By Tanya Dennis

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has announced that Bernard ‘Bernie’ Black, a nationally respected legal scholar, will meet with California Assistant Attorney General Eleanor Blume on July 27 to discuss the urgent need for guardianship, conservatorship, and probate reform.

The meeting marks another important step in NPRC’s effort to encourage California’s governor and attorney general to take a leadership role in addressing systemic abuse, financial exploitation, and the lack of meaningful oversight within probate and guardianship courts.

Black has been a professor of law and finance at Northwestern University and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law since 2010. Before joining Northwestern, he served on the faculties of Stanford University, Columbia University, and the University of Texas at Austin, earning international recognition as one of America’s foremost empirical legal scholars.

Despite his legal expertise, Black says neither his knowledge nor his professional reputation protected his family from what he describes as a deeply flawed guardianship system.

Following the death of his mother in 2012, Black’s sister, Joanne, who had lived with schizophrenia for more than 35 years, became the beneficiary of approximately two-thirds of their mother’s $4 million estate through a special needs trust established to provide for her lifetime care.

Seeking to preserve his mother’s estate plan and protect Joanne’s eligibility for public benefits, Black petitioned the Denver Probate Court for a temporary conservatorship and requested judicial approval for actions necessary to preserve assets. According to Black, the case initially appeared to proceed appropriately. Both the court-appointed counsel and a guardian ad litem supported his proposed conservatorship plan.

Black says the case later took a dramatically different turn.

According to Black, court-appointed professionals used family disagreements to seize control of the family trusts. What followed was 12 years of litigation and 96 probate court decisions, resulting in millions of dollars in professional fees.

Black says repeated settlement proposals intended to preserve assets for his sister’s benefit were rejected. He also strongly disputes adverse findings made by the probate court against him, his wife, and his son, arguing the court lacked jurisdiction over members of his family. Appeals were unsuccessful, reinforcing his concern that probate courts exercise extraordinary discretion with insufficient oversight.

Joanne Black passed away on Aug. 14, 2025. Black contends that millions of dollars that should have benefited his sister and preserved his family’s legacy have instead been consumed by litigation and administrative expenses. He continues to fight efforts to deplete the remaining family trusts.

“My sister has died, yet the Denver Probate Court and the guardianship professionals are still pursuing what is left of our family’s money,” Black said. “I’m talking millions of dollars.”

Black believes his family’s experience demonstrates that even experienced attorneys can become overwhelmed by a probate system that often lacks transparency and accountability.

Joining Black at the July 27 meeting will be Rick Black, founder of the Center for Estate Administration Reform (CEAR), who will present his organization’s proposed Victims’ Bill of Rights for individuals and families involved in probate and guardianship proceedings.

Together with the NPRC, they will urge the Attorney General’s Office to investigate fraud, financial exploitation, and predatory practices while aggressively enforcing existing laws that protect elders, disabled adults, and vulnerable families.

NPRC asserts California’s Attorney General, as the state’s chief law enforcement officer, has both the authority and responsibility to investigate fraud, public corruption, and financial exploitation occurring within probate courts.

The Coalition also hopes California will lead a national initiative by working with attorneys general across the country to develop coordinated enforcement strategies and meaningful reforms that restore integrity, transparency, and accountability to probate courts nationwide.

Bernard Black’s experience echoes hundreds of similar stories documented by probate reform advocates throughout the nation. His message to the Attorney General is both simple and sobering:

“If this can happen to one of America’s most respected law professors, it can happen to anyone.”

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By Special to The Post

The interfaith community effort commemorates the 250th anniversary of the U.S.

More than 29,000 meals were received and distributed at the historic Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in West Oakland as part of an interfaith community effort to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB), Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (MZMBC), and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) partnered to address food insecurity throughout Alameda County.

A semi-truckload of food arrived at MZMBC in Oakland on Tuesday, July 21. This was one of 250 trucks the LDS church is sending throughout the United States. By the end of the year 10 million pounds of food will be donated. Each truck carries approximately 40,000 pounds of shelf-stable pantry staples that can feed 1,400 families for one week.

The need for food is significant. According to the ACCFB, 1 in 4 members of the community they serve is experiencing or at risk of hunger.

“The challenges get much harder during the summer when children no longer have access to healthy meals at school,” says Regi Young, executive director of Alameda County Community Food Bank. “Our community and our food bank face similar challenges accessing some of the highest quality and high demand foods because they are typically also the most expensive.

“Fresh milk is among the top items on these lists, so we are extremely grateful for this donation to help more families stretch their budgets and get through these challenging summer months,” Young said.

Two days later, on July 23, another semi-truck, this one bearing fresh milk from the LDS church, arrived at the ACCFB.
Event organizers share a commitment to caring for those in need and fostering meaningful service connections within communities.

“After 250 years, there is still food insecurity in America, and this is an interfaith community effort to eradicate hunger in our communities and cities,” said Pastor Michael Wallace of Mount Zion. “We believe that having food is a basic human right and to address it is our Christian duty. That’s what makes this partnership so meaningful.”

“Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in following the Savior’s commandments to love God and to love our neighbor,” says David Kimball, president of the Oakland Stake of the LDS church. “We are grateful to partner with these organizations to help care for those in need in our community.”

Welcoming the truck’s arrival at 10 a.m. at MZMBC were Kimball, Young, Wallace of MZMBC, and civil rights activist and Post News Group Publisher Paul Cobb. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee was in attendance and addressed the hundreds of volunteers. Inspiring music was provided by members of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir under the leadership of Terrance Kelly.

Teens from both churches were on hand to assist with loading food items for various local nonprofits and community groups to distribute to those in need. The teens also assembled 1,000 hygiene kits for the unhoused. Each kit will include a note of encouragement written by the children and youth of each church.
The churches and organizations that received food include:

• Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
• ECAP (Emeryville Citizens Assistance Program)
• Support Life Foundation/Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC)
• Serenity House
• CRECE (Central American Refugee Committee)
• ION (Impact Oakland Now -Word Assembly, Center of Hope and Abyssinian Baptist Church)
• True Faith Baptist Church (East Oakland)

“These two large shipments of food and milk, along with this interfaith, community event, exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and community service that this country was built on,” says Gregg Ankenman, assistant director of Community Service for the Oakland/San Francisco Communication Council of the LDS Church.

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Staying sober can lead to better physical health, stronger relationships, improved mental clarity, and greater financial stability. While the path looks different for everyone, building healthy routines and finding the right support can make long-term sobriety both achievable and rewarding.

A father arrives at his daughter’s birthday party fully present for the first time in years, remembering every laugh, conversation, and candle blown out. That single afternoon reminds him that sobriety is about getting life’s meaningful moments back. If you are ready to create a healthier, more fulfilling future, the right strategies and support can help you build a joyful life, one day at a time.

Benefits of Sobriety

One of the greatest rewards of sobriety is the opportunity to build a life based on intention instead of impulse. As recovery progresses, many people find they have greater control over their choices, making it easier to pursue long-term goals with confidence and consistency.

Sobriety can also strengthen personal resilience. Difficult situations still happen, but learning to face challenges without relying on substances often builds problem-solving skills and emotional maturity. Over time, setbacks become opportunities to learn rather than reasons to give up.

Many people also discover a renewed sense of self. Interests that were neglected during active addiction often return, while new passions emerge through learning, travel, creativity, or community involvement. This process helps people develop an identity that is no longer centered on substance use.

Personal achievements tend to become more meaningful as well. Completing a fitness challenge, earning a promotion, returning to school, or simply keeping promises to yourself can create genuine pride. These accomplishments reinforce the belief that lasting progress comes from steady effort rather than quick fixes.

Sobriety also encourages greater independence. Making thoughtful decisions, managing responsibilities, and handling everyday challenges without relying on alcohol or drugs builds confidence over time.

Tips for Remaining Sober: Creating Healthy Habits

Healthy habits give each day structure and make it easier to stay focused on recovery. Instead of trying to change everything at once, start with a few realistic goals that can be repeated consistently. Small improvements often become lasting routines when practiced over time.

Building habits around your personal goals can also create a stronger sense of purpose. Setting aside time for exercise, preparing meals at home, reading, learning a new skill, or spending time with supportive friends helps fill your schedule with positive activities that support long-term success.

Consistency matters more than perfection. Missing a workout or having a stressful day does not erase your progress. Returning to your routine as soon as possible helps reinforce healthy behaviors and keeps temporary setbacks from becoming lasting obstacles.

Have a Support System

Recovery is easier when you have people who encourage your progress and understand your goals. A strong support system can include:

• Family members
• Close friends
• Counselors
• Sponsors
• Support groups for sobriety

Knowing someone is available to listen or offer advice can make it easier to stay committed to sobriety.

Support groups also create opportunities to learn from people with shared experiences. Hearing how others have handled setbacks, celebrated milestones, and maintained long-term recovery can provide valuable encouragement and practical ideas for your own journey. Many people also choose to find high-quality AA tokens to recognize important sobriety milestones and celebrate the progress they have worked hard to achieve.

Building a support network takes time, but every positive connection strengthens your foundation for lasting recovery. Staying in regular contact with supportive people, attending meetings consistently, and asking for help when needed can make challenges feel less overwhelming while reminding you that you do not have to navigate sobriety alone.

Trying New Activities

Recovery creates an opportunity to explore interests that may have been overlooked in the past. Trying new activities can replace old routines with experiences that bring enjoyment, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. It also helps reduce boredom, which is a common trigger for many people in recovery.

There is no single activity that works for everyone. The goal is to find hobbies that match your interests and encourage regular participation. Many people discover new passions through activities such as:

• Hiking local trails
• Taking cooking classes
• Learning a musical instrument
• Joining a recreational sports league
• Painting or photography
• Gardening
• Volunteering in the community
• Taking online or in-person courses

Exploring different hobbies also introduces you to people who share similar interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Handle Peer Pressure While Staying Sober?

Handling peer pressure starts with being confident in your decision to start living a sober lifestyle. Let friends know your boundaries ahead of time, and have a simple response ready if someone offers you alcohol or drugs. Many people find it helpful to suggest alternative activities or bring a nonalcoholic drink to social events, so they feel more comfortable.

If certain people repeatedly pressure you or dismiss your choices, it may be necessary to spend less time with them. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends who respect your commitment can make social situations easier and help you stay focused on your long-term recovery goals.

How Can Volunteering Support a Sober Lifestyle?

Volunteering can strengthen sobriety by providing purpose, structure, and meaningful social connections. Helping others encourages a sense of accomplishment and shifts attention away from cravings or negative thought patterns. It also creates opportunities to meet people who share positive values and healthy lifestyles.

Whether serving at a food bank, mentoring others, helping at community events, or supporting local charities, volunteering can build confidence while creating a rewarding routine. Many people find that giving back reminds them of their progress in overcoming addiction challenges.

How Does Sobriety Affect Sleep Over Time?

Sleep often improves as sobriety continues, although the process can take time. During the first few days or weeks, some people experience insomnia, vivid dreams, or restless sleep as the body adjusts. As recovery progresses, sleep patterns typically become more consistent, allowing for deeper, more restorative rest.

The following can all support healthier sleep throughout recovery:

• Maintaining a regular bedtime
• Limiting caffeine late in the day
• Exercising regularly
• Creating a relaxing nighttime routine
• Limiting daytime naps

Staying Sober: Now You Know

A lot goes into staying sober. With the right habits and support, you’ll have an easier time.

Do you need more health and wellness tips? Explore some of our other useful articles today.

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