April 13, 2023

Gloria Gray goes to work as District 1 Councilmember

Publishers Message

Willie Brown, Executive Publisher of Inglewood Today Newspaper and Gloria Gray District 1 Councilmember

By Willie Brown, Executive Publisher

On Friday April 7, I attended a City Council Meeting at Inglewood City Hall for the first time in a long while.

Having been investing in this City and community for over 30 years I care a great deal about what happens when our chosen elected officials sit at that dais with their nameplates in front of them and vote on items that impact the lives of our residents.

For far too many years the members of this prestigious body did not always represent or make decisions that was in the best interest of its constituents.

The last general election was a red letter day for our city and the officials that represent us. An incumbent member of this body was not reelected and a longtime resident and community ally was chosen to take that seat on the coveted dais.

A seasoned and respected independent voice, not beholden to anyone except the citizens of the district that elected her.

Therefore, when Gloria Gray raised her hand and took that hallowed oath to become the first Black woman to represent District 1, I had to be there to witness it.

Not just because I endorsed her

SIGNATURE FOR CHANGE---District1

Celebrating Financial Literacy Month-

CEO Everett Sands Pioneers with

Scientific Brilliance

By Kenneth Miller, Publisher

Everett K. Sands, the Chief Executive Officer of Lendistry, life began as a small child with a brain that imagined a lot of what ifs.

What if his grandfather had the money to keep his tailor shop open? What if his parents did not start college at Howard University in Washington DC when they were older?

And so, when a young Everett set off on a path to solve complicated financial puzzles that drive most people crazy, it tuned his competitive mind similar to the way a Michael Jordan or a LeBron James trained their body to become the greatest basketball players in history.

The wisdom he accumulated would lead this son of a doctor to earn a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school in the Washington DC area where he met the heir twin granddaughters of the Walmart Family, the richest family in America. The by chance meeting was enough for him to realize that he belonged.

His mother prayed for him to become a trailblazer and while he admitted that he does sometimes think about what causes him to think the way he does, he has not fully embraced pioneer status.

On zoom he sat isolated on a multicolored stripe couch, wearing a purple polo with Lendistry stitched across his heart and a white Nike check

on the left sleeve, expanding on how he became arguably one of the most impactful men in finance and lending for 58 minutes.

His laser eyes adjusted the

computer for better concentration and his mind races to perfect his illustration of the next question.

Where does the foundation of Everett

Councilmember Gloria Gray signs the documents, making her an official employee of the City of Inglewood following her Swearing-In on April 7 at City Hall. (Gloria Gray Staff/Photo) Continued

“Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise”—I Rise (last verse) Maya Angelou

By Anuoluwapo Bamiro, Columnist

What’s Up with Anuolu

Da Poetry Lounge

Welcome back to “What’s Up with Anuolu”. We are still celebrating National Poetry Month. Today I am going to speak about Da Poetry Longue. It is a poetry club located inside a theater, where they host weekly open mic nights for poets, spoken word artists, rappers, and singers to perform their work in front of an audience. My introduction to Da Poetry Lounge was through a friend who knew that I loved to listen, read, write, and watch poetry. When I arrived, I was in awe of the place and ambiance. My favorite romance movie is Love Jones and I always wanted to experience poetry live. As someone who began my journey with poetry through writing, it has been a big help in getting me more comfortable with reading and performing my poems.

Da poetry lounge has been around since 1998, it was founded by Dante Basso, Ron VanClief, Devan Smith, and Gimmel Hooper. It started off being called “Dante’s Poetry Lounge” as it was hosted in Basco’s living room for the first 3 years. After that, the name was changed to Da Poetry Longue and moved to a theater. They have a slam poetry team that performs in competitions across the world, it was inspired by Def Poetry Jam which was very popular in the early 2000s. Their most notable performers were Yesika Salgado, Walela Nehanda, Elizabeth Acevedo, Alyesha Wise, Olive Gatwood, Rudy Francisco, Kevin Coval, Dante Basco, Javon Johnson, and Tonya Ingram. Tanya sadly passed away in December of 2022.

What Da Poetry Lounge has been able to successfully do is create a safe space for an artist, and poets to come to perform their craft, practice, and get feedback from their favorite artist as well as their peers. They have created a safe space for people of all races, genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds to feel comfortable performing their art. They allow high schoolers to come for the first 2 hours observe, listen, and perform as well. That is one of my favorite things because I know how high school can be. It can get very difficult to stand against what is popular and accept but when you hone in on your craft younger the greater you become with life and age. When I was in high school, I focused more on my fashion dreams and neglected the fact that I love poetry and writing. I was so devasted that I couldn’t afford to go to FIDM that I prolonged my development as a creative writer. So being introduced to a place like this is a dream come true and to see teens there well that’s just priceless.

Da Poetry Lounge is located at Greenway Theatre on Fairfax Blvd. They have open mic night every Tuesday. You can find the on all social media platforms. Everyone is welcome to perform, from high school and beyond. They also host a once-a-month workshop and every 3rd Tuesday they host a slam night with cash prizes. If you are interested in coming to see amazing talent or to present your own work, then come out one of these Tuesdays and enjoy Da Poetry Longue. You will not regret it.

It is still National Poetry Month I’ll leave you guys with two poems both by the wonderful and amazing Tonya Ingram may her soul rest in perfect peace. The poet I have chosen to highlight this week is Tonya Ingram. She was a beloved team member on Da Poetry Lounges’ slam team. I felt it was only right to highlight a couple of her poems that inspire people but also show her greatness.

you are not crazy. you are the glow. you are a brilliant storm. you are a body made of magic. you are a well of love. be unashamed of your presence. be the entire book of your excellence, even when it is difficult and muddy. you are en route, friend. take courage. the road is patient. the sky is open. feel everything and do not apologize for any of it.

tonya ingram DO NOT ABBREVIATE WHO YOU ARE. BE THE EXPANDED VERSION OF YOUR MARVEL BE THE STORY THEY CANNOT PUT DOWN.

TONYA INGRAM

Rest in Peace Tanya Ingram

September 1st.1991-December 30th 2022

Inglewood City Council Welcomes Gloria Gray, District 1 Council Member

By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor

Newly elected District 1 Council Member, Gloria Gray received a warm welcome from the Council Members and the City of Inglewood Staff, on the occasion of her first city council meeting on April 11, 2023. Before Mayor James T. Butts entered the council chambers Council Member Gray was presented with a bouquet of flowers and her council colleagues surrounded her for a photo opportunity.

When the meeting got underway, the council accepted the City Attorney’s recommendation and rejected several claims pursuant to Government Code, Section 913 and returned one late claim pursuant to Government Code, Section 911.2

The council authorized payment of an invoice submitted by American Bike Patrol Services (ABPS) for bicycle parts and services in the amount of $1,579.25 and authorized payment of invoices submitted by Medico Healthcare Linen Service (Medico) for linen rental services in the amount of $3,431.09.

The council accepted Fiscal

Year 2022 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Funds in the amount of $8,453.90 and accepted

decreases in tow fees and daily storage that were recommended by the Chief of Police.

The council authorized payment of an invoice submitted by American Bike Patrol Services (ABPS) for bicycle parts and services, in the amount of $1,579.25 and payment of invoices submitted by Medico Healthcare Linen Service (Medico) for linen rental services, in the amount of $3,431.09.

A public hearing was conducted to consider adoption of the Relocation Plan for the Inglewood Transit Connector Project. The council entertained public comments and a staff presentation about the impact of the project. 41 businesses

must be relocated to accommodate the people mover plan that will connect the Metro Transit Line with Downtown Inglewood and the entertainment venues. The few public comments were positive.

With the eventual completion of the Clippers’ Intuit Dome as well as the Forum, SOFI Stadium, and Hollywood Park Casino, it is anticipated that the City of Inglewood will experience over 450 events annually, which will wreak havoc on the city’s traffic congestion. The Inglewood Transit Connector Project (ITCP) will provide a comprehensive, intelligent transportation network and will improve transit across the board.

The proposed ITCP will feature an elevated people mover and three stations. It will provide thousands of jobs and minimize traffic congestion.

It is significant to note that the City of Inglewood has already garnered $765 million in state, federal and local grant funds towards the cost of the project and no city funds will be used for the construction of the project that is expected to be completed before the Olympics returns to Los Angeles.

The council adopted a resolution affirming that the Inglewood Transit Connector Project, as modified, is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act; approved and adopted the first Addendum to the Certified Final Environmental Impact Report SCH # 2018071034 for the Project; approved and adopted the California Environmental Quality Act Findings of Fact; and approved and adopted revisions to Project Design Feature CUL1 included in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project.

The council adopted a resolution approving the modified Project as the ITCP, a locally preferred alternative for the Federal Transit Administration and approved revisions to the Design Standards and Guidelines for the ITCP. The council also adopted the Relocation Plan.

Area Communities

Serving Ladera, Hawthorne, Westchester, Lawndale, Gardena, Carson

The California Black Media Political Playback: California Legislative Black Caucus Chair Lori Wilson Is Receiving Medical Treatment for Cancer

By Tanu Henry | California Black Media

Stories You Might

Week.

Have Missed Last

California Legislative Black Caucus Chair Lori Wilson Is Receiving Medical Treatment for Cancer

On Friday, California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Chair Lori Wilson (D-Suisun) announced that she is receiving treatment for Breast Cancer.

The lawmaker, who was elected last year, thanked supporters for all the love and support she has received and assured constituents that she will still be fighting for their interests.

“I remain steadfast in my dedication to serve the residents of the 11th Assembly District,” Wilson said.

Assemblymember Akilah Weber to Run for State Senate

On April 6, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) announced she is entering the race to replace Senate President pro tempore Toni Atkins, who is termed out at the end of this year. Weber, who is also a physician, represents the 79th Assembly District in the greater San Diego area.

“I have successfully fought to improve access to quality healthcare,

strengthen our education system, protect our environment, and further economic prosperity,” Weber said in a statement.

“As State Senator for District 39, I will continue this fight.”

Weber’s announcement came roughly a week after County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher withdrew from the race citing his battle with alcohol abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Fletcher is also facing allegations of sexual harassment and infidelity.

In 2021, Weber won a special election to replace her mother, Shirley N. Weber, in the Assembly after the elder Weber was appointed Secretary of State by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

including several prominent Black leaders in California.

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) issued a statement.

“Our 12-member body of Black legislators representing Black Californians boldly stand with our Tennessee state legislative colleagues in the national fight to end the illegal use of guns and the devastating violence it brings onto our communities and families,” said CLBC Chair, Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun).

lawmakers were exercising their constitutional rights and fulfilling their duties as elected officials.

“BWOPA-CA proudly stands in solidarity with Tennessee representatives Jones and Pearson and call for their immediate reinstatement,” Woods Jones said. This is a stark reminder of the focused work that is before us to complete in dismantling systemic biases — even against our elected leaders.

California Releases Report on Gun Owner Tracking System

California

Leaders

Condemn Expulsion of Black Lawmakers in Tennessee

The Republican Majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives took the unprecedented move last week to expel two Black Democratic lawmakers, former Rep. Justin Jones and former Rep. Justin Pearson, for protesting for gun control during session. The decision, which was widely criticized – even by members of the GOP – was met with widespread condemnation across the country,

CLBC Vice Chair, Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) says he and his Black colleagues in the California State Legislature would take the same approach.

“We are in solidarity with the two courageous brothers exercising their first amendment right. We would have taken the same approach in representing the people’s voices,” Bradford added.

Dezie Woods-Jones, President and founding member of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) said the expelled Tennessee

Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta released a program report on the state’s Prohibited Persons System (APPS), the only resource of its kind in the United States created to track registered firearm owners whose rights to possess guns have been revoked authorities.

Launched in 2006, the APSS database identifies gun owners who have fallen into prohibited status, including people convicted of felonies or violent misdemeanors and others under restraining orders for domestic violence or other offenses.

“I’m proud of the work our Special

Continued on page 7

Sports & Entertainment

Lakers escape one danger zone in postseason minefield

By Tamara Latta, Contributing Writer

The Lakers are out of the danger zone after knocking off the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-102 and clinching the seventh seed in the West. Despite a challenging regular season filled with injuries, the Lakers are once again in a position to add another championship to their storied history.

“Can you believe we are going to finish the season over .500,” Lebron James said.

The Lakers finished the regular season with a 42-30 record, earning the seventh seed in the Western Conference. While this may not be the ideal position for a team with championship aspirations, the Lakers have plenty of experience and talent to make a deep playoff run.

Of course, the biggest question mark for the Lakers heading into the playoffs is the health of their star players. LeBron James and Anthony Davis both missed significant time during the regular season with injuries, but they are expected to play every game in the postseason. If they can stay healthy and play at their usual elite level, the Lakers will be a formidable opponent for any team they face.

One of the biggest challenges for the Lakers will be their first-round matchup against the young energetic Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies finished the regular season with the second-best record in the Western Conference and feature a dynamic backcourt in Ja

Morant and Desmond Bane. The Lakers will need to find a way to slow down the Grizzlies grittiness if they want to advance to the next round.

Assuming they can get past the Grizzlies, the Lakers will likely face the Suns or Clippers in the second round.

The Suns had one of the best records in the NBA during the regular season and have one of the deepest rosters in the league. The Clippers own the Lakers beating them in the last eleven matches. The Lakers will need to be firing on all

Fitting the mold:

What do the Rams value in defensive linemen?

By Stu Jackson, theRams.com

Leading into the 2023 NFL Draft, theRams.com will be doing a four-part series examining what experts regard as positions of need for the Rams and what Los Angeles looks for in those respective positions.

Kicking off the series is defensive line.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Given the attrition to the defensive line this offseason, the position is regarded by some experts as one of potential need for the Rams entering the 2023 NFL Draft.

Should Los Angeles choose to address it, there are several key attributes defensive line coach/run game coordinator Eric Henderson looks for in a prospect – one of the most important being positional versatility.

“I think two of the things that over the years since I’ve been here, that’s become extremely important for our team, are finding guys that have the

versatility and athleticism in terms of that skillset,” Henderson told theRams. com. “Because it provides a tremendous amount of depth for your team when you have guys that can play multiple positions, and especially up front. That’s become one of the biggest things that has been proven to be extremely helpful for the guys, for the team. And so we continue to look for guys that have that type of skillset, along with the girth and size to be able to withstand the body blows that consistently take place on the interior.”

The most obvious example of that, of course, is Aaron Donald, whose flexibility allows L.A. to line him up at any spot along the defensive line.

However, the Rams have had other examples too, like Jonah Williams, Michael Hoecht and Earnest Brown IV.

Beyond that flexibility, Henderson also values high-character individuals with the size and physicality to defend

cylinders to beat the Suns but if they can pull off the upset, they will have a clear path to the NBA Finals.

Ultimately, the Lakers’ playoff success will depend on the health and performance of their star players. If LeBron James and Anthony Davis can play at their best, and the rest of the team can step up and provide support, the Lakers have a real chance to win their 18th championship. It won’t be easy, but the Lakers are no strangers to overcoming adversity and rising to the

occasion when it matters most.

“I think it’s a work in progress, man. Laker’s coach Darvin Ham said. But thank God that Bron, again I think I said this earlier, he’s the type of player that’s hunting triple-doubles, not 30 shots, you know what I’m saying. Sometimes it comes to that because we may be struggling in other areas offensively and he just has to force his will on the offensive side of the ball. But he’s built his entire playing career on playing the right way. And that’s in him.”

New Basketball Courts, Skills Clinic At Ed Vincent Park

By Francis Taylor, Executive Editor

15, 2023. The opening ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a youth basketball clinic. The renovation includes newly painted courts, new backboards, hoops, and added seating. The basketball court renovation project is courtesy of PepsiCo.

As part of the opening activities, the City of Inglewood and Outside, J. Inc. will host a free Skills & Drills Basketball clinic for boys and girls, ages nine to fifteen. The skills and drills activities include knockout, dribbling handles relay race, layup package competition and shooting competition and three vs. three competition. Registration is now open. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited so register now at https://tinyurl. com/IngSkillsDrills.

For more information visit www.cityofinglewood.org or call (310) 412-8750.

The City of Inglewood recently announced the renovation of the outdoor basketball courts at Edward Vincent

Park. The newly renovated courts will open to the public on Saturday, April

BUPPIE | BUSINESS

Calif. Black Chamber of Commerce Is Helping to Expand Broadband Access

By Antonio Ray Harvey| California Black Media

The California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) is joining hands with state government to help narrow the Golden State’s Digital Divide for nearly two million houses without access to broadband.

In partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Department of Technology (CDT), the CBCC will help push the state’s MiddleMile Broadband Initiative – a $3.25 billion effort to enhance internet connectivity --under the “Broadband Technology Small Business Initiative.”

The initiative was created to provide a durable, openaccess network that would bring high-speed broadband service to unserved and underserved communities, regardless of technology used, on equal economic and service terms.

“We are the lead agency working with Caltrans,” said Jay King, the President and CEO of CBCC. “We’re front of the line making sure small businesses are included, matchmaking is taking place, and that we meet the goal and the deadline of making sure that every Californian has access to digital connections.”

The initiative connects CBCC’s statewide membership of 5, 500plus small African American business firms and non-Black entities to the benefits of broadband technology, according to King.

The state also allows small businesses to bid as contractors for projects related to strengthening broadband connections to improve access to education, health services and employment opportunities throughout the state.

According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), in 2020, 10% of California residents reported not having a desktop, laptop, or other computing device at home.

In addition to a lack of functional units for computation, access was especially limited among low-income (23%), less-educated (16%), Black (15%), and Latino (15%) households, PPIC presented in its June 2022 fact sheet.

So far, California has invested $6 billion through the legislation that created the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, Senate Bill (SB) 156. The legislation, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in 2021, expands broadband infrastructure, addresses affordability, and promotes digital literacy. California will receive approximately $100 million more to enhance its broadband

infrastructure through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Middle-mile refers to the fiber optic infrastructure that makes internet connections possible by transmitting large amounts of data over long distances at high speeds through high-capacity cables. The complete design features a proposed system of 10,000 miles of infrastructure, covering the entire state.

Although federal dollars are involved in the project, King stated that state projects are “race neutral” to stay in compliance with California’s Prop 209 law that prohibits “preferential treatment” based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

“We know the importance (of closing the gap) not just in the Black community but in all marginalized communities,” King said. “The digital divide will only continue to hurt our country and state if we don’t ensure that everybody has full access to the digital world.”

CBCC’s Director of Small Business Willard “Will” McClure said that the design and construction of the middlemile network is monitored by the Middle-Mile Advisory Committee

(MMAC). The MMAC monitors the development and construction.

According to McClure, the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), an organization providing leadership in expanding broadband access statewide, offers “five strategies” to close the digital divide. These include Civic Leader Engagement, Venture Philanthropy Grantmaking, Public Policy Initiatives, Public Awareness and Education, and Strategic Partnerships.

CETF’s network of more than 100 grantees have delivered digital literacy training to more than 800,000 residents and has assisted in providing internet connections to more than 250,000 low-income households in rural and remote areas, urban disadvantaged neighborhoods, and people with disabilities.

McClure said that the Middle-Mile project will be completely implemented by December 2026 but the work to close the gap really starts after the last fiber optic is installed. All participants must be “logged on with confidence,” he said.

“Once the access is available the problem is not over,” McClure said.

“There’s confidence that comes with getting people to understand how to use it. Grandma doesn’t know how to download ZOOM.”

Last month, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel joined Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to announce the campaign to increase enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program in Los Angeles at the Pio Pico-Koreatown Branch Library.

Qualifying households are eligible for a discount of up to $30 a month for internet service and discounts on devices through the Affordable Connectivity Program. The households can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from qualifying providers.

“For many households, the cost of groceries, gas and rent can eat up the monthly budget, putting internet access out of reach,” Rosenworcel said. “We want to do more to get out the word about this powerful program and reach families that may not know about this benefit.”

Continued from page 1:Publishers...

the run and the pass. They need to fit the position room itself and match the group’s personality as well.

“The physical, the intelligent players that have that mindset and mentality, the toughness,” Henderson said. “Things that you don’t want to have to coach, but you can just truly focus on the football aspect of it because guys possess those qualities already. And so I think that’s been critical for us and we have some guys that have those attributes.”

Should the Rams address defensive line via the draft or undrafted free agency, that player or players would join a rotation that currently includes Donald, Brown, Hoecht, Williams, Marquise Copeland, Bobby Brown III and Larrell Murchison. Greg Gaines signed with the Buccaneers in free agency, while A’Shawn Robinson is currently a free agent.

election and she is a personal friend of mine, but more importantly because she has pledged to do what is in the best interest of the city and the people of this community.

Candidates will often say anything to get elected for office, and then operate contrary to the wishes of the people who vote for them.

That is not to who Gloria Gray is, and Councilmember Gray has vowed to be true to her word which will be good for our community.

As a businessman in this city and advocate for our minority owned

business, our children and our seniors I was excited on April 7th when Gloria Gray took the oath, and now that she is in, we all should continue to support her as our new public servant.

It is also nice to see how refreshing it was that our mayor and other members welcomed her to the City Council with open arms.

I look forward to seeing this transformation of leadership.

I also look forward to the city defining its purpose to the many residents who have lived here through the bad times.

I’ve witnessed it all from up close and with much anticipation I want to see our city grow by with inclusion and not exclusion.

Let’s work together for a better and brighter Inglewood.

Fictitious Business Name Statement

File No. 2023075584

The following Person is doing business as: Repair Clinic Wireless 18311 S. Western Ave. Gardena, CA 90248

Registered Owner(s): David Rodriguez, 18311 S. Western Ave., Gardena, CA 90248

This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on April 5, 2023.

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) David Rodriguez, Owner.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on April 5, 2023.

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

Original April 5, 12, 19, 26, 2023

IT0042230120020372

Inglewood Today

PUBLIC

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2023060315

The following Person is doing business as:

Agents do on behalf of the people of California,” said Bonta. “These brave agents are rarely in the spotlight, but they are working every day to prevent gun violence from ever happening by removing dangerous weapons from communities.”

According to the report, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) made significant progress over the course of 2022 identifying people who own guns illegally and recovering weapons in their possession.

“DOJ recovered 1,437 firearms — including 712 handguns, 360 rifles, 194 shotguns, 80 assault weapons, 54 ghost guns, 43 receivers or frames, 3 shortbarreled shotguns, and 1 machine gun,” read a DOJ Press release. “Agents also seized 308 large-capacity magazines, 2,123 standard capacity magazines, and 281,299 rounds of ammunition through APPS enforcement actions. As of January 1, 2023, there were 3,347,221 known registered firearm owners in California of which 23,869 are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, making up less than 1%.”

Pilot Program May Bring Speed Cameras to Six California Cities

A bill making its way through the California Assembly is proposing a five-year pilot program that would temporarily legalize speed enforcement cameras in six California cities: Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Long Beach and San Francisco.

Introduced by Assemblymembers

Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), Assembly Bill (AB) 645 to encourage safe driving and lower the incidents of car crashes that result in injuries or death.

“My city of San Francisco is committed to reducing traffic fatalities to zero,” Ting said in a press release explaining the proposal. “More than 70% of our city’s fatalities occur on just 12% of our streets.”

Legislations similar to AB 645 have met resistance both at the local and state level from privacy advocates who argue that the remote cameras will be intrusive and law enforcement organizations who fear automating that function would lead eliminate police officer jobs.

White House Approves Storm Recovery Support for California Communities

Last week, the White House approved major disaster support for California’s recovery from a series of severe storms that have battered the state.

According to a White House press release, the emergency aid is to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms, straightline winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides beginning on February 21, 2023, and continuing.”

Gov. Newsom said California’s first responders have already been deployed to hard-hit areas of the state where the need for recovery aid is most urgent.

“We are committed to supporting our communities over the long haul

and thank the Biden Administration for their continued partnership,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “The Presidential Major Disaster Declaration will help Californians in impacted counties through eligibility for several programs and supports that can include housing assistance, food aid, counseling, and medical and legal services.”

The federal funds will benefit people impacted in Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare, and Tuolumne counties, according to the governor.

To apply for assistance, residents and business owners in the impacted counties can register online at www. DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY.

California Democratic Party Convention Announces 2023 Theme

Last week, the California Democratic Party announced the theme for its 2023 convention, which will be held May 25 to May 28: “Don’t Agonize, Organize.”

During this year’s conference, which will be held in Los Angeles, the California Democratic Party Black Caucus (CDPBC) will hold elections and U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA11) will be honored.

Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Riverside) is currently chair of the CDPBC.

Register online and get a listing of events.

Career Access 310 4027 Wade St. Los Angeles, CA 90066

Registered Owner(s): Joanne Nazarian, 4027 Wade St., Los Angeles, CA 90066

This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on March 20, 2023.

I (We) declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime) Joanne Nazarian, Owner.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on March 20, 2023.

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

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Continued from page 1: Lendistry...

K. Sands begin?

“I don’t think there is a single thing. Like anybody else. We are all a series of events. The way I best describe it which is probably not perfect, but is what’s in my mind. I grew up as a kid with a lot of what ifs. I have parents that went to Howard, but they went late. They went to undergrad on time and went to graduate school kind of late. But you see your parents go late and you say oh that’s interesting, and then we drive past buildings and my mom would say that was your grandfather’s shop. The question is why isn’t it the shop now. And then you start to kind of just put the pieces together.”

He started to assemble the puzzle when he attended that boarding school and met really affluent people which also included the Walton granddaughters with whom he had a casual acquaintance.

They came to school in a limo, Sands did not show up in a limousine. When his friend asked if he knew who the twins were, he did not. He wasn’t poor, but certainly not as wealthy as his classmates. It didn’t take long for him to discover their grandfather is the founder of Walmart.

Sands got close enough to the twins to ask questions and discovered their grandfather got a loan for $30,000, but his grandfather did not gain access to capital and theirs’s did.

“I then started to put the pieces together. My parents went to school late because the money wasn’t there. We don’t have that building anymore because something happened with the business. Those moments and thoughts led me to ponder what if they had the access to capital?”

Sands contemplated what if he was there and what could he have done, his competitive juices flowing.

Lendistry, which he founded in 2015, is a byproduct of Sands looking at every business as if it was his grandfather’s, and it didn’t matter whether you were Black or white.

“I am a scientist by nature. I grew up Premed, my dad’s a doctor and so in science what you learn is A B testing. You learn how to look at a problem with multiple solutions because most scientist are trying to discover a cure for something, but I brought that into lending and that’s my process policy conversation,” he elaborated

Sands genius is a rare combination of renown scientist George Washington Carver and historical financier Maggie Lena Walker who was the first Black woman to establish and serve as president of a bank in the United States in 1903.

“I am a scientist and I am an individual who is extremely competitive and when you push all three of those together and you have me focus on underserved and undercapitalized communities that’s what you get. You get this guy that’s extremely determined to figure it out.” he said.

From the boarding school, Sands went on to University of Pennsylvania where he served as a board member for the Penn Institute for Urban Research and the Center for Strategic Economic Studies and Institutional Development.

While at Penn he met a mentor who tasked him to create a mortgage

company. He was the person who did all of the research and did all of the things to figure it out. Although his mentor went their separate ways, Sands joined forces with a fraternity brother and the two of them developed one of the top 10 mortgage companies in America. Eventually, they earned a board seat on the first of the Black bank in Maryland, Ideal Federal Savings.

That’s was at just 26-years of age and the two frat brothers have remained business partners since 1999.

The Ideal Federal Savings experience sparked something in him. He understood financing and subsequently sold the mortgage company and went to another Black bank as a leader.

“Those two experiences of sitting on the board of the bank are real life experiences that teach you things you don’t learn at Penn.”

By the time he went to Wells Fargo he was like an outlier because he could do almost everything.

“I ended up becoming the top one percent at Wells in terms of revenue and you name the stat from profitability which matters most to all of the other stuff.”

Although he was in the top one percent, he was just a token. Nonetheless what he managed to obtain levels of knowledge at Wells that he could not at the community bank.

The light bulb went on when he was introduced Corresponding banking which is the group that lends money to community banks.

He defined National Financial Literacy Month by merely prescribing solutions to the community it plagues.

“I think it means a couple of things. How do we think about deploying education and resources out to those who are looking to either expand their future, somewhat get a hold of their future and our lay the foundation,” he stated eloquently.

Sands is motivated to do more than just get the word out; “One of the things that’s been part of my career is thinking about access to capital as skill and thinking about access to capital that for underserved communities. I think about it in three different ways. I think about it as Product, a process and a policy question, and those are the three things that I am typically working on.”

When he thinks about financial literacy as a whole, process is the one that comes up.

“We’ve all said, hey… I wish would have learned more about credit in high school or how to balance my check book when I was a kid. I think where we have a challenge is we don’t always meet the user where they are at. The average kid is spending about two hours on Tic Toc right now, so are we creating a financial literacy that’s on Tic Toc? Or, are we saying hey you should read this book? I am not saying there is anything wrong with reading, I am a reader, but I am also saying you have to have multiple ways to reach an audience and you have find ways to reach an audience

where they are at.”

Sands admits that there are some structural issues, particularly legislatively, that seems to be stacked against Blacks and minorities.

“I think the first thing we need to look at is, have there been a higher number of Black politicians, and I think the answer to that question is yes. Are we, people on the ground helping them execute. At an eye level it’s about voting, but on a secondary level it’s about having conversations no different than if you were as going to address your neighborhood,” Sands added.

He educates politicians when he meets with them, and ask what the goal is from a legislative stand point and then he shares with them what’s happening from the street to bring about a resolution that benefits both the public servant and the community they serve.

Sands believes reason that Black communities suffer is because we are behind in the steps; “That doesn’t mean you don’t go through the evolution of the steps, that means you’re behind in the race, those are two separate things.”

The first step was to get our voices heard, then to elect officials who served our best interest and now, the responsibility of this generation is execution, which is what Lendistry did during the COVID pandemic.

“When it came time for the pandemic, we raised our hand and said let us be in the ball game of programming so that we could be the deployers of capital.”

That wasn’t easy because Lendistry

had to assemble themselves very quickly and do all of the things the government required.

Lendistry became a one of the stars for the SBA during the pandemic, granting loans up to $10 million nationwide, and then because of determination and client focus, Lendistry lent upwards of $8 billion to more than half a million businesses across all 50 states.

Additionally, he was instrumental in the State of California non-profits receiving funding, the only state to do so.

Family is super important for Sands, most of them are here in Southern California but his mother is still in D.C.

“I work hard for them so that they don’t have to work as hard as I have to work,” he concluded.

Sands is very sensitive and protective of his family, especially his twin daughters.

“Like any parent I feel most helpless when they are sick or not feeling well.”

At his core he is a revolutionary teacher who has the uncanny ability to elucidate complicated financial widgets so the everyday consumer can comprehend.

Lendistry has mega clients as Amazon on its roster in addition to the myriad of banks and other financial institutions that relies on their services.

Everett K. Sands is a renaissance man, a revolutionary responsible for billions of dollars, also lives and futures of people like his grandfather.

Paving the way for perhaps another likeminded genius to evolve.