C e l e b r a t i n g 2 6 Ye a r s o f Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities
City of Champions Your Community Connection Since 1994
EYE ON THE CITY Rams
Chargers
Clippers
City Clerk Yvonne Horton Announces Retirement
“I am eternally grateful to the residents of the City of Inglewood for the opportunity to serve them for eighteen years as their elected City Clerk. As I retire from office, I am appreciative of the many blessing, acts of kindness, and inspiring support I have received from you. I will always remember you the people of Inglewood were always there when I needed you the most, gracing me with 98% of the vote in my last election. You, the people of Inglewood, are our greatest asset for preserving justice, equality, and democracy for all: and I applaud you. Please continue to vote your conscience, and not be discouraged by the static of ignorance. The Lord is doing a new thing in my life and I pray that He will allow me to continue to be a blessing to you and others on this renewing journey.“ Always In Your Service Yvonne Horton Your Inglewood City Clerk
& Lakers
“Educating South LA community on home ownership” See Page 7
August 13-19, 2020 VOL. 35, No. 33
EXCLUSIVE
Forum
California’s Political Leaders Praise Biden’s
Selection of U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris
Tanu Henry | California Black Media
Political leaders in California are praising presumptive Democratic Party nominee Joe Biden for tapping California’s junior U.S. Senator Kamala Harris to be his running mate. “Harris selection makes me so optimistic. I am thrilled about the conversations Senator Harris will be
having with Americans all around the country over the next 83 days until the presidential election,” said Malia Cohen, a member of California’s Board of Equalization and the highest ranking African American woman constitutional officer in the state. Cohen says she remembers doing a precinct walk with Harris when she
was a campaign worker and the senator was the underdog in her race for San Francisco District Attorney. After Harris beat the odds and convinced San Franciscans to elect her as the city’s DA, Cohen said she had the opportunity to work with her again on Continued on page 3
Court Rules in Favor of California: Uber and Lyft Drivers are Employees By Quinci LeGardye | California Black Media
On Aug. 10, a California Superior Court judge ruled that rideshare companies Uber and Lyft must change the classification of their drivers from independent contractors to employees. The ruling was a major victory for California lawmakers in their yearlong struggle to enforce AB 5, the controversial worker classification bill that went into effect Jan. 1. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman ruled in favor of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s argument that Uber and Lyft are violating AB 5, which says workers can only be considered independent contractors if they perform duties outside the usual course of a company’s business. “The court has weighed in and
agreed: Uber and Lyft need to put a stop to unlawful misclassification of their drivers while our litigation continues,” said Becerra. “While this fight still has a long way to go, we’re pushing ahead to make sure the people of California get the workplace protections they deserve. Our state and workers shouldn’t have to foot the bill
Buppie is Back! See Page 6
when big businesses try to skip out on their responsibilities. We’re going to keep working to make sure Uber and Lyft play by the rules.” Schulman paused the injunction for 10 days to give the companies a chance to appeal the decision. Both Continued on page 3
JOIN US ON
Page 2
August 13-19, 2020
Rep. Waters Amends FY 2021 Spending Bill to Fund Health Priorities and Stop Harmful Trump Administration Rules Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
“I am proud that the House adopted my amendments to expand HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, and maternal healthcare services and prevent the use of funds to weaken infection control standards in nursing homes, undermine COVID-19 data collection, and interfere with the rule of law in order to benefit the president politically or personally.” WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives adopted six amendments offered by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA43), the Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, on July 30, 2020, which successfully amended an FY 2021 spending bill to increase funding for critical health priorities – including HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, and maternal healthcare – and to prevent the implementation of harmful Trump administration rules that weaken infection control standards in nursing homes, undermine COVID-19 data collection at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and interfere with the rule of law at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in order to benefit the president politically or personally. “I am proud that the House adopted my amendments to expand HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s, and maternal healthcare services and prevent the use of funds to weaken infection control standards in nursing homes, undermine COVID-19
PRESIDENT/ EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Willie Brown PUBLISHER Kenneth Miller VICE PRESIDENT Gloria Kennedy PRODUCTION Kenneth Denson QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER Gloria Kennedy Inglewood Today Weekly is a legally adjudicated newspaper of public circ ulation, published weekly by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. News and press releases may be submitted for consideration by mail to 9111 La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 or by email to itnetworks@msn.com.
You can reach us at 310-670-9600 or by fax 310-338-9130 www.inglewoodtoday.com The artistic contents of Inglewood Today Weekly are copyrighted by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. and permission to reprint any article herein must be obtained in writing from the Publisher.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING 310-670-9600 X107 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 310-670-9600 X104 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscriptions are available by mail for $100.00 per year. Home Delivery may not be available in all areas, or gated communities.
data collection, and interfere with the rule of law in order to benefit the president politically or personally,” said Congresswoman Waters. The House adopted the following six amendments offered by Congresswoman Waters:[1] Amendment #304, cosponsored by Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Judy Chu (D-CA), to increase funding by $5 million for HIV/AIDS prevention, screening and treatment in minority communities. Amendment #305, cosponsored by Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-NJ), to increase funding by $5 million for public health services for Alzheimer’s patients, their families, and their caregivers. Amendment #306, cosponsored by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), to increase funding by $5 million to improve maternal health care for pregnant women and help them safely deliver their babies. Amendment #302, cosponsored by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), to prohibit the use of funds to implement a Trump Administration proposed rule that weakens infection prevention standards in nursing homes, which have been hit especially severely by the COVID-19 pandemic. Amendment #303, cosponsored by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), to prohibit the use of funds to require hospitals to report COVID-19 data using a new database that circumvents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and that was developed by Peter Thiel,[2] a megadonor to President Trump’s 2016 campaign.[3] Amendment #150 to prohibit the use of funds by the Attorney General to interfere in the duties and responsibilities of the United States attorneys to benefit the president politically or personally. Congresswoman Waters’
amendments were adopted during floor consideration of H.R. 7617, which provides FY 2021 appropriations for HHS and DOJ, as well as other agencies, and which passed the House of Representatives on July 31, 2020, and is now awaiting consideration in
the Senate. “I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to continue to support these essential health services and retain my amendments in the final spending bill for FY 2021,” said Congresswoman Waters.
MOVE FORWARD
AFTER A NATURAL DISASTER
You can count on SoCalGas® after a natural disaster. With our Emergency Disaster Relief program, we provide financial bill relief to help you and your family move forward. We also offer flexible payment arrangements and will not bill customers for service during temporary outages.
For more information visit: socalgas.com/BillRelief
socalgas.com | 1-888-427-2200 © 2020 Southern California Gas Company. All copyright and trademark rights reserved.
Page 3
August 13-19, 2020
EYE ON THE CITY AROUND THE CITY City Council Adopts Measure to Aid Low-Income Renters GEORGE DOTSON
ALEX PADILLA
JAMES BUTTS
ELOY MORALES
RALPH FRANKLIN
Inglewood at the League of California Cities. They also heartily embraced and adopted the initiative by Mayor James T. Butts, Jr., recommending direction be given to staff to develop two (2) COVID-19 Relief Programs to assist Low-Income and unemployed or underemployed Inglewood residents pay past due rents, due to COVID-19 impacts, and other basic needs. Mayor Butts and the council members individually and collectively described how this initiative will assist Inglewood’s most needy residents with funds that will not have a negative effect on the city’s fiscal health. It was explained that relief for home owners is not necessary because state and federal programs have already been established to protect mortgage holders
with relief from the inability to pay the monthly mortgage and the loss of funds related to COVID-19. Mayor Butts, a graduate of Crenshaw High School, read a proclamation from the city council declaring August 12 as Willie West, Jr. Day in the City of Inglewood and commending him on the occasion of his 80th birthday for the extraordinary record he amassed as the basketball coach at Crenshaw High School for 37 years. During the council comments, Member Dotson encouraged everyone to protect themselves and their families by wearing a mask and visor to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Member Padilla commented on the city’s decision to assist Inglewood renters and announced the arrival of his
first grandchild. Member Franklin and Member Morales added their support of the Mayor’s initiative and offered their congratulations to ‘Grandpa Padilla!’ Mayor Butts offered additional justification for the city’s decision to assist low-income renters whose ability to pay rent has been affected by COVID-19. He explained that cities throughout the region are suffering as a result of declining sales tax revenue and some cities are using the state and federal relief funds to bolster city programs including police overtime expenses. Because of the City of Inglewood’s fiscal responsibility, we are able to direct those relief funds to the individuals who need it most.
Continued from page 1: Court
Continued from page 1: California
companies made statements Aug. 9 saying that they will appeal the ruling. An Uber spokesperson said, “The vast majority of drivers want to work independently, and we’ve already made significant changes to our app to ensure that remains the case under California law. When over 3 million Californians are without a job, our elected leaders should be focused on creating work, not trying to shut down an entire industry during an economic depression.” “Ultimately, we believe this issue will be decided by California voters and that they will side with drivers,” Lyft said, referring to Prop 22, the upcoming ballot measure. Voters will decide Nov. 3 if rideshare drivers in California can remain contractors or if they have to become W-2 employees; Becerra, along with the City Attorneys of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, filed their worker misclassification lawsuit against Uber and Lyft on May 5, followed by the motion for a preliminary injunction on June 24. “This is a resounding victory for thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers who are working hard — and, in this pandemic, incurring risk every day — to provide for their families,” said Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer. “Of course, our fight is not over and we will vigorously pursue this litigation until these workers have the permanent protection they deserve.” “Misclassification hurts drivers and it puts the burden on taxpayers to pay for benefits that Uber and Lyft should be providing,” said San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera. “These companies have pocketed millions of dollars by leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. That’s unacceptable. During this global pandemic, it’s even more important for drivers to get access to protections like unemployment insurance. There is no rule that prevents these drivers from continuing to have all of the flexibility they currently enjoy. Being properly classified as an employee doesn’t change that.”
several occasions. At the time, Cohen was a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. “She’s smart. She thinks on her feet. She has the acumen to be an asset to Joe Biden and complement him to achieve the all the things that he stands for,” said Cohen. Dezie Wood-Jones, former Vice Mayor of Oakland, is California President of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), a statewide organization committed to getting Black Women involved in the political process. The group also advocates for issues that are priorities for African American women and supports Black women who are political candidates. “It is an excellent, courageous and historic choice and I am proud of the Democratic Party standard bearer Joe Biden on his selection,” Wood-Jones said. “I know she will do an outstanding job.” Biden picked Harris, 55, who launched her own bid for the presidency in January 2019, from a shortlist of about a half dozen women that included California’s U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA-37). Bass, who served as Speaker of the California Assembly from 2008 to 2010, praised Harris after the news broke. “I worked closely with her when I was in Sacramento and she was the District Attorney in San Francisco. I continue to work closely with her here in Washington, D.C., as we push to reform our nation’s policing system,” said Bass. “California is better because of her work as attorney general and stronger because of her work as senator. Now all Americans will benefit from her work as vice president.” In a text to his supporters, followed shortly by an email, the former Vice President of the United States wrote, “Joe Biden here. Big news: I’ve chosen Kamala Harris as my running mate. Together, with you, we’re going to beat Trump.” Gov. Gavin Newsom took to Twitter not long after Biden’s announcement. “Principled. Brilliant.
Compassionate. Empathetic. Honest,” wrote the governor, who will have to appoint someone to replace Harris if Democrats win the presidential election in November. “The Perfect choice for Biden. That’s Kamala Harris.” In the official statement announcing his selection of Harris, Biden praised the senator’s accomplishments and pointed out that she had worked closely with his son Beau, who died in 2015. “She’s been a leader on criminal justice and marriage equality,” said Biden, who promised in March that he would pick a woman as his running mate. “She has focused like a laser on the racial disparities as a result of the coronavirus,” Biden added. Harris, who was born in Oakland and spent a part of her childhood in Berkeley, ended her run for President of the United States in December last year. “Black women and women of color have long been underrepresented in elected office and in November we have an opportunity to change that. Let’s get to work,” Harris tweeted about three hours before Biden’s announcement. Before she was elected Senator in 2016, Harris served as Attorney General of California for six years, beginning in 2011. Before that, she served as District Attorney of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. Harris, who is of Jamaican and Indian descent, lives in Los Angeles with her husband, attorney Douglas Emhoff. If the Democrats win, Harris will make history as the first Black and Asian woman to be selected as a vice presidential candidate in the United States on a major political party’s presidential ticket. “Senator Kamala Harris has been an incredible leader and an inspiration for so many of us, and I’m proud to call her a friend and mentor,” San Francisco Mayor London Breed wrote on Facebook. “I’m thrilled that Vice President Biden had the vision to recognize that Senator Harris can bring the integrity, intelligence, and commitment to justice for all that our country so badly needs
during this difficult time,” Breed continued. “I know how much it means to have leaders who reflect the people they represent, and today I’m thinking about all those little girls in this country that will see a strong, principled woman walk into the White House and know that they too can make that same journey someday.” Harris earned her BA at Howard University in Washington, DC, and her JD at the University of California, Hastings.
By Francis Taylor, Senior Correspondent
Consistent with the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic the weekly city council meeting resumed in the council chambers without the presence of any members of the general public. However, at the beginning of the meeting which was broadcast on Facebook, Mayor Butts opened the meeting with instructions on how members of the public could participate in the meeting by calling in about matters on the agenda and later on items that were not on the agenda. The council unanimously adopted a resolution appointing Mayor James T. Butts, Jr., as the voting delegate, and Council Member Alex Padilla as the alternate, to represent the City of
PLACE YOUR DBAS, PROBATES, TRUSTEE NOTICES, LEGAL NOTICES, SUMMONS AND MORE IN
SAVE MONEY AND SUBMIT ONLINE AT WWW.INGLEWOODTODAY.COM
OR CALL: 1.888.676.1011
Page 4
August 13-19, 2020
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
Rep. Waters Announces CARES Act Grants for Metro, Torrance Transit and Gardena GTrans IT News Wire
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chair of the House Financial Services Committee (FSC), announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provided grants to each of the three transit agencies that serve her congressional district. The grants were funded by the CARES Act, a $2 trillion economic security package that included several provisions drafted by Congresswoman Waters in her capacity as the Chair of FSC. “I am proud to announce that Torrance Transit, Gardena’s GTrans, and Metro all received grants to help them recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations,” said
Congresswoman Waters. “These funds will help the transit agencies continue to pay the salaries of their workers, maintain safe operations, and provide public transportation services throughout my district despite this terrible pandemic.” The FTA provided the following grants to the three transit agencies that serve the 43rd district: $7,910,110 for the City of Torrance’s Torrance Transit. $6,650,248 for the City of Gardena’s GTrans system. $861,910,265 for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). “I am especially proud that these
grants were funded by the historic CARES Act,” said Congresswoman Waters. “As Chair of the Financial Services Committee, I fought to ensure that this $2 trillion economic security package included a broad range of initiatives to invest in housing, transportation, and other infrastructure and to help families, support essential workers, and maintain public services like transit. I am pleased that this landmark legislation is supporting the transit agencies in my district.” The CARES Act provided a total of $25 billion for public transit agencies nationwide, $3.75 billion of which is for the state of California.
“Public transportation plays a vital role in our society,” said Congresswoman Waters. “Even in the midst of the current pandemic, transit agencies facilitate travel for doctors, nurses, first responders, and other essential workers. While stopping the spread of COVID-19 necessitates that Americans avoid all but the most essential use of public transportation, we must nevertheless ensure that all of our nation’s transit systems are able to pay their workers and continue to operate in a safe manner.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month: Notable Inductees in the National Inventors Hall of Fame
IT News Wire
ALEXANDRIA, Va.– Since the founding of the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF), 600 innovators have been honored for their contributions to making our world a better place through their patented inventions. In conjunction with National Hispanic Heritage Month in September, NIHF celebrates the accomplishments of
Hispanic Inductees in the Hall of Fame. Notable Hispanic NIHF Inductees include: Luis Walter Alvarez, Radio Distance and Direction Indicator (1911-88; Inducted in 1978) Alvarez invented a radio distance and direction indicator. During World War II, he designed a landing system for aircraft and a radar system for locating planes. Later, he helped
develop the hydrogen bubble chamber, used to detect subatomic particles. This research led to the discovery of more than 70 elementary particles and resulted in a major revision of nuclear theories. Miguel Angel Ondetti, Captopril (1930-2004; Inducted in 2007) Miguel Ondetti and David Cushman developed captopril, the first of a new class of drugs known as
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Highly effective in treating hypertension, captopril lowered blood pressure with fewer undesirable side effects than earlier treatments, increasing patients’ quality of life. More information on Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame is available at invent.org/inductees.
Page 5
August 13-19, 2020
Sports & Entertainment The Future of the Chargers Backfield Showed Up Briefly Last September
IT News Wire
Two games last September may have provided a snapshot of what to expect from the Los Angeles Chargers backfield in 2020. In Weeks 1 and 2 of the 2019 NFL regular season, Austin Ekeler totaled 287 yards and scored four touchdowns. Justin Jackson rushed for 116 yards on 13 carries (8.9 yards per carry) and also had a score called back due to holding. A calf injury after Week 3 sidelined Jackson for five weeks. Once healthy, carries were hard to come by. Melvin Gordon was back to carrying the load as Ekeler continued to excel as a do-itall offensive weapon. So were those two games in 2019 lightning in a bottle or the start of a special pairing? On Tuesday, Ekeler discussed the importance of a backfield committee – which now includes rookie Joshua Kelley – and his excitement for a healthy Jackson as a running mate. “He was hurt a lot last year and I know he’s a great player,” Ekeler said of Jackson, “and I know he just needs a chance to stand out and I think he’s going to do great.” Jackson and Kelley are the primary candidates to take over the 204 touches that Gordon received last season in Los Angeles. Although Ekeler is considered the starter, he’s well aware that his role is maximized with a capable
complement. Ekeler pointed to past tandems including the Saints’ Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram in 2018 as blueprints for success: backs with different skill sets who work together to keep the other fresh for a 16-game season. Self-admittedly, Ekeler said his body isn’t built to be an every-down running back. Making the most of his 369 touches the last two seasons is what made his partnership with Gordon so
successful. You’ll still see Ekeler all over the field in 2020. He said his offensive responsibilities won’t change, only the backs whom he shares the workload with. “It’s been perfect for me because that’s kind of been my role,” Ekeler said. “Like I’ve been splitting 50-50. And so, I’m expecting a little bit more of that this year as well with the other guys.”
Kelley enters the NFL with a pair of productive seasons in the Pac-12 under his belt. In two years at UCLA, he rushed for 2,303 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and 24 touchdowns. Then there’s Jackson, who’s entering his third season in Los Angeles. His rookie season included a string of performances instrumental in getting the Chargers to the playoffs in 2018.
Analysis: Previewing the position battle at inside linebacker IT News Wire
As Rams Training Camp gets underway, we will be previewing four key position battles to watch. The series’ first installment breaks down the competition at inside linebacker. Over the last two years, the Rams defense counted on Cory Littleton to help guide the inside linebackers, dependable when asked to drop back into pass coverage and reliable as a tackler. He was also one of the most experienced, starting in every regular season game during that span. Now, with Littleton joining the Las Vegas Raiders via free agency this offseason, it’s an “open competition” for the starting roles within the position group, Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said in May. Here’s a look at the candidates on Los Angeles’ current roster, listed in alphabetical order. Experience: Two seasons. Notes: After spending his 2018 rookie season on injured reserve due to an ankle injury sustained in training camp, the TCU product bounced back by playing all 16 games in 2019. He performed well late in the season especially, making 13 of his 19 total tackles and all three of his pass breakups over the final five weeks.
Notes: Had he not suffered a knee injury midway through his senior season at Baylor, Johnston likely would’ve been selected higher than 234th overall in the seventh round. Falling to Los Angeles at that point in the draft made him a steal of pick, according to Rams Senior Personnel Advisor Taylor Morton. Still, Johnson was productive when healthy – he made 58 tackles, eight for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception and five pass breakups in six games to earn All-Big 12 Second Team honors, and received the same recognition after leading Baylor with 99 tackles in 2018.
Experience: Two seasons. Notes: According to the Rams’ first unofficial depth chart of the 2019 season, Kiser was projected to start alongside Littleton, but that opportunity never materialized because of Kiser’s season-ending pectoral injury in Los Angeles’ preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. Now healthy, he’ll get another chance to prove he can be a starter. Notes: A four-year starter at Texas State, London’s 459 career tackles rank 20th-most in FBS history. He is listed as a candidate because his college film shows him playing inside linebacker at
times, but he is as a generic linebacker on the Rams’ roster. Experience: One season. Notes: Reeder played in all 16 games as a rookie, making eight starts and finishing with 52 total tackles. Making his first career start Week 5 at Seattle, he made a team-high 13 total tackles, a strong enough performance to earn him those other seven starting opportunities throughout the remainder of the 2019 season. His eight NFL starts are most of any inside linebacker currently on the roster. Notes: Rozeboom led South Dakota in tackles and earned first-team Missouri Valley Football Conference honors in each of his four years with the program, finishing as the school’s record-holder for career tackles with 475. He was a consensus FCS All-American selection in 2019. Experience: Two seasons. Notes: Acquired in a trade with the Ravens last October, Young is the only other inside linebacker on the Rams roster with NFL starting experience, getting six across 21 games in Baltimore. He played a total of 14 games last season, five with the Ravens and
Page 6
August 13-19, 2020
The Lion Queen
BUPPIE | BUSINESS O’Chea Fashion Inspires Women with Power and Confidence
The 19th
Amendment By Michelle Lyons, Columnist
The nineteenth amendment reads “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Unfortunately, on August 18, 1920 only white women received the right to vote. Women of color would be denied until 1965. Black women were the last citizens to get the right to vote; forty-five years after white women and ninety-five years after black men. 2020 has been a crazy year, but trust me it is just half time because In addition to the corona virus pandemic, a great recession and black lives matter protest, we are on the eve of a Women’s Revolution. Not only does 2020 mark the 100th anniversary of (white) women’s suffrage, but it is also an election year, and Joe Biden has committed to naming a woman Vice President. In 2016, feminist campaigned vigorously for Hillary Clinton. Since then. Her defeat has fueled feminist and activist across the country that is ready to take to the streets to campaign, “The Future Is Female”. Hopefully, this wills this be the year women crack the glass ceiling! The United States of America has always been the leader or the first to do virtually everything, except for women leadership. In fact, out of 195 countries in the World, already 104 have had women leaders at one time or another. How could we be late to the party? Whenever people complain about government, I always say, “government reflects our values”. Which means in 2020, sadly The US still battles with misogyny and sexism. I campaigned for Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren and I was shocked how many women would say, “A woman shouldn’t be POTUS”. I would always respond with statistics of present countries ran by women, and remind them that Egypt is regarded as the strongest empire to ever exist, and Ancient Egypt had seven Cleopatra’s in addition to a dozen other Queens. The misogyny that permeates this country in modern day, is no different than racism (some argue its worst), it holds back our Nation. Not to mention, American Women lead the women of the World in almost every statistical category from aerospace to Hollywood to Olympics and more, but yet we have been denied access to Power. Hopefully this is year we get BACK TO THE FUTURE.
Chebra Dorsey, owner of O’Chea Fashion Boutique. By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
San Diego native Chebra Dorsey began her career as a licensed cosmetologist more than 20 years ago, but for more than the past decade for personal care has been designing women clothing fashion. O’Chea Fashion Boutique in Lemon Grove has been the go to store for women seeking purpose in what they wear. O’Chea also inspires individualism
and leadership with an abundance of colors and designs that fuel power and confidence for every woman of all cultures. Moroccan actress Karole Foreman who starred in stage play ‘Caroline or Change’ is one of her many clients as well as actress Wendy Lynn Adams and actress Kita Williams of ‘Hidden in the Heart of Texas’. “I believe that it is essential that women feel empowered by what they wear, it speaks to not only the elegance
and royalty they are but the sound character and spirit they possess,” Dorsey explained to Inglewood Today. The trademark of O’Chea fashion is their quality stretchable fabrics material, bold and vibrant colors that Dorsey describes as unique collectables. However, if one were to only chronicle the businesswoman in Dorsey they would be neglecting many of her core values that define her foundation. Continued on page 7
California Voters to Decide Whether or Not Parolees Should Be Allowed to Vote NNPA News Wire
In November, Californians will vote on a proposition that could expand voting rights to include parolees. If passed, Proposition 17, which passed the State Senate as ACA 6 June 24, would amend the state constitution so that any otherwise eligible person who is not currently incarcerated can vote. The current law in California prohibits previously incarcerated persons from voting while on parole, though they can vote while on probation, county PostRelease Community Supervision and federal supervised release. Allowing parolees to vote would enfranchise over 40,000 Californians currently on parole. According to Ballotpedia, as of 2020, California is one of three states that require people convicted of felonies to complete their prison and parole sentences to regain their right to vote. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia restore voting rights to people convicted of felonies after they complete their prison term. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty
(D-Sacramento) introduced the bill in the California Legislature. It was sponsored by the California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of California, and Initiate Justice, an advocacy group focused on ending mass incarceration. The bill was also a priority bill of the California Legislative Black Caucus. “ACA 6 gives Californians the chance to right a wrong and restore voting rights for a marginalized community and people of color,” McCarty said June 24. “This is good for democracy and good for public safety.” Parole is the re-entry period after serving a prison term that allows a convicted felon to be released from prison with restrictions. The ballot measure brings up the question of whether the right to vote is a necessary restriction that’s integral to the parole process. Supporters of Prop 17 argue that
previously incarcerated persons contribute to society while on parole, through working and volunteering. They say because of those contributions, parolees should have a say in the legislative process. “This bill says once you have paid your debts to society and have returned to society to work and pay taxes and contribute, that you should also have the right to voice your opinion about your elected representative,” argued Senator Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles). Opponents of the ballot measure argue that withholding the right to vote Continued on page 7
Page 7
August 13-19, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICE
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2020 116039 The following Person is doing business as:
Organization aims to educate South LA community on home ownership, combat gentrification
Lashed This Lashed That 3424 W. 108th Street Inglewood, CA 90303 Registered Owner(s): Rajon Arrae McCoy, 3424 W. 108th Street, Inglewood, CA 90303 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on August 1, 2020. 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.) Rajon Arrae Mccoy., Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on August 1, 2020. 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.
IT News Wire
INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Inspired by the work of late rapper and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle, Danny Carter cofounded Buy Back the Block LA, an organization that serves to educate residents of South LA for free on financial literacy and home ownership while also fighting gentrification. “The walls are closing in on Black 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 August 13, 20, 27; September 3, 2020 IT0042230120020135 Inglewood Today Continued from page 5: O’Chea...
“I am a very spiritual person who believes in making people happy and uplifting when and wherever I can,” she said. Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic her philanthropy work has been on full display. Within her community she was known for providing specialized hair services for former cancer patients that had experienced hair loss due to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She frequently sponsors events for the Boys and Girls Club in San Diego, Children’s Hospital and the Food for Children Foundation. The California State Senate has recognized Dorsey and Assembly and more recently received the prestigious Red Blazer of Excellence & Achievement. She is also a member of Robbie Motter’s (CEO/ Founder) of Global Society for Female Entrepreneurs. A single mother of an adult son, Andre M. Tanner, Dorsey relies on her son assistance in promoting her brand and organizing fashion shows. Among her unique talents is that promoting and producing organic products that are customized for each client’s hair care needs. Fashion Boutique located on 7951 Broadway Ave, Lemon Grove and can be accessed online at O’Chea Fashion Production at
people in Los Angeles from all sides and we’re quietly becoming an endangered species,” Carter said. Inglewood home prices surged 63 percent from 2014 to 2018 according to Property Shark. And according to an analysis by Zillow, the median home value in Inglewood is roughly $606,000, which is about an eight percent increase in the past year. “Nipsey was about ownership. He was about investing in real estate and knowledge,” Carter said. “So, let’s take those things that, you know, we can relate to and run with that part of his legacy.” Before COVID, the group met in person once a month. What started relatively small has now grown into an organization of about 500 members and although the pandemic had put their meetings on pause for some time, they’ve now resumed their meetings via Zoom. “We can encourage people who
Continued from page 5: California
as part of the re-entry process is meant “to incentivize further appropriate behavior.” Election Integrity Project California, a voter roll watchdog group, submitted a letter opposing ACA 6 to the state legislature. “While on parole, the individual’s liberties, such as movement, association, activities and even ownership of certain items are still heavily restricted and regularly monitored by the system. Any misstep results in immediate re-incarceration. In other words, an individual on parole has not regained the full trust of the society at large, nor the privilege to participate as a full member of that society,” the letter read. Prop 17 disproportionately affects Black and Brown Californians, who comprise most incarcerated people in the state. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, Black people make up 26% of parolees. About 6% of the population of California is Black. “People on parole are our family members, our colleagues, our neighbors, our friends,” said Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena). “They go to work every day. They pay taxes. They do their part to successfully reintegrate themselves back into society, yet the stigma exists for them.” “The removal of the right to vote is not based in an interest in public safety. Rather, it is rooted in a punitive justice belief system that intentionally attempts to rob marginalized people of their political power,” said Taina Vargas-Edmond, Executive Director of Initiate Justice.
do live here to not sell,” co-founder Brittany Scott said. “Our slogan is, you know, don’t sell grandma’s house basically.” “What we’re seeing a lot is people, younger people are coming in,” Inglewood realtor Pat Douglas said. “[Who have no real] value for property and they’re just selling them.” The group invites guest speakers, such as realtors and credit repair experts, who can help educate the members. Douglas said she’s lived and been a realtor in Inglewood for 37 years and she also stressed the importance of owning property in her community. “Without ownership there is no wealth,” said Douglas. “We have to train the younger people growing up. My granddaughter is 10-years-old, she beats me at monopoly. You know, you have to get the game.” To gain more information about Buy Back the Block LA, you can visit their website.
Game
The name of the
“
is to be ahead of the game
“
In 2003, I lost my home to a fire. It destroyed so many things I cherished. It uprooted my entire life. We have to make sure all of us — and everyone we love — are prepared for the unexpected. Wendy Raquel Robinson, Actress and Founder of Amazing Grace Conservatory
Stay ready with five easy steps:
1
Get alerts at calalerts.org for up-to-the-minute updates
2
Create an evacuation plan
3
Have a go-bag of essentials, such as medication, cash, and first aid
4 5
Have a stay box of items including food and water Help friends and neighbors do the same
www.listoscalifornia.org
Page 8
August 13-19, 2020
OP-ED:
Stop Racism in the California Legislature: Oppose Senate Bill 793 By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.,
President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association
Racism in America in 2020 is institutionalized, legislated, normalized, rationalized, and camouflaged in multiple manifestations throughout the United States. Today in California there are questionable attempts by the state legislature of California to pass a statewide law that will ban the sale of menthol cigarettes. Good intentions sometimes can cause bad outcomes and consequences. I do not smoke. I do support any effort that will improve the health and quality of life of Black Americans, as well as the health of all people regardless of race. But I am profoundly aware that the overwhelming majority of Black Americans who do smoke cigarettes prefer to smoke menthol favored cigarettes. For me, this is an issue that needs to be better understood by public policy makers who are contemplating passing legislation that will ultimately add to the often fatal interactions between Black Americans and law enforcement officers. There are those who say that they want to protect the health of Black Americans and others by supporting the ban on menthol. The fact is, however, that the legal banning the sale of menthol cigarettes will only result in an illegal underground marketing and selling activity that will surely lead to confrontations with the police. Eric Garner was unjustly murdered in New York City by police officers who choked him to death solely because he allegedly was “selling loose cigarettes” on the streets of Staten Island. If today we rightly affirm more vocally and more authentically that “Black Lives Matter” in the wake of George Floyd being unjustly choked to death on a street in Minneapolis by police officers, then why would anyone in the California Legislature introduce and promote legislation that will put Black people who buy, sell, or smoke menthol cigarettes in harm’s way from the police? Racial profiling as a result of racially-motivated public policy is just another manifestation of racism. Why are Black Americans smokers being profiled and culturally targeted? Why are some Black American lawmakers and others promoting a ban that will disproportionately have a negative impact on the Black community? Thus, I am adding my voice to those who strongly opposed Senate Bill 793. I am sure the sponsors of the bill are well intentioned, but the consequences of their legislative intentions will do more harm to Black America than achieve the goal of public health protection. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.