Issuu

May 30, 2019

VOL. 34, No. 22

HOW J.P. MORGAN CHASE IS FIGHTING THE RACIAL WEALTH GAP IN AMERICA

Robert Mueller, Special Counsel

BREAKS HIS SILENCE

By Francis Taylor, Asst. Editor

Wealth is an important way for Americans to obtain economic opportunities, yet many studies show that wealth is not equally distributed among African Americans and their counterparts. According to the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth for Black American families is $17,600, and nearly one in five Black households have zero or negative net worth. Blacks have a $1.2 trillion buying power, yet are projected to have a zero median net worth by 2053. The lack of Black wealth is a result of systematic disparities that Black families endure daily, but how much time is spent on birthing the solution? Often, we find ourselves admiring the problems while being captivated by how discouraging the studies are. What if we took a less feardriven approach to cultivate a change in Black America? What if we found resources that help provide economic empowerment and education to those who don’t have access to it? What if there was a company that said, “Let’s utilize our resources, and get to the root of the problems Blacks are facing?” What if that company was the nation’s largest bank, J.P. Morgan Chase? 2 By combining

sued his first public statement on his “If we had had confidence that the investigation into Russian interference president had clearly not committed a with the 2016 election, emphasizing one of the key points of his report: that his crime, we would have said so.” Special counsel Robert Mueller is- office did not conclude whether or not By Francis Taylor, Asst. Editor

President Trump committed a crime. In his statement, Mueller said his office could not bring criminal charges against the president because the team believed it to be uncon-

TRUMP’S TAX CUT FOR ORDINARY AMERICANS:

No Economic Good! By Francis Taylor, Asst. Editor

You may remember all the glowing predictions made for the December 2017 tax cuts by congressional Republicans and the Trump administration: Wages would soar for the rank-and-file, corporate investments would surge, and the cuts would pay for themselves. The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service has just published a deep dive into the economic impact of the cuts in their first year, and emerges from the water with a different picture. The CRS finds that the cuts have had virtually no

effect on wages, haven’t contributed to a surge in investment, and haven’t come close to paying for themselves. Nor have they delivered a cut to the average taxpayer. The negligible (at best) economic impact of the cuts shouldn’t surprise anyone, the CRS says. “Much of the tax cut was directed at businesses and higherincome individuals who are less likely to spend,” its analysts write. “Fiscal stimulus is limited in an economy that is at or near full employment.” There is no indication of a surge in wages in 2018 either compared to histo-

ry or relative to GDP growth. Ordinary workers had very little growth. The CRS which is an arm of the Library of Congress, reports that the tax cuts contributed to a record-breaking surge in corporate stock buybacks, which has been documented by many other analyses. The continued stagnation of rank-and-file wages is visible in monthly data computed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Furthermore, the GOP’s claims that the tax cuts would create an economic nirvana were 3

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May 30, 2019

20,000 Black women across the country both pledge and make a commitment to financial success! While Black women are an intricate part of the household, many students lack financial education and support too. Financial education is mandated for high school students in just 17 states across the country, and it has been this way for years. Unfortunately, the topic of wealth building is not discussed in the school system, and 45% of Black students are in high poverty schools, thus having fewer resources. Black students across America lack the tools that can help them When: Saturday, June 22, 2019 advance in society, and J.P. Morgan recognizes the need for improvement. 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Over the next five years, J.P. Morgan Where: On Grevillea Avenue off Manchester Blvd. plans to hire 4,000 Black students. (in front of Inglewood High School) With this goal, they are not just looking to solely offer students jobs; they DRIVE THROUGH DROP OFF are committed to uplifting, financially Bring all of your non-working household educating, and increasing the educaappliances, computers, tablets, phones, TV's and any other tional and training opportunities for these students. electronic devices that you would like to get rid of. We will Sekou Kaalund, Head of Advancalso accept gently used clothing, shoes, accessories and ing Black Pathways & Thasunda bicycles. Brown Duckett, CEO of Chase ConNO FURNITURE ACCEPTED! sumer Banking *NOTE: Document shredding is limited to Inglewood While hiring 4,000 Black students Residents Only, ID IS REQUIRED in just five years may seem like a bold (3 boxes or bags per car ONLY) and audacious goal, J.P. Morgan has Tax compliant donation receipts will be provided already hit the ground running, and they are doubling down on their partFor more information, please contact the City nerships while expanding their misof Inglewood Public Works Department at sion. In partnership with INROADS (310) 412-5333. and The Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO), J.P. Morgan has launched the Financial Services Institute (FSI), an initiative that exposes sophomores to internship development and training. This initiative seeks to enhance each student’s exposure and financial readiness as they embark on their career exploration. In addition to FSI, J.P. Morgan is also strategically enhancing its internContinued from page 1:How J.P. Morgan ship experience for students. Summer Chase is Fighting The Racial Wealth Gap In and they are traveling the country America discussing money with Black women. internships at J.P. Morgan are now goits philanthropic and business resources, J.P. Morgan has embarked on a new leading initiative called, Advancing Black Pathways. J.P. Morgan understands that there are substantial racial differences in three key areas: Career advancement, wealth opportunities, and within the education system. Under the inspired leadership of Sekou Kaalund and Thasunda Brown Duckett, these two powerhouse individuals, along with their team are dedicating time and energy to implementing programs, partnerships, and ideas that will create the economic success needed in the Black community. “We want Blacks to be exposed to the financial tools, so that they can effectively engage in the banking system. We want to help them become a part of the financial system and not in the shadows,” says Kaalund. As a result of historical experiences, many Blacks find it hard to trust banks, and in fact, 17% of African American consumers do not have a bank account. Fur- Black women are usually the CFO of ing to give students of color access to thermore, 33% of African American the household, and J.P. Morgan is cu- what Kaalund calls, “the art of the posconsumers rely on alternative finan- rating content and programs to help sible.” The new J.P. Morgan ABP Apprentice Program is designed to give cial services such as payday loans, and educate them. many Blacks have decided to opt out The objectives of these conversa- freshmen and sophomores exposure of the banking system. Kaalund pas- tions are to help, guide, and support to “what’s possible” at an early stage of sionately says that “this is the mental- women on their wealth building jour- their career. While it is important for ity we want to shift. The opting out to ney. With financial experts and com- our young adults to gain career opporopting in.” With dynamic campaigns munity ambassadors of all ages, Cur- tunities, J.P. Morgan is paving the way such as Currency Conversations, J.P. rency Conversations is looking to help for students to now gain exposure to entrepreneurship and financial wellMorgan has teamed up with Essence,

FREE Document Shredding and Donations Event

ness. This program is classified as part of the firm’s emerging talent programs, providing early work experience to students in a tailored and targeted way. Students will experience financial services and entrepreneurship training, along with guidance and support from Black entrepreneurs. “Our goal is to get the needed financial tools out to the community in a culturally relevant way. We want to relate to the community so that they can better digest and better understand what is given,” says Kaalund. J.P. Morgan is shifting the narrative and they are focusing on the fundamentals. Whether it be designing financial tools and providing support to increase home ownership or the Entrepreneurs of Color Fund that provides capital to Black businesses, J.P. Morgan has a dedicated team who understands, believes, and focuses on solutions that will help Blacks increase their net worth. With the help of a dynamic Advisory Council, both Kaalund and Duckett, have the opportunity to pour out, but in a scalable way. The two are a force to be reckoned with, and they are here to drive outcome and impact at J.P. Morgan. This dynamic, one of a kind initiative will soon create a shift in America’s current economic disparities. J.P. Morgan plans to create a space where the African Americans will not only learn how to thrive financially, but they will also believe that it is possible. The discussions around financial health, the access to capital and support for Black businesses, the career advancement opportunities for students, and more are at the core of The Advancing Black Pathways initiative. J.P. Morgan is ultimately making a broader dent, so that wealth in the Black community grows. The Advancing Black Pathways effort is one that will leave a compelling and lasting imprint on the hearts and bank accounts of those in the Black commu-

nity. With a culturally driven, uniquely designed, and committed approach, The Advancing Black Pathways initiative is giving Blacks the confidence they need to walk forward and fulfill their dreams. There are two Chase Bank branches in the City of Inglewood and five additional Chase Bank branches in close proximity.

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May 30, 2019

AIRBNB AND THE NAACP ORGANIZE HOST RECRUITMENT

WORKSHOP IN INGLEWOOD

Event builds awareness about the that residents and small business owneconomic benefits of home sharing ers are the ones benefiting from the inand tourism in the Inglewood com- crease in visitors to their community.” munity Inglewood’s proximity to LAX, fa-

Airbnb recently partnered with the Los Angeles and Inglewood chapters of the NAACP and the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce in organizing a home sharing workshop in the City of Inglewood. Over 100 community members attended and were able to sign-up onsite to join the platform. The event featured a panel of local hosts who shared their experiences with Inglewood resi-

dents and a presentation from Airbnb staff on how to become and succeed as a homesharing host. “Workshops like today’s are the first step in educating residents on how they can be a part of the local tourism economy,” said John Choi, Policy Manager for Airbnb Los Angeles. “More and more people are staying in Inglewood during their travels, and it’s essential

mous eateries and entertainment venues along with the surge in new development around the new professional football stadium continues to attract an increased number of visitors to the community. Home sharing will allow hundreds of local residents to share their homes while capitalizing on this new wave of tourism. “I began homesharing for addi-

tional income to support my hobbies, which includes fishing and traveling, and continued from there because of the people I was meeting from different parts of the world,” said Victor Hill, Inglewood Airbnb Host. “I’m excited for others in Inglewood to join Airbnb to have the same flexibility with their finances and build a global network.”

effect from the tax cuts. What may have

Continued from page 1:Trump’s tax credits obscured this dismal result was the spate

discounted by most qualified economic observers from the start. (“These statements,” the CRS says innocently, “were not supported by most of the published analysis.”) The report addresses predictions that the cuts would pay for themselves in economic growth based on the notion that business investment would surge because the lowered corporate tax rate (to 21% from 35%) would increase investment from abroad, including the repatriation of U.S. corporate assets from foreign subsidiaries that had been stowed overseas. Among the big promoters of the idea were Larry Kudlow, Trump’s chief economic advisor, and Stephen Moore, an economic commentator widely criticized as having a flawed grasp of economic reality. The CRS says that the cuts produced an increase of 0.3% at most in gross domestic product in 2018. In other words, the report says, the cuts produced less than one-twentieth of the economic gain needed to pay for them. Trump’s White House claimed that tax revenues increased thanks to the cuts because economic activity increased so much that more taxes were paid. The big promoter of this idea, again, is Kudlow, who has placed the increase at 10%. Earnings brought home by corporations as a result of the tax cuts were overwhelmingly used for dividends and stock buybacks, not reinvestment. Not so, the Congressional Research Service says. Overall revenue fell in 2018, largely because of a $40-billion decline in corporate tax revenue. Individuals, particularly working- and middle-class individuals, haven’t been so fortunate. Although the legislation increased the standard deduction and child credit, whatever tax reductions those would produce for families were “largely offset” by the elimination of personal exemptions, and limitations on itemized deductions such as those for state and local taxes. Did the tax bill contribute to higher pay for the rank-and-file? The White House endowed the tax cuts with an almost magical capability to drive wages higher, estimating the result at anywhere from $4,000 to $9,000 a year per household. Those were long-term estimates, but even in the short term the administration predicted that workers would “immediately get a significant share (30%) of profits repatriated from abroad due to tax changes. Its analysis, however, knocks the legs out from under these projections: “There is no indication of a surge in wages in 2018 either compared to history or relative to GDP growth.” Real wages (that is, adjusted for inflation) increased by only 1.2% in 2018. “Ordinary workers had very little growth in wage rates.” Meanwhile, wages showed no lasting

of bonuses that big employers offered to workers, which was foolishly ascribed by some pundits to the tax cuts. The CRS cites an estimate that the bonuses worked out to about $28 per U.S. worker. The analysts also observe that at least to some extent the bonuses reflected a tightening of the overall labor market and were “attributed to the tax cut as a public relations move.” Corporate shareholders, however, have made out great. The repatriated earnings mostly have been used for “a record-breaking amount of stock buybacks, with $1 trillion announced by the end of 2018. The bottom line, then, is becoming clearer with every quarter. The tax cuts did almost nothing for ordinary Ameri-

cans and may even have cost them money. The apparent gains in their income were negligible and short-lived. Wealthy Americans reaped the benefits of lower taxes and higher dividends. The cuts had a negligible effect on U.S. economic growth while depriving the government of revenue.

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER/ EDITOR Willie Brown VICE PRESIDENT Gloria Kennedy ASSISTANT EDITOR Francis Taylor ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Francis Taylor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Francis Taylor Harmony Wortham 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.

You can reach us at 310-670-9600 or by fax 310-338-9130 www.inglewoodtoday.com The artistic contents of Inglewood Today Weekly are copyrighted by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. and permission to reprint any article herein must be obtained in writing from the Publisher.

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May 30, 2019

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019119696 The following Person is doing business as: Stadium Park Stadium Park Apartments 8401 S. Crenshaw 14482 Beach Blvd., Blvd., #B Suite W Inglewood, CA 90305 Westminster, CA 92683

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

LEGAL NOTICES

The Print Folks Stadium Park Apts 14482 Beach Blvd., 314 E. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301 Suite W 6040 Center Dr., Apt 315, Los Angeles, CA 90045 Westminster, CA 92683

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019139518 The following Person is doing business as:

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

Aresquad 8813 S. 10th Avenue Inglewood, CA 90305

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): Warmside-Forum Park Rentals, LLC; Buena Vista Inglewood, CA 90301 Investors, LLC, 2015 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Suite 100, Redondo, Beach, CA 90278 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) above on April 22, 2019. commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on May 7, 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 I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. be false is guilty of a crime.) (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to The Print Folks LLC, Owner. be false is guilty of a crime.) Warmside-Forum Park Rentals; Buena Vista Investors., Owners. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on April 22, 2019.

Registered Owner(s): Ares Consulting And Management, LLC., 8813 S. Registered Owner(s): Delsnyder Dental Corp, 1117 W. Manchester 10th Ave., Inglewood, CA 90305 Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on May 7, 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 30; June 6, 13, 20, 2019 IT004223012002064 Inglewood Today Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019119680 The following Person is doing business as: Stadium Village 8401 S. Crenshaw Blvd., #B Inglewood, CA 90305

Stadium Village Apartments 14482 Beach Blvd., Suite W Westminster, CA 92683

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 May 17, 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.) Ares Consulting And Management, 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.) Delsnyder Dental Corp, Owner.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on May 17, 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 May 23, 30; June 6, 13, 2019 IT004223012002062 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. 2019141155 The following Person is doing business as:

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

Stadium Village Apts AMI Motors 14482 Beach Blvd., 359 N. Oak Street, Inglewood, CA 90302 Suite W 329 W. Arbor Vitae St., Apt 1, Inglewood, CA 90301 Westminster, CA 92683

Registered Owner(s): Ramiro Sanchez-Avila, 329 W. Arbor Vitae St., Apt Registered Owner(s): Crenshaw Apartment Holdings, LLC, 2015 1, Inglewood, CA 90301 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Suite 100, Redondo, Beach, CA 90278 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 May 20 2019. above on May 7, 2019. I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. 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 (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) be false is guilty of a crime.) Ramiro Sanchez-Avila, Owner. Crenshaw Apartment Holdings, LLC., Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on May 20, 2019. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on May 7, 2019. NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date 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 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 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 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. other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state 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 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 Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Professions Code.) Original Original May 30; June 6, 13, 20, 2019 May 23, 30; June 6, 13, 2019 IT004223012002065 Inglewood Today IT004223012002063 Inglewood Today

LAUSD’S IMPOSSIBLE

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.

MEASURE

EE ‘SENIOR EXEMPTION’ By Francis Taylor, Asst. Editor

In its struggling plan to impose a $500 million dollar annual parcel tax on the property owners who live within its boundaries, the Los Angeles Unified School District has mailed out a letter advertising how seniors can apply for an exemption to the tax. This is the latest attempt by LAUSD to fool voters into approving Measure EE. This latest mailer adds to the increasing controversy surrounding Measure EE. Already under a cloud of litigation for violations of the Elections Code and the Brown Act, the negative press on the parcel tax proposal continues to mount. But with every new scandal, the district doubles down on its effort to secure voter approval over the objections of community groups, taxpayers and a nearly unanimous business community. Regarding the exemption, homeowners in the district received the letter

directly from LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner entitled “Important Measure EE Senior Exemption Information for Homeowners Age 65 and Older.” Accompanying the letter was an application form that senior homeowners could fill out and submit by July 1st (less than a month after the election). As far as anyone can determine, this is the first time in California history that an application for an exemption to a parcel tax has been mailed out by a school district, prior to the election approving or rejecting the tax being held! By sending out what is clearly designed to be a campaign mailer disguised as “information” about an exemption, the district is attempting to assuage the concerns of seniors who will be subject

to the tax. The problem for the district is that the application for the exemption is itself very intimidating and bound to make seniors suspicious of the district’s intentions. For example, the information the District seeks from applicants is far more intrusive compared to that sought from seniors by other school districts. The district’s exemption application asks for the homeowner’s address, date of birth and Assessor’s parcel number. That is typically all the information that is needed to determine eligibility for a senior exemption. But the district doesn’t stop there. The application also demands a photocopy of the applicant’s driver’s license

or passport. It also demands that the homeowner prove they are the primary resident by providing a copy of their Social Security check, insurance policy or utility bill. Finally, a copy of the current property tax bill must be submitted. But even all this may not be enough, for the application says that “an in-person submission may be required.” All this additional information is wholly unnecessary. The county assessor already has a list of everyone who claims the homeowners’ exemption (meaning they live in their home and pay property tax). It would be simple for LAUSD to use that list and cross-reference with other government lists to confirm age eligibility. Why the invasion of privacy and risk of ID theft? It is also important to remember that, whatever the district represents in a thinly disguised campaign mailer, the only legally binding language is in the resolution which placed the measure on the ballot. That language, unlike all the other provisions in the resolution, makes the availability of the senior exemption permissive — meaning it could be withdrawn in the future. For seniors justifiably wary of both the parcel tax and the intentions of the district, there is an excellent way to avoid the tax without having to surrender their privacy. By voting no on Measure EE and defeating it, seniors won’t have to worry about the tax at all.

Page 5

May 30, 2019 Continued from page 1: Robert Mueller Breaks silence

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE BUILDING THE WALL They quietly and hurriedly built a mile of the Mexican Boarder wall over the weekend. Looks like Trump may have found his solution. Residents just outside of El Paso were flabbergasted to wake up on Memorial Day and see an almost mile-long wall of metal slats constructed along the border with Mexico. I’m told some of the residents were in such shock because it wasn’t there when they went to bed on Friday night. Although President Donald Trump claimed El Paso went from the one of the most dangerous cities in the country to one of the safest cities overnight because of the wall; for almost the last decade, El Paso has remained one of America’s safest cities I The US. Air Force veteran Brian Kolfage, who raised the initial $20 million to build the wall through his GoFundMe project, seemed to be stagnant with his efforts to move forward with the wall. A new group where Kolfage serves as the CEO called, We Build The Wall, and whose direc-

Water and Sewage Department directly to the Flint River, with money of course, being the motive. After unlimited studies, court trials, fund raisers and massive unaffordable water bills issued, one thing is certain: Flint residents are still without clean water. It’s quite disgusting to see the struggle for the people of Flint to get the federal funds needed to make full recoveries due Trump claiming we simply couldn’t afford it, however, the day after flames ravaged France’s historic Notre Dame cathedral, the speed with which the U.S. pledged via cash support efforts to rebuild the almost 1,000-year-old edifice was extremely ironic. #Flint trended #1 on Twitter that day and coincidentally the same day, a federal magistrate approved a $77 million settlement to assist with the now over 5-year-long battle for Flint to have clean water flowing through their pipes again. The order mandates thousands of pipes made of lead and galvanized steel is

tor is Former White House strategist Steve replaced—a 3-year project devised to reBannon, is said to have been responsible for solve the man made disaster. Go Figure! the secret project. The project launched late last Friday evening and is being overseen by construction mogul Tommy Fisher of North Dakota-based Fisher Industries, and costing an estimated $6 million. It is beyond obvious that Trump is stopping at no costs to get this wall built (directly or indirectly), putting it at the top of his priority list; Meanwhile, Flint Michigan has been without clean water since April 24, 2014. More than a dozen people died and thousands of children and adults became seriously ill after being routinely being exposed to dangerous levels of lead based water as a direct result of a fast action plan spearheaded by Michigan Republican Governor Rick Snyder to change the source of processing Flint’s water from the Detroit

stitutional. “If we had had confidence that the president had clearly not committed a crime, we would have said so,” said Mueller, adding, “Charging the president with a crime is not an option we could consider.” “It would be unfair to potentially accuse somebody of a crime when there can be no court resolution of the actual charge,” said Mueller, further explaining the reasoning. Mueller announced that he was officially resigning from the Department of Justice and returning to private life. He said this was his final statement on the matter, and any testimony he might give to Congress would not go beyond what was in the report. Mueller has been asked to appear by the House Judiciary Committee, but he hasn’t said if he will. He said no one — presumably referring to officials in the Justice Department or the administration — has instructed him one way or the other about his appearance. “I hope and expect this to be the only time that I will speak to you in this manner,” said Mueller. “I am making that decision myself; no one has told me whether I can or should testify. There has been discussion about an appearance before Congress. Any testimony from this office would not go beyond our report. It contains our findings and analysis and the reasons for the decisions we made.” “We chose those words carefully and the work speaks for itself. And the report is my testimony. I would not provide information beyond that which is already public in an appearance before Congress. In addition, access to our underlying work product is being decided in a process that does not involve our office.” Mueller did not take questions from the assembled reporters after the 10-minute statement. The White House said it was notified on Tuesday night of Mueller’s plans to make a statement, and CNN reported that Mueller had briefed Attorney General William Barr on its contents. He had remained almost completely silent over the course of the nearly two-year investigation. Trump, who had claimed vindication after Mueller’s report, tweeted that “Nothing changes from the Muel-

ler Report.” He added his own spin to Mueller’s remarks: “There was insufficient evidence and therefore, in our Country, a person is innocent. The case is closed! Thank you.” The special counsel’s report concluded that the Russian government interfered in the 2016 election “in sweeping and systematic fashion,” leading to the indictment of 34 individuals and three Russian businesses on charges ranging from computer hacking to conspiracy and financial crimes. Those indictments led to seven guilty pleas. Four people, including former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, were sentenced to prison. A redacted version of Mueller’s 448page report, released last month, found no conspiracy between Russia and Trump’s campaign. But it chronicled at least 10 episodes of efforts by Trump to obstruct the federal probe. And while the special counsel declined to charge Trump with obstruction of justice, investigators explicitly refused to exonerate the president despite his repeated public comments to the contrary. “If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the President clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state,” the report read. “We are unable to reach that judgment. The evidence we obtained about the President’s actions and intent presents difficult issues that prevent us from conclusively determining that no criminal conduct occurred. Accordingly, while this report does not conclude that the President committed a crime, it also does not exonerate him.” The findings have spurred calls by some Democrats, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Republican Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan to pursue Trump’s impeachment. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has urged caution, saying she wants to see Mueller’s full unredacted report and hear testimony from current and former members of the Trump administration before considering it. “Mueller’s statement makes clear what those who have read his report know: It is an impeachment referral, and it’s up to Congress to act,” tweeted Warren after the statement. “They should.” “The ball is in our court, Congress,” wrote Amash.

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Page 6

By Harmony Wortham

As the Defending NFC Champions, The Rams are coming off of one of the best seasons enjoyed as a Professional Sport Franchise. The Rams have represented the city extremely

well since moving back to L.A. from St. Louis in 2016, where they won just 1 of their 12 final games. In addition to another NFC Championship title, The Rams have a “Bowl or Bust“ mentality this year, as the

THIRD LENNOX SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICER RESIGNS AMID FINANCIAL

AND PERSONNEL

QUESTIONS By Los Angeles Times

May 30, 2019

organization, players, and fans all around the world expect nothing less than a Super Bowl WIN, for the 2019 Roster. Go Team! NFL All-Under-25 Team released; three Char-

Under-25 Team list (three/team), Congrats, Kids! including one has who has made an Former LA Clippers player, Laappearance for three-straight years! mar Odom’s new memoir, Darkness The players have to be younger than to Light released 25 years old on the first day of the Lamar’s book hit shelves yesterday and the blogs are on fire as the athlete reveals details about his past. From his love affairs with multiple celebrity women, to his drug and sex addiction issues, and his use of a prosthetic penis to pass a drug test in order to take his offered spot on the 2004 U.S. Men’s Olympic basketball team, this book is smoking hot. Just a few years ago, Lamar Odom was clinging to life in a Las Vegas hospital, but soon he’ll be playing professional basketball again. Lamar Odom will play in the BIG3 League this season. This is the third season for the league, with rosters full of former NBA players; there are 12 teams in the BIG3. Lamar Odom will play for the Enemies, where he will also be serving as Co Captain. Can’t wait to see Lamar back on the court. where he will also be serving as Co Captain. Can’t wait to see Lamar back on the court.

gers on the roster… Yesterday we learned via NFL.com that the Los Angeles Chargers tied with the Indianapolis Colts for the most players on Marc Sesser’s All-

2019 NFL season (Sept. 5) in order to make the team. Derwin James, and Desmond King make their first appearance on the list and it will be the third time in a row for Joey Bosa.

The Lennox School District’s chief personnel officer announced her resignation last week, marking the third departure among the district’s top management in less than two months. Hiacynth Martinez, who has been with the district for nearly five years, will spend her last day as chief personnel officer June 6, confirmed interim Superintendent Nick Salerno. Salerno took over the district’s top job after now-former Su-

perintendent Kent Taylor resigned — abruptly and without explanation — in early April. Kevin Franklin, the district’s chief business officer, resigned May 17, citing his family and having a baby on the way as reasons for leaving. Martinez said in a statement that her decision to leave Lennox was best for her family. “The timing of my career advancement is born out of my changing family dynamics and the fact

that my child will begin kindergarten next month,” Martinez wrote in an email. “My husband and I came to this decision together, and albeit a difficult one, a decision that is best for my family.” Martinez, whose duties include being in charge of hiring, announced her resignation more than a month after the Los Angeles County Office of Education sent the district a letter expressing concern about the district’s “fiscal solvency.” Lennox

Page 7

May 30, 2019

EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON

ALEX PADILLA

JAMES BUTTS

ELOY MORALES

RALPH FRANKLIN

INGLEWOOD CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE

be the first project of its kind on Shakur with the full cooperation of Tupac’s Estate. This said to be Hughes’ follow up project to his HBO docuseries, The Defiant Ones. The Defiant Ones centers around Both Bond Counsel and Attorneys Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, both of whom worked with the late rapreviewed and approved the issue along with the Rating agencies. This per during his career and up until is not new debt and did not require his demise. Although Tupac was gunned down in 1996 at just 25 a vote to refinance old debt and a years old, his vast body of work is lower interest rate.” timeless and we are always happy Artie Fields to see new material drop about the Trailblazer at anytime. Understandably, many Tupac fans are skeptical about the details surrounding the deal made between Hughes and the Tupac Estate. Some are even going as far as questioning if the film will have any potential for credibility considering Pac had a documented contentious relationship with the famed Hughes Brothers (twin brothers known together professionally, are American film directors and producers.) Pac ultimately ended up serving 15 days in jail as a direct result of an assault charge stemming from a lawsuit filed by The Hughes Brothers. Tupac felt he helped the Hughes brothers get into position to receive the budget for a feature film; and in return he wanted to be cast as a lead in the film. Shakur was eventually cast to co-star in Menace II Society, and he supposedly disliked the role they had chosen for him, which By Harmony Wortham It appears that Hip-Hop Icon, actor, led to a physical altercation. While some fans are questioning Allan’s and social activist; Tupac Shakur motives and the certainty that he will be gracing our television will do his best to deliver a movie screens again in the near future. LA Native, and famed Director Al- honoring Pac’s legacy (considerlen Hughes and Tupac’s Estate have ing their tumultuous relationship), closed on a deal that grants Hughes some of us are just looking forward full access to Tupac’s released (and to seeing and hearing Tupac’s inner circle share their personal stories unreleased) music, poetry and and the never-before-seen photos writings. Hughes will be using the and home videos we’ll be viewing material to direct and executive for the first time. produces a five-part documentary series. The docuseries is alleged to

DIRECTOR ARTIE FIELDS PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW

OF INGLEWOOD’S FISCAL HEALTH In response to an inquiry from a local news agency, Inglewood City Manager/Executive Director Artie Fields provided the following response that captures the essence of Inglewood’s fiscal health: “It’s irrelevant what your “Experts” have heard of. The Bond Rating agencies disagree with your “Experts”. The issue is rated A+. When the Mayor took office the City’s bonds were rated BBB (Just above junk rating). We have experienced 5 bond rating upgrades since Mayor Butts has been in charge of the City of Inglewood. This transaction was logistically and strategically wise and resulted in an interest payment savings of close to $6 million dollars over the next 2 years. Our future cash flow projections from 2020 – 2021 (from the Stadium project alone) forward far will surpass any debt payments we have incurred. Remember, we were making payments on the old bond issue. The interest savings alone will cover the cost of the employee raises negotiated for FY 2018 -2019. Here are the facts that are irrefutable: The City of Inglewood has $60 Million in Unobligated Reserve Funds The City will save almost $6 Million in interest and principal payments over the next two years. The City will easily be able to retire the bond issue and pay down its Pension Unfunded Liability going forward. The transaction was legal and vetted with Bond Counsel and the rating agencies who rated the Bonds A+. They base the rating on the City’s ability to repay the issued bonds. The City is cash solvent and extremely liquid. “

In a follow-up inquiry, Fields added the following: “The City knew there would be a general fund infusion of cash resulting from this refunding; this is not considered “new money”, and only the portion of the 2005 bonds that could be refunded, were refunded. This is not NEW money. The City did not issue new debt, and City Council approved resolutions at a regular Council meeting. Again, The City did not issue new debt and does not require voter approval) No surplus is intended to pay down in a lump sum; the POB refunded was intended to address the PERS UAL, which enables the City to pay the annual requirement upfront for savings. Additionally The City has increased the size of its unobligated reserves steadily from its low of $11 Million in 2010 to $60 Million (almost 500% increase in unobligated reserves) at present. The City could easily afford to give employees raises that still do not bring them to parity for comparable cities of the level of economic development as Inglewood. In the first five years the City’s Total savings in interest payments aggregate to $5,919,746. Due to the upgrade of the City’s bond rating to AA and A+ the interest rate on the bond issue dropped. (Old 2005 rate 5.07% new 2017 rate $4.435%) The influx of cash is definitely a surplus. ($60 Million Cash on Hand). Our current pension obligations have been paid and the City is on a 20 year unfunded liability payment plan to retire its PERS Unfunded Liability. This is the recommended payment schedule by PERS.

Continued from page 1:Third Lennox School District Officer Resigns Amid Financial and Personnel Questions

tions. But in her emailed statement, Martinez said that she worked for the district with “compassion and care.” “I have served the Lennox School District with a great deal of compassion and care,” Martinez wrote to the Daily Breeze. “The Lennox com-

has also faced heat over some of its previous hiring practices, such as employing two family members of Mercedes Ibarra, a former school board member. Salerno, in a May 8 letter to district employees, said the district would impose tighter restrictions on travel and overtime costs. Martinez, who announced her resignation Friday, May 24, did not respond to follow-up ques-

WILL THE NEXT TUPAC BIOPIC GET IT RIGHT THIS TIME?

munity will always hold a special place in my heart and I would not trade my experiences or the strong relationships that I have built. I am a better person, leader, and educator as a result of our outstanding students, staff and leadership in Lennox.”

Salerno said the district would soon begin the search for a new CPO, as well as a new permanent superintendent. The district has already advertised the position of chief business officer.

Page 8

May 30, 2019

DITCH YOUR GRASS.

CLAIM YOUR

REBATE.