LAWT-12-16-2010

W E E K E N D E R FEATURE STORY

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L.A. Watts Times Vol. XXX, No. 1210

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

COVER ART BY DAVID G . BROWN

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HOROSCOPES

Thursday, December 16, 2010

DECEMBER 16 - 22

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RIES ~ Quit rushing around. You frequently help others so why are you troubling over asking for the help you need this week? Ask and when you receive say Thank You! You are blessed with many supportive friends.

AURUS ~ The influence of someone close can make all the difference in the world. Don’t go alone. Your achievements are closely tied to someone who might not have agreed with you in the past.

EMINI ~ You and your honey have so much to talk about, listen! He or she is trying to come out of a whole new bag.

Accept! Change is a good thing this week.

Expect to travel soon. Savor the thought.

ANCER ~ If nothing much is happening on the job, remember that chilling is good sometimes. Use this week to return phone calls and answer letters.

Be low key. Wonderful things flow from what you don’t do.

EO ~ You can turn that obstacle into an opportunity at work. Check out the players carefully. Watch your back and hold your tongue around workplace rivals.

Aggressively seek agreement.

IRGO ~ Don’t let your outer space infringe on your inner peace. Control situations that might affect your ability to get that important job done. Remember people are only human. As seldom before confidence is the key to accomplishment this week.

IBRA ~ Mail, e-mail, or telephone brings news of a matter that demands more attention than you might think.

Opportunity knocks at work this week. This week spend some quality time with your family.

CORPIO ~ Listen well for the indications that money can be found in an unusual place. Social and romantic interest should be your focus this evening. Love comes from what you do not say.

AGITTARIUS ~ Some people may not ‘get’ where you’re coming from, but ask your family and significant other to give you time to explain your way of looking at life this week. Do it calmly and confidentially.

APRICORN ~ Now’s a better than usual time for self-reflection and meditation. Share your ideas. They're more valuable than you think. Appreciation comes from someone far away. You make the call.

QUARIUS ~ Creativity comes from a deep source. Take the chance to pursue creative goals. Others will understand later.

You and a child can come to an unmatched understanding. Speak truth and let the chips fall where they may.

ISCES ~ Worry will not make things better. The best way for you to improve your life this week is ask the person who knows you best for advice.

Listen carefully. The judgment of a friend is more to be trusted because your judgment will be clouded.

Inside this Edition

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Comics

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

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Private donors help save ICEF with $10.5 million raised South L.A. charter school organization institutes reforms, reorganizes finances and survives despite debt problems.

BY MICHAEL BROWN CONTRIBUTING WRITER In less than three months, a South Los Angeles charter school organization that was on the brink of bankruptcy was made temporarily solvent due to a multitude of reforms and private donations.

And in a Dec. 9 announcement at Frederick Douglass High School, it was announced that ICEF Public Schools has recently raised $10.5 million, thanks in part to its CEO, Caprice Young.

With the funds raised, the nonprofit charter management organization is close to reaching its $12.5 million target it set to hit by February.

“Christmas has come early,” former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan was quoted in a press release as saying. Riordan donated more than

$2 million to keep the organization afloat, the release said.

Young, a businesswoman and charter school advocate, was asked by the organization’s board of trustees to take over the reigns in September on an interim basis, as former CEO and founder Mike Piscal resigned, due to ICEF’s financial troubles.

ICEF, which has 15 campuses of all grade levels throughout South L.A., was mired in debt due to several years of financial mismanagement, overspending and steep state budget cuts and deferments imposed by the state.

When Young was named interim chief, she immediately began to contact donors in the philanthropic sector of the community, and solicit funds so that the organization didn’t have to shutter its doors.

Riordan and philanthropists Eli Broad

Photo by KELVIN FIELDS

Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan holds up a certificate of appreciation given to him last week at Frederick Douglass High School, where it was recently announced that ICEF has raised $10.5 million. He was acknowledged for his financial contributions to ICEF Public Schools, which has been going through some financial troubles. and Frank Baxter donated the initial $700,000. Young, who worked with Riordan as an assistant deputy mayor in his administration, talked about some of the challenges she initially faced.

“It was tough when Mike (Piscal) and various members of the board asked me to help as interim CEO,” she said. “We had to sit down and collectively reform the program’s structure.”

Young, named permanent CEO of ICEF in November, isn’t a novice from the private sector. She helped create more than 300 charter schools in California, and served as the head of the California Charter Schools Association in 2003.

Young’s financial background also came in handy as ICEF attempted to bring expenses back in line with its revenue. ICEF faces additional challenges that LAUSD public schools don’t encounter.

For instance, ICEF’s operating costs are paid for out of its budget, partially funded by private and public money. ICEF pays rent on its buildings.

After Young helped raise enough funds to meet ICEF’s payroll, she met with various members of the program’s 15 site directors on a Saturday for a marathon-like assessment meeting. Young said the group met from 9 a.m. until midnight and that she asked the directors how they could cut facility and employee costs, and leave intact arts, academics and athletics for the children.

“I believe in a bottom-up, not top-down leadership style,” Young said. “Going into the meeting, I asked myself, ‘Why is this program so successful?’ And arts, academics and athletics are what make it unique. I didn’t want to cut the secret sauce.”

California’s financial troubles also worsened ICEF’s budget difficulties. Young said the state began to reduce allocated funds to charters in 2002, but in 2009, slashed even further.

These reductions led her and the directors to make drastic changes. Young said ICEF cut its overall budget by 20 percent, which included relieving 12 percent of its personnel.

“When I first looked at the finances, they (ICEF) were stretched pretty thin,” she said.

“Couple that with California deferring 35 percent of our funds until next year, and you have a problem.”

According to an ICEF press release, the reduction in teachers only affected middle

schools, boosting the student per average class number from 25 to 30. ICEF’s restructuring is estimated to save $4 million during the 201011 fiscal year and $7 million annually in the following years, Young said.

In addition to the financial and structural reorganization, Young said transparency is another reform she wants to encourage. Young added that parents of ICEF’s students learned about the organization’s financial problems through an L.A. Times story.

Since Young was named CEO, she has decentralized the budget, allowing directors input and control over monitoring and managing of their site’s finances. She has also opened ICEF’s meetings to the public.

Young was merely one of the changes that took place at ICEF. Riordan became chairman of the board and Carl Cohn, former superintendent of schools for Long Beach and San Diego, became the new vice chairman.

Cohn said roles of various members of the board are still developing. He added ICEF would continue to tap its private donor resources, foundations and nonprofit charter school allies for the remaining funds.

Well-known musician Jackson Browne and Tyrone Howard, a UCLA professor and author who focuses on urban schools, were appointed to the Board.

“I chose to get involved more with ICEF despite the financial problems because I’ve been familiar with the program for four or five years,” Howard said. “There are a lot of good people here and students. I didn’t want to just bail on them when things got rough.”

Young said the reshuffling and outreach have both galvanized the community.

“Morale is up,” she said. “I immediately decided to get involved after I saw the energy level of everyone in ICEF. Instead of saying, ‘We can’t do it,’ everyone was asking, ‘What can we do to help?’ ” Charter schools do have their critics.

Opponents of them contend that high student achievement in charters is skewed. Skeptics argue that academic standouts in public schools flee to charters, leaving behind lowachieving classmates.

“I agree that charters are not the end-all, be-all,” Howard said. “I’ve seen charter schools run ineffectively as well as public schools. But we should take the best aspects of both and form a hybrid. Charters are just a See ICEF, page 20

Thursday, December 16, 2010

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Congressional Black Caucus voices opposition to tax cut deal To pay for the deal, Republicans will likely impose “draconian” cuts on programs important to minority communities

BY ZENITHA PRINCE SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS The Congressional Black Caucus on Dec. 10 said its members overwhelmingly oppose the tax cuts compromise reached between the White House and congressional Republicans, saying it is “bad for African Americans” and other vulnerable communities.

“You can’t give tax cuts away like you’re Oprah Winfrey or Santa Claus,” Virginia Democrat Rep. Bobby Scott, a member of the House Budget Committee, said during a Capitol Hill press conference.

“Someone eventually has to pay for it.”

And traditionally, it’s been communities of color that have had to pay, the Black lawmakers said.

President Obama and the Republican leadership reached a deal which would extend Bush-era tax cuts in exchange for also extending unemployment benefits and other programs favored by Obama.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the tax deal is projected to increase the national deficit by almost $900 billion — a figure larger than the recent financial stimulus measures — adding to an already-towering debt. And, to reduce that balance, Republicans will likely impose “draconian” cuts on programs important to minority communities such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and health care, Congressional Black Caucus members said.

“There are tough choices that will have to be made next year [and] we know what will happen— it’s going to be low-income communities, poor communities of color that are going to pay,” Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Barbara Lee (DCalif.) told reporters.

The caucus offered its own plan, which is built on some elements of the existing deal: • A 13-month extension of unemployment insurance benefits plus additional assistance for the chronically unemployed.

• A payroll tax holiday with a guarantee that Social Security would not be affected.

• Two-year extension of Bushera tax cuts to middle- and lowincome families.

• Extension of the Recovery Act’s Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and $2,500 college credit.

But the caucus rebuked Republicans for their insistence on cuts to the estate tax, which Scott called “particularly offensive,” and the tax cut for the wealthiest two percent of Americans, both of which will cost $114 billion in lost revenue.

“Employing an out-of-work parent would provide much more benefit to the economy than padding the bank account of a CEO,” Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (DIL) said in a statement. “If we recklessly cut taxes for the wealthiest 2 percent then Obamanomics will look an awful lot like Reaganomics.”

Jackson and others say the tax cuts won by Republicans reflect President Reagan’s “starve the beast” strategy of lowered taxes and increased spending in areas such as defense that would then force Congress to make deep cuts in social programs. And, the recently passed health care reform act may well be the chief target of this strategy.

“This just gives our Republican colleagues another chance to play, ‘gotcha,’ ” said Virgin Islands Democrat Donna Christiansen. “If we extend the upper-end tax cuts and add that big estate tax giveaway, when we move to fund implementation of the Affordable Care Act there’ll be no money — ‘gotcha!’

And, when the 2012 election rolls around, and the tax cuts are about to expire, if we don’t extend them again we, the Democrats, will be blamed for raising taxes — ‘gotcha!’”

The Black lawmakers said though they object to the deal, they understand the President felt jammed against a wall. “(But) as much as he continues to extend the olive branch, to compromise on their behalf, they really don’t seem to appreciate it,” said Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ). “And, so we’re saying at this point, (the) line in the sand, enough is enough.”

Payne said that the President followed his previous pattern of not including the Congressional Black Caucus and other Democrats in the negotiation process. Payne made similar claims during the health care reform debate.

“He could have called us in and said, ‘Look, this is what they’ve offered; these are my options,’ ” he said. “What do you think? At least bring us in so we can understand the situation ... For him to meet with primarily Republicans … is not a way to negotiate. We felt we could have been helpful to him. He gave away the shop before he even brought us in to help him.”

AP Photo by Charles Dharapak

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, from left, Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., Del. Donna Christensen, D-V.I., and Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., right, speak against President Obama’s proposed tax cuts, Friday, Dec. 10, 2010, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

President Obama meets with the National Policy Alliance On Tuesday, Dec. 14, the President joined a White House meeting hosted by his senior adviser, Valerie Jarrett, with the National Policy Alliance (NPA), a partnership of 10 organizations representing African-American elected officials and their constituents, to discuss a variety of pressing policy issues that affect millions of Americans like job creation, health care, judicial appointments, education, and economic growth. The President thanked the group for sharing their concerns and continuous engagement with the White House.

The President also discussed the major benefits that the bipartisan tax agreement, currently under consideration in the Senate, will have on the constituencies represented by these elected officials. NPA meeting participants acknowledged that there are

parts of the tax agreement that they do not fully support; however, they understand that significant portions of the bipartisan agreement will help millions of families who continue to struggle during these tough economic times. Provisions they noted included the payroll tax cut, which economists have noted will provide a significant boost to the economy; the American Opportunity Tax Credit, that will help more than 8 million students and their families to pay for college; the Earned Income Tax Credit extension; and the 13-month extension of unemployment insurance benefits for those Americans still trying to find a job.

The National Policy Alliance (NPA) represents more than 11,000 elected officials and comprised of 10 member organizations: Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, National Black

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

President Barack Obama drops by a meeting with the National Policy Alliance in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Dec. 14, 2010.

Caucus of State Legislators, National Association of Black County Officials, National Conference of Black Mayors, National Black 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

Caucus of Local Elected Officials, World Conference of Mayors, National Black Caucus of School Board Members, Judicial Council of

the National Bar Association, and Blacks in Government; with the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies serving as its secretariat.

Aretha Franklin Battling Pancreatic Cancer SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS After undergoing surgery for a mystery illness in early December, relatives of “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin recently confirmed that she is suffering from pancreatic cancer.

According Detroit Fox affiliate WJBK, Franklin’s family confirmed reports of her illness to reporters on Dec. 8, adding that she is “OK,” but the family is still “very concerned.”

After undergoing surgery last week, reports circulated that Franklin, 68, was recovering.

According to Reuters, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson visited the singer in the hospital.

“She’s doing very well,” Jackson told WJBK. “She’s prayerful. She’s a woman full of deep religious faith.”

Franklin released a statement on Dec. 2 detailing the success of the procedure. “The surgery was highly successful. God is still in control. I had superb doctors and nurses whom were blessed by all the prayers of the city and the country.

God bless you all for your prayers!

— The Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin,” the statement read.

AP Photo by Matt Rourke

In this July 26, 2010 file photo, Aretha Franklin is shown in Philadelphia.

Franklin is canceling all concert dates and personal appearances through May, her spokeswoman said Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010.

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 43,000 people — most of them over 65 years old — are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S. each year.

An estimated 20 percent of those diagnosed survive one year, according to the American Cancer Society; the five-year survival rate is 4 percent.

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

New consumer survey: more than half of all Americans living paycheck to paycheck Financial stress affecting 60 percent of nation

BY CHARLENE CROWELL NNPA COLUMNIST If you’re feeling financially stressed, you are not alone. A new national consumer study, released by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)’s Investor Education Foundation, surveyed more than 28,000 people this fall. In consultation with the U.S. Department of Treasury and the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, the survey focused on key indicators of financial capability and evaluated how these same indicators varied demographically.

The survey reveals that a startling number of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck with no financial cushion of savings to tide them over in an emergency, leaving them more vulnerable to predatory products like payday loans and other highcost credit, which often make a family’s financial situation worse.

The survey specifically measured how consumers were making ends meet, financially planning ahead, managing financial products and their financial knowledge and decision-making. Moreover, survey results are quantified nationally, regionally, and by state.

According to Rick Ketchum, FINRA Foundation Chairman, “The extensive and multi-dimensional information allows policymakers and researchers to look at individual financial behavior from various angles and the state-specific data can be used to tailor new programs and policies to promote greater financial capability.”

Some of the specific findings: • Only 16 percent of survey respondents felt satisfied with their current personal financial condition.

• More than half of all Americans — 55 percent — are living paycheck to paycheck, spending more.

• 60 percent of Americans do not have funds on hand to cover unanticipated financial emergencies.

• 28 states’ respondents noted a 50 percent or greater drop in income during the past 12 months.

• 40 percent of credit card holders indicated they have paid only the minimum amount owed over the past 12 months.

While consumers in New York,

New Jersey, and New Hampshire were found to be more financially stable in categories measured, other states did not fare as well. For example, in Indiana, 68 percent find it very difficult to pay their bills every month. In Nevada where unemployment is the nation’s highest at 14.2 percent, nearly two in three consumers or 65 percent, lack any available funds to cover unexpected emergencies. In Hawaii where hotels and tourism flourishes, the reliance on large numbers of part-time workers has led to fewer working hours and a large loss of household income. In the past year, the Aloha State respondents reflected a 44 percent drop in pay.

Acknowledging how financial products and borrowing options have become more complicated, the survey also determined that consumer ability to understand these financial products was lagging. As a result day-to-day finances have become increasingly difficult for consumers to understand the full risks of borrowing.

For example, the national average for use of one or more nonbank borrowing products is 24.3 percent; however in Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, the use of products such as payday loans was at least 10 percentage points higher than the national average.

This greater incidence of nonbank borrowing recently led to voters in Montana to say no to payday loans this November. By a 72 to 28 percent vote, the state capped payday interest rates at 36 percent and became the third state to reach that same decision in as many years and the 17th overall.

Consumer comparison on credit cards also revealed significant consumer decisions by state. While the national average of comparing credit cards stood at 32.3 percent, consumers in Washington, D.C., Wisconsin and Rhode Island were more likely than others to shop competitively for the best interest rates. By comparison, consumers in Arizona, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina and Texas were the least likely to compare credit cards.

The Center for Responsible Lending supports reform of all lending products that have hidden terms or fees that are structured to trap borrowers into high-cost debt. Our

Black Facts

efforts and those of our allies to push for important legislative and regulatory reforms are needed and will continue with fairness in lending as our watchword.

Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s communications manager for state policy and outreach. She can be reached at charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

AP Photo by Mark Lennihan

In this July 27, 2007 file photo, signs for American Express, Master Card and Visa credit cards are shown on a New York store’s door. The stress from deepening debt is becoming a major pain in the neck, and backs and heads and stomachs, for millions of Americans. When people are dealing with mountains of debt, they’re much more likely to report health problems, too, according to an Associated Press-AOL Health poll.

WARNING Chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm are contained in crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel and other petroleum products and byproducts.

Chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm are also contained in and around oil fields, service stations, refineries, chemical plants, transport and storage operations, including pipelines, marine terminals and tank trucks, and other facilities and equipment that manufacture, produce, process, handle, distribute, transport, store, sell or otherwise transfer crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel or other petroleum products or byproducts.

The foregoing warning is provided pursuant to Proposition 65. This law requires the Governor of California to publish a list of chemicals “known to the State to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity." This list is compiled in accordance with a procedure established by the Proposition, and can be obtained from the California Environmental Protection Agency. Proposition 65 requires that clear and reasonable warnings be given to persons exposed to the listed chemicals in certain situations.

Aera Energy LLC BP America Inc. and its subsidiaries (and under the trademarks ARCO and Castrol) Chevron Corporation its affiliates and subsidiaries ConocoPhillips Company including its divisions and subsidiaries (and under the trademark 76)

Exxon Mobil Corporation its affiliates and subsidiaries Shell Oil Products US Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company and its subsidiaries (and under the trademarks Mirastar and USA Gasoline) Valero Refining Company - California and its affiliated companies including Ultramar and Beacon Venoco Inc.

Dec. 17, 1991 Michael Jordan is named 1991 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.

Dec. 19, 1910 First city ordinance requiring white and black residential areas is passed by Baltimore City Council. Similar laws were passed in St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Dallas and several other cities.

Source: blackfacts.com

For more information, please call: 1-800-523-3157 12-10

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

A glimpse into the lives of VH1’s ‘Basketball Wives’

BY BRANDON I. BROOKS CO – MANAGING EDITOR There will always be a certain mystique that goes along with being the wife of a famous athlete, or anybody famous for that matter.

We as a society are obsessed with the lives of celebrities. That is why, in common everyday society, we are constantly bombarded with gossip television and magazines based on celebrities’ lives. We love to compare our regular, everyday lives with the lives of people that we assume have it better off than we do.

Over the last five years, VH1 has been the leader of this type of programming, as it helped coin the phrase “celebreality.” Since 2005, VH1 has launched many successful reality series based on celebrities’ lives.

With the guidance of Shaunie O’Neal, the former wife of NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, it was no surprise that VH1 struck ratings gold when it launched the highly anticipated series “Basketball Wives.” Who wouldn’t be interested in seeing what the wives of famous athletes are up to everyday?

And it doesn’t hurt that the ladies of interest are drop-dead gorgeous.

That was part of my introduction when I sat down for lunch and met with some of the ladies of “Basketball Wives” for an exclusive interview.

The first thing I had to admit to the basketball wives — Shaunie O’Neal, Evelyn Lozada and Jennifer Williams — was that I was, what we call in the industry, an “in-the-closet-

Shaunie O’Neal

show-watcher.”

Basically, I admitted to the three women that I watch the show when I am alone (no pun intended).

What I meant to say was, I see myself as a “macho” type of guy.

You know, “a man’s man,” so I can’t be caught watching a women’s show based on gossip and drama. I laughed with the ladies that I might lose my man stripes if people knew how much I liked the show, but after sharing a good laugh with Shaunie, Evelyn and Jennifer, I admittedly told the ladies the truth of the matter, which is I watch “Basketball Wives” not only for the gorgeous women but the unique entertainment that comes along with it.

The show makes for great television and even better water-cooler talk at work. What else do we want out of television besides drama, beauty and a little more drama? Sounds like a winner to me!

Now returning for its second season, “Basketball Wives” is supposed to be more entertaining than ever. After last week’s premiere episode for season two, it was only right I catch up with the stars of the show and get an official glimpse of how things really work for the Basketball Wives.

The Sentinel asked Shaunie to share how she came up with the concept of the show and what inspired her to bring it to television.

“It’s obvious, the concept: I was a basketball wife,” said Shaunie.

“And I think being in all the arenas all over everywhere, people always have questions like, ‘Who’s cool and who’s not cool,’ and, ‘Do you guys get along,’ and, ‘What do you all do?’ So it was just natural. When I started dating Shaquille I worked at FOX in marketing so I always had ideas and things going through my head as far as TV.” Shaunie shared that the Producer gene was always in her, it just took the right opportunity and timing to bring the situation together.

“Life just gets going and you don’t really think about it,” said Shaunie. “So I had the idea and it took me years to just even speak on it. When I finally did, people loved the idea and I immediately thought what we had to do was lock down a city, and when we did that, I already knew who I was calling (looks at Evelyn and smiles across the table) and thank God she trusted me on this one (laughs).”

Evelyn Lozada and Shaunie have been friends since the days Antoine Walker and Shaquille O’Neal played for the Miami Heat. At the time, Evelyn was engaged to Antoine and Shaunie was still married to Shaq. As the ladies reminisced and

laughed over lunch, they seemed to be very comfortable. They talked about what it was like to be married to an NBA star, to be moving from one place to another, their businesses and relationships with their children. They even let us in on some juicy star/NBA news (off the record)!

Shaunie made it clear that she came up with the idea of the show two years before splitting up with Shaq.

They even talked about it together.

“He was totally cool with it, Shaunie said. I mean like, it just didn’t fit into our life at the time. With that

Jennifer Williams whole basketball world, it’s really hard because you are moving from city to city; we have five kids, you know, it was hard. So it was like we would talk about it from time to time, but he was doing his thing, and you know, it was like, ‘ Yeah, yeah, yeah, Shaunie. Ok, I don’t know, whatever?’ And you know, so he knew. I mean we talked about it. It was a couple of years before it even came out.”

Each of the ladies talked about their overall experience filming the show and what they thought about the show idea when it was originally presented.

“Well, when Evelyn actually kind of threw me under the bus with the show,” said Jennifer (laughing and smiling at Evelyn across the table).

“She was just like, ‘Yeah, come here tomorrow for an interview.’ ” And I was like, what? Like what’s going on?

“I knew that they needed more girls and she (Jennifer) was in Miami

at the time, so we were being interviewed at my store. So then I told her come to my store at this and this time, and that’s how she got thrown under the bus,” said Evelyn.

“I mean but, it ended up being a good thing, so I definitely can’t complain,” said Jennifer. “We have had some challenging times filming, but I think overall I don’t have any regrets. I’ve been friends with Evelyn for over 10 years. Shaunie’s a great friend, so nothing was really forced. It was sort of like a no-brainer because we weren’t casted, and I think that was really key.”

Life for the Basketball Wives has been different for each one of them since the airing of season one.

Life has been different for Jennifer, because she is accustomed to being under the radar and that’s no longer the case.

Evelyn shared that the transition hasn’t been difficult at all.

“I think how they portray us is you know, is pretty fair,” she said.

“For season one, I didn’t feel like, oh well that’s not me or editing. That was one thing that I was worried about initially because you know, you hear nightmares of, ‘Oh my God, you know, you are going to look like you’re saying this, but you said this.’ But I had full confidence in Shaunie that she would have our back. And whenever we were filming if something happened that we were, you know, worried about I would call her, and you know, she would handle it and stuff like that. So it’s good that not only is she like, producing the show, but she’s very involved.

Shaunie’s involvement with “Basketball Wives” varies week to week, but overall she stressed that she has definitely put her stamp on the series. She is even behind the creation of VH1’s new series “Football Wives.”

The Sentinel asked the women to share if there is a reason behind the show or a moral to the story.

“No,” Shaunie replied.

“I don’t think there is a formula to it at all. It’s not like a moral-to-astory type thing. I think it’s a take-itas-it-is. It’s everybody’s life as we are filming. Stuff happens, things change, life changes and you just take it as it comes. So it’s not a moral to the story because we don’t know. Like who would of thought that any of us would be sitting here? But I don’t think any of us had any idea it was going to be this successful.”

“I don’t think there is a moral to the story,” said Jennifer. “But I think

Evelyn Lozada that there are a lot of misconceptions about us, so pretty much the goal was to show those misconceptions. People think that we have this glamorous life, which, on one aspect, it can be, but there is so much more to it that people don’t see. They just see the material and don’t know what we go through on a day-to-day basis. I think that was pretty much one of the goals for the show.”

“When they turn the cameras on, it’s who I am,” said Evelyn. “I am not going to lie, though, initially when I signed on to do the show — because I had just opened up a shoe store — …

I was like, ‘This would be a great opportunity to help promote my business.’ That was the main reason I signed on to do it. But when the cameras are on, what you see is really what you get. I am a little raw with my mouth sometimes. I am very blunt and straightforward.”

The reality of my encounter with Shaunie, Evelyn and Jennifer is the ladies of “Basketball Wives” come just as they appear on television. What you see is what you get. There is no script or motive behind the show.

So weather you watch “Basketball Wives” for the reality, beauty or drama, one thing for sure is you will not waste your time, because the ladies promise that season two is going to be all that and then some.

For more information on season two of “Basketball Wives,” visit www.vh1.com.

Biko Poindexter-Hodge contributed to this report.

www.lawattstimes.com 9

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Her OWN network: Oprah Winfrey is ready for cable

BY FRAZIER MOORE AP TELEVISION WRITER NEW YORK — As her many fans know, Oprah Winfrey champions a few golden rules: Take charge of your life ... look beyond yourself to learn how others took charge ... always remember if you can dream it, you can do it.

Another Oprah principle the wise know to heed: Never bet against her.

That’s a rule worth keeping in mind especially now, as the longawaited OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network gears up for its premiere on New Year’s Day. The bold ambition of this venture would spark doubts if there were anybody else’s name attached.

Consider: a cable network started from scratch (actually, repurposed from Discovery Health, whose channel it will claim) and alldependent on just one person’s identity, vision and marquee power.

But that person is Winfrey, a cultural force perhaps unrivaled in the world. Now, as she moves through the final months of her daytime syndicated talk show, which will end next September after 25 years, OWN is poised to become Winfrey’s new TV home base.

Instead of a daily hour boasting Winfrey’s on-air presence as host, OWN will be a round-the-clock environment in which — her network vows — she will often be seen but, what is more important, always be felt. She will be the network’s spiritual curator, maintaining a con-

AP Photo by Evan Agostini

In this May 3, 2010, file photo, Oprah Winfrey arrives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute gala in New York. stant presence, even from off-camera, as she offers a slate of programs all guaranteed to meet her “Live Your Best Life” mandate.

It’s a cable-network startup packed with as-yet-unproven shows. But these shows — 600 hours of original programming airing in 2011 — are endorsed by TV’s most trusted figure. “The Oprah Winfrey Show” will soon end, but, according to Winfrey, it is serving as a prism for the spectrum of programs OWN means to air.

“I want to take what I’ve established in daytime — inspiring people and giving them hope, and some cars — and build on that, 24-7, OWN-style,” Winfrey told advertisers at a gathering last spring. “OWN will be the network built on great intentions.”

Sure, the path to you-know-

where is paved with good intentions. But this is Oprah! “Oprah is smarter than all of us, and she has an enormous following based on absolute trust,” says Bob Garfield, co-host of NPR’s “On the Media.”

Her influence as a newsmaker and taste-maker has always been greater than the audience head count for her show (which is seen by nearly 7 million viewers — a hefty number, though down from 12 million at its peak). What happens on her show helps drive the national conversation far beyond the bounds of the show’s viewership.

Now, as her syndicated show is nearing its conclusion, you might wonder whether Oprah’s impact will be diminished without that concentrated five-hours-weekly firepower. Or maybe she will loom See OPRAH NETWORK, page 19

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James Moody solos on saxophone with the Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary All Stars during the Monterey Jazz Festival in Monterey, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007.

Jazz Musician James Moody Dead at 85 SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS Legendary jazz musician James Moody succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Dec. 9 at the age of 85. The saxophonist was best known for his surprise hit, “I’m in the Mood for Love.”

Moody was born on March 26, 1925, in Savannah, Ga., with a hearing impairment. Despite that disability, he began playing music at 16, eventually joining an all-Black Army Air Forces band during World War II. After his discharge from the military, Moody began playing in jazz great Dizzy Gillespie’s band in 1946. Together, the two men are credited with creating the style of jazz referred to as bebop.

In 1949, Moody moved to Europe and at one point was in Stockholm, Sweden, to record an album. At the request of a producer, Moody needed one more track to complete the album and chose to improvise the 1930s ballad “I’m in the Mood for Love.”

Moody’s version became leg-

endary and has been covered by scores of performers, including Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Van Morrison and Amy Winehouse.

The best-known version of the song was recorded by the singer King Pleasure and released under the title “Moody’s Mood for Love.”

“Moody’s Mood for Love was not a composition; it was purely an improvisation,” Will Friedwald, a music critic, wrote in 2005. “Yet it has lingered in the public consciousness not because of King Pleasure, but because of the solo itself.

Although nothing like an anthem, it has become one — a banner of modern jazz and African-American culture.”

Moody performed well into the 21st century while fighting bouts with alcoholism. His latest album, “Moody 4B,” was nominated for a Grammy earlier this month.

Moody is survived by his wife, Linda Peterson McGowan; three sons, Patrick, Regan, and Danny McGowan; a daughter, Michelle Moody Bagdanove; a brother, Louis Watters; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

10

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

www.lawattstimes.com

BY CHARLENE MUHAMMAD Contributing Writer

Obama

Many are excited over President Barack Obama’s Dec. 8 signing of a landmark settlement that will pay out about $1.25 billion to Black farmers who proved they were discriminated against by the government decades ago, but not everyone is rejoicing over the legislation.

It may take up to the year 2012 before the farmers receive any payments, according to a news report.

“There will be a deadline for claims, but it has not yet been set,” a Gannett Washington Bureau report quoted Andrew Marks, a lead counsel for the farmers, as saying.

“It’s highly unlikely that anyone will get any money until some time in 2012.”

And the L.A. Watts Times has learned that a national farmer’s advocacy organization is planning to appeal.

“We had maintained all along that we were going to oppose this bill ... The amount of money that President Obama put into this lawsuit, $1.25 billion, is not adequate to pay back 70,000” farmers, said Thomas Burrell, president of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association (BFAA). “Plus it is not adequate to accommodate any additional claimants, who maintain that they have a meritorious claim in this lawsuit.”

Burrell said the organization has legal standing to wage the arguments in court and it has already intervened. He said he expects to be back in court in January.

And if necessary, BFAA is prepared to take the argument all the way to the Supreme Court to enforce the farmers’ rights, he said.

One of Burrell’s main concerns

signs bill that gives about $1.25B to

BLACK FARMERS

Black Farmers and Agriculturists Association president says money ‘not adequate’ for farmers, plans to go to court

ABOVE: Gary Alexander examines a handful of the Ethiopian crop teff after harvesting it with a scythe in a test plot near Nicodemus, Kan., Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005. Alexander and a handful of other farmers around the historical black settlement have been experimenting with the crop hoping to market it as an alternative to wheat for persons with gluten sensitivity.

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Clenora Hudson-Weems, of Columbia, Mo., chants with others on Friday, Oct. 28, 2005, in support of Harry Young, outside the Farm Service Agency’s local office on Alvey Park Drive in Owensboro, Ky. A national association of black farmers held the protest to try to stop the government from foreclosing on 300 acres belonging to Young, a black farmer in western Kentucky who courts have ruled defaulted on federal loans.

(AP Photo/The Messenger-Inquirer, Bob Bruck)

John Boyd, in h the U.S. Depar Washington, D

(Photo by Fred W

Thursday, December 16, 2010 is that the settlement is for liquidated damages, which means that by the time the lawyers are paid and what is left is divided by the number of claimants, each would receive somewhere between $5,000 to $9,000.

“We intervened because we knew all along, that whenever he signed this bill and we got past the smoke and mirrors, at the end of the day ... that’s a lot of money, but it’s inadequate,” Burrell said.

“It’s like asking someone what they’re going to do with next month’s paycheck,” he said. “They’re making it sound like Black folks are getting ready to move out of Harlem to the Lower East Side, but it’s a joke, and for this to come through the first Black administration no less.”

Justin DeJong, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said that he has has not heard of any plans by individuals or organizations to appeal the settlement.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has called the agreement an important milestone in putting the USDA’s checkered past and discriminatory claims behind the department.

Obama said: “ ... I’m proud that Democrats and Republicans have come together to lay this case to rest. And that’s why I’m proud that Secretary Vilsack and everybody at the Department of Agriculture are continuing to address claims of past discrimination by other farmers throughout our country.”

According to the report from the Gannett Washington Bureau, attorney Andrew Marks said the settlement must first be approved by a court, claims have to be reviewed through an arbitration system, and the farmers have to be notified.

To receive compensation, the farmers have to prove they filed a claim in the original lawsuit and that

his orange traitor Justice, lead the march from rtment of Agriculture to the U.S. Capitol in D.C. to demand justice for Black farmers.

Watkins)

they were denied loans, assistance, or treated less favorably than White farmers, the report said.

The settlement is part of Pigford v.

Veneman, a class-action lawsuit filed in 1997 in which three Black farmers, led by Timothy Pigford of North Carolina, claimed that the USDA discriminated against them between 1983 and 1997 by denying financial loans and benefit programs, and then failed to investigate their claims of racism.

John Boyd, president of the Na-

tional Black Farmers Association, has shared how in the late ’80s, his own application for a loan was tossed in the trash during an interview with a USDA representative at his local farm office.

When the USDA investigated the incident, nothing came of it. Despite

admitting throwing the application away, the official was moved to another county and allowed to retire, Boyd said.

His statements were part of a PBS documentary on the plight of Black farmers, which aired on Iowa Public Television.

In a separate and different broadcast on CNN, Boyd said, “Farming is tough for Black farmers, White farmers, for small farmers, but when you add discrimination and racism on top of acts of nature, and things of that nature, it makes it very, very difficult.”

“Many Black farmers have died waiting for justice, so this is a very, very serious issue that has been totally overlooked for decades ... Black farmers contributed to American agriculture and they deserve to be a part of the American fabric and take part in federal programs,” said Boyd, who urged Congress to settle the original suit.

But there were thousands of claimants who missed the Pigford I deadline of Sep. 12, 2000, prompting Pigford II, which allowed them to file their claims and set aside $100 million for new claim settlements, according to a summary of the case by the Congressional Research Service.

Burrell said that the BFAA represents the untold numbers of farmers and their heirs who are not part of lawsuits because they were never adequately notified by the USDA. He told the Watts Times that people have misunderstood the BFAA’s issues with the settlement negatively criticizing Obama, but that is incorrect, he said.

He said he voted for Obama, and will likely vote for him again in 2012.

But there is a difference between economics and politics, and that this is definitely about economic injustice, he said.

John Boyd, head of the National Black Farmers Association, in front of the U.S. Capitol, earlier this year. Supporting the Black farmers bill where CBC Members Barbara Lee, left, and Shelia Jackson Lee, right.

11

“Our interest should always be what is good for our community,” he said. “Politics should always be secondary for us, not primary, because what’s politically expedient for the Democratic Party might not be politically expedient for Black folks …”

He said that what also makes the bill very egregious is that it will fund a $3.4 billion separate settlement — Cobell v. Salazar — involving Native Americans and women farmers without the caps that the Black farmers face.

While Burrell and some other advocates for the Black farmers insist that the recent settlement is a slap in the face to their constituents, Republicans like Congressman Steve King of Iowa believe it is too much and amounts to fraud, because it will make payments to people who are not even farmers and no one gets punished.

“They admit to no wrongdoing, they press the taxpayers and apparently have succeeded in squeezing $2.3 billion out of the taxpayers, but they don’t have any blame, and they’re not punishing anybody,” said King, according to CNSNews.com.

At press time, the L.A. Watts Times was still awaiting a response to its request for interview with a King spokesperson.

Rosie Milligan, a local businesswoman who has been working nationally to help notify potential heirs about the lawsuit, said the lawsuit is absolutely about the money.

“Farming is about money,” she said. “It’s about family, and it’s about people’s livelihoods and — were they not discriminated against in the first place and driven out from their farms — this issue of money might not be on the table today. The settlement doesn’t begin to address the issue of farmers whose farms have already been foreclosed on.”

Congresswoman Maxine Waters stood with Black farmers on Capitol Hill, in the nation’s capitol, to fight to get the $115 million Black farmers bill passed by the U.S. Senate.

(Photo by Fred Watkins)

b o a r d

12

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Parks brings Fresh & Easy to South L.A. CITY HALL — Councilmember Bernard C. Parks successfully thwarted an attempt to derail approval of a much-needed Fresh & Easy neighborhood market on Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles during a City Council meeting on Wednesday.

Area residents packed the council chambers in support of the proposed 14,000-squarefoot grocery store on Crenshaw and 52nd Street, and erupted into cheers and thunderous applause Photo by Betsy Annas when the final vote was taken, with the Council Councilmember Bernard C. Parks shakes hands with Walter voting 13 to 1 in favor.

Cathey Jr, Regional Director for Fresh & Easy Neighborhood “In a community with the highest rate of Market, and stands with community supporters on the steps of City diet-related health problems — such as obesity and diabetes — as well as the lowest life expect- Hall after the vote. ancy in the city, this is a monumental step Fresh & Easy is the first full-service grocery store to toward providing residents the choices they need to take seek to open in the Eighth District in over a decade. control of their diet and their health,” Parks said.

Austin Beutner, the first deputy mayor of Los Opposition to the development was based largely on Angeles and the city’s economy chief, noted the irony: the design, with opponents demanding the parking lot be Fresh & Easy has opened up three inner-city grocery placed behind the store, instead of next to it. Due to the stores while Safeway, based in Pleasanton, and Trader shape of the parcel, Fresh & Easy was unable to accommo- Joe’s, with headquarters in Monrovia, watch on the sidedate that concern. LAPD senior lead officer Andre Dixon lines. from 77th Division spoke in favor of the current layout, tes“It takes a company from the U.K. to see the opportutifying that a different design with parking behind the store nity in the L.A. marketplace,” said Beutner, referring to would decrease visibility and pose a public safety risk.

Tesco, the British parent company of Fresh & Easy.

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas and Gov. Schwarzenegger light holiday tree of hope at MLK medical center More than 200 children receive toys in CHP giveaway

Mark Ridley-Thomas (at podium) and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at a recent tree-lighting ceremony.

Los Angeles — Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas on Friday hosted a holiday tree lighting ceremony with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to celebrate the ongoing progress in efforts to open a new Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Medical Center. The California Highway Patrol distributed toys to hundreds of local children, and the holiday tree was officially lit

by Hallimah Felton, a fifth-grade student from Barack Obama Charter School.

“This is a season of hope in the Second District,” said Supervisor Ridley-Thomas. “The community’s long-held hope for quality medical services is becoming a reality, brick by

brick. We are here today to celebrate the unprecedented partnerships that have made this reality possible.”

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas highlighted the milestones that have been reached in the effort to build a new MLK Medical Center: a master plan for the campus has been approved, the $20 million South Health Center is now under construction, and a board of directors has been named for the new hospital. Schwarzenegger was instrumental in facilitating a partnership between the County of Los Angeles and the University of California to ensure that the highest level of patient care is delivered in the new state-of-the-art hospital.

“It is safe to say that without Governor Schwarzenegger’s intervention, we would not have reached the milestones that we have over the past two years,” said Ridley-Thomas. “It is with joy that we come together as a community to thank him for his support and to celebrate the progress we’ve made in this historic project.”

The supervisor and governor were joined by Dr. J. Benjamin Hardwick, pastor of Zion Baptist Church; the New Spirit Nation Junior Choir; Grant A.M.E. Church; and Tamasha Earl, a nursing attendant in the Women’s Health Center of the MLK Multi-Service Ambulatory Care Center.

www.lawattstimes.com 13

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Vick AP Source: N.J.’s Williams to Houston tackles in 3-team deal mistakes

BY CHRIS DUNCAN AP SPORTS WRITER

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets will acquire swingman Terrence Williams from New Jersey in a threeteam trade that gives the Nets two more first-round draft picks for potential use in a Carmelo Anthony deal, a person with knowledge of the trade said Tuesday.

The Nets would receive the Rockets’ first-round draft pick in 2012, the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round pick in 2011 and current Lakers shooting guard Sasha Vujacic, the person told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person was granted anonymity because no formal announcement had been made about the trade, which can’t be completed until Wednesday.

The Lakers get veteran Joe Smith in the trade, which was first reported by Yahoo.com.

Smith was active for the Nets in Tuesday night’s loss to Philadelphia. Williams was inactive, and posted a farewell message on his Twitter page. “Welcome welcome, to all my Jersey fans and people,� Williams wrote. “It’s been real, I love y’all an thanks, to Houston what uppppp. ‘Go Rockets’ lol.�

The deal cannot be completed until Wednesday, because Smith signed with the AP Photo by Bill Kostroun Nets in the offseason as a free In this March 26, 2010, file photo, New Jersey agent so is not eligible to be Nets’ Terrence Williams goes up with a shot dealt until Dec. 15. during the first quarter of an NBA basketball “It’s disappointing. I game against the Detroit Pistons in East have grown close to these young guys. I got my rook- Rutherford, N.J. ies,� Smith said. “To be going to a team that won two championships in a row and knows what it takes and has a lot of veterans and to hopefully be a part of something special is always an exciting time.�

Williams is averaging 6.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in a turbulent season.

Nets coach Avery Johnson said Williams was a healthy scratch Tuesday. He was told not to come to the game, probably because the Nets didn’t want to risk him getting hurt.

Williams has been in Johnson’s doghouse this season. He has been fined for showing up late to practices and he was sent home from another game for failing to follow team policy. He was shipped to Nets’ D-League team in Springfield, Mass., for a couple of games before being brought back to the team last week.

If the trade goes through, the Nets will have five first-round picks through 2012. They own their own in 2011 and ’12. They would add the Lakers’ and Rockets’ picks and they have a 2011 pick from Golden State acquired in a trade for Marcus Williams. The Williams’ pick is lottery protected.

The Nets are interested in acquiring Anthony and were close to a deal in the preseason. The first-round picks and the Nuggets’ interest in rookie power forward Derrick Favors might be their bargaining chips.

Vujacic was once a valuable reserve for the Lakers whose playing time has been slashed this season. He couldn’t get any information about the deal during the Lakers’ game at Washington, saying he had no cell phone service at the Verizon Center. “It’s terrible. I’m 26 years old,� he said of his limited minutes this season. “If it happens, then I definitely want to double what I did in L.A., so we’ll see.�

Houstons Jermaine Taylor did not play in the Rockets 118-105 victory over Sacramento amid reports he's headed to the Kings as part of a second deal. “He’s one of the best scorers on Earth,� said Kings forward and former Rocket Carl Landry. “Jermaine Taylor, he’s going to be a great addition to this team.�

QB teaches kids consequences of animal cruelty

BY DONALD HUNT EAGLES SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE PHILADELPHIA TRIBUNE The students at Juniata Park Academy were patiently waiting in the school auditorium for a special guest to arrive: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.

This was a big week for Vick and the Eagles. They had a big game on the road against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night on national television. It’s also Tuesday, which happens to be a day off for all NFL players.

But on this day, Vick is talking to the students about the consequences of getting involved in dogfighting. Vick spent 18 months in prison for his role in a dogfighting operation.

Vick has worked with the Humane Society in regards to speaking to youngsters in a number of schools. He has worked hard in trying to steer kids away from animal cruelty. He’s been getting the message out all over the country.

Vick doesn’t make any excuses for what he did. He clearly stands in a wrong person’s place. He’s been open and honest about his involvement with dogfighting and why it’s not the right thing to do. The students listen closely to him. Rebecca GlennDinwoodie, a coordinator with the Humane Society of the United States, talked about Vick’s commitment to help end dogfighting in the community. “His story is the strongest possible example of how dogfighting is a dead end,� Glenn-Dinwoodie said. “He comes off to these kids very honest. They listen to him and spread the message to the community. That’s powerful. He has spoken inside and outside of Philadelphia. “Last week, he spoke to two different schools in (New Haven) Connecticut in regards to ending dogfighting. He’s been getting the word out. He’s definitely a busy guy. He takes time to get this message to the kids who need it who may not listen to other figures.�

Vick’s message is powerful. His story is even bigger.

In 2007, he went to prison where he spent nearly two years behind bars. In 2009, he was released from prison and Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner, conditionally reinstated him. The Eagles were the only team that showed interest in him. Vick was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Atlanta Falcons before his misfor-

AP Photo by Sharon Ellman

Philadelphia Eagles’ Michael Vick looks to pass the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010, in Arlington, Texas. tunes. He hadn’t played a game since 2006.

The Eagles signed him prior to the start of last season, when they had Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb and backup Kevin Kolb.

He saw limited playing time in his first season with the Eagles.

In the offseason, the Eagles traded McNabb to the Washington Redskins. Vick became the backup to Kolb who was anointed the starter.

But, Kolb, got hurt in the season opener against the Green Bay Packers. Vick stepped in and played lights out. He took over as the starter.

Moreover, it was announced that Vick, with 729,838 votes, leads all NFL all-stars in balloting for the 2011 Pro Bowl. He leads Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (691,146); New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (623,074); Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (591,598); and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (547,340), who rounded out the top five in voting.

Vick knows what he’s doing on and off the field means a lot to the students. He realizes how critical it is to reach the kids who could very easily travel down the wrong path in life. “It’s important to come out and talk to the kids and share some of the experiences,â€? Vick said. â€œâ€Ś I want to continue to assist the Humane Society in putting a stop to dogfighting.â€?

The other part of Vick’s message is for people in general. He isn’t the first athlete to serve time in prison and come out to turn his life around.

Bernard Hopkins is a good example of that. Hopkins, a former world light heavyweight and middleweight champion and future hall of famer, spent 56 months in Graterford State Penitentiary. He grew up in North Philly. He started boxing while he was in prison.

Like Vick, Hopkins needed a second chance. He got one. Hopkins, 45, is one of Philadelphia’s best

known professional athletes. Graterford has a mural of Hopkins in his honor because of his perseverance and success. Hopkins is not just a great fighter, but also a good humanitarian. A year ago, he arranged to See VICK, page 18

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Person of the Week

Meet Kevon Gulley, a parolee who is writing his way out of becoming a California statistic one novel at a time

BY JASMYNE A. CANNICK SPECIAL TO L.A. WATTS TIMES

The Rev. Najuma Smith-Pollard

Word of the Week

The Gift Inside!

BY REV. NAJUMA SMITH-POLLARD PASTOR, ST. JAMES A.M.E. CHURCH Matthew 1:20b “... an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’ ” Joseph, the father of Jesus, almost made the biggest mistake of his life!

For fear of possible judgement, ridicule, questions and even unfaithfulness, Joseph makes up his mind to quietly dismiss Mary, as she was found to be pregnant.

His obvious concern for not wanting her to face public disgrace is honorable. But what he could not see was the dynamic work happening in her womb. In a secret place, the Holy Spirit had conceived something so wonderful, yet it appears to be wrapped in so much scandal.

What I appreciate most about the Christmas story is it helps us understand that the facts are not always what they appear and the outcome can not always be predictable. What may appear to be a

Black Facts Dec. 17, 1975 Noble Sissle dies on this day in his home in Tampa, Fla. Prior to his death, he teamed up with Eubie Blake. Sissle wrote the lyrics and sang the songs while Blake composed and played the music.

Source: blackfacts.com

great scandal, problem or even trouble, may really be a blessing delivered in unusual wrapping paper.

When I see the lives of people who come to God on drugs, engaged in prostitution, liars, thieves, ex-cons ... you name it, the church has got it; yet they grow to a place of becoming anointed preachers, entrepreneurs, millionaires, teachers, community leaders etc etc etc. It is clear that we can never assume what the gift on the inside will look like, based upon its wrapping paper.

At Christmas time, a lot of money will be spent on wrapping paper, ribbon and beautiful bows.

But the real value of a present is not in the wrapping, but the gift inside!

I believe that each of us has a gift inside, that has been conceived in us from the Holy Spirit, but often we never get a opportunity to realize the gift, because you are distracted by the wrapping.

What if we could get past the exterior (wrapping), in order to bring forth the gift?

Your life up to now may have been filled with a lot of questionable facts and details; never-the-less this advent season, be encouraged to bring forth the gift that has been conceived in you, regardless of the wrapping.

Or maybe God has assigned you to help someone bring forth the gift that has been conceived in them, regardless of their wrapping.

Whatever the case may be ... the real blessing is the Gift Inside!

Follow me on twitter @revjuju Follow me on facebook/revjuju

It’s been eight months since Kevon Gulley walked out of Kern Valley State Prison after serving 80 percent of an eight-year sentence for fraud and receiving stolen property.

Having spent the majority of his in life in and out of one system or another, the former foster child with two strikes has no plans on going back anytime soon.

In February 2009, just over a year before his release, the Compton native put a plan in motion to ensure that when he was released this time, he wouldn’t come back.

It wasn’t easy, but with the assistance of his fellow block mates — who passed Gulley their writing for his magazines and the chance to read what he was writing — it took Gulley just 93 days to complete the first installment in his new gritty urban series about life on the streets of Los Angeles.

In “Just Like Compton,” Gulley, 34, is trying to write his way out of becoming another California statistic.

A fictional novel where the names have been changed to protect the guilty, “Just Like Compton” has grit, as well as the intrigue and mystery of a James Patterson novel, complete with the kind of sex scenes that rival acclaimed author Zane.

“Just Like Compton” gives readers a strikingly real portrayal of gang life in Los Angeles. Nothing is off limits or too graphic when it comes to telling it like it is for this first-time author, who admits that for his first novel, he drew a lot from his personal life.

For those who have ever wondered about what goes on in the head in those who bang, or what it’s like today for a Black man to do time in a California, “Just Like Compton” does an incredible job of breaking down the inexplicable violence, revenge, betrayal, racism, drugs, love and loyalty to a color, neighborhood block, and gang family that many have a hard time understanding.

“Just Like Compton” is the perfect blend of real life — complete with baby-mama drama, a-chick-onthe-side drama, ’hood drama, and the drama behind the walls.

Being recognized as an up-andcoming author is new for Gulley, who admits that he has rejection issues after being left to fend for himself at the young age of 10 in Watts’ Imperial Courts, while his parents were addicted to heroin.

The middle of three children, Gulley was left alone for almost three months after his brother and sister were taken by their relatives to be cared for. With only a neighbor,

Kevon Gulley Mrs. Biddle, to care for him the best she could when she could, it wasn’t until his grandmother found out about his situation, got and moved him with her in Compton, that he finally felt like he was wanted. But that feeling soon faded when his grandmother passed away and he became a ward of the State of California, and was placed in numerous group homes and foster homes until he was finally emancipated.

A former Centennial High School student, Gulley was sentenced to 10 years as a juvenile in California’s Youth Authority for carjacking and kidnapping. When he was released in 2000, he once again tried to get his life together by taking classes at Santa Monica College and working at an Arco in Victorville.

But just three years later, he found himself facing 150 years that was eventually brought down to eight years because all of his crimes to date had been as a juvenile.

Having spent the majority of his youth behind bars, in April 2010, when he was once again a free man, there were a lot of things Gulley said he had to get used to: how to text and use today’s technology. In addition, he had 13 years of his 16-year-old son’s life and seven years of his 8year-old son’s life to make up for.

Gulley admits that the same pressure that was there before still exists today — and it’s even stronger with two sons to take care of and a failing economy that sees African American’s struggling more than usual.

While he’s trilingual — Gulley speaks English, Spanish and French —he’s had numerous job interviews with no success. In prison he obtained an associate degree in liberal arts, something he’s proud of.

Still, when he applied to work for the Compton Unified School District as a cafeteria worker, where he was actually hired for the job, when his background check came back, it was

the same story: No thank you.

“I just wish people would judge me for the person that I am today and not the juvenile that I was,” Gulley said. “Today I am trying to do things differently.”

And that he is.

In addition to writing and looking for a job, Gulley says that he’s devoted a lot of time to trying to keep the peace in Compton among various warring gang sects.

“I love Compton,” Gulley says.

“I didn’t always do right and I paid the price for it. I’ve seen a lot in these streets and today I just think that if there’s anything that I can do to help make a difference, then I’m going to do it. No one wants to be locked up. Prison is no joke, believe me.”

Self-published, self-edited and self-promoted, Gulley hopes that sales of his book and a full-time job will help keep him and his family afloat and afford him the opportunity to start writing the second novel in his series. In the series, he wants to create more characters that feel like real people, going through real-life situations, right here in Los Angeles.

“Just Like Compton” is available online at Amazon.com, local bookstores, including Eso Won in Leimert Park; Smiley’s in Carson; Shades of Afrika in Long Beach; and in the Slauson Swapmeet at Amina 2.

The book can also be ordered directly through Gulley’s website at www.justlikecompton.com.

Gulley will be a guest on the award-winning Front Page radio show with host Dominique DiPrima on Radio Free 102.3 KJLH, on Dec. 16 (4:30 a.m. to 6 a.m.). He will also host his first book signing at Smiley’s Bookstore in Carson (20722 S. Avalon Blvd.) on Dec. 18 from 3 to 5 p.m.

For more information on Gulley, visit www.justlikecompton. com.

www.lawattstimes.com 15

Thursday, December 16, 2010

FCC appears to find middle road to hope

A Black Christmas in 2010

BY DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR. NNPA COLUMNIST

BY DANNY J. BAKEWELL SR. NNPA CHAIRMAN Our nation certainly turned a corner two years ago with the election of our first Black President.

Aside from the obvious historical progress made, for the first time in a long time, Americans overwhelmingly expressed feelings of excitement, optimism and hope about the future. We were looking for positive change that would drive us forward and President Obama was determined to deliver.

His vision for the future included a number of noble goals to get this country back on track — including the 21st century promise of opportunity made possible through universal broadband connectivity. Getting connected online would provide a much-needed lifeline for struggling communities of color while empowering all Americans to survive and thrive in the new millennium and beyond.

Obama announced this priority on the campaign trail and received an excited and approving nod from Americans when he reaffirmed the goal once elected. He distributed marching orders, and it seemed that we were well on our way toward achieving an historic technological advancement that would strengthen our great nation from the bottom up.

Unfortunately, the road to becoming a connected nation has not been without potholes.

Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its National Broadband Plan, providing a roadmap to get everyone online as the President had directed. However, the months that followed have been absorbed by the highly contentious net neutrality debate, preventing any real progress. This effort has largely been driven by extremist groups that appear to have interests other than those of the greater public in mind.

The resulting gridlock has needlessly delayed and distracted from making positive change that would benefit all Americans — and minority Americans, in particular — in the classroom, in the work place, in the

Danny J. Bakewell Sr. home, and far beyond. It has stood in the way of job creation and investment that is essential to turning things around for us all. And as weeks and months pass without clarity or forward progress, it seems that we see and hear less and less of the excitement, optimism and hope that overflowed two years ago.

It looks like things may change, though, and not a moment too soon. Chairman Julius Genachowski announced this week that the FCC will address proposed rules to preserve the open Internet at its Dec. 21 open meeting. The proposal on the table appears to reflect a mainstream compromise on net neutrality, which aims to ensure that the Internet remains a powerful platform for innovation, job creation and economic opportunity without over-regulation that could harm Internet deployment and costs. My hope is that this compromise will provide closure to this debate that is absolutely necessary in order to move forward to achieve the chairman’s stated goal of increasing “certainty in the marketplace and spurring investment both at the edge and in the core of our broadband networks” — things that must happen for the broadband marketplace to fully participate in our economic recovery efforts. As the chairman said recently, the Internet has allowed for “wondrous contributions to our economy and our way of life.”

As publisher of the L.A. Sentinel and Chairman of National Newspaper Publishers Association, representing more than 200 AfricanAmerican newspapers — giving

voice and providing information to 19.8 million households who read the Black Press of America weekly — I applaud the efforts of the FCC. However, I encourage Genachowski, and in particular Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, to swing wide inclusion’s door and make real the economic empowerment equalizer broadband access pledges, especially where it concerns the full participation of minority-owned media enterprises, technology firms, advertising, and other black-owned businesses.

Universal connectivity holds even greater promise of opportunity and possibility today, thanks to new and evolving technological innovations. It is because of this investment in innovation that millions of Americans have already adopted broadband — and African Americans lead in wireless mobile device adoption. But this isn’t good enough — we need to connect every American. I realize the idea isn’t new — but even though we have the technology as well as a solid plan to connect everyone to the technology, we still have a long way to go before we get where we need to be. As we put the net neutrality debate behind us, we need to focus on implementing the National Broadband Plan that will enable us to move forward once and for all.

It’s not too late. We can restore those good feelings of excitement, optimism and hope that I mentioned — but we have got to shift our focus to efforts that will make a real difference ... right now.

As we approach the Christmas season this year, it is important for African Americans and others to stress the necessity for freedom, justice, equality and peace in our communities across America and throughout the world. A “Black Christmas” should mean that this will also be the season for AfricanAmerican empowerment and stronger financial sustainability.

The fact that the unemployment rate among African Americans is still at an unprecedented high level should mean that the dollars that we are spending during these Christmas holidays should be spent more wisely. We are billion-dollar consumers of products and services. A “Black Christmas” for us should mean that we should save our money in proportion to what we spend and buy. We should support and buy from African-Americanowned businesses. We should save our money in African-Americanowned financial institutions. We should be more prudent on how we use what money we do have.

I know that there will be some of us who will be embarrassed when they hear the theme of a “Black Christmas.” It is somewhat unfortunate that too many of us still get nervous when someone advocates an African-American agenda for Black Americans. The truth is that if we do not put a stated priority on more self-help and self-reliance for the advancement of the AfricanAmerican community, then no one else outside of our community will deem our plight as a matter of priority concern. Self-investment is a key to self-improvement.

Nearly 50 million strong, African Americans in 2010 should be able to focus and target our spending, saving, investing, and giving back to the less fortunate in our communities. A “Black Christmas” should be the season to focus on reducing and ending poverty, disease, and injustice that combine to create so much misery for our young and for our elderly. No greater joy can come than from uplifting ourselves to improve the quality of life for all African Americans and for all people who yearn and cry out for a more productive way of life.

One of the greatest and most effective gifts is the gift of providing access to the highest quality education for our children. Black parents should be made aware of all the various options that they have to demand a better education for the youth in our communities. A “Black

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Christmas” would mean African American parents utilizing a wide array of educational options for their children including tuition tax credits, effective innovations in traditional public schools, virtual schools, charter schools, Black independent schools, home schooling, public-private partnership schools, private school scholarships, mean-tested vouchers, and access to high quality supplementary educational services.

A “Black Christmas” gift also should be giving a Black Newspaper annual subscription to an African-American family. We should buy and give books written

by African-American authors. We all should renew our membership in an organization or institution that serves the liberation, salvation, and empowerment goals and objectives of the African-American community.

Finally, A “Black Christmas” should be the time when we all pause to give thanks for family, friends and colleagues. This is the season of Kwanzaa. It is a time to share the values and principles that will enable us to move forward in the future. We thank God for our struggle and for the progress that has been made. But, we also must pray that our spirit and sense of self-determination will be renewed and made stronger. Our children first and foremost should be given our love. Our youth in turn should always show the parents and elders in our community their respect and resolve to keep pushing to the higher level of progress. Yes, Christmas 2010 should and will be a “Black Christmas.”

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is senior adviser for the Black Alliance for Educational Options and President of Education Online Services Corp.

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

EVENT 12-17-10 PLAY (JULIAPACEMITCHELL.COM) — “Hills Above the Hood,” a play

LISTINGS

and the YEL program. It will take place at Midtown Bowl, 4645 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles. More information: Karen Lewis, (323) 299-3986.

HOLIDAY TOAST (RADICAL WOMEN L.A.) — The L.A. March 4th Committee to Defend Public Education and Social Services will throw a holiday party for all partisans in what some see as the battle to tax corporations and the wealthy to save California’s public wealth from the Sacramento budget ax. The event begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 18 at Solidarity Hall, 2170 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. More information: (323) 3696343, (323) 428-5711 (Español).

Julia Pace Mitchell

written and directed by Julia Pace Mitchell of “The Young & the Restless,” will be shown at El Centro Theatre from Dec. 17 to 19. This show, in which silly and sad stories are recalled by a girl in Baldwin hills, is also a play in which characters assume the personae of their mothers, fathers, role models, sisters who are “infected” with Angry Black Women’s Syndrome and others. And it touches on issues of black hair, racism, sexism, the ins-and-outs of black class distinction and more. El Centro Theatre is at 804 N. El Centro Ave., Hollywood.

Ticket prices range from $35 to $40.

Reservations: (310) 671-6400, www.inglewoodtickets.com.

12-18-10 BOOKS, PAJAMAS FOR KIDS — Books will continue to be collected and given away to children on Dec. 18, 2 to 5 p.m., at the Huntington Hotel, 752 S. Main St., Los Angeles. They will be for the Fun Zone Reading Club. Also, pajamas will be given for Skid Row’s homeless children. Information: (702) 5415642.

PARTY — The Midtown Fun Bowl Toy Drive and Bowling Party — featuring music, dominoes, raffles, bowling and more — will take place Dec. 18. Some celebrities who will attend the event include Dondre and Salli Whitfield, KJLH’s Big P-Wee, Quinton Aaron and others. The event, which starts at 7 p.m., will benefit youth from Real Mentoring

BOOK SIGNING (JUSTLIKECOMPTON.COM) — Kevon L. Gulley will sign his new book, “Just Like Compton: Finally a Real Hood Novel,” at Smiley’s Bookstore, 20220 S. Avalon Blvd., Carson.

The Compton native takes readers for a ride through some of the toughest streets and neighborhoods in America. The book signing takes place Dec. 18, 3 p.m.

Information: (310) 324-8444, justlikecompton.com.

EAT, SHOP, TALK — The holiday Eat, Shop, Talk event in Leimert Park Village will take place Dec. 18, 4 p.m., at Lucy Florence Coffee House, 3351 W. 43rd St., Los Angeles. Beginning at noon, attendees will have the chance to go on historical shopping tours of Leimert Park Village.

Information: Camille, (323) 291-2539.

will be hosted by Sheryl Lee Ralph, will take place Dec. 25, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., at Samba (at Universal CityWalk). People interested in attending must bring an unwrapped toy, and toys will benefit Women Alive and the Union Rescue Mission. Universal CityWalk is at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City.

Information: (818) 763-0101.

12-26-10 ONE-MAN PLAY — “Heaven Can’t Wait No Mo,’ ” a one-man play featuring actor, singer, writer and poet Isaac Clay, will take place at the Lucy Florence Coffee House on Dec. 26, 4 p.m. A dinner buffer starts at 3. The “dramedy” has biblical principles. In the play, Willy is asked by God o complete several tasks.

During his journey, he encounters several obstacles and experiences individuals with various perceptions about life, according to an ad promotion on the play. Tickets for the play cost $25. The coffee house in Leimert Park, at 3351 W. 43rd St., Los Angeles. More information: (323) 3010582, (323) 293-1356.

12-24-10 FREE FARES (METRO) — To promote a safe holiday season, Metro will offer a special holiday free fare program for all Metro Bus and Metro Rail lines operating on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The free fare program will be in effect between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. on the nights and early mornings hours of Dec. 24 to 25 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 1.

Patrons boarding a Metro Bus, including the Metro Orange Line, or the Metro Red, Purple, Blue, Green or Gold rail lines, during the hours designated will receive a free ride to their destination. Metro is reminding the public that it is an option for people attending holiday parties so they don’t have to drive. Route and schedule information: metro.net, (323) GO-METRO (323-466-3876).

12-25-10 TOY DRIVE & PARTY — “Christmas With A Clause,” a toy drive and party that

12/10 - 1/11

happening these months

KWANZAA — The 34th Annual Kwanzaa Gwaride Parade and Festival will be held Dec. 26, noon, and this year’s theme is “Improving Ourselves

Naturally.” The day will include spoken word, ceremonies, dancing and more. The parade will start at Adams and Crenshaw boulevards and proceed to Leimert Park.

At 8 a.m., from Dec. 27 to 31, attendees can work out and walk 2 miles at Rancho Cienega Park. During Kwanzaa, there will also be candle lighting ceremonies in Leimert Park at 6 p.m. For more information on Kwanzaa events, visit www.kwanzaastuff.com, or call Tammy Lee at (323) 735-6643.

SNOW DAYS (KCM) — Snow Days Kidspace will take place Dec. 26 and 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Kidspace Children’s

Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

Thirty tons of snow will be brought in to the event. More information: www.kidspacemuseum.org, (626) 449-9144, ext.

5210.

www.lawattstimes.com 17

Thursday, December 16, 2010 12-28-10 CONCERT (LYNN JETER & ASSOCIATES) — R&B singer and “The Oprah Show” karaoke winner Abraham

Abraham McDonald

McDonald will continue the spirit of giving when he holds the last performance of his “Home For The Holidays” concert series at 8 p.m. on Dec. 28 at Busby’s Mile High Club at 5361 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.

He will perform his single “Giving You My Heart,” which is now available on iTunes, his ballad “Miracle” and other R&B songs. Part of the proceeds will go to the Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan (www.rowellfosterchildren.org). There will be celebrity guest appearances by Kelly Price, Kenny Lattimore and K.D. Aubert and more. More information: (323) 525-2615. Watch “Miracle” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE2wlx aF2bA&feature=fvw.

12-31-10 “NOON” YEAR’S EVE — Kidspace Children’s Museum won’t be having a New Year’s Eve celebration leading up to midnight. This year, there will be a “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration on Dec. 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will take place at the museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. More information: www.kidspacemuseum.org, (626) 449-9144, ext. 5210.

01-02-11 HATE TO HOPE (MOT) — A hate-crime victim and a former hatecrime perpetrator will hold a special dialogue, titled From Hate to Hope,

at the Museum of Tolerance (MOT) on Jan. 2, 3 p.m. Twenty years ago, Matthew was a young teenager who was disowned by his family for being gay; he now works as a manager at the MOT. Tim was a former neo-Nazi who speaks of his experiences at the MOT. Through meeting and conversation, they realized that years ago Matthew had been victimized

by Tim’s gang.

Theirs is a story of reconciliation between the perpetrator and the victim of a hate crime. From Hate to Hope is held at the museum on the first Sunday of every month at 3 p.m., and is free with paid admission to the museum. MOT is at 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles (at Pico Boulevard and Roxbury Drive).

Information: (310) 553-8403.

Museum — at 600 State Drive, Los Angeles — and will be presented by California Assemblymember Mike Davis.

Kamala Harris, who will become California’s attorney general in January, will be honored with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award.

RSVP, more information: (213) 744-2111.

01-21-11 AL JARREAU (CERRITOS) — Al Jarreau has charmed fans and critics worldwide. Known for the celebrated hits “Never Givin’ Up,” “After All,” and “Moonlighting,” the singer Roberta Flack will deliver his tunes at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) on Jan. 21, 8 p.m.

Tickets, priced from $51 to $75, are on sale at the CCPA Ticket Office, or can be purchased at www.cerritoscenter.com. People can also call (562) 467-8818.

01-13-11 PHOTO ART EXPO (FRESH PR) — An art fair and showcase, photo l.a., will take place from Jan. 13 to 16 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. The event brings together photography dealers from around the globe, and has displays of masterworks from the 19th century continuing through contemporary video and multimedia installations.

The event will have a new art and photography book fair. This event will mark the 20th anniversary of photo l.a. Programming includes seminars about collecting, panel discussions on photography and the environment, and lecturing artists.

The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is at 1855 Main St., Santa Monica.

More information, including schedule of event and tickets: www.photola.com.

01-14-11 MLK COMMEMORATION — The 2011 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday Commemoration will take place Jan. 14, 6 to 9 p.m.

The event will take place at the California African American

Al Jarreau

Jarreau’s debut album, “We Got By,” earned him a German Grammy for “Best New International Soloist,” and the crooner soon embarked on a sixGrammy-winning streak. The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is at 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. Tickets, more concert information: (562) 467-8818, www.cerritoscenter.com.

01-22-11 ROBERTA FLACK CONCERT (CERRITOS) — Internationally hailed as one of the greatest songstresses of our time, Grammy

winner Roberta Flack will present her blend of pop, soul, folk and jazz at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. 22, 8 p.m.

Ticket prices for “An Evening With Roberta Flack” range from $56 to $80 and can be purchased at the CCPA Ticket Office or www.cerritoscenter.com.

People interested in attending can also call (562) 467-8818. The $80 seats are sold out.

Named one of VH1’s 100 greatest women of rock ‘n’ roll, Flack has had chart-topping tunes, including “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “The Closer I Get to You,” and more. At the event, the icon will deliver her hits, which include the Grammy-winning songs “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is at 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos.

Tickets, more information: (562) 467-8818, www.cerritoscenter.com.

The deadline for receipt of calendar listings is Friday, noon, at least two weeks prior to activity.

Fax to: (323) 299-3896, e-mail us at lawattsnus@aol.com or mail to: L.A. Watts Times, 3800 Crenshaw Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90008.

All calendar items are received from various senders and are subject to being edited.

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Trustee Sale No. CA09001518-10-1 . Title Order No. 100512494CA-LPI APN 6083-026-025 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED October 6, 2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On January 13, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL Inc., dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on October 13, 2006, as Instrument No. 06 2279476 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: LEONARD JONES, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor, in favor of AMERICAN MORTGAGE NETWORK, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 151 153 155 157 E 120TH STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90015 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $387,534.91 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable.

If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: December 16, 2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09001518-10-1 .

17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #7387 2010-12-16 2010-12-23 2010-12-30 Trustee Sale # CA0940891-2 Loan# 1008814582 Order # 090258980 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 11/03/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 12/28/2010 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 11/15/2006 as Document No. 20062523411 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, AMELIA TRIGUEROS, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor, LOANEX FUNDING, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state).

AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 6088-019-009 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 833 WEST 118TH, LOS ANGELES, CA 90044 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $402,983.74 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof.

Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1.

Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 12/02/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #7555 2010-12-02 2010-12-09 2010-12-16

Thursday, December 16, 2010 Trustee Sale # CA0949538-1 Loan# 1009024173 Order # 090476437 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 12/21/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 12/27/2010 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 12/28/2006 as Document No. 06 2881056 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, JOSE REYES, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor, INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B., A FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS BANK, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5484-001-026 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 5740 MERIDIAN STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90042 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein.

Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $401,379.19 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 12/02/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #7623 2010-12-02 2010-12-09 2010-12-16 Trustee Sale # CA0950429-2 Loan# 1009971134 Order # 090498915 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 05/16/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 12/30/2010 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 05/23/2007 as Document No. 20071249730 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, JULIO LOPEZ, A MARRIED MAN AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor, MILLE MORTGAGE INC, as Beneficiary, WILL SELLAT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5115-027-016 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1191A 1191B 1193 EAST 42ND PL, LOS ANGELES, CA 90011 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $498,953.55 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 12/09/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER

TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #7743 2010-12-09 2010-12-16 2010-12-23 Trustee Sale # CA0955872-3 Loan# 1880763077 Order # 4251115 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 06/05/2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 01/06/2011 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 06/18/2008 as Document No. 20081082139 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, JORGE PAVON AND YULMA PATRICIA HENRIQUEZ DE PAVON, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor, W J CAPITAL CORPORATION, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state).

AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5468-030-004 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 321 SOUTH AVENUE 56, LOS ANGELES, CA 90042 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $322,440.07 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof.

Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1.

Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 __ Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 12/16/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #7990 2010-12-16 2010-12-23 2010-12-30 Trustee Sale # CA0919156-1 Loan# 3002776742 Order # G828517 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 11/27/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 02/14/2011 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 12/04/2006 as Document No. 20062681502 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, RENE H. GOMEZ, A MARRIED MAN AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor, MORTGAGEIT, INC., as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 2315-019-022 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 11109 VALERIO STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 91352 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein.

Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $497,439.26 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized

agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 12/16/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #8035 2010-12-16 2010-12-23 2010-12-30 Trustee Sale # CA0918994-1 Loan# 167574208 Order # G827977 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 05/02/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 01/06/2011 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on05/11/2007 as Document No. 20071148563 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, JONATHAN HERNANDEZ, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor, COUNTRY HOME LOANS, INC. DBA AMERICA'S WHOLESALE LENDER, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5119020012 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1247 1247 1/2 EAST 27TH STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90011 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $648,586.87 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.

The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell.

The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 12/16/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #8036 2010-12-16 2010-12-23 2010-12-30

VICK

Continued from page 13 fight Enrique Ornelas at Temple’s Liacouras Center for all his family and friends from North Philadelphia.

Vick attended that fight and recognizes what Hopkins has done with his life.

“I draw inspiration from a lot of people,” Vick said. “There’s always going to be adversity.

There’s always going to be ups and downs. It’s all about how you battle back from it. Bernard has a great story. He put in a lot of hard work.

He battled back from what he went through. And, that’s what it’s all about.”

Vick has achieved a lot of success throughout his career. He was a terrific football player at Warwick High School in Newport News, Virginia. He had a great college career at Virginia Tech. His first appearance as a football player in Philadelphia was 1999 when Virginia Tech faced Temple at old Veterans Stadium. Vick led the Hokies to an incredible 62-7 victory over the Owls that day.

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (RFSQ 04-011) FOR WRAPAROUND APPROACH SERVICES ADDENDUM EIGHT The County of Los Angeles, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is seeking Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified providers for Wraparound Approach Services in Service Planning Area 6.

Wraparound is a strengths-based, family-centered approach that allows greater flexibility in the use of foster care dollars to respond to the varying, multiple and complex needs of children who are in foster care or at risk of being placed in foster care or institutionalized. The Wraparound providers design and implement a comprehensive, individualized Plan of Care for each child that includes managing and monitoring the resources necessary to maintain household stability and anchor the family and child to the community. The child and his/her family will continue to be enrolled in Wraparound until all Plan of Care objectives are met and the family and child are able to successfully function within a normalized community and family support system.

Qualified potential Wraparound contractors in addition to meeting the requirement of the RFSQ 04011, will: 1. Have a minimum of 3 years experience (within the last 5 years) providing similar services to the RFSQ's target population; 2. Be Certified by County of Los Angeles Department of Mental Health as a Short-Doyle Medi-Cal provider; 3. Are able to draw down Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment funds.

For more detailed information, interested persons may obtain an electronic copy of the RFSQ at DCFS, 425 Shatto Place, Room 400, Los Angeles, CA 90020, beginning December 23, 2010 from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, or by accessing, Wraparound Approach Services page link on the DCFS Contracts website at http://www.lacdcfs.org/contracts/index.html. The RFSQ may also be accessed at the Los Angeles County Website at http://lacounty.info. Click on the tab labeled Business and then from the drop-down menu, click on the tab labeled Doing Business With Us and then click on Open Solicitations under the Purchasing and Contract Opportunities heading.

Look for RFSQ CMS# 04-011, Wraparound Approach Services, and instructions for registering and submitting an SOQ. A proposer's conference is scheduled for Thursday, January 6, 2011, at DCFS, 425 Shatto Place, Room 503, Los Angeles, CA 90020, at 1:00 p.m.

The deadline for submitting a SOQ is February 11, 2011 at 5:00 P.M., Pacific Standard Time. The County shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the Prospective Contractor to prepare and submit an SOQ. Nothing in this RFSQ shall obligate the County to award a Contract. For more information, please contact Jay Cheng, Contract Analyst at (213) 351-5743.

Qualified “B” licensed General Building Contractors are invited to submit a sealed bid on Project E10-33, Module 12.7 to the Burbank-GlendalePasadena Airport Authority by 2:05 PM, January 20, 2011.

The Work includes, but is not limited to, the following: Installation of new doors, new windows, air conditioning, insulation and correction of some code deficiencies for: Forty (40) Single Family Condo Units.

Bidders may obtain construction documents from the Bob Hope Airport Web Site at bobhopeairport.com under Business Opportunities and are encouraged to do so prior to the mandatory pre-bid conference. 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. A mandatory Pre-bid conference has been scheduled for January 6, 2011, at 10:00 A.M. at the Bob Hope Airport Engineering Offices, 2800 N. Clybourn Ave., Burbank, California.

He was a freshman quarterback at the time. He ran for a season-high 134 yards and two rushing touchdowns while passing for two TDs. He put on a big time performance.

He also led Virginia Tech to the See VICK, page 19

www.lawattstimes.com 19

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EDUCATION

OPRAH NETWORK

Continued from page 9 even larger, if possible, thanks to her network’s constant availability.

“I’m looking forward to her channel because she does positive things,” says Andrea Visser, a 43year-old in-home therapist from Franklin Lakes, N.J., who recently was shopping at The Oprah Store (stocked with lots of Oprah's favorite things) across the street from the Chicago studio where she tapes her daily show.

Visser, who was buying an “O”-inscribed infant’s velour jogging suit for her newborn nephew, says her biggest concern is that OWN will replace the soon-to-bedefunct Discovery Health, which she watches faithfully. But she plans to give OWN a try.

“Oprah puts into words what a

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OWN will not only be a logical extension of who Oprah is, but also a logical extension of her daily show, says Christina Norman, the network’s CEO. “Watch ‘Oprah’ for one week and you see the many different kinds of topics she covers,” says Norman. “When you pull back, you see that those are really the tenets of what this network can be.”

Norman mentions interviews with celebrity guests, stories of people who transform themselves for the better, and tips on how to choose jeans that flatter your body — all fair game for OWN programming.

VICK

Continued from page 18 national championship game before losing to Florida State.

In 2001, he became the first African-American quarterback to be taken No. 1 overall in the NFL draft.

With three Pro Bowls in 2002, 2004 and 2005, he had built a great resume. This included an appearance in the NFC championship game against Eagles. In 2004, the Eagles defeated the Falcons while making its first Super Bowl appearance in 24 years. The fans have been quite familiar with Vick’s exploits as a player.

In looking back on what he’s accomplished during the years, he knows how fortunate he is to have another chance to not only play football, but also turn his life to community service. He credits his fiancée, Kijafa Frink from Philly, a graduate of Bodine High School and

Hampton University, for providing him with plenty of support through the rough times.

“She’s an inspiration to me as well,” Vick said. “I don’t know where I would be especially during my 18-month prison sentence. You don’t really appreciate certain people until you really needed them or when you’re backed into a corner.

That was the situation I was in and she was there for me. I will never forget that.”

Vick had a career-high 150.7 passer rating and becoming the first player in NFL history to pass for 300 yards, rush for 50 yards, throw four TDs and rush for two TDs in a single game. As a result, Vick’s jersey is on display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

That deserves high praise along with his work in the community.

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And, yes, Winfrey will be logging face time. She hosts “Master Class,” which spotlights prominent people Winfrey has chosen to be profiled. She will be up-close-andpersonal in “Behind the Scenes: The Oprah Show Final Season,” a 25episode reality series that gives viewers an intimate look at “The Oprah Winfrey Show” as it draws to a close. And she will tape 70 segments of “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” which, premiering next fall, will find her striking out to do anything, go anywhere, with anyone she feels like.

“She will show up on the network in all sorts of surprising ways that are natural and organic and right,” Norman says. “That’s what’s great about having your own cable network: You can wake up tomorrow and say, ‘I want to go on and I want to do this — so let’s make it happen!’ She’s got ideas every day.”

Even as Winfrey pushes toward the finish line in Chicago, she’s heavily involved in her Los Angeles-based network, Norman says.

“She’s seen every show that we’re creating; she’s seen all the ad campaigns.” When the network’s logo was redesigned, says Norman, “She was really hands on. She’s a great television producer. She knows what makes great TV.” “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and OWN are different enterprises, Norman acknowledges.

“But they come from the same place. They spring from the same ideals, in the same way she’s involved in the (Oprah Winfrey) magazine: You see her on the cover, you see her message on the back page and you know that she’s touched it every place along the

way. That,” says Norman, “is exactly the feeling that I want people to have for the network.”

A joint venture of Winfrey’s Harpo Inc. and Discovery Communications Inc., OWN will be available in 80 million homes when it debuts at 12 noon Eastern time on Jan. 1.

Or, expressed more vividly: 1-1-11.

Getting there has been a long, sometimes rocky, and expensive road, with $189 million reportedly invested by Discovery since the network was announced in January 2008.

Norman, formerly president of MTV, arrived in January 2009.

When asked about upheavals that have twice caused the network to delay its sign-on date, she casts the birthing process in a positive light: “The vision and execution of the network has been sharpened and focused over the past year. And the right team is in place.”

Are the right shows in place?

“The programming is not going to succeed just because Oprah Winfrey is behind it,” says media analyst Steve Sternberg. “The question is, how good is the programming? Oprah can get a lot of her fans to tune in. Whether or not they stay is another question.”

“No question, the audience’s expectations will be unreasonably high at launch,” says veteran producer and network boss Garth Ancier. “But launching a network is not about any single show. You build it brick by brick, decision by decision, show by show.

“With Oprah’s taste and vision for ideas and talent,” Ancier says, “this will ‘knit’ fairly quickly, I believe.”

“I think we’re going to learn so much in the first year,” says

Norman. “Not everything is going to work. There are things we're going to have to retool, and we're going to have to be incredibly nimble.”

But time is on OWN’s side in a way rare for a television venture.

Norman points to sponsoring partners including General Motors, Kohl’s Department Stores and Procter & Gamble that are signed for three-year deals.

“We’re all in this together,” she says.

Norman hopes that, within its first year, OWN will reach an average of 500,000 viewers in prime time among women ages 25-to-54.

That would represent more than double the current prime-time audience in that demo for Discovery Health.

Brad Adgate, an analyst for Horizon Media, is no less bullish.

He sees the network scoring an average 1 million in viewers overall in prime time by the end of 2011.

“You’ve got one of the great brand names in media behind the network. It’s part of Discovery Communications. There’s a lot going for it,” Adgate says.

But “On the Media” host Bob Garfield strikes a note of caution.

“It’s one thing to make a daily talk show starring Oprah appointment viewing,” he says. “It’s another thing altogether to get people to build their media diet around her cable channel.”

The Oprah Winfrey Network “can’t possibly succeed,” he declares, explaining, “it’s quixotic, it’s unreasonable, it’s impossible.”

And yet, on the other hand, it’s Oprah.

Garfield sums up: “I predict success.”

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20

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

New showdown: House plans vote on military gay ban WASHINGTON (AP) — In a new showdown, the House this week will take up a bill that would overturn the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays, Democratic leader Steny Hoyer said Tuesday.

The move would put pressure on the Senate to delay its holiday adjournment plans and take up a standalone repeal bill sponsored last week by Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Connecticut's independent senator, Joseph Lieberman. That bill’s fate has been in doubt because of other pressing issues facing the Senate with only days to go before it planned to conclude its lame-duck session.

Repeal advocates see this week as their last best shot at overturning “don’t ask, don’t tell,” which bars gay troops from acknowledging their sexual orientation. Next year, Republicans take back control of the House and additional Senate seats, severely undercutting the chances that any Democratic priority will

advance come January.

“This discriminatory and harmful policy has weakened America’s security by depriving us of the work of tens of thousands of gay and lesbian troops who have served their country honorably,” Hoyer said in a statement. “And it has severely compromised our Armed Forces’ core value of integrity.”

The congressional debate comes as the head of the Marine Corps told reporters that lifting the ban during wartime could cost lives.

“I don’t want to lose any Marines to the distraction,” said Marine Commandant Gen. James Amos. “I don’t want to have any Marines that I’m visiting at Bethesda (Naval Medical Center) with no legs be the result of any type of distraction.”

Other senior military officials have countered that changing the law during wartime is preferable because troops are more focused on survival than a colleague’s sexual orientation.

AP Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais

U.S. Army Veteran Rob Smith is arrested for handcuffing himself to the fence outside the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 15, 2010, during a protest for gay-rights. Smith was part of a group demanding that U.S. Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid, and President Obama to make good on their promises to secure the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” during the abbreviated, lame-duck session of Congress that started today.

Hoyer on Tuesday said he would introduce the bill with Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Patrick Murphy as his co-sponsor. A vote was expected as early as

w w w . l a w a t t s t i m e s . c o m

Wednesday.

Last May, the House voted 234194 in favor of repeal legislation as part of a broader defense policy bill.

But that bill has stalled in the Senate where Republicans have blocked it on procedural grounds and questioned unrelated provisions, including one that would allow abortions at overseas military facilities.

A stand-alone bill to overturn the military ban on openly gay troops has been introduced by Collins and Lieberman in the hopes that the slimmed-down version would attract fewer objections.

But that bill had been considered a long-shot because any Senate action would require House approval with just days before Congress was to adjourn.

The last-minute House vote would eliminate that concern and put pressure on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., to keep the

Senate in session past this weekend to wrap up any unfinished business.

Jim Manley, a spokesman for Reid, said the majority leader is planning a vote on the bill at some point before adjournment, although the precise timing remained unclear.

Sixty senators are believed to support the bill, giving it a filibusterproof majority, if enough debate time is allowed.

It has some 40 co-sponsors with Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia being the only known Democratic opponent. At least four Republicans — Collins, and Sens. John Ensign of Nevada, Scott Brown of Massachusetts and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — have said they back repeal.

“We’ll soon find out if promises made will be promises kept,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, an advocate of repealing the law.

ICEF

Continued from page 4 part of a larger solution to the problem.”

Since its founding in 1994, one of ICEF’s goals has been to bridge the academic achievement gap that exists between African-American students from low-income communities and their White counterparts from more affluent backgrounds.

Preparing students to attend and compete at the top 100 U.S. colleges and universities is part of the organization’s mission statement.

According to ICEF’s website, 100 percent of its five graduating classes have been accepted to college, including more than 85 percent to four-year colleges.

Eighty-nine percent of ICEF’s students are African American, it states.

They regularly outperform students from their grade levels at 13

of 15 ICEF campuses on the state’s standard results and Academic Performance Index (API), according to ICEF. The organization’s success is what compelled Cohn to join its board. He talked about his own humble beginnings and the importance of education.

“Seeing poor kids of color get help and succeed from South Central is why I support ICEF. I’m not an ideologue,” Cohn said.

He continued: “Whether it is public, private, charter or parochial, it doesn’t matter as long as it works.

I grew up very poor in the ’50s and I was taught how to read by a nun. It laid the foundation for where I am now.”

For more information about ICEF Public Schools, visit www.icefla.org.