Former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln announced Nov. 6 that he will run for Congress in California’s newly redrawn 13th District, setting up a high-profile contest with incumbent Democratic Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA-13).
Lincoln, a Republican and former U.S. Marine, previously ran for Congress in 2024, losing to Democrat Josh Harder in California’s 9th District by 51.8% to 48.2%. He served as Stockton’s mayor from 2021-2025 and has described his political work as a “call to service,” portraying himself as a “bridge builder” prepared to extend that approach to Washington.
See PLAYBOOK page 2
CHARLES R. DREW UNIVERSITY — STILL PRIORITIZING
STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
How the University Navigated More Than $20 Million in Fed Cuts
By Charlene Muhammad CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA
Earlier this year, when the federal government slashed more than $20 million in grants to Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), the leadership of California’s only historically Black medical school scrambled to stabilize its finances — while protecting its staff and students.
Named after the pioneering physician Dr. Charles R. Drew, famous for his work in blood preservation, CDU’s mission is to cultivate “diverse health professional leaders dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations through education, research, clinical service, and, above all, community engagement.”
See UNIVERSITY page 2
PROJECT AWARE’S FIRST ANNUAL GALA AWARDS
By Tamara Parker
The first annual Project AWARE fundraising and gala awards ceremony took place last Saturday evening, November 8, 2025, at the Courtyard Marriott in Liberty Station. This year’s theme celebrated two decades of healing, advocacy, and transformation. Project AWARE is a grassroots nonprofit founded by Reginald Washington to tackle the urgent challenges of emotional literacy, restorative justice, credible mentorship, and leadership development in communities frequently pushed to the margins.
See GALA page 8
CALIFORNIA CONNECTS BUILDS BRIDGES FOR SAN DIEGANS
By Olivia Clark STAFF WRITER
The Governor’s Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) hosted the seventh stop of its California Connects regional convenings series on November 5 at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Mission Valley. The event brought together community-based organizations, state agencies, and local partners for a day dedicated to collaboration, connection, and community empowerment.
The California Connects series aims to strengthen partnerships between state and local organizations, expand access to resources, and promote effective communication between g overnment agencies and the communities they serve. Through these gatherings, the OCPSC seeks to foster greater understanding, equity, and engagement across California’s diverse regions.
Aubrie Fong, Acting Executive Director of the OCPSC, welcomed the nearly 200 attend-
ees and reflected on the importance of shared purpose. “These convenings are designed to spark new connections, strengthen resilience, and equip organizations with the tools and resources they need to make lasting impact in their communities,” she said.
Josh Fryday, California’s Chief Service Officer and Director of the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve), appeared via video to deliver his remarks. “We have to engage our communities differently,” Fryday said, emphasizing that true engagement “is a two-way street.”
Attendees participated in interactive workshops, collaborative activities, and plenary discussions throughout the day. These sessions offered opportunities to build capacity, strengthen communication, and form lasting partnerships. Attendees gained tools and training designed to enhance collaboration and resilience, connect with state agencies to access funding and resources, and develop strategies to sup-
port long-term community engagement.
At each table, guests were greeted with markers, note cards, and informational packets. These small tools symbolized the spirit of shared creativity and collective action that defined the event. Participants were encouraged to connect with one another, share experiences, and identify ways to bridge gaps in services to better meet community needs.
Special guests included Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward of the 78th District and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who welcomed visitors from across the state. Mayor Gloria highlighted San Diego’s commitment to community and collaboration, praising those who dedicate their time to advancing service and civic engagement.
See BRIDGES page 2
GRIND2GETHER SPREADS HOPE AND SERVES SUNDAY MEALS
The Grind2Gether(G2G) non-profit organization can be seen at the corner of 17th and K Street every Sunday evening from 6pm till 7pm serving anyone who wants or needs a free warm meal-deal.
The 6 to 7 hours of food, power, and compassion is also a come as you are no judgment zone.
See GRIND2GETHER page 8
By Darrel Wheeler
WRITER
Dr. David Carlisle (center), President of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), with two of the university’s students. PHOTO:Max Elramsisy/CBM
PHOTO: Courtesy of Tamara Parker
PHOTO: Olivia Clark / Voice & Viewpoint
PHOTO: Darrel Wheeler
ARTICLE CONTINUATION
tions. He has also faced scrutiny for anti-choice positions and for celebrating the overturning of Roe v. Wade without clarifying his stance on abortion access for military service members.
“As a Marine and former mayor, I’ve always dedicated my life to serving others,” Lincoln said in a statement. “I’m running for Congress to defend our families, fight for our farmers, and restore faith in the American Dream.”
The 13th District was reshaped under Proposition 50, which expands the boundaries south from Stockton’s downtown to include parts of Stanislaus, Merced, and Fresno counties. The district now leans Democratic by roughly 15 percentage points — although Gray won the 2024 race by fewer than one percentage point, making it one of California’s closest House contests.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) responded to Lincoln’s announcement with criticism of his record as mayor.
“Kevin Lincoln can run for Congress wherever he wants, but he can’t run from his record of skyrocketing housing and utility costs, rampant crime, and taxpayer-funded perks for himself,” said DCCC spokesperson Anna Elsasser.
“Adam Gray wins tough races because he knows every inch of the Valley, shows up, and delivers. That’s why he’ll win again next November,” she said.
Lincoln’s tenure as mayor drew criticism for rising crime rates, mismanagement of law enforcement, higher housing and utility costs, and city spending on arena upgrades and office renova-
The school is widely recognized as a vital pipeline for Black doctors and other health professionals throughout California.
Dr. Jose Torres-Ruiz, CDU’s Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, said the university— designated as a Historically Black Graduate Institution (HBGI)—was notified in early March 2025 that most of its major grants, including the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) award, known at CDU as the “Accelerating Excellence in Translational Science” (AXIS Grant), would be terminated. Initially renewed, the grant was later revoked because its language did not align with the current federal administration’s priorities.
The AXIS Grant provides $4.5 million per year for five years through
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State Republicans have filed a lawsuit in federal court to block the new congressional maps, arguing they give Democrats an unfair advantage. A separate ballot initiative aims to limit use of the new maps to one election cycle if it qualifies for the 2026 ballot.
Attorney Gen. Bonta Says He’s Worried About Midterm Election Security
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Nov. 6 that he is concerned President Donald Trump could use federal power to interfere with the 2026 midterm elections, citing a “disturbing pattern” of attempts to undermine state election procedures and voter confidence.
“I’m wary about this president, and he’s earned it. He’s earned the distrust on this issue. He has tried to interfere with elections in the past,” Bonta said in an interview, referencing Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Bonta said the state monitored Justice Department election observers during the recent vote on Proposition 50, a first in California history, to ensure federal officials did not improperly influence the outcome.
“We are in unprecedented territory with this administration,” Bonta said. “Trump hates California. Trump is targeting California.”
the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. CDU quickly reallocated other funds to protect its scientists, staff, and technicians, though some personnel losses were unavoidable.
“We didn’t want to fire them because these people have expertise that takes years to gain,” Torres-Ruiz said.
The grant is crucial, he added, funding research in cancer, diabetes, and metabolic diseases that affect the Willowbrook community in South Los Angeles, training the next generation of scientists, and supporting community outreach.
Programs at the school, including its youth and teen mentoring programs reach beyond the walls of the university, impacting the lives and quality of health care of people in the surrounding community, one of the most underserved areas in Los Angeles County.
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The attorney general also highlighted concerns about potential misuse of the National Guard or the U.S. Postal Service to influence California elections, as well as attempts to access voter lists that could be used for voter suppression.
A White House spokesperson accused Bonta of “fearmongering to excite a radical leftwing base,” claiming that California’s mail-in voting and local voting policies create risks of fraud. The Justice Department defended its monitors, saying they are trained professionals protected by federal law.
Bonta said he expects support from fellow Democratic attorneys general, including Virginia Attorney General-elect Jay Jones, who he said will join a coalition to resist potential interference by the Trump administration.
“Political violence has no place in our discourse and in our democracy,” Bonta said, referencing controversial messages sent by Jones in previous years. “He’s part of the Democratic attorneys general now, and I think he is ready, willing, able, to join the fight and add a lot of value to it.”
Bonta emphasized that California’s elections are secure, accurate, and reliable. He pledged that the state is using every legal tool to protect election integrity and ensure voter confidence in the electoral process remains strong.
FBI: Criminals Are Impersonating ICE Agents to Commit Crimes
The FBI is warning that criminals are increas-
Confronted with the harsh reality of funding cuts, the university’s leadership made an early, strategic choice to honor its foundational commitment and prioritize its students. Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, dean of CDU’s College of Medicine, highlighted the school’s deliberate focus on admitting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds — many of whom are Pell Grant recipients and graduates of public high schools.
“We are staying true to our mission, finding creative ways to prioritize what’s most important,” she said. “I’m optimistic because of our students— they are dedicated and committed to service.”
In addition, the $2 million-peryear John Lewis NIMHD Research Endowment Program, intended to strengthen CDU’s research infrastructure, was terminated with three years remaining after a February 2025 freeze on nearly all federal grants for public health, education, and infrastructure projects.
Following an appeal, CDU learned in June that the RCMI grant had been fully reinstated, along with all but eight smaller grants. The university’s next priority is restoring the John Lewis Endowment.
“We are working with NIH staff to adjust the language. Certain words like ‘diversity’ and ‘equity,’ which are core values of our institution, are now under scrutiny,” Torres-Ruiz explained.
CDU has also expanded funding sources by targeting foundations and private donors. “This may happen again. We cannot rely solely on federal agencies,” Torres-Ruiz said, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with politicians and private partners.
Prothrow Stith echoed Ruiz’s perspective on cultivating multiple funding sources. “Building bridges with private foundations helps, but it doesn’t erase the disruption,” she said.
Many students rely on federal loans,
BRIDGES
Continued from cover
The San Diego convening marked the seventh of eight stops on the statewide California Connects tour, which also visited San Francisco, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Sacramento, Riverside, Oxnard, and Fresno. These cities were chosen to represent California’s diverse regions and to
ingly posing as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to carry out violent crimes. The bureau is also urging law enforcement agencies to ensure officers properly identify themselves during operations.
“Criminal actors are using ICE’s enhanced public profile and media coverage to their advantage to target vulnerable communities and commit criminal activity,” said the FBI.
Some examples highlighted in the bulletin include: in August, three men in New York robbed a restaurant, tying up staff who initially complied because the suspects identified themselves as ICE agents; in April in Florida, a woman was kidnapped after agreeing to leave with someone impersonating an ICE officer; in February in Brooklyn, a woman was assaulted by a man who posed as an ICE officer; and in January in North Carolina, a man posing as an ICE officer sexually assaulted a woman, threatening deportation.
The FBI is urging law enforcement to “clearly identify themselves during operations and cooperate with individuals who request further verification, such as calling their local precinct to verify the officer’s identity.”
Critics have argued that the anonymity provided by masks and the lack of insignia in some ICE operations not only enable impersonation crimes but also shield officers engaging in misconduct. Former ICE director Tom Homan has expressed mixed views on officers wearing masks, acknowledging that anonymity can sometimes protect officers’ safety but noting the practice is controversial.
CDU leaders say. Those loans are now capped at $150,000. So, most medical students graduate with $300,000–$350,000 in debt when accounting for tuition and living expenses.
To lower the burden on students, CDU is exploring options to make education more affordable, including overlapping school years to reduce annual costs.
Students like Isaiah Hoffman and Bailey Moore epitomize CDU’s values.
Hoffman, an aspiring orthopedic surgeon from Inglewood, credits Drew for inspiring his career choice. Out of 12 medical school acceptances, he chose CDU to give back to his community and continue Drew’s legacy. Hoffman also founded H.O.M.I.E.S. Inc., a nonprofit pairing Black K–12 students with mentors to support academic and personal growth.
Moore, 23, from Southeast Washington, D.C., pursued CDU to address maternal health disparities she observed in her own community — an underserved area of the nation’s capital city. “CDU pours into you. It emphasizes service, and I hope for a world without health disparities,” she said. “Drew may be small, but Drew is mighty. It was created out of necessity to save lives and empower communities.”
ensure that voices from every corner of the state have a seat at the table.
Established in July 2022 and housed within GO-Serve, the OCPSC was created to expand public awareness of and increase engagement in local and statewide initiatives. The office leads inclusive, multilingual outreach efforts in support of high-priority public awareness campaigns and community partnerships.
CDU President and CEO Dr. David Carlisle acknowledged during the Aug. 28 “State of the University” that the institution faces ongoing challenges. Political threats and grant disruptions contributed to a sizable unrestricted budget deficit, despite achievements over the past year.
Successful appeals and alternative sources of funding, led by Vice Provost Dr. Ali Andallibi, have now restored all the monies previously lost in research funding, he said.
Carlisle expressed gratitude to L.A. Care Health Plan and Sutter Health for providing multimillion-dollar scholarships and highlighted that CDU would welcome approximately 1,050 incoming students—near its highest enrollment ever. “I’m deeply grateful for the resolve, diligence, and unwavering commitment of everyone here, even when the path is not easy,” he said.
At the gathering, Carlisle referred to the sounds of ambulances passing by with blaring sirens as- the “music of healthcare,” while students and the school’s leadership attending expressed resilience in their speeches and conversations. The activities of the day captured the institution’s focus on education, service and advancing health care across disadvantaged communities in California — and beyond.
Emphasizing the power of service and connection in building a stronger, more resilient California, California Connects reflects the mission of GO-Serve itself: a growing network where every initiative, program, and person plays a role in empowering communities, elevating every voice, and creating lasting systems that deliver for all Californians.
The campus of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) in Los Angeles. PHOTO: Max Elramsisy/ CBM
WHEN RACISM IS EMBEDDED IN HEALTHCARE
By Edmond W. Davis
By Dr. John E. Warren SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSPAPER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD,
NNPA
From its inception, there has been a national effort to equate healthcare for all Americans as some kind of hangout for those who were primarily people of color. This is the same strategy applied to the idea of "Welfare."It suggested that only Blacks in particular or people of color were the recipients when, in reality, there have always been more Whites on Welfare than any group of people of color.
Fast forward to the enactment of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was immediately named “Obamacare,” suggesting that since it was passed by a Black President, its primary beneficiaries are Blacks, or African Americans or people of color, if one wants to be inclusive of all ethnicities other than White.
Mainstream media has been a willing participant throughout the entire government shutdown. The Democrats held
out seeking healthcare protection for millions of Americans, of all colors. One of the main issues was protecting the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Mainstream media insisted on always referring to the Act as “Obamacare”. This term subconsciously made many of the MAGA supporters feel justified and encouraged in suffering themselves through the government shutdown. This meant that it appeared that the government was pulling back on those people who don’t want to work and cutting off or stalling "Obamacare" while shutting down the government.
Let’s make people call the Act by its proper name: The Affordable Care Act. Maybe then there will be less resistance to the benefit it is providing for all Americans as the greatest social insurance program since Social Security, which benefits millions. We know former President Obama is responsible for this program, which is saving lives and helping millions. Let's not have his name become a code word for the racism against the program because some who benefit are people of color. In reality, like Welfare, most recipients are White.
S.N.A.P.: Systematic Neglect And Punishment CHILD CARE CAN BE FREE AND UNIVERSAL
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” — Psalm 103:8
“Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” — Amos 5:24
Systematic Neglect And Punishment — or “SNAP”
— has become the new normal that over 42 million Americans will feel in their kitchens, classrooms, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Tragically, millions voted for this reality, whether unknowingly, misled, or fueled by the illusion that hunger only happens to “others.” The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, once a bipartisan pillar of human dignity, now sits at the crossroads of political cruelty and national hunger — a place where food becomes a bargaining chip and hunger becomes a governing strategy.
SNAP was never a charity — it is a lifeline. Yet in the wealthiest nation on earth, some elected leaders toy with it as if the poor, elderly, disabled, and working class are expendable. Funding threats are not accidents or shortfalls — they are political choices. We’re witnessing a government that finds new ways to starve the vulnerable while subsidizing the powerful.
According to federal data from the USDA, SNAP supports more than 41–42 million Americans monthly:
• 39% are children
• 20% are seniors
• 37% live in households with a person who has a disability
• 60% of households with kids have earned income This dismantles the insulting myth that assistance equals laziness. Most SNAP participants work or are unable to work due to age or disability — yet still face hunger in an economy where wages lag behind the cost of survival. Many seniors who built this nation now work full-time and still need help buying food.
And if you laugh at people going hungry, you might want to snap on yourself. Pride is a dangerous meal — it feeds ego, not families.
A Manufactured Crisis — Not a Monetary One
During shutdown threats, the USDA has funds available to keep food flowing — yet political directives attempt to block it. This isn’t fiscal responsibility; it is starvation policy. Several states have sued, arguing that withholding food aid during a shutdown is illegal because it is illegal to starve your own people while in office. Could this major American issue be one of the reasons why the Trump presidency wants to undocumented, not intended, the traditional routes of data to trace hunger in the U.S., and like ending the Food Insecurity Survey? In September 2025, the Trump administration
announced it would stop publishing the government's annual Household Food Security Report, which for three decades had been the primary metric for measuring hunger in America. Opponents argued this move was intended to "mask" the harms of aid cuts and deliberately obscure the effects of his policies on the food security of Americans.
We live in a bizarre era when billionaires receive relief packages while children are threatened with empty lunchboxes. When humanitarian food shipments abroad are delayed, and now the same cruelty now creeps into our own borders.
This isn’t red vs. blue. This is moral vs. immoral.
Who Suffers Most?
Let’s tell the truth: hunger in America has never been neutral or equal.
According to Pew Research, African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population but around 25% of SNAP recipients, reflecting generations of inequity. Hispanic families also face disproportionate food insecurity. And rural low-income white households — many from counties that overwhelmingly voted for anti-SNAP policymakers — suffer deeply as well. Only the Lord my God knows why many of the white farmers voted for similar policies for the current president, and now this.
Hunger doesn’t discriminate — but policy does. This was documented under past research done by an African American woman, a high IQ professional named Parker Gilkesson Davis, Senior Policy Analyst, Public Benefits Justice of the Center for Law and Social Policy (Clasp) who said, “taking away food assistance from Americans struggling to get employment is not based in strengthening work, but really is rooted in racial discrimination to justify program cuts.”
Most Americans, including many millionaires, are closer to needing an EBT card than becoming billionaires. One illness, job loss, or crisis is all it takes. In a nation where life can change overnight, humility should be our posture — not judgment.
Hunger Should Never Be a Political Weapon
SNAP recipients are not “takers.” They are:
• Children
• Working parents
• Veterans
• Disabled citizens
• Seniors who built this country
See S.N.A.P. page 5
By Rita Bee
I was drawn to the childcare profession because of my love for children. I just love seeing their smiling, hopeful faces, watching them grow and learn, and welcoming the trust and love they bring to us every day.
At the same time, working in this field can be challenging. Babies and young children require a great deal of love and care, informed by expertise in early childhood development. Low pay is challenging for providers, and high costs are challenging for families — including in California, which has one of the highest average costs for child care in the country.
But some states are looking for answers — and I believe mine has found one. New Mexico is now expanding its free, high-quality child care program so that all families can access it. It’s the first of its kind in the nation — and I hope other states will follow.
As of November 1, all families in the state are eligible for universal, no-cost child care. New facilities will be built, existing child care centers can apply for funds to improve their facilities, and child care providers will receive pay boosts.
Prior to this, our no-cost child care was available only to families with incomes up to 400 percent of the poverty line, and there were cost-prohibitive copay structures. This meant that we had to turn away many needy families.
When parents and caretakers can’t get child care, they lose work, educational opportunities, and enrichment opportunities for their kids. Or when families scrape to afford the exorbitant cost of child care, the rest of their budget — such as food, housing, healthcare, and educational expenses — suffers.
The purpose of this new, no-cost, universal child care program is many-fold: to improve early childhood education outcomes; to support parents’ ability to work; to provide child care workers with a livable wage; to increase the
number and quality of child care centers; and to reduce the cost burden to families and strengthen communities.
Families will save an average of $12,000 per year with this program. That’s life-changing money for most working families. The universal program is funded by surplus revenues from New Mexico’s oil and gas industry and a portion of the Land Grant Permanent Fund — and the funds are paid directly to child care facilities.
I’ve been a teacher in the child care space for 25 years — and I’ve witnessed firsthand the problems this new program is meant to address.
I feel heartbroken each time we have to turn away a family who is desperate for care but can’t afford it. I see the positive impact our child care programs have on children, including lifelong benefits for their physical and emotional well-being and for their future educational and workforce attainment.
Former students who are now adults regularly reach out to me and thank me for all the care they remember receiving. I’m humbled by each act of thoughtfulness from these now successful adults. Recently, one family for whom I taught all five of their children invited me to be the guest of honor at a graduation for one of the adult children. I can’t put into words how special and appreciated that made me feel.
Child care centers are pillars of the community, providing an excellent start in life for our children, freeing up parents and caretakers to earn a living, and strengthening the economy and well-being of our communities. It’s a travesty that child care is prohibitively expensive — and that child care workers are woefully underpaid in the rest of the country.
Taking care of our children and setting them up for success is the best thing we can do for our families, our communities, and our nation. My hope is that all states will follow New Mexico’s lead and enact a similar, no-cost universal child care program for all families.
Rita Bee is a long-time child care teacher in Gallup, New Mexico.
A Salute to Our African Nations
Angola’s Path to Independence: November 11, 1975
By Voice & Viewpoint Staff
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This article continues our salute to the independence anniversary of African nations. This acknowledges our respect and appreciation of our brothers and sisters among us as we work together to build better lives.
and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). The process sped up after Portugal’s 1974 coup (the Carnation Revolution), which led to negotiations and the Alvor Agreement on January 15, 1975, setting the date for sovereignty on November 11, 1975.
Although Independence was dec-
The journey of Angola to independence is rooted in centuries of colonialism and local resistance. After Bantu-speaking kingdoms such as the Kingdom of Kongo and the Kingdom of Ndongo emerged in the region, Portuguese presence grew from the 1500s onward, establishing coastal colonies and taking part in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Armed struggle against Portuguese rule formally began in February 1961 when the Angolan War of Independence ignited. Three nationalist movements took central roles: the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA),
lared on November 11, 1975, the euphoria was immediately tempered by civil war. With the MPLA in control of the capital, other factions such as UNITA and the FNLA rejected the transition, and Cold War rivalries poured in, with the Soviet Union and Cuba backing the MPLA, and the United States and apartheid South Africa supporting UNITA’s efforts. The overlapping of decolonization and ideological conflict meant that Angola’s path to full sovereignty and stability would be long and bitter—even as the Portuguese colonial administration formally ended, the legacy of division and foreign intervention endured.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Nigerian Nobel Laureate U.S. Visa Revoked After Trump Remarks
By Wilson Mcmakin Associated Press
Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka said on Tuesday [October 28] that his non-resident visa to enter the United States had been rejected, adding that he believes it may be because he recently criticized U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Nigerian author, 91, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, becoming the first African to do so.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday [October 28], Soyinka said he believed it had little to do with him and was instead a product of the United States’ immigration policies. He said he was told to reapply if he wished to enter again.
“It’s not about me, I’m not really interested in going back to the United States,” he said. “But a principle is involved. Human beings deserve to be treated decently wherever they are.”
Soyinka, who has taught in the U.S. and previously held a green card, joked on Tuesday[October 28] that his green card “had an accident” eight years ago and “fell between a pair of scissors.” In 2017, he destroyed his green card in protest over Trump’s first inauguration.
The letter he received informing him of his visa revocation cites “additional information became available after the visa was issued,” as the reason for its revocation, but does not describe what that information was.
Soyinka believes it may be because he recently referred to Trump as a “white version of Idi Amin,” a reference to the dictator who ruled
Uganda from 1971 until 1979.
He jokingly referred to his rejection as a “love letter” and said that while he did not blame the officials, he would not be applying for another visa.
“I have no visa. I am banned, obviously, from the United States, and if you want to see me, you know where to find me.”
The U.S. Consulate in Nigeria’s com-
mercial hub, Lagos, directed all questions to the State Department in Washington, D.C. Through a spokesperson, it said that because under US law visa records are generally confidential, they would not discuss the specifics of this case while stressing that “visas are a privilege, not a right” and that “visas may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances warrant.”
World’s Oldest President, Paul Biya, Wins Cameroon Election At 92
By Nalova Akua And Ngala Killian Chimtom Associated Press
The world’s oldest president, Cameroon ‘s 92-year-old Paul Biya, has won election again, the country’s top court said Monday, after days of protesters’ clashes with security forces left at least four people dead as opposition supporters demanded credible results.
Biya in a statement on Monday [October 27] said his “first thoughts are with all those who have unnecessarily lost their lives, as well with their families, as a result of the post-election violence.”
Biya’s decision to seek another term angered youth and the opposition, which has accused him of having a hand in the disqualification of his strongest rival and using “state machinery” to manipulate the election.
Biya has led the central African nation since 1982, ruling longer than most citizens have been alive. Over 70% of the population of almost 30 million is below 35. The Oct. 12 election has displayed growing tensions between Africa’s youth and its many aging leaders.
The Constitutional Council said Biya received 53.66% of votes while former ally Issa Tchiroma Bakary got 35.19%. The turnout was 57.7%. Tchiroma had claimed victory days ago, citing results he said were collated by his party. Biya’s party members dismissed the claim.
The four protesters were shot dead Sunday in Douala, the economic capital, as hundreds of people stormed streets in several cities. Videos online showed clashes with security forces, who fired tear gas and tried to disperse people barricading roads in Douala and other cities, including Garoua and Maroua in the north.
Samuel Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, governor of the Littoral Region that includes Douala, said several members of the security forces were injured by protesters, and at least 105 protesters were arrested.
Dozens of opposition supporters, activists and leaders had been arrested in recent days, including several that Paul Atanga Nji, minister of territorial administration, asserted had been plotting violent attacks.
“I am ready to stake my life to defend my vote. I voted for Tchiroma
because I want change,” said one protester, Oumarou Bouba, a 27year-old trader in Maroua.
Following the announcement of election results, Sani Aladji, a 28year-old hotel worker in Maroua, said: “Nothing will change. I expected that Issa Tchiroma would bring change, which is why I voted for him. There’s rampant corruption under Biya’s regime. We are tired of that.”
S.N.A.P.:
Continued from page 3
Food is not a luxury. Food is dignity, survival, and humanity.
The moment political leaders use hunger as leverage, they violate both constitutional duty and divine command.
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” — Proverbs 14:31
We are not called to tighten a belt around the necks of the hungry. We are called to feed them
The New American Test
Ask yourself: Are we a nation that feeds children or starves them to prove a point?
But one Biya supporter, Flicia Feh, said she believes that he remains the man for the job.
“Our president campaigned on hope,” she said. “He started so many projects, like the YaoundéDouala motorway, and it’s just normal that he is given more time to complete what he started.”
Cameroon’s government said over 5,000 national and international
election observers were accredited to monitor the election. A group of eight local civil society groups noted several irregularities including the presence of deceased voters on electoral lists, unequal distribution of ballot papers and attempts at ballot box-stuffing.
The African Union mission said the vote was “conducted largely in accordance with regional, continental and international standards.”
This Halloween, as children knock on doors for candy, hungry families will knock on America’s conscience. Fill the candy bowls — and fill boxes of food for parents too. Community care is not charity — it is survival and solidarity. History will not judge us by who won a political argument —
But by who fed the people. I was taught how to fish, Right now, we stand at the intersection of:
• Justice and Judgment
• Policy and Compassion
• Power and Humanity
SNAP must never stand for S ystematic N eglect A nd P unishment.
And America must never normalize cruelty disguised as governance. Let justice roll. Let compassion lead. And let no child go hungry on our watch.
Edmond W. Davis is a Social Historian, Speaker, Collegiate Professor, International Journalist, and former Director of the Derek Olivier Research Institute. He is an expert on various historical and emotional intelligence topics. He’s globally known for his work as a researcher regarding the history of the Tuskegee Airmen and Airwomen. He’s the Founder and Executive Director of America’s first & only National HBCU Black Wall Street Career Fest.
PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons
1986 Nobel Prize winner in Literature, Wole Soyinka, during a lecture at Stockholm Public Library on October 4, 2018. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons, CC-By 4.0
Paul Biya. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons
NATIONAL/LOCAL/STATE NEWS
COUNTY NEWS YOU CAN USE
Plans Unveiled for San Diego County’s Behavioral Health Campus
San Diego County is set to build a state-of-theart Behavioral Health Wellness Campus in the Midway District — a first-of-its-kind facility combining mental health, addiction treatment, and support services under one roof. The $210 million campus will serve more than 20,000 people each year, including veterans, adults, and justice-involved residents.
The proposed campus will feature crisis stabilization units, residential treatment, peerled respite care, and outpatient mental health services. County leaders say the project will replace a fragmented system with coordinated, whole-person care. The County is seeking up to $100 million in state funding through Proposition 1 to support construction.
San Diego Food Relief Groups
Unite to Protect Access Amid Federal Cuts
As historic federal cuts threaten access to food assistance for hundreds of thousands of San Diegans, the Prebys Foundation – in partnership with Feeding San Diego and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank – announced
on November 6, $3M in emergency funding to protect and strengthen the region’s food security network.
With hundreds of thousands of residents at risk of losing food assistance, this investment provides immediate relief to organizations on the frontlines of hunger relief. Each $1.5 million grant will help expand emergency food distribution, support local farms, and ensure equitable access to nutritious food as federal resources diminish.
San Diego County is projected to lose more than $300 million annually in government funding, including an estimated $200 million in new costs or cuts to CalFresh, California’s version of SNAP. The loss of federal food benefits not only deepens food insecurity, it also removes $260 million from the local economy, jeopardizing both access to food and the livelihoods of small farmers.
The emergency investment will reportedly help offset these losses by providing immediate operational support to strengthen San Diego’s food-relief infrastructure and sustain Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) partnerships which connect local growers to community food programs.
The grants are part of United for San Diego, a joint philanthropic initiative by Prebys Foundation, Price Philanthropies, and San Diego Foundation, created to support local
communities impacted by cuts to federal programs that provide housing, food, and healthcare.
San Diegans can donate at SDFoundation.org/ unity.
Board of Supervisors Approves Plan to Create Safety Net Bridge Program
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to explore creation of a Safety Net Bridge Program aimed at preventing service gaps for residents who may lose Medi-
Cal, CalFresh, or other essential benefits due to recent federal policy changes.
The program would link community-based strategies to maintain access to healthcare, food, and social services. Proposed measures include expanding no-cost primary care through local providers, same-day prescription access, volunteer-driven medical services, and food distribution partnerships to reduce waste and improve nutrition access.
County staff will report back within 45 days with preliminary findings, followed by an implementation plan outlining costs and funding sources to launch the program.
MEDI-CAL IS CHANGING—WHAT BLACK CALIFORNIANS NEED TO KNOW IN 2025 AND BEYOND
Medi-Cal is undergoing major changes. For Black Californians, these shifts bring both opportunities and challenges. As California continues to reshape its health care system through initiatives like California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM), the state is working to close long-standing racial disparities in care, especially in areas like maternal health, mental health, and preventive services.
With new rules around eligibility, asset limits, and coverage for immigrant communities taking effect in 2026 and beyond, it’s more important than ever for Black families to stay informed and empowered.
We’ll break down what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how Black Californians can protect their Medi-Cal coverage, access culturally responsive care, and advocate for their health in an evolving system.
Medi-Cal provides low-cost or no-cost health coverage to more than 14 million Californians, including more than 1 million African Americans. Medi-Cal helps children, pregnant people, older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers get the care they need, including doctor visits and hospital stays, dental, vision, mental health, substance abuse disorder treatment, and ongoing care for chronic conditions.
A federal law -House Resolution 1 (HR 1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) — was signed by the President. It includes Medicaid funding cuts that could reduce support for Medi-Cal. It also changes Medi-Cal rules, affecting some low-income families, immigrants, rural residents, and seniors. Despite these challenges, California is working to strengthen Medi-Cal and protect access to care. For now, eligibility and benefits remain unchanged for seniors, students, caregivers, and people returning home from incarceration.
Michelle Baass, Director of the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), puts it this way: “Medi-Cal is more than just health care. It’s a lifeline for the Californians it serves, providing access to vital medical and dental services, preventive care, mental health support, substance use disorder treatment, and care for chronic conditions.”
Why This Matters for Black Californians
Black Californians are more likely to face health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and maternal health risks, and often experience barriers to housing and mental health care.
To help address these disparities, CalAIM is transforming Medi-Cal to better meet people’s needs. Two key programs include:
• Enhanced Care Management (ECM): Connects high-need members with a lead care manager, often at a community clinic or nonprofit, who coordinates medical, behavioral, dental, and social services. ECM focuses on people who are unhoused, living with serious mental illness or a substance use disorder, frequent emergency room users, or transitioning from incarceration, foster care, or institutions.
• Community Supports: Non-medical services that promote health and stability, such as housing support, medically supportive meals, in-home asthma help, recuperative care, and caregiver respite.
Together, ECM and Community Supports help Medi-Cal members stay healthy and stable beyond the doctor’s office.
What’s Staying the Same— for Now
Medi-Cal eligibility and basic benefits remain unchanged. Members still have access to:
• Doctor and hospital care
• Prescriptions and vaccines
• Mental health services
• Dental and vision care
• Transportation to appointments
• ECM and Community Supports
To stay covered, keep your contact information up to date with your county and respond promptly to your Medi-Cal eligibility renewal mail.
New Supports in 2025 and 2026
Medi-Medi Plan Expansion (2026): For people with both Medicare and Medi-Cal, integrated Medi-Medi Plans combine both programs under one card and helpline. These plans offer coordinated care and wraparound services, like rides to appointments or the pharmacy. In 2026, Medi-Medi Plans will expand to 49 counties across California.
Key Changes in 2026
• Asset Test Returns: Beginning on January 1, 2026, older adults, people with disabilities, and people with long-term care needs will face an asset limit of $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional household member (up to 10 in the home). A home, one vehicle, household items, and some retirement accounts do not count toward this limit. Income rules will not change. Assets will be checked during the annual Medi-Cal renewal and when applying.
• Enrollment Freeze for Certain Adults: Adults ages 19 and older who are undocumented or have an immigration status that does not qualify for the federal Medicaid program will no longer be able to newly enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal beginning on January 1, 2026. This group will still be eligible for emergency Medi-Cal.
• Undocumented members who are already enrolled in Medi-Cal as of January 1, 2026, will stay covered if they renew on time. If their coverage lapses due to paperwork, they have a 90-day grace period to address it. Children and pregnant people can keep or apply for full-scope Medi-Cal, regardless of immigration status.
• Dental Coverage Change: For adults ages 19 or older who are undocumented or have an immigration status that does not qualify for the federal Medicaid program, full dental benefits will end on July 1, 2026. They will still have access to emergency dental care (for situations like severe infections or needing to get a tooth pulled). Pregnant people in this group keep full dental coverage during their pregnancy and for one year postpartum.
Looking Ahead to 2027
• Work Requirements: Starting January 1, 2027, adults ages 19–64 must show proof that they are working 80 hours each month or doing a similar activity (like volunteering, going to school, or participating in a job training program) to keep their Medi-Cal coverage. There will be exceptions for children (0-18); older adults (65+); pregnant people, including one year postpartum, regardless of birth outcome; parents with children ages 13 or younger; people with disabilities; and others.
• Monthly Premiums: Beginning July 1, 2027, adults ages 19–59 who are undocumented or do not have an immigration status that qualifies for federal Medicaid must pay a small fee to keep full-scope Medi-Cal. Without payment, coverage will be limited to emergency and pregnancy-related care.
• Biannual Eligibility Checks: Starting in 2027, Medi-Cal will check eligibility twice a year instead of once. That makes it even more important to keep your contact information updated and to submit renewal paperwork on time
What You Can Do Now
Medi-Cal is more than a safety net. It’s your family’s gateway to lifelong health. Keep your contact information up to date, respond to renewal mail promptly, and talk to your Medi-Cal health plan about all the benefits available to you, from doctor visits and prescriptions to ECM and Community Supports.
To maintain coverage or apply for services:
• Visit BenefitsCal.com,
• Call Covered California at (800) 3001506.
• Call the Medi-Cal Member Help Line at (800) 541-5555.
• Or visit or call your county Medi-Cal office. In San Diego County, call (866) 262-9881 and request to apply for Medi-Cal.
Stay tuned in 2026 for more updates so you can take advantage of new services and prepare for changes in eligibility and benefits.
Rendering of Behavioral Health Wellness Campus to be built in the Midway District. PHOTO: Instagram via Terra Lawson-Remer
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Delivers Whoville Magic
By Tihut Tamrat Contributing Writer
The holidays in San Diego don’t officially begin until the Grinch skulks onto the Old Globe stage — green, grouchy, and gloriously larger than life. Now in its 28th year, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! returns with all the sparkle, heart, and Whoville cheer that has made it a beloved local tradition. Under the direction of James Vásquez, who first joined the production 23 years ago as an ensemble member, took over the helm as director in 2010. This year’s Grinch, five-time returner Andrew Polec, glows brighter — both literally and emotionally. The curtain rises to reveal a Whoville that feels familiar and new. With refreshed costumes, glittering set pieces, and a cast brimming with fresh energy (nine of the eleven Whos are newcomers this season), the pro duction radiates joy. But it’s Vásquez’s deep affection for the material that makes this San Diego tradition feel timeless rather than repetitive. “It’s a show about community,” he says, “about inclusion and uplifting those who might be a little different — it’s the perfect time, now more than ever, for that story.”
ple celebrate Christmas morning with song rather than sorrow, he discovers that the true meaning of the season can’t be stolen — it must be felt.
Andrew Polec’s performance anchors the show with energy and depth. His Grinch is more than a cartoon villain — he’s oddly relatable, his loneliness wrapped in snark and swagger. His chemistry with little CindyLou Who delivers the show’s emotional core, reminding audiences that even the smallest act of kindness can transform the hardest of hearts.
The show, adapted from Dr. Seuss’ 1957 classic, remains faithful to the original tale while bursting with theatrical flair. Set high on snowy Mount Crumpit, the miserly Grinch plots to rob the Whos of their Christmas joy by stealing their presents, decorations, and feasts. Yet as he watches the townspeo-
Visually, the production dazzles. Scenic designer John Lee Beatty’s candy-colored Whoville g limmers under soft Yuletide lights, while Robert Morgan’s costumes — from the Whos’ curly coiffures to the Grinch’s iconic green fur — are a feast of imagination. Lighting and sound effects create moments of true wonder, from the shimmer of falling snow to the Grinch’s sleigh soaring through the night sky.
The show’s heart beats in its music. With nostalgic numbers performed by the phenomenal Who-Chestra, conducted by musical director Elan McMahan, the audience remains captivated by every twist and urn. Beloved tunes like “Welcome, Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” invite both laughter and sing-alongs, transforming the theater into a shared celebration of joy.
This year, that celebration extends even further. For the first time, The Old Globe will present a Spanish-language concert version of The Grinch , a project Vásquez has spent years developing, as the son of a Mexican immigrant poet. The new adaptation offers Spanish-speaking families a chance to experience this cherished story in their own language.
That spirit of togetherness doesn’t end when the curtain falls. It spills out into the plaza, where a towering Christmas tree, joyful carolers, and family-friendly crafts transform the Old Globe into a holiday village as people await the annual tree lighting ceremony to begin. Vásquez invites everyone to take part, saying, “You need to grow your heart three sizes. Even if you think you’re not a theatergoer — come, let us change your mind!”
And indeed, it’s hard not to feel your own heart expand as the lights twinkle and laughter echoes through the crowd. For all its whimsy and rhyme, The Grinch reminds audiences that the real magic of the season doesn’t come from gifts or glitter but from compassion, connection, and shared joy. As snowflakes drift through the theater and children squeal in delight, San Diego once again proves that even a grump with a heart two sizes too small can’t steal the warmth of Whoville
story that never grows old.
or
Visit theoldglobe.org to purchase your tickets today.
The Urban Collaborative Project (UCP) aims to unite residents, advocates, youth, and educational institutions with a series of Chollas Creekside Park Stewardship Fridays events, starting with Euclid Avenue in Southeastern San Diego (SESD).
Starting at the intersection of Imperial & Euclid, UCP the Brooks Huffman Plaza will be a community hub with seating, lighting, and planters to promote community togetherness, in partnerships with adjacent educational institutions like Elementary Institute of Science, Lincoln High School, Horton Elementary, Access
Youth Academy, and Morse High School.
The project emerged from feedback on the “Community Planning Collaborative for a Green SESD,” which was developed under the umbrella of UCP’s Transformative Climate Communities Planning grant. As anticipated, residents expressed the need for more greenspaces & trees, but with
reservations regarding their maintenance and long-term sustainability.
In response, UCP deployed the SESD “Euclid” Stewards Project. This stewardship collaboration includes San Diego Canyonlands, Groundwork San Diego, Urban Corps of San Diego County, Diamond Business Improvement District, City Council District 4, proximal educational institutions, and Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation.
One more Chollas Creekside Park Stewardship Fridays remains this season: November 21 from 10 am to 1 pm at Chollas Creekside Park (5050 Guymon Street).
—
this city’s enduring love for a
PHOTO: Rich Soublet II
PHOTO: Rich Soublet II
PHOTO: Tihut Tamrat
Director James Vásquez (center) pictured with casted Who’s from previous productions of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! PHOTO: Tihut Tamrat
PHOTOS: Courtesy of Vito Di Stefano
PHOTO: Rich Soublet II
GRIND2GETHER AND SERVES SUNDAY
By Darrel Wheeler CONTRIBUTING WRITER
2G is dedicated to empowering communities’ and driving positive change. G2G, led by CEO Rickey Weaver and his reliable staff, will stand and deliver if those in need stand in line and act civilized, and they will receive some cooked-up kindness.
“I Am My Brother’s Keeper provided donations so that we can give back to the community. We want to thank them for their support,” Ricky Weaver, CEO of G2G, shared. “Our volunteers also make a big difference; we can’t do this without their involvement as we continue to help out our community,” he said.
Project AWARE’s First
By Tamara Parker
As a young man, Mr. Washington found himself involved with gangs and facing a life sentence in prison, with no awareness of alternative ways to deal with his anger. While incarcerated, he created Project AWARE to teach young people the emotional literacy skills he wished he had had prior to his incarceration. Over the past 20 years, it has evolved from a grassroots vision into a dynamic, trusted community organization offering programs in youth detention centers, schools, and neighborhoods throughout San Diego County.
Mr. Washington is now a certified trainer in Restorative Practices and a certified Community Mentor, with over a decade of experience working with youth in San Diego County. He has been trained by recognized agencies such as the National Institute of Corrections, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, US Attorney’s Office, and the National Conflict Resolution Center, among others. Reginald has been recognized by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department for his contributions to their Youth Academy and by the California Crime Prevention Officers Association for promoting public safety.
The event was proud to host the acclaimed chef, bestselling author, and motivational speaker, Chef Jeff Henderson, as its keynote speaker. During his address, Chef Jeff shared his inspiring journey from time served in prison to becoming the first African American Executive Chef at prestigious resorts like Caesars Palace and the Bellagio. It was during incarceration that he discovered his passion for cooking, which he used as a cata-
Award recipients for the evening included Jason Druxman, Mindy McCartney, Karen Normile, Dr. Joey Estrada, Linda Ledesma, Malcom Warfield, and Catherine Butler.
Youth Awardees: Zakyra Reed, Reality Robinson, Bianca Figueroa, Razhane Moore, and Jack Phanora.
Dignitaries: Supervisor Monica SteppeMontgomery, Henry Foster, Mayor Allyson Snow, and Chief of Probation Tameka Nelson.
Guests at the special event were treated to an exciting evening of raffle prizes, dining, and 360-degree picture-taking.
lyst to transform his life. His memoir, “Cooked,” became a New York Times bestseller, earning widespread media recognition and inspiring audiences nationwide.
PHOTOS: Courtesy of Tamara Parker
SPREADS HOPE
G2G also recently celebrated the grand opening of their youth center on 1835 Imperial Ave, as they keep finding creative ways to best serve their favorite community.
Grind2Gether serves the needy one free plate of nutrition at a time as they continue their charitable ways.
“Our story is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to making a difference,” Weaver said. For more information visit www.grind2gether.org
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Rosie Lee
Ford
SUNRISE 06/13/1969
SUNSET 10/13/2025
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
Service was held November 11, 2025 at North Park Apostolic Church.
Rosie Lee Ford, daughter of Charles Drew and Ruby Jean Anderson Ford, was born on June 13, 1969, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her parents,Charles and Ruby Ford.
In 1970, after her mother’s passing, Rosie’s father moved the family to California to be near relatives. They first lived in Harbor City, and in 1972, settled in San Diego, where Rosie grew up surrounded by family. She attended Kennedy Elementary and graduated from Gompers High School. From an early age, Rosie developed a love for reading and often finished several books a week. In high school, she discovered her passion for music and singing, joining the school band and choir.
Rosie accepted Christ early in life while attending Calvary Baptist Church, where she sang in the children’s and youth choirs.
She welcomed her first son, Matthew Ford, in January 1987, and her second son, Marcus Ford, in April 1991.
In 1992, Rosie moved to Los Angeles County, where she trained and worked in management for several major fast-food chains before returning to her first career love, driving buses. She joined First Transit Bus Company in Pasadena, where her warmth and dedication shone through. Her strong leadership and care for coworkers led to her election as Union Steward for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 848.
In 2013, Rosie suffered a stroke that affected her left side, yet her faith and gratitude never wavered. Through every challenge, she continued to thank God for His blessings.
Rosie was devoted to her family and loved connecting with others. She enjoyed talking with loved ones, cooking, and bringing people together. Her kitchen was often the center of laughter, love, and good food—a reflection of her generous spirit.
Rosie passed away on October 13, 2025. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Rosie’s strength, faith, and thankfulness inspired everyone around her.
Rosie leaves to cherish her memory her sons; Matthew Ford of Pasadena and Marcus (Selisha) Ford of Los Angeles, five grandchildren; Markay, William, Makayla, Matthew Jr., and Zyaire, sister Annie (Chauncey) Ewings of San Diego, brother Charles Ford Jr. of Palmdale, stepmother Nettie Ford of Texas, stepbrother Tommy (Cassandra) Taylor, stepsister Rolnetta Taylor, ex-husband, Rodolfo Mills, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Lovetta
Reverand
SUNRISE 02/09/1948
SUNSET
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
A service was held on November 12, 2025 at Preferred Cremation and Burial.
Lovetta Brown was born on February 9, 1948, in Thomasville, Georgia, to William Bryant Brown and Lillie Mae Hadly. Lovetta was born with a heart of gold and, as the middle child, brought balance and love to everyone around her.
She grew up in Thomasville and graduated from Douglas High School. Afterward, she moved to Jacksonville, Georgia, to live with her Aunt Elnora, where she attended sewing and tailoring school. There she met her first husband, Simon Newsome, and later moved with him to California, where he was stationed in the military. As a military wife, she traveled to several states and even to Sasebo, Japan, forming lifelong friendships. During her marriage, she had two children, her son Simon Edward Newsome and daughter Stephanie Renee Newsome.
Lovetta, affectionately known as “Lovey,” learned the art of homemaking early by helping her mother. She became an exceptional cook and baker, known for her delicious meals, especially her chocolate chip cookies and famous rum cake. She found joy in cooking, dancing, and singing, often all at once. Later, Lovetta married Jewel Reverand. They lived in California until her father’s passing, after which she returned to Thomasville to be closer to her mother. Lovetta cherished her family deeply. She had a special bond with her grandmother Tutsa and Uncle George, who lovingly called her “Nickeli.” As one of five children, she shared close relationships with her siblings. Her bond with her baby sister Mary, affectionately called “Mae,” was especially strong. Mary often called her “Baa” and “Hero.”
Though she began with a small family of two children, Lovetta’s legacy grew into many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love and faith will continue through them.
Lovetta passed away on October 14, 2025. Her smile and warm hugs touched countless lives. Her love for God assures us that she is at peace and that we will see her again.
She was preceded in death by her parents William Bryant and Lillie Mae Brown, siblings; Rosetta Green, William Bryant Brown Jr., and Albert Brown, her ex-husband Simon Newsome, her late husband Jewel Reverand, and her son Simon Edward Newsome.
Lovetta leaves to cherish her memory her sister Mary Alice Brown, daughter Stephanie Renee Edwards, son-in-law Dana Leon Edwards, nieces, nephews, fourteen grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren.
The Backbone of Preferred Cremation & Burial
By Mark Jenkins Preferred Cremation & Burial
As our nation pauses to honor the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces, Preferred Cremation & Burial proudly celebrates the veterans who continue to serve—this time, within our own community.
“Veterans make great employees,” says Mark Jenkins, owner of Preferred Cremation & Burial and a proud U.S. Navy veteran. “Leadership, experience, commitment, and focus— these are just a few adjectives that describe the phenomenal work ethic veterans bring to the workforce.”
After years of service, many veterans face challenges transitioning back into civilian life. Hiring them, Jenkins says, is both an act of gratitude and a smart business decision. Veterans possess a deep sense of discipline, teamwork, and organization instilled through their military service. These qualities translate seamlessly into any workplace, from technical expertise to leadership and mentoring.
Jenkins’ own story reflects that transition. A former Hospital Corpsman (HM3) in the United States Navy, he learned to care for fallen service members with dignity and respect—skills that would later inspire his life’s work.
“I took that training from the military and transformed it into this company,” Jenkins explains. “I’m proud to be a veteran, and I’ll always honor all veterans and thank them for their service. But I’m especially proud of the team of veterans who make Preferred Cremation & Burial what it is today.”
A Team Built on Service and Honor
Christopher Jefferson, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, now serves as the company’s digital and technical specialist. His background as a Yeoman (YN3) equipped him with strong administrative and organizational skills, which he has since expanded into managing the funeral home’s technology, social media, and internal systems.
cutting-edge alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) machine— technology that sets Preferred Cremation & Burial apart as one of the few funeral homes with a dedicated pet division. His technical precision ensures the facility maintains the highest standards of care and innovation.
“Christopher’s leadership and attention to detail keep our operations running smoothly,” Jenkins notes. “His military discipline and problem-solving mindset are invaluable.”
James Kelly, a retired HT1 Navy veteran, plays a crucial role in managing heavy equipment and operating the company’s
Robbie Jean
Williams
ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON RAGSDALE MORTUARY
Robbie Jean (North) Williams was born on September 8, 1950, to Mattie and Floyd North, Sr. in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was the second of their 8 children. The family moved to San Diego, CA when Robbie was 9 years old. Robbie attended San Diego Senior High and graduated in 1968. In 1970, she began work for Pacific Bell Communications, a career that lasted more than 25 years. On July 7, 1973, she married the love of her life, Ernest Kenneth (Ken) Williams. In 1996, Robbie graduated from the University of Redlands with a B.S. in Business Management. From 2011-2017 she worked as a real estate investor. Ever devoted to her family, Robbie worked hard to provide for her loved ones even as her health would wax and wane over the years.
Robbie passed away on October 23, 2025.
Robbie was preceded in death by parents; Mattie Massey and Floyd North Sr., brothers; Gary and Chris North, mother in-law Esme Williams, father in-law Ernest D. Williams, and niece Rachel North.
She is survived by her 3 children; TerHea, Shantrice, and Kenny, grandchild Milo, brothers; Floyd North and Carl North, sisters; Joan North, Jacqueline North, Debbie North, and Sheila North, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. PUBLIC VIEWING
Friday, November 14, 2025 5PM-7PM Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary 5050 Federal Blvd. San Diego, CA 92102
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday, November 15, 2025 11AM Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary 5050 Federal Blvd. San Diego, CA 92102
May Time Soften Your Pain
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.
“HT1 Kelly’s expertise has allowed us to expand and maintain our state-of-the-art services,” Jenkins says with pride.
Rounding out the team is Wendell Trent, a retired ENC (SW/DV) Navy diver whose career spanned over two decades. Trent’s service included recovery missions in catastrophic events, such as the Swissair Flight 111 disaster off the coast of Nova Scotia. Today, he channels that same compassion and dedication into overseeing the funeral home’s logistics—ensuring every loved one is cared for with dignity from arrival to final arrangements.
“Wendell’s attention to detail and empathy are unmatched,” Jenkins says. “He brings every family the comfort of knowing their loved one is in the best hands possible.”
A Lasting Legacy of Service
For Jenkins and his team, honoring veterans is not just about words—it’s about action. Preferred Cremation & Burial remains committed to hiring, supporting, and recognizing those who have served. “Our veterans continue their service every day,” Jenkins concludes. “They bring honor, discipline, and compassion into everything they do. On this Veterans Day, and every day, we salute them.”
PHOTOS: Courtesy of Mark Jenkins
HEALTHY LIVING
New Data Shows 23% of Adults in California Are Caregivers
AARP California releases state-level data
C aregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States , finds that 23 percent of adults in California — more than seven million people — are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones.
“When a loved one needs help, family members, friends, and neighbors step up, that’s what we do,” said Michael Murray, AARP California State Director. “But too often, caregivers carry this responsibility alone, often putting their finances, health and jobs at risk. As our state population ages, the demand for care will only grow. With the release of this new data and ahead of the 2026 legislative session, AARP California is urging policymakers at every level to act now to help family caregivers save money, time and get the support they need.”
Family caregivers provide $4.4 billion in unpaid care each year in California, helping family members live independently at home and in their communities—where they want to be. Their caregiving responsibilities range from bathing and meal prep to managing medications, arranging transportation and handling medical tasks, with little or no training.
But the toll on our family caregivers is great— financially, physically, and emotionally.
• 8 0 percent of caregivers pay out of their own pockets to help meet their loved ones’ needs, averaging $7,200 each year, or 25 percent of their income.
• I n California, 48 percent of family caregivers report financial setbacks— taking on debt, draining savings, or struggling to afford basics like food and medicine.
• S ix out of 10 California caregivers are also juggling full- or part-time jobs. Many must reduce work hours or leave the workforce entirely due to caregiving responsibilities, jeopardizing their own long-term financial security.
AARP California is advocating for practical solutions that save caregivers time and money while providing the support they need. This year, AARP proudly championed Senate Bill 590, a landmark piece of legislation that expands California’s Paid Family Leave program to include chosen family— recognizing the wide range of caregiving relationships that exist across the state. Under SB 590, workers will soon be able to take paid time off to care for someone who is seriously ill, even if that person isn’t a traditional family member.
And at the federal level, AARP is working to save caregivers money through the Credit for Caring Act, a proposed federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for working caregivers, and the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, which would expand flexible spending and health savings account uses.
This National Family Caregivers Month, AARP California encourages everyone to show support for caregivers and to join the growing movement of Americans raising their voices for change. Join AARP’s I Am A Caregiver movement and tell lawmakers it’s time to support those who care.
To access free caregiver tools and local resource guides, visit aarp.org:
• AARP California Caregiving Resources to help family caregivers access key programs, services, and agencies right in their community.
• A ARP’s online Caregiving Hub with tools and information available in English and Spanish.
• A ARP and United Way Worldwide’ s 211 program connects family caregivers to essential local services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline.
• A ARP’s official caregiving Facebook group serves as a place for family caregivers nationwide to connect, share practical tips, offer support, and discuss their shared experiences.
EDUCATION
Help Shape the Region’s Behavioral Health Services Future
(BHSA) Integrated Plan, which goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
County Behavioral Health Services is inviting residents to give their input on where to focus funding to support people with serious mental illness or substance use issues who are eligible for Medi-Cal at a series of upcoming meetings.
“It’s important that we understand the barriers to care that people are facing and the unique care needs people of all ages have when it comes to the services we provide. The input will help shape our Integrated Plan and how resources are prioritized to best support people in need.”
– Nadia Privara
The Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), also known as Proposition 1, was approved by voters in March 2024.
It does several things, including expanding to support people with substance use disorders, reprioritizing funds to support housing and shifting prevention funding to the California Department of Public Health for programs that serve specific populations (e.g. LGBTQ+, older adults, veterans, etc.) The BHSA is a critical resource that provides funding for lifesaving treatment, supports and housing.
As part of BHSA, the County must support a community planning process to engage and gather insights and recommendations from community members, stakeholders, organizations and individuals to identify priorities for BHSA funding. The feedback from these engagement efforts will help shape the County’s first Behavioral Health Services Act
“We want to hear the community’s thoughts about what kinds of treatment and supports are needed in our region,” said Nadia Privara, Acting Director of County Behavioral Health Services. “It’s important that we understand the barriers to care that people are facing and the unique care needs people of all ages have when it comes to the services we provide. The input will help shape our Integrated Plan and how resources are prioritized to best support people in need.”
Community members are invited to share their feedback through an online form and by attending upcoming virtual sessions. Remaining meetings, held by Zoom, are listed below and focused by topic.
• Prevention (California Department of Public Health)
Thursday, Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m.
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services
Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Public Behavioral Health Workforce
Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Early Intervention
Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
More information about the Behavioral Health Services Act and ways to get involved are available on the County’s Behavioral Health Services website.
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, experiencing an issue with drugs or alcohol, or having a hard time, the 9-8-8 Lifeline can help. Calling can connect you, a friend, or a family member to mental health services and referrals. We don’t have to face these challenges alone. Dial 9-8-8 to receive support from a local counselor. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages within seconds.
SOURCE: County of San Diego Communications Office
Why A Child’s “Next 1,000 Days” Are Critically Important
The National Institute for Early Education Research reports that a robust and growing body of international research shows that too many children across the globe are not receiving nurturing care in their second 1,000 days of life.
A two-part international Lancet research series discusses the importance of investing in “the next 1,000 days,” from ages two to five. The research summarizes the positive short- and long-term child outcomes of high-quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs. The series also examines parent education programs, which have been shown to yield sizeable improvements in children’s developmental outcomes.
The first report in the series, The next 1,000 days: Building on early investments for the health and development of young children, finds that, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), 181.9 million children ages 3 and 4 are not receiving nurturing care, thus jeopardizing their development. The second report in the series, The cost of not investing in the next 1,000 days: implications for policy and practice, finds that failing to provide ECCE globally results in significant societal losses—potentially 8 to 19 times greater than the investment required for ECCE.
The authors shared details about the report series on a webinar hosted by the international Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN), a global network of 350 partners and 30,000 individuals established by the World Bank and
UNICEF in 2016 to exchange knowledge and catalyze collective action for greater impact. “While much attention has been focused on the critical importance of a child’s first 1,000 days, our new research focuses on the next 1,000 days and how children across the globe are faring,” said Milagros Nores, Ph.D., a co-author of the new reports and co-director for research & associate research professor at the National Institute for Early Education Research. “Our new series demonstrates the need to help families across the globe provide adequate nurturing care to young children, including equitable access to high-quality early care and education, safe and supportive environments with adequate stimulation, protection from physical punishment, adequate nutrition, universal developmental screening, and financial support for vulnerable populations.”
The Lancet is a highly respected international scientific journal that addresses urgent topics in society, initiates debate, puts science into context, and influences decisionmakers around the world.
PHOTO: aarp.org
VOICE &
VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
PHOTO: FreePik
PHOTO: FreePik
CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES
Invitation for Bids (IFB) Bayshore Bikeway Barrio Logan Phase 2
Solicitation No.: SOL1479431 CIP 1223096 Federal Aid Project No.: ATPL-6066(216)
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking contractors to deliver the Bayshore Bikeway Barrio Logan Phase 2 project.
The work generally consists of upgrading MTS railroad signaling hardware and software to provide advanced preemption at Sampson Street/Harbor Drive, Schley Street/Harbor Drive, and 28th Street/Harbor Drive; the construction of a traffic pre-signal for southbound 28th Street; signing and striping improvements at Cesar Chavez Parkway/Harbor Drive, Sampson Street/Harbor Drive, and 28th Street/Harbor Drive; and reconstruction of pedestrian routes for the 28th Street / BNSF at-grade crossing for ADA compliance.
Work includes, but is not limited to, hauling and disposing of materials containing aerially deposited lead; controlling for water pollution; traffic control; erosion control; clearing and grubbing; unclassified excavation; imported borrow; asphalt concrete pavement; curb, gutter, sidewalk, driveway, stamped median concrete; detectable warning tiles; storm drain installation; pavement markings and signage; chain link fence; traffic signal modifications; MTS signaling system modifications. Additive Alternate 1 consists of pavement rehabilitation by cold milling and ii overlaying asphalt concrete. Procurement of all materials and performing all other work necessary to complete the work in accordance with the project plans and specifications is included.
This project is federally funded. The Engineer’s Estimate is $3,813,447.00. This project is not subject to the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). The optional Pre-Bid Meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on November 19, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM PST/PDT. The deadline for electronic Bid submittal is December 10, 2025 by 3:00 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.
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 30, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on October 30, 2030 11/06, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9019808
Fictitious business name(s): Green Air Mechanical 701 49th 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: Alan Perez 701 49th St San Diego, CA 92102
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 16, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 16, 2030 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020745
Fictitious business name(s): MVMNT Studio MVMNT After Dark
Fit Life with Pam 5702 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego
1111 6th Ave Ste 550 PMB 171522 San Diego, CA 92101-5211
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 08/01/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Passion Project SD LLC 1111 6th Ave Ste 550 PMB 171522 San Diego, CA 92101-5211 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 30, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 30, 2030 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020764
Fictitious business name(s): Kewl Weddings & Events
275 S. Worthington Spring Valley, CA 91977 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: Karen Elaine WitherspoonLewis
275 S. Worthington Spring Valley, CA 91977
October 30, 2030 11/06, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9018718
Fictitious business name(s): Polish & Co 3933 Corral Canyon Rd Bonita, CA 91902
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: Polish and Co LLC 3933 Corral Canyon Rd Bonita, CA 91902 State of Incorporation/ Organization
California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 30, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 30, 2030 11/06, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020309
Fictitious business name(s): No Fee No Me Clothing Brand
625 Palm Ave Apt 5 National City, CA 91950 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 03/01/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020762
Fictitious business name(s): DeLyteful Events 4231 Balboa Ave San Diego, CA 92117 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: Gladys Crawford 8305 Garnet Ct. #184 La Mesa, CA 91941
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 30, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 30, 2030 11/06, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9019608
Fictitious business name(s): Soom Living 8174 Rose Quartz Cir San Diego, CA 92126 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 04/05/2025 This business is hereby registered by the following: Jennifer K Cho 8174 Rose Quartz Cir San Diego, CA 92126 State of Incorporation/ Organization
California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 14, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 14, 2030 11/06, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020734
Fictitious business name(s): Korarift 6560 Montezuma Road, Apt 104 San Diego, CA 92115 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: Korarift LLC 2108 N St. Ste C Sacramento, CA 95816 State of Incorporation/ Organization
California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 30, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on
Mini Nails, INC 1490 S 43rd St STE B San Diego, CA 92113
State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 23, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 23, 2030 10/30, 11/06, 11/13, 11/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020231
Fictitious business name(s): Little Star Family Childcare 844 Parkbrook St Spring Valley, CA 91977 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 08/19/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Eloisa Little Star LLC 844 Parkbrook St Spring Valley, CA 91977 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 22, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 22, 2030 10/30, 11/06, 11/13, 11/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9019550
Fictitious business name(s): Empowered Integrative Medicine
The Radical Self Care Experience
Sacred Womb Medicine
Womb Connection 101 Mizani Healing 1286 University Ave #1100 San Diego, CA 92103
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: Danesha Anderson 1286 University Ave #1100 San Diego, CA 92103
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 10, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 10, 2030 10/23, 10/30, 11/06, 11/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9019542
Fictitious business name(s): Dancin'Rhonda 7200 Melody Lane #52 La Mesa, CA 91942
County of San Diego
This business is hereby registered by the following: Semaj Jermaine Bennett 625 Palm Ave Apt 5 National City, CA 91950
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 23, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 23, 2030 11/06, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
2025-9019935
Fictitious business name(s): Bubba Ice Cream 637 J Street Chula Vista, CA 91910
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 10/09/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Esteban Emmanuel Mora 637 J Street Chula Vista, CA 91910
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 17, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 17, 2030 10/30, 11/06, 11/13, 11/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9019682
Fictitious business name(s): Legacy Autohaus 8464 Commerce Avenue, Ste B San Diego, CA 92121
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 07/22/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Legacy Autohaus, LLC 8464 Commerce Avenue, Ste B San Diego, CA 92121 State of Incorporation/ Organization
California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 15, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 15, 2030 10/30, 11/06, 11/13, 11/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9018324
Fictitious business name(s): Mini Nails & Spa 1490 S 43rd St STE B San Diego, CA 92113 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 09/23/2025 This business is hereby registered by the following:
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020124
Fictitious business name(s): Six Bikinis 2718 Worden St San Diego, CA 92110 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 10/21/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Amanda Chiarotti Loeb 2718 Worden St San Diego, CA 92110
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 21, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 21, 2030 10/30, 11/06, 11/13, 11/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9020135
Fictitious business name(s):
Seppala Togo Solutions
30 N Gould St Ste R Sheridan, WY 82801 County of Sheridan PO Box 152211 San Diego, CA 92195
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 10/13/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: DJ Innovative Lending LLC
30 N Gould St, Ste R Sheridan, WY 82801 State of Incorporation/ Organization Wyoming
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 21, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 21, 2030 10/30, 11/06, 11/13, 11/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9019308
Fictitious business name(s):
Bevlyn Enterprises 1040 Baywood Cir. Unit A Chula Vista, CA 91915 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 10/08/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Beverly Lynn Wardlow 1040 Baywood Cir, Unit A Chula Vista, CA 91915
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 8, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on October 8, 2030 10/30, 11/06, 11/13, 11/20
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 10/10/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Rhonda Gale SalisburyMusgrave 7200 Melody Lane #52 La Mesa, CA 91942
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 10, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on October 10, 2030 10/23, 10/30, 11/06, 11/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9017718
Fictitious business name(s): A.M.W.S
Alfajiri Mpya Wazi Services 8935 Valencia St. Spring Valley, CA 91977 County of San Diego PO Box 1024 Lemon Grove, CA 91946
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 09/09/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Alfajiri Mpya Wazi Services PO Box 1024 Lemon Grove, CA 91946 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 15, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 15, 2030 10/23, 10/30, 11/06, 11/13
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 W Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Central Division, Hall of Justice
Case Number 25CU057178C
Petitioner or Attorney: Landera Lee Riley
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner
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: December 29, 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
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
11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101
Hall of Justice Courthouse
Case Number
25CU059685C
Petitioner or Attorney:
Leeann Williamson AKA
Leeann W Katz
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner
Leeann Williamson AKA
Leean W Katz filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME:
Leeann Williamson AKA
Leeann W Katz
PROPOSED NAME: Leeann Williamson
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: December 30, 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.
Name (JC Form #NC-120).
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 11/13, 11/20, 11/27, 12/04
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Courthouse
Case Number 25CU057765C
Petitioner or Attorney: Richard Radoslav Rodic
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Richard Radoslav Rodic filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Richard Radoslav Rodic
PROPOSED NAME: Aleksandar Noni Rodic [first] [middle] [last]
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: December 22, 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
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 10/30, 11/06, 11/13, 11/20
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Case Number 25CU056526C
Petitioner or Attorney: Carolyn Gail Murray
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Carolyn Gail Murray filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Carolyn Gail Murray
PROPOSED NAME: Maritza Del Carmen Ramirez-Murray
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: December 16, 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 10/30, 11/06, 11/13, 11/20
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Pedro Manuel Dammert Coronado
Case Number: 25PE003068C
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Pedro Dammert, Pedro Dammert Coronado
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Priya C. Singh in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.
The Petition for Probate requests that Priya C. Singh 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: November 26, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. in Department 1603 Room 331 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101 Central Division - 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: Priya C. Singh 11672 Alderhill Terrace San Diego, CA 92131 11/6, 11/13, 11/20
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Judith Ann Jones aka Judith Ann Clark Case Number: 25PE003113C
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Judith Ann Jones aka Judith Ann Clark
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Darren Jones in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.
The Petition for Probate requests that Darren Jones 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: December 17, 2025 at 1:30 P.M.
in Department 502 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union St.
BLACK HISTORY
1837
JAMES THOMAS RAPIER IS BORN
James Thomas Rapier, born on November 13, 1837 in Florence, Alabama, was a teacher, activist, and one of the few Black congressmen during Reconstruction. Educated in Canada, Scotland, and Tennessee, he returned to the South after the Civil War to campaign for Black suffrage and civil rights, despite threats from the Ku Klux Klan.
Elected to Congress in 1872, Rapier advocated for education, labor rights, and the 1875 Civil Rights Act. After Reconstruction, he led Black migration efforts to Kansas before his death in 1883.
1908
EBENEZER D. BASSETT PASSES AWAY
Ebenezer D. Bassett, born in Connecticut in 1833, became the first African American diplomat when appointed U.S. Minister to Haiti in 1869. An educator and abolitionist, he guided U.S.-Haitian relations through years of political turmoil, earning respect for his integrity and leadership.
A friend of Frederick Douglass and advocate for Black soldiers during the Civil War, Bassett’s courage shone when he protected Haitian refugee General Pierre Canal. After serving eight years, he later became Haiti’s Consul General in New York until his death on November 13, 1908.
1943
AMBASSADOR JUNE CARTER PERRY IS BORN
Ambassador June Carter Perry, born on November 13, 1943 in Texarkana, Arkansas, earned degrees in history from Loyola University and the University of Chicago. She began her career in public affairs, working for the Peace Corps and other federal agencies before joining the U.S. Foreign Service in 1983.
Over her 21-year diplomatic career, Perry served in several African and European nations. Appointed by President George W. Bush, she became U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho (2004–07) and Sierra Leone (2007–09), promoting health, education, and democracy before retiring in 2010.
Be Alert to Scammers While Traveling for the Holidays
Here are scams to watch for while traveling:
• Fake QR Codes. Scammers will replace real QR codes with fake ones to redirect your phone to a malicious website.
• Juice Jacking. If you plug a phone or laptop into a public charging station, hackers can potentially compromise the outlet to transfer malware to or steal data from a connected device.
• Hacked Luggage. Smart luggage with built-in USB chargers, GPS tracking and digital locks can be hacked. Scammers can locate your bags and unlock them remotely.
San Diego, CA 92101 Central Division - 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.
for Petitioner:
Maintaining vigilance is the best way to avoid trouble while traveling, but here are some additional preventative measures you can take:
• Apply Scrutiny. Be suspicious of anyone emailing, calling, messaging or approaching you in person, possibly in a company uniform, claiming to need your personal information.
• Take Control. Keep your personal information, payment cards and devices with you under your control.
• V erify Contact. Before responding to an email, call, text or voice message, disconnect and research contact information to verify legitimacy.
• L ook for Tampering. Be leery of QR codes that appear to be affixed by a sticker. Also watch for skimming devices on gas pumps by jiggling them. If there is any movement, don’t insert your card.
• Check Websites. If you scan a QR code, a web link will appear. Review it carefully for anomalies and type in a legitimate website address rather than clicking the link.
• Charge Cautiously. Use your own charging adapter and cable instead of public USB ports.
• S ecure Devices. Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned off on all devices – even smart luggage –when not in use. When using the internet, opt to connect through data roaming rather than public Wi-Fi and use a VPN whenever possible.
• W ait to Post. Don’t post your travel photos showing you are away from home until you return.
By taking the necessary precautions, you can help protect yourself and make the festive season a time of good cheer rather than crisis.
