WSSNews | Volume 39 No. 45
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NSAWMF Launches Jus Be Great™ in the Inland Empire, Honoring Coaches and Empowering Youth Mental Fitness
Office (909) 384-8131
JBG
NATIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATION OF WELLNESS & MENTAL FITNESS
JUS
PATHIEST E INT
Hardy & Cheryl Brown Grand Marshals for the San Bernardino Black History Parade
1987-2025.. Serving The Inland Empire For Over 38 Years
577 N. "D" Street, # 112H San Bernardino, CA 92401
By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
EON
On January 30, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass attended inde- pendent journalist Don Lemon's federal court appearance at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Court- house following his arrest in Los Angeles by federal authorities for conduct tied to his reporting on a protest nearly 2,000 miles away in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Shortly afterward, Bass con- vened a Zoom roundtable of Black elected leaders, city officials, and journalists to discuss what the case signaled -- not just for Lemon, but for journalism more broadly.
Elected leaders joining the call included U.S. Rep. Syd- ney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell (2nd District), Assemblymembers Tina McKin- nor (D-Inglewood), Mike Gipson (D-Carson), and Sade Elhawary
(D-Los Angeles), and State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles). While the meeting was prompted by Lemon's arrest, the discussion quickly moved beyond him, turning to growing concerns about the vulnerability of Black journalists covering protests and dissent.
While Lemon was being arrested, Georgia Fort, an award-winning Minneapolis journalist, was also arrested and charged in connec- tion with her coverage of the pro- test inside the Cities Church in St. Paul reportedly targeted because a pastor worked as field director for Immigration and Customs En- forcement (ICE).
Both Fort and Lemon have said became one of the highest paid they were reporting.
To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.
RIVERSIDE, CA--- The Civil Rights Institute of Inland South ern California (CRIISC) announc- es a new pop-up exhibition The Legacy of Clarence Muse: Arti- facts from the Collection of Dr. Norman Towels.
The pop-up exhibition will be on view at the Civil Rights Insti- tute of Inland Southern California from Wednesday, February 4th through Friday, March 13th. Visi- tors can see the pop-up exhibit for free during CRIISC's open hours: Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The pop-up exhibition, running during Black History Month, fo- cuses on the life of onscreen leg- end Clarence Muse who acted in over 219 films and was a pillar of the Perris Valley community. During his career Clarence Muse
Black actors during his time, he helped bring water to the Good Hope Community, pushed against racist stereotypes in films, and in-
Dr. Norman Towels' home is filled with historical items. He has served as the Historian for his fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha. (Photo Courtesy of CRIISC)
stituted the long-standing Perris Arts festival but still this prolific actor, singer, director, and philan- thropist has not received the rec- ognition he deserves.
CRIISC's new pop-up exhibition brings to life the incredible story of Clarence Muse through materials from the collection of Dr. Norman Towels. Dr. Towels, an educator and history collector, is commit- ted to preserving the Black his- tory in Inland Southern California and beyond. Over the decades Dr. Towels has amassed an incred- ible collection of artifacts includ- ing historic advertisements, com- ics, university yearbooks, posters, books, and movies. A sliver of his collection related to Clarence Muse's life will be on display, in- cluding various films from Muse's career. Dr. Towels will provide a special showcase of his collection on Thursday, February 19th from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, all are wel- come to attend.
NSAWMF Launches Jus Be Great™ in the Inland Empire, Honoring Coaches and Empowering Youth Mental Fitness
SAN BERNARDINO, CA---- On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the National Sports Associa- tion of Wellness & Mental Fitness (NSAWMF) officially launched its Jus Be Great™ initiative with an exciting and impactful Community Kickoff at the San Manuel Stadium home of the Inland Empire 66ers, drawing more than 150 youth athletes, parents, coaches, and com- munity leaders for a first-of-its-kind mental fitness experience in the Inland Empire.
The morning began with a private pre-recep- tion, where NSAWMF honored five Inland Empire coaches whose leadership and dedica- tion have shaped generations of young athletes: Leroy Sanchez, John Mosher, Carlton Austin, John Hill, and Harrison Cole. Coach Leroy
Sanchez played a formative role in the athletic and personal development of NSAWMF Co- Founders Sammy and Gregory Knight, high- lighting the lasting impact of mentorship and leadership beyond the field. Each coach was recognized for their lasting contributions to youth sports and for the role they have played in developing character, confidence, and disci- pline far beyond competition.
During the opening program, NSAWMF paused for a Stewardship Moment to reflect the organization's commitment to legacy and community investment. Introduced by Sammy Knight Jr., the moment featured Sammy Knight Sr., father of Sammy and Gregory Knight, who presented a $3,000 contribution from the Knight Family Foundation to the Riverside Sports Hall of Fame in honor of the coaches recognized. Austin Quick and Stan Morrison accepted the donation on behalf of the organi- zation, highlighting the importance of preserv- ing and celebrating the region's sports legacy. "This moment represented everything Jus Be GreatTM stands for." said Sammy Knight Jr. "We are honoring the people who poured into generations of young athletes while reinvest- ing directly into the institutions that protect and celebrate that legacy. This is what stew- ardship looks like in action."
To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.
Gov. Newsom, AG Bonta to Local Law Enforcement: You Have Authority to Investigate Federal Agents
Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a bulletin Jan. 27 re- minding state and local law enforcement agen- cies that they have the authority to investigate potential violations of state law committed by federal agents, even when federal authorities do not cooperate.
The guidance, released by the California Department of Justice (DOJ), emphasizes that local and state police have concurrent jurisdic- tion in cases involving federal officers and are not required to defer to federal investigations. The bulletin follows recent federal officer-in- volved shooting deaths in Minnesota and Cali- fornia.
The bulletin states that federal and state law enforcement have long worked together on in- vestigations that can result in both federal and state charges, but recent actions by the federal government have raised concerns about ob- struction and a lack of transparency. California officials say those developments require state and local agencies to be prepared to assert their legal authority.
"Especially when a fatal shooting occurs, no one should be allowed to rush in, seize evi- dence, and control the narrative before state and local law enforcement have lawful ac- cess," said Newsom. "Transparency isn't a talking point; it's a legal and moral require- ment."
Bonta said federal agents do not have abso- lute immunity from state criminal prosecution and warned against claims suggesting other- wise.
"Let there be no question: State and local law enforcement in California have authority to investigate potential violations of state law, even when those violations are committed by federal agents," said Bonta. "Federal courts have long recognized that federal agents do not have absolute immunity from state law prosecution."
The bulletin advises agencies that states have primary authority to investigate and prosecute violations of state criminal law, including cas- es involving federal officers. It also notes that the California DOJ is available to assist local
By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media agencies and can seek court orders to preserve evidence or secure access to crime scenes if needed.
California officials pointed to a Minneso- ta case in which a Trump-appointed federal judge ordered the federal government not to destroy evidence amid allegations that federal authorities interfered with a state investigation into a fatal shooting involving a federal officer.
The move comes amid broader legal battles between California and the Trump administra- tion over federal law enforcement practices. In recent months, Bonta has led or joined court filings challenging federal deployments and enforcement actions, while Newsom has op- posed what state leaders describe as unlawful federal overreach.
The DOJ encouraged Californians to report alleged misconduct by federal agents through its online reporting portal, saying the state stands ready to investigate and, where war- ranted, pursue charges under the California Penal Code.
At Sac Summit, California African American Chamber of Commerce Shows Growing Clout; Lays Out Top Goals
In step with its commitment to drive economic growth, equity, and wealth creation for African American businesses in the Gold- en State, the California African American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) held its third annual California American Economy Summit at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento on January
Organized by CAACC President and CEO Ahmad Holmes, along with CB Communications, mem- bers and the board of directors of the statewide organization shared the group's current priorities and talked about its growing influence across California.
"This is not just about being a state chamber. This is about all of the information we are gathering for our CAACC membership that trickles down to all the chambers
FBN/DBA $99 www.wssnews.com | (909)384-8131 across the state," said Chairper- son Patricia Watts, who is also the proprietor of Cerritos-based FCI Management, an energy and water consulting firm.
"The idea is that we are one voice. Especially when it comes. to policy issues and information sharing. We're only stronger if we work together," Watts said, speak- ing about the CAACC's growing influence.
With the theme "Driving Equity Through Economic Innovation," discussions at the CAACC sum- mit focused on the intersection of policy and commerce, aiming to widen access to California's eco- nomic landscape for historically underfunded communities.
WSSNEWS.COM PUBLISHER, WALLACE ALLEN, WITH "SIGN ME UP" AS THE SUBJECT
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
Cracking Down on Human Trafficking, California DOJ Announces 120 Arrests
ATTORNEY
THE BY GENERAL
OFFICE OF liberty and justice under law
OF JUSTICE
FORNIA
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on January 26 that 120 people were arrested during a coordinated, multi-county law enforcement operation aimed at disrupting human trafficking and connecting survivors with support services.
The arrests stem from Operation Stand On Demand, a six-day effort conducted from January 19 through Jan. 24 across San Diego, Sacramento, Tulare, and Fresno counties. It in- volved more than a dozen state and local law enforcement agencies working together to tar- get individuals involved in sex trafficking, in- cluding traffickers and buyers.
"This operation reflects an ongoing commit- ment by California law enforcement to target those who fuel trafficking and exploitation," said Attorney General Rob Bonta.
According to the California DOJ, 87 arrests were made for loitering, 25 for solicitation, and eight for pimping and pandering. Officials said the operation focused on reducing demand for commercial sexual exploitation while priori- tizing a survivor-centered approach.
"It's a coordinated, multi-county law en- forcement effort focused on disrupting sex trafficking, holding perpetrators accountable, and connecting survivors with support," said Bonta.
San Diego County accounted for the major- ity of enforcement activity during the opera- tion. District Attorney Summer Stephan said law enforcement agencies worked around the clock to identify and arrest individuals at- tempting to purchase sex.
"Our officers, in less than one week during this operation, took action, not words, by work- ing around the clock and arresting and citing 105 people who thought that they were going to go out and buy a human being like they're a hamburger or a slice of pizza," Stephan said. San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez chimed in.
-By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
"Communities like Santee and San Marcos, which were part of this operation, face unique vulnerabilities tied to transportation routes, student populations, and employment oppor- tunities," she said.
Bonta said the arrests are part of broader statewide efforts to combat human traffick- ing. Since 2021, the Attorney General's Office said its human trafficking task forces have led to more than 900 arrests and connected more than 1,000 survivors to services and resources.
"Human trafficking is a complex, devastat- ing crime, but when we work together, we can make a real difference, and this operation is proof positive of that fact," Bonta said.
California DOJ officials said similar opera- tions will continue as part of the state's ongo- ing strategy to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable communities.
WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
California 175 - Honorable William Alexander Leidesdorff Jr. - 2026 Black History Month
As we ramp up celebrations for the 100th Anniversary of Negro History Week and 50th Anniversary of Black History Month, Honorable William Al- exander Leidesdorff, Jr. legacy provides an example of what is possible today. Honorable William Alexander Leides- dorff, Jr. was born October 1810 at Spring Garden Estates, Danish Isle of St. Croix, today's U.S. Territory of the Virgin Islands. He was the first born of five children of his parents, Anna Ma- rie Sparks, of African Cuban ancestry and his father, Wilhelm Leidesdsdorff of Danish Jewish ancestry.
Trained as a highly educated, skilled and experienced Ship Captain, Leides- dorff global travels during the Age of Sail ended as he was elected initial Trea- surer for today's City of San Francisco, establishing high culture standards as the leading businessman operating the Downtown San Francisco City Hotel in pre-Gold Rush San Francisco.
Leidesdorff was the esteemed venture capital financing expansion of Sutter's Fort in the Sacramento Valley. In 1844, Leidesdorff acquired 8 Mexican leagues or 35,521 acres and established Rancho Rio de Los Americanos as a thriving cattle and wheat enterprise along the American River.
Leidesdorff's Ranch Farmhouse is a part of today's City of Rancho Cordo- va. Leidesdorff Ranch supplied fresh fruits, vegetables, beef and tallow to US Army Stevenson's NY Volunteers who were given orders to "conquer and colonize" Alta California as part of "Manifest Destiny" for the United States of America, July 1846.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
Calling All Artists: Show Your Love of Reading in the County Library Bookmark Contest!
SAN BERNARDINO, CA--- The San Ber- nardino County Library (SBCL) is calling all young artists! The 2026 Bookmark De- sign Contest gives students the opportunity to showcase their creativity and celebrate their love of reading while seeing their artwork shared across the county.
Open to students in grades K-12, the contest invites participants to submit original book- mark artwork that reflects their imagination and passion for reading. Winning designs will be professionally printed and distributed at all 32 SBCL branch libraries, allowing students to share their creativity with the broader com- munity.
submission form from the SBCL website, or Pick up a printed submission form at any of the 32 branch libraries. Submission Instructions.
Program Coordinator Elizabeth Williams. "We look forward to seeing the incredible talent of students from across San Bernardino County and sharing their work with our library com- munity."
For more information about the San Ber- nardino County Library system, visit library. sbcounty.gov, call 909-387-2220 or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
The San Bernardino County Library system is a dynamic network of 32 branch libraries that serve a diverse population over a vast geographic area. The County Library strives to provide equal access to information, tech- nology, events and services for all people who call San Bernardino County home.
All hard-copy submissions must be sub- mitted in person at a library branch or mailed to the Library Administrative Office and re- ceived no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.
Winners will be selected based on creativity, originality, and overall design quality. Schools, teachers, and families are encour- aged to share this opportunity with students and participate countywide.
"This contest is a wonderful way to inspire young people to express their creativity while
Students may download and print a PDF celebrating the joy of reading," said SBCL
How to Participate www.wssnews.com
WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
Hardy & Cheryl Brown Grand Marshals for the San Bernardino Black History Parade
Cheryl and Hardy Brown are the Grand Marshals for the 47th Annual Black History Parade along Baseline from Mt. Vernon to California Street, ending at Arryo High School. They are a powerful duo in San Bernardino, using media, publishing, and politics to uplift their community and advocate for representation and equality.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Hardy and Cheryl Brown will serve as grand marshals for the 2025 San Bernardino Black History Parade on Saturday, February 7, at 9:00 a.m., along Baseline from Mt. Vernon to California Street, ending at Arryo High School. Hardy Brown was the first Black member of the San Ber- nardino City Unified School District school board, and he and his wife founded The Black Voice News. Cheryl served as a state assembly member for the City and region.
"We are honored and excited to welcome Har- dy and Cheryl Brown as the Grand Marshals of the 47th Annual Black History Parade," said Black Cultural Foundation President Carl M. Dameron.
"The Browns' contribution to the Inland Em- pire helped create the political and economic diversity we enjoy today."
"The Executive Committee selected these two exemplary pillars of our community as a tribute to their decades of service. The Browns were instrumental in the founding of the Black Culture Foundation and have served on many committees over the years."
Hardy Brown Sr. is a prominent figure in the Inland Empire's African American communi- ty, recognized as a dedicated newspaper pub- lisher, philanthropist, and community activist. His life journey is marked by a deep commit- ment to social justice, political mobilization, and the preservation of Black history.
Hardy was served with the NAACP and the Inland Empire Urban League. He co-founded the Black Fathers Organization in 1966 to advocate for Black students' integration into Cajon High School, and he helped establish the Westside Action Group (WAG) in 1972 to mobilize the community and hold politicians accountable. He also served on the San Ber- nardino City School Board, working to pre- vent the closure of Westside schools.
Cheryl Renee Brown (born February 11, 1944) is an American politician, publisher, and community leader who served in the Califor- nia State Assembly, representing the 47th As- sembly District from 2012 to 2016. A Demo- crat, Brown has dedicated the majority of her life to public service, earning recognition from numerous local, state, and national organiza- tions for her work.
A lifelong entrepreneur, Brown and her hus- band. Hardy, founded Brown Publishing Com- pany in 1980, which publishes the weekly community newspaper Black Voice News. focusing on local news in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The Browns were recog- nized as the only living publishers included in the 175th anniversary celebration of the Black Press of America. Their daughter, Dr. Paulette Brown-Hines, now owns and operates the newspaper.
To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
ORDER TO SHOWCAUSE - CHANGE OF NAME CASE #: CIVSB2600264 PETITIONER OR ATTOR NEY: OC LAMBERT JR. 464 S SIERRA WAY, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92408 Telephone: (909) 997-0119 E-Mail Address (OPTION- AL): N/A
ATTORNEY FOR (name): PETITIONER IN PRO PER SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO STREET ADDRESS: 247 WEST THIRD ST., SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415 MAILING ADDRESS: SAME
BRANCH NAME: SAN BERNARDINO DISTRICT PETITION OF OC LAM- BERT JR.
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner OC LAMBERT JR. has filed a petition with the clerk of this Court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: OC LAMBERT JR. to Proposed name: OLIVER CLYDE LAMBERT JR. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indi- cated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person ob jecting 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 peti- tion should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a bearing NOTICE OF HEARING:
Date: 03/11/2026 Time: 8:30A.M. Dept: $30 The address of the court is the same as noted above. A copy of this ORDER to Show Cause must be pub. lished at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspa- per): WESTSIDE STORY NEWSPAPER
Date: JANUARY 20, 2026 Sign: GILBERT G. OCHOA, JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT 1-29, 2-5, 2-11, 2-19-2026 Wss-26-006
CASE #: CIVSB2600076 PETITIONER OR ATTOR NEY: SCOT T. MOGA 182012, MOGA LAW FIRM, 1010 NORTH EUCLID AVE- NUE, UPLAND CA 91786 Telephone: (909) 931-2444 E-Mail Address (OPTION- AL): attorney@mogalaw- firm.com ATTORNEY FOR (name): PETITIONER, EVELYN
JEAN MCCOLLOUGH SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO STREET ADDRESS: 247 WEST THIRD ST., SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415 MAILING ADDRESS: SAME
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE CHANGE OF NAME CASE #: CIVSB 2601515 PETITIONER OR ATTOR- NEY CHARLES RICHIE COOPER II, 24731 6th St, SAN BERNARDINO, CA, 92410
Telephone: (909) 890-8357 E-Mail Address (OPTION- AL): N/A
CHANGE OF NAME CASE #: CIVSB 2532801 PETITIONER OR AT TORNEY BRENDA AN- DRADE, 1865 N. WILLOW AVE., RIALTO CA, 92376 Telephone: (909) 648-7283 E-Mail Address (OP TIONAL): ROSEAN
COM ATTORNEY FOR (name): BRENDA ANDRADE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO STREET ADDRESS: 247 WEST THIRD ST, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415 MAILING ADDRESS:
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO STREET ADDRESS: 247 WEST THIRD ST., SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415 MAILING ADDRESS: SAME
BRANCH NAME: N/A PETITION OF: CHARLES RICHIE COOPER II TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner CHARLES RICHIE COOPER II has filed a petition with the clerk of this Court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: CHARLES RICHIE COO- PER II to Proposed name: CHARLES RICHARD GREEN. 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 peti- tion without a hearing.
NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 03/20/2026 Time: 8:30 A.M. Dept: $22 The address of the court is the same as noted above. A copy of this ORDER to Show Cause must be pub. lished at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspa- per): WESTSIDE STORY NEWSPAPER
BRANCH NAME: CIVIL SAME DIVISION
PETITION OF: EVELYN JEAN MCCOLLOUGH TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner EVELYN JEAN McCOLLOUGH has filed a petition with the clerk of this Court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: EVELYN JEAN MCCOLLOUGH to Proposed name: EV- ELYN JEAN MOGA. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indi- cated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person ob- jecting 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 peti- tion should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing NOTICE OF HEARING:
Date: 02/27/2026 Time: 8:30 AM. Dept: $27 The address of the court is the same as noted above. A copy of this ORDER to Show Cause must be pub lished at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspa- per): WESTSIDE STORY NEWSPAPER
Date: JANUARY 13, 2026 Sign: GILBERT G. OCHOA, JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Run Dates 1-29, 2-5, 2-12, 2-19-2026 Wss-26-005
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner BRENDA AN. DRADE has filed a petition with the clerk of this Court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: BRENDA ANDRADE to Proposed name: ROSE ANDRADE. 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 peti- tion without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING: Date: 03/10/2026 Time: 8:30 AM. Dept: $14 The address of the court is the same as noted above. A copy of this ORDER to Show Cause must be pub lished at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspa- per): WESTSIDE STORY NEWSPAPER
Date: NOVEMBER 20, Date: FEBRUARY 3, 2026 2025 Sign: GILBERT G. OCHOA, JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Run Dates 2-5, 2-12, 2-19, 2-26-2026 Wss-26-007
Sign: GILBERT G. OCHOA, JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT Run Dates 1-22, 1-29, 2-4, 2-11-2026 Wss-26-003
Tiffany Duvernay-Smith went from knowing the harsh realities of homelessness to owning her first home made possible by the California Housing Finance Agency's (CalHFA) Dream For All program, which is reopening applications this month with up to $150,000 in down payment assis- tance for first-generation buyers.
"I feel like I was the least likely person," says Duvernay-Smith, who is Coordinator for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Au-
WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER
Can You Afford a Mortgage but Not the Down Payment?
Dream For All Offers
Up to $150K
Duvernay-Smith's journey ex- emplifies the transformative potential of Dream For All, a program designed to help first- generation homebuyers across California. This year, applications will open on February 24, and close on March 16. The program uses a random selection process to ensure equitable access, and Gov. Gavin Newsom's office has di- rected that a minimum of 10% of funds go to applicants in Qualified Census Tracts -- communities that We will publish all of your Legal Ads thority's Lived Experience Board. historically faced discriminatory
(909)384-8131 a published journalist, artist and outspoken advocate for unhoused people, people living with disabil- ities and domestic violence survivors.
"I come from homelessness, and I didn't know my story would change from homeless to home- owner. But if there's a house with your name on it, nothing can stop you."
or unfair barriers to home owner- ship.
For eligible participants, the program provides up to 20% of the home's purchase price or ap- praised value in down payment assistance-capped at $150,000.
To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.