LAWT 10-25-2012 by LA WATTSTIMES

W E E K E N D E R

Vol. XXX, No. 1307

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, October 25, 2012

L.A. Watts Times

SEE PAGES 8-9

Thursday, October 25, 2012

HOROSCOPES

Oct. 25 - 31

RIES ~ An unexpected clash may arise this week from an unlikely area. Try to maintain a position as mediator, rather than joining the fray. Loyalties may be stretched, but they won’t break. What you need is within you. Go there and get it. Soul Affirmation: My spirit will fill me with gladness. AURUS ~ Co-workers or customers may be grumpy this week. Don’t take it personally. Dwell in your peaceful inner space and the space around you will reflect the peaceful vibrations. Soul Affirmation: Jewelry reflects the beauty of my feelings about myself. EMINI ~ You feel centered this week and full of efficient energy. Use this week to accomplish tasks, make plans, and finalize arrangements that need to be made. Face into personal responsibilities with love and pleasure now. Soul Affirmation: I enjoy discovering new territory this week. ANCER ~ You can build a bridge with your imagination to reach the person you want to meet. Build the very best bridge your imagination can afford. Your soulmate will then cross over to you. Your intentions are warm and sincere. Soul Affirmation: Being true to others is the way to be true to myself. EO ~ You need to relax. The urge to do everything will take a toll on you this week unless you make a concerted effort to slow your own vibes down. Think peace love and happiness and let them be real values for you. Feed your soul. Soul Affirmation: I calm my emotions by forgetting about the past. IRGO ~ You’ll be efficient and productive this week if you got some rest. Slow down. Sometimes less is more, and you’ll see you’re doing better than most. Use your talents to create some free time for yourself. Soul Affirmation: I go inside myself to find peace and joy this week.

G C L

IBRA ~ Someone wants to argue, and it’s up to you to walk away. It’s easy to let go of any idea of control if you remember that you are only responsible for your own feelings. Act healthy this week and enjoy your life. Soul Affirmation: As chances come around again. I take advantage of them. CORPIO ~ Be flexible as others present changes and new schedules for a group activity. Your easy-going attitude will allow you to reschedule appointments easily. Watch the sun rise it’ll be good for your spirits! Soul Affirmation: I release internal pressure by enjoying the beauties of the world around me. AGITTARIUS ~ Give your busy brain a rest and work your body this week. It’s a great day for physical activity that can loosen up muscles and relieve tensions. You’ll receive some practical advice from a distant relative. Soul Affirmation: Newness of outlook helps me deal with the monotonies of life. APRICORN ~ Family responsibilities may feel like a chore this week. If you relinquish control of the situation, a natural order will occur, and things will organize themselves. You can let people be who they are. Soul Affirmation: I call on my creative talents to pay my bills. QUARIUS ~ A secret may be revealed in a casual conversation. Your confidence is valued and appreciated. Take it all in! There’s no returning to what has been once you realize the gift you’ve been given. Soul Affirmation: Helping others is the true measure of my worth. ISCES ~ A friend from the past could suddenly appear in your life. This could be a highly beneficial reunion for both of you. Let bygones be bygones, and renew this friendship. Love isn’t used up just because it’s shared. Soul Affirmation: Charm is my middle name this week.

Inside This Edition

Associated Press file

L.A. Watts Times

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

Sheila Bird (right) waits in line at a job fair at City Target in Los Angeles in August. ASSOCIATED PRESS California's jobless rate fell to from 10.6 to 10.2 percent in September in what may be the largest drop in 36 years, the state announced October 19. The numbers from the Em-

ployment Development Department show the largest tumble in the monthly unemployment rate since 1976, said Kevin Callori, a spokesman for the department. Callori warned that the California figures are preliminary and See CA JOBLESS, page 15

Candidates for 2012

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

California jobless rate tumbles to 10.2 percent

BlackFacts.com

October 26, 1934 At a New York City conference, representatives of the NAACP and the American Fund for Public Service planned a coordinated legal campaign against segregation and discrimination. Charles H. Houston, Vice-dean of the Howard University Law School, was named director of the NAACP legal campaign.

The right to vote is a sacred honor, right and responsibility that so many African Americans have fought and died for. We must honor the memory and remember the pain sacrifice and wisdom of their efforts. The Los Angeles Sentinel encourages everyone to exercise this right to vote. We have suggested a slate of candidates who we believe will represent the best interest of the community and we urge you to support them. They represent the ideals, values and leadership that will best serve our community in achieving the quality of life that we continually strive for, not only for this generation, but also for generations to come. LOS ANGELES SENTINEL CANDIDATES FOR 2012 President ................................................BARACK OBAMA U.S. Senator ..........................................DIANNE FEINSTEIN U.S. REPRESENTATIVES MAXINE WATERS (43) LAURA RICHARDSON (44) KAREN BASS (37) JUDY CHU DISTRICT ATTORNEY JACKIE LACEY STATE SENATE CAROL LIU MEMBERS OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY CHERYL BROWN (47) ISADORE HALL (64) CHRIS HOLDEN (41) STEVEN BRADFORD (62) HOLLY MITCHELL (54) REGINALD JONES-SAWYER (59) PROPOSITIONS & MEASURES YES on PROPOSITIONS: NO on PROPOSITIONS 30, 34, 35, 36, 37, 40 31, 32, 33, 38 YES on MEASURES: NO on PROPOSITIONS: J, GG, B A

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Governor Brown issues proclamation declaring Mervyn M. Dymally Day

Memorial services to be held for Los Angeles City Fire Department’s first Black Assistant Chief Paul Orduna served 33 years in LAFD, including during the racially tense 50’s and 60’s in So. Los Angeles LAWT WIRE SERVICE

Gov. Jerry Brown

Today we celebrate the life of a great Californian leader, Mervyn Dymally. His career as educator, State

Assemblyman, State Senator, Lieutenant Governor and Member of Congress spanned the terms of six California governors, including my father and Ronald Reagan. For more than four decades of public service, Mervyn Dymally worked to improve the lives of Californians, particularly those burdened by racial, gender or ethnic discrimination. He championed the cause of civil rights, and broke new ground as our state’s first African-American state senator and as one of the first African-Americans to be elected to statewide office since the Reconstruction era. He was an outstanding mentor, organizer and leader in his community. I had the privilege of working with him during my first

business card bulletin board

LAWT WIRE SERVICE

Mervyn Dymally term as Governor. Mervyn Dymally came from humble origins and achieved great things, opening doors of opportunity not just for himself, but for Californians of every background. For this reason, it is fitting and proper that we dedicate this day to honoring his memory and the generous life of service that he exemplifies. NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim October 17, 2012, as "Mervyn M. Dymally Day." IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 15th day of October 2012.

HAVE YOU BEEN DENIED YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS? LET ME ASSIST YOU IN APPEALING.

THERE IS NO FEE UNTIL WE WIN.

Jacquelyn Brown Social Security Disability Appeals Representative

WILSON MILL LEGAL OVERLOAD, LLC

(323) 756-3755

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 1 p.m. for Los Angeles City Fire Department’s first African-American assistant fire chief Paul Orduna, who passed earlier this month on Oct. 5at the age of 85. The services will take place at the African-American Firefighter’s Museum located at 1401 Central Avenue in Los Angeles. For more information, please call (323) 2433372. Paul Orduna served in the US Air Force for two years where he received specialized training as a diesel mechanic. He was stationed in the Philippines for 9 months and received an Honorable Discharge from the Air Force in 1946. In 1952, Mr. Orduna joined the Omaha Fire Department in Nebraska where he remained for four years. He was offered a position as a firefighter with the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1957. Paul Orduna’s career as a firefighter in the racially tense 50’s and 60’s was punctuated with many hardships and indignities--yet, his drive and commitment to succeed never wavered. In a 1991 Los Angeles Times article, Orduna said, “Every day I would go to work, and nobody would talk to me — except the captain to give me orders. If I walked in a room, (other firefighters) would walk out.” “Right from the first day they took me in the office and told me, 'Bring your own pots and pans. You have to cook your own food and eat after every one else has eaten.'” In 1974, he was promoted to Captain I and supervised some of the busiest fire companies in the city. He was also recruited as an instructor at the department’s Recruit Training Academy. In 1978, Mr. Orduna was promoted to the position of Captain II and was transferred to the Community Liaison Office, thereby becoming the

Paul Orduna department’s Affirmative Action Officer and Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator. In June of 1980, Paul Orduna was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief. This was a major accomplishment because he was only the second Black Battalion Chief in the history of the Los Angeles Fire Department. With the goal of becoming Assistant Fire Chief, Paul returned to school and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management from the University of Redlands. In February 1986, he became the first Black Assistant Fire Chief in the history of the Los Angeles Fire Department. He was eventually given an emergency appointment to the position of Deputy Chief where he was in command of the Bureau of Support Services. Paul retired from the department January 26, 1991 after 33 years of service. Paul Orduna is survived by his daughter Gloria O’Quinn, two grandsons Michael Holmes and Charles O’Quinn IV, sister Amelia Donaldson, sisters-in-law Doris Orduna, Florence Hickerson, and Caledonia Orduna, as well as a host of relatives and friends.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

BY FRANCIS TAYLOR CONTRIBUTING WRITER The only physical remains from the early Saturday morning double homicide and arson case on 99th Street in Inglewood, California, are the charred remains of the small cottage, 55 year-old, Haitian born, Desmond John Moses set ablaze after fatally shooting two and wounding three other family members. Apparently motivated by a recent Sheriff’s notice to vacate the small structure he had occupied for years, following an eviction hearing, Moses entered the cottage of his neighbors, situated on the same property, owned by Fillimon Lamas, his wife and their four children at about 4:00 am. He shot all but the oldest child who is seven years old. Armed with a .38 caliber revolver, a bullet-proof vest, a painter’s mask, and a pocket full of bullets, Moses fled the apartment after the shooting and reportedly, returned to his cottage where he shot himself in the head after setting his cottage on fire. Even though a positive identification of the suspect had not been concluded at press time, it is significant that the partially burned remains of a middle-aged black man, wearing a bullet-proof vest, with bullets in his pocket, and a .38 revolver in his hand, registered to Moses, were found among the burned debris inside his cottage. It was also reported that the fire department responded immediately

but did not approach the property because the firefighters did not know the whereabouts of the shooter. Moses’ cottage burned to the ground. Reports indicate that Moses was a reclusive neighbor who objected to the young children playing in an area that would be considered his front yard. He barely spoke to his neighbors and did not engage in light conversation or friendly, neighborhood chatter. His .38 caliber handgun is typically used by armed security officers and Moses had been registered as licensed ‘guard/patrol person’ since the mid 1980s. Neighbors said Moses appeared to have no friends or family and had not paid rent in years. Online records from the California Department of Consumer Affairs show that Moses has held a “guard/patrolperson registration” since 1984 and his registration was maintained in a current status. The Inglewood (IPD) and Hawthorne (HPD) Police Departments have established memorial funds to assist the remaining family with burial and other expenses. For donations through the IPD, they are being accepted at ICE Federal Credit Union in Inglewood or by calling (310) 412-5493 and referencing the Lamas Family Donation Fund/Account #5223. HPD donations can be made at any local Wells Fargo branch, or by calling the Hawthorne Wells Fargo at (310) 973-6279, and referencing the Jimenez/Lamas Donation Fund/Account #4122412588.

Five suburban Chicago men who were wrongfully convicted of murder as teenagers said on Wednesday October 17 that they are suing local and state police, claiming police officers framed them. The men were sent to prison for the 1991 rape and murder of 14-year-old Cateresa Matthews. They claim Dixmoor police and Illinois State Police coerced false confessions, withheld evidence and fabricated witness testimony. The two lawsuits claim that DNA evidence has identified a convicted sex offender for the murder who has no connection to the five men originally convicted _ Robert Taylor, Jonathan Barr, James Harden, Shainne Sharp and Robert Veal. The convicted sex offender has not been charged with the murder, according to the lawsuits. Taylor, Harden and Barr were freed in 2011 after 19 years in prison. Sharp and Veal were released after 10 years of imprisonment. “We went through a lot,” an emotional Taylor said. “This one incident destroyed so many lives.” According to the lawsuits, at least one of the three who confessed was beaten by officers and all those who confessed were coerced and illegally taken advantage of by the officers who were under pressure to solve the case. The officers also falsified witness evidence to secure convictions, the lawsuits claim. The men’s attorney, Flint Taylor, who isn’t related to Robert Taylor, said important questions need to be asked. “Why do these cases happen? Why do young African-American men go to prison for crimes they did not commit?” he said. Telephone calls to Dixmoor police and Illinois State Police officials for comment weren't immediately returned. One lawsuit was filed against Dixmoor police, while the other is against the state police. All five men are plaintiffs on both lawsuits.

BlackFacts.com October 25, 1988 Two units of the Ku Klux Klan and eleven individuals are ordered to pay $ 1 million to African Americans who were attacked during a brotherhood rally in Forsythe County, GA October 27, 1960 Martin Luther King Jr. released on bond from the Georgia State Prison in Reidsville. Political observers said the Kennedy call increased the number of Blacks voters who insured his election.

After spending almost two decades in jail for a rape and murder he didn’t commit, Robert Taylor walked out of an Illinois prison a free man last Thursday. Associated Press

Metro Briefs What is Measure J? The Metro Board of Directors authorized placing Measure J before voters in Los Angeles County. Measure J will extend for 30 additional years the existing one-half cent sales tax that was approved in 2008 and is currently set to expire in 2039 (Measure R). The additional funds will be used to secure bonds, which will allow Metro to accelerate construction of traªc relieving projects and the related job creation. To view the expenditure plan and the full text of Measure J, please visit metro.net/measurej.

ExpressLanes Open November 10 Metro ExpressLanes debuts November 10 with the opening of an 11-mile stretch on the I-110 Harbor Freeway. Solo drivers can use the lanes for a toll, while carpools, vanpools, buses and motorcycles travel toll-free. All motorists need a FasTrak® account and transponder to travel in the ExpressLanes. To get yours, visit metro.net/expresslanes.

TAP Is Your Ticket Whatever type of fare you’re using, it must be loaded on a TAP card to ride any Metro Rail line or the Metro Orange line. Starting soon in stations with turnstiles, expect them to be locked. Before entering, tap the target on the right side of the turnstile with your valid TAP card in order to pass through.

Feds Approve $546 Million For Crenshaw Line The Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor Project received a $546 million federal loan to accelerate construction of a light rail line in the Crenshaw District. The 8.5-mile line will connect the Metro Green Line and the Metro Expo Line at Crenshaw and Exposition boulevards. For more information visit metro.net/crenshaw.

Go Metro To See The Space Shuttle Go Metro and rocket past traªc to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour, on display beginning October 30 at the California Science Center. The California Science Center is located adjacent to Metro’s Expo Line; exit at Expo Park/USC Station. For exhibit details, visit californiasciencecenter.org.

If you’d like to know more, visit metro.net.

Inglewood tragedy: two dead, three wounded

Men wrongfully convicted in girl’s 1991 death sue

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Taste Of Soul creates a nation! The economic engine that is “Taste of Soul”

Photo by Robert Torrence

(L-R) Kent Taylor, State Administrator for the Inglewood Unified School District; Councilmember Bernard C. Parks; Congresswoman Karen Bass; Councilmember Jan Perry; LaPhonza Butler, President of SEIU's United Long-term Care Workers; Mike Feuer, California State Assembly, Democratic Caucus; Talaya Trigueros, 94.7 The Wave Radio Host; Danny J. Bakewell Sr., 'Taste of Soul' founder, StarQuest creator, Executive Publisher/CEO of the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper & L.A. Watts Times Newspaper; L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson; Rev. Jesse Jackson; Councilmember Wendy Greuel; Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and Los Angeles City Fire Chief Brian Cummings. First, I want to THANK BRENDA MARSH-MITCHELL, my Loyal & Committed Special Assistant and the 1st President of Taste of Soul. SHE MADE IT HAPPEN!!!! BRENDA, I CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!! I also want to acknowledge The Taste of Soul Nation, more than 300,000

strong! Last Saturday, October 20th, you enjoyed a peaceful day, demonstrated pride for your community, respect for one another and enjoyed a day of fun, pleasure and economic empowerment as you moved up and down Crenshaw Blvd, the heart and soul of Black Los Angeles from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. By 1:00 p.m. there were more than

175,000 Taste of Soul attendees! YOU SHARED THE LOVE from the early morning until the early evening hours. There are many to THANK, so let me start by thanking the Taste of Soul Nation (the 300,000 in attendance) for sharing their love all day. Thanks to the See “TASTE OF SOUL” LETTER, page 10

LAWT File Photos

A 2012 Taste of Soul vendor prepares delicious chicken for a hungry and festive audience. BY KENNETH MILLER AND PAMELA BAKEWELL LAWT STAFF WRITERS The numbers only tell half the story; over 400 vendors supplied good food and a variety of other merchandise to more than 300,000 people along a 1.1 mile radius of the Crenshaw Blvd. corridor for approximately nine hours at the 7th annual ‘Taste of Soul’ Family Festival last Saturday, October 20th. “Taste of Soul” has become the largest assembly of Black Businesses in Los Angeles. The event has become such a phenomenon that local Black businesses are emerging from booth renter to employer and large established corporations, like Chevy and Broadway Federal Bank and government agencies, such as Metro Transportation Authority (MTA), are providing jobs to those who were once collecting unemployment. All of this transpired because of the masses of individuals who annually gather at ‘Taste of Soul’ to enjoy the array of festivities and they have also been afforded the chance to meet, greet and explore the vendor products and services in an atmosphere that is conducive to such success. Metro was able to promote the once controversial Expo Line and the upcoming Crenshaw Line in a way that did not involve political red flags. Last weekend Metro reported an increase of individuals they encountered at ‘Taste of Soul’ who used their new branch of transportation to attend the event and who said they intend to continue using it for days beyond “Taste of Soul” isn’t just about food and entertainment; it’s also about the empowerment of businesses, many people hadn’t heard of some of these businesses before “Taste of Soul”; it gave our local businesses and our corporate sponsors great exposure, said Creator and Founder of “Taste of Soul”, Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., who is an established, successful business icon in his own right. Thus,

‘Taste of Soul’ has demonstrated empowerment at its best during a time when our economy is slowly recovering from near collapse. Local favorite creole seafood eatery such as Harold and Belles invested in seven booths at the event, and discovered that ‘Taste of Soul’ is not just where you sell food; it’s where you grow your established brand. A variety of cultures were represented in vendors such as Stone’s Jamaican, Mel’s fish, the Cobbler King, Real Water and many others that offered candy, clothing, sweet cakes and more. One gentleman who specializes in selling Kettle Corn made his first appearance at the event in 2011 and has literally not left Crenshaw Blvd. since then. Throughout the year, you can find him on the corner of Crenshaw & Martin Luther King Blvd in front of the Department and Water building. “Taste of Soul” is building and growing businesses along the Crenshaw corridor all year long. The month of October also celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness and many of the attendees wore pink ribbons in support of the cause. There was a health vendor that offered breast mammograms, and Aids Healthcare Corp provided tests for HIV in addition to important tips to combat the dreaded disease. The non-profit and community service organizations were also well represented on Saturday. With booths representing a variety of services that support healthcare, job development, safety, education, neighborhood safety and disaster preparedness, you could find SEIU, Fire Station 94, the Brotherhood Crusade, the Urban League, LA City Workforce Development and others that demonstrated we are a tight knit neighborhood that has spending power, business acumen and a strong sense of community. See ECONOMIC “TASTE OF SOUL”, page 10

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Exhibition commemorates 150th anniversary of America’s Civil War African American military portraits from the American Civil War: Selected images from the Library of Congress collections As America’s Civil War approaches it’s 150th Anniversary the California African American Museum (CAAM) will celebrate the participation of the approximately 180,000 African American Civil War soldiers with its latest exhibition African American Military Portraits From The American Civil War: Selected Images From The Library of Congress Collections currently on view at the CAAM through January 20, 2013. “When most people think of the Civil War they just think of slaves and they don't realize a lot of these guys (African American soldiers) were volunteers from the north...I wanted to show the pictures of the guys who have been completely forgotten,” said Ed Garcia, exhibition curator. The exhibits are reproduced images in large formats from the original antique photographs, and are selections from the Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs and the Gladstone Collection of African American Photographs, both of which are housed at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. “African American Military Portraits From the American Civil War provides an unusual glimpse of African Americans in the American Civil War, rarely seen by the public,” says Tiffini Bowers, History Curator for CAAM. “With a personal legacy of five family members who fought in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, it gives me great pride to see this exhibit which fosters the continuous understanding of African Americans and their long history of military service,” Bowers continued. This exhibition tells the stories of African American soldiers and sailors of the Union who fought against the Confederates for the freedom of those still enslaved. In addition, they are visual reminders of the pride, determination, and sense of destiny that filled these men with a profound resolve as they sought a rightful place in the fabric of this nation for themselves and an entire people. The portraits in this exhibition are supplemented with biographical research, original period documents, artifacts, and historically accurate reconstructions. During the Civil War, Black soldiers

were paid $10 a month for their service, while Whites received $13 a month. Some of African American soldiers’ duties were non-combative which included cooking and caring for White officer’s horses. Nonetheless there were others who served in the infantry and artillery. Admission to CAAM is always free. CAAM is located at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, 90037. For more information on CAAM visit www.caamuseum.org and get the latest updates on CAAM social media pages on Twitter @CAAMinLA and www.Facebook. com/CAAMinLA. OTHER EXHIBITIONS IN THE CAAM GALLERIES: Go Tell it on the Mountain opening October 4, 2012 – April 7, 2013 Coloring America: Selections from the California African American Museum’s Permanent History Collection opening October 25, 2012 – January 27, 2013 Shared Thread in CAAM’s Courtyard through December 30, 2012 Legacy of the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company: More Than a Business through March 3, 2013

Obama: ‘Trust matters’ in a presidential campaign BY BEN FELLER | ASSOCIATED PRESS DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — President Barack Obama said at the start of a 48-hour campaign trip that “trust matters” in a presidential campaign and he has kept the same values throughout his political career. Obama is seeking to contrast himself with what he considers Republican Mitt Romney’s shifting views. Obama told voters in Iowa’s Quad Cities on Wednesday that they can take videotape of things he said 10 years ago or 12 years ago and say, quote, “man, this is the same guy.” Obama says he hasn't finished all the work he and his supporters set out to do in 2008, but says he has fought for people every day. Iowa is the first stop on a 48-hour trip to key states. The president said: “We’re going to pull an all-nighter. No sleep.”

AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

President Barack Obama points to supporters in the audiences as he speaks during a campaign event at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, in Davenport, Iowa, as he began a two-day campaign blitz, through eight states with stops in key battleground areas of Iowa, Colorado, Nevada, Ohio and Virginia.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

F E AT U R E

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Prop 32: Silencing the The rise of Mass Affluents – Us! voice of the people BY DOUG MOORE The backers of Proposition 32, a measure that would give corporations yet another political advantage over California working men and women, claim it’s about political reform. The backers of Proposition 32 are being dishonest. The billionaires who are doing much of the backing know that the measure going before voters on November 6 is really about keeping working men and women – and the unions that represent them -- from having a say in politics. The facts speak for themselves. Prop 32 would prohibit unions from using members’ dues to fight for ballot measures and candidates they support. It would also ban union members from having dues deducted from their paychecks for this cause. But corporations would still be free to give as much as they want to their causes and candidates. Prop 32 supporters claim that unions and businesses would be treated the same under the initiative because it applies to both. But most California corporations don’t use payroll deductions for political giving – they use profits. So in fact, businesses and their super PACs would be exempt from Prop 32’s controls, free to spend unlimited amounts of money to force their agenda on the rest of us. At the same time, the voices of sanitation workers, teachers, homecare providers and firefighters, to name just a few, would be silenced across the state. Let’s take a look at who is pushing Prop 32: oil companies, super PACS,

Doug Moore Wall Street firms, hedge funds, real estate developers, and insurance companies. And now let’s take a look at who is exempted from Prop 32’s provisions: oil companies, super PACS, Wall Street firms, hedge funds, real estate developers, and insurance companies. Unions are already at a huge disadvantage when it comes to playing a role in politics. For every $1 a union member spends advocating for her rights politically through her union, businesses spend $15. Prop 32 is an unbalanced and unfair piece of gimmickry that will widen that gap

immeasurably. It restricts unions and their members, but does not similarly restrict corporate special interests. That will create a political system that is even more skewed toward the wealthy and well-connected than it already is. Unions – in particular, public employee unions – have historically created a route to the middle class for black and Latino Californians. Anything that significantly weakens the power of unions and limits their ability to have a say in the political process – which is exactly Prop 32’s purpose – has a disproportionately harmful effect on these workers. Prop 32 also belies the notion of “reform.” True reform improves a system so that it works better for everyone. It doesn’t create a system that works well for one group but puts others at a disadvantage. That’s discrimination, and there is no place for it in our state or our nation. If Prop 32 passes, it’s not hard to predict what workers in California can expect from this corporate power grab: laws that threaten jobs, overtime pay, retirement security and the very right to form and join unions. In short, laws that upend decades of progress in workers’ rights. Ultimately, Prop 32 is about fairness. Rules should apply equally to everyone; no group should be exempted from real campaign finance reform; and as citizens, all of us should have the same ability to impact our democracy. Doug Moore is Executive Director of the 65,000 member UDW Homecare Providers Union.

“TASTE OF SOUL” LETTER Continued from page 6 Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles’ Chief of Police, Chief Beck; thanks to the Los Angeles Fire Department and LA Fire Department Chief, Brian Cummings; thanks to the Brothers from the Nation of Islam under the leadership of Brother Steve Muhammad, President of Security Measures, who provided security in partnership with the LAPD; thanks for the superior media coverage from 94.7 The WAVE, CBS 2, KCAL 9, Radio FREE 102.3 KJLH and NBC 4. Our media partners allowed Taste of Soul to extend Bakewell Media Newspapers (BMN) primary market ten-fold. And, thank you to our Major Sponsors Chevy, Broadway Federal Bank, SEIU ULTCW, Ivie, McNeill & Wyatt and Brotherhood Crusade. A very, very special THANKS goes out to all the Taste of Soul Chairs - City of Los Angeles Council President, Herb Wesson; City of Los Angeles Council Member, Bernard Parks; City of Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. Co-chairs - City of Angeles Council Member Jan Perry; City of Los Angeles Treasurer, Wendy Greuel; Channel 2 News Anchor, Pat Harvey and Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member, Marguerite Poindexter Lamotte. Thanks

Marguerite for sending the Crenshaw High School Band to open the Taste of Soul. They were a sight to behold……Thanks for the love!!!! Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. ... Brother, Thank you for your support. And, to our community as a whole Sponsors, Vendors and Attendees, Thank You for your support and participation in the 2012 Taste of Soul. It was an outstanding display of Economic Empowerment, Political Empowerment and Social Empowerment. To have 300,000 of you SHOW UP to display your talent and your products and display social responsibility by educating others to vote and register voters, you also made it happen. I AM SO PROUD

OF OUR COMMUNITY AND APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!!!!. The promise I made you was that this year’s Taste of Soul would be the BIGGEST and HOTTEST Taste of Soul ever! It was! In closing, I want to invite YOU, YOUR FAMILY and YOUR FRIENDS to keep the Peace, Pride, Respect, Pleasure and Love of the TASTE OF SOUL NATION with you until we gather again on October 19, 2013! See you next year! Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. Creator & Founder of Taste of Soul and StarQuest Executive Publisher & of the LA Sentinel & the LA Watts Times

ECONOMIC “TASTE OR SOUL” Continued from page 6 “Taste of Soul” Nation is people working together; “Taste of Soul” is not just a family festival; “Taste of Soul” has a purpose and a common goal to provide an economic stimulus for our neighborhood resulting in an event that promotes respect for one another in a peaceful and fun-loving atmosphere of hope and love. You proved that “Taste of Soul” was CREATED FOR YOU and you

definitely SHARED THE LOVE. The boost for this economic engine is the quality of the event and the SPIRIT of the people selling and attending. The vendors have proven that they are here for the long haul because most of them have submitted their requests for space for the October 19th, 2013 “Taste of Soul.” Hope to see you next year!!! The vendors will definitely be there!!!

I found information in Nielsen’s newest report, Affluence in America: A Financial View of the Mass Affluent, so interesting that I thought you might too. Mass Affluents are defined as households with Income Producing Assets (IPAs) of $250,000 to $1 million (not including real estate), reporting actual average annual income of $105,000. Mass Affluents are 11.1 percent of the population or 13,000,000 households. And we, as Blacks, are represented in these numbers. According to Nielsen’s in-depth report, African-American Consumers: Still Vital, Still Growing, developed through our collaboration with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), 10 percent of African-American households earn $100,000 or more. Mass Affluents are not celebrities or jet-setters from Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, that early 90s forerunner to many of today’s over-the-top reality shows based on the most obscene excesses money can buy. According to the Affluence report, Mass Affluents work for the money – heading everyday to white collar jobs in management, business or finance; or own their own business(es). It’s really fun to see how Mass Affluent households are broken down into distinct segments, based loosely on differences in age, income and family makeup by Nielsen P$YCLE, a household segmentation system. I’ll bet we’ll see ourselves or someone we know. First, there are the Globetrotters. These are emptynesters over 65, who have or had sixfigure incomes, have paid their dues, are comfortable financially and are spending their free time traveling. Business Class is defined as 50-something childless or empty-nest couples who are kind of “chi-chi-la-la,” as Oprah used to say. You know, the country club lifestyle with an extravagant spending style, scoring high for business and pleasure travel and highend catalog shopping. Power Couples are described as well-educated, mostly 45 to 54-year-olds with six-figure incomes, no children, designer homes, diversified investment portfolios and love shopping at stores like Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor. Civic Spirits are over 65-year-old retired couples who are anything but retired. These are the activists in our communities – the people who write the letters to the editor and their political representatives. They are also the more cautious investors, ranking high for buying long-term care insurance and residential insurance for their condos. And, the kids are gone. The Family Fortunes are described as college-educated 45 to 64-year-old suburbanites with more children than any other segment, high incomes, expensive homes, multiple investments and an energetic lifestyle who enjoy “pricey” sports like skiing and tennis. Capital Accumulators are 45 to 64-year-old empty nest suburbanites who pay a great amount of attention to their real estate investments, IRAs and 401(k)

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil retirement accounts. These smart cookies have parlayed upper middleclass income into serious income-producing assets and tend to lead very active lifestyles. Lastly, we have the Savvy Savers. These are well-invested retirees who have raised their children and enjoy low-key lifestyles – like watching sports like golf on TV and are active in their social clubs. Even though they have invested cautiously and carefully with sizable nest eggs, Savvy Savers take full advantage of senior discounts, coupons and value-oriented travel options. Once upon a time, those considered well-off typically congregated in monied pockets in big cities or in posh, sunny golf communities. As that demographic has expanded and diversified, Mass Affluents are increasingly found in the suburbs and exurbs of the nations’ big cities all over the country. However, data shows that Mass Affluents are more than twice as likely to live near the San Francisco area, followed by: Washington, D.C, Hartford and New Haven, Conn., Boston, New York, Honolulu, Baltimore, Monterey-Salinas, Calif., San Diego and Santa Barbara, Calif. Consistent with Nielsen’s report on African-American consumers, the top five Designated Market Areas (DMA) for African-Americans with $100Kplus household income are: Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Atlanta, Norfolk, Va. and New York. Analysis of the consumer habits of Mass Affluents also describe this consumer segment as engaged – going online multiple times each day; and as being adopters of high-end technology like digital recorders, tablet devices (31 percent) and smartphones (59 percent). In closing, let’s congratulate our sisters and brothers who have achieved such financial success. If that happens to be you, my message, as always, continues to be the same as my message is for all Black consumers: Be sure you're using your power for good. Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen. For more information and studies go to www.nielsenwire.com.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Sights & Scenes| “ TASTE OF SOUL”

UNIVERSALPICTURES AND QUENTIN TARANTINO PRESENT A STRIKE ENTERTAINMENT/ARCADE PICTURES PRODUCTION AFILMBY RZAMUSIC“THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS” RUSSELL CROWE CUNG LE LUCY LIU BYRON MANN RZA RICK YUNE DAVID BAUTISTA JAMIEPRODUCEDCHUNG BY RZA AND HOWARD DROSSIN MUSIC EXECUTIVE BY MARC ABRAHAM ERIC NEWMAN ELI ROTH SUPERVISORS G.MARQ ROSWELL CARTER LITTLE PRODUCERS TOM KARNOWSKI THOMAS A. BLISS KRISTEL LAIBLIN AUNIVERSALRELEASE © 2012 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

LOCAL LISTIN LISTINGS NGS STARTS FRIDAY FRIID DAY, NOVEMBERR 2 FOR CHECK THEATERS AND SHOW WTIMES SHOWTIMES

Thursday, October 25, 2012

StarQuest Showcases its Star Power BET co-founder Beau Williams and Adrian Battle win inaugural talent contest slams network for negative stereotypes SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, bad-mouthed the Black network at a recent event, saying it had become a “squandered” voice. Speaking at the “Conversations and Encounters” program at the Carmel Art and Film Festival in Monterey County, Calif., Johnson said the new BET “reinforces negative stereotypes of young people, African Americans in particular,” according to EurWeb.com. Now a strategic adviser to The Huffington Post, Johnson reflected on the “good old days” of the netSheila Johnson work she and her husband built, saying she was most proud of BET’s Teen Summit, which ran from 1989 to 2002. But Johnson seemed unimpressed with the theme and direction of the network since it was sold and placed under new management. “I think we squandered a really important cable network, when it really could have been the voice of Black America. We’re losing our voice as a race as a result,” she ranted. “I’m really worried about what our young people are watching. There are so many young people who are using the television as a babysitter. We have parents who are not being parents and not monitoring what their children are watching.”

Alicia Keys launches storytelling app for kids BY MESFIN FEKADU | ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK (AP) — Alicia Keys, after giving birth to her son two years ago, said she wanted to create tools for children. Now she's launching an app for kids. “The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee” is about a young New York City girl’s relationship with her wise grandmother. Keys produced music for the interactive app, which will be released Thursday for $3.99. “It’s a new adventure for me, and I’m really enjoying it,” the Grammy Award winner said in an interview Wednesday. The app is loosely based on Keys’ relationship with her grandmother. It’s centered in LeeLee’s bedroom, and it allows users to read books, play music and write in a journal. “It does remind me of my AP Photo/Thibault Camus, file world,” the New York-born This March 5, 2012 file photo shows persinger said. “The piano, the jour- former Alicia Keys attending the Stella nal, music’s such a big part of my McCartney fashion house presentation for life, the city, all of that.” Women’s Fall-Winter, ready-to-wear Keys is launching the app 2013 fashion collection, during Paris through her company AK Fashion week. Worldwide and Bento Box Interactive. She said raising her 2-year- them to hear music from different old son, Egypt, was part of the app’s places, different cultures, different sounds,” she said. “That’s what we’re inspiration. “I was just getting introduced to able to do with this.” Keys is a 14-time Grammy winner. kind of the TV shows and the DVDs and all the things you start kind of Her fifth album, “Girl On Fire,” is out introducing your kids to, and I Nov. 27. Maxwell, Jamie xx, Bruno thought how cool it would be to be a Mars and John Legend are among the part of something that really allows featured acts and songwriters.

LAWT File Photos

StarQuest congratulates the winners and thanks the judges. Pictured left to right are StarQuest Talent Executive Rayva Harrell, StarQuest founder, Danny J. Bakewell Sr., StarQuest winners Adrian Battle and Beau Williams and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. BY SHIRLEY HAWKINS SENTINEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER The air was filled with excitement and anticipation last Saturday during the inaugural StarQuest singing competition held at the 7th annual ‘Taste of Soul’ Family Festival where 24 semifinalists emoted, wailed, and shouted to the delight of several hundred spectators. During the competition, StarQuest judges were faced with whittling the group of hopefuls down to two finalists to perform before several thousand fans at the 94.7 Wave and 102.3 Radio Free KJLH stages, respectively. The weather was cool and mild, but competition was hot and wild as contestants aimed to put their best act on display. Kicking off the competition was twelve-year old Solomon, who movingly sang “The Greatest Love of All” as a tribute to his idol, the late Whitney Houston. Solomon beamed with obvious delight as he left the stage to thunderous applause. “Whether I win or lose, I definitely plan to keep on singing,” said the pint-size vocalist. Wowing the crowd next was 32year-old Adrian Battle, who prowled the stage and delivered a mesmerizing Marvin-Gaye like performance of an original song, “Summertime Love.” Battle’s power packed vocals proved to be an audience favorite. “I’m so grateful that people appreciate my music,” said Battle, who revealed that the StarQuest competition marked his first solo performance. White-haired, 69-year-old Pamela Bellamy-Franklin elicited a flurry of spirited “Amen’s” as she belted out the gospel song “How Great is Thy Faithfulness.” “I never took any singing lessons,” admitted the five-octave Bellamy-Franklin, who sang a capella. “My gift comes straight from God.” Midway through the auditions, Taste of Soul founder and Los Angeles Sentinel publisher Danny Bakewell Sr. took to the stage to

praise the contestants. “StarQuest is a concept that’s long overdue,” said Bakewell, adding that “ StarQuest will become an annual event of ‘Taste of Soul.’ How can there be an American Idol when they’ve never come to Crenshaw to compete? he asked. There may be an X Factor and an American Idol, but we have wonderful talent right here in our own community. These talented individuals are entertaining us second to none and the talent you see here today will blow your socks off.” Bakewell, who was also celebrating his birthday, was joined on stage by 10th District City Councilman Herb Wesson, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, music producer Clarence Avant, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, StarQuest producers Tony Cornelius and Yvette Bailey, talent coordinator Ravea Harrell and actor Kel Mitchell. The crowd surprised the publisher by singing “Happy Birthday” Stevie Wonder style. Not missing a beat, Bakewell exhibited some eye-catching dance moves, even attempting near splits to the delight of the audience. Providing laughs and keeping the procedures moving were comedians Kim Whitley, Dannon Green, actor/comedian Joe Torrey, actors Kel Mitchell, Ernest Thomas, Jazz Raycole, Wesley Jonathan, singer/music producer Ray J, and KTTV anchorwoman Christine Devine. Audience members danced in the aisles to the sizzling grooves of the House of Vibe All Star Band, the Victor Orlando band, Dijon Talton, Megan Moret, Sahyba, Yours Truly and Sledge Grits. Contestant Beau Williams captivated the audience with a stirring rendition of “Danny Boy.” At one point, Williams dropped to his knees in a riveting display of jaw-dropping showmanship. “You’re like James Brown’s second cousin,” marveled comedian Green after Williams’ performance. First tenor Phallon Brown, nattily dressed in a pinstripe suit and black fedora, sang a stirring Luther Vandross-

like medley of a “House is not a Home” and “So Amazing” which he dedicated to the late Whitney Houston, while powerhouse German singer Corinna Brown displayed her eye-popping break dancing skills after belting out a rousing rock anthem. Vocalist Britt J smouldered through her original song “Thinking About the Love.” Dressed in a shimmering gold and silver mini dress, flaunting diamond encrusted hair and a white mink coat, J teasingly tossed her mink on stage during her scintillating performance that left the audience mesmerized. Vocalist Tanek Montgomery, 29, originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., elicited a sea of female screams during his steamy version of “Hey, Girl,” at one point stripping off his shirt to reveal muscled biceps. “Performing on the StarQuest stage was incredible, indescribable,” Montgomery said after his performance. “I definitely appreciated the opportunity to come out today.” Barbadian singer Ria Borman got the crowd movin’ and groovin’ with her rousing rendition of the Chaka Khan hit, “I’m Every Woman.” Guitar-playing Lloyd Perodin, 65, performed “Sex, Relationships, and Sometimes Love” with humorous lyrics that proclaimed, “You got your shoes on backwards and your hair ain’t combed/you got your shoes on backwards, there ain’t no hope.” Additional contestants participating in the StarQuest were Tommie Rae Powell, Tarsha Rodgers, Rashondra Angelle, Rory Darvel, Mo-Que, Lamar “Deuce” Lubin, Cherose, Kyra Smith, Jacnique, Herman Chamblee, Carla Bagnerise, Goward Horton and Duprice. Producers Cornelius, son of the late Soul Train founder Don Cornelius, and Bailey kept the crowd in suspense before announcing the two finalists: contestants Adrian Battle and Beau Williams. Battle earned the right to perform on Radio Free KJLH stage and Williams went onto the Wave (94.7 FM) stage. Both singers appeared to be genuinely stunned as the crowd clapped and whistled.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Howard, Nash arrive for Dorsey Football Lakers’ championship push Gets Renovated BY GREG BEACHAM | ASSOCIATED PRESS

(AP) — On one side of the Los Angeles Lakers’ practice court, Dwight Howard is shooting free throws and talking defense with Pau Gasol. On the other end, Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are plotting out a pick-and-roll play with step-by-step precision. And somewhere in the middle, Metta World Peace’s mind is blowing. “Everybody on the starting five has led their own team and been the go-to guy, the best player on a team,” World Peace said. “We’ve all been the man somewhere else, and now we’re together. It’s unbelievable. They’re all rock stars, but everybody has a great attitude. It’s a great time, great time for us.” The Lakers are a fantasy basketball team brought to life this fall. Thanks to the nimble offseason moves of general manager Mitch Kupchak, Los Angeles has assembled one of the most accomplished starting lineups in NBA history, from Nash’s MVP awards and Bryant’s scoring superlatives to Howard’s defensive dominance and Gasol’s international acclaim. Whether those accomplishments translate into championship success will be learned over the next several months. The Lakers are loaded with talent, but it's mostly confined to the top half of their roster — and they’re not close to the NBA’s youngest team. But with 82 games and the postseason still in front of them, the Lakers are incredibly optimistic about the chance they’ve been given to add a 17th championship banner to the Staples Center rafters. Los Angeles has said almost nothing about Miami, Oklahoma City, Boston, San Antonio or the other NBA title contenders in the preseason, focus-

Weight Room Real Estate Developer Astani joins former Labor Leader, Martin Ludlow in renovating the Dorsey Football Weight Room

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Members of the Los Angeles Lakers, from left, Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Metta World Peace, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, of Spain, look on during the second half of their preseason NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Los Angeles. The Kings won 99-92. ing entirely on the work still necessary to turn this disparate group of All-Stars into a cohesive unit. “We’re going to be a really good team, but we’ve got a lot of work in front of us right now,” said Bryant, the fifth-leading scorer in NBA history beginning his 17th season with the Lakers. “We’re not close to a finished product, and the teams that we want to compete with have all had their main groups together longer. We’ve got to keep improving every day, every week, and learning how to play together.” Howard, a six-time All-Star with the Orlando Magic, was acquired by

Los Angeles in a four-team deal involving Andrew Bynum last August. Although Howard has just one year left on his contract, he has embraced the Lakers’ tradition and history, making it clear he’s quite determined to follow in the footsteps of Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and George Mikan. “This is a great franchise, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it,” Howard said. “It’s a motivation to look up on the wall and see all of those great retired jerseys. It’s just a blessing to be here. I still can’t believe it, really.” See LAKERS, page 15

Indiana Fever fans celebrate WNBA title

AP Photo/The Indianapolis Star, Robert Scheer

Indiana Fever's Tamika Catchings, MVP of the WNBA Finals, celebrates with fans during a celebration event at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012, in Indianapolis. The team and several thousand fans moved their party indoors to the fieldhouse as morning rain scrapped plans for a parade. The Fever wrapped up the title Sunday night, beating the Minnesota Lynx three games to one.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Fever and their fans didn't let a little rain ruin their celebration of the WNBA championship. The team and several thousand fans moved their party indoors to the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday as morning rain scrapped plans for a parade. The Fever wrapped up the title Sunday night, beating the Minnesota Lynx three games to one. Kelly Krauskopf watched the celebration swirling all around her. For 13 seasons after leaving her position as the WNBA's first director of basketball operations, Krauskopf built this team literally from scratch as the Fever’s general manager and chief operating officer. Krauskopf remembered picking her first six players in the 2000 expansion draft. Her team won just nine of 32 games in the first season, not great, but providing a foundation. The franchise gained legitimacy when Krauskopf took a chance in the 2001 draft and chose Tennessee standout Tamika Catchings, who sat out her entire senior season with an injury. On Tuesday, Krauskopf smiled and exhaled an audible sigh of relief. “I feel I can breathe for the first See WNBA TITLE page 15

Photo by Ian Foxx

LAWT WIRE SERVICE The Dorsey High School football team, coaches and administrators celebrated this past Friday with Los Angeles real estate developer Sonny Astani and former Labor Leader, Martin Ludlow with a new state-ofthe art weight room. Astani made his donation to the Dorsey Football Boosters, a nonprofit organization which was created by Ludlow to help purchase uniforms, medical supplies, training equipment and college-bound computer programs. Astani’s donation enabled the boosters to completely renovate the school’s weight room. Now, student-athletes for the Dorsey Dons can work out with new free weights and gym equipment in a freshly-painted facility adorned with state-of-the-art flat screen televisions and audio systems. High school game films can now be

assembled and viewed on a digital editing system. “For years, Dorsey High studentathletes have worked out in an inferior facility,” said Dorsey Football Boosters founder Martin Ludlow. “With the monetary donation from Sonny Astani and the enthusiastic support of the principal and head coach, this renovated weight room is a symbol of progress, and it’s a show of support for the outstanding legacy of Dorsey High athletics.” Astani added: “One of the joys of being able to help others is to witness the work of organizations like the Dorsey Football Boosters. I am proud to be associated with a group that’s dedicated to helping young men and women achieve success in life -- now and in the future.” The ceremony on Friday in the weight room included Dorsey head coach Paul Knox and Dr. Reginald Sample, Dorsey principal.

Photo by Ian Foxx

Thursday, October 25, 2012

10 / 2012

e v e n t LISTINGS

L.A. Watts Times Calendar, Compiled by Brandon I. Brooks, Co-Managing Editor 10/26 TRIBUTE

MOTOWN: Experience the best of

Mary Wilson

Motown with some of the biggest names to emerge from Detroit, including Mary Wilson, The Original Vandellas, and The Contours with Joe Billingslea. WHERE: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) 12700 Center Court Drive. WHEN: 8:00 p.m. Tickets, The Original Vandellas

the legendary hip-hop artists Eazy-E, 2Pac, Notorious B.I.G. and Big Pun. No other rap group could sing a cappella like Bone Thugs-NHarmony without losing the respect of the hiphop community. For more information visit www.tickemaster.com.

10/27 FIRST ANNUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO: The Health and Wellness Expo is part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month effort. The event is sponsored by the Carson Citizens Cultural Foundation and the City of Carson. WHEN: The event will kick-off with a “Zumba Party in Pink” theme from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. WHERE: SouthBay Pavilion located at 20700 Avalon Blvd. in Carson. The charge for the Zumbathon is $10 per adult or $5 with a Zumba ID and $3 for kids. The first 100 participants will receive pink beads and proceeds will be donated to the Carson Cultural Arts Foundation. Free health screening, giveaways, t-shirts and health information will be available between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Guest speakers include medical doctors from the Dr. Susan B. Love Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Kaiser Physicians will come to speak about sickle cell anemia, prostate cancer, and general health and eating healthier. Mobile units will be available on the site to check blood pressure, glucose level, and asthma. Free pink t-shirts will be available for the first 200 guest that register for the event. For more information on the event, please contact Kimberlee Smith at (310) 346-8968.

“YOGA DOES A BODY GOOD” WOMEN’S WELLNESS WORKSHOP: Presented by Clear Gardens Yoga Studio in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A one day workshop featuring yoga classes designed specifically for issues that pertain to women, Q&A Session with local OBGYN, Cooking demonstration, mini farmers market, silent auction and raffle.

The Contours ranging from $75-$30, are available at the CCPA Ticket Office and www.cerritoscenter.com or by calling (562) 467-8818.

BLACK WOMEN: STATE OF THE UNION-TAKING FLIGHT: Celebrating, and empowering, through works from some of the nation’s most artistically significant Black female voices, KTC’s Skylight Theatre is providing a home for this unique five-week production. Featuring new plays, visual arts, and community events, collaborators have created this platform for encouraging Black women to self-identify as dynamic, expressive, and nurturing contributors to society. WHEN: Opens October 27th and runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through November 18, 2012. WHERE: The Skylight Theatre is located at 1816 N. Vermont, LA, 90027. Tickets are $17-$25 ($15-$17 Senior/Student discount). Reservations: 702 KTCTKTS (702-582-8587) or online at www.ktctickets.com.

MEDITATION - EIGHT STEPS

FAMILY CARNIVAL EVENT: Celebrating a safe Halloween and to raise awareness of drug-free neighborhoods and communities. WHEN: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. WHERE: 4521 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062. We expect at the least, 100 children and youth in the neighborhood to attend. This kicks off “Red

SEASON 8 OF AMERICA’S GOT TALENT NOW AUDITIONING: Your dream is 90 seconds away!! Any talent and any age goes. WHEN: November 14 & 15, 2012. WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 South

Nick Cannon

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: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. WHERE: Crenshaw Yoga and Dance, 5426 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles. Please visit MeditateInLA.org or call Kadampa Meditation Center California (323) 223-0610. $10 /class.

10/29 WEST ANGELES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TELECOM BILL CLINIC: Bring your cell and landline phone bills so we can review and potentially help you reduce your monthly costs, resolve any outstanding matters, and make sure you are not being charged unnecessarily. WHEN: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. WHERE: West Angeles Villas Community Room 6030 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043. For more information or to register, call (323) 751-3440 ext. 43, or email us at rcurtis@westangelescdc.org.

“STEP UP

WHEN: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Clear Gardens Yoga Studio 223 S LaBrea Ave Inglewood CA 90301. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.cleargardensyoga.com or call (310) 673-9643. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Susan G Komen for a Cure.

November 3, 2012, From 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. WHERE: The Felicia Mahood MultiPurpose Center, 11338 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. Invited guests: Rev. Jesse Jackson, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Civil Rights Activist Eddie Jones, Jr., Assemblyman Mike Davis and other Entertainers, singers and community organizations all coming together for Change. Some of our Proud Sponsors are Ralph’s Grocery, Wing Stop and Just Glam Cosmetics www.justglam.com For Vendor/Sponsorship opportunities/Participation and all other inquiries: Contact: 323.801.6335 or www.stepupandvote.eventbrite.com.

10/28

UP & COMING

BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY PERFORMING LIVE: GRAMMY Award winning group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony celebrates their 20 year anniversary reunion with all five members Layzie Bone, Flesh-N-Bone, Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, and Kayzie Bone. WHERE: City National Grove of Anaheim. WHEN: 7:00 p.m. – 12 a.m. For all ages!! Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s ability to harmonize while rapping at top speeds makes the group stand out in the hip-hop music scene. Best known for their GRAMMY Award winning tribute song to Eazy-E, “Tha Crossroads” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1996. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is also the only group of artists to have worked with

Ribbon Week” (Oct.23-31), which states, “The Best in ME is Drug Free” in conjunction with National Family Partnership. If you’d like more information about this topic, please call Gwynne Browne at (323) 327-2854.

AND VOTE FOR CHANGE”: An Education & Entertainment Event to promote political awareness and urge the community to vote on Election Day - Nov. 6, 2012. The Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Soroity, Inc. in a Step show along with members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Ghamma Rho Sorority Inc,, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., in a Step show and hear Political leaders educate you about this year’s The Rev. Jesse Jackson Election as well as Entertainment, Food and Fun to urge the community to vote this year 2012. WHEN: Saturday,

Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015. We want to see anything and everything. Don’t miss your chance to show America your talent and compete for the opportunity of a lifetime at winning the Grand Prize of $1 Million Dollars. To pre-register for and audition and for more information on AGT, please log onto www.agtauditions.com.

ON GOING 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. J Anthony Brown 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 25, 2012

CA JOBLESS Continued from page 2 could be revised next month. The rate in September was more than a full percentage point better than the 11.7 percent unemployment rate at the same time a year ago. California added 8,500 nonfarm payroll jobs last month, showing the state's economy was continuing its gradual improvement. "It is a significant drop," Callori said. "It is an encouraging sign, and it is consistent with the overall trend which is increasing jobs." Half a dozen sectors grew, including education, finance and transportation. The biggest gains were seen in the leisure and hospitality sector, which added 10,700 jobs. Five sectors reported job losses, including construction and manufacturing and mining and logging. An accompanying federal survey of households shows an increase in the number of working Californians, reversing a three month trend in which the number of employed people was falling. The number of unemployed people fell to 1.88 million in September. But the rosy numbers may be due in part to people giving up on active job searches. The total labor force shrunk by about 7,000 people over the past month and fell by 74,000 people from last year. The drop in California's jobless rate follows the national trend. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped in September to 7.8 percent, falling below 8 percent for the first time since the month President Barack Obama took office.

LAKERS Continued from page 13 On the opening day of training camp, Bryant designated the easygoing center as his successor as the Lakers’ franchise player when the 34-year-old Kobe walks away, perhaps just two years from now. Bryant isn’t done yet, however — and he has never played with a point guard of Nash’s abilities. The two-time MVP agreed to move to Los Angeles in a sign-and-trade to stay closer to his three children in Phoenix, yet he seems to be an ideal fit with the Lakers, whose biggest positional deficiency has been at point guard for several years. Nash still isn’t sure how all of the Lakers’ pieces will fit together, but after several mostly mediocre years with the Suns, the 38-year-old Canadian is grateful for a real chance to chase his first ring. “We’re covering a lot of ground in training camp, with the new offense and all the new guys,” Nash said. “We’re getting into a competitive space, though. You can see how these guys are coming together. We know we’ve got a chance to be a really good team.” Coach Mike Brown has the keys to this impressive vehicle, and he acknowledges he’s mostly trying not to crash it. He has installed elements of the Princeton offense to encourage the Lakers to be mobile and creative on offense, but the defense-minded coach is most excited about a unit backstopped by Howard, the shot-blocking defensive dynamo. “The big thing I’ve been telling these guys on defense is that they don’t have to gamble,” Howard said. “We’re solid on D. We just need to work hard for 24 seconds, get the rebound, and we’re out.” Much of that confidence is based

GOVERNMENT LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Metro will receive proposals for RFP No. PS24153024 Consulting Services for Regional Rail Engineering and Planning Bench per specifications on file at the LACMTA Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (9th Floor). All proposals must be received on or before 2 p.m. on November 20, 2012, Pacific Timeat the address listed above, sent to the attention of Benton Calmes.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 October 29, 2012 at 3:00 p.m., Metro Board Room, 3rd floor, located at the address above. You may obtain a copy of the RFP, or further information, by faxing Benton Calmes at (213) 922-1005. 10/25/12 CNS-2397697# WATTS TIMES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP# 7575) PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles invites proposals from qualified firms to perform Program/Project Management services for the planning and administering of its capital improvements and new construction projects.. Copies of the RFP may be obtained beginning October 21, 2012 online at www.hacla.org/ps. Proposals will be accepted until 2:00 pm (PST), November 16, 2012 at 2600 Wilshire Blvd, 4th Floor, Los Angeles CA 90057. 10/25, 11/1/12 CNS-2397094# WATTS TIMES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP# 7569-A) PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles invites proposals from qualified, experienced property management companies to perform the management and operation of its Asset Management Portfolio consisting of up to 69 multifamily and senior market rate and multifamily, senior and income-restricted scattered properties which include up to 1,163 units. Copies of the RFP may be obtained beginning October 14, 2012 online at www.hacla.org/ps. Proposals will be accepted at 2600 Wilshire Blvd 4th Fl., Los Angeles CA 90057 until 2:00 pm (PST), November 9, 2012. 10/18, 10/25/12 CNS-2393564# WATTS TIMES

on Howard, who is still a bit peeved he didn’t win another Defensive Player of the Year award last spring despite his early end to the season for back surgery. Bynum thrived on defense at times, but the Lakers believe no center can match Howard’s combination of athleticism and intelligence. “He can make plays defensively that no big man outside of Bill Russell can make,” Bryant said. The Lakers’ weaknesses might include their bench, which was the NBA’s least productive group last season. Antawn Jamison, the high-scoring forward who has mostly spent his 15year career as the best player on bad teams, should inject more offense as a reserve, while Jodie Meeks and Chris Duhon will provide a new look in the backcourt. Jordan Hill, Steve Blake and

Devin Ebanks return from last year. But it’s tough to worry about the Lakers while Howard, Nash, Bryant, Gasol and World Peace are running drills together in practice. They’re still getting to know each other, but they all sense the potential to become something greater than the sum of their parts. “You don’t get an opportunity like this too often in life,” Gasol said. “We’re all excited to go on this journey together.”

WNBA TITLE Continued from page 13 time in 13 years,” she said. “You’re always busy. Every offseason, it’s ‘What do we need to do? What do we need to do? What do we need to do?’” Krauskopf and her staff kept building and on Sunday, the title was finally theirs — over the defending champion Lynx, no less. “This is a tribute to those who helped get this organization started,” Krauskopf said during the ceremony. The crowd reserved its loudest cheers for Catchings, who earned playoff MVP honors to go with her WNBA championship, a NCAA title at Tennessee and three Olympic gold medals. “This is a journey like no other,”

Catchings said, a huge smile lighting her face. “It’s awesome. Amazing. It’s such an honor to be with such a great group of ladies.” Krauskopf said this was the idea, from the very start. “It’s a long building process,” she explained. “The first couple of years, you have to pay your dues. But you don’t go into this without thinking about it and dreaming about it.” The dream took a beating when the Fever fell to Phoenix in five games in their first finals appearance in 2009. “I really felt we had to get back to the finals,” Krauskopf said. “I felt if we got to the finals again, we could close it out this time, and we did.”

Thursday, October 25, 2012