Volume 40 No. 27

• COMPLIMENTARY
• Volume 40 No. 27
• Thursday
• September 17, 2026

Dolly Parton's African Legacy

The country legend who died in August leaves a surprising and enduring bond with Africa, spanning music, philanthropy and a nation's farewell.

By Angela M. Coggs

When Dolly Parton died on 25 August 2026 at the age of 80, the tributes came from the places you would expect: Nashville, Los Angeles, London. But they also came from somewhere less obvious. Across East Africa, and in South Africa, people grieved a country music icon they had long thought of as one of their own. It might surprise those who think of country as an all- American sound, but Parton’s

See "Dolly's Afric..." page 8

CSU Expands Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Through Campus Innovation

Michelson 20MM Foundation-funded microgrants awarded to 11 campuses to launch new student parent programming

As part of the California State University (CSU) systemwide Pregnant and Parenting Students Initiative (PPSI), 11 campuses have been awarded $5,500 grants each to launch innovative projects that strengthen belonging, expand access to resources and help student parents persist to graduation. Funded by the Michelson 20MM Foundation and administered through the CSU Basic Needs Initiative, these one-time PPSI microgrants recognize efforts across the CSU system to address the unique needs of student parents as they navigate higher education while balancing caregiving responsibilities, employment and financial obliga tions. The 11 campuses awarded the grants are: Cal State East Bay, Fresno State, Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal State Long Beach, CSUN, Cal State San Bernardino, San Diego State, San José State, Cal Poly San in Luis Obispo, Sonoma State and Stanislaus State. The microgrants support innovative, campus-designed strategies for student parents. The range of projects that will be implement

See "CSU Expands..." page 8

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7th Annual Dr. Martin Luther Why the U.S. Frequently King Jr. Service Gala Awards

Celebrating Excellence. Honoring Service. Inspiring the Next Generation.

Votes Against African Interests at the UN The U.S. was the only South-South and Triancountry that voted against gular Cooperation, which a UN resolution to adopt sought to help developing a new world map that ac- countries tackle challengcurately depicts Africa's es and achieve their goals. size. Rather than viewing

The President of the Sothe US vote as an isolated ciety for International Reevent, analysts say a re- lations Awareness (SIRA), view of major UN resolu- Owei Lakemfa, attributed

SAN BERNARDINO, Gala Awards.

tions in the past year shows the U.S. actions to impe-

CA — The Southern Cali-

This prestigious event several other instances of rialistic tendencies: "The fornia Black Chamber of recognizes outstanding the U.S. opposing Africa's US sees itself as the com- Commerce – Inland Cit- athletes whose impact ex- interests.

mander of the world. It ies East Chapter, in part- tends far beyond the game.

Earlier in the year, the has a mentality of trying nership with YouthBuild We are seeking individu- U.S. stood against the to enslave other people, so Inland Empire and LUE als who were either raised Ghanaian-sponsored res- whenever you have other Productions

Community in our community or have olution to recognize the people moving towards Umbrella Services, proud- adopted our community as transatlantic slave trade as progress, it does not." ly invites the community their own and have dem- the gravest crime against to submit nominations for onstrated an unwavering humanity. Last December, the 7th Annual Dr. Martin the Americans also voted

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Luther King Jr. Service

See "7th Annual..." page 7 against the resolution on

• Thursday, September 17, 2026
• Crafton Hills College
• Uganda's Tooro

Foundation to celebrate Bright

Kingdom Hit by Nights, Brighter Futures and Honor Succession Row 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Bill Soqui port and other resources that help students overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational and career goals. Ahighlight of this year’s celebration will be the presentation of CHC’s 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award to William “Bill” Soqui, whose connection to the college spans more

Tooro Kingdom is facing a succesthan four decades and whose career sion dispute after King Oyo Nyimhas been defined by leadership in ba, also known as Rukidi IV, died the fire service, emergency medical aged 34 while undergoing cancer services, public safety and commu- treatment in the U.S. nity service.

The royal clan's succession com- Soqui first came to CHC in 1980 mittee has chosen Oyo's cousin, and earned an associate of science Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanango-

Alumnus Bill Soqui degree in fire technology and emer ma, as the next monarch. However, gency medical services. He was a Oyo's mother, Queen Kemigisa, and YUCAIPA, CA – The Crafton Hills member of CHC’s Paramedic Pro- his sister have rejected the decision. College (CHC) Foundation will cel- gram Class No.8 in fall 1981 and They said that the late king left a ebrate the impact of education, com- soon returned to the college as an in- will, naming his son as his succesmunity and philanthropy at Bright structor, serving on the EMS faculty sor and accused the committee of Nights, Brighter Futures, its annual from 1982 to 1990, helping prepare acting without authority. fundraising event, on Wednesday, the next generation of first respond September 23, from 5:30 to 8:30 ers.

Oyo has not publicly confirmed the identity of the son and his mother, p.m. on the campus quad.

“The knowledge and experience adding to the uncertainty. The king- The annual event brings together I gained at Crafton Hills College dom's prime minister has urged both alumni, community members, busi- developed a solid foundation that sides to avoid confrontation. Rukidi ness partners and friends of the col- guided me throughout my fire ser

IV has been buried in Fort Portal lege in support of CHC students. vice and emergency medical service Proceeds provide scholarships, career,” Soqui said. emergency assistance, program sup-

See "Crafton Hills..." page 7

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On Your November Ballot:

Prop 38 Would Allocate $8.4 Billion to Immunology and Immunotherapy Funding

By Austin Gage | California Black Media

California Women Rank 30th Most Mentally Overwhelmed in America, Study Finds.

The errands may eventu- are carrying a considerally get done. The work of ably heavier burden than

California voters will de- therapy research. At least remembering them rarely those elsewhere.

cide in November wheth- half of the bond proceeds, does.

Maine Has America’s er Proposition (Prop) 38 or $4.2 billion, would be For many women, pres- Most

Mentally

Over- should authorize substan- dedicated exclusively to sure does not come from whelmed Women tial state funding for im- research. one dramatic source. It ac- Maine topped the ranking, munology and immuno-

Additionally, Prop 38 cumulates quietly: work with 82% of women sur- therapy research.

would make it mandatory deadlines, household bills, veyed in the state saying

The initiative would fund for the state to enter into an grocery lists, medical ap- they regularly feel men- immunology and immu- agreement with a qualified pointments, childcare, ag- tally overwhelmed. That notherapy research aimed nonprofit institute focused ing relatives and the ex- equates to an estimated at harnessing the body’s and dedicated to researchpectation that someone 496,987 adult women immune system to develop ing immunology and imwill remember what needs statewide.

new treatments, medical munotherapy within 90 to do next.

55% of California wom- procedures and potential days of the initiative’s ef- AMFM Mental Health en surveyed said they feel cures for diseases such as fective date. The research Treatment surveyed 3,004 mentally overwhelmed at cancer, Alzheimer’s dis- institute must be affiliat women to examine the least a few times a month ease and heart disease.

ed with the University of weight of this largely in- (ranking in 30th place na-

More specifically, Prop California. visible mental load - and tionally). Based on Cali- 38, titled the Immunology

The third component determine where women fornia's adult female pop- and Immunotherapy Re- mandates that the remainare feeling it most acutely. ulation, that equates to an search Funding Initiative, ing bond revenue must The study ranked states estimated 8,831,131 wom- is split into three main be directed to Californiaaccording to the percent- en statewide. Put another components that would go based public and nonage of women who said way, a significant pro into effect if passed.

profit medical institutions they feel mentally over- portion woman are regu-

First, the initiative would through a peer-reviewed whelmed at least a few larly contending with the authorize the state to issue grant process. times a month. The results feeling that they have too $8.4 billion in general obsuggest that women in some parts of the country

See "California..." page 7 ligation bonds to support immunology and immuno-

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Thursday, September 17, 2026

Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins’s Bill Would Pause Law Enforcement’s Use of Shock Gloves Pending Study

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

A bill temporarily prohibiting law empt.

will do,” Sharp-Collins told her colenforcement agencies from using

Newsom has until September 30 to leagues. electric shock gloves in California sign or veto the bill. If he takes no The device at the center of the deis awaiting action by Gov. Gavin action, it will become law without bate is known as the G.L.O.V.E., an Newsom.

his signature.

acronym for Generated Low Output

Assembly Bill (AB) 2760, authored

Sharp-Collins introduced the mea- Voltage Emitter. U.S. Immigration by Assemblymember LaShae Sharp- sure after reviewing information in- and Customs Enforcement awarded Collins (D-San Diego), passed the dicating that the devices could cause a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 Senate 29-9 on Aug. 31. The As serious injury or death if used with- pairs of the gloves, which are desembly concurred in Senate amend- out adequate safeguards and train- signed to deliver an electric shock ments the same day on a 55-16 vote. ing.

through an officer’s hand.

The bill would prohibit state, lo-

“AB 2760 draws a line that public

For most of the legislative session, cal and federal law enforcement safety technology must be proven AB 2760 addressed an unrelated agencies from using wearable elec- safe and accountable before it is em- subject. The original proposal would troshock devices in California until ployed. Not after someone is killed have authorized county boards of Jan. 1, 2030. It would also bar agen- or injured,” said Sharp-Collins, a supervisors to establish inspectors cies from using state funds to pur- member of the California Legisla- general to oversee agencies such chase the devices and require them tive Black Caucus (CLBC).

as animal control departments and to update their use-of-force policies accordingly.

“Our commitment is to protect our county probation offices. communities, especially the most Traditional handheld devices, in- vulnerable. That is what AB 2760 cluding tasers and stun guns, are ex- is about and that is what AB 2760

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UN Votes to Adopt New World Map That Shows Africa's True Size

Westsidestory Newspaper

Phenix Technology, Inc. Earns Veteran-Owned Small Business Certification

VOSB certification spotlights Phenix Technology, Inc.’s longstanding association with both the fire service and the U.S. military.

RIVERSIDE, CA – Phe-

Veteran service remains nix Technology, Inc., a deeply rooted in the Phefirefighter-owned and op nix family. Ray Russell, erated manufacturer of owner and founder of The UN General Assem- regions near the equator firefighter helmets and Phenix Technology, Inc., bly has voted in favor of smaller. Africa, for exam- PPE, is proud to announce served in the U.S. Army replacing the widely used ple, appears to be roughly that it has received Veter- from 1960 to 1963 and his Mercator world map with the same size as an-Owned Small

Busi- son, Shaun Russell, also a projection that more ac-

Greenland on some Mer- ness (VOSB) certification served in the U.S. Army, curately reflects the size cator maps, despite being through the U.S. Small with the 10th Mountain of Africa. The non-bind- about 14 times larger.

Business Administration’s Division. During his sering "Correct the Map" Supporters of the resolu- VetCert Program.

vice time, Shaun deployed resolution, sponsored by tion argue that such distor-

Although veteran-owned to combat zones as part Togo and backed by Afri- tions shape political and since its inception in 1972, of his tour in Kosovo and can Union member states, economic perceptions of this certification formal earned several medals for received support from Africa and can minimize ly recognizes Phenix as a courage and valor.

countries, includ- the continent's size, re- veteran-owned small busi-

The military service of ing France and the Unit- sources, population and ness and opens new oppor- both Ray and Shaun, as ed Kingdom. The United development potential.

tunities for the company well as many other mem-

States was the only coun-

The African Union ad- in the federal and military bers of the Phenix family, try to vote against it, and opted the Equal Earth pro- contract space.

serves as a reflection of six nations abstained.

jection earlier this year, “Phenix has always been the longstanding family The Mercator projection, saying it provides a more veteran-owned, but this commitment to protecting created in the 16th cen- accurate representation of new certification makes others – values that contury to assist navigation, the relative sizes of conti- that fact more widely tinue to shape Phenix and has long been criticized nents. for distorting the size of countries and continents by making areas near the poles appear larger and To read more, visit www.wssnews.com.

known and opens up op- its devotion to manufacportunities for us to pur- turing firefighter helmets sue new relationships and and other vital PPE. expand our brand,” said Angel Sanchez, CEO.

• Thursday, September 17, 2026
• Continued from page 5
• Continued from page 4

Crafton Hills College Foundation to Celebrate

California Women Rank 30th much to think about, or- table, Nevada recorded by Throughout his career, rose through the ranks of ganize or remember. The far the lowest rate, at 25%. Soqui continued his edu- California’s fire service, findings suggest that, for Estimated numbers were cation at CHC, complet- serving as division chief many California women, calculated using the undering advanced training in in Rialto, deputy fire mar feeling overwhelmed is lying unrounded survey fire officer leadership, shal in Santa Clara and fire not an occasional response results and adult female driver operations, public chief of Cathedral City to a particularly difficult population figures. education, fire prevention, from 2006 until his retire- day but a recurring part of hazardous materials and ment from public service everyday life. fire instruction. He later in 2012. earned a bachelor’s degree

At the opposite end of the To read more, visit www.wssnews.com.

in business from the University of Redlands and To read more, visit www.wssnews.com

Continued from page 5

7th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Gala Awards commitment to giving

If you know an athlete back through leadership, who is making a meanmentorship, philanthropy, ingful difference on and advocacy, and community off the field, court, track, service.

or arena, we encourage Nomination Categories you to nominate them toinclude High School Ath- day.

Together, let's cellete, Collegiate Athlete, ebrate those who continue Professional Athlete. And Dr. King's dream through Retired Athlete.

leadership, service, and The chamber is still community impact. looking for athletes who

The awards are hosted embody the spirit of Dr. by the Southern California Martin Luther King Jr. by Black Chamber of Comusing their platform to up- merce – Inland Cities East lift others, inspire hope, Chapter in partnership create opportunities, and with YouthBuild Inland strengthen the communi- Empire and LUE Producties they serve.

tions Community Umbrel- The Dr. Martin Luther la Services. To nominate King Jr. Service Gala an athlete who is changing Awards stand as a testa- lives and building stronger ment to the hard work, communities visit https:// dedication, compassion, w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / and selfless service of events/902360762349561. our honorees. These indi- For more information, viduals exemplify what it please contact The Southmeans to help communi- ern California Black chamties connect, grow, suc- ber of Commerce Inland ceed, and prosper while Cities Est President - Lue leaving a legacy for future Dowdy at (909) 495-0848 generations.

or text (909) 567-1000.

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Continued from the front page

Dolly's African Legacy music has been loved in Africa for a very long time, and not at the margins. For decades, listeners in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have followed American country artists as devotedly as any pop or R&B fan, and Parton and Kenny Rogers have long sat near the top of the request lists. Her death has become a moment to notice just how far her songs, and her story, travelled from the Smoky Mountains. A voice on Nairobi radio Nowhere is that clearer than in Kenya. Her songs, from “9 to 5” to “Jolene,” crossed oceans to become old favorites on Kenyan radio, the kind of records listeners know by heart. For the broadcasters who grew up on that catalogue, losing her felt personal. Catherine Ndonye, who has hosted “Sundowner” on the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation across three decades on air, spoke of how hard it was to pick which Parton songs to play in the days after her death. When someone has recorded well over a thousand songs across more than sixty years, and nearly all of them are worth putting on, where do you even begin? This is not a recent affection. Country music found its way to Kenyan ears remarkably early, back in the 1920s and ‘30s, when listeners first heard artists like Jimmie Rodgers on scratchy 78s. That thread runs unbroken to today, where Nairobi’s clubs have their own rising country stars, among them a singer who performs as Steve Rogers, and where radio and television presenters still keep Don Williams, Kenny Rogers and Parton in regular rotation.

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CLASSIFIED / LEGAL SECTION

Continued from the front page

CSU Expands Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students during the 2026-27 academic year include welcome kits for student parents, family resource fairs and community celebrations, wellness and parent engagement programming, basic needs distributions for student families, family education workshops, student parent storytelling campaigns, expanded resource navigation, recurring parent scholar gatherings, and new family-friendly infrastructure such as campus changing tables. Together, these efforts advance the commitment across the CSU to: • Creating more welcoming and family-friendly campus environments. • Increasing equitable access to basic needs resources and support services. • Strengthening student parents' sense of belonging and connection to campus. • Building sustainable campus and community partnerships.

Informing future systemwide strategies through assessment, collaboration and shared learning. "Supporting student parents is an investment with ripple effects," said Carolyn O'Keefe, CSU’s systemwide director of Student Wellness and Basic Needs. "When pregnant and parenting students have the resources, they need to succeed, they model resilience and pass down the value of higher education to their children. By investing in their success, we are fostering future college-going families and helping to strengthen communities and the state." The PPSI, along with these microgrants, represent the CSU’s continued commitment to addressing students’ holistic needs by ensuring pregnant and parenting students have access to the resources, accommodations and campus environments necessary to fully participate in college and achieve their educational goal.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE - CHANGE OF NAME CASE #: CIVSB2620570 PETITIONER OR ATTOR- NEY: ESTELA CAMPO CAZAREZ, 2396 MEDI CAL CENTER DR., SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92411 Telephone: (909) 708-0552 E-Mail Address (OPTION- AL): N/A SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO STREET ADDRESS: 247 WEST THIRD ST., SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415 M A I L I N G A D D R E S S : SAME BRANCH NAME: SAN BERNARDINO PETITION OF: IN RE: MATEO ALDANA OC- AMPO TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner ESTELA OC- AMPO CAZAREZ has filed a petition with the clerk of this Court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: MA- TEO ALDANA OCAMPO to Proposed name: MATEO A L D A N A - O C A M P O 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: 10/15/2026

Time:

8:30 A.M.

Dept: S32 The address of the court is the same as noted above. A copy of this ORDER to Show Cause must be published 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 newspaper): WESTSIDE STORY NEWSPAPER Date: SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 S i g n :

W I L F R E D

J . SCHNEIDER, JR. JUDGE O F T H E S U P E R I O R COURT Wss 26-020 9-10, 9-17, 9-24, 10-01-2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE - CHANGE OF NAME CASE #: CIVSB2623677 P E T I T I O N E R O R AT- T O R N E Y: LY N E T T E ANN CURRY, 495 E. ERD ST., APT O-8, SAN BER- NARDINO, CA 92410 Telephone: (909) 4864-376 E-Mail Address (OPTION- AL): currylinda235@gmail. com SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO STREET ADDRESS: 247 WEST THIRD ST., SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92415 M A I L I N G A D D R E S S : SAME BRANCH NAME: SAN BERNARDINO PETITION OF: LINDA ANN CURRY TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner LINDA ANN CURRY has filed a petition with the clerk of this Court for a decree changing names as follows: Present name: LINDA ANN CURRY to Proposed name: LINDA LYNETTE ANN CURRY 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: 10/07/2026

Time:

8:30 A.M.

Dept: S33 The address of the court is the same as noted above. A copy of this ORDER to Show Cause must be published 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 newspaper): WESTSIDE STORY NEWSPAPER Date: AUGUST 18, 2026 Sign: JOSEPH T. ORTIZ, JUDGE OF THE SUPE- RIOR COURT wss 26-021 9-3, 9-10, 9-17, 9-24-2026

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