Los Angeles News Observer 3.11.21 4C

NFL Hires First Black Woman Referee

Movie Review: Coming 2 America

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Los Angeles

Volume 36 Number 17

Serving Los Angeles County for Over 36 Years

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Senate Passes $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent President Joe Biden promised help was on the way to an America still battered by COVID-19, and after a marathon session of debate known as vote-a-rama and some dissension in the Democratic ranks – particularly Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia—the U.S. Senate finally passed the president’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan on Saturday, March 6.

“Today, the Senate passed the American Rescue Plan bringing us one step closer to delivering much-needed relief,” President Biden said from the White House shortly after the measured passed along party lines.

“When I took office, I promised help was on the way. Thanks to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senate Democrats, we’ve taken one more giant step forward in delivering on that promise. I hope the American Rescue Plan receives quick passage in the House so it can be sent to my desk to be signed,” the president continued.

Schumer (D-N.Y.) declared just prior to the vote that “we’re not going to make the same mistake we made after the last economic downtown, when Congress did too little to help the nation rebound, locking us into a long, slow, painful recovery. We are not going to be timid in the face of big challenges.”

Following the vote, Sen. Schumer spoke with the president on the telephone.

“He put together a great plan. It was just right,” the Senator remarked.

“It was strong and deep, but also very popular.”

The vote was the first significant test of the Biden Continued on page A2

The American Rescue Plan also provides $15 billion to the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan Program, which provides long-term, low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration.

Black Doctors Answer COVID Questions Tanu Henry California Black Media Can COVID vaccines affect fertility? Were Black people used in the COVID vaccine research studies?

Do you still need to get vaccinated if you’ve already had COVID-19? What is emergency use authorization?

These are just four out of about 50 resurfacing questions a group of Black doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals answers in a video intended to penetrate clouds of misinformation about COVID-19 as it provides vital information that address lingering questions, still unanswered, that many people have about COVID-19.

The video titled “A Conversation: Between Us, About Us,” is moderated by Palo Alto native, comedian and San Francisco resident W. Kamau Bell. The video is produced with the support of a partnership between the Black Coalition Against COVID (BCAC), a national advocacy group, and the San Francisco-based Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), a philanthropic non-profit focused on generating data and resources to equip policymakers and the general public with important health information.

Berkeley-based Jacob Kornbluth Productions worked with KFF and BCAC to create the videos. California Health Care Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund and

Sierra Health Foundation also contributed to funding the production and distribution of the video.

“I was a part of the expert African American panel, which is a group of providers like myself – with doctors, nurses, community people, et cetera. This is a group that was created through National Institutes of Health to review the various vaccine protocols for the different companies that were developing the vaccines,” said Orlando Harris, a public health researcher, during the introduction of the video featuring him.

The healthcare professionals’ push to educate African Americans with the intention to reduce “vaccine hesitancy” is just one of many other similar campaigns around the country organized by civil rights organizations, government agencies, professional organizations, community groups, foundations and others.

The information they are providing comes at a time when California is taking major steps to relax social isolation guidelines, reopen large businesses like theme parks and restart in-person learning for children attending K-12 public schools. Last week, Gov. Newsom announced that the state is investing $6.6 billion into recovery efforts that include facilitating the safe reopening of schools.

On Friday, Mark Ghaly, California Health and Human Services Secretary, said he believes as more

Californians become vaccinated the safter it would be to change the state-issued guidance on restricted activities.

Theme parks could reopen as soon as April 1, he said.

“We feel like now is the appropriate time to begin to reintroduce these activities in some fashion and, again, in a guarded way, in a slow and steady way, with the other protective factors of the blueprint all sort of wrapped around it,” Ghaly said during the news briefing.

The medical professionals who participated in “Conversation” project say the information they share in the videos will facilitate discussions among family members and arm health workers with credible information they need to answer questions patients may have.

“Taking off my hat as a clinician and a researcher, I have to go home and have conversations with my mom, with my dad, and my grandparents about the vaccine and why taking the vaccine is important,” explained Harris, who is also a family nurse practitioner and assistant professor at the University of California San Francisco School of Nursing.

“Being on that panel with the rest of my colleagues and reviewing the protocols, gave me great insights,” he continued. “So, now I can have the conversation with you. I can have it with my family, and I can say, actually,

Continued on page A5

Sec. of State Shirley Weber Releases Report Counting

Women on California Corporate Boards Quinci LeGardye California Black Media Last week, California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber released the state’s third report counting the number

of women on corporate boards in compliance with Senate Bill 826, which became law in September 2018.

The report found an increase in the number of women on the boards of publicly held corporations based

in California. Each one has at least one woman on its board of directors. A total of 311 corporations are now in compliance with the law, up from 282 as documented in the March 2020 report.

“The continued growth of diversity among corporate leadership that is representative of California is important to ensuring an equitable economy and inclusive California,” Weber said. We are thrilled to see an increase in publicly held companies that have diversified their boards.”

The Women on Boards law, which was signed into law

by Governor Jerry Brown in Sept. 2018, requires publicly held corporations whose principal executive offices are held in California to have a minimum of one female member on its board of directors. The bill also mandates that minimum number to increase to two female directors if the corporation has five directors, or to three female directors if the corporation has six or more directors, by the end of 2021.

At the time of the law’s passing, one-fourth of publicly held corporations based in California had no women directors on their boards.

We continue to analyze the data that we have collected to date and are excited about the opportunity we have to educate corporations about the new requirements that take effect by the end of 2021,” said Weber, who was serving as an Assemblymember in the California Legislature representing the 79th district in the San Diego metropolitan area when the bill passed.

The information in the report is compiled from annual corporate filings with the California Secretary of State. As of January 2019, publicly traded corporations’ disclosure statements to the Secretary of State have included a question on whether they are in compliance with the Women on Boards legislation.

This year is also the first reporting year for a similar law that requires more representation of people of color on corporate boards. Underrepresented Communities on Boards (AB 979), which was signed into law Sept. 2020, requires California-based publicly held corporations to have at least one board member from an under-represented group by the end of 2021.

Free!

Thursday, March 11, 2021

LA County May Return Beachfront Land Taken from Black Family

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. (AP) – Los Angeles county officials may return a beachfront property that was seized from a Black family nearly a century ago.

Manhattan Beach used eminent domain in 1924 to force Willa and Charles Bruce, the city’s first Black landowners, off the land where they lived, KABCTV reported Friday. They also ran a resort for Black families during a time when beaches in the strand were segregated.

Part of the land was developed into a city park. It is now owned by Los Angeles County and house the county’s lifeguard headquarters and training center.

County Supervisor Janice Hahn said she’s exploring options to restore justice for the family, including giving the land back, paying for what they lost or leasing the property from them so the lifeguard building can remain at the location.

“I wanted the county of Los Angeles to be a part of righting this terrible wrong.,” Hahn told the station.

Meanwhile, a Manhattan Beach city task force is recommending that the City Council considers issuing an apology and creating a commemorative plaque to acknowledge the Bruce family.

Anthony Bruce, one of the family’s last living direct descendants now living in Florida, says the seizure robbed him of his family’s legacy.

“It was a wrong against the Bruce family,” says Anthony Bruce. “I think we would be wealthy Americans still living there in California... Manhattan Beach probably.”

Golden Globes Vows to Reform

Facing heightened scrutiny arounds its membership and practices, the group behind the Golden Globe Awards says that it is committed to immediate “transformational change” and reforms.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association said in a statement Saturday that it would focus on adding Black and other underrepresented members to its organization in addition to increasing transparency around its operations.

The group outlined initial steps that it will take over the next 60 days, including hiring independent experts to audit its bylaws and membership requirements, engaging in outreach to add Black professionals to the organization and hiring an independent law firm to review its policies and to set up a confidential way for individuals to report violations..

In the lead up to the 2021 Golden Globes last weekend, a series of exposes in the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times gave the group an unflattering spotlight for its lack of Black members and financial practices, leading to widespread criticism from those in the entertainment industry. Hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler called for change on the broadcast, as did award winners of the night like Jane Fonda and Dan Levy.

Three HFPA members took the stage during the lowrated show to acknowledge the controversy.

The Time’s Up Foundation issued a statement in response to the organization’s new game plan expressing skepticism that the HFPA will fix its problems and demanding more specific details, timetables and firm commitments.

Time’s Up president and CEO Tina Tchen said that “the clock is ticking.”

91% of Minnesotans Got COVID-19 Vaccines are White ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Data from the state Department of Health show nearly 91% of Minnesotans who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are white.

That’s compared to U.S. Census data that shows whites make up about 82% of the state’s population.

The latest vaccine data released Friday shows about 3.5% of those vaccinated in Minnesota are Black, 3% are Asian and 1.7% are Hispanic. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that the figures only account for about 83 percent of those who have received the vaccine.

Minnesota has been trying to distribute COVID-19 vaccines equitably, but efforts have been hard to track because state laws restrict demographic information that can be collected and how that information can be distributed.

Gov. Tim Walz announced Friday the state will partner with Minnesota Electronic Health Record Consortium to track vaccinations by race and ethnicity.

The data will be collected from summary reports from health care providers, pharmacies, public health agencies and others conducting vaccinations.

Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said the demographic data will help the state better allocate vaccine doses equitably.

Health officials reported Saturday that more than 1 million Minnesotans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including 61.7% of residents age 65 and up. A total of 543,696 people completed the full two-dose series.

Gov. Tim Walz also announced Saturday that nearly 55% of Minnesota’s educators, school staff, and child care providers have received the vaccine.

Minnesota reported 975 new coronavirus infections on Saturday and 12 more deaths linked to COVID-19.

World & Nation

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LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, March 11, 2021

News Observer House of Representatives Passes George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Los Angeles

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“For too long, we have endured the pain of watching or seeing the deaths of people of color, particularly Black men and women, at the hands of rogue police officers who operate with impunity and take it upon themselves to be the arbiters of life and death,” Congresswoman Maxine Waters declared. “The trauma that our communities feel is only made worse by the ways in which we are forced to reckon with the reality that Black people are over 3.5 times more likely to be killed by police than white people, and Black teenagers are 21 times more likely to be killed by police than white teenagers.”

By Stacy M Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent The House on Wednesday passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, an ambitious police reform bill that would ban chokeholds and overhaul qualified immunity protections for officers.

The legislation, H.R. 1280, passed 220-212 — although a Republican Congressman Lance Gooden (R-Texas) said he’d voted yes by mistake and changed the official record to reflect his opposition.

The bill now heads to the Senate where Democrats still need 10 Republicans to vote yes for passage.

While Democrats hold a slight majority in the Senate – 52-50, counting Vice President Kamala Harris – sixty yes votes are required for passage.

Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-Calif.), the Congressional Black Caucus Chair, said she remains confident that enough Senate Republicans will support the measure.

Others agreed while applauding the action in the House.

“For too long, we have endured the pain of watching or seeing the deaths of people of color, particularly Black men and women, at the hands of rogue police officers who operate with impunity and take it upon themselves to be

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is named in honor of George Floyd, who died May 25 after a White Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired, and he faces charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter. His trial and jury selection are scheduled to begin Monday.

the arbiters of life and death,” Congresswoman Maxine Waters declared. “The trauma that our communities feel is only made worse by the ways in which we are forced to reckon with the reality that Black people are over 3.5 times more likely to be killed by police than White people, and Black teenagers are 21 times more likely to be killed by police than White teenagers.”

Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci issued a joint statement on behalf of the family of George Floyd.

“We are deeply gratified and grateful for the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives in passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, responding to the mandate issued by thousands of Americans who took to the streets last summer to raise their voices for change,” the lawyers wrote.

“This represents a major step forward to reform the relationship between police officers and communities of color and impose accountability on law enforcement

officers whose conscious decisions preserve the life or cause the death of Americans, including so many people of color. Now we urge the Senate to follow suit and send this important legislation to President Biden.”

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is named in honor of George Floyd, who died May 25 after a White Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired, and he faces charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter.

His trial and jury selection are scheduled to begin Monday.

The bill would ban neck restraints and “no knock” warrants in drug cases at the federal level. It would also reform qualified immunity, a tenet that makes it difficult to sue officers.

“America’s standing in the world as a beacon for justice demands that we live up to the principles of justice in everything we stand for,” Congresswoman Frederica Wilson announced. “The passage of this bill pushes us further along the path toward realizing justice for all.

Shalanda Young Getting Strong, Bipartisan Support for Top OMB Post Shalanda Young moved to Washington 20 years ago to serve as a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Institute of Health. She holds a master’s degree from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Loyola University New Orleans.

Shalanda Young, a native of Baton Rouge, La., currently serves as Clerk and Staff Director for the House Appropriations Committee. (Photo: Mount Madonna School)

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Shalanda Young, a native of Baton Rouge, La., who serves as Clerk and Staff Director for the House Appropriations Committee, appears the likely choice to replace Neera Tanden as President Joe Biden’s choice to lead the Office of Management and Budget.

Reportedly, multiple Congressional Black Caucus members are pushing for the experienced Young to get the job. Several Republicans, who have otherwise shredded, demeaned, and denigrated some of the president’s minority picks, have indicated they would confirm Young.

As staff director, Young already oversees $1.3 trillion in annual appropriations bills.

She moved to Washington 20 years ago to serve as a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Institute of Health. Young, who holds a master’s degree from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Loyola University New Orleans, had voiced support for Tanden.

Tanden came under repeated fire over controversial tweets she’s posted in the past.

“You saw Neera Tanden apologize profusely about the tweets. I think what you also saw is an expansive knowledge of various policy areas,” Young told lawmakers.

“I do think we both bring some skill sets in different areas where we’d make a great team if both of us were confirmed,” she continued.

During Young’s confirmation hearing as OMB deputy director, Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.) vowed his support.

“You’ll get my support. Maybe for both jobs,” Sen. Graham declared.

“I think our country would be served well by Shalanda Young,” offered Congresswoman Rashida Talib (D-Michigan).

After removing Tanden from consideration, the White House said the president was still considering his options.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) have thrown their support behind Young for OMB’s top job.

In a joint statement released on Wednesday, Pelosi and Clyburn noted that they take great pride in recommending Young as OMB director as longtime members of the Appropriations Committee.

“We have worked closely with her for several years and highly recommend her for her intellect, her deep expertise on the federal budget, and her determination to ensure that our budget reflects our values as a nation,” the pair wrote. “Her legislative prowess, extensive knowledge of federal agencies, incisive strategic mind, and proven track record will be a tremendous asset to the Biden-Harris administration.”

The statement continued: “Her leadership at OMB would be historic and would send a strong message that this administration is eager to work in close coordination with Members of Congress to craft budgets that meet the challenges of our time and can secure broad, bipartisan support.”

Senate Passes $1.9 Trillion Rescue Plan Continued from page A1

Presidency.

It served as a litmus test of how united Democrats would be after four years of having debilitating Donald Trump-led legislation rammed through a favorable Senate.

During the four years of Republican control, a host of Democrat-proposed bills stalled in the upper chamber in what became known as former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s graveyard.

Sen. Manchin, who has discovered new and swingvote power, has wielded it mightily, forcing changes to the bill that was passed by the House a week earlier.

The West Virginia moderate objected to the president’s and other Democrats who fought to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. That portion of the bill was removed to facilitate the legislation getting through the reconciliation process. Sen. Manchin held up the vote for hours wanting – and receiving – a change from $400 to $300 to the federal unemployment insurance addition to the bill.

Ultimately, the bill passed along party lines 5049 – one Republican Senator was absent, and therefore, Democrats didn’t need Vice President Kamala Harris’ tie-

breaking vote.

The bill still must be returned to the House for final approval before it heads to President Biden’s desk for signature.

Once the bill becomes law, it’s believed that the IRS would quickly begin sending out a new round of stimulus payments. Single tax filers making $75,000 or less would receive $1,400, while married couples who file jointly and make less than $150,000 would receive $2,800.

Families will also receive $1,400 per child, and adult children claimed as dependents would also receive $1,400.

Unlike previous stimulus payments, single tax filers making at least $80,000, or couples earning more than $160,000, will not receive a check.

It’s also important to know that the IRS will determine eligibility based on either a 2019 or 2020 tax return.

If you have not filed your 2020 taxes, the government will use 2019 income.

Individuals who may have lost their jobs or whose incomes decreased in 2020 should file as soon as possible.

Otherwise, the IRS will use your 2019 income.

Like the previous stimulus, you are not required to pay

taxes on the payments, and those owing child support or student debt to the federal government will be protected from garnishment.

However, lawmakers did not make provisions to protect anyone from garnishment who might have private debt.

The bill allows for the first $10,200 of unemployment payments tax-free, and those who receive food stamps will see a 15 percent increase in those benefits through September. Families whose children’s schools have remained closed are also in line to receive EBT benefits through the summer.

The legislation sends about $20 billion to state and local governments to help low-income households cover back rent and utility bills.

It also contains a provision that allows families with minor children to claim a larger tax credit this year.

Those who qualify would receive a child tax credit of $3,600 for each child under six.

Families will also receive $3,000 for each under age 18, up from the current credit of up to $2,000 per child under age 17.

The American Rescue Plan also provides $15 billion to the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan Program, which provides long-term, low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration.

Severely impacted small businesses with fewer than 10 workers will be given priority for some of the money.

Additionally, more people will qualify for higher premium subsidies through the Affordable Care Act. “Today’s passage of bold relief legislation is exactly what Georgians had in mind when they sent me to the Senate to help our state recover from the devastation of this once-in-a-century pandemic and corresponding economic downturn,” stated Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).

“For months, families and communities across the nation have been waiting for the substantive federal assistance they need to pay their rent, buy food and medicine, safely reopen all of our schools and keep essential workers on the job – and because of Georgia, that help is finally just around the corner.”

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Entertainment

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER A3

FILM REVIEW: Coming 2 America

The commissary at Tyler Perry’s studios must have been packed during the shoot. Hefty main cast. Lots of supporting roles. Extras in abundance.

Murphy plays a prince, but he is truly the king of Black comedy — and luminous. The Nigerian sounding accent, wicked smiles, dramatic acting and horsey laughs. He plays a host of other characters too, the most frenetic is rock/soul musician Randy Watson, a Rick James knock off in a powder blue outfit warbling “We Are Family.”

Equally disarming is Wesley Snipes as the duplicitous snake Izzi. He’s wonderfully evil.

By Dwight Brown NNPA Newswire Film Critic Nothing wrong with a little nostalgia. But if you’re looking for a comedy revelation, this isn’t it. It’s an ‘80s throwback with a comic superstar, his merrymen/women and a tinge of Wakanda fever. Grab a seat and be prepared to yawn before you laugh hysterically.

If 1988 feels ancient to you, you’re young, go sit in a corner. If that era brings back pleasant memories, step up.

Things have happened since back in the day. The larger public has learned what the African American community has known all along, being Black is cool and being Black in Africa is mythically awesome. That’s what made the original Coming to America iconic.

A long, long time ago, Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy) was the young prince of Zamunda, a fictional country over in the motherland. Rather than taking part in an arranged marriage, as expected by his father the king (James Earl Jones), Akeem eschewed tradition. He and his wingman/ coat-holder Semmi (Arsenio Hall) went to Queens, New

Arsenio Hall (left) and Eddie Murphy are back in Coming 2 America, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

York, looking for a wife. He found Lisa (Shari Headley), a commoner, the daughter of Cleo (John Amos) a man who owned a fast-food restaurant named McDowell’s. The two lovebirds married and lived happily ever after—until…

That’s the old plot. The step off point for screenwriters Kenya Barris, Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield. It’s like they cheated off an old term paper to write the new formulaic one. Innovation, wild imagination, uncanny scenes or profound dialogue—nope. Expect, with Barris at the helm, inside culture jokes, bawdiness (an attempted male adult circumcision. Ouch!) and Black-ish humor.

Prepare for a few surprises (a welcomed touch of female empowerment). There are plenty of laughs, oneliners, sight gags, rivalries and problems to solve. None add up to much more than an excuse to give Eddie Murphy one more run at Akeem before we all go to the elephant

burial ground.

Director Craig Brewer, who guided Murphy to a career-redefining performance in Dolemite Is My Name, helms the project. Comedy is his stomping ground, but not much else. He works in a Black Panther angle with a few martial arts warrior fight scenes—none particularly convincing. Romantic moments are shallow at best.

Settings in Africa and New York’s largest and most diverse borough provided opportunities for stunning exteriors of African plains or bustling streets, but few exist. That’s because the production was largely shot at Tyler Perry Studios. Pageantry, elaborate processions, fancy royal bedrooms, neighborhood barbershops, it all looks fake. What isn’t bogus are the comic performances, which Brewer nurtures perfectly.

These days, King Jaffe Joffer is ailing, old, contemplating

succession and mortality. He turns to Semmi with certain derision: “I will be dead soon. Why couldn’t it be you?”

Old laws dictate that Prince Akeem’s successor must be a male heir. That displeases the prince’s eldest daughter Meeka (Kiki Layne, If Beale Street Could Talk) and his two other offspring (Akiley Love and Murphy’s real offspring Bella Murphy).

Marrying Meeka off to General Izzi’s (Wesley Snipes) useless son Idi Izzi (Rotimi Akinsosho) could have two benefits: A future male prince and uniting the two, potentially warring nations of Zamunda and Izzi’s country Nexdoria.

It’s a plan, until Akeem discovers that, due to an old indiscretion, he has a son back in Queens. When Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler), his mom (Leslie Jones) and Uncle Reem (Tracy Morgan) show up at the palace, things get complicated.

The slow, tedious buildup may make viewers doze off before any signs of action appear, like Lavelle being tasked with outsmarting a lion or a women vs. men crucial action scene.

Otherwise, the rhythm is slow (editors David S. Clark, Billy Fox, Debra Neil-Fisher) and the cinematography (Joe “Jody” Williams, TV’s Empire) unremarkable.

Campy, garish costumes (Ruth E. Carter, Black Panther), extravagant sets (Douglas A. Mowat, Inception), a funky musical score (Jermaine Stegall) and a host of cameos (En Vogue and Gladys Knight) fill in the cracks nicely.

The commissary at Tyler Perry’s studios must have been packed during the shoot. Hefty main cast. Lots of supporting roles. Extras in abundance. Murphy plays a prince, but he is truly the king of Black comedy — and luminous. The Nigerian sounding accent, wicked smiles, dramatic acting and horsey laughs.

He plays a host of other characters too, the most frenetic is rock/soul musician Randy Watson, a Rick James knock off in a powder blue outfit warbling “We Are Family.”

Equally disarming is Wesley Snipes as the duplicitous snake Izzi. He’s wonderfully evil.

Arsenio Hall in drag could give kids nightmares.

Whoever hit him with the ugly stick should be properly credited. Also begging for laughs and attention are Jones and Morgan with more nuanced performances by Layne, Headley and Nomzamo Mbatha as Lavelle’s love interest.

Tune in looking for the old days, Afrocentric culture and silly comedy and you’ll be satiated. Expect something earth-shatteringly new, and you won’t. Remember how two African interlopers once changed audiences’ perception of Queens, New York? Zamunda forever!

Meghan and Harry Interview with Oprah Lays Bare Racist Royal Rift

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) – In a wide-ranging interview aired Sunday, Harry and Meghan described painful discussions about the color of their son’s skin, losing royal protection and the intense pressures that led the Duchess of Sussex to contemplate suicide.

The interview with Oprah Winfrey was the couple’s first since they stepped down from royal duties and the two-hour special included numerous revelations.

Harry told Winfrey that he felt trapped by royal life and was surprised that he was cut off financially and lost his security last year. He also said he felt his family did not support Meghan, who acknowledged her naivete about royal life before marrying Harry, as she endured media attacks and false stories.

Meghan, who is biracial, described that when she was first pregnant with son Archie, there were “concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born.” The statement led Winfrey to ask “What,” incredulously and sit in silence for a moment.

In a rare positive moment in the interview, Harry and Meghan revealed their second would be a girl. The interview opened with Winfrey gushing over Meghan’s pregnancy and lamenting that COVID-19 protocols kept them from hugging.

The interview aired Sunday night in the United States, a full day before it will air in Britain. The revelations aren’t over: Winfrey teased additional bits of the interview would be shown Monday morning on CBS. In response to a question from Winfrey, Harry said he wouldn’t have left royal life if he hadn’t married Meghan, but that it was their relationship that revealed the strictures of royal life.

“I wouldn’t have been able to, because I myself was trapped,” Harry said. “I didn’t see a way out.

“I was trapped, but I didn’t know I was trapped,” Harry said, before adding, “My father and my brother, they are trapped.”

Harry acknowledged that he does not have a close relationship presently with his brother William, who is heir to the throne after their father, Prince Charles.

The prince disputed rumors that he intentionally blindsided his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, with his decision to split. He suspects the rumors came from the institution.

“I’ve never blindsided my grandmother,” he said. “I have too much respect for her.”

Meghan, too, was complimentary toward the queen, despite saying at one point she realized some in the palace were willing to lie to “protect other members of the family.”

“The queen has always been wonderful to me,” Meghan said.

Winfrey at various points in the interview ran through headlines about Meghan and at one point asked about the mental health impact. Meghan responded that she experienced suicidal thoughts and had sought help through the palace’s human resources department, but was told there was nothing they could do.

Meghan said she grew concerned about her son not having a royal title because it meant he wouldn’t be provided security.

Meghan said digesting everything during while pregnant was “very hard.” More than the “prince” title, she was the most concerned about her son’s safety and protection.

“He needs to be safe,” a teary-eyed Meghan recalled.

“We’re not saying don’t make him a prince or princess, whatever it’s going to be. But if you’re saying the title is going to affect their protection, we haven’t created this monster machine around us in terms of click bait and tabloid fodder. You’ve allowed that to happen, which means our son needs to be safe.”

Meghan said it was hard for her to understand why there were concerns within the royal family about her son’s skin color. She said it was hard for her to “compartmentalize” those conversations.

Harry, too, said there are lasting impacts about Meghan’s treatment and his relationship with his family.

“There is a lot to work through there,” Harry said about his relationship with his father. “I feel really let down.

He’s been through something similar. He knows what pain feels like. And Archie is his grandson. I will always love him, but there is a lot of hurt that has happened.”

Harry said the royal family cut him off financially at the start of 2020 after announcing plans to step back from his roles. But he was able to afford security for his family because of the money his mother, Princess Diana, left behind.

Sunday’s interview special opened with Meghan describing how naive she was about the ground rules of royal life before she married her husband, Harry, nearly three years ago. “I didn’t fully understand what the job was,” she said. She also noted that she did not know how to curtsy before meeting Queen Elizabeth II for the first time, and didn’t realize it would be necessary.

“I will say I went into it naively because I didn’t grow up knowing much about the royal family,” Meghan said.

“It wasn’t something that was part of conversation at home.

It wasn’t something that we followed.”

As Meghan Markle, the actor starred in the TV legal

drama “Suits.” She married Harry at Windsor Castle in May 2018, and their son, Archie, was born a year later.

Meghan said she and Harry were aligned during their courtship because of their “cause-driven” work. But she did not fully comprehend the pressure of being linked the prestigious royal family.

“It’s easy to have an image of it that is so far from reality,” she said. “And that’s what was really tricky over those past few years, is when the perception and the reality are two very different things. And you’re being judged on the perception, but you’re living the reality of it. There’s a complete misalignment and there’s no way to explain that to people.”

At the top of the interview, Winfrey ran through several key points: that the production was following strict COVID-19 protocols, no topic was off limits and that Meghan and Harry were not being paid for the special.

Royal interviews that aren’t tied to a specific topic

are rare, and prior televised sessions have often proved problematic. Prince Andrew’s 2019 BBC interview about his links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein led to his own departure from royal duties after he failed to show empathy for Epstein’s victims.

Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties began in March 2020 over what they described as the intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media toward the duchess.

In Britain, the interview is seen as poorly timed. It will air while Harry’s 99-year-old grandfather Prince Philip remains hospitalized in London after undergoing a heart procedure.

It is unclear what public reaction, if any, the queen and other royal family members will have to Sunday’s interview.

The U.K.’s Sunday Times newspaper, citing an anonymous source, reported that the queen would not watch it.

A4

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NO: 2021 037060 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JAZZOGRAPHY at 6277 Ivarene Ave, Los Angeles, Ca. 90068 Mailing Address: Same County: LA REGISTERED OWNERS(S): ROBERT L. BARRY, 6277 Ivarene Ave, Los Angeles, Ca. 90068 REGISTERED OWNERS(S): SHARON CANNON, 6277 Ivarene Ave, Los Angeles, Ca. 90068 The business is conducted by: a General Partnership SIGNED: LUELLA VIEGAS, CEO The date registrant started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above: 09/1997 This statement filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on: Feb 10, 2021 DEAN C. LOGAN, Los Angeles County Clerk By: ROBERT L. BARRY, General Partner Deputy NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES ST THE END IOF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF 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 BE-

FORE THE EXPIRATION. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014, THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY FORM. This statement expires on Feb 10, 2026 LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Feb 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, 2021

a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: Apr 23, 2021 Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: K The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a 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 LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER Date: February 22, 2021 Joshua D. Castaneda 5854 Ernest Ave Los Angeles, Ca. 90034 (310) 367-7495 In Pro Per LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 11, 18, 25, Apr 1, 2021

ADRIAN AGUILAR 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: May 10, 2021 Time: 10:00 a.m.

Dept: 74 Room: 735 The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a 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 LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER Date: March 4, 2021 ADRIAN AGUILAR RODRIGUEZ 347 W. 74th St. Los Angeles, Ca. 90003 (323) 884-9768 In Pro Per LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Mar 11, 18, 25, Apr 1, 2021

������������������������������� ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER 21SMCP00065 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES SANTA MONICA COURTHOUSE 1725 Main Street Santa Monica, Ca. 90401 PETITION OF: JOSHUA D. CASTANEDA TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: JOSHUA D. CASTANEDA for a decree changing names as follows: Present name JOSHUA DENNIS CASTANEDA Filed a petition with this court Proposed name JOSHUA MINATO LUCATERO 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

������������������������������� ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER 21STCP00698 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT 111 North Hill Street Los Angeles, Ca. 90012 PETITION OF: ADRIAN AGUILAR RODRIGUEZ TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ADRIAN AGUILAR RODRIGUEZ for a decree changing names as follows: Present name ADRIAN AGUILAR RODRIGUEZ Filed a petition with this court Proposed name

Features Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

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Thursday, March 11, 2021

AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins announced that she has promoted Edna Kane-Williams into the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. The CDO position reports directly to the CEO and serves on the AARP Executive Team. Kane-Williams has worked at AARP since 2006, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Multicultural Leadership.

WASHINGTON — AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins announced the creation of a new group, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and a new executive-level position, Chief Diversity Officer. The group and role were created to heighten the organization’s focus on its social mission work and best serve Americans 50+, a rapidly diversifying demographic.

Jenkins also announced that she has promoted Edna Kane-Williams into the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. The CDO position reports directly to the CEO and serves on the AARP Executive Team.

Kane-Williams has worked at AARP since 2006, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Multicultural Leadership.

“AARP’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion runs deep. Today’s announcement to fine tune our structure and expand our DEI work builds on our long and strong commitment to serve all Americans 50+, caregivers and families,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins.

“Edna Kane-Williams has an extraordinary track record of championing equity and inclusion, and in her new role, she will be a key partner in helping AARP achieve its goals and lead with our values. I look forward to our expanded work together.”

As CDO, Kane-Williams is responsible for driving AARP’s enterprise Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workforce, workplace and marketplace strategies. This work includes AARP’s strategies around age discrimination, disparities and multicultural audiences; the Disrupt Aging initiative; AARP’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council; and AARP’s Strategic Enterprise Employee Resource Groups.

Said Kane-Williams: “At a time of momentous change, AARP is broadening our work and deepening our commitment to our nearly 38 million members, our entire demographic, and our workforce. We are and will continue

Edna Kane-Williams has been promoted to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at AARP.

to be inclusive and equitable in how we fulfill our mission and carry out our work. I look forward to helping AARP achieve success.”

Kane-Williams brings more than twenty years of experience in non-profit and for-profit organizations to her new role. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Legal Counsel for the Elderly and for the Center for Responsible Lending, and she is a founding member of the Conference Board’s Multicultural Marketing Advocacy Council. She earned a Master of Arts from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University.

About AARP AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp. org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @ AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

Under the proposal, the government would pay off USDA loans and USDA-guaranteed loans held by socially disadvantaged farmers and give an additional 20 percent to the farmers to cover income taxes associated with the debt relief. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

After a Century of Land Theft and Exclusion, Black Farmers Getting Needed Government Aid

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent With the objective of ending systemic racism, the House of Representatives passed two bills this week: The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the For the People Act of 2021 that attacks voter suppression. Lawmakers have also signaled their desire to stamp out oppression affecting another group of Americans: Black farmers.

“More than a century of land theft and the exclusion of Black people from government agricultural programs have denied many descendants of enslaved people’s livelihoods as independent, landowning farmers,” Mark Bittman, an author, and former food columnist, wrote in an op-ed for the New York Times.

Bittman noted that “African-American labor built much of this country’s agriculture, a prime source of the nation’s early wealth.”

“In the years since the end of slavery, Black Americans have been largely left out of federal land giveaways, loans, and farm improvement programs,” he continued.

“They have been driven off their farms through a combination of terror and mistreatment by the federal government, resulting in debt, foreclosures, and impoverishment.”

In February, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee approved a landmark $5 billion program of debt relief for socially disadvantaged farmers, despite Republican objections that the aid was an unconstitutional form of reverse discrimination.

According to Successful Farming, an agriculturethemed website, Chairman David Scott, a Georgia Democrat, said minority farmers deserved the help because they had been overlooked in the mammoth trade war and coronavirus relief programs that began in 2018.

Under the proposal, the government would pay off USDA loans and USDA-guaranteed loans held by socially disadvantaged farmers and give an additional 20 percent to the farmers to cover income taxes associated with the debt relief.

The measure is part of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan now before the U.S. Senate.

More than 600 leading food companies, racial equity leaders, and farm organizations have come also together to support the Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color Act, led by U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA).

Sen. Warnock said the legislation offers direct relief

to Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic farmers and other agricultural producers of color to help them respond to the devastating consequences of the pandemic and resulting economic downturn and address long-standing inequity in agriculture.

“This once-in-a-century pandemic, and the economic downturn that followed, has revealed and exacerbated long-standing disparities in our government that have left certain communities behind, particularly Black farmers and farmers of color,” Sen. Warnock remarked in a statement emailed to NNPA Newswire.

“This legislation is a major step toward righting some of these injustices and leveling the playing field for farmers and farming families of color to help them not only recover from the devastation of these crises but give them the tools and assistance to thrive that they’ve long been denied,” Sen. Warnock continued.

“Considering the urgent need for this funding and the overwhelming support this proposal has garnered from across the agricultural community, we can’t get this relief passed and out the door quickly enough,” he stated further.

Specifically, the Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color Act would provide $5 billion to America’s Black, Indigenous, Hispanic and farmers of color who have long struggled to keep their farms and ownership of their land in rural communities because of long-standing discrimination by the USDA and other government agencies, Warnock added.

Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (DNM), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) are co-sponsors to the legislation.

“In addition to the economic pain caused by the pandemic, socially disadvantaged communities are also dealing with a disproportionate share of COVID infection rates, hospitalizations, and death,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack remarked.

“The American Rescue Plan expands testing and vaccinations and ensures that we get the economy on track for everyone, especially those who have been marginalized or shut out of federal assistance in the past,” Vilsack continued.

“I applaud the provisions in the bill that begin to address systemic discrimination and provide relief and assistance to Black, Indigenous, Hispanic and other farmers of color.”

Features

Thursday, March 11, 2021

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER A5

NFL Hires First Black Woman Referee When she takes the field in September, Maia Chaka, a Norfolk State University graduate and health and physical education teacher, will do so as the first Black woman to work as a referee in the NFL. She’ll also be just the second woman to wear the zebra stripes. Sarah Thomas, who worked last month’s Super Bowl, is the other.

“As long as you put in the work and you are fundamentally sound in anything that you do, you know you will reach your goal,” Chaka offered. (Photo: Interview with XFL referee Maia Chaka / ESPN / YouTube)

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Maia Chaka knows well that Women’s History Month is all about commemorating, observing, and celebrating the vital role of the fairer sex in American folklore.

She just didn’t know she would become a part of that history.

After years of officiating games in the Pac-12, Conference USA, and the NFL’s Officiating Development Program, Chaka will head to the NFL in the Fall.

When she takes the field in September, the Norfolk State University graduate and health and physical education teacher will do so as the first Black woman to work as a referee in the NFL.

She’ll also be just the second woman to wear the zebra stripes. Sarah Thomas, who worked last month’s Super Bowl, is the other.

“This is a funny thing. I was actually at home, and I was playing NBA2K with my nephew online because that’s what I like to do at night,” Chaka told NNPA Newswire just hours after an appearance on NBC’s “Today” show.

“Then, I received a phone call at around 9:15 p.m.

[March 4], and I just dropped everything I was doing.

The next thing I know, I’m getting told ‘welcome to the National Football League,’” Chaka exclaimed.

Did she think it was for real?

“I just jumped up and threw everything off my lap. I thought I was being punked because I didn’t believe it at the time. But it was true,” she remarked.

Troy Vincent, an African American and the NFL’s second-in-command behind Commissioner Roger Goodell, celebrated Chaka’s appointment.

“Maia’s years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance – including as par to the NFL Officiating Development Program – have earned her a position as an NFL official,” Vincent declared.

“As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Maia is a trailblazer as the first Black female official and inspires us toward normalizing women on the football field,” Vincent concluded.

Chaka told NNPA Newswire that she expects coaches and players to treat her the same as any other official.

“I think the coaches just want a good official who is

going to get the play right,” Chaka stated. “And I think they just want consistency. I hope they do not hold us to a different standard [than men] because we are all officials at the end of the day. It does not matter what gender we are.

We are all wearing the same uniform.”

The importance of her historic promotion isn’t lost on Chaka.

“It’s an honor to join the National Football League, commented Chaka, who works with at-risk girls in Virginia.

“I just want young girls of color – young women – to know that if you have a drive for something, don’t let anything hold you back just because you think something may give you some limitations. Work hard and follow your dreams.”

Her promotion to the big league also demonstrates to women of color that they can work and succeed in a maledominated field, Chaka said.

“As long as you put in the work and you are fundamentally sound in anything that you do, you know you will reach your goal,” Chaka offered.

“I think it’s important that they see the representation in these fields.”

Asked if she would switch from playing NBA2K with her nephew and challenge him to Madden Football, Chaka demurred.

“No, he couldn’t handle me on Madden,” she retorted.

President Biden Applauds New Vaccine

President Biden thanked “the brilliance of our scientists, the resilience of our people, and the eagerness of Americans in every community to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated, and we are moving in the right direction.” (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent After a rigorous, open, and objective scientific review process, President Joe Biden proclaimed from the White House that the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for a third safe and effective vaccine to help defeat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government authorized using the new Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson on Friday, Feb. 26.

“This is exciting news for all Americans and an encouraging development in our efforts to bring an end to the crisis,” President Biden exclaimed over the weekend.

“We know that the more people get vaccinated, the faster we will overcome the virus, get back to our friends and loved ones, and get our economy back on track,” he added.

The latest vaccine accompanies those already available from Pfizer and Moderna. While the Pfizer

and Moderna vaccines require two shots, just one dose is needed for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The FDA authorized use for those 18 and older and declared that the vaccine does not require freezing.

Approximately 4 million doses are earmarked for distribution this week, with another 16 million by the end of the month and 80 million by July 1.

Reportedly, about 50 million Americans have already been vaccinated, and President Biden said efforts have increased to ensure that vaccines are available to everyone.

“This – is another milestone toward an end to the pandemic,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky stated in a news release.

President Biden thanked “the brilliance of our scientists, the resilience of our people, and the eagerness of Americans in every community to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated, and we are moving in the right direction.”

The President noted that he looks forward to updating the American people on progress this week.

“But I want to be clear: this fight is far from over.

Though we celebrate today’s news, I urge all Americans — keep washing your hands, stay socially distanced, and keep wearing masks,” the President announced.

More than 28.6 million Americans have contracted the novel coronavirus, and approximately 513,000 have died.

“As I have said many times, things are still likely to get worse again as new variants spread, and the current improvement could reverse. My Administration will not make the mistake of taking this threat lightly or just assuming the best: that’s why we need the American Rescue Plan to keep this fight going in the months ahead.”

The President concluded: “There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we cannot let our guard down now or assume that victory is inevitable. We must continue to remain vigilant, act fast and aggressively, and look out for one another — that is how we are going to reach that light together.”

Black Doctors Answer COVID Questions Continued from A1

we were represented in the trials and these are the numbers, et cetera.

Black Americans are among groups least likely to get the vaccines even though their COVID-19 mortality rates are among the highest in the U.S., according to KFF. The report states that 34 % of Blacks across the country say they will “wait and see” if the vaccines are working on others before they take it.

“As Black health academicians, researchers, and clinicians, we understand our empathy-based responsibility to provide our community with the resources and guidance on surviving this pandemic,” said Dr. Reed Tuckson, a member of BCAC. “As such, we appreciate this partnership with KFF to produce one of the largest of its kind campaigns to creatively provide trustworthy information that will save Black lives.”

In California so far, there have been 54,128 COVID-19 deaths as of March 7. Across the state, there have been about 3.8 million confirmed cases with about 1.2 million of them registered in Los Angeles County alone.

Dr. Pamela Simms-Mackey is chair of Pediatrics and Chief of Graduate Medical Education at Alameda Health System in Oakland. She says much of her work has been

centered around promoting equity and reducing health disparities for African Americans and other minorities who have been underserved.

“When people in their minds think of side effects, they think of something that happens that is not supposed to happen,” she said. “Soreness at the injection site, headaches, fever, a swollen lymph node. Those are vaccineanticipated reactions. That shows your body is reacting to the vaccines. Those are good signs. You want to see that.

That shows that the vaccine is working in your body.”

Dr. Rhea Boyd, a physician at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Chief Medical Officer of San Diego 211, a community health organization, says she believes roadblocks that prevent African Americans from getting COVID-19 vaccines have little to do with hesitancy.

“The barriers are accessible facts about the COVID-19 vaccines and convenient access to receive a vaccine,” said Boyd. She co-developed the project with KFF and the Black Coalition Against COVID. “This is a comprehensive effort on behalf of Black health care workers across the country,” she said.

To watch the video, visit Greaterthancovid.org

Black Lawmakers Back Gov. Newsom’s $6.6 Billion Plan for Reopening Schools Bo Tefu California Black Media Black officials and health advocates across the state have thrown their support behind Gov. Gavin Newsom’s equity-informed plan for safely reopening California’s schools and economy.

The plan includes an increased education budget, as well as vaccine distribution protocols informed by data to minimize the threat of COVID-19 spread.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the vaccine equity plan addresses the injustices and health disparities in the communities most affected by the pandemic.

“The virus has magnified the systemic and structural racism our communities have experienced in the criminal justice, education, and health care systems for generations,” Sen. Bradford said. “We are first in line for infection and death but last when it comes to the vaccine. Black Californians need to be included in practice and not just in a promise if we want to truly be a California for all.”

The state has set aside 40 % of its vaccine doses for distribution in communities the most impacted by the coronavirus, as part of its Blueprint for a Safer Economy initiative. Last week, Gov. Newsom signed a $6.6 billion bill to accelerate the safe reopening of schools and expand student support statewide. An additional $30 million was administered to 180 community organizations that will prioritize underserved populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic through outreach programs and healthcare resources.

Rhonda Smith, executive director of the California Black Health Network, said many low-income individuals in underserved communities seek health care services at community health care centers. State officials funding

local community health centers addresses the challenge of limited supplies and resources for vaccine distribution, said Smith.

“Working with trusted resources providers and community partners is important. They are key influencers in our communities where there are concerns and hesitancy about the vaccine,” Smith said.

Racial disparities in the healthcare system have contributed to the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on the African American population, said Smith, emphasizing that chronic diseases and underlying health issues have put African Americans at greater risk of being infected with the coronavirus.

The state’s goal is to administer two million vaccine doses for communities that were the most affected by the coronavirus. State officials also updated protocols and metrics – such as effective testing locations, contact tracing, and quarantine procedures – to reduce the spread of the coronavirus while maximizing vaccine efficacy.

Once authorities successfully vaccinate two million people in the hardest hit communities in the state, which represents about 25 % of eligible Californians, the governor’s office will readjust its “Blueprint for a Safer Economy,” a color-coded, four-tiered system California currently uses to tighten or loosen restrictions county by county. The tiers will be updated to allow for somewhat higher case rates. The purple (widespread) tier will shift from greater than 7 cases per 100,000 to greater than 10 cases per 100,000; and the Red (Substantial) tier will be widened to 4-10 cases per 100,000.

Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), vice-chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the vaccine equity plan helps close the privilege gap between the “haves

and the have-nots.”

“Vaccines are the ticket to the end of the pandemic.

For too long, those tickets were taken by people with a wealth of time and resources,” Kamlager said. “The playing field has been leveled so those in our community who work for a living and can’t sit on their computer all day will now have the opportunity to get their fair share of vaccines.”

Last week, Kamlager won a special election for state senator representing California’s 30th District, which covers areas in Los Angeles County.

Gov. Newsom said it is “morally right” to increase vaccinations in communities most affected by the pandemic. As more people get vaccinated, the state’s longterm goals are to lower the infection rate, facilitate equitable vaccine distribution and create an accelerated path toward reopening, administration officials said.

Gov signs $6.6. billion bill to reopen schools and provide student support Gov. Newsom’s $6.6 billion bill aims to provide adequate academic, mental health, and social-emotional support for students across California. The proposed education budget includes $2 billion for in-person instruction and safety measures such as personal protective equipment, ventilation upgrades, and COVID-19 testing.

The remaining $4.6 billion is set to fund expanded learning opportunities such as summer school and academic tutoring.

Legislative leaders at Franklin Elementary School in the Elk Grove Unified School District near Sacramento are taking the lead, working closely with the governor to reopen grades K-6 in Mid-March and grades 7-12 in early April.

Gov. Newsom said his plans are based on “reimagining the school year,” in addition to building confidence and

trust for caregivers, educators, and parents who are hesitant about schools reopening.

“We incentivize opening up our schools, by providing real resources to do it,” Gov. Newsom said.

The federal government also approved Medicaid funding to expand coronavirus testing for low-income students nationwide. The California Department of Health Care Services has requested permission to provide testing in K-12 schools through Medi-Cal, the state’s primary health care system. Medi-Cal provides coverage for more than half of California’s population under age 20.

Gov. Newsom said the federal government’s approval to expand testing in efforts to boost health equity helps, “ensure schools can reopen safely in underserved neighborhoods that are bearing the brunt of pandemic hardships.”

A6

Sports

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Courtside with Clippers – Week 9

Los Angeles Clippers all-star Paul George finished with 17 points and a victory as Team LeBron defeated Team Durant 170-150 this past weekend in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

By Cameron Buford whatsgoodinsports.com 3/4/21 (24-13) Los Angeles Clippers vs (17-17) Washington Wizards For only the second time all season the Los Angeles Clippers came into a game with two consecutive losses. Having lost to the Milwaukee Bucks by 5 points on Sunday then a couple of days later they lost to the Boston Celtics by 5 points… both of these losses came similarly. At least All-Stars Kawhi and Paul George agree as to the reasons for these recent challenges down the stretch of these games. Against the Bucks, Kawhi told us, “I thought we came down too slow. As a team, I don’t feel like we’re there yet.

We’re looking to the sideline a lot for plays. I feel like our pace has pretty much slowed down.” Paul George told us after their loss to the Celtics, “We need to do a better job pushing the pace and pushing the tempo. We got to do a better job playing faster, but that’s on me.”

Understanding their issues is one thing, correcting their issues is a much different thing altogether. Although they would be without Marcus Morris Sr., due to a concussion, and Paul George who was a late scratch in this due to dizziness. The Clippers would have issues closing out their third consecutive game and final game before the NBA All-Star break.

In a game that saw nine ties and nineteen leads changes, Clippers Head Coach Ty Lue felt “We had 19 turnovers which gave then 27 points, you just can’t do that; when you’re down two key guys… Closing the second quarter was the biggest thing for me.” The Clippers outscored the Wizard 39-29 in that quarter though faltered late as coached mentioned.

Although 7 of the 9 players that played in this game scored in double figures, only Kawhi scored over 20 points. While the NBA’s scoring leader and 3-time All-Star Bradley Beal dropped 33 points and Russell Westbrook pitched in 27 points along with a key rebound down the stretch of the game, to secure the win for the Wizards.

As part of the NBA’s 71st All-Star Game this weekend in Atlanta, where they have the leading All-Star vote-getters select their teams 5 times All-Star Kawhi Leonard and 7 times All-Star Paul George will be on separate teams. Leonard is averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game and will

start for Team Durant, while Paul George 7 time All-Star who is averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game will suit up for Team LeBron.

When asked, during his pre-game zoomer, if he agreed with the All-Star game being played, considering the current state of things in this country, Paul pulled no punches will said, “You have situations like we’re dealing with today; it’s an unfortunate time in the world; where our health and safety should be at the front of the helm. I personally didn’t agree with (playing) the game.”

Kawhi, was asked about his thoughts on the league’s promotion of Historically Black Colleges and Universities during the weekend, during his pre-game zoomer, “I think its dope that they made the jerseys off of those colleges. It’s great that the NBA is acknowledging those colleges (HBCUs). Growing up I didn’t know much about them; living in Cali all you hear about is USC and UCLA.” In the second half of the season, the Clippers will have two three-game road trips and they will finish the season with a fourgame road trip. After their initial road trip, the Clippers come home for one game before playing two games in San Antonio.

They then will host a nine-game homestand, which should be plenty of the time to show the growth and continuity they’ve been working on all season, followed by a three-game road trip.

Nationwide hoop fans will get to see their development as the Clippers will be on national television, 13 games over the next few months.

I am eager to see how they finish this half of their season, and how they begin to improve on closing their game out. Kindly share your thoughts on what’s stood out to you in the first half of the season and let me know how you expect them to finish their season. You can reach out to me on Twitter @whatsgoodnsport or forward any suggestions on what additional topics or angles you’d like to see discussed to info@whatsgoodinsports.com.

Lastly, be sure to subscribe to our weekly “Voice of the Fans Podcast” which is available for you on most podcasting platforms; Apple and Google Podcasts including Spotify, TuneIn, and, iHeart Radio to name a few. On our Podcast, we have passionate banter about various NFL storylines, while addressing the multitude of NBA topics.

Dodgers Have Plenty of Pitching

David Price is ready for “whatever makes the 2021 Dodgers better,” (Photo Credit: Associated Press)

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer Keisha Heath sat in her San Antonio home watching the Dodgers leading the World Series three games to two. There were two outs in the ninth inning and pitcher Julio Urius threw a two strike pitch 97 miles per hour fastball to the Rays Willy Adames for a call strike three.

“The batter walked away before the pitch got to the plate,” said the baseball novice fan and mother of two.

The smooth lefty had previously closed out the Atlanta Braves in game 7 of the NLCS tossing three scoreless innings to get the ‘Men in Blue’ to the World Series.

The Dodgers are World Champions and are stacked with starting pitchers. During the off season they went all in on repeating as they signed the number one pitcher on the free agent market Cy Young winner Trevor Baurer, who signed a three-year 102-million-dollar deal.

The staff now includes three Cy Young winners with Baurer who joins Clayton Kershaw and David Price who opted out the 2020 season due to COVID-19.

Others on the talented staff include Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Urius. They are a dream for any team.

Urius who has one of the smoothest wind-ups in the game is competing with Gonsolin and May for the fifth spot in the rotation.

He started exhibition game against White Sox and threw 4 pitches in the first inning. He then threw 8 to get out of the second. His pitch count was so low he was sent out for a third inning and finished the day by tossing just 26 pitches “I feel great out there,” Urius said through an interpreter.

“I was able to make some adjustments through my last outing and was able to use what we working on last week. I feel great physically and mentally.”

This week Price pitched his first game since March of 2020.

The lefty pitched a scoreless one, two, three-inning. He reached 94 miles per hour on some pitches in a 8-0 win over the White Sox. “Right before we signed Trevor [Bauer] I reached out to Andrew [Friedman] and said whatever you guys need me to do, I will do,” Price told MLB.com.

The 12-year veteran has a 150-80 record with a 3.31ERA in 321 career appearances. He won his Cy Young in 2012 with Tampa Bay. He has also pitched in the 2018 World series with the Red Sox. He’s unselfish and is willing to pitch when and where needed.

“I expect to be ready to start by the regular season,” said the 35year-old. But I told them whatever they need me to do, whatever makes the 2021 Dodgers better. I’m all for that.”

Kershaw made his spring debate and threw 24 pitches in two innings of no-hit ball in a game versus the. He was asked about this year’s spring training.

“Motivation is a little different this year, just being be part of a really special team coming back this year,” said the veteran lefty at a post-game video conference.

One of the big moments is playing in front of fans and some special one that include his family.

“It was the first time they have been able to sit in the stands for a while, I got a chance to wave at them that was fun.”

Julio Urias is the youngest player ever to record a World Series save. (Courtesy Photo)

Bruins Off to a Great Start

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer It’s been a tough last few months for many in college sports.

That includes the women of UCLA softball.

In 2020 they got off to one of the best starts in school history with a 25-1 record and a #1 National ranking. then COVID-19 struck and shut down the entire season.

“I was disappointed,” said head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez.

“The entire team was.”

This year they picked up where they left off. They came out of the gate with a 10-1 record (at press time).

Four of the games have ended with run rule (8 run lead after 5 innings).

In the circle they are led by Megan Faraimo. She’s posted 7-1 record and a 1.24 ERA. She displays high confidence and has unbelievable drive to win.

On the offensive side it’s been Brianna Perez batting .486 with 3 homers and 11 RBI’s and Junior Aliyah Jordan who has 13 RBI’ to go with 5 doubles.

Rachael Garcia the two-time National Player of The Year is returning after red shirting while playing with the U.S Olympic team. The redshirt senior has only pitched one game this season and is expected to increase her workload as the season grows.

All Bruins games can be live streamed.

Larson Wins at Las Vegas Briana Perez is batting .486 to start the season.

(Photo: UCLA Athletics)

Megan Faraimo has a 1.24 ERA to start the season.

(Photo: UCLA Athletics)

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer It was a long time coming for Kyle Larson. After nearly a year away from competing he got chance to get back on the racetrack and compete.

Last April Larson used a racial slur while participating in an on-line race where he used the N-word for all the world to hear. That resulted in a near year-long suspension by NASCAR. In his fourth race since returning he won last week at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

It was Rick Hendrick who took a chance and put him in a car and on his team. He was that confident Larson had some good racing in him.

He was hired by Hendrick Motorsports and showed his appreciation. “I like to thank Mr. H for believing in me,” he said after the race.

After taking the checkered flag he did some burnouts in celebration of his seventh career win and first since 2019.

While over visiting fans he was congratulated by Brad Keseloswski (Ford) who finished second.

“He covered a lot of space in all four lanes,” said Keseloswski. ‘He’s a great guy and he’s gone through a lot over the last year.”

Hendrick was surprised by the win figuring it would take more time for him to adapt to his new crew chief (Cliff Daniels)-giving them a chance to build rhythm in the Chevrolet. Because of pandemic protocols there is no practice, the 28year-old had to learn in real time.

“I really didn’t expect this to come this quick,” said Hendrick. “I really thought it would take time to jell. He’s a champion really and I’m so lucky to have him.”

Kyle Bush (Toyota), Danny Hamlin (Toyota) and Ryan Blaney (Ford) round out the top five in Las Vegas.

“This was a tough race,” said Bush afterwards. “The way things have gone this season this is a good building block , I wish we could have gotten a little more speed.”

This was Hamlin’s third top five and Keseloswski’s second top five finish of the season.

Bubba Wallace (Toyota) was another competitor to congratulate Larson immediately after the race. NASCAR’s only Black fulltime driver finished 28thafter spending several minutes during a pit-stop due to a major oil leak.

He picked up nine Cup series points on the day and has

Bubba Wallace (L) congratulates Kyle Larson after win at Las Vegas. It was Larsons first win after NASCAR suspension in 2020. (Photo Credit: outsider.com)

76 for the season in 20 place. Teammate Danny Hamlin is in first with 187 and Keseloswski’s is in second with 149.

Wallace sent a message on his twitter page that stated: “Growing pains we’ll continue fighting learning, adapting.

Proud of this team and the progress we made throughout the race. Somethings are just out of your control.”

Larson who is half-Japanese is the only Asian-American to drive full-time at NASCAR and is the first Drive for

Diversity graduate to win a Cup series race. He also serves as a mentor in the program.

NASCAR heads to Phoenix this weekend.

David Moody summed up things with a tweet: “Kyle Larson is a perfect walking, talking example of manning up taking personal responsibility, cleaning up your own mess and oh yea ungodly talent behind the wheel of a race car.”

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Local

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER A7

Doordash Unveils New Made by Women Platform Made by Women is an In-app and Digital Effort that Aims to Champion Women-Owned Businesses and Uplift Women Voices

SAN FRANCISCO (March 8, 2021) -- Today, DoorDash announced Made by Women, an in-app and digital platform that aims to champion women-owned businesses and uplift women voices, along with a first-of-its-kind partnership with multiplatform ESPN commentator and two-time WNBA All-Star and forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, Chiney Ogwumike.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the multiplatform partnership with Chiney Ogwumike launches today with a new national ad campaign titled “In the Zone ‘’ that spans

TV, digital, and social media. The campaign is a leading example of a non-endemic brand creating national creative that features a solo WNBA athlete, elevating the representation of women in advertising and media. The :30 spot simultaneously and seamlessly links DoorDash and basketball through spoken-word narration by a rising voice in the world of sports, while aiming to celebrate women making history.

DoorDash and Chiney Ogwumike have many shared values, and are committed to empowering local communities by working together to design initiatives that accelerate efforts to provide

And Announces Historic Partnership with WNBA All-Star and TV Personality Chiney Ogwumike

access for women across the United States and beyond. Chiney is blazing her own trail of entrepreneurship with broadcast, basketball, and now business, and is dedicated to the mission of opening up opportunities for women worldwide alongside DoorDash.

“I’m thrilled to partner with DoorDash to celebrate and empower women everywhere. As a woman trying to balance it all, it is critical to show the world that we will continue to break glass ceilings every day and lift each other up,” said Chiney Ogwumike, multi-platform ESPN commentator and two-time All-Star of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. “ On International Women’s Day, we recognize that women are bosses, and our mission is to open up doors for the next generation to run through. And for anyone that knows me, food is the way to my heart, so working with DoorDash is a dream come true.”

“We’re constantly inspired by the endless ways women continue to break barriers and create change across food, sports, entrepreneurship, and beyond,” said Vanessa Carr, DoorDash’s Director of Partnership Marketing. “We are proud to launch our Made by Women platform and partner with Chiney Ogwumike, a multi-faceted trailblazer who is forging a path of her own while also uplifting others along the way. We will continue to leverage our platform and partnerships to support and champion women building their dreams.”

Made by Women also kicks off today with new in-app features on DoorDash to highlight and support independent Women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, making it easier for local customers to discover and support them. Women-owned businesses disproportionately feel the impacts of COVID-19 .

DoorDash considers this commitment to supporting Womenowned businesses an ongoing effort that demands action through its product, voice, and resources.

Here’s how: • Hundreds of Women-owned, independent restaurants across more than 40 US states have opted into Made

by Women and are now searchable on DoorDash by keyword “Women owned”, including local favorites like Nong’s Khao Man Gai in Portland, Kismet in Los Angeles, Goddess and the Baker in Chicago, Fauzia’s Heavenly Delights in NYC, and Glen’s Garden Market in Washington, D.C. • Each merchant that is highlighted as a Women-owned business has provided approval to be featured through direct contact with our team. Restaurants interested in opting in can learn more here .* DoorDash will continue to add new restaurants and merchants in the coming months.

• In an attempt to address systemic inequities by providing capacity-building resources such as capital, DoorDash

will match loans for women-owned businesses through their partnership with Kiva, a global non-profit whose mission is to expand financial access. In 2020, DoorDash established a $150k revolving loan fund with Kiva and as of today, women-owned businesses will be eligible for loan matching from that fund (up to 5k per loan). Kiva provides 0% interest, crowdfunded loans to eligible business owners. Loans are provided and administered by Kiva subject to Kiva’s Terms of Use .

• To further encourage customers to support Women-owned businesses in their neighborhoods, DoorDash customers will see in-app Women-owned carousels in dozens of markets across the US, Canada, and Australia including New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington, D.C., Sacramento, Austin, Tampa, Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto, Montreal, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Participating restaurants on the DoorDash platform are also identified by a banner on their store page.

• Caviar customers will also see an in-app Women-Powered carousel with Pineapple Collaborative in select markets including Austin, Boston, New York, Chicago, SF, LA, Miami, and D.C. Starting today, DoorDash will donate $1 per DoorDash and Caviar order** from a participating merchant that has opted into the Made by Women Platform, up to $100,000, to the James Beard Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Programs.

These efforts expand DoorDash’s investments in supporting entrepreneurship and access for underrepresented businesses and builds upon DoorDash’s $200M Main Street Strong fund , including the $2M Main Street Strong Accelerator , a new program providing financial support and specialized educational resources to women, immigrant and BIPOC-owned businesses.

Through DoorDash’s Community Credits program , they’ve also supported women’s empowerment groups such as San Francisco Safe House , Sarah’s Circle , and Girls for Gender Equity , and look forward to collaborating with more organizations supporting equality and advancement for women. *Administration and eligibility will be in DoorDash’s sole discretion. We reserve the right to amend, suspend, or terminate the terms at any time, including to comply with legislation or regulation of any kind. To learn more about participating in DoorDash’s Made by Women, including eligibility requirements, see here . ** For every order placed on March 8th, 2021 through March 31st, 2021 on the DoorDash and Caviar platforms from participating women-owned businesses, DoorDash will donate $1, up to a maximum of $100,000, to the James Beard Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Programs.

Please wear a mask and socially distance youself.

DoorDash’s new partner Chiney Ogwumike, multi-platform ESPN commentator and two-time All-Star of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

Do your part to end COVID-19

A8

Local

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Observer Small Business Spotlight:

“Cafe Ruisseau”

By Brittany Wallace Contributing Writer “Leave your mark.” That’s been the mission and mantra for Edward Ackah-Miezah, owner and founder of Cafe Ruisseau, since he set out to open his own cafe.

Ackah-Miezah has worked around coffee since 1993. Since then, he was able to witness firsthand the explosive popularity of major coffee chains, like Starbucks, while learning the ins and outs of the coffee business Following the birth of his daughter, Ruisseau, in 2003, Ackah-Miezah decided to take his love and experience with coffee, and turn it into something that would leave a mark on his community, and provide a legacy for his loved ones. The cafe was named after Ackah-Miezah’s daughter, but he calls the name “emblematic”, as it reminds him of his responsibility to take care of those that belong to him.

Cafe Ruisseau got its start as a coffee cart on the studio lots in Century City in 2005, and would serve the production assistants from movie sets. Ackah-Miezah noticed that by the time the assistants got back to set, iced drinks would be lukewarm, hot coffee would be cold, or spilled. He wanted to solve this problem by bringing his coffee closer to his customers, so he decided to purchase his own coffee equipment. Shortly thereafter, the buzz around the coffee cart grew and Ackah-Miezah was able to have a second coffee cart to meet the demands of his customers. He was later asked to provide services for several TV shows and movies like Spiderman 3, Iron Man 1 and 2, Netfilx’s Dear White People, and My Name is Dolemite.

Ackah-Miezah opened his first Cafe Ruisseau location in Playa Vista in 2017, and the second location in Santa Monica in 2020. Coffee lovers can find their favorite traditional hot or iced drinks at Cafe Ruisseau, or try something different like the Blue Butterfly Lemonade. Ackah-Miezah wants all Cafe Ruisseau customers to feel comfortable and at ease, and for them to enjoy their time in the cafe without pretense.

In the wake of COVID-19, the cafe has taken all necessary precautions to keep employees and customers safe, including masks, regimented cleaning and sanitizing, regular handwashing,

(Courtesy Photo: instagram.com/cafe_ruisseau/)

and gloves.

Connecting with others is most important to Ackah-Miezah, and he wants to ensure that customers are still able to safely connect with others. While the coffee business has become more serious in recent years, Ackah-Miezah feels that “pretension sours the coffee”. He went on to say that “Cafe Ruisseau isn’t a place where customers might feel looked down upon, or unwelcomed.

But rather, a place that people can feel free to gather, and connect

(Courtesy Photo: instagram.com/cafe_ruisseau/)

(Courtesy Photo: instagram.com/cafe_ruisseau/)

with others.”

When it comes to growth and expansion beyond the newest Santa Monica location of Cafe Ruisseau, Ackah-Miezah says that he “hopes to have a few more cafes opened in the next five years or so.” For now, though, he says he is just “focused on the day to day.” It’s safe to say that Ackah-Miezah has accomplished his goal and left his mark on his community by opening two incredibly successful black-owned cafes within two years of each other.