Vol. 64 No.10 Thursday, March 07, 2024

District 4 Early Primary Results

Early polling shows Henry Foster takes seat for City Council District 4, Colin Parent for Assembly District 79

By Macy Meinhardt VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF WRITER

Early reports indicate that District 4 City Council candidate Henry Foster III has commanded the position for the special election district 4 seat, garnering over 53% of the vote based on early poll calculations. As of print time, candidate Chida Warren-Darby follows behind at 27%.

Early poll indications are based on mail ballots received before Election Day, as well as vote center ballots from early voting between Feb. 24 – March 4. Throughout the county, 1.9 million ballots were sent out, and as of March 4, 360,000 of those had been returned.

This race for Southeastern leadership is described to be “consequential” as Foster holds the potential to influence the balance of power among various factions within the democratic city council. As former Chief of Staff to Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, Foster has been incredibly critical of the mayor on his campaign trail, and advocates against the strong mayor form of government San Diego is currently in.

“I am grateful for the experience, I am grateful for the support, our district needs a lot of prayers and a lot of work,” said first runner up WarrenDarby during her campaign watch party at the George L. Stevens Center.

See PRIMARY page 2

By Tanu Henry, Antonio Ray Harvey and Joe W. Bowers Jr. CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

Concluding Black History Month, California Black Caucus Honors “Unsung Heroes”

Closing out a month of Black History Month events, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) honored 12 Californians with its “Unsung Hero” award during a ceremony held at the State Capitol on Feb. 26.The awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to civic life within each CLBC member’s district.

See CALIFORNIA page 5

San Diego Board of Supervisors deliberate solutions to address the border humanitarian crisis as County struggles to keep up influx of immigration

By Macy Meinhardt VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF WRITER

The San Diego Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 last Tuesday to approve a plan that strategically advocates for federal and philanthropic support to fund a sustainable long-term migrant shelter.

See CRISIS page 2

Paves Way for Compensation Discussions

By Antonio Ray Harvey CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

The process the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) promised to initiate to pass a package of reparations bills began Feb. 26, on

the Assembly floor at the State Capitol with the passage of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 135.

Authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), ACR 135 — or the “Human rights violations and crimes against humanity on African slaves and their descendants” — recognizes the “harms and atrocities committed by representatives of the State of California who promoted, facilitated, enforced and permitted the institution of chattel slavery,” according to the language of the resolution.

The measure was unanimously approved with a 57-0 vote on the Assembly floor.

“ACR 135 is not only a resolution to affirm the (California Reparations Task Force) report,” Weber. Said during her presentation on the Assembly floor. “It is also meant to educate ourselves on California’s history. Ida B. Wells wrote, ‘The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.’ The reparations task force turned the light on truth, and this is laid out in ACR 135.”

See RESOLUTION page 2

The Report Provides a Deep Dive into Complex Realities and Persistent Disparities

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA SR. NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

The National Urban League has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 State of Black America Report, a comprehensive benchmark and thought leadership document offering profound insights into racial equality in the United States.

Established in 1976 under the visionary leadership of the late Mr. Vernon E. Jordan Jr., the organization’s fifth president, the report remains a cornerstone for understanding the mul-

tifaceted challenges faced by Black Americans across crucial domains such as economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice, and civic participation. This year’s edition continues the tradition of featuring insightful commentary from influential figures in various sectors, providing a comprehensive view of the complexities of the current landscape. Economic empowerment is central to the National Urban League’s mission, and the Equality Index is a powerful tool to measure progress for Black Americans relative to whites.

See

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

PRIMARY

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Meanwhile, for the 79th District Assembly seat a runoff is likely to come into play since neither of the three candidates accumulated 50% of the vote. However, La Mesa City Councilmember Colin Parent is taking the early lead at 40%, followed by Mayor of Lemon Grove Racquel Vasquez at 31%. Lashae Sharp-Collins sits in last at 27%.

What is a runoff election? A runoff election is a second election between the top two candidates when no candidate meets the criteria for winning in the first election.

For the state senator position in District 39, former Assemblymember Akilah Weber takes the lead securing over 59% of the vote, followed by Bob Divine at 40%.

The race for United States senator has fluctuated during the early poll counting hours, and the race will also finish in a November runoff. As of print time, Republican nominee and former Dodgers Baseball Player Steve Garvey takes first place at 38%, followed by Democratic candidate Adam Schiff at 28%. Katie Porter is in third at 16% and Barbara Lee at 8%.

In the San Diego region, over 1.9 million residents are registered voters.

Turnout numbers so far are projected at 22% with 425,572 ballots being already counted. This primary election, two measures were put on the ballot for voters to select yes or no from—Prop. 1 and Measure A. Spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom, Prop. 1 is a $6.4 billion tax initiative that addresses mental health and homelessness by taxing incomes over $1 million to build treatment facilities and permanent supportive housing for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

“Proposition 1 will TRANSFORM our mental health system. It will help those living on our streets to get the care they need. It will provide $1 billion to help our veterans. It will fund more mental health care workers. It’s a game changer,” said Gov. Newsom in a recent social media post supporting the measure.

Although Blacks in San Diego comprise 5% of the county’s population they are overrepresented

CRISIS

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The move comes after the temporary processing shelter abruptly shut down due to funding running out. With no other options this has led to an estimated 2,000 street releases and counting across San Diego transit stations since Feb. 22st.

“We’re literally abandoning people on the street and saying ‘hey good luck’, that’s not right, we are better than that,” said Supervisor Joel Anderson at the Feb.27 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Moreso, as Congress flounders to pass a sustainable nationwide immigration bill, the San Diego border region continues to scramble to maintain control of the humanitarian crisis flooding into the border.

Since October 2023, the county had been funding a $1.5 million a month temporary welcome center for migrants, held up by a myriad of local non-profits, the migrant transit center provided a space where immigrants can be dropped off by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and given assistance on their journey—meals, charging ports, water, and support services.

But now, the $6 million dollar county investment giving legs to the services has been “stretched to a limit,” a spokesperson for SBCS says, causing operations to cease. Without those critical services, thousands of immigrants, most of which are seeking asylum, are now being directly

RESOLUTION

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The nine-member reparations task force submitted a comprehensive 1,075-page report to the Legislature on June 28, 2023. The report contains the panel’s findings from a two-year study that involved investigations of harms, testimonies from community members, and up to 115 recommendations for compensation for eligible Black Californians. On Jan. 31, the CLBC announced the introduction of the 2024 Reparations Priority Bill Package, which includes 14 pieces of legislation that represents the first step in a multi-year effort to implement the legislative recommendations in the report.

ACR 15 was among the list of considerations.

Regarding the passage of significant legislation related to reparations for Black Californians, Weber is following in her mother’s footsteps. Her mother, California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, authored AB 3121, the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans,

dropped off with no resources.

The increase in the past year of immigrants at the border—and the subsequent need for a stable processing site—comes after the government’s right to turn away migrants coming to the U.S. border on the grounds of Covid expired in May, known as Title 42.

Therefore, “with the rate of arrivals not appearing to slow, and with the absence of federal funding,” the supervisors 4-1 vote approved an outline for a long term migrant shelter that would make securing necessary grants and allocations a top issue priority for the Board moving forward.

Seeking for the shelter to one day accommodate 500 individuals per night, the approximate cost for an equipped space is reported to be between $12M and $345 million. The lowest option being an Otay Mesa Warehouse priced at $12.2 million, and the highest being a downtown land purchase at $345 million.

Other details of the outlined shelter include:

• Areas for sleeping, restroom, and shower facilities

• Areas for additional support services: case management, travel assistance, nutrition services, medical screenings, translation services

• Storage facilities, administrative offices, charging stations, and cultural and recreational space

However, Desmond was the lone vote rejecting the recommendation, arguing that he does not want to be “complicit” in a “disastrous system,” that demands a processing center of this volume.

“We would not need a migrant processing center if the federal government properly managed the border and the immigration process, and only allowed the number of people that we can properly vet and take care of.”

Additionally, Desmond, who is one of two Republicans sitting on the Board of Supervisors, proposed for the Chief Administrative Officer to send a letter to the White House urging the temporary closure of the U.S.-Mexico border. This would be in order to give the County time to secure more funding and resources to limit street releases.

However, Supervisor Chair Nora Vargas vehemently opposed this suggestion, saying that a full border shutdown would have an extraordinary impact on our binational relations and economics.

“140,000 people cross the border everyday to work in San Diego—legal residents, U.S citizens—to clean your houses and do your gardens,” said Vargas. “Closing the border is not an option in a binational region that is thriving, economically integrated, and culturally integrated.”

In addition, due to skyrocketing regional housing prices, Tijuana is a critical affordable option

among the homeless population. A study by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness found in 2022, Black San Diegans made up 28% of the homeless population.

Furthermore, “The drug-induced death rates among Blacks in California is also relatively high at 28.3% as compared to 23.2% among Whites and 11.1% among Latinos,” according to a study by the National Institute of Health.

As of 7 A.M. on March 6, the vote for the initiative is rearing a cross split; 50% of California voters have said yes whereas 49.7% have voted no.

Measure A on the ballot, would authorize the office of the City Auditor, which is currently overseen by the City Attorney's office, to authorize the Auditor and the cities Audit Committee to source outside legal counsel instead. So far 66% of voters have votes yes, and 33.7% have voted no.

Below is a list of how other races in the San Diego region are turning out. For timely coverage feel free to visit our website at www.sdvoice.com

• City of San Diego City Attorney: Heather Ferbert 52%, Brian Maienschein 47%.

• City of San Diego Mayoral race. Todd Gloria, incumbent, at 50%, Larry Turney 24%, and Geneviéve L. Jones Wright 14%.

• City of San Diego City Council District 9 Race, Sean Elo-Rivera, incumbent, 47%, Terry Hoskins, 33%, and Fernando Garcia 18%.

• City of San Diego City Council District 3 Race, Stephen Whitburn, incumbent, 54%, Coleen Cusack, 18%, Kate Callen 17%, and Ellis T. California Jones, 9%

for many people who contribute to the San Diego workforce. Vargas noted that our homeless population, which hovers around 11,000, would be “tripled” if people could not live in Tijuana and work in San Diego.

Meanwhile, the board engaged in a conflicted discussion on the matter, rearing partisan lines when it came to agreeing on who in Washington the Board should appeal to for help.

Supervisor’s Desmond and Anderson both unified on the fact that the Board’s letter should appeal to President Biden’s authority to exercise executive power. Meanwhile, Supervisor Lawson-Remer, followed by Vargas, introduced a substitute motion, instead addressing a letter to the Majority Leader of the Senate, Chuck Schumer, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson. The letter would urge leaders to work with President Biden to pass a Bipartisan Immigration Reform Bill to Fix the Border by addressing the delays in processing asylum, increase funding for FEMA to support local governments and NGOs, and modernize border security.

The substitute motion passed unanimously.

Ultimately, the charged debate within the Board reflects divergent perspectives on how best to address the crisis at the border. For right now, street releases will continue to resume as the County searches for funding sources to bring the Boards plan to action.

as an Assemblymember representing the 79th District. This legislation was the first-in-thenation bill created at the state level to study and recommend redress for past injustices against the descendants of African people enslaved in the United States.

During the announcement of the rollout of the bills on Feb. 21, CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), said the package was part of “30 reparations bills” the Black lawmakers are developing. A bill requesting a formal apology from the Governor and the Legislature for California’s historical injustices against African Americans is next in line, Wilson said.

The passage of ACR 135 will officially open discussions about reparations, Wilson said. “This year’s legislative package tackles a wide range of issues from criminal justice reforms to property rights to education, civil rights, and food justice,” Wilson stated. “The Caucus is looking to make strides in the second half of this legislative session as we build towards righting the wrongs of California’s past in future sessions.”

Read the full article at www.sdvoice.info.

Asm. Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), and Asm. Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), all members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, have priority reparations bills.

PHOTO: Courtesy of California Black Media

Chida Warren-Darby, pictured here at the George L. Stevens Senior Center, thanking her many supporters (right) on election night, March 5, 2024:

PHOTO: Aryka Randall/ Voice & Viewpoint

WE THE PEOPLE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE WE ELECT

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

This week, “We The People” have gone to the Polls in 15 states on what we call “Super Tuesday”. Primary elections are being held across this country. Candidates are being set in place to run in the November General Election. While there appears to be much concern about the Republican party which no longer appears to be concerned with its role in our two Party system, nor the blatant disregard for

the oath of office those holding office took when they pledged to “protect and defend the Constitution of the United States” against all enemies “foreign and domestic”, it appears that too many Americans have forgotten who elected those who seem determined to destroy democracy as we know it.

The Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement is not representative of the majority of the American people. But this faction can overthrow our present system of government if those of us who disagree with them refuse to come out and vote them out of office.

Please know that Joe Biden is not the model for the Presidency. He has not done all that he could for the very Black vote that gave him the Presidency. He failed to get the United States Senate to break the Filibuster and pass the George Floyd and John Lewis Acts. After more than 36 years in the Senate and 8 years as Vice President of the United States, he couldn’t do as his predecessor, Lyndon Baines Johnson, did and use the power of the Presidency to bring change. In spite of his weaknesses, he is better than the alternative who would help out enemies like Russia, and North Korea while using his office for personal revenge as he has promised, rather than serving America.

We the people must vote from now through the November General Election to remove from office in each state, those persons whose track records do not reflect our concerns for immigration and our borders, nutrition and childcare for our children as well as affordable drug prices for those in need; we must help the homeless among us and continue the Build Back Better and Inflation Reduction Acts we have seen in the last four years. We must not elect another Office Holder at any level who puts former President Donald Trump before their Oath of Office to the Constitution of the United States and the people who elected them. America, this could well be our last wake up call as our allies study how seriously we take our pledge to support them as opposed to having a President who will encourage our enemies to attack those who he thinks have not paid their dues to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

We must re-elect a President who understands Article 5 and our responsibilities which could place this nation in World War 3 if not handled properly. The vote starts right here at home wherever home is for you and you are personally responsible for our future and those who get in office to determine that future. Vote like your life depends on it because it really does.

THE FUTURE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

By Omar Luqmaan-Harris

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts have become popularized within corporate and organizational structures worldwide, aiming to create workplaces that reflect the diverse society we live in. However, despite the best intentions, traditional DEI initiatives often fall short, becoming more about performative gestures than fostering real change. This article delves into why the old model of DEI is considered “dead” and how the new DEI, guided by Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) principles, can lead to authentic transformation.

The Historical Context of DEI

It can be argued that the very foundation of this country is based on the pursuit of justice, opportunity, freedom, and participation — from the European pilgrims who vacated England seeking these values to the abolitionists who in the 1800’s fought to abolish slavery to Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, to the founding of the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities, to the labor unions who sought to improve working conditions during the Industrial Revolution, to the opening of Ellis Island to accept millions of immigrants into the country, to the women’s suffrage movement, to Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. The ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion are the red thread running through each of these efforts and more.

The formal conception of DEI, however, originated in the 1960s, during the civil rights movement in the United States. It was a period marked by significant societal upheaval, with activists fighting for equal rights for African Americans and other marginalized communities. This

In

movement laid the groundwork for the first DEI initiatives, which were primarily focused on racial and gender equality in the workplace.

Over the decades, DEI efforts expanded to include a broader range of identities, including sexual orientation, disability, age, and more. The goal was to create environments where all individuals, regardless of their background, could thrive. However, as DEI programs became more widespread, a gap emerged between the rhetoric of inclusivity and the reality of persistent inequalities and biases in the workplace.

Performative DEI and Allyship: The Problem

Performative DEI refers to actions that organizations take to appear inclusive without implementing meaningful change. This can include public statements of solidarity, diversity training sessions that fail to address systemic issues, or hiring a handful of diverse employees without fostering an inclusive culture that supports their growth and success. Similarly, performative allyship occurs when individuals or entities express support for marginalized groups in ways that are more about self-congratulation than about effecting real change.

These practices are problematic because they maintain the status quo, allowing organizations to check the DEI box without challenging the deeper systemic injustices that hinder true equity and inclusion. Omar L. Harris argues that for DEI efforts to be genuine, they must move beyond surface-level gestures and tackle the root causes of inequality.

The J.E.D.I. Approach: A Path Forward

Harris’s J.E.D.I. Leadership series presents a compelling framework for reimagining DEI initiatives from anti (racism, sexism, ableism, ageism, genderism, etc) to a unifying for (fairness,

opportunity to participate, innovation, and engagement). The addition of Justice to the DEI acronym underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues that perpetuate inequality. Here’s how the J.E.D.I. principles can guide organizations toward more impactful DEI efforts:

• Justice: ensuring fairness and consistency.

• Equity: providing opportunity for fuller participation.

• Diversity: transforming difference into innovation.

• Inclusion: being engagement- and productivity-focused.

By adopting the J.E.D.I. framework, organizations can move from performative DEI to creating spaces where justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are not just aspirational goals but lived realities.

Implementing the New DE I

The transition to the new DEI requires a commitment to ongoing self-reflection, learning, and action at both the individual and organizational levels. It involves critically examining existing policies and practices to identify areas where injustices may be perpetuated and working collaboratively to develop solutions. Leaders play a crucial role in this process by modeling inclusive behaviors, holding themselves and others accountable, and prioritizing equity in decision-making.

Moreover, genuine DEI initiatives must be integrated into every aspect of an organization’s operations, from recruitment and retention to product development and customer service. This holistic approach ensures that DEI is not an isolated effort but a fundamental aspect of how the organization functions.

The call to move beyond performative DEI and allyship is a call to action for all who are committed to creating genuinely inclusive and

equitable societies. By embracing the principles of J.E.D.I. leadership, organizations can contribute to meaningful change, moving closer to a world where diversity is celebrated, equity is achieved, and inclusion is the norm. The old DEI may be “dead,” but in its place, a more powerful, justice-oriented approach is emerging, offering hope for a truly inclusive future.

Special to the NNPA

By U.S. Congressman

James E. Clyburn

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the giants that came before us and reflect on the shoulders upon which we stand. I am reminded of Lewis Latimer, the son of former slaves, whose invention of the filament allowed Thomas Edison’s lightbulb to function properly. I am reminded of Septima Poinsette Clark, a South Carolinian who Martin Luther King called the mother of the civil rights movement, whose workshops inspired icons like Rosa Parks. And I’m reminded of Robert Smalls, who I sincerely believe is the most consequential South Carolinian who ever lived. While enslaved, he absconded a Confederate boat, freed his family and friends, campaigned for Blacks to be allowed to fight for the Union army, and later became a member of the South Carolina legislature and Congress.

See HISTORY page 5

an editorial in our 2/15/24 issue, page 3, entitled “Celebrating Black History'' there was a typo in the sentence, “We must not allow changes that have been removed from our bodies to be placed on our my minds.” The sentence should have read, “We must not allow chains that have been removed from our bodies to be placed on our my minds.”

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

california:

Continued from cover Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) presided over the ceremony and presented a resolution on the Assembly floor celebrating the extraordinary work the award recipients are doing in their respective communities.

The list of honorees included city of Fairfield librarian Mychael Threats (Assemblymember Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City), Treehouse’s CEO and founder of Prophet Walker (Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, D-Ladera Heights), Young and Prosper Foundation’s Chris Jones (Assemblymember Akilah Weber, D-La Mesa), Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce’s

History:

Continued from page 3

As a former history teacher and student of history, I’m deeply concerned by the dark efforts at work to silence these stories. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund estimates that more than 1,600 books have been banned across the country, with 566 books having been banned in Florida alone. Teachers and librarians are living in fear of triggering the next battle of the ongoing culture war as they simply try to do their job.

These efforts are directly connected with widespread attempts to take control of local school boards. In 2022,

President Kath Adams (Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Alameda), and Los Angeles Unified School District’s Government Affairs advisor Carolyn Fowler (Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, D-Inglewood).

New California Bill Responds to SCOTUS Affirmative Action Decision

Last year, when the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) banned the consideration of race in college admissions, some members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and other lawmakers condemned that decision.

Last week, Assemblymember

several new board members — who had the support of right-wing activist group “Moms for Liberty” — were sworn into the Berkeley County School District in South Carolina.

Within two hours, the board had fired the district’s first Black superintendent, removed the district’s lawyer, banned “critical race theory,” whatever that is, and put the framework in place to ban various books from schools.

Other school districts in South Carolina followed suit — Clarendon, Charleston, Colleton, and Sumter

OBITUARIES

Gloria Swanson

Diggs Milner

SUNRISE 11/28/1926

SUNSET 01/17/2024

Gloria Swanson Diggs Milner was born on November 28, 1926, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to James Clayton Diggs and Anna Lee Gidney Diggs. She was the second of three absolutely marvelous siblings: the late James Clayton Diggs Jr. and the late Melo Catherine Myers.

Gloria Swanson received her formal education in Rockingham, North Carolina. After graduating from high school, she attended Beauty College in Durham, North Carolina, where she met her husband of over 67 years. To this union came nine children. Shortly thereafter, her husband returned to military service in the Navy, which required her as a dedicated Navy wife to constantly relocate up and down the eastern coast of the United States, eventually being stationed in San Diego, California. Upon SCPO Ernest H. Milner’s retirement from Naval Service, she received a personal commendation from the Commanding Officer for her consistent loyal and dedicated support to her husband throughout his outstanding Naval career.

Gloria Swanson came to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. After arriving in San Diego, she affiliated with Encanto Southern Baptist Church and was a devoted member of the church for over 50 years. She loved her church family and did everything that she could to support the ministry. She sang in the choir and served on many boards and auxiliaries during her tenure there. Additionally, she along with her husband, conducted weekly worship services for the patients and staff at the Brighton Place Skilled Nursing Facility in San Diego, California. She enjoyed spreading the gospel and LOVED PRAISING THE LORD.

Gloria Swanson loved her family and friends unconditionally. She was an exceptionally loyal, kind, dedicated, and trustworthy individual who often spoke of the importance of family and friends, emphasizing the importance of having a “together loving” family with no division.

Gloria Swanson passed away at Balboa Naval Hospital on January 17, 2024.

Gloria Swanson was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Harris Milner Sr., her son Ronald Milner, her grandson Larry Donald Milner Jr., her nephew James Clayton Diggs III, son in law Pastor Robert Covington, and daughter in law Tammi Milner.

Gloria Swanson leaves to cherish her memory eight children; daughters Sylvia Covington and Flora M Slaughter (Louis), sons Ernest H. Milner, Norman V. Milner (Praise), Floyd E. Milner (Cher), Eric K. Milner (Paula), Larry D.Milner (Vivian), and James C. Milner.

Gloria Swanson also leaves to cherish her memory a host of friends, 39 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 2 nephews, and 4 nieces, all who treated her so kindly. She loved each of them so dearly.

Gloria Swanson additionally leaves a very special thank you to her daughter in law Vivian Milner for the dedicated support and care over the past eight years. Services for Gloria Milner will be at Encanto Southern Baptist Church at 10:30AM on March 8th. Interment will be at Miramar National Cemetery following the service.

Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) introduced a bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 1780, that he says is a policy response to the SCOTUS’s ban on Affirmative Action. AB 1780 aims to prohibit private colleges and universities in the state from granting preferential treatment to applicants who are related to donors or alumni, if the institution receives CalGrant funding.

Asm. Corey Jackson Co-Chairs Joint Hearing on California’s Mental Health Crisis

On Feb. 26, Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), a member of the California Legislative

— and have come under fire within the last year. They are all led by Black superintendents. These are coordinated actions not intended to support the education of our children, but to further a political agenda sponsored by “Moms of Liberty” and various other ultra-right wing MAGA groups.

The dangers of continuing down this path are too great to ignore. I often quote philosopher George Santayana who once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Based on the recent events

Black Caucus (CLBC), cochaired an informational hearing on the escalating severity of California’s mental health crisis, and the challenges that prevent health care professionals from adequately addressing it. The discussion was a bicameral session led by the Assembly Select Committee on California’s Mental Health Crisis and the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health and Addiction. The hearing, titled “What’s Working and What’s Coming: Opportunities in Addressing California’s Mental Health Crisis” was led by Jackson and Sen. Scott Weiner (DSan Francisco), the two committee chairs. One of the

unfolding across my home state which gave birth to Brown v. Board of Education, it’s clear we are already headed in that terrifying direction.

It is a common myth that the origins of the Christian right can be traced back to the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade.

As the story goes, religious conservatives were so deeply disturbed by the possibility of the legalization of a woman’s right to choose that they mobilized, eventually garnering the attention of President Richard Nixon.

Hazel Rene

Talley

SUNRISE 03/17/1930

SUNSET 01/29/2024

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON-RAGSDALE MORTUARYL

Hazel Rene Robinson was born to Mr. Elijah and Mrs. Pinkie Robinson on March 17, 1930, in Magnolia, AR, where she completed school.

She moved to California, where she met and married Leandrew Talley. The family grew, adding a baby girl, Cynthia La Tanya, and two boys, Lenard and Ocie. Hazel joined the Evening Star Baptist Church in Los Angeles, CA. As an active church member, Hazel taught Baptist Training Union, Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served on the Pastor’s Aide Committee.

The Family moved to San Diego and united with the Mt. Erie Baptist Church. The family regularly attended Sunday School and Church functions. Hazel sang in the Sanctuary Choir, served as an advisor to the GA Girls Auxiliary, and actively participated in the Missionary Department; Senior Women Auxiliary 2. She thoroughly enjoyed missionary outreach to homeless shelters and all opportunities to touch the lives of those less fortunate. In her role as Benevolent Coordinator, she ensured that Bereavement and Get-Well cards were personalized and mailed to the masses in a timely manner.

Hazel was a member of the Eastern Star – Ada B. Cleveland Chapter #71. Hazel genuinely appreciated their goal of helping others. Hazel was also honored by the Philo Sorority for her dedication to benevolent services…Unsung Shero! Hazel served as a child caregiver at the Mt. Erie Christian Academy in San Diego.

Hazel was called home to be with the Lord on January 29, 2024.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents; Elijah and Pinkie Robinson, grandchildren; Ocie and Ozzie Wright and Kemit Points, siblings; Mary Williams, Velree Coleman, Azerine Darden, Elie Robinson, Almor Robinson, Allie Ghant, Murine George, Bettie Smith and James Robinson.

She is survived by her daughter Cynthia La Tanya Talley, sons; Lenard Talley and Ocie Wright, grandchildren; Timothy Wright, Solira Ashley, Maurice Wright, Ocie Wright, Jr., Ocie Lee Points and Oceraya Points, sister Virginia Williams, godchildren; Mark McGough, Zondra Starks and Marcia (Toni) Williams, special friends; Mary Ann Chamberlain, Pearlene Johnson, Gracie McMurray, Bree Netherly, Lillie Richardson, Alberta Riley, Brenda Stevens, Valerie Ward, Millie Brazwell-Wilkes, The Cobb-Lucas-Nash-Donerson Family of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a countless host of nieces,

issues the hearing focused on was the shortage of mental health professionals in the state, particularly in inland regions. During the two-hour session that included time for public comment, a number of policy experts and medical practitioners, including a paramedic, spoke about “progress on workforce development” and “community engagement.”

Sen. Shannon Grove: It Takes Two to Commit the Crime of Sex Trafficking

Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) says “it takes two criminals to commit the crime of child sex traffick -

President Nixon then used the issue as a cornerstone of his 1972 presidential campaign.

However, it was the issue of school desegregation in the 1950s and ‘60s that unified the bloc. The 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision sent shockwaves throughout the country, particularly in the South where Jim Crow flourished, and segregation was the dominating way of life. In response to Brown, white residents established racially segregated private schools to avoid complying with the ruling. Notably, most of these schools were religiously affiliated.

Black families joined together in the successful 1971 Green v. Connally class action suit to prevent the institutions from being granted tax-exempt status and to ensure no one could receive tax deductions for contributing to such schools. Tensions were further inflamed in 1975 when the IRS revoked the tax-exempt status of Bob Jones University, a racially segregated evangelical Christian institution.

Today, this same Christian right has rebranded and united with MAGA Repub-

ing, a buyer and a seller.” Building upon that premise, last week Grove introduced Senate Bill (SB) 1414 which would impose longer sentences on individuals convicted of soliciting or purchasing sex with children. “With the introduction of SB 1414 we are going after the buyers, those who are purchasing sex from children. Together, we are sending a clear messagenot one more child,” Grove posted on Facebook. Grove contends that the penalties on the books for solicitation and sex trafficking of minors are too lenient.

licans to remove Black history books from our schools, strip women of their right to choose, and end the miracle of IVF.

Each of these efforts are intertwined with the generations of discrimination that the African American community has experienced. Yes, the civil rights movement of the 50’s and 60’s was a complex struggle for justice and equality for the Black community. But I reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s prescient words in his famed “I Have a Dream” speech, that “[Our white brothers] have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.”

As the son of a fundamentalist minister and Chairman of the Democratic Faith Working Group in Congress, I lean heavily on my faith in challenging times. Matthew 25:40 teaches us that “whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” It may be easy to turn a blind eye when the injustices do not impact you. But the scripture assures that we will “reap what [we] sow.”

Our stories — Black stories — should and must be told.

By Macy Meinhardt

As San Diego ranks number 4 for homelessness population throughout the nation, coming up with solutions to combat the crisis has been a top priority, and promise, pledged by San Diego leaders.

In a recent update sent out by Mayor Todd Gloria’s office, a record $29.9 million dollars in homelessness funding is coming San Diego’s way, thanks to a grant allocated by the state's Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP).

The grant is the largest HHAP award the City has received, beating out the $22.5 award the City received in 2018.

What is HHAP?

According to the website, HHAP funding is a block grant program from the state designed to provide jurisdictions with one-time grant funds to support the local capacity to address immediate homelessness challenges. Cities and Counties across the state are invited to apply. The program was instituted in 2020 and has been distributed in phases, right now the program is in Round 5.

$1 billion dollars was up for grabs in HHPA funding for Round 5. San Diego received

2.29% of that sum, securing the second highest amount across the region. Los Angeles received the highest amount of HHAP funding, with $164.3 million awarded to the city.

Where will the money be going?

• $ 4.5 million to go to existing prevention and shelter diversion programs

• $17.4 million for interim housing options

• $3 million for street outreach

• A dditional $3 million to fund interim housing for youth

The increase in recent years of available homeless services provided by the City has in large been due to grants such as HHAP–fueling efforts like shelter bed expansion, safe parking programs, outreach and raping rehousing programs etc.

As of January, 1,358 individuals became homeless in San Diego for the very first time, according to data from the San Diego Regional Task Force on homelessness.

By Cassie N. Saunders County of San Diego

People impacted by the Jan. 22, 2024 storm flooding may be eligible for the Disaster CalFresh program. The program provides a one-time payment to buy food for themselves and their families.

The County of San Diego received funding for this program from the federal government for people to purchase healthy food through the Disaster CalFresh program. Due to presidential disaster declaration rules, San Diego County residents affected by the flood have between March 715, 2024 to apply. Residents already receiving CalFresh also may be eligible to receive a Disaster CalFresh supplement.

To apply for this one-time payment, you must:

• Live or work in the disaster area during the disaster.

• Buy or plan to buy eligible food.

• Be experiencing challenges due to the disaster.

• The County will review applications for:

• N et income, which is the total monthly take-home income after all payroll withholding and any liquid resources.

• Deductions for disaster-related expenses.

• W hether the total net income and deductions for disaster-related expenses are equal or less than the Disaster Gross Income Limit to receive the benefits.

The monthly income limit is based on the

number of people in your household and the maximum amount of Disaster CalFresh benefits is outlined in the chart below.

For example, a family of three with a monthly income of $2,942 after deductions for flood expenses would be eligible for a $766 Disaster CalFresh benefit amount. People impacted by the Jan. 22 flood can apply for these benefits in one of several ways:

• F illing out an application, CF 385 form, and submitting it online at benefitscal.com.

• Calling Access at 866-262-9881.

• G oing into any local Family Resource Center to fill out a CF 385 form.

• G oing to one of the two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.

The one-time benefit will be provided on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

It is not released until May, but the County is already working on the budget for the next fiscal year. And thinking about what to prioritize in a volatile economy.

You’re invited to fill out a survey on Engage San Diego County to tell us which services are most important to you. Your responses will be considered in balance with other critical factors to set budget priorities for this and future budget cycles.

And you can stay informed by telling us how you prefer to receive additional budget information. For example, email, text or some other form of communication. The survey will remain open through March 17.

A balanced recommended budget will be released to the public on May 2. And it’s no small matter. Last year, the budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 came to $8.17 billion. The County’s budget encompasses the unincorporated areas and services provided throughout the region. In the unincorporated areas, the County provides things a city typically would, like roads, parks, libraries and more. Regionally, the County has even larger responsibilities. For example, it provides services for mental health and substance use issues and provides food and medical assistance to those who need them. The County addresses homelessness and affordable housing, monitors public health for disease outbreaks and inspects restaurants, buildings, gas stations, price scanners, harmful insects and beach water.

The District Attorney’s Office, Probation, Office of Emergency Services and Child Support provide services to the entire county too. The Sheriff’s Department oversees the unincorporated area but is also paid by some cities for law enforcement.

The County runs elections, collects property taxes, keeps vital records and the list goes on. Funding must support all existing programs and cover new ones. The state and federal government provide a large share. But those tax dollars must be spent on certain programs. Some money comes in from property taxes, fees for services and other sources.

Once the state and federal dollars are accounted for, the County looks at what funds are left to spend and considers how to get the most out of the remaining funds.

Once the recommended budget is released on May 2 and through June 13, the public can submit comments online through the budget page on Engage San Diego County. This year, departments will give their budget presentations to the Board of Supervisors at meetings on May 14 and May 16. The Board will hold public hearings on June 4 and June 6. Budget deliberations and adoption take place on June 25.

You can also visit the Clerk of the Board’s website or call 619-531-5434 for information on Board meetings and to request translation services.

Source: County of San Diego Communications Office

Local Filmmaker JJ Anderson Makes Hulu with “The Piney Woods School Story”

By Tihut Tamrat VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF WRITER

The film “Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story” directed by San Diego’s very own JJ Anderson, premiered on Hulu on February 23, 2024. The film tells an inspiring story about the history of Black educational institutions in America and how the last Black standing boarding school, Piney Woods School, is more than just an institution. It is in fact, “the epitome of resilience and hope,” according to William Crossley, President of Piney Woods School.

The film documents the history of Piney Woods through the present testimonies and lives of the “incredibly self aware and brilliant” students that attend the school. JJ Anderson, coming of age film documentarian, tells us what the journey was like in making the film in an insightful Q&A email interview.

The production process was intense, challenging, and liberating. Making a production schedule work with a school schedule rarely worked out the way we expected and pushed us to be innovative. When things don’t work out the way you intended them to you are forced to release and be present. This production taught me that you don’t always get what you want, but you do get what you need and that’s what’s most important. However, she tells us that her road to becoming a film director was not a traditional one. I don’t share the traditional background many filmmakers have in terms of education or training. My love for storytelling was ignited while sitting in my parents’ AA and NA [Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous] meetings as a young girl. I’d quietly observe and listen in as vulnerable and often charismatic adults shared their most intimate thoughts with the group. What stood out to me most were the transformative properties of exchanging thoughts and dialogue. It was almost as if you could see a person being instantly uplifted through the small, but meaningful act of offloading what was on their mind and taking in the stories of others. It was fascinating to me even at that young age and I think it's something I’ve been chasing my whole life.

It gave me a sense of understanding around race-driven constructs outside of my own and how those show up in our day-to-day lives. I was a Brown girl who identified as Black who often found herself in uncomfortable White spaces.

She sought refuge, she says, amongst her Black and Brown peers.

She eventually went to college and graduated with a degree in Economics, and soon co-funded a production company called HRDWRKER. Through her production company and working as a model and tv talk show host she was able to build up her portfolio as a documentarian. Her mother was a well-known activist in San Diego in the 90s-2000s and her father made his stamp on San Diego County through building rehabilitation and community programs in partnership with the District Attorney's Office without the college education most would require to do so.

“While many others took the conventional route, in my family, thinking outside of the box with an attachment to a greater purpose was always ingrained in us. Whatever lived within me at the time had no desire to be a part of tradition and I think San Diego was the perfect place for me to explore that safely at a critical age.”

When asked what it was like to be raised Black in San Diego, she says she was surrounded by a multitude of cultures, learning and exchanging ideas with friends.

“It took me going to Tuskegee University to really appreciate my Blackness and the layers of Black culture.”

Something that really translated in “The Piney Woods School Story”.

Being from the West Coast, making a film in the South with its deep roots in slavery had its challenges.

I was hyperaware of the stereotypes and negative stigmas that are shaped around Mississippi. I have family in North Carolina and spent many summers there as a child and young adult. While North Carolina and Mississippi are worlds apart in many ways, I felt prepared. I did my best to remain open. As a documentarian, my job is to observe, investigate, and support. That’s exactly what I did.”

And that she did. She produced a beautiful film that acknowledges the many ways there are to be Black in America, allowing every student to have a voice.

William Crossley’s mission statement, to

“develop a child through their heads, hearts and hands” shows the importance of Piney Woods, that “without the place there is no place for people to come and without the people, the place loses its meaning and its resonance.”

JJ Anderson leaves us with her purpose behind it all: “The work that Piney Woods school does is incomparable. I just want people to be aware of it. Support Black educational institutions, support Piney Woods, they are vital to our success as a whole.”

SD Engineering County Engineering Council Awards Banquet

VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE

The San Diego County Engineering Council Engineering Awards Banquet was held on February 19, 2024 at the Marina Village Conference Center. Sylvia Zachary, Engineering Director at Cubic Defense Software, was a keynote speaker and an award recipient.

With her technical achievements and community involvement, she was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership in Engineering award. She has led software, hardware, and cybersecurity engineers to develop communication data links systems for our military resulting in Cubic receiving industry accolades for their innovative cybersecurity designs.

As an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers over 30 years, she has been involved in encouraging high school and collegiate students to pursue STEM careers. Her keynote address was “Welcome to the Future”, where she addressed the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity threats and the innovative strategies required to protect our nation’s digital information. At the banquet, she was supported by Mt. Erie Baptist Church, National Society of Black Engineers, San Diego Professionals, Cubic Defense and Bridging the Gap Investment Club.

JJ Anderson.

PHOTO: Libby Zanders

On-set photo of JJ Anderson (left) and Pine Woods School student Khareym Kelley (right).

PHOTO: Val Dagrain

PHOTOS: Rochelle Porter

Kamala Harris Leads Bloody Sunday Memorial as Marchers’ Voices Ring Out for Voting Rights

By Kim Chandler AP

Vice President Kamala Harris told thousands gathered for the 59th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday attacks on civil rights marchers in Selma, Alabama, that fundamental freedoms, including the right to vote, are under attack in America even today.

Harris joined those gathered at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where voting rights activists were beaten back by law enforcement officers in 1965. The vice president praised the marchers’ bravery for engaging in a defining moment of the civil rights struggle.

“Today, we know our fight for freedom is not over, because in this moment we are witnessing a full on attack on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms, starting with the freedom that unlocks all others, the freedom to vote,” Harris said.

She criticized attempts to restrict voting, including limits on absentee voting and early voting, and said the nation is again at a crossroad.

“What kind of country do we want to live in?

Do we want to live in a country of freedom, liberty and justice? Or a country of injustice, hate and fear?” Harris asked, encouraging people to answer with their vote.

She paid tribute to the civil rights marchers who walked across the bridge in 1965 knowing they would face certain violence in seeking “a future

that was more equal, more just and more free.”

Decisions by the Supreme Court and lower courts since 2006 have weakened the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was passed in the wake of the police attacks in Selma. The demonstrators were beaten by officers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 1965, as they tried to march across Alabama to support voting rights.

Harris drew parallels between those who worked to stifle the Civil Rights Movement and “extremists” she said are trying to enact restrictions on voting, education and reproductive care.

She said other fundamental freedoms under attack include “the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body,” a reference to state abortion bans. She also stressed the Biden administration’s support for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza to “get the hostages out and a significant amount of aid in.”

Under a blazing blue sky, Harris then led the crowd across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the march that concluded the annual commemoration. Thousands followed, sometimes sing-

ing hymns and anthems of the Civil Rights Movement including, “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ’Round.”

Earlier last Sunday, Attorney General Merrick Garland spoke at a Selma church service marking the anniversary of the attack by Alabama law officers on civil rights demonstrators. He said recent court decisions and certain state legislation have endangered voting rights in much of the nation.

“Since those (court) decisions, there has been a dramatic increase in legislative measures that make it harder for millions of eligible voters to vote and to elect representatives of their choice,” Garland told worshippers at Selma’s Tabernacle Baptist Church, the site of one of the first mass meetings of the voting rights movement.

“Those measures include practices and procedures that make voting more difficult; redistricting maps that disadvantage minorities; and changes in voting administration that diminish the authority of locally elected or nonpartisan election administrators,” he said. “Such measures threaten the foundation of our system of government.”

The march and Garland’s speech

A gallery of Civil Rights-era images, including the brutal attack on peaceful protesters who were calling for voting rights on March 7, 1965 (Top left). On Sunday, March 3, 2024 at the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the Annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma, Alabama, Vice President Harris noted March 7, 1965 as a memorable turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. “The challenges we currently face are not unlike the challenges faced by those 600 brave souls 59 years ago,” she said.

PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA

were among dozens of events during the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, which began Thursday and culminated Sunday.

The commemoration is a frequent stop for Democratic politicians paying homage to the voting rights movement. Some in the crowd gathered to see Harris speak about the upcoming November election and what appears to be a looming rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Khadidah Stone, 27, part of a crowd gathered at the bridge Sunday in light rain before the march, said she sees the work of today’s activists as an extension of those who were attacked in Selma in 1965. Stone works for the voter engagement group Alabama Forward, and was a plaintiff in the Voting Rights case against the state that led to creating a second Alabama congressional district with a substantial number of Black voters. Voters will cast their first ballots in that district on Tuesday.

“We have to continue to fight, because they (voting rights) are under attack,” Stone said.

Nita Hill wore a hat saying “Good Trouble,” a phrase associated with the late Rep. John Lewis, who was beaten on the bridge during Bloody Sunday. Hill, 70, said it is important for Biden supporters to vote in November.

on a better road toward a more perfect union,” but the right to vote is still not guaranteed.

“I believe Trump is trying to take us back,” said Hill, a retired university payroll specialist.

Decades ago, images of the violence that at the bridge stunned Americans, which helped galvanize support for passing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The law struck down barriers prohibiting Black people from voting.

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, a Democrat of South Carolina who is leading a pilgrimage to Selma, said he is seeking to “remind people that we are celebrating an event that started this country

Clyburn sees Selma as the nexus of the 1960s movement for voting rights, at a time when there currently are efforts to scale back those rights.

“The Voting Rights Act of 1965 became a reality in August of 1965 because of what happened on March 7th of 1965,” Clyburn said.

“We are at an inflection point in this country,” he added. “And hopefully this year’s march will allow people to take stock of where we are.”

Annie Pearl Avery (left) poses for a photo with Vice President Kamala Harris

PHOTO: Mike Stewart/AP

Hundreds

across the Edmund Pettus Bridge

March 3, 2024, in Selma, Ala. PHOTO: Mike Stewart/AP

Television history, marred by a narrow portrayal of non-white characters, witnessed a transformative journey from caricatures and racist depictions to the evolution of influential, Black-centered shows like the influential and groundbreaking “The Cosby Show,” in the 1980s, “A Different World,” “Living Single,” in the 1990s, and later “Black-ish.” The television landscape shifted as those shows emerged, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing diverse Black experiences.

Today, streaming is the biggest game in Hollywood and Academy Award®-winning actress and co-host of “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg, is stepping into this legacy, aiming to redefine the narrative of Black representation in family-friendly streaming by investing in Blkfam. The outlet is already being hailed as the first-ever Black-owned and Black-focused family streaming platform. Launched on February 26 across multiple platforms, Blkfam could be a significant stride toward addressing the underrepresentation of Black families in the streaming market.

At its inception, Blkfam boasted a content library featuring over 20 syndicated series, encompassing over 1,000 hours of animation titles and dozens of animated characters of color with diverse gender experiences. The

platform also offers hundreds of hours of original musicdriven content, signaling a commitment to fostering an authentic and inclusive narrative.

Goldberg, an equity investor in Blkfam, sits at the forefront of the groundbreaking initiative alongside Larry Adams, a digital media veteran and CEO of the platform. Goldberg, known for her roles in iconic films like “The Color Purple” and “Sister Act,” has been a vocal advocate for positive representation. “I like the idea of being part of something that will grow,” Goldberg declared. “As I get older, I say, ‘Wow, things will outlast me.’ This is one of the things I hope outlasts me — I could be the Black woman Walt Disney!”

Blkfam will stream over various platforms, including iOS, Android, and Amazon Prime Video Channels.

A home is often the most valuable asset a family can own. It serves as a wealth-generating opportunity for current and future generations as the home’s value appreciates over time.

Yet, for hundreds of thousands of people who inherited their land and homes from family members, these assets could be at risk.

Many families have experienced problems with properties that have been passed down without a will or estate plan. These properties are referred to as heirs’ property. If the deed for a property is in the name of the deceased relative and a will does not exist, it results in a “fractured” or “tangled” title shared among all multiple family members or “heirs.” This makes it difficult for heirs to maintain and manage the property in several ways, like securing a loan or selling the property. Additionally, heirs’ property owners are often cut off from accessing governmental repair and rebuilding programs and property tax relief programs.

Americans. According to a 2023 national survey from Caring.com, only 29% of Black and 23% of Hispanic respondents had a will or other estate planning document, compared to 39% of white respondents.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Start planning today. You do not have to be older or wealthy to create an estate plan.

2. Take an inventory of all your assets.

3. Create a will. You will want to provide specific instructions on your wishes for all your assets.

4. Designate beneficiaries. You can set up beneficiary designations for your banking and investment accounts, personal property and real estate.

a few to consider.

• It’s lucrative. Financial planners are in high demand and are wellcompensated for their expertise. A financial advisor can pull in a generous salary right out of the gate, and

A key driver of heirs’ property is a lack of formal estate planning. Unfortunately this issue disproportionately impacts Black and Latino

ethical financial advice that helps others achieve their life goals — from sending their children to college to securing a comfortable retirement — can be extremely gratifying.

Beyond building generational wealth, taking steps to protect it is essential. With proper planning, diligence and time, you can pass down assets to loved ones that will open the door to new opportunities and advantages.

StatePoint

PHOTO: StatePoint

earning the right credentials can boost compensation significantly. The median income for those with CFP® certification and less than 5 years of experience is $100,000 — and that median figure grows to $206,000 with 10 or more years of experience. In general, financial advisors with CFP® certification earn 12% more than those without.

• Being a CFP® professional offers good work-life balance. With the potential to work remotely and create one’s own schedule, financial planning is a career path well-suited to those looking for flexibility and a desirable work-life balance.

• Financial planning can be personally fulfilling. Providing competent,

Research also finds that female CFP® professionals have a unique dedication to providing holistic financial planning. Working as a financial planner provides opportunities to uplift and empower other women, as well as members of groups historically given fewer opportunities to accumulate wealth.

• Women who aspire to become CFP® professionals will find support in many places. CFP Board, for example, has implemented initiatives to recruit women and advance their careers.

Some firms subsidize the cost of CFP® certification and give employ-

ees time away from work to study for the CFP® exam. Additionally, women’s networks and business councils can help build leadership skills and professional confidence, and many firms are even paying their employees’ membership fees. CFP Board also administers scholarships for individuals underrepresented in the field, along with a mentoring program.

To learn more and get started today on your path to becoming a CFP® professional, visit getCFPcertified.org.

With demand for personal financial advisors expected to grow significantly in the coming years, and the industry making way for more women professionals, it’s worth exploring this rewarding career path. StatePoint

Nigerian Workers on Strike as Fuel Prices Skyrocket

By Lisa Vives Global Information Network

Recently-elected Nigerian President Bola Tinubu gave hope to a country in need of a miracle.

“The prospect of a better future merges with our improved capacity to create that future,” he promised a nation barely holding it together with ethnic and religious divisions, high unemployment and a heavy reliance on dwindling oil revenues.

The economy would expand by at least 6% a year, the 71 year old former governor of Lagos pledged. Barriers to investment would be lifted, jobs created while rampant insecurity would be ended.

The first-term president faced monumental challenges, including a struggling economy with record debt, shortages of foreign exchange and fuel, a weak naira currency, nearly two-decades-high inflation, skeletal power supplies and falling oil production due to crude theft and underinvestment, inherited from past presidents.

"I have a message for our investors,” Tinubu said confidently. “Our government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions." But to hold back a

flood from a leaking dam, Tinubu’s promises seemed hard to fulfill - if not impossible.

Still, on his first day in office, President Tinubu went ahead and lifted the subsidy that used government funds to buy refined oil and keep gas prices low. Then, like a slow-moving tsunami, bad news rolled in and began to pick up speed. Inflation is now running at nearly 30 per cent, food prices at 35.4 percent. The cost of imported goods has risen as the naira plummets.

“Removing subsidies was intended to improve government revenue,” said a local consultant with Financial Derivatives. “Revenues have increased, but they have not been efficiently spent. What happened to the money?” In a country where half the population is younger than 18, spiraling prices are causing the greatest economic hardship in living memory.

Many are now questioning the wisdom of ending the subsidies without a shock-absorbing plan. Gasoline prices have more than doubled and inflation has shot up as a result, now the highest in nearly three decades, according to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics.

By Lisa Vives Global Information Network

It’s been called ‘Sudan’s Interminable War’, relegated to invisibility by wars in Gaza and Ukraine. But for the selfless aid workers and the remaining Sudanese, it’s been an endless nightmare with no tangible end in sight to the widespread suffering endured by the country and its people.

Sudan, once known as Nubia and Ta Nehesi or Ta Seti by ancient Egyptians, became an independent sovereign state, the Republic of the

Sudan, in 1956 - bringing to an end its nearly 136-year union with Egypt and its 56-year occupation by the British.

The British colonial policy in Sudan developed unsustainable power structures between North and South Sudan, and between ethnic groups in the South. The result of this mismanagement, underdevelopment, and neglect was Northern dominance and hegemony within the independent Sudanese government. The economic, educational, and political benefits supplied to the North,

A pledge to roll out gas-powered buses for mass transit last year also failed to materialize.

“We’re hungry,” said Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigerian Labor Congress after the union called a two day strike against the mounting hardship and insecurity. “Things are getting out of hand,” a shop owner complained to the Voice of America. "Prices keep soaring, the aid the government promised has not been provided". “No one can afford three square meals, even two square meals in our dear country, a reporter was told. “That’s why we came out for a peaceful protest."

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, added: “Tinubu’s thoughtless fuel subsidy removal triggered fuel scarcity and price gouging all over the country… Plus, the President failed to announce a new national minimum wage as promised from US$9.50 monthly to US$158 monthly.” “Anyone can remove subsidies or ban something,” said Adedayo Ademuwagun, a consultant at Songhai Advisory. “But it takes real skill to plan for the big picture. How do you minimize the adversity for ordinary people?”

Meanwhile, state prosecutors have added 14 new criminal charges against Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in the most high-profile corruption case under President Tinubu to date. Last month, Emefiele was charged with fraud, including obtaining $6.2 million in bank funds under false pretenses, all part of 20 charges leveled by prosecutors. He denies the charges.

Nigeria’s petrol subsidy saga is a lesson about the fragility of reforms in an economy pushed to the brink, said Michael Famoroti, an economist and head of intelligence at data firm Sears. He added: “The decision to implement a marketdriven pricing system for petrol before restoring confidence in the exchange rate market was an unnecessary policy risk.”

Science Center Protests Loss of

By Lisa Vives Global Information Network

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is the foremost national science and technology institution in Ghana, mandated to carry out scientific and technological research for national development.

So the discovery that their 400 acres of land reserved for animal research and tree planting had been secretly transferred to housing developers came as an unpleasant shock. It was the second encroachment of land in the Greater Accra region that had formerly been used for various projects and as a vital resource for the CSIR.

Last week, at a press conference, Michael Ammoo Gyasi, chair of the CSIR Central Committee of Local Unions, expressed “shock and dismay that a private developer had been clearing the research property - all 400 plus acres of land - in Pokuase and Amasaman for private use.” Earlier, some 6,000 acres of state land were encroached up at Adenta Katamanso in Accra, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Kweku Asomah-Cheremeh, confirmed.. According to Gyasi, the Lands Commission cut back their 400 acre property to 184 acres and then reduced it again to 100 acres, in a sod-cutting ceremony attended by the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo.

compared to the neglect and expropriation inflicted upon the South led to a vastly uneven balance of power which was the direct cause of the Sudanese civil war, fought between 1956 and 2005.

When South Sudan gained full independence in 2011, it entered statehood as one of the poorest, least developed nations in the world. The century of neglect under the British and of violence and oppression under the North Sudanese left the fledgling country with an insecure future.

Omar al-Bashir, a Sudanese military officer, led a revolt that overthrew the elected government of Sudan in 1989. He served as president of Sudan for nearly 30 years, from 1993 until 2019, when he was overthrown by the Sudanese Armed Forces after months of popular protests by, among others, 17 different trade unions and an alliance of doctors, journalists and lawyers demanding his departure.

Protesters adopted slogans of regime change that echoed the Arab Spring of 2011. They gathered outside the headquarters of the military in the capital and refused to move. The proportion

After CSIR agreed to sign for 100 acres, they discovered the entire parcel was being cleared by a private developer, disregarding the terms of an initial agreement. In the process, ongoing scientific experiments and valuable CSIR research materials which had taken decades to devel -

of women among the protesters has been put as high as 70% and they came from all ages and backgrounds. They say they were also demonstrating against Sudan's sexist attitudes in a conservative Muslim society where Sharia law is practiced.

But the protestors failed to reap the dividends of that revolution because the transitional government was not given sufficient support by the international community, according to BBC radio journalist Zeinab Badawi.“It is extraordinary how a country as large as Sudan - the third biggest in Africa - hasn’t received more attention,” she observed. “In the short term there is an absolute dire humanitarian crisis and people are in desperate need of food, of clean water and medicine. There’s been a lack of security - we need some kind of immediate ceasefire to help the

op were destroyed with impunity. These activities, he said, posed a significant threat to the vital research and development activities carried out by the institution.

CSIR has been leading the way in developing different crop varieties, preserving Ghana’s native genetic resources, soil conservation, food processing, forest and water resource management, as well as advancements in building technology, agriculture, aquaculture and food security.

The crisis of land expropriations was recently addressed in a stern letter to President Nana AkufoAddo. “Mr. President,” wrote Dr. Benjamin Hussey, a columnist with GhanaWeb. “There is a land stealing and document forgery syndicate operating from the Lands Commission which is working with Nigerian criminal gangs and the Ghana Police Service to steal land and forge documents belonging to chiefs and genuine landowners.”

CSIR has reportedly issued a threeweek ultimatum to government and individuals who have encroached on its 400-acre Pokuase–Amasaman lands, ordering them to vacate the premises immediately. Failure to comply with this ultimatum, they said, would result in the CSIR taking legal action to reclaim its land, including the possibility of staging a peaceful demonstration to draw attention to the issue. Meanwhile, men in military fatigues began the demolition of houses on the science center property to the dismay of the working class families who moved there.

About six million out of the 33 million Ghanaians reportedly need affordable housing that Accra has not been able to build.

people get their needs attended to.”

She continued: “How do we stop the two warring generals from fighting on the ground? We need a more concerted, united diplomatic effort internationally. At the moment we are seeing very splintered efforts. We’re seeing one track through Jeddah which involves the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. We see other tracks through the African Union and IGAAD, Frankly it’s just led to this patchwork which has created a space for the generals to continue their battle. This is not conducive to peace at all.” “Amidst all that wreckage that was Sudan, the spirit of the Sudanese people has not been extinguished,” she declared. “Large parts of Africa are predominantly young. The average age is 18. They have never lost their desire for a better world. We should encourage their resilience and help them in any way we can.”

Michael Amoo-Gyasi (left), addressing the Media with Dr Amponmah Benefo, former National President of the Research Staff Association of the CSIR. PHOTO: GIN

Less Than Half Of Americans Know Their Blood Pressure Putting Them At Risk For Heart Disease

By Isobel Williams Zenger News

Le ss than half of people know what their blood pressure is, according to a new study.

Researchers found that while many adults know their childhood address or best friend’s birthday, less than half know their blood pressure or ideal weight. And fewer than one in five know their cholesterol or blood sugar levels, according to the findings.

heart failure.

Researchers asked more than 1,000 American adults if they knew their blood pressure, ideal weight, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels. Ohio State University researchers conducted the survey as they believe keeping track of these numbers can help patients identify the risk factors of heart disease. When it came to these key heart health tests, the highest number (44 percent) knew their ideal weight (body mass index or BMI) and the fewest (15 percent) knew their blood sugar level. For comparison, 68 percent knew their childhood address and 58 percent knew their best friend’s birthday. Dr. Laxmi Mehta, director of Preventative Cardiology and Women’s Cardiovascular Health, said: “Recognising heart disease risk factors early and adequately treating them can potentially prevent heart attacks, strokes and

“As a society, we need to shift from sick care to preventative care so people can live their best and fullest lives possible.”

While the survey found many Americans don’t know these health numbers off the top of their heads, they are having them regularly checked. The majority said they had their blood pressure and heart rate checked within the last year and blood sugar and cholesterol tests within five years. The researchers note the importance of not only getting these numbers checked but also remembering and understanding them.

Dr. Mehta said: “Most people can get screened at their physician’s office or, if they don’t have one, there are free health screening fairs as well as blood pressure machines at pharmacies.

“It’s important to not only know

your numbers but be proactive with medication and lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

“When you visit your doctor, ask what your numbers are for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar and what a normal range is for you. Discuss your sleep habits along with diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol use.

“Also, none of us like to talk about our own weight but it’s an important conversation because being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease.”

For reference, the researchers noted healthy heart numbers are under 120 mm (0.3937 foot) Hg for the top blood pressure number and under 80 mm (0.2625 foot) Hg for the bottom number. The researchers also note how important it is to be aware of family medical history, as many conditions can be passed down.

Dr. Mehta added: “It’s also important to know your family’s health history and discuss it with your doctor. There could be risk factors that require medication or lifestyle changes and the earlier they’re known, the better.

“Sometimes people have heart attacks or strokes because their blood pressure or cholesterol levels are really high and they never had them checked.

On February 14, The Board of Education began a series of interactive community engagement sessions to gather public input to help shape the San Diego Unified School District’s goals for student outcomes as part of a broader shift to a student outcomes-focused governance model.

The first forum will be held at Mira Mesa High School on Thursday, February 15, and is open to all. A total of eight in-person and Zoom meetings will take place across the district through mid-March. The full schedule and meeting details can be found at www.sandiegounified.org/SOFG.

During the community engagement sessions, trustees will hear feedback from students, families, educators, staff and community partners to codify the vision and values of the San Diego Unified community. The sessions will help inform the district’s Local Control Accountability Plan and allow the Board to develop measurable student outcome goals that the trustees and superintendent will be accountable for in the coming years.

A two-year implementation plan for Student Outcomes Focused Governance was recently adopted by the Board.

The remaining community engagement sessions are open to all and serve as the community’s opportunity to share feedback directly with their

Board trustees. Light refreshments and childcare will be provided, as well as interpretation services.

• Saturday, March 9 - Zoom, 2-4 p.m.

• W ednesday, March 13 - Canyon Hills High School Media Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Individuals can also share their perspective via a survey that will be available on the district website and at the listening sessions.

person objecting to the

changes described

must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: April 16, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Changing Name and Order

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

A certified copy of Decree

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

Changing Name and Order

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

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

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

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE

CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST

COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED.

Gregorie Kay Hedgley-Garber filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME:

Gregorie Kay Hedgley-Garber

PROPOSED NAME:

Angela Kay Hedgley-Garber

THE COURT ORDERS that

all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: April 2, 2024

Time: 8:30 A.M.

Dept. 61

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

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

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

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

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

Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree

Name and Order

Change of

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

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA

330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Courthouse

37-2024-00005872-

CU-PT-CTL

Petitioner or Attorney: Victoria Valerievna Ramkulova aka Victoria Valerievna Reid

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Victoria Valerievna Ramkulova aka Victoria Valerievna Reid filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Victoria Valerievna

Ramkulova aka Victoria Valerievna Reid

PROPOSED NAME: Victoria Valerievna Reid

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: March 26, 2024 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61

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

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

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

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

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.

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

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

2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7

SUMMONS (Citacion Judicial)

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL DEMANDADO) Robert Antonio Keith; Esvin Aroldo Vasquez and Does 1 to 50, Inclusive.

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (Lo Esta Demandando El Demandante): Luis Edgardo Hurtado Majano

Case Number: 23PSCV00678

NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online SelfHelp Center (www. courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más

información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.

Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente.

Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales.

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

Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is:

(El nombre y dirección de la corte es): Pomona Courthouse South 400 Civic Center Plaza Pomona, CA 91766

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

(El nombre, la dirección y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es):

Marc Katzman Law 15250 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1010 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; T: (818) 670-8408

Date:

(Fecha): 03/07/2023

David W. Slayton, Executive Officer/ Clerk of Court

Clerk, by (Secretario) J. Gonzalez 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Juliet Rosen

Case Number: 24PE000012C

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

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

The Petition for Probate requests that Dara Haskell 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

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

Any film that begins with an elaborate, broad daylight heist deserves viewers’ attention. It’s what comes between that intro and the film’s adrenalin-pumping final hour that may give Netflix audiences reasons to take a refrigerator break.

Comedian and comic actor Kevin Hart tries to ditch his funny, smart-mouth persona to play a suave international thief. Hart showed he can stretch from his comic roots in the drama The Upside. But can he, with the aid of action film director F. Gary Gray (The Fate of the Furious), handle an Idris Elba type role in a film that should have Ocean’s Eleven-style intrigue? We shall see. Cyrus (Hart) and his band of sophisticated thieves are in Venice, Italy at an auction where they intend to swindle away a famous NFT artwork (a/k/a Non-fungible token, or a digital asset stored on a blockchain that represents content or even physical items). Its creator is the very popular AI artist named N8 (Jacob Batalon, Spider Man: No Way Home). An Interpol agent named Abby (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Belle) and her boss Huxley (Sam Worthington, Avatar) surveil the nattily dressed dude who tries to outbid everyone for the AI images.

Cyrus is confident he can pull off this caper because his international crew specializes in identity fraud, money laundering and thievery: Camila the pilot (Úrsula Corberó), Mi-Sun the hacker (Yun Jee Kim), Magnus a safecracker (Billy Magnussen), Luke the engineer (Viveik Kalra) and Denton a master of disguises (Vincent D’Onofrio). It’s a great surprise when someone blackmails the gang into a mission to thwart a possible disaster masterminded by a crimelord ecoterrorist (Jean Reno). What’s on the line? $500M in gold!

The premise has merit. The director has a filmography (The Italian Job) that shows he can make this project work. What about the script? Screenwriter Daniel Kunka is fine with outlining events, far less accomplished with establishing three-dimensional characters, memorable dialogue and a storyline not burdened with unnecessary backstories. A lot of the film’s wrinkles and glaring mistakes could have been ironed out in a table read where the cast and crew aired their opinions. However, there’s plenty of evidence from what’s on the screen that that kind of fine-tuning never happened.

Starting the film in picturesque Venice (cinematographer Bernhard Jasper) and ending with steady doses of action was a smart choice. Shooting so many interiors (production design Dominic Watkins, Dolittle) and exteriors in funky ways that telegraph the use of green screen trickery, was not so smart. Brawls inside a jet look particularly fake.

Gray’s direction is decent, but you wish he’d taken more time to develop a heady, intricate, death-defying crime thriller style. Something in the vein of Guy Ritchie’s Snatch or Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eight. The lack of clever slights of hand, or cheeky dialogue makes Lift look like it came off an assembly line.

Hart is funny. Cyrus is meant to be debonair. Either hire someone like Elba for the role, or let Hart bring the cray cray his fans love. He seems too reigned in. Mbatha-Raw is very adept at making her character more than what’s on the page. Still these two leads lack chemistry, when they should set the screen on fire. Worthington is suitable as the Interpol stiff. D’Onofrio is fine. French actor Jean Reno plays the villain quite well with a believable sneer.

Thankfully for streaming fans, who’ve waited one full hour for the movie to find its footing, Lift eventually dials up the clashes, chases, fights and skirmishes until it ends at 1h 47m.

If you’ve never met a heist movie you didn’t like, and that’s a low bar, pull up a chair and indulge.

African Americans still miss approximately 24% of the pie that symbolizes full equality.

Breaking down the Equality Index, categories include economics, health, education, social justice, and civic engagement. Each category is carefully weighted based on its significance, and nationally representative statistics are employed to calculate sub-indices that capture the relative well-being of African Americans compared to whites. Civic participation among Black Americans presents a mixed picture, with increased voter registration (69% in 2020) but a decline in actual voter turnout (42.3% in 2022). Assessing President Joe Biden’s performance, the report acknowledges achievements such as a record-low Black unemployment rate and efforts to expand healthcare access and affordable housing for Black Americans. However, it

points to political opposition hindering the enactment of key policies, including voting rights and policing reform.

“We are in a world of deep attack by an ideological extreme that wants to erase so much of the civil-rights movement,” said Maya Wiley, President of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and co-author of the study. Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the Justice Department, assured, “We’ve been working across the country to reach underserved communities so that we understand the problems that communities face.”

Despite those challenges, the National Urban League said it remains steadfast in its commitment to closing the racial gap. Accelerated action, emphasizing unrestricted voting access, economic reforms to address poverty and wealth disparities, and crucial support for children, such as the expired child tax credit that significantly reduced child poverty rates is urged.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Visit www.stateofblackamerica.org/reports/2024 to read the full report.

“Bloody Sunday”, Senator Daniel Webster gave his famous threeand-a-half hour “Seventh of March” speech to Congress supporting the Compromise of 1850, which, while it postponed the Civil War, strengthened states’ rights at the cost of African-American freedom. The

acquired U.S. territory following the Mexican War revived concerns about the balance of free and slave states. Webster urged northerners to respect slavery in the South and to assist in the return of fugitive slaves, while simultaneously cautioning Southerners that disunion inevitably

would lead to war. Webster,

was a presidential candidate at the time, was praised by moderates and heavily criticised by northern abolitionists who believed he had sold his soul to

South's "peculiar institution" in return for their support.