C e l e b r a t i n g 2 7 Ye a r s o f Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities
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November 4-10, 2021 VOL. 36, No. 44
Inglewood High School Football Team Castigated Instead of Celebrated Statement from IUSD
CENTER OF CHAOS—Inglewood High School football head coach Mil’Von James has been the focus of widespread criticism after his team defeated neighboring Morningside 106-0 in the battle of city high schools. James apologized to Morningside for running up the score and is now the center of a national debate on sportsmanship. (Nick Koza/Photo) By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
It was anticipated to be a year that Inglewood High School would end its long football title drought all while restoring some glory to the beleaguered Inglewood Unified School District, but now is embroiled in an unsettling controversy over sportsmanship. The Sentinels under its brilliant head coach Mil’Von James concluded its regular season and Ocean League championship campaign with a 106-0
shellacking over hapless neighboring rival Morningside. It was a debacle that was over before it ever began, with the Sentinels bum rushing the Monarchs for 25 points halfway through the first quarter. The conclusion was ugly and there is no way to slice it, but lost in all of this fallout is the feeling of the players on the winning side of the game. Los Angeles County Administrator Erica Torres arranged a hasty meeting
“INGLEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY IS NOW FINE FREE” Inglewood, CA (November 2, 2021) – Thanks to the City of Inglewood Mayor and Council, all Inglewood Public Library charges prior to October 1, 2021 for lost, damaged and missing materials have been forgiven. No exception, no questions, IPL is now a fine free Library! Inglewood Public Library has joined over 500 library systems to stop charging overdue fines that have historically created negative interactions and perceptions surrounding library fine collections. Numerous studies have shown that accrued fine penalties drive away the very people who most require the free resources that public libraries provide, such as low-income residents, children and teens.
The American Library Association (ALA) and Inglewood Library Board supported this movement of reducing the barrier to information services. As of November 2, 2021 the Library has over 100,000 library card holders with almost 13,000 of those being teens and approximately 11,000 children. All patrons now have access to computers and over 145,000 materials to include books, magazines, video games and movies to both browse and check out. Card holders, in addition to the 1,169 digital card holders have access to over 20 databases that connect them to job searching, homework assistance, e-books, audiobooks, music and so Continued on page 2
Statement from IUSD regarding Inglewood H.S. vs. Morningside H.S. Friday night 10/29 game We at the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) are saddened beyond words by the events that transpired at the football game Friday between Inglewood and Morningside high schools. We will conduct a full investigation and take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that a similar outcome never happens again under an IUSD athletic program. Our expectation at IUSD is that every athletic contest reflects the highest level sportsmanship, respect and collegiality in every interaction among players, coaches, staff and administrators. We value the hard work and commitment made by every student athlete, and regret these actions have taken the focus away from the positive strides our programs have made at IUSD.
with administrators and coaches of the two schools on Nov. 1. Attendees of the meeting were mum on what transpired in it, I have since learned that Inglewood coaches were ordered to apologize and indication is Torres has commenced an investigation of sorts into Inglewood football and its Southern Section has fueled an successful coach Mil’Von James. The reaction from Morningside enormous bowl of hate filled rhetoric coaches and administrators to the aimed at Inglewood coaches and district, local newspapers and CIFContinued on page 8
Inglewood Football Team Scores with ZmBIZI
Black businessman Gene Parker surprised the Inglewood High football team recently by presenting members of the team with the Z1 Android smartphone to test first-hand their revolutionary phone that rewards its customers with cash. (Kenneth Miller/Photo) By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
present players on the team with the The Inglewood High School football ZmBIZI smart-phone. team got a most pleasant surprise when Recently launched ZmBIZI Black entrepreneur Gene Parker showed Continued on page 7 up to Coleman Stadium on Oct. 28 to
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November 4-10, 2021
Listen to Your Heart: Raising Awareness of a Serious Heart Condition in the African American and Black Community By Richard Allen Williams, MD President and CEO, Minority Health Institute, Inc.
As an experienced cardiologist who has treated Black people affected by heart disease for 50 years, I have the duty to inform you about a serious heart condition that impacts our community. Please read this information carefully. It may change your life – or the life of a loved one. The condition is called transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, or ATTRCM. ATTR-CM is a serious and often underdiagnosed cause of heart failure. ATTR-CM is a progressive disease, in which over time, the heart muscle begins to thicken and stiffen. There are two types of ATTR-CM; the wild-type which is associated with aging and the hereditary type which is associated with a gene change (mutation) and can be passed down from a relative. The most common mutation in the United States, known as V122I, is found almost exclusively in African Americans. Approximately 3% to 4% of African Americans are thought to have the V122I mutation, although not all individuals with the V122I mutation develop symptoms of hereditary ATTR-CM. While heart failure is common among Black and African American communities, hereditary ATTR-CM in these populations is often overlooked by doctors for several reasons. In fact, some patients with ATTR-CM say they visited up to five doctors before receiving an accurate diagnosis. It
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is always upsetting when patients come to my office with advanced heart disease that could have been potentially diagnosed and treated earlier. This is why I am excited to be partnering with Pfizer in Los Angeles on Voices for the Heart - a community-based initiative bringing together physicians and trusted local organizations within African American and Black communities around the country to increase awareness of ATTR-CM as an often-underdiagnosed cause of heart failure. A program like Voices for the Heart can be the essential piece between increasing awareness of hereditary ATTR-CM and providing help to patients to obtain an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Early signs of ATTR-CM can include an irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling in the hands and feet and numbness and tingling in
the hands. Some of these symptoms are not traditionally associated with heart disease, which may contribute to multiple doctor’s appointments and a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. I’m committed to spreading awareness of hereditary ATTR-CM because I have seen firsthand how a delayed diagnosis can adversely impact a patient (and their loved ones), making it essential to inform our community about this condition – including everyone from patients to caregivers to local healthcare providers. If you’re experiencing seemingly unrelated signs and symptoms (e.g., irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath or carpal tunnel syndrome) or have a family history of cardiac issues, and have been diagnosed with heart failure, talk to your primary care doctor or an experienced cardiologist. Whether they seem related or not, it’s important to share your symptoms
SoFi Stadium Hospitality Hiring Fair Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
The Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) and UNITE HERE Local 11, along with surrounding Workforce Development Boards in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, are partnering to locate job seekers to attend the SoFi Stadium Hospitality Hiring Fair on Tuesday, November 9 from 9:00am to 1:00pm and on Thursday, November 11 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. This event is a great opportunity to be a part of the newest stadium in town – SoFi Stadium. SoFi Stadium is looking to hire up to 2,000 workers for a wide range of stadium job opportunities, including: concession stand workers, prep cooks,
cooks, suite runners and attendants, dishwashers, and cocktail servers. All job applicants hired at the SoFi Stadium Hospitality Hiring Fair will be eligible to receive a $150 bonus for working four consecutive events at SoFi Stadium. Job fair attendees should bring a valid ID (such as a driver’s license), a positive attitude, and a friendly smile. Applicants are encouraged to bring resumes, provide a working e-mail address, and to fill out job fair applications online in advance at legends.net/careers . For additional job fair information, please visit legends.net/careers or call Jaime Cedano at 310-994-5426.
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much more! This fine free model shift impacts our community with increased access to materials and services; reduction of the inequitable impact of overdue fines; improved patron relationships with their library; and optimization of library staff time and increased staff efficiency. So, going forward, daily fines for
overdue books have been eliminated and this move ensures that our library is living up to its commitment to provide free and equal access to informational, education and recreational services and resources responsive to the library’s diverse community. So, come back to visit the Inglewood Public Library soon!
and health history. This will allow your doctor to provide the care you need and to make an appropriate diagnosis. As part of the Voices for the Heart effort, myself and former NBA basketball player and coach Don Chaney, a hereditary ATTR-CM patient himself, will be featured speakers at a virtual event led by the Minority Health Institute on November 3, 2021. Don will share his personal story of being diagnosed and living with hereditary ATTR-CM. I will share more information about hereditary ATTR-CM symptoms and diagnosis, and there will be additional educational resources on hereditary ATTR-CM available to the community. To register for the event, click here. Working together, we can overcome the challenge of low awareness and raise our collective voices to help educate family members, friends, and neighbors at risk of developing hereditary ATTR-CM. For resources on hereditary ATTRCM, including a discussion guide to help conversations with your doctor, you can visit www.yourheartsmessage. com/don. Content developed by Pfizer in collaboration with Dr. Williams. Dr. Williams is a consultant on Pfizer’s Voices for the Heart program.
Research Group Offers Blacks $150 California Black Media
In a new statewide study, EVITARUS Public Opinion Research aims to listen to the voices of California’s Black and African American residents—as a part of the firm’s ongoing Listening to Black Californians study. Beginning in November, EVITARUS will conduct online focus groups among Black and African Americans residents to discuss their perspectives, opinions, and experiences with issues facing the Black community. The results of the research will be used to illuminate the experiences and priorities of Black Californians for policy decision makers throughout California. Researchers plan to conduct eighteen (18) focus groups for this phase of the research. A limited number of people will be selected to take part in a focus group, each of which will be comprised of up to six-to-eight people. Those who qualify, and participate in the focus group, will receive a $150.00 honorarium in appreciation of their time and opinions. Community members who are interested can complete a short survey using the following link to see if they may qualify to participate in a group: See if you qualify to participate-take the survey*: https://bit.ly/blackcaspeaks
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November 4-10, 2021
EYE ON THE CITY AROUND THE CITY A Message from County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres GEORGE DOTSON
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. In addition, we want to invite you to our November 3, 2021 Board of Education meeting at 5:00 p.m., where updates will be provided on various district matters including our 2021 Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) progress report and our technology plan. Please click here to access the Board meeting livestream and agenda. COVID-19 Updates In response to staff and parent feedback and after much consideration, our current onsite weekly testing vendor, GenStar Labs, is being transitioned out and will no longer be providing services to the District effective November 5, 2021. We are transitioning these services to Vital Healthcare, who began providing COVID-19 testing for athletics and walk-up/drive through clinics for the District in March 2021. We understand that this change has an impact on those already testing with GenStar and we truly apologize for this inconvenience, as we will need participants to register with Vital Healthcare. Weekly Onsite COVID-19 Testing STUDENTS EMPLOYEES Student Registration Must be completed by Parent/ Guardian, if under age 18 Student COVID-19 Testing Website Employee Testing Registration Employee COVID-19 Testing Website COVID-19 Procedures, Contacts, Forms, Schedules, FAQ’s A Virtual COVID-19 Vaccine & Testing Town Hall is scheduled for Thursday, November, 4, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Please click here to join the virtual town hall meeting. Vital Healthcare will share testing program information including demonstrations on how the COVID-19 test is performed and how to register. In addition, Jerry Abraham, M.D. of Kedren Health will share information and answer questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine leading up to the anticipated rollout of vaccines for ages 5 and older. Martin Luther King, Jr. Speech Contest The City of Inglewood is sponsoring a speech contest honoring Dr. Martin Luther King and invited IUSD students, grade levels K-12, to participate and share their thoughts around the theme “Life’s most urgent question is what are you doing for others?” The prompt encourages students to write about how they see themselves, and share in detail how they are contributing to making their community and world a better place to live. Additional contest guidelines are as follows: Speeches are to be written and delivered by students. Speeches must follow the theme: Dr. King said “Life’s most urgent question
ALEX PADILLA
JAMES BUTTS
ELOY MORALES
DIONNE FAULK
is what are you doing for others?” For additional questions, please contact October as College and Career Readiness Month, some of our staff sported El Speech must be delivered within the Monica Hernandez at (310) 419-2788. Camino College Shirts! We are grateful length of time allotted per grade level. WalkUnitedLA Grade K-2: 2 minutes In collaboration with the Los Angeles to our partner at El Camino College Grades 3-5: 3 minutes Rams, WalkUnited LA is hosting a 5K for sharing their commitment with our Grades 6-8: 4 minutes walk and run on Saturday, November 6, District in promoting a college going Grades 9-12: 5 minutes 2021 at SoFi Stadium beginning at 9:00 culture within our schools! At IUSD we Please submit your speech to a.m. Participants will contribute to United believe in creating an environment that specialprojects@inglewoodusd.com Way’s mission to help permanently shapes attitudes, practices, and beliefs or bring a printed copy to the Special break the cycle of generational poverty that encourage students to obtain more Projects Department located at the by addressing issues related to poverty, information and tools for post-secondary District Office, 401 S. Inglewood Ave. homelessness and housing stability, education for all students. South Bay Promise Bungalow B1, by November 10, 2021. education, and economic mobility and The South Bay Promise, a program The selected winners will represent more. The registration fee is $20 for IUSD in the City of Inglewood’s Martin all walkers and $30 for all runners. To available to all first-time college students Luther King Speech Contest. Please register, please click here. To learn more attending El Camino in the fall, offers click here to access the flyer. about WalkUnited LA, please click here. an affordable pathway for students who Los Angeles County Office of Online registration will close on Friday, are transitioning from high school to Education (LACOE) Tutoring Services November 5, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. To view college. Students enrolled as first-time for Foster Youth the event flyer, please click here. If you full-time students will have their first and The Los Angeles County Office of would like to register to be a volunteer second year fees waived and additional Education (LACOE) Foster Youth with WalkUnited LA, please click here. services and counseling will be offered Services Coordinating Program Please note, that in effort to ensure to students enrolled in the South Bay (FYSCP) is offering academic support safety, WalkUnited LA has implemented Promise. To apply and view eligibility to students in foster care at no cost. the Los Angeles County Department of requirements, please click here. For Students will have an opportunity to Public Health guidelines which require additional questions, please contact receive up to 20 hours of in-home or all individuals 12 and older must be Ananda Williams at southbaypromise@ on-line, one-on-one tutoring, each fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or elcamino.edu. Thank you staff, parents, students, and school year. In order for the students to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test community members for your ongoing receive academic support, the following conducted within 72 hours before event support and commitment to the success information is required: start time, along with a photo ID. of our district. Caregiver Contact Information El Camino College #WeAreInglewoodUnified Student Information (name, date of In honor of Sincerely, birth, gender, grade level and courses). # I U S D C o l l e g e S h i r t We d n e s d a y s Erika F. Torres, Ed.D., MSW Placement Type and if applicable, through our District’s recognition of County Administrator STRTP/group home, or name of foster family agency. Court Status: Foster-Open Juvenile Dependency (WIC 300), Probation-Open Delinquency (WIC 602), Both-Dual Supervision, or Non-Minor Dependent. Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) office name and Children’s When: Saturday, November 6, 2021 Social Worker (CSW) and/or Los 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM* or until trucks reach capacity Angeles County Juvenile Probation Where: On Grevillea Avenue off Manchester Blvd. Officer (PO) information. (in front of Inglewood High School) For additional information, including service details, please click here. To access the flyer, please NO-CONTACT DRIVE THROUGH DROP OFF click here. If you have any questions To comply with mandatory county regulations, or concerns, please call (562) 922this will be a no-contact event. Shredding material 6161, or email fys_tutoring@lacoe. edu. must be placed in rear of vehicle for removal. Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Workshops Document shredding is limited to In collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Inglewood residents only. Mental Health (LACDMH) and ID is required. United Mental Health Promoters, our District is hosting a series of No more than three (3) boxes or bags of shredding educational workshops for anyone seeking resources regarding material per vehicle. mental health prevention and early This event is on a first-come-first-served basis intervention. Some of the workshops *Event will conclude once all shredding trucks reach include, Symptoms and Treatments of Depression, Stages of Grief and capacity. Loss, Drug and Alcohol Prevention and more! The next workshop will For more information, please contact the City take place on November 3, 2021 at of Inglewood Public Works Department at 9:00 a.m. in person at the Inglewood (310) 412-5333. Unified Parent and Resource Center. The remaining workshops will be held through February 16, 2022. To view a list of additional dates and workshop details, please click here.
FREE Document Shredding Event!!!
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November 4-10, 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
Grammy Award-Winning ‘Rebirth Brass Band’ set to perform at Inglewood Miracle Theater December 9 at the Miracle Theater on Thursday, An epic, highly-anticipated jazz/funk December 9. Tickets are available to performance by the New Orleans born purchase; doors will open at 7 p.m. Rebirth Brass Brand will take place and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Coproduced by Wandering Pictures and By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
New commercial recycling requirements will go into effect January 2022 By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
On January 1, 2022, California Senate Bill 1383 will go into effect. SB 1383 will require all businesses and multi-family properties to participate in organics recycling programs. The bill was signed into law in 2016 in an effort to reduce the volume of organic waste disposed in California landfills by 75 percent by 2025. Under SB 1383, “organics” are defined as lawn and landscaping debris, wood and lumber, food, foodsoiled paper, and other paper and cardboard products. Currently, two thirds of this material end up in landfill and creates methane, a greenhouse gas, which the state of California has already recognized as a major climate change contributor. Additionally, SB 1383 includes a food donor mandate for certain businesses, which will increase
edible food recovery by 20 percent. Beginning in January 2021, certain food-related businesses will be considered “mandated food donors”, requiring them to donate the food that they would otherwise dispose– to food recovery organizations. Mandated food donors will be split into two tiers: Tier 1 businesses, such as wholesale food vendors and supermarkets, must have an edible food donation program in place by January 1, 2022. Tier 2 businesses must have a food donation program in place by January 1, 2024.
The 11 Eleven Network, the show will also be available to stream for free on the Inglewood Today website. Rebirth Brass Band was founded in 1983 in the streets of New Orleans
by brothers Phillip Frazier and Keith Frazier, Kermit Ruffins, and classmates from Joseph S. Clark Senior High School, a New Orleans high school that closed in 2018. But what began in the legendary New Orleans French Quarter has now expanded to festivals and stages all around the world. Celebrated for their traditional New Orleans brass band niche, Rebirth Brass Brand even made a fan out of former President Barack Obama, who mentioned in a 2015 speech that maybe he’ll “finally hear Rebirth at Maple Leaf on Tuesday night” now that he is leaving office. The long-standing Tuesday night residency at Maple Leaf Bar in Uptown New Orleans is treasured by many, locals and tourists. In 2012, the band’s “Rebirth of New Orleans” album, which reached No. 1 on the CMJ Jazz charts, won the Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album. The now 10-member band is back to touring the U.S. as COVID infection rates are dropping nationwide, and they also performed a virtual livestream series in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic. The Thursday, December 9 Inglewood show at the Miracle Theater will be one of the four California stops for Rebirth Brass Band that week. San Diego will be the night before, with Oakland the following night, and San Francisco the night after that.
Have a suggestion for the ‘Community Chest’ column? Tell us who’s uplifting our community! Inglewood Today’s ‘Community Chest’ column is a weekly space dedicated to highlighting and recognizing those in our community who are making a positive impact. From residents’ acts of kindness, to small business owners, activists, organization leaders, community volunteers, scholars, and more, we want to hear about all of the great people in our neighborhoods who are making a difference. Contact our column writer, Brea Mitchell, to suggest or pitch a story for our Community Chest. Contact: Brea Mitchell bmitchell@inglewoodtoday.com
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November 4-10, 2021
Sports & Entertainment Jimmy Kimmel La Bowl Announces Stifel As Presenting Partner
The Inaugural Collegiate Bowl Game Becomes Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel
IT News Wire
LOS ANGELES – Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl named Stifel (NYSE: SF), a global wealth management and investment banking company, as its presenting partner. As a part of the agreement, the inaugural collegiate football game, which features Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus Pac-12’s No. 5 selection after the CFP selection, will be known as Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel.
7-1 Rams keep the momentum, rolling past Houston Texans
“We are excited to partner with Stifel to deliver the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl,” said Jason Gannon, executive director, Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel. “Stifel’s commitment to providing a ‘client first’ service culture is consistent with our vision to create memorable college bowl game experiences at SoFi Stadium.” The agreement serves as Stifel’s first college football partnership and will expand the firm’s presence in
Southern California. Stifel will also be incorporated throughout the bowl game’s branding, as well as represented in the uniform patch that will adorn each participating team’s uniform. “With a state-of-the-art stadium, a glamorous backdrop, two celebrated football programs -- and of course, one Jimmy Kimmel -- the inaugural Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl will bring together sportsmanship and showmanship for a fantastic weekend of college football,”
Chargers announce new practice facility
said Ron Kruszewski, CEO, Stifel. Stifel will join the bowl game’s community efforts, working closely with its community partners: Inglewood-based One For All, Boys and Girls Club LA Harbor and Boys and Girls Club LA Metro. Recently, the bowl game worked with the Boys and Girls Club LA Harbor to donate 2,500 books to 1,200 middle- and gradeschool students at the Harry Bridges Span School in Wilmington, Calif. Held on Saturday, December 18 at 4:30 p.m. at SoFi Stadium, Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel will be the first collegiate football game at the stadium. Working with its partners, the bowl game will host a number of immersive events and activities leading up to and on game day. To learn how to attend Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented By Stifel, go to www.LABowlGame.com for more information on individual and group tickets, as well as suites.
Rams Agree to Terms with Broncos for Von Miller
By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer
IT News Wire
Things continue to go the Rams way, as they left Houston with a 38-22 Week 8 win against the Texans. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 305 yards and three touchdown passes, and the game was never within reach for the 1-7 Texans; at one point the Rams held a 38-0 lead. After the 11-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cooper Kupp with about nine minutes left in the third quarter, followed by the 16-yard touchdown run from wide receiver Robert Woods, which pushed the Rams’ lead to 380, head coach Sean McVay seized the opportunity to give his veteran quarterback a well-earned rest for the remainder of the game. It was the fourth quarter when Houston finally got on the board, scoring their first touchdown with eight minutes remaining in the game. With Matthew Stafford sidelined, a Texan run continued, closing the gap to 38-22. But it was simply far too late for the struggling Houston squad. “To be at a spot where you’re up 38-0 is really a tough thing to do in this league. Obviously, we would have liked to be able to finish the game
The Rams and the Denver Broncos have agreed to a trade that brings outside linebacker Von Miller to Los Angeles in exchange for draft picks. Miller is a seven-time All-Pro selection (three First Team, four Second Team) and eight-time Pro Bowl selection, and has amassed 110.5 sacks, 509 total tackles and 225 QB hits in 142 career games with the Broncos. He was named Super Bowl MVP for Super Bowl 50 in 2015 after helping Denver defeat the Carolina Panthers 24-10, becoming only the fourth linebacker to earn the award. The NFC West leading Los Angeles Rams face the AFC West leading Tennessee Titans this Sunday in Los Angeles. See your Rams under the bright lights of SoFi Stadium in this clash of divisional leaders in primetime with official game tickets. See the AFC’s best visit NFC’s Best Under the Lights this Sunday! Join us on Sunday Night as two of the NFL’s best teams clash in Primetime. Your division leading Rams are looking to extend their win streak to five consecutive games when they host the AFC South leading Tennessee
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IT News Wire
From scouting the precise location to designing the renderings, a process that’s been five years in the making is here. The future facility of the Los Angeles Chargers will reside in El Segundo. The 145,000 square foot space is a dynamic, state-of-the-art performance center and office for players, coaches, and staff, but it will be equally as exciting
for fans and partners as well, including a roof-top hospitality club, full eSports gaming and content studios, and a 3,100 square foot media center. Three natural grass fields will reside outside the main building. Other outdoor amenities include an additional 3,400 square foot elevated turf area and a two-lane lap pool for player rehabilitation.
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November 4-10, 2021
BUPPIE | BUSINESS
Behind The Scene at SoFi Imani Sajae Ervins Serving Art to the World
Imani Sajae Ervins, The Artist By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
The $5 billion saucer is all the rave while its NFL tenants are the featured focal point of the Inglewood Renaissance, but upon a much closer inspection one might discover a unique element that is often taken for granted. Out front are the people working at SoFi who directs the cars into the stadium, that rolling crawl will take
you to your parking location until you encounter the men and women who scan your bag at the security point. You can exhale after finally reaching what some now call euphoria, the greatest place on earth that relies on the hands of unknown to transform an event into an experience. In the press box, the scribes and broadcasters are spoiled to a royal spread that evolves as the game progresses. Soft scrambled eggs, waffles and fresh blue berries, beef stew, tamales, taquitos, pigs in the blanket, juices, coffee, doughnuts and on this Halloween day, sweet pastries with mini tomb stones planted on top. With all that’s in front of you, its easy to miss those who actually make sure you float out after walking in. Imani Sajae Ervins is one of those really special people behind the scene that produces the magic at SoFi Stadium. The native of Ashburn, VA is a former soccer star and the daughter of former USC running back and NFL Super Bowl Champion Ricky Ervins, but not by any means is Imani lost in her old man shadow, quite the contrary. While acknowledging that both of her parents are her greatest inspiration, Imani is determined to forge her own
path. “Definitely my family in so many ways, they are truly my inspiration and rock,” she explained to Inglewood Today. “My father in all of the things he has overcome and continues to, let me
know that I can do anything.” Imani credits her mother, “for being the strongest person,” and inspiring her to live beyond her potential. The 27-year old graduate of Winthrop University in South Carolina has enjoyed a stellar career as a catering manager, working for years at AT&T Stadium in Texas before ultimately landing in her current gig at SoFi. Although she has experienced some of the most renowned sporting events such as Cowboys football games, Rams and Chargers, concerts and more through her work in catering, her true love is art. “I want to be an artist who someday commissions her work for the world,” Imani boast. She realized that art was her true passion while in college. “I made all of decorum for my dorm room.” She self-taught herself. Asked what her specialty was and her reply was a reflection of her enormous vision. “A little bit of everything. Abstract, alcohol ink, melamine boards, cabinets, tile, resin on canvas.” Art has produced healing benefits for Imani with her lauding art as “great for me, mentally and physically.” It is also not too bad for her financially as her commissions are beginning to add up. Her dad loved football, she sister Jazmyn loves fashion design, mom Shawnese pours her love in to all of them and Imani’s adoration for art is a byproduct of it. You wouldn’t know any of this because you’re too busy eating.
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(pronounced Zem Bezee) is an Android phone that pays customers using it. Parker, who was graduated from Gardena Serra High School where he also played football and basketball, spoke to the players about the importance of staying focused on school work for the long haul. “Some of you guys will be going to college and have a chance to play pro ball, but for the most part you are going to have to learn as much as you can for as long as you can to make it in this world today,” said Parker. Founded by Alpesh Patel and Benjamin Aubin, ZmBIZI primary goal is to support other Black and Brown entrepreneurs. Recently, ZmBIZI has been instrumental providing Black and Brown small business owners their Z1 Android smartphone to test first-hand their revolutionary phone, which includes Visa’s TAP and PAY, a feature that accepts payments by just tapping a debit card on the back of the device. Parker provided the Z1 Android to the football players. Contactless payments have become the standard in the business community, but what’s most appealing about ZmBIZI is that you don’t have to be a business to receive payments and also earn rewards than can transform into cash. ZmBIZI has the backing of Visa through new pilot program and is targeting poor underserved communities by gifting free complementary phones, but the individual will be responsible for the service provider. “I think that is was refreshing for the kids to hear from someone from the business community. They paid close attention to what Mr. Parker was saying and those individuals who received the phones really appreciates it,” said Inglewood head coach Mil’Von James.
PUBLIC NOTICE
This Week Marks the 25th Anniversary of California’s Ban on Affirmative Action
strategies to advance racial justice are school districts and higher education Since California banned affirmative still perfectly legal; without affirmative institutions leverage any and all at their action 25 years ago, experts say data action, it’s even more important that disposal,” she said. shows significant drops in the numbers of Blacks and other minorities attending universities and securing government contracts in the state. In education, for example, Ed Trust West, an Oakland-based nonprofit and research organization focused on equity, says the repealing of affirmative action in California has negatively impacted African Americans both at public schools and colleges across the state. “California’s statewide ban on affirmative action has had lasting, devastating impacts on our K-12 and higher education system. Students, families, and educators of color have always found themselves shut out from opportunity, from a lack of additional funding to decreased college access,” said Natalie Wheatfall-Lum, Director of P-16 Education Policy at Ed Trust West. According to Ed Trust West, the numbers of Black and Latino students enrolling at California State Universities, has not “kept pace” with the racial makeup of high school graduating seniors. Ed Trust West reports that more than half of California’s K-12 schools do not have a single Black teacher. And even though children of color make up 77% of all K-12 students in the state, only 35% of teachers are people of color. “Unfortunately, solutions focused on socioeconomic status alone have proven insufficient to close those gaps. Instead, to combat the systemic racism and structural inequality facing Black, Latinx, Asian, and Native students, we must address the unique challenges and needs of each student group directly,” said Wheatfall-Lum continued. “Nonetheless, plenty of powerful California Black Media News Staff
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better than what we did,” said Rams head coach Sean McVay. Rams RB Darrell Henderson ran for 90 yards on 14 carries and scored two touchdowns. Cooper Kupp had seven catches for 115 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Robert Woods added two touchdowns. The Rams will host the 6-2 Tennessee Titans for Week 9 on Sunday, which is predicted to be a much closer matchup. The Titans are coming off of an overtime win at the Indianapolis Colts.
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2021210059 The following Person is doing business as: Hazel Eye Creative 2509 W. 80th Street Inglewood, CA 90305 Registered Owner(s): Inglewood, CA 90305
Eron Muckleroy, 2509 W. 80th Street,
This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on September 21, 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.) Eron Muckleroy, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on September 21, 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 October 7, 14 21; November 4, 2021 IT0042230120020171 Inglewood Today
Titans on Sunday. It all kicks off pregame as we honor Hall of Fame wide receiver and Super Bowl Champion Isaac Bruce in a ring ceremony that includes multiple Rams
Hall of Famers at American Airlines Plaza. Fans can also check out Hall of Fame busts of Rams greats plus score a commemorative rally towel in the pregame festivities!
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players that that is outright disgusting. Credit the Los Angeles Times and its prep sports columnist Eric Sondheimer for fueling the viral charade that enticed comments from dubious political journalist Earl Ofari Hutchinson and hyperbolic ESPN basketball personality Dick Vitale. Hutchinson pointed his criticism directly at Coach James on his vaguely followed Facebook platform, and then Vitale remarkably question James leadership, obvious not aware this man regularly sends scores of players to major college and the NFL also. Everybody loves a winner! I mean let’s be real about this, isn’t the fundamental purpose and ultimate reward winning? In sports, in life winning is important. The greatest coach in the history of football Vince Lombardi’s most famous quote is: “Winning is not everything. It’s the only thing.” Lombardi also said: “If you can accept losing you can’t win. If you can walk you can run. No one is ever hurt. Hurt is in your mind.” So why then this big fallout. Nobody with a pulse or warm blood gave Morningside a snowball chance in you know where to beat Inglewood. School officials considered cancelling the game altogether, but that would have sent such a defeatist message to the student athletes that it’s better to not try than get defeated. The manner in which Inglewood defeated Morningside is not sportsman like. Keeping your UCLA bound quarterback in the game for the
duration of the running clock preHalloween massacre doesn’t look good. However, no one dared asked Sentinels Coach James his reasoning for doing so, perhaps with this being the final game of the regular season and a most challenging playoff in division 2 on the horizon, he wanted to get in as many reps as he could. I am not acknowledging or agreeing with it, perhaps he was looking for some style points before he got handed a No. 12 seed and long bus ride to play St. Bonaventure in Ventura for a shot to advance in the playoffs. I am scratching my head as to why administrators at Morningside would send letters to newspapers, CIF-Southern Section and County Administrator Torres complaining about the manner in which they lost a football game. Should James had told his players to kneel down and let the game clock expire with the score 0-0? The CIF Comish sent out a scalding statement condemning Inglewood. Where was such a statement when Cheryl Miller 100 points in a basketball game? The same Morningside football coach Brian Collins who blasted James for being classless in a local daily newspaper is one of the most inept high school coaches in America. This is a man who lacks basic preparation and frequently disregards essential information from his own volunteer assistants. This is a coach who lost a week
before the Inglewood game to a school with just 13 players. Imagine what that Compton Centennial team would have done with 22 players against Morningside. Every week you can look at the high school football scoreboard and see a team losing by 60 points or more, but the Commish doesn’t make a statement about that. The newspaper writer who wrote that story is a man who despises transfers. Especially those that go to an inner city school. If Eric Sondheimer had his way every student athlete would attend the school in their community. Sort of the way it used to be, before the Los Angeles Unified School District began busing talented Black kids out to valley schools, or when they forced Black families to move out to the Inland Empire and Antelope Valley with housing vouchers and low rent inducements. Schools is those districts are now benefitting from orchestrated integration that has weakened culture and destroyed once proud inner city schools. James is saving Inglewood, one of only two high schools in the state ran district. Or maybe ES is talking about the way things were before former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa help inspire charter school growth that diluted public schools and ruined athletic programs in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Eric Sondheimer is no more of an
authority on high school sports than I am. The Inglewood Unified School District loses kids to transfer all the time. These students-athletes go to Sierra Canyon, Gardena Serra and many other schools for the opportunity to compete at the highest level and earn scholarships to colleges. Imagine that such elite athletes would actually transfer into Inglewood, a school that does not have a home field and practices in hazardous conditions? That’s what’s happening at Inglewood High School. I don’t know what the future holds for Inglewood area high schools. I do know that Mil’Von James is more of a solution than a problem. If Morningside wants to improve it will need to make better hires. The best thing the district has going for it right now is the football program at Inglewood High School. In this instance I am reminded of a line in one of my favorite movies Roman J Israel, Esq. starring the great Denzel Washington. As the character discusses his client with a prosecutor who wins 100 percent of her cases, appeals to her for mercy. Israel, realizing that there is nothing he can do to help the poor Black kid facing 5-15 years. He turns to the prosecutor and pleads. “We are all better than the worse things we’ve ever done.”