Issuu

May 16, 2019

VOL. 34, No. 20

TRUMP’S TRADE WAR TROUBLES ‘FARMERS

By Francis Taylor, Asst. Editor

Many farmers are holding out hope that the U.S. and China quickly reach a trade agreement that would put an end to tariffs on agricultural products. Unfortunately, the trend is going in the opposite direction. “I’m very disappointed that ... the negotiations fell apart last week,” Blake Hurst, a soybean farmer and president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, said on Yahoo Finance’s On the Move. “We’ve been assured time and time again that progress was being made. We’ve yet to see any improvement. So farmers are starting to lose hope.” On Friday, President Trump wrote on Twitter that he was following through on his tariff threat because he “got tired of waiting” for the Chinese to start buying from American farmers. By placing tariffs on China, Trump argued, China will be paying money to the Treasury and therefore helping farmers. However, these tariffs are actually being paid by American consumers and businesses. And China announced increased tariffs hitting the U.S. heartland. ‘Farmers like to farm’ Throughout the trade spat, the Trump administration has worked with the USDA to help offset the effects of tariffs by providing billions of dollars in aid to farmers. Trump has pledged to do the same again as the U.S. and China attempt to work out a deal. Hurst noted 4 that previous aid

Member Morales Graciously Accepted

Accolades for Ashwood Park;

Thanked the Inglewood Staff, Volunteers and Others for Remodel

The Inglewood City Council collectively approved the agenda items with little discussion. An Inglewood Police Officer addressed the public hearing related to the towing of vehicles on public streets that are in violation of parking rules, with unregistered license tags and for other reasons that indicate lack of vehicle registration compliance.

Staff report recommending adoption of a resolution opposing changes to current state card club regulations. Staff report recommending adoption of an Amended and Restated Resolution No. 18-69 to amend, clarify, confirm, modify, and restate the vacation of the alley between Florence Avenue and Regent Street, east of La Brea Avenue, and west of Market Street.

Staff report recommending adoption of a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Annual Capital Improvement Program Budget for the City Last Mile Transit Connector Project. Staff report recommending award of contract and approval of an agreement with KOA Corporation to provide design and construction engineering services for 7

Rep. Maxine Waters Receives an

Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree ,

Degree from the University of the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON – On Saturday, May 11, U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) -- the first woman and first African American to Chair the powerful U.S. House Committee on Financial Services -and civil rights icon and leader, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., received Honorary Doctorate of Laws degrees from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Rep. Waters also delivered a keynote address to more than 900 graduates during UDC’s 2019 University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Commencement Convocation. “It is a distinct honor 4 JOIN US ON

Page 2

May 16, 2019

ONLY 51% OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

HOUSEHOLDS CAN AFFORD ENTRY-LEVEL HOME

By OC Register

Just 51% of Southern California households can comfortably buy an entry-level home — and they’d need to earn at least $70,090 annually, according to a California Association of Realtors first-time buyer financing index. The association measures buying conditions for a hypothetical firsttime house hunter with an index that assumes more generous borrowing terms than “traditional” affordability indexes. This math includes a smaller downpayment (10% vs. 20%); adjustable-loan rates vs. fixed; more household income toward the mortgage payment (40% debt-toincome vs. 30%); and buying a less expensive starter home (85% of the median price). In the region comprising Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties, the first quarter’s 51% first-timer affordability rate was slightly higher than 49% in the previous quarter and unchanged from 51% a year ago. Buyers needed an annual income of $70,090 to comfortably make the $2,340-a-month mortgage, taxes and insurance payments on a $432,650 home. For the traditional homebuyer, affordability dropped to 33% with $107,110 income needed to comfortably pay $2,680 a month

for a $509,000 home. Local affordability levels, even with more generous terms, fare poorly against statewide and national first-timer measurements. Here’s the breakdown in the first quarter: ICYMI: Southern California ranked as second-worst ‘mega city’ to live in Statewide, single-family-home: 50% affordability vs. 46% previous quarter and 50% year ago. Income of $75,160 needed for $2,510 payment on $463,950 home. The first-timer “affordability” yardstick has run between 73% and 26% since 2004. And by “traditional” math, only 32% affordability with $114,860 income needed. Statewide, condo/townhome: 58% affordability vs. 55% previous quarter and 56% year ago. Income of $61,970 needed for $2,070 payment on $382,500 home. By “traditional” math, only 41% affordability with $94,690 income needed. Nationwide: 72% affordability vs. 70% previous quarter and 72% year ago. Income of $35,090 needed for $1,170 payment on $216,580 home. By “traditional” math, only 57% affordability with $53,620 income needed. Here’s how first-time affordability looked in four counties covered by the Southern California News

INGLEWOOD FILES MOTION DETAILING COVERT CAMPAIGN BY Accuses MSG The TOForum BLOCK CLIPPERS ARENA and Law Firm, Latham & Watkins, of Using

Fake Grassroots Group, Special-Interest Funding LOS ANGELES (May 14, 2019) – The City of Inglewood filed a motion in Los Angeles Superior Court late Monday asking for the right to discovery from MSG Forum’s law firm, which it describes as the “quarterback” of a covert campaign aimed at defeating the proposed 18,500-seat Los Angeles Clippers Arena. The motion asks Superior Court Judge Hon. Craig D. Karlan to reverse a recent referee’s recommendation blocking discovery of communications between third parties and Latham & Watkins, which has been “waging a shadowy, stop-at-nothing campaign” similar to one used by MSG to turn public sentiment against a proposed football stadium in Manhattan 15 years ago. “MSG Forum used misinformation and smear tactics to turn New York

voters against a proposed stadium in Manhattan, which then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg was backing as a permanent home for the New York Jets,” said Skip Miller, partner of Miller Barondess LLP in Los Angeles, which is representing the City of Inglewood in the Clippers Arena matter. “Now MSG is using the same playbook to try to kill another rival arena,” said Miller. “And it is orchestrating its covert game plan through Latham & Watkins, which has set up fake community groups and propped up opponents that are not protected by attorney-client privilege. Our request for discovery will expose MSG’s scheme for what it is – a blatant attempt to kill a potential competitor through a covert campaign of dirty tricks.” The City’s motion unveils a number of fronts for MSG’s covert campaign. They include: Bankrolling a fictitious “grassroots” organization called “Inglewood Residents Against Takings and Evictions” (“IRATE”), then using it as a front for a

Group in the first quarter … Los Angeles County: 45% affordability vs. 42% previous quarter and 45% year ago. Income of $75,550 needed for $2,520 payment on $466,340 home. By “traditional” math, only 28% affordability with $115,450 income needed. First-time “affordability” has run between 68% and 19% since 2004. Orange County: 42% affordability vs. 38% previous quarter and 39% year ago. Income of $110,160 needed for $3,670 payment on $680,000 home. By “traditional” math, only 24% affordability with $168,340 income needed. First-time “affordability” has run between 62% and 21% since 2004. Sign up for The Home Stretch newsletter. Get weekly housing news on affordability, renting, buying, selling and more. Subscribe here. Riverside County: 57% affordability vs. 57% previous quarter and 58% year ago. Income of $56,320

needed for $1,880 payment on $347,650 home. By “traditional” math, only 39% affordability with $86,070 income needed. First-time “affordability” has run between 81% and 25% since 2004. San Bernardino County: 67% affordability vs. 65% previous quarter and 68% year ago. Income of $41,300 needed for $1,380 payment on $254,960 home. By “traditional” math, only 50% affordability with $63,120 income needed. First-time “affordability” has run between 88% and 28% since 2004. And don’t feel too bad … you could live up north! In the Bay Area, first-timer affordability ran 44% in the first quarter vs. 39% in the previous quarter and 41% a year ago. Income of $121,870 is needed for the $4,060 payment on a $752,250 home. By “traditional” math, only 26% could buy and that’s with a $186,230 income.

lawsuit challenging the Clippers arena. In 2018, IRATE and MSG filed nearly identical lawsuits with consecutive case numbers minutes apart on the same day. Providing masked donations to Uplift Inglewood Coalition, a “citizens group” that also has brought a dubious legal action against the project. Rather than make the donations directly, MSG has admitted using the California Community Foundation as an intermediary, presumably with the intent of concealing the true source of funding for the lawsuit. Recruiting Marc Little, a nonresident, to run against Mayor James T. Butts, and then infusing the Little campaign with more than $1 million – more than five times the amount usually spent on the mayoral race, and not one penny from a single supporter in Inglewood. MSG contributed more than $600,000 and six Latham attorneys kicked in another $16,300. Despite being heavily out-financed, Mayor Butts cruised to re-election with 65% of the vote. Little finished second, capturing only 18% of the vote. Suing and seeking millions of dollars in damages from Mayor Butts personally despite the fact that his actions were part of his duties as a public official and totally for the benefit of Ingle-

wood residents. Hiring a public relations firm, Sugerman Communications Group of Los Angeles, to drum up negative stories about the Mayor. The head of that firm, Steve Sugerman, is a convicted felon who pleaded guilty in 2005 to defrauding the City of Los Angeles for submitting $120,000 in phony billings while working at another firm. The motion filed Monday follows a May 3 ruling by Richard Chernick, Vice President and Managing Director of JAMS’ Arbitration Practice, who was hired as a referee by both sides in the dispute to determine a number of discovery issues. Chernick denied the discovery of Latham’s communication with IRATE, Uplift, Little and other third parties, even though he acknowledged the City’s request for the information was for relevant evidence based on a legitimate need to determine “MSG’s credibility and motivations.” The parties agreed to a 10-day period to appeal Chernick’s decisions, paving the way for the City’s filing on Monday based on evidence of an allout legal, political and PR war against a proposed rival venue based on covert methods and ulterior motives, just like the Jets stadium. Information provided by Skip Miller

Page 3

May 16, 2019

YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK

TRUMP ATTEMPTS TO

BLOCK CONGRESSIONAL

OVERSIGHT By Francis Taylor, Asst. Publisher

The University of California salutes our young scholars and scientists, whose cutting-edge research brings good to all of us — from finding new cancer treatments to addressing climate change.

WHATEVER YOUR GIFTS, THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU AT UC.

ucal.us/achieve

Home sharing workshop Hosted by Airbnb, NAACP LA and the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce

Join us to learn how to earn extra income, promote travel within communities of color, and hlighlight local experiences. Saturday, May 18 Inglewood City Hall Community Room 9:30am-2:00pm 1 W Manchester blvd Inglewood CA, 90301

RSVP today: naacp.splashthat.com

US District Judge Amit Mehta fired pointed questions at the president’s lawyers, who argued in a 22 April lawsuit that the committee’s sweeping subpoena to Mazars USA for the financial records of Mr Trump and various associated entities since 2011 was not “a valid exercise of legislative power.” Lead Trump attorney William Consovoy accused Democrats of “assuming the powers of the Department of Justice” on a partisan crusade, arguing that “this is about the House being dissatisfied with the president, and wanting to prove by any means possible that he has done things wrong.” Douglas Letter, general counsel of the House of Representatives, replied that Trump’s claim of freedom from congressional oversight marked “a total, basic and fundamental misunderstanding” of the Constitution, saying he would pronounce Congress “a nuisance . . . getting in his way while he’s trying to run the country.” Mehta, a 2014 appointee of President Barack Obama, challenged some of Trump’s assertions in questions to his legal team. “Is it your position that whether the president has properly reported his finances (under federal disclosure laws), that’s not subject to investigation by Congress?” Mehta asked. “Say a president was involved in some corrupt enterprise, you mean to tell me because he is the president of the United States, Congress would not have power to investigate?” Mehta asked, continuing,

what if “we’re talking about a presidential violation of a constitutional prohibition that only Congress has authority to approve?” such as the acceptance for emoluments or gifts from a foreign government. Consovoy answered yes, saying determining whether a president properly disclosed his finances was a “pure law enforcement function,” not a matter for Congress, whose fundamental duty he said is in writing bills. And if Congress did seek to enact legislation, whether to tighten ethics requirements, fight public corruption or enforce a constitutional prohibition on acceptance of foreign emoluments, Consovoy said, “I don’t think there is any permutation of any of these proposals that could pass constitutional muster,” because they would interfere with the president’s execution of his duties, or add qualifications for his office. “There’s not a single Supreme Court or appellate case since 1880 that has found Congress overstepped its legislative authority by issuing a subpoena,” Mr Mehta observed at another point. Congressional Democrats accuse Trump of trying to stonewall lawmakers’ oversight until after the 2020 election, while the president’s team counters that it will not tolerate a campaign of “congressional presidential harassment.” Mehta gave both sides until Saturday to file any additional submissions and promised a ruling “promptly, consistent with the gravity of the issues” in6 volving the balancing

Page 4

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

May 16, 2019 Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019101180 The following person is doing business as:

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019125108 The following person is doing business as:

The Print Folks 314 E. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301 6040 Center Dr., Apt 315, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Macknificent Custodial Services 2140 West 108th Street Los Angeles, CA 90047

The TMJ Pain Center 1117 W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90301

Registered Owner(s): The Print Folks LLC, 314 E. Manchester Blvd., Registered Owner(s): Inglewood, CA 90301 Angeles. CA 90047

WWW.INGLEWOODTODAY.COM

OR CALL: 1.888.676.1011 Continued from page 1: Rep. Maxine Waters Receives an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from the University of the District of Columbia

to be invited to join the president, board, faculty, and staff of UDC as we celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2019,” said Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “For more than a century, UDC has transformed the lives of its students by providing the educational and vocational training that both traditional and non-traditional students need to lead successful lives and careers. I am pleased to accept an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from this historic institution, and I join the entire local community in applauding the 2019 graduates.” Congresswoman Maxine Waters has emerged as one of the strongest legislators, community organizers, and champions for women, children, seniors, veterans, people of color, and the poor. She was elected in November 2018 to her fifteenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives where she proudly represents California’s diverse and dynamic 43rd Congressional District. With more than 20 years of experience and expertise on financial services issues, Congresswoman Waters recently made history as the first woman and first African American to hold the Chair’s gavel of the House Financial Services Committee, where she leads the Democratic Caucus in the effort to pass meaningful legislation

Gerod Mack, 2140 West 108th Street, Los Registered Owner(s): Delsnyder Dental Corp, 1117 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301

This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on April 22, 2019. above on April 16, 2019. above on May 13, 2019. 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.) The Print Folks LLC, Owner.

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.) Gerod Mack, Owner.

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.) Delsnyder Dental Corp, Owner.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on April 22, 2019.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on April 16, 2019.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on May 13, 2019.

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 9, 16, 23, 30, 2019 IT004223012002060 Inglewood Today

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 25; May 2, 9, 16, 2019 IT004223012002057 Inglewood Today

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 16, 23, 30; June 6, 2019 IT004223012002061 Inglewood Today

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019099572 The following Person is doing business as:

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019115089 The following Person is doing business as:

Hoodfairy & Co. 882 Victor Ave., #18 Inglewood, CA 90302

Jones & Associate Home Builders And Investment 10621 Haas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER/ EDITOR Willie Brown

SAVE MONEY AND SUBMIT ONLINE AT

LEGAL NOTICES

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019106025 The following Person is doing business as:

VICE PRESIDENT Gloria Kennedy ASSISTANT EDITOR Francis Taylor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Francis Taylor

QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER Gloria Kennedy Inglewood Today Weekly is a legally adjudicated newspaper of public circ ulation, published weekly by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. News and press releases may be submitted for consideration by mail to 9111 La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 or by email to itnetworks@msn.com.

Registered Owner(s): Nicole A. Steele, 882 Victor Ave., #18, Inglewood, Registered Owner(s): Stephanie Jones and Kelynn Williams, 10621 Haas CA 90302 Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90047 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on April 15, 2019. above on May 1, 2019. 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.) Nicole A. Steele , Owner.

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.) Stephanie Jones and Kelynn Williams , Owners.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on April 15, 2019.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on May 1, 2019.

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to protect consumers and safeguard the economy. In a statement to the Washington Post, UDC President Ronald Mason Jr. praised Waters as “an advocate for marginalized and disadvantaged people her entire life.” The University of the District of Columbia was established in 1851, is a historically black university, and is the only public university in the nation’s capital. The university offers 81 undergraduate and graduate academic degrees with the mission of “producing lifelong learners who are transformative leaders in the workforce, government, nonprofit sectors and beyond.”

Continued from page 1: Trump’s Trade War Troubles ‘Farmers

“certainly did help” and more aid would be helpful, “but it’s no substitute for markets. Farmers like to farm. We like to produce. We want to have the chance to sell our product to people who want to buy it.” Selling hasn’t gone so well for farmers in the past year. In 2018, as a result of reduced exports to China, the U.S. had the smallest agricultural trade surplus since 2006. And on Monday, soybean futures fell to its lowest level in a decade. President Trump hasn’t showed signs of backing down against China. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Part of this is because while the U.S. and China have been in a trade standoff, China has turned to other countries, like Brazil, for beloved crops like soybeans. Even if the trade dispute is resolved, there’s no guarantee that the U.S. gets that market back.

“They developed the habit of buying from Brazil,” Hurst said about the Chinese. “They’ve developed confidence in Brazil as suppliers. It’ll take a generation for us to restore that.” Greg Horstmeier, editor-in-chief of agriculture magazine DTN/Progressive Farmer, highlighted the importance of American farmers to U.S. communities. “It’s what keeps the grocery stores in business and the school systems going,” Horstmeier told Yahoo Finance. “It’s a concept that’s really hard for the average consumer who truly does think, ‘I don’t need farmers. I get my food from the grocery store.’ ... “How do you think it got to the grocery store? Those are the kind of concepts that are tough to get people to care about, but they’re sort of foundational.” Adriana is an associate editor for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @adrianambells.

Page 5

May 16, 2019

LA 2028 ADJUSTS ESTIMATED

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON ALABAMA’S ABORTION BILL

COST OF OLYMPICS TO

$6.9 BILLION By City News Service

On Tuesday night, the Alabama Senate voted to outlaw nearly all abortions in the state, with no exception for rape or incest. If the governor signs the bill into law, it would likely pose a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade. Jane Roe, et al. v. Henry Wade, the case better known as Roe v. Wade was the 1973 landmark decision by the US Supreme Court. The court ruled that a state law that banned abortions (except to save the life of the mother) was unconstitutional. The 7-2 ruling made abortion legal in many circumstances

an abortion if getting pregnant wasn’t your “fault”—and that forced pregnancy is a punishment for women who have sex for the fun of it. That’s pretty inconsistent with the claim that outlawing abortion is about preserving “life.” A law that forces women to carry pregnancies they don’t want does the same thing as the rapist: It strips a woman of control over her most intimate parts, invading her body against her will. For rape victims specifically, these laws

and that unduly restrictive state regulation of abortion is unconstitutional De-facto abortion bans have taken hold in multiple states in recent months, but measure gives a clear preview of what the anti-abortion movement wreaks: a nation in which even little girls who are raped are forced to have babies. In response, women and men around the country are gearing up for a fight. On social media, women are sharing their abortion stories with the hashtag #YouKnowMe— that is, in a nation where nearly one in four women have ended a pregnancy, everyone knows someone who has had an abortion. Many of the women tweeting #YouKnowMe had abortions for the most common of reasons: they were pregnant when they didn’t want to be, and couldn’t afford a child; or didn’t want a child at that moment; or didn’t want a child with the person who impregnated them. Around the world, and even in many restrictive U.S. states, abortions are allowed for women seeking to protect their health or lives, or for rape and incest victims. Brazil, Benin, Sudan, and South Korea, among many others, outlaw abortion, but allow rape victims to end their pregnancies. Even many of the most “pro-life” places recognize that there is a particular cruelty in forcing a rape or incest victim to bear an attacker’s child. But rape and incest exceptions are vexing things for the anti-abortion movement. For those who would allow them, exceptions reveal a paradox that it is O.K. to have

compound the trauma of assault. Some rape survivors who become pregnant choose to give birth, but the choice is key. There is little more important for a rape survivor than to hear, “This is your body, and you have total decision-making control over it.” And there is little more damaging than telling her, “We are going to again force you to do something with your most intimate body parts that you don’t want to do”—especially when what you’re forcing on her can be the most lifealtering thing any human being does. Politicians who find it acceptable to force this on any woman is abhorrent; that they would force it on traumatized women and girls who may have been raped is unconscionable and inhuman. For legislators in Alabama and “pro-life” activists, this is all theoretical, all about their supposed morals and their commitment to life—none of which, seems to extend to pregnant women, or to children after they are born. But for the women and girls who live the reality of anti-abortion laws, it is indeed a matter of life and death, of morality versus cruelty, of protecting the vulnerable from those who would do them harm. The Alabama bill in my view, and its total disregard of rape victims, is just one more link on a world-spanning chain of misogyny that has nothing to do with preserving life, and everything to do with keeping women bound. I would like to hear from INGLEWOOD TODAY readers on this important subject.

The estimated cost of staging the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has risen to $6.9 billion, according to a budget released Tuesday by the private committee organizing the event. An original budget estimate of $5.3 billion was made before Los Angeles redirected its bid in 2017 from the 2024 Games to the 2028 Games. According to the organizing committee, known as LA 2028, the higher figure is the result of adjusting for inflation, but the overall budget for the Games is still balanced. “Our budget is privately funded, realistic and fiscally conservative,” LA 2028 Chairman Casey Wasserman said. “We are redefining what it means to host a successful Games and look forward to planning and hosting an amazing experience that will make our community proud.” The City Council approved the switch to bidding for ‘28 instead of ‘24 in August 2017 despite not having a complete picture of the financial aspects of the decision. Like previous projections, the new budget includes no money to be spent from the city’s general fund. Organizers have said they can cover all costs from corporate sponsorships, ticket sales, broadcast

rights and the International Olympic Committee’s contribution. LA 2028 plans to utilize existing or previously planned venues and not building any new permanent structures just for the Games, which is predicted to keep the costs for Los Angeles low compared to previous Games. LA 2028 is the nonprofit, privately funded organization responsible for spearheading the successful effort to bring the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Los Angeles. Los Angeles was officially named in September 2017 as host of the 2028 Summer Olympics by a unanimous vote of the International Olympic Committee in Lima, Peru. The successful bid came an unprecedented 11 years before the actual Olympics are set to take place. Paris was simultaneously awarded the 2024 Games. The two cities were initially in competition just for 2024 before a deal was struck to award both Games at the same time to the two cities. Host cities are typically named seven years in advance, and L.A. was able to garner numerous financial concessions out of the IOC by agreeing to wait the extra four years.

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Page 6 Continued from page 1:Trump Attempts

of powers between Congress and a president. He did not say when he would rule, but he noted that a different House panel, the Financial Services Committee, is set to appear in federal court in Manhattan on May 22 to defend other subpoenas for Trump’s bank records issued to Deutsche Bank AG and Capital One Financial. Trump and his three eldest children and companies have sued to quash the subpoenas. Mehta said at the end of Tuesday’s 80-minute hearing that he would also make clear in his opinion whether he would stay a subpoena, if he upholds it, to give the president time to appeal and also questioned aspects of the House’s legal arguments, asking whether Congress was claiming blanket authority to investigate matters by claiming a duty to “inform the public.” “It really does open the door to the accusation, perhaps valid or not, that this really is an effort - if not to harass the president - then to get into his private affairs for political purposes, if there is no clear line as to what this investigation is about,” Mehta said. “How do I draw lines to test, even if it’s a soft test, the validity of what you’re doing? “ Letter said Congress’ function to “inform the public” about the president is a valid basis for the subpoena, citing past investigations into the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the origins of the Iraq War and former President Bill Clinton’s Whitewater land dealings. But he said the House also had obvious legislative purposes to oversee the function of laws governing the financial disclosure of public officials and avoidance of conflicts of interests, the handling of presidential records and the prevention of foreign governments holding hidden financial influence over American elected officials. “We need to know that,” Letter argued. “We need to know, is the president of the United States beholden to foreign interests, because they can hold things over his head?” Cummings’ panel last month subpoenaed Mazars, seeking documents to corroborate testimony by the president’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, who said at a congressional hearing that Trump intentionally misreported the value of his assets for personal gain. Other House panels have requested Trump’s banking records and tax returns, while his company also faces enquiries from New York state regulators and is defending itself in two lawsuits alleging that the company violates the Constitution by doing business with foreign governments. Mazars attorney Henry Schuelke has said the firm took no position on the case.

May 16, 2019

BEST STATE? ? CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA HAS 3RD BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT TO NO. 19 RANKING, BY THIS MATH U.S. NEWS SAYS NO. 1 WAS WASHINGTON. WORST? LOUISIANA. By Orange County Register

It’s been a good year for California if the oft-quoted “best-state” rankings by U.S. News & World Report mean anything. The state’s robust economy, alluring environment and high-quality healthcare helped it score a No. 19 overall ranking among the states. The annual report weighs various measurements of economic and demographic performance in eight categories that are deemed key to higher livability. No. 1 for overall quality of life on this scorecard was Washington followed by New Hampshire and Minnesota. Worst? Louisiana, then Alabama and Mississippi. It was a noteworthy upgrade for California that a year ago was ranked 31st by this yardstick. The 12-position rise in the standings was third biggest improvement among the states, behind Georgia (No. 17 from 32nd a year ago) and Virginia (No. 7 from 20th). Biggest drop? Iowa, No. 14 from a year ago’s “best” state honors! California’s latest grade is some-

what in line with state rankings done by the Gallup polling firm. It’s annual “Well-Being Index” — based on its continual surveys of American attitudes — scored California 14th best. That’s the same rank as 2017 — but the lowest since 2013. So how did California buff up its score in the U.S. News math? Here’s a look at how the state fared in the individual category rankings, listed from California’s highest-scoring qualities to its most-challenging traits …. Economy, ranked No. 4: Fueled by the state’s scoring of the nation’s best business environment, according to U.S. News. Trailed only Colorado, Utah, and Washington. Worst? West Virginia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Environment, No. 5: Aided by low pollution levels. Tops: Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Worst? Louisiana, Utah, and Indiana. Healthcare, No. 7: Having the highest-ranked public health system helped. Tops: Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Worst?

AIRBNB AND THE NAACP ORGANIZE

HOST RECRUITMENT WORKSHOP IN INGLEWOOD By Francis Taylor, Asst. Publisher

Event builds awareness about the economic opportunities in commueconomic benefits of home sharing nities of color. The workshop will be conducted and tourism in the Inglewood comon Saturday, May 18, 2019, from 10 munity. AM to 2 PM, in the Inglewood City

Airbnb Los Angeles will partner with the Los Angeles and Inglewood branches of the NAACP and the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce in organizing a host recruitment workshop in the City of Inglewood. The event will feature a panel of local hosts who will share their experiences with Inglewood residents and a presentation from Airbnb staff on how to become and succeed as a homes haring host. Participants will be able to sign up on-site if they are interested in joining the platform. Airbnb and the NAACP launched their partnership in 2017 to support

Hall Community Room, 1 W Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA, 90301 Airbnb was founded in 2008 and exists to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere, providing healthy travel that is local, authentic, diverse, inclusive and sustainable. Airbnb uniquely leverages technology to economically empower millions of people around the world to unlock and monetize their spaces, passions and talents to become hospitality entrepreneurs. Airbnb’s accommodation marketplace provides access to 6+ million unique places

Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia. Education, No. 21: California’s well-regarded higher-education system was a big plus. Tops: Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida. Worst? Alabama, New Mexico, and Louisiana. Crime, No. 23: U.S. News cited an above-average corrections system. Tops: New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Worst? Louisiana, New Mexico, and Alaska. Infrastructure, No. 32: Blame the state’s crummy roads! Tops: Oregon, Washington, and Utah. Worst? West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Louisiana. ICYMI: Southern California ranked as second-worst ‘mega city’ to live in Fiscal stability, No. 42: Shaky state finances hurt. Tops: Tennessee, Florida, and South Dakota. Worst? Illinois, New Jersey, and Alaska. Opportunity, No. 49: High cost of living translated to a next-to-worst ranking behind only Louisiana. No. 1 was New Hampshire then Iowa, and Minnesota.

to stay in nearly 100,000 cities and 191 countries. With Experiences, Airbnb offers unprecedented access to local communities and interests through 30,000+ unique, handcrafted activities run by hosts across 1,000+ markets around the world. Airbnb’s people-to-people platform benefits all its stakeholders, includ-

ing hosts, guests, employees and the communities in which it operates. The NAACP was founded in 1909 and is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our Economic Opportunity “Game Changer” issue by visiting http:// www.naacp.org/issues/economicopportunity/.

Page 7

May 16, 2019

EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON

Continued from page 1: Ashwood Park

signal synchronization and timing improvements along Arbor Vitae Street, Prairie Avenue, La Cienega Boulevard, and Florence Avenue corridors. Staff report recommending adoption of a resolution accepting the offer of dedication for Yukon Avenue by Costco Wholesale Corporation. Staff report recommending approval of an agreement with CSDA Design Group to provide Architectural/Engineering Design and Acoustic Testing services for up to 100 residential units in the City’s Residential Sound Insulation Program. Staff report recommending approval of an agreement with The Jones Payne Group, Inc., to provide Architectural/Engineering Design and Acoustic Testing services for up to 100 residential units in the City’s Residential Sound Insulation Program. During the public comments an individual read a prepared statement criticizing INGLEWOOD TODAY for their reporting and Mayor Butts for the accident in which he was recently involved. The individual, who appeared nervous, agitated and upset, did not express, during his rant that no traffic related charges had been issued against the mayor, rendering his public assertions mostly incomplete, false and incorrect. Member Padilla commented on the recent Crozier vs. Warren Lane Middle School Basketball game on the new court provided by the Los Angeles Clippers and publicly thanked them for their support. He also noted the street repairs underway and urged everyone to drive carefully while the construction is underway. Member Franklin thanked all that were involved in the recent re-opening of Ashwood Park indicating that it was a job well done. His comments were echoed by Mayor Butts who recalled the condition of the park when he was a police officer in the City of Inglewood. Member Morales thanked everyone involved in the park’s renovation and displayed a slide presentation of the grand re-opening. Ashwood Park Gets $1.6M Makeover and officially revealed on May 14th. District 3 Councilman Eloy Morales Jr. and the City of Inglewood celebrated the grand re-opening of Ashwood Park with a day for family and fun. The park had fallen into disarray over the years after being overrun by gang activity in the 90’s- Early 2000’s, and lost its original luster, which inlcuded the installation of a chain-link fence designed to deter gang activity. Councilman Morales has been adament that the City make the investment

ALEX PADILLA

JAMES BUTTS

ELOY MORALES

RALPH FRANKLIN

ASHWOOD PARK

in a part of town where the breadth of Inglewood’s diversity intersected and fostered engagement among the neighborhood’s inhabitants. “Everyday I would come here and play basketball with all my boys. This place was like a safe haven for me,” Jaime Gutierrez, Assistant to Councilman Morales, and long time Inglewood resident said in an interview at the event. The rehabilitation cost the City around $1.6Million and features newly refurbished basketball and tennis courts, the first ever splash pad, new walking path, and refurbished jungle gym. This is my park, this is where I played ball, this is where I earned my respect, on the court. - Councilman Eloy Morales Jr. Councilman Morales addressed over 100 residents and guests and explained the significance of Ash Park to the residents of District 3, and how important that park was, for his personal growth, coming up as a youth in Inglewood. He exclaimed, “So, I know what this park means to this neighborhood.” Mayor James T. Butts added, “When you think about Ash Park, that property was just a dead area, next to a freeway, that the City converted into a park. Then it became a gang haven and fences were put up as a mitigation measure, but it made it feel like a lightweight prison. So, to come to a point in our evolution, where gangs are not the issue, and we can spend $1.6Million in a majority Latino neighborhood, to celebrate the change, is amazing to me.” After investing in the rehabilitation of the facility, Ash Park is now one of the most beautiful parks in Inglewood.

Page 8

May 16, 2019

DITCH YOUR GRASS.

CLAIM YOUR

REBATE.