Your Community Connection since 1994
Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 24, No. 48
December 3, 2015
San Bernardino Marks 355th Mass Shooting This Year History Making
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“Someday at Christmas there’ll be no wars, when we have learned what Christmas is for. When we have found what life’s really worth, there’ll be peace on earth.”—Stevie Wonder
s America prepares to celebrate Christmas, the holiest of holidays, the mass shooting at a government building in San Bernardino severely undermines the sentiment of “goodwill toward men.” On Wednesday, at least 3 gunmen went on a shooting rampage at the Inland Regional Center, killing at least 14 people and injuring 17. The shooting occurred in the conference center at a Christmas party, authorities say. The center was rented out to county employees for the celebration. After an intense manhunt, police located the suspected shooters who reportedly sped away in a dark SUV. Authorities exchanged fire
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with suspects and killed two of them—a man and a woman. A third suspect has been detained. Nearly 670 employees work at the Center, which serves those with develop-
Inland Rescue Center
• Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business
mental disabilities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to the center’s Facebook. The center has provided services to more than 30,200 people with developmental disabilities and their families for at least 40 years. The nonprofit organization serves children, adults and seniors. While this latest attack comes close to home, it unfortunately represents a drop in the bucket of violence that has occurred in 2015 nationwide. The Huffington Post reports that
ivil rights groups around the country are honoring the life and legacy of Rosa Parks this week. The former Detroit seamstress and secretary of the Montgomery Chapter of the NAACP was coined the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement” for taking a stand against segregation laws in the South. Parks was arrested on Dec. 1, 1955 after she refused to give her seat to a there have been more mass white passenger. For more shootings this year than than a year, black residents there have been days—355 mass shootings in 336 days to be exact. There have been incidents that meet the Shooting Tracker standard in 46 states and D.C., Florida, Illinois and California have had the most incidents. In each state, there have been at least 22 shooting incidents in which four or more people were shot. Rosa Parks Mass shootings are at an all time high. However, only in Montgomery refused to a fraction of them—like the ride the bus. Many walked (Continued on page 11) or got rides from friends and family members. Car pools were organized to ease the challenge of not having transportation. After 381 days without black passengers and nearly going bankrupt, the Montgomery transit company overturned its law, giving blacks passengers equal seating rights. The national celebration commemorating this civil rights victory began on Monday, November 30 and will culminate on December 5. Planned events will be held at a number of venues (Continued on page 12)
Inglewood Speaks Out
On The Inside: • News
Bus Boycott Turns 60
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By Thomas Bunn
he topic and issue of gentrification of urban neighborhoods is an obviously touchy one, but with that question being asked on a consistent basis here in Inglewood, it was time to touch on it ourselves. In a week’s time, the article circulated around the community, sparking conversations with residents (Continued on page 7)
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Inglewood Today
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December 3, 2015
COMMUNITY
Get Stopped by the Police? There’s an App for That A cellphone app that records police stops is the people’s “body camera.” By Sharee Silerio, TheRoot.com
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lmost a year ago, Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy, was shot and killed by Cleveland police officers within two seconds of the officers arriving on the scene; in April of this year, Freddie Gray died from an injury suffered while in police custody in Baltimore; in the same month, Walter L. Scott was shot in the back eight times while fleeing a police officer during a traffic stop in South Carolina. Video footage of Tamir’s, Gray’s and Scott’s interactions with police led to terminations or criminal charges, outrage, Still from a video made by the American Civil Liberties Union of protests and discussions focused on Southern California about the ACLU of California’s new cellphone app, Mobile Justice CA police violence and race. “We should know how police are them power no other government Hector Villagra, executive direcdoing their jobs, because we give official has—to stop somebody, to tor of the American Civil Liberties (Continued on page 10) them tremendous power, we give arrest somebody and even to kill,”
Homeless Choir Members to Sing at White House
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choir from Atlanta’s Central Night Shelter are on their way to the White House—an unlikely destination for a group of homeless men. The group will perform this month at the White House Open House Holiday Celebration.
The Atlanta Homeward Choir was founded three years ago as “a group of men who get together to sing, make music and come in out of the cold,” founder Donal Noonan told the Huffington Post. After completing their season last year, Noonan’s friend asked what was next. Noonan replied “the White House.” Those words turned
out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Noonan made some calls to a friend who had worked in the government, but didn’t hear back for a while. Then, a few weeks ago, the director and his chorus got a call asking if Homeward Choir was
from Atlanta to Washington D.C. is a bit overwhelming. The members, who are now seeking donations to help with their travel costs, have set up a page on its website for anyone who wants to assist in their journey. The $25,000 the team will need will go towards clothing, shelter, transportation and an orchestra, the Post reports. So far, the members have raised a little over $5,000 and Southwest Airlines announced they will provide complimentary round trip tickets for the choir. “We still have a ways to go, but we are very confident,” Noonan said. “To be welcomed in the front door as opposed to the back door is a huge deal. It’s an affirmation of available to perform at the White worth. You might be in this position House in December. right now, but you are still some“It was a mixed reaction,” Noon- one and being invited to the White an said of the news. “All positive House in an immense honor. Plus, but one of the questions was, ‘why it’s going to be a ton of fun!” us?’ To which my response was, You can donate a gift to the At‘why not us?’” lanta’s Homeward Choir or find Noonan, who told the news site out more on the members website: that the choir is “delighted and hon- http://www.atlantahomewardchoir. ored,” also said that the plan to travel org.Facebook1.
Hit and Run Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Traffic Collision
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n November 25, at approximately 5:30am, Inglewood Police officers responded to a call on La Brea Avenue and Queen Street regarding a vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic collision. When officers arrived they saw two pedestrians (one adult and an 8 year-old) lying in the street. According to a witness, the pedestrians were crossing in a marked crosswalk, when a vehicle traveling southbound
on La Brea Avenue failed to stop for a red signal and struck them. The vehicle initially pulled over, but then fled the scene southbound on La Brea Avenue and out of sight. The pedestrians sustained moderate to severe injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. A witness to the collision described the suspect vehicle as a dark green or black Nissan Altima. The vehicle more than likely will have
front end damage and possibly a broken windshield. Traffic Investigators are reviewing surveillance videos from cameras in the area that may have captured the traffic collision. Anyone with information in regards to this tragic traffic collision is requested to contact Inglewood Police Traffic Investigator Jeff LaGreek at (310) 412-5134, or the 24 hour anonymous hotline number at “888-41-CRIME” (888-412-7463).
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
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You can reach us at 310-670-9600 or by fax 310-338-9130 www.inglewoodtoday.com The artistic contents of Inglewood Today Weekly are copyrighted by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. and permission to reprint any article herein must be obtained in writing from the Publisher. Display Advertising 310-670-9600 X107 Classified Advertising 310-670-9600 X104 Subscription Information Subscriptions are available by mail for $100.00 per year. Home Delivery may not be available in all areas, or gated communities.
We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think about local issues. Letters should be addressed “To the Editor” and include your name, address and phone number. (Only your name and city will be published.) Email: itnetworks@msn.com Online: www.inglewoodtoday.com Mail: 9111 La Cienega Blvd., Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 Fax: 310.338.9130 Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Not all letters will be published. Submission of a letter to the editor constitutes permission to publish the letter in the printed version of Inglewood Today Weekly and on www.inglewoodtoday.com.
Inglewood Today
December 3, 2015
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Before You Buy, Check Return Policies
espite our best efforts to find the perfect gifts, we still get it wrong. In fact, according to the Wall Street Journal, 10 to 15 percent of holiday sales are returned or exchanged. There is no way to completely avoid making the wrong choice every now and then. No one wants to be stuck with a gift they don’t like or can’t use, so find out what the deal is before you make your purchases. Does the store give cash refunds or store credit only? How long do you have to return or exchange merchandise? To make it easier for those on your list to return items, here are 5 retailers with the best policies, according to Money Talks News:
3. Macy’s Macy’s is another department store that places few limits on returns and exchanges. It promises easy returns, and the gift return policy posted online says you can return merchandise at any time to the store. The only catch is you can’t return a gift for cash. If you have a gift receipt, you get the full purchase price credited back to you in the form of a Macy’s gift card. If you don’t have a receipt, you still get a credit but it will be for the lowest selling price of the last 180 days. 4. Costco Selling everything from caskets to cucumbers, Costco says it stands behind its products 100 percent. You can get a full refund on anything. The only caveat is that these items must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a full refund: Televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, touchscreen tablets, iPod / MP3 players and cellular phones. For online purchases, the company provides UPS postage-paid labels. Customers can also return items directly to their local Costco warehouse and receive a refund that includes shipping and handling.
5. Zappos You don’t need to worry about buying the wrong shoes online if you make your purchase from Zappos. The shoe retailer gives you 365 days to return unused products and will pay for the return shipping. That means if those strappy heels don’t look quite as cute on you as they do on the model, you 2. L.L. Bean can send them right back, just don’t L.L. Bean stands behind its “no wear them to the party first. holds barred” policy with a prom-
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1. Nordstrom There is something to be said about shopping at pricey stores like Nordstrom. Yes, you will pay top dollar, but the customer service and return policies are bar none. When it comes to making hassle free returns, Nordstrom sets the standard. There’s no return counter: Approach any sales associate. If you need to return something by mail, they even provide postagepaid labels. You can pretty much return anything at any time. Nordstrom has been known to take back any item, receipt or no receipt. The only exception to the rule involves special occasion dresses. Unfortunately, too many people have abused their return policy by buying expensive dresses, wearing them once, then returning them for a cash refund. Nordstrom has modified its policy regarding these dresses, and also reserves the right to refuse other returns on a case-by-case basis as well. The store’s discount chain, Nordstrom Rack has a 90-day return policy for unused merchandise, when you have the receipt, original tags and a photo ID. Don’t expect the same leeway as the original Nordstrom stores.
ise that its merchandise is “Guaranteed to Last.” Like Nordstrom, the store will take back items at any time for any reason. If you return your merchandise by mail, however, be aware you will pay a $6.50 return shipping fee unless you are an L.L. Bean Visa cardholder.
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Inglewood Today
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December 3, 2015
e y e on t h e city
Few Complaints at Council Meeting By Inglewood Today Staff
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his week’s Inglewood City Council meeting got underway promptly at 2:00 p.m., following a closed session with members of the council, a labor negotiator, the human resources director and representation by the Inglewood Executive Organization, on a confidential labor relations issue. The City of Inglewood is in the process of bringing 18 properties into compliance with the American Disabilities Act with the construction of accessible sidewalks adjacent to the properties throughout the city. A list of the actual addresses was included in the agenda for this week’s council meeting which was available outside of the council chambers and is also available in the office of the City Clerk. This week’s one-hour, afternoon meeting was typical. The published agenda was followed and the nearly 25 citizens who attended the meeting were able to view the action taken by the council by following the docu-
City officials with Inglewood ment that was provided. The City Attorney recommended the denial of several claims made against the city and the council accepted the recommendation. The Economic and Community Development Department recommended the approval of two professional services agreements to provide building safety plan check services and the measure was accepted by the council.
High School Band members. Council approved a three-year blanket purchase order with Office Depot for office supplies, the award of a contract for the Sewer Repair Project, and adopted a resolution to offer a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, apprehension, and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the death of Keshone Fredericks, at the request of
the Inglewood Police Department. Council continued the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) Public Hearing from December 8, 2015 to December 15, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. They also adopted a measure to add the District 2 Community Center as a public facility available for public use. District 1 Council Member George W. Dotson offered an initiative requesting City Sponsorship of the 2015 Annual District 1 Toy Drive to be held on December 17th from 9:00 – 2:00 p.m., at the ICOP Center located at 2901 W. Manchester Boulevard. The council approved sponsorship. The Inglewood High School Band received special recognition for their stellar performances. Nothing extraordinary emerged from the public comments. Several Inglewood residents expressed their consternation about the afternoon meetings while others expressed displeasure with the one-minute limit on public comments.
Pick up your copy of Inglewood Today at one of these locations: 1 Stop Mini-Mart, 420 E. Florence Ave. AAA, 1234 N. Centinela Ave. A-Man Inc., 101 La Brea Ave. Airport Gas, 501 Hillcrest St. Allstate, 2300 W. Manchester Bl. Anthony’s Autobody and Painting, 259 N. LaBrea Ave. Bayou Grill, 1400 N. La Brea Ave. Big 5 Sporting Goods (1), 301 S. Market St. Big 5 Sporting Goods (2), 11310 Crenshaw Bl. Boston Cream Donuts, 2576 La Brea Ave. Bourbon Street Fish & Grill, 601 S. Prairie Ave. Briarwood, 3500 Manchester Bl. Broadway Federal Bank, 170 N. Market St. Brolly Hut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Bruno’s Pizza, 450 E. Manchester Bl. Budda Market, 3753 Slauson (Rimpau) C&J Beauty Supply, 11252 Crenshaw Bl. Carlton Square, 8700 Carlton Centinela Cleaners, 1413 Centinela Ave. Centinela Hospital, 555 E. Hardy St. Chili’s, 3490 W. Century Bl. Chile Verde on Crenshaw Choice Berry, 599 1/2 S. La Brea Ave. City One Stop, 110 Queen St. Cranford Scott, M.D., 211 N. Prairie Ave. CVS Pharmacy, 222 N. Market St. D’Menace Copies, 254 North Market St. Darby Park, 3400 W. Arbor Vitae Diamond Beauty Supply, 1300 N. Centinela Ave. Dr. Daniel’s Weight Loss Program, 105 S. Locust St. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #1, 202 E. Manchester Bl. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #2, 3249 W. Century Bl. Edward Vincent Park Senior Ctr., 700 Warren Lane El Super, 3321 West Century Blvd. Fabulous Burger, 1315 Centinela Ave., Fabulous Forum, 1 West Manchester Bl. Faithful Central Bible Church, 333 W. Florence Ave. Family Fish Market, 1300 Centinela Ave. Fatburger, 3020 W. Manchester Ave. Fiesta Martin Mexican Grill, 1330 N. La Brea Ave. Foreign Car Repairs & Sales, 1110 Centinela Ave. Fabulous Forum, 1 West Manchester Bl.
Gin’s Liquor, 11001 Crenshaw Bl. Gonzales Northgate Market, 10801 Prairie Ave. Happy Time Liquor, 730 E. La Brea Ave. Heart & Soul Grill, 128 N. Market St. Hollywood Park Casino, 1050 S. Prairie Ave. House of Tacos and Pupuseria, 254 North Market St. Inglewood Airport Area, 330 E. Queen St. Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E. Florence Ave. Inglewood Community Police Ctr., Manchester/7th Ave. Inglewood City Hall, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Library, 101 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Meadows, 1 Locust St. Inglewood Park Mortuary, 3801 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Police Station, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Today, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Inglewood Unified School District, 401 S. Inglewood Ave. Instant Print, Inc., 425 E. Manchester Bl. In the Kut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Jamba Juice, 5305 W. Centinela Ave. King Fish Market, 10901 Crenshaw Bl. KJLH Radio, 161 N. La Brea Ave. Kwin Service Gasoline, 1235 W. Centinela Ave. L&L Paralegal Services, 171 N. LaBrea Ave. Ladera Physiotherapy, 409 S. La Brea Ave. Lan’s Nails, 10901 S. Crenshaw Bl. Lawrence Carey Barber Shop, 10901 S. Crenshaw Bl. Liquorette Liquor Store, 1400 Centinela Ave. Louisiana Fried Chicken, 170 La Brea Lucy Laundromat across from Sizzler’s on Manchester M&M’s Soul Food on Manchester M&M’s Soul Food (new) on Crenshaw Martino’s Liquor, 706 E. Manchester Bl. Mike’s Deli, 4859 W. Slauson Ave. Moby’s Breakfast & Lunch, 3008 W. Manchester Bl. Morningside Adult Day Care, 3216 W. Manchester Bl. Nix Check Cashing, 140 E. Manchester Nix Check Cashing on Crenshaw & 110th Orleans & York (1), 400 E. Florence Ave. Orleans & York (2), 4454 W. Slauson Ave., LA Osage Senior Villas, 924 S. Osage Pann’s, 6710 La Tijera Bl. Pay Day Loans on Crenshaw & 110
Pep Boys, 200 E. Spruce Ave. Red Lobster, 3400 W. Century Bl. Regal Cleaners, 700 E. Manchester Bl. Regency Towers, 123 Locust St. Regent Plaza, 201 Regent St. Roger’s Park, 400 W. Beach Ave. Scottie’s Gumbo & Grill, 945 S. Prairie Ave. Sizzler’s, Manchester/Prairie Smoke 4 Less, 925 N. La Brea Spa 313 Salon, 313 La Brea St. Mary’s Academy, 701 Grace Ave. Starbucks, 5301 Centinela Ave. Starbucks, 941 N. La Brea Ave. Starbucks on Century Stuff I Eat, 114 N. Market St. Sunrise Groceries, 1400 N. Centinela Ave. Super Fish Market, 11007 S Crenshaw Bl. Superior Groceries, 11202 S Crenshaw Bl. TenderCare Child Development Center, 335 E. Spruce Ave. The Serving Spoon, 1403 Centinela Ave. TGIFriday’s, 6721 La Tijera Bl. True Vine Baptist Church, 1437 Centinela Ave. Union Bank, 6719 La Tijera Bl. Vons, 500 E. Manchester Bl. Walgreens on Century Water 4 U, 254 W. Market St. Westchester Villa Senior Living, 220 W. Manchester Bl. Whitehorse Fish Market, 3119 W. Imperial Hwy. Whole Foods, 4508 Overhill (Slauson) Wilder’s Preparatory Academy Charter School, 830 N. La Brea Ave. Winchell’s Donuts, 2601 W. Manchester Bl. Winchell’s Donut Shop on Crenshaw near 108th St. Wings Stop on Century Wise Tires & Brakes, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Woody’s Barbeque, 4751 S. Market St. Yvonne B. Burke Senior Center, 4750 62nd St. (La Brea) Zahra’s Books “N” Things, 900 N. La Brea Ave.
Inglewood Today
December 3, 2015
Publisher’s Message
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How to Take Care of Yourself During the Holidays
t’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays, and that means life for most of us is about to speed up. There is so much to do and so little time to prepare for the biggest holiday season of the year. I hope you’re ready, because ready or not, here it comes. This season of giving and goodwill toward our fellow man is contagious. Once you start giving, you don’t want to stop. But all this giving requires time, energy, money and effort that you may not have. If you are feeling drained by holiday commitments, or feel you may be, here is a little advice that can help you get through this busy season intact. Proper eating and hydration. You cannot be your best if you are running on fumes. So take time to fuel your body. Get in those fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Grab a low calorie snack— apples are good--and a bottle of water or Gatorade when you head out the door. It will keep your energy up and fill your tummy so you won’t go for pound-packing junk food when you’re out running errands. Be good to yourself. I know you have tons of stuff to do, but don’t neglect yourself. Insist on keeping your hair or massage appointments. Don’t slack off on your exercise or supplements. Get enough sleep; take power naps whenever you can. Don’t let them drain you. There are certain people in our lives who are just plain difficult. Try and avoid them at all costs if possible. If you are likely to get into an argument with a family member, consider an alternative. Make your appearance to the family function at a time they are least likely to be there, and limit your stay. If possible, try and avoid a face-to-face encounter altogether. Call them, text them or send them a card instead. Limit your phone call to 10 minutes and lead with positive conversation. Think about those whom you enjoy spending time with and con-
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Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly nect with as many of them as possible. You want to be with people who inspire you and make you smile—not someone whose negative energy drains you. Delegate, delegate, delegate. Save your energy as much as possible by putting young people to work. Tasks can range from addressing envelopes to helping trim the tree. Teens and young adults can handle some of the holiday shopping. Take charge of your money. One of the best ways to take care of yourself is to take care of your money. You’ll want to have a good spending plan that allows for unexpected expenses. Besides having a dollar limit for each gift, you’ll want to comparison shop online before you make your purchases. Gift cards are great because the recipient can get what they want. Plan your drive time. Relieve stress by avoiding gridlock whenever possible. Handle your business during off-peak hours. If you have a flexible schedule, try mornings or weekdays for shopping and errands. Take advantage of traffic-related technology to plan the best routes. Just say no. One last tip: You cannot please everyone and it is a mistake to try and do so. It will only end in frustration. Do what you can to make others happy, but keep in mind you will have to say no sometimes to keep yourself in balance. Holidays are supposed to be happy, and you can be happy when you please yourself.
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Inglewood Today
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December 3, 2015
C ommunity
Book Sale and Toy Drives By Anne Cheek La Rose
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he Holiday Season is upon us. This weekend and next is the time to start shopping for friends, family and those less fortunate. The Friends of Inglewood Public Library, our library’s non-profit support organization, will kick-off their December Book Sale on Thursday, December 3, from 11-6PM. The sale continues on Saturday, December 5, from 10-2PM. There are hardcover books, paperbacks, children’s books, coffee table books, and gift books as well as DVD and music; novels, biographies, how-to, something for everyone. The prices are low: hard and soft cover books, CD and DVD are $1 each or 12 for $10; pocketbooks are $.10 each or 12 for $1; gift quality books are $3-$5 each. All monies go to the Friends to fund programs for children, young adult, adult, and senior programming. An additional treat is in store for shoppers and others on Saturday. It’s a staged reading, by the author
te Your Vo Counts!
NAACP Award nominations and one win. Ms Dumas has written four books, including “God’s Diet” in her avocation as a trained naturopath. Ms. Dumas’s latest book, “Christmas Blessings,” is hot off the press. It’s about women who find themselves single again after many, many years and getting back into the dating scene. The Mildred Dumas event takes place in the Waddingham Lecture Hall at the Main Library on Saturday, December 5, at 1PM. Signed Anne Cheek La Rose copies of both “Bitter Inheritance” herself, Mildred Dumas, from her and “Christmas Blessings” will be book, “Bitter Inheritance.” This available for purchase after the probook has been made into a movie gram. and the trailer will also be shown. The Police Department Toy Drive, Mildred Dumas is an actor, called “Stuff the Police Trailer” playwright, and author. She has started on Saturday, November 27. over 40 years experience on stage, IPD is accepting donations at the screen, and television. Perhaps her Police Department. On Wednesmost memorable role was Princi- day, December 2 from 9AM-9PM, pal Brandywine on Nickelodeon’s they will accept donations on Gre“Unfabulous.” She has six plays villea Avenue, between Regent and to her credit and one, “When the Queen Streets, and begin to ‘Stuff Past Comes Back,” received seven the Trailer.” The toy collecting and
trailer stuffing continues on Saturday from 6am–6pm. The following weekend, on Saturday, December 12 from 10AM2PM, Councilman Alex Padilla is sponsoring a Toy Drive in the District 2 Police Community Center. Bring a new unwrapped toy or two and enjoy some Holiday cheer with the Councilman and his staff and friends. Give the gift of books and reading this holiday season. It’s never too early to help someone discover the world inside books, so pick up a few for these two toy drives. Support your Library and your community this Holiday Season. Place your DBAs, Probates, Trustee Notices, Legal Notices, Summons and more in Inglewood Today Print & Online Call: 310.670.9600
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Inglewood Today
December 3, 2015
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C ommunity
How To Help Our Brothers and Sisters In Need Tips and Reasons for Support, from Charity Founder
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he poor are always with us – and in great numbers. In the United States, about 46.5 million people live in poverty, according to the Brookings Institution. Worldwide, the number of impoverished people is about 1.6 billion, according to a study by Oxford economists. “There is so much need out there and that’s why I believe it’s important that all of us do whatever we can to help the underprivileged,” says Lumbie Mlambo, editor of Equanimity Magazine (www.equanimitymag.com), an online publication that features inspiring stories of life and success. “Who knows? You may someday wear their shoes. It’s like your health; nothing is guaranteed.” Mlambo co-founded JB Dondolo Inc., a charity named for her father that promotes and develops projects that stimulate growth and improve people’s lives in low-income areas. One of the charity’s newer projects involves health and educational programs for underprivileged boys and girls. “The truth is that regardless of whether a nation is industrialized or not, the needy are everywhere,” Mlambo says. “Many people require aid and support around the world and, most likely, in your
community.” A variety of private and public agencies try to help, she says, but their resources are limited and they can’t provide for every community in need of assistance or basic necessities. This leaves a large segment of low-income population with unmet needs, which is why it’s so important for everyone to do what they can to help the needy. Mlambo offers tips for how we can get started helping our brothers and sisters in need. • One person’s trash… Next time you’re taking time to clear some room in your closet or garage, remember that, though you may be finished with an item, someone else may need it. Those old pajamas, underwear and t-shirts that you’re fond of tossing in the trash can be turned into cloth rags for cleaning at home, or for other organizations to help under-privileged earn a subsistence income through using them for cloth crafting. Items such as loose leaf pages of paper, construction paper, crayons (broken and whole), markers, pens and pencils are perfectly useful, especially for poor children going back to school. • Help others on date night. Lavish dresses, spotless tuxedos and expensive dishes are not only
Inglewood Speaks Out (Continued from page 1) from Compton to Culver City to San Bernardino to both Manhattan and Redondo Beach. We asked the question,” Can Gentrification Be A Good Thing For Inglewood?” and received more than 30K views and 200 comments. Here are some of the things that were said: “ I’m happy with the direction the city is moving in. The people we
vote for must be doing their jobs. We need a makeover citywide! But also they need rent control in this city! If the football team comes here our rent might skyrocket to over $2,000 per month!” – Thomas Bayes
for fancy people. You, too, can attend a luxurious gala event to benefit charity. While this kind of event may be attended by affluent community leaders and well-to-do folks who may enjoy gratuitous back-slapping, the more important consideration is who benefits. Various good causes may be small businesses and historic sites in your town; better causes, however, often go toward organizations that benefit struggling families, disadvantaged children and homeless people. This will likely be more expensive than your typical date night, but most are doable for middle-class couples. • Donate your professional skills. Among the great charitable organizations are programs supporting Guardians ad Litem, or GALs. A GAL is a person the court appoints to represent the best interests of a child in a divorce or parental rights and responsibilities case. The GAL will investigate the family situation and advise the court about where a child should live and what type of
contact parents should have with their children. A professional with backgrounds including the law or journalism may be great for such work, but there are many other worthy causes if this doesn’t fit what you’re good at. A chef may help prepare tasty meals on Thanksgiving, or a salon worker may help make young girls with cancer feel pretty. Most professions can apply their expertise in the service of others. Lumbie Mlambo is editor of Equanimity Magazine (www.equanimitymag.com), a lifestyle publication that shares the stories of “real people and their search to lead better lives.” She also has a background in project management, computer/ software engineering and business analysis. She holds an associate degree in computer science from Indiana University South Bend; and a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from Texas Woman’s University. She is multilingual, speaking English, Zulu, Ndebele and French.
Classifieds Marketplace $$ SELL YOUR STUFF $$$
“Inglewood is definitely changing before our eyes and for the better economically. This is a place people want to be a part of. I cer(Continued on page 10)
Allstate Agency Owner Billy Campbell Honored Named Premier Agency for 2014
As a business leader and involved citizen in the Inglewood area, Allstate exclusive agency owner Billy Campbell has been designated an Allstate Premier Agency for 2014. This designation is being presented to Billy Campbell for outstanding business performance and commitment to putting customers at the center of his agency’s work. Billy Campbell’s agency is located at 2300 W Manchester Blvd. in Inglewood and can be reached at (323) 750-1777 or http://agents.allstate.com/billy-campbell-inglewood-ca.html.
GARAGE SALES • SPECIAL MEETINGS • WEDDINGS EMPLOYMENT • HOME SERVICE • MERCHANDISE PERSONAL CARE • RENTALS • AUTOS MUCH MORE!! Rates as low as $45.00 a week, for up to five (5) lines consisting up to 26 letters, including characters and spaces per line. Add $2.00 for each additional line. The Deadline for classified ad copy is Tuesday at 12 noon. Call 310 670-9600 or email to ads@inglewoodtoday.com
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December 3, 2015
H e a lt h & F itn e s s
Mental Health of Students of Color Is Focus of Expert Gathering at Stanford University
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he mental health and emotional well-being of students of color was the focus of the second annual “Young, Gifted and @ Risk” conference of the Steve Fund at Stanford University on November 20. The event drew more than 150 experts from across the U.S., among them researchers, mental health professionals, students, and college and university administrators. Presenters and panelists discussed challenges to mental health for students of color and strategies for addressing them. Research in affective science and social psychology, issues such as “multicultural mental health literacy,” marginality and belonging, and the needs of students from diverse backgrounds to thrive in college environments was also addressed. Young people were an important voice in the dialogue. The conference is organized annually by the Steve Fund, a nonprofit focused on the mental health needs of students of color. For this year’s conference, the fund partnered with the Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education (SCOPE), Stan-
ford Medical School, and the Center for the Comparative Study of Race and Ethnicity (CCSRE). “Research shows that differences in the ethnic background of students require culturally-sensitive approaches to fully support their mental health and emotional well-being,” says Evan Rose, a co-founder and president of the Steve Fund. “The Steve Fund’s annual The Young, Gifted and @ Risk conference brings together some of the nation’s top experts in this area,” Rose continues. “It connects efforts, research and knowledge to help establish what is an important new field in mental health.” “Universities have a key role to play in understanding and addressing the mental health needs of students of color. I’m delighted that Stanford is bringing our culture of caring and problem-solving to this challenge,” said Linda Darling-Hammond, Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus at Stanford University. “We’re pleased to bring experts from many colleges together with Stanford experts for this exciting day of collaboration.”
Know Your Drug Costs Before You Leave the Doctor’s Office
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ave you ever suffered from sticker shock at the pharmacy? You arrive with a prescription from your doctor, but you are told that the medication is not covered and could cost you several hundred dollars. Health insurance and prescription drug coverage is a complex puzzle, and many consumers find themselves at a loss to understand what is or isn’t covered and why. However, some companies are trying to make the process easier. In particular, services to educate doctors and patients about drug benefits right in the doctor’s office can help avoid unpleasant surprises at the pharmacy. One example is a new drug benefit service available from Humana’s IntelligentRx service, available to physicians through DrFirst’s electronic prescription system. It provides doctors with details about their Humana patients’ drug coverage, pricing and pharmacy options on the spot in the exam room. Doctors and patients can discuss and review drug costs and options as the prescription is being written. According to William Fleming, president of Humana Pharmacy, the ability to help doctors make informed prescribing decisions in the exam room can help improve clinical out-
comes by improving patients’ access and adherence to their medications. “Real-time information provided by the IntelligentRx service is a perfect example of how we can help doctors proactively deliver better care more affordably to their patients,” Fleming said. “This is a big step forward in closing the gaps in the health care system, using transparency and technology to create a better health care experience,” he added. Here’s how it works: A doctor chooses a medication, and the DrFirst’s myBenefitCheck interface connects with Humana’s IntelligentRX service. The doctor sees information specific to his or her patient about drug costs and coverage, information about drug allergies and even alternative therapies. Such programs could have a significant impact on health care costs, which are a known barrier to medication adherence. Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 125,000 deaths in the United States each year result from individuals not taking medications as prescribed. For more information, please visit www.Humana.com or www.drfirst. com. Source: NewsUSA
“The Young, Gifted, and @ Risk symposium focuses on the emotional well-being of young people of color, particularly those on college campuses. It brings together mental health practitioners, higher education leaders, researchers, students, and non-profit organizations to not only discuss the challenges, but also to highlight recently developed strategies and solutions that promote the well-being of this population through an inter-professional approach. As a clinician-researcher who works across both the Schools of Medicine and Education, I’ve come to understand that the very best approaches to these challenges arise from collaborative environments like this Symposium,” said Dr. Shashank Joshi. Studies show that students of color at American colleges and universities are often less likely to seek help when they feel depressed or anxious. They report more micro-aggressions than their European American counterparts. According to a Harris poll (source: http://www.copylink.org/ o6z), they are almost twice as likely to be not sufficiently prepared to deal
with the stresses of higher education. Only 49% of African Americans students complete their 4-year college education, compared to 71% of white, non-Hispanic students, according to a CollegeBoard report (source:http:// www.copylink.org/2xk ). The conference addressed a broad range of mental health issues. Panel and presentation subjects include: • How Culture, Mindset, and Identity Shape Affect and Mental Health Among Young Adults • Marginality, Belonging, and Success: The University Experience and the Mental Health of Students and Emerging Adults of Color • Thriving in a Multicultural College World • Mental Health at Stanford: Current Conversations and Meeting the Needs of Diverse Students Last year’s “Young, Gifted and @ Risk” conference took place at Brown University. Videos of presentations from the 2014 conference are viewable at the Steve Fund Web site at http://www.stevefund.org/ brown2014.
New Report Exposes Hidden Costs of Hunger in Health Care
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new study commissioned by Bread for the World Institute shows that last year alone, hunger and food insecurity increased health expenditures in the United States by $160 billion. The study is highlighted in the Institute’s new report, The Nourishing Effect: Ending Hunger, Improving Health, Reducing Inequality. “Nowhere are the hidden costs of hunger and food insecurity greater than in health care,” said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “Access to nutritious food is essential to healthy growth and development, and can prevent the need for costly medical care. Many chronic diseases—the main causes of poor health as well as the main drivers of healthcare costs—are related to diet.” Food insecurity is associated with higher rates of depression, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other physical and mental health conditions. Food assistance programs such as SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) and school lunches save money in the long run by improving educational and health outcomes. Government resources that could go toward programs such as early childhood education or reducing the national debt are instead spent in
emergency rooms and hospitals to offset the costs of hunger and food insecurity. The $160 billion is equivalent to more than a third of the U.S. government’s annual deficit. The study was carried out by John Cook of Boston Medical Center and Children’s HealthWatch, and Ana Paula Poblacion of Universidade Federal de São Paulo in Brazil. “The old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure has never been more appropriate,” said Asma Lateef, director of Bread for the World Institute. “Investments in federal nutrition programs are critical and much more needs to be done to ensure that vulnerable and underserved communities have access to healthy foods.” Ending hunger and food insecurity will allow millions of people to do better in school, be more productive at work, and live healthier lives. The Nourishing Effect offers recommendations for healthcare providers, anti-hunger advocates, and policymakers to help make a healthier, hunger-free U.S. a reality. Read the report at www.hunger report.org. Bread for the World (www. bread.org) is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.
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Bu s in e s s
R e a l E s tat e
Is Wall Street’s Rollercoaster Making You Investment-Queasy?
The Truth About Gentrification?
How to ‘Bail Out’ of Market Risks with Real Estate Alternatives from the Safe Millionaire Club
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hen regular Americans play the investment game with the markets on Wall Street, we know we’re at some level of risk, says author Stephen Gardner. The stock market is a zero sum game, meaning someone has to lose for others to win. Even when we make what seems to be relatively safe investments, the crashes of 2001 and 2008 taught us that we’re not bulletproof. You can also say that 2008 taught Wall Street’s banks and brokers a lesson—they’re “too big to fail,” so they’ll get immediate government assistance. Now in 2015, they’re even bigger. “By that logic, the little guy is ‘too small to care about,’ which, if you believe in right and wrong, or justice, is a travesty,” says Gardner, owner and founder of the Safe Millionaire Club at YourBridgePlan. com—a safer investment opportunity he created after losing 38 percent of his retirement money on Wall Street. “Rather than have your retirement money vulnerable to the whims of
the market, I highly recommend Americans educate themselves on alternatives for growing money.” Gardner, author of “A Bridge Over Troubled Wall Street,” describes an option independent of the Wall Street rollercoaster. • Consider building retirement with real assets and real people. Seven years ago, the market meltdown took with it 30 to 50 percent of Americans wealth. The markets returned after 5 years and are now yo-yoing, but if it were to go bust yet again, we know the average investor will suffer, whereas banks and stockbrokers will be just fine. Wall Street is not the only answer. There are viable alternatives that include tangible assets—such as commercial properties—and real people with whom you can develop a trustworthy relationship. Education and taking responsibility for your money is key. “I call it the Bridge Plan,” he says. “Alternative strategies not espoused by Wall Street that can easily be understood and implemented by the (Continued on page 10)
Getting Engaged? How to Spend Your Dollars Wisely
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lame it on Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. The average cost of a wedding—excluding the honeymoon—has now soared to $31,213, according to the wedding planning website TheKnot. And experts cite the “images of celebrity wedding extravagance,” a la last year’s $12 million “Kimye” nuptials in Florence, Italy, as at least one factor influencing couples’ spending choices. Obviously, no one’s saying you have to shell out that much. But with this being prime time for popping the question—39 percent of all marriage proposals occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day—there is one trend that’s become both almost a must and a potential money-saving opportunity. “Personalization,” TheKnot reports, “is on the rise.” Here’s what you need to know: • The wedding venue. Scenic farms with barns are big with brides and grooms. “I think it has a lot to do with photography,” Lorin Holmes, co-founder of VermontWeddings.com, told USA Today. “When couples get married, they’re really looking for inter-
esting, unusual details.” And hey, when you consider the $50,000 tab to hold a reception at the New York Public Library—anything cultural or historic is also hot—the average venue booking fee of $14,000 starts to look pretty good. • The reception. The big news flash here is that spending on cocktail hours jumped 7 percent. So think signature cocktails—TheKnot’s spiked chocolate milkshake recipe sounds yummy—rather than an open bar. • The engagement ring. If you’ve been reading the glossies, you know the splash celebs like Elizabeth Hurley and Jessica Simpson made sporting ones with colored gemstones. And while it needn’t be her birthstone—Simpson’s is ruby, but Hurley’s sapphire jibes with the month her then-fiance was born— the right romantic touch can make for the ultimate in personalization. “It can also be the month a couple met or her favorite color,” says Jason Kordvani, president of product development at Davani (DavaniJewelry.com), a family(Continued on page 11)
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By Odest T. Riley, Jr., President, WLM Financial Services
rtists, Hipsters and Chipotle are what one would consider the modern day faces of gentrification in America. Every time you turn on the news you hear this catchy word. You might think it was a brand new idea. But like everything else in this country, it’s just a recycled idea with a new catchy name. Gentrification is described as a general term for the arrival of wealthier people in an existing urban district, a related increase in rents and property values, and changes in the district’s character and culture. The term is often used negatively, suggesting the displacement of poor communities by rich outsiders. However, this isn’t anything new. From the colonization of America to the creation of Banana Republics, we have been doing this in the name of kings, gods and countries since the invention of settlements. What’s changed is how it is done now. Instead of pilgrims riding up in a covered wagon to tell a Native tribe they need to vacate their land, citing lack of proper paper-
Odest T. Riley, Jr. work, we use a new system called “redevelopment.” This is defined as a process to assist city and county governments to eliminate blight within designated project areas. It encompasses residential, commercial, industrial, and retail development. Century Boulevard in Inglewood is the perfect example of bringing new businesses into a working class neighborhood that’s close to good amenities and transportation. Slowly tearing (Continued on page 11)
Please join
Thomas Safran and Associates and the City of Inglewood for a community workshop to discuss the proposed development plans for six sites in downtown Inglewood along Market Street between Florence Avenue and Queen Street.
When: Tuesday, December 15, 2015 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Where: Inglewood City Hall, First Floor Community Room Please contact the Planning Division for more information: (310) 412-5230
Proposed rendering of subject development
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LEGAL NOTICES Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015 279027 The following Person is doing business as:
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015 292613 The following Person is doing business as:
Subway 685 1275 S. La Brea Ave., Suite 112 Inglewood, CA 90301
He Is Risen, So What? 910 N. Cedar Street, Apt. 1 Inglewood, CA 90302
Registered Owner: Josang Inc, 1275 S. La Brea Ave., Suite 112, Inglewood, CA 90301
Registered Owner: Stephan Johnson, 910 N. Cedar Street, Apt. 1, Inglewood, CA 90302
This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on November 2, 2015. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Josang Inc, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on November 2, 2015
This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on November 17, 2015. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Stephan Johnson, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on November 17, 2015
NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.
NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.
The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original Nov 19, 26; Dec 3, 10, 2015 IT00422301084 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 Nov 19, 26; Dec 3, 10, 2015 IT00422301085 Inglewood Today
Is Wall Street’s Rollercoaster Making You Investment-Queasy? (Continued from page 9) average person.” • For people in the know, alternative investments remain strong. The most recent meltdown had folks searching for investment alternatives. While market fears continue, people who’ve actually gotten involved in options like Bridge Plans remain highly satisfied. Bridge Plans allow clients to participate in the wealth building power of real estate without all of the risk or hands on time required to be successful. “With a Bridge Plan, investors collectively pool their money together with other lenders to help fund a short term bridge loan on an income producing property,” Gardner says. “This is a reliable way to earn 5 to 7 percent within a year.” • Your money should provide greater peace of mind, not stress. Loans like Bridge Plans give peace of mind because there is a physical building acting as collateral. This isn’t a paper asset or a floating idea. This is a real asset. “One of the main reasons for the dot-com bubble bursting was that it wasn’t
real,” Gardner says. “It was the internet and websites. It was digital ones and zeroes hubbed on a server. The same can be said of Wall Street today. It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. The stock market is rigged and is now being run by super computers. This isn’t conspiracy theory. Very little trading happens with humans anymore. Now, there are high frequency trading computers that can trade stocks in mere nanoseconds.” Stephen Gardner committed to becoming a safe money specialist after losing 38 percent of his retirement money to Wall Street. As owner and founder of the Safe Millionaire Club at YourBridgePlan.com, he is on a mission to strengthen America one family at a time. Gardner is the bestselling author of “Billion Dollar Blueprint” and “Smartest Doctor in the Room.” His latest, “A Bridge Over Troubled Wall Street,” offers a blueprint for investment education and contractual returns, without Wall Street’s rollercoaster-like ups and downs. Gardner earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah.
Get Stopped by the Police? There’s an App for That (Continued from page 2) Union of Southern California, told The Root. “If we think they are not doing it in accordance with our values, then we have to demand that it change.” One thing that could help push that change is the act of recording these interactions between citizens and police. This year the ACLU of California, the joint branch of the ACLU of Southern California and the two other ACLU affiliates in the state, launched an app to make it safe and easy for citizens to exercise their right to record police interactions. The free app, Mobile Justice CA, (https://www.mobilejusticeca.org) allows Android and iPhone users to record and automatically send video of police encounters to ACLU servers, preserving the footage even if officers try to destroy the phone or delete the video. A copy of the video is also saved to the user’s camera roll. Villagra revealed that the goal was to get 100,000 downloads in a year, a goal the group exceeded in five months with over 160,000 downloads. Five additional ACLU offices—Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York and Oregon—have launched the app. Comments in the Google Play and Apple stores indicate that users want to know when the app will be available in their state. “I think there is a big group coming on very soon,
December 3, 2015
a group of about nine or 10 affiliates,” Villagra said. “I want people to know that it will hopefully be coming to their state very soon.” There are three main functions of the app: record, report and witness. After users record an encounter, they can submit a confidential incident report, including details of what they observed, which can also be submitted without a video. The witness feature allows users to receive notifications in real time to indicate when people around them are recording an incident. Mobile Justice CA can also be used as a tool for police accountability and transparency, especially since the release of police body-camera footage is often determined by police departments. “The app puts a certain amount of power and control back in individual’s hands. It’s like the people’s body camera, and the people get to control whether the video gets released or not, not the police department,” Villagra said. The ACLU will review the incident reports and videos submitted to decide whether to provide legal assistance. The organization may also publicize incidents of law-enforcement misconduct and share videos and other information with community organizations or the public. “We’re hoping to create a really powerful deterrent effect. If police officers think that there are a lot of people out there with this app, and that they won’t be able to delete the video, it creates a real incentive for them to be
on their best behavior,” Villagra said. Other features of the app include a Know Your Rights library and alerts, which provide up-to-date information on current issues, campaigns and upcoming events. Users are also able to review and sign petitions to local government officials, permitting them to take action on issues directly affecting their community. “It isn’t just an app that records the police. It basically includes all of your rights around filming the police, what’s acceptable for the police to do and what’s not acceptable, so it’s a teaching tool as well,” Patrisse Cullors, director of truth and reinvestment at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and cofounder of #BlackLivesMatter, told The Root. When asked how users should decide when to use the app, Cullors said, “Whenever someone is being pulled over, whenever you see young people being stopped and frisked, you should always pull over, step out of your car, as long as it’s within your means, and record.” She added, “Any interaction can become deadly, and we’ve seen it over and over again.” Sharee Silerio is a St. Louis-based freelance writer and television and film producer. She has covered culture, race, politics, social justice and media literacy. Follow her on Twitter. Like The Root on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
to afford to live in this mobility for its residents. community.” In the case of Inglewood, – Richard Smith most of the employers in the community are retail stores “Inglewood needs help. (Costco, Home Depot etc) It is a socioeconomic issue. and we all know they don’t Look at downtown LA! Who provide living wages to would have thought it could workers. As new businesses “Inglewood has been be so beautiful? There are come into the community, gentrified for decades. The many new establishments, maybe we (can) establish real issues are corporations some black-owned, that 50-55% local hire and livdisplacing the jobs and fam- equals jobs and revenue. No ing wage requirements to ilies that have built that city one wants to work all day full-time employees, and up in order to turn a quick and come home to a “hood.” some sort of rent control.” profit.” – Cynthia Brown – Reggie Noble – Christopher Willingham “Gentrification is only Place your DBAs, “I’m all for gentrifica- good for the haves, not the Probates, Trustee Notices, tion as long as we can have-not’s.” convince city officials to – Kimberly McElrath Legal Notices, Summons establish a rent control orand more in dinance to ensure residents “The issue with gentrifiInglewood Today living here, who voted for cation isn’t race at its core, Print & Online the redevelopment of this it’s about a community’s Call: 310.670.9600 community, can continue ability to foster upward Inglewood Speaks Out (Continued from page 7) tainly do, I support our A-1 City Council Team 100% as we move forward to a better future.” – Larry Rigsby
December 3, 2015
San Bernardino Marks 355th Mass Shooting This Year (Continued from page 1) killing of 9 people in a Charleston, South Carolina church in June—ever make the national news. Police are searching for clues as to what led to the attack in San Bernardino. Some are calling it domestic terrorism. However, the center has also come under fire in the past. In 2010, IRC was accused of ignoring children’s needs and for showing favoritism regarding vendor rates, the San Bernardino Sun reported. Employees also filed a civil lawsuit against the center alleging they were retaliated against for advocating for patients. The Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) which represents the network of 21 non-profit regional centers, including IRC, coordinates services for, and advocate on behalf of, California’s over 280,000 people with developmental disabilities. In a press release ARCA Board President Struthers said, “ARCA, the regional centers, and the developmental disabilities community is united in mourning and support. The victims of today’s shooting were connected to us by service to those in need. Our hearts are with all those affected.” The Truth About Gentrification? (Continued from page 9) down the surrounding neighborhood and building a new one attracts residents who can afford to pay higher taxes. Many people will assume I am totally against gentrification, but to be perfectly honest I’m not. Redevelopment is a big part of the eco-system. Humans move somewhere; build it up, use all the natural resources and move on. A second set of people come in and get the land for half the price, use it and move on. The problem isn’t property, it’s income. The third set of people living in that city, generally don’t have the income to ever move on and don’t realize they are sitting on a gold mine. The answer to gentrification is to buy that property you have been renting while it’s worth little to nothing.
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D at e s in D e c e m b e r December 3, 2015 Inglewood Ministers Holiday Celebration The Inglewood Area Ministers Association invites the community to its annual holiday Celebration from 10:00am to 1:00pm, Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship Church, 1152 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, California 90302. This year we will have a Fellowship Reception completely complimentary to all in attendance. “Servant-Leaders in Adoration of the Gift of Gifts (Luke 2:7-10) is the theme of this year’s Fellowship Reception. Former IAMA President and current IAMA Vice Chairman, Dr. William Thurmond, will be the guest speaker. IAMA was created to enhance the City of Inglewood through promoting community development and assistance to the Inglewood Unified School District. Please come and help IAMA celebrate its many accomplishments for year 2015. Should you have any questions, please contact Chairperson, Dr. Paulette Douglas at (951) 756-2898 or via email at paulette4690@sbcglobal.net; 2nd Vice President, Dr. Loystene Irvin at loystene@msn.com; committee members Minister Shirley Green at centralcdcsecty@att.net; Dr. Carla Greenwood at drcarla greenwood@sbcglobal.net; and Dr. William Thurmond at docwil34 @sbcglobal.net.
December 3 & 5, 2015 Winter Holiday Book Sale The Inglewood Public Library, 101 W. Manchester Blvd., is having a two-day book sale which offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for holiday gifts or just want to catch up on your reading, you’re sure to find items that are incredibly priced. Gift quality books are priced at $3-$5 each. Used hard and soft cover books, CDs and DVDs sell from $1 each to 12 for $10. The sale will be held Dec. 3, 11am to 6pm and Dec. 5, 10am to 2pm.
Keep your homes; right now is the time to stay put, until the real estate cycle shifts. When you see Starbucks start to pop up on every corner, hold on for the ride. Let the new residents artificially boost your property value, then use your equity to change the trajectory of your families’ future. If you wait just a little bit longer that $400k offer on the house you paid $200k for, will eventually be worth $800k. Ask all the hippies still living in Venice Beach.
Getting Engaged? How to Spend Your Wedding Dollars Wisely (Continued from page 9) owned company specializing in colored gemstones that has a nearly 50-year rep for creating some of the most gorgeous engagement rings around. And here’s the kicker: Whether sapphire, emerald, ruby or some other stone, as Kordvani notes, couples are also often pleasantly
December 5, 2015 Stuff the Police Trailer Event The Inglewood Police Department is sponsoring a holiday event sure to put smiles on the faces of needy Inglewood children. The public is encouraged to bring new and unused, unwrapped toys to the first floor lobby of Inglewood City Hall, One W. Manchester Boulevard. Families will be screened and pre-selected to receive the gifts on Saturday, December 5, from 6:00am to 6:00pm from the police trailer, located on Grevillea Avenue between Regent Street and Queen Street. For more information, please contact the IPD Community Affairs Section at 310-412-5530.
December 5, 2015 Ladera Heights Community Yard Sale WLM Financial, a mortgage lending, real estate and insurance company in the heart of Downtown Inglewood, will host a community yard sale in Ladera Heights. Items for sale will include shoes and clothing for adults and children, toys and books, furniture small appliances and more. All remaining yard sale items will be donated to Living Advantage Inc., a foster care organization. The yard sale will be held from 10am-4pm, location to be announced. For more info, call (310) 905-7421 or info@wlmfinancial. com. Ongoing Talk to a Lawyer Online In cooperation with the City of Inglewood, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) now offers a teleconferencing center at the Main Library, where you can speak to a lawyer live, and send them documents. They offer legal advice and guidance on a variety of civil matters, including evictions, divorces, and child custody. They can provide referrals to private attorneys, other legal services, or other resources as needed. Hours for teleconferencing are every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm. Ask the Audio/Visual Desk assistant for help or call ahead for an appointment at (310) 412-5380. surprised to discover they can get “a larger, more important-looking ring at much less cost than a diamond.” The firm itself offers styles ranging from the more affordable Davani Bridal to the show-stopping Luxury Collection. As if thinking of those Kimye nuptials, he adds: “People want big rings like the ones celebrities wear.” Source: NewsUSA
Exhibit at newly-renovated National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis demonstrates Montgomery Bus Boycott with statues of women walking next to a replica of a city bus. Photos by Associated Press/Times Free Press.
History Making Boycott Turns 60 (Continued from page 1) nationwide. National Bar Association members organized a Civil Rights Commemoration Tour in Montgomery on November 30 and December 1. Featured speakers included former U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton, and civil rights attorneys Fred Gray and Benjamin L. Crump (lawyer for Trayvon Martin), and Paulette Brown, the first African American woman to lead the American Bar Association.
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Also on December 1, National Public Radio held a tribute at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, where the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached. The City of Montgomery itself has various events planned from November 29-December 5. Event planners noted that youth will play a leading role in the tribute. The NPR event, for example, will feature a dialogue between elders who took part in the movement, and a diverse group of young people who will share their vision for the future.
In Montgomery on December 1 at 6:00 pm (the date and time of Parks’ arrest), area churches in Montgomery rang their bells in commemoration. A pair of exhibits at the Rosa Parks Museum on Troy University’s Montgomery Campus are currently on display to commemorate the boycott’s 60th anniversary. “The Montgomery Bus Boycott: A Reflection of 60 Years” opened in the museum’s gallery and will be on display until February 29, 2016. The Trojan News Center said the exhibit will explore how the bus boycott was reported in local news-
papers, how the black community worked together to make the boycott successful, and the challenges of obtaining civil rights and equality today. There will also be a special collection featuring rare artifacts related to Mrs. Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott on display from Nov. 30 through Dec. 4. In Memphis, visitors can view interactive exhibits and historic collections, and participate in special events at the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
Trump Endorsement by Black Preachers Implodes
epublican presidential hopeful Donald Trump recently had to walk back an announcement that he would receive endorsements from about 100 prominent black preachers. The intent of the meeting was quickly downgraded from an endorsement event to a meet-andgreet after pastors complained they never offered their support. Some said they never would. Last week, Trump called a press conference where endorsements were expected to be announced. However, those invited wrote an open letter on Ebony.com saying they had been “blindsided” by the Republican presidential candidate. The letter was signed by more than 100 pastors and stated “Trump’s racially inaccurate, insensitive and incendiary rhetoric should give those charged with the care of the spirits and souls of black people great pause.” Bishop Clarence McClendon, of the reality TV show “Pastors of L.A.,” said on Facebook he was invited to Trump’s gathering, but has not yet decided which candidate to support. According to CNN, Trump also invited Bishop Corletta Vaughn, but she announced she would neither attend nor endorse him. “Trump is an insult and embarrassment…flaunting a ticket of unbridled bigotry, sexism, racism, and everything that is wrong
claimed that 81 percent of whites are killed by blacks—a gross exaggeration, reputable news sources say. In addition, fact checkers said the Crime Statistics Bureau does not exist. Trump blamed the Black Lives Matter movement for the lack of support among pastors. He told MSNBC, “I think what happened, probably some of the #BlackLives Matter folks called them up and with America,” she said on Facebook. ing “Black Lives Matter.” Video said, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t be meetBishop Paul S. Morton tweet- shows all those who attacked him ing with Trump because he believes ed that he “refused” to meet with were white and Trump was heard that all lives matter,’” he said. Trump or endorse him because of saying, “Get him the hell out of “What I think what happened is his disrespect toward people. here.” No arrests were made. a lot of pressure was put on them,” Over the weekend, the press conference was cancelled. Instead, Trump met privately with members of the clergy to “engage in dialogue” at his Trump Towers headquarters in New York. According to the New York Times, Pastor Darrell Scott of the New Spirit Revival Center in Ohio helped to organize the meeting. Scott, a Democrat who has voted for President Barack Obama, backs Trump’s candidacy. After meeting Trump, Scott rejects the widespread view that the candidate is a racist. Making matters worse, Trump Trump continued. “I have a great “I was looking for some subtle tweeted some false statistics that relationship with the black pastors.” hints of racism. I didn’t see it at all,” blacks are largely responsible for After commenting on the staggerScott told the Times. the number of white people who are ing statistics about unemployment Last week a protestor was knocked murdered. Citing the Crime Statis- among black youth, Trump vowed down, punched and kicked at a tics Bureau in San Francisco as his to “do something about it,” but gave Trump rally in Alabama after chant- source, the image that he posted no details.