C e l e b r a t i n g 2 8 Ye a r s o f Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities
City of Champions Your Community Connection Since 1994
EYE ON THE CITY
‘Mysterious Multi-Million MeToo Lawsuits..’ See Page 4
May 12-18, 2022 VOL. 37, No. 19
California ’22 Primary Election:
Black Candidates Running for US House of Representatives Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media
Election offices have begun sending out vote-by-mail ballots for the June 7, 2022, California Primary. Statewide, voters will discover that Black candidates for United States House of Representative seats are overrepresented on their ballots. California Black Media (CBM) is reporting that 18 Black candidates are running for 14 US House seats. Eleven are registered as Democrats and seven are running as Republicans. Nine are women and nine are men. Although African Americans are 5.8% of California residents, Black candidates are on ballots for 26.9% of the US House seats. California’s delegation to the US House of Representative will have 52 members in the next Congress. While it is the still the largest delegation, one seat was lost due to a decline in population count from the 2020 US census. Congressional district population following the 2020 census is about 761,169 people. A consequence of losing a US House seat is that district boundaries have been redrawn by the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) and many district numbers have been reassigned. For example, Rep. Barbara Lee, one of the three Black members of the California delegation, currently represents House District 13 and is running to represent District 12. However, the district numbers for the other Black representatives, Maxine
Waters (District 43), who is running for re-election, and Karen Bass (District 37), who has decided to run for mayor of Los Angeles have not changed.
Congress are: Democrat Kermit Jones is a Navy veteran and an internal medicine doctor who has a law degree. He is running to represent District 3 (Yuba). He is running against three opponents. This
The Black candidates running for
Continued on page 7
Dream Fund: Apply for $10,000 Grants Through $35M State Program By Tanu Henry | California Black Media
Since 2017, there has been a 9.8% increase of new small businesses – firms with less than 500 employees -- in the United States. Over the past two years alone, over 10 million applications were submitted to start new small businesses across the country, according to the Small Business Administration. That growth trend is true for California, too, where there are about 4.1 million small businesses, the most
in the country. Those companies make up 99.8% of all business in California and employ about 7.2 million people. But for Black-owned and other minority owned small businesses across the country, there was a steep decline in numbers, almost 41%, due to the pandemic, a Census Population Survey found in 2020. During that same time, nearly 44% of minorityowned small businesses were at risk Continued on page 8
Top from left, Barbara Lee, Sydney Kamlager, Maxine Waters Bottom: Jan C. Perry, William Moses Summerville, Tamika Hamilton
Salacious Sexual Allegations Doom Cynthia Cooper-Dyke
Tanu Henry | California Black Media
Former TSU women’s coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke accused of abuse Continued on page 7
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Page 2
May 12-18, 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
Erika F. Torres, Ed.D., MSW County Administrator
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.Class of 2022 Senior Graduation Updates We are excited to announce that our District will be holding commencement ceremonies for our senior graduates at the Kia Forum on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Specific details for each high school commencement ceremony will be shared in the upcoming days. We look forward to celebrating the hard work and dedication of our
PRESIDENT/ EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Willie Brown PUBLISHER Kenneth Miller 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.
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amazing students as they transition into their next chapter. The graduation ceremonies will take place at the following times: City Honors at 10:00 a.m., Morningside High School at 1:00 p.m., and Inglewood High School at 4:00 p.m. Congratulations to our Class of 2022! Honoring our Principals and Teachers Our District honored our school principals and teachers this week for their commitment and support to our students on their educational journey. School Principals’ Day is a national day of celebration held on May 1, 2022, honoring our educational leaders who are committed to leading our students to a prosperous future. The commitment from our principals sets the tone for the entire school year. Our District is grateful to our amazing school principals for their continued leadership, support, dedication, and enthusiasm in supporting our staff, students, families and community. Also, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we thanked and acknowledged all of the hard work and dedication from our teachers to our District, students, staff and community. Our teachers are the reason for the success of our students. It is their daily commitment and influence that inspires our students to believe that they are able to do anything they set their hearts and minds on. Our Inglewood Unified teachers are making a difference by educating our students and working tirelessly toward our District’s mission to provide each student with personalized opportunities, equitable resources, social and emotional support and much more. Thank you to our school principals and teachers for your tireless hard work on behalf of our students and community! School Lunch Hero Day Our District participated in School Lunch Hero Day today Friday, May 6, 2022, as we showed our appreciation for the important work and dedication school nutrition workers extend to our students every day. This celebration is a chance to acknowledge our school nutrition team for their work in planning and preparing healthy meals and adhering to nutrition standards, all while doing so with a smile. To learn more about School Lunch Hero Day, please click here. National Mental Health Awareness Month Our District is thrilled to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, as an opportunity to promote awareness about the profound impact that mental health has on all of us and a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues. Our priority is to ensure the health, safety and the social emotional wellbeing of our students, staff and District
community. We are encouraging staff, students and the Inglewood District community to wear lime green on Fridays to display solidarity for Mental Health Awareness Month! TopSail Youth Program at Highland Elementary This past Friday, April 29, 2022, as part of the TopSail Youth Program at Highland Elementary, 5th grade students visited San Pedro, California and enjoyed a day at sea aboard a tall ship. On this adventure out at seas, students learned problem-solving skills, science, and technology through various activities. Students had the opportunity to assist with raising the sails, climbing the rigging, and taking the helm. Way to go TopSailors! STEM Fair at Beulah Payne P-8 Leadership Academy of Excellence Last week, Beulah Payne hosted their annual Open House and had the opportunity to showcase their STEM Fair. It was an incredible turnout where parents and family members learned firsthand from our scholar students about their science and engineering projects. The carnival games were all engineered by our remarkable Payne scholars and operated by our 8th Grade Leadership Committee. Congratulations Beulah Payne! English Learner’s Advisory Committee (ELAC) Centinela TK-8 Elementary is thrilled to have resumed their English Learner’s
Advisory Committee (ELAC) to inperson meetings. The ELAC team at Centinela discusses various topics such as student reclassification criteria, parent engagement, student learning, English Language Learners (ELL) intervention options, and much more. Thank you Principal Burris and Ms. Concha, Community Liaison for your hard work in leading this committee to advocate for English Learners and to support pupil achievement. main engl.JPG Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) With the passage of Assembly Bill 22, the TK age requirement will be expanded. As a result, more students will now be eligible to participate in TK beginning in the 2022-23 school year. The table below outlines the new age requirement by school year. To learn more about enrolling in our District’s Transitional Kindergarten program, please visit our TK web page here. IUSD’s Celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and our District would like to celebrate and honor the history of achievements and contributions of the AAPI community to American history.
FREE Document Shredding Event!!! When:
Saturday, May 21, 2022
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM* or until trucks reach capacity
Where:
On Grevillea Avenue off Manchester Blvd. (in front of Inglewood High School)
NO-CONTACT DRIVE THROUGH DROP OFF Shredding material must be placed in rear of vehicle for removal. Document shredding is limited to Inglewood residents only. ID is required!
No more than three (3) boxes or bags of shredding material per vehicle. This event is on a first-come-first-served basis *Event will conclude once all shredding trucks reach capacity. For more information, please contact the City of Inglewood Public Works Department at (310) 412-5333.
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May 12-18, 2022
Karine Jean-Pierre Selected as First Black Woman White House Press Secretary By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Karine Jean-Pierre, whose long career in Democratic communications led her to the podium last year as the second Black woman to hold a White House daily briefing, will regularly host those news conferences. On May 5, President Joe Biden announced that he has selected the Martinique native as his next White House press secretary. “Karine not only brings the experience, talent, and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people,” Biden said in a statement. He added that outgoing press secretary Jen Psaki set the standard for returning decency, respect, and decorum to the White House Briefing Room. Meanwhile, the historic nature of the appointment wasn’t lost on the President and others. “Karine is a lifelong public servant and fierce LGBTQ advocate,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute. When Jean-Pierre steps to the podium on May 13, she’ll become the first Black woman and first openly gay person to
hold that job. “We are proud to have advocated for her historic nomination. As White House press secretary, she will not only be able to use her podium to represent the Biden administration but also the LGBTQ community during a time of unprecedented anti-LGBTQ hate and attacks,” Parker stated. “As the first out LGBTQ person and the first Black person to hold this office, her appointment will inspire countless young people looking for hope and motivation during a dark chapter in our nation’s history,” Parker continued. “Shattering this lavender ceiling is a testament to Karine’s grit, power, and
A Member of Congress Graduates from Wilberforce University
commitment to our country’s potential. We are confident she will continue to be a strong ally and partner as she works in the highest office of the land.” Psaki described Jean-Pierre as passionate. “She is smart, and she has a moral core that makes her not just a great colleague but an amazing mom and human. Plus, she has a great sense of humor,” Psaki tweeted. National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. said JeanPierre’s selection demonstrates that the Biden-Harris administration has held up its promise of a diverse staff.
FDA Publishes Proposed Rule Banning Menthol Flavored Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars
IT News Wire
IT News Wire
Wilberforce, Ohio - An Ohio congresswoman is among the graduates of the nation’s first, private, historically Black colleges/universities. Congresswoman Shontel Brown, representing Ohio’s 11th congressional district in Cleveland, was the keynote speaker at the commencement exercises for Wilberforce University on May 7th. Along with 92 others who received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Ms. Brown received her undergraduate degree in organizational management from CLIMB, the university’s accelerated, adult degree program. Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard, the university’s 22nd president, conferred the degrees. The ceremony also featured covaledictorians Leticia Johnson and Jasmyne Anderson who are academically tied point for point. Included in a bit of nostalgia is the
WASHINGTON, DC - After more than a decade of inaction and a citizens petition lawsuit brought by the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) and our partners Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the American Medical Association, and the National Medical Association, the FDA is finally moving a proposed national ban on menthol flavored cigarettes and flavored cigars. While the proposed ban wouldn’t take effect for at least two years, this move is a major win for Black health in America. For decades, Big Tobacco has used menthol flavored tobacco products and flavored cigars to target African Americans. 85% of all African American smokers smoke menthol cigarettes compared to 29% of White smokers. Menthol cigarettes increase addiction and make it harder to quit. “We are working towards a day where no Black people in America die from preventable deaths due to tobacco,” explained AATCLC Co-Chair Carol McGruder. “This critical move in the rule-making process by the FDA helps make that day a reality.” In order to ensure loopholes do not exist to allow Big Tobacco to continue to hook Black Americans with these products, we urge the FDA to expand their rule to ban menthol, not just as a characterizing
class of 1972 - the Golden Grads, some of whom returned to the university and wore gold colored gowns indicating they walked across the same stage and received their degrees from Wilberforce 50 years ago.
“The NNPA, representing the Black Press of America, resolutely congratulates Karine Jean-Pierre, elevated as senior assistant to the President and White House press secretary,” Chavis stated. “This is another historic step forward by the Biden-Harris administration in fulfilling their promise of equity and equality in the White House.” In a 2021 appearance on The Chavis Chronicles, the Dr. Chavis-hosted PBSTV show, Jean-Pierre said representation matters. “We’ve seen that from the first day of this administration, the President signed an executive order to deal with racial inequity and making sure that we saw diversity and inclusion across the board in the federal government,” Jean-Pierre said during her appearance on the show with Dr. Chavis. “We’re living in a polarized country right now, and the one thing that President talked about when he was running, he wanted to make sure that he was the President for all,” Jean-Pierre remarked. Excerpt: “Karine not only brings the experience, talent, and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
flavor, but as an ingredient altogether. Formed in 2008 and based in Califonria, the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council is one of our country’s leading public health education and advocacy organization taking on Big Tobacco to save Black lives. The AATCLC works at the intersection of social injustice and public health policy. Working with health jurisdictions, elected officials, community-based organizations, tobacco researchers, activists, and the media, the AATCLC is leading the fight to end the sale of menthol and all flavored tobacco products. Learn more at www.savingblacklives. org.
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May 12-18, 2022
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
Mysterious Multi-Million MeToo Lawsuits Against Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz and Chris Brown End Mysterious Multi-Million MeToo Lawsuits Against Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz and Chris Brown End By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor
Days before a much-publicized appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show, an anonymous woman filed a $10 million dollar lawsuit against wellknown rap superstar Calvin Broadus, 50, better known as Snoop Dogg, on February 11, 2022. The lawsuit was filed by a “Jane Doe” complainant who alleged that back in May of 2013, Snoop Dogg and Bishop Don “Magic” Juan, whose real name is Donald Campbell, 71, sexually assaulted her. The Jane Doe accuser, the complaint described as a dancer, filed the lawsuit in a Los Angeles federal court on February 9. Super Bowl fifty-six took place on February 13. Snoop Dogg performed a highly promoted neverseen-before routine with other rap and hip-hop superstars, Mary J. Blige, Dre, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. On February 11, a spokesperson for Snoop Dogg described the allegations in the lawsuit as, “part of a selfenrichment shakedown scheme to extort Snoop Dogg right before he performs during this Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime show.” “Her attempt to use the courts to advance this scheme is shameful too and does a disservice to real victims who deserve to be believed,” Snoop Dogg’s spokesperson added. The accuser’s attorney, Matt Finkelberg, told media that the Jane Doe accuser, “refuses to be silenced and intimidated any longer.” “Our client’s hope is to inspire other victims of sexual harassment, assault, and battery to understand that they have rights, will be protected, and although they are victims, they will not have to be silenced forever,” Finkelberg said. On April 8, the “Jane Doe” individual who filed the lawsuit withdrew it “in its entirety.” U.S. district judge George H. Wu ordered the dismissal as requested. But Snoop Dogg wasn’t the only major Black male music superstar to be sued for millions and accused of a major sex crime. On February 16, a woman represented by Miami-based attorney Ariel Mitchell, but whose name is unknown, filed a $20 million lawsuit against singer Trey Songz, 37, real name Tremaine Neverson. The civil lawsuit alleged a 2016 rape against the singer, who is worth $12 million, at a party in West Hills, California. Law.com reported on February 15, that an attorney for Songz, filed a
complaint against Mitchell claiming she was engaging in a form of witness tampering. Mitchell denies the claim and said the complaint wasn’t true. But Songz attorney Jeff Neiman asked Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Gina Beovides to dismiss the complaint against Songz and pursue disciplinary action against Mitchell, including sanctions. On April 9, police in Las Vegas stated, “The LVMPD has concluded the investigation into the sexual assault allegations against Tremaine Neverson and determined that no criminal charges will be filed from a sexual assault allegation made against him November 2021. On August 19, 2020, Songz’s twitter account read, “I usually stay quiet on this, but I feel that in many ways the movement to fight for the women who actually have suffered harassment and abuse on various levels, has been hijacked by those who find it convenient for themselves to come up as they seek to destroy someone’s life.” On January 28, singer Chris Brown was sued for $20 million by a woman claiming the superstar drugged and raped her on a yacht docked outside Sean Combs’ home in Miami in late December 2020. The suit was filed by an anonymous “Jane Doe” dancer/model/actress in Los Angeles Superior Court on Jan. 27. But on March 9, representatives for Chris Brown directed media to a story on RadarOnline that included screenshots of text messages allegedly sent by the unidentified Jane Doe suing Chris Brown for $20 million and Chris Brown himself. The messages appeared to show a different version of events than what was represented in the lawsuit, including the accuser courting Brown with “lewd language and bare-naked selfies almost immediately after the alleged rape took place.” After the text messages
were revealed on Brown’s social media and amplified elsewhere, the accuser’s attorneys George Vrabeck of Vrabeck Adams & Co. Inc., and Ariel Mitchell withdrew from the case. “Chris Brown had 9 months’ worth of text messages from that woman. He
needs to file lawsuits on media outlets and so many other people,” wrote Toni Carter on Twitter on March 9. Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail. com and on twitter at @LVBurke Excerpt: On August 19, 2020, Trey Songz’s Twitter account read, “I usually stay quiet on this, but I feel that in many ways the movement to fight for the women who actually have suffered harassment and abuse on various levels, has been hijacked by those who find it convenient for themselves to come up as they seek to destroy someone’s life.”
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May 12-18, 2022
Sports & Entertainment PGA Tour and Wells Fargo Embrace Golf’s Color of Change at TPC Potomac Both entities have forged a working relationship with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of America’s 230-plus Black-owned newspapers and media companies. Separately both Wells Fargo and the PGA TOUR have wrestled with challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
If there were ever a perfect marriage between a corporate sponsor and one of golf’s alphabet soup organizations, the Wells Fargo Championships at TPC Potomac Avenal Farm provided such a bond. Wells Fargo, the namesake for the tournament and one of the world’s most prolific financial institutions, has again become embroiled in controversy over accusations of discriminatory residential mortgage policies and lending practices against its Black customers. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour has worked diligently to ensure that, after decades of anti-Black behavior, it’s slowly and relatively quietly becoming one of the more inclusive sports in America – if not globally.
Both entities have forged a working relationship with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of America’s 230-plus Black-owned newspapers and media companies. Separately both Wells Fargo and the PGA TOUR have wrestled with challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Together, both entities are working to change negative optics for which both understand they are responsible for their reputations. At the championships outside of Washington, D.C., the game’s inclusivity proved discernable in key places if not yet on the course itself, where Howard University phenom Greg Odom Jr. stood out as the only Black player to participate in a field of 156.
At the exclusive “Executive Club,” where corporate citizens enjoy birdseye views of the beautiful 16th hole and 17th tee, a fantastic mix of about 525 patrons yukked it up. They talked golf, dined on catered meals, swallowed Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Coca-Cola, and enjoyed a full bar. Interestingly, the large and exclusive tent highlighted how the color of golf is changing. “I don’t think the game, or at least the PGA Tour and some of its sponsors, see Black and white anymore,” Daniel, a D.C. lawyer, said as Stewart Cink botched a birdie put on 16 just as another downpour emptied the seating area just off the tent. Daniel didn’t want his last name used because a rival law firm had provided him the expensive tickets to the
Executive Club. “I’ve loved this game forever but could never understand, even as a wealthy white guy, why there wasn’t this effort or idea that having Black people, all people, included would only make it more attractive,” Daniel remarked. Even as Odom – who had little time to soak in leading Howard University to the PGA Works Collegiate Championships a day earlier – failed to make the cut, there were many opportunities to realize the newly found inclusivity that golf offers. Near the Wells Fargo Welcoming Center at Avenal Farms, African American bank representatives greeted patrons. They helped the thousands of fans in attendance find their way to and from parking lots, hospitality areas, the course itself, and shuttle buses. Ticket takers, traffic enforcers, and executives worked while several took time to talk golf. When Montgomery County, Maryland native Denny McCarthy strolled from the driving range, a small group of fans braving the early morning elements yelled encouragement. That small group included Darryl McKinley, an African American who works for a bank not named Wells Fargo. “First, I’m just glad the championships are here because I live about 30 minutes Continued on page 8
After Man Assaults Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock Quips ‘Was that Will Smith?’ By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Will Smith may have set the bar for attacking comedians on stage, and after a man attacked Dave Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl, the stand-up world might be on high alert. Viral video of the May 3 incident showed suspect Isaiah Lee of Los Angeles rushing the stage and tackling Chappelle. Authorities confirmed that Lee, 23, was armed with a knife and a replica handgun, but Chappelle escaped injury, perhaps in large part because his friends and personal security tackled the perpetrator. The incident immediately conjured images of Smith’s attack on Chris Rock at this year’s Academy Awards.
Entertainer Jaime Foxx, rapper Buster Rhymes, and Rock all ran onto the stage to help Chappelle. “Was that Will Smith?” Rock quipped to the delight of Chappelle and the large crowd that witnessed the Hollywood
Bowl assault. While Smith slapped Rock at the Oscars because of a joke Rock told about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chappelle has received heavy criticism for an earlier Netflix routine about the
LGBT-Q community. Foxx said he initially thought the incident was part of Chappelle’s act. “I’ve had an incredible time. This man is an absolute genius,” Foxx stated. “We’ve got to make sure we protect him at all times.” Chappelle reportedly said, “whenever you’re in trouble, Jamie Foxx will show up in a sheriff’s hat.” He also made light of the incident. “I’ve been doing this (for) 35 years. I just stomped a (man) backstage,” Chappelle stated. “I always wanted to do that. I saw Busta Rhymes there, like, ‘That’s how you do it, dog.’” Photos after the attack showed Lee with cuts and bruises. Authorities held him on $30,000 bail.
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May 12-18, 2022
BUPPIE | BUSINESS
James Harden’s Thirteen Restaurant celebrated Moms Defender News Service
13’s Twin Talis. Thirteen, James Harden’s fine dining Houston restaurant, is making it easy to treat Mom to an exceptional dining experience Mother’s Day weekend with a dinner special Friday and Saturday and a fabulous Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 8, 2022, that includes a special gift for every mom! The renowned Midtown restaurant, located at 1911 Bagby Street, is celebrating moms with an early Mother’s Day dining special that includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert created by former NFL player and Food Network star Chef Tobias Dorzon for just $75, Friday and Saturday from 4pm-11pm! On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, Thirteen will be presenting a fabulous Brunch of culinary delights, hand-crafted specialty cocktails and Mimosas, and a special gift for every Mother from 11am-6pm! The indulgent Mother’s Day Brunch menu includes exclusive sweet creations like Deep Fried Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast (Deep Fried Challah bread finished with a St. Germain strawberry compote & Vanilla Cream Cheese) and Churro Chicken & Waffles (Belgium Waffle tossed in cinnamon sugar &
entertainment with a live DJ! The Mother’s Day dinner special was available May 6-7, 2022, and Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch at Thirteen offered seating both inside the elegant dining room and outside on the Midtown patio. Thirteen, which officially opened
experience, with an exclusive menu created by renown Private Executive Chef Tobias Dorzon, and a custom cocktail program by some of the top mixologists in Houston. The restaurant features a large, elegant dining room filled with the NBA
All-Star’s personal touches, outdoor patio, a full hookah lounge with a live DJ, hookah and lite bites, and a private VIP room, located adjacent to a wine cellar filled with over 2,000 bottles of wine from around the world!
SAVE YOUR HOME
country fried chicken finished with a fresh fruit compote, Vanilla Creme Anglaise & powdered sugar), along with savory offerings from the 10oz Hawaiian Marinated ribeye steak and eggs to the Crab and Spinach Omelette or the Fried Grits Cake, topped with BBQ Shrimp, Cajun BBQ cream sauce, bacon crumbles and shaved Parmesan cheese! Thirteen’s Mother’s Day Brunch also offers an abundance of specialty Mimosas and hand-crafted cocktails with extra touches moms love, like specialty glasses and fresh edible flowers, along with 2,000 wines from around the globe and musical
on March 4, 2021, was founded on James Harden’s passion for excellent food and wine and a vision to bring something fresh and unique to the industry and the city he loves. Over the past year, the restaurant became one of the year’s most anticipated places to eat according to OpenTable and one of Houston’s most beautiful and notable ‘see and be seen’ experiences, attracting professional athletes and celebrities with its stellar service and sophisticated cuisine! Thirteen Houston cleverly blends a new modern steakhouse, upscale dining and a good time into one
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May 12-18, 2022 Continued from page 1:California ’22...
district leans Republican. No current member of Congress is on the ballot for this race. Republican Jimih L. Jones is a parts advisor for a car dealership. He is running to represent District 4 (Napa). He has five opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Mike Thompson (D) is running in this race. Republican Tamika Hamilton, a former Air Force Sergeant, is running to represent District 6 (Fair Oaks). She has six opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Ami Bera (D) is running in this race. Two Black candidates are in the competition to represent District 12 (Oakland). Democrat Barbara Lee is a current member of Congress representing District 13 (Oakland). Democrat Eric Wilson is a Nonprofit Organization Employee. Five candidates are on the ballot. This is a solid Democratic district. Republican Brian E. Hawkins is a Councilmember and Pastor. He Continued from page 1: Salacious...
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke. AP When Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, a basketball Hall of Famer and former MVP of the defunct Houston Comets, suddenly retired from coaching at Texas Southern last month it seemed like a fitting ending to a storied basketball career. But according to a bombshell report by the sports news website The Athletic, Cooper-Dyke’s departure may have been more forced than voluntary as
is running to represent District 25 (Riverside). He has four opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D) is running in this race. Democrat Quaye Quartey is a US Naval Academy graduate, veteran, and entrepreneur. He is running to represent District 27 (Santa Clarita). He has five opponents. This district is predicted to be a toss-up for Democrats and Republicans. Rep. Mike Garcia (R) is running in this race. Republican Ronda Kennedy is a Civil Rights Attorney. She is running to represent District 30 (Burbank). She has eight opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Adam Schiff (D) is running in this race. Democrat Aarika Samone Rhodes is a teacher. She is running to represent District 32 (Sherman Oaks). She has six opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Brad Sherman (D) is running in this race. Republican Joe E. Collins III is a Retired Navy Sailor. He is running to represent District 36 (Torrance). He
has seven opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D) is running in this race. Three Black candidates are running to represent District 37 (Los Angeles). Democrat Jan C. Perry is a Community Investment Executive and former LA City Councilmember. Democrat Sydney Kamlager is a California State Senator. Democrat Daniel W. Lee is Mayor of Culver City. Seven candidates are on the ballot. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Karen Bass (D) currently represents this district. Republican Aja Smith is a small business owner. She is running to represent District 39 (Moreno Valley). She has six opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Rep. Mark Takano (D) is running in this race. Democrat William Moses Summerville is a Pastor and hospice chaplain. He is running to represent District 42 (Long Beach). He has seven opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. No current member of Congress is on the ballot for this race.
Two Black candidates are on the ballot to represent District 43 (Los Angeles). Democrat Maxine Waters is a member of Congress representing this district. Republican Allison Pratt is a youth advocate and mother. Four candidates are running for the seat. This is a solid Democratic district. Democrat Morris Falls Griffin is a maintenance technician. He is running to represent District 44 (San Pedro). He has two opponents. This is a solid Democratic district. Nanette Diaz Barragan (D), a current Member of Congress, is running in this race. In the June 7 primary election, the two candidates receiving the most votes – regardless of party preference – move on to the November 8 general election. If a candidate receives a majority of the vote (at least 50% plus 1) a general election still must be held. The Black candidates winning the general election will serve in the 118th Congress and be sworn in next January.
disturbing details were coming out about her alleged abusive treatment of studentathletes during her two stints at TSU along with stops at UNC-Wilmington and her alma mater USC. Officials at TSU were about to begin a Title IX investigation into the allegations when Cooper-Dyke suddenly retired this spring, according to The Athletic. The report is filled with graphic and disturbing details of abusive sexual comments made to student-athletes entrusted in her care, and disrespectful and degrading treatment Cooper-Dyke
allegedly displayed toward some of her players at all three stops. Some of the things she is accused of saying to players may have once been acceptable but as society has evolved and the effects of mental abuse can have on individuals are better understood, such behavior is no longer acceptable. Cooper-Dyke, who was twice employed at TSU during two separate stints and also spent five years at Prairie View A&M, is accused of saying about one of her players who was known to have been diagnosed with mental issues that “she would be all right, she just needs some d–k, that’s all.” She also referred to that same player as a “sorry a-s virgin,” according to The Athletic, which conducted an open records search from her tenures at TSU. The Athletic, over several months, talked with 25 people, including former players and staff at all of the places where Cooper-Dyke coached who were able to give similar accounts of her behavior. She openly made fun of her players’ sex lives, engaged in demeaning namecalling and doled out harsh punishments for those who did not meet her standards. According to The Athletic story, Cooper-Dyke once came up behind a player while she was doing squats in the weight room and said, “Ooh, your hips are big, you got a fat a-s and I can tell you like to ride some d–k.” In another instance, Cooper-Dyke was said to have shamed a player about her weight to the point that the player became despondent and would not eat in front of Cooper-Dyke. Investigators for the Title IX report were told that during her first stint at TSU from 2012-13 that Cooper-Dyke got down in front of one of her male assistants during practice and mimicked giving him fellatio, and on another occasion told a player that her slow running during a drill was because she was “getting d–ked down” all the time. Cooper-Dyke also allegedly referred to some of her players as “b–ch,” “pu– y,” “Black-a-s child,” and “dumba-s.” There were similar accounts of incidents at UNC Wilmington and USC. School administrators also seemed to enable her behavior at times, even siding with her decisions to revoke scholarships of players she claimed had
behavior issues. Following an investigation by TSU, the school implemented a limited contact order between Cooper-Dyke and the team back in January, disallowing oneon-one meetings and contact through phones and emails. Weeks later that order was escalated to contact outside of games and practices. TSU athletic director Kevin Granger declined to talk to The Defender about the allegations against Cooper-Dyke because it’s considered a personnel matter, instead referring to the brief comment the University released concerning the matter. An introductory press conference for new TSU women’s basketball coach Vernette Skeete set for last Thursday was abruptly canceled with no explanation. “Given the confidential nature of Title IX and personnel matters, the University is unable to comment,” the statement reads. “Please be assured that the University takes any issues that impact the safety and health of our students, faculty and staff seriously to ensure a learning environment free from discrimination, harassment and violence.” Cooper-Dyke did not respond to text messages or phone calls from The Defender. The allegations bring into question whether Cooper-Dyke was able to use her legendary status and position of power to intimidate and treat players and assistant coaches with disrespect. Cooper-Dyke was able to continue to land jobs despite complaints on her record and SWAC commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland twice hired her for head coaching positions at PVAMU and TSU when he was athletic director at each school. “Every time something comes across my Instagram, someone celebrating her, I want to scream,” Thaddesia Southall, who played for Cooper-Dyke at USC in 2013-14, said to The Athletic. “She does not stand for what the WNBA represents. She does not stand for what they are trying to promote. This is a woman who demeaned us, who talked to us like we were not human. She made me hate basketball, and no one did anything to stop her.” In Times Like This, Credible Information Is Essential.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING WEST BASIN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT WATER STANDBY CHARGE West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) continues to expand its water recycling program. The program’s projects increase the supply of drinking water to property owners within West Basin’s service area by using recycled water for nondrinking water purposes (e.g., irrigation, parks, industrial cooling towers). West Basin has adopted a resolution of intent to levy water standby charges. A copy of this resolution is available for public review by contacting West Basin’s Board Secretary at WestBasinBoardSecretary@westbasin.org or by submitting a written request to West Basin’s below specified Avalon Boulevard Office. The resolution describes how West Basin will fund the debt service obligation on West Basin’s water recycling facilities by the proposed levying of a water standby charge. The proposed annual standby charge for a single-family home or duplex located in the City of West Hollywood shall not exceed the equivalent of $1.06 per month per acre or per parcel of less than one acre; $0.71 per month per condominium unit, apartment unit, and hotel/motel room; and $5.29 per month per parcel or per acre for parcels larger than one acre for all non-residential uses. The proposed annual standby charge for a single-family home or duplex located outside of West Hollywood shall not exceed the equivalent of $1.24 per month per acre or per parcel of less than one acre; $0.83 per month per condominium unit, apartment unit, and hotel/motel room; and $6.17 per month per parcel or per acre for parcels larger than one acre for all non-residential uses. NOTE: THIS CHARGE WILL NOT EXCEED THE CHARGE THAT IS AS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT. THERE IS NO STANDBY CHARGE INCREASE WHATSOEVER. The charge, if adopted, will be collected on the annual property tax bill, or as directed by West Basin’s Board of Directors. PLEASE NOTE that the Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on May 23, 2022, at 1:00 pm at West Basin’s address shown below and by teleconference at 1-213-349-1594 (Access code, 840-115-479#) to receive comments and written protests, if any, on continuing the proposed water standby charges for West Basin’s fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022. In addition, the Board will review all public protests and/or written comments before considering adoption of the proposed standby charge. Any person may email or file a written protest with West Basin’s Board Secretary, at the street address below or by emailing WestBasinBoardSecretary@westbasin.org, to be received no later than 12:30 pm on May 23, 2022. The protest must identify the landowner and contain a description sufficient to identify the land owned by the landowner. West Basin Municipal Water District 17140 S. Avalon Blvd., Suite 210 Carson, CA 90746 (310) 217-2411 Gregory Reed General Manager West Basin Municipal Water District
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of shutting down, a Small Business Majority report found. Although a number of reports suggest that the outlook has begun to be more positive as the U.S. economy continues bounce back defying the odds, and many Black businessowners have also become more optimistic, access to credit and technical support remain a challenge for many who had to dip into their own finances to keep their lights on. Recognizing the outsized contribution small businesses make to the health of the California economy and the hit many of the smallest of small business have taken during the pandemic, the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) has been making grants of up to $25,000 to small business in the state. In its latest round of funding called the Dream Fund, which is now accepting applications on a rolling basis, CalOSBA has partnered with Lendistry, a Los Angeles-based, minority-led small business and commercial real estate lender to administer the $35 million grant portion of its program. The fund provides $10,000 to each small business that qualifies. To become eligible, California-based
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from here,” McKinley asserted. “But to see McKinley representing Maryland and Odom repping Howard University and all HBCUs is exciting on different levels.” McKinley explained that the presence of McCarthy, who is white, and Odom, a Black man, had encouraged many like him. “Denny is from here, so it lets you know that this area can produce champions,” McKinley explained further. “Then you have Greg, a Black man, a Howard University dude doing his thing and shining a spotlight on us in this game. What else do you need to see to be convinced that the doors are now wide open for everyone in this game.” Though Odom missed the cut, it wasn’t just the amateur who had problems with the weather. Veteran Sergio Garcia fought both the elements and officials after hitting a tee shot that went astray from the rolling terrain at Avenal Farm. Garcia became frustrated with an official after being assessed a penalty for taking too much time while looking for his ball that went into a hazard. Players are allowed three minutes to locate the ball once they arrive in the general area where they hit it. “You want me to swim through the river?” Garcia barked at the official. “I wasn’t looking for the ball there. I was looking for the ball once I got onto this side. Does that make sense?” The moment also provided a glimpse of the change in golf for some. “They never used to argue,” Alexis Battersby, attending the event with a
May 12-18, 2022 small businessowners will have to complete training at one of the centers run by the state’s Technical Assistance Expansion Program (TAEP) and receive a certificate. “For the millions of Californians that have dreams of owning their own business, this grant coupled with
says he applauds Gov. Newsom for understanding the historic systemic challenges minority businesses face and for “doing something about it.” But giving Black businesses grants are not a “cure-all,” he says. “It is like putting a band aid on a bullet wound, if we don’t do more to
one-on-one counseling and business expertise from hundreds of counselors at our eighty-seven Technical Assistance Centers, has the power to jumpstart their dreams,” says Tara Lynn Gray, Director of CalOSBA. Jay King, President and CEO of the Sacramento-based California Black Chamber of Commerce,
really fix the problems small businesses face,” King explains. “Ninety six percent of Black businesses are mini or micro that means they make less than $100,000 or less than $35,000 a year, respectively,” King continued. “Only 4 % of our business earn more than $100,000 annually. We have to put more resources and technical support
group of other women, stated. “But, this is fun because the game seems more real to us,” she said. Battersby, who said she would attend the entire weekend, joined a group of 12 Black women at the championships. Meanwhile, back inside the Executive Club, Daniel, the lawyer, offered a course for Wells Fargo and the PGA Tour. When told Wells Fargo provided the Black Press with unlimited access to the event, he shook his head in approval. “That’s a start,” he asserted. “They have to do many things to improve access for their African American customers and engage Black people the right way by doing more with you guys (the Black Press).” He said the PGA Tour’s efforts are more pronounced. “You got Odom playing here, and I’m certain they would like to see more people of color on the course,” Daniel stated. “But, I’m also aware that in the corporate offices and other places within the PGA Tour, there are African Americans – men and women and who knows, LGBTQ individuals, who are working important jobs. “But, if I’m you (the Black Press), I keep pressing. I’m never satisfied, and neither should African Americans until there’s concrete proof that the efforts have been sustained and the word ‘diversity’ isn’t needed in our vocabulary anymore.”
around these businesses.” King says informing Black businessowners about opportunities like the Dream Fund and making sure they know how to apply for or access the funding is critical to making sure the people who need the help gets it. “You have to get down into our communities,” he said. “You have to reach people through groups that are plugged into our communities to get the word out. We do not hear about these kinds of programs enough. We definitely don’t benefit from them enough.” Everett K. Sands, the CEO of Lendistry, says he is excited to help California new businesses access the capital they need to “begin on their journeys. “Over the past two years, almost 10 million new businesses have been created in the U.S.,” he says. “With record numbers of new small businesses entering the marketplace, many of which are owned by women and minorities, programs like California Dream Fund pave the way for a more robust and equitable economy as these new businesses make the leap from employing just their founders to employing their communities.”