April 25, 2019
VOL. 34, No. 17
Thousands Left LA: Experts Blame RENT
By Francis Taylor, Asst. Editor
More than 13,000 people left Los Angeles County between 2017 and 2018, according to Census statistics. And experts say the cost of rent is the driving force. According to residential rental service Zumper, Venice has the highest average rent of anywhere
in the city of Los Angeles: more than $3,000 a month for a onebedroom apartment. And on Abbott Kinney, there’s one unit that rents for $25,000 a month. A recently departed El Segundo family is now enjoying a much bigger life in Oregon, after leaving Southern California and its skyrocketing rents. They once lived in a 900-square-foot apartment, paying nearly $2,000 a month for rent. After much debate, the family packed up, and moved to Eugene, Oregon, where they bought a 1400-square-foot home and their mortgage is $1,500 a month. “Although we loved living in LA, we knew we were paying a pre4
State of the City Address Mayor Butts’ State of the City Address Attracts 700 of the Best of Southern California
By Francis Taylor, Asst. Editor
“The only thing that has changed in the City of Inglewood is everything.” Mayor James T. Butts The City of Inglewood State of the City Address, presented by Mayor James T. Butts, last Thursday was a huge success. 700 of Southern California’s most important people including top brass from the Los Angeles Rams, the Los Angeles Chargers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Girl Scouts of America, a bevy of corporate sponsors, state and local elected officials from throughout the region and business, community and clerical leaders converged on the Los Angeles Hyatt Regency Airport hotel, packing the grand ballroom. Hosted by local sports/news commentator Fred Roggin, the sold-out event was a virtual victory lap for Mayor Butts and the entire Inglewood city council as they boasted a litany of accomplishments that is second-to-none in the nation. Presented in a television broadcastquality video those in attendance were able to view a visual overview of how
By Francis Taylor, Asst. Editor
Despite what appeared to be a rainy day on the horizon early in the day, nearly 4,000 Inglewood residents and others converged on the South Lawn of Inglewood’s City Hall on Saturday to enjoy a day of world-class entertainment, healthy food choices, fun and fellowship, as the sun emerged from the
the City of Inglewood has been transformed from when Inglewood was known as the City of Champions with the Inglewood Forum hosting the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings – and the height of the Hollywood Park Race Track, to the present time when the city is expected to become a rival to the Downtown Los Angeles entertainment destination known as LA Live. Anyone who has driven along Prairie Avenue in Inglewood is already familiar with and has watched the Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District emerge from underground with the construction of the newest NFL Stadium that will be the home of the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. The stadium, with its innovative, state of the art design and construction will also be the envy of the league. Steve Balmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers who at INGLEWOOD TODAY press time-was battling to remain a contender in the 2019 NBA finals, provided an inside view of his decision to bring his team to the City of Inglewood. After commending Mayor
Butts and the entire city council for the leadership they displayed in helping to bring the Clippers to Inglewood, Balmer said that their level of welcome and willingness to ‘dive-in’ has been phenomenal. Balmer acknowledged the city’s affinity for the Lakers and added that the Clippers’ goal is to have all of Inglewood become a Clippers fan, noting that in 30 years the city of champions will be the Los Angeles Clipppers. Mayor Butts noted the support the Clippers have already demonstrated in the community providing eyeglasses to every child who needed them in the city and providing a complete renovation of the Crozier Elementary School basketball courts. The financial contributions they have already made, before earning a dime in the City of Inglewood is noteworthy. Balmer’s comment comparing Inglewood to the Clippers was poignant…. like a phoenix rising out of the ashes. And Mayor Butts added his spin by saying that the only thing that has changed in Inglewood is everything.
dark rain clouds. Shattering previous records, the event, hosted by Guy Black, featured a number of notable local and internationally known artists and entertainers including Inglewood resident Phillip Lauth as well as Kenny Lattimore, Eric Benet, Club Noveau. The Susie Han-
sen Latin Band, and Shanice, with Con Funk Shun closing out the day of what turned out to be the City’s largest Earth Day Celebration to date. Spearheaded by the Environmental Services Division of the Public Works Department, Angela Wil3 liams and Joi Aldridge
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