San Bernardino Press_10/28/2024

Kaiser mental health workers picket at Riverside Medical Center

By City News Service

Nearly 2,400 mental healthworkersat

KaiserPermanente facilities were on strike Friday amid contract talks and allegations of a “broken” system of care, while Kaiser officials say the union has been “slow walking” the negotiation process and planned to strike before labor talks even began.

Mental health professionals, represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers, picketed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the following locations:

-- Riverside Medical Center, 10800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside

-- San Diego Medical Center, 9455 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

-- Los Angeles Medical Center, 4867 W. Sunset Blvd.

-- Panorama City Medical Center, 13651 Willard St. Panorama City

There will be lunchtime rallies with community and elected officials at all four sites.

“This is about equity for mental health care,”

Jessica Rentz, a Kaiser therapist in Fontana, said in a statement released by the National Union of Healthcare Workers. “We want to be with our patients, not on a picket line, but we can’t keep working in a system that treats mental health care like an assembly line job and denies us the time and resources to provide the care we know our patients need.”

According to the union, the impacted workers include psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, addiction medicine counselors, licensed clinical counselors and marriage and family therapists who “provide behavioral health care for Kaiser’s 4.8 million members in hospitals, clinics and medical offices [and] homecare settings from San Diego to Bakersfield.”

The union’s contract with Kaiser expired Sept. 30.

The labor dispute comes one year after Kaiser reached a $50 million settlement with state regulators who said the health care giant’s mental health care system lacked adequate staffing that caused lapses in access to care for patients.

Kaiser officials said the organization has invested more than $1 billion since 2020 to expand its mental health capabilities in California, including hiring more therapists, the addition of resources and reductions in wait times for patients.

The union, however, says shortages are still persistent in Southern California, insisting Kaiser has about one therapist for every 3,000 Kaiser members, compared to one per 2,000 in Northern California. That ratio has

limited the time available to therapists to respond to patient calls and emails, to develop treatment plans and prepare for appointments, leading to burnout and causing newly hired therapists to leave their jobs, the union contends.

The union claims that one-fourth of the 1,508 mental health professionals hired by Kaiser’s Southern California region between January 2021 and September 2024 have already left their positions.

Kaiser officials said in a statement that the health care system is committed to continued negotiations “until this deal is done.” But it said the union has been focused on a strike since the beginning of talks, and has been “slow-walking the negotiation process, including on the very issues the

PS nonprofit founder accused of stealing funds meant for transgender clients

By City News Service

The head of a Palm Springs nonprofit that caters to the transgender community pleaded not guilty Wednesday to more than four dozen felony charges stemming from the alleged theft of more than $900,000 in funds provided by government entities and intended for the benefit of members.

Jacob Joseph Aaron Rostovsky, 33, was indicted last week for allegedly masterminding a two-year theft scheme that involved pocketing money that was designated for Queer Works’ programs.

The indictment, unsealed Wednesday, alleges 22 counts of filing fraudulent

claims, 16 counts of perjury, seven counts of money laundering, three counts of grand theft, and one count each of embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, filing a false insurance loss claim, providing false details in support of a fake insurance claim, forgery and a sentence-enhancing allegation of perpetrating multiple felonies that netted losses in excess of $500,000.

Rostovsky was arraigned before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Gail O’Rane, who scheduled a trial-setting conference for Jan. 23 at the Riverside Hall of Justice. The defendant is free on a $944,000 bond.

“It is simply unaccept-

State senator, former assemblyman vie for Riverside County supervisor seat

By City News Service

Voters will decide on Nov. 5 whether

former Assemblyman Jose Medina or state Sen. Richard Roth, both D-Riverside, will fill a soon-to-bevacant seat on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Medina and Roth are contending for the District 1 supervisorial seat up for grabs with the year-end retirement of decade-long Supervisor Kevin Jeffries of Lakeland Village.

In the March primary, Medina netted 25% of votes

cast to Roth’s 32%, but that was a four-way race, with the two candidates receiving the fewest votes knocked out of the running.

Roth, who will term out of the state Senate this year, was an Air Force major general stationed in the area before entering politics. He spotlighted as accomplishments since 2012 securing funding for the UC Riverside School of Medicine and appropriations to increase the number of judicial officers countywide.

Kaiser workers picket in the High Desert. | Photo courtesy of Ricardo Ortega/X

Ex-Riverside school counselor pleads guilty to child pornography charges

By City News Service

Aformer counselor at a Christian academy in Riverside pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal criminal charges for having possessed child pornography and producing it by secretly recording students using the boys restroom across from his office at the private school.

During a March 2020 search of his Loma Linda home, Matthew Johnson possessed a laptop containing numerous illegal video files of prepubescent boys engaging in sexually explicit conduct, according to his plea agreement filed in Los Angeles federal court.

At the time of the search, Johnson admitted

to members of the Fontana Internet Crimes Against Children task force that he had hidden a pen-shaped recording device in a toilet paper holder inside of a school bathroom, across the hall from his office at La Sierra Academy, the plea agreement states.

Inside the office, investigators found an external hard drive containing over 100 illicit video files depicting over 60 minors, created by Johnson with a camera he installed inside the bathroom, according to the document. Court papers show that Fontana ICAC also recovered videos of the defendant adjusting the hidden recording device.

Johnson, 34,

guilty Wednesday in downtown Los Angeles to one federal count each of production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. The charges together carry a potential sentence of between 15 and 50 years behind bars, a lifetime period of supervised release, a $500,000 fine, plus restitution and assessments, federal prosecutors said.

Following his plea, Johnson, who had been free on bond, was taken into federal custody to await sentencing on Feb. 5.

La Sierra Academy is a K-12 accredited Seventhday Adventist Christian school. Johnson was fired

from the school upon his arrest in March 2020. Federal agents first became aware of Johnson in 2019 when detectives observed an IP address sharing files on an encrypted service. Those files turned out to contain child pornography, officials said. In January 2021, attorneys for three of Johnson’s victims ages 8 to 13 filed a civil lawsuit against him, La Sierra Academy, and the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, seeking unspecified damages. The parents of a fourth child filed a similar suit against the same defendants in April 2021.

San Bernardino County announces funding for community projects

By Staff

TheSanBernardino County Board of SupervisorsonTuesday approved a wide range of funding for a diverse scope of community projects.

Thesedistrict-specific projects received board discretionary funds:

-$100,000 from 2nd District Supervisor’ Jesse Armendarez’s District Specific Priorities Program to the West Valley Water District for the Safeguarding Fontana Through Fire Hydrant Retrofit Project. The project’s goal is for homes in South Fontana to have optimum fire protection and be “within recommended distances from fire hydrants,” according to a county statement.

- $100,000 from the Armendarez program for the Foothill Family Shelter to provide transitional housing and walk-in services including food, diapers and hygiene products to low-income and homeless families from Upland, Ontario, Montclair, Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont and Pomona.

- $56,000 from Armendarez’s program for refurbishing the San Antonio Heights Christmas star.

- $50,000 from the Armendarez program for renaming Randall Pepper Elementary School to O’Day Short Elementary School and supporting school initiatives focused on diversity with.

- $25,000 from Armendarez’s program to support the Upland Chamber of Commerce.

- $10,000 from 4th District Supervisor Curt Hagman’s District Specific Priorities Program for promoting the county with an additional San Bernardino County Night at an Empire Strykers soccer game. The funding will also pay for additional game tickets for residents, especially youth, to attend a game during the 2024-25 season.

Victim Witness Assistance Program

The county will receive an approximately $3 million state grant to fund the district attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program.

“The program has received grant funding annually since its inception in 1980 and provides a wide variety of social services to victims of and witnesses to crimes, including referrals to physical and mental health providers, coordination of volunteer support from the community, assistance in applying for benefits from the Victim of Crime funds for economic losses and guidance to navigate the criminal justice system,” according to the county statement.

This year’s grant is from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

Refugee Health Assessment Program

The Board of Supervisors accepted a state grant to provide health assessments for newly arrived refugees and asylum-seekers in the Inland Empire.

“Refugees often face

severe trauma and health issues from war, persecution and loss, compounded by limited access to healthcare, making comprehensive health assessments and resources essential for their self-sufficiency,” the county statement said.

Since 2014 the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has provided health assessments to refugees in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, officials said. The grant funding from the California Department of Public Health will allow DPH to receive reimbursement “on a fee-for-service basis in the amount of $106 per comprehensive health assessment and approximately $50,000 in administrative costs.”

Officials said the Refugee Health Assessment Program is in line with county policy “by promoting inclusivity and equity in health services as part of the county’s broader commitment to combat racism as a public health crisis.”

Adult Literacy Services Program

The California State Library has awarded the San Bernardino County Library approximately $122,000 to fund the Adult Literacy Services Program.

“This initiative improves participants’ reading and writing skills through personalized instruction and tutoring and empowers them to accomplish many goals through building self-confidence in

applying for jobs, being able to vote and much more,” according to the county statement.

Agreement with Step Up on Second Supervisors approved a memorandum of understanding with Step Up on Second for in-kind services totaling about $767,000. The collaboration between the county and the nonprofit that assists people experiencing homelessness and mental health disorders is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program.

“Step Up on Second

accepts referrals from the county’s Coordinated Entry System, which is a centralized system used to assist people experiencing homelessness in accessing housing and supportive services more effectively, and determines if they are eligible for rental assistance, funded by HUD,” county officials said in a statement.

The county’s Department of Behavioral Health provides support services that include case management, job help, housing assistance, basic life skills training, mental health services, substance use treatment and transportation.

CalFresh Employment and Training Program

The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department secured a $1.75 million agreement with Goodwill Industries of Southern California to administer the CalFresh Employment and Training Program.

The program is for CalFresh recipients who do not receive monetary benefits and provides job readiness training, job seeker workshops, vocational training referrals and educational support, according to the county.

Another video file found by investigators depicted Johnson adjusting a recording device inside a different bathroom at a junior high

school Bible camp where he was working as a student chaperone, the plea agreement says.

pleaded

Matthew Johnson. | Photo courtesy of the Riverside Police Department

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. | Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County

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WWalmart settles $7.5M hazardous waste lawsuit with state, counties

By Joe Taglieri joet@beaconmedianews.com

almartInc.has agreed to pay $7.5 million to correct waste disposal practices after the corporation was caught dumping hazardous products into landfills, officials announced Tuesday.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control and the district attorneys’ offices in Alameda, Fresno, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, Solano, Tulare and Yolo counties filed the now-settled lawsuit against Walmart in December 2021. An Alameda County Superior Court judge was expected to sign the stipulated judgment by the end of this month.

“Walmart’s illegal disposal of hazardous and medical waste not only violated California laws, but, if left unchecked, posed a threat to human health and the environment,” California Attorney General Bonta said in a statement. “As a result of this investigation and lawsuit, Walmart has taken significant steps to prevent such disposals from happening in the future. This settlement will ensure that Walmart takes the necessary steps to ensure that its hazardous waste is handled and disposed of as required by law. At the California

Department of Justice, we will continue to hold any entity accountable for violating our environmental laws.”

The civil suit stemmed from audits by the DTSC and DAs’ offices at Walmart stores between 2015 and 2021 that reported instances of store employees illegally disposing of hazardous waste in regular trash bins, according to court documents. The discarded toxic substances were then illegally transported to local landfills that are not permitted to receive chemical waste.

“During those audits, the district attorneys’ offices reviewed the contents of waste that Walmart had sent from its facilities to municipal landfills and found thousands of containers of toxic

aerosols and liquid wastes including spray paints, rust removers, bleach, pesticides, and medical waste, such as over-the counter drugs,” according to Bonta’s office.

A 2010 lawsuit against Walmart by some of the current action’s plaintiffs was for related violations, but instead of implementing reforms, the Walmart employees repeated the same unlawful waste disposal protocol, the Riverside County DA’s office said.

“We are pleased that California recognizes in this settlement that Walmart’s goal is ‘to advance the protection of the health and safety of the people of California and the protection of the environment,’” according to a prepared statement by

Walmart to City News Service.

“The fact that the settlement agreement requires Walmart to ‘maintain’ our preexisting waste compliance program is a testament to the strength of the compliance program we have built, and the settlement agreement itself recognizes that Walmart’s program is extremely effective at keeping allegedly hazardous waste out of public landfills,” the company’s statement said. “We appreciate that the government agencies have recognized that Walmart strives to safeguard both the environment and the people.”

Under the settlement, Walmart must pay $4.29 million in civil penalties and $3.2 million in reimbursement for the counties’ legal expenses, the DA’s office said. Riverside County will receive $170,000.

Injunctive terms of the settlement will require Walmart to hire an independent auditor to do three annual rounds of waste audits at its facilities throughout California in the next four years, according to court documents.

Riverside County has 33 Walmart stores and distribution centers, San Bernardino County has 28 Walmart facilities and Orange County has 25.

Crime survivors celebrate new trauma recovery center, slam Prop 36

By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service

Survivors of crime are speaking out against Proposition 36, which goes before California voters in November.

The ballot measure would increase penalties for some theft and drug crimes - and undo parts of Proposition 47, which took savings from decreased incarceration and put the money into harmreduction programs.

Tinisch Hollins, executive director of Californians for Safety and Justice, spoke Oct. 16 at the opening of a new trauma recovery center in Oakland.

“It’s pushing the state to move back towards ‘toughon-crime.’ We are pushing back on that. You need to prioritize resources to create trauma-recovery centers because this is the way to create safety in our community.” Hollins said.

Supporters of Prop.

36 say current laws are too lenient, particularly concerning retail theft. But the state legislative analyst has suggested Prop. 36 will send many more people to jail, increasing criminaljustice costs anywhere from tens of millions to the low hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

Hollins said that would mean less money for programs that actually address poverty and desperation - the root cause of crime.

“Folks who have been touched by incarceration, folks who are experiencing homelessness, folks who are experiencing barriers to employment, they can actually get a full range of services to stabilize,” Hollins added. “Think about how impactful this will be if we’re able to continue expanding this model.”

Advocates of Prop. 36 project that it would mean $850 million less over the next decade for trauma recovery centers, mental health, drug treatment, victim services, re-entry and crime-prevention programs. Disclosure: Californians for Safety and Justice contributes to Public News Service’s fund for reporting on Criminal Justice. If you would like to help support

Crime survivors spoke out against Prop 36 at the opening of a new trauma-recovery center in Oakland, Calif., on Oct. 16.

| Photo courtesy of Californians for Safety and Justice

Walmart employees must affix a label like this one on all public trash receptacles that specifies and prohibits the disposal of chemicals. | Image courtesy of the California Superior Court

A call for moratorium on catching deep-sea mesopelagic fish

By Shi En Kim for Sentient.

Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration

Deep below the surface of the ocean are the parts left mostly unexplored and where sunlight barely touches. One of these is called the mesopelagic layer, so-named for its spot in the middle of the pelagic zone. This “twilight zone” of the ocean contains more fish than at any other depth: estimates range from 1 to 10 billion metric tons. Until recently, the fish that dwell there remained mostly untouched by fishing vessels. But growing demand for farmed fish spurred the industry to explore new depths, urgently looking for more tiny fish to use as feed.

The “twilight zone” contains 90 percent of the ocean’s total biomass in fish. These strange-looking creatures are well-adapted to the constant pall at 660 to 3,300 feet below. They often sport googly eyes, translucent bodies and bioluminescent veneers. Appearance and color aren’t important considerations for citizens of a world shrouded in near-darkness. What the dwellers lack in looks, they make up for in numbers. Since that remains a driving argument for fishing there, researchers have called for a moratorium to prevent future exploitation.

There Are Plenty of Mesopelagic Fish (For Now)

You can’t order mesopelagic seafood in a restaurant or find it at the seafood counter. But there is plenty of seafood industry interest in mesopelagic fish - for turning them into fish oil supplements or aquafeed.

Aquaculture has long been touted as a way to relieve the burden on wild fish operations. Yet the industry itself needs wild fish to operate. Most aquaculture operations use small wild-caught fish, such as anchovies, as fishmeal for larger predatory fish that humans normally put on their plates. While the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization researchers say data on exact numbers is scarce, research suggests at least some fishmeal stocks are teetering towards depletion. In West Africa, for example, feedfish have been over-harvested by foreign companies. And illegal operators are devastating marine biodiversity, and threatening local livelihoods.

As a substitute for wildcaught feed, some aquaculture operators raise their fish on a vegetarian

diet such as soy. But many experts are quick to point out the inanity of this alternative: it’s like forcing a lion into an herbivore lifestyle, Xabier Irigoien, a researcher at AZTI and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology tells Sentient. “We are actually using land and freshwater to grow soyto grow a fish that really doesn’t need freshwater or land. So we are doing really odd things in terms of food.”

At the same time, our global appetite for fish, especially farmed fish, continues to rise, and the industry is exploring new options. In late 2023, the Norwegian firm Nofima conducted a three-month trial of feeding farmed salmon mesopelagic catch. The researchers observed their salmon growing faster than their counterparts fed a typical protein diet. “It’s very promising,”

Ingunn Marie Holmen, a research manager in fisheries technology at the Norwegian research institute SINTEF Ocean, tells Sentient. Nofima “had to actually stop the trial one week early because they ran out of feed.”

Not everyone is on board, however. Since 2020, researchers have called

for a global moratorium on mesopelagic fishing, concerned that plumbing these new depths for fish could take a toll on climate action and biodiversity.

Fish Capture and Store Carbon in the Sea

All fish, including mesopelagic fish, play a vital role in sequestering atmospheric carbon, slowing the pace of climate change by taking emissions out of the atmosphere. Deep-dwelling mesopelagic fish are even more vital to that process, simply because of where they live. Many of these fish undertake a daily vertical migration, surfacing at night to feed, then returning during the day to hide from predators. Mesopelagic fish exhale carbon dioxide, poop and themselves get eaten by other mesopelagic hunters. And all of these activities help ferry carbon from surface waters to the deeper ocean, where it can be stored more effectively than on land.

Another ecological downside of mesopelagic fishing is the damage to ocean biodiversity. The role of mesopelagic fish in the marine food web is still largely unknown. But researchers know that several epipelagic species,

such as dolphins, swordfish and tuna, feed on their submarine neighbors. Trawling in the mesopelagic zone might risk disrupting fisheries at the ocean surface, including those the industry thinks of as the most valuable at market.

“We don’t know the system well enough to start harvesting mesopelagic fish,” says Middle East Technical University oceanographer, Deniz Dişa. Last June, Dişa and her team published a study modeling the impact of mesopelagic fishing in the mid-Atlantic Ocean. The researchers found that even removing a conservative fraction of the mesopelagic stock would lead to cascading effects of carbon cycle disruption, with a decrease of 14 percent in total carbon movement, and food web chaos. According to the team, fishing in mesopelagic waters would only have a 20 percent chance of being sustainable.

The bottom line, Dişa says: the consequences are “not that simple.” And a growing number of ocean researchers agree, arguing that fishing deeper isn’t a solution to dwindling marine stocks - it only punts the problem from

tist Stein Kaartvedt, one South African ship’s mesopelagic bycatch apparently caught fire because it was so oily.

The fish that hang out in the twilight zone can also be tough to catch. Most are stragglers - they don’t congregate while swimming to make for an easy one-scoop kind of bounty - and they are also notorious for dodging nets.

“They are everywhere,” says Kaarvedt of the University of Oslo, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to catch. “The main thing with fishing is not whether we have 1 billion or 10 billion, but whether you have sufficient concentrations to make fishing feasible.”

Mesopelagic Fish Ended Up a Red Herring

one corner of the world to another. Given their unique ecological roles in biodiversity and carbon sequestration, mesopelagic fish are just as worthy of protection as those near the surface, if not more.

“This is a group which is unlike most of the species that we exploit at the moment,” says Callum Roberts, a University of Exeter marine biologist who is among those calling for a mesopelagic fishing ban. “If there’s any part of the ocean that you really don’t want to mess with, it’s the mesopelagic fish.”

Technological Hurdles Add Another Layer of Caution

For now, there are a number of challenges keeping mesopelagic fishing at bay. Experts say this type of fishing requires high fuel consumption, for one. The fish are also very small, some no larger than a finger pad, so fishers need to deploy nets with fine mesh and contend with high levels of drag.

Mesopelagic fish also spoil easily because they’re full of digestive enzymes, so they have to be processed or frozen promptly. “You almost can’t touch it before it’s all porridge,” Holmen says. According to marine scien -

The Norwegian fishing industry seems to have come to the same conclusion. In the late 2010s, a group of companies conducted a trial of mesopelagic fishing. The vessels brought in abundant catch in their first attempt, but the next two tries yielded near-empty nets. Since then, the fishing industry there has moved on to more lucrative targets, such as cod and herring. Mesopelagic fishing interest has also watered out in Iceland and South Africa, in favor of mackerel and sardines.

Across the world, more of the fish we eat comes from farms rather than wild-caught fisheries these days. But the proportion of fish stocks that have been classified as overfished has also been growing in tandem. Today, that fraction is 30 percent; and fish populations that are at capacity come in at 60 percent.

Although practically unnecessary at the moment, a moratorium on mesopelagic fisheries would help thwart future exploitation, says University of Exeter’s Roberts. Nevertheless, all that research on the mesopelagic zone is far from wasted, industry proponents say. This is a rare instance of a marine industry sinking time and money into conducting a full cost-benefit analysis before diving in head first. “It could be an example of how to approach expansion of any kind,” says another researcher, Irigoien, for fish as well as other ecosystems and natural resources.

Contents of a net fished in the North Atlantic mesopelagic are being sorted onboard the RV Celtic Explorer. | Photo by HulloThere/ Wikimedia Commons

Economic factors and currency volatility in the 2024 US presidential election

By Moheb Hanna, OANDA via Stacker

Although there are many political and societal factors that may determine the outcome of an election, November 2024 may be affected significantly by economic factors.

Voters are closely monitoring the economy due to the high inflation experienced in the aftermath of COVID-19. To combat inflation, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates 11 times since April 2022. Although inflation has declined from its 2022 peak, it remains a concern in certain sectors, explains OANDA’s market analyst Moheb Hanna.

In a year where monetary policy decisions by world central banks continue to dominate headlines, the Federal Reserve has only recently made its first cut since 2020, cutting rates by a staggering 50 basis points. This more “cautious” approach contrasts those of the European Central Bank and the Bank of Canada, who opted to reduce interest rates much earlier in the year following a steady decline in inflation indicators.

In the post-COVID period, the U.S. has experienced strong economic growth and a robust job market, outperforming global economies. Recent data, however, indicates that Americans are spending more cautiously, seeking bargains and reducing leisure spending.

Which currency pairs are likely to be most affected by the volatility surrounding the U.S. presidential election?

As the world’s reserve currency, the U.S. dollar often experiences fluctuations in value due to various factors. This volatility is expected to increase around the U.S. elections as global currencies and commodities are priced against the dollar. Moreover, the Federal Reserve’s November meeting, scheduled during the election week, will likely amplify market volatility due to anticipated interest rate decisions and economic announcements.

The anticipated market volatility surrounding the election may present diverse trading opportunities across various currency

pairs and timeframes.

Prolonged uncertainty or delayed election results could extend this period of heightened volatility, potentially offering even more trading prospects.

As the November presidential election approaches, traders are likely anticipating numerous election-driven trading opportunities in the currency markets. Some traders may also position themselves ahead of the election, therefore, volatility may have already started.

1. USD/MXN: Price action during 2016 and 2020 U.S. elections, Mexico’s elections, USMCA agreement and COVID-19

The Mexican peso has been a strong performer over the past two years, primarily due to high interest rates, economic growth, and increased cooperation with U.S. businesses. This has presented a significant carry trade opportunity, with Mexico’s interest rate at 11.25% compared with the U.S. dollar’s 5.50%.

Although the peso has experienced fluctuations, including a 37% rise against the USD from March 2020 to July 2023 and a subsequent rebound to 18.10 in June 2024, it remains an attractive investment for some investors. Preelection positioning, driven by factors like interest rate differentials and differing inflation rates between the two countries, may influence the USD/MXN exchange rate. Historical trends show varying peso responses to U.S. elections, with potential implications depending on whether Harris or Trump wins. While Harris’s win might maintain the status quo, Trump’s win could reintroduce tariff concerns.

Additionally, Mexico’s strong economic ties with the U.S., particularly through the USMCA, add another layer of complexity to the USD/MXN relationship.

2. USD/JPY: Price action during 2016 and 2020 US elections, FOMC Interest Rate hikes and Bank of Japan intervention

In March, the Bank of Japan concluded its

extensive monetary easing program, including its negative interest rate policies, which had been in place for over eight years. The central bank maintained its interest rate at 0.10%.

Traders are now closely watching for any signals from the BOJ regarding quantitative tightening, as the bank is expected to gradually reduce its bond holdings. This process, if not carefully managed, could potentially disrupt the market. To mitigate this, the BOJ might opt to reduce bond purchases at a slower rate than their holding expiration, a strategy requiring cautious execution.

The Japanese yen is currently trading near its lowest point versus the dollar in 38 years, and at a level not seen since 1986, worrying traders. Despite both the U.S. and Japan maintaining their interest rates for a prolonged period, the yen has continued to weaken against the dollar, contributing to market uncertainty.

As a result, and in a measure to stop “excessive fluctuations driven by speculation,” the Bank of Japan is known to have intervened at least once in recent history, aiming to prop up yen prices. Owing to abnormalities in price action, some traders have speculated that market intervention has happened more than just once, but the BOJ has yet to officially confirm.

Although the BOJ is in a rate-raising mode and the Fed is expected to cut rates, the interest rate differential between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen remains appealing. Carry trades on USD/JPY can still offer returns for long-term investors, though these returns may be lower than other carry trade opportunities. However, they might also involve less risk compared to other available carry trade pairs.

3. EUR/USD: Price action during 2016 and 2020 US elections

The EUR/USD is the most frequently traded currency

VISIT

pair in the foreign exchange markets. During events that impact global markets, like the U.S. elections, the euro tends to be more susceptible to market risks. This is primarily due to changes in U.S. interest rates affecting the U.S. dollar, rather than the euro itself. EU inflation has seen a recent uptick in May, rising to 2.6% yearon-year, primarily driven by energy costs. This follows a period of steady decline since its peak in March/April 2022.

The ECB, having already reduced interest rates by 25 basis points on June 6, is now faced with the challenge of balancing inflation control with potential future rate cuts. The latest inflation increase, while bringing the indicator closer to prepandemic averages, adds complexity to the ECB’s decision-making process.

Historically, the euro has reacted to shifts in US leadership. It initially declined under Trump’s presidency, falling 8.5% to 1.0320. However, it later rebounded, reaching 1.2550 against the dollar. A sharp drop occurred in early 2018, finding support above 1.0600 during COVID-19, followed by another rise to

1.2200.

With Biden’s inauguration and the onset of the Ukraine war, coupled with FOMC interest rate hikes, the euro experienced a significant decline of 22.80%, reaching below parity at 0.9600. It has since partially recovered, trading within the 1.0550-1.1200 range in early 2023.

4. USD/CAD: Price action during 2016 and 2020 US elections, USMCA agreement and COVID-19 Canada, a major economic partner of the USA, has a highly correlated economy. The USD/CAD exchange rate is influenced by interest rates in both countries and oil prices, as Canada is a significant oil producer and a member of OPEC+.

As Trump took office in January 2017, and when Biden did in January 2021, the Canadian dollar rose significantly against the U.S. dollar as an initial reaction, and in both cases, the exchange price returned to its pre-election levels. Under the Trump administration, the USD/CAD rate remained relatively stable during the negotiation and implementation of the United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement,

which took effect on July 1, 2020. However, anticipatory market positioning was evident before that. Canadian inflation has followed global trends, rising post-COVID and then declining sharply after peaking around 8% in mid-2022. By early 2024, key inflation measures remained below 3%. This decline, coupled with weaker-thanexpected economic growth, led to anticipation of the Bank of Canada’s actions.

On June 5, the Bank of Canada became the first to cut interest rates by 25 basis points. Governor Tiff Macklem emphasized datadriven decision-making for future adjustments.

Despite strong retail sales over the past five years, recent months have shown a decline in specific categories, suggesting consumer caution and potential delays in interest-sensitive purchases. This trend is noteworthy as it coincides with a slowdown in Canada’s GDP growth since late 2021. This story was produced by OANDA and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. The article was copy edited from its original version. Republished pursuant to a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

| Image courtesy of ImageFlow/Shutterstock/Stacker

Thousands of clean air school buses in CA hit the road this semester

By Hannah Wallace for Reasons to be Cheerful.

Broadcast version by

Suzanne Potter

for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Service Collaboration

Across the country, fall is synonymous with the new school year: sharpened pencils, new bento-style lunch boxes and, for many, the return of the iconic yellow school bus. Only this year, millions of students will be transported by yellow school buses that are electric.

This change was several years in the making, and it’s a welcome one: Diesel buses - which comprise the majority of school buses in use today - spew exhaust that has been linked to serious physical and cognitive issues in children.

“Diesel school buses are incredibly polluting, not just for the environment - for air quality - but for children’s health. They are very harmful to children’s respiratory health, lung health, you name it,” says Carolina Chacon, the coalition manager for the Alliance for Electric School Buses. Studies have shown that diesel fumes, one of the most toxic forms of air pollution, are associated with heart and lung conditions such as asthma as well as cognitive performance issues. Even students who ride buses that have been retrofitted with cheap engine modifications like “diesel particulate filters” perform better on tests, according to researchers at Georgia State University. “The science behind it is really clear that diesel is harmful, period. But for kids, whose lungs and brains are still developing, it is especially bad,” Chacon says.

When the Alliance for Electric School Buses formed in 2018, members were focused on demanding governors use the Volkswagen settlement

funds [from the Volkswagen emissions scandal, aka Dieselgate] to purchase electric school buses. But in most states, the governors or their environmental departments chose to use the funds to swap out older diesel buses for “clean diesel” buses. This was a move in the right direction, but a lower bar than what the Alliance for Electric School Buses was fighting for.

Then, in 2019, the Alliance switched its focus to policy. It began working with the office of thenSenator Kamala Harris to introduce the first electric school bus bill to Congress. “Her office actually drafted the Clean School Bus Act of 2019,” Chacon says. The bill didn’t advance far, though, and Harris ended up running for president

in 2020. “But the need for electric school buses did become a talking point during the primary,” Chacon says. “It was something Harris brought to the table, and that [Washington] Governor Jay Inslee brought to the table.”

Eventually, when Biden and Harris were elected, they made electric school buses a priority of their administration. Members of the Alliance for Electric School Buses continued to work with members of Congress to help create a program modeled on the Clean School Bus Act.

That ultimately became the EPA Clean School Bus Program, a $5 billion program that was part of Biden’s signature Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021. Its funding, which ends in fiscal year 2026,

is being used to replace diesel school buses with either zero-emission buses (electric) or low-emission buses (alternative fuel buses, powered by propane or natural gas).

Chacon and all the members of the Alliance have been thrilled by how successful the program has been. The EPA has done three funding rounds since April of 2022 and each time, it has been inundated with applications. “To date, the federal government has distributed nearly $3 billion that has resulted in 8,500 new clean school buses,” Chacon says. (Some of those are propane or compressed natural gas, but 90 percent of the requests for funds have been for electric school buses.)

One of the grant recipi -

ents has been Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which passed a resolution last year for full fleet electrification. Daniel Kang, director of transportation for the district, says he currently has 56 electric school buses on the road with another 180 on the way - arriving in increments this fall and winter. “All 180 will be on the road starting April 2025,” Kang says. These 180 electric school buses are expected to remove an estimated 780,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the environment per year. The district will also save a yearly average of $10,000 per bus in maintenance and fuel costs combined (depend -

See School buses Page 07

ing on local electric rates, which fluctuate due to demand). That’s a total savings of nearly $2 million per year.

The reaction thus far has been very positive, Kang says. Not only is the air surrounding schools and children much cleaner, the buses are quieter. “It’s a night-and-day difference,” Kang says. “There are some drivers - human nature, opposed to change - who were like, ‘I love my diesel - it’s powerful, I can go up the mountain.’ But once they get in [the electric school bus] it’s really hard to deny the benefits because there’s less noise, less heat. They’re saying the experience is peaceful.”

Isaac Aquino, who has driven a bus for LAUSD for the past six years, says he prefers his Lion electric bus to diesel. He loves many things about it, but foremost is how quiet it is. “With the conventional ones that have the hood and the engine up front, the motor is loud. You have your two-way radio on, the kids are making noise - it’s hard to hear. It’s very rattly in the front,” he says. But on the electric model there is no noise. “It’s completely silent.” That is, except for the chime that turns on automatically when it goes 20 miles per hour or slower, which is a safety feature. (Like electric cars, electric school buses emit a recorded noise to alert pedestrians to their presence.) Aquino knows he and his students are breathing cleaner air because when his electric bus is getting maintenance and he has to take a spare

STARTING A NEW BUSINESS? VISIT

The transition from diesel school buses to electric ones has been several years in the making. | Photo courtesy of California Energy Commission

diesel bus for the day and mops his brow with a tissue, he sees dirt on it. “It’s like dirty air!” he says. He says the Lion buses also have superior air conditioning systems, which both he and the students appreciate.

Switching 236 buses to electric models comes with some challenges, though. One piece of the puzzle that LAUSD hasn’t solved for yet is infrastructure. At the moment, the district only has enough charging stations at its bus yards to charge 56 buses. That was an important learning experience for Kang and his colleagues. In the first round of EPA funding, LAUSD only applied for funding for the buses, but in subsequent rounds, they’ve requested half of the money go for new buses and the other half for charging stations.

There may also be unanticipated issues once electric bus fleets reach a certain size. When the number of electric buses reaches into the hundreds, some school districts have noticed that charging them all at the same time puts too much pressure on the grid. “The utility partners are saying, ‘We didn’t know about this but there’s a pulsing because there’s so much demand,’” Kang says. Kang thinks it will be sorted out soon. It’s just that the technology is so new. “In regards to this large-scale electrification, we’re still in the iPhone 2 stage,” he says.

There are also sometimes compatibility issues between the buses and the chargers, which are made by different companies. “Sometimes they won’t talk. They’ll sit all night connected but in the morning the driver finds

School buses

out it wasn’t charging. Everyone is scratching their head: ‘Is it the bus? Is it the charging manufacturers?’” Kang says. Because bus manufacturers don’t necessarily want to get into making charging stations - a very specialized technologythe industry answer at the moment is to introduce charging management software that will sync up bus and charging station.

Aside from these speed bumps, the greatest limitation of electric buses is that they don’t have the longer range that diesel buses do. That’s one of the reasons that - for now at least - Kang plans to hold onto some diesel buses.

“We gotta keep some of them at our yards because they are the only buses with a 300-mile range,” he says. Some of the longer field trips, like from Los Angeles to Bear Mountain, exceed the range for an electric bus (which can get only 150 to 162 miles on one charge). But this may be easily solved by better infrastructure, he says: “In short, we need chargers everywhere.”

But for most districts, the range isn’t an issue. For the Cherokee Central School System in North Carolina, the longest route is 40 miles. “And we can do both of our runs - morning and afternoon - on one charge,” says Donnie Owle, service manager and vice president of the Cherokee Boys Club. The Boys Club, a tribal entity for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has six electric buses right now with another 15 on the way - via EPA funding. Their first bus came via the VW settlement money and the next four came from a partnership with Duke

Energy, the local electric company. The tribe bought the sixth. “Duke Energy did a pilot program and they’re testing using our buses for V2G - vehicleto-grid,” Owle says. That is, they’re using the buses, which sit idle for many hours each day, to power the grid during peak energy use times. This practice, which LAUSD is also looking into, could be a win-win for school districts, which would be paid by the electric company for the energy.

As in Los Angeles, Owle says most Cherokee Central School System drivers have been won over by the new buses. “Some of the drivers don’t want to drive electric, then when they get on and drive it, they don’t want to get out of it!” he says, laughing. They like that the bus accelerates a lot faster, so that pulling out onto the highway is safer, he says. And he echoes LAUSD driver Aquino’s appreciation of the quiet: “You can actually hear the kids talk. You can hear what the kids are saying about you!”

In addition to the lack of noise - and the fact that his bus is clean and brandspanking-new - there’s something else Aquino loves about his electric school bus: It’s the talk of the town. “Our bumpers and rims are lime-green, so it makes the electric buses stand out. Everybody looks at the bus when we’re at a stop sign and you can see them talking about it!”

And it’s fun to see the students so excited, too, he says. “Especially if they haven’t been on the electric bus before they come in and are like, ‘Oh my god! Is this a new bus?’”

LEGALS

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Glendale City Notices

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING APPLICATION TYPE CASE NO. PTM 003171-2024

LOCATION: 3240 MENLO DRIVE

APPLICANT: Hayk Martirosian, Techna Land Company

ZONE: “RIR” (Restricted Residential), FAR District II

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Portion of Teodoro Verdugo and Catalina Verdugo, 2,629.01 acres

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting approval of a tentative parcel map to subdivide an existing 109,161 SF (2.51 acres) lot into two parcels. Parcel A will be 27,727 SF and will include retaining an approximately 5,600 SF two story house over a garage, which was approved in April 2005. Parcel B will be 81,434 SF. This area of the present lot is currently undeveloped. The intent is to develop a single-family house on the parcel. The subject site is located on the east side of Menlo Drive at the terminus of this street and is zoned R1R FAR District II.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The project is exempt from CEQA review as a Class 3 “New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures” exemption, pursuant to Section 15303 of the State CEQA Guidelines, because the project will involve the development of a new single-family residence in an urbanized area.

HEARING INFORMATION

The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding the above project in the Municipal Services Building at 633 E. Broadway, Room 103, Glendale, CA 91206, on NOVEMBER 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM or as soon thereafter as possible. The purpose of the hearing is to hear comments from the public with respect to zoning concerns.

The meeting can be viewed on Charter Cable Channel 6 or streamed online at: https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/management-services/gtv6/livevideo-stream. For public comments and questions during the meeting call 818-937-8100. City staff will be submitting these questions and comments in real time to the appropriate person during the Planning Commission Hearing. You may also testify in person at the hearing if you wish to do so.

If the final decision is challenged in court, testimony may be limited to issues raised before or at the public hearing. The staff report and case materials will be available a week before the hearing date at www.glendaleca.gov/agendas.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: If you desire more information on the proposal, please contact the case planner Roger Kiesel in the Planning Division at rkiesel@glendaleca.gov, or (818) 937-8182, or (818) 548-2140.

Any person having an interest in the subject project may participate in the hearing, by phone as outlined above, and may be heard in support of his/her opinion. Any person protesting may file a duly signed and acknowledged written protest with the Director of Community Development not later than the hour set for public hearing before the Hearing Officer. "Acknowledged" shall mean a declaration of property ownership (or occupant if not owner) under penalty of perjury. If you challenge the decision of this project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Glendale, at or prior to the public hearing. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, please notify the Community Development Department at least 48 hours (or two business days) for requests regarding sign language translation and Braille transcription services.

When a final decision is rendered, a decision letter will be posted online at www.glendaleca.gov/planning/decisions. An appeal may be filed within 15 days of the final decision date appearing on the decision letter. Appeals may be filed at www.GlendaleCA.gov/Permits (click “Apply,” then “Planning/Zoning”).

Dr. S. Abajian, The City Clerk of the City of Glendale

Publish October 28, 2024

GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR DECISION ADMINISTRATIVE USE PERMIT CASE NO. PAUP-003651-2024

LOCATION: 2291 HONOLULU AVENUE, Glendale, CA 91020 “Sushi Nakata”

APPLICANT: Anu Nakata

ZONE: “CR” – Commercial Retail

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot 56, Tract No. 1701

APN: 5807-009-001

PROJECT DESCRIPTION Application for an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) to allow the on-site sales, service, and consumption of beer and wine (ABC License Type 41) at a new full-service restaurant (Sushi Nakata).

CODE REQUIRES

1) The sale of alcoholic beverages requires an Administrative Use Permit in the CR (Commercial Retail) Zone. (GMC 30.12.020, Table 30.12-A).

APPLICANT’S PROPOSAL

1) To allow for the on-site sales, service and consumption of beer and wine at a new full-service restaurant.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The project is exempt from CEQA review as a Class 1 “Existing Facilities” exemption, pursuant to Section 15301(e) of the State CEQA Guidelines because the discretionary permit request is to allow the on-site sales, service, and consumption of beer and wine at a new full-service restaurant within an existing commercial space and there is no additional floor area proposed.

PENDING DECISION AND COMMENTS

Copies of plans, staff analysis, and proposed decision letter are available on the City’s website at: http://www.glendaleca.gov/planning/pending-decisions.

If you would like to review plans, submit comments, or be notified of the decision, please contact case planner Eric Ji at (818) 937-8178 or Eji@GlendaleCa.gov

DECISION: On or after NOVEMBER 07, 2024, the Community Development Director will make a written decision regarding this AUP request.

APPEAL

After the Director has made a decision, any person may file an appeal within 15 days of the written decision. Appeals may be filed online at www.glendaleca.gov/Permits, click “Apply,” “Skip..”, and search for “Appeal.”

Dr. Suzie Abajian, The City Clerk of the City of Glendale

Publish October 28, 2024

GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

Probate Notices

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: HOWARD BELZBERG CASE NO. 24STPB11629

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of HOWARD BELZBERG.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by LINDA REVER in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that LINDA REVER be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests the decedent's WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

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: 11/14/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 62 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

ROBERT SCHACHTER, ESQ.SBN 72528

HITCHCOCK, BOWMAN & SCHACHTER 21515 HAWTHORNE BLVD #1030 TORRANCE CA 90503

Telephone (310) 540-2202 10/24, 10/28, 10/31/24 CNS-3863503# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

RICHARD BONG KIM AKA

RICHARD B. KIM AKA

RICHARD B. KIM M.D. CASE NO. 30-2024-01430485-PR-LA-

CMC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of RICHARD BONG KIM AKA

RICHARD B. KIM AKA RICHARD B. KIM M.D..

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by CHRISTOPHER M. DUMA, M.D.., FACS in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that CHRISTOPHER M. DUMA, M.D.., FACS 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 with limited authority. (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: 11/20/24 at 1:30PM in Dept. CM08 located at 3390 HARBOR BLVD., COSTA MESA, CA 92626 NOTICE IN PROBATE CASES

The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/ time set for your hearing.

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

SCOTT E. RAHN - SBN 222528

CRAIG A. TRISTAO - SBN 256528 RMO LLP 901 BRINGHAM AVENUE LOS ANGELES CA 90049

Telephone (424) 320-9444 10/24, 10/28, 10/31/24 CNS-3863636# ANAHEIM PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: PHOEBE G. MARTINEZ CASE NO. PROVA2400897

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of PHOEBE G. MARTINEZ.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by ADRIAN ANDREW MARTINEZ in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN BERNARDINO.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that ADRIAN ANDREW MARTINEZ 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: 11/20/24

at 9:00AM in Dept. F1 located at 17780 ARROW BLVD., FONTANA, CA 92335

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

JENNIFER L. FIELD - SBN 236565 LAW OFFICE OF JENNIFER L. FIELD

405 N. INDIAN HILL BOULEVARD

CLAREMONT CA 91711

Telephone (909) 625-0220 BSC 225944 10/24, 10/28, 10/31/24

CNS-3863812#

ONTARIO NEWS PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: LEE ANDREW LAWSON CASE NO. 24STPB11650

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of LEE ANDREW LAWSON.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by TERESA GIPSON in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that TERESA GIPSON 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: 11/14/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 44 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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 BRITTANY DUKE - SBN 279489 BARBARO, CHINEN, PITZER & DUKE LLP

301 E. COLORADO BLVD., #700 PASADENA CA 91101

Telephone (626) 793-5196 10/24, 10/28, 10/31/24

CNS-3863978# PASADENA PRESS

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF DAVID G. SCHULENBERG Case No. 24STPB11595

To all heirs, beneficiaries, cred-itors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of DAVID G. SCHULENBERG

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Christopher G. Schu-lenberg and Gretchen Schulenberg in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Christopher G. Schu-lenberg and Gretchen Schulenberg 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 administra-tion authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objec-tion to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on Nov. 13, 2024 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 9 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

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 ap-pearance 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 knowl-edgeable 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: WENDY E HARTMANN ESQ SBN204587 LAW OFFICES OF WENDY HARTMANN 400 N HOLLYWOOD WAY STE 206 BURBANK CA 91505 CN111318 SCHULENBERG Oct 28,31, Nov 4, 2024 GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ANGEL MARIA VALDES Case No. 24STPB11596

To all heirs, beneficiaries, cred-itors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ANGEL MARIA VALDES A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Angela De La Caridad Valdes in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Angela De La Caridad Valdes be appointed as personal representative to administer

auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 to the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed trustee. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE. Trustor(s): RUBEN RODRIGUEZ AND NORMA SOSA, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS Recorded: 8/19/2016 as Instrument No. 20160988742 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, California; Date of Sale: 12/12/2024 at 9:00:00 AM Place of Sale: At the Doubletree Hotel Los Angeles-Norwalk, 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650, in the Vineyard Ballroom Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $784,613.75 The purported property address is: 13700-13702 RAMONA BOULEVARD, BALDWIN PARK, CA 91706 Assessor’s Parcel No.: 8552015-056 NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 1-800-280-2832 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-18-808360-CL. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 1-800-280-2832, or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-18-808360-CL to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OWNER-OCCUPANT: Any prospective owner-occupant as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee’s sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee’s sale or shall have it delivered to QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION by 5 p.m. on the next business day following the trustee’s sale at the address set forth in the below signature block. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Bene-

ficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. Date: QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION 2763 Camino Del Rio S San Diego, CA 92108 619-645-7711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 1-800-2802832 Or Login to: http://www.qualityloan. com Reinstatement Line: (866) 645-7711 Ext 5318 QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION . TS No.: CA-18-808360-CL IDSPub #0224968 10/28/2024 11/4/2024 11/11/2024 BALDWIN PARK PRESS

Fictitious Business Name Filings

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20240008238

The following persons are doing business as: CEGAA TAX SERVICES, 2553 S EUCLID AVE, ONTARIO, CA 91762. CLARA E GUTIERREZ, 2553 S EUCLID AVE, ONTARIO, CA 91762. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on September 1, 2019. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 62506277). /s/ CLARA E GUTIERREZ. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on September 13, 2019 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240008238 Pub: 09/26/2024, 10/03/2024, 10/10/2024, 10/17/2024 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20240008169

The following persons are doing business as: PB Produce Supplies, 675 Marin Road, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. Mailing Address, P.O Box 407, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. Pradeep Bhandari, 675 Marin Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on September 11, 2024. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 62506277). /s/ Pradeep Bhandari, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on September 11, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of

this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240008169 Pub: 09/19/2024, 09/26/2024, 10/03/2024, 10/10/2024 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT

File No. FBN20240008896

The following persons are doing business as: Public Good, 51979 Holiday Lane, Pioneertown, CA 92268. Mailing Address, Po Box 93, Pioneertown, CA 92268. Christine Mathias. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Christine Mathias, Individual. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on October 2, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240008896 Pub: 10/07/2024, 10/14/2024, 10/21/2024, 10/28/2024 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20240008894

The following persons are doing business as: Snow Peak Communicatons, 11401 Raywood Flat Road, Morongo Valley, CA 92256. Mailing Address, 133 Seeman Drive, Encinitas, Ca 92024. Stephen J Mascaro. (Owner) County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on August 21, 2024. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Stephen J Mascaro, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on October 2, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240008894 Pub: 10/07/2024, 10/14/2024, 10/21/2024, 10/28/2024 San Bernardino Press

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). Connected3030 Learning Solutions (2). Hope Service Publishing LLC (3). Moral Fiber Apparel Co. 29180 Wrangler Dr. MURRIETA, CA 92563

Riverside County Hope Service Publishing LLC (CA, 29180 Wrangler Dr., MURRIETA, CA 92563

Riverside County This business is conducted by: a limited liability company (llc). Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on October 1, 2024. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. Hilda Broussard, CEO Statement filed with the County of Riverside on October 1, 2024 NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Peter Aldana, County, ClerkFile# R-202412407 Pub. 10/07/2024, 10/14/2024, 10/21/2024, 10/28/2024 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20240009012

The following persons are doing business as: San Bernardino Eye Specialists, 1887 Business Center Dr Suite 2A, San Bernardino, CA 92408. Mailing Address, 1909 N. Waterman Ave. Ste 3, san bernardino, CA 92404. Gintien Huang, M.D. INC.., A California Medical Corporation (CA, 1909 N Waterman Ave Ste 3, San Bernardino, CA 92404; gintien huang, president. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a corporation. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ gintien huang, president. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on October 4, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240009012 Pub: 10/14/2024, 10/21/2024, 10/28/2024, 11/04/2024 San Bernardino Press

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as LV Electric 760 Saint Helena Dr

Corona, CA 92879

Riverside County LV Builders, Inc (CA, 760 Saint Helena Dr, Corona, CA 92879

Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a corporation. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).) s. Raul Rudy Flores, President Statement filed with the County of Riverside on September 19, 2024 NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202411902 Pub. 10/14/2024, 10/21/2024, 10/28/2024, 11/04/2024 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20246699461. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Lopez & Son Trucking, 200 W Rosecrest Ave, La Habra, CA 90631. Full Name of Registrant(s) Oscar Manuel Lopez Jr, 200 W Rosecrest Ave, La Habra, CA 90631. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /S/ Oscar Manuel Lopez Jr. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on September 23, 2024. Publish: Anaheim Press 10/14/2024, 10/21/2024, 10/28/2024, 11/04/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20246699460. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FP Window Tint, 822 W Wl Segundo Blvd Apt 3, Gardena, CA 90247. Full Name of Registrant(s) (1). Faustino Pancho Policarpo, 822 W Wl Segundo Blvd Apt 3, Gardena, CA 90247 (2). Erika Garcia, 822 W Wl Segundo Blvd Apt 3, Gardena, CA 90247 . This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. /S/ Faustino Pancho Policarpo, General Partner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on September 23, 2024. Publish: Anaheim Press 10/14/2024, 10/21/2024, 10/28/2024, 11/04/2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20246700882. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Skin Care by the Sea, 30200 Rancho Viejo Rd. Suite D., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Full Name of Registrant(s) Tammi Banks, 30200 Rancho Viejo Rd. Suite D., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. This business is conducted by a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on January 1, 2004. /S/ Tammi Banks. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on October 14, 2024. Publish: Anaheim Press 10/21/2024, 10/28/2024, 11/04/2024, 11/11/2024

AICARE ORTHODONTICS. /S/ Ai Huang, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on October 22, 2024. Publish: Anaheim Press 10/28/2024, 11/04/2024, 11/11/2024, 11/18/2024

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as Estela Market 6104 Mission Blvd Riverside, CA 92509 Riverside County Mailing Address, 8628 6th st, downey, CA 90241. Riverside County yahir german caiceros galeno, 6104 Mission Blvd, Riverside, CA 92509 Riverside County This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).) s. yahir german caiceros galeno Statement filed with the County of Riverside on October 8, 2024 NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202412741 Pub. 10/28/2024, 11/04/2024, 11/11/2024, 11/18/2024 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20240009157

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20246701552. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: AICARE ORTHODONTICS, 10990 Warner Ave # I, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Full Name of Registrant(s) Ai Huang, D.M.D., Inc. (CA, 10990 Warner Ave # I, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on October 8, 2024.

The following persons are doing business as: KMT AUTO, 4495 E Wall St Ste 102, Ontario, CA 91761. Mailing Address, 4495 E Wall St Ste 102, Ontario, CA 91761. KMT AUTOMOTIVE INC (CA, 4495 E Wall St Ste 102, Ontario, CA 91761; HONGBIN YU, President. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on September 26, 2024. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 62506277). /s/ HONGBIN YU, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on October 10, 2024 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20240009157 Pub: 10/28/2024, 11/04/2024, 11/11/2024, 11/18/2024 San Bernardino Press

4 indicted for allegedly filching federal relief funds

By City News Service

Two women federally indicted for allegedly ripping off a financial assistance program intended to provide support for businesses suffering amid the COVID lockdowns, joining with others in stealing an estimated $3.5 million, were taken into custody Thursday in Riverside County.

Denise Mata, 34, of Moreno Valley, and Vanessa M. Williams, 35, of Corona, were arrested without incident on a 23-count indictment alleging wire fraud and other offenses. They were slated to make a joint initial appearance in U.S. District Court in River-

side Thursday afternoon.

Their fellow defendants, 33-year-old Mikhail G. Hoalim and 32-year-old Daryl D. Knighten Jr., are at large, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The indictment alleges the foursome stole from the Paycheck Protection Program, one of several grant and loan facilities established in 2020 when many businesses were forced to shut down or curtail operations because of the lockdowns.

According to the prosecution, between March and August 2021, the defendants conspired to submit fraudu-

lent PPP applications for the direct benefit of themselves, relatives and friends.

“The defendants made false statements to the U.S. Small Business Administra-

tion and banks in connection with the fraudulent PPP loan applications,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated.

“Each application falsely stated that the PPP loan

Kaiser workers

applicant was self-employed and falsely certified that each loan would be used for permissible business purposes. Each loan application also contained fraudulent tax forms to deceive the SBA and PPP participating lenders into disbursing loan funds.”

Ultimately, over 100 individuals joined in the scam that the defendants conceived, prosecutors alleged.

“The lenders disbursed the PPP loan funds into bank accounts belonging to the defendants and their co-schemers,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“Co-schemers paid kickbacks to the defendants within days of receiving the fraudulently obtained PPP loan funds.”

The agency emphasized that the money was not utilized for legitimate business purposes, under the criteria established by the federal government.

“The defendants also submitted fraudulent documents to the SBA and lenders to obtain loan forgiveness for the illegally obtained PPP loans,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

If convicted, each defendant could receive up to 20 years in federal prison.

union has identified as key to reaching a contract.”

“It is apparent that their strategy all along has been to move to a strike,” according to a Kaiser statement.

“They have been threatening to strike since before we began bargaining in July and have operated without a sense of urgency, declining to accept or counter the strong proposals Kaiser Permanente has put on the table. Most concerning, the union presented a proposal that could result in a full-time therapist spending 40% or more of their work week not seeing patients.”

According to Kaiser, it has presented the union with an offer that includes an 18% wage increase over four years, and also “enhances the comprehensive benefits our mental health professionals enjoy plus provides therapists more non-patient time for planning and preparation.”

“I’m running for supervisor to build more housing our families can afford, improve our quality of life, recruit doctors and make mental health care more accessible,” the senator said in campaign literature. “I’ll ensure we fund and support public safety to combat crime, fight gang violence and stop illegal drugs from overtaking our communities.” He said he has a “plan to address homelessness by partnering with nonprofits (and) expanding mental health and substance abuse treatment services.”

The senator has cast himself as a “moderate Democrat,” but on taxes he has been a largely partyline voter. Like Medina, who termed out of the Assembly in

“Today, some of the employees represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) are choosing to walk away from their patients at various Kaiser Permanente facilities in Southern California to take part in an open-ended strike called by union leaders,” Kaiser said in a statement

released Monday.

“All Kaiser Permanente members will continue to have timely access to individual therapy appointments during the strike. Patients have the opportunity to be seen by a professional in our extensive network of highly qualified, licensed therapists if their regular provider chooses to take part in the strike. Where necessary, we are contacting patients and offering options that meet their needs.”

Kaiser said the strike is “entirely unnecessary and unfortunately not surprising. NUHW leaders have been threatening to strike

since before we began bargaining in July. The union has been slow-walking negotiations, despite the strong proposals Kaiser Permanente has put on the table. The union’s proposals at the table have been overreaching and unreasonable.

“The union isn’t calling for more time to care for patients. It is demanding more money for therapists to spend less time seeing patients. A key issue is how much time the union wants to take therapists away from direct patient care. The union is proposing that full-time therapists increase the amount

Supervisor seat

2022, Roth has received failing grades from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Association for supporting tax hikes on gasoline, higher state fees for mobile phone services and increased state charges for recycling spent car batteries, among other things.

Medina, who was an educator prior to entering the Assembly in 2010, pointed to his record supporting greater appropriations for UCR, seed funding for the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and a bevy of restoration projects in Riverside as highlights of his political career.

He vowed to ensure the sheriff’s department is “accountable” in order to restore “trust with our community,” alluding to complaints regarding condi-

tions in the jail system, which has led to at least one lawsuit.

“I will deliver for Riverside County families by tackling our homelessness crisis by rapidly moving people off our streets and into housing,” he

said in a campaign promotion. According to Medina, if elected, he intends to improve “public health and expand mental health and addiction services.”

of time they are not seeing patients to nearly half of their time -- at least 19 hours a week. This is unacceptable and would significantly decrease access to appointments for mental health care for our patients.”

Union officials said they are seeking an agreement similar to that reached with Kaiser mental health workers in Northern California, who went on strike for 10 weeks two years ago.

The union is asking that Kaiser guarantee full-time therapists seven hours per week for patient care duties such as responding to patient calls and emails,

developing treatment plans, communicating with social service agencies and preparing for appointments. Union officials said Kaiser is guaranteeing only four hours per week. The union also wants raises to put the workers on par with non-mental health care employees, who the union claims earn 40% more. It is also calling for a restoration of pensions that the union says were eliminated for newly hired mental health professionals a decade ago, even though pensions are still in place for other workers ranging from doctors to janitors.

He appeared before the board in June to oppose double-digit percentage pay hikes ultimately approved for the sheriff, district attorney and other elected officials. He

vowed that, if elected,

he would continue Jeffries’ tradition of declining pay raises for himself. Jeffries, who is the most senior member of the board, is also the lowest paid of the five supervisors.

Jose Medina. | Photo courtesy of the California State Assembly Richard Roth. | Photo courtesy of the California State Senate

| Image courtesy of Alachua County/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Indio gang member convicted as participant in 2016 murder

By City News Service

Agang member was convicted Wednesday for the killing of a 22-year-old Indio man more than eight years ago, following previous convictions for four co-defendants.

Miguel Cavazos, 44, of Indio, was found guilty of firstdegree murder. He was identified as a potential participant in the killing of Adrian Valdez following an Indio police investigation that concluded well after the defendant’s cohorts had been sentenced.

In addition to first-degree murder, jurors also found true sentence- enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations, as well as a special- circumstance allegation of killing for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

Cavazos is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 4.

According to an Indio Police Department statement, the defendant was identified after “additional information

surfaced (indicating) Cavazos was present and a participant in the shooting.”

Police declined to elaborate on the findings.

In 2019, co-defendants

Cesar Anthony Monzon, Angel Zacarias Lopez, Andrew Marquie Malanche and Jose Antonio Armendariz, all in their 30s, were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Along with first-degree murder, each defendant was convicted of gang activity and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

The Indio jury also found true a special-circumstance allegation against Monzon of killing for the benefit of a gang, while the panel found true a specialcircumstance allegation of firing from a vehicle causing death against his associates.

Deputy District Attorney Jacob Silva said there was a dispute at the grave site of Lopez’s cousin before the

Fraud

able that public funds are handed out with the lack of due diligence or oversight that is alleged in this case,” District Attorney Mike Hestrin said. “The people of Riverside County deserve better from their public officials, who have a duty to act as responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

Hestrin asked for a county Civil Grand Jury investigation into the decision-making involved in doling out the roughly $944,000 that Rostovsky allegedly filched for personal pleasure. According to the District Attorney’s Office, an estimated $700,000 originated from the Palm Springs City Council, in the form of grants for financial assistance to transgender and nonbinary people.

The remainder of the money was distributed by the county, and the Executive Office confirmed to City News Service that those funds were part of the setaside from the nearly $500 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act disbursals received by the county in 2020 and 2021.

The city’s end of it stemmed from the council’s support for a “universal basic income pilot program” touted by Queer Works, according to the DA’s office.

“The program was supposed to provide 180

defendants targeted Valdez. Valdez was standing with a group of people, some of whom were known gang members, outside a home in the 82600 block of Mountain View Avenue when the

shooting happened shortly before 1 a.m. Aug. 7, 2016, authorities said. Surveillance footage from an Indio 7-Eleven showed the occupants of a Chevrolet Caprice and a Toyota Sequoia

participants monthly stipends of $800,” the agency stated. “Financial reviews by Riverside County Housing & Workforce Solutions into the Riverside County grants revealed discrepancies in expenses reported by Queer Works and showed Rostovsky altered financial documents submitted to the county. Additionally, checks issued by the Riverside County Office of the Treasurer were deposited into Rostovsky’s personal checking account.”

The matter was first referred to the Office of the Auditor-Controller for scrutiny, but it soon became apparent there were possible white collar crimes

perpetrated, leading to a wider investigation by DA’s office personnel.

“The investigation .... revealed Rostovsky engaged in a longstanding pattern of fraud, including 89 separate instances of making false statements and submitting forged documents to the county and city,” according to the DA’s office.

“Rostovsky used a portion of these funds, intended for individuals in need of assistance, on personal expenses, including purchases at Disney, Burberry and the Beverly Garland Hotel.”

The defendant has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

congregating at the convenience store, then going to the Mountain View property.

A security camera mounted on a nearby home captured gunfire coming from both sides of the Toyota, while the driver of the Chevrolet sped away eastbound. Silva conceded during the trial that it was unclear who fired the fatal shot.

Between 10 and 15 people were standing with Valdez at the time, and Armendariz’s attorney, John Dolan, argued that gunfire originating from within that group could have struck Valdez.

Armendariz, who police said was driving the Toyota, was arrested Aug. 8, 2016. Three bullet holes were found on the exterior of the SUV, and ammunition was found inside, according to the prosecution.

Lopez and Malanche went to nearby JFK Memorial Hospital hours after the

attack. Malanche was hospitalized with a single gunshot wound that entered through his backside, while Lopez was treated for a graze wound.

Police were notified, and officers seized a backpack belonging to Lopez that he had dropped near the emergency room. The satchel contained two handguns and nearly 100 rounds of ammunition, according to an Indio police affidavit filed in support of an arrest warrant.

According to the declaration, Lopez told police he was inside the Chevrolet during the shooting, but he did not admit to taking part.

Malanche told detectives he was driving by the Mountain View Avenue home with Lopez when they were fired upon. Malanche said he was “scared,” and that he and Lopez fired several shots at their attackers in retaliation, according to the affidavit.

Man accused of stabbing family members convicted of murder, attempted murder

A36-year-oldman suspected of stabbing three of his family members, one fatally, during a dispute in Indio was convicted of two charges Wednesday.

Anthony William PiñaGerman of Indio was found guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation at the Larson Justice Center in Indio on Wednesday, John Hall of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office told City News Service. He was found not guilty of a second attempted murder charge and lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter.

Jurors also found sentenceenhancing allegations of use of a knife in both charges to be true.

Piña-German is set to be sentenced on Dec. 20, Hall said, where he could potentially be sentenced to a determinate term of five years plus an indeterminate term of 22 years to life.

At around 6:50 p.m. Nov. 26, 2022, officers responded to the 82900 block of Via Valencia to a family disturbance, and three men were found with stab wounds, according to the Indio Police

Department.

Police said the victims and Piña-German were in a dispute before the stabbing occurred and the three men were taken to a hospital, where one of them — 39-year-old Christopher Galvan — died.

Officers said PiñaGerman left the scene before they arrived and based on

the circumstances, police investigated the stabbing as a homicide in conjunction with the Riverside County coroner’s office, according to the department.

Piña-German was found and arrested in El Centro the following morning. He is being held at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio.

By City News Service

| Photo courtesy of Nick Youngson/The Blue Diamond Gallery (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Miguel Cavazos. | Photo courtesy of the Indio Police Department

| Photo by garloon/Envato Elements