From The Editor “Life Lessons”

“There Is Good in This Divided Country”

olitics is a polarizing sport that pits one side

Pagainst the other, and there is a lot of mudslinging going on, which is tragically amplified by the mainstream media. The current state of the United States is accompanied by a series of negative feelings, including anger, distrust and resentment; yet, as the holiday season draws closer, I can't help but think of the positive elements of our country. Is there anything good left? Are we not looking hard enough for it?

The Democratic and Republican parties have both competed to the best of their abilities, debating ideas, policies and the current state of the U.S. Each side did its best, and although neither the left nor the right will accept the other, I'm calling on all Americans to set aside our political and ideological differences and search for the positive qualities that exist in one another. This is a step toward bringing our nation together and putting an end to the tribalism that has kept us apart in ways that this country has not seen in over a century.

Taking the initiative to seek the kindness in folks, no matter their ideological views, can serve as a reminder that humanity can be found even in those who are different from us. It enables all of us to take a moment to reflect and acknowledge that the other person is not an adversary or an enemy, but rather a fellow citizen. It's possible that we won't agree on a lot of things; in fact, it's possible that we won't agree on anything. Yet, there is one thing on which we must never disagree: the idea of America. The principles of independence, liberty and individualism that have helped to establish the U.S. as a great example of opportunity and hope for people the world over.

Politicians, celebrities and the wealthy incur much criticism for their remarks and acts. Undoubtedly, some of it is justified, but the hatred that arises from their adversaries is unjustified. Even among those we perceive to be evil, we must search for the positive.

When the husband of Nancy Pelosi was viciously assaulted, we should have prayed for him and for her, not propagated falsehoods and acted as if the crime was justifiable. When Donald Trump and Joe Biden contracted COVID, we should have prayed for their recovery rather than longed for their demise. And when a politician sends us a message of optimism wishing us health and happiness, we should embrace it and carry it forward.

Freedom, that which is safeguarded and guaranteed by the Constitution, is the greatest gift that anyone could ever hope to receive, and we have all inherited it. We must do all in our power to preserve the protections that enable us to publicly disagree with one another to such an extreme degree and to publicly question one another. These experiences instill in us the significance of seeing beyond ourselves and recognizing that, despite our differences, we are all Americans who want the best for our own lives, the lives of our families and the communities in which we live.

During heated political elections, accomplishing that goal can feel like an uphill battle at times. When both political parties view each other as adversaries, and when we're persuaded to believe that we're so far apart from one another that we can't share this country together, that is when we need to realize that we have a problem.

The fact that every one of us values our own families so highly is indicative of a set of admirable attributes that we are all able to acknowledge as being inherently good.

Could it also be the case that, despite the fact that we are all so unique, we each have the best of intentions? Could we join in that idea and even come together to fight to preserve the individual liberties of each person?

The vast majority of us simply want to safeguard our way of being, which is, at its core, what each and every one of us wants and desires; therefore, it is possible for us to do so. It's possible that we're all looking for the same thing, including a high quality of life, success, independence and happiness, as well as the opportunity to age in serenity within communities that are at peace with one another. Both Democrats and Republicans, in my opinion, would provide an unequivocal affirmative response to those desires. I'm ready to bet on that.

Take some time as the holidays approach to not just have a casual conversation with a family member, neighbor or friend who may have a different point of view, but rather to learn about their inner desires because that is a moment of truth that reveals the good that is in each of us. Take a step back and watch how a person interacts with other people, both in how they speak to them and how they treat them. In any event, you should take a step back and give yourself the opportunity to separate the political from what very well may be a large number of good people who, at their core, may desire the same things that you do. The difference may come down to the vehicle you seek to choose in order to arrive at that final destination, and that should no longer be something that divides us.

From the Editor

“Life Lessons"

In L.A. Focus’ more than 27 years, I can’t think of a single time we’ve had a true crime mystery on the cover, but the death of 25-year old Shanquella Robinson at the hands of so-called friends in a luxury vacation rental in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on October 29 has so captivated and consumed many Americans–Black and white alike, while sparking national headlines, that we couldn’t help but examine why the details of her death have consumed so many. For some, it says a great deal about where we are as a society and what’s wrong with our youth as well as our justice system. Some are angered about the way in which her death is being handled and the harm to Robinson’s mother while others are enthralled by the mystery surrounding her death and questions that remain unanswered despite the release of a viral video trending online that shows the fatal beating in graphic detail. Six people know the real story of what led up to the tragic assault of Robinson in that hotel room, with at least three to four of them watching a girl they called a friend get beaten to death. One of them telling her to at least fight back. More than a month later, not one of them has been arrested. (I hate to always say it, but would that have been the case had the girl been white?) I think not.

There are certainly a lot of lessons to be learned from the tragic incident. Not the least of which is that the people we choose as friends can not only sometimes be toxic, but dangerous. Instead of having her back, the six so-called friends she travelled with–and in conflicting reports, may have even hosted– appeared to be more interested in fighting for sport even as she refused to fight back. I can’t stress enough to young people how much better life is with friends who genuinely care, who encourage you, who inspire you (and you are inspired by), who lift you up when you are down and who genuine wish the best for you. In this month’s Saving Grace on page 22, Kevin Hart keys in on a very valuable point. Rather than being jealous of others’ success, he uses their examples as fuel to work harder, stating “I’m not doing as much as I could, because these people are proof that the things I want to do can be done.” When I look at all of the hate speech and negativity circulating in our world today–and God knows there’s enough of it, I immediately think that the people who spout hate, negativity and want to get physical with others (without provocation) tend to be people who are not doing enough with their own lives. Success and purpose tend to refocus people. It sharpens the vision to what can be accomplished and more importantly to the value of time. Successful people put a high value on their time, understanding that time is their most valuable asset, so they do everything they can to maximize results. Like billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates, I am a fan of “timeboxing” where I will give myself a list of goals or just one thing to accomplish in a finite amount of time. Focusing in on that goal keeps me not only from outside distractions, but also from wasting too much time on one task. Never on my schedule would there be any time to watch two friends of mine fight in a hotel room. I’ll save that for the Real Housewives of the Potomac and they’re getting paid. And you best believe that in the time it takes for me to watch that–and I must confess I do– I’m getting something else done. It reminds of a time when I was seven or eight and –with four brothers–somewhat of a tomboy. At any

rate, I got into an altercation with another kid down the block and when I came back into the house and was recounting to my grandmother–a highly educated and accomplished woman–what happened. She shook her head and said, ‘You spent all that time and didn’t make a cent for the energy you expended”. Then she left her room, still shaking her head. As you can see, her words stayed with me and I am very careful about how I spend–and waste–my time. Well, enough about that. The holidays are a season for gratitude and there are plenty of people I need to thank, beginning with those of you who support the paper and have become my friends unknown. There is no L.A. Focus without you. So, for all the love and support you’ve shown, thank you. L.A. Focus/ December 2022 Now, more than ever, at a time when hearts and spirits the world over stop to celebrate the birth of one who died on a cross some 2,000 years ago–we would do well to remember the difference we can make in the lives of others. An annual tradition for L.A. Focus is to provide a listing of agencies that provide help over the holiday season in hopes that you will reach out to those in need. It is included on page 9. With that, the staff of L.A. Focus wishes you a safe and blessed holiday. Keep the faith. 4

LISA COLLINS Publisher

Mayor-Elect Karen Bass’ Victory by The Numbers

ayor-Elect Karen Bass not only

Mbeat billionaire real developer Rick Caruso, but it was a most decisive win with Bass holding a new ten point margin over Caruso and almost 55% of the vote. What that means in terms of numbers at last count on November 30 (the election won’t be certified until December 5), Bass had 509,621 votes to Caruso’s 419,765, a difference of nearly 90,000 votes.

What makes the victory so much sweeter for Bass is that it came despite the fact that Caruso outspent her more than ten to one. What has been a fierce battle also turned out to be the most expensive race in L.A. history and certainly one of the most expensive mayoral campaigns on record with Caruso shelling out a reported $104,848 million to Bass’ $7 million. According to the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, Caruso spent $160.42 for each vote he received in his bid to become mayor. By contrast, Bass spent just $10.15.

With the win, Bass makes history as the first Black woman–and the first woman– to lead the nation’s second largest city as Mayor.

“You can buy television, radio, newspaper and social media advertising but you can't buy trust and credibility and that's the connection Karen Bass has with the majority of voters in Los Angeles,” said Kerman Maddox, who served as Chair of the Bass 4 Mayor Campaign Finance Committee,

“At the end of the day her years of commitment, service and track record of delivering for the community, allowed her to overcome the $100 million spent by her opponent to mislead voters about her record.”

Caruso characterized his campaign as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

“While we came up short,” he said in a statement, “we made an indelible impact on this city and its people that will last far beyond the campaign trail or Election Day. There will be more to come from the movement we built, but for now, as a city we need to unite around Mayor-elect Bass and give her the support she needs to tackle the many issues we face. Congratulations, Karen, and God-speed."

Caruso has also urged his followers to give her the support she needs as she tackles some the the city’s many issues.

“No matter who you voted for, no matter where you live, I will be a mayor for you,” Karen Bass said in her first press conference as Mayor-Elect. “Mark my words,” Bass declared. “We will get big things done together.” "This is my home, and with my whole heart, I'm ready to serve, and my pledge to you is that we will hit the ground running on Day One.” Bass will be officially sworn in on Sunday, December 11 and will assume the office on December 12.

Hundreds of Black and Mexican Families File Racial Reparations Claim Against City of Palms Springs

KISHA SMITH

Staff

Palm Springs has a problem.

A square mile east of downtown Palm Springs is an area known as Section 14. While it is presently owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and its members, it was for decades the only place Black and Mexican Americans could build homes due to racially restrictive covenants prohibiting people of color from living in white neighborhoods.

But over a 10-year span from the late 1950s through 1967 as the city of Palm Springs sought to secure the prime downtown real estate, officials hatched a plan to demolish Section 14 for the purposes of developing it into more lucrative commercial enterprises.

In carrying out the plan, evictions were issued, and the city hired contractors to bulldoze the privately-owned houses, often with personal property and belongings inside, and then the city sent the Palm Springs Fire Department to burn the destruction. Black and Mexican residents were often forced to flee SecL.A. Focus/ December 2022 tion 14 with only what they could carry. This week in Los Angeles, hundreds of Black and Mexican families forcibly and illegally evicted by the City of Palm Springs from their privatelyowned houses in the Section 14 neighborhood in the 1950s and 1960s, announced the filing of an amended claim that asserts Palm Springs 6 caused up to $2 billion in harm to the

Attorney Areva Martin with Section 14 survivors families.

The action comes 14 months after the city formally apologized to the survivors for its horrific behavior — apologized but remained silent and largely disengaged.

“This was an atrocity,” said attorney Areva Martin, who represents the Section 14 families. “Until now it has largely been a shameful secret confined to the city limits of Palm Springs, but “Section 14” should be mentioned alongside Tulsa, Rosewood, and Bruce’s Beach. Palm Springs literally bulldozed and burned out its Black and Latino residents because it wanted the land where they lived.

Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton has publicly stated that the city had an obligation to those who were displaced, “but” she added, “also to its residents, businesses and taxpayers, to thoroughly investigate the history as it develops remedial programs that are fair to everyone."

The Section 14 families retained renown reparations expert, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, noted economist, Cal State LA Dean of Ethnic Studies, author, and president emeritus of Bennett College, to conduct a preliminary harm assessment on their behalf. Her calculations estimate the damages caused by the city of Palm Springs to survivors and their descendants to fall between $400 million to $2 billion dollars. To reach this figure, Dr. Malveaux utilized a model widely employed by economists when calculating destruction to communities caused by natural disasters such as wildfires, neighborhoods and tornados, or other calamities that have obliterated entire neighborhoods.

Just last week the city posted a request for proposals to research the historical context of the displaced residents and assist the city in developing a reparations program to address those affected. That process alone was estimated to take a year. “To be clear: there has been no restitution, no assistance, no help — only fear, intimidation and fire,” Martin said. “These facts are not in dispute. So, it is unconscionable that Palm Springs is not engaging with all its energy on making these families whole. How much longer should they wait? Many of the survivors of these events are in their 70s, 80s and even 90s. They can’t wait.”

Yvonne Wheeler Elected President of L.A County Federation of Labor

Yvonne Wheeler was elected the new President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, (LA Fed) Nov. 21. The historic unanimous vote by her peers makes Wheeler the first Black woman to hold the title and makes her one of the most influential people in L.A. politics.

The LA Fed, the second largest central labor body in the nation, is a federation of over 300 affiliated union and labor organizations, representing over 800,000 members and known for fighting for better wage; establishing respect in the workplace; and for the vast political influence their endorsements hold.

Wheeler’s election comes in the wake of a political scandal involving former LA Fed President Ron Herrera and three City Council Members — former President Nury Martinez, Kevin de León, and Gil Cedillo.

Herrera stepped down from his position as president the day after the LA Times released their initial report on the racist recording. The LA Fed’s decision to elect Wheeler shifts attention from the scandal and directs focus on its mission of representation and inclusivity for the diverse workers they represent.

“I am honored to be elected to lead during such a critical time for workers,” said Wheeler. “In a post-COVID reality, we have to rebound, restabilize and reimagine from the perspective of workers to ensure we are on the right path, and that has to be our priority.”

Michelle Obama Sparks Viral Frenzy with Remarks Concerning Marriage

Was she selling books or just being honest and candid?

Over the weekend former First Lady Michelle Obama–who is in the midst of promoting her second book, “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times”– opened up about the challenges of marriage and the discord and discomfort that come with it on social media.

“As an adult, I’ve lived in a number of places, but...I’ve only ever had one real home,” Obama wrote. “My home is my family. My home is Barack. But here’s the thing–our marriage has never been perfectly 50-50. One of us is always needing more or giving more. We have to be willing to listen to each other, honestly and without defensiveness. Only then, can we evolve together.

“Over the years a lot of young people have asked me about marriage and my response usually goes something like this: You have to prepare yourself for long stretches of discord and discomfort. You have to learn how to make real compromises in the way you’ve lived as an individual. Glamorizing a relationship while you’re dating will lead you straight to difficulty once you’re married. You can’t paper over problems when you’re living with someone day in and day out.”

“You’ve got to ask yourself: What are you trying to get out of this relationship? Have you truly thought it through? Do you want a wedding or a lifelong partnership? Those are two very different things.

When the husband of House Speaker and California’s own Nancy Pelosi was recently attacked and severely beaten with a hammer, it was reported the assailant David DePape had a reputation for posting racist remarks online, including content that questioned the results of the 2020 election, he defends former President Donald Trump, and echoes of the conspiracies of extremist group QAnon.

This attack—along with others like the 2020 murder of George Floyd and the January 6 Capitol attack—are what organized hate groups use as a basis to fuel their blaze of threats, violence, terror, vandalism, and even murder hoping to fulfill their agenda for power and dominance.

As of 2021, a reported 65 organized hate groups were tracked in California by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). Groups like the Proud Boys, AC Skins, Great Millstone, Folk Front, American Freedom Party, and Californians for Population Stabilization are among the more prominent across the state being monitored by the SPLC.

“Enough is enough is enough,” insisted President Joe Biden regarding the attack on House Speaker’s husband Paul Pelosi. “There’s too much violence, political violence. Too much hatred. Too much vitriol. What makes us think it’s not going to corrode the political climate?” Biden went on to argue, “these groups have no place in America.”

Bearing controversial labels such as Neo-Nazi, Anti-black, Anti-Muslim, Antiimmigrant, Anti-LGBT, White Supremist, Skinhead, and more, hate groups espouse a variety of unique extreme doctrines and beliefs with their main conclusion being that white people are superior to other races and thus, should dominate them. They also believe in maintaining and defending any power and privilege held by white people — which is embedded in a political ideology that imposes cultural, social, political, historical, and institutional domination by the white race.

According to the Cal State San Bernardino Center for Study of Hate and Extremism (CSHE), in 2021 anti-Black hate crime remained the most common in major U.S. cities. CSHE also reported that in the same year, African Americans were derisively stereotyped as being responsible for a “stolen election,” increases in the crime rate, and the imposition of critical race theory in grade schools.

“These false notions against the black race have increasingly infiltrated the mainstream of American political and cultural discussion with poisonous results,” says CSHE director Brian Levin. “One must look no further than former President Trump for stirring up very toxic and dangerous dialogues.”

“The belief that one “out group” of people is inherently harmful to your own is foundational to extremism,” the SPLC maintained in their 2021 publication, The Year in Hate and Extremism. “Hostile actions against an outgroup can take the forms of violence like terrorist attacks, but it can also include conduct like abusive language or discriminatory and dehumanizing legislation.”

The SPLC is the premier U.S. organization monitoring and exposing the activities of domestic hate groups and other extremists — including the Ku Klux Klan, white nationalists, antigovernment militias, and others. Last year, they reported that with the uptick in hate rhetoric and division,“44% of Americans believe the U.S. seems headed toward a civil war in the near future. 53% of Republicans and 39% of Democrats hold that belief due to the partisan divide exacerbated by Donald Trump and the influence of hate groups in America.

“At a time when hate pervades the public discourse and violent extremism threatens our communities, it’s critical that we take a clear, strong stand against bigotry in all its forms,” said Governor Gavin Newsom when signing AB2282 into law that increases restrictions and penalties for use of hate symbols. “California will continue to lead the fight to stamp out hate and defend those under attack for who they are, how they identify, or what they believe in.”

One hate group California will have to contend with is the Rise Above Movement (RAM). This Southern Californiabased racist of violent neo-Nazis and fascists rose to prominence in 2017 and often show up (and are photographed in bloody confrontations) at protests where Blacks and or Asians are seeking to make their voices heard after their community has been wronged.

“In our view, RAM is essentially serial rioters,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas Cullen, who has brought charges against four leaders of the group that he calls “violent”.

More disturbing is the fact that there are people in public positions such as police officers, school board members, and even members of city council with have deep allegiances to hate groups. They have thrived when allowed to function and influence decisions that strengthen their oppressive agendas.

With 44% of the nation’s hate groups having either 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) tax status in the US, the looming question many have is where do these groups get their money from?

The Chronical Review reported last year that at least 351 donor organizations have given millions of dollars in grants over the past seven years to nonprofits designated by the SPLC as hate groups. Most of the money came from a small number of larger funds managed by community foundations or commercially affiliated organizations such as banking institutions.

In addition, most organized white supremist groups raise funds through membership dues, crowdfunding, the

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