LAWT 02-02-2012

W E E K E N D E R SEE PAGES 8-9

L.A. Watts Times Vol. XXX, No. 1269

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, February 2, 2012

2

Thursday, February 2, 2012

HOROSCOPES

Feb. 2 - 8

A

L

T

S

ries ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As an ARIES, it means your spiritual life is about to get another heavenly boost, as Neptune moves into your 12th House. If ever there was a time to learn to trust your dreams and to work with your feelings and intuition, this is it. Watch out for the negative side of Neptune here; the temptation to do deceptive things! aurus ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a TAURUS, you can expect to attract more spiritual friends into your life now and, hopefully, you think that sounds like a good thing and not something that makes you run in the other direction for fear of having your life invaded by patchouli and mung beans! Seriously, anyone wearing white and saying ‘Omm’ is going to be far more attractive to you know than before. emini ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a GEMINI, you’re moving into a cycle where you should feel more and more inspired about your work. And the more inspired your feel, the more successful you’re going to be. This isn’t really about being inspired by money, though it’s about success following those GEMINIS who are willing to do something amazing work-wise that is going to help others. ancer ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a CANCER, this is great news for you. For one thing, it's opening you up to the heavens so you can step back and see the big picture of your life and see how the divine has played a hand in getting you to where you are now. Writing about spirituality, studying it or doing a spiritual tour will be oh-so good for you now, if any of that appeals. eo ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a LEO, well... There is one question that you need to be asked. Have you ever wanted to try tantric sex? This really is the time to go for it!

Neptune, the planet of soul mates and all things unseen, is in your Sex Zone again, for a limited time only. It's definitely a great time to go with your urge to merge. Seduce yourself and your partner. irgo ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a VIRGO, this really is nothing short of amazing news. You’re being given a second chance to connect with someone on a soul mate level, for the next few months. You’re far more likely to feel you’re connected with the right person and to feel that your most important relationships are all meant to be, as the planet of dreams and poetry takes a long wander through your love zone.

ibra ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a LIBRA, this is good news.

You guys all work too hard anyway but now, the wafty planet Neptune in your 6th House of daily work means you should be able to float through your days a little more. Also, your working life will take on a new spiritual dimension if you let it. corpio ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a SCORPIO, you expect to feel creatively inspired as Neptune moves into your creativity zone. This really is a rather lovely placement for Neptune as this part of your chart is all about having fun bringing out your inner child.

Some of you will feel very uplifted either by a child or by a romance. agittarius ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a SAGITTARIUS, Neptune[s move is good news because it means you can now make your home your sanctuary as Neptune moves into your 4th house of all things domestic. Life at home can become more serene. If you live in a flood-plagued area, it[s a great time to get flood insurance as Neptune is all about water, though! apricorn ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a CAPRICORN, this is a marvelous cycle for you. Once again, your words can inspire others. Neptune, the planet of uplifting enlightenment and poetry is moving into your Communications Zone. You're being given an amazing gift, which is to say and write things which will lift others up. Use it or lose it! quarius ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a AQUARIUS, this is great news for you financially. Neptune is moving into your 2nd house of cash, property and possessions, so you’re about to enter another cycle whereby you can use your gut instinct when it comes to money matters. Don’t be too devastated if things don’t go your way re: cash straight away. Trust that what is meant to be is going to be in this part of your life and, in fact, in every part. isces ~ Neptune, the planet of dreams and soul mates, changes signs this week for the first time in 14 years! As a PISCES, this is great news. It means that your whole life is set to take on a new spiritual dimension, if it hasn’t already. If you’ve been feeling spiritually bereft at all since Neptune left your sign a few months back, you can refill the well. Neptune is the planet of the divine, and you now have him in your sign again.

G

S

C

C

L

A

V

P

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER Published Weekly – Updates

Inside This Edition

6

BY CHRISTINA HOAG | ASSOCIATED PRESS

8 10

3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008 Administration – Sales – Graphics – Editorial 323.299.3800 - office 323.291.6804 - fax Beverly Cook – Publisher, Managing Editor 1976 – 1993 Charles Cook – Publisher 1976 – 1998 Melanie Polk – Publisher 1998 – 2010 WWW.LAWATTSTIMES.COM Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. ............Executive Publisher & Executive Editor Brenda Marsh Mitchell ..................................Executive Vice President Tracey Mitchell ......................................................................Controller Brandon I. Brooks ..................................................Co-Managing Editor Yussuf J. Simmonds ..............................................Co-Managing Editor Joy Childs ....................................................................Assistant Editor Bernard Lloyd ....................................................Director of Advertising Benjamin Samuels ....................................................Graphic Designer Chris Martin ..........................................................Production Designer EMAIL: wattsweekender@yahoo.com Circulation ..................................................................................50,000 The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the L.A. Watts Times.

The L.A. Watts Times is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, CDs or tapes.

CIRCULATION AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL

First lady promotes healthy food in California

13 MOMBASA SQUARE ANSWERS FROM 1-26-12

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday said the campaign to bring healthy food to all Americans is happening neighborhood by neighborhood.

Standing in a vacant Southern California store set to be refurbished and reopened this summer, Obama lauded efforts to bring large grocery retailers to inner-city areas that traditional supermarket chains spurn.

“That’s how we solve this problem — one community, one household at a time,” Obama said, speaking in front of a display depicting an old-fashioned grocery store with crates stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables. “We’re not just making this generation healthy. We’re making the next and the next and the next.”

Obama, who is on the second day of her two-day visit to the Los Angeles area, made the stop in the blue-collar, largely Hispanic neighborhood as part of her “Let’s Move!” campaign to boost healthy food and fitness.

Part of the campaign includes promoting initiatives such as the $264 million California FreshWorks Fund, which finances grocery businesses willing to open in urban areas.

One of the fund’s first projects was a $20 million loan to Anaheim-based Northgate Gonzalez Markets, which operates 34 supermarkets around Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, to build the Inglewood store and two others.

The FreshWorks Fund is one of a mushrooming number of initiatives to tackle so-called “food deserts,” which are mostly urban areas where conventional supermarket chains are reluctant to operate because of the low-income customer base and safety concerns.

Nutrition experts point to food deserts as a key reason that obesity and weight-related ailments beleaguer inner-city residents, since they must buy much of their food at overpriced corner stores that sell a lot of highly processed packaged foods and snacks but little fresh produce, meat and dairy items.

The FreshWorks Fund, which is a partnership of The California Endowment, banks and health organizations, was launched last July at the White House.

Besides Northgate, other projects include financing a farmer's market near a housing project and a food delivery service for outlying rural communities, said Tina Castro, director of impact investing for The California Endowment, a Los Angeles-based foundation that

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Health advocate in chief: First lady Michelle Obama speaks at the future site of a Northgate Market in Inglewood, Calif. on Wednesday.

She says the proposed new supermarket in the middle of a blue-collar Hispanic neighborhood in Southern California is an example of how the effort to bring healthy foods to lowincome communities is paying off. focuses on health issues.

“Health really happens in neighborhoods,” she said. “We’re looking for those small to mediumsized, independent grocers to give them access to capital and real estate.”

Northgate opened the first of the three new markets last fall in the City Heights area of San Diego.

The next will be a renovation of the Inglewood building. The third will be the construction of a store in South Los Angeles, slated for completion next year. Each store creates about 120 jobs.

The locations match the company’s three-decades-long focus of providing quality, affordable foods in low income neighborhoods, which primarily comprise Hispanic immigrants but also include Black and Asian residents, said Carl Middleton, president of Northgate Gonzalez Real Estate Co. “We provide that homeland experience for immigrants,” Middleton said.

The stores typically offer tortilla and taco counters as well as products from Mexico and Central America, including Coca-Cola made in Mexico as well as fresh produce, meats, seafood, dairy and bakeries. It also caters to its immigrant customers by providing payroll check cashing and wire transfers.

Part of the company’s mission has been to promote nutrition by providing lean cuts of meat, preservative-free baked products and good quality fruits and vegetables, Middleton said.

The chain has launched a “Viva See FIRST LADY, page 10

Thursday, February 2, 2012

3

Wiley, USC have rematch of memorable 1935 debate DALLAS (AP) — Teams from Wiley College and the University of Southern California will have a rematch Friday of the memorable 1935 debate that saw the small, historically Black school prevail over the nationally known, mostly White powerhouse.

The exhibition will be held at Wiley in the small town of Marshall, near Texas’ border with Louisiana.

The 1935 debate at USC took place when the nation was heavily segregated and helped inspire “The Great Debaters,” a 2007 movie starring Denzel Washington. The movie climaxes with a fictional debate against Harvard that was modeled on the real match in California.

“Before the civil rights movement, before Dr. King, Malcolm X, before Rosa Parks, it was Wiley and USC: This little bitty AfricanAmerican school and this ... predominantly Caucasian school that came together in 1935 when things were still racist in America,” said Cary Chavis, Wiley’s debate captain, adding that with the event, the two schools “stood firm that racial tension had nothing on the power of speech.”

Wiley’s teams traveled the nation throughout the 1930s under the leadership of noted poet Melvin B. Tolson, accumulating an impressive string of victories against black and white opponents. Tolson’s teams included several students who went on to distinguish themselves, including James Farmer Jr., the civil rights leader who formed the Congress of Racial Equality.

Those participating in Friday’s debate say it's a chance to celebrate the connection between the two schools. Two students from each school will face off in a competition that combines features of the two different debate styles practiced by the schools.

“I think it’s an incredible opportunity for the two teams to get together once again,” said Chris Medina, Wiley’s director of forensics. “We owe a debt of gratitude to USC for being ground-breakers in allowing us, an HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities), to really, at that point, achieve legiti-

macy. They were one of the few White colleges that would debate with us.”

Though experts say there wasn’t a structure for a national debate championship until the late 1940s, USC was known as a nationally competitive debate team, said Gordon Stables, USC’s director of debate and forensics. And Wiley debaters referred to USC as national champions.

News coverage of the debate shows it attracted much attention.

It’s a debate that seems to have also stood out in Tolson’s mind. In the journal of the debate society Pi Kappa Delta, he described the excitement surrounding the event, which took place while Wiley was “on an interracial goodwill tour covering 5,000 miles,” and noted that 2,000 people attended.

Stables said that although there’s no official record, accounts from the time have it as a win for Wiley. The winning team could have been determined by audience applause or judges, he said.

“I’ve never heard anyone contest that Wiley wasn’t the better team in that competition,” Stables said.

Wiley had ceased to have a debate team by the time “The Great Debaters” rekindled interest in its legacy. With the help of donations that included $1 million from Washington, the school resurrected its debate team in 2008.

Medina said “The Great Debaters” legacy is very much present in the minds of students on the team.

“They really have a sense of history and carrying on of the history of the school,” Medina said. “They take it very personally and they take it to heart and really work hard in order to continue that legacy of excellence.”

Wiley, a primarily liberal arts college founded in 1873, has seen its enrollment grow since the release of the movie, from 520 a decade ago to 1,356 this school year, said Joseph Morale, Wiley’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment services.

Morale expects about 3,000 people to attend Friday’s rematch, filling the site of the debate and a room in an adjacent building where the event will be simulcast.

FAMU: Police investigate another suspected hazing TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida A&M University President James Ammons says campus police and the Tallahassee Police Department are investigating another suspected case of hazing.

Ammons briefly discussed the case Monday with FAMU’s Board of Trustees. Board members are meeting weekly to get updates on the investigation into the death last fall of drum major Robert Champion.

Tallahassee authorities acknowl-

edged the new hazing case last week but said they couldn’t provide details.

Ammons said the case is related to a spring 2011 initiation ceremony involving the university chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, a national band fraternity. The incident was reported in late November and then turned over to campus police.

Ammons provided no new information regarding the Champion investigation. No arrests have been made yet even though his death was ruled a homicide.

AP Photo/courtesy Wiley College

Creating new history: Marshall, Texas’ Wiley College will debate USC on Friday as it first did in 1935.

metro.net/expo

Watch for trains on Metro Expo Line tracks.

Test trains are now running in preparation for the upcoming opening of the Metro Expo Line, the newest extension of the Metro Rail system. Trains will be moving in both directions on the tracks.

Please remember to: > Obey all tra;c signals and warning devices. > Be alert at all times. Watch for a “TRAIN” signal. > Always push the button and wait for a “WALK” signal before entering the crosswalk. Never jaywalk across the tracks. > Never sit or stand on tracks. > Do not go around lowered gates. > Never make a left turn on a red arrow.

This tra;c rule will be enforced by cameras at intersections. > Right turns are allowed while an Expo Line train is passing through, but may be restricted at certain intersections.

For more safety tips, visit metro.net/ridesafely.

12-0889jl ©2011 lacmta

BY JAMIE STENGLE | ASSOCIATED PRESS

4

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Abu-Jamal moved into general prison population PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal has been moved into the general prison population for the first time since his arrest in a Philadelphia police officer's murder three decades ago.

Susan McNaughton, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that AbuJamal was moved Friday from the restricted housing unit at the Mahanoy state prison in Frackville,

about 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

Law professor Judith L. Ritter, who represented Abu-Jamal in recent appeals, calls it “a very important moment for him, his family and all of his supporters.”

Abu-Jamal was sentenced to death for the 1981 murder of Officer Daniel Faulkner. Prosecutors agreed to a life term after a federal appeals court ordered a new sentencing hearing, citing flawed jury instructions.

Ex-LA teacher charged with molesting 23 children

BY ROBERT JABLON | ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo/Nanine Hartzenbusch

Mumia Abu-Jamal, convicted of killing a policeman, was back in court Wednesday as his attorneys sought to block his execution by lethal injection, scheduled for August 17.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former Los Angeles elementary school teacher was arrested after he allegedly gagged and made bondage photos of nearly two dozen children — possibly inside a classroom, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Tuesday.

A department statement said Mark Berndt, 61, was arrested at his Torrance home on Monday and remained jailed Tuesday on $2.3 million bail.

The district attorney's office said Berndt has been charged with committing lewd acts with 23 boys and girls ages 7 to 10.

Berndt worked for more than 30 years at Miramonte Elementary School in an unincorporated area of south Los

Angeles before being fired.

The investigation began when a film processor gave authorities some 40 photographs depicting blindfolded children in a classroom with their mouths taped shut.

Some of the photos showed Berndt with his arm around the children or with his hand over their mouths.

“In addition, the photographs depicted girls with what appeared to be a blue plastic spoon, filled with an unknown clear/white liquid substance, up to their mouths as if they were going to ingest the substance.

There are also photos of children with large live Madagascar-type cockroaches on their faces and mouths,” the statement said.

A blue plastic spoon and container found in trash in his classroom tested positive for semen, the statement said.

AP Photo/Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department

IThis undated police booking photo released by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department shows former Los Angeles teacher Mark Berndt, 61, who was arrested for felony molestation of 23 children.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

5

Gay Ca. veteran sues over denial of benefits

BY JESSICA GRESKO | ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — A gay Army veteran and her wife sued the federal government on Wednesday after they were denied military benefits granted to straight spouses.

The lawsuit announced in Washington involves a 12-year veteran of the Army, Tracey Cooper-Harris. After leaving the Army, she married Maggie Cooper-Harris in California in 2008. Two years later, Tracey Cooper-Harris was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and she has received disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a result. But her application for additional money and benefits that married veterans are entitled to was denied.

The couple’s lawsuit, which was filed Wednesday in Los Angeles, argues that a federal law and military policy that resulted in the denial of benefits are discriminatory and unconstitutional.

If the couple were straight, they would receive about $125 more a month in disability payments as a result of Tracey Cooper-Harris’ illness, which has no cure. In addition, Maggie Cooper-Harris would be eligible for approximately $1,200 a month in benefits as a surviving spouse after her wife’s death. The pair would also be eligible to be buried together in a veterans’ cemetery.

“We’re only asking for the same benefits as other married couples. We simply want the same peace of mind that these benefits bring to the families of other disabled veterans,” said Tracey Cooper-Harris at a press confer-

ence in Washington on Wednesday.

During her military service, CooperHarris helped take care of drug and bombsniffing dogs. She met her wife, a former teacher, when the two played on opposing rugby teams in California. They now live in Pasadena, Calif.

The military has recently become more tolerant of gay service members. In September it ended its 18-year-old “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and began allowing gay and lesbian service members to serve openly.

But the Pentagon has said that a federal law enacted in 1996 that defines marriage as the legal union between a man and woman prohibits the military from extending benefits to the partners of gay service members, even if they are legally married in certain states. The Defense of Marriage Act is being challenged in a number of court cases, including one by military service members filed in Massachusetts in October. Those service members were suing over a wide range of benefits that married couples receive. The Obama administration has said it will not defend the law in court.

The telephone message seeking comment from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Wednesday was not immediately returned.

Same-sex marriage is now legal in six states and the District of Columbia. Tracey and Maggie Cooper-Harris were married in California during a brief window in 2008 when same-sex marriage was legal in the state before residents voted to ban it. Marriages performed before the ban are legal, though no new marriages are currently being performed.

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Tracey Cooper-Harris, who served in the Army for 12 years, right, is seen here with her spouse, Maggie Cooper-Harris before a news conference on Wednesday. Cooper-Harris is suing the federal government because she and her wife are being denied military benefits granted to heterosexual couples.

The couple is being represented by attorneys from the Alabama-based Southern

Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit civil rights organization, and the law firm WilmerHale.

6

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Changes in wake of troubled arms trafficking probe

U.S. man helping in Haiti rebuilding is shot, robbed

BY JENNIFER KAY | ASSOCIATED PRESS

BY PETE YOST | AP WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is tightening procedures for responding to information requests from Congress in the aftermath of a troubled arms trafficking investigation.

In Operation Fast and Furious, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives allowed hundreds of weapons to flow across the border into Mexico.

The Justice Department told three congressional committees in a letter Friday night that it has improved coordination between agents and their managers in carrying out arms trafficking investigations.

Attorney General Eric Holder probably will face questions about the changes when he testifies Thursday before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

That committee has been investigating the department’s mistakes in the probe since early last year.

In a letter last February to Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the department said that ATF had not authorized the sale of assault weapons to a straw purchaser and that the agency makes every effort to intercept weapons that have

AP Photo/Cliff Owen

Attorney General Eric Holder announces the formation of the Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Working Group last Friday during a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington.

Let me assist you.

There is NO Fee until we win.

Jacquelyn Brown, Disability Appeals Rep.

(323) 756-3755

business card bulletin board

HAVE YOU BEEN DENIED YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

been purchased illegally.

Yet in Operation Fast and Furious, both statements turned out to be incorrect because the ATF office in Phoenix, Ariz., had undertaken a risky tactic known as “gunwalking” in an unsuccessful effort to track small-time illicit gun buyers to the heads of major arms trafficking networks.

Many of the guns wound up at crime scenes in Mexico and the U.S., including the scene of a killing near Nogales, Ariz., where U.S. border agent Brian Terry was slain. Two guns connected to Fast and Furious were found at the scene of Terry's murder.

Some ATF agents with direct knowledge of what had gone on with Operation Fast and Furious were talking to Grassley’s office. In contrast, the Justice Department was relying on information from top ATF officials in Washington and the U.S. attorney in Phoenix, who all incorrectly denied that ATF was allowing weapons purchases by “straw” buyers to transport guns into Mexico.

In the letter to Congress last Friday night, Deputy Attorney General James Cole said the department must solicit information directly from employees with detailed personal knowledge of the subject matter at issue and consult records relevant to the inquiry if such records are available.

“Recognize that, in some instances, the employees with the most relevant information may already have made protected disclosures on the subject to Congress or others,” the letter said.

MIAMI (AP) — A U.S. man who helped build a trauma center in Haiti after January 2010’s devastating earthquake was treated at that hospital after being critically wounded during a robbery in the capital of Port-auPrince, his wife and doctors said Friday.

David Bompart, 50, of Columbus, Ohio, was shot Tuesday afternoon outside a bank and was in critical condition Friday at a Florida hospital. Bompart was picking up money for an orphanage building project when robbers sprayed bullets at him at close range. He was hit AP Photo/Bompart Family but able to walk to a Dave Bompart of Columbus Ohio, who was nearby Project Medi- doing volunteer work at a Haitian orphanage, share hospital for help, was robbed and shot last Wednesday. Bompart said his wife, Nicolle is in critical condition at a Miami hospital.

Bompart, 45.

The robbers stole his camera been working on building the and passport, but the money for the orphanage through the couple’s orphanage remained safe in own charity, Eyes Wide Open Bompart’s pants pocket, his wife International, said his wife, who said. The suspects have not been flew to Haiti after the shooting.

The couple has spent much of arrested.

“I feel like this was a robbery their time since January 2010 fly(by) some people who were des- ing between Haiti, Florida and perate to feed their families, and I Ohio for their charity work and for choose to look at it as that’s why medical care for their 14-year-old they did it,” Nicolle Bompart said. son, a Haitian boy they adopted He underwent two surgeries at after the earthquake. The Bomparts Hospital Bernard Mevs Project also have a 26-year-old daughter.

Bompart knew about the potenMedishare before he was airlifted Thursday night to a Miami hospi- tial risks of working in Haiti's captal, said spokeswoman Catherine ital, which had been prone to instability and violence before the Murphy.

Bompart was on a ventilator at earthquake. But he was devoted to the Ryder Trauma Center and had helping widows and orphans in gunshot wounds to the chest and Haiti, and he felt he could rely on abdomen, said Dr. Nicholas his training as a former United Namias, the center’s co-medical Nations employee and as a member of the military in his native director.

“What we’re dealing with now Trinidad and Tobago, his wife said.

“Honestly, if he was able to tell are the effects of being in shock for a long time in Haiti,” Namias said. you, he would say that he would do Bompart managed Project it all over again, if it would change Medishare's warehouse and logis- someone’s life or bring awareness tics, said co-founder, Dr. Barth to this situation,” Nicolle Bompart said. “He would still do it, because Green.

Since October, Bompart had that’s the kind of guy he is.”

The department emphasized its commitment to protecting the rights of whistleblowers, but added that the Whistleblower Protection Act does not bar the department from seeking relevant information directly from employees who have made protected disclosures.

Doing so, the letter said, is necessary “to ensure the accuracy and completeness” of information provided to Congress.

The ATF has expanded the opportunities for employees to raise work-related concerns and stressed the need for supervisory level officials to be receptive to those con-

cerns, Cole’s letter adds. In other changes, the ATF: — told all of its agents that they must take all reasonable steps to prevent a firearm’s criminal misuse and that early intervention may be necessary to prevent trafficking.

— has improved coordination between field agents and headquarters personnel in Washington.

— engaged in training for agents in Arizona and New Mexico with a renewed emphasis on intercepting illicit weapons shipments.

— is giving agents a direct line of communication to the agency’s second-in-command.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

7

AP Photo/Susan Walsh

President Barack Obama speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington on Tuesday. From left are Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Obama, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Commerce Secretary John Bryson, Transportation Secretary Raymond LaHood, and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

Obama wants small-business bill this year

BY JIM KUHNHENN | ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — Seeking cooperation in a polarized climate, President Barack Obama called on Congress Tuesday to act quickly on bipartisan measures that would extend tax breaks for small businesses and help startup companies raise money. He said he would sign the legislation “right away.”

Obama plans to include a series of business measures that have been percolating in Congress in his 2013 budget proposal later this month to flesh out a year-old initiative to give entrepreneurs incentives to expand their businesses or start new ones.

Obama made his remarks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. He noted that, for the first time, the head of the Small Business Administration, Karen Mills, was participating as a full member of the Cabinet.

“It is a symbol of how important it is for us to spur entrepreneurship, to help startups, to move aggressively so that we can assure more companies that create the most jobs in our economy are getting a leg up from various programs that we have in our government,” Obama said.

The White House legislative agenda for small businesses includes permanently eliminating tax rates on capital gains for investments in small businesses and a oneyear extension on the ability of all businesses to immediately deduct all of the costs of equipment and software purchases.

The Obama administration also is seeking a new 10 percent tax credit for small businesses that add jobs or increase wages in 2012. In addition, the legislation would make it easier for new startup companies to raise money and to go public. It also would expand a government small business investment program from $3 to $4 billion.

“The president has made small businesses and particularly startups a key aspect of his economic growth agenda because he understands how

much the newest and fastest-growing small businesses drive job growth in our economy,” said Gene Sperling, director of the White House National Economic Council.

Obama said the Department of Homeland Security also is seeking ways to change the visa process to attract foreign-born entrepreneurs and high-skilled immigrants to invest in the United States or start new businesses.

The measures are modest by comparison to Obama’s 2009 economic stimulus or to last year’s jobs bill. But they borrow from past Obama initiatives and from bipartisan legislation that has either already passed in the House or is being proposed in the Senate.

Obama’s package includes proposals offered in the Senate by Democrat Chris Coons of Delaware and Republican Marco Rubio of Florida, and another plan by Republican Jerry Moran of Kansas and Democrat Mark Warner of Virginia.

White House officials would not disclose the total cost of the president's package, but Sperling said it would be more than covered by proposals to reduce tax expenditures and by closed loopholes the administration will call for in its 2013 budget.

With the presidential election set to become the main political preoccupation of 2012, the White House initiative is designed to take advantage of cooperative attempts by Republicans and Democrats to find modest remedies to spur the economy. Most of those efforts have been overshadowed by congressional bickering, the Republican presidential primary and Obama’s growing attention to his re-election.

The proposals come a year after the administration launched a consolidated effort to spur new startup businesses with a high-profile White House event featuring scores of entrepreneurs, some of whom offered testimonials to the job creation possibilities that new businesses can bring to the economy.

Besides the tax breaks, a central element of the Obama package is to assist new entrepreneurs by making it easier for them to raise money, reducing taxes on their startup expenses and removing securities barriers for new companies that have gone public.

“Our small business agenda has

a specific focus on removing the barriers that have for too long blocked startups and entrepreneurs from getting the financing they need to accelerate their growth and hiring,” Sperling said.

One of the Obama provisions would increase the amount of money that can be raised through

small public offerings that don’t require companies to undergo an extensive Securities and Exchange Commission registration process.

The limit for such “mini public offerings” would increase from $5 million a year to $50 million. The House passed similar legislation last year.

8

F E AT U R E

Thursday, February 2, 2012

THE LEGENDARY AND VISIONARY ‘SOUL TRAIN’ CREATOR, HOST AND PRODUCER

DON CORNELIUS Danny J. Bakewell, Jr. | Contributing Writer

Don Cornelius launched the world famous “Soul Train” television series in the early 70’s after working as a journalist during the civil rights movement. The movement inspired him to create an avenue for Black artists to display their talents to America and ultimately the world.

“There was not programming that targeted any particular ethnicity,” Cornelius said in a 2006 interview.

“I’m trying to use euphemisms here, trying to avoid saying there was no television for black folks, which they knew was for them.”

“Soul Train” would go on to become one of the most successful television series in history as the show was syndicated for over 35 years. Cornelius would serve as the show’s host and executive producer for over 20 years until stepping down as host in the 90‘s and just focusing on producing and building the brand.

The franchise still boasts being the “longest-running, first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history.” During that period of time, tons of artists and dancers have graced the stage and influenced millions around the world with the what Cornelius has coined as the “Soul of America.”

Who could forget the world famous “Soul Train Line” which has become a party staple at not only Black events around the world but in almost every culture around the globe.

Cornelius has been a king-maker for decades opening the doors for some of the greatest musicians in music history. “Soul Train,” exposed Black artist to a worldwide audience and catapulted the careers of some of the greatest entertainers music has ever witnessed.

The “Soul Train” era has seen the likes of great entertainers such as Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, George Clinton, Curtis Mayfield and in recent years Destiny’s Child, Beyonce, Luther Vandross and just about any and every Black musician you can think of that had relevance in the last 40 years of popular music. Soul Train was made the unoƥcial, oƥcial stamp of the industry. You had to go on Soul Train if you wanted to make it in the business.

Upon learning of his passing thousands of prayers for him and his family immediately took to the airwaves of social media as well comments from many of his friends poured into the Sentinel remembering the legendary businessman, civil rights leader and music icon.

BERRY GORDY – Founder of Motown “Don was a pioneer, the first to present Soul music to the masses via television. His Soul Train show was an important and timely vehicle that showcased Black talent and their new releases to the public. From his unique Soul Train dances to his brilliant commentary,

Brandon I. Brooks | Asst. Managing Editor

there are not enough adjectives to describe how important his role was to our society.

There was American Bandstand and Where the Action Is, The Ed Sullivan Show, Hullabaloo, and others, all extremely important to me and Motown and our growth; but Soul Train was our own, and yet it was for everybody.

Don was a wonderful human being and a true friend who loved Motown music. He supported us in every way. I will miss him.”

QUINCY JONES “I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend, colleague, and business partner Don Cornelius,” said Quincy Jones. “Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was ‘Soul Train,’ that will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched. My heart goes out to Don’s family and loved ones.”

CLARENCE AVANT – Music Executive “Let me put it like this. Don Cornelius was my friend -- a real, real, friend. I’ve known him since the inception of Soul Train. But without Soul Train, we wouldn’t be where we are today in this music business.

There are two people that made a tremendous impact on African Americans - Berry Gordy with Motown and Don Cornelius with Soul Train.

Think about it. We were not on television back then in any numbers in the 1970s when it started. We just looked at what they put on and certainly they were not images of Black artists. When they decided to put them on, it was American Bandstand, but that was not like Soul Train.

Soul Train dedicated itself 99.9 percent to AfroAmerican artists and without that, there’s a whole lot of artists that have gone on before Don, that are still here, and their careers would not have been the same without Soul Train. He made a tremendous impact on these artists”.

I used to say to him, “Damn, man. Why you got four or five artists on your show at one time?” But the Soul Train dancers and all of those things made an impact.

He was there before BET, MTV, all of them. And his impact, well, there are some things that we know that ‘they’ don’t know because he was on the air, whether it was 1 a.m. in the morning or 3 a.m. in the morning.

You only had the three networks back then and certainly the South wouldn’t carry him. But then, he finally got syndicated and the rest is history.

But his impact, in terms of the media, he had more impact on African American artists than anybody in this industry period, bar none”.

DANNY J. BAKEWELL, SR. Publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel had this to say. “Words cannot

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

express how shocked and deeply saddened my family and I are, at the passing of our dear friend, brother and colleague Don Cornelius. Don and The Soul Train Brand are not only An institution within the Black Community but they are an American Institution. The world has lost one of our true Entertainment Geniuses and a true leader and icons in our community today”.

“I have known Don for year’s, he was a big supporter of my work at the Brotherhood Crusade and was always available to support any and everything that was going on in our community. Don was a tireless fighter for the welfare, respect and integrity of the African American Community. He loved Taste of Soul and was truly in awe of the wonderful spirit and love demonstrated by all 250,000 people who attended this year’s Taste of Soul. My heart goes out to his son Tony and the entire Cornelius and Soul Train Family”.

When news of Don’s passing first hit the airwaves social media immediately went into over drive. HOLǧ LY ROBINSON PEETE posted on her twitter “Don was a friend, supporter, neighbor, a pioneer. We will miss you... Rest With Angels Don. Prayers for son Tony and entire family”.

EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON who purchased the Soul Train Brand several years ago posted on his twitter “Don Cornelius was a pioneer & a trailblazer.

He was the first African-American to create, produce, host & more importantly OWN his own show”. “Don’s contribution to us all is immeasurable. My condolences to his son & my good friend Tony Cornelius & the entire Cornelius family.”

MINYON MOORE – Former Asst. to President, Director of Public Policy & Aơairs – Bill Clinton Don will always be remembered as an American Treasure around the world. He was very generous in spirit, heart and soul. His legacy will live on for generations to come. He was a friend to many of us in Washington, DC. We will miss him.

REVEREND JESSE JACKSON, SR. We are all saddened by the passing of my friend and Brother Beloved, Don Cornelius. At this moment, “Precious Memories” flood my soul as I remember all that this great man contributed to the popular culture--and all that he gave to me personally.

I first met Don in 1964 when he was a reporter with the iconic WVON radio station. Then, and throughout the course of his lifetime, Don was driven by a singular determination to tell the story of the African American experience. Indeed, his coverage of Dr. King’s charge for open housing in the city of Chicago gave voice to the legitimate hopes and aspirations of a community pinned under the historical weight of disadvantage.

Inspired by the Civil Rights movement, Don Cornelius transitioned from journalism and ventured into the realm of music and entertainment. There existed a disconnect between the profound impact that Black culture had on American society and the absence of these artists from the mainstream stages, especially in the medium of television. His remedy was to provide a stage upon which these cultural innovators and their talents could be highlighted. With his own $400, Don rented out the WCIU/Channel 26 studios

www.lawattstimes.com

and started “SOUL TRAIN”, a dance review featuring young high schoolers and some of the highest profile, yet under-recognized Black talent in the world of entertainment. It exploded in popularity, and after a year, with the sponsorship of JOHNSON’S PRODUCTS Hair Company, “SOUL TRAIN” went national---and the rest is, quite literally, history.

I was blessed to have known Don over the years and he was an unceasing and tireless supporter of my work. But, more than all of this, Don was a personal friend. He shared many wonderful times in my home with my wife and children. And in times of triumph and challenge, he was always there. A part of my soul has traveled with him today. My love, thoughts and prayers are with his family.

We are beneficiaries of his special kind of genius.

Let us all wish him, “Love! Peace! And, Soul!”

The REV. AL SHARPTON said he was shocked and grief-stricken.

“I have known him since I was 19-years-old and James Brown had me speak on Soul Train,” Sharpton said in a statement from New York. “He brought soul music and dance to the world in a way that it had never been shown and he was a cultural game changer on a global level.”

Don Cornelius will forever be part of American music history and a vital part of Black history to the world.

He fought during the civil rights movement and helped to lead four generations out of the streets and onto the dance floor. His influence and impact on the music world will be felt for decades to come.

Known for the catchphrase with which he closed each episode: “I’m Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!”

“Soul Train” also spun oơ the Soul Train Music Awards and the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. “Soul Train” went oơ the air in 2006.

Cornelius’ colleagues have been quick to commemorate him. Aretha Franklin, who shot to fame in part because of “Soul Train,” released a statement calling Cornelius’ death “sad, stunning, and downright shocking … a huge and momentous loss to the AfricanAmerican community and the world at large.”

CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Don Cornelius. Don was the brilliant mind that founded Soul Train, the African-American counterpart to American Bandstand, which created the platform for African-American youth and artist to display their talent on the national stage,” “Soul Train was responsible for exposing America to the true essence of Black culture through music, fashion and dance every week and continued to keep Americans glued to their televisions sets every weekend from 1971 to 2006. Serving as its host and executive producer, Don was responsible for catapulting the careers of countless acts that you and I continue to enjoy today,” “In 2000, I had the pleasure of working with Don while organizing an extravaganza for the National Democratic Convention in Los Angeles. His role as Producer for this event was essential to its success and displayed stellar entertainment for

Thursday, February 2, 2012

the African-American community unlike anything that had been before at the National Democratic Convention. I will forever be in debted to him for his vital role in the perpetuation and preservation of Black culture in America and making people proud to be Black. Don Cornelius was a great friend, genius and purveyor of Black culture and he will truly be missed, “ GLADYS KNIGHT – Legendary Entertainer Don Cornelius was a pioneer in the field of musical television for African American artists, incorporating dance along with song. He believed wholeheartedly in his dream of giving people of Color a face on this powerful thing called T.V. A dream such as his was almost unthinkable for Black people with the social climate of prejudice being what it was. But he persevered, he worked, and succeeded. His persona was cool and laid back, but underneath he had a drive to get things done.

He was a great friend and counselor. He opened many, many doors and hearts teaching all who came in contact with his soul train about peace, love, and SOUL!!!

I pray for him and his family for he truly lifted us up as artists and as people to a higher place. Job well done Don! We love you!

SHELLEY BERGER – Manager of The Temptations “For me, Don Cornelius was a visionary who broke down walls, at a time where it was very, very diƥcult for Black artists to get on television. He made it his business to bring Black artists … R & B artists … and later on Rap and Hip-hop artists to the general public with Soul Train. And I don’t think that he will ever get the kind of adulation that he deserved” OTIS OF THE TEMPTATIONS “I’ve lost a wonderful friend; he will be sorely missed. I just want to thank him for making the Temptations even larger. I’m very grateful for the time I spent with him on Soul Train, but most of all, he was a very wonderful person.”

JAMES INGRAM – Legendary Singer and Song Writer Don Cornelius was one of our most important visionaries. He taught us how to dream big with Soul.

He was my friend and I will forever miss him.

KELLY PRICE – Entertainer “In the wake of this movement we have to revive R&B music, I thought it fitting to issue this statement and pay respect for a man who gave the R&B culture a FACE. It saddened me to learn of the death of Don Cornelius this morning.

Before I, and many like me, had a face on television, Don Cornelius and Soul Train gave us a face. I along with many other kids in my era rose on Saturday to see Cartoons and Soul Train! We were proud of the look of familiarity Soul Train gave us. My very first award was a Soul Train Award.

Mr. Cornelius revolutionized our culture and gave us our own unique identity in media at a time when having that look seemed impossible. Mr. Cornelius said TO THE WORLD “watch us do our thang! Its beautiful and there’s nothing else like it!” On this first day of BLACK HISTORY MONTH I honor Don Cornelius. I pray for the peace of Tony Cornelius and the Cornelius Family and I wish to everyone

who ever experienced the flair of Don Cornelius to take from him what he wanted us all to have...LOVE, PEACE AND SOUL! “ REVE GIPSON PARKS “My mother was the former entertainment editor of the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper and when Soul Train first came on the air, our mother was very supportive of the show and always supportive of Don, and they became very good friends. Don was such a giving and caring person … he was just absolutely wonderful … and as far as I’m concerned, he gave so much to the music industry today … because he certainly gave a lot of R & B artists breaks in terms of going on his TV show. They just got great exposure from it. But above and beyond everything, he was just a dear friend of my mother … so kind to her. And that’s what I’ll always remember.

NEIL PORTNOW – President/CEO The Recording Academy Recording Academy Trustee Award recipient Don Cornelius created a cultural phenomenon with “Soul Train”, providing a platform for recording artists to showcase their talents to a wider, more diverse audience. He made an incredible impact on American television, one that will continue to be appreciated for generations to come. His beautiful, deep voice and measured pace always sounded warm and familiar to the millions who admired and followed his broadcasts. The music industry has lost a true visionary and trailblazer, and our deepest sympathies extend to his family, friends, and all who welcomed him in their homes for so many years.

Don Cornelius’ lasting legacy will be his impact on diversifying pop culture and giving rise to a hugely influential group of black performers. Cornelius created “Soul Train” and hosted the show in national syndication from 1971 to 1993. It was the first real venue on American TV for soul music, and as the show’s writer, producer, and emcee, Cornelius played a vital role in bringing some of the greatest African American entertainers of all time to a worldwide audience.

Don Cornelius, the brilliant creator of the television series “Soul Train”, was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, California home early Wednesday morning, February 1. The body was discovered around 4 AM PT after police responded to a call of a shooting.

He was pronounced dead of a selfinflicted gunshot wound at 4:56 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter.

Cornelius died at the age of 75.

9

10

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Tennessee Titans receiver Kenny Britt.

Ochocinco demure in long-awaited Super spotlight

BY JOE KAY | ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo/Tom DiPace

Titans WR Kenny Britt resolves NJ court case HOBOKEN, N.J. (AP) — Tennessee Titans receiver Kenny Britt has pleaded guilty to a downgraded charge stemming from an arrest in New Jersey.

Britt entered the plea in Hoboken Municipal Court to a charge of disturbing the peace and paid a $1,500 fine.

Britt faced several charges in the June arrest at a car wash, where police said they suspected him of carrying a marijuana cigar. Police

claimed Britt crushed the cigar and disposed of it. It was not found.

The remaining charges were dismissed Tuesday.

Britt was the first player from Rutgers ever taken in the first round of the NFL draft. He’s had seven incidents involving police since 2009.

He previously pleaded guilty to a speeding arrest in his hometown of Bayonne and faces legal troubles in Tennessee.

FIRST LADY Continued from page 2 la Salud” (“Long Live Health”) campaign, which puts a special tag to denote healthy foods, such as olive oil rather than lard, and holds cooking classes in stores.

The company was founded by Mexican immigrant Miguel Gonzalez in 1980, who came to the United States after his shoe store burned down in Jalisco.

After working for several years in various jobs, he had saved enough to buy an old liquor store in Anaheim and convert it to a grocery store that became a community gathering spot, recalled his

youngest son Oscar Gonzalez, who heads the company.

Seeing a niche in catering to fellow immigrants, he expanded the business with the help of his 13 children. It now employs 5,000 people.

Obama said she was impressed by the family’s commitment to the communities they serve. “Their story is so inspiring on so many different levels,” she said.

After the Inglewood event, Obama was scheduled to appear on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and to deliver a luncheon speech at the Democratic National Committee.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Chad Ochocinco was the last Patriot to walk across the field and wade into the pack of reporters and photographers waiting near the sideline. He felt no need to rush the moment he’d longed for nearly his whole life.

This was his Super Bowl media day.

Ochocinco finally got to be on the receiving end of questions Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium for an annual event that he attended several times as a microphone-toting correspondent for his social media Ochocinco News Network.

Now, the microphones were aimed at him.

“Aw, man, I’ve dreamed of it,” Ochocinco said, wearing his blue No. 85 jersey, blue Super Bowl cap and irrepressible smile. “I’ve been playing this game a long time — started out at 4 years old. And this is what you dream of, to come to this stage and enjoy it. So that’s what I’m going to do.”

And he’s doing it the New England way.

Instead of driving the conversation by talking about himself, Ochocinco was along for the ride.

He didn’t seem to mind that he didn’t get one of the 14 podiums set up on the field for coach Bill Belichick and players.

Instead, he stood at the 13-yard line between podiums reserved for tight end Aaron Hernandez and receiver Matthew Slater, his soft tone often drowned out by his teammates’ speaker-amplified comments.

Didn’t matter.

“This is my podium,” Ochocinco said, referring to his small section of artificial turf encircled by reporters and photographers. “If I was up there, you couldn’t get to me. You couldn’t smell the cologne I have on now.”

During the nearly hour-long session, Ochocinco provided hardly a whiff of his old look-at-me ways.

After 10 years of commanding the spotlight and losing games in Cincinnati, the social media mogul had to pull off one of his most difficult changes.

Ochocinco had to use the words “I” and “me” much more sparingly in order to co-exist with Belichick in New England. He had to learn, he says, throwing in an obscenity, to shut up.

There was no remorse in his tone on Tuesday. He knew when the Patriots traded for him that his selfpromoting ways would have to end.

If he lapsed back into look-at-me, he’d be looking at the end of his stay in New England.

So, he did away with his lists of cornerbacks who couldn’t cover him, his touchdown skits and victory guarantees. Ochocinco, who legally changed his name from Johnson to get more attention, would have to drop the “diva” from his job description.

“I could have talked,” he said,

AP Photo/Eric Gay

New England Patriots wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. “but then I’d be sitting at home today.

“I think I’ve had a great career in general. The year wasn’t what I expected, what everyone else expected. But I did everything I was supposed to do — work, stay quiet.

I don’t know if being on this stage is a reward, but there’s nothing else I can do. I’m part of a team and I’ve done everything asked of me.”

Especially the “stay quiet” part, which went against his nature.

He repeatedly bumped egos in Cincinnati with coach Marvin Lewis, who referred to him once as “Ocho Psycho.” Ochocinco miffed teammates with his attention-gathering antics — and his sloppy pass routes — and got under the skin of opponents by sending them PeptoBismol and other gifts. The league repeatedly fined him for his on-field celebrations and refusal to follow its uniform code.

He set Bengals receiving records, but made the playoffs only twice in 10 years and went 0-2. He tried to get out of town, but ownership made him stay. He started planning for his next career, getting involved in social media, including his OCNN venture.

During the NFL lockout last summer, he rode a 1,500-pound bull for 1.5 seconds, tried out for Kansas City's MLS team and took a 160 mph spin around the Atlanta Motor Speedway with Jeff Burton.

He felt revived when the Bengals traded him to the Patriots in July, but quickly realized his career was taking an abrupt turn. He became a small piece in a high-powered passing game, catching only 15 passes all season for 275 yards and one uncelebrated touchdown.

“I know the season hasn’t gone the way he wanted to,” said Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, filling in for Ochocinco on his OCNN crew this week. “The way they do things up there, I think he’s kind of understood that and gone along with it. I’m happy for the guy.”

Ochocinco sounded upbeat about all of it. Asked if it was bittersweet for him to get to the title game as a reserve receiver without a podium, he smiled.

“It’s not bittersweet,” he said.

“It’s the Super Bowl.”

Thursday, February 2, 2012

11

Egypt soccer fans rush 4 NFL concussion field after game, 74 dead lawsuits being combined in Philly

BY MARYCLAIRE DALE | ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo

Egyptian fans clash with riot police following the Al-Ahly club soccer match against Al-Masry club at the soccer stadium in Port Said, Egypt on Wednesday.

BY SARAH EL DEEB | ASSOCIATED PRESS CAIRO (AP) — At least 74 people were killed and 248 injured after soccer fans rushed the field in the seaside city of Port Said Wednesday following an upset victory by the home team over Egypt’s top club, setting off clashes and a stampede as riot police largely failed to intervene.

It was a bloody reminder of the deteriorating security in the Arab world’s most populous country as instability continues nearly a year after former President Hosni Mubarak was swept out of power in a popular uprising.

The melee — which followed an Egyptian league match between AlMasry, the home team in the Mediterranean city, and Al-Ahly, based in Cairo and one of Egypt’s most popular team — was the worst case of soccer violence in Egypt and the deadliest worldwide since 1996.

One player said it was “like a war.”

In Cairo, fans angered that another match between Al-Ismaili and Zamalek was halted because of the Port Said violence set fire to the bleachers at the main stadium in the Egyptian capital, authorities said. No injuries were reported, and employees said firefighters extinguished the blaze before it caused much damage.

The clashes and ensuing stampede did not appear to be directly linked to the political turmoil in Egypt, but the violence raised fresh concerns about the ability of the state police to manage crowds. Most of the hundreds of black-uniformed police with helmets and shields stood in lines and did nothing as soccer fans ran amok, some wielding sharp objects and others hurling sticks and rocks.

Security officials said the ministry has issued directives for its per-

sonnel not to “engage” with civilians after recent clashes between police and protesters in November left more than 40 people dead.

The violence also underscored the role of soccer fans in Egypt’s recent protest movement. Organized fans, in groups known as ultras, have played an important role in the revolution and rallies against military rule.

Their anti-police songs, peppered with curses, have quickly become viral and an expression of the hatred many Egyptians feel toward security forces that were accused of much of the abuse that was widespread under Mubarak’s regime.

Egypt is not immune to soccer violence. In April, the ineffectiveness of the police force also was on display when thousands of fans ran onto the field before the end of an African Champions’ game between local club Zamalek and Tunisia's club Africain.

The hundreds of police on duty at Cairo International Stadium could not stop the violence then either.

Activists quickly scheduled rallies Thursday outside the headquarters of the Interior Ministry in Cairo to protest the inability of the police to stop the bloodshed.

The scuffles began out after fans of Al-Masry stormed the field following a rare 3-1 win against Al-Ahly.

Al-Masry supporters hurled sticks and stones as they chased players and fans from the rival team, who ran toward the exits to escape, according to witnesses. One man told state TV he heard gunshots in the stadium, while a lawmaker from Egypt’s powerful Muslim Brotherhood said the police didn't prevent fans carrying knives from entering the stadium.

TV footage showed Al-Ahly players rushing for their locker room as fistfights broke out among the hundreds of fans swarming on to the field. Some men had to rescue a man-

ager from the losing team as he was being beaten. Black-clothed police officers stood by, appearing overwhelmed.

The Interior Ministry said 74 people died, including one police officer, and 248 were injured, 14 of them police. Security forces arrested 47 people for involvement in the violence, the statement said.

State TV appealed to Egyptians to donate blood for the injured in Port Said, and the military sent two aircraft to evacuate serious cases to the capital, Cairo.

Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, the head of the military leadership that assumed power after Mubarak's ouster, welcomed Al-Ahly team players who were flown back to Cairo from Port Said on a military aircraft.

“This will not bring Egypt down,” he said at a military air base east of Cairo. “These incidents happen anywhere in the world. We will not let those behind it go ... This will not affect Egypt and its security.”

Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim told state TV that 13,000 AlMasry fans stormed the field, jumping a low fence and attacking about 1,200 Al-Ahly fans. He said the security tried to stop them, and blamed the stampede for many of the deaths.

Al-Ahly goalkeeper Sharif Ikrami, who was injured in the melee, told the private station ONTV that dead and wounded were being carried into the locker room.

“There were people dying in front of us,” he said. “It’s over. We’ve all made a decision that we won’t play soccer any more. How will we play soccer after 70 people died? We can’t think about it.”

Hesham Sheiha, a health ministry official, said most of the deaths were caused by concussions, deep head wounds and suffocation from the stampede. He said 40 people were in

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — At least four lawsuits blaming the NFL for concussion-related dementia and brain disease will be consolidated in Philadelphia, and more could follow.

A U.S. judicial panel approved requests Tuesday by the NFL and plaintiffs lawyers to try similar cases before Senior U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody in Philadelphia.

The lawsuits represent more than 300 retired players or spouses, including two-time Super Bowl champion Jim McMahon. “(This) allows Judge Brody to now bring everybody together and put this in an organized environment where all the legal issues and the medical issues and the scientific issues can all be decided in one place,” said lawyer Larry Coben of Philadelphia, who filed the first lawsuit in August on behalf of McMahon and six others.

The players accuse the NFL of negligence and intentional misconduct in its response to the headaches, dizziness and dementia that former players have reported. Some say they have no symptoms but want to be monitored for future health problems.

Former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Brent Boyd is described by lawyers as the only living player so far diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The degenerative brain disease, known as CTE, has typically been found in autopsies of people who have had multiple head injuries, including more than a dozen former NFL and NHL players.

The NFL vows to vigorously defend the claims. Spokesman Brian McCarthy declined to comment Tuesday, but the league had supported the consolidation in Philadelphia for logistical purposes.

In the first lawsuit, the NFL has tried to block Coben from taking wide-ranging depositions early on as the league seeks to have the lawsuit thrown out. The NFL argues that the claims are barred under the players’ collective bargaining agreements.

Brody delayed ruling on the depositions while she waited to see where the cases would end up.

The U.S. Judicial Panel on MultiDistrict Litigation assigned them to her on Tuesday during a meeting in Miami.

Brody will handle all pretrial issues, including potentially key rulings on what evidence can be used at trial and whether a class can be certified for medical monitoring or other purposes. The cases might then return to the district where they were filed for trial, Coben said.

As many as a dozen similar NFL concussion lawsuits have been filed in New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Florida and Philadelphia. They, too, could end up before the same judge.

Brody spent a decade on the bench in suburban Montgomery County before President George H.W. Bush nominated her for a federal judgeship.

She took office in 1992 and took senior status in 2009.

serious conditions and undergoing surgery.

In an interview with the team’s station, Mohammed Abu Trika, a player with Al-Ahly, criticized police for standing by and not intervening in the violence.

“People here are dying and no one is doing a thing. It’s like a war,” he told the team TV station. “Is life this cheap?”

Egypt’s state prosecutor ordered an immediate investigation into the violence, and the Egypt Football Association ordered an indefinite suspension of the league games. The parliament said it would convene an emergency session.

The two sides also traded conspiracy theories, with each side blaming the other for trying to destabilize the country.

Essam el-Erian, a Brotherhood lawmaker, said the military and police were complicit in the violence, accusing them of trying to stop critics demanding an end to state of emergency that give security forces wideranging powers.

“This tragedy is a result of intentional reluctance by the military and the police,” he said.

The manager of the Al-Masry, Kamal Abu Ali, announced he also was resigning in protest.

“This is not about soccer. This is bigger than that. This is a plot to topple the state,” he told the same station, using an often-cited allegation by the military against protesters.

It was the deadliest incident of soccer violence since Oct. 16, 1996, when at least 78 people died and 180 others were injured in a stampede at a stadium in Guatemala City before a World Cup qualifying match between Guatemala and Costa Rica.

The Port Said game was a faceoff between two teams with a long history of fierce competition, AlMasry, the home team, and Al-Ahly.

Al-Ahly was runner-up for the Asian club title in 1986, its best finish.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said he was “shocked and saddened” by the deaths.

“This is a black day for football.

Such a catastrophic situation is unimaginable and should not happen,” he said in a statement.

Associated Press writers Ben Hubbard and Maggie Michael contributed to this report.

12

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Loretta Devine to Receive Legend, Kennedy Center program honor Pan African Film Festival’s Marvin Gaye Lifetime Achievement Award

AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

Singer John Legend.

BY BRETT ZONGKER | ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — Singer John Legend is joining the Kennedy Center in Washington to start a program in honor of the late Marvin Gaye encouraging young artists to engage in social issues.

The project announced Tuesday echoes Gaye’s lyrics and asks young people to consider “What’s Going On ... Now?” They can upload videos,

photos, poems, music or any recordings of creative expression to the project’s website to answer that question.

Gaye’s album was the first from Motown to tackle difficult social issues, such as war, drug addiction and poverty. His 1972 performance at the Kennedy Center was a historic comeback for Gaye.

The Kennedy Center has partners in seven cities for the project, including Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Fe, N.M.

The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) will honor award-winning actress Loretta Devine with its highest honor, a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work on stage, television and film. The award will be presented during the Night of Tribute at 8 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 10, at the Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.

After more than 30 years in the business, Devine nabbed an Emmy for outstanding guest actress in a dramatic role for her work on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” last year. She received an Independent Spirit Award nod for best supporting female for her role in “Woman Thou Art Loosed.”

And she has been nominated for a slew of NAACP Image Awards in television and film, grabbing two awards for outstanding supporting actress in a motion picture for her roles in “Waiting to Exhale” and “The Preacher’s Wife,” respectively.

She picked up three more NAACP Image Awards for her work on

Photo by Matthew Jordan Smith

The Devine Ms. Loretta

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS AN ANONYMOUS CONTENT/WORKING TITLE PRODUCTION A KEN KWAPIS FILM MUSIC DREW BARRYMORE JOHN KRASINSKI “BIG MIRACLE” KRISTEN BELL PRODUCED DERMOT MULRONEY TIM BLAKE NELSON VINESSA SHAW AND TED DANSON

BY CLIFF EIDELMAN EXECUTIVE BASED ON THE BOOK PRODUCERS LIZA CHASIN DEBRA HAYWARD STUART BESSER PAUL GREEN

BY STEVE GOLIN MICHAEL SUGAR TIM BEVAN ERIC FELLNER “FREEING THE WHALES” BY THOMAS ROSE SCREENPLAY DIRECTED A UNIVERSAL PICTURE

BY JACK AMIEL & MICHAEL BEGLER

BY KEN KWAPIS SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC AND VARÈSE SARABANDE

© 2011 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes – Text MIRACLE with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549)! No charge from 43KIX, std. rates may apply. Text HELP for info.

David E. Kelly’s Fox series “Boston Public.”

Still, it was her breakout role on the stage that brought her to national attention. In the role of Lorrell, the Houston native was one of the three original “Dreamgirls” in Michael Bennett’s classic, awardwinning Broadway musical of the same name. She followed that performance with a fiery portrayal of Lillian in Bob Fosse’s criticallyacclaimed stage production “Big Deal.”

Other performances, including George C. Wolfe’s “Colored Museum” and “Lady Day at Emerson Bar and Grill,” cemented Devine’s status as one of the most talented and versatile stage actresses.

Soon, film roles followed, and she’s appeared in some of audience’s most beloved movies, including ”Jumping the Broom,” “This Christmas,” “Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls” and “Madea’s Big Happy Family” and, of course, “Waiting to Exhale.” Other film credits include the Academy Awardwinning film “Crash,” “I Am Sam,” “What Women Want” and “Stanley and Iris.”

On the small screen, Devine can be seen regularly in her Emmy-winning role as Adele on ABC’s hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Just announced, she’s set to co-star with Jennifer Love Hewitt in

Lifetime’s new series “The Client List.”

“Ms. Devine is probably one of the hardest-working women in show business,” said Ayuko Babu, PAFF founder and executive director said with a chuckle. “She is an extremely gifted and versatile actress, creating soulful characters in some of our favorite televisions shows and films.” He added, “Through her craft, she is an amazing storyteller, delivering memorable performances and portraying characters with a richness and vulnerability that connects with audience on many different levels.”

Produced by the Africa Channel, the Night of Tribute honors worldrenowned actors, filmmakers, community leaders and fine artists for their contributions on stage, television, film, the arts and the community. Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Oscar-winner Louis Gossett Jr., Tony award-winner Phylicia Rashad, Emmy award-winning actor Glynn Turman, the honorable Ambassador Andrew Young as well as award-winning actresses Marla Gibbs and Dr. Della Reese, just to name a few. The ceremony will be recorded and televised by the Africa Channel, which is broadcast in major markets across the United States and the Caribbean. Visit www.TheAfricaChannel.com.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

13

Star Jones Camilla Williams, making guest Black opera appearance on pioneer, dies at 92 ‘The View’ NEW YORK (AP) — Apparently enough water has flowed under the bridge for Barbara Walters and Star Jones to reunite for a day.

"The View" announced on Wednesday that Jones will appear on the daytime talk show on Feb. 22 to promote an awareness campaign about heart disease among women.

Walters and Jones had a falling out in 2006 when Jones, one of the five original co-hosts of the daytime chat show, exited "The View." ABC decided not to renew her contract and Jones took Walters by surprise by announcing on June 27 that she would be leaving the show.

That exit came more quickly than expected. Walters wouldn't allow her back the next day.

Walters later said that Jones had compelled her cohosts to lie for her by not revealing that Jones had undergone gastric bypass surgery while on "The View." Jones took her own shots, criticizing Walters for writing an autobiography that revealed details of an affair.

The women later had something serious in common.

Both underwent open heart surgery to repair faulty heart valves within two months of each other in 2010.

Jones is coming back to the show to discuss her involvement in the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" public information campaign. Women are asked to wear red on Feb. 3 to support heart patients.

AP Photo/Evan Agostini

FILE - In this Oct. 17, 2011 file photo, Star Jones attends the Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research "Angel Ball" honors gala at Cipriani's Wall St. in New York. "The View" announced on Wednesday that Jones will appear on the daytime talk show on Feb. 22 to promote an awareness campaign about heart disease among women.

AP Photo/ Indian University Jacobs School of Music

Camilla Williams

BY KEN KUSMER | AP INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Camilla Williams, believed to be the first African-American woman to appear with a major U.S. opera company, has died. She was 92.

Williams died Sunday at her home in Bloomington, Ind., her attorney, Eric Slotegraaf, said Monday. She died of complications from cancer, said Alain Barker, a spokesman for the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where Williams was a professor emeritus of voice.

Williams’ debut with the New York City Opera on May 15, 1946, was thought to make her the first African-American woman to appear with a major U.S. opera company and came nearly nine years before Marian Anderson became the first AfricanAmerican singer to appear at New York’s more prestigious Metropolitan Opera.

In her City Opera debut, Williams sang what would become her signature role, Cio-Cio-San, in Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” She displayed “a vividness and subtlety unmatched by any other artist who has assayed the part here in many a year,” according to a New York Times review of the performance.

She also appeared with the City Opera that season as Nedda, in Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci.” The following year she performed the role of

Mimi, in Puccini’s “La Boheme,” and in 1948 she sang the title role of Verdi’s “Aida.”

Williams first appeared overseas in 1950 on a concert tour of Panama, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. She also appeared as CioCio-San with the London Sadler’s Wells Opera in 1954 and later that same year as the first Black artist to sing a major role with the Vienna State Opera.

Williams, the daughter of a chauffeur, was introduced to “Madama Butterfly,” Mozart and other classical works at age 12 while growing up in Virginia. A Welsh voice teacher came to the segregated city to teach at a school for White girls and taught a few Black girls at a private home. By that time she had been singing at Danville’s Calvary Baptist Church for four years.

“My grandparents and parents were self-taught musicians; all of them sang, and there was always music in our home,” she wrote for her entry in the first edition of “Who’s Who in the World.”

A graduate of Virginia State College, she was teaching third grade and music in Danville schools in 1942 when she was offered a scholarship from the Philadelphia Alumni Association of her alma mater for vocal training in Philadelphia, where she studied under Marion Szekely-Freschl See WILLIAMS, page 15

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITYMUSIC MEDIA A BLUEGRASS FILMSEXECUTIVE PRODUCTION DENZEL WASHINGTON RYAN REYNOLDS “SAFE HOUSE” VERA FARMIGA BRENDAN GLEESON SAM SHEPARD RUBEN BLADES NORA ARNEZEDER ROBERT PATRICK

BY RAMIN DJAWADI PRODUCERS DENZEL WASHINGTON SCOTT AVERSANO ADAM MERIMS ALEXA FAIGEN TREVOR MACY MARC D. EVANS PRODUCED WRITTEN DIRECTED BLUEGRASS A UNIVERSAL PICTURE

BY SCOTT STUBER

BY DAVID GUGGENHEIM

BY DANIEL ESPINOSA FILMS SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC AND VARÈSE SARABANDE

© 2011 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

14

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Ne-Yo wants to Etta James remembered integrate music as as triumphant trailblazer new Motown VP

AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu

Stevie Wonder sings the praises of Etta James.

BY ANTHONY MCCARTNEY | ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo/Carlo Allegri

He’s wearing a new hat: Ne-Yo has been named senior vice president of A&R for Motown Records.

GARDENA, California (AP) — Rhythm & blues legend Etta James was remembered at a service Saturday attended by hundreds of friends, family and fans as a woman who triumphed against all odds to break down cultural and musical

barriers in a style that was unfailingly honest.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, a civil rights activist, eulogized James in a rousing speech, describing her remarkable rise from poverty and pain to become a woman whose music became an enduring anthem for weddings and commercials.

Perhaps most famously,

President Barack Obama and the first lady shared their first inaugural ball dance to a version of the song sung by Beyonce, who portrayed James in the film “Cadillac Records.” Sharpton on Saturday opened his remarks by reading a statement from the president: “Etta will be remembered for her See ETTA JAMES, page 15

BY MESFIN FEKADU | ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK (AP) — Ne-Yo has a dream: He believes the record industry is segregated, and he has hopes of changing that as the new senior vice president of artists and repertoire for Motown Records.

Even though Motown’s legend is rooted in Black music, it was music that appealed to everyone, helping to unite a nation in sometimes divisive times. As a top exec at Motown, Ne-Yo wants to unite people musically once again.

“I want to get back to a place where everybody’s listening to the same thing, no matter what race, color, creed you are,” the Grammy-winning singer said in an interview Wednesday after Universal Music made the announcement. “(Now) there’s music that’s specifically for Black people and there’s music that's specifically for White people, and I feel like the essence of ... music is lost when you do that.”

The 32-year-old Grammy winner, who has multiple hits of his own and has also written smashes for others like Rihanna and Beyonce, says he is looking to sign artists that have a drive and a tremendous work ethic, not just one-hit wonders.

“I definitely plan on making sure the people I bring to the industry are going to be an asset to the industry as opposed to a liability,” said Ne-Yo, who also has his own label imprint called Compound Entertainment. “It’s more than ‘She looks good in a short skirt’ or ‘He looks good with his shirt off’ — it’s about somebody that has a talent.”

Ne-Yo, who is planning to release his fifth album this summer, will also move to the Motown Records roster. He has released his four albums on Island Def Jam Music Group; both Motown and Def Jam are subsidiaries of Universal Music.

He’s also an actor: Ne-Yo appears in the new George Lucas film “Red Tails” about the Tuskegee Airmen, who were the first Black fighter pilots to serve in the U.S. military. It debuted at No. 2 with $19.2 million last weekend, despite some concerns that a Black-themed film would not appeal to a mainstream audience.

“It always feels good to beat the odds,” he said.

AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu Christina Aguilera sings the praises of Etta

Rev. Al Sharpton sings the praises of Etta James.

James.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

CITY OF LOS ANGELES $50,000 REWARD NOTICE The City of Los Angeles offers a reward payable at the discretion of the City Council to one or more persons in the sum or sums up to an aggregate maximum total sum of $50,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the act of murder against, BRANDON JAMALL SHORTS, in the City of Los Angeles. On Thursday, November 18, 2010, at approximately 3:25 p.m., Brandon Jamall Shorts was shot while stopped at the intersection of 71st Street and Western Avenue, in Los Angeles.

An unknown suspect approached Brandon Jamall Shorts on a bicycle, at the intersection, identified himself as a gang member, and shot the victim multiple times with a handgun. On December 25, 2010, the victim succumbed to his injuries at California Hospital. To date, detectives have been unable to identify the suspect and/or suspects responsible for the murder of Brandon Jamall Shorts, and believe that no further leads will develop in this case without the assistance of the community. Detectives hope that a monetary reward compels the public to provide more information. The person or persons responsible for this crime represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles.

Unless withdrawn or paid by City Council action, this offer of reward shall terminate on, and have no effect after, AUGUST 1, 2012.

The provisions of payment and all other considerations shall be governed by Chapter 12 of Division 19 of the LAAC Code, as amended by Ordinance Nos. 158157 and 166666. This offer shall be given upon the condition that all claimants provide continued cooperation within the criminal justice system relative to this case and is not available to public officers or employees of the City, their families, persons in law enforcement or persons whose misconduct prompted this reward. If you have any information regarding this case, please call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-LAWFULL, 24 hours.

C. F. No. 12-0010-s3 $50,000 REWARD NOTICE The City of Los Angeles offers a reward payable at the discretion of the City Council to one or more persons in the sum or sums up to an aggregate maximum total sum of $50,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the act of murder against, BRANDON JAMALL SHORTS, in the City of Los Angeles. On Thursday, November 18, 2010, at approximately 3:25 p.m., Brandon Jamall Shorts was shot while stopped at the intersection of 71st Street and Western Avenue, in Los Angeles.

An unknown suspect approached Brandon Jamall Shorts on a bicycle, at the intersection, identified himself as a gang member, and shot the victim multiple times with a handgun. On December 25, 2010, the victim succumbed to his injuries at California Hospital. To date, detectives have been unable to identify the suspect and/or suspects responsible for the murder of Brandon Jamall Shorts, and believe that no further leads will develop in this case without the assistance of the community. Detectives hope that a monetary reward compels the public to provide more information. The person or persons responsible for this crime represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles.

Unless withdrawn or paid by City Council action, this offer of reward shall terminate on, and have no effect after, AUGUST 1, 2012.

The provisions of payment and all other considerations shall be governed by Chapter 12 of Division 19 of the LAAC Code, as amended by Ordinance Nos. 158157 and 166666. This offer shall be given upon the condition that all claimants provide contin-

15 ued cooperation within the criminal justice system relative to this case and is not available to public officers or employees of the City, their families, persons in law enforcement or persons whose misconduct prompted this reward. If you have any information regarding this case, please call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-LAWFULL, 24 hours.

C. F. No. 12-0010-s3 2/2/12 CNS-2252411# WATTS TIMES $50,000 REWARD NOTICE The City of Los Angeles offers a reward payable at the discretion of the City Council to one or more persons in the sum or sums up to an aggregate maximum total sum of $50,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the act of murder against, ALONZO ESTER, in the City of Los Angeles. On Friday, May 13, 2011, at approximately 2:20 a.m., Alonzo Ester, a 67-year old man, was pulling into his driveway when he was shot and killed by unidentified suspect(s). The suspect(s) then fled the scene in an awaiting vehicle. LAPD is still searching for this suspect(s) and encourages witnesses to come forward, even anonymously, to assist them in their investigation. The person or persons responsible for this crime represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles. Unless withdrawn or paid by City Council action, this offer of reward shall terminate on, and have no effect after, JULY 28, 2012.

The provisions of payment and all other considerations shall be governed by Chapter 12 of Division 19 of the LAAC Code, as amended by Ordinance Nos. 158157 and 166666. This offer shall be given upon the condition that all claimants provide continued cooperation within the criminal justice system relative to this case and is not available to public officers or employees of the City, their families, persons in law enforcement or persons whose misconduct prompted this reward. If you have any information regarding this case, please call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-LAWFULL, 24 hours.

C. F. No. 11-0010-s29 2/2/12 CNS-2251502# WATTS TIMES $50,000 REWARD NOTICE The City of Los Angeles offers a reward payable at the discretion of the City Council to one or more persons in the sum or sums up to an aggregate maximum total sum of $50,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the act of murder against, MANUEL TRIANA LARA, in the City of Los Angeles. On Sunday, November 27, 2011, Manuel Triana Lara, age 52, was trying to jump start his red minivan in the 500 block of West 84th Street, in South Los Angeles. Mr. Lara was in the driver seat of his small white truck, with his son in the passenger seat, when an unknown suspect approached Mr. Lara, brandished a handgun, and demanded his money. Mr. Lara and the suspect initially struggled, but the suspect ultimately shot Mr. Lara. The suspect fled westbound on 84th Street to an unknown location. Mr. Lara died of his injuries, and the suspect is still at large, and has not been identified. Detectives hope that a monetary reward will motivate witnesses to come forward and identify the suspect responsible for this senseless murder.

The person or persons responsible for this crime represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles. Unless withdrawn or paid by City Council action, this offer of reward shall terminate on, and have no effect after, JULY 27, 2012.

The provisions of payment and all other considerations shall be governed by Chapter 12 of Division 19 of the LAAC Code, as amended by Ordinance Nos. 158157 and 166666. This offer shall be given

upon the condition that all claimants provide continued cooperation within the criminal justice system relative to this case and is not available to public officers or employees of the City, their families, persons in law enforcement or persons whose misconduct prompted this reward. If you have any information regarding this case, please call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-LAWFULL, 24 hours.

C. F. No. 12-0010-s1 2/2/12 CNS-2249636# WATTS TIMES $50,000 REWARD NOTICE The City of Los Angeles offers a reward payable at the discretion of the City Council to one or more persons in the sum or sums up to an aggregate maximum total sum of $50,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the act of murder against, CLINT SMITH, in the City of Los Angeles.

On Thursday, May 13, 2010, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Clint Smith, a 28-year old man, was standing in front of 6309 Brynhurst Avenue, when an unknown suspect approached and shot him with a handgun. Mr. Smith was struck twice in the upper torso, and later succumbed to his injuries. LAPD is still searching for this suspect(s), and encourages witnesses to come forward, even anonymously, to assist them in their investigation. The person or persons responsible for this crime represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles. Unless withdrawn or paid by City Council action, this offer of reward shall terminate on, and have no effect after, JULY 27, 2012.

The provisions of payment and all other considerations shall be governed by Chapter 12 of Division 19 of the LAAC Code, as amended by Ordinance Nos. 158157 and 166666. This offer shall be given upon the condition that all claimants provide continued cooperation within the criminal justice system relative to this case and is not available to public officers or employees of the City, their families, persons in law enforcement or persons whose misconduct prompted this reward. If you have any information regarding this case, please call the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-LAWFULL, 24 hours.

C. F. No. 11-0010-s35 2/2/12 CNS-2249634# WATTS TIMES

HELP WANTED Drivers: New Years Resolution: NEW JOB! Gross $4,000 month.

Paid Benefits!

CDL-A, 2yrs OTR Exp. Weekly Pay 1-888-880-5921

Drivers: Local Flatbed Long Beach & La Mirada.

CDL-A, 1yr Exp. Req. Great Pay, Benefits!

Estenson Logistics Apply: www.goelc.com 1-866-336-9642

JACKSON HERB CENTER “Health is the Most Precious Wealth a Person Can Possess.”

Rev. 22:2 ~ Rom. 14:2 ~ Psm. 104:14 Click here to order: www.mynsp.com/herbjack www.trivita.com/13411343 Contact Mr. Jackson Tel: (800) 755-4372

No Job too Big for God www.deathbymedication.com www.dorway.com Good Health Is Up to You

GOVERNMENT INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) NO. 1715-A THE RE-PIPING OF (105) BUILDINGS AT RAMONA GARDENS. The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) invites vendors to submit firm fixed price bids for the Re-Piping Of (105) Buildings at Ramona Gardens. Copies of the IFB may be downloaded from the internet at www.hacla.org/cgs Bids will be accepted by the General Services Department at 2600 Wilshire Blvd., 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057, until 2:00 P.M., Pacific Daylight Saving Time, March 6, 2012.

2/2, 2/9/12 CNS-2250986# WATTS TIMES

ETTA JAMES Continued from page 14 legendary voice and her contributions to our nation’s musical heritage,” Obama’s statement read.

The Grammy-winning singer died Jan. 20 after battling leukemia and other ailments, including dementia. She had retreated from public life in recent years, but on Saturday her legacy was on display as mourners of all ages and races converged on the City of Refuge Church in Gardena, south of downtown Los Angeles.

Among the stars performing trib-

utes to James were Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera, who told the gathering that she has included “At Last” in every concert she’s performed as a tribute to her musical inspiration.

Wonder performed three songs, including “Shelter in the Rain” and a harmonica solo. James’ rose-draped casket was on display, surrounded by wreaths and floral arrangements and pictures of the singer.

Sharpton, who met James when he was an up-and-coming preacher,

WILLIAMS Continued from page 13 and worked as an usher in a theater.

A lifetime member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, she performed in her Virginia hometown in 1963 to raise funds to free jailed civil rights demonstrators and sang at the 1963 civil rights march on Washington, D.C., immediately before the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. She also sang at King’s Nobel Peace Prize ceremony the following year. The Chicago Defender lauded her in 1951 for bringing democracy to opera.

In 1950 she married Charles

Beavers, a defense attorney whose clients included civil rights icon Malcolm X. Beavers died in 1970. The couple did not have children.

Williams retired from opera in 1971 and taught at Brooklyn College, Bronx College and Queens College until becoming the first African-American professor of voice at Indiana University.

In 1983, as a guest professor at Beijing’s Central Conservatory, she became that school's first black professor. She retired from teaching in 1997.

A memorial service has been scheduled at the First United Methodist Church in Bloomington on Feb. 18.

credited her with helping break down racial barriers through her music.

“She was able to get us on the same rhythms and humming the same ballads and understanding each other's melodies way before we could even use the same hotels,” Sharpton said, referring to the era when racial segregation was the law in many U.S. states.

He said James’ fame and influence would have been unthinkable to a woman with James’ background — growing up in a broken home during segregation and at times battling her own demons.

“The genius of Etta James is she flipped the script,” Sharpton said, alluding to her struggles with addiction, which she eventually overcame.

“She waited until she turned her pain into power,” he said, adding that it turned her story away from being a tragic one into one of triumph.

“You beat ’em Etta,” Sharpton said in concluding his eulogy. “At last. At last. At last!”

The assembly roared to their feet, and would again stand to applaud performances by Wonder and Aguilera, who filled the sanctuary with their voices.

“Out of all the singers that I’ve ever heard, she was the one that cut right to my soul and spoke to me,” Aguilera said before her performance.

Throughout the service, a portrait of James as a woman who beat the odds in pursuit of her dreams repeatedly emerged.

“Etta is special to me and for me, because she represents the life, the triumphs, the tribulations of a lot of Black women all over this world,” said U.S. Rep Maxine Waters, a California Democrat.

“It does not matter who sang ‘At Last’ before or after Etta. It does not matter when it was sung, or where it was sung. ‘At Last’ was branded by Etta, the raunchy diva — that’s her signature and we will always remember her.”

James won four Grammy Awards, including a lifetime achievement honor, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of

Fame in 1993. In her decades-long career, she became revered for her passionate, soulful singing voice.

She scored her first hit when she was just a teenager with the suggestive “Roll With Me, Henry,” which had to be changed to “The Wallflower” in order to get airplay.

Her 1967 album, “Tell Mama,” became one of the most highly regarded soul albums of all time, a mix of rock and gospel music.

She rebounded from a heroin addiction to see her career surge after performing the national anthem at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. She won her first Grammy Award a decade later, and two more in 2003 and 2004.

James is survived by her husband of 42 years, Artis Mills, and two sons, Donto and Sametto James.

“Mom, I love you,” Donto James said during brief remarks. “When I get to the gates, can you please be there for me?”

16

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Sights & Scenes| Screen Actors Guild Awards

Laurence Fishburne, left, will be the first African-American to play Daily Planet editor Perry White in the next “Superman” movie and Gina Torres.

“Southland’s” Regina King.

Former star of “Living Single” Kim Coles.

SAG best actress award winner Viola Davis, left, and Oscar-nominated Cicely Tyson

Octavia Spencer, winner of Golden Globe and SAG awards for best supporting actress.

Michael K. Williams, formerly of “Boardwalk Empire,” Best known for her role in “Avatar”: Zoe It’s Shaun Robinson of “Access Hollywood.”

Saldana. with his guest.

Amber Riley of “Glee” Cover Up Photos