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May 27-June-2 2021 VOL. 36, No. 21
Ads Up Advertising to engage McDonald’s One Year After on spending with Black Media George Floyd: America and the Police
Executives with Black-owned media companies pressure food chain
By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint
It appears that two important things have happened since the death of Geoge Floyd at the hand of the police in Minneapolis, Minnesota: (1) police continue to kill black men and women either by shooting them or physically killing them by hand. One would think that with the repeated airing of the video of Mr. Floyd being murdered by police officers kneeling on his neck and body, that everyone in uniform would know that such actions can lead to death. Well, here in San Diego and other places around the country, the police are still not only kneeling in multiple numbers on singularly pinned to the ground black individuals, but also still punching them with their fist while the person being arrested is still laying face down with officers on their back. When questioned repeatedly about this practice, a black Assistant Chief could only say the practice was “consistent with the department policy of using “distraction” blows while affecting an arrest. Clearly this individual, who obviously rose to the rank of his position on the backs of other blacks who came before him, could not see the problem. Perhaps he is one of those “surplus” Assistant Chiefs” we really don’t need and those dollars could be better spent helping others. We will continue to raise this issue until we hear there is a policy change. (2) One year after the murder of George Floyd, America has seen an agitated change in those who have been police victims, along with their friends and neighbors who have taken to the streets in protest. This is in spite of the pandemic. The result has been a fear on the part of those who have agreed with police practices and behavior against people of color. That fear was fed by the tremendous voter turnout in the November election where people, Black, White and others, stood in long lines for hours in order to vote. One Continued on page 8
By Jonathan Maze/IT News Wire
Ads Up Advertising, Inc. which owns Inglewood Today has pledged to engage fast food giant Mc Donald’s which has come under fire from Black owned media operatives regarding their biased spending practices. “While I don’t find this news surprising, I do see McDonald’s as the just the latest example of biased spending practices that has crippled Black own media, more specifically community newspapers for years,” said Willie Brown, owner of Ads Up Advertising, Inc. Brown continued; “We will not stand by idly and will support whatever movement to influence McDonald’s and other corporations to do what is right by our constituents which are served by our company.” Saying they are “not surprised that both Black employees/executives as
well as the Black franchisees are suing McDonald’s for racial discrimination,” a group of media executives on Tuesday requested a meeting with the burger giant’s CEO in a bid to get the company to increase its spending with Black-owned media. The request came in a one-page advertisement in newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune and the Wall Street Journal, signed by the executives of the country’s largest Black-owned media companies. The first signatory is Byron Allen, the founder of Allen Media Group and the owner of the Weather Channel who last week sued McDonald’s for $10 billion, arguing that the company spends only a tiny fraction of its ad budget on Black-owned media. “Chris Kempczinski, president and CEO, please stop the racism against Black-owned media companies by
McDonald’s,” the ad’s headline said. Others signing the letter include Earl “Butch” Graves,” the CEO of Black Enterprise, Roland Martin, the CEO of Nu Vision Media, Munson Steed, CEO of Rolling Out, Todd Brown, founder of Urban Edge Networks, Don Jackson, founder of Central City Productions and Paula Madison, principal owner of The Africa Channel. “Over these last 20 years, McDonald’s has spent approximately $17 billion in advertising/promotion and very little went to Black-owned media,” the ad says. McDonald’s last week said it would increase its spending on diverseowned media to 10% by 2024 from 4% today. The company also said that it would increase spending with Black-owned media specifically to 5% Continued on page 6
Memorial Day with ‘U.S. VETS – Inglewood’ By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
In 1993, The Inglewood U.S. VETS site opened with only five clients. Today, the location holds over 600 beds for transitional and permanent housing for U.S. veterans and their families. But housing is just a small part of the many services that the U.S. VETS site provides. This Memorial Day, as we all honor and commemorate the heroes who serve our country, The U.S. VETS Inglewood site will host a ceremony on-campus for
their residents, as well as honoring two who recently passed away this year. A plaque with the names of the two fallen heroes will also be revealed at the campus Memorial Day ceremony. From housing, counseling, case management, life skills groups, and career services, the objective at the U.S. VETS site is to uplift, guide, and assist veterans in any way possible, cultivating the life of fulfillment and comfort that they deserve. At the on-site career center, residents
have access to a computer lab, along with a conference space that is used to hold mock interviews. The career services department not only connects veterans to potential employers, but they also help to prepare them for the interview opportunities that arise. Mental health services are also readily available on site. Residents have access to individual and group counseling, PTSD treatment, Continued on page 8
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May 27-June-2 2021
Commentary: One Year Later – The Death of George Floyd and a Racial Reckoning in America Tara Lynn Gray | Special to California Black Media
Reflecting on the murder of George Floyd a year later requires that we as Black Americans, Americans as a nation, honestly look at all the meaning that this tragedy embodies. The symbolism is palpable. For life has been, and continues to be, snuffed out of Black Americans in many ways, on many fronts. Many people across the nation and around the world watched in horror the film footage of veteran police officer Derek Chauvin pressing the life out of George Floyd with that defiant, inhumane stare as he pushed his knee against Floyd’s neck with utter disregard for what—we learned during the trial a year later—lasted nine minutes and twenty-nine seconds, long after life had left George Floyd’s body. Chauvin was so enraged he kept killing Floyd long after he was already dead. He showed no concern about the potential consequences of his action as alarmed and pleading citizens stood by, eyewitnesses, watching helplessly. Today, some may have found a bit of justice with the recent murder conviction of Derek Chauvin. But what does that really mean? What does it mean when it comes to achieving real justice for the known and unknown number of wrongful deaths of Black men and women by the hands of policemen and other law enforcement
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officers? The real question, and more importantly, what will be done to bring about systemic changes to stop this age-old, generation-old practice of snuffing out the life, literally and figuratively, of Black men, and Black people in many aspects of American life? Blacks in America have had knees on their necks in all strands of the American experience, not just in terms of police brutality. American history is replete with evidence of oppression and inequality when it comes to how Blacks are regarded and treated. For decades and across generations, first it was slavery, then Jim Crow, and now the seemingly endless fight for civil rights and voting rights. In addition to police brutality today, too many states have introduced laws to restrict voting, with the state of Georgia leading the way. Many, not just rogue policemen, are about the business of snuffing out the will and denying those privileges and opportunities to Blacks that are afforded to other Americans. These egregious practices can be seen in education, employment, and business—whether it is business in a large corporate environment or in the small business sector that is the bedrock of America. Despite their value, their quality, their contribution, Black employees and Black businesses are all too often under-valued, under-supported, and lack adequate investment capital. If they barely can survive today, how can they expect to participate in the technological advances and become sustainable in the future? As we look at all the facets of what happened to George Floyd and so many others, and what their lives and deaths truly represent, caring Americans must focus on the mistreatment of Blacks, the ravages and denial of Black progress historically and now, across all areas of American society that breed a disproportionate level of poverty, crime, injustice, and unequal opportunity. America must acknowledge and value what Blacks bring to the table. For those of us Blacks who have first-hand experience with rogue policemen, an unequal educational system, a discriminating employer who persists in treating you unfairly no matter how excellent your work history has been, or as a small business owner that struggles to survive year after year, there is more to be done and more to endure. This is a call to action to our communities, our state, and our nation to realize that the death of George Flood and others is only symptomatic of larger systemic problems that need to be fixed. America will never be all it can be until it does.
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
Inglewood Today - Vertical - LWDA21 Sup Paid Sick Leave 5.0625x7.875 BW-ENG.indd 1
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A Message from County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres Dear Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) Staff, Students, Families and Community: In our continued commitment to serving our community and providing current information, we have some important updates in this week’s message. Class of 2021 Senior Graduation Updates Commencement Ceremonies at SoFi Stadium We are excited to announce that our District will be holding in-person graduations for our senior graduates at the Performing Arts Theater at the SoFi Stadium on Saturday, June 19, 2021. We are extremely grateful for our partners, Mayor James Butts, the City of Inglewood and SoFi Stadium, for making this event possible. Specific details for each high school commencement ceremony will be shared as soon as they are finalized. Hosting graduation ceremonies at SoFi Stadium is a fitting culmination of the hard work and dedication of our amazing students as they transition into their next chapter. Congratulations to our Class of 2021! Senior Graduation Photos To Parents and Guardians of our graduating seniors: Our District would like to acknowledge all of the achievements of our seniors with a
special recognition. We would like to include a photo of each of our graduates that will be displayed on our website and social media platforms. It is not required to have a professional take their senior portrait; however, there are some image specifications that must be considered when submitting photos. Please click here to review specifications and to submit your senior’s photo. IUSD Summer School Summer School applications are now open for grades K- 8 and high school! If you are interested in having your child(ren) attend summer school, please complete the applications linked below. Submit one form for each child in your household who will be attending summer school online or inperson. Applications are due by Friday, May 28, 2021. Parents will be notified by June 4, 2021 regarding admittance in the summer school program. Please click on the following grade levels to access the corresponding summer school application: Grades K - 8th Summer School Application High School Summer School Application IUSD Mask Guidelines On May 14, 2021, the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Continued on page 2
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May 27-June-2 2021
AROUND THE CITY City Council Meeting Summary
EYE ON THE CITY
GEORGE DOTSON
ALEX PADILLA
JAMES BUTTS
ELOY MORALES
RALPH FRANKLIN
recommendation to reject a claim pursuant to Government code, Section 913, filed by Seville Hilton for alleged property damage; tree trimming on March 6, 2021. The council approved the payment of an invoice submitted by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office for the General Municipal Election held on November 3, 2020 with funds derived
from the General Fund. The council adopted a resolution amending the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year budget to add a Program Coordinator to the Office of Emergency Services. The council adopted another resolution adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 that will be funded by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1) and another amending the
2020-2021 Annual Budget to provide funding for scheduling changes and change orders for various ongoing Capital Improvement Projects. The council received a presentation related to the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Midyear Budget Review Report.
issued new guidelines stating that fully Girls’ Voices vaccinated people can stop wearing The Inglewood Teachers Association masks in most places. While this is (ITA) and Instructional Leadership Core has collaborated with IUSD to host a virtual 2-day Girls Conference for high school aged students on May 28, 2021 and June 4, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This event consists of a series of workshops, panels, and performances designed to inspire and support girls to reach their greatest potential and goals. Some of the themes will include civic engagement, health and wellness and exciting news, Inglewood Unified the secrets of navigating community School District and the Los Angeles college and technical careers. County Department of Public Health Participants will have an opportunity to (LACDPH) have NOT changed hear from students, District leadership, the current mask mandate to reflect community partners, and more! To the new CDC guidance. Students, register for this virtual event, please click here. Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month In honor of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we would like to highlight AsianAmericans who have made significant contributions throughout American history. This week we celebrate AIDS researcher and physician, Dr. David Ho. Born in 1952, in Taichung, Taiwan, employees and visitors, with or without Dr. David Ho moved to Los Angeles at COVID-19 vaccination, are required to the age of 12. After earning a Bachelor wear a face mask at all times when on of Science degree in Biology from the District grounds. In addition, Wellness California Institute of Technology, Aides and other assigned personnel he obtained his medical degree from will conduct an entry screening Harvard University-Massachusetts consisting of “screening questions” and Institute of Technology Division of “temperature checks”. Anyone who Health Sciences and Technology. declines a wellness screen, refuses to Dr. Ho’s contributions toward the wear a mask, answers “yes” to any of advancement of medicine has been the screening questions, or has a body extremely impactful, as he came into temperature of 100.4℉ or higher will contact with some of the first reported not be permitted on any IUSD facilities. cases of what was later identified as Thank you for your cooperation in AIDS and has been a frontline AIDS helping us maintain the safety, health researcher ever since. In addition, he and well-being of our staff and students most recently conducted coronavirus as our top priority. research. To learn more about Dr. Girls Conference: Amplifying Our David Ho, click here. Please visit our
social media for highlights of other AAPI heroes during the month of May. Grocery Kits Distribution Update Our District is providing free Grocery Kits every Wednesday at the following sites: Bennett-Kew, Inglewood HS, La Tijera and Woodworth-Monroe and we will begin distributing every Friday starting May 28th at: Centinela and Worthington Elementary Schools to all children ages 18 and under. Food distribution hours are at 7:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The kits contain 5 days of breakfast, lunch and snacks, including a gallon of milk and fresh bulk produce. The kits may include various grocery items each week such as eggs, cheese, cherries, apricots, peaches, avocados and cucumbers. For more information, please contact the IUSD Food Services department at (310) 680-4870. IUSD Mental Health Resources Morningside High School has created an online Calming Room where families and students can access a list of resources that promotes resilience and wellness. Some of the resources include visual relaxation and sound, healthy eating, goal setting, fitness and more. To access the Calming Room, please click here. Please click here to access a presentation on social and emotional well-being and mental health resources shared at the May 12th Board Meeting. For immediate Mental Health support or services, please contact the following: For students or families, please contact your school’s counselor or Student Support Services at (310) 4192798. For employees, please contact Employee Assistance Services for Education (EASE) at (800) 882-1341. For a list of additional resources, please click here.
We are encouraging staff, students and the Inglewood District community to wear lime green on Fridays to display solidarity for Mental Health Awareness Month! Lessons from the Field with LACOE Superintendent Dr. Debra Duardo On May 11th, the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Superintendent, Dr. Debra Duardo, had the opportunity to tour Hudnall Elementary and observe how IUSD is safely approaching in-person learning with an emphasis on social and emotional development. To watch a highlight video of Dr. Duardo’s visit at Hudnall Elementary, please click here. City Honors International Preparatory School Students Win 3rd Place at the Annual Project Echo Business Plan Competition Our District would like to congratulate City Honors International Preparatory School (CHIPS) 9th grade students and founders of “L Desserts”, Leslie Martinez, Yolanda Becker, Louie Campo, Gloria Enilolobo, and Lauren White, on winning 3rd place in the Products category at the 17th Annual Project ECHO Business Plan Competition on May 16, 2021. More than 200 teens from 35 different high schools participated in this year’s virtual competition. Congratulations to our future entrepreneurs on this extraordinary achievement! To learn more about Project Echo, including ways to be a part of the next Business Plan Competition, please click here. 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
Francis Taylor, Sr. Writer
During this week’s City Council Meeting the members conducted a public hearing to receive public comments on the issuance of a tow referral permit to Inglewood Tow Service, Inc. to provide City referral towing services. The council approved the Minutes of the Meeting held on November 10, 2020 and agreed with the City Attorney’s Continued from page 2: A Message...
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May 27-June-2 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
This Inglewood-based charter company is providing group travel at its finest: ‘Corporate Coach Charter & Tours’
By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
As we begin to return to a degree of normalcy after nearly two years of pandemic precautions and restrictions, many are itching for outings and adventures with loved ones. A trip up or down the California coast, to the Grand Canyon, a Laker game, or any other destination in mind can in fact be luxurious. This Inglewood charter transportation company is making sure of it. Corporate Coach Charter & Tours, based in Inglewood and founded in 1990, has over 30 buses ranging from
15-passenger vans, mini and midsize buses, and even 56-passenger coach buses. “Transportation with Elegance” is the company motto, and they’ve stayed true to that, even as adjustments were necessary over the past year to ensure pandemic safety. They have made the
appropriate vehicle alterations to give clients the safest on-board environment as possible. “To allow for social distancing we removed every-other row of seats, and then added some tables. That
way people can be more comfortable with the seating arrangements,” says Jeanette Chavez, Head of Sales and Marketing. Originally, when the company launched in 1990 it consisted of sprinter vans and limousines. Since then, they’ve expanded their fleet to more than 30 buses. Currently, the company holds multiple private accounts with casinos, travel companies, and even private schools in the Los Angeles area. Local rides are also at the top of the priority list. Corporate Coach Charter & Tours will be working with the city of Inglewood to create a route in which they will shuttle residents to and from SoFi Stadium for sporting events and entertainment. Whether it’s a trip across the country with a travel group, a local transportation service for entertainment or high school sports, a corporate account, or even simply a bachelor party booking a trip to Las Vegas or San Francisco– Corporate Coach Charter & Tours has done it all. As pandemic restrictions begin to lift throughout California, it’s safe to say that fun and adventure is on the horizon for many. Support a local business by booking your travel plans with Corporate Coach Charter & Tours.
Inglewood’s Beckmen YOLA Center Update: Official opening set for August 15 By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
In preparation for the upcoming official opening of the Inglewood Beckmen YOLA Center, over the past weekend, community leaders received a sneak peek of what’s to come. The gathering, which took place inside of the brand-new performance space, included opening remarks from Los Angeles Philharmonic CEO Chad Smith, architect Frank Gehry, Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, and Inglewood Mayor James Butts, followed by a musical performance from current YOLA students throughout the Los Angeles area. The recently-announced Director of the Inglewood YOLA Center, Camille Delaney-McNeil, was also in attendance. She hails from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra program where she held the position of Director of Programs. Historically, it’s been a journey for the building that is now officially The YOLA Center. Once upon a time, that very
space was a bank, then turned-Burger Center. his management team. King, and now once and for all, a space Construction of the center is onWhen launching the Inglewood for musical education, performance, going but on-track for the August 15 Beckmen YOLA Center, there were community engagement, and more. official opening date, which will bring three objectives in mind: Firstly, the center needed to be wellconnected to the community– culturally obviously, but also physically. It should be easily seen and in a high-traffic area– not a hideaway secret where residents have to regularly type the address into their Maps app to find. Secondly, it needed to be close to public transit. The YOLA Center is directly across the street from the La Brea Avenue and Manchester Boulevard bus stop. Thirdly, it was imperative that the Inglewood Mayor Butts spoke about an additional element of liveliness and space could house 25,000 square feet for how, many years ago, he opened his excitement to the area. The big windows music students to rehearse and perform. very first checking account at that bank. and tall ceiling allow for the open-concept All three boxes have been checked, When the city of Inglewood bought rehearsal and performance space to be and the countdown to August 15 has the building after the Burger King exit, seen from even an outside bystander begun. The first classes for students will they simply held on to it waiting for the walking down La Brea Avenue– which, begin in September. perfect opportunity to present itself for from the beginning, was one of the main the community: The Beckmen YOLA objectives for architect Frank Gehry and
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May 27-June-2 2021
Coach Meekins Making the Most of Morningside Monarchs in playoffs for second straight year
By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
When Donnell Meekins returned to Morningside High School as boys basketball coach for the 2019-20 season he was essentially coming back home to where he got his first chance to coach on the campus he enjoyed his
greatest success. Morningside participated in its second consecutive CIF-SS playoffs on May 26 after finishing second in the Ocean League behind Beverly Hills. The Monarchs benefitted by two Lawndale Leuzinger forfeits to
allow them to finish the COVID-19 shortened season at 8-2 and qualify for the playoffs. Leuzinger was not the only Ocean League team that ran afoul with illegal players, as Inglewood was penalized as well. Hawthorne, the second worst team in the league will qualify for the playoffs because it was awarded victories by forfeit. Morningside hosted Kaiser in the division 3A playoffs, while Hawthorne played host to Katella in 5AA. In the meanwhile, Meekins is excited for his student athletes to continue a season that nearly did not happen. “I came back home because this is where it all started for me,” Meekins explained to Inglewood Today. It was Morningside late coach Carl Franklin who gave a relatively unknown Meekins his first opportunity
to coach at the school after he had been piloting kids at local YMCA’s. “He didn’t know me, but he gave me a chance and I am forever grateful to him for that. We won an Ocean League championship and enjoyed some deep post season runs including in the state tournament when I was here before,” he said, referring to his first stint as Monarch head coach. Meekins left to become the head coach and athletic director at Price High School, but came back to Morningside he says to develop his players holistically. “I am an English teacher here on campus so I get to monitor them and cultivate relationships with them beyond basketball.” He says that he is also impressed with the direction of Inglewood Unified School District. “I the improvements to our campus are substantial and it makes a big difference to the students and faculty. I certainly want to commend Dr. Torres (IUSD Administrator) for her leadership and oversight to the district, it was greatly needed and much appreciated.”
Los Angeles Sparks Brief Season Preview By Shannon Mia Belt, IT Intern
Two games into the awaited 2021 WNBA season, the Los Angeles Sparks find themselves with a goose egg in the win column. After getting strong starts against the Las Vegas Aces and the Dallas Wings, this fresh-faced squad found themselves losing by over 20 points in each matchup. While winning is on the to-do list for head coach Derek Fisher and his squad, and even more apparent goal this season is figuring out who they are as a team. “What are you as a team? What are you capable of? Which players can you rely on the most in different situations? ” Fisher asked during Wednesday’s press conference. “That allows you to formulate what your group can look like and again, especially for us as such a new team.” Determining this will be crucial for the squad after news that rookie Jasmine Walker would be out for the rest of the season after tearing her ACL during the matchup with the Aces. Her vacancy calls for even more identification for the Sparks and gives players like Nia Coffey and Nneka Ogwumike more minutes to fill. Despite playing fewer games compared to other teams so far this season, Sparks fans can rest assured that through practice all the kinks are being worked out.
“There are times where we have to recognize like hey this is a good shot, this is a good take on it,’ Coffey said. “Other times we realize well hey we should have swung the ball or one more pass, so we’re figuring out those tweaks at practice and on film. So we are definitely trying to get the hang of it and
feel each other out.” With a team full of competitors and a slight chip on their shoulder forming, the Sparks are eager to unleash their growth during this downtime in Chicago on May 28. It is too early to tell whether or not Los Angeles will find itself back in the playoffs after last year’s loss to
Connecticut. It is also even bleaker to tell whether or not another championship run is within the cards since 2016’s win under Candace Parker. However, it is clear to see that this new squad is rapidly finding its footing in the WNBA and still have 30 more games to fully realize who they are as a team.
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BUPPIE | BUSINESS
Most Blacks Locked Out of Market as California Median Home Cost Soars Past $800,000 Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
The California Association of Realtors (CAR), the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), and Habitat for Humanity California have joined together to urge lawmakers to make additional investments in this year’s state budget to encourage developers to build more homes across California. This is the only way, they insist, to solve two of the state’s most stubborn problems: a critical housing shortage and a general lack of affordable housing. Those three organizations, along with a coalition of homebuilders, racial justice activists and homeownership advocates, are also calling for investments in the budget to address the racial gap in homeownership by increasing the housing supply at every income level. Black and Latinx households are priced out of the market disproportionately, a CAR. representative said. The median sales price of a home in California surged past a record $813,980 in April, and housing production stalled for the second consecutive year in 2020. “California desperately needs more housing to meet the needs of diverse middle-class and low-income Californians,” Dave Walsh, president of CAR, said during a virtual news conference on May 20. “With a historic budget surplus, now is the time to address the racial divide in homeownership and fix California’s severe housing shortage.” As home prices in California continue to set record highs, and only one in Continued from page 1: Ads Up Advertising...
that year from 2% now. That announcement came the same day that Allen and his Entertainment Studios filed its lawsuit against the Chicago-based burger giant. The lawsuit said that McDonald’s pigeonholed his company as one that targets only an African American audience—even though the company owns networks such as the Weather Channel. The lawsuit argues that McDonald’s has two tiers of ad spending, one for a general audience and one for a Black audience, and that the latter gets a tiny fraction of the company’s overall spending. The complaints about the company’s ad spending come as McDonald’s has faced lawsuits from executives and current and former franchisees, arguing that the company’s policies in recent years have been discriminatory. The letter from the media companies on Tuesday argues that McDonald’s should spend 5% to 15% of its advertising and marketing on Blackowned media. It requests a one-
four Californians able to afford a home priced at the median cost, investments in new housing supply would address severe disparities in homeownership and reverse decades of exclusionary housing policies, CBIA, CAR., and Habitat for Humanity California said in a joint statement. In February, CAR reported that housing affordability for the average Black household in California is 50% worse than that of their White counterparts. Less than one in five Black California households were able to buy a $659,380 median-priced home in 2020. “To achieve the housing we need, our state must make the investment in creating housing opportunities for working Californians to access all forms of stable homeownership,” said Michael Gunning, Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs for CBIA. “To close the racial homeownership divide, we must address segregation caused by
hour Zoom meeting between the companies and Kempczinski and other McDonald’s board members. “To be clear, this concerns Blackowned media and not minority-owned media, because ‘minority’ includes White women and large corporations like McDonald’s often hide behind and tout their minority/diversity records while continuing not to do business with Black-owned media companies,” the ad says. “Chris, as president and CEO of McDonald’s, it is time for you to provide real economic inclusion for Black-owned media companies. We are publicly asking you to stop the systemic racism by McDonald’s against Black-owned media companies.” The letter also says that Kempczinski should “resign” if the company’s efforts don’t improve. “Chris, we and others firmly believe that if you continue to hold the position that Black-owned media does not deserve meaningful economic inclusion and we are not worth meeting with, then you and your board should resign, effective immediately,” the letter says.
explicit, historic government policies at the local, state, and federal level.” That figure is compared to two in five White households in the state who could buy the same dwelling. A minimum annual income of $122,800 was required to make a monthly payment of over $3,000 on a fixed-rate mortgage. Homeownership is a key element to building generational wealth and it helps to stabilize communities. Homeownership rates are at their lowest in California since the 1940s. Black and Latinx households are twice as likely to rent properties as White Californians. CBIA, CAR, and Habitat for Humanity California say that the record state budget surplus this fiscal year creates a historic opportunity to address California’s housing crisis and invest in more housing inventory across the state.
Of the $9.3 billion allocated to housing in Gov. Newsom’s proposed May Revise budget, only $725 million, or less than 8%, goes toward expanding homeownership opportunities with programs such as down payment assistance, CAR points out. “It is time for California to lead through action in Sacramento to address these painful truths about past housing policies and create a new housing future that works for everyone,” Gunning said. “That can start with the budget investments we’re calling for today.” The groups are requesting for additional budget investments in a number of areas that would create opportunities to expand the housing inventory in the state, including matching grants and tax credits to complement those proposed by the Biden Administration; tax credits for first-time and low and moderate-income buyers; and incentives to increase construction. “This is about the future of our state. This is about keeping more Californians from being cost-burdened and falling into homelessness,” Walsh said. “It’s about creating true housing equity for all Californians. Let’s come together to prioritize more ownership housing — it’s the right thing to do to ensure the American dream of homeownership doesn’t slip away for Californians who call the Golden State home.”
DMV Simplifies REAL ID Application Process IT News Wire
Document proving Social Security number no longer required after federal rule change Sacramento – Californians applying for a REAL ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles now have one less document to provide during the application process. Following updated federal rules, the DMV no longer requires applicants to provide a Social Security card or W-2 to prove they have a Social Security number. Starting today, Californians can now simply provide their Social Security number. By filling out the online application and uploading their documents, Californians can bring their confirmation code and documents to a DMV office at their convenience, even the same day, for express service – no appointment necessary. Once at a service window, it now takes less than 10 minutes to complete the REAL ID transaction. “Getting a REAL ID in California just got a little easier,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “We continue to streamline the REAL ID process so that customers can upload required documents, avoid long lines and get a REAL ID well in advance of the federal enforcement date.”
To apply for a REAL ID, an applicant must provide a valid Social Security number, proof of identity and two proofs of California residency. A list of qualifying documents and other helpful information can be found at REALID. dmv.ca.gov. Customers are required to wear face coverings and maintain physical distance during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. Starting May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases. The DMV is no longer requiring a document with a Social Security number after updating its system following passage of the REAL ID Modernization Act, which will allow for further process improvements in the future. The DMV continues to streamline its processes and incorporate technology to become more mobile and better serve its customers through more convenient service options.
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May 27-June-2 2021
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY WESTCHESTER/VETERANS AND CRENSHAW/IMPERIAL TOD PLANS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Date: May 27, 2021 To: Interested Agencies and Organizations Subject: Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Report Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial TOD Plans EIR SCH # 2017101068/ EA-EIR-2021-066 Lead Agency: Agency Name: City of Inglewood Street Address: One West Manchester Boulevard City/State/Zip: Inglewood, California 90301 Contact: Bernard McCrumby Phone: 310-412-5230 Email: bmccrumby@cityofinglewood.org The CITY OF INGLEWOOD, as the Lead Agency, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial Transit Oriented Development Plans identified below. This Notice of Availability (NOA) has been issued to notify interested parties that the Draft EIR is publicly available for review and comment. The City is requesting comments on the Draft EIR from responsible and trustee agencies, interested public agencies, organizations, and the general public. Project Location Figure 1 indicates the location of the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial TOD Plan areas. The Westchester/Veterans planning area consists of approximately 432 acres located at the western gateway to Inglewood along the new Crenshaw/LAX Metro rail line at the Florence Avenue/Hindry Avenue intersection. The Westchester/Veterans planning area generally encompasses the area within
the City of Inglewood that is half-mile from the Westchester/Veterans Metro Station, which is currently under construction. The Crenshaw/Imperial planning area consists of approximately 221 acres located near the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard interchange along the I-105 freeway. This planning area encompasses the area within the City of Inglewood that is half-mile from the Crenshaw Station on the Metro Green Line. Project Description The Transit Oriented Development Plans for the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial planning areas consist of amendments to the Inglewood General Plan and Zoning Code to capture opportunities generated by the Metro Crenshaw/LAX Line and Green Line on the community’s accessibility, and to capture the land use and economic development opportunities such accessibility brings. Included in the General Plan Amendment will be revisions to proposed land uses to take advantage of higher density mixed-use development opportunities adjacent to the two Metro stations. Existing General Plan land use designations for the Westchester/Veterans planning area will be replaced with a single “Westchester/Veterans Transit Oriented District” designation, and existing General Plan land use designations for the Crenshaw/Imperial planning area will be replaced with a single “Crenshaw/ Imperial Transit Oriented District” designation. Concept plans for the two planning areas provide detailed land use plans and policy direction for appropriate uses and development intensity for each area. The Concept Plans also provide for enhanced pedestrian and bicycle mobility within the two planning areas, along with improved access to the two Metro stations that are at the center of the planning areas. The Concept Plans also provide for the creation of new and enhancement of existing public spaces within the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial areas. The proposed Transit Oriented Development Plans will involve modifications to existing zoning designations to provide form-based development regulations aimed at maximizing use of transit, bicycling, and walking within the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial areas. These regulations set forth opportunities for increased development intensity in mixed-use settings, along with expansion of employmentgenerating uses, particularly in the Westchester/Veterans area. Form-based development regulations are integrated with design guidelines, including guidelines for new development and rehabilitation of existing historic structures. Recognizing the intended transit orientation of new development within the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial areas, proposed zoning regulations include reductions in minimum parking requirements for uses and locations most amenable to transit use. Overall, the TOD plans would provide for the types and amount of development described in Table 1, Proposed Development and Table 2, Proposed Development Summary. Anticipated Discretionary Approvals The list below identifies the discretionary approvals that are anticipated and therefore analyzed at a programmatic level in this Draft Program EIR. • Current Proposed Actions by the City of Inglewood Transit Oriented Development Plans for the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial planning areas, each of which includes a Concept Plan, Transit Oriented Development zoning, and Design Guidelines.
General Plan Amendments for the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial planning areas. • Potential Future Actions by the City of Inglewood Site-specific development projects that would be proposed subsequent to the TOD Plans within the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial. Close Isis Avenue north of Manchester Boulevard for open space. Eliminate westbound travel and parking lane on Olive Avenue between Manchester Boulevard and Glasgow Avenue for open space. Establish property-based Business Improvement Districts for the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial areas. Various capital improvement projects within the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/Imperial areas. Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts for the Westchester/Veterans and Crenshaw/ Imperial areas. Inclusionary zoning policy to require affordable housing within new residential developments. Construct City Gateway Park on the east side of Crenshaw Boulevard south of 118th Street in coordination with the City of Hawthorne. • Potential Future Actions by Others Crenshaw Boulevard/I-105 Freeway On-Ramp Redesign (Caltrans, City of Hawthorne). New portal to the Westchester/Veterans Metro Station (Los Angeles Metro). Environmental Impact Report The EIR evaluates potential environmental impacts resulting from the proposed TOD Plans. The EIR analyzes the following potentially significant environmental areas: • Air Quality • Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources • Energy Resources • Land Use and Planning Policy • Noise and Vibration • Population and Housing • Geology, Soils, and Seismicity • Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Hazards and Hazardous Materials • Hydrology and Water Quality • Public Services • TABLE 1: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Recreational COMMERCIAL/ INSTITUTIONA HOTEL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL RETAIL OFFICE L Resources (s.f.) (s.f.) (units) (s.f.) (s.f.) (s.f.) • Westchester/Veterans Existing Development 1,596 356,215 419,242 80,645 245,161 2,833,385 Transportation Future Demolition 37 50,219 61,065 22,694 103,615 253,639 • Future Construction 1,143 234,707 1,422,232 34,689 0 0 Utilities, Service Development at 2,702 540,703 1,780,409 92,640 141,546 2,579,746 Buildout Systems, and Crenshaw/Imperial Existing Development 1,044 527,735 190,218 49,497 152,809 0 Water Supply Future Demolition 83 501,773 129,053 17,390 15,216 0 Agencies Future Construction 3,067 376,744 45,067 0 0 0 Development at City 4,028 402,706 106,232 32,107 137,593 0 The Buildout r e q u e s t s Project Total Existing Development 2,640 883,950 609,460 130,142 397,970 2,833,385 that each Future Demolition 120 551,992 193,118 40,084 118,831 253,639 Future Construction 4,210 611,451 1,467,299 34,689 0 0 responsible and Development at 6,730 943,409 1,883,641 124,707 279,139 2,579,746 trustee agency Buildout review the Draft EIR relevant to the agency’s statutory responsibilities in connection with the Project, in a manner consistent with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §15087 (14 California Code TABLE 2: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY of Regulations NONRESIDENTIAL [ C C R ] RESIDENTIAL POPULATION JOBS (units) (s.f.) §15087). Each Westchester/Veterans agency may Existing Development 1,596 4,617 5,008,003 7,217 use the EIR Future Demolition/Loss 37 102 465,087 772 prepared by Future Construction 1,143 3,155 1,412,676 6,297 Development at Buildout 2,702 7,670 5,955,592 12,742 the City when Crenshaw/Imperial considering any 920,259 3,578 Existing Development 1,044 3,281 permits that the Future Demolition/Loss 83 229 663,432 858 agency must Future Construction 3,067 8,465 421,810 1,017 Development at Buildout 4,028 11,517 678,638 3,737 issue, or other Project Total approvals for Existing Development 2,640 7,898 5,928,262 10,795 the Project. Future Demolition/Loss 120 331 1,128,519 1,630 Public Review Future Construction 4,210 11,620 1,834,486 7,314 6,634,229 16,479 Development at Buildout 6,730 19,187 Period The Draft EIR is available for public review for a period of 45 days. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines §15105, should you have any comments, please provide written comments on the Draft EIR within the 45-day period between May 27, 2021 and July 12, 2021. Locations Where Draft EIR is Available for Public Review Pursuant to the California Governor’s Executive Order N-54-20, an electronic PDF of the Draft EIR is available for download on the City’s website at www.cityofinglewood.org/834/TransitOriented-Development In addition, a hard copy will be available at the following location: • Inglewood City Hall, First Floor Lobby, One Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90301 Public Comments The City requests your review and consideration of the Draft EIR, and invites written comments from interested agencies, persons, and organizations regarding the environmental issues identified in the Draft EIR. Please indicate a contact person for your agency or organization. Comments in response to this notice may be submitted to the City through close of business (5:30 PM) on July 12, 2021. Lead Agency Contact All comments should be submitted in writing to: City of Inglewood Bernard McCrumby, Senior Planner City of Inglewood Planning Division One West Manchester Boulevard, Fourth Floor Inglewood, CA 90301 bmccrumby@cityofinglewood.org “Si no entiende este aviso o si necesita más información, llame a este número (310) 412-5230.”
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Continued from page 1: One Year...
Black woman in the South said, “I am waiting to vote like my life depends on it, and it does.” Conservative “White” America’s response can be seen in the actions of the Republican side of the U.S. Senate that refuses to take up the George Floyd Policing Act which has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives, but needs passage in the Senate to become law for the President to sign. Conservative “White” America has also responded with 47 states proposing, and in a growing number of states, passing “Voter Suppression Acts”. That will make it more difficult for people to vote, especially people of color. Such actions are aimed at nullifying those sections of the U.S. Constitutions such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments guaranteeing equal protection under law. The idea is that if it becomes difficult for people of color to produce voter identification, or provide them with fewer voting precincts and hours to vote that interfere with employment or too few voting machines at those places left to vote, then only conservative white people of shared views on race and police violence against people of color, will vote. This means that democracy as we know it will be dead and this country will have moved backwards over 100 years. The good news is that if we the masses were not being successful in challenging the police and those who support them, the massive voter suppression effort would not be under
way. So when we fight the San Diego Police punching a man that they already have on the ground; when we rise up against the police murdering of Mr. Brown in Elizabeth City, N.C. as he attempted to drive away from them in his car; when we see the Police hide for two years their body camera film of them murdering Mr. Ronald Greene after a police stop and hearing him apologize and crying as they murdered him, then we know that we can not let up for a moment. Each police action of brutality must be exposed and resisted. We must let “White” America and the Police know that we will not yield to either their fear or their hate. The struggle does indeed continue. Continued from page 1: Inglewood...
substance abuse treatment, along with inner conflict counseling. Another component of mental health is physical fitness, which why the on-campus gym is a resident-favorite. Communications
Manager Axel Diaz is looking forward to implementing more group fitness classes as pandemic restrictions continue to lift. The cafeteria has an industrial kitchen that serves three meals per day– breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The in-house chef is also a veteran who has spent many years operating the kitchen. It is common that the veterans within the program make the transition to oncampus employees. U.S.VETS now has 31 residential sites and services centers across the country and new housing projects in development. It will continue to be a place that our country’s heroes can count on to champion them and serve them, every day of the year. This Friday, May 28th, will mark the 28th anniversary of U.S.VETS Inglewood. Preventing veteran homelessness, and maintaining and improving mental health is the driving force behind the U.S. VETS site, and these will continue to be the priorities. As we honor our country’s heroes this Memorial Day, and every other day, it is important that our communities have the necessary programs in place to show just how treasured our veterans are.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2021101491 The following Person is doing business as: Vispring Of Los Angeles 316 S. Robertson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 32707 Calle Perfecto San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Registered Owner(s): Comfort-Gallery 3 Inc., 32707 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capristrano, CA 92675 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on April 30, 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.) Comfort-Gallery 3 Inc., Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on April 30, 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 May 27; June 3, 10, 17, 2021 IT0042230120020162 Inglewood Today