Los Angeles News Observer 03.27.25

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L.A. Mayor Bass Fights Recall with Action as Violent Crime Falls

By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com

Senior National Correspondent

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is pushing forward with her administration’s crime reduction efforts as she faces a recall campaign. Standing with Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell, members of the Board of Police Commissioners, and community members in the Hollenbeck Division, Bass addressed the latest crime data, which shows a 14% decrease in homicides in 2024 compared to the previous year. The Operations-Valley Bureau saw a 28% drop, while communities involved in the Gang Reduction and Youth Development program and the Community Safety Partnership recorded a 40% decline in homicides. Chief McDonnell reported that shooting victims decreased by 19%, with 7,634 illegal firearms—790 of which were ghost guns—seized as part of the city’s crime prevention strategy. Property crimes, including burglary and motor vehicle theft, dropped by more than 7,200 incidents in 2024. The Organized Retail Crime Task Force recovered over $36 million in stolen merchandise, and the Heavy Metal Task Force made more than 100 arrests while recovering thousands of pounds of stolen copper wire. Bass’ handling of the Palisades Fire has drawn criticism, leading to a recall effort led by Nicole Shanahan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s former running mate. To move forward, the campaign needs 330,000 signatures within four months. Bass, the first woman and second African American to serve as the city’s mayor and who has already launched her 2026 reelection campaign, said she remains committed to leading the city. Following a multi-victim shooting in MacArthur Park in January, Bass directed the LAPD to increase foot patrols and target gangrelated activity. The city installed fencing to disrupt illegal drug

and stolen goods sales, reducing violence in the area. In the three months before these measures, nearly 100 violent crimes were reported in the neighborhood. Over the last five weeks, violent crime decreased by 57%, including reductions in robberies and

aggravated assaults. Property crime, including burglaries and thefts from vehicles, also declined. Bass said work continues to make MacArthur Park safer for residents, businesses, and vendors. She is working with Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez on establishing legal vending spaces where vendors can operate without gang intimidation and extortion. LAPD’s ongoing actions include disrupting drug sales through patrols, investigations, and arrests, while public health services are assisting individuals struggling with addiction.

Hernandez’s office has implemented several community safety initiatives, including two full-time Peace Ambassador teams that work to reduce violence and prevent retaliation following incidents. The teams responded immediately after the January shooting on Alvarado Street. A Mobile Overdose Response team launched in December has collected hazardous materials and reversed 24 overdoses in one month. The team reported a 44% reduction in dangerous materials left in the park after four weeks. “We know there is still much work to be done in the MacArthur Park community but over the past month, progress has been made in returning the park to the community. Crime in the area is down – theft and organized retail crime will not be tolerated in the City of Los Angeles,” said Bass. “I want to thank the LAPD for their dedication to stopping crime in MacArthur Park and across the city. I also want to thank Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez and community organizations for their continued work to improve this area for all.” “There is progress in the neighborhood here in MacArthur Park and I know the work will continue even as assistance is being provided to Angelenos impacted by the Palisades fires,” said Norm Langer, owner of Langer’s Deli. “I want to thank the city for the work being done to help our community.”

Black Church Target Boycott Mobilizes

By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com

Senior National

Correspondent

Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, an Atlanta-based pastor of the New Birth Baptist Church, has reported a robust national turnout for his consumer boycott against Minneapolis-based retail giant Target. The fast-selectivebuying campaign, which began during the Lent Season from March 5 to April 17, targets what Bryant describes as the company’s neglect of the Black community. According to Bryant, the boycott has mobilized over 150,000 participants and persuaded over 100 Black vendors to withdraw their products from Target. The movement has led to a $12 drop per share in Target’s stock and a $2 billion decrease in its overall value. “We just hit 150 thousand people who have signed up to be part of it, with over 100 black vendors that pulled out of Target, so the momentum is going steadily,” Bryant explained.

The NAACP and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, have simultaneously announced the planning and implementation of a national public education and selective buying campaign in response to Target and other corporations that have dismantled their respective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments, programs and staffing. “Now is the time for the Black Press of America once again to speak and publish truth to power emphatically,” NNPA Chairman Emeritus Danny Bakewell Sr. explained. NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. added, “We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America.” “The Black Press of America continues to remain on the frontline keeping our families and communities informed and engaged on all the issues that impact our quality of life,” Henry noted.

150,000

Despite the traction, Bryant revealed that there had been no communication or planned meetings with Target. He humorously speculated that the White House may have encouraged Target officials to avoid meeting with civil rights groups. “No, we’re waiting. As we understand it, the administration is trying to get them not to meet and is hoping that this is just going to taper off,” Bryant remarked. “But unless President [Trump] is in trouble and buys a whole bunch of toilet paper, I don’t know what they expect the White House to do for them.” Bryant also discussed the Black Church leadership’s historical and present role in America’s civil rights and social justice movements. “The Black Church has always been the heartbeat and the epicenter of the civil rights movement,” he said, acknowledging the changing perceptions among younger generations regarding the church’s involvement in social justice.

Bryant called for continued focus and support from the community to maintain the boycott’s impact. “It is critical that Black people can’t afford to get A.D.D; we can’t taper off and lose synergy. It’s important that people stay the course and keep amplifying our voices because it is being heard from Wall Street to Main Street,” he urged.

NNPA President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. said he’s known and witnessed the national and international rise of the Black Church leadership and commitment to Bryant. “In the tradition of Richard Allen, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are pleased to state for the sake of historical accuracy that Jamal Bryant is today the personification of the prophetic tradition of the Black Church,” Chavis remarked. “We in the Black Press of America stand in rigid solidarity with Rev. Dr. Bryant as we target campaign Target’s egregious disrespect of Black America.”

California Black Health Network Launches

Conscious Black Movement

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH:

any other demographic, are particularly vulnerable to these toxic exposures.”

the efforts of manufacturers and retailers to make and sell safer products.

By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer

George Foreman became the heavyweight champion of the world in his 20s, only to lose his belt to Muhammad

in perhaps the most memorable fight in boxing history.

full 20 years later in 1994, the 45-year-old Foreman became the oldest man to win the heavyweight championship, throwing one perfect combination to steal Michael Moorer's title in an epic upset. Few fighters ever had more big moments than Big George Foreman — and even after he finally left the ring, he was only getting started. The fearsome heavyweight, who lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Ali before his inspiring second act as a surprising champion and a successful businessman, died Friday night. Foreman was 76.

“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father and a proud grand- and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and purpose," his family wrote. “A humanitarian, an Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respected. A force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.”

A native Texan, Foreman began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist who inspired fear and awe as he climbed to the peak of the heavyweight division by stopping Joe Frazier in 1973. His formidable aura evaporated only a year later when Ali pulled off one of the most audacious victories in boxing history in Zaire, baiting and taunting Foreman into losing his belt. Foreman left the sport a few years later, but returned after a 10-year absence and a self-described religious awakening.

The middle-aged fighter then pulled off one of the most spectacular knockouts in boxing history, flooring Moorer — 19 years his junior — with a surgical right hand and claiming Moorer's two heavyweight belts. Foreman's 20 years is easily the longest gap between heavyweight title reigns.

“His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” former heavyweight champion of the world, Mike Tyson, said on X, formerly Twitter, as he expressed his condolences.

Foreman's transformation into an inspirational figure was complete, and he fought only four more times — finishing 76-5 with 68 knockouts — before moving onto his next career as a genial businessman, pitchman and occasional actor.

Outside the ring, he was best known as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which launched in the same year as his victory over Moorer. The simple cooking machine sold more than 100 million units and made him much wealthier than his sport ever did.

“George was a great friend to not only myself, but to my entire family,” Top Rank president Bob Arum said. “We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.”

In the first chapter of his boxing career, Foreman was nothing like the smiling grandfather who hawked his grills on television to great success.

the Conscious Black Beauty Movement (CBBM) to continue this legacy. The effort aims to empower all Black women and girls to lead healthy lives, free from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals in beauty and personal care products. According to CBHN, the average woman uses 12 different beauty and personal care products every day, exposing her to 168 toxic chemicals. Many of these chemicals are hormone disruptors that have been linked to health conditions including diabetes, endometriosis, infertility, obesity, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine fibroids. Even products that claim to be natural or organic can contain these dangerous chemicals.

“Current beauty standards often celebrate light/white skin and European features, creating an unhealthy image for Black women and girls,” said CBHN in a release. “Beauty products marketed to Black women frequently contain the most harmful ingredients in the cosmetics industry. Black women, who use more beauty products per capita than

Black women purchase $7.5 billion of beauty products each year, which represents 9 times more than any other demographic. Additionally, Black women who regularly dye their hair with permanent hair dyes have a 45-77% higher risk of breast cancer and those who use chemical hair straighteners are 30% more likely to develop breast cancer. “The goal is to ignite a movement across California to engage Black women and girls to amplify their voices and drive change,” said CBHN. “We hope that providing Black women with educational resources about the toxic chemicals in their products will provide them with the information they need to make more informed and safer purchases.”

The CBBM addresses the impact of toxic beauty products marketed to Black women and girls, driving informed choices, policy changes, and community empowerment in California and beyond and will catalyze manufacturers to remove toxic ingredients from these products. The Campaign’s Non-Toxic Black Beauty Project also created a list of safer Black Beauty products in order to help consumers make more informed purchases and guide

Working with their partner, Clearya, CBHN screened the Black Beauty Product Database against Tier 1 Red List chemicals. Brands that did not have any of the Tier 1 chemicals in their products were placed on a list of NonToxic Black Beauty Products, which includes 78 brands and 696 products. These brands and their products will be listed on the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) website in a searchable database by name and product type.

The CSC has also created a database of Black-owned beauty brands whose product ingredients were vetted for safety by the campaign and their advisory committee of scientists and NGO’s working to improve Black women’s health.

“The companies we’re showcasing are making safer Black beauty products that won’t harm the health of Black women and girls,” said Janet Nudelman, CSC Director in a release. “We hope that more and more companies will follow their lead and help grow the clean Black beauty industry by selling non-toxic makeup and personal care products that Black women can trust.”

CBHN is asking community members to get involved with their campaign by staying informed, spreading the word about the information from the campaign, supporting the Black owned brands cleared by the CSC and continuing to advocate for change within the beauty industry by collaborating with them.

Foreman dabbled in petty crime while growing up in Houston’s Fifth Ward, but changed his life through boxing. He made the U.S. Olympic team in 1968 and won gold in Mexico City as a teenager, stopping a 29-yearold opponent in a star-making performance.

Foreman rose to the pinnacle of the pro game over the next five years, but was also perceived as an aloof, unfriendly athlete, both through his demeanor and through the skewed racial lenses of the time. Jim Lampley, the veteran boxing broadcaster who worked alongside Foreman for many years at HBO, told The Associated Press on Friday night that Foreman's initial demeanor was an attempt by his camp to emulate Sonny Liston, the glowering heavyweight champ of the 1960s.

“At some point somewhere along the way, he realized that wasn’t him," Lampley said.

Foreman stopped Frazier in an upset in Jamaica in January 1973 to win the belt, with his knockout inspiring Howard Cosell’s iconic call: “Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” Foreman defended his belt against Ken Norton before accepting the fight with Ali in the now-immortal bout staged in Africa by promoter Don King. Ali put on a tactical masterclass against Foreman, showing off the “rope-a-dope” strategy that frustrated and infuriated the champion. Foreman was eventually knocked down for the first time in his career, and the fight was stopped in the

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Mayor Karen Bass Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant

Trump Backs U.S. Entry into British Commonwealth, Raising Alarm Over American Independence and Slave Trade

By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent

Donald Trump has expressed support for the United States becoming an “associate member” of the British Commonwealth, responding to a report in The Sun that King Charles might extend such an offer during Trump’s upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom. “I Love King Charles. Sounds good to me!” Trump wrote online. The Sun cited a “secret offer” in development following a Daily Mail report claiming discussions are underway “at the highest levels” to include the U.S. in the Commonwealth of Nations. While the British government deferred to Buckingham Palace, some officials in the Labour government view the monarchy as a diplomatic bridge to Trump, who has publicly praised the royals.

The proposal if true sparked concern in the U.S. given its historical split from British rule. The American Revolution, launched in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence, was a rejection of British monarchy, high taxation without representation, and the forced quartering of British troops. The U.S. break from Britain was rooted in ideals of liberty while also entangled with the transatlantic slave trade Britain helped build. The founding

document declared that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness contradicted by the simultaneous enslavement of African people that Britain helped perpetuate through the transatlantic slave trade. British economic dominance in the 1600s and 1700s relied on enslaved labor across its colonies, particularly in the Caribbean and North America. Plantations producing sugar, tobacco, and other goods fueled England’s global rise.

Trump’s support for closer symbolic ties to the monarchy comes as his policies continue to draw fire, including signing sweeping executive orders rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, restricting birthright citizenship, and increased deportation efforts. Critics say these moves mirror post-Reconstruction tactics that pushed African Americans back into second-class citizenship. Margaret Huang, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, called recent attacks on DEI “a sanitized substitute for the racist comments that can no longer be spoken openly.” One political historian noted online that, “This isn’t about diplomacy or nostalgia. It’s about rewriting the meaning of American independence.”

Return to Jim Crow: Federal Regulations Rolled Back to Allow Segregation

By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent

The Trump administration has blatantly resurrected segregation in federal contracting, undoing decades of civil rights progress by removing anti-segregation mandates. The alarmingly regressive move reopens the door for racially divided facilities, eerily reminiscent of the Jim Crow era, with potential “Whites Only” and “Colored” signage in government-funded workplaces. “This isn’t just a policy shift; it’s a moral catastrophe,” stated Melissa Murray, a constitutional law professor at New York University, in an NPR interview. “We are witnessing the deliberate dismantling of civil rights protections that generations fought to secure.” “We are witnessing the deliberate dismantling of civil rights protections that generations fought to secure,”

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The changes, initiated without the customary public comment period, have been implemented to align with new executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, this sudden shift has sparked accusations of undermining democracy and transparency. An anonymous federal employee expressed outrage to NPR. “This is an outright assault on democratic norms, a covert operation to reintroduce segregation without public scrutiny,” the unnamed employee remarked. The National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies have received directives to disregard previous anti-segregation clauses in their contracting processes. Inquiries to the General Services Administration about bypassing established procedural protocols were met with vague assurances. “The GSA is committed to implementing executive orders effectively and promptly,” GSA spokesperson Will Powell stated.

Kara Sacilotto, an attorney specializing in federal contracts, pointed out the broad attack on civil rights, noting that the targeting of these protections extends beyond racial lines to include gender identity, previously expanded under the Obama administration. In the NPR interview, Kara said that “the provision was flagged because it was revised under the Obama administration to include “gender identity.” That change was made, she says, ‘to implement an Obama era Executive Order 13672, and that executive order from the Obama administration is one of the ones that President Trump, in his second term, rescinded,’ she explains. ‘And so, along with [Trump’s] other executive orders about gender identification, I would suspect that is the reason why this one got identified on the list.’”

By Stacy M. Brown

must deliver $880 billion in savings, likely through Medicaid reductions. Meanwhile, the Ways and Means Committee must craft tax changes totaling no more than $4.5 trillion in new deficits, most likely through extending provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Although the resolution does not specify precise changes, reports suggest lawmakers are eyeing steep cuts to SNAP and Medicaid benefits while seeking to make permanent tax provisions that primarily benefit high-income individuals and corporations.To examine the potential real-world impact, Yale’s Budget Lab modeled four policy changes that align with the resolution’s goals:A 30 percent across-the-board cut in SNAP funding. A 15 percent cut in Medicaid funding. Permanent extension of the individual and estate tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

eighth round. Foreman told the BBC in 2014 that he took the fight almost out of charity to Ali, who he suspected to be broke.

“I said I was going to go out there and kill him, and people said, ‘Please, don’t say you’re going to kill Muhammad,’” Foreman said. “So I said, ‘OK, I’ll just beat him down to the ground.’ That’s how easy I thought the fight would be.”

Exhausted and disillusioned, Foreman stopped fighting in 1977 and largely spent the next decade preaching and working with kids in Houston after his religious awakening. He returned to boxing in 1987 in his late 30s with a plan to defy time through frequent ring appearances, and he racked up a lengthy series of victories before losing to Evander

George Foreman, the Fearsome Heavyweight Who Became a Beloved Champion, Dies at 76

Holyfield in a surprisingly competitive title fight in 1991.

Three years later, Foreman got in the ring with Moorer in Las Vegas, more for his celebrity than for his perceived ability to beat Moorer. The champion appeared to win the first nine rounds rather comfortably, with Foreman unable to land his slower punches. But Foreman came alive in the 10th, hurting Moorer before slipping in the short right hand that sent Moorer to the canvas in earth-shaking fashion.

Lampley, who was calling the fight, named his upcoming autobiography — which includes a prologue about Foreman — after his famous call of that moment: “It Happened!” Foreman quit the ring for good in 1997, although he

occasionally discussed a comeback. He settled into a life as a boxing analyst for HBO and as a pitchman for the grills that grew his fame and fortune. Much of the world soon knew Foreman as both a lovable friend and a ferocious fighter.

“He started performing as this pitchman, this product pitchman with the big, ever-present giant grin on his face," Lampley recalled. "When I was working with him, people would say, ‘George is a big clown.’ And I would say, ‘Well, you can call him a clown, but he’s actually a genius. He may be the greatest genius I’ve ever met.’ And people would say, ‘Well, genius, what do you mean?’ I’d say, ‘Well, check the bank account. If that isn’t proof enough, I don’t know what is.’ So, he was a genius. He was a human genius.”

Rapper Yella Beezy Charged with Capital Murder in Shooting Death of

By JUAN A. LOZANO

who also lived in Dallas.

Court records did not list an attorney who could speak on behalf of Conway. Calls and emails to representatives for Conway were not immediately returned. In a Facebook post after Conway's arrest, Noble's mother, Nichole Williams Noble wrote, “Justice for my baby!!!!”

The 28-year-old Noble was driving on Interstate 35 in south Dallas on Nov. 11, 2020, when authorities allege White drove up next to him and got out of his vehicle with a gun in his hand. Noble got out of his vehicle and began running south on the freeway as White shot at him, authorities said. Noble and a bystander who was inside a car were shot by White, police said. The bystander survived but Noble died at a hospital. White and another man, Devin Brown, 32, were later indicted in Noble’s death. Their cases related to Noble’s death remain pending. White, 26, was sentenced in 2022 in a separate case to nearly nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Conway is best known for his 2017 single, “That’s On Me” and the 2019 song “Bacc At It Again” with Quavo and Gucci Mane. In October 2018, Conway survived being shot while driving on a tollway in the Dallas suburb of Lewisville when someone pulled up next to him and

Foreman briefly starred in a sitcom called “George” in the 1990s, and he even appeared on the reality singing competition “The Masked Singer” in 2022. A biographical movie based on his life was released in 2023. Foreman had 12 children, including five sons who are all famously named George Edward Foreman.

“Legendary boxing champion, life-changing preacher, husband, father, grand- and great-grandfather and the best friend you could have,”

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Associated Press

(AP) —

rapper Yella Beezy

with

murder

the

death of fellow rapper Mo3 on

records. Yella Beezy,

whose

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Conway, was

New Diamond Verification Device Introduced Natural Vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Know What You’re Buying

A new device, the DiamondProof, can rapidly and reliably distinguish natural diamonds from laboratorygrown diamonds and other diamond simulants.

One of the most common misconceptions in the ongoing debate between natural and non-natural diamonds is that it’s impossible to tell the difference between the two. Research shows that almost half of consumers are unaware that laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs) can be detected from their natural counterparts. For consumers who are investing in diamonds and diamond jewelry, this means there is perhaps a lack of assurance that they are getting what they think they are paying for. This spring, with the introduction of a new verification device, the DiamondProof, to retail stores for the first time, consumers will be able to make informed purchasing decisions and distinguish natural diamonds from non-natural diamonds, like LGDs and other diamond simulants, with a zero percent ‘false positive rate’.

Developed by the De Beers Group, the DiamondProof technology can detect the distinct chemical compositions of natural diamonds, allowing for precise and rapid identification. Early adopters of the DiamondProof include some of the largest jewelry retailers in the U.S., and the device will also be available in several independent retail outlets to ensure that any diamond consumer can try out the technology and gain assurance on their jewelry, or diamonds they are planning to purchase. The first DiamondProof prototype instrument was unveiled last June at the JCK show in Las Vegas, the premier jewelry

expo for retail professionals. Many quickly jumped on board and ordered the device for their stores, noting the ability to rapidly and easily screen both loose diamonds as well as stones set in jewelry. “Natural diamonds and labgrown diamonds are two fundamentally different products. Natural diamonds are rare, one-of-a-kind miracles of nature that come to us from the earth through heat, pressure, and time.” notes CEO of De Beers Brands Sandrine Conseiller. “This incredible journey is what makes them the ultimate marker of life’s most profound emotional moments. Consumers should be able to have confidence in such a meaningful purchase, and DiamondProof allows retailers to offer them greater peace of mind. We are in a new era of transparency at retail, and customers deserve to know what they are buying.”

“By rapidly and reliably identifying whether a diamond is natural, DiamondProof is instrumental in enhancing consumer confidence in natural diamond purchases. Consumers deserve clarity and having DiamondProof available in retail settings helps them make informed decisions while appreciating the unique value and story behind each natural diamond. With decades of leadership in synthetic-detection technology, we are committed to providing the level of transparency that consumers expect,” stated Sarandos Gouvelis, SVP, of Pricing, Product and Technology Development at De Beers Group. For anyone looking to evaluate and verify their diamond jewelry or looking for assurance in new diamond purchases, a major retailer near you will soon have a DiamondProof available.

The Urban One Podcast Network Announces Los Angeles Wildfires Podcast,

‘Altadena: After the Fire’

The Urban One Podcast Network Announces Los Angeles Wildfires Podcast, ‘Altadena: After the Fire’ Hosted by Colby Colb Tyner, the podcast will chronicle recovery efforts, and feature interviews with elected officials, community leaders, business owners, and survivors. Silver Spring, Maryland, March 19, 2025–Urban One, the largest Black-owned and Black-targeted diversified media company, and the company’s newly-formed philanthropic initiative, Urban One Cares, announced today that The Urban One Podcast Network has launched a new podcast, Altadena: After The Fire. Original episodes will air twice a month through October 2025, with specials added intermittently, and will be available on The Urban One Podcast Network, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Hosted by Colby Colb Tyner, SVP, Programming for Urban One’s Audio Division, Altadena: After The Fire will feature on-the-ground reporting, indepth interviews, and real stories of resilience. The podcast series will examine the personal tolls that the disaster has had on residents and businesses, the environmental and political factors at play, and the ongoing efforts to restore Altadena’s rich cultural heritage.“It is very important that we do not forget this tragedy. As national news coverage has slowly dwindled once the fires were extinguished, we wanted to be a voice for the residents of Altadena and keep the rest of the world informed of what is happening,”

said Colby Colb Tyner, SVP, of Programming for Urban One’s Audio Division. “We welcome you to join us as we document the journey of a community determined to rise from the ashes,” he added. In addition, in a previously released statement, Urban One announced a partnership with Los Angelesbased nonprofit organization Brotherhood Crusade, to help drive donations to their Wildfire Relief Fund. All donations will go towards assisting survivors of the wildfires to secure shelter, clothing food, personal care products, and necessities.For more information about The Urban One Podcast Network and the Altadena: After The Fire podcast, visit: https://www.urban1podcasts.com.

Policymakers, Advocates and Worried Californians Join Forces to Save Medi-Cal

other social programs after voting for a $2 trillion reduction in federal spending.

Those conversations are causing alarm among some Californians – particularly the elderly, disabled individuals and people enrolled in Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid.

What could those cuts mean for their health care and day-to-day life?

Diana Madoshi, a community activist from Placer County, is one of many people in the state who are voicing their concerns about the pending cuts and how they would affect Medi-Cal.

“Today, I am frightened -- as are many seniors, persons on disability, and social security recipients -- by the threats of the Trump Administration and his henchman Elon Musk to defund and dismantle Social Security, and Medicaid-slash-Medical,” Madoshi said at a rally and news conference held in front of the State Capitol on March 4. The event was organized by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita) and Jasmeet Bains (D-Bakersfield) to discuss protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal.

“As long as I have a breath in me, I’m going to stand up and fight,” Madoshi, a member of the California Alliance for Retired Americans, promised.

A number of senior adults, people with disabilities and Social Security beneficiaries also attended the event.

Madoshi, 74, who is from Rocklin, said she started working at 17. She supported herself through college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Her 36-year nursing career enabled her to start an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) that helped purchase her home.

However, Madoshi added, that she was affected by a medical condition and was unable to work. Treating the illness was expensive and the cost drained her IRA account, but she still had a “social safety net” that sustained her livelihood.

“My savings were eradicated by my illness,” she said. “So, all I had left from my retirement was my social security benefits. The Social Security safety net caught me. It underscores the program’s fundamental humanity.”

The Trump Administration and the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have referred to Social Security as a “Ponzi scheme,” an investment fraud plan that pays existing investors with funds collected from new clients.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that 71.6 million people received Medicare in 2023, and 5.8 million people were newly awarded Social Security benefits in 2023. The SSA says that 55% of the recipients are women.

The SSA is the country’s primary income security agency. It services the federal retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs. It also manages the program of supplemental security income (SSI) for seniors, blind and disabled.

On Feb. 25, SSA  announced the closing of a component within the agency, the Office of Transformation. Employees in the office were put on administrative leave.

“President Trump has mandated the federal government eliminate wasteful and inefficient offices and the Office of Transformation was a prime example,” stated Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “This redundant office was created under the previous administration, and we are righting that wrong.”

On March 11, the Trump administration issued a press release titled “Fact Check: Trump Will Always Protect Social Security.” The White House statement said the administration “will not cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits.” Instead, it added, Trump and Musk are focused on “waste and fraud in entitlement spending.”

The U.S. Government Accountability Office reports that taxpayers lose as much as $521 billion annually to fraud -- and most of that is within entitlement programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, the press release stated.

“What kind of a person doesn’t support eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending that ultimately costs taxpayers more?,” the White House statement continues.

According to the Department of Home Care Services (HCS), Medi-Cal pays for a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. It is funded by both federal and state dollars.

Schiavo urged the federal government to wall up funding for Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal and called on her colleagues to support legislation she authored, Assembly Joint Resolution 3 (AJR 3).

The measure urges California’s representatives in Congress to vote against cuts to -- and proposals to privatize -- Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. AJR3 also asks Trump to veto any legislation to cut or privatize these programs.

Schiavo said there could be up to $880 billion or more in Medicaid cuts, and they may affect trauma centers and urgent care facilities in urban and rural areas.

“These cuts are not an option in our communities,” Schiavo said.   Schiavo attended the

Karen Blanchard testing jewelry at the Bernard James Jewelry store in Brooklyn, NY. Image courtesy of Bernard James and Miller Lyle.

Diana Madoshi, a member of the California Alliance for Retired Americans, said Social Security benefits were her only resource when an illness depleted her IRA account. Madoshi was rallying against federal cuts to the program at a news conference held March 4 at the Capitol in Sacramento. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Asm. Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita), at the podium, urges the federal government to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal during a news conference held in front of the California State Capitol on March 4. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities and older adults. Californians are concerned about federal cuts to the program. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

The U.S. Congress is debating cuts to Medicaid and

A Threat to Pre-emptive Pardons

By April Ryan

President Trump is working to undo the traditional presidential pardon powers by questioning the Biden administration’s pre-emptive pardons issued just days before January 20, 2025. President Trump is seeking retribution against the January 6th House Select Committee. The Trump Justice Department has been tasked to find loopholes to overturn the pardons that could lead to legal battles for the Republican and Democratic nine-member committee. Legal scholars and those closely familiar with the pardon process worked with the Biden administration to ensure the preemptive pardons would stand against any retaliatory knocks from the incoming Trump administration. A source close to the Biden administration’s pardons said, in January 2025, “I think pardons are all valid.  The power is unreviewable by the courts.”

However, today that same source had a different statement on the nuances of the new Trump pardon attack. That attack places questions about Biden’s use of an autopen for the pardons. The Trump argument is that Biden did not know who was pardoned as he did not sign

the documents. Instead, the pardons were allegedly signed by an autopen.  The same source close to the pardon issue said this week, “unless he [Trump] can prove Biden didn’t know what was being done in his name. All of this is in uncharted territory. “ Meanwhile, an autopen is used to make automatic or remote signatures. It has been used for decades by public figures and celebrities. Months before the Biden pardon announcement, those in the Biden White House Counsel’s Office, staff, and the Justice Department were conferring tirelessly around the clock on who to pardon and how. The concern for the preemptive pardons was how to make them irrevocable in an unprecedented process. At one point in the lead-up to the preemptive pardon releases, it was a possibility that the preemptive pardons would not happen because of the complicated nature of that never-beforeenacted process.President Trump began the threat of an investigation for the January 6th Select  Committee during the Hill proceedings. Trump has threatened members with investigation or jail.

Inside Dr. Christy Valentine’s Vision Towards a Healthier Louisiana

By Dr. Christy Valentine

Dr. Christy Valentine’s passion for healthcare is both deeply personal and profoundly impactful. A New Orleans native and lifelong advocate for equitable healthcare, she brings a unique perspective to her role as CEO of Healthy Blue Louisiana. For her, healthcare isn’t just about treatment, it’s about access, education, and breaking down barriers so that every person, regardless of background or income, can get the care they deserve.

From an early age, Dr. Valentine knew she wanted to be a doctor. Growing up as the sixth of seven children, she learned the importance of communication, patience, and advocacy—lessons reinforced by her older brother, who has special needs. His experiences played a pivotal role in shaping her perspective on care and advocacy. When she opened her private practice, it quickly became clear that she wasn’t just treating patients, she was becoming a trusted source for other families that have children with special needs. “I had my private practice in the New Orleans metro area; I had a couple of locations. There were many patients who also had children with special needs. It’s a small community so once the word gets out, they’re

coming in droves,” Dr. Valentine said. “They know that you’re going to be open to their needs, the special needs of their family, and really hear them.”

This ability to translate medical expertise into compassionate, relatable care became a cornerstone of her career. Dr. Valentine’s deep connection to New Orleans has shaped her approach to healthcare. The city is known for its rich culture and strong sense of community, but it also faces stark inequalities in wealth and healthcare access. “There’s a disconnect between people who have resources and those who don’t,” she explained. “New Orleans is a checkerboard city— For example, St. Charles Avenue has beautiful mansions. You go one street over, you could be in the heart of the hood,” Dr. Valentine continues, “The resources are there, but they’re not always reaching the people who need them most.”

This reality fuels her drive at Healthy Blue Louisiana, where she works to ensure that healthcare isn’t just available but truly accessible for all. She believes in meeting communities where they are, listening to their needs, and making healthcare easier to navigate. Oneway Healthy Blue Louisiana closes the gap is through

community listening sessions. These sessions provide a space for members and healthcare providers to have real conversations. “We have internal listening sessions for our associates, but we also have them for the community,” Dr. Valentine said. “We’re asking, ‘What works for you? What doesn’t work for you?’ One thing I’m especially excited about is helping people actually understand what their provider is saying in the exam room.”

Education and prevention are also at the heart of Healthy Blue Louisiana’s mission. The organization regularly hosts health fairs, workshops, and wellness events, equipping people with the tools they need to take charge of their health. With a deep commitment to improving health outcomes, Healthy Blue Louisiana continues to expand its reach and strengthen partnerships across the state. Through its innovative programs and a focus on health equity, the organization is making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Under Dr. Valentine’s leadership, Healthy Blue Louisiana isn’t just providing healthcare—it’s building trust, breaking down barriers, and creating a system where every patient feels seen, heard, and valued.

Legal Challenge to Funding Freeze Filed by Cities and Nonprofits

President Donald Trump

Gavel inside labyrinth maze. 3D rendering

Dr. Christy Valentine

California Capitol News You Might Have Missed Political Playback

By Bo Tefu California Black Media   California NAACP Backs Bill Proposing Evidence-Based Teaching

Methods for Children

The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference (NAACP CA-HI) has partnered with Decoding Dyslexia CA, EdVoice, and Families In Schools to sponsor a new early literacy bill, AB 1121, authored by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park).

The bill seeks to implement an evidence-based approach to teaching reading in California’s elementary schools. That method aims to address gaping inequities in reading achievement, particularly for vulnerable student populations. AB 1121 is part of a broader effort to tackle the alarming literacy gap. Data shows that only 2 in 10 Black third-grade students from low-income communities in California are reading on grade level. In addition, students in California rank 39th out of 42 states in fourth-grade reading proficiency.

“The NAACP CA-HI is committed to eliminating racial prejudice and ensuring educational equity,” said Rick L. Callender, President of the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference. “Reading is not just an educational issue but a social justice issue. We must prioritize providing all children with the tools they need to succeed.” Rubio emphasized the importance of translating

research into action.

“We’ve made strides in understanding how children learn to read. AB 1121 will ensure that this knowledge leads to tangible improvements in classrooms, helping every child succeed academically and beyond,” she said. AB 1121 is scheduled for review by the Assembly Education Committee this spring. Proponents of the bill are encouraging the public to sign a petition stating their support for the legislation: www.californiakidsread.org.

Corrin Rankin Begins Tenure as Chair of the California Republican Party

A week after being elected chair of the California Republican Party (CAGOP), Corrin Rankin is transitioning into her new role by onboarding personnel and planning a budget for her tenure, California Black Media was told by a representative who handles her public affairs. Rankin is the first Black woman to assume the top role at CAGOP. Her duties include engaging communities across the state, addressing issues that concern voters, communicating CAGOP’s policies and messages, and fundraising.

Rankin’s nomination was accepted at the CAGOP’s convention in Sacramento, held from March 14 through March 16. On March 18, Rankin posted on her page on the social media platform X, “I was just elected Chair of the @ CAGOP. Now the real work begins. We’re focused on solutions, growing the party, and investing to win. We’re doubling down on voter registration and proving the GOP is here to serve. Let’s get to work.”

Rankin succeeds former CAGOP Chair Jessica Milan Patterson, who termed out. John Park, former vice chairman of the Orange County Republican Party, was elected CAGOP’s vice chair, replacing Rankin in that position.

Sen. Shannon Grove Expresses Disappointment Over Education Committee’s Rejection of SB 64

Last week, Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) voiced strong disapproval after the Senate Education Committe3 voted 5-2 to defeat her proposed legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 64, the California Education Flex Account Act of 2025. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) voiced strong disapproval after the Senate Education Committee voted 5-2 to defeat her proposed legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 64, the California Education Flex Account Act of 2025.

The bill, which aimed to address California’s position as 37th in national educational rankings, would have allowed parents to choose the accredited school that best suited their child’s needs, with education funding following the student.

“Senate Bill 64 would have empowered families, not bureaucracies, and let the money follow the child,” said Grove.

“This decision denies parents and students the opportunity to thrive in schools that match their needs. Students trapped in underperforming schools due to their zip codes face predictable failure. When given the choice, they excel. We won’t stop fighting for that choice,” she said.

Critics point out that California’s per-student spending of approximately $24,700 is above the national average, yet the state consistently ranks poorly in academic achievement, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress test results for4th and 8th graders.

Despite that significant investment, many parents argue that the current system fails to adequately prepare students for future success. Students of color, especially African American and Latino students, are disproportionately affected, with many struggling to meet grade-level standards.

SB 64 aimed to address these issues by providing:

Individualized Flex Accounts: $8,000 for tuition and education-related expenses, and $16,000 for special needs students.

Support for Existing Public Schools: Ensuring local and federal funding remains allocated to public schools.

Accountability and Accessibility: Funds would only be used for accredited educational institutions.

Despite the bill’s defeat, Grove says whe remains steadfast in her commitment to expanding educational choices and opportunities for all California students.

“Too many students are struggling to meet even the minimum education standard – a problem that could impact their entire future,” said Grove. We need bold action to give every child the greatest opportunity for upward mobility and success.”

UC Ends “Diversity Statement” Requirement in Job Application

Process

The University of California (UC) will no longer require faculty applicants to submit “diversity statements,” a policy change driven by increased scrutiny from the Trump administration over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The statements, which asked applicants to describe how they have contributed to diversity in their fields, have been part of the UC hiring process for nearly two decades.

UC’s decision follows threats from the Department of Education to revoke federal funding from institutions with DEI programs. The UC Board of Regents announced the change after a series of investigations into allegations that universities were discriminating against White, Asian American, and Jewish students and faculty. Katherine S. Newman, UC’s provost, emphasized that the university’s values remain unchanged, but noted that diversity statements could divert attention from an applicant’s academic qualifications.

“The requirement to submit a diversity statement may lead applicants to focus on an aspect of their candidacy that is outside their expertise or prior experience,” said Newman in a letter to campus provosts.

“We can continue to effectively serve our communities from a variety of life experiences, backgrounds, and points of view without requiring diversity statements,” she added.

While the ban on stand-alone diversity statements will take effect, faculty are still permitted to share “inclusive academic achievements” during the academic review process. This move aligns with a national trend, as universities like USC, Harvard, and MIT have also discontinued the practice of requiring diversity statements.

Critics, including UC faculty such as law professor Brian Soucek, argue that the policy is a direct response to political pressure from the Trump administration. Soucek expressed disappointment, claiming the change undermines years of research and advocacy for diversity in hiring.

“It can only be explained as an attempt at advanced appeasement of the Trump administration’s current threats,” Soucek told the Los Angeles Times.

“There is nothing else that possibly motivates this change in general or this change being done in this particular way at the current moment,” he said.

UC Board of Regents Chair Janet Reilly maintained that the university would continue to “embrace and celebrate Californians from a variety of life experiences.”

The U.S. Department of Education has also launched investigations into UC Berkeley and other campuses over their ties with the PhD Project, a nonprofit aimed at promoting workplace diversity.

Calif. Officials to Sec. of Defense: Restore Digital Links to Native American Historical Info

Leaders of California Legislative caucuses -including Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) –the first Native American elected to the State Legislature --- are urging U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to “quickly and completely restore” digital historical links telling the stories of heroic Native Americans during World War 11. The letter to Hegseth, dated March 20, was also signed by the Chair and the Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), Sen. Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego) and Asm. Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights).

The officials called the removal of the information “disrespectful.”

“Historical acknowledgements of Native Americans, Latino Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans and others do not place one group above another but rather demonstrate that all groups contributed to American military victories during times of peril, the letter read.   In a statement, Rivas said, “We must always honor and remember the sacrifice and acts of valor by World War II Code Talkers. As members of California tribes, their heroism represents an essential narrative, part of our country’s rich and proud history, which should inspire and sustain us now and in the future.

Ramos also released a statement.

“Armed Forces members of every ethnic group, race and creed have sacrificed side by side to uphold our freedom and values. Together, they celebrated their victories and mourned their losses,” he said.

“It is inconceivable that DoD would now pick and choose which individuals to honor and which to erase. Tribal Code Talkers served during two world wars and provided invaluable services,” Ramos continued. “Pfc. Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian, planted the flag atop Mt. Suribachi with fellow Marines during one of the costliest battles of WW II. Why would we want to deliberately forget those sacrifices and triumphs?”

Gov. Newsom in Latest Podcast: Dems

Alienated Men and Businesses While Uplifting Oppressed People

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s latest podcast episode marks a significant shift in his political messaging. In a conversation with Tim Walz, Minnesota Governor and 2024 Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Newsom moved away from his previous focus on attacking former President Trump. Instead, he tackled issues surrounding Democratic strategies and government efficiency. The two leaders discussed the need for Democrats to better engage with working-class men and businesses and address the shortcomings in government delivery.

Newsom’s praise for government workers during the aftermath of the California wildfires demonstrated his growing focus on pragmatism and results. Walz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that delivering tangible outcomes is crucial for maintaining political success.

“When you deliver on things that improve people’s lives, it’s amazing how good the politics is,” said Walz. Newsom emphasized that governors are responsible for ensuring government agencies operate efficiently and are accessible to the public. “What you’re talking about is government efficiency, focusing on outcomes,” Newsom said. “That’s got to be part of our core messaging.”

However, Newsom’s podcast has also sparked controversy. His comments on trans athletes, in which he agreed with far-right influencer Charlie Kirk that it’s unfair for trans women to compete in women’s sports, drew backlash from LGBT advocates. Some argue that Newsom’s podcast risks alienating key Democratic allies by engaging with conservative voices, potentially undercutting his leadership among progressive groups. Despite these challenges, polling data suggests that Newsom’s handling of the wildfires and his focus on government efficiency have boosted his favorability ratings. Yet, his podcast’s more contentious content may have contributed to a dip in his popularity, as public opinion surveys show a slight decline in approval since the show’s launch.

Bills Propose “New Ways” to Improve California’s Wildfire Response

Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) was a firefighter in Southern California for 35 years before he decided to run for political office.

A former mayor of Murietta, Seyarto was elected a

State Assemblymember in 2020 representing the 67th District. In 2022, he won the Senate race for the 32nd District. As a firefighter, Seyarto protected homes and saved lives in neighborhoods around Altadena, Pasadena, the Pacific Palisades, and other areas in Los Angeles County. He retired from the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 2015 at the rank of Battalion Chief.

Seyarto says when he found out about the fires in Los Angeles County, including Altadena – one of state’s oldest and most affluent middle-class Black neighborhoods razed during the Eaton firestorm – he felt a particular closeness to the damage and devastation.

“I am extremely familiar with Altadena. I

couldn’t believe how far the fires went down into the neighborhoods,” Seyarto told California Black Media (CBM), while sitting in his State Capitol Swing Space Annex’s office. “When I saw Bank of America burn down, I was like, ‘how did fire get down there? That’s way down on Lake Avenue.’”

Seyarto continued, “When you have winds like that and all those embers floating around it’s about the preparations we need to do ahead of time. When that does happen, we have people in position to get these helicopters up with quick turnarounds to douse these fires.”

Seyarto started his career as a firefighter-paramedic with the Inglewood Fire Department. Now, as a lawmaker and public safety advocate, Seyarto has introduced bills to address wildfire response and preparation.

He said he actually authored them in October, two months before the fires happened.

The first legislation is Senate Bill (SB) 90, which will utilize Prop 4 (Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024) funding to support “prepositioned mobile rigid water storage” and mobile rigid dip tanks.

He said the bill is necessary to aid firefighting air equipment in vulnerable places without natural water sources such as lakes or rivers. Currently helicopters depend on systems like “heli-hydrants,” but they present challenges, Seyarto said.

He explained that when helicopters access an area with a “Helispot” to obtain a water source, they have to be hooked up to a hydrant, filled up, disconnected, and then fly off to where the fire is active. “This process takes about 20 minutes,” Seyarto said.

“There’s now new ways of doing things,” he said. “Some water districts, like Yorba Linda, have created open spaces where the helicopter can come down, drop their snorkel, suck up the water, and be gone. What (SB 90) does is allow for rigid mobile tanks to be established in fireaffected where helicopters can refill water in five minutes. With this, we can enhance our aerial of operations.”

On average, heli-hydrants cost $300,000 per unit, Seyarto said. The mobile water tanks range in affordable prices from $65,000 to $95,000 and can be instantly deployed near fire zones.

Currently, Los Angeles County, Orange County, Chino Valley, and San Bernardino firefighting agencies source water out of a “triangle” in L.A. County, Seyarto said. The proposed tanks would make all the agencies more “flexible” and “effective in doing their jobs,” he said. Some areas across the state are “blessed with natural

lakes” where firefighting helicopters can source water. However, if the water sources are shallow “you are sucking up mud,” Seyarto stated. Also, the prepositioned tanks won’t require approval from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

“(The tanks) do not require environmental clearance, they are temporary, and they can be moved from one location to another,” Seyarto said.

Since the January firestorms have destroyed more than a $100 billion in property and displaced more than $100,000 people, policymakers have pushed various bills aimed at preventing and controlling wildfires. Seyarto is also the author of SB 87, a bill that would provide a sales tax exemption for all-volunteer fire departments (AVFDs) income from fundraising activities. It will extend the current law, which is due to sunset on Jan. 1, 2026. Many areas in the state rely on AVFDs because they cannot afford to pay full-time fighters, leaving residents no choice but to protect their properties -- as well as their neighbors.

SB 87 also proposes maintaining the qualifying requirement that departments’ gross receipts must not exceed $100,000 in the preceding two calendar years.

“They are the first responders,” Seyarto said. “If they don’t have the right equipment on the rig or medical stuff -- lot of that stuff they have to pay for. That’s why they have fundraisers.”

On March 11, Assemblymember Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, held a news conference to discuss his legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 247 The bill proposes higher pay for incarcerated firefighters.

Members of an advocacy group, All of Us or None, were at the State Capitol to support the measure.  AB 247 would require that incarcerated individual hand crew members, in addition to receiving credits, be paid an hourly wage equal to $19 while assigned to an

Asm. Issac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta)

By Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

In an eventful first weekend in the NCAA tournament, UCLA men’s basketball experience a win and a loss, UCLA’s women survive a scare in the Round of 32 and USC’s women enter the Sweet 16 despite a massive loss due to injury.

UCLA, USC Basketball Teams Experience Highs and Lows of March Madness in First Weekend

By Austin Gage Contributing Sports Writer

To say it was an action-packed first weekend for the Los Angeles-based collegiate basketball teams in the NCAA Tournament would be a wild understatement.

The 10th-seeded UCLA men took on the 7th-seeded Utah State Aggies in the Round of 64 on the tournament’s first official day of games.

After 15 minutes of close basketball in the first half, the Bruins began to run away with the contest as the first half ended. Taking a 39-27 lead into halftime, they never looked back and held on for a comfortable 72-47 victory over the Aggies.

Quality three-point shooting, 10-24 from beyond the arc, paired with offensive performances from junior guard Skyy Clark and sophomore guard Eric Dailey Jr. propelled UCLA into the second round for the fourth time in the last five seasons. Both players paced the team with 14 points, while junior guard Dylan Andrews thrived in a playmaking role chipping in eight assists.

After a stellar first-round performance, UCLA’s reward was a date against the 2nd seed Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee, a group who spent time ranked number one in the entire country at one point in the middle of the season, proved to be a challenge too tall for the male Bruins. Despite a similar game script to their first round victory over the Aggies with a tightly contested first 15 minutes, the Bruins lost the lead with just less than three minutes remaining in the first half and would never recover.

The higher-seeded Volunteers, playing in nearby Lexington, Kentucky, held on for the 67-58 win. Despite another solid game from Clark, who finished with 18 points thanks to four threepointers made, UCLA simply did not have enough to match with Tennessee.

“Offensively, we weren’t good enough,” UCLA head coach Mick Cronin said simply.

Senior guard Chaz Lanier led the Volunteers on offense with

ByEric Olson

explore this, I think it’s going to be something that could have some real legs to it,” Bohl told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Colorado coach Deion Sanders recently suggested a school be allowed to host a team from another school for a few days of joint practices before they play an exhibition game, possibly as a replacement for the traditional intrasquad spring game. Syracuse coach Fran Brown, in response to Sanders, said in a social media post he would be willing to take his team to Colorado for a threeday visit. Asked if Colorado had requested a waiver that would allow for it, CU athletics spokesman Steve Hulbert texted to the AP, “We are working with the NCAA and the Big 12 Conference. There are currently no updates.” Bohl said “there is quite a bit of appetite” among coaches to hold intersquad practices and scrimmages, even still this spring. The impetus is the 105-man roster limit, which likely will become official next month with the expected final approval of the House vs. NCAA antitrust lawsuit settlement.

The average FBS roster was 128 players last year, and coaches are looking for ways to mitigate wear and tear on their reduced number of players, Bohl said. Intersquad practices between teams that are from different conferences and won’t play each other during the season would help accomplish that. The issue especially resonates with teams contending for the seasonextending College Football Playoff.

One concern, Bohl said, is that participation in intersquad

20 points and connected on four threes of his own to pace the victors. The loss ended the 2024-2025 campaign for the UCLA men’s side, which was a solid one by most accounts in their first season as a part of the Big Ten.

On the women’s side, the Bruins looked to capitalize on their status as the tournament’s number-one overall seed. Flying high after defeating rival USC in the Big Ten championship, UCLA entered the tournament as the top-ranked seed and one of the favorites to claim the title.

Their first-round matchup against the 16th-seeded Southern Jaguars showcased the dominance the Bruins displayed throughout the season. UCLA, who spent 13 weeks topping the AP Top 25 during the regular season, dominated the contest from tip to the final buzzer. Thanks to eight players totaling nine or more points, the Bruins used a balanced offensive arsenal to cruise to an 84-46 victory, setting up a second-round date against the 8th-seeded Richmond Spiders. Star junior center Lauren Betts starred in the win scoring 14 points and grabbing six rebounds with four assists.

However, the second-round matchup against Richmond would not be as smooth, at least at the beginning.

The underdog Spiders, who led after the first quarter with a 20-18 advantage, entered halftime against the Bruins knotted up at 36. Led by junior guard Maggie Doogan, Richmond was doing all it could in the first two quarters to make sure that UCLA would have to work for a Round of 32 win. Doogan played a great game and led the Spiders with 27 points to go along with six rebounds and seven assists.

Realizing that they needed a boost, Betts and junior guard Kiki Rice understood that they needed to step up in the second half. Behind two stellar performances from the two, the Bruins locked in. Digging in deep on the defensive side of the ball, UCLA held Richmond to just seven points in the third quarter while adding 29 in the period.

“That second half we really turned it around. I think we just changed our mentality defensively,” said Betts.

Because of the massive gap, the top seed was able to hold on for the rest of the contest and escaped with an 84-67 win to reach the Sweet 16. Betts and Rice played almost flawlessly on offense, as Betts totaled 30 points on 14-17 shooting from the field while Rice added 23 points on 7-13 shooting. Betts contributed 14 rebounds and Rice dished seven assists as the duo carried the Bruins to the next round. UCLA will take on the fifth-seeded Ole Miss Rebels on March 28th.

For the USC women, things were very smooth in terms of taking care of business with comfortable victories.

The Trojans, who also represented as one seed in the tournament, defeated the UNC Greensboro Spartans 71-25 in their first-round matchup.

Led by the dynamic duo of star sophomore guard JuJu Watkins and graduate transfer forward Kiki Iriafen, USC was able to push past the Spartans with ease. Watkins, who was named on Tuesday as one of the finalists for the Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year along with Betts, UConn senior guard Paige Bueckers and Notre Dame sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo, paced the Trojans with 22 points to go along with eight rebounds. Iriafen showcased her double-double threat as she scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

The USC defense was particularly exceptional as they held UNC Greensboro to just 7-54 shooting (13%). The Trojans’ defense made sure the Spartans would not score over nine points in any of the four quarters.

The win moved USC into the second round with a date against the ninth-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Unfortunately, a hot start for the Trojans was quickly overshadowed. Racing out to a 13-2 lead midway through the first quarter, USC was set up for a fast break attempt via Watkins as she dribbled down the court. As Watkins neared the hoop,

she suddenly fell onto the floor and immediately grabbed at her right knee. She would not return to the game and later would be diagnosed with a torn ACL, ending her season and certainly affecting her potential 2025-2026 debut. According to a statement from the official USC Women’s Basketball team, Watkins will undergo surgery and begin rehabilitation shortly thereafter.

Without their star, the Trojans stepped in a big way. The hot start fed a 28-8 lead after the first quarter, a 50-27 advantage at halftime and a 75-42 scoreline after three quarters. The eventual 96-59 victory showcased the depth USC has, and that depth will be relied on heavily if they hope to progress throughout the rest of the tournament.

“You never want anyone to go down, especially someone like JuJu that we all lean on in so many ways, but this team rallied,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “They rallied for her, they rallied for each other, our fans had our back. I’m just really proud and I think we showed what kind of team we are.” A magnificent performance from Iriafen gave USC all they needed and more to emerge victorious. Her 36 points on 16-22 shooting marked a season-high for the star as she added nine rebounds to her game.

Off the bench, freshman guard Avery Howell scored a career-high 18 points with four three-pointers and four assists to support Iriafen’s dominance. Without Watkins, Howell is a name to watch in the backcourt. Next up for the Trojans are the Kansas State Wildcats, who are a five-seed. That game

practices would put players on display for personnel directors for the other team, which, in turn, could lead to tampering.

“Do I really want to expose my guys?” Bohl said a coach asked him. “They’re going to have their general manager out there taking notes on what kind of ability a certain player has. How you get that worked out, I don’t know.”

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said he canceled the Cornhuskers’ traditional televised spring game, in part, because of the risk of other teams scouting his players and possibly attempting to poach them through the transfer portal.

Rhule, who participated in intersquad practices when he was coach of the Carolina Panthers, said he would be in favor of the Huskers practicing a few days with another team. He said he had doubts a rule change is in the offing.

“If anybody can do it, coach Sanders can,” he said, adding Syracuse’s Brown also can be convincing. “If that happened, I would certainly look into all that has to offer.”

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said he’d be open to bringing Bedlam back with Oklahoma in the spring if the rules changed. He envisioned two practices against the Sooners in a year or one per year in a home-and-home scenario in place of a spring game, with the two programs splitting the ticket gate for name, image and likeness money.

“We’re moving toward the NFL, why not do that?” Gundy said. “So I think it’d be a great idea.” It certainly could draw attention -- Oklahoma left the Big

Southern California forward Kiki Iriafen

Angeles, California. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

The Music Center Presents the Acclaimed Brazilian Dance Company Grupo Corpo

By Ricky Richardson

Contributing Writer

Spring has sprung in the City of Angels, allowing for longer days and warmer weather. We are already experiencing summer- like weather.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we are entering a season of dance in Los Angeles. If you like to bust a move, cut a rug, or watch professional dance companies, The Music Center has you covered.

You don’t have to wait to be invited to the Big Dance or to see how, where you rank concerning March Madness.  Get ready for a dazzling journey to Brazil in dance and music.

Brazil’s beautiful artistry and culture take center stage at The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre with the highly anticipated performances of Grupo Corpo.

Grupo Corpo, one of Brazil’s renowned contemporary dance companies, will grace the stage at The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre for three performances, from May 2-4, 2025, celebrating the vivacity and diverse heritage of South America’s largest country. As the next dance troupe presented in The Music Center’s exhilarating 2024/2025 season of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center. Grupo Corpo--whose name means “Body Group” in Portuguese--- returns to L.A.’s performing arts center for the first time since 2011 and promises to captivate Angelenos with two intoxicating works, 21 and Gira, which blends classical ballet, folk traditions, and bold choreography. “Grupo Corpo gives off high heat,” explains the

Los Angeles Times.      Rodrigo Pederneiras’ groundbreaking work 21 (1992) is a ballet divided into three movements that weave the company’s 22 dancers into rhythmic and timbral combinations around the number 21. Featuring a captivating score by Marco Antônio Guimarães, the choreography pulses with mathematical precision, progressing through a series of mesmerizing movements that blend the energy of Brazilian folk dances with the formality of classical ballet. The 40-minute piece, which amplifies the unique sounds emanating from Guimarães unusual instrumental creations, culminates in a dynamic and colorful finale, transporting audiences into a celebration of Brazilian cultural vibrancy.

In contrast, Pederneiras’ other creation Gira (2017) draws its inspiration from the Afro-Brazilian religious rituals of Umbanda, one of the most prevalent sects in Brazil. His choreography reconstructs the powerful gestures of Umbanda and Candomblé ceremonies, capturing the raw and dizzying energy of these sacred rites. Set to 11 musical themes created especially for the company by the Brazilian fusion group Metá Metá, the spectacular Gira offers a primal, ritualistic energy that pulses through this mesmerizing 40-minute piece.

“Grupo Corpo has the unparalleled ability to fuse cultural traditions with innovative dance techniques, making the company an extraordinary force in the dance world,” said Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center. “A beautiful reflection of Brazil’s rich cultural heritage, Grupo Corpo’s performances will undoubtedly leave an indelible impression on Angelenos, who

will be transported by the dancers into the heart of their vibrant, diverse country. We are thrilled to welcome Grupo Corpo back to L.A.’s performing arts center after 14 years. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a world-class company that melds exquisite movement and fantastic rhythms!”

Founded in 1975 by artistic director Paulo Pederneiras, who brought along his brothers and sisters, including choreographer Rodrigo Pederneiras, Grupo Corpo has gained international acclaim for its distinctive style, seamlessly combining classical ballet with the rhythms and movements of Brazilian folk dance. Between the years 1996-1999, Grupo Corpo was the resident dance company of the Maison de la Danse in Lyon, France.

Today, having created more than 40 works, the company, which has redefined the landscape of contemporary dance, performs in places as distinctive as Iceland and South Korea, the United States and Lebanon, Italy and Singapore, the Netherlands and Israel, France and Japan, Canada and Mexico. “Grupo Corpo is remarkable for the disciplined, uniform precision of its spectacular dancing,” gushes The New York Times, “performed by virtuoso dancers who seamlessly integrate disparate influences into their ever-malleable, apparently tireless bodies.”

“Returning to Los Angeles after so many years is truly special for us,” said Artistic Director Paulo Pederneiras. “We’re excited to share our work with the city’s audience once again and hope they feel the energy and emotion of 21 and Gira, two pieces that embody the essence of Grupo Corpo.”

You don’t want to miss out on this incredible dance company

and equally fantastic dance performances. Tickets to Grupo Corpo are available for purchase now by visiting https://www. musiccenter.org/grupocorpo or by calling (213) 972-0711.     Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, A TMC Arts program, is one of the leading presenters of dance on the West Coast. The celebrated series offers significant works by prestigious ballet and contemporary dance artists from around the world. Now in its 22nd year, Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center is a powerful force, bringing works by today’s most influential companies and choreographers to audiences in Los Angeles. Performances are complemented by special experiences for both ticket buyers and the public with opportunities to learn more about the choreography and the themes explored, including panels, master classes, dance film festivals, interactive experiences, and more. The 22nd season of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center is generously supported by the Glorya Kaufman Foundation, Center Dance Arts, Dorothy B. Chandler Program Fund, and Elisabeth Katte Harris.     I didn’t forget about you and your willingness to enjoy and explore various styles of dance. Now more than ever is a good time to dust off your dancing shoes for the season of dance in Los Angeles. Center Dance Arts is a dynamic community of patrons with a passion for dance. Center Dance Arts members bring dance to life in Los Angeles by promoting The Music Center’s world-class dance performances, extensive educational outreach, and free and low-cost community experiences so all may experience the transformative power of dance. For more information, https://www.musiccenter.org/cda.

Brotherhood Crusade Champions Recovery Efforts for

By Stacy M. Brown

BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent

In the aftermath of the devastating Eaton fire in January, which claimed 17 lives and destroyed thousands of structures in Altadena and Pasadena, the Brotherhood Crusade has been at the forefront of the recovery efforts. Established in 1968 by community activist Walter Bremond and the Los Angeles Black Congress, the Brotherhood Crusade has a long-standing mission to improve the quality of life in South LA by ensuring equitable access to resources and support. The Eaton fire required an immediate and sustained response. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brotherhood Crusade demonstrated its capacity for crucial support by distributing over $1.2 million to community members who could not work. In response to the Eaton fire, Charisse Bremond Weaver, president and CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade, detailed to media members the rapid organization of aid. “As the fires raged, we coordinated with Cathy Hughes of Urban One and our board chair Danny Bakewell Sr., focusing on how to support our families in Altadena and Pasadena,” she said. The coordination led to the formation of the Brotherhood Crusade Wildfire Relief Fund in partnership with Urban One Cares, the philanthropic arm of Urban One. The goal of the fund

Victims of Eaton Fire

is to provide immediate financial relief to those impacted by the fires, helping cover costs such as mortgages and temporary housing until families can rebuild their homes. “Offering financial support was essential due to the huge costs families faced,” Bremond Weaver said. The fund has already raised over $500,000 and has distributed more than $90,000 directly to families affected by the disaster. “You take care of people the way you would want to be taken care of if something like this happened to you,” Bremond Weaver stated. The Brotherhood Crusade plans to raise millions more to

Inglewood Unified School District’s Vision for Stronger Schools and a Brighter Future

Inglewood Unified Board of Education

Special to California Black Media Partners

At the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD), we are reinventing education and improving school buildings to better serve our students. While the district must respond to fluctuating enrollment numbers, this initiative is part of our work to create stronger schools and a better learning environment that will benefit students, families, and the community for years to come. To accomplish these goals, on Jan. 15, 2025, IUSD approved an ambitious plan aimed at optimizing resources and enhancing education. The plan was introduced to families, staff, and community members in March 2024, followed by a public hearing on Dec.18, 2024, before receiving final approval. Under this plan, Kelso School will move to the Warren Lane (Daniel Freeman) campus and Crozier Junior High, Highland School, Hudnall School, and Morningside High School will be realigned, with the changes taking effect on June 30, 2025. While school transitions can be challenging, they also provide new opportunities. By consolidating campuses, IUSD will be able to offer a wider range of programs, such as Advanced Placement courses, specialized electives, and hands-on learning experiences. These improvements will prepare students for college, careers, and the evolving job market, with the necessary skills needed to succeed.

A key focus of IUSD’s transformation is upgrading school facilities. A prime example is the complete reconstruction of Inglewood High School, which will require the campus to close on June 30. During construction, students will attend the

Morningside High School campus until the new, state-of-theart Inglewood High reopens in 2028. The new facility will feature modern classrooms, innovative technology, and innovative science labs.

Beyond academics, the district is prioritizing career readiness through programs that provide hands-on experience in fields like technology, business, and design. One standout initiative is the Iovine and Young Center for Integrated Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, which will equip students with practical skills and real-world experience, setting them up for success after graduation. Additionally, the district is developing a new community hub and sports complex while forming a partnership with the City of Inglewood’s Library to provide students and families with access to valuable resources and strengthen community connections

Equity is a driving force behind these changes. The restructuring ensures that resources are more evenly distributed across all schools. Every campus will have a full staff and access to the tools necessary to provide high-quality education. Inglewood schools are more than just places for learning, they are central to the community, offering students academic, social, and personal growth opportunities.

Recognizing that change can be challenging, the district has made it a priority to keep families informed and engaged throughout the process. The district is providing regular updates, community meetings, and personalized support. To showcase these experiences and highlight the positive

outcomes of school transitions, IUSD has created a video (available on the IUSD website) featuring Woodworth Monroe, a school that demonstrates how a well-planned merger can enhance education and community engagement. The video captures the voices of students, parents, and educators, illustrating how the transition expanded academic programs, increased diversity, and strengthened the sense of belonging among students. Woodworth Monroe serves as a model of how thoughtful school consolidation can provide better resources and opportunities, ensuring a well- rounded education. The video stands as a testament to IUSD’s commitment to high-quality learning for every child Ultimately, this initiative is about more than just restructuring, it’s about building a better future. By acting now, Inglewood Unified is laying the foundation for long-term success, not just for students but for the entire community. While every transformation comes with challenges, these bold steps will help create a stronger and more vibrant tomorrow. By investing in education today, IUSD is shaping a future where every Inglewood Unified student has the support and resources

(Photo by Jose Luiz Perderneiras)

(Photo by Jose Luiz Perderneiras)

Professional Firefighter Extinguishing Large, the Forest Fire. (Photo By Sergey Dolgikh)

Inglewood School Board Members – Top Row

(L-R) Margaret Evans, M.A. – Board President, Carliss McGhee, Ph.D – Board Vice President, Joyce L. Randall, Bottom Row (L-R) M.A, Brandon Myers, and Ernesto Castillo, J. D.