News Observer

Adjudicated a Newspaper of General Circulation on July 2, 1991, Los Angeles Superior Court Decree, Case No. BS007262, Government Code 6023.

Bulk Mailing Permit 724 Bakersfield, CA 93385

Published every Thursday by The Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, Inc.

Member: National Newspaper Publishers Assc. Associated Press, Better Business Bureau, GLAAACC

President: Ellen Coley

CEO: Jon Coley

Publisher/ Editor: James Luckey Jr. Operations Manager: James Luckey

Credo - The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accounts to every person, regardless of race, color, or creed full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as any one is held back.

The Observer Group Newspapers reserves the right to publish views and opinions that may not necessarily reflect those of the staff and management are soleley the product of the responsible individuals who submit commentaries published in these newspapers. Letters, articles and comments appearing in the Observer Newspapers reflect the opinions of the contributor and do not constitute the opinion or endorsement by The Observer Newspapers or its staff. The Observer Group Newspapers assumes no responsibility for photographs, articles, letters, press releases and unsolicited materials. Decisions as to the editiing and publishing of materials are at the discretion of the Publisher and Editors. All rights are reserved on materials accepted for publication unless otherwise specified.

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Online: www.ognsc.com

January “has deeply affected all of us and continues to do so,” serving as a clarion call for action, councilwoman Rhonda Logan said.

“Today our focus will be on peeling back the layers of public safety in our city and collaborating on legislation that moves us forward in an impactful and intelligent way,” she stated.

According to an online agenda, the council’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee was set to take up 11 proposals in total, including an ordinance requiring police to only make traffic stops in marked cars, a presentation on a civilian law enforcement review board, and an ordinance establishing a procedure for an independent review of police training.

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis and Fire Chief Gina Sweat both spoke at the hearing and discussed their future plans for their departments.

The officials also answered questions from council members who were dissatisfied with the answers.

The hearing occured about a month after Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was beaten by Memphis police officers from the specialized SCORPION unit after a traffic stop near his family’s home.

He was rushed to the hospital and died three days later.

The city released body-camera and surveillance footage of officers repeatedly punching and kicking Nichols while