Ve 11 23 17 4c

Della Reese Dies at 86

Serena Williams Gets Married

See page A5

See page A2

News Observer The Valley’s

Volume 33 Number 4

Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California

L.A. Clippers Support Those in Need

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer The Los Angeles Clippers continue their extreme community work in the Greater Los Angeles area during the holiday season.

It’s known as “Teamwork at the Table’’. The event is where Clipper players were joined by season seat holders, Smart and Final Corporation, and St. Joseph Centers workers and volunteers to assist who are less fortunate and in need.

“Family getting together is a beautiful thing,” said Marsha Henry. This is a great thing that St Josephs and the Clippers do for us. I am grateful for their help.”

Henry is a single mom and mother of four who has seen some tough times for her and her family. It’s the St Joseph Center in Venice that has helped her in the past and will do so again this holiday season.

Clipper players on hand included: Brice Johnson, rookie Sidiaris Thornwell, Juwan Evans and Sam Dekker. They helped distribute clothing and bags of food for some six hundred individuals and families.

The L.A. Clipper Foundation has goals to meet commitments to children and understand their educational environments from classroom to the playground to the living rooms. Teri Beckler of Pasadena and her daughter Hannah have been seasons-seat holders for nearly ten years, they both volunteer to help during events like this. Her and daughter Hannah had come for several years to participate in the giveaway. It was Hannah who had the initiative to get them involved in the foundation. Her personality is like that, she has a drive to help others. “We love coming out to serve and meet people in the neighborhood and helping in the community,” said the elder Beckler. “Meeting the players is a bonus but is to stand beside someone like De Andre Jordan.

Deandre is her favorite player because she has seen him at many Clipper Foundation Charitable events and he ‘has a heart of gold’. His caring is so genuine.

“Its right around the corner from Thanksgiving and it means so much to have the Clippers and Smart and Final here.

Families really have a concern around this time of year,” said President /CEO Va Lecia Adams Kellum.

“To me Family is about love, connecting and enjoying. They (families) really need help during this time of year.”

The St. Joseph Center is a non-profit agency that has helps nearly 7,000 individuals annually. The center is to provide working poor families as well as homeless, men, women, and children of all agencies with inner resources and tools to become productive stable and self-supporting.

Dr. Adams Kellum joined the center in 2008 she brought her extensive experience in non–profit to the agency. Since she has been there the center has more than doubled in size and

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Mora Out as Coach

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer No more than 24 hours after the Bruins fell to crosstown rival USC 28-23, UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero announce the firing of Head Coach Jim Mora.

“Making a coaching change is never easy,” said Guerrero. Especially when you know the coach has given his all. We thank Jim and his family for his service to our school and his unquestionable commitment to the student athlete.”

Mora had a 46-30 record during his six seasons at UCLA. He did have a pair of 10 win seasons. He took the bruins to four bowl games while having wins in (Sun Bowl 2013 and Alamo Bowl 2014). He also had 25 bruins selected in the NFL draft during his time in Westwood.

Ex-Tulsa Officer Gets Prison

L.A Clippers (L to R) Brice Johnson, Juwan Evans, Sidarius Thornwell, Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellums (President/CEO St Josephs Center), Sam Dekker. (Earl Heath Photo)

broadened the organizations geographical reach to include South Los Angeles. This is the 29th year the Clippers and St. Joseph’s have joined forces have this event.

Smart and Final has donated more than 8,000 pounds of food which includes turkey pumpkin pies stuffing and man. Clip-

per rookie Sidarius Thornwell summed up what it meant to help.

“I really like to give back, When your in a situation where you can help others I feel a thought you should do it . his family is the best thing about Thanksgiving being with your family is real good big for me, Its mandatory family time.”

Jesse Jackson’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis Friends, Medical Community Weigh-In on Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor Reverend Jesse Jackson’s Parkinson’s disease diagnosis caught many by surprise, but those who know him said they’re confident that he’ll overcome the life-threatening challenge before him.

“He’s in the rumble of his life, but he’s rumbled some big foes before,” said Vincent Hughes, a Democratic state senator from Pennsylvania who campaigned for Jackson in 1984 and again in 1988. Hughes said that Jackson’s campaigns were birthed in the Black empowerment movement that followed the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. “I’m one of those African Americans, who took office and was a part of that issue of ‘protest to power’ and Rev. Jackson was, in many respects, our leader and he still is.”

More than anyone else, Jackson opened the door for the election of Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States, said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). Chavis was one of Jackson’s contemporaries during the Civil Rights Movement. “Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., is a living, global civil rights icon. As a colleague in the Civil Rights Movement dating back to the 1960s and under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I have personally witnessed the selfless sacrifice and dedication of Rev. Jackson.”

Chavis continued: “For all who have cried out for freedom justice and equality, the news of his Parkinson’s disease should only serve to re-dedicate a movement now for healthcare equality for all, not only as a civil right, but as a human right.”

On Friday, November 17, Jackson, 76, issued a statement informing the world of his illness.

In the statement, Jackson recalled his foray into activism, being arrested on July 17, 1960 with seven other college students who advocated for the right to use a public library in his hometown of Greenville, S.C. He said that he remembers the arrest as if it happened yesterday and it was a day that forever changed his life.

“From that experience, I lost my fear of being jailed for a righteous cause. I went on to meet Dr. King and dedicate my heart and soul to the fight for justice, equality, and equal access,” said Jackson, whose multiracial National Rainbow Coalition grew out of his work in the 1984 presidential campaign.

He said he resisted interrupting his work to visit a doctor, but his daily physical struggles intensified and he could no longer ignore his symptoms.

“After a battery of tests, my physicians identified the issue as Parkinson’s disease, a disease that bested my father,” Jackson said.

Rev. Al Sharpton issued a statement saying that he spent time with Jackson and his family in New York, as Jackson made the announcement of his illness.

“As I watched him, I was reminded of the greatness of this man,” Sharpton said. “Reverend Jackson has changed the nation and served in ways in which he never got credit.”

Maynard Eaton, a journalist and national director of com-

FREE!

By The Associated Press TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ A white former police officer in Oklahoma was sentenced Monday to 15 years in prison for the fatal off-duty shooting of his daughter’s black boyfriend, after four trials spanning nearly a year including three that resulted in hung juries.

Former Tulsa officer Shannon Kepler was convicted last month of first-degree manslaughter in the 2014 slaying of 19-year-old Jeremey Lake.

Tulsa County District Court Judge Sharon Holmes also issued him with a $10,000 fine.

Kepler’s lawyers said the 24-year police veteran was trying to protect his daughter because she had run away from home and was living in a crime-ridden neighborhood. Kepler, who retired from the force after he was charged, told investigators that Lake was armed and that he shot him in self-defense. Police never found a weapon on Lake or at the scene, and several neighbors testified that they didn’t see a gun, either.

There also was a racial undercurrent to the trials. Kepler killed Lake days before the fatal shooting of an unarmed black 18-year-old by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, fanned a national debate over the treatment of minorities by law enforcement.

A single black juror was seated for each of Kepler’s four trials, and civil rights activists accused Kepler’s lawyers of purposely trying to exclude potential black candidates, a charged that they denied.

The first three juries deadlocked 11-1, 10-2 and 6-6, forcing the judge to declare mistrials. Prosecutors said after the drawn-out case finally ended with a conviction last month that it took so long because many citizens are reluctant to send a law enforcement officer to prison.

Oklahoma law sets out a minimum sentence of four years for the charge but has no maximum term, leaving it up to Holmes to decide on the final punishment. Jurors had recommended a 15-year term.

California Unemployment Rate Dips SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ California’s unemployment rate fell to 4.9 percent in October, down from 5.1 percent in September and 5.3 percent in October 2016.

The state Employment Development Department said Friday that employers added 31,700 nonfarm payroll jobs last month.

Six of 11 industry sectors added most of those jobs, led by leisure and hospitality.

Civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., recently announced that he has Parkinson’s disease. This photo was taken during the recent 2017 Rainbow PUSH Coalition Global Automotive Summit. (Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA)

munications for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, called Jackson a legendary and fearless civil rights champion.

He said the disease may slow Jackson, but won’t stop him.

“Activism and civil rights are in his blood. As a journalist, Jesse Jackson has been a treat and joy to cover and write about,” said Eaton. “He has been a civil rights darling and media maverick…Jesse Jackson is a quintessential and preeminent civil rights activist of our time.”

Even though Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological condition, it is very treatable, said Dr. Nabila Dahodwala, an associate professor of neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

“A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease does not necessarily mean that you must make drastic changes, but every individual is different in how they are affected, how they respond to treatment and how they choose to spend their time,” Dahodwala said.

Ihtsham ul Haq, an expert in neurology at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, said he believes Jackson will do well.

“Though each patient’s journey with Parkinson’s disease is a little bit different, thankfully for many the symptoms are often well-managed with medication, said Haq. “The hallmark of the disease is the slow loss of dopamine in the brain, which unlocks our movement.”

Haq continued: “As patients begin to produce less of it they

show the slowness, stiffness, and tremor that typify the disease.

Replacing dopamine usually substantially alleviates these problems.”

Leslie A. Chambers, the president and CEO of the American Parkinson Disease Association, said making appropriate lifestyle changes and focusing on physical therapy will go a very long way to helping Jackson live the best life possible, in spite of the disease.

“Since its a lifelong chronic illness, the American Parkinson Disease Association encourages people with Parkinson’s to seek out a top notch medical and healthcare team, which includes a movement disorders specialist physician and allied healthcare providers and protect and defend their overall health status with a nutritious diet, physical therapy and safe, effective daily exercise programs, as well as emotional and social support from family, and professional care partners-givers,” Chambers said, adding that the association extends heartfelt wishes to Jackson.

Dorothy Leavell, the chairman of the NNPA and the publisher of the Crusader Newspaper Group said that even though Jackson is in for the fight of his life, she warned that Parkinson’s disease had met its match.

“This is a major blow, but it’s not the death knell,” said Leavell. “We will keep working and encourage Jesse with all he’s done for us and continues to do.”

Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z Lead NAACP Image Awards Nominations

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z are the leading nominees with five apiece for January’s NAACP Image Awards, the group announced Monday.

Blige’s nominations are for songs and videos off her album “Strength of a Woman,’’ while Jay-Z was nominated for his “4:44’’ album and songs on it, as well as a nod for entertainer of the year.

Bruno Mars, Issa Rae, Chance the Rapper, Chadwick Boseman and director Ava DuVernay are also nominated for entertainer of the year.

Bruno Mars, Issa Rae, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA are tied for the second-most nominations, with four apiece.

Netflix and Oprah Winfrey’s network are the leading television nominees. Netflix’s nominees were spread out over several of its series, including “Master of None,’’ “Orange is the New Black,’’ while OWN’s nominations were primarily for its drama series, “Queen Sugar.’’

The awards show, now in its 49th year, honors entertainers and writers of color. The winners will be announced during a twohour show on Jan. 15 hosted by Anthony Anderson of “black-ish’’ and broadcast live on the TV One network. Anderson is also a nominee for best TV comedy actor.

“Get Out,’’ “Girls Trip,’’ and “Detroit’’ are among the nominees for best motion picture. Idris Elba is the leading acting nominee, with nominations for his film roles in “The Mountain Between Us,’’ “Thor: Ragnorak’’ and for the Showtime miniseries “Guerrilla.’’

Happy Thanksgiving

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THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Thursday November 23, 2017

World & Nation

Bishop to Meet Pope Francis at the Vatican

By Cash Michaels The Wilmington Journal/NNPA Member In an exclusive interview with The Wilmington Journal, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, the president of Repairers of the Breach, a nonpartisan, nonprofit social advocacy group, has confirmed that he and a delegation of “moral, workers’ rights, anti-poverty and ecological justice advocates…” will be meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Thanksgiving Day. Dr. Barber, who was consecrated as a bishop over the summer, received the invitation from the Vatican last September, along with invitations to visit England and Africa to join other labor and workers’ rights advocates. “[The Pope] wants to bless this movement and meet with other activists from around the world who are fighting against poverty,” Dr. Barber said.

Dr. Barber, who officially stepped down from his post as the president of North Carolina’s branch of the NAACP in October after serving 12 years, will be part of a two-day conference attended by social justice advocates from countries like Canada, Senegal, Italy, Ireland, Tunisia, Ghana, Brazil, and the United States, among others.

It’s no doubt that Dr. Barber’s involvement in the fiftieth anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1968 Poor People’s Campaign caught the attention of, not only national, but international, social justice leadership, like Pope Francis, who is world-renowned for his personal and official advocacy for the poor.

Just last Sunday in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, celebrated a special mass for poor people on the first World Day of the Poor, eating with 1500 from Italy, Poland and France.

The pope also denounced those who express indifference to the plight of the poor, calling such behavior “a great sin.”

“It is when we turn away from a brother or sister in need, when we change channels as soon as a disturbing question comes up, when we grow indignant at evil, but do nothing about it,” Pope Francis said. “God will not ask us, if we felt righteous indignation, but whether we did some good.”

According to the group’s website, Repairers of the Breach,

Dr. William J. Barber, II, the president of Repairers of the Breach will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Thanksgiving Day. (Courtesy/Wilmington Journal)

“…seeks to build a moral agenda rooted in the framework that uplifts our deepest moral and constitutional values to redeem the heart and soul of our country. Our deepest moral traditions point to equal protection under the law, the desire for peace within and among nations, the dignity of all people, and the responsibility to care for our common home.”

The Wilmington Journal is a member publication of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Learn more about becoming a member at www.nnpa.org.

FBI on Black Extremists

By SADIE GURMAN and RUSSELL CONTRERAS Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) _ An FBI report on the rise of black “extremists” is stirring fears of a return to practices used during the civil rights movement, when the bureau spied on activist groups without evidence they had broken any laws.

The FBI said it doesn’t target specific groups, and the report is one of many its intelligence analysts produce to make law enforcement aware of what they see as emerging trends. A similar bulletin on white supremacists, for example, came out about the same time.

The 12-page report, issued in August, says “black identity extremists” are increasingly targeting law enforcement after police killings of black men, especially since the shooting of Michael Brown roiled Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. The report describes cases in which “extremists” had “acted in retaliation for perceived past police brutality incidents.” It warned that such violence was likely to continue.

Black leaders and activists were outraged after Foreign Policy revealed the existence of the report last month. The Congressional

Black Caucus, in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, said the report “conflates black political activists with dangerous domestic terrorist organizations” and would further erode the frayed relationship between police and minority communities.

“I have never met a black extremist. I don’t know what the FBI is talking about,” said Chris Phillips, a filmmaker in Ferguson.

Before the Trump administration, the report might not have caused such alarm. The FBI noted it issued a similar bulletin warning of retaliatory violence by “black separatist extremists” in March 2016, when the country had a black president, Barack Obama, and black attorney general, Loretta Lynch.

But black voters overwhelmingly opposed Donald Trump.

And they are suspicious of his administration, which has been criticized as insensitive on racial issues, including when Trump was slow to condemn white nationalist protesters following a deadly rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former Alabama senator

Love Game: Serena Williams Marries in New Orleans

By The Associated Press The game is love for tennis star Serena Williams and her new husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

The couple got married at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, according to a story and photos posted on Vogue’s website on Friday night.

Vogue said the celebrity guests at Thursday’s ceremony included Beyonce and Kim Kardashian West.

The 36-year-old Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles

titles, a record for the professional era.

She and Ohanian were engaged in December. Williams gave birth to a girl named Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. on Sept.

1.

Williams hasn’t competed since winning the Australian Open last January - while pregnant.

She has said she intends to return to the tennis tour for that same event next January.

whose career has been dogged by questions about race and his commitment to civil rights, did not ease lawmakers’ concerns when he was unable to answer questions about the report or its origins during a congressional hearing this past week.

Sessions said he was aware of “groups that do have an extraordinary commitment to their racial identity, and some have transformed themselves even into violent activists.” He struggled to answer the same question about white extremists.

It wouldn’t be unusual for an attorney general not to have seen such an FBI assessment, which the FBI creates on its own to circulate internally among law enforcement agencies. But the exchange with Rep. Karen Bass, a Los Angeles Democrat, presented an uncomfortable moment.

“What worries me about this terribly is that this is that it is a

flashback to the past,” Bass said after the hearing. She said she was especially concerned after receiving complaints from members of Black Lives Matter, who said they were being monitored and harassed by police in her district.

The group rallies after racially charged encounters with police, but it is not mentioned in the FBI’s intelligence assessment.

Even so, Bass said she worried the report will send a message to police that it’s OK to crack down on groups critical of law enforcement.

The FBI does not comment on its intelligence bulletins, which usually are not public. In a statement, the FBI said it cannot and will not open an investigation based solely on a person’s race or exercise of free speech rights.

Continued on page A4

OP-ED: NAACP Report on Air Pollution Misses the Mark

By Uni Blake Scientific Adviser, American Petroleum Institute The health of African American communities is a genuine cause for concern in our country, but attacking the natural gas and oil industry is the wrong approach and detracts from the real work that should be done to reduce disparately high rates of disease among African Americans. Let’s be clear—the natural gas and oil industry is: Committed to the health and safety of the communities where it operates and to its workers.

Leading the way on reducing U.S. greenhouse gas and other air emissions.

Supporting millions of well-paying jobs—one of the most important factors in the well-being of Americans.

Recently, I read a NAACP paper that accused the natural gas and oil industry of emissions that disproportionately burden African American communities. As a scientist, my overall observation is that the paper fails to demonstrate a causal relationship between natural gas activity and the health disparities, reported or predicted, within the African American community.

Rather, scholarly research attributes those health disparities to other factors that have nothing to do with natural gas and oil operations—such as genetics, indoor allergens and unequal access to preventative care. The objective should be to address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to the disparities, and one of the best vehicles is via the good jobs the natural gas and oil industry supports.

More specifically, the paper misleads on the information associated with asthma and cancer prevalence by conflating industry-associated emissions, hazards and risks. When we review health data from the states where energy development is occurring, we see a different outcome. For example, the latest Pennsylvania Department of Health data shows asthma hospitalizations among African Americans have decreased significantly at a time of increased natural gas production in the state.

Let’s look at some facts: Thanks to increased use of clean and abundant natural gas, carbon dioxide emissions from power generation have fallen 25 percent since 2005, and emissions from energy use across the en-

Country’s Oldest Black College to Remain Accredited PHILADELPHIA (AP) _ The nation’s oldest historically black college will remain accredited after a state commission decided to work with the school, citing “significant progress” after a two-year probationary period.

Cheyney University has grappled with financial and administrative woes in recent years. In August, Pennsylvania’s stateowned university system agreed to forgive $30 million in loans if the school maintained a balanced budget over the next four years.

Losing accreditation would likely have signaled the death knell for Cheyney, founded in 1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth.

President Aaron A. Walton began his tenure in May. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education says Cheyney is “making a good-faith effort to remedy existing deficiencies” in its letter Friday. The school must continue to make improvements and report back to the commission next September.

tire economy are at their lowest levels in nearly 25 years. The use of domestic natural gas also is playing an important part in reducing other emissions, including nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide.

Both are important developments for everyone’s health.

The industry has improved its fuel products, eliminating lead in gasoline and “cars” reducing its sulfur content by more than 90 percent from 1990 to 2016.

Ambient benzene concentrations dropped by 71 percent from 1994-2013 nationwide, according to data from EPA’s 2008 and 2015 Reports on the Environment – largely due to reductions in refinery emissions and improvements in gasoline.

During development of its 2015 Refinery Sector Rule, the EPA concluded that the public was protected from refinery emissions, including benzene, by existing regulations, and that protection would only increase with full implementation of the final rule.

Methane emissions from natural gas systems are down 16 percent since 1990, according to the EPA—a time period in which natural gas production has increased more than 50 percent. While not a direct public health concern, methane is an important greenhouse gas that the industry is working to reduce even more.

The industry is committed to making continuous improvements in the environmental performance of its operations and products, spending more than $320 billion on these improvements since 1990. Between 1990 and 2015, U.S. refiners alone spent $160.1 billion on improving their facilities.

The natural gas and oil industry supports 10.3 million jobs across the country—jobs that pay for health care, good nutrition, livable homes and more. Tens of thousands of our current employees are African Americans, a number that is projected to grow significantly in the future.

Natural gas and oil companies are invested in the communities where they operate. Our employees live, work and raise families in these communities.

In short, the natural gas and oil industry demonstrates its commitment, every day, to ensuring the protection of human health, safety and the environment for all Americans while providing millions of American families the benefits of affordable,

News Observer The Valley’s

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Bulk Mailing Permit 724 Bakersfield, CA 93385 Published By Observer Group Newspapers of Southern California, Inc. Corporate Office 1219 20th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 324-9466 Member: West Coast Black Publishers Assc., National Newspaper Publishers Assc., Associated Press

Uni Blake, a scientific adviser at the American Petroleum Institute, says that the NAACP failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between natural gas activity and the health disparities reported in the Black community.

reliable energy.

Our industry is a leader in reducing emissions and is committed to continuing that progress in the future through the use of data, new technologies and equipment—each reflecting our companies’ desire to strengthen the communities where they operate.

President: Ellen Coley Operations Manager: Jon Coley Editor: James Luckey 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. Letters, articles and comments appearing in the Observer Newspapers reflect the opinions of the contributor and do not constitute the opinion or endorsement by The Observer Newspapers or its staff. The Observer Group Newspapers assumes no responsibility for photographs, articles, letters, press releases and unsolicited materials. Decisions as to the editiing and publishing of materials are at the discretion of the Publisher and Editors. All rights are reserved on materials accepted for publication unless otherwise specified.

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Thursday November 23, 2017

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Features

Page A3

Penny Claims Walter Camp Award

By Earl Heath Contributing Sports Writer Rashaad Penny of San Diego State had a another outstanding game against the Nevada while rushing for 222 yards from scrimmage on 24 carries as the Aztecs rolled to a 42-23 win over the Wolfpack. Penny also had 131 yards in kick-off returns, including a 100 return for a touchdown. Penny’s 429 all-purpose yards were a school record and ninth all-time in FBS history, Penny had four touchdowns on the day as the Aztecs ran their record to 9-2 (5-2 MWC).

It was the second time this season the Norwalk native Penny was honored with the award. He nailed it on Sept 10 with a win over 30-20 win over Arizona State. He rolled up more than 350 yards of total offense that game.

TJ Edwards of Wisconsin received the Award on the Defensive side. Edwards had 11 tackles (7 solo) including 2.5 for losses.

He helped lead 5th ranked Badgers to a 2410 win over Michigan. The Badgers (11-0) only allowed 58 yards rushing to Michigan.

The Katy Texas native added a quarterback sack on the day.

Rashaad Penny of San Diego State University. (Ernie Anderson/SDSU Athletic Media Relations photo)

L.A. Clippers Support Those in Need Imperiled by Republican Tax

By Monique Limón & Sebastian Ridley-Thomas The federal Republican tax plan would create a system detrimental to nonprofit charities. Their proposal increases the standard deduction, thereby reducing the number of filers who itemize. In other words, it limits tax benefits for many of the small to mid-size donors for charities. According to the most recent analysis by the Tax Policy Center, the number of taxpayers that would itemize compared with current law would fall by 75 percent in 2018.

So why is this reform of the tax code so bad for charities?

Existing law encourages individuals to make charitable contributions by providing a deduction for amounts contributed, but the deduction is only available to individuals who itemize. If estimates are correct and 75 percent of tax filers would no longer itemize, the charitable deduction would be rendered useless to all but a small percentage of filers. In addition to eliminating the benefit to those that take the standard deduction, itemizers would also receive less of a benefit when making charitable contributions.

The value of a tax deduction varies depending on one’s marginal tax rate and because the Republican tax proposal lowers the tax rate on the first $1 million to 35 percent, individuals who continue to itemize will see less of a benefit when making charitable contributions under this plan.

We know that people donate to charities because they want to support worthwhile causes. But many in the nonprofit world also know that no matter the size of the contribution, every dollar has the same worth — whether it comes from individuals who

Monique Limón (courtesy photo)

donate $1 million or $1 dollar. By disincentivizing itemized deductions, there is a real concern people will give less to the organizations that do the most with the least amount of resources.

This could result in a big loss to charities. In fact, a recent study showed that similar tax reform changes could reduce charitable giving by as much as $13.1 billion per year.

The Republican tax plan and the goal of maintaining incentives that encourage greater charitable giving are at odds. Several proposals have attempted to make the charitable deduction more accessible and equitable to tax filers. Congress could consider allowing the charitable deduction to be taken “above-the-line” (i.e., available to both itemizers and those that take the standard deduction) or could convert the charitable deduction to a tax credit equal to a percentage of the amount donated. Both of these options would provide a benefit to any person making a charitable contribution, irrespective of how that person chooses to file. A tax credit would also make the tax benefit more equitable in that every person would receive the same benefit irrespective of income and would also not overly complicate tax filings.

Congress should rethink the serious implications this tax plan will have on charities, and more importantly, the impact this plan will have on the ability for charities to do important work in each of our communities.

Limón serves Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties in the California State Assembly. She also chairs the Select Committee on the Not-For-Profit Sector. Ridley-Thomas serves South and West Los Angeles in the California Assembly. He chairs the Committee on Revenue and Taxation.

Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (courtesy photo)

Clippers Season ticket holder Teri Beckler of Pasadena(L) takes time out with L.A. Clipper Brice Johnson (Earl Heath Photo)

Page A4

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

News

Black Press Mourns a New York Beacon

Thursday November 23, 2017

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Rags to Riches Story Made Publisher Walter “Ball” Smith Jr. a Light for Many

Walter “Ball” Smith, publisher and savvy business entrepreneur, died suddenly in Miami (courtesy photo)

From Crusader Staff Report Crusader Newspaper Group/NNPA Member The Black Press lost one of its most devoted freedom warriors, last week. Walter “Ball” Smith, the publisher of “New York’s Beacon” and the “Philadelphia Observer” died on Friday, November 10. He was 83.

“The Black Press has lost a true giant in Black America,” said Dorothy R. Leavell, Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and publisher of the Chicago and Gary Crusader newspapers. “Walter Smith made a difference in so many lives of Black readers and Black publishers in the Northeast, and America, in general.”

As CEO of the Smith Haj Group, Smith published New York’s premier weekly, New York’s Beacon and the Philadelphia Observer. Like Black newspapers across the country,

both publications catered to a loyal Black readership that made Smith a prominent figure in the Black community. For 26 years, he led the Beacon, an edgy publication that shared America’s largest Black media market with several Black newspapers that included the venerable “New York Amsterdam News.”

NNPA members, colleagues, friends and family are mourning the loss of a publisher who never forgot his humble beginnings.

Walter Smith, Jr. was the seventh of 10 children born to Walter Smith Sr. and his wife Belle. He was raised in Badlin, N.C. where his father, a prominent civic leader, worked for ALCOA, an aluminum company. When he was 18, Smith was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in Korea.

Upon his return, Smith completed a degree in business from the University of North Carolina. He landed a job in New York as a founding employee with ADP (Automatic Data Processing), a newly created company known for processing employee payrolls for companies across the country. Today, the ADP has $10 billion in revenue and serves 570,000 clients.

During a 2013 interview with the “Stanly News & Press” in Albemarle, N.C., Smith said he had been working for ADP for less than a year, making $75 per week, sometimes $100 with overtime, when he suddenly noticed something about his pay.

“I looked at my paycheck one week, and $15 a week was coming out for stock options. I said, ‘I can’t afford this,” Smith told the newspaper.

His boss replied, “It’s stock. I’m giving you an option to buy stock,” Smith remembered.

“He said, ‘You keep that and pretty soon it will be worth some money.’”

Smith’s boss was right. On paper Smith learned he was $2 million richer, later, when he was trying to buy a house on New York’s Long Island in 1964.

“I’m struggling to get to work and back and was a millionaire and didn’t know it,” Smith said. “It was just a real Cinderella story.”

It was the beginning of an auspicious career that took Smith from being an ordinary American to a successful businessman, who purchased a small Black newspaper and built a powerful Black media empire, becoming a beloved community institution in Black neighborhoods in two of America’s largest cities, New York and Philadelphia.

In 1980, Smith met Bill Underwood, who was operating the “Big Red,” a numerology tip selling sheet that sold 100,000 copies per day. He later renamed it “Big Red News” and the advertisers started coming. “Big Red News” became one of the largest ABC audited Black weeklies in the country.

In 1981, Smith purchased the paper to gain full control of the operation. In 1983, the paper changed its name to “The New York Beacon.”

“You have to say something to the readers,” he said at the time.

“The New York Beacon” gives the news to readers in New York City’s five boroughs-Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. In 2006, Smith acquired “The Philadelphia Observer.”

To have a stronger voice in the region, Smith founded the Northeast Publishers Association, which united New York’s Black newspapers in their fight to boost advertising revenue in their publications.

Smith was also one of the regional directors for the NNPA. “One thing that we can rest assured of, is the news that we gather and the news that we present is just as relevant today as it was in the 80s,” Smith said in the Beacon.

Over the years, Smith received many awards and proclamations for doing what he loved best.

“The NNPA mourns profoundly the passing of beloved publisher Walter Smith,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA. “At a time that we are celebrating the 190th year of the Black Press, we pause to salute the outstanding contributions of Walter Smith to the Black Press.

We will keep Miatta Smith and the Smith Family in our sincere prayers, as we express our condolences.”

In his spare time, Smith lived the American dream and enjoyed hobbies synonymous with people of wealth and affluence. An avid golfer, Smith enjoyed swimming, fishing, yachting, traveling and spending time with his wife, Miatta, their children and grandchildren. Smith maintained homes in New York, Atlanta, Miami and North Carolina.

The Crusader Newspaper Group is a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. Learn more about becoming a member at www.nnpa.org.

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You Better Watch Your Mouth:

Dental Care in the Black Community

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Newswire Columnist From the time I was a little girl, to just a day or so ago, someone has always told me to watch my mouth. Why? My mouth runs and sometimes it runs unplugged. I’ve been known to flim flam folks with flattery or eviscerate them with evil, sometimes moving from one to the other with just a shrug of my shoulders. But my “mouth-watching” is not the kind of mouth-watching I’m writing about in this column. I’m writing about the healthy mouth-watching that is critical to our health.

Nearly a hundred folks gathered at the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) headquarters at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C., to hear two dynamic women talk about dental health. Dr. Diane Earle, the managing dental director at Kool Smiles, in Lancaster, Texas, talked about dental health and its importance. Your mouth, she said, is the gateway to your body, so it is important for you to take care of it by getting regular checkups, taking care of your mouth and, especially, ensuring that children have early dental care as soon as they have even a single tooth. She was joined by healthy living expert Debra Peek Haynes, who is passionate about the way we eat and how what we eat can transform our lives.

These two women held an audience for an hour, focusing on the many ways we can improve our lives so that we can better resist these oppressive political times. There was talk of the ways we can eat better, exercise better, and live better, with both Dr. Earle and Mrs. Haynes presenting as great examples of healthy living. Dr. Earle, for example, said she had never had a cavity in her life. Deb Haynes (whose husband, the Rev. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III, has expertly pastored Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas) shared the ways she used healthy eating to turn her health around after a diagnosis of infertility. I was thrilled to bring the women together and to moderate a discussion that had significant meaning for our community.

NCNW, under the transformative leadership of Attorney Janice Mathis (who led Rainbow PUSH’s Atlanta office until she came to Washington), is the only space owned by Black people on Pennsylvania Avenue. It is close enough to the “People’s House” at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue that one might walk there, which perhaps means that it is close to the devil. That proximity offers an opportunity for resistance, and while much of our resistance must be political, some of it hinges on our personal commitment to a physical excellence that prepares us to have resilience for the struggle.

Even as we met, the devil was busy. The House of Representative passed the new “tax overhaul” package that they say will create jobs, but we know will create wealth for billionaires; to benefit the top one percent, the bottom 80 percent will be hit hard, but Congress doesn’t seem to care. The Senate has a version of the legislation, and the two houses will have to come up with compromise legislation, but both the House and the Senate agree that corporations should pay less tax.

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Julianne Malveaux says that dental care and nutrition should get more attention in the Black community.

At NCNW, we talked about Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) and her Action for Dental Health Act (HR 2422).

The bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored with Republican Indiana dentist and Congressman Mike Simpson, would make dental care more accessible, but with issues like these having low priority in this ideologically divided Congress, it is not likely to even make it to the floor for a vote. Instead, the new tax law would weaken, not strengthen, healthcare access.

Dental care and nutrition issues don’t get as much visibility as Russia, or sexual harassment, or jiving Jeff Sessions. But they are also important issues. So when we “watch our mouth” by watching what we eat and how we manage our dental care, we are strengthening ourselves for the inevitable struggle against the inequality that is part of the status quo.

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Couple Detained After Hibiscus Mistaken for Pot Editors Note Updates with couple describing how they were detained, wife saying she ‘was not treated’ like a human being, husband saying he was ‘ignored’ when he tried to explain.

SARVER, Pa. (AP) _ A couple who say they were handcuffed for hours in a police patrol car after their hibiscus plants were confused for marijuana are suing the police and an insurance company.

Edward and Audrey Cramer say in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that a Nationwide Insurance Co. agent investigating a fallen tree at their Buffalo Township home sent photos of their flowering plant to police. The lawsuit alleges that Buffalo Township police officers with assault rifles went to their home on Oct. 7 to investigate.

Audrey Cramer, 66, said she was partially dressed when she went to the door and police would not let her put on pants before she was handcuffed.

“I was not treated as though I was a human being,” she said.

“I was just something they were going to push aside.”

Edward Cramer, 69, said he returned home a half-hour later to find his wife in the back of a police cruiser and officers pointing guns at him. He also was placed in the cruiser despite trying to convince the officers the plants were hibiscus, not marijuana.

“They actually ignored me,” he said. “They wouldn’t even listen. I said, `I can show you pictures on the internet.”’

The Cramers eventually were released without charges. They are seeking monetary and compensatory damages and court costs.

Nationwide Insurance declined to comment on Friday, citing the litigation. Township police also declined to comment.

FBI on Black Extremists Continued from page A2

“Our focus is not on membership in particular groups but on individuals who commit violence and other criminal acts,” the FBI said. “Furthermore, the FBI does not and will not police ideology. When an individual takes violent action based on belief or ideology and breaks the law, the FBI will enforce the rule of law.”

The assessments are designed to help law enforcement agencies stay ahead of emerging problems and should not be seen as a sign of a broader enforcement strategy, said Jeffrey Ringel, a former FBI agent and Joint Terrorism Task force member who now works for the Soufan Group, a private security firm. Agencies can decide for themselves whether the assessment reflects a real problem, he said.

Still, some veterans of the black and Latino civil rights movement said the FBI assessment reminded them of the bureau’s now-defunct COINTELPRO, a covert and often illegal operation under Director J. Edgar Hoover in the 1950s and 1960s.

Agents were assigned to “expose, disrupt, misdirect, or otherwise neutralize the activities of black nationalists,” Hoover said in a once-classified memo to field agents.

David Correia, an American Studies professor at the University of New Mexico, said the new memo carries a similar message.

“It’s part of their playbook,” he said. “They try to characterize legitimate concerns about something like police violence as somehow a danger so they can disrupt protests.” The FBI used a similar tactic to try to cause confusion among New Mexico Hispanic land grant activists in the 1960s, he said.

The cases listed in the new bulletin include that of a sniper who said he was upset about police treatment of minorities before killing five officers during a protest in Dallas, and a man who wrote of the need to inflict violence on “bad cops” before killing three in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In each of the cases, the FBI alleges the suspects were connected to radical ideologies linked to black nationalism.

Phillips, who is set to release a film about the shooting of Brown and its aftermath, said if the FBI were really worried about unrest, it should turn its focus to the concerns of the people “who are protesting in the streets” instead of targeting people who face discrimination daily.

Thursday November 23, 2017

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Entertainment

Page A5

Della Reese, ‘Touched by an Angel’ Star Has Died at 86 LOS ANGELES (AP) — Della Reese, the actress and gospel-influenced singer who in middle age found her greatest fame as Tess, the wise angel in the long-running television drama “Touched by an Angel,” has died at age 86.

A family representative released a statement Monday that Reese died peacefully Sunday evening in California. No cause of death or additional details were provided.

Before “Touched by an Angel” debuted in 1994, Reese was

mainly known as a singer, although she had costarred on “Chico and the Man,” “Charlie and Company” and “The Royal Family” and hosted her own talk show, “Della.”

She appeared on numerous shows such as “Night Court,” “L.A. Law,” and “Designing Women,” but wrote in her 1997 autobiography that she had difficulty being typecast until she landed her “Touched by an Angel” role.

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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 02: Actress Della Reese speaks at the ‘Christmas Angel’ discussion panel during the GMC portion of the 2012 Summer Television Critics Association tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 2, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Commodores Legend Talks Reunion, New Book

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Southern California running back Ronald Jones II, top, is tackled by UCLA defensive back Nate Meadors during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Los Angles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)Trojans Hang On For Win Over Bruins

Trojans Hang On For Win Over Bruins

By Earl Heath

Contributing Sports Writer The USC football team is enjoying a pretty good season. The UCLA Bruins have been struggling with a rash full of injuries that all season have hampered the team. There’s no question the crowd of 82,407 was entertained with a close game as the Trojans prevailed 28-23.

Bruin QB Josh Rosen had some pin point accuracy and looked brilliant completing 32 of 52 passes for 421 yards and 3 touchdowns. “We did exactly what we wanted to do,” said Rosen. “Its just for some reason when we got inside the 10 or 15 we spazzed out.”

Rosen connected with Jordan Lasley for 10 catches for 204 yards (career high) and all three of his TD passes. Rosen also connected with seven different receivers on the evening. Theo Howard had 11 catches for 81 yards including a 30 yarder.

“We have the utmost respect for Josh Rosen and I think he came out and showed us what he was about “ said Senior linebacker Cameron Smith. “He threw the ball all over and made some big plays.

Junior DB Nate Meteors led the defense with seven tackles followed by Kenny Young with six, Jacob Toito-Mariner had five while Jaleel Wadood and Rick Wood chipped in with four each.

Sam Darnold completed 17 of 28 for 264 yards , no TD passes and 1 interception. Michael Pittman got USC on the board first with a 72 yard punt return in the first quarter. During the play Ajene Harris acted as if he was going to field the punt by Stefan Flintof as he drifted towards the right saline all the persuit came that way . the Pitman fielded the punt on the left side of the field and raced down the sideline. 72 yards later he was in the endzone.

Deontay Burnett and Steven Mitchell had catches each and the ‘rugged one’ Ronald Jones ran for 124 yards on 28 carries and had two scores. Steven Carr had the longest play from scrimmage for the Trojans a 29 yard pass from Darnold.

Chris Hawkins led the defense with 10 tackles (4 solo 0) while Iman Marshall and Ajene Harris had 9 each for the Trojans 10-2 ,8-1-PAC-12 ADD USC-UCLA Michael Pittman was named PAC 12 Special Teams Player of the Week: The Trojans will Play for the PAC-12 on DEC 1, at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara--Ken Mar was the game referee and is the first Asian-American Referee to become a member in the PAC 12 according to the Asian American Sports Officials Association. Mar was previously a member of the Mountain West Conference.

Commodores Legend Thomas McClary wrote a new book about his time with the iconic band and his activism during the Civil Rights Movement. (Wikimedia Commons)

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor Thomas McClary, the legendary founder of the super group, the Commodores, has a new book that takes readers on a journey through Motown, the Civil Rights Movement and a backstage war for the ages.

McClary, who co-founded the group with Lionel Richie, recently released “Rock and Soul,” a stirring autobiography where readers also learn about his activism.

“I kept getting questions as to when are the original Commodores going to do reunion and, after hearing that for the ‘umpteenth’ time I realized that people wanted to know,” said McClary.

“So, I started to think about it and started writing things down.”

The book details McClary’s recruitment of Richie, one of the biggest selling artists in the history of Motown Records.

“When I met Lionel, he was a very shy guy and I had to convince his grandmother and parents to allow him to play in the band,” McClary said. “I pushed him out to become the lead singer after our initial lead singer was drafted into the Vietnam War. I overheard Lionel singing in the shower one day and I said, ‘hey, you can sing.’”

When the book begins, McClary is in a courtroom.

One of the members secretly trademarked the Commodores name, barring McClary’s use, while performing separately.

“I think readers will be surprised at how perseverance played a role in our success and they will also be surprised to know that, even though we had a very united front, behind the scenes things weren’t so kosher,” he said. “I’m the founder and all of us were equal as it relates to corporate ownership and the name. One of the guys decided he was going to take it on his own to trademark the name and I’m still handling it.”

The singer, musician and songwriter is credited along with Richie for writing nearly all of the Commodores music, a bevy of hits that’s led to multiple Grammy nomination and induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

In addition to his musical prowess, McClary counts as one of the Civil Rights Movement’s unsung heroes.

The first African American to integrate Lake County Public Schools in Eustis, Fla., amidst formidable racial tension, McClary walked with boldness when entering the doors of the all-White school.

He also fought to open doors of opportunities for other African Americans and he continues to work to help others overcome racial bigotry and other obstacles.

McClary said it’s as important today as ever before.

“Man, I never thought I’d be appreciative of a president like

George W. Bush,” he said. “To compare him to what we have in office today, I never thought I’d long for a George Bush.”

McClary said fans have repeatedly asked about a possible reunion of the original Commodores, a group that turned out such iconic and time-tested hits as “Brick House,” “Easy,” and “Just to be Close to you.”

“It’s going to happen. I’ve spent 30 years trying to make it happen and Lionel and I recently performed together in New Zealand and at the Superdome, so I’m optimistic that a reunion with the five living original members will happen,” said McClary, whose recollections about the great “Motown Sound” is recorded in the new book that has others taking notice.

“It’s captivating and awe inspiring,” singer Ray Parker Jr. said.

Kool & the Gang Founder Robert Bell wrote a moving review of “Rock and Soul” calling it “an emotion filled memoir of a cherished walk and a celebration of life, through the highs and lows of a natural born star. Thoroughly entertaining and moving.”

Hall of Fame NBA Star Julius “Dr. J” Erving also praised McClary’s memoirs.

“A resounding testament of the resilience of the force that is Thomas McClary,” Erving said. “This book gave pure energy to my soul.”

Riveting, rousing, and outright inspiring, “Rock and Soul” is an intimate portrait of McClary, said the book’s publishers, 13th & Joan.

The 362-page book recounts the Civil Rights Movement, and McClary’s early days of leaving home to attend Tuskegee University where he met Richie.

It highlights McClary’s rise from the concrete of societal imposed standards to musical genius.

McClary relentlessly laid the foundation to form a sound and a family of talent that the world had yet to witness.

Countless hours with his guitar, and blood, sweat, and tears became synonymous with crafting a sound that intricately fused rhythm and blues, funk and rock, pop and jazz, and moved audiences to undeniable emotion with a language that knew no barriers.

“Obviously I have a lot of respect for Berry Gordy and what he did at Motown and for Black people,” McClary said. “Stevie Wonder has always been incredible, as has Smokey Robinson and Suzanne de Passe. We learned a lot from all of them, the likes of Norman Whitfield and Marvin Gaye all of whom had an open door policy, where we could ask how they did what they did and what we could use to improve our situation.”

Page A6

THE VALLEY’S NEWS OBSERVER

Local

Thursday November 23, 2017

A Ceremony Fit for a King!

By Cam Buford The first annual Hollywood African Prestigious Awards (HAPA) were held this past weekend, at The Alex Theater in Glendale, CA.. This event boasted a blend of country leaders, dignitaries and celebrities from the motherland. The purpose of the event is to bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of the world. As these positive images were meant to crush the negative stereotype and false movie portrayals.

Representatives for His Royal Majesty King Mswati III of Swaziland and head of the Swazi Royal Family, His Royal Highness King (Dr.) Noble Odaifio Welentsi III of Ghana, Chief Osabarima Nana Ansah Sasraku III Mamfehene and Kyidomhene of Akuapem Traditional area of Ghana. Were some of the African Royalty and Honorees in attendance. They all were there to witness the King of Yoruba his Imperial Majesty The Ooni of Ife, Alayeluwa Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi - Ojaja II, blessed the audience with his presence as he received the key to Glendale, CA. from sitting Mayor Vartan Gharpetian.

This once in a lifetime event went on without incident and inspired all in attendance to spread the word of peace and unity for all. “irrespective of our color, irrespective of our culture we

are one humanity!” our population continues to grow thanks to our creator.” “I am here to bring love, to bring peace and to bring adoration for us to all to come together as one big family; mankind!” Mention the King of Yoruba.

The King drove in his point further by asking, “How well, how kind are you to the person next to you…? As we are the custodian of oldest tradition in the world; love!” “I have a blessed message for my brothers that are of African descent in this part of the world, that we are all the same… it is one big family. You are not slaves, but you were enslaved! You belong to the root of Princes and princesses, and King and Queens! That is your root, that is your lineage, that is your heritage!” “We all need to come together, and make sure we can tell our story!”

This opportunity to be in the presence of royalty was very inspiring to all in attendance. Hearing his words of affirmation was similarly touching. All the while enjoying the ethnic culture and musical talents from those of the motherland was very enjoyable for many of who were raised here in the US. I know that I won’t soon forget this unique experience.

The Imperial Majesty King of Yoruba receiving the key to the City of Glendale from Mayor Vartan Gharpetian. (Cam Buford photo)

The News Observer Online

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Uninsured Decline SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A new survey from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that states that operate their own health insurance marketplaces continue to make great progress toward reducing the number of the uninsured.

States that did not rely on the federally facilitated marketplace had a rate of the uninsured that was about half that of the federally facilitated marketplace states, 8.3 percent compared to 16.1 percent, while California’s rate dropped to an all-time low.

“These data show loudly and clearly that states like California that have sought to make the Affordable Care Act work for their residents are delivering — dramatically reducing the rate of the uninsured in ways that translate into lower premiums for everyone,” said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Diana Dooley, chair of the Covered California Board of Directors.

“While California and many other states are helping lower health care costs and reducing the rate of the uninsured, the nation is being challenged by the great uncertainty at the federal level.”

The CDC report from the National Center for Health Statistics, “Health Insurance Coverage: Early Release of Estimates From the National Health Interview Survey, January–June 2017,” provides the first federal summary of impacts of the 2017 open-enrollment period. The report shows wide variation across the nation in the extent to which states have lowered their rates of the uninsured, with particularly striking differences between states that manage their own marketplaces and expanded Medicaid, and those that did not.

“California is not alone in the historic gains made possible by the Affordable Care Act,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “This new survey shows that overall, state-based marketplaces continued to reduce the rates of their states’ uninsured, while those states supported by the federal marketplace saw the first uptick in their uninsured since 2014.” Lee added, “It was nice to see that California also had good company among states dramatically reducing their uninsured population, with five of the 11 states in the report seeing rates of the uninsured of less than 8 percent, including Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.” (See Table XVI in the CDC report.)

In the first six months of 2017, California’s uninsured rate dropped to 6.8 percent, the lowest rate since 2013, down from 7.2 percent in the first six months of 2016.

Since some of the remaining uninsured are undocumented or are otherwise ineligible for coverage, the number of uninsured individuals eligible to enroll in private insurance or Medi-Cal through Covered California may be even lower, approximately 3.4 percent.

“This historically low uninsured rate is a direct product of last year’s open-enrollment efforts, which brought health insurance to hundreds of thousands of people,” Lee said. “Despite the uncertainty in Washington, for both last year’s and the current open-enrollment period, California is making sure premiums are kept in check with a competitive market and that people have access to the quality health insurance they need.”

According to the new CDC survey, states like California that expanded Medicaid had an uninsured rate — 8.8 percent — that was less than half the rate of states that did not — 19.0 percent (see Figure 9).

In addition, in the first half of 2017, state-based marketplaces continued to make progress at reducing the number of the uninsured, from a rate of 8.6 percent to 8.3 percent. This same period marks the first time since 2014 that the rate of the uninsured increased in states supported by the federal marketplace.

The new report comes nearly three weeks into open enrollment, when anyone can sign up for health insurance in the individual market. Consumers nationwide can explore their options on Healthcare.gov and must sign up by Dec. 15, which is the end of the open-enrollment period for federally facilitated marketplaces. In California, consumers should visit CoveredCA.com, and enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2018. Open enrollment continues through Jan. 31 in California. Medi-Cal enrollment is year round.

The CDC survey results also show how California’s progress compares to the national uninsured rate. Prior to the Affordable Care Act’s taking effect, California’s uninsured rate for all ages was higher than the national average: 17 percent compared to 14.4 percent. Since that time, California’s uninsured rate has dropped by more than 10 percentage points, while the national average has dropped by 5.4 percentage points.

“It’s gratifying to see the progress made in getting so many people in California the health insurance they need,” Lee said.

“But we are not resting on our laurels. In the individual market, people constantly come and go. Particularly in this time of confusion for many consumers, we need to make sure those with insurance keep it and those who are uninsured are aware of the good options available to them as open enrollment continues.”

The full CDC survey can be viewed here: https://www.cdc. gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/insur201711.pdf.

Consumers interested in signing up for health care coverage can get free and confidential enrollment assistance by visitingwww.CoveredCA.com/find-help/ and searching among 800 storefronts statewide or the more than 17,000 certified enrollers who can help consumers understand their choices and enroll, including individuals who can assist in other languages. In addition, consumers can reach the Covered California service center by calling (800) 300-1506.

MY PERSONAL TESTIMIONY In 2005, I was diagnosed with , and Interstitial lung disease and was given no more than five years to live. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease that is known to causes hardening of the skin, and the internal organs. When it was detected the disease had already spread to both lungs. I was put on harsh medications to try and slow down its progression because there is no cure for the disease and to this day there is still no cure! And if that wasn’t enough, my mother died unexpectedly….Where was God in all this?

I began to sink into deep depression, but thankfully I had the prayers and support of my wonderful husband and family I also had the prayers and support from my church family. I will never forget Mother Clemons, who gave me healing scriptures during this time and she told me to read them daily.. I began to do as she told me, and I soon began to feel healing take place in my mind and body..That has been over12 years and I am still

here, and no longer taking any medications for the diseases. In 2013 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer... Thank God I was able to apply those healing scriptures that I had hidden in my heart...

God seen me through this dark time just as before.

On Nov. 27th, my testimony will be heard all around the world. My prayer is that if just one soul be blessed through my testimony then all my pain will have been worth it all!

I’m excited to share with you some of those same scriptures that held me together during those dark and lonely times in my life...

The bible says that Death and Life are in the power of the tongue. What are you speaking over yourself? Your words can produce or pronounce life or death..

If you would like to purchase a copy of this powerful cd please email me at yolandanorwood@gmail.com or you can also download a copy. I look forward to hearing your testimony!

The King of Yoruba is honored with a painting from Davood Roostaci the King of Cryptorealism at the 2017 HAPA Awards. (Cam Buford photo)

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