Your Community Connection since 1994
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Including Inglewood Airport Area • Baldwin Hills • Crenshaw/LA • Ladera Heights VOL. 23, No. 38
September 18, 2014
“Building a Bridge to the Future” A Recap of the Inglewood Town Hall Meeting By Crystal DaCosta
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he community and elected officials came out for a packed Town Hall Meeting on September 13, held by Mayor James Butts at The Living Room, Faithful Central Bible Church, in Inglewood. There was definitely a buzz of excitement among Inglewood residents, many of whom arrived early and started filling the room well before the event began. As Councilman Alex Padilla stated, “This is a chance to hear about all the positive things happening in Inglewood.”
Wright Is Out
Bradford, Hall Are In By Veronica Mackey
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o sooner had the ink dried on convicted State Senator Rod Wright’s resignation letter, than Assemblyman Steven Bradford (D-Inglewood) and Assemblyman Isadore Hall, III (DCompton) filed papers to take his place. The new candidates will make a run for the 35th District Senate, which is overwhelmingly Democratic. About 14% of registered voters are Republican.
Mayor Butts addresses the overflowing crowd. Photos by Tyrone D. Washington/Wave Tech Media
The agenda was pretty ambitious—City finances, public safety, education, residential sound insulation, street construction, and a myriad of development projects, including Hollywood Park, a new community center, a 340unit condominium project
Congresswoman Maxine Waters
On The Inside: • News • Community • Entertainment • Health • Real Estate • Business
and renovation of the Inglewood Playhouse. Mayor Butts, City department heads, and community partners kept the audience engaged, and at hour three, with no air conditioning, the room was still full. Whether you came to hear the latest (Continued on page 7)
Steven Bradford
Inglewood Resident Celebrates Her 105th Birthday!
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By Thomas Bunn
ast week one of Inglewood’s oldest living residents celebrated her 105th birthday. Ms. Hattie Quinan was in high spirits as Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr visited her, along with her long time friend Hazel Culpepper. Ms. Hattie is a resident of the Westchester Villa Senior Living Community and has been for the past 4 years. (Continued on page 2)
See PAGE 3 to find out who won tickets to see Frankie Beverly, Maze, and Patti LaBelle live in concert September 21st at the newly renovated Fabulous Forum!
Visit www.inglewoodtoday.com for details
Isadore Hall, III Wright announced on Monday that he will resign effective Sept. 22, 2014, following sentencing last week to 90 days in jail, 1,500 hours of community service and three years of probation. The 62 year-old lawmaker was convicted on five counts of fraudulent voting, two counts of perjury by declaration and one count of filing a false declaration of candida(Continued on page 8)
Page 2
Inglewood Today
September 18, 2014
Community 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
Inglewood Resident Celebrates Her 105th Birthday! (Continued from page 1) According to staff, “She’s very much there, in her mental awareness. She loves to read, she enjoys playing games, where she names the things that are around her. She’s still an active member in her church, Miracle Baptist Church in Los Angeles, and she has a way of providing comfort to others. One of her famous lines is, ‘Don’t worry, the Lord will make a way somehow.’” Westchester Villa honored its beloved Ms. Hattie with a birthday cake accompanied by a candle that displayed 105, and a barbecue lunch. Mayor Butts spoke briefly and presented Ms. Quinan with a plaque of acknowledgement from the City of Inglewood before sitting beside her to enjoy lunch together. The senior living community also welcomed Inglewood Today Publisher Willie Brown and commended the paper for providing the com-
munity with quality material every It’s not often you get to meet a week. To showcase their apprecia- living legend, and to see Ms. Hattie tion, the staff provided Brown with in full swing, full of peace and love a specially made tee-shirt. in her heart, brought joy to mine.
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Matthew Chinichian of the Westchester Villa said, “We’d like to thank the family of Ms. Hattie Quinan for allowing us to care for her. We’re honored to serve her and all the seniors of the community.”
The residents of the Westchester Villa joined together to sing Ms. Hattie a loud and proud rendition of Happy Birthday, and we all wish her many more!
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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
September 18, 2014
Page 3
Community
And the Winners Are…
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Valerie Lodem
Nevelyn D. Williams
Hazel Jackson
Daniel Myatt
ongratulations to Valerie Lodem, Nevelyn D. Williams, Hazel Jackson and Daniel Myatt. They just won tickets to see Frankie Beverly & Maze, Patti Labelle and Reuben Studdard live in concert, September 21st at the newly renovated Fabulous Forum! The free tickets are part of an online promotion for InglewoodToday
News.com. Inglewood Today is celebrating 20 years in business with a new logo, a new website, and most important…more chances for you to win prizes. Visit the site today and sign up to have Inglewood’s official e-news delivered free to you. Then, stay tuned for more exciting contests.
Community Info Meeting on Metro Transit Project
et the latest 4-1-1 on the Cren- Thursday, October 9, 2014 shaw/LAX Transit Project at Presentation at 6-8pm upcoming meetings: Crenshaw/LAX Community Leadership Council Wednesday Quarterly Meeting September 24, 2014 Dulan’s on Crenshaw Presentations at: 4859 Crenshaw Blvd. 6pm, 6:20pm & 6:40pm Los Angeles, CA 90043 Inglewood Park Cemetery Please share with your networks, (Inside the Galleria Chapel) constituents, colleagues and local 720 E. Florence Ave. businesses. Inglewood CA 90301 All Metro meetings have ADA Enter Florence Ave. gate; proceed to your left to the Galleria Chapel. Staff accommodation. Translations availwill be available onsite to assist with able by calling (213) 922-2736. directions and free parking.
Visit Our Website: www.inglewoodtoday.com and Subscribe to Inglewood Today
Inglewood Today
Page 4
September 18, 2014
Eye on the City
Room for Improvement
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By Veronica Mackey
uesday’s council meeting was light, and focused mainly on Mayor James Butts’ recent town hall meeting, and improving public areas around town. The Council approved a one-year contract with an accounting firm, a three-year contract for auditing services, and an increased subsidy for $7 to $10 to make public transportation more affordable for serniors and disabled citizens. Leroy Fisher continued to speak out against Councilman George Dotson holding his town hall meetings at churches—a subject that he addressed last week. “The church and state ought to be two separate entities!” he said. He suggested that the District 1 Town Hall meetings be held in City Hall. “It’s a meeting place, it’s not a church service. The churches are kind enough to let us use their facilities. We don’t have that much
space here,” Mayor Butts said. One man shared his ideas about how to make the Forum more userfriendly. The venue’s circular shape, he said, makes it hard to tell where you are in relation to the outside: “When you go into the Forum, they need to put up signs—north, east, south and west—to get out of there faster. They need a parking area where people can pick up passengers instead of having to drive around. It wastes time and traffic, especially at night, and when it starts raining, it’s going to get worse. Also, there needs to be phone chargers installed...They need to put cell chargers inside by the restrooms.” A woman said she was ticketed and her vehicle wrongly towed. Parking enforcement claimed she was blocking a driveway, and she does not agree. “They are telling me that when I park, I should take a picture of wherever I park.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Butts said. “We have an appeals process. You can appeal it on the second floor [but] we cannot overrule a ticket once it has been issued.” The woman gave her contact information to a police officer for follow up. Ethel Austin reminded Butts of a promise he made to make free Internet service available to everyone in Inglewood. “Remember you promised to try and get Internet for everyone like in L.A. Are you still working on it?” “Yes, [but] it’s not going to come in everybody’s house. It’s going to be in public places like Starbucks. We’re going to encourage everyone to spend their money [in those places],” Butts said. One woman returned to the council to make another plea for steam cleaning Market Street. “I was here in July. At that time I told you about Market Street. It is absolutely smell-
ing by the CVS Pharmacy and over where the Sparkling Cleaners was.” On September 13, Mayor Butts hosted a town hall meeting. The agenda covered all the key points of interest to Inglewood—public safety, residential sound insulation, Hollywood Park, Market Street, a new condominium project, street repair, the school district, a new community center, the NFL, and more. Inglewood heard from several city officials, representatives from Hollywood Park, SCE, Centinela Hospital, business developers and special guest, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters. “It was great hearing that Congresswoman Maxine Waters is securing federal dollars for our city, especially for residential sound insulation,” said Councilman Ralph Franklin. “That meeting covered everything. Anyone who showed up— (Continued on page 5)
Pick up your copy of Inglewood Today at one of these locations: 1 Stop Mini-Mart, 420 E. Florence Ave. A-Man Inc., 101 La Brea Ave. Airport Gas, 501 Hillcrest St. Allstate, 2300 W. Manchester Bl. Bayou Grill, 1400 N. La Brea Ave. Boston Cream Donuts, 2576 La Brea Ave. Bourbon Street Fish & Grill, 601 S. Prairie Ave. Briarwood, 3500 Manchester Bl. Broadway Federal Bank, 170 N. Market St. Brolly Hut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Bruno’s Pizza, 450 E. Manchester Bl. Budda Market, 3753 Slauson (Rimpau) C&J Beauty Supply, 11252 Crenshaw Bl. Carlton Square, 8700 Carlton Centinela Hospital, 555 E. Hardy St. Chili’s, 3490 W. Century Bl. Chile Verde on Crenshaw Choice Berry, 599 1/2 S. La Brea Ave. City One Stop, 110 Queen St. Cranford Scott, M.D., 211 N. Prairie Ave. CVS Pharmacy, 222 N. Market St. Darby Park, 3400 W. Arbor Vitae Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #1, 202 E. Manchester Bl. Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen #2, 3249 W. Century Bl. Edward Vincent Park Senior Ctr., 700 Warren Lane Fabulous Burger, 1315 Centinela Ave., Family Fish Market, 1300 Centinela Ave. Fiesta Martin Mexican Grill, 1330 N. La Brea Ave. Gin’s Liquor, 11001 Crenshaw Bl. Gonzales Northgate Market, 10801 Prairie Ave. Heart & Soul Grill, 128 N. Market St. Hollywood Park Casino, 1050 S. Prairie Ave. Inglewood Airport Area, 330 E. Queen St. Inglewood Park Cemetery, 720 E. Florence Ave. Inglewood Community Police Ctr., Manchester/7th Ave. Inglewood City Hall, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Library, 101 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Meadows, 1 Locust St. Inglewood Park Mortuary, 3801 W. Manchester Bl. Inglewood Police Station, 1 West Manchester Bl. Inglewood Today, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Inglewood Unified School District, 401 S. Inglewood Ave. In the Kut Barber Shop on 109th & Crenshaw Jamba Juice, 5305 W. Centinela Ave. King Fish Market, 10901 Crenshaw Bl. KJLH Radio, 161 N. La Brea Ave. Ladera Physiotherapy, 409 S. La Brea Ave.
Lan’s Nails, 10901 S. Crenshaw Bl. Lawrence Carey Barber Shop, 10901 S. Crenshaw Bl. Liquorette Liquor Store, 1400 Centinela Ave. Louisiana Fried Chicken, 170 La Brea Lucy Laundromat across from Sizzler’s on Manchester M&M’s Soul Food on Manchester M&M’s Soul Food (new) on Crenshaw Martino’s Liquor, 706 E. Manchester Bl. Mike’s Deli, 4859 W. Slauson Ave. Moby’s Breakfast & Lunch, 3008 W. Manchester Bl. Morningside Adult Day Care, 3216 W. Manchester Bl. Nix Check Cashing, 140 E. Manchester Nix Check Cashing on Crenshaw & 110th Osage Senior Villas, 924 S. Osage Pann’s, 6710 La Tijera Bl. Pay Day Loans on Crenshaw & 110 Pep Boys, 200 E. Spruce Ave. Red Lobster, 3400 W. Century Bl. Regal Cleaners, 700 E. Manchester Bl. Regency Towers, 123 Locust St. Regent Plaza, 201 Regent St. Roger’s Park, 400 W. Beach Ave. Scottie’s Gumbo & Grill, 945 S. Prairie Ave. Sizzler’s, Manchester/Prairie Smoke 4 Less, 925 N. La Brea Spa 313 Salon, 313 La Brea Starbucks, 5301 Centinela Ave. Starbucks, 941 N. La Brea Ave. Starbucks on Century Stuff I Eat, 114 N. Market St. Super Fish Market, 11007 S Crenshaw Bl. Superior Groceries, 11202 S Crenshaw Bl. The Serving Spoon, 1403 Centinela Ave. TGIFriday’s, 6721 La Tijera Bl. True Vine Baptist Church, 1437 Centinela Ave. Union Bank, 6719 La Tijera Bl. Vons, 500 E. Manchester Bl. Walgreens on Century Westchester Villa Senior Living, 220 W. Manchester Bl. Whole Foods, 4508 Overhill (Slauson) Winchell’s Donuts, 2601 W. Manchester Bl. Winchell’s Donut Shop on Crenshaw near 108th St. Wings Stop on Century Wise Tires & Brakes, 949 S. La Brea Ave. Woody’s Barbeque, 4751 S. Market St. Yvonne B. Burke Senior Center, 4750 62nd St. (La Brea)
Inglewood Today
September 18, 2014
P u b l i s h e r ’ s Me s s a g e
Have Voters Lost Their Passion?
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our million voters in Scotland are expected to go to the polls on September 18 to decide whether to forge independence from the rest of the United Kingdom. Scotland has been part of the UK for more than 300 years. It is the only ballot decision Scottish voters will have to make. Those on the “Yes” side want to be free of English—i.e. Tory Party— control. The Scottish have fared worse economically among UK citizens because they are more reliant on public assistance. London officials have made several public spending cuts to balance the Treasury’s finances. To summarize what is happening in Scotland, think of the political left-wing separating itself from the U.S. The latest polls place the “No” vote at a slight advantage, at 52%. However, that could quickly change. Both sides are pushing for a win after several months of campaigning, but the race is still too close to call. Women, who make up more than half of voters, dominate the pool of the undecided. Most voters over the age of 65 are on the “No” side, fearing a separation would break up their families. Turnout may reach as high as 90%, based on recent projections, a significant increase compared to recent UK elections. This historic election has drawn global interest and the voting age has been changed to include citizens as young as 16. Voter registration is at an all-time high. It’s just that important! It leads me to ask, “What would be important enough to solicit a similar turnout out in Inglewood?” Congresswoman Maxine Waters expressed her desire at Mayor Butts’ Town Hall meeting to have Inglewood lead the way in voter turnout. The question is, how do we get there? Who would have to run? What
Willie Brown, Publisher, Inglewood Today Weekly would have to be on the ballot? Voter apathy is an unfortunate side effect of free nations. Just as citizens have the right to vote, they also have the right not to vote. People take their freedoms for granted. In countries ruled by dictators, voter turnout is (not surprisingly) high. After all, who is going to buck the current when a break with the status quo could end in a public execution? It is fear—not allegiance—that decides the winners in dictatorships. In Scotland’s case, tempers have been high, with reports of citizens destroying literature of their opponents and getting into yelling matches. Of course people debate all the time in Inglewood—especially at council meetings. But somehow all that passion doesn’t quite play out at the polls. Last year, voter turnout in Inglewood’s councilmanic election was a low 15%. L.A. saw a similar low turnout in their mayoral election, with 23% percent casting votes. L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson said he’s even looking into incentives, which include paying people to vote. What would it take to get Inglewood fired up enough to break records at the polls? It’s a question I don’t have the answers to, but I am enjoying the process of democracy unfolding in Scotland.
Eye on the City (Continued from page 4) when they walked out, they knew everything going on in the City of Inglewood—no doubt. If you were not there, I strongly encourage you to watch the videotape,” Councilman Dotson said. He also announced that his town hall meeting, scheduled for this Saturday, September 20th has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 11th, at First Church of God, 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., from 10am to noon. Councilman Alex Padilla thanked fellow council members
for approving city sponsorship of his District 2 Annual Picnic, to be held Sunday, September 28, 2014, from noon to 4pm, at North Park, 625 E. Hargrave Avenue. He invited the public to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by attending the Hispanic Heritage Festival this Saturday, September 20th, at Crozier Middle School, 120 W. Regent Street, from 11am to 4pm. Televised news coverage of the Mayor’s Town Hall meeting is a sure sign that Inglewood is becoming a city with a regional (Continued on page 10)
Page 5
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Yvonne Horton
New Metro Fares Now in e=ect
New Metro Fare Structure In E=ect Metro has adjusted its bus and rail fares e=ective September 15, 2014. The new structure allows customers to transfer to connecting lines to complete their one-way trip on a single fare when paid with a TAP card. For complete details, visit metro.net/fares. Also >nd out if you are eligible for a reduced fare at metro.net/riderrelief. Go Metro to College Football Fall is football season and Metro is the smart choice for fans attending USC and UCLA home games. To reach the LA Coliseum, connect with the Metro Expo Line and exit at the Expo/Vermont or Expo Park/USC stations. For UCLA games at the Rose Bowl, take the Metro Gold Line to Memorial Park Station in Pasadena.
Go Metro To The Taste of Soul Experience more than 400 of LA’s tastiest food vendors along with free entertainment at the Taste of Soul Family Festival. It’s on Saturday, October 18 from 10am to 7pm along Crenshaw Boulevard between Rodeo Road and Stocker Street in the Crenshaw District. Take the Metro Expo Line and exit at the Expo/Crenshaw Station.
metro.net @metrolosangeles facebook.com/losangelesmetro
15.0398ps_wsc-ie-15-003 ©2014 lacmta
Construction Moves to Leimert Park Construction activities are now underway in the Leimert Park area of the Crenshaw District as the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor light rail line project moves forward. The 8.5-mile line will connect Crenshaw with the Metro Green Line and the Expo Line. Check for progress updates at metro.net/crenshaw.
Inglewood Today
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September 18, 2014
C o MMUNITY
Hispanic Political Power Rising
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n March of this year, Hispanics officially became America’s most populous group. Making up 39% of the U.S. population, they have edged past non-Hispanic whites (the next most populous group) who comprise 38.8%. Politically, Hispanics represent the fastest growing ethnic voting bloc nationwide, according to TheGuardian.com. The Latino electorate is expected to double within a generation. As the number of Hispanic American voters has grown, so have those elected to represent them. Today, there are 37 Hispanics or Latinos serving in Congress and 4 serving in the Senate—a record number. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) was founded in December 1976 as a legislative service organization of the United States
House of Representatives to support the advocacy of issues affecting Hispanic communities. Congressman Xavier Becerra (34th District) and Congresswoman Amanda Renteria (21st District) are two of California’s finest.
Democratic Caucus. As the first university graduate in his family, Congressman Becerra understands the importance of working-class families and their impact within our communities. He has committed himself to the establishment of the National Museum Xavier Becerra of the American Latino to ensure First elected into the that people remember and celebrate U.S. House of Rep- the history of America’s diverse resentatives in 1992, communities. Congressman Xavier Becerra has used his Amanda Renteria leadership to advocate Amanda is the daughfor working families and ter of farmworkers— small business owners, her dad is an immigrant combat poverty, improve the Social from Zacatecas, MexiSecurity program for women and co, and her mom is from minorities, and strengthen Medicare. Lindsay, California. As He was the first Latino to serve on the first Latina in histhe Committee on Ways and Means, tory to serve as Chief serves as the Ranking Member of of Staff in the United the Ways and Means Subcommittee States Senate, Amanda Renteria has on Social Security, and was elected dedicated herself to public service. the fourth ranking Democrat in the With a motivation to help others House as the Chairman of the House and serve her community, Amanda
serves on the Advisory Board of Stanford University’s Haas Center for Public Service. She is also a frequent speaker and panelist for young professionals’ groups and other community-based organizations. In 2010, Amanda was named Outstanding Chief of Staff by the TriCaucus Staff Association. She was also chosen by her peers to serve on the steering committee of the Bipartisan Chiefs of Staff group. In 2009, she received the Imagen Foundation’s Latina Leaders Award, and in 2011, she received MANA’s Primera Award for being the first Latina Chief of Staff in the US Senate. Her hard work and perseverance for the betterment of her community has been well displayed through her projects, involvement, and legislature.
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. “The Premier Agency designation is not just about Billy’s successful business results,” said John Stolte, regional sales leader for Allstate Insurance Company in California. “The honor also demonstrates Billy’s commitment in being accessible to customers and using knowledge to help ensure customers have the insurance products they need to protect themselves and their family.” 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. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through
its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names and Allstate Financial business segment. Allstate branded insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services are offered through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com, www.allstate. com/financial and 1-800 Allstate,® and are widely known through the slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate.®” In 2013, $29 million was given by The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners to support local communities. Allstate employees and agency owners donated 200,000 hours of service across the country.
VOTE TODAY • Visit www.inglewoodtoday.com
Would you like to see NFL Football in Inglewood?
September 18, 2014
Inglewood Today
Page 7
Community
“Revenue projections didn’t happen by just cutting expenses. Anybody that depends on cutting expenses only to balance a budget doesn’t plan on delivering a product. And our product is service: safety, sanitation, development. So you have to focus on economic development side.” The Mayor and his leadership team provided updates on several of
The City of Inglewood & Centinela Hospital Medical Center invites you to participate in a
Citywide Yard Sale & Health Fair October 18, 2014 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Hollywood Park Race Track Parking Lot Gate 8
Free Admission
with a reminder of how far the City has come in such a short period of time. “It was 1988. The Lakers were NBA world champions and that was the last time we were of international prominence in the City of Inglewood. The Lakers left in 1999 for the Staples Center and we have not been on the radar since.” “But in the last three years, we’ve been on the international scene four times,” Butts continued, “When First Lady Michelle Obama came to Northgate Market (a place where residents can buy fresh produce and healthy food) in February of 2012. Next, Shuttle Endeavor came through our City (in October of 2012). The Dalai Lama came to town in February of this year and then last week, we had the VMAs (MTV Video Music Awards) at the Forum.” He went on, with the help of his executive team, to fill in the gap between post-Lakers Inglewood and the vibrant, business-friendly Inglewood of today. “When I came to office on February 1, 2011, the City had an $18.4 million structural deficit. To put that in more basic terms, it was like spending $50,000 a day more than you took into revenues,” Butts explained. To avert financial collapse by
2017, the Mayor and City Council took aggressive action to build up reserves and increase revenue. But the biggest savings to the City was a decrease of unfunded liabilities by almost half, thanks to an unprecedented deal. The Mayor and leadership were able to negotiate with all six unions to eliminate lifetime medical, uncapped benefits for all current employees.
the current and upcoming developments around the city: Hollywood Park Project At 238 acres, this is the largest urban infill project in Los Angeles County. The first phase of this $2 billion investment will be in the Arbor Vitae area and consist of 146 homes and retail spaces. The devel(Continued on page 10)
Clean out closets of unwanted treasures and earn some cash! Or come down to browse and maybe purchase a treasure that’s new to you! A non-prot DONATION CENTER & DOCUMENT SHREDDING service will be on site. Shredding services are for Inglewood Residents ONLY. ID is required.
Booths are available to Inglewood residents ONLY. Proof of residency and a
$35 registration fee is required, Residents can register at the Public Works Department, 3rd floor in City Hall.
La Ciudad de Inglewood & El Hospital Centinela te invita a participar en un
Venta de Garage de Toda La Ciudad y el Feria de Salud Octubre 18, 2014 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ubicacíon: Hollywood Park Race Track Parking Lot Gate 8.
Admisión Gratis
Town Hall Meeting: “Building a Bridge to the Future” (Continued from page 1) on all the City’s economic development projects, to see the people’s champion, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, or to find out if Inglewood is going to get an NFL team, Butts delivered. The meeting was covered by CBS News. Mayor Butts opened the meeting
Limpiar armarios de tesoros no deseados y ganar algo de dinero! ¿O bajan a vengan y tal vez comprar un tesoro que es nuevo para ustedes! Tendremos un Centro de Donaciones y servicio de Dsetruccions de Documentos en el evento. Esto servicios son SOLO para Los Residentes de Inglewood Identicacion es requiried.
Las cabinas están disponibles SÓLO para residentes de Inglewood. Se requiere prueba de residencia y una cuota de inscripción de $35. Los residentes pueden inscribirse en el Departamento de obras públicas, 3er piso en pasillo de ciudad.
Inglewood Today
Page 8
September 18, 2014
He a lt h & F i t n e s s
The Health Gap By Hamza Yammout
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ccording to the Department of Public Health (DPH), as of 2011, 18% of Inglewood’s adult population cannot afford to see a doctor when they need it the most-- that’s roughly 53,000 people. In total, 21% of African Americans living in LA County fall into this same category. The statistics for other areas of healthcare such as the ability to afford a visit to the dentist, prescription medication, or mental health care are all equally shocking, and these numbers only consider adults. What about the children? Why are African American babies more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday when compared to white babies? The answer may be in what we call the “Health Gap”-- disparities in accessibility to healthcare between the rich and the poor. In a
post-ACA (Affordable Care Act or ‘Obamacare’) America, the health gap should, in theory, be closed. Now that all citizens are required to have some level of health coverage, surely we will have a healthier America, right? Not exactly. A commitment to living healthy is a prerequisite to being healthy. We often view health as something that comes from a prescription drug or a thumbs up from a doctor. The reality, however, is much different. At UMMA Community Clinic, we believe in the integration of medicine, and that doesn’t mean giving our patients the right mix of pills. Through our Black Visions of Wellness (B-VOW) program, we have found that a good dose of positive reinforcement, purpose and mission is a great place for many patients to start their journey towards reaching
their full health potential. By offering counseling along with traditional and nontraditional medicine such as acupuncture, yoga or even gardening, patients are renewed mentally, physically and spiritually. Combining all three aspects of wellbeing augments the positive effects each might have if done individually. Who would have thought that something as simple as gardening can have profound effects on a person’s overall state? Redefining what it means to be healthy may be the key factor that can finally close the health gap. Health is a symbol, it means having the ability to do the things we value most, like playing hide-andgo-seek with grandchildren or hiking Mt. Baldy in the Angeles National Forest. For some, health may mean living long enough to see their
children become successful. To be healthy is much more than having low blood pressure or cholesterol; it is to feel good, wake up happy and have a positive outlook on life. Change is possible, but not without effort. As community elders pass on their life wisdom, they must also teach the importance of a healthy mind, body and soul. Parents should take their children for regular check-ups and do their best to build healthy eating and exercising habits early in life. In short, get involved! Taking an active role in your overall health can be an empowering and rewarding act that will pay well throughout your life. Hamza Yammout is the Special Projects Coordinator for Umma Clinic. For more information, call (323) 789-5610.
10 Steps to Help Older Adults Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls
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ome of the most serious injuries among older adults, age 65 and older, are caused by falling. More than 1.6 million older Americans end up in the emergency room or hospital because of a fall, according to the National Institutes of Health. Seniors who have broken a hip by falling can have trouble recovering and regaining mobility. The good news is many falls are preventable. One of the first things you can do if you take prescription medication is have your health care team review your medication. “Some prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs, or a combination of them, can make you dizzy or sleepy. Either can lead to a fall,” said Jaza Marina, M.D., a geriatrician at Kaiser Permanente in Atlanta. “If you fall, be sure to let your doctor know, even if you aren’t hurt. Sometimes falls are a sign of
Wright Is Out–Bradford, Hall Are In (Continued from page 1) cy. A jury believed Wright lied about living in Inglewood—where he was elected to represent—but actually resided outside the district in Baldwin Hills. The conviction makes him ineligible to hold public office in the State of California. Wright’s resignation culminates a 2010 indictment, which subsequently led to him being suspended on March 28 by the State Senate. He is the first
bathtubs. 4. Add a rubber bath mat in the shower or tub. 5. Make sure your home is well lit. Use night lights in hallways and bathrooms. 6. Keep a phone and flashlight by your bed. Take care of yourself 7. Stay as physically active as you can. 8. Wear comfortable shoes with good support. 9. Have your vision and hearing checked. 10. Use a cane or walker if you feel unsteady. For more information on how to a new medical problem that needs Make your home safe prevent falls, visit share.kp.org/preattention.” 1. Remove clutter, throw rugs and venting-falls. Also check out everyMany underlying causes of falls electrical cords that might cause bodywalk.org for tips on walking as can be treated or corrected. Dr. you to trip. an exercise. For questions or advice Marina recommends these 10 pro- 2. Store items on bottom shelves. about a specific condition, talk to active steps to reduce the risk of 3. Add grab bars where necessary your physician. falling. —in hallways, stairways and Source: NewsUSA
state legislator to resign over a criminal conviction in 20 years. Gov. Jerry Brown has 14 days from Wright’s official resignation to call a special election to fill the remaining two years of Wright’s term. The special election will be held between 126 and 140 days from the governor’s proclamation, and nine or 10 Tuesdays before the special election runoff. It will be at least 6 months before the new 35th District senator is known, but Bradford and Hall wast-
ed no time making their intentions known. Bradford, a former Gardena City Councilman, who was elected to the 62nd Assembly District in 2009, touted his “seventeen years of a solid track record of public service.” Hall, who promised to “create more good paying jobs, and to bolster our K-12 and higher education systems,” was elected to the 64th Assembly District in 2008. Wright originally planned to step down on Oct. 31. However, pressure
from Senate Democrats to expel him if he did not step down sooner forced the earlier announcement. The Dems lost their supermajority earlier this year with suspensions of other senators in their party—Leland Yee of San Francisco and Ronald S. Calderon of Montebello. Yee and Calderon face federal corruption charges and allegations they accepted money in exchange for favors. Both have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.
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Business
Getting the Best Price for Your House to Help Refinance Your Retirement
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ave you forgotten something the feel of more space is “one of in figuring where you’re going the hottest trends in home remodto retire to? eling.” Well who’s to say it’ll still Let’s see, you’ve researched be hot in six months or a year? which states tax Social Security income (only 14, including Colorado, • Think “curb appeal.” There’s a Connecticut, Kansas, North Dakota reason roof replacement consisand Vermont). tently makes Remodeling magaAnd you’ve even consulted the zine’s annual “Cost vs. Value numbers-crunchers at Bankrate. Report,” and is up 11.2 percent com to learn which states scored this year over even last year: A highest overall in everything from roof is the first thing potential cost of living to access to health buyers notice—even from down care (South Dakota, Colorado, the street—and you’ve already Utah, North Dakota and Wyoming). lost the sale if yours looks like But here’s a question for all you hell. “It’s a huge turn-off,” says homeowners: Given the results of a O’Neill, “and makes people prenew report from Better Homes and disposed to find even more things Gardens Real Estate—57 percent of they don’t like.” boomers say they plan to move to a new home in retirement—what are • For the look of luxury at very you doing right now to make sure • Get rid of the clutter. No doubt a sales associate with Sotheby’s affordable prices, check out your current house fetches a good you have years’ worth of memoin Montclair, New Jersey. the Value Collection Lifetime price to help finance your retireries on display. But they’re your Designer Shingles from GAF ment dreams? memories. And painful as it may • Think twice before doing any (www.gaf.com), North America’s “As people grapple with whether be, it’s time to accept that not evtrendy remodeling. Especially if largest roofing manufacturer. to pull up stakes, there’s small mareryone appreciates having turned your home is older, you may be gin for error,” the New York Times’ your den, for example, into a tempted to go as far in trying to • Fix major maintenance and coverage of the report noted. shrine to the ‘69 Mets. “Buyspruce things up as, say, tearing safety issues. Would you buy a Here’s some tips for preparing ers shouldn’t be distracted from down a wall between the kitchen house with a sputtering boiler? what’s likely your biggest asset for imagining themselves living in and an adjoining room just beEnough said. prospective buyers: your space,” says Patsy O’Neill, cause Angie’s List says creating Source: NewsUSA
IUSD’s Budget Deficit Dwindles Analysts Hope to Wipe Out Funding Gap by Next Year
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ith the books now closed on the 2013-14 fiscal year, Inglewood Unified School District has reduced its structural budget deficit to just under $4.8 million—hat’s roughly half of the deficit projection from earlier in the year—and remains on track to completely eliminate the funding gap by 2015-16.
Dr. Don Brann
Considering that Inglewood Unified faced a projected $17 million structural budget deficit a little over a year ago, this constitutes a roughly 72 percent reduction in the District’s structural deficit in just 13 months under current leadership. “I’m pleased that we’ve made such major progress in reducing our budget deficit in a short amount of time,” IUSD State Trustee Dr.
Don Brann said. “There is still much work to be done, but we continue to make strides every day to get IUSD back on sound financial footing.” Increased savings were achieved last fiscal year due, in part, to a purchase and hiring freeze and cost reductions in special education services, along with other factors. Dr. Brann was named IUSD
State Trustee in July 2013, about nine months after the school system was placed under state receivership and received an emergency loan to stay fiscally solvent. Under Dr. Brann’s guidance, the District aims to control its costs, eliminate the structural deficit by next school year, and increase its enrollment by offering new options to families who have left IUSD for other public schools, charter schools and private institutions. For example, the District has started a dual immersion language academy for elementary students, which is the first of its kind in IUSD; committed to smaller class sizes, including some as low as 22:1 in kindergarten; and established a plan for updating aging facilities and building new stateof-the-art schools, including a redesigned Inglewood High and new Oak Street School. For more information, email kagostoni@inglewood.k12.ca.us or call 310-702-1520.
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LEGAL NOTICES Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2014218719 The following Person is doing business as: Hernandez Pest Control 1031 W. 62nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90044 Registered owner: Ramon Hernandez, 1031 W. 62nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90044 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on August 8, 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.) Ramon Hernandez, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk on August 8, 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 September 4, 11, 18, 25, 2014 ITO0422301041 Inglewood Today
Place your DBAs, Probates, Trustee Notices, Legal Notices, Summons and more in Inglewood Today Print & Online Call: 310.670.9600
Type II Diabetes? New Diabetes Report Reveals Why Your Current Method of Treatment May Be Dangerous to You A new free guide has just been released that reveals why Type II Diabetes continues to increase at an alarming rate. Discover why current therapy may make your condition worse. To receive your free report entitled “Diabetic Ignorance: How Drug Companies, the Food Industry, and Some Doctors Set You Up for Failure,” call toll free 1-800-254-7302 or go to www. LADiabetesReport.com. Dr. Glenda Davis, D.C.
Eye on the City (Continued from page 5) impact, Councilman Eloy Morales said. “Some of the issues the mayor mentioned are impacting the region, not just the city. The NFL and development of 300400 market rate homes— believe me—that’s a regional impact.” “When is the last time you saw a city’s town hall meeting on the news?” Butts asked. Get in the know! Inglewood City Council meetings are held live every first and third Tuesday at 2pm and every second, fourth and fifth Tuesday at 7pm, on the 9th Floor of City Hall, One Manchester Blvd. Meetings are broadcast on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm on Time Warner Cable Channel 35 and on YouTube (www.youtube.com).
September 18, 2014
is a big change for the City “We’re very excited and of Inglewood to run a proj- impressed with the city, ect of this size with no city staff and mayor,” said Ashsubsidies. ish Khatana, EVP, Shopoff Group (developers). “We Thrifty Gas Station– work in a lot of cities. We’ve Community Center been based in Southern CaliProject fornia for two decades and I Centinela Hospital This is another public-pri- wasn’t expecting to be this Reconstruction Project vate partnership and classic impressed, but we’ve been Centinela has recently win-win for the community. very impressed. There’s a lot been named one of the top The new community center of heart and soul in this city 100 hospitals in the nation. will be a gathering space for and were excited to be a part The facility is undergoing a civic members, police and of the re-emergence and the $30 million reconstruction. the public. The City will next chapter in Inglewood.” It is the only hospital in the receive an annual guaranIn addition to these new
Town Hall Meeting: “Building a Bridge to the Future” (Continued from page 7) opment will also include a boutique and regular-sized hotel.
immediate area for Ingle- teed minimum return from wood residents and the sur- billboard proceeds for the rounding communities. next 22 years, be able to use the community center rent Market Street free and post public service Redevelopment Project announcements on the billThe mayor’s vision for board at no charge! this $100-$150 million redevelopment is a multi- Condominium Project– layered, second-floor resi- 333 North Prairie dential, first-floor retail This project sits on 18 and entertainment project. acres of land, and is the forIt will be a live/work/play mer site of Daniel Freeman type of development with Hospital. It is essentially a an anchor of either a bou- neighborhood that will contique hotel, condominiums sist of 340 two- and threeor some type of mixed-use story townhomes with dion the transit-oriented de- rect access garages for sale. velopment side, across from Great care is being taken to the Metro link stop. The develop around the large goal is to create a natural anchor trees and to design draw for people to cross the the dwellings with modern street into that sight, then touches while preserving transition on into Market character. The walkable Street, Inglewood’s version community will also have a of Old Town Pasadena. This recreation/fitness center.
developments, additional renovations and upgrades are planned for the Inglewood Unified School District as well as improvements to the Departments of Public Works, Public Safety and Parks & Recreation. The highlight of the morning was an appearance by Congresswoman Maxine Waters who was welcomed with a standing ovation and enthusiastically shared with the crowd, “I’m proud to announce that the City of Inglewood has just been awarded a new $10 million residential noise mitigation grant for the Sound Insulation Program!” Waters went on to inform the audience of just how diligent their mayor has been since his first visit to Wash(Continued on page 11)
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D at e s i n Sep t e m b e r & Oc t o b e r ality Josefa Salinas will serve as the mistress of ceremonies for the event. Held from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Crozier Middle School, located at 120 West Regent Street. Free.
tainment, kid activities and music will also make this an event you won’t want to miss. Be sure to join us for this family fun-filled event. Located on Market at Regent.
September 20, 2014 District 1 Town Hall Meeting Stay informed about what is going on in District 1. The next town hall meeting will take place at the First Church of God Gymnasium, 9550 Crenshaw Blvd., from 10am until noon. You’ll hear from Mayor James Butts, City Treasurer Wanda Brown, Police Chief Mark Fronterotta, the Southern California Gas Company’s Mike Harriel, Southern California Edison’s Marvin Jackmon, and AT&Ts Donovan Green. A representative from the Shopoff Group will discuss future plans for the old Daniel Freeman Hospital site. Refreshments will be served. September 20, 2014 For further information, call (310) Hispanic Heritage Festival 412-8602 or email asmith@cityofCelebrate the rich contributions of inglewood.org. Hispanic culture at Inglewood’s Hispanic Heritage Festival. This fam- September 26, 2014 ily fun event will feature food, mu- Food Truck Friday sic, art, health screenings and more. The food trucks are back! Once There will be performances by Grupo again, Market St will be filled with Folklorico Macias, Sonsoles and The a variety of food trucks serving the Reel Band. HOT 92.3 radio person- tastiest food around. Live enter-
September 27, 2014 District 1 Shredding Day Protect your identity, remove clutter and do something good for the environment. Attend the document shredding event at the Police Community Center, Beat 3, 2901 W. Manchester Ave., from 9am until noon. Limit 3 boxes per household. Documents must be received before 11:45am. Meet District 1 Councilman George Dotson and Inglewood commissioners. For more information, call (310) 412-8602 or email asmith@cityofinglewood.org. Presented by Inglewood Council District 1 and Consolidated Disposal Services.
September 18, 2014 Hollywood Park Info Meeting The Hollywood Park Infrastructure Team (HPIT) will be hosting their monthly Community Information Meeting at 7:00pm at the Hollywood Park Casino Pavilion, 3883 West Century Blvd (Century and Prairie). Representatives from the Hollywood Park Land Company and Turner Construction will be on-hand to answer questions from the community regarding the Hollywood Park Life Project. Arrangements have also been made to have Spanish Translators at the meeting to provide information to our Spanish-speaking residents. Two major developments will be discussed in detail: 1) Demolition of the barns on the east side of the site through October 2014 and 2) Osage/Arbor Vitae sewer improvements to begin on Monday, September 22, 2014.
Town Hall Meeting: “Building a Bridge to the Future” (Continued from page 10) ington two years ago to get Federal funds for this program. With funds from Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) and the FAA, Mayor Butts’ challenge last year of 1,000 residential units complete was met and the current goal to complete 1,098 units by March, 2015 is on track. The program is scheduled to shut down at the end of 2015. The Congresswoman went on to thank the audience for coming out to the Town hall and participating in this special part of our democracy. After a brief legislative update, Waters expressed how proud she is of Mayor Butts: “I think that in the final analysis, this city and this mayor will be rewarded in so many ways for the leadership, for the economic development that is being done. So thank you Inglewood, you’re looking good!” Congresswoman Waters is a hard act to follow, but Mayor Butts was able to keep the momentum going, as he closed out the Town Hall with straight talk on the question of the NFL in Inglewood: Comparing Inglewood to other cities that have expressed interest in having a football team, Butts touted Inglewood’s merits: “We are at the center of four freeways, we’re about a mile and a half from
Los Angeles International Airport, we have ocean climate and we have the largest single contiguous lot of open land in Southern California. That being said, Gerard (Hollywood Park) is already doing a project there. Stan Kroenke, the owner of the Rams has purchased 60 acres and he has interest in a development of some type…” Butts continued, “Here’s what it’s going to take for football to come anywhere in Southern California: First, there has to be an owner who is capitalized enough to build a stadium. It costs about $1.6 billion to build a dome stadium. Then you need concurrence of 75% of the owners in the League to allow the team to move. So let’s look at the situation. We’re the only city that has an owner who owns their own land. Although, 60 acres is not enough for a football stadium but who knows, if they negotiate something with Hollywood Park Land Development, who knows what could happen. We are very well situated for that to happen if it would happen. With that said, there is no deal until there is a deal.” Mayor Butts concluded by thanking everyone for coming out and shared his motto, “I am living the Nike slogan, ‘Just Do It.’ No excuses, just do it!”
September 28, 2014 District 2 Annual Picnic Join Councilman Alex Padilla at North Park, 625 E. Hargrave. Inglewood, 90302, Sunday, September 28, 2014 from 12pm - 3pm. Bring your family and let the kids play games while you get to know your neighbors. For more information call (310) 412-8601.
October 18, 2014 Citywide Yard Sale and Health Fair The City of Inglewood, in collaboration with Centinela Hospital, will be sponsoring a citywide yard sale and Health Fair Event from 7am until 3pm. The sale will be held at the Hollywood Park Racetrack Parking Lot, Gate 8 at Pincay. You can come and search for useful items to purchase or you can rent a booth and sell your unwanted property to make some extra cash. While you’re there, take advantage of the free document shredding and valuable health screenings. Free admission. 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 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 or visit www.lowselfhelpsystems.org. A donation is requested but not required.