C e l e b r a t i n g 2 7 Ye a r s o f Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities
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EYE ON THE CITY Rams
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May 13-19, 2021 VOL. 36, No. 19
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“TuffCrowd is all about...” See Page 5
Decorated Surgeon General Dr. Robina Smith Operating on Inspiring Hope Through Art
By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
There isn’t enough space in this publication to list all of the highlights and achievements of decorated former surgeon general Dr. Robina Smith, but the mere fact that this woman with a lifelong fascination of art would land in the medial profession in the first place is beyond comprehension. Smith is an East Coast girl by nature, having been born and raised in New York by her single mother who gave birth and divorced at a young age and was navigating through life as best she could. The one common bond that Smith shared with her mother was art. “I would say that my first experience of being involved with art was just sketching. I could take regular rule
paper and draw a house and each line would be so detailed that it would connect every facet of the house,” Smith explained to Inglewood Today during a candid interview. She had no idea what she was doing at the time, likely mimicking her mother who was and still is a rather accomplished artist. Her mother Sabrina Poole currently owns an art studio in Philadelphia which she shares with Smith’s sister, Lauren who is also an artist. Adopting her mother’s creative side led to Smith formally practicing as an artist when by the time she reached high school of which there were many. Smith attended five different high schools over a four year period in three different states beginning at
This oil on canvas painting by Robina Smith best describes the spirit of Smith and her mission in life.
performance arts McKinley High not have made it to where I am today,” School in Buffalo, New York, she opined. through Boston and Philadelphia and “I didn’t do well in school, but two concluding in Pennsylvania. Continued on page 8 “Based on my history alone I should
SoFi Stadium will fill over 3,000 event-day positions throughout this month’s hiring fairs By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
Beginning May 7 and lasting through May 23, SoFi Stadium’s in-person hiring fair will be filling thousands of event-day positions such as guest experience, food and beverage crews, retail, crowd management, security, and more. Hiring fairs will take place over a numerous number of days all
throughout the month of May. Applicants will have the option to apply for positions with SoFi Stadium, or one of its partner companies such as Legends, CSC, ABM, and SP+. Registration online in advance is required, which can be found on hiringfair.hollywoodparkca.com. On the website, applicants will submit a resume to their desired positions.
From there, hiring teams will reach out to provide the applicant with days and times for in-person hiring fairs and interviews. As pandemic restrictions are gradually lifting and entertainment life in Southern California begins to revive itself, more jobs will be coming to the Inglewood community, as the SoFi Stadium will be hosting many major
events and concerts. Those interested in the stadium’s local hiring fairs taking place this month should apply through the link mentioned above. Masks and social distancing will be strictly enforced on site. Parking information will be shared upon registration confirmation.
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May 13-19, 2021
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND FOCUS ON THE WORD LAUNCH “SHOT OF FAITH” Campaign Engages Black/African American Clergy and their Parishioners Providing Critical COVID-19 Information and Updates
IT News Wire
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In partnership with Focus on the Word, the State of California has launched “Shot of Faith,” a campaign designed to engage the Black/African American faith-based community and provide critical information about COVID-19 vaccine access, safety and equity. The statewide, multi-faceted campaign kicked off with a webinar with the Baptist Ministers Conference. In addition to webinars, the partnership includes town halls, pastor testimonials and vaccination pop-up sites. The virtual webinars and town halls will provide opportunities for Black/African American clergy and their congregations to meet with trusted
medical experts and state representatives for answers to their vaccine questions and up-to-date information. Pastors will share their COVID-19 testimonials on ShotofFaith.org and across their social media platforms. “The State recognizes the influence and impact clergy and churches have within the Black/African American community,” said Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California Surgeon General. “With their support, we know that we can envision a day when California reaches community immunity.” The campaign will be presented in phases throughout California. Phase 1 kicked off in March in Los Angeles
County; Phase 2 will be in the Inland Empire and San Diego; and Phase 3 in Northern California. Pastors and churches involved in Phase 1 include Bishop Kenneth Ulmer of Faithful Central Bible Church, Dr. Michael J.T. Fisher of Greater Zion Church Family, Pastors Shep and Shalonda Crawford of ECM Ministries, Pastor George Hurtt of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church and Bishop Robert Douglass of Inglewood Ministerial Alliance. The campaign encourages the community to remain vigilant against COVID-19 by continuing to practice safe behaviors like wearing a mask correctly, washing hands, watching
physical distance and getting vaccinated. “Educating the faith community is key,” said K.W. Tulloss, senior pastor of Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church and president, Baptist Minister’s Conference of Los Angeles and Southern California. “As trusted advisors, it’s critical that we get the word out about the vaccinations and direct our parishioners to available resources as well as to medical experts able to answer the many questions that have arisen out of this COVID-19 pandemic.” Californians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or VaccinateALL58.com, or call (833) 422-4255 to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated.
A Message from County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres
PRESIDENT/ EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Willie Brown PUBLISHER Kenneth Miller
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
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important updates in this week’s message. Summer School I am excited to announce the various summer school options for our students, including Extended School Year (ESY) and acceleration and enrichment classes. Our rigorous and innovative summer school opportunities for all students include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social-Emotional Learning, and the Arts. High school
programs include credit recovery and classes through El Camino College. The summer school schedule is as follows: Pre-K - 8th grade will begin on June 21, 2021 through July 22, 2021, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Classes will be offered in person and virtually. Grades 9 - 12 will begin on June 21, 2021 through July 29, 2021. Classes will be held Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Classes will be offered in person and virtually. Registration information will be sent to families in the upcoming days. I hope our students take advantage of these wonderful opportunities. Assembly Bill (AB) 86 – Use of Funds Surveys IUSD has a new funding opportunity through AB86, to be used for activities that directly support all students’ academic achievement and to mitigate learning loss related to COVID-19 school closures. With the help and support of IUSD’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) stakeholder committee, our District developed a survey to gather feedback regarding the needs of our students and how to best use the newly available funds for programs, services, additional instruction, and to support the social and emotional needs of our students. As we move to create a plan in the upcoming weeks for
supporting students with AB86 dollars, we have a survey to help with planning efforts and allocation of resources. Your feedback is very important. Community members and parents/ guardians, please fill out the survey here. All IUSD staff, please fill out the survey available here. Principals and teachers, please encourage your students in grades 6-12 to fill out the student survey as well here. Honoring our Principals and Teachers Our District would like to honor our school principals and teachers, who are committed to supporting our students on their educational journey. School Principals’ Day is a national day of celebration held on May 1, 2021, 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 would like to thank and acknowledge 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! Inglewood High School Student Continued on page 3
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May 13-19, 2021
EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON
ALEX PADILLA
JAMES BUTTS
ELOY MORALES
RALPH FRANKLIN
AROUND THE CITY
SoFi Stadium prepares for its first open-to-the-public sporting event By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
Since the opening of Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium, due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, sports fans and spectators have not yet experienced the world-class venue. This is set to change on Saturday, May 15. Major League Rugby will be the subject of the night, as The LA Giltinis will face off against the Utah Warriors at 7 p.m. PT. Fans and spectators are welcome to attend. The LA Giltinis are the newest professional sports franchise to arrive to Los Angeles. Since their arrival in March, their home stadium has been, and will continue to be, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. However, due to a scheduling conflict, the May 15 match will be held at SoFi Stadium. Giltinis Head Coach Darren Coleman is thrilled to have the honor of being among the first to compete at SoFi Stadium with open doors to the public. “To be here is amazing. We’ve been in a lot of stadiums around the world, and the technology and the modernness of this one is just next level.” Tickets to the match will start at $40. The outing will serve perfectly for a night of competitive sport, and also an opportunity for fans to get a feel for all that Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium has to offer, and why it’s one of the best venues in the world. Continued from page 2: a Message...
Interviews President Obama Inglewood High School Senior and aspiring filmmaker and producer, Tariq Stone, recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Los Angeles Times Book Club interview with former President, Barack Obama. Mr. Stone’s October 2020 publication with the Los Angeles Times High School Insider “Message to my next president: We need to realize the difference between fact and fiction” was submitted to President Obama’s team, which led to his involvement as an interviewer. In addition to this interview, Mr. Stone is actively involved in We Uplift the World Foundation, where their mission is to create sustainable, positive change in the world through art, technology, entertainment and education. Mr. Stone was accepted into the film program at California College of Arts, where he hopes to gain a deeper understanding in film and create content that will inspire. IUSD is extremely proud of Mr. Stone and all of his accomplishments, and we cannot wait to witness all of his success in the near future. To view the interview with President Obama, please click here. City Honors International Preparatory School Physics Team Takes 3rd Place Our District would like to congratulate City Honors International Preparatory School (CHIPS) students, Mekides Danna, Edgar Diaz and Maleah Rowe for winning third place in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 27th Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition. On May 1, 2021, students from Mrs. Costo’s
Biology and Physics classes, also known as “The CHIPS Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust” team, watched ASCE committee members present their popsicle stick bridge model to the Los Angeles section of ASCE and a livestream audience. Students from San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange County, were challenged to design and construct a pedestrian overcrossing bridge that bikers and commuters could utilize during their daily routine. With the month long process, including, researching, building, testing, and modifying the models to perfection, CHIPS students received 3rd place based on bridge strength and efficiency, reports, technical report and slide and video presentations. We are so proud of our students for representing IUSD in such an extraordinary way. If you would like to view the competition, please click here. To learn more about the American Society of Civil Engineers, please click here. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Our District would like to celebrate and honor the history of achievements and contributions of the AAPI community to American history. Similar to other commemorative months, AAPI Heritage Month, was introduced in 1977 via Congress to observe the first 10 days of May with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history which was the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States on May 7, 1843, and contributions of Chinese
workers who built the transcontinental railroad which was completed in 1869. In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a month-long celebration with hopes to raise awareness about the contributions that Asians and Asian Americans have made to the United States. AAPI Heritage Month is a time of reflection, remembrance and honoring Asian lineage and learning about the rich culture that Asian and Asian Americans represent. Please join us in celebrating as we share a series of Asian American heroes every week on our social media for the month of May. “Grab and Go Meals” - Update IUSD is providing free “Grocery Kits” every Wednesday to all children ages 18 and under. “Grocery Kits” include 5 days of breakfast, lunch and snacks, including a gallon of milk and fresh bulk produce. Families can pick up one “Grocery Kit” per child per week at four of our distribution sites: BennettKew, Inglewood HS, La Tijera and Woodworth-Monroe during the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Students participating in the Hybrid Learning Model will receive their meals during their in-person instructional day. For more information, please contact the IUSD Food Services department at (310) 680-4870. Thank you staff, parents, students, and community members for your ongoing support and commitment to the success of our district. #WeAreInglewoodUnified Sincerely, Erika F. Torres, Ed.D., MSW County Administrator
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May 13-19, 2021
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
Myra Hollis’ FEM Scholar brings community and mentorship to Inglewood’s young women
By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
Myra Hollis was a high school senior at Inglewood’s City Honors College Preparatory when she set the intention to, one day, create for others what she longed for in her own life and daily routines. She was seeking more options of academic organizations to be a part of. With her future in mind, and adulthood around the corner, Hollis yearned for a wider variety of communities that could guide and nurture her as she prepared to enter the next steps of life after high school. While high-school-Myra looked
for a community of guidance in her academic life, an impactful mentorship from a fellow teacher is what ended up being the guiding light that she needed. “Miss Saba Araya, who is now the principal, was and still is, my number one cheerleader. She sat down with me countless times to be a mentor and big sister to me. I told myself my senior year that I would create a non-profit based on what she taught me– which is self-love and the ability to achieve my dreams, and to go as far as I can in my education.” As a now-27-year-old, Hollis is
providing extensive mentorship and community for young women in Inglewood through her thriving nonprofit organization, FEM Scholar. The purpose of FEM Scholar is to uplift and provide tools for success to students who come from backgrounds where academic success is not as common or as prioritized. Hollis has vowed to make their future a priority, and to do everything possible to open doors for these women, which will lead them into a life of fulfillment and purpose as they go further into adulthood. FEM Scholar hosts monthly
workshops that address topics such as career development, self-love, and academic curriculum. Currently made up of twenty-five students, the number continues to grow, and Hollis continues to tackle the tasks and challenges. The mentorship of FEM Scholar is transforming the trajectory of lives. It’s a carefully-cultivated community where these students find guidance, inspiration, encouragement, confidence, and life skills. Day-to-day life for Hollis entails Continued on page 7
Amid the pandemic, ‘The Dobby Garden’ bloomed to the closing of the garden. But in January 2021, the unrelenting volunteers pursued round two, and The Dobby Garden was resurrected. This time, the garden is quickly headed towards its full potential. The Dobby Garden was named after the beloved Parks & Recreation Supervisor Arrick “Dobby” Turner, who died in early 2020. Turner was extremely loved and admired throughout the Inglewood community, and dedicated 30 years of his life serving the Inglewood Parks & Recreation Department. As residents and city employees mourned the passing of their dear friend and By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer garden of plants, fruits and vegetables volunteers. The Dobby Garden project On the grounds of Inglewood’s Darby carefully and diligently maintained by began in the midst of the Coronavirus Park lies a newly-flourishing community a small, tight-knit group of community outbreak in 2020, which shortly after led Continued on page 7
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May 13-19, 2021
Inglewood hoops off to rocky start Morningside moving in right direction
By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
First year head coach Omar Bray of the Inglewood Sentinels is off to an uneven beginning, but Bray had openly expressed that rebuilding the program was going to take some time. The Sentinels were 3-3 at press time, with two blowout loses to powerful Beverly Hills and one nail biter to rival Morningside 75-73 at home. Inglewood will play at Leuzinger
on May 14, a team that it owns a win against and host hapless Hawthorne on May 18. Meanwhile, Morningside head coach Donnell Meekins has continued to improve the Monarchs after their pre Covid playoff bound success in 2020. After finishing third in league a year ago the hopes for Meekins and his bunch which returned 8 players was to contend for a league title.
TuffCrowd is all about fun and entertainment
“We had a lot of hope coming into this season, but with COVID-19 restrictions it has just been so much more difficult,” Meekins explained to Inglewood Today. “I had plays to taking my teams to university camps so that they could show their skills. However, we still play on contending for a championship.” The Monarchs began the week 4-2 with a victory in the holster over
Inglewood and played Beverly Hills much more competitively losing 58-35. In the Inglewood game senior guards Omairon Shackleford, Kailen Arnold and Jeffrey Udensi dominated the Sentinels. Udensi led all scorers with 28 points, followed by Shackleford’s 27 and Arnold’s 18. The teams are allowed two fans per play during the COVID-1`9 restrictions and Meekins says that it has made a big difference. Morningside will host five consecutive league games with a chance to finish second behind prohibitive favorite Beverly Hills. Meekins squad will play host to Beverly Hills on May 14 and then Centennial on May 18. Meanwhile on the girl’s circuit; Inglewood began the week 1-5 with its lone victory over Morningside and Morningside was 1-3 with just six players. The Lady Monarchs only win came against Hawthorne 39-29. Inglewood girls will play at first place Leuzinger on May 14 and host Hawthorne on May 18, while Morningside will be at home on May 15 and May 18 against Beverly Hills and Compton Centennial, respectively.
Asking For It Premiers on June 13 IT News Wire
Asking For It
By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
and composers who aspire just to have an opportunity. He has already produced 19 music and poetry shows not including number 20 on July 3 at the WLCAC Phoenix Hall in Watts. The show is billed as ‘Fireworks’ and will feature a cast of 50 individuals ranging from the age of 10-40.
They sing, dance, rap, spoken word and produce shows all designed to transforming two eyes and two ears one beat at a time. TuffCrowd, founded in 2012 by Michael ‘Halla’ Williams, is the go to place for anyone of almost any age seeking to display their talents in the entertainment industry. For more information Christi Williams has his doors open for McDaniel at (562) 884-8105. singers, dancers, actors, rappers, poets
After small town waitress Joey (Kiersey Clemons) is sexually assaulted after a date with her old friend Mike (Casey Cott), she befriends mysterious stranger Regina (Alexandra Shipp). Regina introducers her to The Cherry Bombers, an all-femme gang including Beatrice (Vanessa Hudgens), Angie (Lisa Yaro), Lily (Leslie Stratton), Sal (Radha Mitchell), Jett (Leyna Bloom), Fala (Casey Camp-Horinek), and Rudy (Gabourey Sidibe). All suffering from past traumas, together they fight a misogynistic society by targeting violent frat boys, a corrupt police force of human traffickers led by Sheriff Morel (David Patrick Kelly), and the dangerous alt-right group MFM (Men’s First Movement) headed by Mark Vanderhill (Ezra Miller). As Joey is drawn further into their chaotic Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, world, Sal’s old flame, Logan County songwriter, producer, Lisa Yaro will take 2021 by storm with Tribeca film, Asking Sheriff Vernon (Luke Hemsworth), For It premiering Sunday, June 13th investigates MFM, leading to a alongside Vanessa Hudgens, Ezra Miller, thrilling showdown. The film will Gabourey Sidibe and Luke Hemsworth. mark Eamon O’Rourke’s directorial debut and is produced by Kiersey Clemons, Lee Broda, Ezra Miller, Brummer, Lisa Yaro, Sol Guy, and Luke Daniels with Kevin Beer, Savoy Seema Thakker executive producing.
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May 13-19, 2021
BUPPIE | BUSINESS
The SBA Funds 16,000 Restaurant Revitalization Fund Awards First wave of approved restaurant applicants to receive vital American Rescue Plan funding just one week after the SBA opened for applications
Inglewood Today News
WASHINGTON –The U.S. Small Business Administration will begin delivering economic relief from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, established by the American Rescue Plan and signed into law by President Joe Biden, to more than
16,000 approved applicants. This first round of funding represents over $2 billion of relief awarded since last Monday’s successful program launch. Restaurants and other food and beverage businesses across the nation will begin to see funds in bank accounts as early as Tuesday, May 11.
“Just one week after launching the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund, I am pleased to officially report that the SBA has begun to fund applications and that more than 16,000 restaurants and other food and beverage business owners will get muchneeded relief in their hands,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “We know that this help is urgently needed by so many who have suffered disproportionately from this pandemic and have often been unable to access relief. Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on Main Streets across the nation. The SBA is here to help
them build resilience to survive this pandemic as we get our economy back on track.” Under RRF, restaurants are eligible for funding equal to their pandemicrelated revenue losses, capped at $10 million per business and $5 million per location. The SBA will continue to fund approved applications until all funds have been exhausted. SBA has prioritized a customer-centric approach to the delivery of economic aid, eliminating cumbersome application requirements, streamlining the application process, and by partnering with point-of-sale (POS) vendors to provide seamless ways to apply to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Following the 21-day priority period, all eligible applications will be funded in the order in which they have been received. While the SBA will continue accepting applications from any eligible establishment until funds are exhausted, the number of applications received so far could exhaust the funds authorized to fund the RRF. Interested onsite food establishments may still apply through SBA-recognized POS vendors or directly via the SBA online application portal: https://restaurants. sba.gov.
California’s Reparations Effort Takes Shape as Governor Appoints Five Members to Task Force
Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his allotment of five of nine representatives to the nation’s first-ever Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The state task force is being assembled to meet the mandate of the Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, a landmark legislation Gov. Newsom signed into law last September 2020 that aims to promote racial justice and equity. Earlier this year, Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) appointed two other members to the task force: Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Gardena) and San Diego city Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) is tasked with appointing the two remaining members. AB 3121, which was authored by California Secretary of State Shirley Weber when she served in the state Assembly, mandates that the task force must submit written reports, “with
a special consideration for African Americans who are descendants of persons enslaved in the United States.” The nine task force members will study the deep-rooted legacy of slavery and the expressions of systematic racism African Americans have encountered over centuries in the United States. The legislation also calls
for scholars assembled by the Regents of the University of California to draft a research proposal analyze how the state and country have benefitted from slavery. “California is leading the nation, in a bipartisan way, on the issue of reparations and racial justice, which is a discussion that is long overdue and deserves our utmost attention,” Newsom said. Newsom selected an interdisciplinary team of academics, community leaders, and lawyers to spearhead the state’s effort. He said each member of the task force has, “an expansive breadth of knowledge, experiences and understanding of issues impacting the African American community is the next step in our commitment as a state to build a California for all.” The Black Leadership Council (BLC),
a statewide organization of African American leaders in California, says it is “committed to ensuring reparations discussions can and will continue in California.” The group applauded Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Gardena), who is a member of the reparations task force, and other members of the California Legislative Black Caucus for keeping the issue “front and center” in California politics. AB 3121 states that the task force is required to, “Identify, compile, and synthesize the relevant corpus of evidentiary documentation of the institution of slavery that existed within the United States and the colonies.” The task force also needs to choose, “the form of compensation that should be awarded, the instrumentalities through which it should be awarded, and who should be eligible for this compensation,” the bill reads. According to the bill, over 4 million African Americans were enslaved in Continued on page 8
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May 13-19, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICE
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2021089797 The Following Person Is Doing Business As: Law Offices Of Leann Jones 1012 N. LaBrea Avenue Inglewood, CA 90302
Registered Owner: Leann Radochonski, 1012 N. LaBrea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90302 This business is conducted by a company. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on April 15, 2021 I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Leann Radochonski, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on April 15, 2021 NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 2021 IT0042230120020161 Inglewood Today
Continued from page 4: Myra Hollis’...
working relentlessly at molding and developing students who, just from the right leadership, could benefit and thrive– and these leadership qualities have been instilled in Hollis since an early age. In high school, she served as the president of the Fashion Club at City Honors, while also dabbling in other clubs that sparked her interest. She recalls what initially drew her attention towards college and academics after high school, “There was a group of students from UCLA that picked me– and a few of my classmates– up every Tuesday to learn more about the possibilities of UCLA and other universities. This is how I got exposed to other schools and the admission process.” After high school graduation, the college life that she had been looking forward to finally came to fruition. Hollis landed at San Diego State University. Ironically, she did not join any clubs or organizations during her college years because she spent every ounce of free time building her FEM Scholar empire. And she holds zero regrets about this, rightfully so. When you find your calling, sometimes there’s no need to search further. It makes complete sense that, when she’s away from FEM Scholar, Myra Hollis is a child therapist working with foster youth and women of color who have undergone traumatic experiences. It’s hard to imagine a better-fit occupation for someone who, at a young age, made the decision that she would dedicate her life to the betterment of young women and kids who just need a little encouragement and small nudges
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 non-drinking 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 secretary@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 shall not exceed the equivalent of $2.00 per month per acre or per parcel of less than one acre; $1.33 per month per condominium unit, apartment unit, and hotel/motel room; and $10.00 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 24, 2021, at 1:00 pm by teleconference at 1-872-240-3311 (Access code #789-349-573) to receive comments and written protests, if any, on continuing the proposed water standby charges for West Basin’s fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021. 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 secretary@westbasin.org, to be received no later than 12:30 pm on May 24, 2021. 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 Patrick Sheilds General Manager West Basin Municipal Water District
toward the right direction. I asked Hollis where she sees Fem Scholar in five years, “I see FEM Scholar being a community center– which is already in the works. A space that provides tutoring, hosts workshops, and provides therapy.” It’s safe to say that the future of FEM Scholar remains bright. Continued from page 4: Amid the...
colleague, the Dobby Garden turned out to be a much-needed, nearly therapeutic project that helped to mend their broken hearts while also commemorating Arrick Turner. Inglewood native Eva Penuelas is a current graduate student at LMU, and an employee for the Parks and Recreation department. This already-busy schedule didn’t hold her back from stepping in to volunteer as the Director of The Dobby Garden. “I’ve been very fortunate to be able to show up and gain our community’s trust. Our community is growing, it’s getting so much bigger. With the new stadium and everything that’s popping up, it’s an opportunity for people to get to know one another.” The Dobby Garden volunteers have implemented free, monthly community cooking classes using the garden’s fresh vegetables. Additionally, The Dobby Garden crew will be hosting art classes, yoga workshops, dance classes, and they also hope to host open-mic nights in the future. The goal is to be a central gathering place for Inglewood youth and families where you can learn useful skills such as gardening, composting and cooking, but you can also meet up on a Friday evening for game-nights and entertainment. Garden Director Eva Penuelas sees the importance and benefits of having
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these options right here in our home community. “This is an opportunity to bring back more community-based things. Not everyone has the privilege to go take a cooking class in Santa Monica. Why pay 200 dollars for a cooking class when I have to pay rent and I have to pay groceries?” Eva Penuelas and her team are looking forward to continuing to develop a space that residents can call their own. They are eager to bring more activities and themed gatherings that everybody can enjoy, regardless of their financial situation. A top priority, Penuelas emphasized, is to keep all events and classes free of charge. The Dobby Garden’s presence within the Inglewood community will continue to grow. Volunteer numbers are increasing as word is continuing to spread about the exciting things going on at Darby Park. Garden Director Penuelas has greatly appreciated the support that the volunteer team has been receiving as more and more residents are calling in, inquiring about ways to help with garden maintenance and donations. Our community’s creative, educational and fun spaces are integral to the overall growth and development of our city. It looks as though The Dobby Garden has blossomed right on time, and more is on the way.
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This is one of many abstract paintings by Robina Smith titled cave is an oil on cavas rendering.
classes that rooted me in no matter what state I attended them was my art classes and my science classes. Those two classes I think shaped who I am,” Smith added. “I would always fall behind in English, but when it came to subjects like art and biology I assimilated.” Deciding that she did not want to becoming a starving artist and certainly didn’t want to become a doctor because there were not any doctors in her family her future career path was uncertain. “No one told me that I was smart enough to be a doctor, so I thought I was going to be an artist standing on a corner selling paintings for food. Turns out that at the last high school attended gave me the answer.” That is when Smith learned there was a course that would combine her love for art and science in medical and scientific illustration careers.“I had no idea what they were talking about so I went to the library and what I learned that medical illustration was artists that draws the anatomy. So, when you go to the doctor’s office and you see to renderings of the bones and muscles that’s a medical illustrator,” Smith detailed. As a result, and in combing through to find such a school that offered classes she went to as far places as Ohio before discovering such classes, but they would require for her to study and learn what most doctors and surgeons are taught anyway. She went on received medical degree from Drexel University College, subsequently came west from her residence of New York in 2007 to train at USC and was expected to get married, but when the marriage didn’t happen, she stayed west anyway. That experience sketched a blue print that would ultimately serve as the compass to her career evolution as Dr. Robina Smith. In 2015 she retired as a general
surgeon at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton. While she enjoyed her work as a breast cancer surgeon, the location and the ethnicity of the patients left a void for some soul searching. “I think during the 10 plus years I was in Fullerton, I operated on only
one Black woman.” Smith did not leave the profession specifically because of geographics or the lack of Black patients, but more so because she felt burned out. However, an executive board member position with renowned Susan G Komen, a non-profit organization with a mission to end breast cancer through research, care, community and action provided Smith with a platform to reach Black women who are high risk for breast cancer. “The fulfillment that I sought I would achieve by volunteering my knowledge going out to community churches and organizations and talking about breast cancer in Los Angeles where people look like me,” she elaborated. That work was done under to auspices of Susan G Komen because they had the platform, but her advocacy to help individuals afflicted with cancer has continued under the shield of her own foundation. “What I do for me is where the art come in when I go to my studio to create it is just for me,” she added. For the past 12 years she has resided in Long Beach and believes that her ultimate purpose is that of a helper. “What drives me is when I do something and it makes someone happy. I thrive on doing something that makes people happy. My purpose on this earth has been fulfilled, but I can always be helpful.”
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT
to take paid time off work for COVID-19 related reasons. COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave is now available for workplaces with 26 or more employees and is just one of many leave rights for workers in California. If you or a family member are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, supplemental paid sick leave can cover: •
Up to 80 hours of leave in addition to permanent paid sick leave
•
Care for yourself or a family member with COVID-19
•
Getting tested, vaccinated or recovering from vaccine side effects
Ask your employer what rights are available to you.
Learn more at saferatwork.ca.gov
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the United States from 1619 to the year slavery was abolished in 1865. The bill focuses on, “Leveling the playing field in our society and ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at achieving the California dream,” according to Newsom. Newsom’s task force appointments include four people of African descent and one Japanese American. They all have a credible track record of advocating for racial justice and equity in their respective communities. According to the legislation, Senate confirmation is not required for members of the task force, but they are eligible for a daily allowance for no more than ten meetings. Newsom’s appointees are: • Dr. Amos Brown, 80, an award-winning civil rights leader and respected Bay Area pastor whose leadership journey started under the tutelage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the 1960s. He protested alongside the Freedom Riders, a multiracial group of activists who fought segregation laws in the South during the Jim Crow era. He is also the current president of the San Francisco Branch of the NAACP and a Member of the organization’s board of directors. • Dr. Cheryl Grills, 62, is a clinical psychologist and professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Grills achieved international recognition for her research on racial trauma, healing, and implicit bias in the African American community. She also serves as a member of a few congressional caucuses and leads national COVID-19 initiatives focused on communities of color. • Lisa Holder, 49, is a trial attorney who owns a law firm in Southern California. Holder is well known as an advocate for racial and social justice with more than two decades of legal experience. • Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, 38, is an economic anthropologist and geographer whose research includes reparations, race, and economic inequality in the U.S. and Caribbean. Lewis is the chair of the Department of Geography at the University of California Berkeley, where he also works as an associate professor. • Don Tamaki, 69, is an attorney best known for the Supreme Court case of Korematsu v. the United States. Tamaki overturned the conviction of Fred Korematsu who refused to be taken into custody during the imprisonment of Japanese Americans in World War II. The case boosted the Redress Movement, a social movement inspired by landmark court cases that shaped human rights for Japanese Americans. Tamaki is also the cofounder of ‘Stop Repeating History,’ an intersectional campaign that aims to create public awareness on reparations and racial equity. Once the team has a total of nine members, the task force will host its first meeting on June 1, 2021. The task force will also elect its own chair and vice-chair who will be supported by staff from the Office of the General Attorney of California.