Roll ‘N’ Roll Pioneer Fats Domino is Dead at 89
Randy and Janet Jackson Visit their Childhood Home
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Los Angeles
Volume 33 Number 1
Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Slain Vegas Police Officer's Mother Dies after Funeral
Celebrating 50 Years on the Federal Bench at 95
LAS VEGAS (AP) _ The mother of a Las Vegas police officer and U.S. Army veteran who was among the 58 people killed in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history died during the weekend, after his memorial service. Clark County Coroner John Fudenberg (FYOU'-denberg) said Wednesday that Sheryl Stiles died Sunday at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, after family members said she collapsed Friday on an escalator at the South Point hotel in Las Vegas. She was 56 and lived in Louisville, Kentucky. The coroner says her cause of death will be determined by examinations and tests. Her brother, Lewis Stiles, told KVVU-TV Fox 5 that his sister had been in Las Vegas for memorials to Charleston Hartfield. He was killed in the Oct. 1 shooting at an open-air music concert on the Las Vegas Strip.
In this Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017, Judge Damon J. Keith is interviewed in his office in Detroit. Keith, marking 50 years as a federal judge, says he’s driven by two maxims: “Treat everyone with dignity” and “Equal justice under law.” The 95-year-old from Detroit said the second has been his calling since attending law school at Howard University, where professor and future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall implored students to go out and enforce it. (AP Photo/Carlos Osori
By JEFF KAROUB Associated Press DETROIT (AP) _ Judge Damon J. Keith thinks back on his 50 years on the federal bench and remembers many tumultuous and significant times, including being sued by President Richard Nixon after ruling that wiretapping couldn’t be done without a court order. The 95-year-old from Detroit, the only African-American among six current federal judges who have served 50 or more years according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, still hears cases about four times a year at the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. His approach _ in or out of the spotlight, on or off the bench _ is the same: Fight for the Constitution, not with each other. “Just treat everyone with dignity,’’ said Keith, who will be honored at a gala Saturday in Detroit for reaching the half-century mark. The phrase “Equal justice under law,’’ which is etched onto the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, drives Keith and reminds him of lessons Thurgood Marshall taught him as one of his professors at Howard University. Marshall became the first black Supreme Court justice in October 1967 _ the same month Keith, a prominent lawyer in his own right by then, was appointed to the federal bench. He recalled Marshall saying, “The white men wrote those four words. When you leave Howard, I want you to go out and practice law and see what you can do to enforce those four words.’’ “And that’s what I’ve tried to do,’’ Keith said last week
at Detroit’s historic federal court building, where he’s had an office since President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him to the federal district court 50 years ago. In 1970, Keith ordered a bus policy and new boundaries in the Pontiac, Michigan, school district to break up racial segregation. A year later, he made another groundbreaking decision, finding that Hamtramck, Michigan, illegally destroyed black neighborhoods in the name of urban renewal with the federal government’s help. The remedy was 200 housing units for blacks. The court case is still alive decades later due to disputes over property taxes and the slow pace of construction. The wiretapping ruling against Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell also came in 1971. Keith said they couldn’t engage in the warrantless wiretapping of three people suspected of conspiring to destroy government property. The decision was affirmed by the appellate court, and the Nixon administration appealed and sued Keith personally. “That’s why I had to get a lawyer to represent me before the Supreme Court. And they affirmed me unanimously,’’ Keith said. Keith remembered the wiretapping case going smoothly at first. He invited the attorneys for the U.S. government and the defendants, who were part of a group of white supporters of civil rights seen as radical by some and called the White Panthers, to his office. The defendants’ lawyers had been held in contempt of court by a Chicago judge, and Keith assured them things would be different with him. “I served them coffee and doughnuts, we sat down, and
I said, `Now, in this court we’re going to treat you men with dignity. When you get up to speak, the court will hear you and we’ll have a rebuttal by the other side, I’ll make a ruling and we’ll move on,’’’ Keith recalled. Keith rose to chief judge in 1975. President Jimmy Carter appointed him to the appeals court two years later. As an appellate judge, he ruled against another president, George W. Bush, saying he couldn’t conduct secret deportation hearings of terrorism suspects. Keith’s 2002 opinion contained the line, “Democracies die behind closed doors.’’ A similar phrase is now the slogan of The Washington Post, which has credited Keith. Not all of Keith’s memories are about landmark cases. He recalled a case in which a defendant didn’t want to stand for a judge. Keith allowed the man to enter the courtroom after Keith was seated and then be escorted out before the judge adjourned. Keith is just as committed to equal rights now as he has always been, said Peter Hammer, director of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Detroit’s Wayne State University. Last year, as the lone dissenter on a three-judge panel in an Ohio voting lawsuit, Keith filled 11 pages with photographs of people slain in the civil rights movement and wrote: “I cannot forget _ indeed America cannot forget _ the pain, suffering, and sorrow of those who died for equal protection and for this precious right to vote.’’ “He’s not going quietly into that great goodnight,’’ Hammer said.
Black Students in the New Jim Crow Era
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor After decades of desegregation efforts, federal civil rights laws, and other attempts to close the achievement gap, a high quality education remains an elusive goal for most Black children. In an effort to engage Black parents around reaching that elusive goal, educators and community stakeholders tackled lead-
ership, educational equity and policy in urban schools, during a recent panel discussion. Led by moderator Linda Tillman, professor emeritus of education leadership at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the panel discussed the challenges faced by African American teachers and leaders, as they work to educate Black children and young adults in urban communities. “We are here to revisit old discussions and bring fresh ideas,” Tillman said. “Jim Crow has affected Blacks in so many ways. Black education is a right [that’s] not solely based on White norms.” Panelist Terri Watson, a City College of New York (CCNY) educator and co-creator of the CCNY-based “Growing Our Own Doctor’s Project,” said that there’s not only a need for better education, but that there’s also a need for safer communities for Black students. “We have to focus on creating space where kids are informed and active, that’s important,” Watson said. “We have to let the kids know that the world is waiting for them, they’re up next and we have to change their mindset that the world views them as disposable.” Rodney Hopson, a professor and associate dean of education psychology at George Mason University, Sonya Douglass Horsford, an associate professor of education leadership at the Teachers College at Columbia University, and M. Christopher Brown II, the president of Kentucky State University also participated in the panel that took place during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual legislative conference. Both Brown and Horsford, longtime friends, said the majority of public schools are now non-White. The proliferation of charter and alternative schools has also chipped away at the effectiveness of public schools. The federal government has played such a major role in shaping education policy and schools now mostly prepare African
Americans for prison, not college, Brown said. “The school’s structure that’s used is that they teach our kids how to stand in a straight line, to raise their hands when they have to go to the bathroom…you do that in prison, so that’s the training they’re getting,” Brown said. He then quoted what he said was a prophetic statement made by W.E.B. Du Bois 57 years ago. “[African American] teachers will become rarer and in many cases will disappear,” Brown said quoting Du Bois, noting that the prediction has come to pass. Brown continued, quoting Du Bois: “[African American] children will be instructed in public schools and taught under unpleasant if not discouraging circumstances. Even more largely than today, they will fall out of school, cease to enter high school, and fewer and fewer will go to college.” Horsford, like the other panelists, said no one should be surprised, because, after all, resegregation has occurred and education is the “new civil rights in the new Jim Crow.” “We shouldn’t operate from the assumption that our schools are broken,” she said. “They are doing exactly what they were designed to do, which is to sift and sort children into different categories for economic reasons.” Horsford added that African Americans must tap the potential, possibilities and gifts of the young people who truly hold the answers to society’s pressing problems. Even educators have suffered and are poorly valued in a system guided by high-stakes testing and performance-based accountability, Horsford said. “We have to engage in parallel efforts…we need to reimagine schools and school systems that support everyone,” said Horsford. “We also have to make sure that, in the meantime, we are preparing students to not only survive, but also thrive in an era of extreme inequality.
By Stacy Brown The Washington Informer/NNPA Member Fats Domino, the rock pioneer who inspired Elvis Presley, the Beatles and countless other superstars, died Wednesday at his home in Harvey, Louisiana. He was 89. Mark Bone, chief investigator for the Jefferson Parish coroner’s office, told NPR that Domino died of natural causes. Born Antoine Domino, the “Architect of Rock ‘n’ Roll” enjoyed a career spanning five decades that included more than 25 gold singles and 65 million records sold. His massive vault of hits includes “Blueberry Hill,” “I’m Walking,” “Ain’t That a Shame” and “I’m Walking to New Orleans. His unique playing style and unmistakable voice helped Domino to produce the first rock ‘n’ roll record to ever sell more than 1 million copies with the 1949 hit “The Fat Man,” a song he both produced and co-wrote. Billy Diamond, his road manager, referred to him as “Fats”
because the name was a symbol of importance, according to Domino’s website. In 1986, Domino received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was later inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On November 5, 1998, at the White House, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts from then President Bill Clinton. By their own admission, Domino’s influence played heavily in the careers of Presley and the Beatles. Domino reportedly was held in such high esteem that Presley refused to answer to his popular moniker, “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” when Domino was present. As in a 2004 interview with AXS, Domino recounted the first time he met Presley. “I was playing at the Flamingo Hotel [in Las Vegas] and I went to his room and played for him. He used to call me ‘Mr. Blueberry Hill,’” Domino said. “I remember him telling me, ‘You know, Fats, I’m opening up tomorrow but when I first came here
I flopped.’ I guess the first time he didn’t do good at all, but after he got back there it was all good because I was working there too, and every night it was sold out.” In 1969, Presley returned to live performances after joining the military and when a reporter referred to him as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” during a press conference, Presley pointed to Domino, who was in the room, noting that Domino was “one of my influences from way back.” Domino’s influence on the Beatles was noted when Paul McCartney wrote “Blue Monday,” a 1958 hit in which he credited the New Orleans native. Domino was married to Rosemary Hall for 60 years and the two had eight children. “Fats Domino, another gift from New Orleans,” Rev. Jesse Jackson tweeted in tribute to Domino. “An entertainer and caring man, he gave us many thrills on the ride to freedom.”
Panelist Terri Watson, an educator at CCNY, said that there’s a need for safer communities for Black students. (The City College of New York)
Sheryl Stiles died in Los Charleston Hartfield was Vegas after attending her killed while attending the son’s memorials. open air music concert.
Top Earning Dead Celebrity with $75 Million is Michael Jackson NEW YORK (AP) _ Michael Jackson died eight years ago, but he's still generating millions of dollars. Jackson is atop the Forbes list of top-earning dead celebrities for the fifth straight year, with $75 million. Forbes says Jackson's earnings are boosted by a new greatest hits album, a Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show and a stake in the EMI music publishing catalog. Two other singers join Jackson in the top five. Elvis Presley comes in fourth with $35 million and Bob Marley ranks fifth with $23 million. Golf legend Arnold Palmer is the second-highest earner. He brought in $40 million in part through sales of Arizona lemonade and ice tea beverage made in his name. Palmer is followed by Charles Schulz. The creator of the “Peanuts'' franchise made $38 million.
Toxin Found in Lobsters from Anacapa, Santa Cruz Islands
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ California authorities say unhealthy levels of the naturally occurring toxin domoic acid have been found in spiny lobsters caught near Anacapa Island and the east end of Santa Cruz Island off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife said Tuesday that an immediate commercial spiny lobster fishery closure has been put in place. The closure encompasses all state waters around both islands. The Department of Public Health says people should not eat internal organs of the lobsters and should discard water or broth used in cooking whole lobsters. Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. Severe cases may include trouble breathing, confusion, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short-term memory, coma or death.
Fats Domino Dead at 89
Fats Domino dead at 89.
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World & Nation Los Angeles News Observer
Thursday November 2, 2017
Encouraging Blacks Puerto Ricans Suffer Toward STEAM Careers
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers, says that Black college students need more support, encouragement and engagement with respect to STEAM careers.
By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. President and CEO, NNPA There is no debate about the continuing historic importance and strategic mission and purpose of the nation’s 120-plus Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). During the 2017 homecoming festivities that are now occurring on HBCU campuses across the nation, I believe it is also important to salute and recognize the companies that financially contribute to the success of HBCUs. The Ford Motor Company has had a long track record of contributing to HBCUs that spans more than 30 years. Thus, it was noteworthy when Ford recently launched its “Drive2Greatness” initiative to support science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) programs at HBCUs. We concur, that STEAM careers are vital and in high demand in today’s global economy. The clear majority of African American college students, who complete their course of studies in STEAM fields graduate from HBCUs. Thanks to the Ford Motor Company and the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the
“Drive2Greatness” initiative is off to a great start. According to “Raj” Register at Ford’s multicultural communications, “For more than three decades, Ford has been committed to implementing and supporting initiatives that encourage and inspire young people to pursue and succeed in STEAM careers…with the launch of our inaugural ‘Drive2Greatness’ program, we’re excited to extend that commitment to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their STEAM programs.” The competition among HBCUs to win prizes in the Drive2Greatness program involves earning points through online voting at the Facebook page of the Tom Joyner Morning Show that includes using a Ford-dedicated hashtag via social media platforms. I just voted for my HBCU, Howard University, using the hashtag #FordHowardU. Howard University has a diverse array of many key STEAM academic disciplines. Make sure that you vote for your HBCU today. Last year, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) awarded Tom Joyner our 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding national broadcast leadership and his dedication to our nation’s HBCUs. Ford selected the right national radio partner and outstanding leader in Tom Joyner. Our African American college students do need more support, encouragement and engagement, particularly with respect to STEAM careers. The Ford Motor Company and the Tom Joyner Morning Show deserve our salute and tribute, because, together they are helping to make a positive difference in our communities and with our HBCUs. Driving toward greatness necessitates adequate preparation and attaining a quality education. Drive2Greatness is timely given the increasing demand for STEAM college graduates in the current expanding economy. Dr. Lezli Baskerville is the President and CEO of the National Association for Equality Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), the umbrella organization of all of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions. Dr. Baskerville stated, “The Drive2Greatness program by the Ford Motor Company and the Tom Joyner Morning Show is an effective model on how to encourage STEAM careers. NAFEO is proud of what our HBCUs are accomplishing in these transformative fields of study.” Our most precious resource in our communities is our youth, who are gifted and talented and also need more opportunities like the Ford Motor Company’s initiative on STEAM. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) based in Washington, DC and can be contacted at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.
Apocalyptic Nightmare After Hurricanes
By Barrington M. Salmon NNPA Newswire Contributor It’s been nearly a month since two, historic hurricanes savaged Puerto Rico, and despite the utter devastation left after the storms, the island’s 3.4 million residents are still waiting for substantive relief from the federal government. Help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been slowed, because of glaring lapses in coordination, a lack of guidance of medical and other personnel, as well as what critics and Puerto Rican officials have said was an almost total breakdown in distribution and supply chains. The result has been a yawning gap between the burgeoning humanitarian disaster and the urgent life-and-death needs of the shell-shocked populace. Nearly 85 percent of the island is still in darkness, because the storms destroyed the electrical grid. Governor Ricardo Rosselló estimates that it will cost about $5 billion to repair the island’s power grid that was decimated by Hurricane Maria. Cellphone service towers across the island are slowly being restored; there is a critical shortage of food, medicine and other basic supplies; meanwhile, more than half of the commonwealth’s residents are living without potable water. The official death toll is 48, but there are reports that the medical examiner’s office in San Juan is holding 350 bodies. There are also fears that, as the authorities reach the most remote parts of the island and as water-borne and other diseases take hold, that the death toll will inevitably rise. Last week, FEMA scrubbed important statistics about the availability of clean drinking water and the paucity of electricity on the island, from its website. The fierce winds of Hurricanes Irma and Maria left catastrophic damage, tore roofs from buildings, toppled power lines and transformers; stripped trees bare; triggered mudslides and flooding; flattened and demolished trees; and blocked roads. Beleaguered Puerto Ricans can only buy food, supplies and other materials in what is now a mostly cash-only society. Yet, in the midst of all this need, more than 10,000 shipping containers loaded with food, medicine and other needed supplies have sat idle at the Port of San Juan and elsewhere, because of red tape, bureaucratic bungling and logistical logjams. Aurora Flores, a New York-based activist, painted a harrowing picture that is slowly emerging as information seeps out of the soaked island. “Oh, my God! I have such a combination of feelings. This is outrageous,” said Flores, a noted cultural historian and musician. “This is Trump’s Katrina. We’re in a dire situation. There is no electricity; people are waiting in line eight, nine hours for gaso-
line, food and other needs. Right now, we need the United States Army trucks and drivers. There’s no housing…we need cruise ships to come in.” Flores continued: “We also need to secure the streets. Armed gangs are roaming. This is horrific. We’ve been shunned, pushed to the side.” Flores said that she had been in contact with family in Puerto Rico, despite the communications difficulties. She assailed the Trump administration for its slow response and castigated Trump for his constant congratulatory comments to first responders, FEMA, and others in his administration. “He’s patting himself on the back. [Trump found time] to put down Black athletes over the weekend and not once did he say anything about Puerto Rico,” she said. We’ve been shunned, pushed to side. We don’t need any more excuses. Puerto Rico needs help right now. You don’t do this to other Americans. We need the federal government to come to the rescue. We need compassion and leadership to come together. We’ve fought for and bled for this country. We’re part of America.” Critics have chided Trump for ignoring the crisis for the first week after Hurricane Maria slammed into the island. He spent more time tweeting to demand that NFL players kneel for the anthem than expressing any compassion or concern for Puerto Rico’s plight. And to add insult to injury, Elaine Duke, acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security crowed at the end of the first week that the federal efforts on the island as a “good news” story. Trump’s nonchalance has angered Puerto Ricans and a raft of other critics, including singer Marc Anthony and San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz. “Mr. President, shut the f*** up about the NFL. Do something about our people in need in #PuertoRico. We are American citizens, too,” the singer tweeted on September 25. During a recent interview on CNN, Yulín Cruz lambasted attempts by the White House to spin the situation in Puerto Rico as a “good news story.” “When you’re drinking from a creek, it’s not a ‘good news story.’ When you don’t have food for a baby, it’s not a ‘good news story,’” she said. “When you have to pull people down from their buildings because—you know, I’m sorry, but that really upsets me and frustrates me.” Yulín Cruz continued: “This is—damn it, this is not a ‘good news’ story. This is a ‘people-are-dying’ story. This is a ‘life-ordeath’ story. This is a ‘there’s-a-truckload-of-stuff-that-cannot-betaken-to-people’ story. This is a story of a devastation that continues to worsen.”
Claims Rejected for Vegas Injured California Police Several of the 2017-19 NABJ Board of Directors and Executive Director Sharon Toomer at NABJ headquarters.
Glover Leads NABJ WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 27, 2017) -- In a historic move, members of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) elected NBC Owned Television Station’s Sarah Glover to a second term as president in August during its annual convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. Elections Chair John Yearwood presented the certified elections results at the NABJ board meeting last weekend. Glover is the first “NABJ Baby” (Student Projects ‘95) to be elected president and now the first president to serve two terms. “I’m humbled and honored to serve our beloved NABJ for two more years. I’m grateful for the support so many have shown the NABJ and the board under my tutelage,” said Glover. “I’m excited to continue my leadership. It’s a chance to help bolster NABJ to new heights and continue our transformation into a more sustainable association. I’m hyped. I’ve got my sleeves rolled up and I’m fast at work. Thank you for believing in me.” The certified election results for the 2017 NABJ Election (candidate and vote totals) are as follows: Sarah Glover, candidate for President: 417 Gayle Hurd, candidate for Vice President-Broadcast: 168 Dorothy Tucker, candidate for Vice President-Broadcast: 28 Cheryl Smith, candidate for Secretary: 411 Johann Calhoun, candidate for Region I Director: 145 Ken Lemon, candidate for Region III Director: 131 Kyra Azore, candidate for Student Representative: 66 Lawrence Malloy, candidate for Student Representative: 31 Glover is dedicating her second term of service to all 44 NABJ founders and the late Michael J. Feeney, former New York chapter president. Feeney, her mentee, she believes would have been a notable NABJ president had he not died suddenly in 2016. NABJ Founder and Past President Dewayne Wickham applauded the election results. “Sarah has shown strong, visionary leadership,” he said. “I am very proud of the steps she has taken to ensure NABJ’s future. Not only is she an exceptional journalist, excelling in the workplace; Sarah understands the industry and is raising the bar not only with NABJ.” Touting zero-based budgeting, Glover said her first two years as president were spent erasing a two-year, six-figure deficit and providing accountability, while also laying the groundwork for innovative and industry-challenging programming. Both NABJ conventions in 2016 and 2017 set attendance records for the association. Glover founded the NABJ Black Male Media Project, which launched nationwide thanks to the dynamic activation and collaboration of 21 NABJ chapters, all of whom hosted concurrent programming on June 10, 2017. Other notable accomplishments in her first term include: development and implementation of the NABJ Strategic Plan 2017-2020; eradicated deficit spending; led the board in its quest to expand NABJ investments with a $500,000 allocation; and co-founded the Poynter-NABJ Digital Leadership Academy. Her primary goals for her second term are to obtain a seven-figure, multi-year grant for NABJ, develop a new website and mobile app, expand the national office staff, further results-driven media advocacy and create a multifunctional jobs program. A past two-term president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) and former Chairwoman of the NABJ Council of Presidents; the organizing body of all presidents of chapter affiliates within the association, Glover is a five-term national board member. Always on the move, working for NABJ from her laptop and oftentimes on the train, she resides outside of Philadelphia and is based at 30 Rock in New York City, where
she works on the NBCOTS national digital team, providing social strategy and coverage for NBC’s 12 owned TV stations. She earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Photojournalism and African American Studies from Syracuse University in 1996 and a master’s in Communication Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2007. Former NABJ board member Cheryl Smith, a newspaper publisher-editor based in Dallas, Texas, was elected secretary and Dorothy Tucker, a reporter for CBS Chicago, was re-elected Vice President-Broadcast at the annual convention. Tucker earned a bachelor’s in Radio, Television and Film from the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University in 1977. Born and raised in Chicago, Tucker has been on-air at the same station for more than three decades -- a standout accomplishment in local television. A native of Newark, New Jersey, Smith earned a bachelor’s in Journalism from Florida A&M University in 1980 and a master’s in Human Relations and Business from Amberton University in Dallas, Texas in 1986. Smith’s journalism fellowships have focused on health disparities, obesity and technology. An award-winning reporter with the distinction of having won the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s coveted Messenger Award three times, Smith currently publishes Texas Metro News, I Messenger and Garland Journal. Additionally, Johann Calhoun was re-elected Region I Director, Ken Lemon and Kyra E. Azore were elected Region III Director and student representative respectively. All will serve a two-year term on the board. Calhoun is News and Special Projects Editor for The Philadelphia Tribune and an adjunct instructor at Temple University. He received a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications (Print) from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 2001 and a Graduate Certificate in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007. Lemon is a reporter for WSOC-TV and an instructor for Carolina School of Broadcasting. A graduate of the University of North Carolina - Wilmington in 1992, he is a trained conflict resolution mediator and certified IRE watchdog reporter. Azore, a junior broadcast journalism major with a Spanish minor, is currently studying at Howard University in Washington, D.C. There was no candidate for the Vice President-Digital position. Region IV Director Marcus Vanderberg resigned for personal reasons, therefore, both positions were vacant. Glover has appointed Terry Collins, a senior reporter at CNET based in Oakland, to the Region IV Director position and the Vice President-Digital position is to be announced. Returning NABJ board members include: Vice President-Print Marlon Walker, Treasurer Greg Morrison, Region II Director Vickie Thomas, Media-Related Representative Tanzi West Barbour and Academic Representative Michelle Johnson.
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) _ Four Orange County sheriff’s deputies injured in the Las Vegas county music festival massacre have been denied workers’ compensation and court battles may be looming for dozens of other California law enforcement personnel who tried to help even though they were off-duty, it was reported. More than 200 Southern California police officers were attending the Oct. 1 event when a gunman opened fire and some were shot or otherwise hurt as they helped secure the area, perform CPR and get people to safety. Some have put in claims for compensation with their cities or counties and others intend to do so. But because of unclear language in California’s labor code, local jurisdictions are asking whether they are required or even allowed to compensate people who were hurt while performing police duties out of state on their own time, the Orange County Register reported Monday. At issue is whether taxpayers must foot the bill for potentially long-term medical care and treatment of post-traumatic stress, not to mention early disability retirements. The California labor code says public agencies are required to pay benefits to off-duty police officers hurt while protecting life, peace or property anywhere in California but the code doesn’t mention out-of-state actions. Orange County officials interpreted that lack as forbidding payment. On Monday, the county rejected workers’ compensation claims from four sheriff’s deputies who said they suffered physical and psychological injuries while doing police work during the attack. “If the county believed the law was on the side of these applicants, these claims would not be rejected,’’ Orange County counsel Leon Page said. “But there’s no wiggle room, there’s no discretion.’’ “There’s no ill will here,’’ Page said. “We just think the law is clear.’’ The deputies’ union had a different interpretation. “The Sheriff’s Department has an expectation of its sworn members to take whatever actions are necessary to preserve life wherever they’re at,’’ said Tom Dominguez, president of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs. “If they deny the claims, then the message that they’re sending to their peace officers is not to take action when it is certainly warranted.’’ State lawmakers should step in to extend benefits for out-ofstate actions, county Supervisor Todd Spitzer said. “These police officers went into their instinctive training mode. and I don’t think they should be punished because they trusted their instincts,’’ he said. In the meantime, those whose claims are rejected have the option to sue. More than a half-dozen jurisdictions, including Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, might find themselves facing court battles with injured people whom, in other circumstances, they might honor for heroism. Los Angeles County is considering whether to accept or reject claims by two sheriff’s deputies who were shot at the festival. Eleven San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies attended the festival and one, Sgt. Brad Powers, was shot in the leg. The deputies union is talking with the Sheriff’s Department about treating that as an on-duty injury. In the city of Bakersfield, 14 local officers attended the festival, including Aaron Mundhenke, who was shot in the hip. The police union has advised members to seek legal advice if they are considering filing claims but the president, Officer Ramon Chavez, told the Register that he understands the city’s predicament if officers seek paid time off in the aftermath of their Las Vegas experiences.
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“There are 14 people, and if all these officers go out on stress, if they cover one, they’ll probably have to cover everybody else,’’ he said.
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Vehicle Fees,
May Benefit Minority-Owned Business By McKenzie Jackson California Black Media A looming hike on the price of gasoline and new vehicle registration fees that will pay for improving the Golden State’s crumbling roadways will send millions of dollars of infrastructure work to minority and women-owned agencies and firms. State Senator Steve Bradford, a Los Angeles-area legislator, said in an Aug. 17 interview with California Black Media that state leaders aim for 25 percent of funds from Senate Bill 1, a $52.4 billion transportation bill, to be awarded to Black, Hispanic, women, veteran and other minority-owned businesses that specialize in roadwork and tasks related to improving California’s ailing streets and highways. To fund the revitalization work, SB 1, also known as The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, will increase the state gasoline tax from 12 to 30 cents a gallon over the next decade and create new vehicle license fees on traditional and zero-emission cars. Bradford said the state’s infrastructure has been neglected for 25 years, so improvement is needed, but the main benefit of the bill are the funds that will flow to businesses from traditionally disenfranchised backgrounds. “The part that got me to say ‘yes’ in voting for this was making sure that diversity was part of this program,” said Bradford, one of 11 members of the California Legislative Black Caucus. “We cannot continue to talk about the job opportunities and the
Panel Discussion June 30, 2017 with Gov. Jerry Brown at CSU Dominguez Hills on equity and access to gas tax transportation funds.
economic growth it will bring if it doesn’t touch all sectors, all ethnic groups.” According to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the gas tax law will provide an ongoing funding increase of about $1.8 billion annually for maintenance and reworking of California’s highway system, including $400 million for bridges and culverts. The new transportation act, aimed at tackling a mountainous sum or road repair backlog, will also direct monies to local jurisdictions. The price for a gallon of gas will jump up 12 cents beginning on Nov. 1 and add 20 cents per gallon to the tax on diesel under SB 1. The annual vehicle registration costs, at the start of 2018 will be $25 for cars worth under $5,000, $50 for cars worth between $5,000 and $25,000 and at least $175 for vehicles valued over $25,000. Also under the law, owners of zero-emission vehicles will have to pay a yearly $100 vehicle registration fee beginning in 2020. Bradford said he supported SB 1, signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in April, because of the work opportunities it will bring. “If we are going to ask drivers who utilize California roads to pay an extra 12 cents per gallon and promise billions of dollars for infrastructure,” he said, “some of that must reach minority trucking firms, minority engineering firms, real estate firms, ar-
chitectural firms, all those types of services that will be needed to build and repair those roads.” Brown harped on how the bill would bolster businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans earlier this summer. The governor linked the push for more diversity in California infrastructure spending to a move toward general social equality in the U.S. “This work is part of the larger challenge of making a more equal society and that takes working on many fronts, and we’re going to do that with the money coming to our roads and bridges,” Brown said. Caltrans says the additional revenue will enable the repair of 17,000 lane miles of pavement, 500 bridges and 55,000 culverts by 2027. The money will also fix 7,700 traffic operating systems, like ramp meters, traffic cameras and electric highway message boards that help reduce highway congestion. Caltrans announced on Aug. 17 that in anticipation of the funds, the California Transportation Commissions authorized almost $690 million in funding to be put towards 32 major “fix-it first” projects will be started a year earlier. Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty said the state’s roadways have many needs, so his agency is not waiting for SB 1 funding to come in. “The time to get to work is now and we are lining up the projects,” he said. “SB 1 is a game changing investment for trans-
portation in California, and Caltrans is already putting that money to work across the state.” Minority and women business owners that want to bid on a SB 1 work through Caltrans must contact the agency’s Office of Business Economic Opportunity. However, the gas tax increase and new vehicle registration fees has its critics. An organization of conservative-leaning groups in San Luis Obispo County rallied last week outside of a county courthouse to launch a statewide signature drive to have the gas tax law repealed. And in May, gubernatorial candidate Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach filed an initiative calling for the new law’s repeal. “Many Californians are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling just to make ends meet. Jerry Brown’s massive gas tax increase will add $2.50 every time we fill up our gas tanks, which hits our poor and working class Californians the hardest,” said Allen, who launched a website dedicated to repealing the tax. “Meanwhile, Sacramento’s special interests are lining up for their $52 billion payday with absolutely no concern on how this will impact California’s hard working families,” added Allen. Bradford said SB 1 is needed because California’s roads need to be improved and Californians need jobs. “Democrats and Republicans alike know that our infrastructure needs to be repaired,” he said.
roll in within several years. Operators have complained about what they see as potential conflicts in various laws and rules, or seemingly contradictory plans. The state expects businesses that receive licenses will only work with others that hold them. But that has alarmed operators who wonder what will happen if their supplier, for instance, decides not to join the new legal market. Others say it's not clear what could happen in cities that don't enact pot laws, which they warn could open a loophole for businesses to set up shop. Some communities have banned recreational sales completely. Most banks continue to refuse to do business with marijuana operators - pot remains illegal under federal law - and there are also problems obtaining insurance. With recreational legalization fast approaching, “we don't have enough of anything,” lamented Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Growers Association, a marijuana industry group. The route to legalization began last year when voters approved Proposition 64, which opened the way for recreational pot sales to adults in the nation's most populous state. Unlike the state, cities and counties face no deadline to act. However, the concern is that confusion and a patchwork of local rules could discourage operators from entering the legal economy, feeding a black market that could undercut the legitimate one. Local regulation is a foundation block of the emerging pot economy: A grower or retailer needs a local permit first, which is a steppingstone to obtaining a state license to operate. But those rules remain in limbo in many places. San Jose, the state's third-largest city, has a temporary ban on sales other than medical pot but officials this week proposed hearings to take another look at how to regulate the local industry. Kern County, home to nearly 900,000 people, has banned the sale of marijuana even as California legalizes it. Supervisors said they see it as a danger to citizens and also voted to phase out more than two dozen medical marijuana dispensaries. In Los Angeles, which by some estimates could be a $1 billion marketplace, voters have been strongly supportive of legal pot. But its proposed regulations hit snags, including a dispute over a proposal for so-called certificates of compliance, which operators feared would not meet qualification requirements for state licenses. Adam Spiker, executive director of the Southern California Coalition, an industry group, warned last month that L.A.'s draft rules could upend the emerging industry by failing to provide a prompt way to license suppliers, potentially forcing then to shut down. And he's dubious that the city will be ready to begin issuing licenses on Jan. 1.
“There's not a lot of calendar days left in the year,” he said. San Francisco, another city that strongly supports legalization, still is debating local rules. Again, it's uncertain what will be ready, or when. “What we want to do is bring everything into the daylight, regulate it, get fees for the cost of regulation and collect taxes as appropriate,” said county Supervisor Jeff Sheehy. San Diego is among the cities ready to get the recreational market going. Phil Rath, executive director of the United Medical Marijuana Coalition, a San Diego trade group, said years of disorder in the medical market led to increased black market business. That provided a ready example of how not to manage recreational sales. San Diego moved promptly, setting up a system that will allow recreational sales at dispensaries permitted under the medical system, once they qualify for a state license. Industry experts say the distribution system - a sort of main artery where pot will be received from growers, sent out for testing, taxed, and eventually shipped to retail stores - is not robust enough to support the vast new market. The distributor model “was the subject of most of the political wrangling over the last two years,” Allen said. “That's the control point,” he said, but “we don't have enough of them.”
California’s Billion Dollar Legal Marijuana Confusion By MICHAEL R. BLOOD Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Ready or not, California kicks off recreational marijuana sales on Jan. 1. And, mostly, it's not. Los Angeles and San Francisco are among many cities still struggling to fashion local rules for pot shops and growers. Without the regulations, there could be limited options in many places for consumers eager to ring in the new year with a legal pot purchase. “The bulk of folks probably are not going to be ready Jan. 1,” conceded Cara Martinson of the California State Association of Counties. In general, California will treat cannabis like alcohol, allowing people 21 and older to legally possess up to an ounce and grow six marijuana plants at home.
Come January, the newly legalized recreational sales will be merged with the state's two-decade-old medical marijuana market, which is also coming under much stronger regulation. But big gaps loom in the system intended to move cannabis from the field to distribution centers, then to testing labs and eventually retail shops. The state intends to issue only temporary licenses starting in January, and it has yet to release its plan to govern the estimated $7 billion marketplace, the nation's largest legal pot economy. If businesses aren't licensed and operating in the legal market, governments aren't collecting their slice of revenue from sales. The state alone estimates it could see as much as $1 billion
“What we want to do is bring everything into the daylight, regulate it, get fees for the cost of regulation and collect taxes as appropriate,” said SanFrancisco county Supervisor Jeff Sheehy.
Run Forrest! Run! Gump Impersonator Jogs Around California City
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) _ Halloween started early in one Southern California city, where a man dressed as Forrest Gump has been running around neighborhoods and stopping to take pictures with residents. Video and a photo from police show the man sporting a mangy fake beard, red shorts and a red “Bubba Gump” hat during his jogs around the city of Riverside. It's the same outfit worn by Tom Hanks in the 1994 Oscar-winning film “Forrest Gump.” Hanks' character spends part of the movie running across the country. The man identified himself to KABC-TV only as Forrest Gump. He added that “it doesn't really matter” who he is. He says his runs are “just something that took off and made the community happy, made people smile.”
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Los Angeles News Observer
Antique Dealer’s of African-American
Features
Thursday November 2, 2017
Collectables Spark Debate
By ANGELICA CABRAL Cronkite News MESA, Ariz. (AP) _ Visitors to antique shops on Main Street in Mesa will see stores crammed with primarily benign American memorabilia. A 19th century record player, a vintage 1990s Barbie, or a campaign button promoting Richard Nixon for president line the shelves. Then, the eyes flit across something more startling. A set of spice jars in the shape of a Mammy, depicting a grinning, biglipped, dark-skinned woman wearing a scarf. The selling of African-American memorabilia in Arizona and elsewhere in the country sparks complex questions, similar to recent controversies over Confederate statues. Placing such imagery in the marketplace can raise the specter of racism, while also provoking thought that such products preserve history. `They’re meant to be cute’ Antique store owners selling Mammy figures and other African-American memorabilia in Mesa include a Jewish woman whose grandparents died in the Holocaust, an African-American woman who served in World War II and a man from a family of antique collectors who wants to save emblems of the past for future generations. Michelle Holz, the owner of Michelle’s Antiques, said the spice jars she offered for sale are simply a part of history. “It was made to be cute. It wasn’t made to be racist,’’ Holz said. Holz, who is Jewish, said her family experienced discrimination _ her grandparents died in the Holocaust. A neighboring store owner once sold a photo of Hitler, she said. Although some people were upset, Holz was not offended. Selling such items, although controversial, is necessary, she said. “When you erase this stuff, people have no knowledge where they came from,’’ Holz said. Greg Farr, who is white, owns Antique Plaza in Mesa. He also sells what he called “black collectibles.’’ On a recent day, he had a Mammy cookie jar and figure in his store. He said most of the people who buy them are African-American and the originals have become so popular, people are actually making reproductions to sell. “To people who collect it, it’s not offensive. It’s just what it is,’’ Farr said. Fannie McClendon is the 97-year-old owner of The Glass Urn, the store next door to Farr’s location. An African-American business owner, she said most of her customers who buy black memorabilia have been white. She said she once had a woman come in and buy a black 19th century doll for her 7-year-old daughter. “I think she wants to bring her up with the idea that just because (someone is) black, they’re not bad people,’’ McClendon said. At times, she has been unsure whether to sell certain pieces. But she considers them a form of art. “My husband and I loved art and in art you find all kinds of things,’’ McClendon said. McClendon, known as Miss Fran to her friends, said serving in the Army alongside white military members and an interracial marriage in her family helped shape her views. She added she is a lifetime honorary member of the Valley of the Sun Antique Dealers Association, an organization that treats her well. Steeped in slavery Black memorabilia items were first made centuries ago, as early at the 1200s, according to Collectors Weekly Magazine. Items at the time ranged from pottery to jewelry that depicted people from Africa. As Europeans and North Americans conducted the slave trade, the pieces gained in popularity and were often used as a way to reinforce stereotypes to bolster slavery.
After the Civil War ended, racist depictions were used to market and perpetuate the idea that black people were inferior, according to Collectors Weekly. Everyday items like dishes and figurines portrayed the “Mammy,’’ a caricature of a motherlike black woman who loves to help the white family she works for, and the “Pickaninny,’’ a caricature of a raggedly looking, grinning black child. The complex issues surrounding black memorabilia extend to the people who buy such items. Historian Henry Louis Gates, the host of “Finding Your Roots’’ on PBS, is a collector, according to a 2015 post. “We need to study these images in order to deflect the harm that they continue to inflict upon African-Americans, at the deepest levels of the American unconscious,’’ Gates wrote. McClendon, the owner of the Glass Urn, said some black people come into her store and “turn their nose up’’ at the items. McClendon said she doesn’t fault them for disliking it. “I think these are their thoughts, I don’t know what they went through in life,’’ McClendon said. “A lot of people went through an awful lot of things, in the South especially.’’ Artifacts that educate The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia , at Ferris State University in Michigan, opened five years ago to document such relics, according to its website. It has more than 9,000 pieces and is intended to serve as a teaching tool. “The only real value of the museum has ever been to really engage people in a dialogue,’’ David Pilgrim, the museum’s founder, says on the site. Donald Guillory, a history professor at Arizona State University, said he sees black memorabilia as a way to talk about how people have been misrepresented and to look at a period of time he doesn’t want to repeat. But, as an African-American, he has mixed feelings. “I’m conflicted because I see them both as a historian and as an African-American,’’ Guillory said. “For me, as a historian, I like seeing them in the appropriate context and I think that’s what a lot of people have missed.’’ He said if someone is collecting African-American memorabilia, he would want to ask them why they chose to do so, just as with any other collection. “If it’s anything other than learning the context or teaching about it, why would you want something that offensive, or that overtly offensive, in your home?’’ Guillory said. In terms of modern day caricatures, Guillory has issues with hip-hop and trap music. While he feels it has its place, he thinks people can see it and misunderstand what African-American people are really like. “People on the outside of that may start to accept that as the norm or representative of the culture because they’re not as close or they don’t associate themselves with people that are part of African-American culture,’’ he said. He drew a distinction between the issue of removing Confederate statues and black memorabilia. Whereas people can use the antiques to learn, the statues play a different role because of the way society views memorials. Memorials are “typically to honor something,’’ Guillory said. “They can easily be taken out of context, because if a statue is erected for somebody, we typically associate that statue being erected for good purposes.’’ He said people can still learn about the Civil War era without the statues. In contrast, having pieces of black memorabilia can be valuable. “You need those examples to show to people, as far as how things are misrepresented, how far we’ve come,’’ he said.
Mammt figurines of all kinds line a Mesa antique store shelf. (Photo by Angelica Cabral/Cronkite News)
Inglewood’s Tate Lands Award Again By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer Khail Tate may be the youngest college football player to have his own award. The native of Inglewood and Serra High graduate was named Pac 12 Player of the week for the third straight week. Tate led the Arizona Wildcats to a 58-47 win over number 15 Washington State in Tuson. The win was the first ever over a ranked opponent for Arizona since UTAH 2015. Tate completed 10 of 17 for 275 yards and two scores leading the Wildcats to its fourth consecutive PAC 12 win.
Quarterback Khalil Tate has emerged as a dangerous threat the past three weeks and the national media has taken notice. (Arizona Athletics photo)
BAPAC Elects New Interim Leader at Annual Conference CBM Staff Sacramento, Calif. – The Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) elected a new interim president during their state convention held in Sacramento from October 20-21. San Diego Chapter president Dr. Willie P. Blair was selected to serve the nearly 40 year-old organization founded by the late Percy Pinkey, a longtime aide to U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein who created the organization when he and several other Blacks were appointees during Governor Jerry Brown first term. “It is truly my honor to have been recently elected as state president of BAPAC,” said Blair. “Our African American men and women of good conscious have longed for a statewide organization that would ensure that Black people participated fully and successfully in the economic, political, and social fabric of this nation’s greatest state. They are now at the precipice of achieving that great vision and opportunity.” This year’s conference—themed “Making An Impact in
Notre Dame running back Josh Adams. (courtesy photo)
Irish Back Lands Walter Camp Award By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer Notre Dame running back Josh Adams ran for 202 yards on 27 carries including a 7 yarder helping the Irish No. 9 defeat No. 14 N.C. State 35 -14. The win helped the Irish win their sixth in a row (7-1). It was Adams second 200 yards game this season and helped him over the one thousand yard mark (1,169) with 9 touchdowns. Adams effort helped him land the Walter Camp Player of the Week Award. Players are selected by a panel of national media
members administrated by the Walter Camp Foundation. Adams is the sixth Notre Dame Player to win the award since 204 and the second offensive player (Brady Quinn). Linebacker Paddy Fisher of Northwestern won the Defensive POW award having 17 tackles (14 solo). He also had 2 forced fumbles as Northwestern 5-3 (3-2 Big TEN) outlasted Michigan state 39-31 in overtime.
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The Redshirt sophomore stepped in for the injured Brandon Hawkins three games ago and has been steady ever since. He rushed for 146 yards on 12 carries including an 82 yarder, making it four straight 100 yard games. He also was named Walter Camp Player of The Week a national Award. “He’s got a very strong arm said Arizona Head coach rich Rodriguez. “He’s got as good touch on a deep ball as any quarterback I have had.” Not since 1988 when USC ‘s Rodney Peete has some been named 3 consecutive weeks.
Dr. Willie P. Blair, BAPAC State Interim President
2018”—references the founding mission of BAPAC and the importance of the Blacks involved with influencing public policy and politics. Convention goers had the opportunity to participate in workshops from Black Minds Matter, California’s Cannabis Industry, Plight of Veterans, and Climate Change. Sacramento President Rory Kaufman said he stepped up to host the conference because he promised the late president that he would carry on the mission of the organization and bring the conference to the capital city. “Our quality of life depends on our quality of leadership; we must bring back leadership and inspire our people to continue to participate in the democratic process,” said Rory Kaufman, Sacramento BAPAC president. BAPAC also works to ensure public safety to protect the rights of our citizens and support lawful rulings for every citizen in California, and promote cultural and heritage events to educate our people on our rich traditions and contributions to California history and its growth.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Los Angeles News Observer
Entertainment
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Impressive NBA Rookies- NBA Players to Watch
Los Angeles Laker rookie Lonzo Ball earlier in the year versus the Phoenix Suns. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images photo)
Bruins Have Tough Day in Seattle
By Cam Buford whatsgoodinsports.com We are just a couple weeks into the NBA 2017- 2018, season, and there are some things we already know. We have a solid idea of who’s likely to be in the NBA Finals, unless there are some dramatic changes. Gordon Hayward’s injury isn’t likely to change the fortunes of the teams in the East Conference, as would an injury to one of the starters from the Golden State Warriors or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Is there any better time to discuss the new talent that are likely to become the transcendent superstars of the league? In just a couple weeks, we can identify several talented players that have been impressive thus far on the court. I will name some players that are worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses. If I should miss a guy who you think is worthy to be listed, leave me a comment in the comment section and I will watch his development and we can chat about it throughout the season. Some of the most impressive rookies I’ve seen so far, in no particular order, are; Lauri Markkanen, who is a Finnish born player that went to College at the University of Arizona. He was drafted as the 7th pick in the NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, and eventually traded to the Chicago Bulls on draft day. The former Wildcat is a fluid jump shooter and averages 15.6 pts per game and 9.6 rebounds while boasting a shooting percentage of 43.1% from the field and 41% from the 3-point line. The Bulls are looking at Markkanen to become integral of their rebuilding process. Jayson Tatum is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, who then became a Duke Blue Devil. In the 2017 NBA draft Tatum was selected with the third overall pick by the Boston Celtics. Although Taytum was expected to be an integral part of the Celtics bench, with Gordon Hayward’s injury, Tatum is now expected to get much more playing time. Early in his career, so far, he averages 15.2 pts. per game, 6.3 rebounds, while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from the three-point line. Tatum will have many opportunities to expound on these numbers as his role with the Celtics, will certainly increase over time. Jayson Taytum on the perimeter going to the hoop (Bing photos) De’Aaron Fox is a 6’4” guard from New Orleans, by way of Texas. He played college basketball as a Kentucky Wildcat, before leaving for the NBA after his sophomore season. He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings as the 5th pick in the past NBA draft. This speedy guard is expected to take over the reins, as lead guard, once he gets more experience. Currently, Fox averages 12.7 pts.,
4.3 rebounds per game, and 5.0 assists per game. These stats are expected to improve as his playing time increases. Ben Simmons finally ready for the game time (Bing photos) Ben Simmons is a silky smooth 6’10” utility man from Melbourne, Australia. He is finally playing this season after sitting out the previous season due to an injury, or the 76ers alleged red shirting strategy. His versatility is his strength and will compliment his teammates on the Philadelphia 76ers for the several years to come. In the short time, Simmons averages 17.5 pts. per game, 9.5 rebounds per game, and 7.5 assists per game. The Los Angeles Lakers have been in a rebuilding stage over the past few years and they apparently have hit the proverbial jackpot by acquiring 3 gems in this summers’ draft. It’s likely that these guys will be able to grow and develop together, as the Lakers find their way back to NBA prominence. The hometown kid Lonzo Ball has been drafted to be their quintessential point guard of the future. By averaging 10 pts., 7.5 rebounds. and 7.7 assists in couple weeks of his rookie campaign, he is proving that he can get everyone involved in the game while contributing in multiple ways, just as anticipated. The Flint, Michigan native, Kyle Kuzma was probably the steal of the 2017 draft. Although he was drafted with the 27th pick, he has performed like a lottery pick in the Summer and he has carried his resiliency and confidence into the regular season by averaging 13.7 pts. and 4.8 rebounds. thus far in his rookie season. The statistics on Josh Hart have been less than impressive. However his toughness, heart and basketball IQ are not evident in the box scores but are clear reasons the Lakers made the draft day trade for his services. With his toughness coming from his days playing in the hard courts of Silver Springs, Maryland. Since playing 4 years in the Big East, it has infused Hart’s game with the toughness and basketball IQ he now displays on the court for the L.A. Lakers. Each season the NBA is introduces an abundance of new players and each of these players are worth tuning in. Although NBA playoff recognition is not likely for either team in the immediate future for any of the teams mentioned, Ben Simmons is likely to be the best of this NBA rookie class. I am interested to know your thoughts on this crop of NBA rookies and how you would rank them and expect them to fair during this 2017- 2018 season. Let me know What’s Good.
Trojans Get a Good Roll By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer One week after suffering its worst loss (35 points) to Notre Dame the USC Trojans returnd the favor to Arizona State in similar fashion. Ronald Jones II ran through the Sun Devil defense for 216 yards while helping Trojans 6-2 (5-1 PAC 12) defeat the Sun Devils 48-17 in Tempe. Jones II had a dazzling run of 67 yards and two scores. Sam Darnold completed 19 of 35 passes for 266 yards and three scores and no interceptions as the Trojans rolled up 617 yards of total offense. Darnold connected with nine different receivers on the night. Pasadena’s Tyler Vaughn had his mast productive game of the year with six catches for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns.
“You never want that lingering mentally “ Head Coach Clay Helton. “Usually the better teams can clear it out.” Uchenna Nwosu led all Trojan tacklers with eight, six of them solo and he had three sacks. Cameron Smith had seven tackles. Isaiah Langley and Marvell Tell III chipped in with six each. The USC Defense gave up 357 yards of offense. ASU 4-4 (3-2 PAC12) had quarterback Manny Wilkins completing 17 of 29 for 259 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore Kyle Williams (Murrieta, CA) had seven catches for 126 yards. Damario Richard (Palmdale) led ASU on the ground with 15 carries for 70 yards. USC is still atop the PAC 12 South 5-1 and one game ahead of Arizona (4-1). The Wildcats come to town this week with to take on USC at the Coliseum with a 7:45 kick-off.
Washington’s Hunter Bryant (19) is knocked out of bounds by UCLA’s Darnay Holmes (bottom) and Krys Barnes on Oct. 28, 2017, at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-23. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer The beat up UCLA football team had a tough outing last weekend against the University of Washington on the road. Bruin QB Josh Rosen was the PAC-12 leader in yards passing and total offense. But he was only able to complete 12 of 20 passes for 93 yards after an injury sidelined him. If not for a 51 yard fumble recovery by Osa Odighizuwa the score would have been worse. Daren Andrews had 8 catches for Jordan Wilson had 4 for 38 yards as the Bruins 4-4 (2-3 Pac 12 ) could only muster up 238 yards of total offense. After a solid win at home verses Oregon (30-17) win the
Janet Jackson Visits Small Childhood Home in Gary, Indiana
GARY, Ind. (AP) - Singer Janet Jackson and her brother Randy Jackson have visited their childhood home in Gary, Indiana, and talked with local high school students. The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports that the Jacksons made the visit Friday, a day after Janet Jackson's concert in the Chicago area. Janet Jackson told students at Roosevelt High School that she started crying when she saw the small house. She said, “me and my family are so blessed. I’m so thankful.” The 51-year-old said she was 8-years-old the last time she was in Gary. The family moved out of the industrial city about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of Chicago after the Jackson 5 recorded their first album in 1969, when Janet Jackson was a toddler. She also told students she misses performing with her siblings.
Bruins ran into a physical Huskies 7-1 (4-1 Pac 12) team. The Huskies ran the ball all day against a heavily injured UCLA team. Piling up 333 yards on the ground quarterback Jake Browning (Folsom) only had to pass the ball 11 times during the contest. Browning completed 8 of 11 for 98 yards. Keisean Lucier-South led UCLA in tackles with 9 while Bakersfied’s Krys Barnes, Jaleel Wadood and Darney Holmes each had seven. “ Weird things happen, but they happen,” said Defensive Coordinator Tom Bradley. “As you grow you will process through yourself these things, mistakes they make now they won’t make in the future” The Bruins take on Utah Friday in Salt Lake City.
Southern California running back Ronald Jones II runs the ball as Arizona State’s Jay Jay Wilson closes in to make the tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
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Local
Los Angeles News Observer
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Creatively Prevent And Combat Homelessness Nearly 50 cities across Los Angeles County have earned a unique opportunity to confront rising homelessness in their communities through an innovative grant program created by the County and United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ Home For Good Funders Collaborative. Launched in July 2017, the program called on cities to submit applications outlining how they would create localized blueprints for action in collaboration with the County and its contractors, who are funded by the voter-approved Measure H ¼-cent sales tax. The selection process—led by United Way’s Home For Good Funders Collaborative—approved proposals representing 47 cities. Each city will receive a planning grant ranging from $30,000 to $70,000, depending on the number of homeless families and individuals within its municipal boundaries. The program, which was financed by an allocation of more than $2 million from the Los Angeles County Board of Super-
visors, underscores the County’s continuing determination to pursue regional solutions to the homeless crisis. Individual cities are uniquely positioned to complement and advance the County’s wide-ranging Homeless Initiative action plan. “The County and its cities must work in partnership if we expect to succeed in our battle against homelessness,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas. “These grants represent the kind of creative thinking that we need to tackle one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our region and of our time.” The stakes, in fact, have never been higher: the 2017 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count revealed a 23% increase in homelessness over the previous year—a total of more than 57,000 people experiencing homelessness across the County. “We can end homelessness if we all say yes to housing – and this innovative program proves that the solutions can start in the areas that we know best,” said Elise Buik, President and CEO of
Musical Therapy Concert LOS ANGELES — LA County Library, in partnership hoopla digital (hoopladigital.com), the category-creating mobile and online service for public libraries, will host a musical therapy concert on November 7 from 5-6 pm at Carson Library, featuring recording artist Kerry Fenster. Fenster, a Parent’s Choice Award winning artist, specializes in creating music for children with special needs and developmental delays. At the musical therapy concert, he will perform songs from his new, award-winning album “Songs About Us” – a fun and entertaining collection of lively tunes that teach children how to take care of themselves and be respectful to others around them. “A major initiative of our library is to provide equal access to resources and learning opportunities to all of our customers, so expanding our library concert series to include music especially designed for children and families with special needs is a step in the right direction,” said LA County Library Director Skye Patrick. Fenster’s “Songs About Us” was released by Muzic School Records and distributed by ADA, Warner Music Group’s independent services division. ADA gives the indie community access to an unparalleled global distribution system and a dedicated team that provides a complete spectrum of marketing, merchandising, promotion, and music licensing services. The Carson Library is one of several LA County Library locations that offer programs for differently-abled customers. Carson offers an All Abilities Storytime, during which children with special needs listen to a story narrated by a Children’s Service Librarian, and learn songs and finger plays. The Storytime has been very successful, and the library plans to expand its All Abilities programs. “We are thrilled to feature this musical therapy concert at our library. Our differently-abled friends are so often forgotten, having a concert just for them is special, and lets them know that they are welcome and that their voices can be heard,” said Julie Hernandez-Chan, Children’s Service Librarian at Carson Library. Kerry Fenster’s album, “Songs About Us” is available for immediate download on hoopla digital. Library-card holders of participating public libraries, including LA County Library, can download the free hoopla digital mobile app on their Android or IOS device or visit hoopladigital.com to begin listening to the album. “We’re excited to partner with LA County Library and Kerry Fenster to bring children with special needs an uplifting and fun
Kerry Fenster
experience,” said Jeff Jankowski, owner and founder of hoopla digital. “With hoopla digital, it is our mission to partner with public libraries to enrich the lives of the community and we’re proud to be able to share Fenster’s educational and entertaining music with library patrons.” hoopla digital has partnerships with more than 1,600 public library systems across North America including Boston Public Library, Free Library of Philadelphia, Chicago Public Library, San Francisco Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, and Edmonton Public Library. For more information on the Kerry Fenster musical therapy concert at Carson Library, please visit: colapublib.org/songsaboutus.
United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “We’re collectively fighting for all of our homeless neighbors and these cities are at the frontlines providing hope for a better future for all in L.A. County.” Each city will have at least five months – until March 2018
– to create an individual plan. United Way’s Funder Collaborative and the County are committed to helping each city, when needed, create realistic and actionable plans.