VOICE & VIEWPOINT'S 12TH ANNUAL GALA!
By Helen M. Ofield
WRITER
CONTRIBUTING
A lavish dinner, stirring entertainment, touching awardees, a lovely setting in the Liberty Station Conference Center, and, not least, elegantly garbed guests, characterized the 12th Annual Gala in support of a great newspaper, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
The San Diego Chapter of the historic Buffalo Soldiers opened the show by presenting the colors. Then the audi-
ence rose to sing the stirring Black National Anthem by the American poet James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938).
The dynamic singer, Lisa Payton Harris, set the tone with “A Change is Gonna Come” and, later, tore up the room with “Feeling Good.”
“Are you feeling good!?” queried Latanya West, the paper’s Managing Editor, to wild applause.
See GALA pages 8-9
DC BLACK CHURCH WINS TRADEMARK BATTLE AGAINST PROUD BOYS
AP News reported on Monday, February 3rd, that a judge awarded a historic Black church in Washington control over the Proud Boys trademark after the far-right group defaulted on a $2.8 million judgment.
See TRADEMARK page 2
COMPANIES DITCHING DEI—WHO MADE THE LIST?
Since Jan. 20th this year, the Trump Presidency has been acting on plans to wipe out Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programming from companies. In light of the Buy Black Initiative, a movement aimed at supporting Black-owned businesses, some companies like Costco remain steadfast in their DEI efforts while other companies have decided to take Trump’s heed.
Keith Boykin wrote in an essay for Word in Black “the impact of Trump’s attack will be felt far
beyond the federal workforce. The federal government influences the private workforce by dictating rules for federal contractors and serving as a model for best practices for private employers.”
And the list continues to grow.
Here are some of the companies that have discontinued their DEI programs:
• Target: In January 2025, Target announced the discontinuation of its DEI initiatives, including the
Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) program, which aimed to invest over $2 billion with Blackowned businesses by the end of 2025.
• Walmart: The world’s largest retailer decided in November 2024 not to renew a fiveyear commitment to a racial equity center established in 2020. Walmart also ended its participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
See DEI page 2
ALTADENA AFTER EATON: A MEXICAN FAMILY’S FUTURE JEOPARDIZED AFTER A HUNDRED YEARS ON THE LAND
By Emma Fox
Just a few nights before their lives changed forever, Ricardo Mejia and his fiancée Camila took an evening stroll through their neighborhood in Altadena, California. Camila admired the beautiful flowers in her neighbor’s yards and takes mental notes as she plans out her own garden. Now, a few weeks after Los Angeles’ Eaton Fire burned down the very same block, Camila thinks back to that walk. She thinks of those gardens and all the neighbors who planted them, and who are going through the struggle she and her fiancé are experiencing now.
WRITER
See ALTADENA page 2
14 Calif. Neighborhoods Where Black Businesses and Culture Thrived
By
The firestorms that ravaged Southern California have drawn attention to historically Black communities like Altadena, one of the first areas in Los Angeles County where Black families could buy homes during the Great Migration.
Before the fire, Altadena’s Black population was 18% with a Black homeownership rate of nearly 81% — more than double the state rate of about 36.6%.
For Black History Month, California Black Media explores 14 other historically Black neighborhoods that thrived in the Golden State despite numerous challenges.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list.
1. Allensworth (Tulare County) – Founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth and four other Black settlers, Allensworth was California’s first and only town established and governed by African Americans. However, Allensworth’s livelihood depended on a railroad company and water supply company. Eventually, the railroad company stopped service to the town and the water company cut off the town’s water supply, leading most residents to relocate. Many of the town’s original buildings have been restored.
2. North Richmond (Contra Costa County) –Developed during World War II, North Richmond attracted Black workers to Kaiser Shipyards. One of the first downtown Black owned businesses was O.B. Freeman’s Shoeshine on Macdonald Avenue which became a popular gathering place for Black motor-bikers.
See NEIGHBORHOODS page 2
Edward Henderson CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA
Rev. William H. Lamar IV, Pastor at the historic Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal Church. PHOTO: Courtesy of FAMU’s A&M Magazine
Ricardo Mejia and his fiancée Camila. PHOTS: Courtesy of The Mejia Family
ARTICLE CONTINUATION
TRADEMARK
The Monday ruling in D.C. Superior Court grants rights to the trademark of the group’s name to the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church and bars the Proud Boys members from selling any merchandise with its name or symbols without the church’s consent. The ruling also allows the church to try to seize any money made from selling the group’s merchandise.
Founded in 1838, the church interior houses a rich tapestry of African American history and African art dating back to the 1800s. African American reformer, abolitionist, and statesman, Frederick Douglass, was among the giants of African Americans in history who were members of the church. Metropolitan A.M.E. is a fixture in Washington D.C.’s African American community.
The church filed the lawsuit to try to recoup damages from vandalism made by group mem-
NEIGHBORHOODS
3. Oak Park (Sacramento County) – One of Sacramento’s oldest Black neighborhoods, Oak Park grew due to the lack of racial covenants that restricted Black land ownership during the Great Depression. It became a hub of Black culture and entrepreneurship. For example, renowned culinary artist George Dunlap opened a string of restaurants in the area, including Dunlap’s Dining Room, known for its Southern cooking.
4. West Oakland (Alameda County) – A major center for Black migration during WWII, known for its jazz scene and civil rights activism. The neighborhood was home to the Black Panther Party headquarters and a center of Black commerce and entertainment in the 1940s and 1950s. Seventh Street served as the cultural hub of the area and was lined with Black-owned businesses, including Slim Jenkin’s Place, one of the most popular jazz clubs in the area attracting big names like B.B King, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington.
5. South Berkeley (Alameda County) – Black families moved to South Berkeley during the Great Migration for jobs at shipyards and railroad companies. In 1948, William Byron Rumford Sr.
• Meta (formerly Facebook): In early January 2025, Meta ended its DEI program that prioritized diverse hiring, training, and vendor selection.
• McDonald s: The fast-food giant announced in January 2025 that it would end some of its DEI practices, citing the Supreme Court’s decision to ban Affirmative Action in 2023.
• Ford: In August 2024, Ford announced changes to its DEI initiatives, including withdrawing from the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
• Harley-Davidson: The motorcycle manufacturer announced in August 2024 that it would end its participation in the Corporate Equality Index and no longer have supplier diversity spending goals.
bers after a December 2020 pro-Donald Trump rally. Black Lives Matter banners were torn down and burned at two churches, including Metropolitan African Methodist. There were also violent clashes between opposing protesters and arrests were made that night.
The church lawsuit called the actions on Dec. 12, 2020 “acts of terror” and said they were meant to intimidate the members of the church.
In an appearance on MSNBC’s Katie Phang show on February 8th, Rev. William H. Lamar IV, Pastor at the Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal Church, had a few words to say about this legal victory.
“I believe that the Proud Boys thought we would roll over, that we would play dead. What they did not know is that we stand in the tradition of Elizabeth Freidman…Ida B. Wells Barnett…Ella Joe Baker, who said, “If the light is lifted up, the people will follow.” And what we want to remind people with our victory is that the light of victory lives in each and every one of us.”
became the first African American elected to a state public office when he won an Assembly seat. Rumford owned a pharmacy on Sacramento Street, which was a hub for the Black community.
6. Bayview-Hunters Point (San Francisco County) – During WWII, the establishment of Hunters Point Naval Shipyard attracted an influx of African American workers. Around that time, 59% of the neighborhood’s population was Black. The area, which has a rich history of activism, remains the neighborhood with the highest concentration of Black San Franciscans.
7. Seaside (Monterey County) – The presence of the Black community in this area grew significantly due to the presence of Fort Ord, a U.S. Army base. By the 1960’s, Seaside had the largest concentration of American Americans between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Over a quarter of Seaside’s population was Black at the time.
8. Watts (Los Angeles County) – Famous for the Watts Towers, the city became a significant hub for Black cultural and political movements. Watts became predominantly Black in the 1940s. War industries were a primary source of employment for new workers coming into Watts. The neighborhood is also known for the Watts Uprising, a series of protests in 1965 mainly opposing police brutality.
The pastor continued, “What we must do is garner our resources and build our inner lives through Community.”
A default judgement was awarded to the church
9. Ladera Heights, View Park and Baldwin Hills (Los Angeles County) – These adjacent neighborhoods are considered some of the wealthiest historically Black communities in the U.S. African Americans were not allowed to live in the area until 1948 when the Supreme Court ruled against racial restrictive covenants. By 1970, residents of the area were 75% Black. Celebrities including Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Nancy Wilson, Michael Cooper, Regina King and Issa Rae have called the area home. Ladera Heights, View Park and Baldwin Hills are often referred to the “Black Beverly Hills.”
10. Leimert Park (Los Angeles County) –|A cultural and artistic center for African Americans, Leimert Park is known for its jazz heritage and Black-owned businesses. The area is home to one of the largest and oldest Juneteenth celebrations in the country.
11. Inglewood (Los Angeles County) – In 1960, only 29 of Inglewood’s population of 63,390 were Black. But by 1980, 56% of the city’s population was Black. “White Flight” from the area during the 1970s sparked the influx of Black residents. In 1983, Edward Vincent Jr. Became Inglewood’s first Black mayor. Inglewood has become a sports and entertainment hub under current mayor James Butts.
• Lowe s: The hardware chain announced in August 2024 that it was consolidating its employee resource groups into one and ending its participation in the Corporate Equality Index.
• John Deere: In July 2024, the agriculture equipment maker announced it would no longer sponsor “social or cultural
awareness” events.
• Tractor Supply: In June 2024, Tractor Supply announced it was discontinuing its DEI efforts, citing conservative backlash online.
• Brown-Forman: The parent company of Jack Daniel’s withdrew from the Corporate Equality Index, among other changes.
in June 2023. After no payments had been made and no responses were filed by the Proud Boys or their representatives, lawyers for the church filed a motion in December seeking rights to the trademark.
12. Southeast San Diego (San Diego County County) – The area is home to Bethel AME Church, the oldest Black church in San Diego, founded in 1887. Before gentrification and redevelopment began to intensify — beginning in the 1970s through the 2000s — the Imperial Avenue Corridor was known as a mini “Black Wall Street.”
13. The Fillmore District (San Francisco County) – Known as the “Harlem of the West,” the Fillmore community in San Francisco became a hub for Black businesses and art after World War II. Many Blacks migrated to the area because it was one of the areas in the city without a racist housing covenant. The Fillmore was renowned for its jazz scene, with famous clubs like Jimbo’s Bop city.
14. Compton (Los Angeles County) - In 1960, Compton’s Black population was 40%, a figure that was around 5% ten years prior. The rise in the area’s Black population was due, in part, to a real estate tactic called “Blockbusting” where real estate agents would induce White homeowners to sell their properties at reduced prices by suggesting Black families were moving into the neighborhood. Then, those agents would sell those homes to Black families at higher prices. In 1969, Compton elected Douglas Dollarhide, the first Black mayor of a major California city.
• Amazon: The e-commerce giant has also scaled back its DEI initiatives, though specific details are limited.
• Boeing: In November 2024, Boeing dismantled its DEI team amid external pressures.
• Nissan: In December 2024, Nissan scaled back its DEI policies following external pressures.
Forbes.com is reporting additional companies have also removed their DEI, however, they are still being vetted. These companies include:
Disney, Chipotle, Comcast, Google Calendar, Pepsi, Intel, PayPal, and Amtrak.
The Voice & Viewpoint will continue to update the list of corporations rolling back their commitment to DEI as this story develops.
Sources: reuters.com, thegrio.com, AP News, NY Times
Ricardo’s family is as Altadenan as they come. The Mejias have lived in the area since it was still part of Mexico. Ricardo’s great-grandfather moved up to the area circa 1914.
“When I met Ricardo, he mentioned his family reunions that they do every year. I always thought that sounded so amazing because I have a large family as well. You know, a lot of Latinos, we come from a big family, but we don’t do an official, yearly reunion,” Camila says. Each year, the Mejia family reunites in Eaton-Blanche Park to celebrate another year well spent together in Altadena.
Ricardo bought his house just minutes from the house he grew up in. With cousins living all over the area as well, Camila says.
“When I started spending time in the neighborhood, just on his block alone, I noticed that the people there had been in their homes for generations.” She continues, “It’s rare to have so many minorities owning homes and businesses and in the last couple of days, we’ve been talking about how this affected the makeup of the town.”
Across the street, Eliot Middle School, which he would walk from in pursuit of baseball cards, was gone too. In fact, every school he went to before college burned down, even his preschool.
Ricardo refers to his father as ‘the family archivist.’
“This is his passion, archiving our family history with his brothers,” he says. Ricardo’s Uncle Alejandro Mejia wrote a book about Ricardo’s great-grandfather, Gregorio.
Back in Gregorio’s era, they called Altadena, “Chihuahuita” as many of its inhabitants hailed from Chihuahua, Mexico. He described the humble beginnings of the town, with its small wooden houses, and residents who made a modest living.
Camila says the settlers took care of their community and grew it, and then a hundred years later “something like this happens, and you start thinking…generations of their families did the groundwork there. Now what’s gonna happen? Are people going to come in and take it? It’s really upsetting just to see a lot of people hurting right now because they’re losing a lot more than a home. It's their family, it’s their memories,” says Camila. Ricardo says that it’s easy for him to say to his neighbors “Don’t leave,” but he knows that many families don’t have the luxury of choice.
He continues, “I’m learning that even if the insurance pays out the maximum amount to rebuild, that money goes to the mortgage company, and they’re gonna zero out the account. So, we’re gonna get what’s left over to rebuild. Which…that’s not gonna be enough. And, there’s some families that own their homes outright. Now they have to take out a construction loan, and now they have a new mortgage.”
Camila expresses her concern over taking on the arduous process of rebuilding just to live with the possibility that it all gets ripped away again.
“Is it safe? And, if we do rebuild, what is the state going to put in place to make sure people’s homes are insured now? Or are they just going to allow people to build, and then not guarantee insurance coverage?”
Ricardo says he had gotten used to fires in the mountains and never paid them much mind. He had faith in the firefighters who had saved the day again and again over the years. On the night the Eaton Fire reached Altadena, the nation realized even its best-funded state for combating wildfires was no match for winds up to 59 mph — what reporters on the ground called ‘fire tornadoes.’
There are so many difficult obstacles that Ricardo and Camila must face now, including the possibility of changing the timeline for their engagement. Donate and help Ricardo get his family back on their feet and provide them more agency to decide what comes next by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ricardomejia-after-eaton-fire
A Washington police vehicle sits outside
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, June 19, 2015.
PHOTO: Andrew Harnik/AP
Mejia Family Reunion at Eaton-Blanche Park. PHOTO: Courtesy of The Mejia Family
WBlack Economic Resistance Still Matters
DOLLAR HAS POWER A TRUMP BLACK HISTORY MONTH
By Kellie Todd Griffin SPECIAL
BLACK MEDIA PARTNERS
e are standing at a crossroads — where our history meets our future. And in this moment, we have to ask ourselves: What would our ancestors do?
Over the last six months, we’ve watched companies quietly step away from their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). And that has left many of us with a hard choice to make because — let’s be real — letting go of our conveniences isn’t easy. But we have never been a people who choose what’s easy over what’s right. Our legacy is built on struggle, on sacrifice, on knowing that real progress doesn’t come without real work.
Almost 70 years ago, the Montgomery Bus Boycott showed us exactly what that work looks like. It wasn’t just about Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat. It was about an entire community coming together —pastors, first ladies, labor leaders, business owners, everyday folks — who said, “Enough.” For 13 months, they walked instead of riding the bus. They organized carpools. They sacrificed their safety, their
Icomfort, and their livelihoods to take a stand. And they won.
That boycott didn’t just desegregate buses. It showed the world the power of Black economic resistance. It hit the city’s transit system where it hurt, forcing real change. And when insurance companies tried to shut them down, they found a way. When taxi drivers were threatened for supporting the movement, they kept going. When the world told them no, they answered with action.
And we’ve seen that same power time and again. In the 1980s, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Operation PUSH took on CocaCola, demanding that the company invest in Black businesses and communities. After just one month of organized pressure, Coca-Cola agreed to funnel millions of dollars into Black-owned enterprises, expand diversity in its workforce, and increase Black representation at the decision-making table.
In the 1990s, Jackson and Glenda Gill did it again — this time with the auto industry. They pushed
By David W. Marshall THE
t is unlikely that we will ever hear Donald Trump mention Heman Bekele by name. Knowing Trump’s character as a man, it would be hard to fathom seeing him properly reference Bekele in public or private conversations.
Heman Bekele is an Ethiopian-born scientist who represents everything Trump and many of his supporters have stood against. Bekele’s story is one of inspiration, truth, and validation. It is a story of hope for the future, innovation of new ideas, and inclusion of “others.” Bekele is young, yet we can all learn from the example of his words and deeds. Bekele has been named Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year. As Time writes, “His accomplishment: inventing a soap that could one day treat and even prevent multiple forms of skin cancer. It may take years before such a product comes to market, but this summer Heman is already spending part of every weekday working in a lab with scientists at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, hoping to bring his dream to fruition.”
Reflecting on his invention, Bekele asked, “What is one universally impactful idea that transcends socioeconomic barriers?” He realized that soap, a product nearly everyone uses for hygiene, could hold the key. “I am deeply passionate about skin cancer research,” Bekele told TIME. “The thought of my soap directly impacting someone’s life is truly remarkable and is the driving force behind my work.”
Japanese car manufacturers to invest in Black suppliers, dealers, and employees, securing $7.2 billion in diversity initiatives from Toyota alone.
These movements teach us something critical: Boycotts work. Economic action drives systemic change. But let’s be clear: change requires sacrifice. There will be Black-owned businesses caught in the crossfire. Some will lose shelf space. Some may struggle. And that is a real and difficult truth. But history shows us that without real commitments to equity, they’ll be left behind anyway.
Montgomery wasn’t just about civil rights. It was an economic battle. And for a brief moment, we built something incredible — a fully functioning Black-owned transit system. But when the buses were integrated, that system disappeared. And that should make us think.
Because so many Black entrepreneurs today are building businesses out of necessity. They see a need in the market, and they fill it — not just for profit, but for us. And if they can trust us to support them, then we have to demand more from the places that only see us as consumers.
Last fall, Walmart announced it would no longer focus on DEI, choosing instead to talk about “belonging.” And yet, just weeks later, they rolled out holiday commercials featuring Lorenz Tate, Nia Long and Busta Rhymes — images carefully designed to speak to us, to our culture, to our spending power.
And our spending power is undeniable. Black consumers make up 10% of Walmart’s sales, 8.9% of Target’s. Our economic clout reached $1.6 trillion in 2020. And it’s only growing.
Our dollar matters. But this moment isn’t about money. It’s about power. It’s about whether we’re willing to step outside our comfort zones, to punch above our weight class just like our ancestors did. Because our fight has never been about today. It has always been about tomorrow.
So, the question is: What kind of future are we willing to build? And what are we willing to sacrifice to get there?
Let’s make this happen.
Kellie Todd Griffin is the President & CEO of the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute.
By April Ryan
It is official, the Trump Administration hosted its White House Black History Month Celebration [February 12]. This gathering of black officials and others happen[ed] during the Trump administration’s anti-DEI and anti-woke efforts. During this administration’s first White House Press Briefing, January 28th, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed “we will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion or creed have made to our great country. America is back!” Republican Armstrong Williams says he is “optimistic” about the Wednesday White House celebration that he is not expected to attend.
While in New Orleans for Super Bowl activities, Williams told Black Press USA that, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, “strengthening families, and strengthening business” for wealth creation will see a “renaissance.” Currently, the majority of HBCU presidents are concerned with the potential impact of new Trump administration Executive Orders against DEI and the threat of federal funds being revoked from their Black colleges. Williams, a media mogul, is aware of the anti-woke and anti-DEI Trump administration efforts. However, he counters by saying, “People will absolutely be shocked. He [Trump] will build his legacy and that will be a part of it. This is something he is really committed to.”
On social media when this reporter posted a portion of the White House invite, IG White House Black History Month Celebration reaction was swift. Black Press USA obtained a copy of the invitation for purposes of this story only. One respondent, @papimagic said, “So no federal office or agency is [no] longer allowed to celebrate Black History Month… or any other identity-centered celebration… but yall throwing a BHM dinner… Girl, make it make sense. The maths not mathing.”
BODY
Bekele envisions a future where his soap can be used in early-stage cancers and complement existing treatments in advanced stages. His goal is to make it affordable for everyone who needs it. He encourages others by saying, “Many believe that all ideas have been exhausted, but I disagree. There is an endless capacity for innovation that can better our world. Keep inventing and striving to make a positive difference.”
Last year, at 14, he created a video explaining his idea and used it to enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, which encourages kids to think of unique ways to solve everyday problems. He ended up winning the $25,000 grand prize.
It was from his parents that he learned about the dangers of cancer. Bekele said, ”I have a really basic 5-year plan mapped out, including acquiring FDA certification, conducting human testing and making sure that this all works. But then by 2028, I hope to turn this passion project into a nonprofit organization where I can provide equitable and accessible skin cancer treatment to as many people as possible, because honestly at the end of the day, that is what this project is all about.”
Living in Fairfax, Virginia, Bekele’s family came to the U.S. from Ethiopia when he was four. In many ways, he is a typical 10th-grade student who plays the flute and trombone in his school’s marching band. Outside of school, he enjoys playing basketball, reading
and playing chess. Who would not want to see Heman Bekele or anyone like him succeed? Who would not want to see our youth develop innovative ideas to address the health and well-being of cancer patients?
Bekele’s positive accomplishments, along with his passion for skin cancer research, counter the stereotypes often being painted about immigrants of color. His work validates that America remains the land of opportunity for people of all backgrounds and nations. As Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year, Bekele’s work and compassion for others is the answer to the racist question once presented by then-President Donald Trump. According to an aide, when a bipartisan group of senators came together to discuss immigration from Africa, Trump asked why America would want immigrants from “all these s---hole countries” and that the U.S. should have more people coming in from places like Norway. The answer: Heman Bekele.
Those of us who have grown tired and weary of the constant anti-immigrant sentiment against people of color can be proud to highlight the hard work and accomplishments of this young man from Africa. Trump’s statement will always bring anger and disgust, but Bekele puts a face and name on the truth regarding immigrants. It brings a sense of satisfaction. Not every young person will find a cure for cancer, but many immigrants of color will contribute to their local
On the social media platform X a respondent said, White House Black History Month reaction, “So the White House can hold their Black History Month celebration, but not the employees of federal agencies, DOD, DODEA, schools with teachers and librarians who had to take down and remove all decorations, books, and lesson plans on black history? SMDH hypocrites.”
At press time Black Press USA was still waiting for the list of the attendees for the Wednesday early afternoon event at the White House.
communities in other ways. They deserve our recognition as well. Time will tell what the outcome will be for Bekele’s innovative research.
Each year, more than 5 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer. Skin cancer is most prevalent among white patients. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is 20 times more common in white people than in Blacks. We know that if Bekele’s soap becomes FDA-certified and is available as a successful treatment for skin cancer, many whites who share Trump’s thoughts and rhetoric about immigrants of color will be the first in line to obtain Bekele’s product.
BLACK PRESS USA CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Dassie Larue
SUNRISE 12/19/1954 SUNSET 01/19/2025
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
Service was held 2/7/25 at Greater Gospel Center COGIC. Arrangements entrusted to Preferred Cremation and Burial
Dassie Larue Standard, known affectionately as “Lying Larue” or “Back in Love Standard” by those who cherished him, completed his earthly journey on January 19, 2025, in San Diego, California. Born on December 19, 1954, in Memphis, Tennessee, Larue carried the warm southern charm throughout his life and became a loved figure in the city of San Diego.
Larue’s early education in the San Diego School District, where he proudly sported the colors of the Lincoln Hornets, laid the foundation for a life dedicated to nurturing others. His career was marked by a sincere commitment and passion to community, particularly working with youth. Larue’s natural ability to connect with younger generations made him a favorite among the youth he mentored. His passion for service extended into his work at local hospitals. A regular at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Larue contributed his time and energy to ensure that every event he worked was filled with laughter. He loved watching cartoons, a pastime that kept him young at heart and allowed him to bond with his nieces and nephews whom he adored babysitting. Above all, Larue was a family man. He treasured every moment spent with his relatives and knew the value of kinship and love. Larue’s memory will be cherished by his loving family.
He was preceded in death by his brother Marvin, his son Dassie Jr., and his grandson Caiden Allen.
His legacy lives on through his four children; Marvin Standard, Natasha Garner (Kenneth Garner), Branden Standard, and Whitney Turner (Christopher Turner), siblings; Kevin Standard, Fonda Standard, Natalie Standard, and Mark Standard, his adored eight grandchildren; Kianna, Marvin, Laila, Amaya, Branden, Malayah, Destinee, and Peyton, aunts; Juanita Lucious, Clara Sharpe, Shirley Whiting, Clora Plunkett, and Margaret Wilson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. The words thoughtful, loving, and faith-filled summarize the spirit of Larue. His passion for reading the bible, praying with and for others, and sharing the love of Jesus with anyone he met were the foundation of his existence.
As we bid farewell to Larue, we celebrate a life full of purpose, kindness, and a deep-seated faith that inspired everyone he encountered. Rest in peace, Larue. Your journey on earth has concluded, but your story—marked by love, faith, and compassion—will continue to be told.
Marclina
Haskins
SUNRISE 12/20/1956 SUNSET 01/21/2025
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
Service was held 2/8/25 at Preferred Cremation and Burial. Arrangements entrusted to Preferred Cremation and Burial.
Marclina Haskins was born on December 20, 1956, to Ruby Lee Mitchell (Chambers) and Edward Jerry Mitchell Sr. in Lake Charles, LA. She attended W.O. Boston High School, also located in Lake Charles, LA. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and kept the Lord close to her heart. Marclina was blessed to have 5 beautiful children, 4-daughters: Timika Shay Mitchell, Sirita Lynette Mitchell-Davis, Kenya Evette Scarlett, and Keisha Patrice Haskins, son Kenneth Wilbon Haskins Jr., and adopted son Jer’Miriah Jones.
Marclina (Black) loved listening to R&B, playing cards, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She loved watching movies, dressing nice, nice cars, and sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys. Marclina worked for Coach America for over 10 years.
Marclina passed away on January 21, 2025.
Marclina was proceeded by death by Mamo,her mother Ruby Lee Mitchell, father Edward Jerry Mitchell Sr., grandmother Olivia Taylor, grandfather Marvin Taylor, and brothers; Steve Mitchell, Kenny Ray Mitchell, Marvin Mitchell, and sister Laura Lynette (Nette) Mitchell.
Marclina is survived by her husband Kenneth Haskins, partner Dorene Hamlet, brother Edward Jerry Mitchell Jr., sister Debra Kay Jones, daughters; Timika Mitchell (Sean Davis), Sirita Davis-Mitchell (Collin Scarlett II),Kenya Scarlett, and Keisha Haskins, son
Kenneth Haskins, adopted son Jer’Miriah Jones, grandchildren; Ti’anna Mitchell, Eboni Clayton-Mitchell, Britany Clayton-Mitchell, Jazmine Spruiell, Jenise Spruiell, Jordan Ross, Aisa Mister, Lorenzo Mister, Collin Scarlett III, Jayden Scarlett, Jaxson Scarlett, Kiaree Rowels, Danaya Rowles, Dakarai Rowles, Damaurie Haskins, Quiari Haskins, and Karmelo Haskins, great grandchildren; Zoey Banks, Natali Banks, Arianna Marclina Taylor, unborn child, Zion Woolrige, Zaiden Woorige, Zavier Woolrige, Zachary Woolrige, Camiah Jackson CayLee Barfield, and Carlese Barfield, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
TODAY IN
BLACK HISTORY
05/22/1934
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
Service was held Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Mt. Erie Baptist Church. Arrangements entrusted to Preferred Cremation and Burial.
**************************************************************************
Elray Adkins was the eleventh of thirteen children born to his mother, Louisa (Wilson) Adkins, and father, Earl Lorenzo Adkins, Sr., on May 22, 1934, in Elmo, Texas. Elray attended William Henry Burnett High School in Terrell, Texas. While there, he met and later married Maurine Thomas. Elray graduated from Burnett High School in 1955. He was the Class Valedictorian. His athleticism in football, baseball, and track led to his induction by the Terrell Independent School District (TISD) into the Tiger (Burnett High School) Hall of Fame in October 2011.
In September 1955, Elray enlisted in the United States Navy, where he had an illustrious and decorated career. He entered service at the lowest rank, E-1 (Airman Apprentice), and rose to the highest enlisted rank of E-9 (Master Chief Petty Officer).
Aviation Storekeeper Master Chief Petty Officer (AKCM) Elray Adkins retired honorably from military service, effective September 30, 1980. Elray and Maurine married on December 24, 1960, and were blessed with four children: Michael, Michele, Yolanda, and Shiela.
Elray’s military orders brought his young family to San Diego in 1967. During Elray’s fifty-seven years of residency in San Diego County, he, along with his wife Maurine, purchased homes in San Diego, Chula Vista, and Bonita. Following retirement from the Navy, he worked in the private sector and civil service. His combined military and federal civil service spanned forty-three (43) years. He served as Deacon at the Mt. Erie Baptist Church in San Diego. On December 29, 2024, Elray Adkins transitioned to his heavenly home. Elray was preceded in death by his wife Maurine Adkins, parents, seven sisters; Helen (Adkins) Hall, Caribell Adkins, Luecenia Adkins, Alice LaForest (Adkins) Watson, Jewel Lorene (Adkins) Moore, Ruby Faye Adkins, and Lucy Alberta (Adkins) Davis, and three brothers; Earl Lorenzo Adkins, Jr., James Jefferson Adkins, and Curtis Corley Adkins Sr.
Left to mourn his passing two older sisters; Mary Ellen (Adkins) Lawler of Los Angeles, California, and Imogene (Adkins) Gaffney of West Babylon, New York, wife Naomi, his children; daughters Angela Rene’ (Adkins) Fields, Michele (Adkins) Young, Yolanda Adkins, and Shiela Adkins, son Michael Adkins, six grandchildren; Joseph Young, Jasmine Young-Ramirez (Reyes), Justin Young, Asia (Adkins) Miles (Dre’Juan), Michael Adkins II and Isaiah Adkins, a host of other relatives, nieces and nephews, friends, church members, and Navy shipmates also mourn his passing.
1818
ABSALOM JONES PASSES AWAY
Absalom Jones was born into slavery in 1746 in Sussex, Delaware. He taught himself to read and was later taken to Philadelphia, where he worked as a store clerk while attending an all-Black school at night. In 1770, he married a fellow slave and eventually purchased both her freedom and his own. Jones became a lay preacher at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church, but after facing racial segregation, he and Richard Allen left to form the Free African Society in 1787, which provided aid to those in need and later helped establish The African Church in 1791.
The African Church joined the Episcopal Diocese in 1794, becoming St. Thomas African Episcopal Church, the first Black Episcopal parish in the U.S. Jones was ordained as the first African American Episcopal priest in 1804. Despite a split with Allen, they continued working together, co-founding the African Masonic Lodge and petitioning for the abolition of slavery. Jones opposed the American Colonization Society and remained a leader in the Black community until his death in Philadelphia on February 13, 1818.
1908
MALVIN RUSSELL GOODE IS BORN
Malvin Russell Goode, born on February 13, 1908, in White Plains, Virginia, became the first African American news correspondent for a major TV network. Raised in Homestead, Pennsylvania, he worked at U.S. Steel while earning his degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1931. After roles as a probation officer and housing
1882
HENRY HIGHLAND GARNET PASSES AWAY
Born into slavery near New Market, Maryland, on Deceber 23, 1815, Henry Highland Garnet escaped slavery in 1824 and attended the African Free School. Overcoming hardships, he joined the First Colored Presbyterian Church and became a leading abolitionist.
In 1843, he gained national attention urging enslaved people to rebel. He later pastored Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church and, in 1865, became the first African American to preach in the U.S. Capitol. After leading Avery College, he supported black migration to Liberia. Appointed U.S. minister to Liberia in 1881, he died two months after arriving on February 13, 1882.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for.”
–Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr.
manager, he entered journalism in 1948 with the Pittsburgh Courier and later became a broadcaster.
In 1962, ABC News hired him as its first black correspondent, covering the UN. He gained recognition reporting the Cuban Missile Crisis and major civil rights events. Goode trained African journalists, earned numerous awards, and remained active in broadcasting until the 1980s. Goode passed away on September 12, 1995, at 87 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
IN MORE NEWS
CITY AND COUNTY NEWS YOU CAN USE
Th e County of San Diego is alerting San Diego County residents that, with the National Weather Service predicting the first heavy rains across San Diego County this week, the County and CAL FIRE are offering advice and free sandbags to residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas.
and flood and damage roadways. Call your local fire station to confirm that sand and bags, or bags alone, have been provided for your unincorporated area (for the currently published list of fire stations providing those resources, visit www.countynewscenter.com)
Residents are encouraged to visit AlertSanDiego.org for information on what
To date, San Diego County’s winter has been relatively dry but that is expected to change this week with potentially heavy rains.
County emergency services and public works road crews say people should stay alert and take precautions and drive carefully on the roads and offered the following tips:
Be Careful on the Roads
Avoid driving in heavy rain conditions but if the trip is necessary:
1. Slow down to avoid getting into an accident. It takes longer to stop when roads are wet. Allow yourself at least an extra 15 minutes or so to arrive at your destination to adjust for slower traffic.
2. Turn on your headlights to see better and make it easier for other drivers to see you. It’s the law.
3. T ry to drive toward the middle lanes as water tends to gather in outside lanes.
4. D efog your windows for better visibility. Rain can cause windows to fog up. Along the same lines, check your windshield wipers preferably before it rains again and replace them as needed.
5. A void driving through deep water because it can affect your brakes. If you cannot avoid it, test your brakes afterward to make sure they’ve dried out and are working properly.
6. T urn around, don’t drown. In heavy rains, never drive through a flooded roadway if you cannot see the pavement. Even a few inches of water running at the right velocity can sweep a car, and even a truck, and its occupants off the roadway and downstream. You should not walk or swim across a flooded roadway either.
7. G ive the cars in front of you extra distance. The spray from their vehicles — particularly from larger trucks and buses — can hamper your vision. And giving extra space to the guy in front of you also gives you more time to brake or adjust if you need to do so.
to do during an emergency.
The County of San Diego News Center is also encouraging residents to view the howto-video “You’ve Got Your Sandbags, Now What?” found on the County’s YouTube channel. The video explains how to properly fill and use sandbags to protect your property. Visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Tbr9QIrutZ4&t=1s to view the video.
San Diego Named a 2024 Visionary Trailblazer
The City of San Diego has been recognized as a 2024 Visionary Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) for its SD Access 4 All program. Committed to closing the digital divide, the program provides public Wi-Fi at over 300 locations, hotspot checkouts at libraries, and free computer and internet skill-building classes. Additionally, Digital Navigators offer multilingual tech support, affordable computer options, and low-cost home internet, having assisted more than 9,000 San Diegans since the program’s launch.
This year, San Diego joins 60 Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, a record number of awardees representing municipal, county,
8. K eep calm, don’t oversteer or stomp on the brakes if you start to hydroplane or skid when your tires lose traction with the wet road. The Department of Motor Vehicles says keep the steering wheel straight and take your foot off the accelerator so your vehicle can slow down slowly.
9. S tay focused. Remember, it’s illegal, an d dangerous, to try to text or use a handheld cell phone when you’re driving.
10. Slow down for the cone zone if you see highway or road workers ahead or to your side. Watch out for public works crews and equipment.
As they have in the past, the County and CAL FIRE are providing free bags and/or sand at numerous fire stations for people who live in the unincorporated areas.
Rain can cause flooding and erosion, particularly in areas that are not covered by plants, landscaping, grass and trees. Rain runoff can sweep topsoil, mud, plant material and debris off land and downstream where it can damage homes, clog culverts and storm drains,
decisions on key issues, making a real difference in how the County moves forward.
Current input opportunities include:
Ambulance Ordinance Survey
• Survey closes on Feb. 14
• A nnual Strategic Research Plan Survey
• Survey closes on March 10
Housing Authority of the County of San Diego Agency Plan
• C omments accepted through March 12
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health – Vaccine Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs
• Survey closes Sept. 30
The County and Artificial Intelligence
• Comments accepted through early 2025
All surveys can be found on engage.sandiegcounty.gov where comments can be made.
Prebys Awards $5 Million to 59 Nonprofits Across San Diego
On January 15, 2024, the Prebys Foundation announced $5.2 Million to 59 nonprofits across San Diego through its new initiative, Healing Through the Arts and Nature. This effort is rooted in growing evidence that non-clinical approaches, such as spending time in nature and engaging with the arts, can reduce social isolation, improve mental health, and foster a stronger sense of community. The nonprofits receiving recognition and grant awards engage in activities including playwrighting, horse therapy, hiking, farming, dancing, painting, surfing and more.
Some prioritize immigrants and refugees, others prioritize students and veterans. Therapeutic support can be found through one through ones of these nonprofit groups. We are happy that amongst the awardees are a number of black-led and/or black-centered nonprofits supporting our communities:
These include:
S&S Friendly Ranch is a 10-acre Blackowned and -operated neighborhood ranch
in the Tijuana River Valley. Workshops and experiences include cooking with food from the farm, land stewardship, civic engagement, and cultural relevancy in nature. They are in the Tijuana River Valley and the programming is new. This supports mental wellbeing through community building, placemaking, and belonging.
UCSD Department of Urban Studies and Planning - Black Like Water Black Black Like Water seeks to promote healing, restoration, and sovereignty in ways that do the liberatory work of not only combating anti-blackness and interrupting structural racism, but in manners that also celebrate the Black diaspora, acknowledge ancestral practices and knowledge, and imagine Black futures.
Paddle for Peace is driven by the mission to provide equitable access to coastal environments, particularly for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and underserved communities. We recognize the importance of creating inclusive spaces that allow everyone to experience the beauty and wonder of the ocean.
National Civil Rights Museum Unveils Bayard Rustin Collection
and regional governments advancing digital inclusion nationwide. Since 2016, NDIA’s Digital Inclusion Trailblazers program has set the national standard for excellence in digital inclusion work, providing verified resources, interactive maps, and a searchable database to help local governments and advocates develop their own solutions.
Beyond SD Access 4 All, San Diego is furthering digital inclusion efforts with the creation of a Broadband Master Plan. This initiative will assess broadband access, recommend strategies for increasing affordability and adoption, and focus on underserved communities, low-income housing residents, and public-serving city facilities. The plan will also align with California’s broadband speed standards and position the City to leverage state and federal investments for expanded access.
For more details on SD Access 4 All, visit sandiego.gov/sdaccess.
Have Your Say at County Today and Every Day
San Diego County wants your input on projects that impact you, your neighborhood, and the region. Your feedback will help shape
The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel recently announced the acquisition of the extraordinary archive of Bayard Rustin, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a lifelong advocate for non-violence, human rights, and equality. The landmark acquisition celebrates Rustin's legacy as a visionary architect of change during a turbulent time in America’s history. The exhibit, titled Speaking Truth to Power: The Life of Bayard Rustin , will open on March 28, 2025, in the State of Tennessee Gallery.
Spanning eight months, the exhibition will provide visitors with an intimate look into Rustin's life as both a public leader and private individual, showcasing artifacts, fine art photography, and personal items from his extensive archive thanks to Rustin's life partner, Walter Naegle, who provided direction and access to over 500 personal items.
The exhibit explores Bayard Rustin's innovative use of the "medium" to communicate powerful messages of non-violence, activism, and authenticity. Rustin capitalized on the
technology of his time, structuring awareness and creating dialogue to inspire social change.
Key highlights of the exhibition include:
• Passports, visas, and driver’s licenses documenting Rustin's global commitment to non-violence over four decades.
• A rtifacts of activism, such as Rustin's notes for a March on Washington for Civil Rights, "Don’t Join Jim Crow Army" buttons, and telegrams from key historical events.
• P ersonal and public collections, including African sculptures, early Christian and Byzantine art, and folk art from Rustin’s childhood in West Chester, PA.
• Intimate memorabilia, such as letters, jewelry, and personal gifts provided by Rustin’s life partner, Walter Naegle.
The exhibition will also include an interactive design to ensure accessibility and will be complemented by a K-12 curriculum to educate future generations about Rustin's role in shaping the Civil Rights Movement. For more information, visit civilrightsmuseum.org.
VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
PHOTO: Courtesy of The County News Center
PHOTO: Freepik
PHOTO: County News Center
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The 2025 Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds — free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary — intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Indeed, work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture.
Africans were brought to the Americas to be enslaved for their knowledge and serve as a workforce, which was super-exploited by several European countries and then by the United States government. During enslavement, Black people labored for others, although some Black people were quasi-free and labored for themselves, but operated within a country that did not value Black life.
After fighting for their freedom in the Civil War and in the country’s transition from an agricultural-based economy to an industrial one, African Americans became sharecroppers, farm laborers, landowners, and then wage earners. Additionally, African Americans’ contributions to the built landscape can be found in every part of the nation as they constructed and designed some of the most iconic examples of architectural heritage in the country, specifically in the South. Over the years to combat the super-exploitation of Black labor, wage discrepancies, and employment discrimination based on race, sex, and gender, Black professionals (teachers, nurses, musicians, and lawyers, etc.) occupations (steel workers, washerwomen, dock workers, sex workers, sports, arts and sciences, etc.) organized for better working conditions and compensation.
Solidarity for Worker's Rights
An example of Black labor would be The Pullman Porters. They formed the nation’s first African-American union and became a leading collective voice for the Black working class.
During World War II, Mary McCloud Bethune, along with A. Philip Randolph and Eleanor Roosevelt, lobbied President Franklin Roosevelt to stipulate government contracts for the war must hire people of color and women.
Pullman Porters occupied a coveted position in Black communities in the late 19th and early 20th century. These workers, typically Black men, would assist with luggage, maintain sleeping quarters, and serve passengers in the Pullman Palace Car Company’s luxury sleeping cars. The pay was higher than most other
Spotlight on African Americans And Labor
employers at the time, travel was possible, and many were able to move on to better jobs in hotels and restaurants.
However, the position did not come without discrimination and racism. George Pullman wanted Black porters, specifically those who were formerly enslaved, because he believed they would work under harsh conditions and would attend to every need of passengers. Porters were often called “boy” or “George” instead of their own names, and they were commonly berated or harassed by customers in the cars.
The Pullman maids were a lesser-known employee of the company: Black women who would clean Pullman cars and cater to guests. They typically worked with women, the elderly, and the infirmed. They often received lower wages from tips than Pullman Porters who worked in cars with businessmen and politicians.
2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of the creation of Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids by labor organizer and civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph, which was the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor. Martin Luther King, Jr incorporated issues outlined by Randolph’s March on Washington Movement such as economic justice into the Poor People’s Campaign, which he established in 1967. For King, it was a priority for Black people to be considered full citizens.
The theme, “African Americans and Labor,” intends to encourage broad reflections on intersections between Black people’s work and their workplaces in all their iterations and key moments, themes, and events in Black history and culture across time and space and throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora. Like religion, social justice movements, and education, studying African Americans’ labor and labor struggles are important for orga-
nizing new interpretations and reinterpretations of the Black past, present, and future. Such new considerations and reconsiderations are even more significant as the historical forces of racial oppression gather new and renewed strength in the 21st century.
Sources: asalh.org and nmaahc.si.edu
“James Robert Howard has
Pictured here: A. Phillip Randolph. Randolph was a labor organizer and one of the most influential political strategists of the twentieth century. PHOTO: asalh.org
Pullman Porter T.R. Joseph in uniform, ca. 1930s. PHOTO: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
The leaders of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and the Oakland Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, 1951. PHOTO: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Jackie Bryant Smith
Women and children in a cotton field, 1860s. Photograph by J.H. Aylsworth.
PHOTO: Courtesy of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
IMAGE: Courtesy of the Smithsonian
One for the Ages
By Helen M. Ofield CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Publisher Dr. John E. Warren extolled the paper’s 65 years of nonstop publishing—a national record for any weekly newspaper. “Why the Black Press”? he asked an attentive audience. Because the Black Press matters in a democratic republic, especially one founded by brilliant Black Americans, who labor patiently to produce a weekly edition that sets a standard for Editorial Opinion, International and National News, Local Coverage, Cultural Expressions, and recognition of Black achievers.
and istory have trans
formed
Warren followed with “The State of the Paper,” aided by West. A multicultural brace of twenty-somethings with backgrounds in journalism, news,
elements like the oft-requested Calendar of Events will showcase area nonprofits.
Warren observed that, “Amplifying Black voices should be must reading for everyone in the community.”
West noted that they are reaching a coveted young audience—the next generation eager to discover the paper’s “fresh, modern look.”
Each Gala has special entertainment. The 12th featured a gifted young harpist, Marica Antoinette, who performed “Afrika” against a striking video of the continent’s people, cultures, and creatures. M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records again delivered excellent video and sound.
But it was the awards and awardees’ videos that brought down the house.
The Gerri Warren Humanitarian Award (an indefatigable supporter of area charitable organizations) went to Roosevelt Brown, founder of the Children’s Book Party. Mr. Brown was lovingly escorted to and from the stage by Dr. Warren. The “Book Party” is an annual event that gives little ones free books — Brown’s memory of his own childhood
when he had nothing to read or learn from. Recognizing noble community members like Mr. Brown is why there is an Annual Voice & Viewpoint Gala each year.
A trio of recipients received the Unsung Hero Awards: Shearl Lambert, Founding and Executive Director of The Grandparents Connection, Inc.; Latesha N. Fields, Founder, Inspire SD; and Dwayne Hill, your quintessential Community Organizer.
The Good Shepherd Awards, involving stunning trophies, went to Rev. Harvey Vaughn, Senior Pastor, Bethel AME Church of San Diego. And to Rev. Robert Pope, Senior Pastor, Encanto Southern Baptist Church. Attendees smiled and danced the night away as the 12th Annual Gala came to a close, taking home the vestige of the occasion: Voice & Viewpoint’s Sparkling Apple Cider.
Voice & Viewpoint Publisher, Dr. John E. Warren
Pastor Henry Vaughn III, Senior Pastor Bethel AME Church of San Diego (middle)
Dwayne Hill (middle)
Dr. Warren and Pastor Robert Pope of Encanto Southern Baptist Church, and Latanya West. PHOTO: Chida Warren-Darby
Jazz Harpist Maria Antoinette gave a stunning performance of her single, "AFRIKA"
Lisa Payton Harris wowed the crowd
PHOTO: Courtesy of Michael Brunker
(L to R): Tami Foy, San Diego Rotary; Billie Johnson, Cooper Family Foundation; Dianne Crawford, Southeast Rotary, District 5340 Governor; Don Fipps, District 5340 Past Governor; Jeb Bakke, District 5340 Governor Nominee; Yvette Porter-Moore, Southeast Rotary; Dr. Jerome Robinson, Black Men United; Luis Carranza, District 5340 Governor-Elect. PHOTO: Michael Brunker
(L to R): Charles Warren and Chida Warren-Darby. PHOTO: Chida Warren-Darby
Shearl Lambert (second from right) and her husband Clifford Lambert Sr. (far left) of The Grandparents Connection
Mr. Roosevelt Brown (middle), Founder of Children's Book Party
Latesha N. Fields, Founder of Inspire SD (middle)
PHOTOS: VOICE & VIEWPOINT
COMMUNITY
MORE BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
https://sacd.sdsu.edu/black-resource/ black_history_month
SUPER SUNDAY
Sunday • Feb 16 • 3–4 PM
Black Resource Center
5723 Lindo Paseo, San Diego, CA 92115
BLACK HISTORY MONTH LECTURE
SERIES PART 2
Thursday • Feb 20 • 3–4 PM
Arts and Letters, Room 201
5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182
THE GUS & EMMA THOMPSON BLACK RESOURCE CENTER CAREER FAIR
Friday • Feb 21 • 12–1 PM
Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center
5250 55th St., San Diego, CA 92182
THE SAN DIEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY
www.sandiego.gov/public-library/culture/blackhistory
CREATE-IT THURSDAY:
BHM RICE TRAFFIC LIGHT CRAFT
Thursday • Feb 20 • 4–4:45 PM
Skyline Hills Library | Multipurpose Room
*Registration Required, limited seats. Closes February 19 @ 4:00pm. Jeannette Figueroa, jbfigueroa@sandiego.gov
LAKEWOOD WITH MEGAN GIDDINGS:
BLACK HISTORY MONTH AUTHOR TALK
Monday • Feb 24 • 6–8 PM
Central Library | Neil Morgan Auditorium
*Registration Required, limited seats. Closes February 24 @ 6:00pm. Oscar Gittemeier, (619) 236-5800
CREATE-IT THURSDAY:
BHM ROCKETSHIP CRAFT
Thursday • Feb 27 • 4–4:45 PM
Central Library | Neil Morgan Auditorium
*Registration Required, limited seats. Closes February 26 @ 4:00pm. Jeannette Figueroa, jbfigueroa@sandiego.gov
SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
https://www.sdccd.edu/departments/communications/ newscenter/articles/2025/black-history-month-events.aspx
DOCUMENTARY SCREENING OF WHAT’S MY NAME?
Wednesday • Feb 12 • 12–2 PM
Miramar College, K1-211 10440 Black Mountain Rd., 92126
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE (BE WELL)
Tuesday • Feb 18 • 12:30–1:30 PM College Of Continuing Education Mid-City Campus 3792 Fairmount Ave., 92105
TWO-DAY HEARING MARGINALIZED VOICES: POETRY READING & WRITING EVENT
Tuesday • Feb 18 • 12:40–1:40 PM Writing Workshop - L-303
Wednesday • Feb 19 • 12:30–2 PM Poetry Reading - L-101 A/B)
Miramar College, L-303/L-101 10440 Black Mountain Rd., 92126 RARA FESTIVAL
Wednesday • Feb 19 • 12–2 PM College Of Continuing Education, Educational Cultural Complex 4343 Ocean View Blvd., 92113
FILM SCREENING OF SAVAGE ACTS
Thursday • Feb 20 • 12:30–1:30 PM Miramar College, L-101 A/B 10440 Black Mountain Rd., 92126
THE SAWUBONA HEALING CIRCLE
Friday • Feb 21 • 11 AM–12:30 PM Mesa College, G-105 7250 Mesa College Dr., 92111
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
UC SAN DIEGO
https://blackhistorymonth.ucsd.edu/2025/
HARLEM QUARTET: ECHOES OF INSPIRATION
Friday • Feb 14 • 7:30 PM
The Loft
9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
MEN’S BASKETBALL vs UC DAVIS CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE GAME
Saturday • Feb 15 • 4 PM
UC San Diego Athletics Venue 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
UNITY HOUR: AT THE TABLELESSON FROM OUR QUEER ANCESTORS
Saturday • Feb 18 • 2 PM
Black Resource Center
9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
HEAR ME OUT GAME NIGHT
Saturday • Feb 18 • 6 PM
Black Resource Center
9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
BLACK PROFESSIONALS IN HEALTH CARE: INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DIVERSE LEADERS
Wednesday • Feb 19 • 12–1 PM
Murray’s Place in Student Health, 2nd Floor Register in advance - go.ucsd.edu/42czDgW 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
LET IT FLOW 2025
Thursday • Feb 20 • 5–8 PM
Sixth College West Lawn 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
17th ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S DAY FORUM
Thursday • Feb 20 • 12–1:30 PM Virtual Event
9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
AAASRC AFRICAN DANCE & DRUMMING WORKSHOP WITH GENE PERRY
Thursday • Feb 20 • 3:30–5 PM
Social Sciences Building Room 101 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
WE WERE HERE THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF BLACK AFRICANS IN RENAISSANCE EUROPE A FILM BY FRED KUWORNU
Thursday • Feb 20 • 3:30–5 PM Mosaic Hall Room 113 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093
BLACK GRAD GAME NIGHT Sunday • Feb 23 • 6–8 PM
BGELLC Grad Lounge 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093
15 TH BLACK COM!X DAY 2025
Saturday • Feb 15 • 10 AM–6 PM
WorldBeat Cultural Center 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
RSVP for free tickets: eventbrite.com/e/ black-comix-day-vii-tickets-08207455447
44th TRIBUTE TO THE REGGAE LEGENDS/ BOB DAY –SOUNDSYSTEM NIGHT
Friday • Feb 21 • 2 PM–12 AM
WorldBeat Cultural Center 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 9210
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
South African President and Elon Musk Discuss ‘Misinformation’
By Christian Edwards CNN
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to Elon Musk “on issues of misinformation and distortions about South Africa,” the presidency announced on Tuesday.
“In the process, the President reiterated South Africa’s constitutionally embedded values of the respect for the rule of law, justice, fairness and equality,” it said.
The presidency said the pair spoke on Monday, a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off aid to South Africa over the alleged mistreatment of White farmers in the country.
In a blistering post on Truth Social, Trump said he would halt funding until there was a full investigation into allegations that “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY.”
Trump said “massive” human rights violations were happening in South Africa “for all to see,” without giving details or providing evidence.
Ramaphosa on Monday denied that South African authorities were “confiscating land” and said his country was looking forward to working with the Trump administration “over our land reform policy.”
Trump’s complaint, which he also made in 2018 during his first term in the White House, refers to South Africa’s complex land reform.
During South Africa’s apartheid era, racist policies forcefully removed Black and nonWhite South Africans from the land for White use. Since South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, there has been a land redistribution and restitution provision in the country’s constitution.
However, unemployment and poverty remain acute among Black South Africans, who make up around 80% of the population, yet own a fraction of the land.
Uganda’s LGBTQ Community Faces Uncertainty After U.S. Aid Freeze
By Patrick Onen Associated Press
A non-profit organization supporting LGBTQ people in Uganda says its work is being threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump’s suspension of foreign aid.
Pius Kennedy, a program officer with the Kampala-based nonprofit Africa Queer Network, told The Associated Press last week that he and five other permanent employees received a letter from USAID ordering them to stop work immediately after Trump signed the order freezing foreign assistance on Jan. 20.
years of gains made in protecting sexual minorities in Uganda, he warned.
“USAID has been the biggest HIV (program) funder,” he said. His group has recently stopped activities that support the well-being of LGBTQ people in Uganda, he said, adding that he and others no longer show up at the office because they cannot sustain their work without new cash transfers.
He said the aid suspension could lead to more people getting infected with sexually transmitted diseases “since they will no longer be able to access lubricants, condoms, self-testing kits.”
Kennedy’s group also relies on grants from other organizations that face uncertainty over funding, such as the President’s Em ergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR.
The temporary funding freeze could erase
Last month, Ramaphosa signed a bill into law providing new guidelines for land expropriation, including enabling the government to expropriate land without compensation in certain cases.
Musk, a South African-born billionaire and head of the US’ new Department of Government Efficiency, had previously criticized Ramaphosa’s new policy.
In a post on X, the website he owns, Musk on Monday accused Ramaphosa of having
From Rebel Fighter to Peace Educator
A Former Separatist Now Teaches Unity
By Robert Bociaga
In a classroom nestled in Cameroon’s lush highlands, a former rebel fighter teaches logic and philosophy. His students know him as calm and thoughtful, but his past tells a more turbulent story.
For a year and a half, Ateasong Belts Tajoah fought with the Red Dragons, a separatist militia in the country’s conflict-ridden southwest. He joined the movement in 2017 at age 23 after local fighters came to his village and offered a chance to turn his frustrations with the government into action.
As a rebel, Tajoah lived under plastic sheets in the rain, cooked for leaders and carried out attacks on military and civilian targets. “You could never sleep with both eyes closed,” he said, pointing to scars on his neck and stomach left by bullets.
Drugs and alcohol were rampant in the camps, often used as coping mechanisms for the constant threat of ambushes or betrayal. The psychological toll was immense, Tajoah said, recalling the trauma of carrying the bodies of more than 20 fallen comrades.
The rebel group believed that destroying schools would weaken the government’s control over the region, a strategy that left a deep scar on the educational landscape. Armed groups enforced boycotts, burned classrooms and killed teachers who defied their orders. Nearly 488,000 children in the affected regions were out of school in 2024, according to UNICEF. Tajoah admitted to playing a role
in the destruction, not sharing details but acknowledging the strategy’s profound harm to countless lives.
The breaking point for him came with the loss of his 11-year-old child during an attack by government forces on his camp. Already disillusioned with the separatist leadership and overwhelmed by grief, he surrendered in early 2019.
their parents and the broader community.
He entered a government-run rehabilitation center for former fighters in Buea, the capital of Cameroon’s Southwest region, where he spent 18 months reflecting on his past. Like many ex-combatants, Tajoah has faced a long and lonely road, with widespread stigma marking his path to reintegration into society.
Tajoah witnessed the prevalence of drugs, reportedly brought in by the same officials tasked with guiding ex-combatants. There were concerns that some fighters were allegedly coerced into military operations after surrendering. The government did not respond to a request for comment.
Despite the challenges, Tajoah carved out a new path. He earned a master’s degree in philosophy in July.
Teaching is more than a job, he said. “It is a way to confront my past and inspire others to avoid my mistakes.”
With dedication and openness about his past, Tajoah gradually earned the trust of his students,
Homosexuality is criminalized in more than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries.
In 2023, after Ugandan lawmakers passed an anti-homosexuality bill that punishes consensual same-sex conduct with penalties including life imprisonment, Washington threatened consequences and the World Bank withheld some funding.
Kennedy said Trump’s shuttering of diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the U.S. federal government would be felt outside the U.S., with groups like his no longer able to depend on Washington’s support when they face attacks.
“We would always look at the United States as something that we would always run to in case you are facing a number of insecurities in the country,” he said.
“openly racist ownership laws.”
Ramaphosa had said earlier that, like the United States and other countries, South Africa has “always had expropriation laws that balance the need for public usage of land and the protection of rights of property owners.”
Responding to Trump’s aid threat, Ramaphosa said that, other than a major HIV/AIDS relief program, the US did not provide significant funding to South Africa.
Grammy-Nominated Artist Showcases Africa’s Diversity
By Daniel Renjifo
Nigerian Afro-pop sensation Yemi Alade has history with the Grammys. She’s f eatured on a Grammynominated album by Beyoncé and a Grammy-winning one by Beninese-French star Angelique Kidjo; but despite her popularity in Africa and her multilingual songs, Alade has yet to win a solo Grammy.
For Alade, her latest nomination is particularly special. “This time around it was for my own song, it was for my own crown,” she told CNN.
His decision to teach logic and philosophy stemmed from a long-standing interest in critical thinking and human behavior.
“I was fond of these subjects before becoming a fighter,” he said. Today, he uses them to challenge students to think differently and to guide them toward a more constructive path.
Beyond the classroom, Tajoah has become an outspoken advocate for peace. He employs a social media strategy to educate people about the dangers of rebellion, sharing images of fallen fighters to highlight the realities of armed conflict. He also risks his life traveling to villages, urging young people to put down their weapons. Some residents said his outreach has been instrumental in fostering peace, resulting in the surrender of some fighters.
Yet Tajoah’s activism has come at personal cost. His mother has been kidnapped twice by separatists, and he has received numerous death threats from separatists seeking to
“Tomorrow” features on Alade’s sixth studio album “Rebel Queen,” which the Recording Academy said “solidifies her reputation as “Mama Africa” — the title of a previous Alade album and a term associated with iconic South African singer Miriam Makeba.
Alade first found fame with her 2014 single “Johnny,” which in 2019 made her the first Nigerian female artist to hit 100 million views on YouTube. She has also recorded the song in Portuguese, Swahili, and French.
Alade has become known as a champion of African culture and for her international collaborations. She featured in Beyoncé’s 2020 musical film and visual album “Black is King,” and on her song “Don’t Jealous Me” from the album
“The Lion King: The Gift.”
Despite her growing success, Alade has chosen to remain independent, working with the same management team for over a decade in the music industry and recording with Effyzzie Music Group, rather than a major label.
“Other labels have made offers and we haven’t accepted, not because they’re not good enough. (But) if your goals are not in alignment with the goals that I’ve set for myself for over 10 years, then we should not be in the same boat. If you have a team of two people, trust me, that’s all you need,” she added.
President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Presidency ITU Telecom World 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons, CC-By 2.0
PHOTO: Creative Commons License
Ateasong Belts Tajoah. PHOTO: X via @HistoireDuCameroun
Associated Press
CNN
Yemi Alade. PHOTO: Instagram via @go_lifestylemag
LIVING
New Research Shows African Americans Face Higher Dementia Risks
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
An ew study reveals that Americans over the age of 55 have a 42 percent chance of developing dementia, a figure more than double that reported in previous research. The significant increase in estimated risk means that roughly 514,000 Americans could develop dementia this year alone, with projections rising to approximately 1 million new cases annually by 2060.
cases, and underreporting of cases among racial minorities, who are especially vulnerable.
Conducted by a team from NYU Langone Health with contributions from Johns Hopkins University and other institutions, the research utilized data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS). Since 1987, this study has monitored the vascular health and cognitive function of nearly 16,000 participants, making it the longest-followed cohort of African Americans studying cognition and heart health.
Dementia, characterized by progressive declines in memory, concentration, and judgment, is becoming more prevalent due to the aging U.S. population, the study concluded. Factors such as genetics, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and mental health challenges also contribute to the rising dementia rates.
According to the study, earlier underestimations of dementia risk were likely due to unreliable recording in health records and death certificates, insufficient monitoring of early-stage
The study, published in Nature Medicine, indicates that women and Black adults, along with individuals carrying the APOE4 gene variant, face higher risks of developing dementia, with lifetime risks ranging from 45 percent to 60 percent in these groups.
Dr. Josef Coresh, the study’s senior investigator from NYU Langone, noted the expected increase in dementia cases due to longer life expectancies and the high number of Americans now over age 65. He underlined the importance of early intervention strategies that target heart health to potentially slow cognitive decline and reduce the onset of dementia.
The study also links hearing loss among older adults to increased dementia risk, recommending enhanced testing and government support for hearing aids to promote healthy hearing.
“The pending population boom in dementia cases poses significant challenges for health policymakers, who must refocus their efforts on strategies to minimize the severity of dementia cases, as well as plans to provide more healthcare services for those with dementia,” Dr. Coresh stated.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries year-round. Unattended cooking is a factor in over one-quarter (29 percent) of reported home cooking fires and half of the associated deaths.
Simple cooking safety tips include the following:
• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.
• Have a "kid and pet-free zone" of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove.
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• S et a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Candles are also a leading cause of home fires and must be used with caution and supervision. Data shows that half of all candle fires started when a flammable object – such as furniture, bedding, curtains, home décor, or clothing – was too close to a lit candle. In 21
20 Inspirational Quotes to Start Black Students Strong in 2025
By Quintessa Williams
As we welcome 2025, here are some inspirational quotes that aim to uplift and start Black students off strong:
1. “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X, activist and educator.
2. “When you control a man’s thinking, you do not have to worry about his actions.” — Dr. Carter G. Woodson, scholar, historian and the father of Black History Month.
3. “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” — Booker T. Washington, educator and founder of Tuskegee Institute
4. “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” — Langston Hughes, poet and educator.
5. “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights leader.
6. “You are your best thing.” — Toni Morrison, Nobel Prizewinning author and educator.
7. “You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” — Angela Davis, civil rights activist and educator.
8. “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” — Maya Angelou,
author and educator
9. “Knowledge is the pathway from slavery to freedom.” — Frederick Douglass, abolitionist and educator.
10. “Learning to stand in somebody else’s shoes, to see through their eyes, that’s how peace begins.” — former President Barack Obama.
11. “I did what my conscience told me to do, and you can’t fail if you do that.” — Anita Hill, attorney and educator.
12. “To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try.” — civil rights activist Rosa Parks.
13. “Freedom is never given; it is won.” — A. Philip Randolph, labor leader and civil rights activist.
14. “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” — scientist and educator George Washington Carver.
15. “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring in a fold -
ing chair.” — Rep. Shirley C hisholm, a New York Democrat and the first Black woman to run for president.
16. “Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded.” — Jess Lair, educator and philosopher.
17. “History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” — former First Lady Michelle Obama.
18. “The whole world opened to me when I learned to read.” — Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University.
19. “I believe a child going without an education is a crime.” — Vice President Kamala Harris.
20. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can u se to change the world.” — South African President Nelson Mandela.
This is an excerpt of an article that first appeared in Word in Black.
Wearing a high-quality mask that fits well and has good filtration helps to protect you. It helps to protect you from breathing in viruses, wildfire smoke, and other particles or germs in the air.
percent of home candle fires, the candle was either left unattended, discarded, or otherwise misused. More than one-third of candle fires (36 percent) started in the bedroom.
Consider using batter-operated flameless candles, which provide a similar look and feel to real candles while eliminating the risk of fire.
I f you do plan to use real candles, consider the following:
• D on't use lit candles in bedrooms, bathrooms, and sleeping areas.
• Use stable candle holders and place candles where they can't be easily knocked over.
• K eep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.
• Keep hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don't burn a candle all the way down put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Store matches and lighters up high, out of children's reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
Masks are not recommended for:
Respirators, such as N95s or KN95s are the best type of masks. They offer more protection because they generally have better fit and filtration. Surgical masks and cloth face coverings, have less filtration than respirator masks. You can buy N95 and KN95 respirators at drugstores, hardware supply stores, and online.
When to Consider Wearing a Mask
• P rotection Against Respiratory Viruses
• If you test positive for COVID-19
• If you believe you were exposed
• If you are at high-risk of becoming severely ill
People who are at high risk for severe respiratory infections include:
• Older adults, especially those 65 and older
• P eople with certain chronic or medical conditions such as a heart disease or cancer
• P eople with weakened immune systems
• People who are pregnant or were recently pregnant
• People with disabilities
• People who are in a skilled nursing facility and other long term care facilities
• Infants, especially those who are less than 6 months, and young children (less than 5 years)
• C hildren under 2 years of age
• P eople with breathing, lung or heart issues
• P eople who are unconscious or unable to remove the mask without help
Wearing a mask may be difficult for people with sensory, cognitive, or behavioral conditions. They may also be difficult for people who are hard of hearing or people who communicate with a person who is hard of hearing because seeing the mouth may be needed to communicate.
If you have concerns about wearing a mask, talk to your health care provider before using one.
Source: cdph.ca.gov
Who Should Not Wear a Mask
PHOTO: Freepik
VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
PHOTO: Freepik
PHOTO: Freepik
CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES
the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 05, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on February 05, 2030 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
2025-9002298
Fictitious business name(s): Cali Mex Cocina Located at: 2605 Lemon Grove Ave. Lemon Grove, CA 91945
CFA (Auger) Piles, Shoring, Surveying, Signage & Striping, Quality Control and Job Coordinator
(Suppliers): Ready Mix Concrete, Aggregates, BMP Materials, Topsoil, Rock Slope, Waterworks, RCP, Structural Backfill,
in addition to procuring all materials and performing all other work necessary to complete the work in accordance with the Contract Plans and Special Provisions.
BID DATE: February 13th at 2:00PST/PDT REYES CONSTRUCTION, INC. State License Number 507561 1383 South Signal Drive, Pomona, CA 91766 Phone: 909-622-2259 ● Fax: 909-622-3053
Contact: Christina Ramos Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Assistance will be available in obtaining bonds, lines of credit, insurance, necessary equipment, supplies, materials or related technical assistance.
By submitting a proposal, Respondent/Bidder acknowledges that they have performed a thorough review of the terms and conditions contained in our standard subcontract/purchase order (Contract). Respondent/Bidder quotes, including terms and conditions contained therein, will not be included in subcontracts/purchase orders issued for the project. Respondent/Bidder shall submit, in writing with their proposal/quote, any exceptions to the RCI Contract terms and conditions.
Note: RCI may disqualify and reject the respondent’s proposal/bid based on the exceptions submitted. For information on the availability of scope of work, plans and specifications, and requirements of the contract please contact our office. Plans, Specifications, and Contract requirements can be viewed online at no cost here:
1) Via iSqFt – please send an email request to estimating@reyesconstruction.com
2) Bidnet Direct - https://www.bidnetdirect.com/private/solicitations/4497717210/abstract
3) Via Sharefile – please send an email request to estimating@reyesconstruction.com Please e-mail Quotes to: Estimating@reyesconstruction.com
La Jolla, CA 92037
or visit https://www. governmentjobs.com/careers/sandag for information. First review February 21, 2025. EOE.
State of Incorporation/ Organization
California/Retirement Wealth Solutions Corp.
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 22, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 22, 2030 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002101
Fictitious business name(s): Humanum Clinic Located at: 11364 Nawa Way San Diego, CA 92129 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation The first day of business was: 01/01/2025 This business is hereby registered by the following: Humanum Clinic Inc. 11364 Nawa Way San Diego, CA 92129 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 30, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on January 30, 2030 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002562
Fictitious business name(s): LT Handy Services Located at: 5203 Naranja St. San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 02/05/2025 This business is hereby registered by the following: Luis Miguel Tinajero 5203 Naranja St. San Diego, CA 92114 This statement was filed with
County of San Diego 8014 Palm St. Lemon Grove, CA 91945
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby
registered by the following:
Sandra Elubi Teo Ramirez 8014 Palm St. Lemon Grove, CA 91945
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 03, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on February 03, 2030 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002102
Fictitious business name(s):
American Construction Located at: 7007 Deerhurst Ct. San Diego, CA 92139 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Corporation
The first day of business was: 05/01/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: MKA Services Inc. 7007 Deerhurst Ct. San Diego, CA 92139 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 30, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 30, 2030 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002389
Fictitious business name(s): Cotton Candy Creations
Cotton Candy Co
Cotton Candy Concepts Located at: 9951 Eubank Ln. Spring Valley, CA 91977 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A General Partnership Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Jose Trejo 9951 Eubank Ln. Spring Valley, CA 91977
Jack Jackson 3556 Del Sol Blvd., Unit C San Diego, CA 92154
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 3, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on February 3, 2030 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002266
Fictitious business name(s): Kitchen 4
Kitchen 4 Bakery
Located at: 4515 3rd St., Apt 2 La Mesa, CA 91941 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Irma Patricia Ziga Colin 4515 3rd St., Apt 2 La Mesa, CA 91941
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of
San Diego County on January 31, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 31, 2030 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002042
Fictitious business name(s): San Diego Home Lender My Life Lender Located at: 4629 Cass St. #154 San Diego, CA 92109 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 02/14/2015
This business is hereby registered by the following: San Diego Home Lenders, Inc. 4629 Cass St. #154 San Diego, CA 92109 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 29, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 29, 2030 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9001972
Fictitious business name(s): TBE Consulting Located at: 870 Gage Dr. San Diego, CA 92106 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 01/06/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Terrance Irybea Mims 870 Gage Dr. San Diego, CA 92106
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 29, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 29, 2030 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002292
Fictitious business name(s): Strive to Thrive
Psychology Located at:
7945 Mission Bonita Dr. San Diego, CA 92120 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 12/27/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Polina Bryson
7945 Mission Bonita Dr. San Diego, CA 92120
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 03, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on February 03, 2030 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002309
Fictitious business name(s): Oneoak Media
Oneoak Web Design Located at: 647 Penelope Dr. Chula Vista, CA 91910 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Jeremy Rojas 647 Penelope Dr. Chula Vista, CA 91910 State of Incorporation/ Organization
California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on February 03, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on February 03, 2030 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
Classified ads can be placed in person, by phone, fax, or email Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. P:619-266-2233 F:619-266-0533 E:ads@sdvoice.info
NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002147
Fictitious business name(s): Brisa mrtz services Located at: 9090 Gramercy Dr. Apt. #151 San Diego, CA 92123 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 03/01/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Brisa Anahi Martinez Manriquez 9090 Gramercy Dr. Apt. #151 San Diego, CA 92123
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 30, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 30, 2030 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9002096
Fictitious business name(s): McCole Marketing Strategy Located at: 4438 34th St. San Diego, CA 92116 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 01/30/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Michael W. McCole 4438 34th St. San Diego, CA 92116
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 30, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 30, 2030 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9001765
Fictitious business name(s): JJC97 Located at: 5908 Tooley St. San Diego, CA 92114
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 12/19/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Anthony Kevin Murphy 5908 Tooley St. San Diego, CA 92114
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 27, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 27, 2030 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9001801
Fictitious business name(s): ISZM ENT LLC
ISZM Entertainment Located at: 590 Via Armado Chula Vista, CA 91910 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 01/10/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: ISZM ENT LLC 590 Via Armado Chula Vista, CA 91910 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 27, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 27, 2030 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000786
Fictitious business name(s): ITG Property Investing LLC Located at: 3400 Cottage Way, STG G2 #27610 Sacramento, CA 95825 County of San Diego
PO Box 1304 Spring Valley, CA 91979 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: Lenette Bradley Brown PO Box 1304 Spring Valley, CA 91979 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 13, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on January 13, 2030 1/30, 2/6,
FICTITIOUS
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9001626
Fictitious business name(s): KVZ Enterprises, LLC Located at: 423 Morrison St. San Diego, CA 92102 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: KVZ Enterprises, LLC 423 Morrison St. San Diego, CA 92102 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 23, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on January 23, 2030 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9001456
Fictitious business name(s): LIT Forged ADM Forged Located at: 7603 St. Andrews Ave. Ste E San Diego, CA 92154 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company The first day of business was: 01/03/2025 This business is hereby registered by the following: OAT Enterprises LLC 7603 St. Andrews Ave. Ste E San Diego, CA 92154 State of Incorporation/ Organization California This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 22, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on January 22, 2030 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20
FICTITIOUS
FICTITIOUS
Fictitious business name(s): Sporting San Diego Classic Located at: 2970 Cypress Ave Lemon Grove, CA 91945 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 07/20/2018
This business is hereby registered by the following: Sporting San Diego Classic 2970 Cypress Ave Lemon Grove, CA 91945 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
El Cajon, CA 92021 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Corporation The first day of business was: 11/01/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Daly Inc
P.O. Box 20491 El Cajon, CA 92021
State of Incorporation/ Organization
California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on December 10, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on December 10, 2029 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9001288
Fictitious business name(s):
Aroyd Thai Kitchen 2 Located at: 3425 Hancock St. Unit 19 San Diego, CA 92110 County of San Diego --4737 Ladner St. San Diego, CA 92113
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Married Couple
The first day of business was: 03/01/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Sounine Senethachith 4737 Ladner St. San Diego, CA 92113
ViengnaKhone Soulikham 4737 Ladner St. San Diego, CA 92113
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 21, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 21, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000358
Fictitious business name(s): The Living Nook
Living Nook
Located at:
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd. Ste. 120 #1057 San Diego, CA 92111
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
An Individual
The first day of business was: 1/02/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Yvonne Gao
4240 Kearny Mesa Rd. Ste. 120 #1057 San Diego, CA 92111
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 7, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 7, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000922
Fictitious business name(s): Jenkins Mitigation & Restoration (JMR) Located at: 559 Ballantyne St. El Cajon, CA 92020 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Charles Anthony Jenkins 559 Ballantyne St. El Cajon, CA 92020
1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000513
Fictitious business name(s): Kundalini Bianco Located at: P.O. Box 815
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Cherie Fremlin Bianco MS P.O. Box 815
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 09, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 09, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000949
Fictitious business name(s): Catalyst For Change Located at: 2216 55th St. San Diego, CA 92105 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 1/14/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Willie Scott Graham 2216 55th St. San Diego, CA 92105
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 15, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 15, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000777
Fictitious business name(s): The Finest International Private Security Located at: 770 First Ave. Suite 250 San Diego, CA 92101 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 5/7/2016
This business is hereby registered by the following: The Finest International Private Security Corp. 10726 Porter Terrace Spring Valley, CA 91978 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 13, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 13, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000593
Fictitious business name(s): San Diego Climate Comfort Located at: 320 Trousdale Dr. Suite E Chula Vista, CA 91910 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 12/12/2024
2025-9000479
Fictitious business name(s): Rising Tide Resin Designs Located at: 963 Archer St. Pacific Beach, CA 92109
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 03/13/2020
This business is hereby registered by the following: Lisa Duffy Inc. 963 Archer St. Pacific Beach, CA 92109
State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 8, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 8, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9024256
Fictitious business name(s): Bridge Community Center Located at: 3714 Teak St. San Diego, CA 92113
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 5/21/2022
This business is hereby registered by the following: Bridge Inc. 3714 Teak St. San Diego, CA 92113
State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on December 10, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on December 10, 2029 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
2025-9000678
Fictitious business name(s): Butter And Bites Located at: 4945 La Portalada Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92010
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A General Partnership
The first day of business was: 1/5/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Hannah Marie Cheadle 4945 La Portalada Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92010
Jean S Alfafara Laszuk 4945 La Portalada Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92010
Monica Kuchman
4945 La Portalada Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92010
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 10, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 10, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000291
Fictitious business name(s):
Daniel's Landscaping Located at: 19259 Rangeland Rd. Ramona, CA 92065
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
2025-9000249
Fictitious business name(s):
Sprinter Mobile Repair
Sprinter's Bay Located at: 13350 Pacific Pl. Unit 2104
San Diego, CA 92130
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Mikalai Kasareuski 13350 Pacific Pl. Unit 2104
San Diego, CA 92130
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 06, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 06, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000520
Fictitious business name(s): SDJJ Painting Located at: 4517 54th St.
San Diego, CA 92115
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Jacob A. Rosas 4517 54th St. San Diego, CA 92115
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 09, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 09, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
2025-9000447
Fictitious business name(s):
Kitchenware Essentials Located at: 1741 Eastlake Pkwy., Ste 102 PMB 1029
Chula Vista, CA 91915
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Alison Andrea Peterson 1741 Eastlake Pkwy., Ste 102 PMB 1029
Chula Vista, CA 91915
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 08, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 08, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9025154
Fictitious business name(s): Sunflower Beauty Co. Located at: 4506 Federal Blvd. San Diego, CA 92102 County of San Diego
669 Ronald Way El Cajon, CA 92020
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 12/19/2024
January 10, 2025
name will expire on January 10, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME 2025-9002878
Fictitious business name(s) to be abandoned: Massage Thai La Jolla Located at: 7742 Herschel Ave. Unit M La Jolla, CA 92037 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual The Fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on: 12/11/2023 and assigned File no. 2023-9024799
The fictitious business name is being abandoned by: Rungnapa Sirichockmawin 7742 Herschel Ave. Unit M La Jolla, CA 92037
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County February 11, 2025 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice
Case Number 25CU006901C
Petitioner or Attorney: Elizabeth Irene Legg
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Elizabeth Irene Legg filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Elizabeth Irene Legg
PROPOSED NAME: Elizabeth Irene Blake
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: April 1, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN
OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date
Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.
The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Case Number 25CU006886C
Petitioner or Attorney: Paola Esther Herrera
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Paola Esther Herrera filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Paola Esther Herrera
PROPOSED NAME: Paola Esther Blake
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order
on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court. The address of the court is:
West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Courthouse Case Number 25CU006461C Petitioner or Attorney: Olivia Mancuso and Jordan McClanahan on behalf of minor child
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Olivia Mancuso and Jordan McClanahan on behalf of
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000990
Fictitious business name(s): Romero Landscaping & Handyman Located at: 4353 1/2 53rd St. San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Jose Luis Romero 4353 1/2 53rd St. San Diego, CA 92115
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 15, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on January 15,
FICTITIOUS
San Diego
P.O. Box 20491
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 15, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 15, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000437
Fictitious business name(s): Merchant Card Experts Located at: 3911 N. Cordoba Ave. Ste K Spring Valley, CA 91944 County of San Diego
1010 Singing Ridge Rd. El Cajon, CA 92019 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Corporation
The first day of business was: 1/1/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Kachi Ventures Inc. 1010 Singing Ridge Rd. El Cajon, CA 92019 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This
This business is hereby registered by the following: Alberto Gonzalez 320 Trousdale Dr. Suite E Chula Vista, CA 91910
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 10, 2025 This fictitious business name will expire on January 10, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000321
Fictitious business name(s): Jennie K Interiors Located at: 10850 Montego Dr. San Diego, CA 92124 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 1/6/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Jennifer Marie Knox 10850 Montego Dr. San Diego, CA 92124
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 07, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 07, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
The first day of business was: 6/1/2020 This business is hereby registered by the following: Daniel Lopez Martinez 19259 Rangeland Rd. Ramona, CA 92065
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 07, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 07, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000647
Fictitious business name(s): Tactical Baseball Located at: 11183 Socorro St. San Diego, CA 92129 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 1/1/2025
This business is hereby registered by the following: Tyler Dalton Meick 11183 Socorro St. San Diego, CA 92129
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on January 10, 2025
This fictitious business name will expire on January 10, 2030 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
This business is hereby registered by the following: Goodness LLC 669 Ronald Way El Cajon, CA 92020 State of Incorporation/ Organization California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on December 23, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on December 23, 2029 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2025-9000641
Fictitious business name(s): Agape
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree
NOTICE OF HEARING Date: April 1, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification,
name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order
Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order
Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date
Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.
The address of the court is:
330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101
2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Courthouse Case Number 24CU022148C
Petitioner or Attorney: Quoc Tuan Tran; Huyentrang Thi Pham and on behalf of minor child
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Quoc Tuan Tran; Huyentrang
Thi Pham and on behalf of minor child filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
a. PRESENT NAME: Gia Khang Tran Pham
PROPOSED NAME: Jason Gia Khang Tran [first][middle][middle][last]
b. PRESENT NAME: Quoc Tuan Tran
PROPOSED NAME: Tuan Quoc Tran [first][middle][last]
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition
without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: March 10, 2025
Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order
Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date
Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.
The address of the court is: 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 1100 Union St. San Diego CA 92081 Central Courthouse Case Number 25CU002863C
Petitioner or Attorney: Paul Torres
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Paul Torres filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Paul Torres
PROPOSED NAME: Paul Ignacio Enamorado
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of
name should not be granted.
Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: March 5, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date
Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.
The address of the court is: 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
Civil Action No: 4:24-cv-05775-JD-TER
To: Strategic Education Loan Fund, LLC 6610 Lavandula Ct San Diego, CA 92130
A Lawsuit has been filed against you.
Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) - or 60 days if you are the United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P 12 (a)(2) or (3) - you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney, whose name and address are: Joshua Jordan 3223 Twin Church Rd. Timmonsville, SC 29161 joshlegalstuff@gmail.com
If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You must also file your answer or motion with the court.
Date: October 17, 2024
Clerk of Court Robin L. Blume
s/Debbie Stokes
Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk
LEGAL NOTICE
Joshua Jordan has filed a lawsuit against Jeffrey Bernstein, Strategic Education Loan Fund, LLC, and ISA Plus, LLC (Case No. 4:24-cv-05775-JDTER, U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina) concerning Forward Purchase Agreements and Income Share Agreements. The defendants' last known address is 6610 Lavandula Court, San Diego, CA 92130.
Defendants must serve a written response to Joshua Jordan at 3223 Twin Church Rd., Timmonsville, SC 29161 within 21 days after this notice's final publication date, and file the original with the Court. Failure to respond may result in a default judgment for the relief demanded in the Complaint. This notice will be published once weekly for four consecutive weeks.
Joshua Jordan 3223 Twin Church Rd. Timmonsville, SC 29161 joshlegalstuff@gmail.com 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Donna Gail Walker, aka Donna G. Walker, aka Donna Walker Case Number 25PE000217C
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Donna Gail Walker, aka Donna G. Walker, aka Donna Walker
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Donald L. Walker in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
The Petition for Probate requests that Donald L. Walker 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: March 05, 2025 at 1:30 PM in Department 1603 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 Central DivisionCentral Courthouse
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE form is available from the court clerk.
Attorney for Petitioner: Edward B. Fischel, LL.M. APLC 459 West 4th St. San Bernardino, CA 92401 (909) 388-0050 2/6, 2/13, 2/20 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Elizabeth Anne Moore aka Elizabeth A. Moore aka Elizabeth Ann Moore Case Number 25PE000207C
To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Elizabeth Anne Moore aka Elizabeth A. Moore aka Elizabeth Ann Moore
A Petition for Probate has been filed by Michael Moore in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego
The Petition for Probate requests that Michael Moore 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: February 20, 2025 at 1:30 PM in Department 503 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 Central-Probate Court appearances may be made either in person or virtually. more information can be found at www.sdcourt.
ca.gov/ProbateHearings
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: Margaret K. Herring, Esq. 1001 B Avenue, Ste 215 Coronado CA 92118 (619) 437-9175 1/30, 2/6, 2/13
Celebrating Black History Month
"I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; Knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
- Rosa Parks.
PHOTO: Charles Krupa/AP
Workers at a Philadephia Whole Foods 1st to Unionize
By Haleluya Hadero and Lisa Baumann
Workers at a Whole Foods Market in Pennsylvania voted to unionize on Monday, January 27, becoming the first group of employees to pull off a labor win at the Amazon-owned grocery store chain. Employees at the Philadelphia store cast about 57% of the ballots in favor of joining a local chapter of The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union for the purposes of collective bargaining. According to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversaw the election, 100 workers rejected the motion.
“This fight is far from over, but today’s victory is an important step forward,” said Wendell Young IV, the president of UFCW Local 1776. “We are ready to bring Whole Foods to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair first contract that reflects the workers’ needs and priorities.”
The results mark the first successful entry of organized labor into Amazon’s grocery business.
The retail giant has challenged the structure of the National Labor Relations Board in court. Amazon accused the federal agency of tampering in the 2022 union election at the Staten Island warehouse, in part by bringing a lawsuit against the company to reinstate a fired organizer close to when voting began.
Navigating Your Finances
I t’s common to wonder how a new presidential administration will impact your wallet. As policies and regulations change, many people are left questioning what it means for their money.
Here’s how to safely navigate your finances during a presidential transition:
Take market coverage with a grain of salt: Media headlines might feel overwhelming, but it’s wise to avoid making big investment decisions based solely on the 24-hour news cycle. Unlike what you may hear, U.S. market growth and resilience have historically remained steady regardless of the political climate. For investment planning and advice, always rely on trusted resources, such as the insights of your financial advisor.
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Focus on fundamentals: Market volatility around election cycles is historically shortlived, so now is not the time to try to game the system, fully revamp your portfolio or reverse course on your long-term investment strategy. As always, you should stay focused on sound investment principles, like diversification and compound interest.
Examine your tax strategy: Consider whether your tax strategy will need tweaking in light of laws ushered in by the new administration. Whether it is your capital gains taxes or your small business taxes, new regulations can impact what you pay. Your financial advisor can help ensure you continue to maximize every dollar you earn.
Take a look at your savings: Policies coming out of Washington could affect healthcare costs, energy prices, Social Security income and other factors that impact your overall financial picture.
Navigating your finances during a presidential transition can feel tricky but with a big-picture mentality and the partnership of a qualified financial advisor, you can meet your financial goals.
Statepoint
PHOTO: Freepik
