Justice for In-Custody Deaths in San Diego County Jails Continues
Advocates, family members, and former law enforcement continue the conversation
By Macy Meinhardt
VIEWPOINT STAFF WRITER
It has been three years since the state of California released an inflammatory audit report regarding the 185 deaths in San Diego County jails from 2006 to 2020; a rate exceeding more than any county in the state.
“The high rate of deaths in San Diego County’s jails compared to other counties raises concerns and suggests that underlying systemic issues with the Sheriff’s Department’s policies and practices have undermined its ability to ensure the health and safety of the individuals in its custody,” the audit report states, signed by Michael S. Tilden, Acting California State Auditor.
See DEATHS page 2
The Missing Pieces Project Holds “Panel of Legends” Showcase on Juneteenth
On Juneteenth, an enthusiastic and eager audience gathered at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park to witness The Missing Pieces Project’s Juneteenth Celebration "Panel of Legends". The purpose of the Juneteenth event was to help the community connect the “missing pieces” in San Diego’s rich African American history, with a larger goal of creating the first San Diego African American History digital exhibit.
Sponsored and hosted by the San Diego History Center, in partnership with the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, the event included a distinguished group of speakers who brought a lively and informative discussion on San Diego’s Black History. Panelists included Dr. John E. Warren, Kevin Ashley, Dee Sandford, Cheryl Morrow, Yvette Porter Moore, and Gil Johnson. Their insights were invaluable in enriching the dialogue and helping to bridge historical gaps as the missing pieces were compiled
In a move supporting vulnerable communities, the 2024 California budget agreement has earmarked $103 million in one-time funding for victims’ services programs. This allocation is designed to compensate for federal funding cuts and ensure continued support for crime victims across the state.
Grace Glaser of VALOR, a member of the California VOCA Advocacy Alliance, a statewide coalition of organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of crime, advocates, and their communities, praised this move, stating, “Gov. Newsom and the legislature have temporarily stitched [the safety net] back together with their commitment to one-time backfill funding, ensuring that for now, victims will receive support during the most traumatic and dangerous times of their lives.”
See REPARATIONS page 2
and launched for the first ever digital exhibit proposing to be installed in February 2025.
The event was emceed by SDBCC’s Bruce Mayberry, and SDHC’s All-In Community Collector, Wendy McKinney. A proclamation was issued by the City of San Diego to The Missing Pieces
Experts Speak at San Diego County event
By Emily Kim Jenkins
The George Stevens Senior Center was buzzing. The coffee was flowing and Curtis Mayfield’s undeniable toe-tapping melodies were playing. From the laughter around the room, it may not seem like an event covering topics such as Alzheimer’s disease and racial disparity, but underscoring the entire morning was a sense of hope.
On June 20, Take on Alzheimer’s, a branch of the California Department of Public Health, organized “Take on Alzheimer’s in San Diego County,” bringing together county officials,
research organizations and caregiver advocates. Dr. Wilma Wooten, retiring the next day as San Diego County’s Public Health Officer after 23 years, shared about the disproportionate impact Alzheimer’s has on minority communities.
“Experts… are keenly aware that women in communities of color are at a disproportionately higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Wooten said. “Tragically, fear and stigma often prevented many from seeking information, assistance, or a diagnosis until those diseases progressed.”
See ALZHEIMER'S page 2
Project, in honor of San Diego’s Juneteenth Celebration Day.
For more information, or to submit your own missing piece of San Diego’s African American History, visit https://sandiegohistory.org/ or contact Wendy McKinney at wmckinney7@gmail.com.
By Joe W. Bowers Jr. CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA
PHOTO: Courtesy of the San Diego History Center
Community leaders and Alzheimer’s experts gather to take a photo with Dr. Wilma Wooten. PHOTO: Emily Kim Jenkins
PHOTO: Courtesy of CBM
ARTICLE CONTINUATION
deaths
Continued from cover
The panel was held at Café X and hosted by the San Diego Racial Justice Coalition. The event focused on discussions about the current progress of the community in seeking justice and reform within the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Since 2020 an additional 55 deaths have occurred in county jails, peaking in 2022. While rates of death have trended down in the past two years, the community argues little justice has been done, and the climb to a safer county jail system appears steep.
After considering countywide mortality rates, San Diego jails have the highest number of unexplained deaths, according to the San Diego County Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board’s audit. AC Mills is a family member, one of many, looking for answers for the death of his loved one, Kevin Mills.
On Nov. 11, 2020 Mills, 59, was found unresponsive on the floor of his cell while in the custody of San Diego Central Jail. Sheriff officials determined the cause of death as heart failure, and ruled the manner of death as natural.
According to the father, Mills had behavioral health issues that required medications. Mills says he tried to explain this to medical nurses
reparations
Continued from cover
While grateful for the current funding, Glaser emphasized the need for ongoing financial commitment to ensure long-term stability for victims’ services in California. She said, “Our coalition will be back next year, urging Gov. Newsom and the Legislature to prioritize the needs of survivors of crime on an ongoing basis.”
The budget also allocates $12 million to support the implementation of reparations legislation enacted into law this session. This funding aims to help address historical injustices and promote equity and justice for Black Californians.
Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Chair, told California Black Media: “I consider the governor’s allocation of $12 million for reparations resources a win. While the Legislative Black Caucus is committed to getting our legislative work on Reparations fully funded, I believe this is a positive start, especially during a challenging budget year. As I’ve always emphasized, this is a multi-year effort to implement the legislative recommendations in the report.”
The 2024 CLBC Reparation Priority Bill Package includes 14 measures being considered by the
Research shows that Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to be afflicted with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and Dr. Wooten added that by 2040, the amount of Black and Latino Californians with Alzheimer’s is expected to nearly triple.
“If we’re not reaching out to the population in a culturally competent manner, [Alzheimer’s support] services are going to sit on the shelf and people are not going to have access to them,” Roberto Velasquez, CEO of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center said.
Dr. Ron Lewis of the Alzheimer’s Association (San Diego/Imperial Valley chapter) echoed Velasquez’s thoughts.
“Knowledge is power,” he said. “We’re caring for our mother, our father, our aunts and our grandparents. I think it’s essential to be able to empower our communities by having events like this.”
Besides education and access to services, Faiza Warsame of the United Women of East Africa Support Team (UWEAST), noted that stigma is a significant issue.
“Nobody talks about Alzheimer’s in our community,” she said, adding that this affects the ability to request services that work for East African culture. “A lot of [people] in the East African Community… like to have our parents and our elders stay with us as they get older. So it’s really hard to find new resources for them.”
inside the facility, but to his knowledge, his son was denied his medication for the approximately 4 months he was there. The father now believes that neglect to his behavioral health was a crucial circumstance related to his son’s fatal heart attack.
Neglect by medical and law enforcement personnel in county jails is argued to be a common thread in a lot of in-custody death cases. Newly unsealed court records in the case of Elisa Serna say that witnesses and medical nurses observed her wobbling, vomiting, and eventually striking her head in her cell and collapsing. She asked for help multiple times, but the lead doctor on site, Dr. Friederike Von Lintig thought she was “faking”, records state.
“There are too many cases where the inmates' care is really the last priority for our sheriff,” said former Assemblymmeber Lori Saldaña (D-76) on the panel.
Panelists discussed how officers in jails are mostly inexperienced, as most of them are new graduates of the police training academy. Misinformation, skewed policies aimed to to protect “deputies of the sheriff rather than the people that are in these systems,” and overcrowding were also circumstances brought up that contribute to the death rates.
Assembly and Senate. Additionally, CLBC vice chair Sen Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) has proposed two reparations-focused bills not included in the package, also under review by the legislature. The deadline for each house to pass these bills is Aug. 31.
Bradford expressed gratitude for the allocation of $12 million in the state budget for reparations, despite the state’s current financial challenges.
“This money will start to stand up the infrastructure to pay for future reparations. We, as the California Legislative Black Caucus, made the case that the harms of slavery and racist public policies aren’t healed,” Bradford said. “This clearly states that reparations do matter and will be a priority in California going forward. This is just the beginning.”
The 2024 Budget agreement reached between Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) comes at a time when the state faces significant fiscal challenges.
In his statement announcing the agreement, Newsom highlighted the budget’s role in estab-
“The training needs to be reviewed, looked at and improved. As I stated earlier, there are too many people incarcerated in the jails for the sheriff department to adequately provide medical care, psychiatric care, and safety and security for their individuals,” said Van Swearingend, a lawyer representing families in litigation with the sheriff’s department over wrongful death.
Instances like Serna and Mills and the evident neglect to the inmates physical and behavioral needs reflect the findings in the audit, that cite “underlying systemic issues”
The audit also states that the “Sheriff’s Department has not consistently taken meaningful action when such deaths have occurred. The department’s reviews of in-custody deaths have been insufficient and have not consistently led to significant corrective action.”
The sheriff at the time, Bill Gore, promptly resigned in the wake of this audit report coming out in February 2022.
Since then, Kelly Martinez was elected in 2022 to fill Gore’s place. Despite new leadership, members at the panel still maintain that many of these issues have not been properly dealt with or fully addressed.
lishing “long-term fiscal stability,” addressing both the immediate shortfall and strengthening resilience for the future. He noted the commitment to preserving programs that support millions of Californians, including “key funding for education, health care, expanded behavioral health services, and combating homelessness.”
McGuire acknowledged that despite the difficult budget year, the situation was not as dire as initially feared. He pointed out that the budget addresses tough policy challenges by allocating resources to combat homelessness, investing in housing, and funding efforts to fight wildfires and retail theft. He also mentioned that the agreement ensures record funding for public schools, supports vulnerable communities, and addresses the climate crisis while maintaining responsible reserves.
The budget plan includes $297.9 billion in total expenditures, with $211.5 billion from the General Fund. It preserves significant reserves, with the Budget Stabilization Account projected to hold $22.2 billion at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year.
The agreement addresses a $46.8 billion deficit
It was also brought up that the Citizen’s Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB), charged to independently investigate complaints against the sheriff's office, has not been effective in providing effective, independent oversight of in-custody deaths. The audit states that CLERB has “failed to investigate nearly one-third of the deaths of incarcerated individuals in the past 15 years, which means that dozens of deaths have not been subject to a key form of review outside of the Sheriff’s Department.”
While CLERB can investigate complaints against the sheriff's office, in-custody deaths are off limits for review, creating significant transparency concerns.
Members on the panel said that the San Diego Board of Supervisors are responsible for implementing change to the authority limits of CLERB and urged the Board to use their power to direct change to the sheriff’s office.
Speaking up on the issue at the board of supervisor meetings, engaging in the work and advocacy of groups like San Diego Racial Justice Coalition to end in-custody deaths are a few action items discussed to help bring change forward.
through a combination of reductions, revenue increases, and fund shifts. About $16 billion in cuts come from state operations and various programs, including a nearly 8% reduction in state operations, saving $2.17 billion, and a $1.5 billion cut through the elimination of unfilled positions.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will see a $750 million cut over three years, with an ongoing annual reduction of about $560 million, including the deactivation of 46 housing units across 13 prisons.
The budget also includes $13.6 billion in revenue/internal borrowing, $6 billion each in reserves withdrawals and fund shifts, $3.1 billion in expenditure delays and pauses, and $2.1 billion in payment deferrals. Revenue increases are achieved through suspending net operating loss deductions and increasing the Managed Care Organization tax.
Budget committee hearings and legislative votes on 19 budget-related bills are scheduled to be completed by June 27. June 30 is the deadline to pass all budget bills.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE ONLINE AT WWW.SDVOICE.INFO.
“What’s good for the body is good for the mind,” Kristen Smith from San Diego County’s Aging and Independence Services said, emphasizing the importance of exercise in preventing brain disease. She also added that hearing loss can have a surprising link to memory care.
“When we lose our hearing, we tend to disengage and not talk as much to others and we get more isolated,” she said. Social engagement, she says, is important. “We need to interact with people to keep our brain working well.”
Cognitive impairment, Smith said, can happen as one ages and may not be a long-term condition. Something as simple as an untreated urinary tract infection can cause temporary issues, so check ups are important to stay on top of brain health.
“Most people wait until there’s a crisis, or until things are out of control,” Velasquez added. “It’s really important if you do see some of the warning signs, start reaching out to some of the resources right away.”
A common thread between many in the room was personal experience with loving someone in cognitive decline. The room became solemn as Josie Flores-Clark, president of the National Latina Business Women’s Association and the San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, shared a misty-eyed story of learning to cherish caring for her mother for eleven years.
Huang of the Alzheimer’s Association San
local resources.
Dr. Lewis’ experience mirrored Flores-Clark’s, as he described the nearly twelve year journey of caring for his mother from a long distance, and with a gentle laugh, recalled her insistence that she stay in her home in Georgia rather than come live with him in San Diego.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides free education about the disease itself online and in person, she noted, as well as caregiver support groups. An all-hours helpline, 1-800-272-3900, is monitored by clinicians to offer guidance to patients and caregivers.
The morning was filled with conversation from caregiver advocates and neuroscience researchers, an optimistic showing that San Diego County is, indeed, taking on Alzheimer’s. If you want to learn more, help is a Google search away. Several local partners who participated in last Thursday’s event in the fight against Alzheimers included: Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), Southern Caregiver Research Center (caregivercenter.org), Jewish Family Services of San Diego (jfssd.org), Alzheimer’s San Diego (alzsd.org), United Women of East Africa (uweast.org), and the UCSD Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Lena
Diego/Imperial Valley chapter, smiled brightly when sharing about
National City Mayor Ron Morrison, right, presents a mayoral declaration indicating June as Brain Health Awareness Month. PHOTO: Emily Kim Jenkins
WE SHOULD FOLLOW, THE CONSTITUTION, NOT THE POLITICAL RIGHT
The Conservative Right (also called the Political Right), which has made Donald Trump its standard bearer, would have us believe that the Minority it represents reflects the views of the Majority of Americans. Nothing could be further from the truth, as evidenced by State after State rejecting Trump candidates for office in state elections, as well as the many state actions to codify a woman’s right to abortions in opposition to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision reversing Roe vs. Wade on the right to an abortion.
The Conservative Right would have us believe that we do not live in a democracy and that our Constitution, as the governing document for our society, is wrong with its emphasis on a separation of powers into three branches of government providing checks and balances that prevent absolute rule by either of the three. Yet, the Conservative Right, hiding behind Project 2025, as its master plan to
make Donald Trump Ruler and King instead of duly elected President if he should win this November’s General Election, would have us abolish our separation of powers under the Constitution. Instead, the Trump-stacked Supreme Court would overturn established safeguards, allow the abolishment of established Cabinet Offices, consolidate powers within the Presidency, and impose Martial Law against all who disagree with the President.
Question, if America only has a Constitutional Republic and not a democracy as the Conservative Right claims, then how is the proposed destruction of that Republic better than the Democracy that supposedly does not exist? What we do know is this: Members of the Conservative Right, who have taken an oath of office as elected members of the U.S. Congress under our Democracy and Constitutional Republic, have acted and are acting in total disregard of the oath they took. That oath, among other things, was one in which they swore to “Protect and Defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic”.
It appears that these individuals, as elected officials and members of the Republican Party, have engaged in acts of Conspiracy. The Constitution does not permit their conduct to fall within the definition of “Treason”. “Conspiracy” is as close as we can come to a crime against the government. Nothing is more evident of their disregard for the Oath of Office they took than their mass support of a convicted felon for the Office of President of the United States.
In conclusion, we must listen very carefully to what people say as their interpretation of our Constitutional principles. Our system of government, which has elected men of character and integrity and with a love for this country and our constitution, must not be discarded because of the loud noise and misinterpretation of our founding documents by a Conservative Right Minority, even if some already hold offices to which they no longer pledge or give allegiance.
Stand with the Constitution, not the Conspirators.
THE GOOD NEWS IN 2024: POOR PEOPLE ARE THE NEW SWING VOTE
By William J. Barber, II PRESIDENT OF REPAIRERS OF THE BREACH
If you’re an ordinary American who goes to work to pay the bills or takes care of a loved one most days, it’s easy to feel down when you see the headlines about the 2024 election. Donald J. Trump has been convicted of 34 felonies for falsifying business records to cover up hush money he paid to bury an alleged affair with a porn star during the 2016 campaign, and the Republican Party continues to think he’s their best candidate. But as a preacher, I learned a long time ago that you don’t get to the good news by looking away from problems; the good news is most often found right amid trouble. Yes, politics is a mess in 2024. But, at the same time, several popular movements of everyday people struggling for economic justice have emerged that have the potential to reshape our politics. Young people who’ve watched education and healthcare costs soar have come together to form effective coalitions for debt relief and won billions in loan forgiveness. Leveraging worker power, unions have waged effective strikes and negotiated new contracts while expanding to include new workers, especially in the South. The good news in 2024 is that poor and working people are the new swing vote in US politics.
A report from Lake Research Partners demonstrates just how powerful this untapped coalition of low-income voters could be. Looking back at the past three Presidential elections, they found that in the seven states that will likely decide the 2024 election—Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, and Pennsylvania— low-income voter participation was an average of 12 percentage points lower than that of their higher-income voters. In Georgia, for example, Biden won by almost 12,000 votes in 2020. In North Carolina, he lost by 74,000. But in both states, more than a million eligible low-income voters will likely not vote in 2024 if past trends continue. Since the 2024 Presidential race will likely be a rematch of 2020, this study used exit poll data from 2020 to ask who unlikely low-income voters would vote for if they did turn out in 2024. Of the 1.3 million likely nonvoters in Georgia, 746,000 would likely be Biden voters. Of the 1.1 million in North Carolina, some 594,000 would likely go for Biden. In short, Biden and other Democrats have a huge advantage among this demographic when they are able and willing to vote. The overwhelming takeaway of this study is that a relatively small increase in low-income voter turnout in any of these seven states would dramatically increase Biden’s chances of winning a second term in the White House.
See VOTE page 16
BLACK CALIFORNIANS WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE GREENING OF CALIFORNIA IF THE STATE DOESN’T DO BETTER
By Taylor Jackson
California must act now to confront today’s Black job crisis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics last year reported that 90% of the nation’s unemployed U.S. citizens are Black Americans. And despite being less than 10% of LA’s population, Black people comprise more than a third of its unhoused residents.
Senate Bill (SB) 1340 renews hope in confronting this Black job crisis, as $180 billion in federal dollars are coming to California to fund the state’s green infrastructure projects over the next decade. The bill — authored by longtime worker rights and racial equity advocate Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) — would establish local “disadvantaged worker”
demographics across California and require state-funded contractors to prioritize hiring these workers, who are primarily from underserved communities of color.
One Black construction worker who has benefited from an equitable hiring program is Patricia Allen. In 2014, Allen was an unemployed single mother living in the Crenshaw area who was hired to work on LA Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX rail line as part of their Project Labor Agreement (PLA) that prioritized the hiring of local disadvantaged individuals.
SB 1340 would also require state-funded contractors to regularly track and report disadvantaged workers hired on their projects to hold them accountable to meeting equitable hiring goals established by the state. The Biden Administration has intended for states to utilize these federal grant dollars to boost equitable hiring programs and other community benefits. To remain competitive in securing future
federal funding, California must demonstrate that it is successfully executing equitable hiring programs. Tracking and reporting are the most effective ways to ensure that California is keeping receipts on workers hired on development projects and ensuring that the communities they come from have benefited.
California awarded one of its first contracts from these federal dollars to a Texas-based company. Without SB 1340, Black community members are concerned about the implications: firms like this out-of-state contractor are not currently required to hire local workers from vulnerable communities, including Black men and women.
As critical as SB 1340 is in helping to solve the state’s Black job crisis, the bill has fallen on deaf ears in the Governor’s Office. SB 1340 is yet to be funded, despite being passed by the State Senate and Assembly Labor Committee as well as strongly recommended by a sizable coalition
of statewide community partners. While Gov. Newsom makes promises to support legislation that aim to make a more equitable California, Black workers need him to act now on those promises.
Although California is facing budget constraints, SB 1340 will be a low-cost bill to implement. It’s a small investment that will pay big dividends given that it will create jobs that would take thousands of people out of poverty, ultimately saving the state money, with their tax-paying jobs reinvested back into the state.
Because of California’s long history of institutionalized racist policies, Black communities were excluded from building the state’s infrastructure during the 20th Century. SB 1340 would give Black workers an opportunity to play an important role as California transitions into a new green economy. But without this bill, Black workers will again be left out of the state’s latest reconstruction era.
By Dr. John E. Warren PUBLISHER, THE SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT
COMMUNITY
By
WorldBeat’
Freedom Da Bird Walk
Bright and early on Wednesday, June 19th, the World-Beat Multicultural Center hosted its 2nd Annual Freedom Day Bird Walk in observance of the Juneeteenth holiday. June 19, 1865 was the date over 250,000 slaves in the Confederate state of Texas finally learned of their freedom, two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
The Worldbeat event began with the history behind what is also known as “Freedom Day”, foretold by Makeda Cheatom, founder and owner of the Worldbeat Multicultural Center. Cheatom started with the history of slavery in the U.S., namely, the inspiring story of Harriet Tubman, and how bird calls were interwoven in the fight for freedom as “signals” to the captured that the path was clear to run to the North. Former slave, abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman famously spirited away countless slaves to freedom. Videos were played to inform the audience about how Tubman managed to help slaves escape through the “Underground Railroad” by following the “North Star”, known as “The Drinking Gourd”, or in layman's terms “The Big Dipper”. Cheatom also spoke to unity, or “umoja” (which means “unity” in Swahili) that Juneteenth represents, stating, “No one is free until we all are, so let us come in unity.”
After this informative session, the audience and fellow birders were then ready to take on the Annual Birdwalk! Free seeds were offered, as prospective birders were prepped and ready with binoculars, hoping to spot native birds to San Diego as well as some rarities with a bird app called Merlin. This annual walk goes throughout and around Balboa Park, giving just a taste of what it might have been like to walk the path to freedom.
Plenty of soul food and children’s art activities were on hand as the 2nd Annual Freedom Day Birdwalk came to a close and birders gave their farewell to the loving ambience the WorldBeat Multicultural Center pro -
ver two hundred and fifty (250) enthusiastic guests dressed in red, black, green, or ethnic attire attended the Fourth District Senior Resource Center's (FDSRC) 18th Annual Juneteenth Day Celebration at the George L. Stevens Senior Center.
Program highlights of this well attended event included the traditional Juneteenth Day festivities: The Presentation of Colors by The Buffalo Soldiers, The Black National Anthem led by Carmelia "Toot" Bell, inspiring opening prayer by Dr. John Warren, and the captivating ancestral storyteller, Alyce Smith Cooper.
Proclamation and speeches were presented by 4th District City Councilman Henry Foster lll, and the Certificate of Commendation (from Office of Congressman Juan Vargas) presented by Louis Ward, Chida Warren Darby, Korral Taylor, Office of Mayor Todd Gloria, and Director of Parks & Rec Mr. Andy Field.
The lobby was filled with information and resource table displays such as Dr. Suzanne Afflalo's A Healthier Me, Jireh Providers; AARP San Diego, Falck ERT, Rachel Hilliard and the Buffalo Soldiers, and San Diego P.A.C.E. A stellar lineup of entertainment included: DJ John Phillips, Larry Streaty's B-3 Band featuring Carmelia “Toot” Bell, Truth Mine Group, Soul/ Spirit Eve, Kendrick Dial, Old Globe Staged Reading, Brittany Taylor, Ed Mabry, and acoustic guitarist Nikal Narasappa.
A food court offered traditional Juneteenth tasty dishes, desserts, and beverages to wet anyone's appetite!
Ms. Rosemary Pope, Executive Director of FDSRC, Gill Sotu, and Old Globe Staff served as gracious and engaging co-emcees. Co-sponsors of this year's celebration were: AARP San Diego, The Old Globe, and The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper . Adena Varner, Old Globe's Director of Arts & Engagement summed up today's event stating, "This is a momentous Day! We are pleased to partner with FDSRC for this Annual Juneteenth Day Event that reminds us to celebrate freedom, liberty and justice in our com munity and country.”
Tihut Tamrat Voice and Viewpoint
PHOTOS: Tihut Tamrat
Fourth District Seniors Resource Center Celebrates DAY
Courtesy of Mrs. Rosemary Pope
PHOTOS: Darrel Wheeler
Dr. Wilma Wooten Retires from the County
Sa n Diego County’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Wilma Wooten, is retiring after 23 years of service, the last 17 as the County’s lead doctor and public face of numerous media stories, none larger than the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
During her career, Dr. Wooten has prioritized the prevention and control of infectious disease, protection from environmental hazards and promoted injury prevention. She has reinforced healthy choices and lifestyles, emergency preparedness and has fought to eliminate health disparities in traditionally underserved communities.
With a focus on planning and process, Dr. Wooten has put in place tools to address health and informa-
tion access in special needs populations, built partnerships to improve population health and formed close relationships with local, state, federal, and binational partners to advance border health initiatives. She has been steadfast in her support of national standards for public health departments and accreditation and serves on multiple professional boards and committees to advance the field of public health.
Over the past two decades, Dr. Wooten has skillfully provided public health guidance to the County’s 3.3 million residents with her strong leadership, data driven analysis and true professionalism. She embod ies excellence in public health and is inspiring new generations of medical professionals, particularly women of color.
This article originally appeared on CountyNewsCenter.com.
San Diego’s STEP Serves Military Families Around the U.S.
Expansion prompted by surge in applications for financial services and support
Support The Enlisted Project (STEP), the San Diego-based nonprofit serving junior enlisted service members, Veterans, and their families experiencing financial crisis, has expanded its services to military families in other parts of the nation, and is available in Orange County and throughout Southern California, across Washington state, and beyond. The expansion is in response to the growing demand for financial support services from military service members and Veterans. In the last year, STEP has worked with an average of 85 client families per month through its Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) Program and is determined to keep up with the increasing demand and meet the needs of this community by growing the organization’s capacity and geographic reach.
What You Need to Know About STEP’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program(EFA):
• h elps military and Veteran families get back on their feet with financial counseling and education, emergency funds (paid directly to third party creditors), and access to a robust network of 140 community partners.
• p rovides coaching from socia l workers who are also certified personal financial counselors and have lived experience as either a military service member or a military spouse.
• S TEP social workers work one-
New Grant Opportunity: Healing through the Arts and Nature Initiatives
Prebys Foundation invites nonprofits to apply for funding for arts projects
The Prebys Foundation is proud to announce two new initiatives to enhance San Diego County residents' well-being through the power of nature and the arts. Recognizing the profound impact of outdoor activities and cultural engagement on mental and physical health, the foundation is launching the Healing through the Arts and Nature Initiatives. Awards will be up to $150,000 for 12 months. Applications will be accepted June 17 - July 29, 2024.
Applicants are invited to submit a short initial proposal through the foundation’s grant portal, outlining their project’s goals, meth -
odology, and expected impact. This streamlined process is meant to make the application process easier for nonprofits. Applicants can apply at prebysfdn.org.
What You Need to Know About the Initiatives:
• Healing through the Arts Initiative: This initiative funds organizations using the arts to promote physical and mental/emotional well-being by addressing specific community health issues. It supports the concept of "social prescription," where non-clinical services, including community arts and cultural activities, are used to prevent or treat health issues.
• H ealing through Nature Initiative: This initiative supports approaches to mental
on-one with client families to develop an actionable plan that leads to improved financial wellbeing.
On completion of the EFA Program, 94 percent of client families achieve financial self-sufficiency and do not return to STEP for assistance.
‘Stand and Salute a Hero’ Event
Funds raised from the annual “Stand and Salute a Hero” event had an immediate impact on the client families served by STEP, offering help with emergency food, preventing eviction, critically needed baby items, and halting family car repossession.
Funds raised also propelled expansion and enhanced financial support services for military families, launching STEP’s Capacity Building Campaign.
What You Need to Know About STEP’s Capacity Building Campaign:
• w ill help the organization hire more staff members to serve an additional 600 client families annually
• increases the availability of emergency financial assistance funds for client families
• optimizes the efficiency of STEP’s warehouse
By enhancing these and other operational capabilities, STEP can continue expanding services to more military families and ensure they receive timely, effective assistance regardless of where they are stationed.
For more information about STEP and how to support the organization’s long-term capacity and programming to aid local military service members, Veterans, and their families, visit TeamSTEPUSA.org.
Poll Shows California Voters Revolting Against Democrats Ending Gavin Newsom’s
A new poll of California voters is sounding major alarm bells for Democrats – as voters in the traditionally deep-blue state are signaling they are in open revolt against Democrats and their extreme policies.
Conducted May 23-June 2, 2024, the PPIC Poll released this past week shows:
• Newsom disapproval is at 54% (versus 44% approve)
• Biden’s disapproval is at 56% (versus 42% approve)
Presidential Ambitions
• Democrat state legislature disapproval is at 57% (versus 40% approve)
Additionally, 62% of California voters say the state is headed in the wrong direction – suggesting a huge appetite for change has developed in the state.
Reform California Chairman Carl DeMaio offers the following statement in response to the polling:
“With a sky-high cost of living, a crime wave, and record homelessness, things have gotten so bad that even voters in the deep blue state of California are revolting against the extremist policies of the Democrats –and Gavin Newsom in particular. This poll
well-being by enhancing access to outdoor spaces for underinvested communities, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and engagement with nature.
Organizations may apply to only one initiative. Detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available to help determine the best fit for your project.
Application Timeline:
• June 17: Application opens.
• July 29: Application closes.
should also end the rampant speculation that Gavin Newsom is the ideal replacement candidate for an ailing Joe Biden. California voters know Newsom best – and that’s why they are rejecting him with a whopping 54% disapproval rating which puts him in as bad a spot as Joe Biden’s disapproval. Clearly California voters are hungry for change and want to move away from the failed extremist policies that Democrats have imposed in the state – but the big question remains whether California Republicans can tap into this discontent and run effective campaigns in November to offer that change.”
DeMaio is available for further comment and interviews on this issue by phone, zoom, or in-person.
• Mid-September: Selected applicants will be invited to provide additional information or discuss their request. Notifications will be sent to applicants who do not move forward.
• B y October 11: Final decisions will be communicated to applicants.
• O ctober-November: Contracting and payment.
For more information and to apply for the initiatives, visit prebysfdn.org.
PHOTO: Pexels
PHOTO: Pexels
PHOTO: Pexels
City of San Diego’s Efforts Towards Homelessness
Round up of Mayor Todd Gloria’s updates on
By Macy Meinhardt Voice & Viewpoint Staff
Homelessness is one of the most critical issues facing San Diego and other big cities throughout the state currently.
The latest point in time count conducted in January of this year revealed over 10,000 people are unhoused within the county, with 1,324 becoming homeless for the first time this May. Despite a heavy focus on the issue over the last three years, the continuous increase of homeless populations year by year underscores the critical funding needs towards more housing and prevention programs.
Mayor Todd Gloria's 2025 fiscal year budget that was recently passed by council includes an increase of $28 million to homeless programs and projects within the City of San Diego–notably the construction of a 1,000 bed shelter in Middletown, as well as the expansion of the safe parking program.
“Once these two key projects are completed, the City will have more than tripled the number of oppor-
tunities for unsheltered San Diegans to come off the streets.” Mayor Gloria writes.
While negotiations are still ongoing between the city and the seller Douglas Hamm, the community has expressed mixed reviews over the logistics, effects on the neighborhood, and the health and safety.
Reports show that it would cost San Diego $92 million in rent over the 35-year contract period, along with an initial $18 million in upgrades to the 65,000 sq ft. warehouse. Operating costs would be $30 million a year.
The newly passed city budget also includes funding that would speed up the process it takes to build affordable housing units near transit.
Statewide Homeless Investments
In 2023, the federal “point in time” count revealed that over 180,000 residents across the state of California experienced homelessness, a 6% increase since 2022.
As a result, leaders of the state Senate and Assembly allocated an additional $1 billion in funding
through the Housing, Assistance and Prevention program (HHAP).
“This funding is a lifeline for our city and others across California, enabling us to continue our vital work of getting homeless individuals off the streets and into permanent housing,” Mayor Gloria states.
Across the state, HHAP funding has created 15,000 shelter beds, and has placed over 42,000 Californians into temporary and permanent housing.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Golden Hall Shelter Closing
The aged Golden Hall shelter serving 264 beds a night will close and transition residents to other facilities by the end of the year. New intakes will be paused, and the city encourages individuals to seek out services at the other 17 city-funded shelters or safe sleeping and parking sites.
“Golden Hall has always been a temporary shelter”, the June 13 update on homelessness newsletter reads. The permit from the fire marshal
as $1
and damages from heavy rain have necessitated its closure.
Here is a full list of open city funded shelters run by contracted service providers:
• Alpha Project Bridge Shelter I
• Alpha Project Bridge Shelter II
• Barrio Logan Family Shelter
• Community Harm Reduction Shelter
• Community Harm Reduction Safe
South Sudan's Vice President Expresses Concerns Over Ongoing Peace Talks
By Deng Machol Associated Press
South Sudan ’s vice president said Thursday June 20, that peace talks in neighboring Kenya have failed to acknowledge the country's peace agreement established in 2018, alleging a new draft agreement is aimed at replacing the original peace deal.
Riek Machar in a protest letter to the talks' mediator said the draft established alternative institutions to replace or run in parallel with those established by the previous peace agreement. He added that the current peace talks should complement and not obliterate the original deal.
The former rebel leader signed an agreement with President Salva Kiir in 2018 that ended a fiveyear civil war that killed about 400,000 people. Machar and Kiir were on opposite sides in the war and Machar was appointed vice president after the 2018 deal. His group isn’t part of the current talks, which are for groups that were not included in the 2018 agreement.
Despite the peace deal, violence in South Sudan has continued, most of it attributed to rebel groups and warring ethnic groups.
The body mandated with monitoring the implementation of the 2018 peace deal raised concerns in May over the slow implementation of election
This Start-Up Is Making Artificial Hair From Bananas
By Leah Collins
During a visit to a local farm while working with development agency USAID, Ugandan entrepreneur Juliet Tumusiime realized that a huge amount of banana stems are left over from banana cultivation and simply discarded. Looking for a way to use the waste, she struck upon an innovative business idea.
Almost a decade later, now aged 42, Tumusiime is the chief executive and co-founder of Cheveux Organique, which manufactures hair made from banana fibers as an alternative to synthetic extensions.
Fashion trends among the younger population and growing purchasing power have boosted the market for hair extensions and wigs in Africa and the Middle East, which could be worth $710 million by 2028, according to Research and Markets.
Extensions are typically made from human hair, or synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, acrylic and PVC. Synthetics are popular in Uganda because they’re much cheaper, but they’re not biodegradable or easy to recycle. Some people complain that synthetic hair can irritate their scalp and a study of synthetic hair in Nigeria found the presence of potentially harmful
heavy metals and chemicals.
“I’ve spoken to friends, colleagues, both men and women and asked them how they dispose of their hair when they take it out,” Tumusiime says. “A lot of the time it is just thrown in the trash. The level of awareness is really low - most people don’t realize that they are wearing plastic on their head which can irritate the skin and cause pollution.
“Our mission is to transform the beauty industry by providing alternatives that benefit their health and the environment. We want to empower women to make informed decisions about what hair they use and what’s best for them.”
Tumusiime says that, unlike synthetic hair, her product is biodegradable, durable and can be easily styled, treated and colored. It can also be rewashed with warm water and conditioned with detangling cream. When dry, the hypoallergenic hair can be oiled and can withstand dryers and heat up to 400 degrees, lasting weeks longer than synthetic alternatives, according to Tumusiime.
Since it’s made from discarded banana stems, she adds, it’s also a way to help curb that waste.
Uganda is Africa’s largest produc -
er and consumer of bananas, producing about 10 million metric tons of bananas per day. Ugandans consume almost one kilogram of the fruit per person, per day, with more than 75% of the population relying on bananas as a staple food, according to the World Economic Forum.
Cheveux Organique works closely with local banana farmers, buying stems that would otherwise be discarded. The stems are split and the fibers extracted by machine. The extracted fibers are then dried and treated, before being combed out, resulting in the hair-like texture.
The “hair” is dyed into three shades: Cheveux Black, Cheveux Brown and Cheveux Blonde. Tumusiime says it has a natural sheen, is soft to the touch and can be used for braiding and styling. It’s also suitable for warm and humid climates, she notes.
The company isn’t unique in creating plant-based hair. In the US, St.Louis-based Rebundle also sells hair extensions made from banana fibers, while Nourie Hair offers a hair alternative for braiding made from Ginseng root extract and rosemary.
However, turning banana waste into a premium product does not come without challenges for
related tasks with only a few months left until December elections.
Opposition groups that were not part of the 2018 peace agreement have been in talks in Kenya since May 9 aimed at bringing groups on board ahead of the December elections. The talks have resulted in a draft agreement that recommends an extension of the transitional period to provide more time for election preparations.
President Kiir on June 20 received a progress report from government representatives in the ongoing talks with the government spokesperson telling media that participants in the talks are close to reaching a final agreement.
Cheveux Organique. “The labor-intensive process, from picking the stems, transporting them to the facility, extracting the stems, treating them and the power needed to use this – it causes the product to become pricey,” Tumusiime says.
Cheveux Organique sells its plant-based hair in Uganda, and as far afield as the US, France and the UK. It retails for $50 for 150 grams (5.3 ounces), which Tumusiime says is c heaper than a typical $185 for a similar amount of human hair. But synthetic hair can be bought for as little as $1 for a bundle.
“This is something that we are hugely concerned about, and we are trying to find ways to mechanize the business and produce volumes of hair whilst continuing to break even,” Tumusiime says. “The people paying these prices are getting a premium product at the end of it – and it’s about the long-term benefits that this product brings.”
Tumusiime says her startup, which currently employs 25 permanent staff members and 100 part-time workers for waste gathering, is in the process of creating regional hubs, which will function as ex-
traction centers, as well as an education point for young people. The hubs will train future generations on the positive impacts of waste management, as well as giving young people skill sets – such as extraction and machine operation – that will equip them for future careers.
“We want to make sure that this brand is a household name,” Tumusiime says. “We want to become leaders in this industry despite challenges. But I’m passionate about what I’m doing. I’m not about to give up. I do everything possible to make sure that I achieve my objectives and achieve the vision for which I started this organization.”
Homeless encampments in Downtown San Diego. PHOTO: Macy Meinhardt/ Voice & Viewpoint Staff
Tips to Stay Safe During Desert Excessive Heat Warning
Wi th the National Weather Service issuing an excessive heat warning in San Diego County deserts, the County is reminding people about County Cool Zones and offering tips to protect yourself from the heat.
Here are some tips to help people avoid heat-related problems:
• Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. Do not rely on electric fans for cooling if temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• D rink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Take cool showers.
• N ever leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car.
• Keeping pets cool in hot weather.
• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun.
• Avoid using the oven to cook.
Pet safety tips:
• Keep your pets indoors if the temperature is lower inside.
• E xercise pets in early morning hours or
early evening to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. Avoid strenuous runs or hikes.
• Keep your pets’ water supply in a tip-proof container, always topped off, and be sure it stays cool (pets will not drink water that is too hot).
• Consider a misting system to keep the outdoor areas cooler.
• Be sure your pet has shade ALL DAY, if they are outside. Remember, the sun’s position changes during the day.
• Do not take your pets for car trips unless absolutely necessary. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward even with the windows down an inch or two.
• Don’t take your dogs for walks on the hot pavement. If it is too hot for you to walk barefooted, then don’t make your dogs do it either.
• Consider adding a child’s wading pool for your dog. Many dogs will keep cool by “taking a dip.”
A complete list and map of County Cool Zone sites, their hours and locations are located online. People can also call 2-1-1 to find a location, or, if they cannot get to a Cool Zone, ask for help with free transportation.
This article originally appeared on TheCountyNewsCenter.com
SDUSD Reports on the Benefits of Restorative Justice Practices
Did you know that the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) has a Department of Restorative Justice? According to their website, the purpose of their restorative justice practices (RJP) is to cultivate relationships that help build and sustain a school culture that is “positive and welcoming for students, staff, and families”.
Here’s what SDUSD’s website has to say about the benefits of Restorative Justice Practices: All students, teachers, administra-
tors, parents, and community members connected to a school can work in a restorative way by getting to know each other, actively listening to and respecting each other, and by creating a foundation of trust, empathy, and safety in the school environment. When people are engaging in a restorative way, it affects the overall campus climate, touches the lives of every community member, and becomes a way of being that makes harm less likely to occur in the first place.
In July of 2017, the SDUSD Board and Leadership passed the School Climate Bill of Rights which led to the creation of the restorative jus -
tices department. The Department of Restorative Justice Practices (RJP) recognizes that sometimes harms do occur in school communities and restorative justice is a specific responsive process under the umbrella of restorative practices that supports students responsible for harm and community members impacted by harm.
Department of RJP reports restorative justice processes focus on the following principles:
• Holding the student responsible for the offense accountable
• R epairing the harm caused by the student responsible for the offense
• Beginning the healing process for the people harmed and the community
• Reintegrating the student responsible for the offense back into the community
What the RJP Department Would Like You to Know:
• R estorative practices are about creating stronger communities and cultivating relationships and have been successful at helping youth and adults communicate more effectively, minimizing student truancy, reducing school conflict, and lowering suspension and expulsion rates.
• L ower rates of suspensions and expulsions have also been found to increase the academic scores of non-suspended students. Ad-
ditionally, students that go to schools with lower suspension rates have higher end of year math and English scores. This shows the negative impact of zero-tolerance policies, such as suspensions and expulsions, on the academic success of all students in a campus community.
• P arents report better relationships with their children, residents report better relationships with their neighbors and youth report increased confidence and better relationships with their teachers, families, friends, and peers.
Through restorative practices we can utilize tools to hold students accountable for their actions while keeping them in school and out of the school to prison pipeline.
The RJP team provides support in:
• Implementation preparation
• Tiered Professional Development for multiple stakeholders that fit school-identified priorities and needs
• O ngoing implementation support & sustainability
• C apacity building through the participation in professional learning communities
• P rovide strategies to meaningfully engage students and families at your school
For more info on restorative justice practices, or to learn how it’s being implemented in your school, contact the Restorative Justice Practices Department through their email restorativejustice@sandi.net or call at (619)430-1740.
Source: sandiegounified.org
Past COVID Infections May Help Protect Against Certain Colds
By Laura Ungar Associated Press
If you’ve been sick with COVID-19, you may have some protection against certain versions of the common cold.
These vaccines are “still your best defense against severe COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and death.”
–Dr. Wesley Long
A new study suggests previous COVID-19 infections lower the risk of getting colds caused by milder coronavirus cousins, which could provide a key to broader COVID-19 vaccines.
“We think there’s going to be a future outbreak of a coronavirus,” said Dr. Manish
Sagar, senior author of the study pub lished Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine. “Vaccines potential ly could be improved if we could replicate some of the immune responses that are pro vided by natural infection.”
The study looked at COVID-19 PCR tests from more than 4,900 people who sought medical care between November 2020 and October 2021. After controlling for things like age, gender and preexisting conditions, Sagar said he and his colleagues found people previously infected with COVID-19 had about a 50% lower chance of having a symptomatic coro navirus-caused common cold compared with people who were, at the time, fully vaccinated and hadn’t yet gotten COVID-19.
Several viruses cause colds; coronaviruses are thought to be responsible for about 1 in 5 colds.
Researchers linked the protection against coronavirus-caused colds to virus-killing cell
responses for two specific viral proteins. These proteins aren’t used in most vaccines now, but researchers propose add -
ing them in the future.
“Our studies would suggest that these may be novel strategies for better vaccines that not only tackle the current coronaviruses, but any potential future one that may emerge,” said Sagar of Boston Medical Center.
Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist in Texas who was not involved in the study, said the findings shouldn’t be seen as a knock against current vaccines, which target the “spike” protein studding the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. These vaccines, he said, are “still your best defense against severe COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and death.”
But he added: “If we can find targets that cross-protect among multiple viruses, we can either add those to specific vaccines or start to use those as vaccine targets that would give us broader-based immunity from a single vaccination. And that would be really cool.”
PHOTO: Courtesy of the County News Center
PHOTO: Freepik
PHOTO: Courtesy of the San Diego Unified School District(SDUSD)
UC SAN DIEGOCommencement Celebrations
Courtesy of Dr. LaWana Richmond
Over the weekend of June 15, 2024, thousands of students along with their friends and families were recognized for having completed degrees at the University of California, San Diego located in La Jolla at a plethora of ceremonies dedicated to majors, schools, programs, affinity groups, and of course the doozy, All Class Commencement.
This year’s All Class Commencement was the first to take place in the evening and was further highlighted with much fanfare and fireworks. This is the first year of having eight student speakers which meant more representation across the various colleges, departments, and majors as well as social and economic backgrounds.
The keynote speaker this year was former Vice President and Climate Champion, Al Gore. His focus was on the imperative of climate action and the power each of our students is inherently endowed with to be part of the solution to this as well as other challenges on the horizon.
PHOTOS:
SDSU 45th Annual Black Baccalaureate Ceremony
The San Diego State University (SDSU) Baccalaureate Committee, along with families and friends, were on hand May 9th, 2023 at Lincoln High School for the Annual Black Baccalaureate Ceremony. This year's theme was SANKOFA: Learning from The Past, Living For The Future. This year's graduates, who formally received their degrees over the weekend in a number of ceremonies as a part of the University’s graduation ceremony, were present in
their caps and gowns, as a part of the Processional of African Drummers. Again, the Host of the Ceremony was Dr. Adisa A. Alkebulan, SDSU Chair of Africana Studies and Co-Chair of the Black Baccalaureate Committee.
There were two student speakers, Travis Bowen and Janae Wingfield; and one alternate, Speaker Rhyan Pitts. Filmmaker Logan Coles gave the Charge to the Graduates.
arate and apart from the formal university graduation ceremony that followed.
It was Dr. Shirley Weber, the California Secretary of State, and former faculty member of SDSU who, in 1980, proposed the idea of the Black Baccalaureate Ceremony. Historically in the Black community, this ceremony was much like a religious church service acknowledging the graduates achievements, sep-
The Baccalaureate Ceremony originated in 1432 at University of Oxford in England. Each Bachelor student was required to give a sermon in Latin, as part of an academic exercise. The concept of receiving a degree dates back to islamic tradition. The Baccalaureate ceremony as practiced in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) had deep roots in the Black church.
The graduates made the following statement:
“We pledge our lives and souls to assist our communities, to be an advocate of our people and devote our lives to the betterment of all African people. We will never break this promise. Our ancestors have heard this pledge. They will hold us to this pledge. This is final and there is no compromise. Yebo.”
When you get a Flex Alert, reduce your power use to help ease the grid and avoid statewide outages. The more people that save their energy for later, the more likely we keep the lights on.
PHOTOS: Dwayne Hill
By Tihut Tamrat
CONTRIBUTING
WRITER
On Friday May 24th, 101 Black and African American graduates walked the stage waving to their family, friends and supporters. With a vision of “Learning for the Future,” Cuyamaca college takes pride in their comprehensive student support services providing careful guidance for students as they navigate the unknown avenues of academia. This was seen and upheld all throughout the lively Black and African American Graduate Celebration.
To start, Claudette Clark, Community Outreach Specialist at Cuyamaca College, gave her opening remarks, welcoming parents and support systems that watched their children grow and accomplish goals and achievements they’ve set out since admission. Jonathan Ng, Umoja(Unity) Counselor at Cuyamaca College, continued by
Black and African American at Cuyamaca
honoring “Kujichagulia”, defined as self-determination and acknowledging “Nia”, purpose, stating the intention behind the celebration of the Black and African American graduates.
Ushered in by the drummer music precession, Yiriba Drum Works, the celebrated graduates walked into the top floor of the Student Center with big smiles and excitement as they saw their loved ones cheering them on. The ceremony commenced with libations, the pouring out of a drink to call upon the ancestors for
SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE:
By Tihut Tamrat
CONTRIBUTING
WRITER
On Saturday, June 15, The Boulé, the oldest fraternity for African Americans, hosted an Economic Empowerment Summit for teens and college students at San Diego City College. This event featured engaging financial education workshops and inspiring mentor sessions, access to youth-focused financial resources and informative panel discussions, exciting networking and resource fair and music by DJ, empowering and inspiring keynote speakers, and complimentary food and beverages sponsored by Raising Cane’s.
To begin, Ricky
The
Banking on Our
just how important it is to take advantage of free college classes offered in high school for free to jump start their college for free. “Now when we go to these classes that we offer for free, guess what we don’t see? I don’t see black students and now so these other students are taking these classes for free. And you can do that right now,” states Shabazz.
blessings, offered by Elder Yiriba, followed by the Black national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, right before the reception dinner.
reception dinner, catered by Hapi Eats, paired with smooth trumpet jazz from Kenneth Meredith, brought the house down as guests
Shabazz, President of San Diego City College opened the summit by voicing
L to R: Dr. Denise Whisenhunt, President of Grossmont College and Dr. Jessica Robinson, President of Cuyamaca College
L to R: Claudette Clark and Jonathan Ng giving welcoming remarks.
Libation station.
Above: Ricky Shabazz; Right: Shabazz brought up high school student from Patrick Henry High School solidifying his speech on free college, giving student $100 bill presented in the book Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino.
American Graduate Celebration Cuyamaca College
enjoyed the delicious and delectable food and tunes with company of their graduates. After cravings were satisfied, the celebration called for some inspiring speeches before the graduates walked across the stage and were bestowed with their Kente cloth.
Our Legacy
Following Shabazz, Keynote speaker, Ramsey Jay, Jr. Founding Principal of Ramsey Jay, Jr. and Associates, gave a silver-tongued speech about how important it is to first understand the language of finance as to become literate in finance to accrue wealth. “Money is a language, if you don’t understand the language of money you will become an economic slave or beholden to somebody that does,” conveys Jay.
After learning why it’s important to become financially literate now, the workshop portion of the summit began. Workshops on credit, bud-
Dr. Jessica Robinson, President of Cuyamaca College, acknowledged the resilience and successes of the graduates, motivating them to continue on with further endeavors and goals they hope to obtain. Dr. Denise Whisenhunt, President of Grossmont College, gave her recollection of her Black graduation and its impact on her drive to excel and motivate today. She also gave her praise to the graduating class to encourage them that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to. Following the president's speeches, students gave their speeches, thanking their supporters and family, ending with the Keynote speech made by Dr. Sade Burrell, Associate Dean of Student Services and Special Programs.
geting, financial education, parent responsible adult exchange and more were held in classrooms. There students were engaged and able to ask many questions as financial resources were provided to them by representatives from East Chop Capital, UC San Diego Admissions, San Diego Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc, Concerned Parents Alliance College Bound Academy Programs, and more.
With nothing else left to be said, the graduates got in line and waited excitedly for their name to be called to finally experience the moment they have worked towards the last couple of years! As names were called students walked across smiling, dancing, and giving shout outs, earning their degrees, congrats, and bragging rights for years to come!
Succeeding these activating sessions, Raising Cane’s was there to compliment. This summit provided many informative discussions, tips and tricks to becoming financially literate, and offered many ways to bank on our legacy!
o u t p e r f o r m s
n e i g h b o r h o o d s c h o o l s
E N R O L L N O W G R A D E S 5 - 8 k i p p s o c a l . o r g / a d e l a n t e
PHOTOS:
PHOTOS: Tihut Tamrat
Feeding Young Minds: Free Summer Lunch Programs Across San Diego County
By Macy Meinhardt Voice & Viewpoint Staff
More than 100,000 children in San Diego have limited access to fresh and healthy food in San Diego County. During the academic year K-12 schools across the county work to fill that gap by providing over 50% of students with free or reduced meals, according to the California Department of Education. Now that summer is here, how will child food insecurity be addressed?
Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity is largely linked to racial inequities. Based on a study by Feeding San Diego, 24% of the Black community in San Diego are food insecure, followed behind 18% of the Latino Community.
“When school is out for summer break, a large number of kids lose access to the healthy meals they rely on during
“Summer
another school year.”
As a result, Voice & Viewpoint has compiled a list of over 80 different sites within the county that are serving as nutrition hubs this summer to provide free breakfast, lunch, and snacks to children and teens. Sites offering these services include: thirty-two school locations within San Diego Unified, 5 military sites, twenty-one parks and recreation centers, 3 public libraries, and 6 YMCA and community centers. School locations offering free lunches within La Mesa and El Cajon school districts are also listed.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture and is designed to provide a nutritious bridge during the summer and help relieve all families from some of their financial burdens.
Services Director Alicia Pitrone Hauser.
meals ensure all children have consistent access to the nutrition they need to
learn, play, and grow — and this makes children be better prepared to start
PHOTO: WikiCommons
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
9:00
CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES
6/27,
Located at: 6535 Mission Gorge Rd. San Diego, CA 92120 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 06/24/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Hi Tech Lock and Key 6535 Mission Gorge Rd. San Diego, CA 92120 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 24, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 24, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011209
Fictitious business name(s): Ray Of Light Therapy Located at: 2831 Camino Del Rio S. #201 San Diego, CA 92108 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 registered by the following: Kendall Stewart 2831 Camino Del Rio S. #201 San Diego, CA 92108
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 28, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on May 28, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012838
Fictitious business name(s): Rock Star Garage Located at: 3601 Suffolk Dr. San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
An Individual
The first day of business was: 06/18/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Thomas Charles Welch 3601 Suffolk Drive San Diego, CA 92115
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 18, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 18, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010775
Fictitious business name(s): Vineyard Grant James Located at:
25260 E. Old Julian Hwy. Ramona, CA 92065 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
An Individual
The first day of business was: 05/20/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Susanne Sapier
25260 E. Old Julian Hwy. Ramona, CA 92065
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 21, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on May 21, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010993
Fictitious business name(s):
Alignment Mental Health
Located at: 2307 Fenton Pkway, #107 #602 San Diego, CA 92108 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
An Individual
The first day of business was: 05/01/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Melissa Kirsten McCormick MS. 2307 Fenton Pkway, #107 #602 San Diego, CA 92108 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 17, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 17, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012520
Fictitious business name(s): C Star Enterprises Located at: 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Corporation
The first day of business was: 12/13/2002
This business is hereby registered by the following: S.V.D.P. Management, INC. 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 14, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 14, 2029
6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012521
Fictitious business name(s): Father Joe's Villages Located at: 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Corporation
The first day of business was: 11/01/1999
This business is hereby registered by the following: S.V.D.P. Management, INC. 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 14, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 14, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012522
Fictitious business name(s): Village Place Apartments Located at: 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102 County of San Diego This business is conducted by:
A Corporation
The first day of business was: 10/02/2013 This business is hereby registered by the following: S.V.D.P. Management, INC. 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
State of Incorporation/ Organization:
California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 14, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 14, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012527
Fictitious
conducted by:
A Corporation
The first day of business was: 08/09/2019
This business is hereby registered by the following: St. Vincent de Paul Village, INC. 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 14, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 14, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
2024-9012530
Fictitious business name(s): Toussaint Academy
Toussaint Academy of San Diego
Toussaint Academy of the Arts and Sciences
Toussaint Academy San Diego Located at: 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Corporation
The first day of business was: 04/08/2019
This business is hereby registered by the following: St. Vincent de Paul Village, INC. 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 14, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 14, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012529
Fictitious business name(s): Village Health Center Located at: 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Corporation
The first day of business was: 04/08/2019
This business is hereby registered by the following: St. Vincent de Paul Village, INC. 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 14, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 14, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012528
Fictitious business name(s): Joan Kroc Center Located at: 3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 04/13/2017
This business is hereby registered by the following: St. Vincent de Paul Village, INC.
3350 E Street San Diego, CA 92102
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 14, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 14, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. P:619-266-2233 F:619-266-0533 E:ads@sdvoice.info Include the following information: • Full Name Billing address • Date(s) you want the ad to appear
2024-9010466
Fictitious business name(s):
American Financial Located at: 7825 Fay Ave. Suite 200 La Jolla, CA 92037 County of San Diego
22797 Bayview Avenue Hayward, CA 94541
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 09/12/2000
This business is hereby registered by the following: Teva Perrizo 22797 Bayview Avenue Hayward, CA 94541
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 15, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on May 15, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT
2024-9012472
Fictitious business name(s): 619 Drone Zone
619 Drone Foundation Located at:
4091 Newton Ave. San Diego, CA 92113 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 registered by the following:
Rachelle Marie Ivy 4091 Newton Ave. San Diego, CA 92113
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 13, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 13, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011227
Fictitious business name(s): Only Bands Located at: 3805 Boundary St. #G San Diego, CA 92104 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A General Partnership
The first day of business was: 05/28/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Rick Mamom Hamamoto 3805 Boundary St. #G San Diego, CA 92104
Jarius Benjamin Gaines
4304 Oceanview Blvd. San Diego, CA 92113
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 28, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on May 28, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012826
Fictitious business name(s): Charles's Mobile Auto Mechanics
CMAM Of San Diego Located at: 7784 Cedar Lake Ave. San Diego, CA 92119 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
An Individual
The first day of business was: 07/17/2019
This business is hereby registered by the following: Lisma Charles 7784 Cedar Lake Ave. San Diego, CA 92119
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 18, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 18, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012756
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012757
Fictitious business name(s): SD Urban Rentals Located at: 3275 C St. San Diego, CA 92102 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Trust
The first day of business was: 04/27/2008 This business is hereby registered by the following: Kathleen Grace Davidson Trustee of Trust A UTA dated 2/19/86 3634 7th Ave. 14F San Diego, CA 92103
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 17, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on June 17, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012685
Fictitious business name(s): Puerto Rican Kitchen Located at: 11830 Waterhill Rd. Lakeside, CA 92040
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 04/20/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Laura Lee Brown 11830 Waterhill Rd. Lakeside, CA 92040
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 17, 2024 This fictitious business name will expire on June 17, 2029 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012483
Fictitious business name(s): Cha Thai Located at: 4750 70th Street #64 La Mesa, CA 91942 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 06/13/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Jane Bulner 4750 70th Street #64 La Mesa, CA 91942
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 13, 2024 This fictitious business name will expire on June 13, 2029 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012407
Fictitious business name(s): Beauty By Gerine Located at: 6365 Cresthaven Dr. La Mesa, CA 91942 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 06/11/2024 This business is hereby registered by the following:
Gerine, Victoria, Coronado 6365 Cresthaven Dr. La Mesa, CA 91942 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 12, 2024 This fictitious business name will expire on June 12, 2029 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
name(s):
Dental Lab
at: 8360 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
107, California San Diego, CA 92111 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: Co-Partners
first day of business was: 01/29/2020 This business is hereby registered by the following: Kunghee Han 8360 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. STE 107, California San Diego, CA 92111 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California Youngkyu Han 8360 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. STE 107, California San Diego, CA 92111 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 28, 2024 This
NOTICE OF BIDS
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011729
Fictitious business name(s): Arts Landscaping Located at: 760 Rytko St. San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 10/06/2015 This business is hereby registered by the following: Arturo Gonzalez 760 Rytko St. San Diego, CA 92114
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 04, 2024 This fictitious business name will expire on June 04, 2029 6/13,
CA 92102
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 31, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on May 31, 2029 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009370
Fictitious business name(s): Sugar's Famous Cookies And Ice Cream Located at: 5880 Lochmoor Dr. #68 Riverside, CA 92507 County of Riverside
This business is conducted by:
An Individual
The first day of business was: 03/15/2017
This business is hereby registered by the following: Khaiyon Sugar Jackson 5880 Lochmoor Dr. #68 Riverside, CA 92507
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 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009328
Fictitious business name(s): The Black C.R.E.E.D Institute Of America INC
Black Creed Institute Of America INC (BCIA)
Black C.R.E.E.D Investment Division
Black C.R.E.E.D Consortium
National Black C.R.E.E.D Institute
Black C.R.E.E.D Lending Professionals
Black C.R.E.E.D Real Estate professionals
Black C.R.E.E.D Training Academy
Black C.R.E.E.D School of Real Estate
Black C.R.E.E.D Housing Collaborative
Black C.R.E.E.D Vocational Training Institute
Black C.R.E.E.D Apprenticeship Program
Black C.R.E.E.D Scholarship Fund
Black C.R.E.E.D Industrial Cooperative Education
Black C.R.E.E.D Architectural Engineering Institute Located at: 6904 Federal Blvd. Lemon Grove, CA 91945 County of San Diego This business is conducted by:
Black Creed Institute Of America INC. 6904 Federal Blvd. Lemon Grove, CA 91945 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 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009865
Fictitious business name(s): Newbegin Funding
Newbegin Realty
Newbegin Property Management
Newbegin Construction Located at: 1561 Law Street San Diego, CA 92109 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
An Individual
The first day of business was: 05/08/2024 This business is hereby registered by the following: Noah Newbegin
1561 Law Street San Diego, CA 92109
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 08, 2024 This fictitious business name will expire on May 08, 2029 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010840
Fictitious business name(s): ChiroVibe Located at: 660 Bay Blvd. Suite 211 Chula Vista, CA 91910 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 05/21/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Lora Jane Urig 660 Bay Blvd. Suite 211 Chula Vista, CA 91910
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 21, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on May 21, 2029 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9010068
Fictitious business name(s): Hyundai Of El Cajon Located at: 1155 Graves Ave. El Cajon, CA 92021 County of San Diego
PO Box 25309 Eugene, OR 97401
This business is conducted by:
A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 05/11/2020
This business is hereby registered by the following: JKC SD2 LLC 1155 Graves Ave. El Cajon, CA 92021
State of Incorporation/ Organization:
CA
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 09, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on May 09, 2029 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011358
Fictitious business name(s): ReKre8 Apparel
ReKre8 Universal ReKre8 Cafe Located at: 828 S. 47th St. San Diego, CA 92113
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 05/29/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: ReKre8 Apparel LLC 828 S. 47th St. San Diego, CA 92113 State of Incorporation/ Organization:
CA This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 29, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on May 29, 2029 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Hall of Justice Courthouse 37-2024-00028119CU-PT-CTL
Petitioner or Attorney: Diemtrang Thi Pham; Thanh Phong Vo on of minor child
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Diemtrang Thi Pham; Thanh Phong Vo on of minor child filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: a. Anhthu Vo Pham b. Tiep Khac Pham
PROPOSED NAME: a. Amyla Anh Thu Vo b. Jayden Tiep Vo
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted.
Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at
least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: July 30, 2024 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE 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 6/20, 6/27, 7/04, 7/11
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101
37-2024-00025988CU-PT-CTL
Petitioner or Attorney: Gregory Francis Glen and Maribeth Armidor Glen
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Gregory Francis Glen and Maribeth Armidor Glen filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Jacob Matthew Glen
Daniel Matthew Glen
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: July 17, 2024
Time: 8:30 A.M.
Dept. 61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree 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 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/04
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
325 South Melrose Drive Vista, CA 92081 North County Regional Center 37-2024-00026162CU-PT-NC
Petitioner or Attorney: Julia Alix Curtiss
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner
Julia Alix Curtiss filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Julia Alix Curtiss
PROPOSED NAME: Julia Alix Lord
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: July 12, 2024 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. N-25
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
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
The address of the court is: 325 South Melrose Drive Vista, CA 92081 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/04
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101
Central 37-2024-00026166CU-PT-CTL
Petitioner or Attorney: Faye Ying Zhu
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Faye Ying Zhu filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Faye Ying Zhu
PROPOSED NAME: Faye Angel
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: July 18, 2024
Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. C-61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree
Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
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.
PROPOSED NAME:
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
1872
PAUL LAURENCE
DUNBAR IS BORN
Paul Laurence Dunbar, famous Poet Laureate, was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1872. Dunbar’s mother sparked his interest in literature. He attended Dayton Central High, where he excelled in the debate, was president of the literary society, was editor of the school newspaper, and class poet.
BLACK HISTORY
Primarily recognized as a poet, Dunbar’s poetry was written in two distinct styles: traditional English and turn of the twentieth century Black American dialect. His most famous recitals took place at the 1893 World Columbia Exposition in Chicago and in England, where he toured for six months in 1897. In 1902, suffering from alcoholism, a bout of tuberculosis and the belief that he was a failed poet, Dunbard died at the age of 33.
1999
MARION MOTLEY PASSES AWAY
1894
CRYSTAL BIRD FAUSET IS BORN
Crystal Bird Fauset, the first African American female state legislator in the United States, was born on June 27, 1894 in Princess Anne, Maryland.
In 1932 Fauset founded the Colored Women’s Activities Club for the Democratic National Committee where she helped African American women register to vote. In 1938 Fauset was elected to the Pennsylvania State Legislature, representing the 18th District of Philadelphia, which was 66% white at that time.
In 1941 Fauset became a part of President Roosevelt’s “Black Cabinet” and promoted civil defense planning in Black communities, recruitment of Blacks in the military, and racuak discrimination complaints. Fauset died on March 27, 1965 in Philadelphia.
Marion Motley, first African American professional football player, was born June 5, 1920, in Leesburg, Georgia.
A WWII Navy veteran, in 1946 Motley became the first African American to play professional football in the modern era. He played for the Cleveland Browns in the new All-America Football Conference (AAFC). In 1950, the Browns joined the NFL. In one game that season, Motley ran for over 180 yards on just 11 carries, and he still holds the NFL record in rushing for an entire season with fewer than 140 attempts. He was the first African American elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968 and in 1994 was honored on the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Marion Motley died on June 27, 1999.
VOTE
This is why our campaign has committed to holding a Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers Assembly in Washington, DC, on June 29th. We are bringing the everyday people who’ve demanded better wages from their bosses to Washington and insist that Republicans, Democrats, and Independents make clear what they will do to address the needs of 135 million Americans who are living on the edge in the richest nation in the history of the world. And we are committing to go home to our communities and reach 15 million of the unlikely low-income voters with the message that they have power in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Blackpressusa.com.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
OBITUARIES
McKinney
SUNRISE 10/21/1942
SUNSET 04/16/2024 Oliver Ocie
Oliver Ocie McKinney was born October 21, 1942, in Bartlesville, OK, to Ceonia McKinney and Vinna Hancox. Oliver’s mother, Vinna Hancox, married Thomas James Garrett, Sr., who provided a loving home in San Diego where Oliver grew up. Oliver was called to eternal rest on April 16, 2024.
Oliver graduated from San Diego High School. He attended Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. He graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
Oliver married Edwina Lois Hill in 1965. To this union, his first son, Matthew McKinney, was born. His second marriage was to Eunice McKinney. His third marriage was to Nora Banks and to this union his second son, Michael McKinney, was born. Oliver met his soulmate, Sandra Davenport, in 2020 and their relationship lasted until the end of his life.
Oliver was a kind and loving free spirit, an avid traveler, reader, and writer. He had many professional jobs throughout his career, including many confidential government assignments in various countries. He lived in San Diego, Ghana, Jamaica, Figi, Panama, Australia, India, Dominican Republic, Long Beach, Pasadena and Moreno Valley.
Oliver showed an unwavering commitment and unconditional love for his family. He was a humanitarian at heart to many causes.
He was preceded in death by his fathers; Ceonia McKinney and Thomas J. Garrett Sr., mother Vinna Hancox Garrett, brothers; Edward Lee Johnson, Thomas Garrett, Clifford Garrett, Darrell Garrett, Freddie Garrett, and Lawrence McKinney, sister Evelyn Johnson, and his second wife Eunice McKinney. Oliver left to cherish his memory his sons; Matthew McKinney, Michael McKinney, and Isaac Banks, daughter Ojeya Banks, granddaughters; Riahleen McKinney, Mya Collazo, and Awa Banks, brothers; Amos Johnson and Sterling Garrett (Debbie), sisters; Eunice (Gloria) Johnson (Wyatt), Sherry McKinney, Marilyn McKinney-Baker, and Brenda Lancaste, as well as a plethora of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Oliver’s wonderful spirit, joy, and talents will be celebrated Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Paradise Village, 2700 E Fourth Street, National City, CA 91950, promptly at 12 Noon.
To prepare adequately for the repass, we need an approximate head count. Please RSVP for you and/or your family who will attend to ohappydaytravel@ gmail.com OR call Darlean McKinney-McClure at (559) 827-9013. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Jackie Robinson YMCA in San Diego. Cards and donations can be forwarded to Amos Johnson, c/o Paradise Village.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
Eliyanah Marie Jerome Earl
Herrod
SUNRISE 03/08/2019
SUNSET 05/17/2024
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
Eliyanah Marie Herrod passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday May 17th, 2024 in San Diego, California. Born March 8th, 2019, Eliyanah was the tender age of five at her passing. During her five years of life on Earth, Eliyanah touched the hearts of many, and her smile absolutely lit up the room. Eliyanah's favorite television shows and movies were Gabby's Dollhouse, Daniel Tiger, Trolls, and Cry Babies. Eliyanah was a sassy little firecracker, and if she did not like something- her facial expressions would say it all. Every single day she would pick a flower and give it to one of her siblings, or her mother or father. Eliyanah's favorite sayings were "I smell like an onion!" and "Hugga Mugga”. Eliyanah's favorite advice to give was " Eat Healthy!" and "Keep your eyes on the cars!". Eliyanah is survived by her mother Danielle Herrod; her father Dominique Lee Herrod; her two older brothers Dominique Lee Herrod Jr, 14; and Kaiden Lee Herrod, 8; her grandparents; Charlotte Marshall, John Potts, Arlene Potts, Eddie Herrod, and Lorraine Herrod; and her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. In heaven, Eliyanah joins her great-grandmothers, great-aunts, great-uncles, grandma, uncles, cousins, and her father's best friend.
Mosley
05/22/2024
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
Jerome Earl Mosley was born on November 27, 1972 in San Diego, California. He was born to Curtis and Joyce Mosley. Curtis Mosley preceded him in death. Jerome was the youngest child of four children.
One thing about Jerome, he loved and was very active in The Lord. He was an active member of Shepherd’s Chapel Church. Wherever he went he would minister the gospel of Jesus to everybody he meets. Jerome enjoyed studying and reading the word of God. That was his first love. Jerome loved family time with his nieces and nephews, playing board games with them. Jerome loved making his own different fragrances, also he enjoyed cooking good meals with his own little twist. He had a favorite saying that he would always say “It is, what it is”. He loved making everyone feel his great hospitality and he would show his mother’s friends from making coffee to serving them food. Jerome loved speaking about the lord to his family and friends. He had the best and friendly personality that he showed everyone that he met. Jerome has impacted so many people in his life that he will be missed. He will always be remembered for his beautiful smile that lit up everyone’s day.
He is survived by his mother Joyce Mosley. Jerome had one sister Joann (Henry) Gaines - Smith of San Diego. Two brothers Darrin Gaines and Tyrone Mosley both of San Diego. One daughter named Shanelle Mosley of San Diego. He also leaves Great Aunt Helen Howard of Texas. Aunt Tereasa Howard of Mississippi. One nephew Vincent Williams, two great nephews Bryce ToddJones, and Maurice Williams of San Diego. Three nieces Deann Todd, Eliana Mosley, and Serena Cole of San Diego. He leaves behind his 5 great nieces: Braycee, Breone, Bejaine, Brooklyn, and Tyliah all of San Diego. He leaves his two uncles Melvin Howard of Covington, Georgia and Joe (Crystal) Howard of San Antonia, Texas. And special friend Shannon Anderson and his buddy Carmelo Anderson, both of San Diego. And a host of family and friends that he holds dear.
Jennifer Jean Kahleesi Jewelle
Jenkins-Hooper
SUNRISE 02/04/1958
SUNSET 05/21/2024
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
With a heart full of reverence and peace, we announce the passing of Jennifer Jean Jenkins-Hooper, who entered eternal rest on May 21, 2024, at the age of 66. Born to this world on February 4, 1958, in the historic enclave of Brooklyn, New York, Jennifer was a beacon of steadfast love and grace within her community and family. Jennifer was a proud alumna of Morse High School and the University of Redlands, carrying forth a lifelong love of learning and service. Her dedication to her faith was evident in her active involvement with the 61st and Division Church of Christ and The Rock Church-Point Loma, communities that will deeply miss her earnest participation and fellowship. Her devoted husband, George Hooper, survives her, carrying forward the legacy of their profound partnership. Jennifer's memory is a cherished treasure for her children, Kristiana Lopez and Amber Aschoff; her grandchildren, Zebulon Hill II, Jaden Bellamy, Stella, and Lukas Aschoff; her great-granddaughter, Zara Hill, her siblings, Joyce Jean Vega, Sara Ann Nieves, and Richard Michael Nieves (Ricky). In addition to bonus children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She will be held in affectionate remembrance by her extended family and a multitude of friends whose lives she touched. She now joins in heavenly fellowship with her brother Hector Juan Nieves Jr. (Bobby), her father Hector Juan Nieves Sr. (Johnny), and her mother Stella Alice Peralta, who preceded her in passing. We gathered in solemn commemoration of Jennifer's life at a service conducted at Rock Church Point Loma on the 22nd of June 2024, commenced at 10:30 am. This service was a time of reflection upon the virtuous life she led and the enduring imprint she made upon the tapestry of all our lives.
Love Lives On
Arberry
SUNRISE
02/28/2024
SUNSET 05/24/2024
ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL
Kahlessi Jewelle Arberry, affectionately known to her mommy as "mamithas" and to her family as "Ms Juicy" or "Buttery,” passed away peacefully in her steep in the comfort of her home on May 24th, 2024 at the precious age of 3 months old.
Kahleesi Jewelle Arberry was born on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital in San Diego, to the parents Diamond Williams and Keyon Arberry.
She couldn't wait to bless the world with her presence. She had to show her pretty little face at just 31 weeks weighing only 3lbs 8oz. Although Kahleesi had to spend the next month in the NICU she made sure to put up a fight to get home and became a NICU graduate on April 4th, 2024.
Kahlessi gave life a tenacious fight and never once let up! She leaves to cherish her memories with her parents Diamond Williams and Keyon Arberry, her big brother Khymir Arberry. Grandmother Teleda Aberry, grandfather Albert Williams. Great grandmothers Wanda Coleman and Bertha KnightMarshall, God-mother NyOaka Conley, God sister MyNami Conley-Martin. Her aunties Dimani and Cherrish Williams, Roneshia Marie, Katya Taylor, Ebony and Kieonie Arberry. Uncles Albert and De'Andre Williams, Davante and Kurt Arberry, Keishawn Cosby, Keandre Mosquete and Terrell Hassen. Her cousin-sister Noelle and big cousins King Novah, KaHmarii, Khyree, Rodeny Jr, and Riley. Along with a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, family, and friends. Preceding Kahleesi in death is her Grandmother "NANA '' LaNell Denise Spence, auntie Tonia Coleman, God-brother Nassir Conley-Martin and big cousin Tre'Von Stewart-Jordan.
Those we love are never really lost to us we feel them in so many special ways through friends they always cared about and dreams they left behind, in beauty that they added to our days… in words of wisdom we still carry with us and memories that never will be gone… Those we love are never really lost to us For everywhere their special love lives on.
BUSINESS & PERSONAL FINANCE
Credit Card Delinquencies Are Rising
By Cora Lewis Associated Press
Seriously overdue credit card debt is at the highest level in more than a decade, and people 35 and under are struggling more than other age groups to pay their bills.
The share of credit card debt that’s severely delinquent, defined as being more than 90 days overdue, rose to 10.7% during the first quarter of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. A year ago, just 8.2% of credit card debt was severely delinquent.
If you’re experiencing delinquency, or at risk of it, experts advise speaking with a nonprofit credit counselor and negotiating with your creditors directly. Here’s what you should know:
What Should I Do If I’m at
Risk of
Delinquency?
Bruce McClary, senior vice president at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, says that anyone at risk of delinquency should reach out as soon as possible for help from a nonprofit credit counselor, some of whom can be found through his organization. The consultation is free, and a non-judgmental counselor can give guidance towards a long-term solution.
Nonprofits can also help create debt management plans that have lower interest rates, no late fees, and a single payment each month, McClary said. These plans may come with maintenance fees, which vary, but the fees are offset by the overall savings on the debt. Mc-
Clary urged borrowers to be careful of scammers and for-profit debt consolidation companies, which often charge much higher fees than nonprofit organizations. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a helpful breakdown comparing the two.
Martin Lynch, president of the Financial Counseling Association of America, echoed this advice.
“Taking that first step and contacting a counselor is difficult for many people," Lynch said. He emphasized that consumers in debt should do their best to “first, relax,” and then to be as forthcoming as possible about their circumstances with the counselor.
“You’ll be talking to someone for free, who will listen to you describe your situation,” he said. “You can share your concerns without being judged for falling into difficulty.”
What About Negotiating With Creditors?
Both Lynch and McClary urge borrowers to reach out directly to credit card companies to negotiate inter-
est rates, fees, and long-term payment plans, noting that it's in the companies' best interests if you pay before the debt goes into collections.
“The best thing to do is to reach out, give an honest assessment of your ability to pay over time, and ask what options are available to you both ‘on and off-the-menu,’” McClary said. This kind of phrasing can give creditors an opening to offer more flexibility, he said.
McClary and other experts stress that most credit card companies and other lenders have hardship programs available for cases like these. Such options gained visibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, when more companies publicly advertised that consumers facing difficulty may skip or defer payments without penalties.
Why are Delinquencies Increasing?
The average annual interest rate on a new credit card is 24.71%, according to LendingTree, the highest since the company began tracking in 2019. That’s in part because the Federal Reserve has raised its key interest rate rate to a 23-year high to combat the highest inflation in four decades, which peaked at 9.1% in June 2022.
Simultaneously, pandemic-era aid
such as stimulus payments, the child tax credit, increased unemployment benefits, and a moratorium on student loan payments has ended. Wage gains haven’t all kept up with inflation, which hits lower-income consumers harder, and rent increases have eaten into savings some consumers may have built up during the early years of the pandemic.
Silvio Tavares, CEO of VantageScore, a credit score modeling and analytics company, said that delinquencies have now exceeded their pre-pandemic levels, and that renters are especially vulnerable to falling behind.
“Younger and less affluent people are experiencing challenges,” he said. “And high interest rates are having an effect.”
Tavares said the most important thing a borrower can do is to know their credit score and keep up with payments to avoid paying additional interest on revolving balances and debt. He cautioned consumers not to overextend themselves with “buy now, pay later” loans,
which are increasingly available “at every checkout.”
How Worrisome is the Increase in Delinquencies?
Credit cards only make up about 6.5% of consumer debt, according to a Bank of America Global Research report, but the increase in delinquencies appears to be outpacing income growth.
According to McClary, there’s also likely a large group of consumers paying minimum balances and staying out of delinquency for now but who are too financially stressed to pay their balances in full. A worsening of the economy could push those consumers into severe delinquency, he said.
On top of increasing credit card delinquencies, retail spending stalled in April. Walmart has said its customers are spending more on necessities and less on discretionary goods. Starbucks lowered its sales expectations, and McDonald’s is offering more deals as people cut back.
• Block the Heat Weather strip and caulk drafty doors and windows to keep the cold air in and hot air out. During the heat of the day, cover windows to block the sun’s heat. If you can, open windows at night and early mornings to let the cool air in.
• Keep Your A/C fit
Check your air conditioner’s filter every 1-2 months. Dirty filters cause your system to work harder to keep you cool, wasting energy.
• Don’t Get Burned By Hot Water
Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F, if possible. You’ll not only save energy; you’ll avoid scalding your hands. Avoid creating more heat. Use heat-generating appliances such as washers, dryers and dishwashers in the morning or evening.
• Cool Down with a Fan
Use ceiling and tabletop fans to cool off, and leave the thermostat at a higher temperature. Turn fans off when you leave a room as fans cool people, not rooms.
• Precool Your Home Before 4 p.m. Take advantage of lower priced energy by setting your A/C between 68⁰ and 74⁰ F before 4 p.m. During on-peak hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., adjust your thermostat to 78⁰, health permitting.
• Look for Air Leaks Weatherstrip and caulk drafty doors and windows to keep conditioned air in and save up to 5% on cooling costs.
• Delay Chores Shift some chores like laundry and run -
ning the dishwasher outside the on-peak hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Save even more if you can do laundry before 2 pm on the weekends.
• Check Your Filter
Check your A/C’s filter every one to two months, and keep your clothes dryer vents and lint filters clean. Dirty filters cause your system to work harder, which wastes energy.
• Block the Sun During the heat of the day, cover windows to block the sun’s heat. If you can, open windows at night and in the early morning to let in cool air.
• Use Small Appliances
Instead of using the oven, use small appliances such as a microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker. They use less energy and won’t add much heat to your home.
• Fire Up the Grill Take the heat out of your kitchen by cooking outside. It’s also a good excuse to get your family outside and away from electronics
3 Ways to Cut Your Natural Gas Bill
1 Use Small Appliances
Instead of using the oven, use small appliances such as an air fryer, toaster oven or slow cooker. They use less energy and don’t add much heat to your home.
2 Enjoy No-Heat Recipes
Try no-heat meals, such as chicken or tuna salads, wraps, subs or cheese boards. There are even no-bake dessert recipes.
3 Give Your Dryer Time Off Consider outdoor line-drying on sunny, breezy days to save natural gas.
PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons
