C e l e b r a t i n g 2 6 Ye a r s o f Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities
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EYE ON THE CITY Rams
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June 25 to July 1, 2020
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How do you have fun in a pandemic? See Page 6
VOL. 35, No. 26
By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
The eroding Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) at first was losing students at its member schools annually by the thousands, but now IUSD is scheduled to officially close the doors on Warren Lane Elementary School on June 29, during a virtual School Board meeting at 5:30p.m. Outside of that board meeting located at 401 South Inglewood Ave., there is expected to be some disgruntled parents and residents, but in the end none of it will matter. Four years ago the mass exodus of Inglewood area residents began when instead of attending failing low performing schools near home, they began attending schools outside the district, thus shrinking enrollments and costing the district millions of dollars in state revenue. By 2017, IUSD had sunk so low, losing students, gross mismanagement and fiscally insolvent, Inglewood Unified became the ninth school district in the history of California to be taken over by the state. Staring down the barrel of a $16
Forum
million annually debt, the state floated the district an emergency loan of $55 million – an extreme
elected school board of its legislative powers. That debt now is floating around some $35 million and growing. There is enough blame to go around to the five Inglewood District board members, but it has to start at the top with its president Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza. Scorza’s glowing resume touts him as a lecturer in the Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA, US Navy Iraq War Veteran, UC Regent Emeritus, 2010 Education Pioneers Fellow, and a 2013 Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) Fellow. Lofty accolades indeed, but not aligned with what Inglewood District required, and it’s not surprising that he has failed to right the ship at IUSD, since he came aboard the Inglewood District is sinking faster than the titanic. Scorza was a shocking under measure qualified choice to serve as high that required ranking staffer for the late Kent Taylor, firing then-local Superintendent Gary Continued on page 2 McHenry and stripping the locally
Los Angeles Rams and Fuel Up To Play 60 Award Inglewood Unified School District $10,000 Hometown Grant ‘Hometown Grant’ will support Inglewood Unified COVID-19 Relief Efforts IT News Wire
The Los Angeles Rams have partnered with Fuel Up to PLAY 60 and America’s Dairy Farmers to provide Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) with a $10,000 ‘Hometown Grant’ to be used in support of the District’s COVID-19 relief efforts. Over the past few months, Inglewood Unified School District has been organizing grab-and-go meal distributions for student-families and helping to address other needs that have surfaced as a result of COVID-19.
During this time, the Rams have worked with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to supplement these meals and food kits for IUSD student-families. “Although school is out for the summer, our commitment to the wellbeing of our families still remains. The generosity and partnership of our neighbors, the Los Angeles Rams, have been vital to ensuring that commitment,” said Dr. Erika Torres, County Administrator for IUSD. “We greatly appreciate their donation and Continued on page 2
Not long after the local residents, their guests and visitors enjoyed a world-class Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, the Inglewood Sports Bar and Lounge extend the festivities by providing a free barbecue meal to everyone, that extended into the early evening. The delectable meal featured barbecue chicken and ribs, potato salad, and baked beans topped off with a non-alcoholic beverage of choice. Kudos to the Inglewood Sports Bar and Lounge for ‘giving back’ to the City of Inglewood! Francis Taylor for Inglewood Today
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June 25 to July 1, 2020 Continued from page 1:Warren Lane...
the first appointed State Administrator at Inglewood District. Instead of raising the schools low test scores and keeping talented residents at home schools, Scorza has been at the epicenter of all that has gone wrong
in the district. The fact that Scorza is still with the district is shocking since previous incoming Interim State Administrator LaTanya Kirkpatrick terminated him. He has frequently been at odds with the City of Inglewood and economic development projects such as the Clipper Arena that benefit the city. The only way for Inglewood District to come from under state administration control is for the district to pay back
the loan in full and then produce a fiveyear plan that would demonstrate it could remain solvent without state aid. With students fleeing elsewhere and current schools in vast decay, it appears the only way out is for the district to sell its most valuable assets, which is the real estate the schools rest on. Sources confirmed to Inglewood Today the district has issued a Request for Proposal that would sell land around Morningside High School for housing developments. While, Inglewood Today has not been able to verify or confirm the details it would be in line with the situation that transpired with Warren Lane. Warren Lane had less that 200 students for seven grade levels, and most recently Morningside enrollment had dipped to around 600 students. Ironically there should be no place to go but up for the Inglewood District, but under its current leadership and with yet another appointed administrator by the state, the ineptitude of the Los Angeles County Office of Education it appears to be doomed.
Continued from page 1: Los Angeles...
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that of Fuel Up to Play 60 and America’s Dairy Farmers, as the Hometown Grant will go a long way to ensuring that IUSD scholars and their families are supported during these challenging times.” The ‘Hometown Grants’ program has traditionally helped schools and districts facilitate sustainable physical activity and healthy eating improvements. This is the second ‘Hometown Grant’ the Rams have awarded to Inglewood Unified School District since moving back to Los Angeles in 2016. In 2017, Rams players, cheerleaders and staff visited Highland Elementary in Inglewood to present a $10,000 check to IUSD officials and lead students in physical activity drills. “We are incredibly grateful of our partnership with America’s Dairy Farmers and to once again work together to support our schools,” said Molly Higgins, Vice President of Community Affairs and Engagement, Los Angeles Rams. “Since returning home to Los Angeles in 2016, and as we prepare to kick off our inaugural season at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, we have been able to identify and address needs facing our school communities and this year’s grant was especially meaningful given the challenges facing Inglewood Unified students.” Since the ‘Hometown Grants’ program launched in 2015, more than $160,000 has been awarded to California schools. Developed by Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP 60) and the National Football League (NFL), the
NNPA President Dr. Ben Chavis to Moderate Forum on Equality By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia
National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., will serve as a moderator for an important national forum on racial equality in Phoenix, Arizona. “I’m honored to have legendary civil rights leader and NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr. moderating the ninth ‘The Bridge Forum,’” stated Alan “AP” Powell, the event’s organizer, and U.S. Desert Storm Veteran. Powell is the founder of the HeroZona Foundation, a nonprofit with a strong focus on veteran initiatives and honoring those who have served our country and their family members. “Dr. Chavis’ commitment to supporting and advocating for our nation’s 230 Black newspapers is crucial in reaching equality,” Powell stated. “Dr. Chavis and I are also in conversations with Indiana Attorney General Greg Fisher about bringing ‘The Bridge Forum’ to their markets.” The HeroZona Foundation announced the Bridge Forum would take place on Tuesday, June 23 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the American Legion Post 65 (1624 E. Broadway Rd.) in Phoenix. Participants are expected to discuss what it’s like to be Black in America and how to take actions to reach equality. The invitation-only event will also ‘Hometown Grant’ program provides teams and dairy organizations with the opportunity to identify deserving schools in their area and provide them with funding to help meet their health and wellness goals. Each of the 32 NFL Clubs, FUTP 60 and local dairy representatives are providing $10,000 grants in communities throughout the country, providing a $320,000 investment in youth health and wellness. Fuel Up to Play 60 was created in partnership by the NFL and National Dairy Council and in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. FUTP 60 is the nation’s largest in-school nutrition, physical activity and wellness program creating transformational change in more than 73,000 schools nationwide. About Fuel Up to Play 60: Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Football League (NFL) and National Dairy Council (NDC), which was founded by America’s dairy farmers, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Fuel Up to Play 60 is designed to engage and empower youth to take action for their own health by implementing long-term, positive changes for themselves and their schools. The program additionally encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Visit FuelUpToPlay60.com to learn more.
be live streamed to the public on TheBridgeForum.com. The Bridge Forum: Time for Change event will be the ninth Bridge Forum series from the organization to understand different perspectives, attitudes, and beliefs about community policing. The upcoming forum will focus on current events within the Black community and law enforcement and examine how communities can work together with police to create equality in the nation. “Bridge Forums are an essential tool in bridging the gap between communities and law enforcement,” Powell stated. “The Black community needs to move from peaceful protest to action and this is what the Bridge Forum is designed to do.” The Bridge Forum will include panelists such as General Manager for the Phoenix Suns, James Jones; Superintendent for the Roosevelt School District No. 66, Quintin Boyce; Arizona State Representative from District 27, Reginald Bolding; President for the Arizona Youth & College NAACP, Armonee D. Jackson; Founder of LoLo’s Chicken & Waffles, Larry White; Senior Pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church, Dr. Warren. H. Stewart Sr.; City of Phoenix Police Chief, Jeri Williams; Maricopa County Attorney, Continued on page 8
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June 25 to July 1, 2020
EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON
ALEX PADILLA
JAMES BUTTS
ELOY MORALES
RALPH FRANKLIN
AROUND THE CITY
City Council Awarded Funds for Elderly Nutrition Program Council Members Announce $500 Fine for Illegal Fireworks By Francis Taylor, Senior Correspondent
At the beginning of the weekly city council meeting, the mayor explained the means by which individuals may express public comments, indicating that the most effective method is to go to Community Room A on the first floor of the City Hall building while the meeting is underway, The council approved Amendment Nine of the Elderly Nutrition Program Services Subaward Number ENP162008 with County of Los Angeles Workforce Development Aging and Community Services to reflect award of additional funding in the amount of $122,000 for provision of the Elderly Nutrition Program. Since the COVID-19 ‘Stay Safe at Home’ condition, the City of Inglewood has been delivering five frozen meals as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, fruit cocktail, applesauce, juice and milk to the homes of the senior citizens who regularly visited the Inglewood Senior Center each day for a hot and nutritious meal. The council approved an agreement (“Subaward”) with the County of Los Angeles Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) and associated documentation in order to receive grant funds in the amount of $479,500 from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, for the provision of the Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP). The council approved and executed an agreement with Southern California Edison (SCE) for Schedule LS-1 Option E, Energy Efficient-Light Emitting Diode (LED) Fixture Replacement Rate, to replace all SCE-owned High-Pressure Sodium Vapour (HPSV) street lights
on residential city streets with LED Fixtures. The council adopted a resolution affirming the list of projects for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 that will be funded by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1). The council set a public hearing to schedule delinquent refuse and sewer accounts for direct property tax assessment for July 21, 2020, and another to receive public comments and take final action on a proposed substantial amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan to reallocate current program funds from projects/activities that did not expend projected funds and to allocate supplemental funding from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Recovery Act (CARES Act) to address the impacts of the coronavirus on the City of Inglewood, for June 30, 2020. There were no citizen comments during the public comments portion of the meeting however, each council member and the mayor admonished those who have chosen to express illegal fireworks as early as April, 2020, and up to the present, reminding everyone that Safe and Sane Fireworks are the only ones that are legal in the City of Inglewood and that is on the 4th of July only. Mayor Butts announced that City Hall is now open for business with social distancing for everyone. He also said that persons entering the building will have their temperature checked for everyone’s safety. Before adjourning he stated that the Inglewood Police Department will respond to reports of the use of illegal fireworks.
Congresswomen Waters & Barragán Ask AG Becerra to Investigate Police Shooting of Andres Guardado in Gardena IT News Wire
LOS ANGELES – Congresswomen Maxine Waters (CA-43) and Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) released the following joint statement on the shooting death of Andres Guardado by a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy in Gardena: “Another day, and another Black or Brown kid has been shot in the back by police. These killings must stop. We demand it. The American people demand it. “Andres Guardado is the latest young man of color killed by police gunfire. He was shot in the back. The officers involved did not wear body cameras. “We demand answers and call for an independent investigation into this tragic death. There must be full transparency so the public can trust
the investigation and we know we are getting the truth. “We are asking California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to conduct a full investigation into this incident. “Far too often, young Brown and Black men are caught up in a ‘shoot first, ask questions later’ scenario with police officers. We will not stand for it, whether it is in Atlanta, or like this case, in South Los Angeles. “Change must come now. For weeks, the American people and the world have marched to demand accountability, put an end to aggressive and violent police tactics, and equal justice for Black and Brown communities. We must show them their pleas are being heard now. That begins with making sure we get justice for Andres Guardado.”
Crenshaw Youth Hold Peaceful Demonstration Protesting Racial Injustice By Francis Taylor, Senior Correspondent
Young people converged on the grounds of the YMCA in Leimert Park in the Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles as the staging place for their peaceful demonstration Saturday to protest racial injustice. Dozens of young people with their matching t-shirts participated in what was their first taste of demonstrating peacefully to bring about change. “I think it’s very discouraging sometimes watching the news and constantly seeing headlines about what’s happening because it’s scary,” said Taylor Mosby, a YMCA youth
leader. “It’s not something you’re ready to fully accept at 10 or 11 years old. So we want them to understand that this is not permanent.” Speakers, dancers and musicians performed outside the YMCA in Crenshaw as dozens of young people received an early education on disobedience and social justice. “We have little kids that are learning things about themselves and that’s important for them to show people ‘this is how I feel,’” Mosby said. “This is something we’re going to fight as a community.”
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June 25 to July 1, 2020
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The CLBC lights up the State Capitol in recognition of Juneteenth
Photo by Chida Rebecca editor and chief, Black & Magazine San Diego County Administration Building
“Juneteenth is Freedom Day and a cause for celebration,” said Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. “What is
encouraging is the renewed interest in Juneteenth by young people. I think it is this moment where they recognize their power to make change. The message of Juneteenth is especially salient in
the context of the current protests over ongoing and persistent brutality and inequity in the lives of Black Americans. American ideals promise equality, but have yet to fulfill that
California State Capitol Goes Black … Red and Green to Mark Juneteenth Aldon Thomas Stiles | California Black Media
As California goes, so does the nation. You’ve probably heard that cliché many times before. It certainly rings true for Juneteenth. The state of California started recognizing Juneteenth or Black “Freedom Day,” marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, back in 2003 as an official state observance. That was 17 years before Juneteenth became a household word across the United States this year. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger led troops into Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and to let enslaved people in that town know that nearly 250 years of slavery was finally over. They were now recognized as free people. Thousands of African Americans in that former Confederate Gulf Coast town had not yet heard that more than two years before on January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation. That document officially granted them their freedom. “Four hundred years, African Americans have fought through struggle and oppression only to rise to the occasion and be the creators,
inventors and leaders of society,” said the Rev. Shane Harris, a San Diego based civil rights leader, reflecting on the history behind the holiday. In the wake of the brutal murder of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who Minnesota police killed last month — and amid the global protests his death has sparked — there were more Juneteenth celebrations across California than ever before in history. The commemorations took on especial significance as Californians up and down the state paid homage to the suffering and triumphs of African American history in the United States. “Juneteenth is Freedom Day and a cause for celebration,” said Assembly member Shirley N. Weber (D-San Diego, chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus. On Friday night in Sacramento, Weber, other members of the California legislature, and people from all walks of life, watched from the lawn of the California Capitol as the building’s famous dome lighted up in Red, Green and Black. African Americans use those colors to symbolize the pain and the richness of the African American experience and the African heritage of Black people in the United Sates. “What is encouraging is the renewed interest in Juneteenth by young people. I think it is this moment where they
recognize their power to make change. The message of Juneteenth is especially salient in the context of the current protests over ongoing and persistent brutality and inequity in the lives of Black Americans,” said Weber. American ideals promise equality, but have yet to fulfill that promise. By lighting the State Capitol in red, black and green, the California Legislative Black Caucus demonstrates its commitment to making that promise a reality in California,” she said. Across the country, more and more, businesses — including Nike, Target and Spotify —have started to consider Juneteenth a paid holiday. And as social and recreational venues began to open across the United States, Californians last weekend organized events for an all-American holiday celebration throughout the state. There were marches for justices in San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Pittsburg, Palo Alto and Santa Clara that ended up with political rallies. Some events featured live performances, food and other entertainment. In Sacramento, the California Black Agriculture Working Group held an event at Cesar Chavez Plaza called “2020 Sacramento Juneteenth, Dia De Los Negroes.” Continued on page 8
promise. By lighting the State Capitol in red, black and green, the California Legislative Black Caucus demonstrates its commitment to making that promise a reality in California.”
Rep. Waters joined in Celebration of Juneteenth IT New Wire
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) delivered an uplifting message to the African American community in recognition of Juneteenth, the holiday that recognizes the true end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865 – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery -- Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas to make the last slaves aware of their freedom. 155 years later, the fight for freedom, justice, and equality continue. “B.B. King sang the blues…and Kendrick Lamar rapped ‘alright,’” said Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “Now I truly believe we will ‘be alright’ because of the people who are now in the streets all over the world protesting the killing and the abuse of Black men and women. I’m with Kendrick Lamar. Everything is going to ‘be alright.’” Congresswoman Waters also paid tribute to her dear friend, the lateRepresentative Al Lawson of Texas who is known as the “Father of Juneteenth” as a result of his successful effort to make Texas the first state to create a paid, statewide Juneteenth Holiday in 1980.
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June 25 to July 1, 2020
Sports & Entertainment Dr. Karida Brown to Implement Educational Programming on Race and Racism
The UCLA Professor Discusses Her Hiring by the Lakers and Goals for the Franchise IT News Wire
The Lakers announced the hiring of Dr. Karida Brown as the team’s Director of Racial Equity & Action on Thursday, and on Friday, as the franchise celebrated Juneteenth, Dr. Brown joined members of the media on a Zoom call. Dr. Brown explained her goals in educating the Lakers further in the organization’s push towards progress on racial and social issues, and detailed how the partnership developed. It started in recent weeks when Lakers COO & President of Business Operations Tim Harris reached out to the sociology department at UCLA, looking for direction on what professor specialized in race and racism. He was connected with Dr. Brown, who asked if the Lakers organization was a nonracist organization, or an anti-racist organization. “I was super happy when Tim responded, ‘You know what, we hadn’t necessarily thought about it in those terms, but I can say that we are aspirationally anti-racist,” she
Dr Karida Brown
said. “And I got really excited by that because in that statement, there was so much that recognizes that there is this aspiration, but that’s a process to get there. And throught a number of conversations, Tim invited me to come along with (the Lakers) on that journey, and I happily accepted.”
Initially, Dr. Brown led Zoom calls with the entire Lakers staff, before she formally joined the franchise in her new position. The NBA community has been on the front lines of late, from players across the league joining peaceful protests, speaking out about racial justice and
equality, and even forming organizations like LeBron James’ “More Than A Vote.” “The world completely changed in this COVID moment where we all had to sit down and witness these heinous killings at the hands of the police with George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and Breonna Taylor, and many others that aren’t being circulated in the media as heavily,” said Dr. Brown on a Juneteenth Zoom call with reporters. “This moment has pierced the moral consciousness of not only the United States but the world, and we ushered into an era where this question of systemic racism, this question of anti-black racism, police violence, racial violence, (came to) the forefront … this time, the world is looking at everybody, including organizations.” Continued on page 8
Anthony Lynn: ‘It’s time to speak up and stand for something’ By Hayley Elwood, Chargers.com
With the virtual offseason concluding this week, here are three takeaways you may have missed from head coach Anthony Lynn’s final press conference until the Chargers reconvene next month for training camp. “It’s time to speak up and stand for something” Over the last two weeks, Lynn has been “hitting the pavement” in response to police brutality and systemic racism in the United States. “It’s time to speak up and speak out and not be silent about this anymore,” he said. As a starting point, Lynn joined in a protest in Huntington Beach on Sunday, May 31. Two days later, he participated in a powerful Q&A with the Los Angeles Times detailing his personal experiences with the police and calling for change. On Tuesday, Lynn said he spoke with Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey about her agenda. They also discussed other topics, including police reform. He’s had conversations with
police officers – who reached out to him – about holding fellow officers accountable for their actions. Lynn even brought in a judge to speak with his players, which he said sparked the importance of voting in local elections. “I believe I have a responsibility to help my community wherever I’m at, and just to help people in general,” Lynn explained. “Like I said earlier, it’s time to speak up and stand for something. What’s going on in our country right now has been going on far too long.” Football is consuming, but Lynn said it would be disingenuous to say the team’s priorities haven’t changed over the last two weeks. Black players have opened up to their coaches and teammates about their experiences with the police, which Lynn said “shocked” some of the white players on the team. “I believe our team is closer now, and we just took a negative and turned it into a little bit of a positive for us because I believe it’s brought us closer together,” he said. “We have a better understanding of one another, and when they do get back together then I think that’s when you’re going to see
the chemistry with our team.” Wrapping the virtual offseason on a high note In an unconventional and unprecedented offseason due to the pandemic, Lynn said he and his staff maximized their time together with the players despite not being on the field. “I thought the virtual meetings were outstanding,” he said. “We had a lot of them. ... And so, our participation has been outstanding. Our coaches have been very creative in installs, and I feel like we got the most we could out of that without seeing the guys.” Veteran Tyrod Taylor, rookie Justin Herbert and second-year player Easton Stick make up a new-look quarterbacks room in 2020. Lynn explained that
while it’s difficult to properly evaluate the position without practices, he knows what he has in Taylor having worked with him in both Buffalo and Los Angeles.
“Thank God I have some time on task with Tyrod Taylor, and he understands the offense that I want to run and what we’re going to do,” he said. “And so, I’m very comfortable about that.” Taylor has 46 career NFL starts and was a 2015 Pro Bowl selection for the Bills when Lynn was the assistant head coach.
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June 25 to July 1, 2020
The Lion Queen LOVE IS THE NEW MONEY
By Michelle Lyons, Columnist
2020 has been called the year of the revel, or The Great Awakening. One thing for certain, this year is designed to bring us closer to Love, God and family. If your spirit has not grown stronger and if you have not put more focus on your children or the things that matter most, then you have missed the purpose of this year. You are probably stressing out. Several of my friends who are non-believers have called me having anxiety attacks. When they call, I quote Teyana Taylor, “Love Is The New Money”. If you are feeling uncertain or anxious lean into Love, find the divine spirit. For me personally, living on the beach helps me so much. Nature is one of God’s greatest designs, and where I feel closest to God other than being around my children. If you’re feeling anxious take a walk and really Open Your Eyes. Don’t let the chaos of the physical World take away from your gratitude, love and appreciation. My children are my love. I am so grateful for them. It is the thought of them that can calm my nerves no matter what is happening around me. They are my peace. My love for my children is why I am answering the call to go into Politics. I want The World to be a better place for them and The Entire Generation Alpha. In so many ways, The World is more advanced than it has ever been, especially with the advancements in Technology, but in other ways our morals have declined tremendously. We have been so caught up in making money that we have forgotten about LOVE. Love is the most powerful force in The World. Love is Divine, and an absence of love can cause you to lose your mind. Not everyone has kids or lives near nature; therefore, The Greatest Love of all is the Love inside yourself. I call that Love the spirit of Jesus, but no matter what you call it look for that spirit or energy inside yourself and gravitate towards others with that same spirit or energy. After all, the beauty you see in others is a reflection of the beauty in you. Love is The New Money, so exchange it!
BUPPIE | BUSINESS Travel | How do you have fun in a pandemic?
By Wendy Alexander, Travel Consultant
Summer is officially here and the world is still in a pandemic. So how do we have fun safely? Road trips are #1 with most vacationers and are the safest. According to a recent study conducted by the Travel industry over 69% of people prefer to travel in their personal vehicle and visit outdoor parks, campgrounds and beaches with their family and close friends. Traveling with your family and close friends limits contact with others and those family members are likely to be the same people you’ve quarantined with over the past three months. So why not hop in your car and take a drive up the beautiful coast, especially with gas prices at a low this year. Overall road trips can be less expensive and you can plan ahead and pack snacks for the road. My family and I recently went on a road trip to Laughlin, NV and it was awesome, we rented jet skis and boats, camped near the lake and had a
blast in the water while social distancing. I recommend this place for family fun.. Tips from AAA says to make sure you check your car tires and oil levels as well as pack extra cell phone chargers, flashlights, blankets and the first aid kit. This summer road trip is different from before so make sure you plan ahead your rest stops and dining options and always remember to wash your hands, wear a mask in public places and use sanitizer at all times. Happy Driving! Wendy Alexander and her two kids.
OP-ED: 8 minutes and 46 seconds May we never witness this again
By Ray Curry, Secretary-Treasurer, UAW
Over the past weeks across the nation, united demonstrations have made the message clear: People have had enough of the ongoing struggle for equality and equity, of the battle against systemic injustice, and the fear of being a person of color in America. The catalyst for the latest demonstrations was the senseless and tragic death of George Floyd on May 25 at the hands of four police officers in Minneapolis, Minn. Floyd’s death, those horrific eight minutes and 46 seconds as this American was begging for his life on an American street, was one of the most violent events witnessed through global media outlets. Like all tipping points, this was nothing new. It was just too much. The weight of this horror became too heavy
for our nation to bear. Over years … decades ... generations … The situation is simply all too familiar. Black, brown and white, we cannot pick it up anymore and just carry on. I believe we are all too tired and we are all too weary of this. Too much pain, too much loss and too much grief. IT MUST STOP. NOW. So, how do we proceed from here to heal this nation and finally institute meaningful change to make tragedies like George Floyd’s death a thing of the past? Here is my answer. WE VOTE. What is necessary to make the real systemic change needed in this country is to not only to make our voices heard in peaceful demonstration but to make our voices heard at the polls as well.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”
One will not work without the other. We must unite and come together to elect leaders who are committed to reform, committed to real change and committed to the wellbeing of all of us. Now, as we know, voting has roadblocks, too. The COVID-19 pandemic has truly called into question why should we stand in long lines at the polls, running the risk of spreading the virus? The good news is, we don’t need to take those risks. We have a system for absentee and mail-in voting, and we know it works. A new look at voting In our current environment, mail-in voting should be a viable and easy-toaccess alternative to standing in long lines and exposing one another to the virus. The good news is, in more and more states like Michigan, Texas, Arizona and Virginia, it is easier than ever to vote absentee. And contrary to the claims of opponents of mail-in voting who say it is not secure or does not work, there is no data to support this. Voter fraud — and especially fraudulent use of absentee ballots — is very rare. According to an article in The Hill “Over the past 20 years, about 250 million votes have been cast by a mail ballot nationally. The Heritage Foundation maintains an Continued on page 7
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June 25 to July 1, 2020
Real Estate/Classified
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PUBLIC NOTICE
COVID-19 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPTIONS
Due to the existing COVID-19 health emergency and the social distancing measures currently in effect, and pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20 ((https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/ uploads/2020/03/3.17.20-N-29-20-EO.pdf)), please note that members of the public will only be allowed to observe and address the City Council Meeting of June 30, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. by telephone, video and other electronic means, as follows:
This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed Viewing and Listening to the Meeting without Making Public Comments: above on June 19, 2020. •On Spectrum Cable Local Channel 35 with audio and
I(We) declare that all information in this limited video. Please check with your cable provider for details. statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she •Live on-line through Facebook Live, with audio knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Karis and limited video, at https://www.facebook.com/ cityofinglewood/ Renee Dolberry, Owner. •The above access options provide the public with the
This statement was filed with the County Clerk opportunity to both observe and listen to the meeting. •However, members of the public who wish to orally on June 19, 2020. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original June 25; July 2, 9, 16, 2020 IT0042230120020132 Inglewood Today
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2020091527 The Following Person Is Doing Business As: National Center For Audio And Video Forensics Center For Audio And Video Forensics National Center For Video And Audio Forensics NCAVF Notowitz Productions Notowitz Video Productions 6363 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 115 Los Angeles, CA 90048
address the Planning Commission must use the public access options noted below:
Listening to Meeting and Oral Public Comments: The meeting’s telephone number and access code access number will be provided no later than 72 hours before the meeting on the meeting agenda published at https://www.cityofinglewood.org/AgendaCenter/CityCouncil-3and/or by contacting the Office of the City Clerk via email at yhorton@cityofinglewood.org. Please observe the following tips when phoning in: •When you call-in, the operator will provide further instructions on how you can make public comments via phone. •If you are calling from a cell phone, please call from an area with good reception. •If you are watching the meeting on Facebook or Channel 35 while also accessing the phone line, it is requested that you mute the sound of your video feed as it is offset by 3 seconds from the phone transmission. Additionally, when you are making public comments on the phone line you will be inaudible due to feedback. Written Public Comments: Members of the public can submit comments electronically for consideration by the Inglewood City Council/Successor Agency/ Housing Authority/Finance Authority/Parking Authority/Joint Powers Authority (Legislative Body) by sending them to the City Clerk/Secretary at yhorton@cityofinglewood.org, and Deputy City Clerk at aphillips@cityofinglewood.org. To ensure distribution to the members of the Legislative Body prior to consideration of the agenda, please submit comments prior to 12:00 P.M. on the day of the meeting, and in the body of the email, please identify meeting date and subject matter. Comments received after 8:00 A.M. on the day of meeting will be made part of the official public record of the meeting. Contact the Office of the City Clerk at 310-412-5280 with any questions.
Registered Owner: National Center For Audio And Video Forensics, Inc., 6363 Wilshire Blvd., [Agenda Items and Additional Public Access Options Suite 115, Los Angeles, CA 90048 Listed on Following Pages] This business is conducted by a company. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on June 4, 2020
Accessibility: If you will require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 412-5280, One Manchester Boulevard, 1st Floor, Inglewood, California 90301. All requests for accommodations must be received 48 hours prior to the day of the hearing. Spanish: “Si no entiende esta noticia o si necesita más información, favor de llamar a este número (310) 412-5280.”
I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) National Center For Audio And Video Forensics, The City Council of the City of Inglewood, California, Owner will hold a public hearing on June 30, 2020 at the hour of 2:00 p.m., to consider the following:
This statement was filed with the County Clerk 1. A public hearing to adopt a Resolution Establishing on June 4, 2020. Short Term Rental Fees to the Master Fee Schedule. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original June 11, 18, 25; July 2, 20200 IT0042230120020131 Inglewood Today
This notice is given by the order of the City Council of the City of Inglewood and is dated this 25th day of June 2020. Yvonne Horton, City Clerk City of Inglewood, California
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65009, if you challenge the proposed code amendments in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing. In the event that the City Council meeting of June 30, 2020 is not held, or is concluded prior to this public hearing agenda item being considered, the public hearing will automatically be continued to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. “Si no entiende esta noticia o si necesita mas informacion, favor de llamar a este numero (310) 412-5280.”
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online database of election fraud cases in the United States and reports that there have been just over 1,200 cases of vote fraud of all forms, resulting in 1,100 criminal convictions, over the past 20 years. Of these, 204 involved the fraudulent use of absentee ballots.” Considering that in the last midterm election 120 million voters turned out — in one election not 20 — that’s a miniscule percentage. Let’s reach our goal So, we have two things on our plate right now: Ensuring that Americans, ALL AMERICANS, have the ability to vote and vote safely. And then making sure we do vote. Choosing elected representatives, at the local, state and national level is imperative to combatting the injustices people of color face every day in this nation. We must support legislators who will work for us in enacting laws and policies that keep everyone safe from the type of actions that took the life of George Floyd, and so many others. The Justice in Policing Act of 2020, currently being considered, would ban chokeholds, establish a national database to track police misconduct and prohibit certain no-knock warrants,
among other initiatives. The bill, which has 230 co-sponsors as of this writing, contains several provisions that would make it easier to hold officers accountable for misconduct in civil and criminal court and includes law enforcement training provisions. To get measures like this one passed, we need the right people in elected office. That is the only way we will see real, systematic change. As Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said during a recent Capitol Hill news conference, “Never again should the world be subjected to witnessing what we saw on the streets in Minneapolis: the slow murder of an individual by a uniformed police officer.” To ensure this happens we must choose leadership that represents all of us. This November we can collectively get our arms under this awful burden and lift as one, lift as we say, in SOLIDARITY, to throw this terrible obstruction into the ditch where it forever belongs.
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June 25 to July 1, 2020
Continued from page 5: Dr. Karida Brown...
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Dr. Brown, a tenure-track Assistant Professor in UCLA’s Department of Sociology as well as their Department of African American studies, explained the difference between a non-racist and an anti-racist. “Non-racist is rooted in a colorblind mindset,” she stated. “It means, ‘I don’t see race, I just see people … I’m so sorry that happened, I’m offering you thoughts and prayers.’ It is situated in a disposition that perhaps has good intentions to do no harm to others and wish good to your fellow human being, however, it’s not action oriented, and allows one to not see the racial inequities that are rooted in systems. “Anti-racist on the other hand insists upon seeing race. Anti-racist also takes an affirmative position that it is against racism … in that it situates one to ask yourselves, ‘What is it within my power, what can I do, to identify and name these places, these mechanisms of racial inequality and then what is within my power to do something about that. That is an anti-racist stance.” Dr. Brown feels that the Lakers are in a position to respond to the ‘What can I do’ charge because “We are such a great brand, a global brand, and have such a broad platform … we hope to continue to be industry leaders, not only in the business of basketball, but as a moral organization.” Sports has long been an avenue to elicit social progress and change, and in America in particular, athletes like the aforementioned LeBron James, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – who has for so long been an extremely strong advocate for equality. “There is a long history amongst athletes, particularly black athletes, using their platform to further causes, particularly causes that hit us right at home in our communities on these issues of racial injustice and inequity,” said Dr. Brown. “We will see more of that. We need those voices.” Most directly in new current position, Dr. Brown wants to do her part to help educate the Lakers employees. “My primary responsibility is to the staff,” she said. “While I am a resource to everybody within the Lakers family including players and the executive board, my primary goal where I see I can make the biggest impact is making sure that I empower the staff, over 150 people, to have the education, the resources, the knowledge, the partnership so that they can all be empowered to be those changemakers in the world that they want to be. This all starts with education, and what I want to prioritize in my role is rooting that educational component within the organization so that it’s accessible to all staff.” A first step towards that end was to recommend a reading list, which has been shared with the staff. Initially, the Lakers have provided each employee with the resources to purchase at least one book, and are encouraging the use of local Black-owned book stores. (Black Lives Matter Reading Resources) Moving forward, Dr. Brown is here to oversee that continued education on race and racism for the Lakers and – as sports is so often a good metaphor for the rest of society – for everybody else.
Allister Adel; Chief Special Agent of Attorney General Arizona, Reggie Grigsby; Superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District, Dr. Chad E. Gestson; Arizona State Senator for District 27, Rebecca Rios and President of the NAACP Arizona State Conference, Charles Fanniel. UPS, EPCOR and SRP are supporters of the event. “As part of the Steering Committee for the U.S. Chamber’s National Initiative to Address Inequality of Opportunity, which will hold a national Town Hall a few days after this event, I know that the Bridge Forum will drive action both in Arizona and nationally,” says President & CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Glenn Hamer. “The format could also serve as a model for much-needed conversations across America. This is a major American moment and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to being part of the solution. It is crystal clear that inequality of opportunity holds our economy back from reaching its full potential.” The event will be moderated by Chavis, who once served as the national director of the Million Man March, and an assistant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Chavis first received international recognition in 1971 as the leader of the Wilmington Ten, he was wrongfully convicted of committing arson and received the longest sentence before becoming appealed in 1980. Chavis then went to graduate school, became a civil rights activist and was the former Vice President of the National Council of Churches. “No one is safe until we are all safe and we know there is no place in any community or anywhere in the world for racism, bigotry or hate,” says UPS CEO, Carol Tome.
“We will not stand quietly or idly on the sidelines of this issue. Today, we are reaffirming what we know is right and doing our part to accelerate progress. We will be champions for justice and equality, not just in our words but in our actions here in the U.S. and everywhere we operate around the world.” “We are proud to support the HeroZona Foundation and its work to bring members of the community together in a collaborative effort to seek social justice,” said SRP Chief Public Affairs Executive, Rob Taylor. “The Bridge Forum provides a platform for people from all perspectives to engage in meaningful dialogue. This represents a path forward to establish lasting change.” The Bridge Forum is supported by City of Phoenix Mayor, Kate Gallego, and Maricopa County Supervisor from District 3, Bill Gates. Honorary guests who will be present at the event include Helios Education Foundation Founding Chairman, Vince Roig; Greater Phoenix Leadership President & CEO, Neil G. Giuliano; Maricopa County Sheriff, Paul Penzone; and Arizona Manufacturers Council Chairwoman, Dawn Grove, among many other notable community members. Renowned poet extraordinaire and Founder of Homebase Poetry, “HB” Harold G. Branch III, will be a special guest at the event and read a poem titled “I Can’t Breathe.” Additionally, the City of Phoenix’s Outstanding Man of the Year for 2017 and this year’s Henry Clay College Congress Representative for the State of Arizona, Evan Pittman, will be playing the National Anthem and the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” on the violin. Senior Pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Terry E. Mackey, will be giving the invocation. “The community is crying out for policy changes all around the world and
this has never happened before,” says the President of the NAACP Arizona State Conference, Charles Fanniel. “The Bridge Forum was created to bridge the gap between the community and the police department. We want to build accountability and review how to have meaningful conversations to allow the police to better understand how we can build improved relationships and trust within our community. “Dialogue around public safety is important, but we must lead these conversations into policy change,” says Arizona State Representative from District 27, Reginald Bolding. “I’m looking forward to seeing what legislation we can agree on to reform our system. Previous Bridge Forums have included both high school and college aged participants in 2017 from South Mountain High School, and in November 2018 included participation from law enforcement and community leaders who discussed ways to better support veterans with recruitment, hiring, opportunities in service, veterans in crisis and support systems. In January 2018, the Scottsdale Police Department implemented 29 new initiatives from the Scottsdale Bridge Forum 2017, which included establishing sufficient resources for police personnel dealing with trauma, establishing dialogue opportunities with minority communities, enhancing engagement with the community’s youth and identifying ways to address the needs of the community related to behavioral health. For more information about the Bridge Forum and to stream its upcoming event on Tuesday, June 23, visit thebridgeforum.com. For more information, visit herozona. org.
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According to their Eventbrite page, the goal of the event was to educate Californians about “the unique legacy of ‘Slavery in California’ our journey towards freedom and ongoing systemic impacts from ‘America’s Peculiar Institution’ here in the Great State of California.” Beginning last Friday, Californians have been joining other Americans around the country for a Juneteenth Online Festival, which will run through June 28, 2020. The U.S. Census Bureau is participating in the national virtual festival to raise awareness about this year’s census count. “This online festival is something for the history books,” said Betty Williams, president of the Sacramento NAACP branch and U.S. Census Bureau Sacramento area partnership specialist. “I think the first ever Juneteenth Online Festival will create a huge amount of curiosity, which will equate to a large interest from the Black community, resulting in a successful event,” she said before the event kicked off last week. From June 13th, the San Jose/ Silicon Valley-based African American Community Service Agency has been hosting their 39th annual Juneteenth In The Park Festival entirely online for
the first time in its history. The festival featured African American art, a Black hair session and a live virtual musical performance by Neo-Soul singer Anthony Hamilton. He headlined the online event. In San Bernardino, The Dino Can and the M.U.D.A.Foundation, local grassroots community-based organizations, teamed up to organize a “community-centric” event on June 19 called “Feed The Dino.” It featured free food, music and entertainment and was held at Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino. Lexi, one of the founding members of the activist and art collective Kawaii Killas, expressed the importance of her organization’s involvement in the San Bernardino event. “Feed The Dino is an event me and Kawaii [Killas] are very excited to be a part of because in a city that is in the top three most dangerous in America, we are bringing light and joy to our city,” Lexi said. “We are serving the people that have paid their dues and maybe even fell victim to our streets. Feed the Dino is retribution to our people. The things everyone deserves: community, food and life.” Lisa, another founding member of Kawaii Killas, highlighted the need for a celebration in these turbulent times.
“To me, Juneteenth means resting your soul just for a second,” Lisa said. “Just a day. Freedom, sweet but short lived in realization.” While Freedom Day is a celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation, many California organizations are reminding policy makers that there is still a civil rights movement for Black lives that has not seen its end. For those still wary about gathering in public on the 19th, the South LA/ South Bay African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community hosted a virtual Freedom Day celebration that that featured Dr. Sayida Peprah, a Los Angeles-based psychologist as the keynote speaker. Like the state Capitol, San Francisco and San Diego counties lighted their administration buildings, too. Swaths of red, green and gold light shone against the white exteriors of those local government centers. “Tonight we accomplished lighting the San Diego County Administration Building in honor of Juneteenth,” says Harris. “We are part of creating a new narrative.” “But we must move from just illuminating buildings on the outside to going inside of them to address the inequities facing African Americans,” he said.