February 5, 2015

Your Community Connection since 1994

Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 24, No. 6

February 5, 2015

Selling a Home While Black

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uying a home in a nice neighborhood—often one with white neighbors—is a sign that a person of color has moved up the socioeconomic scale. Home ownership is the epitome of financial success and a source of wealth for most Americans, but when that wealth is lost, in the form of home equity, it can be difficult to build a lasting financial legacy.

More blacks move into the middle class through home ownership. But what happens when the value of home property declines or you’re forced to sell for less?

A study conducted by the Brookings Institution in 2001showed that the value of homes owned by blacks were 18 percent less than the value of homes owned by whites.

An appreciation gap has been observed. Homes in neighborhoods that are predominantly black do not appreciate as much as those in neighborhoods that are significantly white. The gap occurs when the blacks in a neighborhood comprise more than 10 percent of its homeowners. The

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gap increases as the number of blacks in the neighborhood increases.

Is race a factor in determining how much—or less—a black homeowner will get for selling their home? Multiple variables go into determining the asking price, such as prices of comparable homes in the area, size, condition, location, etc. But what about race? With all of the discrimination African Americans have to face, is race that much of an issue

with regard to home selling?

TheRoot.com writer Jenn M. Jackson says yes. In her article, “How Selling a Home While Black Nearly Broke Me,” (Feb. 4, 2015) she connects the dots between getting no or low-ball offers and being black. Jackson’s Orange County, CA home in a predominately white neighborhood was not attracting its $500,000 asking price— even after making repairs, sprucing it up and making the home identity neutral.

By Thomas Bunn

• News • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business

ith 92 reported cases of measles, which originated in Disneyland, state lawmakers announced Wednesday new legislation that would do away with exemptions from the mandate to vaccinate children before starting school.

The action is an attempt to contain what has become a resurgence of the childhood disease which had practically subsided in the U.S. until recently. Exemptions based on religion or personal objections would be abolished if the new law passes. The legislation ap“By the end of summer, we plies only to children who athad several low offers and were approaching a deadline to move out of state. We had seen homes identical to ours sell for much higher than our list price. Homes that came on the market after ours sold within days. The only discernible difference was tend public or private schools; the race of the occupants. home-schooled kids are not More than one real estate addressed in the legislation.

The measles outbreak has agent acknowledged that they couldn’t figure out an- brought back the old vaccine other reason for the house’s debate—personal liberty vs.

(Continued on page 2) the public good. Should a parent’s right not to immunize against a potentially deadly disease override the risk of public safety?

“There are not enough people being vaccinated to to students who are still un- contain these dangerous disdecided in their majors, and eases,” said Sen. Richard are looking to find employ- Pan (D-Sacramento), a pediment after graduation. atrician. “We should not wait Jullien believes that the for more children to sicken problem is that students of- and die before we act.” ten take the back seat in the Reasons for not vaccinatvehicles of their own lives ing children vary. Parents of and allow society or par- autistic children are among ents to drive them where the strongest opponents. they want them to go. The Flawed research that vacproblem with this is that cines for childhood disease (Continued on page 12) (Continued on page 2)

The Lost Generation?

On The Inside:

• Community

State May End Exemptions to Childhood Vaccination Mandate

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recently discovered a young brother who claims to have the formula for success. His name is Jullien Gordon, graduate of both UCLA and Stanford with a Master’s Degree in Education, who currently speaks at colleges and universities around the country. He talks

Jullien Gordon

COMING SOON THE BEST OF INGLEWOOD

Visit www.inglewoodtoday.com and see page 9 ➤

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Inglewood Today

February 5, 2015

Community

Good Neighbors

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ood neighbors are in your neighborhood right now.

They are one of the elements that make a good neighborhood.

These folks watch out for each other, wave and say ‘hi’, and pick up the mail and water lawns for out-oftown neighbors. They know when something is out of place on their block and they call the police when they see someone or something that doesn’t belong. Good neighbors are also the ones who either start or take a leading role in a block club or Neighborhood Watch. They care about their neighborhoods and their neighbors.

Most of us tend to think the good neighbor policy is only the province of single family homeowners, but that’s not the case. Condo Homeowners Associations (HOA), by virtue of being concerned with all that goes on in their gated communities, are block clubs/Neighborhood Watches in their own right.

Apartment buildings can form a club, too – it just takes the willingness to do it.

I know of one HOA president who takes her job very seriously. She was concerned about last week’s disastrous fire in the complex at Queen/Ash. To be proactive, she issued a memo to her condo com-

By Anne Cheek La Rose

Anne Cheek La Rose plex reminding them to check their smoke detectors and change the batteries if necessary. She pointed out that this is not only a life-saving measure for each individual unit, but for the entire complex. Now that’s a good neighbor!

One of the best good neighbor moves is to start a block club or Neighborhood Watch. It’s easy to do and there is someone on your block or in your building that will help. More help can be found by contacting the police department or the police community center liaison in your council district.

Block clubs and Neighborhood Watches are hallmarks of a good

Extended Crenshaw Blvd. Closure Between MLK Blvd. and Stocker St.

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President/Publisher/ Editor Willie Brown

renshaw Blvd. will be fully closed 24/7 over multiple consecutive days to support excavation and decking work activities of Crenshaw Blvd. to support construction of the underground MLK station. MLK Blvd. and Stocker St. will remain open during this closure.

The closure of Crenshaw Blvd. will be continuous and is anticipated from Sunday, February 22, 9 p.m. through Saturday, March 7, 6 a.m.

Traffic: Plan ahead to avoid delays.

Construction Notices can also be found at www.metro.net/crenshaw.

Childhood Vaccinations (Continued from page 1) lead to autism was first published by British doctor Andrew Wakefield in 1998 in the Lancet, and was retracted in 2010. The original research was only based on 12 cases, which did not even represent a respectable sample.

The British Medical Journal reported “not one of the 12 cases reported in the 1998 Lancet paper was free of misrepresentation or undisclosed alteration…and that in no single case could the medical records be fully

reconciled” with Lancet publication.

Critics suspect that British libel laws may have caused the fraudulent research to prevail for 12 long years—deceiving parents and leaving kids vulnerable to preventable diseases in the process.

A spokesman for Gov. Jerry Brown, Evan Westrup, signaled that the governor is behind the California bill. “The governor believes that vaccinations are profoundly important and a major public health benefit and (Continued on page 12)

Caltrans - Live Traffic For live traffic condition around construction sites please visit http:// quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ For more information, visit the project office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., 3699 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016, call (213) 922-2736, email crenshawcorridor@metro.net, or visit www. metro.net/crenshaw.

city. As residents, we know our streets better than anyone, and we are a resource for Police. They can’t be everywhere all the time, so we are their eyes and ears on our streets. It’s a good partnership that pays big dividends.

I have been head of my block club for a number of years. Over that time, we have dealt with scavengers, unsavory characters on the street, burglaries, neighbor disputes, auto accidents, and the illness and loss of some of us. We hold a block party most years, attend children’s birthday parties and other gatherings, and some households get together for Saturday night dinner and a movie on a regular basis. We hear from those new to our little street that this is what they were looking for. I have said, “The neighbors are worth the price of the house.” It was true 26 years ago and it is even truer today.

If every block in the city had one or two residents that knew their street and called police when something was going on or didn’t look right, we could have the safest community in America. Starting a club or Watch is a way to better our quality of life and leave a lasting legacy for your neighborhood and for your city.

Selling a Home While Black (Continued from page 1) failure to move, and understood our distress,” Jackson wrote.

The article set off a debate between those who say race was not an issue, that she failed to do everything necessary to get the home sold at the price she wanted, and those who say race was definitely a factor.

Trevor Leighey was perplexed: “So why would the race of the seller even matter? I’m just curious as to why you think this is, because I have a hard time seeing how the race of the seller would make someone, even a racist, turn down an otherwise perfect home.”

“This sort of thing that happens quite a bit. Racism like any other “ism” is inherently irrational so for those of you who try to attach logical thought to a behavior that in and of itself isn’t makes no sense so don’t even try. I have had friends who encountered the same problem as the seller,” Vanessa Wyndham wrote.

Anissa Harris Green, a realtor, said race had nothing to do with the Jacksons’ difficulty selling their home. She told the writer to “Delete this article or change the name ‘I couldn’t sell my house because I wasn’t ready to sell.’ Stop blaming (Continued on page 11)

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

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

You can reach us at 310-670-9600 or by fax 310-338-9130 www.inglewoodtoday.com The artistic contents of Inglewood Today Weekly are copyrighted by Ads Up Advertising, Inc. and permission to reprint any article herein must be obtained in writing from the Publisher.

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Tell us what you think about local issues. Letters should be addressed “To the Editor” and include your name, address and phone number.

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Inglewood Today

February 5, 2015

Inglewood Public Library Celebrates Read Across America with “Duffy Does Dr. Seuss Family Show”

Inglewood Public Library

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he Inglewood Public Library is celebrating Read Across America with a performance of “Duffy Does Dr. Seuss” on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gladys Waddingham Lecture Hall.

Join storyteller Duffy Hudson as he leads audiences through a fast paced romp with the most loved and classic works of Dr. Seuss. Watch your favorite, beloved classics come to life as you have never seen before. Stories include: Horton Hears a Who, And to Think I saw it on Mulberry Street, The Sneeches, The

Zax, The Big Brag, and What Was I Scared of? This fun program is guaranteed to warm hearts of all ages!

This is a free program open to the community. Everyone is encouraged to attend. For more information about this program, call (310) 412-5645 or visit library.cityofinglewood.org.

The Inglewood Public Library is located at 101 W. Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, California 90301. The library now has free parking on weekdays after 4:00 p.m. and all day Saturdays.

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Let Freedom Ring Moving on Like Soldiers

By Barbara Hobbs uring the time of oppression in the mid-1950s, the Southern Baptist choirs used to sing this song: “We are soldiers in the Army. We have to fight, although we have to cry. We have to hold up the blood-stained banner. We have to hold it up until we die.” (Songwriter, unknown) I find it frequently true that in general African Americans, among other Barbara Hobbs ethnic minorities, are like soldiers in the Army. We have our freedom but Our hearts may ache momentarily we still have to fight for our equal when news media reminds us that rights occasionally, although our the L.A. County Jail is overcrowded hearts may be crying. Like the late with mostly Blacks and Latinos. But Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and we let freedom ring! We move on. his supporters did so during the Civil Each time we heard about young Rights Movement, 1954-1965, we unarmed black males losing their let freedom ring! Move on no matter lives to the police, our hearts bewhat life throws our way. came heavy. But we let freedom Today, when Satan rears his ugly ring! Then we moved on. head in some neighborhoods, it is When we got word that in 2013, rather painstaking. Yet, we let free- the Supreme Court had daggered dom ring! Move on like soldiers do part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, while mourning their losses at war. it was disappointing. Meantime, we When we hear about black-on- moved on. Let freedom ring! black crime, we shake our heads These are a few challenges that and ask the question, “Why?” But many of us are forced to face every sooner or later, we move on like sol- day. Yet we let freedom ring! Move diers in the Army. on like soldiers in the Army.

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ATTENTION ESTIMATING INVITATION TO BID

HOLLYWOOD PARK

PROJECT: Hollywood Park Phase 1 Infrastructure Project BID DUE DATE: February 23, 2015 by 1:00PM You are invited to submit a Bid Proposal for the Hollywood Park Phase 1 Infrastructure Project Century Boulevard and Prairie Avenue Landscape Project, located in Inglewood, CA. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project consists of providing Public Right of Way Landscaping on Century Boulevard and Prairie Avenue for the development of a new community on the 238 acre Hollywood Park site.

Important Dates: 1. Issuance of Formal Bid Package: January 28, 2015 2. RFI’s Due before: February 9, 2015 (emailed to HollywoodPark@tcco.com) 3. Public Bids Due: February 23, 2015 by 1:00PM (hand delivered: 910 S. Prairie Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301) 4. Public Bid Opening: February 24, 2015 @ 9:00AM (Casino Pavilion 1st floor) This is the Bid Package for pricing: 1. Century Blvd. & Prairie Ave. Landscaping JOBWALK: One (1) Pre-bid Meeting & mandatory job walk will be provided. Bidding contractor is required to attend the meeting. The person that attends the event must be the person responsible for the bid submission. Please provide proper PPE for the walk (Hard hat, boots, eye protection, gloves, etc.). The date for the job walk is: 1. February 6, 2015 at 9 AM PROJECT LOCATION: Hollywood Park, 910 S. Prairie, Inglewood, CA 90301; meet at the CM Office. For security purposes, please contact the Construction Management Team and provide the names of the attendees so that we may place the names on the visitor list. HollywoodPark@tcco.com BID RESPONSES: Sealed bids in a Company Envelope using the attached Bid Form are due to the Owner, Hollywood Park Land Company and the Owner’s representative, Turner Construction by 1:00 pm at the Construction Manager’s Office located at 910 S. Prairie, Inglewood, CA 90301 on February 23, 2015. Late submissions will NOT be accepted.

The bids will be opened publicly on February 24, 2015 at 9 AM inside the Casino Pavilion (first floor) by the Hollywood Park Construction Management Team. A company proposal must be included with the Bid Form to address the additional bid response requirements listed below. Although the basis of award is Price, the following items MUST be included in your bid response (found on the bid form): 1. Completed bid form and attachments.

2. Acceptance of the Project Schedule.

3. Confirmation and Acceptance of all items in the Additional Provisions scope of work.

4. List any DBE / MBE participation, including sub-tier participation as a total percentage of your Price. Participation is 30% at all tiers or a “good faith effort”.

5. Completion of “Information Required of Bidders”.

6. Project proposal on company letterhead.

7. Payment & Performance bonds are required.

Requirements: 1. Provide a Lump Sum Bid Proposal in accordance with the Bid Documents on the provided bid form.

2. Union labor is to be provided.

3. Schedule: Phased Project. Start date March, 2015; end date April, 2016. Provide long lead items and fabrication data with proposal, as applicable.

Bid Documents: Bid Documents will be provided electronically on January 28, 2015.

Inglewood Today

Page 4

February 5, 2015

Eye on the City

Read His Lips: No Taxpayer Money

By Veronica Mackey

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he proposed City of Champions Revitalization Project was still a hot topic at Tuesday’s council meeting—a carryover from last week, when about a dozen residents showed up in tee-shirts to support building a new 80,000-seat stadium.

Despite numerous statements made by developers, Mayor James Butts and council members that no tax dollars will be spent to build the stadium, rumors that Inglewood taxpayers will be on the hook still persist.

Diane Sombrano said the city is giving “subsidies to billionaires” for the project. “They should not be coming to us.” she said. “They have the money.”

A three-year resident said, “The great thing about the initiative is that it doesn’t cost us a penny. I don’t know any developments (of

Inglewood City Council

this magnitude) that were done without taxpayer money.”

Leroy Fisher came to the podium with a thick stack of papers, which he said was a 180-page document about the stadium. “People did not have time to read it. I object to the

way you do things,” he told Butts.

Maxine Toler, who supports the project, stressed the “tens of thousands of jobs” it will bring to Inglewood. “This will put Inglewood back on the map, let’s get started,” she said.

Sandie Crisp, who ran against Butts last year, said “The owner of that property said no tax money is coming out of the resident’s pockets.” She said residents complain about the mayor too much. “You guys voted him in…If you guys don’t want him in, then don’t vote him in.”

Butts explained the City’s financial agreement with developers. According to Butts, public parks and sidewalks will be paid for with private money. There is a clause in the agreement for the City to reimburse developers in the form of tax credits. “No tax credits will be received until the City first receives $25 million from the project in a given year,” he said.

Looking forward, Ray Davis wants to make sure two icons be(Continued on page 5)

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.

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 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 Starbucks, 5301 Centinela Ave. Starbucks, 941 N. La Brea Ave. Starbucks on Century Stuff I Eat, 114 N. Market St. Super Fish Market, 11007 S Crenshaw Bl. Superior Groceries, 11202 S Crenshaw Bl. 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 Westchester Villa Senior Living, 220 W. Manchester Bl. Whole Foods, 4508 Overhill (Slauson) 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)

Inglewood Today

February 5, 2015

P u b l i s h e r ’ s Me s s a g e

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Value the Place You Call Home

Page 5

Word for the Wise New Year’s Special!

Tires Repaired At No Charge Now Until March 31, 2015 With This Ad

f you were given a gift that could change your fortune, create opportunity, and improve your quality of life, would you toss it in the trash?

If this question sounds silly, then I would have to ask why a handful of residents continue to do this with their words week after week. I am talking about a small group of haters who—for whatever reason—feel obligated to denigrate all the progress the city is experiencing now and about to experience. Inglewood has been given a precious gift of a second chance. It is being rebirthed as a future destination city and reclaiming its crown as the City of Champions.

After more than 20 years in the publishing business and interacting with hundreds of people in this city year after year, I get asked why certain individuals (aka “haters”) insist on jumping on the negative bandwagon about Inglewood.

They do this day in and day out, regardless of how positive the world sees Inglewood or how well it is doing.

It is not uncommon to hear one or two people at a council meeting claim elected leaders are doing something shady, and lining their pockets with money, even without the slightest proof of these allegations. But, even without proof, they persist.

They blame current leadership for things that happened 25 or 30 years ago—long before the new council had any authority in Inglewood at all.

Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly Where is all of this criticism and negativity coming from?

From where I stand, it only makes sense to support the neighborhood where you live.

Regardless of the location, climate, economic status or who’s in the neighborhood, if you live here, you would want to see your community thrive, wouldn’t you? Yet, I often find myself scratching my head, trying to understand the mindset of Inglewood haters.

Go to any council meeting, and you are likely to hear phrases like, “I am a long time Inglewood resident” or “I have lived in Inglewood for 30 years/40 years/50 years.”

The length of time spent here tells me that there is something that is holding them here. Why else would you spend decades in a city that’s so terrible? If there had not been any progress made, if conditions had gone from bad to worse, if you feel defeated by those in power, and feel you have no voice

and there’s no way out, why are you sticking around. I’m not suggesting anyone move—just asking why.

There are some who feel that they must criticize, struggle or fight against every point that comes up during a meeting or discussion about the city. Some feel it is their civic duty to find something wrong instead of praise what is right.

Of course, there is nothing anybody can do to make someone feel differently if their mind is set at finding fault. No one can make

anyone else happy, if they are determined to be unhappy. When it’s time to take action to improve Inglewood or partake in positive events in the city, these individuals cannot be found.

While I don’t know what it will take to make the haters stop hating, I do know life is short. Anybody who values time will want to make the best use of it. When you’re always bad-mouthing your city, yet never taking action to improve it, you are not only wasting the time of your fellow citizens, you are wasting your own.

Eye on the City (Continued from page 4) come permanent fixtures inside the new Hollywood Park. He wants a street named after Martin Luther King, Jr., and previously called for a street to be named Stevie Wonder Boulevard. “Let’s make history, guys,” Davis said.

The council approved a threeyear agreement for actuarial valuation services in regard to post-employment benefits. Public Works got the green light to begin another street improvement project, specifically to rehabilitate streets and alleys. Various residential sound insulation projects were also approved.

Councilman Alex Padilla is looking into acquiring a 6-acre property for the City. It is located across the street from Rogers Park at 634 W. Hyde Park in Dis-

trict 2. He also reminded residents that the Relay for Life cancer awareness event will return to Inglewood June 6 and 7. He urged residents to contact their respective councilmen to form district teams.

Councilman Ralph Franklin took issue with a resident referring to block club and town hall meetings as “Mickey Mouse.”

“Calling a town hall meeting ‘Mickey Mouse’ is offensive,” Franklin said. “We clearly had standing room only and (residents) were engaged in positive insights,” he said referring to his recent town hall meeting.

He added that people who criticize block club meetings usually don’t attend them.

Councilman Eloy Morales quelled the remarks with sarcasm, noting the ‘excellent

Mickey Mouse’ meeting on the Hollywood Park development, which took place last Saturday.

“There a small number of people who are…saying nothing’s happening (in Inglewood) today,” Butts said. “They are never there for any community thing. Some people are just unhappy. We just have to get real, there are just some people who are unhappy with their lives and we just have to say it.”

District 1 is hosting another document shredding event Feb. 28th, from 9am-12pm at the Police Community Center on Manchester and 7th Avenue, Councilman George Dotson said.

City Treasurer Wanda Brown reminded the public that senior residents who file their taxes using W-2 or 1099 forms can get free assistance through her office. The last date to make an appointment

is April 3, 2015. Call (310) 4125642.

Brown also had great news for residents over the age of 40, who need to be seen by an eye doctor.

The USC Eye Institute is conducting a 3-year study for qualifying Inglewood residents, which includes free eye examinations. Residents can visit the Inglewood AFEDS Clinic, 110 S. La Brea on the 4th Floor of the Inglewood One Stop Center. The number is (323) 4426453. It is a county-wide study. If you live outside Inglewood, call (310) 419-5962 to find the nearest study site in your area.

“It’s a 2-hour interview, they ask about your family history and what you should eat…It’s an excellent opportunity if you have any eye problems,” Brown said.

949 So. LaBrea Ave. Inglewood, 90301

(800) Wise4Tires Call (800) 947-3484

Just Saying...

Fools believe every word they hear, but wise people think carefully about everything.

Yvonne Horton

Inglewood Today

Page 6

February 5, 2015

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

New Report Finds 81% of Dollar Store Products Tested Contain Chemicals Harmful to Health – 99 Cents Only Stores Among Them More than 100 organizations call on Dollar stores to protect communities of color and low-income families from toxic products.

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he Campaign for Healthier Solutions—a group of over 100 health, community, and environmental justice organizations around the country—released a report on Wednesday about toxic chemicals found in Dollar store products. The report—A Day Late and a Dollar Short: Discount Retailers are Falling Behind on Safer Chemicals—includes testing results for 164 dollar store products such as toys, jewelry, school supplies and other household items, that found over 81% (133 of 164) contained at least one hazardous chemical above levels of concern. (The full report, plus downloadable photos of product tested, and other background materials, can be found at www. nontoxicdollarstores.org.)

The campaign also sent a letter to CEO’s of the four largest Dollar store chains—including Family Dollar (tentatively acquired by

Dollar Tree on January 22), Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and 99 Cents Only—urging them to stop the sale of products with hazardous chemicals to communities of color and low-income families, who already live in more polluted areas and “food deserts,” and adopt policies that will protect both customers and their businesses. Combined, these discount chains have sales totaling over $36 billion and operate more stores nationally than Walmart.

“People struggling to make ends meet are confined to shopping at the Dollar stores,” said Jose T. Bravo, National Coordinator for the Campaign for Healthier Solutions. “We are already disproportionately affected by pollution and lack of adequate medical care, and now we know we may be filling our homes and our bodies with chemicals released from Dollar store products.

This needs to stop.”

JEROME E. HORTON C h a i r m a n , California State Board of Equalization

In collaboration with

WANDA BROWN Treasurer City of Inglewood

ISADORE HALL, III Senator State of California, 35th District

AUTUMN R. BURKE Assemblymember State of California, 62nd District

YVONNE HORTON City Clerk City of Inglewood

Present

FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION and FAMILY RESOURCE FAIR YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR UP TO $6,143 IN EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT. Why Attend: Free income tax preparation by certified tax preparers for households and individuals with income of $53,000 or less; access to low-cost medical insurance, auto insurance, and information on a host of other services available to qualified families and individuals.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

South Bay One Stop Business and Career Center 110 South La Brea Avenue, 3rd Floor, Inglewood, CA 90301 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

To schedule your tax preparation appointment, please call 1-866-910-9559.

For more information, a list of items to bring for tax preparation and additional events, visit www.boe.ca.gov/vita The Board of Equalization’s (BOE) participation in this activity and the appearance of the BOE name, logo, or seal on event promotional material is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any program partner, participant, person, or entity.

The chemicals of concern found in Dollar store products tested for this report include: phthalates, linked to birth defects, reduced fertility, cancer, learning disabilities, diabetes, and other health issues; polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC or vinyl), which creates hazards throughout its life cycle and has been linked to asthma and lung effects; and toxic metals such as lead, which harms brain development, leading to learning disabilities, lower IQ, and cause other serious health impacts, especially in children.

Other key findings from A Day Late and a Dollar Short include: • 49% of products tested (80 of 164) contained two or more hazardous chemicals above levels of concern; • 38% of the products tested (63 of 164) contained the toxic plastic PVC (vinyl); • 32% of a subset of vinyl products tested for phthalates (12 of 38) contained levels of phthalates above the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) limit for children’s products.

In addition, 40% of sales at Dollar stores go toward food products (not tested for this report)—much of which is highly processed with low nutritional quality, and whose packaging is another potential source of toxic chemicals including bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic hormone linked to breast and other cancers, reproductive problems, obesity, early puberty and heart disease.

Fortunately, there is a growing movement by mainstream retail and manufacturing brands—including Target and Walmart—to respond to consumer demand for safer products with publicly-available corporate policies that identify, disclose, and replace priority toxic chemicals with safer alternatives. By failing to address toxic chemicals through comprehensive policies, Dollar chains are not only putting their customers at risk, they are exposing their businesses to the fate of companies like Mattel, which lost 18% of its value after recalling toys with lead paint, and Sigg USA, which went bankrupt after failing to disclose toxic BPA in its water bottles.

“Companies that are phasing out toxic chemicals are reducing the risk of fines, lost revenue from a damaged brand and lost market share from being associated with toxic chemicals. In addition to helping themselves, these companies

are also improving the health of their customers who work at other local businesses, thus increasing the productivity of the entire local economy,” said Frank Knapp Jr., Co-Chair of the American Sustainable Business Council Action Fund.

“In other words, replacing toxic chemicals with safer alternatives is not only a good thing to do for the company; it’s also the right thing to do for improving the health of customers, the local economy and the environment.”

The Campaign for Healthier Solutions is asking for a comprehensive set of reforms, including that: • Discount Retailers immediately remove children’s products found to contain regulated phthalates and lead from store shelves; and adopt comprehensive corporate chemical management policies to identify, disclose, and remove hazardous chemicals from their supply chains and from all products in their stores, beginning with their house brands.

• Local, State, and Federal Governments ensure that discount retailers comply with all relevant laws and regulations; and adopt public policies (such as Maine’s KidSafe Products Law and Washington’s Children’s Safe Products Act) that require manufacturers and retailers to disclose hazardous chemicals in products, research alternatives, and remove hazardous chemicals when alternatives are available, effective, and safer.

• Families and Communities let Dollar store chains know that they want safer products, and join local and national efforts advocating for nontoxic products.

The Campaign for Healthier Solutions is led by Coming Clean and the Environmental Justice and Health Alliance for Chemical Policy Reform. Participating organizations include: Breast Cancer Fund, Center for Environmental Health, Clean and Healthy New York, Clean Production Action, Clean Water Action, Coming Clean, Greenpeace, Healthy Building Network, Learning Disabilities Association of America, Lideres Campesinas, Los Jardines Institute, Moms Clean Air Force, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, Women’s Voices for the Earth.

February 5, 2015

Inglewood Today

Page 7

LET’S REVITALIZE THE HEART OF INGLEWOOD The City of Champions Revitalization Project will bring new residential properties, office space, an array of new shopping, entertainment and dining options and a world class stadium and performance venue – creating a vibrant new city center for Inglewood: of construction and permanent jobs with hiring  Thousands preference for local residents

 Tens of millions of dollars in additional city revenues each year revenues to fund after-school programs and school  New safety officers at local public schools  No cost to taxpayers to build the stadium  Hundreds of millions of dollars in new economic activity

“I’ve seen the glory days here in Inglewood, and some low days too. This proposal will restore our role as the top destination for sports and entertainment in Southern California and beyond. Let’s make this happen!”

Willie Agee, Inglewood Resident U.S. Military Veteran

“Inglewood has a wonderful and diverse group of residents, but at the same time our city has many unmet needs. By generating so much revenue for the city and setting such ambitious goals for hiring Inglewood residents, the City of Champions Revitalization Initiative has the potential to help many, many people.”

Mari Morales, Director One for All Kids Non-Profit Organization

REVITALIZE THE CITY OF CHAMPIONS Please join our coalition by visiting ChampionsInitiative.com The Inglewood Revitalization Project is composed of new residential, office space, shopping and dining, a world class stadium and a performance venue.

Paid for by Citizens for Revitalizing the City of Champions, sponsored and funded by The Kroenke Group and Hollywood Park Land Company. P.O. Box 8098, Inglewood, CA 90308-8098.

Inglewood Today

Page 8

February 5, 2015

Business

25 Tricky Interview Questions and How to Answer Them (Part 1) The interview is the most important part of your job search. Here, Peter K. Studner spotlights 12 of 25 common interview questions that tend to trip up candidates—and reviews how to answer them to your advantage. The article will conclude next week with the remaining 13 questions.

Y

es, it’s important to craft a strong, accurate résumé—but like it or not, most jobs are secured or lost in the interview stage.

Don’t let your job search ride on a piece of paper, advises Peter K. Studner.

“I never saw a résumé—and only a résumé—get a job,” says Peter K. Studner, author of Super Job Search IV: The Complete Manual for Job Seekers & Career Changers (Jamenair Ltd., 2015, ISBN: 978-0938-6670-6-3, $26.95, www.SuperJobSearch.com). “That’s why you should put more effort into preparing for interviews than you do into any other part of your job search campaign.”

While there are no perfect answers, Studner says that some thought and discussion about potentially tricky interview subjects can help you avoid disaster.

In Super Job Search IV, Studner, whose outplacement firm has helped over 27,000 people transition from one job to the next, guides readers through the complicated process of conducting a targeted and ultimately successful job search campaign.

Best of all, Super Job Search IV isn’t “just” a book—it’s a systematic approach to finding a job that includes online resources and an app.

Here, Studner shares a sampling of the 79 interview questions he reviews in his book: • What Salary Are You Looking For? Whenever possible, Studner suggests that candidates

Peter K. Studner not provide a specific answer to this question until the negotiations phase, after a position has already been offered. To defer the discussion, try returning the focus back to the interviewer: “It’s hard to discuss salary without knowing more about the job or responsibilities.” Or, if you are discussing a specific job: “What is your range?” Then relate your experience to the salary range without being precise: “I think my experience would put me near the high end of your range, don’t you?”

• What Were You Making in Your Last Job? If at all possible, do not volunteer information about your past salary. A diplomatic way to put the salary question aside is to reply, “I was well compensated in my previous company but really do not wish to prejudice myself here by being too high or low. Can we delay this until after we’ve looked at all the aspects of your current need?

What is your range for this job?”

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.

• Have You Ever Been Fired?

If the answer is yes, have a good explanation worked out and tested with friends. For instance: “We had a change in general managers, and although I had been doing a great job as you can see from my accomplishments, I was let go for one of his former associates.” Or: “The company decided to close down its California operation and offered me a job in Chicago. We would like to stay in this area so that’s why I’m looking around.”

• Can You Work Under Pressure? Indicate that you can and ask the interviewer how much pressure is involved in the position. “Learn what the interviewer means by pressure,” Studner advises. “The definition can vary significantly from person to person and company to company. If you are a pro at pressure jobs, describe a few accomplishments.”

• What Did You Think of Your Last Supervisor? Whatever your true feelings might be, stay positive.

This is not the time or place to list your boss’s shortcomings or frustrating behaviors. Studner suggests responses like: “She was the kind of person I could learn from.” Or: “We were able to communicate well and things got done quickly.”

• What Is Your Greatest Strength? Before interviewing, reflect on your personal strengths and make a list of them (e.g., “natural number sense,” “able to multitask,” “good with people,” “able to teach others,” etc.). Then tie each of them to a professional accomplishment.

“When asked this question in an interview, answer with the strength you feel best fits the position being discussed, and be sure to offer the anecdote that goes with it,” Studner advises. “Conclude your response by asking the interviewer if this is the kind of quality that would help his or her company.”

• What Is Your Greatest Weakness? As with your strengths, prepare a list of weaknesses beforehand. This time, tie each weakness back to what could also be considered a strength. For example, “I like to get things done. Sometimes I get impatient, but I’m getting a handle on it.” Or maybe you have actually

come up with a way to mitigate your weakness: “I’m a stickler for details, but I do not want to be a micromanager. So at my last job, I asked each staff member to devise their own checklist of weekly tasks. It gave them some autonomy and satisfied my desire for quality control.”

• You’ve Moved Around a Lot. How Long Would You Stay with Us? Make sure that your answer doesn’t make you seem indecisive, fickle, or uncommitted. A good answer might be, “I’m seeking a longterm opportunity where I can learn and grow. Does this come with the position we are discussing?”

• What Motivates You? Resist the temptation to joke, “A steady paycheck!” Try to tie your motivation to the work being done at this specific company. “In addition you could mention things like the opportunity to learn and grow, to work with smart people who are passionate about their jobs, to innovate, and to contribute to the success of an organization,” Studner says.

• What Do You Not Like to Do? This is a loaded question. A positive reply might be, “I’m the kind of person who does whatever is necessary to get the job done. When I do run into something disagreeable, I try to do it first and get it behind me.

I have no particular dislikes.”

• How Would Your Boss, Coworkers, and Subordinates Describe You? Be ready to give some examples of the kind of team player you are. If you are not into office politics and have harbored good relationships at work, mention it.

“And remember that the interviewer may ask your references the same question,” Studner notes. “I strongly suggest meeting with your references before the interview stage in order to talk through your career goals and how the reference can best support them.”

• What Is the Toughest Part of Being a Manager? A good reply is: “To surround myself with people who are better than I am in their individual specialties.”

• Why Do You Want to Work for Our Company? Your reply could be based on their reputation for products, management, inter(Continued on page 11)

VOTE TODAY • Visit www.inglewoodtoday.com

Would you like to see NFL Football in Inglewood?

Inglewood Today

February 5, 2015

Page 9

C e l e b r at i n g B l a c k H i s t o ry M o n t h

Gambler, Politician William Thomas Scott Was African American Presidential Candidate In 1904

W

illiam Thomas Scott was an entrepreneur and political activist from East Saint Louis and Cairo, Illinois, who in 1904 briefly became the first African American nominated by a national party for president of the United States. He is alleged to have been one of the wealthiest African Americans in Illinois at the peak of his career.

A new book, A Black Gambler’s World of Liquor, Vice, and Presidential Politics: William Thomas Scott of Illinois, 1839–1917, by Bruce L. Mouser, is the first biography of Scott, whose story has been largely forgotten except in the Cairo area. The book is published by the University of Wisconsin Press and has a foreword by Harvard professor, author, and documentary filmmaker Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Scott’s story is set in a time when Black Americans were experiencing enormous change. Born in Ohio in 1839, Scott was a free man before the Civil War. He joined the Union Navy in 1863 and served at Cairo,

te Your Vo Counts!

Illinois, the headquarters of Union Forces in the West during the Civil War. He saw the end of slavery and was already a political player when African Americans obtained the right to vote in 1870.

“The biography is a fascinating and informative look into the life of a forgotten but important African American leader who charted his own course from the Civil War to the eve of America’s entry into World War I,” says Roger Bridges, historian at Illinois State University.

“William Thomas Scott was a maverick who worked tirelessly to promote and advance the black community (while at the same time lining his own pockets in the sordid world of gambling, prostitution, and tavern-keeping). Scott emerges in Mouser’s biography as a powerful, interesting, and enigmatic leader working on both sides of the law to further his own interests and those of the larger African American community,” Bridges notes.

As Mouser discovered, Scott was a charismatic hustler who built his

William Thomas Scott fortune in Illinois in the Cairo–East Saint Louis area through illegal liquor sales, gambling, and operating houses of ill repute. He also branched into legal businesses including hotels, saloons, and real estate. Eventually he became the publisher and editor of what may have been America’s first African American daily newspaper, the Cairo Gazette, and became active in politics.

“The post-Civil War era in the United States was a time of promise for African Americans, but in the late

nineteenth and earlier twentieth centuries they lost ground with the rise of Jim Crow laws and scientific racism,” says the book’s author, Bruce Mouser. “William Scott struggled into the twentieth century to retain the progress made by African Americans.”

Scott was an outspoken advocate for equal rights. Like many in his era, he believed in political patronage and frequently led rebellions against political bosses who failed to deliver jobs and reforms in exchange for votes.

“Scott refused to be complicit in backing politicians who took him and the broader base of first-generation black voters for dupes,” notes Henry Louis Gates, Jr. “He saw the political game for what it was: a game of power.”

When nearly all voting Blacks were Republicans—the party of Abraham Lincoln—William Scott broke away to become a Democrat.

In his journalism and speeches he encouraged Blacks to look beyond Lincoln’s party and cast their votes (Continued on page 11)

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Inglewood Today

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February 5, 2015

LEGAL NOTICES CITY CLERK CASE # LEAD AGENCY: SUBJECT:

NP-15-001-AD Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) PROJECT TITLE: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Landside Access Modernization Program PROJECT LOCATION: The Landside Access Modernization Program would include improvements that would be constructed in an area generally bounded

by Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) in the Central Terminal Area (CTA) of LAX on the west, Interstate 105 on the south, Interstate 405 on the east, and Westchester Parkway/West Arbor Vitae Street on the north

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: LAWA proposes to implement the LAX Landside Access Modernization Program Project to continue to transform LAX into a worldclass airport by relieving unacceptable traffic congestion within the CTA and on the surrounding street network, improving the travel experience for passengers, and providing connection to the regional Metro rail system. The LAX Landside Access Modernization Program consists of several primary components. At the centerpiece is an Automated People Mover (APM) system, which would provide free, fast, convenient, and reliable access to the CTA for passengers, employees and other users of LAX, 24 hours a day. The APM would transport passengers between the CTA and the other main components of the Project located east of the CTA, including a state-of-the-art, Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC), new public parking facilities and multiple locations for passenger pick up and drop off. In addition, the APM system would include a station at the multi-modal/ transit facility at 96th Street/Aviation Boulevard planned by Metro as a separate and independent project to provide the opportunity for passengers to access the Metro regional rail system. The Landside Access Modernization Program would reduce traffic volumes and congestion within the CTA as well as on local streets, as part of LAWA’s commitment to reduce emissions from transportation sources to comply with Senate Bill (SB) 375, improve public health, and meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards defined under the federal Clean Air Act. Project components associated with the Landside Access Modernization Program include: 1) an Automated People Mover (APM) system connecting the CTA to new ground transportation facilities proposed between Sepulveda Boulevard and Interstate 405; 2) passenger walkway systems connecting the APM stations to passenger terminals or ground transportation facilities; 3) modifications to existing passenger terminals and parking garages for passenger walkway system connections and vertical circulation to the arrival and departure levels; 4) intermodal transportation facilities that would provide pick up and drop off areas outside the terminal area for airport passengers and commercial shuttles, meet and greet areas, passenger processing facilities, retail, dining options and other amenities, parking, and access to the APM system; 5) a CONRAC that would consolidate all car rental agencies in a centralized location with access to the CTA via the APM; 6) roadway improvements designed to improve access to the CTA from the freeway and provide access to the proposed intermodal transportation facilities and CONRAC; and 7) utilities needed to support the Landside Access Modernization Program. Additionally, amendments to the City of Los Angeles General Plan Land Use Element, Transportation Element, the LAX Plan, and the LAX Specific Plan, among others, may be required.

The Landside Access Modernization Program would require changes to the configuration and use of existing parcels owned by LAWA where the proposed CONRAC, intermodal transportation facilities, and roadways are proposed to be constructed. Subdivision maps would be processed to change the configuration and existing zoning for these parcels. These changes in zoning would create new parcels owned by LAWA available for future development with commercial or light industrial uses. The Landside Access Modernization Program would not result in increased or decreased aircraft activity at LAX, and would not affect the configuration of runways or taxiways at LAX. Enabling projects required to implement the Landside Access Modernization Program include: 1) demolition of parking garages P2A, P2B, and P5 and construction of replacement garages in the CTA; 2) relocation of LAWA administrative offices housed in the Clifton Moore Administration building and former Airport Traffic Control Tower (1 World Way, also known as Admin East) to the existing LAWA-owned Skyview Center at 6053 West Century Boulevard; 3) demolition of the Clifton Moore Administration building (1 World Way) and demolition of the former Airport Traffic Control Tower located east of the Clifton Moore Administration building; 4) relocation of existing rental car facilities; 5) demolition of the existing restaurant building located at 9601 Airport Boulevard on property owned by LAWA; 6) demolition of the Metro bus terminal located north of West 96th Street; 7) improvements of portions of Center Way within the CTA; 8) demolition of existing hangars/buildings located at 6150 and 6190 West Century Boulevard owned by LAWA that are currently leased for storage; 9) demolition and potential relocation of the Reliant Medical Center located on LAWA-owned property at 9601 South Sepulveda Boulevard; 10) construction of a new 4-story, 1,200-space Skyview Center replacement garage for displaced surface parking; 11) completion of the Manchester Square acquisition program including the Stella Middle Charter Academy and Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy located at 5431 West 98th Street; and 12) land acquisition on four parcels located outside of Manchester Square.

Potentially significant environmental effects that may result from implementation of the Landside Access Modernization Program include: Aesthetics, Air Quality, Cultural (Historic) Resources, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Population and Housing, Public Services, Transportation/Traffic, Utilities and Service Systems, and Mandatory Findings of Significance.

PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING: As part of the scoping process, two (2) public scoping meeting will be held as follows:

Dates & Times: Thursday, February 19, 2015, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Saturday, February 21, 2015, 10:00 AM to Noon

Location: Proud Bird Restaurant

11022 Aviation Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90045 The NOP is available online at http://www.connectinglax.com and will be posted at the Los Angeles City Clerk’s office and the Los Angeles County Clerk Desk. A copy of the Initial Study prepared for the proposed Project is also available for review at http://www.connectinglax.com. For more information, or to request a copy, please call LAWA at (800) 919-3766. Responses to the NOP should be sent at the earliest possible date and must be received by LAWA no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 9, 2015. Responses should be submitted on the LAX website (http://www.connectinglax.com) or sent to Mr. Christopher Koontz, Chief of Airport Planning, at the following address:

Los Angeles World Airports 1 World Way, Room 218 Los Angeles, CA 90045 Phone: (800) 919-3766

Si desea esta información en español, visite www.OurLAX.org o llame a (424) 646-7690 As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.

CITY OF INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR NORTH LA BREA AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS RFP – 0095 PROPOSALS DUE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015 AT 11 A.M. AT THE OFFICE OF CITY CLERK LOCATED ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF INGLEWOOD CITY HALL One Manchester Blvd.

Inglewood, CA 90301 Mandatory Job Walk is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Please meet at the Office of Public Works La Brea Conference room located on the Third Floor at One W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90301 Contact Person during Proposal Period: Jorge Ochoa, Acting Buyer Purchasing Division (310) 412 - 5266 CITY OF INGLEWOOD INVITATION TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS (Specifications and Conditions Governing Award) The City of Inglewood invites and will receive proposals duly filed as provided herein for the furnishing of qualified Consultants to provide “ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR NORTH LA BREA AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS” as specified in this document.

Each bid shall be submitted and completed in all particulars and must be enclosed in a sealed envelope addressed to the City of Inglewood, City Clerk, Inglewood City Hall 1st Floor, with the designation of the project “ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR NORTH LA BREA AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS” appearing thereon.

The City Council reserves the right to waive any irregularities in any proposals, and to take proposals under advisement for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from and after the date proposals are opened and announced.

The following conditions and terms apply: 1) The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

2) A ttached are detailed specifications and conditions for proposal submission.

3) Y ou must execute your contract within ten (10) days after the City mails it. If the contract is not executed within ten (10) days, the City reserves the unilateral right to cancel it.

4) I f any provisions of the contract are violated, the City, after suitable notice, may cancel the contract and make arrangements to have the products and or services supplied by others. Any extra cost to the City will be paid by the vendor.

5) P roposals may be obtained from the Purchasing Division located on the 8th floor of City Hall, or call (310) 412-5266.

6) A ll proposals must be for specific amounts. Any attempt to qualify prices with an ‘escalation clause’ or any other method of making a price variable, is unacceptable. Proposal shall be valid for ninety (90) calendar days from receipt of proposal.

7) T he City reserves the right to add or subtract quantities and/or services based on the unit prices/unit lump sums so indicated as its budgetary needs may require.

Artie Fields, City Manager City of Inglewood, California

NOTICE Please note the following General Membership meetings of the Inglewood South Bay NAACP Branch (“Branch”), for the purpose of election of officers and at-large members of the executive committee.

1. O n February 10, 2015 at First United Methodist Church of Inglewood, 304 E. Spruce Street, Inglewood, CA 90301, 6:30 p.m., there will be a meeting to distribute and collect intent forms from Branch members whose memberships are current as of 30 days prior to this meeting date.

2. M embers may sign Intent forms to run for Branch officers or as an at-large member of the Executive Committee of the Branch.

3. O n February 16, 2015, the election of officers and at-large members of the Executive Committee will take place at First United Methodist Church of Inglewood, 304 Spruce Street, Inglewood, CA 90301. Polls will open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In order to vote in the Branch election, one must be a member in good standing of the Branch 30 days prior to the election. A form of identification is required. Winners of the Branch election will be posted at First United Methodist Church of Inglewood as soon as votes are counted.

Should a run-off election be necessary, that election shall occur on February 26, 2015, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of Inglewood, 304 Spruce Street, Inglewood, CA 90301.

We look forward to you participating in these activities.

Hellen Stringer (Secretary)

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015004940 The following Person is doing business as: Making Living Easy Adult Assisted Living 8919 W. Crenshaw Blvd.

Inglewood, CA 90305 Registered owners: Kelli L. Milton, 8919 W. Crenshaw Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90305 Monique Blackburn, 708 N. Eucalyptus Ave., #109, Inglewood, CA 90302 This business is conducted by individuals. The registrants commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on January 7, 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.)

Kelli L. Milton, Monique Blackburn, Owners This statement was filed with the County Clerk on January 7, 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.

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 January 15, 22, 29; February 5, 2015 ITO0422301057 Inglewood Today Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2014242091 The following Person is doing business as: MI Conchita Café 211 E. Nutwood Inglewood, CA 90301 Registered owner: Imelda Bermudez, 211 E. Nutwood, Inglewood, CA 90301 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on August 26, 2014.

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.)

Imelda Bermudez, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on August 26, 2014 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 January 15, 22, 29; February 5, 2015 ITO0422301057 Inglewood Today

Space for Lease • 1,520 Sq. Ft. Commercial/ Retail Space • Ideal for Beauty Supply Shop, Mini Market, 99 Cents Store, Sports Goods or Clothing Store, etc.

• Visit the Site at 2105 W. Century Blvd., L.A., then contact property manager at (213) 712-5000 or brokerysn@gmail.com.

February 5, 2015

Inglewood Today

William Thomas Scott (Continued from page 9) in support of their own economic interests and civil rights. Scott became disillusioned with Democrats of the era as well and helped build the National Negro Liberty Party (NNLP) to forward economic, political, and legal rights for his race.

Although arrested numerous times on charges related to bootleg liquor sales, gambling, and prostitution, Scott had remained a popular public speaker, journalist, and political power broker in Illinois. But the hustling that had brought him business success proved his undoing as a national political figure. Although he was the NNLP’s initial presidential nominee in 1904, revelations about his scandalous past forced him to step aside for another candidate.

The author of the biography, Bruce L. Mouser, is a retired professor of history at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. He first became aware of Scott’s story while he was writing a different book about another early African American journalist and politician, George Edwin Taylor.

“I had initially thought that George Edwin Taylor was the first African American nominated to run for presi-

dent of the United States. Taylor was indeed the first to get on the ballot, but as I found out in my research, William Thomas Scott was actually the first nominee of the National Negro Liberty Party, but he was soon replaced by Taylor,” Mouser says.

“Taylor was better educated and more socially acceptable as a candidate.

William Scott’s past arrests for vice trades wouldn’t play well in the national political arena.” (Mouser tells Taylor’s story in his 2011 book For Labor, Race, and Liberty: George Edwin Taylor, His Historic Run for the White House, and the Making of Independent Black Politics.)

William Thomas Scott’s life, as depicted in A Black Gambler’s World of Liquor, Vice, and Presidential Politics, reveals the roots of African American disillusionment with the Republican Party and the dynamics of interestgroup politics in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Omar H. Ali, professor of African American Studies at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, says, “Bruce Mouser has carefully retrieved from dusty archives the documentary evidence to write an

Selling a Home While Black (Continued from page 2) racism on everything. That’s like saying the “Devil did it.’”

The Jacksons did eventually sell their homes, although it took far longer than expected.

“Our experiences showed us that while we could change everything about our home, we couldn’t change the color of our skin, nor the stigma attached to it. From the onset, we knew that black-owned homes were deemed less valuable. But we underestimated the impact that would have on our sale in a predominantly white neighborhood.

“We have added this to our lessons learned. Now we know better than to underestimate the power of anti-blackness.” Jenn said.

25 Tricky Interview Questions and How to Answer Them (Continued from page 8) national scope, technology, or as a nice place to work and grow. “The most important thing is to avoid generic answers,” Studner says.

“Know their products, policies, and potential for you.”

Peter K. Studner is the author of Super Job Search IV. He is a mas-

Page 11

D at e s i n F E BR u a ry February 7, 2015 2015 Inglewood Health and Wellness Fair Regal Medical Group and True Vine Baptist Church invite you to a half-day of free health screenings, consultations and information at 1437 W. Centinela Ave., Inglewood, CA 90302.

Screenings include bone density, blood glucose, blood pressure, and dermascan (skin screening). There will also be free flu shots, healthy food demonstrations, exercise demonstrations and information on affordable healthcare. Bring a list of your medicines for a free pharmacist consultation. There will be some giveaways too. Mayor James Butts, Councilman Alex Padilla Assemblywoman Autumn Burke and the Hon. Consulate-General of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, exceptionally thoughtful and compelling biography of independent black leader William Thomas Scott.

Scott’s biography shows how African Americans during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries negotiated Democratic authority and Republican complacency (or the reverse), by either creating new coalitions or breaking out on their own.”

The biography is available

Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras are the guests of honor.

Ongoing Counseling for Anxiety, Depression Get free help for anxiety, depression, stress and anger. Recovery International provides tools and practice in changing thinking habits so individuals can gain personal control over distressing emotions 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. through local and online booksellers and libraries, or from the University of Wisconsin Press at 800621-2736 or this web page. (If not in stock at a local store or library, it can be requested.) It is published in paperback, and an e-book version will be available soon from many ebook vendors and libraries.

Reprinted with permission by the University of Wisconsin Press.

Visit Our Website: www.inglewoodtoday.com and Subscribe to Inglewood Today ter career counselor and former chief executive and board member of companies in the United States, France, and Great Britain. He has helped thousands of people with

their career transitions and trains other career professionals to deliver this easy-to-follow program. To learn more, visit www.SuperJobSearch.com.

FREE Donation Drop Off and Document Shredding Event When:

Saturday, March 7, 2015

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Inglewood Residents Only—ID Required Where: On Grevillea Ave. off Manchester Blvd. (in front of Inglewood High School)

Los Angeles’ Carol Raines-Brown (far right), Board Member of the National Dropout Prevention Network (NDPN) is pictured with Governor Steven L. Beshear (D-KY) and his wife, Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear (2nd and 3rd from left) as they were honored with NDPN’s Crystal Star Award for Distinguished Leadership in education.

The Governor and First Lady were recognized by the NDPN for championing passage of the Kentucky Graduation Bill during NDPN’s recent national conference in Louisville, KY. The state’s dropout prevention legislation raises the permissible dropout age from 16 to 18 years old. Also pictured (from left) are NDPN Board Members Shawn Wilson, Multicultural Community Engagement Manager for Ford Motor Company Fund, and Ray McNulty, Dean of the School of Education at Southern New Hampshire University. Established in 1986, NDPN provides research, resources, and support to schools, districts, administrators and communities throughout the nation in combatting dropout and increasing graduation rates. Photo Credit: NDPN

Bring all of your gently used clothing, shoes, household appliances, computers, cell phones, televisions and any other electronic devices that you’d like to get rid of.

NOTE: Document shredding is limited to (3 boxes or bags per car ONLY)

DRIVE THROUGH DROP OFF

For More Information Call The Public Works Department at 310-412-5333

C e l e b r at i n g B l a c k H i s t o ry M o n t h

From KKK to Full Diversity: Inglewood’s Racial Past

I

nglewood was not unlike that of many other Los Angeles area communities prior to the 1960s.

African Americans pursuing better quality schools and other opportunities began to expand westward from what is now known as South Central L.A. The city has also had to overcome its racist past.

Inglewood was once a hotbed for Ku Klux Klan activity, made famous by the 1922 arrest and trial of 37 men who raided a suspected bootlegger and his family. One of the men killed in the raid was an Inglewood police officer. All defendants were found “not guilty.” The scandal eventually led to the Klan being outlawed in California. The

KKK had a chapter in Inglewood as late as October 1931.

Recounting the migration of African Americans in Inglewood, late Inglewood historian Gladys Waddingham wrote: “No blacks had ever lived in Inglewood,” but by 1960, “they lived in great numbers along its eastern borders. This came to the great displeasure of the predominantly white residents already residing in Inglewood. In 1960, the census counted only 29 ‘Negroes’ among Inglewood’s 63,390 residents. Not a single black child attended the city’s schools. Real estate agents refused to show homes to blacks. A rumored curfew kept blacks off the streets at

night. Inglewood was a prime target because of its [previous] history of restrictions.” “Fair housing and school busing were the main problems of 1964. The schools were not prepared to handle racial incidents, even though any that occurred were very minor. Adults held many heated community meetings, since the Blacks objected to busing as much as did the Whites.” In 1969, an organization called “Morningside Neighbors” changed its name to “Inglewood Neighbors” “in the hope of promoting more integration.”

The Anglo population dropped from nearly 21 percent in 1980 to 8.5 percent in 1990. By 1983, Inglewood had elected its first black

mayor, Edward Vincent. That trend has continued until this day, with the election of 3 consecutive African American mayors—Roosevelt Dorn in 1998, Danny Tabor in 2010 and the current mayor, James Butts, in 2011.

According to the 2010 Census, African Americans comprise 43.9% of Inglewood’s population. With a City Council that is 60% African American and 40% Latino, Inglewood’s leadership reflects its diverse neighborhoods.

Famous African Americans from Inglewood include Tyra Banks, Lisa Leslie, Paul Pierce, and Omarion.

The Lost Generation?

(Continued from page 1) it creates a workforce of uncommitted, unfocused, and ultimately unmotivated people. Thus, young people of today have been labeled the “Lost Generation.”

Jullien makes another brilliant observation. And that is, students focusing on a revitalized 4.0 system. That 4-point system focuses on intellectual, personal, social, and financial capital. This system works, Jullien says, when students have the right combination of all 4 of these points. Then financial opportunities present themselves.

He uses himself as an example.

“Who knows that you know, what you know? The reason I’m able to get paid to speak all over the nation is because the right people at companies, colleges, and high schools know that I know a lot about helping this generation reach its full potential.”

Gordon says, this same system can be used when deciding which college to go to as well.

“I chose Stanford for its capital, and because I wanted to be more valuable once I graduated. At the end of the day, college is an expensive piece of paper that comes with a lot of debt and struggles no mat-

ter if it’s framed on your wall or in your closet. Is it important? Yes, but what’s more important is that you master yourself.”

I found his lectures refreshing, and relevant, in that he understands the young people of today. We aren’t attracted to tradition. What attracts us is freedom. His Ted Talks have landed him more lecturing and coaching work in the last couple years and he now calls himself, the “Innerviewer.” More and more young people are becoming financially independent and doing what they love to do.

Lost generation? I would say we are the “Found Generation.”

Childhood Vaccinations (Continued from page 2) any bill that reaches his desk will be closely considered,” Westrup said.

The new legislation would also require the notification of parents of the vaccination rates at their children’s schools. It is supported by Kris Calvin, chief executive of the California chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Currently, 13,592 children have personal belief affidavits on file; of those, 2,764 were identified as based on religious beliefs. About 10% of California parents have opted out of mandatory vaccinations.