April 15, 2021

C e l e b r a t i n g 2 7 Ye a r s o f Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities

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April 15 - 21, 2021 VOL. 36, No. 15

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“Inglewood to host Global vaccination...” See Page 6

Local Families Recognize Importance of Hotspots for Virtual Learning

daughters close with their school laptops as she used her cell phone as a It was like gathering around an home internet hotspot. Vona has been indoor campfire for the cash-strapped out of work for almost a year after her Inglewood area family when it came office closed due to COVID-19. That time for homework. meant there was no affording regular Mom Vona would gather her three

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sometimes in the middle of virtual classroom sessions and even during online tests. “It was a major issue I had to tackle,” said Vona, 32, a single parent of a first-, fourth- and seventh-grader. “I was trying to stay still in one spot and have them all around me. It was extremely hard. And then I had to keep explaining to the teachers — ‘hey, sorry, we had an internet issue.’” But thanks to help from Unitedhealthcare and the SoLa I CAN Foundation, an affiliated non-profit of SoLA Impact, the family’s signal woes are a thing of the past. The two organizations have teamed up to provide free mobile hotspot devices for to Vona and other pandemic-impacted households. SoLa’s 1000 For 1000 Campaign set a goal of providing a thousand families with WiFi service for a thousand days. The campaign recently received a internet service even in a time when $5,000 boost from UnitedHealthcare’s her children were required to attend California health plan. Earlier in the school virtually. pandemic, the company had made a They faced consistent issues similar campaign grant to help supply with unreliable Wi-Fi, including Continued on page 7 slow connections internet crashes,

Leaders Announce Legislation as First Councilwoman Step toward Returning Bruce’s Beach Faulk Leads IT News Wire

Manhattan Beach, CA—LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, State Senator Steve Bradford, LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, State Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, and other prominent local leaders gathered at the beachfront property known as Bruce’s Beach to announce the first step in the effort to return the property to the Bruce Family. In 1912, a young Black couple named Willa and Charles Bruce purchased beachfront property in Manhattan Beach and built a resort that served Black residents. It was one of the few beaches where Black residents could go because so many other local beaches did not permit Black beachgoers. The Bruces and their customers were harassed and

Inglewood Clean-up

IT News Wire

Inglewood City Councilwoman Dionne Faulk recently joined a collaborative venture to remove abandoned trash and debris at the off ramp of the 105 Freeway. The event took place on March 19 and Dionne Faulk was joined by the Inglewood Department of Public Works, Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. , threatened by white neighbors including 1924, purportedly to create a park. The the Inglewood Police Department, the KKK. Eventually, the Manhattan City took the property in 1929 and it Beach City Council moved to seize Continued on page 2 Continued on page 2 the property using eminent domain in

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April 15 - 21, 2021

Continued from page 1: Leaders....

remained vacant for decades. The property the Bruce family once owned was years later transferred to the State and in 1995 transferred to Los Angeles County. It is now the site of the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Training Headquarters. “The Bruce family had their California dream stolen from them. This was an injustice inflicted upon not just Willa and Charles Bruce– but generations of their descendants who almost certainly would have been millionaires if they had been able to keep this property and their successful business,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I strongly believe the right thing to do is for the County to return this property to the Bruce family.” “In 1912, Charles and Willa Bruce created the West Coast’s first beach resort owned by and meant for Black Americans. Under their leadership, Bruce’s Beach became a lively and flourishing resort. But their success was unjustly stolen. When harassment, hostility and violence by the Ku Klux Klan weren’t enough to coerce them to leave, the City seized the land,” said Senator Steven Bradford. “The property that the Bruce’s purchased for $1,225 is now worth $75 million. We stand here today to introduce a bill that will correct this gross injustice and allow the land to be returned to the Bruce family. It is my hope that this legislation will not be the last in a series of actions by the state to address centuries of atrocious actions against Black Americans. I commend Supervisor Hahn for her continued dedication to this issue. She exemplifies a true profile in courage. I look forward to working with all the

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LA County Supervisors to finally right this wrong.” Returning the property to the family will require action by the State. When the property was transferred from the State to the County in 1995, the State imposed restrictions that limit the County’s ability to transfer the property. Today, State Senator Steve Bradford announced new legislation SB 796, that would exempt the Bruce’s Beach property from statuary restrictions on the transference and use of that land to enable the County of Los Angeles to transfer the land to the descendants of its rightful owners, the late Willa and Charles Bruce. Senator Ben Allen is a joint author of the legislation and Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi is a principal co-author. The legislation is an urgency bill which means that it can go into effect as soon as it is passed and signed into law by the Governor. “Proud to stand with Supervisor Hahn in shining a light on this important issue that is part of our history and future of LA County,” said Supervisor Holly Mitchell. “Transferring the ownership back to the Bruce family not only aligns with the County’s commitment to equity but is also the right thing to do.” Returning the land to the Bruce Family could include an option for the family to lease the land back to the County. The Bruce Family would be the County’s landlords and the County would pay rent for the continued use of the property. “We are seeking to right a wrong that was committed against the Bruce family and other Black families in Manhattan Beach almost a hundred years ago,” said Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. “As a South Bay Assemblymember representing Manhattan Beach, I am proud to join Supervisor Hahn and my colleagues in this effort to provide a measure of justice to descendants of the Bruce family.” “I stand with my colleagues in their efforts to correct past wrongs’,” said State Senator Ben Allen. “This bill will give our County a procedural tool that can help us achieve greater reconciliation as a society. The past informs, haunts, angers, and inspires us and we grapple with it always. I thank Supervisor Hahn and my colleagues for taking an important leadership role in this effort.” The history of the injustice of Bruce’s Beach was brought back into the headlines last year by a local group called Justice for Bruce’s Beach. “Thank you, Supervisor Hahn and Senator Steven Bradford, for taking accountability and for positioning yourselves on the right side of history,” said Justice for Bruce’s Beach Founder Kavon Ward. “Thank you for being waves in this movement with me as we are on the precipice of making history.” Supervisors Hahn and Mitchell plan to introduce a motion at the Board of Supervisors next meeting on April 20th regarding next steps in the effort to return the Bruce’s Beach property.

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Caltrans and St. Margaret’s Center to execute the cleanup of the 105 freeway off ramp at 113th Street (adjacent to District 4). The cleanup started at 6:30 a.m. and was completed by 3p.m. This action served three community purposes: 1) To remove abandoned trash and debris

coordinator and the Inglewood Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Coordinator Cinder Eller were on site and worked with the unhoused residents near the cleanup site to provide crisis/ emergency intervention. This included providing lists of available shelter and COVID-19 testing and vaccination

in and around the bushes abutting the 105 freeway off ramp thereby eliminating potential traffic safety hazards on the off ramp; 2) Increased sanitation by the removal of garbage and bio-hazards; and 3) Reduced the visual blight generated by the debris. St. Margaret’s Center client resource

sites brochures. COVID-19 personal protective equipment was provided. St. Margaret’s Center flyers were distributed along with food, water, socks, hygiene kits, and blankets. Attached are the before and after pictures of the cleanup efforts at the 105 freeway off ramp.

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April 15 - 21, 2021

EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON

ALEX PADILLA

JAMES BUTTS

ELOY MORALES

RALPH FRANKLIN

AROUND THE CITY

Barbara ‘Evelyn’ Lastrapes’ Sunset with Alzheimer’s disease until his death nearly eight years ago. Mrs. Lastrapes was a devout Catholic, She was well-known for her Creole cooking, and she loved to sing. As a grandmother and great grandmother, she was always available to her grandchildren. She was discharged from the hospital on hospice comfort care on February 21st where she was able to spend her last days with her family. Her children considered it an honor to care for her until the end. Family and friends visited and called her during those last days. She was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection she received from so many of her Inglewood neighbors. Remaining to celebrate the memory of a life well-lived are seven children, 23 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, her sister, Mary Theresa Honore, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She will have a private burial service on Friday, April 23rd.

By Francis Taylor, Senior Writer

Barbara ‘Evelyn’ Lastrapes, a resident of the City of Inglewood for over 52 years, died of heart disease on March 21, 2021. The proud mother, grandmother and great grandmother, was born on October 14, 1932 to Raoul Domingue and Rose Juge Domingue in Erwinville, Louisiana. The youngest of nine siblings, Mrs. Lastrapes attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mrs. Lastrapes married Malcolm Lastrapes in 1949 in Louisiana, and relocated to Southern California four years later. They reared a family of nine children – Cynthia Ann, Jacqueline Marie, Anita Louise, Malcolm Timothy, Randy Thomas (2014), Ingrid Renee, Robin Theresa, Jonathan Michael (2000), and Jude Thaddeus. Mrs. Lastrapes had a heart for service and unselfishly made herself available to whoever needed her, especially her family. She was very close with her Inglewood neighbors during the span of her life in the City. She lovingly cared for her husband, Malcolm, in his battle

Mayor Butts’ Initiative Limits Food Delivery Charges By Francis Taylor, Senior Writer

In this week’s city council meeting the council approved Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 20-217 with Remy Moose Manley, LLP (Special Counsel), expanding the scope of services and increasing the total compensation from $75,000 to $275,000. (Grant Funds)

The council approved of the Minutes of the Special Meeting held on August 20, 2020. The council approved two-year professional services agreements to provide building inspection consulting services for the Building Inspection Services Project, per Proposal No. RFP – 0159. The council approved Amendment No.1 to Agreement No. 20-265 with

HF&H Consultants, LLC broadening the scope of services to include assisting City staff with tasks related to integrating Inglewood Municipal Code updates and developing strategies for the City’s overall compliance with SB 1383. (Sanitation Fund) The council adopted Ordinance No. 21-07 amending Inglewood Municipal Code Chapter 2 (Administration), Article 5 (Purchasing) by adding Section 2-196.1 (Inglewood Transit Connector Procurements) to authorize the use of alternative project delivery methods and establish certain requirements for procurements and contracts related to the proposed Inglewood Transit Connector Project (ITC Project) initiated pursuant to such authorized alternative project delivery methods. The council adopted an initiative by Mayor James T. Butts, Jr., recommending adoption of an Emergency Order to make it unlawful for any food delivery platform to charge a food facility fees totaling more than 15 percent (15%) until indoor dining is allowed to resume at 100% capacity.

Did you know you have safety and health protections from COVID-19 at work?

Workers in California have the RIGHT to:

• • •

Protection from safety and health hazards, including COVID-19 Report an unsafe workplace Refuse to work in an unsafe condition

To file a confidential complaint about an unsafe workplace, contact your nearest Cal/OSHA district office. It is illegal for your employer to reduce your hours, fire you or otherwise retaliate against you for filing a complaint.

Learn more about your RIGHTS and how to contact Cal/OSHA at dir.ca.gov/covid.

Your Actions Save Lives

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April 15 - 21, 2021

Area Communities S e r v i n g L a d e r a , H a w t h o r n e , W e s t c h e s t e r, L a w n d a l e , G a r d e n a , C a r s o n

A Message from County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres IT News Wire

Dear Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) Staff, Students, Families and Community: In our continued commitment to serving our community and providing current information, we have some important updates in this week’s message. Recent Tragic Events With heavy hearts, we honor the victims who were lost to senseless acts of violence that have recently taken place in our nation. Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims who lost their loved ones, the survivors who endured these tragedies, and the heroes who responded. The recent mass shootings and hate crimes remind us that we must come together as a community to combat violence, racism, and hate, while advocating for stronger mental health support. IUSD condemns and denounces these hateful crimes because there is never a justification for such violence. We will continue to ensure that our District is a place where all people are welcome and diversity is celebrated. We are committed to building an antiracist and inclusive society through our efforts focused on social justice, equity, access, and well-being. We understand that these events may evoke a range of emotions. We are available to provide support, resources or referrals: For students and families, please feel free to contact your school’s counselor or IUSD Student Support Services department at (310) 419-2798. For staff, please contact IUSD Human Resources at (310) 419-2760 or the Employee Assistance Services for Education (EASE) hotline at (800) 882-1341. undefined IUSD School Reopening Updates Phased Reopening In-Person Instruction for Students beginning April 26, 2021 Our phased reopening plan will begin on April 26, 2021, with the reopening of specific grade levels for students whose parents have selected the hybrid instructional model in the following grade levels: Child Development Center (CDC) Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Kindergarten First Grade Second Grade Third grade students only enrolled in a combination class with second grade Students enrolled in Special Day Class (SDC) for Pre-K to Grade 2 Students in grade levels not listed

above will be offered the opportunity to participate in the District’s in-person Summer School/ Extended School Year in mid-June. Students in grade levels 3-12 will remain in the full-time distance learning model due to their participation in state assessments beginning on April 12, 2021. To learn additional information regarding reopening, including health and safety protocols, support and resources, and access to the instructional model schedule, please click here. IUSD Stellar Student Spotlight

By Maygan Orr Destiny Agbagwu is not only at the top of his game but also at the top of his 8th grade class at Crozier Middle School with a 4.0 GPA! Destiny and his family moved to the U.S. from Nigeria in 2016, in search of a better life and greater opportunities. Destiny shared that his father is his greatest role model, because he has shown him all the rewards that hard work can bring. According to Destiny, his father has exemplified the balance of work and family. Education is of the utmost importance to Destiny, and his favorite subject is math. He would like to attend UCLA, Brown, or Howard University for college and major in computer science. He is interested in becoming a lawyer one day to effectively argue for causes that he believes in, such as social justice and civil rights. Destiny believes that he has been called to serve. He has a heart to give back and provide service to others. He is a regular volunteer at his church, and a primary Bible reader in his youth Bible study classes. Destiny has received numerous awards, including honor roll, the IUSD Academic Excellence award, and the Youth Leadership award from his church. His hobbies include playing video games, soccer, and conducting youth Bible studies.

Destiny has this advice to share with his fellow IUSD students: “There is only failure when there isn’t an attempt.” To nominate a stellar IUSD student to be spotlighted next month, email maygan.orr@inglewoodusd.com. PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of African American Girls in Schools In collaboration with the Inglewood Teachers Association (ITA), Instructional Leadership Corps and the California Teachers Association (CTA), IUSD is hosting an African American Initiative event to raise awareness about the criminalization of African American girls in schools. PUSHOUT, a feature length documentary, takes a deep dive into the lives of African American girls and the practices, cultural beliefs and policies that disrupts one of the most important factors in girls’ lives – education. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from IUSD staff, students, alumni and celebrity stylist and entrepreneur, Kim Kimble. This free event is on Saturday, April 10, 2021 beginning at 10:00 a.m. To register, please click here. To access the event flyer and additional details please click here. LA County Wellbeing Line and Chat The Los Angeles Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) launched a free Wellbeing Line and Chat to provide emotional support and mental health services to professionals working through the pandemic. This resource of support helps to combat some of the unique challenges frontline staff, first responders and other County employees are experiencing as they selflessly continue to serve LA County’s residents during these unprecedented and unpredictable times. To connect with a mental health specialist via chat, please click here. The chat is available

7 days a week from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. If you would prefer to speak with a specialist over the phone, please call (833) 307-0509 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week. To learn more about LACDMH and any additional resources they offer, please click here. Community Financial Assistance The Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI), a community-based organization in Inglewood, is offering assistance to South Los Angeles and Inglewood residents to sign up for programs that will help cover the cost of rent, utilities and more! In addition to providing information on eligible programs, they will also help residents fill out applications and provide information on the application process. Please call (323) 316-6114 on Mondays and Tuesdays between 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or email Ashley Loville at aloville@sjli.org for additional information. For Spanish speakers, you may contact Rafael Sanchez at (323) 404-2765 or via email at rsanchez@ sjli.org. To learn more about the Social Justice Learning Institute and the additional resources they provide, please click here. Thank you staff, parents, students, and community members for your ongoing support and commitment to the success of our district. #WeAreInglewoodUnified Sincerely, Erika F. Torres, Ed.D., MSW County Administrator

INGLEWOOD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT’S REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSALS FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES The District is requesting submission of statement of qualifications and proposals from qualified firms to perform construction management services for the construction, maintenance, repair, or related projects, as needed, including for Measures GG and I bond projects (“Projects”). The District will select one firm to perform all or part of the construction management services, as Projects are identified, but reserves the right to select more than one firm. The Request for Qualifications (“RFQ/P”) is posted on the District’s website at: https://www.inglewoodusd.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1471610& type=d&pREC_ID=1758605 All Responses are due by 5:00 PM on April 21, 2021.

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Inglewood to host Global vaccination concert

Hosted by Selena Gomez, performances by Jennifer Lopez, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, J Balvin and H.E.R. to air May 8th IT News Wire

New York, New York - International advocacy organization Global Citizen announced VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World, a global broadcast and streaming special that aims to inspire vaccine confidence worldwide and help get the COVID-19 vaccines to everyone, everywhere. During the special, Global Citizen, will call on philanthropists and corporations to donate enough “dollars-for-doses” to vaccinate more than 27 million heroic health workers, that are serving on the global frontlines, in the world’s poorest countries every day. The special will also encourage global development advocates and changemakers to call on world leaders to prioritize the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for everyone, everywhere. VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World will be pre-taped at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Airing and live streaming on Saturday, May 8, 2021 on ABC, ABC News Live, CBS, YouTube, iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations and the iHeartRadio App, VAX LIVE will start at 8:00 PM ET/7p.m. CT. The concert will also air on FOX at 11p.m. ET/PT. With support from the World Health Organization (WHO), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister of Italy and G20 Chair Mario Draghi, and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez, and the State of California, the special, hosted by multi-platinum recording artist, actress and producer Selena Gomez, will include a night of musical performances by Jennifer Lopez, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, J Balvin and H.E.R. As the exclusive global streaming partner, YouTube will stream an extended version of VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World on the Global Citizen channel for a full run-time of 90 minutes, which will include additional performances and appearances by NCT 127 and YouTube creators Daniel El Travieso, Kati Morton, ShootforLove, Thembe Mahlaba and The Try Guys. “As a global community, we are in a race against time and the key to coming back together is the vaccine. We need to build vaccine confidence in the U.S. and globally, and encourage people to take the vaccine as quickly as possible,” said HUGH EVANS, Global Citizen CoFounder & CEO. “There is a light at the end of this tunnel, but getting vaccines to everyone, everywhere regardless of who they are or where they are from, is key to ensuring the end of this pandemic around the world. We must all unite to get back on track to eradicating extreme poverty.” As part of VAX LIVE, Global Citizen is campaigning to support the Access

to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator initiative – including COVAX – a vaccine-sharing program co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO), to ensure that low-income countries can access COVID-19 vaccines. VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World aims to inspire Global Citizens to call on governments, asking them to pledge $22.1 billion, the outstanding balance needed by the ACT-Accelerator to get two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses, tests and treatments to the world’s poorest countries by the end of 2021. “The World Health Organization is pleased to be partnering with Global Citizen in the fight against COVID-19,” said DR. TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS, WHO DirectorGeneral. “Throughout the response to the pandemic, we have been grateful for the efforts and commitment shown by global citizens, health advocates and changemakers around the world to advocate for vaccine equity to protect the most vulnerable people, everywhere.

WHO will continue to work closely with all nations and partners to help manage potential risks and use science and data to drive a targeted global response.” VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World is part of Global Citizen’s overall 2021 Recovery Plan for the World, a year-long campaign and series of events that aims to help end COVID-19 for all, end the hunger crisis, resume learning everywhere, protect the planet, and advance equity for all. To achieve global vaccine access and confidence, VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World aims to: ● Increase donations of vaccine doses to low income nations, build vaccine confidence and promote vaccine uptake, helping to ensure access for everyone, everywhere; ●Call on philanthropists and corporations to donate enough “dollarsfor-doses” to help vaccinate the more than 27 million heroic health workers, that are on the front lines, in the poorest countries that need access to vaccines

most; ●Call on governments, corporations and philanthropists to invest an additional $22.1 billion to get two billion vaccine doses and other medical tools to the poorest countries; ●Disseminate financial commitments to regional responders supporting health, education, hunger, equity and climate efforts; ●Encourage pharmaceutical companies to commit to selling COVID-19 vaccines at a production price – earning profits at the expense of human lives will impede progress; and ●Build vaccine confidence by educating and empowering audiences to get answers to their top questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. “I’m honored to be hosting ‘VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World’,” said SELENA GOMEZ. “This is a historic moment to encourage people around the world to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them, call on world leaders to share vaccine doses equitably and to bring people together for a night of music in a way that hasn’t felt possible in the past year. I can’t wait to be a part of it.” Global Citizen today is also launching VAX BECAUSE, to drive candid conversations about the COVID-19 pandemic, provide people with ranging perspectives about vaccine confidence, and arm people with facts about personal health and immunization options. With the aim of ensuring that individuals, families and communities can make the right decisions for themselves, the campaign will live on a multi-media HUB, where visitors can both ask questions they have about the vaccine, and find fact-based information about the coronavirus epidemic. Global Citizens are encouraged to ask questions and find answers at http://VaxBecause. org. JAMES THURMAN BUTTS, JR., Mayor of the City of Inglewood concluded, “It is an honor for the City of Inglewood to host Global Citizen’s vaccination concert, combining music and the arts with hope for a new future. The City of Inglewood has long been known as the ‘City of Champions,’ former home of the Lakers, Kings and Hollywood Race Track where Triple Crown Winners have run. We’re now the home of the Rams, Chargers, LA Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Girls Scouts of Greater Los Angeles and the future home of the Clippers. Global Citizen is our latest ‘Champion’ and I applaud and join Global Citizen in encouraging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.”

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April 15 - 21, 2021

BUPPIE | BUSINESS

LA Lounge Appoints Gantri Dennis as General Manager By Kenneth Miller, Publisher

One of the Inglewood’s most thriving businesses, LA Cigar Lounge has appointed Gantri H. Dennis, 54 as its new general manager. Dennis, 54, hails from a family of civil rights advocates in mother Lena Lee Cole-Dennis and father Roy Harlen Dennis, but he endured a challenging journey to earn his coveted position at LA Lounge. A private club with a more than 100 members, the LA Lounge has established itself as a power broker in politics and philanthropy, hosting fundraisers for candidates and annually

distributing food to the needy. Dennis served as student body president at LA Southwest College in the early 2000s and was a candidate to attend USC, but married and committed to his wife and children instead. He subsequently followed a wayward

Workers Who Won’t Get Vaccinated? Leaders Can’t Let Them Disrupt Business By Rod Robertson

COVID-19 has kept most employees out of the office for a year. Vaccines, however, will make it safe to bring them back, and in the process help restore our economy. But the big question is, what about the employees who will decide not to get vaccinated for personal reasons? How should employers walk that slippery slope? First, let’s look at some stark numbers indicating that employees opting against vaccination will indeed be an issue. According to research by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), 40% of workers will probably not or definitely not get the vaccine. Twenty-eight percent say they would not get vaccinated if their employer required it – even if that decision meant risking termination. Just from those numbers alone, think of the chaos and extended disruption that could potentially throw companies and their leaders into. A mass exodus of people quitting or getting fired, and managers scrambling to find competent replacements. Businesses dealing with office unrest as non-vaccinated workers return, and production seriously waning due to a destabilized workforce.

Many employers are balancing respect for people’s right to decide with the dual importance of office safety and a return to normal business functions. It’s a delicate balance. Sixty percent of businesses in the SHRM survey said they will not require the vaccination. But some businesses are encouraging employees to get the vaccine and are even offering incentives; large companies such as McDonald’s and Target are paying employees to get the vaccine. But according to one survey, only 22% of small business owners will make COVID vaccination a requirement. Fear and uncertainty are big factors driving some employees away from vaccines. In the SHRM survey, employees’ reasons to not get vaccinated include possible side effects (69%); waiting to see if it’s safe and possibly getting the shot or shots later (58%); not trusting COVID-19 vaccines (41%); not knowing if it will work (32%); concerned with having an allergic reaction (27%); and several others. So what should employers do about this dilemma? It comes down to Continued on page 8

path that cost him his freedom and landed him in prison for six years. “I spent a part of my life running the streets and doing nothing with my life and got into trouble,” he explained to Inglewood Today. After being released from prison he began working for one of the largest

construction deputy inspection firms for almost a decade. It was at that job Dennis managed four departments for a company that employed 150 individuals. However, he believes that he has since land a position with a company that represents his best values. He credits, LA Lounge owner Aaron Moore with providing him with the opportunity. “Aaron is a true visionary. Nothing that he does is for that specific purpose, it is always building for something bigger down the road,” added Dennis. Moore has entrusted Dennis with also managing his independent living home and as project manager for his Nail and Hammer Construction Company. Since, divorced from his former wife Sonah Grey-Dennis, he is the proud father of 28-year old Josiah Harlen Dennis. “I believe what makes my addition to this company a good match is two people with highly confidant levels, highly experienced, driven, decisive and direct. I am not so egotistical so that my feeling gets in the way of what is best for the bigger picture of the business.

Mask Wearing Tips Play safer Children 2 years of age and older should wear a mask that covers their nose, mouth and chin.

Extra layers mean extra protection Wear a layered, snug-fitting mask for best protection.

Foggy glasses mean hazy safety Cover your nose, mouth and chin completely, making sure there are no gaps.

covid19.ca.gov

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April 15 - 21, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2021060345 The Following Person Is Doing Business As:

Raw Oasis 2046 W 94th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90047 21107 Amie Avenue, Apt.41, Torrance, CA 90503 Registered Owner: Cherish Harris, 21107 Amie Ave., Apt. #41, Torrance, CA 90503 This business is conducted by a company. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on March 11, 2021 I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Cherish Harris, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on March 11, 2021 NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original March 25; April 1, 8, 15, 2021 IT0042230120020160 Inglewood Today

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS Petitioner: Courtney Donaghey Schofield, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, 1725 Main Street, Room 102, Santa Monica CA 90401 for a name change. FROM: Courtney Donaghey Schofield – TO: Courtney Donaghey

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on, May 14, 2021, 8:30 am, Dept K, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

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families with laptops. “Our organization directly impacts the local South Los Angeles community as well as the social determinants of health. So, I thought it would be a really great partnership,” said Ariel Yarrish, a SoLa Foundation program manager, about her approaching the company for help. Yarrish explained how the foundation realized that providing computers was only half the solution. The other half was getting students Wi-Fi connected. “We started to hear that they were driving to Starbucks parking lots to be able to work out of their cars because they don’t have Wi-Fi at home,” she said. “They were even going to public centers to access it.” The decision to support the campaign was an obvious one when the health plan’s Employee Community Engagement Committee heard about it, according to Diana Lyon, a UnitedHealthcare business analyst and one of the committee’s leaders. “They were severely impacted when COVID hit, and so you can imagine, it was just very unfortunate,” said Lyon about the schooling situation for Vona and other local households. “we are proud to support SoLa’s efforts to help these families. Our UnitedHealthcare Employment Community Engagement Committee looks for ways throughout the year to support organizations that help as many families as possible.” The committee has also helped establish a team of about 40

UnitedHealthcare employees who serve as volunteers in support of a SoLa job retraining and recovery program that aids adults who are out of work due to COVID. The program, established through a $1 million grant to SoLa from the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation and other donors, calls on the volunteers to mentor adults as they enter new healthcare- and technologyrelated career paths. “This is really about empowerment,” said Yarrish about the program and the foundation’s various efforts to aid communities. “It’s about helping people through this really challenging time, because there’s not one person that we know who hasn’t been affected by COVID in some way.” In addition to the Wi-Fi device, Vona was happy to receive one of the free laptops for general household use. The computer, she noted, will be very helpful when the children have to return their school laptops once online learning ends. Without a doubt, the gift-givers have made a big difference for families like hers. “I would like to tell them thank you for having such a kind heart and just really looking out for others, especially in these times where we kind of don’t know what to expect,” she said. “There’s always someone going through something worse. And you just got to appreciate what little you have, you know?”

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company leadership and all managers not letting the dissenters disrupt the business. Here are three tips in that regard: Encourage reluctant employees to look elsewhere for work. If you’re a manager of someone who balks at a vaccine requirement and the person is not a key employee, I would encourage that person to find a new job. I would approve of them looking for a job even during working hours in order for them to move to a work environment they perceive as safer. If that encouragement does not work, I would set up an internal committee with HR and the individual’s supervisor and review the employee’s concerns. The employee would meet with the internal committee, minutes would be kept, and the employee’s job description would be reviewed by all. If at all possible, the organization would make that employee a remote worker through the end of 2021, or at the point of herd immunity. After one of those time frames, the employee would have to rejoin the workforce in the office. This time lag would allow the government guidelines to come out. A government proclamation that herd immunity has been reached, along with a confirmation within the company about who has been vaccinated and that sufficient vaccination levels have been reached, should dissipate most fears that those who are not vaccinated have harbored. Thus, a return to work is justifiable.

April 15 - 21, 2021 Avoid legal liability; document everything. Some business owners see vaccinations as essential to full reopening, but others are reluctant to mandate vaccinations, thinking there might be legal liability for firing workers because they won’t get the vaccine. My answer to that is: 1) Management should go to great lengths to show the reluctant employee that other employees who have been vaccinated will reject their presence. This is why everyone today is working from home – safety. Employees getting vaccinated should appeal to everyone’s sense of company culture. Perhaps incentives are in order – a day or two off with pay or a $300 bonus could suffice. 2) All efforts should be made to reassign the employee to a remote work position, or to have them work in physical spaces that prevent them from endangering other employees. Each step in this process should be documented, and management should have the noncomplying employee sign off on each step in this “accommodation process.” Might there be individual legal liability for a manager if he/she went about coercing a direct report to get a vaccine, through comments or actions? Perceived employee coercion must be avoided at all costs. Every step by management must be made by the book. Many sly employees with checkered pasts or with ill intent are self-appointed lawyers and can be setting the firm up for a shakedown. But this possibility of getting their ticket punched out the door will haunt them when they are seeking their next gig.

Certainly, extensive data on vaccines and how it applies to your particular industry and your employees’ positions within the firm should be disseminated to each employee as a safeguard for both parties. Don’t waste company time addressing anti-vaccination beliefs and fears. Fears are difficult to overcome. With companies showing they care about employee health by allowing work from home for so long, and vaccinations bringing more health security, management should not spend an inordinate amount of valuable company time calming employees’ fears about the shots or trying to sway their beliefs. Management instead should set up job evaluations on a monthly basis to give the employee quantitative reviews that will shed light for all parties on the performance or non-performance of the employee. If the employee passes that evaluation, management should then make best efforts to find a new isolated position, and if this is not possible, then the employee, with the company’s blessings, should seek new employment. Some people are just too dug-in in their beliefs, and the company must move on. Leaders will be in a tough position with employees who refuse to get vaccinated. Those employees are weighing what is best for them; leaders determine what’s best for the company. With vaccinations now available, the ball is in the employee’s court, but leaders must decide when the volleying back and forth will end.

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