Valley's News Observer 10.6.22

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NAACP Research Finds Black Voters are

Far From Being a Monolith

Maxim Elramsisy

California Black Media

The NAACP commissioned the leading millennial and minority-owned public opinion research company HIT Strategies to analyze Black voter engagement and explore trends and devise strategies to reach voters on the issues that they care about. They found that Black voters are far from being a monolith – though they have many similarities.

However, critical nuances contribute to creating diverging trends among Black voters, particularly when researchers factor in sex and age.

The 2020 election cycle had historic turnout among people of color. HIT Strategies found that 14% of Black voters, 31% of Latino voters, and 39% of Asian American or Pacific Islander voters were new voters. Joe Biden did worse with all three of these demographics than Hillary Clinton did in 2016, though he did significantly better with White seniors, White men, and White college-educated voters.

The Democratic Party had one of the most diverse tickets ever. Candidates of color like Stacy Abrams and Raphael Warnock are supported by significantly different coalitions from Joe Biden. They may not do as well with White voters, thus it is imperative to increase their support among Black voters to succeed, according to the report.

Gender Gap

The research showed that the “Trump Bump,” where Donald Trump’s support increased among Black men voters, affected down ballot elections as well. Tom Tillis (R-NC), who beat Cal Cunningham by just 95,000 votes, would have lost if Black men were voting for Cunningham at the same rate as Black women. Though the Trump bump is not unique among Black men, since polls find men are generally more conservative than women, it was unique because they voted Democratic during Barack Obama’s election. In order for Democrats to succeed, they will need to reach voting Black

Gov. Newsom Vetoes Bill to Extend Term of Reparations Task Force

Assembly.

The Assembly passed AB 2296 with a 59-13 majority vote. In the Senate, it passed 32-6 at the end of August. It was sent to the Governor on Sept. 9 for his signature.

UN Body Faults ‘Piecemeal’ Work to End Racial Discrimination

GENEVA (AP) – Recent initiatives in places like the Americas and Europe to end discrimination against people of African descent are mostly “piecemeal’’ and more efforts are needed to dismantle entrenched racism, the U.N. human rights office said Friday as it released a new report.

The report, prepared in August and published Friday, detailed government efforts to end racism.

It focused on seven cases of police-related deaths of people of African descent, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in the United States; Adama Traore in France; Luana Barbosa dos Reis Santos and Joao Pedro Matos Pinto in Brazil; Kevin Clarke in Britain; and Janner Garcia Palomino in Colombia.

The rights office decried continued patterns of discrimination, illegal deportations and excessive use of force against African migrants and migrants of African descent. It also said Blacks around the world were disproportionately impacted by the death penalty.

Acting U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada al-Nashif said countries must show more political will to fight such racial discrimination.

“There have been some initiatives in different countries to address racism, but for the most part they are piecemeal,” al-Nashif said in a statement.

“They fall short of the comprehensive evidencebased approaches needed to dismantle the entrenched structural, institutional and societal racism that has existed for centuries, and continues to inflict deep harm today,’’ she said.

She called on countries to “redouble efforts to ensure accountability and redress wherever deaths of Africans and people of African descent have occurred in the context of law enforcement, and take measures to confront legacies that perpetuate and sustain systemic racism.’’

Al-Nashif is expected to present the report to the Human Rights Council, the U.N.’s main human rights body, on Monday.

The bill proposed extending the term for the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans by an additional year until July 1, 2024.

“I am returning Assembly Bill 2296 without my signature,” Newsom said in a written statement. “At the request of the author of the original legislation that created this task force, I am vetoing this bill.”

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber authored AB 3121 the legislation establishing the task force in 2020 – while serving in the Assembly. The task force was formed to study slavery and its lingering effects on African Americans with a “special consideration” for descendants of persons enslaved in the United States.

Jones-Sawyer is a member of the Task Force.

As written, AB 2296 would “remove the specified term of office for appointees and, instead, subject the appointees to removal at the pleasure of their appointing authority.”

That action would authorize the Task Force, by majority vote, to elect officers and create advisory bodies and subcommittees to accomplish its duties.

Currently, Los Angeles attorney Kamilah Moore is the task force chair and civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown of San Francisco serves as vice chair.

Jones-Sawyer avoided making any public comment about AB 2296 since introducing the bill in the Assembly on Feb. 16, 2022.

At a two-day meeting in Los Angeles on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 at the California Science Center and the Wallis Annenberg Building in Exposition Park, Jones-Sawyer made a public statement about the bill.

“The Task Force report will be completed on time as richly envisioned by Dr. Shirley Weber. It will not be delayed and will be done (July 1, 2023) whether the governor signs my bill or not,” Sawyer said. However, he avoided commenting on the removal of members mentioned in the bill.

Many speakers during public comment at the first day of the meeting voiced concerns about extending the Reparations Task Force sunset date for an additional year.

Jones-Sawyer said his intention to extend the task force was to allow members to lobby the Assembly and Senate legislators who may not be in favor of the recommendations or “dollar amount.”

“That is the purpose why I wanted this group to stay together, not to hold up part of the report, but to keep this group together so they can lobby our colleagues and other individuals who may not be in line or in lockstep with what we want to do. And there are several of them

Catalytic Converters Thefts

\Aldon Thomas Stiles

California Black Media

Responding to a crime trend involving the theft of catalytic converters, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills on Sept. 25. The new laws, the Governor’s office said, prohibit the sale of used catalytic converters by parties who aren’t licensed auto dealers or dismantlers.

The bills require recyclers to keep specific records establishing a paper trail that tracks the devices used to control car emissions, which the legislations’ supporters say will reduce thefts.

Catalytic converters convert pollutant gases into less harmful gases in cars and cost between $800 to $1,200.

“California is helping to put the brakes on catalytic converter theft with the signing of two new bills. By eliminating a root cause of this issue these bills will help reduce crime and make Californians and their vehicles safer,” read a tweet from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair.

According to a study conducted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), catalytic converter thefts jumped from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020 – a 325% increase.

Thieves often resell materials in the converters to other parties.

“People who buy and sell these parts now have to keep detailed records so we can better trace thefts if indeed they

do occur,” said Newsom. “You take away the market for stolen goods, you can help cut down on stealing.”

The bills Newsom signed are Assembly Bill (AB) 1740, authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), and Senate Bill (SB) 1087, authored by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach).

“Catalytic converter theft has been a major problem in recent years & @ AirResources & I join @CAGovernor in supporting efforts to deter theft by ensuring lawful transactions & imposing fines on violators,” tweeted (California Air Resources Board) CARB Chair Liane Randolph.

Violations of this new law will be punishable as a misdemeanor, leading to fines of up to $4,000.

According to NICB, in California, over the past three years, the cars that catalytic converter thieves targeted most often were the Toyota Prius, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Ford Econoline, Honda CRV, Ford F-250, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Ford Excursion and the Toyota Tacoma.

Apple to Release ‘Emancipation,’ with Will Smith, in Dec.

By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer

NEW YORK (AP) – After holding it in limbo following Will Smith’s slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards in March, Apple will release the actor’s next big project, “Emancipation,’’ this December.

In the fallout of Smith’s smack of the comedian, the fate of “Emancipation’’ – a $120 million runaway slave thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua – had been uncertain. One of Apple’s most high-profile productions yet, the film had once been expected to be an Oscar contender this year. But an awardsseason rollout of a film headlined by Smith, who the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences banned from attending the Oscars for 10 years, has obvious complications.

Nevertheless, Apple TV+ said Monday that it will debut “Emancipation’’ on Dec. 2 in theaters and begin streaming it Dec. 9.

Over the weekend, Apple and the NAACP held the first screening of the film in Washington, D.C., as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Legislative Conference. Smith attended the screening and spoke on stage.

The release of “Emancipation’’ will pose the biggest test yet of how eager moviegoers are for a movie headlined by Smith, an actor who has generated more than $6.5 billion in worldwide box office. Still, the brief exclusive run in theaters will also mean “Emancipation,” like Apple’s best picture-winning “CODA,’’ will be seen primarily in homes.

Regardless, the streamer isn’t shying away from its star. A black-and-white profile of Smith’s face, with a chain around his neck, adorns the movie poster.

In the film, Smith plays a man named Peter who escapes from slavery in Louisiana. It was inspired by the 1863 photos of a man known as “Whipped Peter” that first appeared in Harper’s Weekly showing a Union Army medical exam of a mutilated man. The film had originally been planned to shoot in Georgia before Fuqua and Smith moved the production to New Orleans in response to Georgia’s then-newly enacted laws restricting voting access.

“Emancipation’’ was shot in the summer of 2021. Until the slap, its release had been expected in 2022.

Before Smith was banned by the motion picture academy, the actor resigned his membership, saying, “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.’’

Since then, Smith has largely stayed out the public eye. In late July, he gave his most extensive comments about the incident in a video posted to social media in which he apologized to Rock, who had made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith’s wife.

Smith remains eligible for an Oscar nomination.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (L) Assemblymember Reggie Jones Swayer (D) Los Angeles

Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media

On Sept. 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill (AB) 2296 authored by Assembly member Reggie Jones-Sawyer.

The Task Force consists of nine members. Five of them are appointed by the Governor, two members are appointed by the President pro Tempore of the Senate, and another two are appointed by the Speaker of the

Force

a demonstration

By Steve Sanchez)

National Slavery Remembrance Day with Rev. Al Sharpton as Guest Speaker

NNPA Newswire Contributor

By Jeffrey L. Boney

After meeting in-person for the last time in 2019, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) will be holding the nation’s leading policy conference in Washington, DC from Wednesday, September 28, 2022, through Sunday, October 2, 2022.

This year’s Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) theme is “Advancing Our Purpose. Elevating Our Power.”

The ALC is extremely crucial this year, as this November is election season, and this 2022 midterm election will be a strong litmus test for the future of how public policy decisions will most likely impact the African American community for years to come.

At the upcoming policy conference, the CBCF will be introducing a new hybrid ALC structure, which will give interested attendees the option to attend in-person or with free virtual and on-demand offerings.

With the rise of legislation, such as Critical Race Theory (CRT), there is a strong and overexaggerated push by many to “white-wash” history and hype a false narrative that seeks to turn a blind eye to racism and the barbaric institution of slavery.

To ensure we as a people never forget the horrific institution of slavery, U.S. Congressman Al Green (TX-09) will be hosting a seminar at the ALC entitled “Designation of a Slavery Remembrance Day” on Thursday, September 29th at 2 pm EST at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

This session will discuss the importance of commemorating the lives and contributions of enslaved Africans whose suffering and centuries of free labor provided the foundation for our nation’s wealth period. The desired outcome is for more people across the United States to solemnly commemorate August 20th annually as Slavery Remembrance Day and to thank President Biden for his recognition of Slavery Remembrance Day.

Civil Rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton will speak and participate in this important dialogue.

Congressman Green states that he chose Rev. Sharpton to speak at the seminar primarily because he is one of the great messengers and thinkers of our time.

“Rev. Sharpton has the unique ability to explain concepts in ways that resonate and make lasting impressions on people,” says Congressman Green. “The ability to utilize mnemonics is essential to the topic of Slavery Remembrance Day, given the central theme is to “always remember.” We must optimize the opportunity for attendees to remember and recount the message of the importance of Slavery Remembrance to others. We must always remember and enumerate the horrors of our nation’s seminal sin to prevent replication of this horrific crime against humanity.”

According to Congressman Green, it is important to remember slavery because having the true history of it told will inspire African Americans to take pride in being thedescendants of enslaved Africans.

“Enslaved Africans were the very people who were

the source of the centuries of suffering and free labor upon which our nation’s wealth was acquired,” states Congressman Green. “Currently, too many persons of African heritage are ashamed to be introduced as thedescendants of enslaved Africans. The truth is that enslaved Africans are our nation’s foundational mothers and fathers. They are the greatest contributors to our nation’s wealth. As such, we should be proud to be descended from them. They were most responsible for our nation’s the prosperous agrarian economy and among its least beneficiaries. They built the White House and the U.S. Capitol; two global symbols viewed as bastions of democracy. If the truth be told, they were the greatest contributors to building the foundational American economy and infrastructure. The enslaved deserve to be honored for what they suffered to build this country. We must revere the enslaved as we revile slavery.”

Slavery is America’s Original Sin and for too many years, people of African descent were subjected to this barbaric and legalized institution in America without barely even a mention of them in school textbooks.

Congressman Green sponsored H.Res.517—The Original Slavery Remembrance Day—in the 117th Congress of the United States, to ensure that history and the memory of the millions of victims of African descent

who suffered the horrors of slavery will never be forgotten.

Congressman Green’s resolution has over 130 cosponsors in Congress, and also gathered support by pastors and organizations nationwide, including the National Action Network, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and the Anti-Defamation League.

Congressman Green specifically chose August 20th as the day of remembrance, because it was on that day in 1619, that the White Lion ship arrived at Point Comfort, near present day Norfolk, Virginia, carrying the first enslaved Africans brought to the English-speaking American colonies. He held his inaugural Slavery Remembrance Day Commemorative Breakfast and Legislative Update on Saturday, August 20th, at the Power Center in Houston, Texas, where nearly 1,000 people attended and expressed their unwavering support for the commemoration.

It has been over a century since slavery was abolished in the United States, yet the insidious progenies of this horrific crime against humanity remain. They remain evident in areas such as healthcare, lending, incarceration, homeownership, as well as our nation’s classrooms where efforts to white-wash history and restyle slavery as “involuntary relocation” are afoot.

According to Congressman Green, everyone benefits from remembering the tragedy of slavery because everyone

benefits from knowing our true history.

“Maintaining an accurate account of our history, and history in general, is essential for the present as well as for posterity, as it offers an accurate understanding of the worth of people and society,” Congressman Green explains. “It explicates the present and provides the foresight to sculpt the future. It allows for introspection and extrospection of our triumphs and tragedies. It is the lodestar to unity and the lodestone for justice.”

Congressman Green also emphasizes that national days of remembrance are a means by which to commemorate those impacted horrific events, as well as prevent tragedies from fading from our memory.

“Currently, there are National Days of Remembrance for the Holocaust, Pearl Harbor, and 9/11,” says Congressman Green. “Each day honors the memory of the lives lost to these atrocities. But now, America does not have an official day of remembrance to honor the millions of African persons who were abducted and shipped to the Americas to be sold as property as part of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Slavery Remembrance Day does the same as these other Days of Remembrance by honoring the millions of enslaved Africans who were kidnapped, shipped to the Americas, and sold as property.”

President Biden released a statement marking Slavery Remembrance Day, stating:

More than 400 years ago, twenty enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to the shores of what would becomethe United States. Millions more were stolen and sold in the centuries that followed, part of a system of slavery that is America’s original sin.

Great nations don’t hide from their history. They acknowledge their past, both the triumphs and the tragedies. Today is a day to reflect on the terrible toll of slavery, and on our nation’s profound ability to heal and emerge stronger. Despite the horrors they faced, these men and women and their descendants have made countless contributions to the building of this nation and the continuous effort to realize the American ideal. I was honored last year to declare Juneteenth a national holiday, another moment to reflect and rededicate ourselves to becoming a more perfect union. And it’s why my Administration will continue the hard, ongoing work to bring true equity and racial justice to our country.

I’m grateful for the efforts of Congress—in particular, Representative Al Green and Senator Elizabeth Warren— to recognize the significance of this day.

Congressman Green extended his sincerest gratitude to President Biden for issuing his statement and complimented him on his willingness to acknowledge and believes that the president’s statement further illustrates why we need to recognize August 20th annually as Slavery Remembrance Day.

Those attending the ALC are strongly encouraged to attend the Designation of a “Slavery Remembrance Day seminar on Thursday, September 29th at 2 pm EST at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Chrisette Michele Punctuates ‘Black Excellence’ at NNPA Leadership Awards

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Grammy winner Chrisette Michele sent the packed house home buzzing following her dazzling performance to conclude the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s Annual Leadership Reception at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.

Belting out a string of hits and crowd favorites, Michele crooned and teased the Black Press and its guests about being “grown and sexy.”

American students throughout the country.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison received the Leadership Award for Outstanding Achievement in theField of Law Enforcement.

Richards and Chavis applauded Ellison for “effectively challenging systemic racism throughout the country.”

Dr. Aida Habtezion, the chief medical officer at Pfizer, received the award for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Medicine.

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She reached deep into her catalog with the “One Vision” band backing her; Michele performed “No Greater Love,” “All I Ever Think About,” “Blame It on Me,” and several other numbers as the crowd sang, swayed, danced, and screamed approval.

The presentation of the annual awards preceded the rousing performance.

Tennessee State University President Dr. Glenda Glover received the Leadership Award for OutstandingAchievement in the Field of Public Education.

NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards and NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. declaredthat Dr. Glover earned the award for her work with African

The award’s inscription noted that Habtezion had championed the cause of ensuring that worldwide, patients, physicians, and regulatory agencies are provided with information on the safe and appropriate use of Pfizer medications.

Terry Travis, the managing partner of EVNoire, was presented the “National Leadership Award for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in the Cause for Freedom, Justice, and Equity.”

Travis received the award for his work in transportation, energy, and environmental health.

Attorney James L. Winston, the president and CEO of the National Association of Black-owned Broadcasters, Inc., was presented the “National Leadership Award for

Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in the Cause for Freedom, Justice, and Equality for All Americans, in Particular African Americans, in the Area of Broadcast Communications.”

Rev. Dr. William Barber II, the president of Repairers of the Breach, received the “National Leadership Award for Outstanding Achievement, Leadership, and Tireless Efforts in Fighting for Freedom, Justice, and Equity for All Underserved People of America.”

His daughter, Rebekah Barber, accepted on his behalf.

“Thank you, NNPA, thank you, Black Press,” Barber stated. “The fight continues.”

The NNPA received orders for more than 2,000 tickets for the Leadership Awards Reception and ceremony.

Students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts blanketed the ballroom, assisting NNPA employees and gaining valuable insight into the Black Press.

Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) and Rep. William Clay (D-Missouri) were among the elected officials attendingthe awards.

First-time attendees included Dr. Nicole McDaniel from Delaware.

“This is Black excellence,” she stated.

Study Shows that Black Voters are Far from Being a Monolith

men at the same rate as former President Obama did.

Pain – Power – Progress In 2020, among Black voters polled in Georgia, 73% said that they felt extremely powerful and 71% turned out to vote. HIT Strategies determined there was a direct correlation between perceived political power and voter participation. Astonishingly, in 2022 this perception of power has dropped by almost 30%. If this leads to an equivalent decline in Black voter participation, in any state, HIT Strategies believe that it is likely that the candidates at the top of the ticket are much less likely to succeed. From these results, the NAACP found that in order to increase political participation, they must make Black voters feel powerful, knowing that if they feel powerful that they will not waste that power.

Understanding that Black voters are not a monolith, the research group conducted a combination of high propensity surveys and low propensity focus groups in different battleground states where Black voters could be the margin of difference for a winning candidate. The goal of the high propensity surveys was to see how voters’ views changed over time, while the focus groups allowed

researchers to dive more into the nuances of people’s views.

They found that, consistent with other groups, Black voters were deeply concerned about the economy, probably driven by anxieties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The voters also expressed that they want solutions for gun violence – encompassing mass shootings and gangviolence.

“They do not want a gun violence reaction that lends to further mass incarceration, but they do want to see more sophisticated reforms and more aggressive regulation, that is not just criminalizing those that are perpetrating this violence but preventing the violence from happening in the first place,” Terrance Woodburry, CEO and founder of HIT Strategies said. “Just like the economy, they are not separating gun violence from racism.”

The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade caused abortion access to surge as an issue, especially among Black voters under 50 years old. “There is no gender gap in support for abortion, it is constant across all young Black voters,” Woodbury said.

The Generational Gap

HIT Strategies uncovered a potentially threatening generation gap as they conducted their research.

“Young Black voters are extremely cynical, extremely frustrated -- not just with Democrats, not just with Republicans, not even just with politics,” Woodbury said. “They are cynical towards institutions that they feel like have failed them.”

“When Black voters were asked if their lives had improved since Joe Biden was elected, 73% said that their lives had not improved, including 21% who said that their lives had gotten worse. When young Black voters were isolated, 28% said their lives had gotten worse. That’s where the erosion happens, both the erosion in turnout and the erosion of support for these candidates,” said Woodbury.

Though these same voters felt empowered in 2020, many of them don’t think that there has been enough progress. The critical challenge in future elections is “activating those young people, keeping them engaged in the process and making them feel that their votes are powerful enough to make a difference,” Woodburyconcluded.

Gov. Newsom Vetoes Task Force

who are not in line with what we want to do,” Sawyer said.

to the Governor or encouraged people to reach out to the Governor to help achieve this victory. AB 2296 was a bad bill and deserved to be vetoed.”

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2341,

The members of the Coalition of a Just and Equity California (CJEC) and other advocate groups for reparations conducted a month-long continuous social media campaign on all platforms and made pleas to the public to call the governor’s office urging Newsom to veto AB 2296.

“The Governor made the right decision. As Reparations advocates, our job is to make sure the Reparations development process is open, transparent, led by the descendant community, and free from political influence,” said Chris Lodgson, a member of CJEC. “We are thankful to Governor Newsom and Secretary Weber for agreeing with us, as well as everyone who reached out

The San Francisco Black and Jewish Unity Coalition offered its support against the bill when it was asked by Rev. Brown and Weber to “reach out” to all the participants in the “Teach-In on Reparations: for African Americans in California and San Francisco.”

Brown and Weber were guest speakers at the teachin held in San Francisco on Sept. 18 at the Congregation Sherith Israel. The Unity Coalition is a grassroots organization, made up of people of faith and/or social activists, committed to the causes of racial, social, and economic justice and to dismantling systemic racism at the local, regional and national levels.

“Please immediately contact Governor Gavin Newsom’s office and ask him to veto the Jones-Sawyer legislation — AB 2296 — that would extend the term of the (California) State Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans and open up the opportunity to remove and replace members,” the coalition said in a statement to the teach-in participants. “The work of the Task Force is on track and on schedule, and we need to stay the course. The Task Force has not asked for an extension.”

On June 1, the Task Force submitted its interim report to the California Legislature. The interim report covers the ongoing and compounding harms experienced by African Americans as a result of slavery and its lingering effects on American society today.

A final report will be issued before July 1, 2023.

According to Congressman Al Green (D-TX), everyone benefits from remembering the tragedy of slavery because everyone benefits from knowing our true history.

IN

Hip Hop Icon Coolio Dies at 59

During his career, Coolio enjoyed six top Billboard hits, including 1995’s Gangsta’s Paradise, which reached 1 billion streams on Spotify earlier this year. Spending three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and 11 straight weeks on the Hot Rap Songs list, Gangsta’s Paradise earned Coolio a Grammy and a Billboard Music Award.

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Coolio, whose signature song “Gangsta’s Paradise” played a vital role in securing hip-hop as the popular music of choice, has died at age 59.

The artist reportedly died on the bathroom floor of a friend’s house. While paramedics suspect Coolio

succumbed to cardiac arrest, the medical examiner hasn’t released an official cause of death.

Born on Aug. 1, 1963, in Compton, Coolio’s real name was Artis Leon Ivey, Jr.

He enjoyed six top Billboard hits, including 1995’s Gangsta’s Paradise, which reached 1 billion streams on Spotify earlier this year. Spending three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and 11 straight weeks on the Hot Rap Songs list, Gangsta’s Paradise earned Coolio a Grammy and a Billboard Music Award.

The hit single earned rankings among Billboard’s 100 Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Songs.

In addition to music, Coolio enjoyed a successful television career. He appeared on shows like “Black Jesus,” “All That,” “The Nanny,” and “Fear Factor.”

“Peaceful Journey, Brother,” Questlove tweeted in tribute following news of Coolio’s death.

“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist Coolio,” actress Michelle Pfeiffer wrote on Instagram while sharing a clip from the famous music video, where she sits across the table from Coolio.

“A life cut entirely too short. I remember him being nothing but gracious,” Pfeiffer stated.

Tributes also poured in from stars like Snoop Dogg, who posted a picture of him and Coolio from an earlier music video.

MC Hammer called Coolio one of the nicest individuals he’d known while sharing a photo of himself, Snoop, and the late Tupac Shakur.

“This is sad news,” Ice Cube shared.

“I witnessed firsthand this man’s grind to the top of the industry.”

Los Angeles-based artist Teddi Gold, who worked with Coolio, also mourned the icon.

“I have an immense amount of gratitude and love for Coolio,” Gold wrote in a statement.

“His musicianship, big heart, sense of humor, and loyalty to his friends and family were the light he shared with the world.”

He continued:

“As somebody whose music I grew up listening to, the opportunity Coolio gave me to record and perform with him was a life-changing experience I will carry with me forever. I send every ounce of love I have to his family and friends at this time.”

Kid Cudi’s Songs Come to Life in ‘Entergalactic’ TV Feature

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ When Scott “Kid Cudi'' Mescudi recorded the bulk of his new album, the melodic rapper wanted to visually highlight the project's songs without depending on short music videos.

The Grammy winner initially thought about turning his concept album into an anthology series, until he linked up with “black-ish'' creator Kenya Barris, who suggested that Cudi go the animation route. The musician took heed and has brought his songs into colorful light in the Netflix adult-animated romantic comedy “Entergalactic'' _ inspired by his eighth studio album of the same name. Both were released Friday.

“When you bring music and animation together, those things sometimes last forever,'' said Barris, who said he was immediately “blown away'' after hearing one song from Cudi that focused on love. After listening to the track, the filmmaker reached out to some Netflix executives, who were looking for animation projects at the time, and brought them into the studio to listen to the song.

“When you heard the song, you immediately knew it was so visceral and visual at the same time,'' Barris recalled. “You could see that this could be something special. You could see that Cudi and his music was made for this.''

“Entergalactic'' is a story focused on a young artist name Jabari _ voiced by Cudi _ who moves into his dream New York City apartment then bumps into his nextdoor neighbor, Meadow, who left him lovestruck. The television special includes Timothee Chalamet, Ty Dolla $ign, Vanessa Hudgens, Jaden Smith, Teyana Taylor and Macaulay Culkin.

For Cudi, it was a long process selecting the best songs to tell the overall story.

“We really had to sit and fine tune what we wanted as far as tone,'' he said. “As you can see in the show, a lot of the color palettes, the purples, the browns, the fuchsias, the orange, these are the colors that you feel and you see when you listen to the music.''

Cudi said going the animation direction instead of live action gave him more freedom to “explore the abstract.'' The visuals and modern designs of “Entergalactic'' are similar to “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,'' which won an Oscar for best animated feature in 2019.

“We were able to move and transform through Jabari's mind, taking him into space when he's riding his bike,'' Cudi said. “Him and Meadow were in their world, in their trance and flying around through space. This was all important to push the story, push the narrative. You can watch this and be like `this could be live action.' But I feel like there's just no other better way to tell the story other than animation.''

Barris said they wanted to make New York into an animated character of its own.

“We want you to feel the trains going across screen,'' he said. “We want you to feel almost getting hit by a car in New York. We want you to feel the anxiety of trying to make it when you feel like you should have made it already. Or when you feel like you've gotten over your ex, and when you find someone else, she's right there. All that stuff we kind of go through, we wanted to put that in there.''

Cudi paid homage to his late friend and designer Virgil Abloh, who inspired the fashion in the animated project. Cudi said Abloh's designs played a major role in telling the story.

“It was super, super important to have his presence in there because those are his animations,'' he said of Abloh, who died at 41 from cancer last year. Abloh was the artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear and founder of the popular Off-White fashion house.

Cudi's “Entergalactic'' album and the television special release on Friday, which is Sept. 30, Abloh's birthday _ a synchronicity that was not planned, Cudi said.

“I said the only way this show is going to be fresh _ like in my mind and the way I want it to be _ is to approach this like it's live action, and we get a costume designer, and we have them kind of sit and go through every character,

and we fine tune how these characters are supposed to look based on their personalities,'' he said.

Jessica Williams, who voiced Meadow, said she was excited to take part in the project after Cudi approached her about the idea of creating a Black love story.

“I think we're going to be telling New York City love stories forever, like it's just going to happen forever because it's a great place to to fall in love,” she said. “I'm really excited about this because it hasn't been done before. It's really great to see these two Black people fall in love in this space like this.''

In addition to music, Coolio enjoyed a successful television career. He appeared on shows like “Black Jesus,” “All That,” “The Nanny,” and “Fear Factor.”

Legals Notices

IN

DAYS

BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BE FORE THE EXPIRATION. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2014, THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE AFFIDAVIT OF IDENTITY FORM.

This statement expires on Sep 20, 2027

LOS ANGELES BAY NEWS OBSERVER (E) PUB: Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME CASE NUMBER 22CHCP00332

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFOR NIA-LOS ANGELES 9425 Penfield Ave Chatsworth, Ca. 91311

Branch Name: Chatsworth Court house

PETITION OF: ARAM PETROSYAN

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: ARAM PETROSYAN for a decree changing names as fol lows: Present name ARAM PETROSYAN

Filed a petition with this court Proposed name ADAM PETRAS

THE COURT ORDERS: that all per sons interested in this matter appear

before this court at the hearing indi cated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes de scribed above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the pe tition should not be granted if no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Date: Nov 29, 2022

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Dept: F47 Room: The address of the court is: Same as noted above.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks pri or to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county

LOS ANGELES NEWS OB

SERVER

Date: September 27, 2022

DAVID B. GELFOUND JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT SHERRI R. CARTER EXECUTIVE OFFICER/CLERK OF COURT Petitioner: Aram Petrosyan 17337 Saticoy St. Northridge, Ca. 91325

Phone: (323) 842-9037 E-Mail Address: Adam55petras@gmail. com

NOTICE TO

MANDADO):

SUMMONS

CARLOTA

not pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements.

recibida

(AVISO

JAS DOES 1 to 10, inclusive

YOU ARE

You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an at torney, you may want to call an attor ney referral service. If you cannot af ford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprof it legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the Cal ifornia Courts Online Self-Help Cen ter (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin es cuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación.

que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un for mulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más infor mación en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte. ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pa gar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abo gado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados.

gravamen de la

Tiene

antes de

la corte pueda desechar el caso.

The name and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): SUPERIOR

Avenue #200

Nuys, CA 91406

Telephone: (818) 709-2556

to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/self help), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you can

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para pre sentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo prote gen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene

Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requi sitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servi cios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifor nia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte. ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de aboga dos locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a

y

Fax: (818) 709-2513

DATE (Fecha): August 25, 2021

(Secretario),

of Court

exentos

Inflation Hammering Americans Although an End May Be in Sight

By Barrington M. Salmon NNPA Newswire Contributor

Everywhere ordinary Americans turn, it seems, the spectre of inflation haunts their everyday lives. Everything costs more: Food. Shelter. Gasoline. Eating out. Clothes. Vehicles. And a most goods and services.

Illustrating the pervasive nature of inflation, is that rents, the cost of new and used cars and even something seemingly unconnected like dental services have seen increases. Meanwhile wages and salaries have scarcely kept up with red hot inflation. American families are paying what the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Moody’s Analytics estimates to be an addition $493 a month for food and other goods in June because of inflation which jumped to 9.1 percent compared to 2021. It’s the biggest 12-month hike in prices in 40 years.

PRICES GOING UP, UP, UP …

Greer Marshall and Montina Vital told the NNPA they feel the effects of this crushing inflation every time they make a purchase, go to a restaurant, the corner store, supermarket or gas station.

“I am cutting back on some of my expenses and telling

my children to find a job. Young people are used to buying sushi up the street. That’s $20 per person per trip,” said Marshall, a documentary filmmaker and video journalist. “Grocery shopping is not looking the same as it used to be. When I go to the supermarket or grocery store, I can only afford to get the items I eat that day or the day after because I cannot fathom the price of some things. The price of grapes is ridiculous. It’s like $3 a pound!”

Marshall, mother of two, said she has become creative in finding ways to cope.

“I’m not going out to do entertainment things and I’m learning to live with less. I am more focused on what I absolutely need,” she said. “When I’m home, I turn off the heat. I got me a little heater that I plug in. I’m not driving the car as much because gasoline costs $5 a gallon. If I don’t have to travel, I don’t. And I am charging for everything, even if it’s $20 because everything adds up.”

Market veteran and financial journalist Dylan Ratigan said in a recent interview that Americans are being buffeted by rising prices and extremely volatile markets.

“Inflation is at its highest level since the 1970s. Higher interest rates are affecting mortgages, credit cards

and double costs, especially in housing,” said Ratigan, co-host of ‘Truth and Skepticism.’ “Oil and energy costs for transportation and manufacturing has doubled. Large institutions, trucking companies and airlines had budgets of fuel costs to fly, drive and run factories. Those numbers are wrong – a lot has happened fast.”

The Consumer Price Index’s standing at 9.1 percent in June was proof that inflation was burning hot and still spiraling. The prior month, the CPI stood at 8.6 percent, then the highest rate in 40 years. But in recent days, there are signs that inflation is cooling with gas prices falling lower every day for the past two months, the Federal Reserve raising interest rates twice in the last two months and fears about a recession tempered by strong jobs numbers, the gradual lowering of prices and skyrocketing prices on the housing market also going lower.

According to the BLS, all items except the food and energy rose 6 percent over the past year.  Energy increased 34.6 percent over the last 12 months, the largest 12-month increase since September 2005. And the food index jumped 10.1 percent for the 12-month ending in May, the first increase of 10.0 percent or more since March 1981. Food prices rose 11.9 percent over the past year, and prices in sitin restaurants and take-out increased 7.4 percent over last year which is also the largest 12-month change since the period ending November 1981. Gasoline prices increased 48.7 percent, electricity rose 12 percent, and natural gas increased 30.2 percent over the last 12 months, the largest such increase since the period ending July 2008.

Inflation touched just about every aspect of America driving up rent, household furnishings, airfares, mortgages, housing prices

According to a recent Gallup poll, about one in five Americans regard the high cost of living/inflation or fuel prices as the most important problem facing America today. Together, these two challenges account for more than 50 of the economic issues 35 percent of Americans point to as the nation’s top problem. The unyielding price pressures have forced people like Anderson and Marshall to significantly change their spending habits and has increased fears from members of the public, some politicians and economists that America is looking at either an outright recession or a notable slowdown of economic growth.

HIGHER PRICES, SHORTAGES, INFLATION = A TIGHT SQUEEZE

Dr. Linwood Tauheed said the United States could end up with “the worse possible of all worlds” as the US economy struggles to recover from a devastating global pandemic, supply chain problems, absorbing the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the widespread sanctions imposed against Russia for invading Ukraine.

“With the war in Ukraine and sanctions, stocks of gas, oil, fertilizer and other goods are decreasing. I don’t think inflation has happened yet,” said Tauheed, associate professor of Economics at the University of MissouriKansas City, and a member of the graduate faculty at the University of Missouri – Columbia. “We’re going to see increases. The impact from sanctions hasn’t really hit us yet. Prices of products are going up.”

Tauheed, said the United States has been on an economic roller-coaster during and since the emergence of COVID-19, buffeted by the economic disruption and downturn that caused and the ripple effects that the country is still experiencing.

“We are in a period where we’re seeing inflation from an initial cause: recovery. The crisis (the pandemic) came on quickly and money was put into the economy. Supplies didn’t keep up,” Tauheed said. “People who were home because of COVID-19 saved money (because they took no vacation or and spent little in 2020). People had money. There was a decrease in supplies while people had money to spent. That caused inflation to increase.”

At the same time, Tauheed added, the economy recovered to some degree “but supplies were not where they needed to be.”

“There’s inflation that you would expect from a quick recovery, but then you had the supply chain crisis,” he explained. “Countries, particularly China, were affected. Facilities were shut down. It doesn’t necessarily explain cargo ships at the docks, though. Independent truckers weren’t able to get business. Many went out of business, others retired. So there were not enough trucks. The problem at the docks will be with us for a while.”

The issues of cargo ships piled up at some of America’s major ports has eased because of a series of actions taken by the Biden administration and similar moves by the trucking industry and port authorities. There are hints that inflation may cool off in the coming months. As commodity prices fall, supply chain troubles exacerbated by COVID-19 are waning and swollen inventories hoarded by retailers have turned out to be an unexpected bargain for shoppers.

Vital, a certified financial education instructor, financial strategist, mother, wife, said the crazy rate of inflation caught her off-guard.

“Damn inflation. I don’t see that changing. It makes you rearrange your household,” she said. “I have always made things from scratch, and I find myself altering our

diet even more. When I buy lunch items for my kids, I’m watching the cost. I have changed and adapted. When I need to go out, I plan where I need to go.”

Vital said when she filled up her gas tank when gasoline stood at $5.00, it cost $55. Before, she said, filling the tank cost $12 less.

“Hell no, I ain going nowhere if I don’t need to. We’re on minimal movement,” she said with a wry chuckle. “My husband has to go to work every day. We don’t know how

much the prices of food and gas are changing but we have to have money for both of these. I put all my bills on a payment plan – put water, light and gas on a budget. That gives me more available money. That’s what I’ve had to do. You really have to know how much you have after bills.”

Vital said she also cut off automatic bill payments “because we have to have gas.”

“My husband travels 45 mins one-way to work from the house. He has to have a car, he has to get to work. Develop consistency with the known to keep a tab on the unknown. I do more shopping at Goodwill. I have a growing son who is growing out of his clothes. I look for clearances too. I have a strategy, a plan between gas and food.”

Vital and a number of other interviewees said they believe that they are being kicked around by inflation because of factors other than market forces.

“I really believe that corporations are gouging consumers. Businesses are getting on the bandwagon to make up for COVID,” Vital said. “Reports are that a lot of people will be pushed into poverty and I absolutely believe it.

Economists note that both cost of gas and spiraling food costs have been affected primarily because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier this year which has upended global supplies of wheat corn, oil, wheat, corn and a number of other commodities.

WAR, INFLATION AND COVID-19 HANGOVER

JPMorgan Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon said in a recent letter to stockholders that he is deeply concerned about the formidable tremors triggered by the twin challenges of spiraling inflation and Russia-Ukraine conflict because they pose a significant threat to this country and the world’s economic recovery.

“The war in Ukraine and the sanctions on Russia, at a minimum, will slow the global economy — and it could easily get worse,” Dimon said.

Dimon also explained that said Covid-19 – with stimulus money from the federal government, the necessity of rapidly raising interest rates to combat inflation and the war in Ukraine present an unenviable collection of challenges.

“We are facing challenges at every turn: a pandemic, unprecedented government actions, a strong recovery after a sharp and deep global recession, a highly polarized U.S. election, mounting inflation, a war in Ukraine and dramatic economic sanctions against Russia,” he said. “While all this turmoil has serious ramifications on our company, its effect on the world – with the extreme suffering of the Ukrainian people and the potential restructuring of the global order –is far more important.”

And with the war in Europe upending, agricultural, energy and an assortment of commodity markets, it’s very likely that additional sanctions could deepen the widening instability, he added.

Dimon said Americans should brace themselves for “potential negative outcomes.”

“Many more sanctions could be added – which could dramatically, and unpredictably, increase their effect,” said Dimon. “Along with the unpredictability of war itself and the uncertainty surrounding global commodity supply chains, this makes for a potentially explosive situation.”

“The confluence of these factors may be unprecedented,” he concluded.

The Consumer Price Index’s standing at 9.1 percent in June was proof that inflation was burning hot and still spiraling. The prior month, the CPI stood at 8.6 percent, then the highest rate in 40 years. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

Features

These are the Propositions California Voters Will See on Their Ballots This November

Cristian Cerda South Kern Sol

As the voting season starts to go into full effect, many will notice the constant political ads popping up on their television screens at home or on their own phones. Many of those ads are regarding the propositions registered voters will have a chance to vote on this November.

There will be a total of seven state-wide propositions on the ballot this year. Whether you vote through mail-inballot voting or vote at the polls, these are seven positions that voters will have a chance to voice their opinion on.

Proposition 1: Reproductive Healthcare

On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of the overturning of the landmark case Roe v. Wade. The overturning of the case, which protected a person’s right to an abortion under the United States Constitution, has now allowed for laws to be implemented by the states to ban access to abortion. In California — a state in which abortion and reproductive rights are heavily favored — voters will get to choose whether to make an amendment to the California Constitution, regarding reproduction rights.

If passed, Proposition 1 would change the state’s constitution to say that the state cannot interfere with or deny a person’s right to decide on having an abortion and on whether or not to use contraceptives.

Voting no on the proposition does not ban access to abortion or contraceptives in the state. Access to abortions and contraceptives is already available in the state, however, the passing of the proposition will only further protect it under the California Constitution.

Proposition 26: Casino Sports Gambling

If passed, Prop 26 would allow for in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and at racetracks in the state.

Currently, gambling is limited in the state. Cardrooms, state lottery, tribal casinos, and horse race betting are the only forms of gambling allowed in the state. Prop 26 would require racetracks to make payments to the state, supporting regulatory costs. Tribal casinos would cover their own regulatory costs.

Voting no on the proposition would continue the ban on sports gambling in the state and current laws and regulations would continue to be enforced.

Proposition 27: Online Sports Gambling

Similar to Proposition 26, Proposition 27 also involves sports betting. Proposition 27 would allow gambling companies and tribal casinos to offer online sports betting.

If passed, it may be as simple as downloading an app to place a sports bet. Sports betting would now be allowed over the internet and through mobile devices as well as outside of tribal lands.

Tribes and gambling companies would be required to make payments to the state for specific purposes, one of which is to address the homeless situation throughout the state. The proposition would bring along a new regulatory unit and would also assist in combating illegal sports betting. Current bans and laws against online sports betting are to remain in place if the proposition fails to get passed in November.

Proposition 28: Performing Arts Funding

According to California’s Legislative Analyst, around 60 percent of all public-school students are from low-

income families. Typically speaking, schools with a high low-income student population, tend to need more funding compared to other wealthier or private and charter schools. If passed, Proposition 28 would provide additional funding to schools, specifically for performing arts. Funding would come from the state being required to match one percent of its prekindergarten to 12th-grade funds from the general fund. If failed, current funding amounts allocated for performing arts are set to remain in place.

Proposition 29: Dialysis Clinics

An analysis of current dialysis clinics in California, by the Legislative Analyst, found that roughly 80,000 Californians are treated at dialysis clinics each month, across the state. Proposition 29 would require that those clinics have a physician, nurse, or physician assistant on-site at all hours. The proposition would also require reporting of infection-related information to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) every three months, reporting who owns the clinic, prohibiting the refusal of care due to who the payer of the patient’s treatment is, penalizing and charging clinics who do not report information and also requires clinics to notify and obtain permission for the CDPH regarding potential reducing and closing of services. A no on the proposition would allow clinics to continue to operate as is.

Proposition 30: Electric Vehicle and Environmental Funding

With the rise in electric vehicles (EV) and their infrastructure, one method of paying for these expenses revolves around this proposition. Proposition 30 would

raise taxes by 1.75% on annual income above $2 million. The taxes generated from this raise would go towards electric vehicle infrastructure such as charging stations and assist in the purchase of new EVs.

EV funding is where the bulk of the money will go towards. Environmental assistance such as wildfire prevention programs is also set to receive funding from the increased tax raise. Failure to pass the proposition will see no new taxes raised on those meeting the criteria.

Proposition 31: Tobacco Products

According to data from the California Department of Health (CDPH), California has a smoking rate of around 10 percent.  With increased health risks from smoking and second-hand smoking, efforts to combat the smoker rate in the state have recently included Proposition 31. The proposition would ban most flavored tobacco products at in-person stores and vending machines. The same goes for tobacco product flavor enhancers.

A definition for what is considered flavored tobacco also would be implemented and penalty fees of $250 are set to happen if vendors fail to meet regulations. If passed, the state is estimated to lose up to $100 million in tax revenue. If the proposition does not get passed, it would simply mean that the selling of such products would continue as is, under current local, state, and federal law.

Ballot propositions can have significant impacts on the lives of Californians across the state. Propositions are ways for the public to voice their opinions on what truly matters to them. Election Day is set for November 8, 2022. Polls open at 7 a.m. PST and close at 8 p.m. PST.

Dr. Cheeks a National ‘GEM’ in STEAM

By Darnell Hill Special to the Arizona Informant

Few Black women engineers have enjoyed as successful a career in multiple arenas as much as the woman Dr. Loretta H. Cheeks. She unapologetically accepts the challenge to stand out and stand loud in being first to many life goals and career pursuits.

A National Science and Technology Medals Foundation Expert Connect, an Onyx Pillar of Innovation, a United State of Women Changemaker are among the many honors presented to the National GEM Consortium Alumni award recipient who has been engaging in engineering, research and business for more than three decades.

Since starting her career journey in the chemical industry while at Southern University and A&M College, she has defiled many odds for what is possible for a lifelong career doing what she loves and being who she is. She wears her overcoming many odds success stories as a badge of honor considering the struggles her ancestors bared to make it possible for her to be here today.

Through struggle and grit in a more than 90 percent White male tech industry, Dr. Cheeks fulfilled a lifelong goal to earn a Ph.D. in computer science. This leap from

industry into being a full-time student would come with many bends, twists and turns and shifting priorities. But the difference maker came when she became a National GEM Consortium GEM Fellow at Arizona State University.

The National GEM Consortium GEM Fellows is among very few programs in the U.S. designed to pay tuition and stipend for underrepresented groups (i.e., African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans) who are often excluded from opportunities to advance.

with no strings attached.

GEM’s vision, that began in response to the 1960s civil rights advocacy, is a U.S. STEM workforce, where all are valued and empowered to realize their fullest potential through parity of access to senior levels, leading to scientific advancement that drives global innovation and maximizes social and economic impact. GEM prepare technical leaders for advanced careers in industry, academia, and government agencies by identifying and selecting highly qualified GEM Fellows to complete a program of graduate study and internships. Through their university, corporate members, and other strategic partners, GEM develops funding to award fellowships and builds mentor networks to support Fellows in achieving academic and professional success.

STEM arena in downtown Phoenix, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. More importantly though, it will convene the next generation of leaders and Dr. Cheeks involvement will allow them to recognize the heights that they can achieve, after all you can’t be what you can’t see.

Dr. Loretta H. Cheeks

When Dr. Cheeks was awarded the GEM Fellowship, this did two things. It made it easier for research advisors to accept her into their lab, because they were gaining a student at no cost and it relieved her financial barrier. It’s been said, the GEM Fellowship come

Dr. Cheeks will receive the Alumni Leadership Award at The National GEM Consortium’s (GEM’s) 46th Annual Conference and Gala, which recognizes and celebrates her role as an influential leader, with a deep commitment and passion for public service, and dedication to creating better opportunities for members of underrepresented groups in STEM-related fields.

This year’s gala will convene some of the most accomplished diverse senior executives from across the

Dr. Loretta Cheeks, Ph.D., is a senior executive leader, an entrepreneur, a speaker, and a recognized expert in artificial intelligence, computing and technology. She has three decades of leadership experience, developing and deploying large-scale systems and leading various teams within the ground and satellite communications, avionics, energy systems instrumentation and control and chemical industries for Fortune 500 corporations. Dr. Cheeks is founder and CEO of DS Innovation, a small business founded in 2018 and based in Arizona. Dr. Cheeks also is committed to improving science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) secondary and higher education for underserved and underrepresented groups to follow in her scientific footsteps. To do that, Dr. Cheeks founded “Strong TIES,” a nonprofit established in 2014.

For more information about GEM Consortium, visit gemfellowship.org.

The post Dr. Cheeks A National ‘GEM’ In STEAM appeared first on Arizona Informant.

USC Outlast Arizona State

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer

It was a night filled with offensive highlights and ath leticism by USC quarterback Caleb Williams. He helped run and pass the offense to the tune of 487 total yards in a 42-25 win over Arizona State at the Coliseum.

The Trojans 5-0, (3-0 PAC) jumped out to a 21-10 second quarter lead when Williams drove the Trojans 94 yards in 10 plays. During the drive he connected with Jor dan Addison for 13 yards, Brenden Rice a fabulous catch and run for 31-yards.

On a second and goal from the four-yard line Wil liams faked a handoff rolled to his right, then fired a laser to Mario Williams to cap off the drive.

The sophomore QB finished the day completing 27 of 37 passes for 348 yards and three touchdowns. He con nected with eight different receivers on the night.

Addison led the way with 8 receptions for 105 yards. Rice had three for 72 yards and Mario Williams had Kyrod Hudson had 3 for 46 yards and a TD.

He also ran for 44-yards and scored on a one-yard run.

“I try to be the best leader I can,” said Caleb. “I am still

learning how to be a good leader. When you face adversity in a game you have to be ready our team kept playing and responding tonight.”

The Trojans ran their PAC-12 record to 3-0 and are

undefeated with crosstown rival UCLA. It was the 4th forty-point scoring game of the season for the Trojans.

Addison had another 100-yard receiving game- “Every time the ball comes to me I try to make a play,” said the Biletnikoff winner. “Anything to help the team.”

The defense allowed 243 yards through the air as Sun Devil’s QB Emery Jones went 23 of 32 with one TD pass.

With a ten point lead it took an interception by Cul len Bullock with a return of 56 yards to seal the deal. The former Pasadena Muir High standout has two on the sea son including one he returned for 93 yards earlier in the year.

Gentry led all tacklers with six, five of them solo, fol lowed by Shane Lee with five.

NEXT UP: WSU at the Coliseum Saturday with a 4:30 kick-off-“I do know the linebackers and safeties are active.”

Said USC coach Lincoln Riley.

Rams Have a Tough Night on the Road

Clippers Outlast Portland in Seattle, Washington

By Cleavon Steele Voice of the Fans

The Los Angeles Clippers improved to 2-0 in their pre-season games, with a 102-97 victory over the Portland Trailblazers. The atmosphere was electric at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA. Although the crowd was enthusias tic about watching NBA basketball for the first time in 14 years, all eyes were on Kawhi Leonard as he returned to the Clippers’ starting lineup after recovering from an injury that sidelined him for 16 months.

“Just being out there with the guys and talking, I defi nitely missed it. It was a great experience for me,” a relieved Kawhi said about getting back to the business of basketball.

His stat line was a modest three of eight from the field in 16 minutes of play, but Leonard looked aggressive ini tiating his offense and showed no signs of physical limita tions on the court. Coach Ty Lue was encouraged by what he saw from Leonard in his brief outing.

“I thought Kawhi did a great job tonight. Offensively he got a little tired, but seeing him on the court makes a big difference for our team,” Coach Lue explained.

It was also the first time since the said injury that Kawhi got an opportunity to play with Paul George. The benefit of having Leonard back in the lineup was evident as George went four for seven from the field, scoring 12 points in 16 minutes. His defense provided energy for the entire team, and George looked more comfortable with another scoring threat on the court to take some of the pressure off.

“I could’ve shown off the speed in the halfcourt, but I was just trying to run the sets and get used to being in the moment with certain guys, trying to push the pace and keep the pace into the game.” John Wall said after his Clippers’ debut focused primarily on getting his teammates involved and executing the offense, as opposed to showing off his scoring ability.

Overall, the Clippers looked good defensively in all three phases of the game, contesting shots on the perime ter, guarding the interior effectively, and limiting fast break points. As coach Lue mentioned, it will take time for the team to develop the chemistry they strive for, but the work in progress is off to a good start.

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer

It was a tough Monday night for the Rams as Talanoa Hfunga returned an interception for a score and the 49ersbeat the Rams 24-9.

“We knew it would be an ice-bag game,” said the for mer USC All-American. “Every time we play these guys it’s a physical matchup. For us as a defense, we want to be the rock. We want to be solid on defense, stand our ground and go out there and swarm.”  Rams QB Matt Stafford completed 32 of 48 passes for 254 yards and the offense could muster up three field goals. The bright spot for the offense was Cooper Kupp’s 14 catches for 122 yards, while Tyler Higbee had 10 catches for 73 yards.

It was the Niners (2-2) seventh straight regular-sea

son win over their in-state rivals. The Rams (2-2) won the matchup that meant most in last season’s NFC champion ship game on the way to a Super Bowl title, but this meet ing looked more like their recent regular-season meetings.

Nick Bosa had two of San Francisco’s seven sacks against Stafford to give him an NFL-best six on the season and Hufanga iced it with his 52-yard pick-6 in the fourth quarter. It was San Francisco’s fourth pick-6 against the Rams in their last six regular-season meetings.

Samuel has scored seven TD’s and thrown another touchdown in eight career games against Los Angeles.

“The story of the night from an offensive perceptive was self-inflicted wounds,” McVay said. “Just above the neck errors where we’re not doing the things that we are capable of and I expect us to be better than that.”

The RAMS host Dallas this week at SoFi Stadium.

Chargers Start Fast Then it’s “Defense”

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer

In the NFL “The best thing you can do is learn how to forget.” Those words were uttered by Hall of Fame coach Hank Stram. That was what the Chargers following a 3810 loss last week to Jacksonville.

They came out and pounced on Houston jumping out to a twenty-point halftime lead and with help from the defense defeating the Texans 34-24 in front of 69,071 atNRC Stadium.

It was the defense that helped get things the board early in first. Kahil Mack put heavy pressure on QB Davis Mills causing the ball to float slowly allowing Nasir Adder ley to get under it picking it off. He then returned it 30 yards to the Texans 25. Three plays later Justin Herbert hit Gerald Everett with an 18-yard TD pass giving LA a 7-0 lead. It was the first of two on the day to for Herbert.

The third year QB who is playing with fractured rib cartilage connected on 27 of 39 passes for 340 yards, giving him seven straight road games throwing for 300-yards.

Mike Williams led all receivers with seven for 120 yards.

Herbert was steady all day even though the o-line was missing Pro Bowl tackle Rashawn Slater out with an injury.

Austin Eckler put together 121-total yards from scrim mage. The 5-11, 200 pounder had a team high 60-yards on the ground to go with four catches for another 61.

The six-year veteran also broke through after going without a touchdown over the Chargers first three games. He also amassed 60 rushing yards in 13-carries after gain ing only 80 yards in 32 attempts in Weeks 1-3.

He scored on runs of 10 and 20 yards before taking a short pass from Herbert and diving into the front corner of the end zone for the game-sealing 14-yard touchdown with2:28 on the clock.

“We’ve faced some adversity, which is kind of the best way to start a season because it’s going to tell you a lot about your team,” Eckler said. “I felt like we were able to put something together today even though it was still a

battle.”

The defense allowed just one first half touchdown. They gave up 246 yards passing and 131 on the ground most coming on a 75-yard run by Dameon Pierce. Drue Tranquill led the team tacklers with six, five of them solo.

“Very pleased with those two. I think that Drue [Tran quill] is playing at a very high level through four games,” said head coach Brandon Staley afterwards. “He’s playing as well as anybody on our defense, if not the best on our defense right now. Just really proud of his progress, the way he’s leading our unit. He’s active in all ways; run game, pass game, pass rush. He’s commanding the middle of the defense. I thought that Kenneth [Murray Jr.] has made big strides. He’s still improving, but I think that he’s been ac tive. He’s been around the football. He has been a produc tive blitzer for us. The more that he plays, the better he is going to get.”

CHARGER NOTES: The BOLTS (2-2)travel to Cleveland this week- The Texan (1-3) Jamaree Salyer made sure he made the most of his first NFL start. The rookie was thrown into action after Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater suffered a torn biceps the previous week.

The rookie from Georgia didn’t bat an eye. Accord ing to analytics website Pro Football Focus, Salyer had an overall grade of 78.6, which was the fifth-best of any Chargers player from Week 4. He helped keep Herbert off his back as the offense racked up 34 points and 419-yards of total offense. The o-line only allowed one sack on the day and have allowed the fewest sacks in the short four game campaign… Mike Brandy had two receptions for 49-yards both coming in the second quarter. The big one being a 24-yarder before the half on third and five where he stepped out of bounds after the catch and allowed Dustin Hopkins to kick one of his three field goals. Bundy who’s a stand-out from Servite High and U. of San Diego.

Chargers GM Tom Tolesco told the ‘Petros and Mon ey’ show about the So Cal native. “When you’re quick, tough and smart they will find a place for you in this league.”

Nov

2021; Tempe, Arizona, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. (1) runs past Arizona State Sun Devils Logan Tyler (17) in the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. (Photo: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY SportsRob Schumacher, Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports)

(Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

Save Our Water Partners with African American Beauty and Barber ShopsAcross California to Share Water Conservation Tips

(Sacramento, Ca.) – Black-owned beauty and barber shops have partnered with Save Our Water to provide clients with water saving tips and resources to encourage conservation as a part of their daily lives. The initiative launched on September 30 and will continue through October 9 at locations in Sacramento, Fresno, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego.

“Partnering with trusted community members at places like beauty salons and barbershops will encourage more Californians to have conversations about their water use and implementing easy water saving practices,” said Margaret Mohr, Deputy Director of Communications for the California Department of Water Resources. “We appreciate all these businesses helping to get the word out to their customers because all our actions make a collective impact.”

The program distributes educational and promotional materials for local businesses to share. Participating salons and barbershops have branded capes, t-shirts, and travelsize toiletries for clients, as well as contest entry boxes for customers to enter a raffle to win $1,000 towards updating the winner’s garden with drought-tolerant plants.

“We are happy to partner with Save Our Water to help educate our community and create a local space to talk about water conservation,” said Steven Gray, owner of Cali

Coast Barbershop. “We’re working to make sure everyone in our community feels empowered to make conserving a part of their daily routine.”

Beauty salons and barbershops have always been an integral part of communities by supporting business ownership, contributing to the local economy, and providing cultural connections and opportunities to talk, share and build long-lasting relationships. Now, these shops are joining the important movement of building water resilience for future generations.

Los Angeles participating shops and beauty stores include LaDifference Hair Salon, Kings & Queens Salon, Detour Hair Studio, Hair by Texture, The Shop at the Top Salon, In the Cut Barbershop, Textured Tech Beauty Supply Store, International Beauty Supply, Just Showin Off, Spa 313, Really Raw Hair and Glow and Flow Beauty Supply Store.

Save Our Water welcomes other business partners and encourages Californians to check with their local water agency to learn more about rebates and resources to help residents make water-smart updates inside and outside their home, including updating outdoor spaces with water-wise landscaping. For contact information and more water saving tips and resources, including drought tolerant landscaping ideas, visit SaveOurWater.com.

The City of Inglewood and the California Department of Public Health Hosted a Fall Family Health Fest

(Inglewood, Ca.) – On Saturday, September 24, 2022, Councilwoman Dionne Faulk of Inglewood Dis trict 4, in partnership with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vaccinate ALL 58 campaign and KJLH-FM 102.3, presented the Fall Family Health Fest. The event took place at the center of Inglewood, across from Inglewood High School at Grevillea Park. The festi val brought family fun, COVID-19 vaccines, and updated boosters for those 12 years and older as well as vaccines for children 6 months and older, along with health screenings, a kids’ zone, face paintings, music, dance and more to the

community.

“We have seen the devastation that the pandemic has caused our Black and Brown communities over the last few years. The City of Inglewood suffered for a very long time with extremely high COVID-19 infection rates compared to other surrounding cities in the South Bay, so it was ex tremely exciting to have the Fall Family Health Fest that focused on providing free vaccinations, boosters, and other health services to my community in Inglewood where these services are needed most,” said Councilwoman Faulk. “We want our Black and Brown communities to thrive, and it

starts with the health of our community.”

The health fest was part of the continuous efforts of CDPH’s Vaccinate ALL 58 campaign to bring awareness and COVID-19 vaccination services to members of the community throughout California. The combined effort with Councilwoman Faulk, focused on keeping the com munity strong and safer with the updated booster, which can help avoid the worst COVID-19 has to offer, including hospitalization and death.

Inglewood resident Mark Raymond stated that “After careful thought and research, I decided it was in the best interest of my health to get the booster. Today, I happened to walk up to the event, and it was there, so I couldn’t re

fuse it.”

The day was marked with fun events that brought to gether local celebrities such as the performer Tia P., who sang her upbeat song “Green Cadillac”; Inglewood High School Music Band; Old School Skinny and Double Dutch jump rope performances. In an atmosphere of cel ebration and fun welcoming the fall season, parents and their kids participated in several activities at the kid’s zone, which featured face paintings, caricature drawings and cre ative balloon art.

In addition to COVID-19 vaccines and updated boosters, the event also offered glucose, blood pressure and anemia screenings, and resource information from orga nizations and partners such as Save Our Water, Covered California, Eisner Health, Martin Luther King Jr. Com munity Hospital, WIN Los Angeles, Crystal Stairs, Inc., and others.

Visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255 to sched ule your vaccine or booster today.

Councilwoman Dionne Faulk and her family proudly received the updated COVID-19 booster shot.

(Photo Credit: Blacklight Imaging)

Mary Brisco and family proudly display their Covid-19 Vaccination cards and $50 gas gift cards after receiving Covid-19 vaccines or updated Covid-19 booster shots. (Photo Credit: Backlight Imaging)

From left to right, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr.; Inglewood District 4 Councilwoman Dionne Faulk; and Inglewood District 1 Councilman George Dotson during Fall Family Health Fest in Inglewood.

(Photo Credit: Backlight Imaging)

Inglewood Unified School District Board President, Margaret Evans proudly displays her arm with

Covid-19 booster shot. (Photo Credit: Backlight Imaging)