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wo A pr c e P a frica followi ), the n iation f envi esents a rrest of n Am ng st ati or honoronmen nother o two Bla a e t rican emenon’s prem the men t foll i er C r the li t for Afr minous ck men owin er in a publ ommiss fe and w ican Am signal at a P P h ilade g towa ic unres ion foun ork of D ericans of the inhiladelp lyears BAKER . h rds b t in o d ra c L i r r S cism . King a ess than easingl a Starb ecom ur c b efore on Calif FIE nd 5 and ing a omm two y dan ucks orni h 0 u p g w b i s e natio nitie o e fre y e r ed w convict a n wh s, we lice brut ears afte eks after ous ion i r the ality t we ere a still h even Vicente in days, perso have a at th Kern e t n B ng w rooyou 1993 hough enavi tent is jud2.loWhen t of see this logo scan 1. Get the app by scanning or download it was convic the stat d not t of theirged by t ay to go he whole picture with this QR code with your from Google Play the he co over c injur false. M tion on e S lo o haracter cong a i tablet or smart phone. or The App Store or smartphone. f the tablet ation “The Sryour a a n nnou es recan ny doct ro d o t n e insig provi tarbuckir skin. d c fi rst-d ed Tu . Ker rs eg n e ure ht rega des dan s situw o uld b ree mu sday tha C impl of our rding t gerous r d e o e n “ ra tp di drefus icit bia nation he failchar degree mfficult, if nd tha s t e o s g to b eriou not e, he take urde unc ism onscious elieve thsly. We Bena would r. Even im u if B b n w v a e ti id Bus of— e are bias—t t our ton, l a court es will r immedia can h o f e Ker iness P t e w r e s n u and acay and pokesw order to main o t fieldn Coun ionee polic into ou does m naware n o R New ty S r Aw NA o i a r e rder ehabilit man for release h k s . actio e its s Ob uper ard W Sta ACP P ation i i t s h n p e “ r serv ior C s r inne W Cali m ovid . Be Blac and e k the bucks reside “ er p ourt f I r; Ju e n ’ k d v a w n n ow hot ould e seen , Thor vides o requ men (NA failur situat t and o) . (Carin dge G nto if t it h be co ire si in P ion ACP e of C E h gto loria O andc x po hilad wo ) our prov Bena within a appen i n said.

Der nP l e h u d —De i i l n c d n i r ff a p rich J Cann f sw vid atio es d ick few ug or hia as an e offi ett/ on o n to ang John Detr ay to sc Pre rrick er w hter, Co es was b days,” little a thenwaiting d arres cers to Bak oit? side take erou son s a h she s n Joh t a s t o ers-f o s b a u o l w y y t emer t wo Or lw e s n stand e be order hem nt a nso imp s insig ays t genc rk. Thlo Verdu itting h aid gin nd C n, N coffe licit Step fired at explain ould be ht r hat t t h d a is g e y o l g t l e o, ct ow e, b hon o t EO bias egar he r m AAC Clar en time Saheed Vshot at b ack, defe ors that oom. Sh couple la in Dela i seri ding P ous a s for s ind stat underthe s “Every s k y n b a ous an w ss y a that dead nd rea uch o e that out o se said the girl e died a ter brou n ly. expl tereotyp day peo he w police o as shot a d shot ell, a me homeow c v l b h t y e g ain w f the the g a i r o es an ple o t d z f ffi as t2 are p orce nt n ealle n ea irl m ad hit h out a w h hy 1 aiof by t ary uCalifornia for a ast glad the culpcers in S 0 times d by poally-ill mer just o . GNumber A fo house May emb f cNewspapers olor e Volume133 30 Observer Southern Thursday, 31, 2018 d s e a e t 4-ye dGroup e r y e i t c a h o n h h o E a u r a i n l e n th rit re e gun. j a a n ar-ol edded find t t. serve ose w f SCA T AP e cas sponcrament d hit 8 ice office n in Brotside the uries fro nsic pat d Benav ve been ad on d Br hem ho f e a “ a n o A h t P e i m s r r i N s o d d , e i o s g s m ll to s way of St b k elv nnan es br truck irl’s i l o proYO QR . arbu le for b based on es, main. Or wh i n being ogist Walkf others. es at th whil s by me o often cks t reaki ly in y m But n juries w sodom conclud efly lost t e me h PHOUR TA CODE er w H t e d e h i n h o B a e e a i e ed t t e g a z . w s d s l c r r h h a e e t a s c e i i R i r e u d c o e c B y n no o l is k ty a NE. miss else ca of LET WIT ne m to cars. mption sault w al record y all late caused b , and se hat th train comm so dangcism an sues are ed h n we H vera O y W r s i h d i s d i i e re se th s bu took an en e R SM SEA ue to ng on i tting m rous w biases iscusse s on a wa are an d other the gir at indic canted, xual assa l d m d i o t l R f A h l r a p i l a s l e a c n i n ult a let ted wa d nj RT t e the licit b GO CH O y o r p cons ias anesources t just gomake simassing e sible some sai uries ma s first ho there wing they N OR OGLE P d , eque y p h ” acc a s nces d racism to discu away wi ply bre isodic ordin the purp have bee pitalized s no evid LAY DOW of ou . If w ssion thou athin orted n cau . The g t o g t , r fail e refu y the s s educ our s FRO NLO ure t tate cause of ed by he also ion oo do se to, we at“Los Angeles County Supr thedecrisis r M T AD a a is doing its part to address n t APP ’ll co eme h “an me so.” d 2. L H n C E t o i O STO nof homelessness, as well as the dire affordable housing shortage urt’s atom LOG OK F rulin RE that is forcing even more men, women and children into homeO g O R TH lessness.

IS “While the Governor’s May Revise sets aside funds for emer3. S gency grants to tackle the crisis, bolder action and more systemic

By Lauren Poteat SMACAN L intervention is needed – one-time funds just won’t cut it. which is currently below three percent in San Francisco—Breed NNPA Newswire Contributor O RTP GO “A new California state Senate budget proposal that would This year, an unprecedented number of Black women have hopes to transform San Francisco into a the city that is inclusive HON WIT allocate $5 billion over four years to increase the construction of and equitable for everyone.

H YO made history running for political offices across the country.

E. LO cehousing affordable immediate and long-term solutions “I want to create a San Francisco where no one is forced U ANfund r is s Sand According to blackwomeninpolitics.com, a comprehensive R G r G a Bloo TAB c baby uisinagstep to homelessness inEthe LESright direction.” database that lists women of color running for political offices in or allowed to sleep on the street,” Breed said. “Where we help dlig e Jones t h h : t L an Fil ET O was while re e state p (AP) _ 2018, currently, over 600 Black female candidates are running for prevent people from falling into homelessness in the first place, Baker m ReviedwBami p s r R A by preserving affordable housing and helping tenants stay in their offices nationwide.

T B ake uesd regnant. ponding ison syst Califo sfield Fres rsfield rnia a e t S In an election that is less than two weeks away, London homes; where we expand our navigation center shelter system y m o a Nat no i Bas State M ive Na Coo n Baker rah Coo a fight b after she correct Breed, the current president of San Francisco’s Board of and build modular homes to house people, as quickly as possible, ketb en’s med a e s g g ske io all C H fiel t le le fil s and where we make the tough investments in mental health and oac ead Supervisors, could become the city’s first Black female mayor. h ed a ween inmays she l n offi tionad for a le says she d. ost h d or We Raised by her grandmother in the poverty-stricken Plaza substance abuse treatment to get people the support they need.” a i s l t s s t e crim wasn Institu strenu old offi FREE! Breed added that she would challenge leaders in the the C will Reap inati s when s e East Public Housing in the Western Addition of San Francisco, ’ o t t o i c u n o p i o seque s a n o anot n law he London Breed, who was endorsed by U.S. Senator Kamala Harris technology, financial and healthcare industries, and even the nces her p ssible an in Teha position ls she w suit University of California at San Francisco, to do a better job (D-Calif.), said that this current platform serves as an excellent Env Whe osition d she’d h chapi. S at the C as pregn ir of hiring and promoting women, members of the LGBTQ Just onme opportunity to show the youth that anything is possible. w w h a a n h a lifo es nt ith ve il s Facinice Issu ntal “Every time someone stands up for what they believe in community and people of color. “lost e runnin he was a lower to eithe ays she rnia Co and Res g Kern es iden w rrec s r “We need to build bridges for our students with employers, g h ts Co. e s a and they are willing to work hard for something, it gives others t a v s ake l Dep er bab to sto en m lary. eave told tha a y p o permission to do the same,” Breed said. “I never thought I could unions, and industries early on, help them secure internships, r t n d m a t u o tion or t ent fight_ A hCalifornia s Opinion Sta become mayor. Seeing my name on the ballot the other day when apprenticeships and mentorships, and ensure they have access to did ONTARIO, of C e tCalif. a pl(AP) ept betw pregnanmother hasaccbeen : Poli notfor a o to 2 rbucks ce R c arrested investigation of murder in the death of her 7-monthr I voted was something I never imagined…I am proof that no the classes they need to excel in their chosen field,” Breed said. e t e r C , e im nta eco ectio har Blac CEO Coo boyfriend in Fa ging IC mmen rupt n inmahit ediatpolice On June 5, California will hold elections in their “top-two nsay kM old daughtermafter gle dream is too big. There will be obstacles and setbacks, but each s anshel intentionally tal C E Ag d tes her en AApolog u e rash ents r d l e y and fell primary election system,” for all candidates and party affiliations, . i with a car as he held the baby. ” r Com com voice is powerful. We need more voices in politics from people rest zes Th la ed e Ca Sarah mu19-year-old where the two people with the highest votes, will then advance to ent o says Ontario police Sgt. JeffmHigbee who come from different experiences.” n l r terGon beReha ifoShe’s the l itymorning. mez was arrested after the death earlyn Tuesday Breed continued: “I hope that young people, no matter the general election. awsu b ia She In addition to California, in the state of Alabama, a record ing held on a $1 million bail. where they come from, what they look like, or how much money it. ilitaSay riff You s Higbee says Gomez and her boyfriend were arguing late they make, are inspired to rise up and make sure their voices are number of Black women are running for Democratic offices in Urg He Wa ngbloo d ing KillLondon A sN t the deep-red state, following Republican Roy Moore’s defeat.

Some political analysts say that has a good Monday after they had been drinking at a family gathering.

Inm nyone oBreed heard, because each and every one of us counts.” ates to chance In globalcitizen.org, it was reported that over 35 women Higbee says the couple left the gathering with the girl and Focused on affordable housing, education, homelessness, “Mee Cof winning on June 5 to become San Francisco’s first EO &mayor. (Wikimedia Commons) Black tfemale drove home. Higbee says the boyfriend got out of the car with the transportation, public safety and a low unemployment rate— Continued on page A3 Foun baby and that’s when Gomez hit them. der o f A relative took the father and daughter to a hospital, where the “ Ra m baby died. The father had minor injuries.

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Obs Black Women Make erveHistory r InOffice with Runs for Political tera ctiv e

nt. P Senate Budget: $5 ictu Billion to Tackle res Mov Homelessness Law e. A suit ds T D Alle i s a c l r k. L San Francisco’s London Breed is Leading the Pack Preg imina ges ive S nan tion b hop O ffice t Pri y ping s r on .

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The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation ((NCBCP) and Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) Launched a Black Women-Led Coalition Campaign in Georgia Focused on Leveraging the Power of Black Women’s Leadership and Vote In the 2018 Mid-Term Election Cycle and Beyond May 23, 2018 – Melanie L. Campbell, President and CEO of The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR), is mobilizing Black women across the country to get out the vote in the months to come leading into the Midterms. After spending several days in Georgia, canvassing, getting out the vote, conducting phone banking and going door-to-door, momentum is building to elect progressive candidates that are committed to the issues Black women care about.

Along with get out the vote efforts, robocalls were placed from Black celebrities including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, Susan L. Taylor and others for a digital social media campaign targeted in Georgia to over 80,000 households of Black women voters. Yesterday, election day, rides were provided to the polls and poll monitors were deployed to help protect voters as a partner with Election Protection.

Campbell shares her analysis of the results of the election, “Black women in Georgia showed in yesterday’s Georgia statewide primary they are ready for a power shift. Not only did Black\

Man Gets 23 Years in Sneakers Joke Fatal Shooting NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to more than 23 years in prison for fatally shooting a man during an argument that started over a joke about sneakers.

The Virginian-Pilot reports that Lloyd “Buddy’’ WhitleyCuffee was sentenced Friday in the 2017 killing of 23-year-old Keith “Byrd’’ Moore.

A witness testified that Moore was making fun of WhitleyCuffee’s younger brother’s black Pumas outside a convenience store the night of April 13, 2017.

The witness said Jaquan Whitley told Moore he was going to have someone beat him up. That led to the eventual confrontation between Moore and Whitley’s older brother. Moore challenged Whitley-Cuffee to a fight, but Whitley-Cuffee pulled out a gun and shot Moore.

In October, Whitley-Cuffee pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

LA County Registrar Partners with Lyft and Uber for Election Day

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Department of Justice to Investigate Police Shootings

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) reads from a letter that was later delivered to the Justice Department. In the letter, Congressional Black Caucus members called for the Justice Department to investigate the killings of unarmed Blacks by law enforcement.

Mom Arrested for Suspicion of Murdering Her Baby

By Manny Otiko California Black Media The California legislature has taken concrete steps to try to address officer police shootings. Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on Public Safety has announced it will create a unit of the Department of Justice (DOJ) designated to investigate officer shootings.

The committee also allocated $9.7 million to fund the team through 2018-19. The DOJ team will consist of three groups of investigators in three regions of the state. However, the investigations still have to be requested by a local law enforcement agency or district attorney.

Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D- Sacramento) applauded the move, according to a news release.

“Continued incidents of officer-involved shootings of civilians have caused a growing public skepticism of law enforcement and a conflict of interest for local district attorneys investigating officers,” said McCarty. “Today’s action will help build public trust and confidence in these investigations by allowing an independent review of these incidents by professionals within the California Department of Justice. Taxpayers and the families of those killed by law enforcement deserve nothing less.”

McCarty attempted to pass legislation that would have addressed police shootings. McCarthy’s Assembly Bill 284, would have required independent investigations of police shootings, but it stalled in the legislature. According to a 2017 California Black Media story, Betty Williams, president of the Sacramento NAACP, said the bill had been gutted during the “July 3 massacre.”

AB 284 also faced pushback from law enforcement unions.

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LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk (RR/CC) Dean C. Logan announced Uber and Lyft will now be featured on the RR/CC’s online Polling Place Locator tool. Voters will be able to easily request a ride directly from the locator tool to their polling place on Election Day, June 5th.

The Polling Place Locator tool can be found on LAvote.net.

Once a voter inputs their information, the locator will display the voter’s polling place and both ridesharing apps will be easily accessible.* “We’re thrilled to partner with Los Angeles County to promote civic engagement by providing our millions of riders and drivers with resources to find their local polling place and vote on election day,” said Tom Maguire, Uber West General Manager.

Partnering with Uber and Lyft will ensure voters have alternative options to easily get to their polling place.

“Lyft is proud to partner with LA County to make it easier to vote,” said Brian McGuigan, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Lyft. “Lack of access to reliable transportation is one barrier to voting and LA County is a leader in harnessing technology to make voting more accessible and convenient to all.” *Voters who select Lyft will need to have the app already installed on their mobile device before requesting a ride from the Polling Place Locator.

Flight School Employees Accused of Kidnapping

REDDING, Calif. (AP) - Northern California authorities have arrested two flight school employees on suspicion of kidnapping a student pilot and trying to send him back to his native China.

Redding police say instructor Jonathan McConkey and his assistant, Kelsi Hoser, were taken into custody May 25 at the city’s airport. It wasn’t known Monday if they have attorneys.

Tianshu Shi, a trainee in the US on a student visa, sustained minor injuries.

Sgt. Gary Meadows says the pair assaulted Shi at his apartment and brought him forcibly to the airport.

Shi tells the Record Searchlight newspaper he recorded the confrontation. On the recording a male voice says: “The United States government needs you out of this country.’’ A female voice says: “If you don’t go with us, you go to jail.’’

World & Nation

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THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

School Choice Not the Right Choice

By Dr. Elizabeth Primas Program Manager, NNPA/ESSA Public Awareness Campaign When the best educators in America traveled to Washington, D.C. for a series of events celebrating innovation in the classroom and to share best practices in K-12 education, they let officials at the Department of Education and the White House know exactly how they felt about the Trump Administration’s current push for school choice programs.

According to edchoice.org, school choice programs allow, “public education funds to follow students to the schools or services that best fit their needs—whether that’s to a public school, private school, charter school, home school.”

In April 2018, the Department of Education (ED) hosted the “Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s Drum Major Legacy: Innovative Pathways to Success” celebration; the event was sponsored by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans in collaboration with the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

The Education Department’s MLK Legacy event honored individuals who perform extraordinary acts of service in their communities, specifically those individuals who support highquality education for children of color. Many of the awardees work with parents or community groups that provide primary care for children; some even provide educational support services outside of the traditional public school model.

School choice became a hot topic during the event, as several attendees were visibly disgruntled at the mention of the controversial approach.

The Trump Administration has proposed to decrease funding to authorized investments for public schools while increasing funding opportunities for school choice programs and private school vouchers. Ninety percent of children in America attend public schools. Increased funding to school choice programs,

Cerita Battles is a Senior Vice President and Head of Retail Diverse Segments for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. (Wells Fargo Home Mortgage)

Cerita Battles is a Senior Vice President and Head of Retail Diverse Segments for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Cerita and her team are responsible for the development, implementation and execution of national strategies to increase and sustain homeownership among low-to-moderate (LMI) income and minority borrowers and communities. Those strategies include, but are not limited to, sourcing real estate practitioners and builders doing business in LMI and minority communities; recruitment and retention of diverse sales staff; partnering with non-profit agencies to provide homeownership counseling; and facilitating activities to increase awareness about products and programs to help families achieve and sustain the dream of homeownership.

During a recent interview with the NNPA Newswire, Ms. Battles said that it’s important for Wells Fargo to be present in the communities that the company serves and that partnering with African American newspapers to share information about homeownership is one of the strategies that Wells Fargo uses to help more African American families become homeowners.

“African Americans need to have the confidence and knowledge to recognize that they can be homeowners, and that a lender, like Wells Fargo, truly wants to help them meet their home-financing needs,” Ms. Battles said. “The Black Press, and other media for that matter, helps us share these messages with those who desire to obtain and sustain homeownership.”

Ms. Battles has been in the financial industry for over 29 years and 21 years specifically dedicated to mortgage. Ms. Battles has held several leadership positions with Merrill Lynch, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America within Sales, Product & Program Development, Strategic Partnerships and Diverse Segments.

Ms. Battles is a graduate of the University of Phoenix where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. She is a member of several trade, member and civic organizations both nationally and locally.

Ms. Battles resides in St. Augustine, Florida with her husband, Ronald and their beautiful 14-year old daughter, Myka Renae.

learn more >

News Observer The Valley’s

Adjudicated a Newspaper of General Circulation on July 2, 1991, Los Angeles Superior Court Decree, Case No. BS007262, Government Code 6023.

while reducing funding to public schools is a strategy that leaves behind our most vulnerable students.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has repeatedly said that she’s committed to uphold the intentions of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the education law signed by President Barack Obama. However, the prioritization of school choice programs in the proposed FY2019 budget contradicts one of the original intentions of the law: to promote equity and increase access to high-quality education for all students. Furthermore, prioritization of school choice isolates homeless children, migrant children, youth in foster care and children from military families.

In fact, ESSA requires that school districts report student outcomes for these groups for the very first time.

The 2018 Teacher of the Year awardees echoed similar concerns during their annual White House visit in April. The top teachers in the country reported that they did not approve of funding private schools at the expense of their most vulnerable, at-risk students.

Every child should be entitled to high-quality education in the United States of America. Every neighborhood school should be equipped to provide high-quality courses and curriculum. Every student should have highly-qualified teachers and a menu of extra-curricular activities to choose from. Until the administration prioritizes the equitable improvement of all schools, their verbal commitment to uphold the original intent of ESSA is just another “alternative fact.”

Dr. Elizabeth Primas was the 2000 Teacher of the Year award recipient for Washington, D.C. Dr. Elizabeth Primas is an educator, who spent more than 40 years working towards improving education for children of diverse ethnicities and backgrounds. Dr. Primas is the program manager for the NNPA’s Every Student Succeeds Act Public Awareness Campaign. Follow Dr. Primas on Twitter @ElizabethPrima3.

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Credo-The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accounts to every person, regardless of race, color, or creed full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as any one is held back.

The Observer Group Newspapers reserves the right to publish views an opinions that may not necessarily reflect those of the staff and management and are soleley the product of the responsible individuals who submit commentaries published in these newspapers.

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Meet Cerita Battles: Senior Vice President and Head of Retail Diverse Segments for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Los Angeles News Observer Bakersfield News Observer The Valley’s News Observer 1219 20th St. Bakersfield, Ca 93301 Mailing Address P.O. Box 2341 Bakersfield, CA 93303 Phone (661) 324-9466 FAX. (661) 324-9472 emails- General info: observernews@gmail. com Advertising: observeradvertising@gmail.com Online: www.ognsc.com Dr. Elizabeth Primas

When Are Enough Taxes Enough?

By Jerome E. Horton, Board of Equalization District 3 Special to California Black Media Partners Over the years, California has collected enough taxes to fully fund education, fix our water issues, and repair our roads – but has chosen to redirect the funds for other priorities. According to the Governor, this year California is collecting more taxes than expenditures, with billions leftover in reserves. At what point is enough taxes on the poor - middle income enough?

Yet, California, the 5th largest economy in the world, is 36th in the nation in educational attainment, 39th in school quality, 13th in school safety and has the lowest percentage of high school diploma holders in the nation, according to WalletHub’s analyses. Even worse, there have been 19 school shootings in California since 1990 and many other types of assaults on teachers and students.

This is in part due to easy access to weapons and the elimination of mental and social health intervention programs in our schools, such as counseling and nursing for students with psychological challenges, and training in social skills, vocational skills, and courses on civil and moral values that provide students alternatives to negative engagements. We often ask ourselves “ If I only saw the signs... .” Years ago, we had trained professionals

on the campus who could help with these issues and parents who had access to quality health care that would help them address mental illness. Today, many of these intervention measures have been cut out of the budget.

Equally frustrating, Californians pay the highest sales and income taxes in the nation, and the 2nd highest gas tax in the nation. Yet upwards of 16% of California’s college students are from foreign countries, not because they are more qualified but because they pay more in tuition. This has contributed to the issuance of 144,000 work visas to foreign workers, who take American jobs.

Californians are taxed for a lot of worthy things but at some point we have to set limits and priorities. If we consolidate our resources and require all programs to meet performance measures and mandate effectiveness and eliminate redundancy and fraud – we can prioritize funding for education, employment, and affordable housing – so that people can own a home in a safe community, obtain high quality education and training for their children and take care of their families. As you ponder what and who to vote for consider that “Voting is like hiring a doctors, you want to make sure they come will enough experience to operate and that you get what you pay for. “

By TERRY TANG Associated Press Starbucks will close more than 8,000 stores nationwide Tuesday to conduct anti-bias training, the next of many steps the company is taking to try to restore its tarnished image as a hangout where all are welcome.

After the arrests of two black men in Philadelphia

last month at one of its stores, the coffee chain’s leaders apologized and met with the two men, but also reached out to activists and experts in bias training to put together a curriculum for its 175,000 workers.

Tuesday’s four-hour session will give workers a primer on the history of civil rights from the 1960s to present day.

Workers will also view a short documentary film.

Starbucks Closing 8,000 Stores for Anti-Bias Training BORN TO BE GREAT To be ready for the jobs of the future, students need learning experiences that meet them where they are, engage them deeply, let them progress at a pace that meets their individual needs, and helps them master the skills for today and tomorrow. To learn more about ESSA and how you can get involved, visit www.nnpa.org/essa.

Made possible by a grant from the

© 2018 National Newspaper Publishers Association. All rights reserved

Thursday, May 31, 2018

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A3

Features Possible Police Cover Up Sent an Innocent Black Man to Prison For 24 Years US Supreme Court to Reopen the Case

John Wright House is said to have hidden blacks fleeing racial terrorism in 1923

Florida Home w/Ties Race Riot Up for Sale ROSEWOOD, Fla. (AP) _ A home believed to have sheltered African-Americans hiding from a week of mob violence in 1923 is up for sale.

Known as “The John Wright House’’ in Levy County, it’s one of the few remaining original structures of Rosewood, the small town that was once a thriving community of black homeowners.

The community was the site of a deadly race riot that ended with homes being burned down and at least eight people killed _ six of them black. It was one of the more well-documented atrocities African-Americans endured in Florida.

The Gainesville Sun reports the two-story home and 35-acre property is just too large for the elderly owner. Her daughter and son-in-law are real estate agents and say they want to ensure the new owner appreciates its significance.

Inside the home lives Fujiko Scoggins, an 84-year-old Japanese woman who survived the Battle of Saipan during World War

II. She bought the home in 1977 for $90,000 with her then-husband Doyal Scoggins, a retired Air Force major.

They liked the house for its appearance and quiet surroundings, but knew nothing of its history.

Five years later the story of the Rosewood Massacre surfaced.

It is believed that Wright house was used to shelter blacks hiding from the turmoil unfolding, as they escaped to other towns on a nearby train. People hid in the surrounding woods, homes, wells and swamp, sometimes using dogs to transfer written notes back and forth.

Since the deadly events were reported in 1982 by Gary Moore, a journalist for the then-St. Petersburg Times, the home hasn’t been up for sale, until now. It is believed that Wright house was used to shelter blacks hiding from the turmoil unfolding, as they escaped to other towns on a nearby train. People hid in the surrounding woods, homes, wells and swamp, sometimes using dogs to transfer written notes back and forth.

In 1994, Kevin Keith was found guilty of murder in Bucyrus, Ohio, but new evidence points to a police cover up.

Proving Innocence spotlights the 1994 trial and conviction of Kevin Keith, a black man found guilty of murder in Bucyrus, Ohio. The verdict, and death penalty recommendation by the jury, came despite what his defense team claims to be a complete lack of physical evidence and having at least four witnesses who attest to Keith’s whereabouts as being more than 30 minutes away from the crime scene at the time.

Since that day in court, Keith’s brother, Charles, has dedicated his entire life to proving Keith’s innocence. He’s spent years educating himself on the judicial system and uncovering the truths behind what really happened. In 2010, only thirteen days before his impending execution, new evidence found by Charles Keith and Public Defender Rachel Troutman, presented to thenGovernor Ted Strickland convinced him to grant clemency, taking Keith off death row and reducing his sentence to life in prison. Since then, Charles has learned that there is even more shocking evidence that he believes will get his brother’s murder conviction overturned.

“The victims are not helped or honored, if the wrong person is punished for the crime,” said Ted Strickland, former Governor

of Ohio.

The U.S. Supreme Court Justices are currently reviewing Keith’s initial trial, as well as the new evidence put forth by his defense team. They are expected to make a decision as to whether or not Keith will be granted a re-trial on May 29th, 2018.

Proving Innocence is executive produced by Tent City principal Lori Rothschild Ansaldi. The trailer of the documentary can be viewed at www.justiceforkevinkeith.org About Tent City Productions Founded by Emmy award winning Producers, Lori Rothschild Ansaldi and Lisa Bourgoujian, Tent City Productions specializes in unscripted true crime and historical documentaries for all of the major broadcast, cable and digital networks throughout the world.

While both have a roster of credits in all fields including lifestyle, reality, competition-elimination, and documentary, their recent breakout hits THE CORONER: I SPEAK FOR THE DEAD, MURDER BOOK, DEADLY WIVES, KILLER CONFESSIONS and DIABOLICAL WOMEN have put them at the top of the true crime game. Tent City is owned by FremantleMedia North America, bringing true crime to the media giant’s already massive content portfolio.

Time for a Power Shift Continued from page A1

Victory by Georgia’s Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams, who, if elected, would become the first black woman governor.

Black Women Make History with Runs for Political Office color were running for various political offices in Alabama, including Suzanne Coleman, who, if she wins, will become one of the first Black females to serve District 5 in Alabama’s House of Representatives.

“Races such as these are never an easy task to complete, but I hope the precedent that Black women have set this year will be used as a framework by the youth for their own futures,” Coleman said. “With my platform I plan to focus on education equality, academic reform and public safety…children should know their history and laws should be made to fit everyone, not just a few.”

Michigan State Rep. Erika Geiss, who is running to represent District 6 in the state senate, is focused on a number of issues including economics, education and criminal justice. Geiss believes that races such as these will prove to be a vital tool in placing more women of color in higher areas of office.

“This phenomenon of women of color running for political offices all across the country is showing little girls, women and young men that this is a space that is possible,” Geiss said.

“Community work is good, but we also need to get out there and represent on a legislative level, as well. One of the things that people need to know about Michigan is that this state is way more diverse than what has been [historically] represented legislatively.”

Celebrating the great achievement of Black women in America, with even bigger possibilities to come, Kamau Marshall, the director of African American media and the deputy national press secretary of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said that Black women in general, are recognizing their power and will play major roles in all elections, including the 2020 presidential race.

“A lot is happening in the world of women,” Marshall said. “Black women, all over, are capitalizing on their strengths, including London Breed, who will make an excellent mayor.”

Marshall continued: “This kind of power will inspire and wake others up, especially Black millennials, who will play a large role in the 2020 presidential elections.”

Deborah Scott, Executive Director, Georgia Stand Up state insurance commissioner of Georgia. Black women “We have to continue to connect “our” family issues, values, continue to show through the power of our leadership and vote agenda and policies to “our” Vote! We must continue to educate that if progressives want to win in today’s political environment, our communities, register more voters, fight against voter fatigue they must not only thank Black women for being their most loyal apathy and Stand-Up our power at the polls! Black women across voting base, they must invest in Black women running for office, the country and in the south are “sick and tired of being sick and invest in Black women-led organizations and ensure there is eq- tired” as our sister Fannie Lou Hamer, so fabulously captured our uity at the leadership decision-making tables in the Progressive feelings. So, today we say thank you to Black women for working Movement.” together. Please take time rest and take care of your families and NCBCP Unity ’18 Power of the Sister Vote Georgia Cam- yourself this weekend, you deserve it! It’s time “our time”; time paign Partners’ Quotes: for us to continue to organize, work together and Win. Black Latosha Brown, Co-Founder, Black Voters Matter and Women are Uniting because we know that when Black Women Board Member, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation work together...Our Families and communities Win!” “Once again the nation has witnessed the impact and hard BACKGROUND: work of southern Black women. When we work together we win.

NCBCP GA Unity ‘18 Campaign BWR state partners It is critical that we support groups and organizations on ground working in coalition with Campbell include: Deborah Scott, that are led by Black women that will mobilize voters for the lead- Executive Director, Georgia Stand Up; Helen Butler, Convener, ing work for the November 6 election. This is our time. We are Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable, Executive Director, Georgia the ones that will help make a true power shift in this country.” Coalition for the Peoples Agenda; Latosha Brown, Co-Founder, Helen Butler, Executive Director, Georgia Coalition for the Black Voters Matter, Oleta Fitzgerald, Regional Administrator, Peoples Agenda, Convener, Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative, Southern Regional Dishares “The historic election of having the first African Ameri- rector, Children’s Defense Fund, Felicia Davis, Convener Clayton can woman gubernatorial candidate on the statewide ballot for County GA BWR, Director, HBCU Green Fund; GA, Atlanta the November election, the results also included another African Black Youth Vote. Over the course of the next seven months leadAmerican female for Insurance Commissioner. However, it is a ing up to the 2018 Mid-Term Elections the NCBCP Unity ’18 reflection of the participation of communities of color, especially Campaign will continue to galvanize Black women in key states African American women who are one of the highest turnout de- across the country. mographics in the state. Our coordinated non-partisan efforts of The effort by the Unity ’18 Campaign in Georgia, follows educating voters and protecting the right to vote through Election the recent launch of the Unity ’18 Black Voting & Power BuildProtection allowed voters to elect the candidates of their choice.” ing “Time4APowerShift” National Campaign (Unity ’18) in AtFelicia Davis, Convener, Clayton County Georgia Black lanta, Georgia. The NCBCP Unity ’18 is a non-partisan national Women’s Roundtable, Director, HBCU Green Fund campaign that is laser focused on leveraging the power and im“We knew that the early vote showed that turnout would be pact of the Black vote and collective leadership, with a special ema major problem for the primary election on May 22nd So, we phasis on the South, Black women, young voters and returning were delighted to serve as a Unity ’18 partner to work around the citizens across the country where the Black vote will be key to clock in the final days of the primary to ensure Black women in shifting political power nationally and in states across the country Clayton County knew their vote was vital in determining who including AL, FL, GA, MD, MI, MS, NC, OH, PA, VA and the would be elected to statewide office in Georgia. We took the vote District of Columbia. to the people, canvassing beauty salons, nail shops, boutiques and Unity ’18 is phase one of a four-year campaign that includes festivals and had organizers on street corners letting folks know developing and organizing a long-term Black political and ecothat the election was coming and that the time to vote is NOW. nomic power building strategy that includes the 2018 Mid-Term We know the power of the sister vote in Clayton County we’re Election Cycle, 2019 Election Cycle, 2020 Presidential Election, the quintessential base for Black women’s leadership, especially 2020 Decennial Census and the 2021 Redistricting Fair Reprein the South.” sentation Process that will determine the balance of political powOleta Fitzgerald, Regional Administrator for the Southern er for the next decade and beyond.

Rural Black Women’s Initiative for Economic & Social Justice In 2018, there are key elections that will impact the balance (SRBWI) of political power----with the election of 435 members of the “The Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative for Econom- U.S. House of Representative, 33 U.S. Senators, 36 governors, 87 ic and Social Justice was pleased to enthusiastically connect its in- of the 99 state legislative chambers and 39 certified statewide baltergenerational network of women and young women across the lot initiatives[1]including Amendment 4 in Florida that restores Black Belt of Georgia to the NCBCP Unity ‘18 Campaign. We the right to vote for over 1.6 million Floridians with prior felony know that there is no more an important time for Black women’s convictions upon completion of their sentences and many local voices and actions than now!!” races as well.

A4

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Sports

Lady Bruins Head to W.C.World Series

Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant, left, defends against Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 16, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. (Credits:- AP Photo/Ben Margot)

By Earl Heath The UCLA Softball team is headed to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. They came out of the Super Regionals with a Two game sweep of PAC-12 rival Arizona at Easton Stadium.

Led by super pitcher Rachel Garcia the #2 ranked Bruins defeated the Wildcats 43-16 (16-11) in the best 2 of 3 series.

In the first game Garcia (PAC-12 Player of The Year) pitched five scoreless innings striking out eight. Freshman Holly Azevedo finished the final two frames.

Senior Madeline Jelenicki led the offense with two homers and three RBI’s while scoring three runs. Alhambra High’s Kylee Perez (All PAC-12) and Garcia also homered and knocked in two runs in a 7-1 win In game two Garcia (26-3) pitched a complete game scattering eight hits for the win. Redshirt Freshman Aalyah Jordan knocked in a run and Carson High’s Brianna Taulalafua

had a double and walked to help give the Bruins 56-5 (PAC 12) “We have long respect for coach Candrea and Arizona softball”,said UCLA head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “I have the most pride for my Bruins on hoe they have set their minds on being able to be in a position to get back to the World Series.”

BRUIN NOTES:A sellout crowd of 1, 328 both days attended the games. The previous weekend the Bruins defeated Cal State Fullerton 2 games to 1 in the Regionals to host the Super Regionals. It marks the fourth year in a row UCLA is headed and a NCAA record 28 appearance. They are followed by Arizona with 26.

The Bruins take on Florida State. They are one of four teams representing the PAC12. The others are Washington (49-8), Oregon (52-8) and Arizona State (44-11)t

The NBA Final Preview

By Cameron Buford whatsgoodinsports.com Just as we celebrate Memorial Day, for the men and women whom have given their life for this country, the NBA playoffs are in full swing. In these playoffs we have learned that the future of the NBA is worth being excited about; Donovan Mitchell, Jason Tatum, Ben Simmons have given not only their teams but many fans around something to look forward to. However, in each of the Conference Championship finals NBA fans seen youth and inexperience cause the runner ups wins in both series.

LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers breezed through the Eastern conference playoffs before winning their conference final series, in seven games against the youthful Boston Celtics playoffs. Similarly, the Western Conference series also went 7 games with the Golden State Warriors, the defending champions, outlasted the Houston Rockets, by taking advantage of injuries and their lack of playoff experience. This article will recap each Conference Finals and project our expectations of the upcoming NBA Finals Championship series.

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers The injury riddled Boston Celtics should be applauded for even getting to the Eastern Conference Finals and not letting injuries derail their season. In this series, each team defended their home court convincingly until game seven. The youth and inexperienced Celtics couldn’t stop this historic NBA Finals run of Lebron James; Cleveland won that series 4-3.

Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets Injuries impacted this much anticipated matchup which most, if not all, NBA fans have been clamoring for all season.

This series was supposed to decide if isolation ball could defeat the

motion offense paired with great ball movement. The respective injuries of Andre Igoudala and Chris Paul hampered both team’s effectiveness. The Paul lost was certainly most impactful as the Warriors pulled away from the Rockets late in the 4th quarter of Game 7, winning the series 4-3.

This sets up another rematch of the NBA Finals, providing another opportunity for the Cavaliers to dethrone Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the upcoming NBA Finals. Kevin Love and Andre Iguodala will begin the Finals on the bench due to their respective injuries. Though we have seen this matchup each of the past 3 seasons, it is unclear how this new Cavaliers team will fair against these defending champions.

The NBA Finals Barring injuries, I am confident in my previous prediction of another Cavaliers/ Warriors Finals matchup for the 2018 NBA Finals. The defending champions will successfully defend their title against a game Cavaliers team. Regardless of the 8th straight appearance in the NBA Finals for LeBron James, I predict the Warriors will win their third championship in four years, in going away fashion 4-1, as they will prove to have too much fire power for the Cavaliers.

As always, the NBA playoffs delivers its fair share of dramatic games and historic performances. Fans in small and large markets have reason to be excited for the future, as we have seen great performances from rookies, which will make their teams formidable and competitive in the future. How are you enjoying these NBA playoffs; have these series transpired as you have expected? Share with us who you have winning the NBA Finals and let me know What’s Good by sharing your feedback in the comment section below at www.whatsgoodinsports.com

Civil rights activist Tamika Mallory says that the new NFL national anthem policy was an attempt to “resurrect slavery in the 21st century.” Mallory returned to NFL headquarters on May 25 to speak about the new policy. In this photo, Mallory speaks during a 2017 protest at NFL headquarters. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

Aalyah Jordan Helps the Breach W.C.W.S with her bat and fielding in the Super Regionals.

Photo- Earl Heath

NFL’s National Anthem Policy Legal?

Civil Rights Activists, NFL Players React to New National Anthem Policy

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor Protesters held a rally in front of the National Football League’s New York City headquarters on May 25 after the league announced new rules that punish players who don’t stand for the national anthem.

Tamika Mallory said that the NFL owners were acting as a “proxy for a fascist president” and that the new policy was an attempt to “resurrect slavery in the 21st century” and punish Black players. The kneeling protests started when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began sitting during the anthem and then kneeling as a protest against police brutality.

“What is being said is that the n--gas don’t have basic rights,” Mallory said. “And I want to say today that Ida B. Wells, Dr. Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey, the four little girls in Birmingham are turning over in their graves right now about the disrespect, the disgrace, that is happening in this country.”

Mallory continued: “If we, as Black people, lay down and allow this system to continue to oppress us, we are the ones to be held responsible.”

Civil rights activist and author of “The Revolt of the Black Athlete” Harry Edwards told USA TODAY that the NFL’s new national anthem policy was “the dumbest move possible.”

“They put the protest movement on blast,” Edwards said.

“They just created a bigger stage than ever.”

In a recent commentary for Vox.com, Harvard Law School labor professor Benjamin wrote: “This new league policy is meant to enforce a particular vision of patriotism, one that involves compliance rather than freedom of expression.”

Sachs wrote that the new anthem policy was illegal—for a host of reasons.

“The clearest illegality derives from the fact that the league adopted its new policy without bargaining with the players union,” Sachs wrote. “When employees, including football players, are represented by a union, the employer—including a football league—can’t change the terms of employment without discussing the change with the union. Doing so is a flagrant violation of the employer’s duty to bargain in good faith.”

ESPN.com reported that President Donald Trump supported the NFL’s policy that requires players to stand for the national anthem or remain in the locker room, during an interview with Fox News.

“I think that’s good,” Trump said. “I don’t think people should be staying in locker rooms, but still I think it’s good. You have to stand proudly for the national anthem or you shouldn’tof

employment without discussing the change with the union.

Doing so is a flagrant violation of the employer’s duty to bargain in good faith.”

Two men sit on the plaza steps leading to the building that houses the NFL headquarters, during a protest in support of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick in New York City in 2017. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

ESPN.com reported that President Donald Trump supported the NFL’s policy that requires players to stand for the national anthem or remain in the locker room, during an interview with Fox News.

“I think that’s good,” Trump said. “I don’t think people should be staying in locker rooms, but still I think it’s good.

You have to stand proudly for the national anthem or you shouldn’t be playing, you shouldn’t be there. Maybe you shouldn’t be in the country.’

Many players have already indicated that they are not happy with the new rule.

In a statement released on Twitter, Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins wrote: “While I disagree with this decision, I will not let it silence me or stop me from fighting. The national conversation around race in America that NFL players forced over the past 2 years will persist as we continue to use our voices, our time and our money to create a more fair and just criminal justice system, end police brutality and foster better educational and economic opportunities for communities of color and those struggling in this country.”

In an interview with ESPN, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin called the president “an idiot… plain and simple.”

“I respect the man because he’s a human being, first and foremost. But he’s just being more divisive, which is not surprising. It is what it is,” Baldwin said. “For him to say that anyone who doesn’t follow his viewpoints or his constituents’ viewpoints should be kicked out of the country, it’s not very empathetic, it’s not very Americanlike, actually to me. It’s not very patriotic. It’s not what this country was founded upon.”

Baldwin continued: “It’s kind of ironic to me that the president of the United States is contradicting what our country is really built on.”

In his Vox.com commentary about the NFL’s new national anthem policy, Sachs wrote that now that the owners have made it a workplace rule to stand during the anthem or stay in the locker room, any player who takes the field and takes a knee is protesting an employer rule.

That protest, Sachs said, “is unquestionably protected by federal labor law.”

The NFL pre-season begins in August.

This article was originally published at BlackPressUSA. com.

Freddie Allen contributed additional reporting for this story.

Entertainment

Thursday, May 31, 2018

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER A5

Morgan Freeman Wants an Apology From CNN As previosuly reported by THR, Freeman’s Revelations co-founder McCreary was on the receiving end of controversial commentary by Freeman during a 2016 Produced By panel, when the actor commented about McCreary’s outfit. “She wants to be thought of as serious,” he said in front of McCreary on the panel. “But you can’t get away from the short dresses.”

At the time, THR’s reporter observed that McCreary “did not visibly react to the comment,” but a former Revelations executive told CNN in the report that McCreary was upset. “I tried to console her and she was clearly upset, and I think she was surprised and found it hurtful and embarrassing,” the person said.

“She was devastated.”

Freeman released two statements in the wake of allegations that he harassed female journalists and staffers at his production company. Consequences were swift after the report; Vancouver’s public transporation system and Visa dropped marketing campaigns with the actor, while SAG-AFTRA said it was reconsidering the actor’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Entertainment Tonight also resurfaced video of the actor questioning his behavior.

“Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am

not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy. I apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected — that was never my intent,” Freeman said in his initial statement Thursday.

Over the weekend, the actor apologized and issued the below lengthier reply: I am devastated that 80 years of my life is at risk of being undermined, in the blink of an eye, by Thursday’s media reports.

All victims of assault and harassment deserve to be heard.

And we need to listen to them. But it is not right to equate horrific incidents of sexual assault with misplaced compliments or humor.

I admit that I am someone who feels a need to try to make women — and men — feel appreciated and at ease around me. As a part of that, I would often try to joke with and compliment women, in what I thought was a light-hearted and humorous way.

Clearly I was not always coming across the way I intended. And that is why I apologized Thursday and will continue to apologize to anyone I might have upset, however unintentionally.

But I also want to be clear: I did not create unsafe work environments. I did not assault women. I did not offer employment or advancement in exchange for sex. Any suggestion that I did so is completely false.

—Morgan Freeman

Diversity, Politics Likely Topics at Publishing Convention

by Jackie Strause The actor had issued two statements in response to the report. On Tuesday, CNN stood by its reporting.

Morgan Freeman’s lawyer has asked CNN to retract its report about sexual misconduct allegations against the actor.

The 10-page legal letter, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter (below), is addressed to Jeff Zucker, president of CNN, and claims the story has defamed and “inflicted serious injury” on Freeman’s reputation and career.

“At a minimum, CNN immediately needs to issue a retraction and apologize to Mr. Freeman through the same channels, and with the same level of attention, that it used to unjustly attack him on May 24,” reads the letter from attorney Robert M. Schwartz. “CNN also needs to retract the portions of the story that concern Lori McCreary and apologize to her for defaming and injuring her.

Freeman’s lawyer said they have begun an investigation into the story and shared some of the findings of their review: Of the three people CNN identified as being a “victim,” the first, CNN’s own Chloe Melas, had no reasonable basis to have interpreted what Mr. Freeman said or did at the Going In Style interview last year as having been directed at her or as any form of harassment. The videotape confirms that his statement had nothing to do with her and was not harassing. And an independent third party, the Warner Bros. Human Resources Department, investigated her claim and concluded that it was not supported by the facts.

The second person CNN identified, Tyra Martin, has gone on record twice since CNN published the article to state that CNN misrepresented what she said to CNN and that Mr. Freeman did not harass her.

The third person CNN identified, Lori McCreary, told CNN that Mr. Freeman never harassed her. And as to CNN’s gratuitous sideswipe at Ms. McCreary herself, yet another independent party investigated the claim when CNN raised it, and found it to be

meritless.

Ms. Melas baited and prodded supposed “witnesses” to say bad things about Mr. Freeman and tried to get them to confirm her bias against him. Thus, no reader of the article can have any confidence that any of the anonymous sources, which make up the balance of CNN’s article, can be relied upon at all.

In response to the letter, a CNN spokesperson said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: “The unfounded accusations made by Mr. Freeman’s lawyer are disappointing and are difficult to reconcile with Mr. Freeman’s own public statements in the aftermath of the story. CNN stands by its reporting and will respond forcefully to any attempt by Mr. Freeman or his representatives to intimidate us from covering this important public issue.”

In a follow-up statement to THR, Schwartz added: “We presented CNN with objective evidence, including videotapes and on-the-record denials by the claimed ‘victims,’ that the alleged incident that gave rise to the story never happened. We proved to CNN, beyond any doubt, that the whole story was built on fakery. The credibility of the entire CNN attack on Mr. Freeman has now been undermined. And in choosing to ignore all of the evidence that we presented, CNN has confirmed our concerns about its reporters, its lack of oversight, and its gross misconduct in unjustifiably attacking Mr. Freeman.”

Morgan Freeman Claims He “Did Not Create Unsafe Work Environments” in New Statement In the May 24 CNN report, eight women accused Freeman of sexual misconduct, describing multiple incidents of the actor’s alleged inappropriate behavior throughout his career. In all, 16 people spoke to the news outlet as part of the investigation; eight witnesses and eight who claim to be victims. CNN entertainment reporter Chloe Melas — who co-authored the article with An Phung — was the only victim who spoke on the record.

Police Video Show the Value of Cameras

By Associated Press MADISON, Wis. — The Latest on the stun gun arrest of Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown and the police body camera video (all times local): 4:15 p.m.

A spokeswoman for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says he believes video of Milwaukee police using a stun gun on a Bucks player shows why body cameras are important.

Spokeswoman Amy Hasenberg says Walker also agrees with Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch’s comments Thursday calling the newly released video “disconcerting” and “alarming.” The footage shows a group of officers taking Sterling Brown to the ground and using a stun gun after questioning him about illegally parking at a Walgreens in January.

Hasenberg says Walker believes body cameras “are good for both the public and law enforcement” because they “provide documentation so a thorough investigation can be completed and individuals held accountable.”

3:05 p.m.

Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch calls newly released police video showing officers using a stun gun on Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown “disconcerting” and “alarming.”

The Republican Kleefisch was asked about the video Thursday during an interview on C-SPAN. Gov. Scott Walker has not commented publicly on the police body camera video shows a possible parking citation escalating into a rough Taser takedown.

Brown was never charged.

Kleefisch says the police reaction was “inappropriate ... particularly if someone was non-confrontational.”

Kleefisch says she’s waiting to see a transcription of the audio which was difficult to hear on the video released Wednesday. But even without the transcription, Kleefisch says “it seemed alarming to me.”

2:30 p.m.

A published report says three police officers involved in the stun gun arrest of Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown were punished by suspensions ranging from two to 15 days.

The Milwaukee Journal, citing unidentified sources, says Officer Joseph Grams was suspended for two days. Grams was the first officer who encountered Brown.

Sgts. Jeffrey Krueger and Sean Mahnke were suspended for 10 and 15 days, though it wasn’t clear which supervisor received the longer suspension. They were among the officers who later arrived at the scene.

Police have declined to name the officers or detail their punishments.

Chief Alfonso Morales apologized to Brown on Wednesday as body camera footage of the arrest was released, showing a possible parking citation escalating into a rough Taser takedown.

Brown was never charged.

By HILLEL ITALIE AP National Writer NEW YORK (AP) _ This week’s BookExpo and BookCon will be a showcase for diversity and for combinations and alliances new and old.

Convention organizers have committed themselves to a guest list representative of the country overall, especially compared with the publishing industry. In 2014, Tavis Smiley was the only nonwhite among 16 scheduled breakfast and author tea speakers, and few non-whites were included for panel discussions and other events. This week, speakers range from Trevor Noah and Viola Davis to Jacqueline Woodson and Yuyi Morales.

Show organizers are calling diversity not just a matter of fairness, but also of necessity. One educational session is titled “Now go run and Trump that: Black America’s Guide to Thriving and Surviving in President Trump’s America.’’ Another is called “Opportunity Cost: Why Diversity is Financially Critical for the Book Industry’’ and warns that “The publishing industry is white, straight, and physically able and the vast majority of books published are intended for these audiences.’’

“It’s incumbent upon us to make sure that diversity is front and center,’’ BookExpo/BookCon event director Brien McDonald told The Associated Press during a recent telephone interview.

BookExpo runs Wednesday-Friday at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan, immediately followed by the fan-based BookCon, which ends Sunday.

Dohnielle Clayton, an author and COO of the grassroots (hash)weneeddiversebooks, will appear on two panels this week, including one hosted by her organization. She said there has been progress in the industry, but cited a recent study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center School of Education, based in the University of Wisconsin-Madison, showing that children’s stories remain predominantly by and about whites.

“Like everything else about the publishing industry, it just feels like a slog,’’ she said. “We just inch forward. And we are inching forward. But it definitely is a slow process.’’

Other panels will focus on immigration, gender and sexuality.

Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen, the son of Vietnamese refugees, and the acclaimed Iranian-American author Porochista

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12:18 a.m.

Community groups in Milwaukee are criticizing police over newly released body camera footage of Bucks player Sterling Brown’s January arrest.

The video released Wednesday shows Brown being confronted by an officer for parking his car across two handicap spaces in a pharmacy lot.

The situation escalates when an officer asks Brown to take his hands out of his pockets. Officers swarm over Brown and a stun gun is used on him.

Milwaukee NAACP President Fred Royal says it’s disturbing that an officer “would incite an argument over a parking citation.”

Police Chief Alfonso Morales apologized to Brown and said officers have been disciplined.

Don’t Tase Me Bro

Khakpour are among the scheduled speakers for “Refugee Writers on Refugee Lives.’’ Kayti Burt will moderate “LGBTQ+ Authors on Gender and Identity in Science Fiction and Fantasy.’’ The panel “Power Moves’’ includes Victoria Aveyard, Kendare Blake, Tahereh Mafi and Melissa de la Cruz talking about the “fierce heroines’’ of their popular fiction.

Politicians will be present at the Javits Center, although not all for political reasons. Bill Clinton and James Patterson, a former president and an ever-present novelist, will speak about the thriller they worked on together, “The President Is Missing.’’ Sen. Bernie Sanders, often mentioned as a possible 2020 presidential candidate, will be promoting his upcoming book, “Where We Go from Here.’’ Rep. John Lewis of Georgia continues his prizewinning career as an author for young people as he promotes “Run: Book One,’’ the first of a planned trilogy about his activism following the 1965 civil rights march in Selma, Alabama.

BookExpo will also mark the return of a convention tradition the CEO roundtable, with John Sargent of Macmillan, Carolyn Reidy of Simon & Schuster and Markus Dohle of Penguin Random House expected to “reflect on industry trends, market highlights, and the power and responsibilities of publishers as global, corporate citizens.’’ CEO gatherings had been rare in the years following the government’s 2010 lawsuit against Apple and five major publishers for allegedly conspiring to raise e-book prices. All the publishers, including Macmillan and Simon & Schuster, have settled out of court.

Another notable joint appearance will be for an address by Barnes & Noble Chairman Len Riggio, who will be introduced

by Oren Teicher, CEO of the American Booksellers Association.

The superstore and the independents’ trade group once were rivals on the ground, and in court, but now share a competitor in Amazon.com, among other causes.

“Even in the periods of tension between us we worked together on First Amendment issues,’’ Teicher says. “And in recent years we’ve had (the) opportunity to cooperate on the sales tax fight (pressing Amazon to collect sales taxes). We now have more in common.’’

Bill Cosby’s Daughter Ensa Dies at 44 Page A6

Billy Graham Civil Rights Regrets Page A4

News Observer K.I.S.S. The Valley’s

Graham Volume 33 Number 18 Billyl Rights Civi Regrets

Bill Cosby’s a Ens Daughter Page A6 Dies at 44

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Thursday, March 1, 2018

r News Observe K.I.S.S. Page A4

FREE!

Los Angeles Rams Host Cheerleader 2018 Auditions

The Valley’s

March 1, Thursday,

Observer

Volume 33

Number 18

pers of Southern

Group Newspa

HS) ONG SISTA PIRING STR (KEEP INS at

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Rams Los Angeles ader Host Cheerle ns itio 8th at Aud through March 201s8 May Register tions r

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wife, enawson, to singers Tina Knowles-L (Carr, and mother trepreneu& Solonge Knowles. News os Angeles Beyoncé rington Prichett/L Photo) Observer

Candidate cheeraudi hosting cheerleade March Rams are attherams.com/2018 The Los Angeles season starting Sunday, perform the 2018 ers not only and at auditions for Rams Cheerlead Coliseum 11. Los Angeles at the LA Memorial also participate service at home games in Mexico City, but community Estadio Azteca internaes, events and nationally and in public appearanc Angeles region, t the year. or oldacross the Los must be 18 tionally throughou online by looking to audition Candidates March 1, and must register n is not availer by Thursday, 8. Walk-up registratio y auditions Thursday, Marchfrom last year’s preliminar r/videos. able. Coverageat therams.com/chee Rams Cheerleaders can be viewed to auditions the Los Angeles In addition,voluntary workshops prior the LA region. t four are hosting Fitness locations throughou led by Chon hour of dance at 24 Hour includes one followed by a presentatio Each workshop PETERS, Rams Cheerleading Dir JOHN per the reographe A segment with cost $40.00 last Workshops and a Q & FIMBRES. Footage from candiavailability. rector KEELY have limited viewed here. Interested person and .com/cheers can be year’s workshopup for workshops at therams dates may sign leaders/workshops.

(KEEP INSPIRING STRONG SISTAHS) Female First Black to Nominated Fame of State Hall

Women’s Retreat Held in Burbank

Tina Knowles-Lawson, wife, entrepreneur, and mother to singers Beyoncé & Solonge Knowles. (Carrington Prichett/Los Angeles News Observer Photo)

By Darlene L. Williams Los Angeles Contributing Beat Writer BURBANK, CA- The K.I.S.S. (Keep Inspiring Tina Knowles-Lawson further empowered the enerpe of HoWomen’s Strong retreat was held Saturday, Feb- getic group with an open question and answer session in geSistahs) ssa Me U’s CS ruary, 24th at the Ramada- Burbank Airport Hotel from relation to operating successful businesses.

The 1 p.m. to 9.m. The one-day event geared towards inspir“The best businesses are services people need. You ing and empowering women to love themselves, featured want to have a product that people need,” explained dia Keynote Speaker,rn and Winner, TinaasCampBlack Me Knowles-Lawson. iaMulti-Award Tex Woman in Pants “Find a couple of people you can trust, she said. of Ca the lifo famed sister duo, Mary Mary and Qtes and t to anbell Defaeca gs PG&E’s Gr A session with entrepreneur, designer, philanthropist, to Hide Dru Knowles-Lawson along with husband, Actor Richmotivational speaker, and mother of iconic daughters ard Lawson successfully operates and owns WACO Beyonce’ and Solange; Tina Knowles-Lawson.

(Where Art Can Occur) Theater Group in Los Angeles, The event also included a One-Woman Stage play, where they mentor inner-city youths. an All Male Panel Discussion (What Men REALLY “I’ve always dreamed of mentoring young girls”, she Want?) hosted by Fox 11 News Reporter, Leah Uko; and said.

Flying Over 50 Exotic Dance Coach, Makeda Smith.

Event founder, producer, life-coach, and celebriCampbell, spoke to a group of about 70 women ty hairstylist, Stephanie Singleton told The Bakersfield about the importance of faith, forgiveness, and healing.

News Observer; that the overall message intended “I’m a person of faith, Campbell said. Jesus is for women is that they embrace their “outer and what I do”. inner beauty”.

Campbell, spoke about her marriage to Robert Coats and Brandon Ellis both husband, Teddy Campbell. “I dealt with his inflew out from Akron, Ohio to support Singlefidelity very publicly and it almost destroyed ton and the K.I.S.S. retreat.

“I’m here my marriage. I’ve overcome the opinions of to support the movement people,” she said. and brand. It’s power“God has your life fully orchestrated, Campful for bell told the attentive group, as she began to the womsoftly sing her hit song, “Destiny” an culture. This “I’ve got a destination in my view/ is a great time to push the road may be bumpy getting there/ for the woman, it’s so importBut I’m pressing through/ I will enjoy ant,” Coats said. this journey/ No matter come what “It’s a nice atmosphere; it’s nice what may/ I’ll become better and she’s (Singleton) doing for the women. stronger/ and wiser every It’s important to make women feel powerday.” ful, Ellis said. We are kings and queens.” “ W h y Additionally, Veteran Entertainlook good er and Flying Over 50 Exotic Dance when you can be Coach, Makeda Smith encouraged the good,” Campbell women in attendance to move their said. hips and to “awaken the sleeping goddess within.” “When was the last time Exotic Dance Coach, Makeda Smith leading you shook your hips? Smith asked. the audience in a dance practice. (Carrington Soon the energetic and funny Prichett/Los Angeles News Observer Photo)

Exotic Dance Coach, Makeda Smith leading the audience in a dance practice. (Carrington Prichett/Los Angeles News Observer Photo)

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

Tina Knowles-Lawson further empowered the energetic group with an open question and answer session in relation to operating successful businesses.

“The best businesses are services people need. You want to have a product that people need,” explained Knowles-Lawson.

“Find a couple of people you can trust, she said.

Knowles-Lawson along with husband, Actor Richard Lawson successfully operates and owns WACO (Where Art Can Occur) Theater Group in Los Angeles, where they mentor inner-city youths.

“I’ve always dreamed of mentoring young girls”, she said.

Event founder, producer, life-coach, and celebrity hairstylist, Stephanie Singleton told The Bakersfield News Observer; that the overall message intended for women is that they embrace their “outer and inner beauty”.

Robert Coats and Brandon Ellis both flew out from Akron, Ohio to support Singleton and the K.I.S.S. retreat.

“I’m here to support the movem e n t and brand. It’s powerful for the woman culture. This is a great time to push for the woman, it’s so important,” Coats said.

“It’s a nice atmosphere; it’s nice what she’s (Singleton) doing for the women.

It’s important to make women feel powerful, Ellis said. We are kings and queens.”

Additionally, Veteran Entertainer and Flying Over 50 Exotic Dance Coach, Makeda Smith encouraged the women in attendance to move their hips and to “awaken the sleeping goddess within.” “When was the last time you shook your hips? Smith asked.

Soon the energetic and funny

First Black Female Nominated to State Hall of Fame

By Dr. Soraya M. Coley President, Cal Poly Pomona As I was reflecting on the importance of CSU’s Super Sunday, what came to mind was an experience I had meeting an African American great-grandmother who introduced me to her 8-year-old great-grandson that she and her husband were raising. She had heard my message about the increasing value of a college degree and the commitment

Tina Knowles-Lawson, wife, entrepreneur, and mother to singers Beyoncé & Solonge Knowles. (Carrington Prichett/Los Angeles News Observer Photo)

Multi-Grammy Winning Gospel Artist, Tina Campbell.

(Carrington Prichett/Los Angeles News Observer Photo)

57 year-old, whose motto is #SexyNeverGetsOld, had the women up on their feet and moving. It appeared as if all the sleeping goddesses had been awakened, as the women swayed their hips from side to side to a sultry and soulful blues tune Smith used for the inspirational moment.

Bridgett LaRe’, Author, Aspiring Actress and event attendee, told the BNO, “I was looking for self-love and a friend told me about the retreat; I knew it was God.” “I was handed a flyer at church, said another event attendee, LaToya Towner of Los Angeles, I’m trying to find myself.”

“K.I.S.S. stems from a personal place; it’s a movement, Singleton said. I’m helping women to know that we were all born with love and someone robbed us if you can’t say you love yourself.”

of the CSU system to access and opportunity. She wanted reassurance that if her great-grandson continued to excel in school, he might one day achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. She also wanted advice on courses he should take to prepare him for college. She and her husband were in their 70s and had few resources but were trying to set Continued on page A2

Dr. Soraya M. Coley (Courtesy Photo)

PG&E’s Grant to California Black Media

By Tony Khing California Black Media SACRAMENTO -- On Feb. 22, PG&E presented a $53,000 grant to California Black Media to help their efforts in supporting major African-American news outlets within the company’s service area. The endowment was given during a multicultural media event at The California Endowment co-hosted by PG&E and CBM with eight African-American print and broadcast organizations.

“At PG&E, we work hard to support the African-American community all year, but February is a special month because it’s a formal acknowledgement of many unsung African-American heroes who’ve made significant contributions in history. The African-American press is a vital resource in the African- American community. We’re pleased to partner with them to support their work. We look forward to continuing to work with them in 2018 on important PG&E updates and energy policy initiatives,” said PG&E Community Relations Manager Jimi Harris.

Representatives from outlets such as The Post News, Sun Reporter andSacramento Observer and other media outlets learned about PG&E’s Time of Use rate plan and how customers can better manage their energy usage.

During the one-hour session, they also received informa

a Texas _ Police say arrest by Texas (AP) an CORSICANA,to hide evidence during to conceal using the feces woman attempted her pants and defecating in (88 kilomea , about 55 miles drugs. a report of investigatingwhen they atOfficers in Corsicana y of Dallas, were ters ) south store on Wednesdaand take her into suspect in the theft at a grocery subdue a female Shannen Martin lly tempted to say they placed say she intentiona custody. Police cruiser where they 2.3 grams a crack pipe, in her exhid back of a police then her pants s Day card defecated in and a Valentine’ feces of crack cocaine the woman’s on crement. to sift through was booked a Officers had of after Martin PG&E, the evidence evidence and possession to retrieve with Energy Efficiency, Customer Dionne Adams, President charges of tampering s, PG&E, Voice, Smith, Manager substance.

Operation Valley Julia V.P. Fernandez Central Bell, controlled PG&E, Diversity,O’Connell,PPG&E, Allen CBM, Valerie Roberts, Publisher, Manager, Director, Manager, Supplier Program Sun Reporter, Felicia Hub, Libby Real, Sr. Wilson, Executive Sac Cultural Jerilyn Gleaves, rd, Publisher,y Support, Regina L to R Justin , Publisher, ations, PG&E, Ashley-Wa

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ The first black female member of the General Assembly is being nominated to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.

The late Margaret E. Morton was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1972. She served four terms, representing Bridgeport. She later won a Democratic primary against an incumbent senator and then went on to win the general election after a lengthy court battle with Bridgeport Democrats.

She served six terms in the Senate, eventually becoming deputy president pro tempore in 1990. She retired in 1992 and died in 2012.

Four current black women legislators nominated Morton to the hall of fame, citing her “quiet determination” to fight prejudice and racism.

Nominations for the hall of fame are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed by a consulting scholars committee.

Continued on page A2

Robertson Communit Amelia ral Communic Multicultu Media Group, Pleshette of Black Employees Integrated One New Fiona Chan Publisher,One New Media Group.

Dudley Najieb, Lennice Najieb, G&E and

on page A2

Multi-Grammy Winning Gospel Artist, Tina Campbell.

(Carrington Prichett/Los Angeles News Observer Photo)

57 year-old, whose motto is #SexyNeverGetsOld, had the women up on their feet and moving. It appeared as if all the sleeping goddesses had been awakened, as the women swayed their hips from side to side to a sultry and soulful blues tune Smith used for the inspirational moment.

Bridgett LaRe’, Author, Aspiring Actress and event attendee, told the BNO, “I was looking for self-love and a friend told me about the retreat; I knew it was God.” “I was handed a flyer at church, said another event attendee, LaToya Towner of Los Angeles, I’m trying to find myself.”

“K.I.S.S. stems from a personal place; it’s a movement, Singleton said. I’m helping women to know that we were all born with love and someone robbed us if you can’t say you love yourself.”

L to R Justin Real, Sr. Program Manager, PG&E, Allen Fernandez Smith, Manager Customer Energy Efficiency, PG&E, Amelia Ashley-Ward, Publisher, Sun Reporter, Felicia Roberts, Publisher, Central Valley Voice, Dionne Adams, President of Black Employees Community Support, Regina Wilson, Executive Director, CBM, Valerie Bell, V.P. Operations, PG&E, Fiona Chan Integrated Multicultural Communications, PG&E, Jerilyn Gleaves, Manager, Supplier Diversity, PG&E, Julia Dudley Najieb, Publisher, One New Media Group, Pleshette Robertson, Publisher, Sac Cultural Hub, Libby O’Connell,PG&E and Lennice Najieb, One New Media Group.

attherams.com/2018cheerauditions The Los Angeles Rams are hosting cheerleader auditions for the 2018 season starting Sunday, March 11. Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders not only perform at home games at the LA Memorial Coliseum and at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, but also participate in public appearances, events and community service across the Los Angeles region, nationally and internationally throughout the year.

Candidates looking to audition must be 18 or older by Thursday, March 1, and must register online by Thursday, March 8. Walk-up registration is not available. Coverage from last year’s preliminary auditions can be viewed at therams.com/cheer/videos.

In addition, the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders are hosting four voluntary workshops prior to auditions at 24 Hour Fitness locations throughout the LA region.

Each workshop includes one hour of dance led by Choreographer JOHN PETERS, followed by a presentation and a Q & A segment with the Rams Cheerleading Director KEELY FIMBRES. Workshops cost $40.00 per person and have limited availability. Footage from last year’s workshops can be viewed here. Interested candidates may sign up for workshops at therams.com/cheerleaders/workshops.

First Black Female Nominated to State Hall of Fame

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ The first black female member of the General Assembly is being nominated to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.

The late Margaret E. Morton was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1972. She served four terms, representing Bridgeport. She later won a Democratic primary against an incumbent senator and then went on to win the general election after a lengthy court battle with Bridgeport Democrats.

She served six terms in the Senate, eventually becoming deputy president pro tempore in 1990. She retired in 1992 and died in 2012.

Four current black women legislators nominated Morton to the hall of fame, citing her “quiet determination” to fight prejudice and racism.

Nominations for the hall of fame are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed by a consulting scholars committee.

California Mayors Seek $1.5 Billion to Help Homeless

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ Mayors from California’s eleven largest cities on Wednesday asked state lawmakers to provide $1.5 billion to help with what they say is a growing homeless crisis.

They are backing legislation that would require the cities to provide matching funds, creating a $3 billion pot of money to be spent on affordable housing, temporary shelters, supportive services and outreach.

They said in an earlier letter to legislative leaders that lawmakers should use a quarter of the state’s $6.1 billion budget surplus to help the homeless.

San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer called it “the most pressing issue facing California cities today.’’

The mayors cited a 2017 federal estimate that the most populous state now has more than 134,000 homeless people.

Their request came the same day that two Democratic state senators announced they will seek $2 billion for affordable housing, also in response to the mayors’ requests.

The bipartisan group includes mayors from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Long Beach, Sacramento, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim and Santa Ana. The proposals come less than six months after Gov. Jerry Brown signed 15 housing bills into law. They imposed a new $75 real estate transaction fee and placed a $4 billion housing bond on the November ballot.

Texas Woman Defecates in Pants to Hide Drugs CORSICANA, Texas (AP) _ Police say a Texas woman attempted to hide evidence during an arrest by defecating in her pants and using the feces to conceal drugs.

Officers in Corsicana, about 55 miles (88 kilometers ) south of Dallas, were investigating a report of a theft at a grocery store on Wednesday when they attempted to subdue a female suspect and take her into custody. Police say they placed Shannen Martin in the back of a police cruiser where they say she intentionally defecated in her pants then hid a crack pipe, 2.3 grams of crack cocaine and a Valentine’s Day card in her excrement.

Officers had to sift through the woman’s feces to retrieve the evidence after Martin was booked on charges of tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance.

California Mayors Seek $1.5 Billion to Help Homeless

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ Mayors from California’s eleven largest cities on Wednesday asked state lawmakers to provide $1.5 billion to help with what they say is a growing homeless crisis.

They are backing legislation that would require the cities to provide matching funds, creating a $3 billion pot of money to be spent on affordable housing, temporary shelters, supportive services and outreach.

They said in an earlier letter to legislative leaders that lawmakers should use a quarter of the state’s $6.1 billion budget surplus to help the homeless.

San Diego Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer called it “the most pressing issue facing California cities today.’’

The mayors cited a 2017 federal estimate that the most populous state now has more than 134,000 homeless people.

Their request came the same day that two Democratic state senators announced they will seek $2 billion for affordable housing, also in response to the mayors’ requests.

The bipartisan group includes mayors from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Long Beach, Sacramento, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim and Santa Ana. The proposals come less than six months after Gov. Jerry Brown signed 15 housing bills into law. They imposed a new $75 real estate transaction fee and placed a $4 billion housing bond on the November ballot.

valleynewsobserver.com

By Dr. Soraya M. Coley President, Cal Poly Pomona As I was reflecting on the importance of CSU’s Super Sunday, what came to mind was an experience I had meeting an African American great-grandmother who introduced me to her 8-year-old great-grandson that she and her husband were raising. She had heard my message about the increasing value of a college degree and the commitment

of the CSU system to access and opportunity. She wanted reassurance that if her great-grandson continued to excel in school, he might one day achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. She also wanted advice on courses he should take to prepare him for college. She and her husband were in their 70s and had few resources but were trying to set Continued on page A2

Dr. Soraya M. Coley (Courtesy Photo)

PG&E’s Grant to California Black Media

By Tony Khing California Black Media SACRAMENTO -- On Feb. 22, PG&E presented a $53,000 grant to California Black Media to help their efforts in supporting major African-American news outlets within the company’s service area. The endowment was given during a multicultural media event at The California Endowment co-hosted by PG&E and CBM with eight African-American print and broadcast organizations.

“At PG&E, we work hard to support the African-American community all year, but February is a special month because it’s a formal acknowledgement of many unsung African-American heroes who’ve made significant contributions in history. The African-American press is a

Texas Woman Defecates in Pants to Hide Drugs

CORSICANA, Texas (AP) _ Police say a Texas woman attempted to hide evidence during an arrest by defecating in her pants and using the feces to conceal drugs.

Officers in Corsicana, about 55 miles (88 kilometers ) south of Dallas, were investigating a report of a

FREE!

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Los Angeles Rams Host Cheerleader 2018 Auditions Candidates May Register through March 8th at

The CSU’s Message of Hope

The CSU’s Message of Hope

This Jan. 26, 2018 police body-camera footage released by Milwaukee Police Department shows NBA Bucks guard Sterling Brown as he talks to arresting police officers after being shot by a stun gun in a Walgreens parking lot in Milwaukee. The release comes as city officials who’ve viewed the videos have expressed concern about how officers conducted themselves. Even leaders of the police department have hinted the video may make them look bad. (Milwaukee Police Department via AP) (Associated Press)

Billy Graham Civil Rights Regrets Page A4

Page A6

News Observer K.I.S.S.

By Darlene L. Williams Los Angeles Contributing Beat Writer BURBANK, CA- The K.I.S.S. (Keep Inspiring Strong Sistahs) Women’s retreat was held Saturday, February, 24th at the Ramada- Burbank Airport Hotel from 1 p.m. to 9.m. The one-day event geared towards inspiring and empowering women to love themselves, featured Keynote Speaker, and Multi-Award Winner, Tina Campbell of the famed sister duo, Mary Mary and a Q and A session with entrepreneur, designer, philanthropist, motivational speaker, and mother of iconic daughters Beyonce’ and Solange; Tina Knowles-Lawson.

The event also included a One-Woman Stage play, an All Male Panel Discussion (What Men REALLY Want?) hosted by Fox 11 News Reporter, Leah Uko; and Flying Over 50 Exotic Dance Coach, Makeda Smith.

Campbell, spoke to a group of about 70 women about the importance of faith, forgiveness, and healing.

“I’m a person of faith, Campbell said. Jesus is what I do”.

Campbell, spoke about her marriage to husband, Teddy Campbell. “I dealt with his infidelity very publicly and it almost destroyed my marriage. I’ve overcome the opinions of people,” she said.

“God has your life fully orchestrated, Campbell told the attentive group, as she began to softly sing her hit song, “Destiny” “I’ve got a destination in my view/ the road may be bumpy getting there/ But I’m pressing through/ I will enjoy this journey/ No matter come what may/ I’ll become better and stronger/ and wiser every day.” “ W h y look good when you can be good,” Campbell said.

Mayors California Billion Seek $1.5 eless to Help Hom

Continued

Candidates May Register through March 8th at attherams.com/2018cheerauditions The Los Angeles Rams are hosting cheerleader Bill Cosby’s auditions for the 2018 season starting Sunday, March Daughter Ensa Dies at 44 11. Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders not only perform at home games at the LA Memorial Coliseum and The at Valley’s Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, but also participate in public appearances, events and community service across the Los Angeles region, nationally and internationally throughout the year.

Candidates looking to audition must be 18 or older by Thursday, March 1, and must register online by Thursday, March 8. Walk-up registration is not available. Coverage from last year’s preliminary auditions (KEEP INSPIRING STRONG SISTAHS) can be viewed at therams.com/cheer/videos.

Women’s Retreat In addition, the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders Held in Burbank are hosting four voluntary workshops prior to auditions at 24 Hour Fitness locations throughout the LA region.

Each workshop includes one hour of dance led by Choreographer JOHN PETERS, followed by a presentation and a Q & A segment with the Rams Cheerleading Director KEELY FIMBRES. Workshops cost $40.00 per person and have limited availability. Footage from last year’s workshops can be viewed here. Interested candidates may sign up for workshops at therams.com/cheerleaders/workshops.

Volume 33 Number 18

the enerempowered awson further and answer session in L. Williams Tina Knowles-L question .

By Darlene ng Beat Writer (Keep Inspiring getic group with an open You female Febsuccessful businesses Los Angeles Contributi people need.

CA- The K.I.S.S. _ The first black to operating was held Saturday, BURBANK, Conn. (AP) is being nominated to from relation best businesses are services need,” explained Women’s retreat people Airport HotelinspirHARTFORD, “The General Assembly Fame.

Strong Sistahs)the Ramada- Burbank a product that towards at member of theut Women’s Hall of was first elected to said. want to have event geared ruary, 24th can trust, she The one-day to love themselves, featured Knowles-Lawson. the ConnecticMargaret E. Morton served four Actor Richof people you Camp1 p.m. to 9.m. in 1972. She ng women The late Dem“Find a couple along with husband, Winner, Tina Representatives t. She later won a then owns WACO ing and empoweriand Multi-Award Mary and a Q and the House of Knowles-Lawson y operates and in Los Angeles, g Bridgepor pist, t senator and court Keynote Speaker, sister duo, Mary successfull terms, representin famed Theater Group designer, philanthro ard Lawson against an incumben after a lengthy bell of the entrepreneur, iconic daughters (Where Art Can Occur) ocratic primary the general election mother of inner-city youths. young girls”, she s.

A session with went on to win awson. t Democrat Senate, eventually bespeaker, and they mentor mentoring motivational Solange; Tina Knowles-L with Bridgepor the Stage play, where“I’ve always dreamed of in She rean battle terms 1990. six and celebritempore in Beyonce’ and also included a One-WomMen REALLY She served president pro (What said.

The event producer, life-coach, coming deputyand died in 2012. told The Bakersfield Leah Uko; and Panel Discussion Event founder, legislators nominated an All Male by Fox 11 News Reporter, Smith. message intended Stephanie Singleton tired in 1992 black women “quiet determiCoach, Makeda70 women ty hairstylist,Observer; that the overall their “outer and Four current of fame, citing her Want?) hosted embrace News 50 Exotic Dance of about the hall racism. on is that they Flying Over , spoke to a group Morton to s, and healing. are accepted prejudice and for women Tina Campbell.

Ellis both Campbell scholars Phonation” to fightons for the hall of fame e of faith, forgivenes inner beauty”. Coats and Brandon Gospel Artist, Observer said. Jesus is a consulting by SingleNews Winning Nominati Campbell my support reviewed about the importanc Robert to os Angeles of faith, basis and Akron, Ohio n Prichett/L “I’m here Multi-Gram “I’m a person an ongoing (Carringto flew out from marriage to m e n t to) K.I.S.S. retreat. committee. what I do”. , spoke about her inton and the the move, had powerdealt with his Campbell “I erGetsOld . support to as #SexyNev Campbell almost destroyed is It’s appeared ful for it husband, Teddy and brand. whose motto of moving. It publicly and the wom- 57 year-old,up on their feet and been awakened, as the fidelity very I’ve overcome the opinions had sultry This the women to side to a my marriage.said. an culture. sleeping goddesses ed, Camphips from side to push if all the inspirational people,” she to life fully orchestrat swayed their Smith used for the is a great time as she began “God has your it’s so import- women blues tune attentive group, and soulful for the woman, and event bell told the hit song, “Destiny” from CalAspiring Actress and view/ Mayors what her moment. said. _ my Author, self-love nice sing in e; it’s softly ant,” Coats Calif. (AP) looking for y asked state destination Bridgett LaRe’, “I’ve got a bumpy getting there/ BNO, “I was I knew it was God.” the women.

“It’s a nice atmospher SACRAMENTO, cities on Wednesda what be largest ) doing for feel power- attendee, told the event retreat; to help with the road may through/ I will enjoy $1.5 billion me about the at church, said another ifornia’s eleven she’s (Singleton to provide to make women a friend told what a flyer I’m trying to lawmakers growing homeless crisis. would require the But I’m pressing It’s important We are kings and queens.”

“I was handedTowner of Los Angeles, No matter comeand billion they say is a backing legislation that this journey/ ful, Ellis said. lly, Veteran Entertaincreating a $3 tempomovebecome better Dance attendee, LaToya They are Additiona place; it’s a that may/ I’ll matching funds, wiser every Over 50 Exotic the find myself.” affordable housing, from a personal to know cities to provide stronger/ and er and Flying Smith encouraged outreach. leaders to be spent on “K.I.S.S. stems I’m helping women us if you pot of money supportive services and to move their day.”

Coach, Makeda to legislative $6.1 Singleton said. love and someone robbed attendance rary shelters, in an earlier letter “ W h y with the state’s women in “awaken the sleeping god- ment, were all born They said should use a quarter of good hips and to “When was the last time we say you love yourself.” look be can’t that lawmakerssurplus to help the homeless.called it “the asked. dess within.” when you can hips? Smith billion budget Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer you shook your energetic and funny cities today.’’ good,” Campbell San Diego Soon the facing California estimate that the said. leading pressing issue 2017 federal 134,000 homea most Smith cited n more than (Carringto Coach, Makeda The mayors Photo) state now has Exotic Dance in a dance practice.

Demomost populous News Observer the audience day that two billion os Angeles Prichett/L less people. came the same seek $2 Their request announced they will to the mayors’ in response cratic state senators housing, also Los ty. She wanted for affordable mayors from and opportuni to excel in Fresno, requests. group includes system to access dson continued The bipartisan San Jose, San Francisco, , Anabecoming of the CSU Bakersfield Diego, that if her great-gran his dream of he should M. Coley reassurance Angeles, San Sacramento, Oakland, one day achieve courses

By Dr. SorayaPoly Pomona Gov. e of CSU’s Super school, he might also wanted advice on her husband were Long Beach, Ana. six months after President, Cal reflecting on the importanc I had meetShe and astronaut. She to set heim and Santa come less than law. They imPhoto) were trying As I was was an experience who intro- an to prepare him for college.

The proposals 15 housing bills intofee and placed a resources but take came to mind M. Coley (Courtesy dmother signed Dr. Soraya Sunday, what American great-gran dson that she and her in their 70s and had few Jerry Brown $75 real estate transaction November ballot. great-gran message about the a new the ing an African on posed 8-year-old bond her my A2 duced me to raising. She had heard and the commitment Continued on page $4 billion housing husband were of a college degree increasing value

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By Tony Khing Media PG&E presentedefCalifornia BlackENTO -- On Feb. 22, to help their SACRAM California Black Media outlets to merican news $53,000 grant major African-A The endowment was California forts in supporting service area. company’s event at The eight Afwithin the a multicultural media CBM with given during co-hosted by PG&E and organizations. AfriEndowment print and broadcast to support the spea rican-American we work hard February is “At PG&E, all year, but gement of many community ican acknowled can-Amer it’s a formal made significant cial month becausemerican heroes who’vemerican press is a African-A We’re unsung African-A community. We in history. The contributions in the African- American their work. to support vital resource with them work with them in 2018 initiag to pleased to partner to continuin energy policy Jimi look forward PG&E updates and Manager ity Relations on important PG&E Commun Post tives,” said such as The other and Harris. from outlets Representatives andSacramento Observer of Use rate plan Reporter PG&E’s Time energy usage.

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Thursday, May 31, 2018

Smith Street DC Fast Charging Station. (Courtesy photo)

EVgo’s Fast Chargers on Smith St Hit 2000 Charges Los Angeles, CA, May 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Union City and EVgo announced that charging at the Smith Street DC Fast Charging Stations installed last November has been extremely successful with more than 2000 fast charges delivered to electric vehicle (EV) drivers. The stations have seen an average increase of more than 40% usage month-to-month since installation. Over the past 6 months, the EVgo chargers on Smith Street delivered 26 megawatt-hours, which equates to saving more than 3,300 gallons of gas and avoiding the emission of more than 18 metric tons of CO2.

The two EVgo chargers on Smith Street have quickly become some of EVgo’s most popular public fast charging locations in the Bay Area. Located in the Public Parking Plaza at the corner of Union City Blvd. and Smith St., the EVgo charging station is convenient and quick for EV drivers on the go, especially those commuting along I-880 or Union City Blvd. The proximity to

the Alvarado Historic District also provides EV drivers the opportunity to enjoy food and drink at local establishments like Bronco Billy’s Pizza and Kaffa Coffee, or take in the farmer’s market over the weekend.

As the nation’s largest network of public electric vehicle fast charging stations, EVgo provides millions of emissions-free electric driving miles in the Bay Area and across the country. The affordable, accessible and eco-friendly charging offered by EVgo has quickly caught on with residents of the Bay Area.

EVgo is the national leader in fast charging networks with more than 1,000 fast chargers delivering an EV fill-up in 30 to 45 minutes. With electric vehicle adoption rapidly accelerating, EVgo’s public fast charging stations make owning an electric vehicle easier than ever before.

The Union City station is located at 3960 Smith St. Union City, CA 94587. To see a list of all EVgo charging station locations visit www.evgo.com.

Department of Justice to Investigate Police Shootings Continued from page A1

towards dealing with officer-involved shootings in a fairer manner.”

State Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) in a hearing last year said California’s record on prosecuting police shootings was embarrassing. He said there had been hundreds of police shootings in California, but only five officers had been prosecuted and only two convicted.

“We as a legislative body should be troubled at the number of unarmed individuals who been killed (by police) over the last couple of years,” said Bradford.

However, proponents of AB 284 said it was necessary because local district attorneys can’t be trusted to investigate the same officers who they rub shoulders with every day.

In many cases, district attorneys rely on donations from police unions in their races.

The Sacramento Bee reported that Sacramento District Attorney Ann Marie Schubert received $13,000 from two local police unions days after Stephon Clark was shot dead minutes after the arrival of local officers.

In addition, the Intercept reported that Schubert had received $420,000 from police unions for her three political campaigns. That accounts for a third of her donations.

Civil rights activist Rev. Shane Harris, president of the San Diego chapter of the National Action Network (NAN,) has been a frequent critic of California legislators and Attorney General Xavier Becerra for their lack of action on police shootings.

But he considers the recent news a step forward.

“This is great news to see California finally taking progressive

steps on this issue,” said Harris in a press statement. “It is long overdue since we have in fact led the nation in police shootings for some years now. Other leaders and I in California have been raising this issue to public light for the longest. The Attorney General’s office will now have the money and hopefully a little more staff to take on these shootings where the DOJ is invited in.”

Harris said funding a DOJ investigative team was a temporary fix to the problem.

“We need solid legislation passed in California’s future where the attorney general doesn’t have to depend on being invited in he can get involved when and where he needs to,” said Harris.

Harris said California sees itself as a progressive state, but it’s lagging behind when it comes to prosecuting police murders.

According to McCarthy’s press release, Wisconsin, New York, Illinois and Connecticut, all have legislation that requires independent investigation of police shootings.

However, the legislature has not given up on passing legislation to punish police misconduct. The Senate Appropriations Committee has recommended moving forward with Senate Bill 1421. The bill, introduced by Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley,) requires the opening of use of force records in misconduct cases.

The bill will now be considered for a vote by the Senate. SB 1421 is sponsored by organizations such as the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color, ACLU of California, Anti Police-Terror Project, Black Lives Matter California, California Faculty Association and the California News Publishers Association.

Grand Park and Los Angeles City Hall, California, US. (Courtesy photo)

Los Angeles City Leaders Demand a Better Farm Bill LA City Council voted on a legislative resolution calling on Congress to protect food security and environmental conservation in the federal Farm Bill in 2018.

Los Angeles – On Tuesday May 29th, for CalFresh Awareness Month, the Los Angeles City Council passed a legislative resolution to demand that programs providing support to food insecure families and sustainable farmers are protected in the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Farm Bill is the nation’s largest and most important piece of food legislation. The omnibus bill is authorized every five years and is due for reauthorization in September 2018. Nearly 80 percent of Farm Bill funding is allocated for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) known in California as CalFresh, and formerly referred to as the “food stamps” program.

More than one million Los Angeles County residents make up the approximately 42 million individuals enrolled in SNAP across the country. The Senate is currently working on their proposal and advocates expect to see proposed cuts to SNAP. A recently defeated House Bill (H.R. 2) proposed slashing SNAP by $20 billion dollars over 10 years.

City Councilmember David E. Ryu was joined by Councilmembers Curren Price, Paul Koretz, Jose Huizar, Monica Rodriguez and Nury Martinez in authoring a resolution opposing any cuts to the SNAP program, citing the 387,000 low-income Angelenos who may be eligible for CalFresh benefits, and the 800,000 Angelenos who live below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

“At this crucial time in our City, we don’t need Angelenos deciding between paying rent or paying for groceries,” said Councilmember David Ryu during today’s City Council meeting, “We don’t need parents deciding between medicine in the cabinet or dinner on the table.”

“These cuts are a direct attack on the least powerful and most needy in our society, children,” said Councilmember Nury Martinez, “Children do not have a political party and this purely political stunt, to take food off of their table, shows the absolute lack of humanity that these people possess in removing that most basic of needs.”

The Farm Bill also funds numerous other food and agriculture programs, including funding for environmental conser-

vation, organics research, farmers markets and local and urban agriculture programs. A second motion under review by City Council authored by Councilmember Paul Koretz opposes cuts to environmental conservation programs in any new formulation of the Farm Bill, stating a need for increased support and protections for sustainable farmers as laid out in the Farmer CARE Act (HR 5627).

“How we grow food is how we care for the environment. We should be rewarding environmental best practices among farmers, eliminating harmful pesticide regimes and promoting more organic agriculture, not the opposite as Congress’s current proposals suggest,” said Councilmember Paul Koretz.

Los Angeles City Councilmembers stood with several community leaders from the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Hunger Action Los Angeles and Watts Neighborhood Council to demonstrate the ways residents of Los Angeles could be affected by the Farm Bill.

“What happens in DC affects Angelenos,” stated Councilmember Jose Huizar, “I fought hard to make sure every farmers market in Los Angeles accepts SNAP, also known as CalFresh.

Our next Farm Bill should encourage not hinder low-income families from accessing fresh, locally grown food.”

“The Farm Bill shapes food on a local level in every way – who has access to it, who can afford it and who can grow it. For working and poor families living in food deserts like my constituents, the Farm Bill is a matter of access to food in the most fundamental way,” said Councilmember Curren Price of his district’s needs in South Central LosAngeles.

Food insecurity has steadily risen in Los Angeles County, with 1 in 3 low-income Angelenos experience food insecurity.

“Hunger in Los Angeles is made worse by skyrocketing costs of housing and living,” explained Clare Fox, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, “This CalFresh Awareness Month, LA stands together to call on Congress for a better Farm Bill.”

Los Angeles is one of 45 major cities to take an official stance on the upcoming Farm Bill. Mayor Eric Garcetti released a video message earlier this month encouraging Angelenos to contact their congressional representatives to vote down H.R. 2 and seek CalFresh benefits if needed.

California’s Measure to Slash Marijuana Tax has a WIRELESS CONNECTION Setback Stephon Clark was fatally shot

by Sacramento Police on Sunday, March 18, 2018. (Facebook)

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By SOPHIA BOLLAG Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ California’s legal marijuana industry will have to wait for a tax cut.

Legislation that would have slashed taxes on legal pot for three years to entice people away from the black market failed to advance out of a key legislative committee Friday.

“Today was another big win for the black market,’’ said Assemblyman Tom Lackey, who co-authored the measure. “All we wanted to do is to level the playing field financially.’’

Marijuana growers and sellers in California, which launched the nation’s largest marijuana market at the start of the year, have complained that taxes are too high. They argue many consumers are shopping in the underground market to save money.

In some areas, combined state and local taxes can approach 50 percent.

Earlier this month, state cultivation and excise taxes fell far below projections for the first three months of the year. The state had expected to take in $175 million by the end of June, but just $34 million came in between January and March, startling state officials.

Lackey, a Los Angeles-area Republican, said opponents of his Assembly measure argued it was too soon to slash taxes without further evidence they were driving people to the black market.

California imposes a 15 percent excise tax on pot and separate taxes on cultivation, along with regular sales taxes. There are also new costs for testing and distribution, which could be rolled into the price. Local governments can add taxes, too.

Lackey’s measure, AB3157, would have lowered the state excise tax to 11 percent and suspended cultivation taxes for three years. He hopes the effort will be revived this year despite failing to advance out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Earlier this week, Monterey County slashed its marijuana tax rate because of complaints from growers. An attorney for the growers said the decision will help a struggling industry take root in the farming region about 120 miles (193 kilometers) south of San Francisco.

The rollout of the broad legal market has been bumpy. There are complaints that too few licenses have been issued, especially for retailers, and large stretches of the state have either banned commercial activity or lagged in establishing local regulations.