November 27, 2014

Your Community Connection since 1994

20 Y EA RS

Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 23, No. 48

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November 27, 2014

‘Star Power’ Comes to Inglewood for Annual Turkey Giveaways

nglewood officials got major star power on Tuesday in their efforts to spread Thanksgiving cheer.

Rap superstar Snoop Dogg joined Mayor James Butts and Inglewood Council members to fill shopping bags of needy residents with turkeys and all the trimmings.

Los Angeles Lakers’ Jeremy Lin and Ed Davis, and the Laker Girls rolled up their sleeves on Tuesday to help distribute food boxes to 300 families at The Salvation Army Inglewood Citadel Corps, 324 Queen Street.

The Lakers, East West Bank and The Salvation Army teamed up to ensure that deserving Inglewood residents could partake in the annual holiday feast of turkeys, pies and all of the classic holiday trimmings.

This marks the 7th year The Salvation Army Inglewood Citadel Corps, along with their various community partners, have hosted

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

Ferguson Ruling No Surprise

By Veronica Mackey

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either the grand jury’s ruling not to indict Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson, nor reaction to it, came as a surprise Monday night. For weeks, MO Gov. Jay Nixon has employed military force and other heavy-handed tactics in preparation of a non-indictment. The FAA even enacted a “no fly zone” policy over Ferguson in advance.

For more than 100 days, mostly peaceful protestors have kept alive images of slain teen Michael Brown through photos, signs, chants and social media. The unLakers’ Jeremy Lin hands out food to community members and shares a high five. armed 18 year-old was shot Photo credit: John Docter, Salvation Army multiple times by Wilson on the “Miracle on Manches- Inglewood, whose lead gift aways took place in down- August 9. The shooting has ter” food distribution event. of needed food staples for town Los Angeles. More Since the annual event first each food box helped make than 4,000 people were inbegan it has given more the event a reality.” vited in off the streets of than 8,000 families the gift It was the second Thanks- Skid Row on Saturday to of a Thanksgiving meal. giving food event in Ingle- enjoy a traditional ThanksA representative said in a wood. Hip hop star Snoop giving meal at Union Rescue statement, “The Salvation Dogg joined Mayor Butts Mission.

Army Inglewood Citadel and council members earThe 800-bed shelter hosts Corps is proud to partner lier that day to feed around the feast each year on the Satwith the Los Angeles Lakers, 800 families at the Forum. urday before Thanksgiving to East West Bank, Food FindThe “granddaddy” of provide a free, home-like din(Continued on page 5) ers, and the Rotary Club of annual Thanksgiving givebeen playing out in the media against the backdrop of poverty, racial tension and violations of free speech and

By Thomas Bunn peaceful assembly by police. gainst the backdrop of Protestors in the norththe Fabulous Forum, eastern St. Louis community hundreds of families have braved freezing temlined up to receive a holiday peratures, tear gas, arrests turkey and trimmings courand the National Guard to astesy of Hip Hop icon, Snoop sert their civil rights. Brown Dogg, the City of Inglehas become the national wood, and MSG Forum. face of black unarmed teens The event marks the first gunned down at the hands of time Snoop, the City of Inpolice—a systemic problem glewood, and MSG Forum in communities of color. have teamed up for a giveProtests organized in adSnoop Dogg with Mayor James Butts away of this magnitude, and vance (regardless of the and his daughter Ashley.

(Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 4)

Inglewood and Snoop Dogg Give Back

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Inglewood Today Proudly Serving Inglewood for 20 Years

Happy Thanksgiving from Inglewood Today

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Inglewood Today

November 27, 2014

Community

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he first Thanksgiving in 1621, we all learned in school, was a joint effort between Indians and Pilgrims. It was a three-day affair taking place somewhere between September and November. In reality, it was not a special event for giving thanks, but simply a customary Fall festival, very common in Europe.

Fifty-three Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag were in attendance.

Each brought food to the table, but it was nothing like the feasts we enjoy today. In fact, by today’s standards, it was pretty meager.

Most of the food was prepared by Pilgrims according to their usual methods. There was no centerpiece like today’s turkey. Pilgrims, at that time, ate simply. The meat portion of their meal was what today is essentially a large pot pie.

Various meat pies were set out— venison, lobster and shellfish (mussels, clams, oysters), goose, swan, duck, and turkey. The vegetable portion was boiled pumpkin, corn made into porridge, fry bread made of corn, plums, and a sizable variety of fresh and dried berries. Potatoes were newly discovered and many Europeans, believing them

Inglewood and Snoop Dogg Give Back (Continued from page 1) it was nothing short of a success.

When asked about the day’s event, Mayor Butts added, “We’re here today, out of the generosity of Snoop Dogg. I always say that Inglewood is rising, but this man, 6 or 7 months ago we talked, and he said, he wants to be part of what we are becoming.

This is a time of Thanksgiving, to be thankful for your blessings, and thanks to Snoop, a lot of people will have a great meal.”

“Hey, I love my city. Inglewood is my new home,” Snoop said. “Happy to see Inglewood rising. Today is about the blessings that I’ve received and me being able to give back to those who may not have the same blessings. So I just wanna make sure that everybody is having a great Thanksgiving, everybody is able to

Thanksgiving

President/Publisher/ Editor Willie Brown

By Anne Cheek La Rose

Anne Cheek La Rose poisonous, would not eat them.

Contrary to popular belief, the Plymouth Rock area, where that first Thanksgiving took place, was not wilderness. The area (now Patuxet, Rhode Island) had been a thriving town and well managed clearing for generations; the ancestral homeland of the Wampanoag.

The Wampanoag were not invited the following year, no Indians were. In fact, as the years rolled on and the country grew, Thanksgiving became more a celebration of killing large numbers of Indians than giving thanks.

Thanksgiving was made an of-

ficial national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, when he declared the last Thursday of November as the day. Interestingly, neither Pilgrims nor Indians were mentioned in Lincoln’s proclamation.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt pushed the holiday back a week in the late 1930s to lengthen the Christmas shopping season – we were coming out of the Depression and boosting the economy was important. There was great opposition to moving the holiday and he returned it two years later. In 1941, Congress stabilized Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday in November and there it has stayed.

Among our modern Thanksgiving traditions is each of us at the table, verbalizing those things for which we are thankful. In the spirit of the holiday, I am thankful for my family and friends, for Inglewood moving forward instead of the stagnation we have suffered far too long, and for the people with whom I share a common bond in several interests.

Okay, now it’s your turn. If stating your reasons to be thankful is not already part of your tradition, start this year. Enjoy your feast and Happy Thanksgiving.

eat, and the City of Inglewood can be proud of each other and proud of us for what we’re trying to do. It’s always about giving with me, I love to give, so even if it wasn’t Thanksgiving, I’m happy to be a part of Inglewood, and being able to give y’all something, so Happy Thanksgiving.”

The community was excited not only to take selfies with the cultural icon and Hip Hop legend, but folks were truly humbled by the gesture that will enable them to have a decent Thanksgiving.

Inglewood Today asked people in the community to talk about what they were most thankful for.

One resident said, “My money was short this year and I was calling my people for money, and I got this flyer from my daughter’s school, so thank you for giving us a turkey, we’re gonna have a good Thanksgiving.”

A District 2 resident said, “First

of all, I just want to thank Snoop Dogg, for his kind donation to Inglewood and this year, I’m thankful for good health and having a family that supports me.”

We caught up with the hosts of the event, MSG Forum, and the Forum’s General Manager Nick Spampanato added, “We at MSG, we’re really happy to be part of this first-year event. We think it’s a great event (with) Snoop, the City, MSG, everybody coming together and giving back to the community.

When we first started, we said that our community involvement was paramount. This is another way that we are showing it. Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!”

Councilman Eloy Morales said, “The Forum is back, and most importantly, the City of Inglewood is back.

This is just one of the examples. I want to thank Snoop Dogg who came out to the City of Inglewood and gave us part of what he’s about, the Mayor and his leadership, who really put this together. Welcome to the City of Inglewood Snoop, and welcome back, City of Inglewood, we’re on the rise.”

“Today is a picture of Inglewood at its best...community, charity and fellowship. I want to thank Snoop, MSG and the Forum for working with the City to make this a happier Thanksgiving for 800 families,” Mayor Butts said.

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.

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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

November 27, 2014

Publisher’s Message

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Word for the Wise Holiday Special!

Tires Repaired At No Charge Now Until December 31, 2014 With This Ad

Balancing Thanksgiving and Black Friday

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n Thursday, millions of Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving Day, and give thanks for what they already have.

On Friday, some will forget all about the day before and fight over stuff like they don’t have anything.

One day we’re so humble and grateful. The next day, so acquisitive. Our annual day of thanks is followed by the biggest shopping day of the year.

It’s amazing how the allure of advertising and the “urgency” of Black Friday pulls people into malls and websites like hypnosis.

How easily quiet moments of gratitude turn into a competitive race to check off that Christmas list.

Thanksgiving is among one of the most beautiful and noble holidays, yet it is becoming increasingly compromised by commercialism. It’s as if retailers are saying, “Give thanks, but hurry up so you can get to this sale.”

Gift giving connects us to each other. We bond over the things we give and receive. And, making the spirit of giving more important than the gift itself is the best way to honor our annual Day of Thanks.

I encourage you to take to heart a couple of phrases heard this time of year. Make them a part of your

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Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly holiday mindset: The season to be jolly. The holidays can be emotionally sensitive, so think about how you can make the day of someone who may not feel much like celebrating. Find a funny movie or something to laugh about.

Peace on earth. The holiday season is also a time for “peace on earth.” Peace begins in your mind.

If you’re thinking about spending money you don’t have, or disregarding any effort to control overeating, you will not be at peace with yourself. So decide early on what you will and will not spend, eat or drink, and who you will or will not spend the holiday with.

There is a way to have a meaning-

Just Saying...

During this season of giving, I have found that one of the most valuable gifts one can give is the gift of time. It is so precious when a stranger or love one takes the time to show they care through their smiles, hello’s and small acts of kindness. I believes once said the littles good deeds are more important that a lot of good intentions.

This Thanksgiving, do the little things that show you care. Happy Holiday.

Yvonne Horton ful time with family, find some great Have a safe, mindful and Happy bargains and do what is right for you. Thanksgiving!

It just takes a little mental preparation.

Crenshaw/LAX Transit Community Meetings & Events Dec. 2, 2014 at 6:15-8:00pm Transit Oriented Develop­ ment (TOD) Project Oriented Discussion (POD) Meeting Transit Oriented Development Project Oriented Discussion (POD) Meeting The Crenshaw/ LAX Community Leadership Council (CLC) invites you to attend the upcoming Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Project Oriented Discussion (POD) meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 from 6:15pm – 8:00pm at West Angeles Villas located at 6030 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043. Come to get the latest information about the short-term parking plan during construction in Park Mesa Heights between 48th & 60th streets on Crenshaw Bl. Also, learn about the recently finalized Parking Study, Crenshaw Specific Plan and long-term parking options. Please share with your networks, constituents, colleagues and neighbors and RSVP to crenshawclc@metro.net.

Dec. 8, 2014 at 10:00-11:30am Crenshaw/LAX CLC Safety

Project Oriented Discussion (POD) Meeting The Crenshaw/LAX Community Leadership Council (CLC) will host a Safety Project Oriented Discussion (POD) meeting on Monday, December 8, 2014 from 10:00am - 11:30am at the Crenshaw/LAX Project Office, 3699 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016. Please share with your networks, constituents, colleagues and neighbors and RSVP to crenshawclc@metro.net.

Transit Project, you will assist in sustaining the economic growth of the community.

The Eat, Shop, Play Crenshaw Business of the Week is Denny’s located at 3740 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Come to enjoy a delicious meal at a great value and kids eat free between 4 pm and 10 pm. Restrictions may apply and days of this offer may vary. For more information please contact (323) 2985498. Free parking is available at the Denny’s parking lot.

Eat, Shop, Play Crenshaw – Take the Pledge!

SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Business of the Week: Crenshaw Denny’s The Eat, Shop, Play Crenshaw program encourages the local community to “Take the Pledge” to support local Crenshaw area businesses, especially those that are impacted by Crenshaw Line construction. By taking the pledge to support local Crenshaw businesses during and after the construction of the Crenshaw/LAX

day, December 3, 2014 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Flight Path Museum, 6661 W. Imperial Hwy., Los Angeles, CA 90045.

In addition, regular two-hour orientation and business workshops are held on the second Tuesday of each month and provides firms with information on Metro’s certification program, vendor registration, contract look-ahead schedules and other useful information. Metro’s procurement staff conducts one-on-one interviews with firms during the workshop.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, from 9:30am to 12:00pm, at Metro Headquarters, 3rd Floor Board Room, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. For questions, please contact Marisela Villar at VillarM@ metro.net or (213) 922-2235.

Dec. 9, 2014 at 9:30am-12:00pm “How to Do Business with Metro” Workshop with Director and Council­ member Mike Bonin Are you seeking business contracting opportunities with Metro?

CAREER TRAINING Metro’s Diversity & Economic OPPORTUNITIES Opportunity Department invites you to join Director and L.A. Council Get On Board! Start Your District 11 Councilmember Mike Career in Construction Bonin for a “How to Do Business Those interested in a construction (Continued on page 7) with Metro” workshop on Wednes-

Inglewood Today

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November 27, 2014

Community Ferguson Ruling No Surprise (Continued from page 1) ruling) in New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Oakland, San Francisco L.A, and scores of other cities went on as planned. The decision was delivered publicly by prosecuting attorneys around 9:15pm EST: “Police Officer Darren Wilson will not face charges following the shooting death of Michael Brown.”

ing. Brown was stopped by police because he allegedly fit the description of a theft suspect in the area. The suspect was wearing a black tee-shirt.

Brown was wearing a gray shirt.

New York Has a Moment of Silence The New York Daily News reports hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Union Square in Manhattan.

When the grand jury decision was What led to decision? announced, word quickly spread The investigation by St. Louis through the crowd. In a few minutes, County Police lasted over 3 months most were holding one fist up in the and consisted of more than 70 hours air as they observed a moment of siof testimony and 60 witnesses. The lence that lasted nearly five minutes. grand jury consisted of 9 whites and For one New York woman, the Violence Erupts in Ferguson 3 blacks. According to reports, three non-indictment sends a message Ferguson became a war zone af- autopsies performed by medical ex- that people of color are not valter the jury decision. CBS News aminers show Brown was never shot ued. There’s an acceptance that reported people looting and tear gas in the back, as previously reported. black and brown lives don’t matbeing fired by police. Johnathan Wilson fired at Brown 12 times. A ter, she said.

Blakely reported by Skype: “About 30 protestors went to the Metro PCS store…and some went to McDonald’s and broke windows.

At the Ferguson supermarket where Michael Brown was seen before his death, protestors went inside. There was a fire burning inside.”

News crews became targets of both police and protestors. Michelle Miller reported via phone that “It appears those canisters (tear gas) were being fired in the parking lot where the media was staging. Most of the crowd has been dispersed. We had to drive out of the area because the Protestors in Beverly Hills lay down on the street for several minutes to symbolize the time Brown’s body was left on the street. tear gas was so strong.”

Reporter Jake Barlow said, “People were throwing objects at the ve- private autopsy requested by Brown’s “The fact is, in too many parts hicle. The police started firing tear family showed the teen was hit at of this country, a deep distrust exgas. We were shot at by some of the least six times: four times in the right ists between law enforcement and protestors. We took cover behind arm and twice in the head. communities of color,” President some cars.”

Michael Baden, a high profile Barack Obama said in a speech afforensic pathologist, hired by the ter the decision. “Some of this is What happened?

Brown family, said there were the result of the legacy of racial Wilson stated in his testimony (a “no signs of struggle” between discrimination in this country. And day after the shooting) that Brown Brown and Wilson. His findings this is tragic because nobody needs kept “charging” him after being told were consistent with those of the good policing more than poor repeatedly to stop. He said Brown’s Browns’ attorney. communities with higher crime hands were in his waist band. WilAttorneys for Brown’s family said rates.” Calling for criminal justice son also stated his eyes were dam- that the head shot went from a “back reform, he added, “We need to recaged during a scuffle with Brown to front position”—consistent with ognize that this is not just an issue in the police car, but pictures taken eyewitnesses who said Brown was for Ferguson, this is an issue for after the shooting do not prove any surrendering.

America.” such injuries. A struggle allegHe also said there was no gunshot Echoing the president, Assemedly occurred between Wilson and residue on his body, meaning Brown blymember Steven Bradford (D-InBrown inside the police car over a may not have been shot at close glewood) said in a statement: gun, according to Wilson. range. Still, Baden said, that was “This is a story that I hoped would An NAACP spokesman said the inconclusive because he didn’t have be relegated to the history books. incident stemmed from racial profil- access to Brown’s clothes.

Unfortunately, it repeats itself to-

Clean Christmas trees up to 10 feet in length, without stands and ornaments, will be picked up at curbside on your regularly scheduled service day beginning December 26th and continuing through the second Saturday in January

Please Note:

This service is for approximately Two Weeks Only!

day. We must once again make the case for the value of our own lives, in our own neighborhoods.

“The execution of males of color is far too commonplace in America and highlights just why California has a Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color, to continue to shine a light on this disparity in the criminal justice system” In Los Angeles, about 300 protestors gathered near USC. The protest was peaceful. College student Brittany Haynes commented, “If they were going to indict Wilson, they would have done it before now. So, this is what I expected.”

The situation escalated by 11:30pm when a group of about 150 people climbed onto the 110 Freeway and sat down, shutting down traffic. The Michael Brown case is far from over. A federal investigation is still being conducted. The Brown family may still file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Newsweek reported in August that a group of Missouri residents, are suing the city and police department of Ferguson for $40 million for what they describe as “wanton and excessive force” by police during recent unrest.

Parents Michael Brown, Sr. and Lesley McSpadden, issued this statement after the ruling: “We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions.

While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change. We need to work together to fix the system that allowed this to happen.

Join with us in our campaign to ensure that every police officer working the streets in this country wears a body camera. We respectfully ask that you please keep your protests peaceful. Answering violence with violence is not the appropriate reaction. Let’s not just make noise, let’s make a difference.”

November 27, 2014

Inglewood Today

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Business

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Inglewood Awarded Million Dollar Grant to Reduce Gang and Youth Violence

he City of Inglewood, in partnership with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), and Centinela Youth Services (CYS), has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections to aid communitybased agencies in reducing gang and youth violence in California.

The funding is from the California Gang Reduction Prevention and Intervention Program (CalGRIP).

The three-year grant will enable Inglewood to operate the Inglewood Community and Regional Engagement (I-CARE) Project that will help more than 600 middle and high school youth stay in school and out of gangs.

“Central to the effectiveness of ICARE is a focus on bringing local law enforcement, educators, parents and community partners together to make our communities safer and help our youth be successful,” said Inglewood Mayor James Butts. The Mayor further noted that the Inglewood Police Department will work in cross jurisdictional collaboration with other law enforcement agencies including the Inglewood courts, South Bay Gang Task Force and L.A. County Probation to reduce gang activity in the community and ensure that youth-at-risk of gang involvement receive much-needed

services and support.

I-CARE’s programs and services will address key delinquent behavior patterns that lead to gang involvement such as school discipline problems, underage drinking, truancy, curfew violations, defiance, illicit drug use and other risk-associated behaviors. In addition, a variety of sports, recreation and arts programs will be available through the city’s Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department and the Inglewood Police Activities League. Targeted restorative justice services to reduce recidivism will be available to youth attached to the Juvenile Justice System through the Everychild Restorative Justice Center in Inglewood.

Inglewood’s community-based partners: the SBWIB, CYS, South Bay One-Stop Center/Inglewood and Inglewood Teen Center, will work in partnership to provide after school academic and enrichment programs, job training and career preparation, conflict resolution, mental health and substance abuse services.

According to Jan Vogel, SBWIB Executive Director, “These community partners have a long and successful history of working with Inglewood and the CalGRIP funding will go a long way in helping kids succeed in school and lead more productive lives.”

How to Get the Most Out of Your Holiday Shopping

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By Jim Baz

he holiday season is fast approaching, and with it is the need to shop for holiday treats that you will give to your loved ones come Christmas Day. However, this holiday spending spree can sometimes go awry for some people, so here are the most important tips so that you could survive the Christmas rush, and survive it gracefully.

Set a Budget Try to set a stricter-than-usual budget for your shopping ‘needs’.

A lot of people have a tendency to spend way over what they can afford, often ending up with piles of debt by New Year’s Day. Research shows that a lot of people tend to spend so much that the accumulated debt will take the rest of the year to pay back. This is the last thing that you want to happen.

Estimate the total amount that you are willing and able to spend for the whole holiday season. Afterwards, list the people that you need to buy gifts for, and allocate the budget accordingly. Furthermore, do not forget to include other holiday ‘musts’ like food, ornaments and even potentially higher utility bills.

Protect Your Belongings The Christmas season is a season of cheer, but not all people feel this way. With the onset of the global financial crisis, more and more people even in “developed countries” like the US are living a life of poverty. Unfortunately, with poverty comes the not-sodesirable reality of pickpockets, robbers, and fraudsters.

As soon as your shoes land on a shopping street, always keep an (Continued on page 6)

Allstate Agency Owner Billy Campbell Honored Named Premier Agency for 2014

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.

“The Premier Agency designation is not just about Billy’s successful business results,” said John Stolte, regional sales leader for Allstate Insurance Company in California. “The honor also demonstrates Billy’s commitment in being accessible to customers and using knowledge to help ensure customers have the insurance products they need to protect themselves and their family.”

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.

Pictured l-r: Salvation Army Inglewood Citadel Corps Officer Lt. Christopher Golden, Lakers’ Jeremy Lin, Mayor James Butts, and Lakers’ Ed Davis. of the social services made possible ‘Star Power’ Comes to this Christmas season, when money Inglewood for Annual Turkey is donated to The Salvation Army’s Giveaways (Continued from page 1) iconic red kettles stationed at storeing experience and sense of belong- fronts throughout the city. ing for L.A. area homeless residents.

For more information on The SalDuring the 2013 holiday season vation Army in Southern California, The Salvation Army in Southern Cal- visit www.salvationarmy-socal.org. ifornia provided more than 290,000 To help a hungry family in need in meals to individuals in need. Deliv- your community, contribute to red ering food to the hungry is just one kettles or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through

its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names and Allstate Financial business segment. Allstate branded insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services are offered through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com, www.allstate. com/financial and 1-800 Allstate,® and are widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate.®” In 2013, $29 million was given by The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners to support local communities. Allstate employees and agency owners donated 200,000 hours of service across the country.

VOTE TODAY • Visit www.inglewoodtoday.com

Would you like to see NFL Football in Inglewood?

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Inglewood Today

November 27, 2014

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

4 Tips to Begin Healing Your Life

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‘There Is Always a Way Through’ Emotional Trauma

eglect. Abuse. Divorce. Addiction. These are just a few of the life experiences that can leave children emotionally bruised or worse, causing some to develop dysfunctional outlooks and behaviors that condemn them to perpetual self-victimization as adults.

“We not only perpetuate, but also protect the obstacles that stand in the way of our healing and happiness,” says Marta Maranda. “But there is always a way through, no matter what your situation.”

The author of “What It Looks Like,” (http://martamaranda.com/), a new memoir detailing her own journey of healing, Maranda says she continued to use the defense mechanisms she developed in response to childhood trauma far into adulthood, which only served to block healthy emotional growth.

“As an adult, decades after the initial abuse, I was still surrounding myself with similar trauma, and still reacting in the same ways to the trauma, even though those childhood survival tools no longer served me. Basically, the only one keeping me stuck in a dysfunctional and unfulfilling life was me.”

Maranda says she didn’t realize she played a part in her own dysfunction until the treatment of a family member for substance abuse caused her to think differently.

“I don’t drink, use drugs, or have a sexual dysfunction. I’ve never even had a cup of coffee in my life,” she says. “So it was easy to look at everyone else as the cause of my problems.

“But during family therapy sessions, I finally realized that there are two dysfunctional people in an unhealthy relationship, and there is an entire dysfunctional family in an unhealthy family system.”

Maranda became a rarity: sober and voluntarily, she admitted herself into a five-week residential treatment center.

That’s where her healing began.

“But I’m not done,” she says.

“Healing involves tearing down all those dysfunctional coping mechanisms—fear, anger, denial, justification—and rebuilding your life piece by piece. I still have to do the work every day.”

She offers these tips for others whose past trauma has resulted in self-destructive thought and behavior patterns, such as a willingness to remain in unhealthy relationships or an over-reliance on comforts like food, drugs, or alcohol to soothe painful emotions.

• Look inward for reasons, not outward for blame.

It’s easy to find other people or situations to blame for your problems.

Even if the initial trauma was inflicted when you were at your most vulnerable, and by someone you should

have been able to trust, at some point you have to take responsibility for your own life. “How are you contributing to the dysfunction in your life?” Maranda asks. “The decision to remain stuck in a dysfunctional life is yours. The responsibility to move forward toward healing and happiness is also yours.”

• If you’ve done it, admit it.

Look fearlessly at the wrong you’ve done, at the pain you’ve inflicted on yourself and others through your own dysfunctional behavior, and admit it.

“Only by owning it can you change it,” Maranda says. “And only through change can you heal.” Likewise, look kindly and with humility at the good you’ve done. Own all that is valuable about you, and build upon it.

• Information, not shame.

The lessons of healing always come with a choice: information or shame? If you are doing your healing work properly—meaning completely breaking down every defense mechanism you’ve built to keep yourself blind to your own dysfunctional behavior—the realizations that you’ve caused others harm, pain, or even extreme damage will come.

But eventually you have to choose between continuing to feel shamed, which leads to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, or accepting the realizations as the information necessary to repair your life. “Much

How to Get the Most Out of Your Holiday Shopping (Continued from page 5) eye on your valuables. Try not to wear any flashy clothes or jewelry.

Even if you risk looking less glamorous than what you would have wished, avoiding untoward incidents is not that bad of a trade-off.

less time for shopping in the recent years. Because of this, a lot of us turn into the Internet so that we can do all the Christmas shopping online. Usually, we use our credit cards for purchases, or maybe some other escrow utility like PayPal. But then, this added convenience comes with a very big risk: your personal information can be stolen by online identity thieves, who can use it so that they could make purchases for their benefit and to your

detriment. Thus, be sure to enter your personal information only in sites that you trust.

As a rule of thumb, look for certifications issued by VeriSign or Web of Trust on the home page. This will lessen the likelihood that the stuff that you would pay for are only those that you have received.

Be Wary of Identity Thieves Most working people today are always on the go, and may have

like a doctor needs to objectively understand what’s broken to diagnose a problem, so do you need to look objectively at your dysfunction and its consequences to heal it,” Maranda says. “Then use your healthy guilt feelings, not shame, as a reminder of what you can’t do again.”

• Build a support system.

No one’s said it better than Einstein: You can’t fix a problem with the same broken mind that created it. Left to their own devices, many people who are convinced they need to change will still seek out environments that support their dysfunctions rather than strengthen their healing. “Change is hard, and healing isn’t always comfortable,” Maranda says. “That’s why people often find their way back to what they know, even if what they know is destructive or deadly.” Building a support system of people—whether family or friends, or from a therapeutic or spiritual community—whose perspectives get you out of your comfort zone and away from the dysfunction you know is essential for healing.

Marta Maranda is a writer, businesswoman, and author of “What It Looks Like,” (http://martamaranda. com/). She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and undertook a year of post-graduate study in psychology. She is currently working on her second book.

‘shopping’ is going to the most luxurious store that your mind can fancy.

This leads to unrealistic spending patterns that do not only hurt your finances, but can also cause much despair on your part, as soon as you receive your next credit card billing statement.

You need not flock to the posh malls just to get the best gifts for your loved ones. Instead, there are Smart Shopping! many other alternative outlets where The first thing that usually comes you can purchase the same thing for (Continued on page 7) into mind when one hears the word

Inglewood Today

November 27, 2014

Page 7

LEGAL NOTICES Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2014278091 The following Person is doing business as: LSG And Associates 8713 12th Avenue Inglewood, CA 90305 Registered owner: Sylvia Latson, 8713 12th Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90305 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on September 30, 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.)

Sylvia Latson, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on September 30, 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.

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 November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2014 ITO0422301053 Inglewood Today

How to Get the Most Out of Your Holiday Shopping (Continued from page 6) a lower price. Read blogs about special offers or look around your city and go to shopping places that you rarely visit. More often than not, a few extra steps will

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2014320280 The following Person is doing business as: Essential Lifestyle 2500 W. Redondo Beach Blvd.

Torrance, CA 90504 Essential Living 335 E. Albertoni St., #200-435 Carson, CA 90746 Registered owner: Jacqueline White, 335 E. Albertoni St., # 200-435, Carson, CA 90746 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on November 10, 2014.

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2014320998 The following Person is doing business as:

Back Stage Access Pass BSA Pass 8549 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1046 Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Safety First Safety Matters SFSM 8549 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1046 Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Registered owners: Anthony Penn, 8704 S. 7th Ave, Inglewood, CA 90305 Dave Evans, 8704 S. 7th Ave., Inglewood, CA 90305

Registered owner: Anthony D. Penn, 8704 S. 7th Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90305

This business is conducted by individuals. The registrants commenced to transact business under the fictitious business (s) listed above on November 10, 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.)

Jacqueline White, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on November 10, 2014

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct.

(A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.)

Anthony Penn and Dave Evans, Owners This statement was filed with the County Clerk on November 10, 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 November 20, 27; December 4, 11, 2014 ITO0422301056 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 November 13, 20, 27; December 4, 2014 ITO0422301055 Inglewood Today

let you save lots of money.

Moreover, you can also create your giveaways yourself. After all, the spirit of gift giving is about letting your loved ones know that they matter, and not so much on the price tag of what they would receive.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Mayor and Council Members of the City of Inglewood, California will conduct a public hearing on December 16, 2014 to consider comments on the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2013 and ending September 30, 2014.

Interested persons may address the City Council on the issue during the public hearing at the date, time and place listed below:

Date:

Time:

Location:

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2014320983 The following Person is doing business as:

Tuesday, December 16, 2014 7:00 p.m.

Inglewood City Hall City Council Chambers, 9th floor One West Manchester Boulevard Inglewood, California 90301

The CAPER is presented annually to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the City of Inglewood in compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements for reporting program performance and accomplishments for HUD Consolidated Planning Grant Entitlement Programs. The City participates in three entitlement programs: The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) and the Homeless Emergency Solutions Grant (HESG).

The required major components of the CAPER include assessments of the City’s performance in meeting the following: Consolidated Plan Goals and Objectives, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, Providing Affordable Housing Opportunities, Continuum of Care Support Services, Leveraging Resources, Citizen Comments, and Self-Evaluation. The narrative statements summarize the community development and housing goals and objectives listed in the Consolidated Plan and provide a description of the activities undertaken during fiscal year 2013-2014, to meet those goals.

The financial summary indicates all program expenditures and information to identify the source and amounts of funds utilized during the fiscal year. A copy of the draft CAPER is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk on the first floor of City Hall and the document is also available, online, at www.cityofinglewood.org.

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on November 10, 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.)

Anthony Penn, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on November 10, 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.

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 November 13, 20, 27; December 4, 2014 ITO0422301054 Inglewood Today

D at e s i n D e c e m b e r December 4, 2014 Holiday Tree Lighting The City of Inglewood will host the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 4th at 5:30pm. The location for this event still has to be determined, so stay tuned

December 11, 2014 District 4 Annual Toy & Food Drive Join Councilman Ralph Franklin for his annual District 4 Toy Drive from 5-8pm at the Beat 4 Police Community Center. The councilman and his staff will provide 50 District 4 families with toys December 6, 2014 and food gift cards. In addiDistrict 2 Annual Toy Drive tion, he will provide gift cards Councilman Padilla will be for up to 150 senior, disabled hosting his Annual District and low income residents. To 2 Toy Drive on December donate call 310-412-8605.

6th, from 10am to 2pm at the ICOP Center, 943 N. La Brea December 13, 2014 District 1 Annual Toy & Ave., Inglewood 90302.

The community is asked Food Drive Councilman George Dotson to donate unwrapped gifts to insure children in Inglewood will play “Santa,” delivering have something under their gifts door to door. Families tree. If you are interested in in District 1, who are income donating, please contact the eligible and pre-selected, will Councilman’s office at: 310- receive grocery certificates 412-8601. More information and toys to make the season a little bit brighter. To donate, to follow. call 310-412-8602.

Space for Lease

• 1,520 Sq. Ft. Commercial/ Retail Space • Ideal for Beauty Supply Shop, Mini Market, 99 Cents Store, Sports Goods or Clothing Store, etc.

• Visit the Site at 2105 W. Century Blvd., L.A., then contact property manager at (213) 712-5000 or brokerysn@gmail.com.

Ongoing Counseling for Anxiety, Depression Get free help for anxiety, and depression. Recovery International holds meetings on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. Call 310-322-6411 or visit www. lowselfhelpsystems.org.

Crenshaw/LAX Transit Meetings & Events (Continued from page 3) career are invited to attend a Construction Careers Information Center (CCIC) orientation. Learn about the trades, professional service careers in the construction industry and upcoming construction projects. Orientation meetings take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:00am, at 5401 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90043. CCIC offers a full range of selfservice information, free construction career counseling, job search, placement services, skill development activities and other career related services to individuals seeking careers in the construction industry.

For more information, call (323) 596-2700.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES Decline-in-Value Review for Impacted Businesses Has your business been impacted by the Crenshaw/ LAX line construction?

In September 2014, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors directed the interim Los Angeles County Assessor to work in coordination with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to immediately initiate outreach activities to property owners impacted by construction of the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project.

If you are a property owner along the project alignment who has been impacted by construction, you may be entitled to a Decline-in-Value Review.

In 1978, California voters passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that allows a temporary reduction in assessed value when a property suffers a “decline-in-value.” A decline-in-value occurs when the current market value of your property is less than the current assessed value as of January 1. Decline-inValue Review Applications (form RP-87) are available online at http://www. assessor.lacounty.gov. The deadline to file is December 1, 2014. You may also call (213) 974-3211 or email helpdesk@assessor. lacounty.gov with any questions or for help completing the application.

Join California Leaders in Supporting

ISADORE HALL FOR STATE SENATE ON DECEMBER 9TH!

“As a local and state lawmaker, Isadore Hall has demonstrated tremendous leadership, fighting to create jobs, spur economic development, and improve our schools. I am proud to endorse Isadore Hall for State Senate.”

—Governor Jerry Brown “As California’s Attorney General, I know how important it is to have leaders in the legislature who prioritize combating crime and enhancing public safety. That’s why I’m pleased to give my strong support to Isadore Hall for State Senate. As a reserve Deputy Sheriff and State Assemblyman, Isadore has always put public safety first.”

—California Attorney General Kamala Harris “I am proud to endorse Isadore Hall for State Senate. His record, from protecting entertainment jobs, to investing more in education and after-school programs, to creating more affordable housing, to increasing access to healthcare, speaks for itself. I’m confident he will make an extraordinary Senator.”

—Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti “Isadore Hall exemplifies the kind of common-sense leadership that we need fighting for us in the State Senate. I know he’ll make Inglewood residents proud as our next State Senator.”

—Inglewood Mayor James Butts

On December 9th, vote for

ISADORE HALL for State Senate www.IsadoreHall.com | 310.223.3193

info@isadorehall.com | Paid for by Hall for Senate 2014 - FPPC #1371609