The Bulletin

CSU ENGAGES FAITH-BASED PARTNERS FOR SUPER SUNDAY OUTREACH

Annual statewide events seek to inspire a college-going culture among African American youth.

The California State University (CSU) has partnered with a number of predominantly African American churches throughout California to present the 19th annual CSU Super Sunday on February 25.

CSU system leaders, campus presidents, administrators and students will visit places of worship—both in person and virtually—to share personal stories and important college-related information with congregants to advance access, opportunity and success for Black and African American students.

“CSU Super Sunday remains a key element in our year-round efforts to engage with local faithbased communities to share a message of access and opportunity, and to provide prospective students and their families with important

information about college preparation and admission,” said Dilcie Perez, deputy vice chancellor of CSU Academic and Student Affairs and Chief Student Affairs Officer. “As we collectively work to advance Black student success across our university system, we want to build lifelong relationships and make sure every one of our Black students attains the lifechanging benefits of a CSU degree.”

After Super Sunday services, outreach directors and staff will provide information on the CSU application and admission process, as well as scholarships and financial aid available to Cal State students.

Since its launch in 2005, more than a million people have participated in this signature awareness event for CSU’s African American communities. The CSU remains committed to closing equity gaps and ensuring all

FEBRUARY 13, 2024 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA COMMENDATORY RESOLUTIONS/PRESENTATIONS POWERPOINT

PRESENTATION: COMPTON

SHERIFF 2023 CRIME STATISTIC INFORMATION – Presented by Captain Bell, Compton Sheriff Station. Council asked many questions regarding the crime statistics relative to Street TakeOvers, Issuing of Citations/ Vehicles being towed during these

exhibitions, Prostitution/Solicitation and Homicides were at the forefront of questions, comments and concerns being addressed.

REGULAR AGENDA

REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES AND CITY COUNCIL

District 2 Councilman Andre Spicer motioned to appoint Mr. Cecil Jay Ojeda to the Planning Commission. City Council voted

Fatal Pitbull attack in Compton leads to investigation

In a heartbreaking development, a distressing discovery was made at the 900 Block of North Thorson Avenue, in Compton, California where the significant other of a victim found them deceased in his backyard.

Upon arrival, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department encountered five adult Pitbull dogs and eight puppies aged four to six months within the yard.

First responders swiftly took action to corral the dogs into a neighboring yard to access the victim. The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) was on scene and has taken all of the dogs into custody.

The father of the dog owner is cooperating and has consented to signing over the dogs to DACC. The animals will be safely transported to the Downey Animal Care Center (ACC) for impoundment and thorough examination by the center’s staff veterinarian.

Preliminary information suggests that the deceased individual was involved in breeding and selling Pitbulls. DACC continues to work diligently to gather additional details surrounding the

n Pitbull, see page 8

5-0. Motion passed. CITY TREASURER’S REPORT

City Treasurer Brandon Mims shared a PowerPoint Presentation providing information to the City Council and community regarding the City’s Fiscal Year 2024, Second Quarter Investments Copies of the Reports and PowerPoint Presentation are available on the city’s website. NEW BUSINESS

4. The City Council voted 5-0 in favor of passing a resolution

approving a memorandum of an agreement between the City of Compton and the Service Employees International Unions (SEIU) Local 721, maintenance and trades unit and public safety auxiliary for fiscal year 2023-2024. Motion passed.

5. The City Council voted 5-0 to pass a resolution authorizing the City Manager to open a purchase order to pay outstanding invoices for Hollywood Elite Security in

Lynwood Unified holds college and career fair

Lynwood Unified seniors got the chance to discover the possibilities and design their futures during the third annual INSPIRE Community College and Career Fair on February 9, empowering students to make informed decisions about their post-graduation plans.

WITH resumes in hand, about 300 curious students from Firebaugh, Lynwood and Vista high schools explored a variety of higher education and career opportunities, meeting with representatives from colleges who shared potential career pathways and employers who discussed high-paying entry-level positions.

“For me as a senior, this is giving me more insight as to more

opportunities I can pursue after high school, whether it’s like colleges or careers in general,” said Lynwood High School student Arlene Zillow, who plans to pursue computer science.

Students learned about trades such as auto collision repair and paint, machine tool technologies, and health sciences available at Cerritos and Compton colleges, the Lynwood Community Adult School, and NTMA Machinist Career College. They also learned about careers available within the LA County Sheriff’s Department, Caltrans, LA County Sanitation District and more.

The INSPIRE event is a testament to Lynwood Unified’s commitment to providing students who may not be on a traditional postsecondary path with resources, access to local employers, and opportunities that encourage them to take the steps necessary for a successful journey toward their futures.

County DA fighting back against Organized Retail Theft cases

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that nearly 200 organized retail theft cases involving adult and juvenile defendants have been filed by the office.

These cases were filed through the efforts of the regional organized retail task forces which is comprised of regional law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office partnering together to prosecute these crimes.

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime, it harms our community’s sense of security while shopping at these retailers, and the ability for local businesses to succeed,” District Attorney Gascón said. “When we saw a rise in organized retail theft crimes, I committed to holding these individuals accountable. Through my partnership with the Organized Retail Theft Task Force, we have been able to track down many of the offenders and bring them to justice.

We want businesses to succeed and for Angelenos to feel safe while they’re out in public.

Filing these cases is just the beginning of my office’s work toward deterring these types of crimes in order to make Los Angeles County a safer place.”

“Organized retail theft stole the feeling of safety and security from Angelino’s and business owners alike last year,” said LAPD Chief Michel Moore. “This regional organized retail theft task force has restored much of this, although, there is work still to be done.

“I am proud of the hard work and dedication to public safety of those not only from the Los Angeles Police Department, but our partnering agencies as well. As public servants, we cannot work in silos; we cannot work alone. Public safety belongs to all of us,” Moore added.

“The Sheriff’s Organized Retail Crimes Task Force in collaboration with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and our partner law enforcement agencies are continuing to work tirelessly to tackle these brazen smashand-grabs that are having a significant impact on our busi-

ness communities,” said LASD Major Crimes Bureau Acting Captain Rob Peacock.

“Since inception of our task force, we have arrested 438 suspects related to retail theft and 309 cases have been successfully filed. We are not only focused on the individuals responsible for the thefts, but those that are in the criminal chain—the getaway drivers, those that harbor them, and those that sell the stolen merchandise. These individuals need to understand that there will be consequences—we will use all our resources to identify, pursue, and arrest these suspects,” Peacock continued.

“WSS acknowledges and supports the vital efforts of the Organized Retail Theft Task Force and the District Attorney’s Office in combating organized retail theft, which detrimentally affects neighborhood security and local businesses. We remain committed to collaborating with law enforcement to deter and prosecute these crimes,” Blanca Gonzalez, senior vice president and general manager, Warehouse Shoe Sale.

From Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023, the District Attorney’s Office has filed at least 200 cases involving adult and juvenile cases, majority involving multiple defendants, under PC 490.4. This penal code section makes it a felony for an organized group of two or more persons to steal goods from a merchant with the intent for resale. This applies to online merchants and physical store retailers.

The office is prosecuting individuals we believe are responsible for targeting these stores, resulting in significant revenue loss.

While some cases are pending, sentences can range from probation to state prison, and can include charges such as: organized retail theft, grand theft, robbery, second-degree robbery, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property.

Some of the cases filed involving stores that have been targeted include: 99 Cent Store, American Eagle, Bed Bath and Beyond, CVS, Kevin Jewelers, Kohls, Macy’s, Marshall’s, Nike, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy,

Rite Aid, Ross, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sam’s Club, Sephora, Target, Ulta, Victoria’s Secret, WSS, and numerous small businesses.

In addition to prosecuting these cases, we also have worked with our task force partners to recover millions of dollars in stolen goods which have been returned to retailers by law enforcement. For example, $188,000 in merchandise has been returned to Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills, $250,000 in recovered goods has been given back to Kevin Jewelers, and hundreds of thousands of dollars has been returned to Target and CVS.

If anyone has information on these types of crimes that have occurred in Los Angeles County, please call the LAPD Organized Retail Theft Task Force contact, Lt. Michael McComas at 818-374-9420 or email orc@lapd.online, or the LASO Organized Retail Crime Task Force contact, Lt. Derek White at 562-946-7270 or email orctf@lasd.org.

If you wish to remain anonymous, please call LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition installs new president

The civil rights organization, founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson,select Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III as the CEO and president DALLAS -- On the first day of Black History Month, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III was formally installed as the President and CEO of Rainbow PUSH Coalition at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters.

THE sold-out installation event featured VIP program participants and attendees from all over the country, including Roland Martin, Rev. Al Sharpton (NAN), Shavonne Arline-Bradley (NCNW), Dr. Michael Sorrell, Dr. Amos Brown, and Dr. Ron Daniels, among others. Tashara Parker, 4X Emmy award-winning journalist, served as the mistress of ceremonies. A livestream is available to watch on YouTube, courtesy of Roland Martin Unfiltered, a Blackowned media network.

Both the installation ceremony and the President’s Inaugural Social Justice Conference were presented by Sound Design Studios, a Dallas-based Black-owned production company.

While Rev Al Sharpton delivered the keynote speech, nearly every speaker echoed his sentiments in favor of Dr. Haynes’ selection, his previous work in the community, the role of the Black church in the fight for social justice and the need for community support. Sharpton, however, explicitly called out the issues at hand, connecting the Civil Rights Movement to Dr. Haynes’ existing work as a social justice pastor.

“Look at the time we are in: everything that was gained in the ‘60s is now under threat,” said Sharpton. “They talk about affirmative action, women’s rights, diversity, inclusion, voting rights, like somebody woke up and gave us that. Nobody donated anything to us. We fought for everything we got and we need to get back to fighting right now. And that’s

why I’ve come to celebrate Freddy, because we need fighters in the pulpit… We need a fighter like Freddy Haynes.”

Many speakers also shared their gratitude for the work that Dr. Haynes has already done, as well as their high hopes in his ability to lead Rainbow PUSH Coalition and serve as an example for the next generation. In doing so, each speaker ultimately connected the work from the Civil Rights Movement to the work being done today. Several speakers also expressed the importance of community support, when speaking in favor of Dr. Haynes’ elevation and the formal work ahead of him in this new role.

“I’m here to tell you that the transformation is up to all of us,” expressed Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who is a member of Dr. Haynes’ congregation at Friendship-West Baptist Church and represents Texas’ 30th District. “There is no movement that doesn’t take

all of us.”

Award-winning journalist Roland Martin, who, like Dr. Haynes, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, particularly emphasized the need for Black businesses, churches, organizations and press to all work together.

“This is an opportunity for us to say we are going to create an ecosystem that speaks for us, that represents us, that is going to stand for us, that is going to fight for us,” said Martin.

The role of the Black church was a continued theme, further connecting the work Dr. Haynes has previously done as a social justice pastor to the agenda he has set for Rainbow PUSH Coalition. While Rev. Sharpton described the installation as “providence,” referencing the protective care of God, Dr. Amos C. Brown, who was Dr. Haynes’ pastor at the historic Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, Calif. and ordained him as a pastor, referred to him as “the one on

lective effort of every individual to bring about meaningful change.

Among the speakers were author and activist Tamika Mallory; lead pastor and executive director Pastor Mike McBride; preacher, scholar and researcher Rev. Dr. Brianna K. Parker; pastor, author, and activist Rev. Tisha Dixon Williams; civil rights and social policy advocate, attorney, and CEO Mrs. Jennifer Jones Austin; author, activist, and educator Former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.; and Dr. Haynes himself.

Sessions included the Social Justice Master Class, Creating Economic Structures that are Just, the Disinherited Conference, and Curriculum for the 2024 Election, the last of which is applicable for churches, organizations, and individuals.

whom the prophetic mantle would fall.”

Dr. Haynes was sworn in by Paul Quinn College President, Dr. Michael J. Sorrell.

“How appropriate it is during Black History Month, that we look back… but we look forward to a great future,” said Dr. Haynes immediately after taking the oath at the sold-out installation. Dr. Haynes also thanked every person who mentored, worked with or otherwise supported him in his work, particularly Rev. Jesse Jackson, who he compared to Jackie Robinson in opening doors for those who came after him.

The day after the installation, Rainbow PUSH Coalition hosted the President’s Inaugural Social Justice Conference at Paul Quinn College. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition President’s Inaugural Social Justice Conference was a call to action as well as a reminder that the fight for social justice is far from over and requires the col-

The installation’s location in Dallas holds great significance not just to Dr. Haynes, but the greater Dallas community which he has faithfully served and poured into for decades.

In addition to this new role at the helm of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Dr. Haynes is the senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, a megachurch in Dallas, Texas, with more than 13,000 members. The location of the conference at Paul Quinn College also holds significance for Dr. Haynes.

He teaches college courses and workshops at several institutions of higher learning, including Paul Quinn College. Dr. Haynes also serves on the Board of Trustees for Paul Quinn College as well as various other boards, particularly those in underserved and minority communities.

Additionally, he is the namesake of the Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III Global Preparatory School, located on the campus of Paul Quinn College, which serves students grades 6-12 who seek to enter the International Baccalaureate program.

8. *President who spent the shortest time in office

9. Orator’s stand

10. Pampering establishments

11. J.M. Barrie’s Peter

13. Like hot lava

13. Staff note

14. Home to Buccaneers

15. Actress Spelling

16. Thor’s father

17. Kidman’s husband

18. *He served two nonconsecutive presidential terms

20. *JFK and RFK’s relationship, abbr.

21. Foreword

22. J. Edgar Hoover Building org.

23. Pac-Man venue

48.

52.

56.

Peace Prize winning president

7. Body between England and U.S.?

14. Short and plump

19. Endow

22. *WW2 Pres.

23. *Thomas Jefferson was his VP

24. “Thesaurus” author

25. Cut it out

26. Sound on Old MacDonald’s farm

27. Annoy a bedfellow

28. “Bravo! Bravo!” e.g.

29. Online reviews

32. Delivered by a mare

33. Hole punching tool

36. *a.k.a. Old Kinderhook

38. Danish money

40. Intelligent humor

41. Vomiting

44. Pressed beverage

46. Tap house

48. TV classic “_____’s Heroes”

49. Egg parts

50. Past tense of chide

51. Sand trap tool

52. Ill-mannered

53. Albany-Buffalo canal

54. Theater section

55. Russian ruler

56. #10 Down, sing.

What Every Mom and Soon-to-be-Mom Needs to Know About Their Heart

(StatePoint) Over the last three decades, the United States has seen pregnancy-related deaths rise nearly 140%, and heart disease continues to be the leading cause. Furthermore, women who have prenatal complications, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, have a significantly higher risk of heart disease and stroke later in life, yet many are not getting the care they need.

ACCORDING

to the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT), an advocacy collaborative working to pass policies that make it possible for all expectant parents, infants and toddlers to thrive, the United States is in the midst of a maternal health crisis.

This sentiment is echoed by “Opportunities in the Postpartum Period to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Following Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes,” a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), which was recently published in “Circulation,” the Association’s flagship peer-reviewed journal.

“Healthcare professionals and the public alike often think of heart disease as a man’s disease. While heart disease is also the leading cause of death for women, fewer than 50% of women identify it as such. This is creating a dangerous situation for women, especially during higherrisk periods of their life, as their symptoms often go undiagnosed and untreated,” says Dr. Sadiya S. Khan, one of the statement’s authors. “As

adverse pregnancy outcomes become increasingly common, it’s important for women to be aware of their risk for heart disease, the actions they can take to lower their risk if they experience pregnancy complications, and for birth justice policy interventions to take place that will improve their care during their pregnancy, and throughout their lifetimes.”

Many women face significant barriers in accessing primary care after delivery. Up to 40% of women do not access postpartum care, and only an estimated 18% to 25% of postpartum patients with pregnancy complications or chronic health conditions are seen by a primary care clinician within 6 months of delivery. Women of color, and women in rural areas are disproportionately impacted by barriers to care that could leave them vulnerable to further health complications.

According to NCIT, policy interventions such as expanded Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum in all states, expanded income eligibility for health insurance programs, paid family and medical leave, community-based doulas, and evidence-based home visiting programs can help promote ethnic, racial and socioeconomic birth equity,

and help ensure all expectant and new parents have access to insurance, care and the supports needed to thrive.

Also supporting women in all stages of life, and all stages of pregnancy is Go Red for Women, an AHA initiative empowering women to take charge of their heart health. One way they can do that, according to the initiative, is by understanding their heart disease risks, and coming to their doctors’ appointments prepared to discuss their personal and family health history and other factors that could impact their chance of a healthy pregnancy. Women can also proactively manage their heart disease risk factors during pregnancy and after delivery using the AHA’s Life Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics as a framework. These include: eating better, being more active, quitting tobacco, getting healthy sleep, managing weight, controlling cholesterol, managing blood sugar and managing blood pressure.

“Stemming the tide of this maternal health crisis is vital for families, and it starts with bringing light to the tremendous need for better delivery of care to moms and soon-to-be moms with a focus on heart health,” says Dr. Khan.

(c) digitalskillet / iStock via Getty Images Plus

UCLA athletics receives $1.6 million gift from alumnus Mark E. Kalmansohn

The monetary donation will directly support 13 individual UCLA sports, including each women’s program

The UCLA Athletic Department is pleased to announce a gift commitment of $1,612,500 from alumnus Mark E. Kalmansohn to support the immediate greatest needs of 13 individual UCLA sports programs, including each of UCLA’s women’s teams and the men’s volleyball and men’s water polo teams.

THE gift, to be funded over a five-year period and termed The Mark E. Kalmansohn Targeted Immediate Impact Gift, is focused on empowering each program to adapt and

expand student-athlete services at the discretion of the head coach and sport administration as UCLA transitions to the Big Ten Conference in August 2024.

The gift will supplement the current budget available

to each program. This gift is the second of similar magnitude focused on UCLA women’s athletics received from Kalmansohn in the past two years, coming on the heels of a $1.3 million gift in 2022

that was part of UCLA’s launch of the Women of Westwood initiative.

Women of Westwood aims to honor the comprehensive excellence from UCLA female student-athletes and coaches since the creation

of Title IX in 1972, as well as inspire philanthropy to enhance the educational and athletic-related resources UCLA provides to help shape the next generation of female leaders. Kalmansohn’s 2022 gift provided the seed gift for the Women of Westwood Endowment to support all UCLA’s women’s athletics programs.

Concurrently, Kalmansohn established an endowment recognized with the naming of the Associate Head Softball Coach position and extensive current use funding for multiple women’s athletics programs.

Kalmansohn, a native of Los Angeles, is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney (Criminal Division - Central

n Donation, see page 8

Compton Election 2024

CANDIDATE STATEMENT

VERNELL R. MCDANIEL

Occupation: COMPTON CITY CLERK

Continued devotion to the people’s City Clerk emanates from my enthusiasm to serve others in performing the duties of a public servant.

For 21 years, I served the City of Compton as its Chief Deputy City Clerk. In January, 2023, the Compton Community and City Councilmembers in solidarity, appointed me City Clerk. To date, this decision has proven to be the right choice for the City of Compton.

I HAVE IMPLEMENTED:

• A business model labeled as ‘Looking Forward’ that serves to progress lasting solutions to challenges and problems, versus placing a hurried reactionary quick fix.

• As City Clerk I consistently employ ethical standards and integrity that adhere to the Elections Code, Ralph M. Brown Act, City Charter, Compton Municipal Code, Political Reform Act and Public Records Act, when governing the office of the City Clerk.

• I work with local organizations that embody positivity for our community including, but not limited to The National Association for Equal Justice In America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Local 2325 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) .

The Compton Community is extremely worthy of a City Clerk that serves efficiently and ethically.

With ardent honor to serve the Compton Community I ask for your vote to retain me as your experienced and qualified Compton City Clerk.

Christopher Darden For Judge? I don’t think so

By Jasmyne Cannick

I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but ever since I watched Sterling

K. Brown star as Christopher Darden in FX’s limited series “The People v. O.J.,” I have had to stop myself from romanticizing the real life Christopher Darden.

Iwas just a teenager in 1995 when the former O.J. Simpson prosecutor lost the trial of the century that saw Simpson, the former NFL player and actor, acquitted for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.

I didn’t know Christopher Darden and never in my life would I have thought that our paths would have crossed.

But that all changed in 2019.

It was right after Darden recused himself from representing Eric Holder after he and his family began receiving death threats after he took on the high-profile case. At the time, Holder had pled not guilty to murdering beloved rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle. He has since been convicted of murdering Hussle and is serving out a 60 years to life sentence in prison.

At the time I was working to get criminal charges filed against a man named Ed Buck who had two Black men die in his apartment of methamphetamine overdoses. Buck was a white, wealthy, and well known Democratic donor who was seemingly beyond reproach. It turned out that Buck got his kicks from preying on unhoused Black men, most of whom were gay. He would use his money and apartment to lure the men in so that he could play out his Tuskegee like fetish and shoot them up full of meth and other drugs.

26-year-old Gemmel Moore died July 27, 2017,

on the floor of Buck’s West Hollywood apartment. At the time the sheriff’s immediately wrote his death off as an accidental overdose. Young Black man, fatal overdose in an old white man’s apartment. But not just any old white man--a wealthy and politically connected white man.

“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!”

Six months after then Los Angeles County District Jackie Lacey declared that she wouldn’t criminally charge Buck, 55-year-old Timothy Dean’s lifeless body was taken out of Buck’s apartment after another fatal overdose.

It was only after a third Black man barely escaped with his life, that Ed Buck was finally arrested and charged.

Buck was eventually charged with two counts of distributing methamphetamine resulting in death, maintaining a drug den, distributing methamphetamine, and solicitation of prostitutes. But in the court of public opinion, white privilege was on trial. Buck was a white man accused of causing the deaths of two Black men and nearly killing others.

Ed Buck isn’t stupid. While he had white attorneys representing him in the wrongful death civil cases lodged by the families of Moore and Dean, he quickly hired two Black male attorneys to represent him in his criminal case. One of those attorneys was Christopher Darden.

I understand that the Sixth Amendment guarantees that “in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right . . . to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.”

Our justice system was designed as an adversarial process, so defense counsel is needed to vigorously oppose prosecution and keep the system balanced.

However, I believe that attorneys should always act morally when deciding what defense to use for a criminal defendant. Vigorously representing one’s

client should never come at the expense of ethical considerations.

Christopher Darden will never get my vote because I watched him weaponize Gemmel Moore’s HIVpositive status in order to defend Buck.

To me, it was despicable and akin to the days of attorney’s using the AIDS panic defense used to defend people charged with killing gay men.

On day one of the trial, the defense’s cross-examination of Gemmel Moore’s mother, Ms. LaTisha Nixon, tried to paint her out to be a homophobic mother who thought her son had AIDS.

From there, the defense tried to convince jurors that the numerous Black men they saw stumbling out of Ed Buck’s apartment weren’t in a stupor from all of the drugs he had pumped into their system, but because they had AIDS.

It became very clear early on in the trial that Darden was fixated on AIDS and making sure the jury had a negative connotation everytime they heard the word.

The only relevance HIV had in this trial was that several of Buck’s victims testified that Buck was HIV-positive and

He was young and he was about 26 years old. He was recently diagnosed with HIV. His pathology demonstrated complications of HIV in the form of pulmonary edema, a complication that is found in AIDS

that he specifically asked them of their status and knew that they were positive when he did what he did to them.

The defense repeatedly used phrases like “full blown AIDS” and at one point, contrary to the medical examiner’s testimony, tried to insinuate that HIV was the reason for Gemmel’s pulmonary edema--a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs making it difficult to breathe.

In Darden’s defense of Buck, he used a paid expert named Dr. Marvin Pietruszka, who was impeached but not before he wasn’t even able to tell the jury what AIDS was the acronym for.

From the witness stand, Dr. Pietruszka diagnosed Gemmel Moore with AIDS and asserted that his HIV status was the reason for his death and not all of the meth thatwas in his system.

And I quote, “My opinion is that Mr. Gemmel Moore died of a medical condition,” said Dr. Pietruszka. “He was young and he was about 26 years old. He was recently diagnosed with HIV. His pathology demonstrated complications of HIV in the form of pulmonary edema, a complication that is found in AIDS.”

Thank goodness the jury saw through Darden’s homophobic defense and the judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison. After Buck’s conviction, not surprisingly, Darden was no longer representing Ed Buck.

I am not a lawyer. I understand that the law is not about morals but rather about rules and procedures.

I don’t need to be a lawyer to tell you that when it comes to electing judges in Los Angeles County, it’s not the law that matters, it’s the court of public opinion. It’s the opinion voters have of the person running for office.

For some it may be Darden’s role in prosecuting O.J. Simpson, or his endorsement by former district attorney Gil Garcetti. For others it might be his membership in the Republican Party and his willingness to represent the man who killed one of America’s most beloved rappers, but for me it’s about a man who lacks moral integrity. Period.

In 2024, we want more Black judges but we also want people who have demonstrated a commitment to integrity on and off the bench.

I’m not voting for Christopher Darden, and neither should you.

Based in Los Angeles, Jasmyne Cannick is an award-winning journalist and victim’s advocate. Find her at iamjasmyne.com.

Former Bruin DeShaun Foster tapped as UCLA head football coach

UCLA Athletic Hall of Famer has guided some of nation’s best running backs in recent years.

LOS ANGELES –UCLA Athletic Hall of Famer DeShaun Foster has been named the 19th head coach in UCLA football history, The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond made the announcement.

UCLA held an introductory press conference at Pauley Pavilion for Foster on Feb. 13.

Foster has 11 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 10 at his alma mater. He also coached one year at Texas Tech. Foster spent the past seven seasons as the Bruins’ running backs coach and served as associate head coach in 2023. In 2022, he was a nominee for the Broyles Award, presented annually to college football’s top assistant coach.

“While undergoing a comprehensive search for our new head coach, DeShaun resonated from the start and throughout the whole process,” said Jarmond. “We are looking for a coach with integrity, energy and passion; someone who is a great teacher, who develops young men, is a great recruiter and fully embraces the NIL landscape to help our student-athletes. DeShaun checks all of those boxes

and then some. He is a leader of men and a true Bruin. I am excited to partner with him as we usher UCLA Football into an exciting new era.”

“This is a dream come true,” Foster said. “I always envisioned being a Bruin ever since I was young, and now being the head coach at my alma mater is such a surreal feeling, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. The foundation of this program will be built on discipline, respect and enthusiasm. These are phenomenal young men, and I’m excited to hit the ground running.”

UCLA led the Pac-12 in rushing offense each of the last two seasons and has posted three consecutive top-20 finishes nationally. In pacing the league, the Bruins achieved a program first since 1976.

The 2022 group averaged 237.2 yards on the ground, contributing to the best overall of-

fensive performance in school history (503.6 yards per game). Zach Charbonnet was at the forefront of the attack, logging a per-game rate of 135.9 yards that led the conference and ranked fourth in the country. He led the nation in all-purpose yards, averaging 168.0 per contest.

Charbonnet became the third player to eclipse 100 rushing yards per game during Foster’s tenure as running backs coach, joining Demetric Felton Jr. (111.3 in 2020) and Joshua Kelley (113.0 in 2018).

A UCLA running back has been selected in four straight NFL drafts: Charbonnet (Seattle, 2023), Brittain Brown (Las Vegas, 2022), Felton (Cleveland, 2021) and Kelley (Los Angeles Chargers, 2020). Foster was also on staff when Paul Perkins’ 121.2 rushing yards per game led the Pac-12 in 2014.

Himself an accomplished

NFL running back, Foster played seven seasons for the Carolina Panthers (2002-07) and San Francisco 49ers (2008). He ran for more than 800 yards in each of his final three campaigns with Carolina, breaking the 1,000-yard mark when including playoff games in 2005.

In Super Bowl XXXVIII, Foster scampered 33 yards up the left sideline before extending for a fourth-quarter touchdown that still ranks as the sixth-longest touchdown run in Super Bowl history.

Foster is one of the most decorated running backs in UCLA history, completing his playing career second in touchdowns scored (44), third in rushing yards (3,194) and fifth in scoring (266 points).

He earned second-team All-America acclaim in 2001 after leading the Pac-10 in rushing (138.6 yards per game),

The 2024 LAFC preview

BY JESUS PEREZ

It has been two months since LAFC lost the MLS Cup finals against Columbus Crew away on a rainy Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced that they signed defender Omar Campos from Santos Laguna of Liga MX, guaranteeing his contract through 2027 with options for the 2028 season.

Campos made his debut

with Mexico National team in a friendly match against Colombia.

Campos, 21, joins LAFC after three years playing with Santos Laguna. At age 18, Campos made his debut for Santos Laguna against Tigres UANL on Jan, 18, 2021.

With Santos Laguna Campos made 114 appearances (110 starts) and scored eight goals and three assists. He also played two games in the Concacaf Champions League.

Omar will be wearing number two for LAFC after Honduras defender Denil Maldonado leaves LAFC. According to LAFC.com, “Omar is an incredibly talented left back with incredible potential and vast experience in Liga MX despite his young age,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said.

The best player for the LAFC 2024 season is Dennis

scoring (9.75 points per game) and all-purpose yards (154.75 per game). Against Washington at Rose Bowl Stadium, Foster piled up a then-school record 301 rushing yards, along with four touchdowns, on 31 carries.

Foster set another school record in 2000, rushing 42 times in UCLA’s 35-24 season-opening win versus No. 3 Alabama at the Rose Bowl. He ended the game with 187 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Foster burst onto the scene as a true freshman for the 1998 Pac10 champion Bruins, scoring four times in the Bruins’ 34-17 victory against USC.

Foster, who graduated from UCLA in 2014, was enshrined in the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 7, 2022. The next year, he became part of the California High School Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class for his accomplishments at Tustin High School in Tustin, Calif.

He is married to Charity Washington, and has two sons, Noel Washington (14) and Nolen Washington (12), and daughters Viviana Foster (8) and Destiny Foster (5 months).

Photo credit: Dennis J Freeman for The Bulletin courtesy of News4usonline.com

The UCLA Bruins held a press conference on Feb. 13, 2024, introducing DeShaun Foster (left) as the team’s new head football coach. Sitting with Foster at the press conference is Martin Jarmond, UCLA’s Director of Athletics.

Bauanga

since the departure of Carlos Vela.

Vela was always been the best player for LAFC since LAFC became the team. Now it’s time for Bauanga to take over and should be captain.

Both Vela and Bouanga helped the Black and Gold succeed last season.

Denis Bouanga proved his worth last season and deserves to be in the MVP. He scored 20 league goals last season with 31 appearances with Black and gold which tied Vela club record five years

Donation

continued from page 5

District of California) and later practiced entertainment and intellectual property law, including at Kalmansohn & Andersen, LLP. Bearing two degrees from UCLA, Kalmansohn received a B.A. in Political Science (Regents Scholarship, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and a J.D. (Moot Court Honor Program).

Kalmansohn’s late mother, who also graduated from UCLA and attended UCSF Medical School at the age of 19, helped to fuel his passion

Faith

continued from page 1

Californians have access and support in achieving a highquality college degree as part of Graduation Initiative 2025.

In 2022-23, more than 3,800 African American students earned CSU bachelor’s degrees and more than 750 earned CSU graduate degrees.

The CSU’s Black and African American community engagement extends beyond

Clerk Corner

continued from page 1

LAFC Preview continued from page 7 the amount of $10,560.00). Motion passed.

6. he City Council voted 5-0 to pass a resolution for the City of Compton declaring

Pitbull

continued from page 1 circumstances of this tragedy.

“Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family

ago.

At 29 years old, Bouanga is in his prime in his second season.

With LAFC, we expect Bouanga to make more goals from last and be man of the match since he is meeting expectations last season and hope to win titles in 2024 season.

With Bouanga’s good pace and dribbling we see him as a Golden Boot favorite and an MVP candidate as well.

In the winter transfer, LAFC lost lots of free agents

like John McCarty, Maxime Crepeau, Kellyn Acosta and Diego Palacios. The Black and Gold will miss out on the Concacaf Champions League after getting third place but it isn’t a bad thing.

LAFC average possession is 49.5% in 2024 season. It is also the 14th highest mark in the League. LAFC officially welcomes four new players: Hugo Lloris, Omar Campos, Tomás Ángel, and Eduard Atuesta to the Club in a press conference.

Hugo Lloris joined the Black and Gold earlier this winter.

Adding Lloris can also become more defense-oriented. He is also the only keeper in history to appear in 20 World Cup matches.

“It’s been well-documented. He’s one of the most successful goalkeepers in the world … His presence and his leadership are going to help us out a lot.” said Cherundolo LAFC could expect to make it on the top four for the third-straight season.

For the 2024 season, LAFC is continuing to win trophies.

Cherundolo setup standard for starting XI is 4-3-3 with Sanchez in front of defense while Tim Tillman and Mateus Bogusz are box-tobox midfielders

These players could be the starting XI (4-3-3) for the 2024 season : Lloris; Hollingshead, Murillo, Long, Campos; Sanchez, Bogusz, Tillman; Olivera, Angel, Bouanga.

for women’s initiatives and overall philanthropic efforts. He also has created an annual UCSF scholarship in perpetuity for incoming female medical students.

Outside of UCLA, Kalmansohn also has generously supported girls’ athletics programs through philanthropy directed to the Santa Monica Public School District.

“It is my honor to be in the position to support UCLA women’s sports, along with men’s volleyball

Super Sunday. The university plans to hold additional faithbased outreach events in the spring and fall to continue to build upon the message of Super Sunday.

In addition, the CSU is creating a systemwide steering committee with faith-based leaders to provide support and share best practices to promote

and water polo, and their venerated traditions of excellence,” shared Kalmansohn. “I’m pleased to invest in these programs and their outstanding, dedicated coaches - both in life and sports - as well as the superb, selfless student-athletes who have performed with distinction on and off the field.”

“For me, the most impactful way to help these teams, coaches and studentathletes is with directed gifts over a multi-year period, like

Black student success. The CSU has made elevating Black excellence on its universities an urgent priority and has developed a 13-point action plan as part of its June 2023 report on Black student success.

In addition, the university has committed $10 million over three years to advance these priorities. With 23

those set forth here. Besides my university-directed philanthropy, I’ve been pleased to arrange for more than a dozen NIL contracts with student-athletes in the same programs. I urge UCLA alumni and donors to consider this targeted, impactful approach to help UCLA’s sports programs and student-athletes achieve their maximum potential,” Kalmansohn added.

“I would like to thank Mark both for this generous new gift commitment

universities across California, the CSU offers more access to diverse higher education pathways than any public university system in the United States.

Nearly one-third of CSU students are the first in their family to earn a degree, more than half are from traditionally underrepresented communities and nearly half of undergraduates receive the

and again championing the positive impact which athletics has on young women in general and especially here at UCLA,” said Martin Jarmond, UCLA’s Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics. “Mark shares UCLA’s goal of empowering our student-athletes to excel at the highest level both academically and athletically. We can’t thank him enough for advancing this objective with his new gift.”

Pell Grant. And, more than half of CSU bachelor’s recipients in 2022-23 graduated with zero student debt.

To find a CSU Super Sunday church location near you, visit the CSU Super Sunday website. Learn more about the CSU’s ongoing work to elevate Black excellence at the Black Student Success website.

one aged out fire modular ambulance as surplus property and authorizing the City Manager to sell, donate or depose of said vehicle to Fire

Trucks Unlimited. Motion passed.

For additional information regarding items on the Feb. 13, 2024 City Council

Meeting Agenda, you may contact the City Clerk’s Office by calling: (310) 6055530 Monday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. You can reach

the City Clerk’s Office by email: contactcityclerk@ comptoncity.org. Visit our website at http://www. comptoncity.org

and friends of the victim,” said Director Marcia Mayeda. “We are committed

to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the facts and ensure the

safety and well-being of both the community and the animals involved.”

Updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.

Photo by Melinda Meijer for The Bulletin courtesy of News4usonline.com

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S

SALE Trustee Sale No. : 00000007857147 Title Order No.: DEF-499530 FHA/VA/PMI No.: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 03/29/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.

BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER

TREDER and WEISS, LLP, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 04/03/2006 as Instrument No. 06 0702477 of official records in the office of the County Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, State of CALIFORNIA. EXECUTED BY:

JOHNNY OFISA AND LINA OFISA, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS,WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by California Civil Code 2924h(b), (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States).

DATE OF SALE: 03/12/2024 TIME OF SALE: 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: BY THE FOUNTAIN LOCATED AT 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, POMONA, CA 91766. STREET ADDRESS and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 603 WEST INDIGO ST, COMPTON, CALIFORNIA 90220 APN#: 6161-025-027 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $390,379.95. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior

LEGAL NOTICES

to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPER-

TY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 833-561-0243 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this Internet Web site WWW.SALES.BDFGROUP.

COM for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case 00000007857147. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NO-

TICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder”, you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 833-561-0243, or visit this internet website WWW.SALES.

BDFGROUP.COM using the file number assigned to this case 00000007857147 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. FOR TRUSTEE SALE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: 833-561-0243 WWW.SALES.BDFGROUP.COM BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TREDER and WEISS, LLP IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMA-

TION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. BARRETT

DAFFIN FRAPPIER TREDER and WEISS, LLP as Trustee 3990 E. Concours Street, Suite 350 Ontario, CA 91764 (866) 795-1852 Dated: 01/31/2024 A-4808300 02/06/2024, 02/13/2024, 02/20/2024

SchId:93523 AdId:31465 CustId:64

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ELIZABETH A. WILKES

Case No. 24STPB01125

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ELIZABETH A. WILKES

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Morris B. Wilkes in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Morris B. Wilkes be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on March 1, 2024 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 9 located at 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file

with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: HEATHER MILLER ESQ SBN 286422

LAW OFFICE OF HEATHER MILLER 222 N PACIFIC COAST HWY STE 2000 EL SEGUNDO CA 90245

CN103910 WILKES Feb 7,14,21, 2024

SchId:93526 AdId:31466 CustId:65

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: LIONEL PETER GIRIBALDI CASE NO. 24STPB00911

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of LIONEL PETER GIRIBALDI.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by NICHOLAS DAVIS in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that NICHOLAS DAVIS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/23/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 67 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal de-

livery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

In Pro Per Petitioner

NICHOLAS DAVIS 3815 1/2 VERDUGO RD. LOS ANGELES CA 90065 2/7, 2/14, 2/21/24 CNS-3780918# THE COMPTON BULLETIN

SchId:93588 AdId:31484 CustId:61

T.S. No. 23003695-1 CA APN: 6150-029-033NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALEYOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 02/01/2022. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: ANNA MACIAS, A MARRIED WOMAN AS HER SOLE AND SEPARATE Proper-

ty duly Appointed Trustee: ZBS Law, LLP Deed of Trust Recorded on 02/04/2022, as Instrument No. 20220145818 of Official Records of Los Angeles County, California; Date of Sale: 03/06/2024 at 11:00

AM Place of Sale: By the fountain located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $176,939.15Note: Be-

cause the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt owed. Street Address or other common designation of real property: 2301 E 126TH STREETCOMPTON, CA 90222Described as follows: As more fully described on said Deed of Trust .A.P.N #.: 6150029-033The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. NOTICE TO POTEN-

TIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPER-

TY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 866-266-7512 or visit this Internet Web site www.elitepostandpub.com using the file number assigned to this case 23003695-1 CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed

the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 866-266-7512 or visit this Internet Web site www.elitepostandpub.com using the file number assigned to this case 23003695-1 CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Dated: 02/08/2024

ZBS Law, LLP, as Trustee 30 Corporate Park, Suite 450 , Irvine, CA 92606For NonAutomated Sale Information, call: (714) 848-7920For

Sale Information: 866-266-7512 or www.elitepostandpub.com Ryan Bradford, Trustee Sale Officer This office is enforcing a security interest of your creditor. To the extent that your obligation has been discharged by a bankruptcy court or is subject to an automatic stay of a bankruptcy, this notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a demand for payment or any attempt to collect such obligation. EPP 39341 Pub Dates 02/14, 02/21, 02/28/2024

SchId:93802 AdId:31547 CustId:108

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

ANDRINIQUE SHERIDANJENNINGS AKA ANDRIQUE SHERIDAN AKA ANDRINIQUE SHERIDAN AKA ANDRIQUE RENE SHERIDAN AKA ANDRIQUE RENE SHERIDANJENNINGS CASE NO. 21STPB08889

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ANDRINIQUE SHERIDANJENNINGS

AKA ANDRIQUE SHERIDAN AKA ANDRINIQUE SHERIDAN AKA ANDRIQUE RENE SHERIDAN AKA ANDRIQUE RENE SHERIDANJENNINGS.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by DAMON SHERIDAN in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that DAMON SHERIDAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The inde-

pendent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

03/15/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 44 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner

CYNTHIA PEARSON - SBN 272156, OVERTON, LYMAN & PRINCE LLP

520 S GRAND AVENUE, STE 395 LOS ANGELES CA 90071, Telephone (213) 683-5381 2/21, 2/28, 3/6/24

CNS-3783875# THE COMPTON BULLETIN

SchId:93871 AdId:31568 CustId:61

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Trustee’s Sale No. CAHLF-23019806 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 2/19/2016. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and

date for the sale of this property, you may call 714-730-2727 or visit this Internet Web site www. servicelinkasap.com, using the file number assigned to this case, CAHLF-23019806. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. On March 18, 2024, at 11:00:00 AM, BY THE FOUNTAIN LOCATED AT, 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, in the City of POMONA, County of LOS ANGELES, State of CALIFORNIA, PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC., a California corporation, as duly appointed Trustee under that certain Deed of Trust executed by 921 EDGEWOOD, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, as Trustors, recorded on 3/8/2016, as Instrument No. 20160252480, of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, State of CALIFORNIA, under the power of sale therein contained, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Property is being sold “as is - where is”. The land hereinafter referred to is situated in the City of Inglewood, County of Los Angeles, State of CA, and is described as follows: Lots 729 and 730, of Tract No. 1453, in the City of Inglewood, County of Los Angeles, State of California, as per map recorded in Book No. 20, Page(s) No. 122 and 123, of Maps, in the Office of the County recorder of said County. From information which the Trustee deems reliable, but for which Trustee makes no representation or warranty, the street address or other common designation of the above described property is purported to be 921 EDGEWOOD STREET, INGLEWOOD, CA 90302. Said property is being sold for the purpose of paying the obligations secured by said Deed of Trust, including fees and expenses of sale. The total amount of the

unpaid principal balance, interest thereon, together with reasonably estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale is

$1,777,318.16.NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS:

If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 877-237-7878, or visit www.peakforeclosure.com using file number assigned to this case: CAHLF-23019806 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE TO PERSPECTIVE OWNEROCCUPANT:

Any perspective owneroccupant as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee’s sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee’s sale or shall have it delivered to PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC. by 5:00 PM on the next business day following the trustee’s sale at the address set forth above. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common

designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of the first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale will be entitled only to the return of the money paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchasers sole and exclusive remedy. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. SALE INFORMATION LINE: 714-730-2727 or www.servicelinkasap.com Dated: 2/13/2024 PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC., AS TRUSTEE

By: Lilian Solano, Trustee Sale Officer A-4809881 02/20/2024, 02/27/2024, 03/05/2024

SchId:93943 AdId:31593 CustId:64

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Trustee’s Sale No. CAHLF-23019808 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 9/10/2020. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 714-730-2727 or visit this Internet Web site www. servicelinkasap.com, using the file number assigned to this case, CAHLF-23019808. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. On March 11, 2024, at 11:00:00 AM, BY THE FOUNTAIN LOCATED AT, 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, in the City of POMONA, County of LOS ANGELES, State of CALIFORNIA, PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC., a California corporation, as duly appointed Trustee under that certain Deed of Trust executed by 921 EDGEWOOD LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, as Trustors, recorded on 10/2/2020, as Instrument No. 20201218029, of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, State of CALIFORNIA, under the power

of sale therein contained, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Property is being sold “as is - where is”. The land referred to herein below is situated in the City of Inglewood, in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, and is described as follows: Lots 729 and 730 of tract no. 1453, in the City of Inglewood, County of Los Angeles, State of California, as per map recorded in Book 20, Page(s) 122 and 123 of Maps, in the office of the County Recorder of said County. From information which the Trustee deems reliable, but for which Trustee makes no representation or warranty, the street address or other common designation of the above described property is purported to be 921 EDGEWOOD STREET, INGLEWOOD, CA 90302. Said property is being sold for the purpose of paying the obligations secured by said Deed of Trust, including fees and expenses of sale. The total amount of the unpaid principal balance, interest thereon, together with reasonably estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale is $248,227.20.NOTICE TO POTEN-

TIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you con-

sult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 877-237-7878, or visit www.peakforeclosure.com using file number assigned to this case CAHLF-23019808 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE TO PERSPECTIVE OWNEROCCUPANT:

Any perspective owneroccupant as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee’s sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee’s sale or shall have it delivered to PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC. by 5:00 PM on the next business day following the trustee’s sale at the address set forth above. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of the first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale will be entitled only to the return of the money paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchasers sole and exclusive remedy. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY

INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. SALE INFORMATION LINE: 714-730-2727 or www.servicelinkasap.com Dated: 2/13/2024 PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC., AS TRUSTEE

By: Lilian Solano, Trustee Sale Officer A-4809884 02/20/2024, 02/27/2024, 03/05/2024

SchId:93946 AdId:31594 Cus-

tId:64

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AQUATIC FACILITY CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANT FOR THE CITY OF COMPTON

The City of Compton is soliciting proposals for Aquatic Facility Construction Consultant services covering the City of Compton Pools.

Proposals will be received in the office of the City Clerk, City of Compton, 205 South Willowbrook Avenue, Compton, California, 90220 until 5:00 pm on March 7, 2024.

POSTMARKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. All proposals must be clearly marked, “PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE AQUATIC FACILITY

CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANT SERVICES IN THE CITY OF COMPTON – DO NOT OPEN WITH REGULAR MAIL” and shall be delivered during the business hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, except holidays, to the City Clerk’s office.

Submit four (4) copies of your service proposal, one must be digital. It should be understood that the final annual costs will be as negotiated with the City. As part of the proposal please indicate the unit costs that are associated with each phase.

All submitted proposals will be reviewed and analyzed by City staff and the proposal which best meets the City’s needs will be selected for further analysis and negotiation.

The City of Compton proposes to enter into an Aquatic Facility Construction Consultant Contract.

The City of Compton reserves the right, in its sole discretion during this selection process, to reject any or all proposals or any portion without exception or explanation.

Parties interested in obtaining a Request for Proposal (RFP) package should check the City’s website at www.comptoncity.org or contact the:

Recreation Department City of Compton 205 South Willowbrook Avenue Compton, CA 90220 (310) 605-3060

SUBMITTAL DEADLINE

To be considered, proposals must be submitted no later than Tuesday, March 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. to the City Clerk’s Office, 205 South Willowbrook Avenue, Compton, California, 90220. Postmarks will not be accepted. The City may extend the deadline at its option.

During this period of restricted contact, any attempt by a proposing firm, its representative or agent to contact, lobby, or make a representation to a member of the City Council, or any other official, employee, or agent of the City will be grounds for disqualification.

Vernell McDaniel City Clerk

Publish: 02/21/2024

SchId:93949 AdId:31595 CustId:70

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ROLAND D. JACKSON

Case No. 24STPB00450

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ROLAND D. JACKSON.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Demetreal Lynn Boone in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Demetreal Lynn Boone be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held on 3/7/2024 at 8:30am in Department 11 located at 111 North Hill Street. Los Angeles, CA 90012.

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

LYNN BOONE

631 MYRRH LANE

COMPTON CA 90220

Phone: 310-650-4301 Fax: 310635-4045

SchId:93984 AdId:31606 CustId:630

‘BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE’ IS SATISFACTORY

By Bob Garver

It was a good idea for “Bob Marley: One Love” to open on Valentine’s Day. Not just because there hadn’t been a decent box office performer in weeks (and even “Mean Girls and “The Beekeeper” were only mild hits) and the market was ripe for a takeover.

NOT just because the holiday weekend needed a blockbuster and “Madame Web” wasn’t up to the task. But because the movie had “Love” in its title, it could dominate the couples’ scene on Wednesday and ride that insurmountable lead to winning the weekend. The result was a domestic take of over $50 million, enough to already make it the 2ndbiggest movie of the year, behind only “Mean Girls,” which it will probably overtake before the week is out. The film can be associated with a brilliant commercial decision, but not so much its creative ones.

The film mostly follows reggae legend Marley (Kingsley Ben-Adir) in the late 1970’s. He’s already nationally famous when the film begins, as he sets to bravely play a controversial peace concert in Jamaica. Assassins storm his home and shoot Bob, his wife Rita (Lashana Lynch), and his friend Don (Anthony Welsh). All three survive and Bob plays the concert, but he decides that the violence-ridden country is not safe for him and his family anymore. He sends Rita and their children to

America while he lies low in London.

After years of exile and loneliness, Bob releases his album “Exodus,” which gains him worldwide fame and brings reggae music to the mainstream. Although he’s always advocated for peace, Rita believes the message has gotten lost in the commercial success and he needs to do something more meaningful. Seeing that she’s right, and faced with his own mortality

from a rare form of skin cancer, Bob returns to Jamaica to perform another peace concert, this time to unanimous adulation.

For months I was dreading this movie because of a line in the trailer. One of the members of Bob’s band asks where he wants to “start,” and Bob, very thoughtfully says, “From the beginning.” The cheesiness of that line told me that this was going to be a painfully by-the-

times, but it’s never quite as bad as homework.

“Bob Marley: One Love” falls into most of the familiar traps of the music biopic, with the singer’s marital troubles and health problems showing up right where you’d expect them. At least the protagonist is an endearing figure and BenAdir is giving a charismatic performance. It’s hard not to get swept up in the magic of Bob Marley at times. But then again, that’s a pretty low bar for a movie like this to clear.

numbers biopic, and on a lot of counts, it is. But to people as alienated by that line as I was, I will say that the scene comes midway through the film, so it does not get the film off on as bad a note as I thought it would. In fact, we see very little of “the beginning,” aside from a few flashbacks, dream sequences, and text screens. There are a distracting number of text screens, as if there’s going to be a test later. The film can be dry at

Of all the music biopics you can watch in theaters or at home, “Bob Marley: One Love” is… one of them. Netflix-exclusive Best Picture Oscar nominee “Maestro,” where Bradley Cooper plays conductor Leonard Bernstein, on the other hand… is also “one of them,” honestly. Cooper as director takes a few more creative risks with his film, but both of these movies are eye-rolling Oscar bait. “Maestro” landed among the nominees because it was released right at the end of the year, no doubt it would have been forgotten if it had opened in February like “Bob Marley: One Love.” I expect to have forgotten about both movies once one’s box office cools down and the other’s awards run fizzles out.

“Bob Marley: One Love”: C“Maestro”: C “Bob Marley: One Love” is rated PG-13 for marijuana use and smoking throughout, some violence and brief strong language. Its running time is 107 minutes.

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.