March 13, 2025-edition

THIS CODE Newsletter OR SCAN scan to sign up

Featured Topic: What is Being Done About Maternal Deaths in California?...

WWW.INGLEWOODTODAY.COM SIGN UP AT

See Page 2

FOR INSTANT NEWS

NEWSLETTER WEEKLY OUR JOIN

March 13 - 19, 2025

VOL. 40, No. 10

Your Community Connection Since 1994

Musk Masquerade Protest at SpaceX Headquarters

By Charles Jackson

On March 1, 2025, a major protest unfolded outside SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California, just south of Inglewood.

Dubbed the “Musk Masquerade March,” the demonstration was organized by Grassroots Democrats HQ and drew hundreds of protesters along Crenshaw Boulevard.

The event was part of a broader, coordinated movement opposing Elon Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his role in advancing federal spending cuts and workforce reductions under President Donald Trump’s administration. was one of many protests taking Nationwide Movement Against place across the United States and Musk’s Influence Europe, targeting Musk’s growing The Musk Masquerade March influence in government restructuring.

Demonstrators made a direct statement rejecting Musk’s policies, which they argued could weaken essential public services.

Similar protests occurred at Tesla Continued on page 7

At Least 8 Injured as Customer Rams into CarMax Store in Inglewood

By Mirna Alsharif and Bill Feather NBC

At least eight people were injured when a customer rammed into a CarMax store in Inglewood, Calif., on Saturday.

NBC Los Angeles.

They were injured as a result of the crash, including two who were critically injured and taken to area hospitals, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Police were dispatched to the store on the 8600 block of S. La Cienega Boulevard at around 2:03 p.m. local time, after a customer exited the building, entered a vehicle and drove into the business, police said, adding that a “business dispute” may have been the driver’s motive.

Video of the crash circulating on social media shows a silver Subaru

backing into the business via a doorway before making a turn and driving out via another doorway.

In a statement, CarMax said the suspect was a customer who “had his vehicle appraised.”

In a separate statement, the company said two of its employees and “several customers” were hurt. The employees were treated at a hospital for non-lifethreatening injuries, it said, adding that the injured customers were also hospitalized.

“The safety of our associates, community and customers is our top priority,” CarMax said. “We are deeply saddened by this event and our hearts go out to everyone impacted.”

Continued on page 8

THIS CODE JOIN OR SCAN What’s going on in Inglewood?

OUR Find out today and much more at our website Inglewoodtoday.com WWW.INGLEWOODTODAY.COM WEEKLY JOIN US ON SIGN UP AT NEWSLETTER FOR INSTANT NEWS

Page 2

March 13 - 19, 2025

Publisher’s Message

By Willie Brown

What is Being Done About Maternal Deaths in California?

As women are being celebrated globally during Women’s History Month, attention is being focused in California on one of the most fundamental aspects of womanhood– motherhood.

Sadly, in 2025 too many women are still dying from childbirth, despite the fact that 85% of these deaths are preventable, according to California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos.

The state’s Surgeon General’s Office has launched a new questionnaire to help reduce the maternal mortality rate by 50% by December 2026.

The questionnaire is part of the California Strong Start and Beyond movement, a partnership between the state and health agencies to foster awareness, bring resources and encourage active participation

PRESIDENT/ EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Willie Brown PUBLISHER Willie Brown VICE PRESIDENT Gloria Kennedy PRODUCTION Kenneth Denson QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER Gloria Kennedy Inglewood Today Weekly is a legally adjudicated newspaper of public cir­c ulation, published weekly

by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. News and press releases may be submitted for consideration by mail to 9111 La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 or by email to itnetworks@msn.com.

You can reach us at 310-670-9600 or by fax 310-338-9130 www.inglewoodtoday.com The artistic contents of Inglewood Today Weekly are copyrighted by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. and permission to reprint any article herein must be obtained in writing from the Publisher.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING 310-670-9600 X107 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 310-670-9600 X104 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscriptions are available by mail for $100.00 per year.

Home Delivery may not be available in all areas, or gated communities.

by pregnant or future pregnant women and their families.

The Preconception Medical Assessment or PreMA consists of eight yes or no questions to help pinpoint a woman’s current health status and postpartum health. The PreMA surveys will be distributed among women living in high risk communities.

Question topics include heart health, high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory issues, drug use and history of surgery.

Specific recommendations appear at the bottom of the survey based on the number of yes responses, as well as links to resources.

Black women in California experience pregnancy-related maternal mortality rates that are 3 to 4 times higher than other women. In the U.S., Black women are twice as likely as white women to die due to complications related to maternity and the birthing process, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since 2012, at least 56 hospitals in the state have either closed their maternal care centers or closed down altogether. Centinela Hospital in Inglewood discontinued maternal care in 2023. Los Angeles

Community Hospital and Memorial Hospital of Gardena are among the facilities near Inglewood that no longer offer this care. MLK Hospital in South L.A. does have a facility, but it is hanging by a thread due to steep financial losses.

Declining birth rates–a major reason officials cite for closing 5 Inglewood schools–are to blame for widespread closures. High costs and labor shortages are also to blame. However,

CalMatters found even highly profitable hospitals closed maternity wards that delivered more than 700 babies annually, putting women and their families at unnecessary risks.

As new efforts are made, such as PreMA, it is crucial to spread the word so women can have the best possible outcomes.

For more information about the new questionnaire, visit https://osg.ca.gov.

Inglewood Today Announces Internships Inglewood Today (https://inglewoodtoday.com) has announced immediate internship opportunities for aspiring journalists and data/research assistants.

The 31-year old media company is considering college and high school students for 3-6 month internships working hybrid 4-8 hours per week.

Journalist interns will have an opportunity to build their writing portfolios while interviewing celebrities, elected officials and other community leaders.

They will also cover issues related to Inglewood and surrounding areas.

Data/research assistants will work behind the scenes maintaining databases and helping to organize and launch a new blog.

Interested candidates may apply by submitting resumes to veronica@ inglewoodtoday.com. If applying for the journalist internship, candidates must also submit their best 2-3 writing samples.

Page 3

March 13 - 19, 2025

2 arrested in deadly shooting of Inglewood man who interrupted catalytic converter theft, police say

Inglewood Today News

On Friday, March 7 the Inglewood Police Department announced that 2 arrests have been made in the murder of Juan Miguel Sanchez. The suspects, identified as Alberto Rabanales and Jose Christian Saravia Sanchez, were booked at the Inglewood Jail after they allegedly killed a man who interrupted them attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a neighbor’s car.

Inglewood Today News

The men were taken into custody after a seven-hour standoff with the agency’s SWAT team.

Juan Sanchez was fatally shot in the chest last Tuesday, March 4 around 3:22 a.m. in the 1000 block of North Chester Avenue.

Surveillance video and footage from a Ring camera showed the suspects fled south on North Chester Avenue and east on 65th Street after the

shooting, according to police.

“It’s been a very difficult time trying to understand how somebody could do this to another human being,” Juan’s sister Susana Sanchez told ABC-7 Eyewitness News.

Sanchez, an avid church volunteer who just received a promotion on his job, is survived by a wife, two children and grandson.

Sanchez was described in a

GoFundMe campaign as a “devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a cherished friend to so many.”

So far, more than $52,000 has been raised on behalf of the Sanchez family.

Inglewood Today reached out to the Inglewood Police Dept. for updated information about the arrests. The call has not been returned.

Credit Reporting Changes Expected to Increase Scores

With the Trump Administration making drastic cuts daily that negatively impact jobs and social services, there is a glimmer of hope for millions of hardworking Americans. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized a new credit rule that will remove approximately 49 billion dollars in medical bills from credit reports for an estimated 15 million Americans.

The new rule prohibits lenders from using medical debt information in evaluating credit worthiness. It goes into effect on March 17. According to the agency’s research, the information reported by credit bureaus is often inaccurate. Research revealed that an individual’s ability to repay medical bills is a “poor predictor” of their ability to repay other types of loans. The stain of medical debt on an individual’s credit report has led to thousands of mortgage applications being denied.

Under the new rule, the three major credit reporting agencies—TransUnion,

Experian and Equifax—said any medical bills under $500 will no longer appear on an individual’s credit report.

With high medical debt being deleted from credit reports, thousands of consumers can expect to see their scores rise by 20 points on average. The CFPB further anticipates that this rule will lead to the approval of approximately 20,000 additional mortgages each year for consumers currently burdened by medical debt.

Consumers are advised to be diligent in monitoring their credit reports and scores to make sure any medical debts over $500 as well as inaccurate information is removed.

Every consumer is entitled to receive an annual credit report from the three nationwide credit bureaus for free by requesting them over the phone, in writing or obtaining them online from https://annualcreditreport.com or calling 877-322-8228.

Here is the contact information for the credit reporting agencies:

Equifax However, you can obtain your credit Online:equifax.com/personal/credit- scores for free online at https:// report-services/credit-dispute/ creditkarma.com.

Phone: (866)349-5191 To dispute errors on your credit profile, you will need to: TransUnion • Submit a letter to the credit Online:transunion.com/credit-disputes/ bureaus, reporting company, or dispute-your-credit/mail-or-phone both depending on your exact Mail: Visit the link above for the situation. The Federal Trade company’s most recent address.

Commission has a sample letter to assist consumers at https:// Experian consumer.ftc.gov.

Online:experian.com/disputes/main.

• Include in the letter, the html requestor’s contact information, Phone: (888) 397-3742. credit report confirmation Mail: Visit the link above or call for the number, error(s) that need company’s most recent address correction (including account number, company name, etc.), Once you receive your credit reason for dispute, specific data report, you can dispute errors with the you want removed, a copy of the appropriate reporting agency. In some section of the report where the cases, your credit information may be erroneous data appears, and any listed with one agency and not listed supporting data to prove your with another. case.

Most companies charge for providing You can generally expect to wait credit scores, which is really the key between 35-50 days for the agency to to determining your credit rating. investigate your dispute.

Page 4

March 13 - 19, 2025

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

Watch Out for New Parking Rules in Inglewood

By Charles Jackson

The City of Inglewood is implementing changes to its street parking regulations to improve accessibility and address the growing demand for parking spaces.

Currently, parking restrictions are enforced between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on street sweeping days.

However, to better accommodate residents and enhance service efficiency, the city is updating these restrictions.

Look up before you park. Revised parking restrictions will be coming soon.

The new parking restrictions will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on designated street sweeping and trash collection days. This adjustment aims to provide sufficient time for both services to operate efficiently while freeing up curbside parking for residents outside these hours. The updated “No Parking” signage reflecting these changes is currently being installed in District 2, located in the northwest corridor of the city, with plans to extend the rollout to other districts throughout the year.

Residents are advised to: Place their trash (black), recycle (blue), and green waste (organics) carts out for collection by 7:00 a.m.

on their designated service day.

Ensure no vehicles are parked at the curb during the posted restricted hours. Vehicles parked in violation of the posted hours will be subject to citations. However, during the transition period, a grace period will be in effect to allow residents to adjust to the new schedule. It’s important to note that residential parking permits do not exempt vehicles from street sweeping restrictions; all vehicles must be removed during these times to avoid citations.

The city recognizes that increased

household sizes and a higher number of vehicles per household have intensified parking demands on residential streets. Additionally, the influx of visitors attending events at venues like the Kia Forum and SoFi Stadium has further strained parking availability. While a permit parking program has been instituted to mitigate some of these challenges, the revised street sweeping and trash collection hours are part of ongoing efforts to enhance parking accessibility for residents.

For questions or more information

regarding these changes, residents can contact the Public Works Department at 310-412-5333.

By adhering to the new parking restrictions and service schedules, residents can contribute to cleaner streets and a more efficient waste collection process, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in Inglewood.

Inglewood Today reached out to the Public Works Department for updated scheduling for the remaining districts, but had not received a response before publishing.

California vs Trump: Attorney Gen. Bonta Lays Out “Resistance” Plan

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

During an online conference on Feb. 26, California Attorney General Rob Bonta detailed how the Trump Administration had used its first five and half weeks to execute an agenda that runs counter in various ways to California state policies and priorities.

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has issued scores of executive actions that make good on many of his campaign promises.

Bonta said the impact of Trump’s exercise of his powers is creeping up on the doorsteps of California’s diverse residents.

“People are scared, worried, anxious, and uncertain about what’s happening in the federal government.

And will it impact their lives and loved ones,” Bonta said. “Sadly, I think it’s pretty clear that that’s

part of the president’s strategy: To flood the zone, overwhelm us with a barrage of damaging, dangerous, and illegal executive orders and actions

that impede on the law and values that make America strong.”

Bonta made the statement while delivering an address as the guest

speaker of a virtual conference hosted

by Capitol Weekly, a non-partisan Continued on page 8

Page 5

March 13 - 19, 2025

Sports & Entertainment LA Rams Unveil Mural Honoring Black Legends at Nickerson Gardens

By Charles Jackson

In a powerful tribute to Black history and culture, the Los Angeles Rams unveiled a stunning 1,370-square-foot mural at Nickerson Gardens on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The event, which also featured a community celebration, is the latest in the Rams’ ongoing commitment to uplifting and investing in historically underserved communities.

The mural, created by renowned artist Brian Peterson, pays homage to some of the most influential Black figures in Rams history. The artwork features Kenny Washington and Woody Strode—pioneers who helped break the NFL’s color barrier—as well as Hall of Fame defensive lineman David “Deacon” Jones, legendary offensive tackle Jackie Slater, and quarterback James “Shack” Harris, the first Black quarterback to start and win a playoff game in the modern NFL era.

The unveiling event turned into a vibrant community gathering, with a backyard barbecue, a DJ spinning classic and contemporary hits, and football drills for local youth.

Residents of Nickerson Gardens, the largest public housing development in Los Angeles, took part in the

festivities, celebrating a mural that now stands as a visual testament to Black excellence in sports and beyond.

The inclusion of Washington and Strode in the mural carries deep historical significance. In 1946, the duo became two of the first Black players to reintegrate professional football when they signed with the Rams—one year before Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier. Their courage paved the way for future generations of Black athletes in the NFL. Deacon Jones, one of the most feared defensive linemen in history, revolutionized the game with his aggressive playstyle and coined the term “sack.” Jackie Slater, a seven-time Pro Bowler, played an astonishing 20 seasons with the Rams, setting the gold standard for longevity and excellence. James “Shack” Harris, meanwhile, helped break racial barriers at quarterback, a position that for decades had been largely denied to Black athletes due to racist stereotypes about leadership and intelligence.

“Every one of these men changed the game in their own way,” Peterson said during the unveiling. “This mural

isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about inspiring the next generation.”

The Rams’ Growing Presence in Watts remains steadfast. The mural is part of the Rams’ broader initiative to support Black communities and promote social change. In September 2024, the team partnered with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) to install a 60yard turf football field at Nickerson Gardens, providing local youth with a safe space to play and develop their skills. The field and mural together serve as a lasting symbol of the team’s investment in the community.

Peterson, whose artistic works include the famous Kobe and Gigi Bryant mural at the Nickerson Gardens gymnasium, has been a key figure in using art to bring visibility to Black culture and history in Los Angeles.

His latest work now stands as another landmark in Watts, a neighborhood often overlooked in the city’s larger sports and cultural conversations.

The mural quickly became a focal point for local residents and sports fans alike. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the Rams’ efforts, seeing them as more than just symbolic gestures. “It means a lot to have this here,” said one resident. “The kids

growing up in Nickerson Gardens can look at this and see what’s possible.”

The event also sparked conversation on social media. Videos of the unveiling circulated widely, with fans and commentators praising the Rams for their continued engagement with South Los Angeles communities.

However, some activists pointed out that while the team’s initiatives are commendable, more sustained economic investment is needed in Watts beyond sports-related projects.

As the Rams continue their outreach efforts, the mural at Nickerson Gardens stands as a reminder of the profound impact that Black athletes have had on the NFL and the broader sports world. By celebrating pioneers and trailblazers, the team is not only honoring history but also reinforcing its commitment to equity and representation in professional football.

With Black History Month 2025 now over, the mural serves as more than just a tribute—it is a challenge to keep the spirit of “Inspire Change” alive all year round.

“Play Ball”.

Page 6

March 13 - 19, 2025

Women Who Made Our Lives Run More Efficiently

By Maya Renee

Last week we told you where you can celebrate Women’s History Month. This week I want to acknowledge a few modern luxuries, inventions and tools that help us run our lives seamlessly, thanks to the leadership and innovativeness of women.

Take for instance, your morning coffee routine. followed by your reup at lunch. German entrepreneur Melitta Bentz, invented what we now know as single serve coffee filters (i.e. your Keurig Pod). Filter or “drip,” coffee has become consequential to our daily lives and the efficiency with which we make it now, is due to a woman! Salute!

We also have Ada Lovelace to thank for creating the first computer algorithm in 1843, and Gra\ce Murray Hopper who assisted in designing Harvard’s Mark I Computer.

Grace developed a compiler that could translate written language into computer code.

And, let’s not forget Josephine Cochran, who invented the modern day dishwasher that cuts down on time for this laborious chore. For her, I am especially thankful!

Florence Parpart created the electric refrigerator!

Seriously, our day-to-day lives as they exist now would be so different if it weren’t for the ingenuity of women!

Other iconic women inventors include: Marion Donover who invented the

disposable diaper; Bessie Blount Griffin, a physical therapist who invented the feeding tube, which helped paraplegics in World War II digest their food; Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the inventor of Rock’N’Roll (I know you’ve been taught it was Elvis. Unlearn that); and Mary Anderson, the inventor of windshield wipers! Driving would be alot more deadly without her. Thank you, girl.

While these are only a handful of inventions created by women, they’re super impactful and pose the question, what can women do and become when granted the recognition and access to validity (such as product patents) when they have brilliant ideas?

Some of these inventions were dismissed by men and denied until a later date.

Rock’N’Roll has been totally appropriated and credited to men when that couldn’t be further than the truth.

As women achieve new heights at the speed of light, despite only being granted semi-autonomy over their own lives in the past 50 years, it’s clear that we have a lot to celebrate and still a lot to overcome, nationally and globally.

Page 7

March 13 - 19, 2025 Continued from page 1: Musk...

stores in major cities such as Boston and New York, where activists sought to pressure Musk financially.

In Boston, over 300 demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla dealership, advocating for a boycott of Tesla products and calling for divestment from Musk-owned companies.

A public debate over government efficiency vs. public services is on display, as critics of Musk’s role in DOGE warn that his policies could result in mass job losses and the dismantling of critical government functions. Protesters fear that reducing federal expenditures in the name of efficiency could harm workingclass communities, particularly those reliant on public sector jobs and social programs.

On the other hand, Musk’s supporters argue that streamlining government operations is essential for reducing wasteful spending and ensuring a more effective federal system. This ongoing debate has fueled a wave of public demonstrations, with the Musk Masquerade March serving as a flashpoint for resistance against perceived corporate overreach in public policy.

One of the key organizations involved in coordinating these protests is Mobilize, a grassroots activist network dedicated to defending workers’ rights, social equity, and democratic governance. Mobilize provides resources for activists, organizes large-scale demonstrations, and fosters nationwide collaboration among advocacy groups.

Mobilize’s efforts extend beyond protests; the group actively engages in voter registration drives, community organizing, and policy advocacy.

Through digital campaigns, Mobilize connects activists across the country, ensuring that movements like the Musk Masquerade March gain widespread attention and participation.

A peaceful, yet powerful demonstration, adhering to principles of strength through peace set the example.

Despite the strong opposition to Musk’s policies, the Hawthorne protest remained peaceful and wellorganized, with no reports of arrests or significant disruptions. Protesters exercised their First Amendment rights while drawing attention to what they see as the dangerous implications of Musk’s government influence.

As demonstrations continue to unfold nationwide, the question remains: Will public resistance impact Musk’s policies, or will government restructuring efforts proceed as planned? The Musk Masquerade March is just one chapter in an evolving struggle over the future of government efficiency, corporate power, and public welfare.

Musk and Trump have both lived structured lives of business management and have not learned to respect the purpose of government, which is not management, but service.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case# 24TRCP00093 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Gabriel Michael Rivera-Jenkins, 610 Kew St Apt 2 Inglewood, CA, 90302, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, Inglewood Courthouse, 1 Regent St., Inglewood, CA 90301, to change their name.

FROM: Gabriel Michael Rivera-Jenkins - TO: Gabriel Michael Jenkins Gardner THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on April 11, 2025 9:30 AM, Dept P, Room 440, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Publication Dates: March 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case# 24TRCP00102 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Christian Gabriel Oyervides, 341 Magnolia Ave Inglewood, CA, 90301, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, Inglewood Courthouse, 1 Regent St, Inglewood, CA 90301, to change their name.

FROM: Christian Gabriel Oyervides - TO: Christian Gabriel Cortez THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on April 25, 2025, 8:30 AM, Dept P, Room 440, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Publication Dates: March 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2025026137 The Following Person Is Doing Business As: Fuse Engine 2206 Bataan Road, Unit A Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Registered Owner(s): Julian A. Sarmiento and Dawn Sarmiento, 2206 Bataan Road, Unit A, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on February 7, 2025.

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.} Julian A. Sarmiento and Dawn Sarmiento, Owners.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on February 7, 2025.

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, in itself, authorize the use in this State, 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 13, 20, 27; March 6,2025 IT00422301200203100 Inglewood Today

Celebrating

WOMAN‘S HISTORY MONTH

Page 8

March 13 - 19, 2025

Continued from page 4: California...

publication focused on California politics.

“The Resistance: California vs.

Donald Trump.” The 4 ½ hour event explored Trump’s presidential executive orders, mass firings, deportations, and billionaire Elon Musk’s handling of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

One of the directives Trump signed on Jan. 21 bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in the federal government and urges the private sector to follow suit.

Some corporations such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart have eliminated or scaled back their DEI programs.

Bonta had already advised California businesses, nonprofits, and other entities not to sway from DEI initiatives in their workplaces.

“I urge all California businesses not to fall for this scare tactic,” Bonta stated.

The online conference was held almost three weeks after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills appropriating $50 million to “Trump Proof” the state of California. It provides Bonta and the California Department of Justice (DOJ) funding to file lawsuits against the Trump Administration as well as protect California laws, institutions, and policies, Bonta said.

The funding is two-fold. First, Senate Bill SBX1-1, authored by

Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) amends the 2024 Budget Act to include a State Litigation Fund, distributing $25 million to the DOJ. SBX1-1 was enacted in case the Trump Administration decides to withhold funding for emergency aid after a natural disaster such as the wildfires that occurred in Los Angeles. The DOJ says it intends to go after the federal government in courts if aid is withheld.

The second bill that was born out of the Special Legislative Session called

by Newsom, SBX1-2, amends the Budget Act to add funding for Legal Services, including $25 million for legal assistance for Californians and immigrant communities.

Authored by Weiner and Gabriel, SBX1-2, also allows the DOJ to provide free legal services for veterans, people with disabilities, homeless youth, families facing eviction, seniors, victims of domestic violence, wage theft, and human trafficking.

Bonta stated that the funding is sufficient and that his office is staffed to handle litigation that resists obstructive policies and interference from the Trump Administration.

The funds would be used “wisely and prudently and efficiently,” Bonta said.

“I am here to provide facts, reasons, and assurances of California’s nation-

leading protections,” Bonta said. “I am here to enforce our laws, defend our rights, and protect our people. I am here to ensure progress prevails in California.”

Capitol Weekly hosts quarterly conferences for bipartisan panels to analyze public policy issues in the state and across the nation.

This year’s first conference included over a dozen experts discussing how California activists and officials can defend policies that oppose Trump’s injunctions.

The first panel focused on health care. The spirited debate featured Beth Malinowski, SEIU California; Devon Mathis, former California Assemblymember (R-Porterville); Dr. Richard Pan, former California Senator; and Amanda McAllister Wallner, Health Access California.

The second panel discussed California’s environment and climate.

Kip Lipper, Chief Policy Advisor on Energy and Environment to the Senate pro-Tem; Catherine ReheisBoyd, Western States Petroleum Association; and Victoria Rome from the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The final panel included Sen. María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles); Luis Alvarado, Luis Alvarado Public Affairs; Kevin R. Johnson, University of California at Davis School of Law; and David Trujillo, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) California Action.

“It’s going to take every resident in the state working together to say ‘we’re going to stand up for our neighbors,’” Trujillo said during the panel discussion.

The Trump administration has already begun exerting pressure on Sanctuary Regions – cities, counties, and states that have passed policies that shield undocumented individuals from apprehension by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Trump has threatened to prosecute state and local officials who resist federal immigration policy. After he was sworn in for his second term, his administration keyed in on the sanctuary cities across the country.

California, with a population of roughly 1.8 million undocumented immigrants, is clearly on Trump’s radar, the panel acknowledged.

Trujillo said that there is a law that limits the federal government’s power to force states to enforce immigration laws.

“I just want to mention that the 10th Amendment (of the U.S. Constitution) prevents the federal government from commandeering states or other cities and counties from law enforcement,” Trujillo said.

“That is the safeguards that we have.

I think we have a clear precedent here (in California). A lot of this is rambling to create fear among our communities.”

PLACE YOUR DBAS, PROBATES, TRUSTEE NOTICES, LEGAL NOTICES, SUMMONS AND MORE IN

SAVE MONEY AND SUBMIT ONLINE AT WWW.INGLEWOODTODAY.COM OR CALL: 1.888.676.1011 Continued from page 1: At Least...

currently closed, CarMax said, adding The company said it has “a plan that there is no reopening date at this of action in place” and that it is time. “working with the authorities on the Police said the driver left the store investigation.” The Inglewood store is following the crash and turned himself

in to the Los Angeles Police Department The suspect faces multiple counts, an academy on Manchester Avenue. He including assault with a deadly weapon. was arrested and is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, per Los Angeles County jail records.