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Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 24, No. 32

August 6, 2015

50th Anniversary of Watts Riots: Cops and the Black Community Then and Now By Veronica Mackey

ifty years ago on August 11, 1965, South Los Angeles was literally ablaze. Rioters took to the streets after a black motorist was arrested. The incident sparked violence between residents and LAPD officers. Within hours, violence escalated to dangerous levels. Gov. Pat Brown declared a state of emergency, and dispatched 4,000 members of the California Army National Guard. As a young child, I vividly remember military tanks riding down our street. A curfew was set, and residents were not allowed to roam the streets after 8 or 9pm. (Continued on page 5)

Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles, fifty years ago.

An Inglewood Son Returns

On The Inside: • News • Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business

Bite-Sizing the GOP Debate

By Thomas Bunn

ast week, the City of Inglewood held a press conference at the Fabulous Forum to officially welcome home one of Inglewood’s favorite sons, Paul Pierce, in front of an audience of close family, friends, and media. The event solidified the return of Pierce to his roots, and added another notch in the ever-stretching (Continued on page 2)

Paul Pierce with IHS Marching Band

COMING SOON THE BEST OF INGLEWOOD

Visit www.inglewoodtoday.com & see back cover ➤

he Republican presidential debate has been divided into two tiers. Ten candidates will appear in the primetime slot, while the remaining 7 will participate earlier in the evening on August 6. FOX News said Tuesday that Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, Mike Huckabee, Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Chris Christie and John Kasich will all appear on the dais Thursday for the premiere event.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry and the six other candidates— Rick Santorum, Bobby Jindal, Carly Fiorina, Lindsey Graham, George Pataki, and Jim Gilmore—will appear in a separate contest earlier in the evening. Both Perry and Santorum, who were considered forerunners at various times during the 2012 presidential race, failed to make the cut. Each was passed up by lesser known candidates like Ben Carson and John Kasich. Meanwhile Donald Trump has surprised critics by taking first place in the polls with 24 percent. He is followed by Jeb Bush with 13 percent and Scott Walker with 10 percent. (Continued on page 8)

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Inglewood Today

August 6, 2015

Community An Inglewood Son Returns (Continued from page 1) belt of notches the City of Inglewood has been tallying up over the last 4 years. The ceremony was lead by renowned sports broadcaster Fred Roggin, who welcomed Paul’s family back to Inglewood by joking with Paul’s dear mother. “The thing about Mom, if you want me to be really honest with you, although Paul had a great deal of success playing for another team on another coast, Mom was pretty pissed about that.” Mayor Butts presented Pierce with a Varsity Letterman’s Jacket, The audience burst into laughter as highlighting his career from high school to the L.A. Clippers. he finished, “Mom wants her boy home, and it’s good he is.” Before Pierce blossomed into of-famer that he is, a story from mate, Jason Crowe, paints Pierce the superstar and soon to be hall- close friend and former team- as a nervous kid anxiously waiting to learn whether he had made his varsity high school team. When Crowe, a year older than Pierce and the son of the Inglewood High principal, arrived at school at 6:45 a.m., Pierce was the only person on campus and was already scanning a list of final cuts posted outside a physical education office. “I don’t know if he wanted to be the first person to check the list because he thought it was going to change,” joked Crowe, who went on to play professionally overseas, Pierce with Clipper Darrell “but he was there and he was on the list. As kids are coming to campus,” Crowe said, “Paul is going up to them saying, ‘Hey, let’s go check the list, man. I don’t think I made it, man. You probably made it, though.’” Paul had his own way of celebrating. Lieutenant Scott Collins of the Inglewood Police Department, and one of Pierce’s high school coaches and mentors, recalled driving home past the school gym and seeing the lights on. When stopped to check it out, he found Pierce and Crowe battling it out in full court one-on-one games. The Inglewood High School Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Conrad Hutchinson III, played a number of soulful tunes for Pierce on the concert floor of the Forum. Pierce wasn’t hesitant to jump in the middle of the jubilant bandsmen to pose for a group photo with a huge “INGLEWOOD!!!” shout out. Mayor James Butts took the opportunity to present Paul with a Varsity Letterman’s Jacket that highlights his career from high school to the Los Angeles Clippers, and is branded with Inglewood’s City seal. Humbled, Pierce took the time to thank everyone for their overwhelming support over the years and said, “I’m just happy to be able to finish off my career in front of the people who love me the most and were watching me grow to who I am today,” Pierce said. “That’s going to be a special feeling.”

President/Publisher/ Editor Willie Brown Vice President Gloria Kennedy Assistant Editor Veronica Mackey Contributing Writers Veronica Mackey Thomas Bunn Brooke Stanley Staff Photographer Thomas Bunn PRODUCTION Manager Dené Glamuzina Quality Control Manager Gloria Kennedy Inglewood Today Weekly is a legally

adjudicated newspaper of public cir culation, 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.

We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think about local issues. Letters should be addressed “To the Editor” and include your name, address and phone number. (Only your name and city will be published.) Email: itnetworks@msn.com Online: www.inglewoodtoday.com Mail: 9111 La Cienega Blvd., Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 Fax: 310.338.9130 Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Not all letters will be published. Submission of a letter to the editor constitutes permission to publish the letter in the printed version of Inglewood Today Weekly and on www.inglewoodtoday.com.

Inglewood Today

August 6, 2015

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Community

SoCalGas Continues to Enhance Pipeline Safety in the City of Inglewood and South LA Hydrostatic Testing Operation Scheduled to Begin August 10

outhern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is currently updating and testing its natural gas pipeline system throughout Central and Southern California. This includes work in the City of Inglewood and South Los Angeles. SoCalGas will be conducting a hydrostatic pressure test on a segment of one of our natural gas transmission pipelines in the City of Inglewood and South LA. The work being performed is part of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan, which was filed to comply with the California Public Utilities Commission’s directives to enhance the safety of our pipelines throughout the communities we serve. Our crew will begin work on Monday, August 10, 2015, in two locations: • On Crenshaw Boulevard, between 102nd and 104th Streets, crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. • On 8th Avenue at 59th Street, crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. At this time, the work is expected to take eight weeks to complete, although weather and other factors affecting safe working conditions could change the schedule.

During work hours: • Traffic on Crenshaw Boulevard will be reduced by one lane (from three lanes to two) in each direction between 102nd and 104th Streets. Note: the southbound left turn lane on Crenshaw Boulevard at 102nd Street will be closed for the duration of the project. • Traffic on 8th Avenue will be reduced to one lane between West 59th Place and West 59th Street. • Traffic on West 59th Street will be reduced to one lane between 10th and Madden Avenues. With the exception of the southbound left turn lane on Crenshaw Boulevard at 102nd Street, lane closures will only be in effect during the work hours noted above and will be marked by traffic cones. On-site signage will provide additional traffic

details. Motorists are asked to please drive carefully past the work sites and observe all traffic control signs. People passing by the work sites may see an excavated section of pipeline with construction equipment, large water tanks staged on Crenshaw Boulevard and traffic control signage as well as trucks and other vehicles. The community may also hear some work-related noise and notice an occasional natural gas odor. “Safety is, and has always been the most important part of our work. Our Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan will continue to improve our system and further protect our customers and employees,” said Rick Phillips, senior director of SoCalGas’ Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan. In addition to improving system safety, the Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan also has significant economic benefits. A report released by SoCalGas has determined that the work associated with its Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan will generate an economic infusion of more than $2.4 billion. Nationally, more than 2,400 jobs will be directly created or retained, with more than 1,800 of those positions located in Southern California. In Southern California, the plan is expected to generate more than $1.9 billion in economic activity based

on direct, indirect and supporting services. State and local governments are expected to see a $9 million boost in tax benefits from Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan activities in the SoCalGas service territory. The federal tax benefit is estimated to be $23 million. SoCalGas strived to provide continuous natural gas service for customers while pipeline work is being performed. Any customers who will experience a temporary natural gas service interruption will be notified by SoCalGas directly. If customers have any questions or concerns about the testing, please call SoCalGas’ Customer Contact Center at 800-427-2200. For more information, visit socalgas.com, and search “Safety.” Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 140 years. It is the nation’s largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 20.9 million consumers connected through nearly 5.8 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company’s service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).

New MLK Hospital to Host Grand Opening

upervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, hospital representatives, elected officials and community leaders will inaugurate the new Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, August 7 at 9am. The new 131-bed hospital, located on the MLK Medical Campus, will provide general acute care,

of preventive care services on the Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Campus including the Center for Public Health, Mental Health Urgent Care Center and Outpatient Center. Soon, the campus will house a recuperative care center, a new child medical hub, autism center and community garden. ABC 7 news anchor Marc Brown will serve as master of ceremonies for the event, which will feature a ribbon cutting, procession and speeches from Los Angeles County’s most notable elected officials, community leaders, hospital officials as emergency services, primary care, well as performances by the West as well as labor and delivery ser- Angeles Church of God and Christ vices. Gospel Choir, the Inner City Youth The hospital is part of a network Orchestra of Los Angeles and Taiko

Center of Los Angeles drummers. Dignitaries and community leaders scheduled to speak include: L.A. County Supervisor Mark RidleyThomas; L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis; L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl; L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe; and Congress-

woman Janice Hahn; State Senator Isadore Hall; Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; Dr. Elaine Batchlor, CEO, MLK Community Hospital; Mitchell H. Katz, MD, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services; and Sweet Alice Harris, Founder, Parents of Watts.

Special Olympian Found Safe in Inglewood

nglewood police have reported that a Special Olympian from the Ivory Coast was found safe in Inglewood after disappearing from Los Angeles International Airport. The athlete, identified by police as 15-year-old table-tennis player Shion Isimel, was found on Tuesday afternoon, and had been last seen on surveillance video at 5:57 a.m. at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and 96th Street, according to Airport Police Offi-

cer Rob Pedregon. He is listed in the Special Olympics program as Ange Ismael Kone. Isimel, who only speaks French, is an autistic athlete. Details were expected to be released at a lateafternoon news conference at the LAPD’s Pacific Division station. Isimel vanished hours after a 44-year-old Special Olympics athlete from Albania was found safe in Hayward, in the San Francisco Bay area, after disappearing Sunday from USC.

Inglewood Today

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August 6, 2015

Eye on the City

Are Billboards Good for Inglewood? By Veronica Mackey

illboards were a major focus of Tuesday’s meeting. But first, there were public comments on other matters. Anne LaRose encouraged the council to approve 2 items near and dear to her heart. “I hope you approve the agreement for the arborist to review and monitor services at the 310-unit development (at 333 N. Prairie). I think it’s a very good plan. Not only has Shopoff (developer) done fine work, but the arborist as well. Also, I want approval of the Rogers Park mural, I’m very pleased with that.” The council also considered approval of legal services to provide National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination; renewal of a database subscription for the Inglewood Public Library; and amendment of the Fiscal Year 20142015 budget to provide sufficient funding for completion of the Century Boulevard Design Project. The City will enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District to apply for grant funding. Funds were approved

for sound insulation of more Inglewood homes. All were approved. A 38-year Inglewood resident commented on public remarks that the City is not using its resources wisely. He told the council: “I can see where the money is being spent. I’ve had problems with my street for years. Now the streets are fixed, the alleys are fixed. I am extremely happy with what you’re doing. Thank you.” A public hearing was set for August 25, 2015 at 7pm to consider amending the Inglewood Municipal Code to establish the 68th Street Permit Parking District. A claim made by Gil Matheiu that Inglewood is obligated to repay the State hundreds of thousands of dollars for monies received from the now defunct Redevelopment Agency resurfaced. And, once again, Mayor James Butts had to explain Inglewood’s position: “The state took responsibility for paying the debt. The state is required to settle any outstanding debt. I don’t know why that is so

Ethel Austin hard for some people to understand. The City has no obligation. Any outstanding debts were settled long ago. There is no debt, and there is no interest on that debt.” Two public hearings were held. The first considered approval of a zoning code ordinance to amend billboards and offsite sign regulations. Billboards in Inglewood are either digital or super graphics displays. The hearing was not about whether there should be billboards in Inglewood, or how many. However, the majority of comments focused on these aspects.

Diane Sombrano does not support more billboards in Inglewood Curtis Mitchell disagrees: “A lot of them are very encouraging and they deal with things like diseases and entertainment. We want people to see the things that are happening in the city. Billboards are a way for them to see what is happening.” Ethel Austin said billboards in Inglewood are too old and need to be replaced. “We need to take these old billboards down and stop them (vandalists) from tagging. This is the only way we are going to stop it, go digital. Not only that…We need the money.” “There should be restrictions on billboards…All money is not good money,” Matheiu said. “We are on the threshold to the gateway to an international airport. It is very common to have billboards when you are around a major airport. Where do you think this money is coming from? We don’t just make money, we have to earn money,” said Councilman Ralph Franklin. (Continued on page 11)

Pick up your copy of Inglewood Today at one of these locations: 1 Stop Mini-Mart, 420 E. Florence Ave. AAA, 1234 N. Centinela Ave. A-Man Inc., 101 La Brea Ave. Airport Gas, 501 Hillcrest St. Allstate, 2300 W. Manchester Bl. Anthony’s Autobody and Painting, 259 N. LaBrea Ave. Bayou Grill, 1400 N. La Brea Ave. Big 5 Sporting Goods (1), 301 S. Market St. Big 5 Sporting Goods (2), 11310 Crenshaw Bl. Boston Cream Donuts, 2576 La Brea Ave. Bourbon Street Fish & Grill, 601 S. Prairie Ave. Briarwood, 3500 Manchester Bl. Broadway Federal Bank, 170 N. Market St. Brolly Hut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Bruno’s Pizza, 450 E. Manchester Bl. Budda Market, 3753 Slauson (Rimpau) C&J Beauty Supply, 11252 Crenshaw Bl. Carlton Square, 8700 Carlton Centinela Cleaners, 1413 Centinela Ave. Centinela Hospital, 555 E. Hardy St. Chili’s, 3490 W. Century Bl. Chile Verde on Crenshaw Choice Berry, 599 1/2 S. La Brea Ave. City One Stop, 110 Queen St. Cranford Scott, M.D., 211 N. Prairie Ave. CVS Pharmacy, 222 N. Market St. D’Menace Copies, 254 North Market St. Darby Park, 3400 W. Arbor Vitae Diamond Beauty Supply, 1300 N. Centinela Ave. Dr. Daniel’s Weight Loss Program, 105 S. Locust St. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #1, 202 E. Manchester Bl. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #2, 3249 W. Century Bl. Edward Vincent Park Senior Ctr., 700 Warren Lane El Super, 3321 West Century Blvd. Fabulous Burger, 1315 Centinela Ave., Fabulous Forum, 1 West Manchester Bl. Faithful Central Bible Church, 333 W. Florence Ave. Family Fish Market, 1300 Centinela Ave. Fatburger, 3020 W. Manchester Ave. Fiesta Martin Mexican Grill, 1330 N. La Brea Ave. Foreign Car Repairs & Sales, 1110 Centinela Ave. Fabulous Forum, 1 West Manchester Bl.

Gin’s Liquor, 11001 Crenshaw Bl. Gonzales Northgate Market, 10801 Prairie Ave. Happy Time Liquor, 730 E. La Brea Ave. Heart & Soul Grill, 128 N. Market St. Hollywood Park Casino, 1050 S. Prairie Ave. House of Tacos and Pupuseria, 254 North Market St. Inglewood Airport Area, 330 E. Queen St. Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E. Florence Ave. Inglewood Community Police Ctr., Manchester/7th Ave. Inglewood City Hall, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Library, 101 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Meadows, 1 Locust St. Inglewood Park Mortuary, 3801 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Police Station, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Today, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Inglewood Unified School District, 401 S. Inglewood Ave. Instant Print, Inc., 425 E. Manchester Bl. In the Kut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Jamba Juice, 5305 W. Centinela Ave. King Fish Market, 10901 Crenshaw Bl. KJLH Radio, 161 N. La Brea Ave. Kwin Service Gasoline, 1235 W. Centinela Ave. L&L Paralegal Services, 171 N. LaBrea Ave. Ladera Physiotherapy, 409 S. La Brea Ave. Lan’s Nails, 10901 S. Crenshaw Bl. Lawrence Carey Barber Shop, 10901 S. Crenshaw Bl. Liquorette Liquor Store, 1400 Centinela Ave. Louisiana Fried Chicken, 170 La Brea Lucy Laundromat across from Sizzler’s on Manchester M&M’s Soul Food on Manchester M&M’s Soul Food (new) on Crenshaw Martino’s Liquor, 706 E. Manchester Bl. Mike’s Deli, 4859 W. Slauson Ave. Moby’s Breakfast & Lunch, 3008 W. Manchester Bl. Morningside Adult Day Care, 3216 W. Manchester Bl. Nix Check Cashing, 140 E. Manchester Nix Check Cashing on Crenshaw & 110th Orleans & York (1), 400 E. Florence Ave. Orleans & York (2), 4454 W. Slauson Ave., LA Osage Senior Villas, 924 S. Osage Pann’s, 6710 La Tijera Bl. Pay Day Loans on Crenshaw & 110

Pep Boys, 200 E. Spruce Ave. Red Lobster, 3400 W. Century Bl. Regal Cleaners, 700 E. Manchester Bl. Regency Towers, 123 Locust St. Regent Plaza, 201 Regent St. Roger’s Park, 400 W. Beach Ave. Scottie’s Gumbo & Grill, 945 S. Prairie Ave. Sizzler’s, Manchester/Prairie Smoke 4 Less, 925 N. La Brea Spa 313 Salon, 313 La Brea St. Mary’s Academy, 701 Grace Ave. Starbucks, 5301 Centinela Ave. Starbucks, 941 N. La Brea Ave. Starbucks on Century Stuff I Eat, 114 N. Market St. Sunrise Groceries, 1400 N. Centinela Ave. Super Fish Market, 11007 S Crenshaw Bl. Superior Groceries, 11202 S Crenshaw Bl. TenderCare Child Development Center, 335 E. Spruce Ave. The Serving Spoon, 1403 Centinela Ave. TGIFriday’s, 6721 La Tijera Bl. True Vine Baptist Church, 1437 Centinela Ave. Union Bank, 6719 La Tijera Bl. Vons, 500 E. Manchester Bl. Walgreens on Century Water 4 U, 254 W. Market St. Westchester Villa Senior Living, 220 W. Manchester Bl. Whitehorse Fish Market, 3119 W. Imperial Hwy. Whole Foods, 4508 Overhill (Slauson) Wilder’s Preparatory Academy Charter School, 830 N. La Brea Ave. Winchell’s Donuts, 2601 W. Manchester Bl. Winchell’s Donut Shop on Crenshaw near 108th St. Wings Stop on Century Wise Tires & Brakes, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Woody’s Barbeque, 4751 S. Market St. Yvonne B. Burke Senior Center, 4750 62nd St. (La Brea) Zahra’s Books “N” Things, 900 N. La Brea Ave.

Inglewood Today

August 6, 2015

P u b l i s h e r ’ s Me s s a g e

Word for the Wise Summer Special! Tires Repaired At No Charge Now Until August 31, 2015 With This Ad

Three Cheers for Volunteers

n Tuesday night, one of the hardest working women around was honored with a commendation from the City of Inglewood. Long time resident Ethel Austin was acknowledged by Mayor James Butts and council members for volunteer work with the Special Olympics. Ethel assisted members of Team Jamaica, making sure everyone had what they needed. It was a well deserved honor that I know she will never forget. This is not the first time Ethel has given her time to others in our community. And I know it won’t be her last. She belongs to a special group of individuals who have made volunteerism a part of their lifestyle. This week, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, it is not hard to see the valuable roles that volunteers play. Had it not been for volunteers registering African Americans to vote, we would have lagged further behind politically. As significant as the voter legislation was, black folks still needed to move their feet. That meant sending grassroots volunteers into urban and rural areas to make sure everyone had an opportunity to make their voices heard. Many people who might volunteer cite a lack of time as the reason they don’t. But really it does not take a lot of time. As little as a couple of hours a week can make a big difference in the lives of youth, senior citizens or those with physical disabilities. There are so many needs that it is not difficult to find your niche. I love the message on the Volunteers of America (www.voa.org) website: “Not every American lives the American dream. This is

50th Anniversary of the Watts Riots: Cops and the Black Community Then and Now (Continued from page 1) For six days, I heard sirens nonstop and witnessed the burning and shattering of glass at nearby businesses. The old Sears Roebuck on Vermont near Slauson burned to the ground. The stress of it all caused my nose to bleed, as I held my infant sister in my lap. My step-father handed me a napkin as he raced to get us home. I didn’t understand what it all meant. But bits and pieces of the news began to emerge. Marquette Frye was arrested for drunk-driving, and a minor roadside argument suddenly turned into a riot.

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Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly why we do what we do.” When you find a person or cause that you feel compassion for, you will gladly donate your time. It’s about finding something that is bigger than yourself. Every great leader has at some time or another volunteered for something they believed in. The act of putting your time, thought, effort and energy into something solidifies belief in what you are doing. It provides evidence that what you are engaged in is worthy. There is another important reason to volunteer. It makes you feel so good, knowing you have helped someone, lifted someone’s spirits or found an answer to a problem. Parents who feel their children have become unappreciative should consider getting them involved in community work. Seeing how less fortunate people live will foster compassion and gratitude. It will humble them and build character. So kudos to Ethel, and three cheers for volunteers. You are the special people that make life special for everyone. Volunteers of America helps more than 2 million people annually. Check out their website (www.voa.org) and learn how you can help.

According to reports, rumors spread that the police had roughed Frye up and kicked a pregnant woman. Heated exchanges between local residents and police resulted in violence. People began yelling and throwing objects at the police officers. There were 34 deaths and over $40 million in property damage. Up to this point, I only knew about slavery, Dr. Martin Luther King, and the struggle of black folks to have equal rights. But this was the first time I actually saw black folks who stood up for themselves in this way—defying the police and destroying property. The relationship between po(Continued on page 7)

Just Saying... It is easier to get through trying tmes when you keep trying.

Yvonne Horton

Know Your History, Preserve Your Future

By Yvonne Horton, Inglewood City Clerk

ithout the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act every 25 years, African Americans and Latinos could lose many of the protections provided for in the act. The Voting Rights Act (VRA) prohibited racial discrimination in voting practices by the federal government as well as by state and local governments. Passed in 1965, after a century of deliberately and violently denying African-Americans in the South and Latinos in the Southwest the right to vote, as well as many years of entrenched electoral systems that shut out citizens with limited English fluency, the VRA was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965. The VRA has been celebrated as the most effective civil rights law ever enacted and is widely regarded as enabling the enfranchisement of millions of minority voters and diversifying the electorate and legislative bodies at all levels of American government. Also in 1965, many significant events occurred throughout the Civil Rights Movement: Malcolm X was assassinated, the Selma to Montgomery marches and the Watts riots in Los Angeles occurred, and Presi-

dent Johnson issued Executive Order 11246 to enforce affirmative action. Congress has had to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act four times, most recently in 2006, when both the House and the Senate overwhelmingly approved the bipartisan measure. The 2006 reauthorization renewed several key protections that provided for language assistance, prohibited the use of tests to deny voting rights, established Election Day monitors, and required Justice Department pre-approval of voting changes. These protections will expire in 2031. In June 2009, the Supreme Court ruled in Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. 1 v. Holder that all individual jurisdictions should have the opportunity to bail out of a provision in the Voting Rights Act that requires federal preclearance for changes in election procedures. However, the Court did not rule on the constitutionality of the provision itself. The Leadership Conference and The Education Fund filed an Amicus Curiae Brief in this case. On June 25, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in Shelby County v. Holder that the coverage formula (Continued on page 11)

Inglewood Today

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August 6, 2015

He a lt h & F i t n e s s

Taking Care of Your Child’s Eyes in Today’s Digitally Dependent World

ccording to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2015 American Eye-Q survey, 41 percent of parents say their kids spend three or more hours per day using digital devices, and 66 percent of kids have their own smartphone or tablet. It’s clear children’s use of digital technology continues to be an integral part of their lives in both the classroom and at home, and it’s predicted that by 2028—the year in which kids entering kindergarten this fall will graduate high school —many schools will rely heavily on computer simulations for instruction and will even incorporate virtual worlds into curriculu. While these advances in the classroom may enhance learning, many digital devices are still relatively new, and the long-term effects on young eyes are not yet fully known. Most of today’s commonly-used devices give off high-energy, short-

AOA recommends children have an eye exam by an optometrist soon after six months of age, again at age three and annually thereafter. With so much time spent on digital devices, it is also more important than ever for parents to watch for signs of digital eye strain in children. Symptoms can include burning, itchy or tired eyes, headaches, fatigue, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain. To protect their eyes and vision while using digital devices, parents should encourage children to take frequent visual breaks by practicing wavelength, blue and violet light, The first step in taking care of chil- the 20-20-20 rule: when using techwhich may affect children’s vision dren’s eyes is for parents to schedule nology or doing near work, take a and even prematurely age their a comprehensive eye exam for chil- 20-second break, every 20 minutes eyes. Early research even shows dren prior to the beginning of each and view something 20 feet away. that overexposure to this blue light school year to check eye health and To find an optometrist in your could contribute to eye strain and vision. Children now have the ben- area, or for additional information discomfort and may lead to seri- efit of annual comprehensive eye on children’s vision and the imporous conditions later in life, such as exams, thanks to the Pediatric Es- tance of back-to-school eye exams, age-related macular degeneration sential Health Benefit in the Afford- please visit aoa.org. (AMD), which can cause blindness. able Care Act, through age 18. The Source: NewsUSA

SBWIB, El Camino College to Host Linked Learning Event

he South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) and El Camino College will host, in partnership with the California Career Ladders Project, Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Technology Linked Learning (AMETLL), a work-based initiative. The event will be held August 4 through August 6, 2015, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Hawthorne Memorial Center, 3901 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA, and at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance. Nearly 30 secondary and postsecondary teachers and counselors from El Segundo, Centinela Valley, Torrance, Lennox and Compton school districts, and El Camino College will participate in a special

program to prepare them for careers in aerospace. Teachers and counselors will develop innovative Linked Learning strategies that integrate rigorous academics with hands-on, work-based learning activities such as job shadows, company tours and summer internships. Linked Learning is a statewide initiative that connects K-12 and post-secondary schools around career pathway programs. Industry representatives from SpaceX and Northrop Grumman will participate to provide information on the skills students need to be successful in the aerospace industry and the growth occupations in the industry such as machinists and engineers.

Legionnaire’s Disease: What You Need to Know

re you worried about Legionnaire’s Disease. Ignorance keeps us afraid. Knowing the facts about disease is important to preparing and possibly avoiding contracting it. The latest numbers suggest there are now around 65 cases of the disease reported in the South Bronx area of New York City, and four fatalities. Health authorities are tracking the disease. Here is what you need to know: What is it? According to the National Institute of Health, Legionnaire’s Disease is a bacterial ailment classified as a type of pneumonia. It can be contracted by breathing in water mist that contains the bacteria but does not spread person-to-person. The New York City Department of Health says the disease is generally traced to plumbing systems like hot tubs, humidifiers, cooling towers and large air conditioning systems. In this case, authorities have determined the disease has spread via five local cooling towers.

chronic lung disease and those with weak immune systems, according to the NIH. The New York Times reports that cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the city increased to 225 in 2014 compared to 73 cases reported in 2004. Can it be treated? Yes. Most people recover with antibiotics, but the disease can be severe, and in some cases, fatal. The fatality rate for the disease can be as high as 30% depending on the outbreak, according to the CDC. What’s it like to have Legionnaires’ disease? Most people who are infected will not get sick, but those who do can experience respiratory issues like fever, cough and chills. Symptoms of the infection usually do not emerge until two to 10 days after exposure. The Health Department has warned New Yorkers who experience these symptoms to seek medical attention.

How can I protect myself? Be wary of sources of water vapor. Hot tubs are one of the more How common is it? common carriers of Legionnaires’ The U.S. Centers for Disease bacteria, and the CDC recommends Control and Prevention (CDC) esti- hot tub owners be especially dilimates8,000 to 18,000 people in the gent about disinfecting their tub’s U.S. are hospitalized with Legion- water. TheTimes reports many New naires’ disease each year. Those most Yorkers in the affected area are at risk of infection are men and wom- drinking bottled water, though the en over age 50, smokers, people with city has said tap water is safe.

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Community

Scams – Don’t Be a Victim By Anne Cheek La Rose

cammers never stop and Americans lose tens of billions a year in scams. No one is immune, but seniors are often the most targeted victims. When it comes to scams, we need to be tough. Telephone scams take many forms: charities, work being done in your area, police and firemen’s fundraisers, health care, etc. The voices sound sincere and kind and may even sound like someone you know. Telemarketers can be very persuasive so stick to your guns and keep saying ‘no’ to whatever they are offering. Better yet, just hang up. Reputable charities do not solicit over the phone. Reputable repair workers do not work entire neighborhoods. Police and firemen do not have annual fundraisers. Health care companies do not make phone calls. The way to protect yourself is to A) never give out any of your personal information if you did not make the call, B) never agree to any services

Anne Cheek La Rose that you do not want, need, or did not request, and C) tell them to take your phone number off their list. Call the National Do-Not-Call Registry – 888-382-1222 – to have you phone number, including your cell phone, removed from being solicited by telemarketers. Door-to-door solicitations can be

Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

resident Obama celebrated his 54th birthday Tuesday at Rose’s Luxury, one of Washington, D.C.’s hottest restaurants. Joining Obama to celebrate his

54th birthday were First Lady Michelle Obama, his half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng and her husband Konrad, his niece Leslie Robinson and senior adviser Valerie Jarrett. Obama kicked off his birthday celebration last weekend with a round of golf and a weekend at Camp David with old friends. The Obamas plan to leave on Friday for their annual vacation at Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.

particularly hard to resist. These prey on our desire to help and often send children or teenagers out selling magazine subscriptions or candy to pay for a trip or camp. There is no trip or camp and the kids at your door have been duped just like they want to dupe you. Don’t give the person at your door a chance to tell you their spiel. Do what I do, say ‘no thank you’ and close the door. Financial advisors and investment scams are very popular. There is no such thing as get rich quick. If you are comfortable with your financial picture as it is now, you won’t need a financial advisor. The same holds true for Living Trusts. If you are in need, talk to family members and let them help you find someone who is qualified and won’t take advantage of you. Be especially wary of those touting themselves as specialists for seniors. They may have no special training or experience and the fancy title may

only be a way of getting your business. Funeral and cemetery fraud gets more common as we age. Every week I get solicitations in the mail. Do what I do and throw them away. Home repair and home improvement scams can come via the telephone or at your door. It may sound good, but the work will more than likely be shoddy. These scams always ask for payment in cash, often up front. The work is done or not done but you won’t know the caliber of the job till the workers are long gone. Medicare fraud can and does happen. Never give your Medicare number to a stranger and do not carry your Medicare card with you. Your doctor has the number on file and so does your pharmacy, so there is little need to have your card with you. Protect yourself from these and other scams. If you are in doubt, discuss the issue with a friend or family member. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

50th Anniversary of the Watts Riots: Cops and the Black Community Then and Now (Continued from page 5) lice and the African American community has always been volatile, some places more than others. In Los Angeles, there were no “separate but equal” facilities for blacks and whites. But that was certainly no indication that racism did not exist. It came out in other ways, and the LAPD was definitely a conduit. Traffic stops—then as now—was one of the most common ways for police to express their rage and aggression, their weapons an ever present threat. Contrast 1965 to 2015 and we find that traffic stops are still the beginning of the end for motorists

of color. It is where confrontation begins and lives are sometimes lost. In a normal situation, a police will pull over a motorist for a traffic violation, ask for a license and registration, run the plates, write a ticket and move on. But as we have seen in the cases of Sandra Bland, most recently, Samuel DuBose, and many others, traffic stops are used to engage in power struggles. Although the situations leading to their deaths are different, the fact is Bland and DuBose were treated like murder suspects instead of drivers stopped for expired registration or a missing license plate. When you think about other African Americans—usually males—who have lost their lives (Continued on page 12)

Allstate Agency Owner Billy Campbell Honored Named Premier Agency for 2014

Serving the Community for 20 Years Visit Our Website: www.inglewoodtoday.com and Subscribe to Inglewood Today

As a business leader and involved citizen in the Inglewood area, Allstate exclusive agency owner Billy Campbell has been designated an Allstate Premier Agency for 2014. This designation is being presented to Billy Campbell for outstanding business performance and commitment to putting customers at the center of his agency’s work. Billy Campbell’s agency is located at 2300 W Manchester Blvd. in Inglewood and can be reached at (323) 750-1777 or http://agents.allstate.com/billy-campbell-inglewood-ca.html.

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August 6, 2015

Community

Home Buying and Ownership Mistakes to Avoid By Armando Ortiz, Mortgage Consultant,Union Bank

home is likely one of the largest purchases you will make in your lifetime, and home ownership may help you build wealth if you own the home for the long term. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, or an additional investment property, following are a few common mistakes to avoid that may help make the home buying and home ownership process a little smoother:

and can vary greatly depending on the location of the property, the type of property, age of the property, etc. Research what it will cost to insure the property and determine exactly what is covered. Standard policies usually pay for theft and wind, fire, lightning, hail and explosion damage, but if the house or property is located in a flood plain or a high risk area for earthquakes, coverage could be more costly.

Paying more than you can afford Save enough for a down payment and resist the temptation to go to the edge of affordability. The more money you are able to put toward your down payment, the more equity you will have in your home and the lower your mortgage payments will be. A meeting with your banker or mortgage lender can help you determine how much you can afford to spend each month on a mortgage payment, and how much cash you will need for closing costs.

Misusing home equity lines of credit A home equity line of credit (or HELOC) is a method of borrowing money that allows a homeowner to borrow against their home equity. It differs from a standard loan in that the borrowing may be done over a period of time, and interest is paid only on the amount of money withdrawn. As the money is repaid, it becomes available for you to use again. Borrowers may be able to take a tax deduction on the interest from the credit line. A HELOC can be a useful financing tool to pay for expensive home repairs or even a college education, but it is important to use it wisely. Most HELOCs have variable interest rates so as baseline rates go up, you may experience payment increases. It may be tempting to spend more than you can afford if you open a large line of credit, but avoid borrowing more money than you need. This article reflects the thoughts and opinions of the author and is 1 Exchange rate of 1 USD=¥120.13 being provided for educational (J-GAAP) as of March 31, 2015 and informational purposes only. It

Armando Ortiz Ask your realtor for inspector referrals or contact the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) at www.ashi.com to find an inspector who can conduct a thorough inspection. Also consider inspecting for pests and other conditions, such as mold, lead and asbestos.

Not budgeting for maintenance, repairs or emergencies Establish a budget that includes money for repairs and regular maintenance, and set aside extra for emergency situations, such as a medical emergency, job loss or natural disaster. Experts recommend saving at least six months’ worth of living expenses to help handle unforeseen expenses or in the event of an emergency.

Skipping a thorough inspection Before buying a home or other property, hire an inspector, preferably an engineer familiar with the area where you are buying, to take a close look at the condition of the home. A home inspection may uncover problems with the foundation, electrical, plumbing, roof, attic insulation, and heating and air con- Not carefully researching ditioning. It is important to address insurance costs potential problems that could reInsurance costs will be an imporquire costly repairs down the road. tant expense to add to your budget

should not be considered financial or tax advice. Please consult your financial or tax advisor about your situation. Armando Ortiz is a mortgage consultant with Union Bank in the Greater Chino Hills region. MUFG Union Bank, N.A., is a full-service bank with offices across the United States. We provide a wide spectrum of corporate, commercial and retail banking and wealth management solutions to meet the needs of customers. We also offer an extensive portfolio of value-added solutions for customers, including investment banking, personal and corporate trust, global custody, transaction banking, capital markets, and other services. With assets of $113.5 billion, as of June 30, 2015, MUFG Union Bank has strong capital reserves, credit ratings and capital ratios relative to peer banks. MUFG Union Bank is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (NYSE: MTU), one of the world’s largest financial organizations with total assets of approximately ¥286.1 trillion (JPY) or $2.4 trillion (USD)¹, as of March 31, 2015. The corporate headquarters (principal executive office) for MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation, which is the financial holding company and MUFG Union Bank, is in New York City. The main banking office of MUFG Union Bank is in San Francisco, California. Equal Housing Lender.

Bite-Sizing the GOP Debate (Continued from page 1) FOX relied on national polling to decide who would go on television during prime time. Otherwise, the sheer number of candidates would have made the event cumbersome at best. Using polling data to select who would appear in the coveted spot was an unusual move backed by the Republican National Committee. Polls used by FOX News’ Decision Desk include Bloomberg, CBS News, Fox News, Monmouth University and Quinnipiac University. While candidates who failed to qualify for the top 10 contest are at a disadvantage time wise, they contend that they can still make it to the White House. The earlier “happy hour” debate will take place at the Quick- begins at 5pm EDT. The main will be broadcast on FOX News Martha MacCallum are the moden Loans Arena in Cleveland and debate starts at 9pm EDT. Both and Facebook. Bill Hemmer and erators.

Inglewood Today

August 6, 2015

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BUSIN E SS

Why the ‘Holistic’ Approach Matters in Your Finances

4 Considerations When Planning Your Future With an Advisor

hen you think of what matters most to you and your family, there’s nothing more important than health and well-being, says Kirk Cassidy, a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) who emphasizes the importance of the holistic approach to personal finances. “ ‘Holistic’ usually has the medical connotation of overall physical well-being, but I’d like to co-opt the term to highlight the importance of an individual’s economic welfare, which so often requires professional attention and a comprehensive financial strategy,” says Cassidy, co-president of Senior Planning Advisors (www.seniorplanning advisors.com). “Healthy eating, stress-relieving vacations and many other activities that keep one engaged in a fulfilling lifestyle – all of these things can add up, and it’s not greedy to want these things.” Having a well-balanced, holistic financial plan is equally important, especially as individuals approach retirement, Cassidy says. Such a blueprint should cover guaranteed

income planning, wealth management, tax minimization strategies, long-term care planning and legacy planning. “You’ll want a model that integrates all of those criteria, but a truly holistic approach is resource-laden and hard work,” he says. “Most financial professionals are narrowly focused and aren’t interested in harmonizing the big-picture perspective. That’s why it’s worth crosschecking the qualifications of a professional who is planning your financial destiny.” Cassidy reviews some criteria you’ll want to consider in selecting a financial advisor. • RIA. This became an important acronym in 1940 with the Investment Advisers Act. An RIA is, in part, defined as a “person or firm that, for compensation, is engaged in the act of providing advice, making recommendations, issuing reports or furnishing analyses on securities, either directly or through publications.” In other words, a person or firm with the RIA designation is always guided by the best interest of the client, and not the ad-

visor or firm itself. • Veiled salesperson. “There is a huge debate going on in our industry regarding the standards that guide our practice,” he says. “Unfortunately, the bar is fairly low if you want to be a financial professional.” Currently, most financial advisors are not fiduciaries, obligated to do what is in the best interest of the client. However, there is a push to raise the bar. You’ll want an advisor who actually cares about your financial well-being, who is more than simply transactional and only selling products. • Education. Unfortunately, most middle-income Americans who are 50 or older never have been educated on the essential components of a holistic financial plan associated with retirement. “We offer a course titled ‘Retirement Elevated,’ held at the University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School and Eastern Michigan University, which educates seniors on the essential aspects of retirement,” Cassidy says. “Having an advisor you can trust and being better educated yourself can make

the difference between working through retirement and enjoying years that are truly golden.” • Time. For some folks in any industry, customer service can be as shallow as a smiling face and a “Thanks, have a nice day!” Real customer service, on the other hand, involves putting in the time, utilizing professional resources and being honest about a client’s wellbeing. “We’re all clients of someone, and I know how I’d like to be treated,” Cassidy says. “Putting in the time and effort is important. We put in at least 30 hours designing and implementing a holistic retirement plan.” Kirk Cassidy is president of Senior Planning Advisors and Strategic Investment Advisors (www. seniorplanningadvisors.com) and is among the prestigious financial advisors who have attained the level of “Top of the Table” for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). This positions Cassidy into the top one quarter to one percent of all Financial Advisors in the country.

Effective Ways Solopreneurs Can Better Manage Their Time tarting a small business is easy, but making it successful for the long-term seems to be a challenge for a lot of entrepreneurs. If you’ve recently started a small business, then you’re on your way to enjoying the rewards of entrepreneurship. If you prefer to go the “solopreneur” route, then you have higher chances of achieving success because the support costs are generally reduced. But if you’re the “guy” in your venture, expect that there’s going to be a lot of hard work put in front of you. Little distractions can have an impact in any business. And for a oneperson company, it could be a waste of valuable time and it can even put undue stress on your business. The key to success in this situation is knowing how to allocate your time effectively. Here are some effective time management skills for solopreneurs:

You can use tools like electronic calendars and mobile apps to organize your tasks that need to be done for the day. But there are times when making an old-fashioned list works. Create your schedule but make sure not to overwhelm yourself with tasks that you know you can’t accomplish. If there are things that don’t get done at the end of the day, just make it part of tomorrow’s to-do list.

Set realistic goals throughout the day. Like other entrepreneurs, you don’t want to micromanage yourself to death. Setting realistic goals throughout the day could help save time. For instance, you can plan on checking your emails by 9 am, know what you need to do before lunch, and decide what tasks should be completed during the afternoon. This isn’t meant to stress you out too much with many deadlines but help you manage your Start off with the right foot. day as this is also as important as You are your own boss and you managing your week or month. handle your own time. Since you’re on your own, it’s very important to Add cushion for bigger perform at a higher level each day projects. you go to work. Always start each Creating a deadline especially for (Continued on page 10) day with what you want to get done.

Metro Rail is Turning 25! Thank you, LA County, for 25 years of Metro Rail! With your support, we’ve expanded Metro Rail from one line to six lines that now span 87 miles across the region…and we’re not done yet. Learn more and >nd out about the festivities and free events at metro.net/25. Eat, Shop, Play Wilshire and Little Tokyo/DTLA While construction moves along for the Purple Line Extension and Regional Connector project, businesses in the areas of both projects remain open. Pledge your support to shop at participating businesses and be quali>ed for a chance to win great prizes – including up to $1000 cash! Find out more at metro.net/eatshopplay. Valley-Westside Express 788 Need a faster way to travel between the San Fernando Valley and Westwood? The Valley-Westside Express 788 saves you up to 20 minutes each way. This non-stop service uses the I-405 carpool lanes through the Sepulveda Pass to quickly get riders to their destinations. Plan your trip at metro.net. See something? Say something. Almost one million people are victims of human tra;cking each year. Many of them are right here in LA County. If you have reason to believe someone might be a victim of human tra;cking, don’t be silent – report it. Call 888.950.SAFE. To learn more, visit metro.net/dontbesilent.

metro.net @metrolosangeles losangelesmetro

by Justin Maxwell

Inglewood Today

Page 10

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Public Hearing NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mayor and Council Members of the City of Inglewood, California will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at the hour of 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, One West Manchester Boulevard, 9th Floor, Inglewood, California to receive input on an Ordinance to amend the Inglewood Municipal Code to establish the 68th Street Permit Parking District. Copies of the Ordinance will be available for review at the City Clerk’s Office, the Inglewood Main Library, and the City of Inglewood web site at www. cityofinglewood.org. All interested persons/business owners may appear before said Council and be heard with reference to this matter. Written comments may be mailed on or before August 25, 2015, 7:00 p.m. to: Office of the City Clerk City of Inglewood One West Manchester Boulevard, 1st Floor Inglewood, CA. 90301 This notice is given by the order of the Mayor and Council Members of the City of Inglewood, on August 4. 2015. Yvonne Horton, City Clerk CITY OF INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA If you require special accommodations due to disability, please contact the office of City Clerk at (310) 412-5280 or FAX (310) 412-5533, One West Manchester Boulevard, 1st Floor, Inglewood, California, 90301.All requests for accommodations must be received 48 hours prior to the day fo the hearing.

Effective Ways Solopreneurs Can Manage Their Time (Continued from page 9) bigger projects is important. Adding a cushion is also as important. For instance, you need to get a proposal sent off to another business by the 15th, set your deadline on the 14th. This could definitely change at a moment’s notice in your business. Remember that as a solopreneur, you don’t have anyone around for assistance on lastminute tasks.

August 6, 2015

A lot of people want to have their own business in which they are their own boss and they handle their own time. But many solopreneurs have no time management plan at all, resulting in their businesses and personal lives suffering tremendously. Most solopreneurs do not take enough breaks and others complain of developing health issues. Some even notice they’re less productive than when they worked a traditional 9 to 5 job. If you want to be a suc-

cessful solopreneur, you need to take the necessarily steps. You need to know that time management is a serious business skill, especially if you are wearing all the hats. Do you want your business to look more professional? How about custom embroidered polo shirts? Epolos’ embroidery services start at only $3.95 a shirt and then drops to $2.98 per shirt when you order over 72 shirts. Visit epolos.com to find out more.

Place your DBAs, Probates, Trustee Notices, Legal Notices, Summons and more in Inglewood Today Print & Online • Call: 310.670.9600

REO to Rental Boom in California: Bad for Tenants, Bad for First Time Home Buyers, Bad for Communities

recent report (http:// www.calreinvest.org/ news) by the California Reinvestment Coalition finds Wall Street’s latest profit scheme of buying and renting foreclosed homes (REO to Rental) is hurting neighborhoods throughout California. The report, based on a survey of 80 community-based nonprofits, finds long-term tenants are being displaced, first time homebuyers are losing to all-cash offers by investors, and communities are being destabilized. Kevin Stein, associate director of the California Reinvestment Coalition, and author of the report, comments: “The irony in Wall Street profiting from a foreclosure crisis they helped create is not lost on anybody. Even worse, main street banks like JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup, who are subject to the Community Reinvestment Act, are enabling these harmful practices by financing these investors or by securitizing their portfolios. The Federal Reserve and the OCC should give these banks lower CRA grades for contributing to the displacement of long-term residents, pushing out firsttime homebuyers, increasing pressure and rents on tenants, and decreasing affordable housing opportunities in California.”

on clients and neighborhoods; • 77% of respondents said that qualified home buyers were “always” or “often” losing out to cash investors when trying to purchase a home; • 50% of nonprofit housing developers report being outbid by cash and institutional investors; • More than 1/3 of respondents reported that investor purchasers and landlords are changing neighborhood demographics as there are fewer long-term residents, and there is less income diversity in communities. • In a review of securitization deals that include California homes, many of the leases charge rents that are higher than the prevailing market rates for their areas, thus worsening the affordable housing crisis. Congressman Mark Takano (D-California) comments: “The recently released report by the California Reinvestment Coalition furthers shows the need for hearings on the role large institutional investors play in the rental market. With more than 80 percent of respondents saying the investors have a negative impact on their neighborhoods, and 65 percent of local real estate professionals saying they have hurt their business, it is clear that comFindings from the panies like Blackstone and report Colony Capital are chang• 80% of respondents felt ing our communities. Once that institutional investors again, I call on the House have a “negative” impact Financial Services Com-

mittee to hold hearings into this matter so that my colleagues can learn about the REO to Rental market.” “I am currently fighting over an issue over making some much needed exterior repairs…I rent a home from Invitation Homes after losing a three year battle to refinance my home with Chase…This home is well on its way to becoming an eye sore.. I consider the rents they charge to be excessive given the true state of rehab and maintenance they complete” explains Stella Konisek, an Invitation Homes tenant in Palmdale, California who shared her story with CRC “The explosion of investor activity has been decidedly bad for us on the Central Coast. Besides elbowing out first-time home buyers, these investors are also snapping up homes that nonprofit developers could have otherwise purchased to increase the amount of affordable housing in California” comments John Fowler, President and CEO at People’s Self Help Housing, located in San Luis Obispo. “Wall Street is at it again. After foreclosing on millions of Americans, they’re now buying up foreclosed homes to rent them out, often at above-market prices. Will tenants and communities be left to fend for themselves, or will regulators step in with some common sense reforms?” questions Maeve Elise Brown, executive director of Housing and Economic Rights Advocates.

Aimee Inglis, Member Services Coordinator at Tenants Together and author of a recent report on tenants renting from Wall Street (The New Single-Family Home Renters of California), says, “The business model of Wall Street landlords is to maximize rents and minimize repairs…Tenants should not feel required to make their own repairs, and communities should be able to protect residents from rent gouging and displacement.” “Investors paying all cash have terrorized homebuyers that can’t compete with all cash offers. After they flip the property they sell it themselves which puts us Realtors out of business” explains Dolores Golden, CEO at Multicultural Real Estate Alliance for Urban Change. Melissa Hennings, a renter in Oakland comments “After years of deferred maintenance, my apartment building was purchased by an LLC and management was taken over by a company associated with the owners…Shortly after the building changed hands, the problems began. Numerous construction projects and demolitions took place without permits and in violation of the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) creating dangerous conditions for me, my fellow tenants, workers, and neighbors. After four Stop Work Orders, two tenant injuries, and a notice from the Fire Inspector, the building was red-tagged on May 4,

2015, forcing us to move because it was inhabitable. … Whose watching out for the tenants and communities?” Recommendations CRC makes recommendations in 7 areas related to this report, including: • Stopping preventable fore closures through stronger enforcement of existing laws, and FHFA allowing principal reduction loan modifications through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; • Investigating fair housing/lending issues in REO disposition and in property management; • Extending rent control and anti eviction protections for renters in apartments and single family homes; • Promoting homeownership by prioritizing REO home sales to first time homebuyers, and ensuring FHA borrowers have a fair shot at competing for home purchases; • Lowering CRA grades for banks that enable displacement through financing REO to Rental; • Preferring bulk sales of REOs and distressed loans to nonprofit organizations; • Taxing REITs and securitizations to increase funding for affordable housing, and increasing transparency of corporations involved in REO to Rental and investor purchases to allow communities to better track investor actions and impacts.

August 6, 2015

Eye on the City (Continued from page 4) Councilman Alex Padilla chimed in: “This is the new Inglewood folks. This isn’t the same Inglewood from a few years ago. These (advertising) companies were not knocking on our doors a few years ago.” Butts explained the ordinance does not require that a certain number of billboards be placed throughout the city, but provides flexibility to have them. The Inglewood Planning Commission will come up with parameters of what type of advertising is appropriate and present it to the council at a later date. A second public hearing considered an ordinance to amend regulations related to land use and signage. A staff member from Economic and Community Development said her department has “identified code provisions that need to be updated or are unnecessary.” Some signage does not comply with federal regulations and needs to be amended in order to continue receiving federal funds. Marquee signage in Inglewood, she said, would be restricted to live public events as opposed to private events. A very tearful and surprised Austin received a commendation from the City of Inglewood for her volunteer work with the Special Olympics. Austin assisted Team Jamaica during their visit. Inglewood was the host town for the 91-member delegation. “I want to thank the mayor especially,” Austin said. “You are the first mayor that has ever recognized the things I’ve done. No one ever appreciated it,” Austin said. “And Ralph (Councilman Franklin), the rest of you guys, and Melanie McDade, I want to thank you for loving me and caring about me.” A 41-year Inglewood resident complained that she wanted to pay for a service in the city and was told cash was not accepted. She had to go to the post office to get a money order. “Why do we have a cashier’s office on the first floor if they can’t take a payment?” she asked. A good question. Butts said he would look into it. Bill Widner wanted to know if the

Inglewood Today

council supports getting rent control in Inglewood. “There will be a lot of new rentals available and people would like to know about protection of some kind.” During closing remarks, Mayor Butts and council members each congratulated Austin and praised the work of Mari Morales and her back-toschool event. Morales is the founder of One For All (OFA), an Inglewood non-profit that provides social programs for youth. Programs emphasize character building and personal growth. “The kids were so excited to get their scholarships, and those who didn’t get scholarships got backpacks and things they could use for school,” Councilman George Dotson said. Padilla noted that the OFA “got tons of community support.” Butts thanked Councilman Ralph Franklin for representing Inglewood as a member of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. “There are so many committees that I cannot participate in. Councilman Franklin (advocates) for such benefits as tax money that produces revenue so we can do things for our city,” he said. Some residents criticized the mayor and council for voting unanimously each week. Dotson defended their actions: “There is a lot of discussion before (we say) ‘aye, aye, aye.’ We are a unified front. That’s what makes this city great. You used to have council meetings that lasted all night long, what did it get you? This council— we love each other, that’s why we can work so well together.” Padilla said Mayor Butts was a man of integrity. To his critics, Butts responded: “You have never found one good thing that the city has done, you should do some introspection. Lord knows Ethel Austin and I don’t always agree, but her heart is pure and that’s why we recognized her. “This city has progressed and continues to progress. There are a number of people that would love to have cohesive leadership…We make no apology for that.”

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D at e s i n J U ly – Sep t e m b e r Through August 21, 2015 Inglewood Summer Day Camp Are you ready for summer? The City of Inglewood is offering great summer day camp experiences for youth ages 3-14. There are two sessions: June 29-July 24, 2015 and July 27-August 21, 2015. Camps will be held at Lockhaven Community Center, 11125 Doty Avenue; Siminski Park, 9717 Inglewood Avenue; Rogers Park, 400 West Beach Avenue; and Darby Park, 3400 West Arbor Vitae. Programs include Kiddie Camp designed for kids 3 to 5. Camp Discovery and Fun and Fitness are for youth ages 6-14. For details and registration information, visit www.cityofinglewood.org. Through September 7, 2015 Swimming at Edward Vincent Park The Edward Vincent Jr. Park pool will open on Wednesday, June 24 and close on Monday, September 7, 2015. The park is located at Centinela Avenue, just north of Florence Avenue. The swim program includes lessons for youth and adults, lap swimming, parent and me swimming, Know Your History, Preserve Your Future (Continued from page 5) in Section 4(b) of the VRA, which was used to determine the states and political subdivisions subject to Section 5 preclearance, was unconstitutional. Thus, while the Court did not invalidate the Section 5 preclearance mechanism in the VRA per se, it effectively halted its use by invalidating the formula that determined which places were subject to the preclearance obligation. Again, Amicus Curiae Briefs were filed in the U.S. Supreme Court for this case.

adult water aerobics and family swim nights. Costs range from $1 to $15 for Inglewood residents. Non-residents pay $20. For more information, and specific times, call (310) 412-8750. Ongoing Phonetic Reading Center Johnny Can Read Phonics Center in Inglewood invites families with 5 and 6 year-olds to practice their reading skills and go well beyond their grade levels in 30 to 60 days. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm. There is a 30-minute free session to introduce parents to the program. Interested parents can call and schedule their free session at (310) 412-8750 or email funphonics48@yahoo.com. Get Fit at the Mall BFit offers you ways to get fit, have fun and live your life to the fullest. Join us for amazing free fitness classes at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza every week. Classes held on the Macy’s Bridge include: Zumba every Tuesday from 7:30-8:30pm; Cardio Kickboxing every Thursday from 7:00-8:00pm and Yoga every Saturday from 10:00-11:00am. Democracy is something we cannot take for granted and your vote is important to its preservation. Your vote strengthens our democracy and shares with the decision makers in local, state and federal elections, that your opinion matters and that “your vote counts.” If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the office of the Inglewood City Clerk at (310) 412-5280 or stop by and visit us at One Manchester, Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301, across from the cashier on the first floor. My staff and I are there to assist you.

50th Anniversary of the Watts Riots: Cops and the Black Community Then and Now (Continued from page 7) in the process of being pulled over, it seems apparent that some officers believe they have a license to kill. Eric Garner was apprehended and choked to death for selling cigarettes illegally. Michael Brown was shot and killed after he allegedly shoplifted. Trayvon Martin died for nothing more than walking inside a gated community, where he had every right to be, and being profiled as a burglar. Excuses by police that black unarmed men were killed for looking suspicious, or appearing to have a weapon has long served as their “get out of jail free” card. No other justification was necessary. Citizen Journalists When a civilian videotaped the 1991 beating of Rodney King by four white LAPD officers, things began to shift. Video footage revealed excessive force that had been a long standing practice, but had been swept under the rug. Now there was proof of brutality—evidence that blacks were not making stuff up. Even then, police fought to justify the beating. Legal manipulation by the defense resulted in the

te o V r u o Y Counts!

trial being moved from racially diverse Los Angeles to Simi Valley, and heard by an all-white jury. The argument was that there was too much prejudice against LAPD officers, due to the widespread attention of the case, to hold it in L.A. We all know what happened next. L.A. experienced another historic uprising. Mostly black and brown citizens protested the

Oprah Winfrey came to Los Angeles to do a special taping of the 1992 Civil Unrest. The one emotion expressed by all was frustration. Black folks were tired of seeing their people brutalized and murdered by police and cops getting away with it. Having video tape didn’t seem to matter One young woman told Oprah, “They want me to believe I didn’t see what I saw.”

Rodney King

Reginald Denny

verdict in which the four officers were acquitted. This time, the city was on lockdown for three days. There was burning, looting and destruction everywhere. In one sad incident, four black men pulled an innocent white man Reginald Denny out of his truck and nearly beat him to death. It was an ugly scene.

Even now, in this age of cell phone cameras, viral videos and social media reporters, cops still get off…but not like before. The Dept. of Justice has taken on a more active role in officer-involved shootings, especially in communities of color. It had to. The use of video cameras has given citizens the power to capture

and reveal what took place. While it may not always tell the whole story, compelling evidence has led to police being charged with murder. Just last week University of Cincinnati Officer Ray Tensing was charged with the murder of DuBose. Two months ago, North Charleston, SC Officer Michael T. Slager was charged in the shooting death of Walter Scott. Video showed he fired 8 rounds as Scott ran away from him. Both officers claimed they feared for their life, though the black victims had no weapons and showed no aggression toward them. Just how far has race relations between police and black communities come within the last 50 years? We are just starting to turn the page. With the use of video and more police departments equipping officers with body cameras, it is at least becoming a fairer fight. Video helps protect both citizens and police The use of enhanced technology, the Internet and old fashioned street protesting are all needed to keep police brutality in the forefront. I cannot imagine what surveillance technology might be like 50 years from now. But there are too many eyes on police now to reverse what has been started.

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