eventually achieve statehood. We do not need to be occupied by the National Guard and a federalized police force as if we were an enemy nation conquered in war.
Having the federal government increase its control of D.C. local affairs is a mistake that the president should reconsider, and Congress should halt if he refuses.
Read the full article online at www.sdvoice.info
A. Scott Bolden is an attorney, NewsNation contributor, former chair of the Washington, D.C. Democratic Party and a former New York state prosecutor.
By Terrence L. Melvin
BLACK TRADE
It’s remarkable but perhaps inevitable that THIS American president would impose a military occupation on the capital city itself. But this atrocity, this brazen power grab from a population already denied statehood, is not a random, petty act of a vengeful man. It is an open and explicit declaration of his War on Blackness.
Trump’s War on Blackness runs deep. It is relentless and ruthless. But we can not flinch in this fragile moment. We must stand on legacy and overcome. We know the worse blows recently to democracy have been leveled at Black populations — from LA to Texas to DC. Last month the Trump regime sent 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines to quell ICE protests in Los Angeles, whose mayor is a well-respected Black woman, Karen Bass, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Trump s illegal takeover of a city run by a seasoned Black woman was meant to erase her power and elevate the military presence in a city 70 percent non-white — over the mayor’s objections. CBTU stands with the state in its lawsuit to end Trump’s illegal seizure of California’s National Guards.
Next on Trump s blackness warpath is Texas, where he is bullying the Republican legislature to rip up the current congressional map and draw a new, even more discriminatory political map that would potentially add five more Republican seats in Congress from Texas to help Trump impose his authoritarian agenda after the 2026 elections.
The new GOP seats would come at the expense of Members of Congress who now represent hundreds of thousands of Black voters in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth area. This partisan gerrymandering will disenfranchise Black and Brown people to help Donald Trump rig the pivotal 2026 midterm elections. He’s not even trying to disguise his corrupt power grab. Black folks stand in his way to keeping a rubber stamp majority in Congress. Trump is also plotting now to steal Democrats’ seats in other states where Black folks will stand in his way to grab more power, including Ohio, Indiana and Missouri.
Trump s attempt to redraw congressional maps before the midterm elections and before the next census is unprecedented but very targeted. He wants to erase the voice and power of Black voters who see through his MAGA lies and distractions.
So here we land, in DC under Trump’s fabricated occupation — in spite of crime statistics trending downward in major categories, including violent crime, which has reached it’s lowest level in 30 years. As he did in Los Angeles, Trump intentionally bypassed DC's black mayor, Muriel Bowser, in taking control of the city’s police force and deploying over 200 National Guard troops. It’s no coincidence that he has tried to embarrass and erase two Black women in powerful positions.
But why does Trump’s authoritarian occupation of DC matter so much and cuts so deep with Black folks beyond Ben's Chili Bowl and the capital beltway? Trump wants to put his racist brand on a city that has symbolic meaning to black people across the country. He wants to humiliate black leadership and reinforce the racist stereotype of black incompetence. After all, doesn’t John Wayne or some white superhero always come to rescue a lawless town from “them?”
But for a people who have survived slavery s lash and Jim Crow's noose and beloved leaders cut down by bullets, this moment is only the test before the triumph. He cannot purge Blackness from America’s DNA no matter how many executive orders he signs or insults he hurls at strong Black leaders.
Occupied but not subdued!
Read the full article online at www.sdvoice.info
Warren
PUBLISHER, SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSPAPER, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, NNPA
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Kelly
SUNRISE 03/01/1943
Malone
SUNRISE 10/17/1955
Larry Payne James Edward Lela Virgina
SUNRISE 08/23/1929
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
A celebration of life was held 8/22/25 at Bethel Baptist Church.
James (Jim) Edward Kelly passed away peacefully at his home in Sacramento, California, on July 28, 2025. James (Jim) was born on March 1, 1943, and raised in San Diego California, where he graduated from San Diego High School. He served two tours of duty in the United State Marine Corps, after his military service, he returned to San Diego and went on to retire from the San Diego Police Department.
He and his wife, Donna J. Lee, moved to Sacramento in 2001. In retirement, Jim and Donna enjoyed cruises and adventures around the world. Jim was also an avid golfer.
Donna preceded him in death in 2020.
James is survived by his son James Edward Kelly II (Naipua), five grandchildren, two sisters; Mavis Speed and Joyce Darlene Lambert, brother Willie Godin (Bobbie), and many dear friends in both San Diego and Sacramento, especially Richard Johnson and James Briggs of Sacramento.
“ Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ”
SUNSET 07/28/2025 Davis
SUNSET 08/10/2025
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
Service will be 8/29/25 at New Creation Church. ***************************************************************************
Larry Payne Malone, born October 17, 1955, in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, was the beloved first-born of Robert and Mildred Malone. In 1960, his family relocated to San Diego, where he attended local schools and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High in 1974. He later studied Black History at San Diego City College, planting seeds for what became a lifetime of community service, cultural preservation, and ministry.
At age 10, Larry was baptized at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where his spiritual journey began. In 1988, he was licensed and ordained as a minister under Rev. R.C. Williams. He later served at Manna Church and became a devoted member of New Creation Non-Denominational Church, actively supporting the Brotherhood Men’s Group and usher ministry. His faith was central to his life. Larry’s career reflected his passion for history, culture, and youth. He worked at the San Diego Historical Society, where he curated over 50 exhibits, including “Blacks in the American Revolution” and “Black Pioneers in San Diego,” which led to his co-authorship of Black Pioneers in San Diego 1880–1920. He later directed programs at the YMCA, San Diego Youth Services, and the TubmanChavez Center, always centering his work on empowering young people and strengthening communities.
In 2001, he founded The Focus Project, mentoring youth and providing schoolbased counseling. Larry also co-founded Black Men United, Black Writers and Artists, and Chat ’n Chew, while serving on numerous boards and committees. His tireless work earned him the Jackie Robinson Community Award, the Black Writer’s Achievement Award, and even the Key to the City of San Diego. Larry overcame personal challenges with resilience. After completing rehabilitation in 1995, he became a mentor and inspiration to many in recovery, crediting his “Keep it Real on the Hill” family and sponsor Richard Steptoe for their support.
Larry cherished family deeply. He first married Rozelyn Harris, and together they welcomed his daughter Lena. In 1998, he married the love of his life, Faye Brooks, who remained by his side faithfully.
Larry passed on August 10, 2025.
He is survived by Faye, his children Lena (Dalton) and Eric (Chalae), grandchildren Karel, Kurtis, and Kimora, his brothers Dennis (Shondel) and Robert, and a host of extended family, godchildren, and lifelong friends.
Larry Payne Malone’s legacy is one of faith, resilience, and service. He lived to uplift others, preserve history, and strengthen his community. His life’s work continues to inspire all who knew and loved him.
Yvonne Ann Gregory
Carey
SUNRISE 03/01/1938
SUNSET 08/07/2025
ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON RAGSDALE MORTUARY
Yvonne Ann Carey was born on March 1, 1938, in Newnan, Georgia. She was raised by her mother Lucy Neely and grandmother Rachel Neely. She attended Central High School in Newnan and then matriculated to Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. While at Spelman, Yvonne met the love of her life, Howard Carey. They married in 1960 and had two children, Melba Yolanda and Rodney Keith. Yvonne and Howard relocated to San Diego in 1963. Yvonne worked for the County of San Diego as a caseworker for the Department of Social Services. Soon after relocating to San Diego, they joined Bethel Baptist Church in where she was a devoted member for over 60 years. Yvonne was a Deaconess and was also involved with both Pearl Frye Circle and the Solace Ministry. Anyone who knew Yvonne experienced her creative genius through the loving gifts she gave which included handmade dolls and hair accessories, baking cakes, and elaborate scrap books. Her extreme thoughtfulness was demonstrated by her support of college students, various charities, and her family. She enjoyed gardening, crafting, walking, shopping, working on puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren. The thing that brought her the most joy was spending time with family and close friends through birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings and her grandchildren’s sporting events. Yvonne passed away on August 7, 2025. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her dearly. She will be remembered for her devotion to God and her gentle spirit.
Viewing
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
5PM -7PM Anderson~Ragsdale Chapel (FD-1329) 5050 Federal Boulevard San Diego, CA 92102
Pre~Service viewing only
Thursday, August 28, 2025
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Homegoing Celebration
12:00 PM
Bethel Baptist Church
1962 North Euclid Avenue San Diego, CA 92102
Committal Service
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Mount Hope Cemetery
3751 Market Street San Diego, CA 92102
SUNSET 08/05/2025
ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON RAGSDALE MORTUARY
Mrs. Lela Virginia (Varner) Davis, 95, of Chula Vista, California, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Lela was born on August 23, 1929, in Keatchie, Louisiana.
She moved to San Diego at an early age with her mother and younger sister.
She graduated from San Diego High School and went on to work as a Sheet Metal worker at Roar Aircraft and then employed as an Aircraft Mechanic at Teledyne Ryan until retirement.
Lela was preceded in death by her husband Gean R. Davis, and daughter Ava Johnson.
She is survived by her sister Elmarie V. Moreland, devoted nephew and primary caretaker Billy J. Moreland II, and a host of nephews and nieces.
Lela’s kind heart and dynamic spirit will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her. Lela’s love for life and family will be forever cherished. Public Viewing 9 am to 11 am Friday, August 29, 2025 Homegoing Celebration 11 am Friday, August 29, 2025 Chapel of Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary 5050 Federal Blvd San Diego, CA 92102
Mausoleum Entombment to immediately follow Greenwood Memorial Park Bible Mausoleum 1:30 p.m. 4300 Imperial Avenue San Diego, CA 92113
Florals and/or Cards: Please have delivered by 3 p.m. on August 28, 2025 to the Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary, 5050 Federal Blvd, San Diego, CA 92102. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28
May Time Soften Your Pain
ARRANGEMENTS
Waddell
SUNRISE 02/06/1959
SUNSET 08/05/2025
BY ANDERSON RAGSDALE MORTUARY
Gregory Waddell was born on February 6, 1959, to parents Wallace and Margaret Waddell. His passing on August 5, 2025, is a tremendous loss to so many. He was a dedicated father, grandfather, son, brother, employee, and friend. No matter how tired or busy he was, if you needed him, he was there for you.
Greg developed a love for travel at an early age. His family moved often due to his father’s military service. The family eventually settled in San Diego, California, where Greg spent his formative years. His love for travel later took him to Germany, where he worked several years on a U.S. military base. Eventually, he returned to San Diego, where he spent the last 15 years working for MTS as a bus driver.
Greg loved biking to work, taking long hikes, and spending time with girlfriend Tammy. Most of all, he treasured any time spent with family. Family was the most important thing to Greg. He deeply loved his children, and anytime he received a picture or video of his grandkids, he could not wait to share it with everyone.
Gregory is preceded by his Mother Margaret Waddell, Father Wallace Waddell and Brother Ricky Waddell.
Greg leaves to cherish his memory sons; Gregory Waddell Jr., Devon Waddell, and Marlon Waddell, daughter Maya Barenz, grandsons; Anthony Sean Waddell and Joel Waddell, granddaughter Sienna Marie Waddell, brother James Waddell, sister in-law Sheila Waddell, brothers; Kevin Waddell and Bobby Waddell, sisters; Gwendolyn Waddell, Deborah Waddell, and Gloria Waddell, nieces; Tamara Waddell-Walker, Tiffany Byars and husband Norris, Holly Amer Waddell and husband Ricardo, Serena Waddell, and Sundai Waddell, nephew Eric Waddell and wife Hanalei, great-nieces; Taylor Caileigh, Ahriel, and Leihana, great-nephews; Carmen, Leonardo, and Amir, as well as other extended family members and friends.
Although we grieve, this is also a time to celebrate family and friendship- the two things Greg treasured the most.
In times of darkness, love sees… In times of silence, love hears... In times of doubt, love hopes… In times of sorrow, love heals... And in all times, love remembers. May time soften the pain Until all that remains Is the warmth of the memories And the love.
Marking a Milestone: Q
By Alyssa Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Founder of the San Diego Peace Coalition, the San Diego Democratic Delegate and a longtime respected community activist, Mrs. Kathleen Harmon, affectionately known as “Queen Mother”, celebrated her 94th birthday this past Sunday, August 24th, at Kaluu Restaurant and Bar with a host of
ueen Mother Harmon Turns 94
family and friends who came from across the country to honor her big day.
A beloved community advocate for Southeastern San Diego, in 2017, the City of San Diego renamed Welling Way and Madrone Avenue in honor of Mrs. Harmon’s achievements, after more than 40 years devoted to making a difference in San Diego and the 4th Council District.
Upon entry to Sunday’s celebration, guests were treated to a walkway lined with dancers performing a specially choreographed routine and tables adorned with centerpieces composed of white hydrangeas and roses. In the center of it all sat a vibrant Mother Kathleen Harmon, who seemed to take in all the love she was receiving through speeches and an abundance of well-wishes.
AKILI & DAVID CELEBRATE THE BIG 50
By Darrel Wheeler
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Family and close friends were invited to celebrate the birthdays of Mr. Akili Smith Sr and Mr. David Monday as they prepared to cross life’s 50-yard line. Smith, for those who don’t know, played pro football and is currently the offensive coordinator at Morse High School and trains young inspiring football players.
On the last Saturday of a hot August, David, Akili, and their guests could be seen laughing out loud, dancing, playing cards, rocking their favorite team jerseys and munching on a variety of good eats, including fried fish, meatballs,
chicken, fancy rice, salads, and a whole lot more.
“Akili and David have been best friends since elementary School,” Auntie Antoinette shared.
“Akili (8-21-75) is my nephew, and David (8-30-75) has been around the family for so long I consider him my nephew too, so the family thought it would be the perfect opportunity to do something special for their 50th birthdays.”
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“This
Anytime
The VFW Post 1512 outdoor patio, with its evening-to-night cool breezes, was the perfect location for this special B-Day occasion.
means a lot to me and Dave.
your family takes the time to put something like this together and show you this kind of love, it’s awesome, and your friends come to hang out with you and have some fun, that's what it's about tonight. Big thanks to everyone who came out to support us,” Akili Smith Sr. shared.
PHOTOS: Darrel Wheller
When asked how this community icon felt to see and experience such an outpouring of love from the community, she replied, “It’s overwhelming. I couldn’t believe it. They came from everywhere.”
Another well-wisher said, “Anything that has something to do with positivity in Southeast and throughout San Diego and even California, Mother Harmon has had a hand in, so it’s an honor to be here to celebrate her 94th.”
Throughout the afternoon, a steady stream of people made their way through the venue to show their love and appreciation for Mrs. Harmon, a selfless advocate who has guided aspiring activists and politicians into a life of community service.
Politics, Writing, and a Mission for Social Justice
By Voice & Viewpoint Staff
At the San Diego Book Festival on Saturday, August 23, 2025, a packed and enthusiastic audience welcomed author, political leader, and activist Stacey Abrams, giving her several standing ovations during her conversation with moderator and cohost of KPBS’s local Midday Edition, Jade Hindmon. The event, hosted by KPBS, showcased Abrams’ signature blend of storytelling, policy insight, and urgency about civic participation.
“Politics is the tool, and social justice is the mission,” she told the crowd, adding that whether through law, activism, or novels, her through line is always storytelling.
Abrams spoke about her latest legal thriller featuring heroine Avery Keene, which uses the framework of suspense to explore the dangers and promises of artificial intelligence. She explained that AI “is the most sophisticated version of an invasion of privacy,” urging the public to ask harder questions about how their data is being used and demanding regulation that safeguards equity and democracy.
Throughout the discussion, Abrams tied her creative work to broader civic themes, reminding listeners that storytelling can make complex issues accessible. She recounted how a young relative’s casual use of ChatGPT sparked Abrams’ deeper research into AI,
It’s Black Breastfeeding Week
leading her to weave questions of privacy, healthcare, and diversity into her fiction.
“We might be exchanging our freedom for their profit,” she warned, calling for collective vigilance against unchecked technological and political power.
Abrams also emphasized the role of ordinary people in safeguarding democracy: “We are the ones we’re waiting for,” she said, urging the audience to keep speaking up, showing up locally, and refusing to believe their voices are too small. Her blend of humor, clarity, and conviction left festival-goers energized, a testament to her ability to bridge literature, politics, and public action.
As a Black woman expecting, or currently with a baby, you deserve the best care possible. Black women are at high risk for poor birth outcomes regardless of age, income, or education. They are 3.5 times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women and their babies are 61 percent more likely to be born premature. This is due to racial bias. This is not acceptable. Join us in our efforts to improve birth and maternal health outcomes for all African-American families in San Diego County. Learn more about available resources and programs to help protect and support pregnant women, families, and babies. Visit BlackLegacyNowSD.com or contact the Black Infant Health Program at our Central location 619-266-7466 or the North County location 760-231-1887.
Happy Birthday, Mother Harmon! May you always feel the love and admiration from your family, friends, and community members.
(L to R) Jade Hindmon, KPBS Midday Edition Co-Host, and Stacy Abrams, the San Diego Book
SCAN ME
PHOTOS: Alyssa Thomas
LOCAL NEWS
Do Your Homework – Check Your Receipts!
But faulty cash registers and price scanners can accidentally overcharge you.
It’s back-to-school time and that means shopping for school supplies. And that, the San Diego County News Center says, also means a reminder to check your receipts!
In 2025, between January and August, 18.6% of every local business inspected—nearly one out of every five—had overcharge errors. The average overcharge was $1.80.
In the school shopping flurry of new backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, and everything else on the teacher’s list, keep an eye on your receipt. Double-check it before you leave the store to make sure the school supplies you bought were sold to you for the advertised price.
After all, the National Retail Federation reports the average K-12 shopper plans to spend $858.07 on school supplies, clothes, shoes and electronics this year. Plans for back-to-college spending are even higher at an average of $1,325.85.
Overall, the amount is a little less than last year, but for many of us, that’s still a lot of money.
The County’s Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures inspects more than 1,620 local businesses and 23,900 price-scanning devices every year to make sure they’re accurate. That includes scales that charge for items by weight, and other price-setting equipment.
That may not seem like a lot, but that amount can add up, especially when times are tight.
Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting what you pay for.
Protect Against Overcharging:
• A lways verify receipts and immediately notify store management of any price discrepancies.
• S tores must display the price of an item, as you are buying it, before the transaction is complete. Watch the display screen as your items are scanned.
• T ake sales advertisements with you when shopping to verify prices.
• K now that stores cannot legally charge more than their lowest advertised, posted or quoted price.
Shop Smart:
• Plan ahead. Watch for store sales, flea markets, garage sales, clearance sales, etc.
• Make a list of what you need.
• C omparison shop with at least five different sources for the best values.
• D on’t buy everything at once. Buy what you need over several weeks or months to take full advantage of future sales and true bargains.
• To contact Agriculture, Weights and Measures, download and use the County’s Tell Us Now app, call 1-888-TRUE SCAN (1-888878-3722) or email wm.awm@sdcounty. ca.gov to report overcharges you can’t resolve with a store.
For more information, go to Agriculture, Weights and Measure’s Consumer Protection webpage. And you can check out our archived video about scanner inspection program.
Do you have the eye to capture tomorrow’s headlines?
San Diego Voice & Viewpoint is looking for photojournalists, as independent contractors, for paid assignments.
If you’ve experienced recent job loss this might be the perfect assignment for you.
QUALIFICATIONS:
•Professional writing experience required.
•Desire to work during big breaking news, special events, and cover local newsworthy stories.
•Newspaper experience is desired.
•Photo editing and processing preferred.
•Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license.
Qualified, interested applicants email your resume and sample of current work to: latanya@sdvoice.info
Specialized Library At Polinsky
Center Gets Renovation
The County’s A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center library is a place of learning and imagination, and it just got a renovation.
The San Diego County Library and County Child and Family Well Being teamed up in July on an amazing refresh that included an expanded collection of books, new activities and a brighter atmosphere for children to enjoy.
Youth at Polinsky Children’s Center can now browse through a collection of newly curated books, in an inviting space full of color and light.
“This partnership has truly flourished to support the love for reading and learning for all of our kids at Polinsky Children’s Center,” said Norma Rincon, County Child and Family Well Being. “This library will bring them joy, adventure and an interest in new hobbies.”
Stay Cool in the Heatwave
Signs of extreme heat in people and animals are exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and a headache. It can even lead to heat stroke and death. Children and the elderly are particularly at risk, according to health officials.
Tips to Help Keep Cool and Safe
• Head to a Cool Zone. The County’s Cool Zones, including the County’s 33 branch libraries, community centers and other locations, offer people safe, air-con ditioned sanctuaries from the heat. Here is a complete list of County Cool Zone sites, their hours and locations. People can call the County Aging & Independence Services call center at 800-339-4661 if they need help finding a Cool Zone site.
• S tay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler. Do not rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• D rink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Take cool showers.
• N ever leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car.
• A void unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun.
• Avoid using the oven to cook.
Tips to Keep Your Pets Cool in Hot Weather
• Keep your pets indoors if the temperature is lower inside.
• E xercise pets in early morning hours or early evening to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. Avoid strenuous runs or hikes.
HEALTH EDUCATION
• Consider a misting system to keep the outdoor areas cooler.
• B e sure your pet has shade ALL DAY, if they are outside. Remember, the sun’s position changes during the day.
• D o not take your pets for car trips unless absolutely necessary. A car can heat up very quickly. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward even with the windows down an inch or two.
• D on’t take your dogs for walks on the hot pavement. If it is too hot for you to walk barefooted, then don’t make your dogs do it either.
• C onsider adding a child’s wading pool for your dog. Many dogs will keep cool by “taking a dip.”
Responding to Signs of Heatstroke or Heat Exhaustion
• F irst and foremost, if you find someone who is suffering from symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion—dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache—call 9-1-1 and start cooling them. But DO NOT give them fluids to drink. A person with heatstroke may not be able to swallow. Fluids could run down their tracheas into their lungs and make it hard for them to breathe.
• After calling 9-1-1, start cooling the person by moving them into the shade, spraying them with cool water and fanning. Place them in a cool shower if they are alert, monitor their body temperatures and continue cooling them.
• Keep your pets’ water supply in a tip-proof container, always topped off, and be sure it stays cool (pets will not drink water that is too hot).
Howard University President Ben Vinson To Step Down August 31
By Lauren Burke NNPA
In a surprising announcement, Howard University President Ben Vinson III, 55, will leave his position as Howard University’s 18th President. Vinson’s departure comes at a usual time: The start of the academic year.
Though Vinson’s departure happens at a moment when military National Guard troops have occupied Washington, DC, at the orders of President Trump, there is no indication at this time that Vinson’s departure is related to DC being occupied by federal police and the military. Vinson became President of Howard only two years ago, on September 1, 2023. He
a former provost at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
Former Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick was selected by Howard’s Board of Trustees to return as Howard University’s president on an interim basis. How long Frederick will remain as interim President of Howard is unknown.
PHOTO: San Diego County News Center
VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
PHOTO: YouTube via County of San Diego
PHOTO: County News Center
NNPA