W E E K E N D E R
L.A. Watts Times Vol. XXX, No. 1220
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FEATURE STORY
Thursday, February 24, 2011
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
HOROSCOPES
FEB. 24 - MAR. 2
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POLL RESULTS
RIES ~ A romantic partner returns and wants to pick up the past and start over. Friends are good to have, but this particular friend will be best kept as just that … a friend! Enjoy your ability to choose what’s best for you. AURUS ~ This week is a week to let your diplomatic side work for you. Forcing will get you nowhere. No man or woman is an island. Focus on togetherness even if you are annoyed with people. EMINI ~ This week is another week when your intuition and insights are remarkable. A lesson you learned in the past may suddenly reveal itself as more this week; you’ll have plenty of food for thought. ANCER ~ Someone whose values are different than yours may annoy you this week if you let them. Let your most tolerant mind-set rule, and enjoy being able to listen to others’ points of view. You’ll feel very blessed by the end of the week. EO ~ You learn something this week that makes you very happy. One of your most wonderful gifts is your ability to be delighted with all forms of learning and education. This is a terrific week for personal delight. IRGO ~ Shopping has its appeals this week, and you’ll want to check your bankbook balance before indulging in anything that is whimsical and expensive. Give yourself hours to think about what’s important to you. Control impulses this week.
IBRA ~ A road trip might be in the offing; grab a friend and go Dutchtreat. You’ll enjoy yourself more if you are sharing costs this week. Mutual generosity in all things will make your week perfect. CORPIO ~ This week is likely to make you feel young again. You’ll want to play jokes and tricks on people around you. Make sure they are ready to deal with your playful mood. Enjoy yourself, you fabulous being! AGITTARIUS ~ You have more of a flair for communication this week than usual. Keep your words diplomatic but effective if your opinion is called for. A relative seeking advice will be glad they asked you. APRICORN ~ Don’t sweat the small stuff this week. You have a keen eye for the big picture, and you’ll be most productive if you ignore the petty this week. Your home is very happy this week! Count your blessings! QUARIUS ~ Your energy level remains high; be careful not to overdo it but enjoy the wonderful feeling of your physical self as much as possible. A phone call from a friend who lives far away will brighten your week and inspire you with travel plans. ISCES ~ You can fly through the week if you keep your level of cooperation high. By this week’s end, you’ll have many plans, romantic and otherwise for the time period. Be patient at the workplace and things will go fine.
Do you think that the Rooney Rule has been beneficial to black coaches in the NFL?
45.5%
I’m in the middle. The rule has benefited some black coaches, but others have been sent on bogus interviews.
36.4%
No I do not, it does a disservice to black coaches by setting them up for interviews for jobs that they will not be considered for.
18.2%
Yes I do, there are more black head coaches because of it.
Visit www.lasentinel.net to vote for Weekender polls.
Inside this Edition
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12 Black Facts Feb. 24, 1940 Former world heavyweight boxing champion Jimmy Ellis is born James Albert Ellis. Ellis won the World Boxing Association title after beating Jerry Quarry in April 1968. Feb. 25, 1989 Boxer Mike Tyson becomes the undisputed heavyweight champion of the World by defeating challenger Frank Bruno of England. Feb. 24, 1868 The House of Representatives votes 126 to 47 to impeach President Andrew Johnson. Feb. 24, 1864 Rebecca Lee Crumpler becomes the first Black woman to receive an M.D. degree. She graduated from the New England Female Medical College. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was born in 1833. She worked from 1852 to 1860 as a nurse in Massachusetts. Source: blackfacts.com
L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER Published Weekly – Updates 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008 Administration – Sales – Graphics – Editorial 323.299.3800 - office 323.291.6804 - fax Beverly Cook – Publisher, Managing Editor 1976 – 1993 Charles Cook – Publisher, 1976 – 1998 Melanie Polk – Publisher 1998 – 2010 WWW.LAWATTSTIMES.COM Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. ..........Executive Publisher & Executive Editor Brenda Marsh Mitchell ................................Executive Vice President Tracy Mitchell........................................................................Controller Brandon I. Brooks ............................................Co – Managing Editor Yussuf J. Simmonds..........................................Co – Managing Editor Samuel Richard..........................................................Associate Editor Willa Robinson..................................................Director of Advertising Benjamin Samuels ..............................................Production Designer Chris Martin ........................................................Production Designer EMAIL: lawattsnus@aol.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 AUDIT BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Southern California McDonald’s is committed to helping African American High School Seniors pursue their dreams of higher education. To underscore this commitment, McDonald’s funds the administrative costs of the RMHC/African American Future Achievers scholarship program. Students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills and a commitment to their community are encouraged to apply. Twenty-one $2,000 college scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who have at least one parent of African American heritage. Students must reside in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino or Ventura counties. In Southern California alone, the RMHC/African American Future Achievers scholarship program has awarded $620,000 in scholarship funds to 515 African American high school seniors since the program’s inception in 1990. Please visit www.McDonaldsSoCal.com to apply. Application deadline is March 11, 2011.
©2011 McDonald’s.
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
Clampdown in Libyan capital as protests close in BY PAUL SCHEMM AND MAGGIE MICHAEL ASSOCIATED PRESS BENGHAZI, Libya — Militiamen loyal to Moammar Gadhafi clamped down in Tripoli Wednesday, but cracks in his regime spread elsewhere across the nation, as the protestfueled rebellion controlling much of eastern Libya claimed new gains closer to the capital. Two pilots let their warplane crash in the desert, parachuting to safety, rather than bomb an oppositionheld city. The opposition said it had taken over Misrata, which would be the largest city in the western half in the country to fall into its hands. Clashes broke out over the past two days in the town of Sabratha, about 50 miles west of the capital, where the army and militiamen were trying to put down protesters who overwhelmed security headquarters and government buildings, a news website close to the government reported. Two air force pilots parachuted from their Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jet and let it crash, rather than carry out orders to bomb opposition-held Benghazi, Libya’s second largest city, the website Qureyna reported, citing an unidentified officer in the air force control room. One of the pilots — identified by the report as Ali Omar Gadhafi — was
from Gadhafi’s tribe, the Gadhadhfa, said Farag al-Maghrabi, a local resident who saw the pilots and the wreckage in a deserted area outside the key oil port of Breqa. International outrage mounted after Gadhafi went on state TV Tuesday and in a fist-pounding speech called on his supporters to take to the streets to hunt down protesters. His retaliation has already been the harshest of any regime confronting anti-government protests sweeping the Middle East. The U.N.’s top human rights official said a no-fly zone could be imposed over Libya to protect civilians from attacks by government aircraft. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said Wednesday if unconfirmed reports of aerial attacks against civilians turned out to be true, “I think there’s an immediate need for that level of protection.” The United States and the European Union vowed Wednesday to consider sanctions against Libya for Moammar Gadhafi’s fierce crackdown on protesters, with the EU calling the attacks possible “crimes against humanity.” “The continuing brutal and bloody repression against the Libyan civilian population is revolting,” French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a statement Wednesday, raising the possibility of cutting off all economic and
AP/Michael Buholzer
Protesters burn a poster of Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi during a demonstration in solidarity with the antigovernment protests in Libya, in Bern February 23, 2011. business ties between the EU and Libya. “The international community cannot remain a spectator to these massive violations of human rights.” In Washington, White House spokesman Jay Carney also condemned the attacks. “The violence is abhorrent, it is completely unacceptable and the bloodshed must stop,” Carney said. Italy’s Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said estimates of some 1,000 people killed in the violence in Libya were “credible,” although he stressed information about casualties was incomplete. The New York-based Human Rights Watch has put the death
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AP/Lefteris Poitarakis
Protestors display wounds suffered during protest. toll at nearly 300, according to a partial count. In Tripoli, militiamen and Gadhafi supporters were roaming main streets, firing weapons in the air from time to time as they chanted “long live Gadhafi” and waved green flags. In many neighborhoods, residents had set up watch groups to keep them out, barricading their streets with concrete blocks, metal and rocks and searching those trying to enter, said a Tripoli activist. Many were passing out fliers announcing a march by protesters on Tripoli on Friday, urging residents to take refuge in mosques in case violence erupts. Gadhafi’s residence at Tripoli’s Aziziya Gates was guarded by loyalists, waving his picture and chanting slogans, along with a line of armed militiamen in vehicles, some masked, he said. The radio station building downtown was also heavily fortified. “Mercenaries are everywhere with weapons. You can’t open a window or door. Snipers hunt people,” said another resident, who said she had spent the last night in her home awake hearing gunfire outside. “We are under siege, at the mercy of a man who is not a Muslim.” But below the surface, protesters were organizing, said the activist. At night, they fan out and spray-paint antiGadhafi graffiti or set fires near police stations, chanting “the people want the ouster of the regime,” before running at the approach of militiamen, he said. A group of 60 intellectuals, judges, doctors and journalists linked to the protesters drew up a list of demands for the post-Gadhafi era, calling for a national assembly formed of representatives from each region to draw up a
transitional government and write a constitution, the activist said. Libya’s upheaval, just over a week old, has shattered the hold of Gadhafi’s regime across much of the country. Protesters claim to hold towns and cities along nearly the entire eastern half of the 1,000-mile Mediterranean coastline, from the Egyptian border. In parts, they have set up their own juryrigged self-administrations. At the Egyptian border, guards had fled, and local tribal elders have formed local committees to take their place. “Welcome to the new Libya,” a graffiti spray-painted at the crossing proclaimed. Fawzy Ignashy, a former soldier, now in civilian clothes at the border, said that early in the protests, some commanders ordered troops to fire on protesters, but then tribal leaders stepped in and ordered them to stop. “They did because they were from here. So the officers fled,” he said. A defense committee of local residents was even guarding one of Gadhafi’s once highly secretive antiaircraft missile bases outside the city of Tobruk. “This is the first time I’ve seen missiles like these up close,” admitted Abdelsalam al-Gedani, one of the guards, dressed in an overcoat and carrying a Kalashnikov automatic rifle. “There is now an operating room for the militaries of all the liberated cities and they are trying to convince the others to join them,” said Lt. Col. Omar Hamza, an army officer who had allied with the protesters. “They are trying to help the people in Tripoli to capture Gadhafi.” Protesters have claimed control all the way to the city of Ajdabiya, about
See CLAMPDOWN, page 5
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
Emanuel beats rivals to become next Chicago mayor BY DEANNA BELLANDI AND TAMMY WEBBER ASSOCIATED PRESS
CLAMPDOWN Continued from page 4
480 miles east of Tripoli, encroaching on the key oil fields around the Gulf of Sidra. That has left Gadhafi’s power centered around Tripoli, in the far west and parts of the country’s center. But that appeared to be weakening in parts. Protesters in Libya’s third-largest city Misrata were claiming victory after several days of fighting with Gadhafi loyalists in the city, about 120 miles east of Tripoli. Residents were honking horns in celebration and raising the pre-Gadhafi flags of the Libyan monarchy, said Faraj al-Misrati, a local doctor. He said six people had been killed and 200 wounded in clashes that began Feb. 18 and eventually drove out pro-Gadhafi militiamen. Residents had formed committees to clean the streets, protect the city and treat the injured, he said. “The solidarity among the people here is amazing, even the disabled are helping out.” An audio statement posted on the Internet was reportedly from armed forces officers in Misrata proclaiming “our total support” for the protesters. New videos posted by Libya’s opposition on Facebook also showed
See CLAMPDOWN, page 12
Dump AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato
Former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel speaks at his election night party, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, in Chicago. Emanuel was elected mayor of Chicago Tuesday, easily overwhelming five rivals to take the helm of the nation’s third-largest city as it prepares to chart a new course without the retiring Richard M. Daley.
More than two dozen people challenged Emanuel’s eligibility because he had lived in Washington for nearly two years while working for Obama, and he had rented out his Chicago home. Emanuel moved back to Chicago in October after Daley announced he would not seek a seventh term. The matter went all the way to the Illinois Supreme Court, which overturned a lower-court ruling that briefly threw Emanuel off the ballot. But all that turmoil seemed far behind Tuesday as Emanuel paid tribute to his supporters.
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The other major candidates — former Chicago schools president Gery Chico, former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun and City Clerk Miguel del Valle — had hoped to force a runoff that would have extended the campaign for six more weeks. But they were no match for Emanuel's momentum and money. Chico had 24 percent of the vote compared with 9 percent for both del Valle and Braun. Two lesser-known candidates got 1 and 2 percent each. The campaign began last fall when Daley — with an ailing wife, six terms under his belt and a future in which Chicago’s fiscal challenges loomed large — announced he would not seek re-election. Emanuel, a 51-year-old married father of three, will be the city’s first Jewish mayor when he takes office on May 16. He’s a well-known figure in national Democratic politics, having worked for two presidents and represented Chicago’s North Side in the House of Representatives for three terms. He’s also known as an abrasive, often profane political operative with a famous take-no-prisoners style that was even parodied on “Saturday Night Live.” But Emanuel was on his best behavior on the campaign trail, where his swagger and hard edges gave way to unusual calm. He visited all 50 wards and made regular stops at all the city’s elevated train stations. He talked confidently about local issues — mass transit, bike paths and after-school programs — and refused to be goaded. His lead in the polls grew and so did his campaign, becoming a $13 million juggernaut. All three of his main rivals tried to put Emanuel on the defensive, casting him as an outsider and questioning his temperament. But he stayed above the fray, and his celebrity made it hard for the criticism to gain any traction.
Emanuel had just been elected to his fourth term in Congress when he resigned in 2008 to work for President Barack Obama, a fellow Chicagoan. It was a job he held until he resigned in October 2010 to run for mayor. He had also worked as a top aide to Bill Clinton. Obama quickly sent his congratulations to the mayor-elect. “As a Chicagoan and a friend, I couldn’t be prouder,” the president said in a statement. “Rahm will be a terrific mayor for all the people of Chicago.” Emanuel’s relationship with Obama won him votes from a number of people who believed his White House connections would be an advantage. Obama political adviser David Axelrod said Chicago would get “whatever the city’s entitled to. ... And I don’t think Rahm will leave one dollar on the table.” During his time in Congress, Emanuel served as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and was credited with helping lead Democrats to victory in 2006, when they won the majority in the House after a dozen years in the minority. The new mayor faces a daunting series of challenges, including fixing the city’s dire finances, addressing underfunded employee pensions and confronting a shrinking urban population. Daley has been criticized for allowing the city to spend beyond its means, and Chicago was not spared the pain of the economic downturn of the last few years. The city’s inspector general’s office warned in October that Chicago’s annual deficit surpassed $1 billion when combining recent budget deficits with the spending increases the city would need to properly fund its pension system. Emanuel may come under pressure to raise taxes and cut services and
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CHICAGO — Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel was elected mayor of Chicago on Tuesday, easily overwhelming five rivals to take the helm of the nation’s third-largest city as it prepares to chart a new course without the retiring Richard M. Daley. Emanuel trounced all opponents with 55 percent of the vote — a margin that allowed him to avoid an April runoff. He needed more than 50 percent to win outright. It was the city’s first mayoral race in more than 60 years without an incumbent on the ballot and the first in more than two decades without Daley among the candidates. Daley and his father have led Chicago for more than 43 out of the last 56 years. Emanuel called the victory “humbling” and said the outgoing mayor had “earned a special place in our hearts and our history.” But he added: “We have not won anything until a kid can go to school thinking of their studies and not their safety. Until the parent of that child is thinking about their work and not where they are going to find work, we have not won anything.” Reginald Bachus, the 51-yearold pastor of a West Side church who voted for Emanuel, said the next four years will be a very critical time for Chicago. “We really need a mayor who has vision. It’s my personal opinion everyone else would have been a manager, and I think Rahm has vision,” Bachus said.
public employee benefits, though those measures would be politically difficult. The new mayor will also have to find new leadership for city schools and a new police superintendent. All the candidates have talked about wanting to replace Jody Weis with someone who has a stronger focus on neighborhood policing. As recently as January, Emanuel’s candidacy was imperiled by a legal challenge to knock him off the ballot over the city’s requirement that candidates live in the city for at least one year prior to running.
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
BRIEFS NASA clears shuttle Discovery for Thursday launch BY MARCIA DUNN AP AEROSPACE WRITER CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has given a unanimous “go” for Thursday’s planned launch of space shuttle Discovery.
It will be the final flight for Discovery, the world's most traveled rocketship. Shuttle managers met Wednesday and agreed to proceed with the flight after a four-month delay caused by fuel tank cracks. Liftoff is scheduled for 4:50 p.m. Thursday. There’s an 80 percent chance of
good weather. Six astronauts will ride Discovery up to the International Space Station. They will deliver and install a closet full of space station supplies, and drop off a humanoid robot. Robonaut will become the first humanoid in space. Discovery has already logged nearly 143 million miles, more than any other reusable spacecraft.
AP Photo by John Raoux
The crew of space shuttle Discovery, from left, commander Steve Lindsey, pilot Eric Boe, mission specialists Alvin Drew, Tim Kopra, and Michael Barratt listen as Nicole Stott, far right, answers questions at a news conference on launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010. Discovery is scheduled to launch Nov. 1.
Court bars streaming of TV programming online BY JOELLE TESSLER AP TECHNOLOGY WRITER WASHINGTON — In a key victory for television broadcasters, a federal court has ordered a Seattle start-up called ivi Inc. to stop distributing broadcast signals over the Internet without their consent. The U.S. District Court in New York issued a preliminary injunction against ivi on Tuesday barring the company from streaming copyrightprotected broadcast programming online. Ivi captures over-the-air broadcast signals from stations in Seattle, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and delivers them to subscribers who have downloaded its ivi TV player, which costs $4.99 a month. The company is being sued for copyright infringement by the big broadcast networks, local stations in New York and Seattle, public broadcasters, several large movie studios and Major League Baseball. Ivi said it will shut down its broadcast channel offerings while it appeals the court ruling. “The oppressive big media networks must open their doors to innovators or they will inevitably fall,” the company said in a statement. “People want responsible choice, not the one-size-fits-all tele-
vision offerings imposed by powerful media interests.” In court, ivi has argued that it is entitled to the same rights to distribute broadcast programming that federal copyright law automatically grants cable TV operators. Tuesday’s court ruling rejected that reasoning, concluding that ivi does not qualify as a cable system. The National Association of Broadcasters said it welcomed the decision.
Calif. firm develops flying artificial hummingbird ASSOCIATED PRESS MONROVIA, Calif. — A California company says it has demonstrated controlled precision hovering and fast-forward flight by a camera-equipped micro aircraft that flies like a hummingbird. Monrovia-based AeroVironment on Thursday released video of the remotely controlled Nano Hummingbird it developed for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The artificial hummingbird uses only its two flapping wings for propulsion and control. For the video, an operator flew it outdoors and then through a doorway into a building. The prototype has a wingspan of 6.5 inches, weighs two-thirds of an ounce and has a body fairing See BRIEFS, page 8
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
Official: Ivory Coast fighting kills at least 10 BY MARCO CHOWN OVED, ASSOCIATED PRESS MARCO CHOWN OVED, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Contest Theme:
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — A battle between forces for the country’s two political rivals involving rocket-propelled grenades left at least 10 policemen dead, an official said Wednesday after some of the heaviest fighting since the disputed election three months ago. Witnesses in the volatile Abobo district of Abidjan described hours of heavy machine gunfire and grenade explosions Tuesday. At least two civilians also were believed to be killed. The death toll could not immediately be confirmed, but one official said at least 10 officers were dead. A senior adviser to internationally recognized winner Alassane Ouattara said that at least 30 troops were killed, while another employee of the mayor’s office in Abobo put the death toll at 40. The officials all spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Colonel Hilaire Gohourou, a military spokesman for incumbent Laurent Gbagbo’s government,
denied any knowledge of the incident. It was the fourth consecutive day of violence in Ivory Coast’s commercial capital since Ouattara’s Prime Minister Guillaume Soro called for an “Egypt-style� uprising in the country. Security forces loyal to Gbagbo, who still clings to power, have killed at least nine people during this time, and the United Nations says that almost 300 people have been killed since the Nov. 28 election. One resident described two bouts of fighting that went on for about 40 minutes each. When the fighting was over, he found two bodies stripped naked on the street in front of his house. “It was a nightmare,� said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. “There were explosions and the deafening sound of machine guns. This wasn’t the little pops of Kalashnikovs — we’re used to that,� he said. Ouattara is considered the legitimate president of Ivory Coast by governments around the world, but he has not been able to assume
AP Photo/Emanuel Ekra
Police protect South African President Jacob Zuma as he boards a car to leave after being shouted at by angry supporters of Ivory Coast’s internationally-recognized president Alassane Ouattara following a meeting with Ouattara at the Golf Hotel in Abidjan, Ivory Coast Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011. A reduced delegation met with Ouattara Tuesday, after two of the mediators sent to resolve this country’s political crisis pulled out citing security threats. office because Gbagbo is refusing to leave. On Tuesday, a high-level delegation sent by the African Union was in Abidjan to meet with the warring sides in an attempt to find a solution, but they left Wednesday having made no progress.
Ouattara is backed by a rebel group based in the country's north and observers expect that the rebels will launch an attack if Gbagbo refuses to leave. Ouattara has said, however, that he does not want to take the presidency by force.
Officials in Gbagbo’s government say that armed rebels have infiltrated the population in Abobo and have been firing on police. Members of the New Forces rebels refuse to comment on the issue, but See IVORY COAST, page 19
LEST WE FORGET: FROM THE CIVIL WAR TO CIVIL RIGHTS Presented by
Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa The City of Los Angeles and the African American Heritage Month Planning Committee
Guidelines for Entry:
CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION
in the form of a poem, song, story, essay, etc., and not previously published. Document or on paper, not exceeding one page. ! ! "" # $ " % originality, clarity of the writing, and incorporation of the theme. & & " writing competition’s 1st Place winners are ineligible for 1st Place. ' "& " " # Only one entry per participant.
Participant Must Include
Participation requires
Deliver, mail or inquiries to:
the creation of an original written work inspired by the contest theme/topic and is open to all youth in grades 6-12 within Los Angeles County.
Department of Cultural Affairs Attn: Rebeca Guerrero 201 N. Figueroa St., Suite 1400 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Email: rebeca.guerrero@lacity.org Phone: (213) 202-5545 Fax: (213) 202-5513
Prizes: Division I. 6th – 8th Grades II. 9th – 10th Grades III. 11th -12th Grades
www.culturela.org 1st Place Dell Laptop Dell Laptop Dell Laptop
2nd Place Dell Mini Laptop Dell Mini Laptop Dell Mini Laptop
On same page or separately: * " + / " + & " + & phone number, & email address "& ; < + = "& + / % telephone number, and email /
3rd Place Kindle Wireless Reading Device Kindle Wireless Reading Device Kindle Wireless Reading Device
Only winners will be notified by telephone by March 4, 2011. Further details of the awards ceremony will be provided at this time. The Winning participant along with their class (if applicable) will be invited to attend the awards ceremony to be held tentatively on March 11, 2011. All entries become the property of the City of Los Angeles. The City has the right to reproduce or publish the written work in any medium for current or future use in educational materials and programs. Selection of winners by the judging panel is final. Participants may be required to provide proof of parental consent in form and substance suitable to Sponsor, in Sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sole discretion, in order to be confirmed as a prize winner. The Sponsor has the right to disqualify an entry for any reason. The Contest is solely sponsored by the City of Los Angeles. All questions and concerns related to the Contest should be directed towards the City of Los Angeles at (213) 202-5545.
Official Sponsor
Deadline:
Monday, February 28, 2011
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2011
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
‘At Your Service’ salute honors top L.A. City managers Wesson leads African American heritage month tribute LOS ANGELES — Councilmember Herb Wesson was the leader of this year’s Los Angeles City Council celebration of African American Heritage Month, which paid tribute to 40 of the top African Americans in senior management positions with the City of Los Angeles. The tribute included a presentation in the council chamber before the full City Council, and a special exhibit on the City Hall Over-Bridge Gallery entitled “At Your Service.” The exhibit offers displays of photographs and biographical sketches highlighting their many years of service to the city, as well as person-
Black Facts Feb. 25, 1991 Adrienne Mitchell, the first African-American woman to die in combat in the Persian Gulf War, is killed in her military barracks in Dharan, Saudi Arabia. Source: blackfacts.com
Emperor Scorpion
al profiles of the honorees. “These outstanding individuals represent the life-blood of our city government. They are the unsung heroes and heroines who, day in and day out, in good weather and bad weather, keep our city functioning and safe,” said Councilmember Wesson. “It’s important that we remember that they are always ‘At Your Service.’ ” Joining Wesson in the tribute were Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and City councilmembers, Bernard Parks, Jan Perry and Janice Hahn. The presentation and the exhibit, which will remain on display through the end of February, represented the largest recognition of non-elected city officials ever.
“At Your Service”
BRIEFS
Continued from page 6 shaped like a real hummingbird. AeroVironment was founded by the late Paul MacCready, designer of the pioneering human-powered flying machines Gossamer Condor and Gossamer Albatross. The company also makes unmanned military aircraft systems.
African Black Mamba
Oil prices jump past $100 BY CHRIS KAHN AP ENERGY WRITER NEW YORK — The price of oil passes $100 per barrel for the first time since October 2008. Benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude on Wednesday rose
Black Widow Spider
$4.59 to $100.01 in afternoon trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude, which can be shipped around the world and better reflects global demand, hit $100 per barrel on Jan. 31 and is now approaching $112. Prices have jumped in the past
Cigarette
week as protestors in Libya clashed with supporters of Moammar Gadhafi and appeared to gain control over parts of the country. Oil companies working in Libya have pulled workers and idled production operations that provide oil and gas mainly to Europe.
Peruvian Giant Centipede
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
BY STACEY PATTON SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THEDEFENDERSONLINE.COM
because he took a job that White racists deemed fit only for White men. Teaming up with the FBI, local law enforcement officials, and surviving relatives, Beauchamp’s series tells of a search for justice for Jackson’s killing and other heinous racially-motivated crimes of the Civil Rights era. “I believe in justice,” says Beauchamp. “We want to give the families justice and closure.” He says he hopes his new series will lead to “cleansing dialogue” and “race reconciliation.” Beauchamp has been on a mission ever since he was 10 years old when he saw a horrifying Jet Magazine photo cover of the bloated corpse of Emmett Louis Till. In the summer of 1955 Till was murdered for whistling at a White woman. Beauchamp’s obsession with the unsolved Till case and his passion for justice, inspired him to produce a documentary in 2004 – “The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till.” New information uncovered in the filming led the Justice Department to reopen the Till case and
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pursue new suspects. There was a sham trial in Money, Miss., in 1955 in which an all-White jury acquitted the men charged with the crime. The good news is that Beauchamp’s work led to the Senate passage of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, which gives a total of $13.5 million annually to the Department of Justice, the F.B.I. and state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cold cases. Like with any cold case, memories fade, people die, and others are wary of talking to the F.B.I. or other law enforcement officials. In 2008 Beauchamp produced his first documentary series “Murder in Black and White” which aired on the TV One channel. That series examined four killings that took place in the South during the 1940s and 1950s at a time in American history when dozens of murders of African Americans were never solved or even investigated. The victims were active in the movement or murdered because they had in some way stepped out of their “place” in segregated America. As he did in his 2008 series, Beauchamp dramatically recreates the past, integrates archival footage, and conducts interviews with family members, witnesses, historians, and local officials. In doing so, he opens old wounds, angers those that want to let old sleeping dogs lie, and he successfully illuminates the conditions that galvanized the Civil Rights Movement. The Injustice Files does not promise to solve all of its cases. Indeed, but the blunt reality that at least some of these tragic crimes will remain unsolved only adds to the series’ quality. FBI agent Cynthia Deitle, who worked alongside Beauchamp, says many of the cold cases of the Civil Rights era remain unsolved. “That’s why we are going back,” she said. “If the FBI failed in the 1950s or ’60s, I want to rectify that. I want to make it right.” “To some extent,” says Investigation Discovery president Henry Schleiff, “this is a civil rights version of ‘America’s Most Wanted.’ We hope that by portraying these stories, the witnesses will come through.” Stacey Patton is a writer for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
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Filmmaker Keith Beauchamp is photographed at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss., on April 2, 2008. Beauchamp’s filming a series of documentaries based on civil rights killings for the cable channel now known simply as History as well as TV One, a cable network that programs for an AfricanAmerican audience. Any new evidence Beauchamp uncovers is shared with the FBI for its Cold Case Unit that focuses on crimes that have gone unpunished from that era.
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At the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. said, “the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” King invoked these words more than four decades ago to comfort and to galvanize those committed to making justice and racial equality in American life a reality. But, King also reminded his listeners that the arc of justice does not bend on its own. “It bends because each of us in our own ways put our hand on that arc and we bend it in the direction of justice.” Keith Beauchamp, a 39-year-old filmmaker from Brooklyn, N.Y., is one of those people. His groundbreaking investigative documentary series “The Injustice Files” airs on the Investigative Discovery Channel at 9 p.m. The “I.D. Channel” is popularly known for such shows including “Disappeared” and “Stolen Voices, Buried Secrets” that investigate recent and old crimes. The first show, “Secrets of Natchez,” investigates the murder of Wharlest Jackson, a civil rights activist and devoted father of five who became a target of one of the most virulent Ku Klux Klan chapters in the South
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
B L AC K H I S TO RY M O N T H F E AT U R E
Landmark Moments in African-American History By Michael Brown Contributing Writer From the bowels of slave ships during the Middle Passage to the President of the White House, the African-American story in the United States is filled with tragedy and triumph. In commemoration of Black History Month, following are several snapshots of the events, people and institutions that have helped fill the chapters of the African-American story. Africans First Arrive in North America (circa 1619) When 20 Africans stepped foot onto the first established English colony in Jamestown, Va., the history of African Americans began in North America. The indentured servants, transported by either a Dutch or Spanish ship — historians vary in opinion — are believed to be the first Africans to come into contact with the English colonies. Their arrival wasn’t the first foray of Africans in the Americas, however. Books such as Ivan Van Sertima’s “They Came Before Columbus” and Lerone Bennett Jr.’s “Before The Mayflower: A History of Black America” provide ample evidence showing African exploration of Mexico and South America hundreds of years prior to Jamestown. Amistad (1841) The Supreme Court ruled that African slaves who revolted aboard the Spanish ship, Amistad, were to be freed because the international slave trade had been abolished. The slaves returned to Africa after the victory.
but not those in border states and in various parishes in the South. Lincoln “freed” the slaves in states where he couldn’t enforce the law, and was criticized by abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, who called him “the White man’s president.” Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) The Supreme Court ruled that “separate but equal” accommodations didn’t negate the meaning of the 14th Amendment. This decision was the driving force behind “The Age of Jim Crow” laws. Founding of the NAACP (1909) Preceded by the Niagara Movement, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in New York and became the legal arm of the Civil Rights Movement. Black leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois and William Monroe Trotter helped shape the NAACP’s structure and mission while leading the Niagara Movement. Chances are that if there was a major case involving civil rights in the 20th century, an NAACP attorney was present fighting for social justice. Founding of the National Urban League (1910) Dr. George Edmund Haynes, a social worker, along with Ruth Baldwin, a White woman, founded the Committee on Urban Conditions to address the problems faced by Blacks in cities. A year later, it became one of the groups to evolve into the National Urban League, which today is, “Dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities,” its website states.
Emancipation Proclamation (1863) Former President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the proclamation has been lauded as the act that “freed the slaves.” However, the Emancipation Proclamation freed only some slaves. Lincoln freed slaves held in Confederate states,
Desegregation of the Military (1948) President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which abolished racial segregation in the armed forces. Order 9981 followed President Franklin Roosevelt’s 1941 Executive Order 8802. Both became a reality thanks to the help and pressure of civil rights leaders such as A. Philip Randolph, president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Randolph promised Roosevelt that if he didn’t move to enact policies that would enfranchise Black workers during World War II, he would lead a march on Washington comprised of more than 100,000 men. Roosevelt signed the order several
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Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) Dred Scott, a Black man, sued to gain his and his family’s freedom, but was denied by the U.S. Supreme Court, which declared that Blacks were not citizens. The case also opened up the western territories to slavery.
L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER As February comes to a close, the L.A.Watts Times recalls events, people and institutions that changed history for Black Americans and others.
days later. Randolph again threatened that he would urge Black youth to practice civil disobedience if the armed forces weren’t desegregated. The executive orders helped set the tone for Colin Powell to become the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) The landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The decision overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling, and served as one of the starting points for dismantling legalized segregation. The case helped spawn the Civil Rights Movement and further the career of NAACP attorney Thurgood Marshall. Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) and the SCLC (1955-57) The MIA served as the precursor to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and made its mark when a member, in an act of nonviolent direct action, refused to give up her seat on a bus. Rosa Parks was arrested for failing to abide by Montgomery, Ala.’s segregation laws. Her act of defiance galvanized the Blacks in Montgomery, which was led by the MIA’s president, Martin Luther King Jr. For 12 months, Blacks in Montgomery boycotted the Montgomery buses in a tactic designed by the MIA and NAACP. The Supreme Court later ruled that laws that required buses to be segregated were unconstitutional. King, along with men such as Ralph Abernathy and Bayard Rustin, founded the SCLC in 1957. Founding of SNCC (1960) Young activists recognizing the need for further direct action met at Shaw University and formed the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. With social justice advocate and civil rights veteran Ella Baker playing a prominent role in helping organize the young group, they staged sit-ins, freedom rides, and voter registration drives throughout the South. Some people who were in SNCC include Rep. John Lewis, former NAACP chairman Julian Bond and former Black Panther Kwame Ture
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Military escorting black students Little Rock Central High School Mandated integration
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President Barack Obama and 1st Family Inauguration 2009
among others. March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (1963) Initially an idea by A. Philip Randolph, the ’63 March on Washington was comprised of 250,000 participants and its keynote speaker, Martin Luther King Jr., delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the historic event. Civil Rights Act (1964) “We have lost the South for a generation,” President Lyndon B. Johnson famously told an aide after signing the bill into law. Johnson’s statement came to fruition as southern Whites abandoned the Democratic Party in droves. The bill banned discrimination in public accommodations, education and employment. The ’64 act evolved from the 1957 act signed into law by President Dwight Eisenhower and dealt mostly with voting rights, but was inadequately enforced. The federal government had to modify the ’57 act in 1960, but not before southern Democrats filibustered for more than 42 hours spanning three days. Voting Rights Act (1965) President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the act to establish federal oversight of mostly southern states, where Blacks were subjected to literacy tests, poll taxes and other tools of disenfranchisement. The act is currently still in place and jurisdictions under its purview must seek federal permission to change voting venues or practices. Malcolm X’s Assassination (1965) After breaking with the Nation of Islam (NOI) and forming his own organization, the Organization of Afro-American Unity, Malcolm X was assassinated by assailants at Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom. Malcolm X, an advocate of Black nationalism and self-determination, rose from the ranks of the NOI after converting to Islam while incarcerated. He became one of the era’s great orators. Although Malcolm was killed before his plans materialized, a new breed of militants inspired by his words captivated the nation, the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. Huey Newton and Bobby Seale founded the party in Oakland in 1966.
Thurgood Marshall Appointed to the Supreme Court (1967) After winning landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education and Browder v. Gayle, Marshall became the first African-American appointed to the Supreme Court. Marshall was succeeded on the Supreme Court by another African American, Clarence Thomas, appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Martin Luther King’s Assassination (1968) While in Memphis, Tenn., in support of a Black sanitation workers strike, civil rights titan Martin Luther King Jr. was killed by a sniper on the balcony of a motel. Cities from coast-to-coast erupted in rebellions after word spread that King had been assassinated. Federal troops and the National Guard were called out to quell disturbances in more than 120 cities. Racial Restrictive Covenants (1968) These covenants forbade the rental or sale of property to Blacks oftentimes. The NAACP’s legal department fought for decades to dismantle racial restrictive covenants. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 put in place mechanisms to deter renters and sellers from discriminating against a potential customer based upon race, gender, religion or national origin. Later on, disabilities and familial status were added as provisions. For years, de facto segregation went on, as many Whites who fled to the suburbs preferred to keep minorities away from their neighborhoods. Founding of the Congressional Black Caucus (1971) During January of ’71, Black members of Congress united to form the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). And almost immediately, they butted heads with President Richard Nixon in a meeting for his failure to address their grievances. Twelve Black congressmen boycotted Nixon’s State of the Union address as a result, according to “Before The Mayflower: A History of Black America.” The CBC currently has 41 representatives.
Juneteenth (1980) It had been roughly two years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation declared all slaves held in rebellious states free. However, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that the slaves of Galveston, Texas, found out they were free until they were informed by a Union general. The slaves also were unaware that the Civil War had ended two months earlier. Officially recognized by Texas as a holiday in 1980, Juneteenth is the oldest and most widely celebrated event commemorating the end of AfricanAmerican slavery. Million Man March (1995) Scores of Black men converged on Washington, D.C., after Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan called for a march. Once there, men from throughout the United States listened to speeches by civil rights activists, clergy and politicians. Hurricane Katrina (2005) The havoc wreaked by Hurricane Katrina wasn’t just geological but also social, as the nation witnessed scores of Black people drown. Katrina, which was a category 5 hurricane, left 1,836 people dead, costs the Gulf Coast an estimated 400,000 jobs, and caused more than $110 billion in damages, the costliest hurricane in U.S. history, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Residents of New Orleans and Mississippi suffered the brunt of the hurricane’s wrath. Civil rights leaders and Black politicians were critical of President George W. Bush’s administration for its failure to act promptly. Barack Obama Wins Presidency (2008) Barack Obama’s ascendance from an Illinois senator to the White House was complete about four years after he burst on the national scene with his rousing speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. On the night of Nov. 4, 2008, cheers were heard, and tears flowed from not only throngs of supporters in the United States, but internationally, as people celebrated Obama’s inspirational message of hope and change.
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Luther King, Jr. h Malcolm X
Thurgood Marshall 1st Black Supreme Court Justice 1967
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
PAFF viewing of “Gang Girl” wows audience BY BRANDON I. BROOKS CO-MANAGING EDITOR Veteran and professional photographer Valerie Goodloe premiered her debut documentary film, “Gang Girl: A Mother’s Journey to Save Her Daughter,” at the 2011 Pan African Film Festival. The story of “Gang Girl” is based upon Valerie Goodloe and her family’s ongoing struggle to save her daughter, Nafeesa, from the notorious gang culture that haunts Los Angeles’ inner-city streets. Nafeesa, like many youngsters growing up in Los Angeles, decided to join a gang (Bloods) and spent the majority of her youth years running the streets, terrorizing her so-called rivals, committing crimes such as grand theft auto and God knows what else. The “gang-bang” life as it’s called is “addicting,” in the words of Nafeesa, and in her mind, “it is what it is.” Nafeesa reveals the harsh realities of growing up without a care except to bang with the homies and get high every day. You sense the depression of her experiences and the lack of motivation behind her day-to-day life. Part of Nafeesa’s depression is caused by her sexual confusion and her family’s struggle to accept the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender (LBGT) as a normal way of life. During the film, Nafeesa admits she prefers to hang with the male gang members as she carries herself much like a male gangster. She says that her homies from the ’hood accept her no matter what her sexual preference is and that is part of the love she doesn’t get from her family. The film interviews fellow gang members, including older female gang members that have been “banging” for their entire lives. The film documents how gang cul-
ture can be a lifelong commitment for many people and that is why Valerie feels she must save her daughter. She refuses to allow her to become another statistic. “Gang Girl” documents the generational culture of gangs and how kids are literally being raised from birth to become part of the “hoodlife.” They call these kids “embryos.” Congresswoman Maxine Waters made an appearance at the PAFF premiere for “Gang Girl,” as she is also featured in the film. The film documents how on one occasion, Waters assisted Valerie and her family with finding Nafeesa after Nafeesaa ran away from home. Waters and Goodloe are close friends, as Goodloe has worked many events for the congresswoman. One evening, when Valerie happened to be shooting an event for Waters, she asked Valerie, “How is your family doing?,” and Valerie answered honestly, which at the time was bad because her family was in turmoil over the disappearance of Nafeesa. Waters told Valerie that immediately after the event, they together would find Nafeesa. Being the community leader she is, Waters literally brought a truck load of food and turkeys to the community where Nafeesa was reportedly missing and passed them out for information of Nafeesa’s whereabouts. This particular story is documented in the film and illustrates just how committed Valerie Goodloe was and is in rescuing her daughter from the mean streets of L.A. The film features interviews from family members including Nafeesa’s step-father, sister and biological father, who she currently lives with. Her biological father has been there with her and her mother Valerie, the entire way trying to save Nafeesa from becoming a statistic.
Photo by Brandon I. Brooks
(L-R) Nafeesa, Glynn Turman and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. The docu-film also features star actor Glynn Turman who runs a youth camp for kids called “Camp Gid D Up.” Founded in 1992, “Camp Gid D Up,” according to their website, has been a free western style summer camp program for disenfranchised inner-city and at-risk youth ages 9 to 18. Every summer, for over 18 years, more than 100 youth and 45 staff enjoy a week on a real working ranch. Nafeesa and some of the other gang members featured in the film spent time with Glynn at his camp and immediately during the film you can witness the transformation in not only Nafeesa but the other participating gang members. The work being done at “Camp Gid D Up,” by the Turman family proves that you have to take people out of their normal environment to grow and experience and open mind. The film also features other community members such as “Skip,” whom runs a gang intervention program to help ex-gang members and troubled youth escape the streets and find alternatives to the destructive life they have lived. “Gang Girl,” is a must see film for all ages. This film needs to be seen in schools all around the country, not just in Los Angeles inner city schools. The story of Nafeesa speaks to a
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wider audience than just gang members or affiliates. “Gang Girl” is a real-life story about a family’s struggle and more importantly a family’s will to survive Valerie Goodloe their environment. Valerie Goodloe, Photo by Brandon I. Brooks like any loving parent, refuses to give up on her their lives and telling the raw and child. Her passion and love for her vivid truth in the film. “Gang Girl” family led her to document her fami- has the potential to save many lives ly’s struggle in its rawest sense so that because it doesn’t hold back from the all families can learn from her experi- harsh realities of life. I recommend ence. That candid perspective and the film be shown to all ages and sacrifice is what makes Valerie who hopefully be picked up by a major network for national and internationshe is today. Valerie and her daughter open al distribution.
CLAMPDOWN Continued from page 5
scores of anti-government protesters raising the flag from the pre-Gadhafi monarchy on a building in Zawiya, 30 miles west of Tripoli. Another showed protesters lining up cement blocks and setting tires ablaze to fortify positions on a square inside the capital. The footage couldn’t be independently confirmed. Further west, armed forces deployed in Sabratha, a town famed for nearby ancient Roman ruins, in a bid to regain control after protesters burned government buildings and police stations, the Qureyna news website reported. It said clashes had erupted between soldiers and residents in the past nights and that residents were also reporting an influx of pro-Gadhafi militias that have led heaviest crackdown on protesters. “The situation here is very secure, the people here have organized security committees, and there are people who have joined us from the army,” said a 25-year-old unemployed university graduate in Zwara. “This man (Gadhafi) has reached the point that he’s saying he will bring armies from African (to fight protesters). That means he is isolated,” he said. The division of the country — and defection of some army units to the protesters — raises the possibility the opposition could try an assault on the capital. On the Internet, there were calls by protesters for all policemen, armed
forces and youth to march to Tripoli on Friday. In his speech Tuesday night, Gadhafi defiantly vowed to fight to his “last drop of blood” and roared at supporters to strike back against Libyan protesters to defend his embattled regime. Gadhafi appears to have lost the support of several tribes and his own diplomats, including Libya’s ambassador in Washington, Ali Adjali, and deputy U.N. Ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi. The Libyan Embassy in Austria also condemned the use of “excessive violence against peaceful demonstrators” and said in a statement Wednesday that it was representing the Libyan people. International alarm has risen over the crisis, and is sending oil prices soaring and European and other countries scrambling to get their citizens out of the North African nation. On Wednesday, oil prices hit $100 per barrel for the first time since 2008. Libya is the world’s 15th largest exporter of crude, accounting for 2 percent of global daily output. Traders are worried the revolt could threaten Libya’s oil production and spread to other countries in the region. The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting Tuesday that ended with a statement condemning the crackdown, expressing “grave concern” and calling for an “immediate end to the violence” and steps to address the legitimate demands of the Libyan people.
See CLAMPDOWN, page 13
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
Morrison, Hale make tribute to Billie Holiday BY ARYSSA DURRELL CONTRIBUTING WRITER It’s Sunday evening, the lights are dim, and the sounds of soulful jazz music are spilling out of the heart of Leimert Park. On the late afternoon of Feb. 20, the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center hosted “A Tribute to Billie Holiday” in celebration of Black History Month, which included a host of wondrous musicians. Corky Hale, a close friend and pianist of jazz legend Billie Holiday, led the performers throughout this beautiful night of music in what she referred to as, “... not a rehearsed show, (but) a jam session.” The setting was intimate, with every seat filled and a few having to sit or even stand on the balcony to see the show. The cozy space contributed greatly to the ambiance of the show, bringing the audience and the performers together as one to create the perfect jazz setting. The diverse audience was filled with jazz lovers and enthusiasts of Billie Holiday’s music. “We admire Billie’s contribution to jazz,” said an enthusiastic Judy Kehr, who was accompanied by friends and neighbors. There was such a great number of onlookers, tables had to be pulled away so that extra chairs could be brought onto the main floor to accommodate everyone. “Good thing nobody showed up,” Hale joked, drawing laughter from the audience. Even California Congresswoman Karen Bass attended. Bassist Karl Vincent, drummer Matt Gordy and trumpeter Marcus Belgrave were the only ones on stage
CLAMPDOWN Continued from page 12
After a meeting of EU ambassadors, the bloc did not announce sanctions, but EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the EU stood “ready to take further measures” beyond suspending talks on a bilateral deal. The precise measures were still being negotiated, a senior EU official said, adding that there were up to 10,000 EU citizens in Libya, sparking
with the vocalists, while Hale played the piano beside the stage. This simple arrangement fostered a flawless atmosphere for the soft sounds of Holiday’s spirit through song to be felt in each person within the vicinity. The charming arrangement of the band and singers created a friendly feeling throughout the room. Despite the fact that the band and vocalists had not rehearsed together prior to the show, they all did not seem to miss a beat. Hale opened the show on the piano, accompanied by her daughterin-law, Tricia Tahara, an amazing vocalist whose voice is full of soul. Tahara sung with elegance, ease and passion throughout the night, as the delightful Hale played along stunningly on the piano. Together they performed a song of Holiday’s “Billie’s Blues,” which Tahara explained was “the only true blues Billie ever wrote.” After performing a few numbers together, Tahara introduced the next singer to take the stage as “one of the greatest vocalist I’ve ever seen, Barbara Morrison.” Morrison then took the stage in her own performing arts center with a bold presence of cheer and lightheartedness. Laughter filled the audience, which created a warmness in the audience that Morrison’s comforting and familiar singing voice catered to. Before Tahara took the stage again, a slideshow of photos was shown of Holiday and Hale from performances in the past. These visuals gave the audience an insight into the world of jazz the two were once a significant part of. While the photographs were
worries about getting them out of the North African country safely. The official requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Italian news reports have said witnesses and hospital sources in Libya are estimating there are 1,000 dead in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, alone. Michael reported from Cairo. Associated Press writers Sarah El Deeb and Ben Hubbard in Cairo, Frances D’Emilio in Rome and Angela Doland in Paris contributed to this report.
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Barbara Morrison being shown, Hale and Morrison narrated their history with Billie and told anecdotes of their time together. Hale shared with the audience, quiet with intrigue, of how she keeps a book written about Holiday at home under “lock and key” that is signed to her, “To my little girl, from Billie.” Hale directed the self-proclaimed jam session, discussing the notes and tone with both Tahara and Morrison for each song as they took
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Tricia Tahara the stage. Her musical ingeniousness was obvious as her talent on the piano was timeless and seemed to flow through her fingertips effortlessly. Finally, Tahara, Morrison, and Hale took the stage together to perform a song of Holiday’s, which was a joyful sight to the audience. Together they embodied the jubilant spirit of Holiday and compassionately honored her and her music. It was a night many would
adore, especially those appreciative of the contribution to music Holiday has left behind her. Holiday, known to her fans as Lady Day, was an inspirational jazz singer of her time. During the 1940s and ’50s, her bold distinct singing voice brought her to the height of her career. Holiday passed at the age of 44, leaving behind her musical legacy for generations to come.
UNIVERSALPICTURES AND MEDIA RIGHTSCAPITAL PRESENT A GAMBIT PICTURES PRODUCTION INASSOCIATIONWITH ELECTRIC SHEPHERDPRODUCTIONS A FILM BY GEORGE NOLFI MATT DAMON “THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU” EMILY BLUNT ANTHONY MACKIE JOHN SLATTERY MICHAEL KELLY PRODUCED EXECUTIVE BY MICHAEL HACKETT GEORGE NOLFI AND TERENCE STAMP MUSICBY THOMAS NEWMAN PRODUCERS ISABASEDDICKUPONHACKETT JONATHAN GORDONSCREENPLAY THE SHORT STORY BILL CARRARO CHRIS MOORE “ADJUSTMENT TEAM” BY PHILIP K. DICK BY GEORGE NOLFI DIRECTEDBY GEORGE NOLFI A UNIVERSALRELEASE © 2010 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
EVENT 2-24-11 GROUNDBREAKING (URBAN X MARKETING) — In honor of Black History Month, Clifford Beers Housing Inc. and the Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) are hosting a groundbreaking ceremony to highlight their collaborative efforts to rehabilitate the 28th Street YMCA (“the Y”), a registered historic landmark designed by renowned African American archi-
Image Courtesy
tect Paul R. Williams. The groundbreaking will be held Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to noon, at 1006 E. 28th St., Los Angeles. Timed to coincide with Black History Month, this ceremony will not only showcase the partnership between the two development organizations and their plan to deliver 49 affordable housing units to the residents of South L.A.’s Vernon-Central corridor, but it will also launch their effort to preserve the spirit, work and legacy of Williams by putting out a call to action for photographs and personal remembrances of Williams himself and of those who have lived at the Y and/or have participated in any of its programs and services. Williams can be seen all over Los Angeles’ distinctive landscape. In a career spanning more than 50 years and more than 3,000 projects, his designs had become recognized as stylized and elegant. As a result, Williams’ blueprints have not only designed luxury homes throughout Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hancock Park and other areas, but they have also helped to paint L.A.’s cityscape with such landmarks as the Ambassador Hotel,
LISTINGS
the Beverly Hill Saks Fifth Avenue, and the design of the terminal facility at the Los Angeles International Airport. Information: (213) 3160108.
2-25-11 SEEKING NOMINATIONS (LAUP) — Nominations are currently being accepted to recognize outstanding educators who teach preschool in Los Angeles County — to be honored for going above and beyond the call of duty to better prepare preschool students for elementary school and life. The Los Angeles County Preschool Teacher of the Year Awards, sponsored by Los Angeles Universal Preschool Koning Eizenberg Architecture (LAUP), are open to all preschool teachers in Los Angeles County, including those who work in LAUP and non-LAUP-affiliated preschools. To be considered, applications must be received by Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. Nominations will be screened and based on a balanced, thoughtful and impartial evaluation, taking into consideration the candidate’s record. LAUP will notify award winners in March, and winners will be recognized during an evening celebration event to be held at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City on April 12. Candidates may nominate themselves, or be nominated by anyone associated with the nominee’s preschool, such as parents, co-workers or administrators. Winners will have demonstrated a strong commitment to a quality preschool education and a dedication to making a positive contribution to the children they serve, using creative instructional strategies as well as contributing to the well-being of the child, preschool and community. To obtain a nomination form, visit www.laup.net. For more information about the application process, (213) 416-1312 or email asafaei@laup.net.
02/11 - 04/11
happening these months
2-26-11 “CONQUERING FEARS OF CANCER” (BBPR) — Pastor Howard Arthur Swancy will present doctors from the California Oncology Research Institute (CORI) as they educate the community on cancer prevention, detection and treatment with “Conquering Fears of Cancer,” a free public event that will take place Feb. 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is the first of many events where the internationally recognized doctors of CORI will donate their time to inform communities about cancer. It is their mission to ensure that everyone, no matter what their economic or social status may be, has the knowledge to live a healthy life. The event will take place at Peace Apostolic Church, 21224 Figueroa St., Carson. BOOK SIGNING, DISCUSSION (AC BILBREW LIBRARY) — A book signing and discussion featuring Francella Henderson, author of “Hidden Secrets About Black History, Vol. 1,” will take place Feb. 26, 2 p.m, at AC Bilbrew Library. The program is free and open to the public. The library is at 150 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles. More information: (310) 538-3350, option 5. A CONVERSATION (LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS) — Sandy Bourne, a former executive director of the Pasadena Enterprise Center, will interview businessman, attorney, author and newspaper publisher Joe C. Hopkins at the California African American Museum on Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. Hopkins is owner of the Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley News Journal, founder of the Pasadena/Atlanta Black Lawyer Association, and president of the West Coast Publishers Association. This event is free and open to the public. The museum is at 600 State Drive, Los Angeles. More information: (213) 744-2024, www.caamuseum.org.
2-27-11 FREE LECTURE — A lecture by Dr. Maulana Karenga will be given at the African American Cultural Center on Feb. 27, from 3 to 5 p.m., in light of Black History Month. The
lecture is titled “Current Times and Challenges.” The center is at 3018 W. 48th St., Los Angeles. Information, registration: (323) 2996124.
3-4-11 SPAMALOT (CITY OF CERRITOS) — The Tony winner for Best Musical, “Spamalot,” will be at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) from March 4 to 6. The March 4 show will take place at 8 p.m., while the one on the 5th takes place at 2 and 8 p.m. The March 6 event will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $28 to $67 and are available at the CCPA ticket office and www.cerritoscenter.com. People interested in attending can also call (562) 467-8818. This show contains strong language and adult themes and is recommended for mature audiences only. More information: (562) 467-8818, www.cerritoscenter.com. The center is at 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. More information: (562) 467-8818.
3-5-11 “PEARLS OF WISDOM” (FULLCALENDAR.COM) — A Window Between Worlds and artist Kim Abeles will present “Pearls of Wisdom: End the Violence,” a community engagement project. The reception will take place March 5, 2 to 4 p.m. The exhibition will be from March 2 to 31 at the Korean Cultural Center, 5505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. The event includes advice and images by domestic violence survivors who recast personal memories of pain into lessons of courage and strength. The event is free. RSVPs for the reception are appreciated but not required. More information: www.awbw.org, (310) 396-0317, lresser@awbw.org.
3-6-11 JAZZ UP (FROM PHILIP SOKOLOFF) — “Jazz Up! with James Janisse will take place March 6, 3 p.m., at Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. The event will star Lady Jazz, an all-female jazz ensemble. Iconic jazz radio personality Janisse will be the host. Admission is $30 and group discounts are available for six or more. Reservations: (626) 355-4318.
www.lawattstimes.com 15
Thursday, February 24, 2011
3-8-11
4-17-11 EASTER CONCERT (SOUTHEASTSYMPHONY.ORG) —
“WENCH” (SANTA MONICA PUBLIC LIBRARY) — Santa Monica Citywide Reads — a community reading program that invites
MALCOLM X — An event titled “Malcolm X: Why Was It Necessary to Kill Him?” will take place March 8, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Taper Hall of Humanities (THH) 102 at the University of Southern California. Pan-African scholar Marika Sherwood will give the lecture. THH is at 3501 Trousdale Parkway, Los Angeles. More information: (626) 372-9498.
ONGOING
Black Facts Feb. 24, 1966 Elected leader and first president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah, is ousted in military coup while he is away on a peace mission to Vietnam. Feb. 24, 1811 Bishop of AME Church, Daniel Payne, is born. Feb. 25, 1998 R. Kelly’s hit single “I Believe I Can Fly” win Best Male R&B Vocal, Best Song Written for TV or a Movie, and Best R&B Song Grammy Awards. Source: blackfacts.com
GALLERY OF DISCOVERY (CAAM) — The installation in the Gallery of Discovery has created a wide range of emotions because of its graphic link to the transportation of Africans into slavery, life on the plantations and beyond. Thanks to the use of Toni Scott’s “Bloodlines” as the foundation, the space represents the Africa-to-America experience through a mixture of art, artifacts, and real life historical narratives and memories. The enormity of the truth of man’s inhumanity to man can be overwhelming, but at the California African American Museum (CAAM), such images generate questions, further dialogue, and promote new understandings. CAAM is at 600 State Drive, Los Angeles. Information: www.caamuseum.org, (213) 7447432.
everyone living, working in or visiting Santa Monica to read and discuss the same novel in book discussions and special events held throughout the city — will continue until March 12. This year, Citywide Reads celebrates its ninth anniversary with the featured book “Wench” by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. “Wench” was borne out of the author’s musings on why, when presented with the possibility of becoming free, some slaves would run, while others would choose to stay with their masters. “Wench” was recently nominated for Best Novel and Best First Novel at the
The deadline for receipt of calendar listings is Friday, noon, at least two weeks prior to activity. Fax to: (323) 299-3896, e-mail us at lawattsnus@aol.com or mail to: L.A. Watts Times, 3800 Crenshaw Blvd., L.A., CA 90008. All calendar items are received from various senders and are subject to being edited.
AND
enter today
PRESENTS
Poetry
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
2011
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Easter Oratorio will be performed by The Southeast Symphony and The Chancel Choir on April 17, 7:30 p.m., at the Rolling Hills United Methodist Church’s annual Easter concert. The church is at 26438 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Rolling Hills Estates. More information: cedickersoniii@sbcglobal.net, (310) 3776771.
NAACP Image Awards, and debuted at No. 16 on The New York Times’ Trade Paperback Best Sellers chart. The Citywide Reads blog, www.santamonicacitywidereads.blogspot.com, contains up-to-date and in-depth information about the book, author, and special events, and provides community members an opportunity to respond to the book and programs, and to start a dialogue with others. More information: (310) 4588600, www.smpl.org/cwr, www.santamonicacitywidereads.blogspot.com.
CONTEST
Submit a poem of 100 words or less!
MAYA ANGELOU 1928 - Present
Contestants ages 7-18 are welcomed to enter. Top Prize $500 - 4 winners will be selected to receive special prizes and featured in the Sentinel and L.A. Watts Times.
LOS ANGELES SENTINEL 3800 S. CRENSHAW BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90008
(323) 299-3800 Remember to please include name, age, address, email address, and phone number with your poetry submission. The deadline for contest and all entries is Feb. 28, 2011. Submissions are to be made to: Attn: Brian Carter or Tracy Mitchell, or by e-mail to brian@lasentinel.net or tracy@lasentinel.net (Subject: BHM Poetry Contest). Good Luck and let's remember our history together!
S P O N S O R S
Group sales only: (626) 301-9852. Online ticketing: www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
Blacks celebrate NBA All-Star weekend
Jim Hill addresses local students at Business Sports Summit Student-athletes from Dorsey, Crenshaw and L.B. Jordan attend summit where mentors emphasized non-playing sports careers.
On what has been dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Thanks Giving,â&#x20AC;? Blake Griffin stole Saturday night and Kobe Bryant stole Sunday night.
The NBA Jam session was a big basketball playground for NBA fans. Here, kids with aspirations of becoming NBA players could try out their Dominique Wilkins style dunks on the 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and 9â&#x20AC;&#x2122; rims. BY JASON LEWIS SENTINEL SPORTS EDITOR The NBA All-Star weekend has been dubbed as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Thanks Givingâ&#x20AC;? because of the high amount of Black fans who attend the events associated with the All-Star game. Walking around Staples Center, the Los Angeles Convention Center, and LA LIVE, it was easy to see why, as Los Angelesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Black community showed up in droves to see their favorite stars in sports and entertainment. There is a long-standing notion that the mostly Black NBA players play in front of mostly White crowds, but that was not the case at all this weekend, as there were a high amount of Blacks in attendance among the diverse crowds on Saturday night for the three-point and dunk contest, on Sunday night for the All-Star game, and at the NBA Jam Session throughout the weekend. The All-Star game, three-point contest and dunk contest lived up to the hype, but the Jam Session by far exceeded it. That was where fans could not only meet NBA players, but they were also able to play their favorite sport. Staples Center was the place to be seen, but the Jam Session was where the action was at. Watching kids perform 360degree dunks on 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and 9â&#x20AC;&#x2122; rims was amazing, and equally entertaining was watching grown ups trying to relive their youth, but getting hung on those very same rims. Jam Session definitely had a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blackâ&#x20AC;? flavor with a barber giving free haircuts, which a lot of parents took advantage of. Many kids came in their basketball shoes and shorts and were able to play in pickup games and compete in numerous challenges for prizes. Jam Session was a basketball fanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground, and the family atmosphere was attractive to many who had Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day off.
Jim Hill
Photos by William N. Byers Jr.
Sports summit BY MICHAEL BROWN CONTRIBUTING WRITER Photo by Jason Lewis
The All-Star weekend was more than just what was happening in downtown Los Angeles. There were events happening all over the place. Trevor Ariza, who played basketball at Westchester high school and UCLA, opened a Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar at the Baldwin Hills Mall on Thursday night with a star-studded event. This restaurant is the spot for watching any sporting event. Televisions cover every wall in the establishment, and it is by far the best looking sports bar & grill in the area. This is a place to take your family for dinner, or hang out with friends. Michael Jordan released his latest installment of his Nike Air Jordans. Jordans have been the luxury basketball shoe for more than 25 years, so the best way to introduce the shoes was at a Beverly Hills mansion. Many fans of the shoes wear them to be stylish, but these shoes were manufactured for elite athletes. One new innovation with the shoe is interchangeable mid-soles. Two mid-soles comes with the shoe, one which is lighter, for quicker players, and one with more cushion, for bigger players. Bigger players who want to be quicker late in games can switch out mid-soles so they are more nimble during crunch time. The shoe gives the player more options for better comfort, which could lead to greater athletic performance. As for the casual wearer, pop in the cushioned mid soles for everyday use. There were other really cool events surrounding the weekend, but most of the younger crowd was interested in the party scene. The rain did not keep most people indoors, since it was nearly impossible to drive around downtown and Hollywood because of parties hosted by Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Shaquille Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal, P Diddy, Jamie Foxx, Rick Ross, and
See ALL STAR WEEKEND, page 20
Less than 1 percent of high school football, baseball and basketball athletes will ever play on a professional level. Those statistics, contained in a study released by the NCAA in December 2010, served as one of the reasons more than 250 students from Dorsey, Crenshaw and L.B. Jordan were invited to the Business of Sports Summit held at Club Nokia Feb. 16. The summit, organized by Entertainment & Sports Plus (ESP), a Long Beach based sports and entertainment management agency, exposed the crowd of mostly studentathletes to professionals from several different fields related to sports such as management, photography, marketing and broadcasting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We held this event last year in Miami at the Super Bowl and we tend to hold them around big events in cities where we have clients,â&#x20AC;? said Everett Glenn, ESP chief executive officer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of our goals is to lead by example.â&#x20AC;? Glenn, a former athlete who gained a law degree and has been involved in sports for more than 20 years, later added that a goal of the summit was to show young people careers behind the camera. With 710 ESPN Radioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energetic LaFern Cusack serving as the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s host, students were introduced to a panel of mentors who gave brief introductions and words of inspiration. One of the standout mentors was former Inglewood High School star and NBA player Jason Hart. Hart delivered a message that seemed to resonate with the young audience when he encouraged them to â&#x20AC;&#x153;be cool to nerdsâ&#x20AC;? and to â&#x20AC;&#x153;close your mouth and open your earsâ&#x20AC;? more. The mentors then participated in several rounds of â&#x20AC;&#x153;speed mentoringâ&#x20AC;? by moving around the venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tables and speaking with students for 30minute intervals. Crenshaw football player Jeremiah Cration found the mentoring
sessions to be helpful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I learned a lot from a man-toman standpoint,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Getting my education and having a good Plan B were some of the most important things I learned from the mentors. They said things in a way that we could understand.â&#x20AC;? After the mentoring sessions ended, the summitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keynote speaker, CBS 2 Sports Director Jim Hill was scheduled to speak, but was delayed due to a prior commitment. During the idle time, with a room full of antsy teenagers and an elaborate DJ console set-up, former NFL defensive back Jason David grabbed the microphone and urged the students to show him the latest dances. The result: an impromptu dance contest erupted between students from the three high schools, eliciting hand claps and laughter from the crowd once David attempted to mimic the dance moves of the students. Afterward, Hill arrived and stepped to the podium for a speech that covered everything from his education to his NFL career and transition to becoming a sportscaster. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever let anyone out work you, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the secret,â&#x20AC;? Hill said. He later added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I work 16 to 18 hours a day. If your co-worker starts at 8 a.m., start at 7 a.m. If they go home at 8 p.m., go home at 9 p.m.â&#x20AC;? Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story and success is the embodiment of what the summitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stated purpose was. After Hill completed eight seasons in the NFL, he became a sportscaster at Los Angelesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CBS 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jim played at the highest level, but he leveraged it into a career in broadcasting,â&#x20AC;? Glenn said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because he was able to use sports as a vehicle, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been successful in a different arena. Most of these young athletes will not go on to pro careers, so they need to think of different paths.â&#x20AC;? Glennâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assertions ring true based on an NCAA 2010 study which showed that only 0.03 percent of high school basketball players makes the NBA. Football players fare better, but by a bit at 0.08 percent. Hill didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make any reference to
the numbers, but his message spoke to the issue. Hill said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all about standing in front of a camera. The real power is behind the camera. I used to talk with Magic (Johnson) when he
See JIM HILL, page 20
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Thursday, February 24, 2011
Celebration of Life
Hollywood publicist Damian Bruce remembered LOS ANGELES — Memorial services have been set for Hollywood writer and publicist Damian Bruce, of ESP Public Relations. Bruce died on Sunday, Feb. 6 at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 51. Bruce’s wife and business partner, Edna Sims Bruce, made the announcement. Born in Philadelphia, Bruce was a journalist who got his start in 1980 writing for The Capitol Spotlight in Washington, D.C., where he attended Howard University. After moving to Los Angeles in 1988, he became an art consultant, expert in the graphic works of surrealist artist Salvador Dali, but continued to freelance as a feature writer for newspapers and magazines. In 1994, Bruce Damian Bruce met his future wife, Edna. A year later the two married. In 1997, Bruce joined his wife in ESP Public Relations as her business partner, adding his excellent writing and communication skills to the dynamic duo. ESP PR’s client list includes: Actors Debbie Allen; Don Cheadle; Ellia English; Music One Founder Cathy Hughes; comedian Katt Williams; Kim Kardashian’s watch collection; rappers Snoop Dogg and Mannie Fresh; The Ford Motor Company Fund; American Women in Radio & Television’s “The Gracie Awards;” singer James Ingram; Deniece Williams; Florence LaRue; musician Wayne Linsey; Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins; director Spike Lee; MTV Networks; singer Janet Jackson; Naomi and Wynonna Judd; musician Wayman Tisdale; Sheila E.; Twista; Charles Wright; Jeff Majors; Experience Hendrix (Jimi Hendrix’s record company); Dr. Fred Price Crenshaw Christian Center; Dr. Creflo Dollar; QDIII (Quincy Jones’ son); David Talbert; Xenon Pictures; former NBA star Gary Payton; Oscar nominated director Karolyn Ali; ASCAP; singer Buju Banton; and many others. Bruce also wrote feature articles for Sister 2 Sister, Upscale, Black Diaspora & BRE Magazines and was known as one of the best interviewers in the entertainment industry. His interviewing and writing skills so impressed author Michael Eric Dyson, that Dyson included Damian’s interview with him as a chapter in his 2007 book “Debating Race,” Chapter 27, entitled “Poor Excuse: Cosby and the Politics of Disgust.” In 1998 Bruce expanded his talents into television when MTV came calling. MTV brought ESP Public Relation’s Real Deal Showcase to television in the form of the highly popular daily talent show The Cut hosted by the late Lisa Lefteye Lopes. Bruce was Director of Talent. The Cut ran for a full season on MTV running into the spring of 1999. After the show wasn’t picked up, Bruce went back to publicity work full time. Bruce spent his spare time traveling with his beloved wife Edna. The two traveled to France, China, Senegal, Africa, Japan, Brazil, Belize, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Canada, Gambia and every major city in the United States. Bruce is survived by his wife of 16 years, Edna Sims Bruce, five brothers: Michael, Kevin, Gerald, Christian, Beverly; two sisters: Geralyn and Imelda, sister-in-laws Jai, Diane, Donna and Sheila; and brother-in-law Art. If you would like to make a donation to Bruce’s favorite charities, please make checks payable to “Edna Bruce,” 8117 W. Manchester Ave. #320, Playa del Rey, CA 92093.
Remembering Harold Gerard Legaux Jr. BY BRIAN W. CARTER SENTINEL STAFF WRITER On Monday, Feb. 21, Harold Legaux Jr., owner of the well-known and established Harold’s and Belle restaurant, passed away. The successful restaurateur had been under hospice care for the past couple of years before succumbing to illness. He was 61 years old. Named after his father, Legaux Jr. was born on August 17, 1949 in Los Angeles CA, to Mary Belle and Harold Laurant Legaux Sr. He was the middle child of two sisters, the eldest, Gayle and the youngest, Marie. Legaux Sr. and his wife had moved to Los Angeles from Louisiana in the 1940s. They started a little place in the Jefferson Park area where people could come eat some good, Creole food and hang their hats. They named it Harold and Belle’s (H&B) after themselves and it would prove to be a successful venture for them. The cuisine boasted some of the popular favorites like PoBoys, Red Beans and gumbo. On December 1967, Legaux Jr. would meet and fall in love with Denise Ann Adams. Adams would later become engaged to Legaux Jr. in June 1968 and later married on July 12, 1969. Their union would welcome two blessings in the form of daughter, Brandy Suzette and son, Ryan Adam. Denise would also become business partner to Legaux Jr. Following in his father’s entrepre-
w w w . l a w a t t s t i m e s . c o m
Harold Gerard Legaux Jr. neurial footsteps, Legaux Jr. and Denise opened up a hamburger stand in September of 1969 called Hungry Harold’s. It was at this time that Legaux Sr. had firmly established H&B as the place to experience authentic Creole cuisine. Over a decade later, Legaux Jr. would take over the mantle as owner of the restaurant his father established in 1982. He took H&B beyond his father’s vision and improved upon H&B. Legaux Jr. turned eating into a fine dining experience. In 1984, Legaux Jr. and Denise took on partners, Al and Sue Honore and they expanded H&B beyond it’s original setting. They added more tables, going from 12 dining tables to
35 dining tables, and added more room to the kitchen. They remained in partnership with the Honores’, accomplishing a truly bright vision in family dining at a restaurant. They remained partners and friends until his passing. Legaux Jr. leaves behind him, a most distinguished legacy in H&B, a restaurant that was built by family and turned into a household name. H&B has been the cornerstone in authentic Creole food within the community for the past 40 years. This is all because of Legaux Jr. and his father’s dream before him. The torch has now been passed from Legaux Jr. to Ryan Legaux and his wife Jessica. They will undoubtedly continue the excellence that is Harold and Belle’s restaurant for another 40 years. Harold is survived by his mother Belle, wife Denise, daughter Brandy, son in law Damien Le Forbes, grandson Jaxson, son Ryan, and daughter in law Jessica Taylor Legaux. Also surviving Harold are his sisters Gayle Deruise and Marie Ruffo, numerous nieces, nephews, sister and brother in laws, and cousins. Harold also leaves behind many life long friends as well as his extended family of loyal employees and customers who knew him as “Uncle Harold,” “Boss,” or “Daddy Grumps.” Services are scheduled for Feb. 28, 11 a.m., at St. Bernadette Parish, which is located at 3825 Don Felipe Drive, Los Angeles. There will also be a viewing on Feb. 26 at Angelus Funeral Home.
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www.lawattstimes.com
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Letters to the Editor Editor’s note: This letter to the editor is in response to a Jan. 27 article in the L.A. Watts Times, titled “Trust Black Women: keep the billboards up.” The Jan. 27 article was written in response to an article published earlier in January regarding a billboard that says “Black Children Are An Endangered Species” and toomanyaborted.com. To the editor: As co-CEOs of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, we want to assure you that we are committed to providing the highest-quality, affordable reproductive health care to any and all who need it — regardless of race, religion, or gender, and whether or not they have insurance coverage. These billboards are offensive and disturbing. The creators are using divisive messaging around race to restrict access to medical care. Planned Parenthood strongly believes that every woman — regardless of her race or ethnic background — has the right to make informed decisions about her health in consultation with her doctor, her family, and her faith. Our country’s health disparities mean that African-American women are more likely to be uninsured or under-insured. Women who Dear editor: We are writing in response to the letter to the editor from Adrianne Black and Susan Dunlap, of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles — the primary provider of abortions in our country and in our community. Contrary to these co-CEOs, we do not consider that abortion is “health care.” Their catch-phrase, “regardless of race,” implies that Black women need abortions, which is in keeping with the mandate from the Department of Health and Human Services to limit the birth of African-American babies. For example, the most recent CDC Abortion Surveillance Report demonstrates that White women have 158 abortions for every 1,000 live births, while Black women have 469 abortions for every 1,000 live births. Here is real disparity! Let’s be honest. Abortion is big business in America. In violation of the Title X stipulation that the annual grant of $400 million federal tax dollars is not to be used in any pro-
face barriers to health care experience higher rates of unintended pregnancy. Planned Parenthood works every day to make sure that all women — regardless of race or insurance status — have access to high quality, affordable preventative health care. Each year Planned Parenthood Los Angeles provides nearly 120,000 women and men in Los Angeles with reproductive health care, including life-saving breast and cervical cancer screening, birth control, STD testing and treatment. Ninety-three percent of the care we provide is preventive — designed to prevent unplanned pregnancy and the spread of STDs. At the core of Planned Parenthood’s mission is the belief that the most sophisticated instrument in medicine is accurate information, which enables each individual to make the best decisions for her health. We are here to serve every member of our gram that provides abortions, Planned Parenthood continues to do so. Planned Parenthood is a billion-dollar industry that earned over $152.2 million in fiscal year 200708. This whopping nontaxable revenue doesn’t include private foundation grants. Let’s do the math and add the 140 school-based and school-linked clinics that operate at approximately $100,000 each, primarily for salaries. Were this collective income channeled instead to improve innercity schools and to eliminate substandard housing, the gap in the economic disparity for Blacks would be narrowed significantly. We wonder, how can a girl make an “informed decision” in “consultation with her doctor, her family, and her faith,” when 90 percent of abortions are by an abortionist who is not her personal physician; when she is lied to by the so-called counselor and abortionist and told that her baby’s heart is only “pulsing” and not beating until the 24th week?
Adrianne Black community, without exception. — Adrianne Black and Susan Dunlap, co-CEOs of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles
ages submissions of letters to the editor. It reserves the right to edit or refuse to print all letters. Authors
Susan Dunlap must include their name, city of residence, e-mail address and telephone number.
are uninsured at 17 percent, almost matching the rate of black women, according to the foundation.) Such “lack-of-access” justification should translate into far higher numbers of abortion among Hispanics. But in 2006, Hispanics’ share in nationwide abortions was half that of African-American women. If the core of Planned Parenthood’s mission is “the belief that the most sophisticated instrument in medicine is accurate information,” then why not let every woman who seeks an abortion — why not show every American, in fact — how abortion rips the baby apart limb by limb? Why not show the babies who are born alive in saline abortions and who are then smothered to death in plastic bags? Planned Parenthood will not! But the You Tube video, “Choice Blues,” details an actual abortion in progress. Chapter one shows an abortion in progress. Chapter two contains footage of aborted embryonic and fetal tissue.
Warning: This video is extremely graphic and disturbing because abortion is an act of violence: www.abortionNO.org/index.php/au dio_video We give abortion NO credit. How can a rational person affirm such a barbaric practice? What is “safe” about abortion? Ultimately, Planned Parenthood is neither responsible for the survival of our children nor the health of our families. We are. As a community, we must address the rampant rates of abortion and skyrocketing rates of STDs, especially HIV/AIDS. This is a moral discussion for every household and every church. Giving our teenagers more condoms certainly isn’t the solution. Studies demonstrate that schoolbased clinics and comprehensive sex education encourage sexual activity. Parents have a voice and should demand that these clinics in and near school grounds be closed because the 40-year experiment has failed. And that’s the truth. Sincerely,
To read the previous opinion articles about this issue, visit www.lawattstimes.com/opinion/opin ion/2403-trust-black-women-takethe-billboards-down.html and www.lawattstimes.com/opinion/opin ion/2420-trust-black-women-keepthe-billboards-up.html?fontstyle=flarger. The L.A. Watts Times encourWhere is the consultation with a girl’s family when Planned Parenthood, under the protection of federal legislation, negates mothers and fathers from the decision-making process and spends millions of taxpayer dollars lobbying against common-sense bills to guarantee parental notification and consent or 24-hour waiting periods? And where is consultation with her faith when the voice of any pastor, minister, or priest who dares to speak on behalf of the unborn is vilified and conveniently labeled as “divisive”? It is a distortion of fact to accuse the Endangered Species Educational Billboard Campaign of attempting to restrict access to medical care. Such buzz words fall flat in the face of facts. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Hispanic women (ages 18 to 64) are uninsured at far higher rates than any other racial demographic — 37 percent — nearly twice that of the 20 percent uninsured Black women. (White women
Walter B. Hoye II, Issues4Life Foundation Ryan Scott Bomberger, chief creative officer, The Radiance Foundation http://www.toomanyaborted. com/ca
Walter B. Hoye II
Ryan Scott Bomberger
La Verne Tolbert
The Rev. La Verne Tolbert, Ph.D., Former board member of Planned Parenthood and author of “Keeping You & Your Kids Sexually Pure: A How-To Guide for Parents, Pastors, Youth Workers, and Teachers”
www.lawattstimes.com 19
Thursday, February 24, 2011 Trustee Sale No. CA09002183-10-1 . Title Order No. 100660582CA-LPI Loan No. 1010632451 APN 4204-019-036 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED October 31, 2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On March 14, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL Inc., dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on November 6, 2007, as Instrument No. 20072488853 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: MICHELLE ZETINAA SINGLE WOMAN, as Trustor, in favor of INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B., A FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS BANK as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 3623 KALSMAN DRIVE NO1, LOS ANGELES, CA 90016 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $362,986.94 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: February 17, 2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09002183-10-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Regarding the property that is the subject of this notice of sale, the "mortgage loan servicer" as defined in Civil Code s 2923.53(k)(3) declares that it has obtained from the Commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Civil Code section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date this notice of sale is recorded or the time frame for giving a notice of sale specified in Civil Code Section 2923.52 subdivision (a) does not apply to this notice of sale pursuant to Civil Code Sections 2923.52. Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #9679 2011-02-17 2011-02-24 2011-03-03 Trustee Sale No. CA7000045-09-1 . Title Order No. 090809074CA-GTI Loan No. 1010710331 APN 5186-007-003 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED November 20, 2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On March 4, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on November 30, 2007, as Instrument No. 20072632247 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: JOSE ALVARO DE JESUS A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor, in favor of INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B., A FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS BANK as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 441 S BERNAL AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90063 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $431,729.71 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: February 10, 2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA7000045-09-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Regarding the property that is the subject of this notice of sale, the "mortgage loan servicer" as defined in Civil Code s 2923.53(k)(3) declares that it has obtained from the Commissioner a
final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Civil Code section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date this notice of sale is recorded or the time frame for giving a notice of sale specified in Civil Code Section 2923.52 subdivision (a) does not apply to this notice of sale pursuant to Civil Code Sections 2923.52. Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #9774 2011-02-10 2011-02-17 2011-02-24 Trustee Sale No. CA09002386-10-1 . Title Order No. 100662001CA-LPI Loan No. 3017594916 APN 6014-032-006 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED May 21, 2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On March 23, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL Inc., dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on May 30, 2007, as Instrument No. 20071298332 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: MARIA G SIBRIAN A SINGLE WOMAN, as Trustor, in favor of WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK, FA as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 1338 W 70TH ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90044 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $256,291.43 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: February 24, 2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09002386-10-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Regarding the property that is the subject of this notice of sale, the "mortgage loan servicer" as defined in Civil Code s 2923.53(k)(3) declares that it has obtained from the Commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Civil Code section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date this notice of sale is recorded or the time frame for giving a notice of sale specified in Civil Code Section 2923.52 subdivision (a) does not apply to this notice of sale pursuant to Civil Code Sections 2923.52. Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #10283 2011-02-24 2011-03-03 2011-03-10 Trustee Sale # CA0940891-2 Loan# 1008814582 Order # 090258980 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 11/03/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 03/18/2011 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 11/15/2006 as Document No. 20062523411 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, AMELIA TRIGUEROS, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor, LOANEX FUNDING, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 6088-019-009 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 833 WEST 118TH, LOS ANGELES, CA 90044 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $408,195.53 (estimated amount). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1.
Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 02/24/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #10298 2011-02-24 2011-03-03 2011-03-10
LOS ANGELES COUNTY COMMUNITY AND SENIOR SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Los Angeles County Community and Senior Services (CSS) is releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide Effective Nutritional Health Assessment and Networks of Care for the Elderly (ENHANCE) Program services under the authority of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III C and D of February 25, 2011. The ENHANCE Program provides services, on a one-to-one basis, to individuals, who are at moderate or high nutrition risk and are currently receiving services in a Los Angeles County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) or other CSS/AAA funded program. Proposals will be accepted from public/government entities, private non-profit and for-profit organizations. Qualifying organizations may pick-up a copy of the RFP at CSS, Contracts Management Division, 3175 W. 6th Street, Room 403, Los Angeles, CA 90020. The RFP will be available for pick-up in person from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), February 25, 2011 through March 7, 2011 or you can download the RFP from the Internet at: css.lacounty.gov/contracts-rfp-rfi-rfq.aspx Proposals may be submitted by mail or in person and must be received by CSS no later than 4:00 p.m., (PST), March 28, 2011. Late responses will not be accepted. No exceptions. Postmarks will not be accepted as proof of delivery. For more information regarding the RFP, please contact Ms. Carol Domingo at (213) 639 -6339 or by e-mail at: AAARFP@css.lacounty.gov
To place a classified ad call (323) 299-3800
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
GOVERNMENT
$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, HERBERT SEYMOUR, JR., in the City of Los Angeles. On Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at approximately 10:40 p.m., Herbert Seymour, Jr., a 31-year old man, was shot and killed as he was walking eastbound across South Western Avenue, near 104th Street. 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, AUGUST 23, 2011. 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-s13 2/24/11 CNS-2049107# WATTS TIMES
LOS ANGELES COUNTY COMMUNITY AND SENIOR SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Los Angeles County Community and Senior Services (CSS) is releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide Effective Nutritional Health Assessment and Networks of Care for the Elderly (ENHANCE) Program services under the authority of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Title III C and D of February 25, 2011. The ENHANCE Program provides services, on a one-to-one basis, to individuals, who are at moderate or high nutrition risk and are currently receiving services in a Los Angeles County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) or other CSS/AAA funded program. Proposals will be accepted from public/government entities, private non-profit and for-profit organizations. Qualifying organizations may pick-up a copy of the RFP at CSS, Contracts Management Division, 3175 W. 6th Street, Room 403, Los Angeles, CA 90020. The RFP will be available for pick-up in person from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), February 25, 2011 through March 7, 2011 or you can download the RFP from the Internet at: css.lacounty.gov/contracts-rfp-rfi-rfq.aspx Proposals may be submitted by mail or in person and must be received by CSS no later than 4:00 p.m., (PST), March 28, 2011. Late responses will not be accepted. No exceptions. Postmarks will not be accepted as proof of delivery. For more information regarding the RFP, please contact Ms. Carol Domingo at (213) 639 -6339 or by e-mail at: AAARFP@css.lacounty.gov 2/24/11 CNS-2050563# WATTS TIMES
IVORY COAST Continued from page 7
stories of the “invisible commandos” circulate freely in Abidjan. The U.N., Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned the human rights abuses, which include executions, kidnappings and rape, carried out by pro-Gbagbo security forces against suspected supporters of Ouattara. An Associated Press investigation showed that there were at least 113 bodies being held in Abidjan’s morgues by officials who wouldn’t release them for burial. The violence and political chaos has prompted international banks to flee Ivory Coast, with two
more announcing their closures this week. This brings the total number of banks shut to seven, stoking fears of a cash shortage. Gbagbo’s minister of finance, Desire Dallo, says that he will still be able pay civil servant salaries this week, even though more than 90 percent of them held bank accounts in the closed banks. The government plans to transfer civil servant bank accounts to Ivorian banks to ensure the transfers go through, Dallo said. Associated Press Writer Rukmini Callimachi in Dakar, Senegal contributed to this report.
CLASSIFIEDS STATEWIDE “Be wary of out of area companies. Check with the local Better Business Bureau before you send any money for fees or services. Read and understand any contracts before you sign. Shop around for rates.”
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FINANCIAL SERVICES
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RUIDOSO, NEW MEXICO AREA - 5 acres w/city water and city maintained roads near small fishing pond and golf course. Only $19,900. Financing avail. Call NMRS 1-888-791-6136. (Cal-SCAN)
AUTOS WANTED
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HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY: If you had hip replacement surgery between 2005 -present and suffered problems requiring a second revision surgery you may be entitled to compensation. Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. (Cal-SCAN)
DONATE YOUR CAR: Childrenís Cancer Fund! Help Save A Childís Life Through Research & Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy & Tax Deductible. Call 1800-252-0615. (Cal-SCAN)
IF YOU USED The ANTIBIOTIC DRUG LEVAQUIN and Suffered a Tendon Rupture, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727. (Cal-SCAN)
DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 888-902-6851. (Cal-SCAN)
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ALL CASH VENDING ROUTE! Be Your Own Boss! 25 Machines + Candy All for $9995. Vend3, 880 Grand Blvd., Deer Park, NY. 1- 877-915-8222. Major CC accepted! (Cal-SCAN) Learn How to DOUBLE YOUR 2011 INCOME at this Live Event: WealthBuildersConference.com/money (Cal-SCAN)
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HELP WANTED/DRIVERS CALL NOW. Top 5% Pay! Excellent Benefits. 300 New T660ís. Need CDL-A & 3 months recent OTR. 1877-258-8782. www.MeltonTruck.com (Cal-SCAN) COMPANY SOLOS & TEAMS - Western US! National Pay for Regional Work! Great home time. 1year OTR or recent grad. Hazmat required. 1-888-9059879 or www.AndrusTrans.com (Cal-SCAN) DRIVER - DAILY or WEEKLY PAY. Single source dispatch. No tractor older than 3 years. Safety bonuses paid quarterly. CDL-A, 3 months recent OTR experience. 1800-414-9569. www.DriveKnight.com (Cal-SCAN)
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE SHARI’S BERRIES - Mouthwatering gourmet strawberry gifts fresh for your Valentine! 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Delivered nationwide. SAVE 20% on Dipped Berries! Visit www.berries.com/berries or Call 1-888-903-2988. (Cal-SCAN) WINE of the MONTH CLUB! Send the gift of wine all year long! 2 Bottles each month from award-winning wineries around the world. Call 888-682-7982 and get FREE SHIPPING! (Cal-SCAN)
SCHOOLS/EDUCATION ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888210-5162 www.Centura.us.com (Cal-SCAN)
TIMESHARES/RESORTS SELL/RENT Your TIMESHARE For CASH!!! Our Guaranteed Services will Sell/ Rent Your Unused Timeshare for CASH! Over $95 Million Dollars offered in 2010! www.SellaTimeshare.com (877) 5542098 (Cal-SCAN)
WANTED TO BUY WANTED DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Cash Paid. Unopened, Unexpired Boxes Only. All Brands Considered. Help others, donít throw boxes away. For more information, Call 888-491-1168. (Cal-SCAN)
www.lawattstimes.com
Thursday, February 24, 2011
JIM HILL
ALL-STAR WEEKEND
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played and he would say, ‘I want to be a businessman.’ ” He continued, “People would laugh at him when he said that, but those who used to laugh at Magic, now want to work for him.” Hill not only delivered a speech, but took questions from the audience. Many of the students asked Hill to donate to their athletic programs, but others asked for career advice. Jordan student George Ramirez asked Hill, “How can I be a broadcaster?” Hill replied: “Here‘s how I can tell if you‘re serious. Give me a quick answer — do you want a job or a career?” Ramirez said he wanted a career and Hill gave the student contact information for a possible internship.
After discussing challenges he faced while growing up in San Antonio, Hill punctuated his speech by saying, “If I hadn’t played football, I would be dead.” Crenshaw football head coach Robert Garrett brought 60 players to the summit. Garrett talked about the event’s message and what he hoped his players took away from it. “Everything discussed today was of value and importance,” he said. “If every player can remember one thing from this event and apply it to life, everybody wins.” When asked why ESP organized the summit, Glenn said, “No agency in the business is concerned about the well-being of minorities like we are. Even if we just touch one of these kids, it will be a success.”
many others. The party scene was like New Years Eve three nights in a row. As great as all the events were surrounding the weekend, the main events were at Staples Center. The skills competition and threepoint contest were entertaining on Saturday night, but the main event that night was the dunk contest. Blake Griffin was the attraction for this event, and he delivered in a big way. His dunks were not as great as Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Spud Web, Vince Carter, or some of the other great dunkers, but he did bring a sense of star power to an event that usually does not live up to the hype. Griffin has been one of the most talked about NBA players this season, and he closed the show in a big way.
Okay, most players can jump over the hood of a car, but seeing what the competition was doing, Griffin appeared larger than life. Really looking at it, Griffin was the only good thing in that competition. The problem with the dunk contest is all the do overs that players are allowed to do when they miss a dunk. In the past, when the dunk contest was great, players pretty much had one chance to hit their dunks. When a player finally hits a dunk after ten tries, it pretty much loses all of its luster. The players are attempting dunks of a much greater difficulty, but that does not result in a better show. The final event, the All-Star game on Sunday night, was why the NBA wants Los Angeles to host this weekend.
As the Sentinel and Watts Times editors were sitting second row, center court, right behind P Diddy, Jay Z, Beyonce, John Legend, and many other super stars, Kobe Bryant put on a show. He was dunking on LeBron, hitting three-point shots, crashing the boards, and creating turnovers as he put on a was gunning for the MVP award. Was Bryant going for the MVP award like Wade accused him of? Yes! Of course he was. He was playing in his home city, so it is no surprise that he put on a show for the crowd, especially because this may be his last All-Star game in Los Angeles. Bryant showed that he is still the best of the best, and he capped off a great weekend of NBA basketball.
Richard Vladovic Helped Create the First Teacher Prep Academy Mark Ridley-Thomas Supports Richard Vladovic for School Board. “I’m supporting Richard Vladovic for School Board because of programs like the Harbor Teacher Prep Academy. That’s the kind of improvement we need for our kids. “ Mark Ridley-Thomas, Supervisor, 2nd District, Los Angeles
First New School in 40 Years
Award-Winning School
With a shortage of teachers and growing class sizes, Richard Vladovic knew it was time for change. Vladovic helped create the first new high school in the harbor area in 40 years. This innovative new school prepares students to become teachers and provides access to college level courses for students acquiring degrees from a community college.
The Harbor Teacher Prep Academy has won numerous state and national awards for its curriculum and teaching. Vladovic’s leadership is the kind our kids need from the LAUSD board.
EDUCATION WORKERS UNITED Creating a Better Future for Ourselves, for our Children.
VOTE
20
Richard VLADOVIC FOR
LAUSD School Board
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, MARCH 8TH
Paid for by Citizens for Better Schools in Support of Vladovic for Los Angeles Unified School District Board 2011 major funding by Service Employees International Union Local 99 and California State Council of Service Employees Small Contributor Committee. Not authorized by a candidate or committee controlled by a candidate.