LAWT-01-20-2011 by LA WATTSTIMES

W E E K E N D E R

L.A. Watts Times Vol. XXX, No. 1215

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID G . BROWN

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

FEATURE STORY

| PAGES 8-9

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

HOROSCOPES

JAN. 20 - 26

RIES ~ Co-workers or customers may be grumpy this week. Don’t take it personally. Dwell in your peaceful inner space and the space around you will reflect the peaceful vibrations. AURUS ~ You feel centered this week and full of efficient energy. Use this week to accomplish tasks, make plans, and finalize arrangements that need to be made. Face into personal responsibilities with love and pleasure now. EMINI ~ You can build a bridge with your imagination to reach the person you want to meet. Build the very best bridge your imagination can afford. Your soul mate will then cross over to you. Your intentions are warm and sincere. ANCER ~ You need to relax. The urge to do everything will take a toll on you this week unless you make a concerted effort to slow your own vibes down. Think peace love and happiness and let them be real values for you. Feed your soul. EO ~ You’ll be efficient and productive this week if you got some rest. Slow down. Sometimes less is more, and you’ll see you’re doing better than most. Use your talents to create some free time for yourself. IRGO ~ Someone wants to argue, and it’s up to you to walk away. It’s easy to let go of any idea of control if you remember that you are only responsible for your own feelings. Act healthy this week and enjoy your life.

IBRA ~ Be flexible as others present changes and new schedules for a group activity. Your easy-going attitude will allow you to reschedule appointments easily. Watch the sun rise it’ll be good for your spirits! CORPIO ~ Give your busy brain a rest and work your body this week. It’s a great day for physical activity that can loosen up muscles and relieve tensions. You’ll receive some practical advice from a distant relative. AGITTARIUS ~ Family responsibilities may feel like a chore this week. If you relinquish control of the situation, a natural order will occur, and things will organize themselves. You can let people be who they are. APRICORN ~ A secret may be revealed in a casual conversation. Your confidence is valued and appreciated. Take it all in! There’s no returning to what has been once you realize the gift you’ve been given. QUARIUS ~ A friend from the past could suddenly appear in your life. This could be a highly beneficial reunion for both of you. Let bygones be bygones, and renew this friendship. Love isn’t used up just because it’s shared. ISCES ~ Drive the speed limit this week or you could wind up with a ticket. Why rush? Serenity is available if you only stop and listen for it inside of you. Discharge your usual obligations with dignity and count your blessings.

Inside this Edition

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Comics

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER Published Weekly – Updates 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008 Administration – Sales – Graphics – Editorial 323.299.3800 - office 323.291.6804 - fax Beverly Cook – Publisher, Managing Editor 1976 – 1993 Charles Cook – Publisher, 1976 – 1998 Melanie Polk – Publisher 1998 – 2010

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

AP Photo by Nick Ut

Members of the Los Angeles police department gather outside Gardena High School in Gardena, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011. According to officials, a number of students were wounded in a shooting at the high school.

Girl wounded in LA school shooting awakens BY ROBERT JABLON ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — A 15-yearold high school student who was shot in the head when a smuggled gun went off in her classroom opened her eyes Wednesday but remained in critical condition while a wounded boy also continued to improve, a doctor said. Meanwhile, the incoming superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District said the school did not follow a policy requiring daily metal-detector scans of some students. Both students were hit by the same bullet Tuesday at Gardena High School, when a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun that a 17-year-old student was carrying in a backpack went off when he dropped the bag on his desk, police said. The teen fled the classroom, traded clothes with another boy and gave the backpack to a girl, police Detective A. Batris said. The 10th-grader linked to the gun was in custody at a juvenile detention center after police interviewed him and his mother. The boy expressed remorse, and his mother was concerned about the two victims, police said. The teen was on probation for a fight at school last year, said police Capt. Bill Hayes, and could be charged with assault with a deadly weapon. The boy who traded clothes and the girl were arrested for investigation of concealing evidence. Police declined to release additional details but said all three teens probably would be held in juvenile detention until prosecutors decide

whether to file criminal charges. The victims, whose names were not released, were taken to the trauma center at nearby Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. The 15-year-old boy was upgraded to good condition after being shot in the neck and could be released in a few days. The girl remained in critical condition because she was not breathing on her own, said Dr. Gail Anderson Jr., chief medical officer at the hospital. She underwent surgery Tuesday after the bullet hit and fractured her skull but did not penetrate it. It was too early to determine if she will suffer any permanent damage. However, the girl awoke from sedation and was able to follow commands, although she was still relying on a breathing tube and it was unclear whether she could speak, Anderson said. “This is a great sign, for her to be able to open her eyes, to be able to respond appropriately,” Anderson said. The girl was able to move both sides of her body but “the left side seems to be much better than the right,” the doctor said. Security was tight Wednesday at the campus in South Los Angeles, where incoming district superintendent John Deasy said school personnel had failed to use proper security procedures on the day of the shooting. For years, the nation’s secondlargest school district has required some campuses to use hand-held metal-detecting wands in daily, random checks of students. “That didn’t occur” Tuesday at Gardena High School and perhaps on other days, although the school's daily logs have not yet been thor-

oughly reviewed, Deasy said. “We don’t know yet. But I think it’s at least fair to say from the level of review at this moment that it was sporadic,” he told The Associated Press. “I’m disturbed and angry at that” and disciplinary action will be taken that potentially could involve firing some officials, said Deasy, who will become superintendent when Ramon Cortines retires in April. The entire district security policy also will be reviewed, he said. It was not clear if a check would have kept the gun off the gated campus, a massive property

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with 2,400 students. “We do not know that this individual student would or would not have been caught because we’re still trying to determine how and where he entered campus,” Deasy said. The shooting occurred in a classroom at the school, where Principal Rudy Mendoza said students were on a break at the time. The campus, about 15 miles south of downtown, was locked down after the incident. The current district policy recognizes that security measures can’t catch every student committing a crime in the sprawling district, but the procedures have found guns and

contraband, Deasy said. Officials will look at the policy to see if changes should be made. One issue that may be discussed is whether some schools should have permanent metal detectors at entrances, a costly measure that some other districts have adopted. Two students were shot at the school in February 2002, when three assailants tried to hold them up in an outdoor area. In the past five years, two students have been expelled for firearms violations. The school ranks among the district’s lowest-performing high schools, with roughly 35 percent of its students dropping out.

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Locals honor King in Kingdom Day Parade One participant called the day ‘inspirational’ because Dr. King ‘tried to get people together’

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Photo by Brian Carter

California State Sen. Curren Price at the Kingdom Day Parade on Jan. 17.

BY BRIAN W. CARTER L.A. SENTINEL STAFF WRITER The Kingdom Day Parade kicked off on Jan. 17 with good weather and spirit of joy and accomplishment. Martin L. King Jr. Boulevard was alive with drums, dancing, singing and soul. Local high schools bands proudly marched, danced and beat drums in honor of King. Many organizations, elected officials, and others greeted the public from floats and cars, and enjoyed the festivities. One of this year’s celebrity grand marshals was California Attorney General Kamala Harris. She waved and greeted the crowd as she rode along in the parade with her sister, niece and nephew. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was another marshal in the parade. Many other elected officials participated in the parade. Congresswomen Laura Richardson and Maxine Waters, who walked the parade, personally greeted people in the crowd. Waters celebrated the event along with her husband, Sidney Williams and daughter, Karen Waters. The Kingdom Day Parade had a huge turnout, filled with many races and diversity. Many African Americans voiced their

feelings about the day with the Los Angeles Sentinel. Felicia Moorer expressed what the day meant to her. “What today means to me is that I am proud to be an African-American woman in the United States,” Moorer said. “I thanked God for Martin Luther King for what he has done for us as a nation and how we’ve prospered as an American people.” Crenshaw High School student McKaylen Calhoone participated in this year’s parade with the Crenshaw High School band. The clarinet player expressed her sentiments about the day. “I think it’s an inspirational day because he tried to get people together to join hands no matter what they believe in, or how they felt about people,” she said. “He just wanted them to be together one day, happy.” Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks and his wife, Bobbie Parks, also attended the parade. “Today is a day that causes you to reflect, to remember where we came from, to remember the people that got us here,” he said, “and to make sure that we incorporate it in our daily lives.”

Photo by Brian Carter

One of the several floats at the Kingdom Day Parade, which took place Jan. 17 in South Los Angeles.

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

‘Mr. Compton’ is laid to rest Maxcy Filer will continue to be remembered by many BY YUSSUF SIMMONDS CO-MANAGING EDITOR Affectionately called “Mr. Compton,” attorney Maxcy Filer was laid to rest amid pomp and majesty. The people of Compton came out to pay their final respects to their fallen hero, including his family. A big family came out to give a royal send-off to a big man who was also a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grand father, longtime councilman, civil rights leader, activist and fighter for equal justice for all in Compton and beyond. After lying in state for two days at Compton City Hall, Filer was memorialized at the Love and Unity Christian Fellowship. In addition to his family, those who came to pay their final respects

included Compton Mayor Eric Perrodin, councilmembers Dr. Willie Jones and Barbara Calhoun, State Sen. Rod Wright and others. They all remembered Filer: Perrodin: I remember I was still going to law school when Maxcy passed the bar, and as a deputy district attorney, he came to me to negotiate on behalf of his client. He got all that he wanted. Wright: When people think of Compton, Maxcy Filer comes to mind. He was a part of its history. His perseverance to become a lawyer is a story within itself; it is a story of a success in this community. Jones: He was a member of my church, an attorney, a family man, a politician and a servant of the Lord. He raised his family in the church … all of his children. He was a

Photo by Ian Foxx

Maxcy Filer lay in a casket. strong leader of the community and he lived a life of service. He was really Mr. Compton. Calhoun: When he was in his law office on Compton Boulevard, he would always point to a picture that was on his wall and he would tell you all the people that was in the picture … and Maxcy Filer could give you some history … African-American history … he could give you the year everything

happened. He was a wealth of information. Business man Lonnie Bunkley: I think of Maxcy as having three characteristics. First, he was a visionary; he could look to the future, and see what should be done, and how it could be done. I remember how he saw the commercial development of downtown Compton. Second, he was a doer; he stayed focus and did hard work

to get the job done. And third, he had two big loves: he loved his family and he loved Compton. He dedicated his life to both. Former Compton City Manager Charles Evans: He was a wonderful guy, a father to many, and he loved the city. He dedicated his life to fairness and justice, and he was always fair, never taking sides. He was a pioneer and will be missed.

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

House votes to repeal Obama’s health care law WASHINGTON (AP) — Swiftly honoring a campaign pledge, newly empowered Republicans pushed legislation to repeal the nation’s year-old health care overhaul through the House Wednesday night, brushing aside implacable opposition in the Senate and a veto threat from President Barack Obama. The 245-189 vote was largely along party lines, and cleared the way for the second phase of the “repeal and replace” promise that victorious Republicans made to the voters last fall. GOP officials said that in the coming months, congressional committees will propose changes to the existing legislation, calling for elimination of a requirement for individuals to purchase coverage, for example, and recommending curbs on medical malpractice lawsuits. Republicans also intend to try to reverse many of the changes Democrats made to Medicare Advantage, the private alternative to the traditional government-run health care program for seniors. Like the repeal bill itself, these other measures will require Senate approval and a presidential signature to take effect, and the prospect is for months of maneuvering on the issue. Debate across two days leading to the vote was markedly restrained, as lawmakers in both political parties observed self-imposed vows of civility in the wake of the shooting rampage in Arizona that left six dead and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords wounded. But there was no mistaking the significance many first-term Republican lawmakers attached to a day they had long waited for, finally getting a chance to speak and then vote on the House floor against a law they had campaigned for months to repeal.

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

In this photo shot on March 8, 2010, President Barack Obama talks to an audience at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pa. The President talked about health care insurance reform. Republicans, who recently took over the House of Representatives, pledged to repeal Obama’s health care overhaul. The House voted on Wednesday to do just that. Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C. said the legislation produced by Obama and congressional Democrats was a “job-killing, socialistic” approach to health care. Rep. Frank Guinta of New Hampshire, who defeated a Democratic incumbent last fall, said it was misguided, needing repeal. “The American people have soundly, soundly rejected the Democrats’ government takeover of health care,” said Rep. Sandy

Mayor signs directive for business inclusion program (CITY OF L.A. PRESS RELEASE) — L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, joined by First Deputy Mayor Austin Beutner, recently signed an executive directive to enact the Business Inclusion Program, making it easier to do business in and with the city. The program also prioritizes assisting minority-owned businesses. According to the mayor’s office, the city has more small businesses than any other city nationwide, around 325,000. Of that number, the majority are minority owned. However, while data is inconsistent, about only 7 percent of city contracts go to minority businesses. The city aims to increase this number by establishing goals, changing policies, monitoring progress and holding general managers accountable for their results.

Adams of Florida. Rep. Steve Southerland, also of Florida, said the law imposes a crushing tax burden on businesses, and he predicted “1.6 million jobs will be lost by 2014 due to this mandate” to require many businesses to provide coverage for employees. Both Floridians won their seats by turning out Democratic incumbents. “This is not symbolic. This is why we were sent here,” added Rep. Michelle Bachman, of Minnesota, a third-term conservative with strong support among tea party activists. On the short end of the vote, Democrats challenged Republican claims and highlighted politically popular elements of the bill that would be wiped out if repeal took effect. Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., accused some Republicans of “the height of hypocrisy” by voting to repeal a vast expansion of health care at the same time they had signed up for coverage for their families through a governmentorganized program available to lawmakers. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., said that despite claims of employ-

ment loss, the economy had added jobs in each of the past 10 months. In one of the most animated speeches of two days of debate, Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., said repeal would return power to insurance companies. “Has anybody, any family in America, any single mother, any spouse, any child, any grandparent met a more bureaucratic system than the American health insurance system? There is no more bureaucratic system.” Three Democrats voted with Republicans on the repeal measure, Dan Boren of Oklahoma, Mike McIntyre of North Carolina and Mike Ross of Arkansas. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said the legislation will not see the light of day there, but the GOP Leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said bluntly, “I assure you we will” have a vote on it. The law faces another challenge, well beyond the reach of Obama’s veto pen. More than half the states have filed suits against it, and while some judges have upheld the legislation, one recently ruled it was unconstitutional to require indi-

viduals to purchase insurance. The Supreme Court is widely expected to have the final word. The Obama administration has made a major effort in recent days to emphasize parts of the bill that have met with public approval, including one that permits children to age 26 to remain on their parents’ policies if they do not have on-the-job coverage of their own. Democrats also argue that repeal would short-circuit other changes yet to take effect, including a ban on the insurance industry’s practice of denying coverage or charging sharply higher premiums on the basis of a pre-existing medical condition. Republicans intend to address the same issues with legislation they say they will bring to the House floor in the coming months, according to officials who have been involved in discussions on the issue, but no details were immediately available. Last year, for example, the Republicans proposed a 10-year, $25 billion program to help states fund programs in which high-risk See REPEAL, page 13

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Ways to work around the HEALTHY LIVING hidden fat in croquettes FROM HEALTHY LIVING NEWS

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To prepare the relish, in a small bowl whisk together the red peppers, oregano, thyme, jelly, salt and scallions. Set aside. To prepare the croquettes, in a large nonstick skillet over high, heat the oil. Add the sweet potato, onion and red bell pepper. Saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Wipe out the skillet and set aside. Add the chicken (or turkey), lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper, then stir to combine. Add the egg whites and sour cream, then stir again. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Divide the chicken (or turkey) mixture into 12 balls, using about 2 heaping tablespoons per ball. Roll the balls in the breadcrumbs to coat. Return the skillet to mediumhigh heat and coat with cooking spray. When the pan is hot, add 6 of the balls, flattening them into patties with a spatula. Cook until golden-brown on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the croquettes to a serving platter and cover with foil to keep warm. Coat the skillet with additional cooking spray, then repeat with the remaining balls. Serve with the red pepper relish. Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 310 calories; 62 calories from fat (20 percent of total calories); 7 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 67 mg cholesterol; 32 g carbohydrate; 28 g protein; 3 g fiber; 767 mg sodium.

b o a rd

See HIDDEN FAT, page 14

Start to finish: 35 minutes Servings: 4 For the relish: 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and diced 3 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped 3 tablespoons hot pepper jelly Pinch salt 1 scallion, thinly sliced For the croquettes: 1 teaspoon canola oil 1 cup uncooked shredded sweet potato 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper 2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken breast or turkey breast 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 large egg whites 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

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The humble croquette may be a great way to use up leftovers, but it’s also an easy way to chow down hidden fat and calories. These crispy balls (or patties) of minced meat and vegetables can contain plenty of unwanted — and unexpected — fat and calories, so you need to concoct your croquettes with a little nutritional know-how.

c a rd

Chicken and sweet potato croquettes with red pepper relish

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BY JIM ROMANOFF FOR THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

With the new year here, perhaps you have had enough of top 10 lists. If not, Boston’s Start Strong program just released its second annual list of the top 10 songs that portray, and glamorize, healthy and unhealthy relationships. The list uses fun, support, respect and trust as criteria to measure positive songs, and drama, disrespect, obsession and partner manipulation as criteria for negative relationship songs. This year’s top healthy and unhealthy relationship songs (and the artists) are rated below. Parents please take note. Healthy relationship songs: 1. “If It’s Love,” Train 2. “Teenage Dream,” Katy Perry 3. “Everything To Me,” Monica 4. “Smile,” Uncle Kracker 5. “If We Ever Meet Again,” Timbaland (with Katy Perry) 6. “Naturally,” Selena Gomez 7. “When I Look At You,” Miley Cyrus 8. “Nothin’ On You,” BoB 9. “Mine,” Taylor Swift 10. “Just The Way You Are,” Bruno Mars Unhealthy Relationship Songs: 1. “Lil’ Freak,” Usher

2. “Hot Tottie,” Usher 3. “Love The Way You Lie,” Eminem (with Rihanna) 4. “Misery,” Maroon 5 5. “Only Girl,” Rihanna 6. “Your Love Is My Drug,” Kesha 7. “F**k You,” Cee Lo Green 8. “Deuces,” Chris Brown (with Tyga) 9. “Eenie Meenie,” Justin Bieber (with Sean Kingston) 10. “Give It Up To Me,” Shakira (with Lil’ Wayne) Whether pop music influences human behavior is a debate for another time. On to another topic… According to a new study, however, dating violence among teens is a real problem, and not just violence committed by boys. Published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, it asked 1,400 Boston high school students if, during the past month, they had been violent with a date or someone they had sex with, a fellow student or peer, or a sibling. Violent behavior was defined as pushing, shoving, slapping, hitting, punching, kicking or choking one or more times. One-fifth of the students (18 percent) admitted committing an act of violence against a date or sex partner with a significantly larger See HEALTHY LIVING, page 15

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L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

Football

By Michael Brown Contributing Writer

Not since both the Rams and Raiders departed Los Angeles in the mid-1990s has the chances of the city regaining an NFL franchise appeared as likely as it does now — due to recent developments. When the Rams left for St. Louis and the Raiders headed to Oakland, the void left in L.A. — the nation’s second largest television market behind New York — inspired several competing groups over the years to make bids in hopes of securing a team. After L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said in November 2007 that the Memorial Coliseum would no longer have to be the relocation home for an NFL team and that other options would be explored, things began to happen: Billionaire developer Ed Roski Jr. proposed plans for a stadium to be built in the City of Industry in early 2008 and secured a site. Roski, who helped develop the Staples Center and L.A. Live, along with AEG’s president and chief executive, Tim Leiweke, pledged to privately finance an $800 million, 75,000-seat stadium and entertainment complex in the City of Industry, located in the southeast part of the San Gabriel Valley near the intersection of the 57 and 60 freeways. The issue of where an NFL team would be located was rekindled after Leiweke and sports and entertainment executive Casey Wasserman, last D e -

ILLUSTRATION CONTRIBUTED BY DAVID G . BROWN

RETURNING TO LOS ANGELES? cember, proposed to build a stadium in downtown at the Convention Center next to Staples Center. Leiweke set a March 2011 deadline for the City of L.A. to green light the project, and for the NFL to relocate a franchise to the area. Leiweke said that he envisions expanding the current Convention Center to accommodate future Super Bowls, Final Fours, international soccer events and lucrative conventions such as Comic-Con. In reaction to Leiweke’s announcement, Roski told NBC L.A. host Fred Roggin in a December 2010 telecast that he was “surprised.” “About five or six years ago, Tim and I and Casey made an announcement to do a stadium downtown,” Roski said. “And at the time, the NFL contacted us and said, ‘No guys, we’re not going to go downtown. We want an area that you can tailgate in.’ ” Parking, traffic congestion and environmental studies, which are mandated by the California Environmental Protection Agency for many large projects, are just a few of the issues Leiweke would have to contend with. Roski’s Majestic Realty Co. was helped from an environmental standpoint with state legislation. California Assemblymember I s a -

dore Hall introduced legislation in 2009 that exempted the construction of the City of Industry’s stadium from the California Environmental Quality Act. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was the governor then, signed the legislation. Assembly Bill X3 81 makes it possible for Majestic Realty to construct the first “green” stadium, according to the company’s website. Roski said on the company’s website that the stadium’s construction and operation would create 18,000 jobs. Building a stadium is merely half the battle, however. Attracting an NFL team would be the next step for either group involved. For years, Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks and L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas advocated for the NFL to return to the Coliseum, but to no avail. “The reason we didn’t get an NFL franchise at the Coliseum is because the league was more interested in fostering competition for a venue in the region than in actually bringing a team here,” Ridley-Thomas said

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in an e-mail. “At the time of those negotiations, billions of dollars in public investment were being poured into the area; both the league and the region would have benefited economically from the relationship.” The L.A. Watts Times tried to get comments from Parks, but he could not be reached. Villaraigosa and entrepreneur and former Laker Magic Johnson, who both advocate bringing football to L.A., also could not be reached. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reportedly said during a Super Bowl week press conference last year that he would like to see football return to L.A., but that he didn’t think it could be guaranteed. Another roadblock could be the potential in-

Thursday, January 20, 2011

ability of the NFL Players Association and the owners to work out a labor deal. With the players union recently filing a collusion claim against the owners, and Goodell telling the NFL Network “Our clubs are prepared for all outcomes,” there’s a chance the owners will lockout the players after the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expires March 4. But if both sides agree to make concessions and sign a new CBA, Los Angeles’ chances of acquiring a football team could be enhanced. If a team does come to Los Angeles, which one will it be? It could be the Minnesota Vikings. In fact, a re-

cent Yahoo! Sports story reported that Vikings officials said that representatives of Roski and Leiweke have “approached” them with proposals to move to Los Angeles. Neither Roski nor Leiweke could be reached for comment about the report. Roski has said in several interviews that the stadium was “shovel ready,” and building would begin when a team agrees to move to L.A. He has also hinted that he would be willing to buy an expansion franchise. Minnesota has been unable to convince the public to finance a new stadium, and the Vikings played their final two home games on the road this past season when the roof of the Metrodome partially collapsed due to a severe snowstorm. When asked if he thought Leiweke’s self-imposed March deadline was too small a window to secure a stadium and team, especially with the issues that must be sorted through, Ridley-Thomas said, “That ship has already sailed, but it’s premature to discuss timelines, zoning or environmental issues as they pertain to other possible venues.” “At issue is whether the league is ready to commit to bringing football back to Los Angeles. That’s the relevant question.”

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

SPORTS BEAT B Notes, quotes and things picked up on the run from coast-to-coast and all the stops in between and beyond. For the second time in history, two African-American head coaches could wind up in the Super Bowl. That would only happen if Lovie Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chicago Bears can knock off the mighty Green Bay Packers and Mike Tomlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steelers can escape the clutches of the New York Jets, quarterbacked by former USC star Mark Sanchez.

Y BRAD PYE JR.

99-92, in their Jan. 16 win over the NBA champs. The Clippers ended the Lakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; seven-game winning streak. After scoring 27 points, Kobe Bryant said the young Blake Griffin â&#x20AC;&#x153;punked us.â&#x20AC;? Griffin hit for 18 points and 15 rebounds; it was Griffinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 26th straight double-double. The Clippers also got in a significant win when they beat the Miami Heat, 111-105, on Jan. 12. Griffin, Eric Gordon and the rest of the

AP Photo/Alex Gallardo

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) yells out after scoring his 40th point of the NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, during the second half Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, in Los Angeles. Griffin finished with 47 points as the Clippers won 114-107. Both games will take place Jan. 23. The Super Bowl will take place after those games on Feb. 6. The Jets edged the New England Patriots, 28-21, and the Bears defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 35-24. Deadline note: Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis hired Hue Jackson, an African American, as the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head coach. Jackson becomes another man of color hired by Davis. You go, Al! With his early exit from the playoffs in that 21-16 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagle Michael Vickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances for winning MVP honors have virtually gone out the window. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some good news for Vick, though: The quarterback will start Jan. 30 in the Pro Bowl. This year, the Pro Bowl will be held in Hawaii. And the beat continuesâ&#x20AC;Ś Heads up: In case you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heard, the Los Angeles Lakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Matt Barnes is expected to be out for eight weeks while he recuperates from his knee surgery. Who will the Lakers get to help them whip the Clippers? They probably might need the help. The Clippers beat the Lakers,

Clippers can put up scores like this against the Heat. And they snapped the Heatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 13-game road-winning streak. And the beat continuesâ&#x20AC;Ś I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t notice Oregonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;snap attackâ&#x20AC;? in its recent 22-19 loss to Auburn in the BCS title game. For the most part, Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas and the rest of the Ducks demonstrated a whole lot of speed running the ball, but not in running off plays as predicted by the prognosticators. And the beat continuesâ&#x20AC;Ś The world knows Auburnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s QB Cam Newton is the football Heisman Trophy and BCS national football title winner. But did you know that Stanford Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christen Press recently won the Hermann Trophy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which is considered to be the highest award a college soccer player can receive. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a recognition that Press, who is Black, is the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best female soccer player. Press had the best scoring record in the United States â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 26 goals. And she also helped led her team to the College Cup. And the beat ends. Brad Pye Jr. can be reached at switchreel@aol.com.

Packersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best way to stop Hester: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t punt GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Green Bay Packers have devised and tested the ideal solution to stopping dangerous punt returners such as the Chicago Bearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Devin Hester. Just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t punt. It worked perfectly in their playoff rout of Atlanta. Thanks to a dominant performance by the Packers offense, punter Tim Masthay wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t called into action against the Falcons in the divisional playoffs. That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem likely to happen again in Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NFC championship game in Chicago, especially against a tough Bears defense. That means the Packersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; special teams will once again have their hands full with Hester, the NFLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career leader in combined punt and kick returns for touchdowns with 14. From one punt returner to another, Green Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tramon Williams is impressed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Natural ability,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From watching film, everything he does is great. He has the vision and the ability, everything. ... Coach said he's the best ever, so I feel the same way.â&#x20AC;? Indeed, Packers coach Mike McCarthy called Hester the â&#x20AC;&#x153;best player on their football teamâ&#x20AC;? before playing the Bears in the regular season finale â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a significant statement, given the fact that defensive end Julius Peppers and linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs anchor the Bears' defense. The Packers allowed Hester to break free for a 62-yard touchdown on a punt return during the teamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first meeting, a 20-17 Bears victory in Chicago on Sept. 27. But the Packers did a much better job bottling Hester up in the teamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; second meeting of the season, allowing Hester only two punt returns for 35 yards in a 10-3 Packers victory at Lambeau Field that allowed the Packers to clinch a playoff spot. McCarthy said the Packersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; improved effort was a combination of good ball placement by Masthay â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who has improved after a shaky start â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and good coverage by the special teams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our special teams played extremely well in that football game,â&#x20AC;? McCarthy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And that will be a big part of going into Soldier Field and being successful.â&#x20AC;? But one blown assignment or

AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato

Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) congratulates quarterback Jay Cutler (6) after Cutler rushed for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half an NFL divisional playoff football game Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011, in Chicago. sloppy arm tackle on Sunday, and Hester could make a momentumchanging return. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right at the top of the list, I would say,â&#x20AC;? Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For sure. He can do everything. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he's tough to stop.â&#x20AC;? Hawk says Hester is at his most dangerous when he's not dancing around. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When he gets the ball, he might make a few moves, make the first guy miss,â&#x20AC;? Hawk said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He gets vertical quick. When a guy does that â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as you've seen against us, he got one earlier this year on us â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they can crease you pretty quick and he can get in the end zone fast.â&#x20AC;? And the Packers have some coverage concerns on special teams after allowing a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eric Weems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Frankly, the kickoff return was a combination of ball placement and coverage,â&#x20AC;? McCarthy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the reason why you practice those things and you have different types of calls. And so thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure Chicago will be taking a close look at. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been playing very well on special teams but can't let it happen this week.â&#x20AC;? The Bears have one of the best special teams units in football, coached by Dave Toub. In addition to Hesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to return punts, Hester and Danieal Manning are dangerous on kickoff returns, while punter Brad Maynard showed Sunday that he can control field position â&#x20AC;&#x201D; playing perfectly into the hands of a Bears defense that tries to make opposing offenses drive the length of the field, hoping to force them into a negative play or turnover along the way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their specialists are obviously very talented,â&#x20AC;? McCarthy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The returners are very talented. So they factor in the field position in the game. There's going to be some type of wind, there always is down there. (Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) projected only about nine to 10 miles an hour, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see what happens on Sunday. Special teams is clearly one of the strengths of their football team.â&#x20AC;? Hester, meanwhile, is so good that he even can get a laugh out of typically buttoned-down Bears coach

Lovie Smith, who was asked recently to imagine trying to prepare for him instead of preparing with him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I definitely like being on the team with a guy like Devin Hester,â&#x20AC;? Smith said, laughing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can see how opposing coaches would feel trying to figure out what to do with him, whether to kick it to him. Eventually, you have to kick it to him. I just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see how you can go an entire game without it.â&#x20AC;?

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Judge: Etta James’ Mandisa loses 90 lbs, plans to release 3rd album husband may use $60K for care BY CAITLIN R. KING ASSOCIATED PRESS NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 10th season of “American Idol” kicked off Wednesday night, and some people’s lives will be changed forever. Former “Idol” finalist Mandisa (man-DEE’sah) Hundley knows the feeling. The two-time Grammy nominee finished in the top 10 the year Taylor Hicks won and is now planning to release her third gospel album April 5, called “What If We Were Real.” But as it turns out, her biggest life change came after the show. She embarked on an emotional weight loss journey two years ago and has since lost 90 pounds. Mandisa’s struggles fueled her new music. “Where I was at the beginning of this album and where I ended up are two very different places,” she told The Associated Press in an email. “It’s been a process. I will always struggle with my weight. It’s

Mandisa the thorn in my flesh.” Standing on a scale one morning and seeing a disappointing number prompted Mandisa to finally get real with herself and her fans. “I had gained weight and was so frustrated at that moment that I said so on Twitter.” She tweeted: “I’m fed-up and over it.” “I was feeling embarrassed and ashamed. I realized that I had only

talked about how great things were. I never let people in when they were not. It was then that I decided I’d talk about the bad things too,” she said. The result is what Mandisa calls her most honest record to date. She began recording “in a very dark place.” The title track and the song “Just Cry” came out of those early sessions. However, by the end of the process, she said she was back to a place of peace and joy, with the song “Lifeline,” about unwavering trust in God, the last track she recorded. Mandisa is on her way to losing 100 pounds but said she doesn’t have a goal weight. “My only goal is to be healthy physically, spiritually, and emotionally. That is a lifelong journey,” she said. Online: http://mandisa.sparrowrecords.com, http://www.americanidol.com.

MTV plans online award show for digital music NEW YORK (AP) — To suit an altered music landscape, MTV is planning an untraditional award show celebrating digital music. The network says it’s prepping an as-yet unnamed, multiplatform award show for April or May that will exult digital music and its many varied incarnations. The exact nature of the show hasn’t yet been defined, but MTV says it will be a “multiscreen experience,” including the Internet, social media and mobile — but not broadcast. Categories for awards haven't been determined, but they'll include things like best app, best blog, best Internet feud, best music meme of the year and best Kanye West tweet. MTV hopes the show will do for digital music what its Video Music Awards did for the music video. Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music and Logo Group, calls the planned show “an interactive musical mess” to celebrate both “the cool and the geekdom.” “It will be sloppy,” Toffler says. “It will be interactive. It will be customizable. It will be fun and unexpected. Most shows on television are about what's popular, and I think this will be about what's bubbling up.” Toffler says he’s unsure if the show will have a host or even a definable beginning and end. It could be anywhere from one to six hours long, he says, and

won't be polished or linear like traditional award shows. Performances will be a central component. The two flagship MTV award shows — the Video Music Awards (launched in 1984) and the Movie Awards (launched in 1992) — have defined themselves as looser, more youthful and more unpredictable alternatives to the established award programs. MTV, which is part of the Viacom-owned MTV Networks, hopes to bring that ethos to digital music and, as Toffler says, “let the chaos run free.” The show represents another step in MTV's strategy of becoming increasingly “platform agnostic.” It has put ever-increasing focus on its Web properties: MTV.com, CMT.com and VH1.com account for some 60 million unique visitors a month. It launched its own version of a music discovery site, www.mtvmusicmeter.com, which ranks acts by social media buzz. And it hired a “Twitter Jockey,” a new media version of its VJs. “It’s no mystery that there’s a renaissance of creativity and innovation in music across the digital platforms,” Toffler says. “It feels like in spite of all the pundits writing about the death of the music industry, there’s still a great passion for music and connection between fans and artists and music in the digital space.” On the Net: http://www.mtv.com.

AP Photo by Jeff Christensen

Etta James RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California judge has ruled that Etta James’ husband may use $60,000 of the ailing R&B singer’s savings to pay for her medical care. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cahraman said at a hearing Friday that the money should last until Feb. 24, when Artis Mills is expected back in court to continue seeking control of more than $1 million of James’ money. The Riverside Press-Enterprise

C E L E B R A T E

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says Mills is challenging the legitimacy of a claim by James’ son, Donto James, that his mother gave him power of attorney in 2008. Court documents show the 72year-old singer of “At Last” and other standards lives in the Woodcrest area of Riverside County, has been diagnosed with dementia and is undergoing treatment for leukemia. Information from: The PressEnterprise, http://www.pe.com.

An American Heart Association Memorial gift lets you honor your loved one and gives hope to others. For more information please call 1-800-AHA-USA-1 or visit us online at americanheart.org

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Recovering from past mistakes Psalm 51:1-13

BY IMANI EVANS SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE DALLAS EXAMINER

BY THE REV. MICHAEL W EAGLE SR. SENIOR PASTOR I don’t always preach about sin or the ravages thereof, or about scheming people and their traps and lures that seem to linger around us. I don’t always preach about our personal harmful ways that seem to get us into more trouble than trouble is worth, or the personal mistakes we will or won’t admit. I don’t preach a lot about those around us who manipulate events, twist words, and misread or misrepresent facts to fit only their side of the story! But, in the midst of our personal troubles, daily aches and pains, sorrows, setbacks and setups; in the midst of self-pity and “woe-is-me” mentalities; in the midst of blaming others for all the things gone wrong in our lives and of wanting this, striving for that, strategizing here, and busting in over there to get what we want, when we want, and how we want it, there are some lessons on recovering from our past mistakes. We can’t always sit like we’ve never made them or ignore them like they’ve never happened.

General Motors vice president offers Blacks a hand up

The Rev. Michael W. Eagle Sr. We can wish, hope and pray they’d all disappear. We can hope, try and cry they’d all be forgotten. But, sooner or later, we have to face and then pay for personal mistakes. And in the midst of paying and facing, I’d like to be wise enough to learn how to recover. Say amen, somebody! • It’s a mistake skipping Sunday school and worship service.

• It’s a mistake making bad decisions; listening to the wrong people; being in the wrong places; carrying the wrong thoughts. • It’s a mistake having to always be heard, always be seen, always right, always first. • It’s a mistake to twist truths, to manipulate events and scheme to do wrong; to keep somebody down, rather than helping him up. See RECOVERING, page 15

w w w . l a w a t t s t i m e s . c o m

As General Motors’ (GM) new vice president of Diversity, what makes Eric Peterson unique is not that he’s an African American who has managed to climb the corporate ladder, although he is certainly that. Rather, what stands out instantly is the manner in which he has used his all-too-rare achievement as a platform for community-minded interventions. As director of industry dealer affairs, a position he still holds, Peterson was already a point man for GM’s relationships with minorityand women-owned dealerships. In his new post, he becomes the public face of an iconic manufacturer’s efforts at strengthening its ties to minority communities nationwide. The Dallas Examiner: In your time at GM, have you had many opportunities to provide mentoring to up-and-coming African-American managers or aspiring executives? Peterson: My whole approach when I move to an area is, one: to have an open-door policy to support people. But more specifically with African-American employees because I want to try and help others in that aspect. When I go into an area, I will determine who the high-potential folks are, who are people who have an interest in moving up within the company — and have the skills — and reach out to them. But, in many instances, once people get to know me and realize I’m there, they reach out to me. But, I specifically try to reach out to African-American employees and assist them with their careers whether they’re executive potential, manager potential or just administrative assistants. I just try to help people when I can and have been pretty successful from that aspect. TDE: Is there anyone you would credit with helping you on your way up the corporate ladder? Peterson: One person that really was influential for me was Roy Roberts, who was VP for Pontiac and GMC. I worked really closely with Roy when I was heading up the minority dealer program. He was over our area and he was very helpful in helping me navigate the board presentations that we had to make and working with the corporate world, because being relatively new to that level of the business you needed someone, and Roy was very instrumental. I stay in touch with him today even though he’s retired. TDE: The decline of manufacturing in the United States has been much written and talked about. Do you have any grand thoughts about the continued relevance of heavy industry to the economy? Peterson: I don’t think there’s any question that it’s very important for us to maintain a manufacturing base, and I think that’s what President Obama understood in his support of the automotive industry during the economic crisis. My perspective is that we can’t continue down the path of just providing services and being a consumer nation. We’ve got to pro-

Eric Peterson duce something, and when you produce something it drives a lot of related industries whether it’s engineering or design. Those kinds of things just generate jobs. If you farm all of that stuff out, then you’re losing a lot of your critical base on which to grow from and so I can tell you that, looking at manufacturing, it’s very, very critical that we maintain that. And, I think the foresight of President Obama (is) one reason he wanted to step out and help the domestic auto industry. TDE: In your time at GM. you have worked with minority- and woman-owned dealerships. What are some of the unique challenges that they face, and how did you help them to meet those challenges? Peterson: I think the big thing that we found is that women and minority dealers (are) usually firstgeneration, and they don’t have the resources of second-, third-, and fourth-generation dealers. The automotive business is a big family-oriented business, quite frankly, and that’s one of the challenges for minority dealers, (that) they’re usually the first-generation. It’s very difficult during an economic crisis, as we’re all well aware, and a lot of minority businesses didn’t have the financial reserves to fall back on, and we lost a lot of minority businesses during the downturn. Since we at GM came out of our own low period, we’ve done two things: One, we have a dealership investment arm called Motors Holding, and we invest with dealer candidates who don’t have all of the resources to go into business. And, we also have a process in place for those dealers who don’t have the appropriate capital or don’t have the capital as they go through a tough spell. We will support them and provide an infusion of capital to help them through their low spot until they can get back on their feet. TDE: Is there some rebuilding of trust with Black communities that will have to take place in light of recent events? Peterson: I think overall that General Motors has traditionally been a good corporate and community citizen. I think the one thing we’re

See GM OFFERS, page 14

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

The Urban League’s Trust Black women — take 12-point blueprint the billboards for job creation BY MARC H. MORIAL? NNPA COLUMNIST?? “Freedom has always been an expensive thing. History is a fit testimony to the fact that freedom is rarely gained without sacrifice and self-denial.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On Monday, the nation celebrated what would have been the 82nd birthday of the 20th century’s great drum major for justice, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King understood that economic justice was the most crucial question confronting Black people, as well as poor and middle-class people generally throughout America. In fact, at his death, he was on the brink of launching a nationwide campaign for jobs and income. As the National Urban League begins its second century, our organization is introducing a new blueprint for achieving that goal. The nation remains mired in a great recession. The Urban League has seen the impact of this crisis firsthand. Our more than 100 local affiliates across the country are economic first responders in the ongoing effort to help ease the burden of those most profoundly affected by this recession, serving some 2.1 million citizens in 2010 alone. During the past two years, much of the work of the Obama administration and the 111th Congress has been nothing short of heroic.

Marc Morial From the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to the passage of the Dodd-Frank Consumer Protection Act, the Affordable Healthcare Act, and the extension of middle-class tax relief and unemployment benefits, the administration has taken historic actions to restore America’s economic vitality. But, the persistent nature of the recession has brought little relief to families either out of work or stretching part-time wages to meet full-time financial commitments. Record numbers of Americans were forced into foreclosure in

REPEAL

Continued from page 6 individuals could receive affordable coverage. GOP leaders are working on the assumption that the repeal legislation will not become law, and they intend to draft future bills as changes to the structure that Obama and Democrats put into place. On one point, they conceded no change was warranted. Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., told reporters on Tuesday seniors would be permitted to keep the $250 they have been promised to help defray the cost of drugs under the Medicare prescription benefit. The legislation Obama signed last year was sweeping in its scope. The Congressional Budget Office said at the time that when

fully enacted, it would spread coverage to tens of millions who now lack it and — in a forecast rejected by Republicans — reduce federal deficits over the next decade. Beginning in 2014, millions of Americans would be required to carry health insurance, whether through an employer, a government program, or their own purchase. New insurance marketplaces called exchanges would open in each state, enabling individuals and small businesses to pick from menus of private plans that met government standards. Federal subsidies would help defray the costs. Associated Press writer Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar contributed to this story.

2010, and many urban families in communities already long beset by economic stagnation are enduring unemployment rates as high as 20 percent. That is why the National Urban League is proposing a new 12-point blueprint for quality job creation. Our plan offers a dozen dynamic and imaginative measures to both rescue those most profoundly affected by the ongoing economic emergency, while also remedying many of the underlying causes behind the recession’s inordinate and seemingly-amplified impact on the communities we serve: 1. Restore the Summer Youth Jobs Program as a stand-alone program employing 5 million teens in the summer 2011. 2. Create 100 Urban Jobs Academies to implement an expansion of the Urban Youth Empowerment Program. 3. Develop a dynamic national public-private jobs initiative to create jobs and train urban residents and stimulate economic growth in the areas of technology and broadband, health care, manufacturing, transportation and public infrastructure and clean energy. 4. Boost minority participation in information and communication technology (ICT) industries. 5. Reform, revise and reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act to prepare and retrain workers for 21st century jobs. 6. Create Green Empowerment Zones. 7. Expand small-business lending. 8. Initiate tax reform that reduces rates across the board and eliminates tax loopholes. 9. Establish and promote multilateral international trade policies that expand the market for American goods and services. 10. Enact the Urban Jobs Act (H.R. 5708). 11. Expand the hiring of housing counselors nationwide. 12. Fund direct job creation in cities and states. We urge the Congress and the White House to adopt these measures without delay. Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

down

BY JANETTE ROBINSON FLINT Black Women for Wellness joined with others nationally and locally this week to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a holiday that marks important milestones in our African-American experience. While we are encouraged by the strides that have been made to unify and heal our communities, we must point out a racist and divisive campaign that objectifies Black children, charges Black women with genocide, and utilizes Black men as pawns in a political play for power that has been brought to our city by The Radiance Foundation and Issue4life. Along King Boulevard, where this year’s parade was, and where our community — politicians, elected officials, grassroots leadership and everyday folk — gathered to celebrate the life of the Rev. King, were billboards with the message that says Black children are an endangered species, and the face of a beautiful African-American child accompanying this dangerous message. This message is dangerous because it belies its true purpose: to gather anti-abortion support in the African-American community. Los Angeles is the latest stop in this campaign. Billboards have been posted in Georgia, Wisconsin, Florida and Illinois. Black children are not comparable to bald eagles, blue whales, California condors and other animals on the endangered species list. A society that does not value the lives of Black children, women and men is the greatest threat to our community. Substandard housing, some unchecked police power that murders with impunity and jails with gusto, disparities in health care, pay, life expectancy and more. These are the true threats to the survival of healthy, stable Black families and communities. King believed that health care was a basic human right. The Radiance Foundation, by insinuating that Black women bear the blame for genocide through abortion, makes it plain that their focus is not human rights but the subjugation of Black women’s autonomy

Janette Robinson Flint over their bodies. It is reprehensible that someone would use Black children as a tool to attack Black women for political purposes. Black women stand at the intersection of racism and sexism in this country, and we face the pain of living at this crossroads everyday. It is demonstrated by our health status — we suffer from some of the highest health disparities in Los Angeles County. Rather than allow outside agitators to barge in and try to divide us by scape-goating Black women for political gain, Black women’s organizations and our allies must come together to find solutions to ending the health disparities and crises we face. Trust Black women: If anyone feels the sharp pain of infant and maternal mortality in our community, it’s our mothers, grandmothers, aunties and sisters. Trust Black women: If anyone feels the sharp pain of husbands, sons and brothers lost to gang violence, as well as police brutality and murder in our community, it’s our mothers, grandmothers, aunties and sisters. Trust Black women: If anyone feels the sharp pain of dreams and hopes deferred, dried up and festered because of poverty, miseducation, hopelessness and despair, it is us. While we bask in the glow of our country celebrating King, and while you still have your favorite Dr. King quote on your Facebook page, please recognize there are See ROBINSON FLINT, page 15

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Trustee Sale No. CA09001608-10-1 . Title Order No. 55015788 APN 5309-017-033 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED November 2, 2004. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On January 26, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL Inc.dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on November 17, 2004, as Instrument No. 04 2977269 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: JANNIE SUHSHYA WONG, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor, in favor of CHASE MANHATTAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 5369, 5369 1/2 HUNTINGTON DR N, LOS ANGELES, CA 90032 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $274,137.77 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: December 30, 2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09001608-10-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Regarding the property that is the subject of this notice of sale, the "mortgage loan servicer" as defined in Civil Code s 2923.53(k)(3) declares that it has obtained from the Commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Civil Code section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date this notice of sale is recorded or the time frame for giving a notice of sale specified in Civil Code Section 2923.52 subdivision (a) does not apply to this notice of sale pursuant to Civil Code Sections 2923.52. Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #8406 2010-12-30 2011-01-06 2011-01-13 2011-01-20 Trustee Sale No. CA09001480-10-1 . Title Order No. 100503495CA-LPI Loan No. 1010225371 APN 2502-024-117 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED July 18, 2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On February 10, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL Inc.dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on July 25, 2007, as Instrument No. 20071755173 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: ROBERT S CHACON AN UNMARRIED MAN, as Trustor, in favor of INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B., A FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS BANK as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 14425 FOOTHILL BLVD UNIT 17, LOS ANGELES, CA 91342 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $364,300.04 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: January 20, 2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09001480-10-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Regarding the property that is the subject of this notice of sale, the "mortgage loan servicer" as defined in Civil Code

Thursday, January 20, 2011 s 2923.53(k)(3) declares that it has obtained from the Commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Civil Code section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date this notice of sale is recorded or the time frame for giving a notice of sale specified in Civil Code Section 2923.52 subdivision (a) does not apply to this notice of sale pursuant to Civil Code Sections 2923.52. Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #8931 2011-01-20 2011-01-27 2011-02-03 Trustee Sale # CA0927268-2 Loan# 1009252345 Order # 080049817 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 01/18/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 02/14/2011 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 01/25/2007 as Document No. 20070156148 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, BLANCA JANETH CUADRAS MONTES, A MARRIED WOMAN AS HER SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor, DEL SUR CORP. DBA CAMINO REAL MORTGAGE BANKERS, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 2533-029-055 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 12900 FILMORE STREET #101, LOS ANGELES, CA 91331 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $337,134.49 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 __ Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 01/20/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #8938 2011-01-20 2011-01-27 2011-02-03 Trustee Sale No. CA09001633-10-1 . Title Order No. 55015884 Loan No. 7880270 APN 5474-036-005 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED May 23, 2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On February 14, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL Inc.dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on May 31, 2006, as Instrument No. 06 1187433 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: MAXIMILLIAN VASQUEZ, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor, in favor of HSBC MORTGAGE CORPORATION (USA) as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1327 NORTH AVENUE 46, LOS ANGELES, CA 90041 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $380,125.79 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE:

January 20, 2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09001633-10-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Regarding the property that is the subject of this notice of sale, the "mortgage loan servicer" as defined in Civil Code s 2923.53(k)(3) declares that it has obtained from the Commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Civil Code section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date this notice of sale is recorded or the time frame for giving a notice of sale specified in Civil Code Section 2923.52 subdivision (a) does not apply to this notice of sale pursuant to Civil Code Sections 2923.52. Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #9193 2011-01-20 2011-01-27 2011-02-03 Trustee Sale No. CA09000495-10-1 . Title Order No. 55013535 Loan No. 0145169280 APN 6086-025-032 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED May 11, 2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On February 23, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL Inc.dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on May 24, 2006, as Instrument No. 06 1140862 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: FRANCISCO M FERNANDEZ, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor, in favor of SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 641 EAST 121ST STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90059 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $416,321.12 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: January 20, 2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09000495-10-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Regarding the property that is the subject of this notice of sale, the "mortgage loan servicer" as defined in Civil Code s 2923.53(k)(3) declares that it has not obtained from the Commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Civil Code section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date this notice of sale is recorded. The time frame for giving a notice of sale specified in Civil Code Section 2923.52 subdivision (a) does apply to this notice of sale. Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #9196 2011-01-20 2011-01-27 2011-02-03

CIVIL ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. BS129483 Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Petition of: Daijon Vafhni Westby by Phillippa Shawn Brown for Change of Name TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Daijon Vafhni Westby by Phillippa Shawn Brown filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Daijon Vafhni Westby to Joel Henry Westby The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: Date: January 28, 2011, Time: 9:00 a.m., Dept.: 1A, Room: 548 The address of the court is 110 Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Watts Time Date: December 8, 2010 Matthew C. St. George Commissioner of the Superior Court 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27/11 CNS-2020001# WATTS TIMES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20101740117 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Dyvine Inspirations, 5519 Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90011, County of Registered owner(s): Francelia L. James, 817 W. 58th Street, Los Angeles CA 90037 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 06/28/06 I 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.) S/ Francelia L. James, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on November 30, 2010 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). New Filings 12/30, 1/6, 1/13, 1/20/11 CNS-2016398# WATTS TIMES

HIDDEN FAT Continued from page 7

Start with lean protein, such as chicken or turkey breasts, leftover pork tenderloin or a low-fat seafood, such as cooked shrimp, crab or even a white fish such as tilapia. Croquettes also usually contain vegetables and starches as fillers, as well as some sort of moist ingredients to bind everything together. For the fillers, lean toward vegetables, which add more flavor and moisture, rather than starches such as breadcrumbs or rice. Aromatics such as onions, garlic and peppers season while also adding a variety of colors and textures. And if you do want to add a starch, especially for its binding

qualities, consider using sweet potato, which is packed with fiber and nutrients. When it comes to the wet binders, whole eggs, cream or sour cream and mayonnaise are traditional, but opt for reduced-fat versions, which work equally well. Also, egg whites, which won’t contain the fatty yolks, have all the binding power you’ll need to hold your croquettes together. Finally, though many croquettes are deep-fried or at least cooked in generous amounts of fat, with a good nonstick pan or wellseasoned cast-iron skillet, you should be able to get satisfyingly crispy results using just cooking spray.

To place a classified ad call (323) 299-3800

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20101887693 The following person (s) is (are) doing business as: (1) California KWeen (2) CA KWeen, (3) LA KWeen 3881 S. Norton Ave., Los Angeles, California 90008. County of Los Angeles. Registered Owner (S): Kai Weathers, 3881 S. Norton Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90008. This business is conducted by: an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. I 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) S/ Kai Weathers. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on December 21, 2010. 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 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 1/20, 1/27, 2/03, 2/10/2011. WATTS TIMES

GM OFFERS Continued from page 12

doing is that we’ve stepped back and taken a look at those communities in which we’ve done business, and we have a specific strategy that we’re implementing in those cities where we have manufacturing operations. We specifically support the efforts of the leadership and management of those areas as they look at community-based programs, and we provide funding for that to make sure that we are visible and we continue to support the communities. TDE: What can you point to as being the most important innovations in GM’s approach to diversity since you’ve had a leading role in it? Peterson: GM has always been on the forefront (when it comes to diversity) — we established the first minority supplier program in ’68, the first minority dealer program in ’72 and the first women’s program in 2001. Our commitment to diversity has really been a model for the automotive industry. I don’t think there’s any question about that. We consciously chose this past year to keep our corporate global headquarters right in downtown Detroit, which there’s been a lot written about. What we’ve done recently is really putting our resources out there, not just paying lip service. We committed $2 million to areas in Detroit to help with recreation centers for after-school programs. We also committed $27 million over five years through the United Way to help improve education and helping specific high schools to improve their curriculum and after-school programs. We’re taking our resources and looking at the landscape and trying to figure out how to help, especially, this big community that we’re in that has fallen on hard times and reinvesting in the community. These were things that were on the radar before, but since I’ve been here these are some of the things we’ve done and that’s where I’ve been proud of our leadership, of making these kinds of decisions and investing in the communities where we do business.

www.lawattstimes.com 15

Thursday, January 20, 2011 To place a classified ad call (323) 299-3800

HELP WANTED Program Coordinator $12.72 - $15.37 per hour (part-time)

CLASSIFIEDS STATEWIDE “Be wary of out of area companies. Check with the local Better Business Bureau before you send any money for fees or services. Read and understand any contracts before you sign. Shop around for rates.”

AUTOS WANTED

RECOVERING Continued from page 12

• It’s a mistake wanting people to hear only your side of the story, or not forgiving; not living holy; not admitting when we’re wrong. • It’s a mistake not being obedient to Almighty God, or doubting Him when we “know too much” about Him! So, how do we recover from past mistakes? Once things are done, they’re done, right? How do we recover from the things we don’t want to admit to? David, looking out over his balcony, saw a fine young woman, named Bathsheba, bathing and said, “I want her. That’s king’s ‘stuff.’ Bring her here!’ ” Someone said, “King, she’s married.” But David, in a kingly tone, said, “Am I not the king? That’s king’s ‘stuff’ — go get her, and bring her here!” And David slept with her. But, it was another man’s wife. David got her pregnant and wanted to keep her. But, it was another man’s wife. David began to scheme and manipulate events to selfishly get what he wanted. But, she was yet, still another man’s wife! Isn’t that just like some of us? Selfishly scheming sinfully to get something we really aren’t supposed to have in the first place? Say amen, somebody! David was a man whom God gave a kingship and blessed with favor and had all this over here, but yet wanted that over there. Isn’t that like some of us also? We can have all this over here, but still want what we shouldn’t have over there? In II Samuel 12:1-6, God sent a prophet to David to tell him about himself. Nathan told David the story of a rich man and a poor man who had very little. The poor man had one little ewe, which he cherished, while the rich man had flocks. And when the rich man needed food to help a traveler out, he took the only ewe the poor man had, rather than one from his own flock. And David got angry! “Who is this man? He deserves to die and pay four times over because he had no pity! Who is that man?” Nathan said, “It was you, David. That man is you!” David broke down and said, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan said, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You’re not going to die.” But, the son you bore, he’s going to die.” David fasted and prayed that the Lord would not have him pay that steep of a price. But the son passed away. David, in his conviction, then, became a blessing to us by writing this 51st Psalm. It shows us how to recover from our personal mistakes:

The City of Claremont Human Services Department has been recognized locally and nationally for the excellent programs it provides. One of these programs, the TRACKS Activity Center (TAC), is looking for a highly motivated individual to coordinate the general operation of the TAC facility. The TAC offers a variety of after school recreation and developmental activities that foster positive teen identity through peer-to-peer and adult directed projects. Additional information about job duties and qualifications are available on the City website at www.ci.claremont.ca.us or from the Personnel Office at (909) 399-5450. Completed application required and must be received by Monday, February 7, 2011, by 1:00 p.m. EOE/DRUG FREE EMPLOYER

Point No. 1: Let somebody tell you about yourself and not just want you want to hear. “It was you, David! That man was you!” Point No. 2: Acknowledge that you did what you did; you can’t recover from a mistake until you first admit you made one! Point No. 3: Repent! Without excuse-making or name-blaming. Just repent! Then, like David, ask for cleansing with hyssop, and a new heart with a steadfast spirit. And even plead, “Lord, don’t take away the Holy Spirit! Don’t cast me from your presence! Restore the joy of your salvation! Grant me a willing spirit to get through the process!” God then helped David recover! If God can help David recover, He can “sho nuff” help you and I. If God can cleanse an adulterer, He can “sho nuff” cleanse you and I. If God can blot out the sins of a murderer, a twister of the truth, a manipulator, conniver and selfish person, He can blot yours and mines. If God can renew a right spirit in David, He can renew one in needy, stingy, faithless people like you and I! We don’t have to live low, in guilt, with fear or in pain. We can get up, dress up and get back in the fight. We can pray up, praise up and get back on the battlefield. We can still get prayers through. Still be healed and still get to a home not made by hands! We can still stand on His Word! Expect to walk on streets of gold and still expect to see His face! He’s still the “Great I Am!” Still a “Rock in a weary land,” and Jesus is still the “Bright and Morning Star!” And you and I can recover from past mistakes! Say amen, somebody!

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amount (26 percent) being girls than boys (9 percent), according to the report. Another important finding was that those who committed a violent act against a peer or a sibling were more likely to be violent against a date or sex partner. This was especially so for boys. So one lesson from the study might be that one act of physical violence is a warning sign of other violence and victims to come. On to another topic… It’s been several years since the news broke on the miraculous Tim Brown, aka the “Berlin Patient,” who was then believed to be cured of HIV. A recent update on his condition was just published in the journal Blood. Some scientists had thought, as is usually the case in HIV infection, that Brown’s long-lived, virusinfected cell-reservoirs might eventually begin reproducing HIV again. That has not been the case, according to the report. After several years of recovering from procedures that included a transplant of unique HIV resistant stem cells, his immune system appears to have reconstituted on “the systemic level as well as in the gutmucosal immune system …” with no sign of HIV. The report concludes, “… our results strongly suggest that cure of HIV has been achieved in this patient.” Brown’s case has now spawned a demand for more HIV cure-related research. A recent report by the AIDS Policy Project noted that only 3 percent of the U.S. AIDS budget goes to such research. UCSF is now enrolling patients for one such study.

Call it “Berlin Patient Lite” involving a less invasive procedure using a person’s own immune cells. The cells will be extracted, then reprogrammed, then re-infused with the hope they will continuously fight off HIV and perhaps even provide a cure. Considering a working vaccine is a distant possibility and that HIV

drugs costs tens of billions a year, cause life-threatening side effects, and are available worldwide to only about a third who need them, it seems reasonable to attempt efforts toward a cure. It’s likely Brown would be the first to agree. For more on the new study, go to questclinical.com.

ROBINSON FLINT Continued from page 13

organizations and people that would attempt to control women and who would destroy our families in a heartbeat. Organizations that have the audacity to attempt to link their agenda with the philosophy of King by placing billboards along the parade route celebrating him and the movement from which he sprang. These billboards dehumanize Black children and charge Black women with genocide — something King would never, ever stand for. I look forward to the Kingdom Day Parade in Los Angeles, the children, high school bands, local personalities and line-dancing seniors; it is a heart-warming and powerful way to convey to our children and to ourselves who the Black community is in L.A. and what we stand for. It is a reminder of how far we have come and that we have not yet arrived. It’s a chance for those we share this road with to come together and celebrate the milestones on this journey, and that we are a powerful, visionary people. “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable ... It comes only through the tireless efforts and passionate concern of dedicated individuals ... This is no time for

apathy nor complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. What does this moment ask of you, and what does it ask of me? 1. Gather more information; see our website at www.trustblackwomencalifornia.org. 2. Write something, say something. Blog, tweet, Facebook and put our technology prowess to use. 3. Talk to your friends and neighbors. People might not have noticed yet, or may be understandably confused, and a few words from you can help explain how these billboards got here and the ulterior motives of the sponsoring foundations. For more information on Trust Black Women, go to www.trustblackwomencalifornia.org or www.bwwla.com. Janette Robinson Flint is the executive director of Black Women for Wellness, a Leimert Park-based, multigenerational grassroots organization committed to the wellbeing of Black women and girls by building healthy communities. She also teaches as a faculty member of Charles Drew University.

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, January 20, 2011

EVENT 1-20-11 UNVEILING (CSU DH) — Los Angeles-based artist Aydee Lopez Martinez will unveil “The Heart of CSUDH,” an original painting commemorating the 50th anniversary of California State University, Dominguez Hills, at a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m., on Jan. 20, in the Loker Student Union ballroom on campus. As part of the reception, poet Lorna Dee Cervantes will give a reading of her poetry. “The Heart of CSUDH” is the second of four commemorative art pieces to be unveiled so far for the 2010-11 academic year as part of the university’s 50th anniversary celebration. The fall semester began with an unveiling of “Cincuenta,” an original piece by artist Synthia Saint James. Plein air landscape and neoclassical artist Alexey Steele and artist Mary Higuchi are creating the other pieces, which will be unveiled later in the spring 2011 semester. Each artist was chosen to create a commemorative anniversary art piece not only because of they are noted artists, but because they represent the cultural tapestry that is CSU Dominguez Hills. Posters of each artwork will be sold. CSU Dominguez Hills is at 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson. Visitor parking permits may be purchased for $4 at dispensing machines at each campus lot. More information: (310) 243-3337.

1-24-11 MEETING (MACK ENTERPRISES UNLIMITED) — The Empowerment Congress Central Area Neighborhood Development Council will have its community meeting on Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Amistad Plaza Community Room on the second floor at 6050 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles. If you live, work or conduct business within these boundaries — North, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; South, Florence Avenue; East, Vermont Avenue; and West, Van Ness/Arlington avenues — then the council needs you. Share your ideas, hear from local leaders, and learn how to make a difference in your community. Meetings are held every fourth Monday. Refreshments will be served. More information: (323) 7891449.

1-25-11 WEBSITE WORKSHOP (PACE LA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER) — A workshop designed for individuals who have an interest in creat-

LISTINGS

ing a website for their business or organization will take place Jan. 25, 9:30 a.m. to noon, at IKEA – Burbank, 600 N. San Fernando Blvd. The workshop is for people who need information about where to start and how to develop a plan and implement a strategy for online success. Fee: $20 at the door, $15 pre-paid online at the time of registration. The instructor will be Oscar Muro, founder and senior partner of the Rhino Web Group. This one-day workshop is offered only once a semester, and it is followed by another workshop next month that builds on this class. More information: Midori Hartford, mhartford@pacela.org; (213) 353-9400. BHM RELEASES (WARNER HOME VIDEO) — Warner Home Video is celebrating Black History Month 2011 with the DVD debut of the

urban family drama, “Of Boys and Men,” and the Blu-ray premiere of the American classic, “The Color Purple.” Each film will premiere on Jan. 25. For more information, go to www.wbshop.com and type the names of the movies in the search engine.

1-28-11 CELEBRATION — There will be a grand opening for the wRight Road Adult Day Program on Jan. 28, 6 p.m. The opening will take place at 5040 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles. Entrepreneur Russell Simmons is expected to attend. The aim of the program is to help care for people with developmental disabilities. RSVP information: Gayle Dawson, (323) 294-7583. PLAY (FREMONT CENTRE THEATRE AND PHILIP SOKOLOFF) —“Topdog/Underdog,” the Pulitzer Prizewinning play in which two Black brothers are the main characters, will begin its run Jan. 29 at Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave. (at El Centro Street), South Pasadena. But there will be a preview day on Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. The play will finish its run Feb. 26. There is ample free parking behind the theater. Admission: $25. Students and seniors only have to pay $20. There will, however, be a gala on the opening night (Jan. 29), and all seats will cost $35 (the

01/11 - 02/11

happening these months

price includes champagne and appetizers). Preview tickets for the Jan. 28 preview night cost $12.50. Reservations: (866) 811-4111. Online ticketing and more information: www.fremontcentretheatre.com.

1-29-11 TALK (DOMINGUEZ RANCHO) — The Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum will host a talk on Jan. 29 by Joseph Lopez about the vaquero experience on the Rancho San Pedro, 1 to 3 p.m. Joseph is a western artist who comes from a “working cowboy” family background. This talk will include a demonstration of roping skills and artifacts display of vaquero/cowboy gear and equipment used on the California cattle and horse ranchos during the 1700s and 1800s. Admission is free. Parking available on site, and the facility is handicap accessible. Light refreshments will be served. Information: Esther Castillo, (310) 603-0088, ecastillo@dominguezrancho.com.

2-5-11 SNOW IN L.A. — On Feb. 5 and 6, there will be snow at the L.A. Zoo. The zoo is at 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. People can attend the event for free with paid admission. Costs for the event: $14 for adults, $9 for children ages 2 to 12. More information: (323) 644-4200, www.lazoo.org.

2-12-11 SCRAPARTSMUSIC (PEPPERDINE) — ScrapArtsMusic, the inventive group that combines athletic choreography with intricate rhythms played on more than 145 percussive instruments fashioned from such recycled materials as industrial scrap and artillery shells, will perform at Pepperdine University’s Smothers Theatre at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12. ScrapArtsMusic is a Canadian quintet that tours the world, transforming stages into eco-friendly musical realms vibrant with ingenious creativity and positive energy. Led by composer-percussionist Gregory Kozak, an inspired instrument inventor and 21st-century Renaissance man, ScrapArtsMusic performs original, beat-driven music. The band recently performed during the 2010 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremonies televised around the world. Tickets are available now by calling (310) 506-4522. Tickets

are also available through Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787. They are priced at $35 for adults, $20 for youths 17 and under, and $10 for full-time Pepperdine students. Information online: http://arts.pepperdine.edu/, www.scrapartsmusic.com/.

2-13-11 BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONCERT (SOUTHEASTSYMPHONY.ORG) — The Southeast Symphony’s Black History Month concert will take place at Wilshire United Methodist Church

on Feb. 13, 3 p.m. The concert will feature the West Coast premiere of Overture for Orchestra by Emmy- winning African-American composer John Weinglass, and a presentation by jazz pianist and composer Kevin Toney. More information: Charles Dickerson, (310) 519-1806, (310) 344-4805.

2-18-11 “NO RESERVATIONS” (CERRITOS) — Food connoisseur and host of the popular Emmy-winning series “No Reservations,” Anthony Bourdain will serve up food for thought on a colorful range of topics at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) on Feb. 18, 8 p.m. The bestselling author’s lecture will conclude with a question-and-answer session. Tickets, priced from $60 to $90, can be purchased at the CCPA ticket office, www.cerritoscenter.com. People interested in purchasing tickets can also call (562) 467-8818. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is at 12700 Center Court Drive. For tickets or more information on Bourdain’s lecture at the CCPA, call (562) 467-8818, or go to www.cerritoscenter.com. The deadline for receipt of calendar listings is Friday, noon, at least two weeks prior to activity. Fax to: (323) 299-3896, e-mail us at lawattsnus@aol.com or mail to: L.A. Watts Times, 3800 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008. All calendar items are received from various senders and are subject to being edited.