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Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 24, No. 52
December 31, 2015
Year in Review: Highs and Lows of 2015
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s in years past, 2015 had its share of highs and lows, unique twists and turns that sometimes made us gasp and shake our heads in disbelief. This year was anything but dull.The top stories of 2015 are more than time or space will allow, but here is a snapshot of the year that is now coming to an end:
Bill Cosby Cosby accusers hit the 50 mark—Mounting allegations against iconic comedian Bill Cosby that resurfaced late in 2014 of sexual assault and drugging —and which he has vehemently denied— continued throughout this year. By now, more than 50 women have come forward, some of whom were featured on a striking cover story for New York magazine. The former sitcom star will
The Black Lives Matter Movement gained momentum. be deposed early next year momentum in 2015. Cell in a case involving one of his phone footage of Scott beaccusers, and he has counter- ing fatally shot in the back sued seven of the women as he ran away from police who have made allegations in April was among several against him, claiming they videos uploaded on social have caused him “severe media discredited statements emotional distress.” made by police. Black Lives Matter Gains Good guys fight back— Momentum—Deaths of Three Americans found nonviolent and unarmed themselves harnessing their black men Walter Scott, power to thwart a gunman’s Freddie Gray, and several public attack. Spencer others by police officers took Stone, Alek Skarlatos and public outcry to a whole new Anthony Sadler were travlevel. The Black Lives Mat- eling on a train in France ter Movement, which began when they heard gunshots. in 2013 after George Zim- With Skarlatos’ cry to, “Get merman was acquitted in the him,” Stone jumped out of shooting death of teenager his seat to tackle the gunTrayvon Martin, picked up man, with his two friends
Farewell 2015
On The Inside: • News • Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business
and fellow passenger British consultant Chris Norma following closely behind. After wrestling with the attacker, the four men managed to restrain the gunman, saving hundreds of lives in the process. Paris Terrorist Attacks— The November 13, 2015 terror attacks in Paris killed at least 130 people and wounded hundreds. The attackers, armed with assault rifles and explosives, targeted six locations across the city. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Two related incidents which occurred in late December brought a sense of hope and justice. The Pentagon announced on Dec. 29th that Charaffe al Mouadan, an associate of the ringleader of the Paris terror attacks was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Syria. The Islamic State operative had connections in Europe and was planning further attacks against the West. Also, an end-of-year miracle occurred when singer Laura Croix woke up from a coma, after being shot six times in the (Continued on page 2)
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By Thomas Bunn
s we turn the page on 2015 and begin a fresh chapter in the year 2016, I think about the sound of the word 2016, and think, I remember when 2000 was, to me, futuristic. I tried to imagine all of the things that would transpire, where the world would be, where I’d be. And, here we are, heading into 2016, as (Continued on page 7)
Rose Parade Returns to Pasadena
“F
ind Your Adventure” is the theme of the 127th Rose Parade presented by Honda. Grown out of a unique partnership between the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and the U.S. National Park Service, the parade will celebrate our national parks. The adventure theme will no doubt carry over to the thousands of spectators who will brave the chilly Pasadena air, sleeping overnight to get a good spot to view festivities.
Unlike last year, when temperatures dipped into the 30s, the high on Friday is expected to be around 69 degrees. However, weather forecasters predict overnight temperatures around 43. The parade begins at 8:00am and will feature floral floats, spirited marching bands and high-stepping equestrian units. Honda will kick off the 44-float parade in a festive opening show along the 5 1/2 mile route down Colorado Avenue. This year, documentary film maker Ken Burns will be the Rose Parade Grand Marshal. Though the 62-year-old was not present during the announcement, he said in a taped video address, “As an honorary park ranger, I couldn’t be prouder (of the theme), and I encourage ev(Continued on page 4)
Happy New Year! from Inglewood Today