March 20, 2025-edition

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March 20 - 26, 2025

VOL. 40, No. 11

Your Community Connection Since 1994

Congresswoman Maxine Waters, House Democrats Blocked from HUD Headquarters Inglewood Today News

In an unprecedented show of resistance, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) led a group of House Democrats to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) this week, only to be turned away at the door. The lawmakers sought to hand-deliver a letter signed by 122 House Democrats to HUD Secretary Scott Turner, demanding answers about the reported infiltration of the agency by Elon Musk’s so-called DOGE personnel and the looming mass termination of HUD staff.

The blockade of elected officials from a federal agency, especially one central to the nation’s housing security, underscores the escalating power struggle between the White House and Congress. As President Trump and his unelected “co-president” Elon Musk orchestrate a sweeping shake-up Continued on page 7

Inglewood Entrepreneurs Become Certified

Inglewood Today News

The challenges and rewards of running a small business culminated last weekend in a special celebration at the Inglewood Senior Citizens Center.

The City of Inglewood did the honors, hosting a ceremony to acknowledge graduates of the Inglewood Business Certification Program. The dedication of these business owners to the certification process, as well as running their enterprises, is evidence of their commitment to the Inglewood Community.

There are 60 certified businesses in the program. “The purpose is to allow the City to inform the venues and major event promoters of the services provided by long-term small businesses in Inglewood,” Mayor Butts said. “This would include the NBA for the All-Star weekend in 2026, the FIFA World Cup

committee (8 Playoff matches in 2026), NFL (Superbowl 71 in 2027), and LA28 Olympic Organizing Committee. Our intent is to maximize revenues dispersed to local businesses.”

The mayor was present to hand out certificates and congratulate participants.

Becoming Inglewood-certified gives businesses greater visibility and access to partnerships that support their success. “It was inspiring to see so many dedicated business owners recognized for their hard work and commitment to our community!” a City representative said. “Here’s to building a stronger, more connected Inglewood—one business at a time!”

Aside from the recognition and prestige that government certification Continued on page 8

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March 20 - 26, 2025

Publisher’s Message

The Boycott Era Needs Tweaking

By Willie Brown

Last month, prominent members of the Black clergy called for a 40-day boycott of Target stores, from March 5-April 17, Lent Season. The popular retail store is one of several that complied with Trump’s rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in hiring practices. The rollback of DEI policies, coupled with mass firings of federal government workers has put many Americans of modest means in rough situations.

Trump’s policies have taken away access to economic parity through livable wages and business opportunities. Constant oppression by corporations that mistreat workers, and get away with not paying their fair share of taxes, yet enjoy all the perks of a free economy, has reached a boiling point. Folks are fighting mad and boycotts are one of the best tools in the arsenal.

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

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Early reports suggest, however, that boycotting as a way to change the way America is heading, needs some rethinking. So far, it appears that Black entrepreneurs with products in Target are the biggest losers of the boycott. According to research, Black consumers comprise less than 10% of total Target shoppers. Black vendors are losing shelf space because no one is shopping online or in the stores. It appears that Black shoppers are throwing out the “baby with the bathwater”—which was not the original intent.

If no one is buying Black-owned merchandise (a consequence of not buying anything at all), then Black entrepreneurs will suffer the most.

Retail sales are driven by demand.

If the demand dries up, Target has no choice but to push out black vendors and give valuable shelf space to someone else.

Without the support of a strong independent distribution network to keep their products in front of consumers, Black manufacturers won’t have the necessary supply chain to keep their businesses solvent.

The 40-day Target Boycott was preceded by a 24-hour Economic Blackout on February 28, spearheaded by Thepeoplesunion. com. Founder John Swartz has published a series of dates in March and April for boycotting on the website https://thepeoplesunion. com. His boycotts, however, are targeted more to general progressive issues than race or gender.

The People’s Union asks consumers to refrain from spending any money during boycott days, and encourages people to take a day off work if possible.

Basically, contribute nothing to the economy. Unlike the Target Boycott, People’s Union efforts are intended to raise awareness of such issues as corporate greed, environmental safety, child labor, worker exploitation, price gouging, and the “corrupt, poisonous food industry.” Boycotts typically last from a day to a week. The union has set up a GoFundMe account to help keep pressure on billionaire corporations who mistreat consumers and workers.

You may ask if a 24-hour boycott could make any difference.

The answer is yes, if the objective is clear.

According to data gathered from People’s Union economic blackout, major retailers saw a 4-6% drop in sales. Amazon, who rakes in about a billion dollars a day, is a much tougher nut to crack. Costco, who defied orders to end DEI saw an 8% jump.

One of the most successful boycotts in American history was the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1956, which lasted for about a year.

It succeeded because it was wellorganized and the ask was clear—end the racist law of making Black people sit in the back of the bus. The benefactors were specific—the general black population in Montgomery, Alabama who relied on public transportation.

Losing Black passengers almost put the Montgomery bus company out of business, which caused segregation laws to be overturned in other states.

DEI isn’t as cut and dry because workplace diversity includes racial, gender and military consideration. It extends to women, non-white, nonstraight and military veterans. White women are the biggest benefactors of DEI and have protested the least.

But Trump has made DEI to appear synonymous with Black people—a dog whistle to his base--so many people who aren’t Black think it doesn’t apply to them.

If Black consumers are to win the fight against corporations that disrespect them and show little regard for their economic well being, a few things need to happen: 1.

The ask needs to be clear. Are we boycotting to punish corporations?

Are we trying to get Target to cancel rollback of DEI? What is the goal?

2.

Black consumers need to spend their money in ways that won’t hurt other small, local, and/or Blackowned companies. Be intentional about where you shop. Buy directly from websites or only purchase certain brands inside retail stores.

3.

Black vendors need to be more proactive in creating independent supply chains, so they don’t have to depend solely on corporate retailers to carry their brands.

4.

Effective campaigns need to be launched to educate consumers on corporations and brands that align with their beliefs.

Boycotts can and do work, but there needs to be better clarity, planning and

focus to make sure hard-earned dollars end up in the hands of companies who demonstrate they respect your dollars by giving back to your bottom line through job and business opportunities.

In case you need more information on who to consider boycotting economically, here are 30 corporations that have rolled back their DEI programs. While you’re at it, take a look at their policies toward the environment, safety regulations and other issues that are important to you: • Amazon • AT&T • Bank of America • BlackRock • Boeing • Citigroup • Chipotle • Deloitte • Disney • Ford • General Motors • Goldman Sachs • Google • John Deere • Harley-Davidson • Lowe’s • McDonald’s • Meta • Paramount • PBS • Pepsi • Starbucks • State Street • The Smithsonian Institution • Target • Tractor Supply • Uber • Victoria’s Secret • Walmart • Warner Bros. Discovery

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 20 - 26, 2025

Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas Honors California Women in Construction With State Proclamation, Policy Ideas Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

To honor Women in Construction Week, Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 30 in the State Legislature on March 6. This

resolution pays tribute to women and highlights their contributions to the building industry.

The measure designated March 2, 2025, to March 8, 2025, as Women in Construction Week in California. It passed 34-0 on the Senate floor.

“Women play an important role in building our communities, yet they remain vastly underrepresented in the construction industry,” SmallwoodCuevas stated. “This resolution not only recognizes their incredible contributions but also the need to break barriers -- like gender discrimination that continues to block women from pursuing construction careers.”

Authored by Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro), another bill, Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 28, also recognized women in the construction industry.

The resolution advanced out of the Assembly Committee on Rules with a 10-0 vote.

The weeklong event coincides with the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) celebration that started in 1998 and has grown and expanded every year since.

NAWIC began in 1953 by a group of women to help create a support network for other women in the industry. Women In Construction Week (WIC) raises awareness about

the role women play in the maledominated profession.

The same week in front of the State Capitol, Smallwood, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom), and Assemblymember Maggie Krell (D-Sacramento), attended a brunch

the female construction workers are White, 35.1% are Latinas, 2.1% are Asians, and 6.5% are Black women, the report reveals.

The National Association of Home Builders reported that as of 2022, the states with the largest number of women working in construction were

Black Californians make up only 4.9% of the construction workforce and Black representation on publicly funded projects in the county is much lower, hovering around 3%, the LABWC disclosed.

“Adopting equity provisions in Project Labor Agreements and

organized by a local chapter of NAWIC. Two of the guest speakers were Dr. Giovanna Brasfield, CEO of Los Angeles-based Brasfield and Associates; and Jennifer Todd, who serves as President and Founder of LMS General Contractors.

Todd is the youngest Black woman to receive a California’s Contractors State License Board (A) General Engineering license. An advocate for women of different backgrounds, Todd she said she has been a woman in construction for the last 16 years despite going through some trying times.

A graduate of Arizona State University’s’ Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, in 2009 Todd created an apprenticeship training program, A Greener Tomorrow, designed toward the advancement of unemployed and underemployed people of color.

“I always say, ‘I love an industry that doesn’t love me back,’” Todd said. “Being young, female and minority, I am often in spaces where people don’t look like me, they don’t reflect my values, they don’t reflect my experiences, and I so persevere in spite of it all.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 11.2% of the construction workforce across the country are female. Overall, 87.3% of

Texas (137,000), California (135,000) and Florida (119,000). The three states alone represent 30% of all women employed in the industry.

Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) and the California Legislative Women’s Caucus supported Smallwood-Cuevas’ SCR 30 and requested that more energy be poured into bringing awareness to the severe gender gap in the construction field.

“We often talk about the importance of a workforce and workforce development, especially in support of good paying jobs here in the state of California,” Rubio said. “The construction trade are a proven path to a solid career. and we have an ongoing shortage and this is a time for us to do better, breaking down the barriers to help the people get into this sector.”

Last week, the Los Angeles Black Workers Center (LABWC) reported that the Black community represents 9% of Los Angeles County’s population and 10% of all new construction apprentices. In 2009, the LABWC started as a project at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Labor Center.

The center’s mission is to expand access to quality jobs, reduce employment discrimination, and enhance companies that employ Black workers through action and unionization.

Community Benefit Agreements are crucial to closing these gaps. Let’s continue to support policies that uplift the next generation of women in the trades,” Smallwood-Cuevas stated.

The California Department of Industrial Relations, and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) provided the second round of Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grant. It made $13 million available to improve access to training and employment opportunities for women, non-binary, and underserved populations to enter the building and construction trades.

The deadline to apply for the grant was March 12. The first round of the ERiCA grant awarded $25 million for the years 2023-2025. The applicants were from either the DAS Registered Apprenticeship or Pre-Apprenticeship program.

“When it comes to women in construction we’ve have made incredible strides. We see more and more women breaking barriers,” said Kounalakis, whose family owns a highprofile construction and development business. “I believe there is something fundamental in (women’s) psyche, core, soul that makes you feel differently when you’re involved in building something tangible.

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March 20 - 26, 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

Community Connections “Your Link to Local Happenings…”

Sunday, March 23, 3:30-6:00pm Sunday Jazz The AzizGallerie presented by Leimert Park Jazz Festival 3343 W 43rd Street, Los Angeles Featuring The Melanin Horns. Don’t miss the final show of their 3-month residency.

This jazz series takes place every 4th Sunday.

Tickets $10-$15. Purchase online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ ticketing/leimert-park-jazz-festivalpresents-sunday-jazz-at-aziz-gallerie.

Wednesday, April 2 – Sunday, April 6, 7:30pm daily Plus 2:00pm weekend matinees

Friday, April 4, 8pm

We Them One’s Comedy Tour Kia Forum Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 3900 Manchester Blvd., Inglewood The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Featuring Mike Epps, Kountry Pavilion Wayne and Karious Miller 135 N Grand Ave., Los Angeles Tickets $141-$445. Purchase online at Returning to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as part https://www.stubhub.com/we-themof an exclusive Southern California one-s-inglewood-tickets-4-4-2025 multi-year residency, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presents cutting-edge contemporary premieres and classics including Mr. Ailey’s signature work Revelations.

Tickets $49-$149. Purchase online at https://musiccenter.org/tickets or the Music Center Box Office.

Saturday, April 5, 11am-2pm

Sunday, May 11, Mother’s Day, 7pm

Easter Eggstravaganza Ed Vincent Jr. Park 700 Warren Lane, Inglewood Hop into spring with the City of Inglewood for a massive Easter egg hunt, storytime, face painting, arts and crafts, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny! This free event will be one to remember for the entire family.

The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage Kia Forum 3900 Manchester Blvd., Inglewood Featuring Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Stephanie Mills Tickets $98-$382. Purchase online at h t t p s : / / w w w. t i c k e t m a s t e r. c o m / the-queens-4-legends-1-stageinglewood-california-05-11-2025

Former Aide Sanctioned $217,404 in Case Against City of Inglewood Inglewood Today News

On March 5, Melanie McDadeDickens, former assistant and exgirlfriend to Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr., was ordered to pay $217,404 in sanctions for failing to turn over documents relative to her wrongful termination lawsuit against the City.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lia Martin’s ruling prevents McDade-Dickens from introducing new evidence supporting her allegations that Butts fired because she ended their affair.

Mira Hashmall, attorney for Inglewood, said in a statement that the sanction order found “Melanie McDade committed perjury in sworn declarations and destroyed evidence that would prove the misconduct that led to her employment being terminated by the City.”

The City also alleges that McDade-Dickens was fired for forging documents and persuading a subordinate to co-sign so she could qualify for a home loan. She is also accused of altering financial records and lying about a financial hardship to withdraw money early from her retirement account to cover the down payment.

McDade-Dickens’ employment with the City was terminated in 2019.

The court battle has been going on since 2021. Last August, the former assistant demanded $65 million to settle the case, based on allegations that her employment was subject to her submitting to the mayor’s sexual advances. Her attorneys offered emails and text messages exchanged between Butts and McDade-Dickens as evidence of retaliation and sexual harassment after the breakup.

David Miller, McDade-Dickens’ attorney says his client has not broken

any laws and contends that there is a conflict of interest between Butts and the law firm representing him, as the firm previously donated to the mayor’s political campaign.

The sanction covers attorneys’ fees “incurred for work performed by one attorney at a reduced rate as a direct result of Plaintiff’s discovery abuse” and violation of a prior court order, according to the ruling. Miller disagreed with the ruling and pledged to appeal the decision.

“The rulings of the Court are totally unrelated to the core issues of the case and have no connection whatsoever to the illegal quid pro quo conduct of Mayor James Butts,” Miller said. “Moreover, the inaccurate conclusions of the Court do not change the fact that Mayor Butts engaged in an extramarital sexual affair with his subordinate for multiple years and, once Ms. McDade ended that relationship, Mayor Butts used the power of his office to illegally retaliate against her.”

He added that his client plans to “vigorously pursue her claims against Mayor Butts” and is confident she will prevail at trial.

In 2021, one of the claims related to sexual harassment was thrown out by a judge because the case was filed late. However, proving sexual harassment is still critical to the overall litigation, as it would support other claims alleging retaliation, the city’s failure to investigate and prevent sexual harassment, negligent supervision and harassment.

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March 20 - 26, 2025

Sports & Entertainment Pros and Cons of the Subscribed Life

By Maya Mackey

Spotify. Audible. Substack. Youtube Premium. Hulu. Netflix. Disney +.

Bet +.

Hell, you can even get a subscription to therapy! (looking at you, BetterHelp).

A never-ending list of paid subscriptions runs our lives.

And while fairly priced subscription-based media has its advantages, it’s also causing consumer fatigue and subdued lament. Will we ever own anything in our lives again?

Owning your home and car has always been an expensive luxury, but anyone born before 1995 remembers a time when folks actually owned their music media. Back in the “old” days, iTunes was a platform that allowed you to pay for music that would be downloaded into your digital music “library”. You bought a song once and it was yours forever! Before iTunes were CDs (round discs that you could place in your car stereo system or in your in-home radio/CD Player). You could even take your CDs on the go with “CD Players”, smaller versions of radios that exclusively played whatever CD you wanted, attached to headphones. And before CDs, there were vinyls (formerly called records) that would play on turntables.

TV used to be watched live on something called “cable” and you would have to wait a whole week before you got to watch another episode. No bingeing allowed. And while I’m super grateful we have the option to binge a show and watch some cable sitcoms and dramas simultaneously, I do think the binge and subscribe life has gotten a bit out of hand.

One of the consequences of our subscribed life, as Boise State University psychology professor, Mary Pritchard points out, is that, “There’s never an undo button that’s as easy as it was to sign up, plus it becomes a psychological pain to have to go through the steps [to cancel it]. Even though [there’s] a financial cost that’s associated with that, it’s sometimes easier for us to be like, ‘Oh, I’ll cancel it next month.’ And then the next month comes around and we’ve forgotten that we were going to cancel it because we just don’t want to deal with it.”

Add to that, companies require your debit/credit card information even though the seven- or thirty-day trial is “free.” Before you know it, you’ve spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year on a service you might

not even use or enjoy all that much because you keep forgetting to cancel it.

The other drawback of subscriptions to everything means you lose access

capitalism and hyper consumerism in every single facet of our lives is getting crazy. No, not all your thoughts are worth a precious penny.

Neither are mine.

to everything if you aren’t financially stable. Miss a payment? Say goodbye to the hundreds and thousands of songs you downloaded and playlists you curated on Spotify, Tidal or Apple Music. And when it comes to television streaming, by the time you add up your 5-6 different subscriptions, you realize you’re better off paying for live TV in the first place. Especially since Hulu, Netflix and the other streaming platforms still aren’t streaming awards ceremonies and monumental sporting events like The Superbowl or the Olympics. Consumers have also complained about the quality of content available on Netflix, despite the company continuing to increase their subscription price, which begs the question, what am I even paying for?

Lastly, our subscribed life creates confusion around what modern society values and what is worth monetizing. For example, Instagram is a free social media platform. You can post pictures, watch and create videos and view the selected posts and newsworthy clips that your friends especially want to promote via their “stories”. However, recently Instagram added a paid feature where people can post exclusive content for those who pay to see their thoughts or what they were up to that day.

Mind you, “close friends” is already a feature on the app that allows you to exclusively share your more risqué thoughts or memes with the people in your life who are just as unhinged as you.

Why would I need to pay for even more exclusive content than what I get to see if I’m on someone’s “close friends” list? The drive for hyper

That’s why blogs exist to distinguish themselves from books (thoughts you need to pay for). The same can be said about Patreon. Creators love it because they feel it monetizes better than YouTube. But YouTube was always meant to be a free digital library. The creation of Youtube equalized the Internet in its earliest days, but now it’s driven a new career path.

“Content Creators” are people who just go online and share their thoughts, lives or art in stylized ways. Not to be confused with actual artists and entertainers that have to study and practice a craft. My point is consumerism, further amplified by subscriptions to any and all forms of entertainment, have destroyed a once upheld value of altruism– sharing information just because it’s useful. Not because you’re trying to build a 6-figure coaching business on Instagram, five minutes after learning an ancient philosophy.

The perks, of course, are that mailed subscriptions like magazines, meal prep kits and skin care can make us feel special because we look forward to receiving something special in the mail. Since we have access to our friends’ business and whereabouts all hours of the day due to social media, we no longer write letters or send invites to special gatherings (sans weddings). We can text, DM, and even video call our loved ones any time of the day so receiving actual mail has become a long-lost thrill.

Mailed subscription services are also life savers for disabled people who otherwise might struggle at best and go without at worst, some of life’s bare necessities. Being disabled and able to order food through DoorDash

or HelloFresh and get your essential items delivered through Amazon is a blessing. A major convenience for able-bodied folks is a literal lifeline for those who are not.

As Americans face constant chaos with updates on DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency) cuts and food recalls and obsess over how close we may be to World War III, the topic of ownership might become more prevalent. How can we pivot back to traditional media? Owning a library account or Libby and Hoopla account (where you can rent eBooks, audiobooks, movies and magazines for free with a registered library card) will certainly help you curb subscription costs and save one of the only socialist exchanges we have left in the nation.

How can you find a healthy balance between owning and renting the conveniences in your life?

Researchers at Boise State suggest the following practices: Ask: Do you really need it? If you are not completely certain you need a subscription to X service, write a reminder to yourself to revisit the subject in a month or two. Does the idea still hold value then? How will this product demonstrably improve some aspect of my life?

Ask: Do I have the budget for it?

Samia Islam, economics professor says “Some ‘naïve’ buyers will make the choice of subscribing to multiple services without fully considering the true life-time cost.” Essentially, before you try yet another trial, ask yourself if you can fit it in with all the other subscriptions you currently hold.

I’d like to offer another suggestion.

Check in with your friends, family and colleagues and see who already has a subscription to the product or service you’re considering. Does your friend have a library card or Libby account who can use to rent your books or share their log-in so you can listen to audiobooks for free and ditch your Audible payment? Does your roommate already have a mealprep service that they’d be willing to share with you to lower your cost of DoorDash purchases?

As the economy worsens, it’s time now, more than ever, to collaborate, network and practice mutual aid.

Let’s help one another rent less and enjoy more.

Page 6

March 20 - 26, 2025

A Plea to Make Women’s History Month a Bigger Deal

By Maya Mackey

I recently took the Women’s History Month self-guided tour of Downtown Los Angeles, designed by LA Metro. Five stops in about five miles tell the story of some lesserknown women in history and how they shaped the city of L.A. I learned about Maria de Lopez who, “in 1911 gave an unprecedented speech in support of women’s right to vote in Spanish, at the Los Angeles Plaza (just up the hill from present day Union Station). Days later, California passed a suffrage proposition and women won the right to vote 9 years [before the rest of the nation] when the 19th Amendment became law.”

I learned about Biddy Mason (first name Bridget), who was born a slave and won her freedom in the California Courts. “As a free woman, she bought an acre of land in what is now Downtown LA, became a midwife, and later a philanthropist.” She now has the key moments of her life on display at the micro-park named after her, Biddy Mason Memorial Park, in Downtown LA. (h t t ps ://bikes hare.me tro.ne t/ ride-guides/dtla/womens-historymonth/)” And while I was touched to learn about such amazing women and my pride of being a Native Angeleno and Californian deepened, I also couldn’t help but notice how hushed these women’s stories were. De Lopez, a pioneer of women’s suffrage, was not mentioned anywhere in Los Angeles Plaza Park. In fact, the plaza honors

King Charles the Third of Spain and Felipe de Neve, a Spanish soldier who became the 4th Governor of California.

Spain colonized Mexico (which

she obtained freedom, her memorial of a park was tucked away adjacent to a parking structure and a shabby micro “strip wall” with a few closed restaurants. For such an incredible

considered second-rate, insignificant and not equal in value to men.

It’s enraging, disheartening and questionable.

The Center for American Progress

we now call California) centuries ago. How the plaza, which is deemed an historic L.A. site, can honor colonizers over women pioneers who made our land more progressive and equitable for all genders is suspect.

And L.A. Metro promoting her legacy without so much as a plaque to honor her is disheartening.

The same can be said for Mason.

As honored and awestruck and I was to learn about lesser-known Black women history makers, and the pride that swelled in my heart, knowing

story, you’d think she’d get some real estate at Grand Park or near the L.A. Public Library! Or that. at the very least, her park would be front facing on a major street and not in the cut somewhere half-a-mile from Grand Central Market.

The whisper of these women’s accomplishments and contributions to justice, combined with how little noise Women’s History Month has made online, is certainly sending a sordid message. That still, in the year of our Lord, 2025, women are

reports that as of 2022, women between the ages of 25 and 54 make up 76% of the labor force and as consumers, “are projected to control two-thirds of discretionary spending by 2028.” That means women make up a super majority of workers and spenders. We are the backbone of the U.S. economy and our contributions to the world should certainly be front and center, not tucked away or whispered about during this special month. Let’s do better next year L.A.!

Page 7

March 20 - 26, 2025 Continued from page 1: Congresswoman...

of government institutions, HUD has emerged as a battleground for control over housing policy, federal resources, and the personal data of American citizens.

Standing outside the agency’s headquarters, Waters and her Democratic colleagues, including Reps. Cleaver (D-MO), Velázquez (DNY), Beatty (D-OH), Tlaib (D-MI), Garcia (D-TX), and Senator Van Hollen (D-MD), addressed the public and HUD employees—some of whom had already been dismissed. Their message was clear: HUD’s dismantling under Musk’s DOGE influence threatens millions of Americans in need of housing assistance, while also raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest and breaches of sensitive data.

Among the Democrats’ chief concerns were 1. Mass Terminations and Federal Housing Cuts The Trump administration’s plan to slash HUD’s workforce by half and shutter local field offices will remove critical support for housing programs, including affordable housing initiatives and homelessness prevention efforts. The first wave of firings—780 employees—has already begun, leaving an agency tasked with addressing the nation’s housing crisis in operational disarray.

2. A Growing Housing Crisis The mass layoffs come as homelessness surges across the country, exacerbated by rising rents, a shrinking supply of affordable homes, and systemic inequities in housing access. People of color, veterans, families with children, and LGBTQIA+ individuals are disproportionately affected. Waters and her allies argue that dismantling HUD at this moment will deepen the crisis, leaving millions without the resources to keep a roof over their heads.

3. Data Breaches and Musk’s Expanding Influence The presence of Musk’s DOGE personnel within HUD has alarmed housing advocates and cybersecurity experts alike. Reports suggest these operatives have gained access to Americans’ sensitive personal information, including the identities of sexual assault survivors. Given Musk’s history of controversial data handling—ranging from social media platforms to AI-driven surveillance— critics fear that private interests could now manipulate federal housing data for profit or political leverage.

Despite the administration’s aggressive moves, Waters and the House Financial Services Committee are pushing back with legislative solutions aimed at protecting both HUD employees and the American public. Among the key bills she highlighted: The Housing Crisis Response Act: A sweeping measure to increase affordable housing development and emergency rental assistance.

The Ending Homelessness Act: A plan to permanently fund housing for unhoused individuals.

The Down Payment Toward Equity Act: A groundbreaking bill to help first-time homebuyers, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, build wealth through homeownership.

Together, these proposals represent one of the largest federal investments in housing in U.S. history. But with Musk and Trump reshaping the government in real time, Waters and her colleagues face an uphill battle in securing their passage.

There is a broad battle for government control, and when the people’s elected officials are ignored, turned away and blocked access from the people’s own institutions, there is a broad and unexceptable chasm in both decorum and constitutional expectations to be addressed.

The chaotic scene at HUD is just one piece of a larger pattern of disruption under the current administration.

Across multiple federal agencies, longtime civil servants are being purged, regulatory safeguards are being dismantled, and access to public services is increasingly politicized.

Musk’s role as a shadow executive in this administration—particularly his influence over federal agencies, tech policy, and space exploration—has raised alarms in both Congress and the broader public.

Monday’s standoff at HUD signals that resistance is growing, but it also highlights the fragility of American institutions under the weight of corporate and political takeovers.

As Waters and her Democratic colleagues fight to safeguard HUD, their success—or failure—will serve as a bellwether for the future of federal governance in an era of unchecked billionaire influence.

For now, the battle lines have been drawn, and the fight for America’s housing future continues.

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

Celebrating

WOMAN‘S HISTORY MONTH

Page 8

Inglewood Today News

March 20 - 26, 2025

The Congressional Fight Begins

In a strategic move to bolster their slim majority, House Republicans have unveiled a list of 26 Democratic-held seats they aim to flip in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. This initiative, led by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), underscores the GOP’s intent to capitalize on perceived vulnerabilities within the Democratic caucus and expand their influence on Capitol Hill.

NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson articulated the party’s aggressive stance, stating, “House Republicans are in the majority and on offense.

Meanwhile, vulnerable House Democrats have been hard at work demonstrating they are painfully out of touch with hardworking Americans. Republicans are taking the fight straight to these House Democrats in their districts, and we will unseat them next fall.”

Republicans are poised and readily strategizing how to best Target Districts Across the Nation.The NRCC’s focus spans a diverse array of districts, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to reclaim seats in various regions: California: Five Democrats are under scrutiny: Josh Harder (CA09), Adam Gray (CA-13), George Whitesides (CA-27), Derek Tran (CA-45), and Dave Min (CA-47).

Notably, Gray, Whitesides, and Tran recently flipped these districts from Republican control, marking them as prime targets for GOP reclamation.

New York: Representatives Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Laura Gillen (NY04), and Josh Riley (NY-19) are on the NRCC’s radar. All three secured their seats by defeating Republican incumbents, highlighting potential vulnerabilities.

Nevada: The GOP is eyeing districts held by Dina Titus (NV01), Susie Lee (NV-03), and Steven Horsford (NV-04). These areas, which Republicans largely bypassed in 2024, are now considered ripe for contention.

Midwest: Targets include Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), and Frank Mrvan (IN-01).

Both McDonald Rivet and Sykes are speculated to be contemplating Senate bids, potentially rendering their House seats more susceptible.

South: Democrats Darren Soto (FL-09), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Don Davis (NC-01), and Eugene Vindman (VA-07) are also in the NRCC’s sights.

Hispanic-Majority Districts: Recognizing shifting political dynamics, the NRCC is targeting seats with substantial Latino populations, including those held

by Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), Nellie Pou (NJ09), and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02).

Additional Targets: Other Democrats on the list are Jared Golden (ME-02), Chris Pappas (NH01), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03). Pappas’s potential Senate aspirations could make his House seat more contestable.

California: A Microcosm of the National Strategy

California’s inclusion of five districts on the NRCC’s list is particularly noteworthy, given the state’s historical Democratic leanings.

The targeted districts, especially those recently flipped by Democrats, are emblematic of the GOP’s broader strategy to reclaim territories lost in the previous election cycle. The state’s evolving political landscape, influenced by demographic shifts and local issues, presents both challenges and opportunities for Republicans aiming to regain a foothold.

Traditionally, the party holding the presidency faces challenges during midterm elections, often losing congressional seats. However, the NRCC’s proactive approach suggests a concerted effort to defy this trend by focusing on districts where Democrats may be vulnerable due to recent electoral shifts, potential retirements, or emerging local issues.

The outcome of these targeted campaigns will significantly influence the legislative agenda and the balance of power in Washington.

As both parties gear up for the 2026 elections, the NRCC’s list serves as

a blueprint for Republican ambitions and a clarion call for Democrats to fortify their positions in these contested districts.

The NRCC’s announcement of its targeted districts underscores the strategic calculations underpinning the battle for control of the House.

By identifying and focusing on these 26 seats, Republicans aim not only to solidify their majority but also to send a message about their legislative priorities and vision for the nation’s future. As the 2026 midterms approach, these districts will undoubtedly become focal points in the broader narrative of American political discourse.

Meanwhile, Inglewood, a suburb nestled in western Los Angeles county, Councilwoman Maxine Waters was recently reelected to her seat in district 43. Her next electoral challenge comes in 2026, the same year as the much anticipated governor’s race. She remains steadfastly the Ranking Democrat member who previously chaired the house finance committee.

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