June 10, 2021

C e l e b r a t i n g 2 7 Ye a r s o f Service in Inglewood, Airport area Communities

City of Champions Your Community Connection Since 1994

EYE ON THE CITY Rams

Chargers

Clippers

June 10-16 2021 VOL. 36, No. 23

Forum

& Lakers

‘Pull Up Neighbor Tour’... See Page 5

Baron Davis Brings Urban Culture to Big Screen Former NBA star makes directional debut with Domino

By Kenneth Miller, Publisher

Growing up in South Central Los Angeles former NBA star Baron Davis is a living example of beating the odds, so it is not lost in irony that his first film as a director would offer a collective sense of purpose on urban culture and a table game that is synonymous with it, dominoes.

Davis starred at Santa Monica Crossroads, a prestigious private school that if not for his hoop exploits, he would have never got in, and was named Gatorade Player of the Year before landing at hometown UCLA after an intense recruiting battle.

Selected as the No. 3 pick by the then Charlotte Hornets in 1999 NBA draft he went one to play 14 injury plagued years in the NBA, including stops with Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks. By all means he

was a fantastic player who often found himself playing for bad teams.

However, it is what Davis has doing after his playing career that is separating him from most retired athletes.

On June 11 he will release his first film starring the transformational Snoop Dogg and renown actor David Arquette in the hilarious comedy Domino: Battle of the Bones.

Domino is Davis’s directorial debut (it was co-directed by Steven V.

Vasquez Jr. and Carl Reid), and tells the story of a competitive domino player from Compton (Lou Beatty Jr.) who finds out his nerdy step-grandson is a pro at dominos. The two set aside their differences and team up to win the World Domino Championship.

“What you know about them bones?”

Beatty asks his step-grandson Andy.

“It’s basic probability, really,” Andy explains in detail while the Jeopardy! thinking music plays in the background.

Tavis Smiley picks Dominique DiPrima to lead new radio station

By Wyllisa R. Bennett, Exclusive to Inglewood Today

At the stroke of midnight on June 19, 2021 – that is, Juneteenth 2021 – Los Angeles will have its first and only “Unapologetically Progressive” talk radio station for the African-American listening audience!! Helmed by media personality Tavis Smiley of Smiley Audio Media, KBLA Talk 1580 will be the only Black-owned and operated talk radio station in Southern California.

Smiley tapped award-winning veteran radio host Dominique DiPrima as the signature voice for the new KBLA Talk 1580. She’s set to host morning drive with her new show, titled “First Things

First With Dominique DiPrima,” that will air from 6 to 9 a.m. weekdays.

“When I thought about a host for morning drive, Dominique was my first and only choice,” said Smiley.

Since 2005, DiPrima has served as host of “Front Page With Dominique DiPrima,” on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH, which ran from 4:30 to 6 a.m. weekday mornings. The urban adult contemporary radio station is also Black-owned and operated by living legend and Grammy winning recording artist Stevie Wonder’s Taxi Productions.

“For years, people have been asking me if I could come on later and have a longer show. Unfortunately, due to the

format, it wasn’t possible. But now with KBLA Talk 1580, I will have three hours in drive time,” said DiPrima.

DiPrima will get a chance to sleep in a little bit with her new gig at KBLA Talk 1580. Considered a cultural icon, DiPrima left the KJLH airwaves on Friday, June 4, 2021. “I am excited to make history as the first Black woman in Los Angeles commercial talk radio to host her own morning drive show,” she said. “It’s actually amazing that Los Angeles -- a supposedly liberal city that is often at the forefront of political and cultural change from Watts in 1965 to Continued on page 6

However, they aren’t the only ones who have tricks up their sleeves. The two have to compete against the best of the best from every block in order to win the $10,000 grand prize.

The TriCoast Entertainment film will open nationwide and the trailer has already received rave reviews.

Davis lends a new face to an antiquated industry that has been Continued on page 2

Waters Secures Inclusion of Infrastructure Priorities for Inglewood, Gardena, Torrance, Lawndale, and Hawthorne in INVEST in America Act IT News Wire

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, issued the following statement after she secured the inclusion of infrastructure priorities benefiting Inglewood, Gardena, Torrance, Lawndale, and Hawthorne in the INVEST in America Act. “I am so pleased that through my work with our community and my colleagues in Congress, I have secured the inclusion Continued on page 3

JOIN US ON

Page 2

June 10-16 2021

California Awards Ceremony Celebrates the Best of Ethnic Journalism

PUBLISHER Kenneth Miller

historic news events of the year. You are key to sustaining an inclusive communications infrastructure that knits our communities together when so many forces, as you know well, threaten to drive us apart,” the governor added.

The multilingual awards were sponsored by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media. Each winner received $1000 in cash. Entries were submitted in nine categories: the 2020 census, the COVID-19 pandemic and its disproportionate impact on ethnic communities, the economic crisis that exacerbated racial and economic fault lines in California, the rights of immigrants, and the movement for racial justice sparked by the murder of George Floyd, exceptional reporting on the impact of climate change, the 2020 elections, commentary that serves as a call to action for ethnic audiences, and community media innovation and resilience to survive the pandemic.

“Thank you to all the journalists, reporters, editors, photographers and publishers who work long hours without recognition every day. You are committed to telling stories and covering underreported stories that

VICE PRESIDENT Gloria Kennedy

Continued from page 1: Baron Davis...

Jenny Manrique | Ethnic Media Services

Some 30 ethnic media journalists were honored for their coverage of the epic events of 2020 at a virtual California Ethnic Media Awards ceremony, which took place June 3.

Selected from 235 submissions from reporters working in print, digital, TV and radio (in eight languages), the winners were chosen by judges with language and cultural fluency who know the challenges of working in the sector.

“Ethnic media has quickly become an increasingly indispensable bridge for communicating with diverse populations within our state,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said at the opening ceremony.

“You have worked against enormous odds to make sure our communities were informed about

PRESIDENT/ EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER Willie Brown

PRODUCTION Kenneth Denson QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER Gloria Kennedy Inglewood Today Weekly is a legally adjudicated newspaper of public cir­c ulation, published weekly

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

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

DISPLAY ADVERTISING 310-670-9600 X107 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 310-670-9600 X104 SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscriptions are available by mail for $100.00 per year.

Home Delivery may not be available in all areas, or gated communities.

marred by racial inequities and starving for authentic urban stories that does not diminish Blacks.

As creative as a dazzling point guard, with dizzying speed and acrobatic athleticism, he has demonstrated to be imaginative in the film industry.

Among the goals for marketing and promoting the film is a potential partnership with the National News Paper Publishers Association (NNPA), the leading body of the Black Press in America.

Davis has reached out to NNPA Chair Dr. Benjamin Chavis and received a welcoming and warm response from Chavis.

That in and of itself is more than Hollywood has ever done, although Black have by and large been the economic engine for the industry.

Davis is acutely aware of that and with the power in his hands is aiming the change that.

During his years in the NBA, Davis was constantly listening, learning,

we would otherwise never hear,” said Regina Brown Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media.

In their acceptance speeches, the awardees recognized the support of their editors, publishers and families, as well as the challenges of covering ethnic communities disproportionately impacted

by COVID-19, racist policies, and hate crimes.

“Words can be deadly, or they can be life affirming.

While the idle intellectual elite strive to cancel culture, we are tasked with removing the knee out of the throat of truth and reaffirming and defining journalism in our own image,” said Rose Davis of Indian Voices, awarded for her landmark essay: “The Census and the Fourth Estate,” which advocates for the participation of Native Americans in the census despite centuries of being excluded.

Danny Morrison, winner in the category of English language broadcast TV for his analysis of the Black Lives Matter movement in Bakersfield said that “as an African American man in central California, I’ve always known that we have a lot of work to do regarding the inequities within our ethnicity. That is the reason why my team and I went to prisons, schools, churches, youth groups and more to speak to the underserved and the forgotten because we understand the struggle that in most cases we have lived through.”

Jorge Macias, awarded for his digital coverage of climate change for Univision, recalled how in the last four years, “we all suffered from the denial of climate change, and even in

moments of terror in California with these devastating fires, the former president (Donald) Trump said that science didn’t know. This prize means a lot because as human beings we have to battle with that absurd view denying climate change.”

Hosts for the evening were Odette Alcazaren-Keeley and Pilar Marrero, both distinguished veterans of the ethnic media industry. Some 20 elected officials, community leaders, scholars and writers paid tribute to the sector in videotaped remarks. Sandip Roy, once a software engineer in Silicon Valley, now an award winning author and journalist in India, said if it weren’t for ethnic media giving him a platform, he wouldn’t be a writer today.

After presenting awards to Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese reporters for stories on issues impacting Black and Latinx communities, AlcazarenKeeley announced a special judge’s award for cross-cultural reporting. The winner, Jeanne Ferris of News from Native California, documented how the destinies of two groups of people converged when Japanese Americans were incarcerated in World War II on reservation lands.

At the closing of the ceremony, Sandy Close, executive director of Ethnic Media Services, said the coming together of reporters from so many racial and ethnic groups to celebrate not just their own but each other’s work was the real takeaway for the night. “Ethnic media are like fingers on a hand,” she said, quoting Chauncey Bailey, a veteran of Black media killed in 2007 for investigating wrongdoing in his own community.

“When we work together, we’re a fist.”

networking, and connecting both on the court and off which ignited a successful post-NBA business career.

Through the process of being his own agent, he fast-forwarded in the role of being a business owner. He decided to use his platform and the knowledge he gained to support others by investing and funding entrepreneurs and startups that he believes in, including those created with a purpose to impact society and encourage change. Davis has also become an outspoken advocate for financial literacy and ed-tech and VC leaders from underrepresented communities.

Davis continues to see opportunities and gaps in several industries and where he can’t find companies that fill those gaps, he creates them. He is the founder of several companies, including Sports, Lifestyle in Culture (SLiC), Business Inside the Game (B.I.G.), UWish, and LAUNFD; each with the objective of combining creative talent with original publication and production to develop and provide educational and empowering stories

that appeal to global audiences of all ages.

In addition to being one of the original investors in Vitaminwater, Davis also helped launch Thrive Market. He most recently invested in Kitu Super Coffee, an organic ready-to-drink coffee company and with a college savings app called UNest. Additional investments include companies such as Hims, Triller, Sleeper, Thrive, H1, Cann Drinks, Caribu, Quip (Blue Scorpion), Complex, Task Human, Toucan and Vidy.

Davis also served as producer of several acclaimed documentaries including “Crips and Bloods: Made In America,” “30 for 30: Sole Man,” and “The Drew: No Excuse, Just Produce.”

With his production company No Label, Davis was the executive producer of the Hulu Originals show, “WTF, Baron Davis” and he directed, wrote and stars in the upcoming comedy, “Domino: Battle of the Bones.” Davis can be followed online via Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Page 3

June 10-16 2021

EYE ON THE CITY GEORGE DOTSON

ALEX PADILLA

JAMES BUTTS

ELOY MORALES

RALPH FRANKLIN

AROUND THE CITY

A Message from County Administrator Dr. Erika Torres In our continued commitment to serving our community and providing current information, we have some important updates in this week’s message.

Remembering Juneteenth IUSD would like to recognize Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Following the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all persons held as slaves should be set free in 1863, it was determined that the proclamation did not apply to all enslaved AfricanAmericans. After the Civil War ended in 1865, Union soldiers traveled to Galveston, Texas and announced on June 19, 1865 that all enslaved AfricanAmericans were free and officially granted personal rights and rights of property.

Juneteenth has been referred to as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day and is recognized by forty-seven states as either a state or ceremonial holiday. African-American descendants not only acknowledge Juneteenth as a day of freedom, but a day to reinforce encouragement, embrace diversity and culture. Some celebratory traditions include honoring ancestors with singing, street fairs, cookouts, family reunions, historical reenactments and more! Please join us this June 19th in commemorating Juneteenth to recognize the heroes who dedicated their lives to advocate for justice and freedom for all. To learn more about Juneteenth, please click here.

IUSD Facilities Construction Updates We are excited to share updates on the construction projects at various IUSD school sites. Morningside High School received new heating and

cooling equipment as well as new roofs, windows, flooring, and new wiring to support internet connectivity. Oak St. Elementary School is undergoing a campus modernization of their permanent buildings. Two of the three permanent buildings are complete and open for occupancy. Finally, the front entrance of Bennett-Kew was redesigned and constructed to provide a more attractive and secure entrance to the campus. The new design now routes visitors through the office prior to accessing the campus. Construction will continue at identified school sites throughout the year. Please click here for more on our modernization projects.

Pride Month Please join IUSD in celebrating Pride Month as we recognize the impact that members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community has had on history both locally and nationally. Pride month is celebrated every June to honor the Stonewall Riots that were the tipping point for Gay liberation and a call to action that will forever inspire us to live up to our nation’s promise of equality and liberty for all. IUSD proudly stands with and supports all members of the LGBTQ+ community and are committed to ensuring that every student who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community is included and protected!

Centinela Elementary and La Tijera K-8 Students Selected as Art Contest Finalists Our District would like to congratulate 5th Grade Centinela Elementary student, Isabella Hernandez and 7th Grade La Tijera K-8 Academy of Excellence student, Megan Apolonio for their honorable mention in the West Basin “Water is Life” Art Contest.

Local student artists were invited to create inspiring artwork that encourages

others to conserve and use water more efficiently. There were 450 entries received from students throughout the West Basin service area representing all school grade levels. Our students, along with 10 others, were selected as honorable mention award winners. We are so proud of our amazing students and hope they continue to create art that depicts the positive changes they want to see in our communities and the world.

Please click here to view the award winning student artwork.

Class of 2021 Senior Graduation Updates We are excited to announce that our District will be holding in-person graduations for our senior graduates on Saturday, June 19, 2021. The graduation ceremonies will take place at the following times: City Honors at 10:00 a.m., Morningside High School at 2:00 p.m., and Inglewood High School at 6:00 p.m. Congratulations to our Class of 2021!

Senior Graduation Photos To Parents and Guardians of our graduating seniors: Our District would like to acknowledge all of the achievements of our seniors with a special recognition. We would like to include a photo of each of our graduates that will be displayed on our website and social media platforms. It is not required to have a professional take their senior portrait, however there are some image specifications that must be considered when submitting photos.

Continued from page 1: Waters Secures...

cohort of members, and the five projects from Inglewood, Gardena, Torrance, Lawndale, and Hawthorne were among those carefully vetted and selected to receive federal funds due to their potential to increase access to transportation, reduce carbon pollution, support underserved communities, create jobs, and modernize our nation’s infrastructure.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters secured inclusion of the following infrastructure priorities for Inglewood, Gardena, Torrance, Lawndale, and Hawthorne: Inglewood, California - Inglewood Transit Connector (ITC): $9,200,000 This project will fund the preconstruction phase of the Inglewood Transit Connector (ITC), a fully elevated transit system that will provide a direct transit connection from the Metro Crenshaw/LAX Line to the City of Inglewood’s new housing and employment centers, and sports and entertainment facilities.

Benefits

include economic, environmental, congestion mitigation, equity, and safety improvements for communities located in the City of Inglewood and also for passengers traveling to Inglewood from throughout the region.

Gardena, California – GTrans ZeroEmission Bus Project: $4,400,000 This project would allow GTrans to purchase up to six zero-emission buses to replace buses that have reached the end of their useful life. Benefits include reduced emissions, improved air quality, regional mobility, and improved access to public transportation.

Torrance, California – Torrance to Florence Bus Service: $4,432,924 This project would allow Torrance Transit to purchase up to five zeroemission buses to provide bus service between the City of Torrance and newly constructed sports and entertainment centers in the City of Inglewood.

Benefits include reduced emissions, improved air quality, regional mobility, access to transit, and access to jobs for

of five projects that will benefit our communities in the INVEST in America Act, a transformational bill that moves our country forward by strategically investing in our transportation and infrastructure,” said Congresswoman Waters. “The inclusion of these projects will bring almost $20 million in critical investments to our neighborhoods by allowing our cities to make our roads safer, construct new transit lines that create opportunity for growth and employment, purchase zero-emission buses, reduce traffic and congestion, and much more.”

The INVEST in America Act reauthorizes critical transportation programs and makes historic investments in infrastructure needs across the country.

While Congresswoman Maxine Waters submitted requests for infrastructure priorities all over California’s 43rd Congressional District, this was a competitive process. Thousands of requests were submitted by a bipartisan

Please click here to review specifications and to submit your senior’s photo.

SoFi Hiring Inglewood Residents Students SoFi Stadium is looking to fill over 3,000 open positions with qualified candidates for the upcoming NFL season for both the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, concerts, comedy shows, community events and more! SoFi Stadium has made a commitment to hire 35% of all Event Day staff from the Inglewood community.

Graduating seniors who are interested in the sports and entertainment industry, are encouraged to apply for part-time positions. Please click here to access a list of jobs that include Guest Service Representative, Technical and Mobility Ambassadors, Concession and Landscaping and the dates for future hiring events. In addition, SoFi Stadium partners, Legends, ABM Industries and Contemporary Services Corporation are also actively seeking qualified candidates for over 2,000 open positions at the hiring fair as well.

Please explore the available positions by visiting the following websites: Food and Beverage, and Merchandising Jobs with Legends Crowd Management Jobs with CSC Janitorial Jobs with ABM Thank you staff, parents, students, and community members for your ongoing support and commitment to the success of our district. #WeAreInglewoodUnified Sincerely, Erika F. Torres, Ed.D., MSW County Administrator

disadvantaged communities.

Lawndale, California – Redondo Beach Blvd Project: $1,000,000 This project includes operational, aesthetic, multi-modal, and pavement improvements to Redondo Beach Boulevard in the City of Lawndale.

Benefits include congestion mitigation and improvements to traffic flow, safety, and environmental conditions (as the new landscaping will remove pollutants from the immediate area).

Hawthorne, California – 120th Street Improvement Project: $950,000 This project will make safety improvements along the 120th Street corridor, including the upgrade and installation of access ramps, street lighting at signalized intersections, pedestrian countdown signals, new striping on pavement, and new traffic signal equipment. Benefits include congestion mitigation and improved safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

Page 4

June 10-16 2021

Area Communities S e r v i n g L a d e r a , H a w t h o r n e , W e s t c h e s t e r, L a w n d a l e , G a r d e n a , C a r s o n

Nonprofit ‘AbilityFirst’ finds alliance in construction company, ‘Maintco Corporation’, as preparation for facility reopening is underway

By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer

As nonprofit organization, AbilityFirst, prepares to reopen its Inglewood ‘Joan & Harry A. Mier Center’ doors for the first time since March of 2020, Los Angeles-based general construction company, Maintco Corporation, has stepped up to help provide a pandemic-safe environment for the organization and its attendees.

With multiple locations throughout Southern California, AbilityFirst has been providing services and programs to children and adults with disabilities for many decades. Programs include technology and computer skills, exercise and physical activities, selfadvocacy, communication skills, and more.

From left, Oscar Franco (Director of Safety, Ability First), Lew Rinker (Staff Member, Maintco Corp.), Alan Radojcic (VP of Operations, Maintco Corp.), April Stover (Senior Director of Programs, AbilityFirst), Raul Vasquez (Staff Member, Maintco Corp.), Inna Tuler (CEO, Maintco Corp.), Lori Gangemi (President & CEO, AbilityFirst), Jae Lim (Center Director, AbilityFirst). Brea Mitchell/Photo

Ironically, in 1926, AbilityFirst– although originally a different name– was launched in an effort to help children in the United States who were affected by the polio epidemic, pre-vaccine. Its founders, a group of Southern California businessmen, were fierce advocates for disability rights.

Today, the nonprofit organization sharpens skills and cultivates a welcoming, educational community for children and adults with disabilities, always with the mission of helping each individual achieve their personal best and reach their full potential,

‘Pop of Culture’ on La Brea Avenue POP OF CULTURE3 photo description: Kimberly Isaac’s ‘All Things Kaps’ brand at Pop of Culture event, Specializing in custom design and printing servicesInstagram: AllThingsKaps

is an opportunity to shop, network, eat, drink, and relish in the culture of Black creativity. Pop of

By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer Culture looks to provide a space and social resources that can contribute ‘Pop of Culture’is a traveling cultivated to the growth of small businesses and space for Black entrepreneurs and help Black brands flourish in their creatives to showcase their businesses Continued on page 3 and brands. Each of their pop-up events

which leads to a life of fulfillment and happiness. For those who enter into the doors of AbilityFirst, guidance and assistance with social connections, employment preparations, and overall mentorship can make all of the difference in the world when it comes to transitioning into adult life.

Maintco Corporation CEO Inna Tuler connected with leaders of AbilityFirst recently amongst a networking group.

As the topic arose of the nonprofit organization preparing to reopen its facilities, Tuler offered assistance.

Arrangements were then made for the Maintco Corporation team to

install COVID-safety precautionary measures throughout the multiple AbilityFirst campuses, helping to ensure a safe reopening and giving AbilityFirst students and families the peace of mind that we are all seeking as we return to our regular-life routines post-vaccination.

As we navigate our new normal– corporations, businesses, and community organizations teaming up and serving one another will be instrumental in reimplementing our local programs and facilities back to our daily lives.

LA Eats gives a taste of upcoming SoFi Stadium food menu items

By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer

Under the name ‘LA Eats’ with food operator Legends Hospitality, chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, also known in the Los Angeles food scene as ‘Jon & Vinny’, have teamed up with Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium to build a collection of delicious food menu items for the state-of-the-art Rams and Chargers stadium.

Menu items were revealed to the public for the first time on Wednesday, June 2, as a tasting event was held at SoFi Stadium for a limited number of community members.

Bill Wilson, Executive Vice President of Legends Hospitality, knew he had a

LAEats (From left) Jon Shook (Chef), Bill Wilson (Executive VP of Legends Hospitality), Jason Gannon (Managing Director of SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park), Vinny Dotolo (Chef). (Brea Mitchell/Photo)

large project at hand when beginning the mission of bringing the best possible Continued on page 3

Page 5

June 10-16 2021

Sports & Entertainment Kristi Toliver’s Impact on the Transitioning Los Angeles Sparks

By Shannon Belt, IT Intern

Kristi Toliver had made her presence known in the basketball world long before her current lead scorer role for the Los Angeles Sparks. In 2009 she began her career in the WNBA, going third overall in the first round to the Chicago Sky. In her 11-year career, Toliver has made an impact for the Sky, Mystics and for the second time in her career, the Sparks. Her team sits (4-3) so far this season, Toliver has been a driving force in keeping the fight alive within Los Angeles and this isn’t anything new. As both a seasoned vet and an NBA assistant coach for the Washington Wizards, the duality of Toliver plays a huge role in team development.

Before punching in their first win of the season on May 28 against the Sky, the fresh-faced Sparks were struggling to mold a true team identity. Injuries have now snatched Chiney Ogwumike and Nneka Ogwumike, who are both still questionable to play with knee soreness. These aren’t the only changes for the short-handed squad.

New additions of Kristine Anigwe and Karlie Samuelson on June 4, have called for even more adaptations for LA. This is where Toliver steps in.

As a team that has had to do so much transitioning in less than a month,

having a player that is reliable and mature is essential. So far this season Toliver has been the player to answer the call. After opting out of the 2020 season and previously being with the Washington Mystics during the 2019

Within seven games she is averaging 10.2 points, shooting 61.8% from the field and 90% from the free-throw line. While her contribution has been a key factor to the four wins, Tolvier’s mindset is always on improvement.

“I mean, I think I’m just finding my form,” Toliver said in the post-game press conference after the Sparks 98-63 win over the Indiana Fever on June 3.

“You know this is something I certainly expect out of myself as far as shooting the basketball and obviously it always feels good when you get to see the ball go in the basket.”

In Saturday’s noon rematch game against the Sky, you could see the gears turning. After beating Chicago back to back last week, today’s outcome took a bit more finesse than the other two wins. Creeping in the corner of the court, Toliver served a helping role all game, sneaking in five points, two assists and even two offensive rebounds. While this go-round she didn’t drop 22 points, her impact is beyond the stat book. Not only does the 5-foot-7 guard know what she is doing championship run season, she has on the court but the confidence that continued to prove her longevity in the comes with experience shows in every WNBA. Most would suspect the loss of hustle play. The Sparks allowed the Sky a year of playtime would make the point Continued on page 7 guard a bit rusty but that couldn’t be further from the truth in Toliver’s case.

Dodgers Foundation ‘Pull Up Neighbor Tour’ visits Inglewood

By Brea Mitchell, Staff Writer

Angeles tour. Families and individuals could drive through the high school parking lot and receive a myriad of goods and supplies loaded into their vehicle– food boxes provided by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, workout resources and at-home physical activity kits from UCLA Health Sound Body Sound Mind, games and toys donated by the Mattel Children’s Foundation, face masks by Elixir Therapeutics, Dodgers and Lakers gear, hygiene essentials, water, books, and vaccine information to combat vaccination hesitancy.

Walk-up service was

In an effort to uplift communities throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area that are most affected by the pandemic, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) has partnered with Pull Up Neighbor, a Black-led nonprofit organization that specializes in the health and well-being of minorities and vulnerable communities.

In this partnership, with a $50,000 grant from LADF to Pull Up Neighbor, ‘The Pull Up Neighbor Tour’ has made its way through Los Angeles, which provides food and other essential items to anyone seeking assistance.

Nonprofit organization Pull Up Neighbor provides direct help to communities in need across the country. In just eight months, the organization has visited over 51 cities, and has thousand PPE items to those in need. been able to serve over 115 thousand On Saturday, June 5, Inglewood’s also available.

Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol people– distributing 500 thousand Morningside High School was the ninth pounds of food and produce, and 525 stop out of the 10-stop Greater Los Whiteman is optimistic about the future of Los Angeles as communities are

climbing out of the pandemic, but she is also well aware that the work must continue.

“We’re very hopeful for what’s on the horizon with so many people having gotten vaccines. But we know that the economic destruction for the communities that we serve has been very significant. So, in effort to really hone in on Black and brown communities in the Greater Los Angeles area, we decided to partner up with Pull Up Neighbor, and go out and continue to distribute food, books, hygiene essentials, and health and wellness materials, and vaccine information,” says Whiteman.

The tour concluded the following day, Sunday, June 6, in Long Beach– which served as the tenth and final stop. But this won’t be the last we hear from The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, and certainly not the last we’ll hear from Pull Up Neighbor.

LADF has invested more than $32 million in programs and grants to nonprofits since 1995, and will continue to do so.

Page 6

June 10-16 2021

BUPPIE | BUSINESS

Tavis Smiley picks Dominique DiPrima to lead new radio station Continued from page 1: Tavis Smiley...

Black Lives Matter in 2020 -- has never had a Black-owned talk radio station.

Now is definitely the right time.”

KBLA is a heritage station and the original home of the iconic hip hop station KDAY. At 50,000 watts, day and night, KBLA serves a coverage area of nearly 12 million listeners.

It will boast an all-star lineup of hosts who can speak candidly and passionately to the challenges people of color face daily trying to navigate life and realize their California hopes and dreams. KBLA Talk 1580 intends to serve an audience long ignored by talk radio in Los Angeles – people of color and progressives. “Amplifying Black voices is one of the demands of our movement. With KBLA Talk 1580, Tavis is doing just that,” said DiPrima.

DiPrima – the quintessential California girl – was born in New York City; but, grew up in San Francisco.

Her mother is the late Beat poet/icon Diane di Prima, and her father is the late, acclaimed poet Amiri Baraka, who is considered the Father of Black Arts Movement. With those genes, DiPrima really didn’t have a choice. She was born to talk. To be an activist. And to be socially conscious. It’s in her DNA, like her other siblings, including her brother, Ras J. Baraka, who is the mayor of Newark, New Jersey. “I’m the dumbest one in a family of geniuses,” she joked.

DiPrima got her start on the mic as a rapper at the age of 13, which eventually led to the nickname of “Lady D.” She landed her first tv hosting gig on “Home Turf” on KRONTV in San Francisco. “Home Turf” was a pioneering television show, coming out of NBC’s San Francisco affiliate, long before MTV’s “Yo MTV Raps” or BET’s “106 & Park.” DiPrima also worked as a writer/segment producer

and later a producer on the show. She hosted the show for eight seasons, garnering five Emmy Awards, a SAG/AFTRA American Scene Award and 10 Parents Choice Awards.

After graduating from San Francisco State University, she headed to Los Angeles, and nabbed her first radio show on KKBT-FM – that is, 92.3 The Beat, called “Street Science with Dominique DiPrima.” Winning a Best of LA Award, from “LA Weekly,” it ran for eight years on 92.3 and then 100.3 The Beat when the station switched frequency and ownership from Clear Channel to Radio One. With the show, she won the coveted National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award (NAB). And when Steve Harvey joined 100.3 The Beat in 2000, DiPrima was promoted to news anchor/co-host for “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” in Los Angeles in limited syndication. Five years later, she moved on to Radio Free 102.3 KJLH, where she’s spent the last 16 years, cementing her role as the voice of the community on “Front Page.”

“I hope the folks who have been with me since “Home Turf” on KRON-TV; “Street Science” on The Beat; as well as my ‘Front Page’ family on KJLH will keep walking the walk and talking the talk with me on KBLA Talk 1580,” she added.

In addition to five Emmy Awards, a National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award (NAB), a SAG/AFTRA American Scene Award and several Parents Choice Awards, DiPrima has received plenty of recognition for her work, including a GRACIE Award and an LA City Council Pioneer Woman Award.

Smiley acquired KBLA from New York-based Multicultural Radio Broadcasting. And after almost four years off the air, Smiley will host his own show, “Tavis Smiley” as well.

The studios of KBLA Talk 1580 are located in historic Leimert Park, directly adjacent to Destination Crenshaw’s “Sankofa Park,” a 1.3 mile open-air museum along the new Crenshaw/LAX Metro rail line, presently under construction.

SIDEBAR KBLA Talk 1580 | at a glance •After 16 years, Dominique

DiPrima left Radio Free 102.3 KJLHFM to anchor morning drive with the new show, “First Things First With Dominique DiPrima.” She’s the only African American woman in Los Angeles to host her own commercial talk radio show!!

•Don Amiche, formerly of KJLHFM, brings his boldness and brashness to late night talk, focusing on news, politics and pop culture. Get ready!

•Comic and political commentator DL Hughley finally lands in Los Angeles. Although, his afternoon show is heard around the country, listeners can tune into Hughley in the City of Angels.

•A regular on NPR’s “Wait Wait…

Don’t Tell Me,” and the season three winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” Alonzo Bodden brings his comedic commentary to KBLA Talk 1580 with his own show, “Alonzo Bodden: Who’s Paying Attention?”

•After an almost four-year absence, Tavis Smiley is back on the air with his own show. But this time, he’s not just talent but owner of LA’s first, Blackowned radio talk station. He’s built a career educating and empowering

his people, and is excited to bring an “Unapologetically Progressive” talk radio station to African American listeners.

KBLA Talk 1580 | The Line Up •“First Things First With Dominique DiPrima” | M-F, 6 to 9am •“Tavis Smiley” | M-F 9 a.m. to 12noon •“Middays With Danny Morrison” | M-F 12 to 2pm •“The DL Hughley Afternoon Show” | M-F 2 to 4 p.m.

•“Alonzo Bodden: Who’s Paying Attention?” | M-F 4 to 7pm •“Let’s Get Intimate with Dr. Jeshana Johnson” | M-F 7 to 9pm •“Don Amiche vs. Everybody + Crysta and Kiara” | M-F, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m./midnight •“The Best of KBLA Talk 1580” | each night/overnights from 12 a.m./ midnight to 6 a.m.

•Weekends will be anchored by Black Lives Matters’ “This Is Not A Drill,” featuring Melina Abdullah along with “The Best of State of the Black Union,” heard exclusively on KBLA Talk 1580.

Settle in.

MASK UP. Mask up in public indoor spaces and crowded outdoor areas where physical distancing isn't possible.

Masks don’t slow us down, they keep us moving!

Let's help protect each other and our communities.

Your Actions Save Lives

covid19.ca.gov

Page 7

June 10-16 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE

Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. 2021101491 The following Person is doing business as: Vispring Of Los Angeles 316 S. Robertson Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90048 32707 Calle Perfecto San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Registered Owner(s): Comfort-Gallery 3 Inc., 32707 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capristrano, CA 92675 This business is conducted by an individual(s). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business listed above on April 30, 2021.

I (We) 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.)

Comfort-Gallery 3 Inc., Owner.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk on April 30, 2021.

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 May 27; June 3, 10, 17, 2021 IT0042230120020162 Inglewood Today

Continued from page 4: ‘Pop of Culture’...

Continued from page 4: LA Eats...

Continued from page 5: Kristi Toliver’s...

competitive industries.

Pre-pandemic, Pop of Culture had visited cities across the country such as Atlanta, Chicago, and New York City. The events are always free, and community members are encouraged to show up, bring friends and family, and enjoy the showcased brands and businesses! It’s an enjoyable way to support some of the most talented artists and creatives in your community.

Saturday, June 5, was the pop-up’s long-awaited return since before the pandemic. The event was held at ‘Vacancy Avenue’, a retail and event space in Inglewood, located on La Brea Avenue.

It was the first time Pop of Culture had landed in the Los Angeles area, and organizers made sure that it won’t be the last. Their next Los Angeles event is already scheduled for August 28, and vendors are encouraged to apply on the Pop of Culture website.

In an effort to continue to grow and expand their reach to Black businesses and creatives, Pop of Culture has partnered with ‘IFundWomen’, a startup funding organization for women entrepreneurs, and will be launching their first crowdfunding campaign on June 14.

menu to stadium goers.

“When we started this journey a few years ago, the goal of our culinary program was to create something that is as transformative as the building itself,” recalled Wilson when speaking about the initial steps of the process.

One of the things for certain: the food that will be served at upcoming Rams and Chargers games is superior to other stadium food across the country.

Ingredients are fresh, recipes are trendy, versatility is near-endless, and the presentation is photoshoot-ready. There will be vegetarian and vegan options, and also modifications made available for those with allergy restrictions.

Great food should come hand-inhand when spending an evening at SoFi Stadium. Chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo are making sure of it, and they’re honored to be the ones called to the task.

“It’s wild, as a young kid, to grow up loving sports, and then to now be here doing what we love, which is cooking– and to have this amazing stadium behind us,” says Dotolo.

While it may be the football games that bring sports fans into the doors of SoFi Stadium, great food will surely be an added bonus.

to slither back into the game and take a four-point lead, Toliver re-entered the game. After having four fouls against her in the third quarter, she could be seen cutting to the basket and going up against the likes of center Astou NdourFall to keep the possession alive.

“I think I was definitely trusting my instincts, coaches, teammates you know, everybody encouraging and kind of poking at me and really understanding and responding to the situation, and you know I embraced it I’ll continue to embrace it,” Toliver said when asked about her mindset during games. “You know it’s fun when you trust your instincts and just be yourself and that’s what I was able to do.”

In a rebuilding phase like the one that Los Angeles is embarking on, having at least a couple of players who know who they are as players already help ease the high-pressure situation. Toliver is without a doubt one of those players.

As the Sparks continue to go through a transition to a new era of basketball and grow into their new identity, head coach Derek Fisher can rest assured that Toliver will be a consistent player within the ever-changing squad.

Continued on page 8

MWD_AD Ingelwood 10.25x15.875.pdf

Page 8

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

1

6/7/21

2:33 PM

June 10-16 2021