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Voice of Inglewood Digital Edition 9-12-19

Page 1

September 12, 2019

VOL. 34, No. 36

WHO ARE YOU TO

CITY OF INGLEWOOD AND LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

NEGOTIATE $100 MILLION INVESTMENT

TELL ME TO IN HOUSING AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

CEASE AND DESIST FROM ADVOCATING

FOR BETTER INGLEWOOD SCHOOLS?

By Francis Taylor, Asst. Publisher

I’m an education advocate. I’m concerned about the state of k-12 education in our country, state and in particular, my home school district, Inglewood Unified. When Inglewood Unified entered into state receivership and the California Department of Education took over, I joined other Inglewood Unified community members to form the Education Equity Coalition to monitor how they were managing school district resources and point out when the best interests of Inglewood students were not being served. Before School Board meetings are held, we review the agendas. While it’s tedious to do, sometimes we find actions unfavorable to district finances and operations being

Mayor and the city’s executive team, The Clippers have committed to contribute $100 million – the bulk of which will be used to create a permanent fund dedicated to the development of affordable housing. The remainder will provide support for education, recreation, employment, and other community programs that will benefit residents as part of the Clippers plan to build an 18,500-

seat arena and team headquarters on municipal land at Prairie Avenue and West Century Boulevard. City Manager Artie Fields, who briefed the City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday, said the Clippers have agreed to provide up to $80 million in programs for the construction of affordable housing, and assis2 tance for first-time home-

Cook-Off hosted by Councilman Alex PaAround 7am Saturday morning, city dilla. trucks pulled up on the corner of Hargrave In its 6th season, the picnic and chili and Wexham Way and began the setup for cook-off activates the beautiful nook that what has become one of the city’s most be- is North Park, and welcomes a bouquet of loved events, the District 2 Picnic and Chili

residents throughout the community who come to the event to fellowship with neighbors and taste what the best Inglewood chili chefs have to offer. This year featured 12 7

By Francis Taylor, Asst. Publisher

The City of Inglewood has negotiated a community investment plan with the Los Angeles Clippers that, if approved by the City Council, will represent the largest package of local investments connected to the development of a sports arena in the state’s history. After months of negotiations with the

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ON THE INSIDE •News •Community •Health / Fitness / Wellness sponsored by Centinela Hospital •Real Estate •Business •Sports/Entertainment

By Dee Dee Brown

JOIN US ON


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September 12, 2019

Continued from page 1:Who are you to tell glewood Unified to local control. Venme to cease and desist... dors seeking contracts don’t like being

proposed and we let our School Board representative and the State Administrator know our concerns. On the July 24 School Board Meeting agenda we found an action item to approve a three year agreement with the Social Justice Learning Institute to provide student services. This business is run by the School Board President D’Artagnan Scorza.

We asked the State Administrator to defer approval because in our view it is a conflict of interest for the school district to do business with a school board member. According to Government Code 1090, board members” shall not be financially interested in any contract.” School districts known to have questionable ethics sign this kind of agreement. Those districts lose the public trust and when that happens the administration loses the community’s support. Any agreement that erodes community trust in the school district should be avoided. We think if a disagreement occurs it could be an administrative headache for the school district to resolve. It is documented that Scorza does not handle challenges and disputes reasonably. In 2013 a business disagreement with the State Administrator caused him to send an email in which he made a sexual harassment complaint which was dismissed when he failed to cooperate when an investigation of his allegation was conducted. Scorza and his business are supporting a political dispute against the city of Inglewood and the Clippers. We feel an agreement could jeopardize partnerships that would be more beneficial to the school district than the services he provides. Also, the school district stands to gain financially from construction fees a Clippers Arena would generate. Inglewood Unified should be neutral in the dispute and approving the agreement could be viewed as endorsing his actions. As an education advocate you encounter politicians who don’t like you questioning their commitment to helping the school district. Similarly, school union leaders don’t like you asking them to put the students’ needs before their own. State administrators would prefer that you not critique their efforts toward improving how the school district is run and returning In-

asked to prove they have the ability to serve the needs of Inglewood students. I understand asking questions could “ruffle feathers”, but I was surprised when I received a “cease and desist” letter from Robert Pearman Esq. from Sanders Roberts LLP on behalf of Scorza’s business. I have evidence that the letter is a gross misrepresentation of what I’ve been doing and that it falsely accuses me of “making disparaging and false statements” and interfering with “existing and perspective relationships.” Inglewood administrators say Scorza’s services are funded by grants from the Obama Foundation and the County Office of Mental Health. They also said that details of the funding had not been provided. So, I conducted my own investigation and contacted organizations that could provide details about the funding - Liberty Hill Foundation, the LA County Chief Executive Office, and the California Community Foundation. I guess my asking questions about the funding upset Scorza and that’s why he directed his business’s lawyer tell me to stop or face legal action. But, his lashing out was too late because I had learned the grants referred to in his proposal covered two years of student services not three and that the County Office of Mental Health had not authorized money for Inglewood Unified. Someone that will try to shut down efforts of concerned citizens engaged in learning the facts should not be rewarded with a three year contract. Now the challenge for Inglewood administrators is to decide whether it is in the best interest of the school district to do business with the School Board President. The reasons for not doing it are clear. There are other organizations that could provide the same student services as Scorza and they are not run by Inglewood school board members. As for being an education advocate, the reward is in helping your school district gain the community’s trust and respect. Your oversight helps ensure the school district operates with integrity and that it provides safe and clean schools with teachers prepared to provide students every opportunity to be educated to the best of their ability. So, I will not be ceasing or desisting trying to help Inglewood Unified return to local control and provide the best possible public education for its students. Joe Bowers is a public education advocate. He is a retired Engineer and Business Executive. He is a graduate of Stanford University.

Continued from page 1:City of Inglewood and Los Angeles Clippers...

buyers as well as renters. The remaining $20 million would fund programs for Inglewood school children, working families and seniors, including millions of dollars for afterschool activities, drop-out prevention, post-high school counseling and college scholarships for Inglewood high school graduates. The package also includes a $6 million contribution for renovations to the Inglewood public library and improvements to the community center, to better serve Inglewood teens. “The Clippers organization will bring tremendous employment opportunities for our residents and continue to propel the economic revitalization for our city,” said Mayor James T. Butts. “But it was important for us to front-load this benefits package with assistance for affordable housing. We want the people who have put their faith in this community and who have put down roots in Inglewood be able to continue to reside here and reap the benefit of this renaissance.” The proposed $100 million package includes: • The creation of a $75 million new, permanent Affordable Housing Development Loan Fund that would be administered by a local housing nonprofit. • $5.5 million in grants to help first-

time buyers with down-payment assistance and other services to qualify for homeownership, as well as emergency financial and legal support over five years to prevent homelessness and Inglewood evictions. • $12.75 million in youth and education funding for after-school activities, such as design and coding camps for Inglewood students and two high school drop-out prevention programs, post-secondary counseling and college scholarships for low-income Inglewood high school graduates. • $6 million for physical improvements to the Inglewood Public Library, including improvements to the community center to better serve Inglewood youth. • $500,000 to renovate public basketball courts in Inglewood and funding for senior programs, including computer literacy. The arena and accompanying complex will be privately financed and generate an estimated $278 million in economic activity along with an estimated $190 million in tax revenue from 2020 through 2045. The Los Angeles Clippers deserves special commendation for their commitment to the City of Inglewood!


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September 12, 2019

4TH VAPING

DEATH

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.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING 310-670-9600 X107 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 310-670-9600 X104 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscriptions are available by mail for $100.00 per year. Home Delivery may not be available in all areas, or gated communities.

REPORTED By Francis Taylor, Asst. Publisher

As vaping-related illnesses and deaths continue to climb, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is vowing to work with state and federal agencies to figure out what is causing illnesses in e-cigarette users. “We are working around the clock to find out what is making people sick,” Ileana Arias, the CDC’s acting deputy director of non-infectious diseases, told reporters Friday. “The focus of the investigation is narrowing, but we are still faced with complicated questions in this outbreak.” A fourth person has died from an ecigarette-related lung illness the CDC said, and Los Angeles County Officials announced the death of a fifth person. The CDC also said the agency is aware of 450 possible vaping-related cases in 33 states, including 215 that have been previously reported. While vaping has been around for more than a decade, the CDC said the recent spike in illnesses started around May or June of this year. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said it’s investigating the county’s first known death tied to e-cigarette use. Officials said there are 12 known cases of pulmonary

illnesses related to vaping in Los Angeles County. “Stop vaping now, until further information in what is causing lung damage and death can be understood,” Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said a press conference Friday. Muntu Davis, a health officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, echoed Ferrer’s comments, saying with the number of illnesses and deaths linked to vaping, it appears risky. “If you don’t have to vape, don’t do it

right now,” Davis said Friday. “It’s wise to stay away from this.” Ferrer also asked e-cigarette companies to stop advertising -- that it’s not an appropriate time to advertise when legitimate questions regarding product safety arise. “We would like to ask the producers of vaping products to cease their advertising while we figure this out,” Ferrer said. The Food and Drug Administration said it’s collected 120 e-cigarette samples with the hope of finding a common device or substance that is causing the pulmonary illnesses. “The FDA is analyzing these sam-

ples for the presence of a broad range of chemicals,” Mitch Zeller, director of Center for Tobacco Products at the FDA, said on a conference call Friday. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin responded to Friday’s CDC report, saying Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Ned Sharples should take action to regulate e-cigarettes and “kid-friendly flavors and products” or leave office. While there is not a specific device or chemical linked to all cases, the CDC reports that a majority of the patients are aged 18 to 35, male and admit to using THC, nicotine, or both, about 90 days before seeing symptoms. CDC officials said symptoms include shortness of breath, gastrointestinal issues, fever and fatigue. In all reported cases of vaping-related illnesses, abnormalities were observed in both lungs after examination, and no infections were detected, the CDC said. The CDC’s Dana Meaney-Delman said it’s troubling so many healthy, young people are becoming ill. E-cigarettes are never safe for youth, young adults and pregnant women, she said during a call with media members on Friday. Complicating pinpointing what’s leading to the illnesses is the fact many who vape buy products off the street, not from manufacturers. The CDC launched a multi-state investigation into the lung illnesses on Aug. 1. The FDA is asking the public to visit the site safetyreporting.hhs.gov to report any health concerns regarding ecigarette use.

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Page 4

September 12, 2019

LEGAL NOTICES

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019236536 The following Person is doing business as: Diamond Security Services 4031 W. 141st Street, Apt. #1 Hawthorne, CA 90250

Registered Owner(s): Emeka Amaku, 4031 W. 141st Street, Apt. #1, Hawthorne, CA 90250 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on September 3, 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.) Emeka Amaku, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on September 3, 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 September 5, 12, 19, 26, 2019 IT004223012002085 Inglewood Today Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019245287 The following Person is doing business as: Crowned Beauty 3508 W. 118th Place Inglewood, CA 90303 Registered Owner(s): Angeles, CA 90018

Kristin Calvin, 3023 S. Western Ave., Los

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on September 11, 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.) Kristin Calvin, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on September 11, 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.

COMMUNITY MEETING

LOS ANGELES STADIUM & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT AT HOLLYWOOD PARK

REUNIÓN COMUNITARIA

ESTADIO LOS ÁNGELES Y DISTRITO DE ENTRETENIMIENTO EN HOLLYWOOD PARK

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Sabado, 21 de septiembre de 2019 10:00 a.m. Center of Hope 9550 Crenshaw Boulevard, Inglewood 90305

Key representatives of the Los Angeles Stadium & Entertainment District at Hollywood Park will host an informational meeting regarding stadium construction. Learn more about the upcoming work and project progress on the 298-acre development.

Los representantes claves del Distrito de Entretenimiento en Hollywood Park presidirán una reunión informativa relacionada con la construcción del lugar. Conozca más acerca de las obras futuras y el progreso del proyecto sobre 298 acres.

The project team will be available to answer construction-related questions from the community.

El equipo del proyecto estará disponible para responder las preguntas de la comunidad que estén relacionadas con la construcción.

CONTACT US phone: 310-743-5186 email: lastadium@tcco.com

COMUNÍQUESE AL teléfono: 310-743-5186 correo electrónico: lastadium@tcco.com

LAStadiumAtHP.com

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 September, 12, 18, 25; October 3, 2019 IT004223012002086 Inglewood Today Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2019228900 The following Person is doing business as: Conservex Corporation 819 Flora Drive, Apt. 2, Inglewood, CA 90302 309 E Hillcrest Blvd., 392, Inglewood, CA 90301 Registered Owner(s): Conservex, 819 Flora Drive, Apt. 2, Inglewood, CA 90302

FREE Document Shredding

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on August 23, 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.) Conservex, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on August 23, 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 September, 12, 18, 25; October 3, 2019 IT004223012002087 Inglewood Today

The choices you make today can have a great impact on tomorrow.

and Donations Event

When: Where:

Saturday, September 28, 2019

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

On Grevillea Avenue off Manchester Blvd. (in front of Inglewood High School)

DRIVE THROUGH DROP OFF

Bring all of your non-working household appliances, computers, tablets, phones, TV's and any other electronic devices that you would like to get rid of. We will also accept gently used clothing, shoes, accessories and bicycles. NO FURNITURE ACCEPTED! *NOTE: Document shredding is limited to Inglewood Residents Only, ID IS REQUIRED (3 boxes or bags per car ONLY) Tax compliant donation receipts will be provided

For more information, please contact the City of Inglewood Public Works Department at (310) 412-5333.

TRUMP FIRES NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER JOHN BOLTON By Francis Taylor, Asst. Publisher/Editor

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he had fired National Security Adviser John Bolton after a string of disagreements between the two over how the U.S. should handle North Korea, Afghanistan and Iran. Trump announced on Twitter that he had asked for Bolton’s resignation, which he received this morning, after the president had “disagreed with many of his suggestions.” Bolton said in a tweet that he had offered to resign last night that the president had said in response that they would “talk about it tomorrow.” Most recently, the two had clashed over Trump’s desire to have leaders of the Taliban visit Camp David in the days before the Sept. 11 anniversary to finalize peace talks. The idea was strongly opposed by Bolton, even as officials at the State Department argued it could move the parties closer to an agreement, officials said. Bolton has been deeply skeptical of negotiations with the Taliban. U.S. negotiators have been working under the president’s demand that a drawdown occur before November 2020 when he’s up for re-election. Bolton had pushed Trump to take a harder line on other regimes he has deemed untrustworthy. Trump, on the other hand, campaigned on the promise to get the U.S. out of conflicts. Bolton had also clashed with other top administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. While Bolton has previously pushed for striking Iran and regime change, Trump has indicated he would like to sit down with Iranian officials, and that regime change is off the table. This is the third national security adviser that Trump has fired. His first, Michael Flynn, was in court for a status hearing on Tuesday ahead of his sentencing for lying to U.S. officials. Trump named Bolton, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and undersecretary of state for international security, as a replacement for Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster in a tweet in March 2018. Trump said that he would name a new national security adviser next week.


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September 12, 2019

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

BEING A GOOD INGLEWOOD NEIGHBOR Council Member Padilla recently published a comprehensive guide to being a good neighbor. He cited common sense rules as well as those that are include in the City of Inglewood Municipal Code. As we experience the most dramatic transformation the city has ever experienced, it seemed fitting to share some of the elements of what you can do to be a good Inglewood neighbor. Being a good neighbor and keeping our neighborhoods clean are goals, which all Inglewood residents should strive to achieve. Whether it’s providing a helping hand on some household project or serving as the vital link in a neighborhood watch program, the value of having residents who are cooperative and respectful of each others rights can never be underestimated. While most people recognize the value of being a good neighbor, there are a number of neighborly practices which everyone should keep in mind. The following list of “Do’s and Don’ts” highlights some of the essential building blocks necessary for a clean, healthy, and tranquil neighborhood. Do’s Help maintain the appearance of your neighborhood by parking either on the street or in your driveway. Remove empty trash cans and any remaining debris from the curb within 12 hours after your trash has been picked up. Leaving trashcans at the curbside for an extended period creates an impression of an untidy neighborhood and also contributes to health and sanitation problems by attracting flies and other pests. Perform minor repairs and maintenance work including oil and tire changes, brake inspections, or fluid checks in your driveway or backyard. Doing this avoids creating a hazardous situation, which could endanger your life as well as the safety of motorists, who are properly using the roadways. Enjoy your radio, television, or music component set, but not at the expense and irritation of others. You should be aware that the City of Inglewood like many other metropolitan cities has various noise regulations designed to restrict excessive levels of noise. Violation of these noise regulations constitutes a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Keep your lawn, trees, and shrubbery well watered and neatly trimmed. Since the appearance of our homes and lawns speaks to the pride of ownership in the Inglewood community, dili-

gent property maintenance of lawns and associated landscaping will increase property values as you do your part to beautify our community. Obtain a license for your dog and always walk him or her with a leash. A dog whose turf includes every yard on the block can quickly upset the tranquility of a neighborhood. Remember that being a good neighbor includes being a responsible pet owner. File an application for a permit to keep or raise these animals before housing them on your property. The permit procedure insures that these animals are kept in a sanitary and humane manner. Applications may be obtained from the City Finance Department. Comply with City zoning regulations, which require that garages are used only for the purpose of providing shelter, and parking for vehicles owned or operated by occupants of the main building. Dont’s Don’t park cars on your front lawn. Aside from giving your home and neighborhood an unsightly appearance, lawn parking is a violation of section 12-15 of the Inglewood municipal code (IMC) and can result in the issuance of a citation to the owner of the vehicle. Don’t leave trash cans at the curb after your trash is picked up. (IMC Section 7-19 (4)). Don’t perform maintenance work or make repairs on vehicles parked upon public streets or alleys. (IMC Section 10-18). Don’t play loud music or make loud noises, which disturbs the peace and quiet of your neighbors.this includes playing radios loudly while operating cars, vans, or SUVs. (IMC Section 5-29). Don’t allow overgrown vegetation rubbish to accumulate in your yard. This situation creates an unsightly appearance for your home as well as your neighborhood. It also can result in a fire hazard if the vegetation dries out, as is often the case during summer months. (IMC Section 1170 (1-4, 15) and 7-18). Don’t house an unlicensed dog or allow that animal to roam the neighborhood unleashed. (IMC Section 4-18). Don’t raise or keep chickens, rabbits, pigeons, ducks, goats, or any other fowl or live stock on your property without first obtaining a valid permit form the city. (IMC Section 4-16). Don’t use your garage as additional space either for yourself or for others. This is unsafe, unhealthy, and unattractive. (IMC Section 1240.1).

COMMUNITY SOUNDS OFF Did you know the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra is building a youth orchestra in Inglewood and are you pleased with our city’s development?

Niccolette Nunes Yes I do and we need something like that in Inglewood. I hope that their goal is to get more kids from our city involved with it because that would be amazing. I’m happy the city is being built up, but also sad that most of the natives have already been driven to relocate after so many decades here because of it. My grandparents are included in the natives that had to go. Jahleel Brown. Yes. It’s going to be a great addition to the futuristic completely renovated I-WOOD. I’m all for it if they’re going to give scholarships to minorities from low-income families who wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise. If not I couldn’t care less. The city is gentrifying just as fast as it is growing. Claudia Rodriguez I didn’t know the signs on LaBrea were for the site of the new location. I know now. That’s awesome. It’ll be a great addition to our city’s growth. Inglewood is one of the fastest growing cities in the America and I’m proud to call it home. I love it here! Dominique Fuller Yes and I think it’s going to be awesome to see more kids from Inglewood given the opportunity to be part of something so amazing. I am extremely pleased with our city’s development over the last few years.


Page 6

HBCU OFFERS

FSEMESTER R E FOR E DISPLACED U.B STUDENTS By Francis Taylor, Asst. Publisher/Editor

I am proud to report that my alma mater, Hampton University an historically black college, is offering displaced University of Bahamas students a free semester by partnering with the University of the Bahamas to allow students who have been displaced by the storm to spend the fall semester on its campus in Hampton, Virginia, tuitionfree. “I think this agreement is something that can be helpful to a great

MAXINE WATERS AND KATHERINE JOHNSON SHARED AUGUST BIRTHDATES

September 12, 2019

number of students and families, and is part of something I’ve tried to do my entire career -- helping people to achieve and meet their goals,” Hampton University President William R. Harvey said in a statement. Rodney Smith, the President of the University of the Bahamas, is the former administrative vice president and chief planning officer at Hampton. University of the Bahamas students will be able to receive room and board for one semester. They will also have the option of staying at Hampton after the semester is over while paying standard tuition and fees. Smith and Harvey’s agreement comes after Hurricane Dorian slammed the Bahamas, wiping out entire neighborhoods when it made landfall Sunday as a Category 5 storm. Dorian is the strongest hurricane ever to hit the Bahamas. The official death toll was 20 as of Thurs-

Happy Birthday to Two of our Nation’s Finest

gnia have been named after Johnson over the last few years. Former President Barack Obama awarded her with a Presidental Medal of Freedom in 2015. Of the former president, Johnson said, “He was pleasant.” Johnson is now 101 years old. Congresswoman Maxine Waters represents California’s 43rd congressional district and is the most powerful woman politician in the United States. She has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1991 and is now in her 15th term. Con-

As NASA’s “human computer” Katherine Johnson, helped the agency accomplish quite a few impressive feats. This included calculating the trajectories for Alan Shepard’s journey in which he became the first American to orbit the Earth. The work of Johnson and fellow NASA engineers and mathematicians Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson became the subject of the popular 2016 film “Hidden Figures.” A building at George Mason University and a NASA facility in West Vir-

gresswoman Waters has achieved a level of recognition among her peers, her constituents and the nation that is second-to-none. She has made history as the first woman and first African American Chair of the powerful House Financial Service Committee, an integral member of Congressional Democratic Leadership, to name a few of her legislative accomplishments and has gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color and the poor.

Open an On-Campus Bank

day. Lawrence Rigby, who graduated from Hampton in 2015, said in a statement he is pleased to see his university helping other Bahamian students continue their education during this time. “Hampton has been the educational choice for many Bahamians over its long history. I am grateful to President Harvey and university leadership on this demonstration of kindness and humanity to my home in our time of need,” said Rigby, 2014-2015 Student Government Association President from Nassau, New Providence.

“Young Bahamians from Abaco and Grand Bahama who are looking for the tools to rebuild their lives and our home will find them at Hampton.”


Page 7

September 12, 2019

EYE ON THE CITY

CLIPPERS BENEFIT PACKAGE HIGHLIGHT OF COUNCIL MEETING

City Manager Artie Fields opened the weekly council meeting with a comprehensive audio visual presentation describing the pending Los Angeles Clippers Arena and adjacent development as well as the $100 Million pledge the Clippers have made that will benefit the citizens of the City of Inglewood. The council adopted a resolution renaming Edward Vincent Park Tennis Complex to the Donald Bly Tennis Complex pursuant to Ordinance No. 16-04. The council amended the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 budget to allocate funds to Inglewood’s State Transportation Grants Reimbursement Fund for the Slow Speed Feasibility Study, in the amount of $385,307, to account for project costs and full reimbursement by Caltrans. The council approved the rejection of all bids received for JanitoriContinued from page 1:Who are you to tell me to cease and desist...

contestants who all brought their A-game and provided guests with a variety of interpretations of chili from classic beef, a sweet chili, a spicy chicken, a red pulled pork, and even a few vegetarian and vegan chilis as well. Kids enjoyed face painting activities, games, and all the ice cream and root beer floats their little tummies could tolerate. Its been proclaimed that the greatest conponent of the event is Councilman Padilla’s playlist, however, this year’s event was defined by a random act of kindness, where 2 young ladies Amaya and Kennedy Williams witnessed a little girl waiting patiently, hoping for her number to be called that would win her a brand new bike, a bike that was donated by the LA County Fire Department. Unfortunately, her number was never called, and the Williams sisters found themselves winners of the bike. The little girl broke down in tears and ran to her mom for comfort. Seeing this inspired the Williams sisters to pay it forward and gift the bike to the girl. When asked why they chose to give her the bike, the Williams sisters said, “We saw how hurt she was when she didn’t win, and we just wanted to do something nice and make her happy “ If Councilman Padilla keeps improving this event each year, its only so long before he’s going to need 2 North Parks, just to fit all the folks who are gonna want to see for themselves, just how awesome the event truly is.

GEORGE DOTSON

ALEX PADILLA

JAMES BUTTS

al Maintenance Services for various City of Inglewood Municipal Facilities, per Request for Bids No. 0112 (RFB-0112). The council approved a threeyear purchase order for books, cataloguing services, and library supplies from Brodart and the payment to Ultra Fire Operations, Inc., for emergency repairs to the City Hall fire sprinkler pump. (General Fund) The council approved the Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Inglewood and Gustavo M. Ungo and Emilia Ungo, Trustee or their Successors in Trust Under the Emilia and Gustavo Family Trust dated June 8, 2006, to secure a 45 square-feet of right of way from the larger parcel located at 4621 West Century Boulevard, needed to implement the Century Boulevard Mobility Improvement Project, subarea 3; the Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Inglewood and La Brea and Century Plaza, a California Limited Partnership to secure a 361 square-feet of right of way from the larger parcel located at 1275 South La Brea Avenue needed to implement the Century Boulevard Mobility Improvement Project, subarea 3 and the Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Inglewood and Bonami, Inc., to secure a 136 square-feet of right of way from the larger parcel located at 1244 South

ELOY MORALES

RALPH FRANKLIN

AROUND THE CITY

Inglewood Avenue needed to implement the Century Boulevard Mobility Improvement Project, subarea 3. Documents: The council adopted a resolution to acknowledge and affirm the modification implemented by the City Manager (per Article Eight, Section VI – Amendments to Memorandum of Understanding) to amend the Inglewood Executive Organization (IEO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (Adopted December 6, 2016 (effective from October 1, 2016 – December 31, 2020)) related to Article Two, Section XI (Post Certificate Incentive Pay – Police Chief and Article Three, Section IISupplemental Executive Compensation). The council unanimously approved a three-year employment agreement with Artie Fields, to serve as the City Manager for the City of Inglewood. Fields graciously accepted the accolades for his performance from each member of the council and thanked them for their confidence and support. The council authorized the Executive Director to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the three attachments for Infrastructure Funding Agreements and Other Shared Costs Budgets with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) for resource sharing and joint infrastructure cost funding in connection to the One

Stop Business and Career Center. A representative from Southern California Edison made a brief community presentation about fire prevention, energy conservation and related topics. All of the council members expressed their appreciation to those who planned, organized and attended the recent Chili Cook-off event, which, keeping with tradition, was an enormous success. Council Member Padilla announced that competition was keen but Linda Williams edged out the other chili cook-off participants to be this year’s winner. He reminded everyone to attend the Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Mayor Butts congratulated Council Member Franklin for another successful Block Club Event and briefly described Inglewood’s cultural expansion. He announced that the Los Angeles Gymnastics facility, currently located in Culver City has expressed an interest in relocating to the City of Inglewood. He closed the meeting in honor of the 9-11 victims and the heroes who were involved in our nation’s most horrific terrorist act and in honor of the nine-year-old child who accidentally drowned at Ed Vincent Park. Enjoy the pictures of the Chili Cook-off taken by INGLEWOOD TODAY publisher, Willie Brown.


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September 12, 2019


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