December 5, 2013

Your Community Connection

Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 22, No. 49

December 5, 2013

New Political Dynasty Begins

S

ebastian RidleyThomas emerged the winner in a special primary election Tuesday for a seat in the state Assembly.

The son of powerful L.A. County Supervisor and former Chair Mark Ridley-Thomas beat 2 Democratic candidates—former Culver City Mayor Christopher R. Armenta and John Jake, president of the Olympic Park Neighborhood Council.

The younger RidleyThomas won 60% of the vote, which is more than enough to avoid a Feb. 4 runoff. He will serve the 54th Assembly District,

Sebastian and Mark Ridley-Thomas vacated by Assemblywom- District with a victory an Holly Mitchell, who speech which spoke to the won election to the state issues, he said constituents Senate in September. are most concerned about— The 26 year-old Assem- jobs, quality education, and blymember-Elect greeted affordable healthcare. supporters in the Crenshaw “Tonight, I tell the people of the 54th Assembly District… I will deliver,” he said.

Winning the 54th state Assembly seat is a full circle experience for the Ridley-Thomas family. The senior Ridley-Thomas once represented the CrenshawLeimert Park area as a Los Angeles City Councilmember. He was later elected to the state senate, and then beThe Ridley-Thomas Family came a member of the L.A.

How Much Do You Love Your Child?

On The Inside: • News • Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business

County Board of Supervisors, replacing outgoing District Two Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke in 2008.

He may be young, but his political upbringing has provided considerable experience, connections and resources that put him out ahead of the competition. According to the Los Angeles Times, he spent more the $600,000 on the campaign. Armenta and Jake didn’t even come close.

Ridley-Thomas has worked as an aide for L.A. City Councilmember and former state senator Curren Price. Over a two-year period, he served as Political Director for the nine-member California Legislative Black Caucus, according to the campaign website.

The 54th Assembly District includes all or portions of Baldwin Hills, Century City, Crenshaw, Culver City, Inglewood, Jefferson Park, Ladera Heights, Leimert Park, Mar Vista, Mid City, View Park-Windsor Hills, West Los Angeles and Westwood.

By Thomas Bunn

I

f any parent was asked this question, I’m quite certain the answer would never result in one admitting they love the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” a tad more. Their Sunday evening behaviors may be a little more telling, however, than they let on. Parents who (Continued on page 2)

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

‘Friends’ Save Season for MHS

M

orningside High School’s Cinderella season came to a close on Nov. 16 with their playoff loss to Chaminade, but it was a season that almost didn’t happen. The team nearly had to forfeit its entire schedule had it not been for a tenacious group of alumni and the generosity of a company who literally saved the entire program with a $45,000 equipment donation.

Riddell Sports was the donor, and the Friends of MHS was the group that made it happen.

This is a story of how a small group of caring people, working totally behind-the-scenes without fanfare, dreamed a big vision and mobilized others to make it come true.

One of the 80 helmets donated by Riddell.

For some, the chance to participate in high school athletics is the reason to come to school each day. It gives young people purpose and focus, friendships that last a lifetime and instills positive values such as sportsmanship, perseverance and character. At public high schools, football is unarguably the flagship sport, with rich traditions and fierce competition that draw the most fans and attention.

It is no different at Morningside High School, but this year, the entire program was in serious danger of not happening. Head football (Continued on page 6)

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.

Should Cell Phone Use Be Allowed on Airplanes?

W

e’ve all seen the horrors of excessive cell phone use—accidents caused by distracted drivers talking and texting. Oprah even started a notexting campaign.

I saw a viral YouTube video of a woman so involved with her texting that she walked right into a fountain.

Our technology-dependent culture has gone beyond the point of return.

It seems cell phones are now being upgraded with new features every month or so. There are plenty of new ways to focus our attention off what we are doing and onto the allconsuming tiny hand held screen.

For people who just can’t seem to refrain from using their mobile phones, news that the FCC is considering allowing cell phone usage on airplanes is welcome. A 3-or 4-hour flight could be spent chatting away with family or friends or going over last minute details about a business meeting.

Passengers don’t have to deal with driving so everything’s good, right?

Not really, say 49% of respondents polled last week by the Huffington Post. They don’t want the FCC to approve cell phone usage on planes, even if it is deemed safe.

Since mobile technology became

popular, the FCC has cracked down on its usage, noting that communication signals can interfere with critical equipment needed to safely fly planes.

But there are issues other than safety that concern passengers, which primarily have to do with privacy. They don’t want to be forced to have to listen to conversations of other passengers.

“It’s bad enough that I have to listen to people in line at the grocery store, at restaurants and other public places. Now I have to hear them during a long flight,” said Manny Riso, an artist who uses his phone a couple times a week.

Laney Jones, a teacher says she likes to relax and catch up on her reading when flying to visit her mom in New York. People who talk a lot are distracting, she said.

Cell phone usage is banned in movie theatres, in church and other places where people are expected to be quiet. Why should air travel be the exception? Are people making too much of a fuss over this issue?

If the FCC approves phone usage, should there be special sections for talkers and non-talkers?

Talk to me: veronica@inglewood today.com.

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How Much Do You Love Your Child?

(Continued from page 1) have an unwavering affinity for the life they’ve brought into this world, like myself, will take a serious interest in a groundbreaking and eye opening conference that is taking place this Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 10am-4pm at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science (Keck Lecture Hall).

The conference is titled, “The 1st Annual George Julius Stinney Children’s Justice Conference.” If you’re unfamiliar, George Stinney was the youngest person in American history sentenced to death. At the time he was accused and sentenced, he was only 14 years old.

He was accused of murdering two young white girls in 1944.

According to police reports, Stinney when asked, confessed to the murders, although after careful analysis, critics and law practitioners considered the allegations “suspicious” and a misuse of justice.

Stinney, during his entire stay in jail, up until the moment of his death, was denied contact with his family.

He was escorted to the electric chair with a Bible in hand, which would later be used as a booster seat.

Considering the tragedies of Trayvon Martin, Rekia Boyd, Jordan Davis, Oscar Grant, and the countless number of young souls taken due to social injustice, I thought the title was a strong choice and sent a very direct message that our children, whether we want to realize it or not, are under attack.

The conference is being organized by a young brother from Inglewood by the name of Ryan Thompson. He is an active member of the community and several social justice organizations, where he advocates wellness and prosperity among African Americans. The conference will also feature several respected authors and scholars such as, Dr. Lewis King, graduate of UCLA, Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior; Pediatrician Dr. Ernie Smith; and journalist and author of the new book, No Doubt: The Murder of Oscar Grant, Thandisizwe Chimurenga.

The George Julius Stinney Children’s Justice Conference will focus on issues pertaining to health, education, justice, media, culture, policy, and social ecology in efforts to inform the community on critical issues that are often overlooked and even downplayed by the media.

I give thanks to brother Ryan and the individuals organizing the George Julius Stinney Children’s Justice Conference, I will for sure be in attendance and expect to see all of you guys who declare your love for you children. We can spend one Saturday in the real world, embracing knowledge that isn’t shoved down our throats on the TV screen.

December 5, 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.

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Inglewood Today

December 5, 2013

Page 3

Educator Speaks Out on Stagnant US Scores

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n Dec. 3, 2013 the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) released a lackluster report on public education in the U.S. According to the data, the U.S. ranked 26th in math, 21st in science, and 17th in reading.

Michelle Rhee Michelle Rhee, founder of Students First, an education reform advocacy organization, issued the following statement: “There’s absolutely no reason we should settle for mediocrity, especially when it comes to our kids. American students are capable of high achievement on the international stage, and there are just as many exceptional educators in our great nation, but our system has been failing them.

While some bipartisan progress has been made to put in place student-centered reforms that are

beginning to show results, far too many political and educational leaders are sitting still.”

Students First is on a mission to raise awareness of the critical role played by educators, to ensure families have high quality school choices and a say in their children’s education. Rhee, a former Washington D.C. Public Schools Chancellor, said her organization also keeps an eye on how tax dollars are spent in regard to public education.

According to the OECD, the US ranks fifth in overall spending on education per students.

The report notes: “A comparison of countries’ actual spending per student, on average, from the age of 6 up to the age of 15 also puts the United States at an advantage, since only Austria, Luxembourg, Norway and Switzerland spend more, on average, on education per student. And yet, the Slovak Republic, which spends around USD 53 000 per student, performs at the same level as the United States, which spends over USD 115 000 per student. Similarly, Korea, the highest-performing OECD country in mathematics, spends well below the average per-student expenditure.” (http://www.oecd.org/pisa/ keyfindings/PISA-2012-resultsUS.pdf).

The US rankings fell since 2009, where the US was 25th in math, 14th in reading, and 17th in science.

“As the rest of the world advances rapidly, we can’t sit still

Inglewood Shooting Update

L

By Thomas Bunn

ast week, Inglewood probably received more coverage than when the Lakers won their dynastic string of Championships at the Fabulous Forum. Unfortunately the limelight was focused on an emotionally unstable man, who decided to take his frustrations out on two young women.

When sensing that a win was nowhere to be found, he attempted to shoot his way out, injuring two police officers in the process.

I arrived on the crowd-intense scene, and it looked like something out of a major Hollywood film.

Clusters of residents stood in pockets chatting among themselves, police officers from Inglewood and several neighboring cities stood on standby.

I caught up with Mayor James Butts Jr. and was informed that the Inglewood Police Department received the call of a domestic dispute that turned into a hostage standoff, in which the unnamed man threatened to kill the two young women

if his demands weren’t met.

As hours passed, the crowd dissipated, the number of officers lessened, and helicopters about-faced to headquarters. Negotiations teams were able to convince the suspect to release the hostages and surrender.

Christopher Warsaw, the alleged gunman involved in an hours-long standoff near 108th Street and 5th Avenue appeared in court Tuesday to face 26 felony counts. Warsaw did not enter a plea and was ordered to return for arraignment on Dec. 20. The 45-year-old appeared at Los Angeles Superior Court, Inglewood Branch.

Warsaw’s defense attorney ob-

and make excuses for a system that fails to provide a growing number of our kids with great schools and great teachers. Providing all of our kids with an education that meets today’s global demands requires our policymakers to both recognize the severity of the education

crisis and muster the political will to act,” Rhee said.

StudentsFirst is active in 18 states and has successfully helped pass more than 110 student-centered policies across the country. For more information visit www.studentsfirst. org.

Suspects Sought in Inglewood Homicide

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man shot multiple times in Inglewood Saturday was publicly identified Monday by the coroner’s office.

The man was identified as Kevin L. Kilgore, 31, of Hawthorne, said Assistant Coroner Chief Ed Winter.

Kilgore was found at 2 a.m. Saturday in the 400 block of South Fir Avenue. He has been brought there from another location, said Inglewood police Sgt. Francisco Ruiz said.

He was pronounced dead at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center at 4 a.m. Saturday.

Ruiz said at first police believes the shooting was related to an earlier shots-fired call from the rear of

the Market Street Bar and Grill, in the 300 block of South Market Avenue in Inglewood.

Witnesses from that shooting described a red pickup truck as possibly involved, Ruiz said.

Police found the truck and followed it, Ruiz said. As they did, a handgun was thrown from the passenger window, he said.

Another gun was recovered from inside the truck after it was stopped and searched, Ruiz said.

Although both occupants were taken into custody, they were held on charges that were not related to Kilgore’s death. No suspects are in custody on the Kilgore homicide, a watch commander said.

jected to the presence of news eras not be allowed. media in the courtroom, saying The charges against him include cameras could influence future pro- 10 counts of attempted murder of a ceedings. Judge Victor L. Wright peace officer or firefighter, 10 counts denied Warsaw’s request that cam(Continued on page 11)

Inglewood Today

Page 4

December 5, 2013

Eye on the City T

Council Thankful for Inglewood Police

uesday’s meeting was the first after the Thanksgiving Eve shooting which took place at 108th Street and 5th Avenue. Mayor James Butts and council members praised Inglewood law enforcement officers, other agencies and the public for their handling of the situation.

Councilmember Ralph Franklin, in whose district the shooting occurred, was the first to comment on the ordeal.

“I want to reach out to the residents who, for a quarter of a mile, were denied access to their homes on a holiday. We were inconvenienced for 10 hours but it was for our protection. The police prepared for this “opportunity”—that’s what I call it. They were prepared for hostile conditions and the training paid off,” he said.

By Veronica Mackey

fortunate. Chief Mark Fronterotta was back in Boston visiting family.

Immediately upon hearing what happened, he came back just as the situation was being resolved. After it was over, he came back to his family. That’s dedication. The media showed us as public safety-minded.

For such a tragic situation to have such a good outcome is a testimony to our police department.”

“We were happy to hear the offiInglewood City Council cer was wearing his vest and was in Butts thanked all law enforce- one named Randall Fleming. He stable condition at the hospital. We ment agencies who assisted the titled it, ‘Was Inglewood Mayor really appreciate it and I appreciInglewood police, including of- and Chief Missing?’ I was actu- ate the mayor keeping us informed, ficers from Gardena and Manhat- ally on the scene in 20 minutes and, said Councilman Eloy Morales. tan Beach. He then set the record because I had a law enforcement The Inglewood City Council destraight about misinformation background, I was allowed to come. nied personal injury claims as recwhich was printed about his per- In. The only time I left was to go to ommended by City Attorney Cal sonal whereabouts. the hospital to check on the officer Saunders. The council approved an “I read an article in the Morn- who was injured. amended agreement with Whittaker (Continued on page 5) ingside Park Chronicle by some“I thought it (article) was so un-

Pick up your copy of Inglewood Today at one of these locations: 1 Stop Mini-Mart, 420 E. Florence Ave. A-Man Inc., 101 La Brea Ave. Airport Gas, 501 Hillcrest St. Allstate, 2300 W. Manchester Bl. Bayou Grill, 1400 N. La Brea Ave. Boston Cream Donuts, 2576 La Brea Ave. Bourbon Street Fish & Grill, 601 S. Prairie Ave. Briarwood, 3500 Manchester Bl. Broadway Federal Bank, 170 N. Market St. Brolly Hut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Bruno’s Pizza, 450 E. Manchester Bl. Budda Market, 3753 Slauson (Rimpau) C&J Beauty Supply, 11252 Crenshaw Bl. Carlton Square, 8700 Carlton Centinela Hospital, 555 E. Hardy St. Chili’s, 3490 W. Century Bl. Chile Verde on Crenshaw Choice Berry, 599 1/2 S. La Brea Ave. City One Stop, 110 Queen St. Cranford Scott, M.D., 211 N. Prairie Ave. CVS Pharmacy, 222 N. Market St. Darby Park, 3400 W. Arbor Vitae Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #1, 202 E. Manchester Bl. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #2, 3249 W. Century Bl. Edward Vincent Park Senior Ctr., 700 Warren Lane Fabulous Burger, 1315 Centinela Ave., Family Fish Market, 1300 Centinela Ave. Fiesta Martin Mexican Grill, 1330 N. La Brea Ave. Gin’s Liquor, 11001 Crenshaw Bl. Gonzales Northgate Market, 10801 Prairie Ave. Heart & Soul Grill, 128 N. Market St. Hollywood Park Casino, 1050 S. Prairie Ave. Inglewood Airport Area, 330 E. Queen St. Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E. Florence Ave. Inglewood Community Police Ctr., Manchester/7th Ave. Inglewood City Hall, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Library, 101 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Meadows, 1 Locust St. Inglewood Park Mortuary, 3801 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Police Station, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Today, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Inglewood Unified School District, 401 S. Inglewood Ave. In the Kut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Jamba Juice, 5305 W. Centinela Ave. King Fish Market, 10901 Crenshaw Bl. KJLH Radio, 161 N. La Brea Ave. Ladera Physiotherapy, 409 S. La Brea Ave.

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Inglewood Today

December 5, 2013

Publisher’s Message

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Giving Praise When It Is Due

ll eyes were on Inglewood police during the Thanksgiving Eve shooting at 5th Ave. and 108th St. Officers were in a delicate position, as they attempted to apprehend a suspect under the glaring spotlight of news cameras.

One wrong move could not only compromise public safety, but could put a black eye on the department’s reputation. It wasn’t that long ago when residents were up in arms over the department’s harsh treatment of suspects. Officers were accused of using excessive force.

But it should be equally noted when officers do a superb job protecting the public and catching violent criminals.

Last week’s shooting and standoff was an excellent show of professionalism. Inglewood officers, with the assistance of other local police departments, endured two officers being shot, kidnapping of two victims (one, a minor), and a 10-hour standoff before taking the suspect into custody. Miraculously, no one died.

Several media outlets praised Inglewood as a city with a strong commitment to public safety.

While the situation was potentially life threatening, a curious thing happened. Morningside Park Chronicle editor Randall Fleming could find nothing better to do than pick on Mayor James Butts and Inglewood Police Chief Mark Fronterotta.

That’s because MPC is not a real newspaper, but a political hit piece devoted to trashing elected officials for monetary gain. Even at a time of great distress, when scores of Inglewood residents had to vacate their homes and could have potentially been in the line of a gunman’s fire, Fleming chose to conjure up a non-story that suggests the mayor and police chief were nowhere around during the crisis.

Mayor Butts had to tell the public at the council meeting that he was indeed on the scene within 20 minutes of the shooting. As the former police chief in Santa Monica, he was allowed to enter the scene. He constantly monitored the situation and gave city officials and Inglewood Today blow by blow accounts of the confron-

Page 5

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Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly tation with the suspect.

As he pointed out, in a hostage situation the last thing you want to do is go on television and make statements. Suspects watch TV and you don’t want to tip them off about your next move.

Chief Fronterotta was on Thanksgiving break in Boston but flew back immediately when he got the news.

Where were the mayor and police chief? The question to Fleming is, “If you were a legitimate Inglewood newspaper, where were you? If you were serious about reporting news and getting it right—instead of just criticizing and deceiving folks, you would have known where the mayor was.”

We did. Inglewood Today was with the mayor. We were given regular updates about the situation and put a story together even after the paper had been sent to the printer. There is an update in this issue.

But of course, Fleming is not interested in anything that puts Inglewood in a positive light—even in the face of great challenge. To use the shooting as a way to imply that Mayor Butts could not be found (and therefore, does not care about Inglewood) is not only deceptive, it’s unprofessional. But again, we must consider the source.

I recently wrote a message about Fleming being a two-bit hustler, out to bring the city down by creating deceptive, sensational news.

I hope you are starting to get the picture now. This is just another example of why MPC cannot be trusted as a legitimate news source in Inglewood.

When negative thoughts come to your mind, don’t let them take root.

Just switch over into faith and believe for the goodness in your life.

Eye on the City (Continued from page 4) & Company, CPA’s for professional accounting assistance and consulting services in the amount of $55,080, and extension of a contract to expire on April 30, 2015.

Parks, Recreation, and Library Services will receive two grants—$25,550 for the Darby Art Action Project and $250,000 for the Vincent Park and Darby Park Improvement Projects.

The City will also apply for funding with the Los Angeles County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for the Supportive Services Program to care for elderly and disabled residents. The Inglewood Police Department was given the green light to purchase practice and duty ammunition from Dooley Enter-

Yvonne Horton

prises in the amount of $110,000. The council also approved $26,085 to purchase various lamps and ballasts for public works.

The council received a draft of the FY 2012-2013 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report regarding the Section 8, Housing And Community Development Block Grant.

The Residential Sound Insulation Project is on schedule. The ambitious goal of sound insulating 1,000 residential structures within 12 months is being realized. However, reporting is a challenge because the City operates within 3 different time frames in regard to the project. This makes it confusing for the public to (Continued on page 10)

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Inglewood Today

Page 6

‘Friends’ Save Season for MHS (Continued from page 1) coach Derwin Henderson, hired in May 2013, took over a program with not enough equipment and facilities in such deplorable condition, Henderson wondered how his players would ever be successful.

“When I first saw the facilities, I couldn’t think of anything worse.

We had nothing. No helmets, not

December 5, 2013

even footballs,” said Henderson.

“Eight kids showed up for my first team meeting.”

Enter the Friends of MHS alumni organization. Conceived in 2010 as an informal “get together” of a few MHS graduates, the Friends of MHS now reaches more than 1700 Monarchs comprised of alumni from 1954 – 1974. The group has a singular focus of supporting MHS, its students, staff and programs.

Senior Offensive Lineman Efrem Fitts.

At Nov. 8 ceremony, (from left), Coach Henderson, Griffin, McKown, MHS Assistant Principal Jevon Davis, Basch-Stelik, MHS Activities Director Eddie Connor.

Since its inception, it has provided John. They spearhead a formimore than $120,000 in donations dable group that can reach thouof cash, prizes, products, services, sands of alumni and mobilize help labor and expertise, more than half for the school on a moment’s nothat total donated this year alone. tice through the group’s substantial Sherrie Basch-Stelik co-founded Facebook, newsletter and informal the Friends of MHS with husband networks of supporters.

“While John and I may be the face on campus or the ‘hub’ as some have called us, without the dedication and unwavering support of our Monarch friends and classmates, none of this would be possible,” said Basch-Stelik.

“We are all so proud of Coach D, his staff and the team.”

Into Basch-Stelik’s expansive network, Henderson put out a request for help. Even before Riddell stepped in, his call was immediately answered by alumni, to the tune of $1,150 in cash and three new weight benches. Thankfully MHS Alumni Tina McKown, Corporate Travel Manager with Easton, also read the request and answered the call. She contacted colleague Erin Griffin, Senior Communications Manager with Riddell, who contacted Henderson directly. This grew into a partnership that eventually delivered 80 helmets, shoulder pads, back plates and other equipment worth $45,000 completely free to the school. It was this equipment the Morningside Monarchs proudly donned en route to a winning season and spot in the playoffs, their first in nine years.

“After getting the basic equipment we needed, then it was all about coaching, that was the easy part,” said Henderson, whose coaching resume includes a Division II CIF title earned in 2011 in LAUSD. “This year was a really successful season, if you look at it from where we started and where we ended up.”

Morningside publically honored Riddell and the Friends of MHS on the field before the Nov. 8 game with cross-town rival Inglewood High School. It was a fitting tribute at an opportune time because Morningside’s eventual win that night put them in the playoffs. It has been an amazing year and a Cinderella season that would not have happened without Coach Henderson’s steady leadership and help from the Friends of MHS and Riddell.

Inglewood Today

December 5, 2013

Page 7

Health&Fitness T•O•D•A•Y

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Say Aaah – Tips to Protect Yourself from the Flu

t’s that time of year. It starts as a tickle in your throat, a sneeze, a cough, until soon you’re mouth feels stuffed with cotton, and you’re going through tissues in Costco-size quantities. Welcome to the cold and flu season—officially December through March—and there is still no cure.

There are, however, things you can do to avoid infection, while protecting friends and family from these pesky viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following tips: Get a shot. It’s best to be proactive, not reactive, when fighting the flu, say experts, so getting a flu shot is the first step in doing battle—and the sooner the better. “The flu shot doesn’t work right away,” says Nathan Limb, pharmacy supervisor for Walgreens in Chicago’s central district. “It takes about two weeks to boost the immune system once you’ve received it.”

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Wash your hands. Soap and water are your best friends during this season. Washing your hands, both front and back, for 15-seconds plus (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” three times, or the ABCs will do it) is key. This is especially important when working in common areas such as copy rooms or front offices.

Drink plenty of liquids. It’s im-

portant to stay hydrated, and while certain juices have been shown to prevent fewer cold symptoms, drinking water every day, all day, is a better option, say experts. Without water, no living thing can survive, which means it is crucial to maintaining optimal health. While water has a myriad of health benefits, research has shown that not all waters are cre-

ated equal, and that some waters have more health benefits than others.

This, say experts, is why drinking alkaline ionized water, such as Alkame Water, should be an essential part of anyone’s health plan. Doctors recommend the mild alkalinity because it allows for more effective hydration, which supports an optimal pH-balanced body and is a powerful source of antioxidants, which boost the immune system, while also enhancing energy levels and overall health.

Keep your distance. If you do get sick, it’s important to stay home so you can get better quickly and not spread germs to others. The rule of thumb is to stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone without use of medicine that lowers the fever. This will ensure you are past the point where you are likely to spread the virus to others.

For more information on Alkame and its benefits, visit www.alkamewater.com.

Choose Your Provider Before You Choose Your Plan

ow more than ever before, Americans face a new reality regarding their health coverage. As a result, it’s so important to understand your choices.

A recent report by Healthgrades, an online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals, reveals how hospital selection can dramatically affect a patient’s health. Understandably so, individuals are far more likely to die or suffer complications at hospitals receiving lower ratings.

Given that health care coverage is the focal point of many conversations these days, the report prompts new discussions around the steps

consumers need to take.

“We urge consumers to do their homework when picking a plan to find out which physicians are covered and whether ... the physician practices at a hospital with a low risk of mortality or complications,” says Roger Holstein, CEO of Healthgrades. “Picking a plan is not just about cost,” he adds, “consumers should pick their providers before choosing a plan and Healthgrades should be their first stop.”

Sadly, most people are unaware that their choice of a physician is directly linked to the their choice of a hospital, and in turn, its importance in predicting better outcomes.

Highlighting this point is a recent study by Harris Interactive, which found that fewer than half of Americans over age 26 gather extensive and detailed information before selecting a hospital or physician, and are more likely to choose a hospital based on convenience or copay versus quality data. Yet, the decision could mean the difference between life and death.

“Consumers need accurate information to make meaningful choices between plans,” says Archelle Georgiou, M.D., strategic advisor to Healthgrades. “With the Affordable Care Act expanding access to care, it’s more important than ever

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!

to understand your options, including the quality of care offered at the hospitals and affiliated physicians in your plan.”

Interestingly, the Healthgrades report notes that better quality can result in lower overall costs, stating that the direct costs of caring for a patient who experiences a complication are, on average, nearly two times the cost of caring for those patients who did not experience a problem.

For more information, visit www. healthgrades.com/quality.

Inglewood Today

Page 8

December 5, 2013

Today S

SCAG, Regional Leaders Push ‘Hard Decisions’ at 4th Annual Economic Summit

outhern California could see economic activity return to pre-recession levels a little sooner than previously expected, but the region and state face more hard decisions en route to recovering from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, economists and other experts say.

Those next steps will be the subject of the Southern California Association of Governments’ 4th Annual Economic Recovery & Job Creation Summit Dec. 5, at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. The summit is the largest of its kind this year in Greater Los Angeles, gathering regional and business leaders, economists and educators to begin developing collaborative solutions to Southern California’s short- and long-term economic challenges.

“The fact is, we can’t sit back and wait for the market to correct itself.

Much of what we face is uncorrectable without the right plan and execution,” said Hasan Ikhrata, Executive Director of SCAG. Wallace Walrod, chief economic advisor to the Orange County Business Council, voiced a similar sense of urgency.

“We still have almost 800,000 people out of work in our region.

We need to act now,” said Walrod,

who led a SCAG-convened team of economists in analyzing Southern California’s economic health and ability to recover jobs lost during the recession. “The big picture,” Walrod said, “is that we do see a little bit of improvement regarding when the recovery will occur. Even so, the prognosis is a sobering one and requires an economic strategy that prioritizes job creation.”

In three of the six counties represented in the SCAG region, employment is now expected to reach pre-recession levels a year earlier than had been projected in a similar study from 2012. In Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, the best-case scenario now calls for pre-recession employment levels in 2017. In Imperial County, jobs should hit 2007 levels sometime between now and the end of 2014.

In the remainder of the SCAG region, the jobs forecast remains the same as it did in 2012. with a bestcase scenario of 2014 for pre-recession employment levels in Orange County, and 2016 in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

However, replacing the quality and salary levels of jobs eliminated during the recession remains a formidable challenge. “The past decade has dealt a death blow to

our middle class in California, and when it comes to economic development, we’re going to need to think differently and act differently,” said Greg Pettis, President of SCAG and a Cathedral City council member. “Urgent attention needs to go to repairing and rebuilding our transportation infrastructure that supports our middle class.”

SCAG’s 2012-2035 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy calls for $524 billion in transportation spending during that period, generating an average of 500,000 jobs per year and a return on investment of $2.90 for every dollar spent. Improving mobility also betters our air quality, increases worker productivity and bolsters the region’s vital goods-movement industry, which represents one-third of all jobs and economic activity in Southern California.

The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles handle $350 billion worth of goods each year, roughly 40 percent of the nation’s cargo shipments. In addition, Los Angeles International Airport handles $78 billion in cargo each year, with another $35 billion passing through our international border crossings.

In all, goods movement and related

industries account for 2.9 million jobs and $249 billion in gross regional product.

The panel of economists convened by SCAG noted that even a small percentage of lost market share would cripple the regional economy. They also pointed to regulatory hurdles that have kept some inland communities from maximizing the demand for warehousing and distribution centers, delaying or costing tens of thousands of potential jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity.

“The freight transportation system has a direct and dramatic impact on our economic vitality and quality of life,” Ikhrata said, noting that SCAG’s RTP/SCS called for $60 billion in freight transportation investment over the next quarter century.

The Dec. 5 Economic Summit will feature a keynote speech by Darrell Steinberg, President pro tempore of the California State Senate. The regional economic reports will be used to begin developing a coordinated, strategic Southern California workforce and economic development plan.

For more information on the Summit, please visit www.scag.ca.gov.

The Bully in Your Business

T

Five Types of Bullies to Watch Out For and How Owners Should Handle Them

here has been a lot of news coverage lately about bullying between teammates on the Miami Dolphins. And by all accounts, it’s an ugly situation—the team in disarray, sponsors canceling contracts, season ticket holders canceling tickets, the Dolphin brand becoming a punch line for comedians’ jokes, and an overall loss of value for the franchise. And that’s not even taking into account the potential for destroying careers.

“But to my mind, the real story is that so many people are surprised by it,” says Bill McBean, author of The Facts of Business Life: What Every Successful Business Owner Knows That You Don’t (Wiley, October 2012, ISBN: 978-1-1180949-6-9, $24.95, www.FactsOfBusinessLife. com). “I’m not surprised, and neither should the NFL, franchise owners, or their executives be. The only

thing that does surprise me is that it took so long for a bullying story to become public.”

The fact is that bullying is a real problem in business, and can become a major issue if it’s ignored or unchecked. It’s something that can happen in any business, which successful owners understand and, when necessary, take steps to overcome. (Interestingly enough, professional football players notwithstanding, not all workplace bullies are men. Women can be bullies as well, and are sometimes downright nasty to each other as well as intimidating to men.)

“But regardless of who’s doing the bullying, at the end of the day it is the owner’s responsibility to have the backbone, and the guts, to stand up and protect his or her entire staff, even if it means firing good individual performers, and, on occasion,

good customers,” McBean says.

“In fact, if you don’t own your own business but would like to, and you don’t think your personality is strong enough to handle bullies face to face, you might want to rethink becoming an owner,” he warns. “If you don’t, you may well find yourself unable to control your business, having to constantly face disgruntled employees, and feeling continuously frustrated.”

There are actually several different kinds of bullying, and as an owner it’s essential that you know how to deal with all of them. Some of the most common forms are: Customers Bullying Employees.

Whoever said the customer is always right was full of crap. Part of your job as an owner is to protect your employees, and that includes protecting them from abusive customers. What that means in practice

is that if you see—or hear about—a customer who bullies a member of your staff, you have to step in and let the customer know that he or she is upsetting your employees as well as other customers. And if they continue to act that way, you can ask them to leave.

“It isn’t easy to fire a customer, especially the first few times, but once you’ve done it, it sends a message to your employees that you’re a leader they can count on to look after them,” McBean points out. “It also shows any bullies on the staff that if you’re willing to fire a customer, you might be willing to fire them as well.”

Owners Bullying Employees. A skunk stinks from the head down, and if the owner is a bully, it sets the stage for the rest of the staff to act the same way. And they will.

(Continued on page 9)

December 5, 2013

Inglewood Today

Page 9

Getting Up for Downtown

C

ities large and small in America have traditionally sprung from a robust core of commerce and grown outward like ripples in a pond. Downtown districts served not only as business centers, but as transportation hubs, social gathering places and focal points for religious, cultural and entertainment activities. Singer Petula Clark romanticized downtown as a place where the lights are brighter, where you can forget your worries and where “everything’s waiting for you.”

By the latter half of the 20th Century America’s downtowns went into a steep decline. Urban sprawl fueled by cheaper housing and efficient transportation systems, coupled with the growth of commercial “strip centers” and big box retailers, were to blame in large part. The desirability of living close to downtown was replaced by the appeal of lower crime and modern, wellequipped school campuses found in the path of progress. Because minorities were less mobile than their white counterparts they suffered disproportionately as wealth and jobs moved to the suburbs.

As downtowns go, Inglewood’s Market Street and surrounding area (48 existing parcels with approximately 147 other properties) was modest in size but nevertheless vibrant. There were movie theatres, restaurants, department stores and auto dealerships. In those spaces today are mostly a collection of wig shops, nail salons and school uniform outlets. Over the past two or three decades the City has spent $3.5 million of redevelopment and community block grant dollars on trying to uplift the sagging quarter.

The Bully in Your Business (Continued from page 8) “Whenever I’ve wanted to hire experienced employees, I’ve always found one of the most fertile places to look are companies where the owner is a bully, because good employees always want to escape,” shares McBean. “So if you’re the bully, you need to realize that you’re the problem, and that if you don’t do something about it your business will never reach its potential. If you don’t feel you can change—and doing so is hard—you can replace yourself with someone who’s better suited to dealing with your employees or you can sell the business. It’s not an easy choice, but as the leader you’re the one who’s ultimately responsible for the company’s success.”

Managers or Supervisors Bullying Employees. Like the owner’s role, management’s role is to show leadership, create controls and processes, motivate, educate, and de-

By Mark F. Weinberg

Mark F. Weinberg A façade improvement program was followed by lighting, landscaping and other streetscape enhancements but these embellishments were less than transformative. The area has escaped the deterioration and tawdriness that characterize so many other downtowns in contemporary America but the buildings and their uninspired window displays still look tired and dated. A grass roots effort to bring artists and galleries into the downtown area has wide appeal, but is having difficulty gaining traction without the necessary synergy of complementary businesses.

Questions abound. Are downtowns in cities across America little more than a quaint, distant memory?

Do they have practical, economical and social benefits not found elsewhere that argue persuasively for their salvaging? More specifically, is Inglewood’s downtown revitalization, particularly in the troubling absence of Redevelopment Agency funding, both desirable and achievable? The answer is a resounding yes and its reasoning can be found where most success stories origi-

nate—at the intersection of timing, opportunity, interest and capacity.

In Inglewood, the above crossroad is quite literally an intersection. One of two planned Crenshaw light rail commuter stations in Inglewood will begin construction in the near future at Florence and La Brea. The MTA anticipates tens of thousands of riders daily will patronize the new Gold line, many of whom will wish to purchase goods and services in close proximity to the stations. The downtown sits in the shadow of the civic center and county health services and court complex and is a stone’s throw from the heavily traveled 405 freeway.

Transit-oriented developments (TOD) have proved to be a saving grace for neglected downtowns throughout the nation. TOD professionals point out that such stations serve as strong economic stimulants for businesses within a quarter mile or greater, a distance which encompasses a majority of Inglewood’s downtown.

The Forum’s renovation, Hollywood Park Tomorrow’s planned $2 billion build-out with 3,000 new housing units, and a new senior center adjacent to downtown comprise a tsunami of development that is capable of washing over downtown in a very positive sense. If this were not enough to become optimistic about Inglewood’s downtown, consider that urban infill is a strong emerging trend. Changes in the housing market, the availability of better jobs and a desire by both youth and the growing senior population to be closer to services are likely to make this trend more than fleeting, according to the experts. It is not surprising then that there is

now strong developer enthusiasm for downtown where previously interest had been scant.

Reviving downtown, however, is as much about preserving history, creating and strengthening identity, and nurturing community as it is about creating jobs and bolstering the local economy. It has been said that a city without a vibrant downtown is a city without a soul. For communities like Inglewood, a downtown renaissance would also serve as gratifying testimony to the creativity, economic purchasing power and resilience of minorities in the face of shifting demographics.

Smart, relevant and enduring development is the byproduct of visionary leadership and local government officials capable of making sound public policy decisions.

With Inglewood’s current mayor and city council that stewardship is in place. It is another reason that developer interest, optimism—and confidence— in Inglewood is soaring. An exciting downtown makeover, in the wake of the Forum’s triumphant return and Hollywood Park’s magical conversion will complete a civic Trifecta that will ensure Inglewood’s prosperity for decades to come.

Next month: Some thoughts about how to breathe new life into the downtown area.

velop an environment in which everyone can succeed. “If someone at the higher levels of your company is a bully, it usually means you have the wrong person in that position, and the sooner he or she is released the better,” McBean asserts.

Employees Bullying Each Other.

As in the case with the Dolphins, owners and managers who allow their employees to bully other employees create a problem for the whole organization. It shows management weakness, and an uncaring attitude toward the staff that creates an environment where teamwork and safe working conditions are foreign concepts, dissatisfied employees are common, and success is uncommon.

“As an owner or manager, it’s your responsibility to let bullies know that their conduct is unacceptable, and that if they don’t change they will be gone,” McBean instructs.

Employees Bullying Managers and Owners. This happens a lot

more often than you might think.

Management is often under pressure to produce results, and because of that, they sometimes allow high producers to dictate how a business is operated.

“But you can’t let the tail wag the dog, and if a company is going to be successful in the long run, you must have the courage to push back,” McBean says. “This is especially true of owners. As an owner, it’s essential that you remember it’s your company, and that what you want matters. And if your authority is challenged, you have to take swift and firm action.”

“This isn’t a complete ‘bully’ list—just some of the more common ways it can happen in your business,” McBean concludes.

“And believe me, no one is immune to it. At the same time, the actions I’ve suggested aren’t always easy to do. But doing them is important, because it separates the great—and

most profitable—owners from the average ones.”

Bill McBean is the author of The Facts of Business Life: What Every Successful Business Owner Knows That You Don’t (Wiley, October 2012, ISBN: 978-1-1180949-6-9, $24.95, www.FactsOfBusinessLife. com)—now available at Audible. com. McBean is currently a featured contributor for The Huffington Post and Business 2 Community.

The Facts of Business Life: What Every Successful Business Owner Knows That You Don’t (Wiley, October 2012, ISBN: 978-1-11809496-9, $24.95, www.FactsOfBusinessLife.com) is available at bookstores nationwide, from major online booksellers, and direct from the publisher by calling 800-2255945. In Canada, call 800-5674797. For more information, please visit the book’s page on www.wiley. com.

Advertise!

Call 310-670-9600

Inglewood Today

Page 10

December 5, 2013

LEG A L NOT I CES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Mayor and Council Members of the City of Inglewood, California will conduct a public hearing on December 10, 2013 to consider comments on the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2012 and ending September 30, 2013. Interested persons may address the City Council on the issue during the public hearing at the date, time and place listed below: Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Inglewood City Hall

City Council Chambers, 9th floor

One West Manchester Boulevard

Inglewood, California 90301

The CAPER is presented annually to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the City of Inglewood in compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements for reporting program performance and accomplishments for HUD Consolidated Planning Grant Entitlement Programs. The City participates in three entitlement programs: The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Act (HOME) and the Homeless Emergency Solutions Grant (HESG).

The required major components of the CAPER include assessments of the City’s performance in meeting the following: Consolidated Plan Goals and Objectives, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, Providing Affordable Housing Opportunities, Continuum of Care Support Services, Leveraging Resources, Citizen Comments, and Self-Evaluation. The narrative statements summarize the community development and housing goals and objectives listed in the Consolidated Plan and provide a description of the activities undertaken during fiscal year 2012-2013, to meet those goals. The financial summary indicates all program expenditures and information to identify the source and amounts of funds utilized during the fiscal year. A copy of the draft CAPER is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk on the first floor of City Hall and the document is also available, online, at www.cityofinglewood.org.

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2013 233823 The following Person is doing business as: Wortham’s Adult Res. Care Facility Velma’s Guest Home A Healthier Choice Day Program Bernice’s Senior Retreat Facility Located at: 2709 W. 109th St., Inglewood, CA 90303 P O Box 5417, Inglewood, CA 90310 Registered owner: R L Harris Wortham, 2709 W. 109th St., Inglewood, CA 90303 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on November 12, 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.)

R L Harris Wortham, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on November 12, 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 Nov 14, 21, 28; Dec 5, 2013 ITO0422301011 Inglewood Today

CITY OF INGLEWOOD INVITATION TO SUBMIT BID

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

Project Subject to Bid: “LA BREA TRAFFIC LIGHT SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT ON LA BREA AVENUE BETWEEN 64th STREET TO ARBOR VITAE STREET”

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

The City of Inglewood invites and will receive bids duly filed as provided herein for the furnishing of labor and materials and/or the completion of the abovedesignated project.

Registered owner: Charlotte Robinson, 1291 S. Dunsmuir Ave., Los Angeles CA 90019

A mandatory job walk meeting for interested bidders will be conducted on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Public Works Department, on the Third Floor of Inglewood City Hall, One Manchester Boulevard, CA, 90301. Interested bidders who arrive for the meeting after 10:30 a.m. will not be eligible to submit bid proposals. Call the project Manager Alan Mai at (310) 412-5333 should you require further information.

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on December 4, 2013.

(Specifications and Conditions Governing Bid Award)

Each bid to be considered must be delivered to and received by the City Clerk no later than 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at the Office of the City Clerk, First Floor of Inglewood City Hall, One Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA, 90301.

Each bid shall be submitted and completed in all particulars using the form entitled, “Bidder’s Proposal and Statement” attached hereto and must be enclosed, together with the requisite bid security, in a sealed envelope addressed to the City Clerk with the designation of the project “LA BREA TRAFFIC LIGHT SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT ON LA BREA AVENUE BETWEEN 64th STREET TO ARBOR VITAE STREET” appearing thereon.

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

Each bid shall be submitted as one (1) original set and two (2) copies.

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

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

Each bid must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of cash, a cashier’s or certified check made payable to the City of Inglewood, or a bid bond, for an amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the aggregate of the bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will, within the time specified, enter into an agreement as provided in the Bid Document and furnish bonds when required in the Special Provisions: one for Faithful Performance in the amount of the Contract Sum, and one for Contractor’s Labor and Materials in the amount of the Contract Sum. The City Council reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any irregularities in any bid, and to take bids under advisement for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from and after the date bids are opened and announced.

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

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

Attention is directed to the provisions of Public Contract Code Section 10164 concerning Contractor’s licensing laws. This Contract requires a Class A and/ or C10 Contractor License.

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

This Notice is given by order of the City Manager of the City of Inglewood, California, and is dated this 28th day of November, 2013.

Artie Fields, City Manager City of Inglewood, California

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

Eye on the City (Continued from page 5) keep up, to say the least.

Councilmember Ralph Franklin said the numbers for units completed were off, and asked for clarification.

Here’s the problem: The fiscal year for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which approves funding for the project, is from January to December. Inglewood’s fiscal year is from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, and the sound insulation funding period is from March 2013 through March 2014.

(Continued on page 11)

December 5, 2013

Inglewood Today

Page 11

Dates in December December 5, 2013

this Christmas. The councilman’s office is working with One for All (OFA), an Inglewood non-profit organization, to make sure no child goes without a gift. This event will take place from 10am to 2pm. Your participation will be greatly appreciated.

Thru December 22, 2013 and improve life-coping skills. This

worldwide non-profit organization, founded in 1937, holds weekly meetings every Monday at 6:00 p.m. at SHARE! 6666 Green Valley Circle, north of Centinela Ave., (2nd building on the right). Call 310-322-6411 for more information, or visit www. lowselfhelpsystems.org. A donation is requested but not required..

District 2 Toy Drive District 2 Councilman Alex Padilla is asking everyone who can to donate toys to the 1st ever District 2 Toy Drive. Your generous gifts will go to Inglewood children that might otherwise not receive a gift

Hollywood Park Horse Racing Betfair Hollywood Park has begun its 33rd and final Autumn Meet.

Horse racing in Inglewood will end on December 22, 2013. To mark 75 years of premier racing, Betfair Hollywood Park is giving away different limited edition commemoraDecember 14-15, 2013 tive pins every Saturday.

Debbie Allen Presents To view the racing schedule, visit “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” their website at http://www.betDon’t miss this holiday classic with fairhollywoodpark.com. a twist! “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” is a new musical theater production, Ongoing written, directed by and starring Debbie Allen. Carlo Imperato and Dion Counseling for Anxiety, Depression Watson co-star.

Get free help for anxiety, depresShowtimes are 1pm and 7pm on Dec. 14, and 2pm and 6pm on Dec. 15 sion, stress and anger. Recovery at UCLA Royce Hall. For ticket in- International provides tools and formation, call 310-825-2101 or visit practice in changing thinking habthe website at www.thehotchocolate its so individuals can gain personal control over distressing emotions nutcracker.com.

Eye on the City (Continued from page 10) “Which time frame are we using?

It is important that we note the time period (for the City budget) is actually October 1 to September 30,” Assistant City Manager David Esparza said.

“From now going forward we will be sure we reference the period that we are using to monitor our progress. It should be from October 1 to September 30. We measure (sound insulation) from March to March.

March 2013 is when the City received funding from LAWA.” Council members approved an initiative by Council Member George Dotson to sponsor the 2013 annual District 1 Toy Drive Celebration. Toys may be dropped off at the I-COP Center from Dec. 9-12.

Call (310) 412-8602 for details.

District 2 is also having a toy drive on Saturday, Dec. 4. Toys can be dropped off at the ICOP Center at Centinela and La Brea.

Leroy Fisher wants to know if any Inglewood residents were hired from the recent Forum Job Fair. “I have those concerns because I know of individuals who went and applied there and there were several people hired from other areas,” he said.

“They (MSG-Forum) saw all 11,000 (applicants). I hope in the future we will know who was hired.

I am sure we will know who was hired sometime later in the year,” said Dotson “We do receive updates on how many residents are hired. We will give you that update when we have it. That’s very important to all of us,” Mayor Butts added.

Gil Mathieu wants the council to reconsider day time meetings because of low attendance. “We’re going backwards. The same thing happened before with the previous administration,” he said.

Two weeks ago, Councilman

Franklin announced the City would not renew its red light camera operation. Cameras have not proved to be that effective, he said, in reducing moving violations. Diane Sombrano said she told the city so and took the opportunity to express her displeasure at being called a “nay-sayer.”

Willie Agee said he supports red light cameras but does not support the city’s contract with an outside company for the cameras. “I would like to see the city buy the cameras. I really feel they cut down on accidents.

I know it made me more cautious.”

A woman complained that the public is not being notified of meetings.

“Does the Brown Act say anything about calling meetings and not notifying the city?” She did not specify what meetings she was talking about.

Mayor James Butts asked City Clerk Yvonne Horton to discuss how meetings are announced: “We notify the public by putting it on the web. We post it in the library and around the city. We publish them in the newspaper. Day time meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of the month. On the second, fourth, and sometimes fifth Tuesdays, those meetings are scheduled in the evening.”

Councilman Alex Padilla announced a day of horse racing on Sunday, Dec. 8. Call his office at (310) 412-8601 for details.

The mayor reminded everyone about the City’s tree lighting ceremony on December 5 in front of City Hall on Manchester. It starts at 5:30pm. City Hall will be closed for the holidays from December 20, 2013 to January 6, 2014.

The meeting was closed in memory of former Lawndale Mayor Hofmann.

“Harold Edward Hofmann was mayor of Lawndale for 2 decades. We was instrumental in making sure Inglewood got access to money in the South Bay,” Franklin said.

issued by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.

The two injured officers were treated at Centinela Hospital Medical Center.

One was released a short time later. The other, was shot in the chest but was saved by his bulletproof vest, authorities said.

Warsaw faces life in prison.

Holiday Tree Lighting Get into the holiday spirit by joining Mayor James Butts and members of the Inglewood City Council for the City’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The event will take place at City Hall - South Mall, One Manchester Blvd., at 5:30pm. The event will include entertainment, refreshments for all and a special holiday visit by Santa. The entire community is encouraged to attend this festive holiday event.

December 14, 2013

Inglewood Shooting Update (Continued from page 3) of assault on a peace officer with a semiautomatic firearm, one count of kidnapping, one count of child abuse, two counts of false imprisonment of a hostage, one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and one count of making criminal threats, according to a press release

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Thank You, Inglewood!

Mayor Elect Brown to Be Sworn In

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hris Brown. 32, will be sworn in as Hawthorne’s youngest and first African American mayor on December 5, 2013.

This is a public, honorary swearing-in ceremony in which Brown will outline his goals for the city.

He will be officially sworn into office at the Dec. 10 Hawthorne City Council meeting

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Photos provided courtesy of Madison Square Garden.

he City of Inglewood ‘s “Miracle on Manchester” Thanksgiving Gift Box Event served more than 1,033 families on November 25 and 26--exceeding last year’s count.

The annual event took place in the Forum parking lot, and is organized by the Salvation Army Inglewood Corps and the City

Mayor Chris Brown Assemblyman Isadore Hall, III, a Democrat who represents Carson, Harbor Gateway and Wilmington, will host the ceremony in the Hawthorne Memorial Center, 3910 W. El Segundo Blvd., which begins at 6pm.

Brown has vowed to establish ethics reform, increase public safety, and attract new business, among other priorities. He defeated incumbent Danny Juarez on November 5, taking 38.9 percent of the votes.

Juarez is facing felony political corruption charges for allegedly lying about using unreported campaign contributions for personal use.

“Alleged corruption, non-transparency, lack of accountability, and cronyism have brought us to stagnation,” Brown said. “For my seven years here in the city, I too have been on the outside looking in and frustrated that the city cannot seem to live up to its potential or even improve consistently.”

Brown is taking office at a seemingly ideal time. Voters recently approved a measure to extend the mayor’s term from two to four years, making it the same length as City Council terms.

The mayor-elect is a former mobile phone account executive who also counsels homeowners facing foreclosure.

He ran an unsuccessful bid for the Los Angeles City Council two years ago.

of Inglewood and coordinated by Councilman Ralph Franklin.

Families in need were provided with a Thanksgiving gift box with all the trimmings, along with a gift card that can be redeemed for a turkey at a local supermarket. Other partners in the event included the Madison Square Garden Company, Inglewood Park Cemetery, Ingle-

wood Lions Club, Inglewood Rotary Club, Consolidated Disposal Services, Southern California Gas Company and Inglewood Today.

The massive effort required dozens of volunteers and hours of assembly-line work to make Thanksgiving dinner special for residents in the area.