The United Domestic Workers Union (UDW) held a breakfast last Saturday morning for local Pastors in support of Proposition 50. The scrumptious breakfast of chicken and waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon and fried potatoes, with orange juice and coffee matched the fellowship of those who gathered for the occasion. UDW Executive Director Doug Moore, along with their Strategic Advisor, Chris Wilson, and their Union Representative, did an outstanding job of laying out in simple terms the importance of Proposition 50.
The official name of the legislation that the governor sponsored and the California legislature enacted is called the Election Rigging Response Act. In reality, Proposition 50 was created to offset the redistricting that President Trump has the Governor of Texas doing to increase by five the number of Republican seats in the House of Representatives. Proposition 50 will allow California to change its congressional districts on a temporary basis, reverting back to the control of the Redistricting Commission after the 2026 MidTerm election.
See UDW pages 8-9
By Antonio Ray Harvey CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced last week that services under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will continue operating during the federal government shutdown — as long as existing funding remains available.
The government shut down at midnight on Oct. 1 after lawmakers in Washington, D.C., failed to resolve a budget impasse, halting most non-essential federal operations and placing about 750,000 employees on unpaid leave.
According to CDPH’s website, “No new federal funding to California WIC will be provided until the President and Congress take action. Families should continue to
Over 2 million ballots are on their way to the County’s registered voters for the Nov. 4 special election. Voters should have received their ballots the week of Monday, Oct. 6. The official ballot packet will also include an “I Voted” sticker. Voters throughout the state will decide whether to adopt Proposition 50, an amendment to the State Constitution related to redistricting. You can learn more about the proposition in the California Voter Information Guide.
Voters who reside in the City of Poway’s Council District 2 will have an additional question on their ballot. Poway District 2 voters will decide whether to remove their elected representative on the city council from office. Only voters living in Poway’s Council District 2 are eligible to vote on this contest. If you’re not sure whether you live in the district, you can look it up at sdvote.com.
See BALLOTS page 2
use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. This information is subject to change, so please monitor the California WIC website for updates.”
WIC provides low- to moderate-income families with healthy food, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals. The federally funded program, administered by CDPH, serves pregnant women, new and breastfeeding mothers,
See WIC page 2
and infants and children under five who are at nutritional risk.
Timothy J. Shields, the Managing Director of the Old Globe (left), Ms. Rosemary Pope (middle) and Barry Edelstein, the Artistic Director of the Old Globe (right). PHOTO: Olivia Clark
Doug Moore, Executive Director of UDW / AFSCME Local 3930, speaking at the Pastors Breakfast to discuss Proposition 50 on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
PHOTO: Voice & Viewpoint Staff
ARTICLE CONTINUATION
PROP 50
Coalition leaders warn that if voters approve the measure allowing California to redraw its congressional districts in favor of Democrats, it could dilute Black voting power in certain regions and erode the nonpartisan redistricting system voters established more than a decade ago.
During an editorial board meeting on Oct. 2 with Black media outlets across the state via Zoom with members of the coalition explained that if the measure is passed, it would be at the expense of communities of color that currently have political power based on voting blocs.
The redrawing of the maps and the special election for Prop 50 have raised a “tremendous concern and impact,” said Bishop Dwight Earl Williams, a resident of Stockton and founder and President of New Genesis Outreach.
According to Williams, the proposed map would divide San Joaquin County into as many as five congressional districts, unlike the two that currently represent the area.
The city of Stockton, with a population of over 350,000 residents, itself would be redrawn into multiple congressional districts under the map created by Assembly Bill (AB) 604.
“Our concern is quite frankly this, here in the San Joaquin County area, where we are based, we have built a strong consensus across many stakeholders throughout the area,” Williams said during the call.
“Across ethnic lines, denominational lines, and across every sector imaginable to find a consensus for the development that we wanted to have in one congressional district.” Williams continued.
“We were able, after many hours, many marathon meetings with the redistricting com-
Ballots
You can vote from home and return your ballot through the mail — no postage needed — or to any of the Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes starting Tuesday, Oct. 7, through the final day of voting Tuesday, Nov. 4. Visit sdvote.com for a list of locations and hours of operation.
Remember to sign and date your return ballot envelope. You must sign your return envelope for your vote to be counted.
Voters who return their ballot through the U.S. Postal Service can track it by signing up for “Where’s My Ballot?”.
Early voting began Monday, Oct. 6, at the Registrar of Voters office in Kearny Mesa, located at 5600 Overland Ave., San Diego. The Registrar’s office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, the Registrar encourages voters to take advantage of the convenience of voting by mail.
If you want to vote in person, take advantage of early voting. Starting Saturday, Oct. 25, select vote centers located around the county will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting Saturday, Nov. 1, all vote centers will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On the final day of voting, Nov. 4, all vote centers, official ballot drop boxes and the Registrar’s office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn more about voting in the November special election at sdvote.com, or call (858) 5655800 or toll free at (800) 696-0136.
A version of this article originally appeared on CountyNewsCenter.com
POLITICAL
By Bo Tefu
BLACK MEDIA
New California Law, Authored by Asm. McKinnor, Expands Workers’ Protections
On Oct. 3, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 288, a new law designed to strengthen labor protections and give workers an alternative path to defend their rights when the federal government does not act.
mission, to achieve approximately 95% of the issues for one district. Our concern is that Prop 50, on the yes side, would completely destroy that work. We are a strong ‘no’ on Proposition 50,” the Bishop emphasized.
The Protect Voters First Coalition is a broad alliance of good governance-focused organizations, social justice advocates, community leaders, and everyday Californians dedicated to ensuring fair, transparent, and accountable elections.
The Say No on Prop 50 campaign committee is funded by Republican donor Charles Munger Jr.
In August, the California legislature voted to include Prop 50 on the November ballot. If voters approve the redistricting plan in November, the California congressional map would be used for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 federal elections, and the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission would meet to draw a new map after the 2030 Census.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed the measure, “Election Rigging Response Act,” in response to other states, such as Texas, undertaking partisan gerrymandering. Critics such as the Protect First Coalition say that Prop 50 would significantly revise the district of Democratic Representative Josh Harder (D-CA-9), which currently covers most of Stockton.
“Right now, we have one congressman and that basically would increase to five in San Joaquin County,” Williams said. “There will be a serious dilution of our representation.”
Along with Williams, other concerned citizens on the Zoom call included Jeanne Raya, an executive for an insurance agency in San Gabriel and former chair of California’s first Citizens Redistricting Commission, and Fabian Valdez Jr., an information strategist and predictive modeling and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) expert.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), eligibility is based on income and extends to recipients of MediCal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs. Caregivers — including fathers, grandparents, and foster parents — may also apply on behalf of eligible infants and children. WIC offices across California have confirmed that they remain open and are continuing to serve and enroll families.
The California WIC program is funded through a discretionary USDA grant, with additional revenue from infant formula manufacturer rebates. Serving about 988,000 low- to moderate-income residents each month in 2023–24, it does not draw from the State General Fund.
Annual WIC spending in California varies, but recent estimates show approximately $1.4 billion for food expenditures and $341.7 million for nutrition and administrative services in the 2025–26 budget year.
Following the Oct. 1 shutdown, the
The law, authored by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), allows employees to bring cases to the state’s Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) if the National Labor Relations Board fails to address unfair labor practices. Supporters say the measure is a direct response to what they see as a weakening of worker protections at the federal level.
“California is a proud labor state, and we will continue standing up for the workers that keep our state running and our economy booming,” said Newsom.
McKinnor called the law an essential safeguard for workers. “The current President is attempting to take a wrecking ball to public and private sector employees’ fundamental right to join a union and collectively bargain for fair wages, benefits and safe working conditions. This is unacceptable and frankly, un-American,” she said.
The measure also establishes a PERB Enforcement Fund, which will be supported by civil penalties collected from employers found to have violated labor laws. Backers say the fund ensures the board has the resources to enforce the law and hold employers accountable.
Labor leaders praised the move as historic.
“We commend Governor Gavin Newsom for standing up for California workers and our fundamental right to collectively bargain,” said Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California
Raya, who was instrumental in establishing the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission — which draws the state’s electoral maps every 10 years — says the state’s message supporting a yes vote on Prop 50 is problematic.
“It’s misleading to the people who think that it’s temporary and that politicians are not going to see the value in holding on to the power that they are going to have for the next five years,” Raya said. “I think by the time this happens in 2030, people will have forgotten how important the Independent Commission is. They will get used to seeing that incumbent protection plan.”
Valdez used the Citizen Voting Age Population (CVAP) to drive home his point of how the Prop 50 campaign is more focused on combating the Trump Administration.
Valdez discussed how the new proposed maps change some of the “traditional grouping” of the current map laid out by the redistricting commission, and how it affects the regions and neighborhoods. “The ‘yes’ side has not done any presentation about maps. They just say that it’s about Trump,” Valdez said. “I understand that, but they are not talking about what the maps are doing and how they are splitting communities.” CVAP consists of all United States citizens who are 18 years of age or older. It is a key metric used to calculate voter turnout and analyze voting patterns.
According to Census.gov, the total citizen voting-age population was approximately 236 million people in 2024. The district U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley (R-CA-03) represents would become more Democraticleaning area if the map changes, Valdez said.
The new map would put many Black residents of South Sacramento into a district that reaches up to Truckee, a predominantly White town101 miles east of the State Capitol.
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) issued a statement blaming Republicans and President Donald Trump for the funding lapse.
The CBC, composed of 62 African American members of the 119th U.S. Congress — including Californians Reps. Maxine Waters (D-CA43), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), and Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) — called the federal funding pause “the most aggressive attack on healthcare in modern history.”
“Make no mistake: President Trump and the Republican majority in Congress own this shutdown,” the CBC statement continued. “Instead of coming to the negotiating table to find a bipartisan solution to prevent Americans from losing life-saving healthcare, they left town.”
Simon said, “Democrats are fighting for stability, affordable health care, and the dignity of work. We want government that pays its employees on time, honors its commitments to veterans and seniors, and ensures that no family is left without care or income because of politics.”
Both Democrats and Republicans warn that
Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO, which represents 1,300 unions with 2.3 million members. “This is the most significant labor law reform in nearly a century. California workers will no longer be forced to rely on a failing federal agency when they join together to unionize.”
Report: More Spending Has Not Solved California’s Teacher Crisis
Despite billions in increased funding over the past decade, California still faces a teacher shortage, especially in schools serving low-income and high-need students, a new Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) report finds.
The report finds that instructional spending per student has increased by nearly $2,000, or 42%, since 2012–13. However, other areas of school budgets, including benefits and non-instructional costs, have grown even faster. As a result, spending on instructional salaries has declined as a share of overall expenditures, dropping from 40% to 33%. Teachers remain the largest single staffing category, accounting for roughly 80% of district personnel costs, but increased funding has not fully addressed staffing challenges.
The brief highlights persistent disparities across schools. Roughly one in four students attends a school where at least 20% of teachers are not fully credentialed or are teaching
Prop 50 would shift the part of the congressional district in Long Beach represented by Dave Min (D-CA-47). According to the California Department of Finance, an estimated 10,996 Black or African American residents are in California's 47th Congressional District as of 2024.
California cities with significant Black populations, such as Compton, Inglewood, and Carson, will remain in one district that is represented by Maxine Waters (D-CA-43).
Long Beach, Downey, and Bellflower’s Black communities would be splintered into new districts, mainly in Orange County. Valdez said. Parts of San Diego, the Inland Empire, and Lancaster-Palmdale Black communities will have district changes, too. “It’s an interesting situation going on there,” Valdez said.
East Bay Area cities, such as Richmond, Vallejo, Bay Point, Pittsburg, and Antioch have a high density of Black voters 18 or older, based on the municipality's overall population. On the proposed redistricting maps, the five cities would be split into three different districts. On the current maps, they are in one district, Valdez said.
“This is a constituency. It shows proof of Black voters or Black residents who may want to have their voice heard and maybe not be split up,” Valdez said. The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) has publicly supported Prop 50. The caucus voted as a bloc in the legislature to put the measure on the ballot and later issued an official statement in favor of the measure.
“The members of the California Legislative Black Caucus stand in full solidarity with the Texas legislators who fought against these plans. We stand with the members of Congress holding the line against tyranny, and we stand with the people of California–and the nation–who are lifting their voices to say, ‘enough is enough,’” the CLBC statement read.
a prolonged shutdown could drain critical resources, leaving millions of families at risk of losing essential benefits.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-4) said women, infants, and children nutrition programs are being withheld while “troops, TSA agents, and border patrol agents are working without pay to protect the country.”
Johnson added that Republicans have been transparent about their position. “We’re operating in good faith, and we’re trying to get the Democrats to do their job, and they won’t,” he stated. “Those are the simple facts, and they cannot be obscured. I’m so grateful for the strong leadership of my colleague and partners over in the Senate.”
In a letter, Kamlager-Dove said Trump and the Republicans “walked away from the table.”
“This shutdown is a choice made by Trump and Republicans — a reckless, cruel one that shows exactly where their priorities lie,” she stated. “If they cared about the American people or the devastating impacts of a shutdown, they would have gotten serious about governing months ago.”
subjects outside their qualifications. Math and science courses are particularly affected: fewer than half of middle and high school math teachers and under 41% of science teachers are correctly assigned and credentialed in schools with staffing challenges, compared with 60% in other subjects. Two-thirds of students in these schools are low-income.
“Targeted funding increases may not be enough to support teacher staffing in highneed districts,” the report notes. While districts with more high-need students have received additional funding through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), these increases have had limited effect on teacher staffing quality or class sizes.
The authors recommend policies that focus on schools that are persistently hard to staff, particularly those serving low-income students. “Efforts to address teacher staffing challenges should focus on specific schools that are persistently hard to staff,” the report states. Tailored interventions could better support recruitment and retention, especially in math and science.
The report also points to salaries as a key factor in retaining teachers. Inflation-adjusted starting pay has not improved since the early 2000s, and many teachers remain at the lower end of the pay scale. Increasing starting salaries could help strengthen recruitment and retention, though budget trade-offs remain.
TO DEMOCRATS: HOLD THE LINE, HOLD THE LINE…
I was diagnosed with lupus while recovering from a divorce I did not see coming. Not only did I believe I was happily married, but I was only 32 and at the top of my game working at a very prestigious law firm.
Then, one morning, I couldn’t move at all. Managing my emotions related to my divorce, let alone my diagnosis, was challenging to say the least. If it were not for my faith in God and my family, I don’t think I would have transitioned through that awful time as well as I did. Even though my diagnosis felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me, I knew I would never give up. What followed were two words that defined my journey then — and still do today: We Win.
That was more than 21 years ago, and I am still alive, fighting through good and bad days. I’m thankful and grateful to God for letting me live
By Earl
By Dr. John E. Warren PUBLISHER, THE SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, NNPA
America is caught in a governmental “shutdown” that will redefine democracy as we know it, if we are not careful to “Hold The Line.” This statement means that the Democrats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate must not make any deal to reopen the government that involves giving up on the demand that all funds cut from our social service programs by Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill be restored.
The Republicans are so sure that the Democrats will cave in that the Speaker of the House has locked the
each day and for my good days to still outweigh my bad days.
Living with lupus can cost more than $60,000 a year depending on the severity of the disease. Particularly with a condition like lupus that has no cure, timely and affordable access to care is critical. Unfortunately, even with good insurance, health insurance plans and their affiliated Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are inflating costs and driving community pharmacies out of business, particularly in Black and Latino neighborhoods.
PBMs are the companies that operate as go-betweens with pharmaceutical manufacturers, your health insurance plan, and pharmacies. Essentially, they determine how much a medication will cost, and if insurance will cover it. Over the years, PBMs’ role in drug pricing has grown dramatically, and not for the benefit of patients. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission released a report which found that “PBMs wield enormous power over patients’ ability to access and afford their prescription drugs.” Two months later, the Commission sued the biggest PBMs (CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, Optum, and their affiliates) for creating a broken system that
CALIFORNIA
doors and put the House on recess in the midst of the government shutdown. By next week, when government paychecks are due, perhaps the American people, some of whom voted for Donald Trump, might have a change of heart and demand that the Republicans consider the Democrats' demand for restoration of cuts to social programs. The important thing here is that the Democrats do not make a deal that does not include the restoration of social service cuts and that the assurances require proof before acceptance. In California, we hold the line by ensuring that those who can vote, do so by or before November 4th for Proposition 50. It's the only item on the ballot and it requires a “yes” vote.
enabled them to boost profits at the expense of vulnerable patients.
The longstanding lack of oversight regarding PBM practices has also led to massive vertical integration and exacerbated existing “pharmacy deserts.” For example, the largest PBM, CVS Caremark, is owned by CVS Health, which also owns the CVS pharmacy chain and is affiliated with the health insurer Aetna. The conglomerate also now owns primary care clinics, yet they continue to push anti-patient and anti-pharmacy practices that result in patients experiencing higher and higher costs with less and less access to care.
Fortunately, SB 41 authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) will crack down on these harmful schemes. Among other provisions, it will require PBMs to be licensed with the state, ban patient-steering toward PBM-affiliated pharmacies, prohibit the use of “spread pricing,” where PBMs charge a plan more for a drug than it pays for a pharmacy, and require that PBMs pass through all negotiated drug rebates.
Yet, politics are politics and we’re seeing that play out in real-time with opinion pieces from politi-
MUST MAINTAIN ITS LEADERSHIP BY REGULATING CHATBOTS
help promote children’s literacy.
The California Legislature just concluded its legislative session on September 13, 2025, and sent Governor Newsom many significant and consequential legislation that can alter the day-to-day lives of Californians. A significant policy discussion in the last week of the legislative session is how to regulate chatbots in California as they become more part of our day-to-day lives.
We have all used chatbots in our day-today activities because they are helpful to facilitate our needs such as dealing with a bank, shopping online, or license renewals with government agencies. But many are probably unaware that chatbots do more than interact with humans in daily activities. For example, chatbot technologies have capabilities that have been helpful in early detection of cancer in young children. Chatbots can also
That chatbots should be regulated to protect children is not debatable. Attempts by Senator Padilla (SB243) and Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan (AB 1064) to address chatbots and make companies responsible for harm that they may cause are legitimate. But banning chatbots, a potential consequence of AB 1064’s framework, is an extreme and misguided approach.
If AB 1064 is signed into law, useful chatbot technology in health care and education are likely to become unavailable for young people and others, the very same group AB 1064 believes it is protecting. AB 1064 wrongfully assumes that effectively banning chatbot products will protect children in California. We live in a large world where chatbots will continue to operate in 49 other states and internationally. If AB 1064 is signed into law,
the world will continue advancing uses of chatbots and will move on without California.
Many Californians are reasonable minded people that do not live in Sacramento or Orinda and have practical needs in their day-to-day lives including the help of chatbots. The choice for Governor Newsom is straightforward, regulate and put reasonable accountability on chatbots rather than exert extreme measures.
Governor Newsom is center stage as the leader of the Golden State, and with that leadership comes challenging policy issues. Now is the time for California to lead and demonstrate that complex problems have a middle ground that can provide the right balance between regulation and how Californians live their day-to-day lives. Chatbots should have guardrails but banning them is not the answer. Governor Newsom should veto AB 1064.
cal strategists and chambers of commerce urging Gov. Newsom to veto SB 41. Let’s be real — neither a political strategist nor a chamber of commerce understands what an individual living with a chronic disease deals with every single day.
It’s critical that Gov. Newsom understands the broad and significant support behind SB 41. Don’t fall for PBMs’ lies and political attacks. They’re scared about their bottom lines and profit margins; we’re scared about whether a PBM will force another pharmacy to close, like Ten Acres in Sacramento and Yosemite Drug in Fresno, or if my PBM will suddenly decide to no longer cover the only treatment that helps mitigate my symptoms.
We call lupus and other related autoimmune diseases “Cruel Mysteries” because they are difficult to diagnose and have no known cause. Well, PBMs are the cruel mystery of the drug pricing system. Despite dozens of reports, studies, and investigations over the years, they continue to skate by with no oversight.
It’s past time we hold them accountable. Zenay Arnold is the Co-Founder of We Win Foundation.
FROM STIGMA TO SUPPORT: RETHINKING HOW SCHOOLS ADDRESS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
By Wayne Campbell
“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” — Matt Haig
The youth mental health crisis endures, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data released in August. In 2023, 40 percent of all students, and 53 percent of girls, experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Nearly 1 in 5 students reported being bullied at school, while 13 percent missed school because of safety concerns.
We often discount the impact that mental health can have on our students. This misconception frequently leads to policy decisions that are flawed and are counterproductive to teaching and learning. We have all seen students acting out due to stress and depression—some of us have shared the videos. Yet, mental health is still not openly discussed. In part because of the stigma associated with the topic that we have all contributed to. Our mental wellness is just as important as our physical state of being. Fortunately, it is our young people who are most comfortable having conversations surrounding mental health issues. They continue to drive the wave regarding how to destigmatize mental health.
See STIGMA page 5
“Skip” Cooper II
By Zenay Arnold SPECIAL TO CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA PARTNERS
CHURCH DIRECTORY
A SALUTE TO OUR AFRICAN NATIONS
Lesotho and Uganda: Paths to Independence
By Voice & Viewpoint Staff
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This article continues our salute to the independence anniversary of African nations. This acknowledges our respect and appreciation of our brothers and sisters among us as we work together to build better lives.
Lesotho’s Path to Independence: October 4, 1966
Lesotho’s march to independence rests on both the earlier consolidation of Basotho identity and the gradual loosening of colonial control. In the early 19th century, Moshoeshoe I unified disparate Sotho-speaking groups, and in 1822 declared himself king, laying the foundations of what would become Basutoland. As Boer settlers from the Orange Free State pressed into Sotho lands, Moshoeshoe sought British protection; in 1868 Basutoland formally became a British protectorate, and by 1884 it was transferred into direct British colonial administration. Unlike many other territories, Basutoland was not subsumed into the Union of South Africa, London deferred action to preserve Basutoland’s separate status.
In the mid-20th century, pressures for self-governance mirrored wider African decolonization. In 1955 Basutoland’s colonial council won the right to manage internal affairs, and in 1965 general elections installed the Basotho National Party (BNP), led by Leabua Jonathan, as the governing party. On October 4, 1966, under the Lesotho Independence Act 1966, Basutoland ceased to form part of British dominions and became the Kingdom of Lesotho, with Moshoeshoe II as monarch and Jonathan as prime minister. Though independence brought new constitutional and political challenges—including later coups, exiles of the king, military rule, and constitutional restoration in 1993—this moment marks the culmination of the Basotho’s longstanding aspiration for autonomy.
had established a strong presence, leading to Uganda’s declaration as a British protectorate in 1894. Britain ruled indirectly through traditional leaders, granting Buganda and other southern kingdoms privileges that deepened regional inequalities. As education and nationalism spread in the 1940s and 1950s, Ugandans began demanding self-rule through organized political movements like the Uganda National Congress and the Democratic Party.
Uganda’s Path to Independence: October 9, 1962
Uganda’s path to independence was shaped by its long history of diverse kingdoms and ethnic groups, particularly the influential Buganda Kingdom. By the late 19th century, British explorers, missionaries, and traders
TODAY IN
1823
Uganda achieved independence from Britain on October 9, 1962, with Apollo Milton Obote as its first prime minister and the Buganda king, Edward Mutesa, as president. At independence, Uganda possessed one of Africa’s strongest economies and education systems. However, tensions between ethnic regions and political leaders soon destabilized the nation.
Obote’s 1966 coup and Idi Amin’s brutal dictatorship plunged Uganda into years of turmoil. Despite its difficult postcolonial history, Uganda’s independence marked the beginning of its ongoing struggle to balance unity, democracy, and stability.
BLACK HISTORY
MARY ANN SHADD IS BORN
Born in Wilmington, Delaware on October 9, 1823, Mary Ann Shadd was a teacher, journalist, and leader of the Canadian emigration movement during the 1850s. Raised in an abolitionist household, she was the eldest child of Abraham and Harriett Shadd and received a Quaker education. Through her teaching and activism, Shadd joined others who promoted migration to places free of slavery, with Canada—then part of the British Empire— becoming a central destination.
In Chatham, Ontario, she taught before founding The Provincial Freeman in 1853, advocating racial and gender equality. After the Civil War, Shadd Cary returned to the U.S., earning a law degree from Howard University. She died in Washington, D.C. in 1893.
1895
EUGENE JAMES “JACQUES”
BULLARD IS BORN
Eugene Jacques Bullard, born in Columbus, Georgia, on October 9, 1895, was the first African American combat aviator, famously called the “Black Swallow of Death.” After fleeing racial violence as a child, he traveled with a gypsy troupe and later stowed away to Europe, where he boxed and performed before settling in Paris. When World War I began, Bullard joined the French Foreign Legion, earning medals for bravery before becoming a pilot with the French Air Service.
Denied a place in U.S. aviation due to racism, Bullard remained in France, later owning nightclubs and spying on Germans during World War II. Honored as a French national hero, he died in Harlem in 1961.
ARTICLE CONTINUATION
stigma:
Continued from page 3
What is mental health?
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.
Undiagnosed, untreated or inadequately treated mental illnesses can significantly interfere with a student’s ability to learn, grow and develop. Since children spend much of their productive time in educational settings, schools offer a unique opportunity for early identification, prevention and interventions that serve students where they already are.
Policy shift needed
potential users where mental health support services are available.
There needs to be a policy shift regarding Jamaica’s education system to have school psychologists and social workers in our public schools in order to identify and treat mental health issues early. Perhaps, a cluster of schools could share the services of mental health professionals given limited resources.
As the new academic year is fast approaching the time has come for our students to be assessed for mental health.
Illinois is the first state in America to require this form of evaluation. For students of Illinois, mental health screenings will soon be required alongside annual vision and hearing exams. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed a bill into law that will require public school students in grades 3 through 12 in the state to undergo a mental health screening each year.
3 and 17, with mental health being a significant concern among teenagers. Early identification and treatment
Mental health issues are not new, but the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated the depth and breadth of the crisis. In order for schools to adequately prepare for their students a mental health screening should become commonplace for each student annually. The fact is many of our students need specialized support in order for them to maximize their true potential. Too many students suffer silently each year.
Early identification and effective treatment for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental health conditions. Many parents are clueless about where to turn in order to receive mental health support for their children. The solution to address mental health requires a collaborative approach from all stakeholders within the education system.
OBITUARIES
There needs to be a National Policy on Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Additionally, such a policy needs to be accessible to the public to pinpoint
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anxiety and depression are some of the most common mental health conditions diagnosed in children between the ages of
This is an excerpted version of a commentary that originally appeared on The Afro.
Norvel Maurice
Hunter, Sr.
SUNRISE 03/14/1964
SUNSET 09/06/2025
ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON RAGSDALE MORTUARY
THE SERVICES FOR MR. HUNTER WERE HELD ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 AT ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY FINAL RESTING PLACE GREENWOOD MEMORIAL PARK.
Novel Maurice Hunter Sr. was born March 14, 1964 in San Diego, California, to the late Julie Hunter Sr. and Ada Fisher.
He was the youngest of three children blessed to this union. Novel received his educational diploma in San Diego, California. A hardworking and determined man, he was a businessman and dedicated much of his time to providing for his family. He had a natural talent for working on cars and enjoyed taking on projects around the house. Beyond his work, he was a family oriented man whose caring nature touched many, he always led by example. As the head of the family, he was a dependable, guiding presence who led with love, strength, and wisdom.
Above all else, Norvel Hunter Sr. was deeply devoted to this family. He was their rock, dependable, trustworthy, and always present when he was needed the most. His love was not just spoken, but shown daily through his actions, his sacrifices, and his unwavering presence. He carried the weight of responsibility with quiet strength, ensuring his loved ones were cared for and secure. He always guided his family and friends with steady counsel, sharing life lessons that will continue to echo for generations. His advice was often simple yet profound, reminding those around him of the importance of hard work , honesty and unity forever.
He peacefully departed this life and entered eternal rest on September 6, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He will be truly missed by his beloved children, Tyanna Hunter, Norvel Hunter Jr., Amira Hunter, Makiyah Hunter. along with a host of many cherished family members and friends. For we loved him deeply, but God loved him more.
Flag of Lesotho. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons
Police pallbearers carry the coffin of the Uganda's first prime minister and two-time President, Milton Obote, wrapped in an Ugandan flag, on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 at Entebbe airport, Uganda. PHOTO: Associated Press
California Sues City Over Surveillance Data
By Wendy Fry CalMatters
California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit today against the City of El Cajon, accusing its police department of repeatedly violating state law by sharing automated license plate reader (ALPR) data with law enforcement agencies in more than two dozen states.
The lawsuit comes at a moment of heightened concern for immigrants and women seeking reproductive care. Once data leaves California, it can be accessed by agencies in states with different policies regarding those populations.
California passed a state law nearly a decade ago restricting how police agencies handle data collected by license plate readers. The camera systems automatically log the plate number, time, date, and location of passing vehicles. Detectives can later use that data to prove an individual was in a certain location at a certain time, a tool they say helps them solve crimes.
The law prohibits state and local agencies from sharing that data with federal or outof-state authorities, mainly because once the information leaves California, the state loses oversight over how the information is used.
“That’s why the California Legislature passed (the law) — to ensure information about Californians remains here in California,” said Bonta Friday in announcing the lawsuit.
“Yet El Cajon has knowingly and repeatedly refused to comply with state law, jeopardiz -
ing the privacy and safety of individuals in its community.”
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells said he’s confident the city will prevail in any litigation brought by the state about its ALPR practices. He described the state’s lawsuit as an overreach of power.
“We’re a sovereign city and we’re acting within the law,” said Wells. The mayor said the city does share the data with other states “because they also give us information about poten-
By Lauren Burke
Publisher Simon & Schuster announced that the campaign memoir of former Vice President Kamala Harris, 107 Days, has sold 350,000 copies in one week. The sales total includes print, ebooks, and audiobooks. The numbers released by the publisher reflect that Harris’ book will be the top political book of 2025. The book goes into the details of Harris’ unexpected 107-day 2024 presidential campaign. The former Vice President became a famous nominee after President Biden dropped out of the race for The White House on July 21, 2024. Biden dropped out after a disastrous debate performance against
By Glenn Gamboa
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $70 million to the UNCF, as the nation’s largest private provider of scholarships to minority students works to raise $1 billion to strengthen all 37 of its historically Black colleges and universities.
The gift is one of Scott’s largest single donations ever and among the first to be publicly disclosed in 2025. Famously private, Scott only discusses her donations through her website and does not confirm them until after the recipients do.
“This extraordinary gift is a powerful vote of confidence in HBCUs and in the work of UNCF,” the nonprofit’s President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax told The Associated Press in a statement. “It provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our member institutions to build permanent assets that will support students and campuses for decades to come.”
Lomax said Scott’s donation would be used for UNCF’s pooled endowment, which aims to establish a $370 million fund — $10 mil -
Donald Trump on June 27, 2024. Biden appeared confused and was slow to answer many questions and many attributed his issues to his age.
Shortly before Biden’s withdrawal there was internal debate on whether there should be a hastily put together Democratic primary. But with only a short time left in the campaign before Election Day — Vice President Harris became the nominee. But the campaign was only 107 days because of Biden’s late timing in exiting the race. While there has been internal criticism within the Democratic Party pushing back against what Harris relays in her book, the strong interest and response by the public in the form of strong book sales and packed appearances is evidence of strong public interest.
According to Simon & Schuster, the book has already been ordered for a 5th printing. A 5th printing of “107 Days” will bring the number of hardcover copies in print to 500,000. Harris’ book has a chance to be a historic best seller. Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” is widely considered the most-read political memoir of all time. The 2018 book sold over 8 million copies globally and discussed issues of identity, race, ambition, family, and public service.
lion for each UNCF member HBCU. That fund will be invested and designed to pay out about 4% annually, which will then be divided among the HBCUs to help stabilize their budgets. Increasing HBCU endowments is a priority since they trail endowments at non-HBCUs by 70%, according to the UNCF.
The broader $1 billion fundraising effort is an attempt to help HBCUs address the funding disparity they face when compared to other colleges and universities. A 2023 study by philanthropic research group Candid and ABFE, a nonprofit that advocates for investments in Black communities, found that the eight Ivy League schools received $5.5 billion from the 1,000 largest U.S. foundations compared to $45 million for the 99 HBCUs in 2019.
Since Scott, a novelist who received the bulk of her fortune after divorcing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, signed the Giving Pledge in 2019, promising to donate more than half her wealth, HBCUs have been among her favorite grantees. She previously gave UNCF $10 million in 2020.
Though Scott hasn’t addressed HBCU donations specifically, she wrote in 2020 that her funding decisions were “driven by a deep
tial bad guys who have come to El Cajon. The crime doesn’t stop at the border. We have people from other states all the time that we’ve arrested as a result of this (technology).”
Privacy advocates and immigrant rights groups have long warned that when license plate data ends up in federal databases, it can be used against immigrant communities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol have both been found in recent years to access local license plate reader systems, using them to identify people for
deportation, court records show. That risk, Bonta argued, undermines trust between law enforcement and immigrant residents. “As the Trump Administration continues to target California’s immigrant communities, it is important that state and local law enforcement are not seen as a tool in furthering the president’s mass deportation agenda,” Bonta said.
Wells described those concerns as “ludicrous.” “We don’t share information with ICE … and we don’t have cameras on Planned Parenthood. We’re not doing that. It seems ridiculous that they would want to take away a legitimate law enforcement tool for a liberal fantasy.”
According to court filings, El Cajon shared data with agencies in states including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Utah, Wisconsin, and Virginia – all places where reproductive rights and protections for immigrants differ sharply from California.
Bonta’s crackdown in El Cajon comes just as Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 274, a measure that would have gone further in regulating the technology. It would have tightened regulations on how agencies use the data, including requiring deletion within 60 days and mandating random audits. The governor sided with law enforcement groups who argued the law could hinder criminal investigations.
The case, filed in San Diego Superior Court, asks a judge to declare El Cajon’s data sharing practices unlawful and order the city to stop.
Seniors
Mentor Youth Ages 6–17
By Bo Tefu California Black Media
The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) and Eldera have launched a statewide effort to recruit Californians age 60 and older to serve as weekly mentors for children ages 6 to 17.
The initiative pairs older adults with young people for 30–60-minute virtual conversations designed to build resilience, reduce loneliness, and strengthen communities, according to CCoA.
Through the program, older adults can sign up, complete training and a background check, and be matched with a young person based on interests, language, and availability. Eldera oversees recruitment, vetting, matching, and safety, while CCoA mobilizes local networks. Conversations take place weekly on video, supported by Eldera’s “AI Chaperone,” a tool designed to help keep interactions safe and meaningful.
“Age is California’s most underused natural resource,” said Dana Griffin, Co-Founder & CEO of Eldera. “Together, we can match life experience with young curiosity, safely,
quickly, and with benefits for every generation.”
Griffin emphasized the unique value of older adults in an increasingly digital age. “Human connection requires a human, and our most untapped resource is adults over 60 with a little extra time, wisdom, and a desire to do good,” she said.
Cautioning against children relying solely on technology for emotional support, Griffin added, “Here is our reality: AI is great at predicting the next word, but it is not a substitute for someone who has lived experience. When a teen is spiraling or a young man is in crisis, the right response isn’t infinite engagement,” she said. “It’s boundaries, perspective, and a caring voice that says, ‘You’re not alone. I’ve been there, too, and here’s how I got past it.’ Technology should protect human connection, not replace it.”
The campaign’s message is simple: “One adult 60+. One hour. Once a week. Two lives get better.”
Adults interested in becoming mentors and parents seeking mentors for their children can sign up at Eldera.ai
belief in the value different backgrounds bring to problem-solving on any issue.”
“We are deeply grateful for MacKenzie Scott’s continued support,” Lomax said. “By entrusting
A line of cars outside the County of Riverside Registrar of Voters' office in Riverside on Nov. 5, 2024.
PHOTO: Jules Hotz/CalMatters
PHOTO: NNPA
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, March
The New and Improved VP HORNETS
By Darrel Wheeler
Contributing Writer
On the first Saturday of this month the Valencia Park (VP) Hornets played their first home games of this Pop Warner season.
The new look Hornets finally had the opportunity to get off the road and play at home in front of their families and friends. The Hornets sent three teams to accept the challenges from Oceanside and Temecula's football teams with VP winning 2 out of the 3 contests.
The Hornet Flag footballers were also victorious Saturday, playing at another site.
"We are trying to bring our association back to consistency and respectability," shared Vice President Dwayne Harvey. "I think we are headed in the right direction, but it's going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach, including the kids, parents, association and community to get VP close to how it use to be," Harvey said.
From the 60's until the mid-20s, the Hornets were one of, if not the most respected, feared and successful, Pop Warner associations in San Diego. Recently, it's been survival mode for the proud Hornets-Nation, adapting their nickname from Lincoln High School's Hornets.
On the field, the 11-U Hornets had to overcome a host of penalties to finally claim victory.
Jadiel Marcelino, Alexander Mecardo, Ethen Harper, and Giovanni Brown were some of the players who helped power VP to victory.
"It took us a while to finally figure out we were better than them, and we came out in the second half and played like we were supposed to but will have to do better next week getting ready for the playoffs," shared VP's Giovanni Brown.
The (13-U) VP team, widely considered the best Pop Warner team in America's Finest City added another ''W'' to their undefeated season.
(11-U) VP Assistant coach Monty Youngsmith said, "I think VP is on track for an association comeback. We have four teams and they are all good. I think we will be ok, but of course it will take a whole lot of work."
Under the leadership of President David Dunn and staff, the VP Hornets will try to work their football magic and get the new and improved Hornets back on the map of respectability.
On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, voting hours
PHOTOS: Darrel Wheeler
By Olivia Clark
WRITER
The Old Globe Theater honored longtime and beloved Southeastern San Diego community leader Rosemary Pope, Executive Director of the George L. Stevens Fourth District Seniors Resource Center, by renaming its technical center after her on Monday, October 6.
By Voice & Viewpoint Staff
Seated in her purple velvet throne, Ms. Pope was celebrated by community members and leaders including Mayor Todd Gloria, Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, and County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe. The evening featured music, memories, and heartfelt tributes.
“Our city is a better place because of Rosemary Pope,” said Mayor Gloria, drawing wild applause and wide smiles.
The renamed Ms. Rosemary Pope Technical Center to
Old Globe Theater Celebrates with Technical Center UDW HELD BREAKFAST FOR
The breakfast also heard from our 79th State Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins and the California Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber. Both Assemblymember Sharp-Collins and the Secretary of State spoke of the importance of getting our families,
adversely affected by Trump's cuts to social service programs. Prop. 50 gives us a chance to flip control of the House of Representatives and thereby have a chance to reverse cuts to our critical programs.
Executive Director Moore and Mrs.
Celebrates Ms. Rosemary Pope Center Renaming
To pair with the legacy of its new name, the Ms. Rosemary Pope Technical Center will now serve as home to many of Old Globe’s community programs for “young people and the young at heart,” said Adena Varner, the Director of Arts Engagement at the Old Globe.
Artistic Director Barry Edelstein recalled Ms. Pope’s warm partnership with the Globe that began 15 years ago. “She threw her arms wide open, embracing us with that special warmth that everyone in San Diego knows and loves,” he said. “And once you’re embraced by Ms. Rosemary, you never forget it. Then you are never let go.”
After the unveiling and the music resumed, Ms. Pope was swarmed by friends and family, eager to congratulate her. “Normally, you know, people get buildings named after them after they pass away. But I was here to actually see it, feel it, and I’m just overjoyed,”Ms. Pope said with a grin, looking around at her community. “And I’m just so blessed. It was a beautiful, beautiful day.”
PROP 50 SUPPORT
was reminded by Dr. John Warren, Publisher of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint newspaper, that Dr. Weber was responsible, as an Assemblymember, for legislation to allow people on parole, probation or in local jails to vote. She is also one of the most vocal Secretaries of State in the country still fighting for all our rights. Those who missed this breakfast, missed a great opportunity.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
10 More Deportees From the US Arrive In the African Nation of Eswatini
By Nokukhanya Musi and Gerald Imray Associated Press
Ag roup of 10 migrants deported from the United States arrived early Monday [October 6] in the African nation of Eswatini, authorities there said.
They are the latest of more than 40 deportees sent to Africa since July after the Trump administration struck largely secretive agreements with at least five African nations to take migrants under the new third-country deportation program that rights groups and others have protested.
A lawyer for two of the latest deportees told The Associated Press earlier on Monday [October 6] that their flight had arrived in the southern African kingdom after departing from Alexandria, Louisiana, and stopping in Puerto Rico, Senegal and Angola.
The Eswatini government confirmed in a statement that 10 deportees had arrived and “have been securely accommodated in one of the country’s correctional facilities.” It didn’t name them, give details on their nationalities or say where they are being held. It said they were “in good health and undergoing admission processes.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment but has previously said that President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem “are using every tool available to get criminal illegal aliens out of American communities and out of our country.”
Four men from Cuba, Laos, Vietnam and
Yemen who were deported to Eswatini in mid-July have been held in the country’s maximum-security Matsapha prison without charge for nearly three months, their lawyers have said. Nguyen represents two of those men.
The U.S. said the men sent to Eswatini in July were convicted criminals who had deportation orders. A Jamaican man in that first group was repatriated to his home country last month.
The four men have been allowed to make phone calls to their families and lawyers in the U.S. However, authorities haven’t allowed an Eswatini-based lawyer to visit them. The lawyer won a court ruling on Friday granting him access but the government immediately appealed, blocking him from visiting them.
Civic groups in Eswatini have protested against the deportations and launched a separate court case against authorities over the detention of the four men. The groups say it is illegal to hold them in prison without charging them with an offense. The case has been repeatedly delayed, and a judge failed to appear for a scheduled hearing last month.
U.S. authorities have referred questions over the men’s treatment to officials in Eswatini, a small kingdom bordering South Africa where the king holds absolute power and has been accused of clamping down on pro-democracy movements. King Mswati III has ruled the nation of around 1.2 million people by decree since he became monarch in 1986 at the age of 18. Political parties are effectively banned.
Few details of the deportation deals struck between the U.S. and African countries have been released, but international rights group Human Rights Watch has said it has seen doc-
South Africa’s Ambassador To France, Found Dead At Paris Hotel
By Eve Brennan, Pierre Bairin, Joseph Ataman and Max Saltman CNN
South Africa’s ambassador to France had “expressed his intention to end his life” in a message to his wife the night before he was found dead in the courtyard of a high-rise hotel, Paris’ public prosecutor said Tuesday [September 30].
Nkosinathi Emmanuel “Nathi” Mthethwa’s wife had reported him missing on Monday [September 29], having last seen him shortly before 4:30 p.m. as “he was scheduled to attend a cocktail party,” prosecutor Laure Beccuau said in a statement.
“(She) then received a message from him shortly after 9:30 p.m., in which he apologized and expressed his intention to end his life,” Beccuau added.
The 58-year-old envoy had booked a room on the 22nd floor of the Hyatt hotel about 10 days before, Beccuau wrote, and had checked in at 4:30 p.m. on Monday [September 29].
At 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday [September 30], a security guard discovered Mthethwa’s body in the courtyard below.
Beccuau said hotel staff had noticed “the window’s safety mechanism had been forced open with scissors left at the scene.”
“Investigators found no signs of a struggle or traces of medication or narcotics,” the prosecutor said, adding that while Mthethwa’s death appeared to have been self-inflicted, law enforcement would conduct an investigation “to gather any evidence useful to understanding the facts.”
CNN has reached out to the Hyatt Group of hotels and the Hyatt Regency for comment.
South Africa’s foreign ministry confirmed
uments that show the U.S. will pay Eswatini
$5.1 million as part of an agreement to take up to 160 deportees.
The U.S. has said it wants to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Eswatini.
The U.S. has also sent deportees to South Sudan, Rwanda and Ghana and has an agreement with Uganda, though no deportations there have been announced.
Six deportees are still detained in an unspecified facility in South Sudan, while Rwanda hasn’t said where it is holding seven deportees. Eleven of the 14 deportees sent to Ghana are suing the government there for holding them in what they described as terrible conditions at a military camp on the outskirts of the capital, Accra.
How Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Fought Through Creative Block and Depression
By Lauren Lee CNN
Even the most celebrated voices can fall silent. For Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the acclaimed author of “Purple Hibiscus,” “Americanah” and “Half of a Yellow Sun,” that silence stretched into years — a period marked by depression, selfdoubt and the unsettling feeling that the stories she was meant to tell were locked away.
Her new novel, “Dream Count,” the first in over a decade, marks a triumphant return to fiction and a deeply personal rebirth. But get ting here meant navigating one of the most challenging chapters of her life.
Mthethwa’s death “with deep sorrow and profound regret” in a statement on Tuesday [September 30], expressing condolences to the ambassador’s family.
“I have no doubt that his passing is not only a national loss but is also felt within the international diplomatic community,” South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said, according to Tuesday’s[September 30] statement.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa eulogized Mthethwa in a post on social media on Tuesday [September 30], writing that the diplomat had “served our nation in diverse capacities during a lifetime that has ended prematurely and traumatically.”
Mthethwa was appointed ambassador to France in December 2023. He had previously served as a member of South Africa’s parliament and as minister of sports, arts and culture, according to his embassy profile.
“In the years that I couldn’t write, I was fighting de pression,” Adichie tells CNN. “Not being able to write fiction when fiction is the thing t hat you deeply love — it’s just a terrible place to be.”
The 47-year-old Nigerian author faced severe writer’s block, triggered by personal hardships — including her father’s 2015 kidnapping, the loss of both parents, and the demands of motherhood — which made fiction writing, her main creative outlet, nearly impossible.
She tried to distract herself, saying yes to more speaking engagements than she ordinarily would, hoping inspiration might strike on the road. But it didn’t. She would return home feeling “miserable.”
Poetry became her lifeline during this time. She immersed herself in verse, trusting that its distilled language and musicality would keep her connected to the craft.
Now, Adichie is back with “Dream Count,” a tender, unflinching exploration of the intertwined lives of four African women: Chiamaka, Zikora, Kadiatou, and Omelogor. Set against the isolating backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, the novel is steeped in personal grief, shaped in part by the devastating loss of both her parents. Her father died of kidney failure in June 2020, and her mother less than a year later – the cause of death was never made public.
Adichie describes the novel as a departure from her earlier works. The tightly pared-down style of “Purple Hibiscus” and her early short stories has given way to something more expansive and indulgent. “I think my sentences are longer. I’m more willing to be a little indulgent. Life is so short — throw everything in, maximalism! You don’t know if you have tomorrow, so do it all now,” she says. Her rekindled love of poetry infuses the novel with a lyrical quality that marks a new phase in her creative voice.
Now, with the book out in the world, Adichie speaks with gratitude — for finishing it, for the readers who have embraced it, and for the rediscovery of her creative self. “My real self is the self that writes fiction,” she says. “I’m grateful that it’s back.”
Her journey offers both a caution and a comfort to fellow creatives. The caution: creative droughts can be emotionally brutal, and pretending otherwise helps no one. The comfort: recovery is possible, and the work will return in its own time. Her advice is pragmatic yet hopeful: “Our primary responsibility is to create. Even if it’s difficult, stay on it. We cannot afford despair.”
PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons CC-BY 3.0
South Africa’s ambassador to France, Emmanuel Nkosinathi”Nathi” Mthethwa. PHOTO: Instagram via @nwe
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. PHOTO: Facebook via @Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Suicide Prevention Resources in San Diego County
strengthen mental health, and #OwnYourMindset. Check out Talk It Out SD to find suicide prevention support.
The County’s Behavioral Health Services Suicide Prevention Awareness Month toolkit Together in Hope offers a variety of resources for seeking help, talking about suicide prevention, and more.
• K now the signs, be prepared: No-cost Suicide Prevention Trainings are offered year-round by the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council. Visit www.SPCSanDiego.org or call 858-609-7960 to learn more.
• V isit It’s Up to Us to find help for talking openly about mental health, how to recognize the signs of mental health struggles, find local resources, and get support.
• O wn Your Mindset offers tools for youth and young adults to help explore feelings,
• T ry the 30-Day Mental Wellness Practice. This toolkit offers daily activities to take care of your mental health by guiding you through physical practices for your body, cognitive practices for your mind and emotional and social practices for your mood and relationships. Similarly, created by youth, for youth, the Youth Mental Wellness Practice offers resources like self-care and stress-reducing checklists, journaling prompts, and more.
• The County also offers a variety of services and tailored programs to meet people where they are and prevent and address suicide on the Suicide Prevention Resources webpage. For example, there are programs for LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, and members of the military and veterans.
Signs that someone may be at risk of suicide include: feeling hopeless or without purpose, talking about being a burden, increased alcohol or drug use, withdrawing socially and extreme mood swings.
Suicide is preventable. If you or someone you know needs help, call 9-8-8 to speak to a trained crisis specialist. Calling 9-8-8 will connect you to the San Diego Access & Crisis Line, available seven days a week/24-hours a day. Support is free, confidential, and available in over 200 languages within seconds.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Every October, communities nationwide unite to recognize National Bullying Prevention Month and to raise awareness about the serious and lasting impacts of bullying in schools. This year’s theme is “Power for Good,” emphasizing the importance of using personal strengths and influence to speak up against bullying and support positive change in both online and in-person environments. Some of the important days during the month are World Day of Bullying Prevention on October 6th, and Unity Day on October 22nd. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue on October 6th. According to the website stompoutbullying. org bullying comes in various forms:
* Physical - kicking, hitting, biting, and making threats.
* Verbal - name calling, spreading rumors, and persistent teasing.
* Racist - making racial slurs, spray painting graffiti, and mocking a person’s culture.
* Sexual - unwanted physical contact or abusive comments.
* Cyberbullying - using electronic means via computers and phones, web sites, chat rooms, instant messaging to torment, threaten, harass, humiliate, or target another child.
The CDC released a report entitled “The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide: What We know and What it Means for Schools.” Bullying has serious and lasting negative effects on the mental health and overall well-being of youth involved in bul -
lying in any way including those who bully others, youth who are bullied, as well as those youth who have observed bullying. Negative outcomes include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, poor school performance, and poor attendance. Both the bully and the person being bullied are at an increased risk for suicide-related behavior. In the report, the CDC says that bullying behavior and suicide-related behavior are closely related. Bullying may not be a direct cause of someone attempting suicide but sometimes combined with other risk factors such as emotional distress, family conflict, relationship problems, and alcohol and drug use will increase the risk of suicide among youth. The Jason Foundation is a valuable resource if you feel that a friend or loved one is struggling with their mental health. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist those who may be struggling mentally. Currently, suicide is the third leading cause of death for children ages 12-18. Visit www.jasonfoundation.com to learn how to make a difference.
Five Education Bills You Should Know About
By Edward Henderson California Black Media
Facing a Sept. 13 deadline to pass and submit bills for the 2024–25 legislative session, California lawmakers advanced several key measures to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. Among them are five education bills that could bring significant changes to classrooms across the state if enacted.
The Governor has until Oct. 13 to sign or veto all legislation. The bills that Newsom does not veto before that deadline will automatically become state law.
Here are five education bills you should know about.
More California-Centered Black History
SB 510 (Sen. Laura Richardson, D-Inglewood) – This bill requires the Instructional Quality Commission to consider including content on the historical, social, economic, and political contributions of African Americans during the Spanish colonization of California, the Gold Rush Era, and Antebellum periods.
“SB 510 ensures that students learn about the economic, social and political contributions of African Americans, as well as their resilience in the face of systematic oppression,” said Richardson in support of the bill. “By including African American perspectives in the broader context of history, economics, and civics, the bill helps foster greater understanding of the ongoing fight for equity and justice.”
Richardson’s bill is one of the pieces of legislation included in the California Legislative Black Caucus’ (CLBC) “Road to Repair”
bill package.
Currently, most textbooks and other instructional materials often minimize or exclude the contributions of African Americans.
Supporters say, this legislation would help to make history instruction more accurate and inclusive.
Easier Admission for Graduating Seniors to CSU Schools
SB 640 (Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, D-Napa) – Qualified high school students who have taken the required courses and maintained an appropriate grade point average will receive mailers directly admitting them to participating CSU campuses.
This legislation aims to make it easier for students to apply to CSU campuses, as navigating the application process has proven to be a barrier to entry for some qualified students.
Ban on Ultra-Processed Foods in California School
AB 1264 (Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, D-Encino) – This bill requires the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to devel-
op regulation to ban ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in schools. UPFs are defined as any food or beverage high in saturated fats, sodium, or specific added sugars or sweeteners.
The bill text requires schools to start phasing out these foods by Jan. 1, 2028. A complete ban would start July 1, 2035, excluding food served at school fundraisers.
More Teaching Days for Subs in Public Schools
AB 1224 (Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, D-Anaheim). This bill increases the days a substitute teacher can teach in California public school classrooms from 30 to 60 in general education and 20 to 60 in special education.
With California’s continued teacher shortage, proponents of the bill highlighted the need for continuity between teachers and students in hard-to-fill subject areas including special education, math and science.
Improving Curricula and Training to Boost Reading Skills
AB 1454 (Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas) – This bill updates
statewide reading instruction curriculum to close learning gaps. It also requires the State Board of Education to adopt instructional materials that align with evidencebased means of teaching foundational reading skills and updates
training standards.
The proficiency gap in reading between Black and Hispanic students in California compared with white and Asian students is among the widest in the nation.
By Brenda Goodman and Katherine Dillinger CNN
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed off on a recommendation that patients must consult a health care provider to get a Covid-19 vaccine, although they don’t necessarily need a prescription.
The recommendations were made by a new panel of vaccine advisers chosen by US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. They shifted away from a broader push in past years for most people to get a Covid-19 vaccine. With CDC’s OK, the recommendations are final and US vaccine schedules will be updated, HHS said on Monday[Ocotber 6th].
The new recommendations mean that people ages 6 months and older can get Covid-19 vaccines after shared clinical decision making with a qualified health care provider, which keeps the shots available to people, but also creates barriers to access.
The signoff is coming later than
usual for the fall respiratory virus season. With the recommendation, the government can finally distribute Covid-19 vaccines through its Vaccines for Children program which provides free inoculations to about half of US children.
The CDC’s independent vaccine advisers, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, voted unanimously last month that people who want a Covid-19 vaccine should consult with a health care provider, a process called shared clinical decision-making. However, they narrowly voted down a recommendation that a prescription should be required to get the shot. Experts said that even requiring shared clinical decision-making could make Covid-19 shots harder to get.
The recommendation “assumes health care and insurance,” said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who recently resigned as head of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “We do not have universal health care in this country, and we know millions of people are losing insurance.”
PHOTO: County News Center
VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
PHOTO: Freepik
PHOTO: FreePik
CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Invitation for Bids (IFB) North Park/Mid-City Bikeways: Orange Bikeway
Solicitation No.: SOL1479434 CIP 1223087 Federal Aid Project No.: ATPL-6066(185)
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking contractors to deliver the North Park/Mid-City Bikeways: Orange Bikeway project.
This work consists, in general, of constructing approximately 2.1 miles of on-street bikeway on Orange Avenue between 32nd Street and Estrella Avenue. This corridor is a portion of the Phase 2 North Park/Mid-City Bikeways. This street section is listed as a Bicycle Boulevard in the City of San Diego’s Regional Bicycle Master Plan. The Orange Bikeway is a proposed bicycle boulevard including buffered bike lanes with traffic calming features such as traffic diverters, neighborhood traffic circles, curb extensions, speec cushions, enhanced pedestrian crossings, raised crosswalks, accessibility enhancements, and traffic signal modifications. Work includes, but is not limited to, traffic control; erosion control; clearing and grubbing; curb ramps, curb and gutter, cross gutter improvements, colored concrete diverters, and sidewalk improvements; roadway excavation earthwork/grading; asphalt concrete pavement rehabilitation; PCC pavement; landscaping; flow through BMPs; wayfinding signage; pavement markings and signage; street lighting; RRFB’s; trenching and backfill for underground electric conduits; traffic signal modification. The Additive Alternate consists of additional pavement rehabilitation along Orange Avenue.
The work will also include procurement of all materials and performing all other work necessary to complete the work in accordance with the project plans and specifications
This project is federally funded and has a DBE goal of 22%. The Engineer’s Estimate is $6,653,890.00. This project is subject to the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). The optional Pre-Bid Meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on October 14, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:00 AM PST/PDT. The deadline for Bid submittal is November 5, 2025 by 2:00 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.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9018649
Fictitious business name(s): Lawmetrics 8596 Vista Azul Place Lemon Grove, CA 91945 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: Carla Murphy
8596 Vista Azul Place Lemon Grove, CA 91945
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 29, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 29, 2030 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9017295
Fictitious business name(s): Precision Pro Handyman 2342 Meadow Lark Dr San Diego, CA 92123 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: Brett Eric McCabe 2342 Meadow Lark Dr San Diego, CA 92123
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 9, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 9, 2030 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9017977
Fictitious business name(s): C.C. Tax Time 7373 Broadway Apt 101 Lemon Grove, CA 91945
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 01/01/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Cecily Dawn Coleman 7373 Broadway Apt 101 Lemon Grove, CA 91945
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 18, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 18, 2030 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
2025-9018638
Fictitious business name(s): Brasa Norte
Sushi National Smash Bacon
Casa 8
Roger's Baja Seafood Located at: 41 E 8th Street National City, CA 91950 County of San Diego
41 E 8th Street #108 National City, CA 91950
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 10/01/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Great Food Inc. 41 E 8th Street National City, CA 91950 State of Incorporation/ Organization
California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 29, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 29, 2030 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
2025-9018455
Fictitious business name(s):
Hibachi Boss Catering Located at: 7615 Torrem St. La Mesa, CA 91942
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: Adolph Lupe Ruiz 7615 Torrem St. La Mesa, CA 91942
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 24, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 24, 2030 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9017804
Fictitious business name(s): GetMe.Biz
Located at: 13853 Tobiasson Rd Poway, CA 92064 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: San Diego Code School LLC 13853 Tobiasson Rd Poway, CA 92064 State of Incorporation/ Organization
California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 16, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 16, 2030 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9018376
Fictitious business name(s): JIJ Transportation Located at: 14015 Jamul Dr Jamul, CA 91935 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 09/24/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following:
Raquel Nataly Rivera 14015 Jamul Dr Jamul, CA 91935
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 24, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 24, 2030 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9017108
Fictitious business name(s): Shining Little Gems Child Care Located at: 4150 Bonillo Dr #114 San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 09/05/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Davida Tameka Nubia 4150 Bonillo Dr #114 San Diego, CA 92115
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 5, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 5, 2030 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9018002
Fictitious business name(s): Tap 'N Snack Located at: 4445 Marcellena Rd, Apt 16 San Diego, CA 92115
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A General Partnership
Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Levi Nalls
4445 Marcellena Rd, Apt 16 San Diego, CA 92115
Devin Hooper
5465 Repecho Dr, Apt 107 San Diego, CA 92124
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 18, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 18, 2030 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
2025-9018251
Fictitious business name(s): EZ Snax Located at: 4445 Marcellena Rd, Apt 16 San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A General Partnership Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Levi Nalls
4445 Marcellena Rd, Apt 16 San Diego, CA 92115 State of Incorporation/ Organization California Baxter Nielson 10353 San Diego Mission Road, Apt 124 San Diego, CA 92108
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 22, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 22, 2030 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9017599
Fictitious business name(s): NaNa Hair Braiding Located at: 7865 Broadway Lemon Grove Lemon Grove, CA 91945 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 09/08/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Affoue Kra 7865 Lemon Grove Lemon Grove, CA 91945
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on
September 12, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 12, 2030 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9018258
Fictitious business name(s): El Charracas Plumbing Located at: 3757 Menlo Ave San Diego, CA 92105 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: J.A.H. Enterprises, Inc. 3757 Menlo Ave San Diego, CA 92105 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 22, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 22, 2030 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9017800
Fictitious business name(s): Lash Up With LeeAnne Located at: 3006 Gayla Ct Spring Valley, CA 91978
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: LeeAnne Marchelle McWilliams 3006 Gayla Ct Spring Valley, CA 91978
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 16, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on September 16, 2030 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9016638
Fictitious business name(s): Destiny Six Financial Real Estate and Mortgage
Destiny Six Financial Services
California Reverse Mortgage and Resolution Center Located at: 6904 Federal Blvd. Lemon Grove, CA 91945
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 12/10/2011
This business is hereby registered by the following: Destiny Six Financial 6904 Federal Blvd. Lemon Grove, CA 91945 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on August 28, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on August 28, 2030 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9015458
Fictitious business name(s): M&M Locksmith Located at: 545 N. Mollison Ave #66 El Cajon, CA 92021 County of San Diego
the following: Daniel Guajardo 211 Escuela St San Diego, CA 92102 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 18, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on September 18, 2030 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9017182
Fictitious business name(s): Blissful Haven To-Go Located at: 8123 Knollwood Rd San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 09/01/2025 This business is hereby registered by the following: Tonika Garrett 8123 Knollwood Rd San Diego, CA 92114 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on September 8, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on September 8, 2030 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9016704
Fictitious business name(s): Dog Gone Tired Located at: 2446 J Street San Diego, CA 92102 County of San
is hereby registered by the following: Michael Crawford 868 Plaza Taxco San Diego, CA 92114
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on August 7, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on August 7, 2030 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9
FICTITIOUS
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 W Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice, Civil Case Number 25CU050693C
Petitioner or Attorney: Celeste Michelle Furuta
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Celeste Furuta filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Celeste Michelle Furuta
PROPOSED NAME: Celeste Michelle Lenz
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, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order
Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order
Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN
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 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Courthouse Case Number 25CU052274C
Petitioner or Attorney:
Tran Kim Tram Dau on behalf of minor
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Tran Kim Tram Dau on behalf of minor filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Tran Ha Anh Dau
PROPOSED NAME: Anh Dau
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 24, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN
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 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
330 W Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Central Division
Case Number 25CU051215C
Petitioner or Attorney: Alan W. Cheung, Esq. 185615
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner
Ken Wayne Yang AKA Wayne K Yang AKA Wayne Yang filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME:
Ken Wayne Yang AKA Wayne K Yang AKA Wayne Yang
PROPOSED NAME: K Wayne Yang
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 18, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order
Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate
(JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN 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 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
330 W Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Central Division
Case Number
25CU050235C
Petitioner or Attorney: Alan W. Cheung, Esq. 185615
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner
Andres P. Sanchez filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Andres P. Sanchez
PROPOSED NAME: Andres Sanchez Perez
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, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance
of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN 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 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Courthouse Case Number 25CU034422C
Petitioner or Attorney: Bernadette Rose Feeney
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Bernadette Rose Feeney filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Bernadette Rose Feeney
PROPOSED NAME: Bernadette Rose Feeney Dunn [First][Middle][Last][Last]
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING Date: November 4, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without
a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order
Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN 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 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Courthouse Case Number 25CU045670C
Petitioner or Attorney: Vanesa Hernandes
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Vanesa Hernandes filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Vanesa Hernandes
PROPOSED NAME: Vanesa Zintzun
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: October 27, 2025
Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the
documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be
adoption and termination of parental rights or the same will be taken for confessed as to Respondent and this caused proceeded with ex parte, and that a copy of this order be published once a week for four consecutive weeks in the Voice and Viewpoint of San Diego County, California. This 26th day of September 2025.
CHANCERY COURT OF SHELBY COUNTY
By: Kat Minton
Meredith Brasfield
WEAVER & CRAIG, P.C.
Attorneys for Petitioners
51 Germantown Court, Suite 112 Cordova, Tennessee 38018 (901) 757-1700
kevinweaver@aol.com
10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23
SUMMONS SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGOCENTRAL DIVISION Case Number
37-2020-00032787-CL-BCCTL
Assigned for all purposes to:
Judge Matthew C. Braner, Department C-60
ORDER RE PLAINTIFF'S EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR: (1) CONTINUING JUDGEMENT DEBTOR EXAMINATION; AND (2) AUTHORIZING SERVICE BY PUBLICATION (CCP § 415.50)
Ex Parte Date: September 4, 2025 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept.: C-60
ROCHELLE A. RAND, APC; Plaintiff v. Ella Prager Cashuk, Defendant
The Court has considered Plaintiff/Judgement Creditor
Rochelle A. Rand, APC's ("Rand") Ex Parte Application for Orders (1) Continuing the Judgement Debtor Examination of Defendant/ Judgement Debtor Ella Prager Cashuk; and (2) Authorizing Service by Publication pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 415.50, together with the supporting Declarations of Rochelle A. Rand and BJ Cavins, and other papers on file. With good cause appearing, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:
1. The Judgement Debtor Examination of Defendant/ Judgement Debtor Ella Prager Cashuk presently set for September 19, 2025, is continued to December 5, 2025, at 8:30a.m., in Department C-60, which shall be no less than sixty (60) days from the date of this Order; 2. Plaintiff is authorized to serve the Order to Appear for Examination of Judgement Debtor by publication pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure §415.50 in the Voice and Viewpoint, a newspaper of general circulation in San Diego County most likely to give actual notice to Cashuk, once a week for four consecutive weeks, as required by Government Code §6064; and 3. Service shall be deemed complete (a) on the 28th day after the first publication pursuant to Gov. Code §6064 and Code of Civil Procedure §415.50(c), or (b) on any earlier date by which personal service may otherwise be affected.
IT IS SO ORDERED:
Dated 9/5/2025
By: Hon. Matthew C. Braner
JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT
9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9
SUMMONS (Citation for Freedom from Parental Custody and Control)
ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY Pedro Antonio Sanchez Garcia
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO 2851 Meadow Lark Drive, San Diego, CA, 92123
IN THE MATTER OF Megan Shelsy Gonzalez Malfavon; Brianna Emily Gonalez Malfavon
Date of Birth 12/10/2012; 10/08/2014 A Minor
RESPONDENT(S)
Christian Brandon Gonzalez Jasso
JUDGE Tilisha T. Martin
DEPT JC-02
CASE NUMBER 24AD000688C
To (name): Christian Brandon Gonzalez Jasso
You are ordered to appear in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego, in Department JC-02 at the court location indicated above on October 24, 2025, at 1:30 PM, to show cause, why (names) Megan Shelsy Gonzalez Malfavon; Brianna Emily Gonzalez Malfavon should not be declared free from parental custody and control (for the purpose of placement for adoption) as requested in the petition.
This hearing will be conducted by video or telephone through the 2851 Meadow Lark Drive San Diego, CA 92123. See attached instructions and call the court to have the video link emailed to you.
IMPORTANT: Christian Brandon Gonzalez Jasso please call the court promptly for instructions on how to attend this hearing.
(858)634-1671 M-F 8:30am11:30 PST
At the hearing, the judge will read the petition and, if requested, will explain the effect of the granting of the petition, any term or allegation contained therein and the nature of the proceeding, its procedures and possible consequences, and may continue the matter for not more than 30 days for the appointment of counsel or to give counsel time to prepare.
The court may appoint counsel to represent the minor whether or not the minor is able to afford counsel. If any parent appears and is unable to afford counsel, the court shall appoint counsel to represent each parent who appears unless such representation is knowingly and intelligently waived.
Someone over the age of 18 - not the petitioner - must serve the other party with all the forms and complete a proof of service form, such as Proof of Service of Citation (Adoptions) (SDSC Form #JUV-300), telling when and how the other party was served and file that with the court.
If you wish to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your pleading, if any, may be filed on time.
DATE 9/10/2025 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Frank L. Mace, aka Frank Layton Mace, II, Case Number: 25PE002791C
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Frank L. Mace, aka Frank Layton Mace, II,
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Holly Mace in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.
The Petition for Probate requests that Holly Mace be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
The Petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.
(This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval.
Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent
administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: November 4, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. in Department 504 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for Petitioner: Edward B Fischel, LL.M., A Professional Law Corporation 459 West 4th Street San Bernardino, CA 92401 (909) 388-0050 10/09, 10/16, 10/23
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Chun Yee Lam
Case Number: 25PE002613C
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate or both, of Chun Yee Lam
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Joseph Lam in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.
The Petition for Probate requests that Joseph Lam be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.
The Petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.
(This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: October 22, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. in Department 502 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor
of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.
Petitioner: Joseph Lam 955 Deep Valley Drive, #4042 Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 (619) 203-3212 09/25, 10/02, 10/09
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO CONSORTIUM FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 ANNUAL PLAN STRATEGY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT, HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS, HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS, AND EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAMS
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. on November 4, 2025, in Room 310 at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA regarding the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Annual Plan Strategy
The County of San Diego develops an Annual Plan each year to identify specific projects to be funded during the upcoming fiscal year, through the four federal entitlement programs administered by the Health and Human Services Agency, Housing and Community Development Services: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). The Annual Plan Strategy will help guide the development of the Annual Plan. The CDBG and ESG Programs fund housing and community development activities in the Urban County which is comprised of the unincorporated area and six participating cities (Coronado, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Poway, and Solana Beach). The HOME Program provides funds for housing activities in the HOME Consortium jurisdiction which includes the Urban County, as well as six Consortium cities (Carlsbad, Encinitas, La Mesa, San Marcos, Santee, and Vista).
The HOPWA Program serves the entire San Diego County region. The FY 2026-27 Annual Plan must be completed each year for the County's CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, and ESG programs. Prior to the development of the Annual Plan, the County outlines an Annual Plan Strategy which identifies funding priorities and processes for the upcoming year. The outline of the current Annual Plan Strategy can be viewed electronically at the Housing and Community Development Services website: www.sdhcd.org.
The public is invited to attend the public hearing to comment on the Annual Plan Strategy, and to obtain the views of citizens on housing and community development needs prior to the preparation of the FY 2026-27 Annual Plan. The public may also provide comments in writing during the 30-day comment period ending November 4, 2025. Written comments should be addressed to Housing and Community Development Services, Community Development Division, 3989 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123, 858694-8756, or by email to Community.Development@sd county.ca.gov. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the department at (866) 945-2207. Those who need assistance to participate in the meeting (non-English speaking, hearing impaired, etc.) should contact staff at least five days prior to the meeting to request special arrangements. 10/9/25 CNS-3970285# VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWS
Tips To Help Teens Choose A Career Path
American teens are preparing for a workforce shaped by AI, new approaches to education and economic uncertainty. While challenges are real, optimism remains high.
In fact, 94% of teens said they are optimistic about their future careers, reflecting a strong sense of hope and ambition. The two orga nizations have partnered for more than 18 years to advance financial empowerment nationwide, with the bank allocating funding and volunteer support, including more than $630,000 in 2025 to support financial empowerment programs that give people the confidence and tools they need to budget, save, invest and pursue their goals.
can be applied to a range of career paths, identifying strengths and weaknesses and clarifying future goals. Consider Post-High School Education
However, 57% of teens surveyed believe AI has negatively impacted their career outlook, raising concerns about job replacement and the need for new skills.
To help teens build skills for emerging roles and navigate their futures, consider these tips from dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures and make smart academic and economic choices.
Explore Internships
Success depends on more than credentials alone. Survey respondents believe networking (50%) and internships (41%) are keys to future success. What’s more, 56% believe real-world experience is more valuable than a four-year degree. Internships can provide that experience and allow students to test their interest in a field while building their professional networks, developing skills that
Teens’ perspectives on education reflect their uneasiness. Only 40% of teens surveyed believe a fouryear degree is always a good investment. At the same time, about 6 in 10 believe a bachelor’s or graduate degree is still necessary for their chosen profession, which shows how complicated these decisions can be. While many careers require a college diploma, that isn’t the only path to career success. In addition to traditional four-year universities, consider alternate education paths such as trade schools or technical programs, apprenticeships, two-year degree programs or professional certifications if applicable to your career path.
Weigh Passion Against Pay
While most teens surveyed (63%) said they would prefer a good-paying job even if it comes with stress, many are weighing passion against pay as they explore career opportunities. In fact, some top industries in which teens plan to pursue a job include health care and life sciences (30%), arts and music (27%) and content creation and digital media (25%), further showcasing that willingness. Many students are also exploring less traditional routes to build security and opportunity, with 87% expecting to earn extra income through side hustles, gig work or social media content creation.
Family Features
Gen Z’s Credit Scores Are Dropping
By Adriana Morga Associated Press
Gen Z has seen its credit scores drop more than any other generation over the past year, largely because of student loan debt, according to a new report out this week.
The total national average credit score dropped two points this year to 715, according to the report from credit scoring company FICO. But Gen Z’s average score dropped three points to 676, the largest year-over-year decrease among any age group since 2020.
A credit score is a mathematical formula that helps lenders determine how likely you are to pay back a loan. Credit scores are based on your credit history and range from 300 to 850.
The report found that 34% of Gen Z consumers have open student loans, compared to 17% of the total population, and the decline in credit scores is primarily due to the resumption of student loan delinquency reporting.
The U.S. Department of Education paused federal student loan payments in March 2020, offering borrowers relief during the economic chaos of the coronavirus pandemic. Though payments were set to resume in 2023, the Biden administration provided a one-year grace period that ended in October 2024.
This summer, the Trump administration restarted the collection process for outstanding student loans, with plans to seize wages and tax refunds if the loans continue to go unpaid. Roughly 5.3 million borrowers who are in default could have their wages garnished by the federal government.
Between student loans, a tough job market, and high inflation, young consumers are struggling to make payments on time, according to the report. A low credit score makes it more complicated or more expensive to obtain car loans, mortgages, credit cards, auto insurance, and other financial services.
“They’ve had so many different ongoing causes of economic instability that have really been with them as they’ve been growing up; those factors make it a lot harder for this generation to stay financially stable,” said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate at Credit Karma.
However, younger consumers also have the advantage of having the most potential for score improvement, Tommy Lee, senior director at FICO.
If your credit score has dropped recently, here are some experts’ recommendations:
Don’t avoid knowing your score
It’s common to be afraid of checking your credit score, but it’s best not to avoid it, Alev said. Knowing your current score, whether it’s good or not great, can help you make a plan for the future.
“You need to know where you stand to be able to take action,” Alev said.
Experian, FICO and Credit Karma are among the companies that let you check your credit score for free.
While your credit score is essential to keep your financial life healthy, it’s important to remember that it’s just a number and it doesn’t define you as a person, added Alev. Pay on time
When it comes to the score calculation, one of the most critical factors is paying on time, whether that’s the minimum payment or the full balance.
“The one most important factor in the FICO score calculation is whether you make your payments on time. And that’s about 35% of the score calculation,” Lee said.
If you’re juggling several credit card payments and other debts, Alev recommends that you set automatic payments.
Keep your credit balance low
Keeping your credit utilization low and avoiding acquiring new debt can help you increase your credit score. Credit utilization is the percentage of the credit you’re currently using from across all your available credit.
While a low percentage is good for your credit score, it’s not recommended to have your credit utilization at 0%. Instead experts recommend you keep it between 10% and 30%.
If you’re struggling to pay off the debt you currently have, it’s best if you don’t acquire more debt if you can avoid it.
