Vol. 64 No 29 Thursday, July 18, 2024

Page 1


Reflecting on Progress and Persistent Challenges

As the United States commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the nation reflects on a transformative law that reshaped American society by prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The landmark legislation emerged from a period of intense struggle and demand for the fulfillment of the 14th

Amendment’s promise of “equal protection of the laws.”

Due to widespread opposition to desegregation and the assassination of civil rights activist

Medgar Evers, President John F. Kennedy urged Congress to pass a comprehensive civil rights bill in June 1963. After Kennedy’s death, President Lyndon B. Johnson, with crucial support from civil rights leaders Roy Wilkins and Clarence Mitchell, championed the bill’s passage.

See ANNIVERSARY page 2

WWI Vet Identified as First Tulsa Massacre Victim From Mass Graves

A World War I veteran is the first person identified from graves filled with more than a hundred victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre that devastated the city’s Black community, the mayor said Friday, July 12.

Using DNA from descendants of his brothers, the remains of C.L. Daniel from Georgia was identified by Intermountain Forensics, said Mayor G.T. Bynum and officials from the lab. He was in his 20s when he was killed.

“This is one family who gets to give a member of their family that they lost a proper burial, after not knowing where they were for over a century,” Bynum said.

A white mob massacred as many as 300 Black people over the span of two days in 1921, a long-suppressed episode of racial violence that

destroyed a thriving community known as Black Wall Street and ended with thousands of Black residents forced into internment camps overseen by the National Guard.

Brenda Nails-Alford, a descendant of massacre survivors and a member of the committee overseeing the search for victims, said the identification brought her to tears.

See GRAVES page 2

Historic Deal Tackles Racial Inequity in Real Estate Appraisal

To address systemic racial disparities in the real estate appraisal profession, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced last week an historic Conciliation Agreement with The Appraisal Foundation (TAF).

See APPRAISAL page 2

Biden Needs The Black Press to Win in November

If the Trump era has taught us anything — and it has indeed been a jarring ride in learning the hard way, one lesson that needs to be emphasized is that the illusory sense of normalcy surrounding the American two-party system has

rapidly evaporated. For most Americans, the comfortable mirage of living under political stability and a functioning democracy was simply too fragile to withstand the constant barrage of blatant hypocrisy and bigotry coming from the far-right figureheads of the MAGA movement.

See BIDEN page 2

Slavery Ban, Minimum Wage, Smash and Grab Penalties on November Ballot

The general election on Nov. 5 is less than four months away.

This year, Californians will vote yes or no on 10 propositions that have qualified for the ballot covering a range of issues from raising the minimum wage to amending the state constitution to ban involuntary servitude as punishment for

crimes. Five of those measures were placed on the ballot by the Legislature and five of them qualified through the initiative process.

See Ballot page 2

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE
Tilghman SPECIAL TO NNPA NEWSWIRE
By Edward Henderson CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA
PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA
PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA
PHOTO: Courtesy of CBM
PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

ANNIVERSARY

On July 2, 1964, Congress enacted the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The law prohibited discrimination in hiring, promoting, and firing, extending these protections to public accommodations and federally funded programs. It also strengthened the enforcement of voting rights and mandated the desegregation of schools.

“The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the nation’s benchmark civil rights legislation, and it continues to resonate in America,” said Melanie Campbell, president of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. The Act dismantled “Jim Crow” laws upheld by the 1896 Supreme Court decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, which had deemed racial segregation constitutional under the “separate but equal” doctrine.

The Act’s impact has been profound and far-reaching. “It propelled a movement that was able to make major civil rights gains,” stated Marc Morial, president of the National Urban

BIDEN

As in 2016, the mainstream media is still very much incapable of providing the actual ‘balance’ in coverage that is the lifeline of a healthy democratic culture. Since the inauguration of the Biden Presidency, many prestigious outlets have sought tooth-and-nail to highlight the alleged and real failings of not just the administration, but Joe Biden as a man, disproportionately drawing attention away from the objectively worse issues with both Trump’s ideology and personality. Senior analysts have aptly noted the close relationship between excessive negative coverage in mainstream media and the approval rating enjoyed by the 46th President of the United States.

Less than [three] weeks ago, the two leading candidates for the 2024 Presidential Elections gathered in an Atlanta studio operated by CNN for a structured debate around policy issues important to the voters. But in the wake of a few stumbles and a sore throat on Biden’s part, the respectable media seemingly had a profound ‘nervous breakdown’, as Chris Whipple, author of “The Fight of His Life: Inside Joe Biden’s White House,” put it. The editorial boards of publications from The New York

graves

Continued from cover

“This is an awesome day, a day that has taken forever to come to fruition,” Nails-Alford said.

More than 120 graves were found during searches that began in 2020, with forensic analysis and DNA collected from about 30 sets of remains. Daniel’s remains are the first from those graves to be linked directly to the massacre.

The breakthrough for identifying Daniel came when investigators found a 1936 letter from his mother's attorney seeking veteran’s benefits. Alison Wilde, a forensic scientist with Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Forensics, said the

ballot

Continued from cover

Here’s a list of the 10 measures Californians will be voting on in November.

Prop 2 - Issue $10 billion in bonds to fund construction and modernization of public education facilities across the state.

Prop 3 - Repeals Proposition 8 and establishes a right to marry.

APPRAISAL

Continued from cover

TAF, the organization responsible for setting standards and qualifications for real estate appraisers, faced allegations of creating discriminatory barriers that prevent Black individuals and other persons of color from entering the profession, violating the Fair Housing Act.

Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the stark lack of diversity in the appraisal industry, with 94.7% of property appraisers and assessors being white and a mere 0.6% being Black, making it the least racially diverse among 800 surveyed occupa-

League. “It has not only changed the arc for Black people. It has changed the arc for women and for other people of color in a profound way.”

Maya Wiley, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, highlighted the tangible benefits of the Act, particularly in healthcare and education.

“The Civil Rights Act of 1964 added years, literally about three to four years, onto the life expectancy of Black people when healthcare had to open its once-segregated doors,” Wiley explained. The Act also significantly reduced segregation in Southern schools, benefiting both Black and white students.

Despite these advancements, the 60th anniversary comes amid concerns over recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings perceived as eroding civil rights protections, including affirmative action, legalized abortion, and diversity initiatives. Critics argue that the Court’s favorable ruling in former President Donald Trump’s immunity case further threatens American democracy. The ruling, which rejected Trump’s sweeping immunity claim but maintained pro-

Times to The Washington Post called for Mr. Biden to resign from the party ticket. On the other hand, Trump’s seeping hatred for the 10 million non-citizen residents of our country and repeated refusal to provide evidence for his false statements have largely been swept under the rug. Meanwhile, there is also growing evidence that the traditional means of public outreach and on-the-ground campaigning have simply become obsolete and irrelevant for all but a few in the electorate.

By contrast, one group that has been painfully aware of the oppressive abnormalities of Republican politics and does not shy away from pointing them out is the Black-owned media. With the unique historical experiences of the African-American communities in key battleground states, local Black-owned media outlets have much to offer that the legacy media simply cannot. Despite GOP claims to the contrary, a solid majority of Black men and women still appreciate the work done by the Biden Administration and the Democratic Party, not in small part thanks to this alternative access to information.

For instance, the latest polls from Michigan indicate that Biden is currently the first or second choice of nearly 99% of Black voters in the state. Local journalists and reporters in general have been shown to be much less concerned about

letter provided by the National Archives convinced investigators that Daniel was killed in the massacre.

No members of Daniel's family, many of whom don't know each other, attended the news conference announcing the identification, which was made earlier this week, Wilde said. “I think it’s shocking news, to say the least” for the family, Wilde said. “We know we’ve brought a lot into their lives.”

The massacre began when a white mob, including some deputized by authorities, looted and burned Tulsa’s Greenwood District. More than 1,200 homes, businesses, schools and churches were destroyed from May 31-June 1.

Forensic anthropologist Phoebe Stubblefield

Prop 4 - Issues $10 billion in bonds to fund state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, energy projects, and flood protection projects.

Prop 5 - Lowers the vote threshold from 66.67% to 55% for local bond measures to fund housing projects and public infrastructure.

Prop 6 - Removes involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime from the state constitution.

tions. The Interagency Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) warns that this homogeneity contributes to the persistent undervaluation of properties in communities of color, further entrenching the racial wealth gap.

Fannie Mae’s 2021 research underscores this issue, revealing that 12.5% of appraisals in majority-Black neighborhoods and 15.4% in majority-Latino neighborhoods were valued below the contract price, compared to just 7.4% in predominantly White neighborhoods.

The HUD complaint against TAF identified the experience requirement for appraisers as a significant barrier to entry for people of color. This requirement often forces aspiring apprais-

tections for actions tied to presidential duties, has sparked intense debate about the boundaries of presidential power and accountability.

“Securing our civil rights remains the unfinished fight of our time,” President Joe Biden said in a proclamation commemorating the anniversary. “Our country is still facing attacks on some of our most fundamental civil liberties and rights, including the right to vote and have that vote counted and the right to live free from the threat of violence, hate, and discrimination. That is why my administration is remaining vigilant—fighting actively to protect the rights of every American.”

Biden emphasized his commitment to reversing the legacy of segregation and creating new opportunities for all Americans. “My administration is investing more money than ever in Black families and Black communities,” Biden asserted. “We are reconnecting historic business districts and neighborhoods cut off by old highways, redlining, and decades of discrimination and disinvestment. We have invested over $16 billion in historically Black colleges and universities, which will help raise the next generation

appeasement to national party politics, and are henceforth more likely to be non-partisan. It comes as, therefore, no surprise that the Black media coverage of the Biden Administration and the election campaign has been much more moderate and balanced than the excessively negative portrayal painted by the establishment networks.

Unfortunately but predictably, the enormous contributions and impact of Black-owned media services has been conventionally neglected by both the government and party communication strategists. Out of the $14.9 billion spent by federal agencies for public advertisement from 2014 to 2023, only 14% went to businesses owned by ethnic minorities, women, and other disadvantaged groups. Black-owned media received no more than a miniscule $10 million of the total, amounting to less than 0.07%.

Even in the ongoing election cycle, the Biden campaign has aggressively targeted the Black communities in purple states for advertising, but so far relies almost exclusively on non-Black outlets to do the job. The National Newspaper Publishers Association NNPA, which represents 250 African-American companies, has reached out to the campaign several times since January, but only received its first, $1.5 million contract in late-June. The first debate of the 2024 cycle

said Daniel’s remains were fragmented and a cause of death could not be determined. “We didn’t see any sign of gunshot wounds, but if the bullet doesn’t hit bone or isn’t retained within the body, how would we detect it?”

Oklahoma state archaeologist Kary Stackelbeck said the remains that were exhumed, including Daniel, were found in simple wooden boxes — and Daniel's was too small for him. “They had to bend his legs somewhat at the knee in order to get him to fit," Stackelbeck said. "His head and his feet both touched either end of the casket.”

Stackelbeck said investigators were searching for simple caskets because they were described in newspaper articles at the time, death certificates, and funeral home records as the type used for burials of massacre victims.

Prop 32 - Increases minimum wage to $18 an hour.

Prop 33 - Repeals Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act.

Prop 34 - Requires health care providers to spend 98% of revenues from federal discount prescription drug program on direct patient care.

Prop 35 - Permanently authorizes a tax on managed care organizations to fund

ers to secure supervision from a licensed appraiser, typically someone they know personally, thereby perpetuating a cycle of exclusion. The new agreement aims to dismantle these barriers by providing increased funding for alternative pathways to meet experience requirements, making the profession more accessible and inclusive.

Under the terms of the Agreement, TAF will establish a $1.22 million scholarship fund to cover costs for aspiring appraisers attending the Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) programs, including:

• Provisions for marketing the PAREA program and scholarship fund to diverse communities.

of Black leaders. At the same time, we are creating good-paying jobs on which people can raise a family; making capital and loans for starting small businesses and buying homes more accessible; and making health insurance and prescription drugs more affordable.”

In popular memory, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was seen as a legislative response to the demands of the March on Washington. “Sixty years later, we must be honest: the federal minimum wage, indexed for inflation, is lower than it was in 1964,” said Rev. William Barber, president of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign. “What’s more, because the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act in its 2013 Shelby decision and Congress has failed to remedy it, we have fewer voting rights protections today than we did on August 6, 1965.” Barber continued, “The celebration of historic wins alongside this egregious decay is a source of discontent among everyday Americans. But we have no time for despair. We are determined to channel discontent for a resurrection rather than an insurrection.”

notably took place in Atlanta, a stronghold of Black media enterprises. Yet, it is telling that out of the 600 media outlets that were invited for the coverage, not a single one was Black-owned.

This is rather unfortunate, for studies have repeatedly shown that Black consumers not only trust their local sources more than the U.S. average, but that Black-owned media also provides a unique focus and insights into the community, untarnished by racial stereotypes prevalent elsewhere. In other words, Black media is more likely to be persuasive and relevant to the local community than corporate newspapers can be. The Biden campaign seems to at least appreciate the tragedy of the situation. The campaign appointed Jasmine Harris the Director of Black Media in January, and it is thanks to her efforts that the long overdue NNPA contract was eventually secured. Ever since the primaries, the campaign has also reached out to individual Black-owned outlets for briefings, a vital step in mobilizing the increasingly apathetic electorate. On Thursday, President Biden personally appeared on two Black radio shows for post-debate interviews. This is a step in the right direction, but with more equitable contracts and official campaign resources, the Black media can play a still more rigorous role in ensuring a victory for democracy in November.

Bynum said the next search for victims will begin July 22.

“We’ll continue the search until we find everybody that we can,” Bynum said.

A lawsuit by the two known living survivors of the massacre was dismissed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in June.

Attorneys for the two, Viola Fletcher, 110, and Lessie Benningfield Randle, 109, are asking the court to reconsider the decision. Attorneys are also asking the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into the massacre under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007, which allows for the reopening of cold cases of violent crimes against Black people committed before 1970.

Medi-Cal programs.

Prop 36 - Increase drug crime and theft penalties and allow a new class of crime to be called treatment-mandated felony, which gives the offender the option to participate in drug and mental health treatment.

Read the full article online at www.sdvoice. info for an overview on what each measure is proposing.

• Evaluating the effectiveness of this marketing.

• Collaborating with state and territory appraiser regulatory agencies for the program’s adoption.

The agreement and the deal represent an enforceable resolution to dismantle long-standing barriers and foster greater diversity and equity within the appraisal industry.

Individuals who believe they are victims of housing discrimination can contact HUD at (800) 966-9777 (voice) or (800) 927-9275 (TTY). Additional information is available at HUD’s fair housing website.

WE MUST OVERCOME THE TRUMP PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

The timing could not be greater for the Republican Party. Their candidate survives a head shot; the Florida judge throws out the Classified Documents case on a procedural move and, with the help of Clarence Thomas from the Supreme Court, it looks like no trial before the November election even though sentencing on the 34 felony convictions in New York might come in September. As if these things were not enough, Democrats, with the aid of the media, are making all discussions center on replacing Joe Biden rather than rallying to support him and keeping the spotlight on the Project 2025 plan for a Trump Presidency which looks more likely everyday.

News Flash! The Trump Presidential Train can be stopped. How? Every person in America who is of voting age and able to register and vote, can help stop the Trump Train.

The votes that we are able to cast must be laser focused on getting democrats and independents running for office, and also republicans elected to replace those who are a part of

the Trump movement. We need a democratically elected majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to ensure that the House has a democratic majority. Such a majority will ensure that the Speaker is democratic and therefore guarantee that the Electoral College counting of the votes for the Presidency allows the transition of power intended by the Constitution. This is necessary even if Biden is re-elected.

We must likewise look closely at one third of the U.S. Senate which is up for election. The democratically controlled Senate is within one or two votes of becoming Republican controlled. It was a Republican controlled Senate that twice failed to convict former President Trump, even though he was Impeached on two separate occasions. It is both the House of Representatives and the Senate that can reverse the arbitrary and counter Constitutional Decisions of the U. S. Supreme Court on issues like Presidential Immunity while commiting crimes in Office, the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, and the Chevron Decision impacting regulatory agencies carrying out their legal responsibilities.

There are more of us in America who believe in our democracy and the rule of law than there are those who would replace what we have with a Project 2025 Authoritarian form of government. The real issue is not the age of President Joe Biden, with whom we have the safeguard of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution if he should become disabled to serve. The real issue is the damage that a Trump Presidency would do.

Race is at the core of both the Republican Project 2025 and the Democrats seeking to replace Biden when he and Harris are the duly elected standard bearers for a democratic victory. Any discussion of finding someone to replace Biden other than Vice President Harris is racist and a violation of the process laid out in the 25th Amendment as mentioned above.

The time to register and prepare to vote, wherever you live, is now. The time to look at who is running for office in your City, State, or Congressional District of the Senate, is now. Your vote counts as much as those that will be cast at each convention and in November. If you don’t participate, then don’t complain. A “non” vote is the same as a vote for the Trump campaign. Where do you stand?

WITH GRATITUDE TO BIDEN, IT'S TIME TO RALLY AROUND KAMALA HARRIS

With the race between Biden and Trump essentially deadlocked for months (which is scary) with large numbers of American voters expressing consistent concern over the age of both candidates, Biden’s political advisors and strategists made a bold decision to “shake-up” the race by calling for the earliest presidential debate in the history of presidential debates. Their gambit was that Biden would put the “age” issue to rest by winning the debate as he did against Trump in the first debate in the 2020 campaign.

It was a bold move that backfired badly. Within the first few minutes of the debate

the optics of Biden’s appearance and slurred, mumbling speech confirmed the worst fears of vast numbers of voters that he was too old to serve another term as President. Though an “old” candidate himself, whose incoherent utterings at rally’s have not been sufficiently highlighted in the media, Trump proceeded to vigorously pummel Biden with a line of outrageous lies that were not challenged by the Moderators or more importantly, not countered consistently and effectively by a tired, weary looking and all too often incoherent President: a disturbing scene that led political commentator Dr. Julianne Malveaux described it as a debate between the “Mumbler-in-Chief and Liar-in-Chief.”

Democrats are not only in danger of losing the White House, but there is also a legitimate concern that if Biden hangs on, the negative impact on down ballot races for the Senate and House of Representatives could be devastating. Under these dire circum-

stances, it’s time for bold, decisive action. I believe Biden must be persuaded to graciously and enthusiastically step aside and pass the torch to the person he selected to be the first Black Woman Vice-President of the United States, Kamala Harris.Biden deserves praise for the extraordinary accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration in the face of one of the most severe crises in the history of the nation, the global COVID-19 Pandemic which precipitated an economic collapse with “Great Depression” levels of unemployment, business and home foreclosures, homelessness, hunger and poverty. Lest we forget, it was Joe Biden who outlined a bold agenda to “Build Back Better” and skillfully navigated a rigid, seemingly unshakable partisan divide to successfully pass the most impressive and impactful series of social and economic legislation bills since Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ).

See HARRIS page 15

STOP THE LYNCHING OF PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

There are moments in life when the convictions of the spirit and personal consciousness collide in opposition to the mainstream, popular outcries for the blood, life, and the end of the future existence of another human being. I refuse to be a silent witness to another lynching in America. Thus, the following is what I have observed and witnessed firsthand over the past days to the lynch moblike escalation of calls for President Joe Biden to step down from campaigning for reelection in 2024. I am not representing any organization or political party. On the 4th of July 2024, while sitting quietly in Raleigh, North Carolina I jotted down my personal views.

Although I am a proud Democrat, I am so saddened by the backstabbing cowardice of those who dare to publicly call for President Biden to step down while having an utter contradictory refusal to utter publicly any call for former President Donald Trump to step down and to end his fascist-engaging campaign to retake The White House. The question is why? The attempted political lynching of President Joe Biden has more to do with disingenuous political infighting than difficulties at a nationally televised political debate. What are the real motives from all of those who are calling for President Biden to step down?

Some will say that my words and expressions here are too strong and controversial. That may be true because there should be strong words and expressions that always should call out and condemn any form of lynching. A political lynching is also a crime against the oneness of our humanity. Such is the situation today in America. It is the politics of division versus the politics of unifying all Americans for the best interests and future of the nation that is on the ballot. Democracy is on the ballot. Justice is on the ballot. Equality is on the ballot. Equity is on the ballot. Freedom is on the ballot.

The point here is that generations of African and African American soldiers have enlisted and fought and died to defend and protect the nation and democracy for the past 248 years. And we are not going to permit anyone or anything to deny our birthright to freedom and democracy. For us, the right to vote in America is blood-stained and sacred. We know from our lived experience the horror, pain, and suffering from centuries of physical lynchings in America to satisfy the sheer fear, hatred, white supremacy, and ignorance of racism. Today, we also know when mobs cry out for the downfall and political lynching of those who have been our allies in our long struggle for freedom, justice, voting rights, and equity, we cannot be silent.

It is ironic that also here in Raleigh, NC less than 24 hours after the questionable so-called debate in Atlanta, GA, President Biden spoke eloquently and forcibly at the NC State Fair Grounds about a couple of miles away from the John Chavis Memorial Park in downtown Raleigh. President Biden stated, “I know I’m not a young man, to state the obvious, I don’t walk as easy as I used to. I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to. But I know what I do know — I know how to tell the truth.” The truth is therapeutic. Our nation needs more truth over the lies and prevalent fake news.

At the same time, as the calls for President Biden to step down, the United States Supreme Court has now ruled that future and past presidential “official acts” of violence, crime, repression, voter suppression, and insurrection are all immune from prosecution as long those acts are official acts within the core responsibilities of a President of the United States. This is dangerous and fundamentally against the meaning and principles of democracy. That is why now, more than ever before, we must raise our voices and mobilize our families and communities to go out and vote in record numbers in the Swing States and in every other state across the nation. We all have work to do. We said back in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, “When things get tough in our struggle for freedom, we have to become tougher.”

Join me and raise your voice with me. Let’s vote in record numbers throughout America. Stop the lynching of President Joe Biden.

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

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Byrd

SUNRISE

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

Alfred James Byrd was born on June 7, 1959, in San Diego, CA. He was the beloved son of Allene Watts Byrd and John C. Byrd Sr., both who preceded him in death. Al attended school in San Diego, and graduated from Will C. Crawford High School in 1977.

From a young age, he had a passion for sports, particularly little league baseball, and often would play with his brothers at Southcrest Park. His enthusiasm for sports would span to skiing, skating, football, and basketball. As an adult, he often would enjoy attending professional league games in Los Angeles and San Diego.

Big Al, as he was affectionately called, was a dedicated entrepreneur and business owner, with a with a career spanning over 40 years. He was widely known in the community for his business, “Byrd’s Landscape”, and for numerous other successful ventures.

During his adolescent years, Al accepted Christ and received his Christian training at Jackson Memorial COGIC, where he learned the fundamentals of Christian Life. He served as an usher at Jackson Memorial before becoming a cherished member of New Creation Church, where he dedicated close to 30 years as a devoted usher. Al moved to Winchester, CA, over 3 years ago and became a member of the View Church in Menifee over the past months.

Al had a voracious love for cars and was known for his enthusiasm for automobiles throughout his life. He was an avid member of the Freewheelers Motor Home Club for 13 years, enjoying the camaraderie and adventures with fellow members. Al was known for his lighthearted and jovial personality. He had a deep love for helping people, regardless of their circumstances. His generosity touched many lives as well as his passion for life, people, and fun! In his leisure time, he would attend various music venues and comedy shows, etc. His sister Barbara would at times share those moments with him as well.

Al was called home to be with the Lord on June 29, 2024.

Al leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories to be forever remembered by his surviving family members: brother John Byrd Jr., sister Barbara Byrd Blake, brother in-law Timothy Burroughs, nephew Bradney Blake and spouse Tawny, great niece Behati Blake, great nephew Brad Jr., and a host of aunts, uncles, God children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many more relatives.

San Diego

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

Michael Colbert was born on July 20, 1956, and raised in San Diego, California. He went to San Diego City Schools and attended Lincoln High school.

Michael was a workaholic, working 16 hours a day. He would love to take road trips with his wife every chance he got. He loved out door sceneries and fishing, although he didn’t get to do that very often. He was a great provider for his wife.

Michael was loved by many. He had such a calm presence, and had many words of wisdom he would love to share.

Michael passed away on June 21, 2024.

He is survived by his wife Shelia Colbert and a host of other brothers, sisters, family and friends.

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

Psalm 34:18

IN MORE LOCAL NEWS

Alfred James Michael John H.

Massie Sr.

ARRANGEMENTS BY ANDERSON RAGSDALE MORTUARY

John H. Massie Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on July 7, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on November 17, 1930, in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, to Mose Sr. and Leola Massie. John was the eldest of 14 children. He professed his faith in Christ early at Bullards Chapel CME Church. In 1949, John met Martha Terry, and they married in 1950. They moved to San Diego, California, in 1956, where they raised their three children: Linda, Cheri, and John Jr.

John’s career included roles as a conductor assistant for the Santa Fe Railroad, proprietor of a gas station in the Skyline area, and proud owner of Mel’s Root Beer restaurant in downtown Chula Vista. He also worked for San Diego City Schools until his retirement in 1992. His most cherished role was serving as a pastor and community leader for over 50 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Mose Sr. and Leola, his wife Martha, and 11 siblings.

John is survived by his daughters; Linda Terry (San Diego, CA) and Cheri Davis (Hemet, CA), his son John Massie Jr. (San Diego, CA), his brother Mose Massie Jr. (Chicago, IL), and his sister Bennie Mae Massie (Chicago, IL). He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren; Michael Davis Jr. (Leocadia) of Copperas Cove, TX, Tamla Pitts of Enterprise, AL, Tanisha Davis of Hemet, CA, Kizzy Ballard (Robert) of Charlotte, NC, Orestes Verge II (Candace) of Oceanside, CA, John Massie III of Fresno, CA, and Jonathan Massie of San Leandro, CA. Additionally, he is survived by 11 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John will be remembered as a true servant of God, whose unwavering faith and community service impacted many lives.

Votes to Expand Action Towards Environmental

Barrio Logan, Southeastern San Diego included in eligible areas

Th e San Diego City Council unanimously approved the adoption of an Environmental Justice Element within their General Plan. The element aims to reduce health risks associated with industrial impact and redlining in disadvantaged communities—such as air quality, food access, pollution exposure, and more.

“I want to take advantage of this opportunity to let you know that there is a [factory] plant in front of my house that makes a lot of contamination, and has very strong odors. We are elderly people, from a low socioeconomic status right now. We are living there because we don't have resources to move anywhere else,” said Roberto Corall, a resident of Barrio Logan.

Corral’s testimony during the July 1st City Council meeting speaks to environmental imbalances throughout the city caused by segregated development patterns and inequitable investment. The adoption of the Environmental Justice Element (EJE) is in compliance with CA Senate Bill 1000 mandate for local agencies to create environmental justice goals and policies to reduce health risks in disadvantaged communities.

Environmental justice, when action is taken, ensures that people of all races, cultures, and incomes are equally and equitably valued, protected, and served, according to the EJE draft. Areas qualified to be included in the EJE are: Barrio Logan, San Ysidro, mid-city Heights, and Southeastern San Diego. Other areas include Encanto, Downtown San Diego, OtayMesa, Kensington-Talmadge, and Paradise Hills-Skyline.

The EJE report maps out seven objectives that build upon current policies and programs already in place, and a list of proposed actions to be brought into the communities in the future.

In regards to the speed of implementation for the Environmental Justice Elements’ plans, Council President Sean-Elo Rivera expressed the sentiment, “justice delayed is justice denied.”

“We have communities that have been breathing unhealthy air and have had all kinds of toxins floating around their communities for a very long time,” said Elo-Rivera.

Promoting Healthy Food Access

According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, 1 in 7 residents in San Diego struggle with food insecurity, which refers to a lack of access to healthy and fresh food options.

Action items related to this include maintaining a supermarket needs index, streamlining processes for community gardens and urban farming, and incentivizing grocery stores to offer healthy and affordable food options.

Safe and Healthy Homes

Incentivizing middle-income and affordable housing in high-resource communities and developing an affordable home development master plan are also actions the EJE proposes to enact.

In terms of environmental justice, however, the notion of development serves as a catch22. While development can generate jobs and supply critical housing demand, it also increases air pollution and exposure to surrounding neighborhoods.

This challenge was brought up during council discussion on the element’s adoption.

“I struggle with the question of, how do we do both?” said District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava.

Pollution Exposure and Air Quality

The proposed action the element includes is tackling pollution exposure and air quality in disadvantaged neighborhoods. One of their recommended actions is to conduct a study to assess economic and environmental effects on incompatible industrial land, such as factory plants in neighborhoods.

Inclusive Public Engagement in City Decisions

Asserting that the community input is the leading guide for the element’s implementation, the city planning department proposes to add more funding to expand their outreach. Whilst representing some of the most diverse demographics in the region, multiple residents expressed the need for translation services to be included in this expansion so all voices can be heard and understood.

The element also proposes to host a series of public events over the year where staff can gather feedback from the community. To learn about upcoming events visit: www.sandiego. gov/planning/environmental-justice-element Climate Change and Resilience

Addressing climate change and the impact it has on vulnerable communities is also a part of the element. Case in point; the January floods.

Justice Initiatives

Major emergency events serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize equitable development and environmental justice to ensure that all communities, regardless of their development patterns, are resilient,” the staff report states.

Action items the EJE proposes are prioritizing green infrastructure for stormwater capture, water quality enhancement, and flood prevention, especially in vulnerable communities like those surrounding the Chollas Creek Watershed.

LOCAL/STATE/NATIONAL NEWS

San Diego Enacts New Law to Shield Citizens from Harassment

City Attorney, mayor and city council come together to sign “buffer zone” ordinance update for places of worship, healthcare facilities, and school grounds

Am id growing demonstrations at healthcare facilities, worship sites, and school grounds, Mayor Todd Gloria signed an ordinance drafted by the City Attorney’s Office that seeks to further protect citizens from harassment and intimidation while entering these sites.

The item amends a San Diego Municipal Code set in 1997 regarding ‘buffer zones’ at covered facilities. Buffer zones are designed to create a secure space between individuals accessing care, school, or church and those exercising their freedom of speech towards these patrons.

The zone is an attempt to “balance often competing rights,” Elliott’s proposal states.

Common instances are observed outside healthcare facilities, such as Planned Parenthood, where people try to discourage those seeking services such as an abortion or gender affirming care by blocking entrances and exits, holding signs, or handing out unwarranted information pamphlets.

“When trans and non- binary folks are trying to access health care, there's already a lot of anxiety there. There's already stigma, there's already barriers to access. And the last thing that we need is someone being harassed and meeting an additional barrier as they're trying to go in to get that health care,” said David Vance, Senior Manager of advocacy and Civic Engagement at the San Diego LGBT community center.

Schools and churches also fall into this cat -

egory. During the June 25 press conference, City Attorney Mara Eliott cited instances such as school board members not being able to physically attend meetings due to anti-vaccination protestors blocking the room entrance.

“As a trustee for San Diego Unified, having safe facilities where students and parents can feel comfortable and secure is a very high priority,” said San Diego Unified Board Trustee Sabrina Bazzo at the press conference.

“It is deeply troubling that anyone who blocks the entrances to our schools or tries to intimidate our families, for any reason. And yet, these situations are unfortunately not uncommon,” Bazzo said.

The existing law did not do enough to protect employees, health care providers, patients, students and their guardians from harassment and abuse, the City Attorney's Office states. It was the burden of the individuals trying to access these sites to tell protestors

Senators Demand Special Counsel to Investigate

Over Undisclosed Gifts and Financial Omissions

In an unprecedented attempt to uphold judicial integrity, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a Special Counsel to investigate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas for potential violations of ethics, false statements, and tax laws. The request follows recent revelations by the Justice and his wealthy benefactors of undisclosed gifts and financial omissions.

In a letter sent [two weeks ago] and released on Tuesday, July 9, Whitehouse and Wyden, who chair the Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, and the Senate Finance Committee, respectively, pointed to solid evidence of wrongdoing. “The evidence assembled thus far plainly suggests that Justice Thomas has committed numerous willful violations of federal ethics

and false-statement laws and raises significant questions about whether he and his wealthy benefactors have complied with their federal tax obligations,” the senators wrote. They stressed the need for a thorough investigation into Thomas’s financial disclosures and his relationship with his benefactors, emphasizing that “no government official should be above the law.”

The senators’ letter specifically calls for an investigation into Thomas’s failure to disclose more than $267,000 in forgiven debt used to purchase a luxury motorcoach. Wyden’s Senate Finance Committee discovered the omission, which raises concerns about whether Thomas declared the forgiven debt as income on his tax returns. Despite repeated opportunities to clarify this, the senators asserted that Thomas’s counsel had not provided satisfactory explanations.

The letter also outlined numerous undisclosed gifts from billionaire benefactors, including private

jet travel, yacht trips, country club memberships, sports tickets, and significant financial support for Thomas’s family. According to Whitehouse and Wyden, these gifts, which Thomas should have reported under the Ethics in Government Act, suggest a pattern of omission that warrants further investigation.

In addition to these worries, a January letter written by Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) and other lawmakers highlighted potential conflicts of interest involving Ginni Thomas, the wife of Justice Thomas. The letter urged Justice Thomas to recuse himself from cases involving the 2020 election due to Ginni Thomas’s public support for Trump’s attempts to overturn the election results and her participation in the “Stop the Steal” rally before the Capitol attack. The lawmakers argued that her actions and financial interests align with Trump’s, potentially compromising Justice Thomas’s impartiality.

As mainstream media and some Democrats zero in on President Joe Biden’s recent debate missteps, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is drawing attention to Donald Trump, the 34-times convicted felon and twice-impeached former President. The ACLU released its memo, Trump on Surveillance, Protest, and Free Speech, as part of its 2024 election policy series. The study, written by ACLU experts on the First Amendment, surveillance, and privacy, details the dangers posed by a potential second Trump administration and provides a road map to combat them.

The memo highlights what it calls

an unprecedented threat to democracy, pointing to Trump’s promises to criminalize dissent, suppress free speech, expand government surveillance, and target political opponents. “The Trump presidency, with its false declarations of national emergencies in service of discrimination and total disregard for the rule of law, demonstrated what we’ve always known—that relying on unwritten norms for presidential behavior is grossly insufficient. Trump is now threatening to be even less constrained if given a second chance,” said Cecillia Wang, deputy legal director of the ACLU.

According to the memo, a second Trump administration would likely:

• Leverage federal law enforcement to attack journalists and protest -

ers, violating First Amendment rights and possibly deploying the military in urban areas to suppress protests.

• Exploit executive powers to spy on Americans using authorities like Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and Executive Order 12333, leading to the mass collection of private data.

• T arget political opponents through investigations and prosecutions, replacing civil servants with loyalists, and demanding employee loyalty pledges.

The ACLU’s roadmap for protecting civil liberties includes litigation to defend those wrongfully prosecuted, mobilizing public support to limit executive power, and state and local advocacy to enact strong data protection laws.

to stand off. The new law will now require demonstrators to seek consent before they can approach.

Members from Planned Parenthood, the San Diego LGBT center, and San Diego City Councilmembers also joined the city attorney as the mayor signed the ordinance into law.

“Under this law, an individual who wished to exercise their constitutional right to medical care, to educational services or to practice their religion had the legal burden to tell demonstrators to back off. For many this kind of engagement was not an option. They'd simply walk away to avoid confrontation– missing a health appointment, a parent teacher conference or church service [as a result],” said City Attorney Mara Eliott. If that consent is not maintained or the 100 ft. buffer zone is violated, Deputy City Attorney Heather Ferbert said that there are “multiple remedies” for recourse available in the new amendments. Law enforcement will now be able to get involved, and entities such as a Planned Parenthood facility or a synagogue will now have the authority to take legal action such as a restraining order on behalf of their patrons, whereas before, that burden was on the individual to do.

“We built in that additional protection in order to empower– churches, schools, places of worship, healthcare facilities– to protect and keep their employees safe, or whoever is trying to access those locations. So there's just built in extra protection that wasn't beforehand,” Ferbert said.

Justice Clarence Thomas

The January letter also highlighted the fluctuating value of Ginni Thomas’s consulting firm, Liberty Consulting, which saw significant increases during Trump’s presidency. “The value of Ms. Thomas’s consulting firm skyrocketed from only ‘up to $15,000’ before Mr. Trump was elected to ‘between $100,000 and $250,000’ during his presidency, and then fell again to ‘between $15,001 and $50,000’ the year Mr. Trump lost the White House,” the letter stated, suggesting a direct financial benefit tied to Trump’s political success. Whitehouse and Wyden said their letter underscores the importance of transparency and accountability. They urge appointing a special counsel to investigate potential criminal violations by Justice Thomas and his benefactors. They cited previous

need for consistent enforcement of ethics laws.

The memo is the sixth in a series of seven the ACLU plans to release ahead of the Republican National Convention. Other memos address key issues such as immigration, LGBTQ rights, abortion, the criminal legal system, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), and voting rights. In the run-up to the Democratic National Convention, the ACLU said it would release

government to help him do so,” ACLU officials concluded in the memo.

another series focusing on a potential second Biden presidency. “Trump has stated his intent to trample historical checks and balances on the office of President, and there is an apparent willingness of many within and outside of
Department of Justice prosecutions of other officials for less serious disclosure violations, emphasizing the
City Attorney Mara Elliott and San Diego City Mayor Todd Gloria at the law signing ceremony on June 25.
PHOTO: Macy Meinhardt, Voice & Viewpoint
PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA
PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA

Boys to Men Mentoring Honors Community Leaders During Night of Gratitude

Boys to Men Mentoring hosted its 3rd Annual Night of Gratitude at the World Beat Cen ter on Friday, June 14th. This special event honored the organization’s school and com munity partners, inspiring mentors, and resilient Journeymen who contribute to the suc cess and growth of young men throughout San Diego County.

Boys to Men program participants, their families, mentors, and supporters gathered to celebrate a successful 2023-2024 academic year and praise Journeymen leaders. A Jour neyman refers to a young man who has demonstrated significant personal growth and commitment to the program. These individuals have typically completed initial phases of the mentoring program and have taken on leadership roles, often serving as role mod els and mentors to newer participants.

“During the year, we initiated 65 total Journeymen at Legacy Ranch. Fourteen leaders were honored with plaques, certificates of community service hours, and other gifts, in cluding five brand-new bicycles,” said Program Manager Franco Saavedra. “Volunteer mentors and school partners were also acknowledged, and the National Conflict Resolu tion Center was awarded as our Community Partner of the Year,” he added. The night was made even more special thanks to the contributions of incredible vendors and entertainers, including the welcoming staff at World Beat Center, La Catrina Mexi can Cuisine, Mahalo Shaved Ice, Percussive Drum Workshop by AB, Kind Weird Wild, and Experimental Lover.

Boys to Men Mentoring remains committed to providing support and guidance to young men in the community. Events like the Night of Gratitude are a testament to the power of community and the impact of collective effort.

Ruby Barnard's Birthday Celebration

VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF

Ruby Barnard, at 83 years old, celebrated an incredible birthday surrounded by friends and family. As one of the original Hall of Famers, alongside Jesse Davis, she reflected gratefully on her collaborations with Peggy Menifee, Barbra Jamerson, Dora Hall, Lila Brown, and other renowned artists. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with notable musicians such as Fro Brigham, Sy Rainey, Eugene Watson, and many others.

Currently, Ruby continues to work with JJ Phillip Lim, Nathan Fry, Joey West, Burnette Anderson, Jose Serrano, Robert Sebastian, Robert Lanuza, Dave Scott, Rick James, Paul Combs,

event.

Ruby has overcome significant health challenges, including surviving two strokes, coping with paralysis on her left side, and managing an incurable lung disease. Despite these obstacles, she has received numerous accolades, including induction into the Heritage Hall of Fame and recognition with the Most Influential Afro American Award. Her portrait hangs proudly in the Southeastern Live Well Building, and her granddaughter, Dominique King, created a yarn artwork commissioned by the city in her honor.

Ruby deeply values her community and the support of over a thousand Facebook followers, along with devoted friends who have stood by her during her illnesses. She recently mourned the loss of her daughter Lisa Barnard but expressed immense gratitude for the care provided by her nurse, dedicated caregiver, housekeeper, and chef, whom she credits with saving her life.

“I have the most wonderful nurse who has stayed with me for over a year that saved my life, a wonderful caregiver, someone helping to keep my house clean, someone cooking for me. For these I owe my life to them,” Ms. Bernard said.

She extends special appreciation to steadfast friends like Dave, Desmarie,

Ruth, Ben, and Connie, and acknowledges that her faith in Christ has sustained her throughout her 83 years. Ruby humbly acknowledges the support and love from Voice and Viewpoint, the music community, and her family and friends, who have provided unwavering support, integ-

rity, friendship, and love over the years.

With deep love and respect, Ruby sends a heartfelt shout-out to her grandchildren and her only son.

Cedric, Yaka, Allen, and numerous others. She expressed heartfelt thanks to Toni for hosting such a memorable
PHOTO: Boys to Men Mentoring
PHOTOS:
Courtesy of Ruby Barnard

State Healthcare Reform Brings to Local African

Medi-Cal is transforming asthma, behavioral health and

Across America, asthma affects Black and Hispanic Americans disproportionately. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Black Americans are five times more likely to end up in the emergency room from asthma-related complications than White Americans. Black women are at a particularly high risk.

With inequities in healthcare access also plaguing communities of color, the outlook can feel grim. However, changes in Medi-Cal access could provide a new take on healthcare.

Hajara Lumumba’s daughter was born with wide-ranging health complications. From a rare genetic blood disorder to continuous coughing and struggling to breathe fully, Lumumba’s days and nights during her child’s earliest years were long and trying. As a low-income household new to San Diego from Congo, navigating the healthcare system was already a challenge — but when she met Carolina Festo, things started to change.

Festo, also born in Congo, came to San Diego in 2006. A determined worker, she immersed herself in public service, getting connected with Somali Family Service (SFS) and eventually becoming a Community Health Worker.

When Festo met Lumumba and heard of her daughter’s asthma, she was prepared to help in more ways than one. SFS offers an asthma mitigation program, which helps educate families in over ten languages on triggers and prevention, and can provide supplies such as air purifiers for free. These services are helpful by themselves,

but patient advocacy from a Community Health Worker such as Festo can make this care even more meaningful.

“I didn’t know what to say or how to open up to people,” Lumumba said, beaming with pride. “But especially because of my sister here [Festo],

she helped me so much, I can say anything.”

“[The asthma remediation program] was needed because we [had heard] from the community that people were suffering from asthma, and they don't know what to do. And when they visit a doctor, they don't give them time to explain

how they feel,” Festo, who speaks three languages, said. “The language barrier is a big issue in the community.”

Community-based health providers were recently given the opportunity to expand their reach through CalAIM, a state program through the Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) designed to reform MediCal and make healthcare access more equitable. CalAIM, which stands for California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal, is a fiveyear reform plan of public health insurance. The plan stretches into 2027.

NEW YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP PROMOTES PEACE AND SELF-RELIANCE

and CEO

the month of June with their first annual youth football camp.

and kick.

“I think this is a good way to teach the kids some football fundamentals,” Henry shared.

“However, I really liked when we paused from football activities and Ricky had us talk to the kids about life, their plans and goals, and what they are doing to achieve their goals, that's really important,” continued Henry.

The campers were treated to a free raffle loaded

with gift-cards, bicycles, food and of course some old fashioned fun at the First Annual Grind 2Gether Youth Football Camp.

"I liked the way things went today," Mr. Weaver shared, "I hope the kids learned something today and that they realize that we love and care

Grind 2Gether is the newest organization on the block trying to promote peace, harmony, self-reliance, and education in their community.
Creator
of Grind 2Gether, Mr. Ricky Weaver and his crew of very close associates closed out
King-Chavez Primary Academy, formerly known as Stockton Elementary, was the location where boys and girls were able to learn how to punt, pass, catch,
Mr. Weaver recruited former NFL player and Lincoln High School Alumni, Wally Henry, to help with the busy camp.
Ahmed Sahid, President and CEO of Somali Family Services addressed those who gathered last Thursday.
PHOTOS: Darrel Wheeler

Brings a Breath of Fresh Air African Communities

and other services for diverse communities in San Diego

“The CalAIM program is changing Medi-Cal [as] we know of it, and that means that community-based organizations such as Somali Family Service now can provide some of those services that were limited to clinical hospitals,” said Ahmed Sahid, president of SFS. He also said the majority of their clients already are eligible for these services to be covered.

The Medi-Cal coverage also extends to behavioral health, including counseling, therapy and substance use disorder. CalAIM’s reform goals began rollout in early 2022, and behavioral health was one of the first adjustments to be made to Medi-Cal coverage. As the conversation around mental and behavioral health begins to become more normalized nationally, community outreach in refugee and immigrant populations is increasingly needed.

Festo noted that one of the largest factors affecting mental health is loneliness, which can affect anybody, but particularly has a profound effect on young people and seniors.

“They feel lonely, because they used to be close to their family members, with their grandkids – but when they come here, it’s a lot of changes in the environment. So they became lonely in the house and not having someone to talk to,” Festo said.

A significant challenge across America but particularly in refugee communities is a stigma around mental health. SFS is already addressing this head on with a series of outreach programs, according to Najla Ibrahim, Director of Health and Wellness. From mass WhatsApp messaging to family-centered workshops, SFS aims to spread messaging about mental wellness across generations.

“It’s a very stigmatized service,” Ibrahim said, “So people are not going to outright say, ‘Oh, I need counseling.’ So the way we figured it out was to first allow the community to get educated and interested and engaged, and be a little bit less intimidated by it.”

A common thread among the team at SFS, and that underscores the importance of community-based healthcare providers, is a deep love and respect for the people that they serve.

Festo loves to help others and feels her duty is to return the favor to a community that once helped her family through incredible difficulties.

“I was raised in a refugee camp,” Festo told the Voice & Viewpoint. “My daddy died in the war [in Congo]. The community raised me.”

Mohamed, also a Community

says her experience growing up

America after immigrating makes her extremely grateful to do this work.

“To come here at a young age and get to know the language, it’s an opportunity that many don't have, especially many that are in America right now,” Mohamed said. “Being able to help my community every day is very rewarding.”

These reforms to Medi-Cal access promise to extend a needed helping hand to ethnic communities across California — and here in San Diego communities — during a time when they are needed more than ever. To learn more about Somali Family Services programs, visit somalifamilyservice.org or call (619) 265-5821.

Cajon Valley Union School District
Ruweyda
Health Worker,
in
PHOTOS: Emily Kim Jenkins and Voice & Viewpoint
Najla Ibrahim (Center), Somali Family Services’ Director of Health and Wellness, shared information to a gathering of ethnic media on the CalAIM expansions to Medi-Cal that allows the organization to provide more accessible and affordable services to those in need of communitysensitive healthcare on July 11, 2024 at the Somali Family Services headquarters in City Heights. PHOTO: Emily Kim Jenkins

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Sudanese Olympic Backstroker Ziyad Saleem Looks to Leave His Mark

As a boy in Milwaukee, Ziyad Saleem would walk through the house pretending to swim backstroke — arm circling backward along the right ear and over his shoulder, then the other arm doing the same on the left side.

Some days he would also propel both arms forward as if doing butterfly. His father saw some real potential then, even out of the water.

“I was always, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’” Mohamed Saleem recalled. “It was range of motion or trying to master how he pulls under water. I knew he was attached to it."

see his son compete for Sudan.

Zimbabwe’s Novel Mental Health Therapy Spreads Overseas

Little did Dad know this might actually lead to something that would mean so much to the family: The University of California swimmer is headed to the Paris Olympics to compete for Sudan, his parents’ home country and a place most of his relatives have now fled because of war and a massive humanitarian crisis.

When Saleem won a medal five years ago in Tunisia for one of his country's big successes in an international meet, he received royal treatment afterward.

“It’s super cool being one of the first ones to medal and really be at the top of the sport in Sudan,” Saleem said. “For me, it’s more about teaching the stuff I’ve learned in the U.S. and all the training and high-level swimming I’m able to do here and kind of take it back to Sudan. I try helping out coaches at these world championships, giving them some of the tips I learned here in the U.S., and I think that’s just the biggest thing, extending what I’ve learned in the U.S. over to Sudan and hopefully those kids can learn and become better swimmers.”

Saleem was born in Milwaukee but holds dual citizenship, allowing him to compete for his parents’ homeland in the Olympics. Mohamed Saleem cherishes every chance to

“We have a decent community here in Milwaukee. They’re very proud of him, so multiply that by 50,000 times being the father," Mohamed Saleem said. “When you say you don’t think of Sudan when it comes to swimming, they didn’t think of it either, that’s why it was a big surprise when he actually went the first time and won medals for the country.”

Saleem will be a first-time Olympian, having gained experience on the big stage at multiple world championships. He has secured Olympic berths in the 100 and 200 back — his best event — through each country’s one free entry, exempting him from qualifying minimums.

“I’m just trying to get faster and (reach) semifinals, that’s the goal,” he said in the lead up to the Paris Games.

Saleem has been to Sudan several times and met some of his Sudanese teammates just through attending meets with them. They keep in touch despite training in various parts of the world, but it’s the Americans at Cal he knows best.

His father immigrated to the United States in the 1990s and his mother in the early 2000s. They can't wait to see him compete in Paris alongside Murphy and all of the other stars.

Kenya's Urban Population is Growing

The need for affordable housing is, too

In the heart of the crowded Kibera neighborhood in Kenya's capital, Jacinter Awino shares a small tin house with her husband and four children. She envies those who have escaped such makeshift homes to more permanent dwellings under the government’s affordable housing plan.

The 33-year-old housewife and her mason husband are unable to raise the $3,800 purchase price for a one-room government house. Their tin one was constructed for $380 and lacks a toilet and running water.

“Those government houses are like a dream for us, but our incomes simply don’t allow it,” Awino said.

The government plans to build 250,000 houses each year, aimed at eventually closing a housing deficit that World Bank data puts at 2 million units. The plan was launched in 2022, but no data is available on the number of houses already completed.

Kenya’s urban areas are home to a third of the country's total population of more than 50 million. Of those in urban areas, 70% live in informal settlements marked by a lack of basic infrastructure, according to UN-Habitat.

Some urban Kenyans have moved into a government housing project on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi, where one-bedroom units sold for $7,600 last year.

Felister Muema, a 55-year-old former caterer, paid a deposit of about 10% through a savings plan and is expected to pay off the balance in 25 years.

“This is where I have started living my life," she said. “If I do something here, it is permanent. If I plant a flower, no one is going to tell me: ‘Uproot it, I don’t want it there.'

This gives me life.”

But experts say construction and financing need to change and speed up for Kenya's housing deficit to be met.

For home construction, some are exploring the emerging technology of 3-D printing.

A machine layers special mortar to form concrete walls and cuts the building time by several days compared to traditional brick and mortar work.

A company, 14Trees, has used the technology to build a showcase house in Nairobi and 10 houses in coastal Kilifi County.

Company CEO Francois Perrot said the technology can help address the huge housing need on the African continent, but it will take time.

The company's homes, like many traditionally built ones, remain beyond the reach of most Kenyans. A two-bedroom house costs

$22,000 and a three-bedroom one costs

$29,000. But Perrot asserted that acquiring a printer locally and making mortar locally would help bring down costs.

Nickson Otieno, an architect and founder of Niko Green, a sustainability consulting firm, said such new technology has great potential but remains limited.

A Bench and a Grandmother's Ear

After her son, the family’s shining light and only breadwinner, was arrested last year, Tambudzai Tembo went into meltdown. In Zimbabwe, where clinical mental health services are scarce, her chances of getting professional help were next to zero. She contemplated suicide.

“I didn’t want to live anymore. People who saw me would think everything was okay. But inside, my head was spinning,” the 57-yearold said. “I was on my own.”

A wooden bench and an empathetic grandmother saved her.

The approach involves setting up benches in quiet, discreet corners of community clinics and in some churches, poor neighborhoods and at a university. An older woman with basic training in problem-solving therapy patiently sits there, ready to listen and engage in a one-on-one conversation.

The therapy is inspired by traditional practice in Zimbabwe in which grandmothers were the go-to people for wisdom in rough times. It had been abandoned with urbanization, the breakdown of tight-knit extended families and modern technology. Now it is proving useful again as mental health needs grow.

“Grandmothers are the custodians of local culture and wisdom. They are rooted in their communities,” said Dixon Chibanda, a psychiatry professor and founder of the initiative. “They don’t leave, and in addition, they have an amazing ability to use what we call ‘expressed empathy’… to make people feel respected and understood.”

In New York, the city's new mental health plan launched last year says it is “drawing inspira-

tion” from what it calls the Friendship Bench to help address risk factors such as social isolation. The orange benches are now in areas including Harlem, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

In Washington, the organization HelpAge USA is piloting the concept under the DC Grandparents for Mental Health initiative, which started in 2022 as a COVID-19 support group of people 60 and above.

Benches will be set up at places of worship, schools and wellness centers in Washington's low-income communities with people who “have been historically marginalized and more likely to experience mental health problems,” she said.

Cox-Roman cited fear and distrust in the medical system, lack of social support and stigma as some of the factors limiting access to treatment.

More than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

The network, which now partners with the health ministry and the World Health Organization, has grown to over 2,000 grandmothers across the country. Over 200,000 Zimbabweans sat on a bench to get therapy from a trained grandmother in 2023, according to the network.

Siridzayi Dzukwa, the grandmother who talked Tembo out of suicide, made a home follow-up visit on a recent day. Using a written questionnaire, she checked on Tembo’s progress. She listened as Tembo talked about how she has found a new lease on life and now sells vegetables to make ends meet.

“People are no longer ashamed or afraid of openly stopping us on the streets and ask us to talk,” she said. “Mental health is no longer something to be ashamed of.”

Financing remains a challenge. In June 2023, Kenya’s parliament passed a finance law with a new housing tax of 1.5% on gross income, to be used to build affordable housing. The law is being challenged in court. Critics argue the tax is discriminatory as it applies only to those with formal employment. If the tax is rejected, Kenya's government would need to look elsewhere for funding to build affordable housing. The housing tax is one of the issues causing

among young people who have organized a series of protests that included the extraordinary storming of parliament on Tuesday. More than 20 people were killed as police opened fire.

PHOTO: Ziyad Saleem via LinkedIn
Siridzayi Dzukwa, a grandmother, right, talks to a colleague while seated at a bench in Hatcliffe on the outskirts of the capital Harare, Zimbabwe, Saturday, May 11th, 2024. PHOTO: @VIMentalHealth via X
Mukabi Road, slums in Kenya, 2019. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons, CC By 2.0

How to Keep Feet and Ankles in Tip Top Shape This Summer

Su mmer fun and chores alike come with potential hazards to feet. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, here’s how to protect feet and ankles from the most common seasonal hazards:

To avoid becoming a statistic, follow these sensible guidelines:

• Don’t mow a wet lawn. Losing control from slipping on rain-soaked grass is the leading cause of foot injuries caused by power mowers.

• Wear heavy shoes or work boots— no sneakers or sandals.

• N ever pull a running mower backward.

• Keep the clip bag attached during operation to prevent projectile injuries.

• Use a mower with a release mechanism that automatically shuts it off when hands let go.

• Always keep children away dur-

ing mowing.

• I f an accident occurs, even a minor one, consult a foot and ankle surgeon right away.

Wear Sunscreen

Many people skip their feet when applying sunscreen, but did you know that the skin on your feet is highly susceptible to melanoma?

In fact, it’s the most diagnosed and fatal site of this form of skin cancer.

Other types of skin cancer can also be found on the foot, including squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma.

To keep your feet safe this summer:

• L ather up with sunscreen from head to toe—literally.

• C heck your feet and toes regularly for abnormal looking moles or freckles, even under toenails and on your soles. Promptly schedule an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon to have suspicious marks examined.

• S chedule routine exams so your

foot and ankle surgeon can track suspicious, changing marks. Early detection is key.

Limit Flimsy Footwear

While it’s nice to let feet breathe in flip flops and they’re a great choice for locker rooms and pools to avoid fungus and athlete’s foot, they shouldn’t be your main footwear of choice all summer. Flip flops lack arch support and stability, so wearing them too often can cause stress on the plantar fascia— the band of tissue extending from the heel to the base of the toes. This can result in plantar fasciitis, causing heel pain upon getting up in the morning and after inactivity.

Be Mindful of Diabetes

People living with diabetes should never go barefoot, because their nervous system may not “feel” an injury and their circulatory system will struggle to heal breaks in the skin.

“Most patients living with diabetes know they shouldn’t walk barefoot but can be more inclined to disregard this precaution in summer. However third-degree burns on the soles of feet can occur in a matter of minutes,” says Dr. Dairman. This summer, be smart. Take care of your feet so they take care of you. If you suffer a foot and ankle injury this summer, visit FootHealthFacts.org for valuable foot and ankle health information and to find a physician near you.

Statepoint

In the last month, the positivity rate for COVID-19 tests has increased to more than 14 percent. Because of the increase, the Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report will be updated weekly (Thursdays) as it is typically during peak respiratory virus activity, usually October through May.

Wastewater surveillance, known to detect the amount of virus active in the community, has risen both throughout California and in San Diego.

To boost access to tests, the County has expanded the availability of no-cost testing at local public health centers during the below times. Appointments are highly encouraged, with walk-ins accepted based on availability.

• C entral Region Public Health Center

■ 1501 Market St., San Diego

■ Call: 619-932-8398

■ Mondays and Wednesdays

■ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

• South Region Public Health Center

■ 690 Oxford St., Chula Vista

■ Call: 619-904-0839

■ Monday through Thursday

■ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. , 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

• East Region Public Health Center

■ 460 N. Magnolia Ave, Ste. A, El Cajon

■ Call: 619-932-8398

■ Tuesdays and Thursdays

People can schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting MyTurn.ca. gov or contacting their local pharmacy or health care provider. The vaccines will continue to be free for most people through their health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and regular health care providers. County Public Health Centers continue to provide the vaccine to those who are uninsured and participate in outreach to vaccinate in the underserved communities. Availability at County vaccine events is updated on coronavirus-sd.com.

This article originally appeared on the County News Center.

PHOTO: Pexels
PHOTO: Pexels

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR AS-NEEDED TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC

7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25

968 Joshua Place San Diego, CA 92154

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Married Couple

The first day of business was: 06/01/2019

This business is hereby registered by the following: Reyna Jimenez

968 Joshua Place San Diego, CA 92154

Angel Alberto Rivera Cortez

968 Joshua Place San Diego, CA 92154

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 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9013188

Fictitious business name(s):

Casa Del Cielo Located at: 6173 Adelaide Ave. San Diego, CA 92115

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 06/15/2005

This business is hereby registered by the following:

Virgilia Rebosura 6173 Adelaide Ave. San Diego, CA 92115

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 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013754

Fictitious business name(s): Maribel Arias Osuna Located at: 4022 Chamoune Ave #8 San Diego, CA 92105

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: Maribel Arias Osuna 4022 Chamoune Ave #8 San Diego, CA 92105

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 02, 2029 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013755

Fictitious business name(s): Delfina Alvarez Mendoza Located at: 4517 54th Street San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego

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

This business is hereby registered by the following: Delfina Alvarez Mendoza 4517 54th Street San Diego, CA 92115

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 02, 2029 7/18, 7/25, 8/01, 8/08

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013852

Fictitious business name(s): Tramiteslatinos Ocampo Consulting Located at: 3855 Avocado Bl. STE. 120 La Mesa, CA 91941

County of San Diego

9939 Jacoby Rd. Spring Valley, CA 91977

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 07/02/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following: Laura L Ocampo 9939 Jacoby Rd. Spring Valley, CA 91977

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on July 03, 2024 This fictitious business name will expire on July 03, 2029 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9014028

Fictitious business name(s): Centro Transport

Located at: 6470 El Cajon Blvd. #239 San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 01/01/2012 This business is hereby registered by the following: Mohammed Abdulqadir Aways

6470 El Cajon Blvd. #239 San Diego, CA 92115

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 08, 2029 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013843

Fictitious business name(s): Steph Express

Located at: 216 So. Royal Oak Dr. San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 07/01/2024 This business is hereby registered by the following: Stephanie Lorraine Sykes 216 So. Royal Oak Dr. San Diego, CA 92114

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on July 03, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on July 03, 2029 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012710

Fictitious business name(s): La Casita Daycare Located at: 7479 Black Oak Rd. San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: Maria Anakaren Sanchez Sanchez 7479 Black Oak Rd. San Diego, CA 92114

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 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013765

Fictitious business name(s): New Era Pool & Spa Services Located at: 4118 Vista Grande Dr. San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: 07/02/2024 This business is hereby registered by the following: Edgar Angelo Villa 4118 Vista Grande Dr. San Diego, CA 92115 This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on July 02, 2024 This fictitious business name

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012127

Fictitious business name(s): The Outdoor Classroom Located at: 2812 C Street San Diego, CA 92102 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 06/06/2024 This business is hereby registered by the following: Allegra Barron 2812 C Street San Diego, CA 92102

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 07, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on June 07, 2029 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013538

Fictitious business name(s): Mana Knows Best Located at: 7975 Gaylen Rd. San Diego, CA 92126

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: Suzanne Gaines 7975 Gaylen Rd. San Diego, CA 92126 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

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

This fictitious business name will expire on June 28, 2029 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9012998

Fictitious business name(s): Bodied By Sheena

Located at:

3806 Fairmount Ave. #108 San Diego, CA 92105

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 03/07/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following: Sheena Lenee Shelton

3806 Fairmount Ave. #108 San Diego, CA 92105

State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 21, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on June 21, 2029 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9013177

Fictitious business name(s): La Maestra Print Shop

LM Printing Located at: 4090 Fairmount Ave. San Diego, CA 92105 County of San Diego

4060 Fairmount Ave. San Diego, CA 92105

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Corporation

The first day of business was: 13/03/2013

This business is hereby registered by the following: La Maestra Foundation INC. 4060 Fairmount Ave. San Diego, CA 92105 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 24, 2024

This fictitious

June 24, 2029 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9013402

Fictitious business name(s): Heartspace Located at: 3619 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92104

County of San Diego

7535 Charmant Dr. Unit 202 San Diego, CA 92122

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Limited Liability Company

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

This business is hereby registered by the following: Heartspace 7535 Charmant Dr. Unit 202 San Diego, CA 92122

State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 26, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on June 26, 2029 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013334

Fictitious business name(s): ProspectPro Located at: 11076 Portobelo Drive

San Diego, CA 92124

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: Suzanne Tara Fornario 11076 Portobelo Drive San Diego, CA 92124

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 26, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on June 26, 2029 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9009579

Fictitious business name(s):

Atypical Waffle Located at: 3519 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Limited Liability Company

The first day of business was: 03/25/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following: Mom Jeans Hospitality, LLC 3519 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on May 03, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on May 03, 2029 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013298

Fictitious business name(s): BeautyMaestro.com Located at: 8062 Clairemont Blvd. San Diego, CA 92111

County of San Diego

13521 Mora Circle Poway, CA 92064

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

The first day of business was: 03/28/2019

This business is hereby registered by the following: Chanik Kim 13521 Mora Circle Poway, CA 92064

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 26, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on June 26, 2029 will expire on July 02, 2029 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012872

Fictitious business name(s): Coastal Catio Consultant Located at: 3451 Celinda Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: An Individual

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

This business is hereby Jeremey Francis Hoffmann 33451 Celinda Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 20, 2024 This fictitious business name will expire on June 20, 2029 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9011553

Fictitious business name(s): Angelica's Cleaning Services

Borroel's Cleaning Services Located at: 5465 Olvera Ave. San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego

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

This business is hereby registered by the following: Angelica Borroel Ramirez 5465 Olvera Ave. San Diego, CA 92114

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 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012925

Fictitious business name(s): EVAMMA LLC

EVAMMA Retail Store Located at: 1286 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92103 County of San Diego 6725 Parkside Ave. San Diego, CA 92139 County of San Diego

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

This business is hereby registered by the following: EVAMMA LLC 6725 Parkside Ave. San Diego, CA 92139 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 20, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on June 20, 2029 6/27, 7/04, 7/11, 7/18

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013131

Fictitious business name(s): Hi Tech Lock and Key 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/

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

(619) 699-1900 or

for information. First review July 27, 2024. EOE.

Hayward, CA 94541

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(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 B UTA dated February 19, 1986 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 2024-9012757

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

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

Hall of Justice Courthouse

37-2024-00029294CU-PT-CTL

Petitioner or Attorney: Earl James Riley AKA Michael Earl James Riley

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Earl James Riley AKA Michael Earl James Riley filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Earl James Riley AKA Michael Earl James Riley

PROPOSED NAME: Michael Eric James Riley

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

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: August 06, 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 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01

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

37-2024-00030253CU-PT-CTL

Petitioner or Attorney: Sheryl Anne Licerio Testado & Jefferson Santos

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Sheryl Anne Licerio Testado & Jefferson Santos filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME:

a. Jefferson Santos

b. Sheryl Anne Licerio Testado

PROPOSED NAME:

a. Jefferson Santos Evangelista

b. Sheryl Anne Licerio Testado Evangelista

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: August 13, 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 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/01 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 325 S. Melrose Dr. Vista, CA 92081 North County Division 37-2024-00029611CU-PT-NC

Petitioner or Attorney: Matthew Miller

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

PRESENT NAME:

Asher Lawrence Edwards

PROPOSED NAME:

Asher Lawrence Miller

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

Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: August 09, 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

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 S. Melrose Dr. Vista, CA 92081 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 1100 Union St. San Diego, CA 92101 Superior Court of California County of San Diego Central Courthouse 37-2024-00029061CU-PT-CTL Petitioner or Attorney: Benjamin John McConkie To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Benjamin John McConkie filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

PRESENT NAME: Benjamin John McConkie

PROPOSED NAME: Benjamin John

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

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: August 06, 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,

Tiene 30 días de calendario después de haber recibido la entrega legal de esta Citación y Petición para presentar una Respuesta (formularlo FL -120) ante la corte y efectuar la entrega legal de una copia al demandante. Una carta o llamada telefónica o una audiencia de la corte no basta para protegerlo.

Si no presenta su Respuesta a tiempo, la corte puede dar órdenes que afecten su matrimonio o pareja de hecho, sus bienes y la custodia de sus hijos. La corte también le puede ordenar que pague manutención, y honorarios y costos legales.

Para asesoramiento legal, póngase en contacto de inmediato con un abogado. Puede obtener información para encontrar un abogado en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en el sitio web de los Servicios Legales de California (www. lawhelpca.org) poniéndose en contacto con el colegio de abogados de su condado.

AVIS-LAS ÓRDENES DE RESTRICCIÓN SE

ENCUENTRAN EN LA

PÁGINA 2: Las órdenes de restricción están en vigencia en cuanto a ambos cónyuges o miembros de la pareja de hecho hasta que se despida la petición, se emita un fallo o la corte dé otras órdenes. Cualquier agencia del orden público que haya recibido o visto una copia de estas órdenes puede hacerlas acatar en cualquier lugar de California.

EXENCIÓN DE CUOTAS: Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario un formulario de exención de cuotas. La corte puede ordenar que usted pague, ya sea en parte o por completo, las cuotas y costos de la corte previamente exentos a petición de usted o de la otra parte.

The name and address of the court is: (El nombre y dirección de la corte son): Superior Court of California, County of Chula Vista 500 3rd Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910

The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner's attorney, or petitioner without an attorney, are: (El nombre, la dirección y número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, son): Kiara Renae Woods

400 E. H St. Apt. 1512 Chula Vista, CA 91910

T: (559) 371-5122

Date: (Fecha): 09/28/2023

Clerk, by (Secretario) J. Rennen 7/04, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25

1964

HARLEM RACE RIOT HEIGHTENED

The 1964 Harlem Riot was a racebased uprising/ protest that took place in multiple cities across the United States during the 1960s.

The Harlem uprising began on July 16, 1964 when 15-year-old James Powell was shot and killed by white off-duty police Lieutenant Thomas Gilligan.

BLACK HISTORY

On July 18, protesters went to the Harlem Police Station, calling for the resignation of Officer Gilligan. As tensions grew, some in the crowd began throwing bricks, bottles, and rocks at the officers.

The race riot in the two boroughs of New York City lasted six days. When the rebellion ended on July 22, one black resident was killed. There were more than 100 injuries, 450 arrests, and around $1 million in property damage.

1918

NELSON MANDELA IS BORN

On July 18th, 1918, anti-apartheid leader and first president of post-apartheid South Africa, Nelson Mandela, was born in Qunu in the Transkei.

In 1940, Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) and helped launch the ANC Youth League. In 1950, he became a member of the National Executive Council of the ANC, was arrested, charged, and given a suspended sentence. While in prison, Mandela and the entire ANC leadership were charged with treason and conspiracy, found guilty, and sentenced to life in June 1964.

In 1990, South African President F. W. de Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC and released Mandela unconditionally. Mandela and de Klerk immediately began working together for a peaceful transition to democracy. For their efforts, they won the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. In 1994, Nelson Mandela rose to presidency.

Mandela died on December 5, 2013 at the age of 95.

BUSINESS NEWS

FIVE STRATEGIES TO GROW BLACK HOMEOWNERSHIP

In 1865, over 159 years ago, the U.S. eliminated or outlawed slavery in the U.S. with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. One of the promises and pledges to freed slaves was that each would receive 40 acres and a mule. This commitment would help former slaves with building a home, raising a family and growing wealth through land ownership and entrepreneurship. While some Black Americans were able to receive land in the 1860s and 1870s, unfortunately, many former slaves nor their descendants ever received land. In fact, many Black Americans that were given land were chased off their land with force and brutality from the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and other White supremacy organizations.

Still to this day the dream of land and homeownership continues to be elusive for Black Americans from slavery, post slavery, the Jim Crow Era, the Civil Rights Era to the present. Whether it was the trick bag of sharecropping, land contracts, subprime loans, eminent domain policies or outright redlining of Black neighborhoods by banks and government organizations, it should not come as a surprise that there continues to be a persistent 30-point racial gap in home-

ownership rates in the U.S. Racial disparities in homeownership is at the core of wealth inequality in this country, you can’t separate the two. America is anchored in home and land ownership, always has been, always will be. In fact, for many years, only White men that owned property could vote in the U.S.

Below are several strategies to help grow Black homeownership in the U.S.:

• Federal Student loan forgiveness for purchasing a home. African Americans are disproportionately impacted by student loan debt forcing many

to forgo homeownership. A program that addresses this disparity and forgives student loan debt would help many Black Americans achieve their homeownership dreams.

• Create down payment assistance and federal Housing programs for Black descendants of slavery. Currently there are initiatives and dedicated federal housing and mortgage lending programs and incentives for Native Americans, similar efforts should be established for Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), those that are descendants of slaves in America.

• Create federal and state homeownership zone programs in communities with persistent low rates of Black homeownership especially in formerly redlined communities. Intentional efforts to invest in rehabilitation of existing homes, coupled with infill housing, funding for homebuyer education, downpayment and

closing subsidies, special purpose mortgage credit programs, energy efficiency grants, and property tax incentives would have a huge impact on increasing Black homeownership.

Lower mortgage interest rates despite the current historically low rate of Black unemployment in the U.S., high mortgage interest rates are limiting the potential for increasing the growth rate of Black homeownership. According to data from Freddie Mac, there are over 2 million mortgage/credit eligible potential Black American homebuyers in the U.S.

Increasing the number of Black Real Estate Agents, Appraisers, Loan Officers and Underwriters the housing ecosystem sorely lacks diversity. Underrepresentation in these key professions plays a major role in housing discrimination, redlining, bias in mortgage lending, and the undervaluing of properties owned by Black Americans.

It’s important to note that Juneteenth and homeownership month are in the same month. Hopefully, one day, the promise of land and home ownership will be realized equally and equitably for Black Americans.

This article originally appeared on the New Pittsburgh Courier.

MANY BUSINESS OWNERS LACK A SUCCESSION PLAN

America’s business owners are facing increasingly complex challenges, not only tracking the nuts and bolts of the daily tasks that come with owning a business, but keeping up with things like technology and managing healthcare costs for employees. However, many business owners have not made plans for the future of their business, based on a survey from financial services firm Edward Jones in partnership with Morning Consult and NEXT360 Partners.

Approximately half of American business owners are currently over the age of 55, and many of them may be considering retirement, but more than a third say they have no succession plan in place, according to the survey, which was conducted in April 2024 and included 400 business owners who responded to online questions and unstructured interviews.

Continued from page 3

President Biden, I predict that an enthusiastic statement from you announcing that you are passing the baton to Vice-President Kamala Harris will be an electrifying moment; a historical moment that will break the current stalemate in the campaign for president. Kamala Harris is an extraordinary leader who will brilliantly present and defend the milestone legisla-

Among business owners with no succession plan, 38% reported their business is not at a point at which succession planning is a priority. Both uncertainty about the future of the business and how to start making a succession plan were the top reasons for not having one (32% for both), according to the survey.

“For many business owners, short-term priorities associated with running a business might feel more urgent than planning for future succession,” said Katherine Roy, Principal, Retirement Products at Edward Jones, in a press release announcing the survey findings. “However, business owners should consider what will happen once they leave the business, whether by selling, retiring or becoming unable to manage the business due to health or age. A well-conceived succession plan allows the owner to identify what their ideal exit looks like and address tax, business, estate and liquidity considerations that reflect

tive record of the Biden-Harris administration and articulate the urgency and vision for “finishing the job” in this moment of grave threat to democracy.

Polls have consistently indicated “lukewarm” support among Black voters as the most reliable base of the Democratic Party. Well, that’s about to change.

As the esteemed, legendary, elder statesman Rev. Jesse L. Jackson might say, rallying around Kamala Harris will

both business goals and family dynamics.”

Business owners said that barriers to making a succession plan are emotional as well as logistical; 26% said they were unable to identify a successor, but 88% believed that their businesses will grow over

“Keep Hope Alive,” that victory over the retrograde, reactionary forces of Trump and MAGAISM is not only possible but certain. So let us not equivocate or hesitate; we need an urgent and immediate groundswell, positively urging and encouraging President Joe Biden to endorse his loyal, dedicated running mate, Vice-President Kamala Harris as his replacement as the Democratic Party’s candidate for President of the United States. That historic announcement will mark the beginning not of a Blue

the next decade.

The survey results showed that four main factors drive the need for a business transition. The first is the legacy of the business and the future of employees and stakeholders. The second consideration is the market, in which the sale or exit of an owner is needed to maintain business operations and part of the proceeds will fund the owner’s retirement. The third factor is a health event or other change in priorities or circumstances for the owner and the owner’s family. Lastly, the sale of the business also must align with the owner’s vision and the organization’s commitment to the integrity of the business.

Financial advisors can help business owners build a successful plan to help ensure a smooth transition of the business, but only 37% of those surveyed reported using a financial advisor to help with transition issues and decision-making.

Wave, but a tsunami, a massive wave of Rainbow voters marching on ballot boxes to defeat Trump and MAGAISM and rescue democracy; a momentous victory that will pave the way to resume the essential complex task of creating a “more perfect union.” Dr. Ron Daniels is the

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.