Vol. 63 No. 22 | Thursday, June 1, 2023

Covid-19 cases in southeast

California Black Media

Political Playback

By Tanu Henry,Edward Henderson and Lila Brown CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

Transitional Kindergarten in California Is Expanding

Last Wednesday, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and the California Department of Education announced Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs are expanding in California.

Now, Thurmond says, TK will be free to all fouryear-old children, regardless of family income, over the next few years.

Children born between September 2018, and April 2019 are eligible to register now in TK for the coming 2023–24 school year.

Vice President Harris Talks Debt Ceiling, Maternal Health, and Small Biz

Exclusive Black Press Interview

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

In an exclusive interview with the Black Press, as the nation faces conversations surrounding its budget, Vice President Kamala Harris discussed the debt crisis, and pledged more work from the Biden-Harris administration towards empowering small businesses, advocating for women’s reproductive rights, and improving Black maternal health outcomes.

See HARRIS page 2

Gov. Newsom’s Tough question: Who Would Replace Feinstein (BARBARA LEE)

The expansion is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $2.7 billion plan to enroll 400,000 4-year-olds in an additional year of public education. It is expected to be the largest universal preschool program in the country. Benefits of the program will include higher achievement in math and reading throughout elementary school, increased likelihood of graduating from high school and increased likelihood of earning a college degree.

See PLAYBACK page 2

By Michael R. Blood AP POLITICAL WRITER

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein's ongoing medical struggles have raised a sensitive political question with no easy answer: Who would California Gov. Gavin Newsom pick to replace her if the seat becomes vacant?

Despite calls from within her own party to resign, Feinstein, who turns 90 next

month and is the oldest member of Congress, has given no indication that she is considering stepping down. Her frail appearance, confused interactions with reporters in Washington and the growing list of health challenges disclosed by her office continue to fan questions about her fitness for the job — now and into the future.

See NEWSOM page 2

The Fear of Artificial Intelligence is real

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is here to stay, whether anyone likes it or not. But alarm bells have sounded everywhere about the havoc it’s caused and will ultimately cause on jobs and quality of life.

Now, the founder of AI has joined others in warning of a catastrophic future.

Geoffrey Hinton, the so-called godfather of AI, said it’s difficult to envision how to stop nefarious characters from using artificial intelligence for evil.

“It’s hard to see,” Hinton told

reporters this week.

See AI page 2

PHOTO: Courtesy of California Black Media

PHOTO:NNPA

U.S. Rep.

PHOTO:NNPA

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

harris:

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Harris Weighs in on the Bipartisan Budget Deal

Harris was integral to the negotiations in helping to reach a bipartisan deal so America could avoid defaulting on its debt obligations.

“One of the most important aspects of where we are – and our goal was to avoid the kinds of losses [Republicans] had initially proposed – and that’s very significant,” Harris said of the bipartisan budget deal reached [last] week. The deal places caps on spending for the next two years, claws back about $28 billion in unspent COVID-19 relief money, and strips $20 billion of funds earmarked for the Internal Revenue Service.

President Joe Biden had slotted $80 billion for the IRS to help curtail tax cheaters, but the GOP sought to protect wealthy taxpayers who primarily seek loopholes to avoid paying federal taxes. The debt ceiling agreement restarts federal student loan payments even as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to rule on the legality of the Biden-Harris forgiveness plan.

Congress hopes to vote this week on the deal, which also added new work requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Association Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits. Veterans and the unhoused are exempt from such requirements.

“We’ve been able to maintain what we needed to do to preserve social security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits. As a result, we actually see increases there,” Harris said. With a steady eye on the present and future, the vice president noted the administration sought to protect the economic gains made during its first two years. “In two years, we’ve created 12.7 million jobs and 800,000 manufacturing jobs,” Harris declared.“A lot of these issues were what we were fighting to preserve. For example, if they required [new] work requirements, we would preserve many exceptions to the requirements.”

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Should a vacancy occur, a range of names, from obscure to famous— including Oprah Winfrey — have been floated in California circles as possible replacements. Newsom, who is mentioned as a possible future presidential contender, would also have to deal with political complexities, some of his own making: In 2021 he promised to appoint a Black woman should Feinstein's seat become open. Meanwhile, a 2024 Senate campaign is underway to fill the seat when the senator's term ends in January 2025.

The situation has created a sad, public coda for the groundbreaking career of a Democratic leader who shattered gender barriers in California and Washington. Here's a look at what could happen:

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF FEINSTEIN'S HEALTH?

In short, much is unknown.

Feinstein returned to the Senate on May 10 — about 10 weeks after being diagnosed, then briefly hospitalized, with shingles in San Francisco. On her return to the Capitol, she was markedly thinner and one side of her face was drooping, apparently from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which can occur when the shingles virus reaches a facial nerve near the ears. It also can cause hearing loss.

On the advice of doctors, Feinstein's staff say she is working a lighter schedule as she deals with side effects from the virus, including vision and balance problems. She has been using a wheelchair to get to her office and committee meetings.

Questions have been raised in recent years about Feinstein's memory and mental acuity, though she has defended her effectiveness. Since her return to Washington, she has at times appeared confused during brief discussions with reporters. Her office also disclosed she suffered a bout of encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which can also be caused by shingles.

Harris noted that any requirements for veterans and those who are housing insecure were non-starters. “Veterans and housing-insecure people, not just the homeless, would be exempt. We were not willing to compromise,” she insisted.

The vice president emphasized that the debt ceiling crisis and subsequent deal reminded voters of the significance of choosing candidates who have their constituents’ best interests. “So many of the issues have to do with who is in elected office. It comes down to the power of the people to elect representatives who reflect their values,” the vice president proclaimed. “When the majority of people on legislative bodies understand that you shouldn’t create policies on the backs of poor people, that’s policy that most respect our values,” she continued.

She pledged that the administration would keep pushing forward, stand up, and speak up about the needs of working people and families whom she said have been on the outside of politicians’ priority lists for too long. “We’ve had to keep them on the inside of the priority list,” she said of the Biden-Harris administration.

Small Businesses: A Passion and Priority

In the fast-paced 20-minute interview, the vice president declared small business a passion. She said her mother and “second mother,” Ms. Shelton, who lived two doors down and ran a nursery school above her childhood home, helped show her the importance of small businesses. “Ms. Shelton was a small business owner, matriarch to the community. She was a community leader, a civic leader, who mentored people in the community,” Harris recalled.

“I was raised with an understanding of the importance of small businesses. They aren’t just business owners. They are civic leaders and community leaders and are so much a part of the community’s cultural fabric.

NEWSOM'S PROMISE: ELEVATING A BLACK WOMAN TO SENATE

When California Sen. Kamala Harris resigned to become vice president, Newsom faced pressure from both Black, Latino and other groups over a replacement pick. Some felt that he should replace Harris, the only Black woman in the U.S. Senate, with another Black woman. But others thought it was past time for California to have its first Latino senator, and Newsom chose then-Secretary of State Alex Padilla for the job.

But he later promised that if Feinstein's seat became vacant, he would choose a Black woman to replace her. Should Feinstein step aside, he'll be expected to make good on the promise.

"He made the commitment and I do not believe there is any wiggle room for the governor not to honor his commitment," said Kerman Maddox, a Los Angeles-based Democratic strategist and fundraiser who is Black.

"Newsom must honor his promise to appoint a Black woman'' if Feinstein resigns, said Democratic Assemblymember Lori Wilson, who heads the Legislative Black Caucus in Sacramento. ''I trust him at his word. We currently have zero Black women in the Senate, so if the opportunity becomes available the governor must act to help remedy this lack of representation."

Claremont McKenna College political scientist Jack Pitney pointed out that any presidential ambitions that Newsom might harbor would be damaged if he backed away from his promise to name a Black woman, noting that the candidate favored by Black voters has won the Democratic Party's presidential nomination for every cycle since 1992.

"The last thing you want to do if you are thinking about running for president is alienating the nominating wing of the Democratic Party," Pitney said.

“When I was in the U.S. Senate, I was able to work with my colleagues to get an extra $12 billion put into community banks, which are banks that are in the community who understand the community and its needs and who will create access to capital often where the big banks don’t give access to capital for our startups, young entrepreneurs, and small businesses.”

She maintained that the work has continued in her role as vice president.

Harris Talks Women’s Bodily Autonomy, Black Maternal Health

Finally, the vice president demanded that women have autonomy over their bodies despite the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. She said her mom had always displayed passion and anger about existing disparities for women of color, particularly Black women.

“When I was in the U.S. Senate, we began proposing legislation to address this crisis, which is a crisis,” Harris exclaimed. “The United States of America is one of the world’s wealthiest, if not the richest, nations. [But], we have one of the highest maternal mortality rates, particularly Black women who are dying at three times the rate of others.

The vice president declared that the connection between Black women and childbirth “has nothing to do with economic status or educational status…It literally has to do with so often she walks into that hospital or clinic, and she is a Black woman who is not always taken seriously,” she said, before explaining her plan to rectify such challenges.

“I’ve been working to address a number of issues, including racial bias. We need to train medical professionals about racial bias so they can take these women seriously,” the vice president told the Informer. “One of my particular joys is that I’m proposing that we rely on doulas to help teach all the other

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Public Health Experts Want Students to Consider Telehealth as Viable Option

May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and as high school seniors across the country graduate and prepare for college, awareness of their mental health is becoming a priority for public health leaders and advocates.

To support students – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, including large numbers of Blacks and other minorities — experts are promoting virtual care as a viable option with numerous benefits to address the problem they are now referring to as a crisis on college campuses. Telehealth services can help break down stigma related to treatment and serve as a lifeline. It is also especially important because it increases access to more diverse care providers, they say.

AI:

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He said that as AI develops, it’s likely to threaten humans.

The World Economic Forum, which concluded that AI is “rife with contradictions,” published an alarming report in April, which included surveys of more than 800 companies. The companies determined that AI would create 69 million new jobs by 2027 but eliminate 83 million.

Before that report, economists at Goldman Sachs said up to 300 million full-time jobs globally would eventually become automated because of AI platforms like ChatGPT. The economists noted that white-collar workers face the most risk, with construction workers and many other blue-collar jobs remaining unaffected. The economists stated that two-thirds of U.S. and European jobs now use some form of AI automation.

Still, the forum conceded that AI “is a powerful tool that is also surprisingly limited in terms of its current capabilities.”

Recent advances in AI technologies have generated excitement and concern, as the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence

medical professionals. Doulas are women from the community who understand the importance of community health approaches to healthcare.”

Harris added that U.S. Democratic Reps. Alma Adams of North Carolina and Lauren Underwood of Illinois, among others, helped to pass the Momnibus Act of 2021, which helps protect women from bias in the medical field. “We need to give all women access to quality care,” Harris said.

“Since I’ve been doing this work, we’ve challenged states to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum care from two months to 12 after birth. So far, 33 states and the District of Columbia have answered the call to extend postpartum care. “These mothers need help and assurance that they are doing ok and that we care for all their needs.”

As the overturning of Roe v. Wade conversations continue, Harris concluded:

“One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held belief to agree that the government should not tell that woman what to do with her body. That’s between her and her pastor, priest, rabbi, or whoever she decides. But, again, it’s about people’s freedom to make those decisions,” she said.

Harris shared some of the hurdles certain state legislators are putting in place to further hinder reproductive rights. “We are seeing states across the country where they are criminalizing health care providers, giving them jail time. We see women being punished in awful ways. In Southern states, they have to pull together money to travel,” she said.

The vice president further noted the roadblocks many women face in attempting to exercise their reproductive rights, adding that most women who receive an abortion are already mothers, many who need money, childcare and transportation. The barrier breaking leader is calling on others to recognize the importance of this time.

In 2019, 25% of California students reported that they had received mental health care services within that school year for mental and psychological issues, according to the California Budget and Policy Center.

“While the numbers are overwhelming, it is critical to applaud America’s youth — and their trusted support systems — for taking the important first step of recognizing their need for professional therapeutic support,” said Bob Booth, MD, Chief Care Officer for TimelyCare, California’s leading provider for telehealth for college students.

“We can expect a tidal wave of students entering college with unprecedented needs for support,” he added.

See PLAYBACK page 16

(AAAI) acknowledged.

“As researchers who have served in leadership positions in the AAAI, we are writing to provide a balanced perspective on managing the progress in the field,” the group said in a letter.

“We also seek to broaden and strengthen the community of engaged researchers, government agencies, private companies, and the public at large to ensure that society is able to reap the great promise of AI while managing its risks.”

Signed by 19 academic leaders, the letter noted that AAAI is “aware of the limitations and concerns about AI advances, including the potential for AI systems to make errors, to provide biased recommendations, to threaten our privacy, to empower bad actors with new tools, and to have an impact on jobs.”

They asserted that researchers in AI and across multiple disciplines are hard at work identifying and developing ways to address these shortcomings and risks while strengthening the benefits and identifying positive applications. In some cases, AI technology itself can be applied to cre-

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY/OPINION

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT: A REALITY FOR 2023

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

ally cared about summer jobs for youth. The few jobs that did materialize came through schools and an application process that did not reach out to those who were not in school and therefore often missed a community most in need.

This newspaper has continually pushed for a year round youth employment program much like CETA (the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) offered through the NYC (Neighborhood Youth Corp).

Remember, the City not only has a large number of vacancies, but recently held a job fair to fill as many jobs as possible. Mayor Gloria has done what none of his predecessors bothered to do: create an employment policy for the City that includes and provides opportunities for our youth between the ages of 16 and 30. In addition to the jobs, SANDAG has provided the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) with a grant that will give free public transportation to those 18 years of age and younger, making it possible to get to a job without spending what one earns on transportation.

For years The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint has met the summer season with a plea for summer jobs for our youth. The idea is more than 50 years old, when both business and Congress cared enough about youth to create a National Summer Jobs Program focused primarily on inner-city youth between the ages of 16 and 24. For years the City of San Diego pushed this idea off on business and the Workforce Partnership, neither of which re -

Well, Mayor Todd Gloria has made this idea a reality for the City of San Diego with more than 1000 jobs available in city agencies for young people between the ages of 16 and 30. The City’s Employ and Empower Program has already provided jobs to a few hundred youth under a grant received from the State, with more jobs to be filled.

The key for those looking for jobs is to go online to the City’s Human Resources website, where a host of jobs, and some in career areas, is available.

No longer will the City have to pretend to depend on the Workforce Partnership from outside of the city government that should have been a product of city policy from the very beginning. With the new Diversity and Inclusion Office looking at all city departments, as the Mayor is requiring, there should be a rush to all city councilmembers’ offices to provide assistance and recommendations to claiming those jobs that are available.

Remember, often one has not, because one asks not.

How Hip-Hop Has Enhanced American Education Over The Past 50 years

By Toby Jenkins ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HIGHER EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

One of my most heartwarming memories from elementary school was the day my gym teacher tossed the planned activities, turned on some hip-hop music and just let us dance. I smile thinking of us all jumping around wild, crazy, happy and free.

Today, as a professor of higher education, I still carry the fondness I had for hip-hop as a child into my professional work. I have spent over two decades developing hip-hop cultural initiatives on college campuses. Hip-hop has made my jobs feel like house parties and turned co-workers and students into homies. But its impact in education is more than personal.

The year 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop culture. People around the world are taking time to reflect on and celebrate hip-hop’s accomplishments.

Educators are not only remembering the obvious ways hip-hop has influenced language and fashion or provided the soundtrack to our study sessions and sports events, but we are also acknowledging how hip-hop has changed education. Drawing from my research exploring the educational benefits of hip-hop culture, what follows are four ways that hip-hop has changed education in America.

1. Made the classroom more engaging

In the early 2000s, hip-hop-based education

surfaced in mostly English and language arts classrooms. Some teachers started incorporating hip-hop into lesson plans by using music and rhymes to teach subject matter. The goal was to make learning more stimulating while allowing students to feel culturally connected to the lessons.

An example was educator Joquetta Johnson’s having her students conduct a comparative analysis of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman” and Queen Latifah’s “Ladies First.”

Hip-hop scholars now refer to this style of teaching as hip-hop pedagogy. Hip-hop pedagogy is the practice of incorporating the elements and values of hip-hop culture into the full educational experience. This includes not only the classroom environment, but also teaching techniques, student-teacher relationships and subject matter.

2. Inspired new schools and community organizations

Not only has hip-hop been integrated into school curricula, but an entire high school was established in St. Paul, Minnesota, to solely focus on hip-hop culture. The High School for Recording Arts is a public charter school that teaches dance, music, art and entrepreneurship to students who have been expelled or pushed out of other schools.

Several new hip-hop community organizations have also been developed. Saving Our Lives, Hearing Our Truths is an Illinois-based

community space where girls can rap and write, make friends, dream, draw, think critically, dance, create, speak up, be loud or just be quiet.

In New York City, Cyphers for Justice engages high school youths, incarcerated youths and teachers in a 15-week program in which they learn to use hip-hop creative practices like spoken word and dance performance to research and tackle social issues such as racial justice and school discipline policies.

3. Expanded academic fields and jobs in higher education

In 1991, Howard University became the first university to offer a hip-hop course. Since then, colleges across the country, including Harvard, Duke and New York University, have developed hip-hop-related courses. In 2012, the University of Arizona began offering a hip-hop studies minor — the first of its kind at a four-year public university in the U.S. The creation of hip-hop graduate courses has influenced the scholarship that students produce. For example, hip-hop professor A.D.

Carson wrote, performed and produced the 34-song rap album “Owning My Masters: The Rhetorics of Rhymes & Revolutions” in 2017 as his doctoral dissertation at Clemson University. The groundbreaking dissertation received international praise and led to the first peer-reviewed rap album.

Hip-hop scholars are expanding the boundaries of what qualifies as rigorous research, how research is conducted, and what formats should be used for sharing this research with the public. Harvard University’s Hiphop Archive & Research Institute supports hip-hop research and scholarship. There are also hip-hop research conferences hosted at The Ohio State University, Columbia University, Rutgers University and the University of Buffalo, to name a few. These conferences build on the legacy created by the students at Howard University who planned the first university-based hiphop conference, back in 1991.

These new hip-hop-related professional opportunities allow many scholars to develop academic careers without the pressure to discard their identities as artists or cultural curators. A.D. Carson is now an assistant professor of hip-hop and the Global South at the University of Virginia. At Harvard, the Nasir Jones Hiphop Fellowship, named after the legendary New York rapper Nas, funds exceptional hip-hop scholars and artists.

4. Fostered new mindsets

Hip-hop has always addressed the social issues of the day, from poverty to police brutality. With mental health now a priority in education, some experts are exploring how to use hip-hop culture to support student mental health.

See HIP-HOP page 16

LINCOLN'S PARADE OF CHAMPIONS

By Darrel Wheeler

The accolades and recognition continued for the Champions of Southeast last weekend, in honor of the greatest football achieving team in the history of Big Lincoln.

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.

80+ certificates in 9 career technical education pathways

Automotive

Business and Accounting

Child Development

Clothing and Textiles

Digital Media

Healthcare

Hospitality and Culinary Arts

Information Technology

Skilled and Technical Trades

Low-rider cars, motorcycle clubs, including a variety of high-stepping drill teams and dancers were all a part of the entertaining procession. After the procession, the team and coaching staff were treated to speeches and applause by local and state dignitaries in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments.

Proclamation certificates were handed out by Council President proTem Monica Montgomery Steppe and representatives from Shirley Weber's office, among others.

Hornet alum Saladin Martin said, "I think what the team did is very important. It helps to shine a positive light on our school and community. I think it's very uplifting."

Saladin donated $2,000 dollars to the team in preparation for their upcoming travel and equipment expenses.

"Thank you, Brother Saladin, for your generosity and thanks to everybody that participated in today's event and everybody that showed up to support us," Head Coach David Dunn shared.

PHOTOS: Darrel Wheeler

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

San Diego Mesa College President Dr. Ashanti Hands Delivers Inaugural Graduation Commencement Speech

By K.H.

“This class will always hold a special place in my heart as this is my first graduating class as President of Mesa College. I stand before you as a proud product of Inglewood, California. My life has been tested by my circumstances but, as I grow, those tests have become my testimony and those circumstances…are my reason for being. The lens and the passion that I bring to this world, like you, even in the midst of the challenges, my purpose was there.

I have always had this tugging down deep on the inside that is always calling me to something greater. And so do you. You were born with it. That’s why you are here and if you listen to that calling, that tugging, it will carry you right into your destiny.

Your time is now. You are here with purpose and although your journey here [at Mesa] may be coming to an end, your impact has only just begun.

Congratulations graduates. I am Mesa Proud of you!”

County Approves Plan to Offer Alternatives to Incarceration

By Chuck Westerheide

People accused of low-level, non-violent crimes will be redirected away from jails. The County Board of Supervisors approved this major shift in direction with the Alternatives to Incarceration plan. It addresses those with mental health issues, substance use disorder, and homelessness by working to meet the needs of at-risk individuals with services instead of sending them to jail.

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) released a final report outlining “A Data-Driven Approach to Protecting Public Safety,” which looked at booking trends in County jails, analyzed data to answer questions about why jail populations dropped during the pandemic and used information from

the community to assess how to better meet the needs of this group.

“I appreciate the work that went into studying alternatives to incarceration and programs that provide for public safety while reducing returns to custody for individuals who commit low-level offenses,” said Sheriff Kelly Martinez. “I am committed to keeping our communities safe and dedicated to working with regional and county partners on best practices, balancing incarceration, reentry programs, substance use and mental health treatment in ways that make sense.”

“Dangerous criminals should be in jail, homeless people should be in homes, and sick peo -

ple should be in treatment,” said Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair

Terra Lawson-Remer. “This is about breaking the cycle between the streets and incarceration, and this approach will help us do a better job of getting people off the streets and keeping them off for good.”

Actions approved by the Board of Supervisors this week include:

• Investing in existing mental health programs: Expanding the Mobile Crisis Response Team, Crisis Stabilization Units, and sobering services and evaluating the data from these programs

• Meeting the immediate needs of people leaving jail: Launching a “Connections Points” pilot program which includes support like food, clothing, phones, and transportation

• Providing ongoing support with case management, care coordination, and housing to meet the medium-term needs of those exiting detention

• Keeping a roof over people’s heads: Expanding housing options that are easy to attain, and providing transportation to ongoing care

• Starting housing connections early: Adding housing-focused correctional counselors in jails

• Launching a re-entry to job market employer and applicant outreach program

• Proactively connecting to services: Enrolling justice-involved individuals in benefits for which they are eligible

• Monitoring to increase effectiveness: Creating a collaborative and ongoing structure to monitor, evaluate, and support alternatives to incarceration services

On Friday, May 26th, 2023, Dr. Ashanti Hands delivered her first Graduation commencement speech as President

of San Diego Mesa College. She was joined by faculty, staff, and administrators including Mr. Larry Maxey, Vice President of Student Services. Dr. Ricky Shabazz, President of San Diego City College, was also present.

Dr. Hands addressed the hundreds of Mesa graduates, including VP Maxey’s daughter, Jordan and their families. Here is an excerpt of Dr. Hands address:

PHOTO: K.H. Hamilton

Far left_ San Diego Mesa College President Dr. Ashanti Hands.

PHOTO: K.H. Hamilton

Hamilton

Mobile Crisis Response Team worker preparing to go out on a call

PHOTO: Courtesy of County News Center

County of San Diego Communications Office

HEALTHY LIVING

Adolescent Health: Five Ways Parents and Adults Can Make a Difference

Services, Open Communication, and Supportive Environments

By Nomsa Khalfani, Ph.D.

It’s natural to want what’s best for your children and to witness the young people raised by or around you grow into healthy, thriving adults. But we all know from personal experience that adolescence can be a challenging time full of physical and emotional changes, peer pressure, and risky behavior.

Supporting youth during their challenging teenage years [can be] difficult to navigate, and today’s kids face even more obstacles than previous generations. From the rise of cyberbullying to the ongoing attack on sexual and reproductive rights, young people must deal with a range of issues that threaten their health

and well-being— that’s where we step in.

It is critical that we, as parents and caregivers, prioritize our youth’s health by taking an active role in supporting them to make informed choices. Here are five ways we can provide the environment and support that young people need to achieve optimal health:

Prioritize mental health

Teens can feel misunderstood and dismissed when they try to express their internal struggles to adults, especially when told that they’re being dramatic or over-the-top as a response. We can break the stigma around mental health and show support by actively listening, reassuring them that their feelings are

valid, and connecting them with counseling resources and mental health services.

Create a safe space to talk about sexual and reproductive health

Building relationships and creating comfortable environments can help encourage young people to ask questions and seek accurate information on sexual and reproductive health from adults they trust. According to TeenSource, an adolescent health and equity promotion program, over two-thirds of teens in focus groups reported never receiving “the talk” from parents or caregivers. Conversations about health should be ongoing discussions and go beyond the topic of the birds and the bees. It is also important to address topics

COVID-19 UPDATES

such as consent, healthy relationships, body image, and diverse sexual identities and experiences.

Discuss and model consent

Consent is essential in all aspects

How The COVID Health Emergency End Affects Your Medicare

The COVID-19 public health emergency that started in January 2020 ended on May 11. Several Medicare rules and waivers came to an end - and it may catch Medicare patients by sur-

Many of the changes were made to accommodate the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic - when hospitals were mobbed, people were encouraged not to leave their homes

and patients found themselves getting medical care in unusual places. Some changes - like increased use of telehealth - are sticking around for the near future.

Here are a few things Medicare beneficiaries can expect from their benefits post-pandemic.

COVID-19 TESTING, TREATMENTS AND VACCINES

During the public health emergency, or PHE, Medicare and Medicare Advantage covered up to eight at-home COVID tests per month, COVID-19 testing-related services and antiviral treatments like Paxlovid.

of life, especially regarding sexual health and relationships. We must teach young people the importance of respecting boundaries, asking for consent, and being aware of power dynamics.

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES

995,164

SAN DIEGO COUNTY COVID-19 STATUS HOSPITALIZED 40,547

SOURCE: County of San Diego Last updated 5/25/2023

PHOTO: Courtesy of Talkwithyourkids.org

PHOTO:

AARP Sounding Alarm on Fraud, Offering Resources to Victims

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Scams and fraud are significant problems in America, and AARP, in partnership with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), has continued to sound the alarm.

Recent statistics in an AARP/ NNPA roundtable revealed that seven in 10 Black adults think scams and fraud have hit a crisis level, and 85% of Black adults agreed that victims should report the crime to law enforcement. This crisis is especially fraught within the Black community, and AARP officials said it emphasizes the need for all to work together to reframe the discussion around fraud victimization.

“This is an issue that we highlighted last year as well,” said Kathy Stokes, AARP’s director of fraud prevention programs, who offered new insights into the impact of fraud and scams in the Black community and tips for protecting consumers.

One essential tool Stokes highlighted is the AARP Fraud Watch Network, a free resource where individuals could learn how to proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if targeted, and feel more secure knowing that we

advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law.

“Protecting consumers goes back to AARP’s founding,” Stokes said.

“There is a need to rethink fraud in America.”

AARP, an interest group focusing on issues affecting America’s over-50 population, noted that all should stay informed, find support, and have a voice in the fight against fraud. The organization hopes to avoid the plight of victims like one woman who said fraud committed against her caused her to “see disappointment in my children’s eyes.”

“They see me as the person who gave away our family money,” said the unwitting victim, who has remained anonymous.

“I seriously contemplated suicide during this mess. I was devastated,” added the victim, who described herself as a happy but not rich wife, mother, and daughter.

She pleaded, “Please remember I am a person who failed her children, and that is what hurts me the most.”

But Stokes said it’s important that victims understand that it’s not their fault — unfor-

County Removes Barriers to Housing Production

By Donna Durckel County of San Diego Communications Office

tunately, many prey on the elderly, the poor, and the unsuspecting.

Among the keys to combating fraud and ensuring family relationships remain intact are more reporting, police officers viewing the crime more seriously, prosecutors taking on more fraud cases, and policymakers acting to protect the vulnerable. If those steps are taken, billions of dollars will remain in America’s economy, Stokes said.

Additionally, an AARP Victim Support Program is available to those of all ages and provides 1-hour free virtu al sessions. It also supports and empowers victims, lowers stress, and allows for a safe space to discuss fraud.

“This gives me a much deeper understanding of the mental health impact of fraud,” added an AARP volunteer.

“Of course, I knew it was devastating – but nothing substitutes for hearing directly from victims.”

Wednesday, May 24 the San Diego County Board of Supervisors adopted 22 actions designed to ultimately help renters and home buyers affected by our region’s housing crisis.

The changes approved are designed to deliver different types of housing faster and easier. They reduce and guarantee review times for housing plans and permits, encourage innovation and technology, provide extra customer support and include financial incentives. The Board committed $14.5M in funding to carry out these efforts.

Government-funded affordable housing, emergency shelters, workforce and infill housing stand to benefit.

For example, it will be easier to get a building permit if you have a previously approved home design. If a housing project fits within the existing rules of the County General Plan, fewer approvals/permits will be needed. There also will be extra professionals to make sure applications are complete and correct when submitted to save time going back and forth on corrections. In addition, projects needing septic tank approvals will have dedicated assistance to conduct safety reviews more efficiently.

The County will also be offering pre-approved plans for single family homes and accept tiny homes on wheels as an approved housing option.

[The efforts are part of] the County’s ongoing response to the region’s housing affordability crisis. Efforts also are underway at the County to create a roadmap, or Housing Blueprint, to guide the [County’s] ongoing response. Community input remains vital to the County’s efforts to address the crisis to date. People are encouraged to review the Housing Blueprint to help inform final recom-

mendations for its goals and objectives before it is presented later this year to the Board of Supervisors. In recognition of efforts to date, the County has received a Prohousing designation from the State. This is awarded to cities and counties that implement zoning and land use policies that favor development, accelerate housing production timeframes, reduce housing and production costs, and provide financial subsidies.

Here is a snapshot of all adopted actions:

Actions achievable within 12 months

• Guaranteed Timelines for 100% Affordable Housing & Shelters, VMT Efficient and Infill Areas and Workforce Housing

• Prioritization of Contracts to Support Housing

• Process Improvements

• Environmental Health & Quality Temporary Contracting Authority

• O ver-the-Counter Reviews for Previously Approved Home Designs

• Permit Specialists to Assist Applicants

• Tools & Guidance for Applicants

• Housing Legislation Outreach, Promotion, & Implementation

• D evelopment Feasibility Analysis Liaisons (Economic Development)

• Expedite Implementation of the Housing Element

• Grading Ordinance Update

• Flexibility for Infrastructure Requirements (additional community engagement)

• Actions achievable within 1 to 3 years:

• Tiny Homes on Wheels

• Prepare Pre-Approved Home Plans

• Information Technology Upgrades – Phase II

• Actions achievable with three to five years:

• Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for Key Areas

• Prepare Land Surveys

• Grading Ordinance Updates

More detail on this item can be found at sdcounty.legistar.com.

Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, Zelle and CashApp are also used in scams.

PHOTO: NNPA

PHOTO: Courtesy of County of San Diego

Nigerian Chef Cooks To Set New Global Record

By CHINEDU ASADU Associated Press

A Nigerian chef on Monday set a new global record for the longest hours nonstop cooking as she cooked for 100 hours, surpassing the current record.

Hilda Baci had been cooking since Thursday May 11, when she set out to beat the Guinness World Record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set in 2019 by Lata Tondon, an Indian chef. At around 19:45 GMT on Monday, May 15, Baci cooked for the 100th hour in the Lekki area of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, to become a national sensation in the West African nation. Thousands who gathered at the scene jubilated and sang her praises as she stopped cooking a few minutes after.

The Guinness World Records tweeted it was aware of the chef’s

attempt to break the cooking record. “We need to review all the evidence first before officially confirming a record,” the global brand said.

By attempting to beat the record, the Nigerian chef said May 11 she wanted to show how hardworking and determined Nigerian youths are and also as a campaign for young African women who are sidelined in society.

“Even when it comes to the brands you want to work with, it is like you have to go an extra mile to be taken seriously,” said Baci, adding that she hoped too that the world would learn more about Nigerian cuisines.

At 15:00 GMT on May 11, she started to cook dozens of Nigerian delicacies under supervision, rang-

ing from soups to stew and various proteins. Jollof rice, one of the most iconic West African dishes, also featured on the menu. She has had only fiveminute breaks every hour or an accumulated one hour after a stretch of 12 hours for everything else, from bathing to medical checkups and resting.

As thousands of locals and celebrities cheered her on at the scene through day and night, many more monitored online via several streaming platforms. After she surpassed the current cooking record, President Muhammadu Buhari tweeted that Monday was a great day for Nigeria. “Hilda’s drive, ambition and resilience have brought great interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food,” said Buhari.

Vinícius’ Brazilian Hometown Defends Him Against Soccer’s Racism

By DAVID BILLER

The chants of “monkey!” at the Spanish soccer stadium echoed across the Atlantic, reaching the ears of people on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. That’s where Vinícius Júnior, who is Black, grew up and launched his soccer career. Now, despite his global fame and millions, he was again the target of crude European racism.

His city in multiracial Brazil was sickened, and has rallied to his defense. In Sao Goncalo, rapper Deivisson Oliveira was eating breakfast when the TV news showed the abuse aimed at his hometown hero.

“I needed to cry out,’’ said Oliveira, 30, who raps under the name MC Menor do CPX.

Oliveira typed lyrics on his phone with his 6-month-old son at his feet. Powerful verses surged through his thumbs: ‘’From the favela to the world: Strength, Vinícius Júnior!’’

Vinícius’ 2017 move to Real Madrid was the culmination of years of effort. One of the most popular clubs in global soccer paid 45 million euros (about $50 million) - at the time the most ever for a Brazilian teenager - even before his professional debut with Rio-based Flamengo. Relentless racism wasn’t part of Vinícius’ dream when he was growing up in Sao Goncalo.

Sao Goncalo is the second-most populous city in Rio’s metropolitan region, and one of the poorest in the state of Rio de Janeiro, according to the national statistics institute. At night in some areas, motorists turn on their hazard lights to signal to drug-trafficking gangs that the driver is local. It is also where the 2020 police killing of a 14-year-old sparked Black Lives Matter protests across Rio.

Racism has once again fanned outrage.

Rio’s imposing, illuminated Christ the Redeemer statue was made dark one night in solidarity. The city’s enormous bayside Ferris wheel this week exhibits aclenched Black fist and the scrolling words:

At the same time in Rio, representatives of more than 150 activist groups andnonprofits delivered a letter to Spain’s consulate, demanding an investigation into the league and its president. They organized a protest that evening.

“Vinicius has been a warrior, he’s being a warrior, for enduring this since he arrived in Spain and always taking a stand,’’ activist Valda Neves said. “This time, he’s not alone.”

On Saturday, May 27, players from Vinícius’ former club, Flamengo, took the field at the Maracana Stadium before a Brazilian championship match against Cruzeiro wearing jerseys bearing the player’s name and sat on the pitch before kick off in an anti-racism protest.

In the stands, thousands of supporters made a tifo that read “everyone with Vini Jr.”

The first Black Brazilian players to sign for European clubs in the 1960s met some racism in the largely white society, but rarely spoke out. At the time when Brazil still considered itself a “racial democracy,” and did not take on the racism that many faced.

As Baci neared the 100-hour mark, Kingsley Ofoma at the scene said he never doubted her to surpass the global record. “The energy here is

very high and positive; everybody is having fun,” he said. “So eating her food free of charge is not even the best of it.”

UN: SUDAN CONFLICT Displaces Over 1.3 million To Neighboring Countries

By SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

The fighting between Sudan’s military and a powerful paramilitary force has displaced more than 1.3 million people, the U.N. migration agency said Wednesday, May 24.

The International Organization for Migration said the clashes have forced over 1 million people to leave their homes to safer areas inside Sudan. Some 320,000 others have fled to the neighboring countries of Egypt, South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic and Libya.

The fighting erupted on April 15 after months of escalating tensions between the military, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces commanded by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The conflict derailed Sudanese hopes of restoring the country’s fragile transition to democracy, which was disrupted by a military coup led by the two generals in October 2021.

The conflict has killed at least 863 civilians, including at least 190 children, and wounded more than 3,530 others, according to the most recent numbers from the Sudanese Doctors’ Syndicate - which mainly tracks civilian casualties. It has also pushed the East African country to near collapse, with urban areas in the capital, Khartoum, and its neighboring city of Omdurman turning into battlegrounds.

Egypt is hosting the largest number of those who fled, with at least 132,360 people, followed by Chad with 80,000 and South Sudan with over 69,000, the agency added.

shots and explosions in central Khartoum as well as areas close to military facilities in Omdurman. The weeklong cease-fire, which was brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia, took effect Monday night. It was the latest international effort to push for humanitarian aid delivery to the conflict-torn country.

A joint statement from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia late Tuesday warned that neither the Sudanese military nor the Rapid Support Forces observed the short-term cease-fire.

“The Sudanese people continue to suffer as a result of this devastating conflict, ‘’ the statement said. It called on both sides to “fully abide by their commitments’’ and to implement the temporary ceasefire to deliver urgently needed humanitarian relief.

Earlier on Tuesday, May 23, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned both parties of possible sanctions if the latest cease-fire was not adhered to.

But last Wednesday, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters in Washington that the cease-fire has largely been holding, despite reports of sporadic fire in Khartoum and elsewhere.

“EVERYONE AGAINST RACISM.”

“My total repudiation of the episode of racism suffered by our ace and the pride of all of us in Sao Goncalo,” the city’s mayor, Nelson Ruas dos Santos, wrote on Twitter the morning after the incident.

Rio’s Mayor Eduardo Paes was less diplomatic when responding to a defense issued by the Spanish soccer league’s president.

“Go to hell, son of a...” Paes wrote.

On Thursday, May 25, Spanish league president Javier Tebas held a news conference claiming that the league has been acting alone against racism, and that it could end it in six months if granted more power by the government.

In the late 1980s, the federal government made racial discrimination a crime and created a foundation to promote AfroBrazilian culture. At the time, many Brazilian players who might identify as Black today did not recognize themselves as such. Incidents of racism in Europe prompted little blowback in Brazil.

In the decades since, Brazil’s Black activists have gained prominence and promoted awareness of structural racism. The federal government instituted policies aimed at addressing it, including affirmative-action admissions for public universities and jobs. There has been heightened consciousness throughout society.

Sporadic fighting continued last Wednesday in several areas, despite a cease-fire reached this week. Residents reported hearing gun -

“Ultimately, it’s of course up to the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to implement this thing.” Kirby said. “But in general, in the main, it appears to be holding. I want to caution you though, this is early, I mean, just went into effect yesterday afternoon. We have seen this movie before. So, we’re being pretty pragmatic as we look at it.”

The fighting has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian conditions in Sudan. According to the U.N., the number of people who need assistance this year has increased by 57% to reach 24.7 million people, more than half the country’s population. The international body said it would need $2.6 billion to provide them with much-needed humanitarian assistance.

Chef Hilda Baci cooks to establish a new Guinness world record for the “longest cooking marathon”, the 97-hour cook-a-thon, in Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, May 11, 2023.

PHOTO: Sunday Alamba/AP

Bridging the gap between military and civilian communities is a vital goal of the GI Film Festival, and this year’s 6-day festival, organized by KPBS in partnership with San Diego’s Film Consortium furthered its mission featuring stories of sacrifice, courage, trauma and healing. With screenings held at Balboa Park’s Museum of Photographic Arts, films included documentaries, shorts, narratives, and feature-length films.

The festival featured locally connected filmmakers and veterans, two of which highlight-

GI FILM FESTIVAL

SHINES LIGHT ON STRUGGLES, HONORS MILITARY

ed San Diego women in uniform. “Time for Change: The Kathy Bruyere Story,” chronicled Bruyere’s inspiring journey championing equal rights for women to serve on-board ship and in combat. “Ultimate Sacrifices: CPT Jennifer Moreno,” voted the Best Local Documentary, was a moving portrait of San Diego High School graduate Jennifer Moreno, who went on to become a member of an all-female Cultural Support Team in Afghanistan. The top marksman earned the Bronze Star posthumously after losing her life rendering aid to a fellow soldier. In March 2022 President

‘Ask Mama G’

Biden signed legislation renaming the San Diego Veterans Affairs medical center in honor of Capt. Jennifer Moreno.

GIFF has made efforts to spotlight the black and brown communities as well as women and the LGBTQ veteran population, said Keshia Javis-Jones, Marine Corps veteran who serves on the GIFF Advisory Committee. “The more light we bring to struggles anyone in uniform might face, the more capable we are in overcoming those struggles.”

A common thread in many of the films was the need for more mental health services in the VA, addressing PTSD and sexual trauma experienced by women in service. “The Search” and “#IamVanessaGuillen” tell stories of sexual assault, murder, and suicide, presenting impassioned pleas for treatment and justice for women in the military.

African American choreographer Kehinde Ishangi’s “Not My Enemy” dug deep into the traumatic and dehumanizing impact of the VietNam war on black soldiers and their families. Moving in its artistry, she created the dance documentary as a means to understand her absent father’s choices after his return from Viet Nam.

MOTHER'S DAY FUNDRAISER

On Saturday, May 20th, Ask Mama G Podcast, in partnership with The Rory Graham Jr. Foundation, held a sold-out Mother's Day tea at the Bliss and Tea and Treats shop in Oceanside, CA located at 301 Mission Ave to support and raise funds for the Rory Graham Jr. Foundation. From 11:00 to 1:00. pm, the Bliss and Tea shop hosted 46 women for the Tea Party.

The food was delicious. Guests had scones, sandwiches, and four different teas which were smooth and very tasty. There was a silent auction, and a champagne basket, and a Victoria's Secret wine basket were auctioned, along with dinner for two from Felix's BBQ restaurant. There was also a raffle for a bath and beauty basket, and two gift certificates to Douglas Salon in Oceanside and jewelry.

A gracious thank you goes to Mr. Terrence Encyclopedia Webster, realtor and businessman in Oceanside, CA, for his sponsorship of our event. We learned how to drink tea from our facilitator, Mrs.

“Brainstorms,” another standout film, looked within the mind of a veteran who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during combat and his difficult transition home. Speaking passionately about improvements needed in VA recovery protocols, Dr. Chrisanne Gordon noted that MRIs often do not detect TBIs, so veterans with this kind of brain trauma can be misdiagnosed and not receive needed support.

“By My Side” paints an especially tender portrait of how service dogs help heal trauma in the lives of combat veterans experiencing PTSD as they transition to civilian life. In San Diego County, military veterans make up more than 13 percent of the population. With such deeply personal stories of warriors in both body and spirit, the GI Film Festival has an important place honoring those who serve.

See GIFilmFestivalSD.org for a complete list of awards.

Vanessa Webster, and the restaurant was beautifully decorated by Lyn of Creative Decor and Baskets.

The event was held to raise funds to have a scholarship in Rory's name at the prestigious Army Navy Academy in Carlsbad, CA. Rory Graham Jr. was the first African American cadet to serve as chaplain for three years at the school. He had the largest Christian Club in the school's history. When he tragically passed away in 2009, the former general Steven Bliss asked the family to start a foundation to inspire the other cadets at the Army and Navy Academy. Graham Jr. For information, contact

foundation

the

at

By Barbara Smith

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Andrea Patino Contreras, Best First Time Feature Director, #IamVanessaGuillen

Lawrence Adimora, Best Actor, Brainstorms

Not My Enemy

l-r: Sheila Ivy Traister, GIFF Advisory Committee, Marine Corps Veteran Edward Carroll, and Sheldon Margolis, San Diego Veterans Museum

Opening Night Discussion Panel. Second from the left, Keshia Javis-Jones, GIFF Advisory Committee

THE ANNUALKuumba

By VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF

It was billed as four days of celebrating Black Kujichagulia (Self Determination in Swahili). It was a continuation of reclaiming Black Art Culture, Heritage and Edutainment in the 9 Blocks of Imperial Avenue. Thursday evening started it all with soul soiree partying with a Point of View, which included creative networking with stakeholders of the (9) Blocks on Imperial Avenue. Friday evening centered around a night of positive images and pageantry with “Parade of the Ancestors” and a keynote speaker; Saturday featured a festive gathering at Marie Wideman Park for a day of exotic vendors and youthful entertainment, with San Diego top musicians burning up the stage featuring a great band and vocal artists. There was also a brief history of the Black contribution to Memorial Day given by Dr. John Warren, Publisher of the Voice & Viewpoint newspaper, which was well received. The weather held up, the Chicken Shack Food Truck really put out some great eats and a great day was had by all who came out.

31 st Annual Kuumba Festival: BLACK TO KUJICHAGULIA

By Malachi Kudura

Sunday May 29, 2023, was the last day of the Annual Kuumba Festival, celebrating Black Art, Culture, Heritage & Entertainment. The celebration was held at the Maire Widman Memorial Park in “The 9 Block” in Encanto. Sunday's theme was “Day of Spiritual Rejuvenation” which highlighted Black Art, Culture, Heritage, Financial Education and Gospel Music.

The Kuumba Fest tradition continues with the African marketplace, exotic vendors, and educational workshops. The music featured San Diego traditional hand clapping, foot stomping gospel greats like Tutu (Carmelita Bell), Kimberly Watt & Friends and David Dredden & Undefeated, to name a few.

The 31st Annual Kuumba Festival (founded by Dajaun Blevins) makes its return to the 4th District Community of Encanto. Kuumba Festival is one of San Diego’s longest running celebrations of Black youth, family, community development, health, art, culture and heritage. The celebration was from May 25th-May 28th, each night having its own theme that promoted Black unity.

“Events like this are important for the community. We need to get back to loving and celebrating each other again,” said an attendee. They continued, “It’s amazing to see all these beautiful faces cele-

brating our community. Just look at all of these people praising God together. Beautiful.”

At one point during the celebration, a man that began acting disruptive was met with love and prayer from the event holders and attending ministers.

“That disruptive man was met with love and prayer, the Holy Spirit fell on him and he cried in joy,” said Angela Jackson, an attendee. The love and compassion that was witnessed is the very reflection of the people and community of the 4th District we love and respect.

PHOTOS: Malachi Kudura

SoutheasternLittleLeague

By Darrel Wheeler

Southeastern Little League (SE) just wrapped-up another eventful season. SE has been a positive experience for kids, parents, supporters, and the coaches and managers that love to teach for 67 years.

Located at 4149 Newton in South-

Crest Park were Tee-ballers, Minors, and Majors League participants, who could be seen competing as well as learning the fundamentals of the game and having big fun. Unfortunately none of the SE players were selected to play in the upcoming All-Star tournament, better luck next year.

Representing District 66, SE is under

the watchful eyes of El Presidente Ceasar Lopez, Chairman/Treasurer James Trousdell, and the Manager’s Representative, Dwayne Hill and staff.

SE still plays Encanto, Memorial, Lemon Grove, Twin-Hills leagues for some inter-league action. Signup for Winter League at SouthCrest park.

1ST ROUND EXPOSURE: 2-DAY FOOTBALL CAMP

By Darrel Wheeler

Mr. Verlain Betofe is Mount Miguel High School’s newest addition to Matador Nation. Last weekend Coach Verlain brought his popular first round exposure football camp to the campus of Mount Miguel. The first-round exposure camp uses a similar blueprint to the NFL, and their famed scouting combine. High school and middle school youngsters were invited to test and showcase their skills, good or bad, in front of the coach’s family and friends.

The campers were measured for their height, weight, arm length, their 40 yard dash speed, bench press, vertical jump, shuttle drills - and the fan favorite: the 7-on-7 competition. That was how the coaches evaluated their two-day campers.

“I always love coaching at this camp because it is very organized and runs smoothly,” Camp Coach Rolando García shared. “You also get an opportunity to see the array of talent in San Diego. The athletes are represented from the entire county, from the border to the North county, and all places in-between.”

PHOTOS: Darrel Wheeler

PHOTOS: Darrel Wheeler

CITY, MESA, AND MIRAMAR COLLEGES

Rite of Passage Ceremony 2023

Wednesday, May 17 at 5:30pm, San Diego City College hosted a celebration for City College, Mesa College, and Miramar College Black student graduates, in its Rite of Passage Ceremony 2023. The festive event, acknowledging the students and their hard work and perse -

verance in advancing and achieving their academic goals, was held on the A-Terrace on the City College campus. They deserve our praise and encouragement as they enter the next phase of what is sure to be the most thrilling period of their lives.

“The Rite of Passage Ceremony is a celebration to recognize academ -

ic excellence and the sacrifices of our Black and African American students who are graduating from City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges,” said Dr. Ricky Shabazz, president of San Diego City College. “It’s such an amazing event that lets us honor and celebrate the achievements and successes of our students with them and their families,” he said.

Second from the left: Dr. Ricky Shabazz, President, San Diego City College

PHOTOS Courtesy of the San Diego City College

Valley Village Dr. El Cajon, CA 92021

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 1, 2023

This fictitious business name will expire on May 1, 2028

5/18, 5/25, 6/01, 6/08

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2023-9007837

Fictitious business name(s):

Kadia Hair Braiding Located at: 415 Fletcher Parkway #907 El Cajon, CA 92020 County of San Diego

4121 54th Pl. Apt. 308 San Diego, CA 92105 County of San Diego This business is conducted by:

Individual The first day of business was:

This business is hereby registered by the following:

Kaba

54th Pl. Apt. 308 San Diego, CA 92105 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 7, 2023 This fictitious business name will expire on April 7, 2028 5/18, 5/25, 6/01, 6/08

FICTITIOUS

2023

This fictitious business name will expire on May 5, 2028 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/01

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.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: June 20, 2023

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)

HEARING WILL

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

SUMMONS

ORDER ON REQUEST TO CONTINUE HEARING

Superior Court of California, County of San Diego

330 West Broadway D61 San Diego, CA 92101

Protected Party:

Filipe Santos Brito

Restrained Party: Tommie J. Artis Jr.

Case Number: 37-2023-00010542-CU-HRCTL

The request to reschedule the court date is granted. Your court date is rescheduled for the day and time listed below:

New Court Date: June 15, 2023, at 9:00 AM in Dept. 61

For appearance information visit www.sdcourt.ca.gov

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is in full force and effect because the court extends the TRO previously granted on March 15, 2023.

the restrained party.

Serving (Giving) Order to Other Party:

The request to reschedule was made by the protected party

You must have the restrained party personally served with a copy of this order and a copy of all documents listed on form CH-109, item 6, 5 days prior to hearing.

Other: The court grants alternative service. Service by publication along with service by mail and email.

No Fee to Serve (Notify) Restrained Person: The sheriff or marshal will serve this order for free because: The order is based on unlawful violence, a credible act of violence, or stalking.

Other Orders: The San Diego Superior Court will allow appearances for most hearings either in-person or virtually. Parties that elect to attend their hearing virtually should visit the Court's website at www.sdcourt.ca.gov for information and directions on making a virtual appearance.

Date filed: May 24, 2023 6/01, 6/08, 6/15, 6/22

SUMMONS (Citation Judicial)

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (Name) AVISO AL DEMANDADO (Nombre): DAVID ZEPEDA, individually and in his Sullivan, Sam Kirby, Luke Hope, Mark Sanford, Willson Wolf, Karen Wolf Trust; David Zepeda, as Trustee of the Kenneth Gilbert, Fran Gilbert, David Rose, Chris Rose, Sam Kirby, Ivy Kirby, Jack Cadman Trust; David Zepeda as Trustee of the Robert Mann, Janis Mann, Fran Gilbert, France Guston, Evan Patch Trust; all persons unknown, claiming any legal or equitable right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the property described in the complaint adverse to plaintiff's title, or any cloud upon plaintiff's title thereto; and DOES 1 through 10, inclusive

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (Lo esta demandado el demandante): ANA PINEDA, an individual NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response.

You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ Selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinto.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

Lo han demandado.

versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretano de la corte que le de un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de Calitornia Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales.

AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 o más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

Case Number: 2023CUOR008090

The name and address of the court is

(El nombre y direccion de la corte es): Superior Court of California, County of Ventura 800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009

The name, address, aand telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is:

(El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es):

David L. Ingram DAVID INGRAM LAW, A.P.C. (Bar #149847) 23901 Calabasas Road, Suite 1063 Calabasas, CA 91302

DATE

(Fecha): 04/21/2023 5/25, 6/01, 6/08, 6/15

PROBATE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Barbara Jean Hudspeth

Case Number: 37-2023-00015237-PR-LACTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Barbara Jean Hudspeth

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Carletta C. Edwards in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego

The Petition for Probate requests that Carletta C. Edwards be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.

(This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative

will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: on July 12, 2023, at 1:30 PM in Dept. 502

Judge J.B. Scherling located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego

1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 Probate Division

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court.

If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250.

A REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE form is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner:

Carletta C. Edwards 4851 Wyconda Ln. San Diego, CA 92113 (619) 992-3573 5/25, 6/01, 6/08

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Classie Williams, a.k.a. Classie Rose Williams Case Number: 37-2023-00018707-PR-LACTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Classie Williams, a.k.a. Classie Rose Williams

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Johntae Renee Jackson in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego

The Petition for Probate requests that Dion M. Davis, CLPF be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act.

(This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval.

Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as

petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A REQUEST FOR SPECIAL NOTICE form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: Antoinette Middleton, Esq. Law

BLACK HISTORY

1946

SEATTLE STEELHEADS PLAY AT SICK STADIUM

The Seattle Steelheads were the allBlack minor league baseball team formed in the spring of 1946 as part of the West Coast Negro Baseball League. They played their first game in Sick Stadium on June 1, 1946, before a racially mixed crowd of 2,500. The Steelies split a double-header with the San Diego Tigers and later barnstormed across the region in non-league games as far away as Bellingham, Spokane, and Portland, Oregon.

Despite a winning season, the Steelheads never drew large crowds and the other league teams fared worse.

The Steelies played their last game at Sick Stadium in September 1946 just three months after their first game. On September 9, 1995, the American League Seattle Mariners honored the Steelheads during their home game by wearing replicas of their uniforms and giving away Negro League hats. They also recognized the only surviving team member, 92-year-old Herbert Simpson, first baseman of the historical Seattle Steelheads.

1949

KAY COLES JAMES BORN

Kay Coles James is a conservative political figure who has served prominent government and executive roles, including as Associate Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President George Bush, and as the Convention Secretary for the 1996 Republican National Convention in San Diego.

Most notably, James was the first African American president of the Heritage Foundation, an influential Washington, D.C. -based conservative public policy research institute. Born June 1, 1949, she was raised in Richmond, Virginia and graduated from Hampton University. She founded the Gloucester Institute, an organization that trains and nurtures college-aged Black community leaders and draws its inspiration from the work of Dr. Robert Russa Moton, the successor to Booker T. Washington at the Tuskegee Institute.

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

WHICH WAY TO TURN – CARETAKER OR CONTENDER?

In filling a Senate vacancy, Newsom has the authority to name a successor. He could even pick himself, though that is unlikely. State rules dictate when an election would have to be held. Newsom's choices all run risks.

He could get entangled in the ongoing Senate campaign and choose one of the declared candidates to fill a Feinstein vacancy. Another option would be to select a caretaker, and then leave it to voters to decide in next year's election — someone who would hold the seat but is not a Senate candidate. That's where names like Winfrey come up — a celebrity who is Black and happens to meet Newsom's appointment pledge. However, Newsom also might find it challenging to land on someone willing to take a short-term appointment.

If he picked one of the declared Senate candidates, Newsom would unsettle the growing field and elevate that person to frontrunner status. U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, who is Black, is already running against fellow Democratic Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, who both are white.

Lee "is far and away the most qualified African American woman to replace Sen. Feinstein if a vacancy becomes available," Maddox said.

In a recent interview with Fox 11 TV in Los Angeles, Newsom said he was being swamped with recommendations for how to fill a possible Senate vacancy. He calls Feinstein a mentor and one of his closest friends, and said he was hoping he never had to make a decision to fill her seat.

He noted that the primary was quickly approaching in March, and added that he was sensitive to criticism that voters should be picking their elected officials, hinting that he might choose a caretaker to hold the spot, if one occurs.

"I get it. For those who say, 'Enough of Newsom making these picks!' I get it. I'm with you. I understand," he said.

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

playback:

Continued from page 2

“Sisters on The Frontline:”

California Black Women Democrats Host Meet-Up at California Democratic Party Convention in Los Angeles

California State Controller, Malia Cohen hosted members of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) during the California Democratic Party state convention in Los Angeles this past weekend.

Themed “Sisters on The Frontline,” the social gathering held at Fixin’s Soul Kitchen in Los

ai:

Continued from page 2

ate trusted oversight and guardrails to reduce or eliminate failures, the group insisted.

“The idea that this stuff could actually get smarter than people — a few people believed that,” Hinton stated when asked whether he thought AI would have such an immediate impact. “But most people thought it was way off. And I thought it was way off. I thought it was 30 to 50 years or even longer away. Obviously, I no longer think that,” he said. Meanwhile, journalists have acknowledged some fear over AI.

The Columbia Journalism Review (CJR) recently quoted experts who said that the

hIP-HOP:

Continued from page 3

The University of Cambridge recently developed the Hip-Hop Psych Initiative, which aims to use hip-hop lyrics and music to help young people dealing with depression develop more positive images of themselves and their situations. Ian Levy, an associate professor of school counseling at Manhattan College, developed a hip-hop-based counseling framework for schools and other educational settings.

Hip-hop culture is also expanding beliefs about academic achievement, success and professionalism. University of Southern California education professor Christopher Emdin wants educators to rediscover their “ratchet” self. While being ratchet, which originally meant being uncultured, is often rejected within academic settings, Emdin explains that being a “ratchedemic educator” is not about acting out, but acting authentically.

Angeles, brought together Black women who are shifting the balance of power across the state such as U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA12); Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber; California State Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) and Tina McKinnor (D-Hawthorne); and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Other allies who attended to show their support included Attorney General, Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena).

During the event, Lee spoke about her candidacy for U.S. Senate and Weber shared some details about the proceedings of the state’s Reparations task force.

Weber said she expects the Legislature will

approve the task force’s recommendations.

B ill Aims to “Clean Up Wild, Wild West” of Ballot Initiative Campaigns

On May 21, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) hosted a virtual rally to discuss Assembly Bill (AB) 421. The bill, which he authored, aims to tackle problems with California’s ballot initiative process. The goal of the bill is to help voters know who is behind a measure and identify paid signature collection campaigns, Bryan said. AB 421 would expand oversight of signature collection and referendum campaign funding by the Secretary of State’s Office. It would

health:

Continued from page 6

biggest flaw in a “large language model” like ChatGPT is that, while it is capable of mimicking human writing, it has no real understanding of what it is writing about, and so it frequently inserts errors and flights of fancy that some have referred to as “hallucinations.”

CJR reported that Colin Fraser, a data scientist at Meta, wrote, “The central quality of this type of model is that they are incurable, constant, shameless bullsh–ters. Every single one of them. It’s a feature, not a bug.”

And Gary Marcus, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at New York University, has likened this kind of software to “a giant autocomplete machine.”

As advocates of youth, we should set examples and model consent in our interactions with others to help them understand healthy relationships and what they should look like.

Protect access to services and information

We must fight to ensure that teens have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services and information, including contraception, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and treatment. Moreover, we must equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the healthcare system and connect to care when needed. Programs like TeenSource help provide a safe space for young people to amplify their voices and seek answers to questions regarding care, sexual health, relationships, and other topics. To learn more, visit teensource.org.

also require that unpaid volunteers collect at least 10% of a campaign’s signatures.

In California, paid signature collectors, sometimes from other states, are often contracted to interact with the public and canvas for referendums. AB 421 would require that those signature collectors register with the Secretary of State’s office.

“There are 40 million people who are counting on their Legislature and their governor and their voice to be heard in the democratic process,” Bryan said the following day at a briefing announcing the bill.

“You have communities that have been historically boxed out of this process who have found their voice through different statewide initiative processes,” he added.

development. In addition to ensuring access to services and information, we can support youth in making informed decisions about sexual health by encouraging the use of condoms and other forms of contraception to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies. We can also promote the importance and safety of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cancer and other health problems that can impede their future.

Supporting adolescent health requires a community effort. We have a vital role in creating a supportive and empowering environment for teens. Let’s work together to ensure that all adolescents have the information, resources, and support they need to be healthy and thrive. For more information on how to communicate openly with youth, visit talkwithyourkids.org.

I have spent the past two years researching the ways that hip-hop culture produces its own set of professional practices that encourage drive, creativity, authenticity, honor, community, confidence and commanding attention. These characteristics are valued in many different settings, but hip-hop culture adds a unique flavor and intensity. I call this the HipHop Mindset.

Continuing to evolve

While hip-hop has left an indelible imprint on the field of education, it is not done yet. Hiphop continues to evolve and gift us with possibilities for what culturally relevant education might look like in the next 50 years. As the saying goes, “Can’t stop, won’t stop.”

This commentary originally appeared on TheConversation.com.

MORE IN HEALTHY LIVING

self care Tips

for moms and caretakers

Carving out some “me time” is not just good for your mental health, physical wellness and confidence, as many moms know, it can actually make you a better parent. According to a survey of moms conducted by Hutchinson and Cassidy, those who had higher selfesteem had higher levels of perceived parenting confidence.

Here are three ways to practice self-care:

1. Get some rest: We live in a goal-oriented society where the value of rest and relaxation is not always emphasized. Whether it’s a spa day with your best friend or curling up with a good book at home, be sure your schedule includes adequate time to recharge your batteries.

2. Take care of your smile: One of the best ways to foster self-confidence is with a clean, healthy smile. In fact, a 2020 Cigna Dental Report found that smile satisfaction is one of the top three drivers of self confidence among U.S. adults.

3. Take care of your mind: So much of motherhood is ensuring everyone has what they need, and often, your own needs can fall by the

One of the best ways to foster self-confidence is with a clean, healthy smile. PHOTO: Statepoint

wayside. There are many ways to take time to check in with yourself though. You could buy yourself a beautiful journal and jot thoughts down for a few minutes each evening or check out apps like Headspace, which can help get you started on a meditation practice. Even a 10 or 15 minute walk at lunchtime can be a powerful mood-booster and an opportunity to reflect. You might also consider taking up a hobby that offers the chance for self-expression, such as painting, poetry, music or crafting.

When it comes to parents and caretakers, the importance of self-care can’t be overstated. Kick-off new routines that boost your self-confidence and your well-being.

Promote health and safety if sexually active

Sexual activity is a natural part of adolescent

medicare:

Continued from page 6

You’ll now pay out of pocket for at-home COVID-19 tests, although some Medicare Advantage plans may continue to cover them. COVID-19 vaccines will be covered under preventive care. COVID-19 antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, will also continue to be covered, but you may owe a copay or coinsurance for other pharmaceutical treatments for COVID-19, according to KFF, a health policy nonprofit.

TELEHEALTH

During the PHE, Medicare covered telehealth services for all Medicare beneficiaries, regardless of location or equipment. This allowed patients to access care from their homes at a time when going to a medical provider felt risky.

Telehealth coverage has been extended through the end of 2024, with the exception of telehealth being delivered under Medicare’s hospice benefit.

“That is a significant change that will carry through 2024,” says Diane Omdahl, president and cofounder of 65 Incorporated, a site that provides Medicare guidance. “Maybe they’ll find out the benefit of it and they’ll extend it again.”

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY STAYS

Pre-pandemic, Medicare patients were required to have a three-day inpatient hospitalization stay before Medicare would cover a subsequent stay at a skilled nursing facility. This requirement was waived during the PHE, but it’s back in effect.

This waiver created flexibility during the pandemic for hospitals that may not have had space for patients due to a high number of COVID-19 cases. The return of this rule creates a challenge for patients with Original Medicare, as three-day hospitalizations are rarer than they were when Medicare was signed into law in 1965.

“Years ago, everything was done in the hospital,” Omdahl says. Now, many more proce-

Nomsa Khalfani, Ph.D., is Co-CEO of Essential Access Health, a non-profit organization that champions health equity and quality sexual and reproductive health care for all through a broad range of programs and services.

dures are treated on an outpatient basis, she says.

Members of Medicare Advantage plans may have a leg up in this area, as some Advantage plans don’t require a three-day stay to qualify for skilled nursing facility care. But many plans require prior authorization.

(Any covered skilled nursing facility stay that started on May 11 or before will continue to be covered for as long as a beneficiary has benefit days available and meets care criteria.)

MEDICATION

During the PHE, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans (including Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage) were required to provide up to a 90-day supply of covered drugs if patients requested it. With the end of the PHE, this is no longer the case.

Part D plans were also required to relax their “refill-too-soon” limits - safety measures that keep patients from filling prescriptions too soon after receiving their previous medication.

These rules allowed people to make fewer trips to the pharmacy during the pandemic, but it’s back to business as usual for Part D prescription drug plan members.

OUT-OF-NETWORK SERVICES

During the PHE, if Medicare Advantage members received care at out-of-network facilities due to the COVID-19 emergency, plans were required to cover their care at in-network rates. This requirement will end 30 days after the end of the COVID-19 PHE — which is June 10 — unless there’s another national emergency or state disaster declaration affecting the service area.

In other words, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll want to start using your in-network providers again, if you haven’t already.

Eagles Nest Christian Center

Search: Pastor John E. Warren San Diego

We are a non-denominational full fellowship

learn,

serve and grow into

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.

Hershel

Clady

SUNRISE 08/20/1941

SUNSET 01/22/2023

Hershel Clady was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 20, 1941, to Jacob Clady, Sr. and Elmelia (McGuire) Clady. He was the sixth of eleven children (Blondale, LaVerne, Jacob, Jr., Charlotte, June, Marshall, Marvin, William “Billy”, Jadene and Cathy).

The family relocated to San Diego in 1957 and later united with Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Hershel graduated from San Diego High School in 1959 and joined the Air Force in 1961. In 1963, Hershel married his high school sweetheart, Bernice Cowan. They had two daughters, Chandra and Cassandra. After completing his military commitment, Hershel relocated his family to Los Angeles, California and took a job at the United Parcel Service (UPS) as a delivery driver.

Hershel began his career with the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) as a firefighter in November, 1969. He was one of less than ten AfricanAmerican firefighters ever hired by the department. He rose up in ranks by becoming the first African-American firefighter promoted to Engineer in the LACFD, the first African-American Captain, and in 1987, he was promoted to Battalion Chief. In February 1993, he was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief where he managed and supervised the second largest division of the LACFD. He was a role model to many in the fire service arena. He spent most of his career fighting for equal rights for minorities and women. He fought harassment, racial bias and discrimination all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. His lawsuit resulted in the LACFD entering into a constant decree requiring major changes in the firefighting recruitment classes.

Throughout his career, Chief Clady has been recognized with many awards and commendations for his outstanding service and leadership. He was so well known nationally that in 1992, President George Bush required that he be present at the fire station that he was visiting. Their pictures together revealed serious conversations, laughter and handshaking.

In 1976, Hershel met and married Sandy Tangalin. They had a son, Hershel II. Hershel believed in partnership and didn’t give up on finding his forever. In 1999, he married Linda Johnson and dutifully supported and cared for Linda until her transition in July, 2018. In 2021, Hershel married Deborah (Dee) Gordon. Hershel passed on January 22, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Blondale and brother Jacob, Jr..

Jack W. Hill

SUNRISE 08/13/1951

SUNSET 04/14/2023

Jack Wayne Hill, 71, passed away April 14, 2023, at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Temple, Texas. Jack succumbed after a year long battle with stage IV adrenal cancer.

Jack was a California transplant, born August 13, 1951, who moved to Killeen, Texas in 2017 to join his wife, Linda and family after Linda was diagnosed with Dementia. Jack was revered as a “San Diego Boy,” having been born and raised in the coastal southern town since 1951.

Through connections in the San Diego music industry, Jack met and married Linda Foreman of Oceanside, California, in 1971.

Jack attended Stockton Elementary School. He loved playing marbles, but did not want to get his pants dirty so he played without touching the ground, in a push-up-like position. Jack was very good at it, always winning marbles in the game. He also mastered the yo-yo, winning competitions for his skills in Around the World, Rock the Baby, and Walk the Dog. It was in elementary school when Jack developed a passion for music and learning. By the age of ten, Jack was playing with musicians twice his age. In addition to these skills, Jack was a Patrol Boy and an honor roll student. Jack attended Memorial Junior High where he began playing the cello and bass. He would bring various string instruments home to practice. Jack attended Lincoln High School. It was there he was assigned to play the trombone. At Lincoln, Jack had both band and orchestra classes. Jack soon excelled and played in the Hornets Marching Band for Lincoln until graduating in 1969. Growing up, Jack shared a room with his grandfather who was born in Cape Verde. Inspired by his grandfather’s stories of his travels and adventures, Jack enjoyed geography, documentaries, discovering new words and storytelling, often telling a story with an accent for laughs and special effects.

Jack went on to open for many groups. He played with the Bell Brothers, the Soul Brothers, Brad Rambur “Can’t Put it Down,” on which Jack was the musical director and composer of “Pinnacle”. This Masquerade is sung by Linda Hill with whom he chose to add some soul to his smoky take on the Leon Russell classic. Jack and Linda also recorded and performed with the Wolf Marshall Trio at the Blue Fire Grill at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. He also recorded with jazz guitarist, Pat Metheny. Jack and Linda enjoyed being together in everything they did.

Later in life, Jack volunteered at the NAMM Foundations’s Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California. He was a docent and gave tours to youth eager to learn more about music. Before relocating to Texas in 2017, he was the director of the Carlsbad School of Music.

Jack’s wife, Linda passed away peacefully three weeks after Jack. They were married for fifty-two years.

On April 14, 2023, a man of great purpose, who left an indelible mark on this planet was called home by Jehovah. Jack’s presence, his spirit, and gift will be sorely missed, but will live on in the memory of his students, Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, his children and family, and in the memory of the many people that knew and loved him. However, he is at peace and has joined those who have gone before him. He has finished his purpose on this side with greatness and integrity. His legacy will live on, not only from what he has left behind but what he has sown into others.

He leaves to cherish his memory a sister, Barbara Andrade of Brentwood, Ca., three children: Jack “Ghandi” Hill of North San Diego County, Jaclin Jameson of Inglewood, Ca., Rhapsody Newton of Kingdom of Bahrain; twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; Niece Andrezia Andrade; Nephews Rasheed Flenoid and Jamal Rashada; Great nieces: Jayla Dorsey, Maya Andrade-Diouf and Lotus Rashada; Great nephews: Makai Andrade-Diouf, Quincy Flenoid, Zain Rashada, and Elias Flenoid; first cousins: Danny Bush, Gloria Bush, Frank Alforque, Mary J. Holiday, Andrea M. Alforque, Carolyn F. Alforque-Allen, Robert “Timmy” Alforque, Elizabeth J. Adkins, Tommy A. Alforque and Susan M. Alforque-Evans; sister in law, Glenda Howard, her children, Bobbi, Richard, Robert and Andre Jones, and grandchildren Maya. Kiera, Robert Jr., Rhapsody, Jaelyn, Ayla and Alexander Jones; the Pina family in Cape Cod, Massachusetts; and the Perry family in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Jack was preceded in death by grandfather, Francisco Pires Andrade “Papa”; grandmother, Andresia DePina Andrade; Mother, Dominga B. Barnes; Mother-inlaw Adele Foreman; Aunts Mary C. Alforque and Philomena Bush; Uncle Manuel “Juju” Andrade; and cousins, William Bush, Marsha and Wayne Andrade.

Rock Legend Tina Turner Dies at 83

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Tina Turner, the “Queen of Rock ‘n Roll’, has died at the age of 83. The superstar’s family confirmed her death in a statement on Wednesday, May 24, noting that Turner died “peacefully” at her home near Zurich, Switzerland.

Born Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee in 1939, Tina Turner started her career in 1958 as the lead singer for Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm band. Later, the couple changed the name to the Ike & Tina Revue and spun out hit after hit with songs like “Nutbush City Limits,” “River Deep,” and the seminal “Proud Mary.”

Following a tumultuous and abusive relationship, Tina escaped from

Ike’s clutches in 1976 with no money and just the clothes on her back that reportedly were bloodied following Ike’s latest assault.

During divorce proceedings, Tina simply demanded that she keep her stage name which the judge granted.

With assistance from rock stars like Mick Jagger and David Bowie, Turner rebounded several years later and topped the pop music charts with her 1984 solo album, Private Dancer.

The album included a bevy of hit singles, including a remake of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It,”

which became the title of her successful 1993 biopic starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne.

She then enjoyed the starring role alongside Mel Gibson in the 1985 movie, “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.” In 1986, Tina wrote her memoir, “I, Tina,” which writers used to create the film, What’s Love Got to Do With It.”

Over her career, Turner earned 11 Grammy Awards and sold an estimated 180 million records globally.

In 2001, Turner earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and, in 2008, after having taken a hiatus from performing, toured the world for her 50th anniversary in show business.

PHOTO: NNPA

Tina Turner performing at Musikhalle Hamburg in Hamburg, Germany, November 23, 1972.

PHOTO: Heinrich Klaffs via Wikimedia Commons

Panelists gave several free tips for owners looking to market their businesses, such as knowing your customer, working with influencers, growing a network, and creating demand online.

Harrison used his network from high school basketball, the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and his local community to create his “ecosystem.”

“Most of my friends or people in my ecosystem are like business cards for me. They get around people just like I do,” he says. His background in product placement led him to think of influencers as a way to get his products placed and known within their expansive networks.

What’s the best way to reach more customers? That’s the big question for small business owners across the country. There are marketing tools like newsletters, advertisements, social media, press, and influencers. However, most of these options come at a cost.

The DC Chamber of Commerce 2023 Small Business Summit convened a panel of small business owners from Washington, D.C., to share easy and cost-effective ways for other owners to market their businesses.

Owners, including panelist LeGreg Harrison, co-founder of D.C.-based premium retail boutique The Museum, believed the best way to market a business was through “pay to play.”

This is the concept of putting in money to play a game or sport. In the business world, it refers to an initial financial investment to start and grow the business.

“I think that everything has to be grassroots first,” Harrison says. “If you take that vantage point, to run everything through community first, I think you will build an ecosystem of people who will buy into your brand and into your story.”

Carolina Furukrona, panelist and founder of artisanal lifestyle boutique NOVA BOSSA in D.C., spent over $20,000 on photography in her first year of business and hired a PR consultant. But found that she could do most of the work herself using free tools and applications like Canva. For fellow panelist, CEO, and founder of TCapri Spirits, Tiffany Capri Hainesworth, her misconception was needing to hire someone to do public relations or PR for her tequila brand. The powerful alternative for her was word of mouth. She knew she had a great product and a unique story that powered her ability to reach more customers.

“You don’t need someone to do that for you in the beginning. I agree with Tiffany. You are the brand. It’s your point of view. You should be doing, for the first year, your own social media as a small business owner.”

– Carolina Furukrona, Founder of Nova Bossa

Hainesworth uses the review section on her business’s website and the reviews from the Total Wine and Liquor website to promote her brand.

“I take every constructive criticism very, very seriously,” Hainesworth says. “And we post the good reviews back onto our social media.”

Although Hainesworth takes reviews, both positive and negative, into consideration, she doesn’t make every change reviewers want.

“You have to believe in yourself, and you have to believe that whatever you launch is going to be a good product,” she says.

“You know that when it launches, people are going to give you good reviews. You can take that review and put it on your social media — Instagram, Facebook — and you rave about the review and thank your customers for giving you a good review about your earthshaking product.”

– Tiffany Capri Hainesworth, CEO and Founder of TCapri Spirits

Businesses with retail spaces have a unique opportunity to work with local organizations. Furukrona’s store is in the first highend Latin market in Union Market in D.C., La Cosecha.

She used her previous experiences working in the event planning industry and with embassies to create a cultural festival hosted in the market’s space.

“What we started doing is approaching embassies to do cultural festivals with our collection drops,” she says. From this, they got 14,000 people to attend the festival at La Cosecha during the pandemic.

One of the best parts about this partnership for Furukrona was the access and free promotion this gave her business.

“In the press release, we had the embassy’s

logo, our logo, and we got on the embassy’s list, which they sent to all of their people,” she says. “They usually don’t turn over their list, but having those logos with our logo brings credibility as well.”

The store and the market have hosted similar events for Guatemalan Independence Day, and with Trinidad and Tobago.

“I didn’t spend any money on it — it was just effort,” Furukrona says.

Across the panelists, being at the core of their business’s marketing helped them reach goals and customers.

Harrison says finding alignment and walking in purpose, which goes hand in hand with marketing, leads customers to businesses. And that’s a sign of a successful business.

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