Vol. 63 No. 29 | Thursday, July 20, 2023

ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY: CLOSING FOR RESTRUCTURING, BUT NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS

The announcement to staff last week that the mortuary would be closing and the giving of two weeks notice to employees, has been rescinded.

As of Tuesday, July 18, 2023, the owner, Mrs. Valorie Ragsdale informed the publisher of this paper that the mortuary would “close for structuring” and would reopen at a later date to continue to serve the community. This is a welcomed reversal of the closing and going out of business announcement.

Those contacting the newspaper expressed that they felt the idea of closure of the mortuary was like a death in the family. The family owned mortuary has been the oldest Black owned business in San Diego and is an institution in and of itself.

Mrs. Valorie Ragsdale is the widow of Hartwell “Skipper” Ragsdale, III, the surviving son of Mr. Hartwell Ragsdale, III (referred to as Mr. Ragsdale, Sr.). Skipper died in 2018, leaving the business to his wife since his son, Derrick, was no longer in the picture. Mrs. Ragsdale has operated the business as owner since his death in 2018. However, it appears that she has no prior history or experience in the mortuary business.

Hartwell “Skipper” Ragsdale, carried on the business after the death of his father whom he had worked with as the father stepped back from the business. Both father and son as was the mother, Mrs. Hazel Ragsdale, were all respected members of the San Diego community until their passing. The Ragsdale name is known nationally and internationally because it represents a family business that is more than 130 years old having started in Oklahoma in 1889 growing out of a Livery Stable business.

Mr. Ragsdale, Sr. had a brother, Lincoln Ragsdale, with an established business in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a World War II pilot, owned and flew his own plane and has a portion of the Phoenix Airport named after him. In addition to the mortuary business he started and owned an insurance company as well.

Of more immediate concern to most San Diegans upon hearing of the potential closing of the business, was the question of what happens to their pre-need and pre-

The

BALLOTS MAILED F OR DISTRICT FOUR SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION

By Tracy DeFore

Nearly 400,000 ballots are on their way to registered voters in the Fourth Supervisorial District for the Aug. 15 special primary election. Voters should receive their ballots [this week]. You will also find your

“I Voted” sticker inside your official ballot packet.

See ELECTION page 2

HIRING PRACTICES

“Racial discrimination in employment and contracting is all too common among Fortune 100 companies and other large businesses,” the attorneys general wrote in the July 13 letter to the CEOs of Fortune 100 companies. “In an inversion of the odious discriminatory practices of the distant past, today’s major companies adopt explicitly race-based initiatives which are similarly illegal.”

CALIFORNIA NAACP LAUNCHES EMPLOYEE DISCRIMINATION HOTLINE

By Antonio Ray Harvey

Rick L. Callender, President of the California/ Hawaii Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (CAL/ HI NAACP), has announced that the organization is offering free legal advice and consultations to public and private sector employees in California who have been targets of racial harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

“It is a legal redress clinic for folks who have contacted our branch and believe they have been discriminated against because of the color of their skin or harassed because of the color of their skins,” Callender told California Black Media (CBM).

See HOTLINE page 2

Thirteen Republican state attorneys general have sent a cautionary letter to the CEOs of the 100 largest U.S. companies, highlighting the potential legal ramifications of using race as a factor in employment practices.

letter follows the recent Supreme Court ruling striking down affirmative action in higher education. It has stoked fears that the court’s ruling will extend to corporate America.

REPUBLICAN STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL WARN CEOS ON CONSIDERING RACE IN

PHOTO: NNPA

PHOTO: Courtesy of CBM

PHOTO: Courtesy of County Newscenter

See RACE page 2

Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary.

PHOTO: Voice and Viewpoint

See RAGSDALE page 2

CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

WI SENIOR WRITER

By Stacy M. Brown

SAN DEIGO VOICE & VEIWPOINT NEWSPAPER

By Dr. John Warren, Publisher

COUNTY OF SAN DEIGO

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

paid burial arrangements. Mrs. Ragsdale said to this paper that letters would be going out to each of these people announcing that their packages are intact and that they are portable, meaning they can be transferred to any other institution one might choose at time of need. For the record, it is important to let the public know that those funds are held in

a trust account and can only be withdrawn at designated time. Referrals during this time are being made to Preferred Cremation and Burial and California Burial and Cremation Mortuaries until Mrs. Ragsdale brings the business back online.

Mr. Ragsdale, Sr. came to San Diego in 1955 with his wife Hazel and son. At the time, the only Black mortuary in San Diego had been owned by a Mr. Anderson who died without family. Mr. Ragsdale bought the mortuary

from the Anderson estate and decided to keep the name Anderson since he was so well liked in the community. Hence, The AndersonRagsdale Mortuary was created.

Mr. Ragsdale, Sr. got active in the Black community of San Diego. He was one of the fighters of the Restrictive Covenants that were being used to keep Black home ownership out of certain neighborhoods. He was one of the founding members of the San Diego Urban League, and a friend of the Rev.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The mortuary was involved in getting the remains of Mrs. Coretta Scott King back to San Diego when she died in Mexico and helped get her body back to Atlanta, Ga.

Yes. Mrs. Ragsdale's announcement to reopen after she restructures the business is seen by many as the resurrection of an institution that no one is ready to see die at this time.

The attorneys noted that “these discriminatory practices include, among other things, explicit racial quotas and preferences in hiring, recruiting, retention, promotion, and advancement.”

The letter continues, “They also include racebased contracting practices, such as racial preferences and quotas in selecting suppliers, providing overt preferential treatment to customers on the basis of race, and pressuring contractors to adopt the company’s racially discriminatory quotas and preferences.”

The high court’s ruling, which declared race an inadmissible factor in college admissions, could also apply to private entities, including employers. They emphasized that treating individuals differently based on their skin color, even with benign intentions, is unlawful and wrong.

Additionally, the attorneys general suggested that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs might constitute a form of discrimination. Already DE&I positions appear targeted.

Shortly after the Supreme Court’s decision, it was revealed three prominent studios and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had bid farewell to their top diversity executives. The exodus of diversity executives included the departure of Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president, Latondra Newton. A veteran of six years at the company, Newton left on June 20 to pursue “other endeavors.”

Netflix’s head of inclusion strategy, Vernā Myers, was the next to announce her departure, set for September. Additionally, Discovery removed Karen Horne from her position as SVP of diversity, equity, and inclusion. And at the same time, the Academy bid farewell to Jeanell English, its EVP of Impact and Inclusion. Academy CEO Bill Kramer created English’s role in July 2022.

Still, several experts noted that the Supreme Court’s ruling does not directly alter existing employer obligations or commitments to DEI.

Greg Hoff, associate counsel of the HR Policy Association, told PBS that the decision does not legally impact Title VII of the Civil Rights

Act, which governs employment discrimination and workplace bias. Several experts opined that the ruling pertains specifically to higher education institutions and entities that receive federal funding rather than private employers.

They emphasize that affirmative action in college admissions differs significantly from DEI efforts in workplaces, which can encompass various initiatives such as expanded outreach for diverse hires, the establishment of employee resource groups for underrepresented workers, and the reduction of bias in hiring through practices like blind applications.

David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at New York University’s School of Law, said in a PBS interview that opponents of DEI have been deliberately conflating affirmative action with DEI initiatives to serve their political agendas.

Glasgow emphasized that although affirmative action in the workplace is still technically legal according to Supreme Court precedent, it is still infrequent.

He suggested that if there’s a challenge to workplace affirmative action, the current court might overturn such cases, mirroring the decision made in college admissions.

However, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) recently sent a letter to Target’s CEO, alleging that the company’s DEI program and “racial quota for hiring” were discriminatory, citing the affirmative action ruling.

The attorneys general have expressed their intent to monitor companies’ hiring practices for employees and contractors closely.

They specifically called out several companies, including Airbnb, Facebook, Google, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and Netflix, for their programs to increase racial diversity in their workforce and supplier networks.

Despite the forceful nature of the letter, only about half of the nation’s Republican attorneys general signed it, while Democrats have criticized the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action.

July 18 through Election Day.

The person elected will fill District 4’s vacant seat for the remainder of the current term ending in January 2027. If no candidate receives a majority vote at the Aug. 15 election, then a special general election will be held on Nov. 7. Only those who live in the district can vote in the election.

District 4 includes the following areas:

Alta Vista, Azalea Park, Balboa Park, Bankers Hill, Bay Park, Bay Terraces, Birdland, Broadway Heights, Casa de Oro – Mount Helix, Chollas Creek, Chollas View, City Heights, City of La Mesa, City of Lemon Grove, Civita, Clairemont Mesa, College Area, El Cerrito, Emerald Hills, Encanto, Hillcrest, Kensington-Talmadge, Lincoln Park, Linda Vista, Lomita Village, Mid-City, Middletown, Mission Hills, Mission Valley, Montezuma Mesa-SDSU, Morena, Normal Heights, North Bay Terraces, North Clairemont, North Park, Oak Park, Old Town, Paradise Hills, Portions of Grantville, Portions of Kearny Mesa, Portions of Spring Valley,

Rancho San Diego, Rolando, Serra Mesa, Skyline, University Heights, Valencia Park, and Webster.

If you’re not sure whether you reside in District

4, you can look it up at sdvote.com.

Early voting [began] Monday, July 17 at the Registrar of Voters office in Kearny Mesa.

Hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, the Registrar encourages voters to take advantage of the convenience of voting by mail.

You can vote from home and return your ballot through the mail — no postage needed — or to any of the Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes around the district starting Tuesday,

Remember to sign and date your return ballot envelope. You must sign the return ballot envelope for your vote to count. Voters who return their ballot through the U.S. Postal Service can track it by signing up for “Where’s My Ballot?”. More options to vote in person start Saturday, Aug. 5. In addition to the Registrar’s Office, you can vote at any one of seven vote centers. They will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the final day of voting, Tuesday, Aug. 15, when 14 vote centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Avoid long lines by taking advantage of early voting.

You can find an official ballot drop box or vote center location near you inside your voter information pamphlet, or you can look it up online at sdvote.com. Learn more about voting in the District 4 special primary election at sdvote.com, or call (858) 565-5800 or toll free at (800) 696-0136.

“We are providing legal service for our people because sometimes they try to get an attorney to listen to them, but the attorney will tell them they are busy. What we have is two (legal) firms that have contracted with us to allow people to come and get free advice,” he continued.

Local NAACP branches across California will have the authority to determine if a complaint is appropriate for the legal redress consultations after affected employees submit a Legal Redress Complaint Form.

However, the CAL/HI NAACP points out that completing the form does not constitute filing an official complaint with a legal authority.

According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, workplace discrimination complaints are based on race, color, ancestry, religion, age (40 and over), disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, marital status, military and veteran status, or national origin (including language restrictions).

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) established the Discrimination Complaint Tracking System

(DCTS), which enables the collection of data on complaints regarding discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and denial of reasonable accommodation in state agencies, according to its “2020 Annual Report of Discrimination Complaint Activity in California State Civil Service.”

The 27-page report stated that the five highest statewide categories of complaints in 2020 were Race, Retaliation, Disability, Sexual Harassment, and Sex/Gender.  According to the report, the categories ranked as follows: Sexual Harassment (44%), Race (23%), Sex/ Gender (16%), Disability (9%), and Sexual Orientation (7%).

On May 4, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a joint investigation into allegations of employment discrimination and a hostile work environment at the National Football League (NFL).

The NFL has offices in New York and California with more than 1,000 employees. If discrimination and harassment are taking place at these workplaces it should not be tolerated whether the complaint is lodged with the NAACP or the California Department of Justice, Bonta stated.

“California will not tolerate any form of discrimination,” Bonta stated. “We have serious

concerns about the NFL’s role in creating an extremely hostile and detrimental work environment. No company is too big or popular to avoid being held responsible for their actions.”

California employees have the right to speak to representatives of the California Labor Commissioner’s Office or any other government or law enforcement agency about any issues affecting their working conditions in California. For those seeking assistance for workplace discrimination and harassment, the NAACP offers the first step in the process of filing a claim that could eventually become a case against the accused violator or violators.

The free, legal redress advice and consultation offered by CAL/HI NAACP is funded through the Stop the Hate (STH) Program. The grant – administered by California Department of Social Services – comprises three components: Legal Redress, Youth Development, and Working with Ethnic Media.

The program awards funding to qualified nonprofit organizations to provide support and services to victims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes and their families and facilitate hate incident or hate crime prevention measures.

Funded support includes direct services for victims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes and their families, including men-

tal and complementary health services; wellness and community healing; legal services; navigation, case management, and referrals.

Founded Feb. 12. 1909, the NAACP was formed in response to the horrific practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois. It is the nation’s oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. The NAACP has more than 500,000 members and supporters throughout the United States, serving as premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, campaigning for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization.

The ability to have a program that intends to seek legal redress for workplace discrimination, retaliation, and harassment is an effective tool “to protect employees’ rights,” Callender said.

“We first received ‘Stop the Hate’ funding for the Legal Redress program in January 2023,” Callender told CBM. “This is a necessary program, and we are looking forward to receiving more funding for legal redress in three more years.”

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

PHOTO: Courtesy of County Newscenter

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY/OPINION

JUSTICE THOMAS: AN INSULT TO UNCLE TOM THE COMMUNITY AND THE ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARY

Anumber of people in the African American community have known about the character of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas since before his appointment to the high Court. In fact, it was considered a disgrace to replace someone with the character, intellect and commitment to the struggle of Black people with the likes of Clarence Thomas. When the great debate during his confirmation hearing over the allegations from attorney Anita Hill surfaced and Thomas accused his detractors of committing a legal lynching of him, there was a shortness of sympathy for a man who should never have been nominated in the first place. His subsequent inaction on the court, and his conservative leaning almost

always against anything that benefited Black people earned him the name “Uncle Tom” instead of “Justice Thomas”.

But it’s time to set the record straight. The Uncle Tom of Harriet Becher Stowe’s 1852 book, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, had real character. While he appeared to be subservient and docile as a good slave, those characteristics were used to help him disguise the good he was actually about doing to help others. He had character that allowed him to put himself at risk helping others. Justice Clarence Thomas, on the other hand, has shown that he is about helping himself first and always.

The favors, money and deals with his billionaire friends, his wife’s support of the January 6 attack on the Capitol and the lie that they never discussed matters of the January 6 riot in which people lost their lives, all reveal what most of us already knew from the beginning, that Justice Thomas was and is always about his interest and not the people.

Let us no longer insult the life and story of Uncle Tom which was actually based on the real life slave, Josia Henson. Let’s just call Thomas the person without character that he is and call for his impeachment, which we know will never happen in the Republican controlled House of Representatives where impeachment proceedings must start before they reach the Senate.

Let’s just call him Clarence Thomas, and know who he really is.

Letter to the Editor

REGARDING ADDRESSING ANTI-BLACK HATE CRIMES

First and foremost, thank you Mayor Gloria, and the entire Mayor’s Black Advisory Team for working to eradicate racism and discrimination from our city. I also appreciate the San Diego Voice and Viewpoint’s Town Hall hosted by Francine Maxwell and Dr. Warren, with SD County DA Summer Stephan and Assistant DA Abigail Hsiao-Li Dillon’s efforts to tackle anti-Blackness countywide. However, in light of recent incidents stated in Mayor Gloria’s press release about Anti-Semitism and LGBQT+ discrimination and hate in San Diego, I’d like to know where our City stands on addressing anti-Black hate crimes. Like other residents, we appreciate San Diego’s leadership stand against xenophobia and homophobia in our city, but remain concerned about the spike in anti-Black hate crimes in our neighborhoods. According to recent reports, the amount of Anti-Black hate crimes on a state level has increased by 27% (See AG Bonta’s 2022 Hate Crimes Report). Fifty percent of the total hate crimes reported

are against African Americans who represent only 6.5% of the population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022).

Although SD County Sheriff’s Department Hate Crime statistics report a decrease in anti-Black hate crime cases, Black Americans still represent the highest number of victims. Moreover, according to SD County DA’s office data, we account for 68% of the hate crimes reported throughout the county, despite being 6% of the City’s demographics.

With most schools returning back in August, as an educator, I’m equally concerned about anti-Black hate in our San Diego schools. Especially considering schools are a microcosm of society (Starck et al., 2020).

Therefore it’s imperative that our City makes visible efforts to counter AntiBlack hate. Under Mayor’s Gloria’s leadership, it’s possible. Just look at SD City’s recent widespread efforts to openly denounce anti-Asian hate, which has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of anti-Asian hate crimes city and county-wide. This proves that when leadership provides our City with aware-

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

For those who might be new to San Diego, it will probably be hard to understand the feelings about the AndersonRagsdale Mortuary and the panic over its closing, Since 1955 when Mr. Ragsdale, Sr. opened his doors, his family owned business has been a part of most households in this African American community.

Mr. Ragsdale spoke of how many homes he had visited on a given street over the decades. He handled services for generations within families and his son Skipper, when he entered the business, also had a passion for people. The Pre-Need arrangements also cover generations as great grandparents, grandparents and parents have arrangements paid for and awaiting their use at the appointed time. So the idea of an Anderson-Ragsdale Mortuary is deep and personal to many.

But so many of us today have grown up not knowing that the Black mortician stood out because he had the one business controlled by Black folks, and he helped everyone at some point in time.

We, the community, look forward to the restructuring and re-opening of the Mortuary and hope it will be with us for time to come, but if he can’t, then we must be about the business of determining how we can preserve it.

ness, drastic changes occur for the betterment of all San Diegans.

Please advise what the City of San Diego is doing overall to address the spike in anti-Black crimes here in San Diego and when we can expect to receive a statement about America’s Finest City taking a Zero Tolerance stand on anti-Black hate crimes City and County-wide.

Sincerely,

K. Hamilton

How to reach us

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

Keep it short and mail it to:

Letters to the Editor

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

Higher Education Is Still Attainable For African Americans

Commentary on the Affirmative Action Supreme Court Decision

By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.

If you are Black like me, struggles and hardships have always been a part of our lives. It is just never easy for us. That is why our achievements and accomplishments are so gratifying. Hard work, determination and resolve have been hallmarks of our lives. That is what the African American experience is and has always been. We hear the term, “against all odds”. That longstanding and venerable expression belongs to us. While we didn’t coin the phrase, it certainly is a part of our life story.

Our pathway to greatness has been steeped and solidified in our core values. One of our long-held beliefs is the importance of education. Having a good education has been an ancestral attribute.

See EDUCATION page 15

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

Eagles Nest Christian Center

Search: Pastor John E. Warren San Diego

We are a non-denominational full

serve

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.

Catherine Vercie Nordean

Carmon-Johnson

Vercie Carmon-Johnson was born August 2, 1940 and called by her Maker on June 25, 2023. Her legacy will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of people who knew her as a somewhat private, yet very caring, dedicated, and loving person.

She devoted her life to educating children and adults. Vercie labored, without counting the cost, as an educator for The Diocese of Lafayette, Archdiocese of New Orleans, Diocese of San Diego, San Diego Community College District, the University of San Diego, and San Diego Unified School District, where she held different positions throughout her career.

Although she had no biological children, she considered all of her nieces and nephews as her children. Each of them was her favorite.

Vercie was devoted to her church, where she served in a variety of ministries. She was thankful and felt blessed to have been born into a staunch Roman Catholic family.

Family was important to Vercie. She made sure that special occasions in the life of family members were honored and celebrated.

Vercie is preceded in death by her loving parents Aristile and Edna Carmon, brothers; Bishop Dominic Carmon and Clifford Carmon, and sisters; Theresia Davis and Virginia Fonternot.

Survivors include her devoted husband Amos Johnson, Jr., brothers; Clifton (Ann) and Aubrey, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom she loved and admired.

Vercie will be honored at the following Memorial Services:

May Time Soften Your Pain

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL MORTUARY

Catherine Cunningham was born February 4, 1933 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Irma Jo Winfrey and William Anderson, Sr. Catherine attended public schools in Little Rock, graduating from Dunbar's Junior High and High School.

Catherine was baptized in her home town at Gospel Temple Baptist Church. In 1950, Catherine married Clifton Cunningham, Sr., and they started their family before relocating to San Diego, CA in 1960. They welcomed three more children afterwards.

In 1965, she began working at Sears Roebuck & Company, first as a cafeteria server, then Executive Assistant to the General Manager, and retiring as an HR Specialist for the San Diego Branch after thirty-two years of professional service.

Catherine's faith remained an essential part of her journey. She became a member of Calvary Baptist Church, then later joined Mt. Erie Baptist Church. She was a faithful member for over thirty years, serving in many capacities, including Recorder for the Baptism Committee.

Catherine had an insatiable appetite for knowledge and enjoyed reading, word searches, and crossword puzzles. Her support and dedication to family were extraordinary. She always encouraged them to strive for a higher level of education and explore the world around them.

Catherine kept up with current events. Her favorite television programs were ABC World News Tonight, CNN's "AC360", Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, American Gladiator, and Wipe Out.

In addition to Catherine's warmth and generosity, she had a strong sense of Community and found joy in making others feel loved and supported. Her open-door policy created a welcoming atmosphere to all who visited her home. Catherine's selflessness surpassed her immediate family. It included extended family and friends, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. On Sunday, July 2, 2023, Catherine was called to rest.

Preceding her in death was her father and mother, husband of 56 years, Clifton Cunningham, Sr., two brothers; William Anderson, Jr. and Sherman Edward Anderson, and two children; Jeffie Joanna and Joel Edward.

Left to cherish her loving memory are Clifton Cunningham, Jr. (Bertha), Cheryl Katrina Howard of San Diego, Adriel Lynn Cunningham (Gloria) of Los Angeles, Alan LeMoyne Cunningham (Leslie) of London, England, and Keith Avila Cunningham (Monyca) of San Diego, two brothers; Jessie Anderson (Pauline) and Barry Anderson, of Little Rock, AR, two sisters; Bernice Anderson-Crawford of Temecula, CA, and Mildred Brown of Sacramento, CA; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, honorary family members, and friends.

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL MORTUARY

Nordean Carter was born on November 15, 1949 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Huberta Johnson and Robert B. Carter. Nordean attended Immaculate Conception High School and did well academically and socially. Nordean performed in numerous talent shows, harmonizing with her little sister Doris (Ifraj) and expressed her love of singing to everyone around her.

Nordean raised three children: Tara, Malika, and Sheldon.

Nordean had a pure, giving heart and took in many people in need of a home, providing them with food, shelter, comfort, and love. Nordean was such a joy and blessing. She loved and gave unconditional love to her family. She is irreplaceable.

Nordean passed on into the afterlife on June 26, 2023

Preceding her in death were her sisters Donna and Doris (Ifraj).

Left to treasure her memory are her children, nine grandchildren; Christopher, Anthony Lee, Jasmyn, Tarik, Anthony (AJ), Neil, Laron, Edwin, and Amber, ten great-grandchildren, sister Brenda, and three brothers; Robert (Bobby), Levandis (Van) and Ray, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rest is Paradise Nordean!

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL MORTUARY

Robert Marquel Young was born on January 9, 1969 in Cleveland, OH. He was the firstborn to Carol and Robert Young. The family moved from Cleveland to Hawaii when Robert was a young boy. Shortly after, they made their roots in San Diego, California in 1970.

Robert was a big-hearted, adventurous, sports-loving kid, but mostly, he perfected the role of big brother. Robert played in the little league for the Dodgers at Southeast and Pop Warner for Valencia Park. It was through youth sports that he developed several close, lifelong friendships.

Robert attended and graduated from Morse High School and was a star cornerback on the football team. He also wrote for the school newspaper. Robert got his first job laying base in construction and used his earnings to get his first apartment at the age of 18.

Robert married Shalisa Wilson in 2001, and the couple welcomed their only child together, Marquel Thomas Young.

Robert worked as a Skycap at the San Diego International Airport. However, most of the work he did throughout his life revolved around cooking. Robert loved his wife, family, and old school music. He was a bonafide Rastafarian, and a die-hard Lakers, Raiders, and Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He called basketball a game of poetry in motion.

Robert’s favorite TV shows were Martin, Everybody Loves Raymond, Perry Mason, and 60 Minutes. His favorite movies were Titanic and The Hunt for Red October. Robert also enjoyed reading, mostly the Bible and Moby Dick, or anything written by Assata Shakur, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King.

On June 18, 2023, the day of his transition, the last words he heard were of scripture that he asked to be read to him; “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” Robert is survived by his wife of 29 years; Shalisa, his sons; Robert Mandela Young and Marquel Thomas Young, siblings; Marie Young of the Philippines, Kimberly McMann, Reese (Nina) Young and Kaci (Jamone) Patterson, who all live in Los Angeles, mother-in-law Emma Wilson of San Diego, sister-in-law Sadalya Diamond, brother-in-law Stefan Wilson, uncles; Ted Johnson, William Mines, Gary Henderson, Rodney Henderson, and Thomas “Skip” Appling, aunts; Anita Miller and Valerie Appling, best friends; Morgan Long and Tim Robertson, Donnie, Lamont, Cass Jr, a host of extended family including first, second, and third cousins, nieces and nephews, church family, and friends.

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

Registrar to Hold Election Administration Plan Public Hearings

By Tracy DeFore County of San

Office

The Registrar of Voters office is holding two hearings on Wednesday, July 26, inviting the public to provide input on the renewal of the County’s Election Administration Plan.

The Registrar’s office adopted the plan in 2022 and is renewing the plan as part of the two-year review process. The plan describes how the Registrar’s office administers elections under the Voter’s Choice Act. The vote center model falls under the Voter’s Choice Act, and it modernizes the election process in several ways:

• Active registered voters automatically receive a ballot in the mail.

• Voters can return their ballot by mail, a secure ballot drop box, or

in person at any vote center.

• V ote centers open for up to 11 days, giving voters more time to return their ballot.

During the hearings, the public can give input on vote center and ballot drop box locations, and voter education and outreach plans. The public can also find suggestion forms for vote center and ballot drop box locations, and general comment forms on the Registrar’s Voter’s Choice Act page.

[The first public hearing will be held in person and virtually 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 26 at the Campus Center Chambers at County Operations Center, Kearny Mesa, 5520 Overland Ave., 92123. The second hearing will be virtual only at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26.]

Zoom details will be posted soon at sdvote.com under Voter’s Choice

Act and on the Registrar’s Community Calendar.

Interpretation services will be available during both sessions in American Sign Language, Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Persian and Somali.

Important Dates:

• J uly 12: The Registrar posted proposed updates to the Election Administration Plan at sdvote. com for a 14-day public review and comment period.

• J uly 26: In-person and virtual public hearings including the county’s disability, and state and federally covered language communities.

• July 26: The initial public review and comment period ends.

• A ug. 9 – Aug. 23: The Registrar posts an amended Election Administration Plan for a second 14-

day public review and comment period.

• S ept. 6: The Registrar posts the final adopted plan and sends it to the California Secretary of State for approval.

The Election Administration Plan is reviewed every four years in the odd year prior to a scheduled election year. For more information about the Voter’s Choice Act, visit sdvote.com.

Black Caucus Concerned About Black Women Execs Leaving Entertainment Industry Hollywood Under Fire

Film studios in Hollywood took a one-two punch last week after actors announced they were joining the ongoing writers’ strike and as legislators in Sacramento questioned their commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

On July 13, California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) members Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) led a group of lawmakers led a news conference at the State Capitol to express their concerns over various news reports of abrupt departures of Black women leaving high-profile careers in Hollywood after the state recently approved $1.6 billion in tax credits for the

industry.

The press conference was held the same day the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAGAFTRA), the union representing Hollywood actors, joined striking Writers Guild of America (WGA) members in the biggest labor dispute the American entertainment industry has seen in 63 years.

In recent weeks, several Black women who were executives leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at major entertainment companies have left their positions.

“We are here today, calling on industry executives to meet with the state legislative Black Caucus and leaders in the coming weeks to explain what is behind this erasure,” Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) said at the press briefing.

“(We want them to) provide the evidence of how diversity, inclusion and the progress made will continue to move forward given the lack of leadership and gravitas at the forefront of those proposals,” added SmallwoodCuevas.

Lawmakers at the press conference said the departure of DEI specialists from major Hollywood companies gives the impression that creating an inclusive culture in the American film industry is not a priority for a sector that has a well-documented history of discrimination and exclusion.

Senate Bill (SB) 485, introduced last year by Sen. Anthony Portantino (D- La Cañada Flintridge), provides $1.65 billion in tax credits, or $330 million annually, in financial support for film and television makers and other

media content creators. The California Film and Television Production Tax Credit Program was scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2025.

State lawmakers are now asking for meetings and are now looking for ways to hold television and film studios executives accountable for benefitting from state investment that essentially helped create DEI programs.

SB 485 was created after a series of production companies opted to leave California for states that offered larger tax incentive programs. The bill was amended to reflect California’s diverse population.

SB 485 states that “This bill, for credit allocations made on or after July 1, 2023, would revise the definition of qualified motion picture for purposes of the credit to require an applicant to provide a diversity workplan that includes goals that are broadly reflective of California's population.”

On July 10, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 132 to extend the state’s $330 million-a-year Film and TV Tax Credit Program an additional five years through fiscal 2030-31. The Governor’s office put out a statement that SB 132 builds “upon a strong track record of success” and “whose productions have generated more than $23 billion” for the economy. Smallwood-Cuevas, McKinnor, and other members of the California legislature want to make amendments to SB 132 that will keep DEI programs intact.

They expect to sit down with members of the film and television industry, union representatives, and Gov. Newsom to get clarity of the entertainment business’ efforts to promote and stabilize DEI initiatives.

BROADWAY SAN DIEGO’S TINA TURNER MUSICAL BRINGS Passion & Soul

By Barbara Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Tina Turner phenomenon is sweeping the country and San Diegans will have a chance to jump on board. In its national tour, playwright Katori Hall’s “TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL,” brings to life the story of the Grammywinning musical icon at Broadway San Diego beginning July 25.

Evenly sharing the role of Turner, each playing four (of eight) performances a week, are two of Broadway’s most highly trained, dynamic actress/singer/dancers, Naomi Rodgers (“Frozen” and Zurin Villanueva (“The Lion King,” “Mean Girls”), both of whom fill the role of the electrifying Turner with passion, energy and soul.

With Tina’s passing earlier this year, it becomes ever more precious to pay tribute to and learn from the largerthan-life star’s legacy. The movie “What’s Love Got to Do With It” gave masses an inside look at the life of Turner, but even with that film, her story of early celebrity followed by an abusive marriage and fall from fame, then a dazzling comeback, as told in this Tony-winning production, provides even more insight into the woman behind the legend.

For each of the actresses, the experience of playing Turner presents an exciting challenge and offers profound rewards. Clearly, the physical demands of the show are intense. The Tina character is onstage for nearly all of the 2-hour, 45-minute show, singing 21 songs. Added to this are the thrilling kicks, twirls, and gravity-defying dances. Fortunately for both, extensive fitness routines gave them the necessary stamina and skill for the role. Says Rodgers, “I’ve always been very fit and full of energy. My family and friends call me a ball of fire,” she laughs. Villanueva’s 6+ Broadway experiences similarly curated her endurance, she says, along with the plethora of dance classes her mother placed her in, she chuckles, “to get rid of all that energy I had as a child.”

Turner’s emotional journey became an area for deep exploration for both.

Villanueva was astounded to learn of the star’s turmoil in the aftermath of leaving Ike. “He sent people to intimidate and scare her, blocking opportunities to sing at different venues,” she says, and this is a part of the story many don’t know. “But

she didn’t quit, she kept moving forward, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. With all she dealt with, she remained true to herself. I am eternally grateful for Tina’s example.”

Rodgers is especially moved by the scene when Turner leaves Ike for good and checks into a hotel

with next to nothing in her pocket and only the clothes on her back. This is the moment she takes control over her life. “Now, she is given a key and that is the beginning of her new life.” The scene resonates deeply with Rodgers as a life lesson. In one’s personal and professional life, following one’s best instincts in

decision-making is critical. “I learned I want to lead by Tina’s example,” she reflects. “Lead with love and kindness and strength. In making her own decisions, she became all powerful. That’s what I’ve implemented in my own life.”

“This is an epic musical,” says Villanueva. “You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll have a time. Come with an open heart. I hope the audience leaves knowing and feeling that everything is possible, because it is.” Adds Rodgers, “I hope people will get their healing in whatever is going on in their life. With all that Tina went through, she still found joy and happiness in anything and everything. She was still steppin’ and kickin’, still showing up and doing what she was called upon to do.”

THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL runs through July 30. For tickets, visit www.broadwaysd.com.

The Grandparents Connection’s 19th Annual Picnic Celebrates Family L ve

By Darrel Wheeler Contributing Writer

The Grandparents Connection held its 19th Annual Picnic celebration last Saturday, July 15 at Chula Vista’s Beautiful Bayfront Park. The free event featured live music, creative dancers, a kids zone and a BBQ feast fit for a king. The day’s theme was: The Love of Family is Life’s Greatest Blessing. Saxophonist Supreme Erisa Nicole worked her usual musical magic. The same can definitely be said for harpist Mariea Antionette. Costco, Mental Health San Diego, Walmart, KUSI-TV, Bethel AME, Sycuan and many other associations, local businesses and

sororities were instrumental in helping the GPC put together another successful celebration.

An added feature to this year’s annual celebration featured a wedding vowel renewal ceremony for the Grandparents Connection’s CEOs, Clifford Lambert and Shearl Lambert, who celebrated 40 years of matrimony.

“We are always grateful to all our sponsors, talented guests and all the grandparents and grandkids and everybody that came out to celebrate with us on this very special occasion. We are truly blessed,” Clifford Lambert shared.

“Thanks to SBA, my business is thriving today.”

C elebration OF VOWS

Courtesy of Mrs. Pattie Miller

On June 29, 2023 a 25-year journey was celebrated by Edward A. and Pattie D. Miller starting with their initial vows being reaffirmed to each other. Pattie, a longtime resident of San Diego, met Edward while he was stationed in San Diego on active duty 26 years ago.

As their relationship grew, both decided to commit to one another and have been inseparable ever since. The initial marriage was performed by the Justice of the Peace, with plans to have a wedding in which all can witness and celebrate their commitment to one another. As usual, life events and the military have a way of changing plans and priorities, until now. Edward had this to say after the celebration, “I was, to say the least, very concerned on how this vow renewal would turn out. It was simply amazing. I wish I had done this at Many thanks go out to Veronica Lacy, Miss Jackie Jones, Mary Duty, Olga Weaver, Sabrina Jimenez, Mike Norris the photographer, and family and friends in attendance. Special thanks go out to Bernardo Valdez from Ranch Events that hosted our celebration.

Cherished Moments SUMMER BASH At Berry Street Park

By Malachi Kudura Contributing Writer

Saturday July 15, 2023, the second annual Cherished Moments Summer Bash was held at the Berry Street Park in Lemon Grove. There was free food, jumpers, free raf fles, face painting, a live DJ and much more. The sponsors were, It Takes a Village, Elegant Divas, Partner’s Outreach Organization, Phat Camp Organization and Bye, Bye Belly!

The sounds of music filled the air. The children in atten dance enjoyed arts & crafts, jumpers and all of the park's amenities. It was a perfect day to celebrate community unity. The event provided another opportunity for people to come together in peace and fellowship.

Malika Hollins (founder of It Takes A Village) and Sherrell Kinsler (CEO of Bye Bye Belly) came together last year to put on the first Cherished Moments Summer Bash.

“The purpose of this event is to bring fam ilies and communities together to enjoy a great day at the park with no worries about needing money - and they will be safe,” said Malika Hollins.

Sherrell Kinsler said, “We both had a vision and wanted to do an event for the community. Last year we put this event together in 28 days and it was awe

“Events like these are needed to show the kids what peace and unity looks like. So often we just see and hear about the negativity in our communities. It’s very important to show them the positive side too,” said an attendee. The event did exactly what it intended, it provided a safe place for families to come together and enjoy a beauti ful summer day. Free food, music and free giveaways made every one happy and this event looks like they will be here for years to come.

PHOTOS: Malachi Kudura

PHOTOS: Mike Norris

Iran's President Visits Africa to 'Promote Economic Diplomacy'

By Cara Anna Associated Press

Iran's president has begun a rare visit to Africa as his country, which is under heavy U.S. economic sanctions, seeks to deepen other partnerships around the world.

President Ebrahim Raisi's visits to Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe represent the first to the African continent by an Iranian leader in more than a decade.

Africa is a "continent of opportunities" and a great platform for Iranian products, Raisi told journalists in Kenya. He didn't take questions. "None of us is satisfied with the current volume of trade," he said.

Iran's leader specifically mentioned Africa's mineral resources and Iran's petrochemical experience, but the five memoranda of understanding signed July 5 by the Islamic Republic and Kenya appeared not to address either one. Instead, they addressed information, communication and technology; fisheries; animal health and livestock production and investment promotion.

Kenyan President William Ruto called Iran a "critical strategic partner" and "global innovation powerhouse." Tea accounts for the bulk of Kenya's exports to Iran, but Ruto expressed interest in expanding the range of agricultural exports.

Iran intends to set up a manufacturing plant for Iranian vehicles in Kenya's port city of Mombasa, Ruto added.

Raisi's Africa visit is meant to "promote economic diplomacy, strengthen political relations with friendly and aligned countries, and diversify the export destinations," Iran's foreign ministry said in a statement upon his arrival.

Last month, Iran's leader made his first visit to Latin America, stopping in Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua.

In March, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish diplomatic ties in a major diplomatic breakthrough.

Iran is in a growing standoff with Western nations over its nuclear program, which has made major advances in the five years since then-U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew his country from an international agreement that restricted it. Trump also restored sanctions on Iran that have contributed to a severe economic crisis.

The U.S. last month accused Iran of providing Russia with materials to build a drone manufacturing plant as Moscow seeks weaponry for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Iran has said it provided drones to Russia before the start of the war but not since.

Kenya is East Africa's economic hub and an ally of the U.S., with

Tunisia Reclaims Hundreds of Migrants Trapped in Libya

By Bouazza Ben Bouazza Associated Press

President Joe Biden's wife, Jill, visiting the country early this year. Last year, the U.S. and Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding on "strategic civil nuclear cooperation." Kenya has expressed interest in using nuclear power for energy production.

Under Ruto, Kenya is struggling with debt and rising cost of living, with more deadly protests July 5 in the capital, Nairobi, and elsewhere. Raisi later met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

Museveni, a U.S. ally on security matters, has previously voiced support for Iran's controversial nuclear program. During a 2010 visit by former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Museveni asserted that all sovereign countries had a right to pursue peaceful nuclear programs even as he urged the eradication of all nuclear arsenals.

Uganda is trying to set up a nuclear power plant that authorities this year said would be generating electricity by 2031. The plant, which is being developed with the technical support of the China National Nuclear Corporation, would exploit the East African country's substantial deposits of uranium.

Like Iran, Zimbabwe is under U.S. sanctions. A ministerial delegation from Zimbabwe visited Tehran early this year and agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including petroleum trade.

New Anime Hub Born in South Africa

By Lisa Vives Global Information Network

Zambia, well known for its copper, emeralds, and other pricey gems, may soon have a new feather in its cap as a hub for aspiring Zambian artists and other creators eager to try their hand in the newest Anime scene.

For this, capital city Lusaka has been drawing from an immense well of artistic talent to be found in southern Africa.

Now, an eight-part Netflix series is scheduled to debut on July 20co-produced by South African animation studio Triggerfish, and London-based kids specialist Cake Studios. Set in a futuristic Lusaka, Supa Team 4, as the series is called, tells of four school-age teenagers recruited to become superheroes by a retired secret agent.

With Supa Team 4, Netflix will have its first-ever original African animat-

ed series - a significant milestone for young Zambian animators who have turned the southern African country into a buzzing animation hub.

Supa Team 4 was created by Lusakabased Malenga Mulendema who has spent the last few years working with her co-producers and Netflix to bring the show to life. “The show, to me, is like a multi-layered cake. I want the audience to dig in and discover the flavors for themselves,” Mulendema told the news site Semafor Africa.

African voice actors include South Africa’s John Kani, who played T’Chaka in the Hollywood blockbuster Black Panther, and Nancy Sekhokoane (Woman King), with a theme song by Zambian rapper/ singer Sampa the Great.

A few months back Tabitha Mwale, 22, launched The Super at local cinemas to much acclaim here. She described it as Zambia’s first-ever anime series, as a dedicated fan of

the Japanese animation style. “It was a love letter to the art form from a Zambian,” said Akende Muyumbana, the 25-year old director of The Super. “It was meant to show people that Zambians can make something that has international appeal.”

Anime already has a foothold in Nigeria. Just recently Nigeria's second ever anime festival (Èkó Anime Fest) took place in the country's commercial capital, Lagos, which saw almost 1,000 fans from across the continent gather to show their appreciation for the Japanese art form.

Many of the fans in attendance at the Èkó Anime Festival, one of the few anime conventions in Africa, dressed up as their favorite characters from various TV shows, films and video games.

Muko Tsubusa, 27, who taught himself animation by watching YouTube instruction videos, said he’s seen a rise in local interest in pro -

Hundreds of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa are being transferred back to Tunisia after being pushed into a dangerous no-man's-land on the Libyan border and trapped for a week there without access to basic necessities, according to aid agencies.

The group was driven out earlier this month amid a spike in anti-migrant and racism-fueled tensions linked to a killing in the Tunisian port city of Sfax, a hub for traffickers organizing risky and sometimes deadly boat journeys across the Mediterranean Sea to Italy.

One such boat sank July 9 off the Tunisian coast. Coast guard officers retrieved one body, rescued 11 people and declared 10 others as missing, the Sfax prosecutor's office said.

The fate of hundreds of migrants pushed into the Tunisia-Libya border region drew concern from international humanitarian groups and calls for action. It also raised questions about Tunisia's migration policies, weeks after the European Union offered Tunisia's increasingly authoritarian government $1 billion to help its slumping economy and to beef up border services to stop migrant boats from crossing to Europe.

Under pressure from humanitarian agencies, Tunisian President Kais Saied July 9 ordered the Tunisian Red Crescent to bring aid to the migrants. Saied has stoked racism by railing at Black Africans who transit through Tunisia toward Europe.

Tunisian Red Crescent head Abdellatif Chabou headed to the region to oversee an operation to bring food and water to the migrants and allow them to contact their families.

Three people needing medical aid were transferred to a local hospital, including a pregnant woman, Chabou told local broadcaster Radio Mosaique. He said 195 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa registered on a Red Crescent list to be transferred back to Tunisia, and then to their countries of origin.

The president of the Tunisian Human Rights Observatory, Mustapha Abdelkebir, said a total of 450 migrants blocked in the border zone were being gradually transferred to various regions of Tunisia.

The migrants had no access to basic sanitation and were trapped between armed forces on either side of the border, exposed to extreme heat without shelter, Abdelkadir said on Radio Mosaique.

The International Organization for Migration said it was working with Tunisian authorities to ensure humanitarian assistance, and called on Tunisia to respect "the dignity and rights of all migrants" and to counter "harmful and negative rhetoric, hate speech and hate crimes."

The Tunisian Human Rights League called for a crisis center to address the tensions in Sfax.

Opposition politician Nejib Chebbi accused authorities of stoking prejudice and deporting the migrants "because they are Black. It is a disgrace, and this will remain a dark page in our history."

fessional animation around Lusaka but feels more international production companies should take a chance on the local talent and “dip their feet in the water.”

Meanwhile, in Uganda, Raymond Malinga has been working on a Dis-

ney project and hopes to build the Ugandan industry and contribute to the African industry.

“We are trying to put Africa on the map,” he said, “and we are trying to prove that we too can play with the big boys.”

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, left, shakes hands with Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, right, at State House in Entebbe, Uganda Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

PHOTO: AP/Hajarah Nalwadda

In this photo taken by a 29-year-old migrant from the Ivory Coast, a group of sub-Saharan Africans is seen stranded

M. Mulendema and Supa Team 4.

PHOTO: GIN

5 Strategies for Wasting Less Food in the Kitchen (Start

with that shopping list)

By Katie Workman

Associated Press

Nobody likes to waste food, especially when grocery prices are high and landfills keep growing. It feels like an imperative to make use of every ingredient we buy (or maybe grow).

But about 40% of food in the U.S. is wasted, according to estimates from the non-profit Feed America and other sources. That figure includes excess from industry, grocery stores, restaurants and our very own kitchens.

There are lots of ways to reduce the amount of wasted food at home, and many are downright easy. Any step in the right direction is progress, and the results are satisfying on many levels.

PLAN

A good place to start is making a meal plan and purchasing just the foods you have specific plans for. Make a shopping list and avoid impulse buys that might languish in your fridge.

SAVE

Whenever you are trimming or peeling vegetables, give them a wash first. That way you can save those peels and scraps to make stock. Just keep a freezer-proof zipper top bag on the counter while you are cooking and add them to the bag, along with herbs that have lost their perkiness. (Don't throw in any roots, which would make your stock gritty).

This is also a good idea for poultry scraps or red meat scraps. Keep them in separate, labeled freezerproof bags and use them for stock when you have saved enough.

IMPROVISE

If you have a lot of odds and ends in the fridge, think about making a flexible, inexpensive dish that makes good use of bits and bobs of various foods. Frittatas, stir-fried rice, omelets, quesadillas and soups are adaptable dishes that allow you to use up things like a cup of leftover steamed broccoli, a handful of shredded cheddar, a bit of pesto, some slightly limp scallions.

A number of companies have sprung

up in recent years selling "ugly" produce, that is, fruits and vegetables that are too large, too small or too irregularly shaped to hold appeal in traditional markets. These items are usually priced more affordably than their more pristine counterparts. Misfit Markets and Imperfect Foods are two examples.

ORGANIZE

Organize your fridge and pantry so you can see what you have, and avoid tossing items that you just didn't remember were there. Keep super-perishable items, like fish or berries, in plain sight and use them quickly.

Do a little research on expiration dates. For instance, if a food item has a "sell by" date, that doesn't mean you should toss it on that day. It usually means the clock starts ticking, but even items like eggs or dairy usually last for another several days or longer after the sell-by date.

A "best by" date also isn't a definitive mark that the food is spoiled. Many items can be safely consumed for weeks after that date, without a noticeable deterioration of quality. If something looks or smells spoiled, sure, throw it out, but don't read those dates as immutable.

Make sure you are storing your foods smartly to slow down spoilage and reduce waste. There are plenty of reusable storage options on the market. Many are geared towards a specific food type, like greens, berries, herbs, or cheeses. Label everything in your fridge that isn't easily identifiable.

COMPOST

Another great way to make sure food waste doesn't end up in landfill. There are many good home composting containers available; look for one that fits into your kitchen ecosystem.

Prepare Now Before Disaster Strikes

Having a plan is critical to help keep you and your loved ones safe during a natural disaster

Blackpress USA

Emergencies, such as natural disasters, are potentially dangerous. Be sure you’re prepared to keep yourself and your family safe. Unfortunately, statistics show that not everyone is as prepared as they could be.

According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) research, despite 80 percent of respondents to the 2019 National Household survey saying they had gathered enough supplies to last three or more days, only 48 percent said they had an emergency action plan.

Include these essential items in your family’s emergency plan:

• Write emergency numbers on paper and place these numbers near the phones in your home or on the refrigerator. In addition, program the numbers into your cell phone.

• I t’s hard to know what you may need in an emergency, so having an emergency supply kit is essential. There may not be time to gather the supplies you need once disaster strikes. In your emergency supply kit, include

The Top Challenges Facing Black Teachers

By Maya Pottiger Word In Black

It’s been a tumultuous couple of years for teachers, but things are finally looking up.

In its recently released annual State of the Teacher report, RAND found that, in 2023, well-being was overall better for teachers, even returning to pre-pandemic levels.

This can be attributed to some of the things we learned during the pandemic, says Kimberly Christian Johnson, a 25-year educator. For example, people are paying more attention to the industry and its challenges, like creating grow-yourown programs, expanding mentorship opportunities, and supporting mental health needs.

The 2023 report also found that Black teachers were still suffering in key areas: Burnout, low salaries job-related stress, and high intentions of leaving the profession.

Black teachers reported significantly higher rates of burnout than white teachers — 63% compared to 55%, according to the 2023 State of the Teacher report. Though the 2023 report says that overall well-

being has improved, rates of burnout increased for Black teachers (up from 60%) while decreasing for white teachers (down from 59%) since the 2022 report.

Though it wasn’t the top-rated jobrelated stress for Black teachers, they were the most likely to say that their low salary was a source of stress.

The State of the Teacher report found that 35% of Black teachers cite this as a source of job-related stress, compared to 26% of white teachers and 28% of all teachers. This, too, is higher than in 2022, when only 31% of Black teachers cited this as a source of job-related stress.

After high rates of burnout and salary-related stress, it isn’t a surprise that Black teachers report the highest rates of intent to leave.

The report found that intent to leave by the end of the 2022-2023 school year was more than 10 percentage points higher for Black teachers than their peers. While 35% of Black teachers said they intended to leave by the end of the school year, only 22% of white teachers did, compared to 23% of all teachers surveyed.

Black teachers, especially early-career teachers, often work in schools with high poverty rates and lower academic performance. This means there’s more “work and time and effort and commitment,” Johnson says. And teachers take that home with them.

Tackling big problems starts with small changes. Before teachers even enter the classroom, preparatory programs and school districts need to highlight “the truth within the schools and not this facade of the truth,” says Kurt Russell, a high school history teacher in Ohio.

For example, schools need to be honest with Black and Brown teachers that they will be in the minority among the teaching staff, and the preparatory programs need to prepare them to cope with that.

Another way to help with processing is having support groups that aren’t focused on academics, but where teachers can get together and talk about what’s happening in the classroom and problem-solve together.

Many teachers work two jobs, which leads to more stress. But if you’re able to have one profession that pays you well, it makes a differ-

ence — especially in terms of who’s coming into the profession.

Though they’re only starting points, better compensation, along with student debt relief, are crucial remedies for Black teachers, Dr. Fedrick Ingram, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers, wrote. And they need the professional courtesy to shape their own careers instead of being recruited into roles they didn’t sign

three days’ worth of nonperishable food items that are easy to store and prepare and 1 gallon of water per day for each person and pet in the home.

• I f you are able and your pharmacy plan allows, try to have at least a two-week supply of all prescription medications for every individual in your home. If that is not possible, refill your medications regularly and keep them in a place that is easily accessible.

• Y ou’ll need flashlights, lanterns, extra batteries, and external power sources that can be charged in advance of a hurricane.

• I mportant documents such as medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification should be kept together and easily accessible.

• L ocate the nearest shelter and plan your evacuation route. Be prepared to evacuate if and when instructed by local officials. Have a plan in place for pets, such as identifying shelters, pet-friendly hotels, or relatives/friends who live outside the evacuation area.

This article appeared first on Forward Times

up for.

“We must do a better job of listening and working to resolve cultural issues in a profession where Black teachers make up less than 10% of the workforce and often feel isolated and ignored,” Ingram wrote.

“Black teachers have consistently been shown to boost graduation rates for all students but are rarely recognized for their unique contributions. It’s time we change that.”

PHOTO: August de Richelieu via Pexels

PHOTO: Blackpress USA

PHOTO: Katerina Holmesv via Pexels

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

On-Call Legal Services – Public Finance

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide on-call legal services for public finance. It is anticipated that up to three contracts will be awarded.

A copy of the RFP (No. SOL1194797) and related documents/forms can be accessed from the vendor portal on BidNet or by contacting Melissa Antonoplis, Contract Administrator, at melissa.antonoplis@sandag.org.

Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. PST on Friday, August 11, 2023.

Invitation for Bids (IFB) Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Project 5 (DMB5) Solicitation No.:SOL1194705 CIP 1147100

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking contractors to deliver the Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization 5 (DMB5) project. This project is a maintenance of way project, to maintain the existing track and protect it from erosion, seismic events, and wave action. The project site is located along a 1.6-mile portion of the existing NCTD railroad ROW in the City of Del Mar that extends from rail Milepost (MP) 244.1 near Coast Boulevard south to MP 245.7 at Torrey Pines State Beach. Generally, construction will consist of installation of new trackbed stabilization improvements, including installation of up to 180 new CIDH soldier piles, a 5ft deep continuous concrete grade beam between the piles, and tieback anchors. Retrofit of existing solider piles with 5ft deep continuous concrete grade beams, and addition of tiebacks if necessary. Installation of approximately 2098 LF of new seawalls at the toe of the bluff consisting of CIDH piles with exposed steel members above the surface and wood lagging in between. Additionally, select areas behind the seawalls will be filled at a 2:1 slope to catch mid-bluff, with some areas requiring a full regrading of the slope at 1.5:1 with surface stabilization. Revegetation of fill slopes and regraded slopes will be required. The project also includes installation of drainage improvements including new storm drain pipelines and outlets to the beach, concrete-lined trackside ditches, underdrains, new and modified inlets to existing storm drain systems, concrete channels, splash walls, new channel aprons, and new and modified drainage structures. Installation of supporting structures for select drainage improvements will be required including installation of a soil nail wall adjacent to a new concrete-line trackside ditch, and a solider pile wall to support portions of a concrete channel that runs along the eastern upper bluff. Installation of access road improvements including re-grading of the existing access road and addition of stabilizing material to surface the road. For the SWPPP, this project is a Risk Level 2.

This project is federally funded and has a DBE goal of 17.16%. The Engineer’s Estimate is $45,050,394.00. This project is subject to the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).

The Optional Pre-Bid Meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on August 2, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM PST/PDT. The deadline for electronic Bid submittal is September 19, 2023, by 2:00 PM PST/PDT unless otherwise stated in an addendum.

A copy of the solicitation documents and any communications or addenda can be accessed via www.bidnetdirect.com/sandag.

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Invitation for Bids

Job Order Contracting (JOC) | General Civil, Electrical & Facilities, Railroad Signals and Trackwork

Solicitation No.: SOL1193346

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking contractors to provide Job Order Contracting for General Civil, Electrical & Facilities, Railroad Signals and Trackwork services. Each Job Order issued under the Job Order Contract (JOC) awarded from this solicitation will include a Detailed Scope of Work.

Project funding will be identified for each Job Order but may include federal funding. The DBE goal will be set at the Job Order level based on the Scope of Work and funding source and will fall within an estimated range of 0 to 25%. The Minimum Contract Value for three years is $40,000. The Maximum Contract Value for three years is $4,000,000. This JOC will not be subject to the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).

The optional Pre-Bid Meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on July 25, 2023, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM PST/PDT. The deadline for electronic bid submittal is August 10, 2023 by 11:00 AM PST/PDT unless otherwise stated in an addendum.

A copy of the solicitation documents and any communications or addenda can be accessed via www.bidnetdirect.com/sandag.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2023-9013091

Fictitious business name(s): Restorative Birthwork LP Located at: 3675 44th St. San Diego, CA 92105 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A General Partnership Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following:

Nicole Franklin Morales 3675 44th St. San Diego, CA 92105

Rindi Breanne Cullin-Martin

7656 Acasio Ct. San Diego, CA 92126

Jamie Rebecca Mossay 4157 Lois St. La Mesa, CA 91941

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 20, 2023

This fictitious business name will expire on June 20, 2028 6/29, 7/06, 7/13, 7/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2023-9013046

Fictitious business name(s): Music 4 More Music For More M4M MFM Located at: 2735 Granada Ave. San Diego, CA 92104 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Unincorporated Association-Other than a Partnership

Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following:

Soleil M. Yeager 2735 Granada Ave. San Diego, CA 92104

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 20, 2023

This fictitious business name will expire on June 20, 2028 6/29, 7/06, 7/13, 7/20

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2023-9012994

Fictitious business name(s): Jo Arts Located at: 4024

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

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.

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall Of Justice Courthouse 37-2023-00029032CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Anabel Francogalvan

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

PRESENT

NAME: Anabel Francogalvan

PROPOSED

NAME: Anabel Galvan

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: August 24, 2023

Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61 (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)

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

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of

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 7/20, 7/27, 8/03, 8/10

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA

325 South Melrose Dr. Vista, CA 92081 North County Division 37-2023-00028177CU-PT-NC Petitioner or Attorney: Lisa Marie Fowler

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Lisa Marie Fowler filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Lisa Marie Fowler

PROPOSED NAME: Lisa Marie Loya Brochard

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: August 25, 2023

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.

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:

325 South Melrose Dr. Vista, CA 92081 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/03

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA

330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall Of Justice Courthouse 37-2023-00025746CU-PT-NC Petitioner or Attorney: Walter Sylvester Lam

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Walter Sylvester Lam filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Walter Sylvester Lam

PROPOSED NAME: Walter Otira Lam 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.

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: August 11, 2023

Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 25 (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

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: August 3, 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

CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO

2851 Meadow Lark Drive, San Diego, CA, 92123

IN THE MATTER OF Ayden Christopher Hill A Minor

Date of Birth 09/14/2013

RESPONDENT(S)

Christopher Curtis Hill JUDGE Tilisha T. Martin DEPT JC-02

CASE NUMBER 23AD000097C

To (name): CHRISTOPHER CURTIS HILL

You are ordered to appear in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego, in Department JC-02 at the court location indicated above on August 11, 2023, at 1:30 PM, to show cause, why (names) AYDEN CHRISTOPHER HILL should not be declared free from parental custody and control (for the purpose of placement for adoption) as requested in the petition.

This hearing will be conducted by video or telephone through the 2851 Meadowlark Drive SAN DIEGO, CA 92123. See attached instructions and call the court to have the video link emailed to you.

IMPORTANT:

CHRISTOPHER CURTIS

HILL please call the court promptly for instructions on how to attend this hearing. (858)634-1671 M-F 8:30am11:30 PST

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 7/06, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA County of San Diego 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081 North County Division 37-2023-00025746CU-PT-NC Petitioner or Attorney: Scott William Newacheck

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Scott William Newacheck and Regina Leng Hernandez Pamintuan filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME:

Jayce Will Newacheck

PROPOSED NAME:

Jace Will Newacheck 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

about how to do

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: 325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081 6/29, 7/06, 7/13, 7/20

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA County of San Diego 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Central Division, Hall of Justice 37-2023-00025518CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney:

Soncerire Eugenia Hayes

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Soncerire Eugenia Hayes filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME:

Soncerire Eugenia Hayes

PROPOSED NAME: Soncerire Eugenia Pippins THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this

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 6/29, 7/06, 7/13, 7/20

SUMMONS (Citation for Freedom from Parental Custody and Control)

At the hearing, the judge will read the petition and, if requested, will explain the effect of the granting of the petition, any term or allegation contained therein and the nature of the proceeding, its procedures and possible consequences, and may continue the matter for not more than 30 days for the appointment of counsel or to give counsel time to prepare.

The court may appoint counsel to represent the minor whether or not the minor is able to afford counsel. If any parent appears and is unable to afford counsel, the court shall appoint counsel to represent each parent who appears unless such representation is knowingly and intelligently waived.

Someone over the age of 18 - not the petitioner - must serve the other party with all the forms and comoplete a proof of service form, such as Proof of Service of Citation (Adoptions) (SDSC Form #JUV-300), telling when and how the other party was served and file that with the court.

If you wish to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your pleading, if any, may be filed on time.

DATE 6/6/2023 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF

Irene Maxine Anderson

Case Number: 37-2023-00022947-PR-LACTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Irene Maxine Anderson

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Vincent D. Anderson in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego

The Petition for Probate requests that Vincent D. Anderson 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 August 3, 2023, at 1:30 PM in Dept. 503 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego

1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101

Central 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: Vincent D. Anderson 2431 55th St. San Diego, CA 92105 (619) 381-0621 7/13, 7/20, 7/27

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF

Damacio Sanchez Case Number:

37-2023-00010490-PR-LACTL

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

Damacio Sanchez Ortega

A Petition for Probate has been filed by Monica Sanchez in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego

The Petition for Probate requests that Monica Sanchez 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 August 24, 2023, at 1:30 PM in Dept. 504 located at the Superior Court of California County of San Diego 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101

Central 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

1975

“SELMA BURKE DAY” DESIGNATED

Selma Hortense Burke, born December 31, 1900, in Mooresville, North Carolina, was an influential American artist.

In 1942, Burke joined the Navy, making her one of the first AfricanAmerican women to enlist during World War II. In 1943, she learned about a national art competition to paint a portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Burke won the competition, and the portrait is perhaps her most famous work, serving as the model for his profile on the dime.

In 1968, Burke founded the Selma Burke Art Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1968-1981), where she continued to introduce art to inner-city youth. She was widely lauded for her engagement in civic organizations and endeavors in the Pittsburgh area. Pennsylvania governor Milton Shapp celebrated her by designating July 20, 1975, as Selma Burke Day.

Some of Burke’s notable sculptures include Temptation (1938), Despair (1951), Fallen Angel (1958), Mother and Child (1968), and Together (1975). Selma Burke retired in the early 1980s. She died of cancer on August 29, 1995, in New Hope, Pennsylvania; she was ninety-four years old.

1925

FRANTZ FANON BORN

Psychiatrist and anti-colonial cultural theorist, Frantz Fanon was born in the French West Indies, in Fort-de-France, Martinique on July 20, 1925.

Fanon studied at Lycée Schoelcher under the poet Aimé Césaire who asserted Black dignity through his concept of Negritude, dramatically shifting Fanon’s understanding of his identity.

In 1946, he enrolled in the University of Lyon where he studied psychiatry. With this degree, Fanon applied psychiatric theories to his personal experiences as a Europeanized West Indian. This application is seen in his published book, Peau noire, masques blancs (Black Skin, White Masks), 1952.

By 1956, he exiled himself to Tunis where he was the editor of Al Moujahid, a revolutionary Algerian newspaper. Fanon’s work in North Africa established him in the political domain. His subsequent books, Studies in a Dying Colonialism (1959) and The Wretched of the Earth (1961) would give a voice to the Third World liberation struggles of that time.

In 1961, Fanon was diagnosed with leukemia and was sent to the United States for treatment. At the early age of thirty-six, Frantz Fanon died in Bethesda, Maryland on December 6, 1961. His body was sent back to Tunisia to be buried.

White Historian Allegedly Claims Her Life Would Be Easier If She Was Black

An 84-year-old historian allegedly refused to apologize after claiming her life would be easier if she was Black while speaking at a conference last month.

According to the New York Post, Lois Banner, a USC professor emerita of history, made the alleged remark at the Berkshire Conference of Women Historians, which she co-founded in the 1970s.

Ph.D. candidate Stephanie Narrow, who attended the event, took to Twitter to detail how the incident unfolded.

“Well, the Berks plenary just took a turn. A white senior scholar at the 50th-anniversary plenary VERY publicly, and unapologetically, said that she wished she was Black so her professional life would be easier,” Narrow tweeted earlier this week, per the Post.

Narrow said the 84-year-old historian declined to apologize for her comment despite receiving swift backlash.

“She was immediately called out for her blatantly racist remarks and refused to apologize, let alone listen to the reason why her

EDUCATiON:

Continued from page 3

remarks were [horrifyingly] wrong: ‘You won’t change my mind. I’m 84 years old,’” the attendee wrote on Twitter.

A second attendee, Deirdre Cooper Owens, echoed Narrow’s sentiments.

“The Berks Conference was a beautiful one until it was soiled by Lois Banner’s hatefully racist comments. Yes, I did speak out forcefully against her vitriol because she needed to keep Black women’s [names] out of her mouth,” Owens tweeted.

The Berkshire Conference of Women Historians committee addressed the incident in a statement on Twitter.

“The Berks officers do not condone or support the inappropriate remarks made by one of the speakers tonight. A formal state-

ment from the presidents will be made after the break,” the statement reads.

Officials also reportedly held a meeting to discuss a plan of action in light of the incident.

This article first appeared on The Black Information Network.

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

a higher education. Critics have weighed in, saying that our quest for higher education has been severely damaged. Even President Biden has decried the Court’s decision.

Black families understood early on the importance of “book learning”. They knew that once we had it that it couldn’t be taken away from us. My parents gave me a daily dose about the importance of education and how it could improve the quality of my life. It didn’t matter your possessions, it mattered more that you possessed an education. Old school parents realized that possessions were fleeting but an education was permanent.

More African Americans are attending college today, yet the numbers must improve.

According to reports, in 2021, there were 2,717,000 African Americans attending college. We made up 15.7 percent of those enrolled in higher education. We can do better, and we must do better.

Recently, the United States Supreme Court said, “ Colleges and universities can no longer take race into consideration as a specific basis for granting admission.” Affirmative action as we know it has been sidelined and sidetracked.

Some would say that we have become even more marginalized when it comes to getting

He said, “In case after case, including recently, just as a few years ago in 2016, the Court affirmed and reaffirmed this view: that colleges could use race not as a determinative factor for admission, but as one of the factors among many in deciding who to admit from an already qualified pool of applicants.” Now colleges are going to determine what to do about building diverse student bodies.

One strategy already being discussed is having applicants write more about their backgrounds and economic means in their college essays. There is great merit in that approach so we will see if it works.

As affirmative action is being discussed and debated, HBCU,s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) have grown in popularity. These schools were established because we could not attend White colleges.

I graduated from Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU located in Charlotte NC. I have always valued and cherished my edu-

cation there because JCSU gave me the confidence to aspire towards my goals. I suspect if you attended an HBCU, you would echo my sentiments.

I believe with the Supreme Court’s ruling, it will mean a few strategic moves for African American students and HBCUs. First, African American students will begin to be more intentional in looking at HBCUs to attend. They will make campus visits and find out more about their program offerings and campus life.

For Historically Black Colleges and Universities, it will mean developing new programs and enhancing existing programs. HBCU,s are just not competing against themselves, they are also competing against PWI,s (Predominantly White Institutions). These are my opinions.

Students of color should not be in a woe as me mindset, but in a wow as me mindset because of the opportunities that await them.

The decision by the Court, while disheartening, will only be an educational detour, not an educational roadblock.

Photo: Getty Images courtesy of BlackPressUSA