August 27, 2015

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Your Community Connection since 1994

Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 24, No. 35

August 27, 2015

Hurricane Katrina: Then and Now

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en years ago, Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast region, killing nearly 2,000 and displacing more than 250,000 others from Louisiana to Florida. Millions watched it on television, helpless, as those caught in the storm climbed on top of roofs and waited to be rescued. Countless others drowned. Katrina is among the costliest disasters in U.S. history and the costliest hurricane on record, according to the National Weather Service. To this day racial, political and socioeconomic disparities still impact the lives of those in hardest hit New Orleans. So just how far has New Orleans come since the hurricane 10 years ago? Many say the division has never been wider. “You’re going to hear a lot of folks say things are so much better, the economy is so improved, and other people are going to say it is so much worse,” said Allison Plyer at the New Orleansbased think tank The Data

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Brad Pitt Center. “And both those realities are true.” It is not uncommon for people to talk about a renaissance and about those who didn’t recover in the same breath. “The “new” New Orleans is whiter and more expensive to live in. African-American neighborhoods across the city

• Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business

still struggle, especially the chronically neglected Lower 9th Ward, a bastion of black homeownership before the flood walls failed. And the homicide rate is rising again,” The New Orleans Advocate reports. Former New Orleans Saint, Joe Horn, recalled his experience when the storm

Joe Horn hit: “Katrina hit while we were still in California, and we saw the incredible images on TV. The actual storm was nothing compared to the flood damage caused after the levees broke. When those four levees were breached, people were like (Continued on page 10)

Welcome Back Students!

On The Inside: • News

Schools Get $10M Grant for Noise Relief

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By Thomas Bunn

he first day of a new school year is always exhilarating. I remember the Sunday night before, laying out my new outfit, packing my backpack with fresh pens and pencils, and looking forward to reconnecting with friends to share stories about the summer we had. For some of us, we spent the summer together, (Continued on page 2)

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Visit www.inglewoodtoday.com & see page 6 ➤

tudents at Inglewood schools will get long awaited noise relief through an approved grant from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) officials have announced that the Inglewood Unified School District will receive its first funding installment of $10 million for the District’s Classroom Noise Mitigation Program. The grant will help bring improvements to reduce noise from planes flying overhead at Los Angeles International Airport. This action follows an announcement earlier this year that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had approved LAWA’s use

of $44.4 million for sound insulation in the school district with Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funds. The PFC Program allows the collection of fees of up to $4.50 for every enplaned passenger at commercial airports controlled by public agencies. Airports may use these fees to fund FAAapproved projects such as noise reduction, enhancing safety, security, and the like. PFCs can only be collected for an FAA-approved program for an established amount and time period. (Continued on page 7)


Inglewood Today

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August 27, 2015

Community

SCE Advises How to Beat the Heat

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t’s about to get a lot hotter in Southern California. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch, which started this week. Relief from triple-digit temperatures in some areas is not expected until early next week. San Bernardino and Riverside counties and the Inland Empire are forecast to be hit the hardest. Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds customers to stay as cool and safe as possible and to avoid heat-related injuries during excessive heat days. “Our No.1 priority is to help keep our customers safe,” said Don Neal, SCE director of Corporate Environmental, Health and Safety. “We encourage customers to keep outdoor activities to a minimum and drink plenty of water during the hottest parts of the day.” SCE also offers a variety of programs to help keep electricity bills down, including the Save Power Day and Summer Discount Plan

programs. When a Save Power Day is called, customers can earn up to $100 in bill credits per year for conserving energy between 2-6 p.m. To sign up for the Save Power Day program, go to sce.com/ spd. Customers can select how they would like to be notified, either by phone, email or text. Enrollees in SCE’s Summer Discount Plan can receive bill credits of up to $200 by allowing their central air conditioner to be temporarily turned off or cycled

remotely during peak times of the day. Additional SCE residential and business rebates are available at www.sce.com/summer. Here are a few tips to conserve energy and stay cool: • Set thermostats no lower than 78 degrees. • Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods. • Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical. • Reduce electricity use between noon-6 p.m.—peak hours of energy use. • Shut off lights when leaving a room. • Limit how often you open your refrigerator door. • Avoid air conditioner use when evaporative coolers or humidifiers are running. • When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or evening hours.

Welcome Back Students! (Continued from page 1) and looked forward to sharing some of our highlights like swimming, hitting the arcades, going to summer parties, and other places. The first day of school triggered both excitement and nervous jitters in kindergarteners and their parents throughout IUSD as many of whom walked the District’s youngest scholars into their classrooms. And it was filled with anticipation for older students eager to meet new teachers, face new challenges and reunite with friends. Monroe Middle School faculty member Donnisha Sanford noted, “It was good to be reunited with our students. I like that we started earlier this year, I feel the students are ful school year for our students and has some exciting changes in store really at an advantage. I’m ready staff!” for 2015-16, including several new for a very productive and successAccording to IUSD staff, “IUSD elementary school and high school administrators; the establishment of custodial leads at all school sites; additional elementary counselors and instructional and technology coaches; and the I-Ready program. TK-8 aims to enhance student mastery of the Common Core State Standards. In addition, IUSD has expanded its Spanish Dual Immersion programs, bringing a language academy to Frank D. Parent School and adding a grade level to Worthington Elementary.” As the excitement withers and we get into the groove of the 2015-16 school year, I wish all of our students a productive and fun-filled school year. We know you guys will make us proud. Salute.

President/Publisher/ Editor Willie Brown Vice President Gloria Kennedy Assistant Editor Veronica Mackey Contributing Writers Veronica Mackey Thomas Bunn Brooke Stanley Staff Photographer Thomas Bunn PRODUCTION Manager Dené Glamuzina Quality Control Manager Gloria Kennedy Inglewood Today Weekly is a legally

adjudicated newspaper of public cir­ culation, published weekly by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. News and press releases may be submitted for consideration by mail to 9111 La Cienega Boulevard, Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 or by email to itnetworks@msn.com.

You can reach us at 310-670-9600 or by fax 310-338-9130 www.inglewoodtoday.com The artistic contents of Inglewood Today Weekly are copyrighted by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. and permission to reprint any article herein must be obtained in writing from the Publisher. Display Advertising 310-670-9600 X107 Classified Advertising 310-670-9600 X104 Subscription Information Subscriptions are available by mail for $100.00 per year. Home Delivery may not be available in all areas, or gated communities.

We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think about local issues. Letters should be addressed “To the Editor” and include your name, address and phone number. (Only your name and city will be published.) Email: itnetworks@msn.com Online: www.inglewoodtoday.com Mail: 9111 La Cienega Blvd., Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 Fax: 310.338.9130 Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Not all letters will be published. Submission of a letter to the editor constitutes permission to publish the letter in the printed version of Inglewood Today Weekly and on www.inglewoodtoday.com.


Inglewood Today

August 27, 2015

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Community

‘The Honorable Man’ Campaign Set for Million Man March Anniversary

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t has been nearly 20 years since the historic Million Man March in October of 1995. Much has transpired over this time with the nation’s black men and families. Recent Pew research indicates that black fathers are engaged more than any other population of fathers in the day-to-day activities and rearing of their children. “We have a long way to go, however we have made some significant progress in challenging and disproving the societal view of black fathers,” says Kenneth Braswell, Executive Director of Fathers Incorporated (FI). From the first week in August and until the march, the Atlanta based not-for-profit will encourage at least 20,000 black fathers across the nation to sign “the Honorable Man” pledge on its website (www.millionblackfathers.com) in order to represent the 21st Century dad. Men all over the country will come together at the October 10th, twentieth anniversary celebration of the “Justice or Else” Million Man March in Washington, DC. “In the first couple of weeks (prelaunch) we already have signatures from fathers in 33 cities in 13 states presenting nearly 100 children. This is a clear indicator that black fathers understand both the significance and importance of having their voices represented on the platform of this historic and memorable occasion,” says Braswell.

Fathers Incorporated Executive Director Kenneth Braswell on recent mission trip to Ghana, Africa to work with boys and men. Photo Credit: Daniel Bonsu

For eleven weeks leading up to the march, activities will include a comprehensive social media campaign to generate conversations around the principles of the “Honorable Man,” to include “word of the week,” video of the week and contest challenges to sign up fathers to take the pledge. The hashtag #honorableman will be used to capture the excitement created by the effort. FI is also proud to announce its national advisory council. These progressive thought leaders from around the country will advise and assist the development and implementation of the campaign. “The Campaign for Black Male Achievement believes that Black men are assets to their families and communities, particularly as

caring, loving fathers in the lives of their children. That’s why we are thrilled to partner with Fathers Incorporated’s Honorable Man campaign to encourage 20,000 Black fathers to be engaged in the upcoming 20th anniversary of

the Million Man March. We envision that this campaign will revive and encourage thousands of Black fathers to elevate their impact in the lives of their families and community,” says Shawn Dove, CEO, Campaign for Black Male Achievement. For more information to support or promote the campaign, send an email to info@millionblackfathers.com. You can also join them on Twitter @millionblkdads, Facebook at www.facebook.com/millionblackfathers and their website at www.millionblackfathers.com About Fathers Incorporated Fathers Incorporated is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit (S) corporation and is dedicated to strengthening the community and family infrastructure by encouraging and enabling positive involvement of fathers in the lives of their children.

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Inglewood Police Department Strengthens Communications and Relationships with Inglewood Teens through Dialogue

A group of students listens to Inglewood Police officers during a small informal breakout session during the event.

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he Inglewood Teen Center hosted its first Student-Police Dialogue Program on August 19, 2015 at the Inglewood Teen Center, 101 W. Manchester Blvd., with more than 30 area students and 15 Inglewood Police Department officers participating.

Operated by the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), in partnership with the City of Inglewood, the Inglewood Teen Center is approaching its second year of service next month and sees up to 30 students on a daily basis. (Continued on page 5)

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Inglewood Today

Page 4

August 27, 2015

E Y E ON T H E C ITY

Residents Weigh in on Copyright Lawsuit By Veronica Mackey

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ow that the lawsuit between the City of Inglewood and Joe Teixeira is over, residents on both sides of the debate weighed in at Tuesday’s council meeting. U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald rejected the City of Inglewood’s attempt last week to assert federal copyright protection over council meetings partially posted on YouTube by Teixeira, a longtime critic of Mayor James Butts. “Joe has taken us and used segments he wanted to use to make us and the mayor look bad,” Ethel Austin said. She said to the mayor: “You were only doing that (suing) to protect the tax payer. I’m glad you got the attorney. I’m sorry it didn’t work out. But it was worth it to protect the people.” “I support the council’s decision to protect us from using video to damage the city. In my opinion, he (Teixeira) is full of hate,” Willie Agee said. Ray Davis told the council, “I

She also announced an upcoming event that A-MAN, Inc. is hosting with the Aeronautical Space Society on Sept. 22. For more information, visit the website at www.aman.org. Mayor Butts read a proclamation designating September 2015 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Inglewood. The American Cancer Fund for Children provides psycho-social services for children undergoing cancer treatments at local hospitals, including UCLA, City Inglewood City Council of Hope and Children’s Hospital. Two public hearings were held. wish this had not happened. I can- have you do a better job of patrol- The first asked the council to connot agree with everything the mayor ling. It’s like a freeway now.” sider amending sections of the and city council does, but we canDr. Bettye Walker, CEO of A- Inglewood Municipal Code to innot try to silence him.” MAN, Inc., an academically-based crease the limit of emergency purThe conversation changed tem- Inglewood nonprofit, shared a suc- chases from $20,000 to $50,000. porarily to lighter matters. cess story about young students Diane Sombrano and Leroy A grateful man told the council: enrolled in her STEM (Science, Fisher were against the increase. “I wanted to tell you thank you. Technology, Engineering & Math- Sombrano didn’t like the idea of You did some of the things I asked ematics) program. the City giving “pay raises,” espefor around the traffic at 83rd Street “Our students won medals for cially before the new fiscal budget and Crenshaw Drive. But I saw a water polo and diving. You don’t is finalized. post office mail truck run the stop hear about water polo and diving, Mayor Butts explained that the (Continued on page 10) sign. I guess I need to call back and and our kids doing it,” Walker said.

Pick up your copy of Inglewood Today at one of these locations: 1 Stop Mini-Mart, 420 E. Florence Ave. AAA, 1234 N. Centinela Ave. A-Man Inc., 101 La Brea Ave. Airport Gas, 501 Hillcrest St. Allstate, 2300 W. Manchester Bl. Anthony’s Autobody and Painting, 259 N. LaBrea Ave. Bayou Grill, 1400 N. La Brea Ave. Big 5 Sporting Goods (1), 301 S. Market St. Big 5 Sporting Goods (2), 11310 Crenshaw Bl. Boston Cream Donuts, 2576 La Brea Ave. Bourbon Street Fish & Grill, 601 S. Prairie Ave. Briarwood, 3500 Manchester Bl. Broadway Federal Bank, 170 N. Market St. Brolly Hut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Bruno’s Pizza, 450 E. Manchester Bl. Budda Market, 3753 Slauson (Rimpau) C&J Beauty Supply, 11252 Crenshaw Bl. Carlton Square, 8700 Carlton Centinela Cleaners, 1413 Centinela Ave. Centinela Hospital, 555 E. Hardy St. Chili’s, 3490 W. Century Bl. Chile Verde on Crenshaw Choice Berry, 599 1/2 S. La Brea Ave. City One Stop, 110 Queen St. Cranford Scott, M.D., 211 N. Prairie Ave. CVS Pharmacy, 222 N. Market St. D’Menace Copies, 254 North Market St. Darby Park, 3400 W. Arbor Vitae Diamond Beauty Supply, 1300 N. Centinela Ave. Dr. Daniel’s Weight Loss Program, 105 S. Locust St. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #1, 202 E. Manchester Bl. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #2, 3249 W. Century Bl. Edward Vincent Park Senior Ctr., 700 Warren Lane El Super, 3321 West Century Blvd. Fabulous Burger, 1315 Centinela Ave., Fabulous Forum, 1 West Manchester Bl. Faithful Central Bible Church, 333 W. Florence Ave. Family Fish Market, 1300 Centinela Ave. Fatburger, 3020 W. Manchester Ave. Fiesta Martin Mexican Grill, 1330 N. La Brea Ave. Foreign Car Repairs & Sales, 1110 Centinela Ave. Fabulous Forum, 1 West Manchester Bl.

Gin’s Liquor, 11001 Crenshaw Bl. Gonzales Northgate Market, 10801 Prairie Ave. Happy Time Liquor, 730 E. La Brea Ave. Heart & Soul Grill, 128 N. Market St. Hollywood Park Casino, 1050 S. Prairie Ave. House of Tacos and Pupuseria, 254 North Market St. Inglewood Airport Area, 330 E. Queen St. Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E. Florence Ave. Inglewood Community Police Ctr., Manchester/7th Ave. Inglewood City Hall, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Library, 101 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Meadows, 1 Locust St. Inglewood Park Mortuary, 3801 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Police Station, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Today, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Inglewood Unified School District, 401 S. Inglewood Ave. Instant Print, Inc., 425 E. Manchester Bl. In the Kut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Jamba Juice, 5305 W. Centinela Ave. King Fish Market, 10901 Crenshaw Bl. KJLH Radio, 161 N. La Brea Ave. Kwin Service Gasoline, 1235 W. Centinela Ave. L&L Paralegal Services, 171 N. LaBrea Ave. Ladera Physiotherapy, 409 S. La Brea Ave. Lan’s Nails, 10901 S. Crenshaw Bl. Lawrence Carey Barber Shop, 10901 S. Crenshaw Bl. Liquorette Liquor Store, 1400 Centinela Ave. Louisiana Fried Chicken, 170 La Brea Lucy Laundromat across from Sizzler’s on Manchester M&M’s Soul Food on Manchester M&M’s Soul Food (new) on Crenshaw Martino’s Liquor, 706 E. Manchester Bl. Mike’s Deli, 4859 W. Slauson Ave. Moby’s Breakfast & Lunch, 3008 W. Manchester Bl. Morningside Adult Day Care, 3216 W. Manchester Bl. Nix Check Cashing, 140 E. Manchester Nix Check Cashing on Crenshaw & 110th Orleans & York (1), 400 E. Florence Ave. Orleans & York (2), 4454 W. Slauson Ave., LA Osage Senior Villas, 924 S. Osage Pann’s, 6710 La Tijera Bl. Pay Day Loans on Crenshaw & 110

Pep Boys, 200 E. Spruce Ave. Red Lobster, 3400 W. Century Bl. Regal Cleaners, 700 E. Manchester Bl. Regency Towers, 123 Locust St. Regent Plaza, 201 Regent St. Roger’s Park, 400 W. Beach Ave. Scottie’s Gumbo & Grill, 945 S. Prairie Ave. Sizzler’s, Manchester/Prairie Smoke 4 Less, 925 N. La Brea Spa 313 Salon, 313 La Brea St. Mary’s Academy, 701 Grace Ave. Starbucks, 5301 Centinela Ave. Starbucks, 941 N. La Brea Ave. Starbucks on Century Stuff I Eat, 114 N. Market St. Sunrise Groceries, 1400 N. Centinela Ave. Super Fish Market, 11007 S Crenshaw Bl. Superior Groceries, 11202 S Crenshaw Bl. TenderCare Child Development Center, 335 E. Spruce Ave. The Serving Spoon, 1403 Centinela Ave. TGIFriday’s, 6721 La Tijera Bl. True Vine Baptist Church, 1437 Centinela Ave. Union Bank, 6719 La Tijera Bl. Vons, 500 E. Manchester Bl. Walgreens on Century Water 4 U, 254 W. Market St. Westchester Villa Senior Living, 220 W. Manchester Bl. Whitehorse Fish Market, 3119 W. Imperial Hwy. Whole Foods, 4508 Overhill (Slauson) Wilder’s Preparatory Academy Charter School, 830 N. La Brea Ave. Winchell’s Donuts, 2601 W. Manchester Bl. Winchell’s Donut Shop on Crenshaw near 108th St. Wings Stop on Century Wise Tires & Brakes, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Woody’s Barbeque, 4751 S. Market St. Yvonne B. Burke Senior Center, 4750 62nd St. (La Brea) Zahra’s Books “N” Things, 900 N. La Brea Ave.


Inglewood Today

August 27, 2015

P u b l i s he r ’ s Me s s a g e

The Heart of a Servant

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n August 23, I attended the annual Gardena Jazz Festival. Former Assemblymember Steven Bradford (whose district included Inglewood) has been organizing the event for years, bringing top jazz entertainers to the South Bay. As usual, the music was phenomenal. However, what made this festival even extra special was the addition of youth volunteers assigned to welcome and seat the guests. There were young high school students catering to people. They were so nice, professional and respectful that I just have to acknowledge them. In this age where young people are doing many negative things to get attention, it’s so nice to see some of them have humble spirits and are willing to serve without an attitude. This is a far cry from what we have been accustomed to seeing over the years. And while I support the energy of young activists, I think some of them have forgotten about respect for older people, or for other people in general. If what I saw in Gardena is a sign of things to come, then the future is going to be brighter for everyone. It reminded me of the type of respect that you typically see from young people in the South. Adults would do well to recognize when young people go the extra mile. These kids are unbelievable! If there was anything you needed, anything you asked for, their attitude was “can do, will do, we’ll get it done.” It was so refreshing to see such a high level of respect coming from teenagers because this age category is typically associated with rebellion against authority. Some just seem to be wired that way. Left to their own devices, teens can become unruly. But it all depends on their upbringing. With strong adults in their lives, they can main-

Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly tain their independence, without becoming rude or self-indulgent. Of course, it’s no accident that these young people are showing exemplary behavior. Their parents or guardians have played key role in their becoming who they are. If we were introduced to the adults who helped raise them, we would find they invested time, energy, and effort in teaching their kids right from wrong. We would find that the adults are themselves kind, courteous and respectful of others. Leading by example is the best way to teach. The saying that an apple does not fall far from the tree is very true. Maybe the apparent lack of respect and professionalism that I see from young people and adults nowadays makes me appreciate these young volunteers more. I am just happy that I could experience it at all. Having these teenagers present to take care of me was like a breath of fresh air. I will never forget it. I’d like to thank Steven Bradford for inviting me to the Gardena Jazz Festival. Once again, sir, it was excellent. And I want to encourage whoever is working with the youth volunteers to keep on going. You are making a difference in their lives. And your work is being noticed by those fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of their kindness.

Inglewood Police Strengthens Relationships with Teens (Continued from page 3) The dialogue event was coordinated by Inglewood Police Department Sergeant Reginald Blaylock, who was placed in Community Affairs earlier in 2015, Inglewood Teen Center staff, and volunteers. Blaylock coordinated the event utilizing Inglewood Community and Regional Engagement (I-CARE), which was awarded to the City of Inglewood in partnership with the SBWIB and Centinela Youth Services. I-CARE is designed to provide positive support and programs that keep young people

safely away from gangs, crime and violence, and is part of a California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) grant by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BOSCC). The goal of the dialogue was to provide youth with a better understanding of law enforcement by answering questions that students were curious about. The discussion also centered on student rights, responsibilities, appropriate police/youth interaction, policies, and current events. Blaylock said “I asked for officers to volunteer to be a part of the (Continued on page 7)

Page 5

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Inglewood Today

Page 6

August 27, 2015

Community

Imagine… By Anne Cheek La Rose

Imagine a Street that is a destination for residents and visitors alike. A Street where there are plenty of fun eateries with sidewalk dining; quality restaurants whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience… A Street with interesting shops and boutiques to explore… A Street with art everywhere to enhance the street scene; some works large and commanding your attenAnne Cheek La Rose tion, others small and easily overlooked . . . chatting with friends over a coffee or doing some work or taking A Street that is a mixture of historic a break in your day to read a book and new structures side-by-side that or just enjoy people watching… mesh together seamlessly… A Street with plenty of parking close Imagine a Street with an arts co- by, no matter where you are … operative where you will find artwork and expertly rendered crafts A Street with alleys that are destifor gift-giving or your own home… nations with shops and restaurants, not just a quick pass-through… A Street with little plazas interspersed among the buildings for A Street with tree shaded paseos

te o V r u o Y Counts!

that are an oasis from your day and are mid-block shortcuts to your next stop…

Imagine a Street with interesting light pole art noting the district name and perimeters…

Imagine a Street with a large patio used as seating for the perimeter restaurants by day, that become an outdoor event space by evening; events such as concerts or movie screenings…

A Street for pedestrians only, at least part of it… A Street where there is nightlife and the sidewalks don’t roll up at 6pm…

A Street where signs easily point A Street with periodic weekend the way… events… A Street that is steam-cleaned ev- A Street with historic markers so ery morning and trash is swept and that you and your guests can learn picked up throughout the day to keep the local history… the street constantly gleaming … A Street on which to work, shop, A Street where there is a cadre of live, or play… ‘ambassadors’ whose job it is to answer questions and give directions Imagine a re-vitalized Market when you become turned around; Street; the Market Street we have ‘ambassadors’ who know the street, all wanted for so long… the merchants, and the transients and assist with any problems that It’s coming and we are all going to may arise… love it! A Street with a museum…

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Inglewood Today

August 27, 2015

Page 7

Community

Black Families Nationwide to Stage First Ever Nationally-Coordinated Baby “Lift UP” on August 29th

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Celebration Marks 3rd Annual Black Breastfeeding Week

n August 29 at 3pm EST, black families across America will meet in pre-determined locations in key cities to lift their babies in unison as a sign of support and empowerment for babies. The first-ever National Baby “Lift Up” is part of the third annual Black Breastfeeding Week celebration, a highly anticipated week-long multi-media campaign to increase awareness and support for breastfeeding among African American families. The theme for BBW 2015 is Lift Every Baby, giving a cultural nod to the black national anthem, Lift Every Voice & Sing, at a time when the black community has been facing unprecedented unrest. “We are seeing our children lives being undermined, undervalued and under attack by negative media stereotypes. As parents and advocates we are excited to make this powerful, visual demonstration to the world that we lift up, support and cherish our babies,” says Kimberly Seals Allers, a co-founder of Black Breastfeeding Week and director of the First Food Friendly Community Initiative (3FCI). “If you can lift your baby, whether he is 8 months old or 8 years old, then we want to see you at the Lift Up.” “Lift Ups” are already scheduled to occur in Charlotte, Detroit, Mil-

waukee, Portland and Atlanta with more cities being added (See all location details at www.BlackBreastfeedingWeek.org). “Breastfeeding is one of the many ways black families lift up their babies by giving them the best start at a healthier childhood,” says Kiddada Green, executive founding director of the Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association in Detroit and a co-founder of BBW. “We also do this by reading to them as babies, advocating for their education as they grow, feeding them nutritious meals and practicing good self-care as parents so we can be at our best.” “Drawing on the strength and empowerment of our black national anthem is particularly important right now,” says Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka. co-

Inglewood Police Strengthens Relationships with Teens (Continued from page 5) discussion and received an overwhelming response, so much that I had to turn a few officers away.” He added, “I wanted the kids to see that here in Inglewood we are all an extension of one another. That Inglewood is our community as well. We all call Inglewood home. We have friends and built relationships with many residents and business owners in Ingle-

wood. I wanted them to know that we care and that we are not just an authority figure. I think we accomplished that.” Open weekday afternoons from 3-6 p.m., the Inglewood Teen Center provides a safe environment where teens can have fun and learn through games, computers, counseling and workshops. The center, which is free for students, reinforces the importance of preparing for careers by staying in high school and entering college.

Schools Get $10M Grant for Noise Relief (Continued from page 1) The FAA-approved plan provided funding for six Inglewood schools. This first work plan requests an installment of $10 million for sound insulation at Payne Elementary School, Woodworth Elementary School, and the Child Development Center at Woodworth Elementary School. Other campuses that will be involved in the noise mitigation program include Oak Elementary School, Monroe Middle School,

and Morningside High School. Sound-insulation construction will include replacing standard doors with thicker, solid doors; installing interior acoustic ceiling tiles and other insulation as needed; framing and insulating top floors; replacing standard windows with sound-rated windows; replacing/installing heating and air conditioning systems; miscellaneous electrical upgrades where needed; and other work necessary to achieve a targeted interior noise level of 45 decibels or less. (Continued on page 12)

editor of Free to Breastfeed: Voices from Black Mothers (Praeclarus Press) and a BBW co-founder. “Breastfeeding is also an act of selfdetermination and power and we want to celebrate that.” Other activities for the special week include: • The “So Strong. So Us” Art Contest: Whether we are sustaining the best of our culture or elevating it to new heights, artistic expression is at its heart. It helps us to remember who and how we are, even as we aspire. We are calling on the visual artists among us to pay tribute to

our culture and inspire the future as we Lift Every Baby. Submit your image electronically here for a chance to be featured at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit during the BMBFA Breastfeeding Summit. • The #LiftEveryBaby Twitter Chat: Our debut Twitter chat had over 10 million impressions and this year’s timely #LiftEveryBaby twitter chat will be a dynamic conversation about all the ways we lift, cherish and support our children. Get all the details and updates at www.BlackBreastfeedingWeek.org and the BBW Facebook page. Follow us on Twitter @BlkBfingWeek and use the hashtags #BBW2015 and #LiftEveryBaby. Founded in 2012 by three nationally recognized breastfeeding advocates, Black Breastfeeding Week is an annual, week-long multi-media campaign from August 25-31st to raise awareness of the health benefits and personal empowerment of breastfeeding in the black community.


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August 27, 2015

H e a lt h & F i t n e s s

The National Academy of Sugar By Marty Kaplan

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ou might think an outfit calling itself an academy would be, you know, academic. But as Jon Stewart put it, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is as much an academy as the “Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product” called Kraft Singles is cheese. The last time the academy was in the news, it was for taking an undisclosed amount of money from Kraft in exchange for giving Kraft permission to put the academy’s “Kids Eat Right” logo on Kraft Singles. When nailed for this, the academy denied that this amounted to putting a stamp of approval on Singles. What it really was, they claimed, was an ad for the academy’s Kids Eat Right initiative. If this were true, it would be the first time in the history of the world that an advertiser received money for placing an ad, instead of paying for it. The story of the academy’s smelly deal with Kraft, broken in March by Stephanie Strom in the New York Times and amplified by The Daily Show, the Wall Street Journal and other news outlets, raised such a

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Photo by Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

public stink that its endorsement of Kraft Singles was yanked. It also drew an unflattering spotlight on the academy itself, which counts 75,000 dietitians and other food and nutrition professionals among its members. It turns out that the academy has long functioned more like a trade group than a professional society. As detailed in 2013 by public health lawyer Michele Simon in “And

Stairlifts Can Be Integral Tool for Home Healthcare

eople are getting older. Not only does this mean there will be more elderly who want to “age at home,” and retain their independence, but there will be those who require in-home care from age-related health problems and surgeries. Consider this: the number of Americans 65 and up is expected to nearly double by the middle of the century, when they will make up more than a fifth of the nation’s population, according to a Census Bureau Report released last year. What this means is that it will be more important than ever to ensure that homes can be retrofitted to accommodate this demographic. To that end, installing a stairlift may be just what the doctor ordered. For home healthcare providers or loved ones who have to care for someone who is disabled or coming off of surgery, a stairlift makes sense. “Caregivers for disabled persons are ... becoming more aware of products to help them,” Jerry Keiderling, president of Accessible Home Improvement of America told HomeCare Magazine in an interview. While there is a certain stigma related to stairlifts of old, Keiderling

said that technology developments now center on electronic components and aesthetics. “Today’s stairlifts ... have a much more pleasing look,” he told the magazine. “They don’t look like the service hoist at the local garage. Longevity is also a key component. Some of these systems are used quite often, and they need to last.” Experts agree, saying older people want something that is discreet and that has the ability to be stored away when not in use. Unlike older models, new designs such as those sold by Orlandobased Acorn Stairlifts are powered by two small-12 volt batteries located under the seat. The chair and built-in footrest can be folded up when not in use, and all lifts have sensors around the perimeter of the foot platform that will stop the lift when triggered. While cost can be a factor in the decision, experts say that the risk of a family member injuring themselves while lifting a patient far outweighs the cost of installing a chairlift. For more information, visit www. acornstairlifts.com. Source: NewsUSA

Now a Word From Our Sponsors,” the academy’s major sponsors have included ConAgra, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Dairy Council, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Kellogg’s. Andy Bellatti, strategic director ofDietitians for Professional Integrity, an organization of academy members who believe Americans deserve nutrition information “not tainted by food industry interests,” traces

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the long trail of taint: In 1993, the academy “teamed up with McDonald’s to develop a line of Happy Meal Toys.” In 2010, it “joined forces with the Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition ‘to educate Americans on better, balanced eating’.” In 2014, it “received a grant from Elanco, maker of livestock pharmaceuticals, to ‘teach dietitians about farming.’” The academy isn’t a watchdog of the industry; it’s married to it. And now, fresh from the Kraft Singles debacle, the academy is back in the news. This time it’s for an article about added-sugar labeling in an issue of its seemingly academic publication, the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The article reports the findings of a survey carried out and paid for by the International Food Information Council Foundation. Whatta name! It’s like having, “We’re not lobbyists, pimps, propagandists or obfuscators—we’re legit! No, really!” tattooed on your forehead. This Foundation, (Continued on page 11)

What You Need to Know About Childhood Vaccinations

accines boost kids’ immune systems and are the best way to protect them from serious infections and diseases, including pneumonia, meningitis, polio, measles, chicken pox, and whooping cough. Side effects are mild and can include swelling where the shot was given, a low fever, or fussiness. Here are more tips from First 5 California to get your child’s school year off to a healthy start: • Don’t Wait to Vaccinate o Childhood vaccinations are safe and have kept kids healthy for more than 50 years. o Kids should receive their first vaccination at birth with the Hepatitis B shot, which protects infants from Hepatitis B, a serious liver disease. • Stick to the Schedule o Many vaccines require several shots over time to fully protect kids from disease. Skipping or delaying shots leaves kids at risk for a longer period of time. o Follow your doctor’s recommendations for scheduling appointments. • Keep a Record

o The first time your child receives a vaccination, you’ll get an Immunization Record. Bring this card with you every time your child visits the doctor so it can be updated.

• Comfort Your Child o Comfort your child before, during, and after receiving a vaccine shot. o Bring your child’s favorite toy or book to the doctor’s office, sing a song, or tell a story to distract your child while receiving a shot. • Get Help With Costs o If you don’t have health insurance that covers children’s vaccines, look into programs that provide vaccines for free to eligible children through Covered CA (www. coveredca.com).


Inglewood Today

August 27, 2015

Page 9

Business

Car Repair: Save Some Cash With These Helpful Hints By Anders Abadie

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nless you’re a trust fund baby or a lottery winner, you are probably concerned with saving money whenever you can. Car repair can work at cross purposes with this goal, but it is nevertheless an inevitable part of owning a vehicle. If you know some tricks, however, you can save some money the next time your vehicle needs a big fix or just a small amount of maintenance. Picking the right shop is a good start, but there are things you can do in your every day driving that will make a difference. Brakes You can save a great deal of money on your brakes if you listen to what your vehicle is telling you. Getting your pads changed out is not a particularly expensive job and shouldn’t cost much more than $100. On the other hand, getting your rotors replaced can be quite expensive indeed. As a frugal individual, you might be tempted to ignore problems in the hopes that they

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cost you a lot of money. In fact, the problem is sometimes something as simple as the gas cap not being tightened sufficiently. Take the vehicle in to your favorite mechanic and have him see what the problem is. As with everything else regarding your vehicle, the sooner you have a problem examined, the less likely it is to be something serious and costly.

will go away. This is a bad idea; they never do. If you hear squealing, grinding, and other unpleasant sounds when you step on the brake pedal, get it checked out by a mechanic. You could save yourself an expensive car repair in the future.

Check Engine If your “check engine” light comes on and your first inclination is to panic, you probably shouldn’t. While it could be a sign that something is seriously wrong, chances are it isn’t anything that is going to

Air Conditioning Did you know that running your air conditioning is costing you extra money? It is, and during this time of skyrocketing gas prices, it pays to look out for things that can save you from making extra stops at the pump. Another thing that can cost you money is running low on refrigerant. If you’re having to run your A/C more because it isn’t as cold as it used to be, consider running it by a car repair shop. They can refill your refrigerant if needed and repair any leaks you may have. Oh, and when you can stand it, roll down the windows instead!

Gas Tax Hike Likely for California Drivers

rivers in California could pay higher gas taxes and vehicle user fees under a series of options being considered by state lawmakers to raise as much as $59 billion over the next decade to pay for repairs to roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure throughout the state, officials said Friday. Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, and state Transportation Secretary Brian Kelly were joined by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, members of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and others to push for a transportation funding bill to be passed during a special legislative session called by Gov. Jerry Brown. Atkins said the state Legislature has three weeks to reach an agreement on what to include in the final package, but some ideas, such as a 12-cent increase to the gas tax, have been proposed and are “part of the menu.” Kelly, who represents the governor’s office, said so far “there is not a single package that has demonstrated the political support necessary to move out of the Legislature.” He said the governor supports a bill that will create a “new stable ongoing revenue from user fees to invest in transportation” and that officials are negotiating with “all legislative caucuses now on what

that package looks like.” It will take putting “political will … and candidly, the necessary votes together to move forward on a new funding package to make the necessary investments,” Kelly said. Atkins was reluctant to give further details about the likely funding package, but Garcetti shared a specific set of policies being pushed by a coalition of mayors, cities, labor groups and chambers of commerce. The Fix Our Roads coalition is calling for a bill that puts $6 billion annually into transportation repairs and maintenance for at least 10 years, Garcetti said. The methods for coming up with these funds should vary, but it should include “reasonable increases” to gasoline and diesel excise taxes and to vehicle registration and license fees, according to an Aug. 7 letter the coalition sent to Brown and state lawmakers. Atkins, Kelly and the members of the coalition spoke in front of the headquarters of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Friday as part of a “road show” by Democratic lawmakers to ask the public to press fellow Democrats and Republican lawmakers to come together on the transportation bill. The chamber’s vice president, Ruben Gonzalez, highlighted the effect the bill could have on the

local economy, especially on the movement of goods around the ports. “There is not an industry that creates more jobs than goods movement. It is the No. 1 creator of jobs, directly and indirectly in the L.A. region,” Gonzalez said. “And every day we aren’t fixing and maintaining our streets and roads and highways is the day that we’re losing jobs, we’re losing economic activity and we’re losing the ability to grow and continue as the hub for goods movement in this country.” Atkins and others also appealed to drivers in Los Angeles, saying that a recent study found that 73

percent of major roads here are in poor condition, resulting in drivers paying an average of $1,031 a year in repair fees and other costs. Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis said proceeds from the existing gas tax have been declining in recent years. The county is expected to receive $150 million in the upcoming year, $59 million less than two years ago, which will result in $44 million in projects getting deferred. The officials said that the state is facing a large backlog of transportation repairs and it will cost less if those projects are tackled earlier. (Continued on page 12)

Allstate Agency Owner Billy Campbell Honored Named Premier Agency for 2014

As a business leader and involved citizen in the Inglewood area, Allstate exclusive agency owner Billy Campbell has been designated an Allstate Premier Agency for 2014. This designation is being presented to Billy Campbell for outstanding business performance and commitment to putting customers at the center of his agency’s work. Billy Campbell’s agency is located at 2300 W Manchester Blvd. in Inglewood and can be reached at (323) 750-1777 or http://agents.allstate.com/billy-campbell-inglewood-ca.html.


Inglewood Today

Page 10

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.

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 Aug 20, 27; Sept 3, 10, 2015 IT00422301070 Inglewood Today

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 Aug 27; Sept 3,10, 17, 2015 ITO0422301071 Inglewood Today

Hurricane Katrina: Then and Now (Continued from page 1) “Whoa, we’re stuck here now!” It was crazy being in California. . .I was trying to get back to the city and give my life if I had to. “Leaving Cali, we flew into Houston. We couldn’t even get into New Orleans. Displaced folks were everywhere across the country— and Houston was a destination, with the Astrodome being the only hub. When I walked in the dome, I broke down. I was the first socalled celebrity the people saw after the storm, but I’m just a real dude from the hood. When I got out the car, folks bum-rushed me, and I handed out money. When I saw the kids, my mind wasn’t on football. I was thinking of a way I could stay in Houston for an extended period and help the people get what they needed, like water, tissues, toothpaste and feminine products.” Anyone appraising New Orleans’ health 10 years later would have to look at

Eye on the City (Continued from page 4) ordinance would allow the city to move quicker on approving expenses by having the monies in place. Some expenses would not have to go through the Inglewood City Council to be approved. “No one is spending any more money. If you have 4 police cars that need to be fixed, we can do it. No one’s getting a raise…For people in the city to claim to know about the City’s finances, to morph this into raises blows my mind,” Butts said. “We’re in 2015, and things cost, and the time it takes to get an item agendized—If there are police vehicles in the city waiting for repairs, then there are complaints.” A second hearing was held to consider establishing the 68th Street Permit Parking District. The area is near 68th Street and Gay. Davis supports the parking ordinance. “I live near the park and we have serious issues with the parking…We may have to do this citywide.” “We need to really advance in this permit parking. It would help the City with revenue. Could you

find some more streets you can do that to, like Beach?” Austin said. Another man wants parking permits to be required on 11th Avenue. The council approved a one-year agreement for federal legislative advocacy services, and a contract for funding to plan and implement projects that support the efficient management of water supply. Another contract was approved for the Water Vaults Ltd. Replacement Project. Funds for signage and carpet improvements were approved for A-MAN, Inc. Also approved: • A Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Inglewood and WOW Media for a billboard agreement. The deal would bring a onetime payment of up to $3.1 million for the city to allow 10 billboard locations. Additionally, if all billboards were approved, revenue for the City would result in a minimum of $155,000 per month. The City would share at least 50 percent of revenues. • Agreement with the California State Board of Equalization to imple-

ment the Local Prepaid Mobile Telephony Services Collection Act. About 70% of all prepaid wireless services are sold by retailers. As a result, the City is bypassed and cannot collect UUT (utility user tax). This agreement will impose taxes on prepaid wireless services beginning January 1, 2016. • A resolution for a Green Street Policy. An Inglewood home owner wanted to know why her home had been denied sound insulation since she lives within the flight path. “Flight activity has increased,” she said. “We cannot open doors and have no central air or heating.” “Anything constructed after ‘87 is not eligible. The person who built the property is responsible,” Butts said. “If we used money that was not allocated for certain homes, it would be illegal, and we would have to give that money back. It’s not about us not wanting to do it, it would be illegal. The City does not have the funds to insulate properties built after ‘87 that are double-paned. If we could get it authorized, we would.”

LEGAL NOTICES Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015 200142 The following Person is doing business as:

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015209500 The following Person is doing business as:

May Hair Braiding 3126 Hollypark Dr., #3 Inglewood, CA 90305

Kaidens Cookies 9818 South 8th Avenue Inglewood, CA 90305

Registered Owner: Maria O. Okosisi, 3126 Hollypark Dr., #3, Inglewood, CA 90305

Registered Owner: Ishmun Leroy Brown, ll, 9818 South 8th Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90305

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on July 31, 2015. I 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.) Maria O. Okosisi, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on July 31, 2015

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on August 12, 2015. I 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.) Ishmun Leroy Brown, ll, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on August 12, 2015

August 27, 2015

the extent to which abandoned properties still choke the city’s neighborhoods. This is probably the most accurate barometer, and an indication of the number of families that have been able to return. It also speaks volumes about the city’s economic well-being and ability to overcome legal and bureaucratic obstacles to repairing the damage. Superstar Brad Pitt was one of the first celebrities to reach out to hurricane victims and one of the few who has stayed the course 10 years later. His Make It Right Foundation has built 109 mini houses to date, meant to sell for less than $100,000 each. Focusing on New Orleans’ hardest hit Ninth ward, Pitt said the building project has given him a lot of pride. A part-time New Orleans resident and amateur architecture enthusiast, Pitt wanted his homes to be colorful, sturdy and eco-friendly. “I drive into the neighborhood and I see people on their porch, and I ask them how is their house treat-

ing them?,” he said. “And they say, ‘Good.’ And I say what’s your utility bill? And they’ll throw something out like, ‘24 bucks’ or something, and I feel fantastic.” Pitt recently listed his and Angelina Jolie’s five-bedroom French Quarter home for $6.5 million. This week, President Obama, President Bush, President Clinton, Members of Congress, federal officials and other dignitaries will conduct site visits, participate in events and conversations with community members that honor the lives of those lost, explore the city’s progress and resilience planning, and examine the challenges the city is focused on tackling in years to come. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, President Clinton joined forces with President George H.W. Bush to establish the BushClinton Katrina Fund, which raised over $130 million in contributions to support relief and long-term recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast. It’s a drop in the bucket.

Councilmember Ralph Franklin thanked all who came to his District 4 Town Hall Meeting last weekend. He also announced that “Food Truck Friday has been cancelled for this Friday. We are hoping it will be back in September.” Councilman George Dotson commented on how new leadership in Inglewood has improved service to the community. He described a chance encounter with a man who complimented how City staff handled his concerns. “My hat’s off to the city manager as well as the department heads and staff. Evidently something has changed when a man stops me and tells me that,” Dotson said. The public was invited to two events in September. Councilman Alex Padilla announced the Hispanic Heritage Festival, Saturday, September 19, from 11am to 4pm at Crozier Middle School. His Second District’s annual picnic (potluck) will be held Saturday, September 26 from noon to 4pm at North Park. Councilman Eloy Morales commented on the disparity between homes being sound-insulated. “We talked about how

people (property owners) got away with not giving folks sound insulation. We would love nothing more than to insulate every single home in the city but we’re not allowed to do it.” He added that the city’s parking issues can be improved by neighbors having more consideration of others. Mayor Butts closed the meeting by defending the City’s decision to file the lawsuit: “This was never about free speech. It was about the unauthorized use of a product paid for by the tax payers. Mr. Teixeira says whatever he wants every week and you know that. “We felt it was unfair for someone to cannibalize our videos, (and) it was lawful that we did it (sued). The L.A. Times did six stories on this lawsuit—six! But they don’t write about the good things in Inglewood. So you have to wonder what their motivations are. There’s no city in this country that has advanced as far as this city has in the last 3 years. You can’t beat the City of Inglewood.”


August 27, 2015

The National Academy of Sugar (Continued from page 8) you will not be shocked, shocked to learn, is funded by the food and beverage industry. Added sugar has no nutritional value; that’s why its calories are called “empty.” It’s not the sugar that occurs naturally in some foods, like fruit. It’s the sugar added to a product during the manufacturing process, making it taste sweet. That sugar, along with added salt and fat, changes our brains. The more we eat, the more we crave. It’s not a moral failure—it’s chemistry. As former Food and Drug Administration commissioner David Kessler lays out in his book, “The End of Overeating,” we are literally addicted to sugar, and it’s killing us. The F.D.A. recommends that added sugar contribute a maximum of 10 percent of our daily calories. That’s a ceiling of 50 grams of added sugar per day. Drink a big soda, eat a Cinnabon or a Milky Way, and you’ve hit the limit. If you think that’s draconian, it’s higher than the American Heart Association’s limits (38 grams for men, 25 grams for women), and it’s double what the World Health Organization recommends. What prompted the nice folks at the International Food Information Council Foundation (I love saying the name) to pay for a survey was an F.D.A. proposal to require packaged food and beverage labels to state not only the grams of added sugar, but also what percent of your daily max of added sugar calories is in it. It’s sobering to read that the Venti Salted-Caramel Mocha you’re about to hoist contains 71 grams of sugar; it could be horrifying to learn that it blows past 140 percent of the F.D.A.’s daily added sugar limit. According to the International Food Information Council Foundation survey, consumers would be confused if food labels had to include an added sugar percentage. The label might be technically ac-

Inglewood Today

curate, but people would believe that even more sugar had been added than actually was, and so they’d be less likely to buy the product. In other words, what’s wrong with the labeling is that it would work. On the heels of this news, the Times also broke the story of Coca-Cola’s undisclosed parentage and funding of the Global Energy Balance Network. The purpose of the GEBN is to shift the blame for obesity away from bad diets – to create the appearance of scientific support for added sugar, as long as you burn the calories by becoming more active. It’s nice to know there’s evidence that exercise is good for us. It’s not so nice to know that Coca-Cola is paying for that research as a PR strategy to take nutritional guilt out of drinking Coke. Yep, that 20-ounce bottle is the perfect thirst-quencher while you’re shopping online for the perfect pair of sneakers for that Soul Cycle class you’ve been meaning to look into. That PR strategy dovetails nicely with the industry’s targeting their TV marketing of sugary and salty food at the same people who should be cutting back on them. According to research not funded by the industry, African-American kids in the U.S.—who have higher rates of obesity and other diet-related diseases—are more than twice as likely to see TV ads for candy and soda than their white counterparts. Thirty-nine percent of Hispanic and Latino kids are overweight or obese, but “over two-thirds of the Spanish TV ads that are directed to [Latino children] are really pushing fast food, sugary drinks, candy and snacks.” It’s hard enough to keep up with changing nutritional guidelines. But unless you’re an expert, it’s damn near impossible to tell the difference between independent research and research ginned up by trade groups and marketers. Not long ago, I was especially gladdened to learn that butter and eggs were back. Unfortunately, I now realize I have to go back and see

Page 11

D at e s i n AUGUST & Sep t e m b e r August 29, 2015 Back to School Health and Wellness Fair Assemblywoman Autumn Burke will host a free Back to School Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, August 29, at 10 a.m. Activities include free health screenings (diabetes, blood pressure, dental, vision, hearing), cooking and exercise demonstrations, free school supplies, and more. Held at Oakwood Recreation Center, 767 California Street, Venice, CA 90291. For more info, call 310-412-6400. Through August 21, 2015 Inglewood Summer Day Camp Are you ready for summer? The City of Inglewood is offering great summer day camp experiences for youth ages 3-14. There are two sessions: June 29-July 24, 2015 and July 27-August 21, 2015. Camps will be held at Lockhaven Community Center, 11125 Doty Avenue; Siminski Park, 9717 Inglewood Avenue; Rogers Park, 400 West Beach Avenue; and Darby Park, 3400 West Arbor Vitae. Programs include Kiddie Camp designed for kids 3 to 5. Camp Discovery and Fun and Fitness are for youth ages 6-14. For details and registration information, visit www.cityofinglewood.org.

Kevin Kugley of CalAnnuity. com. Learn all about Social Security and get answers to your questions. The workshop will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Gladys Waddingham Lecture Hall at the Main Library, 101 West Manchester Boulevard. Mr. Kugley is a financial advisor with 18 years’ experience, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)®, and a USC Marshall Executive MBA. For more information about this program call 310-412-5380. Ongoing Phonetic Reading Center Johnny Can Read Phonics Center in Inglewood invites families with 5 and 6 year-olds to practice their reading skills and go well beyond their grade levels in 30 to 60 days. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm. There is a 30-minute free session to introduce parents to the program. Interested parents can call and schedule their free session at (310) 412-8750 or email funphonics48@yahoo.com.

Get Fit at the Mall BFit offers you ways to get fit, have fun and live your life to the fullest. Join us for amazing free fitness classes at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza every week. Classes held on the Macy’s Bridge include: Zumba every Tuesday from 7:30-8:30pm; September 5, 2015 Cardio Kickboxing every Thursday Social Security Workshop The Inglewood Public Library from 7:00-8:00pm and Yoga every is proud to host a free Social Se- Saturday from 10:00-11:00am. curity workshop presented by whether my bliss was bought and paid for by the National Academy of Bovine Studies and the Global Galline Information Institute Foundation. Marty Kaplan is the Norman Lear professor of entertainment,

media and society at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Reach him at martyk@jewishjournal.com. —Source: Jewish Journal


WHEN:

Saturday, August 29, 2015 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Oakwood Park 767 California Street Venice CA 90291

ABOUT: We will discuss current legislation, district happenings and provide free school supplies. Speakers, Health Screenings for the entire family, Children’s Activities, Refreshments and more! Sponsored by:

Senator Ben Allen

For more information, please call (310) 412-6400 Gas Tax Hike Likely for California Drivers (Continued from page 9) “We are saying the time is now,” Garcetti said. “The question is not whether or not we raise revenues to do this and pay for it. “If you pay for it later, it’s out of your own pocket—it’s in those thousand dollars plus a year you pay for repairs,” he said, but by paying now for “preventative maintenance” costs will be lower. The officials initially made no mention of the proposals to raise

the gas tax and vehicle user fees during their pitch, but they nevertheless appealed to the public to help get the transportation bill passed. Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, D-Los Angeles, said they took the effort on the road “because we need the public’s help to build support and a calling to get every single member of the Legislature to vote for the package that we’ll be presenting in order to invest in our road infrastructure.”

Schools Get $10M Grant for Noise Relief (Continued from page 7) The Sound Insulation Grant Program (SIGP) administers and monitors funding (LAWA funds and FAA funds) for noise mitigation programs for the City of Inglewood, City of El Segundo, City of Ontario and the unincorporated areas of Lennox, Del Aire, and Athens in the County of Los Angeles. In addition, the program administers funding for the Inglewood Unified School District and Lennox School District.

The goal of the LAWA noise mitigation program is to ensure residential communities (including schools and hospitals) adversely impacted by aircraft noise are made compatible with California Noise Standards. IUSD Chief Deputy Superintendent Joe Dominguez said in January, “This funding will provide an improved learning environment for our kids by upgrading the acoustic performance of our classrooms.” The sound-insulation program is part of a 2005 settlement agreement between LAWA and IUSD.


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