April 6, 2023

Celebrating 31 Years of Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities

City of Champions

Your Community Connection Since 1994

CLIPPERS RIGHT ON THE MONEY

The Clippers did their part during Financial Literacy Month, by hosting 600 students in two sessions at the Inglewood downtown land mark The Miracle Theatre on April 4. Former Fairfax High and NBA standout was also in attendance for the event which engaged students on a myriad of topics including checking, savings accounts, living withing your means and the value of money.

Schools represented during the event include; Wilders Preparatory Academy (Inglewood); Washington Middle School (Long Beach); Hoover Middle School (Long Beach); Hamilton Middle School (Long Beach); Salesian High School (LA); St. Jerome School (LA - Inglewood adjacent); Optimal School (Compton) and organizations; Think Together; Hidden Genius; Brotherhood Crusade; Watts Skills Academy; Peace Players;Rainbow Labs; Mar Vista; Rites of Passage. (Photo/ Varon Panganiban/LA Clippers)

Councilmember Gray to thank supporters at celebration

By Kenneth Miller, Publisher

Newly minted Inglewood City Councilmember Gloria Gray, the first Black woman to be elected in District 1, will host a ‘Campaign Team Celebration’ on Saturday April 8th from 4p.m. to 8p.m. at The Whipp

By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor

“For

Farewell George W. Dotson Departing District 1 Council Member

A standing ovation by the Mayor, Council Members and the public culminated an impressive display of appreciation and accolades, on the occasion of his final city council meeting, for the Honorable George W. Dotson, the City of Inglewood’s 1st District Council Member. Dotson has served on the council for nine years and in addition to his distinguished service as a council member, Dotson has been an Inglewood resident for over 50 years and during that time has been an entrepreneur, chairperson of the Inglewood Planning Commission, and a dedicated husband and family member.

Mayor James T. Butts read a commendation, signed by the council members, highlighting many of Dotson’s accomplishments during his tenure, that Member Eloy Morales described as the most productive eight years of the City of Inglewood’s history. Mayor Butts, also indicated

that Dotson was a part of

changed the lives of Inglewood residents now and forever as he highlighted the many

economic and business developments that the city has garnered in the last few years. From the re-opening of the Forum and the development of the world class SOFI Stadium and the soon to be completed INTUIT Dome; to the arrival of the Girl Scouts Headquarters, the development of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, the renovation of the city’s parks and recreation facilities, to name only a few, Dotson will always be remembered as a member of the ‘council team,’ that delivered these and many other developments to the City of Inglewood.

The commendation, read in its entirety by Mayor Butts, cited the

dedication Dotson delivered to the City of Inglewood and suggested that his character, integrity and optimism will serve as an example to others as they pursue opportunities in the city. On behalf of the council, the commendation thanked Dotson for his many years of exemplary service, as a council member and as a private citizen.

Before Dotson had the last word, expressing his thanks to God, his wife of 61 years, and the city staff and commissioners for their support of his work on the council, each council member offered their personal comments on their relationship with Dotson and their thanks and appreciation for his contributions to the council team.

Dotson acknowledged that it was teamwork that made all of the great things happen in the City of Inglewood and he thanked everyone for their kind words and, as he usually did after his council comments in the past, wished everyone a very good rest of your day!

Social Club located at 7617 Crenshaw Blvd. in Los Angeles.

all of those who generously gave their time and resources, I treasure the effort

what

By Anuoluwapo Bamiro, Columnist

Welcome back to “What’s Up with Anuolu” This month is National Poetry Month. As a poet myself I feel like this month is very important to me to highlight both poetry and other amazing poetry around the city. This week I will talk about how I got started with poetry and how I fell in love with it. I will also end the column this week with a short poem of mine that is a reminder to keep going and stay patient.

The first introduction to poetry I remember was an assignment in middle school we had to memorize a poem. The poem that was given to me was “Still I Rise”. I would go home and study the poem, watch videos of her reading it, and repeatedly write it down. I digested the poem so much and just dived into Maya Angelou’s catalog. After that, I remember my teacher that year making poetry the focus of English and me spending that time writing as much poetry as I could. It was the first moment I remember falling in love with it and understanding that it is a beautiful language that has many forms. When I entered high school, I was so worried about trying to be normal instead of nurturing my gift. So, I didn’t pick poetry back up until

National Poetry Month

my second year of college. I took a creative writing course, and in most of the assignments, you would pick a genre of choice. The choices were poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and drama, I, of course, would always

wrote over 300 poems in the first six months. With creative writing being my introduction, I was introduced to free verse. Which positionally changed my life. With free verse, you get to write any style anyway but with the structure. It became my favorite style. To keep my skill sharp, I still write following other forms free verse is just my personal favorite. While in college I was introduced to many amazing African American poets such as Nikki Giovanni, Gwendolyn Brooks, Phillis Wheatley, Audre Lorde and so many more. I learned that the depth you go in poetry represents the depths you’ll go in life.

reader to feel. We are rappers without a beat. Spoken word on paper. That’s why I love poetry so much I get to release, share, and connect with so many people, as well as being exactly who I am and never have to know them personally.

Today I believe I have over 2000 written poems and over 300 written on my laptop. I came out with a poetry book in May of 2020, and I have a website www.anuoluwapobamiro.com where you can catch my new poems, I drop them every 2 weeks. So, one can say I picked poetry back up and never put it down.

And for people who know the struggle of being patient this is for you

Patience, patience, patience

These days seem so long.

Yet the years fly by

choose to complete my assignments using poetry. After that, I changed my major to Africana Studies with a focus on writing. I began to write poetry from that moment on. I began to perform any chance I could get at school. I also

To me, poetry does so many things. It can be a diary or could be your way of rewriting tragic life events and making them seem beautiful. Poetry to me is what paint is to a canvas. We need each other, the words and paper can evoke emotions that the reader can feel very connected to without ever knowing what they are going through. Being a Poet, I feel like we have the honor of truly understanding words and using them to our advantage. We don’t necessarily have to use proper language or punctuation our main job is to get the

Patience, patience, patience

Everything you dream of will come true.

The timing is perfect.

Patience, patience, patience

Know you the bomb and God will never forsake you.

Patience, patience, patience

You’ve seen what rushing does.

So slow down and enjoy the Divine pace.

If you would like to keep up with me and my work, you can follow me on Instagram @anuoluwapobamiro and my poetry on Instagram @ anuoluwrites.

The California Black Media Political Playback: Officials Show Respect for Ridley-Thomas’s Service

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Your weekly news roundup of stories

California Black Elected Officials React to Ridley-Thomas Conviction

Last week after a jury found former Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas guilty on corruption charges, California’s Black elected officials issued statements acknowledging RidleyThomas’s political leadership, many contributions to his constituents and his track record of unapologetically advocating for policies that advanced racial equity and improved the lives of African Americans in the state.

“I am compelled to share my appreciation for the civic contributions of Mark Ridley-Thomas. Mark Ridley-Thomas has devoted his professional life to serving the people of Los Angeles. He has invested his time and energy to empower and uplift his community and constituents for decades,” said Sen. Steve Bradford (D-Gardena), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus in a statement.

“His relentless commitment to helping improve the lives of others through public service will always be worthy of our admiration and

appreciation,” Bradford added. I believe that this is a sad day for Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who worked with Thomas for more than 40 years. “And I feel that sadness personally,” she added. Bass described RidleyThomas as a “a policymaker who made a real impact.”

L.A. City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson took to Twitter to express his appreciation for RidleyThomas.

“When those in power chose to forget our community, Mark Ridley-Thomas centered and uplifted us,” he wrote.

“I certainly think people are shocked and saddened by what they’ve read. But I’ve also heard people share how much respect they have for the work that Mark Ridley-Thomas has done.”

Gov. Newsom Announces $736 M in Funding for Local Communities

Keeping his promise to fast track solutions addressing California’s stubborn homelessness crisis, last week Gov. Gavin Newsom announced $736 million in grants to be channeled directly to local communities for building or acquiring shelter for

unhoused people.

“At a time when more housing is desperately needed, Homekey is proving that we can build faster, and at a fraction of conventional construction costs,” Newsom said.

“My Administration has made available an unprecedented $3.4 billion to date for Homekey to use at the local level to address housing and homelessness. I look forward to seeing more communities use this latest round of funding to boost housing around the state,” the Governor added.

California Black Media Hosts

you might have missed.

City Council Meeting - April 4th

By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor

Following a routine City Council Meeting Mayor James T. Butts read a proclamation honoring departing City Council Member George Dotson that cited his numerous accomplishments during his nine-year tenure as a member of the Inglewood City Council. Inasmuch as this was Dotson’s last council meeting as a council member several citizens offered public comments highlighting their appreciation for Dotson’s service.

At the beginning of the meeting a public hearing was conducted to consider adoption of a resolution approving a certain Special Use Permit request to allow an approximately 70,000 squarefoot addition to an existing 156,000 square-foot 6-story self-storage facility on an approximately 74,000 squarefoot, M-1 (Light Manufacturing) zoned property at 937-959 West Hyde Park Boulevard.

After public comments, a staff report, and comments from Council Members Alex Padilla and Eloy Morales, the council affirmed the categorical exemption EA-2022-129 and adopted the resolution approving Special Use Permit No. SP-2022-008 with appropriate findings subject to 13 Conditions.

A second public hearing was conducted to consider amending the Master Fee Schedule to reflect a yearover-year 8% increase in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI). Similarly, following public comments the council adopted a resolution approving the fee increases and authorized staff to amend the

Master Fee Schedule to reflect said fee increases to be operative commencing June 5, 2023.

It is significant to note that the fee increases for Inglewood residents will cap at four percent, rather than eight percent for non-residents.

A third public hearing was heard to consider adoption of a resolution adopting the Relocation Plan for the Inglewood Transit Connector Project. The measure was adopted.

The council authorized payment of an invoice in the amount of $535, submitted by Bell Event Services, Inc., for providing a light tower for the City’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Festival on Saturday, February 18, 2023. (General Fund)

The council authorized payment of an invoice in the amount of $3,000, submitted by Elevate Culture Corporation, for provision of Talent and Stage Production Services for the City’s 2023 King Day Celebration. (General Fund)

The council authorized payment of

an invoice, in the amount of $10,000, submitted by Harris Steel Fence Co. Inc., for repair of the ballfield fence at Darby Park. (General Fund)

The council authorized payment of an invoice in the amount of $73,945.98, submitted by the City of Manhattan Beach for supplemental law enforcement services. (General Fund)

The council authorized purchase orders to AT&T Services, Inc. for new cellphones and the related service plans. (IT & Communications Fund)

The council awarded a contract and approved an agreement with Mehta Mechanical Company, Inc. dba MMC, Inc. (Contractor), using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant Funds, for the North Inglewood Booster Pump No. 3 Replacement Project, per Bid No. CB-23-05. (General Fund)

The council approved a renewal agreement with Enerwise Global Technologies, Inc., dba CPower (CPower), to serve as a Curtailment Service Provider for Southern

California Edison’s (SCE) “SCE Resource Adequacy Addendum” (RA).

The council awarded a contract and approved an agreement with S&L Specialty Construction, Inc. (S&L) to provide residential sound insulation work on 45 residential units (RSI Phase XV, Group 36), per Bid No. CB-23-06. (Noise Mitigation Fund)

The council approved an agreement with Dynamic Planning, LLC (DP+S) for work related to the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. (Grant Fund)

The council adopted a resolution authorizing application to and participation in the Prohousing Designation Program.

The council adopted Ordinance No. 23-09, regarding Stormwater Management and Discharge Control and amending Article 16 of Chapter 10 (Public Works) of the Inglewood Municipal Code to include additional revisions pursuant to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.

Free workout classes return to SoFi Stadium

Hollywood Park Moves

Presented By Cedars-Sinai will return to SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park for its third year, beginning Saturday April 8 through Saturday July 29, 2023. The series of free workout classes will take place on Saturday mornings from 8 - 9 a.m. at the basketball court at Hollywood Park, adjacent to SoFi Stadium.

This year, Hollywood Park invites the community for a sneak peek of its retail area, opening in 2023, with a workout at its basketball court.

Spanning nearly 300 acres, Hollywood Park is the largest urban mixed-use development under construction in the Western United States and includes SoFi Stadium and YouTube Theater. Hollywood Park will feature an initial 500,000-square-foot retail area surrounded by creative office space, sophisticated residences, and 25-acres of public parks and open space.

Area Communities

Serving Ladera, Hawthorne, Westchester, Lawndale, Gardena, Carson

‘ROMANCE AND DANCE’

Pole Dancing Classes in Inglewood

to tone their bodies and get in shape, Fee added. “We have students that represent a broad cross section of females from students to attorneys, businesswomen and housewives. Pole dancing has become a popular substitute for women who do not want to go to a gym or health club to lose weight or get in shape.

The professionally appointed studio in Inglewood is adorned with several dancing poles, rings, and ropes for the students to use in their classes while the mirrored walls are accented with beautiful roses.

“Our classes are designed to build the confidence and self-esteem of our students,” Fee explained. “We are proud to report that many of our students could be classified as plussized women who could, if they were so inclined, compete favorably against the slender models that one would usually find in an adult strip club.”

By Francis Taylor, Contributing Writer

Husband and wife team Robert and Manuel Fee recently held the Grand Opening of their third pole dancing studio, ‘Romance and Dance,’ in the La Brea Plaza in Inglewood, at the corner

of La Brea and Centinela Avenue on December third. Hundreds of guests and visitors were treated to dozens of pole dancing performers from their existing studios in Rancho Cucamonga and Carson, California.

“We are proud to open our third studio

in the City of Inglewood,” studio owner Fee said. “Inglewood is a businessfriendly community, and we have friends and relatives in the city with wellestablished and profitable businesses.

“Pole dancing is a sexy and effective way for women of all shapes and sizes

The Fees have been operating professional pole dancing studios for sixteen years in Southern California and it all began with four poles in their garage at home.

Sen. Padilla, Rep. Ruiz Push for National Park Named for César E. Chávez

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

United States Sen. Alex Padilla (DCA) and Congressman Raul Ruiz (DCA-25) last week introduced bicameral legislation to create the “César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park.”

The bill calls for preserving nationally significant sites associated with labor and civil rights leader César E. Chávez and the farmworker movement in California and Arizona. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and U.S. Congressmembers Raul Grijalva (DAZ-7) and Rueben Gallego (D-AZ-3).

“On César Chávez Day we commemorate the work and legacy of an iconic Latino civil rights leader,” Sen. Alex Padilla said in a statement. “Establishing the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park will pay proper homage to Chávez’s tireless work for the dignity, respect, and equal treatment of farmworkers.

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared March 31, 2023, Cesar Chavez day in California.

Padilla continued, “Our National Park System tells the story of our nation and preserves the people and movements that we value as Americans. Yet our park system does not yet adequately preserve the full culture and diverse legacy of all Americans. This legislation

would bring us closer to the recognition farmworkers have earned and deserve.”

Chávez is a Latino icon and civil rights leader, labor leader, and community organizer whose legacy is intricately connected to the story of California, the farmworker labor movement, and the

push for worker and civil rights.

Chávez empowered Latinos and farmworkers to fight for fair wages, health care coverage, pension benefits,

Sports & Entertainment

Matthew Stafford during offseason

it’s been a long time since he’s been healthy through an offseason, where he’s been able to throw. I was just with him the other morning where he was in there early (at the facility) working, being able to do the things that are in alignment with preparing for the season.”

“Heading into the offseason, got a chance to be pretty darn healthy and continue to try to get to feeling as good as I can I feel, and then get ready to go again next year,” he said during his end-of-season media availability at that time.

Stafford did not throw during the Rams’ offseason program in the spring of 2022, then had his throwing workload in training camp on a pitch count as part of their plan to manage his elbow. In the 2022 regular season, he was limited to nine games as he missed time due to concussion protocol and a spinal cord contusion.

By Stu Jackson, Therams.com

In less than two weeks, the Rams are scheduled kick off their offseason program, with Organized Team Activity

workouts slated to get underway on May 22. When it comes to Matthew Stafford’s participation, the quarterback will have “no limitations” and be “ready to roll,”

Westchester High School to host Collision

All Star Games set for Saturday April 15

The 23rd annual Collision

All Star Basketball Games will return to a high school gymnasium for the first time since 2017 and only the 8th time in the history of the event when perennial Los Angeles City Section power Westchester plays host on April 15, 2023.

High schools that have been honored to host Collision include Long Beach Poly, Los Angeles Fremont, Gardena Serra, Ocean View, Inglewood and Narbonne six years ago. Collision was grounded for two years 2020-’21 because of the COVID pandemic restrictions, but returned to El Camino College for 2022.

Featuring the top senior girls and boys representing the Los Angeles City Section versus the Southern Section, Collision remains the only post season all-star game with a purpose as

the sections compete for pride and bragging rights.

The Southern Section girls have dominated in their rivalry 19-3, but the boys series has been ultra-competitive with the Southern Section clinging to a 12-10 advantage.

Alumni includes NBA MVP Russell Westbrook (Leuzinger), former UCLA and NBA standout and his wife Nina Earl-Westbrook (Diamond Ranch, MVP), Darren Collision (Etiwanda, MVP), Spencer Dinwiddie (Taft), former WNBA standouts Ebony Hoffman (Narbonne) and Lisa Willis (Narbonne), Chloe Wells (AB Miller) who was a Duke standout.

Girls game is scheduled to tip at 5p.m. and the boys games at 7p.m. for more information contact 310.924.7851

according to head coach Sean McVay.

“He’s doing really well,” McVay said last week at the NFL Annual Meetings in Phoenix. “I think he’d be better equipped to answer this, but I think

“He’s doing really well,” McVay said. “I think last year, there was such a unique combination and collaboration of things that prevented him from being

Continued on page 7

McVay: ‘No limitations’ for

program; Stafford will be ‘ready to roll’

BUPPIE | BUSINESS

After Calif. Gig Worker Ruling, Advocates Want Protections for Contract Nurses, Too

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

McKenzie Young is a traveling nurse from California who works in Hawaii. She gets placements though an agency that connects her to temporary jobs around the state and country. Her assignments can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to months at a time.

When Young returns to the mainland, she plans to sign up on a nursing placement app for shorter-term freelance nurses who get paid by picking up shifts at nearby medical facilities.

Currently, her gig in Hawaii pays Young by the hour. She gets medical insurance through the hospital to which she is assigned, and she opted to pay outof-pocket for her own individualized retirement plan.

“If you can do it smart that way and make sure you’re giving what you should and set up the accounts you need, I can put even more into my retirement because I’m making more,” Young said. “It’s hard going back to staff.

Young says more nurses would opt for freelance work if they knew how flexible and lucrative it can be. And because there is a nursing shortage, she never has to worry about not finding temporary assignments.

As more nurses like Young enter the gig economy seeking higher pay rates and more control over their work schedules,

some advocates assert that hospitals that contract nurses often misclassify them as independent contractors, a practice that comes with “tremendous legal and regulatory risks.”

“When workers are misclassified as independent contractors, there is a damaging domino effect that impacts all levels of our economy. In this case, caretakers were systematically denied minimum wage, overtime, and other legally required working conditions,” said California Labor Commissioner Lilia García-Brower.

Nurses have access to various apps that help them find work. Just like dating apps, many of these apps enable users to browse through job options by scrolling or swiping until they find a suitable job, facility, and working hours.

Within the spectrum of these healthcare staffing apps, some provide 1099 workers who are farmed out as independent contractors. Other companies like IntelyCare and ShiftMed hire healthcare staff as W-2 employees, who are eligible for benefits not accorded to 1099 workers.

On March 13, California Courts of Appeal Justices ruled that Proposition 22 (a 2020 ballot measure that allowed Lyft, Uber and other gig economy platforms to classify their workers as independent contractors rather than employees) is constitutional.

Executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, issued a press release speaking out against the court’s decision.

“Today the Appeals Court chose to stand with powerful corporations over working people, allowing companies to buy their way out of our state’s labor laws and undermine our state constitution,” Gonzalez Fletcher said. “Our system is broken. It would be an understatement to say we are disappointed by this decision.”

Gonzalez Fletcher, who as an Assemblymember authored Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5), which established stricter criteria for classifying workers as independent contractors rather than employees, has been a vocal supporter of legislation prohibiting companies from hiring freelance workers to avoid paying them benefits they are entitled to under California’s labor laws.

The distinction between being an employee and independent contractor is very important, advocates like Gonzalez Fletcher point out. Employees have the right to benefits including sick and family leave, unemployment benefits, minimum wage and more. With 36% of workers in the US in the gig economy, the ongoing battle for these distinctions continues to rage on with both sides contesting court decisions made in the other’s favor.

This past year home healthcare placement agencies were fined $1.8 million by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office for misclassifying 66 workers. Healthcare app-based staffing company CareRev was sued for misclassifying workers who signed up on the app as contractors.

Advocates point out that the healthcare industry is more regulated than the rideshare industry.

“Any nurse who walks into a longterm care or memory care facility will have a long list of rules and protocols that need to be followed. They are often given access badges, a work schedule, a patient list, and time slots for medication, food, or exercise rotation,” reads a press release advocates published describing how companies are benefitting from hiring contract nurses and not paying them benefits fulltime employees must receive by law.

So far, no bill has been introduced in the California legislature to regulate health care industry staffing apps, but advocates say the problems they are posing will hurt health care workers and the industry writ large.

“Misclassification opens the door for joint employer liability and legal wage and hour disputes,” advocates added in the press release.

Reparations: Experts Compute Hundreds of Billions Owed to Black Californians

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media

Economists advising The California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans have developed economic formulas that project the reparations owed to Black Californians who are descendants of people enslaved in the United States are likely to exceed $800 billion.

Three of five harms were used in the calculations conducted by a five-member panel of economic experts: health, disproportionate housing discrimination, Black mass incarceration and over policing are “from a long list of harms” the state “is a least partially responsible for,” said Dr. Thomas Craemer, a professor of public policy at the University of Connecticut and one of the experts involved in the assessment.

Craemer spoke last week at the task force’s 14th meeting held in Sacramento on March 29 and 30. The figures also applies to forebears who survived legal

segregation, Jim Crow discrimination and other social and economic injustices.

“These are harms for which we thought that we’d have data, that’s one

criterion,” said Craemer. “The other is that they are closely related to the actions of the state of California to make our estimates more defensible in

the face of challenges that will undoubtedly arrive once the proposal is made public.”

The economic experts’ analysis and final recommendations for the Task Force regarding calculations of reparations and forms of compensation and restitution were presented by Craemer and Dr. William Spriggs.

Spriggs appeared remotely in front of the task force. He is the former chair of the Department of Economics at Howard University. He now serves as chief economist to the AFL-CIO.

The health harm calculations were determined by the annual loss to “Black, non-

Continued from page 5:McVay...

able to play the way that he’s capable of, whether it was the things that he dealt with, some of the surrounding parts, missing a lot of time leading up into the season with some of the injuries and just different things that he was working through. So I think there’s a lot of guys on our team that will have a renewed sense of urgency and appreciation for just getting back out and competing, and he’s certainly one of those guys. We’re a lot better football team with him going.”

When healthy last year, Stafford completed 206 of 303 pass attempts for 2,087 yards with 10 touchdowns against eight interceptions. When he started all 17 regular season games and all four of Los Angeles’ ensuing playoff games in their Super Bowl LVI-winning 2021 season, he completed 404 of 601 pass attempts for 4,886 yards with 41 touchdowns against 17 interceptions. His passing yards broke Kurt Warner’s single-season franchise record, while

his touchdown total tied Warner’s single-season franchise record.

To McVay’s point about it being a long time since Stafford was healthy through an offseason: Prior to the elbow situation, Stafford dealt with a thumb injury from hitting his throwing hand on the helmet of a defensive player during 2021 training camp – though he brushed it off and was a full participant in practice the next day.

“It’ll be nice,” Stafford said back in January, when asked what going into OTAs healthy does for him. “I had obviously the thumb a couple years ago, then elbow stuff that I wasn’t able to really participate in a whole lot of stuff when it comes to throwing the football for a long time. So to be able to do that in a way more regular pace, which is exciting for me as a player, that’s what I want to do. I want to be out there. I want to be able to throw and be a part of the team and do all that kind of stuff. So that’s exciting for me.”

NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE A NEGATIVE DECLARATION

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, a Negative Declaration has been prepared on the belowreferenced program, on the basis that said program will not have a significant effect on the environment.

Continued from page 2: The California...

Dinner

Honoring Joe Stephenshaw

Last week, California Black Media hosted a reception honoring Department of Finance (DOF) Director Joe Stephenshaw.

A number of state lawmakers, public officials, Black news publishers, journalists and others attended the event co-hosted by the California Black Freedom fund and held at the Prelude Kitchen & Bar in downtown Sacramento.

“For us, this is one of those moments we deeply treasure when the leaders of the Black Press in California get to officially welcome, celebrate and interact with a top thought leader and decisionmaker in state government in an environment that is intimate and welcoming – no spotlights, no cameras, no fanfare,” said Regina Wilson, Executive Director, California Black Media.

We exchanged ideas and talked freely about our challenges as we got an firsthand view into how our government is deploying our tax dollars in ways that directly impact the lives of the communities we serve,” Wilson added. “We look forward to working more closely with Joe and the Newsom administration on priorities that advance equity for Black Californians.

Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Stephenshaw to the DOF role. In January, he made his first annual budget presentation as the

state’s chief fiscal officer alongside the governor.

Project Homekey is a state government initiative that aims to quickly provide shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness. To date, it has successfully provided shelter for nearly 12,800 formerly unhoused individuals across the state.

Rep. Lee Releases Statement on Trump Indictment

After a New York grand jury reportedly indicted former President Donald J. Trump on more than 30 counts of business fraud last week, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) said she hopes the action was the “beginning of our justice system holding him and all involved in these crimes accountable.”

“This is the first time a former President has been indicted in American history, and this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Trump’s alleged crimes—before, during, and after his one term as President,” said Lee who is a outspoken progressive known for her Left-leaning political stances and candidate in the competitive race to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein in the November General Election.

“No one is above the law,” emphasized Lee, the highest ranking African American woman in the United States House of Representatives.

Gov. Newsom Calls U.S. House Speaker McCarthy “Coward”

In a tweet last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom called U.S. House

Copies of the

Declaration for this program are available for review at the West Basin Municipal Water District offices located at 17140 South Avalon Blvd., in the City of Carson (310) 217-2411. Anyone wishing to comment on this program may do so prior to April 24, 2023. All comments should be directed to the Acting Board Secretary, at West Basin Municipal Water District’s office. Gregory Reed

General Manager West Basin Municipal Water District

of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-20) a coward.

Newsom made the comment in a caption when he shared a video of the highest-ranking Republican member of Congress refusing to respond to a reporter’s questions about the mass shooting at a Nashville private school that claimed the lives of three adults and three 9-year-old students.

Report: Black Students Among Students With Highest Absenteeism Rates

The Public Policy Institute of California is reporting that absenteeism is on the rise among all students in California, and Black children are among the top sub-groups of kids who miss school the most.

Absenteeism rose substantially for nearly all student groups. However, we do see variation across demographic dimensions. Among racial/ethnic groups, Black, Native American, and Pacific Islander students experienced the highest rates of chronic absenteeism, exceeding 40% in 2021–22,” the report reads.

The California Legislature Is on Spring Recess

Look out for listings of your state lawmakers’ local townhall meetings in your city or a nearby town. On March 31, the California Legislature adjourned for its Spring Recess. Members are expected to return to Sacramento on or before April 10 when the Legislature reconvenes.

housing improvements, and countless other protections for their well-being. His commitment to social justice has inspired many, and advocates and activists point to him as a role model for their ongoing efforts to improve the lives of all people, regardless of their ethnicity or the color of their skin.

As a farmworker, César Chávez maintained a strong connection to the environment; and the bill by the lawmakers intends to uplift Chavez’s story, and those of others whose contributions helped build the farmworker and civil rights movements that are pillars of American history.

“Growing up the son of farmworkers in the Coachella Valley, I remember seeing César Chávez and the sense of hope he gave to our communities and farmworkers across the United States. His story still inspires and motivates me even today,” said Ruiz. “My legislation with Sen. Padilla, the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act, will help the National Park Service (NPS) embrace their role as storytellers of our nation and reflect the diversity and richness of our people.”

There are hundreds of sites that are part of the National Park system that preserve natural, historical, and cultural heritage while offering vital spaces for teaching, learning, and outdoor recreation.

The bill establishes the César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park, which incorporates the headquarters of the United Farm Workers (UFW) at La Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz in

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they provided during my campaign and this is just a way to say thank you,” Gray stated.

The event is being paid for by Gloria Gray for City Council D1 campaign.

The first order of official business for Gray, who has already been sworn in by the Inglewood City Clerk, will be on Monday April 10, the day following Easter where there is expect to be a robust agenda on the city council.

Gray survived a crowded field in the general election and narrowly advanced to a runoff against incumbent George Dotson, but won resoundingly.

She becomes the second Black woman on the council alongside District 4 Councilmember Dionne Faulk. Hispanics Eloy Morales of District 3 and District 2 Councilmember Alex Padilla round out the council members.

Mayor James T. Butts, who is among the most accomplished Black

Keene, California, and expands upon the existing César E. Chávez National Monument.

The bill includes a provision to “Conduct a National Historic Trail Study” for the “Farmworker Peregrinación National Historic Trail,” the 300-mile march route taken by farmworkers between Delano and Sacramento in 1966.

If the legislation passes, the Department of Interior will be required to complete a general management plan for the historical park within three years.

In 2012, President Barack Obama’s established the César E. Chávez National Monument in Keene, which recognizes the achievements and contributions to the history of our nation by Chávez and the farmworker movement.

Obama traveled to Keene to announce the establishment of the monument. From the early 1970’s until his death in 1993, the site functioned as the residence and workplace of Chávez and his family, and now is home to Chavez’s grave.

“César Chávez gave a voice to poor and disenfranchised workers everywhere,” Obama stated in October 2012. “La Paz was at the center of some of the most significant civil rights moments in our nation’s history, and by designating it a national monument, Chávez’ legacy will be preserved and shared to inspire generations to come.”

This California Black Media report was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.”

officials in the nation, having been instrumental in bringing the NFL back to Southern California and then luring the Clippers basketball team from downtown Los Angeles to Inglewood is the leader of the council.

In addition, Butts was responsible for the 25,000-squarefoot Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center and the Girl Scouts of America calling Inglewood home.

Gray campaigned on transparency, accountability and pledged to be an independent voice on the council.

Her election victory over an incumbent with the powerful backing of the mayor sent shock waves throughout the community, a signal that voters wanted a new voice and fresh vision for District 1.

Hispanic Californians” from health disparities by computing the 7.6 yearlife expectancy gap based on the Value of Statistical Life in the United States. It is a concept that is appropriately measured by estimating how much society is willing to pay to reduce the risk of death, Craemer said.

“That is what statisticians use to evaluate how much each individual places value on their life,” Craemer said. “We then divide the value associated with the gap by the average Black, nonHispanic Californian expectancy of 71 years to obtain an annual estimate of the loss to Black, non-Hispanic Californians from health disparities.”

The experts use the Black nonHispanic Californian category because they didn’t have a U.S. Census count available for Black Californians who can trace their ancestors back to slavery in the United States.

Black mass incarceration and overpolicing calculations were derived from how many Black, non-Hispanic Californians were arrested for drug felonies above the population percentage during the “War on Drugs” from 1970 to 2020. It was multiplied by the average prison term for drug offenses and by the average annual California State employee wages to arrive at the estimated total owed to Black Californians who qualify for reparation payments.

Housing discrimination was determined by calculating the average of the Black non-Hispanic Californian wage gap for 1930, 1980, 2019. The amount gave the experts the wealth

disparity from all forms of housing discrimination, Craemer said.

“I should mention that what we are estimating is not reparations. What we are estimating are losses to the African American descendants of slaves in the United States,” Craemer said. “Our calculations could be used to come up with determinations of reparations but it’s not necessarily identical. The task force can go above and beyond because some losses are framed difficult to estimate. (Such as) pain and suffering.”

The last two atrocities – unjust property taken by eminent domain and devaluation of Black businesses — are not readily available in the calculation model because of lack of data, Cramer said. The 1980 amount minus the 1930 amount provides an estimate of the effect of redlining only.

Task Force chairperson and Los Angeles attorney Kamilah V. Moore said some published news headlines have put out misinformed information about the experts’ final calculations.

“The task force has yet to determine a final amount,” Moore said.

The numbers are not concrete, leaving room for the members of the task force to evaluate, modify, or eliminate any of the experts’ findings. Spriggs said the experts are still in “deliberations.”

“I think it’s improper to prejudge what precise number we may recommend, but we’re only giving you expert advice on these specific harms. The task force has full latitude to ignore it, to add it, or take into consideration addressing tangible harms,” he added.