December 12, 2013

Your Community Connection

Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 22, No. 50

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December 12, 2013

The Evolution of Nelson Mandela

By Veronica Mackey

e will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. But let me say to the people of Africa, and young people around the world: You can make his life’s work your own,” said President Barack Obama, eulogizing his hero, Nelson Mandela. He added that Mandela “woke me up to my responsibilities—to others, and to myself—and set me on an improbable journey that finds me here today.”

The president was one of several dignitaries who spoke to thousands of mourners at FNB Stadium in South Africa Nelson Mandela on Tuesday.

Condolences began to pour mediately after news broke can president’s death on Dein from around the world im- about the former South Afri- cember 5.

“People cared about Nelson Mandela, loved him, because of his courage, convictions and care of others’. He set aside the bitterness of enduring 27 years in apartheid prisons—and the weight of centuries of colonial division, subjugation and repression—to personify the spirit and practice of Ubuntu. He perfectly underPresident Obama at Mandela Memorial Service stood that people are depen-

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dent on other people in order for individuals and society to prosper,” said Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson said, “Nelson Mandela changed the course of history—for South Africa and the US. The South African president, who was labeled a terrorist, became more than a historical figure; he was a transformer.”

Mandela was an icon for peace and reconciliation between the races. The leader of the African National Congress party turned history upside down when he became the leader of the same nation that had mandated institutional racism, poverty and inequality for its black citizens.

Becoming president during the first free election after abolishing apartheid, Mandela became a super hero in the eyes of the world. But who inspired him? In the early years it was Fidel Castro and a man named Anton Lembede, who stated that Africa was a black man’s continent. He became a follower of Marxism and was a considered by (Continued on page 2)

The Age of Community

By Thomas Bunn

hey told us that 2012 would be the year the world ended, yet we’re still here. In fact, 1999 was the year all hell was supposed to break loose, and as a kid, seeing folks in the 99 Cents store stocking up on water and dry goods, was kind of surreal. In 2059, people will wonder if Isaac Newton will be the one to get it right. In the meantime, aside (Continued on page 2)

Obamacare Enrollment Getting Better

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ast month, President Barack Obama asked the public to be patient as technicians went to work, fixing the new HealthCare.gov website.

The ambitious new healthcare reform law, which is designed to make the lives of uninsured Americans easier, has been a quagmire of technical problems since its rollout on October 1. The Obamacare site has been the brunt of late night jokes, and the cause of headaches for those wishing to enroll.

Obama promised things would be better by the end of November. Are they?

It is now the second week in December, and here is an update. The good news is that enrollment is up. The bad news is that lingering problems are slowing down enrollment.

More than 250,000 Americans signed up for the plan in November, confirming the need for this coverage according to a new government report. The fact that these numbers more than double that in October signals that improvements have been made—at least enough to allow users to have their enrollment processed on HealthCare.gov.

(Continued on page 11)

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Inglewood Today

Page 2

Everybody’s Talkin’

By Veronica Mackey

A new feature about topics in the news to get you involved in the conversation.

Baby Saving Babies

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ooking for a good story idea, I came across an item that gave me the warm fuzzies.

It made me “ahhh” so much I just had to share.

This story happened back in July.

But it was recently given a revival on Facebook.

The Evolution of Nelson Mandela (Continued from page 1) many as a terrorist.

By the time he emerged from prison 27 years later, Mandela was a changed man, choosing peace and reconciliation over violence. He was a combination of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Like Malcolm, Mandela believed strongly in black autonomy and nationalism during the early years. Malcolm began to adopt a more inclusive world

They chased the car down on their bicycles for 15 minutes. The kidnapper eventually gave up and let the girl out of his car. She ran to Temar, crying and said she wanted her mother. The boys took her to the police.

It was a white-knuckle experi-

December 12, 2013

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

Chris Garcia and Temar Boggs

As the story goes, a five year-old girl named Jocelyn Rojas was abducted from in front of her home in Lancaster Township, PA. Two hours

ence for Rojas’ family, who tried their best to stay sane during the ordeal. Little Jocelyn was scared, but safe, and taken to the hospital immediately by her mother. Police said she was okay. A relative called Temar their hero and said having her back is better than winning the lottery.

My piece is short this week because the pictures pretty much tell it all. There isn’t more that needs to be said. The question is, what young super hero do you know? Is there a child or teenager that came to the rescue of someone, and may Jocelyn Rojas have even risked their life? Talk to later in nearby Manheim Township, me. Send your story to veronica@ teenage boys Temar Boggs and inglewoodtoday.com Chris Garcia spotted a girl matching Rojas’ description inside a car.

Temar Boggs receives a thankful kiss from Jocelyn’s family member.

Mandela with his first wife view after praying with white Muslims during his trip to the Mecca, but his life was cut short before his transformation had a chance to be fully realized.

Mandela was able to carry out his transformation in a remarkable way.

Like King, he chose nonviolence and cooperation as a way to heal relations between blacks and whites. And unlike both of his American counterparts, Mandela’s life did not end in an assassination, which allowed him to achieve his convictions for decades after his release from prison.

Many articles have been written about Mandela, posing the question: Was he a villain or a hero? The obvious answer he was a little of both.

More important, he was a man transformed, who was willing to change and allow others to see it. He was himself, which is one of the most courageous steps anyone can take.

The Age of Community (Continued from page 1) from the speculations and misinterpretations, this is the commencement of the “age of community.”

I give credit partially to the development and growth of the Internet, and the other part to man’s creative genius that he impressed upon it. There are so many platforms that enhance our daily lives, and expand our ability to think of a question, ask the computer, and in 0.000389 seconds, have a plethora of answers appear before our eyes.

Social networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, Instagram, and the multitude of others, connected us by our interests, and in a lot of cases, by our differences. It allowed us to connect and communicate in ways we honestly weren’t socially advanced enough to handle.

Something magical happened during this technological boom. We realized our communal instincts once (Continued on page 6)

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December 12, 2013

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Remembering Marguerite LaMotte

he long and celebrated life of one of L.A.s most beloved educators came to an end on Dec. 5. Los Angeles Unified School District board member Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte died while attending the annual convention of the California

Marguerite LaMotte School Boards Association in San Diego. She was 80.

LaMotte represented South Los Angeles since 2003, and was a familiar face at local public schools for many years.

She taught at Drew Junior High School, counseled at Edison Junior High School, was assistant principal at Francis Polytechnic High School, and principal of Horace Mann Junior High School. In 1991, she became principal of Washington Preparatory High School in 1991.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas recalled LaMotte’s courage as a leader:

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“I knew her when she was principal of Washington Preparatory High School, where she not only distinguished herself with strong and revolutionized education at the school, she inspired me and others with her determination. One well-known story about Marguerite is how in the late 1990s, when a raucous crowd of maybe 100 young people began to brawl about a block away from Go Metro for the Holidays the school, Marguerite threw herself Discover dozens of holiday discounts around town with Metro. Whether you’re shopping, dining into the middle, without any regard or enjoying a show, your TAP card can help you save! And through December 20, you can also for her safety, and personally broke enter the “12 Days of Metro” Instagram contest for a chance to win exclusive prizes. See the list of discounts and contest rules at metro.net/holidays. it up. She was fearless and faithful in her work.”

New Metro Bus Schedules December 15 Metro’s annual bus service adjustments take e=ect soon. Minor changes to improve e;ciency “I’m saddened to learn of the and e=ectiveness are coming to routes 60, 120, 167, 577 and the Metro Silver Line. Find the new passing of Marguerite Poindexter timetables aboard buses in December or at metro.net.

LaMotte, an educator, administraSanta Monica Intersection Closed For Expo Track Laying tor, and true trailblazer who dedicat A full street closure is underway at 11th Street and Colorado Avenue both northbound and southbound through Sunday, December 15. Crews are installing track for the second leg of ed her life to Los Angeles schools,” the Expo Line, which will extend the light rail line from Culver City to Santa Monica. For more Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a stateinformation on construction schedules, visit buildexpo.org. ment. “She was a good friend, and “Ramp Jam” Ends for Wilshire/I-405 Interchange my wife Amy and I offer our deep All ramps are now open at the I-405 as the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project nears completion. Overall, the interchange's eight improved freeway ramps add 75 percent additional est condolences to her family, colcapacity. For more information and construction schedules, go to metro.net/405. leagues, and all of those who were Go Metro to the Rose Parade touched by her tireless work on be To really enjoy this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, take the Metro Gold Line half of L.A.’s students.” to Pasadena and skip the tra;c and parking hassles. All Metro Rail lines will run overnight on December 31 to help you make your connections. Plan your trip at metro.net.

John Deasy, Los Angeles Unified School Superintendent remembered LaMotte as “a fighter for civil rights metro.net and for quality education.” @metrolosangeles A private service will be held on facebook.com/losangelesmetro Saturday, December 21, 2013 at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Los Angeles. A public memorial service is There will be private viewing on Visit http://lamotte.laschoolboard. planned for Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014.

The time and location will be an- Dec. 19 and 20 at the Angelus Fu- org/services for details. neral Home, 3875 S. Crenshaw Ave. nounced.

14-1024ps_wsc-ie-14-006 ©2013 lacmta

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Inglewood Today

Low-Tech Holiday Gifts the Grandkids Will Remember

Instead of Another Mobile Device or Video Game, Consider Something Lasting from the Heart

ids get their first cell phone by age 12, and more than a third of them have smart phones. Nine out of 10 teens have a computer and 97 percent of 12to 17-year-olds play video games.

More than half the homes in the United States have a fairly new video game console.

“It’s great that our kids have access to technology, but I talk to a lot of grandparents who say they simply don’t enjoy giving their grandkids tech gifts during the holiday season,” says Ted Bernstein, founder of Life Insurance Concepts, Inc. (www. lifeinsuranceconcepts.com). “They want to give something their grandkids will treasure; something they’ll remember for a long time.”

That has become more challenging as kids, along with the rest of us, come to rely more and more on technology for everything—from communication to entertainment to telling the time.

Coming from a four-generation family of life insurance specialists, Bernstein has a special interest in family legacies and a long history of

innovation. He offers these suggestions for holiday gifts for grandkids that create lasting memories.

• Their own clunker—which you’ll restore together. If you have a grandchild who’s still a few years from driving age, buy an old pickup truck that the two of you can restore together. You’ll have years to complete the project, which guarantees not only lots of one-on-one time together, but also the opportunity to teach valuable skills that will benefit him or her for a lifetime. “Plan it right, and when your grandchild gets a driver’s license, he or she will also have wheels,” Bernstein says. “And after spending so much time working on that vehicle, they’re more likely to drive it carefully!”

• An annual helping hand for years after you’ve gone. Imagine being able to send your grandchild a holiday gift of $20,000 every year for 20, 30 or 40 years —with a note from you attached. You can do it with the Installment Life Option, a life insurance policy option that pays beneficiaries of a life insurance policy in predetermined amounts of your

choice for up to 40 years. Because of the deferred payout, the insurance company can reduce the premiums up to 50 percent. And your grandchild is reminded of your love for him or her throughout his life, particularly during the financially stressful milestones: college tuition, wedding, paying off student loans, down payment for first home, and first child.

“A lot of the grandparents who do this love the fact that they can continue to help their grandchild long after they’re gone,” Bernstein says.

“They also like the fact that they can choose what date the money is disbursed, whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or a special date significant to the grandparents and grandchild.

And they can add a personal note, which can be sent according to the policy holder’s instructions.”

• The gift of compassion. Sponsor an impoverished child in another country in your grandchild’s name.

“I like the organizations that allow you to personally connect with the child you sponsor, so your grandchild can write to and receive letters from them, and trade photographs.

You can learn about the country together, and pick out gifts for birthday or holiday season,” Bernstein says. A grandparent might pay the whole cost of sponsorship or allow the grandchild to pick up a small portion, he adds.

One organization highly rated by independent charity evaluator Charity Navigator is Compassion International. The 61-year-old Christian-based non-profit facilitates 1.2 million sponsorships, providing the children with food, medical care, educational opportunities and more for $38 per month. Sponsors are invited to exchange letters and develop a relationship with the child.

Ted Bernstein is a third-generation life insurance specialist with decades of speaking out and advocating for changes on behalf of consumers. He was the first to introduce “no-load” life insurance in the mid-1980s and recently developed the Installment Life Option. Bernstein is a nationally recognized expert in alternative distribution strategies and life insurance product development.

Inglewood Today

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December 12, 2013

Eye on the City T

Council Explains Position Behind Medical Cuts

he Finance Dept. asked the council to amend an agreement with SMF Consulting for $45,000 and extend the contract for an additional year to expire on April 30, 2015. SMG was hired to help the City get its finances in order.

The company provides professional accounting assistance and consulting services.

“This council had approved this contract on October 15. Here we are, less than three months, and you’re coming back.” He stated that the council had nothing in writing to indicate additional work that needs to be done.

“We did not realize how deep and wide the issues were, said David Esparza, Asst. City Manager and Chief Financial Officer. “As we get deeper and deeper into our operations, we are finding there are gaps that are not

By Veronica Mackey

opment Block Grant Division gave a progress report on HUD-funded projects: Inglewood has reconstructed 18 sidewalks, completed 46 wheelchair pedestrian ramps and 4 streets, conducted summer camps for 80 low-income youth, assisted 57 adults who are homebound and helped 500 residents resolve landlord-tenant issues. Construction was completed on the Regent Square Apartments, and 24 of the units were Inglewood City Council funded by the HOME Program. being correctly monitored.” ing 3 months?” Morales asked EsThe discussion turned toward The City had 27 outstanding fi- parza. The CFO replied, “This is homelessness in Inglewood. nancial issues when Esparza came a busy time of year for our departLinda Tatum, Acting Community on board. They were resolved, but ment. As soon as we get back from Development Director, presented a then 9 additional problems surfaced. the holidays we will be starting our request for councilmembers to modCouncilman Eloy Morales com- audit process.” ify the zoning code for emergency pared the situation with tearing down The council, with the exception of shelter and transitional housing, as a bathroom wall, then discovering Franklin, approved the request. mandated by the state. Compliance additional problems inside the wall.

A staffer from the City’s Section will allow the City to become cer(Continued on page 5) “Is there a reason we are not wait- 8, Housing and Community Devel-

Pick up your copy of Inglewood Today at one of these locations: 1 Stop Mini-Mart, 420 E. Florence Ave. A-Man Inc., 101 La Brea Ave. Airport Gas, 501 Hillcrest St. Allstate, 2300 W. Manchester Bl. Bayou Grill, 1400 N. La Brea Ave. 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 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. Darby Park, 3400 W. Arbor Vitae 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 Fabulous Burger, 1315 Centinela Ave., Family Fish Market, 1300 Centinela Ave. Fiesta Martin Mexican Grill, 1330 N. La Brea Ave. Gin’s Liquor, 11001 Crenshaw Bl. Gonzales Northgate Market, 10801 Prairie Ave. Heart & Soul Grill, 128 N. Market St. Hollywood Park Casino, 1050 S. Prairie Ave. 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. 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. Ladera Physiotherapy, 409 S. La Brea Ave.

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December 12, 2013

Inglewood Today

Publisher’s Message The Strength of Mandela

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here does one even begin to add his voice to the millions already chiming in on the legacy of Nelson Mandela? This bigger than life man, who was nonetheless rooted in humility, embodies so much that is good that it’s hard to find adjectives to describe what has not already been expressed.

The word that comes foremost in my mind is strength. What do you have to be made of to endure the injustice, abuse and hatred year after year that he experienced? How do you spend more than a quarter of a century in jail for doing nothing more than trying to express your rights as a human being, and yet emerge without bitterness?

Not only did Mandela find the strength to forgive, he found the strength to lead others to reconciliation. Even more than his amazing rise from political prisoner to the President of South Africa, is his seeming inability to break.

The more opposition he endured, the harder he fought it with love.

Mandela’s given name is Rolihlahla, which means “tree shaker,” or “troublemaker,” in the Xhosa language. Great men throughout history have been called similar names. Anyone who bucks the status quo and refuses to “stay in their place” has been a thorn in the side to oppressive and corrupt government leaders.

His strength also lied in his ability to maintain a positive vision of what South Africa could become, regardless of how it appeared. He had to look beyond the painful nation divided by race, fear and negative stereotypes to one of faith and tolerance. His convictions had to speak louder than the voice of oppression.

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Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly It had to have been a long, weary journey for the man whose supporters were distrustful of whites.

Why should he reach out to the enemy? What was it that he could see that others could not?

Like Ghandi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mandela chose non-violence as the way to change the climate of his nation. He chose the path of peace, the harder way.

He chose the path that caused him to shine as a consensus builder, humanitarian, global adviser and peace maker. None of these titles would apply if he had chosen to pick up a gun instead of raise his voice. Revenge would have been far easier and more justified, but he said no.

Even in his personal life, Mandala showed super-humanlike strength. After his long incarceration and trouble in his marriage the African National Congress leader divorced and remarried on his 80th birthday. He said he didn’t mind the setbacks because his new wife made his life bloom.

Clearly, there will never be another one like Nelson Mandela.

But if science ever comes close to bottling his spirit, I want some of that.

Casting off the Chains of Bondage doesn’t make us free but Casting Your Vote is a good beginning.

Yvonne Horton

Eye on the City (Continued from page 4) tified, which will open the door for more grant funding and extend the time required to report by 3 years.

She emphasized that the City is not currently planning to build a shelter, but the State requires that provision be made to accommodate a shelter if a private entity chooses to build.

The public was sympathetic to homeless residents, but did not want them to be housed too close to homeowners.

“We looked and determined that the M1 zone is a more appropriate location. Also, it has land available, should someone want to come in and build emergency shelter,” Tatum said.

There was some confusion over the

M1 zone and Council District One, primarily because maps were not available. One woman had a poorly printed copy. Mayor James Butts said color copies of the M1 zone map would be made available at a future meeting.

“M1 is not in District One,” Tatum said. “(It is) a light manufacturing zone. It is all to the west of La Brea, northerly of Florence, traveling along La Brea, over to the westerly boundary. . .then everything west of the 405 Freeway on the corridor of Manchester.”

“They picked light industrial because it (emergency housing) was far enough away from the residential area,” Franklin said. “However, transitional and (Continued on page 11)

Dr. H. Milano Mellon Need a checkup? Have health questions?

Call (310) 673-3133

Bank Named One of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality”

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nion Bank, N.A., announced Tuesday that it earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 2014 Corporate Equality Index. This is the first year that Union Bank participated in HRC’s rating system, which serves as the national benchmarking tool for corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay,

bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees. With its top score, Union Bank is also recognized as a “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality” by HRC. Union Bank’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is illustrated in numerous programs, products and services, such as its nearly 20-year Local Heroes Awards, which cel(Continued on page 9)

• Diabetes • Geriatrics • Personal Injury • Holistic Medicine We accept almost all insurance plans except for Kaiser.

H. Milano Mellon, M.D. has over 35 years experience as a medical professional, and he has served the local community for 25 years. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Fisk University and his Medical Degree from Meharry Medical College. He completed his postgraduate training at L.A. County USC Medical Center. Dr. Mellon is an Associate Member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a medical staff member of Cedars Sinai and Centinela Hospitals, while maintaining a private practice in Inglewood.

915 Myrtle Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 Email: pcphmm@gmail.com • Fax: (888) 730-4070 • Website: drhmilanomellon.com

Inglewood Today

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December 12, 2013

Wright, Bradford Welcome Inglewood Residents to Open House

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enator Roderick D. Wright (D-South Los Angeles) and Assemblymember Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) welcomed more than 250 guests to their offices at One Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood on Tuesday evening to celebrate their annual Holiday Open House.

City council members and community leaders from throughout the 35th Senate District, including Inglewood Mayor James Butts, attended the joint event, enjoying an evening of great food, music and fellowship with local residents and other elected officials.

Senator Wright, Autumn Burke and Assemblyman Bradford

Dove Savage, Senator Wright, Time Warner’s Richard Benbow and Assemblyman Bradford at the Holiday Open House in Inglewood on Tuesday, December 4.

The festive Holiday Open House with community residents and hear is one of the final opportunities each their hopes and priorities before the year for the region’s elected state start of the new Legislative Session representatives to meet face to face in Sacramento.

The Salvation Army Partners With the L.A. D-Fenders for a Slam Dunk of a Community Day

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Basketball team to prep lunch and toys for those in need.

he Salvation Army Corps, serving Inglewood and the LAX coastal communities has a few more players on their team this holiday season thanks to the helping hands of the L.A. D-Fenders basketball team. The L.A. D-Fenders is the official DLeague affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers.

They teamed up with The Salvation Army on Wednesday to make sandwiches for those in need at the Salvation Army Inglewood

Citadel Corps—324 E. Queen Street, Inglewood, Calif. 90301.

The Corps provides approximately 375 sandwiches each week. After handing out sandwiches, players got into the holiday spirit as they sorted toys to later be distributed to deserving children in the The Age of Community (Continued from page 2) again. We tapped into the power of heartfelt gestures during a family’s time of mourning. We remembered a friend’s birthday, and encouraged everyone to wish her the best. We pooled together resources to help a homeless man off the street. We occupied LA, San Francisco, New York and Wall Street. “We” dominated “I.” This realigning of our behaviors have become such a trend that it’s beginning to blend into the way we engage in business. So much so,

community.

In 2012 The Salvation Army Southern California provided more than 1.52 million meals to hungry men, women and children and distributed more than 92,000 Christmas toys to children in need.

that Social Enterprising and Benefit Corporations are becoming more and more sought after with investment capital. Consumers are showing that they want to spend money with businesses that care about the people that spend money with them.

In 2011, collaboration became King. Co-operatives, sharing models began sprouting in all business areas, whether it was cars or workspaces. People found that working together made all the difference. Over $900 million has been pledged to Kickstarter campaigns

since its inception in 2009. Over 53K dreams were either realized or “kickstarted” thanks to the good old-fashioned practice of lending a helping hand and being of service to someone other than yourself.

But what does this have to do with Inglewood?

Just look at the great works D’Artagnan Scorza, Derek Steele and the brothers at the Social Justice Learning Institute are doing for the community. Look at what Ms. Bee is doing for the health (Continued on page 11)

Inglewood Today

December 12, 2013

Page 7

Health&Fitness T•O•D•A•Y

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Will Dairy Boost Your Weight-Loss Resolution?

f weight loss and dieting are on your New Year’s resolution agenda, an unlikely food group may be the help you need.

Consuming dairy products as part of your daily diet can help keep weight down, according to several studies. Findings in the Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that higherprotein, high-dairy diets shaved off belly fat and increased lean muscle.

“One hundred percent of the weight lost in the higher-protein, high-dairy group was fat. And the participants gained muscle mass, which is a major change in body composition,” says Andrea Josse, lead author of the study and a graduate student in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University.

In addition, a Harvard study, which suggests that the food quality is more important than its calorie count, found that eating specific high-quality foods was linked with less weight gain over time. Its data showed that the more daily servings people ate of fruits,

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vegetables, nuts, whole grains and yogurt, the less weight they gained. In fact, the research found that each extra daily serving of yogurt prevented 0.82 of a pound of weight gain.

The Nutrition and Metabolism journal reported a study in which participants who consumed three or

more servings of dairy a day after weight loss were able to eat more calories without gaining weight than those who didn’t consume dairy.

Milk is nutritionally unique in that it is a great source of nine essential nutrients: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12,

riboflavin and niacin. It provides three of the five “nutrients of concern” that children do not get enough of: calcium, magnesium and potassium.

By combining a high intake of nutrient-rich dairy with regular physical activity, it won’t even feel like you’re trying to lose weight.

“However, as with any diet, you must be realistic. Results take time, so first commit to getting through January to establish a real routine,” says Alyssa Greenstein, a registered dietitian with the Dairy Council of Florida.

According to a National Health and Nutrition survey, 86 percent of women and 76 percent of men fail to meet the recommended dairy intake of three servings each day. That means the majority of Americans don’t have satisfactory levels of essential nutrients like potassium, zinc, calcium and folate. These levels plummet when dieters attempt to trim calories by purging dairy.

Learn more about the benefits of dairy at www.floridamilk.com.

Moles, Warts and Skin Tag Removal

By Barbara Smith

here are a great number of constraints that we have in our existence that the smallest issue can seem just like a mountain to beat. Every time a mole or wart appears from thin air, it may appear as though the world has crashed on you.

There exists a basic repair and that is moles, warts and skin tags removing.

It is a solution that will not only help you save money, but gives you back your blemish free skin and make the particular mountain look like a pebble.

1. Moles, warts and skin tag removal The knowledge which is con-

tained in this easy e-book will certainly blow your mind with how effortless it really is reduce all these pesky tiny troubles. When having surgery treatment to take out them, it is possible to end up getting scarring as well as pain. The Moles, Warts and Skin Tags Removal is going to provide you with easy methods to take away them all natural without having unwanted effects.

2. Absolutely no skin damage or unwanted side effects The methods that the doctors use might leave scarring damage on your skin and can be pretty painful,

as well as cause you to be miserable in your skin. Moles, Warts and Skin Tags Removal facts is going to teach you how to take them out in your own from home. There are not any unwanted effects to the treatment and it’s also economical.

3. What does moles, warts and skin tag removal give?

When you press the actual accept button, you will have quick access to all the details you need to take away the deformities from your skin and really feel complete once again.

Everything is easy for you to follow without any nonsense. You will also

Clean Christmas trees up to 10 feet in length, without stands and ornaments, will be picked up at curbside on your regularly scheduled service day beginning December 26th and continuing through the second Saturday in January

Please Note:

This service is for approximately Two Weeks Only!

get all of the assistance that you might want. You’re provided with an email address to ensure that all of your questions can be addressed and you can have assurance in the info that you have invested in.

If you think that for any explanation it’s not for you, you will find there’s 60 day money-back guarantee which means you have got absolutely nothing at all to lose.

So as an alternative to sitting in the doctor’s office, use the link below, and have your freedom back once again: http://moleswartsskintagsremovals.powerblip.com.

Inglewood Today

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December 12, 2013

Today A

Real Estate and Hispanics

recent national survey by Fannie Mae revealed that Hispanics place more value on the idea of homeownership than all Americans, and 73 percent of Latinos believe that owning a home is a good way to build wealth to pass along to their families. However, trends suggest Hispanics are more likely to lack basic financial literacy skills, which can hamper the community’s home buying and long-term financial success.

The first-time home buying process can seem like a daunting experience. But with the right resources, such as TD Bank’s five-step guide for first-time home buyers, Latinos can turn the process of buying a family home into a teachable financial experience for both themselves and their children. Here is some of TD’s advice: 1. The importance of saving.

• According to a recent national survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, the down payment, the smaller budgeting at an early age with nearly half of Hispanics polled your home loan, therefore the children. revealed they do not have savlower the interest rate.

• By reviewing your income and ings. current monthly debts, you can • The best way to teach children 2. Budgeting and determine your ideal monthly about saving is by encouragdetermining what you can mortgage payment. From there, ing them to do it. If they get a afford. you will be able to narrow the weekly allowance, ask them • Living within your means is focus of your house hunt to to put away 25 percent to save key to long-term financial suchomes you can afford. enough to purchase the latest cess. Unfortunately, Hispanics video game or toy they want. are more likely to report strug- 3. Understanding credit and • Then, explain to your children gling to pay their bills on time, loans. what a down payment is, and which presumably means many • Having bad or little credit makes how saving for one can help reHispanics spend more than they the goal of owning a home a duce a home’s cost. The bigger make. It’s important to discuss struggle.

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• To drive home the lesson about credit and loans, offer your children a loan to purchase the new shoes or outfit they want.

Require them pay you back monthly with a portion of their weekly allowance.

To view TD Bank’s five-step guide, visit https://esecure.tdbank. com/net/firsttimehomebuyers/default.aspx.

Financial Literacy Lessons: A Family Affair

tudies have shown that parents have the greatest influence on their children’s financial habits, and now, more than ever, mothers and fathers are taking the primary role in educating kids about healthy money management.

“Most financial experts agree there is a need for financial discussions among families to avoid or soften potential future economic upheavals,” says Suzanne Poole, executive vice president, retail sales strategy, TD Bank. “According to a recent financial literacy poll by TD Bank, only 50 percent of families report having weekly conversations with their children,

even though there are easy ways to incorporate tips about money in everyday conversation.”

TD Bank surveyed 1,637 consumers within the Northeast as well as in Florida and Washington, D.C. With a little more than half of families having weekly conversations with their children about money matters, it’s important to keep it simple, be honest, and make it fun. Now, let the lessons begin: Be Open. According to the survey, a majority of parents agree that honesty is the best policy when talking to children about household finances. Perhaps as a result of the recent economic struggles, the sur-

vey found that 55 percent of families say they are talking with their children more often about money.

Set Savings Goals. TD Bank’s survey showed that teaching children to save with a piggy bank is one of the most popular moneyrelated activities. That being said, only one in three parents reports setting a savings goal. If your child is saving, help them set goals and define the steps needed to reach them Establish a Family Budget.

Despite the evidence that better budgeting can lead to saving, the survey shows that 47 percent of families are still not following or

creating a monthly budget. Financial websites, such as Mint.com, offer free programs and budget templates to develop a financially fit family budget.

Enroll in Financial Literacy Programs. Financial literacy can be a daunting task for parents, but there are educational tools and programs that can help with this process. For example, TD Bank offers an interactive financial literacy program for grades K-12 called “WOW!Zone.”

It is available online for free at www.tdbank.com/wowzone and offers advice and resources for parents to teach children and teens about money, savings and banking.

Inglewood Today

December 12, 2013

Page 9

Planning College Campus Visits?

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Three Important Criteria to Look for in Evaluating Dining

his is a busy time of year for aspiring college students.

Those who met early application deadlines in November now face filling out the hefty Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. And students who didn’t apply early should be working hard on applications to meet regular deadlines, usually in January.

“There’s a lot to get done and one of the most important things to remember is to know your deadlines and meet them,” advises David Porter, a consultant to colleges and universities throughout North America and author of “The Porter Principles,” a guide to college success through social engineering, (www. porterkhouwconsulting.com).

As students and their families visit college campuses, Porter says they should pay attention to the classroom outside of the classroom and the details of campus life: What are the wholesome opportunities for socially rich student engagement and study on-campus? What extracurriculars are offered and how accessible are they? What does the college paper reveal about campus issues, concerns and opportunities?

One often overlooked feature is the structure of campus dining, Porter says.

“Many universities require freshmen to live on campus for the first year because administrators know that students who live and dine on campus have higher GPAs and higher graduation rates than those who don’t. A properly socially engineered dining/learning commons is central to the day-to-day lives of all students living on-campus and is crucial for face-to-face social networking and study with fellow students,” he says.

“But these same universities often fail to realize that student dining is as much—even more—a factor in developing a sense of community and predicting future success. This is the centerpiece of ‘the classroom outside of the classroom.’ ” He offers these suggestions for evaluating campus dining commons:

Union Bank (Continued from page 5) ebrates cultural diversity, including extraordinary LGBT honorees; community partnerships; a diverse and highly engaged workforce in which more than half of its employees are people of color and more than 60 percent women; and a strong commitment to community development finance and diverse business lending.

The bank also has one of the most diverse corporate boards of directors of any major U.S. company.

“We are extremely proud to receive a perfect score of 100 percent and a ‘Best Places to Work” recognition on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation 2014 Corporate Equality Index,” said Union Bank Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Annemieke van der Werff. “Celebrating diversity and inclusion has been part of the bank’s nearly 150-year heritage, and it’s exciting when our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels within the bank is recognized.”

Another example of Union Bank’s commitment to the LGBT community and its employees is UB PROUD, the bank’s employee resource group for LGBT employees and allies. UB PROUD works to strengthen ties between colleagues, senior management, clients and community members by increasing visibility and awareness

for the LGBT community. Union Bank also supports and participates in LGBT Pride celebrations throughout the West Coast, and supports a number of LGBT community and non-profit organizations, including a long-standing partnership with the Financial Services Industry Exchange (FSIX).

“We have worked diligently to create a welcoming culture that enables us to attract, develop and retain diverse talent, respond to broad customer segments, and partner effectively with our communities, including the LGBT community,” said van der Werff. “This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our leaders and employees, including UB PROUD, to fostering inclusive business practices and one more example of our dedication to responsible banking and ‘doing right.’”

The 2014 CEI rated 934 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBTrelated policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community.

Union Bank’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria resulted in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” For more information on the 2014 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

backgrounds in a neutral environment,” Porter says. “That provides once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to develop and nurture valuable networking skills for their personal and future professional lives. If the meal plan encourages them to scatter across campus—or go off campus—to pick up fast foods eaten in isolation, vital opportunities are lost, he says.

What are the hours of operation?

Students live on a different clock than most of us. For many students, 11 a.m. is the middle of the day. Is the dining/learning commons open, thus respecting and being conducive to their (not our) lifestyle? If so, does it offer more than microwave pizza and hot dogs? These are all vital not only to bonding but to learning how to socialize and Is there a centralized dining collaborate with current and new hall (or halls), or are food friends in a wholesome, social, safe locations scattered? on-campus environment,” Porter A dining commons is the living says. “If the place isn’t open when room of the campus, a place where they’re hungry, they’ll go elsewhere students come together and pause and miss that socialization opportulong enough to meet, talk, make nity.” friends, see and be seen, relax, study and collaborate. “These are How far is the dining hall all vital not only to bonding but to from dorms and the academic learning how to socialize with fel- core of campus? low students from a wide variety of “I once consulted with a univer-

sity that was mystified about why two dining halls got lots of student traffic, while the third—the most beautiful—was largely ignored,” Porter says. “When I visited, I discovered the dining hall had been built on top of a rather steep hill on the far edge of campus. The location offered great views, but the climb was a bear!” Dining halls should be within easy reach of both dorms and classroom buildings in the academic core or students simply won’t use them.

About David Porter David Porter, FCSI, is chief executive officer and president of Porter Khouw Consulting, Inc., a foodservice master planning and design firm based in Crofton, Maryland.

David has more than 40 years of hands-on food service operations and consulting experience and is a professional member of the Foodservice Consultants Society International. Porter Khouw Consulting has worked with more than 350 clients to conduct market research and develop strategic plans, master plans and designs for the college and university market. Porter is a graduate of the prestigious hospitality program at Michigan State University and has been recognized repeatedly as a leader in his field.

New Mental Health Clinic Coming to Downtown LA

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he county will soon begin renovations to transform an existing location into a state-of-the-art building to provide homeless and mentally ill people with services in the heart of skid row. The downtown Mental Health Clinic, which serves nearly 300 clients a day, is run by the Department of Mental Health. The department will purchase the older building where the Downtown Mental Health Clinic is currently located on Maple Avenue for $3,500,000 and then $1,000,000 for the design and management of the new project.

The services currently provided in the Downtown Mental Health Clinic, will be relocated a block away during the construction. Services in the new facility will include outpatient adult and family treatment of chronically mentally ill patients, including those patients who have substance abuse issues, group and family therapy and crisis resolution

services. All services are provided by the Department of Mental Health.

The proposed project will result in an environmentally “green” building that will meet guidelines for the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s Silver Certification. Construction will begin next spring and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2016.

The building also will have recycled construction waste and lowemitting construction materials, and also will be energy efficient— outfitted with plumbing fixtures that reduce water consumption.

“I am eager to see this new, state of the art facility for our homeless and mentally ill residents,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. “It is essential that we help our residents receive important services that will allow them to stabilize their circumstances and lead productive lives.”

Headquartered in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a financial holding company with assets of $105.5 billion at September 30, 2013.

Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank,

N.A., provides an array of financial services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. The bank op(Continued on page 10)

Inglewood Today

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December 12, 2013

LEG A L NOT I CES

CITY OF INGLEWOOD INVITATION TO SUBMIT BID (Specifications and Conditions Governing Bid Award) Project Subject to Bid: “WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT PHASE IV” The City of Inglewood invites and will receive bids duly filed as provided herein for the furnishing of labor and materials and/or completing the abovedesignated project.

A mandatory job walk for interested bidders will be conducted on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 10:00 am at the Public Works Department, on the Third Floor of Inglewood City Hall, One Manchester Boulevard, CA, 90301. Contact Thomas C. Lee, at (310) 412-5333 should you require further information.

Each bid to be considered must be delivered to and received by the City Clerk no later than 11:30 am on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at the Office of the City Clerk, Inglewood City Hall, One Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90301.

Each bid shall be submitted and completed in all particulars using the form entitled, “Bidder’s Proposal and Statement” attached hereto and must be enclosed, together with the requisite bid security in a sealed envelope addressed to the City Clerk with the designation of the project “WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT PHASE IV” appearing thereon.

Each bid shall state the unit price of each item if called for on the Bidder’s Proposal and Statement form. In the event alternative bids are called for in said form, each alternative bid shall be completed.

Bids will be opened in public in the City Clerk’s Office and will then and there be announced to all persons present.

Specifications and other bid documents for the above items are on file in the Public Works Department, and may be obtained upon request.

Each bid must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of cash, a cashier’s or certified check made payable to the City of Inglewood, or a bid bond, for an amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the aggregate of the bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will, within the time specified, enter into an agreement as provided in the bid document and furnish bonds when required in the Special Provisions; one for faithful performance in the amount of the contract sum, and another for contractor’s labor and materials in the amount of the contract sum.

The City Council reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in any bid, and to take bids under advisement for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from and after the date bids are opened and announced.

Attention is directed to the provisions of Sections 1777.5 and 1777.6 of the California Labor Code concerning the employment of apprentices by the Contractor or any subcontractor under them. The Contractor or any subcontractor shall comply with the requirements of said sections regarding the employment of apprentices. Information relative to apprenticeship standards and administration of the apprenticeship program may be obtained from the Director of Industrial Relations, San Francisco, California, or the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and its branch offices.

Notice is hereby given that the City Council has ascertained the prevailing rates of per diem wages in the locality in which the work is to be done for each craft or type of workman or mechanic needed to execute the contract in accordance with the provisions of Section 1770, et. seq. of the Labor Code; said prevailing rates are on file in the Office of the City Clerk and are incorporated herein by reference. Copies shall be made available to any interested party on request.

Attention is directed to the provisions of Public Contract Code Section 10164 concerning Contractor’s licensing laws. This contract requires at least a valid California Contractor License Class “A” License or Class “C34” Pipeline License at the time of bid. In addition, a City of Inglewood business license will also be required.

The successful bidder must obtain and maintain current until completion of the project an Inglewood City Business License.

This notice is given by order of the City Manager of the City of Inglewood, California, and is dated this 12th day of December, 2013.

Artie Fields, City Manager City of Inglewood, California

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2013 237121 The following Person is doing business as:

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2013 248711 The following Person is doing business as:

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2013 252576 The following Person is doing business as:

JCOE Located at: 4401 W. Slauson Ave., # 131 Los Angeles, CA 90043 Registered owner: Waletta Brown, 4401 W. Slauson Ave., # 131, Los Angeles, CA 90043

Billies Development Home Located at: 1291 S. Dunsmuir Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90019 1289 S. Dunsmuir Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90019

Agatha Caregiver Located at: 5715 Harold Way Los Angeles, CA 90028

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on November 15, 2013.

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.)

Waletta Brown, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on November 15, 2013 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 Dec 12, 19, 26, 2013 & Jan 2, 2014 ITO0422301013 Inglewood Today

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2013 252537 The following Person is doing business as: Pilcaya Hardwood Floors Located at: 763 W. 104th Pl Los Angeles, CA 90044 Registered owner(s): Victor J.A. Bustos and Veronica Susana Bustos, 763 W. 104th Pl, LA, CA 90044 This business is conducted by individuals. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on December 10, 2013.

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.)

Victor J.A. Bustos and Veronica Susana Bustos, Owner(s) This statement was filed with the County Clerk on December 10, 2013 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

Registered owner: Charlotte Robinson, 1291 S. Dunsmuir Ave., Los Angeles CA 90019 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on December 4, 2013.

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.)

Charlotte Robinson, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on December 4, 2013 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.

Registered owner: Agatha May C. Rosellon, 5715 Harold Way, Apt # 312, LA, CA 90028 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on December 10, 2013.

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.)

Agatha May C. Rosellon, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on December 10, 2013 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 Dec 5, 12, 19, 26,2013 ITO0422301012 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 Dec 12, 19, 26, 2013 & Jan 2, 2014 ITO0422301014 Inglewood Today

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.

Union Bank (Continued from page 9) erated 422 branches in California, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Illinois, and New York as well as two international offices, on September 30, 2013.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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 Dec 12, 19, 26,2013 & Jan 2, 2014 ITO0422301015 Inglewood Today

Advertise!

Call 310-670-9600

December 12, 2013

Inglewood Today

Page 11

Dates in December a twist! “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” is a new musical theater production, written, directed by and starring Debbie Allen. Carlo Imperato and Dion Watson co-star.

Showtimes are 1pm and 7pm on Dec. 14, and 2pm and 6pm on Dec. 15 at UCLA Royce Hall. For ticket information, call 310-825-2101 or visit the website at www.thehotchocolate nutcracker.com.

tive pins every Saturday.

To view the racing schedule, visit their website at http://www.betfairhollywoodpark.com.

Eye on the City (Continued from page 5) supportive housing must be allowed in residential zones.” Transitional and supportive housing is for a longer term than emergency housing.

“We don’t want littering; we don’t want anyone on the streets,” a woman said.

Bill Widner, a longtime Inglewood resident said churches should be doing more about homelessness: “We got a hundred churches in this city.

But we’re not doing nothing. They (churches) just want to sweep them out, but they (homeless) have their rights too. If they have an alcohol or drug problem you can’t make them do anything about that.”

The council approved an initiative

by Councilman Alex Padilla to sponsor the 2013 Annual District 2 Toy Drive, to be held Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10am to 2pm at the ICOP Center at La Brea and Centinela.

The council also approved Franklin’s initiative supporting the Earned Income Tax Credit and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.

Jobs for some city workers are again on the chopping block. Layoff notices have gone out, just as the council has decided to end lifetime

medical benefits for city employees and their dependents. On Monday, a group of city employees showed up at the home of Mayor Butts’ in-laws— his former residence—to protest.

Speaking on behalf of SEIU Local 721 at the council meeting, a young man told the mayor the union is willing to bargain in good faith, but “we may not be able to come to an agreement by the end of this calendar year. We cannot eliminate benefits for members who have been here for 25 years.”

“To come to my in-law’s house— that is negotiating in bad faith, and to me, that strikes as an attempt to intimidate someone to get back at me—my in-laws, who have lost two children in the last year to cancer at age 54.”

“I can no longer support the SEIU,” said Willie Agee, a retiree and former union member. “Anytime the union steps over and goes to the mayor’s house and pickets him—that should have never happened. This is the place you come to address your problems, right here.

These people need to stop coming up here demeaning the council.”

There were several comments from the public and council over the hard decision to discontinue funding lifetime medical benefits. What

led to the City to take this action?

A city employee asked the mayor for more empathy toward workers.

“I am asking you to reflect on your time working here. City employees are the backbone. I want you to work harder…I know people who have to end their employment to save a benefit. That’s asking a lot of people. Do what’s amicable and fair in regards to us.”

Realtor, Glenda Brass chimed in: “I would trust that my city would have taken the time to analyze the situation before coming to a conclusion. The decision was made without any real thought about consequences down the road. You have to look at it not from an emotional place but from a logical, business place. We know if we continue in the current vein, everybody loses. Five million of the seven million dollar deficit is due to retiree benefits.”

Councilman Morales said, it would be irresponsible for Inglewood to continue to fund medical benefits without a cap. “Basically the medical is an unfunded liability.

We have to stop pretending it doesn’t affect us.”

“We’re not going to kick the can down the road any further. I want

you to know we care about our work force and our families. At the same time, we have to make sure we are moving the city forward,” said Councilman Alex Padilla.

Butts said by the time he became mayor, the City had already burned through $44 million. “Someone told them (employees) we would take care of them. We are paying $2,000 a month, plus any increases for every year, uncapped. It extrapolates to $191 million in unfunded liability.

Cities our size cannot afford to offer lifetime medical to every employee.

It is economically impossible.”

The City is stuck with paying for medical benefits of some retirees, Butts said. Moving forward, however, the situation will change.

“When the City was spending in double digits from reserves, someone should have said, ‘This isn’t right!’ Everyone deserves money to trim your trees and fix your water system. Where is the money going to come from? (Residents) deserve better and they deserve adult leadership. I hope they stop that nonsense that happened last night,” Butts said.

The meeting was closed in memory of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Obamacare Enrollment (Continued from page 1) The future of the Affordable Care Act is definitely brighter than it was 60 days ago when it rolled out nationwide. Folks who were skeptical amid reports of nightmarish experiences with the site are now willing to take a second look, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

California is leading the pack, in part because of the size of the state, enrolling more than 100,000 people during the first two months.

The state has its own independent marketplace and Covered California website. In addition, more than 180,000 Californians now qualify

for an expansion of Medi-Cal, the state run program for low-income individuals.

The surge in enrollment now has plan administrators playing catch up with paper applications. According to sources, wait time for California callers slowed down by 11 minutes within the past week.

The Obama administration’s goal of 7 million enrollees is a long way off, but officials are optimistic they will reach their numbers. It is definitely taking longer, but that’s no reason to give up, they say.

Another obstacle is that the number of Americans losing their healthcare because their plans don’t meet standards mandated by

the Affordable Care Act is outpacing enrollment. Those who have signed up may not have their insurance cards by Jan. 1. There are also problems getting insurance carriers on the same page with the website.

The benefits outweigh the glitches, says a self-employed contractor in DC. She wrote on http://americablog. com: “Freelancers, artists and other solo practitioners—not to mention the unemployed and those less well off—have options now that they never had before, and I’m excited to see how that spurs entrepreneurs and new business dreams. I know it is giving me the opportunity to chase mine.

And for that, I’m grateful.”

The Age of Community (Continued from page 6) of the community with Stuff I Eat. Look at what the Black Male Youth Academy, the Leaders of The Do School, the Carol RainesBrown Children’s Ministries, the Heart and Soul Design studios, and the many other strong organizations and associations in the city are doing.

If you’re looking, you’ll see that the communal age is awake in Inglewood also. We still have a few cousins that we’re forced to love from afar, but with time, they’ll come around. Nobody wants to be on the outside looking in right?

(Continued on page 12)

December 14, 2013

District 2 Toy Drive District 2 Councilman Alex Padilla is asking everyone who can to donate toys to the 1st ever District 2 Toy Drive. Your generous gifts will go to Inglewood children that might otherwise not receive a gift this Christmas. The councilman’s office is working with One for All (OFA), an Inglewood non-profit organization, to make sure no child goes without a gift. This event will Thru December 22, 2013 take place from 10am to 2pm. Your Hollywood Park Horse Racing Betfair Hollywood Park has beparticipation will be greatly appregun its 33rd and final Autumn Meet. ciated.

Horse racing in Inglewood will end December 14-15, 2013 on December 22, 2013. To mark Debbie Allen Presents 75 years of premier racing, Betfair “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” Hollywood Park is giving away difDon’t miss this holiday classic with ferent limited edition commemora-

Ongoing

(2nd building on the right). Call 310-322-6411 for more information, or visit www.lowselfhelpsystems.org. A donation is requested but not required.

Bingo Games Counseling for Anxiety, Operation 3801 hosts Bingo evDepression ery Sunday afternoon from 1:30 Get free help for anxiety, depres- p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are a drug and sion, stress and anger. Recovery alcohol free environment. We are a International provides tools and non-profit looking for your support. practice in changing thinking hab- Cost is $1 per game. Anyone menits so individuals can gain personal tioning BlackNLA will get 5 free control over distressing emotions games. Located at the Bingo Hall, and improve life-coping skills. This 3801 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, worldwide non-profit organization, CA. For more information, contact founded in 1937, holds weekly Jimmy Jam, 323-777-2422, jimmymeetings every Monday at 6:00 jam@vel.net. p.m. at SHARE! 6666 Green Valley Circle, north of Centinela Ave.,

City Clerk Hosts Election Officer Recognition Event

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lection results and votecounting are the highlights of most elections. Behind it all are the election officers who play the most important role in the success of properly executed elections.

A small cadre of over 160 election officers, Inglewood staff, and dignitaries, under the direction of Inglewood City Clerk, Yvonne Horton, gathered together to honor election officers at the first ever election officer recognition event in the City of Inglewood.

City Clerk Horton held an election officer ceremony to recognize citizens who had dedicated their time and energy to provide Inglewood residents an opportunity to vote. The Chairman of the California Board of Equalization, Jerome E. Horton, State Assemblyman Steven Bradford, and the Mayor of Inglewood, James T. Butts, were on-hand to commemorate the outstanding efforts of the Inglewood election officers.

“Our City owes a debt of gratitude to the election officers for

their dedication and commitment to maintaining and protecting the right to vote in Inglewood,” said City Clerk Horton.

Assemblyman Steven Bradford and Chairman Horton commended the election officers for helping to make sure that every vote was properly counted. Mayor Butts thanked election officers for working with the City Clerk to preserve the right of every citizen to participate in the election process, and to select their representatives in government.

Chairman Horton added, “The election officers are guardians of democracy,” and added that, “casting off the chains of bondage does not make you free, but casting your vote is a good beginning.”

Also participating in the election officers ceremony were Inglewood City Councilmembers Eloy Morales, Alex Padilla, and Ralph Franklin. All expressed their appreciation for the work that election officers perform at every election to ensure that each citizen has the opportunity to vote.

The Age of Community (Continued from page 11) If you own a business, are pursuing higher education, or just want to

sit down and strategize on how to become more involved in the community, send me an email: Thomas@InglewoodTodayNews.com.

City Treasurer Gets Our Kids Financially Fit

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nglewood high school students got a real life education from City Treasurer Wanda Brown— one they will never forget. The 2013 City Treasurer Student Intern Program is a 6-week internship that teaches kids all about money.

Students from Amino Inglewood Charter High School, Inglewood High School and City Honors High School learned about savings and checking accounts, credit, budgeting, and other important financial matters. They also learned the inner workings of City Hall--what the various departments are responsible for and how city government is run.

Armed with bottom line knowledge, we’re sure there’s nothing these young people won’t be able to do. Don’t you wish you’d learned about money management when you were in high school?

Participating students include Jasmine Perez, Javier Canche, Raekwon Morgan, Bryanna Molina, Roberto Rivera, Ivette Flores, Susana Carlos, Paul Aninyei, and Vanessa Medina. They received certificates at the Dec. 10, 2013 City Council Meeting with Treasurer Brown, Mayor Butts and members of the Inglewood City Council.