LA 8.6.20 4C

News Observer Los Angeles

Volume 35 Number 38

Serving Los Angeles County for Over 35 Years

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Census Crunch Time: Activists Say Every Black Californian Must Be Counted Before New September Deadline Angela Birdsong California Black Media African American stakeholders are ramping up their outreach to undercounted census tracts where Black Californians live after the U.S. Census Bureau announced this week that it will stop the national count at the end of September. The state too is intensifying its last-ditch initiatives to achieve an accurate count of all Californians as enumeration goes into its final stretches.

Federal legislation that would have extended it through October has stalled in the U.S. Senate.

Black Lives Matter is shouted, printed, painted and posted everywhere in today’s racial-and-social-justiceaware political climate, but those lives may be threatened by low participation in the U.S. 2020 Census. At risk for Black families in California, who live in the hardest-to-count census tracts of the state in disproportionate numbers, are federal resources for schools, housing, health care, employment, transportation and public policy initiatives that target them.

The ability to maintain or lose political representation in Congress is also at stake. According to the consulting group Election Data Services (EDS), California could lose a congressional district representing 300,000 people for the first time in its 160-year history. Part of the problem, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s interactive 2020 Census response map, approximately 25 % of California’s current population (9,879,459) live in hard-to-count neighborhoods and are at risk of being missed in the 2020 Census.

Carmen Taylor Jones, 2020 Census Director at the Los Angeles-based Black Women for Wellness advocacy group, said it is more than being simply counted, but it’s a call to action.

“It (the census) is the keeper of houses, and they are the holder of genealogy records,” said Jones, former 2010 Census Bureau Southern California Area Regional Manager. She said her new slogan for the 2020 Census is “document your existence,” by completing the decennial census.

This week, the California Complete Count Census 2020 office has organized several public awareness activities under the banner of “Get Out the Count Week.” The events, which include a press briefing, a “Virtual Day of Action” and an online pep rally of “Social Media Ambassadors,” are geared toward reaching Californians who have still not completed their forms.

The threat of losing a seat in congress is heard often, but it has never happened in California, since population losses are typically tempered by nearly as many people moving to the state or relocating within it.

As of July 13, California’s response rate was 63.2 %, according to the Census Bureau’s interactive response map.

Per the California Complete Count Committee, an estimated 850,644 households have not responded, which equates to an estimated population of over 4.2 million.

Further, the California Complete Count Committee

indicated, the average Self-Response Rate as of June 4 was 61.6 % for Black/African American, 59.1 % for Hispanic/Latino, and 61.4 % for American Indian and Alaska Native.

The National Urban League indicated in its State of 2020 Census Report, however, that favorable state response rates that meet or surpass the national 2020 Census rate provide little indication of how well or poorly predominantly or heavily populated Black communities are responding to the 2020 Census.

It recommends closer analysis to ensure targeted outreach lifts participation in low-response-rate Black communities.

“If we are not counted, then we amplify our problems as opposed to solving our problems,” said Janette Robinson Flint, executive director of Black Women for Wellness.

Organizations like Black Women for Wellness knew the COVID-19 pandemic made areas considered hard-to-count only harder to reach. This organization and others in California are part of a group called “The Black Hub” that worked with vulnerable communities across the state.

The State of California gave $187 million for the Census campaign to push outreach efforts to educate of the importance of being counted this year. These efforts included support to The Black Hub along with other institutions.

Flint told California Black Media that outreach on low voting turnouts for her organization began in 2000 with

constant voter education campaigns. Later in 2012, it developed VREAM (Voting Rules Everything Around Me) to address voter suppression in California. The decision to participate in the 2010 and 2020 censuses to increase Black counts was an obvious next step, she continued.

The group’s outreach tactic, tagged the 200 Grand Campaign, trained 15 student interns to phone bank for five-anda-half weeks. Jones requested 200,000 contact phone numbers in 45 hard-to-count tracts from the California Community Foundation.

Seventy-five percent of the 200,000 phone calls affirmed a commitment to participate in the 2020 Census, according to Jones.

“That is the single largest outreach to date in L.A. County,” she said. “In addition, the students’ text campaign reached 35,000 contacts with a response rate close to 90 percent.”

Student interns like Deshawn Moore worked from home and used their own phones due to Black Women for Wellness’ COVID-19 protocols to keep everyone safe. “I learned a lot in training about voting and the census. One time when I was on the bus, I asked someone if they have taken the census. They said no. I told them about it and how to do it,” Moore said.

When asked if he would volunteer again with Black Women for Wellness, he responded, “Yes I would.”

Get to Know Danilo Batson and The Spicy Green Book

Los Angeles News Observer Exclusive Interview with the Spicy Green Book Founder

By Darlene L. Williams happens in communities as the money grows. So, if you reinvest Los Angeles News Observer Contributing Writer in the community, it’s an easy way to inspire positive impact.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF.—Finding good restaurants and And, with that, the easiest way for me to do that was with food, other food eateries can be a daunting task at times, but finding beverages, and restaurants. good black-owned restaurants has just gotten easier since the Q: Is the Spicy Green Book website strictly for black-owned launching of an online website called the Spicy Green Book. businesses and restaurants in Southern California, or does it Whether in search of a restaurant, food truck, pastry shop, expand beyond that? or pop-up— the Spicy Green book has just the listing suitable to A: No, it’s beyond that. We’re planning at this moment to satiate the taste buds. expand nationwide and throughout Canada. I have volunteer Entrepreneur and visionary, Danilo Batson seems to have photographers in Toronto, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, created the perfect recipe, an online guide that showcases and Portland, Carolina and so forth, so we’re expanding way beyond supports black-owned restaurants and beverage industries in the California. And, yes, it is for black-owned businesses—food and Southern California area. beverage.

With racial unrest, rising police brutality, and a pandemic Q: Who is Danilo Batson? wreaking havoc on African American communities and other A: My background has been in food and beverage for about people of color worldwide; even so, the 29 year-old Bellflower nine years. I started off as a server and bartender while living in native’s vision reaches beyond the sole purpose of merely Bellflower. highlighting black businesses.

Previously to Spicy Green Book I was pursuing my nursing On the other hand, Batson envisions his Spicy Green Book degree. I was in nursing school when this idea came across and as a way to help close the gap in racial divide by building bridges I tried to take care of this business and let this thing grow and and forging relationships between police officers and non-black manifest itself. But the amount of time that I put into it, there communities. was no way that I could do both; one was going to suffer if I tried “I want them to get to know us and our employees, and to, so I wanted to make sure that I gave this (Spicy Book website) become familiar with the communities we operate in.” Batson the proper attention and did right by it. said.

My background is business which is first venture is The Los Angeles News Observer (LANO) spoke with Mr. everything basically. In nursing, you learned to always be an Batson via telephone for a Q &A interview about the Spicy Green advocate for your community and always be the best Book. thing to help the community and that Q: What is the Spicy Green Book? i n itself can be taken a A: The Spicy Green Book is a online directory listing lot of different ways, promoting black-owned businesses in not just taking care the food and beverage of your patient. i n d u s t r y.

Q: What Additionally, is the website we help online address? businesses A: https:// with their spicygreenbook. communication com/ and providing Q: How do professional businesses get p h o t o g r a p h y, registered with v i d e o g r a p h y, the Spicy Book design, journalism website? and overall A: Go to branding. the homepage Q: Where did add listing you get the idea button, and to showcase blackit will take owned businesses? you to a A: The idea form to fill started in that, I felt out and oto) h if we want to go down verify that P y s e this road of activism you are a (Court atson.

B o l and inspire change, black-owned. After i n a D r e d there’s a lot of ways to the form is filled out, which will k Foun en Boo do it. But, I think, most include your contact information; we will contact e r G y Spic people whether right, left, you and get the process started. or in the middle can agree that change Q: You have a vision to foster relationships between police

Scan over this photo to follow @spicygreenbook on Instagram. (Courtesy Photo) officers and the communities they are sworn to serve and protect; how do you devise such a plan with the Spicy Green Book?

A: I wouldn’t say that it’s specifically to police officers, but it’s specific to anyone outside of the black community who wants to get to know us. We want to work on inviting people into our community to experience our culture; knowing that no community is monolithic, we’re all different we all have different ideas—and that doesn’t make you more or less than the other.

The black Texas barbecue in Dallas is not the same as in Houston; we want you to get to know all of us. This is kind of like the saying “dent in the bridge” of getting people to walk across and get to know all these owners and the people who work there.

Q: Is there a fee for business to register with Spicy Green Book?

A: No. Q: How would a person become a volunteer with your organization?

A: They could go to the website and complete the volunteer questionnaire.

Q: You are non-profit, right? How would a potential donor go about donating to Spicy Green Book?

A: Yes, I am non-profit. There is a donation page. We are graciously taking donations. We do not charge business owners.

Black people are putting their time in to actually help and make this thing possible, so yes, we need donations. Every little bit helps.

“There are three things that I stress at the website, and number one is volunteers. We need more volunteers. We need more of them spread out. The second thing we need is donations and funding to actually get the right people involved in this project and make it all possible. Lastly, we need brand awareness.

We need to start spreading our brand around. Some food trucks and businesses are not online yet or don’t have an online presence where we can find them. And the only way we’re going to find everyone and try to look under every rock is to spread our brand around, whether word of mouth or social media to get more businesses on the list.” Batson said.

Free!

Thursday, August 6, 2020

97% of People Busted for Pot in Albany Were Black

ALBANY, NY (AP) – A year after Albany’s police chief vowed to examine racial disparities in marijuana arrests, 97% of people arrested or ticketed for pot offenses in the city since then have been Black, according to a review by the Times Union.

Only four white people were charged with marijuana crimes from July 9, 2019, to July 9, 2020, out of the 134 times city police made arrests or wrote tickets during that time period, the newspaper reported Sunday. About 30 percent of Albany’s population is Black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Questions still exist,” said Debora BrownJohnson, president of the Albany NAACP branch.

“What’s going here, is this a targeted group?”

Brown Johnson called on Mayor Kathy Sheehan to address the problem.

Sheehan said in a statement that city officials would examine the marijuana arrest data as part of a broader, state-mandated overhaul of the city’s police force.

“The city of Albany Police Reform Collaborative will be undertaking a comprehensive review of the Albany Police Department data associated with arrests by race, gender, and other demographics,” she said.

Police Chief Eric Hawkins said his vow to examine the racial disparities has been delayed by the police department’s focus on matters related to the coronavirus.

Neighborhood Drops Name With Ties to KKK

DENVER (AP) – A Denver neighborhood has voted to change its name after a yearslong debate over its association with a former mayor who was a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

Stapleton residents voted Saturday to rebrand the neighborhood as Central Park, The Denver Post reported. Central Park, an ode to the green space that runs through the area, beat “Skyview” in the final round of voting by community members, earning 63% of the more than 5,800 votes cast.

“It’s our sincere hope that each one of us . treats this moment with fresh eyes and a common goal to treat each other with kindness, compassion and respect,” said Amanda Allshouse, the president of the board of Stapleton United Neighbors.

The neighborhood was named for Benjamin F. Stapleton and was built on the site of the former Stapleton International Airport. Stapleton was Denver’s mayor for 20 years between 1923 and 1947.

More than 65% of voting property owners opted to retain the Stapleton name in a referendum last summer.

But the death of George Floyd and the ensuing unrest renewed the debate.

Floyd, a Black man, died May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck while he was handcuffed and lying on the ground. His death prompted protests across the U.S. and around the world against police brutality and racial injustice.

JuJu Nkrumah has been fighting to change the neighborhood’s name since the 1990s, before people had even moved in. She long avoided going to the area, viewing the name as a slap in the face to Black people such as her.

“I give thanks and appreciation to my ancestors,” Nkrumah said. “I’m so sorry they had to live with that in their face for so long. It’s finally going to be over.”

Walker Stapleton, the great-grandson of the former mayor, tweeted in June that he was disappointed the democratic process represented by previous resident votes was being overlooked.

But Walker Stapleton _ a former gubernatorial candidate and state treasurer _ said he supported the name change if it “brings more equity, fairness and opportunity” for Denver residents and Colorado residents of color.

Navy Investigates Video of Dogs Attacking Kaepernick Fill-in

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – The U.S. Navy is investigating an incident in which dogs attacked a “Colin Kaepernick stand-in’’ during a K-9 demonstration during a 2019 fundraiser at the Navy SEAL Museum in Florida.

The Navy said in a statement posted on Twitter that officials became aware of the video on Sunday.

Kaepernick is a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who began kneeling during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” before games to protest social injustice and police brutality. He played his final NFL game in January 2017. He offered support to those protesting the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers in May, and the NFL’s commissioner has apologized for not listening earlier to players’ concerns about social injustice.

The videos show four dogs attacking a man, who is wearing a red Kaepernick football jersey over heavily padded gear as people stand nearby watching. In a second video, the man is laying on the ground when he’s approached by men wearing fatigues and holding rifles, saying, “On your belly.” The man replies, “Oh, man, I will stand,” as he rolls over, followed by laughing from the crowd.

The videos were apparently posted on Instagram last year and resurfaced over the weekend.

“The inherent message of this video is completely inconsistent with the values and ethos of Naval Special Warfare and the U.S. Navy,” the statement said.

The Navy said the “initial indications” are that no active duty personnel or equipment were used in the demonstration at the “independent organization’s event.”

The Navy SEAL Museum is located in Fort Pierce, Florida, which is north of West Palm Beach on the state’s Atlantic Coast. According to its website, the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is the only museum dedicated solely to preserving the history of the U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessors.

World & Nation

A2

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, August 6, 2020

NNPA Salutes the Memory and Legacy of Publisher Imogene McDaniel Harris

Imogene McDaniel Harris, November 20, 1931 – July 22, 2020

Washington, DC, August 1, 2020: The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) expresses sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Imogene McDaniel Harris (R.I.P.), the distinguished publisher of the Gary INFO Newspaper (founded in 1963) who passed on July 22, 2020.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO of the NNPA stated, “I have personally known the Harris family in Gary, Indiana for decades. Today our extended NNPA families of Black owned newspapers across the nation pause to salute the outstanding memory and legacy of NNPA publisher Imogene Harris. We pledge to keep her spirit alive as we rededicate to continue to sustain the Black Press of America during these challenging times.

Newspaper publisher, educator, community activist, matriarch Imogene Harris, 88, of Gary, Indiana, completed her earthly assignment Wednesday, July 22, 2020 after a lingering illness.

Imogene was born in the city she devoted a lifetime of love to Gary, Indiana, on November 20, 1931, the child of Lohney L. and Geneva Scott McDaniel. She graduated from Gary Roosevelt High School and briefly attended Hampton Institute (University) in Hampton, Virginia.

Imogene continued on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University, in Bloomington, Indiana.

Imogene joined in nuptial bliss with her soulmate James Templeton (J.T.) Harris, Jr. on September 1, 1951. Their blessed union lasted 51-years until J.T.’s transition to glory in 2001.

Imogene taught in the Gary Public School System for

many years, first, at Froebel School, followed by Norton Elementary School as a third-grade teacher, and then she served as Head Librarian at Lincoln Elementary School.

Imogene’s calling in life was partnering with J.T. to run the family businesses - Harris Printing Company (established in the 1950s) and Gary INFO Newspaper (founded in 1963). They diligently produced a publication that became the voice of African Americans throughout Northwest Indiana for more than four decades.

Imogene was a compassionate mentor, sage, and friend to people of all ages. Harris Printing Company and Gary INFO generated opportunities that contributed to the growth of existing Black businesses as well as the aspirations of budding entrepreneurs, writers, photographers, and printers.

From newspaper boys and girls trying to earn pocket change, to eventual affluent and successful individuals around the nation, “The Shop,” as Info’s midtown location was affectionately known, was more than a place for workers to hone their craft, it was a launching pad for life.

A lifelong resident of Gary, Imogene was a member of Delaney Memorial United Methodist Church which is now Christ Memorial Methodist Church. Memberships included the Gary branch NAACP, the Gary Urban League Guild, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Betu Nu Chapter (1962). Imogene was recognized by the NNPA and maintained a collegial relationship with the founding members of the (NNPA) that was founded in 1940.

Harris was also a founding member of the Lake County Association of Black Communicators.

Her many lifetime accolades included the Drum Major Award presented to her and J.T. by the Gary Frontiers Service Club, for their commitment to eliminate inequality, prejudice, and racism. They also proudly received a Congressional Record from the Hon. Indiana State Representative Peter J. Visclosky in 1994 for their commitment to instill equality and justice throughout the City of Gary.

Imogene will be fondly remembered by all for her dedication to excellence, her deep compassion, unswerving principles, thoughtful leadership, devotion to family and community, and loyal friendship.

Imogene is survived by two loving and devoted daughters Temple-Jene Harris Fleming (Joseph) and Gaylyn Harris. The pride of her heart, her five grandchildren, Lavon Robin Fleming, Lateefah Shariene Fleming, Joseph Harris Fleming, and Terilyn Marshelle Fleming; greatgrandson Nathaniel Joseph Williams; sister-in-law Emma Harris (Lorenzo), godchildren Calvin, Daresia and Cheryl Pruitt, committed goddaughter Djuana Anderson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Imogene is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Levevian McDaniel Benton (Norman).

The family will hold a Memorial Service to remember the life of Imogene at a future date where her transition will truly be celebrated. Arrangements are being handled

by Guy & Allen Funeral Home in Gary, IN.

Is the Postal Service Slowing Mail Delivery?

Congress authorized a $10 billion loan to the postal service as part of a coronavirus relief package. Still, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin steadfastly has refused to hand over the money until the USPS turns over much of its operations to him.

Reports of significant problems at the postal service under newly appointed postmaster general Louis DeJoy, a major Trump donor, has exacerbated claims that the slowdown is intentional.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Already frustrated with late, delayed or lost mail?

Residents who depend on the U.S. Postal Service can expect even more frustration.

As first reported by the Associated Press, mail deliveries could be delayed by a day or more under cost-cutting efforts being imposed by the new postmaster general.

“The plan eliminates overtime for hundreds of thousands of postal workers and says employees must adopt a different mindset to ensure the Postal Service’s survival during the coronavirus pandemic,” The Associated Press reported, citing a confidential memo circulated throughout the postal service.

Late trips will no longer be authorized. If postal distribution centers are running late, “they will keep the mail for the next day,” Postal Service leaders wrote in a document.

“One aspect of these changes that may be difficult for employees is that — temporarily — we may see mail left behind or mail on the workroom floor or docks,” another document says, the AP reported.

In a livestream interview, Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.) told BlackPressUSA that Congress had approved new funding for the U.S. Postal Service and hoped to do more.

Congress authorized a $10 billion loan to the postal service as part of a coronavirus relief package. Still, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin steadfastly has refused to hand over the money until the USPS turns over much of its operations to him.

Reports of significant problems at the postal service under newly appointed postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, a major Trump donor, has exacerbated claims that the

slowdown is intentional.

“The Week,” an online publication, called it “yet another example of how Trump’s authoritarian rot is dissolving the American state – and raising the possibility of interference with the 2020 election.”

Trump has voiced strong opposition to mail-in voting.

Additionally, many said the slowdown impacts minorities more than anyone else.

“As a small business owner who utilizes USPS to ship many of our products to customers, this will significantly affect us,” Calvin Harris, the founder and managing director of Reveille Trading Company, a coffee importing operation that offers specialty coffee and single-origin by partnering directly with farms around the world.

“It is my opinion that it will disproportionately harm minority businesses. Black-owned businesses often have harder times securing financing, and we generally secure financing at higher rates than white-owned companies,” Harris opined.

“This means that we run on tighter margins, so many businesses will be forced to either have slower shipping or decrease our already small margins if possible, to offer faster shipping.”

Harris added that USPS priority mail had enabled his company to offer free shipping on all orders. He noted that

UPS and FedEx are more expensive options and are much slower.

“For many minority businesses, we have to compete with much larger companies, and we need every advantage that we can get. If I can at least offer free shipping, then it’s one less customer objection that we have to overcome,” Harris said.

Elizabeth Weatherby, who works for the integrated marketing development company, Youtech, recanted a recent move across the country from Massachusetts to Arizona.

She said she sent her security deposit overnight via the post office and expected it to arrive long before her weeklong journey.

“By the time I had arrived in Arizona, the check was still not delivered to my housing management company.

What’s even more strange is that when I called USPS, no matter what number, what office, what location, I could not get through to anyone,” Weatherby stated.

“I was waiting on hold forever and couldn’t even speak with a representative. In-person, I had to go to every single post office in my new town to track down my check. I am lucky my housing management still let me move in. I definitely think this could be due to the Trump Administration slowing down the ability to vote by mail.”

PRESS ROOM: Black Automotive Media Group (BAMG) Hosts Discussions with Nation’s Automakers Over

BLack of Inclusion Discussion

Letter to Automakers Outlines Concerns Regarding Fairness and Equity for Black Automotive Media The Black Automotive Media Group (BAMG), has challenged the nation’s automakers to address fairness and equity regarding Black media who cover the industry.

BAMG is a distinguished group of seven Black reporters and writers who have over 150 years of combined experience in automotive journalism within radio, television, print, videography, event planning and influencing, and social media. They represent a coalition of Black journalists who either work for or own various automotive media platforms.

In a letter to 20 U.S. market automaker brands, the BAMG outlined concerns over a lack of inclusion for Blacks in automotive media and in automobile industry corporate positions. Automakers were asked to take action on the three pillars outlined in the letter: • Access to press and special events • The lack of automotive advertising and marketing dollars for Black-owned Websites, newspapers, magazines, broadcast media, and marketing events • The lack of Black professionals who participate in developing, designing, engineering, or promoting new vehicles The letter also noted the lack of diversity on the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) Jury, a prestigious panel of 50 North American journalists

and engineers, which as of the release of our letter had no Black Jurors.

The BAMG feels that addressing these pillars is crucial to reversing decades of exclusion that Black automotive journalists have faced. As a result of the letter, all manufacturers responded, and a series of video calls were executed. The conversations were informative and sometimes uncomfortable, and souls on both sides of the discussions were bared. “We need to be an adequate part of the solution,” said one automaker. “We need a strategic corporate reset,” said another.

“These are interesting times of reflection for everyone.

But it also marks a moment of introspection for each individual that, in turn, comprises the totality of corporate culture in America,” stated BAMG member Kimatni D. Rawlins. “And the auto industry is not absolved due to equivalent philosophies, directives, and practices that have excluded African Americans from receiving a fair share of the resources and opportunities extended to mainstream media.”

Some brands responded with immediate solutions and pledges to enhance their diversity efforts to at least 15% for press event representation. However, a few were less than contrite, which was disturbing. The BAMG made it clear that diversity directives can only be successful when the mission and portfolio are integral parts of the corporate vision.

Other progress includes electing two Black male journalists onto the NACTOY Jury shortly after a panel discussion with the Motor Press Guild (MPG) on the plight of Black journalists in automotive media, and after the BAMG industry letter reached automakers. Most manufacturers asked for assistance from the BAMG in identifying the “next generation” of young Black journalists and social media devotees who are rising stars in automotive media.

These conversations are but a first step in a long journey, as a dedicated, long-term approach will help strengthen relationships not only with Black media but also within the African American community. According to http://www. nielsen.com, Black Americans contribute $1.2 Trillion annually to the U.S. economy, and their marketing and media value should reflect our buying power within the automotive sector.

The BAMG expects to meet quarterly with manufacturers to assess progress made towards greater inclusion.

Members of the Black Automotive Media Group include: • Greg Morrison, Bumper2Bumpertv • Roosevelt Gist, AutoNetwork • Kimatni D. Rawlins, AutomotiveRhythms. com / FitFathers.com • Frank Washington, AboutThatCar.com

• Ken Chester, RoadWorthy Drive Productions • Ronda Penrice, Freelance Writer • Brian Armstead, Autosense/Roadgear

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Features

Thursday, August 6, 2020

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER A3

Alabama Man Finds Alligator Swimming in His Backyard Pool MOBILE, Ala. (AP) _ An Alabama homeowner woke up to an unexpected visitor swimming in his backyard pool: an alligator.

WALA-TV reports that Steven McCulland of Mobile recorded the unwanted guest on video and posted it on

US Marshals Put Fyre Festival Merch Up for Auction

NEW YORK (AP) – More than three years after the highly publicized Fyre Festival famously fizzled out in the Bahamas, merchandise and other “minor assets” are up for sale – courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service.

In a release Thursday, the U.S. Marshals announced that 126 items from the festival will be auctioned off, with proceeds going toward the victims of Billy McFarland.

McFarland acknowledged defrauding investors of $26 million in the 2017 Fyre Festival and over $100,000 in a fraudulent ticket-selling scheme after his arrest in the scam.

He was sentenced to six years in prison in October 2018.

Now 28, he’s serving his sentence at a low-security prison in Ohio, according to the Bureau of Prisons “This Fyre Festival-branded clothing and other items that were seized from Billy McFarland were originally intended to be sold at the Fyre Festival itself but were kept

by McFarland, with the intent to sell the items and use the funds to commit further criminal acts while he was on pre-trial release,” U.S. Marshal Ralph Sozio of the Southern District of New York said in the release.

The festival, billed as an ultra-luxurious event and “the cultural experience of the decade,” was supposed to take place over two spring 2017 weekends on the Bahamian island of Exuma. Models and celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski had promoted it on social media.

Customers who paid $1,200 to over $100,000 hoping to see Blink-182 and the hip-hop act Migos arrived to learn musical acts were canceled. Their luxury accommodations and gourmet food consisted of leaky white tents and packaged food, prompting attendees to lash out on social media with the hashtag (hash)fyrefraud.

Among the mementos of that festival are sweatpants, shirts and tokens emblazoned with “a conspiracy to change the entertainment world.” As of Saturday, the lots ranged from $10 – the minimum bid for sets of two wristbands – to $300 for a baseball cap bearing the festival logo that had received 20 bids since the auction opened Thursday.

At 36 bids, the most popular lot was an aqua blue hoodie featuring the flag of the Bahamas on the back and sleeves patterned with the logo.

The auction, run by Texas-based Gaston & Sheehan, ends Aug. 13.

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER 20SMCP00174 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES SANTA MONICA COURTHOUSE 1725 MAIN STREET SANTA MONICA, CA 90401 PETITION OF: EMMA VIOLA PLATTER TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: EMMA VIOLA PLATTER for a decree changing names as follows: Present name EMMA VIOLA PLATTER Filed a petition with this court Proposed name EMMA VIOLA PLATTER OLCOTT 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: AUG 14, 2020 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: June 17, 2020 LAWERENCE CHO JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT E. GOLDSTEIN DEPUTY EMMA VIOLA PLATTER 3725 Greenfield Ave. Los Angeles, Ca. 90034 Phone: (951) 876-1958 E-Mail: emmaplatter@me.com In Pro Per LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: July 16, 23, 30, Aug 6, 2020

social media.

In the video, McCulland shows the alligator and sounds stunned as he says: “How is there an alligator in my pool, swimming around in my pool? What in the blue blazes is this?”

And he told those watching the video: “If you own an alligator and you’re missing one, he in my backyard in my pool. Come get him.”

McCulland told the news station he had no idea how the alligator got into his backyard Friday, but he’ll

double-checking now before he enters the pool. The reptile eventually retreated to McCulland’s fence line, and a wildlife agent removed it.

Absentee Voting?

Groups Aim to Shoot Down Rule That Would Let Lawmakers Vote When Absent Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

Lobbying firms, public interest advocates and some California constitutionalists are concerned about what would happen if the legislature approves a rule that would allow lawmakers to vote in their absence.

They are also urging Californians to vote no on similar measure that might make it to the November ballot as a proposition.

“It has been widely reported that the Assembly is going to consider a ‘rule’ allowing ‘proxy voting’ on the Floor,” wrote Thomas W. Hiltachk, the attorney for the Institute of Governmental Advocates (IGA) in a letter to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and Diane Boyer-Vine, the legislative counsel at the State Capitol. The IGA is a nonpartisan organization that represents professional lobbyists and lobbying firms in Sacramento.

“The proposed rule is clearly unconstitutional and threatens the legality of any bill passed using proxy votes,” Hiltachk’s letter continued. “The Legislature cannot now by rule, [do] that what can only be achieved by amending the Constitution.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how people in California live and transact business in almost every aspect of life – from personal activities like grocery shopping and dining out to social and civic duties like voting and serving on juries.

It is no different for the legislature.

“Given a spike in COVID-19 cases across the state, the Assembly is obliged to pursue safety with more stringent measures,” Speaker Rendon said in a statement explaining the rationale of allowing members to vote when they are not present for a vote. “As a result, we will implement very limited proxy voting for floor sessions to allow our most vulnerable members to participate without being physically present on the Assembly floor.”

When state lawmakers returned to Sacramento on July 27 from an extended, two-week recess, Assembly Majority Floor Leader Ian Calderon (D-Whitter) introduced House Resolution 100 (H.R. 100).

If the proposition makes it to the November ballot – and if voters approve it -- the measure would allow California legislators, from a distance and without physical contact, vote in a legislative proceeding -- or to vote by proxy in a legislative proceeding. The vote will have to be permitted by the Assembly or Senate in the event of a state of emergency declared by the governor or the President of the United States.

The measure was put into action after California Black Legislative Caucus (CBLC) member and Assemblywoman Autumn Burke (D-Inglewood) contracted COVID-19 in June.

Burke said in a Twitter post at the time that she had “mask to mask” exposure to COVID-19 on June 26 and was tested for coronavirus on the 4th of July. She was present on the Assembly floor on June 10, she said, when she voted in favor of allowing a measure to be placed on the ballot that could reverse Prop 209, a 24-year-old law that

Assemblymember Autumn Burke (D- Los Angeles) is shown wearing a face mask on the floor of the California State Assembly chambers on June 8, 2020. (Photo: Antonio Ray Harvey)

bans Affirmative Action in the state.

Burke, 46, who was elected to represent California’s 62nd Assembly District in 2014, went into quarantine with her six-year-old daughter.

“I was shocked, disappointed, and heartbroken,” Burke said after she learned she tested positive for coronavirus.

“It’s been a tough journey. For us, my daughter and I were symptom-free. So, (it was) much less for us about actually having it. But the heartbreaking feeling that you will feel is when you know that you have affected somebody, put their life in jeopardy, will destroy you.”

The main focus of H.R. 100 is to have the California State Assembly adopt a rule to allow proxy voting during the COVID‑19 state of emergency. Like Burke, the pandemic has affected other members of the legislature and staff.

But even with the risks, some advocates say the process of making laws is too important to not follow standard procedures.

“We know there’s a crisis, but we have to hold people voting on legislation that will impact all of our lives accountable,” said Salena Pryor, founder of the Black Small Business Association. “One of the dangers of rewriting the voting rules is that you shake up the entire process and we have no guarantee that the public will have a chance to give

our input and let our elected officials know how we feel about the legislation.”

HR 100 first was introduced into the California State legislature as Assembly Constitutional Amendment 25 (ACA 25) on May 21. The Assembly voted 60 to 13 to pass ACA 25 on June 10. The California State Senate did not vote on ACA 25 before the deadline on June 25 or the extended deadline of July 1, 2020.

Then, on June 26, the Assembly voted 47 to 16 to pass Senate Bill (SB) 300. SB 300 allows for more time to place ACA 25 and two other constitutional amendments on the ballot for Nov. 3. On June 29, the Senate voted 29 to 8 to pass SB 300 and Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed SB 300 into law the following day.

Hiltachk insists that proxy voting is unconstitutional, arguing that legislators have a duty to make the sacrifice to vote in person even if there is danger involved.

“Many Californians have been classified as ‘essential’ workers. They show up to work every day, many caring for the sick, disabled, aged, or infirmed. Many work to keep our communities safe and others work to keep the engine of the State’s necessary economy running. In our view, Members of the Legislature are also ‘essential,’ and adequate safeguards can be put in place to protect all of us,” he wrote.

COVID-19 Disparities in Blacks

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent During a 30-minute interview with BlackPressUSA that was streamed live over Facebook, YouTube, and www.

BlackPressUSA.com, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, spoke of the importance of convincing African Americans to participate in clinical trials. He also said that school reopenings should depend mainly upon the location and the infection rate in a given area.

Fauci also said a viable coronavirus vaccine is likely only a few months away.

“The fundamental principle is that we should try as best as we possibly can to get children back to school because we know the psychological aspect of that and the unintended consequences for mothers and fathers who may need to stop working, so we should try to get back to school,” Dr. Fauci said when asked about the impact of the pandemic on the upcoming school year.

“However, paramount needs to be the safety, health, and welfare of children, teachers, and families,” Dr. Fauci added.

“We live in a big country. Some places have low incidents and can open schools while some are high. Some areas rate of infection is so high where it’s not prudent to open schools. You don’t want to endanger their health.”

A member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Fauci has at times found himself at odds with President Donald Trump. For example, earlier this year, the president announced that he would withdraw U.S. funding and support for the World Health Organization (WHO). However, Dr. Fauci told BlackPressUSA that he still maintains a close relationship with the organization.

“I still work closely with the World Health Organization,” said Dr. Fauci. “I’m on a weekly phone call with them, and I signed a memorandum of understanding.

We’re all in with the WHO.” During the interview, which included National Newspaper Publishers Association President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., Dr. Fauci also demonstrated the proper way to wear a facemask.

“Early on, there was a shortage of masks because we didn’t want to take masks away from health providers who needed them,” Dr. Fauci remarked. “It’s easy to get a cloth mask now.”

Dr. Fauci explained further that, “when there are droplets when someone sneezes or coughs, you [are protected]. You can take it and wash it with soap and water or stick it in the washing machine.”

Addressing the disparities surrounding COVID-19 and other illnesses, Dr. Fauci pointed to many African Americans, Latinx, and Native Americans occupying essential jobs that provide employees with little — or no — protection.

“On the one hand, there’s a greater opportunity and risk of getting infected, but even as important is that once you get infected, you have prevalence and incidence of co-morbidities that make it more likely you’ll get a severe outcome from the infection,” Dr. Fauci noted.

“Those co-morbidities are like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and lung disease. It’s very clear that African Americans have a higher incidence, and the reality is that you suffer more.”

The hospitalization rates per 100,000 people are

During a live interview with BlackPressUSA, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and considered by many to be the nation’s foremost infectious disease expert, demonstrates the proper way to wear a face mask. (Courtesy Photo)

stunning when comparing African Americans and Caucasians, Dr. Fauci proclaimed.

“In many respects, it’s unacceptable that it should be that way,” he said, noting that the hospitalization rate per 100,000 African Americans stands at 247, compared to 53 per 100,000 whites.

“In other words, that’s almost five times the chance of getting hospitalized even though African Americans comprise just 13 percent of the [U.S.] population,” Dr. Fauci observed.

“That’s more than something we need to deal with.”

Dr. Fauci added that there are five fundamental things everyone could do to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“Wear a mask, avoid crowds of more than 10, keep a distance of at least six feet, locations should seriously consider closing bars and getting people who go to bars to stop or do it outside, and wash hands frequently either with soap and water or alcohol Purell.”

Clinical trials are vital, Dr. Fauci said.

“We hope that we will have an effective vaccine by the end of the year, which means that as we get into 2021, we want to distribute it for those who could benefit,” he added.

“We need to spend extra effort to protect African Americans, and the way you find out if the vaccine is effective is the enrollment in a vaccine trial. It would be a terrible shame if African Americans stayed away from clinical trials, and they didn’t provide for themselves the vaccine that could protect them.”

Dr. Fauci suggested that he wears a mask everywhere goes and demanded that doing so shouldn’t be about politics.

“This is about protecting each other. We’re all in this together,” Dr. Fauci said.

“I’m pleased to see that we now have the president talking about wearing a mask where he didn’t before, and the vice president wears a mask everywhere he goes. We’ve got to pull together.”

Whether reinfection of the coronavirus can occur remains somewhat of a mystery, Dr. Fauci explained.

“When you get infected with any virus, generally, when you recover, your body has made a good immune response to recover,” Dr. Fauci noted.

“We know that happens in people who had COVID-19. We don’t know what the duration of that is. There are varying levels of antibodies in people who recover, and what we’re following is how long they last.

Some people find that it doesn’t last very long.”

He continued: “There are other types of immunity that go beyond, and they’re called T-cells or cellular immunity, which may also play a role in protecting people from being infected.

Likely a degree of protection is pretty good for a finite period.

“There are no well-documented cases of people actually being re-infected. There have been some anecdotally stories of people recovering who seemed to have gotten infected, but we don’t know. There’s no real hard evidence that’s happening.”

A4

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Entertainment

Thursday, August 6, 2020

BLACK-IS-KING-BEYONCE-SYNCHRONISED-SWIMMERS

Review: Beyonce’s ‘Black Is King’ is Supreme Black Art

By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer King Beyonce's new film takes you on a journey of Black art, music, history and fashion as the superstar transports you to Africa to tell the story of a young man in search of his crown, matched to epic songs she created while inspired by “The Lion King.”

The voyage feels even more special during the current state of the world, as the Black experience has been looked at closely in the wake of the many deaths of Black people, and the Black Lives Matter movement that continues to protest racism and inequality. And for those of us who have been stuck in place for months because of the coronavirus pandemic, the voyage and escapism are welcomed.

In “Black Is King,” which debuted Friday on Disney+, Beyonce continues to dig deep into her roots and share her discovery with the world, like she did on the sweet

masterpiece “Lemonade.” Black pride is the center of the film, with African artists strongly represented, as Beyonce shares her stage with Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Busiswa, Salatiel, Yemi Alade, Moonchild Sanelly and more.

They add a great deal of energy and beauty to the film _ through lyrical delivery, eye-popping and sharp choreography, and bright and elegant costumes _ bringing the songs from “The Lion King: The Gift” to life.

That album was inspired by the time Beyonce spent voicing the character of Nala in the latest version of “The Lion King.” Audio from the animated film are included, but it's the newer passages that truly resonate.

“When it's all said and done, I don't even know my own native tongue. And if I can't speak myself, I can't think myself. And if I can't think myself, I can't be myself.

And if I can't be myself, I will never know me,” a man says.

“So Uncle Sam, tell me this, if I will never know me, how can you?”

Powerful.

Later in the film, Beyonce says: “We have always been wonderful. I see us reflected in the world's most heavenly things. Black is king. We were beauty before they knew what beauty was.”

That leads into “Brown Skin Girl,” as Naomi Campbell, Lupita Nyong'o and Kelly Rowland _ queens that Beyonce name-drops on the song _ make appearances alongside other black and brown women and girls in a deep celebration of melanin, diversity and sisterhood.

Beyonce singing “because you're beautiful,” face-to-face with Rowland, could induce tears.

“Black Is King” also highlights music's royal family: The Carters. Jay-Z makes a stunning appearance on “Mood 4 Eva,” while 8-year-old Blue Ivy steals the spotlight every

time she appears on screen. Tina Knowles as well as Sir and Rumi Carter _ who the film is dedicated to _ are also present.

It's a family affair, with musical cousins _ both familiar and on the verge _ part of the safari ride.

“Black Parade” plays as the credits scroll at the end of “Black Is King,” and the song title could be the best way to describe the film: a procession into Beyonce's black liberation.

OK, now let's get in formation.

“Black Is King,” a Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures release, is rated TV-14 by the Motion Picture Association of America. Running time: 85 minutes. Four stars out of four.

Tamar Braxton Pays Tribute to Boyfriend for ‘Saving My Life’ LOS ANGELES (AP) – Tamar Braxton is thanking her boyfriend for “saving my life” after her hospitalization last month.

Braxton posted a lengthy message on social media late Saturday that paid tribute to David Adefeso being her “angel on earth.” She said she is grateful for Adefeso who found her “lifeless” in their home, saying it “couldn't have been easy” for him.

The R&B singer did not provide details about her hospitalization. Police only confirmed they responded to a medical emergency July 16 at the downtown Los Angeles high rise that she calls home.

“Through this entire time, you have held my hand, heard my cries, held me when I have been weak. You have had my ENTIRE back??” she said in the post.

Braxton, 43, shared the post along with an older video of the couple talking about getting engaged. She called Adefeso and her 7-year-old son Logan, whom she shares with former husband Vincent Herbert, a priority.

“Although I been said yes in this old video... now and then, I couldn't imagine what life would be like if you weren't by my side,” she wrote. “Thank God I'm here and thank God for you.”

Adefeso replied to Braxton's post with a short message.

“I love you. You love me. We love Logan. Together forever,” he said with emojis including one of a diamond ring.

Though Tamar Braxton released her debut album in

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Acquires XFL

By The Associated Press Former wrestling star Dwayne “The Rock'' Johnson said he has acquired the XFL. The 48-year-old Johnson made the announcement Monday on Twitter. The price reportedly is $15 million.

The XFL had eight franchises and played five games out of a planned 10-game schedule before canceling the remainder of its season in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It drew decent TV ratings early on and had deals with ESPN and Fox. The league suspended operations and laid off all of its

employees on April 10 and filed for bankruptcy protection on April 13.

Since ending his wrestling career, Johnson has became a movie star, including in the “Fast & Furious'' and “Jumanji'' franchises.

Spring football is a difficult challenge, as the Alliance of American Football found out in 2019, not lasting a full season, either.

A previous version of the XFL also played one season in 2001.

2000, she made a splash in pop culture when she and her sisters, including Grammy-winning icon Toni Braxton, launched their reality series “Braxton Family Values” on WEtv in 2011. It was an insta-hit, with Tamar Braxton shining as the show's breakout fan favorite.

The series helped propel her music career. She had the R&B hit “Love & War” soon after and even earned three Grammy nominations for her music, two for the song and one for the album of the same title.

The success led to a WEtv spinoff “Tamar & Vince” with her then husband-manager Vincent Herbert, a music executive who played a role in Lady Gaga's career. She filed for divorce from Herbert in 2017.

From 2013 to 2016, Tamar Braxton was one of the co-hosts of the daytime talk show “The Real,” earning two Daytime Emmy nominations alongside the other hosts for outstanding entertainment talk show host. She competed on “Dancing with the Stars” during her daytime TV stint.

Her 2015 album, “Calling All Lovers,” helped her nab a fourth Grammy nomination, and her last album was 2017's “Bluebird of Happiness.” Her music has won her a BET Award and three Soul Train Music Awards.

She most recently appeared on VH1's “To Catch a Beautician,” a series about hairstylists who wrecked their clients' hair. Her WEtv reality series called “Tamar Braxton: Get Ya Life!” was expected to premiere last week, but has been postponed to Sept. 10.

Thursday, August 6, 2020

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER A5

Sports

Dodgers On A Hot Streak

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer The L.A. Dodgers went on the road for the first time during the COVID-19 era. It was also the first time they have played Houston since the 2017 World Series.

They got off to a good start with a 5-2 win in game one.

Mookie Betts earned a bases loaded walk in the fifth inning scoring Cory Seager to get the Dodgers on the board. Next A.J. Pollack scored on an error as Astros catcher Martin Maldanado dropped the ball at home plate on a grounder hit by Max Muncy.

Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger followed with back to back singles. Chris Taylor then walked to drive in Muncy for the fifth and final run of the frame.

In the sixth things got interesting when Dodger pitcher Joe Kelly in relief threw a 3-0 fastball over the head of Alex Bergman. The next batter Michael Brantley hit a ground ball to Muncy at first who threw to second to force out Bergman, on the throwback to first Brantley stepped on the foot of Kelly who was covering the bag. While headed back to the mound Kelly gave a second look at Brantley. Carlos Correa was up next and the first pitch from Kelly a breaking ball that also sailed over his head forcing him to the ground. He stared at Kelly while re-adjusting his batting gloves and helmet. Later in the at-bat he swung at a 2-2 pitch end the inning. On the way back to the dugout Kelley muttered something and both benches emptied in a COVID clearing way. The teams got close to each other some kept their mask on and they never touched the other team. When it was over Adam Kolarek (1-0) got the win, Kenley Jensen the save.

Later in the week Kelly was hit with an eight suspension by MLB. Dodger skipper Dave Roberts thought it was overdone. “That’s just for me, to excessive,“ said Roberts who served a one game suspension himself for the incident. “We’re all hopeful it gets shortened through an arbitrator, so we’ll see.”

The following night the Dodgers battled the Astros to a 1-1 tie into the top of the11th inning Mookie Betts ripped a double to right center to score Keke Hernandez to put L.A. up

2-1. However, in the bottom of the frame Carlos Correa singled to knock in Jack Mayfield to tie the game 2-2.

In the top of the 13th Rookie Edwin Rio led off the inning going “Uptown” with a 380-foot blast to right center that gave the ‘Men in Blue’ the lead for good and the final of 4-2.

It marked the first time the teams use the new rule of starting the extra inning with a runner on second base. Manger Dave Roberts loves the format. “I think it’s a great concept, it speeds the game up so the game could end sooner,” said Roberts on AM 570 The Roggin and Rodney show. “I am for it moving forward. Baseball is full of traditionalist but I think that’s why the NBA and NFL come up with a marketability it adds excitement to the game.”

AT ARIZONA: The Dodgers next headed to Arizona where they won three of four. Game one was a 6-3 win as Max Muncy and AJ Pollack collected two his apiece and Corey Seager joined Pollock having two RBI’s each. Ross Stripling (2-0) got the win going 5 1/3 with two strikeouts while walking two.

GAME TWO: L.A. fell 5-3 as the D-Backs scored 5 runs in the seventh inning as DH Christian Walker had a three-run double to highlight a five-run inning. ormer Angel Kole Calhoun also drove in a run. Hector Rondon (1-0) got the win while Archie Bradley picked up the save. Blake Treinen (0-1) took the lost. Mookie Betts had three hits and two RBI’s for the Dodgers.

GAME THREE: The Dodgers had some big innings Edwin Rios hit a two run homer in the fourth. That was followed by Matt Beatty’s solo shot. In the fifth Justin Turner ripped a tworun double scoring Betts and Cory Seager. AJ Pollock followed with a two-run shot to cap off a five-run fifth. Chris Taylor added a three-run as the Dodgers rolled to a 11-2 win. Julio Urias (10) gave up two runs over six inning and struck out five. “It just speaks to our depth,” said Dave Roberts. “We’ve got a lot of good players.“ GAME FOUR: The Dodgers saw the return of Clayton Kershaw was a sight to see as the veteran lefty got his first start of the season. He went six innings giving up three hits while striking out eight. Scott Alexander, Pedro Baez pitched an inning apiece and Kenly Jansen got his second save of the season. Cody Bellinger hit a two homer to help with a 3-0 win. The Dodgers are 7-3 (at press time) one game behind the Rockies in the NL West.

DODGER NOTES: Justin Turner is 5th in National

Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

League in batting hitting .294 with 10 hits,4 doubles and 6 RBI’s.

Mookie Betts is tied for 12th with a 289 avg.,13 hits, scoring 5 runs. Betts also earned MLB Network Play of the week as he

It’s Diversity for the WCC

The NBA, MLB, and the NFL will all be in action during the month of August, making this the most unique August in sports. (Courtesy Photo)

An August Unlike Any Other

By Cameron Buford whatsgoodinsports.com In a typical year, U.S. sport’s fans consider August to be the “dawg days of the summer”; the NBA would’ve recently crowned their champion, Major League Baseball would be just past their Mid-Season Classic All-Star game, and NFL fans would be at the height of their anticipation with the season a short month away. Showtime and PBC announcement of a live Boxing card in August from Connecticut enhances to the sports fans viewing options. Since this year is not like any other due to the impact of COVID19, August set’s up to be the busiest sports month on the calendar.

In March of this year, The National Basketball Association was forced to shut down their season due to COVID-19. In an unprecedented fashion, the league has taken major steps to gather 22 of 32 teams in a bubble in Orlando, Fl., to simultaneously focus on health and safety while crowing their champion at the season’s end. Having just restarted their season in late July, they will narrow the league down to 16 team playoffs, which will begin mid-way through August.

In a similar fashion, Major League Baseball will be no more than 10 games into their COVID19 shortened season. Typically, MLB would play 162 games, but because of the pandemic, they will only play 60 games, with some adjusted rules aimed at piquing the interest of modest fans. The Designated Hitter (DH) will be implemented for the American and National Leagues, Pitchers will be required to complete the innings when they come in for relief and should the game go into extra innings, they will start each inning with a man on second base.

Unlike the other sports, the National Football League will not be having pre-season games for the first time in it’s existence.

Providing the league can avoid shutting down because of COVID-19, the nation’s anticipation for football in this country will only be heightened. All across the nation, fans will soon be conducting their Fantasy Football Drafts in preparation for the NFL season to begin. There are always multiple storylines to follow throughout this NFL season; rookies entering the league are among the top storylines football fans will follow throughout the season, along with the free agents that have changed teams in the offseason. Not to mention how the defending Super Champions will fair while defending their title.

With teams in each of the major sports competing for their respective Championships, August will be a dream month of competition for sports fans. As much of the country is following the stay home orders by multiple municipalities, which sports season are you most excited to enjoy? Kindly, share your thoughts on which team has the best chance to be named Champions in their respective seasons, reaching out to me on Twitter @whatsgoodnsport or forward your thoughts to info@ whatsgoodinsports.com.

Additionally, be sure to subscribe to our weekly “Voice of the Fans Podcast,” as we will be discussing each league’s progression throughout the season. Our podcast can be conveniently be heard on most podcasting platforms; Apple and Google Podcasts including Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeart Radio. As always, Thank You for making our voice, your choice!

stone cold threw -out the D-Backs Katel Marte try to stretch a double in to a triple. Betts threw a bullet from the right field foul pole to third base to nail Marte.

Bill Russell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2011. (Photo Credit: Bloomberg)

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer The West Coast Conference recently introduced a hiring policy for schools in the conference. It’s named after the legendary Bill Russell.

“The Russell Rule” is an initiative requires all WCC schools to include a a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the final pool of candidates each time an athletic director, senior administrator, head coach or full-time assistant coach is hired. The WCC is the first Division 1 conference to make such a commitment.

This policy should help with the diversity in college sports.

It also may help ‘level’ the playing field for many qualified candidates.

Russel was a star basketball player at the University of San Francisco he led the Dons to National Championships in 1955 and 1956. The Hall of Famer also won 12 NBA titles with the Boston Celtics. He was heavily involved in social advocacy in the sixties.

“The Russell rule is a result of ground breaking work

by Presidents Council and Equity, Diversity and inclusion Committee” said WCC Commissioner Gloria Nevarez the first WCC Latinx to lead a Division 1 Conference.

Bill Russell himself also commented: “It is my hope the WCC will encourage other leagues and schools to make similar commitments.”

College Football Players: Are We Safe?

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer The NBA, MLB, LPGA, NASCAR, and WNBA all returned after an absence due to the COVID-19. They gave us what we were craving for –“Live sports”. Now college football set it’s stage.

The entire IVY League was opting out of fall sports. The Major conferences like the BIG-10 American Athletic Conference, ACC, SEC, PAC-12, and Big-12 all made their adjustments to play. They would schedule contests only with teams within their own Conferences. This would allow each conference to have it’s own protocol for testing and have guidelines on how to handle COVID-19.

There is one thing that came up: Several of the players in

Mississippi Rebels linebacker Ole Miss linebacker MoMo Sanogo is Chair of SEC Football Leadership Council. (Photo Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY)

the Power 6 schools have concerns. The PAC-12 had players concerned with not only their health, but also their future. The PAC-12 Unity movement have put forward three things to be considered. They have proposed insurance for players up to six years after the leave college.

1) Players who express solidarity through the movement.

2) Players who opt out of the 2020 season because they have underlying conditions. 3) There are players who are willing to opt out if their demands are not met. It is a rough estimate that there are 400 players involved in this movement.

“We plan on having our athletes start practice on August 15th,” PAC-12 Commissioner Larry Scott told Ashley Adamson of the PAC-12 Network. “We’ve had input from Coaches, Athletic Directors, Administrators, and Medical personnel. All this is subject to approval from public health authorities.”

The SEC had a conference call that included Medical Advisory Board members, Student Athletic Leadership Council and other officials to discuss the upcoming fall sports season. Parts of the conversation were obtained by the Washington Post and it was revealed the unknown Conference official stated; “There are going to be some out-breaks, we’re going to have cases on every single team, that’s a given. And we can’t prevent it.”

The Student Athletic Leadership Council is made up of one player from each school in the 14-team league. Momo Sanogo is chair of the council was concerned about Health conditions of COVID-19 and what could be done from keeping athletes from being exposed.

According to the WAPO one response during the call was he suggested Sanogo remind people around him to “behave responsibly”. All the 21 year-old Sanoga was looking was answers about safety for his teammates and other players.

The unidentified official also responded. “As unsafe as it sounds the best thing you can do is try to encourage others to act more responsibly and not put yourself in those kinds of

Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said the decision to play only conference games in fall 2020 allows the league to set up uniform COVID-19 protocols and better handle travel logistics. (AP Photo)

situation.”

The BIG-10 has also chosen to just play a 10 game league only schedule. They also find it easier to set up procedures and guidelines for players and coaches. “It’s much easier to work with Big Ten institutions from a scheduling stand-point and traveling standpoint,” said Commissioner Kevin Warren. “When you start working outside the conference there are enough issues we are working with already, then add on the top of it is the logistics of travel and all the logistics associated with it.”

Before all that can happen for holding practices and the testing logistics. Warren added “This is where the work begins to make sure we get testing protocols finalized and to make sure we get all medical and operational procedures finalized.

NFL Chief Doctor Says Teams, Players Must Be Educated About Risks of COVID

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent Following a disastrous re-opening by Major League Baseball, where as many as 17 Miami Marlins players and personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 forcing the postponement of several games, the National Football League remains cautiously optimistic as training camps open.

“It’s about education and understanding,” NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills told BlackPressUSA. “I think people are trying to be really thoughtful about this, and I think people do look at risk and risk mitigation in different ways. But I feel like it’s the right thing to do, to try to learn to live with this virus.”

A big part of the challenge remains findings ways to carry on safely, Sills agreed.

This week the heavy contact sport re-opened camps, but

officials have decided not to hold traditional pre-season games to help keep risks at a minimum. All players are scheduled to report by August 4, but as many as 22 already have opted out of the 2020 season.

The season is scheduled to kick-off on Thursday, September 10.

“Players and coaches [and other personnel] have to make the best decisions for them,” Sills stated. The league announced that it has put in place safety measures that include increased sanitizing. Social distancing would be enforcement, including in player treatment rooms, weight rooms, mealtime, and on the playing field.

Reportedly, training camps are equipped with proximity tracking devices that will alert players or staff when they are too close to one other. The device also collects data, making contact tracing easier if someone does become infected with the

coronavirus.

NFL players will live in and travel from their own homes, a contrast to the National Basketball Association, which has isolated all teams and personnel at one location in Orlando, Florida.

“If they’re around each other each day, they’re going to share risk. They also share a responsibility to each other, which means that they’re each making good choices when they’re away from the facility,” Dr. Sills said.

“We’ve tracked the CDC risk guidelines, made decisions on which ones put our players at high risk, and players can rely on those risk factors to make decisions about whether they’re going to play or not,” he added.

Dr. Sills conceded that much is still unknown about the basics of COVID-19, so everyone has “to make the best decision for themselves.”

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Local

LOS ANGELES NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Fight for Uber and Lyft Drivers to Remain Their Own Bosses Quinci LeGardye California Black Media As the general election in November gets closer, rideshare and app-based delivery drivers are rounding up support to defeat a ballot initiative that will decide the fate of app-based work in California.

Proposition 22 asks voters to decide whether app-based drivers should be classified as independent contractors or W-2 employees.

App-based companies, including Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Postmates and Instacart funded the initiative. If voters approve it, drivers who work with those app-based service companies will continue to be classified as independent contractors, but they will begin receiving some benefits including a net basic earning and healthcare subsidies. If the measure fails, those drivers will have to be reclassified as full-time employees under AB 5, the controversial labor law that went into effect Jan. 1.

AB 5 made it more difficult for companies to enter into contracts with freelancers and independent contractors.

Representatives from a coalition of groups, including the California State NAACP, California Black Chamber of

Commerce and Si Se Puede Foundation signed a letter to the California Legislature registering their support for Prop 22.

The letter argues that the majority of drivers are from minority communities who rely on the flexibility of the work and the immediate income it can provide.

“With California’s unemployment rate reaching a record high, the very characteristics of working with app-based rideshare and delivery platforms – especially high flexibility and low barriers to entry – have proven to be key forms of work for many lowerincome families needing access to income during this current pandemic,” the letter reads.

Arguments in favor of Prop 22 have also focused on protecting the drivers’ choice to operate with independence and flexibility. For Judah Bell, a driver in favor of Prop 22, the flexibility of being an independent contractor allowed her to manage her schedule around caring for family.

“A lot of [drivers] are caregivers. I was a caregiver to multiple people. My mom got sick so I had to take one to two weeks off for six months,” said Bell, who lives in Vallejo. “I was flying from here to Atlanta one to two weeks out of each month. A traditional job would not have allowed me to do that, and then come back and work for two weeks, then go back.”

Newsom Reappoints Tia Boatman Patterson to

Lead Cal Housing Finance Agency

Tanu Henry California Black Media Last week, Gov. Newsom reappointed Tia Boatman Patterson executive director of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), a role she has served in since 2014. Her nomination is now pending the State Senate’s approval.

California first set up CalHFA in 1975 to help lower-to moderate income Californians find homes across the state.

Over the years, Boatman Patterson, 53, says, she has learned how to work across government -- federal, state and local -- to get things done. Building partnerships, establishing trust, collaborating with policymakers, and opening cross-departmental work and communication channels that, she says, is the only way her agency can help California meet its housing goals. Top among them: Creating a more affordable housing market that more people can access as well as helping to decrease the state’s alarming homelessness rate.

During her six-year tenure at CalHFA, the agency has assisted about 60,0000 renters and homebuyers move into new places they can call home.

She said providing more opportunity to buy homes for racial and ethnic minorities who have faced discrimination over the years in housing markets across the state is another priority.

“It is important to me that not only have we increased the number of families we have helped to achieve the dream of homeownership, but we have been able to help the historically underserved Black and Brown communities,” Boatman Patterson said.

Under Boatman Patterson’s leadership, the number of California families CalHFA has assisted to purchase their first home has seen exponential growth. In 2014, the agency, which is self-supporting and receives no taxpayer-funding, provided affordable mortgages to just 1,000 homebuyers in the total

amount of $240 million. But during the last year alone, CalHFA assisted 13,000 California families with mortgage lending, totaling an unprecedented high of $4 billion.

During the last year, CalHFA’s lending and bond issuance also increased to about $950 million.

“Ms. Boatman Patterson continues to be a leader in the affordable housing space both for California and the nation,” said Stockton Williams, the Executive Director of the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA).

In the rental market, under Boatman Patterson’s leadership, CalHFA has generated about $100 million to finance nearly 900 affordable rental units.

At the federal level, Boatman Patterson also serves as chair of Board of Directors of the National Council of State Housing Agencies and a member of the National Housing Conference’s National Advisory Council. She has also worked in an advisory role to the Governor’s Office on housing.

Before Gov. Jerry Brown appointed her executive director of CalHFA in 2014, Boatman Patterson served on the agency’s board.

From 2009 to 2014, she worked as general counsel at the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency. She had been the legal counsel there, too, from 1999 to 2003.

From 2004 to 2009, Boatman Patterson worked as senior policy advisor in the California State Assembly Speaker’s Office.

Just before that, she did a stint as a senior associate at the Sacramento law firm Best Best & Krieger, LLP, from 2003 to 2004.

A resident of Sacramento with California roots dating back for generations to the late 1800s, Boatman Patterson was born and grew up in Tulare, a city in the Central Valley about 45 miles south of Fresno. She earned her law degree at the University of the Pacific in Stockton.

“That’s pretty much what we signed up for is that if I don’t feel like working tomorrow, I don’t have to work,” she continued. “And I think if we’re employees we’re going to be forced to do something that we don’t want to do.”

Opponents of Prop 22 include drivers’ advocacy groups, such as Rideshare Drivers United. One strong concern within drivers’ advocacy groups is that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft could change the app’s algorithms and payment structures however they want, and the drivers would have no input.

“Right now, we’re working with basically all of the workplace protections that existed in like 1890,” said Peter Young, a driver based in L.A. “They have total power over us, and we have no leverage against them. They could cut my pay in half tomorrow and I would have nothing to do about it. At the end of the day, they’re the ones who control everything and we don’t have the government on our side.”

Drivers opposed to Prop 22 are also concerned about the lack of support that rideshare companies provide. There have been reports that Lyft has not distributed free P.P.E. to enough drivers, as well as complaints that the companies were selling P.P.E. to drivers in their online stores.

“[There are] so many drivers, as we went through this pandemic waiting for unemployment, which some of us still haven’t received, and Uber and Lyft has done nothing, absolutely nothing to assist 80% of the drivers, even if you get sick,” said Michael Franzier, a driver based in Los Angeles.

Cherri Murphy, a lead organizer for Rideshare Drivers United, argued that the proposition is discriminatory against Black and Brown drivers by making it impossible to receive benefits.

“It is an attempt to ensure a caste system for workers who are mostly Black and Brown and immigrants. It creates a sham of our democracy by ensuring that workers will be kept in poverty with no protections and no benefits and no voice for generations to come,” she said. “If this ballot measure is passed, it prevents future elected officials from amending the law requiring an unprecedented seven-eighths majority to amend the law.”

“It’s imperative that we enforce AB 5 so that rideshare drivers can have the benefits and protections that we deserve, considering that the times that we find ourselves in. We deserve unemployment insurance. We deserve worker’s compensation if we get hurt on the job. It’s imperative that we say no,” Murphy said.