June 8, 2023

ON THE CITY

City of Champions

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‘Despite Pushback from Franchise Owners...” See Page 6

D-1 Councilmember Gloria Gray Townhall provides quality information

By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor

I had the pleasure of spending a few minutes with California Senator Steven Bradford and he was kind enough to respond to my specific questions.

Q-With over 20 years of public service, what do you feel is your greatest accomplishment and of what are you most proud?

SB-“I believe my legislative work has always been framed by the goal of correcting injustices and giving a voice to those who don’t always have a voice. But my work on the California Reparations Task Force could be the most important and impactful work of my career because it may correct more than 100 years of injustices that are still being felt today.”

Q-You have authored numerous bills as a member of the CA Assembly and presently as the Senator for 35th Senate District. What are the most significant crime related bills and measures pertaining to those accused of a crime?

SB-“Over the years, I’ve authored

Continued on page 7

By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor

On June 1, District One, Inglewood City Councilmember Gloria Gray hosted her first town hall meeting at the Inglewood Senior Citizen Center, which Mayor James T. Butts described as the best Senior Citizen Center in the State of California, and arguably one of the best in the nation. The center’s community room was filled with over 200 city staff

members, department heads and of course, District 1 residents.

After Member Gray thanked her district members for supporting her candidacy and vowed to listen and respond to their needs and represent them with vigor, she introduced the special guests including her council colleagues, the mayor, Senator Steven Bradford, who invited everyone to a

Home Ownership Event on June 16, 2023, and a bevy of staff members from the City of Inglewood.

The format of the townhall meeting was a tried formula that provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to get up to speed on important policies and programs that are underway in the city,

Continued on page 8

Black Music Month: California Celebrates History and Heroes

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

Kenny Vance has a talent for creating vivid musical imagery.

If you ask the 79-year-old about his musical upbringing in 1950s Brooklyn, New York, Vance will describe wandering through the borough as a young man and listening to other young people sing harmonious tunes with no instruments from the neighborhood’s stoops. He will mention how groups would string together melodic lines in competitions with each other.

Vance notes how these melodic groups in the ‘50s and ‘60s, composed of African Americans, sang their way from their neighborhood stoops and other local spots in cities such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles

to small recording studios. These vocalists, whose Rhythm-and-Blues singing style is known as doo-wop, would release a song or two and sometimes never be heard from again.

With his documentary “Heart & Soul: A Love Story,” Vance, a musician, actor, and film director, puts the musical talents of “unsung doo-whop heroes” like Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, the Dubs, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and the Chantels in the limelight again. The film will be screened at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angles on June 8 at 7 p.m. The twohour showing in the museum’s 200-seat theater is part of its celebration of Black Music Appreciation Month this June.

The screening of Heart & Soul: A Love Story,” is just one-way individuals,

businesses and organizations are commemorating Black Music Month throughout the state.

In Alameda County, The Black Music Month Festival will take place on June 17 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Love Center Ministries in Oakland. Performers such as The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol & Her Trio, Bobi Cespedes, Stephanie Crawford, Netta Brielle, and the Glen Pearson Trio featuring Derick Hughes, Bernard Anderson, and Rico Pabon will take the stage.

Throughout June, Disneyland is also honoring the history of Black music by featuring three bands performing hits by Black artists from various decades on the Hollywood Backlot stage at the

Continued on page 8

District 1 Council Member Gloria Gray at her first Townhall Meeting ( Photo by Francis Taylor)

Black Caucus Members’ Bills Protecting Black Children, Union Workers Advance

By Antonio Ray Harvey| California Black Media

Pro-public service legislation introduced by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor’s (D-Inglewood), Assembly Bill (AB) 1, moved closer to becoming law when it was passed by the Assembly with a 66-3 vote in late last Month.

It is now under consideration in the Senate.

If passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Newsom, the bill will permit California legislative staff to unionize and collectively bargain for wages, benefits and working conditions, regardless of their political affiliation.

“Legislative staff aren’t looking for special treatment. They are looking for the same dignity and respect afforded to all represented workers,” said McKinnor in a statement after her colleagues voted to advance the legislation.

“To the staff in our district offices and Capitol offices - including our dedicated committee staff - that honorably serve the people of the State of California every day, know this: We see you and we respect you,” McKinnor continued. “With AB 1, we are taking action to make sure that current and future legislative staff, regardless of their member’s political affiliation, are afforded a safe, equitable and fair opportunity to build a noble career in public service.”

McKinnor, a former legislative employee herself, said at the Women In

California Legislature” speakers series on March 8 that she was an original

address the issue of missing Black children and young Black women in

“When someone who is missing is incorrectly listed as a runaway, they

signer of the “We Said Enough” letter in 2017. The correspondence led to the “Me Too” movement to address workplace sexual harassment, retaliation and intimidation within the California Legislature.

Mary Virginia Watson, chief of staff for Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-Hayward), supports AB 1. Watson has been a campaign director, campaign, director, and political organizer.

“Congrats to #CALeg staff! I was proud to speak in favor of #AB1 in (the) policy committee, and as a chief of staff, I 100% support Leg staff’s right to unionize. A union would improve recruitment and retention and help the legislature better serve Californians!,” Watson tweeted.

If AB 1 is approved, it will take effect on July 1, 2024.

Another bill, dubbed the “Ebony Alert” bill, would help locate missing Black youth and Black women in California also made it out of the Senate last week with a 39-0 vote.

Senate Bill (SB) 673, authored by Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood), establishes a notification system to

California who do not receive enough attention.

“The Ebony Alert would ensure that resources and attention are given so we can bring home missing Black women and Black children in the same way we would search for any missing child and missing person,” Bradford, Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), stated in March.

The Black and Missing Foundation Inc. (BAMFI), reports that 38% of missing children in the U.S. are Black, despite Black people making up 14% of the population. Black children are disproportionately classified as “runaways” in comparison to their white counterparts who are classified as “missing.” Therefore, when Black children are reported missing, law enforcement does not always treat those cases with urgency or issue Amber Alerts.

The AMBER moniker – which stands for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response – was created as a legacy to nine-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped and murdered while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas.

basically vanish a second time. They vanish from the police detectives’ workload. They vanish from the headlines. In many ways, no one even knows they are missing. How can we find someone and bring them home safely when no one is really looking for them,” Bradford said.

Bradford’s Ebony Alert bill is inspired by a similar bill, the Feather Alert, introduced by Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino), the only Native American serving in the California Assembly. The Feather Alert law, which took effect in January, assists law enforcement to quickly notify the public when Native American Californians are reported missing.

Black women and girls face a higher risk of being harmed and trafficked. According to a report by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation on human trafficking incidents in the U.S., 40% of sex trafficking victims were identified as Black women.

June 6th City Council Meeting

By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor

The council awarded a contract and approved an agreement with Griffin Structures, Inc. to provide construction management services for the Main Library renovation, per RFP No. 0195. The total amount not to exceed $2,346,300 (includes a 10% City Controlled Contingency in the amount of $213,300); and awarded a contract and approved an agreement in a total Adopt a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget that will initially use General Fund monies that will be reimbursed by community benefit funds provided by Murphy’s Bowl, LLC.

The council awarded a contract and approved an agreement with KG Axis, Inc., (Contractor) for the renovation of the Morningside Park Library Project, per Bid No. 0158. The total amount did not exceed $2,193,400 (includes a 10% City Controlled Contingency in the amount of $199,400); and adopted resolution amending the Fiscal Year Budget

The council approved a oneyear agreement in the amount of $202,134.90. (with the option to renew annually up to four (4) years) with TRIO Community Meals, LLC, for the provision of breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Summer

Food Service Program (SFSP) from June 12, 2023, through June 6, 2024.

(CDE Grant Fund)

The council awarded a contract and approved a three (3)-year agreement (with the option to extend for two (2) additional one (1)-year terms) with Bridged Innovations Inc., for Inmate Telephone Service, per RFP-0186.

The council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communication System Authority (LA-RICS) to provide the City of Inglewood (City) with operation usage of the Pre-Acceptance Land Mobile Radio (LMR) System and authorized the Chief of Police (or designee) to approve no cost updates to the attached MOU, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney.

The council awarded a contract and approved an agreement with Michael Baker International to design the

Downtown Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Project, per RFP-0192. (Measure M) and in a total amount not to exceed $1,045,150.70 (includes ten percent (10%) project contingency in an amount not to exceed $95,013.70); and adopted a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget.

The council approved the First Amendment to Amended and Restated City of Inglewood Parking Facilities and Shuttle Services Operation and Management Agreement (Agreement No. 20-083), exercising the option to renew the current agreement with LAZ Parking California, LLC (LAZ) for one (1) additional year to provide parking and shuttle services for football games and other major events within the City’s Sports and Entertainment District.

The council adopted a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 20222023 Annual Budget, in the amount

of $402,137, to provide funding for third party plan checks and permit application review.

The council adopted a resolution amending the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Budget to add two (2) Payroll Technicians and upgrade one (1) parttime Staff Assistant to full time in the Police Department.

The council adopted a resolution 1) approving the execution of and entrance into the Agreement between California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Inglewood in an amount not to exceed $9,000,000; and 2) authorizing the mayor to execute the Agreement with Caltrans on behalf of the City of Inglewood.

The council set a public hearing for June 20th to consider General Plan Amendment 2022-002 (GPA-2022002) for the adoption of the Safety Element.

Black News Publishers Watchful of Legislative Process as Online News Payment Bill Advances

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Black news publishers in California are watching lawmakers closely, anticipating that they will include provisions in a pro-journalism bill that would benefit their businesses.

On June 2, the California Assembly passed Assembly Bill (AB) 886 with a vote of 46-6.

The bill would mandate that social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Google to pay a “journalism usage fee” to news organizations for sharing their content.

Assemblymember Buffy Hicks (D-Oakland) said she authored the bill with the goal of supporting California’s local news media outlets including ethnic media and small news publishers throughout the state.

“Free press is in our constitution, and it is at risk right now. That is what this bill is about,” Wicks told the Assembly. “Publishers deserve to be paid a journalism usage fee relative to how much their content is used on these platforms.”

According to the text of the bill, newspaper advertising has decreased by 66% over the past 10 years, and newsroom staff have declined 44%.

“Given the important role of ethnic media, it is critical to advance state policy that ensures their publishers are justly compensated for the content

they create and distribute,” the bill’s language asserts.

AB 886, also known as the California Journalism Preservation Act, would require outlets receiving funds to use 70% of it on journalists and support staff. The bill was co-sponsored by the California News Publishers Association (CNPA), and the California Labor Federation (CLF).

“When local newspapers shutter, civic engagement goes down, corruption goes up, and the ability to combat disinformation erodes further,” CNPA wrote in a statement of support for the bill.

“Like all workers, journalists’ labor produces value. News workers win their fair share of it through collective bargaining with employers, as protected by the National Labor Relations Act. But, if that value is unfairly captured by third-party tech websites instead of the news publishers that employ journalists, these workers cannot bargain for pay that reflects their actual economic productivity. Meanwhile, newsroom jobs keep disappearing,” wrote CFL’s Mitch Steiger in a press release.

AB 886 also references a document written by the African American journalist and abolitionist Samuel Cornish in 1827. It highlighted the need for African Americans to have their own platform to express their grievances, advocate for their rights, and challenge racial inequality.

“We Wish to Plead Our Own Cause,” Cornish wrote and Wicks references in the bill language.

The bill language goes on to state, “This call to action spurred the establishment of numerous Blackowned newspapers and publications, solidifying the role of the Black press as a powerful tool for empowerment and social change, and laid the groundwork in our country for other ethnic media to plead their own cause.”

The Bill has faced opposition from multiple organizations such as the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the California Chamber of Commerce, CalMatters and Facebook’s parent company Meta.

According to Meta, news accounts for less than 3% of the content appearing on most Facebook users’ feeds. They also state that the media’s struggles were not in direct correlation with the growth of social media platforms.

“If the Journalism Preservation Act passes, we will be forced to remove

news from Facebook and Instagram rather than pay into a slush fund that primarily benefits big, out-of-state media companies under the guise of aiding California publishers,” Meta said in a statement.

An analysis conducted by the tech industry-funded group Chamber of Progress shows that the biggest beneficiaries of the proposed law would be news outlets such as Fox News, the New York Post and Newsmax, all of which have faced accusations of spreading misinformation in the past.

According to the study, these outlets would receive four times more in revenue than major California news organizations, 151 times more than Latino news outlets in the state, 643 times more than newspapers located in the state’s worst news deserts and 844 times as much as California Black news outlets.

The bill will now be considered by the state Senate.

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California Black Media Political Playback: News You Might Have Missed

By Tanu Henry and Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Your roundup of stories you might have missed last week.

Assembly Democrats Release Spending Plan Ahead of 2023-24 Budget Vote

On May 24, California Assembly Democrats released a budget proposal which aims to close the state’s projected $31.5-billion-dollar deficit.

In the plan, the lawmakers are calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to close five more state prisons by 2027. This is an increase of three more prison closures than the number proposed in the Governor’s budget plan released in January.

In the May budget revisions, Newsom declared that despite the closures, California “remains committed to meeting the needs of staff and the incarcerated populations while right-sizing California’s prison system to reflect the needs of the state as the prison population declines.”

The Legislature is facing a rapidly approaching June 15 deadline to approve the state’s 2023-24 budget, and Gov. Newsom must sign off on it before the new fiscal year starts on July 1.

LA Mayor, City Council Celebrate Africa Day

On May 30, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined city council leaders to observe Africa Day. The celebration commemorates the establishment of the African Union (called the Organization of African Unity at the time).

Founded in 1963, the union was established to promote solidarity among African countries, defending their sovereignty, eliminating colonialism, encouraging international cooperation, and coordinating and harmonizing member states’ policies.

Councilman Curren Price led the event’s main presentation, where the history of the union was shared along with the acknowledgment of LAbased entrepreneurs who promote African culture and influence and make it part of their mission to give back to Africa and the city.

“As we know, Africans have been displaced throughout the globe, and many of us are descendants who may or may not be able to trace our heritage, but that does not hinder us from honoring the continent and the African diaspora,” Price said.

Bass highlighted that at the time the union was formed, only 30 African countries were independent. Today, 54 countries have that distinction.

“There was a large movement in the United States, celebrating the independence of nations, but also some fighting to change U.S. policy,” Bass said. “I think, it’s most famously known as the antiapartheid movement.”

Bass said the City Council played an important role during that time to divest from doing any business related to South Africa. Councilman Robert Farrell, and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA 43) who was then an Assemblymember in 1976, played key roles in this effort.

“This movement caught fire around the country and around the world,” Bass said. “It actually led to one of the many reasons why the U.S. changed its policy and decided to divest and impose sanctions on South Africa.”

State Lawmakers Call for Transit Bailout

On June 3, Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), along with other lawmakers, held a press conference outside of the California Environmental Protection Agency to call for additional state funding to support public transportation.

Gov. Newsom recently presented the legislature with his plan to close California’s $31.5 billion-dollar deficit. In the proposal, Newsom did not include critical funding that public transit in the state requires to avoid a deficit.

“Our transit systems have been telling us for months and months and months that this fiscal cliff is happening, and unfortunately the governor’s budget had zero dollars in it to address these operational shortfalls — zero!” Sen. Wiener told reporters.

“Instead, the governor’s proposal slashes $2 billion in transit infrastructure money, which will kill various projects around the state and will cause us to forfeit billions of federal matching dollars if we’re taking away our own capital investment,” Wiener added.

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) said transportation is facing cuts across the country, but funding for California’s transit infrastructure is not negotiable..

“It’s time for the state of California to intervene and ensure we don’t step off a transportation fiscal cliff from which we cannot recover.”

The lawmakers want the governor to restore a $2 billion cut from transit infrastructure and to add operational funding to avoid services cuts. Without state funding, BART says it will have to run trains only once an hour, cut service on weekends and

after 9 p.m. on weeknights, reduce service to San Francisco International and Oakland International airports, close some stations and even shut down some lines.

Large Number of Voters Still Undecided in California Senatorial Race

Last week, calls from state leaders and the public urging California Sen. Dianne Feinstein to resign grew louder. But there is still a large number of voters undecided about who they would like to replace her.

In a recent poll conducted by the UC Berkley Institute of Governmental Studies, 4 out of 10 voters do not know who they will vote for in the 2024 senate race.

The candidates to replace Senator Feinstein include Democrats, Reps. Katie Porter (D-CA-47), Adam B. Schiff (D-CA-30) and Barbara Lee (D-CA_12) and Republican attorney Eric Early.

According to the poll, Early and Porter are in the lead with 18% and 17% of the vote, respectively. Schiff (14%) and Lee (9%) are falling behind with 42% of likely voters still undecided.

The top two finishers in the March 2024 primary will face off in the general election.

Lee, the only announced Black candidate, received a vote of favorability with 26% of likely voters in the poll, 19% unfavorable and 55% saying they had no opinion. Among Black voters, 45% said they had no opinion of Lee.

Lee is known for being the sole vote against giving President George W. Bush broad war powers after 9/11. In the California Legislature, she wrote the California Violence Against Women Act and a bill enhancing penalties for blocking access to abortion clinics.

“We’re not looking back on this campaign,” Lee said. “But I want you to look at what I have done as a progressive Black woman, both in the Legislature and in Congress, to know that I’m going to stand my ground. I have convictions and courage. And it’s an indicator of what I will do in the future.”

Gov. Newsom Grants Pardons to Four Veterans

Last week, Gov. Newsom granted pardons to four people who served in the Armed Services. The California Constitution gives the Governor authority to grant executive clemency, recognizing an individual’s efforts towards self-rehabilitation and accountability.

Jamar Baines served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was discharged

under honorable conditions, with a National Defense Service medal and Humanitarian Service medal.

Andres De Leon is a Vietnam War veteran. In 1967, 19-year-old De Leon was convicted of burglary, then enlisted in the Army shortly after serving his sentence. He was honorably discharged.

Fabian Rebolledo is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a paratrooper and a peacekeeper during combat operations in Kosovo and received an honorable discharge in 2000.

Ernest Sari served in the U.S. Army National Guard and was honorably discharged. In 2001, he was convicted of possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm.

Gov. Newsom has granted a total of 144 pardons, 123 commutations, and 36 reprieves.

Senate Advances Bills Protecting Foster and Homeless Youths

Last week, the California State Senate passed two bills introduced by Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) that will protect children facing adversity.

Senate Bill (SB) 333, guarantees income to homeless high school seniors. Senate Bill (SB) 9 raises the age from 21 to 22 for young people to stay in extended foster care.

SB 333 will provide stipends of $1,000 a month for five months to unhoused students finishing high school “to help them enroll in college or enter the workforce.”

“I applaud my Senate colleagues for protecting California’s most vulnerable students during a crucial time. High schools offer homeless students a support network that can include free counseling, school supplies, transportation and meals,” Cortese said.

On May 30, the Senate passed SB 9 with a 40-to-0 vote. It now heads to the Assembly for consideration.

On May 22, the Senate passed SB 333 with a 34-to-4-vote. It is now being reviewed by the Assembly Education and Human Services committees.

Sports & Entertainment Los Angeles Rams announce 2023 Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellows

By therams.com

The Los Angeles Rams have announced their Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellows for the 2023 offseason program. The fellowship is a continuation of the team’s efforts to strengthen the NFL’s diverse talent and provides experience to outstanding coaches from different backgrounds.

This year’s program began at the start of the second week of OTAs on Tuesday, May 30, and will continue through the end of mandatory Mini Camp on Thursday, June 15.

The fellowship is named after the late Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach, who first introduced this concept to the NFL in 1987 when he brought a group of minority coaches to San Francisco 49ers’ training camp. The fellowship is designed as a vocational tool to increase the number of full-time NFL minority coaches in the league while exposing fellows to the methods and philosophies of an NFL coaching staff.

Below is a list of the Rams’ 2023 Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellows:

Name Position Group

Daren Bates Special Teams

Donte Deayon Cornerbacks

Chuckie Keeton Running Backs

Vontrell King-Williams

Defensive Line

Corey Liuget Defensive Line

Kyle Washington Receivers

Daren Bates signed with the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn

in 2013 and had a nine-year NFL career. He appeared in 125 games, mostly on special teams, and tallied 16 tackles (11 solo), two pass breakups, one pass defensed and one pressure. Bates spent time with the Rams (2013-15), the Oakland Raiders (2016), the Tennessee Titans (2017-20), and the Atlanta Falcons (2021) during his playing career. He appeared in 50 games for the Auburn Tigers (2009-12) and tallied 175 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, three interceptions, 12 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. He will assist Rams’ Special Teams Coordinator Chase Blackburn and Special Teams Assistant Jeremy Springer during the fellowship program.

Former Rams Defensive Back and Super Bowl LVI Champion Donte Deayon is rejoining the team as a coaching fellow and will mentor the cornerbacks with Rams’ Defensive Backs Coach Aubrey Pleasant. Deayon played in the NFL for five seasons, including two with the New York Giants (2017-18) and three with the Rams (2019-21). During his pro career, he appeared in 21 games (one start) and notched 43 tackles (35 solo), four pass breakups, five passes defensed, two tackles for loss, one fumble recovery and one pressure. Deayon played his collegiate ball at Boise State (201215), where he was a three-time AllMountain West Second Team selection

(2013-15). His 17 career interceptions are fifth on Boise State’s all-time list and third all-time in the Mountain West Conference.

Chuckie Keeton will assist Rams’ Running Backs Coach Ron Gould and currently serves as an offensive analyst at Marshall. He has coached at other collegiate programs such as Oregon State, Texas Tech, and Utah State, where he played quarterback and earned All-WAC honors. Keeton’s record-setting career at Utah State spanned a total of five seasons (201115). He finished his college career with more than 10 school records, ranked first in total offense (8,808 yards) and touchdown passes (62), and led the Aggies to their first outright title since 1936. Keeton attended rookie Mini Camp with the Houston Texans before beginning his coaching career.

Auburn University’s Defensive Analyst Vontrell King-Williams will work with the team’s defensive line alongside Rams’ Defensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator Eric Henderson. His previous coaching stops include Eastern Michigan and Liberty. King-Williams played collegiately at the University of Illinois, Butler Community College, and UTSA (201216) before joining the UTSA coaching staff as an intern in 2017.

Former NFL player Corey Liuget will also assist Henderson and the defensive line during the fellowship

program. Liuget played 10 seasons in the NFL and had stints with the Los Angeles Chargers (2011-18), Buffalo Bills (2019) and Houston Texans (2020). He played in 124 games (87 starts) and registered 291 tackles (219 solo), 66 tackles for loss, 26.0 sacks, 183 pressures, six forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown. Liuget was drafted by the Chargers in the first round (18th overall) of the 2011 NFL draft out of the University of Illinois.

Northwestern State quarterbacks coach Kyle Washington

Kyle Washington serves as the quarterbacks coach at Northwestern State in Louisiana and will assist the receivers alongside Rams’ Receivers Coach Eric Yarber. As a quarterback at Angelo State (2011-14), he became the first player in ASU history to throw for over 3,000 yards. He broke the ASU single-season records for passing yards (3,236) and touchdowns (34) his senior year. That season, Washington also rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2014, he was the LSC Player of the Year and the LSC Academic Player of the Year. Following college graduation, he coached at his alma mater and proceeded to make coaching stops at McNeese State and Franklin Pierce.

BUPPIE | BUSINESS

Despite Pushback from Franchise Owners, Assembly Passes Fast Food Worker Bill

By Antonio Ray Harvey| California Black Media

Last week, fast-foods franchise owners and other opponents of Assembly Bill (AB) 1228 suffered a setback when the State Assembly approved a bill that would grant national franchise corporations more control over their businesses.

The bill has been forwarded to the Senate for review.

The Fast Food Franchisor Responsibility Act, authored by Assembly Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), passed off the Assembly floor with 42 votes in favor of the legislation while 22 members of the Assembly voted against the bill.

“We’ve heard fast-food workers experience of wage theft, violence at work, sexual harassment and assaults, denied sick days, intense heat, poor work-place safety practices, and retaliation for speaking out,” said Holden before his colleagues voted on the bill.

“Well, this does not imply that all fast-food franchisees mistreat their workers. It is clear that we must ensure that our fast-food workers are able to thrive in their workplace and in their communities,” he added.

According to the Employment Policies Institute, which reviewed wage claims from the California Department of Industrial Relations for the period of 2017 – 2022, the quick-service restaurant industry accounted for 1.6% of wage claims despite representing 3.2% of California’s workforce..

Holden, Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Issac Bryan (D-Los Angeles), Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Reggie Jones Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), (D-Los Angeles), Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), and Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) – all members of the California Legislature Black Caucus – voted in favor of AB 1228.

Some opponents of AB 1228 say the bill was introduced to send a message to the fast-food industry.

“What is the bill really about? I looked at this bill closely in the Judiciary Committee and I didn’t see evidence that there are more labor violations in the fast-food industry than in other sectors,” said Assemblymember Bill Essayi (R-Corona) before the vote.

“Well, I think what this bill is about is retaliation. It’s retaliation against an industry that dares to stand up to this body and to pass or qualify a referendum to undo a really bad law that’s going to drive up food costs for every Americans,” he continued.

In the weeks leading up to the vote, a coalition of franchise fast food restaurant owners across California

launched a voter-education campaign against AB 1228.

The Stop the Attack on Local Restaurants was buttressed by a public outreach with 30-second ads. The ads featured diverse California franchise restaurant owners sharing their concerns about ways AB 1228 would infringe on their rights to manage their small businesses.

“AB 1228 would destroy franchise businesses like mine,” said Mat. A., a Black restaurant owner in Lake Elsinore who appears in one of the ads the group released.

Last month, over 100 local franchise restaurant owners rallied at the State Capitol in Sacramento to push back against AB 1228. They argue that the bill would cut off one of the best pathways to business ownership for minority entrepreneurs. The owners were joined by social justice advocates, other small businesses owners, ethnic business leaders, and several representatives from restaurant brands and trade associations.

“It would destroy our business. We’ve worked hard to build a legacy for our family to take care of our employees

and take care of our customers,” businessman Percy Johnson told California Black Media at the Citizen Hotel in downtown Sacramento, where the franchisees held a news conference.

Johnson owns eight McDonald’s restaurants in the Sacramento area that he operates with members of his family. He’s been a franchisee for approximately 26 years and his restaurants employ at least 300 people.

“Make no mistake about it, these are our customers, and these are our employees. These are not corporate employees or corporate customers,” Johnson added.

In addition to running a successful chain of restaurants, Johnson said he participates in community activities, gives back money to support humanitarian causes, and supports other small businesses.

AB 1228, authored by Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), would void any agreement between a franchise restaurant and its corporate parent that waives liability for violations against the franchisor.

Making the case for AB 1228, Holden

explains that some franchisees violate employee rights at a far higher rate than establishments owned and operated by the franchisor.

“I believe many franchisees want to do right by the people that work for them but may not see it as possible under their franchisor’s terms and conditions. This can help to provide some relief while protecting employees and businesses,” said Holden in a statement.

Owners argue that without specialized agreements between franchisors and franchisees, they would be constrained by broad corporate restrictions which often force them to choose between profitability and following standards.

However, supporters of AB 1228 say franchisees would have the opportunity to file action against their corporate parents if abiding by the franchisor’s terms infringes on their ability to comply with employment laws.

Jai Coward and his wife Kayla Coward are the owners of a Dog Haus franchise in Santa Clara they opened in

legislation on sentencing reform and prison reform. I’m currently working to pass SB 441 which will make our criminal justice process more just and more efficient by giving someone accused of a felony access to vital information called discovery earlier in the legal process. This would eliminate long and costly legal motions over the disclosure of evidence obtained by prosecutors and law enforcement, and ultimately reduce the risk of wrongful arrests and convictions.”

Q-What about measures pertaining to police conduct and misconduct?

SB-“My SB 2 from 2021 was a landmark piece of legislation. For the first time, it established a process for removing bad police officers by decertifying them from working as peace officers in California. This law ends the “wash, rinse and repeat” cycle where bad police officers would be fired but simply move to another department and continue causing harm in our communities.”

Q-Have you received any reports on the statistical results of SB 673 that helps to locate missing youth and women?

SB-“SB 673, the Ebony Alert, is still moving through the legislative process and has not become law yet. SB 673 would create the Ebony Alert notification system in California to help locate missing Black youth or young Black women between the ages of 12 – 25 years. SB 673 would give law enforcement an additional resource to help locate them. The Ebony Alert would encourage news organizations including television, cable, online, radio and social media outlets to cooperate with sharing the information about a missing person.”

Q-How have you been involved in the dramatic economic development the City of Inglewood has experienced over the last several years?

SB-“In 2021 I helped to secure $8.5 million dollars to revitalize Inglewood’s Market Street and support the City’s post-COVID-19 recovery efforts to help small and minority-owned businesses and the Inglewood Transit Corridor development. These funds will accelerate Inglewood’s transformation in time for the upcoming 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. I have also supported state funding for the Inglewood Transit Connector.”

“In addition, I authored SB 789 which brings jobs and revitalization to Inglewood and co-authored AB 987, the California Environmental Quality Act:

Sports and Entertainment Project. This bill helped streamline the construction of the new LA Clippers arena, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, and included several pioneering environmental protections and pollution reductions. This project created thousands of jobs and will generate millions of dollars in public revenue.

Currently, I have a bill in the legislature, SB 392, which is needed to allow the Clippers’ new arena to sell alcoholic beverages at events and offer related advertising on the arena property. This is similar to my 2017 bill SB 582 that granted similar permission to SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park.”

Q-What about the Cities of Compton, Gardena, Hawthorne, and Lawndale?

SB-“At the start of the pandemic, I was appointed as co-chair of the Senate Democrats’ economic recovery working group. One of the major pieces of legislation to come out of the group was AB 3088, The Tenant/Landlord COVID-19 Eviction & Foreclosure Relief Act, which I was proud to Joint Author. It protects tenants and small mom & pop property owners struggling due to COVID by providing eviction relief and foreclosure protection. My SB 1447 in 2020 expanded California’s assistance programs for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing a $100 million small business hiring tax credit program.

In 2022, I secured $12 million to repair the Artesia Bridge in the City of Compton. The bridge has been closed off since December of 2020, after a fire rendered it unsafe to use. The Artesia Boulevard Bridge serves as an important connection point between several major highways and thoroughfares. The long closure of the bridge has significantly affected residents, small businesses, and the surrounding region.

Just last year, I secured $2 million for Gardena Boulevard revitalization. The funds will be utilized for façade improvements, capital upgrades, and to offset start-up costs.

For 20 years, I have served as the founder and chairman of the Gardena Jazz Festival. This Jazz Festival, that will celebrate its 20th year in August, has become a highly anticipated event by members of the community and pulls a lot of funding back into the city and to local businesses participating in the festival.

Just recently, the California Department of Education and the State Board of Education have awarded Hawthorne School District

an unprecedented $14.25 million community partnerships grant as part of the 2022-2023 California Community Schools Partnership Program.

This year, Hawthorne will receive over $1.26 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. CDBG funds can be used for buying property, public works, accessibility for disabled people, historic preservation, relocation payments, rehabilitation, special economic development, micro enterprises, and more.”

Q-The Reparations task force will present its final report in July 2023. Can you give me a preview of what to expect with their recommendation?

SB-“The California Reparations Task Force was established by law to study and make recommendations on reparations for the descendants of slavery in California. Our task force has produced a large interim report that documents the harm and history of slavery and discrimination in our state. The final report will be published by July 1st at https://oag.ca.gov/ab3121 and presented to the Legislature and the Governor. The recommendations include a variety of options including a formal apology, cash payments, access to free education, health care, home buying assistance and many others. After July 1, the work of passing a law to create reparations will begin. This work will be challenging but extremely important. I am committed to fighting hard to see that the work of the task force becomes more than just a book report. We must take action to repair these historic and systemic injustices.”

Q-What is the simplest reason why California gas prices are among the highest in the nation and are there any proposed changes in the works to mitigate the high prices?

“Our gas prices are high for several reasons. We know California places a high priority on clean air and mandates a special blend of gasoline that requires a more expensive refining process. This process also makes California vulnerable to supply chain disruptions as the state produces its own gasoline. Like many states, California also adds a gas tax to pay for our roads. The troubling part of the high price at the pump is the lack of transparency from the oil companies. I serve as the Chair of the Senate Energy Committee and this spring, we passed legislation that Governor Newsom signed into law that will add unprecedented oversight

and transparency to the oil industry in California. This new law gives state regulators the ability to see if any pricegouging is taking place and to take action to protect California drivers.”

Q-Can you share any new legislation that is underway that you can preview for INGLEWOOD TODAY readers?

SB-“This year, I authored a resolution that calls on California to take a stand against child slavery. Many people are unaware that a large portion of the minerals used to make lithiumion batteries to power things like cell phones and electric cars, comes from the Congo where children are being exploited. Little kids are being forced to climb into mines so we can have our clean technology. California’s important clean energy goals shouldn’t mean we have to participate in child slavery. My resolution, SCR24 calls on the state to support the safe mining of cobalt in places like California’s Salton Sea instead of in places where children are being exploited.”

As a former Inglewood Unified School District Teacher, responsible for grading individuals on the quality of their effort, work and results; now, as a news writer, I hereby declare that Senator Bradford’s results as the 35th t District Senator for Southern California, including the communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor City, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, San Pedro, Torrance, Watts, Willowbrook, and Wilmington, has earned an A+ as a result of the results he has delivered for his constituents.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case # 23TRCP00212

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Petitioner: Ismail Khan Ali, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, Southwest District, 825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503-5058, to change his name.

FROM: Ismail Khan Ali-TO : Ismail khan

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on, July 7, 2023, 8:30 AM, Dept. M, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Publication Dates: June 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case # 23TRCP00206

2010. Their franchise has grown to 55 locations, including eight restaurants in Texas. When the Cowards were first granted a franchise license, they immediately started planning to expand – acting on a dream they had since college.

Now, the Cowards are hoping that AB 1228 will not kill their dreams.

“The whole reason why we went into business is to do business for ourselves. I am here doing this for us and our community. I don’t want to be a manager. I can go get a corporate job,” Jai Coward said. “Honestly, for us, I think we’re looking outside

of California (if AB 1228 becomes law). Our brand, Dog Haus, we’re franchising nationwide now. For us, it might be us looking at other states and other opportunities as well.”

California is home to more than 15,000 franchised quick-service restaurants in every region of the state. The overwhelming majority of franchised restaurants are locally-run and operated by small business owners – many of whom are people of color, women, immigrants and veterans.

According to a study by Oxford Economics, nearly 50% of McDonald’s owners and operators in California are people of color.

Marisol Sanchez and her family own

three McDonald’s franchises that she says are employee-friendly, profitable and connected to the community. Some of Sanchez’s employees have worked for the family for 30 years.

The business helps employees achieve the American dream, she said.

“We provide our employees with more than just a paycheck. We’ve helped dozens of our crew members pursue citizenship, become homeowners with down payment assistance, and apply for college for tuition assistance,” Sanchez said. “It’s unimaginable why anyone would want to take the decisions out of my hands and instead put out-of-state corporations in charge of my business and crew members.”

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Petitioner: Hellen Williams, 11013 S. Van Ness Ave., Inglewood, CA 90303, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, Southwest District, 825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503-5058, to change her name.

FROM: Hellen Williams – TO: Helen Williams

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on, July 21, 2023, 8:30 AM, Dept. B, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Publication Dates: May 25; June 1, 8, 15, 2023.

Continued from page 1: D-1

with staff presentations and open-forum questions and on the spot answers.

For example, Inglewood Police Department (IPD), Lieutenant Nicole Loudermilk, introduced the police officers who work exclusively in District 1. She also provided the direct IPD dispatch telephone number for anyone needing immediate police support, explaining that a call to 911 is routed through the county alert system and could cause a delayed response. The dispatch number is 310-4128771. She also provided her direct telephone number (310-412-5206) if a D-1 resident needs to speak directly to her. In addition, she provided the number for Cinder Eller, the IPD representative who can respond to any matters pertaining to the homeless members of the community.

A presentation was made by a representative from the Housing Department who provided information to tenants and landlords about current eviction procedures following the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is important to know that landlords can issue

Three-Day-Notices to pay delinquent rent for April, May and June, 2023, and may proceed with eviction proceedings if the tenant does not pay within three days.

A representative from the Public Works Department provided a comprehensive overview of the recently completed projects in the City of Inglewood, those currently underway and those proposed and approved for the future. From street and sidewalk improvement projects to environmental and general services projects, the city is breaking all previous records in completing projects that contribute to the quality of life for Inglewood’s residents.

Council Member Gray’s first Town Hall Meeting was a huge success in terms of both the quality and quantity of information. She vowed to conduct regular meetings with her constituents to ensure that their voices are heard and that she truly stands and speaks out on behalf of the members of District 1.

Continued from page 1: Black...

park.

Black Music Appreciation Month celebrates African American musical influences that make up an essential portion of America’s cultural heritage.

Established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, it recognizes the history and rich musical traditions that gave rise to genres such as barbershop, blues, funk, gospel, hip-hop, jazz, and swing music. Every president since Carter has continued the tradition, including President Joe Biden. Biden proclaimed June as Black Music Month in a May 31 statement.

“Today, the creative ways that Black music tells stories of trial and triumph in American life continue to move us

all to understand the common struggles of humanity,” Biden’s proclamation reads. “This month, we celebrate the songs and artists that challenge us to think critically, stand up to injustice, and believe in ourselves. We recommit to expanding the promise of dignity and opportunity for all Americans. And we revel in the sounds, spirit, and soul of some of the very best music ever

to certain things,” he stated. “You can do it anywhere — stoops, subways, street corners. I think of hip-hop having similar innovation — despite the resources — to create something original and enduring.”

The film is a collection of video recordings shot by Vance over a decade with artists he befriended and worked with. The oral histories’ documentary

genres like rock ‘n’ roll and soul — oftentimes get no credit for their impact on American music culture.

Brand architect and television personality Erika Pittman will emcee the Los Angeles screening. Hip-hop icon Christopher “Kid” Reid, one half of the duo Kid ‘n Play, will deliver an opening monologue. Entertainment journalist Brande Victorian will lead

created.”

Back in Los Angeles, GRAMMY Museum Chief Curator & VP of Curatorial Affairs Jasen Emmons said “Heart & Soul” shows the musical innovation in the Black community.

“If you didn’t have access to instruments — this ability to get together and create vocal harmonies as a group — it doesn’t require access

features first-hand accounts of what it was like for young Black and Latino musicians to go into an entertainment industry that was unsure of how to manage the new artists’ sound.

Vance, prone to breaking out in melody himself while discussing the musicians featured in “Heart & Soul,” said the doo-wop performers — whose 50s’ and 60s’ heyday influenced later

an after-screening conversation with Vance.

Emmons hopes viewers gain a deep understanding of doo-wop music.

“There is an audience that deeply loves doo-wop and when the songs come on the radio, they evoke a lot of emotion in people,” he noted.