W E E K E N D E R
Vol. XXX, No. 1304
www.lawattstimes.com
Thursday, October 4, 2012
L.A. Watts Times
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Inside This Edition
Affirmation: Confusion gives me an opportunity to show my love. IBRA ~ Creative mental energy makes this a banner week. An ambition that you thought you had left behind years ago suddenly resurfaces, and you’ll see similarities between what you are doing now and what you dreamed of back then. Soul Affirmation: I give my brain full power this week. CORPIO ~ Educate those around you in the area of personal growth. Their improvement will bring benefits to you. Humor in communication is the key. Humor in introspection is a must. Soul Affirmation: Success that has been following me is trying to catch up. AGITTARIUS ~ This week romance is begins to percolate. Enjoy your feelings and let your brain relax. Suspend all judgments of others. Being stern won’t work for you this week. Soul Affirmation: I go along to get along. APRICORN ~ Romance will find you this week. Don’t be looking the other way. Your “rap” is especially strong. Make as many of those important phone calls as possible. Soul Affirmation: Friendships are shock absorbers on the bumpy roads of life. QUARIUS ~ Don’t take any big gambles this week, the time is not right for a flight into the unknown. A newfound harmony is in store for you and your mate. Your mate will understand your fears. Soul Affirmation: New insights create new directions and a new cast of characters. ISCES ~ The air can be cleared easily. Admit your need for help. Seek understanding. You’ll help another by seeking help from them. Communication problems will smooth themselves out. Soul Affirmation: Moving slowly might be the fastest way.
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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
The Los Angeles Sentinel and Bakewell Media, creator of Taste of Soul, will launch AUDITIONS for their inaugural StarQuest Talent Search singing competition. ONE DAY ONLY AUDITIONS will take place on October 11 from 9 – 3 pm at the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw Plaza located at 3650 Martin Luther King Blvd (the corner of MLK Blvd and Crenshaw Blvd) on the Macy’s Bridge. Twelve StarQuest semi-finalists will be selected to compete on stage in front of an expected crowd of 250,000 people during the Taste of Soul Festival on October 20. Two winners will be selected to perform on either the Radio Free KJLH (102.3 FM) stage or The Wave (94.7 FM). A panel of judges will critique and
Council President Herb Wesson BY JENNIFER BIHM ASSISTANT EDITOR AND BRIAN W. CARTER STAFF WRITER
WWW.LAWATTSTIMES.COM
EMAIL: wattsweekender@yahoo.com
BY: CHELSEA BATTLE LAWT CONTRIBUTING WRITER
score each contestant’s performance. The panel will include but is not limited to Tony Cornelius, son of the legendary creator of Soul Train, Don Cornelius, Yvette Bailey (former Soul Train producer) and talent executive Rayva Harrell (Nickelodeon’s All That, The Steve Harvey Morning Show). Surprise celebrity judges will be announced. This one of a kind StarQuest Singing Competition will provide a monumental platform for Southern California’s rising stars All talented singers are encouraged to come out and audition. ITS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!!!! For more information and contestant guidelines go to www.TASTEOFSOULLA.org or www.LASENTINEL.net. Please send all celebrity, talent and media inquiries to StarQuest@lasentinel.net.
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Beverly Cook – Publisher, Managing Editor 1976 – 1993 Charles Cook – Publisher 1976 – 1998 Melanie Polk – Publisher 1998 – 2010 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 Talent Search Auditions set for October 11
Wesson Endorses Price for 9th District
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MOMBASA SQUARE ANSWERS FROM 9-27-12
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RIES ~ You may want to make this week a schmooze-fest! Whether you go out to a party or stay in with a friend, you’ll have a good time if you remember that charm is the only weapon that’ll work for you this week. Soul Affirmation: I work hard to combat envy this week. AURUS ~ Your vibrations could cause you to pause. That’s good, because a pause is just what you need to remember to think of the positive. Reject the negative and you’ll have a wonderful week. Soul Affirmation: I give my mind a holiday again this week. EMINI ~ Rev up your engines. This is a fine week for making progress with projects that you’ve got in the works. Your energy is high and your mind is clear. Use every advantage this week to finish up your work. Soul Affirmation: What life has given me is sufficient to any task. ANCER ~ A spirit of competition may be troubling you. Let it go. Celebrate differences and get on with the work of creating new hope in the world! Your tendency to speak without considering the full impact on others should be checked this week. Soul Affirmation: I graciously anticipate joy and this gives me the ability to give. EO ~ Confusion exists over some question, and every time you think you’ve got the answer, circumstances will change and new information will come to your attention. Don’t worry, things are going to clear up and work out. Take it easy. Soul Affirmation: My smile is a radiant light to those I encounter. IRGO ~ Communications flow smoothly this week and your word is golden. A wild idea for money making could come to you, but you should let the strictly material walk on by. Stick to your current plan and use your imagination for ways to streamline your work. Soul
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State Senator Curren Price is vying for Los Angeles City Council’s 9th District seat, he announced recently, citing a flurry of support from local businesses, community and clergy members as his motivation. Price is joining an array of candidates in the race to fill the seat, which will be vacated by termed-out council member and mayoral hopeful, Jan Perry, in 2013. Price said he sees the job in the 9th as an opportunity to “really make a change.” “I recognize the ability to deal with issues, deal with problems at the local level—where the rubber meets the road,” he said. Currently presiding over the 26th senate district, Price would still be representing a large percentage of his constituents as councilmember. “The 26th Senate District is vast and diverse including the areas
Sen. Curren Price Jr., Candidate for 9th Council District around USC, LA Live and parts even further east,” said Price. “I think that I have the background training to bring problemsolving to a new level and really make a difference—an impact to people in this area.” Price said he is adopting the phrase, the “New 9th,” to describe the new energy, commitment and enthusiasm he expects to bring as councilmember. Some of the areas he will focus on are: jobs, housing, civic engagement and new initiatives. “I want to be an advocate to make sure the city is getting it’s fair share of public works,” said Price. “Making sure streets are swept, alleys are clean, working with neighborhood councils, block clubs— bringing private sectors and nonprivate sectors together in a collaborative way is where we have to proceed.” Also high on his agenda is education, and Price has plans to work closely with elementary schools, See CURREN PRICE JR, page 13
Thursday, October 4, 2012
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*Wells Fargo may, at its own discretion, limit the number of unique codes and/or cancel the free credit score and complimentary credit report promotion at any time. Your credit report will look like what a lender would see if the lender obtained your credit report at the same time. Your version is formatted to be more easily understood. Your credit score could vary by lender depending on the type of scoring used. The credit score you receive in this promotion probably will not be the same as the score obtained by a lender and is for educational purposes only. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. NMLSR ID 399801
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Thursday, October 4, 2012
Senator Wright welcomes Compton schools’ new Superintendent LAWT WIRE SERVICE
business card bulletin board
CUSD Superintendent Darin Brawley with Senator Rod Wright.
Senator Roderick D. Wright (DInglewood) joined members of the Compton community and Compton Unified School District board of trustees in welcoming the district’s new superintendent, Darin Brawley, at a reception in his honor this past Sunday. Compton leaders, residents, students and staff came together for a welcome reception in the CUSD Education Service Center’s courtyard to welcome Brawley, who comes to CUSD after a highly-successful threeyear tenure with the Adelanto Elementary School District in San Bernardino County, and hear his vision for the future of CUSD. See CUSD SUPERINTENDENT, page 15
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LA council votes to repeal pot dispensary ban BY GREG RISLING ASSOCIATED PRESS The Los Angeles City Council reversed course Tuesday October 2 and repealed a ban on pot shops that it passed just two months ago to shutter hundreds of medical marijuana storefronts. Council members voted 11-2 to negate its July decision to rid the nation's second-largest city of pot dispensaries. The repeal came after opponents gathered enough signatures to place a referendum on the ballot seeking to undo the ban. Many cities have struggled with medical marijuana ordinances, but none has had a bigger problem than Los Angeles, where pot shops have proliferated. Though dispensary AP Photo/Reed Saxon owners can now remain City of Los Angeles reversed course and repealed open without fear of a ban on pot shops. local authorities, they still run the risk of getting shut down cans for Safe Access. In supporting the repeal, some by federal authorities who last week started targeting stores in Los council members said they needed Angeles they said were raking in better guidance from California legishuge sums of money and attracting lators and urged them to address the crime. Pot remains illegal under fed- inadequacies of a state law that allows the medicinal use of marijuaeral law. “What weighs heavy in my mind na with a doctor’s recommendation. “We need to get clarity on exactis that no matter what we do, the federal government will still come in ly where we stand,” said Councilman and shut them down,” said Mitchell Englander. The state Supreme Court is Councilman Ed Reyes, who voted for the ban in July. “It’s a very confusing expected to address whether local time for everyone. Those who chose governments can ban medical marito continue to open up for the right juana clinics, but a hearing hasn’t reasons are at risk and those who are been set by the high court. Los Angeles passed an ordinance doing it out of gamesmanship, out of opportunism, out of profit at the cost two years ago that was supposed to of our lives and the public safety in shutter hundreds of pot dispensaries our communities will also be at risk.” while capping the number in operaThe city’s so-called “gentle ban” tion at 70. But a set of legal challenges would have eliminated storefront pot shops but allowed patients and care- against the city by dispensaries and givers to grow medical marijuana. the recent expiration of the ordinance City officials have said more than due to a sundowner clause led to 750 collectives have registered with another surge of pot shops. Federal authorities have targeted the city and as many as 200 more about 375 pot stores and growing could exist. More than 175 California cities operations in the Central District of and 20 counties have banned retail California, which stretches from pot shops, according to the medical Santa Barbara to San Bernardino marijuana advocacy group Ameri- counties.
BlackFacts.com October 4, 1864 New Orleans Tribune, first Black daily newspaper, founded by Dr. Louis C. Roudanez. The newspaper, published in both English and French, started as a tri-weekly but soon became an influential daily. October 4, 1949 J.B. Blayton purchased WERD in Atlanta, GA. The first Black owned radio station in that city.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
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Thursday, October 4, 2012
Are You Sta A r?
A
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.
u o Y Caning? S
Thursday, October 11, 2012
AUDITIONS 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza Macy’s Bridge
Tas Sat. te of , Oc Sou 10A tobe l r M7PM 20
For Contestant Guidelines, go to:
www.tasteofsoulla.org
(323) 299-3800
Thursday, October 4, 2012
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Book: Obama hoped to try bin Laden, if captured
Persons Of The Week | Crystal D. Crawford and Claudí ette Wright-Bey The California Wellness Foundation Announces New Staff Appointments, Crystal D. Crawford and Claudiette Wright – Bey Join the Program and Executive Departments LAWT WIRE SERVICE
AP Photo/The White House, Pete Souza
In this May 1, 2011 image released by the White House and digitally altered by the source to obscure the details of a document on the table, President Barack Obama, second from left, Vice President Joe Biden, left, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, right, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, second right, and members of the national security team watch an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House in Washington. BY KIMBERLY DOZIER ASSOCIATED PRESS A new book says President Barack Obama hoped to put Osama bin Laden on trial, showing the U.S. commitment to due process under law, if the alQaida leader had surrendered during a U.S. raid in Pakistan last year. In “The Finish,” journalist Mark Bowden quotes the president as saying he thought he would be in a strong political position to argue in favor of giving bin Laden the full rights of a criminal defendant if bin Laden went on trial for masterminding the Sept. 11 attacks. But Bowden says Obama expected bin Laden to go down fighting. A team of Navy SEALs raided bin Laden’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan in May 2011 and killed the terrorist leader. The Associated Press purchased a copy of “The Finish,” which is due to come out Oct. 16, a few weeks before the presidential election. The revelation that Obama hoped to capture bin Laden may provide political fodder for Republicans who have criticized the Obama administration for trying to bring terrorists from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and overseas to trials in U.S. courts. “Frankly, my belief was if we had captured him, that I would be in a pretty strong position, politically, here, to argue that displaying due process and rule of law would be our best weapon against al-Qaida, in preventing him from appearing as a martyr,” Obama is quoted saying in an interview with Bowden. Obama believed that affording terrorists “the full rights of criminal defendants would showcase America’s commitment to justice for even the worst of the worst,” Bowden writes. Obama had expressed similar views as a presidential candidate.
New York congressman Peter King said he would have been “totally opposed” to a trial. “To give him a forum and all the constitutional protections that a U.S. citizen would receive when he was clearly a war criminal is part of the defensive and apologetic attitude” of the Obama administration, the Republican said. U.S. officials have said the Navy team was ordered to capture bin Laden if he surrendered or kill him if he threatened them. Bowden asserts that the SEALs could have taken bin Laden alive but had no intention of doing so. In a separate account of the raid that was published last month, one member of the Navy team, Matt Bissonnette, wrote that the SEALS climbed a stairway inside the compound and opened fire when bin Laden poked his head around a doorway. Bissonnette wrote that bin Laden’s hands were concealed and the SEALS presumed he was armed, so they shot him. Bowden’s extensive access to top figures, including the president and high-ranking officials in the Pentagon and CIA, may revive criticism from Republicans that the White House allegedly leaks about the raid to burnish its foreign policy record during an election year. Bowden, known for the book “Black Hawk Down” about a 1993 U.S. military operation in Somalia, details how the White House planned the mission and explains that the specific American team was chosen because it had “already successfully conducted about a dozen secret missions inside Pakistan.” The recounting of the raid matches most previous versions. But Bowden also offers new insights in what sounds like the first-person perspective of the officer who commanded it on the See BIN LADEN BOOK, page 13
The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) announced the appointments of Crystal D. Crawford as program director and Claudíette Wright-Bey as executive assistant to the president and CEO. “The Foundation welcomes Crystal and Claudíette, each of whom brings a wealth of knowledge to their respective roles,” said Diana M. Bontá, president and CEO. “Crystal is a professional with strong leadership skills and deep knowledge in women’s health, educational outreach and health policy. Claudíette’s organized approach and initiative are invaluable to the operation of the executive department.” Crawford oversees the foundation’s grant making related to the issues of diversity in the health professions and women’s health. Her responsibilities include reviewing letters of interest and grant proposals and making funding recommendations related to these issues. Before joining TCWF, she was CEO of the California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP), the only statewide organization solely devoted to improving the health of California’s black women and girls through policy, advocacy, education and outreach. Previously, she was CABWHP’s director of public policy for more than a decade. Throughout her career, Crawford has combined policy and legal approaches to many social justice and civil rights issues and causes. Before working in the nonprofit, public interest sector, she was an associate with corporate law firms in Los Angeles, Boston and New York, as well as a public school teacher. Originally from Harlem, N.Y., Crawford earned her bachelor’s in history from Dartmouth College and her law degree from New York University School of Law. Among her many recognitions are the Advocates’ Award from Western Center on Law and Poverty and the PowerPAC Award from the Los Angeles African American Women’s Political Action Committee. She is admitted to the bar in California, New York and New Jersey. “I bring to TCWF a passion for promoting unity across racial and ethnic communities and social justice causes as we work together to improve health outcomes for all of our communities,” Crawford said. “It is a tremendous privilege to join the foundation as we continue to advance its stellar commitment to improving the health of Californians, including low-income individuals, women and communities of color.” See PERSONS OF THE WEEK, page 15
Claudíette Wright-Bey
Crystal D. Crawford
PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
EXIDE Technologies operates a battery recycling plant at 2700 Indiana Street, Vernon California, 90058 which emits lead into the atmosphere. Persons within the approximate area shown above are exposed to lead and cadmium at a level determined by the State of California to require a warning. Lead is a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm and cancer, and cadmium is known to the state of california to cause cancer. For more information you may contact EXIDE at (323) 262-1101 ext. 259.
SITE LOCATION
EXIDE Technologies operates a lead oxide manufacturing plant at 5909 East Randolph Street, Commerce, California which emits lead into the atmosphere. Persons within the approximate area shown above are exposed to lead at a level determined by the State of California to require a warning. Lead is a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm and cancer
For more information, call EXIDE at (323) 262-1101, extension 259
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Thursday, October 4, 2012
BY ASWAD WALKER Special to the NNPA from The Houston Defender When the digital divide was first introduced as a concept in the 1990s, it referred to a gap between those who had access to computers and the Internet and those who did not. There were concerns that minorities and low-income Americans were being left behind in cyberspace, while wealthier and predominantly White Americans flourished. These days, the old digital divide – mere access to the worldwide Web – has somewhat closed. The new digital divide between the technology haves and have-nots is now high-speed Internet access versus restricted wireless access. With each passing day, urban and suburban-dwelling, upperincome households enjoy high-speed Internet access while the poor and working class can only aơord a much slower level of access that in turn limits access to critical quality of life factors. The recent emergence of online education, video-on-demand, and Internet-ordered medicine requiring reliable, high-speed connections, has meant many Americans don’t earn enough to acquire those services – creating a virtual apartheid. “When we talk about the Internet we often don’t realize that today, we’re really talking about two Internets – separate and unequal,” said Joyce Johnson, a technology professional with more than 20 years of experience. “Racial, geographic and income factors create a very real dividing line between those who can enjoy the amenities
F E AT U R E
of high-speed access and those left with their noses pressed against the proverbial window, on the outside looking in.” Just more than 200 million Americans have highspeed, wired Internet access at home. Millions, however, are still completely oƫine, while others can only aơord Web access via phone lines or wireless smartphones that don’t allow for the full complement of online oơerings. The result – technology have-nots can expect lowerquality health services, career opportunities, education and entertainment options than they already receive if something is not done immediately to bridge the divide. Statistics tell the story of the new digital divide: • According to the Department of Commerce, only four out of every 10 households with annual household incomes below $25,000 in 2010 reported having wired Internet access at home, compared with the vast majority — 93 percent — of households with incomes exceeding $100,000. • Only slightly more than half of all Black and Latino households have wired Internet access at home, compared with 72 percent of Whites. • According to a 2010 Pew Poll, 51 percent of Hispanics and 46 percent of African-Americans use their cell phones to access the Internet, compared with 33 percent of White Americans. Forty-seven percent of Latinos and 41 percent of African-Americans use their phones for e-mail, compared with 30 percent of White Americans. Onimi Wilcox, associate dean of Prairie View A&M University’s College of Arts and Sciences, acknowledges that the divide has been closed some, especially for Millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000) and
L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER
women, but believes more needs to be done if today’s technology poor will enjoy 21st century success. “It’s essential that everybody is at least on the same playing field,” Wilcox said. “If not, we can’t understand what is going on in various fields which aơects access to jobs, college applications, online classes, and global knowledge. Without the skills, infrastructure, and access we need, we’re being left behind. This does not just impact minorities, it impacts the future,” said Wilcox. Johnson is also concerned about the future. “I’m not being over-dramatic when I say if we don’t bridge this digital divide we are consigning our communities to death – if not physical death, the death of opportunity; the death of critical exposures to new ideas; the death of potential and possibilities,” Johnson said. Social forecasters are predicting that within a decade, people will be able to speak with their doctors online thus accessing lower-cost, higher-quality care, and monitor their energy use via smart-grid technology to keep costs down. Presently, thousands are earning high school and college degrees via virtual classrooms thanks to highspeed connections. Cognizant of these realities, the 2012 National Urban League Annual Conference addressed the issue of increasing broadband adoption in Black communities. “I say without hesitation today, that broadband is the great equalizer,” said FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who spoke at the conference. “People should not have to choose between feeding their families and paying for the transformational benefits of broadband,” she added.
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Rap Legend MC Lyte: Unstoppable
AP Photo/Katy Winn
MC Lyte BY STARLA MUHAMMAD SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE FINAL CALL Lana Michele “MC Lyte” Moorer burst on the rap scene in the late 1980s, and immediately established herself as one of the best female emcees in the game and one of the most popular. She was the first female rap artist to release a full length solo album, be nominated for a Grammy award and be inducted into VH-1’s Hip Hop Honors. Never one to be onedimensional, through the years MC Lyte has branched out into acting, voice over work and business endeavors. She is also a well sought after motivational speaker, DJ and is known for her community activism. The Brooklyn bred rapper has recently added “author” to her extensive resume with the release of her book “Unstoppable, Igniting the Power Within To Achieve Your Greatest Potential.” Final Call staff writer Starla Muhammad recently interviewed MC Lyte about her career longevity, the current state of hip hop and her new book at the 2012 African Festival of the Arts that took place in Chicago during Labor Day weekend. Below are excerpts from that interview. LA Watts Times (LAWT): The first question, M.C. Lyte, you’re a hip hop legend, of course, and have accomplished so much in the rap game. You’ve evolved as not only as an artist but an author, businesswoman, activist and much more. How do you view your development and evolution over these years? MCLYTE (MCL): Oh boy, how do I view it? I definitely see it as necessary. I mean there’s only a couple of ways you can go and that’s either up or down. It’s either to grow or wind up depleted. The evolution to me has been, it’s God-sent but it’s Him giving me the vision to be able to get it done. I don’t know. It’s almost like when
people say to me how was it being a woman in the business? Well, shucks that’s the only thing I know. When you ask me what it’s like to expand, it’s the only thing I know to do, to do more, to be bigger and be greater than I was before. LAWT: As an artist when you see and listen to hip hop today, what are your honest thoughts and feelings when it comes to lyrical content, presentation and imagery? MCL: My thought is they’re doing what feels either one, comfortable for them, which sets a whole other place in time. What is now acceptable in our community back when I was there was not. If we were to go back in that space and time, and what is also deemed necessary I think mainstream, the record labels have made it so that it’s no longer entertaining to just hear a woman rap. You’ve got to see skin, you’ve got to see things that just don’t make sense when it comes to hip hop. Like the whole reason for hip hop has become one to be heard and so I think we’ve moved into a space that’s a little disheartening but that’s only on the mainstream level. We have so many female MCs that are kicking knowledge that are, you know, well respected in their circles, in their community and even online for just being the MCs that they are and not selling sex. LAWT: Do you think it’s fair to say that this new generation of artists is destroying hip hop culture versus examining the record corporations and their role in it? MCL: No. For me destroying feels so malice like they’re intentionally doing it. They don’t know what they’re doing and they don’t know that they’re being used as pawns in the game either until they’ve moved into a space where they’re able to stop, look and listen; and right now if you have an artist out there that’s selling, you know, a whole lot of records and people are showing up at concerts in
droves, screaming. They’re calling women out of their names but yet women are the top purchasers of their music and they’re the ones spending $60 to 100 bucks to get into their concerts, you can’t tell them they’re doing anything wrong. ‘How am I doing anything wrong?’ ‘These people love what I’m putting out there.’ So, I don’t feel like they’re intentionally destroying it, but we see what they don’t. Just as our parents saw things that we didn’t see. That it’s much more of a community and that means generations of people that will suffer because of what’s happening, if it’s not turned around. LAWT: In light of the continued violence that we see in our communities, do you think remakes of songs like “Self-Destruction” or “Not With the Dealer,” could aid in heightening the awareness of how violence is really destroying and impacting the Black community in particular? MCL: Yeah, yeah, but I don’t know who’s going to do it. Who’s going to do it that someone is going to listen? It could be a Nas; it could be a Jay-Z; it could be a Kanye. It could be one of those people to actually put it in a record where it’s cool enough. When Jay-Z said, okay, we’re part of the 40Club now, it’s time to take off the jerseys and suit up. You know it’s time to be a man. When he said that in a song, it resonated with people, especially with the guys I know because they all of a sudden… nobody was wearing jerseys. They were all wearing buttonup shirts. These guys are trendsetters and so in understanding their power, if they took on a mission like that, I’m sure there could be some success to it. LAWT: Of course, your new book, “Unstoppable, Igniting the Power Within To Achieve Your Greatest Potential”… talk a little bit about the inspiration behind that title and what you want to share with the young people out there. MCL: I just think for me it’s all about inspiring people the best way that I can so if by chance this book can inspire some young kids to want to do better, be it male or female, that’s what I’m after and I’m hopeful that one page in that book has the possibility of changing someone’s outlook and having them be better for themselves so then they can be better for their friends, for their family and for their community. LAWT: Last question, MC Lyte: Are there any final thoughts you would like to share? MCL: Oh goodness! I only could say to believe in yourself. There’re so many things out here that try to deter us from being who we really are at the core. Things that tell us it’s not cool to be nice; it’s not cool to be kind or generous or thoughtful. It’s cool to just take. It’s cool to look out for self. And to me I think kids are happiest when they are themselves and when they’re true at the core and not hung up on trying to be like the in-crowd or taking upon activities that takes them outside of who they really are, whether that’s smoking weed, whether that’s drinking, whether it’s hitting on girls, you know, whatever that thing is, I just want them to get to the core and love themselves. You can follow MC Lyte on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mclyte or visit her website athttp://www.official mclyte.com or http://www.hiphop sisters.org.
Motown producer of Supremes, Temptations dies
Frank Wilson ASSOCIATED PRESS Motown record producer and songwriter Frank Wilson, who worked with the Supremes, the Temptations and Marvin Gaye, has died in Southern California at 71. Daughter Tracey Stein tells the Los Angeles Times that Wilson died of lung infection complications on Sept. 27 in a hospital in Duarte.
Wilson, who later became a minister, wrote or co-wrote the hits “Love Child” for Diana Ross and the Supremes, “Chained” for Marvin Gaye and “All I Need” for the Temptations. After Eddie Kendricks left the Temptations, Wilson produced his 1973 hit “Keep On Truckin’ (Part 1).” See FRANK WILSON, page 15
Darius Rucker invited to join Grand Ole Opry BY CHRIS TALBOTT ASSOCIATED PRESS Darius Rucker’s conversion to country is now complete: He's joining the Grand Ole Opry. Rucker performed on Opry October 2 and received a visit from unannounced guest Brad Paisley, who surprised him with the invitation. “I’m still surprised,” Rucker said afterward. “They shocked me. Everybody, my wife and I’m just finding out even my kids knew. I wasn’t expecting anything today. I didn’t think tonight is the night I’d be asked to be a member of the Opry. That’s unbelievable.” The singer rose to fame as the frontman for South Carolina rockers Hootie & The Blowfish but began to pursue his lifelong passion for country music a few years ago. He's had a multiplatinum, award-winning run since and will release his third country album early next year. The 46-year-old is the third black performer to hold Opry membership, joining Country Music Hall of Fame members DeFord Bailey and Charley Pride. “I felt like I was in,” Rucker said. “I felt like I was accepted and I was part of the family. This is the comple-
AP Photo/Isaac Brekken, File
In this April 1, 2012 file photo, Darius Rucker arrives at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. tion of the conversion from Hootie into Darius the country singer. With the induction into the Opry, it’s definitely complete now.” Rucker will be inducted into the Opry on Oct. 16. That show will air live on GAC.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
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10 / 2012
e v e n t LISTINGS
L.A. Watts Times Calendar, Compiled by Brandon I. Brooks, Co-Managing Editor 10/5 THE J SPOT COMEDY CLUB PRESENTS DC CURRY: WHEN: Friday - October 5 & Saturday - October 6. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Showtime 8:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. WHERE: The J Spot Comedy Club 5581 W. Manchester D.C. Curry Avenue (corner of Aviation | 2nd floor above Subway) Los Angeles, CA 90045. 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 10:30pm to RSVP. Purchase Tickets and to RSVP call (310) 337-9057. Two (2) drink minimum is required.
10/6 BLACK AMERICAN POLITICAL ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA: 34th Annual Convention and Political & Religious Hall of Fame Banquet. WHEN: “The Power is in our Hands,” October 5 – 7. WHERE: Beverly Hills Ballroom. Honorees: Bishops Carolyn Tyler Guidry. Reverend Al Sharpton and Founder of Educating Young Minds Angeles Echols – Brown. Keynote speaker Diane Finestein. Tickets are on sale. All Access Pass: $150/person – The Rev. Al Sharpton Tables are not eligible. Leadership Luncheon $50 /person or $500/table (seats 10). Banquet Dinner $100/person or $1000 (seats 10). Prayer Breakfast $50/Person – Free Seating. Purchase tickets online to receive printable ticket or by mail and pick up at willcall. For more information visit www.bapacstateoffice.org or (310) 479-4727. Email: bapacstateoffice@gmail.com BAPAC State Office P.O. Box 25474 Los Angeles, CA 90025.
THE WILLIAM GRANT STILL ARTS CENTER PRESENTS DRAGON’S FLIGHT: William Grant Still Arts Center’s Dragon’s Flight is a six-week exhibition. WHEN: Running from October 6 through November 24, introduced by a free one-day community arts festival concert and celebration as the opening event on October 6 from 12 - 6 p.m. WHERE: William Grant Still Arts Center 2520 South West View Street Los Angeles, CA 90016. The cost is free. The exhibition’s theme is the transformative power of creating art, and its ability to reclaim and regrow personal identity in the face of negative trauma. The artists curated into the exhibition are specifically people who are or have been incarcerated or in collaboration with incarcerated artists. The work exhibited is drawn from pieces created both inside prison and on the outside The exhibition is put on in partnership with the generous donations of local organizations, United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Council and Mid-City Neighborhood Council. For more information call (323) 734-1165 or visit facebook.com/william.g.artscenter.
SIDNEY POITIER & JOHN OUTTERBRIDGE HONORED: Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum (Friends) will honor legendary actor Sidney Poitier and acclaimed artist John Outterbridge with Lifetime Achievement awards at the foundation’s seventh annual black-tie fundraiser, An Artful Evening at CAAM. Emmy®-award nominated actress CCH Pounder will host the event with catering provided by world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. A silent auction will be held prior to the awards program followed by a post-event bash with live entertainment and dancing. All proceeds from An Artful Evening at CAAM will benefit the Young Docent Internship Program
CCH Pounder
(YD), a skill building and workforce development program for high school youth to receive hands-on, paid, marketable work experience. For An Artful Evening at Sidney CAAM sponsorship itier opportunities and pack- Po ages information, the museum may be reached at (213) 744-2060 or by e-mail at gala2012@caamuseum.org. Details about the event and CAAM’s community outreach initiatives can be found at www.caammuseum.org.
10/7 “ONE NIGHT, ONE MIC, ONE CAUSE”: Hosted by Clayton Thomas, the J. Spot Comedy Club will partner with fellow comedy club owner and one-year breast cancer survivor Mishelle Leftridge, CEO of Left Right Entertainment to raise money for the Save The Ta Tas® Foundation. Founded in 2008 by Julia Fikse, the private, not-for-profit 501(3) organization is dedicated to battling cancer at every stage through awareness and humor. In fact, its motto is “laughter heals.” Tickets are $10. WHEN: 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.). WHERE: The J Spot Comedy Club 5581 W. Manchester Avenue (corner of Aviation | 2nd floor above Subway) Los Angeles, CA 90045. For more information about the organization, visit www.SavetheTaTas.com. 10/10 CALIFORNIA FORECLOSURE INSTITUTE: A free twohour workshop for beginner investors and realtors on how to get started finding and buying foreclosure properties. Featured speaker will be Lloyd Segal, author of “Stop Foreclosure Now” and “Foreclosure Investing.” WHEN: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Julian Dixon Library, 4975 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230. The workshop is free, but reservations are required. To register, please visit www.ForeclosureWorkshop.net, or call 310-379-0101.
HOMEOWNERSHIP RETENTION CLINIC: West Angeles CDC has partnered with Keep Your Home California (KYHC) to offer free monthly home retention clinics for homeowners seeking to save their homes from foreclosure. Come out and learn more about "Keep Your Home California" $2 Billion available to help struggling California
Homeowners avoid Foreclosure. You have options: Principal Reduction, Unemployment Mortgage Assistance, Mortgage Reinstatement Assistance and more...KYHC representatives and HUD-certified counselors will be on site to meet with you, answer your questions and show you options. Come Join Us! WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. WHERE: West Angeles CDC Conference Room 6028Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 9004.
UP AND COMING 10/11 FILM SCREENING OF “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) 6370202 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 Attorney’s that are members of the 100 Black Men of Los Angeles (100BMLA), will conduct a briefing called “Youth and the Law”. This is where our 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. 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.
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Thursday, October 4, 2012
New Zealand bars Mike Tyson as tour debacle looms BY NICK PERRY ASSOCIATED PRESS New Zealand canceled a visa for Mike Tyson on Wednesday October 3 because of his rape conviction, saying it reversed its earlier approval because a charity that would have benefited from his appearance says it wants nothing to do with the former heavyweight boxing champion. Tyson said he Mike Tyson had been looking forward to meeting New Zealand’s indigenous Maori people, the inspiration for his notorious facial tattoo. But now his whole Downunder speaking tour, scheduled for next month, is threatening to fall apart: Australian immigration authorities said they’ve yet to decide whether to let him in. Tyson’s 1992 rape conviction would normally prevent his entry in New Zealand and could be grounds for denial in Australia as well. New Zealand’s denial came days after Prime Minister John Key spoke out against the visit. Tyson was to speak at a November event in Auckland, the “Day of the Champions,” which is being promoted by Sydney agency Markson Sparks. On Wednesday the agency continued to promote tickets for appearances in New Zealand and five major Australian cities. New Zealand’s Associate Immigration Minister Kate Wilkinson said she initially granted entry because a children’s health charity would get
AP Photo/Vincent Yu, File
some of the proceeds from Tyson’s speech. She said in a statement her decision was “a finely balanced call” but that the charity that would have benefited, the Life Education Trust, withdrew its support on October 2. The charity’s chief executive, John O’Connell, however, said the charity long ago decided not to accept any money from the event due to its concerns over Tyson’s character, O'Connell said a volunteer trustee mistakenly sent a letter to immigration authorities supporting Tyson’s plans. Promoter Max Markson said he’s continuing to sell tickets — at between 69 and 300 Australian dollars ($71 and $308) — and will give refunds if Tyson cannot appear. He said he had been “hoping it might be a smoother run,” but remained confident Australia would grant Tyson a visa and that New Zealand would reverse its decision when he found another suitable charity. See MIKE TYSON, page 13
Wade: No longer wearing Jordan brand shoes ASSOCIATED PRESS Dwyane Wade will not be wearing Jordan Brand sneakers and apparel. The Miami Heat guard said on Tuesday October 2 that he has parted ways with the brand. His contract expired at the end of September and the sides made what Wade called a mutual decision to not extend the agreement. Wade said his time with Converse and Jordan has been an “unbelievable nine years.” Wade made the switch from Converse to Jordan Brand in 2009. Both are owned by Nike Inc. Wade, who counts Michael Jordan as his idol to this day, said that he still feels “honored to have represented my favorite player of all time and his brand.”
AP Photo/Marta Lavandier
Miami Heat basketball player Dwyane Wade speaks during the team’s NBA media day in Miami, Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. He has not unveiled plans for what shoe he will wear with the reigning NBA champion Heat this season.
Miami Heat’s LeBron James (6) is called for a charge against Dallas Mavericks' Tyson Chandler during the second half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball game Thursday, June 9, 2011, in Dallas. AP Photo/Lucy Nicholson; Pool
NBA sets flopping penalties; players may be fined BY BRIAN MAHONEY ASSOCIATED PRESS Stop the flop. The NBA will penalize floppers this season, fining players for repeated violations of an act a league official said Wednesday has “no place in our game.” Those exaggerated falls to the floor may fool the referees and fans during the game, but officials at league headquarters plan to take a look for themselves afterward. Players will get a warning the first time, then be fined $5,000 for a second violation. The fines increase to $10,000 for a third offense, $15,000 for a fourth and $30,000 the fifth time. Six or more could lead to a suspension. “Flops have no place in our game —they either fool referees into calling undeserved fouls or fool fans into thinking the referees missed a foul call,” vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson said in a statement. “Accordingly, both the Board of Governors and the competition committee felt strongly that any player who the league determines, following video review, to have committed a flop should — after a warning — be given an automatic penalty.” Lakers star Kobe Bryant said he hopes it has an impact on the game. “I like the rule,” he said. “Shameless flopping, that’s a chump move. We’re familiar with it. Vlade (Divac) kind of pioneered it in that playoff series against Shaq, and it kind of worked for him.” Players cautioned that it would be
difficult to completely eliminate flopping, but welcomed the attempt to try. “It’s good. Guys can't be flopping and get away with it anymore,” Oklahoma City guard James Harden said. “It was bound to happen at some point. Obviously, the league got fed up with it and they put it in. I’m happy they did.” The NBA said flopping will be defined as “any physical act that appears to have been intended to cause the referees to call a foul on another player.” “The primary factor in determining whether a player committed a flop is whether his physical reaction to contact with another player is inconsistent with what would reasonably be expected given the force or direction of the contact,” the league said. Commissioner David Stern has long sought to end flopping, believing it tricks the referees. But the league determined it would be too difficult for refs to make the call on the floor, preferring instead to leave it to league office reviews. Jackson’s department already reviews flagrant foul penalties to determine if they should be upgraded or downgraded. “I’m all on board for it,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I think it needs to be addressed. I think the steps they're taking right now, I think will benefit the game. I do. It remains to be seen if it truly has an impact. But I think it’s a step in the right direction. “It’s not good for the game; nobody likes the flop. A majority of coaches don’t like the flop, particularly
if you’re trying to build a solid defense.” Rasheed Wallace raged against it for years, picking up quite of a few of his 308 technical fouls for arguing that he was called for a foul because a player flopped. After ending a two-year retirement to join the New York Knicks, he said certain unnamed players were going to be in trouble and agreed penalties needed to be enforced. “Hey, you all thought I was crazy for saying it over the last so-and-so years. I ain’t even gonna get into it, but yes,” he said. “They needed to bend on that.” The blame for the rise in flopping is often aimed at the international players, such as Divac, who came to the NBA after growing up watching soccer, where falling down in hopes of drawing a foul is part of the game. Denver's Danilo Gallinari, an Italian, believes that's unfair. “I don’t know why everybody just talks about European flopping,” he said. “I don’t know where this thing comes from. We flop as much as other players all around the world flop. I don't know why everybody keeps saying that Europeans are soft or Europeans flops. I don't know.” Cleveland’s Anderson Varejao is a renowned flopper, once one of the targets of Wallace’s wrath. But he said he's a changed man now. “I’m not flopping anymore,” he said Monday with a smile. “I used to flop a little bit.” The league said it will announce a separate set of flopping penalties for the playoffs at a later date.
opinion
Thursday, October 4, 2012
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Get your retirement back on track, by planning in stages PROVIDED COURTESY OF JEFF COSBY, WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL ADVISOR Given the volatility of the job market over the past few years, job loss and other unexpected career disruptions or changes have become all too common for many Americans, and they can throw off one’s long term plans and goals. When we encounter these types of major life changes, the more immediate need to adapt to our new lives and settle in to our new realities tends to take priority. However, in spite of the
focus required for those day-to-day challenges, planning for retirement continues to be top of mind for many. According to the most recent Wells Fargo/Gallup Investor and Retirement Optimism Index, when asked to rank their most important savings priority, 41percent of investors said “saving for retirement.” But how to do it? Regardless of your personal circumstances, there are some basic steps you can take to plan for the day you retire. First, you should consider how much time you have left in the ranks
BIN LADEN BOOK Continued from page 7 ground, Adm. Bill McRaven. Scott Manning, a spokesman for the publisher, says “McRaven is not identified as a source in the book.” McRaven was able to monitor all Pakistani communications during the raid from his command post at a base in Afghanistan, according to Bowden. The account shows that Pakistani authorities were unaware of the raid as it happened, giving the Americans breathing room to fly in a backup helicopter to replace the one that had crashed while depositing the first batch of SEALs in the compound. After McRaven told then-CIA director Leon Panetta he had a “Geronimo” call — the radio code that meant the SEALs had found bin Laden — the admiral realized he had not asked whether bin Laden was dead or had been captured.
McRaven checked again with the SEALs on the ground before relaying that bin Laden had likely been killed. But McRaven cautioned Panetta to “manage his expectations” until they had more definitive proof, by comparing his photographs with the dead man. Later, McRaven told the president that he felt sure that they killed bin Laden but said the military needed to complete DNA analysis to be certain, Bowden writes. The book’s publication may complicate the Pentagon's attempts to punish Bissonnette for his book. Writing under the pseudonym Mark Owen, Bissonnette published “No Easy Day” without submitting it for a security review by the Pentagon. Bowden was under no such requirement to have the book vetted because he was not a government or military employee.
CURREN PRICE JR Continued from page 2 encouraging more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs and increasing learning centers throughout the district. “The New 9th is ripe for innovation,” said Price. “I want to advance programs that have great applicability, not just in the district, but city wide. “One area that I will pursue will be the use of social impact bonds to solve some of our most pressing social needs such as affordable housing, health and human services delivery and reducing recidivism in the criminal justice system. This innovative financing tool will allow for private sector investment to resolve some of the most intractable problems in our community. The private sector would
like to invest in improving outcomes in our community and the ideal method is the use of social impact bonds. Social impact bonds allow for non-profit service providers to receive much needed funding from the private sector in order to continue to improve the quality of life for residents.” In announcing his endorsement of Price, Council President Herb Wesson said, “Sen. Price is the best candidate for the job. He has served the city of L.A. and the community well over the years, and his history has demonstrated that.” Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas has echoed those same sentiments. And according to the Senator, he is also endorsed by Congresswoman Karen Bass.
MIKE TYSON Continued from page 12 “He’ll only be in the country for 20 hours, I don’t think he’s a danger to anybody, and thousands of people want to see him,” Markson said. Would-be visitors to Australia normally must pass a character test. Those who have a “substantial criminal record” — including people who, like Tyson, have been sentenced to more than a year in prison — fail the test. But the department can use its discretion to grant such people visas. Tyson was sentenced to six years in prison for the 1991 rape of an 18-yearold woman in an Indianapolis hotel room. He served three years before being released on parole. A spokesman for Australia’s Department of Immigration and
Citizenship said, “I can tell you that a decision is still pending” on Tyson’s application. Speaking to the APNZ news agency this week from Las Vegas before his New Zealand visa was canceled, Tyson said his tattoo was inspired by those worn by New Zealand’s indigenous Maori. In pre-European times, many Maori wore elaborate facial tattoos as a sign of their status in their tribe. Some Maori today who identify strongly with their traditional culture get similar tattoos. Tyson told the agency that, aside from their tattoos, he knew little about the Maori people, “so I’m looking forward to come down there and see them.”
of the employed, and adjust your planning based on your stage in life so that you will be financially prepared to retire. If you have at least ten years left before you plan to retire, you still have the advantage of time on your side. One of the most basic principles of investing is putting your money into different investment vehicles and then leaving it there so you can potentially reap the benefits of long-term returns. With more than ten years left to invest, you might be able to afford to take on a bit more risk with your investments. While equities – such as stocks – have an inherent risk of losing money, they also have a history of providing significant returns over a long period of time. Just keep in mind that past performance is no guarantee of future results. Probably the biggest advantage of getting an early start is the benefit of compounding earnings. Based on the investments in your retirement portfolio, the money you put in has the potential to earn more money for you – whether through interest payments, dividends, or other means of growth. In many cases, those earnings can be reinvested into your portfolio, further enhancing the total value of your savings and allowing your money the opportunity to “make money” for you. If your retirement is less than ten years away, then it’s time to start making subtle adjustments to your invest-
Jeff Cosby ment mix. Hopefully, at this point you’re not just getting started, but rather taking a look at how your investments are allocated and making sure they appropriately match your risk tolerance, your investment objectives and your relatively short time horizon. Because you have less time to work with, you still want to have some investments that offer growth, but you also want to begin
looking at preservation of principal through fixed income alternatives such as bonds, which may provide a little more stability in your portfolio and help reduce your overall risk. Finally, at some point you’ll reach that day that you once thought was so far off. When you find yourself officially in the position to retire, you will have a whole different outlook on those funds you have set aside for just that purpose. Instead of making contributions to your retirement funds to help them grow, you’ll need to maintain your income from those investments. You’ll likely begin taking distributions from them to pay for your day-to-day expenses. A thorough review of your investments will help you clearly see just how much you have saved, and how you will have to plan your distributions so you don’t run short on funds during your retirement. Financial preparation for retirement is different for every individual. To make sure that you’re on the right track, take the time now to assess your own situation and see what you can do to make sure you’re ready when it’s time for you to retire. The good news is that with proper investment planning, you should be able to retire with confidence—if you get organized. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE
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DANNY J. BAKEWELL, SR. – FOUNDER/CREATOR COUNCIL PRESIDENT HERB WESSON – CHAIR COUNCILMEMBER BERNARD PARKS – CHAIR SUPERVISOR MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS – CHAIR MAYOR ANTONIO VILLARAIGOSA – CHAIR
Thursday, October 4, 2012
COUNCILMEMBER JAN PERRY – CO-CHAIR CITY TREASURER WENDY GREUEL – CO-CHAIR PAT HARVEY – CO-CHAIR MARGUERITE POINDEXTER LAMOTTE – CO-CHAIR
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Qualified “A”, licensed Contractors are invited to submit sealed bids by 2:05 PM, November 7, 2012 to the BurbankGlendale-Pasadena Airport Authority for Project Number E11-18, RUNWAY 33 SAFETY AREA IMPROVEMENTS. The Work in general includes, but is not limited to relocation of airport perimeter fence and guardrail, removal of landscaping, grading and paving to relocate the existing airport service road, installation of new security booth including electrical, plumbing and mechanical, installation of communications conduit and installation of storm water separators at the Bob Hope Airport. Plans and specifications can be obtained directly from the Bob Hope Airport Web site at www.BobHopeAirport.com under Business Opportunities. All bidders shall register with the Airport Engineering Department either via web site or in person. Bids submitted by firms who have not registered with Airport Engineering will be considered non-responsive. Call Bobbi Greenspahn at (818) 565-1305 for more information. A pre-bid conference will be conducted on October 17, at 10:00 A.M. at the Bob Hope Airport Engineering Office, 2800 Clybourn, Burbank, California, 91505. Located at the corner of Sherman Way and Clybourn. Certified Disadvantage Business Enterprises and Small Businesses are strongly encouraged to participate.
CUSD SUPERINTENDENT
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GOVERNMENT LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Metro will receive proposals for RFP MC070, Regional Connector Transit Corridor Project Construction Management Support Services per the RFP Documents issued by 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), Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of the 9th Floor Receptionist and clearly marked RFP No. MC070. 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 18, 2012 at 1:30 p.m., Union Station Conference Room, 3rd Floor, located at the address above. You may receive directions on how to obtain a copy of the RFP, or further information by emailing Susan Santoro santoros@metro.net. 10/4/12 CNS-2387318# WATTS TIMES LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Metro will receive proposals for RFP No. PS45202993, Economic Impact Study of Measure R and Metro Operationsper 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 October 25, 2012, Pacific Timeat the address listed above, sent to the attention of Ben Calmes, Senior Contract Administrator.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 9, 2012, 2:00 PM, Heritage Conference Room, 13th Floor located at the address above.
REQUEST FOR BIDS & NOTICE OF INTEREST
You may obtain a copy of the RFP, or further information, by downloading at http://www.metro.net/ EBB/bids1.asp or by contacting Ben Calmes at CalmesB@metro.net. 10/4/12 CNS-2386673# WATTS TIMES
Psomas is bidding on the following project as a Prime Contractor: As-Needed General Engineering Consultant Services, Architectural Engineering Division, LA County Department of Public Works (LADPW) Bid Date: October 22, 2012 @ 3:00 pm
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORATION AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will receive proposals for Request for Proposals (RFP) No. PS 4730-2932, Project Management/Quality Control/ Assurance, Project Report Preparation and Supporting Data, Environmental Studies and documentation and Strategic Implementation and Funding for State Route (SR) 138. Metro seeks the services of highly qualified transportation planning, environmental and engineering design firms to conduct alternatives analyses, technical assessments, modeling, conceptual and preliminary engineering, and environmental studies to prepare a project report and appropriate environmental documents for the SR-138 (I-5 to SR-14) as outlined in the Statement of Work on file at the LACMTA Office of Procurement, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (9th Floor). All proposals must be received on or before 2:00 P.M. Friday, November 9, 2012 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of Erika Estrada, Senior Contract Administrator. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. A PreProposal conference will be held at 9:00 A.M. on MONDAY, October 15th, 2012, UNION STATION CONFERENCE ROOM, 3rdFloor located at the address above. Copies of the RFP will be available as of October 1st, 2012 via the website at www.metro.net. You may also obtain a copy of the RFP by calling PROCUREMENT RECEPTIONIST DESK (9th Floor) at (213) 922-1037, or via Fax at (213) 922-1004. 10/4/12 CNS-2385322# WATTS TIMES
Psomas is seeking qualifications from CBEs and other subcontractors for the following work: • Civil Engineering • Structural Engineering • Mechanical Engineering (HVAC and Plumbing) • Electrical Engineering • Environmental Engineering • Architecture • Landscape Architecture • Interior Design and Modular Furniture Consultant • Surveying • Cost Estimating • Elevator Consultant • Hardware Consultant • Food Services Consultant • LEED/Sustainability Consultant • Building Commissioning • Specifications Consultant • Security Consultant Services • Supplemental Specialized Technical Consultant Experience providing similar services directly to LADPW and/or in LA County is preferred. This proposal is in alignment with the LA County Community Business Enterprise (CBE) Program. Certified CBEs—Disabled Veterans, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses (DVBE, DBE, MBE, WBE)—are encouraged to respond. In addition, Psomas can provide assistance to firms in obtaining required bonds, lines of credit, or insurance. No plans are available but the RFP can be provided, if needed. Psomas intends to conduct itself in good faith in regards to all firms. Interested businesses should email a two-page firm overview with LADPW experience and CBE documentation by October 12, 2012 to Outreach_LA@psomas.com.
Continued from page 4 Wright, who was recently called upon by the Inglewood Unified School District to enact legislation to secure that district an emergency loan, spoke about the importance of making the CUSD and the public school system work to maintain local control. He also addressed the additional challenges posed to public schools today because of a reduction in per-pupil funding and the loss of students to private or charter schools. Several hundred attendees at Sunday’s reception enjoyed a performance by the Centennial High School Marching Band, presentation of colors by the Bunche Middle School Color Guard and Pledge of Allegiance by Foster Elementary Students. Minister J. Kevin Murray gave the invocation, while musical selections were performed by Josue Rodriguez of Compton High School, Whaley Middle School teacher Bevery Brulee and Mayo Elementary School interim principal Fleming Robinson.
PSOMAS REQUEST FOR BIDS & NOTICE OF INTEREST Psomas is bidding on the following project as a Prime Contractor: As-Needed Engineering Design and Support Services for the Road/Flood Control Construction Programs, Architectural Engineering Division, LA County Department of Public Works (LADPW) Bid Date: October 23, 2012 @ 3:00 pm Psomas is seeking qualifications from CBEs and other subcontractors for the following work: • Drainage/Hydrology • Environmental Documentation and Regulatory Permitting • Landscape Architecture • Materials/Geotechnical Engineering • Pavement Engineering • Potholing • Project Controls • Public Relations • Structural Engineering • Traffic Planning • Traffic Engineering Experience providing similar services directly to LADPW and/or in LA County is preferred. This proposal is in alignment with the LA County Community Business Enterprise (CBE) Program. Certified CBEs—Disabled Veterans, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses (DVBE, DBE, MBE, WBE)—are encouraged to respond.
PERSONS OF THE WEEK
In addition, Psomas can provide assistance to firms in obtaining required bonds, lines of credit, or insurance. No plans are available but the RFP can be provided, if needed.
Continued from page 7 As executive assistant to the president and CEO, Wright-Bey coordinates administrative and clerical activities for the president and CEO and is liaison to TCWF’s Board of Directors. Prior to joining TCWF, she served as the executive assistant to the head of school and board of trustees at St. James’ Episcopal School in Los Angeles. She also worked as the assistant to the vice president of information technology at Advanstar Communications and served as assistant to the head of school and board of trustees at The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks. Wright-Bey is pursuing her master’s degree in counseling and guidance from California
PSOMAS
Psomas intends to conduct itself in good faith in regards to all firms.
Lutheran University and holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from The University of La Verne. She is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. “I feel very fortunate to be able to contribute to the Foundation’s mission of grantmaking for health promotion, wellness education and disease prevention,” Wright-Bey said. “It is gratifying to know that our efforts of service and leadership are transforming lives.”
BlackFacts.com October 6, 1971 John A. Wilkinson’s marriage to Lorraine Mary Turner was the first legalized interracial marriage in North Carolina. Wilkinson was Black and Turner was White. October 8, 1941 Jesse Jackson was born in Greenville, SC. (minister, civil rights leader, political activist)
Interested businesses should email a two-page firm overview with LADPW experience and CBE documentation by October 12, 2012 to Outreach_LA@psomas.com.
FRANK WILSON Continued from page 10 Wilson also helped write “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” a 1967 Top 40 single for Motown's Brenda Holloway that soon became an even bigger hit for Blood, Sweat and Tears. His “Do I Love You (Indeed I Do),” a 1965 single on which he per-
formed but which was never released, became an underground hit in Britain in the 1970s. A rare copy of the song sold for $39,294 in 2009, making it the most expensive single ever auctioned, according to Guinness World Records.
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Thursday, October 4, 2012