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March 10 - 16, 2022 VOL. 37, No. 10
Reader opines on closing of Warren Lane
Inglewood Today News
“I am submitting my comments as a news tip or story idea happening quietly in real time: Today at approximately 4pm there was an unadvertised Zoom Meeting concerning the closure of Warren Lane Elementary School aka Daniel Freeman Elementary School. No notice or flyers were given to the homeowners who live in the neighborhood, no posting of the meeting on IUSD school site or Cal School News. Parents may have been notified but none were in attendance as I could see. The IUSD website shows the School Closure/ Consolidation Committee has held virtual meetings on 12/16/20, 1/13/20 and 1/24/20. The 1/24/20 meeting was for Committee members to invite students, staff, parents/guardians and community members to a Community Input Listening Session to share their concerns. Neither I nor anyone I’ve spoken to in my neighborhood received such an invitation. Several meeting attendees had questions regarding (1) “when” the decision was made to close the school?; (2) why there was no input from the community and why now are we being asked to appoint 3 parents and 3 community members to transition children to other schools (3) could the District and key personnel
schedule a meeting to hear from parents/neighbors? and (4) regarding the (unconfirmed) plans to place low income housing in its place right in the middle of Morningside Park, a residential neighborhood. There was no response to these questions. Ms. Erika Torres, County Administrator was pressed as to “who” made the decision to close the school? Ms. Torres responded “I did”. The Zoom Meeting abruptly ended while another
Opioid Settlement: California, 13 Other States, to Share $30 Billion-Plus in Payouts McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media
Some of America’s largest pharmaceutical companies are set to send at least $30 billion dollars to 14 states for their role in the national opioid crisis. The money from two different settlement deals will be used to support recovery and relief efforts for people struggling with opioid addiction, a problem that disproportionately affects African Americans. It has been identified as a contributing factor to the high rate of unhoused Black people in California. Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the Sackler Family and a company they
own, Purdue Pharma, agreed to pay $6 billion for their role in contributing to the opioid crisis. The deal requires the Sackler name to be removed from buildings and institutions in California. It also called for reorganizing Purdue Pharma into a new company – which has since been named Knoa Pharma. Knoa will produce Opioid addiction and overdose reversal treatments. “No settlement can reverse the devastating harm Purdue and the Sacklers have caused this country through their illegal practices that led to the opioid epidemic,” said Bonta. “Nearly one million lives have been Continued on page 8
attendee was speaking. This is not how meetings should be conducted no matter how uncomfortable and I, for one, was totally disappointed. This is not a decision to be decided without the input of the people it affects, especially if low-income housing is the long game (home values, infrastructure challenges and no oversight on potential tenants introduced into our community). As you are aware, property values have increased due to the Forum and SoFi Stadium, but so have our property taxes after two school bond measures to “fix” our schools and the addition of a line item to pay into Inglewood Retirement Fund. After being closed 2 years for Covid-19 Warren Lane should have been cleared of asbestos
and lead, new air conditioning and heating, and updated to not only appeal to parents but to educator talent in a thriving community. All I see my taxes garnered at Warren Lane is new paint. Where are the millions of dollars we voted for being spent? Obviously, not at Warren Lane aka Daniel Freeman, which should have been preserved as a historical site with new appeal. We have a Community with children, grandchildren, neighbors-old and new, and last I checked we still live in a democracy where voices united together matter. In the meantime, continue to make “good trouble”.” All the best, Cheryl Matthews
Critics to Gov. Newsom: Cut Gas Tax, Lower Prices at the Pump Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
As the cost of gas continues to soar in California, Black leaders, state lawmakers and frustrated citizens are urging Gov. Newsom to take immediate action to decrease high prices at the pump. Last week, Shane Harris, president of San Diego-based People’s Association of Justice Advocates (PAJA), wrote a letter to Newsom. Harris urged the governor to declare a “state of emergency,” allowing him to cut the
gas tax, which Harris believes helps to drive up the cost of gas. “We are seeing gas at nearly $5.50 a gallon, which is nearly three dollars more than the national average,” Harris said. “I am writing you as someone who works on a daily basis with communities who are already struggling to pay their rent and essentially living check to check.” PAJA is a national civil rights Continued on page 8
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March 10 - 16, 2022
EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON
ALEX PADILLA
JAMES BUTTS
ELOY MORALES
DIONNE FAULK
AROUND THE CITY
A Message from County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres
Dear Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) Staff, Students, Families and Community: In our continued commitment to serving our community and providing current information, we have some important updates in this week’s message. Updated COVID-19 Protocols As part of our commitment to ensure safety as our top priority, and help stop the spread of COVID-19, District Leadership will be meeting with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH), to discuss the state’s release of the new COVID-19 mitigation process protocols that will be in effect on March 12, 2022. Their guidance is imperative as it helps drive our COVID-19 response and ensures that we are providing a safe environment for our students, staff and community. We will provide updates regarding our COVID-19 protocols early next week. IUSD Stellar Student Spotlight by Maygan Orr Crozier Middle School 7th grader Taniyah Storey is a real MVP! She was nominated for the Stellar Student Spotlight by her basketball coach who says that she is his most dedicated player. Coach Goldman says that Taniyah has never missed a practice or
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game, and is the first player to show up at practice. He adds that she also has an amazing crossover dribble that she consistently is working on to improve. In addition to being a key player on the Crozier girls basketball team, Taniyah is also on the Crozier dance team, and a part of the Crozier mentoring program “Tea Time”. Taniyah’s hobbies include dancing, video games, and acting. Taniyah’s mother, a dentist, passed away when she was only 3 years old, so she is being raised by her aunt and older sister. Taniyah says that they are her greatest inspirations because she sees how hard they work, and despite challenges, they still find a way to take good care of her. Taniyah would like to follow in her late mother’s footsteps and join the medical field when she grows up. She would like to become an emergency room doctor so that she can help save lives. After high school Taniyah’s goal is to attend UCLA or Harvard University. Taniyah is known by her teachers and peers as being kind, helpful, hard working, and a leader. She serves her community by assisting her elderly neighbors with carrying in groceries and helping keep their porches clean. She also babysits her neighbors’ children when needed. Taniyah has this advice to share with her fellow IUSD students: “If you try your hardest at everything, you will be the best you can be at everything.” If you are interested in nominating a stellar IUSD student, please email maygan.orr@inglewoodusd.com. Richard Barter Memorial Spelling Bee Contest: NEW DATE Our District is excited to announce that we are hosting the Richard Barter Memorial Spelling Bee Contest on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Oak Street TK-8 School from 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Over the past several weeks, students in 1st - 12th grade have been conducting classroom and grade-level spelling competitions. Each gradelevel winner has been invited to participate and represent their school site at the Richard Barter Memorial Spelling Bee Contest. Good luck to all of our students. Read Across America Week and Dr. Seuss Birthday This week, IUSD celebrated Read Across America Week and honored Dr. Seuss’ Birthday on March 2, 2022. We are thrilled to share that our school sites hosted a series of activities, contests, and incentives to encourage students to read each day and truly foster a love for reading. Some of the Read Across America activities that our students engaged included writing projects, poetry, creating bookmarks, poster contests, student readers, and guest readers. Los Angeles Chargers Book Giveaway In partnership with the Los Angeles Chargers Impact Fund Literacy Program, the Los Angeles Chargers
have kick-started a series of in-person readings and book distributions to all 2nd grade students in our District. In previous weeks, the Los Angeles Chargers have visited Frank D. Parent, and Kelso Elementary. On Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in celebration of Read Across America Week and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, members of the Los Angeles Chargers, along with Damon Lloyd, Los Angeles Chargers Linebacker, District Officials, and Board Members, participated in an in-person reading with our 2nd grade students at Highland Elementary. Each student received a copy of The Cat in the Hat Book, by Dr. Seuss. Our District is extremely grateful to the Los Angeles Chargers for their donation that supports and encourages literacy for our students. The Los Angeles Rams Readers Literacy Program In celebration of Read Across America Week, our Los Angeles Rams visited Oak Street Elementary on Thursday, March 3, 2022. As part of the celebration, the team has launched the Rams Readers Literacy Program designed to encourage students to explore the excitement that reading provides. Over the next several weeks,
all of our 1st - 3rd grade students in our District will participate in a series of in-person readings and book distributions with the Los Angeles Rams. Women’s History Month: Celebrating HERstory In honor of Women’s History Month, we would like to highlight phenomenal women who have made significant contributions to sports, science, arts and politics. This week we are celebrating Rosa Parks, as one of the greatest political figures who fought to end segregation. Vaccination Records Upload for Students and Staff For parents and guardians, please click here to upload your child’s vaccination record. For employees, please click here to upload your vaccination record. Thank you staff, parents, students, and community members for your ongoing support and commitment to the success of our district. #WeAreInglewoodUnified Sincerely, Erika F. Torres, Ed.D., MSW County Administrator
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California Black Clergy, Political Leaders Condemn Racism in Ukraine Tanu Henry | California Black Media
“There were many persons of color living in the Ukraine, enjoying, working and going to school. The Russian invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, made a major change,” read a letter shared with parishioners and friends of St. Paul African Methodist Church in San Bernardino via e-mail. “For those persons of color, an additional crisis has emerged, the added burden of racism. As these people flee to the bordering countries, they are being met with open hostility,” the letter continued The Rev. Steven Shepard forwarded Burgess letter, which called on AME Church members around the globe to support a student from the Ivory Coast who was seeking asylum in Ukraine until the war broke out. Shepard encouraged church members to stand with “our African brothers and sisters” and to condemn the racism in Ukraine. The young woman had to wait for nearly 24 hours in frigid weather, hungry and cold, before crossing the Ukrainian-Polish border.
The letter Shepard shared was among hundreds of thousands, perhaps more, of videos, letters, memes, photos and other media sent around the world highlighting racism in Ukraine on two fronts. First, the way Ukrainian citizens were treating people from Africa, the Caribbean and other people of African descent as people clamored to board trains and busses escaping the specter of the advancing Russian military. “We write with concern regarding the treatment of people of African and Asian descent who are trying to flee Ukraine,” members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) wrote to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, asking for her to push back on the discriminatory incidents being reported. CBC members Rep. Barbara Lee (DCA-13), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations; Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH03), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (DNY-05); Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Karen Bass
(D-CA-37), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations; and Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett (VI-At Large) signed the letter. “Thank you for clarifying that the borders of the European Union are open to everyone fleeing the war in Ukraine,” the lawmakers continued. “Nonetheless, numerous press and social media reports indicate that many Black families, immigrants from the African diaspora and other people of color are subject to discriminatory or inhumane treatment as they seek to flee Ukraine for the safety of other European countries.” Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari said the racist actions of Ukrainian citizens violated international treaties. “All who flee a conflict situation have the same right to safe passage under UN convention and the color of their passport or their skin should make no difference,” he said. African leaders, commentators, civil rights leaders, public figures and mass
media personalities also spoke out against racist coverage of the war in the media as well. “This isn’t a place, with all due respect like Iraq or Afghanistan. This is a relatively civilized, relatively European – I have to choose those words carefully, too – city where you wouldn’t expect that or hope that it’s going to happen,” said CBS News correspondent Charlie D’Agata, reporting from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. D’Agata, who has since apologized for that comment, has been widely criticized for his bias. “Here’s the thing. Beyond the racism. You do realize, until recently, fighting crazy wars was Europe’s thing. That is all of European history. They even had something called ‘the Hundred Years War,’” said comedian Trevor Noah, reacting to D’Agata’s comments. “I don’t know about you, but I was shocked to see how many reporters around the world, by the way, seem to think it’s more of a tragedy when White People have to flee their countries,” Noah pointed out.
Having endured the loss of her mother to COVID-19, White strives to comfort others facing challenges.
NNPA Newswire
Cynthia White would rarely go more than a few days without knocking on a door or visiting a Bible student as part of her volunteer ministry. That abruptly changed in the spring of 2020 when Jehovah’s Witnesses suspended their in-person public ministry, meetings, and large conventions. Two years later, the Philadelphia resident is busier than ever. “I enjoy doing my ministry by letter
and telephone! People are more conversational. I think because of everything people have gone through, they’re opening up and expressing themselves more,” observed the volunteer Bible teacher. Having endured the loss of her mother to COVID-19, White strives to comfort others facing challenges. “When I write my neighbors, I put myself in their shoes. I want to share with them what has helped me to feel better,” she said. With this historic change, the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses grew 3 percent in the United States in 2021 alone, matching the most significant increase for the organization over the past decade and the second-largest percentage increase since 1990. “Staying active in our ministry while remaining safe has had a powerful preserving effect on our congregants and communities,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“The wise decision not to prematurely resume in-person activities has united us and protected lives while comforting many people in great need. The results speak for themselves.” For congregants like Cynthia White, the virtual pivot has meant trading her bookbag for a desktop computer and smartphone, and a Bible-based literature display for cards, pens, and stamps. Her tools have changed, but her message is the same. She regularly shares scriptures with dozens of community members and conducts free Bible courses via Zoom. Last year, the international organization reported all-time peaks in the number of people participating in their volunteer preaching work, increased attendance in Zoom meetings and more than 171,000 new believers baptized. In the past two years, more than 400,000 have been baptized worldwide. Some whose ministry or attendance at religious services had slowed because of age and poor health said they feel reenergized with the convenience of virtual meetings and a home-based ministry. Like many octogenarians, Sarah Fuoco, 88, deals with memory loss and diminished energy. Yet she and her 81-year-old husband, Joseph, have been given the nickname “the dynamic duo.” The Fuocos use Zoom to worship twice a week with their Hollis, New Hampshire, congregation and regularly
join online ministry groups to comfort neighbors and family through phone calls, letters, texts, and email. “What could have been quite a disadvantage, we’ve made into an advantage,” Joseph Fuoco said. “The fact that we can work right from home is a great advantage. I’m happy with it.” By sharing the Bible’s hope remotely, the fewer than 3,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Alaska can rapidly preach across the 586,000 square miles of their sparsely populated state. “We’re talking to more people in a day than we did in a month,” said Marlene Sadowski of Ketchikan. The official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses, translated into more than 1,000 languages, has also leveraged the organization’s outreach. After starting a free self-paced Bible course on jw.org in December 2019, Lisa Owen requested a free, interactive Bible study over Zoom. She was one of nearly 20,000 baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses last year in the United States in private settings, including backyard swimming pools, tubs and even rivers. “JW.ORG gave me somewhere to learn, somewhere to land, and to start living the way God wants me to. It taught me so much,” said Owen of Moriarty, New Mexico. To start an online Bible study course, receive a visit or attend a virtual meeting locally, visit jw.org.
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Area Communities S e r v i n g L a d e r a , H a w t h o r n e , W e s t c h e s t e r, L a w n d a l e , G a r d e n a , C a r s o n
After Racist Photo Surfaces, Black Leaders Demand Investigations, Resignations Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Chair Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) is calling on Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones to resign for “dereliction of duty” and for “breeding a culture of racism, hatred, and ignorance.” Bradford was commenting on an investigation of Kate Adams, a former Sacramento County sheriff’s captain, who was placed on administrative leave for misconduct, which included the distribution of racially charged text messages, memes and photographs. Adams has since retired from the position. “Former Sacramento County Sheriff’s Captain Kate Adams, acting as the Chief of Police of the Rancho Cordova Police Department under the supervision of Sheriff Jones. is the poster child for law enforcement bias,” Bradford said. Bradford, who is also the chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, added, “for the first time in California, both the Senate and the Assembly Public Safety Committee chairpersons are African Americans. I am concerned, outraged, but not surprised by this behavior.” “The pervasive, ongoing racism
that is rooted in law enforcement and in America is an issue that all people of color should be concerned and outraged by,” he continued. “This ongoing, blatant racist behavior under Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones stops now.”
California Community Foundation Donates $1 Million To PVJOBS $1 Million Grant Enables PVJOBS to Add 100 At-Risk Individuals to the Roster of its Transformational Job Program IT News Wire
LOS ANGELES – The California Community Foundation has announced that it has approved a $1 million grant for PVJOBS, a South Los Angeles nonprofit that provides job training and employment opportunities to the atrisk community. The grant will enable PVJOBS to serve 100 additional young adults through its construction job training and placement program. “Our dedicated staff and board were elated to hear the news that the California Community Foundation is awarding this generous grant to our job program,” said PVJOBS Executive Director Mary Taylor. “Through these new resources, we’ll be able to expand our services to help those who rely on job programs like ours to create a new life for themselves.” The grant will specifically fund the
PVJOBS Hatch Young Adults 2.0 Program, which addresses employment barriers to at-risk youth by providing them with career-track job training and placement opportunities. The grant was made possible from an anonymous donor at the California Community Foundation. “The California Community Foundation, through the support of an anonymous donor, is thrilled to be able to support PVJOBS’ expansion of its Hatch Youth Adults 2.0 Program to serve 100 additional young adults. We are answering PVJOBS’ call to serve more young people who are seeking its transformational services and using philanthropic dollars to amplify public investment,” said Sarah Yun, Program Officer of Housing & Economic Continued on page 7
Assemblymember Reggie JonesSawyer (D-Los Angeles), who is also a member of the CLBC, is the chair of the Assembly Public Safety Committee. The Greater Sacramento Branch of the NAACP (GSNAACP) asked Bradford to expand the investigation
now that Adams has resigned from the Sheriff’s office. RCPD is under contract with the county office and uses deputies to patrol the community. “Unfortunately, we’ve seen that Continued on page 7
L.A. City Council Committee Advances Draft Ordinance to End the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products; Cancer Advocates Urge for a Swift Approval IT News Wire
Los Angeles– The Los Angeles City Arts, Parks, Health, Education and Neighborhoods Committee voted today to advance a draft ordinance that would end the sale of flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes. The ordinance now moves to full council for consideration. Tobacco addiction leads to a third of all cancer deaths in California and the nation. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) strongly supports ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products as a critical step to reduce tobacco use and its toll. Statement from ACS CAN volunteer and Los Angeles Unified School District parent Virginia Escamilla: “The time is now for the L.A. City Council to finally take a stand and stop Big Tobacco from trying to addict our children in the name of profit. Over
30% of L.A. County students report ever using e-cigarettes. Every year, 6,800 California kids start smoking daily. I urge my councilmembers to take this opportunity to help protect future generations from the scourges of tobacco by ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products.” Statement from ACS CAN Government Relations Director Primo Castro: “Research shows that flavors drive the unprecedented increase in youth tobacco uptake, with over 80 percent of youth who have ever tried tobacco starting with a flavored product. And that’s why Big Tobacco is using flavors to target kids – as well as limited-income, Black and Brown and LGBTQ+ communities – and grossly profit at their expense. The Continued on page 7
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Sports & Entertainment Morris restores glory to Morningside girl hoops
By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
The California high school basketball season will come to a conclusion after Sleep Train Arena plays host to the CIF State Championships on March 11 and March 12, respectively. Although, Morningside girl’s team, under the direction of Keith Morris who also doubles as Athletic Director, will not be playing for any championships this season offered a glimpse of what potentially could
become a bright future for the Lady Monarchs. Having already produced two members of the exclusive Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Tina Thompson and Lisa Leslie, Morningside delivered its best season in more than a decade with its 13-4 finish for the 2021-22 campaign. The Monarchs beat arch rival Inglewood in their only meeting 3733, but failed in the first round of the playoffs to Hueneme.
Considering how far the team has come since Morris took over a few years ago, it’s a miracle the team qualified for the post season at all. This was a program that was considering not even fielding a team a season ago, but to Morris credit and the girls, most of whom will be returning next season the resurgence of girls basketball in the Inglewood Unified School District is near. The team included: Alexis Campos (Sr.); Taylor Prewitt (Jr.); Imani Berry
(Fr.); E’ssence Tyler (Fr.); Taylor Harvey (Jr.); Tia’ nee Thomas (Sr.); De’ajanae Reed (Soph.); De’ajanae Reed (Soph.); Dallas Huggins (Fr.); J’monay Artison (Fr.); Mishari Prewitt-Campbell (Jr.); Serenity Richardson (Soph); Yamilet Martinez (Soph); Breanna Campos (Fr.). Inglewood Today wants to congratulate the team and its coaches for a job well done.
Following the murder of George Los Angeles Chargers Sign Mike Floyd, Bramlett was quick to speak Williams to Multi-Year Extension out, calling the nation’s social unrest “a ticking time bomb.”
Chargers.com By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Joseph Bramlett easily could be viewed as the future face of professional golf – particularly as one of just four Black golfers on the PGA Tour. As a first-timer at THE PLAYERS Championship, Bramlett continues to forge a name for himself in the world of golf.
However, he hasn’t been shy about expressing the state of race in the game and throughout the country, and he continues doing his part to change the game one stroke at a time. Following the murder of George Floyd, Bramlett was quick to speak out, calling the nation’s social unrest “a Continued on page 8
The Chargers signed wide receiver Mike Williams to a multi-year contract extension. Williams set single-season career highs in receptions (76) and receiving yards (1,146) in 2021, while also catching nine touchdowns. He led the league with seven receiving scores in the fourth quarter and set a singleseason NFL record with five go-ahead touchdowns in the fourth quarter or overtime. Williams’ nine catches of 40-
plus yards were the most in the AFC in 2021. Originally the No. 7 overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, Williams had a breakout season in 2018 where he caught 10 touchdowns and ran in another. The Clemson product then had his first 1,000-yard campaign one year later in 2019, doing so on just 49 catches (20.4 avg.). Since entering the NFL, Williams leads the NFL with seven go-ahead scores in the fourth quarter and overtime.
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BUPPIE | BUSINESS
Advocates: Newsom’s Zero Emissions Plan Ignores Blacks, Working Class Manny Otiko | California Black Media
California bills itself as a leader among states when it comes to progressive policy change in the United States. And one of its more ambitious policies is to ban sale of all gasolinepowered vehicles in the state by 2035. But some African American leaders worry that, while the Governor has good intentions, his plan does not take into consideration how the policy stemming from it might affect people living in working-class and middleclass communities. Salena Pryor, president of the Black Small Business Association of California and CEO of Pryor Consulting, says the “devil is in the details.” Pryor said most Black residents in communities across the state are not sold on the program, mainly because of the anticipated costs. “Barriers to access, incentives, rebates, the lack of charging stations in communities of color and the lack of information about policy and programs – these things coupled with the high cost of electric vehicles will leave Blacks behind,” said Pryor. She says, if the governor wants Black people to buy into this program, he needs to organize more outreach programs - especially through trusted organizations. “People listen to people who look like them,” she said. Pryor cites the example of the state’s electric vehicle program, recommending that it should be promoted to African Americans through the Black media,
religious and civil leaders and through groups like the NAACP. Newsom has dedicated $10 billion to the California’s zero-emission vehicle program. Critics like Pryor are curious how the move to clean energy vehicles will affect people who live in urban communities. According to Edmunds. com, a car-buying site, the cheapest Electric Vehicle (EV) is the Nissan Leaf, which is about $30,000. This is still out of the price range of most working-class people, Pryor says. According to a 2021 report from Fuel Institute, titled “EV Consumer Behavior,” the average EV driver is a middle-class White male. “The average EV owner continues to be male, aged 40-55 years old, with an annual household income of more than
$100,000,” said the report. A 2017 Morgan State University study of EV drivers showed that 75% were White and only 13% were Black. Another problem, critics say, is increased EV use will mean more demand for electric energy. According to a report by the Pacific Research Institute, titled, “Zapped: How California’s Punishing Energy Agenda Hurts the Working Class,” California families are already spending an average of $1,400 on electricity. “California’s current approach to energy regulations impose much higher financial burdens on lower-income families, particularly those families living in the Central Valley, Inland Empire, and eastern regions of the state. In far too many cases, the high costs force too many families into the
scourge of energy poverty,” said the report. The report blamed California’s high energy cost on energy regulations. The Pacific Research Institute also suggests that nuclear energy is a cheaper source. However, nuclear energy comes with its own political and environmental risks. “Nuclear power is another market-tested technology that can meaningfully reduce emissions while ensuring Californians have access to safe, affordable and reliable electricity. As the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted, ‘nuclear power is the second-largest source of low carbon energy used today to produce electricity, following hydropower,’” the report said.
Glow + Flow ‘Girl Boss’ Programs begins March 12 IT News Wire
With respect to our ‘Girl Boss’ program on Saturday, our target is to start at 3p so we suggest you arrive at around 2:50p. We do not anticipate the program being longer than 30 minutes. Feel free to ‘come as you are’ but we will be filming and taking pictures. Glow + Flow Beauty Owner Diann Valentine and our Marketing Lead Riann Valentine will be facilitating the program. We will provide a brief introduction of each ‘Girl Boss’ and we will ask you to make brief remarks.
In the spirit of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, comments with respect to your passion to advance women and the importance of purpose and leadership is a good start. Below are the ladies we will be acknowledging on Saturday. Thanks again for the huge role you play in the lives of others. See you on Saturday. We are located at 933 N. La Brea Avenue Inglewood CA 90302 / La Brea & Centinela In the La Brea Plaza Near Popeyes & Starbucks.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022041559 The following Person is doing business as: One Body Concept 131 W. 64th Pl, Unit 5 Inglewood, CA 90302
Registered Owner(s): Life In The Shed, 131 W. 64th Pl., Unit 5, Inglewood, CA 90302 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on February 22, 2022. 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.) Life In The Shed, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on February 22, 2022 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 March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2022 IT0042230120020189 Inglewood Today
PUBLIC NOTICE
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022030506 The following Person is doing business as:
JD Fabrication 7625 Rosecrans Ave., Ste 38, Paramount, CA 90723 2740 Golden Ave., Long Beach, CA 90806 Registered Owner(s): J&D Fabrication LLC, 7625 Rosecrans Ave., Ste 38, Paramount, CA 90723 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on February 8, 2022 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.) J&D Fabrication LLC, Owner. This statement was filed with the County NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Sectiohn 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on wich 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 Clerk on February 8, 2022. 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 March 10, 17, 24; April 7, 2022 IT0042230120020190 Inglewood Today
PUBLIC NOTICE
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022017905 The following Person is doing business as:
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racist conduct is ignored until it reaches a level that the public becomes aware of it. Similar cases of racist texts between law enforcement officers in Los Angeles, Torrance and San Francisco should have taught us that transparency on this issue is a must,” wrote Betty Williams, Branch President of GSNAACP. Adams would have been able to seek employment as a law enforcement officer elsewhere in California without a hitch if it were not for Senate Bill (SB) 2. Bradford authored the bill that became California law on Jan. 1, 2022. SB 2 authorizes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to decertify officers if investigations find they have engaged in serious misconduct. The inquiry into Adam’s actions was called off after she retired but Bradford said she should still be held accountable. “The investigation of Captain Adams must be completed and if the allegations are found to be confirmed, she should lose her POST certification so that she is unable to be hired by any other law enforcement agency to continue racist
and hateful misconduct in another community,” Bradford stated. “In addition, the hundreds -- or perhaps thousands -- of cases she’s handled over the years, under a climate of bias, must all be reviewed in an independent investigation.” In a statement, GSNAACP said SB 2 “could not have been achieved without the support of many legislators, community organizations, families, and entertainers” who persistently “advocated non-stop for accountability in our policing system.” “We use this moment to recognize that social media messaging is used as a pathway to perpetuate racism while also exposing those who use racism in their positions of power. Rancho Cordova’s Chief Adams had a responsibility to stand against racism and bias,” the statement continued. “Instead, what has been communicated to the GSNAACP is a person who finds the historic and traumatizing use of (high-powered water) hoses against Black people a mockery.” With a Black population of over 6,800 out of a total of 74,000 residents,
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Development for the California Community Foundation. “To a young person asking, ‘Do I have to be an exoffender to get help from PVJOBS?’, we can give a resolute ‘No’ and open the doors to a brighter future. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with PVJOBS and look forward to supporting the progress of their invaluable work.”
ticking time bomb.” Working diligently to overcome several injuries and climb the list of golf’s elite, Bramlett has remained committed to engaging in and developing programs that can expand opportunities for Black golfers. “That’s the big question at the moment,” Bramlett told NNPA Newswire about minority participation as he prepared for a practice round before THE PLAYERS at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Florida. “When you find something you’re passionate about, you go for it. Golf definitely is a game that’s not always been welcoming to people of color and minorities,” he remarked. “It’s starting to change. It’s not a one-time thing, and it doesn’t happen overnight.” Bramlett made clear that golf’s history isn’t ok though change is occurring. “But, if you’re young and minority and coming into the game, it’s important to find people to have around you who are willing to support you and help you along the journey,” he insisted. “If this is something that you’re passionate about, it’s extremely gratifying.” He noted that programs like First Tee had exposed millions of children to the game. First Tee teaches young individuals
3RC Realty 6715 Wooster Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90056 Registered Owner(s): Angeles 90056
Robert Drewery, 6715 Wooster Ave., Los
This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on January 26, 2022. 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.) Robert Drewery, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on January 26, 2022 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 February 24; March 3, 10, 17, 2022 IT0042230120020187 Inglewood Today
PUBLIC NOTICE
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2022038831 The following Person is doing business as: Party Planning Tami 8910 S. 6th Ave. Inglewood, CA 90305
Registered Owner(s): Tamika Laquan Williams, 8910 S. 6th Ave., Inglewood, CA 90305
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tobacco industry’s predatory tactics have resulted in a disproportionate use of menthol products by these communities and a disproportionate cancer burden. “In order to help reduce health disparities and protect Los Angeles kids from tobacco addiction and tobaccorelated disease, it’s imperative that our councilmembers swiftly approve and adopt a strong, comprehensive ordinance that ends the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars and flavored shisha.”
Rancho Cordova is 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento. The Adams case is not the first time the CLBC has weighed in on misconduct involving officers of the Rancho Cordova Police Department. In April 2020, a Rancho Cordova officer was caught on video punching a defenseless 14-year-old boy. The deputy was in the area due to complaints from citizens about hand-to-hand sales of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs to minors. “The deputy saw what he believed to be a hand-to-hand exchange between an adult and juvenile,” according to an April 2020 statement from the Rancho Cordova Police Department. “After an administrative investigation (related to the incident), the deputy was terminated from employment,” the sheriff’s office said in a September 2020 written statement. Bradford said peace officers in California are accountable to the people they serve. “Our communities must have faith that all law enforcement officers in California are held to the highest standards,” Bradford stated.
life skills through golf lessons. It integrates the game with a life skills curriculum and builds inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience in young ones. “It’s wonderful what First Tee has done. They’ve exposed a lot of kids to the game of golf, and I definitely look toward things like that with a lot of admiration,” Bramlett stated. As for THE PLAYERS Championship. Bramlett hopes to follow in the footsteps of one of golf’s all-time greats, Tiger Woods, who on Wednesday, March 9, earned enshrinement into the World Golf Hall of Fame. “It’s very exciting. I’ve dreamed of playing this tournament for a very long time,” Bramlett asserted. “It’s taking a lot of time, I’ve had a few injuries and some tough moments, but here we are still going.” Bramlett credits his parents and close family and associates with helping him realize his dream. “My dad got me into the game, and [we’re] very passionate about golf,” Bramlett stated. “It’s massively important having that support system. You can’t get here by yourself. It takes a village; it’s not just something you can do by yourself.”
This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on February 16, 2022. 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.) Tamika Laquan Williams, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on February 16, 2022 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 February 24; March 3, 10, 17, 2022 IT0042230120020188 Inglewood Today
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Page 8 Continued from page 1: Opioid Settlement...
lost – a number that continues to rise – and more continue to struggle with addiction. This is a crisis that calls not only for accountability from the companies that have caused it, but real relief for the communities working to control it,” he added. “This isn’t just a California problem, it’s a national
problem that has called on us to step up and help provide a national solution.” In January, Bonta announced a $26 billion settlement deal to be paid by three pharmaceutical distributors: Cardinal, McKesson, and Amerisource Bergen -- along with pharmaceutical manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson. “Whether a family member, neighbor, or friend -- far too many of us know someone whose life has been upended or tragically cut short because of opioid
March 10 - 16, 2022 addiction,” Bonta said in January after the settlement agreement was reached. Over 400 Golden State cities and counties, representing 97 % of the state’s population, signed on to the settlement, according to the Attorney General’s office. The 13 states that filed the lawsuits along with California are: North
Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The opioid crisis began in the late 1990s. The underlying cause, Opioid Use Disorder, is defined as a “problematic pattern” of consumption of a class of drugs that includes heroin, fentanyl and pain relievers legally
prescribed such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and others, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Michael LeNoir, founder of the Oakland-based African American Wellness Project, says there is a perception that Black Americans are not affected by the opioid crisis. That notion is not true, he emphasizes. “A disproportionate number have become hooked on opioids, some legitimately because they had issues,” he said. According to data from the California Department of Public Health, there were 5,502 opioid-related overdose deaths in the state in 2020. In 2019, 301 Black Californians died of opioid overdose according to Kaiser Family Foundation, representing more than 9 % of the total number of total OUD 3,235 fatalities. According to a 2021 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health, the rate of opioid deaths among Black Americans increased by 38 % from 2018 to 2019, while rates for other racial and ethnic groups did not rise. LeNoir said the drug companies knew how addictive opioids were but did nothing to stop widespread use of them. “They distributed an exuberant number of the drugs to pharmacies. They had to know something was wrong in terms of the cost and benefits of these drugs,” he said. “The hospital systems and the states had to pick up the costs of the care of all these drug
patients.” In February, Johnson & Johnson, Cardinal, McKesson and Amerisource Bergen reached a tentative settlement of $590 million with 400 Native American tribes who say the businesses were responsible for the opioid crisis in their communities. Last year, McKinsey and Company, the corporate consulting firm, agreed to pay $573 million to end investigations into its role in advising opioid firms. From that settlement, California will receive $60 million to support Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) intervention and treatment Bonta said the deal with the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma will bring about $486 million to California communities to help fund opioid addiction and treatment. An additional $2.6 billion will be directed to California from the settlements with Johnson & Johnson, the three pharmaceutical distributors and McKinsey & Company. Drug overdoses kill more than 100,000 Americans a year. That is more than gun deaths and vehicle crashes combined. LeNoir said people addicted to opioids aren’t the only victims of the substance-use crisis. “The people that really need the medicine can’t get it now because of the stigma associated with using the drugs,” he said. “The stigma of using an opioid or stigma of writing a prescription for it has made doctors very cautious. We really need to work out where these drugs are appropriate and what the criteria should be.”
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organization and policy institute founded to direct action with a balanced standard of justice for all no matter their race, religion, criminal record, sexuality, gender status, or citizenship. Across social media, African Americans are blasting the sharp increases in gas prices. Ellen Nash, a San Diego resident and chair of the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) posted a photo on Facebook of a gas station in Beverly Hills, where reports say fuel is above $6 per gallon. “We are experiencing a gas prices epidemic,” said Nash. “Time to shelter in place again. And work remotely!! With A few exceptions. This is ridiculous.” Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 as President Vladimir Putin authorized “special military operations” that began with missile and artillery attacks on major Ukrainian cities. Western allies, including the United States, announced sanctions, including restrictions on Russia’s central bank and global payments system. Since the attacks that have caused over a million people to flee Ukraine, a former Soviet republic located on the southeastern doorsteps of Russia, gas prices in California and the rest of the country have soared. Economic experts say that the U.S. only gets 5% to 10% of its crude oil and refined products from Russia, but
gas prices have passed the $5 mark up and down the state. In certain places, such as Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, gas is hovering around $6 per gallon. Before the war in Ukraine started, Newsom suggested that state legislators consider suspending the entire 18.4 cents federal gasoline excise tax. “Well, now we have a war going on in Ukraine and while I know that we get our gas here in California from a variety of countries it is still clear that the war in Ukraine is adding on to an already growing crisis at our pumps
here in California,” Harris wrote. “While I understand the foundation of the gas tax provides more funding to our state toward things like infrastructure, I also see real people hurting and that is concerning.” The gas tax in California is at 51.1 cents per gallon, and it is scheduled for another increase in July. California Assembly Republicans last week said they are backing a bill, AB 1638, that Assemblymember Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) introduced. It would eliminate the current gas tax for six weeks.
At the release of Harris’s letter, San Diego County recorded its steepest hike in the average-price of gasoline since Sept. 28, 2019. Self-serve regular fuel rose 8 cents to $4.975, in 16 days, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Oil Price Information Service (OPIS). Hardworking families are having to cut back from other expenses just to fill up their gas tanks,” said Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) on March 2. “Higher gas prices are eating up their budgets for food and groceries, prescription medications, school supplies, and other necessary expenses. With such an enormous surplus, this is just unacceptable.” A study conducted by UCLA’s Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy revealed hardships Blacks and Latinos are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study estimates that more than 1.9 million adults in California were unable to pay their rent on time in July 2020. “Californians pay the highest gas tax in the nation, which is adding to the skyrocketing cost of fuel,” said Assemblymember Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach). “Our communities are struggling to make ends meet while Sacramento leadership works to increase the cost of living even higher.”