“It Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber hosted a webinar on Nov. 14 to update Californians on the ballot counting process for the 2024 General Election.
California is home to the largest voting base in the nation with 22.5 million registered voters. According to the Secretary of State Office
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT
MSNBC’s Morning Joe hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski met with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago last week, rekindling a relationship strained for several years. While they defended the meeting as an effort to reestablish communication with the president-elect, critics have called it a glaring example of white privilege, mainly as Trump’s return to power is the proverbial knee on the necks of marginalized communities. Neo-Nazis marching through Columbus, Ohio, hurling racial slurs, and the toxic rhetoric earlier this month at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally, filled with racist comments, illustrate the consequences of his leadership.
See MORNING JOE page 2
Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
Palm Springs Approves $27 Million Reparations Deal for Displaced Black and Latino Families
The Southern California city of Palm Springs approved a $27 million reparations compensation package for Black and Latino families who were displaced from their homes in the 1960s.
The city council voted on the deal Thursday, following an announcement last week. The move, which has garnered support from Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), comes as part of a broader push for reparations in California.
Areva Martin acted as lead counsel for the Palm Springs group and represented the impacted families.
“We are making history in Palm Springs,” said Martin. “This agreement demonstrates that it’s never too late to acknowledge past wrongs and take meaningful steps toward justice.”
The reparations agreement targets families from Section 14, a predominantly Black and Latino neighborhood demolished in the 1960s to make way for commercial development. Hundreds of families lost their homes in the process, and descendants have been advocating for reparations since the city issued an official apology in 2021. Despite the city’s apology, many were concerned that no payments had been made, prompting action from Butler earlier this year.
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(SOS), about 70% of the state’s voters participated in the November Election. So far, 15.2 million votes have been counted, processed and verified. There are still roughly 0.8 million votes to go through the process.
Because California allows voters more time and opportunities to vote than most states, it typically takes longer to finalize the results.
See ELECTIONS page 2
Elections 2024: SEC. OF State WebeR EXPLAINS Results, Ballot Counting Process While
As San Diego’s tourism industry continues to contribute billions of dollars into the local economy, a unique program is helping local, diverse-owned
With the college basketball season about to tip off, Monumental Sports Network continues to increase the visibility of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) by announcing a partnership with Hampton University and its continued partnership with HBCU Go.
Monumental will air 67 college basketball games this upcoming season, a new record high. Of those 67, at least 38 will include at least one HBCU. Monumental will air 20 taped HBCU basketball games specifically through its partnership with HBCU Go. Monumental announced a 20-game collegiate football schedule in August that included both HBCUs and other local universities. The network will also partner with four other schools in the greater Washington, D.C.-MarylandVirginia area, including George Mason University, Towson University, the
See HBCU page 2
By Bo Tefu CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA
By Macy Meinhardt VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF WRITER
By Mekhi Abbott NNPA NEWSWIRE
The San Diego Tourism Authority’s Accelerator Program 2023 cohort. PHOTO: Courtesy of San Diego Tourism Authority
IMAGE: Blackpressusa
Theresa Cunningham carves diversity into the mission of San Diego Tourism Authority’s Accelerator Program
University of Richmond and George Washington University.
ARTICLE CONTINUATION
ELECTIONS
Historically, it has taken the state the longest to finalize election results. Almost half of the uncalled house races this year come from California. As of Nov 14, the closest race is in the 45th Congressional District House race between Michelle Steel and Derek Tran. The two candidates are only separated by 58 votes with 93% of all votes counted.
“California basically makes sure that every vote counts,” said Weber. “We will receive our first actual count from all of the 58 counties on Dec. 6. After that, we have at least one week, which is until Dec. 13, when we will actually certify the state results. Then that becomes the official results
for the election.”
If a recount is triggered in the 45th district, official results may take longer than the expected deadline.
The part of the ballot counting process that tends to prolong the official results involves verifying signatures and making sure individuals who obtained provisional ballots the day of the election are all eligible to vote, Weber said.
The SOS goes as far as finding individuals who neglected to sign their ballots so they can complete the process.
“The reason we do this is we respect every vote that comes in. California’s election process is designed with a core commitment to recognizing and basically accurately counting each and
accountable. “We will not defend or normalize Donald Trump,” Scarborough declared.
every eligible vote that comes into our office,” added Weber. “This approach involves a series of rigorous checks and safeguards, including Signature verification machine audits and manual accounts. These measures assure that all votes — whether they are cast in person, cast by mail, or brought the same day registration — are accurately represented in our final count.”
While technology has helped expedite the counting process in some areas, as the voter base continues to grow in the state, additional manual support is needed. For example, vote my mail ballots have to be opened and counted by hand. By Oct. 18, 1.5 million vote-by-mail ballots were already submitted.
Voting over the internet is prohibited by California Law. This eliminates all possibilities of
cyber tampering or electronic voter fraud
The SOS office also does a hand count of one percent of all ballots before Dec. 13. This is done to verify the fact there is a correlation between the hand counts and what the machines are counting. In addition, each machine is also tested before every election.
“Some people ask the question: ‘Why do we have to be so accurate?’ Lots of people are counting on your vote, and if we had some questions about it; you'd want us to be accurate you’d want us to basically go in and find out if that's really a signature you want us to make sure that that is our ballot and that our ballot gets counted and we do our best to make sure that every Californian who is registered legally registered to vote will have their vote counted,” Weber emphasized.
Brzezinski addressed the backlash Monday morning, explaining the meeting by invoking her father’s legacy. “What we did agree on was to restart communications,” she said. “My father [former Jimmy Carter national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski] often spoke with world leaders with whom he and the United States profoundly disagreed. That is a task shared by reporters and commentators alike.”
Scarborough added that conversations with Democratic leaders influenced their decision. “A lot of Democratic leaders we have talked to this past week since the election have told Mika and me, it’s time for a new approach,” he said, assuring viewers that they would continue to hold Trump
As a way to promote industry equity, the San Diego Tourism Authority’s Tourism Accelerator Program selects a group of ten local businesses each year that reflects the diversity of San Diego’s community to benefit from a unique blend of support, training, and exposure.
The idea for this initiative began in 2021. Taking a hard hit from the pandemic, the tourism authority began rebuilding with a focus on fostering diverse and inclusive business partnerships within the industry.
This focus ushered in Theresa Cunningham’s role as the inaugural director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Community Engagement for the San Diego Tourism Authority.
Cunningham is a Southern California native and has resided in San Diego for the last decade. She received her undergrad degree in international relations from University of Southern California and received her masters from Columbia University in educational development. She has worked to address educational inequities in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asian regions, and also spent a year in Europe where she focused on education opportunities for immigrants coming into Sweden.
The deal includes $5.9 million in direct compensation for around 300 survivors and their descendants, well below the $2 billion initially requested. In addition to cash payments, the agreement includes $10 million for a first-time homebuyer assistance program and $10 million for a community land trust aimed at affordable housing. Other provisions include $1 million for diversity and inclusion initiatives, a renamed park, and a monument to honor the displaced families.
Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein called the settlement a fair and just resolution, expressing hope that the agreement would set a national precedent for reparations. While this follows a similar reparations program in Evanston, Illinois, California’s statewide efforts have faced resistance, especially following Newsom’s rejection of a state-level reparations proposal earlier this year.
The Palm Springs settlement is seen as a historic step toward addressing racial injustice, though challenges to similar programs continue elsewhere in the U.S.
California Reports First Case of Mpox in the United States
On Nov. 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), reported the first known case of clade 1 Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, in the United States.
Yet, their willingness to meet with Trump—who has promised an all-white cabinet and a swift dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives through Project 2025—has raised questions about accountability. Many argue that this meeting demonstrates how privilege allows white commentators to engage directly with a figure who has actively worked against marginalized communities while those communities brace for the fallout.
The disparity is stark. Neo-Nazis marching openly in Ohio and hate-filled chants from Trump’s rallies, including slogans like “It’s her body but his choice,” are not abstract threats—they represent the tangible consequences of Trump’s policies and rhetoric. Trump’s administration has already sig-
Upon her return back to the states, Cunningham worked to help grow and support the local nonprofit Reality Changers which supports first generation students through college.
Now she is working to weave inclusive strategies into the authority. The accelerator program, under her management, is recognized as an award winning initiative in their support for diverse owned businesses.
However, the risk to the public remains low, according to the CDPH.
“This case was confirmed in an individual who recently traveled from Africa and is related to the ongoing outbreak of clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa,” reads a statement the CDPH released.
According to the DDPH, “The affected individual received health care in San Mateo County based on their travel history and symptoms. The individual is isolating at home and recovering.”
Public health workers are also conducting a contact tracing exercise and reaching out to people who have been in close proximity to the affected person.
“The mpox specimens from the traveler are being sent to the CDC for further laboratory testing,” the CDPH press release continues.
Californians can take a number of steps to prevent Mpox. Here’s more information: Preventing Mpox Infection
It appears clade I mpox spreads in a similar manner as clade II mpox, through close (skin-skin), intimate and sexual contact. The identification of a potentially more severe mpox version in the United States is a good reminder for individuals who have certain risk factors to take preventive action, including:
• Getting vaccinated if you may be at risk for mpox. For the greatest protection, make sure
naled that Black Americans, women, and other minorities will face steep challenges. Prominent Black allies like Senator Tim Scott and Rep. Byron Donalds have been excluded from Trump’s cabinet, but a clear signal of the President-elect’s mission is his appointees, who include members of conservative media, conspiracy theorists, and
The program, led by her and one other colleague, has supported 30 businesses in the last three years. Providing support in marketing, mentorship, public relations, and networking—with services valued up to $15,000 in value.
Having worked towards promoting global equity in education prior, Cunningham embraced the opportunity to continue this mission through economic development.
Her background in strategic organizational development shines through in the program’s structure, which is designed not only to support business growth but to build lasting community connections among alumni. “We have an alumni committee, so even businesses that have graduated stay connected,” Cunningham explained. Participants reported an increase in business opportunities, with 65% experiencing an increase in revenue and 45% creating new jobs, according to the Tourism Authority’s impact report.
Chantanaya Buie, CEO of Hey Sugar, a southern comfort desert shop, is a cohort member from 2023.
“The program opened a door that I didn’t even know existed, and now I’m a dessert distributor for hotels, restaurants and caterers,” says Buie in a testimonial.
For Cunningham, the accelerator program is more than growing businesses; it's about enhanc-
you get both doses of the vaccine. Find mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS) near you.
• Taking precautions if you were exposed to mpox. Get the mpox vaccine before symptoms develop and consider avoiding intimate contact with others for 21 days. Watch yourself for symptoms and get tested if they develop.
• Preventing spread if you have been told you have mpox. Avoid contact with others until the rash is healed, clean and disinfect shared areas in the home, and notify people who may have been exposed.
“With universities from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, as well as several HBCUs playing on our air this year, we are achieving our goal of using our platform to uplift local athletics at all levels and provide the most robust D.C. sports programming in the market,” said Caitlin Mangum, vice president of content and programming at Monumental Sports via a press release.
The Hampton Pirates will be looking to improve on their record from last year after the men finished with the second-worst record in the Coastal Athletic Association conference. This summer, the Pirates bolstered their roster with the addition of graduate transfer Noah Farrakhan. The New Jersey guard has already scored 1,000 points in his collegiate career and averaged 12.1 points and
authors of Project 2025
Trump’s return has also emboldened hate groups. In addition to the march in Columbus, his Madison Square Garden rally highlighted the kind of racial hostility that has become synonymous with his leadership. For Black Americans, the implications are devastating, as Project 2025 seeks to destroy years of progress in equity and inclusion.
Critics of Scarborough and Brzezinski argue that their actions and rhetoric not only reflect a broader unwillingness to confront white privilege, but it reaffirms their own white privilege. Instead of addressing the overwhelming support Trump received from white voters who, like Scarborough and Brzezinski, seek to maintain their privilege at all costs, Scarborough deflected. The host blamed Harris’ loss on “racist Hispanics” and “sexist Black men.”
ing San Diego’s reputation as a diverse, inclusive destination. “One of the key goals,” she emphasized, “is to uplift the diversity within San Diego, ensuring that both residents and visitors can see it as a welcoming, inclusive place.”
Cunningham shares that the program is intentionally kept small and tight-knit each year, to foster peer relationships and support among the participating businesses.
Many things are touched by the tourism and hospitality sphere in San Diego, from restaurants, to retail, activities and attractions, transportation, interpreters, and more.
For businesses interested in applying, Cunningham encourages a broad view of tourism: “You might run a B2B service, like an HR consulting firm. Ask yourself, how does that connect to bringing visitors to San Diego? Can you make that connection?” The program is competitive with only 10 spots available in the cohort, however applicants who qualify but are not selected are eligible for a subsidized rate on Tourism Authority membership.
Businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities are welcome to apply.
Applications for the next cohort close November 25th, to learn how to apply visit their tourism accelerator homepage:https://www.sandiego.org/ about/tourism-accelerator.aspx
• Talking to your sexual partner(s).
• Avoiding skin-to-skin contact with those who have a rash or sores that look like mpox.
• Not sharing items with someone who has mpox.
• Washing your hands often.
• Protecting yourself when caring for someone with mpox by using masks, gowns and gloves.
Visit the CDPH website to learn more about Mpox with Sexual Health Toolkits and a Campaign Materials Page.
See PLAYBACK page 5
2.7 assists during his two seasons at East Carolina.
“HBCU sports are so often underrated and unseen. This partnership gives us an opportunity to be seen as the sports powerhouses that we oftentimes are,” said Mikayla Roberts, a 2023 graduate of Hampton University. “There are so many professional athletes that go to their respective leagues and even the Olympics that aren’t known until they make it to the global stage.”
The first slate of college basketball games broadcasting on Monumental Sports Network this season [begun] on Nov. 16 with Hampton’s men and women basketball teams playing a doubleheader, respectively. Local college basketball fans with a TV provider will be able to watch games on Monumental Sports Network. Games can also be streamed on monumentalplus.com or on the Monumental+ app. This first appeared in the AFRO.
The Morning Joe hosts met with Trump in Florida, reasserting their white privilege. PHOTO: NNPA
Theresa Cunningham. PHOTO: Courtesy of Theresa Cunningham
IN BIDEN-TRUMP HANDSHAKE, BLACK AMERICA SEES MORE THAN JUST A GESTURE
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT
In a scene that one might easily describe as privilege meeting privilege, two powerful white and elderly men— Joe Biden, 81, and Donald Trump, 78— shared a cordial exchange in the Oval Office, an image strikingly at odds with the grim reality many Black Americans now face with Trump’s re-election. While Biden extended a warm “welcome back” to his predecessor and successor, for African Americans and other marginalized groups, the moment marked something else entirely: the return of a leader who has made explicit promises to dismantle the civil rights framework that barely holds at the edges in the nation. Trump is adamant about his intentions, thanks to his renewed mandate. Among his stated goals, which include dismantling the Department of Education, defunding historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and killing any remote chance that African Americans could finally receive reparations for centuries of racism and discrimination.
White college students who, in his opinion, have suffered because of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies have received a signal from Trump that he would extend reparative measures to them. He’s vowed to ramp up law enforcement efforts targeting minority communities, with plans to reinstate controversial stop-and-frisk laws, grant sweeping immunity to police, and dismantle the Department of Justice’s civil rights division.
For Biden, the White House meeting on Wednesday may have been just another statesmanlike duty, another handshake for the cameras. But for Black Americans, the stakes are disturbingly real. The promise of a Trump administration heavy-handed in law enforcement and dismissive of civil rights is not a distant threat; it’s an imminent one. As Biden offered his congratulations, Black Americans, knowing that white women and white men were responsible for the 2024 election results, were left with the image of a president who appeared shielded by privilege, watching as the same Oval Office welcomed back a leader intent on unraveling hard-fought protections.
As the fire crackled behind the two in the Oval Office, Biden wished for a smooth transition—ironically, the same gesture Trump had denied him four years ago—and Black America could only look on with trepidation and the unmistakable privilege that white America has fought so viciously to deny people of color. Under Trump, Black Americans saw police-involved deaths rise, racist rhetoric embolden hate groups, and policies favoring predominantly white and affluent communities. Now, with the incoming Trump-led administration reinvigorated, communities across the nation are bracing themselves for policies that echo Jim Crow’s shadow.
In this return to power, Trump brings with him a promise of transformation—one that may bear little good news for communities of color. His rhetoric on law enforcement paints a vision of a “police state,” where “order” is synonymous with marginalization and where civil liberties are an afterthought. The administration’s proposed reforms under Project 2025 or Agenda 47 promise further marginalization of those already most affected by systemic injustices.
A RACIAL RECKONING IN COLUMBUS, OHIO
By Dawn Montgomery CULTURE CRITIC
I refuse to utter his name. Since the announcement of his presidential re-election, I’ve tried to stay calm, to remain, as they say, “very demure.” But after what unfolded this past Saturday, when a group of masked white nationalists stormed the Short North Arts District area in Columbus, Ohio, waving swastika flags and shouting racial slurs—a ratchet display of pure hate—I just can’t. I am annoyed, but we knew this was coming. Classic American terrorism, live and in color. And make no mistake—when “that man” ascends to his concocted throne, these events will only intensify.
Social media documented every angle of the chaos, showing what Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther called a “cowardly display.” The mayor said he would not allow “our neighbors” to be “intimidated, threatened or harmed.” Governor Mike DeWine echoed this sentiment, posting on X, “We will not tolerate hate in Ohio.”
Yet, despite these words of condemnation, the
Letter to the Editor
Soldier Up
When you have done all you can to make this a better county for everyone (fought wars, marched for civil rights, secured basic rights for all Americans, stood face to face with police, demonstrating to stop police brutality) and your neighbors, your doctor, your dentist, your grocery store clerk, Asians, Latinos, Black people, White women, your attorney, your teachers, your employer, your heroes, your politicians, your friends, and your family all voted for a dictator because food and gas prices were too high.
police did nothing. They were called to intervene but stood by as the violence unfolded. Ohio’s antiKKK law explicitly bans masked groups from committing misdemeanors, with violations carrying felony-level penalties. Still, not one masked white nationalist was arrested—not even those who pepper-sprayed patrons during an altercation outside a local bar.
Let’s be clear: everyone has a right to their beliefs, even their bigotry. But harassment, intimidation, and violence are not rights—they are crimes.
Failing to act is more than negligence—it’s an invitation. Emboldened by inaction, white nationalist demonstrations are growing.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, white supremacist-organized events hit a record high of 282 in 2023—a staggering 63% increase from the 173 incidents reported in 2022. These aren’t just statistics; they’re warnings. They’re flashing signals from a society on the verge of re-normalizing hate.
What will it take for this to stop?
I’m not going to be-labor what’s coming down the pike. They are going to strip you of all of your power except one, and that is the power of spending. The billionaires have taken over this country and they stay billionaires because we can’t control our spending (new cars and trucks, tesla vehicles, vacations, cruises, Black Friday sales, phones and iPads, can’t live without daily TikTok, Instagram, and X, food, gas, Michael Kors, Coach, Temu, Nike Air Jordans, etc…).
My idea of retaining some sense of power is to withhold or limit our spending. We have to start small because we have to spend to survive, eat, and go to work. My plan is to take the second weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) of each month to refrain from spending a single penny. It’s called financial protest and it requires discipline like dieting, and everyone can’t do it. They love packages being delivered to the door. You
As Biden shook Trump’s hand, the widening chasm between the lived experience of Black people and the political theater of the day was apparent. Confederates who remain heroes of Trump and those ensconced in the MAGA movement are likely to replace the portraits of historical figures like Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. that currently line the Oval Office. Trump has spoken openly of his opposition to removing Confederate monuments and relics that honor those who fought to retain slavery in America.
While the two men smiled and shook hands, it’s likely that the lives of Biden and Trump and many who look like them—particularly those who enjoy their wealth—will, at worst, remain unchanged. In contrast, Black Americans—and other communities of color— are set to face an administration chomping at the bit to eradicate all civil rights protections afforded minorities. Trump’s approach has already emboldened hate groups, stirred racist sentiments, and further divided the nation.
Still, Biden, seated comfortably within the privileges that come with his office and with being white and wealthy, offered a “smooth transition” to a man who promised to tighten the grip of authority on communities that have fought hardest for equity and justice.
“Privilege meeting privilege isn’t just about two men shaking hands,” said one administration official who asked to remain anonymous and who will be without a job come January 20. “It’s about a system that protects itself, a system that tells Black America, ‘It’s your turn to wait—again.’ And while they exchange niceties, Black America holds its breath, knowing that the fight for justice got a lot harder.”
The next day, a different group took to the same streets. This time, an influential group of Black men marched—unmasked and unafraid. They came not to threaten but to protect, peacefully standing as a barrier against hate. “We are seeing a lot more people blatant with their racism, their hatred, and it’s just sad,” Sean Walton, a local attorney, told NBC4. “Let’s figure out how to come together and how to lead and love. There’s so much fear, and I think it’s important that we practice community care.”
This is what leadership looks like—unifying, protective, and restorative.
have three, sometimes four, weekends left in the month to spend all you want. Lack of discipline is the reason we are in the position we are in today.
If I ask 100 soldiers to join me, I would be thrilled to death to get even 10. Starting December 13th, 14th, and 15th, then January 10th, 11th, and 12th, and February 14th, 15th, and 16th. Love to hear from you in the comments. No personal info, just say, “I’m in” or “I’m a soldier.” I did sitins against white-only restaurants, we fought for black and brown people to walk in the front door of the Marriotts and Hiltons, we kicked down the black and white water fountains, and we suffered through the church bombings. We did the hard work, we know the enemy. If your vote doesn’t count and you want a say so in this country, this is your chance. Soldier UP!!!
Robert Carter
America has a problem. And like those in Columbus, citizens must demand action from politicians who ignore the very laws designed to protect us. Words of condemnation are not enough. The failure to enforce legal protections only signals complicity.
Let me be crystal clear: Black women may have lost this battle, but not the war. We said what we said—we are not going back. Not just for us but for generations who refuse to inherit a legacy of hate.
How to reach us
The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint welcomes your opinions on issues in letters to the editor. Include your name, signature, address and a phone number we can use to verify your letter.
Keep it short and email or mail it to: Letters to the Editor
The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint P.O. Box 120095 San Diego, CA 92112 news@sdvoice.info
PHOTO: NNPA
CHURCH DIRECTORY
ARTICLE CONTINUATION
PLAYBACK:
California Department of Aging Offers Free Resources for Family Caregivers in November
In honor of National Family Caregivers Month this November, the California Department of Aging (CDA) is spotlighting a range of free resources to support caregivers of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Through its extensive network of Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), the state provides essential tools to help caregivers manage their responsibilities while prioritizing their own health and well-being. Resources offered include free education and training, counseling services, respite care, and financial and legal assistance.
“Caregiving is a great act of love, and this month -- and every day -- we uplift California’s caregivers as the under-recognized backbone of our families and communities,” said Susan DeMarois, director of the CDA. DeMarois emphasized the need for caregivers to access available support to better balance their roles without compromising their own health.
California is home to more than 4.5 million unpaid family caregivers, who contribute an estimated $81 billion annually in economic value through their care. Most caregivers are women who balance work, family, and caregiving responsibilities, often at the cost of their physical and emotional health. Given California’s aging population, the demand for caregiver support is rapidly growing, underscoring the importance of these free resources.
Thousands of caregivers accessed these services in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, benefiting from tools like professional care management and respite support. The Aging in California Resource Guide, available in six languages, offers additional information on caregiver support.
Caregivers can learn more about available resources by visiting the CDA website at aging.ca.gov and connecting with local CRCs or AAAs to discover personalized services to support them in their caregiving journey.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors Veterans Day with Call to Support Veterans’ Well-Being
U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) issued a statement on Veterans Day honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans and their families. Lee, the daughter of Lt. Col. Garvin Tutt, a veteran who served in two wars, emphasized the importance of thanking veterans and actively supporting their needs.
“Our veterans deserve more than just a ‘thank you.’ They need our action. In Congress, I have continued to fight for investment in the well-being of our brave service members,” said Lee.
In Congress, Lee works to uphold commitments to veterans, focusing on essential services like health care, housing, and fair wages. She highlighted the recent PACT Act, which has helped reduce healthcare costs for veterans nationwide. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Lee advocates for sustained funding to ensure veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ve fought and will continue to fight to provide our veterans with the qual-
ity wages, housing, and health care they deserve,” said Lee.
Noting that over 20,000 veterans reside in California’s East Bay area, Lee expressed her ongoing commitment to invest in veterans’ well-being, affirming that real gratitude requires meaningful action.
Gov. Newsom Grants Pardons to Veterans, Initiates Posthumous Pardon for Vietnam War Hero
viction or seek to minimize the harm caused by the recipient, the office clarified.
Newsom granted clemency to five veterans with various criminal convictions, recognizing their honorable military service. The pardoned veterans include:
• D on Archibald (Army), sentenced in 1966 for robbery.
• Marcus Page (Marines), convicted in 1994 for controlled substance transport.
• Robert Teagle (Army Ranger, Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient), convicted in 1981 for controlled substance transport.
• A lex Zonn (Air Force), sentenced in 1970 for marijuana possession.
• Brian Tinney (Navy), convicted in 1994 for grand theft and in 1996 for firearm possession.
These pardons highlight California’s support for veterans’ reintegration and rehabilitation. During his time in office, Newsom has issued a total of 186 pardons.
Gov. Newsom Goes to Washington to Advocate for California Priorities
Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for meetings with senior Biden-Harris Administration officials and members of California’s congressional delegation.
During the week, he pushed for increased resources to improve public safety and quality of life in California.
“California is continuing our work to secure additional tools and resources to improve access to health care, clean air and water, and secure critical funding to support communi-
Gov. Gavin Newsom marked Veterans Day by granting pardons to five veterans. The governor’s directive included a posthumous pardon for Sergeant Richard Allen Penry, a Vietnam War Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient from Petaluma.
Penry served the country during the war, faced challenges reentering civilian life and struggled with PTSD, leading to drug-related convictions.
Newsom acknowledged the veteran’s contributions and said Penry led by example through, “extraordinary heroism at the risk of his own life.”
Newsom’s action highlights his commitment to supporting veterans’ well-being and addressing mental health needs. While the Governor cannot pardon Penry outright due to multiple convictions, he has requested the California Supreme Court’s approval to proceed with the posthumous pardon.
The Governor emphasized clemency as a tool for criminal justice reform, promoting accountability, removing barriers to reintegration, and addressing the health needs of incarcerated individuals. A pardon can aid veterans in rejoining society by restoring rights, preventing deportation, and improving access to employment, though it does not erase convictions.
Newsom’s review process considers self-development, justice, and community impact, showing a compassionate approach toward veterans who have struggled post-service.
“A pardon grant recognizes the grantee’s selfdevelopment and accountability after conviction,” said Newsom’s office regarding the executive clemency.
However, the directive does not erase a con -
into office.
Newsom’s discussions also focused on securing Medicaid waivers from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to enhance behavioral health services and reduce homelessness. The state seeks approval for the BH-CONNECT waiver, which would address behavioral health and homelessness, and the MCO Tax Waiver, which would provide over $20 billion for Medi-Cal to improve healthcare access.
Additionally, California is pushing for Clean Air Act waivers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are crucial for enforcing air quality regulations. These measures are projected to prevent 11,000 premature deaths and provide $116 billion in health benefits over the next three decades, according to the Governor’s office.
California to Offer $43.7 Million in Federal Grants to Combat Hate Crimes
Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that 311 California nonprofit and faith-based organizations, including those representing communities targeted by hate crimes, will receive over $43.7 million in federal funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
The funding aims to enhance security measures such as reinforced doors, access control systems, and lighting to protect against hatebased violence.
“An attack against any community is an attack against our entire state and our values. We will protect the ability of every Californian to worship, love, and gather safely without fear of hate or violent attacks. California is continuing to safeguard all communities, including those most at risk,” said Newsom.
California receives 10% of the national allocation, the highest of any state. This funding comes in addition to $76 million in state funding for similar security improvements announced in July 2024. In total, California has invested over $230 million since 2015 to safeguard vulnerable communities.
“California is dedicated to helping our communities stay safe from violent hate crimes and get access to essential financial funding to support those efforts,” said Cal Office of Emergency Services (OES) Director Nancy Ward.
ties recovering from disasters,” said Newsom.
At the White House, Newsom met with President Joe Biden and key officials, advocating for disaster relief funding, healthcare expansion, and environmental protection. He also engaged in discussions with senior Biden-Harris officials, including Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, to address water quality improvements and the San Luis Dam project, which will support water supplies for two million Californians.
“Building on our strong partnership with the BidenHarris Administration, California is working closely with the White House over the next two months to deliver the critical protections and resources our communities need,” Newsom said.
On Capitol Hill, Newsom met with California Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, along with other Congressional leaders, to emphasize the need to approve pending disaster funding, healthcare programs, and environmental protections. He also previewed California’s upcoming special session to proactively address potential federal challenges when Presidentelect Donald Trump is sworn
The grants are particularly important as hate crimes, especially against Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, and Black communities, have seen an increase. In response, California has also launched initiatives like the CA vs Hate hotline and website, providing a platform for reporting hate incidents anonymously. Newsom’s administration continues to prioritize the safety of all Californians, with ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and hate violence.
PHOTO: Freepik
Governor Newsom Visits OC Veteran Cemetary Site on October 27th, 2022. PHOTO: Courtesy of the American Legion
NATIONAL/LOCAL/STATE NEWS
San Diego Workforce Partnership announced Rachel Bereza as its new president and CEO. The appointment, which was formalized on
San Diego Workforce Partnership’s New President and CEO
November 14th by the Workforce Development Board (WDB) during a public meeting, follows an extensive nationwide search that attracted over 130 candidates. The Policy Board will also confirm Ms. Bereza as the Executive Director of the San Diego Consortium on November 20.
Bereza is a multilingual executive who has championed workforce innovation across California for more than 15 years. Her appointment marks a strategic move to accelerate the organization’s impact on regional workforce development and economic mobility throughout San Diego County.
Bereza’s selection follows a notable career spanning farmworker advocacy, vocational training, and homelessness solutions. Most recently, as Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Sacramento
Steps Forward, she led internal and external operations and program innovation.
Bereza’s accomplishments include, among others:
• Securing over $100 million in competitive grant funding
• Recognition from the California Legislature Assembly for exceptional community impact
• Pioneering solutions in workforce development across diverse populations
• Exhibiting expertise in both urban and rural workforce challenges
Ms. Bereza will assume her role as president and CEO in January, bringing fresh perspective to
San Diego’s workforce development landscape and building on the organization’s commitment to empower economic mobility across the region.
As outlined in the Workforce Partnership’s bylaws, the Joint Personnel Committee (JPC) holds the authority for selecting the organization’s president and CEO. The JPC engaged DRiWaterstone, a leading national recruitment firm, to manage the search. Together, they conducted preparatory meetings and non-bias interview training to ensure fairness and consistency throughout the evaluation. The process was carefully structured to ensure a comprehensive and transparent selection with over 130 applications from across the country, representing a diverse range of sectors, including education, workforce development, and government.
County Urges Residents to Get Disaster Ready
&
Due to the high winds forecast and wildfire potential, County Emergency Services offers this quick checklist of things to do in preparation for any emergency or disaster.
1. Do not attempt to use power tools to clear away brush during a red flag warning because it could spark a fire. Instead, clear away flammable debris by raking or trimming vegetation with hand tools only.
2. In the event of a wildfire, just evacuate if conditions worsen and you feel unsafe. Do not wait for an official notification.
3. Be ready to evacuate in 15 minutes or less. This means you
should have a bag pre-packed that you can grab on your way out the door.
4. Check on elderly or neighbors who might require assistance evacuating.
5. Have a plan to shelter large animals or livestock and if possible, evacuate them early. And take household pets with you whenever possible.
6. Be sure your cell phone is registered with AlertSanDiego, the county’s regional notification system to receive the warnings directly to your mobile phone.
7. Review or create a personal disaster plan that includes disaster preparedness and immediate safety tips that can be used in any emergency.
USDA Bans School Lunch Fees For Low-Income Families
WARNING:
Crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products can expose you to chemicals including toluene and benzene, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. These exposures can occur in and around oil fields, refineries, chemical plants, transport and storage operations, such as pipelines, marine terminals, tank trucks, and other facilities and equipment. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/petroleum.
The foregoing warning is provided pursuant to Proposition 65. This law requires the Governor of California to publish a list of chemicals “known to the State to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.” This list is compiled in accordance with a procedure established by the Proposition, and can be obtained from the California Environmental Protection Agency. Proposition 65 requires that clear and reasonable warnings be given to persons exposed to the listed chemicals in certain situations.
SHELL OIL PRODUCTS US
PBF Energy Western Region LLC its affiliates and subsidiaries
PHILLIPS 66, including its divisions and subsidiaries (and under the trademarks 76)
AERA ENERGY LLC
EXXON MOBIL CORPORATION its affiliates and subsidiaries
VALERO Refining and Marketing Company, Ultramar Inc., and their affiliates and subsidiaries
Tesoro Refining & Marketing Company LLC (a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation) and its affiliates (and under the trademarks ARCO, Shell, Thrifty, Exxon and Mobil)
For more information, please call: 1-800-523-3157
By Adriana Morga and Cora Lewis ASSOCIATED PRESS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that students eligible for free or reduced price school meals cannot be charged processing fees beginning in 2027.
School districts currently work with processing companies to offer cashless payment systems for families. But the companies can charge “processing fees” for each transaction. By law, students who are eligible for reduced price meals cannot be charged more than 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. With processing fees, however, families can end up paying 10 times that amount. Processing companies charge as much as $3.25 or 4% to 5% per transaction, according to a recent report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
“It’s just massively inconvenient,” said Joanna Roa, 43, who works at Clemson University in South Carolina as a library specialist and has two schoolaged children.
For families with lower incomes who can’t afford to load large sums in one go, processing fees can arrive weekly or even more frequently, increasing costs disproportionately. Families that qualify for free or reduced lunch pay as much as 60 cents per dollar in fees when paying for school lunches electronically, according to the report.
The new Agriculture Department’s policy becomes effective starting in the 2027-2028 school year. With this rule, the USDA will lower costs for families with income under 185% of federal poverty guidelines, which equals $57,720 for a family of four.
“USDA and schools across America share the common goal of nourishing schoolchildren and giving them the fuel they need to learn, grow and thrive,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a statement Friday. “While today’s action to eliminate extra fees for lower-income households is a major step in the right direction, the most equitable path forward is to offer every child access to healthy school meals at no cost. We will continue to work with Congress to move toward that goal so all kids have the nutrition they need to reach their full potential.”
The decision by the USDA follows a CFPB report that found online school meal payments predominantly affect low-income families. School lunch fees collectively cost families upwards of $100 million each year, according to the report.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has mandated that school districts inform families of their options since 2017, but even when parents are aware, having to pay by cash or check to avoid fees can be burdensome.
Roa said that when her son was in first grade and she saw the $3.25-per-transaction fee for lunch account transactions, she and her husband decided to send him to school with packed lunches instead.
“A dollar here and there, I expected,” she said. “But $3.25 per transaction, especially here in rural South Carolina where the cost of living is a lot lower — as are the salaries — is a lot.”
Roa said packing lunch for two kids every day became a burden in both time and effort for two working parents. For the past two years, thanks to surplus funds, her school district has been providing free school lunches which has changed the equation, but Roa said that could end at any point.
In its review of the 300 largest public school districts in the U.S., the CFPB found that 87% of sampled districts contract with payment processors. Within those districts, the companies charge an average of $2.37 or 4.4% of the total transaction, each time money is added to a child’s account.
While payment companies maintain that school districts can negotiate fees and rates before they agree to contracts, the CFPB found that complex company structures “may insulate companies from competition and make school districts less likely to negotiate.” Just three companies — MySchoolBucks, SchoolCafe, and LINQ Connect — dominate the market, according to the report.
Without the ability to choose which company to work with, “families have fewer ways to avoid harmful practices,” the agency said, “including those that may violate federal consumer protection law.”
PHOTO: County News Center
Rachel Bereza. PHOTO: Courtesy of San Diego Workforce Partnership
PHOTO: Pexels
Pharrell’s
VOICE & VIEWPOINT NEWSWIRE
Biopic
Coco Gauff’s WTA Finals Title Ends Her Season
With a $4.8 million check
By Howard Fendrich ASSOCIATED PRESS
One significant improvement: Gauff averaged 4.6 double-faults across her five matches at the WTA Finals, certainly much better than at the U.S. Open.
In Saturday’s [November 16th] final, Gauff produced more aces (five) than double-faults (four) and turned in a higher first-serve percentage (64 to
Pharrell Williams has released his highly anticipated animated documentary, Piece by Piece, according to Deadline. A 13-time Grammywinning superproducer and the current men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton, Williams has made an immeasurable impact on culture over the last two and a half and just try to do that.’ Being a tennis player, you can’t miss a bunch of tournaments just to practice — I mean, you can, but I didn’t want to do that; I didn’t want to take that route — so I just decided to be willing to accept the losses and wins while working on things.”
PHOTO: @tiebreaktens via Instagram
PHOTO: @tiebreaktens via Instagram
Women of Color Showcased
‘The Art of Observing’
By Tihut Tamrat
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Last weekend, local creatives across San Diego came together to talk art over drinks and exquisite photos. Hosted by Aryka P Photography at Bad Neighbor’s studio in Bay Park, four artists: Aryka Randall of Aryka P Photography herself, Monét Nyree, Natalia Corral, and Cheyenne Lever — all women of color — presented their unique forms of photography to creatives eager to listen.
Aryka Randall, cinematic still photographer with a background in filmmaking, creates images that tell a story while capturing human facades in an authentic way. Taking a dive into photojournalism she also brings to light the striking and revealing images of the homelessness crisis in San Diego.
Monét Nyree, a multidisciplinary artist based in San Diego, draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of life in San Diego, exploring themes of community, heritage, and
personal evolution. Her symmetrically perfect images of objects in negative space bring about those deep-rooted thoughts of self awareness, identity, and culture as they all intersect.
Natalia Corral, an indie filmmaker, photographer, and writer based in San Diego, is known for her authentic storytelling through creative exploration. Her breathtaking photos allow for one to focus on the beauty of nature and the human experience.
musical by Langston Hughes
All four artists’ work evoked meaningful conversations, emotions, and contemplation that illustrate their deep passion for the arts as they lead the way with their desire to build community.
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
Cheyenne Lever, a Black female photographer based in Los Angeles, captures authentic emotions and the essence of her subjects, focusing on the interplay of light and movement; inviting viewers to pause and reflect on moments of beauty and wonder. Her people-filled photos invite viewers to see true emotion of moments in time.
Artist and host of the event, Aryka Randall, and Jovannie Johnson
Showcased at Observing’ Photography Exhibition
PHOTOS: Aryka Randall and Tihut Tamrat
Artist Monét Nyree and her little girl
Artist Natalia Corral thanking everyone who came out.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Theater Festival Offers Solace in Burkina Faso
By Monika Pronczuk
Associated Press
The last three years have been tough for Fanta Charlotte Dabone, a mother of three from the conflict-battered West African country of Burkina Faso.
“Art is a powerful weapon to fight for more light, more humanity and more love.”
–Odile Sankara
She fled her village after it was attacked by extremists, leaving her husband and her farm behind. Since then, she has been moving from place to place, struggling to pay rent and to buy enough food for her children, including a 2-year-
old toddler.
But last month, she got to be a queen. Every day for a week, together with dozens of other Burkinabe men and women who have been displaced by extremist violence, she swirled, danced and chanted for almost two hours in front of captivated audiences at Recreatrales, an international theater festival held in Ouagadougou, the country’s capital.
But in recent years, the country has become the symbol of the security crisis in the region. It has been shaken by violence from extremist groups and the government forces fighting them, much of it spilling over the border with Mali, and by two ensuing military coups.
But against all odds, last month the Bougsemtenga district in the capital turned into a festival grounds to host Recreatrales for the 13th time.
Improvised theater stages were con-
Ethiopia Bans Imports of Gas-Powered
Private Vehicles
But the switch to electric is a bumpy ride
By Samuel Getachew Associated Press
As the price of fuel soared in Ethiopia earlier this year, Awgachew Seleshi decided to buy an electric car. That aligned with the government’s new efforts to phase out gas-powered vehicles. But months later, he’s questioning whether it was the right decision.
cess in enforcing the ban on nonelectric vehicles entering Ethiopia, and more than 100,000 electric cars are now being imported into the country each month.
The official target is to increase the monthly import figure to 500,000 by 2030. By that time, a big new dam Ethiopia has built on the Nile River is expected to be producing power at full capacity.
He faces a range of issues, from the erratic supply of electricity in Addis Ababa, the capital, to the scarcity of spare parts.
“Charging my car has been a challenge,” the civil servant said. “Spare parts that are imported from China are expensive, few mechanics are able to fix such cars and the resale value of such cars is poor.” Seleshi’s troubles point to wider challenges for Ethiopia. In January, the East African country became the first in the world to ban the importation of non-electric private vehicles.
The decision eased pressure on authorities who spend scarce foreign currency to subsidize the cost of fuel, but it also reflected growing enthusiasm for electric vehicles as the world demands more green technologies to reduce climate-changing emissions.
Earlier this month, Ethiopia’s government raised the price of fuel by up to 8% as part of a plan to gradually end all fuel subsidies in Africa’s second-most populous country.
Authorities have claimed some suc-
structed inside people’s courtyards. The streets were decorated with colorful lights and abstract sculptures made by locals from plastic bottles and scraps of wax-printed fabrics. Residents put up hand-decorated stands, selling beer and meat sticks to multinational crowds of theatergoers, ranging from Western diplomats to local mechanics. The ticket booth was a giant frog, its mouth wide open.
Aristide Tarnagda, the festival’s artistic director, said he was convinced that regardless of the insecurity engulfing the country, the festival had to take place as planned.
Theater is an affirmation of “the primacy of life over death,” Tarnagda said. He added that getting together to perform and watch theatrical productions is a form of resistance against adversity and violence. This is why this year’s theme was “Turning the face to the sun.”
They run art workshops, including in writing, theater, dance and scenography, for young people from the district and from all of Africa, and organize mentoring sessions and business skills classes for local women. The goal is to get as many people as possible involved, said Odile Sankara, the festival’s director.
She added: “Art is a powerful weapon to fight for more light, more
humanity and more love,” especially while her country and the whole Sahel region were going through a security and humanitarian crisis.
For internally displaced people, theater is not just a tool for therapy, helping them to process trauma, said Sankara, the artistic director. It’s a way for a group that has been marginalized and isolated in Burkinabe society to be seen by others.
People With Disabilities In Nairobi Look Beyond Public Transport
By Magdalene Mwaniki Associated Press
Caroline Mwikali lost her ability to walk at age 13 after an illness. She quickly learned how difficult it is to get around in Kenya’s busy capital, Nairobi.
Mwikali, who now works at a car financing company, said public transport is not designed to accommodate wheelchair users like her.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in a televised address earlier this year, said the Grand Renaissance Dam will start generating more than 5,000 megawatts of electric power within a year. Authorities say such capacity would support the transition to electric vehicles.
Many EVs are now parked in garages and parking lots awaiting parts expected to come from China.
Ethiopia’s minister in charge of transport, Bareo Hassen Bareo, has said he believes the country can be a model nation with a green economy legacy, with the prioritization of electric vehicles a key component.
The government will invest in public charging stations, he told The Associated Press, and there are plans to create a plant manufacturing EV batteries locally to reduce reliance on imports.
Private efforts have included a collaboration, which has since fizzled, between Olympian Haile Gebreselassie and South Korean carmaker Hyundai to make electric vehicles in Ethiopia. That effort is believed to have collapsed over the sourcing of materials.
Some Ethiopians are already giving up on electric vehicles, and the secondhand trade in gasoline-powered vehicles continues. There are at least 1.2 million vehicles across Ethiopia, and only a small fraction are electric ones.
“We are changing the narrative around disability and reduced mobility. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you cannot earn for yourself; it doesn’t mean you are a nobody in the society.”
–Daniel Gatura
Nairobi’s most popular modes of transport include motorbikes along with minivans and minibuses that are not fitted with ramps. They also are not designed to fit wheelchairs in their aisles, so users must be hoisted up the stairs and placed on regular seats while their wheelchairs are put with luggage.
“In most cases, the people manning the bus terminals have to lift you off the wheelchair to help you board the buses. This is not only uncomfortable but leaves you attracting unnecessary attention from the public,” Mwikali told The Associated Press.
She is among 2.2% of Kenya’s population, or about 900,000 people, who live with a disability. The most common type of disability is mobility-related at 42%.
One entrepreneur, Daniel Gatura, founded Ace Mobility in Nairobi in 2021. Its vehicles are modified with ramps and swivel seats to accommodate people with disabilities and anyone else who needs support commuting.
Gatura said he was inspired by a
personal experience growing up.
“My father sustained a spinal cord injury in an accident that left him in a wheelchair when he was just 5 years old. I witnessed the challenges my father faced, including losing his job due to transportation issues,” Gatura said.
Users can book rides through the Ace Mobility app. Drivers are trained as caregivers, ensuring they understand how to provide respectful and appropriate assistance to passengers with disabilities.
Gatura said they have 5,000 users.
“We are changing the narrative around disability and reduced mobility. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you cannot earn for yourself; it doesn’t mean you are a nobody in the society,” he said.
preserves my dignity,” said Mwikali, who has used the service for four months after a referral from a former classmate.
But others like Cindy Cherotich can’t afford the service. She must jostle for space on minibuses while on crutches.
“When I go to the bus station sometimes the public vehicles do not allow me to board,” she said. “When they see my crutch and (see) somebody who is OK without crutches, they will let them in and I will be left.”
The transport is more expensive than public transport, charging the equivalent of $1 per kilometer (0.6 miles). The same amount can be used to pay for a 40-kilometer (24-mile) ride in public transport vehicles. But Gatura noted it delivers people directly to their homes.
“I find the charges quite fair considering the convenience that it offers. I get to travel comfortably and without necessarily moving from my chair. It also somehow
Lucy Nkatha, a disability advocate and coordinator of Kiengu Women Challenged to Challenge Group, an NGO, said she had never heard of Ace Mobility and called for marketing support for such companies.
“It should also be made affordable,” she said.
Sandra Nyawira, the disability inclusion adviser at United Disabled Persons of Kenya, noted that Kenya has a number of policies in place to address accommodations for people with disabilities, but implementation is rare. She called for more political will.
“It’s one thing to have a policy that speaks to your issues, but then it’s another to implement them,” she said.
PHOTO: @voaafrica via Instagram
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PHOTO: Addis Standard via Facebook
PHOTO: Ruirie Ndegwa via LinkedIn
HEALTHY LIVING EDUCATION
Joy is Among the Best Medicines for Brain Health
Joy. The Oxford Dictionary describes it as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” Merriam-Webster says it is “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune.” Thesaurus.com gives a string of synonyms for joy, including elation, humor, bliss, and cheer.
However one chooses to describe or define, “joy”, medical doctors, psychologists, counselors and preachers say it can be the world’s best medicine – especially for brain health.
In America's Black community, Pastor Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes writes about often comes as a result of systemic racism and societal attitudes of White supremacy. These historic racial attitudes toward African-Americans simply because of the color of their skin often cause
traumatic assaults to their emotions and their psyche. Those assaults - whether emotional or physical - can result from a number of activities, including race discrimination, racial profiling, and even racial violence.
These deeply personal experiences are often compounded by news accounts of such horrific incidents also happening to other people. Spiritual reinforcement and a lifestyle of faith can heal these mentally stressful and sometimes depressing reactions, authorities say, because lifestyles of faith can inspire joy.
“Joy is unspoken hope that floods your being. It’s that ‘It is well with my soul’ that resonates deeply within your spirit,” writes CudjoeWilkes, who is co-lead pastor of The Double Love Experience Church in Brooklyn.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, AARP gave a list of ways to bring joy to the mind:
• W atch the dawn, sunset, enjoy nature or just listen to some birds
• G et some ice cream with a friend or treat yourself to a dessert, a delicious meal or your favorite beverage
• P lay a game with other people during which you can let your guard down
• E ngage in a hobby like art, dancing or other fun activities
• S pend time gazing at a baby, a puppy or something else that causes you to feel happy
Socioeconomic Status Explains Racial Achievement Gaps In Elementary School
By Eric Hengyu Hu and Paul L. Morgan Univ. at Albany, State Univ. of New York
For decades, white students have performed significantly better than Black and Hispanic students on tests of academic achievement. Explanations for these achievement gaps include poverty and systems that result in discrimination. Others cite struggles to learn English. And some folks believe that some groups simply don’t value education.
Left unaddressed, racial and ethnic achievement gaps result in fewer educational and economic opportunities for U.S. students as they become adults.
In The Conversation’s newest report, gaps in achievement between white, Black and Hispanic students in elementary school are primarily explained by differences in family socioeconomic status. That is, kindergartners from families with similar economic resources and educational backgrounds –among other factors – later displayed similar levels of achievement. This was true regardless of their race or ethnicity.
We followed two groups of children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The first group started school in the 1998-99 academic year. The second group started in the 2010-11 academic year. We looked at their scores on achievement tests administered by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Our research shows that some factors have more impact on gaps in achievement than others. For example, gaps in achievement between Black and white students, and between Hispanic and white students, were
smaller when students came from families with similar household incomes. They were also smaller when students’ mothers had similar levels of education.
We found that students from families with lower socioeconomic status did worse than kids from families with higher status. By first grade, Black and Hispanic students, who are more likely to face economic challenges and to come from low-income families, were already substantially behind their white peers in reading, mathematics and science.
The achievement gaps continued throughout elementary school. A family’s socioeconomic status – especially household income and parental education – explained between 34% and 64% of the achievement gaps between white and Black students. It also explained between 51% and 77% of the gaps between white and Hispanic students. Explanations for the remaining gaps may include differences in school quality, neighborhood conditions and access to school-based services.
Why it matters
Left unaddressed, racial and ethnic achievement gaps result in fewer educational and economic opportunities for U.S. students as they become adults. These reduced opportunities can include lower wages, greater unemployment and lower levels of degree completion from high school through graduate school. This leads to a less economically competitive workforce.
The achievement gaps can be addressed through policies that reduce early economic and educational disparities. Examples include expanded access to high-quality early childhood education and direct financial assistance to low-income families. Other possibilities include increased access to tutoring and adult education programs for parents and prospective parents.
PHOTO: Pexels
Why You Shouldn’t Store Your Money In Payment Apps
By Cora Lewis Associated Press
Co nnor Tomasko grew up wary of credit cards. As she taught herself more about managing money, she realized that many people also have bad habits when it comes to payment apps.
Tomasko, 31, a freelance software consultant in Chicago, understands why people appreciate the ease of the apps, which typically only require you to know someone’s username in order to send money. But she realized that keeping money in the apps could be risky and means losing out on the interest from a high yield savings account. She now immediately transfers any payments out of the apps and encourages friends to do the same.
“I’m definitely the one that is always harping about high yield savings accounts,” Tomasko said. “But if you’re in an industry dealing with a lot of cash — bartending, say — sometimes you’re just worried about finding a place to deposit it. It’s not always a fun thing to talk about.”
As use of payment apps has grown in recent years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued guidance on best practices to avoid pitfalls. For example, funds stored on Venmo or Cash App typically lack the deposit insurance you’d get from a bank, except in certain cases.
“Popular digital payment apps are increasingly used as substitutes for a traditional bank or credit union account, but lack the same protections to ensure that funds are safe,” CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said in a bulletin last year.
In 2022, transaction volume on these apps was an estimated $893 billion, according to the CFPB, and that’s projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2027. More than three-quarters of US adults say they have ever used one of four popular payment apps, according to a 2022
survey from the Pew Research Center. Of consumers ages 18 to 29, 85% said they’ve used a service such as PayPal, Venmo, Apple Cash, Google Pay, or Zelle, according to a March 2022 study by Consumer Reports.
“The apps are popular because you don’t have to give your personal information, like a phone number, if you just got drinks with someone once but you’re never going to see them again — a date that didn’t go well,” Tomasko said. “I get the benefits in that sense — to be able to send money that way.”
Here’s what you should know: Funds stored on apps often lack insurance
Funds stored in payment apps often lack deposit insurance, the CFPB has found. FDIC-insured banks protect depositors against the loss of their insured deposits up to at least $250,000 if a bank fails, and a similar framework protects credit unions. While funds stored on payment apps resemble funds stored on deposit
accounts, those funds are not typically covered until they have been transferred back to an FDIC-insured bank or insured credit union.
The Financial Technology Association, an industry group that includes many payment apps as members, noted that Cash App and PayPal both offer separate high-yield, FDIC-insured savings products.
Do apps always lack deposit insurance?
In select circumstances, deposit insurance does cover payment apps. With Cash App, funds are eligible for insurance if consumers link their account to a Cash App debit card. And with Venmo, funds added to an account via direct deposit or check cashing are covered.
Still, the CFPB has found that funds stored in a payment app “may be at significantly higher risk of loss for a consumer than if it is deposited in an insured bank or credit union account.”
Financial Literacy 101
financial literacy, these steps can help grow your understanding and confidence around your finances.
1. Understand Your Finances
Understanding your finances and how your financial decisions impact your future self is essential for making appropriate choices. Without this understanding of your income and expenses, you become vulnerable to making the wrong decisions and can put yourself at greater risk in the future. To further expand your knowledge base,
consider taking a financial literacy quiz to test your understanding of concepts such as compounding interest, inflation and risk diversification. If necessary, don’t be afraid to seek the advice of a professional before making important financial decisions.
2. Take Control and Plan with Confidence
To take control of short- and longterm financial priorities and aspirations, individuals should plan ahead. Establishing these goals is the first step to effective planning, whether lifestyle goals, hopes for retirement or specific items you wish to acquire, such as a new vehicle or home. This approach provides a target for building your savings and protection plans.
3. Prepare and Plan for Life’s Unexpected Events
If not adequately prepared, unexpected events can have catastrophic impacts on household finances. For example, having to leave the workforce early due to illness could mean years of lost earning power, which could impact your short- and long-term priorities and aspirations. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure backup plans, such as a retirement account or life insurance that includes income protection if unable to work, are in place, if the unexpected happens. This “cushion” can contribute to greater confidence in your future financial outlook and stronger feelings of security going into waves of economic uncertainty.
Features
PHOTO: Freepik
PHOTO: Pexels
CLASSIFIEDS / LEGAL NOTICES
Located at: 5277 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Married Couple Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: Jean Mesmais Lusca 5277 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115
Elvinave Mika Vilsaint 5277 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 14, 2024
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-902257
Fictitious business name(s): We Haul
day of business was: 11/15/2024 This business is hereby registered by the following: East West Auto Repair LLC 6996 Broadway #B Lemon Grove, CA 91945 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 15, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 15, 2029 11/21, 11/28, 12/05, 12/12
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9022878
Fictitious business name(s): The Whyee Located at: 4164 Cherokee Ave, F San Diego, CA 92104 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 03/16/2020
This business is hereby registered by the following: Rhonda Anette Cobb 4164 Cherokee Ave, F San Diego, CA 92104
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 18, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 18, 2029 11/21, 11/28, 12/05, 12/12
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9021872
Fictitious business name(s): Creative 3D Academy Located at: 7448 Arucauna Ct San Diego, CA 92129 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: Xin Mathers 7448 Arucauna Ct San Diego, CA 92129
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 01, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 01, 2029 11/21, 11/28, 12/05, 12/12
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9022691
Fictitious business name(s): Tacos El Primo Located at: 4311 Chamoune Ave 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: Carlos Giovanni Ramos Fuentes 4311 Chamoune Ave San Diego, CA 92115
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 14, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 14, 2029 11/21, 11/28, 12/05, 12/12
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9022666
Fictitious business name(s): Final Stop Barbershop
This fictitious business name will expire on November 14, 2029 11/21, 11/28, 12/05, 12/12
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9022488
Fictitious business name(s): Drift & Dusk
Drift At Dusk
Located at: 4770 Biona Dr San Diego, CA 92116
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: Ryan Jerry Rose 4770 Biona Dr San Diego, CA 92116
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 12, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 12, 2029 11/21, 11/28, 12/05, 12/12
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9022622
Fictitious business name(s): Helix Dog Scoopers Located at: 4333 Macronald Dr. La Mesa, CA 91942 County of San Diego
8697 La Mesa Blvd Ste C #514 La Mesa, CA 91942
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: Jonathan Kenneth Schirer 8697 La Mesa Blvd Ste C #514 La Mesa, CA 91941
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 13, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 13, 2029 11/21, 11/28, 12/05, 12/12
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9021457
Fictitious business name(s): Karems Printing Located at: 1536 Clavelita Pl San Diego, CA 92154
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 10/14/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Adriana Karem Torres 1536 Clavelita Pl San Diego, CA 92154
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 25, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on October 25, 2029 11/21, 11/28, 12/05, 12/12
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9022498
Fictitious business name(s): Happy Habit Hats Located at: 770 Sycamore Ave. Ste 122 #1155 Vista, CA 92083 County of San Diego This business is conducted by:
An Individual
The first day of business was: 11/12/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Cara Corren
770 Sycamore Ave. Ste 122 #1155 Vista, CA 92083
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 12, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 12, 2029
11/21, 11/28, 12/05, 12/12
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
2024-9022259
Fictitious business name(s): Doug Disraeli DDS
Located at:
3645 Fourth Ave San Diego, CA 92103
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Corporation
The first day of business was: 11/01/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following:
Andrew J Keith DDS Inc
3645 Fourth Ave San Diego, CA 92103
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 06, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 06, 2029
11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/05
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9021542
Fictitious business name(s): Brad Sorenson
Insurance Solutions Located at: 1024 Neptune Dr. Chula Vista, CA 91911
County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 10/27/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Bradley Erik Sorenson 1024 Neptune Dr. Chula Vista, CA 91911
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 28, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on October 28, 2029 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/05
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9021652
Fictitious business name(s): A2W Engineering
A2W Located at: 440 La Veta Ave Encinitas, CA 92024 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by:
A Married Couple
The first day of business was: 10/01/2011 This business is hereby registered by the following: Rafael Ambrosi-Clavijo 440 La Veta Ave Encinitas, CA 92024
Stephanie EP Dietrich 440 La Veta Ave Encinitas, CA 92024
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 29, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on October 29, 2029 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/05
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9022161
Fictitious business name(s): Patrick Paul
Construction LLC
Located at: 333 H Street 5000 Chula Vista, CA 91910 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 11/01/2024 This business is hereby registered by the following:
333 H Street 5000 Chula Vista, CA 91910
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 05, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 05, 2029 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/05
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9022176
Fictitious business name(s): PLG King Inc Located at: 8395 Blue Lake Dr. San Diego, CA 92119 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Corporation
The first day of business was: 03/01/2020
This business is hereby registered by the following: PLG King Inc 8395 Blue Lake Dr San Diego, CA 92119
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 05, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 05, 2029 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/05
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9022009
Fictitious business name(s): SH79 Located at: 1499 Broadway #3 El Cajon, CA 92021 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: Shawki Hurmiz 1499 Broadway #3 El Cajon, CA 92021
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on November 04, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on November 04, 2029 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/05
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9021538
Fictitious business name(s): Hue By Ashli Nichole Located at: 8127 La Mesa Blvd Suite 116 La Mesa, CA 91941
8240 Valley View Circle#152 La Mesa, CA 91941 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: Ashli Nichole Falk 8240 Valley View Circle La Mesa, CA 91941
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 28, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on October 28, 2029 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/05
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9020978
Fictitious business name(s): Dawn Care: Skyline Located at: 614 Rytko St. San Diego, CA 92114 County of San Diego
2261 Market Street, Suite 10044
San Francisco, CA 94114
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company
Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Skyline Care, LLC
2261 Market Street, Suite 10044 San Francisco, CA 94114
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with
Classified ads can
person, by phone, fax, or email Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. P:619-266-2233 F:619-266-0533 E:ads@sdvoice.info
the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 18, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on October 18, 2029 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9021008
Fictitious business name(s): Dusk DME Located at: 614 Rytko St. San Diego, CA 92114
County of San Diego
2261 Market Street, Suite 10044 San Francisco, CA 94114
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above
This business is hereby registered by the following: Dusk Care, LLC 2261 Market Street, Suite 10044 San Francisco, CA 94114
State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 18, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on October 18, 2029 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9021654
Fictitious business name(s): Camron's Export Services Located at: 1295 University Ave #5 San Diego, CA 92103 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 10/21/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Camron S Pate 1295 University Ave #5 San Diego, CA 92103
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 29, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on October 29, 2029 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9021828
Fictitious business name(s): MS Cab Located at: 6843 Missy Court San Diego, CA 92115 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: An Individual
The first day of business was: 10/31/2024
This business is hereby registered by the following: Mustafa Said 6843 Missy Court San Diego, CA 92115
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 31, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on October 31, 2029 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9020828
Fictitious business name(s): Importing Italy Located at: 6764 Claremore Ave San Diego, CA 92120 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: All Caps Consulting 6764 Claremore Ave San Diego, CA 92120 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 16, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on October 16, 2029 11/07, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9021157
Fictitious business name(s): The Salon Of Art Gallery Located at: 7655 Fay Avenue La Jolla, CA 92037 County of San Diego 1716 1/2 Meade Avenue San Diego, CA 92116 County of San Diego This business is conducted by: An Individual The first day of business was: October 14, 2024 This business is hereby registered by the following: Concetta Kerrie-Ann Antico 1716 1/2 Meade
will expire on October 23, 2029 10/31, 11/07, 11/14, 11/21
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9021137
Fictitious business name(s): Annabel Cohen Gourmet Located at: 930 Thomas Avenue #24 San Diego, CA 92109 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the name(s) above This business is hereby registered by the following: AC Projects 930 Thomas Avenue #24 San Diego, CA 92109 State of Incorporation/ Organization: California
This statement was filed with the Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on October 22, 2024
This fictitious business name will expire on October 22, 2029 10/31, 11/07, 11/14, 11/21
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 2024-9019716
Fictitious business name(s): Arso Real Estate
Arso Real Estate Premier Located at: 1041 Market Street, Suite 165 San Diego, CA 92101 County of San Diego
This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company
The first day of business was: 09/30/2024 This business is hereby registered by the following: AS Signature Group 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 October 1, 2024
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Request of Proposals
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking consultants for Project Management Control (PMC)
Route
Mesa
Port
Project. The PMC team
management, technical assistance, and review as directed by the SANDAG Project Managers. This project is federally funded and has a DBE goal of 22%.
The Optional Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on November 18, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PST. The deadline for electronic proposal submittal is December 6, 2024 by 2:00 p.m. PST unless otherwise stated in an addendum. A copy of the solicitation documents and any communications or addenda can be accessed via www.bidnetdirect.com/sandag.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Solicitation of Applications for Membership on the TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee
The TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee (ITOC) is seeking qualified members of the public to fill one vacancy on its seven-member committee in the following categories:
o A professional with demonstrated experience of ten years or more in real estate, land economics, and/or right-of-way acquisition.
The ITOC aids in the implementation of the TransNet program, the San Diego region’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. The TransNet program is administered by SANDAG.
As outlined in the TransNet Ordinance and Expenditure Plan, the ITOC provides an increased level of accountability for expenditures of TransNet funds. ITOC members are unpaid, but certain expenses are reimbursed. The ITOC functions in an independent, open, and transparent manner to ensure that all voter mandates are carried out, and develops positive, constructive recommendations for improvements and enhancements to the financial integrity and performance of the TransNet program.
ITOC membership is open to individuals from throughout the region, who possess a set of appropriate professional skills and experience. Due to their public service status, ITOC members must comply with the following conflict of interest requirements, as set forth in the TransNet Ordinance:
The ITOC shall be subject to SANDAG’s conflict of interest policies. ITOC members shall have no legal action pending against SANDAG and are prohibited from acting in any commercial activity directly or indirectly involving SANDAG, such as being a consultant to SANDAG or to any party with pending legal actions against SANDAG during their tenure on the ITOC. ITOC members shall not have direct commercial interest or employment with any public or private entity, which receives TransNet sales tax funds authorized by this Ordinance.
The possibility of a conflict of interest, however, does not automatically require disqualification of an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to contact SANDAG if they have any questions regarding their eligibility for service.
More detailed information regarding the ITOC and its responsibilities can be found at SANDAG.org/itoc. Individuals interested in applying for these ITOC positions should contact SANDAG for an application at vanessa.leon@sandag.org or 619.699.0726 or go to SANDAG.org/notices. Questions regarding this solicitation should be sent to Vanessa Leon at vanessa.leon@sandag.org.
Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, December 20. SANDAG seeks to fill openings on the ITOC with a diverse group of persons who are representative of the community. SANDAG highly encourages applications from diverse individuals with socially and economically diverse backgrounds . The newly selected Professional in Real Estate, Land Economics, and/or Right-Of-Way Acquisition is anticipated to begin serving at the regularly scheduled ITOC meeting in March 2025 .
INVITATION FOR BIDS
$20,517,428.00. This project is subject to the Community
Agreement (CBA). The optional Pre-Bid Meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on November 20, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM PST/PDT. The deadline for Bid submittal is January 9, 2025 by 2:00 PM PST/PDT unless otherwise stated in an addendum. A copy of the solicitation documents and any communications or addenda can be accessed via www.bidnetdirect.com/sandag
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 24CU22148C
Petitioner or Attorney: Quoc Tuan Tran; Huyentrang Thi Pham and on behalf of minor child
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Quoc Tuan Tran; Huyentrang Thi Pham and on behalf of minor child filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
a.PRESENT NAME: Gia Khang Tran Pham
b.PRESENT NAME: Quoc Tuan Tran
a.PROPOSED NAME: Jason Gia Khang Tran [first][middle][middle][last]
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: January 07, 2025 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN
OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date
Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.
The address of the court is: 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 11/21, 11/28, 12,05, 12/12
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 24CU021542C
Petitioner or Attorney: Juan Xicotencalt Mendez Jr
To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Juan Xicotencalt Mendez Jr filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
PRESENT NAME: Juan Xicotencalt Mendez Jr
PROPOSED NAME: Juan Xavier Mendez
THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated
as follows:
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: December 26, 2024 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree
Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT
OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date
Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one parent must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other nonsigning parent, and proof of service must be filed with the court.
The address of the court is: 330 W. Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 11/21, 11/28, 12,05, 12/12
SUPERIOR
PRESENT NAME: Melinda Eileen Costa
PROPOSED NAME: Melinda Ly Costa 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: December 12, 2024 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept. 61
(To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court's website. To find your court's website go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-mycourt.htm)
NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE.
The court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).
If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One copy of the Order Granting the Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, driver license, passport, and other identification, a certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issue the legal document that needs to be changed, to determine if a certified copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for the information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.
If a timely objection is filed, the court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.
A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date
Any Petition for the name change of a minor that is signed by only one
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.
1962
GEORGE BRANHAM IS BORN
George Branham III is renowned as the first African American to win a major Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) title, standing out as one of the few men of color in professional bowling. Born on November 21, 1962, in Detroit, Michigan, he was introduced to the sport by his father in 1968. The family moved to San Fernando Valley, California, in 1977, where Branham attended Polytechnic High School. While he was a multisport athlete, he chose to focus on bowling, eventually turning pro at 23 after winning Southern California’s Junior Bowler of the Year in 1983.
Branham quickly made his mark, securing eight consecutive tournament wins between 1985 and 1987, including the Brunswick Memorial World Open, where he became the first African American to win a major PBA event. His career continued with a major victory at the 1993 Baltimore Open, leading to his triumph in the Tournament of Champions. Over his eighteen-year career, he won five major titles and scored 23,300 game points, solidifying his legacy in the sport. After retiring in 2003, he opened a bowling alley in Indianapolis and remained dedicated to bowling.
1964
YVETTE DIANE CLARKE IS BORN
Yvette Diane Clarke began her political career in 2001 when she was elected to the New York City Council, succeeding her mother, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke. This marked the first mother-daughter succession in the Council's history. Born in Brooklyn on November 21, 1964, she attended public schools and graduated from Oberlin College in 1986.
Before Congress, Clarke served as the first Director of Business Development for the Bronx Empowerment Zone, managing a $51 million budget for revitalization efforts. In 2006, she was elected to represent New York’s 11th Congressional District, a seat previously held by Shirley Chisholm. Currently, Clarke serves on three House committees, including Education and Labor, Homeland Security, and Small Business.
