Vol. 64 No.19 Thursday, May 09, 2024

San Diego Mayor's Budget Cuts Results in Community Uproar

Opponents advocate for a revised “People’s Budget” centered on equity

By Macy Meinhardt VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF WRITER

“Let’s make it clear we will not be pushed out. We demand a “People’s Budget,” attendees at the rally said.

Outside of San Diego City Hall amid a ten plus hour budget hearing on May 1st, a crowd of fifty or so community members gathered to express their deep frustrations over Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget cuts.

“Shame on: Todd! Shame on: Todd!”

“Who does Todd hate? Poor people!” the crowd chanted.

Community members argue that the proposed cuts within the City’s $5.6 billion fiscal spending plan will

From San Diego to Sacramento, Legislators Push to ‘Stop Hate Littering’

By Emily Kim Jenkins CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The papers were scattered across a neighborhood in Del Cerro. Before it was there, it was Allied Gardens, Santee, San Carlos. Throughout San Diego, flyers featuring antisemitic, hateful messages were littered at least eight times in 2023, according to state Assemblyman Christopher Ward. Ward authored Assembly Bill 3024, also called the “Stop Hate Littering Act,” with assistance and sponsorship from San Diego City Councilman Raul Campillo, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliot. The bill was publicly introduced on March 22 and on April 25, the San Diego Public Safety Committee unanimously passed a resolution in its support. It passed the Assembly with only three ‘no’ votes from Asms. Essayli (R –Riverside), V. Fong (R – Bakersfield) and Gallagher (R – Chico). It was introduced in the Senate on April 29 and must pass a ⅔ vote and be signed by the Governor to become law.

See LITTERING page 6

exacerbate existing inequities for marginalized communities. The cuts to equity programs equate to $36 million which includes the shuttering of initiatives such as gang violence prevention, cannabis equity, and immigrant affairs. Many residents, particularly those “South of the 8” have expressed outrage, summing up their sentiment to: “Todd hates poor people.”

Almost everyone in attendance was fitted with a picket sign ranging from sayings such as “Invest in our community,” “Poor people are constituents too,” or “Todd the Fraud.”

A series of community members spoke at the May 1st rally, expressing opposition and endless commitment in the fight for equity within the City of San Diego.

Right now the tone of South-

eastern community members is fraught between their city leaders. Thousands of people are still displaced from the January flooding, and many believe the city's historical disinvestment within District 4 is at fault for the devastation that occurred. Now to have programs—specifically designed and championed by their community—subject to defunding further twists the knife.

“Our newest residents deserve justice. After the catastrophic floods we saw this year the mayor should be putting more resources into infrastructure that addresses climate change and the impacts it has on low-income and BIPOC communities, not cutting,” said Keara O’ Laughlin, with Center for Policy Initiatives.

See UPROAR page 6

At Sacramento Rally, Former Inmates Share Memories of Forced Labor

Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) addressed a group of advocates and activists, including formerly incarcerated men and women at the State Capitol last week. She promised them that she is determined to advance Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 8 “across the finish line” for voters’ to decide in a November General Election referendum.

Wilson, Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), was speaking at an April 29 rally at the State Capitol organized to promote “The End Slavery in California Act,” a measure that Wilson authored to amend the California Constitution, abolishing involuntary servitude in prisons across the state.

“This is not just legislation. It is a declaration of our value and

VP Harris Announces $5.5 Billion Funding for Affordable Housing

Homelessness solutions funding also addressed

resolve to end all forms of slavery and involuntary servitude in our state. ACA is vital because it proposes to remove the ‘exception’ for involuntary servitude from the state’s constitution, declaring unequivocally that all forms of slavery are prohibited,” Wilson said at the rally held on the southeast end of the State Capitol’s grounds.

See LABOR page 6

By Stacy M. Brown

A housing crisis is gripping tens of millions of families nationwide, cutting across political lines and sparking bipartisan action in state legislatures.

The root cause of the crisis is a chronic housing shortage, which has driven home prices up by approximately 60 percent after adjusting for inflation over the past decade. The staggering increase has left many families struggling to

afford rent or homeownership, and, according to recent data, around a quarter of renters, equivalent to roughly 12 million households, are spending more than half of their income on housing costs, far exceeding the recommended one-third threshold for financial health.

See HOUSING page 6

By Antonio Ray Harvey CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

Southeastern community members rally outside City Hall amid Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget cuts on May 1st, 2024.

PHOTO: Macy Meinhardt, Voice & Viewpoint

Dorsey Nunn, left, was presented honorary gifts at the All of Us or None of Us

PHOTO: Courtesy of the Office of Assemblymember Chris Ward

PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA

our communities do too

As America’s #1 business lender, we’re invested in local economies with over $40 billion in business loans. Our commitment includes providing funding to under-resourced business owners and supporting entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to help them make every move matter.

My teammates work closely with entrepreneurs here in San Diego. We are here to help them start and grow their business, so they can continue to create jobs and keep our community strong.

Rick Bregman President, Bank of America San Diego

See how we support businesses at bankofamerica.com/sandiego

What would you like the power to do?®

UNIVERSITIES GRAPPLE WITH SAFETY AND FREE SPEECH AMID PROTESTS ON CAMPUSES

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA

In recent weeks, California's mostly tranquil college quads have erupted into epicenters of pro-Palestine and anti-Israel activism. At Stanford’s White Plaza, dozens of tents have sprung up, while UCLA’s Royce Hall was tagged with the graffiti message “Free Gaza”. Students are demanding divestment from companies linked to Israel and calling for a U.S. government-brokered ceasefire in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict.

A Groundswell of Support, But Tensions Rise

This wave of protests and student encampments reflects a surge of support for Palestinian civilians in Gaza which has ignited tensions on campuses. As the protesters try to stand their ground, daily disruptions to campus routines including affecting graduation ceremonies, clashes involving students with and against non-student agitators, trespassing, and acts of vandalism underscore the issue’s complexity and its profound impact on university communities.

Balancing Act for University Leaders

The student protests have posed a formidable challenge for administrators who must balance respecting free speech and the right to protest with maintaining safe and stable conditions on campus for students to pursue their studies, while also ensuring staff can perform their jobs effectively.

These challenges require university leaders to tread carefully to navigate the tensions and uphold core university values. Their decisions shape not only campus life but also the broader discourse on democracy and civil rights.

A New Era of Activism

While echoing the spirit of past student movements, today’s student protests differ from those of the 1960s and 1970s, which focused on broader social and political affairs, encompassing issues like civil rights, the Vietnam War, and campus culture. These protests align more with the 1980s’ anti-apartheid protests, sharing a focus on specific global issues, collective action for institutional change, and

there has been a shift in the number of Black voters who consider themselves Democrats.

campus-based activism.

A key difference is today’s use of social media as an organizing tool.

The Rise of Social Media

Social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram enable rapid mobilization but

The fact that exit polls showed that Donald Trump received 9% of the Black vote in 2016, the highest number since George Bush in 2000, and then won 12% in the presidential race in 2020 should be a cause for concern.

Moreover, some recent polls surprisingly showed that if the presidential election was held today, 17% of Black voters say they would vote for Trump, and even more troubling, 20% say they would vote for someone other than either Trump or President Biden.

Black voters have been the largest and most loyal voting bloc for Democrats for years, but

Letter to the Editor

A Reader's Response

Dear Publisher Warren:

I look forward to the arrival of the Voice & Viewpoint every week for the relevant news and perspectives it provides. Although I find the topics and content relevant and important, I am virtually always disappointed by the editorials and their lack of specifics with respect to facts and corrective actions that readers, elected officials, and those with decision making authority can take.

That trend could be explained partially by a number of younger Black voters with no direct experience with the civil rights movement. They have scant knowledge and no direct personal memory. They feel disappointed with Democrats and the Biden administration and seem willing to consider Trump despite his blatant and toxic racial baggage.

This disconnection with the Democratic party is felt most strongly with some young Black males, many in critical battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina where Democrats need every vote. Most of these states have large concentrations of Black vot-

Your editorial comments regarding a new fire chief and the demographics of the San Diego Fire Department was particularly weak and lacking in specifics and calls for effective actions. You tie the issue to “...to all the talk about equity and inclusion…” not to under-representation (and possible discrimination) and provide no demographic data. For example, in 2021 the SDUT reported that Blacks were 6% of the San Diego population but just 2% of the fire department. Unlike the reference to “equity and inclusion,” the demographic data clearly states a disparity and its substantial magnitude. The editorial proposed actions are a set of general questions about demographics and process to be asked as part of the hiring process. Why ask about demographics and process instead of focusing on actions to correct the known disparity? Why not ask about the progress that has been made since 2021, the actions that are being taken to reduce the disparity, and the

can inadvertently create echo chambers, where students encounter information that reinforces their existing beliefs. This fosters a more polarized environment compared to the reliance on traditional campus newspapers, mainstream media coverage and political pamphlets and leaflets of the past.

See PROTESTS page 15

WAKE UP, BLACK VOTERS. DON’T LET TRUMP’S LIES FOOL YOU

ers in their urban areas. This is a special issue in potentially close races like this one because the Electoral College gives Republicans a massive advantage in federal elections. This system allows them to govern with a minority of the popular vote.

However, there is also data that shows that the Democratic candidate for president over the last five presidential elections since 2000 has averaged 90% of the Black vote with an average of only 8% for the GOP candidate. In addition, the overwhelming concern of most Black voters continues to be race and racism with a particular aversion to the reprehensible and duplicitous Trump who has shown repeatedly that he is an instigator of racial hate. Any relationship he has with Black voters has been deceptive and disingenuous.

Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of Black voters cannot be bamboozled or deceived because we know the record of his stance on healthcare with his recent attacks

results to be achieved over the next few years? Why not propose specific corrective actions that can be taken by your readers, the mayor and City Council Members, and community organizations, particularly the NAACP and the Urban League.

It is commendable that you ask your readers for their views at the end of the editorial. However, the Voice & Viewpoint has a primary responsibility to propose and advocate well informed effective actions by its readers and community stakeholders and organizations, such as the NAACP and the Urban League.

Sincerely,

Decades long reader

C: San Diego NAACP San Diego Urban League

on Obamacare, opposition to greater diversity in the workplace and efforts to restrict our voting rights as well as his racist, conspiracist “birther campaign” that sought to undermine the then-president, Barack Obama.

Still, we can’t simply ignore the reports that Trump is possibly making inroads with Black voters while Biden is losing support from us. Granted polls have been shown not to be reliable predictors of what Black voters will do. Actually, our biggest worry should probably be third-party voting (third party presidential candidates have no chance of winning. This is a binary election and only a Democrat or Republican can win) and potential voter apathy, despite the high stakes in this contest to determine whether Donald Trump is elected again. Furthermore, we ourselves must make an unprecedented and determined push to get to the polls in greater numbers to help stop this monstrous man and his MAGA minions from regaining control of the White House.

How to reach us

The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint welcomes your opinions on issues in letters to the editor. Include your name, signature, address and a phone number we can use to verify your letter. Keep it short and email or mail it to: Letters to the Editor

The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint P.O. Box 120095 San Diego, CA 92112 news@sdvoice.info

By Donald M Suggs WORD IN BLACK | ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

PHOTO: Courtesy of CBM

PHOTO: NNPA

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Clady

SUNRISE 07/12/1943

SUNSET 03/18/2024

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

Marshall Carl Clady was the sixth of eleven children born to Jacob Sr. and Elmelia Clady in Memphis, TN, on July 12, 1943. He attended Douglass High School from elementary through eighth grade. In 1957, when the family relocated to San Diego, CA, he attended Memorial Jr. High, and he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961; Hornet For Life!

In 1964, Marshall was drafted in the Army. He completed a tour of duty in the Vietnam War. He was wounded during his tour. In 1965, Marshall married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor ‘Lois’ Cowan. In 1966, the young couple moved to Los Angeles, CA.

Marshall worked for the County of Los Angeles, Paramount Studios; building movie sets & props, and as a rough framer with his brother Jake Jr., building houses throughout Los Angeles and Alameda counties. In 1969, Marshall met his soulmate Marcella (now deceased). They married and blended their children; Keith, John, and Dayna, and added a daughter, Marshay. Marshall passed away on March 18, 2024.

Marshall leaves his four children, eleven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren with memories to last a lifetime; John Ervin (Lezzette) of Modesto, CA, Keith Clady (Shenae) of Oklahoma, and Dayna Veal and Marshay Clady, both of San Bernardino, CA, his siblings; Laverne Brazley, Charlotte Jackson, June Blacknell, Jadene McClanahan (Stanley), and Cathy Clady, his beloved brother Marvin Clady, over thirty nieces and nephews, and three more generations he touched.

Delesbore

SUNRISE 07/10/1942

SUNSET 04/07/2024

Marshall Carl Robert Shirley Aletha Faye

Simpson

SUNRISE 06/03/1942

SUNSET 04/09/2024

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

Robert Simpson was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 3, 1942, to parents Willie and Geneva Simpson. Robert was a member of Saint Marks Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was baptized. He attended Withrow High School.

In 1960, he relocated to San Diego, CA, where he met and married Vertilla. Into that union, four children were born; Robert Jr., Cheryl, Berry, and Antoine Simpson. He worked as a tow truck driver at Western Towing and in 1979, started working as a Machinist at Western Lift Company in National City, CA. Robert retired from this job after 22 years. On December 24 1980, Robert married Vera (Earl, Dale, and Lynn Stringfellow).

Robert was an advent fisherman who mostly preferred freshwater fishing. He loved to fish in all the lakes in the San Diego area, but his favorite was El Capitan where he would catch catfish, bluegills and crappies. When Roberts’ health failed him, he wasn’t able to enjoy the sport of fishing as much. He became the “fishing guru” and always gave everyone advice where to go fishing, and when and how to catch the most fish.

Popie, what he was fondly known as, had a colorful character and always had something memorable to say. One of his more famous sayings was “Look at you looking like you looking,” which usually made everyone laugh. Robert passed on April 9, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Willie and Geneva Simpson, wife Vera Simpson, son Antoine Simpson, brothers; Willie Simpson Jr. and Walter Simpson, and sisters; Geneva Naomi and Barbara Jean.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory, Robert Jr. (Maria) of Las Vegas, NV, Berry of San Diego, CA, Cheryl of San Jose, CA, Earl (Yolanda) of Las Vegas, NV, Dale (Raychell) and Lynn (Stewart) of San Diego, CA, sister Joyce Roberson (Zeke) of Cincinnati, Ohio, brother Richard L. Simpson Sr. and wife Dolores of Winchester, California, 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

I get up every day and take a breath.

And start another day without you in it.

To honour you...

I laugh and love with those who knew your smile

And the way your eyes

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION &

BURIAL

Shirley Delesbore was born on July 10, 1942, and passed away on April 7, 2024. For two decades, Sister Shirley served the San Diego County Probation Department with unwavering dedication, retiring after years of faithful service. Her work was not merely a job but a calling, as she guided countless souls towards redemption and a better path. In retirement, she remained an active member of our community, her presence a testament to a life rooted in service and compassion.

A true woman of God, Sister Shirley was steadfast in her devotion. She studied the Bible daily, immersing herself in the Word and finding solace and wisdom in its pages. Her love for the Lord was as constant as the sunrise. She cherished religious word searches, which allowed her to meditate on the divine in moments of quiet reflection. Her journal, filled with prayers and musings, stands as a sacred chronicle of her spiritual journey.

Sister Shirley's enthusiasm for life was not confined to her spiritual pursuits. She was an avid fan of "Wheel of Fortune," her eyes sparkling with joy as the wheel spun, a reminder that life is a tapestry of chance and providence. To speak of Sister Shirley is to speak of love, thoughtfulness, and a faith that could move mountains. She was a loving mother, thoughtful friend, and a faithful servant of the Lord. Her spirit was a wellspring of kindness, and she bestowed her blessings upon all who knew her. Sister Shirley's life was a sermon of love, a living epistle written in the deeds of her days on this earth.

As we bid farewell to Sister Shirley Delores Delesbore, let us not sorrow as those without hope. For we know that she is now in the presence of our Savior, wrapped in the glory of His everlasting love. Her journey amongst us was a gift, and her memory a treasure that will continue to guide and inspire us. We shall carry her in our hearts until we meet again at Jesus' feet. Let us rejoice, for Sister Shirley has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith. Now there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her on that day-and not only to her but also to all who have longed for His appearing.

Scott

SUNRISE 01/04/1956

SUNSET 04/07/2024

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

Aletha Faye Scott was born in San Diego, California, on January 4th, 1956, to Minnie Lou Scott and Robert Thomas Scott. Aletha attended Horton Elementary School, Gompers Jr. High, and Lincoln High School. In 2011, Aletha decided to move down to Atlanta, Georgia, with her son Samuel and nephew Michael.

Aletha enjoyed playing bingo, slots, cards, watching movies and tv shows, and listening to music. Her favorite thing of all was talking mess. She was a caring mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and sister.

Aletha departed this life at the age 68 on April 7th, 2024 at 3:42PM.

She joins her mother Minnie Lou Scott, father Robert Thomas Scott, sisters; Thelma Montgomery and Debrorah Scott, son Samuel Stewart, and niece Felicia Lynn Lewis.

She is survived by sister Gwen Scott, sons; Keeshawn Scott and Deshawn Broadnax, daughter Destinee Dessesaure, daughter in-laws; Ora Broadnax and Amber Scott, grandchildren; Keionte Scott, Keeshawn Scott Jr., Kaia Scott, Samuel Stewart IV, Blake Daniel Talley Stewart, Ladream Dessesaure, Lakair Harlee, and Lakell Harlee, cousin Darlene Gearing, niece Dominique Cokley, nephew Marcellus Dupree Campbell, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To Honour You

By Connie F. Kiefer Byrd

twinkled with mischief and secret knowledge.

To honour you... I take the time to appreciate everyone I love, I know now there is no guarantee of days or hours spent in their presence.

To honour you... I listen to music you would have liked, And sing at the top of my lungs, with the windows rolled down

To honour you... I take chances, say what I feel, hold nothing back, Risk making a fool of myself, dance every dance. You were my light, my heart, my gift of love, from the very highest source. So every day, I vow to make a difference, share a smile, live, laugh and love. Now I live for us both, so all I do, I do to honour you.

Napolian

Reed

SUNRISE 11/02/1950

SUNSET 03/31/2024

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

Napolian Reed, better known to family as Pocat, was born on November 2, 1950, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Gloria “Bybe” Reed and James Smith. He was the second born of six children.

Napolian was very young when he moved to California. He attended both Burbank and Logan Elementary schools, and both Memorial and San Diego High schools before enlisting in the United States Army. After serving his country for a few years and being honorably discharged, Napolian met and married Shirley Hamilton. This union produced three daughters; Tamika, Kamilah and Randa. He worked at Nassco (Shipyard) for many years to provide for his family. Although his marriage ended, Napolian stayed in his daughters' lives and continued to care for and provide for them. He later united with Crystal Lewis and to this union, Khadijah and Nate were born, and he gained a stepson, Nicholas.

Napolian was a very well-known, fun-loving, sociable person, especially after good food and a few drinks. He was definitely a family man and always had fun with his nieces, nephews, sisters, and brothers.

On March 31, 2024, Napolian was called to his Heavenly Home. Although his departure leaves pain in our hearts, he himself is feeling no pain. He's in a place of celebration, a place of eternal happiness, and a place where he's reunited with loved ones who have preceded him in death.

Although he left us in the physical form, he has left a big enough impact on everyone who’s related to him, knew him, or ever encountered him in life. So let the celebration begin. We were able to enjoy him for 73 years physically, and he now lives in our hearts and minds forever.

Napolian was preceded in death by both parents, including his stepfather, Alfonzo Davis, brother Nathaniel Davis, two sisters; Veris Chamberlin and Bernice McGowan, and two nephews; Charles and Raymond Titus.

He is survived by four daughters; Tamika Beason (Marlon), Kamilah Reed (Eddie), Randa Reed (Vincent), and Khadijah Reed, two sons; Nathaniel Reed and Nicholas Bates, 13 grandchildren; Tiesha, Tatyanah, Tracey, Talawna, Eddie Jr., Aniya, Dorian, Raelynn, Sequioa, Victorius, Kendrick, Jedidiah, and Mia, 9 great-grandchildren; Tashayla, Jashayla, Jamilla, Sa’mayah, Armani, Eternity, Devyn, Ashanti and Xolani, brother Henry Davis Sr., sister Ennis Harvey, and a host of nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends to mourn his passing.

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

Psalm 34:18

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

UPROAR

Continued from cover

According to the office of the Independent Budget Analyst the exact breakdown of proposed cuts to equity related programs are as follows:

• Climate equity fund: $8.5 million

• Office of Immigrant Affairs: $562,000

• Cannabis Social Equity Program: $417,000 (will also require the City to return $883,000 in grant funds to the state)

• SD Access 4 All: $57,000

• Community Equity Fund: $3.1 million

• No Shots Fired Program: $250,000

• Eviction Prevention Program: $3.2 million

Based on the IBA’s analysis, “it was known that the City would be facing difficult budget decisions, as we have been dealing with a structural deficit for some time,” said Charles Modica, who oversees the IBA department. The structural deficit—which is when a government spends more than it receives in taxes—amounts to $197.8 million for San Diego.

The City had been relying on a one time infusion of $299.7 million in federal American Rescue Plan ACT dollars to support operations over the last three years. “That ARPA money has now been exhausted, and the City is left with fewer resources to provide its services,” Modica writes, in a statement.

Many of these equity centralized programs were new to the City, established to address the long ignored disparities, alot of which stemmed from within District 4.

For example, the No Shots Fired Program, launched by former District 4 Councilmember in 2021, was a collaborative effort between the City’s Gang Commission that focused on gun violence in communities of concern.

“After years of disinvestment and the corre-

LABOR

Continued from cover

During the rally, many former incarcerated individuals, along with organizers, and supporters took turns performing songs, reading poems, and sharing their experiences working in California’s penal institutions. They also shared stories detailing the repercussions they suffered in prisons when they refused to work.

The 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution was ratified in 1865. It prohibited slavery and involuntary servitude with one exception: if involuntary servitude was imposed as punishment for a crime.

sponding impacts of community violence, the No Shots Fired Program is a step in the right direction to provide a policy solution that quells violence, promotes economic justice, and improves community policing relationships,” said mayor Todd Gloria, in his 2021 announcement of the program.

However, now on the verge of cuts, “I just want to ask Todd Gloria to not let this opportunity that combines positive intent from us all to slip through the cracks,” said D’Andre Brooks, chair of the city’s commissioner gang prevention and intervention.

Other commitments facing potential backtracks are within the climate action, and community equity funds.

The Climate Equity Fund, also established in 2021, was dedicated to address climate disparities in communities on the front lines of climate change.

Direct examples of this are the flood. “This is a result of systematic disinvestment in our communities where we are ignored, or we are neglected, and that was the result of what we saw on January 22.” said Frances Yasmeen, a board member of Activist San Diego.

“His actions still don’t make sense because he's cutting funding to our neighborhoods,” said Yasmeen, in regards to the elimination of the $8.5 million climate equity fund.

The $3.1 million community equity fund is also proposed to be drained and reabsorbed into the general fund budget.

Established in 2021, the Community Equity Fund was initially antic-

posed budget calls for the unused $3.1 million plus interest earned to be swept back into the General Fund.

In a statement on the “Protecting out Progress” budget, Mayor Gloria explains:

“These reductions are difficult, but necessary to preserve core services and are anticipated to be one-time adjustments,” said Gloria.

Other reductions discussed at the press conference were the closure of teen drop in centers in low income commutes, elimination of the tenant protection program, cannabis equity and the BIPOC criminalization of marijuana, and Office of Immigrant affairs.

ipated to fund 8-10 organizations to create equity focused outcomes in various areas such as employment, childcare, and education, the IBA’s report explains.

In short, the money was never spent on equity efforts within the community, and now, the pro-

Overall, the string of tension is tightening with almost every move the City makes when it comes to quality and quantity of equity.

The sentiment of Todd Gloria disfavoring people south of the 8 was made clear by community activist Lanell Brown, President of Giving Hands.

“When are you going to help us Todd? When are you going to show some love for people on this side? We want to live, we want our kids to grow up and be happy just like those kids. We’re not asking for anything that you’re not already doing somebody else, we want it just like they got it—give it to us!”

To read the full outline of the IBA’s analysis on the proposed FY 2025 budget visit: https://www. sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2024-04/24-09review-of-the-fy-2025-proposed-budget.pdf

The Senate failed to pass ACA 3, the California Abolition Act in July 2022, preventing the measure from being placed on the November General Election ballot for voters to approve or reject.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union: California Action, over 65% of the people in prisons reportedly being forced to work are performing essential jobs like firefighting and paving roads.

In 2022, incarcerated workers made up 43% of the state’s firefighters, ACLU revealed. After serving time and being released from prison the formerly incarcerated are often denied public safety jobs such as firefighters.

LITTERING

Continued from cover

Hate littering is a growing concern nationwide, and the activity in San Diego County follows the national trend. California State Assembly analysis in the bill defines hate littering as “[the act of publishing and distributing] hateful propaganda onto another person's property, seeking to intimidate that person.” While hate littering can target any demographic, there has been a particular spike in antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ messaging from white nationalist groups across the country, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

After the Del Cerro neighborhood was littered with hateful misinformation in September of 2023, Tazheen Nizam, Executive Director of

HOUSING

Continued from cover

On

May 7, Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a significant funding boost to address the pressing issues of affordable housing and homelessness across the United States.

“Homeownership is an essential part of the American Dream that represents so much more than a roof over our heads,” Harris stated.

The funding, part of the White House

“I am able to go to the State Capitol and get our voices heard in a collective fashion. The issue that is really important to me right now is ending and removing involuntary servitude from

John Cannon, a member of All of Us or None of Us (AOUNOU), a grassroots civil and human rights organization focused on supporting formerly and currently incarcerated people and their families performed his hip-hop song, “No Exception: All of Us or None of Us” at the rally. He revealed that he served time in prison and was forced to work in various roles without the ability to object. He worked in warehouses, as a firefighter, and in other jobs. Understanding that the “prison industrial complex is a welloiled machine,” he said, his mission is to see that forced labor is no longer an option.

the Council on American Islamic Relations in San Diego (CAIR SD) published a statement calling for communities to stand together.

“We must stand up against antisemitism and all forms of bigotry whenever hate-filled propaganda appears in our communities,” Nizam said. “When one community is targeted by hate, we are all impacted.”

“This struggle started with the cowardly distribution of flyers designed to terrorize our Jewish neighbors and divide our city,” Elliot said. She thanked the bill’s supporters and the AntiDefamation League (ADL), the sponsor of the bill. The ADL says that 2023 was the highest year on record for reported antisemitic events, such as hate littering, since it began tracking in 1979.

One challenge that the community has faced in preventing the spread of these flyers is a lack

Housing Supply Action Plan and the Blueprint for a Renter’s Bill of Rights, aims to boost the housing supply, lower housing costs, expand rental assistance, enhance renter protections, and invest in more robust, more resilient communities.

The White House said the allocation of the $5.5 billion in grants would go through various HUD programs, including:

• $1.3 billion to 668 grantees to build affordable housing through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).

the State’s Constitution,” Cannon said.

Article 1, Section 6 of the California Constitution prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, “except as punishment for a crime.” Former state Sen. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) originally proposed ACA 3 in 2020, when she served in the Assembly, to remove this exception.

of definition, which Ward’s office calls a “legal gray area.” As it stands, the difference between basic littering and the spreading of hateful fliers is ambiguous. The bill aims to clear this up in order to properly enforce penalties.

“While California law makes certain egregious types of hate littering a criminal offense, lower-level offenses are harder to deter. This bill would establish civil penalties for all types of hate littering,” the bill analysis states. Campillo says by raising the fines on these offenses, they are less likely to occur.

“I’m proud to support Assemblymember Ward’s Stop Hate Littering Act, which will help ensure that cowards who attempt to anonymously threaten people and make communities live in fear will face consequences for their hateful behavior,” Gloria said. “Distributing hate liter-

• $214 million to every state to increase affordable housing supply via the Housing Trust Fund (HTF).

• $3.3 billion to 1,254 grantees to build stronger communities through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

• $455 million to 130 grantees to connect people with HIV/AIDS to housing and support through the Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) program.

• $290 million to 357 grantees to address

“Incarcerated individuals can have severe inhumane punishment for not working, including physical violence and solitary confinement,” Wilson said. “This is not justice. This is exploitation. Period. These punishments can be imposed for absences caused by injury or illness. The relations between incarcerated individuals and work should not be one of exploitation but one of rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration in our society.”

ature is an affront to the principles of respect, inclusivity and diversity that define our city and state—and that we must work to protect.”

Elliot finished her remarks at the bill’s introduction with a message of unity in the community. “This announcement today is a lesson to anyone hoping to divide San Diego: you cannot do it, we will not let you. You will always end by bringing us closer together.”

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/.

homelessness through Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG).

• $30 million to 23 States and the District of Columbia to support recovery from substance use disorder via the Recovery Housing Program (RHP).

The announcement follows Harris’s recent stops on her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour, where she has been highlighting the BidenHarris Administration’s efforts to support communities and improve access to housing while making it more affordable.

Tuesday,

PHOTO: Macy Meinhardt, Voice & Viewpoint

January flooding in District 4, Jan. 23, 2024. PHOTO: Macy Meinhardt/ Voice & Viewpoint

About 400 photos of individuals allegedly harmed by law enforcement were put on display at the Quest 4 Democracy event hosted by All of Us or None of Us at the State Capitol in Sacramento. PHOTO: Antonio Ray Harvey/CBM

Need Help Understanding the City’s 2025 Budget?

Office of Independent Budget Analyst releases Budget Process Crash Course

By Macy Meinhardt Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer

Navigating this year's 1,500 plus page budget document that outlines how and where the city spends our tax dollars to serve residents can be a daunting task.

In case you missed it, in last week's editorial, “The City, the Budget and YOU the Voter,” Voice & Viewpoint Publisher Dr. John E Warren reviewed the importance of citizen engagement in their budget. Noting that for people of color, “the crisis is even more real since we have less to start with.”

In addition, the City’s budget also clues in where our local governments priorities are. For example, V&V readers might be interested to know that the City plans to cut $36 million in equity programs, according to Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed FY 2025 Proposed Budget.

Therefore, on top of other review documents the Office of Independent Budget Analyst has released regarding the budget, their newest report offers a crash course to understand the intricacies of budget functions.

The 45 page document breaks down in simple terms the functions of our budget and what is up ahead for 2025. Residents can

access the crash course by following this link: https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/ files/2024-03/iba-budget-crash-course-2024. pdf .

The mission of the IBA office, led by Analyst Charles Modica, is “To provide clear, objective and unbiased analysis and advice to the City Council and the public regarding all legislative items bearing financial and policy impacts to the City of San Diego.”

Let the City Know what YOU want in the budget

Attend the following public hearings to voice your viewpoints on this year's budget.

• W ednesday, May 8, 2024 6:00 PM City Council meeting for public input on FY 2025 Proposed Budget.

• Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - Budget Town Hall in District 6 with Councilmember Kent Lee and IBA

• May 16, 2024 (6:00PM) - Council District 9 Budget Forum (RSVP here: sdd9.info/rsvp)

Other key dates:

After the public hearings for community and City Council input wrap up, the final budget modifications are due May 22nd. The hearing on the modifications will be on June 7th and the final adoption date of the budget will be June 11th.

One Year After Medi-Cal Renewals, Health Care Expanded for Californians

By Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

At an Ethnic Media Services Briefing, a state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) official, community health care enrollment workers and Medi-Cal enrollees shared how redetermination has impacted enrollment, efforts to keep eligible members enrolled and the importance of keeping Medi-Cal services.

An overview of the unwinding

The nationwide redetermination of Medicaid, known as “the great unwinding,” is “one of the biggest healthcare events after the Affordable Care Act,” said Yingjia Huang, DHCS Assistant Deputy Director of Health Care Benefits and Eligibility.

In November 2023, with 1 million Californians up for renewal that month, the state had a 21 percent disenrollment rate, whether due to ineligibility or errors with returning paperwork. In December, however, DHCS automated much of the online enrollment process, “reducing that 21 percent disenrollment to about 9 percent,” said Huang. “Our January and February data shows that it continues to decrease, and those who are disenrolled for procedural reasons have 90 days to re-enroll with no gap in coverage.”

“One of the major obstacles was filling out that hefty redetermination packet. Many of our members came onto the program during the pandemic, and never did redetermination before, as the annual process was paused,” she explained. “Alongside automating the process to help members, we’ve created how-to videos and outreach to enroll over the phone or online, translated into 19 languages.”

In January 2024, DHCS also expanded MediCal to eligible undocumented individuals of all ages adding about 700,000 people to fullscope benefits.

With the expansion, Northeast Valley Health Corporation (NEVHC) expects to provide primary and preventive services to over 6,000 newly eligible patients. With the unwinding, its clinics have helped over 5,000 patients re-enroll, the bulk of whom were monolingual Spanish speakers from immigrant backgrounds.

Vilma Champion, Director of Managed Care and NEVHC, suggested that, “to meet our patients where they are with access to care before they need it when they’re sick,” DHCS have culturally-tailored outreach for those with public charge or immigration status concerns, and reintroduce Saturday hours to increase accessibility and reduce wait times for those with conflicting work schedules.

Firsthand stories

“As the mother of three children, I’m very thankful that the workers at my clinic in Sun Valley made re-enrollment so smooth,” said Griselda, a Spanish-speaking NEVHC patient, through a translator. “Good health ensures the future for our children. I hope Medi-Cal is always there for them.”

She said she was especially grateful to be able to take her children to yearly physicals, and have them access normally expensive dental care: “My 15 year old daughter had a problem where she couldn’t close her teeth, and she was aware that kids who have this get bullied in school. She was very happy to get braces and prevent that from happening.”

“Last August, near San Diego, my mother, from Yucatan, had her first seizure,” said Dara Montejo, daughter of a new enrollee. “She was undocumented and I didn’t know much about Medi-Cal at the time; I thought she was dying. Even when I was calling the ambulance, in the back of my mind, I thought, ‘How much will the bill be?’ and when the EMTs came, we decided to take her in my dad’s car. I wasn’t feeling safe, but it felt like the only option.”

Although Medi-Cal is expanding and improving, some still fear accessibility gaps and stigma.

San Diego City College (SDCC) recently announced its new partnership with TBH, a leading provider of virtual basic needs support services for students.

SDCC’s collaboration with TBH will:

• T hrough TBH, SDCC students will have access to various resources including food, housing, transportation, childcare, legal, and immigration support.

• Offer SDCC students complimentary access to virtual Resource Navigators

• R esource Navigators will help students identify and secure eligible benefit programs and support services

• Provide an intuitive student app with realtime updates, appointment scheduling, and case management.

In a statement, SDCC underscored its commitment to providing comprehensive support for students both inside and outside the classroom, relieving students of the burden of navigating public benefit programs and support services.

“In today's constantly evolving higher education landscape, it is crucial that we provide our students with the necessary support to thrive. This partnership allows us to do just that,” said Ricky Shabazz, Ed.D., president of San Diego City College.

The services provided by TBH are particularly crucial, as national survey data shows that one in three college students across the US have experienced food insecurity in the last 30 days and one in ten have been homeless in the past year.

Four interns from an inclusive internship program were recently recognized at a graduation celebration for their contributions to the County. The April 11 ceremony at the County Operations Center marked the completion of their 6-month internship with the County through Jay’s Program.

Jay’s Program provides on-the-job training for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program is designed to help participants improve job skills and increase opportunities for future employment.

In partnership with PRIDE Industries and the San Diego Regional Center, the program includes professional development training and support from coaches and mentors.

The program also allows participating County departments to expand their perspective on inclusivity and belonging in the workplace.

and being is not just a valuable asset for the County but a vital one,” said Lawson-Remer. “Thank you for sharing with us your unique perspectives and extraordinary talents.”

The April 2024 graduates interned with following departments: Agricultural, Weights and Measures; Environmental Health & Quality; Medical Care Services; and the Office of Equity and Racial Justice.

At the graduation ceremony, Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Terra LawsonRemer thanked the graduates for demonstrating tenacity, creativity, dedication and an unwavering commitment to their personal and professional growth over the internship.

“You have proven that diversity of thought

To date, 21 people have graduated from Jay’s Program.

For more info about qualifications and steps for participation in Jay’s Program visit countynewscenter.com.

PHOTO: Pexels

PHOTO: Courtesy of San Diego City College

SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP

Students put their stamp on solutions to pressing social issues important to us all

By Macy Meinhardt VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF WRITER

The finale of a nine week initiative to challenge San Diego Unified students to think and engage critically on social issues wrapped up last Tuesday.

“Nine weeks later, students had great vision. They held great values. They collaborated, they used data, and they designed a plan for how they believe we can solve some of these crises that we’re seeing,” said San Diego Unified Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson, in an interview with Voice & Viewpoint

In February, teams of eight from 19 high schools in the San Diego Unified District gathered at the Aspen Challenge Kickoff where they were presented with a challenge to create a solution inspired cam-

paign for their peers and surrounding communities. The students were then given two months to strategically select and plan a “solution” for one of five societal issues promoted: school attendance and equity, climate change, immigration, mental health, and housing.

More than half of the groups chose to create a solution for mental health—reflecting a cohesive understanding among students of the urgency behind the youth mental health crisis. Team Lincoln from Lincoln High School made a worthy contribution to the challenge and also picked mental health as a focus of their solutions-oriented project.

Three SDUSD schools chosen to attend Colorado Ideas Festival

The three winning teams selected to receive an all-expense paid trip to Colorado to present their projects at the Aspen Ideas Festival this summer were Madison High School, Mira Mesa High School, and the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. The festival serves as the Aspen Institute’s annual flagship gathering of global leaders, influencers, and entrepreneurs.

Each student presentation was judged by a panel of nine local thought leaders and directors of civic programming. After their presentation students stayed on stage to engage in a Q&A with judges over their projects.

SDSU Student Pushes Amidst Israeli-Palestinian

By Macy Meinhardt

VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF WRITER

Mateo Olmos, a San Diego State Graduate student is among the thousands of students right now actively exercising their freedom of speech in opposition to the war in Gaza.

“I don't identify as Middle Eastern or Palestinian, I am Black and Mexican, but I do have friends that identify with both cultures, and I feel strongly about the liberation of people and helping the oppressed be free,” said Olmos, a graduate student in the Public Health Department.

Voice & Viewpoint caught up with Mateo April 30th as the “Walk out for Palestine” demonstration was ending at the university. Sporting a Martin Luther King t-shirt and Palestine flag in hand, directly across from him was an Israeli student holding up the Flag of Israel. The conversation was peaceful, but the scene was a sharp contrast to the images seen just an hour ago within the newsroom. Chaotic encounters of police arresting students, and violent engagements between Jewish and Palestinian students dominated the news cycle and took over our televisions. What was seen in front of Hepner Hall at SDSU couldn't be farther than that.

“I feel like it is fair to get both points of view, because when people are protesting and there are counter protests or a conflict, there should be room for discussion. Both sides feel strongly about what they believe in, and I find it important to understand the opposing view and both sides of what is going on,” said Mateo.

Specifically among Jewish and Palestinian students, many campuses have been grappling with the intersection of free speech, censorship, and academic freedom in a way that does not marginalize any belief. Students in support of Palestine have made their reasoning to demonstrate clear: to call upon their institution to cut financial ties with funding sources supporting Israel. Meanwhile, in the wake of this heightened intensity, many Jewish students feel as if their safety is threatened and the demonstrations display antisemitic undertones.

In controversial mitigation efforts, across 68 campuses since

Organized by Students for

a

of

in front of SDSU’s Hepner Hall to listen to speeches and rally peacefully in solidarity with Palestine.

“The turnout was great. There were a lot of people. It was peaceful. There was no violence. There was no vandalism— that I know of— just chalk, and the people calmly dispersed after, it was great,” said Olmos.

April 12, AP has recorded that 2,400 plus student arrests have been made by law enforcement.

Justice in Palestine, the walk out drew

crowd

over 1,000 students gathered

PHOTO: Macy Meinhardt/ Voice & Viewpoint

Aspen Challenge judges. R-L: Alex Waters, Sidd Vivek, Debbie Chen, Jim Rawlins, Sarah Tuakli Cooper, Danielle Goldberg, & Alexis Villaneuva PHOTO: Macy Meinhardt/ Voice & Viewpoint.

San Diego Unified Students outside The Prado in Balboa Park for the solutions showcase competition. May 1st, 2024. PHOTO: Courtesy of Dan Myer/The Aspen Institute.

San Diego Unified Superintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson at the Aspen Challenge Kickoff. Photo: Macy Meinhardt/ Voice & Viewpoint

The Winning Teams

Mira Mesa High School, one of the top three teams, created a “Student Guide to Well-Being” (SGWB) web platform that featured resources and connections to community support, and also hosted in-person events and workshops to drive people to use and engage with their site.

In regards to climate change and reducing the use of single-use plastics in the community, Madison High School presented a project titled “SPORK” that sought to improve the recycling habits of their peers via a public awareness campaign. Their project collaborated with local restaurants to use a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic utensils and partnered with high schools in Tijuana, Mexico to internationally replicate their work.

Meanwhile, the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts created a project focused on chronic school absenteeism in school systems by tracking down the key causes of absenteeism amongst their peers. The group found that lack of transportation access and unaddressed mental health concerns contributed most to chronic ab -

senteeism at their school, leading them to craft a solution known as “LEO” (Learning Excellence Outreach). Students worked with their district to add buses to their school’s fleet and forged district-sanctioned partnerships with local univer-

other schools.

The room was packed with over a hundred students, and educators also known as Aspen “coaches” from across the districts as students got on stage to present.

sities that would bring graduate students within psychology and social work to their schools to begin working with their student body.

Three other schools received recognition for originality, collaboration, and resilience— Mt. Everest Academy, Crawford High School, and Hoover High School. Meanwhile, Mission Bay High School received the People’s Choice Award, voted on by their peers from the

Pushes for Peace Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Officials report that there were no incidents that occurred on Tuesday. In a statement issued by the school, they said: “As a public university, and as aligned with our institutional values, San Diego State University must allow for constitutionally protected free speech and an individual’s right to acts of peaceful protest.”

According to Mateo: “we’re standing up against government powers that have control of our money and have control of our voices and opinions, and a lot of the time they do things that we don’t agree with. And so the people have the

right to protest against children, mothers, women, men and families who are losing their lives, and nobody wants to see anybody lose a life. The Israeli, Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, Christian, any—nobody wants to see anybody lose a life.”

What did the Israeli student share with you?

“He talked to me about how his family is from Israel and the time he lived there. He told me how he protests the government in Israel and does not believe in what they are doing and how there are a number of people who are protesting their government there as well.”

“I find it necessary and important to speak to people and get their point of view. And I actually learned a lot from that young man, so I'm glad I spoke to him,” Mateo reflects.

However, Mateo emphasizes that there is still a need to recognize what is transpiring in the United States and Israel, as well as the plight of the Palestinian people who are victims of displacement and genocide. Understanding the intricate context of history is essential, he noted.

Whether or not the students will ever see eye to eye, Mateo states that he ultimately recognizes that everyone is a human being in this conflict.

“Life is valuable. You don’t get to choose where you’re born or what culture you’re in. People have the right to live.”

As students and young people across the country navigate the complexities of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, Mateo’s willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints and his call for empathy underscore the universal value of human life and dignity. In a world where voices over this issue continuously clash, the message resonates: Regardless of differences, every individual deserves the right to live in peace.

Were you nervous to go on?

“It’s a large crowd. Yeah I mean, I was definitely

apprehensive and a little bit nervous but as you go along, it gets a lot easier. And the judges made me very comfortable there when they were asking questions and (were) very supportive. So it wasn’t too difficult to deal with,” said Lincoln High School Senior.

What was your favorite part of this experience?

“For me, it’s the challenges that reflect real life problems that we’re facing now that really need to be solved, and bettering the future. Children are going to be the future. So for them to already start to think about things, it’s going to sow the seeds for change,” said Lincoln High School science and physics teacher, Mr. Navarro.

Team Lincoln’s project also focused on mental health in conjunction with sports, which the students say is very integral in the school’s culture. Their concept centered on a sportbench that doubled as a bookshelf with books and resources for how to deal with mental health and personal wellbeing.

Voice & Viewpoint enjoyed following the journey of the Aspen Challenge in San Diego Unified School District the past three months. For more information on the initiative visit: https://www. aspeninstitute.org/newsaspen-challenge-sandiego-winners-announced/

Students made notes left on Aspen Challenge Posters regarding mental health and homelessness. PHOTOS: Macy Meinhardt/ Voice & Viewpoint

PHOTO: Jae C. Hong/AP

BUSINESS/FINANCE NEWS

Financial Tips for Parents to Teach Their Children

It’s never too early to start teaching your children how to save money and spend responsibly.

“As parents, our job is to set our children up for success,” Bank of America’s Head of Deposit Products Erin McCullen said. “Giving our kids a strong foundation of financial skills like budgeting and saving is a key part in ensuring they thrive as adults and can concentrate on the things they love.”

Consider these financial tips:

1 Establish a budget. Budgeting is a lifelong skill. Teaching young adults how to budget can help them plan spending, save money, create goals and address financial anxiety.

2 If your kids are on the younger side, they likely don’t have a steady income, but you can still help them practice budgeting with allowances or gifts from relatives or friends. Keep it simple: teach them to track the money they receive and separate it into spend-now and spend-later categories.

3 Measure these categories against their total monthly income. Ideally, they should have more money coming in than going out. This process can help identify must-have vs. wantto-have purchases while highlighting areas to cut back on spending or finding room to save.

4 S ave regularly and consistently. Making consistent, automatic contributions to a savings account can create a mindset that will be valuable as your children get older.

5 Make a finance checklist. This list can include creating a budgeting and tracking strategy.

6

O pen a savings account to begin setting aside money from future paychecks or checking in with a financial planner to discuss transitions and what’s to come.

7 E mphasize the importance of safe credit. Building credit from a young age can help pave the way for major purchases and life moments, since credit impacts future living arrangements, the ability to purchase a car and even employment opportunities.

8 T each your children about the steps they can take to start building credit like planning their credit card usage, never spending outside their means and paying off their credit card bills on-time and in-full. They can also earn rewards while spending by ensuring their credit card rewards their spending.

Taking time now to teach your children strong financial habits can help them develop lifelong financial skills and prepare them for their next adventure. The healthy habits they build today can help carry them to tomorrow and beyond.

This article first appeared in Inland Valley News.

Life Insurance: 4 Things Millennials

and Gen

Zers Should Know About

1. People rely on you.

Life insurance promises to pay your loved ones a sum of money in the event you pass away. If you’re in a committed relationship, engaged, married or have children, having life insurance is key to protecting those people who matter most to you. If you’re gone, your life insurance benefits can help your loved ones replace your income and maintain their home and lifestyle.

And even if you’re single and don’t have children, chances are there are still people who would be financially impacted if you were to pass away. For example, life insurance can help protect parents, siblings and loved ones from your burial expenses. And if someone has ever co-signed a loan or credit card for you, life insurance can help protect them from your debts.

2. Life insurance tends to cost less when you’re younger.

Life insurance premiums, what you pay in exchange for coverage, are calculated based on many factors, beginning with how much coverage you’re purchasing and the type of policy. Then, your personal information and risk level are considered. Your age, health and life expectancy are all factored in when determining the premium amount.

That said, the younger and healthier you are, the less your life insurance will likely cost. When you lock in low, long-term rates in your 20s or 30s, you can enjoy them for decades to come. Further, if you develop an illness later in life, your coverage cannot be

revoked if you keep paying your premiums.

3. Your employer policy may not be enough.

Employer-sponsored life insurance is a great benefit, but it may not be enough, especially if you own a home, are married or have children. This is because workplace policies often only provide a basic minimum amount of coverage, and you probably can’t keep the coverage if you change jobs. That’s why many people decide to purchase their own individual policies outside of work.

4. Choosing the right policy can help you meet other financial goals.

Life insurance coverage falls into two main categories: term and permanent. Term life insurance covers you for a certain number of years before coverage ends.

Permanent life insurance covers you for your lifetime, plus can also feature a money savings component that enables you to build cash value. There are several distinct types of permanent policies, including whole life and universal life. Depending on the type of policy, cash value grows from your deposits; interest earned; and/or growth based on the stock market, an index or investments. Typically, you can withdraw or borrow from your policy’s cash value as needed.

Obtaining life insurance when you’re young and healthy may not be top of mind, but it’s an important part of a holistic financial plan, and can protect the people you love.

StatePoint

PHOTO: Freepik

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Nigerian Journalist’s Arrest Triggers Criticism

Of

Worsening Press Freedoms

By Chinedu Asadu

Associated Press

AN igerian journalist’s arrest last week has triggered criticism of worsening press freedoms in the West African country.

Daniel Ojukwu with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism went missing last Wednesday in the economic hub of Lagos. His family and employer found out on May 3rd that he was detained and held in a police station for allegedly violating the country’s Cybercrime Act, often criticized as a tool for censorship.

The arrest of Ojukwu, who was later transferred to the Nigerian capital of Abuja, follows his report about alleged financial mismanagement of over 147 million naira ($104,600) involving a senior government official, according to his employer, the foundation.

Nigeria is ranked 112th out of 180 countries in the latest World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders. It is known for the country’s tough environment for journalists who face frequent abductions, arrests and prosecution, usually after reporting on chronic corruption and bad governance plaguing the oil-rich country.

At least 25 journalists have been prosecuted under the country’s Cybercrime Act since it was introduced in 2015, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. They include eight detained under President Bola Tinubu whose government, in power since May last year, touts itself as one encouraging press freedoms — a claim it repeated last week during World Press Freedom Day events.

The Cybercrime Act was amended this year to remove some harsh provisions but the police still use it to “silence journalists and critics,” Amnesty International’s Nigeria office said.

Nigeria’s law requires a suspect to be charged or released within 48 hours following arrest. Ojukwu, however, was not allowed any means of communication or access to a lawyer until his third day in custody, said Oke Ridwan, a human rights lawyer who met with the journalist at the police station where he was held.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information Mohammed Idris Malagi told The Associated Press that he is making efforts to resolve the case and is “on top of the issue.” Local and international civil society groups have condemned the detention.

It is a “symptom of a larger problem within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, and their relationship with politically exposed persons undermining democratic principles,” a coalition of at least 30 civil society groups known as the Action Group on Protection of Civic Actors said in a statement on Monday.

“The Nigerian Police Force has veered off course from its duty to uphold law and order to become an oppressive tool in stifling dissent and independent journalism,” it added.

Bomb Kills 12 People at Displacement Camps in Eastern Congo

Department, have also accused Rwanda of backing the rebels. Rwanda denies the claims.

EU Tightens Visa Requirements for Ethiopians

Lack of government cooperation on deportations

The European Union announced on Monday that it is tightening visa requirements for people from Ethiopia, accusing the government there of a failure to cooperate in taking back citizens found to be living illegally in the 27-nation bloc.

EU headquarters said the time it takes to process visas for Ethiopian nationals will triple from 15 to 45 days. EU countries will no longer be permitted to waive requirements for certain paperwork or issue multiple-entry visas. Ethiopian diplomats and officials will now have to pay for travel visas.

The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, has vowed to use visa rules as a way of applying pressure on countries to cooperate in deportation procedures. Only around one in three people ordered to depart the EU ever actually leave.

The Commission says the action is being taken due to “a lack of response from the Ethiopian authorities with regard to readmission requests,” as well as shortcomings with “the organization of both voluntary and non-voluntary return operations,” which is the way the EU describes deportation.

Most people staying illegally in the EU arrive without breaking any rules via airports or ports but never go home once their visas expire, outnumbering those who arrive on unseaworthy boats or travel overland in search of refuge, jobs or better lives in Europe.

Ethiopia is mired in conflict and a humanitarian crisis. The two-year conflict in the northern Tigray region, which ended with a peace deal in November 2022, left most of the region’s population of 6 million relying on international help.

The country is both a major place of origin and transit for migrants and refugees in the Horn of Africa region, often serving as a hub for people from Eritrea and Somalia aiming to reach Europe or other northern parts of the African continent.

Attacks on two camps for displaced people in eastern Congo's North Kivu province on Friday, May 3rd, killed at least 12 people, including children, according to local officials, an aid group and the United Nations.

The U.N. said in a statement that bombs hit two camps for displaced people in Lac Vert and Mugunga, near the city of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu.The U.N. called the attacks a “flagrant violation of human rights and international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime”.

Lt. Colonel Ndjike Kaiko, a Congolese army spokesperson, blamed the attacks on a rebel group, known as M23, with alleged links to Rwanda, in a statement provided to The Associated Press. The M23 rebel group denied any role in the attacks and blamed Congolese forces in a statement published on X.

A U.N. spokesperson, Jean Jonas Yaovi Tossa, told the AP that at least 12 people were killed and more than 20 injured in the attacks.

Save The Children, an aid group, said it was present at one of the camps when shells struck close to a busy marketplace ahead of their vehicle. It said dozens were injured, mostly women and children, and the death toll was still unclear.Congo's president, Felix Tshisekedi, who was traveling in Europe, decided to return home Friday following the bombings, a statement from his office said. Tshisekedi has long alleged that Rwanda is destabilizing Congo by backing the M23 rebels. U.N. experts, along with the U.S. State

Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron called on neighboring Rwanda to halt its support for the M23 rebel group during a joint press conference with Tshisekedi in Paris.

The bombings follow the M23 rebel group's capture of the strategic mining town of Rubaya this week. The town holds deposits of tantalum, which is extracted from coltan, a key component in the production of smartphones. It is among the minerals that was named earlier this month in a letter from Congo’s government questioning Apple about the tech company’s knowledge of “blood minerals” being smuggled in its supply chain.

“We are gravely concerned about the recent (Rwanda Defense Forces) and M23 expansion in eastern DRC, which has contributed to the displacement of more than 2.5 million people," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. “(We) call on both parties to respect human rights and adhere to applicable obligations under international humanitarian law.”

The decades long conflict in eastern Congo has produced one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over 100 armed groups fighting in the region, most for land and control of mines with valuable minerals. Some are fighting to try to protect their communities. Many groups are accused of carrying out mass killings, rapes and other human rights violations. The violence has displaced about 7 million people, many beyond the reach of aid.

By Evelyne Musambi Associated Press

Kenyan President William Ruto has postponed the planned reopening of schools until further notice, as heavy rains and floods that have killed more than 200 people continue.

The president in his state of the nation address on Friday said that “meteorological reports paint a dire picture,” citing the possibility of Cyclone Hidaya hitting coastal Kenya in coming days. Kenya and other parts of East Africa have been overwhelmed by flooding, with more than 150,000 displaced people living in camps across the country.

Schools originally were to reopen this week, but the education ministry postponed that by a week. Students will now wait for the announcement of new reopening dates as some schools remain flooded and others have been damaged. Some displaced people have been living in schools while the gov -

ernment prepares to relocate them to camps.

The government has ordered people living near 178 dams and reservoirs that are either full or nearly full to evacuate or be forcefully moved.Water levels at two major hydroelectric dams have reached historic highs and the government has warned those living downstream along the Tana River.

Last week, a boat capsized on the river, which flows to the Indian Ocean, leaving seven people dead and 13 others missing. A passenger bus was also swept off a bridge along the same river last month.

The government has been accused of an inadequate response to the floods.

The flooding has left more than 155 people dead in neighboring Tanzania, where Cyclone Hidaya is expected to hit coastal areas. Hundreds of people have been affected in Burundi, Ethiopia and Somalia as well.

Daniel Ojukwu. PHOTO: @OjiUgo_nwa via X

This aerial photograph shows one of the bridges over the Tana river that was wiped out by the floods. PHOTO: Public Domain

Ethiopian Passport. PHOTO: Public Domain

LIVING

6 Long-Term Care Myths That Could Impact Your Retirement

When it comes to planning their retirement, most people will rely upon their savings, 401(k)s and other forms of income to provide the security they will need for that phase of life.

However, many don’t consider a crucial need for their later years: long-term care insurance.

In fact, a recent Forbes study revealed only about one-quarter of adults nearing retirement have seriously considered getting longterm care insurance or a savings account dedicated to long-term care expenses.

Further, many consumers mistakenly think their health insurance or Medicaid will cover various aspects of long-term care services when that might not be the case. In a LIMRA study, 29% of respondents said they believe they own some form of stand-alone long-term care insurance coverage or combination life/long-term care insurance cov-

erage. The data shows long-term care ownership is closer to 3.1%.

Here are six myths about long-term care and the truth you might not know.

Myth #1: I won’t need long-term care.

Reality: Needing help with such daily activities as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and continence, among others, may seem like an unlikely scenario. However, about 70% of people aged 65 and older will need some type of long-term care during their lifetime, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Myth #2: My family will take care of me.

Reality: Physical, financial and geographical limitations prevent many people from caring for their aging relatives, even if they intended to. That’s why it’s important to be prepared to pay for the long-

term care you may need some day.

Myth #3: Medicare will cover my long-term care.

Reality: Medicare is designed to cover acute care, or the care you need when you’re sick and will eventually recover from an illness. It doesn’t cover ongoing Activities of Daily Living services when those are the only care you need.

Long-term care insurance is designed to help cover ongoing custodial care services, which includes assistance with dressing, bathing, eating or other Activities of Daily Living.

Myth #4: I’ll use my Social Security benefits to pay for long-term care.

Reality: Long-term care is expensive, with homemaker services

costing $163 per day on average and a semi-private room in a nursing home costing $260 per day on average, according to SeniorLiving. org. Even the maximum monthly Social Security benefit of $3,6275 won’t cover these amounts.

Myth #5: Nursing homes are the only option.

Reality: When you hear “longterm care,” you may immediately think “nursing home,” but today there are a wide variety of services available that you may receive at a

facility, in the community or in the comfort of your own home.

Owning long-term care insurance can help ensure you receive the care you need on your terms— where and how you want it.

Myth #6: I will get long-term care insurance later, when I need it.

Reality: Qualifying for long-term care insurance coverage after you’re diagnosed with an illness is difficult. Applying for long-term care insurance at a younger age helps you qualify for coverage and lock in lower premiums. For this reason, many people purchase longterm care insurance in their 50s when they’re still in good health. By incorporating long-term care insurance into your retirement plans, you can help prepare yourself for a comfortable future, come what may.

Statepoint

Black Girls Code Launches Free Coding Academy for Black Girls

In a recent article, Because of Them We Can shared that “Computer technology is one of the fastest-growing career fields. The ability to code is an essential skill for anyone looking to keep up with changes in the tech industry.”

In an effort to help young black girls get started on their journey within the industry, Black Girls Code has launched a free online coding acad emy for girls ages 7 to 10 along with Code Along Jr, a series of six video tutorials designed to spark young girls’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. These videos are already available on the Black Girls Code youtube channel!

in a statement, “Kalani, as a vibrant and energetic 12-year-old, is the perfect host for Code Along Jr. She shows girls that tech is fun, not scary. She reaches them at their level and shows them that they can do anything they want.”

Black Girls Code CEO Christina Jones said

Black Girls Code aims to foster early inter est in technology among Black girls and addresses the lack of computer science education in U.S. schools. Jones continues, “ I want to create tables for these girls so that they can create tables so that we can affect change at scale.”

For more info on the free online coding academy visit, wearebgc.org.

Treatments are available that may help reduce how sick you become if you get COVID - 19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized and approved treatments that have already been taken by millions of people.

Where to Find Treatment

• Ask your healthcare provider, or Community Health Center, if medication to treat COVID-19 is right for you. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call 2-1-1.

• Call the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Call Center at 833-4224255.

• Find a Test to Treat site, where you can get tested, assessed by a healthcare provider, and receive treatment if eligible, all in one visit.

About COVID-19 Medications

Antiviral medications stop the virus that causes COVID-19 from spreading the infection within your body.

P eople who are more likely to get very sick include:

• Older adults (50+ years of age).

• P eople who are unvaccinated or not up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccinations.

• People with certain medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.

A healthcare provider will help decide which treatment, if any, is right for you.

• Treatment must be started within 5-7 days after you first develop symptoms.

• Most COVID-19 medications are pills that can be taken at home.

• Several options are available and include Nirmatrelvir with Rionavir (Paxlovid), Remsdesivir (Veklury), and Molnupiravir (Lagevrio).

Source: County of San Diego

PHOTO: Freepik

PHOTO: Pexels

AROUND TOWN

professional baseball right fielder, who played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres. The left-handed hitting Gwynn won eight batting titles in his career, tied for the most in National League (NL) history. He was a 15-time All-Star, recognized for his skills both on offense and defense with seven Silver Slugger Awards and five Gold Glove Awards. Gwynn had the fourth-highest career average of any player with 3,000 hits, and the highest of anyone who was born after 1900. Gwynn played in the only two World Series appearances in San Diego's franchise history. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, his first year of eligibility.

Schuyler was born on August 2, 1931, and grew up in Harlem, New York. Schuyler’s parents focused particularly on Philippa’s education, as it was apparent that she was very gifted. At age eight, she tested at an IQ of 185. By age 13 she had written over 100 compositions and for her high school graduation ceremony at age 15, Schuyler wrote “The Rhapsody of Youth” in honor of the inauguration of Haitian president Paul Magloire. Schuyler’s talents were described in media reports as framed as a result of her parents’ eccentric style of care. For example, giving her a diet of raw food such as liver or brains, and a scrapbook was kept on her, “hybrid experiment.”

As Schuyler entered her thirties, she expanded her career beyond music to working as a journalist like her father. By 1965, she became Manchester Union Leader’s correspondent covering the Vietnam War. Tragically, on May 9, 1967, Schuyler died in Vietnam at the age of 36 when a U.S. Army helicopter she was in crashed into the ocean.

2020

LITTLE RICHARD PASSES

Richard Wayne Penniman, also known as Little Richard, was a singer, songwriter, and pianist born in 1932 in Macon, Georgia. He found a band when the singer I.A. Harris quit and the members asked Penniman to replace him. He continued the tour with them and was dubbed the title “Little Richard.”

In 1951, nineteen year old Little Richard Penniman signed with RCA Records and recorded his first single, “Every Hour.” In 1957, at the height of his career Penniman underwent a religious conversion, declared that he was a born-again Christian, and announced his retirement from secular music while on tour in Australia. Penniman returned to the United States, and in 1964 started a new act called the Little Richard Show, hiring a little known guitarist named Maurice Jones who later achieved fame as Jimi Hendrix.

In 1986 Penniman was one of the first seven inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He now has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Richard “Little Richard” Penniman passed away at his home in Tullahoma, Tennessee on Saturday, May 9, 2020, from bone cancer.

1967

PHILLIPPA DUKE SCHUYLER PASSES

Gwynn with the San Diego Padres in 1983.

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES

PO Box 114 Del Mar Del Mar, CA 92014

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

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

This business is hereby Camila Ogawa

PO Box 114 Del Mar Del Mar, CA 92014

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 01, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on May 01, 2029 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009454

Fictitious business name(s): Clark Brothers Transport Co.

RC Investment Company Located at: 2370 Balboa Vista Dr. San Diego, CA 92105

County of San Diego

PO Box 152621 San Diego, CA 92195

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Corporation

The first day of business was: 05/01/2024

This business is hereby

SDCC Investments Corp.

2370 Balboa Vista Dr. San Diego, CA 92105

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 02, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on May 02, 2029 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009220

Fictitious business name(s): Khachapuri

Located at:

4505 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92116

County of San Diego

4656 Hawley Blvd. San Diego, CA 92116

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Limited Liability Company

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

This business is hereby Khachapuri LLC. 4656 Hawley Blvd. San Diego, CA 92116

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 29, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 29, 2029 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009496

Fictitious business name(s): Hispanic Translation Services Located at:

3855 Avocado Bl. STE. 120 La Mesa, CA 91941 County of San Diego

9939 Jacoby Rd. Spring Valley, CA 91977

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 05/01/2024

This business is hereby Laura Ocampo

9939 Jacoby Rd. Spring Valley, CA 91977

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 02, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on May 02, 2029 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

Escondido, CA 92027

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby Sara Srin Kim Chhengto 737 South Citrus Ave

Escondido, CA 92027

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 01, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on May 01, 2029 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9007542

Fictitious business name(s): Video-RX Located at: 715 North Rios Avenue

Solana Beach, CA 92075-1249

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Limited Liability Company

The first day of business was: 02/19/2024

This business is hereby Talktoaster 715 North Rios Avenue Solana Beach, CA 92075

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 08, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 08, 2029 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008691

Fictitious business name(s):

H Hersh77-Holdings Co.

Located at: 1448 La Loma Drive San Marcos, CA 92078

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 01/01/2024

This business is hereby Harvey N. Hershkowitz 1448 La Loma Drive San Marcos, CA 92078

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 22, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 22, 2029 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9007993

Fictitious business name(s): Communal Sustainability

Located at: 3045 A St. San Diego, CA 92102 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 04/12/2024

This business is hereby Emily Ann Busam

3045 A St. San Diego, CA 92102

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 12, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 12, 2029 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9006921

Fictitious business name(s): Auto Selection

Located at: 3964 Willowside Lane #B Spring Valley, CA 91977

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby Enhanced Apperance LLC

3964 Willowside Lane #B Spring Valley, CA 91977

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on March 28, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on March 28, 2029

5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009165

Fictitious business name(s): Herm & Herm Grilling Located at: 945 Alvin Street San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: Co-Partners

The first day of business was: 04/01/2024

This business is hereby Herman Collins 945 Alvin Street San Diego, CA 92114

Hermon James Brooks 5849 Tooley Street San Diego, CA 92114

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 29, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 29, 2029 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9007877

Fictitious business name(s): Eight16 Culinary

Therapy

Located at:

4567 Contour Blvd. 201 San Diego, CA 92115

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 08/16/2020

This business is hereby Mercedes La'Shay Tiggs 4567 Contour Blvd. 201 San Diego, CA 92115 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 11, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 11, 2029 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9007854

Fictitious business name(s): Barker Brand Renovations

Barker Brand Real Estate and Renovation

Located at: 631 Paul St. Escondido, CA 92027

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Limited Liability Company

The first day of business was: 03/11/2024 This business is hereby Barker Brand Renovations LLC 631 Paul St. Escondido, CA 92027

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 10, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 10, 2029 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008374

Fictitious business name(s): Ariane Thorne Design Located at: 4500 Panorama Drive La Mesa, CA 91941 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 05/30/2014

This business is hereby Ariane Herwig 4500 Panorama Drive La Mesa, CA 91941

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 18, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 18, 2029 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9007314

Fictitious business name(s): Xynth Audio Located at:

13223 Black Mountain Rd. STE 1 PMB 1034 San Diego, CA 92129-2699

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 10/01/2022

This business is hereby

Mark Samuel Muranov

13223 Black Mountain Rd. STE 1 PMB 1034 San Diego, CA 92129-2699

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 04, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 04, 2029 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9007929

Fictitious business name(s): Lodos SPA Located at: 1041 Market Street, Suite 165 San Diego, CA 92101

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Limited Liability Company

The first day of business was: 04/11/2024

This business is hereby Wellness Wonders Spa LLC 1041 Market Street, Suite 165 San Diego, CA 92101 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 11, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 11, 2029 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008752

Fictitious business name(s): Celio's Landscaping Located at: 4268 Wightman St. San Diego, CA 92105

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Married Couple

The first day of business was: 08/01/2018

This business is hereby Celio Cesar Leon Aguayo 4268 Wightman St. San Diego, CA 92105

Edith Leon 4268 Wightman St. San Diego, CA 92105

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 23, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 23, 2029 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9007825

Fictitious business name(s): Royal Spa Located at: 1985 National Ave. Unit #1125 San Diego, CA 92113 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Limited Partnership

The first day of business was: 03/10/2024

This business is hereby Guiying Yu 6143 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115

Ping Yan Liu 6143 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 10, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 10, 2029 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008677

Fictitious business name(s): Evolve Coaching Solutions Located at: 1335 Borrego Springs Rd. Chula Vista, CA 91915 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual

Classified ads can be

in person, by phone, fax, or email Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. P:619-266-2233 F:619-266-0533 E:ads@sdvoice.info

Registrant

4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9007864

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008615

Fictitious business name(s): Ramirez Towing Located at: 805 51 St. San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby Evelia Molina 805 51 St. San Diego, CA 92114

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 22, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 22, 2029 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008267

Fictitious business name(s): Unfamiliar Ways Located at: 4827 59th Street San Diego CA 92115 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby Jeannel Elizabeth King 4827 59th Street San Diego CA 92115

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 17, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 17, 2029 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9007511

Fictitious business name(s): SDGoodFlow Located at: 6509 Hyman Pl. San Diego, CA 92139 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 03/20/2024

This business is hereby Mark Saucier Jr. 6509 Hyman Pl. San Diego, CA 92139 State of Incorporation/ Organization: SDGoodFlow This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 05, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 05, 2029 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008332

Fictitious business name(s): Yanely Cleaning

Services

Located at:

298 Chambers St. El Cajon, CA 92020 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above

This business is hereby Yanely Leon

298 Chambers St. El Cajon, CA 92020

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 17, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on April 17, 2029

Fictitious business name(s): Empire Fencing Located at: 3040 Alta View Drive San Diego, CA 92139 County of San Diego PO Box 3904249 San Diego, CA 92149 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 01/30/2024 This business is hereby Abraham Monroy PO Box 3904249 San Diego, CA 92149

FICTITIOUS

business is hereby Raise the Bar SD LLC 5252 Orange Ave. Unit 313 San Diego, CA 92115 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 17, 2024 This fictitious business name will expire on April 17, 2029 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008396

Fictitious business name(s): EZScoop&Go Located at: 7420 Boston Ct. La Mesa, CA 91941

County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Married Couple The first day of business was: 04/18/2024 This business is hereby Vutha Seng 7420 Boston Ct. La Mesa, CA 91941 Sandra Seng 7420 Boston Ct. La Mesa, CA 91941 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on April 18, 2024 This fictitious business name will expire on April 18, 2029 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9008023

Fictitious business name(s): Lasermaxx Engraving Located at: 3927 Clairemont Masa Blvd San Diego, CA 92117 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: A Married Couple Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby Tarsicio Juarez 3927

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified. org/sitewalks . The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com . All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on MAY 30, 2024 . Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP24-1138-05-00-00 Concrete and Drainage Repairs at Kumeyaay Elementary School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $140,000 and $190,000, inclusive of allowances. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, C-8, C-12, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CP24-1138-05-00-00.

Invitation for Bids (IFB) Uptown Bikeways: Eastern

Fictitious business name(s) to be abandoned:

Hispanic Legal Immigration Service

Located at: 3855 Avocado Bl. Ste 120 La Mesa, CA 91941

County of San Diego

9939 Jacoby Rd. Spring Valley, CA 91977 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The Fictitious business name referred to above was filed in San Diego County on: 03/09/2021 and assigned File no. 2021-9004185

The fictitious business name is being abandoned by: Laura Ocampo 9939 Jacoby Rd Spring Valley, CA 91977

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County May 02, 2024 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA

330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice

37-2024-00014011CU-PT-CTL

Petitioner or Attorney: Onyxx Zaire Weatherspoon

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner

Onyxx Zaire Weatherspoon filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Onyxx Zaire Weatherspoon

PROPOSED NAME: Onyxx Zaire Spears

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

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: June 03, 2024 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61

No hearing will occur on above date.

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

The address of the court is: 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice

37-2024-00014572CU-PT-CTL

Petitioner or Attorney: Davion Avant Simpson-Kern

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Davion Avant Simpson-Kern filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Davion Avant Simpson-Kern

PROPOSED NAME: Davion Avant Avalos-Kern

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date

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

The address of the court is: 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9

SUPERIOR

Petition For Dissolution (Divorce) of: Marriage Case Number:

PETITIONER: Kiara Renae Woods

RESPONDENT: Carlos Raul DiazMendez

1. LEGAL RELATIONSHIP: We are married 2. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Petitioner has been a resident of this state for at least six months and of this county for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of this Petition. (For a divorce, unless you are in the legal relationship described in 1b., at least one of you must comply with this requirement.)

3. STATISTICAL FACTS

(1)Date of marriage (specify): December 22, 2019

(2)Date of separation (specify): August 31, 2020

(3)Time from date of marriage to date of separation (specify): 9 months

4. MINOR CHILDREN There are no minor children

5. LEGAL GROUNDS (Family Code sections 22002210, 2310-2312): a. Divorce of the marriage or domestic partnership based on 1.irreconcilable differences

8. SPOUSAL OR DOMESTIC PARTNER

SUPPORT b. Terminate (end) the court's ability to award support to Petitioner & Respondent

9. SEPARATE PROPERTY Confirm as separate property the assets and debts in Property Declaration (form FL -160)

10. COMMUNITY AND QUASI- COMMUNITY PROPERTY b. Determine rights to community and quasicommunity assets and debts. All such assets and debts are listed in Property Declaration (form FL -160)

Date Filed: September 28, 2023 8:oo AM By: J. Rennen, Deputy 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16 Follow Us On

PROTESTS

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The Challenge of Antisemitism

The current wave of protests risk tipping into intolerance by conflating criticism of Israel with prejudice against Jewish students. Universities face a delicate challenge: creating an environment where pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli voices can be heard, while maintaining respect and ensuring that rising antisemitism does not take hold.

Historically, Jewish students have been at the forefront of social justice movements, marching alongside Black students for civil rights and LGBTQ+ students for equal rights. However, today some Jewish students feel a lack of similar support from student groups advocating for the Palestinian cause. As a result, some report feeling intimidated and unsafe on campus.

Universities must cultivate an atmosphere of inclusivity and intersectionality, ensuring students from all backgrounds can advocate for their beliefs. Open dialogue and mutual respect are essential to avoid marginalizing any group or cause.

From Civil Disobedience to Increased Police Presence

The increased reliance on law enforcement to manage student protests today is a stark contrast to the 60s and 70s, when administrators often tolerated civil disobedience. Universities today seem quicker to call in police to disperse encampments or quell disruptions, raising concerns about the potential for police using excessive force on students and the chilling effect it may have on free speech.

History reminds us of tragedies like the Kent State shootings in 1970, where National Guard troops opened fire on unarmed students protesting the Vietnam War, leaving four dead and nine wounded. Days later, at Jackson State, police shot two dead and injured twelve during a racial injustice protest by Black students exercising their First Amendment right to assemble. These tragedies highlight the dangers of using excessive force against student protestors. Police force should be a last resort against student protestors. Universities must prioritize de-escalation, while ensuring that police maintain peace when necessary.

Examples Across California Campuses: From Peaceful to Disruptive

UC Berkeley reflects the broader nationwide movement, with students camped out in Sproul Plaza demanding divestment from Israel and creation of a Palestinian studies program.

Similar protests have sprung up at Stanford, San Francisco State University, Occidental, UC Irvine, and UC Riverside with varying degrees of disruption and administrative responses. At Sonoma State University, protests have been relatively subdued, with campus police taking a hands-off approach.

The situation at the University of Southern California (USC) reached a boiling point, with arrests, the cancellation of a pro-Palestinian valedictorian’s speech, and ultimately, the university cancelling its main commencement ceremony.

UCLA witnessed a convergence of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups, leading to confrontations that escalated to violence. Following a night of clashes prolonged due to delayed police intervention, classes were cancelled, and ultimately police were called in to dismantle the pro-Palestinian protesters’ unlawful encampment.

A Call for Open Discussion and Understanding

These student protests highlight growing activism on campuses and underscore the complex challenges university leaders face when managing passionate student demonstrations and navigating pressure from lawmakers and alumni.

Universities have a unique opportunity and a responsibility to their students to create forums for open discussion, foster empathy, understanding, and peaceful protest in a world brimming with conflict.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.