May 7, 2015 by Inglewood Today News

Your Community Connection since 1994

Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 24, No. 19

May 7, 2015

Congresswoman Waters Honors Winners of 2015 Congressional Art Competition

tudents, teachers, and parents from a dozen different high schools in California’s 43rd Congressional District joined Congresswoman Maxine Waters and other elected officials at the Inglewood Main Library on Monday, May 4, where she announced this year’s Congressional Art Competition winners. An independent panel of art instructors and professional artists volunteered their time and expertise to choose five winners from a wide variety of mediums. Since its incep- (L-R) Monte Lin Ho (3rd Place); Ahmirah Roberson (4th Place); Congresswoman tion in 1982, over 650,000 Maxine Waters (CA-43); Daniel Matias (4th Place); Jesus Ortiz (2nd Place); Ana high school students have Castellon (1st Place) and Richard Benbow of Time Warner Cable.

Group photo of the participating students and their art submissions.

• Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business

plaud and celebrate each of them, their teachers and their parents.” The first place prize winner for the second year in a row is Ana Castellon of Inglewood High School, where she is taught by Richard Bermejo. Ana’s artwork entitled “Different Stages of my Life” will be displayed in the nation’s Capitol for one year, and she will receive two complimen(Continued on page 11)

The Inglewood Urbanstage

On The Inside: • News

participated in the nationwide Congressional Art Competition, emphasizing the importance of art programs in our schools. “Every year I so enjoy seeing the art work submitted by the students in our incredibly diverse district” said Congresswoman Waters. “The different styles and themes they express are truly a window into the minds of these creative young people. I ap-

had the pleasure of participating in an exciting and innovative form of art and discussion here in Inglewood over the last month at the Inglewood Urbanstage. Also called Construction as Performance, the Inglewood Urbanstage was a temporary architectural sculpture and construction performance created by LA native architect and artist Cheryl Wing-Xi (Continued on page 9)

By Thomas Bunn

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Mother’s Day on Skid Row

kid Row is not a pretty place. It’s filthy. Sad. Dangerous. Heartbreaking. Destructive. It is an area of the city dominated by flop houses, welfare hotels, drug dealing and crime. That’s why the Fred Jordan Mission, in the heart of downtown L.A.’s Skid Row, exists-to give a spark of hope to those who have lost their way. On Mother’s Day, May 10, Mission volunteers will honor those who have brought us into this world, but have fallen on hard times. Mother’s Day is traditionally a day women

everywhere receive flowers. Unfortunately, many homeless mothers have more thorns in their lives than roses. This Mother’s Day there are many homeless mothers in need of tender loving care. And, once again the Fred Jordan Mission is coming to the rescue. Homeless moms will be treated to a full day of pampering that will include a beautiful rose for each woman. In addition, each woman will also receive a gift bag with soaps, shampoos and other personal hygiene or beauty products, a family food bag, diapers and baby items. Life on the street takes its toll on a woman’s personal appearance and self-esteem. Volunteers will be on hand to provide women with much needed makeovers to (Continued on page 5)

Inglewood Today

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May 7, 2015

L.A. Sues Wells Fargo for Fraudulent Sales Tactics

he nation’s fourth largest bank is under fire again. Wells Fargo is being sued for allegedly committing fraud against its own customers. Employees are accused of opening accounts that customers never asked for, then charging them fees and ruining their credit. Wells customer, L.A. area convenience store owner Franklin Ahn, said he got much more from the bank than he ever wanted. During a fouryear period, marked by constant battles, Wells Fargo opened more than 15 accounts in his name. “They opened personal accounts and checking accounts for me, then savings accounts on top of those… It was a mess,” Ahn said. He only needed two accounts, but opened a third one to appease an employee, then closed it. Ahn has spent a lot of time fighting to get accounts closed that he never authorized and fees reversed—time that takes away from running his business. The City of Los Angeles filed a lawsuit this week against Wells to help customers like Ahn get their money back and credit restored.

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer said “Wells customers have been victimized by tactics designed to maintain high levels of sales of Wells products.” The suit accuses Wells of operating “a virtual fee-generating machine,” using “family and friends to sign up for accounts.” The lawsuit is seeking a court order shutting down the alleged wrongdoing, and penalties of up to $2,500 for every violation and restitution for customers who were harmed. If it succeeds in Los Angeles County Superior Court, it would apply to all residents of the county and perhaps to people outside its boundaries, Feuer said.

Wells says it’s ready for the fight and denied the allegations: “Wells Fargo’s culture is focused on the best interests of its customers and creating a supportive, caring and ethical environment for our team members,” the bank said. Wells admitted there have been a few unethical employees, but they were appropriately disciplined or fired. The lawsuit, however, alleges that Wells failed to inform customers of the breaches, refund fees they were owed, or otherwise remedy the injuries that the bank caused. “We’re very concerned that consumers be told whenever their information is used for unauthorized purposes,” Feuer said. Feuer began investigating claims following a report by the L.A. Times (December 2013), in which employees complained they were being pressured to open more accounts. They described how staffers, fearing retribution from managers, begged friends and family members (Continued on page 11)

Getting Medi-Cal: Enrollment and Benefits

hen LaRita Reed graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, she was excited about earning her degree and all the possibilities that lay ahead. But soon she found herself facing a new challenge. The mother of two young children who had previously been covered under the college’s insurance program was suddenly uninsured, still unemployed, and being phased out of her UCLA health care coverage. Worried mostly about the welfare of her kids, she reached out to her local social services office. While applying for health coverage for her children there, Reed discovered she was eligible for Medi-Cal, a health insurance program for low-income families that she hadn’t heard about before. With Medi-Cal, her health insurance problem was resolved. But for new applicants to the program, she says, the application process can be confusing. In addition to doing the research to find out if she was eligible or not, waiting through the four-week approval period was a time of high anxiety. The California Department of Health Care Services has taken a number of steps to ease the anxiety and uncertainty felt by many Californians like Reed who apply. Medi-Cal is providing much more information online about the application process, benefits and who

By Manny Otiko, California Black Media

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

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Theresa Jenkins, 49, of Los Angeles is being treated by Dr. Derrick Butler at a Southern California medical center (T.H.E. La Brea Center) gets covered. It is also expanding more people qualify for Medi-Cal. its reach to cover more people. A To be eligible for the program, faminumber of health advocacy orga- lies have to make a certain amount of nizations across the state, like the money every year based on poverty Root Community Health Center in levels set by the DCHS and informed Oakland, are also helping people to by guidelines given by the U.S. Denavigate the application process and partment of Health and Human Serdetermine if they are eligible or not. vices. Weintraub said that works Adam Weintraub, a spokesman for out to be $32,913 or less in annual the California Department of Health income for a family of four. For an Care Services (DHCS), says the individual that number is $16,105 most common reason new applicants and $21,708 for a family of two. Having family members with disare rejected is because they make too much money. Another reason is that abilities can also be a factor that applicants may not be able to prove helps with Medi-Cal qualification, he added. their place of residency. Reed says once she was apDHCS says Medi-Cal is now available to low-income families proved, she received a California and individuals of all ages who are Medi-Cal card in the mail and she eligible. Also, the enactment of the had to choose from three programs: federal Affordable Care Act—com- LA Care, Blue Cross or Health Net. (Continued on page 5) monly called “Obamacare”—means

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.

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Inglewood Today

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May 7, 2015

Eye on the City

Butts Re-Explains Redevelopment Funding Process

t Tuesday’s meeting, the Inglewood City Council upheld the denial of an appeal by an Inglewood spiritual reader to get her business license restored. The City’s Permits and Licenses Committee denied a license to Diane Marks, proprietor of Spiritual Reader by Shasha at 421 W. Manchester Blvd., because she failed to disclose a prior arrest and criminal conviction on the license application. Spiritual readers fall within a category of business that is subject to background checks in the City of Inglewood. According to a City staffer, “We conducted a check of this applicant and it was determined that she omitted information about prior arrests or convictions. She was convicted of identity theft and conspiracy in January 2015. She was also convicted of perjury, which is consistent with her not disclosing this information in her application.” Marks told the council her legal troubles were brought on by her son and that she was a victim of his

By Veronica Mackey

Inglewood City Council misdeeds. She has been conducting check the boxes because I thought business in Inglewood for the last they were talking about my busi17 years. “The crime was not some- ness, not my personal life.” thing I’ve done. They found me as The woman added that customa co-defender. At this time, I am ers only pay in cash and that she under house arrest but I still need to does not handle any financial docudo business,” she said. Marks, who ments. However, the staffer noted provides customers with spiritual it was possible for Marks to accleansing, Tarot card readings and cept credit cards or process checks, other forms of consultation, said which would give her access to her “The only thing I am allowed to customer’s personal financial inforask them is their first name. There mation. are no complaints in the city about Council members weighed in: my business or about me. I did not “I want to uphold the denial. The

committee did its due diligence to get through their process, and no new information has been given to us to change this direction,” Councilman Eloy Morales said. Councilman Ralph Franklin noted that “The application asked, ‘Have you ever been convicted.’ She said no. It doesn’t say whether it was business or personal.” Six personal injury and property damage claims filed against the City were denied for incidents that occurred between September 11, 2014 and March 4, 2015. Funds were approved to purchase safety shoes with Industrial Shoe Company. An agreement was approved with the National Recreation and Parks Assn., which will allow Inglewood to receive a $10,000 afterschool program grant from March 31, 2015 through March 1, 2016. ECM Group got the green light to provide construction management and inspection services on Florence Avenue. (Continued on page 10)

Pick up your copy of Inglewood Today at one of these locations: 1 Stop Mini-Mart, 420 E. Florence Ave. AAA, 1234 N. Centinela Ave. A-Man Inc., 101 La Brea Ave. Airport Gas, 501 Hillcrest St. Allstate, 2300 W. Manchester Bl. Anthony’s Autobody and Painting, 259 N. LaBrea Ave. Bayou Grill, 1400 N. La Brea Ave. Big 5 Sporting Goods (1), 301 S. Market St. Big 5 Sporting Goods (2), 11310 Crenshaw Bl. Boston Cream Donuts, 2576 La Brea Ave. Bourbon Street Fish & Grill, 601 S. Prairie Ave. Briarwood, 3500 Manchester Bl. Broadway Federal Bank, 170 N. Market St. Brolly Hut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Bruno’s Pizza, 450 E. Manchester Bl. Budda Market, 3753 Slauson (Rimpau) C&J Beauty Supply, 11252 Crenshaw Bl. Carlton Square, 8700 Carlton Centinela Cleaners, 1413 Centinela Ave. Centinela Hospital, 555 E. Hardy St. Chili’s, 3490 W. Century Bl. Chile Verde on Crenshaw Choice Berry, 599 1/2 S. La Brea Ave. City One Stop, 110 Queen St. Cranford Scott, M.D., 211 N. Prairie Ave. CVS Pharmacy, 222 N. Market St. D’Menace Copies, 254 North Market St. Darby Park, 3400 W. Arbor Vitae Diamond Beauty Supply, 1300 N. Centinela Ave. Dr. Daniel’s Weight Loss Program, 105 S. Locust St. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #1, 202 E. Manchester Bl. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #2, 3249 W. Century Bl. Edward Vincent Park Senior Ctr., 700 Warren Lane El Super, 3321 West Century Blvd. Fabulous Burger, 1315 Centinela Ave., Fabulous Forum, 1 West Manchester Bl. Faithful Central Bible Church, 333 W. Florence Ave. Family Fish Market, 1300 Centinela Ave. Fatburger, 3020 W. Manchester Ave. Fiesta Martin Mexican Grill, 1330 N. La Brea Ave. Foreign Car Repairs & Sales, 1110 Centinela Ave. Fabulous Forum, 1 West Manchester Bl.

Gin’s Liquor, 11001 Crenshaw Bl. Gonzales Northgate Market, 10801 Prairie Ave. Happy Time Liquor, 730 E. La Brea Ave. Heart & Soul Grill, 128 N. Market St. Hollywood Park Casino, 1050 S. Prairie Ave. House of Tacos and Pupuseria, 254 North Market St. Inglewood Airport Area, 330 E. Queen St. Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E. Florence Ave. Inglewood Community Police Ctr., Manchester/7th Ave. Inglewood City Hall, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Library, 101 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Meadows, 1 Locust St. Inglewood Park Mortuary, 3801 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Police Station, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Today, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Inglewood Unified School District, 401 S. Inglewood Ave. Instant Print, Inc., 425 E. Manchester Bl. In the Kut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Jamba Juice, 5305 W. Centinela Ave. King Fish Market, 10901 Crenshaw Bl. KJLH Radio, 161 N. La Brea Ave. Kwin Service Gasoline, 1235 W. Centinela Ave. L&L Paralegal Services, 171 N. LaBrea Ave. Ladera Physiotherapy, 409 S. La Brea Ave. Lan’s Nails, 10901 S. Crenshaw Bl. Lawrence Carey Barber Shop, 10901 S. Crenshaw Bl. Liquorette Liquor Store, 1400 Centinela Ave. Louisiana Fried Chicken, 170 La Brea Lucy Laundromat across from Sizzler’s on Manchester M&M’s Soul Food on Manchester M&M’s Soul Food (new) on Crenshaw Martino’s Liquor, 706 E. Manchester Bl. Mike’s Deli, 4859 W. Slauson Ave. Moby’s Breakfast & Lunch, 3008 W. Manchester Bl. Morningside Adult Day Care, 3216 W. Manchester Bl. Nix Check Cashing, 140 E. Manchester Nix Check Cashing on Crenshaw & 110th Orleans & York (1), 400 E. Florence Ave. Orleans & York (2), 4454 W. Slauson Ave., LA Osage Senior Villas, 924 S. Osage Pann’s, 6710 La Tijera Bl. Pay Day Loans on Crenshaw & 110

Pep Boys, 200 E. Spruce Ave. Red Lobster, 3400 W. Century Bl. Regal Cleaners, 700 E. Manchester Bl. Regency Towers, 123 Locust St. Regent Plaza, 201 Regent St. Roger’s Park, 400 W. Beach Ave. Scottie’s Gumbo & Grill, 945 S. Prairie Ave. Sizzler’s, Manchester/Prairie Smoke 4 Less, 925 N. La Brea Spa 313 Salon, 313 La Brea St. Mary’s Academy, 701 Grace Ave. Starbucks, 5301 Centinela Ave. Starbucks, 941 N. La Brea Ave. Starbucks on Century Stuff I Eat, 114 N. Market St. Sunrise Groceries, 1400 N. Centinela Ave. Super Fish Market, 11007 S Crenshaw Bl. Superior Groceries, 11202 S Crenshaw Bl. TenderCare Child Development Center, 335 E. Spruce Ave. The Serving Spoon, 1403 Centinela Ave. TGIFriday’s, 6721 La Tijera Bl. True Vine Baptist Church, 1437 Centinela Ave. Union Bank, 6719 La Tijera Bl. Vons, 500 E. Manchester Bl. Walgreens on Century Water 4 U, 254 W. Market St. Westchester Villa Senior Living, 220 W. Manchester Bl. Whitehorse Fish Market, 3119 W. Imperial Hwy. Whole Foods, 4508 Overhill (Slauson) Wilder’s Preparatory Academy Charter School, 830 N. La Brea Ave. Winchell’s Donuts, 2601 W. Manchester Bl. Winchell’s Donut Shop on Crenshaw near 108th St. Wings Stop on Century Wise Tires & Brakes, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Woody’s Barbeque, 4751 S. Market St. Yvonne B. Burke Senior Center, 4750 62nd St. (La Brea) Zahra’s Books “N” Things, 900 N. La Brea Ave.

Inglewood Today

May 7, 2015

Publisher’s Message

Page 5

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A Mother Like None Other

e often say (verbally and through greeting cards) that our words cannot adequately express our gratitude toward mom. It can seem overwhelming to express our feelings sometime, but I’m sure mom would appreciate it if we would try a little harder. So this Mother’s Day, I hope you will go the extra mile to convey your heartfelt thanks to the woman who has given you life. I know you’ll be rushing around this weekend, shopping, making plans, cleaning the house and trying to make everything perfect. But here is your assignment; it will only take a few minutes. Sit down and make a thoughtful list of your best memories with mom—your own or a special mother you know. Mother’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on all the love that went into making you the person you are today! So why not return the love by letting mom know you have not forgotten all she has done for you? Here are some ideas: • The dishes she makes that you most enjoy • The best advice she has given you • Things that make her unique (her laugh or fashion sense) • An example of her kindness or integrity • Positive comments others have said about her • What she’s really good at doing • Her amazing ability to run a household and keep everything together (especially if you have a large family)

Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly • Words of comfort that cheered you up when you needed them the most • Shared interest in music, movies, travel, etc. When you’re done, tuck your list inside her gift where she is sure to see it. It will bring a smile to her face and maybe one or two tears of joy. Guaranteed! It seems the older we get, the more time speeds up. But we must not let the busy-ness of life steal our moments. This list is a way to share memories, and when it comes to relationships, memories are all we really have. They will last far longer than most things we can buy. Let your mother know that she is a mother like none other with a list that summarizes what you love and remember most about her. While you might give your mom an identical greeting card as someone else, only you can bring your own memories, your own unique perspective. Happy Mother’s Day from Inglewood Today Weekly.

Getting Medi-Cal (Continued from page 2) “If you don’t choose, they choose for you,” Reed said. She also advises applicants to do their research before selecting a plan, so they can choose a program that best fits their needs. Reed says Medi-Cal has been a huge benefit for her because she doesn’t have to pay a monthly premium. If you are employed, MediCal fees are set on a sliding scale based on income. Reed said another major benefit to Medi-Cal is not having to pay for prescription medications at participating pharmacies. People who are approved are often enrolled in the managed care program, Reed said. A Medi-Cal Managed Health Care plan offers all the same benefits as a standard Medi-Cal plan. The main difference is that the enrollee in the managed care program is assigned a primary doctor who coordinates care for that patient within a network of doctors to ensure the patient stays healthy.

The plan is designed for patients some ways to speed up the process. If who are aged, blind, disabled and applicants run into roadblocks, they receiving Social Security Income can request a hearing, which usually (SSI) or State Supplementary Pay- speeds things up. ments (SSP) or other state-provided For more information about Medifinancial assistance. Cal go to: www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ According to Weintraub, there medi-cal/Pages/MediBen_Svcs.aspx For information about county soare some steps applicants can take to speed up the application pro- cial services offices go to: www.dhcs. ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/ cess. He recommends: • Applicants have certain paper- CountyOffices.aspx work, such as their social security card and household income and tax information, ready when Mother’s Day on Skid Row (Continued from page 1) they are filing applications. • Applicants should also ensure lift their spirits and give them hope. they fill in the forms as accurate- Professional stylists, manicurists, ly as possible and use the correct skin care and make-up artists will docontact information. Weintraub nate their time to provide top service added applicants should make to these special mothers on Skid Row. While lifting spirits is important, sure the name used on the forms matches the name on the appli- there are many homeless mothers who are also greatly in need of nourcant’s social security card. “The more information on the ishment. So after being pampered in application, the less likely it is to style, all the moms and their children will receive a nourishing lunch. be kicked out,” Weintraub said. Reed says applying for Medi- For many mothers, Mother’s Day Cal can be frustrating, but there are is just another day of misery on the

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Story Retraction

n May 30, 2013, Inglewood Today News first reported through a Willie Brown editorial on an incident that occurred on May 24, 2013, when Mr. Joseph Teixeira removed campaign fliers of then City Council Candidate Alex Padilla from the top of a waste receptacle at Fabulous Burgers and disposed of them in the receptacle. Seconds later, the campaign fliers were removed from the trash receptacle by a third party and returned to the top of the receptacle. Mr. Teixeira has always contended his actions were justified under the circumstances and that no crime was committed. While we continue to believe that the disposal of Mr. Padilla’s campaign fliers by Mr. Teixeira was inappropriate, Inglewood Today’s newspaper and Internet reports inaccurately and incorrectly characterized Mr. Teixeira as “a

thief,” “a petty thief” and “an alleged thief,” because no crime was committed. Upon further investigation, Inglewood Today News could not confirm that Mr. Teixeira worked for or supported then Councilwoman Judy Dunlap. Inglewood Today also retracts its statements that Mr. Teixeira ran from the restaurant or that he destroyed the fliers, as first reported. In addition, while it continues to be our belief that the act of intentionally disposing of a candidate’s campaign materials was improper, we regret and retract any references to Mr. Teixeira as a bandit, as well as statements to the effect that he drove away from the premises in a getaway car. We take seriously our responsibility to set the record straight, and apologize to Mr. Teixeira for our inaccurate reporting (hereinafter the “Retraction”). The article above is brought to you by California Black Media, a coalition of Black-owned media outlets committed to making a difference in our communities. It is made possible via a grant for public outreach from The California Endowment. We share the common goal in reaching as many residents as possible with useful information that will help expand access to affordable, quality healthcare to all Californians. streets. But the Fred Jordan Mission is helping to change that by making Mother’s Day truly something to celebrate—a day when no mother will be forgotten. The Fred Jordan Mission is dedicated to feeding the hungry, healing the hurting, serving the homeless, and loving the unloved. The Fred Jordan Mission helps the poor 365 days a year through the generosity of caring friends like you. To volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, call (626) 915-1981 or visit www.fjm.org.

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Inglewood Today

May 7, 2015

C o mm u n i t y

Inglewood Public Library By Anne Cheek La Rose

recently sat down with Frances Tracht, the Inglewood Public Library Manager. I’m very impressed with her work to improve our already wonderful library and her vision for the future. Our library has never been more vibrant and alive and the programs offered never more exciting than under her guidance. She came to us in 1997 part time, and was Acting Library Manager for three and a half years before being made permanent in this position last year. The library started in 1908 shortly after incorporation. Ours was one of thousands of Carnegie Libraries built by industrialist/ philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in small towns across America from 1899 to 1917. In 1916, the city voted $1,000 annually to support the library and in 1917, our library, constructed approximately where Crozier Middle School now stands, opened. It was damaged in the 1933 earthquake, but repaired and enlarged. It was outgrown and demolished in 1967. The Morningside Park Branch opened in 1946 and the Crenshaw-Imperial Branch came along in 1965. With the construction of the Civic Center in 1973, Inglewood’s library left the county system after 42 years and became a city entity. We also became a government depository library, meaning we receive both state and federal publications. Our library also has an extensive law collection and one can access study materials online for all sorts of tests – SAT, ACT, and civil service among them. The library collection is very extensive with many books not found in other libraries housed here. Recent advancements include a new RFID system, allowing self-checkout, as well as inventory control and security. There are two new artworks decorating the library; one in the atrium and the other on the main floor. These add to the Tom Van Sant work, “The Written Word” that is part of the structure in three places. In 2012, both the Library Board and the non-profit Friends of Inglewood Public Library were re-activated. Soon there will be new furniture throughout. Parking in the library lot is now free every day after 4PM and on Saturdays. E-books are available for a 3-week checkout for Kindle, Nook, PCs, and

Anne Cheek La Rose smart phones. The Children’s Department has an extensive selection of material, a play area for the little ones, its own theatre, and programs throughout each month. They have a Wii interactive game with a few game cartridges, but need more. If you would like to donate more games or donate toward the purchase of games, please call 310-412-5397 to see what games are on their wish list. Looking ahead, Ms Tracht would like to see the following additions in the future: full staffing for both locations; the main library open every Friday and Saturday, with hours expanded to 5PM; Saturday hours for the Crenshaw-Imperial branch; greater power availability so phones, notebooks, and computers can be charged while in use; a large meeting room on the 3rd floor; a digital literacy center in the now closed Morningside branch; and an automation specialist position added for all of the non-book duties as we expand farther into the digital age.

Library Hours Main Library 101 W Manchester Blvd. 310-412-5645 Monday through Wednesday 11AM-8PM Thursday and alternate Fridays 11AM-6PM Saturday 10AM-2PM Crenshaw-Imperial Branch 11141 Crenshaw Blvd 310-412-5403 Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 11AM-6PM Drop in to see what’s available, get a library card and become a part of it all. This isn’t your grandmother’s library anymore.

Inglewood Today

May 7, 2015

Page 7

C o mm u n i t y

Body Cam Bill Allows Cops to Review Videos

piece of legislation establishing guidelines for the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers is one step closer to becoming law. Even though some of the state’s top cops dealt a blow to the bill last week, Assembly Bill 66 still managed to limp out of the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee on April 30. The bill in its original form barred police offers from reviewing footage from body cameras before writing reports. But leaders in law enforcement from across the state insisted they would not support the bill unless lawmakers changed that provision. Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), the bill’s author, told California Black Media AB-66 would not have made it out of committee without that concession. She said the committee’s Democratic members would not vote for the bill without giving police officers the right to watch video recorded by body-cameras before writing their reports. “We didn’t want it voted down because that starts us back at square one,” she said. Supporters of body camera use are excited about the prospect of the bill becoming law soon. Yet many of them feel allowing cops to see the footage their body cameras record before writing police reports leaves room for officers to manipulate accounts of what happened between them and citizens. Attorney Randy Perry, a representative of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, takes the opposite position. He said not allowing officers to see video before writing reports would cause liabilities and compromise accuracy. After much debate, six Assembly Democrats voted in favor of AB-66. One Democrat, Jim Cooper of Elk Grove, a former Sacramento Sheriff’s captain, and four Republicans did not vote. If signed into law, Weber said the bill would give the state a broad policy for body camera use but the details of how it is implemented will be left up to local or state police departments. “Now, if it is a death or a violent act, they have the opportunity to look at the footage before they write the report,” she said. “If a jurisdiction has different a policy, they can maintain that policy. Individual jurisdictions can have their own policy as to whether they can review [the video footage]or not.” For example, the Oakland police department currently requires officers to write reports before they

By McKenzie Jackson, California Black Media

can watch body camera footage. That policy will not have to change if AB-66 becomes law. Oakland Police Chief, Sean Whent spoke in favor of not allowing cops to review body cam video footage at the committee hearing. He said no police officer in his department has ever been disciplined if his or her report did not match what happened on camera word-for-word. He said discrepancies happen sometimes. Currently, the assembly’s Appropriations Committee is reviewing the enactment to see if it makes financial sense. After that, it will go to the assembly floor for a vote. Meanwhile, Weber continues to share information about the bill. It is not an “I got

you story,” she explains. “I just want accuracy as far as what is taking place,” she said. “We have people with their own cellphones recording all kinds of stuff. So it’s not that we don’t have footage. The question then becomes, whose footage is the best footage and most credible?.” As the body camera bill moves closer to reality in California, the debate on how police officers interact with Black men rages across the country. Since the February 2012 shooting of unarmed, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin by a neighbor and community watchman in Sanford, Fla., there have been several fatal incidents involving police and African-American boys or

men. Those deaths include: 43-yearold Eric Garner in Staten Island, N.Y.; 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland; 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.; 50-year-old Walter Scott in North Charleston, S.C.; and 25-yearold Freddie Gray in Baltimore. Gray’s death from a spinal injury he allegedly received while in the custody of law enforcement officers sparked fiery protests and rioting that fixed the nation’s eyes on Maryland’s largest city. With a history of brewing tensions between the police and African Americans, the unrest in Baltimore quickly erupted into looting of businesses; violent clashes between citizens (Continued on page 11)

Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project

DBE Outreach Event Join us for an update on upcoming bid opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises - DBEs on the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project.

“Connecting Communities / Creating Opportunities” Walsh-Shea Corridor Constructors (WSCC) cordially invites you to attend a DBE outreach event. There will be focused sessions on upcoming electrical and station work. Receive project information and interact with subcontractors regarding upcoming bid opportunities on the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project and other public works projects.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015 Inglewood City Hall One Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90301

8:30a.m.—11:30a.m. Opportunities: Arch Metal Ceilings

Granite

Roofing

Traffic Signaling

Architectural Precast

Door Hardware

Rough Carpentry

Light Pole Foundations

Concrete

HM Doors Frames

Signage

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Site Furnishings

Ceramic Wall Tile

To Register Visit: http://www.walsh-shea-corridorconstructors.com/ or E-mail: Begreen@walshgroup.com

Inglewood Today

Page 8

May 7, 2015

Business

NAAAOM and Entertainment Studios to Amend $10 Billion Lawsuit Against AT&T and DirecTV Suit to include newly discovered evidence of racial discrimination and cover-up.

noyme King, an African-American female and 30-year employee of AT&T, through her attorney, Louis “Skip” Miller of Miller Barondess, has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against AT&T, Randall Stephenson (Chairman/CEO), Aaron Slator (President), Joyce Roche (Board Member), and current and former executives, John Stankey, Daniel York, Jeff Weber, and Ryan Smith. King’s lawsuit also states that she reserves the right to name Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, NAACP, the National Urban League and other socalled civil rights organizations as additional defendants in Ms. King’s suit for their part in taking donations from AT&T in return for giving AT&T bogus diversity awards. She alleges that the civil rights organizations never surveyed AT&T’s African American employees to see if they were happy or being mistreated, and that their endorsements helped to cover up AT&T’s racism. The suit states that King, who works for AT&T President, Aaron Slator, suffered continuous racial discrimination throughout her employment, along with the only other African-American female executive assistant (no longer with AT&T) who also worked in Mr. Slator’s department. Both were already employed by AT&T before Mr. Slator was moved from the corporate headquarters in Dallas to Los Angeles and became their boss. According to the lawsuit, the former assistant complained to AT&T’s upper management about Mr. Slator’s harassment, even presenting the racist photos and texts Slator had instructed her to copy (including one with young African children smiling

and dancing, captioned “It’s Friday ‘N’ Word”), AT&T paid the former assistant a substantial sum of money to keep quiet and allowed AT&T to cover-up Slator’s horrendous racist acts, let Slator keep his job, promoted Slator and paid him more money. Ms. King has included Slator’s racist texts and photos in her lawsuit as irrefutable evidence of institutionalized racism within the top management of AT&T. This confirms and corroborates the December 3, 2014 $10 billion racial discrimination lawsuit filed against AT&T and DirecTV, by the National Association of African American-Owned Media (“NAAAOM”) and Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios. That suit also named Slator as the executive who refused to meet with Mr. Allen, an African-American, or take or return his phone calls for close to two years while Mr. Slator took Mr. Allen’s white counterparts out to breakfast, lunch, dinner and golf outings at Mr. Slator’s country club. “This is one of the worst moments in American corporate history,” said Byron Allen, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Entertainment Studios. “It’s deplorable that AT&T would treat anyone with such disrespect and racism, let alone, try and cover it up. All of this occurred at the highest levels of AT&T, and all of these executives must immediately resign. Further, President Obama and FCC Chairman Wheeler should not let AT&T acquire DirecTV. All Americans need to stand-up to AT&T and stop this racism. What these companies don’t understand, is that with the power of the Internet, we’re getting an overwhelming amount of information against them and the other media companies we are suing. Unfortu-

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nately for them, they likely will be facing similar lawsuits almost every day. Until they give us the respect we deserve, we will continue to give the public, the courts, and government regulators the truth.” NAAAOM and Entertainment Studios also filed a similar, $20 billion racial discrimination lawsuit against Comcast Corporation and Time Warner Cable on February 20, 2015. “The longer these companies turn their heads and continue to discriminate against 100% African Americanowned media, the more we will expose them and their deeply embedded racism to the public and government regulators,” said Mark DeVitre, President of NAAAOM. “The evidence in Ms. King’s complaint against the entire upper management of AT&T absolutely confirms the racism stated in our complaint against AT&T. After looking at the photos Ms. King brought forward, Randall Stephenson, Aaron Slator and the other related executives at AT&T, as well as DirecTV’s Dan York, should be ashamed of themselves and the racism they cover-up, stand for and continue to perpetuate. Everyone should join us at www. naaaom.com so we can keep you informed and stop the racism. With this kind of evidence, President Obama, the FCC and Chairman Wheeler must stop the AT&T-DirecTV merger. Inherent, institutionalized racism must not be allowed to grow bigger with these companies coming together.” NAAAOM and Entertainment Studios are seeking to amend their $10 billion lawsuit against AT&T and DirecTV for racial discrimination in contracting with the racist evidence brought forward by Ms. King’s lawsuit. AT&T also lost its motion to dis-

miss the Federal Trade Commission’s illegal throttling lawsuit against AT&T, which details how AT&T substantially cheated its customers by slowing their Internet bandwidth. You can see the racist pictures and text, review Ms. King’s lawsuit, as well as NAAAOM and Entertainment Studios’ lawsuits, at www.naaaom. com. #DROPATT #STOPATTRACISM #STOPTHERACISM NAAAOM’s mission is to eliminate racial discrimination and secure the economic inclusion of truly 100% African American-owned media through fair contracting and equal treatment practices. Entertainment Studios owns seven 24-hour HD cable networks: PETS.TV, COMEDY. TV, RECIPE.TV, CARS.TV, ES.TV, MYDESTINATION.TV, and JUSTICECENTRAL.TV. The company also produces, distributes, and sells advertising for 38 television programs, making it one of the largest independent producers/distributors of first-run syndicated television programming for broadcast television stations. With a library of over 5,000 hours of owned content across multiple genres, Entertainment Studios provides video content to broadcast television stations, cable television networks, mobile devices, multimedia platforms, and the World Wide Web. Our mission is to provide excellent programming to our viewers, online users, and Fortune 500 advertising partners. Chairman and CEO Byron Allen founded the company in 1993. Headquartered in Los Angeles, it has offices in New York, Chicago, Denver, and Raleigh. For more information, visit:www.es.tv

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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.

“If you can rent, you can own!”

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.

Inglewood Today

May 7, 2015

Page 9

C o mm u n i t y The inglewood Urbanstage (Continued from page 1) Wong. Composed of wooden modules, Urbanstage was reconstructed once every week, for four weeks, to produce four distinct iterations of transformative architecture located at Inglewood City Hall. Urbanstage was activated weekly by curated civic conversations and workshops focused on urban issues in Inglewood and Los Angeles: transportation, Autopia, Surfurbia and water in LA, urban development and shared futures based on food, culture, and diversity. Wing Xi-Wong informed me that, “This project, Inglewood Urbanstage, for me was a way to bring together the disciplines of art and architecture. The project really chose this space, the civic plaza located at the base of City Hall, in order to activate it in a new way.” The project took on numerous shapes or iteration over the course of its month long run in the city and each cycle represented a different idea and or concept pertaining to living in Inglewood and Los Angeles. “Cycle One, the modules were arranged in an amphitheater style, and that was much more conducive to a one-way spectatorship. We had a pan-

el discussion that opened up the entire project and was based very specifically on issues in Inglewood, looking at the different transformations taking place in Inglewood including the new arts scene that’s sprouting with the Beacon Arts building, 1019 West Manchester, but also the kind of work the Inglewood Cultural Arts has been doing with the government, and looking at the master plan for Hollywood, and the impending NFL stadium. “Cycle Two, we changed the module, so instead of it being more of a passive audience relationship, where the audience sat and listened to the panelists, we shifted it so that it was two opposing sides and it became a transverse stage, and that was set up to invite productive disagreements. That involves the audience, that involves experts who come in to discuss certain topics, and to be able to disagree and share viewpoints. In that week, the topics were based on an architectural critic named Reyner Banham, who in the 70’s, came to LA and conceptualized it as having four ecologies. Two of these ecologies were: Autopia, the freeways and transportation lines, and also the coastline and the issue of water in Los Angeles.” “Cycle Three, we changed the model so that it became a labyrinth style

stage. At that point you have these islands that form, and people could move and get lost within the stage. The very first night there was a projection mapping that happened. We asked questions about different memories of the city, and different places people had eaten in Inglewood, and created this sort of integrated joint memory of what Inglewood is.” The final cycle, the modules were rearranged to form a long table where people can come together and discuss ideas. We had a discussion at the workshop led by Michael Pinto and Illaria Mazzoleni. They really invited people to discuss food systems and food issues in the city, and also very specific to Inglewood. I invited some folks that I knew, like Ryan Thompson and Derek Steele, who both work in the areas of social justice by way of law, human rights and health equity to join the discussion. Throughout the series, attendance from actual residents was low, so I felt their presence would render a much more robust experience as participants who were actually from the community. As a result, the final week’s discussion was polarizing and lead to some exciting ideas about the way communities gain access to food, work cooperatively, and efficiently toward creating

a healthy environment. Some of the ideas that were presented were a community-owned cooperative that both grew and sold its own produce. The sidewalks and front lawns on each block could be used as farmland to grow fresh produce. Other ideas included growing fruit trees on city sidewalks that would enable and encourage school children to eat fresh fruits on their way to school as an combatant to data that shows that nearly 50% of students in low-income families don’t eat breakfast. The Inglewood Urbanstage was a treasure that I truly wish more residents got an opportunity to experience. Although each week the conversations were engaging, enlightening, and diverse, I believe that it wasn’t until more residents of Inglewood participated in the space, that it actually came alive in the way the artist intended. The structure may or may not reside at City Hall for much longer if it’s not already taken down. But it is Cheryl’s intention “that people can come here and use the site to discuss ideas. I feel like there is no better place to have feedback and compliments for the government than at the base of City Hall.”

Inglewood Relay For Life June 6-7, 2015

9:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Crozier Middle School

120 W. Regent Street, Inglewood, CA

Come and join in the fun!

THIS IS A 24-HOUR WALK FUNDRAISER AND CANCER AWARENESS EVENT

Opening Ceremony: 9 a.m., Sat. Survivors Lap: 9:30 a.m., Sat. Luminaria Ceremony: 9 p.m., Sat. Fight Back / Closing Ceremony: 8:30 a.m., Sun.

Keep Tools 10 Feet Away From Power Lines

Overhead power lines are located all around us. Coming in contact with the lines can cause serious injury. To stay safe around electricity, we recommend keeping tools and objects at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Visit on.sce.com/staysafe for more safety tips.

To DONATE or REGISTER, visit

www.RelayForLife.org/inglewoodca

For more information, contact Kimberlee Smith at 310.346.8968 or Kimberlee.smith@cancer.org

Stay Aware. Stay Safe.

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Inglewood Today

Page 10

LEGAL NOTICES Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015080905 The following Person is doing business as:

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2015115033 The following Person is doing business as:

Hands That Care Medical Service Lets Play Indoor Playground 5454 Fourth Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90043

OGUN Limousine Services OGUN Limo Services 4714 W. 163rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90260

Registered owners: Darnell Sampier, Sr.; Valerie Sampier 5454 Fourth Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90043

Registered owner: CMA Company Services, Inc. 4714 W. 163rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90260

This business is conducted by two individuals. The registrants commenced to transact business under the fictitious business names listed above on March 25, 2015.

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on April 29, 2015.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) Darnell Sampier, Sr. and Valerie Sampier, Owners This statement was filed with the County Clerk on March 25, 2015

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) CMA Company Services, Inc., Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on April 29, 2015.

NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original April 23, 30; May 7, 14, 2015 ITO0422301065 Inglewood Today

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.) Original April 30; May 7, 14, 21, 2015 ITO0422301066 Inglewood Today

Place your DBAs, Probates, Trustee Notices, Legal Notices, Summons and more in Inglewood Today Print & Online • Call: 310.670.9600

Eye on the City (Continued from page 4) Funding for 3 part time positions in the Economic and Community Development Dept. was approved. Time Warner Cable Business Class was approved for a five-year agreement with the City of Inglewood. Renee Talbott was appointed to serve as the Mayor’s Liaison to the Inglewood Unified Advisory Board of Education. Noting that “communications between the City and school board has dwindled significantly within the past years, I need a liaison who will attend school board meetings and keep us abreast,” Mayor James Butts said. A man says Inglewood contractors are not being included in construction projects. He asked District One Councilman George Dotson to look into the matter. A persistent claim by long time Inglewood resident Gil Mathieu that the City is $900,000 in debt again found its way to the podium. And again, Mayor Butts refuted Mathieu’s remarks. Legislation was enacted

May 7, 2015

in 2012 by the State, which abolished more than 400 redevelopment agencies. Up to that time, cities were given funding for projects through the agency to increase economic development. Inglewood’s share was $20 million. “We used some of the funding and bought land and discounted it to developers so they could come and build here and we would get tax revenue,” Butts said. “When the state took over, they also assumed all the debt to the agency. We had two projects we had to settle on and that settlement has been made. To keep talking about the agency’s debt is so irrelevant to what we’re doing in Inglewood. If we were close to a billion in debt, we would not have gotten that bond rating upgrade from Moody’s. They just don’t do that. If we were close to a billion in debt, the Los Angeles Business Journal would not do the article they did on the city. But, you can be as wrong as you want to be. This is America.” Dotson encouraged the public to get involved

with the upcoming Relay for Life event, June 6-7 at Crozier Middle School. The annual American Cancer Society fundraiser and run/walk supports cancer research. Teams in Inglewood have been formed by each council district. “This disease kills a lot of people; let’s think about someone else today,” Dotson said. Information is available on the City of Inglewood website (www.cityofinglewood.org). Councilman Alex Padilla reminded the public that he is holding a town hall meeting on May 7th at 6:30 in City Hall, Community Room A. “This city is doing a lot of positive things. It’s only going to get better, so enjoy the ride,” he said. Franklin reminded everyone that U.S. Mail carriers will be participating in a food drive this weekend. Residents can drop off non-perishable items at the Imperial Highway Annex on Imperial Highway near the 105 Freeway. Volunteers are needed. “They will be loading up around 5 pm,” Franklin said. “Please come to work, not just for photo ops.”

Secure Means Safe When It Comes to Metallic Balloons for Moms, Grads and Proms

f there’s a season for everything, May begins the usual peak months for power outages caused by metallic balloons. And this year, those outages are already up 55 percent and at an all-time high for the first three months of any year. With this happening even before the traditionally most active months for balloon-related outages around Mother’s Day, graduations and proms, Southern California Edison (SCE) urges its customers to always keep those balloons secured to a weight as required by California law and to never release them outdoors. This is especially vital since SCE has had 182 outages through March compared to 118 last year at that point. “Keep them indoors if possible,

but the best way to prevent them from floating dangerously away outdoors is by keeping them tied to that weight or something else sturdy,” said Don Neal, SCE director of Corporate Environmental, Health and Safety. “Not doing so can lead to serious injuries, property damage and outages.” Injuries and property damage can potentially occur when the balloon contact leads to downed power lines. Balloons handled without a weight like this can cause hundreds May and June have long been the of power outages yearly and potentially serious injuries worst months for balloon outages, and property damage. with 35 percent (230) of SCE’s 656 balloon outages last year occurring • If you see a downed line or danin these months. Since 2010, SCE erage than the next two months. During National Electrical Safety gling wire—even if it appears has consistently suffered about onenot to be live—don’t touch or apthird of its balloon outages in May Month, SCE recommends some tips proach it and call 911 immediately. and June—twice the number on av- for handling metallic balloons: • Do not attempt to retrieve a balMore on metallic balloon safety loon—or any foreign object— can be found at on.sce.com/staysafe. tangled in power lines. Instead, Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. call SCE at 800-611-1911 and report the problem. About Southern California • Never tie a metallic balloon to a Edison child’s wrist. If the balloon comes An Edison International (NYSE: into contact with electricity, it EIX) company, Southern Califorwill travel through the balloon nia Edison is one of the nation’s and into the child, possibly caus- largest electric utilities, serving a ing serious injury or even death. population of nearly 14 million via • Never attach streamers to any bal- 4.9 million customer accounts in loon—latex or metallic. a 50,000-square-mile service area • When done with them, puncture within Central, Coastal and Souththe balloons or cut the knot to ern California. Yvonne Horton keep them from floating away.

Just Saying... Evil disrupts the thought process of evil doers and cause them to fall prey to their own plots.

Inglewood Today

May 7, 2015

Congratulations to Dana-Rae from Dad

Dana-Rae Gipson B.A., Business/Accounting Mount St. Mary’s University Treasurer, African American Council of Women

I am so very proud of what you have accomplished in the past 4 years. We have leaned on each other during our journey, and you have grown into a beautiful young lady. I could not be prouder of you! Love and much success, Dad

Congresswoman Waters Honors Art Contest Winners (Continued from page 1) tary, round-trip plane tickets to Washington D.C. for the official unveiling ceremony. The celebration of the winning pieces will take place June 24th at the U.S. Capitol and will feature all winners from the various congressional districts across the country. The second place award was presented to Jesus Ortiz of Morningside High School in Inglewood, where he is taught by Laurie Siquedo. Jesus’ pencil drawing “Embrace” will be showcased in the Congresswoman’s Washington D.C. office throughout the year. The third place winning piece,

“Parched” is a “scratch drawing” by Monte Lin Ho, who studies at University High School in Los Angeles, where she is taught by Lynn Ishii. It will also hang in Congresswoman Water’s office on Capitol Hill for the next year. For the first time, there was a tie for the fourth place prize, which was awarded to both Ahmirah Roberson of Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles, where she is taught by Marques Owens and to Daniel Matias of Leuzinger High School in Lawndale, where he is taught by Kyle Jennings. Ahmirah and Daniel’s artwork will be on display for the next year in Congresswoman Waters’ Los Angeles office.

Body Cam Bill Allows Cops to Review Videos (Continued from page 7) and law enforcement officers; and the burning of several buildings. Baltimore State Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced May 1 that her office ruled Gray’s death a homicide. An investigation done in conjunction with Baltimore city police found probable cause to charge the six police officers involved in Gray’s arrest with crimes, including two of them with murder and manslaughter respectively. That same day, the U.S. Department of Justice said the administration of President Barack Obama will provide $20 million in grants to dozens of local police departments as part of a body

camera pilot program. Three days earlier, the Los Angeles Police Commission approved a policy clearing the way for widespread use of body cameras by patrol officers. Several Golden State municipalities—including Rialto, Union City, and Pleasanton—already have law enforcement agencies that use body cameras.. Weber said the body camera bill is critical in light of what is happening across the U.S. “The data shows California has one of the highest rates or numbers of murders by police officers in the nation,” she said. “Maybe ours hasn’t reached to the point of a Baltimore or something like that, but we have had similar things.”

Page 11

D at e s i n M ay May 7, 2015 District 2 Town Hall Meeting Join District 2 Councilman Alex Padilla for an informative meeting, where he will be updating residents on issues, activities and developments. The town hall meeting to open to the public and will take place at 6:30pm in Community Room A, Inglewood City Hall. May 7, 2015 32nd Annual Prayer Breakfast The Inglewood Area Ministers Association will host its 32nd Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Proud Bird Restaurant, 11022 Aviation Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. The program begins at 7am. Join local clergy, business leaders and individuals in praying for the city of Inglewood.

Pastor Xavier Thompson, President of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles, will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are $35 each. For tickets or information, call Rev. Warren G. Henderson at (310) 283-1985 or email moderatorprov@yahoo. com. Ongoing Get Fit at the Mall Bfit offers you ways to get fit, have fun and live your life to the fullest. Join us for amazing free fitness classes at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza every week. Classes held on the Macy’s Bridge include: Zumba every Tuesday from 7:30-8:30pm; Cardio Kickboxing every Thursday from 7:00-8:00pm and Yoga every Saturday from 10:00-11:00am.

Show your kids how proud you are of them. Your children have worked hard all year, getting ready for their big day. Now that Graduation Day is almost here, you’ll want to capture the memories forever. And what better way than with a personalized note of congratulations that lets everyone know how proud you are of them? Our special rate is only $125 for the newspaper and website—and that includes color! Use discount promo code ITW217. June 23rd is the deadline for the June 25th edition. Email your ad and photo to sales@ inglewoodtoday.com, or call (310) 670-9600.

L.A. Sues Wells Fargo (Continued from page 2) to open ghost accounts; opened accounts that they knew customers didn’t want; forged signatures on account paperwork; and falsified phone numbers of angry customers

so they couldn’t be reached for customer satisfaction surveys. Consumer advocates warn customers to carefully monitor your bank activity both on and offline and pay attention to your credit report on a regular basis.

South African Ambassador Visits Inglewood A-MAN, Inc. STEM Science Center

tudents at the A-MAN, Inc. Headquarters STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) International Learning Center warmly welcomed a special visitor on April, 28—South Africa’s newly-appointed U.S. Ambassador Mninwa Mahlangu. He toured the state of the art facility and later talked with co-founders Dr. Bettye and Hal Walker. President Nelson Mandela in 1998 personally asked the Walkers to make him a promise to assist and inspire the children of that country to study science and become the new generation of innovators, scientists, teachers and engineers. To meet this great challenge the Walkers utilized their own A-MAN science education models along with the broad humanitarian resources of Rotary International as members of the Inglewood Rotary Club. Thousands of 6 to 18 year-old girls and boys in townships have benefited. Many continue to graduate from colleges and universities. The Ambassador gave the Walkers his country’s grateful thanks for “a promise kept.”. This visit to Los Angeles is the first in the 21st Century since the fall of Apartheid in 1994 by

te o V r u o Y Counts!

a South African ambassador. His presence heralds a new global and strategic educational based alliance and partnership between A-MAN, Inc. and the students of South Africa. For over twenty years, A-MAN has been deeply involved in promoting and implementing science and technology educational sites across the U.S. and South Africa. Plans call for new additional STEM centers and expansion to other countries in Africa.

The A-MAN, Inc. STEM International agency is a 501(c) (3) Corporation founded in 1991. The mission is to utilize STEM-related projects to advance educational achievement, intellectual and career development of AfricanAmericans, Latinos and other minority students. A-MAN, Inc. also seeks partnerships with individuals and institutions who share the vision to increase diversity in the special interest fields of science and technology.

Some ongoing exciting new AMAN projects are the; XPRIZE Global Learning Challenge, a $15M endeavor that can enable children in developing countries to teach themselves basic reading, writing and arithmetic. The team A-MAN Global Access Learning Educator (GALE), utilizing the latest educational innovations and computer technology, is expected to impact over 250 million children worldwide including Inglewood. Team A-MAN is an international partner with school sites in South Africa, involved in the UN General Assembly 68th Session which proclaimed the “2015 Year of Light and Light–based Technologies (IYL 2015).” This project promotes sustainable development and provides solutions to global challenges in energy, agriculture and health. In addition, IYL 2015 will promote public and political understanding of the central role of light in the modern world while also celebrating noteworthy anniversaries in 2015. Dr. Bettye Walker says the A-MAN center will be providing yearlong activities for local teachers, students and families to participate.

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