Vol. 64 No 31 Thursday, August 1, 2024

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

Since becoming a focal point of a potential second Trump administration, the conservative Project 2025 has continued to reveal a damaging set of policies that threaten to upend and eliminate many social safety nets and critical programs and push middle-class and low-income people on the brink of financial ruin. The plan also threatens to pull America, and most importantly, Black Americans, back to the early to mid-20th century, when Jim Crow and other oppressive laws kept proverbial knees on the necks of African Americans.

The Center for American Progress (CAP) has conducted an in-depth analysis, revealing even more reasons for concern regarding Project 2025.

2025 page 2

PROJECT 2025: A Dire Threat to America’s Educational and Social Fabric California Political Playback

Celebrating 40 Years, Bill Pickett Rodeo Partners with BeyGOOD Foundation

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) announced July 26 that it has teamed up with the BeyGOOD Foundation to support Black Equestrian programs.

BIPR says the collaboration honors the rich legacy of Black cowboys, cowgirls and ranchers, whose contributions have shaped American history.

“We are excited to partner with Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation to support Black Equestrian culture through our BeyGOOD grants program. We have committed $400K and will be providing grants to nonprofit equestrian organizations from Los Angeles, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas,” said BeyGood Foundation Executive Director Ivy McGregor in a statement.

“Saturday night (Aug. 20) was our first stop,” McGregor continued. “Next up Georgia and then Texas. We are excited about the impact and honored to get to share their impact stories.”

See PLAYBACK page 2

Afrofuturists Showed Up Strong During Comic-Con

To coincide with this year’s convention San Diego Comic-Con, The Afrofuturism Lounge (AFL) was back in full effect with a spotlight on regional Afrofuturists. Now in its 7th year, the Lounge

By Bo Tefu, Joe W. Bowers Jr. and Antonio Ray Harvey

& Viewpoint Staff

artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France.

PHOTO: Abbie Parr/ AP

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo celebrated its 40th anniversary with a partnership with the BeyGOOD Foundation, donating

total

$50,000 in grants. Ron Recasner accepted $25,000 for Urban Saddles, and Allie Harvey accepted $25,000 for Love This Horse Equine Rescue. PHOTO: Courtesy of CBM

PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA

PHOTO: Courtesy of LaWana Richmond

ARTICLE CONTINUATION

PROJECT 2025

Continued from cover

The CAP’s recent findings highlight that Project 2025 aims to eliminate funding for low-income schools, jeopardizing over 180,000 teaching positions. Established in 1965, Title I provides crucial financial assistance to schools serving high percentages of low-income families. Project 2025’s plan to abolish Title I funding entirely would be disastrous for the education system.

A comprehensive 50-state analysis by CAP details the severe impact of cutting Title I funding on students and teachers nationwide. Key findings include:

• Title I supports nearly two-thirds of public schools and low-income students.

• Teacher turnover rates in high-poverty schools are 10% higher than in schools with lower poverty levels.

• Project 2025 would worsen existing teacher shortages by eliminating nearly 6% of the educator workforce, equivalent to over 180,000 positions.

“Since its inception, Title I has been crucial in addressing funding and opportunity gaps

AFROFUTURISTS

Continued from cover

The feature “Tim Fielder and Walter Greason: Celebrating the Launch of The Graphic History of Hip Hop”, was screened on Thursday, July 25 at the University Club in downtown San Diego.

Fielder, a visual Afrofuturism artist, and Dr. Greason, a top Afrofuturism historian, broke down how they blended music, history, and art to tell hip hop's epic story over the last 50 years.

Attendees also viewed live sketches from Marcus Newsome, heard from other talented creators, and watched the semi-finals of the $10K Inclusive Language Art Contest, with proceeds going to support Afrofuturist creatives.

between students experiencing high poverty and their more affluent peers,” stated Weadé James, senior director for K-12 Education Policy at CAP. “Project 2025 plans to gut it entirely.”

“Removing Title I funding would mean losing thousands of teachers and ultimately limiting children’s access to quality instruction,” added Will Ragland, vice president of research for Advocacy and Outreach at CAP. “This would be devastating to local schools, students, families, and communities.”

CAP officials asserted that Project 2025’s proposals undermine public education, a cornerstone of democracy. The plan suggests redirecting taxpayer dollars from K–12 public education to private and religious schools for the wealthy, rolling back Title IX protections, eliminating Head Start, blocking student debt cancellation programs, increasing monthly payments for student loan borrowers, censoring anti-racist curricula, and cutting school nutrition programs, particularly for food-insecure children during the summer.

Moreover, Project 2025 plans to disinvest in programs supporting the academic needs of vulnerable students, including those with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and low-income students at Title I-eligible schools. Title I, Part A of the

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), provides supplemental federal funding to ensure all children receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. Title I was created in response to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, recognizing students’ more significant educational needs in high-poverty schools and the lack of state resources to close this divide.

Officials insisted Title I funding is critical for hiring and retaining well-prepared teachers. During the 2023–24 school year, every state reported a teacher shortage in one or more subject areas. High-poverty schools face higher turnover rates due to poor working conditions and unmanageable workloads, officials found. Title I provides resources to support and incentivize teachers in hard-to-staff schools, which serve a higher percentage of low-income students and students of color. CAP officials reported that to close the achievement gap, districts need more federal aid through Title I and other programs.

Officials determined that Project 2025 would decimate over 180,000 teacher positions, negatively affecting the academic outcomes of 2.8 million vulnerable students nationwide. Such a loss represents 5.64% of the national teacher workforce. Some states, such as Louisiana, Alabama, Arizona, Mississippi, Nevada, and Florida, would face significant impacts, with up to 12% of teaching positions eliminated.

LaWana Richmond, Futurist, Afrofuturist, Engineer, Producer, Writer, and Artist who founded The Afrofuturist Lounge, had this to say:

“San Diego Comic-Con is making strides in increasing diversity, with more Black faces appearing in its spaces. We look forward to a

PLAYBACK

Continued from cover

Margo Wade LaDrew, the National Development and Partnership Director at BIPR, said she is “proud of this historic partnership.”

“No one has ever invested in Black ranchers and equestrians to this magnitude,” LaDrew continued. “These partnerships signify more than just financial support. They represent a long-overdue recognition and validation of the contributions of Black ranchers and equestrians to the rich tapestry of American culture and history.”

During the BIPR event at the Industry Hills Expo in The City of Industry on Saturday July 20, BeyGOOD awarded two grants: one to Love This Horse Equine Rescue, and another to Urban Saddles. Board member Allie Harvey from Love This Horse, Equine Rescue in the Mojave Desert accepted a $25,000 grant on behalf of Seventeen-year-old Erna Valdivia who made history as the first African American woman to compete in the Tevis Cup, widely regarded as the most prestigious and challenging endurance ride in the world.

At the event, the Tevis Cup witnessed a historic moment as Valdivia crossed the finish line of the grueling one-day, 100-mile race in the California Sierras. Riding her Arabian rescue horse named “Love Story,” Valdivia captivated hearts and inspired generations.

The grant to Urban Saddles was accepted by Ron Recasner. Urban Saddles provides a safe environment for young people to engage with the equestrian lifestyle, offering training in horse skills and life-skills.

Other Black equestrian organizations recipients will be surprised with grant awards at the BIPR in Atlanta on Aug. 3.

For more information, visit www.billpickettrodeo.com.

Kamala Harris Has Already Locked Up Support to Win Dem Nomination

According to the Democratic National Convention (DNC), support from the California Delegation — as well as preliminary counts

Further, Project 2025’s proposal to phase out Title I reverses efforts to retain teachers, including legislation to increase teacher pay. Today, the average teacher salary in most states is below the minimum living wage, with teachers earning 5% less than a decade ago when adjusted for inflation. Title I funding benefits teachers and students in suburban, rural, and urban schools by providing direct student support services and enabling districts to hire and retain teachers. The CAP argued that eliminating Title I funding would lead to high teacher-to-student ratios, a lack of school-based programs, and diminished quality instruction.

The authors used state data to calculate the equivalent of teacher jobs at risk due to funding cuts. They multiplied the most recent stateby-state pupil-to-teacher ratios by the number of teachers affected to determine the number of impacted students.

“Teaching is a foundational profession that prepares workers for every industry,” officials demanded. “Adequate support for teachers and students is essential for workforce preparation, social and emotional development, and fostering informed citizens necessary for a robust democracy.”

time when such sightings become the norm rather than the exception. In the meantime, DreamCon has emerged as the premier convention for the Blerd community (Black nerds), celebrating Blerd culture and encouraging everyone to come as they are.”

Richmond noted that, as San Diego Comic-Con navigates its growth and the demand for more inclusive spaces, questions arise about its future. She noted that the question remains, will the world's largest and most famous comic con find a new home, and how will San Diego continue to be relevant in the Nerdyverse without its flagship event, Nerdy Gras?

“Perhaps,” Richmond continued, “events like Black Comix Day in February at the WorldBeat Center and Afro Con in Southeast San Diego during the Fall will help fill

To learn more about the Afrofurist movement here in San Diego and future AFL

from other states — has likely already secured Kamala Harris’s nomination as the Party’s candidate for President.

Nancy Pelosi motioned to endorse Harris for president at a virtual meeting of the California DNC delegation this past week.

With an endorsement from California’s delegation, Harris secured enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination. Pelosi’s announcement

came after President Joe Biden withdrew his nomination as the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.

Harris is set to visit the battleground state of Wisconsin, focusing on working-class voters who make up 63% of the state’s population, according to the United States Census Bureau.

Harris says she intends to earn the presidential nomination and gain the support of fellow Democrats.

“I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party’s nominee, and as a daughter of California, I am proud that my home state’s delegation helped put our campaign over the top. I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon,” said Harris.

Despite Harris gaining majority support, Democratic delegates are free to vote for a candidate of their choice until the deadline on Aug. 7. So far, Democrats have raised over $100 million for Harris.

Dr.

the gap, creating inclusive spaces for African Americans, people across the diaspora, and allies who appreciate Black culture. Only time will tell.”

events, visit afrofuturismlounge.com.

Vice President Harris speaking at a Zeta Phi Beta Zeta Sorority, Inc.’s Grand Boule on Wednesday, July 24,2024, in Indianapolis. PHOTO: Darron Cummings/AP

PHOTOS:

Courtesy of LaWana Richmond

EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY/OPINION

CITY OF SAN DIEGO SHOULD REJECT PROPOSED HOMELESS SHELTER LEASE

By Dr. John E. Warren PUBLISHER,

The San Diego City Council is considering a proposed long term lease agreement for a former industrial facility known as the Kettner and Vine Site for a 1000 bed homeless shelter. This agreement should be rejected for the following reasons: First, there was no open bid process or request for proposals which would have allowed the consideration

of other lease options in an effort to get the best deal for the city in terms of price and long term cost; Second, the City could have purchased the property when it went on the market in 2015. Such an approach would have allowed an appraisal of the property in terms of determining its true market value, including the cost of modifications and upgrades for intended use by the city. Third, after the 101 Ash Street scandal, one would think that not only the City Council, but also the City Attorney’s Office would have done the same due diligence that the Independent Budget Analyst (IBA) did in preparing its report to the City Council; Fourth, the proposed 1000 beds for the homeless does not represent 1000 new beds but rather about 500 plus since at least 400 of existing shelter space would be consolidated with the new structure.

There is no room in the City budget for new funding to sustain this project over the proposed years of the lease. And finally, the proposed project is not the solution to the City’s housing crisis. Homelessness will continue to increase as long as landlords, whether local property owners or investors, can raise rents and build more housing that increases the number of vacancies while not adding those structures to the list of “affordable or available” rentals. Once again, let us remember that 49 percent of the residents of San Diego County are renters. Such a voting block could change a great deal beyond property owners lobbying against rent control and change. The time to act is before one becomes a victim of the crisis.

Where do you stand? It might be a good time to speak to the City Council as so many are doing.

RENT RELIEF: A WINNING POLICY ISSUE FOR HARRIS

By Edolphus Towns Jr. FORMER CONGRESSMAN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Renters account for approximately 34% of the U.S. population, with 44 million housing units in the U.S. currently being rented. Talking directly to this constituency is a winning formula. The Department of Labor recently released new Consumer Price Index data.

Home prices have risen 47 percent since the pandemic, and according to a report released this year from Harvard University, over half of renters are now spending more than a third of their income on housing. Since 2020, the average rental price has risen 17% to $1,713 monthly, and in cities like New York and San Francisco, average rents now top over $3,000 a month.

As the former Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I know all too well the need for balanced and properly enforced legislation and regulations to

remedy this problem. But the keyword here is balance.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democrat nominee, has a history of proposing sound affordable housing plans that resonate with voters. Given how much attention voters are paying to this issue, she should quickly make them a central part of her campaign platform.

For example, while serving in the U.S. Senate, Harris proposed the Rent Relief Act, which would have issued tax credits to all Americans who spend more than 30% of their incomes on rent. If passed, this proposal would have helped millions of Americans afford shelter. Today, over half a decade later, half of renters still shell out more than 30% of their incomes on rent and utilities, so this idea is without question one that still has legislative merit.

Vice President Harris should also continue pledging to expand the Housing Choice Voucher program.

See RENT page 15

WILL THE UNITED STATES BE MORE DIVIDED?

By Regi Taylor BALTIMORE TIMES

FREELANCE JOURNALIST

America is witnessing in real time what Heritage Foundation President, Kevin Roberts, describes as a “second American Revolution” that will be bloodless “if the left allows it to be;” a not-so-subtle threat consistent with MAGA’s pledge to “take our country back,” which Democratic voters don’t seem to be taking seriously enough.

There seems to be a failure of the most vulnerable in our contemporary political climate to recognize the current liberties enjoyed by the country’s nonwhite population as an outlier within the context of America’s racial history. The decreasing population of people who identify as white in tandem with nonwhite Americans’ increasing population and political clout is seen as an unacceptable peril not only by extremist white elements, but many who publicly identify as progressive but fear losing their privileged cultural status.

When the Civil Rights Act was passed 60 years ago this month, the United States population was essentially Black and white. In 1964, whites were 85% of the population and African Americans were 11%. Less than 4% of the population were Latino and Asian. Foreign-born were less than 6% of the total.

By comparison, the 2020 U.S. Census reveals that among white Americans only 61.6% self-identify as ‘white alone.’ African Americans total 12.8%, the Hispanic population is 19.5%, and Asians number 6.1%. According to the American Immigration Council, “13.8 percent of the nation’s [current] residents are foreign-born, more than half of whom are naturalized citizens.”

These drastic changes in the country’s demographics and the corresponding liberalization in public policy intended to accommodate America’s growing multiculturalism, appearing to many whites to be at their expense, has caused an increasingly violent, extremist backlash, vocalized as the desire to Make America Great Again; when white supremacy was the official — and legal — social construct.

The final straw for fed up, aggrieved whites, was the realization in January 2009 that “n****rs” would be sleeping in the White House. During Barrack Obama’s inauguration celebration on January 20, 2009, fifteen members of the top Republican leadership cried in their beers at the Caucus Room steakhouse in downtown D.C., pledging to defeat Obama and make him a failed one-term president. Their vindictiveness mirrored the mood of the electorate.

In 2020, Pew Research found “49% of all registered voters either identify as Democrats or lean to the party, while 44% identify as Republicans or lean to the GOP. However, despite the current Republican nominee being twice impeached, an adjudicated rapist, convicted 34 times as a felon, being an insurrectionist, and a serial liar, polls have him in a dead heat for president against Joe Biden.

The momentum to succeed is in Trump’s favor because the grass roots, the Republican establishment, and very wealthy right wing extremist benefactors are solidly unified, while Democrats are in total disarray and ununified, flirting with the idea of abandoning a very successful, highly experienced standard bearer with only weeks left before the election. The ensuing chaos would guarantee a MAGA win.

President Biden has appealed for us to “stand together.” I am making a personal appeal to multicultural “Americans of goodwill,” an ideal I adopted from Barack Obama, to unconditionally unify against the forces who oppose our best interests.

KAMALA HARRIS: THE DOWN-TICKET SAVIOR WE NEEDED

By Jasmyne Cannick MEMBER OF LA COUNTY AFRICAN-AMERICAN ADVISORY BOARD

President Joe Biden not seeking re-election isn’t just good for Democrats looking to stave off a second Donald Trump presidency, but it’s good news for all the other candidates on the ballot who were at serious risk of millions of Democratic voters sitting out November altogether.

This unexpected, but much needed, turn of events has generated a wave of reactions across the nation, but one thing is clear: Vice-President Kamala Harris’ entry into the presidential race is going to provide a significant boost to down-ticket races for the Democratic Party.

Whether you like her not, for millions of Democrats, Kamala Harris represents a new era of leadership, one that is more inclusive and reflective of America’s diverse population. Within 24 hours, her candidacy has galvanized a broad coalition of voters, including women, People of Color, and young people. This renewed enthusiasm at the top of the ticket is going to have a ripple effect, energizing the base and increasing voter turnout,

which is crucial for down-ticket candidates.

For states like California and counties like Los Angeles, the largest in the US, this is a game changer.

Californians have 11 ballot propositions on their November ballot. Among them, a controversial ballot proposition to repeal parts of Proposition 47 (Prop 47) and increase drug crime and theft penalties and allow a new class of crime to be called treatment-mandated felony, which gives offenders the option to participate in drug and mental health treatment.

See HARRIS page 15

THE SAN DIEGO VOICE & VIEWPOINT

CITY & COUNTY NEWS YOU CAN USE

Applicants Needed for Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board

The Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) of San Diego County is seeking applicants to fill a board vacancy in Supervisorial District 1, encompassing areas like Chula Vista, National City, Barrio Logan, East Village, Golden Hill, Logan Heights, Otay, Nestor, San Ysidro and Sherman Heights.

Established in 1990, CLERB investigates citizen complaints against Sheriff’s deputies and probation officers, and reviews deaths involving their actions. Board members, appointed by the County Board of Supervisors, serve staggered three-year terms and advise on policy changes.

What You Need to Know to Apply:

• Must be registered voters in San Diego County

• Cannot be County employees or affiliated with the County

• Cannot be current law enforcement officers

• Serve a three-year term for no more than two consecutive full terms.

• Expected to attend a CLERB meeting before applying

• Must complete training within three months if appointed

The first review of applications will begin on August 2nd until September 15. Those who applied within the past year need not reapply as their applications are still valid. To apply, visit sandiegocounty.gov.

County Breaks Ground on Crisis Stabilization Unit in El Cajon

Once completed, each region will have a CSU

The County of San Diego is launching a new Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) in El Cajon, aimed at providing round-the-clock care for individuals experiencing behavioral health cri-

ses. This facility, built on County-owned land, marks the first of its kind in the region, offering tailored mental health treatment including intervention, assessment, peer support, and service connections for up to 24 hours. The initiative, prioritized by the County Board of Supervisors in 2019, aims to enhance access to mental health care across San Diego County.

Currently, similar services are available in various locations, and the new East County CSU will be the seventh such facility. Situated conveniently near public transit and freeways, it will serve as a vital resource for the East County commu-

a multi-purpose room, reflecting a holistic approach to youth rehabilitation. The ribbon-cutting event celebrates this milestone, attended by Chief Probation Officer Tamika Nelson, County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, juvenile judges, legal representatives, and education officials, highlighting the community-wide effort to enhance juvenile justice in San Diego.

The Results of the Development Feasibility Analysis (DFA) Are In!

The County of San Diego’s Planning & Development Services (PDS) invites stakeholders to participate in two virtual workshops discussing the results of the Development Feasibility Analysis (DFA). This analysis evaluates housing development opportunities and barriers in communities like Buena Creek, Valle de Oro/Casa de Oro, Lakeside, and Spring Valley, focusing on infrastructure and zoning considerations.

nity. Key stakeholders involved in the project include Supervisor Joel Anderson, law enforcement officials, healthcare professionals, and community representatives.

Youth Transition Campus Completed to Better Support High-Risk Youth

Probation replaces juvenile hall to support youth with rehabilitative services

The completion of the Youth Transition Campus represents a significant advancement in supporting high-risk youth, replacing Juvenile Hall with a rehabilitative environment.

Designed in collaboration with national juvenile justice experts and local partners, the campus aims to foster positive outcomes through rehabilitative and therapeutic services.

Key features include new living units, school classrooms, a sports and recreation field, and

San Diego City Council Adopts Child and Youth Plan

The San Diego City Council proudly announced the adoption of the City’s first comprehensive Child and Youth Strategic Plan, marking a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being and future success of our youngest residents. This initiative demonstrates the city’s ever-growing commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for children, youth, and families.

The adoption of the Child and Youth Strategic Plan highlights a unified vision for creating supportive and safe communities where all children and youth can thrive. This strategic plan is a result of extensive collaboration with community stakeholders, educators, healthcare providers, and families, aimed at addressing the diverse needs of San Diego’s young population.

• Supporting Families: Provides resources and services to strengthen family stability and resilience.

The Child and Youth Strategic Plan outlines key priorities and actionable steps, including:

• Enhancing Early Childhood Education: Expands access to high-quality early learning programs to ensure all children are prepared for school success.

• Promoting Health and Well-Being: Implements initiatives to improve physical and mental health outcomes for children and youth.

• Fostering Safe and Inclusive Communities: Creates safe environments where children and youth feel valued and included.

The San Diego City Council is committed to monitoring the progress of this strategic plan and ensuring its successful implementation through continued collaboration and community engagement.

For more information on the Child and Youth Strategic Plan and how you can get involved, visit www.sandiego.gov/child-youth-success or contact AOHara@sandiego.gov.

FREE Training: Domestic Violence Essentials One-Day Virtual Training

The San Diego Domestic Violence Council and One Safe Place are offering an upcoming DV Essentials course for frontline workers. The free 6.5-hour training will take place online on Tuesday, August 13th from 9:00am to 3:30pm.

Its goal is to enhance professionals' ability to recognize and respond to domestic violence using evidence-based and trauma-informed practices. This collaboration provides crucial basic training to support individuals affected by domestic violence. Prospective attendees must pre-register on zoom. For any questions or more info on how to register contact Terra Marroquin, terra.marroquin@sdcda.org.

The workshops will present actionable steps to support housing development, including placemaking strategies, zoning adjustments, and policy improvements. The final report, to be submitted to the Board of Supervisors, aims to guide future investments in these communities. Stakeholders are encouraged to attend either workshop on July 30th or July 31st to provide feedback on the findings and recommendations.

For accessibility accommodations or more information, contact the DFA team at PDS.LongRangePlanning@ sdcounty.ca.gov or (858) 505-6677.

County Moves Forward With Plans to Renovate Mira Mesa Epicentre

The Board of Supervisors approved plans to renovate the Mira Mesa Epicentre into a County-operated community center, focusing on youth recreation and diverse programming. The facility aims to promote health and well-being through mentoring, arts, gardening, cooking, and recreational classes.

The project supports sustainability goals by improving accessibility, reducing energy demand, and using eco-friendly materials. It will meet California Green Building Standards and pursue net-zero energy goals. Located centrally with access to public transit, the center will serve as a safe, positive environment near community amenities.

The County will lease the property for 45 years, funding the $10.5 million project with construction slated to start in early 2025.

The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint is looking for journalists and photojournalists, as independent contractors, for paid assignments. Additional position of Assistant to Editor available.

• Professional writing experience required.

Newspaper experience is desired. We might be the answer, if you’ve experienced recent job loss. Email latanya@sdvoice.info

PHOTO: Freepik

PHOTO: Courtesy of the County News Center

PHOTO: Courtesy of the County News Center

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Farmers in Africa Say Their Soil is Dying

Chemical fertilizers are in part to blame

By Evelyne Musambi Associated Press

When Benson Wanjala started farming in his western Kenya village two and a half decades ago, his 10-acre farm could produce a bountiful harvest of 200 bags of maize. That has dwindled to 30. He says his once fertile soil has become a nearly lifeless field that no longer earns him a living.

Like many other farmers, he blames acidifying fertilizers pushed in Kenya and other African countries in recent years. He said he started using the fertilizers to boost his yield and it worked — until it didn’t. Kenya’s government first introduced a fertilizer subsidy in 2008, making chemical fertilizers more accessible for smaller-scale farmers.

About 63% of arable land in Kenya is now acidic, according to the agriculture ministry, which has been recording a decline in production of staples such as maize and leading exports of horticulture and tea. The production of maize declined by 4% to 44 million tons in 2022, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization, which didn’t say why.

The agriculture ministry didn’t respond to questions, especially after a scandal over fake fertilizer in April. The fertilizer was found to be quarry dirt in misleadingly labeled bags that were distributed to farmers through a national subsidy program. President William Ruto said about 7,000 farmers bought the fake fertilizer and would be compensated with the correct product.

Problems with soil health are growing as the African continent struggles to feed itself. Africa has 65% of the world’s remaining uncultivated arable land but has spent about $60 billion annually to import food, according to the African Development Bank. The spending is estimated to jump to $110 billion by 2025 due to increased demand and changing consumption habits.

In May, Kenya hosted an Africa-wide soil health summit to discuss declining production, climate change and other issues that have increased food security concerns. Agriculture is a key part of the economy in Kenya, making up more than a quarter of the GDP.

At the summit, Stephen Muchiri, executive director of the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation, advocated for a return to traditional farming practices to replenish lifeless soils, including planting a variety of crops and doing as little as possible to disturb the land.

“Inorganic fertilizers were never meant to be the foundation of crop production,” he said, later adding that because of “commercially inclined farming, our soils are now poor, acidic, and low in biomass resources, and without life!”

He said farmers should rotate crops on their land and source compost material from livestock such as goats: “There must be some kind of transition and adaptation for our soils to revert back to fertility.”

Experts say soil acidity causes land degradation by decreasing the availability of plant and essential nutrients, making soil more

vulnerable to structure decline and erosion.

The soil health summit by the African Union — which in 2006 recommended that members use more chemical fertilizers — adopted a 10-year plan that calls for increased investment to produce both organic and chemical fertilizers locally and triple their use for increased production.

During the summit, AU commissioner for agriculture Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko asserted that the continent was “losing over $4 billion worth of soil nutrients each year.”

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa’s Kenya manager, John Macharia, said Kenya’s recent fertilizer scandal should not discourage farmers.

In Zimbabwe, once a regional breadbasket, about 70% of soils are acidic, according to the government. The government in the past introduced chemical fertilizers in an attempt to strengthen soils, but wrong usage caused a decline in organic matter.

That includes animal manure, grass, leaves and twigs, crop residue, ash and compost. But many farmers in Zimbabwe no longer have cattle because of the recent drought.

AGRA recommended that farmers test their soil’s acidity and apply lime to reverse high acidity.

But farmers say both are limited and costly. Soil testing services are available in government agricultural agencies, public universities and private organizations at prices ranging from $20 to $40.

Wanjala, the farmer, said he cannot even find the money cattle for manure, and barely for seeds.

“I cannot afford more expenses,” he said.

Farai Mutsaka in Harare, Zimbabwe contributed to this report.

OLYMPICS: Nigeria Women’s Basketball Team Denied Entry

By Doug Feinberg Associated Press

The Nigeria women’s basketball team wasn’t allowed to board the delegation’s boat for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, said a person familiar with the situation.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Friday, June 26 condition of anonymity because the Nigeria delegation has not publicly commented.

Once the team made it to the area where it was supposed to board the boat for the ceremony, the group was denied entry by a Nigerian official who told the players and coaches there were too many people on board. The team then made its way to the athletes village after being turned away. The rest of the Nigerian delegation shared a boat with Niger and Norway.

Messages were left seeking comment from a Nigeria press officer.

The team had been sent logistics for the event

before the group made the 2-hour, 28-minute, 138-mile (222 km) trip as part of a bus caravan of several teams from Lille, where the preliminary basketball rounds are being played. The buses had a police escort. They were not able to make it to the location where the buses were departing after the opening ceremonies so they spent the night in Paris. The team didn’t make it back to Lille in time for its scheduled morning practice session.

South Africa Appoints A Woman As Chief Justice For The First Time

By Gerald Imray Associated Press

was the first Black woman to be appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal and the first woman to be appointed deputy president and then president of that court.

President Cyril Ramaphosa named Mandisa Maya, the current deputy chief justice, as the country’s new most senior judge. Her term is due to start on Sept. 1, when she will replace Chief Justice Raymond Zondo as the head of the apex Constitutional Court. Zondo is retiring.

Maya, 60, previously served as the judge president of the Supreme Court of Appeal, the second-highest court in South Africa, before her promotion to the Constitutional Court. She

Ramaphosa nominated Maya for chief justice in February and she was interviewed by the Judicial Services Commission in May. The commission recommended her and noted her appointment “would be a significant milestone for the country,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.

Maya grew up in a rural part of South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. She won a Fulbright Scholarship in 1989 to do a Master’s in law at Duke University in the United States, an incredibly rare achievement for a young Black woman during the apartheid era of racial segregation in South Africa.

South Africa has had all-male chief justices since the post was created in 1910 when it was still a British colony.

Maya will be the eighth chief justice since South Africa became a democracy with the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule in 1994.

Mudslides in Ethiopia Have Killed at Least 229

It’s not clear how many people are

By Amanuel Gebremedhin Birhane Associated Press

Mudslides triggered by heavy rain in a remote part of Ethiopia have killed at least 229 people, including many who tried to rescue survivors, local authorities said Tuesday, July 23rd, in what the prime minister called a “terrible loss.”

Young children and pregnant women were among the victims in Kencho Shacha Gozdi district of southern Ethiopia, said Dagmawi Ayele, a local administrator, adding that at least five people have been pulled out alive.

The death toll rose sharply from the initial one of 55 late Monday, July 22nd. Search operations continued in the area, said Kassahun Abayneh, head of the communications office in Gofa Zone, the administrative area where the mudslides occurred.

still missing

Ethiopia’s ruling party in a statement said it felt sorrow over the disaster. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a statement on Facebook that he was “deeply saddened by this terrible loss.”

The federal disaster prevention task force has been deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts, Abiy’s statement said.

It was not immediately clear how many people were still unaccounted for.

Many victims were buried on Monday, July 22 as rescue workers searched the steep terrain for survivors of another mudslide the previous day. Markos Melese, director of the disaster response agency in Gofa Zone, said many rescuers remained missing.

At least 146 people were killed in the mudslides in a remote part of Ethiopia which had been hit by heavy rainfall. Young children and pregnant women were among the

victims of the disaster in the Kencho Shach Gozdi district of southern Ethiopia. The mudslide on Monday, July 22 follows another similar event the previous day.

“There are children who are hugging corpses, having lost their entire family, including mother, father, brother and sister,” he said. Some women wailed as rescuers attempted to dig through the thick mud with shovels. Landslides are common during Ethiopia’s rainy season, which started in July and is expected to last until mid-September. Deadly mudslides often occur in the wider East African region, from Uganda’s mountainous east to central Kenya’s highlands.

In April, at least 45 people were killed in Kenya’s Rift Valley region when flash floods and a landslide swept through houses and cut off a major road.

South Africa appointed its first female chief justice on July 25.

PHOTO: Dr. Kelechi Anyikude via X

PHATCAMP GIRLSSOFTBALLSUMMER LEAGUE

By Darrel Wheeler Contributing Writer

For four Sundays, starting on June 30th until August 4th, six teams are competing for bragging rights, laughs, exercise, fellowship, and some community building. Oak Park, on 5235 Maple St, is the location for “fun under the sun” softball games with an added sense of purpose.

Sundays at the Park are turned into a vendor's paradise with plenty of treats, a BBQ with a family reunion BBQ-like ambience, complimentary music, and some parking issues.

The PHATCAMP Organization has been on a mission for 17 years to develop pro grams to encourage, inspire leadership, equip individuals who are typ cally underrepresented with health and wellness information.

Those are just some of the many reasons why the PHATCAMP experience continues to be a very important community resource.

San Diego Council Approves

Updated ‘Blueprint SD’

Plan addresses climate change, housing, job growth and equity

“PHAT stands for Pushing Hard Advocates Team,” said PHATCAMP’s fearless leader, Memee Hercan. “We started this 17 years ago with two teams now we have six teams and 92 players. We are so grateful for all the participation and support as we continue to collaborate with other community-based organizations.”

The PHATCAMP non-profit organization and friends continue to support their community, one home run at a time!

Second Round of Equity Impact Grant Program Now Open

VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE VOICE &

On July 23rd, the San Diego City Council approved Blueprint SD, an updated version of the city’s General Plan designed to guide the strategic placement of new homes and jobs near transit, parks, and essential services. This refresh aims to support the city’s equity, climate, and housing goals by revising existing policies and introducing new ones. It emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging mixed-use developments near employment centers and public transit.

The plan prioritizes infrastructure investments in underserved areas and advocates for housing developments across all income levels, particularly in communities with access to quality amenities and lower environmental risks. Blueprint SD aligns with the city’s Climate Action Plan and integrates the San Diego Association of Governments’ transportation strategy, known as the 5 Big

Moves.

Future community plan updates, such as the University Community Plan Update and the Hillcrest Focused Plan Amendment (Plan Hillcrest), will further implement Blueprint SD’s goals. These updates will address various aspects of community development including land use, housing, transportation, and cultural preservation.

The City Council also certified an environmental impact report analyzing the effects of Blueprint SD, the University Community Plan Update, and the Hillcrest Focused Plan Amendment. This ensures compliance with environmental standards outlined in the California Environmental Quality Act, supporting sustainable growth and development in San Diego.

The final Environmental Impact Report can be reviewed on the City’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Final Environmental Documents webpage.

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church San Diego Announces New Pastor

By Sis. Clara Carter

The members of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of San Diego are delighted to announce the election of their new pastor, Dennis Ray Anderson. Following a congregational vote held on June 24, 2024, Rev. Anderson has graciously accepted the call to lead the church into its next chapter.

Rev. Dennis Anderson brings with him 31 years of pastoral experience in the greater San Diego area. Prior to joining Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, he served as the pastor of Greater Johnson Baptist Church in San Diego, CA.

The County's Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ) and the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego (NPI) have opened the second round of funding for the Equity Impact Grant (EIG) program.

OERJ and NPI developed the program to address the challenges that organizations face when applying for government contracts and philanthropic funding. These challenges are especially felt by small, grassroots organizations led by people of color.

The program provides organizations with general operating funds, tailored coaching and capacity-building support.

The program is designed for organizations with fewer than five employees and/or operating expenses of less than $500,000.

The EIG program seeks organizations that are addressing inequalities and forms of systemic marginalization in the following categories:

• Education and youth empowerment (early childhood through higher/continuing education).

• Civic engagement and movement building.

• Arts, narrative change, and culture.

• Housing and community development.

• R estorative justice and alternatives to incarceration.

• Health and healing.

• Wealth building, workforce, and economic development.

• Food systems and environmental justice.

Applications are open from July 22 to August 23, with award announcements scheduled for November.

OERJ and NPI will host three virtual information sessions, from July 29th-August16, during the application period.

For more information and zoom links, visit the Equity Impact Grant Program website on www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cao/ oerj/equity-impact-grant.html.

As an active member of the Progressive Missionary Baptist District Association, Rev. Anderson has also served as their general secretary. He is happily married to his beloved wife, Janice Anderson, and together they have a daughter named Charity.

Join us as Rev. Dennis Anderson delivers his inaugural sermon as Pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of San Diego on Sunday, August 4, 2024, during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. We extend a warm invitation to past members, friends, district

Rev. Anderson’s strengths lie not only in his deep knowledge of biblical principles but also in his compassion and ability to connect with others. His vision and leadership are poised to inspire and guide the Mt. Zion family and community as they continue their mission of faith, service, and community outreach.

churches, elected officials, and community leaders to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The official installation ceremony for Rev. Dennis Anderson is scheduled for November 10, 2024. Further details about the installation event will be shared in the coming weeks.

About Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of San Diego

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of San Diego, with 129 years of spiritual excellence, is the oldest church in Logan Heights community.

SPORTS

Simone Biles Dominates Olympic Qualifying Round

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT

With celebrities including Snoop Dogg, Flavor Flav, Lady Gaga, and John Legend watching, Simone Biles made a spectacularly successful return to the Olympics by dominating the qualifying round despite a calf injury that would have sidelined most athletes.

Team USA finished Sunday’s qualification session with an impressive score of 172.296, putting the group of athletes — including returning Olympians Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles — at the front of the pack heading into the all-around final on Thursday, July 25th.

Biles, now 27, is the most decorated gymnast in history and considered the G.O.A.T of her sport — meaning Greatest of All Time. She debuted in this year’s competition in Paris after a widely publicized break, which began with her premature exit from the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health. The seven-time Olympic medalist has since spoken candidly about suffering from the “twisties,” a dangerous phenomenon where gymnasts lose their spatial awareness in the air.

Despite injuring her calf while warming up for the second round of qualifying events in the Bercy Arena, Biles delivered stunning and technically near-flawless performances on the balance beam, vault, floor, and uneven bars.

Video of the warm-ups showed Biles crawling back from the vault and then hopping on her right leg toward the edge of the mat. There, she told a teammate, “I’m gonna need a wheelchair.”

CBS News noted that the gymnast was later seen using a foam roller off the floor’s side.

But the injury did not seem to limit Biles come game time. She performed an impressive vault routine that featured her trademark Yurchenko double pike, all with her ankle heavily taped. The routine earned her a spectacular score of 15.8.

Women’s gymnastics coach Cecille Landi, an Olympian who competed for France in 1996, told reporters that Biles had tweaked her calf several weeks ago and was on the mend during the training that led up to the games. “She felt a little something in her calf. That’s all,” Landi said after the qualifying session, according to the Olympics. The coach noted that Biles had no intention to leave the competition, saying, “Never in her mind.”

By Michael West CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When Kansas City, Missouri’s Jade Williams moved to the San Diego area as a Junior in High School, she had already established herself as a prominent Point Guard in Girl’s Basketball circles. Having promoted her basketball exploits on Tik Tok and Instagram her freshman year, the blond dreadlocked phenom was practically a high school icon.

Williams burst onto the social media scene when she posted a video that went viral in 2016. A simple but dazzling rendition of Allen Iverson’s legendary crossover move awed several thousand folks, and as she continued posting, the likes of Drake, and influencer Jelly Fam elevated her popularity.

Showing she had plenty of substance to match her style, the talented Junior brought her talents to La Jolla Country Day High School — and helped the Torreys post a 25-3 record in the 2021-2022 year — averaging 11 points per game, and the number four ranking in the state. She followed that campaign up in 22’-23’ averaging 13 points per game, leading the Torreys to a 29-4 record, and once again a number four ranking in California.

The remarkable aspect of Williams’ rise? She elevated girls high school basketball, and ventured into the Name, Likeness and Image industry (NIL) just when it emerged as a revenue source for all high school athletes. In addition, the dazzling Point Guard earned massive attention as a college basketball prospect.

Landi added that Biles’ calf had improved by the end of Sunday, July 28th’s session. Heading into the final this week, Biles and Sunisa Lee will make history regardless of where they place in the event, as two former all-around champions competing in the same event for the same country. Landi acknowledged Biles’ stunning comeback and said that, knowing her

track record, there could be even more room to grow.

“It was pretty amazing. 59.5, and four-for-four,” Landi said of Biles’ qualifying performance and score, which eclipsed that of Lee, the reigning champion, by a solid margin. “Not perfect. She still can improve … just really good.”

Rewind: One of San Diego's Best, Jada Williams

And Her NIL presence? With 688,000 followers on Instagram and 144,000 followers on TiK

has signed deals with Spaulding, Gym

status.

RECRUITING SERVICE RATING

O n 3 5 STAR

ESPN 4 STAR

In 2023-2024, Williams earned All-Freshman PAC12 honors as a Point Guard — averaging 9 points per game.  She started 24 of the Wildcats’ 28 games, and led the team in scoring five times, including their first-round game in the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

and Dick’s Sporting Goods at an estimated value of $550,000.  She’s even been in a commercial with NBA Superstar Damian Lillard.

From social media phenom to Freshman AllConference honors, Williams has left a lasting impact on the women’s basketball scene.

Check out some highlights of her talents below courtesy of Women Hooping on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taMPpSP-CVI

Sources: Maxpreps.com ESPN; On3.com; Spectrum News 1; San Diego Union Tribune

How the 2024 Olympic Games are Aiming to Be More

By Brian P. McCullough UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN | THE CINCINNATI HERALD

Europe is in the midst of a heat wave, and while Olympic athletes in Paris for the 2024 Summer Games might be spared the worst of it, the weather will still be hot.

Olympic organizers have moved events such as marathons to early mornings and even to cooler cities. FIFA, the governing body for world soccer, pushed the 2022 Men’s World Cup back from its usual time in June to late November so it could be held in Qatar.

The heat risks and the environmental impact of major sporting events have led some people to question whether these events should be held at all. Sports have good reason for caring about sustainability: Climate change can put athletes’ and fans’ health at risk and even put the future of some sports in doubt.

In the summer, global warming fuels extreme heat and storms that can affect the quality of the competition and the health of the athletes and spectators.

Major sport federations and leagues, as well as the Olympics, have responded to the risks by delaying competitions to cooler times of day or year, implementing water breaks and offering more player substitutions.

Olympic progress toward sustainability

Any large event like the Olympics can produce vast carbon emissions through its construction, transportation needs and energy use.

That impact, and the risks it creates for sports and their athletes, are why sustainability has been a pillar of the Olympic charter since 1996 and is a focus of its planning for the future.

The organizers plan to power the events’ operations with 100% renewable energy from wind and solar. They are using existing venues when possible, had new ones built with low-carbon concrete and recycled materials, and brought in thousands of seats made of recycled plastic.

All furniture and temporary buildings approved for the Games also must have a contractually guaranteed second life, rather than going into a landfill. All of the competition venues are on public transportation, allowing for fewer vehicles in the streets. Even the food is targeted for a 50% emissions cut compared with the average meal by increasing the use of plant-based foods.

The Paralympics will use the same venues and housing in the weeks that follow.

That doesn’t mean the 2024 Olympics won’t have a large carbon footprint, however, particularly as many spectators and athletes arrive by plane.

The Paris Olympic Games is an example of what large sporting events can do to reduce their impact

Sustainable

on the environment and promote sustainability solutions to a global audience. Spectators will experience sustainability firsthand, and organizers will promote the Games’ sustainability efforts. Such campaigns can influence people’s everyday behaviors and even increase their advocacy for sustainability in their home communities.

Suggestions to reduce the scale and size of sports events or even eliminate commercialized sports, ending spectator sports as we know them, overlook the ability of sports to influence and change human behavior.

Sustainability efforts at the Paris Games

The 2024 Olympics’ strategies, building on those used in previous events, and what Paris learns in carrying them out, will also help in planning for future events, including the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

In essence, the Olympic Games, the largest sporting event in the world, is a sports sustainability world fair. It highlights what is possible for a sporting event through collaborations with international corporations to reduce its environmental impact. And it influences others to follow suit, whether that is other sporting events, leagues and federations or spectators from around the world. This article was originally republished from The Conversation.

The ESPN four star and On3 five-star recruit initially committed to UCLA, but eventually decided to play for Arizona alongside fellow Torreys star Breya Cunningham - both becoming the fourth and fifth La Jolla Country Day players to earn McDonald’s All-American

Tok, Williams

Shark

Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the uneven bars during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. PHOTO: Abbie Parr/ AP

PHOTO: Courtesy of Blackpressusa

PHOTO: Jada Williams X.com page via X

Jack and Jill San Diego’s 4 The Heart of Swimming Program

By K H Hamilton

What do the Jackie Robinson YMCA, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation, Swim 1922, and San Diego Unified School District’s Lincoln High School all have in common? Each organization has partnered with the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., San Diego chapter to officially launch its 4 The Heart of Swimming Program on July 17, 2024.

Initially, program supporters secured a $3,000 Health and Wellness Chapter grant from the National Jack and Jill of America Foundation. However, after meeting with Chapter Foundation Committee Chair Leslie Lake, Jackie Robinson YMCA’s Executive Director, Anna Arancibia, and her team it was quickly determined that additional funding was needed.

Local community advocate, Dr. Robert Brown was contacted. He in turn contacted the San Diego

Fire-Rescue Foundation. Though matching funds were expected, SD Fire-Rescue Foundation’s Executive Wendy Robinson and Liaison Asst. Fire Chief John Wood surprised everyone. The Foundation’s $10,000 funding will provide additional life-saving swim lessons and family memberships for each 4 the Heart of Swimming participant. LHS students will also take yoga classes to manage anxiety and manage stress, which can affect student health and athletic performance.

Eligible participants will qualify to become certified lifeguards and gain employment at the JR YMCA as well. The next cohort of LHS students will start their 4 Heart of Swimming on September 9, 2024.

New Assurance Baptist Church Graduation Celebration

By Janey Middleton

A dream came through for the Scholarship Commit tee members at New Assur ance Baptist Church (Rev. Jared B. Moten, Senior Pas tor). The committee mem bers are: Sis. Janey Middle ton; Sis. Angela Smith; Sis. Mary K. Jackson and the late Mother, Alice Smith. After waiting patiently for ten years, NABC has a winner. We are proud to announce Ms. Malayah Jones as the first recipient of a one thousand-dollar scholarship. Malayah will attend Langston University (HBCU) located in Langston, Oklahoma. Malayah has interests in studying nursing and becoming a traveling Psychology Nurse. NABC is extremely proud of Malaya’s discipline, determination and hard work ethic.

In addition, New Assurance celebrated all individuals promoted to

Additional event highlights include CA State Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-79), a mother member of the Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated San Diego Chapter. Dr. Weber expressed how students participating in 4 the Heart of Swimming can use this life-saving skill to teach other community members, including their siblings and teammates.

Newly appointed San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Chief, Robert Logan II was on hand with his amazing team of dedicated firefighters, including Captain Jason Shanley to support our 4 The Heart of Swimming partnership. All were truly excited about Chief Logan’s appointment and look forward to working with his department throughout this profound partnership.

San Diego Unified School District Area E Board Trustee, Dr. Sharon Whitehurst Payne, and Area E Superintendent, Dr. Steven Dorsey who was also scheduled to speak, showed their

support for LHS students and the 4 The Heart of Swimming program that will hopefully extend to Crawford High School in 2025 in honor of the late Woodlain Zachee Prudhomme. Swim 1922 provided towels to the students. Additional Sigma Gamma Rho, Incorporated Swim 1922 members are scheduled to present LHS students and Track Coach Tamara McMillian with additional swim apparel, including Soul Caps on September 9, 2024, at 4:30 pm.

Above: The San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation Presented a $10,000 check to support the inaugural 4 The Heart of Swimming Program.

PHOTO: Courtesy of the Jackie Robinson YMCA

Malayah Jones

Mica Ransom, Kindergarten

PHOTOS: Courtesy of the Jackie Robinson YMCA

L to R: Malayah Jones & Sydney Roberson, Guest Speaker (Senior at University of Arizona).

BREAKING BARRIERS IN

SOUTHEASTERN SAN DIEGO HEALTH EDUCATION

Nile Sisters' LearnMore Program expands employment opportunities

By Tihut Tamrat CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Train to be a Nurse Assistant, advance your employment opportunities, and start earning an income in as few as 22 days,” states the pamphlet for The Nile Sisters Development Initiative’s LearnMore program. The flyer easily grabs the attention of the newly arrived refugees and immigrants held at the front door of the Nile Sisters’ center.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that National Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) employment projections between the years 2020 and 2030, estimate 8% growth translating to 192,800 jobs.

The San Diego Workforce Partnership also found that in California, 97,970 employed CNA’s make the state the second largest CNA employer in the nation. Furthermore, specifically in San Diego County, CNA employment is an in-demand category whose average annual income is $37,835.

The LearnMore program is a private nonprofit career training school based in Southeastern San Diego that equips participants with skills for employment in high-demand sectors.

This program, created by Elizabeth Lou, Nile Sisters CEO and Founder, was made to ease the minds and hearts of refugees and immigrants who just arrived into the complicated American system that want to build their life here in America.

Keeping up to date with these statistics Lou states that, “Healthcare industry is the best and the fastest growing industry. When we train you to become a health care giver, you can start a job right away.” It is one of the main reasons why she created the LearnMore Program, Lou says.

“[From caregiver] You can expand on that to become CNA, or from CNA you can even go on to become a [Licensed Vocational Nurse] LVN,” states Lou. It’s a gateway to rapid success, Lou says.

It provides multiple career training options such as accelerated nurse assistant (NATP) training, fast-track home health aide (HHA) training, continuing education unit (CEU) provider, home care aide training, and certificate training in basic life support(BLS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED).

to prepare successful graduates to complete the course with a passing grade on the State of California certified nursing assistant examination to meet the health needs of diverse communities to launch them into the workforce.

Program participants must be 16 years or older, have a valid government-issued identification, social security number, negative tuberculosis test, a comprehensive physical examination, background check, and up-to-date covid vaccinations or valid medical exemption.

The most popular education service newcomers enroll in is the accelerated nurse assistant training program (NATP). It provides enhanced theory, lab, and supervised clinical instruction to prepare students for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) examination and employment in the healthcare sector.

Training topics include patient care procedures, observation and charting of vital signs such as weight and measures, empathy and dignity in patient care, and more. NATP follows California Department of Public Health approved curriculum, modules, lesson plans, and clinical skills

“Some of our graduates are LVN’s already and others went as far as getting [a master]. Some are currently working with Kaiser and Sharp hospital. You can build yourself up from the Nile Sisters and move on to the next,” states Lou, showing that the Learn More program is working and accomplishing what it set out to do.

“We don’t want people to depend on us. We want to help them become stable and move on with their lives and this is a great way to do that,” emphasizes Lou.

The challenge, however, with creating such an ambitious program is “funding”. The Nile Sisters Development Initiative is a non-profit organization and relies on funds from the city and state,

making it hard for Lou.

She recounted that despite working countless hours, day and night, and receives little to no help from her community.

“Mayors attend our graduation, former chair supervisors came to our graduation, senators came to our graduation, the city council districts came to our graduation, all these people come and yet they are not helping,” Lou says insistently.

Lou leaves Voice & Viewpoint with her last statement.

“We believe that the Nile [River] is a blessing. It feeds people from the East and across the world. It brings nutrients and fertilizers all along the way to the ocean. It brings fish and food from across the globe. This is the initiative of the sisters. That's how our name came about. I am not running away, I am here. This is my home. I fight to stay here.”

For more information about the LearnMore program, visit nilesisters.org.

Beds and teaching classroom used for the LearnMore training program. PHOTOS: Tihut Tamrat

Elizabeth Lou pointing to the LearnMore graduate and photo wall. PHOTO: Tihut Tamrat

A Night of Powerful Praise:

1TH ANNUAL

The backdrop was San Diego’s beautiful bay and the place was the flight deck on the USS Midway this past Saturday, July 27th, for 11th Annual Bayside Gospel Concert Aboard the Midway. It was a soul-stirring celebration of the “Evolution of Gospel Music”, which was the theme for the night.

Hosted by God1Radio.com and M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records, the delightfully entertaining emcees were Walter Ko, Dr. Robert Earl Dean, and the incomparable Dr. Michelle “Evangel” Thompson. The All-Star Lineup included Tinika Wyatt, Ivey Conerly, The Vibe Experi-

singer Beverly Crawford, who brought the house down.

By the looks of those who clapped, stomped, and raised their hands in praise, a joyous time was had by all.

It was a very blessed worship experience and celebration that was second to none, and it isn’t a stretch to imagine that all who attended are looking forward to next year’s Bayside Gospel Concert Abroad the Midway. 1

BAYSIDE GOSPEL ON THE MIDWAY

SAN DIEGO

Join the Conversation for a Cleaner, Greener San Diego!

The City of San Diego is studying enhancements to trash and recycling collection services and related fees for single-family homes. You are invited to any of the open houses to learn about these potential changes and share your thoughts.

Community Meetings by Council District; each in-person meeting is from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• District 8 – Monday, August 5, 2024 at Logan Heights Library, 567 S 28th St., San Diego, CA 92113

• District 4 – Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92114

• District 6 – Monday, August 12, 2024 at Mira Mesa Library, 8405 New Salem St., San Diego, CA 92126

• District 9 – Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Mission Valley Library, 2123 Fenton Parkway, San Diego, CA 92108

• District 3 – Monday, August 19, 2024 at Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library, 215 W Washington St., San Diego, CA 92103

• Virtual Meeting: Saturday, August 24, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• District 2 – Monday, August 26, 2024 at Point Loma/Hervey Library, 3701 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107

• District 7 – Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library, 9005 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123

• District 5 – Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Scripps Miramar Ranch Library, 10301 Scripps Lake Drive, San Diego, CA 92131

• District 1 – Monday, September 9, 2024 at La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer

Back-to-School Health Tips for a Successful School Year

An ew school year brings with it fresh opportunity, excitement, and, sometimes, anxiety for parents and students. Medical experts say that addressing healthrelated issues can help make for a stress-free back-to-school season.

lives. Routine childhood immunization is highly effective at preventing disease over a lifetime, reducing the incidence of all targeted diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio and varicella (chickenpox). And if your child turns 11 or 12 this year, it’s time to get the HPV vac-

“Opening the lines of communication with your child and their physician to talk about nutrition, physical activity, and the steps you can take together to have a healthy and rewarding school year can help ease some of those back-to-school jitters you may be feeling,” says Bruce A. Scott, MD, president of the American Medical Association (AMA).

For a healthy and successful school year, follow these doctor-approved tips from the AMA: Annual physicals. Visit your child’s physician every year. Annual physicals are critical to ensuring children are growing and developing properly.

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about vaccines. For the U.S. population in 2019, childhood vaccines prevented more than 24 million illnesses. Vaccines are safe, effective and save

cine, which protects against the HPV virus –a virus linked to six types of cancer.

Be conscientious about what your child eats at school. Healthy students are better learners. School meals should include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you pack your child’s lunch and snacks, try to pack at least two-thirds of their meal with plantbased foods. Strive to include lean protein, or plant-based protein, and avoid processed meats and sugary drinks like soda and juice.

Be smart about sunscreen. From gym class and school sports to recess and waiting for the school bus, kids of all ages spend a good portion of their day outside. It’s important to take steps to protect your child from damaging UV rays. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and apply it before sending your kids to school. And as you’re

shopping for back-to-school apparel, look for UV protective clothes.

Exercise is key. Children need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily, so check their schedule to make sure they’re getting enough physical activity. Strive to build time for bike riding or walking as a family into the end of each day.

Talk to your children about e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. Make your children aware of the dangers of tobacco products and

talk to them about how to resist peer pressure. From 2022 to 2023, the number of middle school-aged children using tobacco products overall increased by nearly 50%, with e-cigarettes being the most commonly used product.

With a focus on good health, wellness and nutrition, you can help prepare your child for a healthy and happy school year and a lifetime of good health.

Statepoint

Do You Really Have To Wait To Go Swimming After Eating?

By Tom Murphy Associated Press

Did your parents warn you against jumping in the pool right after eating? They were misguided. In most cases, there’s no need to wait at least 30 minutes after eating to go for a swim, doctors say. That old warning stems from worry that people might drown or struggle because blood will be diverted to their full stomachs instead of their muscles.

In reality, people still have plenty of blood flowing to their muscles after eating, said Dr. Matthew Badgett of the Cleveland Clinic. A former high school swimmer, Badgett used to eat a couple of bananas and drink some water or Gatorade before he raced.

He worries that the old warning can actually cause complications. It’s important to quench your thirst before swimming, especially on sunny days. People often don’t realize they can still get dehydrated, which can lead to muscle cramps.

“We sweat when we are in the water, we just

don’t appreciate the water loss,” he said. So, jumping in the pool or ocean after eating is no big deal for recreational swimming. But people planning to swim laps or exercise may want to let their food digest to avoid cramps, just like they’d wait before jogging. Also, swimming after tossing back a few beers is risky. People tend to be more aggressive, less coordinated and prone to bad choices when they swim after consuming alcohol. Those factors all can cause problems when dealing with strong currents or ocean tides at the beach this summer.

“You’re just not going to be as sharp,” Badgett said.

PHOTO: Freepik

PHOTO: Freepik

CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES

Wendy Ivette Medina

5031 Wyatt Pl. San Diego, CA 92154

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 18, 2029 8/01, 8/08, 8/15, 8/22

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9014996

Fictitious business name(s): Serenity Adult Residential Located at: 7484 University Ave Suite 330 La Mesa, CA 91942 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9014663

Fictitious business name(s): Primera Motors LLC Located at: 1029 Hawthorne Creek

hereby registered by the following: Primera Motors LLC

2220 Otay Lakes Rd. 502-245 Chula Vista, CA 91915

State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

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

This fictitious business name

The Standy Helper Company Located at:

180 Chambers St. #13

El Cajon, CA 92020 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

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

This business is hereby registered by the following:

Amber Marie Koval

180 Chambers St. #13

El Cajon, CA 92020

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on July 16, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on July 16, 2029 8/01, 8/08, 8/15, 8/22

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9015059

Fictitious business name(s):

Headspace B4 Habits Located at:

738 Monserate Chula Vista, CA 91910

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 04/04/2023

This business is hereby registered by the following: Harold George Heeder

738 Monserate Chula Vista, CA 91910

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 23, 2029 8/01, 8/08, 8/15, 8/22

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9014991

Fictitious business name(s): Prolific Handyman Services Located at: 5071 Wightman Street San Diego, CA 92105 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 07/18/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following: Brandon, Michel, Nieves Carrillo 5071 Wightman Street San Diego, CA 92105

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 22, 2029 8/01, 8/08, 8/15, 8/22

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9014860

Fictitious business name(s): Miller Wholesale Located at: 1651 Palm Ave Suite B San Diego, CA 92154 County of San Diego

5031 Wyatt Pl. San Diego, CA 92154 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 11/30/2022

This business is hereby registered by the following:

The first day of business was: 07/22/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following:

Flavor Truck Enterprises LLC 7484 University Ave Suite 330 La Mesa, CA 91942

State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 22, 2029 8/01, 8/08, 8/15, 8/22

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013424

Fictitious business name(s): Carnitas Michoacan El Chino

Located at: 3189 Main Street

Chula Vista, CA 91911

County of San Diego

1041 Market Street Suite 165 San Diego, CA 92101

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Limited Liability Company

The first day of business was: 06/27/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following:

Flavor Truck Enterprises LLC 1041 Market Street Suite 165 San Diego, CA 92101

State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 27, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on June 27, 2029 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013644

Fictitious business name(s): Community Engagement Strategies Located at: 2401 Kathleen Place San Diego, CA 92105 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by: A Co-Partners

The first day of business was: 05/08/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following: Alyce Pipkin-Allen 2401 Kathleen Place San Diego, CA 92105

Craig C. Allen 2401 Kathleen Place San Diego, CA 92105

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 01, 2029 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9014866

Fictitious business name(s): Abby And Luna

Resin Piece Located at: 1380 Vinca Way San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego

name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: Margaret, Tan Martinez San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego

Christina, Maria, Muniz 2062 Waterbury Chula Vista, CA 91913

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on July 19, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on July 19, 2029 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9014255

Fictitious business name(s):

A.L.O. Prints & Designs Located at: 34025 Summit View Place Temecula, CA 92592

County of San Diego PO 741268

San Diego, CA 92174

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 07/09/2024

This business is hereby registered by the following: Rahfeal Alfredo Alomar PO Box 741268 San Diego, CA 92174

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 10, 2029 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9014256

Fictitious business name(s): Tasty Sweet Treats Located at: 3129 Calle Abajo SPC 176 San Diego, CA 92139 County of San Diego PO Box 741268 San Diego, CA 92174

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

An Individual

The first day of business was: 12/31/2023

This business is hereby registered by the following: Rahfeal Alfredo Alomar PO Box 741268 San Diego, CA 92174

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 10, 2029 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9014349

Fictitious business name(s): Fide Daycare Located at: 4857 College Ave. #14 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: Marie Andrice Pierre P.O. BOX 5331 San Diego, CA 92165

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 11, 2029

7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9013426

Fictitious business name(s): No Victimless Crimes No Victimless Crime Located at: 1525 Jasper Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91911 County

registered by the following: Chaplin, Dr. Benjamin C. Burnette 1525 Jasper Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91911

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on June 27, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on June 27, 2029 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9014648

Fictitious business name(s): House Of Hope Community Church Located at: 2515 Lemon Grove Ave. Lemon Grove, CA 91945 County of San Diego

3371 Eton Greens Ct. Spring Valley, CA 91978

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A General Partnership

The first day of business was: 08/13/2014

This business is hereby registered by the following: Laverne Mitchell

3371 Eton Greens Ct. Spring Valley, CA 91978

Levi Mitchell

3371 Eton Greens Ct. Spring Valley, CA 91978

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

This fictitious business name will expire on July 17, 2029 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9014560

Fictitious business name(s): HCCS Located at:

8743 Esplanade Park Lane San Diego, CA 92123

County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Limited Liability Company

The first day of business was: 12/27/2022

This business is hereby registered by the following: HC Consulting Services LLC 8743 Esplanade Park Lane San Diego, CA 92123

State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on July 16, 2024

This fictitious business name will expire on July 16, 2029 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

2024-9013722

Fictitious business name(s): Auto Pacific Premium Located at: 9514 Winter Gardens Blvd. Lakeside, CA 92040 County of San Diego 7735 Via Solare Apt 1414 San Diego, CA 92129 County of San Diego

This business is conducted by:

A Corporation

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

This business is hereby registered by the following: Unique Performance, INC. 7735 Via Solare Apt 1414 San Diego, CA 92129

State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

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 2024-9013806

Fictitious business name(s): TN 360 Media Located at: 1021 Chisolm Trl. Goodlettsville, TN 37072 County of Tennessee This business is conducted by:

the name(s) above

This business is hereby registered by the following: Grip Support 1021 Chisolm Trl. Goodlettsville, TN 37072

State of Incorporation/ Organization: California

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9012382

Fictitious business name(s): Guillermo's Tacos Located at: 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

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.

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

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

NOTICES

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Advertisement for Bids

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for:

CC25-0281-05-00-00 TURF FIELD AND TRACK SURFACE REPLACEMENT AT LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 . Lincoln High School is located at 4777 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113. However, for the site walk, we will meet outside the gate of the Lincoln High School track field, which is at the intersection of Gloria Street (300 block) and Franklin Avenue (4800 block). All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks . The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on AUGUST 29, 2024. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl.com/ SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC25-028105-00-00 Turf Field and Track Surface Replacement at Lincoln High School. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $4.6 million and $5.2 million, inclusive of allowances. This is a PSA project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC25-0281-05-00-00.

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: September 05, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A certified copy of Decree

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

Changing Name and Order

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

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

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

A RESPONDENT

OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN

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

Any Petition

of service must be filed with the court.

The address of the court is: 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

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

JUVENILE COURT OF MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: M.S.B., a minor child X.O.B., a minor child

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS

CASE NO: JU-21-759.01 JU-21-760.01

PETITIONER: SANDRA BARNES, the mother

NOTICE TO: SOLOMON BARNES, the father

You are hereby given notice that a Petition has been filed by Sandra Barnes requesting that your parental rights be terminated with regard to M.S.B., a minor child born to Sandra Barnes on April 4, 2008, and in regard to X. 0. B., a minor child born to Sandra Barnes on November 28, 2009. You are hereby given notice that you are required to file an Answer with the Clerk of the Madison County, Alabama Juvenile Court and with the Petitioner's attorney, Camille E. Preston, 110 Southside Square, Ste. 2-C, Huntsville, AL 35801, within thirty (30) days from the date of last publication of this notice or a judgment by default may be entered against you. You are further notified of your right to have an attorney to represent you, and if you cannot afford to

hire an attorney, one will be appointed by the Court to represent you in this proceeding. A final hearing is set for Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., before the Honorable Ron W. Smith, at the Madison County Courthouse, 100 Northside Square, Huntsville, Alabama 35801. You may appear at the hearing and contest the Petition if you choose. 7/25, 8/01, 8/08, 8/15

ARTICLE CONTINUATION rent:

Continued from page 3

This program, also known as Section 8, provides rental assistance to low-income families, enabling them to afford housing in the private market. The Biden-Harris administration has proposed increasing funding for HCVs by $5 billion, which could help as many as 200,000 additional households that spend over 30% of their income on rent afford their monthly payments.

The Housing Choice Voucher plan also includes measures to incentivize local governments to relax zoning laws that are restricting affordable housing while removing other counterproductive regulations that have discouraged developers from building new units. By making it easier to construct new properties, these policy prescriptions will prove crucial to quickly getting more affordable units on the marketplace.

All of Vice President Harris diverse solutions to improving Americans’ rental conditions will provide mammoth leaps forward to fixing the status quo. With voters nationwide pressing their political leaders to address the housing crisis, she should share them on the campaign trail without delay.

HARRIS:

Continued from page 3

Prop 47 was a ballot measure passed by California voters in 2014 that made some non-violent property crimes, where the value does not exceed $950, into misdemeanors. It also made some simple drug possession offenses into misdemeanors and provided for past convictions for these charges to be reduced to a misdemeanor by a court. Under Prop 47, offenders qualified for a reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor for certain crimes including: certain forgeries, commercial burglary, petty theft with priors, bad check, grand theft crimes, possession of stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance.

Realistically, there is very little that could happen to keep California’s 54 electoral college votes from going to Harris— assuming she’s the nominee—a low voter turnout of Democrats would favor this conservative backed proposition.

Harris’ historic candidacy as the first Black and South Asian woman on a major party’s presidential ticket holds immense symbolic value. Her presence has already mobilized minority voters who feel underrepresented in the political arena. Increased turnout among these demographics can significantly impact races at all levels which is going to be especially key for progressive candidates like Gascón and criminal justice reform measures on the November ballot whom these voters are more likely favor.

Facts. Harris’ candidacy has energized the base, already mobilized key voter demographics, and strengthened the party’s overall electoral chances. As we move towards the election, Harris is going to be a powerful catalyst for important down-ticket races. She was just the lifesaving move that had to happen in order to bring the Democratic Party back to life because all races on the ballot with Democrats were going to suffer had Biden stayed on the ticket. Now, on to November.

OLYMPICS CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Test Your Black Olympics Smarts!

Olympic Black Champions crossword puzzle

by Simon Burris

Simon Burris: *Africana Diaspora Black History Month Crossword **[Olympics 1]: Black Champions www.simonburris700.com

1. **___ Jordan; NBA legend [1984]

8. **Heavyweight boxer Frazier [1964]

11. The two of us (3 wds.)

12. Tennessee city: _ _O_VILLE

13. **Superstar artistic gymnast [2016/2020]

15. Country singer T _ _ _ _ Tucker

16. Apple P_ _

17. *Black Wall Street massacre locale, 1921

19. Living room (abbr.)

20. Civil Service Operative, for short

22. **Jamaican track star Usain [2008-2016]

24. *Afro-Greek storyteller _ _SOP

25. **Track and field's Jesse ___; won 4 gold medals, crushing Hitler's myth of white supremacy [1936]

28. Halle Be_ _y (actress)

29. Parable of the Lost ___ (Luke 15:9)

30. **Laker superstar [2004/2012]

36. Single

37. Name of three Belgian kings

38. Unhappy

39. Sanitariums

1. _ _ _ TERY (crime story)

2. Iran/Oman/Israel (Asian Nations trio; (initials)

3. Diploma word: magna _ _ _ laude

4. Disorder: (C _ _ _ S)

5. One year's record

6. Utopias

7. Egypt's neighbor

8. FGH keyboard followers: _ _ _

9. Playwright Eugene ___

10. Eject or push out

14. Des Moines, _ _

17. __ and fro

18. *"__ from Slavery" (B.T. Washington)

20. **John ___ "Black Power" athlete [1968]

21. **___ Williams tennis champ [2000-2012]

22. Beaken (abbr.)

23. *Actor _ _sie Davis (actor/activist)

25. Alley Oop's girl

26. Chardonnay, Merlot and Sherry

27. "I pray that you may ___ good health" (3 John: 1:2)

29. *Comic Rock's monogram

31. Divan

32. _ _ _ENTY (enough)

33. _ _ _SE (rodent)

34. "A Nightmare on ___ Street"

35. _AN _IEGO _TATE (University)

OBITUARIES

Johnnie Mae Jovon Era

SUNRISE 06/08/1928

SUNSET 07/03/2024

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Wiley was born on June 8, 1928, to Brown Hale and Mary Hobbs, who both preceded her in death.

She was raised in Nacogdoches, Texas, until her family relocated to Glendale, Arizona, where she met and married the love of her life, Joe Wiley. To that union they loved twelve children.

“Momma”, as she was affectionately called, lived a full life filled with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She made annual travels, visiting families and friends in Arizona, Colorado, and Texas. She loved to go fishing with her children and friends. She had a special gift of caregiving for the elderly, which was her job for many years. Momma had long time clients she worked and cared for, who loved her dearly because of the love and kindness she gave to them.

Momma’s house was the place to be for holidays and special occasions, where there would be folks playing cards, dominoes, and eating her wonderful soul food. No one’s food tastes quite like our Momma’s. Her recipes were the best from the country cooking she learned from her grandmother, Sarah Fields. Lastly, we cannot leave out her favorite hobby- the casinos, Momma loved going to the casino! As well as her favorite NBA Team, The Phoenix Suns, “Go Suns!”

On July 3, 2024, Momma peacefully departed from this Earth.

Momma leaves to cherish her memory nine children; Mary Chatman (Dennis), Doris Faye Manson (Danny), James Wiley (Debra), Joann Wiley, Carolyn Pete, Gary Wiley, Dwayne Wiley (Carol), Linda Wiley Clark (Larry), and Charles Wiley (Roxanne), and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, relatives, friends, and special friend (Donna Borie).

In addition to her parents, Momma was preceded in death by her grandparents; Haywood and Sarah Fields, husband Joe Wiley, siblings; Morris G. Sanders, Marie Sanders Grant, and Lenny V. Hands, daughter Sara Anne Curry, and sons; Jimmy Ellton and Darnell Wiley.

Shropshire

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

Jovon Emmanuel Shropshire was born February 29, 1988, in San Diego, California. He was called to rest on July 6, 2024, from his battle with cancer at the age of 36.

Jovon was a devoted father, loving brother, beloved son, grandson, nephew, uncle, and cherished friend to many. Jovon lived a life of fun, laughter, and sarcasm. He considered himself uniquely special as he was a leap year baby and loved to tell others his leap year age. He found pleasure being a social media and internet troller. Jovon became an avid San Francisco 49ers fan at an early age. His love of the San Francisco football team is vividly known by his sons, family, and friends. During his later years in life, Jovon developed a desire for Bible knowledge and tried to share that knowledge with others.

Jovon attended the following schools: Encanto Head Start, Fulton Elementary, Monterey Heights Elementary, Palm Middle, and Point Loma High. He graduated with the Class of 2006 at Mount Miguel High School in Spring Valley, California.

As a child, Jovon was very active playing soccer, baseball, football, and basketball. However, his favorite pastime was anime and playing video games such as Super Smash Brothers, Super Mario Brothers, Zelda, and World of Warcraft. His love of video games led him to enter video game tournaments where he won many championships. Jovon was a self-taught electric guitar player and enjoyed playing cards such as Pokémon, Dragon Ball Z, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Magic. He was affectionately known by his close friends as the video game master and leader of the pack. During the summer, he spent many weekends entering card tournaments and he frequently attended Comic-Con.

At age 16, Jovon completed a work-readiness and on-the-job training program sponsored by the San Diego Youth at Work program. He was known for having a great work ethic and positive attitude. Later in life, Jovon was employed as a cashier and manager at ACE Parking, and a bank teller at Metro Bank and First National Bank of Pennsylvania. He was also cofounder of Jst Mobile Detailing.

Jovon was preceded in death by his grandfathers; Punkey C. Donnell, Kenneth Shropshire Sr., and Dr. Robert Anderson, and grandmothers; Walter “Mama Jean” Baldwin and Nancy Alferos.

ARRANGEMENTS BY PREFERRED CREMATION & BURIAL

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Era Cass on July 22nd, 2024, and was born on August 8, 1938. Family and friends are invited to come and celebrate her life.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on August 13th, 2024, at Preferred Cremation and Burial. A viewing will be held at 10:00 AM, and the funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM on August 14th, 2024, at Bayview Baptist Church of San Diego, 6134 Pastor Timothy J Winters St., San Diego, CA 92114.

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

“ Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ”

Our beloved Jovon will be forever loved, cherished, and remembered by his sons; Ja’Mier, Ja’Siah and Ja’Vion, parents; Adriana (Walter “Mitch” Sr) Anderson and Kenneth Shropshire Jr., (Michelle Holmes), grandparents; Francisca and Delia, five brothers; Walter Jr “MitchyMitch”, Christopher Sr., Keyon, Jasiah, and Tyland, sister Demetria, five nephews; Charlie, Javauhn, Micah, Ermias, and Christopher II, six nieces; Alliyah, Laila, Emani, Londyn, Selah, and Camryn, and a host of cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Psalm

IN MORE NEWS

By Juan A. Lozano Associated Press

Residents who stood in line on Monday to pay their respects to longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas as her body lay in state in Houston’s City Hall remembered her as an advocate for human rights and her community.

“I don’t know of another politician that worked as hard as Sheila Jackson Lee did for our community, and I will be forever grateful to her for everything she did for our community,” said Phyllis Moss, 62, a Houston resident who was among the more than 100 people who stood in line Monday morning to enter City Hall as the building was opened to the public.

Following a trip to Austin earlier in the day, President Joe Biden stopped in Houston on Monday evening and paid his respects to Jackson Lee.

Biden placed a bouquet of flowers beside Jackson Lee’s flag-draped casket, briefly prayed over it and then put his hand on the casket before spending some time visiting with her husband and two children.

The congresswoman, who helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday, was 74 when she died on July 19 after being treated for pancreatic cancer.

Her body will lie in state in Houston’s City Hall rotunda for 10 hours.

Some who walked by Jackson Lee’s casket stopped to pray while others took photos.

Eskender Tamrat walked by and waved an Ethiopian flag. Tamrat, who immigrated to Houston from Ethiopia, called Jackson Lee “a longtime friend of Ethi-

opia and the Ethiopian community.”

“She’s a great community supporter. She’s a great human rights advocate. But she’s also a global leader because she doesn’t just focus on the community in Houston or her area, but she focused on the betterment of every individual, every community,” said Tamrat, 70.

By the afternoon of July 29th, nearly 900 people had passed through the rotunda, according to a city spokesperson.

The Democrat had represented her Houston-based district and the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1995. She previously had breast cancer and announced the pancreatic cancer diagnosis on June 2.

also is set to be remembered at viewings and services on Tuesday and Wednesday before her funeral Thursday.

During a brief ceremony with local religious leaders before the rotunda was opened to the public, Mayor John Whitmire said he saw firsthand Jackson Lee’s passion and dedication for all Houston residents.

“She didn’t let a redistricting line or a boundary line interfere with her voice. We gather here this morning, sad but a celebration,” said Whitmire, who had reached out to Jackson Lee’s family about having her lie in state at City Hall.

Before being elected to Congress, Jackson Lee served on Houston’s city council from 1990 to 1994.

She was only the second person to be granted the honor of lying in state in Houston’s City Hall rotunda. The other was renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey, who died in 2008.

July 29th was the first of several days of events honoring Jackson Lee’s life. She

Vice President Kamala Harris was scheduled to attend the funeral service in Houston.

After first being elected, Jackson Lee quickly established herself as a fierce advocate for women and minorities and a leader for House Democrats on many social justice issues, from policing reform to reparations for descendants of enslaved people. She led the first rewrite of the Violence Against Women Act in nearly a decade, which included protections for Native American, transgender and immigrant women. Jackson Lee routinely won reelection to Congress with ease. She unsuccessfully ran to be Houston’s mayor last year.

Bobbie D. Nickerson, 71, a suburban Houston resident, said Monday’s crowd at City Hall for Jackson Lee shows “how much she was loved and cared for and respected.”

PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

MARY ELIZA MAHONEY, FIRST BLACK GRADUATE NURSE

Mary Eliza Mahoney, born on May 7, 1845, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, was America's first Black graduate nurse. After moving north with her family to escape racial discrimination, she began working as a nurse at 20 and supported herself with janitorial work at the New England Hospital for Women and Children. In 1878, Mahoney entered and completed the hospital's rigorous nursing program in 1879, becoming the first African American to graduate as a nurse. She worked privately for four decades, serving Boston’s elite due to racial barriers in public nursing. A pioneer in nursing, Mahoney was honored by the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses and received the Mary Mahoney Medal posthumously. She died on January 4, 1926, at age 81.

BLACK HISTORY

Geoffrey Lamont Holder, born on August 1, 1930, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, was a celebrated and versatile artist. Renowned as a choreographer, actor, Tony Award-winning director, costume designer, singer, composer, voice-over artist, orator, painter, sculptor, and photographer, Holder's talents spanned multiple disciplines. Encouraged by his family, especially his older brother Boscoe, he began dancing and painting at a young age.

Holder gained international recognition after moving to New York in 1954, where he supported himself by teaching and performing. His notable early work included a role in the musical House of Flowers and performances with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet. He earned acclaim for his choreography and direction, winning Tony Awards for The Wiz (1975) and Timbuktu! (1978). Holder's film and television career featured roles in Doctor Doolittle (1967), Live and Let Die (1973), and Annie (1982). Over a career spanning more than 70 years, Holder’s work often highlighted African and European themes. He passed away on October 5, 2014, in Manhattan at age 84.

NAOMI RUTH SIMS PASSES AWAY

Naomi Ruth Sims, born March 30, 1948, in Oxford, Mississippi, was the first African-American supermodel. After facing racial prejudice in modeling, she broke through by working directly with photographers and joining Wilhelmina Models. By 1970, she gained international fame, including a Life magazine cover. Sims retired from modeling in 1973 to create a successful beauty empire and authored several books. She married art dealer Michael Findlay in 1973, had a son, and later revealed her struggle with bipolar disorder. Sims died of breast cancer on August 1, 2009, in Newark, New Jersey.

GEOFFREY LAMONT HOLDER IS BORN

# in San Diego TOP 20 IN THE NATION

2nd Consecutive Year on Best Hospitals National Honor Roll

Ranked in TOP 50 Nationwide for Specialties

• Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (10)

• Obstetrics & Gynecology (12)

• Geriatrics (19)

• Neurology & Neurosurgery (22)

• Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (26)

• Heart & Vascular (27)

• Diabetes & Endocrinology (34)

• Ear, Nose & Throat (40)

• Cancer (42)

• Urology (43)

• Orthopedics (44)

Leading Health Care Excellence

At UC San Diego Health, we’re passionate about providing exceptional patient care — and this focus on quality and safety gets noticed. We’re again ranked the #1 health care provider in San Diego and among the nation’s top 20 hospital systems on the Best Hospitals National Honor Roll in U.S. News & World Report ’s 2024–25 rankings. This year, we also rank among the nation’s best in 11 medical and surgical specialties, more than any hospital system in San Diego. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our entire team, who work tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care possible. Learn more at health.ucsd.edu/usnews.