December 26, 2013

Your Community Connection

Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 22, No. 52

December 26, 2013

5 Stories in 2013 We Won’t Forget who abolished apartheid and brought the races together, is all that really needs to be said.

Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela, the for­ mer South African leader and human rights activist who died earlier this month, was the world’s top trending search on Google, accord­ ing to annual data recently released. His meteoric rise from a political rebel, im­ prisoned for 27 years, to the president of South Africa

New Healthcare Rollout President Barack Obama’s historic legislation has tak­ en hit after hit. Yet it still stands. Obamacare (Afford­ able Care Act) has survived a Supreme Court challenge, a presidential election and threats of defunding by con­ servative members of Con­ gress. After all of that, it gets derailed by computer glitches. The troubled roll out, however, continues to improve, enrolling 250,000 Americans in its first month.

It’s slower and harder than what the president had pre­ dicted. However, for the

President Obama signs the Affordable Care Act.

• News • Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business

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By Veronica Mackey

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his year I’ve been blessed with the oppor­ tunity to meet some inspiring, ambitious, and generally good spirited people as a journalist. Yet, with all due respect, none of them come close to the woman I’m featur­ ing this week. That’s

his year marks the 47th Anniversary of Kwanzaa, the African American cultural holiday, created in 1966 by Dr. Mau­ lana Karenga at the height of the Civil Rights Movement.

Karenga is the former Chair of African American Stud­ ies at Cal State University, Los Angeles.

Kwanzaa, which means “first fruit” in Swahili, re­ volves around seven core principles, each celebrated on one day of the week-long ob­ servance, with simple, often homemade gifts and feasts.

Celebrated from Dec. 26-Jan. 1, each day a red, black or green candle is lit in a Kinara

millions who lack health “Django Unchained” insurance without an afford­ Controversy able way to pay for it, the Black activists were not struggle is worth it. too happy about the so-called “spaghetti western” directed Moore, OK Tornado

by Quentin Tarantino. It’s a About 16 minutes after the controversial tale of an un­ National Weather Service is­ sued a tornado emergency over Moore, OK, the Okla­ homa City suburb, a twister powered its way through the town, flattening homes, whipping cars into the air and collapsing an elemen­ tary school to rubble. Teach­ ers threw their bodies over students as the elementary school caved in and resi­ dents and first-responders rushed to dig their neighbors to honor of each of the sev­ out of the rubble. The death en principles: Umoja, unity; count was 24, including nine (Continued on page 7) Kujichagulia, self-determina­ children. tion; Ujima, collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa, cooperative economics; Nia, purpose; Kuumba, creativity; and Imani, faith.

By Thomas Bunn Author Donna Washington said, in an interview with the because this woman is my Huffington Post, that umoja very best friend. I’d like to (unity) is her favorite prin­ introduce the Inglewood ciple. An example of this community to Erica Neal. principal can be seen in fami­ Erica is not simply my lies working together in soup best friend for name’s kitchens or homeless shelters sake; she’s my best friend to help their community.

In researching material for in spirit. Our relationship began on the campus of this article, there was very Hawthorne High School little new information online. in 2001, where a mutual Some websites have not been (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 6)

Holiday Surprise

On The Inside:

Making a Place for Kwanzaa

Coming Soon – Our brand new website! www.inglewoodtoday.com

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.

Could Target Have Done More to Protect Customers?

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onsumer advocates tell us to be wary of our environment during the holidays. This is the season for robbers and thieves.

Keep a tight hold of your purse and be alert for pick-pockets, they say.

No one told us there would be a hold up at the Target check-out. The recent security breach, in which pay­ ment card data has been electroni­ cally stolen from magnetic strips has put the accounts of up to 40 million people at risk worldwide. The breach occurred between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. Crooks are selling the account numbers for $20 to $100 each.

Target CEO, Gregg Steinhafel Someone should have made sure Target was paying attention to the security of customer’s data.

One on hand, you have the banks that want to protect their customers.

Yet, they are not exactly falling over themselves to re-issue the cards, which average around $3 to $5 each to replace. Besides that, banks are hesitant to proactively cancel every­ one’s cards in the middle of the holi­ day season, when folks are still out shopping.

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It’s one colossal mess.

I read an article about one of the top-10 banks buying back customer account data from the thieves. A smaller bank asked the reporter if he could show them how to do the same. The manager said he had not heard a word from Visa, Mastercard, or the credit card association.

Target’s role in the breach has been pretty much limited to lip service.

On the website, Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel told guests there is “no in­ dication that PIN numbers have been compromised on affected bank is­ sued PIN debit cards or Target debit cards. Someone cannot visit an ATM with a fraudulent debit card and withdraw cash.” He also promised to be forthcoming with information as it becomes available and offered free credit monitoring service for ev­ eryone impacted.

Credit monitoring tells you what has occurred with your credit after the fact. It is not a preventive mea­ sure. What consumers want to know is what is going to happen now that crooks have access to their informa­ tion. How do they protect their cred­ it and bank accounts.

All the assurances in the world don’t matter when unauthorized charges start popping up on cus­ tomer credit and debit accounts.

The fallout from this breach could be astronomical.

Here are my questions: What could Target have done, if anything, to pre­ vent the security breach? What would be the best gesture by Target to show appreciation to affected customers?

Is free credit monitoring enough?

Talk to me: Veronica@Inglewood Today.com.

West Basin Announces Water Resolution Contest

s the new year approaches, and resolutions are made, the West Basin Municipal Water District is asking Inglewood residents to offer their ideas about water conservation. Tell the how you resolve to save water in 2014, and win a new Kindle Fire JD7.”

Out with the old water-wasting toi­ lets, inefficient sprinklers and leaky faucet, and in with new native plants, shorter showers and low-flush toilets!

Use your new Kindle to visit www. westbasin.org to learn more about the water-saving programs.

To enter to win, go to Facebook and “like” West Basin’s Facebook page. Leave a comment sharing your water-saving resolutions.

All entries must be received by December 31, 2013 no later than 12pm PST. the opportunity draw­ ing will take place on January 1, 2014 at 12pm and the winner will be notified through Facebook on January 6, 2014. The Water Reso­ lution Contest is sponsored by the West Basin Municipal Water Dis­ trict. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary.

Holiday Surprise (Continued from page 1) friend introduced her to me, and im­ mediately we connected. In Spanish class, we would share jokes as well as homework. During my basketball career she was my biggest cheer­ leader and supplier of my lucky Sweet Pea lotion.

In 2004, one year after graduat­ ing high school, when I was mis­ taken for someone else, shot, and nearly killed, she took her first trip on the freeway, and sped to the hos­ pital to sit by my side. If the other acts of camaraderie weren’t a rev­ elation of who was in my corner, this act was.

Fast-forward five years, and our relationship matures into the love that we share today. In 2011, she became the second most im­ portant person in my life, as she gave birth to my angel, Isis Imani Elizabeth Bunn making me a fa­ ther, just months after my father passed away.

Last year, around this time, we experienced our first Christmas to­ gether and was looking for a busi­ ness opportunity that would allow for us to make our ends meet and also avoid sending our daughter to daycare at too early of an age.

At the time, Erica was heavily in­ trigued by the custom cell phone case accessories phenomenon that’s hit the country, and she asked me to buy her one. The price tag however, was close to $100. My first reaction, being an entrepre­ neur and avid penny pincher was, “Learn how to make one yourself!”

She did just that, and not only did she get exactly what she wanted, but she discovered a talent she nev­ er knew she possessed. Instantly, a businesswoman was born!

One year later, Isis Jewels Cases and Custom Cabachons (Cab-UhShawns) has blossomed into a fully functioning business that has enhanced our life, and provided for our family. It has also proved that when couples work collectively as partners, not only does it improve their relationship, but it eliminates stress in the home. It creates a productive learning environment for a young child to grow up and witness first hand success—suc­ cess they can quantify and apply as they get older. It inspires others to consider going into business for themselves.

Our business venture has re­ vealed to me that not only is my best friend and mother of my child brilliant, resilient, strong willed— and not to mention divinely beau­ tiful—but she’s also one hell of an entrepreneur. Using social media and a recently built web­ site, (http://www.isisjewelscases. com/) Erica has amassed a client base that spans across the 50 states across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom.

This venture has, most impor­ (Continued on page 3)

December 26, 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

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 pub­ lished. Submission of a letter to the editor constitutes permission to publish the letter in the printed ver­ sion of Inglewood Today Weekly and on www.inglewoodtoday.com.

December 26, 2013

Inglewood Today

Publisher’s Message Study Sets the Record Straight About Black Fathers

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ill Cosby made some black folks uncomfortable about it and President Barack Obama has given more than one speech about it—the high rate of black absentee fathers. There is no doubt, that black men need to be more accountable to their chil­ dren, whether they live with them or not. But let’s not allow that to obscure the facts.

An article in the L.A. Times has noted: “…among fathers who lived with young children, 70% of black dads said they bathed, diapered or dressed those kids every day, compared with 60% of white fathers and 45% of Latino fathers…

Nearly 35% of black fathers who lived with their young children said they read to them daily, compared with 30% of white dads and 22% of Latino dads.”

There was no historical analyses about why this may be the case.

Could it be an attempt to strength­ en the family after the devastation of slavery, which tore so many black families apart?

Regardless, this is vindication for a group of men who for too long have been subject to negative stereotypes. The myth that black men don’t care about their kids has evolved largely because more black men live outside of the home. But even being divorced or separated does not seem to make much of a difference on how often black men connect with their children. In fact, black men are more likely to main­ tain relationships with their children even when they start new families.

According to the study released last week by the National Center for Health Statistics, black men, in some cases, connect with their kids even more than Latino and white men. According to the report, whether or not a black father lives with his children seems to have little effect on how he bonds with them.

Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly Like many other perceptions about black people, the stereotype of black fathers missing in action has been exaggerated. American families, whether living under the same roof or not, are not all that different. With most mothers holding down full time jobs, men of all races have had to step up and do more for their kids. Fathers are participating in everything from feeding and bathing to homework and coaching sports. Some are raising their kids alone.

Not only that—more men are welcoming the opportunity. Even among those who have older chil­ dren, men report communicating on a regular basis. They want to be a part of their children’s lives and some have had to fight for that very right.

Studies on black fatherhood can help immensely to transform the negative stereotypes. In addition, there needs to be more positive portrayals of black patriarchs in film, television and the Internet.

When Cosby or the president preaches about being accountable, they are only offering tough love.

When our men fall down on the job, we cannot make excuses. But the truth must be told about those who have stepped up. Black men love their children and it’s about time someone outside our race recognized that.

Holiday Surprise (Continued from page 2) tantly, placed into perspective how, I wouldn’t be who I am, and achieved the levels of success I have received, without her love and undying support. She’s not the surprise type, and has no idea that I’ve used this year-ending column as a dedication to her.

But as I write these words, en­ visioning her reading them, my heart races. I understand that there is only one thing left for me to do, to pledge my love and commitment to her and our young family. And that’s to make her my wife and partner for life. So, how ‘bout it Queen? How does forever sound?

Page 3

Word for the Wise Summer Special!

Tires Repaired At No Charge Now Until December 31, 2013 With This Ad

949 So. LaBrea Ave. Inglewood, 90301

(800) Wise4Tires Call (800) 947-3484

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

Call (310) 673-3133 • 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

Page 4

Inglewood Today

December 26, 2013

Today I

There’s Always Next Year: The Real Reason Resolutions Fizzle (and How to Change That in 2014)

f you’re one of the 92 percent of Americans whose New Year’s resolutions fail, you might as­ sume you have a willpower defi­ ciency. Not true, says Brian Moran.

The real problem is that a year is just too much time—switch to 12 weeks and you might finally reach your goal.

Everybody loves a new year. It’s a bright, shiny, fresh, clean slate.

A vista unblemished by mistakes or regrets. A brand-new chance to make those changes and accomplish those things we’ve been meaning to do forever. Yet, undermining all this glorious potential is the hidden truth we’re aware of, even as we proclaim that this time we’ll really lose 20 pounds or get out of debt or finally launch that long-dreamed-of business: New Year’s resolutions are nothing more than fairy tales we grown-ups tell ourselves.

That’s right. If you’re like 92 per­ cent of Americans, you’re not going to keep those resolutions. What’s more, you know it. What you may not know, says Brian Moran, is why.

“The number one enemy of most New Year’s resolutions isn’t feasi­ bility, a lack of know-how, or even a lack of motivation, though those things can come into play,” says Mo­ ran, coauthor along with Michael Lennington of the New York Times best seller The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks Than Oth­ ers Do in 12 Months (Wiley, 2013, ISBN: 978-1-1185092-3-4, $23.00, www.12weekyear.com). “The num­ ber one enemy of most resolutions is time.”

Think about it: It’s all too easy to procrastinate through January, February, March, and even longer.

No problem, you think. I have over half a year left to do what I said I’d do. Even when July and August roll around, there are still enough months left in the year that you don’t feel a real sense of urgency. Next thing you know, the holidays are almost upon you. You’re still over your ideal weight, drinking too many sodas a day, working the same job, with less savings than you’d like. Too late to do anything now, you figure. I’ll try again next year.

“For many people, this depressing chain of events recycles on a yearly basis because far-away deadlines allow—even encourage—us to be slack on execution,” comments Moran. “Give yourself too much time and you will procrastinate. It’s just human nature.”

Ultimately, says Moran, effective execution happens daily and weekly and on a consistent basis. To perform at your best, you will need to get out of “annual mode” and stop thinking in terms of a 365 day year. That’s where the 12 Week Year comes in.

It’s a system that works for business­ es striving to meet their goals—and it will work for you, too.

“When you redefine the concept of a year, your life will change,” promises Moran. “A year is no longer 12 months; it is now only 12 weeks, followed by the next 12 Week Year, ad infinitum. Each 12 week period stands on its own.

to X number of prospects a day or getting up on cold mornings to run when you’d rather stay in bed,” he explains. “You just can’t reach your full potential if you put off critical activities. Success does not happen monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or once a year; it happens daily, ul­ timately moment by moment. You succeed—or not—long before the results show it. When you adopt this definition of success, you’ll want to make the most of your time, not squander it. And the 12 Week Year can help.”

Redefine your relationship with deadlines. Most of us see deadlines

“You no longer have the luxury of putting off critical activities, thinking there is ‘plenty of time’ left to meet your goals,” he adds. “When you have only 12 weeks, each week mat­ ters, each day matters, each moment matters. And the result is profound.”

Here, Moran offers eight ways to get yourself out of the annualized thinking trap—and into the muchmore-productive 12 Week Year, where resolutions do come true: Realize that success is created in the moment. According to Moran, most of us have a skewed definition of success. We see it as the end of the road: the completion of a project, the day you’re finally able to button your old pants, receive an award, etc.

However, he argues, true success isn’t any of those things. It isn’t a list of all the clients you brought in over the course of a year, or the number you see when you stand on the scale on December 31. It isn’t something that happens only once at the end of a planning cycle.

“Success is all of the little things you do throughout the year to make your goals happen: reaching out

(December 31st featuring promi­ nently among them) as the bad guy.

They’re always looming on the ho­ rizon, overshadowing our peace of mind and hassling us to work faster, or else. They make us nervous, re­ sentful, or both. But what would happen if we thought of deadlines as good guys instead?

“Deadlines aren’t sinister in and of themselves—we only feel that way about them when we aren’t on track to meet them or when they’re unreasonable,” Moran asserts. “But realistic deadlines are actually great motivators. They are tools that can help you to hone your focus, in­ crease your efficiency, and real­ ize your full potential. When you think about deadlines this way, it makes sense to have more of them, not less! They can help you to cre­ ate end-of-year energy, focus, and commitment throughout the year.”

Put a little less faith in your yearly planner. In other words, be realis­ tic about your ability to plan ahead.

Life—including what we want out of it—can (and often does) change in an instant. What you thought you

wanted for yourself in January might not be what makes the most sense by the time July, or October, or Decem­ ber rolls around. Your circumstances and abilities may have changed. The truth is, even the most thoroughly thought-out annual plans are based on assumptions that are stacked upon earlier assumptions, which are stacked on even earlier assump­ tions—and a lot can (and often does) change from start to finish.

“Once you realize that there’s just not enough predictability to make annualized planning effective, the 12 Week Year begins to make a lot more sense,” Moran comments. “Person­ ally and professionally, 12 weeks is about as far out as you can reliably plan. There’s a much stronger con­ nection between the actions you take today and the results you want to achieve, because you don’t have to take as much of the future on faith.

Who wants to waste time going part­ way down a certain path, only to realize that you were mistaken and should have taken a different turn?”

Keep score starting January 1st.

As Moran has noted, it’s relatively easy to ignore or rationalize pro­ crastination and low productivity when you have to look at the num­ bers only once a year. But when you start measuring your productiv­ ity, progress, and performance on a more frequent basis, you can’t hide behind the illusion that the present moment isn’t important. Measure­ ment drives the execution process because it creates productive ten­ sion, or the uncomfortable feeling you get when you know you’re not doing the things you need to do.

“As the CEO of your own life, you need to have the courage to measure your performance in the areas that matter,” Moran says. “That’s much easier when your goals and tasks are broken down into 12 week in­ crements. Effective scorekeeping prevents you from rationalizing lackluster results and forces you to confront the reality of your situa­ tion, even when it’s uncomfortable.

While this can be difficult, the soon­ er you confront reality, the sooner you can shift your actions toward producing more desirable results.”

Be honest about your track record.

How many promises and commit­ ments do you welsh on in the course of 12 months? Probably more than you’d like to admit to. The fact is, at the beginning of the year, it’s all too easy to make promises and com­ (Continued on page 6)

Inglewood Today

December 26, 2013

Page 5

Health&Fitness T•O•D•A•Y

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Total Pain Care: It’s Up to You

he Institute of Medicine (IOM) estimates that more than 100 million people in the U.S. live with pain. For some, the pain will be temporary and will go away on its own. However, you may be among those whose pain has become chronic, lasting several months or more.

While pain is universal, health care professionals are still challenged by its unique and personal nature. Not everyone experiences pain the same way and with the same intensity.

The IOM report “Relieving Pain in America” recommends an interdis­ ciplinary approach to treating pain that actively involves the patient in their own care.

“The effectiveness of pain treat­ ments depend greatly on the strength of the clinician-patient relationship;

ual’s ability to effectively commu­ nicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs and rights. It involves mak­ ing informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions.

Whether you are a person with pain or a caregiver, self-advocacy is an essential skill to learn and embrace.

In pain management, self-advoca­ cy is vital. It is about understanding your strengths and needs, identify­ ing your personal goals, knowing your legal rights and responsibili­ pain treatment is never about the ties and then communicating these clinician’s intervention alone, but to your family, friends and health about the clinician and patient (and care team. This is the first step in family) working together,” accord­ your journey to ensure the appro­ ing to the IOM. priate diagnosis and treatment for The best person to speak up on your pain. your behalf most often is ? you!

Through being your own ad­ Self-advocacy refers to an individ­ vocate, or an advocate for some­

one you care about, you become empowered—with information, knowledge and self-respect. Health care professionals can also play a key role by supporting their pa­ tients’ efforts toward self-advocacy.

The website In the Face of Pain (www.IntheFaceofPain.com/advo­ cacy) offers information, resources and materials that can be used to advocate for yourself or a loved one who lives with pain. You can also download the free Handbook for People with Pain that includes tips and tools for effectively communi­ cating with health care providers, as well as a focus on caregiving and clinical trials. Remember, you are your most important advocate.

Source: NewsUSA

Your Time Is Precious: Don’t Let Your Eyesight Slow You Down

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taying active is key to a qual­ ity lifestyle—whether it’s tak­ ing in a sporting event, frol­ icking at a resort, or just catching up with friends over lunch. But there’s no denying you lose a lot of that “quality” if you can’t see clearly.

If you’re like many people over the age of 40 who find themselves struggling to focus on close ob­ jects or small print—including everything from smart phones to restaurant menus—you may be de­ veloping a vision issue known as presbyopia.

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to actively focus on close objects. It occurs with the natural course of aging -- generally around the age of 40 -- and requires some form of vision correction.

Common symptoms include:

• The need to hold reading material at arm’s length • Blurred vision at a normal read­ ing distance • Headaches or fatigue from doing close work Sound familiar?

Your eye care professional can help select the best and most com­ fortable vision-correction option for you. But one effective option to correct presbyopia is specially de­ signed multifocal contact lenses.

Air Optix Aqua Multifocal con­ tact lenses, for example, not only can deliver clear vision, but also fit easily into your daily routine —whether you’re at work, home, away on business, or even playing sports. All while providing all-day comfort and helping you look your best.

presbyopia takes time.

Know what to expect. Your eye care professional can help you un­ derstand and set expectations about the fitting process, which is impor­ tant in achieving vision satisfaction.

This includes testing the contact lenses over one to two weeks.

All-day comfort is key: The ma­ terial contact lenses are made of is important. So be sure to consult with your ECP about lenses that are made of materials that have been When selecting multifocal shown to maintain their comfort contact lenses: even after the end of a month of Be patient. The brain needs to wear, which is key to satisfaction. learn how to adapt to new or dif­ For more information on presby­ ferent contact lens prescriptions. opia or multifocal contact lenses, or Because Air Optix Aqua Multifocal to download a coupon for a free trial contact lenses are designed to help of Air Optix Aqua Multifocal con­ correct vision issues for all dis­ tact lenses, visit www.airoptix.com. tances, near through far, correcting Source: NewsUSA

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!

Inglewood Today

Page 6

LEG A L NOT I CES 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:

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

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

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.

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

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

This business is conducted by individuals. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above 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

Making a Place for Kwanzaa (Continued from page 1) updated since 2011. Is the enthusiasm for this holiday dying?

“People are still trying to figure out what it is. A lot of people have heard about it

and a lot of people have no idea what it is,” Washington said. Another challenge is that the principles run coun­ ter to the way a lot of people live their lives. Kwanzaa encourages people to make their own gifts and patronize small local stores instead of

There’s Always Next Year (Continued from page 4) Fictitious Business Name Statement mitments. “Sure, honey, File No. 2013 252576 The following Person is doing business we can remodel the kitchen as: this year.” “Of course our Agatha Caregiver department will reduce its Located at: 5715 Harold Way Los Angeles, CA 90028 operating costs by 15 per­ Registered owner: Agatha May C. cent this year.” Frequently, Rosellon, 5715 Harold Way, Apt # 312, though, we fall short of our LA, CA 90028 This business is conducted by an personal and professional individual. The registrant commenced commitments because over to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on December 10, the course of 12 months, we 2013. encounter unforeseen obsta­ I declare that all information in this cles, our priorities change, statement is true and correct.

(A registrant who declares as true or our interest wanes. information which he or she knows to be “If you don’t want to false is guilty of a crime.)

Agatha May C. Rosellon, Owner be seen as someone who This statement was filed with the County breaks commitments, drops Clerk on December 10, 2013 NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision the ball, and flakes, it makes (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name sense to ditch annualized Statement generally expires at the end of Moran com­ five years from the date on which it was thinking,” filed in the office of the County Clerk, ments. “It’s much easier except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days to say you’re going to do after any change in the facts set forth in something—and then do the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence it—within a 12 week time address of a registered owner. A New frame. As I have already Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. pointed out, you can more The filing of this statement does not of accurately plan ahead, so itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation you’ll make fewer mistakes, of the rights of another under Federal, save time, and remain more State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions focused. With these work­ Code.) ing habits, your results are Original not left up to chance. They Dec 12, 19, 26, 2013 & Jan 2, 2014 ITO0422301014 Inglewood Today are high in quality, and they are consistent.”

Stop saying “have to” and after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 start saying “choose to.” As other than a change in the residence you pursue a long-term goal, address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement it’s all too easy for your dai­ must be filed before the expiration. ly tactics to turn into daily The filing of this statement does not of have-tos. “I have to go to itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation the gym.” “I have to spend of the rights of another under Federal, an extra half-hour working State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions on this project for my boss.”

Code.)

Original “I have to use that money to Dec 12, 19, 26,2013 & Jan 2, 2014 pay down my credit card, ITO0422301015 Inglewood Today even if it means skipping a night out with my friends.” malls or big box stores. It is That’s a problem, because an activist holiday, the “anti have-tos quickly turn into (commercialized) Christ­ things we loathe—and if mas.” you loathe the things you While some African Amer­ need to do to accomplish a icans grapple with whether goal, you’re less likely to black Christians should cel­ reach the finish line. ebrate Kwanzaa, most ev­ “There are no have-tos in (Continued on page 7) life,” Moran asserts. “Ev­

December 26, 2013

erything we do in life is a choice. And when you look at tactics as choose-tos in­ stead of have-tos, you’ll notice a big change in your attitude and motivation. In­ stead of feeling burdened and put-upon, you’ll feel empowered. Admit it: say­ ing, ‘I choose to attend night classes so I can rise in my field’ feels a lot better than saying, ‘I have to attend night classes so I won’t be stuck in this job forever.’”

Be proactive, not reac­ tive. Sure, modern life is hectic, and it’s easy to feel like there just aren’t enough minutes in the day to get ev­ erything done. But the truth is most of us don’t make the most of our time because we engage each day reac­ tively instead of proactive­ ly. We are driven by input triggers—the phone rings, the email dings, a new task appears, someone knocks on your door, and off you go to solve the problem du jour. When you live reac­ tively, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to stay focused on high-value activities.

“Even though annualized thinking gives us lots of time in which to procras­ tinate, we still feel over­ whelmed because we use the ‘extra’ time on things that are low-value,” Moran explains. “That’s why 12 week planning is so benefi­ cial. With an action-based plan, you don’t have to rely on input triggers to initiate your actions; instead, your plan triggers your actions.

You can live with clear in­ tention, organizing your life around your priorities and consciously choosing ac­ tivities that align with your goals and vision.

“I’ll warn you: Making the reactive-to-proactive (Continued on page 7)

Inglewood Today

December 26, 2013

Page 7

Dates in December December 28, 2013

Kwanzaa Heritage Festival, Block Parade & Candle Lighting Ceremony It’s Kwanzaa time. Come cel­ ebrate. Kwanzaa Heritage Foun­ dation presents the 12th annual Kwanzaa Heritage Festival, Block Parade & Candle Lighting Ceremo­ ny. December 28, 2013, 10:00a.m.

6:00p.m. The theme is “Educate our Youth.” The free 1-day festival fea­ tures live music, traditional dancing

by Lula Washington Youth Dance Troupe, drum circle, food court, unique marketplace, health pavilion and children’s village. Come enjoy family fun!

The festival takes place from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Leimert Park Village Vision Lot, 4300 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008.

Contact Karimu Ali, 323-789-0580, Kwanzala7@yahoo.com, http:// www.kwanzaaheritage.org, for more information.

There’s Always Next Year (Continued from page 6) switch won’t be easy,” he adds.

“You’ll have to become more com­ fortable with saying no, and you’ll have to crack down on procrasti­ nation. But in the end, you’ll get more of the right things done each day, and ultimately reach your goals faster and with greater impact.”

Celebrate your 12 week wins.

Companies often throw end-of-year parties and receptions to celebrate growth, acknowledge outstanding achievements, bestow awards and bonuses, etc. On a personal level, you may promise yourself a reward if you keep your New Year’s reso­ lutions. It’s very gratifying to be recognized for achieved goals. And, the promise of celebration—espe­ cially when you allow yourself to celebrate at the end of each 12 week period—gives us something to look forward to, motivating us to keep our noses to the grindstone when the going gets tough.

“Especially for goal-driven peo­ ple, it’s tempting to always look at what lies ahead and not fully ap­ preciate the ground that has already been covered,” notes Moran. “The 12 Week Year presents, at a mini­ mum, four times as many opportuni­ ties to recognize and celebrate your progress and accomplishments. It might be a three day weekend or a weeklong vacation; the important thing is that you take time out to re­ flect, regroup, and reenergize.”

One more great thing about switching to a 12 Week Year: Be­ cause there’s a built-in reset every few months, you can switch gears when you realize something isn’t going to work.

“We all know how demoralizing it is to realize that a year-end goal is just not going to happen,” says

December 31, 2013

New Year’s Eve at The Cork December 31, 2013 New Year’s Eve is just days away! Make your plans now to attend the New Year’s Eve party at The Cork at LaTijera, 6835 La Tijera Blvd, LA, CA 90045. The party is from 9:30pm to 2:30am.

Tickets are just $25.00 at the door; $15.00 pre-sale. For more infor­ mation, contact Lorena, (562) 2294340, lovehp3@gmail.com, http:// thecorkbargrill.com.

December 31, 2013

New Year’s Eve at the Savoy The Savoy Entertainment Center is the place to be on New Year’s Eve! Music by DJ Mr. C and DJ Courte­ sy. Located at 218 S. La Brea Ave­ nue, Inglewood, CA 90301. Doors open at 8pm Presale tickets online are just $20 (www.thesavoryenter­ tainmentcenter.com). Party starts at 8pm. Free party favors. For VIP Moran. “By July, it’s already clear that you’re not going to be able to sock away as much into your retire­ ment account as you wanted to. Or in September, you have to admit that you’re not going to be able to lose the 30 pounds you pegged for your resolution. And because an­ nualized thinking is so ingrained in your worldview, you automatically assume that you’ll just have to wait months to try again.

“It’s not uncommon for individu­ als and even entire organizations to have mentally given up on their goals before October,” he con­ cludes. “With the 12 Week Year, that will never happen again. Every 12 weeks you get a fresh start—a new year! So if you’ve had a tough 12 Week Year, you can just shake it off, regroup, and start again. If you’ve had a strong 12 Week Year, you can build on that momentum.

Either way, you can more quickly transition into something new in­ stead of spending weeks or months waiting for a chance to start fresh.”

Brian P. Moran is founder and CEO of The Execution Company, an organization committed to improving the performance and enhancing the quality of life for leaders and entrepreneurs. He has served in management and executive positions with UPS, PepsiCo, and Northern Automotive and consults with dozens of world-class companies each year.

Michael Lennington is vice president of The Execution Company. He is a consultant, coach, and leadership trainer, and is an expert in implementing lasting change in organizations. He works with clients in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to help them implement corporate initiatives that drive sales, service, and profitability.

worldwide non-profit organization, founded in 1937, holds weekly meetings every Monday at 6:00 December 31, 2013 p.m. at SHARE! 6666 Green Val­ New Year’s Eve Black & White ley Circle, north of Centinela Ave., Affair (2nd building on the right). Call Bring the new year in with celeb­ 310-322-6411 for more informa­ rity couple Duane Martin and Tisha tion, or visit www.lowselfhelpsys­ Campbell Martin, at the XEN Lounge, tems.org. A donation is requested 10628 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, but not required.

CA 91604, 8:00pm to 2:00am. Cost: $60.00. For advance tickets, visit Bingo Games Wantickets.com/XEN, or NYEatXen­ Operation 3801 hosts Bingo ev­ Lounge@yahoo.com. ery Sunday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are a drug and Ongoing alcohol free environment. We are a non-profit looking for your support.

Counseling for Anxiety, Cost is $1 per game. Anyone men­ Depression tioning BlackNLA will get 5 free Get free help for anxiety, depres­ games. Located at the Bingo Hall, sion, stress and anger. Recovery 3801 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, International provides tools and CA. For more information, contact practice in changing thinking hab­ Jimmy Jam, 323-777-2422, jimmy­ its so individuals can gain personal jam@vel.net. control over distressing emotions and improve life-coping skills. This bottles and table reservations, text 310-466-9741.

Making a Place for Kwanzaa (Continued from page 6) eryone interviewed celebrate both.

The commercialization of Christmas, makes Kwanzaa even more neces­ sary, said civil rights attorney Charles Coleman, Jr. For him, Christmas is the big build up and Kwanzaa is the unwind.

“Some families celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa, Christmas to com­ memorate the birth of Jesus Christ, and Kwanzaa is celebrated to refocus on what really matters after the gifts are unwrapped. It is an excellent time to reflect and think about what is really important.”

Akiba Solomon, a race and gender 5 Stories in 2013 We Won’t Forget (Continued from page 1) likely hero (Jamie Foxx), who joins forces with a white bounty hunter in exchange for his freedom. Black critics complained the movie was too flippant about slavery.

When a mar­ keting company began selling ac­ tion figures of the film’s character, a campaign was launched to pull the plug. With­ in days, Django “slave dolls” were no more.

columnist married to a Jewish man, celebrates Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hannukah. Kwanzaa is not a reli­ gious holiday, she said. There is no conflict.

The universal appeal of Kwanzaa lies in its focus on spiritual princi­ pals. However, for African Ameri­ cans it is also intensely personal and unique. A black writer at the Huffington Post said, “Kwanzaa was my introduction to black history…to the history of blacks around the world.”

“Kwanzaa is like the New Year’s resolutions. We use Kwanzaa (prin­ ciples) as a way to springboard our way into the coming year,” Washing­ ton said.

ed his successor, taking the papal name Pope Francis. The new pope is shaking things up in Rome. He has removed top officials, carry­ ing out his mandate to overhaul the often antiquated and dysfunctional Vatican administration. Seen as a

Pope Francis New Pope In a shocking move, Pope Benedict XVI became modern day holy man, Pope Fran­ the first pope to resign in almost cis is more relatable. For one thing, 600 years. A month later, Cardinal he tweets.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elect­

Sharing Secrets with Santa

(L-R) Araceli Zaragoza, 7, and Daniyla, 3, both from Los Angeles, whisper their Christmas wishes to Santa at the Safe Sleep for Baby event at the Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic on Saturday, Dec. 14. More than 800 families in South L.A. attended the free event, which taught parents and caregivers how to put a baby to sleep safely. Photos by Violeta Vaqueiro.

Have a Green New Year

D

o you know that Ameri­ cans throw away 25 percent more trash or about 1 mil­ lion extra tons each week during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holi­ day period? In fact, 38,000 miles of ribbon alone are thrown out each year--enough to tie a bow around the Earth we’re trying to save!

The L.A. County Public Works Dept. wants to help reduce your waste and your stress by keeping the “green” holiday spirit alive.

Here are a few simple yet helpful holiday hints:

After Opening Your Presents: • Consider donating your old appli­ ances, toys, games, or clothing, as you received new ones, to a local charity or thrift store.

• Use leftover gift wrap to line shelves and dresser drawers.

Your New Year’s Dinner or Party • Buy baking goods and snack food in bulk or large volumes.

• Plan meals wisely and prac­ tice portion control to minimize waste.

• After a big dinner, you’ll have leftovers galore. Plan for left­ overs in advance.

• Pack and send leftovers home with guests. You can also donate food to local food banks or chari­ ties.

• Compost your food waste. Fruits and vegetables and their peels, pits, and seeds are perfect for composting—a great natural fer­ tilizer.

• Use reusable rather than dispos­ able tableware.

• Cut up last year’s holiday cards and use as place cards.

• Place easily identifiable recycling containers at your celebration so guests can recycle their cans, bot­ tles, etc.

Proud Bird Will Not Close

F

By Veronica Mackey

ans of the Proud Bird Res­ taurant near LAX can dry their eyes. There has been an end-of-the-year turnaround, and the restaurant will remain open at least through 2015, according to the Wave.

It was reported earlier that the Proud Bird would close by the end of 2013 due to rising overhead costs. The restaurant could not af­ ford the increase in its lease.

historic setting, but in its commu­ nity standing. Owner John Tallichet announced in October that the res­ taurant would close for Christmas.

However, Royce Esters and the Rev. Stanley Prince of the National Asso­ ciation for Equal Justice in America (NAEJA would have none of that.

They mobilized a community wide letter writing campaign directed to airport officials, as well as Inglewood

For Your Christmas Trees: • Approximately 33 million live Christmas trees are sold in North America every year. Recycle your Christmas trees by contact­ ing your city recycling coordina­ tor or visiting CleanLA.com for more information.

• Los Angeles County residents can once again conveniently recycle their Christmas trees this year.

The Proud Bird, which sits on L.A. Most areas throughout the county provide curbside recycling ser­ Airport-owned property, has been a vices and/or drop-off sites, where staple in the South Bay for 50 years.

It has become the backdrop for count­ trees can be recycled. less memories: wedding receptions, special dinners, birthdays, business For the New Year: • Do something “green” for your meetings and other occasions.

Located at 11022 Aviation Blvd., New Year’s resolution, such as us­ ing reusable cloth shopping bags, just north of Imperial Hwy., the res­ switching to compact fluorescent taurant and banquet hall is known lights to save energy, planting a for its airplane museum. Vintage aircraft from wars are sprawled tree, etc.

Keep the “green” holiday spirit across the lawn. Diners can view alive and make a conscious effort the museum on the grounds, even as to help save the environment and they watch planes fly in to LAX. The famous Tuskegee Airmen reduce waste this year! For addi­ tional information regarding Christ­ Room was named in honor of a mas tree recycling programs and to group of African-American pilots learn more about the County of Los who fought in World War II. For­ Angeles Environmental Programs, mally, they formed the 332nd Fight­ please call 1 (888 ) CLEAN LA be­ er Group and the 477th Bombard­ tween 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday ment Group of the United States through Thursday or visit www. Army Air Forces The Proud Bird’s importance in reduce.org. the community lies not only in its

Mayor James Butts and the mayors of Los Angeles, Compton, Carson and Torrance. Residents in the region got involved to help save the restaurant.

The campaign paid off. On Dec. 17, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) staff worked out a oneyear lease extension agreement with the Airport Commission and Tallichet. They will meet again on March 1, 2014 with the goal of working out a longer term agree­ ment, for at least 5 years Tallichet said he is overwhelmed by the support the community has shown. He said it gave his restau­ rant “new life.”

Effective December 22, 2013 the Proud Bird will be open Friday, Sat­ urday and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm. Sunday brunch hours are from 9 am to 3 pm. Hours in the New Year will be extended. Check the website at www.theproudbird.com or call (310) 670-3093.