LAWT 10-11-2012 by LA WATTSTIMES

W E E K E N D E R

Vol. XXX, No. 1305

SEE PAGES 8-9

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, October 11, 2012

HOROSCOPES

Oct. 11 - 17

RIES ~ This week should bring an opportunity to further your education, don’t pass it up. Pay special attention to details at work. A friend needs your support. Find joy in giving it. Soul Affirmation: All things work together for good. AURUS ~ Your leadership skills are shining this week, so get out there and glimmer with good vibrations. Others are looking to you for guidance and as a path to follow. Let your journey through the week provide a good model. Soul Affirmation: I let worry fly away. EMINI ~ You are brilliant this week as you gather materials and resources together for an important project. There’s a good probability for wonderful news late in the afternoon. Ride the vibes and be gentle with your own feelings. Soul Affirmation: There are plenty of fish in the sea waiting for me. ANCER ~ A date or meeting that is unexpectedly cancelled may make someone very unhappy. Recognize that all things work for good, and that a better solution is being provided in the space between what you think you want and what you are getting. Soul Affirmation: This week silence speaks loudest and truest. EO ~ Serenity is yours as you realize you can get what you need. It’s coming and you deserve it! Take a few quiet moments this week to listen to your inner voice. It will give you a powerful hint about what activities you should be pursuing right now. Soul Affirmation: I let positive emotions carry me through the week. IRGO ~ In all of the hustle and bustle of the week this week, take some time to observe the Now. There’s a great deal to be thankful for! A great idea could come to you when you are out with friends. Soul Affirmation: I celebrate with those around me.

IBRA ~ Relax the grip you have on your attitudes this week, and just go with the flow. Ease up in full knowledge that goodness is being perfectly fulfilled. Let go of any feelings of insecurity or loss and bless the perfect moment. Soul Affirmation: I quiet all confusion CORPIO ~ Exhilaration is high and your mental abilities are amazing. Use your intuition to brainstorm your way to a highly creative idea that could change the way you make your living. Soul Affirmation: I give thanks for the chance to give. AGITTARIUS ~ What you say and what you do are in harmony this week. The importance of your idea(s) comes through very clearly to others. They can see that you walk what you talk. Communicate your ideas through your values. Soul Affirmation: I give thanks for the goodness in people. APRICORN ~ If you feel as if the vibes this week are mixed at best, make up your mind to only receive the positive ones. Tune the transmitter in your soul to life and give your spiritual a workout. You are in charge of who you are. Soul Affirmation: I see myself as a finisher rather than a starter this week. QUARIUS ~ A benefit arrives, and there’s good reason to celebrate. Claim your blessing and do the happy dance! Loving, supportive friends surround you, and family members are well behaved. Enjoy! Soul Affirmation: I speak my mind knowing that truth is my best defense this week. ISCES ~ Look forward to some pleasant news. There is every possibility for a renewed love affair or a refreshing new romantic interest. Free yourself from the past and make a fresh start. Soul Affirmation: I see myself as a finisher rather than a starter this week.

Inside This Edition

7 8

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WEEKENDER Published Weekly – Updates 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 Administration – Sales – Graphics – Editorial 323.299.3800 - office 323.291.6804 - fax Beverly Cook – Publisher, Managing Editor 1976 – 1993 Charles Cook – Publisher 1976 – 1998 Melanie Polk – Publisher 1998 – 2010 WWW.LAWATTSTIMES.COM

EMAIL: wattsweekender@yahoo.com Circulation ..................................................................................30,000 The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the L.A. Watts Times. The L.A. Watts Times is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, CDs or tapes. CIRCULATION AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL

On October 20, at the seventh annual Taste of Soul Family Festival, the Los Angeles Sentinel and Bakewell Media will launch StarQuest, a new entertainment stage for its inaugural talent search/ singing competition. Auditions held on October 11 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, will result in the selection of 12 semi-finalists who will perform on the StarQuest stage during the festival. From the pool of semi-finalists, two will be selected. One will perform on The Wave (94.7 FM) stage, the other on the Radio Free KJLH (102.3 FM) stage in front of an expected crowd of 250,000 people. The semi-finalists will be selected by a panel of judges, who will score their performances. The judges include executive producer, Tony Cornelius, son of the legendary Don Cornelius creator of “Soul Train,” Yvette Bailey (former “Soul Train” producer), talent executive, Rayva Harrell (Nickelodeon’s “All That,”

“The Steve Harvey Morning Show”). Tony Cornelius said: “It is an honor to be given the opportunity to work with the Los Angeles Sentinel, Bakewell Media and community legend, Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., creator of Taste of Soul and StarQuest in developing the Taste of Soul “StarQuest” Singing Competition, which will open another door for hundreds of talented individuals in our community who would otherwise be left out of today’s mainstream music variety formats. Our team of industry professionals is committed to find the best of the best voice our community has to offer. This show is a MUST SEE, I’ll guarantee it.” The StarQuest Singing Competition will provide a monumental platform for Southern California’s rising stars. Be there to hear the StarQuest singing sensations. For more information go to, www.TasteOfSoulLA.org or www. lasentinal.net.

Egypt releases first draft of new constitution

L.A. Watts Times

Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. ............Executive Publisher & Executive Editor Brenda Marsh Mitchell ..................................Executive Vice President Tracey Mitchell ......................................................................Controller Brandon I. Brooks ..................................................Co-Managing Editor Yussuf J. Simmonds ..............................................Co-Managing Editor Jennifer Bihm................................................................Assistant Editor Bernard Lloyd ....................................................Director of Advertising Benjamin Samuels ....................................................Graphic Designer Kim McGill ............................................................Production Designer

StarQuest Singing Competition Talent Search

12 BlackFacts.com October 14, 1916 Sophomore tackle Paul Robeson is excluded from the Rutgers football team when Washington and Lee University refused to play against an African American. The exclusion will be temporary and the young Robeson will go on to be named a football AllAmerican twice.

The panel writing Egypt’s new constitution has released an unfinished draft of the document, calling for a public debate on the charter in the face of mounting criticism. The parliament-selected panel is dominated by Islamists. It has come under criticism from liberals and secularists who accuse the panel of seeking to place limits in the new constitution on religious freedoms and women’s rights. They have challenged the 100-

member panel in courts, calling for its disbandment. Leading Islamist panel member Mohammed el-Beltagi told reporters the assembly has not voted on the draft it released on October 10. He appealed for public feedback on the incomplete document. A final version will eventually be put to a referendum. Egyptians are writing the charter following longtime President Hosni Mubarak’s ouster last year in a popular uprising.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Mervyn M. Dymally – A political era has ended He was a political icon and his passing has left a void in California and indeed national politics; he was involved in state and national politics for the past half a century

Mervyn Dymally’s favorite quote: “THIS ABOVE ALL: TO THINE OWNSELF BE TRUE, AND IT MUST FOLLOW, AS THE NIGHT THE DAY, THOU CANST NOT THEN BE FALSE TO ANY MAN.” – Shakespeare’s Hamlet When Assemblyman Mervyn M. Dymally was last in the California State Assembly, he put out a booklet for his constituents titled, ‘A Legacy of Service.’ In it, he briefly outlined some of his accomplishments throughout his political career from his days as a special education teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District up to

his return to the Assembly. In California, he was considered the ‘Dean of Black Politicians’ and for almost half a century, he impacted the political environment not only in California, Washington D.C., Africa and the Caribbean, but he also mentored a generation of elected officials. He died on Sunday, October 7. COMING TO AMERICA Dymally started life in Trinidad, West Indies and as he said, “My father would roll in his grave if he heard me say that we were poor; not in the sense of food or housing, we were cash poor.” His father was Muslim and his mother was Catholic, but he ended up in the Episcopalian Anglican Church. According to Dymally, he had “a typi-

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BY YUSSUF J. SIMMONDS CO-MANAGING EDITOR

cal boyhood country experience playing soccer and cricket, eating mangoes and sugarcane. Our basic meal was fish and rice.” After finishing elementary and secondary schooling in Trinidad, he went to work as a reporter for the Trade Union publication, “The Vanguard.” While working there, he was introduced to U.S. newspapers: the Chicago Defender and the Pittsburgh Courier. That sparked his interest in the United States. He applied to a number of journalism schools in the U.S. and was accepted at Lincoln University School of Journalism, Jefferson City, Missouri. At 19, he came to the U. S. and since he did not receive proper counseling before making the transition, Dymally had difficulty in adjusting to life here: the dynamics of race, economics, and the (cold) weather. He moved around a bit, went to New York, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois before coming to Los

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Angeles, California to attend Chapman College. He eventually ended up at Los Angeles State College (now California State University. L.A.). ENTERING POLITICS (In the Assembly & the State Senate) He began as a substitute teacher, then took the teachers’ examination and passed, but had to hold down two jobs “to make ends meet.” Eventually he joined the Young Democrats. Dymally stated that at one of the elections for officers of the state convention, all the officers were listed except treasurer, and he ended up as state treasurer. In 1960, he became actively involved in the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles and later on, in the Kennedy presidential campaign. Dymally met Augustus “Gus” Hawkins, who eventually won a congressional seat and got him interested in running for his (Hawkins') assembly seat. Some people told him that “Black people are not going to elect a guy with an accent named Mervyn.” During that time, he met Kenneth “Ken” Orduna, who would become his lifelong confidante and trusted advisor. About Dymally, Orduna wrote in ‘A Legacy of Service’: “I have been privileged to be by his side as an eyewitness and as a worker with him as he matured to become the most effective, sensitive, and humble world-renowned political leader and Statesman…’ In 1962, he got elected to the California State Assembly where he introduced the first legislation in the U. S. to call for the teaching of “Negro” history in California Schools. When asked the future of education in California he stated, “The future of young Blacks is education. No country offers an opportunity for growth in education as the United States. The key to it all is education.” Four years later, Dymally was elected as the first Black member of the California Senate where he introduced legislation calling for equal property rights for women. In his 12 years in the State Assembly and the Senate, he got “knocked down” many times in his attempts to get his legislation passed, but he kept coming back with more powerful and creative approaches. As Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Congressman His next political step was in 1974; Dymally became the first of only 2 Black lieutenant governors in the U. S. In that position, he would sometimes act as governor when the governor was out of state. Also in that position, he was president of the State Senate, regent of the University of California and trustee of the California State Universities and Colleges. As lieutenant governor, Dymally reportedly said, “I believe it is the responsibility of government to assist those citizens in need to become productive members of our society.” This was the personal ethic that drove him to serve the people, his family and society in general. In 1976, while Dymally was lieu-

Mervyn M. Dymally tenant governor, he was honored by the Brotherhood Crusade as a pioneer of Black political leadership. The honorees also included Mayor Tom Bradley, Gus Hawkins, Gilbert Lindsay and Supervisor (then Congresswoman) Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, who remembers Dymally. “I first met Merv just before going into the legislature; my husband had previously worked for him. When the African American Museum was being established, it was Merv that made sure of the legislation. And it was he, along with Teresa Hughes, that got it passed; and even today, Merv and Teresa continue to work together on important issues to the community.” Dymally also had his share of racial and legal entanglements. In a recent interview in “California Conversations,” the spring 2006 edition, he was asked, “Why was the press after you in those days?” and he reportedly answered, “I didn’t know how to handle the media. I was very intimidated and I fought back. I called them racists and they went after me.” “Were they racist?” the interviewer then followed up. Dymally replied, “You know racism is unfortunately a part of the institution in America.” He lost the race for a second term as lieutenant governor in 1978 and returned to civilian life. In 1980, he rebounded and was elected to the United States Congress where he served until retiring in 1992. During his tenure, Dymally served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, and established important relations with Caribbean and African countries. In Congress, he was able to introduce legislation for reparations for Japanese-Americans for World War II internment experiences; and to permit Filipino-Americans, World War II veterans to become U.S. citizens. When Dymally left Congress, after 12 years, he used his time and experience cultivating relationships at home and in countries all over the world. His world See MERVYN DYMALLY, page 15

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Willowbrook/Avalon project hearing appeal lost (Was it a sham?)

Shuttle Endeavour’s route and public viewing areas

Photo by Brandon I. Brooks

LAWT WIRE SERVICE

BY LARRY BUFORD LAWT CONTRIBUTING WRITER The abandoned property located within the West Rancho DominguezVictoria Community Standards District, a.k.a Willowbrook, is secured by a padlocked seven-foot fence. The abandoned houses – boarded up and nearly hidden from view by tree branches and other foliage – have not been a known problematic haven for crime and vagrancy. Still it was cited as part of the criteria for the community losing an appeal in opposition to a proposed 55-unit low to very low income housing project where 70 percent of the heads of household will have a mental illness caused by drugs and alcohol abuse. In his closing statement, L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, a proponent of the project stated in part, “…the parcel on Avalon Boulevard…is currently a source of nuisance and blight…the proposed development would mitigate the existing adverse environmental conditions.” That sounds well and good, but to date some residents wonder if Ridley-Thomas has ever visited the site firsthand (which is in his [2nd] district). They also wonder – for a project of this magnitude – why he did not personally attend any of the community meetings. There is no record that he did. Conspicuously, the announcement ‘Supervisors greenlight affordable housing project for Willowbrook’ was posted on the internet with an artists’ rendering of the complex the same day the hearing took place on August 14. Was the hearing a sham or an empty formality? The story first appeared in the Los Angeles Sentinel (February 23, 2012) after developer A Community of Friends (ACOF) hosted a community meeting to introduce the project in January. During the meeting citizens were told of the plans to break ground by December 2012. One of the immediate concerns was that of the 150 notices ACOF sent out to residents, none were in Spanish for the benefit of the Latino population. Concerns about the ambitious plan and ramifications were raised and addressed, but in the end residents felt that ACOF was taking them for granted and had not done an adequate

impact study. Subsequent community meetings were hosted by ACOF while a local group – Friends and Neighbors Community Club (FNCC) founded by Randy Hughes – mobilized a petition and garnered nearly 1000 signatures in opposition by the time the first hearing with the Regional Planning Committee took place in June. At the hearing the signatures went virtually ignored as the panel unanimously ruled in ACOF’s favor. It was noted that after listening to both sides, one of the commissioners asked that the hearing be postponed because there was no representation from the community’s 2nd District County Supervisor’s Office. An ACOF representative complained that if the hearing were postponed ACOF would lose out on tax credits in July, and would not qualify again until March 2013. The committee then unanimously granted the approval. After FNCC filed for an appeal, attorneys for ACOF sent a letter to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors requesting that the appeal be denied. It read in part that “…the appellants failed to explain any reasons for the appeal other than to state: ‘Do not want the project in our community.’” Based on information obtained from the Regional Planning Commission, FNCC’s appeal in fact stated: “The subject property is zoned C-2 (Neighborhood Business) which does not have a specific density limit, although apartment buildings are allowed with a conditional use permit (CUP). It does have a General Plan land use category of ‘1 – Low Density Residential,’ which generally allows residential densities of between one and six dwelling units per acre. For this [proposed] site, which is 1.72 acres, it would normally allow 10 dwelling units. We understand the Housing Element of the General Plan also allows density bonuses for affordable housing projects. However, a density bonus of 550 percent will have an extremely detrimental effect on this community.” The appeal letter further drew a comparison to other low housing units in the vicinity: Jordan Downs – 700 units on 46 acres (15 See WILLOWBROOK/AVALON, page 12

Unified Command reminds the public that on October 12 and 13, the Space Shuttle Endeavour will be traveling through the cities of Los Angeles and Inglewood. While they invite the public to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, they want to “remind the public that cooperation from all our residents, visitors, and public safety departments is needed in order to be completed safely and with minimal impact to traffic and to the local communities…” Due to the tremendous size of

Endeavour they said, streets along with sidewalks will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians to ensure public safety. The public should anticipate traffic delays on the route and in the surrounding areas throughout the Endeavor’s last mission. Sidewalk closures along the route may be opened as determined by the Unified Command based on street width, fixed obstacles, and public safety issues on a block-by-block basis. Unified Command realizes the inconvenience “Mission 26” is having on local communities and will make every effort to balance both the needs of the public

with the goal of getting Endeavour to its new home. “Endeavour is a unique item and its transportation presents a unique challenge,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “Never before has an item of this size traversed our city streets. While this once-in-a-lifetime event is a cause for celebration, public safety remains the city’s top priority. We encourage the public to view Endeavour as it travels through the streets of Los Angeles, but urge that we do so in the safest manner possible.” See SHUTTLE ROUTE, page 13

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Experience to the Top

This one-of-a-kind StarQuest Singing Competition will provide a monumental platform for Southern California’s rising stars at the 7TH ANNUAL TASTE OF SOUL Family Festival on Oct. 20th.

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Are You Sta A r?

Thursday, October 11, 2012

AUDITIONS 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tas Sat. te of , Oc Sou 10A tobe l r MFor Contestant Guidelines, go to: 7PM 20 www.tasteofsoulla.org (323) 299-3800 Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza Macy’s Bridge

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Crenshaw/LAX light Persons Of The Week | Robert L. Johnson Bob Johnson closes on acquisition deal forming RLJ Entertainment rail project brings promise of swifter transit in South L.A.

LAWT WIRE SERVICE Balancing her toddler and shopping bags while boarding a Metro bus at Crenshaw Boulevard and Rodeo Road, Bianca Brown does not hesitate when asked for her thoughts on the coming Crenshaw/LAX light rail line. Gesturing toward other passengers on Metro Line 210, the twentysomething mother of one rattles off a checklist of benefits that reliable rail transit will bring to people like herself: South Los Angeles residents who use Metro as their primary mode of transportation. “I think the [rail] line would be fabulous,” Brown said, as she settled into a seat on the bus. “That would be great — for us women, especially, because we have to take the baby out the stroller and the car seats to get on the bus. More trains? I think that’s a lot better. You get there faster, especially if you have to work and go to school.” Scheduled to begin operation by late 2018, the 8.5-mile Crenshaw/LAX light rail line will begin at Crenshaw and Exposition boulevards, a busy hub on the already-popular Expo Line light rail that opened to much fanfare last summer. It will travel on a route that passes through the heart of historically black South L.A., Inglewood, Hawthorne, El Segundo and parts of unincorporated L.A. County, before ending at the Aviation/LAX Station now serving the Metro Green Line. At a total cost of $1.7 billion, there are currently six stations confirmed for the Crenshaw/LAX rail line: Crenshaw/Exposition, Crenshaw/Martin Luther King Jr., Crenshaw/Slauson, Florence/West, Florence/La Brea and Aviation/Century. There are two more stations — one at Leimert Park Village, the other at Florence/Hindry between Inglewood and Westchester — Metro planners want to include if funding can be secured. Funding for the project comes primarily through Measure R, a halfcent sales tax approved by L.A.

County voters in 2008 — earmarking a projected $40 billion for congestion relief and other transportation projects throughout the region. Preliminary work on the Crenshaw/LAX line has already begun. In June, a Metro contractor began performing a one-year, $8.6 million utility relocation project at 10 points along the Crenshaw Corridor, which officials say will be completed before work commences on the main design-build contract. Since 2010, Metro has hosted a series of community meetings and open houses intended to keep the public informed about progress on the project; in addition, the agency has also provided support to the Crenshaw/LAX Community Leadership Council, an advisory body that meets regularly to represent the interests of nearby residents and businesses. With the Crenshaw/LAX project is expected to generate thousands of jobs, including construction and manufacturing, the Metro Board of Directors in January unanimously approved a landmark targeted hiring agreement. Covering virtually all Metro projects, the agreement requires that 40 percent of work hours on agency projects be performed by local workers living in disadvantaged areas. For minority and women contractors, Metro's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program provides specialized opportunities for small businesses to win contracts during the Crenshaw/LAX construction phase. A select number of stations on the Crenshaw/LAX light rail line are slated to be built below street level, a development that comes as good news for elderly riders like Earold Johnson, 85, who discussed the project on an unseasonably hot day while waiting for a bus at Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Jr. boulevards. A regular on Metro’s 105 bus line, Johnson believes a rail line on Crenshaw would bring relief to thousands of South L.A. residents whose daily lives rely on mass transit. See CRENSHAW LINE, page 15

Robert L. Johnson, chairman of The RLJ Companies and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), announced recently that RLJ Acquisition, Inc. has successfully completed the business combination acquiring Image Entertainment, Inc. and Acorn Media Group, Inc., two highly complementary media content distribution companies to create RLJ Entertainment, Inc. Approved by the company’s, Image’s and Acorn’s respective shareholders, RLJ Entertainment, Inc. becomes one of the largest independent global distributors of digital and video content. “RLJ Entertainment CEO Ted Green, COO Miguel Penella, and I are very excited about this new business combination,” said Johnson. “RLJ Entertainment’s goal is to become a preeminent distributor of content to all media platforms including DVD and Blu-Ray, digital downloads, digital streaming, and broadcast and cable. We are also committed as part of our business strategy, to leveraging our experience in acquiring, distributing, and monetizing content to create branded digital subscription channels over the Internet targeted to distinct audiences that are underserved by current media platforms and interested in programming that appeals directly to their unique viewing interests. “RLJ Entertainment believes that the growing convergence of streaming

Robert L. Johnson digital content directly to the television set will revolutionize the way consumers acquire content on a customized a la carte basis rather than purchasing bundled packages. RLJ Entertainment is uniquely situated to become a prominent player in a digital media world where the consumer controls what they want to see and when and where they want to see it.” RLJ Entertainment marks the third company Johnson has taken public,

including Black Entertainment Television, which became the first African American company publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange in 1991 and RLJ Lodging Trust, a $2 billion market cap hotel REIT with 144 hotels, which Johnson co-founded with CEO Tom Baltimore, went public in May of 2011. Shares of RLJ Entertainment common stock will be traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the stock ticker symbol RLJE. RLJ Entertainment warrants will be traded on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board. The company anticipates that payments to holders of its shares of common stock that redeemed their shares will be made promptly following the closing of the business combination. In conjunction with and to provide funding for these acquisitions and RLJ Entertainment’s ongoing working capital needs, RLJ Entertainment entered into a $70 million credit agreement with a group led by SunTrust, which includes a five-year $15 million revolving credit facility and three tranches of term loans totaling $55 million with final maturities ranging from five to five and one-half years, at interest rates ranging from prime rate plus 5 percent to 6.25percent or LIBOR plus 6 percent to 7.25 percent plus an additional 3 percent per annum paid in kind on the last $15 million of the facilities.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

F E AT U R E

Gas Price Hikes Concern Community Investigation Ensues BY THANDISIZWE CHIMURENGA LAWT Contributing Writer Relief may be on the horizon for Angelenos and the cars they love. Record-breaking gas prices that prompted a California representative to call for a federal investigation of the oil industry have begun to slow. According to the American Automobile Association, average prices in the city of Los Angeles are holding at an average of $4.90 per gallon. Some areas in the city have seen prices climb well above $5 and still other areas have hit $6 per gallon. The automobile club says that California car drivers are currently paying more on average than others throughout the country.

COVER / FEATURE PHOTO BY : TROY TIEUEL

A Reuters story posted to Yahoo! News on Oct, 10, said that prices began to surge the previous week when “ … a series of reﬁnery mishaps pinched supplies,” and because of “ … a possible ‘short squeeze’ that came about when a big reﬁner was forced to buy fuel … ” . Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) apparently didn’t buy that argument; she has contacted the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which has oversight of the oil and gas market in the U.S., twice in the past two months, asking them for immediate action. In an Oct. 7 letter to FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz, Feinstein stated that “California’s consumers are all too familiar with energy price spikes which cannot be explained by market fundamentals, and which turn out years later to have been the result of malicious and manipulative trading activity. It is with this history in mind that I call on the FTC to act immediately and aggressively to protect California’s consumers.” The “malicious and manipulative trading activity”

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

Feinstein referred to in her letter was the state’s energy crisis back in 2000-2001. According to the Federal Energy Regulation Commission, the Enron Corporation was responsible for real and imaginary energy shortages, with rolling electrical blackouts throughout the state that left more than 100,000 businesses and residential customers in the dark. Enron “used the fear created by the blackouts to push large California businesses into more than $1 billion in long-term energy contracts,” wrote MarketWatch Magazine in May of 2002. Feinstein called on the FTC “to immediately initiate an investigation” into whether the Tesoro Corporation, which was short on supply and thus unable to meet the demand for gas, had been “squeezed” by other companies; seek data sharing agreements that will allow it to monitor gasoline and oil markets actively and eơectively; and that the FTC establish a permanent gasoline and oil market oversight unit. Locally, small business owners and regular folks have also felt a sting at the gas pump. Purcell Keeling, owner of Simply Wholesome Res-

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, October 11, 2012

...average of $4.90 per gallon... ...a series of refinery mishaps pinched supplies... ...a possible ‘short squeeze’...

taurant and Grocery Store in the Windsor Hills area, says that his suppliers had already accessed a fuel cost surcharge “before it got crazy” in the last couple of weeks. Keeling says an average of $5 had been attached to his invoices for deliveries that began around the ﬁrst of the year and he’s still paying it. Thus far, this most recent of gas price hikes has not caused an increase in his surcharge. “As long as I’ve been in business I’ve never experienced an increase, but who knows, it could happen.” Keeling says he understands that his suppliers “have to survive too.” “A business can write it oơ [higher fuel prices] as an expense, but what about the average person? They can’t write that oơ, it’s just a loss. It cuts into their bottom line and they have to start cutting back on certain things,” he said. Like visiting relatives and “hanging out.” Maria Muniz, an organizer with the Community Coalition, says that is one of the adjustments she’s had to make. Since the increases in the cost of gas, Muniz says she’s “had to do more planning ahead to visit relatives in San Bernardino. I can’t just pick up and drive out there anymore. I remember when $20 ﬁlled up a tank; now that doesn’t even make a dent, and I have a small car. I wanted to buy a sport utility vehicle for more convenience and more comfort for my family, but these gas

prices have made it not worth it,” said Muniz. Muniz, who lives in the Florence-Broadway corridor, said she had also been walking more, choosing to go to local convenience stores to shop instead of driving to Food 4 Less or Ralphs where she usually buys her groceries. Like most people, the grocery stores she frequented were two to three miles from her home. Muniz had hoped to save gas but she found out the hard way that the prices in her local convenience stores were higher than if she had driven to the larger stores. The Community Coalition, based in the Vermont Knolls area, is a membership organization founded by Congresswoman Karen Bass in 1990, to involve grassroots residents in creating, inﬂuencing and changing public policy. The organization provides a transportation service for its members to its own meetings and meetings with policy makers around the city, and Muniz and other organizers say the numbers of members requesting the service have increased. One local company that has been hard hit by the current surge is the Jackson Limousine Company, in the View Park section of Los Angeles. The company has been in business for 35 years, and while they’ve gone through rough patches before, owner E.J. Jackson, says “ … right now, its very, very rough. I’m walking by faith and not by sight. I’m taking it day by day.” Jackson says the current crisis has “aơected me tremendously” because, unlike most businesses, Jackson Limousine is unable to pass the higher costs of fuel

onto its customers. “We have clients who want to pay no or low money, and we’re competing with companies that have money, who do this [limousine services] as a hobby, as a tax write oơ; they underbid you for shows. Even some of the celebrities, if you don’t quote a rock bottom price, they won’t use you. Some of them have the money but use it for other things,” said Jackson. Underbidding is only one problem companies like Jackson’s face. “Sometimes, large clients may pay you in a month if they pay you, and we have to carry that debt until we get paid. Some celebrities run up a bill and don’t pay at all.” An increase in the cost of fuel to companies that are already carrying debt from clients who have not paid for the services is unhealthy, to say the least. In spite of such circumstances, Jackson feels that the company is “truly blessed” and is thankful for being in the business for 35 years. He says that regardless of the current gas price crisis, his company is planning to continue its tradition of giving back to the community by having their annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. He says that in spite of company problems like gas hikes and negative clients, the turkey giveaway provides hope to the community. “We see the hunger and hopelessness in peoples faces. I’d rather lose this company than to not do the turkey giveaway, said Jackson. “If I have to sell every limo on this lot; we are compelled to do the giveaway.”

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Poitier, Outterbridge honored by CAAM

Sidney Poitier BY JOY CHILDS LAWT CONTRIBUTING WRITER It truly was an artful night, as the Friends of the California African American Museum (CAAM) feted legendary actor Sidney Poitier and acclaimed artist John Outterbridge with Lifetime Achievement awards at the foundation’s seventh annual blacktie fundraiser this past Saturday. CAAM’s main hall was transformed into an elegantly glamorous and festive venue, with pristine white tablecloths and dainty bright burgundy flowers adorning the tables. A diverse group of hundreds of dinner guests turned out to honor the two and to also support the museum, which is a huge source of community pride, at the event called “An Artful

Evening at CAAM.” Celebrities who came out to salute the honorees and to support CAAM’s outreach missions — Mentoring Generations Program, the Young Docent High School Intern Program, and the Busses and Docents Program (the last of which provides transportation service for Title I schools that otherwise could not afford a field trip to CAAM) — included Larkin Arnold, Clarence Avant, Howard Bingham, Bernie Casey, Art Hillery, Dawnn Lewis and Larenz Tate. The excitement that comes with being in the in-crowd and honoring an acting gem like Mr. Poitier was palpable — from CCH Pounder, the Emmy®-nominated actress who hosted the event and welcomed the crowd to former First A.M.E. pastor Cecil

John Outterbridge

“Chip” Murray standing up for the requisite invocation to the scrumptious dinner catered by Wolfgang Puck. A little while later, several young docents who’ll no doubt directly benefit from the fundraiser proudly shared their life-changing experiences and career goals. CAAM Executive Director Charmaine Jefferson beamed with pride as she told of how the funds raised by CAAM and its 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Friends of CAAM support the state-supported institution’s missions and goals. CAAM hosts around 10 in-house curated and/or traveling exhibitions and more than 80 public programs each year. As Councilman Bernard C. Parks explained: “We work very closely with CAAM because they used to be in our district … This is a place that really is our legacy for this city and the nation. It’s the only place you can find the concentration of African American art, culture and history in one place … And for those who are unfamiliar or who came along after the struggle, this is the place for them to get a tremendous education about our past … ” Though he’d met Poitier only once, when jokingly asked about his favorite Sidney Poitier movie moment, Parks responded, “a scene in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ ”! The reigning grand dame of stage and screen, Diahann Carroll, who’s known Poitier since both were starting in the business (he was in the historic Negro Ensemble Company while she was in the Actor’s Studio: “I already knew how to be a Negro,” she quipped), says it was important for her to be there primarily because of him. Her favorite Poitier movie moment? She said she’d seen all his movies and, because the two are friends, they’d discussed many of them, so she couldn’t name her absolute favorite, sighing, “There were just too many of them.” Jackée Harry, the diva behind “227,” then “Sister, Sister,” told of meeting Poitier when he was in New York casting young people for a movie. She was 15 at the time. The star looked her straight in the eye and told her, “You know you’re going to be famous,” as she nervously shivered inside. Many, many years later, at a time that she would have sworn he didn’t know her from Tom’s house cat, she ran into him at an event and he said to her, “I met you when you were just 15!” She chuckled at the memory, going on to reveal that she’s just learned in an elevator ride with Poitier and Carroll that at one time the three had lived in the same building in Hollywood — Joan Collins too! Talented actor Larenz Tate said his favorite Poitier movie moment was from “In the Heat of the Night” when Poitier declares, “They call me Mr. Tibbs.” As Tate saw the movie just recently, he noted: “It’s such a strong moment in the film but it was such a strong moment in our culture for someone to stand up and say, ‘Recognize who I am.’ ” When called to accept the award, Mr. Poitier graciously thanked his forebears for giving him the strength to do what he’s done and what he will do — and, the actor added, it was always his intent to be famous! Right on point!

OWN strikes exclusive multiyear partnership with Tyler Perry

LAWT WIRE SERVICE OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced an exclusive partnership with Tyler Perry, the award winning actor, director, screenwriter, playwright and producer, to become his singular destination for all new television series and projects, including two new scripted series for the network to premiere in mid 2013. These will be the first original scripted series for OWN and Perry will executive produce, write and direct both series. The announcement comes as the network closed its third consecutive quarter of year-over-year, doubledigit ratings gains across primetime and total day in the key women 25-54 demo (+63percent and +70 percent respectively) and saw triple-digit ratings growth in September. OWN network officials have said that they felt targeting an underserved African-American audience may be the best opportunity for the network to sustain growth. OWN has produced ratings winners with “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” and interview specials with artist Rihanna. Perry’s popular television series “Tyler Perry's House of Payne” “Meet The Browns” and “For Better Or Worse” have been massive hits with record-breaking ratings. Perry had his first foray into television in 2007 with the hit series “House of Payne,” which premiered as cable’s biggest comedy debut ever. The series remained basic cable’s toprated sitcom only until the premiere of Perry’s second series “Meet The Browns.” “I have been looking forward to

the day when we would be in the position to enter the world of scripted television. That day has come,” said Oprah Winfrey, CEO, OWN. “We are all energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Tyler who has a proven track record for producing highly successful cable series. He has an incredible ability to illuminate life stories and characters in his unique voice and inspires and encourages people all over the world.” “It’s a dream realized to partner with Oprah and bring scripted programming to OWN,” stated Perry. “She has accomplished so much with the network and I’m excited to work with her to be a part of its continued growth.” “Bringing Tyler Perry exclusively to OWN is a major coup. Today’s announcement demonstrates the power of the Oprah brand to attract some of the biggest names in television and film to OWN,” said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications. “OWN’s growth over the past nine months has been nothing short of phenomenal and, with the continued support of our advertising and affiliate Partners, this bold move into scripted entertainment positions OWN to continue that momentum going forward.” OWN’s flagship series “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” featuring Winfrey’s interviews with top news-making celebrities, has given the network its highest ratings ever, hitting No. 1 in its time period in all of cable multiple times. The fall premiere of the OWN original primetime series “Iyanla: Fix My Life” featuring life coach See OWN/TYLER PERRY, page 15

Thursday, October 11, 2012

10 / 2012

e v e n t LISTINGS

L.A. Watts Times Calendar, Compiled by Brandon I. Brooks, Co-Managing Editor 10/11 “THE JOURNEY OF HENRY BOX BROWN”: A film by Karyn Parsons, narrated by Alfre Woodard. The story of Henry Box Brown will allow both children and adults to become acquainted with the historic true tale of “a man who mailed himself to freedom in a wooden box from a plantation in Richmond, Virginia to freedom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1848.” WHERE: Compton Library 240 W. Compton Blvd. Compton, CA 90220. WHEN: 11:00 a.m. For more information call (310) 637-0202 or visit colapublib.org. For ADA accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter or materials in an alternate format, call 562-940-8462 (voice) or 562-940-8477 (TTY), M-F, 8-5, at least six days prior to event. The program will include an art activity. California Reads programs are made possible with support from Cal Humanities in partnership with California Center for the Book.

10/13 YOUTH AND THE LAW: Professional Attorneys who are members of the 100 Black Men of Los Angeles (100BMLA), will conduct a briefing called “Youth and the Law,” where young men can participate in the practice of being an attorney. There will be role playing and eventually a mock trial where all of the participants will be young people in a courtroom setting. This is an activity of the “See Your Future Mentoring Program” sponsored by the 100 BMLA. Age group 11 to 17 (Young men & women). WHEN: 10 a.m. WHERE: Initial Orientation at 3701 Stocker Suite 309A Los Angeles, CA 90008. For more questions, please send email to: info@100bmla.org with “Youth and the Law” in the subject line. For more information visit, www.100bmla.org and www.youngblackscholars.com. “41ST AND CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE LA BLACK PANTHERS”: This film screening will be accompanied by a Black Panther Party exhibit by the Southern California Library, and discussion with original Black Panther Party members, Roland Freeman and Wayne Pharr. If you previously missed the screening of this documentary at other venues around Los Angeles, this is an opportunity to view the film and join the discussion, while learning about the Los Angeles Chapter’s origins, its services to the community, conflicts with LAPD and the US Organization, as well as the murder of Panther members at UCLA, the role of counterintelligence operations, violations of constitutional rights, and other circumstances that led to the Chapter’s tragic demise. Filmmaker Gregory Everett is the son of original LA Chapter Black Panther member, Jeffrey Everett. WHEN: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. WHERE: AC Bilbrew Library, 150 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles 90061. For more information call (310) 538-3350 or visit colapublib.org

15TH ANNUAL FIRST LADIES HIGH TEA: L.A. Focus News is pleased to announce the 15th annual “First Ladies High Tea”. WHERE: Hosted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles, CA. WHEN: 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. Hosted by GRAMMY Award winner Gospel Singer, Yolanda Adams, who will also be presenting The Yolanda Adams Fashion Collection. Popular

actor, comedian and director, Cedric The Entertainer will be the programs announcer and GRAMMY winning gospel duo, Mary Mary will receive the Spirit Award, as well as live performances by actress and gospel singer Tamela Mann, along with gospel singer Cedric “The Entertainer” Kathy Taylor Brown. Other celebrity guests include; actress Elise Neal, David (Meet The Browns) Mann, musician Sheila E, Sheree (Hollywood Exes) Fletcher and others. The event will honor women

starts at 3:00 p.m. Show Time: 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Featuring, comedy, jazz, reggae, salsa and soul. Performances by: Shea Welsh & Friends, Urban Dread, Bob DeSana & His Latin Jazz Band, Masta and the Edge of Soul. Group Tickets available through website, groovinonsunday.com. PRE-SALE VIP Seating - $ 35.00 (1st 15 rows reserved seating). General Admission - $ 25.00 (open seating). Inglewood Tickets (310) 6716400. For more information call PIP’S Entertainment (310) 670-6937.

UP & COMING 10/18 “THIRD THURSDAYS” SPEED NETWORKING: WHEN: 5 – 8 p.m. WHERE: African American Firefighter Museum, 1401 Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 9002. Bring your business cards and expand your contacts. Mix and mingle with business owners and professionals. Speaker: Jackie Stokes "Building Your Team for Success 5 Easy Steps to Boost Your Business!" Door prizes and exhibits. The event is FREE!! For more information call (310) 498-3783 or (323) 574-9750.

ON GOING MEDITATION - EIGHT STEPS Mary Mary

and first ladies who have served the communities well, through their activism and charitable contributions. The First Lady Honorees include; Rev. Beverly “Bam” Crawford, Bible Enrichment Fellowship Yolanda Adams International; Tisa Hill, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church; Togetta Ulmer, Faithful Central Bible Church and Evelyn Perkins, True Friendship Baptist Church. This year’s theme is “Respecting Ourselves And Each Other” received over 500 sponsored submissions by young women ages 15 to 18. The Grand Prize winner will officially announced and presented with the $1500 cash prize. The Afternoon Tea event will host 1000 plus attendees and will serve a traditional Afternoon Tea Menu.

10/14 12TH ANNUAL GROOVIN ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON: Groovin is for the entire family to share a Sunday afternoon with family and friends! Bring your picnic basket filled with food and drinks and enjoy a Beautiful day out. WHERE: John Anson Ford Amphitheatre 2580 Cahuenga Blvd East Hollywood, CA 90068 where no seat is farther than 96 feet from the stage. WHEN: Gates opens at 2:00 p.m. Show

HAPPINESS:

Based on eight beautiful verses from the book Eight Steps to Happiness. This short poem shows

how we can transform all life's difficulties into valuable spiritual insights. WHEN: Sept 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28. Sundays 10:30-11:30am at Crenshaw Yoga and Dance, 5426 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles. Please visit MeditateInLA.org or call Kadampa Meditation Center California (323) 223-0610. $10 /class.

The J Spot Comedy Club presents Monday Night Madness: Hosted by the J Spot Divas. Come watch Monday night football at the J Spot Comedy Club. WHERE: W. Manchester Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90045. WHEN: Monday nights. Doors open at 4 p.m. $3 Draft Beers, $5 Margaritas & Long Island Iced Tea. Have a birthday party on either of these days for parties of 10 or more and J will give you a free cake and bottle of champagne. Must call day before by 10:30 .p.m. to RSVP. For more information call (310) 337-9057.

TO MAKE A CALENDAR SUBMISSION: Include event name, date(s), time, location, contact/RSVP information and admission price, if any. Use BRIEF paragraph format (no lists, line breaks, or all caps). All calendar submissions are space-permitting and may be edited for brevity. Send submissions, along with any images, to brandon@lasentinel.net with the subject heading “LAWT Community Events.” Please include text in the body of your email, not in an attachment.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Usain Bolt says Augustus: future may be Issue with Roseville in soccer ASSOCIATED PRESS Football may be in Usain Bolt's future. The Olympic great says he might try his hand at the global game once he retires from track. Bolt says, “I always wanted to try to play soccer. Maybe at the end of my career. It would be something that I would love to try. I watch it on TV and see these guys play. I play it all the time with my friends.” Two days after saying he would like to defend his 100 and 200 meter titles at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the 26-yearold Bolt says he may still branch out to other events. AP Photo/Kyodo News Bolt says, “I could always try the Usain Bolt, left, gestures on his arrival at Narita 400 meters - which I international airport in Narita, near Tokyo Tuesday, don’t want to do.” Oct. 9, 2012.

UCLA’s Lamb has successful left knee surgery ASSOCIATED PRESS UCLA guard Tyler Lamb has undergone arthroscopic left knee surgery. The school said in a statement that Lamb’s recent surgery was a success, and he’s expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks. The school had announced the surgery plans on Sunday October 7, but didn’t explain how Lamb got injured. The junior from Santa Ana, Calif., averaged 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists playing in all 33 games last season, and played in all three of UCLA’s games on its August tour of China. He missed a month after having a similar procedure on the same knee in July 2010, the summer before his freshman year. The Bruins open the season on Nov. 9, hosting Indiana State at a renovated Pauley Pavilion.

police is resolved

BY JON KRAWCZYNSKI AP BASKETBALL WRITER Minnesota Lynx star Seimone Augustus didn't hide her displeasure with police in suburban Minneapolis earlier this week when she took to Twitter to criticize what she felt was an unfair traffic stop. After talking with the police chief for Roseville, Augustus said Wednesday that she is ready to move on and focus on preparing for the WNBA Finals. “We had a great conversation on the phone and went over the incident,” Augustus said after practice. “It’s just something that happens. It’s a mishap that happened. Both parties were angry about what happened and it's a move on. We’re settled and we’re moving on from here.” Augustus was pulled over on Monday October 8 near the Rosedale Shopping Center for having an air freshener hanging from her mirror. That violates a state statute. Augustus, who is black and was driving a car with license plates from her home state of Louisiana, appeared upset because she thought it was a case of racial profiling. A Roseville police spokesman says the stop had nothing to do with race and added that Augustus was only issued a warning. “She had a conversation with the chief in the late afternoon hours about the event, with Seimone giving her side and chief explaining why we do what we do,” Roseville Lt. Loren Rosand said. “Seimone learned why we do what we do and chief also gleaned

AP Photo/Genevieve Ross

Minnesota Lynx’s Seimone Augustus shown during a WNBA basketball game, Saturday June 23, 2012, in Minneapolis. some info from her that we’re going to pass on to the department.” The Lynx are going for their second straight WNBA title, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday night against either Indiana or Connecticut. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said she supported her leading scorer speaking out when she thought she was wronged. “It shines light on a bigger prob-

lem, which is racial profiling,” Reeve said. Rosand said the department takes allegations of racial profiling “very seriously.” “It wasn’t racially motivated,” he said. “There was a violation of a state statute. We stopped the vehicle, spoke with the driver, explained the situation and issued a warning.”

WILLOWBROOK/AVALON Continued from page 5

AP Photo/Jonathan Moore

UCLA Guard Tyler Lamb walks off the court for a time-out while taking on the Southern California Trojans at the Galen Center on January 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.

dwelling units/acre); Imperial Courts – 498 units on 32 acres (15.5 dwelling units/acre); and Nickerson Gardens – 1054 units on 64 acres (16.5 dwelling units/acre). ACOF’s plan for 55 units on 1.72 acres equates to 32 dwelling units per acre − double the density of Nickerson Gardens. Also, in response to ACOF’s comparison to the Avalon Senior Apartments next door to the proposed site, FNCC noted the senior complex has only 42 units on 1.7 acres (24 dwelling units/acre), with a maximum capacity of 84 individuals. ACOF’s plan will have a maximum capacity of 234 persons most of which will be children. The attorney’s request was denied and the appeal hearing took place as scheduled. Although FNCC had done its research and presented sound data – this time armed with well over 1000 petition signatures – ACOF was again

approved to move forward with the project despite evidence that a thorough impact study had not been done. FNCC’s Marcia Jones recalled, “I contacted Regional Planning regarding the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and found that they had made only one phone call to the Sheriff Department’s Crime Analyst and asked about crime at the site and across the street from the site. What they did not do was ask for an opinion as I was advised to do…not just a report…of the impact on crime such a complex would have on the community since they already have experience with another low income complex in the area. Regional Planning also made no contact with the Compton school district which would also be impacted.” Another concern is that representatives from Kedren Community Health Center – which will be referring candi-

dates to reside at the proposed apartment complex – have failed to show whether they are recruiting candidates from the immediate area, or transporting them from elsewhere. A map of their closest center in what they call ‘Service Area 6’ shows that they are located north of the 105 freeway which is quite a distance from the surrounding area of the Avalon site. Hughes said, “I’m not opposed [to] housing for the homeless, the mentally challenged, but I am opposed [to it being] in this particular area…what is it going to do for our community?” He added, “…and to say that the project would mitigate vagrancy and blight at the proposed site has nothing to do with it…we at FNCC have been working consistently and ongoing with the Sheriff’s Department to make sure vacant lots as well as vacant dwellings throughout our community are patrolled.”

opinion

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Aspirations Conservatives conspire to do a job The birds, the bees…and credit? on latest jobs report

• Explain credit: Discuss what credit is used for (like auto and home loans and credit cards) and explain exactly how it works. Lessons on interest rates can help children understand the ramifications of the “buy now, pay later” concept. Outline the benefits of using credit wisely, and the pitfalls of mismanaging credit. Be direct about how credit impacts many areas of your life: employment, renting an apartment, or buying a home or a car. Ensure that they clearly understand the extent to which bad credit can impact their lives. • Provide examples: Be prepared for your children to ask whether you use credit, and be open to candidly sharing your experiences. Depending on your child’s age, you can assess how much detail is appropriate. For instance, you might want to use a credit card statement as an example if you’re discussing credit with a younger child. However, children in high school could benefit from you sharing your family budget and discussing more complex credit products like car loans and mortgages. • Discuss money management: Budgeting is an essential part of good credit management. Teaching your

children how to track and monitor spending will help them to understand the importance of not spending more than what they earn – which can lead to the misuse of credit and ultimately credit dependency. This is another opportunity to provide realistic examples by sharing your family budget. In general, children should have an idea about household expenses so they can adopt realistic attitudes and behaviors regarding credit and financial management. • Teen accounts: Another way to help older children learn good money management skills is to open a checking account with a debit card. This way teenagers learn firsthand, while they are still under your guidance, how to track expenses and avoid spending more than they have. They should become familiar with online tools to monitor spending, and also get into the habit of manually tracking expenses. Having a checking account is a big responsibility, but it will help you in working with your children to make good financial decisions before they leave home and are exposed to credit. Children shouldn’t be frightened by credit, but they should be well informed. Be open to having conversations about finances, and make credit management a part of the discussion. Need help doing it? Handsonbanking.org is a free, interactive tool that can help you and your child learn more about using and managing credit. Also, visit Wells Fargo’s Smarter Credit center at wellsfargo.com/smarter_credit for free tools and information on establishing, managing and improving credit. Help protect the financial future of your children! Michelle Thornhill is senior vice president, African American Segment, Wells Fargo & Company. Visit www.wellsfargo.com for more information. This article has been prepared for informational purposes only. The accuracy and completeness of this information is not guaranteed and is subject to change. Since each individual’s financial situation is unique, you need to review your financial objectives to determine which approaches might work best for you. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

Endeavour will be on display for half an hour, in front of the Forum. There is ample free parking at the Hollywood Park Race Track. There is no over-night staying, and parking lots open at 4 a.m. Contact www.CityofInglewood.org for additional information. On October 13, at around 2 p.m., Endeavour will stop for about a half an hour for a planned event at the intersection of Crenshaw Blvd. and Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Blvd. There is a dedicated area for the public to stand and view the stage, north on Crenshaw Blvd. from MLK. Space is limited so come early. On October 13, at around 8:30 p.m., Endeavour will reach its final destination. Large parking lots have been dedicated for public viewing.

Four parking lots between Bill Robertson Lane and Vermont Ave., north of MLK will provide ample opportunity to view Endeavour as it moves towards the California Science Center’s Samuel Oschin Pavilion. Mass transit is recommended and available via the Expo Rail and bus lines running along Exposition Blvd. “Nearly 700 Los Angeles Police Department cadets and volunteers from throughout the community have been dedicated to assist with ensuring Endeavour reaches its destination,” Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said. “This event allows us to both show case the Endeavour and the remarkable youth of our community that have dedicated their weekend to keeping us safe.”

BY MICHELLE THORNHILL

BY GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA COLUMNIST The birther issue – the preposterous idea that President Obama was not born in the United States – was finally put to rest, but that has not prevented conservative conspiracy buffs from seeing a plot behind the falling unemployment numbers. Conservatives, led by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, have been pounding Obama for maintaining an unemployment rate above 8 percent. They cited federal Bureau of Labor statistics to support their claim. Yet, when that same source placed the August number at 7.8 percent, they are trying to persuade the public that it is all part of a liberal conspiracy to re-elect Obama. Led by the conservative Fox News network, the conspiracy about the conspiracy began long before the release of the latest numbers. Fox’s Sean Hannity said on May 12, “the vetting of Obama has begun, his economic record, his debt, his unemployment numbers which they are fudging, I don’t think are honest…” Two months earlier, Fox’s Eric Bolling said: “Four million people have left the workforce. If you add that 4 million people – under President Obama – if you add those 4 million back in, the same amount of jobs, the same number of jobs divided right now among people in the workforce would show about a 12 percent unemployment rate. “So, are they playing around with the numbers? Look, it’s the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s supposed to be non-partisan, but that’s the Department of Labor, Hilda Solis heads the Department of Labor. Hilda Solis works directly for Obama.” When Bolling was asked, “Are you saying they’re cooking the books?” he replied, “I’m saying, there’s room for error. There’s room. But when you’re talking about four million people, how do you know?” If there’s room for error, Bolling is in that room. As economist Justin Wolfers told Salon: “First, if you know and understand the BLS and its structure – its statutory structure and its employment structure – you understand this simply isn’t how things happen. The BLS is independent of the Department of Labor. If you go to the BLS website, you won’t even find a picture of the Secretary of Labor there. It’s completely firewalled. “The one exception to this would be the Commissioner of the BLS. The president appoints a BLS commissioner, but for most of this administration it’s been a Republican [my emphasis]. When his term ran out, Congress refused to confirm Obama’s appointee. So the current commissioner is, in fact, a career guy from within BLS, and if you know

George E. Curry the institution at all, the BLS is an institution of nerds, by nerds. “So you could even argue that Republicans have protected the BLS from political influence by refusing to confirm an Obama appointee?” Joe Nocera, a New York Times business columnist, observed: “It is completely implausible to me that they would actively rig the thing to help Obama. The guys are green eyeshaded career bureaucrats who have no particular vested interest one way or another in who wins the presidential election. “[The numbers] come out of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you are going to cook them, how exactly would you go about it, it is pretty implausible that the career bureaucrats at the Bureau would cook the books for Obama. Everybody likes a conspiracy theory, but it is hard to understand how they would do it.” There’s a reason fewer people are seeking jobs under Obama – and it’s not because of a conspiracy. The Washington Post’s economic blog Wonkblog explained it this way: “…Since 2000, the labor force rate has been steadily declining as the baby-boom generation has been retiring. Because of this, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago expects the labor force participation rate to be lower in 2020 than it is today, regardless of how well the economy does.” But conspiracy buffs don’t let facts get in the way of a good conspiracy theory. Former General Electric CEO Jack Welch, a Republican, has joined the conspiracy camp. After the latest job report, he tweeted, “Unbelievable jobs numbers…these Chicago guys will do anything…can’t debate so change numbers.” Under attack for his unsubstantiated assertion, Welch tried to defend his comment by saying he should have used a question mark rather than a comma at the end of his sentence, as if that would have made a difference. See CURRY, page 15

Turning 18 opens up a world of opportunity for your children. How well informed they are about new opportunities can make all the difference in their ability to make smart decisions. For many teens, opening their first credit card account is exciting. The freedom of not relying on Mom and Dad for money is alluring. However, children generally lack the foresight required to understand the long-term impact of having poor credit. As parents, we are accountable for educating our children about using and managing credit long before they have to make credit decisions. This is why it’s so important that credit and financial management be a part of the many life lessons you pass on to your children. I’ve discovered with my own sons (ages 6 and 8) that kids are exposed to credit long before they even understand the concept. Recently, we were shopping and both of my sons, almost in unison, asked, “Mom, can you buy me this toy?” I immediately responded, “Do you have the money to buy this toy?” To my surprise they said, “Yes, but not with us – can we pay you back later?” I immediately realized this was a teaching moment because my sons had a basic understanding of credit in terms of “buy now and pay later.” However, I wanted to make sure they fully understood the implications. This inspired me to continue the lesson at home where we could discuss things like interest and debt in a way they could understand. There are a number of ways to begin teaching your kids about credit at any age. The first step is being open to talking about money and then introducing them to tools and resources that will help them understand basic to more-complex financial management topics. Here are a few tips to get started: • Define credit: I’ve found that using a dictionary is a great way to teach younger children new things. This way they get a basic understanding of the term (I also ask them: how do you spell the word; is it a noun or verb; can you use it in a sentence). Online tools are also useful in providing simple and concise information on credit.

SHUTTLE ROUTE Continued from page 5 Members of the public interested in viewing Endeavour from the city sidewalks and intersections should expect large crowds and heavy traffic. They should arrive early, be prepared to stand long hours, and remember to bring water, snacks, sun block, hats, and chairs. In addition, spectators traveling from distant communities are reminded to please be respectful of private property, said Unified Command spokespeople. The California Science Center Foundation and Unified Command have dedicated viewing public locations along the route. On October 13, at around 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the city of Inglewood will have an event and

Michelle Thornhill

Thursday, October 11, 2012

FOUNDER/CREATOR DANNY J. BAKEWELL, SR.

ON CRENSHAW BLVD

CHAIRS

COUNCIL PRESIDENT HERB WESSON

CO-CHAIRS

COUNCILMAN BERNARD PARKS

SUPERVISOR MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS

MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA

COUNCILMEMBER JAN PERRY

CITY CONTROLLER WENDY GREUEL

LAUSD DISTRICT 1 MARGUERITE D. LAMOTTE

KCBS-CHANNEL 2 PAT HARVEY

Thursday, October 11, 2012

15 p.m. (Pacific Time), Monday, November 19, 2012 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of 9th Floor Receptionist and clearly marked RFP No. PS-8510-3000. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 1: 30 p.m., Union Station Conference Room, 3rd Floor, located at the address above.

CITY OF LOS ANGELES PUBLIC AUCTION 2012 General Services Department Asset Management Division

BIDDER TO SECURE OWN FINANCING. The City will not offer any ﬁnancing on any of the properties. The City does not pay for real estate or broker commissions. Minimum Bids set on all parcels. Properties are offered in an “As Is” condition. Parcel Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Property Address Assessor Parcel No.

Council District

1704 W. Jefferson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007 CD 8 APN: 5041-003-900 Vacant Land 11514 Willowbrook Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90059 CD 15 APN: 6067-001-900 Vacant land 1309 Isabel Street, Los Angeles, CA 90065 CD 1 APN: 5454-009-900 Vacant land 15221 De Pauw Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 CD 11 APN: 4412-028-903 Vacant Land 15225 De Pauw Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 CD 11 APN: 4412-028-904 Vacant Land 15233 De Pauw Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 CD 11 APN: 4412-028-905 Single Family Residence 15273 De Pauw Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 CD 11 APN: 4412-028-909 Single Family Residence 15275-77 De Pauw Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 CD 11 APN: 4412-028-911 Vacant land 15281 De Pauw Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 CD 11 APN: 4412-028-912 Vacant land 15285 De Pauw Street, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 CD 11 APN: 4412-028-913 Single Family Residence 10234 National Blvd., Palms, CA 90034 CD 5 APN: 4314-023-900 Old Fire Station

Open House SchedulesFor Parcels 6, 7, 10 and 11 on the following dates: Wednesday Sunday Thursday Saturday

October 10, 2012 October 14, 2012 October 18, 2012 October 20, 2012

9:30 AM - 2:00 PM 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

For General Information, please call (213) 922-8500 (213) 922-8545 (213) 922-8542 DATE: October 31, 2012 - 2:15 PM PLACE: Room 350, City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street http://gsd.lacity.org/asset/surplus.htm

MERVYN DYMALLY Continued from page 4 view allowed him to visit Cuba’s Fidel Castro, along with Rev. Jesse Jackson; to infuse politics in Trinidad (his homeland) with his American flavor; and create meaningful dialogue to assist Africa with its multitude of human problems. “I have been to more than a hundred countries and no country offers opportunity for growth in education, economics and job security as the United States,” Dymally said at the time. He has traveled extensively to Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean as a foreign affairs consultant. After 10 years, he returned to Sacramento as an assemblyman. During that time, then congresswoman, Diane Watson said, “Merv Dymally has always been a mover and shaker in state politics. There is probably no one out there more politicallyseasoned than Merv, who has gone back to the State Assembly for a second time to show them how to get it done.” RETURNING TO POLITICS & HIS LAST RETIREMENT Back in Sacramento, he introduced the first legislation focusing on Blacks and HIV/AIDS, on elder care and abuse, and created African American Political and Economic Institute at California State University, Dominguez Hills, which is in his district. His political leadership is not confined to Black candidates or causes. He has mentored former Assembly speaker Robert Hertzberg, former Councilman Richard Alatorre and many other non-African

American politicians. When Dymally returned as an assembly member, Los Angeles City Council President (then the Speaker of the Assembly), Herb Wesson, Jr., commented: “I have known Merv Dymally my entire life in politics and no one has opened more doors of opportunity for people than my friend, Merv. It was my privilege to serve as his Speaker of the Assembly for two years. He was always the most supportive and loyal ally any Speaker could have.” After he left the Assembly, he moved to Charles Drew University (CDU) as the director of the Mental Health Institute. There he attempted to re-establish the relationship between CDU and King Hospital. He retired again at the end of 2011 only to return as president of Central Neighborhood Health Foundation (CNHF). As long as Dymally was breathing, he considered it his duty to help others; whether it was in the state legislature, U.S Congress, in Africa or the Caribbean, CDU or CNHF, he worked helping others up to his last days. He retired only in passing. Dymally was married to Alice Gueno Dymally, a former schoolteacher and has two children, Mark and Lynn, and three grandchildren. On his passing Alice Dymally – who recently lost her mother, Alice Walker Gueno – issued the following statement: “My beloved husband of 44 years Mervyn Dymally passed away very peacefully this morning at 6:30 a.m. He lived a very extraordinary life and had no regrets.”

OWN/TYLER PERRY Continued from page 10 Iyanla Vanzant garnered the network’s highest rated series debut in network history and the return of the popular family docu-series “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” hit an all-time series

high. In addition, the thought-provoking documentary series “Our America with Lisa Ling” recently wrapped its summer season posting triple-digit gains versus year ago numbers.

CITY OF LOS ANGELES $50,000 REWARD NOTICE The City of Los Angeles offers a reward payable at the discretion of the City Council to one or more persons in the sum or sums up to an aggregate maximum total sum of $50,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the act of murder against, PATRICK CARUTHERS, in the City of Los Angeles. On Wednesday, September 25, 2012, at approximately 3:15 pm, 19-year old Patrick Caruthers was shot and killed while volunteering at the Jackie Tatum/Harvard Recreation Center in South Los Angeles. In a shockingly brazen act of violence, Mr. Caruthers was sitting on a park bench listening to music when a gunman walked up to him in broad daylight and shot him multiple times. This tragedy has left his family and the community devastated and searching for justice. Mr. Caruthers had volunteered at the park for years and had been hired into the City’s Summer Night Lights anti-gang program. Mr. Caruthers was known by many for his positivity and charisma, in addition to overcoming a learning disability. To date, detectives have been unable to identify the suspect(s) responsible for the murder of Mr. Caruthers and a monetary reward may motivate witnesses to come forward with more information. The person or persons responsible for this crime represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles. Unless withdrawn or paid by City Council action, this offer of reward shall terminate on, and have no effect after, APRIL 7, 2013. The provisions of payment and all other considerations shall be governed by Chapter 12 of Division

19 of the LAAC Code, as amended by Ordinance Nos. 158157 and 166666. This offer shall be given upon the condition that all claimants provide continued cooperation within the criminal justice system relative to this case and is not available to public officers or employees of the City, their families, persons in law enforcement or persons whose misconduct prompted this reward. If you have any information regarding this case, please call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-LAWFULL, 24 hours. C. F. No. 12-0010-s41 10/11/12 WATTS TIMES

GOVERNMENT

Metro will receive proposals for RFP PS-85103000, Supplemental Engineering Services for Rail and Bus Maintenance Facilities Engineering, per the RFP Documents issued by the Metro Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt., One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (9th Floor). This solicitation includes professional engineering services to provide design services in the disciplines of civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, and industrial engineering and architectural services for rail and bus maintenance facilities projects. The Project Labor Agreement/Construction Careers Policy will apply to this Procurement.

Metro will receive proposals for RFP PS-85103002, Supplemental Engineering Services for Rail Facilities and Third Party Services per specifications on file at the Metro Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt., One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (9th Floor). All proposals must be received on or before 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time), Monday, November 19, 2012 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of the 9th Floor Receptionist and clearly marked RFP No. PS-8510-3002. Proposals received later than the above date and time may be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2012, at 9:30 a.m., Union Station Conference Room, 3rd Floor, located at the address above. The RFP can be downloaded at http:// www.metro.net/EBB/bids1.asp. For further information contact Joseph Lemon at lemonj@metro.net or 213-922-3980. 10/11/12 CNS-2390469# WATTS TIMES LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) INVITATION FOR BIDS The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will receive bids for the SALE OF AN ESTIMATED 46,000 LINEAR FEET OF CUT COPPER CABLE per specifications on file at the Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (8th Floor). All Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by Metro, and must be filed at the reception desk of the Office of Materiel on or before 2:00 p.m; OCTOBER 24, 2012 at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. Each bid must be sealed and marked Bid No 10-1224-S. You may obtain bid specifications, or further information, by faxing TEJ KHARBANDA at 213922-1006. 10/11/12 CNS-2390138# WATTS TIMES

GAS RANGES AT HACLA HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS . The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) invites vendors to submit firm fixed price bids for Gas Ranges at Housing Developments. Copies of the IFB may be downloaded from the internet at www.hacla.org under “Doing Business with HACLA”, then click on “Procurement Opportunities” and click “Non-Construction Goods and Services”. Bids will be accepted by the General Services Department at 2600 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057, until 1:00 P.M., Pacific Daylight Saving Time, October 22, 2012 10/11, 10/18/12 CNS-2389219# WATTS TIMES

All Proposals must be received on or before 3:00

BlackFacts.com

Continued from page 7 bustling Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Metro rider Zach Johnson agreed. “I think the rail line is going to be very good for my travel life,” said the 54-year-old, who takes daily bus rides on the 40, 740, 210 and 710 lines. “I would take it to [several places along the route] and down to LAX.”

CURRY Continued from page 13 If there were a conspiracy, it failed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that they had understated official U.S. employment over the previous two months. If they were plotting to help President Obama, they did a poor job. George E. Curry, former editor-inchief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) NO. 7797-A LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

CRENSHAW LINE “Yes, I would much rather catch the train,” said the Trinidad native, who has used Metro regularly since moving to L.A. more than 30 years ago. ‘It would make my life easier. I believe it will be good for the community — it could be an asset to bring more people to the area.” At a crowded bus stop near the

The RFP can be downloaded beginning October 8, 2012 at http://www.metro.net/EBB/bids1.asp . For further information contact Diana Sogomonyan at Sogomonyand@metro.net. 10/11/12 CNS-2390926# WATTS TIMES

chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and editorial director of Heart & Soul magazine. He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/ currygeorge.

October 14, 1964 Martin Luther King Jr, activist and civil rights leader, Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. October 14, 1864 The first African American daily newspaper, the New Orleans Tribune is published in both French and English. October 15, 1859 John Brown was an abolitionist whom took direct action to free slaves by force. HE led a raid on Harpers Ferry, in midOctober in 1859, being convicted of murder, treason and conspiracy. But his way of freeing slaves was the most dramatic way of abolitionist impact, ever seen.

Thursday, October 11, 2012