May 9 2024

Women Rock in Inglewood

By Veronica Mackey

More than 200 ladies turned out in their Saturday morning best, full of smiles, hugs, and laughter. The 3rd Annual Women Rock Empowerment Summitt, held at the Inglewood Senior Center, provided a positive space for women to learn, network and find support. Spearheaded by

Inglewood Councilwomen Dionne Faulk and Gloria Gray, and City Clerk Aisha Thompson, the program featured speakers, workshops, and live entertainment.

“As the first African American woman to be seated on the Inglewood City Council, I wanted to let the women of Inglewood know, I’m here! I see you, I know you,” Councilwoman

Faulk said. “And I’ve received so much support from the men. There were growing pains in the beginning, when I was the only one, but we worked through them. And now that Councilwoman Gloria Gray has come onboard, it’s even better.”

Councilwoman Faulk was elected in 2020, ending a 7-year absence of women on the Inglewood City

Council, after Judy Dunlap was voted out in 2013. Gloria Gray, who was elected to the council in 2023, also serves as Treasurer of the West Basin Municipal Water District for Division II. City Clerk Thompson was elected in November 2020.

Erica Campbell of the Multi-Grammy

Continued on page 4

By Veronica Mackey

On May 1, leadership at First African Methodist Episcopal Church Los Angeles filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Central District (Los Angeles). The news came just 4 days after beloved Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray was laid to rest. He was 94.

The ground-breaking church, which is also the oldest Black Church in Los Angeles, is known for its community outreach, and plethora of nonprofit services related to mental and physical health, affordable housing and business development.

Continued on page 7

Publisher’s Message

Mother’s Day is for Superheroes

By Willie Brown

Recently, I read about a remarkable woman. It moved me so much that I had to include it here in honor of Mother’s Day.

Dr. Ebonee Gresham was once a homeless single mom of 6, living out of her car. But, then, it got worse. Seeing no way out of her poverty, she got involved with check fraud and, consequently, went to jail. Talk about having the odds stacked against you!

However, despite checking all the boxes for what some assume are impossible circumstances— being black, single, poor, homeless, and a woman with a felony and 6 mouths to feed— she endured.

What was it that moved Ebonee from hopeless to thriving? I believe it is the love she has for her children. There is something about a mother’s love that can survive the most dire of situations. We see it played out each day in movies and in real life. History has recorded cases where women of average or slight build found supernatural strength to lift cars in order to save their children. Under normal circumstances, this would not be humanly possible. But love, being a miracle, makes the impossible possible.

Today, Dr. Gresham is the Amazon best-selling author of “The Grit, The Grind & The Glory,” and an entrepreneur with a doctorate in nursing. She is now a wife and mother

of 10 children and has been married for eight years, Having been where a lot of single women still are. She advocates for issues like domestic violence, single motherhood, and women’s

empowerment. She has also been awarded the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. In honor of Mother’s Day, I’d like to thank all the moms out there for doing the hard work that is often overlooked by others. Putting in the hours, the work, the hustle, the prayers, pacing the floor, burning the midnight oil. These deeds, are no less heroic than some of the other achievements made by moms who came from rocky beginnings.

This Sunday, I’d like the moms of Inglewood to do something for me. Take a moment to reflect on the obstacles you have overcome as a mother. Take the moments in. Let people fuss over you a bit. Wear your “cape” proudly.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Superheroes (Mothers) out there.

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.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) 2024 Summer Internship program is accepting applications from aspiring young leaders. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 5.

Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience in the public policy field, and make important connections, which can lead to job opportunities. This internship is based in Washington, DC. Free housing will be provided. For more information, apply online at https://www.cbcfinc.org/ programs/internships/.

Bank Failures on the Rise: How to Protect Your Money

By Veronica Mackey

Last week, the Daily Hodl reported that two Wells Fargo customers say the bank allowed scammers to rip off thousands of dollars from their accounts, and then blamed them for the issue.

Jolinda Crocker says $60,000 was stolen from her account while she was teaching at her music school in Italy, reports the Daily Mail.

After receiving a text message and verifying the transactions were not hers, Crocker says the bank began to blame her a week later. Her account showed a login from Italy and California on the same day. The ordeal has been going on for two years.

Crocker has now spent two years battling the bank to get her money back.

Judy Barr, another customer, was frauded into giving scammers her authorization code when they asked for it, pretending to be with Wells Fargo’s fraud department. Like Crocker, the bank said she initiated the transactions herself and refused to reimburse her.

Wells Fargo is one of several large US banks facing lawsuits from customers who accuse them of being lax on security, then shrugging their shoulders and refusing to go after the real criminals.

Some U.S. banks are abruptly freezing accounts that have not had activity for a long time to safeguard their holdings

and help protect against overall bank failures.

Is it time to start stockpiling your cash underneath your mattress?

According to IntegratedCashLogistics. com, there have been multiple bank branch closings in the past year. In 2023, America saw its highest amount of bank closings since the 2008 recession. The increase in mobile banking use, inflation and interest rates, and real-estate struggles all contributed to why 2023 experienced so many banks shutting their doors. Many think the U.S. banking crisis, which escalated in 2023, is going to get worse in 2024.

Despite protections by the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) to insure deposits, the fact is the more money that banks lend, the more they earn. So, a sudden wave of customers, deciding to cash out at the same time, would literally bankrupt the system. Banks could not meet the demand for

cash. It’s also no coincidence that more businesses are going cashless.

Which Banks Are At Risk?

Finding out which banks are at risk is not a simple process. Many institutions keep this information close to their chest. However, there are a few warning signs that consumers should pay attention to, such as:

Falling Stock Prices. Since recessions and economic downturns often directly affect stocks, a falling stock price can indicate that your bank is starting – or close to – going under.

Inaccurate or Inaccessible Reporting. If your bank starts to make it difficult to access your account information, or if you notice inaccurate information, this can be another sign of impending collapse.

Limited Withdrawals. On a recent YouTube podcast, Joseph Tittel reported that a bank customer was told he could not withdraw $5,000 in cash at one

NOTICE OF ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Municipal Election will be held in the City of Inglewood on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the following office:

Council District 3 for a full four-year term

Council District 4 for a full four-year term

City Clerk for a full four-year term

City Treasurer for a full four-year term

School Board Member Trustee 4 for a full four-year term

School Board Member Trustee 5 for a full four-year term

The nomination period for these offices begins on Monday, July 15, 2024, and closes on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

If no one or only one person is nominated for an elective office, an appointment to the elective office may be made as prescribed by §10229, Elections Code of the State of California.

The polls will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.

Aisha L. Thompson

Inglewood City Clerk

time. Instead, he was only allowed to withdraw in $500 increments. He was also questioned about why he wanted to withdraw his own cash.

Declining Profits. Banks make money when they are able to invest their customers’ money at a higher interest rate than what they received it at. They also collect money from interest rates and service fees. Therefore, if they are losing profits, then this is another sign of potential failure.

Increasing Loan Defaults. If you notice your bank having many loan defaults in a short period of time, this often points to less revenue as well. How can you protect yourself?

Do your homework. Pay extra attention to news about financial institutions where you do your banking. Take note of any of the scenarios above that might indicate trouble: falling stock prices, declining profits, etc.

Evaluate your emotional triggers to money. Are you okay with depositing large amounts into online banks? Or do you feel safer banking with a brick-andmortar institution? Online banks tend to offer higher interest on savings vs. banks with physical locations.

Have cash available at all times, just in case the ATMs become inaccessible. Expand your financial portfolio. Look into other financial assets like gold, silver and Bitcoin.

NOTICE OF ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Municipal Election will be held in the City of Inglewood on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the following office:

Council District 3 for a full four-year term

Council District 4 for a full four-year term

City Clerk for a full four-year term

City Treasurer for a full four-year term

School Board Member Trustee 4 for a full four-year term

School Board Member Trustee 5 for a full four-year term

The nomination period for these offices begins on Monday, July 15, 2024, and closes on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

If no one or only one person is nominated for an elective office, an appointment to the elective office may be made as prescribed by §10229, Elections Code of the State of California.

The polls will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024.

Aisha L. Thompson

Inglewood City Clerk

Area Communities

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

Award-winning Gospel singing duo, Mary Mary, rocked the house, with chart-topping hits, intermingled with her personal stories of redemption. Erica and her sister Tina grew up in Inglewood.

Second District L.A. County

Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Liliana Perez-Palacios, Sr. Director of Cultural Affairs for the Los Angeles Chargers, served as keynote speakers.

“go-to” activities that keep Mitchell physically and emotionally in balance.

Supervisor Mitchell encouraged women to “find your joy” with examples of her own life. Staying active, being outdoors, near water and riding her bike, are among the

She accentuated her story by getting everyone up on their feet and dancing to Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody.”

Workshops covered mental health awareness (Dr. Janoc Vance); skin care (Sheri Rhymes); self-love (Erica Bunn); and finances (Gwen Allen). Gwen joined other financial experts Anna “Queen” Tutt, Clarissa Owens, and Diane Wader to provide women with wealth empowerment strategies, covering such topics as real estate, insurance and annuities, estate planning and financial literacy.

Continued from page 1: Women Rock...

Managing the Next Wave: Strategies for Small Businesses to Engage Gen Z Workers

By Aden Ferguson

The youngest members of the workforce, Gen Z, are no longer kids - they’re emerging as managers’ newest wave of employees. Born between 1997 and 2012, this cohort is entering the labor market with different perspectives and expectations compared to previous generations. For small businesses looking to attract and retain top Gen Z talent, understanding what motivates these digital natives is crucial.

Gen Z craves purpose, diversity, and an impact far beyond just collecting a paycheck. Small businesses have a real opportunity to meet the needs of this generation by crafting an employee experience that resonates with Gen Z values. So what strategies can small businesses utilize?

Here are some key tips from the experts:

Foster an Inclusive Culture

With Gen Z being the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, prioritizing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives is essential. Gen

Zs want to feel represented, heard, and respected for their unique backgrounds and perspectives. Simple steps like engaging employee resource groups and seeking out diverse vendor partners can signal an inclusive workplace.

Prioritize Workplace Flexibility

Raised amid rapid technological change, Gen Zs are adaptive and thrive with flexibility. Offering hybrid or remote work options, avoiding rigid 9-to-5 schedules, and prioritizing work-

life balance over long hours can be a huge draw. Data indicated that Gen Z employees are 21% more likely to stay if they perceive their company cares about their well-being.

Align With Their Values

Gen Z is passionate about social issues like climate change, racial equity, and LGBTQ+ rights. Tying your business practices and philanthropic efforts to causes Gen Z supports can boost their affinity. This group really wants to feel their work has a positive impact. Weaving purpose into your culture resonates deeply.

Embrace New Technologies

As digital natives, Gen Z is extremely tech-savvy and open to new workplace tools. Deploying collaboration apps, offering self-service HR portals, and investing in professional development on cutting-edge skills like data analytics or social media marketing shows you’re equipping them to excel.

With the oldest Gen Zs just reaching their mid-20s, small businesses still have a window to refine their workplaces to suit this generation’s needs. By crafting an experience centered on inclusion, flexibility, purpose, and technology, employers can attract Gen Z’s immense talent and passion. Those who fail to evolve, however, risk losing out on the workforce’s next trailblazers.

Under his 27 years of leadership as head of FAME, Pastor Murray grew the church to over 19,000 members and $25 million in assets. The entities seeking financial protection include Fame Assistance Corp., Fame Housing Corp., and Fame/Good Shepherd Center Housing Development Corp.

The actual church property on Harvard near Adams is not part of the filing. Entitles most impacted include 320 low-income housing units and the Fame Renaissance Center which houses business offices of several nonprofits— many of which were spearheaded by the late Dr. Murray. The filing was initiated in part to protect the church property and Dr. Murray’s legacy.

The announcement came as a shock to elected officials as well as members, business and housing tenants, who had planned to meet to discuss bankruptcy

alternatives. Charges of sexual impropriety and fiscal mismanagement were important factors in the decision to file Chapter 7.

Specifically. FAME and then-Pastor John Hunter were sued by assistant minister Brenda Lamothe, who alleged sexual impropriety against Hunter. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount, alleged to be around $3 million. Additionally, FAME sued the Hunters, seven trustees and employees of the church for alleged financial mismanagement, estimated to be more than $500,000. Hunter, succeeded Dr. Murray, who retired in 2003. Pastor Hunter led the congregation until he was removed in 2012.

Pastor J Edgar Boyd succeeded Hunter until he retired in 2023. The current pastor is Robert Shaw II.

AI scamming predicted to be next major growth industry by Warren Buffett

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett expressed caution about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meeting. Buffett warned about the technology’s capability to be exploited by scammers, labeling it as a potential “growth industry” for illicit activities.

Scammers have been known to utilize AI voice-cloning and deepfake technology to create realistic and misleading content, impersonating individuals’ family members and friends to solicit money or personal information. Despite acknowledging the positive potential of AI, Buffett emphasized the significant risks associated with its misuse.

weapons.

While AI has been a trending topic on Wall Street, with investors optimistic about its profit-driving potential, Buffett remained cautious about its long-term implications. He emphasized the need for careful consideration and monitoring as AI continues to advance and reshape various industries.

In a reflective tone, Buffett acknowledged the inevitability of AI’s influence on society and the challenges it presents. He likened the development of AI to releasing a powerful force that cannot easily be controlled, highlighting the importance of evaluating its impact on the future.

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.

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.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE A NEGATIVE DECLARATION

(b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or common law (See Section 14411 et.seq., Business and Professions Code.)

Original April 25; May 2, 9, 16, 2024 IT00422301200203109 Inglewood Today

Buffett admitted his lack of understanding of AI and compared its potential impact to that of the atomic bomb during the 20th century. He expressed concern about the irreversible nature of releasing powerful technologies like AI into society, drawing parallels to the challenges posed by nuclear

As the debate surrounding AI’s benefits and risks continues, Buffett’s perspective serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties associated with emerging technologies. The evolving landscape of AI raises important questions about ethics, regulation, and the potential consequences of its widespread adoption.

Source: The Press Rundown

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, a Negative Declaration has been prepared on the below-referenced program, on the basis that said program will not have a significant effect on the environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: STANDBY CHARGE PROGRAM RENEWAL

APPLICANT:

West Basin Municipal Water District

LOCATION:

West Basin Municipal Water District

****************

Copies of the Negative Declaration for this program are available for review at the West Basin Municipal Water District offices located at 17140 South Avalon Blvd., in the City of Carson (310) 217-2411. Anyone wishing to comment on this program may do so prior to May 29, 2024. All comments should be directed to the Board Secretary, at West Basin Municipal Water District’s office.

Edward J. Caldwell, General Manager

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case# 24LBCP00115

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS

Kristin Michelle Fong, 1610 Park Ave., Apt D, Long Beach, CA 90815, has filed a petition with the Superior Court Of California, County Of Los Angeles, 275 Magnolia Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802, to change her name.

FROM: Kristin Michelle Fong -TO: Kristin Michelle Skovgard

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing on September 22, 2024, 8:30 AM, Dept 26, 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: April 18, 25; May 2, 9, 2024.

Inglewood Today News

Medi-Cal Expands Services to Provide More Help to Unhoused Californians

Medi-Cal, California’s version of Medicaid, is currently transforming to expand coverage for unhoused and at-risk individuals across the state.

The rollout for these changes began on Jan. 1, 2022.

New programs include rental and deposit aid, recuperative housing, rehabilitation and sobering centers during the day and the provision of street medicine: mobile units that bring care to unhoused individuals.

To be eligible, individuals must be enrolled in the Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan and are currently experiencing or deemed at risk of homelessness.

Medi-Cal covers the cost of clinical care and other approved healthcare expenses for people with limited income and resources.

“Our unhoused population have inadequate access to shelters, lack of food and care,” said Glenn Tsang, Policy Advisor for the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). “They tend to have extensive medical and behavioral health needs that are difficult to address in an unstable living environment. To help address this, enhanced care management tends to build consistent connections to medical care, behavioral health care and housing stabilization services.”

common pathways to homelessness.

Tsang was speaking at a news briefing focused on Medi-Cal expansion hosted by Ethnic Media Services.

According to the DHCS, new services Medi-Cal is offering to unhoused Californians and other state residents experiencing housing instability are:

•Lead Care Managers will assist members to build relationships with members and direct them to the services they need most. There are 14 housing services under the community support program with 6 of them directly focused on the unhoused population, according to the DHCS.

•Housing transition navigation services guide individuals through the process of identifying stable housing. It aids with housing searches, applications, contacting landlords, and housing deposits for security deposits and other upfront costs,

•Housing sustaining services help members maintain their new residence with landlord mediation, budgeting assistance and connections to other community services.

•Short term post hospitalization and recuperative care offers housing options for individuals who have just been discharged from the hospital without a home to go to to recover.

•Day habilitation programs assist with daily living activities like using transit systems to help unhoused individuals get to where they need to go.

•Transitional rent is currently not covered by Medi-Cal. However, an application is available to access this program. It will potentially cover up to 6 months of rent for people transitioning from hospitals and jails to help prevent

•Street medicine programs will provide direct medical assistance to individuals living on the street. This alleviates barriers to care associated with transportation to hospitals and healthcare providers by bringing care directly to members.

One key element of the new initiative is that the care provided to members will come from community-based organizations.

Amber Middleton, Director of the Hope Program at the Shasta Community Health Center, spoke at the EMS virtual news briefing about how organizations like hers plan to integrate those services for the unhoused community.

“Our goal is to make sure there are access points in all areas where there might be someone who needs care. The whole focus is going to the population and not waiting for things to get so bad that they’re having to seek out services. This is a great example of how breaking down barriers can prevent future issues. We have enhanced care management case managers who go out to build relationships and engagement with the community.”

Middleton also spoke about some of the trust barriers that can form within the unhoused community when accepting health services in her county and beyond. Police raids on encampments create constant movement and fear among individuals who feel law enforcement and may not understand them or have their best interests at heart.

“Many folks who live in the unsheltered community have suffered microaggressions, racism and outright discrimination. Because of this, there is a lack of trust of systems across the board. One of the ways we work on that is engagement

and working with them at the place they will meet us at,” Middleton added.

As of Jan 1, 2024, adults aged 2640 qualify for full-scope medical care through the program regardless of

their immigration status. As Medi-Cal continues to expand their services visit the DCHS Website to learn more about what is provided and how individuals can get involved.

Fearlessness.

This is what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s.

It’s not easy to accept that memory loss that disrupts daily life could be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Or that nearly two-thirds of people diagnosed are women, including Black women.

But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, like monitoring Type 2 diabetes and lowering blood pressure.

Because you have what it takes to take on Alzheimer’s.

Talk to your health care provider about signs, screening and early detection.

Learn more at TakeOnALZ.com

Edward Henderson | California Black Media