July 17, 2014

20 Y EA RS

Your Community Connection since 1994

Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 23, No. 29

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July 17, 2014

Inglewood Good for Working Women, Study Says

till riding high as last week’s feature and commentary subject in the Los Angeles Business Journal (July 7, 2014), Inglewood got another shot in the arm from NerdWallet.

The financial literacy website named Inglewood as among the “Best MediumSized Cities for Women in the Workforce.”

Ranking 8th out of 20, in its category among U.S. cities, Inglewood was rated on: Women’s earnings, the median salary for fulltime, year-round female workers in each city and median gross rent, as a proxy to gauge cost of living; Income equality, women’s pay as a percentage of men’s pay to measure the level of income equality in each city; and Population growth, to assess long-term growth potential.

Other California cities in the category include San

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

By Veronica Mackey

First Lady Keynotes Veterans Summit

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irst Lady Michelle Obama paid a visit to Los Angeles Wednesday to join Mayor Eric Garcetti, other government officials and business leaders to discuss ways to help local veterans.

The United for Veterans Summit was organized by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles and partners, which include USC Price School, the Federal Reserve Bank and the City of Los

Bernardino, Vallejo, and Richmond.

Women in Inglewood who work full time earn, on average, $35,819 annually which equates to 113.96% as a percentage of men’s earnings, according to NerdWallet. The site has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Reuters.

Analysts broke down the list of 522 cities into large, medium-sized and small cities to find various types of places for women in the workforce. For more information on affordability in each of these cities, check out NerdWallet’s Cost of Living Calculator (http:// www.nerdwallet.com/costof-living-calculator/).

In addition to being heralded as business-friendly, Inglewood is now endorsed as a gender-friendly city.

But none of this matters to Diane Sombrano who insists the City of Inglewood is biased against women.

“There are more skirts and suits in this building than on the streets,” she (Continued on page 3)

Strike While the Iron Is Hot

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By Thomas Bunn

ur city, in the last few years, has amassed a great deal of national exposure.

Just last week, the Los Angeles Business Journal wrote a front page article featuring Inglewood titled, “Inglewood Gets Down To Business.” With all the newfound notoriety that indicates, “Inglewood is Back” there is no better (Continued on page 2)

Inglewood Today Proudly Serving Inglewood for 20 Years

Michelle Obama Angeles. About 20 percent of California’s veteran population lives in Los Angeles, and one in eight veterans who are homeless reside in Los Angele County.

The half-day summit was held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Century City. Other attendees included: Maria Elena Durazo, Executive SecretaryTreasurer, L.A. County Federation of Labor, AFLCIO; Laura Zeilinger, Director of National Programs and Field Support, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness; Elise (Continued on page 12)

Inglewood Today

Page 2

July 17, 2014

Share Your Health History

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Start a New Tradition at Your Family Reunion

amily reunions are a great opportunity to reconnect and turn relationships into strong, eternal ties. This year, try starting a new tradition—share your health history with your family.

Passing down family health history can be as important as sharing that heirloom recipe your great grandmother shared with your grandmother. Many health conditions run in the family, so knowing the health history can help you or your loved ones take the right steps to stay well and get tested if you or they are at risk. Sharing a health history means having a conversation about your health conditions or those experienced by another family member. These conversations can transform a simple update about a loved one’s wellbeing into a piece of prevention.

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

Why is sharing a health history important?

Though marked with stories and laughter, family reunions are also a perfect time to talk about important matters that affect the health of your family members. As the number of those with common ailments such as obesity, heart disease and cancer continues to rise, other major conditions should not

be overlooked, especially kidney disease.

According to the U.S. Renal Data System, nearly one in six African American adults (or 6.2 million) has signs of kidney disease.

There are usually no symptoms for early kidney disease, which is why it is sometimes called a “silent disease.” The two primary causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure.

The National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) is encouraging relatives at family reunions to talk about the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. The

Program’s Family Reunion Health Guide can help you plan large group or one-on-one conversations about kidney disease. You do not need to be a healthcare professional or expert to start these important conversations—the guide has everything you need. To download or order a free copy, visit http:// nkdep.nih.gov/get-involved/talkwith-family.shtml?ref=MAT.

Strike While the Iron Is Hot (Continued from page 1) time for the young business men and women in our community to stake their claim in our community’s bright future.

But are young people just not interested in starting their own businesses?

It’s long been argued that Millennials are not as interested in starting their own businesses as their parent’s and grandparent’s generations did. However,, studies do little to prove this theory. A Kauffman Foundation study of college freshmen found that Millennials rate of interest in starting their own businesses moved in a tight band between 2.1 percent and 3.7 percent from 1978 through 2008. Moreover, the rate of interest in the 1976-through-1985 cohorts and the 1990-through-1999 cohorts was lower than that among the 2003 and 2004 cohorts. Yet the current self-employment rate of people from the 2003 and 2004 cohorts is lower than that of people from the earlier cohorts.

Other explanations as to why Millennials are not bootstrapping their own ventures are because of a lack of access to start up capital, which is supported by data.

Because the vast majority of

businesses receive no startup capital from anyone other than the founder, would-be entrepreneurs need to have enough money to cover their startup costs, and are deterred from starting companies if they lack adequate capital.

According to the Federal Reserve’s most recent Survey of Consumer Finances, the typical net worth of a household led by someone under 35 is $11,800, less than 5 percent of the $253,700 median for a household headed by a person age 55 to 64. Moreover, many of the sources of financing available to entrepreneurs--personal borrowing, personally guaranteed loans, and personal credit cards—are much easier to get if one is older.

As our city regains its footing, and positions itself back into the light of prominence and prosperity, there is no better time than now to begin planting seeds in the revitalized soil of our community.

Young business owners have the most to gain as well as the most to lose if the opportunities among us are not seized. There is no greater love, than the love you are shown when you live in, and operate a business in the same city. You’re seen as a native, and opportunities for support, seemingly come out of communal obligation. When

you operate a business in a town where you know no one, not even the community you plan to do business in, you can easily stand out as the one who brought nothing to the party, but took home all the leftovers. Not a good look.

LeBron James shocked the sports world yet again, by announcing that he’s headed back home, and rejoining the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s a hometown boy, and its only right. In the same light, its imperative when thinking about the culture we want to preserve in our community, that the next generation of entrepreneurs consider playing for their hometown before looking at options elsewhere.

However, it’s not just a decision the young business men and women of our community have to make. These decisions are made a lot easier when they are welcomed, and opportunities for them are created. We have to ensure that our young people have professional support, training, and access to capital. Business accelerators and incubators will make a tremendous addition to the economic landscape of our city.

LeBron wasn’t just homesick, home was sick without him.

Five tips for starting the conversation Talking about health history at family reunions can be challenging. Having a strategy for difficult (Continued on page 11)

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.

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Inglewood Today

July 17, 2014

Angry Dad’s ‘Hot Car’ Video Goes Viral

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Terry Bartley

North Carolina father of three has brought the tragedy of leaving small children unattended inside hot cars to headline news in a big way.

Terry Bartley uploaded a video on June 20 which has gone viral and is raising awareness across the world.

Bartley produced his “Hot Car Challenge” to warn parents to stop leaving their kids alone inside their cars. He was outraged after the death of 22-month-old Cooper Harris, left alone in a hot car by his father for nine hours.

In the video Bartley simulates what happens when defenseless children sit in a car with the windows rolled up on a hot day, with sweat dripping down his forehead, cheeks, and neck.

“I want to know how it feels to be left in the car, sitting in the back seat, strapped into a car seat with the windows up and doors probably locked,” Bartley says in the video clip.

Cooper was left in an SUV on a 90-degree day. His father, Justin Ross Harris, is now charged with felony murder and cruelty to a child in the second degree.

He has pleaded not guilty, saying he left Cooper in the car accidentally

Inglewood Good for Working Women, Study Says (Continued from page 1) said, referring to the lack of women in maintenance jobs. She talked about the abundance of secretaries in City Hall, and that all of them were women.

“That’s sexist,” Mayor James Butts replied. “The inference to their dress should not happen.”

“I intend for it to be sexist,” Sombrano said. “The way we treat women who come to this podium (at council meetings) is an example because you put down women on a regular basis.”

Perceived put downs aside, Nerd Wallet analysts spent numerous painstaking hours, studying and crunching the numbers prior to releasing the report. Analysts compared median financial data from the Census Bureau American Community Survey from 2009 through 2012. The evolution of opportuni-

That tragedy motivated Bartley to sit inside his car and start recording. The temperature outside in the video reached the upper 80s.

Bartley told ABC News Sunday that as the temperature outside the car began to rise, he could barely breathe inside. “I was losing air, it was like I was sitting in a microwave cooking,” he said. “I could have easily took my shirt and wiped my face and wringed it out.”

It only takes 15 to 20 minutes for someone to die in a hot car.

Bartley said he could only endure the heat for 12 minutes.

At least 17 children have died of heat stroke in hot cars this year alone, according to the website kidsandcars.org. Bartley is hoping his challenge will raise awareness to help prevent any more deaths.

Bartley’s video has been viewed more than 1.1 million times, inspiring others to take the challenge and create their own videos, some of which feature children and dogs.

“I was shocked,” he told ABC News. “I made a video and I didn’t expect that it would get this kind of attention it did.

It kind of blew up out of nowhere.” The video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=cuCtadNRAeA.

ties for working women, confirm the data.

The number of women working in the U.S. has been steadily increasing over the past five decades, with the percentage since 1967 increasing from 29% to nearly 50%.

In 1960, only 1 in 10 mothers in the U.S. was the sole or primary family breadwinner; in 2011, that number had reached 4 in 10.

As for the accusation of gender bias, Butts dismissed the idea, noting that the City’s hiring of female police officers—the most dangerous job category—is proof that Inglewood does not discriminate.

“People take the jobs they want,” he said.

To take a closer look at cites that have the best characteristics to support working women, visit http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/ cities/economics/best-cities-women-workforce-2/

Page 3

Katt Williams Pepper-Spraying Incident

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nglewood police are investigating a possible assault with a deadly weapon involving actor and comedian Katt Williams. According to TMZ, Williams was driving near LAX Tuesday night, when Glen Jackson pulled alongside and tried to snap a cell phone picture.

Williams said Jackson was harassing him. Jackson said Williams and a body guard allegedly got out of the star’s Rolls Royce, tried grabbing his phone, then pepper sprayed him.

“Jackson says he stumbled out of the car, choking from the fumes, when Katt rolled his Rolls smack into his leg ... then doused him in pepper spray again before driving off,” according to the TMZ website.

It’s been a rough few days for Williams, who has been involved in 4 altercations in 2 weeks. He was recently arrested at a Seattle bar after allegedly getting into a fight with a family at the World Sports Grille, and resisted arrest. He was released the next day.

Katt Williams The comedian also crashed his Rolls-Royce into a car-full of people who he said teased and cut him off in traffic. According to Williams, the Honda swerved in front of him, and forced him to slam on the brakes.

Williams says he couldn’t stop in time to avoid the accident, and the Rolls rear ended the lesser car. He’s convinced the Honda people were looking for a payday.

The Honda driver said Williams was speeding, but cops said they believe Williams’ side of the story.

USCIS to Present Citizenship Information Sessions this Summer at the Inglewood Public Library

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he Inglewood Public Library is proud to host two upcoming programs on naturalization and citizenship this summer, in the Gladys Waddingham Lecture Hall at the Main Library, 101 West Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90301.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is presenting three naturalization information sessions, one of which took place in June, at the Inglewood Public Library throughout the summer. USCIS personnel will be on-hand to discuss the naturalization process step-by-step and provide information about eligibility and residency requirements, application forms, fees, the background security check and processing times. The information sessions will be bilingual and include presentations in Spanish.

Participants will also see sample questions from the naturalization test and receive an overview of U.S. history and civic principles.

Upcoming sessions will be held on: • Monday, July 28th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, August 9th, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

These sessions are part of a larger USCIS initiative to help immigrants better understand the naturalization and citizenship process, including the content of the naturalization test, and to become familiar with free educational resources and materials available from the agency.

Free educational materials will be given out while supplies last and bilingual Immigration Service Officers will be available for questions and answers at these sessions.

This program is free and open to all. Library parking is free after 6:00 p.m.

For more information about this program call (310) 412-5380 or visit library.cityofinglewood.org.

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Inglewood Today

Page 4

July 17, 2014

Eye on the City Saving the Babies

By Veronica Mackey

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team of young Inglewood residents and workers at Chuco’s Justice Center educated the public about the issues affecting youth at Tuesday’s meeting. There were kudos all around for the center, which is changing lives.

Chuco’s has a continuation high school and a host of programs and services, including a free legal clinic, transportation assistance, counseling and assistance for exfelons. Kids come to the center with addictions, problems with the law, school, family, and lack of resources.

Recently, some residents complained about youth at the center smoking marijuana and being disrespectful. A therapist at the cen-

ter said, “We have a culture where adults walk away and I would prefer for adults to start stepping back into children’s lives. There are other ways to solve problems.

Inglewood City Council A lot of young people are abused, broken-hearted. They’ve seen a lot of death. A lot of our young people are so hurt and so angry and so damaged that they do act out. The

center is looking for ways to heal these young people so they can be good citizens.” “(Chuco’s offers) record clear(Continued on page 9)

Pick up your copy of Inglewood Today at one of these locations: 1 Stop Mini-Mart, 420 E. Florence Ave. A-Man Inc., 101 La Brea Ave. Airport Gas, 501 Hillcrest St. Allstate, 2300 W. Manchester Bl. Bayou Grill, 1400 N. La Brea Ave. 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 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. Darby Park, 3400 W. Arbor Vitae 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 Fabulous Burger, 1315 Centinela Ave., Family Fish Market, 1300 Centinela Ave. Fiesta Martin Mexican Grill, 1330 N. La Brea Ave. Gin’s Liquor, 11001 Crenshaw Bl. Gonzales Northgate Market, 10801 Prairie Ave. Heart & Soul Grill, 128 N. Market St. Hollywood Park Casino, 1050 S. Prairie Ave. 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. 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. 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 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 Starbucks, 5301 Centinela Ave. Starbucks, 941 N. La Brea Ave. Starbucks on Century Stuff I Eat, 114 N. Market St. Super Fish Market, 11007 S Crenshaw Bl. Superior Groceries, 11202 S Crenshaw Bl. 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 Westchester Villa Senior Living, 220 W. Manchester Bl. Whole Foods, 4508 Overhill (Slauson) 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)

July 17, 2014

Inglewood Today

Publisher’s Message

Page 5

Word for the Wise Summer Special!

Tires Repaired At No Charge Now Until September 4, 2014 With This Ad

How to Raise Your Voice

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y now, you have probably heard about Terry Bartley, a North Carolina father that made a video demonstrating what happens when young kids are left alone inside a hot car. He was motivated by the death of a 22 month-old toddler named Cooper Harris, whose father left him in a car for nine hours. The story appears in this week’s edition of Inglewood Today.

There was also another story about a young mother who left her baby strapped in the car seat while she ran into a convenience store. It only took 10 seconds to have a carjacker drive away with the baby in tow.

For seven hours of hell, the young mother cried, prayed, worried and blamed herself for what could have been the last time she would see her daughter alive. The car thief abandoned the child in a grassy area of town. She was found in the car seat, bitten by insects, with a dirty diaper, extremely hungry but alive. “I’ll never do that again,” the mother said..

Leaving small children in a car unattended should be a no-brainer. Yet, according KidsandCars. org, last year 184 children died from being left alone in cars.

Causes range from heat stroke to falling from vehicles. Seventeen children have died this year due to heat stroke alone.

Human beings have been known to do some pretty dumb things, and behave in ways that contradict rational judgment.

We know this. So when someone like Bartley comes along and makes a video to shake some sense back into parents who might consider leaving their kids in a hot car, he has my applause.

The viral Youtube video is a

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Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly testament to what a difference one person can make. The “Hot Car Challenge” has received 1.1 million hits since its debut on June 20. Who knows how many more lives will be impacted now that the clip has inspired others to join in and make their own versions. Some families have uploaded videos of children and dogs to dramatize the problem.

Telling a story with video is one of the most powerful ways to get your point across. We all feel sad for the innocent young victims.

Yet, Bartley found a unique way to present that problem and spread his warning all over the world.

Though he never set out to gain publicity, putting himself in the place of a young child and recording his experience inside the hot car attracted more attention that he could have imagined.

More important, it issued a sober reminder to parents never to needlessly risk their child’s life.

There are a myriad of issues in our community and in our world.

We can complain about them or we can find a way to raise awareness and support. We can shake our head and say, “That’s a shame,” or find a way to magnify our voice. Bartley found a way.

What about us?

Contentment comes when you accept the gift of life and consider the alternative.

Yvonne Horton

Fernandez Owes up to $256,000 According to Report

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ew information about why former Centinela Valley Union High School Superintendent Jose Fernandez was so highly overpaid has begun to surface.

Fernandez is said to owe up to $256,000 to the school district for overpayment, according to the Daily Breeze. In addition, Fernandez will also see a big reduction in the amount of money he can draw from his pension.

A new report compiled by the Los Angeles County Office of Education and California Public Employees’ Retirement System was made public this week. It details why Fernandez’s pay was so high. Some of the findings in the report are:

• He allegedly claimed to have worked on holidays when the county office concluded he probably has not.

• The taxable income on Fernandez’s W-2s was understated by at least $56,000 a year.

• He was paid a $100-a-month bonus for a doctorate degree he did not have.

• He was overpaid by $9,000 for vacation pay because the district used the wrong daily rate.

• He received an annual raise of more than 10 percent a year.

The school board recently voted to fire Fernandez. However, he has 10 days to plead his case once the charges are presented, which could take a couple of weeks. The process could take another month.

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Inglewood Today

July 17, 2014

Afro-Latin Festival at Vincent Park

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By Anne Cheek La Rose

he summer’s in full swing and the place to be Saturday, July 26 from noon - 6pm, is the Amphitheatre in Vincent Park.

The Afro-Latin Music & Dance Festival, presented by Inglewood Cultural Arts, is absolutely free and is going to be fun for all ages.

Inglewood Cultural Arts (ICA), a non-profit arts organization, is the driving force behind the Festival. They’ve lined up some great acts sure to get you moving: Mexico68 (East LA—Afrobeat), the dance moves of Kati Hernandez & the drumming of Lazaro Galarraga (Cuba—Rumba), Atabey (Puerto Rico—bomba), Conjunto Jardin (Mexico—Son will spin Afrofunke and Global Jarocho), and Batuque People Rhythms.

(Brazil—Samba and Capoeira).

The purpose of the Festival is to In between acts, DJ Glenn Red show the similarities between the

African American and Latin cultures by exploration through music and dance, and hopefully to instill a greater understanding of the cultur-

al heritage of each. This will be an exciting educational cultural event that will also revitalize the Vincent Amphitheatre. The Festival is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, the City of Inglewood, and the generosity of individual supporters.

The Amphitheatre is located in Edward Vincent, Jr Park (formerly known as Centinela Park), 700 Warren Lane. The Amphitheatre is in the center of the park, below the soccer fields and behind the swimming pool.

Free parking is available in the lot next to the soccer fields (enter from East 68 Street) or at the play park lot on the curve of Warren Lane.

So, pack a picnic and grab the whole family for an afternoon in the park and get your groove on.

VOTE TODAY • Visit www.inglewoodtoday.com

Would you like to see NFL Football in Inglewood?

Inglewood Today

July 17, 2014

Page 7

Health&Fitness T•O•D•A•Y

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5 Tips for Healthy Eating as We Age

ood nutrition plays an important role in how well you age. Eating a healthful diet helps keep your body strong and can help reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and osteoporosis. Studies even show a link between healthful eating and longevity.

“As we age, the body becomes less efficient at absorbing some key nutrients. Appetite and taste can suffer from loss of sense of smell and taste or from side effects of medications.

Bad teeth can make some foods difficult to chew or digest,” said Arthur Hayward, MD, a geriatrician and the clinical lead physician for elder care with Kaiser Permanente’s Care Management Institute. “So choosing foods carefully is smart.” you vary the foods you eat, the Here are five tips to help you get more vitamins, minerals and other the nutrition your body needs: nutrients you get. For example: • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables 1. Avoid empty calories.

—Choose fresh, frozen or no-salt Foods with empty calories may canned vegetables and fruits in contain very few vitamins and mintheir own juice or light syrup. erals. “Convenience foods,” such as • Eat foods with protein—Propackaged snacks, chips and sodas, tein is found in lean meat, fish, are common sources of empty calopoultry, eggs and cheese, cooked ries. Avoid the “bad” carbs—foods beans, peanut butter and nuts and that have white flour, refined sugar seeds. and white rice.

• Get enough calcium and vitamin D—Calcium and vitamin D 2. Choose nutrient-rich foods. are found in milk and milk prodEat a variety of foods. The more ucts, including yogurt and cheese.

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or clear like water. Fiber and fluids help with constipation.

4. If your appetite is poor.

Try eating smaller meals, several times a day, instead of one or two large meals. Eating while socializing with others may help your appetite.

You might also ask about changing medicines. Medication can cause appetite or taste problems.

5. Eat soft foods.

As we approach our senior years, chewing food is sometimes difficult. Choose low-sodium canned vegetables or cooked fruits and vegetables. These are often softer.

Chop or shred meat, poultry or fish.

Add sauce or gravy to the meat to They are also in green leafy veg- help keep it moist. etables (spinach, kale, collard For healthy recipe ideas, check greens) and tofu. out Kaiser Permanente’s Food for • Include foods high in vitamin Health blog at https://foodforhealth.

B12—After 50, the body produc- kaiserpermanente.org. es less gastric acid and absorbs In addition to eating a balanced less B12, which helps keep blood diet, aim for 150 minutes of physiand nerves vital. B12 is found in cal activity each week. Ten-minute milk, meat, poultry, fish and eggs. sessions several times a day on most • Eat high-fiber foods—This in- days are fine. For more information, cludes fruits, vegetables, cooked visit kp.org and everybodywalk. dried beans and whole grains. org. For questions or advice about a specific condition, talk with your 3. Drink plenty of fluids. physician.

Drink plenty of fluids—enough Source: NewsUSA so that your urine is light yellow

Managing Pain: Are You Reading Your Medicine Labels?

ou may not be able to spell or even pronounce the word “acetaminophen,” but almost 50 million Americans use it each week to manage pain and fever.

Acetaminophen is the most common drug ingredient in America, found in more than 600 different prescription (Rx) and over-thecounter (OTC) medicines. While it is safe and effective when used as directed, there is a limit to how much can be taken in one day: 4,000 mg for most adults. Taking more acetaminophen than directed is an overdose and can lead to liver damage.

According to the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition, sometimes people may unintentionally exceed the 4,000 mg daily dose because they don’t realize that several medicines they take—such as pain medications and fever reducers, cough/ cold and allergy medicines, and

tion of the AAC. “I always tell consumers to be diligent about reading their medicine labels, to know the ingredients in their medicines and to carefully follow dosing directions when taking all medicines.”

So whether or not you can spell it or say it, when taking a medicine that may contain acetaminophen, the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition encourages you to follow these four steps to use it safely: 1. Always read and follow the medicine label.

2. Know if your medicines coneven some sleep aids—may all concontaining medicines at the same tain acetaminophen. tain acetaminophen. time.

3. Never take two medicines that In its report, “Acetaminophen: • Taking more than the recom- contain acetaminophen at the same How It’s Used, Preventing Overdose mended dose at a single time. time. and What We Can Do to Promote “Educating patients is a key step 4. Ask your pharmacist or other Safe Use,” the Coalition points out to promoting safe acetaminophen healthcare professional if you have three common acetaminophen dos- use and preventing overdose,” said questions. ing mistakes: nurse practitioner Anne Norman of For more safe medicine use tips, • Taking the next dose too soon. the American Association of Nurse visit www.knowyourdose.org.

• Using multiple acetaminophen- Practitioners, a founding organizaSource: NewsUSA

Inglewood Today

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July 17, 2014

Today Preparing Your Finances for the Holidays

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very year, it seems stores start playing holiday music and decorating earlier than the year before. By mid-summer, most national monthly magazines have already completed their special holiday issues, and many financial advisors agree that this a good time to start saving for the holidays.

Whether you are setting a gift budget, making travel plans or scheduling a holiday party, you’re more likely to have a realistic view of your finances and stay within your budget when you aren’t under the pressure of a tight deadline. In addition to preventing a post-holiday spending hangover, getting an early start on your financial holiday planning may also allow you more time to enjoy the season.

Here are some suggestions to consider: Make a list and check it twice Develop a list of the people you usually buy gifts for during the holidays. Next, make a list of items you normally buy this time of year, such as greeting cards, contributions to charitable organizations, holiday meals and traditions, travel and entertainment. Take inventory of what you already have – wrapping paper, decorations, stored gifts, etc. Consider selling surplus items online or at a yard sale for extra cash to add to your holiday budget or savings.

Develop a budget and save Once you’ve taken inventory, determine the maximum you can spend on each item to help determine your budget and the amount you will need to save over the next few months. It might be helpful to

Rudy Maldonado, Vice President and Branch Manager, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.

purchases when you have the available cash. It may also be prudent to take advantage of end-of-summer sales, Thanksgiving or Black Friday specials and other opportunities to save.

The foregoing article is intended to provide general information about preparing financially for the holidays and is not considered financial or tax advice. Please consult your financial or tax advisor.

Keep track of purchases Keep your holiday gift list handy by considering a smartphone application such as Santa’s Bag-Christmas Gift List (available through the Apple App StoreSM) that helps manage gift recipients, shopping and budget lists. Designate a secure Rudy Maldonado spot in your home or garage where look through last year’s receipts or you can store gifts and other items, billing statements to get an idea of and if you also get a jump on wraphow much you spent. Developing ping, be sure to label each gift for a spending plan before you begin easy identification. shopping may also help you avoid impulse buying.

Get crafty To help boost your holiday savGiving handmade gifts can help ings, establish automatic transfers save on your holiday budget, and or have part of your paycheck de- starting now will give you plenty of posited into a targeted savings ac- time to get crafty. For example, if count. You might also consider you have a green thumb, planting additional seasonal work to bring an inexpensive bulb in the fall will in more cash, or cut back on your often provide you with a beautiful everyday spending. If you’re still blooming plant to give in time for coming up short, early preparation the holidays. For other DIY ideas, will allow you time to manage the there are numerous resources online. expectations of your family and friends accordingly.

Book travel early Fares often increase closer to the Shop early and take holidays, so try to book airline and advantage of sales hotel reservations in advance for We all know that seasoned gift potential savings. You will genergiver who completes his/her holi- ally get a lower rate if you purchase day shopping by September. Start at least 21 days in advance, so do comparison shopping now for gifts, some research now. Check with and keep an eye out for coupons your employer or organizations you and online deals. Look into high- may belong to, such as AAA and demand items that might be more AARP, to explore travel discounts, expensive and difficult to obtain or visit online travel sites that might during the holidays, and make those also help you save.

About MUFG Union Bank, N.A Rudy Maldonado is a vice president and branch manager of MUFG Union Bank, N.A.’s, Coronado Branch. MUFG Union Bank, N.A., is a full-service bank with offices across the United States. We provide a wide spectrum of corporate, commercial, retail banking and wealth management solutions to meet the needs of customers. The bank also offers an extensive portfolio of value-added solutions for customers, including investment banking, personal trust, capital markets, global treasury management, transaction banking and other services. With assets of $106.7 billion (USD), as of March 31, 2014, the 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 ¥258 trillion (JPY) or $2.5 trillion (USD)1, as of March 31, 2014. MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation, the financial holding company and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. have corporate headquarters in New York City.

Exchange rate of USD=¥102.92 (J-GAAP) as of March 31, 2014 1

Inglewood Today

July 17, 2014

Page 9

Are Baby Boomers Doomed to Irrelevance in the Workplace?

B

Media Expert Shares Tips for Aging Workers

oomers may want to recall one of the poets they grew up reading, Dylan Thomas, and his most famous poem, named for its first line, “Do not go gentle into that good night,” a desperate appeal to resist the trappings of old age.

“As they retire, baby boomers need to stay true to their reputation for grand statements, and to mobilize their skill set in the business world,” says media expert Steve Kayser, author of “The Greatest Words You’ve Never Heard,” (www.stevekayser.com).

“In fact, many older Americans may have little choice but to adapt their mindset and survive longer in their careers if they want to maintain something resembling their current lifestyle during retirement.”

Kayser lists a few trends that may incentivize aging workers to clock in for a few more years: • The number of Americans 55 and older will almost double between now and 2030—from 60 million today to 107.6 million, according to the United States Census Bureau. That will likely strain public

safety nets such as Social Seculogical leaps. A program you rity and Medicare. learn today may not be relevant • American life expectancy is at an in a few years, so keep an open all-time high, and death rates are and flexible mind. at an all-time low, which means • Being R-E-L-E-V-A-N-T… Take some people will outlive their rethis mnemonic device to heart: tirement savings.

Risk, Experiment, Listen and • The global economic crisis has Learn, Engage, Value, Attitude of wiped out or severely affected gratitude, No to negativity, and millions of middle- and seniorTime. “This is an ongoing, evolvaged people’s life savings. ing note to keep in your mind no But with an increasingly competimatter your professional situative pool of professionals whose skill tion,” Kayser says. “I’ve been sets need to be regularly updated, around a lot of charismatic and how can boomers stay in the game? effervescent folks in their 70s and Kayser quotes Alvin Toffler: “The 80s who are still successful and illiterate of the 21st Century will growing, both on a personal and not be those who cannot read and business level. The acronym enwrite, but those who cannot learn, compasses the ideas that seem to unlearn and relearn.” promote a proactive life.”

He discusses his method for how • Answer the question, “What resoolder workers can maintain their valnates with you?” This is a decepue—by staying “R-E-L-E-V-A-N-T.” tively deep question when you • What it means to learn, unlearn apply it to your life’s trajectory. If and relearn. The ever-shifting life hasn’t turned out to be what sands of technology pose a speyou expected it would 30 years cial challenge to older workers. ago, then it’s time to recalibrate Younger professionals not only how you see yourself, especially grew up working and entertainif that’s as a perpetual pre-retiree. ing themselves with screens, they If you’re not sure of how you see also learned to adapt to technoyourself in today’s setting, start

Eye on the City (Continued from page 4) ing, clearing people tickets. Kids are ticketed for tardiness.

A lot of youth cannot get on the bus or train because they can’t afford it. We have the Welcome Home program for people who were recently released from jail,” a youth organizer said.

Another worker said she “sought out” the center because “it’s incredible, and a service we are all lucky to have. We have a lot of activity because there are a lot of youth in the area. We are working to provide a safe environment. I can’t imagine Inglewood without it.”

An emotional 69 year-old man who had been in penitentiary 45 years shared his transformative story of how he was helped by the program: “They embraced me and they trusted me, and they weren’t intimidated by me. Now, I am working to keep guys out of prison. I tell them, ‘No matter how bitter and angry you are, do not self-destruct.’ In 2 ½ years, (it) will be the first time I’ll be off parole in my adult life.”

“You have our great respect,” Mayor James Butts said.

“This is what Inglewood should be about,” Gil Matheiu said.

(Continued on page 10)

Visit Our Website: www.inglewoodtoday.com Subscribe to Inglewood Today Only $1.75 a week • Call 310.670.9600 Email: willie@inglewoodtoday.com

with what the spiritual writer Joseph Campbell called the “moving power of your life,” which can be sensed by the things that resonate within you. The things that resonate within you, such as an unusual book, may just be the compass you need to find your way.

Steve Kayser is an award-winning writer, editor, publisher, former radio host and founder of Kayser Media. He has had the great fortune to interview and collaborate with some of the best minds in the business world, and his eclectic approach to public relations and marketing has been widely documented.

He recently published “The Greatest Words You’ve Never Heart,” (www.stevekayser.com).

Advertise!

Call 310-670-9600

Inglewood Today

Page 10

July 17, 2014

LEG A L NOT I CES PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Mayor and Council Members of the City of Inglewood have scheduled a public hearing to receive input on the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan includes funding recommendations for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) Program. All interested persons may appear before the City Council and be heard on this matter.

Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 Time: 7:00 P.M. Place: Inglewood City Hall City Council Chambers, 9th Floor One Manchester Boulevard

Inglewood, California 90301

SUMMARY OF THE FY 2014-2015 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN The Annual Action Plan for the City of Inglewood serves as the grant application to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for its federally funded grant programs. All funds will be used to benefit very-low, low- and moderate-income persons in the City of Inglewood. The City of Inglewood wishes to encourage comments from very-low, low- and moderate-income persons, particularly from those persons living in neighborhoods where the funds are proposed to be used. The City will take appropriate actions to encourage the participation of all its residents, including persons who are non-English speaking, who have limited mobility due to disability, or who are visually or hearing impaired. The following summary highlights the available funding levels for each of the funding categories:

Copies of the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Annual Action Plan will be available for public review on July 14, 2013 in the City Clerk’s Office, the Inglewood Public Library and the City of Inglewood web site www.cityofinglewood. org. If you wish to receive a copy of the Plan, need a special accommodation due to a disability, or have any questions, please contact the Community Development Department CDBG Division at (310) 412-8844, or send a FAX request to (310) 330-5756. You can also contact the CDBG Division via mail at the following address: City of Inglewood, Attn: CDBG Division – 7th Floor, One Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90301. All requests for accommodation must be received no less than 48 hours prior to the date of the hearing. In the event that the City Council meeting of July 22, 2014 is not held, or is concluded prior to this public hearing agenda item being considered, this public hearing will be automatically continued to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2014 165330 The following Person is doing business as:

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2014180233 The following Person is doing business as:

Na - Kid 8721 5th Avenue Inglewood, CA 90305

JT Brands 110 Pine Avenue, Suite 218 Long Beach, CA 90802

Registered owner: Dorielle Ashante Hammonds, 8721 5th Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90305

Registered Owner: Geoffrey Thompson, 110 Pine Avenue, Suite 218, L.B., CA 90802

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on June 18, 2014.

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on July 3, 2014.

I 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.)

Dorielle Ashante Hammonds, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on June 18, 2014

I 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.)

Geoffrey Thompson, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on July 3, 2014

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.

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

Original June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 2014 ITO0422301036 Inglewood Today

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 July 10, 17, 24, 31, 2014 ITO0422301037

Eye on the City (Continued from page 9) Chuco’s is hosting a community open house on Thursday, July 24 from 6 to 8pm at 1137 E. Redondo Blvd. “Come see what we do. Nothing speaks louder than that,” a woman said.

For more information call (323) 490-0601.

Councilman George Dotson recalled his experience at the Chuco Center: “I will be back again. They are doing a wonderful job.”

“These kids are scraping.

They need our love and they need our support. I am angry about what the U.S. has done to our youth especially our black and brown youth,” Aldene Sligh said.

Sligh wants the council to donate part of their salary to the youth center.

“Why not all of it? Why stop there?” the mayor said.

“No one should demagogue someone, and say ‘you should do this. You shouldn’t decide if they don’t (do what you want) they are bad people. I donate significant amounts of money to various causes.

You don’t know what we do.

I have no shame about what I have. I’m blessed to make the money I do. I never turn myself away from anyone at

7-Eleven. But for the grace of God, go I.” Public Works Director Louis Atwell recommended that assessment levies remain unchanged for the Morningside Park, In-Town, DarbyDixon, and Street Lighting Assessment Districts for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. The council supported requests for all assessments.

Some residents wanted a detailed report of the types of maintenance being done within each of the districts.

There was concern that the maintenance work force has been reduced. However, Ethel Austin said she sees a lot of work being done regardless. Speaking to Atwell, Austin said: “You have done a wonderful job in the little time you’ve been here and your staff works 24 hours. A lot that is being done is being done around the clock. It’s not about how many people work here, but getting the job done. I must say those trees look very nice down Manchester.”

Councilman Eloy Morales said, “The City has been subsidizing these assessment districts for a number of years, so that actually (Continued on page 11)

Inglewood Today

July 17, 2014

Eye on the City (Continued from page 10) needs to be updated. While the assessment districts have been done annually, they do not cover the expenses as to what is being done.”

“Some of you are asking for a detailed description of what they’re doing out there, but not all of our streets are in disrepair and not all of our plants look like weeds. I agree we need to take another look at these assessments but the work is being done,” Councilman Alex Padilla said.

Councilman Ralph Franklin said some services are being done multiple times a week, such as lighting and street sweeping. Residents in Dotson’s District 1 and Ralph Franklin’s District 4 will get an additional $1 million for street resurfacing.

City Manager Artie Fields reported that building permits this quarter have doubled over the last year.

Dotson asked the public for patience as the City turns around.

I’ve been on this council for a little over a year and I’m amazed at what we’ve been able to do.”

Morales used part of his closing remarks to acknowledge the article about Inglewood, published last week in the Los Angeles Business Journal. “The (Journal) doesn’t just go into any city and tell the entire nation how good you’ve done.

You can’t stop the city from doing what it’s doing.”

Butts read an excerpt from the LABJ article. “Inglewood has not been a prime destination….but Inglewood is making a turnaround.”

This is the top business journal in the country that made us the feature story. It comes to a point when you have to give it up and say, ‘Gosh they are doing something right.’”

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

Page 11

Dates in July & August Ongoing

August 9, 2014

August 9, 2014

Share Your Health History (Continued from page 2) conversations can help guide the discussion and make it a meaningful and productive experience. Here are some tips for getting a one-onone conversation started at your next family reunion: 1. Ask permission to have the conversation and try to choose a convenient time and comfortable environment. Look for a quiet, private place that is free from distractions.

2. Acknowledge that it is not always easy to face personal health problems. Try to be supportive and listen to their concerns.

3. Include personal stories in your health discussion. Try sharing your story on how you manage diabetes or high blood pressure to help put them at ease.

4. Offer to go with family members to their health care provider and encourage them to bring information about kidney disease, diabe-

tes and high blood pressure to appointments.

5. Follow up with family members in ways that work for them.

Some relatives may prefer a phone call to an email or text message.

Make the kidney connection

with a loved one and start a new, healthy tradition at your next family reunion. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ MaketheKidneyConnection.

Courtesy: Family Features and Getty Images

Counseling for Anxiety, Depression Get free help for anxiety, depression, stress and anger. Recovery International provides tools and practice in changing thinking habits so individuals can gain personal control over distressing emotions and improve life-coping skills.

This worldwide non-profit organization, founded in 1937, holds weekly meetings every Monday at 6:00 p.m. at SHARE! 6666 Green Valley Circle, north of Centinela Ave., (2nd building on the right).

Call 310-322-6411 for more information, or visit www.lowselfhelpsystems.org. A donation is requested but not required.

Commercial Space for Rent 1) Commercial Space for Rent – 400 sqf. $900, located at a very busy intersection, side by side to liquor store, remodeled 2) Commercial Space for Rent – 470 sqf. for $1000, located at a very busy intersection, side by side liquor store, fully remodeled 3) Commercial Space for Rent – a full functioning kitchen, 3 rooms,1 full bathroom; this space may be used for variety of purposes, such as UPS store, Fed Ex, restaurants, auto services. First month will be free of charge; this space may be remodeled to the specifications of the tenant. This commercial space is ONLY store surrounded by residential homes, thereby attracting nearby residents.1,500 sqf.

Contact Debbie 310-651-0776

Discover District 2 Councilman Alex Padilla will host the first ever “Discover District 2” event, from 10am to 4pm at True Vine Baptist Church, 1437 Centinela Avenue, Inglewood 90302. The event will bring local residents and businesses together and raise funds for Inglewood students—specifically JROTC, music and art students.

The event will be filled with fun and exciting activities such as live kid performances and activities, raffles, food, a car show and much more.

To make a donation, setup a booth, participate in the car show or volunteer, please contact Councilman Padilla’s office at 310-4128601 or email apadilla@cityof inglewood.org.

Hope for Haiti Fundraising Bazaar Years have passed since that devastating earthquake. But the people of Haiti still need your help. Support the people of Haiti, fellowship and have fun from 11am to 4pm.

Held at New Life L.A. Church, 2600 S. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, 90016.

The fundraising bazaar will feature raffle drawings for beauty products, home goods, flowers and more. The entire 100% of proceeds will be given to Haiti. Vendor space is available for $50, but hurry. The deadline is Saturday, July 26!

For more information, contact Sheila De. Gruy at lcd920@yahoo. com or Lisa Cathran at wcathran@ yahoo.com. Also visit www.hopeforhaitifoundation.com and www. newlifela.us

First Lady Keynotes Veteran Summit (Continued from page 1) Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles; Stephen Peck, President and CEO, U.S. Vets; and Elizabeth Garrett, Provost, University of Southern California Price School of Public Policy Speaking to a crowd of 900 business executives, politicians and community leaders, the first lady said the problems veterans face are difficult but solvable: “If you work on the ground with landlords to find open apartments, with developers to build new housing, if you rally community groups and congregations and businesses around this issue, then this problem becomes imminently solvable,” Obama said.

Mrs. Obama first announced the initiative, called the “Mayors

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti with First Lady Michelle Obama.

Go Team Dream!

By Veronica Mackey

C

ongratulations are in order for the Inglewood-based Team Dream Basketball Academy, gold medal winners in the California Games. The City of Inglewood honored the young champions July 16 at Rogers Park.

They presented Mayor James Butts with a medal.

“We have a team of kids who never give up. They play their hardest when it’s necessary,” said Assistant Coach Barry Hargress.

The team, which practices at Rogers Park, and has been around for 2 years, is the 8th ranked team on the West Coast, and is AAUsanctioned. It is headed by Coach Pookey Wigington, a Morningside High graduate and college hall-offamer, from Seton Hall University in Washington, DC. Sportsmanship isn’t the only skill Team Dream coaches are interested in developing.

“We will start a mentoring program. We’ll be working with the kids in math, English and life skills, with a group called Fathers

Forever. They are great athletes, but they lack study habits. They’re not at level academically. We plan on changing that in Inglewood,” said Hargress, an alumni of Talladega College in Alabama There are multiple categories for players based on age—one for 11 year-olds and one for kids who are 12. A team of 9 year-olds is starting for the next season. The winning division of 11 year-olds is Texas bound. They will join over 900 teams in Dallas later this month and play for the national championship.

Hargress, a 30-year Inglewood resident, said that he and Coach Wigington sought out other players around Southern California to form a diverse team. One of the players came from as far away as Porter Ranch. “We want them to experience different kids,” he said.

The new season begins on August 10. For more information about Team Dream, call (310) 38788795 or email teamdreamarc@ gmail.com.

Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness,” in June.

Garcetti said, “I am proud to announce I’ve joined forces with the President and the First Lady’s call to end veterans homelessness in our city by the end of 2015.”

One in three post-9/11 veterans is unemployed or underemployed, not making sustainable income levels.

According to the most recent census, 11% of post-9/11 veterans in L.A. County were living at poverty levels.

Veteran homelessness in Los Angeles has dropped 24 percent over the last two years, however, according to United Way President and CEO Elise Buik.

Buik told KPCC that is largely because of an increase in the number of federal housing vouchers given to veterans in L.A. And even though the problem of veteran homelessness in the city may seem intractable, Buik concurred with the first lady, saying that solving it is “do-able.”