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Friday, January 8, 2021 Vol. 24 No. 3

“Assault on Democracy” Many members of Congress from Oregon reacted in anger to protesters breaching the U.S. Capitol. (Navin75/Flickr)

Lawmakers React to Violence During Election Certification

By Desert Star Staff Protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday while Congress was certifying the results of the 2020 election.

The pro-Trump crowd was in Washington, D.C., to oppose the election’s outcome.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, was in the Senate

chamber when the proceedings were halted. He described the moment when a staffer stopped the certification process.

“Nobody runs on the floor of the chamber,” Merkley explained. “Certainly, nobody runs up to the dais. Certainly, nobody interrupts a speech.

So all of that was very, very

sudden, very unusual, and because we could hear noises, my assumption and I think all of us, our assumption - is that protesters had entered the building.”

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, called the event a “direct assault on democracy,” and Rep. Earl Blumenauer,

D-Oregon, said it was “clearly an act of terrorism.”

One person was shot and killed after protesters breached the Capitol, although the shooting circumstances are unclear.

Protesters supporting President Donald Trump also gathered in Oregon’s capital.

Merkley added before the interruption; senators

were immersed in the election certification process.

“We were all there in the chamber listening to each other, which is so rare for the Senate, and each senator is limited to five minutes,” Merkley recounted.

“We had a compelling initial speech by Mitch McConnell, Continues on Page 3

Facebook extends the Trump account ban for at least 2 weeks

By Desert Star Staff Facebook and its subsidiary Instagram will continue blocking Donald Trump’s content until after president-elect Joe Biden is ensconced in the Oval Office; Mark Zuckerberg has said, citing Wednesday’s riots at the Capitol.

Declaring that the “risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service” during the run-up to Biden’s inauguration are “simply too great” to allow, CEO Zuckerberg announced in a Thursday post that the president’s accounts would remain locked for “at least the next two weeks.”

Zuckerberg said Trump intends to “use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power” to Biden, arguing the president was deliberately weaponizing Facebook to “incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government.”

The Facebook CEO claimed Trump’s recent posts decrying what he alleges was a stolen presidential election were intended to “provoke further violence between supporters and enemies,” insisting the entire country must now join

Continues on Page 7

Unmet Demand for After-school Programs Reaches All-Time High

By Desert Star Staff Parents of children enrolled in afterschool programs are happier with their participation than ever before, according to a new study. At the same time, there aren’t nearly enough programs available, and students from low-income families are the most likely to lack access. For every child in an afterschool program today, three more are waiting to get in.

Commissioned by the nonprofit Afterschool Alliance, and conducted by Edge

Research, “America After 3PM 2020” builds on household surveys conducted in 2004, 2009 and 2014 and offers a pre-pandemic snapshot of how youth spend their afternoons that has significant implications for the post-pandemic world.

The study finds that the families of 24.6 million children -- more than ever before -- are unable to access afterschool programming, with many reporting cost as a barrier. It also exposes significant inequities, with

Black and Latinx children and low-income households disproportionately affected.

“Quality afterschool programs are essential to student success in school and life. If we want to emerge from this pandemic strong, we need to provide all youth access to the important enrichment opportunities and resources afterschool programs provide. We’re far from doing that now,” says Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance.

To further understand the state of U.S. afterschool programs today, consider these core findings from the report: • Unmet demand is soaring. Demand has grown 60% since 2004, from 15.3 million children waiting to get into a program in 2004 to 24.6 million children in 2020.

• Barriers to participation grow. Sixty-one percent of low-income parents report that cost is a barrier to enrolling their child in an afterschool program, up from 50% in 2014.

Access, such as a lack of a safe way for their child to get to and from a program, is a barrier for 58% of respondents.

• Inequities persist. These barriers especially affect lowincome families. The number of children from low-income households in afterschool fell from 4.6 million in 2014 to 2.7 million in 2020, while the number of higher-income children in afterschool fell by just under 450,000.

• Public support is strong.

Eighty-seven percent of parents support public funding for afterschool programs in communities that have few opportunities for children and youth, support that

crosses demographic and political divides. This may in part be due to the growing recognition of the benefits programs provide. Eightythree percent of respondents agree programs give working parents peace of mind, 81% agree programs help parents keep their jobs, and 76% agree programs help children gain interest and skills in STEM. For low-income families, the survey reveals that programs address additional needs, such as providing children snacks and meals and offering them skill-building workshops, as well as connecting families to valuable community resources.

To view the full report, visit afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM. “It’s unacceptable that the parents of nearly 25 million students are struggling to find or afford an afterschool program,” Grant said. “Every parent should have access to an affordable, quality afterschool program that will keep their child safe, supervised and learning. We need more federal, state, local, business and philanthropic support to meet the needs of students and their families after school.” StatePoint

Discover Nature-Inspired Paint Trends for a Calming Home W FAMILY FEATURES

hen it comes to home design, color can change everything. From understated, clean hues and calming neutrals to soft greens and mid-tone colors with artistic qualities, a whole new style is just brush strokes away.

With the right color palette, you can transform your space to highlight contemporary trends while creating your desired ambiance.

These curated Clark+Kensington color palettes, showcasing on-trend looks for 2021, are heavily inspired by nature and natural materials like raw cotton, linen, wood tones and soft, peaceful greens. The colors invite the best of the outdoors inside so you can design a personal refuge where you’re free to relax and unwind.

Each of these three collections, assembled by the experts at Ace Hardware, can help conjure a sense of calm and offer inspiration so you can thoughtfully incorporate color into your home.

Mindful Living

If you want to bring new layers of wellness to your life, the calming neutrals and soft greens that make up this refreshing and cleansing palette may be just what you’re seeking. The muted tone of Fair Isle is a soft neutral that pairs well with a wide range of colors, such as the inviting Blue Spruce green that resembles a richly treed mountainside. Additionally, Swiss Coffee and Natural White offer neutral options that lend a surprising sense of coziness while Smokey Taupe and Playas de Cancun provide alternatives to bring bolder, but still soothing, color to your space.

Understated Impact

If minimalism and clean lines reflect your desire to simplify your surroundings, you’ll likely be drawn to a “less is more” approach to design. This uncluttered sensibility allows you to focus on key elements of a room that are impactful yet edited. To achieve this look, build your palette around slate-like hues of gray and blue, such as Gothic Iron or a cooler take on slate with Magic Fountain. Options like Silent White and Abstract Gray lend neutral warmth while an earthy burgundy like Red Tulip or the deep, not-quite-black tones of Midnight Stroll are ideal for creating a focal point.

Creative Escape

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This palette of mid-tone colors with artistic qualities may be best suited for someone who embraces traditional crafting techniques and delights in working with his or her hands. Striking slate blue Midnight Oil is reminiscent of waves crashing in the dark of night while Subtle Gray offers a softer take on the slate-like tones. As the name suggests, Fiddlehead Fern brings lush vegetation to mind

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January 8, 2021

while Act Naturally and Caramel Apple deliver pops of color consistent with streaks of an orange-kissed sunset.

The most subtle of this collection, Beach Cottage, features a slightly peach-to-pinkish tint that gives unique character to a neutral selection.

Any color in these palettes can be selected and ordered from the comfort of your home online using in-store pickup, curbside pickup or delivery from your local store.

Start with color samples to test your colors on your walls in different locations and under different lighting then order your gallons and painting supplies when you’re ready to complete your project. Find more inspiration and all the supplies you need to transform your space with paint at acehardware.com.

www.desertstarweekly.com

4 Ways to Uplift Small Businesses in Your Community

By Desert Star Staff With nearly half of all Americans employed by a small business, these establishments need our support more than ever.

According to the latest Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index, 46 percent of business owners surveyed have seen a drop in revenue over the past 12 months, with some entrepreneurs seeing even more severe impact.

“Small businesses are at the heart of our communities and the key to millions of jobs,” says Steve Troutner, head of Small Business, Wells Fargo.

“Keeping spending dollars in local communities is an impactful way to rally around small business owners.”

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Wells Fargo is sharing four ways to uplift small businesses near you: 1. Shop local. While onestop shopping on leading e-commerce sites can be tempting, the simple act of purchasing something from your favorite local retailer can go a long way in keeping business afloat and money in your community. Returning or exchanging gifts? Ask for store credit instead of cash.

It helps keep money with a small business and makes their cash flow more stable.

Many shops have safety measures in place, such as limiting occupancy or offering contactless pick-up.

2. Eat local. Support your neighbors by dining at locally-owned establishments.

Getting takeout or having food delivered? Order directly from the restaurant rather than through third-party sites that take a cut. When it comes to food shopping, opt for neighborhood grocers, which often carry produce from small family-owned farms and other locally-sourced goods. Many offer the same curbside pickup and delivery options as major chains.

3. Uplift diverse-owned businesses. Keep in mind that minority- and women-

owned businesses have been hard hit by COVID-19.

Many are counting on your patronage to survive.

To help entrepreneurs stay open and support local jobs, Wells Fargo is deploying approximately $400 million from its Open for Business Fund to nonprofits serving small businesses. The initiative focuses on increasing access to training and flexible capital that businesses can use for rent, utilities, payroll and other business needs. If you are a business owner looking for assistance and resources, visit wellsfargo.

com/shoplocal to learn more.

4. Shine a light on your favorite business. Whether it’s expanding outdoor patios and installing heat lamps or updating tech to facilitate contactless checkout, small businesses have had to get creative to stay relevant. One simple way of supporting businesses as they make these changes is to follow them on social media and give positive reviews on websites like Yelp.

As part of its “Many hearts. One community” campaign, Wells Fargo is highlighting the determination, resilience and creativity that

Organized Labor Hopes for Better Policies

By Desert Star Staff As President-elect Joe Biden considers his pick for labor secretary, unions in Colorado and across the U.S. are eager to leave the Trump administration in the past.

Dan Mauer, legislative director with the Communications Workers of America, said President Donald Trump’s National Labor Relation Board used every tool at its disposal to stop workers from organizing, by making it easier for companies to delay elections and, in some cases, taking workers’ right

to organize away altogether.

“That’s why it’s all the more important that President-elect Biden take a lot of steps to reverse some of those trends because otherwise, workers are going to continue to lose power, and that means losing wages and losing benefits,” Mauer said.

Biden has committed to passing the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, along with measures to incentivize workers classified as independent contractors to gain union protections. But Mauer said Tuesday’s runoff election in Georgia - which

will determine which party controls the U.S. Senate - is critical because the new administration will not be able to reverse all of Trump’s policies through executive orders.

President Donald Trump maintained strong support from blue-collar voters in November, mainly because he rejected trade deals. Mauer acknowledged the Trump administration pulled off a bandage exposing decades-long setbacks suffered by workers, including jobs shipped overseas and the outsized role Wall Street has gained over the economy.

“Major Wall Street banks,

so many small business have shown this past year.

“Community has meant everything to me,” says Kadijatu Ahene, owner of Dija’s Touch Designs, which benefitted from Wells Fargo and Local Initiatives Support Corporation working together.

“The challenges we’re dealing with have brought us closer. Whether its friends and neighbors checking on me and my girls, delivering food and more, COVID has reminded us that we need each other to move forward in unity.” StatePoint

but also private equities and hedge funds, squeeze every dollar they can out of companies, and really make it hard for companies -- even the companies that want to do the right thing -- to pay their workers fairly and to respect their rights and benefits,” he said.

Union membership in the U.S. has declined by nearly 20% since 1980, which Mauer pointed out also coincides with the decline of the nation’s middle class. In Colorado, union members account for just 9% of wage and salaried workers.

Disclosure: Communications Workers of America contributes to our fund for reporting on Human Rights/Racial Justice, Livable Wages/Working Families

“Assault on Democracy” Continued from Page 1

speaking to his vision of the Constitution, and it was a speech that could have been delivered by someone of either party in defense of our constitutional responsibility.”

Merkley added Americans should use this as an opportunity to think about democracy in this country.

“We really need to take this moment to reflect on how to strengthen our institutions that have been so damaged over the four years of the Trump administration,” Merkley concluded.

January 8, 2021

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President Vetoes Bill to Ban Fishing Gear Harmful to Dolphins

By Desert Star Staff MONTEREY, Calif.

-- Groups that fight for healthier oceans are vowing to fight on after President Donald Trump vetoed a bill to ban an outdated type of fishing net that targets swordfish but ends up killing many other species.

The bipartisan Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act would have ended the use of mile-long large-mesh drift gillnets within five years. Ben Enticknap, Pacific campaign manager and senior scientist at Oceana, said the enormous nets are nearly invisible and produce a substantial unintended bycatch.

“The coast of California is a migratory hotspot for whales, turtles and dolphins.

They can’t see these walls of death and ultimately suffocate and drown,” Enticknap said.

The bill would have helped fund the transition to a safer, more sustainable type of gear called deep-set buoy gear, used during the day and monitored, instead of being left unattended at night like the gillnets.

In a signing statement, Trump said the ban would hurt the two dozen or so fishing crews that catch swordfish off the California coast.

Gillnets already are illegal off the East Coast and the state of Washington.

Enticknap said a federal ban is needed because some fishing captains still don’t want to switch to the new gear, even though the state of California is offering Gray whales are one of more than 70 species that get trapped in gillnets, which have a large perto pay them to do so. centage of incidental bycatch. (NOAA) “California has a voluntary transition program where new deep-set buoy gear garner higher market prices.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a fishermen can turn in their and keep fishing,” he said.

The California swordfish catch co-sponsor of the bill, said nets and permits in exchange Enticknap added is relatively small, bringing in she plans to reintroduce the for money to help them buy sustainably caught fish can about $1 million per year. next session’s legislation.

Progressive Groups Mobilize to Protest Pro-Trump Chaos in D.C. dangerous,” Das contended.

“And it’s laying the groundwork for ongoing attacks on elections and the fascists’ re-seizure of power. We call this a fascist coup because that’s what it is.”

Demonstrations popped up in many cities across the U.S. on Wednesday. The group calls on people to take to the streets today, asking them to bang pots and pans at downtown locations at 5:00 p.m. local time, to demand President Trump step down.

Indivisible also released a statement calling on Congress to impeach Trump once again, remove him from office and disqualify him from Anti-Trump protestors unfurled a banner over Interstate 110, a Los Angeles-area freeway, on ever holding office again.

Wednesday. (refusefascism.org) In a video message,

By Desert Star Staff Donald Trump from office. electoral votes in favor of President Trump called on SAN FRANCISCO -On Wednesday, the President-elect Joe Biden. supporters to go home peacefully, but he continued to Progressive groups call for president held a rally.

With the group Refuse claim the election was rigged. mass protests across the Afterward, thousands of Fascism, Coco Das thinks Das believes too many nation at 5:00 p.m. today, his supporters stormed Trump has been calling for what people have stood by thus where they say activists the U.S. Capitol building amounts to a coup for months. will contact for immediate in an attempt to stop the “Whether or not it far, ignoring the threats posed by some people who action to remove President official acceptance of states’ succeeds, it’s extremely

believe the false claims.

“In the first few hours of an attempted coup, which is what this was, what the people do is really important, and if we don’t stand up and oppose it, then anything is possible,” Das asserted. “But if we do stand up and oppose it, the same is true; anything is possible. Trump could be forced to resign tomorrow.”

On Wednesday in Los Angeles, protesters draped an anti-Trump banner above an overpass in downtown Los Angeles, while a car caravan circled City Hall in San Francisco.

Some protesters voiced fear President Trump will try to invoke the Insurrection Act and declare martial law.

Others ask leaders to invoke the 25th Amendment to declare President Trump unfit for office and replace him with Vice President Mike Pence, until Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20.

Anti-Corruption Measure Depends on Senate Override of Vetoed Defense Bill

By Desert Star Staff SACRAMENTO, Calif.

- The most sweeping antimoney-laundering reform in decades could die this week, depending on whether the U.S. Senate can override President Donald Trump’s veto of the defense spending bill.

The Corporate Transparency Act, part of the larger National Defense Authorization Act, would require shell companies to declare the name of any person with a significant ownership stake.

Clark Gascoigne, the senior policy advisor for the

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Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition, said criminals use anonymous shell companies to launder hundreds of billions of dollars a year through the U.S. economy.

“A host of bad actors utilize these anonymous shell companies to carry out their crimes and launder the proceeds with impunity,” he said, “and for the first time ever, we’re going to be putting an end to that.”

He said American shell companies are routinely used by rogue nations to undermine national security and evade

sanctions. They’re also used by corrupt individuals to avoid taxes or pay bribes and human traffickers and drug cartels to conceal their crimes.

Gascoigne added that the United Kingdom and the European Union already require this kind of corporate transparency, so the United States is playing catch-up.

“We’re the easiest place right now, according to several academic studies, to set up an anonymous company to launder your wealth,” he said. “Now that we’re moving forward, we’re going to be able to push other countries January 8, 2021

to clean up their act.”

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., who chairs the House Financial Services Committee, has championed this legislation and pushed to have it included in the defense bill. Trump vetoed the

defense bill because it also includes stripping the names of Confederate generals from some U.S. military bases. He also wants Congress to add a provision to make social media companies liable for their users’ comments.

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‘Bail him Now!’ Roger Waters says after judge rejects extradition

By Desert Star Staff Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters has demanded the immediate release of Julian Assange after a UK judge declined a US extradition request, telling RT the WikiLeaks founder’s battle is far from over as Washington’s eyes an appeal.

“Let the man begin to live,” Waters said in an interview with RT on Monday, insisting Assange must be freed from custody at London’s maximum-security Belmarsh

Prison without delay, hours after Judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled against extradition for the anti-secrecy activist.

“We, [Assange’s] supporters, have to be saying ‘Bail. You have to bail him now.’

He’s suffered way beyond any suffering that should’ve been meted out to him for his one small bail infringement, which is his only crime under UK law. So bail him now.”

While Waters said he was heartened by the “scenes of jubilation” outside the Old

optimism, the rockstar said a US appeal could drag out Assange’s case for “at least another couple of years,” while predicting that Baraitser would not grant him, Bail.

“She claims he’s a flight risk… She’ll give all the usual reasons. The real reason is, of course, are they want to keep him confined until he dies.

That’s what they’re hoping for,” Waters said, adding that while Baraitser declined extradition, she nonetheless “judged that the whole US case against Assange was correct, legally, that the United States won the argument.”

“So let us not run away with the idea that somehow she found that Julian Assange was innocent of Bailey courthouse following the charges brought against the decision, he noted it was him by the United States.” “equally sobering” to see Waters said the implications that the United States had of Assange’s case extend far already filed an appeal “within beyond one journalist’s freedom, minutes of the judgment.” saying it symbolizes a “battle “This is clearly a delaying for the survival of the human tactic,” he said of the ruling, adding that lawyers representing race” and the Fourth Estate’s future around the world.

Washington “obviously” knew “If we allow the United of the judge’s plan to deny States government to crucify a extradition “because they have journalist because he revealed coached Judge Baraitser all war crimes by them, then we the way through the entire… give up our access to the real kangaroo court in London.” world. We say ‘OK, we will Further cautioning against

believe what you tell us,’” he said, adding that corporate media outlets continue to wage “a very, very powerful propaganda campaign” to “smear Julian Assange.”

After spending some seven years under political asylum at Ecuador’s embassy in London – where he stayed amid fears Washington would charge and extradite him over WikiLeaks’ publication of classified material – Assange’s protected status was revoked in 2019 following a new president’s rise to power in that country.

He was arrested by UK authorities almost immediately afterward on a years-old bailskipping charge, prompting the US Department of Justice to unseal an 18-count indictment alleging that Assange conspired to “hack” military computers to obtain confidential records, including the 2007 ‘Collateral Murder’ video, which shows a US Apache helicopter gunning down a crowd of civilians in Baghdad, among them two Reuters journalists. He has since awaited extradition in the Belmarsh Prison, where he remains even after the US request was shot down. A bail application is expected to be made on Wednesday.

Chicago Teachers Union Refuses In-Person Learning

By Desert Star Staff CHICAGO -- Members of the Chicago Teachers Union refuse to follow the Chicago Public School system’s order for pre-kindergarten and individual special-education teachers to come into school in person this week, with their students to follow next week.

Citing a new surge of COVID-19 cases and concerns that more are on the way following the New Year’s holiday, many teachers stayed home or worked outside their schools on the cold Monday and plan to continue teaching online until buildings are safe for them and their students.

Sadlowski Elementary School music teacher Quentin Washington is one of them.

“They’re asking us to step into the buildings, unprepared, ill-equipped, no testing mandates. And it’s just not fair to our students.

It’s not fair to our school communities,” Washington said.

Union members say the fear of losing their jobs is real - and many teachers in

Chicago Public Schools are the sole or primary income earners in their households.

But they say the fear of the coronavirus for their students and families is more significant.

School and city officials say online learning disproportionately hurts Black and Latino kids and teens, who make up 90% of the district’s students. But Brentano Elementary preschool teacher Kirsten Roberts noted more Black and Latino families have been opting to stay online. In contrast, a higher proportion of white families want to return to school.

“They’re destroying remote for the many to force an unsafe reopening in-person learning plan for the few,” Roberts said.

The Teachers Union is clear this is not a strike - members plan to continue teaching virtually and communicate with their students, families and colleagues. More than 30 aldermen on the Chicago City Council signed a letter amplifying the safety and equity concerns.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

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Desert Star Weekly Legals PUBLIC NOTICE

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2021 and end on January 28, 2021 for interested individuals and public agencies to submit written comments on the document. Any written comments on the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration must be received at the above address within the public review period. You may email comments to the following address: pvillagomez@cityofdhs. org Copies of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration are available for review on the City’s website: www.cityofdhs.org. Copies of the Initial Study can also be provided by mail by contacting Ms. Villagomez. PUBLIC MEETING: This matter has been set for public hearing before the Planning Commission on February 09, 2021. Publish January 8, 2021. DSW21-5009

CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION G. GUILD CANNABIS CULTIVATION PROJECT LEAD AGENCY: City of Desert Hot Springs 11999 Palm Drive Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 CONTACT PERSON: Patricia Villagomez, Associate Planner PROJECT TITLE: G. Guild Cannabis Cultivation Project PROJECT LOCATION: The Project site is located on an empty parcel (Lot 3), with Palomar Lane on the north, Cabot Road on the east, 15th Avenue on the south, and Little Morongo Road on the west in the City of Desert Hot Springs, California (Assessor’s Parcel No.: 665-070-006) PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed Project is a 3,992 square foot cannabis cultivation facility on 0.29 acres of vacant, undeveloped land. The proposed Project consists of the construction of a new 3,992 square foot metal building for cannabis cultivation, a gravel parking area and landscaping as well as accessory structures including chain link fence and gate. FINDINGS / DETERMINATION: The City has reviewed and considered the proposed project and has determined that any potentially significant impacts can be mitigated to a less than significant level. The City hereby prepares and proposes to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for this project. PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: The public review period for the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, will commence on January 8,

information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed MOHAMMAD- -MAQSOOD. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/31/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202013494. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI- SEQ., BUSINES SAND PROFESSIONS CODE).

NESS AS MS SUPPLY COMPANY, 13535 BRYSON Publish January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2021 DSW21-5008 AVE., EASTVALE, CA 92880. Riverside County.

Full name of registrant MARK STEVE SESSIONS, FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE 13535 BRYSON AVE., EASTVALE, CA 92880. FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSIBusiness is conducted by INDIVIDUAL. Registrant NESS AS: DEVIL VAPES, 1651 VIA GALICIA ST, commenced to transact business under the ficti- CORONA, CA 92881. Riverside County. Full name tious business name(s) listed above on 02/2014. of registrant: ALMUZIAN GROUP LLC, 1651 VIA I declare that all the information in this statement GALICIA ST, CORONA, CA 92881/CA. Business is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as is conducted by: LIMITED LIABILTY COMPANY. true, information which he or she knows to be false, Registrant has not yet begun to transact business is guilty of a crime) Signed MARK STEVE SES- under the fictitious business name(s) listed above.

SIONS. This statement was filed with the County I declare that all the information in this statement is Clerk of Riverside County on 12/14/2020. Peter true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. information which he or she knows to be false, is R-202012796. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSI- guilty of a crime) Signed: OMAR ALAALDIN ALMUNESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS ZIAN, MANAGING MEMBER. This statement was FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS December 4, 2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202012445 NOTICE — BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATE- THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINES SAND OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHOPROFESSIONS CODE). Publish January 8, 15, 22, RIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS 29, 2021 DSW21-5010 BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI- BUSINESSAND PROFESSIONS CODE). January 1, NESS AS ASIL TRANSPORTATION, 139 TAMARISK 8, 15, 22, 2021 DSW20-5007 RD APT2, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262. Riverside County; 139 TAMARISK RD APT2, PALM SPRINGS, FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE CA 92262. Full name of registrant MOHAMMAD- FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI-MAQSOOD, 139 TAMARISK RD APT2, PALM NESS AS RAND AUTO SALES, 3603 GEARY PL, SPRINGS, CA 92262. Business is conducted by RIVERISIDE, CA 92501. Riverside County. Full name INDIVIDUAL. Registrant commenced to transact of registrant DEEA ALI ALOBAID, 3603 GEARY PL, business under the fictitious business name(s) RIVERISIDE, CA 92501. Business is conducted by listed above on 08/15/2020. I declare that all the INDIVIDUAL. Registrant commenced to transact

Make Managing Eczema Easier

By Desert Star Staff More than 30 million Americans, including nearly 10 million children, have eczema, the umbrella term for a group of noncontagious, inflammatory and painful skin conditions marked by an itchy, rash-like appearance.

Because one of the most

challenging aspects of eczema can be its unpredictability, the National Eczema Association (NEA), designed an app to help people and parents easily track what’s important and make sense of it.

The app, called EczemaWise, aims to revolutionize how people

living with the condition manage it with a faster, more efficient tracking system that helps uncover trends and makes preparing for doctors’ appointments easier.

People with eczema tend to have an overreactive immune system that produces inflammation on the skin when

PUBLIC NOTICE

January 8, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/03/2020. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed DEEA ALI ALOBAID. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/03/2020. Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202012362. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT 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., BUSINES SAND PROFESSIONS CODE).

Publish January 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021 DSW21-5006

County. Full name of registrant STEVEN- -ALONGE, 64329 SILVER STAR AVE, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. Business is conducted by INDIVIDUAL. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 01/01/1991. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as true, information which he or she knows to be false, is guilty of a crime) Signed STEVEN- -ALONGE. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Riverside County on 12/02/2020.

Peter Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. R-202012306. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINES THE FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING SAND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish December BUSINESS AS AMERICA’S FINEST PLUMBING 18, 25, 2020, January 1, 8, 2021 DSW20-5205 COMPANY; AFPC PALM SPRINGS, 2504 SHORE KING AVE., THERMAL CA 92274. Riverside County. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE Full name of registrant JOSE JESUS NARANJO, FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI2504 SHORE KING AVE, THERMAL, CA 92274. NESS AS: CLAYTON LEGACY, 14086 KNOWLBusiness is conducted by INDIVIDUAL. Registrant WOOD COURT, EASTVALE, CA 92880. Riverside commenced to transact business under the fictitious County. Full name of registrant: TRUDY ERICKA DE business name(s) listed above on 09/15/2020. I VERA, 14086 KNOWLWOOD COURT, EASTVALE, declare that all the information in this statement CA 92880. Business is conducted by: INDIVIDUAL. is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares Registrant has not yet begun to transact business as true, information which he or she knows to be under the fictitious business name(s) listed above. false, is guilty of a crime) Signed JOSE JESUS I declare that all the information in this statement NARANJO. This statement was filed with the County is true and correct. (A registrant, who declares as Clerk of Riverside County on 12/09/2020. Peter true, information which he or she knows to be false, Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. is guilty of a crime) Signed: VINCENT- -MUNOZ III. R-202012668. NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSI- This statement was filed with the County Clerk of NESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS Riverside County on November 25, 2020. Peter FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE Aldana, Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder File No. OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS R-202012164 NOTICE — THIS FICTITIOUS BUSIBUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED NESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATE- FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE MENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER BEFORE THAT TIME. THE FILING OF THIS STATEUNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW MENT DOES NOT ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINES SAND THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish January 1, 8, 15, IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER 22, 2021 DSW21-5000 UNDER FEDERAL, STATE OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411, ET. SEQ., BUSINESSAND FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE PROFESSIONS CODE). December 18, 25, 2020, FOLLOWING PERSON(S) IS (ARE) DOING BUSI- January 1, 8, 2021 DSW20-5204 NESS AS REALTY COACH, 66350 PIERSON BLVD #A, DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240. Riverside

triggered by a substance outside or inside the body, such as food or pollen, along with factors like stress and sleep. Experts say tracking and recording symptoms and possible triggers is key to managing the condition, but it can be time-consuming, and many people struggle to keep thorough notes in journals or on their smartphones.

“One of the best things out there to help keep track of your child’s eczema is EczemaWise because it’s so easy to use,” said Aisha Bryant, mother of a 3-year-old with eczema. “Within a few days of using it, I was able to identify that tomato sauce was causing my daughter to flare.”

The app can help track nine different disease and care factors, including: • Itch intensity on a scale of 0-10 • Pain on a scale of 0-10 • Skin symptoms using a body map to note affected areas • Stress on a scale of 0-10 • Sleep problems on a scale of 0-10 • Weather, which auto-

populates using your location • Triggers, which track exposure to materials such as metals, chemicals, irritants and environmental allergies • Diet with tracking of water intake and foods • Treatments logged by time of day The free app, which is available for Android and iOS as well as a web app, is designed to identify trends and patterns so people and their doctors can better determine the most effective treatments. NEA recommends tracking a minimum of three times each week – and ideally daily – though people can log as many or as few factors as they like. App users can also print their health data to share at doctors’ appointments.

“Using EczemaWise will empower patients with eczema,” said dermatologist Eric L. Simpson, MD. “The app allows them to communicate a much broader story about their disease than we can typically capture in a 15-minute visit.”

For more information, visit EczemaWise.org.

Family Features

WHO says 22 European countries have new Covid-19 variant

By Desert Star Staff The WHO’s regional director for Europe has warned that European nations are at a dangerous point in the pandemic and has called on leaders to “intensify” their efforts to tackle the virus.

“We remain in the grip of Covid-19 as cases surge across Europe and we tackle new challenges brought by the mutating virus,” said Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional chief for Europe.

This moment represents a tipping point in the course of the pandemic.

Kluge added that the

new variant of the virus, which might be up to 70 percent more transmissible, has already been detected in 22 European countries.

The regional boss says it is necessary for European leaders to once again “intensify” their fight against the virus.

“The virus is getting better... and we need to do that too,” added Catherine Smallwood, a senior emergency officer at the WHO, explaining that bringing down transmission must be the priority.

Despite the already anticipated cases number bleak forecast, Kluge said he to continue to increase,

noting the impact of family gatherings at Christmas

and falling test numbers over the festive period.

Keep Kids Safe From Medicines Around the House This Flu Season

By Desert Star Staff During the cold and flu season and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be more medicines in homes being used to treat all kinds of symptoms. It is important to remember that you can keep curious kids safe by keeping medicine up and away and out of sight and reach.

Approximately 50,000 young children are brought to the emergency room each year because they got into medicines left within reach, according to recent statistics published in the Journal of American Medical Association. This cold and flu season could present some additional hazards.

“Families with their curious children are spending more time at home together to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

It’s imperative that all medicines are kept up and away and out of sight and reach to avoid accidental ingestion and

an unnecessary trip to the emergency room,” says Anita Brikman, executive director of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Educational Foundation.

The Up and Away campaign, an initiative of PROTECT, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Educational Foundation, aims to prevent accidental ingestion of medicine by educating families about how to safely keep medicine out of the sight and reach of young children. They’re advising parents and caregivers to follow these tips this cold and flu season and beyond: • One-half of exposures involve children accessing medications that had previously been removed from original packaging, according to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics. Whether you’re at

home or away, keep medicines in child-resistant containers.

If you must put medicines in other containers, such as pill organizers, only do so if they’re child-resistant.

• Never leave loose pills on the counter or tables and keep medicines in child-resistant containers until right before taking them. To a young child, pills can look like candy, and it’s important to keep them out of children’s reach and sight.

• Keep young children safe by putting all medicines carried with you, including those in purses, bags, pockets, or pill organizers, out of their sight and reach.

• More than 80% of grandparents say they keep their medication in the same place as usual when their grandchildren visit their house, and 72% keep them in their purse or bag when they visit their grandchildren, according to a University of Michigan poll.

Whether you’re a grandparent or another visitor to a home with children, don’t be shy about asking for a safe place to put your medicines (including those kept in purses, bags or pockets) that’s out of reach and sight of curious young kids.

• Save the Poison Help number: 1-800-222-1222, in your home and cell phones so you’re always prepared. Make

sure that babysitters, older children and frequent family visitors have the number too in case there’s an emergency when they’re in charge.

For more medicine safety tips, visit UpandAway.org.

This cold and flu season and year-round, keep children safe by always putting medicine out of sight and reach. StatePoint

Martin Luther King Day is a Peace in The Streets Global Film Festival

By Desert Star Staff Rancho Mirage, CA... It’s traditional for the last seven years Peace in the Streets Global Film Festival (PSGFF) open for submissions of its next annual awards on Martin Luther King’s birthday, January 15.

It’s no different in 2021.

Entries are invited to begin to submit entries at https:// psgff.org, starting January15.

That’s just one month after the 2020 Peace in the Streets Global Film Festivals 7th Annual Awards were presented on UN TV as the closing event of the UN 75 festivities.

Additionally, as of 12/26/20 and throughout 2021, the 2020 PSGFF Awards began airing at 11 AM on Saturday morning on Cannella Media in the greater Southern California area.

They may also be viewed on YouTube, https://www. youtube.com/c/Psgff/featured.

The UN has 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). In line with these goals, the PSGFF has an SDG awards category.

The SDG Special Winner is New Stress submitted by Mahiro Saito and Kotomi Hosokawa of Japan.

In the SDG age 9 to 13 category, the winners are: 1st place- Let’s All Be Good Neighbors by the Villanueva Siblings of Mexico 2nd place Going Clean

by Tha Dah Si of the US 3rd place- Crystal Clear

by Rocco Cerosoli of the US Honorable MentionTrashy Pollution by Jack O’Hara of the US In the SDG age 14-18 category, the winners are: - Into The Woods by Charlotte Xu of the US - Growing a Better Future Through Composting

by Maria Nero of the US - Trashing the Roles by Isabelle Mullen of India In the PSGFF 8 and under the category, the winners are: 1st place- Spirit of Love

by Pause and Play of Kenya 2nd place- Peace Justice for All by the Vilendrer Girls of the US

also, Power of Sound from India In the PSGFF age 9 to 13 category, winners are: 1st place- This Light of Mine by Kate Baird of the US 2nd place- Girl: New Labels

by Yara Alkhader of Jordan 3rd place- Together Every Time by Pause and Play of Kenya and Honorable Mentions to Empathy Rocks by Jasmine Martoglio of the US and You can achieve anything, just believe it! by Stavroula Georgali of Greece In the PSGFF age 14 to 18 category, the winners are: 1st place- Privileged by Leandro de Armas of the US 2nd place- Peace is it Even Possible by Ravjee Sing Jolly of South Africa 3rd place- Let the Music Begin by Anna Victoria Villanueva of Mexico and Honorable Mentions for Dream to Live by Tallertellekids of Spain, What Does Peace Mean to Me by Dene

Walker of South Africa, and Stop Violence

by Zimbabwe Camps of Zimbabwe.

This year due to the worldwide pandemic, a Covid-19 category was added; winners are: In the 14-18 age group: 1st place- When Reality Strikes by Vinay Rai of India In the 9-13 age group: 1st place Quarantine Memories by the Villanueva Siblings of Mexico 2nd place Dream for Today and Tomorrow by Mara and Andrei Ilie of Romania 3rd place- Papermate

by Anya Figert of the US And in the 8 and under age group 1st place award goes to Stay Home Stay Safe

by Vinay Rai of India.

This year’s Peacemaker Corps Assn PLURAL + Winners are: It’s not an obligation, it’s respect by Andressa Colin Barbosa of Brazil, and We all deserve respect by Jose

Alejandro Herrera of Mexico.

“What are our youth thinking and feeling during this time of a global pandemic, international protests and uncertain future? You might be surprised at their thoughtprovoking questions and commentary,” explained Carole Sumner Krechman.

“It’s been said that a picture is worth 1,000 words,” Carole continued. “While we have received over 1,000 entries from 30 countries on six continents over the seven years, no film has expressed anger. They are all works of art,…thoughtful and intelligent.”

Youth 18 and under are invited to make a 1- to 5-minute video relating what Peace in the Streets means to them. Films can be made on any device: phones, tablets, or video cameras. These films will be judged by their message, not technical skills.

PSGFF has given global youth a voice by providing them with filmmaking and storytelling skills, and technical tools.

Facebook extends the Trump account ban for at least 2 weeks Continued from Page 1

together to ensure Biden is inaugurated in a way that “pass[es] peacefully and in accordance with established democratic norms.”

The social media behemoth removed or labeled several of Trump’s posts on Wednesday as his supporters stormed the Capitol, dubbing them incitements to violence. If he was allowed to continue posting, Zuckerberg implied, Trump would www.desertstarweekly.com

only continue pushing his supporters over the edge.

While Zuckerberg acknowledged his platform has previously allowed Trump and other controversial figures to post objectionable material, insisting the public “has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech,” he claimed“the current context is now fundamentally different” — with less than a month left in Trump’s term.

The president had repeatedly vowed to strip

Facebook and its ilk of their section 230 legal liability protection, but with less than three weeks left in office, that possibility is all but moot.

The blanket, open-ended censorship of Trump represents something of a philosophical departure for Zuckerberg, who had argued back in March that Facebook “shouldn’t be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online” even as his employees complained the platform was giving the president too free a hand.

January 8, 2021

Wednesday’s riots saw four people killed, including Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran shot by a police officer while trying to break through a door inside the Capitol.

Three others died what police termed “medical emergencies.”

While authorities were well aware that a sizeable proTrump contingent planned to march on Washington that day, with even the president calling for a “wild” protest, they were puzzlingly unprepared, issuing last-minute calls

for neighboring states to send in their National Guard after much of the damage had already been done.

As the chaos unfolded, Trump eventually urged his determined fans to “go home now,” because “we have to have peace.” His encouragement to “remember this day forever” was seen by some as an endorsement of the mob’s actions in disrupting the counting of Electoral College votes, however.

DesertSTAR

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Photos courtesy of Getty Images

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FAMILY FEATURES

lifelong diagnosis like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may feel overwhelming and confusing, but by working closely with your health care providers, you can work toward managing the disease and improving your quality of life.

Consider these recommendations from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to partner with your health care team to manage your IBD.

Be Upfront About Your Symptoms

Being honest with your doctor about your symptoms is an important first step in your journey with your IBD diagnosis. Oftentimes, this starts by sharing exactly what you are experiencing on a daily or even weekly basis, such as frequency of bathroom visits, pain, blood in your stool or fatigue, so your health care team can gain a better understanding of how you are feeling. One way to help ensure you’re managing your diagnosis properly is to keep a journal, which offers a simple way to track if symptoms have improved or worsened since your last visit and help you remember questions that may arise. If you find it difficult to discuss certain topics, practice talking about these issues with a friend or family member before appointments and consider bringing a loved one to appointments for support.

Work with Your Health Care Team to Set Goals

Goals, or targets, will be different for every patient based on the type of disease, severity, progression and a variety of other factors. Finding the right IBD treatment can take time, so it’s important to balance your present priorities. Start by taking an honest approach to your personal preferences regarding medications. Consider if you have time in your

schedule for lengthy infusions. Or perhaps you prefer administering selfinjections. You may have short-term goals, such as attending a family wedding in two months, as well as long-term goals related to the future course of your disease, like reducing IBD inflammation and achieving remission, which is considered mucosal healing. This process is often called “treat-to-target” in the medical community and helps avoid complications and minimizes long-term disease risks as much as possible.

This goal-oriented approach to managing IBD is much like setting a target and trying to hit the bullseye. It can’t be done by your provider alone; you need to be an active partner in the goal-setting discussion.

Providing clarity to your health care professionals regarding personal preferences and your short- and long-term goals like a desire to get pregnant, to travel, to decrease stress and anxiety, gain self-care skills or to return to school can keep the entire team on the same page.

Make Decisions Together by Acting as an Effective Partner

Asking questions is the first step toward creating an effective partnership with your health care team. You can start by seeking an understanding of which diagnostic tests are important for you to undergo. Decide together which steps should be taken now and which you should aim for in the future. Be willing to learn each part of the process, including treatment options, potential risks and benefits.

It may take some time before you see any progress made toward achieving your goal. Certain treatments may take some time to work.

Review any external factors that may impact the effectiveness of your treatment. Talk to your doctor about adjusting treatments and consider changing your targets if available treatments are not helping you reach your goals.

Find more advice for effectively partnering with your physician to manage IBD at crohnscolitisfoundation.org.

Practice Self-Care

In addition to medical treatments and procedures, patients should practice self-care and seek help from mental health professionals when necessary. IBD patients are at greater risk for anxiety and depression than the general public, according to research published in “Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics,” so it’s important to address these issues when they arise. Simple strategies to tackle IBD one day at a time include planning the night before for the day ahead, allowing yourself extra time in the morning and scheduling time in your day for rest. To relieve stress and anxiety, consider low-impact exercises, such as yoga, walking, biking or swimming, techniques like meditation and mindfulness or diaphragmatic breathing, also known as deep breathing or belly breathing. These complementary therapies can help improve your mental health and emotional well-being.

Along with your own self-care, it’s important to be willing to admit when you need help. For some, this may include reaching out to a mental health professional. A therapist, such as a clinical psychologist or licensed social worker can help you work through sadness, uncertainty and anxiety – emotions common for many patients with IBD. Visits may be short-term or can be longer, if needed. Effective therapy allows patients to practice the coping strategies learned between visits. Mental health therapists may also provide assignments to reinforce what is discussed during visits. Build your support system and seek guidance from mental health professionals if you ever feel as though the burden of your diagnosis is too heavy to carry alone.

In the past, health care providers managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients focused on how their patients were feeling in the moment. They worked toward fixing active symptoms and tailored treatment plans specifically to address those symptoms.

Today, providers are moving toward tailoring treatment to address individual patient needs and helping them achieve remission. This approach, known as “treat-to-target,” works to improve IBD care and outcomes by encouraging patients to partner with their health care teams to identify specific treatment goals and monitor progress toward those goals.

While clinical remission (absence of symptoms) is one level of success in managing IBD, the treat-to-target approach is geared toward achieving mucosal healing, when no active inflammation is seen during a colonoscopy, and histologic remission, when there is no active inflammation seen at the tissue level. Achieving these levels of mucosal healing or histologic remission generally results in a lower risk of flares, fewer surgeries, lower reliance on steroids and reduced hospitalizations.

Providers adopting the treat-to-target method are likely to work with their patients to consider the risk of developing complications in the future and tailor treatment recommendations based on the disease activity and severity, patient’s genetic makeup and anticipated risk.

It’s a more proactive approach than the traditional reactive treatment style as it emphasizes the importance of looking toward the future to avoid complications of the disease and minimize risks.

To achieve a patient’s goals, a provider regularly checks to make sure the patient is responding to the strategy at certain intervals. Both diagnostic and prognostic, or predictive, tests help physicians assess progress against a target. Common tests include endoscopic procedures, radiologic scans and diagnostic and predictive biomarkers.

If tests do not demonstrate sufficient improvement, additional evaluation or treatment adjustments may be advised to provide the right drug to the right patient at the right time for treatments tailored to the individual.

Goals depend on multiple factors and variables, but the anticipated outcome is an improved quality of life for patients managing IBD. Under the treat-to-target method, goals are a mutual decision between the doctor and patient. Goals must be measurable and include a realistic treatment plan.

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January 8, 2021

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