May 23, 2024

The Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles City College (LACC) students and thousands of Southern Californians joined the United Way of Greater Los Angeles to raise awareness and money

L.A. Fleet Week Returns to Port of Los Angeles Memorial Day Weekend

In what has become a Memorial Day tradition in Southern California, LA Fleet Week® returns to the Port of Los Angeles with a multi-day schedule packed with educational and entertaining activities.

The celebration honoring men and women — past and present — of the United States Armed Forces, LA Fleet Week is free and open to the public.

Taking place on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles, LA Fleet Week will offer free tours of visiting activeduty military ships. This year, a Navy aircraft carrier will be showcased,

Continued on page 7 Continued on page 7 in the fight against homelessness. WalkUnitedLA participants walked together at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium

Inglewood Today News on May 11 to help reach the fundraising

the first to visit Los Angeles since the USS Abraham Lincoln participated in Navy Days in 2011. Ship tours will be available through Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Planned events are expected to draw thousands of active-duty service members, friends and families to enjoy a week of activities and events across the Southland. The Downtown San Pedro Welcome Party will be held on Thursday, May 23 from 5-9 p.m. in historic downtown San Pedro. The Wilmington Welcome Party, a

Inglewood Today News

Publisher’s Message

Publisher’s Message

The Surprising History of Red Lobster and Black People

By Willie Brown

When I heard the news that Red Lobster is closing nearly 50 of its U.S. restaurants, my heart sank a little. It’s been such a staple in my family, for celebrations and just for a nice evening out.

While the Inglewood location is safe, our neighbors in Torrance will have to say goodbye to the restaurant on Hawthorne Blvd.

I’ve always loved the fresh, delicious entrees and the cheesy biscuits are to die for. But when I read the back story, I grew to love Red Lobster even more.

It all began in 1938 when Bill Darden opened his first restaurant, the Green Frog. It opened in Georgia amid the Great Depression and racial segregation.

Regardless of these conditions, however, there was no backdoor policy for Black folks at any of Darden’s restaurants. Darden allowed his Black and White customers to sit wherever they wished. This was a bold move for the outspoken restauranteur—one that could have ended his business career or even his life. He chose to do

the right thing—and in doing so, the Green Frog became more popular and more lucrative.

In 1968, Darden parlayed his earnings from the Green Frog and opened the first Red Lobster in Lakeland, Florida. According to reports, just one month later, the restaurant was so popular he had to open another one right away to keep up with the demand. Today, there are approximately 700 restaurants occupying 20 states.

Darden died in 1994 at age 75.

Red Lobster is currently considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Inglewood Today and CBCF Announce Spring and Summer Internships

Inglewood Today (https:// inglewoodtoday.com) has announced immediate internship opportunities for aspiring journalists and data/research assistants. The 31-year old media company is considering college and high school students for 3-6 month internships working hybrid 4-8 hours per week.

Journalist interns will have an opportunity to build their writing portfolios while interviewing celebrities, elected officials and other community leaders. They will also cover issues related to Inglewood and surrounding areas. Data/research assistants will work behind the scenes maintaining databases and helping to organize and launch a new blog.

Interested candidates may apply by submitting resumes to veronica@ inglewoodtoday.com. If applying for the journalist internship, candidates must also submit their best 2-3 writing samples.

to address rising overhead and the financially unsuccessful all-you-caneat shrimp promotion.

Darden Restaurants, Inc. is currently headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and owns and operates numerous restaurant chains, including Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Yard House and LongHorn Steakhouse.

The next time you’re in the mood for a nice dinner, consider patronizing a Darden Restaurant in honor of the man who made a statement against racism through the way he conducted business.

Google and Apple Team up Against Location Tracker Stalking

Apple and Google have announced that updated iPhones and Android phones will now display alerts warning users of nearby wireless location tracking devices. This move comes in response to concerns about the potential misuse of devices like Apple’s AirTag, which can be used to track lost or stolen objects but can also be used by criminals to track people.

Users with up-to-date software on their devices will receive a message informing them that a Bluetooth tracker is “found moving with you.” They can then make the tracker play a sound to locate it and access instructions on how to disable it.

AirTags, introduced by Apple in 2021, have become popular for helping users locate lost items like keys or luggage. However, they have also been used for criminal purposes, such as tracking individuals without their consent. In response to these concerns, Apple and Google have worked together to integrate alerts and warnings into their operating systems to prevent unwanted tracking.

In addition to AirTags, there are many

other Bluetooth trackers available on the market. Third-party companies are allowed to build their own devices, but they must adhere to Apple and Google’s specifications, including the requirement for unwanted tracking alerts.

Apple and Google have stated that they are collaborating on creating a public industry standard for Bluetooth

tracker devices. While the official standard is still in development, both companies have already implemented the alerts into their operating systems. These updates will be included in Apple’s iOS 17.5 release and Android devices with version 6.0 or newer.

Overall, the efforts by Apple and Google to address the potential misuse of wireless tracking devices demonstrate a

NOTICE OF ELECTION

commitment to balancing convenience with privacy and security concerns. By implementing alerts and warnings, the companies aim to provide users with greater control over their personal data and ensure that these devices are used responsibly.

Source: Press Rundown

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Municipal Election will be held in the City of Inglewood on

El período de nominación para estos cargos comienza el lunes 15 de julio de 2024, y cierra el viernes 9 de agosto de 2024, a las 5:00 p.m.

Si no se nomina a nadie o solamente a una persona para un cargo electivo, se puede realizar el nombramiento al cargo elegido según lo prescrito por la §10229 del Código Electoral del Estado de California.

Los centros electorales estarán abiertos entre las 7:00 a.m. y 8:00 p.m. el 5 de noviembre de 2024.

Aisha L. Thompson Inglewood Secretario (a) Municipal

Area Communities

Serving Ladera, Hawthorne, Westchester, Lawndale, Gardena, Carson

L.A. County Offers Rent Relief to Landlords

Good news for Los Angeles County landlords!

Following a successful initial launch, the Los Angeles County Rent Relief Program is set to open for a second round of applications. The application window will open Monday, May 20, 2024, at 9 a.m. PDT and will close on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 4:59 p.m. PDT. Landlords affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply to receive up to $30,000 per rental unit to cover past-due rent and other eligible expenses incurred since April 1, 2022.

To apply or learn more about the eligibility criteria, and to receive a direct link to the application when it goes live, visit the LA County Rent Relief Program website at lacountyrentrelief. com.

Apply early! Submitting a completed application does not guarantee funding.

Community partners will offer free webinars and technical assistance in multiple languages. Assistance will be available daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. starting on the first day applications

are accepted. For Round 1 applicants, please make sure all your pending tasks are completed.

If you need help, contact the Rent Relief Customer Call Center at (877) 849-0770 for application processing

assistance.

83-Year-Old Woman Becomes Oldest Person to Earn a Doctorate at Howard University

At 83 years old, Marie Fowler has made history at Howard University, an HBCU in Washington, DC, by becoming its oldest person ever to earn a doctorate.

Fowler spent the past 3 years at the Howard University School of Divinity, feeling it was a calling from God. Before this, she had already earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from Maple Springs Baptist Bible College and Seminary.

Fowler admitted deciding to return to school wasn’t easy for her. But she said she sought guidance through prayer.

“It was never my thought that I would go beyond maybe one semester because, after all, I had been out of school since 1959,” Fowler told WJLA. “I didn’t even know if I could retain information.”

Despite initial doubts about her skills and finances, her parents’ experiences and her father’s encouraging words inspired her to push forward.

“My mom and dad were born in an era when it was illegal for them to learn to read and write,” Fowler recounted. Her father often said, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” which resonated with her.

During her time at Howard

University, Fowler’s vibrant spirit and determination left a lasting impression. Dr. Alice Ogden Bellis, Professor of Hebrew Bible, described her as “the life of the party.” She added, “She knew what she wanted and she came here and she did that.”

Now, with her doctoral degree in divinity, Fowler is ready to teach and inspire others.

“I want to say that it is never too late,” she said. “I want everyone to realize that I am 83, which means if I can do it, why not you?”

Inglewood Today News

Inglewood Today News

Sports & Entertainment Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard earns 2nd-team All-NBA honor

By JANIS CARR | Orange County Register

Leonard, whose season was cut short by a knee injury, is honored for the sixth time in his 12-year career. He was the only player in the league to shoot at least 52% from the field, 41% from 3-point range and 88% from the freethrow line.

Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, whose season was cut short by a knee injury, was named to the 202324 All-NBA second team, the league announced on Wednesday. It is the sixth time in his 12-year career he has received an All-NBA distinction.

Leonard appeared in 68 games this season before sitting out the Clippers’ final eight regular-season games because of a swollen right knee. Although he played in two of the team’s six first-round playoff games against the Dallas Mavericks, Leonard was visibly hampered by his surgically repaired knee that flared up in late March.

The six-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP was the only player in the league this season to shoot at least 52% from the field, 41% from 3-point range and 88% from the free-throw line. He also ranked fifth in the NBA in steals (1.6) and averaged career highs in field goal percentage and minutes played per game (34.3).

Leonard previously was named to the All-NBA first team in 2016, ’17 and ’21, and the second team in 2019 and ’20. He was joined on this year’s second team by the Lakers’ Anthony Davis, the New York Knicks’ Jalen Bronson, Phoenix forward Kevin Durant and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, who earlier this month was named the league’s Most Valuable Player for the third time, headlined the All-NBA first team. The others were Dallas’ Luka Doncic, Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Boston’s Jayson Tatum.

The third team was Lakers star

LeBron James (the 20th selection of his 21-year career), Golden State’s Steph Curry (the 10th selection of his career), Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton and Phoenix’s Devin Booker.

The All-NBA teams are voted on by a panel of 99 reporters and broadcasters who cover the NBA. They vote for players with points awarded on a 5-3-1

basis. This season was the first time that All-NBA, along with All-Defense, were voted on without regard to positions –as opposed to having two guards, two forwards and one center on each of the teams, a formula that had been in place since the 1950s. Players also had to appear in a minimum number of games, in most cases, to be eligible for award consideration.

With Medi-Cal Update, More Californians Can Tap Into Behavioral Health Care

As the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) continues to transform Medi-Cal, the state is expanding coverage to include behavioral health needs, like mental health care and substance use disorder services.

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, provides coverage for one in three — or 15 million — Californians. About 40% of California youth is also covered by the program.

Paula Wilhelm, Interim Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services at DHCS recently spoke at a digital press conference hosted by Ethnic Media Services to discuss some of the expanded services.

“As a department, we know

that mental health is just as important as physical health, and all of our health outcomes are intertwined,” Wilhelm said. “DHCS has been working hard to partner with our medical managed care plans and care providers to transform the way behavioral health services are delivered to Medi-Cal members.”

Some expanded services include prevention and wellness, screening and assessment, outpatient and community-based treatment, and group/family therapy. More intensive services are covered as well: crisis care,

Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Payroll Made Easy: The Rise of Payroll Platforms for Small Businesses

By Aden Ferguson

Managing payroll can be complex and time-consuming for small business owners.

The payroll process is fraught with potential pitfalls, from calculating wages and deductions to ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax laws. However, the advent of payroll platforms has brought a much-needed solution, streamlining the process and offering a range of benefits to small businesses.

These platforms provide various offerings:

payroll platforms enjoy several benefits including:

business owners must be aware of, such as:

1. Initial Setup and Training: Implementing a new payroll platform may require an investment of time and resources for setup and staff training.

2. Data Security Concerns: Businesses must carefully evaluate the security measures and data privacy policies of payroll platforms to protect sensitive employee information.

There are basically three types of payroll platforms:

1. Cloud-based Platforms: These web-based solutions allow businesses to access and manage payroll from any device with an internet connection, offering convenience and mobility.

2. Desktop Applications: Installed locally on a computer, these platforms provide a self-contained payroll solution for businesses with specific security or compliance requirements.

3. Hybrid Solutions: Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid platforms offer a mix of cloud-based and onpremise features, allowing businesses to choose the components that best suit their needs.

Automated Payroll Calculations: Platforms handle complex calculations, including taxes, deductions, and garnishments, reducing the risk of errors.

Tax Compliance: Many platforms offer automated tax filing and payment services, ensuring businesses stay compliant with federal, state, and local regulations.

Employee Self-Service Portals: Employees can access pay stubs, update personal information, and manage time-off requests through secure online portals.

Reporting and Analytics: Platforms provide comprehensive reporting tools, allowing businesses to track payroll costs, analyze trends, and make informed decisions.

Small business owners who utilize

1. Time Savings: By automating payroll processes, small businesses can save significant time and focus on core operations.

2. Cost Efficiency: Payroll platforms often have affordable pricing models, eliminating the need for in-house payroll staff and reducing administrative costs.

3. Improved Accuracy: Advanced calculations and built-in errorchecking mechanisms minimize the risk of costly payroll mistakes.

4. Enhanced Employee Experience: Self-service portals and streamlined processes improve employee satisfaction and reduce administrative burdens.

As with anything, there are some drawbacks and considerations small

3. Limited Customization: While platforms offer a range of features, businesses with highly specific or complex payroll requirements may find limitations in customization options.

4. Integration Challenges: Seamlessly integrating payroll platforms with existing systems, such as accounting software or timetracking tools, can pose challenges for some businesses.

As small businesses navigate the complexities of payroll management, payroll platforms offer a compelling solution, streamlining processes, enhancing accuracy, and providing valuable time and cost savings. By carefully evaluating their needs and the offerings of various platforms, small business owners can choose the right solution to support their growth and success.

Continued from page 1: L.A. Fleet..

homestyle family picnic, will take place at the Banning House Museum in Wilmington, Friday, May 24, from 5:30-9 p.m. Free and open to the public, both welcome parties will feature food and live entertainment.

An active-duty U.S. Coast Guard Cutter will be docked in Downtown Harbor and available for tours. Visitors can also check out the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and learn about the nautical history of the L.A. Harbor

Continued from page 5: With Medi-Cal...

residential treatment, inpatient, mental health, and substance use medication.

Individuals dealing with postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress due to school or work, drug or alcohol addiction can also receive services.

“We want to improve the quality of care that we offer in Medi-Cal and create a more person-centered delivery system,” said Wilhelm. “Our overarching goal is to make it easier for Medi-Cal members to access behavioral healthcare and all the services they need to live healthier lives.”

Recent changes to the Behavioral Health Services Act, which voters approved as Proposition 1 in March, will reform behavioral healthcare funding and prioritize care for people with serious conditions. The new law also focuses on adding diversity to the behavioral healthcare workforce to promote equity. Culturally responsive services and a workforce that reflects the diverse communities served under the plan will be prioritized.

Wilhelm also mentioned the state’s “No Wrong Door Approach” to mental health care in her briefing. This initiative focuses on behavioral health

Continued from page 1: United Way ...

goal of over $1.2 M. The funds will help support over 75,500 people experiencing homelessness, as well as those facing housing and food insecurity across L.A. County.

In 2020, about 20 percent of students enrolled at LACC reported having experienced homelessness, and 65 percent faced food insecurity. Rising food prices and the recent closures of the Ninety-Nine Cent Stores has made it harder for low-income individuals for avoid hunger.

Participants in the annual familyfriendly walk raised money and awareness to build communities where everyone can access essential resources

Area.

On Memorial Day, the last aircraft carrier ship tour shuttles will depart at noon, while US Coast Guard Cutter tours will continue until 4 p.m. All ship tours are on a first-come, first-served basis with shuttle bus lines forming at the LA Fleet Week EXPO, adjacent to the Battleship IOWA.

Visitors interested in ship tours are encouraged to arrive early, look for parking in downtown San Pedro,

and walk to the EXPO. Outer Harbor parking is also available, with shuttles taking visitors from parking lots to the Expo.

LA Fleet Week was created through a unique public-private partnership to connect Southern Californians with the men and women of the United States Sea Services.

For more information on LA Fleet Week and updates, visit lafleetweek. com.

payment reform that aligns payment models that reward quality. This allows more providers to get into the MediCare system and increases the diversity of providers to make patients feel seen.

Medi-Cal is also expanding services for children and youth in California.

Gov. Newsom’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative is a $4 billion investment into strengthening existing mental health services.

Autumn Boylan, Deputy Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for DHCS also spoke at the digital conference. She focused on the expansion of services to meet the growing mental health needs of youth.

“Half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illnesses emerge for our young people by the age of 14 and 75% of diagnosable mental illnesses begin by the age of 24.” Said Boylan. “Focusing on children and youth from ages 0-25 is critically important to ensure that we are providing preventative services and intervening early when symptoms of mental health/substance abuse conditions begin to emerge as our young people are developing.”

In California, almost 300,000 youth

Way of Greater L.A.‘s flagship event HomeWalk established in 2007 when it became the single largest annual event with the mission to end homelessness nationwide.

This year’s WalkUnitedLA honorary chairs were Rams players Steve Avila, Ernest Jones, Kobie Turner and Kyren Williams. Former Ram, Andrew Whitworth, was the event’s co-host. Rams fans had the chance to personally meet and greet the Rams 2024 rookies.

The event also featured a special Mother’s Day celebration, including photo opportunities and giveaways that honored moms.

and opportunities for prosperity, including working families and students.

WalkUnitedLA evolved from United

“WalkUnitedLA is such a beautiful event that shows the best of what we can do when we come together,” said Elise Buik, United Way of Greater Los Angeles President & CEO. “We are so grateful for our deep and collaborative partnership with the Los Angeles Rams. Together we have encouraged thousands of people to come out to support students, working families, and people experiencing homelessness across greater Los Angeles.”

are coping with major depression and 66% of those young people do not get treatment access in the way they should.

To combat this, the act focuses on strengthening the network of support for youth through county offices of education, and school districts throughout the state to increase care at school settings. Funding will bring more school counselors, psychologists, wellbeing and mindfulness programs, social and emotional learning, and support.

Community-based services known to benefit and achieve better outcomes for young people of color will also be prioritized.

Two free mental health apps have been created to increase mental health access for youth and their parents in California despite their coverage status.

The BrightLife Kids App (0-12), and Soluna App (13-25) provide free mental health support.

If you or a loved one could benefit from Medi-Cal’s services, you can access the DHS 24-hour access line to get connected to care.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case # 24TRCP00183

All INTERESTED PERSONS

Jon Bentley Roberts II, 362 Richmond St., El Segundo, CA 90245, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, Torrance Courthouse, 825 Maple Avenue, Room 100, Torrance, CA 90503, to change his name.

FROM: Jon Bentley Roberts II -TO: Jon Bentley Coast

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on June 28, 2024, 8:30 AM, Dept B, Room 340, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Publication Dates: May 9, 16, 23, 30, 2024.

NAME CHANGE NAME CHANGE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case # 24TRCP00182

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Kyla Victoria Hunts, 362 Richmond St., El Segundo, CA 90245, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, Torrance Courthouse, 825 Maple Avenue, -Room 100, Torrance, CA 90503, to change her name.

FROM: Kyla Victoria Hunts -TO: Kyla Victoria Hunts Coast

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on June 28, 2024, 8:30 AM, Dept P, Room 440, to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name change described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Publication Dates: May 9, 16, 23, 30, 2024.

LEGAL SUMMONS