Your Community Connection since 1994
20 Y EA RS
Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 23, No. 42
October 16, 2014
City of Inglewood Named as “Host Town” for 2015 Special Olympics
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Press Conference to Be Held at the Fabulous Forum
he “City of Champions” will welcome a very special group of Olympians next summer when the 2015 Special Olympics World Games come to Los Angeles. Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts will announce that Inglewood has been named a “Host Town” during a press conference at the Fabulous Forum on Thursday, October 16. As a Host Town, Inglewood will play a supportive role for approximately 100 Special Olympic participants from Tuesday, July 21 through Friday, July 24, 2015. The City will provide meals, accommodations and a variety of engaging events
and fun-filled activities. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games will take place in Los Angeles July 25 - August 2, 2015, and will feature 25 Olympic-style
sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. The Opening Ceremony will be held July 25, 2015 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of
the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games. “The Host Town program is an exciting way for Southern California locals to open our doors and show the athletes and coaches from around the world our hospitality and our culture,” said Patrick McClenahan, president and chief executive officer of LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee. “This is an important part of the World Games experience and a truly meaningful way for different communities (Continued on page 10)
Turning the Corner By Thomas Bunn
• News • Community • Entertainment • Real Estate • Business
By Veronica Mackey
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On The Inside:
• Health
Harold Hambrick Passes at 71
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he economic recession is said to be nothing more now than a moment in American history. As Americans pick up the pieces of the homes they’ve lost, complete insulting personality tests to determine if they possess the IQ to push (Continued on page 8)
Inglewood Today Proudly Serving Inglewood for 20 Years
arold Hambrick, Jr., Community Treasure.” This is just one of the phrases used to describe the remarkable man widely known for the Los Angeles Black Business Expo (LABBX). It is the epitome of who Harold was to those who knew him and benefitted from his enormous heart. The official obituary, published on the front page of www.blackbusinessexpo. com, highlights the life of the visionary leader with a passion for all things African American, business and community.
Harold Hambrick
Biography Hambrick died on Oct. 8. The cause of death was not immediately known, but Hambrick’s life was one well lived, as expressed in his lengthy obituary. Here’s an excerpt: As president of LABBX, Hambrick took pride in showing off the history, services and accomplishments of the Black community, which he referred to as “the family.” He promoted the show as a way to introduce “relatives” to each other and (Continued on page 2)
Eye on the City See page 4 ➤
Inglewood Today
Page 2
October 16, 2014
Community Harold Hambrick Passes at 71 (Continued from page 1) to those outside the family. The first Black consumer show to run in the Tom Bradley Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center, the annual effort was massive. In its heyday in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the show included up to 400 vendors and nearly 300 workers on event day, providing an array of services. “We allow folk to use their Godgiven talents to help us pull off one of the largest events held in celebration of the Black family,” he said. Hambrick’s work was driven by the word “family” for the past 45 years. From biological family to the entire African American family, his conversations revolved around the power of “connectedness;” how we’ve worked together in the past and how we must continue to work together in order to leave businesses and cultural institutions from which future generations can benefit. As a demonstration of his support of the “community family” he could frequently be found at the events in the Black community, from book festivals to food festivals, to marketplace–type events and to music festivals—large and small. Hambrick took pride in the fact that people who might not have seen each other in a long time, would reunite at the Expo. Attendees could be seen chatting in the aisles, visiting the vendors or participating in one of the Expo’s signature events, such as the Tom Bradley Business Institute, the Tastin’ Black Culture Food Court, West Coast “Coolture” Fashion Show; West Coast Black Music Festival, West Coast GospeLive, Kids World, Black College Row, The Health, Sports and Fitness Pavilion, Black Writers On Tour, the Hair Show, Youth Summit and Auto Land. BBX also offered businesses an opportunity to connect with owners of Black Newspapers throughout the state. At the 2006 Expo, Hambrick pulled together a meeting with then-Governor Schwarzenegger and publishers of African American newspapers throughout the state
Paying tribute to Harold Hambrick at the Los Angeles Black Business Expo. Photos by Michael Riddick. to discuss issues of concern to the University of Medicine and Science, Black press. previously worked with Hambrick, Born in New Orleans and raised and spoke with him just 2 days bein Slidell, Louisiana, Hambrick fore he died: graduated from a segregated high “He spoke of many plans and school with 50 classmates. Three dreams. In the over 20 years I worked days after graduation, he left the for him, his plans and visions usustate to join his parents and siblings ally came true…He was much more in Los Angeles. than a boss, he was building a community and was thought to be honorary Mayors of both Leimert Park and Watts. And his L.A. Black Business Expo (which hired all five of my sons each year) launched many careers and businesses and brought the ‘family’ together.” I last saw Harold at a business mixer. We shared a table at Denny’s on Crenshaw and he paid for my breakfast. I thanked him and he said “It’s the least I can do for all Harold Hambrick you’ve done for me.” I didn’t feel A graduate of Pepperdine Uni- I’d done anything special (writing versity with a Bachelor’s degree in articles on the Expo over the years Business Administration, Hambrick was part of my job). But I walked was also the owner of an income a little taller, realizing in this sometax service in the Crenshaw district time callous world of business, any for more than 30 years. show of appreciation is a blessing. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Marguerett, three chil- Memorial Service dren, Jeffrey, Sharon and Tyra, two Public visitation will be held on grandchildren and one great-grand- Thursday, October 16, 10 a.m. to child, four siblings and a host of 5 p.m., at the Harrison-Ross Morrelatives and friends. tuary, 4601 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles. “Memorial RememMemories brances of Harold Hambrick” will Isidra Person-Lynn, Communica- be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. also tions Specialist, Charles R. Drew on Thursday, at Greater Liberty Baptist Church, 6557 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles. The celebration of life funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 17, at Victory Baptist Church, 4802 S. McKinley Avenue, Los Angeles. The Eulogist will be Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr., Pastor, Bryant Temple A.M.E. Church. The Officiant will be Rev. Theodore Peters, Harold’s cousin and Pastor of the Greater Liberty Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the River Road African American Museum, C/O Harold Hambrick Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 266, Black Business Expo Exhibitors Donaldsonville, LA 70343.
President/Publisher/ Editor Willie Brown Vice President Gloria Kennedy Assistant Editor Veronica Mackey Contributing Writers Veronica Mackey Thomas Bunn Brooke Stanley Staff Photographer Thomas Bunn PRODUCTION Manager Dené Glamuzina Quality Control Manager Gloria Kennedy Inglewood Today Weekly is a legally
adjudicated newspaper of public cir culation, published weekly by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. News and press releases may be submitted for consideration by mail to 9111 La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 or by email to itnetworks@msn.com.
You can reach us at 310-670-9600 or by fax 310-338-9130 www.inglewoodtoday.com The artistic contents of Inglewood Today Weekly are copyrighted by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. and permission to reprint any article herein must be obtained in writing from the Publisher. Display Advertising 310-670-9600 X107 Classified Advertising 310-670-9600 X104 Subscription Information Subscriptions are available by mail for $100.00 per year. Home Delivery may not be available in all areas, or gated communities.
We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think about local issues. Letters should be addressed “To the Editor” and include your name, address and phone number. (Only your name and city will be published.) Email: itnetworks@msn.com Online: www.inglewoodtoday.com Mail: 9111 La Cienega Blvd., Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 Fax: 310.338.9130 Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Not all letters will be published. Submission of a letter to the editor constitutes permission to publish the letter in the printed version of Inglewood Today Weekly and on www.inglewoodtoday.com.
Inglewood Today
October 16, 2014
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Community
The Importance of YOUR Vote By Anne Cheek La Rose
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e’ve all heard people say, “My vote doesn’t count.” Nothing could be farther from the truth! Sure, most of the registered voters turn out for a presidential election—it was particularly evident when Obama was elected—but a presidential election is just one of many elections. For a city like Inglewood, voting in State and City elections are particularly important. We are a small city and as such, we have to fight for every dollar we receive from the federal and state governments. When our elected officials—the City Council members and our Assembly representative—go to the feds or the state and ask for money for an Inglewood project, those who are asked look first at our voting record. If our voter turnout is low, the question is “why should Inglewood get money? There are plenty of small cities that have a better voting
record than Inglewood; they should get the money.” It’s hard to fight that logic. The perception is that Inglewood residents don’t care about Inglewood. Of course that’s not true, but those who make the decisions in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento won’t come to Inglewood to talk with us and see our passion for our city. For them, it is a numbers game, and the numbers are votes. “But, the candidate and/or the issue I voted for didn’t win.” Okay, we all experience that. The important thing is that you made your voice heard—win or lose. The folks in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento are not looking at who or what you voted for, they are looking at the fact that you voted. This, as much as electing a candidate or passing a measure or proposition, is how your vote counts. Inglewood is a city of 100,000 plus residents. However, only
Assemblyman Bradford Ends Campaign for California Senate
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ssemblyman Steven Bradford has ended his campaign to fill the state Senate vacancy created by the resignation of former state Sen. Rod Wright, making Assemblyman Isadore Hall the strong favorite in a December special primary election. Bradford’s 62nd District includes the cities of Inglewood, Hawthorne, Lawndale, and El Segundo, and the communities of North Gardena, Westchester, Venice, and Del Rey, and parts of Westmont and Park Mesa Heights, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). In a statement Sunday night, Bradford, D-Gardena, said he had “decided to forgo my intended run for the state senate” and endorse Hall, D-Compton. “I offer my support to my colleague Isadore Hall and wish him great success in his campaign for the 35th State Senate District. I look forward to continuing to build on the work that we have done together that has helped to move California forward,” said Bradford, 54. Bradford, elected in a 2009 special election, has to leave office next month because of term limits. The former public affairs execu-
Steven Bradford tive at Southern California Edison has been chairman of the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee. Wright resigned from the Senate last month. Gov. Jerry Brown called a Feb. 10 special election, with a Dec. 9 special primary election in the heavily Democratic 35th Senate District. Any candidate that receives 50 percent of the vote plus one in December wins the seat outright. Friday, Oct. 17 is the filing deadline. Hall and four other candidates—one Republican and three Democrats—were at various stages of the candidate filing process.
Remember the elections of April 2013? The following statistics should be an eye-opener to you. District 1 has approximately 17,219 registered voters, yet only about 2883 voted. In District 2, there are approximately 13,861 voters, but only about 2028 cast their votes. If that doesn’t move you, how about money? The cost of elections is paid for via our tax dollars. The upcoming November 4th election will cost $36.5million. Finally, if you don’t vote, you really have no right to complain about the Anne Cheek La Rose outcome. about 40,000 of us are registered to The bottom line is we need every vote. That’s a sad number and we eligible Inglewood resident to regisneed to do much better. The two ter to vote and vote in all elections. groups that vote regularly are the Voting is a right. Only American 18-29 year olds and those 65 plus. citizens over 18 years of age who Registered voters between the ages have not been convicted of a felony of 30-64 are sporadic voters—they may vote. vote when they can or when a candidate or issue moves them.
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Inglewood Today
October 16, 2014
Eye on the City
Attacks Against Butts Backfire
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uesday’s council meeting started with a whimper and went out with a bang. The Inglewood City Council approved sponsorship of the 8th Annual Open Studios Tour by providing free shuttle service and promotional signage, with a cost of up to $2,000. A contract was approved in the amount of $45,100 to update Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E) for the Artificial Turf Project at Edward Vincent Park. The council also approved two initiatives—one to sponsor the Covered California Health Care and Health Fair to be held Saturday, November 15 from 10am to 4pm at Roger’s Park; and another to increase qualifying income threshold limits for senior and disabled residents participating in the City’s Utility Discount Program and Senior Residents’ Utility Tax Refund Program. The public was in full support of both. The Inglewood Council issued a Proclamation Declaring October 23-31, 2014 “Red Ribbon Week.” The Proclamation, read by Mayor James Butts, pledges to support drug education and prevention pro-
By Veronica Mackey
grams for Inglewood youth. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of the perils and discourages the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs among young people. Two students from Inglewood High School spoke on behalf of their peers. “This helps raise awareness and helps kids make better choices in their lives,” one girl said. Public Works Director Louis Atwell made a presentation during a public hearing to authorize Crimson California Pipeline, LLP to continue operating an underground oil transmission pipeline in the City of Inglewood. Underground oil pipelines have been operating in the city since1955.
Residents had questions about the pipeline: “What happens if there is an oil leak?” “Does Inglewood receive fees for allowing the pipeline to come through the city?” “How far does the pipeline extend?” Atwell replied that the pipeline, which runs along La Cienega from Florence to Century, does, indeed bring revenue to the City. He added that “Oil pipelines do not explode. Gas lines do. If we were to refuse them, since they have prior public use (rights), they could condemn the land and run the line any, but we would no longer get the franchise fee.” “Crimson is responsible for all breaks, personal injury or property damage, and thanks to the city attorney, we have raised insurance limits substantially,” Atwell said. Young Joshua Apparicio returned to thank Mayor Butts, council members, Inglewood Today and Willie Agee for helping him to raise money for a trip to Washington, D.C. “I was taught never to take any act of kindness for granted,” the 9 year-old said. “I stand before you with confidence, and appreciation knowing that I am a proud product of being raised by the City of Inglewood’s Village.” Councilman George Dotson thanked the community for com-
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ing out to his District 1 Town Hall Meeting on Oct. 11. “If you live in the First District and you missed that town hall, don’t miss the next one,” he said. Councilman Alex Padilla reminded the public to vote on November 4. “Don’t forget to register to vote. Let your voice be heard in Sacramento because they make decisions based on the voter turnout in every city.” Joseph Teixeira, who wants Mayor Butts’ to be recalled, due to what he says are “civil rights violations,” may have inadvertently won the mayor more votes. During public comments, Teixeira accused Butts of child molestation, based on a story in which allegations proved to be false. The remarks forced Butts to set the record straight: “In 1991, I had my wife served with divorce papers. She wanted me to agree that I would not let my other children not grow up with (their daughter).” When Butts refused, the former Mrs. Butts filed a complaint falsely accusing him of child molestation. The allegations were soon dropped.
“Mr. Teixeira knows this because he researches everything,” Butts said. “I forgave my ex for what she did and I never told my daughter because it was more important to me for her to have respect for her mother. “We’re (wife) the best of friends now. She even helped me on my last campaign.” The audience, visibly moved, clapped, cheered and gave their mayor a standing ovation.
Ebola Story Update
hile the Ebola outbreak should be taken very seriously by health officials and the public alike, caution must also be exercised, so that fears do not escalate unnecessarily. Inglewood Today would like to emphasize that last week’s headline: “Ebola Victim Dies” with the subhead, ‘Centinela Hospital Tests for Ebola’ was not intended in any way to sug-
gest that the person admitted to Centinela Hospital Medical Center tested positive for the disease. The hospital said in a statement that the patient was placed in isolation, tested and has been approved for discharge. It was not known at press time if the patient actually left the facility. The only confirmed cases of Ebola within the U.S. so far are being treated in Texas and Nebraska.
Inglewood Today
October 16, 2014
P u b l i s h e r ’ s Me s s a g e
My Friend Harold
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Fall Special! Tires Repaired At No Charge Now Until October 31, 2014 With This Ad
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Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly Harold also served as the Master of Ceremony for the annual Mardi Gras Scholarship Ball. In 2005, he was selected as the LALA King, all decked out in Mardi Gras attire. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, it seems Harold always had his hands in something. And most everything he did had a positive impact on the community. Beside his phenomenal work as President of the LABBX, Harold had a successful career as a health care executive and advocate. Harold’s love for the community moved him from a corporate position with IBM to what later became Watts Health Systems (WHS). He was on a mission to bring quality healthcare to underserved communities…and he did! He also founded the Watts Coffee House, which was a training ground for many young chefs in South Central Los Angeles. I am going to miss my friend, Harold, especially on my birthday, Feb. 17th. It’s not often that you meet someone born on your own birthday. And even rarer, that you will ever meet someone like Harold Hambrick.
Young Homeless Veterans, 18-30: Probable Causes and Effects By Barbara Hobbs
hey put their lives on the front lines while touring in Iraq and Afghanistan, fighting for our country, but now all of a sudden they have become homeless,” a concerned American citizen (name undisclosed) asserted. Interestingly enough, studies show that the vast majority of young homeless veterans, 18-30, are African American or Hispanic from disadvantaged areas; the African-American young homeless veterans have the higher percentage, according to the National Coalition for Young Homeless Veterans and Green Doors Organization (nchv. org;greendoors.org).
Word for the Wise
Just Saying... Control your temptation by ignoring negative desires.
Yvonne Horton
Attend Taste of Soul On October 18 Enjoy live music, delicious food, local crafts and more at the Taste of Soul on Saturday, October 18 from 10am to 7pm. Mingle with owners of the great shops and eateries in the Crenshaw District – they’re all open during construction of the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project. Exit the Metro Expo Line at Expo/Crenshaw Station. Construction Begins On Regional Connector Metro and federal o;cials broke ground recently to begin construction of the Regional Connector Transit Corridor Project. The two-mile, fully underground route will connect the Metro Gold, Blue Line and Expo lines through Downtown LA. For more information visitmetro.net/regionalconnector. Use TAP – Get 2 Hours Of Transfers When you pay your Metro bus or rail fare with a TAP card, you get up to two hours of transfers at no extra charge to complete your one-way trip. Just load your card at a pass sales outlet or rail station before you board. For locations, check metro.net.
Barbara Hobbs As a result of these young veterans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, they had contracted PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) that had caused them to suffer from depres(Continued on page 11)
Construction Begins on Crenshaw/Expo Station Construction activities are now underway on the transfer point to the Metro Expo Line as the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor light rail line project moves forward. The 8.5-mile line will connect Crenshaw with the Metro Green Line and the Expo Line. Check the progress at metro.net/crenshaw.
metro.net @metrolosangeles facebook.com/losangelesmetro
15-0588ps_wsc-ie-15-004 ©2014 lacmta
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n Friday, folks from L.A to Louisiana will say goodbye to Harold Hambrick, President of the Los Angeles Black Business Expo (LABBX). He is a hard act to follow. My “brother from another mother,” Harold and I were born on the same day, in the same hospital in New Orleans, but different years. We often celebrated our joint birthdays, played golf together, did business together and supported each other’s dreams. He was a real stand-up guy, who always wanted the best for everyone. A longtime friend and supporter of Inglewood Today, Harold was instrumental in driving new advertisers to our publication, through his vast network of entrepreneurs. The annual Expo edition was among one of the most well-read. Beside the myriad of enterprising businesses and activities, the Expo brought Black Los Angeles together in a way that few events could. It was exciting capturing those moments and recording history. During the long and successful run of the LABBX, you could find the Inglewood Today staff among the many proud exhibitors on the L.A. Convention Center floor. At one time, the Expo boasted as many as 100,000 visitors in one weekend! But as impressive as that is, Harold never forgot where he came from. In fact, one of his many achievements was bringing our New Orleans heritage to Los Angeles. Reasoning that our culture was too good to be tied to Louisiana only, he was one of the original founders of LALA (Louisiana to Los Angeles Organizing Committee Inc.) in 1988.
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Inglewood Today
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October 16, 2014
Business
Obama’s ‘myRA’ Accounts This Fall May Alter Your Retirement Plans
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Financial Expert Shares 3 Factors to Consider When Planning for an IRA
mportant changes are coming this fall for what’s become one of the biggest concerns of the era: affording retirement. Those who are saving for retirement and meticulously troubleshooting tax obstacles may want to restructure their plans. While members of Congress continue to battle over the budget, the Obama administration is preparing to roll out “myRA” savings accounts— IRA accounts—for those who do not currently have access to one. When the “myRA” account reaches a certain amount, fledgling savers can roll it into a regular IRA account; different states will have their own guidelines. However, some of the benefits of existing savings options could be in peril, says financial advisor Jake Lowrey, president of Lowrey Financial Group, (www.lowreyfinancial.com). Those include some of the tax advantages of retirement accounts currently enjoyed by higher-income workers. Some Roth IRA owners may also lose their exemption from required minimum distributions,
or RMDs, while IRAs totaling less than six figures could see RMDs disappear. “There will be many people who’ll be unhappy about the changes and that’s understandable, but some may help our country avoid an avalanche of retirees facing poverty,” Lowrey says. In just 15 years – 2030 – the last of the baby boomers will have reached 65. That means one of every five Americans will be of retirement age, according to the Pew Research Center’s population projections. “Most people simply don’t know how to plan for retirement, and that’s made even more challenging with the changing government policies,” says Lowrey. He offers guidance on choosing between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA as a retirement savings vehicle. • Traditional IRAs and Deductibility: For either traditional or Roth IRAs, it’s all a matter of how one prefers to be taxed. Generally speaking, the money you deposit in a traditional IRA isn’t taxed that
year, and whatever earnings you have on your contributions won’t be taxed until you withdraw that money as a retiree. So, if you earn $40,000 in one year and put $3,000 of it in an IRA, your taxable income drops to $37,000. The deposit will grow tax-free through the years. If you withdraw any before age 59½, you’ll face a penalty. After that, you can withdraw and the money will be taxed as earned income. • Roth IRAs, Exemptions and No RMDs: Roth IRA contributions are never deductible. You pay taxes on the money when you earn it, just like any other income. The benefit of a Roth is that when the owners decide to withdraw from it after age 59½, they will not be faced with any taxes. In other words, the Roth offers tax-exempt rather than taxdeferred savings. Also, traditional IRA rules include required minimum distributions (RMDs). With a traditional IRA, you must begin to take RMDs by April 1 of the year following the year you reach age 70.5, but that isn’t the case with a Roth IRA.
Gas Prices Expected to Fall by 30 Cents
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. 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.
• The Best of Both Worlds? Naturally, IRA owners want to chart a path in which they’re penalized with taxes the least. It may be possible to cushion one’s retirement savings against future tax increases by converting some of an IRA to a Roth and earn tax-free gains going forward. “Converting to a Roth will make sense for many people, and if you’re eligible to contribute to both types of IRAs, you may divide contributions between a Roth and traditional IRA,” Lowrey says. “But the total contributions to both must not surpass the limit for that tax year.” Jake Lowrey is a financial consultant and president of Lowery Financial Group, (www.lowreyfinancial. com), an ethical and professional firm that guides clients to retirement success, including planning for long-term care needs. As a relationship-driven organization, Lowrey and his team educate clients about the newest, most progressive retirement and long-term care planning strategies to assure a brighter financial future.
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ave you noticed that gas prices are falling lately? Analysts predict the trend will continue in California, at least through the holidays, giving motorists a reason to smile. According to GasBuddy, prices have fallen steadily in Los Angeles since midsummer, from a high of about $4.17 to the current average of $3.60 per gallon. It gets better. Prices are expected to drop an additional 20 to 30 cents before Christmas. Of course there is a catch (you knew that was coming, right?). New rules on transportation fuels will kick in next year and drive prices up again. “We’ve witnessed a remarkable drop in crude oil and wholesale gasoline prices, with fears of a global crude oil price war supplanting worries about threatened Middle East oil exports,” said Patrick De-
Haan, GasBuddy senior petroleum analyst. “This should result in a big break for motorists on their fuel bill, especially when compared to what we saw this summer.” In the South Bay, gas at the Costco in Redondo Beach was spotted at $3.37 a gallon. California is the nation’s fourth largest oil producer, responsible for about 10 percent of U.S. production. California’s two largest refineries are in Carson and El Segundo. Wherever you live in Southern California, please enjoy it while it lasts.
Inglewood Today
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October 16, 2014
Community Application Period Begins for $1.2 Million 2014-15 Edison Scholars Program Since 2006, Edison International has awarded nearly $4 million in scholarships to more than 400 Edison Scholars. “We place special emphasis on awarding scholarships to underrepresented students pursuing careers in STEM because our philosophy of giving is that all people should have opportunities to do well,” Tumbling said. To apply and to get additional eligibility information, students are encouraged to go to: https://www. scholarsapply.org/edisonscholars/ Scholarship recipients will be announced in April and recipients may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college. Dependents of Edison International employees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program. Edison International’s support of charitable causes is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. The company’s community donations are part of its commitment as a leading corporate citizen. Southern California Edison (SCE) customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations.
The City of Inglewood & Centinela Hospital Medical Center invites you to participate in a
Citywide Yard Sale & Health Fair October 18, 2014 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hollywood Park Race Track Parking Lot Gate 8
Free Admission
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dison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison (SCE), announces the application period for its 201415 Edison Scholars Program has begun, and will run through Feb. 1. The $1.2-million program, which offers 30 scholarships valued at $40,000 each paid over four years, is for Southern California high school seniors with a 2.8 GPA or above who either live in or attend public or private high schools in SCE’s service area and plan to pursue college studies in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Students from underserved communities and ethnic minorities are especially encouraged to apply. “I encourage high school seniors from SCE’s service area who qualify to apply for an Edison scholarship. As an energy company, we recognize the skills needed for our future workforce and to advance our country, and so our scholarship program is geared to students preparing for careers in science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM,” said Tammy Tumbling, director of Philanthropy and Community Investment for SCE.
Turning the Corner (Continued from page 1) shopping carts around Wal-Mart parking lots, and extinguish their third and final extensions on unemployment benefits, the Boomers find themselves having to return to school and find roommates, while the Millennials find themselves choosing to create their own businesses rather than compete in the brutal job market. Why are so many Americans giving up on finding jobs and taking their economic futures into their own hands? Let’s start with: Antiquated Business Practices Businesses and brands are finding themselves reevaluating their workplace environments, adding new furniture, playing recreational music, incentives, and freedoms of dress code just to optimize performance. Successful owners understand the climate is changing, and not because of overuse of fossil fuels. Studies show that 71% of young people say they would rather quit their jobs and work for themselves. Old companies run with old philosophies are no longer attractive to the young workforce anymore. Sixty percent of
Clean out closets of unwanted treasures and earn some cash! Or come down to browse and maybe purchase a treasure that’s new to you! A non-prot DONATION CENTER & DOCUMENT SHREDDING service will be on site. Shredding services are for Inglewood Residents ONLY. ID is required.
Booths are available to Inglewood residents ONLY. Proof of residency and a
$35 registration fee is required, Residents can register at the Public Works Department, 3rd floor in City Hall.
La Ciudad de Inglewood & El Hospital Centinela
Venta de Garage de Toda La Ciudad y el Feria de Salud Octubre 18, 2014 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ubicacíon: Hollywood Park Race Track Parking Lot Gate 8.
Admisión Gratis
te invita a participar en un
Limpiar armarios de tesoros no deseados y ganar algo de dinero! ¿O bajan a vengan y tal vez comprar un tesoro que es nuevo para ustedes! Tendremos un Centro de Donaciones y servicio de Dsetruccions de Documentos en el evento. Esto servicios son SOLO para Los Residentes de Inglewood Identicacion es requiried.
Las cabinas están disponibles SÓLO para residentes de Inglewood. Se requiere prueba de residencia y una cuota de inscripción de $35. Los residentes pueden inscribirse en el Departamento de obras públicas, 3er piso en pasillo de ciudad.
them all say they will start their own businesses within a year or so. Social Media The Internet has connected the world in a way that peace treaties and international alliances could never do. Young people have worlds of information at their fingertips faster, and more often than ever before in history, and it’s only getting faster. They’re more informed, and they’re joining forces. The Internet has resulted in the creation of social communities like Meetup.com, where individuals meet online based on common interests, then meet in person to network and socialize. About 98% of people age 1834 use social media. That’s a lot of young people, communicating with a lot of young people, which translates into hundreds of millions of dollars in “new” revenue. Social media is now an industry and it’s a young person’s industry. If we need refreshing, Mark Zuckerberg was the youngest billionaire in the world. He single-handedly transformed the perspectives of young people who saw someone who looked like them, and became the owner of a multinational empire, while doing it his way. Just look at the headquarters of Facebook! Larry Page and Sergey Brin created Google in their 20’s when they incorporated Google in 1998. David Karp, CEO of microblogging website Tumblr, is only 28 years old. What does this mean for Inglewood? As a city with a rich history on a path to blossom into a worldclass destination, we have to begin opening our doors and creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and start-ups that think outside the box. The next step in our history has to include a step toward creating opportunities to generate revenue in areas that didn’t exist prior to the market crash of 2008. Our city yields more than 50,000 young minds and a 67% population that’s under the age of 45. We need an influx of young creative energy into Inglewood that will become contagious and invigorating, and breed new ideas. Inglewood can become the internationally renowned city we desire to be. Just look at San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Colorado, and Palo Alto. If James Brown were alive today, I think he would agree that it’s no longer just a man’s world, it’s a young people’s world.
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Inglewood Today
Page 10
October 16, 2014
LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS FOR LA CIENEGA BOULEVARD AND FAIRVIEW BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN THE CITY OF INGLEWOOD FEDERAL PROJECT NO. ESPL-5164(017) PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the CITY OF INGLEWOOD, as AGENCY, invites sealed bids for the above-stated project and will receive such bids in the office of the City Clerk, One Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, California 90301 up to the hour of 11:30 AM, Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at which time they will be publicly opened. Copies of the Plans, Specifications, and Contract Documents are available at the Public Works Department on the Third Floor of Inglewood at City Hall, One Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, California 90301. Each set of Plans and Specifications may obtained free of charge at the time of bid (pre-award) for 1 hard copy (plans size 11”x17”) or per CD-ROM. Additional sets or request for full size plan sheets (24”x36”) and hard copy contract specifications or construction set may be obtained for a fee of $50. During Construction, Plan Sets and Specifications requests will be charged a $50 fee per set. All fees are non-refundable. If requested by mail, prospective bidder must pre-pay mailing charge of $15.00 per set requested. Any contract entered into pursuant to this Notice will incorporate the provisions of the State Labor Code. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1773.2 of the Labor Code of the State of California, the minimum prevailing rate of per diem wages for each craft, classification, or type of workman needed to execute the contract shall be those determined by the Director of Industrial Relations of the State of California, which are on file at the City Hall, City of Inglewood and are available to any interested party on request. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at the Public Works Department, on the Third Floor of Inglewood City Hall, One Manchester Boulevard, CA, 90301. Call the Associate Engineer, “Albert Mendoza” at (310) 412-4261, or email at (amendoza@ cityofinglewood.org) should you require further information. This meeting is to inform bidders of project requirements and subcontractors of subcontracting and material supply opportunities. This project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). In order to comply with ARRA, the successful contractor must obtain and provide the City with its D-U-N-S number and submit Monthly Employment Reports. These requirements are detailed in the specifications on pages F-40 through F-42. Pursuant to Federal law, AGENCY is implementing new Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) requirements to include all DBEs. The DBE requirements are covered in the Specifications in Section 2, “Proposal Requirements and Conditions”: subsection 2-1.02, “Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE)”; and in Section 5, “General”: subsection 5-1.5, “Performance of DBEs.” The DBE contract goal for this project is 13%. This project is subject to state contract nondiscrimination and compliance requirements pursuant to Government Code Section 12990. AGENCY affirms that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, DBEs will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation. AGENCY is implementing new contract requirements for the submittal of Monthly Employment Report forms. Requirements are covered in the Specifications in subsection 5-1.10, “Monthly Employment Report (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act)” of Section 5, “General.” PREVAILING WAGE REQUIREMENTS: Pursuant to California Labor Code Sections 1770, 1773, 1773.1, 1773.6, and 1773.7, as amended, the applicable prevailing wages for this project have been determined. It shall be mandatory upon the contractor to whom the contract is awarded and upon any subcontractor under him to pay not less than the higher of the Federal and the State prevailing wage rates to all workers employed by them in the execution of the contract. The applicable Federal prevailing wage rates are those that are in effect ten (10) calendar days prior to bid opening; they are set forth on the U.S. Department of Labor website: http://www.wdol.gov/wdol/scafiles/davisbacon/ca33.dvb but are not printed in the Specifications. Lower State wage rates for work classifications not specifically listed in the Federal wage decision are not acceptable. The applicable State prevailing wage rates are set forth on the California Department of Industrial Relations website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD but are not
printed in the Specifications; these rates are subject to predetermined increases. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) provides a toll-free hotline service to report bid rigging, bidder collusion, or other fraudulent activities. The hotline is available Mondays through Fridays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time, at (800) 424-9071. The hotline is part of the DOT’s continuing effort to identify and investigate highway construction contract fraud and abuse and is operated under the direction of the DOT Inspector General. All information will be treated confidentially, and caller anonymity will be respected. Conflict of Interest: in the procurement of supplies, equipment, construction, and services by sub-recipients, the conflict of interest provisions in 24 CFR 85.36, OMB Circular A-110, and 24 CFR 570.611 shall apply. No employee, officer, or agent of the sub-recipient shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by federal funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. This project is subject to the “Buy America” provisions of the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 as amended by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. Attention is directed to the provisions of Section 1777.5 (Chapter 1411, Statutes of 1968) and 1777.6 of the Labor Code concerning the employment of apprentices by the Contractor or any such subcontractor under him. Affirmative action to ensure against discrimination in employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, or handicap will also be required. The AGENCY will deduct a 5-percent retention from all progress payments as specified in Section 9-3.2 of these Specifications. The Contractor may substitute an escrow holder surety of equal value to the retention. The Contractor shall be beneficial owner of the surety and shall receive any interest thereon. The AGENCY hereby affirmatively ensures that minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this notice and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, or handicap in any consideration leading to the award of contract. In entering into a public works contract or a subcontract to supply goods, services, or materials pursuant to a public works contract, the Contractor, or subcontractor offers and agrees to assign to the awarding body all rights, title, and interest in and to all cases of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. Section 15) or under the Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 [commencing with Section 16700] of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), arising from purchases of goods, services, or materials pursuant to the public works contract or the subcontract. This assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the awarding body tenders final payment to the Contractor without further acknowledgment by the parties. Bids must be prepared on the approved proposal forms in conformance with the Instructions to Bidders and submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked on the outside. The bid must be accompanied by a certified or cashier’s check or by bidder’s bond issued an “admitted surety insurer,” made payable to the AGENCY for an amount not less than 10 percent of the amount bid. The successful bidder shall be licensed in accordance with provisions of the Business and Professions Code and shall possess a State Contractor’s License, Class A at the time this contract is awarded. The successful Contractor and his subcontractors will be required to possess business licenses from the City of Inglewood and maintain current until completion of the project. The AGENCY reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularities in any bid, and to take all bids under advisement for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from and after the date bids are opened and announced. This Notice is given by order of the City Administrator of the City of Inglewood, California, and is dated this 16th day of October, 2014. Artie Fields, City Manager City of Inglewood, California
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2014273287 The following Person is doing business as: My Pathway 4 You 815 W Walnut Street, #17 Inglewood, CA 90301 Registered owner: Charlene Logan, 815 W. Walnut Street, #17, Inglewood, CA 90301 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on September 29, 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.) Charlene Logan, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on September 29, 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 October 9,16, 23, 30, 2014 ITO0422301050 Inglewood Today
Inglewood Named “Host City” for 2015 Special Olympics (Continued from page 1) to be part of the Games and create lasting memories for our visiting athletes.” Mayor Butts will be joined by Lakers Coach (and Morningside High School alumnus) Byron Scott; Michelle Core, Global Messenger 2015 World Games; Dana DuFine, SVP West Coast, Madison Square Garden Co.; Artie Fields, Inglewood City Manager; Mark Fronterotta, Inglewood Chief (Continued on page 11)
Inglewood Today
October 16, 2014
E n t e r ta i n m e n t
Are You Feelin’ Blackish?
T
By Maya Mackey
he new ABC comedy, “Blackish,” starring Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Laurence Fishburne premiered September 24th to mixed reviews. Now, I have a strict “third-time’sthe-charm” rule when it comes to my entertainment. If I’m not feelin’ a show by the third episode, that’s pretty much grounds for me to quit watching. Well, this week I saw the third episode of “Blackish” and I still can’t decide if I like it. Apparently, I’m not alone. There are many who feel like the show perpetuates outdated stereotypes about black families. Others find it spot-on and hysterical. I’m somewhere in the middle. There have been some definite laugh out loud moments to date (see Dre walking in on his son during a very private moment, Rainbow reminding Dre of her blackness—her hair and derriere, etc.) but the chemistry is off. Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Laurence Fishburne are all great individually, but together? The show feels like a bunch of individuals living life in the same house rather than a family interacting with each other. It doesn’t feel like Dre and Rainbow are a married couple but rather two working parents who happen to sleep under the same roof. At least Fishburne and
Maya Mackey Anderson have some chemistry as father and son. Maybe it’s just first season jitters and everyone has to grow comfortable with each other, but isn’t that what table reads and rehearsals are for? Aside from the awkward vibes, I can’t decide if I agree with the message being told. The latest episode entitled, “The Nod” deals with the common act of acknowledging another person of color when you see them in public. African-Americans give “the nod” as a means of saying “what’s up?” or “I see you.” Dre tries to get Junior to understand this ritual. I loved it and I agree it’s a staple to black culture but there are other things in “Blackish” that make me scratch my head. Dre tries every episode to bring his kids back to what he thinks is essen-
Young Homeless Veterans (Continued from page 5) sion; made it difficult for them to transition to the civilian life; find jobs and places to live. Studies also show that since they (young homeless veterans) were not able to pay their rent or mortgages, they wound up sleeping in their cars, on the streets or under the freeways (www.utvet). Consequently, some young homeless veterans who have PTSD had resorted to substance abuse to numb the pain; some ended up breaking the law, according to research. As an example, a 26 year-old former Iraq veteran who had contracted PTSD while he was on tour in Iraq ended up getting shot to death by the SWAT police during a standoff wherein the suspect brandished a rifle. Sadly this young veteran had been seeking help from the Veterans’ Administration but to no avail, due to a long waiting list, his parents said (www.midwest/disability.com). In short, since research finds that PTSD can be treated, I feel that the Veterans’ Administration should be allocated extra funding for hiring additional staff to help regroup ALL young homeless veterans, as they have sacrificed their lives to save our country.
Inglewood Named “Host City” for 2015 Special Olympics (Continued from page 10) of Police; Eric Holly, Executive Director of Inglewood Chamber of Commerce; Joann Klonowski, LA2015 representative; Norm Nixon, former Laker and 2-Time NBA Champion; Nick Spampanato, General Manager of the Forum; and Reggie Theus, former NBA Player and coach. Inglewood Parks and Recreation Director Sabrina Barnes will sing the U.S. national anthem. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The global event is expected to draw 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches, representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators. The Host Town program has been an important element of Special Olympics World Games since 1995, and the experience has left a lasting impression on the local communities in Ireland, Japan, China, Greece, South Korea and the United States, all of which have previously orga-
Page 11
D at e s i n Oc t o b e r October 18, 2014 Citywide Yard Sale and Health Fair The City of Inglewood, in collaboration with Centinela Hospital, will be sponsoring a citywide yard sale and Health Fair Event from 7am until 3pm. The sale will be held at the Hollywood Park Racetrack Parking Lot, Gate 8 at Pincay. You can come and search for useful items to purchase or you can rent a booth and sell your unwanted property to make some extra cash. While you’re there, take advantage of the free document shredding and valuable health screenings. Free admission. October 25 2014 West Basin 16th Annual Water Harvest Festival The West Basin Municipal Water District welcomes the community to a day of fun and education focused on one of our most precious resources—water! Highlights include games, rides, food and a kids’ costume contest. Tours ofthewaterrecyling plant, ed-
ucational exhibits and a live stage show on water conservation and recycling will be presented. Attend this free, family-friendly event from10am-2pm at Edward C. Little Recycling Facility, 1935 S. Hughes Way, El Segundo, CA 90245 (off Sepulveda Blvd., between Rosecrans Ave. and El Segundo Blvd.). Ongoing 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.
tial black culture and yet he constantly puts his wife’s “blackness” under constant investigation. He constantly brings up the fact that’s she’s half black so she doesn’t get black culture and yet he always wants her to support him in trying to educate his family on what black culture is. Rainbow seems to fall close to the “post-racial/ new black” mentality which I cannot
get behind at all. “Blackish” has the potential to be great, it just needs to figure out what it’s about. What do you guys think? Love it? Hate it? Somewhere in the middle? Hit me up at muddgrl18@yahoo. com or, if you’re reading this on www.inglewoodtoday.com, let me know in the comments!
nized Host Town programs as part of the Special Olympics World Games. On April 30, 2014, LA2015 and ESPN announced a global programming deal that will see ESPN bring coverage of World Games to millions of fans around the world. Honorary Chairs of the Games are President Barack Obama and First
Lady Michelle Obama, with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Governor Jerry Brown serving as honorary hosts. For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.LA2015. org.
Nursing Home Owner Sued for Fraud
A
class action lawsuit involving alleged fraud was filed last week against the owner of almost 60 skilled nursing facilities. Inglewood is among the cities where the alleged fraud was said to occur. The law firm of Garcia, Artigliere and Medby filed the suit against Shlomo Rechnitz, owner of Brius Management and Brius LLC, who owns 57 nursing homes. Other cities include Downey, Alhambra, Gardena, Hawthorne, Los Angeles, Norwalk, Pasadena and San Gabriel. The suit also alleges that Rechnitz and his corporate entities hid their history of violating nursing industry laws and regulations from patients, prospective patients, and that he chronically understaffed and underfunded the facilities to
enhance his profits. In a statement, Brius denied all allegations fired back: “This lawsuit is filled with baseless and untrue allegations,” the statement said. “It is notable that it makes no allegations of harm to or abuse of any of our patients.” The company claims the lawsuit came after it refused to enter into a “lucrative” consulting contract with Garcia, who has been sued for these tactics. According to a copy of the lawsuit, filed in October 2012, Garcia and his partners at the law firm were sued by Goldstar Healthcare Center of Santa Monica for allegedly suing nursing homes, then offering to extend legal consulting services in exchange for not suing them again.
Citywide Yard Sale & Health Fair
Saturday, October 18th 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Hollywood Park Parking Lot
Enter at Gate 8 Located on Pincay St. Centinela Hospital Health Fair
Free Health Screenings PSA test* Glucose test* Cholesterol* Body Fat Pulmonary Function Wellness Information Disaster Preparedness Nutrition Counseling Community Resources Ask a Pharmacist Diabetes Education Maternal and Child Health
still Yar nglewood d a I o t e l b a an avail residency d, f o f o o r .P re residents e is requi e f n o i t a r t e $35 regis ister at th g e r n a c s , Resident partment e D s k r o Public W n City Hall. i 3rd floor
ths are o o B e l a dS
City of Inglewood Yard Sale
Browse through over 200 booths of large and small items for sale Free shredding service for Inglewood residents E-waste collection On site donation center Free parking Entertainment Educational workshops
* requires 6 - 8 hours of fasting before test
And Much More! Brought to you by
Centinela Hospital Medical Center and the City of Inglewood Public Works Department
Meet Dodgers Legend
Tommy Lasorda