Your Community Connection
Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 23, No. 10
March 6, 2014
Brothers’ Day
California philanthropic and community organization make a big investment in President Obama’s initiative to boost young men of color.
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By Olu Alemoru, California Black Media
President Obama announces the new initiative.
• News • Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business
Are You the One?
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istory was made on Sunday night as Lupita Nyong’o won an Oscar for best supporting actress for her role as Patsey in “12 Years a Slave.” The film also took home Oscars for Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay. It was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role; Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role; Best Achievement in Costume Design; Best Achievement in Directing; Best Achievement in Film Editing; and Best Achievement in ProMy Brother’s Keeper is a partnership between the duction Design. administration and leading organizations to create a plan to help males of color in inner city communities. faced by male African- the lowest levels of academAmerican, Latino, Native ic achievement and highest American and Asian Pacific incarceration rates. Islanders who live in inner New data on the state of city communities. young males of color in A broad spectrum of ex- California is nothing short perts agree that this demo- of alarming: Only about graphic is largely disenfran- half of African-American, chised, a reality consistently Latino and Native Ameri(Continued on page 9) reflected in its iron grip on
alifornia public and private stakeholders are backing an historic, national Call to Arms by President Barack Obama that will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in providing opportunities for young nen of color. On Feb. 27 at the White House, Obama and members of his cabinet announced an initiative called My Brother’s Keeper. It is a partnership of leading organizations teaming with the administration to lay out a non-partisan, strategic plan to address the challenges
On The Inside:
‘12 Years a Slave’ Gets the Golden Prize
By Thomas Bunn
s a film scholar, watching and teaching about the many nuances of the Matrix series, has harvested some of the most gratifying conversations of my young life. If our community is Zion, the machines are corporations that leach resources and reinvest that wealth outside that community. Who then (Continued on page 2)
VOTE TODAY • Visit www.inglewoodtoday.com
Would you like to see NFL Football in Inglewood?
Lupita Nyong’o The 31 year-old Nyong’o, whose birthday fell on Oscar Eve, has been picking up awards steadily this season, and has become the “It Girl” of fashion to boot! She has graced the covers of magazines around in the world, including U.S. favorites like New York, Vanity Fair and Backstage. Her dark skin and natural hair is a refreshing departure from the weaved tresses worn by many African American actresses. (Continued on page 6)
Inglewood Today
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Centinela Ranks Within Top 100 Hospitals, 3rd Year in a Row
entinela Hospital Medical Center has, once again, been named a 100 Top Hospital award winner by the prestigious Truven Health Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters) organization. The Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals® study uses objec-
tive research and independent public data to recognize the best U.S. hospitals. Hospitals do not apply and winners do not pay to market this honor. To be named to the 100 Top list, hospitals are scored on 10 measures of quality, efficiency, safety and patient satisfaction. Says Linda Bradley, CEO of Centinela Hospital, “By being ranked as one Are You the One? (Continued from page 1) is Neo? Who will rescue us from the forces that plague our neighborhoods? That’s the fundamental question we all ask while the problems in our districts escalate. We know the numbers, and we understand that as a nation, we’re not doing so well. Instead of harping on regurgitated rhetoric, I’d rather focus on a silver lining. Regaining our communal value. How do we do this? Continue running to local representatives in hopes that the answers come from above in time to meet demands? Or do we tap into our collective powers and create the change we desire in our own communities? This is the moment we are sharing. Communities are grasping these problems, and they’re working to fix them like never before, taking action to improve their own lives and those of the people around them. According to Will Byrne, founder of the D.C. based non-profit, Groundswell, “Volunteerism is up, students now choose colleges based on social impact and service programs, individual charitable contributions have remained remarkably steady despite a global financial crisis.” Byrne also added, “By pooling their purchasing power, people and
of the top 100 out of the nearly 3,000 U.S. hospitals surveyed by Truven Health, Centinela Hospital has demonstrated that high-quality patient outcomes can be achieved while improving efficiency. As healthcare providers, we face many challenges day in and day out,
cardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and pneumonia. If all Medicare inpatients received the same level of care as those treated in the award-winning facilities: • More than 165,000 additional lives could be saved • Nearly 90,000 additional patients could be complication-free • $5.4 billion could be saved • The average patient stay would decrease by nearly half a day
About Centinela Hospital Medical Center and Prime Healthcare Services Since 1950, Centinela Hospital Medical Center has been serving the communities of Inglewood and Los Angeles. Centinela Hospital Medical Center is a 369-bed acute care hospital offering comprehensive, quality healthcare in a conhowever this award, along with venient, compassionate and cost the many others we have received, effective manner. prove the worth of our efforts.” Ontario, CA-based Prime The study evaluates perfor- Healthcare Services is one of the mance in 10 areas: mortality; med- largest hospital companies in the ical complications; patient safety; U.S. and a leading operator of average patient stay; expenses; general acute care hospitals with a profitability; patient satisfaction; mission of providing comprehenadherence to clinical standards of sive, quality health care in a comcare; post-discharge mortality; and passionate, convenient and costreadmission rates for acute myo- effective manner. communities can do more than gain access to services they want at lower cost. Yet civically minded citizens have limited options: call your congressman, join a one-off protest action, or donate to an advocacy organization. Too often, the options posed don’t translate into tangible benefits for one’s own community. I believe people and communities have a more powerful tool for creating social benefits they care about, one that requires no sacrifice but instead aligns with their own economic interests as consumers: collective purchasing power. New startups like Groupon and Living Social have made lots of money around this concept, aggregating consumer demand in order to secure daily deals for gleeful consumers. Yet these firms have missed a huge new opportunity. By pooling their purchasing power, people and communities can do more than gain access to services they want at lower cost; they can unlock the ability of business--and I believe, whole market sectors--to be “drivers of social good.” There is this stigma surrounding Corporate America. That is the desire to be a profitable corporation means the exploitation of low-wage workers and low-income communities. That’s not necessarily the case.
Corporations take advantage of a community’s lack of unity, self-determination, and lack of know-how. If more communities decided to increase their knowledge base, and pool their purchasing power as a result, unemployment rates would decrease as new jobs blossom, public policies would begin to align more with public opinion, the existing local economy would inflate as more consumers spend money inside their communities with the businesses they endorse. Finally, the corporate exploiters would have to get in line with the new paradigm, or lose market share to new competitors. When Morpheus told Neo, “You are the One…” it was the most important moment of the film, because finally it had been declared. Byrne says, “The social sector has focused for years on government as its mechanism for change, but it’s business that has the biggest potential impacts on the social and environmental crises of our time. Purchasing power is social impact power.” So where’s our Neo? In our city’s case, Neo isn’t simply one spelled backwards, nor is Neo one individual. Neo is each and every member of this community who together become the One voice and the One movement that throughout history has changed the world.
March 6, 2014
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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We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think about local issues. Letters should be addressed “To the Editor” and include your name, address and phone number. (Only your name and city will be published.) Email: itnetworks@msn.com Online: www.inglewoodtoday.com Mail: 9111 La Cienega Blvd., Suite 100, Inglewood, CA 90301 Fax: 310.338.9130 Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Not all letters will be published. Submission of a letter to the editor constitutes permission to publish the letter in the printed version of Inglewood Today Weekly and on www.inglewoodtoday.com.
Inglewood Today
March 6, 2014
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National Discover Earth Science Exhibit Closes at Inglewood Public Library
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Meet Space Exploration Pioneers Dr. Louis Friedman, James McCurry and Emily Lakdawalla
he Inglewood Public Library is hosting three of the best known advocates and pioneers of space exploration, Dr. Louis Friedman and Emily Lakdawalla of The Planetary Society, and former NASA engineer James McCurry, for the final program of the Discover Earth exhibit. They will be presenting an illustrated presentation on the past and present of space exploration at the Gladys Waddingham Lecture Hall of the Inglewood Main Library, 101 W. Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA, 90301, from 10.30 AM to 2 PM on March 15th, 2014. When Dr. Louis Friedman helped co-found The Planetary Society, he brought to his position as Executive Director a wealth of experience in the space exploration community, including 10 years at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and five at AVCO Space Systems Division. He has been a guiding force with the Society for over 30 years and remains as excited as ever about humanity’s journey into the solar system. Dr. Friedman will introduce our space exploration program and The Planetary Society. James McCurry accomplished a career of 39 years in Systems Engineering and Program Management on a diverse assemblage of major engineering programs spanning aircraft, manned space, scientific and defense satellites, and computerized command and control systems, for the Air Force, Navy, Army, and NASA. He received a graduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology; and completed over four years active duty in Weapon Systems Program Management offices of three bomber aircraft at Wright Field, Ohio. From there he joined North American Aviation in Inglewood, California on the B-70 aircraft program. In early 1960 he joined the newly formed Space
Technology Laboratories (STL) Mercury Atlas Booster program office (later transferred to The Aerospace Corp.) as a Systems Engineer. On Mercury, he participated in the booster acceptance and launch of all the Mercury Atlas flights at Cape Canaveral, including the historic flight of John Glenn. Mr. McCurry will share his experiences and the daunting challenges to put the first American into space. Emily Lakdawalla is a passionate advocate for the exploration of all of the worlds of our solar system. Through blogs, photos, videos, podcasts, print articles, Twitter, and any other medium she can put her hand to, Emily shares the adventure of space exploration with the world. She came to The Planetary Society in 2001 to oversee a portion of the Society’s Red Rover Goes to Mars project, an education and public outreach program on the Mars Exploration Rover mission funded by LEGO. She has been writing and editing The Planetary Society Blog since 2005, reporting on space
Expensive IUSD Retreat to Be Investigated
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he Inglewood Unified School District, which is under state control, spent thousands of dollars to send educators on a weekend retreat to a swanky San Diego resort, according to CBS2’s David Goldstein. The district, which was taken over by the state in 2012 and given a $55 million loan, sent principals and administrators to an all-day junket to discuss curriculum at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa. They reportedly spent more than $38,000, including $9,000 for a motivational speaker, Goldstein said. Don Brann, EdD, Inglewood state trustee, who was appointed to oversee the struggling district and turn it around, admits it was a bad use
of money. However, he said by the time he found out about the expenditures, it was too late. Deposits to the retreat had already been made and the hotel wouldn’t return it. “It’s one of the transactions that slipped through and by the time I found out about it, it was too late,” Brann said. The district superintendent said those who made the decision will be held accountable. A spokesperson for the state Department of Education said the issue will be investigated. In January, the GSEP Superintendent Advisory Council named Brann the “2014 GSEP Superintendent of the Year” despite only serving as trustee for 8 months at that time.
news, explaining planetary science, and sharing beautiful space photos. She appears weekly on the Society’s Planetary Radio podcast, answering listener questions or rounding up the latest space news from the blog. Ms. Lakdawalla will give a presentation on the Golden Age of Space Exploration (now!), what’s currently happening with robotic exploration of the solar system, including lots of amazing photos. Volunteers from The Planetary Society will also be on hand to answer questions and show you their telescopes! Discover Earth at a glance: • Inglewood is the last stop for the exhibition, and the only stop on the West Coast • The 8-week exhibition will end on March 20, 2014 • The exhibition includes 9 free programs for adults, families and children • There are 10 displays, including 4 interactive panels and the “Magic PlanetTM” interactive globe
The traveling exhibit, visiting only ten libraries throughout the United States, is part of the STAR Library Education Network (STAR_Net) led by the National Center for Interactive Learning at the Space Science Institute. Exhibit partners include the American Library Association, the Lunar and Planetary Institute, and the National Girls Collaborative Project. Discover Earth is supported through a grant from the National Science Foundation. The exhibition features an 18-inch-diameter Magic PlanetTM globe and a 42-inch multi-touch table computer. The exhibition displays incorporate personal narratives, stunning graphics, video, animations, weather artifacts, animal specimens, and simulation-based educational games. Inglewood has already received a real-time digital weather station, collecting data and demonstrating how local temperature, pressure, and precipitation change before, during and after the exhibition. This traveling exhibition will allow library patrons to understand how Earth’s global environment changes—and is changed by—the local environment of all the host communities. The Inglewood Public Library is sponsoring a number of free programs for the public in connection with the exhibit. Local partners include the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and The Planetary Society. Discover Earth will be on display at the library until March 20, 2014. For more information about this exhibition call (310) 412-5380, e-mail publiclibrary@cityofinglewood. org, check out the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/inglewoodpubliclibrary or visit http:// library.cityofinglewood.org/.
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Inglewood Today
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March 6, 2014
Eye on the City I
Council Denies Pay Raise Rumors
t pays to save. The City of Inglewood received a big, fat check on Tuesday from Southern California Edison in the amount of $59,444. Inglewood was rewarded for saving 540,000 kilowatt hours of energy. The check was jointly presented by SCE and the South Bay City Council of Governments. The council is in the process of selecting bidders to head a new farmer’s market in Inglewood. The fresh food project has been discussed for years. Resident Leroy Fisher, whose son has organized a farmer’s market in Ladera, says the council is dragging its feet and accused members of “playing favorites.” He wants to know why the council rejected his son’s proposal. “He’s done everything he’s supposed to do. You haven’t done anything,” Fisher said. On an un-
By Veronica Mackey
related topic, he said council members were giving themselves salary increases. “Who said our salaries were going up? Who suggested that?” Mayor James Butts asked. “It was an argument that I heard.
If it’s not so, it’s not so,” Fisher responded. “You said it. It’s not so,” the mayor said. A college student came to the council meeting to observe and give his opinion on everything
from the farmer’s market to city streets. He said he hoped the council would not “refuse” to move forward on the farmer’s market. “I’m from Jamaica and I learned a lot about food being genetically engineered. . . I noticed the roads. I think La Brea and Century needs (work) and it’s not making the younger generation have a positive view of the city.” There was some discussion about jobs in regard to construction of the new Crenshaw/LAX transit line. Councilman Ralph Franklin used a portion of his closing remarks to advise the public of an upcoming construction job fair, March 22 at the Crenshaw Baldwin Hills Plaza. (See the announcement in this edition of Inglewood Today). Franklin also responded to Fish(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)
March 6, 2014
Inglewood Today
Publisher’s Message Important Role of Women in History Cannot Be Denied
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arch is Women’s History Month and there’s no better time to celebrate their contributions. Although the numbers and accuracy of stories about women achievers still pale in comparison to men, their footprints are everywhere. From art, science, business, technology, education, politics and other professions, women have taken the lead, proving they can do what men do, and do it very well (or better). Here are some facts from GenderAcrossBorders.com about women’s history that underscore just how important women are to society, and why holding them back is no longer an option: • Today, 71% of moms with kids under 18 work. Compared to 1975, when fewer than 47% of women worked, females now hold top positions in business technology and science. • Women currently hold 17% of Congressional and Senate seats and 18% of gubernatorial positions in the U.S. Compare these figures to the early 1900s when women were not even allowed to vote. We need more representation, however there’s no doubt women have come a long way politically. • Approximately 14% of active members in the U.S. armed forces today are women. In 1950, women comprised less than 2% of the U.S. military. Today, women play an active role in serving their country through military service, but many in years past would simply disguise themselves as men in order to gain access to the battlefield. • Over 60 percent of college degrees awarded in the U.S. every year are earned by women. In fact, women are more likely than men to get a high school diploma as well, and the numbers are only expected to rise in the coming years. Honoring the achievements of
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Just Saying... Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly women is important for all sorts of reasons. Everyone aspires to do better when they know they are appreciated. Women deserve their place alongside men, not just to prove they are just as competent, but in their own right as human beings. It is especially important that young girls have successful role models who look like them. With so many messages being offered through entertainment, young girls can get the wrong idea about what it takes to be accepted. They need to know they can succeed in reaching their goals without compromising their integrity. Women are still lagging behind men in wage earnings, job opportunities and being given the proper credit for what they do. Yet, there has never been a better time to be a woman than now. Women on every continent continue to shatter the glass ceiling and prove their merit. As with people of color, women’s progress will depend to a large extent on supportive networks. There are literally thousands of organizations today to help women succeed in every endeavor. This is the kind of networking support that even male chauvinists cannot stop. I encourage you to study the history of women this month, and especially parents of young girls. You never know what exposure to the right role models could lead to 10, 20 or 30 years.
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Drama doesn’t just walk into your life out of nowhere. You either create it, invite it or associate with people who bring it. Eye on the City (Continued from page 4) er’s complaints about not selecting his son to head the farmer’s market. “There is a process (and) the process has not been completed. The council has already approved the farmer’s market (and it will) take place on the south side of City Hall,” Franklin said. He explained that the time to respond to Inglewood’s Request for Proposals had expired. The City will resubmit the RFPs to get more bids in. Padilla reiterated the mayor’s comment about councilmember pay raises. “None of us are getting any pay raises and salary increases, so let’s put that to rest. The farmer’s market will happen. We just need to do it the right way, and follow the processes.” Councilman Padilla and Eloy Morales attended a conference of the National Latino Peace Officers Assn. recently, where the work of Inglewood police officers was recognized. “Officers were acknowledged about the Thanksgiving shooting,” Morales said. “Having gone through that, it was amazing for them to just step up and say ‘I’m proud to be a police officer.’ I was impressed with the commitment they have to their job.” Morales acknowledged the young college student in the audience. “I know there are times students come in and we are not shown in our best light. It’s just like in a family. (But) it’s an immense privilege to be part of the leadership of the city I grew up in.”
Yvonne Horton
Mayor Butts also directed his closing remarks to the student, using public comments to give a 5-minute civics lesson. “Let’s talk about the letter Mr. (Gil) Matheiu was referring to. The City took (federal) housing funds and transferred them to the State’s Redevelopment Agency. Then we learned we could not use those funds for that purpose. So those funds needed to go back to HUD, so they couldn’t be used. In the meantime, the Redevelopment Agency was dissolved…” The City is currently in litigation with the State over the $2.8 million, which the State says belongs to it. “They (State) asked, ‘Well, did HUD ask for it (back) as if it were permissible for us to keep it. We thought that was wrong. So we went to court on that. You have to remember the courts in this state are funded by the State of California. We had a judgment that said we couldn’t give the money back to HUD. We don’t agree that was the right thing to do and we are still fighting for it. I think it’s ridiculous for the City to hide $2.8 million from the federal government, and wait until they come ask for it.” Butts also addressed the rumor about pay raises: “We cannot raise our salaries without a public council action and staff report. Mr. Fisher knows that. But there is a paper called the Morningside Chronicle, published by a man named Randall Fleming, if that (Continued on page 11)
Inglewood Today
Page 6
2014 ASICS LA Marathon Officially Sold Out Over 25,000 Runners Set to Take Over Los Angeles on Sunday, March 9th
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A Marathon LLC Chief Executive Tracey Russell has announced that this year’s ASICS LA Marathon, which will take place on Sunday, March 9th, has officially sold out regular registration for the second straight year. The event, featuring more than 25,000 runners from all over the
world, will once again follow its popular “Stadium to the Sea” course from the start line at Dodger Stadium to the finish just steps from Santa Monica Pier. “With our annual ASICS LA Marathon just days away, we cannot wait to give marathoners the (Continued on page 8)
March 6, 2014
‘12 Years a Slave’ Gets the Golden Prize (Continued from page 1) She hugged “12 Years a Slave” Director Steve McQueen and costar Chiwetel Ejiofor on the way to the stage to pick up her golden statue. “It doesn’t escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else’s, so I want to salute the spirit of Patsey for her guidance and for Solomon—thank you for telling her story and your own. “This has been the joy of my life,” Nyong’o said. McQueen dedicated his Oscar to “all the people who have endured slavery and the 21 million people who still suffer slavery today.” “12 Years a Slave” takes place in the pre-Civil War United States, where Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York,
Steve McQueen, Lupita Nyong’o, and Chiwetel Ejiofor
Lupita at the Golden Globes is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty at the hands of a malevolent slave owner, as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.” (Continued on page 9)
March 6, 2014
Inglewood Today
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Health&Fitness T•O•D•A•Y
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Cranberries Have Clinically Proven Benefits
eople who consume cranberry—or its juice—regularly have thinner waists, better memories, and healthier hearts than those who don’t. What’s more, this berry also fights infections, tooth decay, and may even help protect you against cancer, according to several new and recent studies, according to Yahoo Health columnist Lisa Collier Cool. Rich antioxidants, Vitamin C and other micronutrients cranberries are what gives cranberries its power. Cool noted a cranberry compound called myricetin is one of several plant derivatives being investigated as an anti-cancer drug, according to a recent study published in Nutrition Cancer. Here, in more detail, is how cranberries deliver the health benefits described above (Yahoo Health, Feb. 24, 2014).
journal Nutrients. The researchers analyzed food diary data from participants in the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2008. Overall, cranberry juice drinker averaged 7.5 ounces of the juice per day. Those with low-tomoderate intake of the tangy beverage were less likely to be overweight or obese and had smaller waists, compared to non-drinkers of cranberry beverages.
A Slimmer Waist and Lower Weight One of the most surprising new studies links drinking cranberry beverages to a lower body weight,
even though they aren’t typically thought of as a diet drink, due to the relatively high sugar and carb content. The study, which included 10,891 adults, was published in the
Reducing Heart Attack Risk Here’s a great reason to go red for your heart health. Low-calorie cranberry juice combats two major cardiovascular risks oxidized: LDL (the problem that leads to buildup of cholesterol plaque in the arteries) and inflammation (the fiery process that ignites heart (Continued on page 11)
Water Shown to Alleviate Aches and Pains Associated with Pregnancy
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eing pregnant can be a joyful occasion. It also comes with its own unique set of challenges, such as weight gain, morning sickness, water retention and added stress to the joints. All of these symptoms, however, can be alleviated naturally by drinking water, say experts. “Getting comfortable during pregnancy is difficult at best and really an oxymoron, as most women will attest,” says Robert Eakle, CEO of Alkame Water. “However, drinking water can be the answer to everything when you’re pregnant.” The American Pregnancy Association agrees, noting that dehydration can lead to miscarriages and preterm labor, as well as constipation and fatigue. Think about it: Water is vital in keeping the body hydrated. It acts as a conduit that aids in getting nutrients through the bloodstream to the baby, aids in digestion, flushes the system of unwanted toxins and generally keeps our bodily systems running smoothly. Not all water is created equal, however. Tap water, for instance, can contain high levels of lead and other potentially unsafe ingredients that could do more harm than
FREE DONATION DROP OFF When:
Saturday, March 22nd
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: On Grevillea Ave. off Manchester Blvd. (in front of Inglewood High School)
good to you and your developing infant. Switching to bottled water may not be the answer either, since most brands of bottled water can come from any source and are unregulated. So, what’s a soon-tobe-mom to do? The answer may be as simple as including alkaline water in your daily regime and rotation. By using oxygenated drinking water such as Alkame Water, you can enhance your energy levels as well as boost your immune system. Unlike tap and bottled water, Alkame is produced in such a way that allows cells in the body to absorb water much faster and in turn, hydrate you (and your baby) more completely. (Continued on page 11)
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.
Drive Through Drop Off
For More Information Call The Public Works Department at:
310-412-5333
Inglewood Today
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March 6, 2014
Today How to Spot a Credit Repair Rip-Off
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ny industry that takes in billions of dollars every year will attract the attention of scammers trying to take advantage of other people. The credit repair industry, which generates about $10 billion per year, is no exception. These scammers know that people who are looking for help repairing their credit have probably never done it before. They know that inexperienced people are vulnerable to falling for a scam. You can prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a credit repair scam by learning the laws that regulate the credit repair industry and how the common scams work. One of the scams involves some of the companies that claim to be able to hide your bad credit history. These companies tell you that you can create a completely new credit file by using a different number in place of your Social Security number. They give you a nine-digit number that they might call a CPN and claim it stands for “credit profile number” or “credit privacy number.” They tell you that this is perfectly legal. It is not! They are probably giving you a stolen Social Security number. Anyone who falls for this can be convicted of identity theft. Another credit repair scam is very similar. The credit repair
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etflix users are being warned about a sophisticated, but convoluted Internet scam that robs unsuspected users of their identity and could cost them up to $400. It is a standard phishing scam. Customers get a phony email which contains a link. The link directs users to a phony website after the customers try to log in. An authentic-looking page shows up on the screen, directing customers to call a fake customer service number after getting an error message that the account has been suspended. The reason given is “unusual activity.”
By Ron Wynn
company has their customer get an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. An EIN is the number that businesses use when they report their financial information to Social Security and the IRS. The unscrupulous company tells their customer to use their EIN in place of their Social Security number. Using an EIN to get a personal loan or a personal credit card is considered fraud, and using one to get a mortgage is a felony! One more credit repair scam is the “Credit Management Plan Scam”. This was more common years ago, but it still shows up occasionally. A legitimate credit management plan is when the customer makes payments to a credit repair company, and the company pays the customer’s debts. The scammers however, never pay the debts. They keep all the payments for themselves. They tell the customer not to check their credit reports or speak to their creditors while they are performing their “credit management plan”. There’s a reason they don’t want you to do those things. They don’t want you to find out that they are not paying your bills. If you agree to a credit management plan, insist that your creditors send a receipt directly to you for every payment.
In 1996 the Credit Repair Organization Act (CROA) was added to the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prevent credit repair businesses from some of the unethical and deceptive practices. One of these practices was to charge customers up-front before they did any work. They would tell customers that it takes time to repair credit and if you want results you need to keep paying. Now they cannot charge for any service before the service is fully performed according to the CROA. If a credit repair company wants you to pay before they do any work, look for another company. The CROA also requires the company to give you a written contract that explains the services they will perform, how soon you will get results, how much it will cost and what rights you have. One of the rights you have is the right to cancel the contract within three days and pay nothing. The written contract must also include any guarantee that they told you. Any credit repair company that tells you to do something that just seems wrong might be trying to pull some kind of credit repair scam. If they tell you to dispute an item on your credit report even though you know it’s correct, or tell you to claim you were a vic-
Netflix Scam course, the software is really viral malware. The malware gives the scammers access to the user’s computer. The scammers also get the users to send copies of their ID’s or credit cards after taking a photo with a webcam.
Protect Yourself How can you protect yourself from becoming a victim of the Netflix phishing scam? Experts say that you should be very reluctant to download anything over the Internet unless is is from a source that you have gotten directly, not from a link in an email. And absolutely do not let someFake customer service one remotely control your comOnce on the phone, a fake cus- puter. A legitimate company would tomer service agent talks the cus- not ask you for pictures of your tomer into downloading fake credit card or ID. You should al“Netflix support software.” But of ways look for Netflix’s customer
service number on your own or find the correct Netflix address through a Google search or simply type it in directly yourself. Netflix’s direct Web site address is simply Netflix.com. Type in the address directly and don’t become the next phishing victim. The Latin Post offers this advice, “The rule of thumb is not to trust someone over the phone, especially if they are asking you for critical information such as passwords. Better yet, do not even give your credit card or ID numbers over the internet and always verify the URLs in your browser’s address bar.” And remember, don’t fall prey to the Netflix scam. Only deal with Web sites that you have contacted independently. Be wary an email that send you a link.
tim of identity theft if you weren’t, don’t do it. Don’t let them talk you into lying on a credit application either. Any of these could be considered fraud and you could be prosecuted. If you believe a credit repair company has violated any law, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General in your state or with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Even if you are not a victim of a credit repair scam, reporting violations will help others from becoming victims. Ron Wynn is a freelance writer who has been publishing personal finance advice for over three years on several websites like http:// ezinearticles.com/. LA Marathon (Continued from page 6) experience of a lifetime,” said Russell. “We are excited to be sold-out, but particularly proud that the recreational field includes more than 3,700 charity runners, who participate on behalf of one of the nearly 90 official Charity Partners of the ASICS LA Marathon. These dedicated and passionate runners are aiming to surpass last year’s total of $3.1 million dollars raised for their respective causes.” A very limited number of spots are still available to participate in the full marathon with an affiliated charity. Specific registration details can be found at www.asicslamarathon.com/charities. A very strong elite field is in place including 2013 male winner Erick Mose from Kenya, who is anxious to repeat last year’s win and challenge the women for the $50,000 gender bonus prize. For those unable to make the marathon as a runner or a spectator, KTLA will broadcast the race live on Sunday morning from 6-11AM PST. Additionally, Universal Sports will re-broadcast the race, beginning at 12PM PST. For more information, please visit www. asicslamarathon.com. Street Closures Because the ASICS LA Marathon reaches from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica, there are streets in Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica that will be impacted by the race course. (Continued on page 9)
March 6, 2014
Inglewood Today
‘12 Years a Slave’ Gets the Golden Prize (Continued from page 6) The film, produced by actor Brad Pitt, has won critical acclaim for a number of awards. McQueen’s best director credits include an Image Award, Independent Spirit Award, New York Film Critics Award and Las Vegas Film Critics Award in addition to the Best Picture win from the Academy Awards. Ejio-
for’s winnings include an Image, New York Film Critics, and Online Film Critics Awards. In addition to her Oscar, Nyong’o scooped up a Screen Actor’s Guild Award, in addition to at least 5 others. Nyong’o is the first black African woman to win an Academy Award for acting. White African actress Charlize Theron won an Oscar for Best Actress in the movie, “Monster” in 2003.
LA Marathon (Continued from page 8) If you’ll be out and about during the morning of March 9, you’ll want to plan ahead. Go to the website at http://www.lamarathon.com
for detailed information about street closures. If you are using public transportation, visit www.metro.net or call (323) 466-3876 for updated schedule information.
Brothers’ Day (Continued from page 1) can boys graduate from high school on time. The expulsion rate for African-American males is three times higher than for White males, and Latino males are 6.7 times less likely to drop out of school than their White counterparts. Southeast Asian boys from refugee families are more likely to drop out of school than any other group in the U.S. Through greater investment, the new effort will target critical intervention points in the lives of boys and young men. Among the areas of focus: early child development and school readiness; parenting and parent engagement; third-grade literacy; educational opportunity; and school discipline reform. There will also be components dealing with interactions with the criminal justice system, ladders to jobs and economic opportunity and healthy families and communities. Central to this effort: Reversing the often negative image of boys and young men of color, and promoting effective public policy solutions. The White House will partner with nine sponsoring foundations, which have collectively already approved or awarded $150 million to expand opportunities and are committed to investing at least $200 million more. The funders include some of the nation’s most recognized names in
philanthropy: the Annie E. Casey Foundation; the Atlantic Philanthropies; the California Endowment; the Ford Foundation; the John and James L. Knight Foundation; Bloomberg Philanthropies; the Open Society Foundations; the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; the W.K. Kellogg Foundation; and the Kapor Center for Social Impact. “We in philanthropy are proud to join President Obama in this historic endeavor,” said Ford Foundation president Darren Walker. “We believe that the private sector—both philanthropy and business—has a critical role to play to complement the work of government to strengthen our communities and improve the opportunities and life outcomes of boys and young men of color.” Those sentiments were echoed by Robert K. Ross, president and CEO of The California Endowment, which is investing $50 million over eight years in a program called Sons and Brothers. “All our sons and brothers need support and opportunities to be successful,” he noted. “As tomorrow’s leaders, young people of color will help define America’s future. Now is the time to work together, invest in these young and provide them with what they need to be responsible and healthy adults.” According to Charles Sidney Fields, Regional Program Manager for the California Endowment, the
White House announcement has been a year in the making and he wholeheartedly welcomed the development. “We are excited about the energy and wisdom of the announcement,” he said. “It all started with the conversations foundations and public and private organizations were having about these challenges. The White House started to hear about this process and creating opportunities has always been important to this president. “Some of the foundations met with the president about a year ago to talk about what we were doing, and the president and his staff committed to figuring out how they could support us in that work. There wasn’t a ton of new resources, but the White House will help our profile and streamline policy that connects with our work on the ground.” In particular, Fields stressed the preventative nature of the statewide programs, highlighting the work of Endowment grantees like South Los Angeles’ Community Coalition and Oakland’s Urban Strategies Council. “In California, reading proficiency by the end of the third grade is the number one indicator for high school graduation,” he continued. ”We know that if a kid is not reading right by then, they won’t graduate. If we can make that intervention early, we can keep kids on the track to success. Because if society does not catch it, these kids tend
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to end up in the criminal and juvenile justice system and it becomes a much more expensive proposition to rehabilitate them at that point.” Community Coalition president and CEO Marqueece Harris-Dawson also praised the presidential announcement. The occasion prompted him to look back on two decades of work in these areas of concern.. “For over 20 years we’ve been working to improve the quality of life in South Los Angeles and paid special attention to the cocaine and crack epidemic and the war on drugs,” he said. “Part of what we noticed, particularly as it relates to the school-to-prison pipeline mass incarceration crisis, is that it really impacts boys and young men of color in a more disproportionate way.” Harris-Dawson noted that a recent Community Coalition campaign, to end suspensions and expulsions for willful defiance, has helped dramatically reduce the number of African-American and Latino boys thrown out of school for non-violent offences against teachers and other students. His organization’s grant, in the neighborhood of $200,000, will enable it to hire more staff and devote more resources to this brand of advocacy. “This is how life should work,” he said. “There’s investment from resource institutions to grassroots organizations like us. Real change happens, and the nation takes notice.”
Inglewood Today
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LEG A L NOT I CES CITY OF INGLEWOOD REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH SYSTEM (CAD) FOR INGLEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT RFP-0084 BIDS DUE: ON APRIL 17, 2014 AT 11:00 A.M. AT The Office of the Purchasing Division Located on the 8th Floor of Inglewood City Hall 1 Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301 THERE IS A MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE ON MARCH 18TH, 2014 AT 1:00 PM. VENDORS ARE TO MEET IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM “A” LOCATED ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF CITY HALL AT ONE MANCHESTER BLVD INGLEWOOD CA 90301
Contact Person during Bidding Period: Michael Tate, Acting Purchasing and Contracts Services Manager (310) 412-5266 CITY OF INGLEWOOD INVITATION TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL (Specifications and Conditions Governing Award) Project Subject to Bid: The City of Inglewood invites and will receive bids duly filed as provided herein for the furnishing labor and materials for the completion of the above designated project. A Mandatory pre-bid conference for interested bidders will be conducted on March 18th, 2014 at 1:00 pm. Vendors are to meet in the Community Room “A” Located on the 1st floor of City Hall, One Manchester Blvd., Inglewood CA, 90301. All questions and issues related to proposal requirements or information expected for each statement package should be made in writing by email to City to the attention of:
Michael Tate Acting Purchasing and Contracts Services Manager City of Inglewood City Hall 1 Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90301
Telephone: (310) 412-5266 Fax: (310) 330-5766 Email: mtate@cityofinglewood.org Question cut-off date April 2, 2014 close of business 5:00 pm The City Council reserves the right to waive any irregularities in any bids, and to take bids under advisement for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from and after the date bids are opened and announced. Each bid to be considered, must be delivered to and received later than April 17th, 2014 at 11:00 am, at the Office of the Purchasing Division of Inglewood City Hall, One Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90301. Each bid shall be submitted and completed in all particulars using the form entitled, “Bidder’s Proposal and Statement” attached hereto and must be enclosed, together with the requisite bid security, in a sealed envelope addressed to the Purchasing Division with the designation of the Project “COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH SYSTEM (CAD) FOR INGLEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT” appearing thereon. Each bid shall state the unit price of each item if called for on the Bidder’s Proposal and Statement form. In the event alternative bids are called for in said form, each alternate bid shall be completed. Bids will be opened in public in the Purchasing Division and will then and there be announced to all persons present. Specifications and other Bid Documents for the above items are on file in the Purchasing Division located on the 8th floor of the Inglewood City Hall and may be obtained upon request. The City Council reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive any irregularities in any bid, and to take bids under advisement for a period not to exceed sixty(60) days from and after the date bids are opened and announced. This Notice is given by order of the City Manager of the City of Inglewood Artie Fields, City Manager City of Inglewood, California
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2014 054269 The following Person is doing business as: Sharon L Mackey Insurance Services 311 N. La Brea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90302 Registered owner: Sharon L Mackey 1606 S. Spaulding Avenue, LA, CA 90019 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on February 28, 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.) Sharon L Mackey, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk on February 28, 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 March 6, 13, 20, 27, 2014 ITO0422301022 Inglewood Today
ORDINANCE NO. 14-02 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING EA-ND-2013-39 AND APPROVING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ZCA 2013-04 TO AMEND ARTICLES 1 AND 18 OF CHAPTER 12 AND ADD ARTICLE 33 TO CHAPTER 12 OF THE INGLEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE (IMC) TO ESTABLISH A DENSITY BONUS AND OTHER INCENTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING. A FULL TEXT OF THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE IN THE INGLEWOOD CITY CLERK’S OFFICE LOCATED IN CITY HALL ON THE FIRST FLOOR AS WELL AS ON THE CITY’S WEBSITE (WWW.CITYOFINGLEWOOD. ORG) LISTED UNDER THE CITY CLERK’S DEPARTMENT.
March 6, 2014
Easy Exercises for Seniors to Keep Fit
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By Mark Lowery
e should all participate in exercise, especially as we get older. As the years pass, the body doesn’t bounce back as fast as it used to, and we lose flexibility. By the time we reach our senior years, the body has lost much of its limberness. However, the truth of the matter is we don’t have to take this path. There’s no reason why staying active isn’t a possibility as we grow old. At Vancouver Home Care Assistance, we encourage all of our senior clients to stay active and discover the many ways to feel healthy.
Water Aerobics Unfortunately, older muscles can become stiff and joint pain becomes more of an issue. In these cases, the last thing a senior may want to do is go dancing or to an exercise class. This is when a swimming pool offers maximum benefits. The water aids in supporting the weight of the body as well as becoming a resistance force. Simple exercises will work out stiff limbs and increase the circulation. Also, the heart gets pumping, enjoying the movement in the water. Gyms, YMCA clubs and sports centers have classes designed exactly for this.
Exercise Classes If you are a senior, take a class especially designed for older adults. Many community centers and gyms offer tailored classes for increasing movement through stretches. Pick one of many programs and stick to it. For motivation, just remember the freedom that exercise will bring. The aim is to keep moving, training the body to remember that it’s still very active so that any age-related muscle loss is heavily reduced.
Tai-Chi for Seniors Full of eastern wisdom, Tai-Chi is an ancient discipline of movement and flow. In China, parks are full of seniors practicing this peaceful martial art, building strength, flexibility and endurance. It’s a wonderful practice to be part of, one which fits in with the Home Care Assistance Balanced Care Method, bringing balance to the mind as well as the body. Contact a medical professional and ensure a particular exercise is safe to undertake. For additional tips on senior health and exercise, contact the Vancouver home health care experts at Home Care Assistance. We’re more than happy to answer any of your questions! At Home Care Assistance of Vancouver, our goal has always been to provide the best caregiver for your family, and maintain their health. Learn about our services online. http://www.homecareassistance vancouver.ca/.
Dancing Finding the will and motivation to exercise can be a chore. Turn it into fun with a dance class for seniors, proving the dance moves are still there. A little slow dancing with a partner can exercise the heart in more ways than one, revitalizing the spirit and sparking memories of days gone by. Going to the classes alone? Dancing classes can be a great way to meet other people, also helping you maintain social ties and relationships as you get older.
Inglewood Today
March 6, 2014
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Dates in March March 8, 2014
Celebrate Women’s History Month Two Women’s History Month events will take place in March at A.C. Bilbrew County Public Library’s Black Resource Center. On Saturday, March 1 at 2:30pm, Dawnna “Ashay” Mathieu uses various art forms, including storytelling, poetry, jazz singing, and multimedia to tell the stories of Black Holocaust survivors of the Nazi era. “The Unveiling of the Obscured: Black Victims of the Holocaust.” Mathieu joins African Diaspora music educators, Kevin Toney and Harvey Estrada as they bring this important period of history to life. On Saturday, March 8 at 2:30pm, Sharon L. Graine and her production company will present the story of Mary Ellen Pleasant, who was born a slave and came to be known as the “Mother of Civil Rights” in California. Her home in San Francisco was the Western end of the Underground Railroad. Both events will be held at 150 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90061. Call (310) 5380059 or visit colapublib.org.
March 22, 2014
Muzet H. Hall Scholarship Luncheon Holy Helping Hands, a nonprofit, presents its 3rd Annual ScholarEye on the City (Continued from page 5) is his name, and he writes things like that.” The Chronicle published an article (“Inglewood Murder Rate Rises with Mayor and Chief’s Salaries,” Feb. 21, 2014) which states: “The salaries of Inglewood’s mayor and chief of police have also risen in the last year. In 2012, Butts, had a monthly salary of $9275; it was raised to $13,537 in December, 2013. In 2012, the salary for the chief of police of Inglewood was $14,953 monthly. For reasons unknown, the chief’s salary was not listed in the city’s budget for 2013 and 2014, but city hall insiders have confirmed that Fronterotta’s salary is higher now than when he was interim chief up until January of 2013.” Going from $9,275 to $13,537 would be a 46% increase, the mayor said. He added that any increase in pay for the mayor, council or any employee would have to be contained in a salary ordinance which, by law, would have to go before the city council in public with notice. “How that can even be written… I don’t even understand,” Butts said.
ship Luncheon for Foster Youth. Dr. Rosie Mulligan will speak. The reception is at 11am, followed by the luncheon at 12pm. Donation is $60. No tickets will be sold at the door. Mail checks to 6709 La Tijera Blvd., #167, Los Angeles, 90045. For more information, contact Rita Hall at (800) 550-9137, (323) 863-3747 or email Holyhelpinghands@aol.com.
March 22, 2014
Construction Careers Information Event Those interested in learning about construction trade job opportunities are invited to attend the kickoff event from 10am to 2pm at The Bridge, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, at Crenshaw Blvd. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Learn about the trades and professional service careers in the construction industry and upcoming construction projects. Presentation will be given every hour, on the hour. Sign up by calling the Los Angeles Urban League at (323) 299-9660 or email Dannete.Wilkerson@laul.org or visit www.laul.org for more information.
is seeking qualified applicants to participate in the $2,500 matching grant program, funded in part by the government and RISE. Attend an orientation on the following dates: Presented in English: Thursday, February 20, 27; March 13, 20, 27, 2014, 6:30-7:30pm. Also, Saturday, March 8 and 15, 10:3011:30am. Presented in Spanish: February 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2014, 6:30-7:30pm. Located at 4060 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA. For more information call (323) 846-1483 or apply online at www.risela.org. ACT NOW AND REGISTER TODAY. Only 150 randomly selected qualified participants will be chosen.
Thru June 19, 2014
Making Parenting a Pleasure Attention all parents, caregivers, grandparents, and teachers! The Enrichment Counseling Center is offering a series of 13 free parenting workshops. Resolve to have a better relationship with the children in your life. Workshops are court certified, open to everyone, and will focus on all age groups from infants to teens. Each participant who completes Thru March 27, 2014 the course will receive a certifiGrant Money Orientation cate of completion. Need grant money to achieve Workshops will be held from your dream of buying a home, 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the Kingdom starting a business or going to Community Center, 319 East Kelso school? RISE Financial Pathways Street, Inglewood, CA 90301. To The mayor reminded the student to keep a balanced view about what is said at council meetings. “There are 44,000 registered voters and you heard from 4 or 5 of them, so for the purposes of education, remember that,” he said.
register, contact Chandra Hudson, 310-330-8300, chudson @bamcm. org.
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. Bingo Games Operation 3801 hosts Bingo every Sunday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are a drug and alcohol free environment. We are a non-profit looking for your support. Cost is $1 per game. Anyone mentioning BlackNLA will get 5 free games. Located at the Bingo Hall, 3801 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA. For more information, contact Jimmy Jam, 323-777-2422, jimmyjam@vel.net.
as “Teflon for the teeth,” by preventing cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to them, according to dental researchers from University of Rochester Medical Center. The team reports that compounds in the tangy fruit also helps prevent the buildup of dental plaque. Preventing Infections A study in the Journal of the CaA new analysis published in Crit- nadian Dental Association also ical Reviews of Food Science and suggests that cranberry polypheNutrition found that clinical stud- nols may reduce inflammation in ies “strongly support” cranberry the mouth—and could be a promjuice as an effective, natural way ising weapon against both cavities to prevent recurrent urinary tract and gum disease. infections in young and middleaged women. That’s because com- Better Memory pounds in cranberries appear to inIn a 6-week double-blind, plahibit bacteria, such as E. coli, from cebo-controlled trial that included clinging to the walls of the urinary 50 adults age 60 and older with tract and triggering infections. In no history of dementia or cogniaddition, there is preliminary evi- tive impairment, twice as many of dence that the tart berry may also those who drank a 32-ounce bevhelp combat H. pylori bacteria erage containing 27 percent crangrowth in the stomach, thus reduc- berry juice rated their memory as ing risk for ulcers, according to the “improved,” compared to those National Center for Complemen- who drank a placebo beverage. tary and Alternative Medicine.
Cranberries Have Clinically Proven Benefits (Continued from page 7) attacks, as well as other chronic diseases), according to a paper published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Water Shown to Alleviate Aches and Pain Associated with Pregnancy (Continued from page 7) To ensure that you’re drinking enough for both you and your baby, experts recommend 64 ounces a day, spread throughout the day, rather than larger glasses a few times per day. By spreading out your water intake, you can be assured that your body (and your baby) will always be hydrated. Alkame Water, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alkame Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: ALKM). For more information about Alkame Water and its benefits, visit www. alkamewater.com. Source: NewsUSA 10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Smile
Fighting Cavities Cranberry juice appears to act
Advertise! Call 310-670-9600
Celebrating Women’s History Month The History of Women: 1960s and1970s By Veronica Mackey
About Women’s History Month Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress authorized and requested President Ronald Reagan to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Like black history, the nationwide observation which began as a week soon expanded into a month. Congress designated March 1987 as the first “Women’s History Month.” The observation of women achievers is now shared by women around the globe. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March for the study and celebration of women’s history. Today women occupy positions at the highest levels, even as they continue to climb upward. But it was not always that way. In this 4-week series on women’s history, Inglewood Today will follow the progress of American women from the pivotal 1960s to the 21sr Century. The Decades that Changed Everything The 1960s and 1970s brought a whirlwind of change for women—unparalleled change—to the social and cultural landscape. Divorce rates escalated during the 1960s, right around the same time birth control was approved by the FDA. New found freedom coupled with single motherhood formed the basis of what would ultimately become a powerful movement for working women. Working outside the home began as necessity, but soon became a mark of independence for women everywhere. Not only did more women join the workforce, but their jobs changed. During this same period, when African Americans were assertMary Kay Ash, ing their civil rights, anti-discriminatory laws Founder, Mary Kay were being adopted to level the playing field. Cosmetics For black women, keenly impacted by both the Women’s and Civil Rights Movements, this was an opportunity to put down the laundry and grab a notepad.
Eunice Johnson (3rd from left) with Ebony Fashion Fair models More women in general began to hold corporate positions, occupying offices and even boardrooms. Education became a bigger issue and women began to dream of a brighter future for themselves and their families. For women like Ruth Fertel, business ownership offered a way toward financial prosperity. This period saw the rise of beauty maven Mary Kay Ash and advertising executive Mary Wells. When the recession hit in the 1970s, women—the last hired—were first to be fired. Skills learned in the work place gave many women the confidence needed to strike out on their own. Married women, too, played a more active role in business. Eunice Johnson, wife of Ebony publisher John Johsnson expanded the African American magazine brand by creating the Ebony Showcase, a traveling fashion show which featured black models from around the world. The wildly successful fashion shows subsequently led to the Fashion Fair make-up line designed for black skin. The coast-to-coast show was an instant hit, taking fashion for black women where it had never gone before. Like her flagship magazines— Ebony and later Jet—Johnson used fashion as a self-empowerment tool for black women. In the beginning, she fought with European designers, hesitant of selling haute couture fashions to black women. The brightly colored pageantry became a highly anticipated event. Ebony Fashion Fair models flew to the White House to meet President John Kennedy, and the show raised $55 million for such charities as the United Negro College Fund and sickle-cell anemia research.
Rise Matching Grant Program Helps Los Angeles County Residents Gain Financial Independence
R
ISE Financial Pathways (RISE) is looking for qualified applicants to participate in the Match Your Savings $2,500 grant aka IDA (individual development account) program. The IDA is a savings account designed to help families and individuals of modest means on their path to building wealth. A participant’s individual savings and matched funds are used towards buying a home, starting a business or going to school. The program is funded in part by the federal government and RISE. Income guidelines and other requirements must be met. Qualified participants make a one or two year commitment to deposit a minimum of $50.00 per month into an IDA. Through this no-risk savings program, deposits are made directly into a personal savings account set up with RISE partner Union Bank. “This is an amazing opportunity for qualified individuals and families who want to build assets,” said RISE Financial Planning Counselor Lissette Rojo. “The matching grant helps them get closer to their goal of building wealth.” For every one dollar participants save, they will receive $2.50 in matching funds (matching only the first $1,000 saved). At the end of the program year, participants would have saved $3,500 that may be used to help buy their first home, start a new business or invest in their education. For more information contact Senior Program Officer Veronica Lopez at 323-233-1900 ext. 224 or email veronica@risela.org. You may also visit the program site at http://risefinancial.wordpress.com/savingsprograms/match-your-savings/.