Former Inglewood Employee Ups the Ante in Lawsuit to $65 Million
By Veronica Mackey
The salacious lawsuit filed by Melanie McDade, former Senior Assistant and girlfriend of Mayor James T, Butts, against the City of Inglewood recently got even nastier. According to sources, lawyers for McDade have sent a demand letter for $65 million to settle the lawsuit. It appears that McDade wants to collect damages for alleged sexual harassment and retaliation by the mayor after she ended their 8-year affair. The City alleges that McDade was fired because of fraudulent activity related to forging documents in order to secure a home loan.
Here’s a recap of the events which developed following their nasty breakup:
Ms. McDade was hired as the Senior Assistant to James Butts, who became mayor in 2011. They had an 8-year romantic relationship. Mayor Butts was (and still is) married. During their relationship, McDade became one of the highest paid employees in the city, earning close to $300,000 per year, According to McDade’s attorneys, Martin and Martin LLP, their client produced “thousands of texts, emails
and documents” from Butts, indicating her employment with the City was contingent on her continuing to accept his unwanted sexual advances.
In a series of text messages on
Mother’s Day 2018, Butts allegedly expressed his desire to reconcile with McDade, but she did not respond.
“According to the excerpt, Butts wrote, “no mayoral assistant would
deliberately ignore a boss’s call and maintain employment.”
McDade also accused the mayor of stalking her, and showing up at her home unannounced at all hours of the night.
McDade initially sued the City of Inglewood in 2021 for $12 million in damages. Her attorneys recently increased their ask for more than 5 times the amount to $65 million, and said she is willing to accept the maximum allowed by the City’s insurance policy, believed to be about $35 million.
Current Assistant City Manager Jose Cortes (former Human Resources Director) and former City Manager Artie Fields were named as co-defendants with Mayor Butts in the lawsuit.
In a statement, the City of Inglewood replied:
“In 2019, Melanie McDade invoked the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering questions about the misconduct that ultimately led to her termination at the City of Inglewood. The evidence shows she forged City documents, falsified payroll records, submitted fraudulent documents to obtain funds
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Bill Passed to Extend Hours of Alcohol Service at Intuit
By Maya Mackey
A.B. 3206, a bill authored by California Assemblymember Tina Mckinnor (D-Hawthorne) and backed by 21 state senators, will authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages to extend past 2 a.m. until 4 a.m, if approved by the State Assembly and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill applies to fully enclosed arenas with
a seating capacity of at least 18,000 seats, located in the City of Inglewood, and if specified conditions are met.
The bill will allow for the extended hours of alcohol purchase until January 1, 2030. Qualified venues in Inglewood will have to notify the City and police department and pay a $2,000 fee to operate sales past 2 a.m. They may renew their licenses annually for $1,500.
Only the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, meets the criteria of the bill, which specifies that alcohol can only be served in a part of the arena that doesn’t surpass 2,500 square feet or 100 people maximum in line, and that sales occur in a private area in the arena that is available only to members of a private club and their guests.
Intuit would be allowed to serve alcohol past 2 a.m. to members with access to private luxury suites, which can exceed $10,000 per game. In contrast, SoFi stops alcohol sales during the third quarter of all games, and half-time during concerts.
Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murietta) told
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Publisher’s Message
Saving California Journalism
By Willie Brown
Eight years ago, Black-owned Johnson Publishing Company sold its beloved Ebony and Jet magazines after 71 years in business. The shift from print to digital media had created a hardship which could not be overcome. Readership and advertising revenue plummeted and proved to be the proverbial nail in the coffin.
This was just the beginning of what has become an unfortunate trend that not only affects the Black press, but news outlets dedicated to serving underserved communities. For years the outlook for independent, diverse media organizations has been in crisis mode. As California Black Media (CBM) Executive Director Regina Wilson writes in her recent opinion piece:
“Local journalism is on life support
across our state. Across the country, news outlets are shrinking or shutting down at an alarming rate, leaving communities without vital information.
A recent study from Northwestern University found that two and a half newspapers in the U.S. close every week. Since 2005, we’ve lost two-thirds of our newspaper journalists. In California alone, over 100 newspapers have disappeared in the last decade.”
Inglewood Today has been in business for 31 years. By the grace of God, we have never skipped a publishing deadline or been forced to close our doors. It has not been easy. Today, like many small newspaper publishers, we are facing the dilemma of continuing to publish hard copies of our newspaper vs. going totally online. We intend to continue to do both.
I am happy to report, however, the future of small, independently owned news outlets in California is looking brighter. A new partnership was recently formed between independent news publishers, the State of California and the tech industry which will strengthen existing newsrooms and help news outlets hire hundreds of new journalists. The collaboration will invest more than $250 million in
public and private funding in California newsrooms, with an emphasis on small, local and community outlets.
It also includes the launching of a new National AI Accelerator to explore how artificial intelligence can help journalism thrive in today’s digital world.
This will go a long way in helping small print and digital outlets continue to serve underserved communities with news and information critical to their needs. In this fast-paced world where news moves at lightning speed, it is essential that everyone has an opportunity to stay informed. This cannot happen if we are at the mercy of big news conglomerates who are at the beck and call of deep-pocketed advertisers.
The collaboration will create a more equitable playing field, where the technology challenged, and people of color can have access to important news, and opportunities to tell their stories.
As a proud member of the California Black Media, I fully support this effort to save the future of journalism. This is about more than money. It is about preserving our democracy, our right to free speech, unencumbered by media giants who spew biased opinions bought and paid for by big advertisers. It is about insuring journalistic fairness, giving our readers options and alternatives to the types of stories that most resonate with them— news that is reliable and trustworthy. Imagine a world where the only option is Fox News. I shudder to think of the consequences. I would encourage everyone committed to preserving democracy in journalism to get behind AB 1511, the state initiative that will fund local news organizations in California. Together, local news outlets can make a comeback, and with the help of advanced technology, we will come back better and stronger.
Inglewood Today Announces Summer Internships
Inglewood Today (https://inglewoodtoday.com) has announced immediate internship opportunities for aspiring journalists and data/research assistants. The 31-year old media company is considering college and high school students for 3-6 month internships working hybrid 4-8 hours per week.
Journalist interns will have an opportunity to build their writing portfolios while interviewing celebrities, elected officials and other community leaders. They will also cover issues related to Inglewood and surrounding areas. Data/research assistants will work behind the scenes maintaining databases and helping to organize and launch a new blog.
Interested candidates may apply by submitting resumes to veronica@ inglewoodtoday.com. If applying for the journalist internship, candidates must also submit their best 2-3 writing samples.
Local Transit Updates: What You Need To Know
LAX Receives Final Cars For Automated People Mover Train
The final 4 Automated People Mover (APM) train cars arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), bringing the total number on site to 44. The first cars arrived in summer 2022 and the remaining cars have since been steadily making the cross-country journey from the manufacturer in Pittsburgh, PA. The new cars will join the rest of the fleet in testing on the APM’s elevated guideway, as the design-build team at LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS) continues progress toward the project completion date of December 8, 2025.
“Receiving the final train cars for the APM signifies a major milestone for this project and our airport’s transformation,” said John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports. “The APM will enhance the travel experience at LAX and set a new standard for sustainable transportation. As we move this project forward, we remain dedicated Inglewood
to delivering a state-of-the-art solution that reflects our commitment to our passengers, community and environment.”
LAX will be the first U.S. airport to use the INNOVIA 300 APM cars, which include a variety of sustainable features such as fully recyclable state-of-the-art aluminum shells, a regenerative braking system, and a design to eliminate hazardous substances and toxic emissions. To learn more about the APM train cars, click here.
The APM project is committed to environmental consciousness, with the train system already earning an Envision Gold Award for Sustainable Infrastructure from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI).
Additionally, the APM Maintenance and Storage Facility is designed to meet the LEED Gold Standard set by the U.S. Green Building Council, with almost half of the facility’s power being produced from a photovoltaic generation system.
Last week, following approval by the Board of Airport Commissioners on July 18, the Los Angeles City
Council approved an agreement that sets the construction completion date to December 8, 2025 and provides LINXS with an additional $550 million, primarily to cover added
structures to an extensive testing process with each and every vehicle.”
The APM train is expected to begin 24/7 service for LAX guests and employees in January 2026, with
work previously completed and a longer than anticipated construction timeline.
“The arrival of all the APM vehicles in Los Angeles marks the beginning of the next phase of this enormous project,” said Shawn West, LINXS Constructors Board Member.
“Our focus now shifts from the construction of the APM’s physical
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF NOMINEES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
City of Inglewood
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following persons have been nominated for the offices designated to be filled at the General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Inglewood on Tuesday, November 5, 2024
For Member of the City Council District Three Vote for One (1)
Eloy Morales, Jr.
For Member of the City Council District Four Vote for One (1)
Dionne Faulk
Angelique Y. Johnson
Leslie Jones
Carlos Zurita
For Member of the City Clerk Vote for One (1)
Aisha L. Thompson
For Member of the City Treasurer Vote for One (1)
Angela Allen
Taylor R. Bryant
Member of the Board of Education District Four Vote for One (1)
Margaret Turner-Evans
Ronald Gomez
Member of the Board of Education District Five Vote for One (1)
Ernesto Castillo
Aisha L. Thompson
City Clerk
trains arriving at stations every 2 minutes during peak hours (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.).
Metro’s K Line Northern Extension - New Community Meeting
Scheduled for September 4th!
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the K Line Northern
AVISO DE NOMINADOS PARA CARGOS PÚBLICOS Ciudad de Inglewood
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que las siguientes personas han sido nominadas para los cargos designados para ser elegidos en las Elecciones Municipales Generales que se llevarán a cabo en la Ciudad de Inglewood el martes 5 de noviembre de 2024
Para Miembro del Concejo Municipal Tercer Distrito Vote por Uno (1)
Eloy Morales, Jr.
Para Miembro del Concejo Municipal Cuarto Distrito Vote por Uno (1)
Dionne Faulk
Angelique Y. Johnson
Leslie Jones
Carlos Zurita
Para Miembro dela Secretaria Municipal Vote por Uno (1)
Aisha L. Thompson
Para Miembro del Tesorero de la Ciudad Vote por Uno (1)
Angela Allen
Taylor R. Bryant
Para Miembro del Fideicomiso Área Cuatro Vote por Uno (1)
Margaret Turner-Evans
Ronald Gomez
Para Miembro del Fideicomiso Área Cinco Vote por Uno (1)
Ernesto Castillo
Aisha L. Thompson Secretaria Municipal
Area Communities
Serving Ladera, Hawthorne, Westchester, Lawndale, Gardena, Carson
Tens of Thousands of Black Californians Retain
Health Coverage After Post-Covid Redetermination
Over 36,000 Black Californians maintained coverage with a health insurance provider through the 14-month Medi-Cal to Covered California redetermination process led by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Covered California
This number does not include Californians who have employer or private insurance or those who have been enrolled in Medi-Cal or Covered California and have met all the eligibility requirements for both programs.
In total, more than 158,000 Californians retained their health coverage through the statewide redetermination initiative, which began in April 2023 and ran until June of this year, according to DHCS.
Covered California Chief Medical Officer and Chief Deputy Executive Director Dr. S. Monica Soni said the availability of affordable health coverage can help prevent negative medical outcomes in the Golden State’s Black communities. That coverage includes Medi-Cal, California’s version of the Medicaid program -- which offers free or lowcost health care access to low-income people across the nation -- or one of the affordable health plans offered through Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange
The redetermination project kicked off when Medi-Cal resumed its renewal process to establish eligibility for over 15 million of its members following the end of the federal continuous coverage requirement put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know primary care is one of the ways to have good health and wellness -- from behavioral health to physical health to instances where someone has a substance abuse disorder,” said Soni, also a primary care doctor and the first Black Chief Medical Officer at Covered California.
“Our communities are some of the most incredible community-oriented, health-seeking ambitious folks,” Soni continued. “We have a lot of assets in our communities, but it is true we have higher rates of death for many cancers. We have more obesity. We have really higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure as well.”
Covered California automatically enrolled individuals in one of its lowcost health plans with insurers such as Aetna Health, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Health Net, Molina Health Plan, or Valley Health Plan if they lost Medi-Cal coverage and qualified for Covered California.
Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman said people who received health insurance through Covered California didn’t experience a gap in coverage.
“We are proud of these results so far, and the Medi-Cal to Covered California program is now a mainstay in our effort to keep Californians covered with comprehensive, affordable health insurance,” she said in a statement.
Soni said continuing the automatic enrollment beyond the redetermination process helped to keep health insurance accessible for state residents.
According to a survey conducted last fall on behalf of Covered California by NORC and Slosar Research, 82% of people in the MediCal renewal processes were covered through employer- insurance; were already enrolled with Covered California, or returned to Medi-Cal.
Soni stated that the main obstacle that prevents people without health insurance from selecting a plan through Covered California is a belief the price will be out of their budget.
“Sometimes people are worried about the cost,” she explained. “We have zero-dollar and $10-a-month plans, depending on household income. Regardless of what health plan you choose all of your primary care costs are the same. We believe you should be able to shop for the health plan you want.”
Covered California’s open
enrollment period runs from November of this year to January 2025. Soni said Covered California will have record levels of support and affordability during the upcoming year.
“Incredible support we are getting from the state and federal government makes us able to do that,” she said.
Everyone should use their health coverage to see a doctor as required, based on their individual or family medical history, Soni said, recalling her experience working at a Los Angeles area hospital.
“I’ve had many circumstances where someone wasn’t going to see a primary care provider and showed up in the emergency room with an advanced cancer that could have been caught early and treated, but now it is too far advanced to really get treatment,” she recalled. “That is a 40-year-old, that is a young person, who again with earlier care, all of that could have been prevented.”
McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media
Sports & Entertainment
Mariah Carey Confirms Her Mom and Sister Have Tragically Died on the Same Day
Inglewood Today News
Nationwide — Over the weekend, singer Mariah Carey faced a heartbreaking double tragedy, losing both her mother, Patricia, and her sister, Alison, on the same day.
In a statement to People, the 55-year-old Grammy winner expressed her deep sorrow: “My heart is shattered by the loss of my mother this weekend. Tragically, my sister
last days,” she added. “I appreciate the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time and ask for privacy as I navigate this loss.”
Details surrounding the deaths of Patricia and Alison have not been disclosed at this time, leaving many questions unanswered.
Patricia Carey, who was once married to Alfred Roy Carey,
divorced when Mariah was just three years old, shaping the early years of the future pop icon.
Mariah’s relationship with her mother was marked by both love and complexity, a theme she explored in her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey. In the book, she described their bond as “a prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration, and
over the years. They shared a special moment in 2010 during ABC’s Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas to You, where they performed a motherdaughter duet. Mariah also dedicated a part of her memoir to Patricia, stating, “And to Pat, my mother, who, through it all, I do believe actually did the best she could. I will love you the best I can, always.” The relationship with her sister Alison, however, was
also passed away on the same day.” Mariah went on to share her gratitude for having spent her mother’s final week by her side. “I am grateful for the time we had together in her
pursued a successful career as a Juilliard-trained opera singer and vocal coach before they welcomed their three children: Alison, Mariah, and Morgan. The couple eventually
disappointment,” acknowledging the nuanced emotions that defined their connection.
Despite the challenges, Mariah remained connected to her mother
more distant, with Mariah noting in her memoir that it was “emotionally and physically safer” for her to maintain distance from both Alison and their brother Morgan at the time.
Psychologist outlines 3 signs of burnout in body
By Press Rundown
In a recent interview with licensed clinical psychologist Molly Burrets, CNBC Make It discusses the topic of burnout and its implications on mental health. Burrets explains that burnout is not a specific mental health diagnosis, but rather a chronic condition that occurs when the demands of life surpass one’s ability to meet them. This can lead to an increased risk of experiencing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
To prevent or reverse burnout, it is
crucial to recognize the signs across physical, emotional, and behavioral categories. Physical symptoms may include chronic fatigue, insomnia, headaches, muscle pain, digestive issues, and a weakened immune system. Emotional indicators of burnout can manifest as increased irritability, loss of motivation, emotional detachment, frustration,
and negative feelings towards work or caregiving responsibilities. Behavioral symptoms may include overeating, binge drinking, increased drug use, procrastination, social withdrawal, isolation, and decreased productivity.
Burrets emphasizes the importance of consulting with a doctor to rule out underlying health conditions before addressing burnout symptoms. She
recommends reducing workload to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, meditation, and mindfulness practices. Making tough decisions to remove nonessential tasks and incorporate more rest and relaxation is crucial for recovery.
In conclusion, acknowledging and addressing burnout symptoms
is essential for overall well-being. By setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and reevaluating responsibilities, individuals can work towards preventing and overcoming burnout. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps to address them, individuals can improve their mental health and overall quality of life.
Continued from page 3: Local...
Extension Project (KNE) is available for public comment and review until September 5, 2024. The Draft EIR for KNE explores three potential underground light rail routes. The next public meeting will be held on September 4th at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016, from 6PM to 8PM. Have your voice heard and your concerns addressed!
Rail Active Transportation Corridor Project (Segment A): The contractor will begin improvements to the street, sidewalk, crosswalk, traffic signals, and streetlights on the south side of the Denker Avenue and Slauson Avenue intersection. This work will require the south side of Denker Avenue, from Slauson Avenue to 57th Place, to be closed 24/7 for approximately six weeks, starting August 30, 2024.
Metro C Line Overhead Wire Replacement Project: This project
will last from Sunday, August 25 through Saturday, August 31, 2024. Phase 2 of the overhead wire replacement work for the east end of the C Line between Willowbrook/ Rosa Parks Station and Norwalk Station will continue through January 2025. A bus bridge will operate between Norwalk Station and Long Beach Bl Station (also serving Lakewood Bl Station) to replace C Line rail service. Rail service will run every 12 minutes between Long Beach Bl Station and Redondo Beach Station.
Metro is Raising LA’s Green IQ
As part of LA Metro’s initiative to invest back into its community, the LA Metro Office of Sustainability has begun an educational program called Growing a Greener Workforce (GGW). GGW is a training program that Metro is offering to those interested in the environment and sustainability. Training courses are open to LA Metro staff and
community members including: Decarbonization and ESG Fundamentals
Climate Resilience and Metro CAAP
New topics and trainings are added on an ongoing basis. Use the following link for more information on how to sign up, course topics, and dates: GGW Course Information. (https://www.metro.net/about/ ggw/).
Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) Apply to be a member of Metro’s Public Safety by September 6th.
Visit https://thesource.metro.net
Join The Facebook Group
Stay up-to-date on Metro projects, programs, meetings, and events in the South Bay communities. Join the conversation on the South Bay Facebook Group. Visit https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ metrosouthbay.
Continued from page 1: Bill...
the L.A. Times, that to allow people to drink until 4 a.m. and “then turn them loose” on the streets of Inglewood is “the last thing that the city needs.” Inglewood residents agree, and had much to say in an Eyes on Inglewood Instagram post, which broke the news.
Others reminded residents that Inglewood decision-makers were not the ones to okay this decision. However, the City does support the bill.
The timing of the bill certainly brings up questions. Why pass this now? Why is this necessary at all?
A.B. 3206 will mean that there are only 2 hours (4.a.m.-6 a.m.) when the sale of alcohol is illegal for wealthy Intuit suite holders, compared to 4 hours for the rest of us. Certainly, this decision is about profit over people. Legislators continue to push the lie that they are for the people, but to be a person for the people is to be concerned with their health and well-being. Extending alcohol sales to such a brief window of time before
folks get up for work shows a lack of care for safety. And while legislators are not responsible for, nor capable of overriding people’s free will, they certainly have the power to limit how long alcohol can be served.
Remember, state assembly positions are something we control as voters.
Senators, Assemblymembers, Congressmembers, City Council and County Supervisors are all people that we vote in. Before you cast your vote this November, take a look at what your current city and state representatives have agreed to. If they aren’t making decisions that protect you and your community. vote them out.
Remember also, to always have cab or Lyft fare if you’ll be out drinking for the night. If you know someone struggling to manage their alcohol consumption, seek help at detoxconcierge.com.
Continued from page 1: Former... for a home purchase, and engaged in other serious misconduct. In 2021, the court dismissed her claim for sexual harassment in her civil case.
In 2023, a court found Ms. McDade’s allegations regarding domestic violence and abuse to lack any supporting evidence. Last year, the court found Ms. McDade engaged in discovery abuse, issued monetary sanctions against her, and again ordered Ms. McDade to comply with her discovery obligations. Now, Ms. McDade is facing a second motion for reality.”
sanctions because she has repeatedly violated court orders and destroyed documents evidencing her loan fraud. Ms. McDade does not and cannot dispute that she violated the Court’s discovery orders, committed forgery and perjury, and destroyed critical evidence. So her lawyers launched an absurd settlement demand, and released excerpts of personal text messages to divert attention away from the sanctions motion. The settlement demand is not based on the law or the facts, in fact it has no connection to
On May 15, 2024 the City of Inglewood filed a legal motion to dismiss McDade’s 3 year-old claim of sexual harassment and retaliation and impose $217,404 in sanctions against her. Mira Hashmall, a partner at Miller Barondess LLP and outside counsel for Inglewood, said McDade has refused to produce evidence supporting her allegations and has “violated multiple court orders.”
According to a second statement from the City, “On August 23, 2024,
the parties appeared for a hearing on the sanctions. A date for another hearing has been set for October 1, 2024, which vacated the previous October 28, 2024, trial date pending resolution of the City’s sanctions motion.”
McDade’s attorneys contend they have provided all of the legally required documents and have asked for counter sanctions of $100,600.