LAWT-04-08-2010

April 8, 2010

SERVING LOS ANGELES COUNTY WITH NEWS YOU CAN USE

Vol. XXX, No. 1174 FIRST COLUMN

Colts Coach to Produce Film on African American History

BY JIM FRANZ BELOIT DAILY NEWS

BELOIT, Wis. (AP) — Beloiters have known Jim Caldwell as a standout high school and Big Ten athlete, a longtime college football coach, and finally the man who led the Indianapolis Colts to the Super Bowl.

Jim Caldwell

Are they ready for Caldwell as a documentary producer?

Caldwell visited his hometown recently to begin work on a project he and his wife, Cheryl, hope will be completed by June 2011.

They plan to produce a documentary about African American history in Beloit.

“My wife is a real history buff and she has followed her lineage back as far as she can go,” Caldwell said. “She’s constantly pulling up something about one of her relatives that she didn’t know. She was looking at photos online about African Americans in Beloit.

“There was a photo of some

gentlemen who had finished working at Fairbanks Morse and were playing pool at the YMCA. Every one of them was dressed in a shirt and tie, dress slacks, shoes shined.

Then you saw the dining hall that Fairbanks provided where they all ate. Every one of them had been working in the foundry all day, but it looked like they were going to church.

“Compared to today, where you have young people who have no pride in what they’re doing, it really struck a chord with me. We thought, let’s put something together to highlight and show some of the pride that used to go on in this city. Perhaps this will give us a chance to rekindle some of that old pride.”

Caldwell said the project will cover a number of topics, including education, business and athletics. Through interviews with key contributors and witnesses to events, the Caldwells hope to bring history to life.

“It’s a format they’re using for a series on HBO that seems very effective,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell said he and his wife expect to learn right along with those who will eventually view the documentary.

“I believe that you never stop learning,” he said. “You always want to challenge yourself to learn something different and new. We knew this project would be quite an undertaking and it would take us some time to get it done. It’s See CALDWELL, page 11

Photo by GLAUZ DIEGO OF COMMUNITY COALITION

EGGSTRAVAGANZA — Hundreds of children and families filled Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Los Angeles April 3 as part of the Community Coalition’s “Family Fun Eggstravaganza.” The event was held to celebrate the turnaround that has taken place at the park, where criminal activity, drug use and sex reportedly used to take place often. Pictured: (top left) One of the winners who found a special egg with a question inside shares why he likes the park and what he wants to see in the future. (Top right): Kids paint and decorate Easter eggs at one of the many activity tables at the “eggstravaganza.”

Flat Unemployment Rate Masks the Race Gap AARON GLATNZ NEW AMERICA MEDIA

The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs in March, but the unemployment rate held steady at 9.7 percent, according to new figures released by the Labor Department April 2.

On the whole, the economic news was mixed, but for African Americans, it was particularly significant.

The unemployment rate for whites held steady at 8.8 percent compared to February and went down for Asians from 8.4 percent to 7.5 percent. But it rose to 16.5 percent for blacks from 15.8 percent.

Hispanics showed a slight increase as well from 12.4 percent to 12.6 percent.

“It’s very disappointing,” said Peter Edelman, a former Clinton administration official who directs the Center on Poverty, Inequality, and Public Policy at Georgetown University.

Amid Budget Crisis, California Makes Parole Easier

BY THOMAS WATKINS AP WRITER

(AP) — California’s budget crisis and overcrowded prisons have led to a new reality for thousands of convicted felons: Parole is getting a lot easier — no more random drug tests, travel rules, or requirements to check in with an officer.

Restrictions have been relaxed for nonviolent criminals such as burglars, drug offenders and fraudsters under a new law that aims to shrink

the prison population by reducing the number of minor parole violations that send ex-cons back to prison.

About 24,000 nonviolent excons are expected to qualify for less supervision. The number includes many people already on parole and those expected to be paroled over the next year.

Nonviolent offenders leaving prison will still be required to register their addresses with the prisons agency, but a state parole officer

AP Photo

PRISON PLAN — About 24,000 nonviolent ex-convicts are expected to qualify for less supervision, The Associated Press reports. The State of California hopes dropping the restrictions, coupled with an early release program that will free 3,000 current inmates under new rules, will cut California’s 167,000-inmate prison population by 6,500.

won’t check up on them. Unannounced home visits and searches will be left to local law enforcement, if anyone at all.

Local law enforcement agencies and community groups are worried.

They claim less supervision will lead to a spike in crime, compounding the exact problem state officials are trying to remedy.

“It’s a pretty significant concern from the public safety standpoint,” said Cmdr. Todd Rogers of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “There’s a really good chance these guys are going to go out and caper again.”

The rules, which took effect Jan. 25, come as the state tries to close a $20 billion budget gap. Nearly 11 percent of the state budget goes to prisons. Officials estimate the measures will save the state about $500 million its first full year.

The state hopes dropping the restrictions, coupled with an early release program that will free 3,000 current inmates under new rules that allow them to shave time for completing rehabilitation and See BUDGET CRISIS, page 12

While there have long been disparities in white and minority employment, Edelman said, the latest unemployment numbers from the Labor Department show that while “some white people got jobs, some black people and Latinos actually fell behind more.”

“We’re seeing a whole set of things happening in the recession that are making the inequity worse,” said Seth Wessler, a researcher at the Applied Research Center, a racial justice think tank in Oakland.

Chief among those factors are the massive cuts meted out to public services on the state and local level, particularly to public transportation.

“If the bus line you depend on is cut, it’s impossible to look for a job or even hold onto the one you have,” Wessler said, “and we know that across the country — from New York to Los Angeles — bus service is being cut and fares are increasing.”

“We know that people of color are much more likely to depend on

public transportation,” he added.

“White people are not being impacted in quite the same way.”

Edelman of Georgetown University believes the primary source of the job gap is the type of work that is emerging as the economy recovers: “mid-skilled” jobs in the health care and alternative energy sectors.

“There will be job growth. The question is who gets the job,” Edelman said.

“The jobs that we project over the next decade that are reasonably well paying involve a degree of skills and a degree of preparation,” he added, “and people of color have disparate educational attainment,” and will be less able to land that work without an associate degree or certificate from a local community college.

President Obama recognizes this, Edelman said, and included a $10 billion investment in community colleges as part of his health care See RACE GAP, page 10

NEWS IN BRIEF THE SOUTHLAND L.A. Faces Insolvency Without Using $90M in Reserves (AP) — The Los Angeles city controller has warned the mayor and City Council that the city will not be able to make payroll next month if it doesn’t dip into its reserve fund.

In a memo to officials on April 5, Controller Wendy Greuel said the city faces its most urgent fiscal crisis in recent history after the council blocked a proposed electricity rate hike last week.

The Department of Water and Power needed the rate increase to cover a $73.5 million transfer to the city’s general fund, which pays city employees and bills.

Greuel said the city will be $10 million in the red by May 5 without a transfer of $90 million from the reserve funds.

By tapping into reserves, Greuel also warned the city will exhaust the reserves by June 30.

Watts Arts Centers Get Reprieve From Closure List (AP) — A Los Angeles official says two centers that are part of the famed landmark Watts Towers complex will remain under city control.

Cultural Affairs General Manager Olga Garay said that the Watts Towers Arts Center and Charles Mingus Youth Art Center have been removed from the list of city cultural facilities slated for closure or handover to a nonprofit institution.

Garay said the community’s opposition to the plan and the fact that the Watts Towers are a nationally recognized folk art monument led to the decision to keep the centers.

The Watts facilities were two of nine municipally owned theaters and community arts centers that the city wants to close or turn over to nonprofit organizations by June 30 due to a budget shortfall.

www.lawattstimes.com

See BRIEFS, page 4

Page 2

L.A. WATTS TIMES

April 8, 2010

OPINION EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON

Obama Makes it Official: He’s African American President Barack Obama unequivocally and unhesitatingly made it official: he’s African American.

It may sound silly to say that, but his checking the box “African American” on his Census 2010 form did two things: It made meaningless the incessant chatter of whether Obama should be called mixed race or African American. And, it recognized the hard and unchanging reality that race relations and conflict in America are still framed in black and white.

The one-drop rule in America renders anyone with even a trace of African ancestry in their genealogy as black. The delusion that calling oneself mixed race, no matter how light complexioned, will not earn you a pass from the lash of racial persecution.

Obama has never gotten a pass despite having one of the world’s most recognizable names and faces and positions. As other blacks, he could fume at being bypassed by taxis; racially profiled by police on street corners; refused being shown an apartment by landlords; followed in stores by security guards; denied a loan for his business or home purchase; confined to living in a segregated neighborhood; or passed over for a corporate management position.

The roughly 6 million, or 2 percent, of Americans who checked

the multiracial Census box may take comfort trying to be racially precise, but many also tell of their own bitter experience in feeling the sting of racial bigotry in the streets and workplace. Obama has related his racial awakening in his bestselling bare-the-soul autobiography, “Dreams from My Father.” He designated himself as African American, and took pride in that then, and that hasn’t changed.

A mere check of the multiracial designation on his Census form would not spare Obama from any of the routine petty racial harassments and annoyances — the subtle and outright forms of discrimination.

The multiracial box is a feel-good, paper designation that has no validity in the hard world of American race politics.

From the moment Obama tossed his hat in the presidential ring in February 2007 — and through his relentless, hyper-pressurized presidential battles — the vile, venomous race baiting has been nonstop. The Confederate and Texas Lone Star flags, the racial taunts, the monkey depictions of he and his wife on tens of thousands of Web sites — all are some examples of the fact that even the president is not exempt from racial loathing, biracial or not.

Despite the real and feigned color blindness of many voters, nearly 60 percent of whites still did

not vote for Obama. Most based their opposition to him on Republican political loyalties, ties, regional and personal preferences.

But a significant minority of white voters did not vote for him because he’s black, and they did not hide their feelings about that in exit polls in the Democratic primaries and the general election.

Tagging him as multiracial or biracial made absolutely no difference to them, and it didn’t change their perception that he was black.

Even though Obama has never called himself anything but African American and now has made it official on the Census form, the sideshow debate over whether Obama is the black president or the biracial president still creeps up.

The debate is even more nonsensical since science has long since debunked the notion of a pure racial type. In America, race has never been a scientific or genealogical designation, but a political and social one. Anyone with the faintest trace of African ancestry was and still is considered black and treated accordingly.

Blacks were ecstatic over Obama’s candidacy and his presidential win. They were unabashed in saying that they backed him with passion and fervor because he is black. Many would not have cheered See HUTCHINSON, page 10

Justice for Black Farmers Has Been Denied for Too Long

BY RALPH PAIGE

When President Abraham Lincoln created the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1862, he referred to it as the People’s Department.

The problem is that its services have never been available to all the people.

Although more recently, with the Clinton and Obama administrations, efforts have been made to correct discriminatory problems at the USDA, it’s an unfortunate fact that the USDA’s history has been marred by rampant discrimination. This is why black farmers filed a 1997 lawsuit against the USDA that focused on discrimination in administration of its farm programs in the 1980s and into the ’90s.

The litigation — referred to as Pigford v. Glickman (now Pigford v.

Vilsack) — was settled in 1999, and more than 15,000 black farmers obtained relief for discrimination at the hands of the USDA. But the settlement itself triggered such an outpouring of pent-up frustration and demands for justice that more than 12 years later the case is still ongoing.

Black farmers originally needed to file claims by Oct. 12, 1999.

While thousands of farmers met that deadline, many others were unaware of the lawsuit. As a result, the judge let people who missed the deadline petition to get into the settlement, providing they did so by Sept. 15, 2000. Again, thousands of farmers filed petitions and are now referred to as “late filers.”

Of these late filers, only 3 percent (2,700) were found eligible to file a claim in Pigford. This left a staggering 97 percent of late claimants (about 58,000 and more than 75 percent of all claimants) who were denied the opportunity.

Black farm groups and their advocates expressed concern that tens of thousands of black farmer petitioners had been unable to file a claim. Many petitioned Congress and its leadership to resolve this issue.

As a result, Congress included in the 2008 Farm Bill a provision to allow late filers into the suit, while establishing a budget of $100 million — which unfortunately was not nearly enough to serve the farmers.

Since passage of the 2008 Farm Bill, President Obama proposed adding considerably more monies to bring the total to $1.25 billion for the Pigford lawsuit, an amount much closer to what likely will be needed to cover all proven claims. Based on that proposal, attorneys for black farmers and the government have negotiated a settlement of the latefiler lawsuit.

All well and good, but the job remains unfinished.

The Obama administration has already submitted legislative language to Congress, but the settlement cannot go forward until Congress appropriates the funds requested by Obama, and they had set March 31 as a deadline to do so.

Congress missed the deadline.

We at the Federation of South-

ern Cooperatives/ Land Assistance Fund recognize that work with farmers requires far more than a lawsuit can provide. This is why Ralph Paige for 43 years we have offered Southern black farmers assistance with cooperative development, farm management, debt restructuring, alternative crop suggestions, marketing expertise and a whole range of services to ensure family farm survivability.

Black farmers with late-filer claims, however, have waited for decades for relief for USDA denial of services and credit opportunities.

In the 10 years since the original claim period closed, many of these farmers died, and others lost their farms or left farming altogether.

It is a tragic injustice that thousands of black farmers are still being denied relief for discriminatory behavior from their own government.

Our organization, the Network of Black Farm Groups and Advocates, and the scores of organizations around the country supporting the network’s efforts urge Congress to act expeditiously on providing necessary funding for the black farmer late-filer settlement.

Ralph Paige is executive director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund.

The Dangerous Drift Back Toward Segregated Schools

BY MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN

Two recent decisions by school boards in North Carolina are local signs of a troubling national trend toward resegregation in public schools.

In New Hanover County, which includes Wilmington, parents and advocates spent much of last year debating a new middle school redistricting plan that would focus on “neighborhood schools,” essentially resegregating the schools by race and economic class because our neighborhoods look that way.

School Board Member Elizabeth Redenbaugh was the only white and only Republican member to join two black Democratic colleagues in opposing the new plan. In a letter sent to parents and fellow board members last fall, Redenbaugh described some of what she was seeing: “I have literally had parents … approach me and state, ‘The bottom line is this: I do not want my children in school with black children.’ I have had parents ask me why we do anything at all for the black children in our county.

“They look me in the eye and say, ‘we have spent so much money on black children ... Nothing helps. I don’t know why we even try anymore’ … Such statements literally grieve my heart and beg the question: Who is my neighbor?”

But despite the concerns Redenbaugh and her colleagues shared, they were ultimately overruled by the other members early this year in a 4-3 vote.

Meanwhile, in Wake County, N.C., which includes Raleigh, schools may be moving backward in a similar direction. Wake County has been lauded for its student assignment policy to balance schools using socio-economic status augmented by a comprehensive program of magnet schools.

But on March 24, the Wake County School Board voted to begin

studying a new districting plan that would change the current busing system and reassign students based on “neighborhood attendance zones” Marian Wright Edelman — a return to potentially more segregated schools because of the neighborhood demographics.

Advocates for Wake County’s current socially and economically integrated school system are fighting to prevent this change. But these significant decisions represent a very disturbing trend across the country.

The sad truth is that the dream Martin Luther King Jr. rightly considered one of the greatest victories of the Civil Rights Movement — the desegregation of our nation’s schools — is unraveling before our eyes.

Desegregated schools grew in the years directly following the Civil Rights Movement, but since 1988, racial resegregation in public schools has been rising slowly and systematically.

In June 2007, the spirit and intent of the historic Brown v.

Board of Education decision were assaulted when the Supreme Court — in Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1 and Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Education — acknowledged the benefits of racially diverse schools for all students who attend them, but ruled that desegregation plans that assign students to schools on the basis of race are unconstitutional.

At a time when the number of poor and minority children in America is growing and the number of white middle-class children See EDELMAN, page 3

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April 8, 2010

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 3

BUSINESS Continued from page 2

Small Business Town Hall Breakfast Set

Information: (310) 270-7602, network@ceedinfo.com.

(Save the Date Central) — Assemblyman Mike Davis will host the 48th District Small Business Town Hall Breakfast April 16, 8 to 9:30 a.m., at the California African American Museum, 600 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles.

The guest speaker will be Dale Bonner, secretary of the State of California Business, Transportation & Housing Agency.

Space is limited to the first 100 enrollees. RSVP by April 12.

Information: Raul Claros, (213) 744-2111.

IRS Warns Against Return Preparer Fraud

CEED Presents Information Source Seminar (CEED) — The Coalition for Employment & Economic Development will present its Second Information Source Seminar of 2010 on April 16, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Radisson Hotel, 6161 W. Centinela Ave., Culver City. A networking and mixer event will follow from 8 to 10:30 p.m.

The seminar will focus on issues of employment rights, economic development, social concerns, benefit programs and investments.

Space is limited, so it is advised that attendees RSVP.

(IRS) — While most tax return preparers provide benefits to their clients, the Internal Revenue Service urges people to be careful when choosing a return preparer this filing season.

When choosing a return preparer: • Be cautious of tax preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.

• Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund. Use a reputable tax professional who signs the tax return and provides a copy.

• Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer questions about the preparation of the tax return months, or even years, after the return has been filed.

• Check the person’s credentials. Only attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs), and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters, including audits, collections and appeals. Other return preparers may only represent taxpayers for audits of returns they actually prepared.

• Find out if the preparer is See BIZSHORTS, page 5

is decreasing, our schools are once again becoming isolated by race and class.

Plans like the diversity policy and magnet school program that have been in place in Wake County, which focused primarily on socioeconomic status instead of race, helped produce integrated schools with broad appeal and academic achievement gains; this twopronged approach was lauded as another method of achieving diversity without concentrating children in racially isolated, high-poverty schools. But as the recent school board decision there shows, even those successful measures are now under attack.

The problem, as leading expert Gary Orfield of the Civil Rights Project at the University of California at Los Angeles and others have argued, is that segregated schools are not good for any of our children.

We already know they are disastrous for poor and minority students, for whom there is a strong connection between school segregation, failing schools and high dropout rates.

Almost half of America’s black students and nearly twofifths of Latino students attend high schools that have been labeled “dropout factories” by Johns Hopkins University researchers

and the U.S. Department of Education, where less than 60 percent of the freshman class will graduate in four years.

But studies of the outcomes of inter-district transfer programs also show that while programs designed to improve integration significantly improve the life chances of children who are transferred in, they do not have a negative effect on the academic progress of students in the receiving district — one of the apparent fears of many parents.

In fact, as Orfield and others note, integration has been shown to benefit children on both sides.

As our society becomes more and more diverse, it is critically important that children from all backgrounds learn to interact with one another productively.

When parents are allowed to hold on to the outdated beliefs that sending their children to a “diverse” school means sending them to an inferior school, it does their own children a disservice.

In a rapidly globalizing world, returning to segregated schools would be another missed opportunity for all of America’s children.

We have so far left to go. We can’t afford to take any more steps backwards.

Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund, whose Leave No Child Behind mission is to ensure every child a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start and a moral start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information, go to www.childrensdefense. org.

Facts April 8, 1990 Percy Julian and George Washington Carver are the first African American inventors admitted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in its then-17-year history.

Source: blackfacts.com

metro.net/works

F E I L E R TRAFFIC WORKS IN THE

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In November 2008, Measure R was approved, committing a projected $40 billion to tra;c relief and transportation upgrades throughout the county over the next 30 years.

Here are updates on projects in the works: Barriers Installed For Sepulveda Pass Widening > Metro’s contractor is placing concrete barriers along the I-405 Freeway to separate construction areas for the Sepulveda Pass Widening Project. > A northbound carpool lane is being added between the I-10 and U.S. 101 freeways.

Underground Route Considered For Regional Connector > A new underground light rail alternative underneath Little Tokyo has been added to the Regional Connector Transit Corridor Study. > The Regional Connector would create a seamless transit link between the Metro Gold, Blue and Expo lines through Downtown LA. Construction Underway To Link Expo Line/Blue Line > Crews are installing a rail cross-over link for the new Exposition Light Rail line being built between Downtown LA and Culver City. > The Expo Line will share a track and two stations (7th St/Metro Center and Pico) with the Metro Blue Line as it leaves downtown.

gen-ce-10-002 ©2010 lacmta

EDELMAN

BIZSHORTS

Page 4

L.A. WATTS TIMES

April 8, 2010

COMMUNITY

WHAT’S GOING ON? Deadline for receipt of What’s Going On listings is Friday, noon, at least two weeks prior to activity. Fax to: (213) 251-5720, e-mail us at lawattsnus@aol.com or mail to: L.A. Watts Times, 3540 Wilshire Blvd., PH3, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

FORUM — The public is invited to a candidates’ forum April 10, 3 to 6 p.m., featuring Democrats running for statewide offices on the June 8 ballot. The forum will be held at the UFCW Local 770 Labor Auditorium, 25949 Belle Porte Ave., Harbor City.

The forum will take place in tandem with a second forum the same day at noon at the Culver City Veterans

Memorial Auditorium, 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City. Information: www.socaldems.org.

EARTH DAY — The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in the United States will be celebrated at the Fifth annual South L.A. Earth Day Festival April 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles. Event highlights are expected to include the Eco-Film Festival, Echoing Green World Stage, urban gardening demonstrations, eco-friendly exhibitors, health screenings, nutrition consultations and more. Information: www.southlaearthfest.org.

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COMMUNITY FAIR — The Crenshaw Christian Center’s fourth annual community fair — “An Excellent Mind You Don’t Want to Waste” — will take place April 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 7901 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. There will be free prostate cancer screenings, a celebrity basketball game, a custom car show contest, children’s carnival and more. Information: (323) 758-3777, www.crenshawchristiancenter.net.

THIRD STREET PROMENADE — The seventh annual “Earth Day on the Promenade” will take place April 17 on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. There will be three city blocks of green exhibitors, live music, food and entertainment. Information: (888) 2958372, earthdayla@yahoo.com.

See WGO, page 6

BRIEFS Continued from page 1

L.A. County Seeks New Child Welfare Computer System (AP) — A review of computer systems around the nation has revealed ways to share information that might help Los Angeles County’s troubled child welfare system, but officials say key options would require changes in state law, according to a recent report.

Contenders to replace the county’s computer system include a Webbased portal called the Family and Children’s Index being developed for use in New York state, the Los Angeles Times reported. But that system would violate California’s Welfare and Institutions Code, which limits the information that can be shared by social workers, doctors, schools and others.

“The county is held back by a system that combines aged technolo-

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gy with laws focused more on shielding government from liability than protecting children from abuse or neglect,” county Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas wrote in a memo to county Chief Executive William T. Fujioka, whose office led the review.

“Investigators still lack rapid access to criminal records, mental health histories or even information on which adults reside in a child’s home.”

Records show that nearly three dozen children have died of abuse or neglect since January 2008 from families previously investigated by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, and a pair of recent deaths of 2-year-olds have brought increasing heat to the department and its head, Trish Ploehn.

Many of the deaths have been blamed on failure to share information both within the department and with other agencies, a problem made worse by a flawed and dated computer system.

See BRIEFS, page 8

NEIGHBORWORKS® AMERICA RECOGNIZES NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK BY WARNING HOMEOWNERS AGAINST LOAN MODIFICATION SCAMS [Washington, DC] [March 7, 2010] -- In conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 7-13, NeighborWorks® America and its growing coalition of national government agencies, nonprofit organizations and financial institutions are empowering homeowners to combat loan modification scams. The effort is an extension of the organization’s national Loan Modification Scam Alert campaign, designed to help homeowners protect themselves against loan modification scams, find trusted help and report illegal activity to authorities.

NeighborWorks America is an official partner of NCPW, a coordinated consumer education campaign that encourages individuals across the country to take full advantage of their consumer rights.

An estimated 4.5 million Americans are at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure. While many will seek relief in the form of loan modification services, too many will instead become victims of scams. “Foreclosure rates in America are now at an all-time high and so is the need for help,” said Kenneth D. Wade, chief executive officer of NeighborWorks America. “This National Consumer Protection Week, NeighborWorks is urging community groups and businesses across the nation to join in the effort to educate homeowners about how they can guard against loan modification scams—a fast-spreading epidemic in need of immediate attention.”

Scams aren’t always easy to spot – but it helps if you know the warning signs to look for. Here are six red flags to indicate that you may be dealing with a loan modification scammer: 1. A company/person asks for a fee in advance to work with your lender to modify, refinance or reinstate your mortgage.

They may pocket your money and do little or nothing to help you save your home from foreclosure.

2. A company/person guarantees they can stop a foreclosure or get your loan modified. Nobody can make this guarantee to stop foreclosure or modify your loan. Legitimate, trustworthy HUD-approved counseling agencies will only promise they will try their very best to help you.

3. A company/person advises you to stop paying your mortgage company and pay them instead. Despite what a scammer will tell you, you should never send a mortgage payment to anyone other than your mortgage lender. The minute you have trouble making your monthly payment, contact your mortgage lender.

4. A company pressures you to sign over the deed to your home or sign any paperwork that you haven’t had a chance to read, and you don’t fully understand. A legitimate housing counselor would never pressure you to sign a document before you had a chance to read and understand it.

5. A company claims to offer “government-approved” or “official government” loan modifications. They may be scam Loan modifications are changing every day.

Here are some of the most common loan modification scams out there today.

Phony Counseling or Foreclosure Rescue Scams — The scam artist poses as a counselor and tells you he can negotiate a deal with your lender to save your house—if you pay him a fee first. He may even tell you not to contact your lender, lawyer or housing counselor—that he'll handle all details. He may even insist that you make all mortgage payments directly to him while he negotiates with the lender. Once you pay the fee, or a few mortgage payments, the scammer disappears with your money.

Fake "Government" Modification Programs — Some scammers may claim to be affiliated with, or approved by, the government, or they may ask you to pay high, up-front fees to qualify for government mortgage modification programs. The scammer's company name and Web site may sound like a real government agency.

You may also see terms like "federal," "TARP" or other words related to official U.S. government programs.

Your lender will be able to tell you if you qualify for any government programs to prevent foreclosure. And you do not have to pay to benefit from these programs.

artists posing as legitimate organizations approved by, or affiliated with, the government. Contact your mortgage lender first.

Your lender can tell you whether you qualify for any government programs to prevent foreclosure. And, remember, you do not have to pay to benefit from government-backed loan modification programs.

6. A company/person you don’t know asks you to release personal financial information online or over the phone. You should only give this type of information to companies that you know and trust, like your mortgage lender or a HUD-approved counseling agency.

Loan modification scams are proliferating at a rapid pace.

Every day, scam artists prey on unsuspecting homeowners who are facing foreclosure. These homeowners are losing thousands of dollars and their homes—lured by the promise of loan modification help.

“Our campaign is based on the belief that knowledge is the best defense, which is why we’re equipping homeowners with the tools they need to minimize their risk and stop scammers in their tracks,” Wade said.

For more information, visit www.LoanScamAlert.org. ### About the Loan Modification Scam Alert Campaign To combat loan modification scams, Congress asked NeighborWorks America to launch a national public education campaign designed to empower homeowners to protect themselves against loan modification scams, find trusted help and report illegal activity to authorities.

NeighborWorks America is working with national, state and local partners on the ground and 235 community-based affiliates.

Together, they are alerting thousands of homeowners in communities at high risk for scam activity through real-life scam stories, fliers, postcards, e-cards, posters, print advertising, local PSAs, events, word of mouth and social media activity.

All national campaign materials urge homeowners who are contacted or deceived by a scam artist to report it immediately by calling 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) or visiting www.LoanScamAlert.org.

The hotline and Web site also connect homeowners to free guidance from a HUD-approved counseling agency.

About NeighborWorks America NeighborWorks America is a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance and training for community-based revitalization efforts. NeighborWorks includes a national network of 235 community-based organizations in 50 states, which strives to create healthy communities through the work of thousands of residents, business people, government officials and other partners.

Bait-and-Switch — The scam artist convinces you to sign documents for a "new loan modification" that will make your existing mortgage current. This is a trick. You actually just signed documents that surrender the title of your house to the scam artist in exchange for a "rescue" loan.

Rent-to-Own or Leaseback Scheme — A scammer urges you to surrender the title of your home as part of a deal that will let you stay in your home as a renter and then buy it back in a few years. He may tell you that surrendering the title will permit a borrower with a better credit rating to get new financing—and keep you from losing your home. However, the scammer may have no intention of ever selling the home back to you.

But the terms of these deals usually make buying back your home impossible. Worse yet, when the new borrower defaults on the loan, you're evicted.

Variations: 1. The scammer raises your rent over time to the point that you can’t afford it. After missing several rent payments, you are evicted, leaving the "rescuer" free to sell your house.

2. The scammer offers to find a buyer for your

home, but only if you sign over the deed and move out.

The scammer promises to pay you some of the profit when the home sells. But the scammer simply rents out your home and keeps the profits while your lender proceeds with the foreclosure. You lose your home and are still responsible for the unpaid mortgage, because transferring the deed does not affect your mortgage obligation.

Bankruptcy to Avoid Foreclosure — The scammer may promise to negotiate with your lender or get refinancing on your behalf if you pay a fee up front.

Instead of contacting your lender or refinancing your loan, he pockets the fee and files a bankruptcy case in your name—sometimes without your knowledge.

A bankruptcy filing often stops a home foreclosure, but only temporarily. Filing bankruptcy stops any collection and foreclosure while the bankruptcy court administers the case. But, eventually you must start paying your mortgage, or the lender will be able to foreclose.

You could lose the money you paid to the scammer and your home. Worse yet, a bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, which makes it difficult to obtain credit, buy a home, get life insurance or even get a job.

April 8, 2010

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 5

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY MEETINGS, FORUMS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Restoration & Cleanup.

Metro to Host Community Volunteers Needed to Clean This year marks the 40th anMeetings on Regional Up and Preserve State Parks niversary for Earth Day. Connector Project at Earth Day Events Statewide, thousands of volun(Metro) — Community meetings on the Regional Connector Light Rail Transit project will take place throughout April. The meetings will consist of an open house, as well as a presentation highlighting the features of the new build alternative. There is no need to attend multiple meetings, as identical information will be presented at each.

The meetings will take place on the following dates and locations: • April 9, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Los Angeles Central Public Library, 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles. This meeting was tentatively scheduled to be broadcast live from www.metro. net/regionalconnector.

• April 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Lake Avenue Church, 393 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena.

• April 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m., and 6:30 to 8 p.m., Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. 1st St., Los Angeles.

• April 17, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles.

Information: www.metro.net/ regionalconnector, regionalconnec tor@metro.net.

Volunteers are needed at California state parks April 17 for the 13th annual California State Parks Foundation’s Earth Day 2010

teers each year plant native trees and community gardens, restore trails and wildlife habitats, remove trash and debris from beaches and park-

Facts lands and make repairs to fences and boardwalks.

Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to help restore the beauty of California’s treasured state parks.

For a complete list of project sites, contact (888) 98-PARKS or visit www.calparks.org.

April 9, 1939 Marian Anderson performs for 65,000 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after she is refused admission to the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Constitutional Hall.

Source: blackfacts.com

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Demonstration Against White Supremacist Group Scheduled (FSP) — A demonstration against a rally by the National Socialist Movement, which reportedly calls for building a nation of all whites, free of immigrants, Jews, etc., will take place April 17, 11 a.m.

Attendees who wish to participate in the demonstration can gather at First and Spring streets on the southwest corner of the Los Angeles City Hall block in downtown.

Information: (323) 732-6416, fspla@earthlink.net.

The Housing Rights Center will present its 11th annual Housing Rights Summit — “Civil Rights and Homelessness,” an educational forum that focuses on civil rights and social justice issues, April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the Ackerman Student Union of the University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles.

During April, the HRC will strive to commemorate National Fair Housing Month and the ideals embodied in the Civil Rights Movement. The summit will be a forum of dialogue, education and action to promote understanding and to advance equality for all. Registration is required, as space is limited.

Information: (800) 477-5977, www.hrc-la.org.

Prices and participation may vary. ©2009 McDonald’s.

HRC Presents Housing Rights Summit

BIZSHORTS Continued from page 3 affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics.

• Reputable preparers will ask to see receipts and ask multiple questions to determine whether expenses, deductions and other items qualify.

bliss for a buck

Page 6

L.A. WATTS TIMES

April 8, 2010

ARTS & CULTURE

Tyler Perry’s ‘Married Too’ Amps Up the Drama

BY DARLENE DONLOE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Tyler Perry amped up the drama in his latest marriage movie, “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too?” In the sequel to his highly successful “Why Did I Get Married?”

Perry, once again, brings eight college friends together for their annual weeklong reunion. During this mini vacation/therapy session, the couples refuel and reaffirm (or not) their commitment to one another by asking the question — why did I get married?

In the first installment, the movie ended with what looked like marital bliss all the way around.

Patricia (Janet Jackson) and Gavin (Malik Yoba) were rocky at first, but seemed to be pulling it together after the death of their child. Sheila (Jill Scott) and Mike (Richard T. Jones) divorced and she hooked up with Troy (Lamman Rucker), who became her knight in shining armor.

Dianne (Sharon Leal) and Terry (Tyler Perry) were stressed but willing to work out their differences. And Angela (Tasha Smith) and Marcus (Michael Jai White), well, who knows why those two were ever married to begin with?

Well, they’ve all returned, this time to the romantic islands of the Bahamas. But, this time the bag-

gage they bring isn’t Samsonite.

Perry pours enough drama into this sequel to bring any marriage to a screeching halt. His point, which is repeatedly pounded into the audience’s head, is that any marriage can suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune, but in the end, if you work hard enough and really love each other, it can be saved.

Perry, who is still finding his way as a writer and director, blankets each couple with several layers of angst. All of the couple’s “dealbreaking” conflicts play like superfluous melodrama.

Terry and Dianne are now happily married — or are they? Terry now suspects his wife’s cheery disposition may be due to her having an affair, albeit an emotional liaison.

The premise seems forced.

Angela is overbearing with her top-of-the-lungs “Maarrccuusss” pronouncements.

While she legitimately has trust issues considering hubby’s prior infidelities, disrupting his hosting duties on “The Sports Shuffle” television talk show, while it is on the air, is a bit over the top — even for her.

And, still, the henpecked Marcus takes it all in stride.

Smith’s portrayal of Angela starts at the top and has nowhere to

go. While she is good at providing comic relief, her constant screaming quickly becomes annoying. The “bit” played well in the first movie, so Perry rode that horse until it fell off a cliff in this sequel.

Sheila and Troy’s relationship is threatened not only with the reemergence of her ex-husband, Mike, who decides to crash the reunion and win Sheila back, but also Troy’s inability to find work since relocating to Atlanta.

And then there is Patricia and Gavin, whose relationship quickly unravels into something reminiscent of 1989’s “The War of the Roses.” Gavin becomes a brute and Patricia becomes proficient with a golf club.

While the original movie was a vehicle for Scott, this sequel is clearly a canvass for Janet Jackson.

Perry has written several dramatic scenes for the pop star, who delivers by giving an intense, emotional performance.

Overall, the movie is entertaining. However, some fans, clearly, will not like the ending.

Of course, in true Perry style, the movie comes off preachy like all of his films and plays. But that’s Perry’s schtick and it clearly works for him.

The movie opened last weekend with an impressive $30 million.

“Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get

America’s Jazz and Blues Station www.jazzandblues.org

Photo by QUANTRELL COLBERT

THE SEQUEL — Terry (Tyler Perry) and Patricia (Janet Jackson) in “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too?” Perry’s latest marriage movie opened last weekend with $30 million.

Married Too?” (Lionsgate), now in theaters, is rated PG-13 for thematic material including sexuality, language, drug references and some domestic violence. Running time: 121 minutes.

WGO Continued from page 4 OCEAN PLANET FEST — The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium will celebrate the 40th annual Earth Day celebration of our “ocean planet” April 17 with a day of free programs, including a beach cleanup, demonstrations, information and activities.

Participation options include joining the beach cleanup, grunion egg hatching, guided walks to the salt marsh and more. The cleanup will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. The aquarium is at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro. Information: (310) 548-7562, www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org.

BLACK BODY — Meri NanaAma Danquah, editor of the new anthology “The Black Body,” will discuss and sign the book April 12, 6:30 p.m., at Memorial Branch Library, 4625 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. Questions to be discussed include, “What does it mean to have,

On the Donloe Scale, D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (OK) and E (excellent), “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too” gets an L (Likable). or to love, a black body?” The anthology features 30 black, white, and biracial contributors, including inaugural poet Elizabeth Alexander and actor-author Hill Harper, taking on the challenge of interpreting the black body’s role in American culture.

Admission is free. Information: (323) 938-2732, www.lapl.org.

SCOOP NIGHT — BaskinRobbins will host its fourth annual 31 Cent Scoop Night celebration April 28, 5 to 10 p.m., at all Southern California Baskin-Robbins locations.

On that night, all 2.5 oz. ice cream scoops will be reduced to 31 cents.

Customers can treat themselves to a scoop of ice cream, or two or three, on 31 Cent Scoop Night for under a dollar. Baskin-Robbins will make a $100,000 donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, an organization that honors America’s fallen fire heroes and their families.

Information: www.baskinrobbins. com/31cent.

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April 8, 2010

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 7

ARTS & CULTURE The premiere party for TV One’s new reality series, “LisaRaye: The Real McCoy,” took place April 6 at the Standard Hotel in Los Angeles. Filmed in Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta, the new reality series follows the star of TV One’s “All of Us” as she juggles acting and a complex personal life.

Information: www.tvoneonline.com.

Actress Tatyana Ali

Actress Tangi Miller

Actress LisaRaye

SHORT TAKES MEDIA • The American Women in Radio & Television Southern California (AWRT SoCal) 2010 Genii Awards will take place April 14, 7 to 9 p.m., with cocktails and a silent auction between 5:30 and 7 p.m., at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. The Genii Awards aims to recognize the “best of the best” within the media industry.

The event will feature Pat Harvey of KCAL 9, Christine Devine of KTTV Fox 11, California first lady Maria Shriver, actress Betty White, television personality Mary Hart and more.

Tickets: www.awrtsocal.org.

“Elements of Love” series that has never been exhibited. The exhibit will run through May 30, with a closing reception May 28, 6 to 9 p.m. Information: (323) 563-5639, www.glynnisreed.com.

• Local artist Al Hornsby will have eight sample drawings of his art on display at the Los Angeles Public Library’s Fairfax branch through April 17. The library is at 161 S. Gardner St., Los Angeles.

MUSIC • Senegalese musician Baaba Maal will come to Royce Hall at the University of California, Los Angeles, April 17 at 8 p.m. Maal was schooled in the ancient griot traditions, but embraces new modes of expression with music that spans centuries and cultures.

His first studio album in eight years, “Television,” in part a collaboration with members of the Brazilian Girls, was recently released. Information: (310) 8252101, uclalive.org.

• The Choral Masterworks Concert, showcasing the talents of Pepperdine’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, will take place April 17, 7:30 p.m., at the university’s Smothers Theatre, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu.

The concert marks Milton Pullen’s final concert as Pepperdine’s director of choirs before he retires in May after nearly 15 years of teaching at the university. Tickets are priced at $10 for the general public. Information: (310) 506-4522, (800) 982-2787.

ART • Artist Glynnis Reed’s work will be featured in a group art exhibition called “Ten+One: Personal Expression,” opening April 9, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Watts Labor Community Action Committee Cecil Fergerson Gallery, 10950 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles. Reed will show work from her

“Sister Sharon” by Al Hornsby

Hornsby has been a painter for about 35 years. One painting that gave Hornsby notoriety was his work on Ronald Reagan, who he drew as a black man. Information: (323) 936-6191.

• For people who won’t see the California African American Museum’s special exhibition at the 7+FIG Art Space during the afternoon, they can view the showcase on the evening of April 8 until 9 p.m. And as an added bonus, many of the artists whose works are on display will be at the gallery between 5 and 8 p.m. to talk about their work.

Generally open on weekdays from noon to 4 p.m., the gallery is in the middle level of the 7+FIG retail space at Ernst & Young Plaza, 735 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. CAAM is presenting a collection of work by 24 leading California artists who are members of the California Artist Coalition of Los Angeles (CACLA) and will be on display through June 11. More information: www.caamuseum.org, (213) 744 7432.

OPEN OPEN 7 7 DAYS DAYS

THEATER • A Noise Within (ANW) will conclude its 2009-10 season with “The Playboy of the Western World,” directed by Geoff Elliott.

The play opens April 17, 8 p.m., and closes May 22 (previews will be April 10, 14, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and April 11 at 7 p.m.).

The play has been described

as a universal story of survival as well as a love story, focusing on the everyday life of the characters who face a situation with incredibly high stakes.

A Noise Within is at 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale.

Ticket, brochure information: (818) 240-0910, www.ANoiseWithin. org.

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Page 8

L.A. WATTS TIMES

April 8, 2010

HEALTH THE PULSE RAM’s Medical Clinic to Return to L.A.

First 5 LA Awards Best Start Baby-Friendly Hospital Grants

The second annual Remote Area Medical will take place April 25 through May 3 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, 3911 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.

Last year, RAM provided free health care services to thousands of uninsured, underinsured or unemployed people at The Forum in Inglewood. This year, the event is expected to be bigger.

More information: www.ramfreeclinic.org.

(First 5 LA) — Funded through its $10.5 million hospitalbased project to improve Los Angeles County’s low breastfeeding rates, First 5 LA has awarded seven grants to encourage and support breastfeeding policies and procedures.

The hospitals selected for funding under the five-year Best Start Baby-Friendly Hospital project are: • St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach.

• Hollywood Presbyterian.

• Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.

• Monterey Park Hospital.

• White Memorial Medical Center near downtown.

• East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital.

• San Gabriel Valley Medical Center in San Gabriel.

Grants are for amounts ranging up to $473,000 per hospital over the course of three years, with an intended start day of May 1.

Walk-A-Thon Set for This Weekend (JDF) — The JR Dixon Foundation’s Fourth Annual WalkA-Thon will take place April 10, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Andrews Recreational Center, 8701 S. St. Andrews Place, Los Angeles.

The theme of the Walk-AThon will be “Walking Today So That Others Can Walk Tomorrow.”

Checks can be made payable to the JR Dixon Foundation.

Information: (877) 259-4497, jrdixonfoundation@hotmail.com.

Government to Help Get Coverage for Uninsured WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration sought April 2 to show voters concrete benefits from the new health care law, taking steps to provide insurance coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions.

The law President Obama signed March 23 requires creation within 90 days of buying pools to target uninsured people who can’t get coverage because of health conditions. Five billion dollars is being spent on the program, which will remain in place until the sweeping health law is fully implemented in 2014, when insurance companies will have to take all comers.

The program will build on buying pools that already exist in some states. The federal government will let states take the lead in setting up new pools or will administer them in states that don’t want to participate on their own.

In addition to the new buying pools, things that will take effect quickly include tax credits for small businesses, a $250 rebate for seniors who fall into Medicare’s prescription drug coverage “doughnut hole,” and new requirements for insurers to cover kids with preexisting conditions.

The program is available to people with pre-existing conditions who have been uninsured for at least six months.

World Health Day’s ‘Soccer in the Streets’ USC, UCLA and the LAFC Foundation plan to help educate the community about the importance of health April 18, 1 to 5 p.m., at Salt Lake Park, 3401 E. Florence Ave., Huntington Park, as part of “Soccer in the Streets.”

This will be a communitywide soccer event and health fair that promotes fitness and nutrition for youth in Huntington Park.

Information: www.lafcfounda tion.org.

Jackson Doctor Fights to Keep Medical License (AP) — Michael Jackson’s doctor is “hanging on by a thread” and must be allowed to continue practicing medicine to pay for his defense on a manslaughter charge in the pop star’s death, the physician’s lawyers said in court papers filed April 1.

Responding to a bid by the California attorney general to suspend Dr. Conrad Murray’s medical license pending trial, attorneys Ed Chernoff and Joseph Low said the effect would be devastating to the doctor who already faces a slew of financial problems.

Murray, who was working as Jackson’s personal physician, is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer’s death from the anesthetic propofol and other drugs. He has pleaded not guilty.

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A Doctor’s Word: How to Keep Your Blood Pressure Down

BY ERIN MARCUS, M.D. NEW AMERICA MEDIA

When her gynecologist told her she had high blood pressure, Marie Alcindor had a simple solution: switch doctors. After all, she had gone to him for a different problem, and this was the first time he had ever checked her blood pressure.

“He said, ‘Oh my God, you’re like a bomb waiting to explode.’ I said, ‘I didn’t come here for that, I came here for something else,’ ” she explained.

Two years later, Alcindor went to see her general medical doctor, who was also a family friend.

“He looked me dead in my face and said, ‘I’ve known you since you were a teenager, and you don’t want to die. Would you like somebody to be wiping the dribble from your mouth? Would you like to walk with a dragging foot?’ ” This time, she heeded her doctor’s warning.

She began taking the medications he prescribed, even though she didn’t like pills. She also began making changes in her everyday life.

These behavioral changes, or “lifestyle modifications,” are recommended by the federal government’s National High Blood Pressure Program.

The program also recommends these changes for people with “prehypertension,” blood pressure that’s above normal but not yet in hypertensive range (120-139 for the top (or systolic) number, and 80-89 for the bottom (or diastolic) number).

Lifestyle changes alone aren’t sufficient for many people with high blood pressure. But combined with medicine, they worked for Alcindor.

After two years, her blood pressure fell to the normal range, and she no longer needs pills. The headaches and shortness of breath that she used

BRIEFS Continued from page 4

THE STATE UC President: Hate Acts May Prompt Policy Changes SACRAMENTO (AP) — Following a string of racist acts on campuses, the University of California is considering changing its policy on bias incidents, UC president Mark Yudof said.

In a letter to four state lawmakers, Yudof condemned the recent incidents, which included graffiti of swastikas and a noose found hanging from a library bookshelf.

“What we have witnessed in recent weeks are quite simply the worst acts of racism and intolerance I’ve seen on college campuses in 20 years,” Yudof wrote in the sevenpage letter released to The Associated Press.

In March, state Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg of Sacramento and three other Senate Democrats sent a letter to Yudof and UC chancellors requesting a detailed account of the system’s policies on hateful acts.

In his response, Yudof said he had started reviewing student-proposed legislation on campus hate crimes and was contemplating

to experience have also receded.

High blood pressure is rampant, and it’s one of the most common reasons why people develop strokes, heart problems and kidney failure. It usually does its damage insidiously, and many people with high blood pressure don’t have any symptoms until they have a stroke or heart trouble.

Below are lifestyle modifications recommended by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program, which have helped people like Alcindor. Please note that while these lifestyle changes are important, they are not a substitute for medication, if that’s what your doctor recommends.

Lose Weight If you are overweight, getting your weight to a normal range is one of the most potent things you can do to lower your blood pressure. If that’s not possible, even losing 10 pounds can help many people lower their systolic blood pressure by five to 20 points.

Following the DASH Diet The DASH diet consists of fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods.

Adopting the DASH diet is said to drop systolic blood pressure about eight to 14 points in most people.

The DASH diet contains a lot of potassium, and people with kidney problems should check with their doctors before adopting it, since they are at risk of developing dangerously high potassium levels.

Restricting Sodium Lowering sodium intake to 2.4 grams a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt) will likely lower systolic blood pressure by two to eight points. The quickest way to lower your sodium intake is to stay away from canned and processed foods and limit your eating at restaurants.

Aerobic Physical Activity Brisk walking, or some other regular aerobic physical activity, at least 30 minutes per day, will lower systolic blood pressure by four to nine points.

Limit Alcohol Consumption For men, this means no more than two drinks a day, and for women, no more than one a day. (A drink is one 12 ounce beer, 5 ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of whiskey.)

Don’t Smoke Smoking can trigger heart problems, and the combination of smoking and high blood pressure is dangerous.

Self-Control Learn to manage how you respond to stressful situations.

There’s good evidence that people who respond angrily to stressful situations are more likely to develop heart problems.

Keep Track of Your Blood Pressure Many fire departments will check blood pressure for free, either at regular screenings or on a drop-in basis. Check with your local department.

Don’t Skip Medications Of all the medications doctors prescribe, blood pressure medicine is one of the most important.

Skipping a dose on your own can be dangerous. If you’re worried about paying for prescriptions, tell a health care professional, since many highly effective, first-line blood pressure medicines are available in generic form, at a relatively low cost.

Dr. Erin Marcus is associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. A Doctor’s Word is supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation.

expanding UC’s Student Code of Conduct to explicitly ban such acts.

WWII Tuskegee Airman, FAMU Dean Jenkins Dies at 85

THE NATION

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A retired university administrator who attended the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama as one of the surviving members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen has died. Willie E. Jenkins was 85.

Retired Florida A&M vice president Eddie Jackson said Jenkins died March 30. Jenkins served as FAMU’s dean of university relations between 1968 and 1986. He was presented the Congressional Gold Medal by President George W. Bush in 2007.

A parachute rigger for the allblack contingent of 1,000 pilots and 15,000 ground crew who trained in Tuskegee, Ala., Jenkins retired from the Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He served as a company commander during the Korean conflict when the military was beginning to embrace integration.

Man Pleads Guilty in 2008 Plot to Kill Obama JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee white supremacist has pleaded guilty to charges that he plotted to kill then-presidential candidate Barack Obama and dozens of other black people in 2008.

Daniel Cowart, 21, of Bells pleaded guilty to eight counts of a 10-count indictment accusing him of conspiracy, numerous federal firearms violations, destruction of church property, and threatening to kill a presidential candidate.

Under a plea deal, lawyers on both sides agreed to recommend that Cowart serve between 12 and 18 years in prison. However, terms of the agreement allow U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen to ignore the request and sentence Cowart to considerably more time.

But if the judge ignores the recommendations, Cowart would have the option of withdrawing his guilty plea. A co-defendant in the case, 19year-old Paul Schlesselman of Helena-West Helena, Ark., pleaded guilty in January to his role in the plot. He is awaiting sentencing.

Facts April 10, 1943 Arthur Ashe is born. He is the first black American Davis Cup team member and the first African American to win the U.S. Open and the men’s singles title at Wimbledon.

Source: blackfacts.com

April 8, 2010

L.A. WATTS TIMES

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Page 9

Page 10

L.A. WATTS TIMES

April 8, 2010

SPORTS HUTCHINSON

BRAD PYE JR.

Continued from page 2

SPORTS BEAT Notes, quotes and things picked up on the run from coast-to-coast and all the stops in between and beyond.

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship ended with the Duke Blue Devils beating the Butler Bulldogs, 61-59, in a nailbiter. If the Bulldogs’ Gordon Hayward had made that at the buzzer, half-court shot, which almost went in, Duke would have been in the “L� column.

With the win, Duke claims its fourth national championship in men’s basketball.

And the beat continues‌ Major League Baseball opened the season recently, and the Los Angeles Lakers and the L.A. Kings are in a playoff mode.

Garret Anderson, the exL.A. Angel of Anaheim is expected to be a starting outfielder for the Dodgers. The crowd received Anderson well at the Big A recently, and he went one for two.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers didn’t have their “Mo Joe� working on opening day as they were knocked off by the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-5.

And the beat continues‌ Will the extension of Kobe Bryant’s contract for another three years for $84 million be the spark the Lakers need to send them into the playoffs on a high note? Hopefully so.

Following the Lakers’ disastrous 2-3 record on the road recent-

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ly, they entertain the Portland Trailblazers on April 11 and the Sacramento Kings on April 13. The Lakers are on the road for dates with the Denver Nuggets tonight (April 8) and the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 9.

LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers became the ninth team to post successive 60-victory seasons April 2 by beating the Atlanta Hawks 93-88. It will be a lightweight miracle if the 55-22 Lakers can reach their goal of 60 wins.

And the beat continues‌ A track and field rematch between Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay and Asafe Powell is set for Aug. 27 at

AP Photo

Usain Bolt

the Memorial Van Damme in Brussels. This will be a rematch of last year’s world championships where Bolt set a world record in the 100 meters with a clocking of (9.58) in August in Berlin. He was followed by Gay (9.71) and Powell in (9.84).

Kim Clijsters beat on Venus Williams April 3, 6-1, 6-2, to win the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Fla. Williams had won this event three times.

And the beat continues‌ Now that the Philadelphia Eagles has shipped quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins, does this mean the Redskins are going to ship starter Jason Campbell out of town, too?

The University of Southern California has a slew of top NFL prospects annually. However, the

University of California Los Angeles’ defensive tackle, Brian Price (Crenshaw High), may be the Southland’s top pro prospect.

USC will showcase a talented group of first-round picks in Charles Brown, safety Taylor Mays and defensive end Everson Griffin, but none are expected to be drafted higher than Price.

And the beat continues‌ That old gang of mine keeps going ‌ going home to be with the Lord.

The latest to go on March 30 was famed criminal attorney Charles E. Lloyd. He, the late attorney Johnnie L. Cochran Jr., and attorney Calvin Porter were jogging buddies at 5 a.m. five days a week at Dorsey High School.

The one who missed a morning had to buy dinner for all of us before we attended the fights on Thursday nights at the old Olympic Auditorium.

Together, we saw some of the biggest and most historic sporting and entertainment events in the world, including the Muhammad Ali vs. Kenny Norton fight at New York’s Yankee Stadium.

Lloyd represented the late Ernie Ladd with a then-recordsetting $640,000 contract with the Houston Oilers and lightweight champion Aaron Pryor in some of his reported battles with substance abuse.

And the beat ends.

Brad Pye Jr. can be reached at switchreel@aol.com.

Facts April 11, 1968 President Lyndon Johnson signs the 1968 Housing Act, which outlawed discrimination in the sale, rental or leasing of housing.

This bill also made it a crime to interfere with civil rights workers and to cross state lines to incite a riot.

Source: blackfacts.com

him with the same passion if he touted himself as a mixed-race candidate.

The thrill and pride for them was that a black man could beat the racial odds and climb to the political top. Substituting biracial for black would not have had the same meaning or significance to blacks.

The talk about Obama being anything other than black infuriates many African Americans. Their anger is legitimate.

If Obama doesn’t run from his black identity, then the biracial card appears as a naked effort to snatch Obama’s history-making presidency from them. It’s also an implicit denial that an African American can have the right stuff — the smarts, talent and ability to excel in any arena.

Obama’s presidency was and still is a significant step forward for black and white relations in America, not mixed-race relations. The nagging racial slights and indigni-

RACE GAP Continued from page 1 package, but the amount was slashed down to just $2 billion as part of the “reconciliation� process between the House and Senate versions of the bill.

Other efforts at major federal job training and employment programs have floundered in Congress because of Republican opposition, Edelman said, and Obama has not done enough to overcome it.

Minority communities will likely see an increase in the coming months as the Census Bureau hires 700,000 enumerators who help

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count the U.S. population, said Heidi Shierholtz, a labor economist at the Economic Policy Institute in Washington.

But those jobs will be gone by the fall and Shierholtz believes unemployment will be on the rise again in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The latest unemployment figures from the Labor Department show that more than 400,000 Americans have been out of work for more than six months and have joined the ranks of the “long-term unemployed.� “I don’t think we’ve turned the corner,� she said, “and we will not turn the corner until early next year.�

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ties that many African Americans suffer, and the racial ridicule that Obama is routinely subjected to, is an eternal reminder that race still does matter, and matters a lot to many Americans.

Obama’s self-designation of himself as African American made what’s painfully obvious official.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. His nationally heard talk show is on KTYM-AM 1460 AM Los Angeles, Fridays, 9:30 a.m., and KPFK Pacifica Radio 90.7 Los Angeles, Saturdays, noon Pacific Standard Time.

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April 8, 2010

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 11

PUBLIC NOTICE Trustee Sale # CA0952596-3 Loan# 60632225 Order # 4220992 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 10/25/2005. 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 04/29/2010 at 1 :00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 11/04/2005 as Document No. 05 2672752 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, EDWIN SAUL AND IYONNIE SAUL, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor, GREENPOINT MORTGAGE FUNDING, INC., as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Boulevard,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 # 2502-001-176 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: 15232 FOOTHILL BOULEVARD UNIT 158, LOS ANGELES, CA 91342 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: $ 361,464.71 (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: 04/08/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC. DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: AMY LEMUS , TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER *TRUSTEE CORPS* 30 Corporate Park, Suite 400, IRVINE, CA 92606 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714 ) 786-5351 (714)786-5351 (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 Ad #2704 2010-04-08 2010-04-15 2010-04-22 Trustee Sale No. CA09000312-09-1 . Loan No. 1010560983 Title Order No. 090884483-CA-GTI APN 6055-011-051 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED October 10, 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 May 3, 2010, at 1:00 PM, at the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL Inc dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on October 18, 2007, as Instrument No. 20072374683 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: MOHAMMAD A. HANNAN, 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: 1419 WEST 97TH STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90047 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 $552,545.30 (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: April 8, 2010 Trustee Corps TS No. CA09000312-09-1 . 30 Corporate Park, Suite 400 Irvine, CA 92606 949-252-8300 Ernie Aguilar 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. 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. Ernie Aguilar Authorized Signature TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #2773 2010-04-08 2010-04-15 2010-04-22 Trustee Sale # CA0957070-3 Loan# 0146747795 Order # 55009869 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 06/14/2007. 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 04/23/2010 at 1 :00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 06/22/207 as Document No. 20071504100 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, CESAR ESPINO, AN UNMARRIED MAN, as Trustor, SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC., as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5044-013-012 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: 2911 WEST 36TH STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90018 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: $292,437.47 (estimated amount).

Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder's sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. The Beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2924f: The Beneficiary or Beneficiary's agent has indicated that the requirements of California Civil Code Section 2924f have been met. See Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part hereof. Compliance with California Civil Code Section 2923.52: 1. Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: X Servicer does hereby state that Servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date of the notice of sale is filed. 2. Timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) Section 2923.52 ___ Does X Does not apply pursuant to section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Dated: 04/01/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC. DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: ERNIE AGUILAR, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER *TRUSTEE CORPS* 30 Corporate Park, Suite 400, IRVINE, CA 92606 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714) 786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 Ad #2786 2010-04-01 2010-04-08 2010-04-15 Trustee Sale # CA0957264-3 Loan# 0146241963 Order # 961032 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 02/05/2007. 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 05/03/2010 at 1:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 02/12/2007 as Document No. 20070301331 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, GERARDO HERREJON, UN MARRIED MAN, as Trustor, SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC., as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5453-023-022 AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED ON SAID DEED OF TRUST. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 3311 MACEO STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90065 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein.

Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $401,423.96 (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: 04/08/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC. DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: ERNIE AGUILAR, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER *TRUSTEE CORPS* 30 Corporate Park, Suite 400, IRVINE, CA 92606 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714) 786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 Ad #2874 2010-04-08 2010-04-15 2010-04-22 Trustee Sale # CA0954169-3 Loan# 192159405 Order # 4233858 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 04/28/2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 05/03/2010 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 05/07/2008 as Document No. 20080807434 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, WILLIAM O CAMPOS , AND MARTA G CAMPOS , HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS WITH RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP, as Trustor, COUNTRYWIDE BANK, FSB, 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 # 6058-005-007 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: 10039 SOUTH MANHATTAN PLACE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90047-4249 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: $350,253.48 (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: 04/08/2010 MTC FINANCIAL INC. DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: ERNIE AGUILAR, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER *TRUSTEE CORPS* 30 Corporate Park, Suite 400, IRVINE, CA 92606 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714) 786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 Ad #2877 2010-04-08 2010-04-15 2010-04-22

FOR RENT UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS FOR RENTSection 8 in South East L.A. Across from Magic Johnson Park, near Avalon & Central.

3 Bedrooms/1.5 Bathrooms & 4 Bedrooms/ 1.5 Bathrooms. CALL: 323-567-3564 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20100351008 The following person is doing business as: Queen V Enterprises 3579 E. Foothill Blvd., #537 Pasadena, CA 91107 Victoria Willams 3579 E. Foothill Blvd., #537 Pasadena, CA 91107 This business is conducted by an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on March 15, 2010. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. NOTICE: This Fictitious Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the Los Angeles County Clerk. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before that time.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

First Filing: 3/18/2010, 3/25/2010, 4/1/2010, 4/8/2010 LAWT 413 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20100376275 The following person is doing business as: Dream Merchantz 4065 Ursula Ave., Unit 15 Los Angeles, CA 90008 Stephanie E. Thornton 4065 Ursula Ave., Unit 15 Los Angeles, CA 90008 This business is conducted by an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on March 18, 2010. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. NOTICE: This Fictitious Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the Los Angeles County Clerk. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before that time.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

First Filing: 3/25/2010, 4/1/2010, 4/8/2010, 4/15/2010 LAWT 414 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20100346306 The following person is doing business as: NIMBY Delivers 2202 S. Figueroa St., Ste. 643 Los Angeles, CA 90007 NIMBY Delivers LLC 2202 S. Figueroa St., Ste. 643 Los Angeles, CA 90007 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on March 12, 2010. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. NOTICE: This Fictitious Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the Los Angeles County Clerk. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before that time.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

First Filing: 4/8/2010, 4/15/2010, 4/22/10, 4/29/10 LAWT 415 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20100459353 The following person is doing business as: A’Jae Designs, True Adornment 3419 W. 78th Place Los Angeles, CA 90043 Alicia Green 3419 W. 78th Place Los Angeles, CA 90043 This business is conducted by an Individual. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on April 5, 2010. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. NOTICE: This Fictitious Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the Los Angeles County Clerk. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before that time.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

First Filing: 4/8/2010, 4/15/2010, 4/22/10, 4/29/10 LAWT 417

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DBA’s and Legal Notices, Call (213) 251-5700

LOS ANGELES COUNTY COMMUNITY AND SENIOR SERVICES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Los Angeles County Community and Senior Services (CSS) is accepting Proposals for the Traditional Legal Assistance Program (TLA) beginning April 12, 2010. The TLA Program provides legal advice and representation from an attorney to older individuals (60+) and to unpaid caregivers. The TLA Program also provides other services such as Pro Se Services, Volunteer Attorney/Lay Advocate Training, and legal education to assist seniors and caregivers with their legal needs.

Public/Government entities and private non-profit organizations (for-profits do not qualify under this RFP and will not be considered) may pick-up a copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) at Community and Senior Services, Contracts Management Division, 3175 W. 6th Street, Room 403, Los Angeles, CA 90020. The RFP will be available for pick-up in person Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), April 12, 2010 through April, 16 2010 or you can download the RFP from the Internet at: http://css.lacounty.gov/Bid/Bid.html#pagetop Proposals may be submitted by mail or in person and must be received by CSS no later than 3:00 p.m., (PST), Thursday, May 13, 2010.

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) 351-5090 or by e-mail at: AAARFP@css.lacounty.gov

Qualified “A”, licensed Contractors are invited to submit sealed bids by 2:05 PM, May 12, 2010 to the BurbankGlendale-Pasadena Airport Authority for Project Number E09-21, RSA Paving Rehabilitation Reconstruction project. The Work in general consists of, but is not limited to, removal and replacement of existing 4 inch ± 1 inch P-401 asphalt concrete pavement on the runway safety areas of RWY 8-26 and RWY 15-33, base compaction, and application of P-620 pavement markings at the Bob Hope Airport. Plans and specifications can be obtained directly from the Bob Hope Airport Web site at bobhopeairport.com under Business Opportunities. All bidders shall register with the Airport Engineering Department either via web site or in person. Bids submitted by firms who have not registered with Airport Engineering will be considered nonresponsive. Call Bobbi Greenspahn at (818) 565-1305 for more information.

A pre-bid conference will be conducted on April 28, 2010, at 10:00 A.M. at the Bob Hope Airport Engineering Office, 2800 Clybourn, Burbank, California, 91505. Located at the corner of Sherman Way and Clybourn.

MBE/WBE/OBE SUBCONTRACT OPPORTUNITY NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR BIDS VILLAS AT GOWER AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT 1726 GOWER STREET, HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028 ALPHA CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. INVITES SUBCONTRACTOR’S FROM MBE/WBE/OBE FIRMS TO BID ON THE VILLAS AT GOWER AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT. INTERESTED FIRMS MUST PROVIDE A COPY OF THEIR CURRENT M/W/OBE CERTIFICATION ISSUED BY THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES, MTA OR CALTRANS. THIS PROJECT IS A PREVAILING WAGE JOB. FOR INFORMATION REGARDING PLANS AND SPECS OR FOR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS CONTACT GERALD PEDROW AT 818.779-3000 X251.

BIDS MUST BE RECEIVED AT ALPHA CONSTRUCTION’S OFFICE LOCATED AT 14601 AETNA STREET, VAN NUYS, CA 91411, NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2010 AT 2 P.M. BIDS CAN BE FAXED TO 818.779-3003, ATTN: GERALD PEDROW OR EMAILED TO jpedrow@alphaconstruction.com THE FOLLOWING TRADES ARE SCHEDULED TO BID ON APRIL 16, 2010: FINAL CLEANUP, SITE CONCRETE, ASPHALT PAVING, STRIPING & SIGNAGE, SITE ACCESSORIES, FURNISHINGS, ORNAMENTAL IRON, FENCES & GATES, HANDRAILS & RAILINGS, ROOFING, FIRESTOPPING, INSULATION, CABINETS & MILLWORK, COUNTERTOPS / SOLID SURFACE, DOORS, FRAMES & HARDWARE, GLASS & GLAZING, WINDOWS-ALUMINUM, DRYWALL & METAL FRAMING, CERAMIC TILE, ACOUSTICAL CEILINGS, FLOORING, PAINT, RESTROOM ACCESSORIES, WINDOW COVERINGS, APPLIANCES, FIRE SPRINKLER, PLUMBING, HVAC & ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL / LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEM BID DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH: ftp://mail.alphaconstruction.com NAME: Gower, PASSWORD, Gower ALPHA CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER THAT IS COMMITTED TO, AND ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION OF MBE/WBE/OBE SUBCONTRACTORS/SUPPLIERS ON THE VILLAS AT GOWER AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS MAY BE REQUIRED FOR THE FULL SUBCONTRACT AMOUNT

CALDWELL Continued from page 1 something we can do together, and since we’re both from Beloit, we have a great deal of interest in the city.

“My wife will do the majority of the research because I have a few other things to do, but there will be times I can assist.”

Caldwell spent a recent weekend checking different sources and potential interview subjects. He said the historic time frame he is particularly interested in will be from about 1880 to 1970.

For the look at sports, there is no shortage of potential subjects.

Choosing whom to focus on will be the difficult decision. Beloit is rich in legendary athletes such as Johnny Watts, Eddie May, Jerry Kenney, LaMont Weaver and Frank Clarke, as well as some Caldwell said are less well-known but important in their own right.

He had a great-great uncle who as an amateur boxer went by the ring name of “Tiger Lily.” He once sparred with heavyweight champion Joe Louis.

“Tiger Lily was an incredible

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: 20100091257 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: APOGNIX / SAVIYNT, Rishma Shariff, 11108 Matteson, CA 90230. The Fictitious business name referred to above was filed on January 21, 2010 in the County of Los Angeles. Original File No. 20100091257. Full name of Registrants: Rishma Sharriff This business is conducted by a Individual: Rishma Shariff. This statement was filed with the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder on March 1, 2010.

Publish Dates: 3/11/10, 3/18/10, 3/25/10, 4/1/10 LAWT 001

physical specimen and while it’s difficult finding real records about him, there’s a lot of folklore,” Caldwell said.

It’s a good thing Caldwell knows how to budget his time.

Even during his brief stay in Beloit, he had film of college players to study, with the NFL draft coming up next month.

“I’m extremely busy,” he said.

“Last year we finished on Jan. 3, and I took over on the 12th. This year we finished Feb. 7, so I feel like I’m a month behind.”

The NFL draft is Caldwell’s current obsession since he “has to know every single guy on our draft board.”

But he plans to return to Beloit in late June with a camera crew to begin conducting interviews.

Page 12

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IN THEATERS APRIL 16 Continued from page 1 vocational programs, will cut California’s 167,000-inmate prison population by 6,500.

The changes will also free up state parole officers to focus on exprison gang members, sex offenders and violent criminals, whose 70 percent recidivism rate is more than double that of the nonviolent ex-cons.

“Our supervision will be higher on those more likely to re-offend,” said California Corrections spokesman Gordon Hinkle.

Caroline Aguirre, who retired in 2007 after two decades as a state parole officer, said reduced caseloads are unlikely to make a difference and the absence of monitoring will result in more crime.

“It’s because they are not being supervised and they know they are not being supervised,” Aguirre said.

Local agencies are skeptical.

Several of them, themselves struggling with budget cuts, decried the extra workload.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is in the state’s most populous county, has about 7,700 felons who will qualify for the easier restrictions. Rogers said the department will start doing what the state’s parole officers used to do.

“We still want them to know that they need to behave themselves,” Rogers said of the ex-cons. “Some would argue it’s an unfunded mandate transferring responsibility to cities and counties.”

Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood said he was expecting 1,000 parolees to qualify for lighter restrictions in his largely rural area that has an unemployment rate of 17 percent.

“People are frustrated,” Youngblood said. “When you mix that frustration with alcohol and nothing to do because they are unemployed, nothing good can come from that mixture when it comes to public safety.”

Youngblood laid off 40 deputies last year because of budget cuts. He’s going to bring in deputies on longterm sick leave to handle office duties, freeing other officers to check up on parolees.

Local law enforcement agencies also are creating programs to let inmates know about community resources that are geared to helping them find jobs, health services and housing — duties usually carried out by parole officers.

Scott H. Silverman of Second Chance, a San Diego-based nonprofit that helps former prisoners find work, said the changes simply pass responsibility to the local level.

“It’s a quick fix, but it’s only going to make the state feel better for about five minutes,” he said. “Everyone is going to get hurt on a local level.”

Silverman said parolees could be emboldened by the lack of restrictions, and he criticized the state for it’s lack of a support network.

“They know they are really going to have to do something goofy before they will get sent back to prison,” he said of the ex-cons. “We have a 70 percent recidivism rate under supervised parole. What’s it going to be like when they are not supervised?”

“They know they are really going to have to do something goofy before they will get sent back to prison,” he said of the ex-cons. “We have a 70 percent recidivism rate under supervised parole. What’s it going to be like when they are not supervised?”

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