Fool In Love Delivers and Disappoints
By Veronica Mackey
About a year ago, I saw Lionel Richie the Kia Forum. During one of his many monologues, he mentioned Diana Ross and even teased the crowd, suggesting she might actually come on stage with him and perform “Endless Love.” The crowd clapped and cheered with anticipation until he said, “She ain’t comin’ y’all.” Richie then told the audience that over the years, he had begged the R&B diva to reunite with him for the classic which topped the music charts 42 years earlier. She always said no.
When I read that Ross and Richie were headlining the Fool In Love Festival at SoFi on August 31, I assumed, as did thousands of other fans, that the two would pair up one more time. Boy, were we wrong. Fans were disappointed that Ross and Richie performed separately on 2 different stages. Apparently, the love between them was not so “endless.”
According to www.theroot.com, the two have never got along that well. Ross, an admitted perfectionist, said she likes to start on time, while her duo partner was always late. Richie reportedly felt a certain way when Ross ditched his performance at Kia
Forum, but showed up at SoFi to sing Happy Birthday to Beyonce.
Aside from Ross and Richie, the Festival lineup offered everything an R&B-Soul-music-loving fan could dream of: Smokey Robinson, The Jacksons, Isley Brothers, Zapp, Chaka Khan, Al Green, Charlie Wilson, Santana, Gladys Knight, Spinners, Dionne Warwick, Morris Day and the
Time, and many more. As far as legends go, “Fools In Love” really delivered. On organization, security, logistics and crowd control, it disappointed. BIG time.
Confession: I did not attend this concert. I wanted to, but after seeing all the great acts scheduled for a oneday concert, with multiple stages, I sensed it would be a hot mess. I wasn’t
sure if I wanted to part with $300 to purchase a ticket. After multiple failed attempts to get access with press credentials, I opted to catch the clips on YouTube.
However, folks on Reddit who did attend had plenty to say about their experiences, like RadiantZote: We arrived a little after noon, went through the massive swarm of entry and got into the festival after 2pm.The layout of this festival was so bad.
-There are bottlenecks if you want to get anywhere, I can’t imagine how awful it was for the ADA people in scooters trying to get anywhere in those crowds. I don’t even know if there was ADA viewing for the two side stages.
-The stages were laid out so poorly that it took way too long to get from one to the other because you were trying to get through a sea of people.
-Lawn chairs, why?? It created entitled douchebags who were ready to throw down because YOU CAN’T STAND IN MY WAY
-Audio issues on the bounce stage with mics not working or being mixed poorly, audio issues on the main stages
Continued on page 7
Opinion: Why Californians Must Reject Proposition 36 This November
By Eric Harris | Special to California Black Media Partners
OPINION (CBM) – In November, voters have a crucial opportunity to reject Proposition 36, a misguided effort backed by major law enforcement associations and some players in the corporate retail lobby that will make our communities less safe.
Although the authors of the proposition have euphemistically
labeled it “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” Prop 36 will increase punishments for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders without providing any funding for treatment or housing. Prop 36, like policies similar to it in the past that have harmed Black people, will affect a disproportionate number of Black disabled people.
Over the past decade, Californians
have voted to reduce our prison population. To achieve that goal, in 2014, we passed Proposition 47, which reclassified many low-level nonviolent offenses, such as drug possession and property crimes, from felonies to misdemeanors. This was an important step to reform our criminal
Continued on page 3
Publisher’s Message
Black Men’s Wellness Day: A Call to Action
By Willie Brown
On Nov. 2, Black men will have a rare opportunity to attend an important event dedicated to their health. It’s organized by the African-American Male Wellness Agency (https:// aawellness.org) and will be held at the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex, 5001 Obama Blvd in Los Angeles.
Black Men’s Wellness Day will begin at 7 a.m. with the “Walk to Save Black Men’s Lives.” It will focus on informing men about their health and reducing health disparities among African Americans. The day will include free health screenings and health education, along with vendors, entertainment, and free family fun.
AAMWA focuses on mental wellness, the opioid crisis, fatherhood, financial health, wellness and
preventative health. Although overall chronic disease among African Americans is higher, organizations committed to reducing disproportional health outcomes are miniscule. That’s why organizations
Since 2004, AAMWA has worked “to reduce disparities in premature death and chronic diseases among African American (AA) males by providing more than ten thousand health screenings yearly and innovative
that AAMWA seems to be doing rather well. The nonprofit hosts regular conferences, to create a safe space for dialogue about important health issues. Their programs empower men to take ownership of the quality of their lives. Men learn how to gauge health conditions by knowing what numbers are within the “normal” ranges. They also learn how closely related lifestyle, diet, and mental health are to overall physical health.
like AAMWA are so important. Men in general are less likely than women to stay on top of their health, even less with Black men.
health education programs,” according to their website.
Improving health begins with communication, and this is something
Black people in general lag behind their white counterparts across the board with regard to wellness. Specifically, Black American men are 50% more likely to get lung cancer than white American men, and 70% more likely to get and die from prostate cancer. Black men, regardless of family history, are encouraged to start screening for prostate cancer at age 40— 10 years earlier the American Cancer Society recommends. Black men, we need to do better. I am asking you to take your health more seriously. Waking up each morning is never a given, and you could very well save your own life, simply by making a doctor’s appointment. Check out Black Men’s Wellness Day if you can. If not, make a commitment to take better care of yourself. The 2024 Los Angeles Black Men’s Wellness Day is open to the public. Participants can register on the day of the event or online at la.aawellness.org.
Inglewood Today Announces 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.
legal system, leading to an overall drop in crime statewide and decreased rates of recidivism. In contrast, Prop 36 would impose longer sentences and harsher punishments for theft and drug-related offenses. Rather than investing in meaningful solutions, Prop 36 relies on expensive band-aids such as “treatment-mandated felonies” for repeated drug possession and sends people to prison for shoplifting instead of investing in people who are simply struggling to survive.
Nationwide, people with disabilities are disproportionately represented in our prison system at staggering rates, with over 40% of people in state prisons having a disability, compared to only 15% of people in the general population. In California, 1 in 3 people in prison have a diagnosed mental illness. This overrepresentation reflects decades of policies that prioritize incarceration over housing affordability and community-based alternatives, especially in Black and Brown communities, and among people experiencing homelessness. By increasing the number of people experiencing incarceration, Prop 36 will exacerbate the number of Californians with disabilities in our prison system, while also disabling new people who enter the system. Beyond being overrepresented, people with disabilities experience inhumane treatment in prison and jail where they are often denied proper accommodations, medical care, and services. Further, prison and jail conditions often exacerbate people’s existing conditions, meaning people
are at risk for leaving incarceration with disabilities they did not have when they entered the system.
Moreover, while special interests have framed Prop 36 as an attempt to address drug use, its mandated treatment model will lead to more people with disabilities facing incarceration, while their substance use disorders remain untreated.
Experts agree that mandating drug treatment for individuals convicted of a drug-related offense does not effectively reduce drug use. Further, Prop 36 does not offer any funding for substance use treatment of any kind, let alone evidence-based practices. This will perpetuate the existing system in which people with substance use disorders end up incarcerated, instead of having access to community-based treatment.
Prop 36 will also worsen the socioeconomic conditions at the root of the problems it claims to address.
A felony conviction makes it far more difficult to find employment and stable housing post-incarceration, which has a compounding impact for people with disabilities who already are more likely to be facing housing insecurity and unemployment. People experiencing unstable housing and employment are also more likely to develop a disability such as a substance use disorder. Prop 36 therefore would perpetuate the existing vicious cycle that keeps people with disabilities and those who are experiencing homelessness in and out of prisons.
Californians should oppose any
measures that double down on punishment and incarceration. Instead of Prop 36, we need policies that invest in community-driven solutions for healthier communities and affordable living, especially for those most
affected by the criminal justice system. Eric Harris is the Associate Executive Director of External Affairs at Disability Rights California.
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF INGLEWOOD
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
NOTICE OF NOMINEES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE City of Inglewood
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following persons have been nominated for the offices designated to be filled at the General Municipal Election to be held in the City of Inglewood on Tuesday, November 5, 2024
For Member of the City Council District Three
Eloy Morales, Jr
For Member of the City Council District Four
Dionne Faulk
Angelique Y. Johnson
Leslie Jones
Carlos Zurita
For Member of the City Clerk
Aisha L. Thompson
For Member of the City Treasurer
Angela Allen
Taylor R. Bryant
Member of the Board of Education
Margaret Turner-Evans
Ronald Gomez
Member of the Board of Education District Five
Ernesto Castillo
Aisha L. Thompson
CITY OF INGLEWOOD
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
AVISO DE NOMINADOS PARA CARGOS PÚBLICOS Ciudad de Inglewood
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que las siguientes personas han sido nominadas para los cargos designados para ser elegidos en las Elecciones Municipales Generales que se llevarán a cabo en la Ciudad de Inglewood el martes 5 de noviembre de 2024
Para Miembro del Concejo Municipal Tercer Distrito Vote por Uno (1)
Eloy Morales, Jr.
Para Miembro del Concejo Municipal Cuarto Distrito Vote por Uno (1)
Dionne Faulk
Angelique Y. Johnson
Leslie Jones
Carlos Zurita
Para Miembro dela Secretaria Municipal Vote por Uno (1)
Aisha L. Thompson
Para Miembro del Tesorero de la Ciudad Vote por Uno (1)
Angela Allen Taylor R. Bryant
Para Miembro del Fideicomiso Área Cuatro Vote por Uno (1)
Margaret Turner-Evans
Ronald Gomez
Para Miembro del Fideicomiso Área Cinco Vote por Uno (1)
Ernesto Castillo
Aisha L. Thompson Secretaria Municipal 26 de Agosto de 2024
Area Communities
Serving Ladera, Hawthorne, Westchester, Lawndale, Gardena, Carson
Bill Would Provide Easier Access to Jobs for State’s Nurses
(CBM) – Nurses across California may soon have easier access to more career opportunities, if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a new bill into law.
With a 76-0 vote on Aug. 26, the State Assembly voted to approve Senate Bill (SB) 1015, legislation that would provide an annual report to the Legislature on clinical nursing placement management and coordination.
The bill authored by Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) aims to address the nursing shortage in the state’s workforce. Under SB 1015, the State would ensure clinical placement opportunities for California’s future nurses, including nurses attending community colleges, state universities, and other public institutions. The California Nurses Association (CNA), the largest union of registered nurses in the state, sponsored SB 1015 to support nursing students seeking placement in the workforce.
Sen. Cortese said that SB 1015 ensures that the state meets the growing demand in the nursing field.
“As California’s population ages
By Press Rundown
and becomes increasingly more diverse, we will need a qualified and experienced nursing workforce to meet the unique demands and varied needs of all patients. That is why we must have appropriate nurse staffing levels which have proven to reduce mortality rates, reduce hospital length of stays, and reduce the number of preventable events such as falls and infections,” said Cortese.
According to the Board of Registered Nursing, 92 out of 152 publicly funded nursing programs were denied access to clinic placements. The program officials reported that the inability to secure clinical placements is one of the main reasons for not enrolling more students.
background.
Cathy Kennedy, a Registered Nurse and president of the CNA, said that SB 1015 helps nursing students receive a clinical education and placement amid the nationwide staffing crisis, despite their socioeconomic
“Clinical education is an essential part of any nurse’s education, yet aspiring nurses, especially students in public programs, are being denied access to clinical placements,” said Kennedy.
“We applaud the California Senate for passing S.B. 1015. It is commonsense reform that will
increase transparency and increase oversight from the Board of Registered Nursing,” she added. If approved, SB 1015 would mandate new levels of transparency for clinical placements and help develop placement standards that ensure equitable access to opportunities in the workforce.
Attorney criticizes bill granting home loans to migrants in California
California’s recent passage of a bill that would grant home loans to illegal immigrants has sparked concern among experts from various fields. Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell and real estate expert Grant Cardone appeared on “Varney & Co.” to discuss the implications of the bill, with Cardone labeling it as a “gimmick” by Democrats.
The bill, known as AB 1840, was voted through the state Senate and would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for the “California Dream for All” first-time homebuyers’ financial assistance program. This program provides up to 20% of a home’s value or $150,000 as down payment assistance.
Cardone criticized the bill as a marketing ploy, suggesting that it is designed to attract voters for the upcoming 2024 election. He also pointed out that Vice President Kamala Harris has proposed a
similar plan to offer down payment assistance to firsttime homebuyers nationwide. Terrell echoed Cardone’s concerns, warning that the bill could make California a “magnet” for illegal immigrants. He urged Governor Gavin Newsom to veto the bill if he wants to maintain his political career.
Overall, experts are divided on the impact of the bill. While some see it as a necessary step towards providing housing assistance to undocumented immigrants, others view it as a political maneuver with potentially negative consequences. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the bill will ultimately impact California’s housing market and immigration policies.
Bo Tefu | California Black Media
Sports & Entertainment
Chargers’ reasons for optimism vs. Raiders in Week 1
The Chargers open their season on Sunday with a rivalry game against the Raiders, starting the Jim Harbaugh era with an emotionally charged contest. With last year’s national champion coach at Michigan now at the helm, there’s plenty of optimism to go around in Los Angeles.
Here’s why a Chargers win should unfold on Sunday.
Quarterback advantage
After filling in for an injured Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis last season, Minshew will lead the Raiders in Week 1, having beat out last year’s starter Aidan O’Connell for the job. Minshew was the 35th best quarterback by EPA/play last season; O’Connell was 44th. Neither looked particularly impressive in the preseason, either.
With Justin Herbert returning from a plantar fascia injury, the Chargers have a clear upper hand at quarterback. This early in the season, as teams are still putting the finishing touches on their identities, that talent gap is often enough to win games.
Renewed havoc defensively
Los Angeles will get their first extended look at the secondary of Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Asante Samuel Jr. and Kristian Fulton in Week 1, and also added safety/nickel Elijah Molden in a trade last week. That flexibility on the back end of the defense will allow the Chargers to rotate defenders to plenty of spots post-snap, clouding the picture for Minshew and not forcing any one player to match up with Davante Adams on a play-toplay basis.
Revitalized offensive line
Injuries caused inconsistencies and poor play along the offensive line for the Chargers a season ago. Rashawn Slater and Trey Pipkins played through lower-body injuries, Corey Linsley’s heart condition and an injury to Will Clapp decimated the depth at center, and Los Angeles struggled to gel all year.
Not so in 2024, as Los Angeles heads into Week 1 with more depth and no. 5 overall pick Joe Alt, who will start at right tackle in lieu of Pipkins, who shifts inside to right guard.
The Chargers also added center Bradley Bozeman to start at the pivot, with Slater and Zion Johnson on the left side.
Jamaree Salyer, last year’s starter at
The Chargers defense flew around the ball in Jesse Minter’s first preseason as defensive coordinator, disguising coverages and confusing opposing quarterbacks even without most of the starters playing much. That should continue against Minshew, who has historically struggled with more complex defenses.
the challenge.
Reloaded defensive line
Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Tuli Tuipulotu are all back for another season on the edge for the Chargers, as Bosa just had a club removed from a broken hand suffered in training camp. Mack made a statement in the first Raiders game with six sacks of O’Connell, and while Sunday likely won’t bring a similarly outstanding
Bosa, and Tuipulotu to combine for about two pressures just off the right side would be in line with last season’s performance.
Relative health
With Bosa back in full, the Chargers have every starter healthy except wide receiver DJ Chark, listed as a co-starter on LA’s unofficial depth chart with Quentin Johnston. Linebacker Nick Niemann and edge
right guard, moves to the bench with Foster Sarell, who will still be the swing tackle but also looked good at guard in the preseason.
With Christian Wilkins joining Maxx Crosby along the defensive front for the Raiders, it’ll be a trial by fire for Los Angeles in Week 1, but early returns suggest they’ll be up to
result, Las Vegas doesn’t have answers for all three pass rushers plus newly signed Bud Dupree. Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller was a strong pass blocker last season, but right tackle Thayer Munford Jr. was 77th out of 90 tackles with at least 150 snaps in pass blocking efficiency last season. He was credited with four sacks and 28 pressures allowed in 14 games played, so expecting Mack,
rusher Chris Rumph II, potential depth contributors, are on injured reserve, but the Chargers still have to feel good about their availability after missing Herbert, Gus Edwards, JK Dobbins, Ladd McConkey, Hayden Hurst, Bosa, Junior Colson, and Derwin James Jr. for portions of training camp.
Alex Katson
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage and Culture in Inglewood
Festival es Y Gratis Abierto al público.
The festival is free and open to the public. There will be live performances by Ballet Folklorico Macias, Tierra, Corazon de Mana, Clave Dura, and The Reel Band. Radio personality Caro Marquez will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. Other activities include a classic car show, information and
vendor booths, health screenings, children’s activities, and more. There will be delicious food provided by Pupusas Rita, Baja Fish Tacos, Tamale Fiesta, Sending Noods, and Wetzel Pretzel, to name a few.
Inglewood, CA (September 3, 2024) - On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the City of Inglewood will host its annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Market Street from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. and Community Services Department at (310) 412-8750 or visit the City’s website at www.cityofinglewood. org (search keyword: Hispanic Heritage Festival). Follow the City of Inglewood on social media (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) for reminders and announcements.
For more information about Inglewood’s Hispanic Heritage Festival, contact the Parks, Recreation
Tvfilm
too.
-The beer tents in the middle of the pit of the two side stages which blocks everyone’s view. Terrible choice, especially on the bounce stage. With that said, we basically camped out on the main Fool stage from Chaka until the end of the show. They played the audio/video from the other stage so you wouldn’t have to deal with going back and forth between acts which helped. Had a great time seeing what we got to see but I doubt I’d ever be back due to the issues. They were so damn understaffed. I get allowing chairs but they should’ve ONLY been allowed in those tent structures with security enforcing it. They also should’ve doubled the amount of those palette seating things by the food. It’s all a parking lot so not like you can just pop a squat without burning your ass off at noon.
We ended up leaving right after Santana because it was starting to get so crowded and honestly if you were trying to buy water it became a hassle to stand in the bar line so I was anticipating some super drunk and super mad people as the night wore on.
Friendly_Advice_3506
We paid for VIP when they went on sale. Then the month before they did a BOGO. free sale. So most people over paid up to $700. Thats fu$ked up and morally wrong on so many levels. There was no structure of the droves of people in the pathways and ZERO security around. The ratio of cops and security vs people = if sh** goes down the people are dying because the COPS AND SECURITY are all posted up at the exits. The VIP Bar at the cruisin stage at 2:00 pm was an ABSOLUTE JOKE!!!! Shame on the bartenders and the fact I had 22 people in front of me and it was an hour and ten minutes until I was able to get my beverages. This was so unorganized, drunk sloppy people by the end of the night. I’m all about drinking but the sloppiness I won’t ever get. I do not regret going however. It would of been a better experience with the proper staffing. I understand the line up of artists were amazing they cut corners at the expense of our safety. And we paid alot of money for them to do that. Make it make sense.
It was FYRE fest but it occurred.
1.Lowering ticket prices, 2 for 1 special $100 to get in but early buyers paid $350. LOL
2.Security on their cell phones not even doing their jobs.
3.Security dancing and watching the concert instead of patrolling.
4.Oversold show when they did the 2 for 1 special.
5.Layout was horrible, blocked entrances and passageways.
6.Food and drink stations were 30 min wait times
7.Ordering food was 2 lines, one to pay and another 30 mins to get your food.
8.Chairs everywhere, couldn’t walk or enjoy the show
9.Sound issues constantly
10.Security was a joke. Took 2 hours to get inside.
11.Lineup times were too close, 4 stages? Make it a 2-day festival.
12.Trash everywhere, nobody was cleaning up the trash
13.No water or soap in all the restroom areas
14.Did I mention horrible layout?
Immediate-Might7867
There were chair zones? I honestly don’t understand how anyone could bring their entire family, each with a chair, and decide to go towards the front. Could’ve been much better if I had enough room to dance. Such a disgrace those artists were mostly facing fans fully seated rather than a hyped up audience dancing, jumping, vibing.
TikTok users chimed in as well:
Meschella1492
The fact they put Smokey on that stage and not the big one Diana and Chaka was on blew my mind.
Mando Rodriguez
I knew this was going to happen. My friends asked me to go and immediately said NO WAYYY!
Petition Started
Disgruntled concert goer Suavecito Slim has started a petition on Change. org for others who felt shortchanged by festival organizers. In a post
titled “Demand Fool In Love Festival to Refund Overpriced Tickets in Accordance with California Law” he wrote:
As a music lover who has been treated with disdain, I personally fell victim to the deceptive pricing policy during the ticket release of Fool In Love Festival. Initially, I purchased VIP tickets at a price of $700 each, only to find out later that the prices dropped to $450 for the exact same ticket. Seeking redress, I approached their management team, but their reply was below par. They cited “All-in pricing” and “all sales are final” as their defense, but it is not commensurate under Federal law against such illicit methods of ticket sales.
Fool In Love Festival’s current practice not only violates California Law Sb478 which mandates price transparency but also breaches The Sherman Act and Federal Anti-Trust laws designed to protect against false advertising and deceptive sales tactics. This indicates unethical business practices from FrontGate Tickets and the organizers of Fool In Love Festival that should not go unaddressed.
This issue extends beyond my personal situation. Many other clients have been subjected to the same situation and this unfair policy may affect countless more in the future. We cannot allow businesses to take advantage of consumers by manipulating prices and ignoring state and federal laws. This is against consumer rights and clear corporate responsibility.
We demand Fool In Love Festival to issue refunds or reimbursements to all clients who purchased tickets at higher prices during their release, and for them to change their pricing policy to reflect transparency and honesty. Adding to that, it is high time wiser, more compassionate, and ethical selling strategies are bestowed upon the ones genuinely supporting the music scene. Take a stand against deceptive pricing tactics and protect consumer rights. Sign this petition now. The petition currently has 1,029 signatures. The next goal is 1,500.
