Vol. 63 No. 42 | Thursday, October 19, 2023

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Vol. 63 No. 42 | Thursday, October 19, 2023

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Serving San Diego County’s African & African American Communities 63 Years

BATTLING THE POLITICS OF HATE HEAD-ON Recap of Biscuits, Grits and Politics Forum

By Macy Meinhardt VOICE AND VIEWPOINT STAFF WRITER In the second Biscuits Grits and Politics (BGP) event of the year, representatives from a variety of ethnic groups spoke to audience members about how different communities can come together as one in the face of hate.

(L-R) Dr. John E. Warren, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Publisher; Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney; Tazheen Nizam, CAIR-San Diego Executive Director; Susan Delos Santos, Filipino Press Publisher; and Camille Appling, Community Outreach for Indian Voices. PHOTO: Darrel Wheeler

REMEMBERING

WILLIAM TAYARI

Fresh breakfast and dialogue were served on the menu Tuesday morning as attendees gathered to discuss and share their perspectives on how political deviations of hate have infiltrated and impacted a diverse range of communities within the county.

Dr. Warren, the Publisher of San Diego Voice and Viewpoint, welcomed a crowd of more than 100 attendees at the Jacobs Center—emphasizing the intention of the day was to yield solutions, recommendations, and productive dialogue.

Representatives from publications and organizations representing Islam, Black, Filipino, and Indigenous Native communities took part in a panel discussion covering a range of issues related to hate, such as misinformation, resources, hate crime reporting, statistics, preventive measures, and more.

See BGP page 16

HATE CRIMES SURGE IN 2022 Leading to an Urgent Call for Unity and Action

HOWARD

EXPANDING PROJECT NEW VILLAGE SEE PAGE 8

PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released its comprehensive Hate Crime Statistics for 2022, revealing a troubling surge in hate-fueled incidents across the United States. Recent attacks in New York and Chicago are stark reminders of the urgent need for increased awareness and action.

Tayari Howard

By Dr. John E. Warren PUBLISHER, THE SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT He was known as “Tayari” to most if not all of us during the more than four decades he spent in local radio, emceeing events at all levels of the community and its social life, offering his services when he was not doing his day job at SDG&E for many years. He kept up with his on-air hours like an airline pilot keeps up with his flight hours. He boasted more than six thousand radio, television and public service announcements and hosted more than seven thousands events since 1981. He was the host of the “Lights Out Lounge” and the producer of “Coffee and Jazz with Tayari”, heard over Smooth Jazz 98.1, KIFM for more than sixteen years.

Media was his life. He was a second generation broadcaster. His parents were radio personalities in the 1940’s and 1950’s. A graduate of the Columbia School of Broadcasting in San Francisco and a Radio, Television and Film major at San Diego City College. Following his retirement from SDG&E, he established, as owner/entrepreneur, the Tayari Media Group, Inc. He started www. kkssdjazz.com and broadcasted Smooth Jazz, R&B, Mainstream and NeoSoul year round. He also taught Broadcast Media Arts and the effect of Social Media to high school students.

See HOWARD page 2

See HATE page 2

MALCOLM X LIBRARY RESOURCE FAIR SEE PAGE 8

CITY'S CONTRACT AWARDS CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA FAIL MINORITY BUSINESSES POLITICAL PLAYBACK Are they walking the talk?

News You Might Have Missed

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

San Diego City Hall, PHOTO: Courtesy of the City of San Diego

By Macy Meinhardt VOICE AND VIEWPOINT STAFF WRITER

Conservatorship Is Coming to California: Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Transforming California’s Mental Health Care System

The City of San Diego spends millions of dollars on goods and services through city contracts on an annual basis, generating a vast market opportunity for businesses. However, the process to compete for and ultimately secure a city contract continues to preclude women and minority business owners.

Californians with relatives suffering from severe mental illness or chronic substance use disorders, including alcoholism, will soon be able to make decisions on their behalf after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 43 into law Oct. 10.

See BUSINESSES page 2

See PLAYBACK page 2

California Governor Gavin Newsom at General Hospital in Los Angeles. PHOTO: Lila Brown/CBM

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Thursday, OCTOBER 19, 2023 • The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

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ARTICLE CONTINUATION howard Continued from cover

He was the eternal Emcee for the more than three decades of the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parades in the San Diego community. If there was a community event with a stage, more than likely Tayari was playing some part in that activity.

Dr. William Tayari Howard was honored by city, state and federal figures, including former U.S. President George Bush, and a “lifetime Achievement Award” from President Barack Obama for accumulating more than 100,000 community service hours. He was honored by two City of San Diego Mayors, Dick Murphy and Susan Golding. The San Diego City Council twice proclaimed “William Tayari Howard Day” in the City of

hate Continued from cover

In 2022, the FBI transitioned to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) for data collection, representing a significant step towards more accurate reporting.

The new data reflects submissions from 13,293 law enforcement agencies employing NIBRS data, covering over 256 million U.S. inhabitants. Additionally, data from 2,431 non-transitioned agencies was accepted, representing 55,441,278 inhabitants, expanding the population coverage to 93.5%.

The Hate Crime Statistics 2022 report reveals that law enforcement agencies reported 11,634 criminal incidents involving 13,337 related offenses motivated by bias towards race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity.

In New York, a Sikh man faced a vicious attack aboard an MTA bus in Queens this week. The assailant, allegedly expressing xenophobia, targeted the victim and attempted to remove his turban—a sacred religious symbol—forcibly. This incident is a stark reminder of the persistent hate plaguing American society. Meanwhile, in Chicago, a horrific incident over the weekend resulted in the tragic murder of a six-year-old boy.

PLAYBACK Continued from cover

In some instances, conservatorship may be assigned to county health departments, courts or other third parties to temporarily direct the care of affected persons, connect them to treatment or involuntarily detain them. Under current law, the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS Act), which former Gov. Ronald Reagan signed into law in1967, authorities may serve as conservators for no more than 72 hours.

While some advocates are applauding the passage of SB 43, some disability rights groups are concerned that authorities may abuse the rights of patients.

SB 43 will take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

National Union of Healthcare Workers Hosts U.S. Senate Candidate Forum

San Diego. He was also a 20-year member of the Eagle’s Nest Christian Center where he served as a Deacon for many years.

businesses

His passing on October 13, 2023, after a prolonged illness, leaves his two daughters Summer and Mercedes. Mercedes is currently following in her father’s footsteps as a radio personality in Denver, Colorado. His former wife, Mrs. Pam Howard, has been by his side through all his ordeals and is still involved in helping the family through this loss. Dr. Howard leaves 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Final arrangements are being handled by Preferred Cremation and Burial and will be on November 7, 2023, at Bethel Baptist Church at 10 am, with an 11 am viewing. Interment service will be at 2:15 pm at Miramar National Cemetery. The funeral is open to the public.

In July 2022 the San Diego City Council unanimously agreed that they were dedicated to making city contract procurement figures reflect the diverse population of the city, after a disparity study identified historical exclusion of minority businesses. Now a year and a half later, data exposes a stale progress-report for the city.

Wadea Al-Fayoume and his mother fell victim to a brutal attack, with the assailant singling them out due to their Muslim faith. The suspect, Joseph Czuba, now faces charges of murder and hate crimes. This shocking incident highlights the devastating consequences of hate-fueled violence.

In response to the surge in hate crimes, President Biden released a statement condemning the 25 percent increase in antisemitic incidents from 2021 to 2022. He stressed the imperative of unity in speaking out against hate and bigotry, pledging his administration’s dedication to combating antisemitism and Islamophobia.

While there was a positive 38 percent decrease in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans, the overall levels remained stable, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to eradicate hate-fueled violence.

Anti-LGBTQI+ hate crimes rose 16 percent, and Muslim and African Americans continue to be overrepresented among victims, Biden said.

“There’s more to do when it comes to ending hate-fueled violence,” the president insisted.

“That means coming together and speaking out against hate and bigotry in all its forms.

All Americans deserve to live their lives with dignity, respect, and safety.

occupied by Sen. Laphonza Butler, who Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed after Feinstein passed away on Sept. 28.

The debate was moderated by Lisa Matthews from The Associated Press. The panelists answered inquiries posed by members of NUHW and a team of journalists. On this team were Melanie Mason from Politico, Benjamin Oreskes from the Los Angeles Times, and Sandhya Raman from Roll Call. The candidates responded to 20 questions on topics ranging from healthcare, minimum wage, the current Israel-Hamas war, and the potential of Butler joining the race.

During the forum, all three politicians expressed their disapproval and commented on Gov. Newsom’s decision to veto Senate Bill (SB) 799. The bill would have provided striking workers access to unemployment benefits. The National Union of Healthcare Workers represents more than 16,000 union members.

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Data disclosed to Voice and Viewpoint for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 reveal an ongoing prominent gap between contracts being awarded to Black-owned businesses versus white-owned businesses.

In 2022, 314 construction contracts were granted to caucasian companies, while only four were awarded to African-American businesses.

For architecture and engineering consultants, 308 caucasian firms were awarded contracts, whereas zero were awarded to identified African American firms.

“The city, and the county is not much better, does not award contracts to minority businesses, particularly Black businesses, the way they should,” said Councilmember Pro tem Monica Montgomery Steppe at the Rolando City Council Supervisor forum, in regards to how racism is baked into the city.

Minority business owners in the fields of construction, professional services, and goods and services face substantial inequalities when it comes to securing contracts with the city.

Largely, this can be traced back to a historical lack of strong working relationships between the city and businesses of color.

“The reality is that there isn't a long history of women and minority owned businesses having secured those contracts and being utilized for the city,” Council President Sean Elo-Rivera explained in an interview with Voice and Viewpoint.

“That in itself presents a barrier because there isn't the kind of ongoing business relationship that might otherwise exist. And nor are there the ongoing practices of knowing the kind of rituals and routines that go with wanting to do business with any sort of entity.”

Barriers such as these were analytically identified in a 2020 Disparity Study the city paid approximately $500,000 for BBC Research and Consulting to conduct.

Results of the study substantiated claims that the city's business dealings are not reflective of San Diego’s diverse local market. Findings from the report state that African-American owned, Native-American owned, and woman-owned contractors are awarded between 20 to 36 cents to every dollar that they should have been awarded based on market availability.

“For every dollar the market estimates would make it into the pocket of those workers to support their families in our professional services contracts, those families got nothing,” said Councilmember Raul Campillo, in a previous city council meeting.

“The data in the study is so far from what is expected, it cannot be explained as a natural

The event explored ways to design paid training and career coaching programs and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. Amid reports of a spike in crime, including crimes committed by juveniles, the effort’s objectives include helping connect youth to bright futures and helping prevent youth from engaging in crime.

For more information on the program or to participate, email CAstudentinternships@cde.ca.gov.

New California Law Allows Nonprofits with State Grants and Contracts to Get Paid Early

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Launches Statewide Paid Internships Effort as a Crime Prevention Strategy

Last week, Gov. Newsom signed Assembly Bill 590, which authorizes state agencies to advance up to 25% of the total amount of state grants or contracts to nonprofits. The legislation, unanimously supported by members of both houses of the State Legislature, prioritizes nonprofits serving disadvantaged communities, according to Newsom’s office. In a statement, CalNonprofits thanked Newsom for signing the bill and Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) for authoring it.

The California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond launched a statewide paid internship effort at a summit he hosted in Sacramento on Oct. 10.

“It strongly impacts the access and ability of nonprofits to partner with the state or successfully pursue grant funding. What on its face may look like a minor technical change,

PHOTO: CBM

The top three Democrats running to become the next U.S. senator to represent California participated in a candidate’s forum at the National Union of Healthcare Workers’ Leadership Conference on Oct. 8, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.

The participants were U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Katie Porter (D-CA-47), and Adam Schiff (D-CA-30). They are all running for the Senate seat previously held

by Sen. Dianne Feinstein and is currently

consequence of the market,” Councilmember Campillo remarked, “We have to ask ourselves, how can the data be so skewed?”

Utilizing this report, the City Council passed numerous measures at the July 2022 meeting intended to create a more inclusive process for small and minority business owners looking to get a government contract. However, impact or any difference at all has yet to be reflected in today’s numbers.

Data accumulated from the Equal Opportunity Contracting Department (EOC) for 2023 so far shows that the City has awarded over $642 million dollars in contracts to 426 Caucasian firms, yet has only awarded $4 million dollars to 4 African American firms.

In speaking with the EOC Program Manager Christian Silva, he noted that since the city can't legally require contractors to report demographics, the category “Caucasian” was assigned as a default if information on race or ethnicity wasn't reported.

Meanwhile, the absence of improvement among the data may be attributed to San Diego’s legally cited resistance to implement race and gender conscious programs into their contract procurement. Race and gender conscious measures are specifically designed to encourage the participation of minority- and women-owned businesses in government contracting. However, due to Prop. 209, a 1996 amendment to the California Constitution that largely bars discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, and gender, the city faces challenges trying to go against it.

As a result, the city has instead been continuing along the path of race and gender neutral measures and have incorporated plans to make limited adjustments that do not explicitly target race and gender but still aim to help minority owned contractors.

Some of these additions include adding more staff to equal opportunity contracting, and periodically providing updates to the Council and the community on their diversity implementation progress. Again, that was agreed on a year and half ago.

When asked on the status of these implementations today, Silva said that the department has not been able to produce any publicly available progress to the council or the public.

“We’ve been struggling here. We’ve had limited staff at EOC. And we've had a lot of staff turnover for various reasons. So we weren’t able to go to [the] council last year, however, we are going this fiscal year.”

While Council president Elo Rivera doesn’t believe these race and gender neutral measures are entirely “worthless”, he notes that “ they will never get to the core of the matter in the same way that racial race conscious programs will.”

Voice and Viewpoint will be continuing to investigate this matter for additional follow up stories in future issues. In the meantime we encourage readers and organizations to reach out to our paper with any comments, concerns and perspectives on the topic of equal contracting. Macy@sdvoice.info

authorizing advance payments to nonprofits signing government contracts is a major equity advancement,” read the CalNonprofits statement. “With upfront funds, nonprofits won’t be forced to float significant expenses until reimbursed or to take on high interest loans to get new programs going,”

LAO to the Legislature: Establish New Formula for Funding CountyLevel Corrections Program The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) released a report on Oct. 10 recommending that the State Legislature establish a new formula to provide funds to counties through the County Probation Grant Program. The program was designed to help keep people convicted of felonies out of prison and reduce incarceration costs by supporting county-level community corrections programs. The program was established by Senate Bill (SB) 678, introduced by former Sen. Mark Leno, who represented San Francisco. It became state law in 2009, To make sure the program is effective and sustainable, the formula the LAO is advising the state to create would base the monies counties receive on state savings and established metrics used to assess the performance of local programs. It would also target funds to specific practices whose success is “evidence-based.”

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The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint • Thursday, OCTOBER 19, 2023

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EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY/OPINION THE EQUIVALENT ETHNIC SANCTITY OF LIFE

COMMUNITIES, HATE AND HATE CRIMES

By Julianne Malveaux ECONOMIST AND AUTHOR I must join others in condemning the bombing in Tel Aviv that killed more than 1,200 people. Those killed were mothers and fathers, children and grandparents.

They were soldiers and civilians, people simply attending a concert. They had no idea they had breathed their last breath when they died. They were going about their business, possibly blissfully clueless about the next moment. Their deaths, horrible deaths, must be mourned.

By Dr. John E. Warren

PUBLISHER, THE SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT

O

n Tuesday October 17, 2023, the Politics of Hate was the theme for Biscuits, Grits & Politics. This breakfast meeting of nearly 100 people, reported on elsewhere in this newspaper, presented a very special focus on Hate and its impact on many in communities of “protected classes”. With the County District Attorney defining these groups and with participation from our Islamic, Asian, Latino and Black communities, the need for such continued dialogue was made very clear.

Hate Campaign of the California State Library grant is engaged in Ethnic Media Outreach with the slogan “Stop The Hate, Spread The Love”.

The commitment to this project is intended to go a long way in reducing Hate Crimes in our communities while bringing people together who otherwise might not get to know or talk with each other.

The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint newspaper has been reporting on Hate Crimes since 1987 in an effort to keep the issues before the public at large, and the community in particular. Clearly, there is a need for all these communities to come together and address this issue collectively and no longer operate in individual isolation. The Stop The

It is our goal to foster the conversations and actions that will bring our collective passion against Hate, whether physical or verbal, to the level of commitment demonstrated by San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. We need all of us working together to make this a reality and not just another project.

Reducing Negative Health Impacts from Transportation

By Antoine M. Thompson GWRCCC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR When discussing the ongoing climate crisis, I often hear the proverbial phrase, “we are all in this together.” However, the data on air pollution in conjunction with public health risks suggests we are not, in fact, “all in this together.”

Nationwide, there is an environmental justice disparity between White and African American citizens. What is the root cause?

Air pollution from diesel in the transportation sector. School and city buses, trash trucks, 18-wheelers, and off-road construction vehicles, are among the many fluxes of emissions from the transportation sector. Studies show, 60% of California’s, 52% of DC’s and 20% of New York State’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are from diesel combustion engines.

Particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrous oxide (NOx) are the most prevalent GHG emissions nationwide. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, African American Marylanders experience 12% greater exposure to PM2.5 and NOx concentrations from transportation compared to the mean PM2.5 and NOx exposure for all Maryland residents. In contrast, White residents' average exposure is 8% lower than the mean for the state.

Subsequently, according to the Clean Air Task Force, breathing in PM2.5 and NOx on a daily basis exposes community members to an array of health complications such as heart attacks, asthma, cancer, and other respiratory illnesses that can lead to young children missing days at school, and their parents missing days at work. This suggests that communities of color are affected signifi-

cantly more by the adverse effects of the public and private transportation sector.

There is no magic cure-all. However, replacing fossil fuel-based diesel with biomass-based diesel, which would lower emissions, is one of the most important measures to decrease negative health disparities in communities of color.

Biomass-based diesel use not only mitigates pollution but also drops fuel and healthcare costs. The recent Trinity Study, shows that, “in Washington, D.C., alone, replacing diesel fuel with biodiesel could produce health benefits valued at $262 million annually.” Another recent study by the University of Oxford suggests that with the economic advantages of low-carbon emission renewables, an alternative fuel future is inevitable. Green vehicles not only help mitigate transportation pollution’s impact on public health, but also lower diesel fuel costs.

Low-carbon emission renewables correlate with a healthier community and money saved, common sense, responsibility and sustainability.

There is important work happening across the country; groups like the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC), are committed to addressing environmental equity and justice in the transportation industry. One of our current initiatives is decarbonizing fleets with biodiesel in Washington, DC with the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Grant.

The DERA grant’s goal is to retire 13 of DC Water’s diesel powered vehicles, replacing them with 12 B100 vehicles by the end of 2024. We are also collaborating with Clean Fuels Alliance America (CFAA) to host an Environmental Justice Community Forum Series in four cities nationwide to increase knowledge of the importance of biodiesel in environmental equity and justice.

See TRANSPORTATION page 15

There are also as many as 200 hostages, some American citizens. Brutally, some of the hostages have been paraded about.

Some families have no idea whether their loved ones are dead or alive. Barbarism is associated with taking hostages, mainly innocent civilians, and it must be condemned, with the hostages released soon. But Netanyahu’s assertion that he will not bargain with Hamas, the group that took the hostages, does nothing to facilitate hostage release.

Israel is justifiably enraged and has vowed to retaliate. And the retaliation has begun with bombing attacks on Gaza. These ruthless attacks have hit mothers and fathers, children and grandparents, soldiers and civilians, and people living their lives. They had scant warning of their coming slaughter. They were going about their business, possibly blissfully clueless about the next moment. Thousands in Gaza are dead, and their horrible deaths must be mourned. Tens of thousands of others are affected by Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has restricted the availability of food, water, and medical supplies.

The Bible says something about an eye for an eye, but an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind. I fear that we in the United States have been blinded long ago. There is no excuse for the carnage Hamas imposed on Israel. Period. There is also no excuse for starving people to death or removing tens of thousands from their homes, forcing them to leave everything behind.

When President Biden says, “We stand behind Israel,” already sending military equipment and asserting a strong presence, what is he speaking to the Palestinian people? The United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (https://www.ochaopt.org) has documented the loss of human life in Gaza and the West Bank between the last (2008) and now, not including the current conflict.

There have been 6407 Palestinian fatalities and 306 Israeli fatalities. Where have world voices, now united against Hamas brutality, been in the face of Palestinian fatalities exponentially greater than any Israeli fatalities? Without excusing Hamas (because their cruelty is inexcusable), cannot one understand Palestinian frustration and, perhaps, brutal action?

Hamas didn’t do the Palestinian people any favors. Israel’s retaliation has left as many as a million displaced. But I think of the Harlem Renaissance poet Claude McKay, whose 1919 poem, “If We Must Die,” spoke of armed resistance against racism. The poem begins, “If we must die, let it not be like hogs, hunted and penned in an inglorious spot.”

McKay continues, “If we must die, O let us nobly die,” and concludes, “Though far outnumbered, let us show us brave, and for their thousand blows deal one death blow, what though before us lies the open grave like men we’ll face the murderous, cowardly pack, pressed to the wall, dying but fighting back.” It’s a powerful poem, written in response to the carnage of the Red Summer of 1919, where random packs of whites attacked Black people for next to nothing, slights real or imagined, protests to our very presence, even as Black men had returned from World War I. Many will find the comparisons between Palestinian insurgents and Black freedom fighters to be false or untimely. I understand. I especially realize that McKay was not writing about killing women and children or putting them in danger. I cringe at the notion that human lives, especially children’s, are considered “collateral damage.” Yet, who bombs hospitals and educational institutions for “revenge.”

Israeli lives must be valued, and so must Palestinian lives.

Human life is equivalent, but the media does not reflect it.

There were protestors outside the White House saying they stood with Palestine. Can’t we all stand with life? Until we embrace the equivalency of life, this conflict will continue, and an eye for an eye leaves all of us blind.

Opinion articles articles do do not not necessarily necessarily reflect reflect the the views views of of The The San San Diego Diego Voice Voice & & Viewpoint.

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Thursday, October 19, 2023 • The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

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CHURCH DIRECTORYCHURCH DIRECTORY Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of San Diego

Bethel Baptist Church

3085 K Street San Diego, CA 92102

1962 Euclid Ave. San Diego, CA 92105

719 Cesar E. Chavez Pkwy San Diego, CA 92113

619.232.0510 • www.bethelamesd.com

619.266.2411 • www.bethelbc.com bethel@bethelbc.com

619.233.6487 • www.calvarybcsd.org calvarybaptist1889@gmail.com

10:00 A.M. Sunday Service In Person, Live Stream on Facebook, Youtube and on bethelamesd.com

Minister Donald R. Warner Sr.

Rev. Dr. Obie Tentman, Jr.

Rev. Jared B. Moten, Senior Pastor

Dr. John W. Ringgold, Sr. Pastor

Church of Christ

The Church of Yeshua Ha Mashiach Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”

580 69th Street, San Diego, CA 92114

1819 Englewood Dr. Lemon Grove, CA 91945

619.264.1454 • warnerdt1@aol.com

619.724.6226 • www.coyhm.org

Sunday Bible Study 8:45 a.m.

Sunday Morning Service 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Bible Class 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Class 7:00 p.m.

Friday Video Bible Class 7:00 p.m

Sunday In the Know Bible Study 8:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service 9:00 a.m.

Saturday Shabbat Service 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Pastor Dennis Hodges First Lady Deborah Hodges

Sundays Bible Discovery Hour 9 :30 a.m.

Mid Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Noon Day Bible Study 12:00 noon Wednesday Discipleship Training 7:00 p.m.

“A Church Where Family, Faith & Fellowship Matters”

Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Interim Pastor Rev. William Jones

1728 S. 39th Street San Diego, CA 92113 619.262.6004 • Fax 619.262.6014 www.embcsd.com

Sunday School 9 :30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 12 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.

“A Life Changing Ministry” Romans 12:2

Lively Stones Missionary Baptist Church

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church

Mesa View Baptist Church

605 S. 45th Street San Diego, CA 92113-1905

625 Quail Street San Diego, CA 92102

13230 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064

619.263.3097 • t.obie95@yahoo.com

619.263.4544

Sunday School 9 :00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Prayer 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

Sunday School 9 :30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday Bible Study & Prayer Meeting 12:00 noon & 6:00 p.m.

858.485.6110 • www.mesaview.org Email: mvbcadmin@mesaview.org

Pastor Melvin A. Watts

Pastor Dr. Darrow Perkins Jr.

We are using YouTube under our website of www.mesaview.org or www.YouTube.com 8:45 A.M. Sunday School Class - Via Zoom Call Contact Office for details 10 A.M. Sunday Service • 7 P.M. Wednesday Bible Study Visit our site for previous sermons: www.mesaview.org

New Assurance Baptist Church

New Hope Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Phillips Temple CME Church

7024 Amherst Street San Diego, CA 92115

2205 Harrison Avenue San Diego, CA 92113

5333 Geneva Ave. San Diego, CA 92114

619.469.4916 Email: newassurancebaptistchurch@yahoo.com

619-234-5506 • Fax 619 234-8732 Email: newhopeadm@gmail.com

619.262.2505

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.- In person & Live Stream Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 a.m.- In person & Live Stream Wednesday Night Bible Study & Prayer: 6:30 p.m.- In person & Live Stream

10 A.M. Sunday Service Live Stream on Facebook, Youtube, Sunday School Lesson Immediately following service.

“A new Hope, A new Life, A new Way through Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17 A change is coming”

Pastor Donnell and First Lady Sheila Townsend

Sr. Pastor Dr. Kevin E. Stafford First Lady Margina Stafford

Pastor Milton Chambers, Sr. & First Lady Alice Chambers

12 P.M. Wednesday Bible Study Live Stream on Facebook, 2P.M. on Youtube

Pastor Keith Eric Ellison

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” Psalms 122:1

Sunday Breakfast @ 8:00 AM Church Service 9:00 AM In-Person and on, Live Stream Facebook.com/PTCSanDiego & YouTube - Zoom Go to ptcmesd@gmail.com Sunday School @ 10:30 Wednesday Bible Study @ 6:00 PM In-Person and On Zoom ID: 81144203904 P: 867104

Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church

St. Paul United Methodist Church of San Diego

Total Deliverance Worship Center

4995 A Street San Diego, CA 92102

3094 L Street San Diego, CA 92102

138 28th Street San Diego, CA 92102

619.264.3369

619.232.5683

Sunday School 9 :00 a.m.

Morning Service 10:45 a.m.

New Membership Orientation BTU 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Eve Prayer Service 6:00 p.m.

9:30 A.M. Sunday Service In Person, Live Stream on Facebook - www.facebook.com/stpaulsumcsd

www.totaldeliverance.org Fax: 619.303.2008 Mail: 7373 University Ave. Suite 217, La Mesa, CA 91942

Rev. Jeffery L. Grant, Sr. Pastor

Food Distribution Thursday Noon – 3:00 PM Diaper Program Thursday Noon – 2:00 PM

“Come Worship With Us”

“To Serve this present age” Matt: 28:19-20

Suffragan Bishop Dr. William A. Benson, Pastor & Dr. Rachelle Y. Benson, First Lady

Sunday Early Morning Worship Service 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

“It Takes Team Work to Make the Dream Work”

Eagles Nest Christian Center

True Light Apostolic Church

3619 College Ave. San Diego, CA 92115

5400 Division Street San Diego, CA 92114

619.266.2293 • jwarren@sdvoice.info www.facebook.com/EaglesNestChristianCenter

Sunday Services: Bible Study: 9 :00 a.m. • Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Pastor Dr. John E. Warren

Join Us via Zoom Meeting: Online or Dial: 1(669) 900-6833 Meeting ID: 747 601 3471 • Passcode: 626024

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We are a non-denominational full fellowship of believers dedicated to reach our community with the gospel and providing a place for believers to workship, learn, fellowship, serve and grow into the fullness of Christ Jesus. This ministry is to build people of Purpose, Prayer, Power, Praise and Prosperity.

This mandate is being fulfilled by reaching the reality of the gospel in a simplistic fashion, and a result, learning how to apply it in everyday life.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38

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12:00 P.M. Sunday Service In Person, Live Stream on Facebook Follow us on Facebook @ True Light Apostolic Church Saints every Wednesday & Friday at 7:30 P.M.

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Sunday Morning Prayer 6:00 & Worship 7:30 a.m.

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Mid Week Prayer Wednesday 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Church

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5

OBITUARIES Robert “Bobby” Staten

Steve Elijah Smith

SUNRISE

SUNRISE

08/15/1938

12/13/1984

SUNSET

SUNSET

10/01/2023

09/25/2023

Robert “Bobby” Staten was born on August 15, 1938, to Leola and James Staten in Dallas, Texas. The family relocated to San Diego, where our father was stationed in the Army.

At a very early age, Bobby showed promise in baseball and track and field. While attending San Diego High School, he set records in high schools all over the state of California.

Bobby graduated from SDHS in 1957 with an athletic scholarship, where he continued to excel. He was named “Strong Man of the Year” in 1959 for track and field.

Our Bobby passed away on October 1, 2023. He will be missed dearly by all of his loved ones and friends.

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.

ARRANGEMENTS BY CALIFORNIA CREMATION & BURIAL International Steve Elijah Smith, born on December 13, 1984, passed away on September 25, 2023. Known for his faith-filled spirit, loving nature, and generous heart, he left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.

Steve was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, where his academic prowess was evident, particularly in the field of mathematics. His intelligence was matched only by his humility and kindness, traits that won him the admiration of his teachers and peers alike.

His son, Semaj Elijah Smith, now serving in the Air Force, was his pride and joy. The bond they shared was evident in their mutual love for baseball, race cars, and music.

Steve's taste in music was eclectic, ranging from the soulful tunes of Alicia Keys, to the rhythmic beats of Messy Marv, and the uplifting melodies of Gospel music. Steve's love for baseball was unparalleled, with the San Diego Padres being his favorite team.

He was a regular fixture at their games, cheering them on with an enthusiasm that was contagious. His passion for the sport was only matched by his love for race cars. He enjoyed the thrill and excitement that came with watching a race, and he often shared this joy with his family and friends. Steve was also known for his love of roses. Their beauty and elegance mirrored his own inner grace and strength. He loved to spend his time tending to them, and their vibrant colors and fragrant scent were a constant source of joy for him.

Aside from his interests, what truly defined Steve was his ability to love and give unconditionally. He was always there for his family and friends, offering a helping hand or a comforting word when needed. His generosity knew no bounds, and he was always the first to extend help to those in need. His faith-filled life was an inspiration to many, and his loving nature made him a beloved figure in his community.

In his passing, we remember a man who lived his life with passion and purpose. Steve's love for his family, his faith, and his interests made him a beacon of light in the lives of those who knew him.

His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he left behind. As we bid farewell to International Steve Elijah Smith, we celebrate a life well-lived.

His legacy of love, faith, and generosity will continue to echo in our hearts. His life story serves as a testament to the power of love, the strength of faith, and the beauty of generosity. He will be greatly missed, but his spirit will continue.

Hughes Van Ellis, 102-Year-Old Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor, Dies

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor

O

ne of only three known survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre has died on October 9 at the age of 102 years old.

Hughes Van Ellis, 102, died in Denver, Colorado on the morning of October 9. Van Ellis, a WWII veteran, was born on Jan.11, 1921. The two last known survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre are now Viola Ford Fletcher, 109 and Lessie Benningfield Randle, 108.

At the time, Hughes Van Ellis was three months old. Over the years there have been several attempts to earn damage rewards for the destruction of life and property by the white community in Tulsa. None of the challenges have been

SUNRISE

03/01/1967

SUNSET

09/29/2023

ARRANGEMENTS BY CALIFORNIA CREMATION & BURIAL

IN MEMORIAM

The Greenwood District was a prosperous African American community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, often referred to as “Black Wall Street.” It was a thriving business district with a vibrant Black cultural and economic life, home to many Black-owned businesses and residences. On May 31, 1921, a young Black man named Dick Rowland was falsely accused of assaulting a young white woman named Sarah Page in an elevator. The allegation led to Rowland’s arrest and tensions escalated as rumors spread about the incident.

Robert Earl Burgess

Hughes Van Ellis. PHOTO: Justice For Greenwood/Black Press USA

successful so far.

A statement released by the family stated, “Two days ago, Mr. Ellis, urged us to keep fighting for justice. In the midst of his death, there remains an undying sense of right and wrong. Mr. Ellis was assured we would remain steadfast and we repeated to him his own words, “We Are One,” and we lastly expressed our love. The scripture of Jeremiah 6 reads; “This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good

way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” We celebrate the rare life of Mr. Hughes Van Ellis who still inspires us!”

Van Ellis’ funeral ceremony is likely to be another touchpoint around the issue of reparations for the damage done to members of the Black community as a result of systemic racism.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the publisher of Black Virginia News.

Robert Earl Burgess was born at Mercy Hospital in San Diego on March 1st, 1967, to his mother Marion Harrison Burgess and father Anthony Burgess. He grew up in San Diego, and traveled to Germany, Athens, and the Island of Crete in Greece. He lived in Norfolk, Virginia, before shipping out to Subic Bay in the Philippines, where he went to school. He also lived and went to school in Adak, Alaska. He then moved to Vallejo, California, where he finished school and joined the Army. He relocated back to San Diego where he worked at South West Marine, BAE, and Nassco.

While at work, he met Maria Ponce. They later got married. He took in a daughter, Ruby Harris, and had 3 children; Robert Jr, Jose Burgess, and Valeria Burgess.

Robert was loved by MANY!! In July of 2022, Robert had several massive strokes, from what the doctors were saying it didn’t look like he was going to make it out of the hospital. He fought and fought and was placed in acute care, where we were able to see him and be with him. He fought for 14 months. On September 29th, 2023, at 3:11 PM, he gained his wings. He will no longer be suffering, and his soul will be with the angels.

He leaves behind his loving mother Marion Harrison-Grimes, father Anthony Burgess, Sr., brother Anthony Burgess, Jr., eldest son Robert Jr, son Jose Burgess, and daughter Valeria Burgess, along with so many family and friends.

T he Lord is close

to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

6

Thursday, October 19, 2023 • The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

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NATIONAL/LOCAL/STATE NEWS FDA Proposes Ban on Harmful Chemicals in Hair Relaxers In March, Reps. Pressley & Brown Urged FDA to Investigate Health Risks to Black Women Consumers Voice & Viewpoint Newswire On October 6, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rule to ban certain harmful chemicals in hair smoothing or hair straightening products.

PHOTO: Kindel Media/Pexels

New Legislation Creates MiddleIncome Homes Bonus Program Voice & Viewpoint Newswire

L

ast Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB1287, legislation that will encourage new homes for tens of thousands of middle-income families throughout California.

AB 1287 was authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez. It was co-sponsored by Circulate San Diego, the Bay Area Council, and SPUR in San Francisco. When AB 1287 takes effect on January 1, 2025, it will create a new incentive for multi-family developments to include deed-restricted units that are affordable to different income levels. The program can only be used when a project maximizes the production of Very-Low, Low, or Moderate-Income units, as allowed by existing California Density Bonus Law. Only when those maximums are met, does an additional bonus become available when a project deedrestricts an additional percentage of Moder-

ate-Income homes.

The City of San Diego enacted its Affordable Homes Bonus Program (AHBP) in 2016, which substantially increased the production of both market-rate and deed-restricted affordable homes, as documented in a report

by Circulate San Diego titled “Home Run for Homes.” The AHBP built upon California Density Bonus Law and allows developers to build more homes if they agree to dedicate a further portion of a new multi-family project as affordable.

The FDA’s proposal, which follows a March letter from Reps. Pressley and Brown calling for an investigation by the agency into the health risks posed by chemical hair straighteners, would ban formaldehyde and other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals as an ingredient in these products.

In their letter, Pressley and Brown noted that due to anti-Black hair sentiment, Black women use these products at a higher rate to relax their hair, likely putting them at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer and other negative health outcomes.

Congresswoman Pressley has been steadfast in her advocacy for Black women’s health,

ending race-based hair discrimination, and introducing policies that affirm the right of Black women to show up in the world as their full, authentic selves. She is a lead co-sponsor of the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, legislation with Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) that would ban discrimination based on hair textures and hairstyles that are commonly associated with a particular race or national origin.

“The FDA’s proposal to ban these harmful chemicals in hair straighteners and relaxers is a win for public health – especially the health of Black women who are disproportionately put at risk by these products as a result of systemic racism and anti-Black hair sentiment,” said Rep. Pressley.

“We must ensure the products American consumers buy and use are safe, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to implement this proposed rule.”

San Diego’s AHBP was so successful that in 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2345, authored by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, and co-sponsored by Circulate San Diego, to expand the AHBP statewide.

With Governor Newsom signing AB1287 into law, California takes one more step towards alleviating its housing crisis.

PHOTO: Wayne Fotografias/Pexels

Active TB Cases Reported on Certain Trolley and Bus Lines

By Cassie N. Saunders County of San Diego Communications Office The Tuberculosis Program in County Public Health Services (PHS), in collaboration with Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), is working to notify riders who used certain Trolley Blue and Green lines between February 16, 2023 and August 15, 2023, and bus riders and drivers who used Route 901 between April 22, 2023 and July 15, 2023, that they were potentially exposed and are at risk for By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office tuberculosis (TB) infection.

County and MTS are providing this informaThe lines and routes impacted are: tion so that immunocompromised riders in • Trolley Blue Line between Balboa Ave Tranparticular are aware and can make the best sit Center and Old Town Transit Center, decisions for their own health alongside their and on the Green Line between Fashion medical provider. People with active tuberculoValley and Old Town roughly between the sis are often unaware they have the disease and hours 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday to Sunday may be contagious for several months before • Bus Route 901 from Iris Avenue Transit being diagnosed. Once the County is made Center to Palm Ave., and 8th Street betaware, typically through a test result reported ween the hours 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. by a medical provider, communicable disease to 8 p.m. investigators conduct extensive interviews with the person with TB to determine the length of Trolley exposures did not occur on a specific time they may have been contagious and locaschedule. As such, large numbers of people tions where exposures may have occurred. may have had exposures, but the likelihood that any particular rider had long cumulative While MTS follows CDC recommended sanexposure times is low. itation practices, TB is airborne and not spread by touch, so cleaning practices do The chance of TB infection is highest for not impact the risk of tuberculosis in transit people with many hours of cumulative invehicles or stations. door exposure to a person who is sick with TB. Brief interactions with an ill rider are Other MTS riders with TB have been preless likely to lead to TB infection than are viously reported in August and September prolonged or repeated exposures. However, 2022, and in February 2023. At this time the the risk from more limited exposures may be County of San Diego Health and Human of particular concern to riders with comproServices Agency does not have any evidence mised immune systems, from medical condidirectly linking the rider(s) most recently tions such as HIV or from medications that diagnosed with TB to the other MTS riders. weaken the immune system, such as those Additional lab tests will be conducted to taken by people with autoimmune conditions determine if there may be linkages between or who have received transplants. any of these riders.

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The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint • Thursday, October 19, 2023

ARTS & CULTURE

66th MONTEREY

JAZZ

By Barbara Smith Contributing Writer

“T

hank you for the magic of the Monterey Jazz Festival,” crooned bassist Christian McBride, in saluting Tim Jackson, who retires after 33 years as Artistic Director this year.

True to the MJF mission, 2023’s 3day fest celebrated the classics and brought on the new, reminding all why Monterey is the place to be the third weekend of September each year.

Friday’s concert featured two monuments of jazz, Terence Blanchard and Herbie Hancock. The two have collaborated for years and their opening night performances kept the joint jumping. Blanchard’s “Retrospective: See Me As I Am” featured a veritable feast of talent. Lakecia Benjamin (saxophone); Benny Green (piano); Christian McBride (bass); Dianne Reeves (vocals);

7

FESTIVAL

Kendrick Scott (drums); and Lionel Loueke (guitar) were just a few of the multitude, all of whom appeared in other concerts throughout the weekend.

Saturday opened with multi-instrumentalist and Late Show bandleader Louis Cato. Clad in brightly colored African garb, his soulful sweet tenor filled the balmy Monterey afternoon. “I see everything I hope for in my reach,” from his own “Starting Now” CD, was just the note of optimism that permeated throughout the weekend. Portuguese-born, of African American parents, Cato is a brilliant storyteller whose lyrical truths are enfolded in exquisite instrumentation. “A Collection of Imperfect Things” was a standout.

“There ain’t no roof here, but I’m fixin’ to blow it off,” shouted the golden child of saxophone, Lakecia Benjamin on Saturday. Resplendent from head to toe, with glittering sax

MAGIC

to match, this year’s Artist-inResidence lit up the Garden Stage, integrating a musical tribute to two of her idols, John and Alice Coltrane, with a passionate spoken word rap quoting Angela Davis. Benjamin has been a rising star in jazz for more than a decade, and now, mentored by drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice in Boston’s Artistic Director, she reached new heights with “Pursuance: The Coltranes,” which exudes a new take on bebop and spiritual jazz. She brought church to the stage with “Amazing Grace,” hitting notes as luminous as her gleaming saxophone, then ended with Coltrane’s masterpiece “A Love Supreme,” which she dedicated with love to Tim Jackson.

Two living legends of jazz, Charles Lloyd, 85, and John Handy, 90, graced the Arena stage on Sunday. Lloyd, filled with spirit, spoke not a word throughout his 55-minute set, letting his saxophone and flute do the talking. Sax master Handy performed the John Clayton-arranged “The Nearness of You” with the same soulful force that has made him one of the most innovative altoists in the jazz world. What a rare treat to see these two icons, both in top form, on the same stage as the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra (NGJO), underscoring MJF’s educational mission to nur-

PHOTOS: Earl Edwards

ture the next generation of jazz.

Other highlights: Terri Lyne Carrington and the all-female New Standards on Sunday brought in a joyous explosion of musical energy.

23-year-old Samara Joy, whose voice holds echoes of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaugh, delivered the Charles Mingus classic “Reincarnation of a Lovebird,” which she beautifully penned lyrics to, phrased with in-

credible range. Brit Jamie Callum brought the party to the stage, commanding fans to “crazy dance” on his count of four, and even the most staid in the stadium caught the fever.

Said Ava Preston, NGJO vocalist, “I’m grateful for having worked with these jazz mentors. They teach us it’s not about ego. They help us to better ourselves musically but even more, how to better ourselves as human beings.”

NMAAHC Acquires Major Phillis Wheatley Collection of Work Voice & Viewpoint Newswire The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has acquired the largest private collection of items to bring new context and perspective to the life and literary impact of poet Phillis Wheatley Peters (c.1753–1784), including one of the few manuscripts written in the poet’s hand. Born in West Africa and captured by slave traders as a child, Wheatley Peters became the first African American to publish a book of poetry with the 1773 release of her “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” in London. A rare and exciting highlight of this acquisition is a four-page manuscript of a poem, “Ocean,” written in ink by Wheatley Peters's own hand, the only copy that exists today and previously unpublished before 1998. The poem was likely composed on her return voyage to America from England in September 1773.

Of the 30 objects in this collection, six were published during her lifespan. Selected items from the collection can be viewed online through the Searchable Museum website by visiting https://www.searchablemuseum. com/ocean-by-phillis-wheatley-peters.

“Phillis Wheatley Peters’s poetry brought her renown in abolitionist circles and presented as proof of the humanity of those of African descent and the inhumanity of slavery,” said Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “Scholars continue to parse through her work to determine when and where she posed resistance to slavery; her poem ‘On Being Brought from Africa to America’ is considered to be a chastisement of slavery to the millions of white Americans undergoing the religious revival movement known as ‘The Great Awakening.’

This must have pricked Thomas Jefferson’s conscience, for his 1785 publication of Notes on the State of Virginia dismissed Wheatley Peters’s talent as coming from religion and religious training rather than intellect.”

The publication of her poems by the AME Church and a biography by the Phillis Wheatley Club in the early 20th century are the only works in the collection published by Black printers. The biography published by the Phillis Wheatley Club takes on a higher level of importance because it documents the educational work of Black clubwomen and the role Black women played as historians of Black life and culture.

“This collection, ranging from the late 18th century to the early 20th century, provides a glimpse of Phillis Wheatley Peters the poet and Wheatley Peters the icon, as well as Wheatley Peters the woman,” said Angela Tate, curator of women’s history at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Phillis Wheatley. PHOTOS: Lawson Andrew Scruggs/Wikimedia Commons

Posthumous publications of Wheatley Peters’s poetry in various anthologies and periodicals solidified her image as a child poet for the benefit of abolitionist activism and African American cultural pride in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 21st century, the accumulation of this collection is a restoration of Wheatley Peters the woman and the influence of her poetry and activism today.

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Thursday, OCTOBER 19, 2023 • The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

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PROJECT NEW VILLAG

A COMMUNITY FOOD HUB IN SOUTHEAST S

By Aryka Randall CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PHOTOS: Aryka Randall/Voice & Viewpoint

A community Food Hub may soon be in the works in Southeast San Diego. Conceptualized by Diane Moss, The Project New Village Community Food Hub is a resident-led, multi-use development project that aims to transform the food environment and build community wealth. If funded, Project New Village would create a hub that includes a community grocery, vendor stalls, a commercial kitchen, health and wellness offices, and a community garden.

At the top of 2023 eleven applicants submitted a community-driven proposal of eight projects and three plans for housing, green space, building upgrades and transportation improvements to the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) program. Among that group was Project New Village who proposed the Community Food Hub as a resource centered around nutrient rich produce, equity as it pertains to accessibility, and overall health and wellness to occupants of Southeast San Diego.

On October 12th Ms. Moss hosted a site visit for the State of California’s Strategic Growth Council

RESOURCE FA

2023 Special Elections. Vote by November 7.

Every active registered voter residing in the Fourth Supervisorial District, City of Chula Vista, Fallbrook Public Utility District, and Rainbow Municipal Water District will receive a ballot in the mail the week of Oct. 8.

Only voters residing in these districts are eligible to participate in the election.

EMPOWERS

VOTE! MORE DAYS.

By Shawn Smith-Hill CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Malcolm X Library in San Diego recently transformed into a beacon of hope, empowerment, and support during a resource fair designed to assist individuals transitioning from incarceration. This community event took place last Saturday and gathered over 19 unique local organizations, such as Project Rebound, Urban Restoration Counseling, Issa Vibe, and Heart Leaders Academy, as well as several other

MORE WAYS.

sources, many of which are integral to rebuilding lives after incarceration, were readily available to anyone in need.

Anthony Wiliams, an outreach specialist for Project Rebound, has dedicated his time to helping inmates all around California. His goal is to bring resources back to the communities that need them the most. “Anybody who comes down can find something useful,” said Williams.

A resounding message that resonated among the

YOUR VOTING OPTIONS: MAIL IT.

Complete your ballot in the comfort of your home.

Sign and date your return envelope, seal your completed ballot inside, and return it through the U.S. Postal Service – no stamp needed!

Return your ballot to any of the Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes around the county starting Tuesday, Oct. 10 through Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7.

DROP IT.

VISIT.

Avoid long lines by taking advantage of early voting! Starting Saturday, Oct. 28, select vote centers will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7, all vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Issa Vibe booth setup outside the Malcolm X Library San Diego, Founder of Issa Vibe and resource fair organizer Cheri Hampton, and her family.

organizations. The fair was nothing short of a collective effort to provide crucial resources and assistance to the community, with a primary focus on minorities and those who have previously been incarcerated.

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

POR CORREO.

Main (858) 565-5800 | Toll Free (800) 696-0136

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DEPOSÍTELA.

participating organizations was the undeniable truth that resource fairs are often a lifeline for minority communities. It's a harsh reality that many issues disproportionately affect people of color, underscoring the pressing need for equitable access to these essential resources.

The atmosphere at the resource fair, held SatAt the heart of this empowering event was Cheri urday, October 14, was charged with a palpaHampton, the founder of the nonprofit orgable sense of unity, compassion, and collective nization Issa Vibe. Remarkably, Issa Vibe was strength. It was a day for individuals to connect VISITE. numerous IPAKOREO IHULOG IT 蟈ੀorganizations, ಭ螏 ꗖ蛪‫ڹ‬ஃ ĐI. NỘP only LẠI. ĐẾN two NƠI. years ago, and ITO. Hampton with each offeringGỞIlaunched described her journey as “hitting the ground support in various forms, such as housing assisrunning.” For her, it wasn’t just her passion for tance, mental health services, legal aid, and prochange but also her extensive network of comgrams aimed at empowering youth. These re-

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9

AGE AIMS TO EXPAND

SAN DIEGO MAY SOON BE IN THE WORKS for the TCC. During the site visit she spoke about the community support Project New Village has received thus far and why growing food in our own backyard is important to the community.

“We are interested in food that we know. We grow this food on the earth and on the earth we use the water and the soil and the air, and it needs to be the best so that we have the best to eat and to produce

the food and the things we need for better health in our neighborhood,” Moss said.

lage on social media and be sure to stop by their mobile food market!

Project New Village is no stranger to the community outside of its expansive efforts. Last year they launched a mobile farmers market that runs four days a week at different locations throughout the city. They also host a number of community events on site where people can connect, learn about gardening and enjoy fresh produce.

For more information on Project New Village visit them here: instagram.com/projectnewvillage and https://projectnewvillage.org/.

Bringing the Community Food Hub to life requires a minimum or $3.5 million dollars in grants or community equity to begin development. If the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) approves the proposal a number of positive changes will be made across Southeast San Diego and Barrio Logan. Applicants will hear a final decision on December 14th.

In the meantime, follow Project New Vil-

AIR AT MALCOLM X LIBRARY

S COMMUNITY AND EX-OFFENDERS Hampton’s message to the community was clear and resonated with everyone in attendance: “No one gets turned away, and nobody is left without resources.” Issa Vibe, as well as all the organizations present, came together to highlight the importance of mutual support in facilitating events like the resource fair. Hampton encouraged the community to continue to be part of these events and further emphasized the strength that comes from unity when working toward positive change.

Looking ahead, Issa Vibe has grand plans for the future. They are actively working to secure funding that will allow them to expand their reach and help even more communities in need. Their upcoming initiatives in-

munity connections that brought together the diverse organizations and individuals at the fair. She underscored the significance of a collective effort to uplift and support those who need it most.

Networking, it turns out, was Hampton’s greatest strength. She found that creating connections within the community was the driving force behind organizing such impactful events. Furthermore, she reiterated her deep passion for providing support to underserved communities, making it her mission to drive change through the nonprofit. Starting from scratch was no easy feat, but Hampton was pleasantly surprised

clude hosting financial literacy events to educate and empower the youth and those in need of financial management skills. Additionally, credit repair events are on the horizon to provide essential support to individuals striving to improve their financial well-being.

Hampton captured the essence of the resource fair by stating, “Power in numbers makes a change.” Her dedication, combined with the collaborative efforts of all the organizations involved, exemplified the true spirit of community support and empowerment.

As these organizations continue to grow, the future looks brighter for individuals seeking a fresh start and access to essential resources. The Re-entry Resource Fair at Malcolm Library was not just an event; it was a testament to the remarkable strength that comes from communities coming together to drive change and empower individuals on their path to a better future.

PHOTOS: Shawn Smith-Hill/Voice & Viewpoint

by the impressive turnout at the resource fair. Approximately 400 individuals attended, indicating a strong desire for access to essential resources and support within the community.

10

Thursday, October 19, 2023 • The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

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IN MORE NEWS PHOTO ESSAY:

Supporters of Both Israel and Palestine

Raise Their Voices

Last weekend thousands of Los Angelenos demonstrated

By Maxim Elramsisy California Black Media n the terrorist attack of October 7, Hamas took hostages. While over 1,400 people were killed, the exact number of hostages is unknown, though they include children, elderly, and foreign nationals, including Americans. Demonstrators [in support of Israel] lit candles in the shape of a heart between a Star of David, and “Iran.” Flyers describing hostages of Hamas were illuminated in the candle vigil. The United States deployed war-

I

ships to the region with the hope of preventing the conflict from spreading across the Middle East.

The State of Palestine’s legal status is the subject of controversy, although it is recognized by 138 of 193 United Nations Member States.

The Gaza Strip, a 26 mile long territory on the Mediterranean coast claimed by Palestine, has been blockaded since 2007. Hamas, a militant Islamist group is the de facto government of the Gaza Strip and is a strong political party within Palestine.

Supporters of Palestine demonstrate in front of the Israeli Consulate in West Los Angeles, California on Saturday October, 14 2023.

PHOTO: Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media)

Supporters of Israel demonstrate in front of the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California on October 15, 2023. PHOTO: Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media)

Supporters of Israel demonstrate in front of the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles, California on October 15, 2023.

PHOTO: Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media)

Our Negro National Anthem Something That Everyone Should Know?

Supporters of Palestine demonstrate in front of the Israeli Consulate in West Los Angeles, California on Saturday October 14, 2023. PHOTO: Maxim Elramsisy | California Black Media)

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11

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Gates Foundation IMF and World Bank to Fund $40 million Urged to Boost Funding mRNA Vaccines

African Nations Facing Conflict and Climate Change Especially Vulnerable

Development

By Krista Larson ASSOCIATED PRESS A $40 million investment will help several African manufacturers produce new messenger RNA vaccines on the continent where people were last in line to receive jabs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced Monday.

While it could still take at least three more years before any of the vaccines are approved and on the market, the foundation said that its mRNA investment marks an important step forward in improving vaccine equity.

“Whether it’s for local diseases in Africa like Rift Valley (fever) or for global diseases like TB, mRNA looks like a very promising approach,” Bill Gates told The Associated Press on Sunday after visiting one of the facilities involved, the Institut Pasteur in Dakar, Senegal.

“And so it allows us to bring in lots of African capabilities to work on these vaccines, and then this can be scaled up.”

Climate protesters stage a demonstration outside a convention center hosting the IMF and World Bank annual meetings, in Marrakech, Morocco, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. PHOTO: AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy

By Taiwo Adebayo ASSOCIATED PRESS Many poor countries in Africa face the harshest effects of climate change: severe droughts, vicious heat and dry land, but also unpredictable rain and devastating flooding. The shocks worsen conflict and upend livelihoods because many people are farmers — work that is increasingly vulnerable in a warming world.

Climate challenges are at the root of vulnerabilities faced by conflict-ridden countries in Africa’s Sahel region, such as Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger and northern Nigeria, experts say. Adapting to these challenges could cost up to $50 billion per year, according to the Global Commission on Adaptation, while the International Energy Agency estimates the clean energy transition could cost as much as $190 billion a year — overwhelming costs for Africa.

Countries have limited space in their budgets, and borrowing more to fund climate goals will worsen their considerable debt burdens, argue African leaders, who are seeking a rapid boost in financing.

Some leaders suggested that last week’s meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Marrakech, Morocco, would be “a good place to start” a conversation about Africa’s financial challenges and its ability to handle climate shocks.

It comes amid criticism that the lending institutions are not taking climate change and the vulnerabilities of poor countries enough into account in their funding decisions. The global financial system “is now outdated, dysfunctional and unjust,” said a New York Times opinion column by Kenyan President William Ruto, African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, African Union Commission chairman Moussa Faki and Patrick Verkooijen, chief executive of the Global Commission on Adaptation.

It’s outdated because international financial institutions “are too small and limited to fulfill their mandate. Dysfunctional because the system as a whole is too slow to respond to new challenges, such as climate change. And unjust because it discriminates against poor countries,” the leaders wrote.

In recent years, climate funding to Africa has increased, with recognition that the continent is least responsible for emissions but most at risk from climate change because of a lack of financing and ability to cope. Major development banks have increasingly recognized climate change as an economic threat.

During a panel in Marrakech last week, IMF economist Daniel Lee said the organization is “mainstreaming climate change in policy advice, capacity development and lending.”

He did not detail the size or breakdown of funding.

Lee pointed to an IMF program that launched last year to help poor countries address problems like climate change. Only one African country — Rwanda — has gotten financing from the program: $319 million over three years. Like African leaders, experts say climate financing to the continent has been insufficient and particularly difficult to get for countries in the Sahel that lack stable and recognized governments, with many of them led by military juntas.

“The reality has fallen short of expectations,” said Carlos Lopes, a professor at the Mandela School of Public Governance of the University of Cape Town, South Africa. “A significant portion of funding goes toward mitigation efforts, while adaptation, a top priority for the continent, receives less attention and support.”

In Niger, whose leader was ousted in a coup in August, as well as northern Nigeria, thousands of hectares of arable land is being lost to soil erosion and dry conditions. It’s led farmers and livestock herders to battle for resources and reduces economic opportunities, helping armed groups recruit, said Idayat Hassan, senior Africa program fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Irrigation projects are among the ways to adapt to climate change, but violence is eroding those gains as it leaves farmers, who are already facing lower yields, struggling to access their farmland.

“Apart from extreme heat levels and unpredictable rainfall, insecurity also is affecting us because many times we will not have the chance to go to our farms,” said Ibrahim Audi, 58, a wheat farmer in Nigeria’s far northern Katsina state.

Femi Mimiko, a professor of political economy and international relations at Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University, called the climate money heading to Africa “rather negligible and it is not what we should celebrate at all.”

He added that “the challenges are enormous” because of strict conditions to get IMF and World Bank funding.

Plus, climate financing for Africa needs to address persistent debt crises in many countries, Lopes said. Africa’s debt repayments are estimated to reach $62 billion this year, exceeding the continent’s costs of adapting to climate change, the African leaders said in their column. They reiterated a call made at the Africa Climate Summit in Kenya last month for a pause on foreign debt repayments.

Another issue is leaders underestimating how climate change feeds violence and economic problems, experts say.

The announcement comes as the foundation opens its annual three-day Grand Challenges event, which brings together scientists and public health researchers from around the world.

Institut Pasteur, along with the South Africa -based company Biovac, will be using an mRNA research and manufacturing platform that was developed by Quantoom Biosciences in Belgium. The two Africabased vaccine manufacturers are receiving $5 million each in funding from the founda-

Bill Gates. PHOTO: Lukasz Kobus/European Commission/Wikimedia Commons

tion, while another $10 million is earmarked for other companies that have not yet been named. The remaining $20 million is going to Quantoom “to further advance the technology and lower costs.”

The mRNA vaccine technology came to the forefront with the production of COVID- 19 vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna. The messenger RNA approach starts with a snippet of genetic code-carrying instructions for making proteins. And by picking the right virus protein to target, the body turns into a mini vaccine factory.

Those COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were fasttracked through the regulatory process and granted emergency use authorization. The new vaccines under development in Africa face a far longer development timeline — anywhere from three to seven years.

See GATES page 15

Zimbabwe Writer Receives

Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Award Dangarembga cited for her “Remarkable Courage”

By Lisa Vives GLOBAL INFORMATION NETWORK Highly regarded Zimbabwe author Tsitsi Dangarembga has been tapped for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom award, given to individuals with “remarkable courage and dedication” and political activism.

Ms. Dangarembga received the prize in Johannesburg.

Tinashe Mushakavanhu, a research fellow at the University of Oxford who specializes in Zimbabwean literature, said Dangarembga has a place in the modern canon.

Zimbabwe author Tsitsi Dangarembga. PHOTO: GIN

“Her most important contribution is being the first Black Zimbabwean woman writer to publish a novel in English. In that sense, she is a pioneer and a leading light, so much that her book, “Nervous Conditions,” is considered one of the best African books of the 20th century,” said Mushakavanhu.

Praised for her first novel “Nervous Conditions” in 1988, she next wrote “The Book of Not,” and drew the most attention for “This Mournable Body” which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2020. In this book, her character is foiled, most often by the noxious combination of racism and capitalist accumulation, and the distorted relations it produces between the novels’ characters, writes Ismail Muhammad.

She is also the recipient of the 2021 PEN International Award for Freedom of Expression.

Aside from her writing, Dangarembga has made headlines for her political activism. The 64-year-old was convicted by a Zimbabwean court last year of “inciting violence” after staging a peaceful protest with a friend during which the two women stood quietly on a roadside holding placards calling for

political reform. That conviction was overturned earlier this year by a higher court.

“I don’t conceive of myself as an activist writer,” she said in a recent interview. “I conceive of myself as a person who has a story to tell, and my story has an intention. My intention is to tell stories in which Zimbabweans can see themselves reflected. And I think that is important for the well-being of the individual — to understand the complexities of the lives they are living and the challenges, and to possibly point to possible solutions. When individuals are able to engage in that process, it leads to the health of the nation.”

Among the previous winners of the Africa Freedom Prize is Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Danai Mupotsa, a senior lecturer in African literature at Johannesburg’s Witwatersrand University, notes that female writers from the continent have been receiving more attention and accolades lately.

What it indicates, maintains Dangarembga, is the publishing world has “shifted to open up” and is publishing more work by African woman writers.

12

Thursday, October 19, 2023 • The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

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HEALTHY LIVING

EDUCATION Biden Announces More Student Debt Relief

By Chris Megerian Associated Press

PHOTO: Kampus Production/Pexels

4 Surprising Facts About Assisted Living

By Liz Weston NerdWallet

A

ssisted living facilities can vary enormously, and people's expectations about assisted living often clash with reality, elder care experts say. Here are some important things to know.

1. MEDICARE DOESN'T COVER THE COST Nationwide, the cost of assisted living facilities averaged $4,500 a month in 2021, according to the latest figures from long-term care insurer Genworth. But costs range enormously depending on the area and the services provided, Goyer says.

2. THERE MAY NOT BE A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL ON STAFF Assisted living is considered residential rather than medical care, says elder care expert Kate Granigan, of Aging Life Care Association. Some facilities bring in doctors or other medical professionals to provide routine care, she says.

But if there is a medical professional on staff, it's often a nurse who can assess people's needs rather than provide hands-on care.

3. YOU MAY NEED MORE CARE THAN YOU'LL GET The key word in assisted living is "assisted,"

Goyer says. While facilities can provide help around the clock, they aren't designed for people who need one-on- one, constant care.

That's the function of a nursing home. If someone requires medical care in addition to help with daily living, they would need a skilled nursing facility.

Residents or their families often expect help on demand, but assisted living facilities aren't staffed for that, Goyer explains.

4. YOU CAN GET KICKED OUT Scrutinize the admissions agreement - the legal contract that outlines the services, costs and other terms of admission - and ask questions about what can trigger an eviction. Assisted living facilities can kick people out if they have behavior problems, need more care than the facility provides or can no longer pay the bill, says Jaclyn Flores, consumer and policy advocate for the nonprofit California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.

Assisted living facilities also can raise rates with sufficient notice, and many have been doing so, Flores says.

Flores recommends prospective residents have a Plan B long before their savings are exhausted.

President Joe Biden announced another round of federal student loan forgiveness on Wednesday, October 4, as borrowers brace for payments to restart after a three-year pause that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Democratic president`s latest step will help 125,000 borrowers by erasing $9 billion in debt through existing relief programs. In total, 3.6 million borrowers will have had $127 billion in debt wiped out since Biden took office.

He promised to help alleviate the burden of student debt while running for PHOTO: The White House president, and he's been under pressure an entry point for marginalized communities to follow through even though his original plan to achieve upward mobility and begin buildwas overturned by the conservative majority ing generational wealth," NAACP President on the Supreme Court. He has been relying on Derrick Johnson said in a statement that a patchwork of different programs to chip away emphasized the disproportionate impact of at debt, such as public service loan forgiveness debt on Black families. "It is unconscionable and the SAVE Plan, which lowers payments by that, in their quest to provide their children tying them to borrowers` income. with a brighter future, Black parents have fallen victim to a system that preys on their inherAdditional debt forgiveness could help allevient disadvantage." ate the impact of the long- scheduled resumption of loan payments this month, which will put a dent in tens of millions of family budgets.

But it is unlikely to undermine the economy's SAN DIEGO COUNTY strength in the long term even though analysts at BNP Paribas estimated it could take $100 billion out of consumers` pockets and slow overall growth during the final three months TEST POSITIVITY of this year.

COVID-19 STATUS

Republicans have fought Biden's plans on student debt, but Wednesday`s announcement comes as they`re consumed by infighting on Capitol Hill. Hard-right Republicans forced a vote that ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as House speaker, leaving the chamber in chaos.

10.5%

TOTAL HOSPITALIZED

149

7-day average daily census; 4.5 (per 100k) TOTAL DEATHS

In addition, the NAACP is pushing Biden to expand debt forgiveness by allowing Parent PLUS loans, which parents use for their children's college education, to be eligible for the SAVE Plan.

fiscal year-to-date; 9.8 (4-week average); 2.9 (per million)

“Historically, education has been viewed as

SOURCE: County of San Diego, Last updated 10/12/2023

87

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The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint • Thursday, October 19, 2023

13

BUSINESS NEWS CHEF DOMINIQUE LEACH:

From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Stardom

By Tacuma Roeback Managing Editor Chicago Defender

C

hef Dominique Leach saw her dream go up in flames a few years ago. Yet, it didn’t die.

Leach started a food truck in July 2017 that caught fire months later. The signs pointed to arson, but no one was ever arrested. After watching the fire settle that night, she opened the doors and discovered that everything on that truck had been destroyed, save for one item: a foam poster board. That board had her name and bio of achievements. It was given to her by organizers of an event she was featured at, and Leach took it everywhere. The fact that the poster board, an enduring reminder of all she had accomplished to that point, was untouched by the flames was a sign.

“But it wouldn’t necessarily have to feel like work. It was something that I looked forward to doing.”

–Dominique Leach

“I used it as inspiration,” Leach said. “Whoever thought they were gonna stop the trajectory of what I have in mind, this is proof that this is just another obstacle that I’ll have to get through and will get through.”

From the proverbial ashes rose her dream of making a mark in the world of cooking. Her now brick-and-mortar Lexington Betty Smokehouse restaurant, which she

founded with her wife Tanisha, is further proof. It has fans from all over the region and around the country who crave her luxurious smoked meats and “soulful sides” like gouda mac and cheese, brisket baked beans and collard greens. Let’s not forget about her line of Wagyu beef hot dogs sold at regional supermarkets like Mariano’s and available nationally online, or her memorable TV appearances on popular Food Network contest cooking shows like “Chopped” and “BBQ Brawl,” which she won in Season 4. Indeed, the fire couldn’t extinguish Leach’s dream, which persists because she learned early on that she had to keep fighting, working and showing up — to become a thriver by necessity.

And her own “fire,” which manifests as a tireless desire to succeed, was inspired by two things from her childhood: family gatherings at her mother’s house and peanut butter cookies. From those gatherings, Leach learned the importance of providing hospitality and how a good meal could satiate the body and fortify the spirit, especially for relatives on an extended stay at their house. Leach also said those gatherings were where she acquired a grownup’s taste for food.

Chef Dominique Leach. PHOTO: Courtesy of Black Press USA

work. It was something that I looked forward to doing.”

Chef Leach at her brick-and-mortar Lexington Betty Smokehouse.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Black Press USA

Leach wasn’t helping herself to those prime fixings or playing basketball, she was dabbling with a cookie recipe imprinted on the side of a large can of peanut butter.

She started doing this at 12.

What captivated her were the reactions of her taste testers.

She kept making peanut butter cookies until she perfected the recipe.

In her senior year at William Howard Taft High School, she began to grapple with what she wanted to do with her life. At the time, Leach

“I decided that cooking was one of the few things that I can think of that inspired me, and I could get paid off of,” she said, “But it wouldn’t necessarily have to feel like

After graduating from Taft, she eventually enrolled in culinary school at the Illinois Institute Of Art Chicago, earning an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts in 2006. From there, she went to work at some of the most prestigious restaurant kitchens in Chicago under the guidance of renowned culinary figures like James Beard award-winning owner and chef Tony Mantuano and Executive Chef Sarah Grueneberg of Spiaggia, a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant in Chicago. She collaborated with award-winning author and chef Raghavan Lyer at The Art Institute Museum.

In 2022, the brick-and-mortar Lexington Betty Smokehouse opened, taking over the One Eleven Food Hall, an incubation space for Black food businesses at 756 E. 111th St. Chef Leach accomplished it all through hard work, consistency, imagination and endurance. She is genuinely self-made as someone who “got it out the mud,” which means to rise from humble circumstances and make your way to the top.

By then, Leach was a chef ’s chef, classically trained and

This article appeared first on Chicago Defender.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY “If it Isn’t Flowing Right, We Didn’t Do It!”

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“Hot dogs and chicken wings came off the grill first. That’s what they passed out to us as kids, but I always wanted to see what that steak or rib tips was tasting like,” she said, laughing.

Eating those foods was like experiencing luxury to her because “it wasn’t something that we ate regularly.” And during the summer, when

didn’t want to go away to college, believing she would struggle because her family would not be able to help her financially. So, Leach sold Italian ice at her first food industry job and did whatever she could legally to get by. She eventually answered that larger question about what to do with her life.

fluent in various culinary traditions and working in a world dominated by White men with funky hair and tattoos. And in school and those kitchens, Leach had to show and prove her value every time.

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME NAME STATEMENT 2023-9021137 Fictitious business name(s): Shore And Anchor Located at: 310 Twin Oaks Valley #121 San Marcos, CA 92078 County of San Diego --621 Hillhaven Drive San Marcos, CA 92078 This business is conducted by: Co-Partners Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: Nicole Horne 613 Nordahl Rd Unit #G San Marcos, CA 92069 --Ashle Childress 621 Hillhaven Drive San Marcos, CA 92078 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 16, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 16, 2028 10/19, 10/26, 11/02, 11/09 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020784 Fictitious business name(s): Alegria Bakeshop Located at: 1620 National Avenue San Diego, CA 92113 County of San Diego --1345 27th Street San Diego, CA 92154 This business is conducted by: Co-Partners Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: Marisela Reyes Pentico 1345 27th Street San Diego, CA 92154 --Kathrine Reyes 1345 27th Street San Diego, CA 92154 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 10, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 10, 2028 10/19, 10/26, 11/02, 11/09 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020772 Fictitious business name(s): Kenna Embody Located at: 131 Diana St. #2 Encinitas, CA 92024 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 10/10/2023 This business is hereby registered by the following: Kenna Crouch 131 Diana St. #2 Encinitas, CA 92024 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 10, 2023 This fictitious business name

will expire on October 10, 2028 10/19, 10/26, 11/02, 11/09 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020723 Fictitious business name(s): Lightning Fast Electric Inc. --DBA Lightning Electric Located at: 6161 El Cajon Blvd B 417 San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Corporation The first day of business was: 07/12/2004 This business is hereby registered by the following: Lightning Electric 6161 El Cajon Blvd B 417 San Diego, CA 92115 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 09, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 09, 2028 10/19, 10/26, 11/02, 11/09 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020868 Fictitious business name(s): Da World Vending Located at: 2455 Otay Center Dr. Ste. 117 San Diego, CA 92154 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: Julian King Monroe 7818 Mount Vernon St. Lemon Grove, CA 91945 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 11, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 11, 2028 10/19, 10/26, 11/02, 11/09 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9018039 Fictitious business name(s): Pacific West Notary --Pacific West Livescan Located at: 7899 Golfcrest Dr. 7 San Diego, CA 92119 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: Kelly Jackson 7899 Golfcrest Dr. 7 San Diego, CA 92119 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on August 31, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on August 31, 2028 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020462 Fictitious business name(s): North African Flavors

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Located at: 785 Shadowridge Dr. Vista, CA 92083 County of San Diego --4519 Campus Ave. Apt 9 San Diego, CA 92116 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: Samir Asfirane 4519 Campus Ave. Apt 9 San Diego, CA 92116 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 04, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 04, 2028 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9018345 Fictitious business name(s): Watered Garden Church USA --Watered Garden Church International Located at: 113 W. G Street #755 San Diego, CA 92101 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Married Couple The first day of business was: 09/06/2023 This business is hereby registered by the following: Cavitt Lee Fowler 113 W. G Street #755 San Diego, CA 92101 --Yolanda De La Mora Meyer 113 W. G Street #755 San Diego, CA 92101 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 06, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on September 06, 2028 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020193 Fictitious business name(s): The BBQ Cleaner San Diego --1904 Coffee Roasters Located at: 2108 N St. Sacramento, CA 95816 County of Sacramento 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: ALQ Industries LLC. 2108 N St. Sacramento, CA 95816 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 02, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 02, 2028 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020427 Fictitious business name(s): La Maestra --La Maestra Family Clinic --La Maestra Family Clinic, INC. --La Maestra Medical Clinic National City --La Maestra Community PHA Located at: 4060 Fairmount Ave. San Diego, CA 92105 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Corporation The first day of business was: 07/02/1991 This business is hereby registered by the following: La Maestra Family Clinic, INC 4060 Fairmount Ave. San Diego, CA 92105 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 04, 2023

This fictitious business name will expire on October 04, 2028 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020426 Fictitious business name(s): La Maestra Cafe --La Maestra Blossoms --La Maestra Store --La Maestra Foundation Located at: 4185 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Corporation The first day of business was: 07/02/1991 This business is hereby registered by the following: La Maestra Foundation, INC 4185 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 04, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 04, 2028 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020425 Fictitious business name(s): Community Health Imaging Centers --La Maestra Imaging Located at: 4060 Fairmount Ave, Suite 120 San Diego, CA 92105 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Corporation The first day of business was: 07/02/2012 This business is hereby registered by the following: Community Health Imaging Centers 4060 Fairmount Ave, Suite 120 San Diego, CA 92105 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 04, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 04, 2028 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020548 Fictitious business name(s): Heart 2 Heart In Home Care Located at: 342 69th St. San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: Co-Partners The first day of business was: 10/05/2023 This business is hereby registered by the following: Debra Childs 342 69th St. San Diego, CA 92114 --Katherine Brown 4446 Gila Ave. San Diego, CA 92117 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 05, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 05, 2028 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020317 Fictitious business name(s): Found Nonprofit Catalysts Located at: 861 Harold Place Suite 208 Chula Vista, CA 91914 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 03/01/2018 This business is hereby registered by the following: Anjanette Maraya-Ramey 861 Harold Place Suite 208 Chula Vista, CA 91914 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 03, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 03, 2028

10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020310 Fictitious business name(s): Izra Transport Located at: 9747 Businesspark Ave. San Diego, CA 92131 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company The first day of business was: 09/29/2023 This business is hereby registered by the following: Izra Transport, LLC 9747 Businesspark Ave. San Diego, CA 92131 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 03, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 03, 2028 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020219 Fictitious business name(s): Black People Doing Stuff Outside --Black People Doing Shyt Outside --BPDSO Located at: 2008 Crystal Clear Dr Spring Valley, CA 91978 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 01/01/2022 This business is hereby registered by the following: Hake'ema Ogulu 2008 Crystal Clear Dr Spring Valley, CA 91978 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 02, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on October 02, 2028 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/02 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9020038 Fictitious business name(s): Wester Motors Located at: 7490 Opportunity Road, Suite 2180 San Diego, CA 92111 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: Wester Motors, LLC 6262 Caminito Juanico San Diego, CA 92111 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 29, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on September 29, 2028 10/05, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019658 Fictitious business name(s): M&R Enterprise Located at: 2525 El Camino Real #277 Carlsbad, CA 92008 County of San Diego --750 Breeze Hill Rd. #97 Vista, CA 92081 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Married Couple Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: Megumi Jo 4509 Newton St. Torrance, CA 90505 Robert Jo 4509 Newton St. Torrance, CA 90505 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 25, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on September 25, 2028 10/05, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019257 Fictitious business name(s):

Better Nights Entertainment Located at: 8925 Harlington Dr San Diego, CA 92126 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 08/28/2023 This business is hereby registered by the following: Englebert Rozul Novicio 8925 Harlington Dr San Diego, CA 92126 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 20, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on September 20, 2028 10/05, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019265 Fictitious business name(s): The Growing Place Located at: 4875 Garfield Street La Mesa, CA 91941 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 08/25/2023 This business is hereby registered by the following: April Beltz 4875 Garfield Street La Mesa, CA 91941 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 20, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on September 20, 2028 10/05, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9018560 Fictitious business name(s): O'Sweet Edith's Located at: 7443 Viewcrest Dr. San Diego, CA 92114 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: Tiffany R Byars 7443 Viewcrest Dr. San Diego, CA 92114 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 08, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on September 08, 2028 9/28, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019409 Fictitious business name(s): XLNC Exotic Cars Located at: 9810 Scripps Lake Dr. Suit-F San Diego, CA 92131 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Corporation Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: XLNC Exotic INC 9810 Scripps Lake Dr. Suit-F San Diego, CA 92131 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 21, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on September 21, 2028 9/28, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19 ----------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9018142 Fictitious business name(s): Doozers Title Workz Located at: 270 E. Douglas Ave. 104 El Cajon, CA 92020 County of San Diego --772 Jamacha Rd 107 El Cajon, CA 92019 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Corporation The first day of business was: 08/18/2023 This business is hereby registered by the following: K And L Collaboration INC. 270 E. Douglas Ave. 104

El Cajon, CA 92020 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 01, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on September 01, 2028 9/28, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19 ------------------------------NAME STATEMENT 2023-9019124 Fictitious business name(s): Fehri's Auto Sales Located at: 4445 Marcellena Rd. Apt.14 San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Corporation The first day of business was: 09/07/2023 This business is hereby registered by the following: Fast Rent A Car LLC 4445 Marcellena Rd. Apt.14 San Diego, CA 92115 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 18, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on September 18, 2028 9/28, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19

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.

NAME CHANGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Central Division Hall Of Justice 37-2023-00044695CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Sarah Anne Reimund To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Sarah Anne Reimund filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Sarah Anne Reimund PROPOSED NAME: Sarah Anne Reimund Bue 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: November 29, 2023 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

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

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport,

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 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 10/19, 10/26, 11/02, 11/09 ------------------------------SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall Of Justice 37-2023-00041815CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Hangyul Lee Drennan To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Hangyul Lee Drennan filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME: Hangyul Lee Drennan PROPOSED NAME: Alice Hangyul Lee 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: November 09, 2023 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for

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The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint • Thursday, OCTOBER 19, 2023

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

T O DAY I N

Request for Proposals (RFP) Legislative Management Software Solicitation No.: SOL1236343 The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking a consultants for Legislative Management Software.

There is no DBE goal for this project. The deadline for electronic Bid submittal is October 23, 2023 by 4:00 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.

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.

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

BLACK HISTORY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Request for Proposals (RFP) ARJIS – Microsoft Sentinel Deployment and Management Solicitation No.: SOL1228680 The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking consultants for Microsoft Sentinel deployment and Management for the ARJIS team. There is no DBE goal for this project. The deadline for electronic proposal submittal is October 24, 2023 by 4:00 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.

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)

for a decree changing names as follows:

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

PROPOSED NAME: KimberAnne Buie Bey

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 10/05, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26 ---------------------------------SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall Of Justice 37-2023-00041237CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Kimber Buie Salter To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Kimber Buie Salter filed a petition with this court

PRESENT NAME: Kimber Buie Salter

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: November 07, 2023 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

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 9/28, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19 -----------------------------------SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 325 South Melrose Dr. Vista, CA 92081 North County Regional Center 37-2023-00039977CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Chad A. Speck

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.

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Chad A.Speck and Marnaie Gonzales filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 9/28, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19

PRESENT NAME: Lennon Olivia Gonzales

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall Of Justice 37-2023-00037223CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Vanessa Valdez

PROPOSED NAME: Lennon Olivia GonzalesSpeck 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: November 17, 2023 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 25 (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

REQUEST FOR DISMISSAL

2022 DANIEL ROBERT SMITH PASSES Daniel Robert Smith, born March 11, 1932, was the last person alive to be born from an enslaved person in the United States. Born in Winsted, Connecticut, the fifth out of six children born to Abram A. B. Smith, who worked at a clock factory as a janitor, and Clara Wheeler Smith, a domestic worker.

Growing up in the ‘30s, his father told “brutally vivid stories,” as described by the National Park Service, about his life as a slave in Virginia during the Civil War. His father passed at 76, succumbing to injuries sustained in a car accident.

Along with being the last American to be born to a slave, Smith has accomplished many achievements including serving the country in the US Army as a military hospital medic in Korea in 1952. Along with his service, from which he was honorably discharged in 1955, he also dedicated himself to the pursuit of education, enrolling in Springfield College in 1956 and subsequently obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Science and Psychology in 1960. Smith attended Tuskegee Institute College of Veterinary Medicine (now University) in Alabama. In 1968, Smith left the South to work for the US Department of Health & Human Services in DC. Smith has written one book, Son of a Slave: A Black’s Man Journey in White America, published in 2022.

Daniel Robert Smith died the same year in Washington, DC, on October 19, 2022, at 90 years old.

1931 VIOLA HARRIS MCFERREN BORN

Plaintiff/Petitioner: Vanessa Valdez

Viola Harris McFerren, born on October 19, 1931 in Benton County, Mississippi, was a civil rights activist alongside her husband, John McFerren, in Fayette County, Tennessee.

TO THE CLERK: Please dismiss this action as follows: Entire action of all parties and all causes of action

Viola Harris continued her education at Jackson State Community College and Memphis State University and later became a registered cosmetologist. She would join her husband in participating in the voting registration drives for African Americans in 1959.

The court did waive court fees and costs for a party in this in this case.

Date: 9/21/2023

Viola Harris McFerren founded the Fayette County Civic and Welfare League Inc., in 1959. In 1964, she drafted the first proposal for a Head Start program in Fayette County, which received federal funding for kindergarten and adult basic education programs. She was also integral to getting Blacks to serve on the education board in Fayette as well as getting new school facilities constructed.

The address of the court is: 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Court's Recovery of Waived Court Fees And Costs If a party whose court fees and costs were initially waived has recovered or will recover $10,000 or more in value by way of settlement, compromise, arbitration award, mediation settlement, or other means, the court has a statutory lien on that recovery. The court may refuse to dismiss the case until the lien is satisfied.

Declaration Concerning Waived Court Fees The court waived fees and costs in this action for: Vanessa Valdez The person named in item 1 is not recovering anything of value by this action.

All court fees and court costs that were waived in this action have been paid to the court 9/28, 10/05, 10/12, 10/19

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Viola Harris McFerren died on April 22, 2013 in Fayette County, Tennessee at the age of 81.

ARTICLE CONTINUATION TRANSPORTATION Continued from page 3

Here are other steps that individuals and the private and public sector can take to shepherd the transition to cleaner, healthier fuels: • Encourage private and public sector fleets to consider using biodiesel and renewable diesel as a cleaner, more cost effective alternative to fossil-based fuel for trucks.

• Include marginalized groups, those that are the most impacted by environmental destruction and disasters, in clean transportation conversations and planning.

• Empower marginalized groups by providing access to information about grants, tax incentives, and other funding, and assist in the application process for these incentives.

GATES Continued from page 11

Dr. Amadou Sall, chief executive officer at Institut Pasteur, said the deal will help build vaccine self-reliance in Africa. The institute already has been producing yellow fever jabs since the 1930s and now hopes mRNA technology can be harnessed to produce vaccines for diseases endemic on the continent like Lassa fever, Rift Valley fever and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

“What we want is next time there is a pandemic — we hope it won’t happen soon —Africa would be able to make its own vaccine, to contribute to the development, and make sure that we protect the population,” Sall said.

“What happened with COVID should never happen again in the sense that Africans should get vaccinated as a matter of equity.”

• Ensure that messaging on the benefits of clean transportation is available in multiple languages and includes solutions that are relevant to all communities.

• Encourage state and local representatives to increase monetary incentives for clean transportation vehicles, making it easier for public and private sector fleets to implement the change.

• Use Inflation Reduction Act funding for clean vehicles to help your business replace or retrofit diesel vehicles.

• Work with local organizations, such as Clean Cities Coalitions, on educational outreach and programming.

Antoine M. Thompson is the Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC).

Jose Castillo, chief executive officer of Quantoom Biosciences, said the mRNA technologies allow low- and middle-income countries “to become autonomous in terms of research and development.” The platform only needs 350 square meters (3, 800 square feet) of space to have a manufacturing facility capable of making tens of millions of doses.

“So we think that this technology will have a tremendous impact in terms of autonomy through regional manufacturing,” he said.

With $8.3 billion to give away in 2023, the Gates Foundation is the largest private philanthropic donor. And with an endowment of more than $70 billion, its spending power is likely to continue for many decades. It has spent billions of dollars to vaccinate against polio, treat and prevent malaria and HIV and more recently advance vaccines for diseases like cholera.

16

Thursday, October 19, 2023 • The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

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COMMUNITY

Politics of Hate Head-On BATTLING THE

Recap of Biscuits, Grits and Politics Forum

PHOTOS: Darrel Wheeler

Article Continuation from cover: BGP

By Macy Meinhardt Voice and Viewpoint Staff Writer Voice and Viewpoint have been reporting on hate crimes since 1987, however, the notion of hate has risen considerably in recent years.

In the last decade, 170 hate crime incidents have been reported by the San Diego County Sheriffs with the highest targeted ethnicity being African American, 64 incidents, followed by Jewish, 16 incidents, and Latino,14 incidents.

It’s important to note, however, that statistics such as hate crime reports only encapsulate incidents that go officially reported. In fact, hate crime is believed to be one of the most underreported crimes, according to District Attorney Summer Stephan, who spoke at the event.

The State of California defines a hate crime as a crime against a person, group, or property motivated by the victim's real or perceived protected social group. Protected classes of identity include race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, and disability.

“We do believe it's one of the most underreported crimes and that's because there is a lot of shame in it and the victim doesn't want to share what happened to them. Because somehow they feel that there's something wrong about them that allowed this other person to act the way they did,” said Stephan, at the Tuesday BGP event.

Publisher of the Filipino Press, Susan Delos Santos was also on the panel. To the prevalence of underreported hate crimes, her perspective was that it could be attributed to fear of retaliation.

“That's one of the things, they [victims] are afraid for themselves, they are afraid for their families because there might be retaliation,” said Delos Santos. Other speakers on the panel, such as Tazheen Nizam, noted that victims of hate crimes can be undocumented citizens, which serves as another reason victims may feel afraid to speak up.

Meanwhile, from a prosecutor's lens, Stephan also spoke on how hate-related incidents can have impacts that expand beyond just one targeted individual.

“You are victimizing everybody in the community that shares their identity or race or religion, their ethnicity or gender. You essentially take out one person theory, but you leave a ripple effect, or everyone and every child in that community feels that fear.”

In regards to the escalating global crisis amid the Israel-Palestine war, panel speaker Tazheen Nizam, who is with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, spoke on how the prevalence of hate is feeding into Islamic communities in America.

Meanwhile, the forum is sponsored by Stop the Hate Program, a California funding ini-

tiative that came in response to the visible rise in anti-Asian hate speech on a local and national level in recent years. In 2021, the California State Legislature passed a historic $165 million into Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders equity budget.

While the funding serves all populations who are subject to incidents of bias and hate crimes, some attendees raised the question as to why the Asian community receives dedicated landmark funding when Black people historically have, and continue to be, the race targeted with the highest amount of hate crime incidents.

Attendee filling out a Biscuits, Grits & Politics survey form.

Amongst the state, anti-Black fueled events increased almost thirty percent in 2022, jumping from 513 in the previous year to 652.

In a Q&A session that followed after the panel, one attendee asked DA Stephan how her organizational ties “can help Black people get [the] fair share of the pie on hate crime money?”

Stephans replied, asserting that as newly elected President of the National District Attorney’s Association, bringing more funding down from the Capitol and into San Diego for all hate crime and victim advocacy programs is “a top priority” on her upcoming agenda.

“One of the top things on my agenda is to discuss how we make this a national issue by bringing funding down not just for law enforcement prosecution, but for the victim advocacy and community advocacy that needs to happen in order for people to feel comfortable reporting, and also for people as was mentioned to heal from the trauma of hate crimes and racism,” said Stephan.

Meanwhile, another attendee spoke on the importance of all ethnic groups coming together as one unified force to efficiently combat hate, rather than going at it from a segregated standpoint.

“I am curious, I see a lot of teams….I see a lot of ethnicities, but we all have to understand that we are all on the same team,” the attendee said. “So when something happens in your community, it happens in my community…. There is power in numbers, there can only be one team.”

In regards to unity, Nizam also shared, “We have to decolonize ourselves, our minds, and realize we are all the same.”

As the panel and Q&A session wrapped up, Dr. Warren reminded audience members that a local hate crime hotline is available for individuals looking for access to culturally competent resources and reporting methods to hold hate accountable. Local hotline sources can be reached at 619-515-8805, and hatecrimes@sdcda.org Join us in more meaningful and productive discussions at our upcoming event, "Biscuits, Grits, and Politics," on Nov.14th.

(L-R) Biscuits, Grits, and Politics pannelists Summer Stephan, San Diego County District Attorney; Tazheen Nizam, CAIR-San Diego Executive Director; Susan Delos Santos, Filipino Press Publisher; and Camille Appling, Community Outreach for Indian Voices.

(L-R) Summer Stephan, Tazheen Nizam, Susan Delos Santos, and Camille Appling.

Samantha Williams, FNP (left), JIREH Providers Founder & CEO presenting a question to the panel.