Vol. 63 No. 20 | Thursday, May 18, 2023

remembering malcolm X

(May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965)

See Page 8

Mainstream Media’s Bias Against Kamala Harri s Poses

Biden Re-Election Challenges

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

During a December 2021 trip to Paris, Vice President Kamala Harris purchased a $375 cooking pot. America’s mainstream media didn’t approve. The media lamented high inflation in the United States and said that her purchase came as American residents barely made ends meet.

“After a very significant and highly successful bilateral meeting in France on issues that are about national security, on issues that are about climate, on issues that are about what we are doing in terms of international norms and rules on everything from cyber to space. Come on,” Harris retorted.

By Dr. John E. Warren PUBLISHER

Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. His father was murdered, leaving his mother a widow with children who were eventually taken from her and placed in foster care. Because his father was outspoken, it is believed that the Ku Klux Klan murdered him and presented his death as a suicide. His mother was placed in a mental institution after a nervous breakdown following the tragic death of his father, where she spent 24 years prior to her death in 1991.

Malcolm Little, after a run in with the law, went to prison where he spent six and a half years. There he converted to the Nation of Islam and became a well known and well recognized spokesperson for the Nation. Under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm preached Black independence. He was to the Civil Rights movement in the North what Dr. King was to the South. Malcolm grew in popularity in the movement as he encouraged Black separation, economics and self help.

He was a self educated man who during his prison life, read the dictionary from cover to cover. His views on the separatism taught by the Nation of Islam were modified after his journey to Mecca for the Holy Pilgrimage where he encountered Muslims that were blonde, blue-eyed and of many colors. His views on humanity became more inclusive and led to his separation from the Nation of Islam and his assassination on February 21, 1965 in New York City.

While he advocated self defense and Dr. King, non violence, the two men had the same objectives in time. Malcolm’s autobiography was written by Alex Haley, the author of “Roots”. The celebration of his birthday, his philosophy and life started on this birthday observance and has led to many efforts to declare his birthday a national holiday. While this has not happened, a number of states have had legislation introduced to make May 19th a legal holiday in his honor and there are events held around the nation and some parts of the world honoring him. This year is the celebration of his 98th birthday. Many of his speeches and writings are still being read and some appear elsewhere in this issue.

See MALCOLM page 2

See Page 10

Despite Harris’ impressive list of accomplishments as vice president and her stellar political track record, Dr. Bre Haizlip, a retired psychology professor, observed that the most devastating impact of unconscious racial bias in political media “is the ability to make one of the highest-ranking officials in our nation invisible.”

Grassroots Organizations request $100 million to INVEST in Black California

By Antonio R ay Harvey CALIFORNIA B LACK M EDIA

A coalition of movement-based organizations from various parts of California converged on the grounds of the State Capitol in Sacramento to send a message: Black Californians need financial resources to overcome setbacks caused by centuries of system and institutional racism.

The coalition, which included members of the California Black Freedom Fund, the Black Equity Collective, California Black Power Network, and LIVEFREE California, called for $100 million over five years to strengthen the relationship between the public sector and philanthropy groups serving Black communities across the state.

See GRASSROOTS page 2

The media’s bias against the vice president has surfaced in many ways, including intermittent headlines and articles suggesting a split as to whether she should be on the re-election ticket with President Biden. During an infamous March 2023 Zoom gathering of high-profile Democratic donors in Hollywood, suggestions abounded that Harris’ alleged lack of popularity would doom Biden. Those in attendance included former U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, actress Helen Hunt, and Ron Livingston. The negative coverage of Harris included a 2021 Newsweek headline that blared, “How Left-Wing Media Turned on Kamala Harris.”

See HARRIS page 2

For Mother’s Day, Advocates

By Edward Henderson CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

See MOTHERS page 2

PHOTO: Essie 4 Justice, Instagram/Courtesy of CBM

PHOTO: Herman Hiller,

Samuel Casey, executive director of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement and Senior Pastor of New Life Christian Church in Fontana, speaks at the news conference at the State Capitol on May 10, 2023, in Sacramento, California. Casey said the funding for the coalition will “continue to fund our liberation.”

PHOTO: Antonio Ray Harvey/CBM

PHOTO: NNPA

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

malcolm:

Continued from cover

10 quotes:

Malcolm X Talks Justice, Equity and Inclusion

By Jaivon Grant CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

Malcolm X’s unapologetic and passionate advocacy for Black rights brought him national attention. However, some have criticized his rhetoric as being extremist and racist.

Others explain that the assertive, Black nationalistic posture he took in his speeches was necessary for Civil-Rights-era America when discrimination and segregation were legal in many parts of the country and racism was routine in many aspects of life.

To that point, he spoke about what some considered his extremist viewpoints.

“I don’t believe in any form of unjustified extremism. But I believe that when a man is

exercising extremism, a human being is exercising extremism, in defense of liberty for human beings, it’s no vice. And when one is moderate in the pursuit of justice for human beings, I say he’s a sinner,” he said. This week, as we celebrate what would have been Malcolm X’s 98th birthday on May 19, here are ten quotes that capture Malcolm X’s promotion of racial healing, tolerance and racial inclusion.

1. On self-love …

“There can be no Black-White unity until there is first some Black unity. We cannot think of uniting with others, until after we have first united among ourselves. We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.”

2. On intermarriage …

“It’s just one human being marrying another human being or one human being living around and with another human being.”

3. On Truth and Justice …

I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being, first and foremost, and as

women before and after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.”

4. On Peace and Freedom …

“You can’t separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”

5. On Racial and Religious Unity …

“During the past seven days of this holy pilgrimage, while undergoing the rituals of the hajj [pilgrimage], I have eaten from the same plate, drank from the same glass, slept on the same bed or rug, while praying to the same God—not only with some of this earth’s most powerful kings, cabinet members, potentates and other forms of political and religious rulers—but also with fellow‐Muslims whose skin was the whitest of white, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, and whose hair was the blondest of blond—yet it was the first time in my life that I didn’t see them as ‘White’ men. I could look into their faces and see that these didn’t regard themselves as ‘White’.”

6. On L ove and Unity …

We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates

out diverse sources of information to ensure we are getting a full and accurate picture of any given issue or politician,” she stated.

love, love creates patience and patience creates unity.

7. On L earning to Hate …

“If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”

8. On Overcoming Hatred and Anger … “Hatred and anger are powerless when met with kindness.”

9. On Fairness and Justice … “You’re not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.”

10. On Human Rights …

“I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.”

This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.

“CNN, Politico, and The Washington Post have all published articles over the past few weeks citing anonymous sources such as aides and Democratic officials who have described apparent chaos in Harris’ office,” the article declared. “Harris has frequently been a target of criticism from conservatives, particularly for her role in dealing with immigration and the southern border, but it now appears that left-leaning news sources are painting a picture of a struggling vice president,” Newsweek continued.

But often ignored are Harris’ many accomplishments during her two-plus years as second in command. Harris, a Howard University graduate, has been on the frontlines of the Biden administration’s record funding of historically Black colleges and universities. She spent much of her first two years breaking an unprecedented 29 ties in an evenly divided Senate while ushering through administration appointees.

Harris proved vital in getting the American Rescue Plan through Congress, providing a $2 trillion stimulus relief bill that kept America’s businesses and residents afloat during the pandemic. Harris also ensured maternal health for

grASSROOTS:

Continued from cover

The group delivered their message May 10, two days before Gov. Gavin Newsom presented the May Revision of his 2023-24 budget, and five days after the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans finalized its final report, which will be submitted to the Legislature on June 29.

During the rally, Kaci Patterson, who represents the Black Equity Collective (BEC), said grassroots organizations “are our communities’ first responders.”

mothers:

Continued from cover

attention to the damage inflicted on families and communities by the mass incarceration of Black women over generations. The event was part of the annual National Bail Out Campaign (NBO), #FreeBlackMamas.

The NBO #FreeBlackMamas campaign raises awareness about the human and financial costs of incarceration. The press conference focused on the voices and experiences of Black women, who have been disproportionately affected by mass incarceration. This is especially significant given that the number of women in prison has been growing at twice the rate of men in recent decades, with 80% of women in jail being mothers.

Essie is the nation’s leading advocacy organization focused on organizing women who have loved ones in prison, including one in four women and one in two Black women in the US. Founded by Gina Clayton-Johnson in May 2014, Essie is a community of Black-led, Black-centered, multicultural organizers with a membership body of mothers, daughters,

“Unconscious racial bias in political media may include an inadvertent assumption that Black politicians’ accomplishments are less newsworthy or the propensity for the media to focus on negative or controversial aspects of a Black politician’s career, rather than highlighting their successes,” Haizlip explained.

“In Harris’ case, the controversy and scandal meteor fall far below the media threshold.”

Haizlip also warned Black media outlets about unconscious internalized racism. She said unconscious internalized racism in Black media refers to the unconscious internalization, adoption, and perpetuation of negative stereotypes and biases about Black people within the Black community and media.

“This can include the reinforcement of Eurocentric leadership standards, the portrayal of Black people in a negative light, or the erasure or marginalization of Black political voices and perspectives that do not conform to dominant narratives,” Haizlip stated. “It’s important for all of us as media consumers to be more aware of the potential for unconscious bias and to seek

“When we can go from disposable one day to essential workers the next, we know that this state knows how much they need us,” Patterson said. “And we are here today to say fund us like you know you need us. This budget ask is a down payment toward the state investing in who it says it wants to be.”

The BEC is a network of funders and nonprofit leaders committed to investing in the long-term sustainability of Black-led organizations in Southern California. The members of the coalition arrived in Sacramento from Fresno, San Bernardino, Oakland, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Stockton, Pomona, Riverside, Pasadena, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, Fontana, Long Beach and other cities.

grandmothers, siblings, and partners of incarcerated people.

Since 2017, Essie led Black Mama’s Bail Outs in California in the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day. To date, they have posted bond for 13 Black women totaling $1.9 million. This year, in collaboration with the National Bail Out collective, two Black mothers and caregivers (one in Alameda County and one in Los Angeles County) will be released on bond so they can spend Mother’s Day with their children and families.

Betty McKay, a member of Essie and a formerly incarcerated woman, hosted the event. She set the tone of the gathering by introducing the speakers, sharing her personal story, and leading the audience in the Essie chant ‘We come for ours, and when we come, we win.’

“I hold these bailouts close to my heart because I know what it means to be caged,” said McKay.

“We believe in a future where our loved ones are free. What I know to be true, is that we are here because we are still buying our folks freedom, just like slavery days. Mass incarceration is the new slavery. We will continue to buy freedom until we abolish mass incarceration.”

Harris made history when she took the oath of office in January 2021 as the first Black and first female vice president. Harris’ political career began in San Francisco, where she served as a prosecutor. She quickly gained a reputation for her tough stance on crime and her ability to bring criminals to justice. She won election as District Attorney, where she implemented several innovative programs to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. She also made headlines for successfully prosecuting several high-profile cases involving a notorious drug dealer and a corrupt police officer.

In 2010, Harris became the first woman and individual of color elected Attorney General of California. During her tenure, she focused on consumer protection, environmental justice, and civil rights issues. She also successfully defended California’s same-sex marriage ban in court, a decision that drew criticism from some progressive activists.

Harris’ political career continued to soar, and in 2016, she was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming only the second Black woman to

“There is a history of systemic racism that our community and our state refuses to reckon with. Yet, when there is a crisis — we can take the pandemic for example — all of a sudden, they need our organizations,” said Marc Philpart, Executive Director of the Black Freedom Fund.

“They want us to outreach to our community, they want us to engage, they want to use us, they want to exploit us,” he continued. “And what we are saying is no more. We are demanding every legislator, the governor and all constitutional officers to get behind our agenda.”

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (DRiverside) joined the coalition at a news conference outside the State Capitol. Jackson,

Gina Clayton-Johnson, Executive Director of Essie, spoke passionately about the organization’s mission and shared some of the innovative ways Essie is changing bailout culture. For women who have lower incomes, affording bail is impossible when the median bail amount in California is $50,000, five times the national average. Under her watch, 473 mothers and caregivers have been freed nationwide.

“We don’t allow the bail industry to see not one penny of this money that we raise,” said Clayton-Johnson. “We don’t get the discounted rate; we don’t get to pay the 10% that the bail industry lets you pay and then go into debt with them. We raise all the money, give it to the court to buy the person’s freedom. Once that case is disposed of, we get that money back so we can continue to bail out more Black women.”

Clayton-Johnson highlighted the fact that when Black women are released from prison, they can provide support to others who have been victims of the prison industrial complex.

“There are tens of thousands of people who come home from jails and prisons every single week. Where do you think they go? When

serve in the Senate. During her time in the Senate, Harris fiercely advocated for progressive causes, including criminal justice reform, healthcare, and immigration. Harris also received positive reviews across 18 countries in a 2022 Pew Research Center survey.

Pew found that about 55% of adults in these countries have confidence in Harris handling of world affairs, including half or more who hold that view in 14 countries.

Confidence in Harris is exceptionally high in Sweden, where 77% of adults view her positively.

“It’s unfair how narratives become so powerful and take on a life of their own. These lies threaten to affect the discourse around the 2024 Presidential Race and even Vice President Harris’ political future as she remains a key contender for the Democratic Nomination for President in the future,” Randall Barnes wrote in a March 2023 editorial for HBCU Pulse

“She is one of the best, if not the best, vice presidents of all time, and she’s done her constitutional duties with excellence and often does even more to advance important causes for the Biden Administration that isn’t a part of her job description,” Barnes asserted.

who was elected to office in November 2022, has a series of pending legislation that addresses inequality affecting Black communities. He supports the coalition’s efforts to secure funding.

“We are in a critical moment right now in our history as Black people here in California where we have an opportunity to reignite and strengthen our organizations and our communities so that we can create better agencies, better power to deal with our own historic inequities,” Jackson said. “We’ve been waiting too long for our government to help. It’s time for us to go about the business as our ancestors did and create for ourselves our own solutions.”

people come home from prison they are most likely coming home to the arms of a Black woman. What we are here to say is free Black mamas and to remind you that Black women are the blueprint for re-entry.”

“Every person I got to know at the women’s jail had mental health needs and trauma like I did,” said Shaundrika Price, a beneficiary of an Essie bond and services. “What people don’t understand is that many of us locked up in the system have not been convicted of a crime. Locking women and Black mamas up is not the answer.”

A mother of five children, Price was imprisoned, and her bail was set at $200,000. Unable to pay, Price remained in Lynwood Women’s Jail in Los Angeles for months as her trial continued to be pushed back.

“This has nothing to do with public safety. This is about wealth, a system built on money, power, privilege, and White supremacy,” said Brendon Woods, a public defender from Alameda County.

For more information or to donate, visit the National Bailout Campaign at secure.actblue. com/donate/freeblackmamas.

A Continued Wake Up Call To America

By Dr. John E. Warren PUBLISHER, THE SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT

“We The People” are losing control of America through the unchecked behavior of a number of elected officials at all levels of government who have bought the Big Lie that democracy failed with the election of President Biden and the fact that although he got seven million votes more than the former President, he didn’t win. Those who drank this Kool Aid continue to use the Big Lie as the foundation for more lies, like Voter Suppression is necessary because ballot boxes are being stuffed with illegal ballots; that more guns are necessary for self protection when those espousing this theory are the very ones committing mass murders with the very automatic weapons “they” said are necessary for self protection.

As we have said before and now repeat, the solution to these problems rests in what Thomas Jefferson warned: “Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Freedom.” We must not only watch, but register and vote. We can not wait until November 2024 to think about whether our vote matters.

If Black Lives Matter, then Black Votes are critical and necessary. Every election is important from School Board to City Council, to State Legislatures and Governors and Members of Congress, both in the House and the Senate.

The families of those murdered and injured in the TOPs Supermarket massacre in Buffalo, New York a year ago have filed multiple Wrongful Death Civil actions against social media, gun dealerships and others considered influences in shaping the mind and heart of the killer. Such creative thought must be used around the country in spite of the fact that the former President has stacked the United States Supreme Court with one third of the Justices expected to rule in favor of the supporters of the Big Lie on most if not all the issues which will come before them.

The solution to the Supreme Court problem is to elect members of Congress that will pass the laws necessary to overrule such Court Decisions. For example, to change the ruling on Roe v. Wade, Congress must simply pass a law reinstating the right to abortion as some states have done.

We must now rally on the issues of the debt ceiling so that the Conservative Right does not allow the collapse of the government to further justify their attack on Democracy. We must insist that the issue of immigration be looked at so the much needed migrant workers for our agriculture are not caught up in the greater issue of mass immigration. We must keep our eyes on the domestic needs of this nation, such as healthcare in the midst of continued COVID, food insecurity, and homelessness at all levels.

If we can find funds for Ukraine, then we can find funds to help the very people who elected our decision makers to Congress. We must not allow another Big Lie, that America is now represented by the “few” and the callus, seeking only to help themselves at the expense of all others. This is the Continued Wake Up Call.

Letters to the Editor

A Dog Park For Chollas?

To the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department/MLK Park Recreation

Staff

To Dr. Warren, San Diego Voice and Viewpoint Newspaper

It has come to the attention of the Chollas View Neighborhood Council of a proposal of a Dog Park inside Gompers Park—4926 Hilltop Drive, San Diego, 92102

This must be a proposal and not a committed vote.

Have those making this suggestion looked at the uses that are continuous in this space/park? That this is a residential area? There is much activity, there is no designated parking, during Soccer season—and out of season there are consistent practices, trainings, etc., many days into the night. There is equipment for a children’s play area—a Jungle Gym for youth 2-5 years of age used daily. Space is already so limited—this park is VERY small.

On top of this…who in the neighborhood was contacted — one street, next to the park? There was no consultation, workshops, overviews or discussions to bring this proposed

Dog Park to the Chollas View Neighborhood Community, and the Chollas View Neighborhood Council.

It’s right in the middle of the area of influence of the Chollas View Neighborhood Community Council—that’s actually very active. Did you bring this to the Chollas Valley Community Planning Group—Ms. Marry Young, Chairperson? Have the schools that are adjacent to the park been notified or contacted? (Gompers Preparatory Academy and Millennial Tech Middle School—and one block away Horton Elementary School) Why is this being directed through Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on Skyline Drive, almost three (3) miles away with no representation from the neighborhood that you are proposing a Dog Park be added into?

And simply, would anyone with the Parks and Recreation departments of San Diego enjoy a process like this without little or no discussion or representation from the community surrounding the actual park that a Dog Park is proposed in?

Concerned, Ardelle and Brian Matthews

Chollas View Neighborhood Council Representatives

thank you

Dear Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper, On behalf of the Children’s Book Party, would you thank your reporter Amara Beaty who came out and covered our event. She did an excellent job, we appreciate her work very much. Thank you for everything!

Best Regards, Roosevelt Brown & The Children’s Book Party

How to reach us

The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint welcomes your opinions on issues in letters to the editor. Include your name, signature, address and a phone number we can use to verify your letter.

Keep it short and mail it to:

Letters to the Editor

The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint P.O. Box 120095 San Diego, CA 92112

The Case Against SB357

Black, Vulnerable and Trafficked

By Tanya Dennis and Vanessa Russell OAKLAND FRONTLINE HEALERS

Not all sexual exploitation is equal and Black girls get the worst of it. Facts and reality establish that passing SB 357 and similar legislation harms Black communities which are some of the most vulnerable and traumatized people in America. When the ACLU co-authored SB357 and claimed that full decriminalization of sex work would improve public health and safety, whose health and safety were they referring to?

[We] are proponents of the equity model which would decriminalize exploitation for the exploited and provide exit services, while continuing to hold sex buyers and exploiters accountable.

The exploited, whether they identify as survivors of human trafficking or independent sex workers, should not be criminalized. The problem is that the ACLU and social service agencies align with proponents of decriminalizing sex buying knowing that Black girls are the most impacted by an increase in demand.

The range of opinions about this topic is vast. Some advocates are looking to cure human trafficking with criminal convictions and longer sentences, without simultaneously prioritizing investment in prevention and intervention care for BIPOC communities. Others, such as those who support SB357, are advocating for full decriminalization despite the knowledge that demand for sex from marginalized and disempowered communities will increase.

Groups like Open Society Foundations, which is funded by George Soros, pushes for full decriminalization and states in their “Ten Reasons to Decriminalize Sex Work” white paper that decriminalizing the act of sex-buying will improve human trafficking response rates. In their report, they note that New Zealand, which fully decriminalized sex work, was “doing great work on human trafficking.”

Melissa Farley of Prostitution Research had a completely different perspective on sex work decriminalization in New Zealand. In her white paper, she noted that after New Zealand’s decriminalization of prostitution, “the violence and sexual abuse continued as before” and “sex workers felt that the law could do little about violence; that it was an inevitable element of the sex trade.”

The other unanswered question raised decriminalizing sex work is what happens to those who remain in the industry even though they want to get out. Reports in New Zealand say that sex workers no longer receive job training or housing advocacy. Some of the loudest voices in support of SB 357 are those of privileged people who do not understand the implications of these policies that disproportionately harm Black women and girls. They fail to understand that not all forms of sexual exploitation are equal.

Elizabeth Quiroz, a survivor who was sold at the age of 16 and trafficked throughout the Bay Area, has a strong reaction to full decriminalization.

“Fully decriminalizing the sex trade will promote human trafficking in our communities and expose our most vulnerable populations, such as people of color, to additional violence and trauma,” Quiroz said. “Without accountability for the buyers and exploiters, even those who enter the industry on their own free will can eventually become victims of human trafficking.”

The logic outlined in the ACLU decriminalization white paper and legislative position reveals the authors have not considered the health and safety of Black women and girls. SB 357 has not provided alternatives to police intervention. Those interventions could include:

• pa id ubiquitous outreach

• survivor advocacy across the state

• ex it services such as housing

• workforce development

• mental health services

The mental health service providers should be required to be familiar with the systemic oppression in Black communities and understand the dangers of the street trade, which is where Blacks women and girls are the most vulnerable and the most exploited.

Tanya Dennis serves on the Board of Oakland Frontline Healers (OFH). This post originally appeared in Post News Group.

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We are a non-denominational full fellowship of believers dedicated to reach our community with the gospel and providing a place for believers to workship, learn, fellowship, serve and grow into the fullness of Christ Jesus. This ministry is to build people of Purpose, Prayer, Power, Praise and Prosperity. This mandate is being fulfilled by reaching the reality of the gospel in a simplistic fashion, and a result, learning how to apply it in everyday life.

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MORTUARY

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE

Funeral services were held on 05/09/2023 at Mt. Erie Baptist Church, with a burial following at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Vera Lee Epps, affectionately known as “Bibbie”, was born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, on July 5, 1937. She was the sixth of nine children, born to Thad Joseph and Cecile Evelyn Epps. The family moved to La Jolla, California.

Vera attended La Jolla Elementary and later La Jolla High School and was a member of the high school marching band. Vera grew up in a Christian home and, at an early age, gave her life to Christ, attending Prince Chapel A.M.E. church in La Jolla.

After graduating High School, Vera traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, and attended Benedict College. There she met Freddie Mack Williams. They were united in holy matrimony, and their first two daughters were born. In 1959, the family moved to La Jolla, California, and were blessed with two more daughters. Finally, in 1964, the family moved to San Diego, where the fifth daughter was born.

The family joined the Calvary Baptist Church. She was active on the usher board, led the Sunday School as Superintendent, and the Women’s Mission Group. In 1972 she began her employment as a Teacher’s Aid with San Diego City Schools. In 1996, Vera joined Mt. Erie Baptist Church, dedicated to the Women’s Mission and served as president of the senior usher board. Vera served as an officer in the California Missionary Baptist State Convention Usher’s Ministry. She was president of the Progressive Missionary Baptist District Association Usher’s Ministry.

Vera passed on April 18, 2023, and was preceded in death by her husband Freddie Mack Williams; parents, Thad and Cecile Epps; brothers Charles “Luke” Epps, Randell “Dell” Epps, Thad “Joe” Epps, and Wilbert “Billy” Epps; sisters Carrie Lois Johnson and Barbara Ann Charlton; granddaughter Jeniece Daniels.

She leaves to cherish her memories daughters Teri Williams, Pamela Williams, Patricia Daniels, Linda Martin, and DeJeanette Williams; sister Maxine Henry and brother Donald “Donnie” Epps (Sandy); grandchildren Daniel Martin (Zenja), Korynn Daniels, and Kayla Martin; great-grandchildren Elisha Martin, Aaliyah Sherrills, and Zahara Martin; brother-in-law Reverend John Williams; sister-in-law Edna Thompson (David), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

A graveside service was held on 05/09/2023 at Miramar National Park. Final arrangements were entrusted to Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Alonzo Levi Ward was born on March 31, 1946, in San Diego, California to Leon Ward and Gloria Hudson. He was the third child born to a family of seven.

Alonzo grew up in San Diego and attended the local school system graduating from San Diego High School. Alonzo enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country proudly. He met and married his first wife Ester in 1969 and to this union, a son and a daughter were born.

Alonzo separated from the military in 1972. He then met and married Kathi Blair in 1973. To this union, a son and a daughter were born. He later started his career with SDG&E and retired in 2000 as a merchandise clerk. Alonzo would go on to make many friends and stayed active in his father, Leon Ward’s life.

Alonzo enjoyed making music and golfing. He would play every weekend with his father and his son, and created music every chance he was able. Alonzo was a wonderful father to all of his children. He was an avid supporter of his children and was always in attendance at all sporting events and extracurricular activities they participated in.

Alonzo was called peacefully from labor to reward on April 21, 2023, in his home surrounded by the family whom he loved so very much. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Joe Leaks and Leon Ward, Jr. Alonzo leaves to mourn his passing, yet celebrate his life: spouse, Kathi Ward of San Diego, daughters; Delonda Ward of Pittsburgh and Eboni Ward (Stevie Rawls) of San Diego; sons: Alonzo Ward, Jr. of Pittsburgh and Michael Ward (Rita Ward) of San Diego; 7 grandchildren: Duran Ward of Pittsburgh, PA, LaiKara Crowell, Aurelis Rawls, Michael Ward, Jr., Lesaul Rawls, Isaac Ward and Delina Rawls all of San Diego, California; aunt: Walterine Charles of San Diego; sisters: Dorothy Elliot & Sharon Winters of Yuma, AZ; brothers: Samuel Ward of San Diego and Eugene Ward of Charleston SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tips for Coping With Grief

reactions, including the following:

• Trembling or shakiness

• Muscle weakness

What Is Grief?

Grief is a part of life. It is a strong, sometimes overwhelming reaction to death, divorce, job loss, a move, or loss of health due to illness. It can also occur after disasters or other traumatic events. If you are experiencing grief, you may feel empty and numb, or unable to feel joy or sadness. You may also feel angry.

You may experience physical

• Nausea and trouble eating

• Trouble sleeping or difficulty breathing

• Dry mouth

While grieving, you may have nightmares, withdraw socially, and not want to participate in your usual activities. Eventually, you may also notice positive changes in yourself from your experience of loss, such as the following:

• Becoming more under-

standing and tolerant

• Having increased appreciation for relationships and loved ones

• Feeling grateful for the presence of those in your community who are loving and caring

• Experiencing enhanced spiritual connection

• Becoming more socially active

• Getting involved in advocacy to help people who have experienced similar losses

How Long Does Grief

Usually Last?

Grief is different for every person and every loss. The manner of the death or loss and your personal circumstances can affect how long you experience grief. If you are experiencing grief now,

it may be difficult to imagine an end to the pain you are feeling. Even though your life may not be the same as it was before, the grief will eventually ease, and the grieving process will allow you to accept the loss and move forward with your life.

Coping With Grief

You can take steps to help yourself cope with grief. Talking to others who understand and respect how you feel—family members, faith leaders, people you trust— is a helpful way to cope with your grief. Recognize that although you might still have these feelings over a long period, they will likely be less intense over time. Try to take care of yourself physically by exercising, eating

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Funeral services were held at Memory Chapel of Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary, with a burial following at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Final arrangements were entrusted at Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary.

Mona Lisa Hill was born on Thursday, January 25, 1979, in Patterson, New Jersey, and later moved to California. She was raised by her beloved Odell Fields and attended local schools and continued on to college, attaining her certification in medical coding and billing as well as a certification as a pharmaceutical technician. Mona worked for United Healthcare for over 15 years and retired from that industry in 2017.

Mona was a kind, caring, and giving person who always put the needs of her family above her own. She was a strong woman who, though faced many challenges in her life, handled every situation with courage and dignity. Mona was a source of inspiration to everyone that encountered her. She was a devoted wife and loving mother

Mona Lisa Hill-Wine departed this life on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, she leaves to mourn her passing yet celebrate her life: Spouse Kendrick Wine Sr.; children Monaezha Hall, Jihad Hall, Ambrazhe Paul, Jeremiah Siah, and Kendrick Wine, Jr., and a host extended family and friends that will forever love and miss her.

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healthy meals, and getting enough sleep. Allow yourself to feel joy and sadness, and to cry when you need to.

Going through the grieving process and healing from loss does not mean forgetting about loved ones who have died. You may still feel deeply connected to the person you have lost, but you will also be able to imagine a life without him or her. You will start to be reengaged in daily life and reconnected to others. When moving out of grief, you may start to experience the following:

• Feeling the pain of your loss without resisting or avoiding it

• Adjusting to a new reality in which your loved one is

no longer present

• Forming new relationships

If you are not experiencing these changes and adjustments after many months, and you feel “stuck” in your deep and overwhelming feelings of loss, you can find help through prayer, by talking to your doctor, or seeing another health care professional. It is important to realize that each individual grief process is unique, and you are never alone.

SOURCE: samhsa.gov

PHOTO: SAMSHSA.GOV

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm

District 4 Budget Forum Meeting

NSDI Introduces Fairmount Center Featuring Newly Remodeled Office Spaces

In August 2022, Nile Sisters Development Initiative (NSDI) purchased a property located at 4265 Fairmount Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105. The property was later renamed Fairmount Center.

Nestled in City Heights, the two-story property was erected in 1981 and boasts 18 tenant suites with ample ground-level parking. Several suites within the property have undergone cosmetic remodeling, with some featuring large windows with street views.

Fairmount Center is situated in the center of San Diego County, in one of the region’s oldest and most diverse neighborhoods and is accessible by several freeway arteries and public transit systems.

Fairmount Center was purchased by NSDI, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by a former refugee woman, Ms. Elizabeth Lou. With over two decades of experience serv-

ing refugees and immigrants in San Diego County, NSDI purchased the property to avail an inclusive community facility that provides a unique opportunity for most vulnerable populations to access vocational training for the in-demand healthcare sector through LearnMore, as well as benefit from various services offered by a myriad of diverse social service providers.

Fairmount Center provides an inclusive commercial facility with a unique opportunity for a myriad of diverse businesses and social services providers. Currently, Fairmount Center has limited availability for the newly remodeled suites located on the second floor. The available suites boast skylight roofs, and some feature large windows with city street views. Inquiries can be submitted to info@thefairmountcenter.com.

Nile Sisters Development Initiative is a community-based organization that provides vital services to refugees and immigrants in the San Diego region, as well as throughout the State of California with offices in Los Angeles and Sacramento.

Youth Challenge Invites Submissions from Artistic San Diegans

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson County of San Diego Communications Office

Young San Diegans are invited to help raise awareness about opioid overdoses and the dangers of counterfeit and illicit opioids using their video and art skills.

The County’s current Scoop from You(th) Challenge focuses on the opioid crisis and will accept submissions from San Diegans ages 12 to 25 from May 9, in recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, through July 11, in three categories:

• T ik Talk – Provide an overview on a topic related to the opioid crisis, such as illicit fentanyl or naloxone. Submissions must be 10 minutes or less and feature at least one resource for the community.

• Fast Facts – Create an or iginal handcrafted or digitally designed piece of visual art th at highlights at least one fact sp ecifically about illicit opioids or naloxone.

• R eal Reel – Create a 15 to 90-second video that provides a personal testimonial or public service announcement related to the opioid crisis. Submissions must provide a clear ca ll to action.

The challenge, sponsored by Live Well San Diego partner Rescue Agency, will award one winner $1,200 and the opportunity to have their submitted content featured in awareness campaigns on County communication channels.

Six more age group winners will also receive gift card awards of $400 and $100 along with a signed certificate.

To see complete contest rules and enter to win, visit the LiveWellSD.org/ScoopFromYouth.

The launch of this summer’s Scoop from You(th) Challenge coincided with National Fentanyl Awareness Day, which encourages everyone to get informed about the dangers of illicitly manufactured fentanyl, spread the word, and be prepared.

Illicit fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be lethal in tiny amounts, the size of three grains of salt, which users may be unaware is present in their pills.

County-wide in 2021, illicit fentanyl was a cause of death in 814 accidental overdoses, according to the Medical Examiner. The County is making efforts to distribute naloxone, a lifesaving nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, including those induced by fentanyl. The County’s Naloxone Distribution Program aims to disseminate 33,000 naloxone kits by June 30 in part through direct community outreach and even vending machines.

Naloxone is available for pick-up at all of the County’s Public Health centers and carried at many pharmacies.

More information about illicit fentanyl, including how to speak to youth about its risks, and a list of where to find naloxone near you is available on Up2SD.org.

Substance use treatment resources are also available by calling the County’s Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240 or calling 988 or 211.

OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS! Public Defender’s “25 MOST REMARKABLE TEEN” Program

Here’s your chance to nominate a remarkable teen in your community for the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office fifth annual “25 Most Remarkable Teens” program. Nominations are now open for the fifth annual installment of the program, run by San Diego County Public Defender’s Office.

Nominees should be San Diego County residents between 13 and 19 years old who excel in “non-traditional” categories like humanitarianism, journalism, personal adversity, youth activism, the arts and many more.

A senior experiencing homelessness from Morse High School, an aspiring medical researcher who created an AI diagnostic tool from north San Diego’s Del Norte High School and a gun violence prevention advocate invited to the White House from Scripps Ranch High school were among the young people chosen in 2022 as San Diego’s “25 Most Remarkable Teens.”

Who will be selected in 2023?

“This is a unique and meaningful opportunity for community members to nominate a young person who has been remarkable in their commitment to their community, inspiring in their talents/skills, or has shown resilience in overcoming adversity,” said Grace

Liu, Director of Community Initiatives for the Public Defender’s Office. “This awards ceremony is where we get to honor and empower them to continue to make a positive impact.”

Liu says she has sent nomination applications to 175 high schools and community-based organizations across the county, though teens attending college are also eligible. More than 200 teens have been nominated each year since the program began in 2019.

Nominations are due by June 30. Finalists will be honored at a Nov. 9 ceremony in the Shiley Special Event Suite atop the San Diego Central Library.

Nomination forms, which include a list of the suggested categories, are available on the San Diego County Public Defender website at www.sandiegocounty.gov and can be sent to Grace Liu at remarkableteens@sdcounty.ca.gov or 451 A St., Suite 900, San Diego, CA 92101.

Community Rallies For Southcrest Park Renaming

Community members met recently to convene a discussion in favor of renaming Southcrest Park in honor of Mr. Shelley Curtis White’s tremendous legacy and contribution to the Southcrest Park area. The Southcrest Civic Club built the original building at this site, then donated it to the City of San Diego. Materials and labor were donated by local merchants, residents and labor unions. The center was dedicated in 1950. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2023. At the meeting the Southcrest Park Advisory Board members will vote on Mr. Shelley Curtis White’s

The San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) is one of California’s largest noncredit colleges, serving 40,000 students annually.

SDCCE is focused on serving refugees, immigrants, and underserved populations who need workforce training. Many students begin their career journey at SDCCE and then prepares them for immediate employment or can transition to San Diego City, Mesa or Miramar colleges.

Pictured here: San Diego’s “25 Most Remarkable Teens” 2022 Ceremony.

PHOTO: Courtesy of County of San Diego Public Defender’s Office.

PHOTOS: Mike Norris

The SDSU 44th Annual Black Baccalaureate Ceremony

& Viewpoint Staff

Families, friends, graduates and San Diego State University officials, along with the California Secretary of State, were on hand at Lincoln High School for the 44th Annual Black Baccalaureate Ceremony. It was sponsored, as it has been in the past, by the San Diego State University Africana Studies Department, now concluding its 50th year.

The theme for this year was “Black Resilience: Knowledge is Black Power.” This year’s graduates, who formally received their degrees over the weekend in a number of ceremonies, were present in their caps and gowns and marched into the auditorium waving to family and friends. The Host of the Ceremony was Dr. Adisa A. Alkebulan, Chair of Africana Studies and Co-Chair of the Black Baccalaureate Committee.

There were Student Speakers: Claryssa Wilson, Shakur Collins; Alternate Speaker: Joy Moore, and the Charge to Graduates given by Vernon Oakes, Talk Show Host and Former Chair, Department of Africana Studies. There was an Acceptance of the Charge by Terry Sivers, the Mock Presentation of Degrees since the formal degrees were presented at the actual university ceremony last weekend.

The “Reflections” in the program stated that: “In 1980, after years of hearing complaints from students and parents about the quality and relevance of the University commencement services, Dr. Shirley Weber. The department chairperson of Africana Studies, at the time, proposed the Black Baccalaureate to the Africana Studies Department.” The idea was accepted and she was asked to coordinate the effort. The rest is history. This year, Dr. Weber was present in her capac -

ity as California Secretary of State, but did not speak.

The Baccalaureate Ceremony originated in 1432 at Oxford College. Where each Bachelor student was required to give a sermon in Latin, as part of an academic exercise. The concept of receiving a degree dates back to Islamic tradition and the Baccalaureate ceremony as practiced in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) has deep roots in a religious ceremony preceding graduation as the Black church played such a major role in financing education in the early days of such institutions. The graduates received degrees in all levels of educational achievement as the tradition continues.

Voice

PHOTOS: Darrell Wheeler

Mother’s Day Wellness Event

By Malachi Kudura

Contributing Writer

On Saturday May 14, 2023, Steam Sistahs LLC and Bridget’s Essence of Beauty presented their first Mother’s Day Wellness Event. This event had personal services, activities and vendors that provided many gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Food and drinks were provided by Jamming’s Mobile Grill (Jamaican food).

Both Shavanna Holmes of Steam Sistahs LLC and Bridget Winton of Bridget’s Essence of Beauty have businesses that cater to healthy self-care.

“We just wanted to do something for the mothers during Mother’s Day. Bridget lost her mother last year and my mom is far away,” Shavana Holmes shared.

Bridget Winton commented, “Our businesses are catered to health and wellness. We believe in healthy products for healthy bodies and healthy minds.”

“Mother’s take care of everyone, it’s very important [for] moms to take time for their own selfcare. Events like these are important to remind mothers to love on themselves,” attendee Tina Jackson said.

When asked what inspired her to start her business Hair Concoction Plant Based Haircare, CEO Danny Pooh shared, “I was tired of seeing chemicals being used in products and people not being knowledgeable on what’s in the product.” All their products are handmade and vegan friendly. Mothers deserve to be celebrated more than just one day out of the year. She is the first to show a child love and comfort from the womb. A mother’s love is unconditional and there’s nothing like a mother’s hug. Don’t wait until Mother’s Day to show your mother how much she’s loved and appreciated, show her every day.

The Joy Of Mother’s Day

By Mike Norris

Contributing Writer

On Mother’s Day Sunday, May 14th, plenty of love and joy were shared with mother and grandmother Dorothy Lowery. What a joy to behold!

Hosted at the home of Joe and Dorothy Lowery, family members laughed and danced to great blues and old-school soul sounds from the past, while folks filled their bellies with excellent soul food. It was truly a fun-filled Mother’s Day celebration and a total joy watching and sharing love and laughter with the youngest member of the Lowery family, Genesis who could

be seen singing and dancing to the sounds of old-school soul music. Truly a Mother’s Joy to behold for-

PHOTOS: Malachi Kudura

PHOTOS: Mike Norris

COMMUNITY

AFRO-LATIN JAZZ SESSIONS PRESENTED BY WORLDBEAT CULTURAL CENTER

By Malachi Kudura CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Worldbeat Cultural Center hosts Afro-Latin Jazz Sessions every Sunday from 3 pm to 6 pm. This free venue provides an excellent space for quality family time or time with that special someone. Great music, food provided by the WorldBeat Café, and African artwork create an ideal place to complete the weekend.

Ben Vaughn article ‘The History And Culture Of Afro Latin American Music’ states that “Afro-Latin American music has its roots in the music of the African diaspora, which has been shaped by the various cultures of Latin America. This music has been influenced by a variety of factors, including the indigenous music of Latin America, European colonization, and the transatlantic slave trade.”

Samsara is the featured house band, which includes Turiya Mareya, Caesar Lezano, Tony Muhammad and Robert Felcher. “The African Diaspora has defined the totality of my life. I was a [girl] when I [first went] to the Black and Tan on Im-

perial. Daniel Jackson was teaching a jazz class there. I met him, and he changed my life. He mentored me and introduced me to his world and the African American Experience in Jazz.” said the band leader Turiya Mareya.

Makeda Makossa and Turiya Mareya have done these projects before. Once in Rosarito at Makeda’s venue Culture Beat and at her Tijuana venue Casa del Tunel. For several summers they were used as a way to bring the community together to share music and art.

“We wanted to create more of an experience where people can come on [a] sunny afternoon to the park, have some great food, meet some amazing people and have a healing experience,” said Turiya Mareya.

Middle School Flag Football Competition Impresses

By Darrel Wheeler CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Some of the best flag snatchers at the middle school level compete on select Saturdays out of the traditional football season, however, with the same intensity. Pullers of the flags from Pacific Beach, Wilson, De Portelo, Clark, Stanley, Bell and Knox are just some of the many middle schools that participated.

They compete for good old bragging rights, and the right to take the big Championship trophy back to their school.

The 6th, 7th and 8th graders were seen showcasing their skills in front of a live and enthusiastic crowd of lookie-loos, including a host of curious high school coaches.

There are some rule modifications that come with the fast pace run, catch and throw middle school football league action.

“We want the kids to just have some fun and sharpen their skills,” said Clark Middle School Coach, T.J. Brown. “And this is a good way to keep kids busy. You know, now-a-days you have to keep them busy. It’s an excellent way

“With so much negativity going on in the world, music offers us a bit of peace even for the moment. It is a perfect place to bring your family to enjoy a healthy meal and the healing energy of Afro-Latin music,” said an attendee.

for me as a mentor to stay in their ear about life beyond football,” Brown continued. The local middle schools’ flag football skills show continues to impress.

African Migrants Finding Sanctuary in Maine

By Lisa Vives Global Information Network

An African migrant crisis in southern Maine?

Newly arrived asylum seekers have been overwhelming several Maine cities, straining municipal budgets to the breaking point. Surprising to some, many of the migrants are from Africa, notes Luc Kuanzambi, a Congolese refugee.

Kuanzambi is the founder of Xenos Communications Consulting and a former aide to foreign governments in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. With specific knowledge of Angolan and Congolese history, he’s been explaining to local Mainers the historical, political and economic roots of the state’s refugee crisis.

It’s a crisis driven by European colonialism, the trans-Atlantic slave trade and more recently various regime change operations in the DRC and elsewhere that fueled political discord and empowered brutal political leaders, he says.

Last year — with some 400 migrant families in hotels — it was reported that the Greater Portland Council of Governments would be raising $1.5 million to build 200 transitional units for migrant families over the next two years.

“People are connected, because of the service that they’ve received here, because of their families. Some have family roots here, some have just people that they know, speak their language and their culture,” added Mufalo Chitam, executive director of the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition.

More so than most states, Maine provides welfare benefits to asylum seekers who arrive in the state, including General Assistance

through municipal governments, state-run welfare programs, housing benefits, and education.

And the legislature is currently considering a proposal that would allow asylum seekers, refugees, and even illegal immigrants to receive free and low-cost healthcare.

Maine is home to a community of Somali Bantus who are practicing sustainable farming at the 30-acre New Roots Cooperative using traditional methods from Somalia.

Meanwhile, at the southern border, over three thousand citizens of Senegal, Angola, Congo, Ghana and neighboring countries requested humanitarian visas in Mexico during the first six months of 2022, compared to 1,901 requests in all of 2021, said Andres Ramirez, director of the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance, or COMAR.

Wilner Metelus, president of the Citizen Committee in Defense of Naturalized and Afro-Mexicans, said an international commission is necessary to oversee what is happening at the southern Mexican border, which he described as a living “hell” for African and Haitian migrants.

In addition to those lawfully seeking refuge, the Mexican immigration enforcement agency has detained 1,436 African migrants who were either coming with smugglers or trying to avoid detection. Of those, 348 were minors or family units and routed to the Children’s and Families Development agency.

A video of Kuanzami’s presentation can be seen on YouTube at “From Africa to Maine: The History of the DRC and Angola.”

How Democratic Hopes For Sudanese Spring Failed To Take Hold

By Lisa Vives Global Information Network

Since independence six decades earlier, through long stretches of military rule interrupted only by brief spells of democracy, Sudanese citizens began to dream of freedom. They had suffered enough.

But even amid the euphoria after the overthrow of President Omar Hassan alBashir, who had terrorized the country for 30 years, the seeds of today’s conflict already had been sown, theorize Washington Post reporters Katherine Houreld and Hafiz Haroun.

Fighting between two generals jockeying for power has killed at least 600 civilians — and probably far more — while sparking an exodus of tens of thousands of refugees, crippling aid operations that fed millions and threatening to set alight one of the world’s most unstable regions. Three options have been discussed, according to the Washington Post reporters:

1 T oday’s conflict can be traced back to Bashir, who fostered rival paramilitary units and armed groups to head off potential coups;

2 Fatal flaws in the civilian-military government set up with international backing after Bashir was deposed, concentrated power in the hands of the men with guns; and

3 Failure of the U.S. and other foreign powers to impose sanctions on the two generals when they jointly overthrew that government in 2021. Instead, foreign governments tried to coax the rival generals toward democratic reforms.

But in fact, there were obstacles to civilian rule from the beginning, insists Justin Lynch, co-author of the book “Sudan’s Unfinished

Democracy.”

“If the international community did everything right, it’s still not clear that the revolution would have succeeded,” he said. “After the transitional constitution was signed, it was always clear the military [was] going to keep power.”

The military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) kept all the guns. Their business interests, including chunks of state-owned companies and private enterprises, gold mines and petroleum operations, remained untouched.

In the end, efforts by the U.S., Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (backed by the African Union, among others) were unable to get a power-sharing arrangement between the two generals. International powers, for their part, failed to provide support for citizen protestors, some of whom were wrongfully accused of capital crimes.

As the article continues, one reader summed up the writers’ views: “Two warlords, one country. What could possibly go wrong?”

Doomsday Cult In Kenya Had White Supremacist Roots

By Lisa Vives Global Information Network

Cults are common in Kenya, which has a religious society. But the toll taken by the lead pastor has horrified Kenyans and governing officials who are set to prosecute Paul Mackenzie for terrorism-related offenses. Mackenzie, his wife, and 16 other suspects will appear in court at the end of the month.

The death toll linked to the cult hit 201 after police exhumed 22 more bodies, most of them bearing signs of starvation, according to the coast regional commissioner.

Mackenzie is alleged to have ordered congregants to starve to death in order to meet Jesus. More than 600 people are still missing. Dozens of mass graves spread across his 800-acre property led to the discovery of hundreds of bodies, including children.

Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie said he closed down his Good News International Church four years ago after nearly two decades of operation. But the BBC claims it uncovered hundreds of his ser-

mons still available online, some of which appear to have been recorded after that date.

In a series of videos on his church’s YouTube channel, a caption read: “End Time Kids” and shows groups of young children delivering messages to the camera.

Others culminate in exorcisms in which followers - often women - writhe around on the ground while he “torments” the demonic forces within them, the BBC found.

These YouTube channels have thousands of subscribers and a Facebook page set up by his church links to many of the videos. YouTube has not responded to requests from the BBC to explain why after Pastor Mackenzie’s arrest the channel remains active while YouTube makes money from the videos via online ads.

Mackenzie’s YouTube channel contains videos promoting serpent seed teachings, versions of which are used by white supremacists to oppress non-white races and to prevent racial mixing, according to Wikipedia.

Although serpent seed is descended from Wesley Swift’s Christian Identity theology, not all adherents are aware of its racial origins and still implement the teaching in such a way that it prevents racial mixing and enforces racial segregation.

Another theme of Pastor Mackenzie’s sermons has been the idea that formal education is satanic and used to extort money, according to the BBC investigation.

“They know education is evil. But they use it for their own gains” he says in one sermon. “Those who sell uniforms, write books… those who make pens… all kinds of rubbish. They use your money to enrich themselves while you become poor.”

In 2017 and again in 2018, he was arrested for encouraging children not to go to school as he claimed education was “not recognized in the Bible”.

Pastor Mackenzie has also condemned education for promoting homosexuality through sex education programs. “I told people education is evil… Children are

taught gayism and lesbianism,’’ he told the Nation newspaper.

He repeatedly references “New World Order” - a conspiracy theory about a plot by global elites to bring about an authoritarian world government, replacing nation states - falsely claiming the Catholic Church, the UN and the US are behind it.

Good News International Ministries was founded in 2003 by Paul Nthenge Mackenzie as a small church. Before that, Mackenzie worked as a taxi driver in Nairobi from 1997 to 2003, during which he was charged four times for his sermons but was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Mackenzie was able to amass a large following, largely via convincing his congregation that he could personally communicate with God.

Autopsies conducted on more than 100 bodies last week showed the victims died of starvation, strangulation, suffocation and injuries sustained from blunt objects.

Police across the country are now questioning other religious leaders whose teachings are believed to be misleading and contrary to basic human rights.

A commission of inquiry was formed by President William Ruto to investigate how hundreds of people were lured to their deaths and recommend action on institutions that failed to act.

“This horrendous blight on our conscience must lead not only to the most severe punishment of the perpetrator(s) of the atrocity on so many innocent souls,” declared Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, “but tighter regulation (including self-regulation) of every church, mosque, temple or synagogue going forward.”

Somali Bantu sustainable farmer in Maine

PHOTO: Somali Bantu Community Association

PHOTO: Courtesy of GIN

PHOTO: Courtesy of GIN

“Some have family roots here, some have just people that they know, speak their language and their culture ”

– Mufalo Chitam

(StatePoint) During allergy season, having a safe haven from the triggers that make you sneeze and wheeze is essential. While you can’t completely control your surroundings in the great outdoors, you can take steps at home to reduce allergens and feel your best.

• Fresh, cool air: The right air conditioning unit can help you breathe better indoors. For example, the Midea U delivers a cold airflow that can be felt up to 20 feet away and features full DC inverter technology to rapidly cool a room. Its removable and washable air filter is easily cleaned to help reduce dust and pet allergens

in the air. And thanks to its U-shaped design, you can easily open and close your windows even when the unit is installed, giving you more control of your indoor air quality and environment.

Bonus -- it’s compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and is Energy Star-certified and ultra-quiet.

• Smart steps: When you get home from spending time outdoors, take off outer layers that have made contact with pollen, such as jackets and shoes. Having a mud room or other area to remove and store these items, preferably attached to or close to your laundry room, will help you avoid track -

ing and spreading allergens throughout your home.

• Screened doors and windows: Even if you suffer from allergies, you may enjoy throwing open your windows on a nice day for a cross breeze. Just be sure all the screens on your windows and doors are in good condition and free of tears and holes. Special pollen-blocking screens are easy to install and go a step further than standard insect screens to keep out smaller, particulate matter, including pollen, dust and other small irritants and allergens.

• Whole-home cleaning: Regular vacuuming will

PHOTO: By Dr_Microbe via stock.adobe.com

tool that effectively removes hair and debris from stairs and upholstery. There is no need to suffer in your own home this season. With some smart strategies and the right tools, you can keep allergens at bay indoors.

ture and stairs. And if you’re a pet parent, you can expect a deeper, more efficient clean and longer operation due to its dual-action brush roll that actively prevents pet hair tangles and clogs from forming while concentrating air flow. It also has a motorized anti-tangle pet HEALTHY LIVING 12 Thursday, May 18, 2023 The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint www.sdvoice.info

Black History Class To Undergo Changes, College Board Says

The College Board says changes will be made to its new AP African American studies course, after critics said the agency bowed to political pressure and removed several topics from the framework, including Black Lives Matter, slavery reparations and queer life.

In a statement on Monday, the College Board said the development committee and experts charged with authoring the Advanced Placement course “will determine the details of those changes over the next few months.”

“We are committed to providing an unflinching encounter with the facts and evidence of African American history and culture,” the company said.

It remains unclear what the changes are or when they will be made public.

The course gained national attention this winter when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a possible Republican presidential candidate in 2024, said he would ban the course in his state because it pushed a political agenda.

“In the state of Florida, our education standards not only don’t prevent, but they require

teaching Black history, all the important things. That’s part of our core curriculum,” DeSantis previously said. “We want education and not indoctrination.”

But the official curriculum for the course, released after DeSantis’ administration rejected it, downplayed some components that had drawn objections from the governor and other conservatives. The College Board faced an onslaught of criticism from activists and African American scholars outraged at the notion the course changed because of political controversy.

The course was launched in 60 schools in the U.S. and will be expanded to 800 schools and 16,000 students this upcoming school year.

The nonprofit testing company previously said revisions to the course were substantially complete and not shaped by political influence before DeSantis shared his objections.

College Board officials said developers consulted with professors from more than 200 colleges, including several historically Black institutions, and took input from teachers

piloting the class.

The company said Monday the creation of the course had prioritized access to a discipline that is not widely available to high schoolers, plus bringing that content to as many students as possible - a possible reference to students in states run by conservatives. “Regrettably,” the nonprofit testing company said, those two goals “came into conflict.”

The College Board offers AP courses across the academic spectrum, includ ing in math, science, social studies, foreign languages and fine arts. The courses are optional and taught at a college level. Students who score high enough on the final exam usually earn course credit at their university.

PHOTO: RDNE/PEXELS

COVID-19 UPDATES

What You Need to Know

• The federal COVID-19 PHE declaration ended on May 11, 2023.

• M ost tools, like vaccines, treatments, and testing, will remain available.

• C DC’s ability to collect and share certain data will change.

• CDC is updating its guidance to align with data changes.

May 11, 2023, marked the end of the federal COVID-19 PHE declaration, and CDC’s authorizations to collect certain types of public health data expired.

The United States has mobilized and sustained a historic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a nation, we now find ourselves at a different point in the pandemic – with more tools and resources than ever before to better protect ourselves and our communities.

CDC has been working for many months to fold the agency’s COVID-19 emergency response activities into its existing structure and programs, as part of an ongoing transition to sustainable public health practice working with partners, including states and local territories. The agency will continue to report valuable data to inform individual and community public health actions to protect those at highest risk of severe COVID-19.

What Does the End of the PHE Mean for You?

• M ost tools, like vaccines, treatments, and testing, will remain available. But, some tools, like certain data sources and reporting, will change.

• Vaccines will remain available.

• A ccess to COVID-19 vaccines will generally not be affected for now. The U.S. government is currently distributing free

Courtesy of CDC

COVID-19 vaccines (visit https://www. vaccines.gov for more information) for all adults and children.

• COVID-19 at-home tests may not be covered by insurance.

• I nsurance providers will no longer be required to waive costs or provide free COVID-19 tests. CDC’s No Cost COVID19 Testing Locator can help people find current community and pharmacy partners participating in the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program.

• Treatments will remain available.

• Medication to prevent severe COVID-19, such as Paxlovid, will remain available for free while supplies last.

• N ational reporting of COVID-19 may change.

SOURCE: CDC

PHOTO:

IRS Creating Software to ‘Shake up’ Tax Prep Business

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Three current and for mer Internal Revenue Service employees say that the IRS has quiet ly built a prototype sys tem to let Americans f i le their tax returns digitally and for free. According to a published report, the move amounts to government software that could shake up the taxprep business.

The IRS and the U.S. Digital Service, a technology adviso ry arm of the White House, created the software. A small group of taxpayers will have access through a trial program by January 2024, when the 2023 filing season starts, according to people who were briefed on the matter but asked to remain anonymous to talk about internal agency conversations. The Inflation Reduction Act from last year, one of President Biden’s most critical congressional wins, gave the IRS $15 million to look into making a direct filing program.

The tax office reportedly asked the New America

t hin k tank, which leans to the left, to look into the issue and write a report due this week.

taxpayers.

IBIS World, a research company, says the paid tax preparation services market will be worth $14.4 billion this year. A free filing system from the federal government could upset that market.

By most accounts, the method of using commercial programs for on line filing has been good for both taxpayers and the government.

The IRS said approximately 9 of 10 individual tax returns were made digitally in 2022.

The Biden administration said that the IRS needs more money to catch tax cheats and help low- and middle-income Americans qualify for various tax credits. When the IRS told Congress how it planned to spend that money in April, Commissioner Daniel Werfel said the agency would think about a “question-based electronic service to prepare and file tax returns directly with the IRS.”

Currently, the IRS sends people who want to file for free to a group of companies offering free e-filing t o t axpayers with incomes below a certain amount. The Washington Post noted a report from the Government Accountability Office that said that even though 70% of taxpayers are eligible for these goods, less than 3% use them. Industry giants Intuit TurboTax and H&R Block offer free goods that the IRS does not officially back for a smaller group of

Additionally, years of study in the U.S. and Europe show that the U.S. voluntary tax compliance rate of 85.1% is among the highest of developed economies. The percentage of tax filers who pay their federal taxes correctly each year also reportedly remains high.

But some experts say that the private-public partnership shows the IRS’s lack of technology. The Inflation Reduction Act gave the IRS $80 billion over ten years to help it crack down on people with high incomes, improve services for taxpayers, and update its technology.

Through secure online portals, taxpayers could also ask for help from customer service agents under the plan. This could cut into another way that tax prep companies try to be different from the IRS by offering premium services that include lawyers and accountants.

Disclosures show that Intuit spent more than $1 million lobbying the House and Senate from January to March on topics like “tax system integrity” and “protecting intellectual property.” According to its disclosure papers, H&R Block spent $720,000 on lobbying for anti-poverty tax credits, “tax administration,” and “Internal Revenue Service funding” during the same period.

Optimism Prevails Among Minority Business Owners, Survey Shows

By StatePoint Media

Even as minority business owners face new economic challenges, including supply chain disruptions and inflation, results from PNC’s recent Economic Outlook survey show an impressive resiliency and positive mindset among these business leaders, according to Marshalyn Odneal, national sales executive for Minority Business at PNC Bank.

According to PNC’s survey, more than two-thirds (68%) of minority business owners feel highly optimistic about the prospects of their own company in the next six months, compared to just 60% of non-minority-owned businesses.

While business owners as a whole remain cautious about the national economy, the gap between optimism among minority business owners for their own company versus the broader U.S. economy is 40 percentage points, significantly higher than the 31-point difference among non-minority owners.

According to PNC’s survey,

65% of Black- and Hispanicowned business owners stated they have a business plan suited to the current direction of the economy, significantly more than non-minority owned businesses (55%). Thi s hig hlights the importance of access to crucial resources for these business owners. The survey reinforces this point, showing that 86% of Black- and Hispanic-owned businesses interacted with or leveraged resources from the S m all Business Association (SBA), a local chamber of commerce or a community economic development o r ganization. Only 69% of non-minority business owners reported doing the same.

“The truth is that the unique financial challenges minority-owned businesses have long faced were amplified during the pandemic. As a result, more min o rity business owners are now seeking Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification, which is also an important and needed resource,” Odneal said.

Businesses that become MBE-certified gain exclusive

access to premium networking events, affordable consulting services and technology programs, among other benefits, according to the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

“Our survey revealed that 87% of Black-owned businesses are now MBEcer t ified, up from 69% last year. Three-quarters of Hispanic-owned businesses are MBE-certified, compared to 67% last year. Of MBEcertified businesses, 80% of Black- and 84% of Hispanicowned businesses said that certification has been a helpful business development tool,” Odneal said.

PNC has taken significant steps in doing more for minority-owned businesses and providing necessary resources to help them overcome roadblocks.

As a part of its Small Business organization, PNC’s Minority Business Development Group’s mission is to deliver solutions and resources that foster financial wellness for small businesses within diverse communities. They’ve been able to do this, in part,

through the PNC-Certified Minority Business Advocate initiative, a voluntary advocacy program that helps PNC employees understand the challenges facing minority-owned business owners.

Melodía Immersion School

Seeking individuals interested in being part of our charter school founding team!

Melodía Immersion School will be a free, public charter school in San Diego with a focus on language and music. Our elementary (K-6) students will receive a bilingual education through our Dual Language Immersion model while also becoming skilled musicians.

Our team is seeking interested individuals. These individuals may be parents, educators, or community members. We are especially seeking individuals with experience or expertise in any of the following fields:

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES Classified ads can be placed in person, by phone, fax, or email Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. P:619-266-2233 F:619-266-0533 E:ads@sdvoice.info Include the following information: • Full Name • Billing address • Date(s) you want the ad to appear • Contact phone number All classified ads are prepaid. Deadline is Tuesdays by NOON to run that week. LEGAL NOTICES

699-1900 or visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandag for information. First review date 05/19/2023. EOE. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY MANAGER OF REGIONAL JUSTICE INFORMATION Manager/oversee the Automated Regional Justice Information (ARJIS) team. Call (619) 699-1900 or visit www.sandag.org/jobs for information. First review 05/26/2023. EOE. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

REQUEST

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the City of San Diego (City) is seeking to receive Electronic Proposals for the below named Request for Proposal (RFP).

RFP Title: As-Needed Construction Management Services - Federal Contract Numbers: H2326236, H2326237 & H2326238

The solicitation may be obtained from the City's website at: https://www.sandiego.gov/cip/ bidopps

It is the policy of the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its Construction and Consultant contracts. Bids or proposals from local firms, small, minority-owned, disabled, veteran-owned, and womenowned businesses are strongly encouraged. Consultants are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms. The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, gender expression, gender identity, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or disability; and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on any basis. Proposals shall be received no later than the date and time noted in the solicitation which can be found at the following site: City of San Diego's Electronic Proposal Site – PlanetBids at: https://www.planetbids.com/p ortal/portal.cfm?companyID=1 7950.

Claudia Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department

Thursday, May 11, 2023 5/18/23

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA County of San Diego 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Central Division 37-2023-00002112CU-PT-CTL

Petitioner or Attorney: Yvonne Jeannette Bruno

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Yvonne Jeannette Bruno filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Yvonne Jeannette Bruno

PROPOSED NAME: Scarlet Spaghetti Checkers

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: June 27, 2023

Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

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

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

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

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, 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 5/18, 5/25, 6/01, 6/08

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA County of San Diego 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Court House 37-2023-00019074CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Maoj Thaer Faraj

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Maoj Thaer Faraj filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Maoj Thaer Faraj

PROPOSED NAME: Maoj Thaer Alosachie

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.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: June 20, 2023

Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

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

The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

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

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.

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

If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE

DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.

The address of the court is:

330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 5/18, 5/25, 6/01, 6/08

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA County of San Diego

330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101

Central Division Hall of Justice

37-2023-00014155CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Vera A. Livingstone, 182333

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Reza Behrou filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Reza Behrou

PROPOSED NAME: Ryan Anderson

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: June 5, 2023 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection

has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, 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 4/27, 5/04, 5/11, 5/18

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA County of San Diego

1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101 Central

Solicitation of Applications for Membership on the

TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee

The TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee (ITOC) is seeking qualified members of the public to fill one vacancy on its seven-member committee in the following categories:

o A licensed architect, civil engineer or traffic engineer with demonstrated experience of ten years or more in the fields of transportation and/or urban design in government or the private sector.

The ITOC aids in the implementation of the TransNet program, the San Diego region’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. The TransNet program is administered by SANDAG.

As outlined in the TransNet Ordinance and Expenditure Plan, the ITOC provides an increased level of accountability for expenditures of TransNet funds. ITOC members are unpaid, but certain expenses are reimbursed. The ITOC functions in an independent, open, and transparent manner to ensure that all voter mandates are carried out, and develops positive, constructive recommendations for improvements and enhancements to the financial integrity and performance of the TransNet program.

ITOC membership is open to individuals from throughout the region, who possess a set of appropriate professional skills and experience. Due to their public service status, ITOC members must comply with the following conflict of interest requirements, as set forth in the TransNet Ordinance:

The ITOC shall be subject to SANDAG’s conflict of interest policies. ITOC members shall have no legal action pending against SANDAG and are prohibited from acting in any commercial activity directly or indirectly involving SANDAG, such as being a consultant to SANDAG or to any party with pending legal actions against SANDAG during their tenure on the ITOC. ITOC members shall not have direct commercial interest or employment with any public or private entity, which receives TransNet sales tax funds authorized by this Ordinance. The possibility of a conflict of interest, however, does not automatically require disqualification of an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to contact SANDAG if they have any questions regarding their eligibility for service.

More detailed information regarding the ITOC and its responsibilities can be found at sandag.org/itoc. Individuals interested in applying for these ITOC positions should contact SANDAG for an application at michael.terlep@sandag.org or (619) 699-1933 or go to sandag.org/notices. Questions regarding this solicitation should be send to Michael Terlep at michael.terlep@sandag.org.

Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, June 16, 2023. SANDAG seeks to fill openings on the ITOC with a diverse group of persons who are representative of the community. SANDAG highly encourages applications from persons of all races and economic

37-2022-00018183PR-GP-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Maria Angelica Guillen

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Maria Angelica Guillen Lilie Pinales Margarita H. Guillen filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Eva Reina Sanchez

PROPOSED

NAME: Eva Reina Guillen-Cortes

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: July 12, 2023

Time: 8:45 A.M. Dept. 503

(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)

The address of the court is:

1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101 4/27, 5/04, 5/11, 5/18

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA County of San Diego

330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Civil Division 37-2023-00016081CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Guadalupe Nunez Luna

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Guadalupe Nunez Luna filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Guadalupe Nunez Luna

PROPOSED NAME: Luna Nunez Herrera

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: June 6, 2023

Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61

(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

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

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

a certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree

Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Changing Name and Order

Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST 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:

BLACK HISTORY

1960 YANNICK NOAH BORN

Yannick Noah is a former professional tennis player who is best known as the winner of the French Open in 1983 and later as the captain of the French Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams. After his tennis career ended Noah became a well-known pop singer and co-founder of Fête le Mur in 1996, a charity organization for underprivileged children. Noah was born in Sedan in northern France on May 18, 1960. His father, Zacharie Noah, was a prominent soccer player from the Cameroons who won the French Cup while playing for Sudan. His mother, Marie-Claire Perrier, was a former captain of France’s basketball team and a teacher in Sudan.

From 1977 to 1996 Noah charted an impressive career. After winning his first major tennis title in Manila, Philippines in 1978, he won 23 singles titles over his career. His major achievement came in June 1983 when the 23-year-old defeated Mats Wilander at the Roland-Garros (French Open) Tournament in Paris. He became the first Frenchman to win the title since 1946. He was also the first black man to win the title. In 1986, he ranked 3rd internationally among professional tennis players in the singles category. In 1986 he ranked 1st in the doubles category. No French player has achieved these ranks since then.

1893

ANNA JULIA COOPER PRESENTS “WOMEN’S CAUSE IS ONE AND UNIVERSAL”

On May 18, 1893, Anna Julia Cooper delivered an address at the World’s Congress of Representative Women then meeting in Chicago. Cooper’s speech to this predominantly white a ud ience described the progress of African American women since slavery. Cooper in many ways epitomized that progress. Born into slavery in North Carolina in 1858, she earned B.A. and M.A. degrees at Oberlin and in 1925 at that age of 67 she received a Ph.D. at the Sorbonne in Paris. Cooper spent much of her career as an instructor of Latin and mathematics at M Street (later Dunbar) High School in Washington, D.C. She died in 1964. In her speech, Cooper said:

The majority of our women are not heroines but I do not know that a majority of any race of women are heroines. It is enough for me to know that while in the eyes of the highest tribunal in America she was deemed no more than a chattel, an irresponsible thing, a dull block, to be drawn hither or thither at the volition of an owner, the Afro American woman maintained ideals of womanhood unshamed by any ever conceived… The white woman could least plead for her own emancipation; the black woman, doubly enslaved, could but suffer and struggle and be silent. I speak for the colored women of the South, because it is there that the millions of blacks in this country have watered the soil with blood and tears, and it is there too that the colored woman of America has made her characteristic history, and there her destiny evolving.

ENERGY THAT ALSO EMPOWERS.

Empowering our community’s growth and success is a big part of who we are. Over the past decade, SDG&E has contributed nearly $100 million to local causes. And in 2022 alone we generated over $400 million for local diverse businesses by using their products and services. We feel privileged to be an active and valuable part of our community, and we remain dedicated to earning its continued support.

Learn more at sdge.com/forward