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20 Y EA RS
Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 23, No. 46
November 13, 2014
Conditions at Inglewood Schools Prompt Immediate Response By Veronica Mackey
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ayor James Butts has responded to an eye-opening investigation that revealed some Inglewood schools are operating under unsafe and unsanitary conditions. In a statement dated Nov. 11, 2014, the mayor said: “When I read the November 6, 2014 KPCC article, I contacted the newly reelected State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson that same day and forwarded to him by email a copy of the article…I explained my concerns regarding the multitude of operational, fiscal and sanitation issues that must be addressed immediately.” The scathing article interviewed staff and volunteers at Inglewood High School, Monroe Middle School and Highland Elementary School. The investigation revealed the presence of: • Mice and rats • Water damage • Holes in the ceiling
• An unstable basketball backboard • Nonworking toilets • Unclean bathrooms • Damaged floors • Nonworking fire alarms • Incidents and threats of violence with no campus security In 2012, the Inglewood school district was taken over
• Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business
By Thomas Bunn rash! The very word sends signals to the brain that signify, putrid, disgusting, repulsive, waste that should be nowhere near us, and for the squeamish, it’s a word they’d rather hear after they’ve enjoyed lunch. On the quiet block of 8th Avenue here in the City of Inglewood, Ryan Thompson, a (Continued on page 7)
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epublicans in Congress are expected to push back President Barack Obama’s new Attorney General nominee until at least January 2015. The cramped post-election schedule, stubborn opponents, and the impending holiday season makes it unlikely anything will be decided in December. Too bad. “(U.S. Attorney) Loretta Lynch stands out from the crowd, and not just because she’s often the only Black, female face in a sea of white men. The current US District Attorney for
school board of power and put the decision making authority into the hands of a State appointed trustee. Inglewood has had three trustees within two years. Current trustee, Don Brann, has been with the district since Loretta Lynch July 2013, and his authority is subject to review only by the Eastern District of New (Continued on page 2) York has been a fierce advocate for those under her care, including some of the most marginalized groups, and she’s equally unafraid to go up against some big names, including members of Congress,” wrote a blogger on Care2.com. As current U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s first choice, Lynch comes highly recommended for the top spot in the Dept. of Justice. Holder is resigning. Lynch has been involved in several key civil rights events, and did pro bono work to bring justice to the (Continued on page 8)
Young Father Teaches Kids Organic Farming
On The Inside: • News
Morningside High School by the state due to financial problems. Former State Sen. Rod Wright authored legislation at the IUSD School Board’s request to have the State of California loan the District up to $55 million, to be drawn down as needed. So far, approximately $29 million has been used. The move stripped the
Obama Picks Attorney General Nominee
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