The Compton Bulletin

‘RACE IS STILL RELEVANT’

Advocates Slam SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action

By Pilar Marrero Ethnic Media Services

Many are vowing to continue the fight to protect diversity in higher education and warn policy makers and educators not to overreach in interpreting the controversial ruling.

‘ RACE is Still Relevant’ — Advocates Slam SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action

Civil rights leaders joined together to denounce last week’s Supreme Court decision ending Affirmative Action. Many are warning of the negative effects the ruling will have on students of color.

“Race is still relevant, racial discrimination is still relevant,” said Thomas A. Saenz,

President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF).

Saenz pointed to the majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, which states that college admission programs can consider how race has affected an applicant’s character specifically, but that race cannot be a general consideration in admissions.

“That is a clear indication that this is not a mandate or even an invitation to ignore race in the context of higher education,” explained

n Advocates, see page 6

HARVARD SUED BY CIVIL RIGHTS

ORGANIZATIONS FOR

DISCRIMINATORY ADMISSIONS

Federal civil rights complaint challenges Harvard’s practice of giving preferential treatment in admissions to children of wealthy donors and alumni preferences go overwhelmingly to white applicants and systematically disadvantage applicants of color

The Chica Project, the African Community Economic Development of New England (ACEDONE), and the Greater Boston Latino Network (GBLN) filed a federal civil rights complaint against Harvard College, challenging its discriminatory practice of giving preferential treatment in the admissions process to applicants with familial ties to wealthy donors and alumni (“legacy applicants”).

The complaint, alleging widespread violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, was filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) by Lawyers for Civil Rights.

The complaint comes on the heels of last week’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that limited the ability

Compton City Council passes fiscal year budget

By Dennis J Freeman

(Compton Bulletin) - The Compton City Council passed its 2023-24 fiscal year budget in a special meeting on June 28. The budget the council accounts for slightly over $251 million. The actual number $251, 903, 275.

The cost of expenditures for the city was tallied up to

more than $235 million. The real number is $235, 331,623. The city’s general fund, which includes the Measure P sales tax (1%), comes up to over $65 million ($65,651,118).

Measure P takes up slightly more than $16 million ($16,353,255) of the city’s general fund (street repairs, law enforcement, and fire protection).

The departments in the city that has the biggest slices of its operating budget belong in several categories. Leading the way is the engineering department, which was approved for a budget of more than $50 million ($50,609,624).

Driving this monetary allotment for the engineering department is the MTA Sales

Tax Bond, which accounts for $21 million ($21,994,184).

The city has made room to pay the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department nearly $ 27 million ($26, 909,214) for the 2023-24 fiscal year. That’s a nearly an increase of almost four million dollars from the city’s 2021-22 budget.

The other big chunk carved out of the city’s bud-

get has been set aside for community development ($33,624,393). The nearly $24 million directed by the city to community development represents an increase of close to five million dollars from the 2021-22 fiscal year, which was a little more than $18 million.

The city approved giving the fire department a budget of $16 million to operate.

n Harvard sued, see page 6

What the Supreme Court affirmative action ruling means for California

By Daniel Farber

Since 1978, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed universities to use affirmative action as a tool to increase racial diversity, but on Thursday the court slammed the door on this practice, holding that it violates the Constitution.

THE decision is extremely controversial, and there is much to be said about the court’s reasoning. But for present purposes, we should focus on a narrower question: the decision’s impact in California.

At state universities like UC Berkeley, the immediate impact should be small. But private schools like Stanford will be heavily affected.

The reason is straightforward: California law has banned affirmative action since 1996 when it passed Proposition 209. So for schools like Berkeley, the court’s ruling does not represent much of a change. No doubt

scholars will be scouring the opinion to see if any details of the process need to change, but basically the court has imposed on schools nationally the same rules that already applied in California.

For private schools, the impact will be broader because they were not subject to California’s ban on affirmative action. If they accept any form of federal funding, they’ll have to comply with the new Supreme Court decision. This will probably mean adopting something like the application process used across the University of California system. They remain free, however, to maintain other aspects of their admissions pro-

cess like personal interviews or preferences for the children of alumni or major donors.

Some schools may try to take advantage of a door that the court left open by justifying affirmative action as a remedy for past racial exclusion. Past precedents dealing with the remedial use of affirmative action in government set-asides will be closely scrutinized, assuming they can make the case. Schools will have to show that there’s a clear link between their programs and instances of past illegal conduct.

Despite the failure of a recent effort in 2020, there has been continued talk about repealing Prop. 209. Whatever

California does with its own law, federal law would continue to limit what state schools could do. Unless they can prove that a program is addressing unequal admissions, the court’s decision will make affirmative action in university admissions illegal even if Prop. 209 disappears.

Beyond university admissions, the court’s decision will impact other race-conscious programs nationally. The court said that it has found only two government interests strong enough to justify such programs: One is remedying “specific, identified instances of past discrimination that violated the Constitution or a statute.” The other is “avoiding imminent and serious risks to human safety in prisons, such as a race riot.”

Presumably, even outside a prison, acute risk to human safety would count, but this still seems like a very narrow exception.

A constitutional amendment proposal in the California Assembly would allow race-based programs if there is rigorous evidence that the program would “for purposes of increasing the life expectancy

of, improving educational outcomes for, or lifting out of poverty specific groups.” Programs relating to sexuality or gender are also allowed, but these raise different legal issues and that’s a discussion for another day.

The affirmative action case doesn’t directly speak to the constitutionality of the Assembly initiative. However, given the Supreme Court’s very narrow description of past precedents, such as the prison exception, it seems doubtful that the Assembly initiative would pass muster. A general improvement in life expectancy, educational outcomes or poverty levels just isn’t comparable to the imminent risk to safety described by the court.

With programs that consider an individual’s race now off the table, addressing racial disparities will be harder. But that’s nothing new for California schools and state government.

The rest of the country may be looking to us for guidance about how to meet the challenge.

Source: Cal Matters. Cal Matters is an editorial partner of the Compton Bulletin

How UCLA has responded to Proposition 209

A central element of the UCLA story is its role as an engine for opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds. Prior to the passage of California Proposition 209 in late 1996, there were many ways to measure UCLA’s impact in that regard.

UCLA was, for example, the alma mater of generations of trailblazing Black Americans such as Nobel laureate Ralph Bunche, world-changing athletes Jackie Robinson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. In 1969, it became one of the first universities to establish ethnic studies programs, with the Asian American Studies Center, American Indian Studies Center, Bunche Center for African American Studies and Chicano Studies Research Center — all intended to advance scholarship and raise awareness

of issues facing ethnic minorities.

And, prior to Proposition 209, UCLA — along with UC Berkeley — was among the nation’s top three institutions in sending students from underrepresented groups to medical school, according to UC Berkeley sociologist Troy Duster.

Speaking in 1997, Duster noted

that by abolishing affirmative action, California was cutting these crucial pipelines for minority students.

More broadly, ensuring that UCLA’s student population reflects the diverse population of California is a goal inextricably tied to the campus’s role as a public university. It is a foundational principle of the institu-

tion that UCLA serve the public and enhance the greater good, which means that the campus community should be inclusive of, and welcoming to, a population as diverse as the state’s.

But with the passage of Proposition 209, the University of California and other state entities were prohibited from using race, ethnicity, national or-

igin, or sex as criteria in public employment, contracting and education.

Immediately, UCLA took action to preserve the rich diversity of the campus environment. In 1998, the year the new law went into effect, Albert Carnesale, who served as UCLA’s chancellor from 1997 to 2006, described increased outreach to underrepresented groups. “Students, faculty, alumni and administrators made phone calls and visits to students,” he said. “We had receptions on campus for admitted students and their families, and made it as clear as we could that we were determined to maintain and enhance diversity at UCLA within the constraints of the law.”

Still, the numbers of both Black and Latino students at UCLA dropped.

Despite UCLA’s efforts, by

Photo by Melinda Meijer courtesy of News4usonline

Anti-poverty programs will see increase in services

THE LOS ANGELES-BASED PROGRAMS WILL SEE $13 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

LOS ANGELES, CA

– The Community Investment For Families Department (CIFD), a department dedicated to ending generational poverty, has been allocated a substantial increase in General Fund resources to help reach more Angelenos. This investment, made by the Mayor and City Council, represents an increase of more than $13 million to continue and expand services and will add four new FamilySource Centers through the City’s Fiscal Year 23-24 budget, as signed by Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council.

THE budget, which takes effect on July 1, is a major boost to CIFD programs that address homelessness, homelessness prevention, food insecurity, domestic violence/human trafficking, case management, financial coaching for families and young people, along with many other services.

“We are grateful to the Mayor and City Council for prioritizing Angelenos and meeting our City’s poverty challenges head on,” said Abigail Marquez, CIFD General Manager. “The increased support and resources is a step in the right direction and will allow us to increase our capacity to serve more Angelenos in need”.

The additional funds represent an increase of 67 percent from the current year to community organizations funded by CIFD. The FamilySource System will be expanded from 16 to 20 centers across the city, and will be positioned to increase the number of low-income people served to 50,000 children and

families. FamilySource Centers provide supportive services such as food, case management, public benefits counseling, free tax preparation services, along with social and academic support for youth.

“I’m grateful to Mayor Bass and my colleagues for their partnership during this process,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Chair of the Budget, Finance and Innovation Committee, in a statement. “Our budget reflects the priorities and goals we share, and I look forward to continuing this work throughout the year.”

A total of $3.6 million will be allocated to integrate CIFD’s Solid Ground Homeless Prevention program within the FamilySource System. The Solid Ground program helps curb the inflow of new cases of homelessness for families by stabilizing housing and working with them to build a more financially secure future.

Other notable CIFD budget highlights include:

• $6.5 million to aid

the Domestic Violence/Human Trafficking program

• $1.2 million to continue the Opportunity L.A. Children’s Saving Account program

• $700,000 to support homeless families through the Kids First program

• $100,000 to support unaccompanied minors

“This budget reflects our values and invests in the most critical needs of our city,” said Mayor Bass in a statement.

“I am so proud that the City Council has affirmed these priorities and is joining me in building a new Los Angeles with the urgency that Angelenos deserve.”

About Community Investment For Families Department

On December 9, 2020, the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor created CIFD to assist families who were already vulnerable to economic uncertainty before the COVID-19 pandemic and are far more vulnerable now.

The department works

closely with the Mayor and City Council to establish poverty-reduction goals for the City; plays an active role in implementing homelessness prevention programs; and oversees the following programs that ensure smart impactful initiatives are taken that will build a path for Angelenos in need to create financial security with the ultimate goal of ending generational poverty:

• Basic Income Guaranteed: Los Angeles Economic Assistance Pilot (BIG:LEAP)

• Opportunity L.A. - Children’s Savings Account

• Neighborhood Improvements Projects

• FamilySource Centers

• Free Tax Prep LA

• Survivor Services

• Solid Ground - Homelessness Prevention

• Office of Traffic Safety

• Immigrant Inclusion and Language Access

• Teen Parents Prosper

For more information about our programs, please visit us at www.LA4Families. org

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, center, pictured with CIFD General Manager Abigail Marquez (second from right) and others during a FamilySource Center community event on Dec. 16, 2022 at All Peoples Community Center.

New Resources for Those Living With COPD

(StatePoint) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term lung disease that includes bronchitis and emphysema, is a leading cause of disability and death in the United States. More than 12.5 million people have been diagnosed, but millions more may have the disease without even knowing it.

GIVEN the tremendous impact COPD has on individuals, it’s no surprise that it is a significant healthcare burden in the United States. In 2019 alone, there were close to 1,320,000

emergency department visits due to COPD and close to 536,000 hospitalizations. The total economic cost of COPD in this country is close to $50 billion each year.

COPD can impact all aspects of one’s life, making basic household and personal care tasks difficult. However, there are numerous actions a person with COPD can take to feel better and reduce the disease’s impact.

Those who are newly diagnosed with COPD often have many questions about what they can do to feel better. With this in mind, the American Lung Association has launched COPD Basics, a one-hour online course that is free and open to all. Designed to improve COPD care, the course is meant for people living with COPD, their fami-

lies and healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physicians and respiratory therapists.

The COPD Basics course will teach participants about COPD risk factors and prevention; recognizing the symptoms and diagnosing COPD; maintaining a high quality of life while living with a chronic disease, and the latest treatments and medications. Healthcare professionals who complete the course may be eligible to receive continuing education credits or contact hours. If you or a family member has recently been diagnosed with COPD, take the COPD Basics course at Lung.org/COPD-Basics.

There is currently no cure for COPD, but new resources can help those living with the disease manage their condition.

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD

THEME: BIOLOGY 101

1. *Lactuca sativa dish

6. Banned insecticide

9. Doorframe part

13. *Group of #3 Down

14. Top seed number

15. *Blood ____, diabetic’s concern

16. *Food poisoning-causing bacterium

17. Galley tool

Sushi restaurant staple

sequoia,

7. *Genetic information carrier, acr.

8. 9 a.m. prayer

9. Saturn’s daughter, Roman goddess

10. *Petri dish gel

11. The Wise Men

12. French appetizer

15. Scheherazade’s listener

20. Swelling of human organs

22. Priestly garb 24. Book cover prototype

25. *Fatty acids 26. Piano key material 27. Pancho of Mexican Revolution fame

29. *Basic unit of life

31. Fermented honey libation

32. Misrepresent 33. Theater, to Socrates 34. Deed hearings 36. “Wanted!” option 38. *Parasite’s ride 42. Stable room 45. Sagely 49. Major news network, acr. 51. Cargo carrier 54. Agenda entries

56. Round openings

57. Fill to satisfaction

58. Ox, pl.

59. What Pinocchio did

60. Popular walking shoe brand

61. *Basic unit of heredity

62. South American tubers

63. Web location

64. Paradise garden

67. Like Willie Winkie

(c) jacoblund / iStock via Getty Images Plus

NAACP responds to Supreme Court’s education ruling with ‘Diversity No Matter What’ pledge

The NAACP calls on more than 1,600 U.S. public and private colleges and universities with selective admissions processes to commit to the “Diversity No Matter What” pledge following the Supreme Court’s extreme decisions reversing decades of precedent on affirmative action. The Pledge is an effort to ensure that higher education institutions foster environments mirroring the nation’s diversity and increase the representation of historically underrepresented students.

State drops $5.7 million to LGBTQ+ communities to fight Opioid use

SACRAMENTO – As part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1 billion Master Plan for tackling the fentanyl and opioid crisis, California today awarded $5.7 million for opioid and stimulant use education and outreach in Two-Spirit/ LGBTQ+ communities.

“ CALIFORNIA has an all-hands-on-deck strategy for tackling the fentanyl and opioid crisis impacting every community across our state and country,” said Governor Newsom. “Education and outreach are critical tools in our arsenal – to prevent tragedy, to connect people with treatment, and to fight the life-threatening stigma that stops too many people from getting help. The best way forward is together – leaving no one alone in this battle.”

GRANT IMPACT: The grants will be used to increase awareness and education, for and within 2S/LGBTQ+ communities, about opioids and stimulants, decrease stigma related to drug use and treatment, and integrate and strengthen treatment referral pathways for opioid use disorder and stimulant use disorder.

“Awardees will support 2S/ LGBTQ+ organizations’ outreach

and education activities for opioid use and stimulant use disorders, while creating tangible links to services and treatment providers within their communities,” said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. “These organizations are focused on the 2S/LGBTQ+ community, striving for health equity through culturally and linguistically appropriate prevention and education projects.”

AWARD DETAILS: This funding opportunity awards $5.7 million to 25 entities, with a maximum of up to $250,000 per awarded entity for the 12-month contract period from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.

WHY THIS MATTERS: More than 1.8 million individuals in California identify as part of the 2S/LGBTQ+ population. “2S” refers to “Two-Spirit,” which is a Native American concept referring to sexual and gender diversity. Compared to heterosexual individuals nationwide, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults report higher rates of stimulant use and substance use disorders (SUD).

In 2019, 1.4 million LGB adults, nationally, reported illicit opioid (prescription pain reliever, fentanyl, heroin, etc.) use. Some factors contributing to opioid use and stimulant use in the 2S/LGBTQ+ community include mental illness, the risk of experiencing violence, structural stigma, and dis-

crimination.

BROADER EFFORT: The project is part of DHCS’ broader efforts to address SUD as part of the California MAT Expansion Project, a holistic effort to increase access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), reduce unmet treatment needs, and reduce opioid overdose-related deaths through the provision of prevention, treatment, and recovery activities. MAT is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is effective in the treatment of opioid use disorders and can help some people sustain recovery. For more information, please visit the DHCS website.

BIGGER PICTURE: Governor Newsom has dedicated more than $1 billion in funding to fight the opioid crisis by removing opioids from the streets, providing resources to California communities in need, and increasing education and awareness to prevent harm. In fiscal year 202223, DHCS is investing more than $558 million in various opioid prevention and treatment grant activities. Earlier this year, Governor Newsom announced the state would begin the process for creating its own Naloxone – through the CalRx Initiative – to make the lifesaving drug more accessible and more affordable across California.

“Let’s be clear - Black America is in a fight for our lives. The NAACP has been at the forefront of this battle for more than a century and we’re not backing down,” said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson.”It is our hope that our nation’s institutions will stand with us in embracing diversity, no matter what. Regardless, the NAACP will continue to advocate, litigate, and mobilize to ensure that every Black American has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The NAACP has long advocated for policies and regulations at every level of government to guarantee a first-rate education for all Black students. The “Diversity No Matter What” pledge outlines various steps that schools can take to create and sustain a culture of inclusion, belonging, and respect for the benefit of all students — and therefore our society — such as:

• Eliminating racially biased entrance examinations and adopting a holistic approach that considers every aspect of an applicant’s background, achievements, and potential.

• Supporting the matriculation and retention of low-income and first-generation students through outreach programs, scholarships, mentoring, and academic support services.

• Recruiting diverse faculty and staff who can serve as role models and mentors for our students while contributing to our curriculum and research.

• Creating a welcoming, and supportive campus climate that values diversity, stands for equity, and advances inclusion in all aspects of academic and social life.

• Striving towards greater inclusivity by ending the utilization of legacy admissions which give an advantage to children and family members of institutional alumni or donors.

• Partnering with and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, and other Minority Serving Institutions that have deeply rooted race-conscious missions.

“When a college or university commits to our ‘Diversity No Matter What’ pledge, that signifies a huge stride toward future insurance that every student, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or socioeconomic status, has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at a higher education institution,” said Dr. Ivory Toldson, NAACP Director of Education Innovation and Research.

Advocates

continued from page 1

Saenz in an interview with Ethnic Media Services.

The June 29 decision overturned 45 years of precedent by ruling that Affirmative Action policies violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.

Saenz and others warned policymakers and higher education leaders not to overreach in their interpretation of the ruling. They also urged students of color not to “adjust their ambitions in any way” because of this decision.

“Policymakers cannot use this decision as some excuse to ignore racial disparity or to ignore the imperative to address it,” said Saenz. “This doesn’t change regulations under the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964.”

Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), notes that race can still be taken into account for college admissions, as it relates to an applicant’s life experience.

Racial gaslighting Colleges and universities across the country – particularly those states where, before this decision, race was still used as part of the criteria in college and university admissions –should evaluate their practices for equity, said leaders in the higher education access arena.

“We know that Affirmative Action was one of the best tools to ensure there was a diverse

Harvard sued

continued from page 6

to consider race in college admissions, and argues that it is even more imperative now to eliminate policies that systematically disadvantage students of color.

As the complaint outlines, nearly 70% of Harvard’s donor-related and legacy applicants are white, and they receive a substantial boost based on their status. Donor-related applicants are nearly 7 times more likely to be admitted than non-donor-related applicants, and legacies are nearly 6 times more likely to be admitted.

For the Class of 2019, about 28% of the class were legacies with a parent or other

student body,” said Michelle Siqueiros, President of the Campaign for College Opportunity. “SCOTUS should have also banned legacy (admissions), which makes up more than a quarter to a third of the class at some selective institutions, including Harvard.”

She added the practice of granting admission to the sons and daughters of alumni, along with early decision admissions and the extensive use of standardized tests, “do not expand opportunities to low-income Black, Latino and Asian American Students.”

Several groups in Boston filed a complaint with the Education Department on Monday requesting that it review the practice of legacy admissions, arguing it discriminates against students of color by favoring the children of alumni at elite schools, most of whom are white.

Author and education scholar J. Luke Wood described the ruling as “racial gaslighting at its best.” Wood is the incoming president at Sacramento State University.

“If they are concerned about discrimination, they should move away from standardized testing, which is a better indication about a student’s resources” and not his or her capacities. “This will definitely have an impact on access to colleges and universities by students of color,” said Wood.

Sending a message to stu-

dents of color

Marita Etcubañez, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives with Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), discusses the Asian American response to the ban on affirmative action and notes that Asian Americans did not initiate the lawsuit, nor were there any student plaintiffs in the case.

All of those interviewed said they worried about students getting the wrong message from the ruling and the impact this could have on students of color already in higher education institutions.

“We want to make sure that students of color know that they still belong, that we will be fighting for you, and we encourage you to apply to the school of your choice, don’t be scared off by this opinion,” said Marita Etcubañez, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives with Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC).

Etcubañez, like other Asian American civil rights leaders, also expressed concerns about arguments that Affirmative Action policies unfairly discriminated against Asian students. “This is simply false,” she said.

“The District Court examined all the evidence and found no evidence to support the claim that there was discrimination against Asian Americans,” said Etcubañez. “I also want to make sure people know that Asian Americans

were not behind this case.”

In fact, the case was brought forward by a group called Students for Fair Admissions led by conservative activist Ed Blum, who Etcubañez noted “has engaged in a campaign to systematically take down Affirmative Action for years. This was not an organic case to right a wrong.”

Blum is a Republican financier who was also behind the 2013 Shelby v. Holder decision, which gutted Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, eliminating the requirement that states with a history of racial discrimination targeting voters of color seek federal preclearance for any changes to their election laws.

In a scathing dissent to the majority’s ruling, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote: “The three Justices of color on this Court graduated from elite universities and law schools with race-conscious admissions programs, and achieved successful legal careers, despite having different educational backgrounds than their peers.”

In her opinion, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who joined Sotomayor in her dissent, offered a fiery exchange with conservative justice Clarence Thomas, who is also African American and leads the ultra-conservative wing of the court.

‘We will be watching’

Michele Siqueiros, President of The Campaign for College Opportunity, says

affirmative action advocates will continue to fight for fair admissions to colleges and to ensure that campuses remain diverse.

“Thomas went to Yale Law School, my alma mater, at a time when almost certainly the law school was using an Affirmative Action system that benefited him,” said Saenz from MALDEF. “This indicates how much of a limitation this could be for our future. Future justices, future leaders, elected leaders, and future professionals will be diminished in their ranks by the court’s wrongheaded decision.”

Michelle Siqueiros, President of the Campaign for College Opportunity, said that her organization and many others would fight to counteract the effects of this ruling as they have done in California and other states where local laws limited the use of race in admissions over the years.

“We won’t accept a return to the 1940s and 1950s when colleges blatantly discriminated against women, African Americans, Jewish Americans, Latinos, and Indigenous folks at their campuses,” said Siqueiros.

“We will be watching,” she added, noting that at a time when more than 50% of students in K-12 schools are students of color, “we are hopeful that college leaders know and support and value providing opportunity for all Americans.”

Above image via Unsplash

relative who went to Harvard. Qualified and highly deserving applicants of color are harmed as a result, as admissions slots are given instead to the overwhelmingly white applicants who benefit from Harvard’s legacy and donor preferences. Even worse, this preferential treatment has nothing to do with an applicant’s merit. Instead, it is an unfair and unearned benefit that is conferred solely based on the family that the applicant is born into. This custom, pattern, and practice is exclusionary and discriminatory. It severely disadvantages and harms applicants of color.

The complaint notes that in recent years numerous colleges and universities have recognized the unfairness of such preferences and have abandoned them, including all higher education institutions in Colorado; the University of California; Johns Hopkins University; and Amherst College.

The civil rights complaint calls on the DOE to launch a federal investigation, under Title VI and its implementing regulations, into Harvard’s practices surrounding legacy and donor preferences. The complaint urges the DOE to declare these practices illegal

and to order Harvard to cease legacy and donor preference practices if the university wishes to continue receiving federal funds.

“Harvard’s practice of giving a leg-up to the children of wealthy donors and alumni – who have done nothing to deserve it – must end. This preferential treatment overwhelmingly goes to white applicants and harms efforts to diversify. Particularly in light of last week’s decision from the Supreme Court, it is imperative that the federal government act now to eliminate this unfair barrier that systematically disadvantages students of color,”

said Michael Kippins, litigation fellow at LCR.

“There’s no birthright to Harvard. As the Supreme Court recently noted, ‘eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it.’ There should be no way to identify who your parents are in the college application process. Why are we rewarding children for privileges and advantages accrued by prior generations? Your family’s last name and the size of your bank account are not a measure of merit, and should have no bearing on the college admissions process,” said Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, executive director of LCR.

Is Carlos Vela still the best in MLS?

By Jesus Perez (NEWS4USONLINE)

- The question for the Los Angeles Football Club and Carlos Vela is this the end of a marvelous run? Vela is one of the best players in Major League Soccer (MLS). He’s earned that reputation due to his high-scoring ability and the magical plays he comes up with. This season, however, has been a challenge for Vela.

ALTHOUGH

LAFC played well enough to sit in second place in the Western Conference, has played almost like a shell of himself if you want to compare his stats this season to the spectacular numbers he put up in the past.

In the team’s 19 games, 12 of which he has started, Vela has produced just six goals. Yes, the season is long and there’s still a lot of soccer to be played before the regular season concludes, but Vela, despite being one of the more recognizable figures in MLS, simply has not lived to the hype this season.

This should have come as a surprise. Vela’s play has been trending downward the last

two seasons. During the 2019 regular season, Vela played lights out, scoring 34 goals in 31 matches to go along with 15 assists. Vela simply dominated the league. He added two more goals in the postseason to finish the year with a total of 36 goals in 33 games.

That’s unheard of. Vela played so well that season that he was named the

MLS Supporters’ Shield winner. He was also tapped as the Landon Donovan MLS MVP and received the MLS Golden Boot honor.

“For me, it’s just a reward for all the effort and all the work,” said Vela. He is also the first Mexican player to win MLS’ MVP award.

“This trophy just makes me more hungry,” Vela said

while holding his MVP award. “The next step is to be champion. I will work really hard to get that trophy for my team, for my club. This one is just OK. I want the bigger one.”

All those accomplishments now seem like light years removed from the way Vela has played the last couple of seasons. But Vela did see his wish to be champion granted when LAFC won the MLS Cup 2022 when the team defeated the Philadelphia Union on penalty kicks. In 2022, Vela played 32 games and scored 12 goals, far below what was able to produce during the regular season in 2019.

Things have not been so magical for the LAFC forward since the 2019 season. Most of the blame could be placed on the number of injuries that have befallen the MLS superstar. During the 2019-2020 season, Vela missed 12 games due to a sustained MCL injury. He was out 23 days during the 2020-2021 season because of a hamstring injury. And for the 2021-2022 season, Vela missed a grand total of 63 days and 11 games from another hamstring injury.

Injuries aside, although he has struggled in recent years, and even to a degree this season, it is difficult seeing LAFC repeat as MLS champions without Vela being in the lineup. But to get to that championship as

they did a year ago, Vela recognizes that he and the team must improve their play.

“We know we can play way better,” said Vela. “It’s not a good sign, but also it’s a good sign because when you are not in your best and you’re still [near] the first position in the table, you’re still [in] Concacaf Champions League in a good spot to advance, I think it shows the team is a good team, has a good mentality.”

Vela is not the only member of LAFC who believes that the team need to step up their game. After losing the Concacaf Champions League Final to Leon, LAFC midfielder Ilie Sanchez extended his thoughts on what LAFC have to do to get better as a unit.

“We have to improve, it’s the only way to move forward,” Sanchez said. “Forget what happened in this final and concentrate on our goal here until the end of the season.”

Moving forward is something that both Vela and LAFC have to do in order to position themselves for another title run. Vela cannot sit on old glory and rely on what he did in the past. Being an MLS All-Star in 2018 and 2019 is a long time ago for Vela. Can he capture what he did then in a bottle for a few games? The answer is yes. Is it sustainable? That would be an emphatic no.

Vela’s career is rich in su-

The Supreme Court’s ruling declaring race can no longer be used as a criterion for college admissions was a “shot across the bow, man,” says Charles Barkley.

Upon hearing the news on Thursday, the NBA Hall of Famer was moved to do something to support future Black students attending Auburn, his alma mater. Something significant.

“In my will, I am leaving Auburn $5 million,” he said Friday. “I’m going to change it to be just for scholarships for

Black students. That’s just my way of trying to make sure Auburn stays diverse.

“I love Auburn,” he added. “I’ve actually changed it to be used for kids from poor homes. But after that ruling yesterday, my phone was blowing up. I was talking to my friends and said, ‘I need to make sure Black folks always have a place at Auburn. So, I’m gonna change my will and make it exclusive for Black students—all $5 million.’ It’s just for me the right thing to do. I always want to

make sure that Auburn’s diverse.”

According to the university’s data, Black student enrollment fell slightly from 5.3 percent in 2020 to 4.91% in the fall of 2022.

Barkley said when he originally made out his will, he considered making his bequest exclusive to Black students, but chose not to. The ruling changed his mind.

“We’ve always lacked diversity,” Barkley said. “I’m doing my part to make sure we are more diverse.”

Charles Barkley changing his will to ensure Auburn is ‘more diverse’ after affirmative action ruling

Photos courtesy of LAFC

Source: NNPA

Charles Barkley Changing his will to ensure Auburn is ‘more diverse’ after affirmation action ruling. al.com

n Carlos Vela, see page 8

continued from page 2

the end of the first decade of Proposition 209’s restrictions, the campus had reached a crisis. Just 2% of incoming freshmen for the fall 2006 class were Black — 101 students out of a class of more than 4,800. (By comparison, 7% of UCLA’s first-year students were Black in 1994 and 1995, the two years prior to Proposition 209.)

Then-Acting Chancellor Norman Abrams, in concert with community leaders, faculty, administrators, students and alumni redoubled UCLA’s efforts.

In 2006, the UCLA Academic Senate approved a holistic model for freshman admissions in which each application would be read and considered in its entirety rather than having sections reviewed by different people. Proponents of the new approach, which does not consider race and other factors that are prohibited by Proposition 209, believed the more individualized and qualitative assessment of each applicant’s entire application would be the fairest and most effective method of providing access to all underrepresented applicants. The strategy was already being employed by UC Berkeley.

Abrams also assembled a task force made up of campus representatives, alumni and community leaders to advise UCLA leadership on the issues and to promote discussion with the Black community. He wrote to counselors at predominantly Black high schools, and visited schools in person, sharing the message that UCLA was distressed by reports that some were telling students that the campus wasn’t interested in them. “Nothing could be fur-

UCLA Carlos Vela

continued from page 7

perlatives. He was the first player to score in El Trafico against the LA Galaxy. He’s a couple of seasons away from hitting the 100-goal plateau.

If he does hit that mark, Vela would become one of the few players to reach 100 goals in MLS history. Vela has turned hat tricks into the norm and he has become just the seventh player seventh player in MLS to score 20 career penalty

ther from the truth,” he said at the time.

The approach produced measurable, if modest, progress right away: By the following year, 4% of those who intended to enroll as freshmen were Black.

Under Chancellor Gene Block, who became UCLA’s chief executive in 2007, progress continued, but — as even Block observed in 2014 — additional measures were needed to ensure that UCLA truly reflected the diversity of California.

“Higher education is one of the greatest engines of social transformation in existence,” Block wrote in a message to the campus following the Supreme Court’s June 2023 decisions. “Since Proposition 209 was implemented, we have sought to maintain our commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence through innovative outreach programs for low-income and first-generation students, initiatives to increase UCLA’s geographic reach, and holistic admissions policies that consider students’ achievements in the context of the opportunities available to them.”

As of 2022, the percentage of Black students remained around 5% for undergraduate students and 6% for graduate students — which is roughly in line with the 6.5% of the state’s population that identifies as Black or African American.

Some measures were structured to strengthen equity and diversity on the campus itself, among them, the creation of a vice chancel-

lor position to oversee equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, and new diversity officer positions. UCLA also established a Black Bruin Resource Center

in the center of campus to offer programing and services to anyone interested in Black life; embarked upon a five-year plan to hire faculty whose work re-

lates to Black experience; and created a new position for a staff member to maximize philanthropic support for Black life, teaching and research.

The Board of Directors of County Sanitation District No. 1 of Los Angeles County will hold a public hearing on July 12, 2023, 1:30 p.m., in the Board Room at the District’s Administrative Offices, 1955 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601. The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with an opportunity to make comments regarding the Service Charge Report filed with the District Clerk on March 8, 2023. Please refer to the agenda for instructions regarding public participation. The boundaries of Sanitation District No. 1 are shown below.

Sanitation District No. 1 provides wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services. Residential and commercial users pay for their share of these services through the District’s service charge program. The average daily quantity of sewage flow and strength from one single family home is equal to one sewage unit. All other user categories are assessed proportionately. The service charge rate for fiscal year 2023-24, as previously approved by the District’s Board of Directors, is $199 per year per sewage unit. No changes to the approved service charge rate are proposed.

The District intends to continue to collect the service charge as a separate line item on the property tax roll as the most costeffective means of collecting the charge. To do so, the California Health and Safety Code requires the filing of and subsequent hearing on a Service Charge Report. Copies of the Report are available on the District’s website (www.lacsd.org) or can be obtained by contacting District’s staff by regular mail at P.O. Box 4998, Whittier, CA 90607-4998; by e-mail at Rates@lacsd.org; or by phone at (855) 240-9506 (toll free). In addition to providing comments at the public hearing, written comments regarding this matter may also be submitted to the District Clerk at these same addresses.

NO. 1

kicks goals.

What does all that mean now and for the future of Vela and LAFC? It means that there still high expectations for something great to happen for the team and for the longtime winger.

This article first appeared on the website News4usonline. News4usonline is an editorial partner with The Compton Bulletin

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: TOMMY LEE STEPHENS CASE NO. BP000151

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of TOMMY LEE STEPHENS.

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

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that PASCHA GORDON 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: 08/30/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. ST5 located at 111 N. 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.

Attorney for Petitioner

MICHAEL E. GODBE, ESQ. - SBN

250858, GODBE LAW GROUP

25201 PASEO DE ALICIA, SUITE 140

LAGUNA HILLS CA 92653

BSC 223514

6/21, 6/28, 7/5/23

CNS-3711679#

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10.00 am, at Los Anageles court house 12720 Nowalk Blvd. Norwalk, Ca 92830, Larry Rothman, on behalf of Compton willow Walk Corp., WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK OR CERTIFIED CHECK (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States) all right, title and interest created by the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions, and by the Notice of Default and Election to sell which was recorded on November 5, 2021, Instrument Number 2021-1658870 in Official Records of Orange County California, described as:

Parcel 6166-005-057, Legal Description: Tract 60998, Lot 1 PH 3 CONDO UNIT 103 (AIRSPACE AND 1/20 INT IN COMMON AREA), inclusive of the office records of Los Angeles County, inclusive of Miscellaneous Maps for the County of Los Angeles, California. Recorded Owner(s): BOSTON OPHELLA/SMITH ZANNIE . The Street Address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 500 N. WILLOWBROOK AVE #L7, COMPTON, CA 90220. YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER AN ASSESSMENT LIEN DATED, JANUARY 28, 2021’, INSTRUMENT NUMBER 22021 -015-7253 IN OFFICIAL RECORDS OF ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. 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.

Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay for delinquent maintenance assessments, trustee fees, costs and attorney’s fees, to wit: $43.809.58, with interest thereon, as provided in said Declaration: advances, if any, under the terms of said Declaration; fees, charges and expenses of said Attorney.

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.

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 714-363-0220 for information regarding the trustee’s sale], using the file number assigned to this case [case file number]. 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.

The Homeowners Association or Owners Association under said Declaration 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 to be recorded in the County where the real property described herein is located. Trustee conducting sale: LOS ANGELES COURT HOUSE 12720 NORWALK BLVD, NORWALK CA 92830, PHONE: (714) 363-0220 BY /s/ LARRY ROTHMAN, Attorney at Law Authorized Representative for Compton Willow Walk Corp ..

6/21, 6/28, 7/5/23 CNS-3710021# THE COMPTON BULLETIN

SchId:90439 AdId:30358 CustId:61

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF VIRGINIA FIELDS

Case No. 23STPB04884

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of VIRGINIA FIELDS

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Edna Jackson Washington in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Edna Jackson Washington 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 July 14, 2023 at 8:30 AM in Dept. No. 4 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: PAUL HORN ESQ SBN 243227 PAUL HORN LAW GROUP PC 11404 SOUTH STREET CERRITOS CA 90703 CN997473 FIELDS Jun 21,28, Jul 5, 2023

SchId:90459 AdId:30364 CustId:65

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE T.S. No. 48069616 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 7/27/1995. 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: Barbara J. Henderson, who acquired title as Barbara Jean Henderson Duly Appointed Trustee: IDEA LAW

GROUP, PC Recorded 9/21/1995

as Instrument No. 95-1536699 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, California, Street Address or other common designation of real property: 2416 West 76th Street Inglewood, CA 90305 A.P.N.: 4009-018-004

Date of Sale: 7/27/2023 at 9:00:00

AM Place of Sale: Doubletree Hotel Los AngelesNorwalk, 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650

Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $28,087.41, Estimated. The 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 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 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 (800) 280-2832 or visit this Internet Website www.auction. com, using the file number assigned to this case 48069616. 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 Website. 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 (800) 280-2832, or visit this internet web-

site www.auction.com, using the file number assigned to this case 48069616 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. The Notice to Tenant pertains to sales occurring after January 1, 2021. Date: 6/19/2023 IDEA LAW GROUP, PC 1651 E 4th Street, Suite 124 Santa Ana, California 92701 Foreclosure Department: (877) 353-2146 Sale Information Only: (800) 280-2832 www.auction.com

Maggie Salac, Foreclosure Officer

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE WOLF FIRM MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. A-4788639 06/23/2023, 06/30/2023, 07/07/2023

SchId:90476 AdId:30370 CustId:64

Title Order No.: 2279979cad Trustee Sale No.: 86365 Loan No.: 399166858 APN: 6156-021-030 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 10/30/2017. 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 PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.

On 7/19/2023 at 10:30 AM, CALIFORNIA TD SPECIALISTS, AS TRUSTEE as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 11/1/2017 as Instrument No. 20171257203 in book N/A, page N/A of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by: MELVIN SEABORN III, A SINGLE MAN , as Trustor ARTHUR M. DAY AND MARIANNE W. DAY, AS TRUSTEES OF THE DAY FAMILY TRUST DATED 01/24/2005, AS TO A 100.00% ($110,000.00) UNDIVIDED INTEREST , as Beneficiary WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). At: Behind the fountain located in Civic Center Plaza located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766, NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE – continued all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County, California describing the land therein: Lot 3, Except the Easterly 3 feet thereof, and all of Lot 4 and the Easterly 6 feet of Lot 5, in Block 20 of Tract No. 5627, as per Map recorded in Book 60 Pages 17 and 18 of Maps, in the Office of the County recorder of said County.

The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 906 WEST POPLAR STREET COMPTON, CA 90220. 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, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, towit: $207,117.26 (Estimated) Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. 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 of Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. DATE: 6/23/2023

CALIFORNIA TD SPECIALISTS, AS TRUSTEE, as Trustee 8190 EAST KAISER BLVD., ANAHEIM HILLS, CA 92808 PHONE: 714-283-2180 FOR TRUSTEE SALE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: www.stoxposting. com CALL: 844-477-7869 PATRICIO

S. INCE’, VICE PRESIDENT CALIFORNIA TD SPECIALIST IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. “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 on 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 the outstanding lien 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

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 844-477-7869, or visit this internet Web site www.stoxposting. com, using the file number assigned to this case T.S.# 86365. 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.” For sales conducted after January 1, 2021: 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 (844) 4777869, or visit this internet website www.STOXPOSTING.com, using the file number assigned to this case 86365 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; by remitting the funds and affidavit described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code; 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.

SchId:90564 AdId:30407 CustId:670

Request for Proposals for Underwater Tank Inspection and Cleaning Services

The City of Compton (City) is soliciting a Request for Proposal (RFP), through a competitive process, for procurement of underwater tank inspection and cleaning services for the Municipal Water Department’s Reservoir Tanks. The City is seeking an agreement term of three years, with one, threeyear renewal option.

To be considered responsive to the RFP requirements, contractors must submit a proposal indicating their knowledge and experience related to the services being sought. If you have any questions, please contact Victor Meza, Water Department General Manager by phone at 310-605-5555 or by email at vmeza@comptoncity.org. The complete RFP can be viewed on the City’s website at https://www.comptoncity.org/departments/cityclerk/rfpsandbids.

In order for your proposal to be considered, submit four (4) copies marked “RFPUNDERWATER TANK INSPECTION AND CLEANING SERVICES” with one (1)-Cost Proposal in a separate sealed envelope to:

City of Compton City Clerk’s Office

Vernell McDaniel, City Clerk

205 S. Willowbrook Avenue Compton, CA 90220

Submission Deadline: Monday, July 17, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

Vernell McDaniel, City Clerk

Publish: 06/28/2023 07/05/2023

SchId:90590 AdId:30416 CustId:70

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE T.S. No.: 2023-05617 A.P.N.: 4027-008009 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 12/13/2021. 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 TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by 2424h(b), (payable at the time of sale in lawful money of the United States), 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: PREMIER CONSTRUCTION AND INVESTMENTS INC, A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION ORGANIZED AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF CALIFORNIA Duly Appointed Trustee: Entra Default Solutions, LLC 1355 Willow Way, Suite 115, Concord, California 94520 Phone: (925) 272-4993 Deed of Trust Recorded 12/16/2021 as Instrument No. 20211872398 in book , page of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, to be sold: Date of Sale: 7/26/2023 at 11:00 AM Place of Sale: By the fountain located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $664,550.10, Street Address or other common designation of real property: 9406 S 5TH AVENUE INGLEWOOD, CA 90305 A.P.N.: 4027-008-009 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. We are attempting to collect a debt and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. 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 con-

tacting 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 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 800-683-2468 option 1 or visit this Internet Web site www.servicelinkASAP.com, using the file number assigned to this case 2023-05617. 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 800-683-2468 option 1, or visit this internet website www.servicelinkASAP.com, using the file number assigned to this case 2023-05617 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. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.

Date: 6/27/2023 Entra Default Solutions, LLC Marisa Vidrine, Foreclosure Specialist A-4789275 07/05/2023, 07/12/2023, 07/19/2023

SchId:90618 AdId:30426 CustId:64

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: ROSE EDITH DUHANSKY CASE

NO. 22STPB09285

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ROSE EDITH DUHANSKY.

been filed by JEAN HATTIE GONZALES in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JEAN HATTIE GONZALES 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 with limited authority. (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: 08/10/23 at 8:30AM in Dept. 79 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

ZACHARIAS N. TRIPODES - SBN

311595, LAGERLOF, LLP

155 N. LAKE AVENUE, FLOOR 11 PASADENA CA 91101

Telephone: (626) 683-7234

7/5, 7/12, 7/19/23

CNS-3716334#

THE COMPTON BULLETIN

SchId:90637 AdId:30437 CustId:61

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Compton will hold a Public Hearing concerning

Consideration of Proposed Charges

Related to Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Handling Services, Delinquencies to be Collected on the

Los Angeles County Tax Roll for Fis-

cal Year 2023-2024 and Combined

Outstanding Balances for Tax Roll

Billing for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 5:40 P.M.

The public hearing will be held at Compton City Hall, City Council Chambers, at 205 South Willowbrook Avenue, Compton, CA 90220.

The City has prepared a written report that describes (i) the singlefamily and multifamily (without bin service) parcels, with the amount of the Charges proposed to be collected on the 2023-24 Tax Roll. In addition to the Outstanding Balances for Tax Roll Billing for 2022-2023 (ii) the parcels with delinquent multifamily accounts and commercial accounts (delinquencies of over 90 days) that Republic has turned over to the City to be collected on the 2023-2024 Tax Roll. The Report is on file in the office of the City Clerk and in the City’s Water Department. If you have any questions, or you would like more information regarding the report please contact: Waste Division at (310) 761-1420 or email contacttrash@comptoncity.org.

Vernell McDaniel City Clerk

POST: Compton Bulletin PUBLISH: 07/05/2023 07/12/2023

SchId:90640 AdId:30438 CustId:70

ORDINANCE NO. 2,355

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON LEVYING A MUNICIPAL TAX RATE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024

I Vernell McDaniel, City Clerk of the City of Compton, hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was adopted by the City Council, signed by the Mayor, and attested by the City Clerk at a regular meeting thereof held on the 27th day of June, 2023.

That said Ordinance was adopted by the following vote, to wit:

AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERSDUHART, SPICER, BOWERS, DARDEN, SHARIF

NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERSNONE

ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERSNONE

ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERSNONE

The full text of this ordinance is available at no charge from the Office of the City Clerk (310) 605-5530.

PUBLISH: 7/5/2023

SchId:90656 AdId:30444 CustId:70

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF PEGGY A. CONLEY aka PEGGY ANN CONLEY Case No. 23STPB06855

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

A. CONLEY aka PEGGY ANN CONLEY

County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Turae Marie Conley 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 July 28, 2023 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:

PAUL HORN ESQ

SBN 243227

PAUL HORN LAW GROUP PC

11404 SOUTH STREET

CERRITOS CA 90703

CN997766 CONLEY Jul 5,12, 2023, Jul 19, 2013

SchId:90684 AdId:30454 CustId:65

City of Compton WATER DEPARTMENT

205 South Willowbrook Ave., Compton, California 90220 Phone (310) 605-5595 Fax (310) 763-4567

Request for Proposals for Underwater Tank Inspection and Cleaning Services

The City of Compton (City) is soliciting a Request for Proposal (RFP), through a competitive process, for procurement of underwater tank in-

spection and cleaning services for the Municipal Water Department’s Reservoir Tanks. The City is seeking an agreement term of three years, with one, threeyear renewal option.

To be considered responsive to the RFP requirements, contractors must submit a proposal indicating their knowledge and experience related to the services being sought. If you have any questions, please contact Victor Meza, Water Department General Manager by phone at 310-605-5555 or by email at vmeza@comptoncity.org. The complete RFP can be viewed on the City’s website at https://www.comptoncity.org/departments/cityclerk/rfpsandbids.

In order for your proposal to be considered, submit four (4) copies marked “RFPUNDERWATER TANK INSPECTION AND CLEANING SERVICES” with one (1)-Cost Proposal in a separate sealed envelope to:

City of Compton City Clerk’s Office

Vernell McDaniel, City Clerk

205 S. Willowbrook Avenue Compton, CA 90220

Submission Deadline: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

Vernell McDaniel, City Clerk

Publish: 07/05/2023

07/12/2023

SchId:90687 AdId:30455 CustId:70

City of Compton WATER DEPARTMENT

205 South Willowbrook Ave., Compton, California 90220 Phone (310) 605-5594 Fax (310) 763-4567

Request for Proposals for

Utility Bill Printing and Mailing Services

The City of Compton (City) is soliciting a Request for Proposal from qualified businesses (Vendor) to submit proposals for providing high quality utility bill production, printing, and mailing services for its utility bills at a competitive price. The City’s intent is to select one Vendor to perform utility bill printing and mailing services for approximately 20,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers monthly.

To be considered responsive to the RFP requirements, contractors must submit a proposal indicating their knowledge and experience related to the services being sought. If you have any

questions, please contact Victor Meza, Water Department General Manager by phone at 310-605-5555 or by email at vmeza@comptoncity.org. The complete RFP can be viewed on the City’s website at https://www.comptoncity.org/departments/cityclerk/rfpsandbids.

In order for your proposal to be considered, submit four (4) copies marked “RFPUtility Bill Printing and Mailing Services” with one (1)-PerUnit Cost Itemization Chart in a separate sealed envelope to:

City of Compton City Clerk’s Office

Vernell McDaniel, City Clerk 205 S. Willowbrook Avenue Compton, CA 90220

Submission Deadline: Monday, July 10, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Vernell McDaniel, City Clerk

Publish: 07/05/2023

SchId:90689 AdId:30456 CustId:70

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Compton will hold a Public Hearing concerning Consideration of Proposed Charges Related to Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Handling Services, Delinquencies to be Collected on the Los Angeles County Tax Roll for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and Combined Outstanding Balances for Tax Roll Billing for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 5:40 P.M.

The public hearing will be held at Compton City Hall, City Council Chambers, at 205 South Willowbrook Avenue, Compton, CA 90220.

The City has prepared a written report that describes (i) the single-family and multi-family (without bin service) parcels, with the amount of the Charges proposed to be collected on the 2023-24 Tax Roll. In addition to the Outstanding Balances for Tax Roll Billing for 2022-2023 (ii) the parcels with delinquent multi-family accounts and commercial accounts (delinquencies of over 90 days) that Republic has turned over to the City to be collected on the 2023-2024 Tax Roll. The Report is on file in the office of the City Clerk and in the City’s Water Department. If you have any questions, or you would like more information regarding the report please contact: Waste Division at (310) 761-1420 or email contacttrash@comptoncity.org.

Vernell McDaniel City Clerk POST:

Compton Bulletin

PUBLISH: 07/05/2023 07/12/2023

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”

By Bob Garver

It has been 15 years since famed archeologist/adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) was onscreen in “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” and even longer since he was onscreen in a decent movie. Fans were worried if that creative flop would be the last they’d ever see of Indy, but now he has a second chance to make a last impression.

WITH new director James Mangold at the helm, I suppose there was a chance that this franchise could have dug itself even deeper into the hole, but I’m pleased to say that this entry is not an embarrassment. It’s too bad I can’t say anything better than that, but it’s more than I could say for the last movie.

An opening sequence sees a younger Indy (using not-perfect but not-distracting digital de-aging effects on Ford) rescue an artifact from

Nazis at the tail end of World War II with the help of bumbling colleague Basil (Toby Jones). This sequence takes place on a moving train, so there are seemingly endless opportunities to throw bad guys off screaming. It’s fun, if a bit overlong, which can be said of all the action sequences in this movie.

Flash forward to 1969. Indy is in his twilight years, and it seems the world has left him behind. His wife Marion (Karen Allen) has left him, his neighbors wake him up with loud rock music, he can’t keep his students’ attention in class, and the university is forcing him into retirement. The only pleasant surprise in his day is a visit from Helena (Pheobe Waller-Bridge), the late Basil’s daughter and his goddaughter. She has a proposal involving the Dial of Destiny, the artifact Indy and her father rescued from the Nazis. He’s not up for another adventure, but he can help her in simple fashion, and this ironically gets him pulled into an even bigger adventure.

It turns out that the duplicitous Helena just wants to steal the Dial and sell it. She’s being tailed by the CIA and renowned scientist Jurgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen), a Nazi left-

over who knows the Dial’s true power. Indy just wants the Dial to be safe, and if that includes protecting Helena and her kid sidekick Teddy (Ethann Isodore) and stopping the bad guys, then so be it.

The rest of the movie is mostly just an elaborate treasure hunt where Indy and Helena navigate clues, booby traps, and conflicting loyalties in various cities, with

Voller usually showing up to get everyone into an action sequence. Old friend Sallah (Jonathan Rhys-Davies) shows up along the way, as does Renaldo (Antonio Banderas), a diver Indy enlists for an underwater mission. The film’s climax sees Voller try to exploit the time-travel capabilities of the Dial. As evil as he is, I had a laugh at the idea that Voller’s master plan is techni-

cally the same thing that every time traveler wants to do.

Until the time-travel conclusion (which is at least handled with more dignity than those aliens from “Crystal Skull”), “Dial of Destiny” is just perfectly average for Indiana Jones. Certain visual components look a little too polished to be natural, but otherwise a familiar sense of fun is still in play. Indy’s wit is as quick as ever, and of course any character played by Waller-Bridge is going to be pretty sharp too. The charm of 1981’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark” is never quite matched, but that may be too high a standard. Some will say that putting a character as iconic as Indiana Jones in a just-okay movie is a disservice to his cinematic legacy, but I choose to focus on the upside of this movie being a satisfactory end note for the character compared to what it would have been otherwise.

Grade: B-

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is rated PG13 for sequences of violence and action, language and smoking. Its running time is 154 minutes.

Contact Bob Garver at rrg251@nyu.edu.

Viola Davis celebrates 20th wedding anniversary:

Award-winning actress Viola Davis has a lot to celebrate lately. She’s been in the critically-acclaimed film “AIR” about Michael Jordan’s relationship with Nike, she has a number of high-profile films coming out this year, and she just celebrated 20 years of being married to the ‘man of her dreams.’

Davis shared a heartwarming message in celebration of her 20-year marriage to her husband, Julius Tennon. In an Instagram post, the EGOT-winning actress began with, “20 years of connection.”

“We’ve seen the loss of family members and held each other up,” Davis continued. “We’ve had accolades, triumphs, joy, grief, exhaustion and still I feel your grip. Through the fire and brimstone of life we have held on… together…..to each other….

understanding no matter what, the promise is to not let go.”

The post included pictures of the couple through the years, including one from the wedding day and another with their daughter, Genesis. Tennon also has two other children from previous relationships.

Davis concluded the post by writing, “To the end my love,” adding, “Happy 20th Anniversary.”

The two stars met while working on the CBS show City of Angels in 1999. Davis told People that she hesitated to reach out to Julius after he gave her a card with his information.

“I didn’t call him for six weeks,’ she admitted. ‘I had bad credit at the time. I had anxiety attacks from driving. I

had to work out some personal issues first.”

But before she even met her ‘knight in shining armor’ Davis stated that she prayed for the specific type of man she wanted to marry.

In a 2013 Page Six interview, Viola famously shared that it was this special prayer she uttered when hoping to

meet a husband.

“I was the loneliest woman in the world, and someone said, ‘You should just pray for a husband,’” she told the outlet.

She shared that she prayed for “a big Black man from the South who looked like a football player, who already had children, who maybe had been married before.”

They initially tied the knot on June 23, 2003, but had another wedding weeks later.

“The first time we got married with 15 people in our condo. It wasn’t big enough,” Viola explained to Jimmy Kimmel in 2016.

“So, three months later we went to Rhode Island with about 100 people,” she shared.

In a 2017 interview with OWN, the silver screen icon said, “After my first date with Julius, my life got better [in]

every way. Anxiety went away, fear went away. He just made my life better.”

The lovely couple eventually went on to renew their vows on Valentine’s Day 2016 after 13 years of marriage.

“I wanted to have a ceremony that was really pretty with the fabulous dress and the fabulous food,” Davis dished to wedding website, The Knot.

“We had the greatest food, our signature drinks. It was called the Ju-V juice,” she recalled.In a 2020 wedding anniversary post shared to social media, Viola wrote, ’17 years of marriage to the most beautiful man in the WORLD!!!!

‘You have made my life sweeter and my heart bigger. I prayed for you and God said, ”Yes! I have just the right person for you!!!!” Happy Anniversary my love… The best is yet to be.’