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Volume 5, No. 28 SmithPublish.com

Happy Independence Day!

News & Entertainment from the Community

Serving the cities of Los Angeles County

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July 1 - 15, 2011 lacnews@yahoo.com

Get Ready for AmericaFest 2011 at the Rose Bowl 85th Annual 4th of July Celebration at the Rose Bowl

Inside What’s Happening Around Town. 2 Government/Business ………...........3 School /Sports….……………….…. .5 Asts/Entertainment…….……….…..6 Church & Inspiration……..…..……9 Tony Bradford’s Corner……………9 Food/Restaurant………..…………10 Health & Beauty…………………..12 Tech & Automotive..………………14 Real Estate…………………………15 Calendar of Events…………....…..17 How to Reach Us (888) 841-7779 Email: Lacnews@yahoo.com Submit your upcoming events and information FREE!

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Fourth of July fireworks at the Rose Bowl is a tradition in Pasadena. At 85 years, Americafest might be young by Pasadena standards, but is one of the largest and longest-running pyrotechnic shows in Southern California.

This year’s extravaganza, “Family Fun on the Fourth,” is a special dual celebration of the City of Pasadena’s 125th birthday and the 235th birthday of our country.

The “Little Old Lady from Pasadena” will be there, along with The Jan and Dean Show featuring Dean Torrence to sing about her.

Despite the $400,000 price tag, Americafest, presented by Honda is committed to ensuring that active duty military and their families get in free, as a way of saying thank you for their service. Military personnel should show their current military ID at Gate B for free entry.

The Rose Bowl is able to continue putting on a spectacular show in these days of budget-cutting because it does not depend solely on ticket sales. Tax deductible donations to the Rose Bowl Legacy Connection help fund the event and cover the cost of the military families. If donations exceed the total cost of the event, the proceeds will go to the Rose Bowl renovation fund. Donors of $100 and above receive two general admission tickets for each $100 donated, up to four tickets.

Donors of $1000 and above receive two preferred seating tickets for each $1000, up to 10 tickets total, on parking pass, and four tickets to the preshow VIP reception. For more information, CLICK HERE

4th of July with Janice Hahn!

At Recreation Park with El Segundo Mayor Eric Busch. This is a great way to celebrate our nation's birthday. Pie eating contest. Hula hoop contest. Watermelon eating contest. A lot of fun for the entire family!!!!

Lucy Florence Cultural Center has a NEW LOCATION!

Los Angeles Community News News From the Community!

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Don’t count the Harris brother’s out yet…..After the dispute and closure at Leimert Park, Lucy Florence Cultural Center has opened its doors at a new location. Visit them at 5671 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019.

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Lucy Florence Our Partners Owners and twin http://www.LWSpecialEvents.com brothers Ron and Richard Harris are long-time supporters of culture, performing and visual arts. Perhaps most popularly known as the A-Swirl Twins on Tyra Banks' America's Next Top Model, the brothers have made an indelible mark in the worlds of fashion, entertainment and the arts.

The Harris brothers are philanthropists, dancers, teachers, coaches and nation builders. As an institution, Lucy Florence Cultural Center is a safe and sacred space to test creative expression while surrounded by a supportive and guiding energy that flows throughout the building. Learn more at http://lucyflorencecc.squarespace.com

FULL 405 FREEWAY CLOSURE SCHEDULED FOR JULY 16-17, 2011 A full 53-hour closure of the 405 freeway, roughly between the 10 and the 101 freeways, is planned for the weekend of July 16-17, 2011. The closure is needed because of demolition work scheduled on the Mulholland Bridge. Due to the steep nature of the bridge, the freeway in both directions must be closed to protect the public during demolition. Demolition preparation work is scheduled to begin Friday night, July 15, 2011 at 10:00 p.m., and continue until Monday morning, July 18, 2011 at 5:00 a.m. The Mulholland Drive Bridge and both directions of the 405 freeway and on-ramps and off-ramps within the area of the closure will be closed to ensure public safety during the bridge dismantling.

Click here for the latest updates on the freeway closure and here for the news release.

Visit www.metro.net/I-405

CONGRESSWOMAN WATERS APPLAUDS TREASURY ENFORCEMENT OF MORTGAGE SERVICERS, URGES CONTINUED ACTION Rep. Maxine Waters (CA) applauds the Treasury Department's enforcement of Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) requirements on mortgage servicers: “More than two years after the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) was launched, I am pleased that the Administration has finally decided to take enforcement seriously and penalize three servicers who have, as a matter of standard practice, foreclosed on millions of homeowners, often without properly screening them for modifications or otherwise following program rules.

On March 28, I sent a letter, along with a total of 50 House Democrats, demanding that the Treasury Department begin fining servicers who fail to abide by HAMP requirements. I am pleased that the Treasury Department took our call for enforcement seriously, and worked quickly to implement a new payment-withholding regime. We sent this letter because it was clear that a lack of consequences for misbehavior has encouraged servicers to cut-corners and even wrongfully foreclose on homeowners.

Through Congressional hearings and conversations with my constituents, it became clear that lost paperwork, conflicting and confusing guidance from servicer staff, forged documents, and even unsubstantiated loan modification denials were the norm in the industry. Nicely asking mortgage servicers to follow the rules hasn’t worked; I agree with the Treasury Department that it’s time to start withholding funds.

Finally, I want to make clear that I consider this to be just a first step in straightening out the servicing industry. I hope that the Treasury Department continues to withhold payments for badly performing servicers, and I will continue to push our banking regulators to use their examination and enforcement powers to clean-up industry practices. Moreover, I continue to believe that state attorneys general should pursue a strong settlement with servicers, and demand not only steep fines, but drastic changes in servicer behavior.” Learn more about Rep. Water’s current work.. CLICK HERE

Derrick Barnes “We Could Be Brothers” Book Resonates With Teachers & Students Dear Derrick, I picked up your book “We Could Be Brothers” at ALAN, Orlando Fl. I could never have imagined how much of an investment I had made. I am a high school reading teacher. I have a black male student in my class who is really in need of a relatable book at this time of his life. I told him that you wrote this book especially for the black male. For the year that I have known him, I don’t remember him being this focused on any written materiel or any book in my classroom and I have a lot of great books.

Thank you so very much for taking the time to write this book, I think many lives, more than you know, will be changed from the investment you have made in their lives.

Carol Monroe, Cypress Creek High School, Reading Teacher

“ We Could Be Brothers by Derrick Barnes is that rare coming-of-age story that not only takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, but it also inspires you beyond the pages of this book to talk with and listen to characters like Pacino and Robeson. These are young males we all know, mentor, love, and raise, but who we often do not see or hear. Barnes, a very gifted writer, masterfully mixes the themes of class, internalized racism, and the myths and meanings of manhood. You want solutions to the many crises affecting young Black males? Then read this book. Now!” -Kevin Powell-Activist, public speaker, author, editor of The Black Male Handbook: A Blueprint for Life Learn more or purchase the book at http://www.derrickbarnes.com/derrick_barnes.html

New state laws include mandatory whooping cough vaccinations for children

By Adam Weintraub The Associated Press Some 3 million public and private school students in California will have to prove they've had a booster vaccination against whooping cough to attend grades seven through 12 this fall under one of the most sweeping state laws taking effect Friday, June 29th. The change comes after a 2010 spike in whooping cough cases in California that killed 10 infants. In all, 9,120 infections were reported, the most in the state in 63 years and almost half of all the cases in the U.S. for the year.

The number of cases so far this year is ahead of last year's pace, but health officials hope the law will help curb the disease's spread. Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the vaccination bill in September 2010. Less than a month later, schools and doctors started trying to get out the word to parents and students and held vaccination clinics to administer the booster shot.

Children already had to get a series of shots against whooping cough to enter school, but they typically receive the last one by about age 6 and immunity fades after a few years. Most other states already require the additional shot against the disease, also known as pertussis. California's law requires that all students entering grades seven through 12 in fall 2011 provide proof they have received the booster shot. In future years, only those entering seventh grade must do so. CLICK HERE or go to this link http://www.harp.org/clinics.htm for a list of Low Cost and Free Clinics in the California.

The 2011 ESPY Awards Going Down at Nokia Theater LA Live The ESPYs gathers top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports, by recognizing major achievements and reliving unforgettable moments in sports.

Fans determine the winners in all 30-plus categories which include both sport-specific awards such as "Best NFL Player" and "Best Women's Tennis Player", as well as categories that pit nominees from different sports against each other, such as "Best Team" or "Best Female Athlete." In addition, the Arthur Ashe Courage Award is presented annually to individuals whose contributions transcend sports. The ESPYs are committed to the advancement of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, established by ESPN with the late Jim Valvano and announced at the inaugural ESPYs in 1993. For more information and tickets, CLICK HERE.

I’m Every Woman Expo Coming to Los Angeles!

Courtyard By Marriott Saturday, Oct. 1st CLICK HERE to view video The I'm Every Woman Expo was created and produced by LaTonya Barber, CEO of Eloquets Enterprise LLC in collaboration with a select group of prestigious women business owners and organizations to host this spectacular, annual event.

Because of its' proven success, we are pleased to announce the expansion of this event taking place in several states. By partnering with organizations and event management companies nationwide, all women, regardless of their race, age, or social class, will have the opportunity to experience what our exhibitors, attendees, speakers, sponsors, and committees experience. Women from all walks of life engage in better health, financial wellness, education, entrepreneurship, image~all these things and more make us better for our families, communities, but more importantly, and ourselves. To register for the Los Angeles Expo, visit

Real Talk – The Movement “Date or SoulMate?”

Terrell Moore Gallery 7:00pm, Thursday, July 21st How many times have you gone out on a date with the same person and sat there knowing this is not the one for you, or you sit there yawning saying, "What can I say to end this evening?"

Then you rationalize it saying "Awww...he or she's a good person." Well, if you’re just looking to date, it's okay if that's what you choose to do.

HOWEVER, if you are ready for that serious relationship, it calls for serious MEASURES. Sometimes all it takes is.....HOMEWORK AND PATIENCE.....

Join us at Real Talk-The Movement with our Distinguished Gentlemen and Women along with our Relationship Coach, Ryeal Simms to discuss those NEGOTIABLES AND NON-NEGOTIABLES! You need to know where you are in life and either that person is down with you are they are not!

C'mon, after that second date.....didn't you know?

RTTM is open to the public and will be held at the Terrell Moore Gallery 1221 S. Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Tickets are $10.00 and we ask that you RSVP at rsvp@realtalktm.org. There is parking on the street and free after 6:00 pm.

The Real Talk Series was developed as a vehicle to begin cultivating more effective communication between men and women and the world which surrounds them. The series is spear-headed by LW Special Events CEO, LaTonya Washington, and was first introduced in February of 2010. This event has become a signature series for the company and we hope to see you there! Learn more at http://www.lwspecialevents.com/Real_Talk.html.

Some participants from Real Talk – The Movement

The 3rd Annual Long Beach Gospel Fest Returns July 11th Sunday, July 11, 2011 11am - 7pm This is a FREE event! Bring your lawn chairs. Premier seating is available. For more information, visit

www.longbeahgospelfest.com

Part 1: 9 Ways To Resurrect Love In Your Marriage 1. COMFORT EACH OTHER... Provide a refuge and sanctuary for each other from the chill winds of world. Your marriage is a hearth, from whence comes the peace, harmony, and warmth of soul and spirit.

2. CARESS AS YOU WOULD CARESSED...Warm your loved one's body with your healing touch. Remember that as babies can die from a lack of touching, so marriages can wither from a lack of closeness.

3. BE A FRIEND AND PARTNER... Friendship can be a peaceful island, separate and apart, in a world of turmoil and strife. Reflect upon the tranquility of the many future years you can share with a true friend and beware of becoming battling enemies under the same roof.

4. BE OPEN WITH ONE ANOTHER... Bind not yourselves in the secretiveness that causes suspicion & doubt. Trust and reveal yourselves to each other, even as the budding rose opens to reveal its fragrance and beauty.

REALLY LISTEN... and hear not only words, but also the nonlanguage of tone, mood, and expression. Learn to listen in order to understand (Continued in next issue).

Tony Bradford is director of The Sankofa Project. Their mission is to destroy the works of the devil (Myths, lies & stereotypes), restore the Village, uplift the Race and Man up the Black CommUNITY. Learn more at facebook.com/BraveHeart.RevolutionaryLover .

Patti Labelle Recipes For The Good Life!

CLICK HERE to read excerpt "A lot of my memories with my loved ones are set around a dinner table, sharing a meal and sharing good conversation. Food has always been at the center of my joy, from the fish fries my parents had every weekend to the barbecues I have in my backyard today. Food can bring people together, to laugh, to eat, and to simply celebrate life. Most people know me for my voice, and that is truly a gift from God. But food and the ability to share it with others is also a gift -- a gift that you can give to those you love. It is with that spirit that I share my third cookbook." -Patti LaBelle Miss Patti is back, as fierce as ever, sharing more than 100 new recipes that will have your mouth watering and your guests begging for seconds! With dishes ranging from the Over the Top, Top, Top Macaroni and Cheese (with shrimp and lobster!), to the Poached Salmon with Basil Cream Sauce and Fettuccine, to the Tender and Juicy Barbecued Baby Back Ribs, to the Fried Apple Pie, there's something perfect for every occasion. She not only walks you through the preparation of her favorite dishes with ease, but also shares heartfelt and witty stories about food, family, and life throughout the book. Her first two cookbooks were hits and this one is sure to please as well.

1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil 1lb Elbow Macaroni 8 Tbsp (1 stick) plus 1 Tbsp Butter 1/2 Cup (2 ounces) Shredded Muenster Cheese 1/2 Cup (2 ounces) Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese 1/2 Cup (2 ounces) Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese 1/2 Cup (2 ounces) Shredded Monterey Jack 2 Cups Half-And-Half 1 Cup (8 ounces) Velveeta , cut into small cubes 2 Large Eggs , lightly beaten 1/4 tsp Seasoned Salt 1/8 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper DIRECTIONS:  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2-quart casserole.  Bring the large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the oil, then the elbow macaroni, and cook until the macaroni is just tender, about 7 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain well. Return to the cooking pot.  In a small saucepan, melt eight tablespoons of the butter. Stir into the macaroni. In a large bowl, mix the Muenster, mild and sharp Cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses. To the macaroni, add the half-and-half, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, the cubed Velveeta, and the eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the buttered casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and dot with the remaining one tablespoon of butter.  Bake until it's bubbling around the edges, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.



Affronti Courtyard Dining & Wine Bar

www.affrontihealdsburg.com

Weirdo Fitness Devices That Actually Work: Shake Weight

By The Chicks at TotalBeauty.com Scenario: It's 2 a.m. and you just can't seem to sleep. Despite knowing the havoc wakeful nights wreak on your face, you decide to turn on the TV in hopes it will lull you into slumber. After flipping through the channels a bit (and maybe grabbing a log of cookie dough from the freezer) you stop. A pink unitard-clad woman and a man with rock hard abs grab your attention.

Thirty minutes later, phone in hand, you're still awake, crying and ordering the fat melting thingamajig that saved "Kira's" (a 300 pound woman who had tried everything) life.

Sound familiar -- or was that just me last Tuesday? Well, even if you can't relate, I'm sure you've been intrigued by (or maybe laughed at?) some wacky new fitness device.

Apparently, real women say some of these weird fitness inventions actually work … and not just for "Kira."

Using a concept called "Dynamic Inertia" (which we are sure must be an oxymoron?), the weight on the device moves rapidly back and forth as the internal resistance inside the shaft move from side to side. This movement is supposed to create up to 240 muscle contractions a minute. Learn more or get yours at https://www.shakeweight.com

Summer Statement Shoe Under $100 Summer Statement Shoes Under $100 Colorblock: No need to stop with a single pop o color! Instantly freshen up an LWD, or an LND (Little White Dress or Little Nude Dress), with multi-hued shoes. With color combos like these, they’ll pack a punch at any heel height.

Suede T-Strap Platforms $100 Aldo: aldoshoes.com

5 Ways to Soothe Sandal-Beaten Feet Sanitize: Kick foot odor to the curb! According to NYC dermatologist Hilary Reich, washing feet daily with an antibacterial soap will fend off most odor-causing microbes. But refreshing with a spritz of The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray ($10, thebodyshop-usa.com) will deodorize and put pep in your step – literally. (Swapping your sandals every other day will also give odors time to dissipate). www.scentsationalsoaps.biz CLICK HERE for video

LeapFrog Unveils Tablet for Kids I’ve long since given into the temptation to hand over my iPad to my children. Not surprisingly this has resulted in it being dropped, sat upon, smeared with goo and generally abused. What is surprising is that it’s survived. So I was eager to try LeapFrog’s just announced rugged-ized kids' tablet, the LeapPad. The tablet, unveiled a week ago, will be available for preorder June 29, and costs $99.99.

The LeapPad has a 5-inch touchscreen housed in a case that feels like it will take a beating. The 480-by-272 display is bright and high quality for a kid's toy, but noticeably lower resolution than adult smartphones and tablets. It's also a resistive screen, so you have to exert a little pressure when swiping or using the included stylus. There’s a built-in VGA camera (640by-480 pixels) for taking photos and videos, an accelerometer for tilt control in games and a cartridge slot for playing LeapFrog's Leapster Explorer titles.

When you turn on the LeapPad, you’re prompted to customize it with your name, picture, wallpaper and virtual pet. The Pet Pad, which lets you create and care for your pet, is one of four apps that come preloaded on the device. There’s also Story Studio for producing custom e-books, Art Studio for creating art projects with the expected assortment of stamp tools, colored pencils and special effects, and My Stuff gallery for storing photos, videos, e-books and other creative projects.

One free download from the LeapFrog store is also included with the LeapPad. At launch there will be more than 100 compatible titles, including games and creativity apps, interactive e-books, videos from LeapFrog and Discovery Kids, and flash cards.

While there is a cartridge slot for backward compatibility with Leapster Explorer titles, all LeapPad titles will be downloaded to the device’s 2 GB of internal memory through the LeapFrog Connect software.

LeapPad will be available Aug. 15. Pricing for videos, interactive e-books, games and creativity apps and flash cards is not yet set, but will range from $5 to $20. Learn more at http://shop.leapfrog.com/leapfrog

HOW? Like LeapFrog Facebook page, then share your funniest story about your child's joy ride with your expensive gadget. Did your son crack your iPad screen using it as a trampoline? Did your daughter take your mobile phone for a swim in the toilet? Share this story on their LeapPad Contest section and you will be entered! The best THREE stories WIN!

Buying A Home – Down Payment Options One of the components a lender uses to help determine what loan amount to approve is your down payment. A down payment not only serves as a commitment on a borrower.s behalf to make good on a loan, but acts as a lender.s guarantee to minimize risk in case a borrower defaults on a loan. The more of your own cash that you can put down for a loan, the easier it is to qualify for a higher loan amount or a lower mortgage payment.

Alternative sources of funding Since most borrowers do not have large cash reserves on-hand for a down payment, there are other alternative sources for funding. Besides tapping into your own savings accounts, other resources may include friends, relatives, 401(k) plans, proceeds from stock sales, appraised assets, even a co-signer.

Many cities, looking to expand their communities, even offer their own down payment subsidy programs for cash-strapped buyers. It.s not uncommon to be gifted $5,000 to $10,000 without expectation of re-payment.

Loan-to-value ratio A down payment is always expressed as a percent of the sales price and often referred to by lenders at the .loan-to-value ratio. or LTV. For instance, a $250,000 mortgage with an LTV of 80 percent would require 20 percent down or $50,000. Using a down payment calculator can help you see what influence a different down payment can have on your monthly mortgage.

Other down payment options Some banks even offer zero-down percentage loans which require no down payment. These types of loans are typically directed at first-time buyers with good credit who are qualified to make the monthly payment but cannot come up with a down payment. However, without a down payment the buyer has no equity in the house and the lender is at greater risk, so the interest rate could be higher.

Another alternative to buying a home without committing to a down payment is to consider a lease option to buy. As a renter, you have an option anytime during the term of the lease, to buy the property at an agreed upon price from the owner. In some instances, the money you.ve put toward rent can be fully or partially applied toward the down payment.

Sellers can also assist buyers with their down payment. By offering a carry-back mortgage, sellers can sell their house faster in a competitive market and buyers can purchase a home they otherwise might not be able to afford.

Book Signing – Linda Jay, Author of “I Was There: Famous Trials, Trips, Tragedies & Triumps Friday, July 22th – 5:00pm – 7:00pm The J Spot Comedy Club 5581 W. Manchester Blvd.

Westchester, CA

Meet Community Activist, Host/Producer of cable show "Yes You Can," and KJLH's Front Page regular, Linda Jay. Join the as Ms. Jay shares on some fascinating topics displayed in her new released book, titled "I Was There" Famous trials, trips, tragedies and triumphs, My life as a L.A. Activist. You too can say "I was there."

The WAVE’s Thursday Night Vibe Featuring Rodney Taylor ICON Ultra Lounge 1248 Figueroa Street Los Angeles 90015 CLICK HERE for tickets Come VIBE with us every Thursday night at our Thursday Night Vibe, at our brand new venue , ICON Ultra Lounge in Downtown L.A. This Thursday, don’t miss a performance by saxophonist Rodney Talyor!

10 Year Celebration Honoring Evangelist Barbara Bryant Saturday, Sept. 10th 5 pm – 8pm Gospel Memorial COGIC 1480 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90813 562-599-7389

House of TwentyOne Shades Hosted by LW Special Events CLICK HERE for more information

SAVE THE DATE! HOUSE OF TWENTYONE SHADES in association with Rise Up Youth Empowerment, August 21, 2011. PAMPER ME PRETTY