January 1, 2015 by Inglewood Today News

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Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 24, No. 1

january 1, 2015

2014 Year in Review: The Nation (Part 1)

By Veronica Mackey

nglewood Today takes a quick look back at the people and events that shaped our world in 2014.

January NSA Reforms: President Barack Obama announced reforms to the NSA, the country’s surveillance program. The reforms require that NSA analysts get a court order to access phone data unless in cases of emergencies; an eventual end to the collection of massive amounts of metadata by the government; and that the NSA will stop eavesdropping on leaders of allied nations. February Seattle Seahawks Win Super Bowl: The Seahawks win their first Super Bowl in franchise history, demolishing the Denver Broncos, 43–8. It is also the first championship win for head coach Pete Carroll who previously coached the New York Jets and New England Patriots.

Protesters called for the rescue of the Nigerian girls kidnapped from the Chibok boarding school on April 14, 2014.

Carroll becomes only the third coach to have won both a Super Bowl and a college national championship. The other two coaches are Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer.

sia Airlines Flight 370 disappeared on March 8 with 239 people on board. In the weeks that followed, aircraft, ships and searchers from two-dozen countries mobilized to look in vain March for the wreckage on the InMalaysia Airlines Mys- dian Ocean floor. To date, tery: En route from Kuala there’s no consensus as to Lumpur to Beijing, Malay- why the plane vanished.

By Thomas Bunn

• News • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business

hen Madison Square Garden purchased the Forum in 2012 for $23.5 million from Faithful Central Bible Church, there were more than enough opinions about why the deal would not work. Negative publicity about Inglewood, a depressed economy, loss of two franchise sports teams, and pessimistic residents suggested that Inglewood and its iconic entertainment venue had seen better days. How could the Forum possibly compete with Staples Center in the absence of a sports team?

April Nigerian Girls Abducted: On the night of April 14, hundreds of schoolgirls at the Chibok boarding school in northeastern Nigeria were kidnapped by Islamist militants Boko Haram. The Inside the Forum group threatened to sell the But despite both the Lakers girls as sex slaves. Their (Continued on page 2) and the Kings leaving Inglewood, the Forum came back. And its comeback continues to amaze critics. Billed as the City of Champions in the days that the Forum hosted the legendary basketball and hockey teams, Inglewood is now the City of Entertainment. “The Forum is a home run —it’s a winner,” said Gary Bongiovanni, editor of the concert tracking journal, Pollstar. “I have not heard anybody say anything negative.” That’s a huge talking point, given the image of Inglewood, perpetuated by mainstream media, as unsafe— (Continued on page 8)

Farewell 2014

On The Inside:

• Community

Inglewood ‘City of Entertainment’

014 is in the can, and big congratulations to the 8% of people, who according to studies, have achieved the goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the year. The other 92% of folks may have gotten close but on the bright (Continued on page 7)

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Happy New Year!

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Inglewood Today

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January 1, 2015

Community

Warfare in America: High Time for a Ceasefire

By Barbara Hobbs

merica is still the most thriving country in the world, despite surmounting tension between blacks from some communities and law enforcement. This tension between the black communities and the police has had a spate of violence, which was heightened in the year 2014. These tensions culminated in the latest tragic shooting deaths of two New York City police officers who were killed while they sat in their marked patrol car in Brooklyn, NY on Dec. 20, 2014. The shooter was reportedly a young suicidal black male who later took his own life, according to Fox News. Angry Fox News commentators and retired top-brass policemen lashed out, claiming that the shooting deaths of these two officers had stemmed from protests against police brutality in black communities across the nation. Some of the outraged commentators pointed fingers at President Barack Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, and civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton. The reason being, the commentators argued, is that both Mr. Holder and President Obama only view one side of police involved killings in favor of the victims; Rev. Sharpton allegedly organized the protest on Brooklyn Bridge, wherein marchers protested against the chokehold death of Eric Garner who died at the hands of a white NYPD officer.

Barbara Hobbs The grand jury made the decision not to indict the latter. Furthermore, the angry commentators were taken aback by the fact that two lieutenant commanders from the NYPD were allegedly beaten up by protesters during the protest in New York, according to Fox News. Some Fox News commentators suggested that people should start a protest on behalf of police officers who risk their lives to save others. A protest as such would be like fighting fire with fire, causing the tension between the police and the black communities to escalate. In short from my view, just think if America did not have police protection, our country would be catastrophic around the clock. That said, it behooves the public to refrain from letting a few rotten apples spoil the whole bunch.

Snow Possible in Some L.A. Areas

ew Year’s Day in Southern California is coming in with blast from Ol’ Man Winter. Weather forecasters have predicted a frosty New Year in parts of Southern California, and folks aligning the Rose Parade route in Pasadena are advised to dress in layers. Rain was expected in the L.A. basin on Tuesday night and, in some areas, there is a possibility of snow. A frost advisory is in effect through Monday morning in the Central Coast, Los Angeles and Ventura county mountains and valleys because temperatures are forecast to range between 33 to 35 degrees for more than two hours. Temperatures could dip to 29 degrees in the Ojai Valley, according to the National Weather Service. A cold winter storm is coming to the region, and forecasters say snow could fall as low as the 2,000-foot level on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Up to eight inches of snow may fall on the eastern San Gabriel Mountains and the San Bernardino Mountains. Three stretches of roads were closed

the morning of Dec. 30, according to KNX 1070 and will remain closed until the storm system passes and roads are inspected and cleared. Impacted roads include the Angeles Forest Highway between Aliso Canyon Road and Angeles Crest Highway; Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road between Angeles Forest Highway and Angeles Crest Highway; and Big Tujunga Canyon Road between Vogel Flats Road and Angeles Forest Highway. Icy roadways and gusty north winds could affect driving on Interstate 5 through the Grapevine, highways 14 and 138 in Los Angeles County and Highway 33 in Ventura County, making for dangerous conditions as blowing snow may limit visibility. Pasadena is expected to see a chilly 35 degrees New Year’s Eve. So if you are a native L.A. person, you may want to stay put and view the Rose Parade on television from the comfort of your heat-filled room. Snow lovers, on the other hand, will have a ball frolicking in Big Bear.

2014 Year in Review (Part 1) (Continued from page 1) abduction sparked global outrage and a huge campaign calling for their rescue, partly propelled by the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls. India’s Emerging Economy: In financial news, India edged ahead of Japan to become the world’s thirdlargest economy in purchasing power. Clippers Owner Ousted: Former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling rocked the sports world when his racist comments were linked to TMZ. Sterling was fined and eventually forced to sell his team. Billionaire Steve Ballmer became the Clippers’ official new owner on August 12. May V.A. Scandal: The Department of Veterans Affairs became embroiled in a nationwide scandal over allegations of misconduct and cover-ups. Several senior officials were fired or forced to resign, including VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. At the heart of the scandal was the VA hospital in Phoenix; allegations surfaced that 40 veterans died while awaiting treatment there.

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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Maya Angelou: We said goodbye to world renowned author, poet, dancer, actress, singer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, who died at age 86. Angelou published seven autobiographies, including the critically acclaimed, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays. June Teachers lose tenure: A California judge rules teacher tenure as unconstitutional, saying the protection keeps bad teachers in the classroom and forces out promising good ones. JET becomes an app: The long standing Black American mini-magazine went totally digital. The last paper issue, which dates back to 1951, hit newsstands on June 9 and was replaced by the JET app on June 30. July “King” James Returns: Super Baller LeBron “King” James decides to return to play for the (Continued on page 8)

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Inglewood Today

January 1, 2015

Publisher’s Message

Let’s Build on Our Momentum in 2015

ow that the new year is here, it’s time to renew our faith about what is possible. Yesterday’s troubles can weigh us down until we feel like things won’t ever get better. But we must remember that there is a silver lining in every cloud. Even the challenges of 2014 can bring good things if looked at from the right view point. Right now racial tension and conflict between black people and police is at its height. Hardly a day goes by when we do not hear about yet another shooting by police. And now, with the recent deaths of the two NYPD officers by a suicidal black man, both the police and the public are fearing for their lives. This fear can either further divide us, or it can become a catalyst for the type of action that brings change. We have an opportunity right now to have meaningful dialogue, address the problems and start a bold new process of healing. This only comes when all views are respected and when everyone is allowed to participate. We can really have a new year when we are willing to change. The old way of acting and reacting to trouble is no longer an option if we want our lives to be better. That said, I have no doubt we can change the world in 2015, but at the same time, we must build upon

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Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly the momentum of good things that happened in 2014: Last year, we saw the Fabulous Forum return to Inglewood as a premier concert hall with worldclass entertainment. Celebrating one year of its re-opening, the Forum has returned to its original glory, and is giving competing music venues a run for their money. Acts like the Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Frankie Beverly and Maze, and Patti Labelle drew concert goers from all over to the Forum. We did not see activity like that a year ago. We continued to enjoy the lowest violent crime rate in Inglewood since police began keeping records. This is the foundation of peace and prosperity in our city. Growth is not possible where there is chaos. Developers broke ground on

Just Saying... Don’t listen or focus on the evils of life, it will only detour you from recognizing your blessing. Happy New Year!!! Hollywood Park Tomorrow and the Metro rail project which includes two train stops in Inglewood. I cannot emphasize enough how great these projects are going to be for the city. Beyond job creation and revenue from sales tax, there is the civic pride

Yvonne Horton

and recognition that will make Inglewood a destination city. Inglewood exceeded its goal of sound-proofing 1,000 new homes in a year. We are currently completing the process of insulating at least 1,000 (Continued on page 7)

West Basin Board of Directors Elects Officers for 2015

n Dec. 22, 2014, the West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) Board of Directors elected Gloria D. Gray to serve as its board president and Carol W. Kwan to serve as its board vice president for 2015. Newly elected Harold C. Williams and Scott Houston will serve as the board treasurer and board secretary, respectively. Their combined leadership will help guide West Basin’s initiatives to provide a safe and reliable future supply of high-quality water to its communities. “I am honored to serve as West Basin’s board president and guide the new board to ensure we have local water supplies in this time of drought,” said Gray. “While it has been a challenging water year, West Basin plans to further increase its water recycling efforts, conservation and education programs and expand on environmental studies regarding the future of ocean-water desalination. Furthermore, we remain committed to our continued transparency and ensuring public trust.”

As the first African American woman to serve on the West Basin board, Director Gray was first elected to the West Basin Board of Directors in 2006 and recently won re-election in November 2014. She represents Division II which includes the cities of Inglewood, South Ladera Heights, a portion of Lennox and Athens, Howard and Ross-Sexton. Director Gray currently serves as vice chair on the Metropolitan Water District Board of Directors, and in 2014 she was appointed to represent West Basin on the National Water Research Institute Board of Directors. She was also most recently appointed as vice chair of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission Governing Board. Director Kwan was elected to the West Basin Board of Directors in 1996 as the first female and Asian American member to serve on the board. She represents Division III which includes the cities of Hermosa Beach, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and a portion of Torrance. Director Kwan

also serves as a board member of Cal Desal, a statewide organization to promote the understanding of the future need for ocean-water desalination projects in California. Serving the cities of Division I which include Carson, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, Rolling Hills, and portions of San Pedro, Harold C. Williams was elected to the West Basin board in November 2014. He has held leadership positions in numerous civic organizations and served on various city commissions. Most recently, Williams served on the Carson Utility Users’ Tax Citizens Oversight Committee, which he chaired for two years. Williams also served as president of the American Public Works AssociationSouthern California Chapter, president of the City and County Engineers Association, and treasurer of the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers. Also elected in November 2014, Scott Houston represents Division IV, which includes the cities of Culver City, El Segundo, Malibu, West Hol-

lywood and Lennox, North Ladera Heights, Del Aire, Topanga, View Park and Windsor Hills. Houston currently serves on the board of directors of Tree Musketeers, a youth-led environmental organization that plants trees throughout El Segundo while teaching the youth valuable leadership skills. He previously served a four-year term on the City of El Segundo’s Public Works Committee where he evaluated infrastructure and capital improvement projects for the budget process. West Basin is governed by a fivemember board of directors who represent 17 cities throughout its 185-square mile service area in coastal Los Angeles County. In addition to the four newly-elected officers on the West Basin board, Donald L. Dear, who represents Division V which includes the cities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Lawndale and portions of El Camino Village, just stepped down as the immediate past board president. For more information on the West Basin Board of Directors, please visit http://www.westbasin.org/board-ofdirectors.

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Inglewood Today

January 1, 2015

Community

Local Civil Rights Attorney to Serve on Policing Task Force

ocal civil rights attorney, Constance Rice is among 11 people hand-picked by President Barack Obama to serve on a Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The task force was created to help change the culture of growing discord between police and communities of color, and as a response in part to recent tension and protests resulting from white police escaping indictments after killing unarmed black men. The committee was created by executive order, and is an effort to strengthen community policing and bolster trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. No stranger to high-profile cases, Rice is renowned for her unconventional approaches to tackling problems of inequity and exclusion. She has received more than 50 major

awards for her leadership of diverse coalitions, litigating major cases involving police misconduct, employment discrimination and fair public resource allocation. She has served as part the Blue Ribbon panel that reviewed the Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Division corruption scandal. More recently, Rice was part of an LAPD review team that looked into the firing of Officer Christopher Dorner, who claimed he was wrongly terminated and went on a shooting spree. The Task Force on 21st Century Policing will convene for its first listening sessions in mid-January. Members will hear testimony and proposed recommendations from invited witnesses and also receive comments and questions from the public. Other sessions will be scheduled.

os Angeles Dodgers great, “Sweet Lou” Johnson was the special honoree at the Heads Up Foundation’s Black Tie Holiday Gala Dinner on Dec. 13th. The nonprofit raises money, sponsors events and provides guidance to at-risk youth. Shown here (left to right) are Congresswoman Maxine Waters with husband Sidney Williams, Heads Up President Subrina Miller and “Sweet Lou” Johnson.

Inglewood Growing Artists Projects Community Celebration at Inglewood Public Library

he City of Inglewood is celebrating the completion of newly commissioned works of public art in an afternoon festival on Saturday, January 10, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Inglewood Public Library, 101 West Manchester, Inglewood, CA. The afternoon will begin with the dedication of Inglewood Stories, the new site-specific mural by nationally noted Inglewood artist Michael Massenburg. Remarks will be provided by the artist and Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts. Free bookmarks and a poster of the art will be available in the Library Lobby. The celebration continues with a 2:00 p.m. showing of professional video documentation of the Heidi Duckler Dance Theater’s fourmonth youth-engagement project which included arts training for students and culminated in a dance performance at Inglewood’s Warren Lane Elementary School. Representatives from the school and Dance Theater will be on hand. The celebration culminates with a showcase and the release of The Inglewood Poetry Project (TIPP), a creative and educational effort lead by Inglewood poet J. Malaika Beckford. Attendees of Beckford’s free poetry workshops wrote about Inglewood. Their efforts were edited and collated into a printed anthology available in the City’s Public Library and in selected schools. The

showcase will include readings by Beckford and Inglewood poets Donald Bakeer, Joshua Apparicio, Hiram Sims, DJ Watson and Doris K. Reed. Inglewood Growing Artists Projects (IGAP) is made possible by the City of Inglewood Public Art Fund, percent for art fees paid by private developers to fund public art projects, conservation, and education about public art. Michael Massenburg is a professional artist and educator. He has created public art commissions for Los Angeles County Metro and the American Jazz Museum. He exhibits nationally in galleries and museums. Massenburg studied at Otis College of Art and Design and California State University Long Beach. He resides in Inglewood, serving as Board President of Inglewood Cultural Arts, and is a leading figure in Inglewood Open Studios. Poet J. Malaika Beckford is an artist and educator. Performing as Eagle Nebula, she blends literary poetics and hip hop-inspired spoken word in live performances. Born and raised in Inglewood, Beckford earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Howard University and participated in the poetry scenes of Washington, D.C, New York City, Paris and Ghana, West Africa where she was a June Jordan Scholar. She currently resides in Inglewood and teaches poetry across the southland. For additional information, call (310) 412-8750.

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

Bounce Back From Holiday Stress

ebounding from the 6-week marathon of travel, entertaining and overeating—known as the holiday season—is often necessary to jumpstart your new year. If you’re feeling out of sorts, you can get your groove back with a few simple diet and exercise tips. But, it will take patience and consistent effort. Carbohydrates are among the comfort foods that provide a calming effect on frazzled nerves. They produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is a hormone that gives you a calm, relaxed feeling. It is found in chocolate, which could be a reason why so many women crave it during menstruation. Studies have shown that calcium reduces irritability and nervousness, which makes this important nutrient helpful in your post-holiday recovery. It works best taken in small amounts—preferably 1,200 mg.

By Veronica Mackey

spread over the day in three doses. Common comfort foods include pasta, oatmeal, popcorn, bagels and tortillas. Vitamin B6 is also necessary for producing serotonin, so get your fill of such foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, raisins and whole grain cereal. You may have packed on a few pounds during the holidays. And you may be concerned that eating carbs will make it harder to take them off.

But the truth is we need them for energy. The key is to eat the “good carbs” and to have a balanced diet. Good carbs include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Never eat carbs alone. Pair it with fiber and protein. For example, instead of just snacking on crackers, add a slice of turkey or bean dip. Also, try to complete your meals within an hour and stop eating at least 2-3 hours before bed.

Many people decide to increase their exercise at the beginning of the year. But don’t rush it. If you haven’t exercised regularly in a while, start slowly. Commit to exercising first in your mind. Write the reasons you want to work out and place it where you can see it. This reminder will help you overcome excuses or the temptation to quit on the days that you don’t feel like working out. A great way to start your fitness program by focusing on your core (middle) area. This is extremely important because it is the part of the body that supports your kidney, liver and other vital organs. Sit-ups and crunches are great because they strengthen your stomach muscles. The added benefit, of course, is a flatter abdomen. Enjoy the benefits of comfort foods and core-strengthening exercises, and bounce back from holiday stress.

January 1, 2015

Inglewood Today

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Community

Thoughts for 2015

s the old year draws to a close and the New Year dawns, our thoughts naturally turn to what was and what will be. I’m not one for New Year resolutions. I’ve tried it over the years and, like most folks, can’t keep the resolutions going. So this year, I’m resolving to do things I know I will definitely be able to handle. Experience Inglewood Food Food is a good place to start. Here are some eateries to try: Rusty Pot Cafe on Market, Orleans & York Deli on Florence, Mad Men Deli on N. La Brea, Little Belize on Nutwood, and Bayou Grill and Fiesta Martin, both on No La Brea. All are new or relatively new and all have been highly recommended to me. If you have a sweet tooth, try JoJo’s Dozen on Nutwood. Some mighty wonderful smells come out of this hole-in-the-wall bakery – don’t let the size fool you. Did you know we have a microbrewery in Inglewood? Three Weavers Brewing Company is on West Manchester in the Manchester Business Park.

By Anne Cheek La Rose

Pamper Yourself Sometimes a girl just needs to feel like a girl. Spa 313 on No La Brea is a one-stop for pampering – salon, mani-pedis, facials, and make-up. Keep the feeling going and shop, shop, shop: Boutique 1323 on N. La Brea carries regular and plus sizes; Shoe Fanatix on Nutwood has shoes and clothing. There are lots of other shops in town, so get out there and explore! Cultural Enrichment Put a little ‘cultcha’ in your life, as they say. On Saturday, January 10, 2015, from 1-5pm at the main Inglewood Public Library, there will be a Mural Art & Poetry Celebration. This event is the culmination of two Inglewood Arts Commission IGAP grants. On Sunday, January 18, from 10am7pm, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) will host another free admissions day for Inglewood and surrounding communities. Use code ‘LACMA9’ at the ticket booth. “A Vaudeville ‘Lip-Syncing’ Musical Revue” will take place Saturday, February, 21 at 3pm in the

Community Involvement Make 2015 the year to get involved in the community: join Friends of Inglewood Library, the Historical Society of the Centinela Valley, or your block club. If you don’t have a block club or neighborhood watch, start one. Take the next available CERT (Community Emergency Response Training) class.

Anne Cheek La Rose Morningside High School auditorium. This is a fundraiser for Giving Back Corporation, a non-profit that funds school supplies and scholarships for students. Take in the free monthly Tuesday Morning Movie every 3rd Tuesday in the Waddingham Lecture Hall at the Main Library. Call the library to learn the name of the movie. Mark your calendar now for the 9th annual Open Studios on the second weekend in November. This artist studio event grows every year. Check it out.

Learn Something New The Main Inglewood Library has monthly computer classes: introduction to computers; Internet for beginners; using E-mail; Word for beginners; Excel parts 1 and 2; finding books and information; PowerPoint; and social networking. Like all library programs, these classes are free. Also, check out Callie Rose Literary Café on Nutwood. They have lots of programs for adults and kids. Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. See you around town!

Inglewood Today

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January 1, 2015

Business

Not Just a Man’s World Female Entrepreneurs Are Making Noise

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.

Rules of Regifting

ecycling unwanted gifts is a growing practice, especially in today’s economy. And there’s nothing wrong with it as long as you follow some basic regifting rules. Disregard them and you could end up hurting someone’s feelings and appearing thoughtless.

If you are the recipient of a nice gift that—for whatever reason—does not work for you, consider passing it on to someone else. But before you do that, make sure you understand the etiquette of this practice. Receiving the Gift Show gratitude when someone gives you something, even if you don’t want the item. If you decide to regift instead of donate to a thrift store, choose the person whom you would like to pass it on to. Having a

regifting box will help you find a new home for unwanted items and keep clutter under control. Some items, however, should never be regifted because people may have allergies to certain foods and chemicals, or their tastes may be very different. Avoid food (i.e., canned ham or fruitcake), perfume, wine or champagne, monogrammed or other personalized items or used times. If the item you received is cheap-looking or poorly made, donate it instead. If it looks cheap to you, it will look cheap to others. When handling the gift, remember to remove the original wrapping paper and rewrap it in your own. Make sure the box is in good condition so the item doesn’t appear used. Check the item and make sure there are no cards or names on or in the packaging. If you just can’t bear having to explain to someone what happened to the gift they gave you, take the initiative by photographing yourself with the gift before you regift it. Then send them the photo. They’ll appreciate it. Finally, put some thought into the gift. Make sure it is something the recipient would want or need.

hey can outperform boys in school, will probably live longer than their male counterparts and, according to the Financial Times, are forecast to outnumber men as millionaires by 2020 in the UK. So, why are there still so few women entrepreneurs around the world? Oh, there are a handful: Marrisa Mayer, president and CEO of Yahoo. Lynn Good, CEO of Duke Energy, and Mary Barra, CEO of GM, to name a few. Yet, it appears these notable women are still the exception rather than the rule. Still, one woman is betting that America is on the cusp of change, at the same time acknowledging that, “while the Mad Men days may be over, we’re also not quite there yet.” Erica Solis, co-founder of MovoCash (www.movocash.com), a mobile payments technology company, believes that women are being empowered more than ever to be successful in business. “As a young female entrepreneur, this is a tremendous advantage as the world shifts its mindset to how they view women in the workplace,” says Solis. Solis, a millennial, whose first job out of college was for a startup company that is now publicly traded and has over 200 employees, should know. Her father has been in the fintech (financial-technology) field for the last 15 years, and she has seen first-hand the amount of hard work,

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!

agility and confidence it takes to be an entrepreneur. This experience made the decision to go work for her father, Eric Solis, an easy one. Together, the father-daughter team created MovoCash, a payment platform that allows consumers to link their bank accounts to their MovoCash account for mobile payments with no limitation on the number of supported banks. Unlike Apple Pay or PayPal, MovoCash eliminates the direct link required by conventional near-field communication (NFC), which has been lauded for its security and convenience, but is being criticized by both analysts and merchants, who say that consumers are not yet comfortable paying with their phone, and that the NFC technology is more expensive to implement than traditional card systems. “I think the environment for women is exciting,” says Laurie Itkin, financial advisor and author of the book “Every Woman Should Know Her Options.” “Starting your own business gives a woman the opportunity to be a leader, an opportunity that she might not have in a corporation.” Solis agrees. “I feel very fortunate to be in a country that encourages women to take risks, and be innovative and bold. This is a major advantage every American female entrepreneur has today,” says Solis. Source: NewsUSA

January 1, 2015

Inglewood Today

Page 7

D at e s i n J a n u a ry December 31, 2014 New Year’s Eve Block Party and Club Event Go to two parties for the price of one on New Year’s Eve. Downtown Long Beach is shutting down for a block party on Pine Avenue between Broadway and 4th Street. There will be 3 stages of live entertainment and DJs; and 12 bars with outdoor drinking Mardi Gras style. The party continues at Cuban Pete’s Mojito Lounge/Hip Hop Night Club. Must be 21 and older. Enjoy Hip Hop, Top 40 and Reggae in the Main Night Club. Dance to Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Rock en Espanol in the Mojito Lounge. Cuban Pete’s Mojito Lounge and Hip Hop Night Club is located at 245 Pine Avenue #290, Long Beach, California 90802 (Pine Avenue and 3rd Street. Upstairs above Alondra Hot Wings). Dress code: trendy (no tees, no hats, no baggy jeans). Both

Publisher’s Message (Continued from page 3)

more. After years of languishing, residential sound insulation is back on track and people who live in the LAX flight path are getting the help they need. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony was a fitting end to the year, evidenced by the thousands who came out to enjoy the festivities. It was the largest holiday event the City has ever seen. As the crowning finish of 2014, it was a reward to Inglewood for all the hard work that has gone into its transformation. There was a lot to be grateful for in 2014, and I have no doubt 2015 will be an exciting year. So no matter how your year may have ended or how the new year may have begun, take comfort that Inglewood is a city on the move. New Year’s is about forward momentum, so let’s focus on the positive. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year.

January 22, 2015 Public Relations with Passion and Purpose Kickstart your business success in 2015 with this online webinar. Designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs and non-profits, you’ll learn how to integrated marketing and communication strategies. Takes place from 11am to 12pm PST. Attendees will have the chance to win 100 hours of pro bono public relations services, a $10,000 minimum value. Reservations required at www.media.bellamypr.com. Cost is $25.00. Webinar login details will be emailed to you once you register.

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Farewell 2014 (Continued from page 1) side, have 2015 to make amends and begin again. If the City of Inglewood were a person, I’d most definitely say it’s part of the accomplished 8%. This year, I’ve witnessed first hand some of the characteristics that make people legends, and cities legendary. To start off the year, I sat in the front row at the City of Inglewood’s Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was absolutely floored by the lyrical talents of our community’s young people. From Zharia McRoberson, Chasidy Hyman, Taiyn Paige, to Morningside High School’s Jalyn Bell, each speech was delivered with poise, with conviction, and spoke to the spirit of empathy as we walked in the shoes of Dr. King, as well as the individuals who told the story. We moved through Black History Month celebrating the achievements and contributions of African American men and women throughout

American history. I sat down and spoke with various individuals throughout the community who, by the sweat of their brow and grit of their teeth, are taking their destinies into their own hands. They are creating lives for themselves in our ever-expanding and rising city. Folks like Brandy Randolph, owner of Branded Body Fitness, community activist and soul singer Sunset Brown, Yoga instructor Saleena Collins of Clear Gardens Yoga Studio, law student Ryan Thompson, poet Jonathan Apparitio, and countless others, on a grassroots level, are preserving the rich culture and diversity of interests in our community. From the opening of the Forum, to celebrating Food Truck Friday, the Afro Latin Music Festival, our Earth Day Celebration, Hispanic Heritage Month, Art Action Project at Darby Park, the Dalai Lama, landing in the Los Angeles Business Journal, breaking ground on the

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new Community Center in District 2, and Mayor James T. Butts’ ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, to the spirited food drives and toy giveaways that culminated the year, all represented the integrity and collective capabilities of our city’s leadership. To witness these efforts first hand (not slanted through the perspective of an angry few), to talk to the movers and shakers and hear their perspectives, and see their efforts, is something that I’m proud to have accomplished this year, and look forward to seeing more of in the coming years. Happy New Year, everybody.

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protests and rallies continued nationwide over shooting deaths and non-indictments of police officers who killed Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Taking advantage of the holiday shopping season, protestors gathered at malls and shut down freeways. In a separate matter, Walmart workers walked out on Black Friday to demand livable wages and benefits. Sadly, on Dec.

2014 Year in Review (Part 1) (Continued from page 2) Cleveland Cavaliers. Overjoyed Cavaliers fans—the same ones who booed him when he chose to play for Miami—expressed their forgiveness, rushing to purchase LeBron James jerseys to replace the ones they burned when he left.

LeBron James returned to Cleveland to play for the Cavs.

Ice Bucket Challenge: Also called the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, this idea raised awareness and millions of dollars for a disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The global challenge, which went viral on social media during July–August 2014, challenged participants to dump ice water on their heads within 24 hours of being nominated or forfeit by way of financial donations. Videos of celebrities taking the challenge kept the momentum going.

have been ongoing and continue to dominate the news. The incident brought to the limelight age-old problems of racial profiling, police brutality and mistrust between police and black communities. President Obama has asked for $263 million for police training and the purchase body cameras for officers. ISIS Beheadings: American journalist James Foley, who covered the Syrian Civil War, is beheaded on videotape by the ISIS terrorists group on August 19. A second journalist, Steven Sotloff, is beheaded on Sept. 2.

hysteria follows, with politicians demanding bans on air travel from West Africa—where Ebola is the most widespread—while medical authorities try to quell the public’s fears. The Protests broke out in Ferguson the night of Duncan case results in the Michael Brown verdict. quarantine and treatment of medical personnel who came in contact with him. 20, a suicidal black man shot and Fortunately, they recover. killed 2 police officers in New York while sitting in their patrol car—a November retaliation against the Brown and Obamacare Enrollment: No- Garner deaths. vember 15th began the open enPlane Disaster: Missing rollment period for Obamacare. Eerily mirroring the fate of MalayCompared to last year’s glitch- sia Airlines Flight 370 on March filled rollout, families signing up 8, in which 239 passengers disapfor health care under the Affordable peared, an AirAsia flight en route to Health Care Act this year are find- Singapore and carrying 162 passening the process much easier. With gers went missing. Two days later benefits, which include free preven- on December 30, rescuers located tive check-ups and a ceiling on out- and began pulling bodies and debris of-pocket costs, millions now have from the plane in the Java Sea, off access to affordable medical cov- Indonesia. erage. Open enrollment continues U.S.-Cuba Agreement: In a through February 15, 2015. surprising end to 2014, President U.S. Elections: Republicans Obama and Cuban President Raul won 54 of the Senate’s 100 seats, Castro announced they have begun and expanded their majority in the the process of normalizing relations House as well. With an essentially between their respective counties. GOP-controlled Congress, Demo- The agreement would see the lifting crats will have a fight on their of some U.S. travel restrictions, fewhands when the new Republicans er restrictions on remittances, U.S. are sworn in. bank access to the Cuban financial Immigration: Frustrated by an im- system, and the establishment of a passe in Congress, President Obama U.S. embassy in Havana. took executive actions to curb deportations for many immigrants residing in the U.S. illegally. GOP leaders in the House and Senate pledged efforts to block the president’s moves.

September NFL Scandal: Video is leaked from a surveillance camera in an elevator, catching Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice punching his thenfiancée (now wife), knocking her out cold, then dragging her across the floor. The NFL initially suspended Rice for two games, then suspended him indefinitely. In November an arbitrator ruled that the league had acted improperly in banishing Rice and orAugust dered that he be reinstated. The Rice Robin Williams: incident raised the issue of Shocked fans around whether professional sports the world struggled franchises should allow athwith news of the letes engaged in domestic sudden death of acviolence to continue to play. tor-comedian Robin White House Jumper: Williams. The 63A man shows just how year funnyman and easy it is to jump the White Oscar winner hung House fence and come himself in his bedwithin feet of where the room after a bout First Family lives. Omar with depression. Gonzalez jumped the fence, ran past Michael Brown Verdict: The Secret Service agents, opened the biggest domestic story of the year unlocked door and got to the East occurred in Ferguson, Mo., with Room before anyone stopped him. the shooting death of unarmed black teen Michael Brown by October white police officer Darren WilEbola: The Ebola virus takes censon. Waves of protests rocked ter stage as Thomas Eric Duncan, a the city near St. Louis and spread Liberian national visiting family in December throughout the nation after Wilson Dallas, becomes the first person to Civil Unrest Inescaped indictment. The protests die of the disease in the U.S. Mass creases: Organized Inglewood ‘City of Entertainment’ (Continued from page 1) even dangerous. Despite concerns about crime, thousands of visitors, including the Dalai Lama who spoke at the Forum in February, have found Inglewood to be a welcoming city. According to sources, the Forum hosted 50 shows in 2014 without incidents. Since the Eagles’ opened the Forum with six historic performances last January, the venue has played host to such acts as Imagine Dragons, Tom Petty

& the Heartbreakers, Justin Timberlake, Patti Labelle, and Stevie Wonder. The star-studded Video Music Awards came to the Forum in August. Now, one year and $100 million later, the numbers speak for themselves. Nearing the first year of its reopening, the Forum has doubled the number of concerts at L.A.’s Staple Center and hosted almost twice as many as the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine. If 2014 was a banner year, then 2015 is looking even better. Accord-

AirAsia divers found bodies and debris off the coast of Indonesia.

ing to sources, the Forum has already booked 45 shows for next year. “We are very, very, very happy,” Irving Azoff, music industry mogul who helped bring the Forum back, told the L.A. Times. The only person who could possibly be happier is Inglewood Mayor James Butts. “Since its reopening in January, the Fabulous Forum has become the destination for music-lovers in Southern California. A truly historic location, and home to some of the greatest con-

certs and sporting events, the Forum is back, better than ever and ready to shine for decades more. We are truly excited to shine a spotlight on the reinvented Forum and on our great city,” Butts said at an April news conference announcing the VMA show. Now, if he could just get the media to stop calling it the Los Angeles Forum. “The Forum is in Inglewood,” Butts told a crowd during a presentation to Frankie Beverly and Maze in September. “That’s Inglewood with a capital I!”