LAWT-04-14-2011

W E E K E N D E R

L.A. Watts Times Vol. XXX, No. 1227

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

FEATURE STORY

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

HOROSCOPES A

RIES ~ Spend some time thinking about mutual needs. Just because it’s what you want, it may not be your lover’s fond desire. Give a little to get something that you need right now — someone to be with. Save the self-importance for another week.

AURUS ~ Take the lead, especially in romantic matters. Throw modesty out the window. Be in shameless pursuit. You know that your need is great this week.

Seek to satisfy it. Your lover might be surprised, but you can make the surprise a pleasant one.

EMINI ~ Heads or tails! Go or stay!

What to do? This week you’ll find yourself pulled in two exactly opposite directions. There is no way to satisfy both pulls. Let your friends decide. Take whatever suggestion comes first.

ANCER ~ Don’t waste time thinking about the past. Sure they were wrong, but what does it matter now. Enjoy the present.

Find something good to do for the rest of the week. Avoid conflict. Nothing is so important that it needs to be resolved this week.

EO ~ Stop thinking about work. Sure there are pressing matters, but they’ll wait. Tap into the fun side of your personality. Get deep into that side and stay there.

Don’t keep pulling back to think about things that need to be fixed.

IRGO ~ Let the pleasure principal win the battle with your sense of duty. Give yourself up to the sunshine, the fresh air, the outdoors. Stop talking and get moving. Your own motion will clear your mind of things that have been hanging on.

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IBRA ~ There are so many good things to do that the challenge will be in deciding what to do and what to not do. Great place to be. Count your blessings -all of them and flip a coin. What a time to be alive. Call someone. Let them decide what you should enjoy first.

CORPIO ~ Give yourself a chance to know yourself better. Let others reflect the beauty that is you and that will give you added knowledge of yourself this week. Ask for opinions and listen closely, making something good out of whatever is said.

AGITTARIUS ~ You’ll meet someone that you could come to adore. Make sure you’ve laid the groundwork because they might not be ready for all the adoration that you are ready to give. Make sure that you don’t adore a bird in the bush while neglecting a bird in hand.

APRICORN ~ Being an artist doesn’t always mean painting a picture. This week apply your artistry to anything that you do. Look at life as an empty canvas upon which you have the skill to paint almost any wonderful thing that you want.

QUARIUS ~ This week is better than last week for career goals. Think deeply about what you really want for a career. Clarity is easy to come by. Charm is an extremely effective tool for you this week. The smile is needed more than at any recent time.

ISCES ~ Believe that it is true when a friend or family member praises you this week. There is something good happening with you that you cannot see. Expect good news about a publishing, educational or legal venture. Romance is in the air, revel in it.

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L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER Published Weekly – Updates 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008 Administration – Sales – Graphics – Editorial 323.299.3800 - office 323.291.6804 - fax Beverly Cook – Publisher, Managing Editor 1976 – 1993 Charles Cook – Publisher, 1976 – 1998 Melanie Polk – Publisher 1998 – 2010

Congresswoman Waters leads community meeting The theme centered on the potential devastating impact of federal budget cuts on the community L.A. WATTS TIMES STAFF REPORT U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters called, and the community showed up to hear what she had to say.

And she said it loud and clear.

Surrounded by elected officials from cities bordering Los Angeles, Waters came onto the stage as Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” was blasting last Saturday throughout Jesse Owens Park, where she explained how pending budget cuts in Washington, D.C., will affect her constituents and the minority community in general — not only in Los Angeles, but also throughout the nation.

After the prayer, the Congresswoman explained the ongoing negotiations between Democrats and Republicans on both the federal budgets. She also explained how if it is not curtailed, the outcome will be devastating; and that was why she called the community together.

She stated, “We’re not going to go for these cuts; we’re going to send a message to the government (in Washington, D.C.). The community is very quiet, we’re not speaking out ... being very complacent,” she continued.

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It was the day after Congress had squeaked by a budget at the 11th hour saving the federal from having to shutdown: furlough workers, delaying paychecks to federal employees including the military and their families, Social Security recipients, closing national parks and a host of other rippling effects.

But that did not happen; still “... it was a short term solution,” she said, “It passed with $38 billion in cuts.

What are they cutting?”

Inside this Edition

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WWW.LAWATTSTIMES.COM Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. ..........Executive Publisher & Executive Editor Brenda Marsh Mitchell ................................Executive Vice President Tracy Mitchell........................................................................Controller Brandon I. Brooks ............................................Co – Managing Editor Yussuf J. Simmonds..........................................Co – Managing Editor Samuel Richard..........................................................Associate Editor Willa Robinson..................................................Director of Advertising Benjamin Samuels ..............................................Production Designer Chris Martin ........................................................Production Designer

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A child holds a sign of what may happen.

MOMBASA SQUARE ANSWERS FROM 4-7-11

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CIRCULATION AUDIT BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL

Continuing, Congresswoman Waters laid out some specifics: “We cannot afford to lose health care reform that we worked so hard for ... we need jobs ... we need to rebuild the infrastructure ... we have lost thousands of homes in the community ... we need a dream, not a nightmare.”

The lineup that followed was a who’s-who of elected officials.

Councilman Bernard Parks: “We cannot place cuts in human services,” summing up what was previously said. “This has to be a dayto-day event until things change.”

Assemblyman Isadore Hall: “How many of you are fed up?” he repeated rhetorically a few times.

“Poor people are always getting the brunt of the cuts; the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. We must support Congresswoman Waters; she is like a roaring lion in Washington, D.C.” See COMMUNITY MTG., page 5

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

New development planned for area surrounding MLK Jr. Hospital

BY THANDISIZWE CHIMURENGA CONTRIBUTING WRITER More than 100 people took an opportunity to view — and contribute to — plans for the development of the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Hospital Master Plan on April 9 at an open house on the medical center campus.

The event, sponsored by L.A. County Supervisor Mark RidleyThomas’ office, brought residents from throughout the Second District to the H. Claude Hudson Auditorium to interact with seven information stations with large, detailed poster boards of the planning process and current proposals for development of the campus and its adjacent areas. There was also information about how residents could include their own visions of the medical center.

The first phase of the project deals with the future growth and development of the 42-acre MLK campus “What we’re trying to do now is start the planning process for a master plan; we know there is going to be a hospital, a new Mobile Ambulatory Care Center next to that and a public health center right across the street, but it still leaves a 38-acre campus with a lot of open space and unused buildings,” said Karla Diaz, health deputy for Supervisor Ridley-Thomas. “This is the opportunity for the community to come and say, ‘I’d really like to see a fitness center or I’d really like to see more doctors’ offices,’ or whatever it is that the community would like to see go into these other spaces; for them to start developing a plan based on community input that can then start shaping how we develop the campus over the next 10 to 15 years,” she said.

Alva Smith, a Compton resident, hopes that there will be more jobs for qualified people in the surrounding area of the hospital.

“Because of the economy, they won’t have to travel so far (to find/have employment) and they will have a future right here in their area to help build it up,” Smith said.

“They can do something positive for a change, if it’s made available to them.”

Diaz said the proposed South L.A. Health and Wellness Center will be “based more around prevention.” The facility, which currently does immunizations and communicable disease testing and lab work, will eventually include a community kitchen and a fitness park that goes around the facility.

In greeting the residents, Ridley-Thomas told the residents the purpose of master planning “Gives attention to forethought.

We’re not doing things in an ad hoc way, after the fact, throwing things together. We are deliberate about this 38-acre parcel and we want to make sure that there are things here that haven’t been here before, things that will take full advantage of all of the acreage in an efficient way that will cause us to dream large, not small; to show what can be done when communities and others who wish to see good things happen come together and work in a way that will make extraordinary things take place. That’s essentially what’s underway today. You area part of that,” he said.

A new private, nonprofit board of directors for the MLK Hospital, which consists of seven individuals appointed by the county and the University of California system, was approved in the fall of 2010. An executive director for the hospital has not yet been determined.

The board will be tasked with the administration of the hospital whereas the medical staffing and the training for that staff will be provided by the University of California.

As part of the open house’s activity, participants were asked to See MLK HOSPITAL, page 14

Courtesy of L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas’ office

A rendering of the entrance, parking lot and proposed medical tower for the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Medical Center campus. Plans to transform the 42-acre campus were presented during an open house sponsored by Second District L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas on April 9.

Photo by Thandisizwe Chimurenga

Visitors to the campus of the MLK Jr. Medical Center view information stations detailing phases of the proposed Campus Master Plan. L.A. County Second District Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas sponsored an open house on April 9 for residents and others to view and be a part of the plans for transforming the 42-acre campus of the medical center.

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Compton College — on the road to recovery AB 318, sponsored by former Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally, has kept the college on the move. Last Friday, a group of educators, elected officials, staff, students and concerned citizens listened as the special trustee laid out the institution’s past, present and possible future.

BY YUSSUF J. SIMMONDS CO-MANAGING EDITOR Dr. Genethia Hudley-Hayes is the special trustee for the Compton Community College (CCC). She was appointed in 2010 by the chancellor of the state’s community college system, Dr. Jack Scott, to oversee the college in order that it may regain its accreditation that was revoked in 2006. As special trustee, Hudley-Hayes appointed Dr. Keith Curry as the interim chief executive officer of the college to assist her in returning the institution to academic normalcy and regaining its accreditation.

To understand why CCC is now officially called El Camino College Compton Center (ECCC), it is important understand what AB 318 is and what it did. In part, it read, “... This bill would express various findings and declarations of the legislature with respect to the

withdrawal of accreditation from the Compton Community College District and the impact the withdrawal would have on the students and residents of the Compton Community College District ...”

In other words, AB 318 was a Mervyn Dymally measure to prevent the school (Compton College) from being closed. With the legislation, then-Assemblyman Dymally was able to get a $30 million loan for the college. A condition to keep the school open was to have an affiliation with an accredited institution — the role of El Camino Community College.

Enter Dr. Hudley-Hayes. As special trustee, she invited the community, elected officials, staff, students, and educators last Friday, to join her at the CCC, as she laid out a plan to fix the ailing institution and return it to an independent status. Also addressing the audience were Chancellor Scott, L.A. County

Photo by Ricky Brown

Dr. Genethia Hudley-Hayes addresses the audience; (l to r) Camille Johnson, Associated Student Body Treasurer ECCC; Chancellor Dr. Jack Scott; L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; the Rev. Norman Johnson; Dr. Ramon Cortines.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and former LAUSD superintendent, Dr. Ramon Cortines. The Rev. Norman Johnson gave the invocation and Camille Johnson emceed the event. Seated in the audience were Dr. Dymally, Dr. Curry, Dr. Willie Jones and Barbara Calhoun (Compton city council-members),

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Dr. Thomas Fallo (president of El Comino College), both El Camino and CCC board of trustees, and hundreds of concerned citizens.

After the invocation, the emcee introduced Dr. Scott, who talked about past fiscal mismanagement at CCC and his role as a state senator, along with Dymally, in securing $30 million to keep the college from closing its doors. He emphasized also that “... it is a loan and not a grant and has to be paid back.”

When Dr. Hudley-Hayes addressed the audience, she was articulate and forthright in every way. She explained why she accepted the challenge to turn CCC around, her background and her observations and analyses of the campus. In part, she gave the reason for the El Camino/CCC partnership and said, “... We are on life support, and as a patient, if we get rid of El Camino, we are dead.” And she chided the community to stop complaining and to roll up its sleeve and help solve the problem: getting CCC back on its feet.

Furthermore, she added, “I saw young Black and Brown people with book bags and not bullets, trying to get an education, and they were not on crack.” In her final moment addressing the crowd, Dr. Hudley-Hayes said forcefully, “I am unapologetically an agitator.” Her husband of 41 years sat proudly in the audience and listened to her eloquent speech.

She was followed by Supervisor Ridley-Thomas, whose role on the program was described as a response to the state of the district address. However, he was quick in supporting her and the ambitious

Black Facts April 15, 1960 The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee is organized by young activists at a meeting on the Shaw University campus.

Source: blackfacts.com

plan she laid out for CCC’s recovery. In supporting her, the supervisor said, “Where there’s a will, there is a way.” And in his conclusion, he rendered a philosophical tidbit: “Candor counts; hope springs eternal.”

Dr. Cortines then offered some brief closing remarks.

In essence, the stated purpose of the address was to give a concise report on the condition of the District to the community and to provide an update on the progress and process that is in place to obtain independent accreditation for ECCC and return to the community of Compton. After all, it is/was named Compton “Community” College.

As its primary benefactor, Dymally said, “It is my judgment that Dr. Genethia Hudley-Hayes is the right person for this institution at this present time. In her message to the community, she was very forthright; she laid out issues facing the college and emphasized, as did the State Chancellor, the number one issue for us is accreditation.”

And as an educator himself, Dr. Jones added, “I am supportive of the college because it is such an important educational institution in our community, and it has such a great and outstanding history. But I was pleased to hear from the California State Chancellor, Dr. Scott, to say that he wanted to make sure the college would move forward to full accreditation and to restore local control to the elected trustees. I was also impressed with the statement by the special trustee that her primary goal was to return the college to its full accreditation and local control.

And with support of Mark RidleyThomas, our supervisor, and El Camino’s Dr. (Thomas) Fallo, I am very hopeful that in the near future, we will have our college fully accredited and the governing board fully returned to local control.”

In addition to Compton, CCC serves the following communities: Carson, North Long Beach, Lynwood, Paramount and Willowbrook.

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Let’s talk about those TV ratings Making child abuse prevention a priority

BY CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL

As much as I try to remind you that The Nielsen Co. is a global information and measurement company that measures so many things beyond television (like how you spend your time online and on your mobile devices and what you buy at the grocery store), the fact of the matter is we’re still very much in the business of rating television viewing. So, I’m eager to share with you a hot new study on TV viewing.

Nielsen’s most recent “State of the Media Report” is a snapshot of TV viewing and usage trends pulled from an analysis of live stream data from people ages 18 to 49 during November 2010. Some naysayers will point out, “hmph, you didn’t contact me, bet ya’ll don’t even count Black people.” To which I say, “WRONG!” Although we can’t measure every household in America we take a representative sample of the population (when you feel sick, a sample of your blood is adequate to indicate what’s going on, the doctor doesn’t have to drain your whole body, right?). So while we may not have contacted you directly, that doesn’t mean we didn’t include your neighbor, Mrs. Williams from the church’s usher board, your personal trainer, or even your college roommate in Atlanta. Clients count on us to provide them with an accurate ethnic representation that looks like America. So, let’s not get it twisted: Nielsen’s television measurement sample is representative of the U.S.’s diverse population.

Another thing you should know: We don’t care how much or how little TV you watch or even if Cousin Pookie installed your cable box. As long as you have at least one television set in your home, your household has an equal chance of being randomly selected. Seriously. And, only after you have voluntarily accepted our invitation is your household included in the sample

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil — so there’s no big-brother spying going on. But, I do need to clarify that only households that have agreed to be a part of our sample directly impact the ratings. OK, wanted to make a few of those points. Now, back to the “State of the Media Report.”

First thing to know: African Americans as a group still watch more TV than other demographic groups. We turn on our TVs an average of 7 hours 12 minutes each day, compared to the U.S. average of 5 hours 11 minutes. As a group, we also use DVD players and video game consoles more, and more than one-third (38 percent) of our homes had a DVR. White households have more DVRs than average (40 percent) and have the highest usage.

And, what have we been watching? It’s no secret that we Americans love our football, across the board. (I am apparently in the minority — paying attention only when a player is involved in some juicy scandal. Hey, at least I’m honest.) NFL football is an event that unifies the nation, cutting across all

ethnic groups. Network broadcasts of regular season games took the top 10 spots for African Americans and half of the top 10 for Whites and Asians. For cable, ESPN’s NFL regular season grabbed the top spot among African Americans, Whites and Asians; and ranked second place with Hispanics.

Nielsen has divided the country into 210 geographic markets we call designated market areas (DMA). A DMA does not just include the large metropolitan counties, but surrounding collar counties too. (Chicago’s DMA, for example, includes 16 counties). Why? Because people in the suburbs and rural America watch TV too ya’ll!

So while the top three TV DMAs for the total U.S. are New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, if we rank the top DMAs based on highest African-American population, things would shake out a little differently: 1. Atlanta (27.6 percent) 2. Raleigh-Durham (26.8 percent) 3. Washington, D.C. (23.9 percent) 4. Detroit (20.1 percent) 5. Philadelphia (18.3 percent) 6. Houston (17.4 percent) 7. Chicago (16.8 percent) 8. New York (16.7 percent) 9. Dallas-Fort Worth (14.2 percent) 10. Los Angeles (8.4 percent) Regardless of whether you live in the city or a rural area, your views matter. So if you are ever asked to be a Nielsen home, please say yes!

And check with Mrs. Williams from the usher board; you might be surprised to discover how many people like her have actually been Nielsen homes at one time or another).

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is the senior vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations for The Nielsen Co. For more information and studies, go to www.nielsenwire.com.

COMMUNITY MTG. Continued from page 2 Assemblyman Steve Bradford: “I’m here standing in solidarity with Congresswoman Waters with my colleagues from the surrounding communities. We depend on what they want to cut; we need to stand up.”

Councilwoman Jan Perry: “Part of my district represents the highest concentration of homeless known as Skid Row. The money from the federal government is to take care of the people so that they don’t fall through the cracks. Let the cameras show (referring to some television and video cameras) we stand today with Congresswoman Maxine Waters.”

Mayor James Butts of Inglewood: “How many of you pay income tax?” he asked. The reason I asked is that it’s supposed to come back to you. It’s not a gift; it’s your

money. $800 billion bailout; $1 trillion to Iraq and Afghanistan; $125 billion could bail out the states. American cities must be first before we rebuild other cities (and countries).”

Then many other representatives from other cities were acknowledged; some spoke briefly.

They included Councilman Mike Gipson — Carson; Mayor Pro-Tem Alex Vargas — Hawthorne; Mayor Pro-Tem Rachel Johnson — Gardena; Councilman Dan Medina — Gardena; Councilwoman Tasha Cerda — Gardena; Councilman Robert Pulliam Myles — Lawndale; Ms. Gloria Gray, board member — West Basin Municipal Water District; and Mae Thomas, board member — Compton Unified

School District.

A special acknowledgement was made in honor of O.V. Smith, the brains behind Willing Workers for the Mentally Retarded, who had recently celebrated her 97th birthday. After the Congresswoman introduced her, she referenced that many who are younger than “O.V.” would lay claim to various ailments such as arthritis. Before leaving the podium after a few words, “O.V.” said, “... and I don’t have arthritis,” to a roaring response from the crowd.

Assemblyman Mike Davis: (who came while the event was in progress) “We appreciate her (Congresswoman Waters) ringing the alarm at the gates. We have to save our seniors who worked in the sunrise of their lives and are not in the

BY ASSEMBLYMEMBER ISADORE HALL III While random acts of violent crime are a major problem in this country, there are millions of young people in America who face an even more devastating reality. They are not victimized on the street or in the classroom, but in their own homes. They are not hurt by strangers, but by those whom they often love and trust. They are the victims of child abuse.

Child abuse is a tragedy that comes in a variety of forms: physical and emotional pain, sexual abuse and neglect.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 6 million children annually are reported as being Assemblymember Isadora Hall III abused or neglected and Any victim of child abuse or more than 1,700 children die as a anyone who knows or suspects child result of abuse or neglect.

Child abuse is found in all cul- abuse is taking place should report tural, religious, ethnic and socio- their concerns to law enforcement, a economic groups. Children who are child protection agency, health care abused or who live in homes where provider, teacher, athletic coach, a parent or guardian is battered counselor or any trusted adult. All carry these lessons of violence into children have the reasonable expecadulthood. Sadly, a great number of tation to enjoy safe and healthy lives. child victims grow into adults who Adults, particularly parents or legal assault both strangers and loved guardians, have the legal responsibilones: creating a tragic self-perpetu- ity to protect children from all forms of physical, sexual or emotional ating cycle of violence.

This year, I have partnered with abuse. These individuals should book author and recording artist reach out to their local school, house Norwood Young to author Assem- of worship, community center or my bly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) office directly for advice and to iden24, declaring April 2011 as Child tify resources available to help preAbuse Prevention Month in Cali- vent and stop child abuse.

There is no excuse for child fornia. ACR 24 is an important step to raise awareness of the efforts abuse. We have the power within made throughout California to pre- ourselves to break the cycle of vent child abuse and as a way to abuse and give children a future free hopefully break the often-deadly from abuse and neglect. We have cycle between child abuse and the ability to make preventing child abuse a priority in our community domestic violence. not just in April, but throughout the year. Together, we can take a stand against child abuse and make a safer community for all our children.

Assemblymember Isadore Hall sunset (of their lives).”

Television commentator Tavis III represents the 52nd District in Smiley also spoke: Budgets “are Los Angeles County, is chair of the moral documents; the budget that Assembly Governmental Organizawas passed last night was immoral. tion Committee, and serves on the It benefited the rich and punished Assembly Select Committee on the poor. We avoided a shutdown Domestic Violence. but at what cost, Mr. President? We Black Facts cannot continue to capitulate. This is not the change we voted for two April 14, 1865 years ago. We see what’s happening President Lincoln is shot at in Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio; it’s Ford’s Theater in Washington. coming to California.”

In addition to the above-named Source: blackfacts.com speakers, also in attendance was Tim Watkins of Watts Labor Community April 15, 1922 Action Committee, who hosted the Chicago’s first Africanplanning session leading up to American mayor, Harold Saturday’s event; Mark Alston of Washington, is born.

Consolidated Realty Board; and forSource: blackfacts.com mer Assemblyman Willard Murray.

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Mablean Ephriam Foundation’s ninth annual father’s day awards Nominations now being accepted for H.U.F. Awards (FROM TOBIN PR) — Nominations are being accepted for the Mablean Ephriam Foundation’s Ninth Annual Honoring Unsung

Fathers (H.U.F.) Awards and Scholarship Brunch. Awards will be presented June 19 at 1 p.m. during a brunch celebration at the Hyatt

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Regency Hotel, at 200 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach.

Awards are given to dads in five categories: single father (Solo Warrior Award); married father (Love Cares Award); divorced father (Fatherhood Forever Award); nonbiological father (Village Dad Award) and senior father (Living Legacy Award). Wives, children, co-workers, neighbors, friends or others can nominate fathers.

Additionally, Judge Mablean Ephriam will present the Founder’s/President Award to Michael Lawson, esq., and the Board of Directors Award to KTLA news anchor Chris Schauble.

For eligibility requirements, nomination applications and additional information, visit: www. hufawards.com. Details are found on the “Nominations” page.

All nomination applications must be received by noon, Pacific Time, on May 13. There are no exceptions.

Additionally, five scholarships will be presented to students from schools in the greater Los Angeles area. Three scholarships will be

Judge Mablean Ephriam awarded to students graduating high school in 2011, while two will be awarded to college students between the ages of 19 to 35 who delayed college after high school.

For the second year, The Mable

Eprhiam Nursing scholarship will be given in honor of Judge Mablean’s late mother. In addition, a specific scholarship will be awarded to a 2011 senior from Thomas Jefferson See H.U.F. AWARDS, page 15

Fire inspector Michael Benard Nealy

BY BIKO POINDEXTERHODGE, BRIAN W. CARTER AND JOY CHILDS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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The Los Angeles Sentinel got up close and personal with former Los Angeles City Fire Department Inspector Michael Bernard Nealy and learned what it takes to be one of L.A.’s finest.

Nealy grew up with a fireman — his stepfather, who worked in one of two stations in the city that would allow Blacks to work in the fire department. Both of those fire stations were on Central Avenue.

“We visited the fire station on Sunday afternoons and on days that were not a busy work day,” said Nealy. “Sometimes, we had family functions at the fire station or when they worked holidays, families came to the fire station since they couldn’t come home.”

Nealy has served in the Air Force, including serving as a firefighter there.

Nealy used to be based in downtown City Hall East, in the fire prevention headquarters. He was recently on the west side of town — Westchester, Mar Vista, Playa Vista, Venice and Playa del Rey, which was his district.

Nealy worked in the public assembly unit and inspected restaurants, bars and all public gathering areas.

“So I was typically one of the ‘bad guys,’ ” said Nealy. “Where the clubs are overcrowded ... we had to

shut them down. I made a name of my own.”

Nealy talked about the differences between fire station life and police life.

“As firefighters, you respond to emergencies and you live in the fire

station 24 hours a day. You respond to all type of emergencies or anything that goes on in the fire department. Unlike the police department, which does a great job, they have a prioritized response,” he said.

See NEALY, page 14

Michael Bernard Nealy

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Brad Pye Jr. retires from L.A. county

BY CORA JACKSON-FOSSETT SENTINEL RELIGION EDITOR

Photo by Jesse Avila, Courtesy AFSCME Local 685

Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officer Robby Robinson

Probation officers are community champions

BY COOKIE LOMMEL Deputy Probation Officer Robby Robinson is a master of all trades. But then, with his career working for the Los Angeles Probation Department Special Enforcement Operations, he has to be.

Some days when he gets ready for work, his attire includes a bulletproof vest and a sidearm. Other days, his encyclopedic knowledge of gang culture and his commitment to the community that he serves is all he needs. The Special Enforcement Operations unit, whose mandate is to reduce gang violence and to protect our diverse and far-flung community, requires its serving officers to be skilled at nearly everything.

Robinson may be called upon to be anything from a peace officer, to a counselor or a surrogate parent. As a noted expert, he has even testified before the Senate Sub-Committee on gang violence.

On a ride along with Officer Robinson, he is cheerfully greeted by members of the community; as he steps away, LAPD officers begin to tell animated stories of how he helped them with various cases. Probation officers like Robinson are the overlooked champions in the network of law enforcement professionals, protecting Los Angeles County. Often, they are the vital link persuading a juvenile or adult offender to become a positive, functioning community member. As Probation Chief Donald Blevins points out, “A probation officer has an incredible opportunity to change the life of the offender he or she is responsible for monitoring by working with the juvenile or adult in his community, as a part of the community.” Probation officers closely

monitor a probationer’s compliance with the terms and conditions of their release.

Probation Officers wear so many hats they are often misunderstood professionals. The Probation Department places its officers at the nucleus of a rehabilitative model that reaches out to community based organizations. Within the department, its programs give probationers the opportunity to mend their ways.

These community-building programs include the Amer-I-Can Program, the Literacy Project, Operation Read, the Honors Drama Ensemble, and Gangs for Peace, Bridge to Employment, Young Men as Fathers, Flowers Are Not Enough (this program deals with domestic violence and relationship building) and others. The Family Resource Center targets the parents of the youth detained in probation facilities. The emphasis of the program is on developing a support network for the family, in which the family is empowered to handle difficulties with a youngster, and that minor is empowered to cope with family, peers, school, and other environmental circumstances. Probation aftercare programs are initiated approximately 90 days before, in preparation for a detainee’s release.

Ralph Miller, president of Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officers Union, AFSCME Local 685 and also a 34 year venerable professional probation officer advocating for his membership officer’s clarifies: “Our job as probation officers is to monitor probationers to assure that whatever rehabilitative measures are deemed appropriate by the courts are implemented — mental health treatment, job training, and much, much See ROBINSON, page 15

Los Angeles sports writer and broadcaster Brad Pye Jr. will retire from the County of Los Angeles after 24 years of service. A gala celebration is planned for April 16, 6 p.m., at the Proud Bird Restaurant, 1102 Aviation Blvd., in Los Angeles.

“I have had a great career with L.A. County, but as I used to say on the radio, ‘It’s now time to enjoy some of those pretty little green ones,’ ” said Pye. Long known for his news writing and broadcasting about the world of sports, especially his efforts to publicize African-American athletes, perhaps not as many are aware of Pye’s instrumental role in aiding thousands of residents as a top deputy to former County Supervisors Kenneth Hahn and Yvonne Braithwaite Burke as well as manager of the Health and Safety/Return to Work Section of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

His County career began in August 1987 as a deputy in Hahn’s Second District. Promoted to Assistant Chief Deputy within three short months, Pye became a spokesperson for Hahn, and said, “I was his voice in ensuring that con-

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

Brad Pye Jr. and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa stituent were treated fairly and each complaint resolved in a timely manner.”

Pye was also still connected to sports, and he arranged for Hahn to attend various events and recognize athletes for their accomplishments.

“Both Kenny and I had a special interest in high school sports,” said Pye. “So, when a team won the

championship, they were treated to lunch with Supervisor Hahn.”

Recalling one of his most memorable moments, he said, “It was when Morningside High won the championship and basketball’s great, Lisa Leslie, was the first female to score 110 points in a single game. Naturally, we invited her See BRAD PYE JR., page 14

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L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

Thursday, April 14, 2011

By Yussuf J. Simmonds Co-Managing Editor Good hair, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder – so too is bad hair and ugliness. But what really is “good hair”? Is it the texture, the color, the quality or the quantity? Is it the origin, the ethnicity, where it is or where it’s not? Could it be a combination of the above or none of the above? Human beings, especially Black human beings, seem to have always been obsessed with the hair on their heads – how it looks, the color, the style and the quality, to say the least. Whether they bought it at the wig store or it’s naturally theirs, the proliferation of hair salons, wig stores, barber shops (community institutions) and hair stylists provides ample proof of the importance of hair and/or the lack of it – the hair that’s on their heads, that is.

In an attempt to understand the importance – biologically, psychologically, genetically and functionally – of hair, it was necessary to consult with a maze of different practitioners about hair, its value, beauty, origin, and most importantly, its anatomical function in human beings and other living species.

The people spoken to included a barber, a hair-stylist, a psychologist, a medical doctor, a mother, and a minister. References were also used from various other sources. They all brought unique and differing experiences to the dialogue about hair.

Since human hair grows in varying amounts over the body surface, it is important to note that this work will focus specifically on the hair on the human head where, of all the parts of the body, it grows most abundantly. Different people have different kinds of hair and in order to understand (good) hair, it must be examined closely – be it coarse, medium or fine; curly, wavy of straight; thick, thin or in-between. An understanding of hair is vital because people – layman or expert – will view hair giving their definition based on their learning academically, socially and culturally, from the vantage of his/her relative experience in dealing with hair.

Like all living organisms, hair has characteristics and undergoes a process of growth. In “The New

Book of Knowledge,” the cross section of a strand of hair, as it grows from beneath the skin and protrudes above the scalp, is described as a shaft that is made up of three layers: the cuticle, the cortex and the medulla. Adjacent to the shaft is the follicle, a sheathlike pouch that holds the shaft. Each strand is rooted below the surface of the skin and the point where it joins the skin is called the papilla which is contained in a bulb-like bag surrounded by the follicle.

D e pending on

the human anatomy, nerves carry the sensation of pain to the brain, the hair above the skin does not hurt (cause pain) when it is cut. (Going to the barber is a fun experience in contrast to a visit to the dentist).

In its natural state, what gives hair its color? What makes it curly? And what causes scalp disorders? Dermatologists and trichologists have determined that melanin that gives the skin its color also provides the same for hair, from deposits in the follicle. The shape of the follicles determines whether the hair is straight, curly or wavy. There are several hair disorders, including baldness and dandruff, and the totality of one’s lifestyle can easily determine the status and the condition of one’s hair at any given time.

Some individuals believe that the society in general is overly obsessed with hair styles and not enough on the cause of hair disorders. Malcolm X said that if we spend half as much time with what’s inside of our head instead of what’s on top of our heads, we’d be much better off. However, inside of a healthy-looking head is a healthy mind.

Individuals from different life experiences will describe the aforementioned differently depending on one’s station in life.

HAIR STYLIST

the texture of the hair, some people’s hair grows faster than others especially in the summer and during the teenage years. (Some people who migrate from tropical regions to temperate, cooler or colder regions sometimes lose some of the hair on their rapidly during the winter season – especially hair on their legs.) When hair grows usually, it is new strands pushing out and replacing existing ones. (In some ethnicities, it believed that the hair on the head is different from the hair on the eyebrow.)

Another characteristic of hair is related to the cells and nerve fibers that are a part of the structure of a strand of hair. “The New Book” … also stated that the hair that is seen above the skin’s surface is composed of lifeless cells without nerve fibers; and because in

Nedjetti Harvey is a hair artist and men’s groomer based in Bloomfield, N.J., and is a celebrity natural hair guru. And she states in an e-mail, “ ‘Good Hair’ is not only healthy hair, but it’s the organic and BEYOU-tiful God-given texture from the tightest to the loosest curl. Understand for years, we’ve been miscombing our hair, instead of combing your hair while dry, spritz your natural hair with water, it’s our new ‘bff’ and use a wide tooth comb (preferably with conditioner) and you’ll be amazed at the manageability of your gorgeous tresses. Steam treatments are highly recommended, 2 major benefits: it softens your hair while adding moisture to it. Also, learn to style your own hair without the aid of extensions which can cause permanent traction: alopecia: you’ll be pleasantly surprise at the versatility of your own hair.”

Black people have always been fascinated with their hair – and other of their growth, develop

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PSYCHOLOGIST After moderating a discussion about a documentary film titled, “Natural Woman” at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he is a professor. David Rice wrote, “For Black folks, attending to their hair is often an exercise in politics. No matter if you are a nationalist or an assimilationist, the ‘fro you sport speaks to an expression of self within a context that suggests that you are less than and the way you are, is not enough. Whether you resist this perverted notion of normalcy straighton with locks, subvert it with a fade or negotiate it with a weave, there is the psycho-political demonstration of how you choose to fit within societal expectations and standards that are predicated on hegemony and patriarchy.”

In addition to the proliferation of businesses “trafficking” in hair and hair products in the community, laws have been passed to regulate the hair industry in many states, and associations have been founded to advocate and lobby on their behalf. One such association is Black Owned Beauty Supply Association (BOBSA); its mission statement is as follows: “BOBSA’s mission is to establish African American and Black owned beauty supply stores nationally and internationally. We are advocates for black institutions that depend on beauty supply stores and their distribution networks for support to operate competitive hair care services for the black community.”

A review by Sentinel Contributing Writer, Kam Williams, who reviewed the film “Good Hair,” with Chris Rock, wrote about the film: “Headline: Chris Rock Takes Lighthearted Look at Black Women’s ‘do.”

“If you were raised in an African-American community, then you’re probably very familiar with the notion of “good hair,” a term that’s generally applied to folks born with wavy locks which are less trouble to take care of than the more tightly-curled or nappy variety. Back in the Sixties, at the dawn of the Black pride movement, the afro was embraced as an alternative to adhering to the white standard of beauty associated with straight hair. But the peasy natural proved to be a short-lived fad which unfortunately has pretty much gone the way of the dashiki and the dinosaur.

Consequently, black hair care has blossomed over the years into a multibillion-dollar industry of promising sisters silky tresses via a variety of avenues ranging from hot combs and relaxers to wigs and weaves.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

9

Regardless of the combination picked, straight hair comes at a considerable cost, given the toll this highmaintenance habit tends to exact not merely financially, but also in terms of one’s time and mental and physical health.

It was this litany of concerns which caused Chris Rock to react when his 5 year-old daughter, Lola, asked, “Daddy, why don’t I have good hair?” Dismayed to think that she might already be struggling with a sensitive self-esteem issue at such a tender age, he decided to do some serious research in order to figure out exactly how to answer her sensibly….” “… Equally-intriguing are the scenes shot over in India where the population has no idea that the hair they routinely sacrifice in a religious ceremony called Tonsure is being scooped up, de-loused and sold for a small fortune to exporters. After warning the locals to run the other way if they ever see a black woman, Rock returns to the States to focus on exactly who’s profiting from African-American reluctance to accept their kinky hair, concluding that it’s a sign of “economic retardation” to allow Koreans to corner the hair care market in the black community.

“That assessment might not be as important to him as the sobering message he ultimately delivers to his impressionable daughters, namely, “that the stuơ on top of their heads is nowhere near as important as the stuơ inside their heads.”

“One of those rare flicks you have to laugh at to keep from crying. Hair-larious!”

jected to. When hair is shaved from the scalp, this is stronger hair because hair is stronger at its base. Also Indian Hair is not subjected to chemical processing and silicone coatings to make it appear to be of a diơerent texture such as Asian YAKY hair that is chemically treated and flat ironed to resemble African American Hair that has been relaxed. Most Indian hair comes with sub titles such as Rimi, Cuticle, and Virgin, all referring to natural untreated hair. Also the meatless diet and the fact that spiritual Indian people (that the hair comes from) do not smoke or consume alcohol and drugs, also the hair is carefully scrutinized to insure that all strands are facing the same way (from scalp to ends) to avoid tangling and matting contributing to a higher quality of hair. Most of the hair is sent to China for world distribution then to the neighboring country of Korea where it is packaged and shipped to the USA….”

Aơectionately called ‘Dot’, she is a barber at a neighborhood barber called Craig’s Salon, and she said, “I’ve been a barber for many years and what I know about hair is that all hair is good… there are diơerent textures, but all hair is good. Hair is a wonderful thing, it covers your head to protect it. You could do it any way you want to but all hair is good. There’s no bad hair, but there’s diơerent texture; there is curly, nappy, kinky, straight… but it’s still hair and we love all of it.”

TRICHOLOGIST

REV. HYLTON WYKE

Dr. Edward T. Lloneau, a locally-based professional and he also did a written commentary on the movie, Good Hair. He wrote: “I viewed the movie on two levels: for entertainment and or information. “…The movie zeroed in on Indian hair however, Indian Hair is only about 10% of the market for human hair. The majority of hair comes from Asian countries, however Indian Hair is the most sought after because of the way it is harvested. Most hair on the market is simply cut from the head leaving about two inches or more on the head. Indian Hair as a part of a religious ceremony is shaved oơ from the scalp. The longer the hair is, the weaker it is due to combing, brushing, shampooing and other manipulations that hair is sub-

As the senior minister of Windsor Apostolic Church, he says that he ministers to all alike, but his comments about hair seems to show another side of his personality. Rev. Wyke said, “Once when I was teaching a class of young Black men about presenting themselves properly to get the job that they wanted, one fellow said casually about Black folks hair, ‘if it is so good, why does it sometimes break combs?’ I replied, have you ever considered that the hair may be strong and the comb may be weak. That ended the conversation.”

The diơering views of hair are analogous to viewing a diamond from diơerent angles. The reflection in the prism seen by one person often times is quite diơerent from what is seen by another, while looking at the same diamond. So too it is with the diơerent views of hair.

BARBER

people’s hair too – and their hair styles have reflected diơerent stages pment and understanding.

Cover Art Photo Credit: Photographer: EricVonLockhart.com; Makeup: DeShawnHatcher. com; Designer/stylist: O Damien Peterkin; Model: Jeri; Hair produced by Nedjetti, owner of Hair by Nedjetti Salon, Bloomfield, N.J. and New York City, www.Nedjetti.com.

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

EVENT 4-14-11 A DISCUSSION ON FEMALE EGYPTIAN WORKERS (RADICAL WOMEN) — Radical Women’s April 14 meeting will feature discussion of the recent Freedom Socialist article, “Women Workers in Egypt: Hidden Key to the Revolt.” The event will take place at Solidarity Hall, 2170 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, at 7 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. for an $8 donation, but there is a sliding donation scale. More information: (323) 732-6416, radicalwomenla@earthlink.net.

4-15-11 JAZZ PERFORMANCE — The Billy Mitchell Trio will perform with jazz singer Jeannie Tatum April 15 in the Culver Club at the Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Westside hotel at 6161 W. Centinela Ave., Culver City. There will be two shows: One will take place at 7:30 p.m. and the other will take place at 9:30 p.m. The cover charge is $10. Reservations are suggested: (310) 649-1776.

LISTINGS

LIBYA — A Pan-African teach-in titled “War in Libya: Economic Crisis in America” will take place April 15, 7 p.m., at the African American Cultural Center (Us), at 3018 W. 48th St., Los Angeles.

Some of the presenters will include Africana Studies professor, Dr. Maulana Karenga, of California State University, Long Beach; the Rev. Eric Lee, president and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles; and others. Information: (323) 299-6124.

STATE OF THE STATE BREAKFAST — The State of the State Legislative Breakfast will take place April 15, 9 to 11 a.m., at the FAME Renaissance Center, 1968 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles.

Check in is at 8 a.m. This event is free.

This event will include information regarding autism insurance legislation, health disparities in communities of color and more. Registration: www.specialneedsnetwork.org, (213) 389-7100.

04/11-05/11

happening these months

4-16-11 TOOLS FOR TRANSFORMATION CONFERENCE — The Tools for Transformation Parent and Professional Conference will take place April 16 at Junior Blind of America, 5300 Angeles Vista Blvd., Los Angeles. The conference, designed to help parents who have children with autism — and, in general, special needs — will have workshops from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will begin with a breakfast and check in at 7:30 a.m. The event is free to attend.

Registration: www.specialneedsnetwork.org, (213) 389-7100.

“COLLEGE LIFE” WORKSHOP — The Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles will hold a workshop April 16, 1 to 3 p.m., titled “College Life and What to Expect.” The workshop, which is for youth ages 11 to 19, will take place at the Hyde Park - Miriam Matthews Branch Library, 2205 W. Florence Ave., Los Angeles. To preregister, call (213) 359-3378.

4-17-11 “ON-TRACK TO BEAT CANCER” (BZA PR) — Santa Anita Park and City of Hope will fight against cancer in its first-ever “On-Track to Beat Cancer” event April 17 at about 5 p.m. Anyone making a minimum $10 donation to City of Hope on closing day will be eligible to walk on the track. Santa Anita Park is at 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. More information: santaanita.com, (626) 574-7223.

“HANDS ACROSS CALIFORNIA” (EL CAMINO COLLEGE) — On April 17 at 2 p.m., students, faculty, staff and members of the community at El Camino College will join hands with many people, including celebrities, students and other elected officials in a line up and down California in support of the state’s nearly 3 million community college students for the “Hands Across California” (HAC) event. Participants will meet at the Humanities Building on Crenshaw Boulevard at 1 p.m. on April 17. HAC will recall the historic 1986 event “Hands Across America,” which saw more than 6.5 million Americans hold hands across the country to raise money and awareness in support of hunger and homelessness issues. More information: www.HandsAcrossCalifornia.org.

FUNDRAISER — As part of a fundraiser for an event in Harlem, New York City, the film “Nothing But A Man” will be screened April 17, 6 p.m., at the Lucy Florence Cultural Center.

The center is at 3351 W. 43rd St., Leimert Park. People who attend the event can give a suggested donation of $12; they can also choose to give more.

The event in Harlem will include visual arts, poetry and music, in celebration of the release of the book “BAsics.” More information: (310) 689-8154.

4-19-11 CLEANUP — A cleanup of Central Avenue — from Washington Boulevard to 51st Street — will take place April 19, 7:30 a.m. to noon. The public can join. Volunteers will meet at 7:30 a.m. at Las Palmas, 2712 S. Central Ave., where team assignments will be given.

The cleaning will take place from 8 to 11:30 a.m., and there will be a lunch at Las Palmas at noon. Registration, more information: Azusena Favela, (213) 763-2520, ext. 223, afavela@cdtech.org.

“BLACK IN LATIN AMERICA” — PBS SoCal will have its premiere of “Black in Latin America” on April 19 at 8 p.m. More information: pressroom.pbs.org.

4-21-11 FAIR (CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY DOMINGUEZ HILLS) — The Third Annual Labor, Social and Environmental Justice Fair will take place April 21, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the east walkway of the Loker Student Union. The fair is free and open to the public. On-campus parking is available. Daily visitor permits are $4 and can be purchased at kiosk machines in each lot. CSU Dominguez Hills is at 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson. More information: Julian Sanchez, jsanchez263@toromail.csudh.edu, (310) 483-6917; Eddie Moretti, emoretti1@toromail.csudh.edu.

4-22-11 WORKSHOP (PACE LA) — An “Advanced Credit Workshop” will take place April 22, 10 a.m. to noon, at the PACE Business Development Center, 1055 Wilshire Blvd., suite 900B, Los Angeles. This workshop will provide a

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

look into credit reports; tools for participants to communicate with credit bureaus, creditors, and collection agencies to fix reports correctly and legally; and information to understand laws and regulations to protect their wallet. More information: Maria Bernal, (213) 9893162; Carol Wu, cwu@pacela.org.

EASTER CONCERT (SOUTHEASTSYMPHONY.ORG) — Johann Sebastian Bach’s Easter Oratorio will be performed by The Southeast Symphony and The Chancel Choir on April 22, 7:30 p.m., at the Rolling Hills United Methodist Church’s annual Easter concert. The church is at 26438 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Rolling Hills Estates.

More information: (310) 377-6771.

4-23-11 JAZZ WORKSHOP AND CONCERT (AC BILBREW LIBRARY) — A jazz workshop and concert featuring bassist and composer Nedra Wheeler and others will take place April 23, 1:30 p.m., at the AC Bilbrew Library, 150 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles. The event is free and open to the public.

More information: (310) 538-3350.

EARTH DAY (SJLI) — The Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI) will present “Earth Day 2011 - An Inglewood Community Wide Celebration” on April 23 at Queen Park.

For additional information about “Earth Day 2011,” or its sponsors, visit www.sjli-cp.org or contact Derek Steele of SJLI at (424) 243-5504 or dsteele@sjli-cp.org.

ROUNDUP (CSU, DOMINGUEZ HILLS) — An e-waste recycling roundup will take place April 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at California State University, Dominguez Hills. The roundup will take place in Parking Lot 4 off University and Toro Center drives at the south end of campus. Among the items being accepted for donation will be computers, monitors, laptops, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, cell phones, mp3 players, ink toner cartridges, printers, microwaves, cables and wires, and any small or portable device with a plug or circuit board. Furniture, kitchen appliances or household hazardous waste will not be accepted. CSU Dominguez Hills is at 1000 E. Victoria St., Carson.

More information: www.allgreenrecycling.com/upcoming-events/carsonewaste-event, (310) 243-2438.

African American Museum (CAAM) on April 25. The symposium, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is titled “Place-Based Neighborhood Change: Success, Challenges and Opportunities” and will feature the State of Black Los Angeles. CAAM is at 600 State Drive, Los Angeles. More information: Wendy Gladney, events@personalservicesplus.com, (323) 294-5336.

4-29-11 SYMPOSIUM — An event described as a “Christian Community Development Symposium: Creating and Sustaining The Beloved Community” will take place April 29, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the USC Galen Center, 3400 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Registration cost $100 for individuals and $200 per church up to four members. People who register before April 13 can receive a discount.

Registration and agenda information: www.westangelescdc.org, (323) 7513440, ext. 45.

ONGOING PHOTO EXHIBIT (EL CAMINO COLLEGE) — The El Camino College Photography Department’s annual Student Photography Exhibition will be on display in the Schauerman Library throughout April. Library hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fridays; and 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturdays. More information: Darilyn R. Rowan, (310) 660-3593, ext. 3326.

“DREAM BIG” (LAUP) — The “Dream Big” Art Exhibit will continue to take place at the Bridge at Los Angeles City Hall until April 30. For the month of April, Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) preschoolers in L.A. will have their artwork featured at the Bridge in City Hall. More information: (213) 4161200.

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

Fax to: (323) 299-3896, e-mail us at lawattsnus@aol.com or

4-25-11 SPRING SYMPOSIUM — Sacramento Mayor and former NBA player Kevin Johnson will be the special guest luncheon speaker at the Spring Symposium at the California

mail to: L.A. Watts Times, 3800 Crenshaw Blvd., L.A., CA 90008.

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

5-21-11 EXHIBITION (PEPPERDINE) — The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art will present “David Gallup: California’s Channel Islands” from May 21 through July 31.

This art exhibition will feature more than 70 original oil paintings by Gallup, who recorded his first-hand experiences of this ecosystem.

There will be a reception May 21, 5 to 7 p.m., to meet Gallup. As part of the reception, there will also be a screening of a documentary film of the painter at work from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Elkins Auditorium (adjacent to the Weisman Museum). There is no admission charge. Located on Pepperdine University’s main campus at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on Mondays and major holidays, including July 4. More information: (310) 506-4851, http://arts.pepperdine.edu/.

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

SPORTS BEAT B

AP Photo/Jessica Hill

Connecticut’s Maya Moore, left, and Xavier’s Amber Harris, right, hold up a Minnesota Lynx jersey after being picked by the team in the WNBA basketball draft in Bristol, Conn., Monday, April 11, 2011.

Moore taken first by Minnesota in WNBA Draft

BY DOUG FEINBERG AP BASKETBALL WRITER Maya Moore is used to winning titles at Connecticut.

Now she’s ready to bring that same mentality to her new team — the Minnesota Lynx, who took her with the first pick in the WNBA Draft on Monday. “Every year the goal is a championship,� she said. “That’s what I expect. I go on to every team expecting to win a championship, especially with the amount of talent we have.

I don’t want to limit to the playoffs, I want to win a championship.�

She helped UConn win a record 90-straight games during one stretch over the past two seasons, and also led the school to two national championships in her stellar four-year career.

Her selection as No. 1 wasn’t much of a surprise. “It feels really great to finally be able to have the moment of being drafted No. 1,� Moore said. “All the hype and excitement around it.�

Moore was followed in the draft

by Elizabeth Cambage of Australia (Tulsa), Courtney Vandersloot of Gonzaga (Chicago), Amber Harris of Xavier (Minnesota) and Jantel Lavender of Ohio State (Los Angeles).

Moore, a four-time All-American, averaged 22.8 points this season.

She was also the only collegian to play on the U.S. women’s national team that won gold at the world

championships last October.

The two-time AP player of the year is used to having a lot of pressure put on her. “I think I live in the land of high expectations after playing at Connecticut,� Moore said.

She is also the second straight UConn player to be taken with the first pick in the draft, and fourth overall. Tina Charles went to the Connecticut Sun last season and earned the league’s rookie of the year award.

Cambage was drafted second by the Shock. The 6-foot-8 phenom made a splash internationally at the world championship, where the 19year-old was Australia’s leading scorer, averaging 13.6 points in that tournament.

She’s one of the youngest players taken in the WNBA draft, only a few months younger than countrymate Lauren Jackson, who was just under 20 when she was drafted in 2001 by Seattle. “I don’t really think it’s an issue,� Cambage said of her age. “I’ll have a great lot of people looking after me in Tulsa. A lot of people think I'm in my 20s. I’m 19, a little baby, mature for my age.�

Cambage made the long trek from Australia to Bristol, Conn., for the draft. She’ll be counted on to turn around the Shock (6-28), who had the league’s worst record last year. “This is the coolest moment right now,� she said.

See WNBA DRAFT, page 15

Was Barry Bonds found guilty of any of the charges against him?

Well, yes. But only one: He was found guilty of obstruction of justice on Wednesday.

And what happened with the three charges of perjury? The judge who presided over the case — U.S. District Judge Susan Illston — declared a mistrial. “Each count Bonds was tried on carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison,� The Associated Press reported, adding, however, that, “federal guidelines suggest a total sentence of 15 to 21 months.�

It continued: “For similar offenses in the BALCO case, Illston sentenced cyclist Tammy Thomas to six months of home confinement and track coach Trevor Graham to one year of home confinement.�

The AP reported that Bonds flashed a victory sign to a few fans, adding that one fan asked, “Are you celebrating tonight?� “There’s nothing to celebrate,� he replied.

And the beat continues‌ Will the real back-to-back NBA-champion Los Angeles Lakers show up when the playoffs start this weekend? The Lakers had lost five in row as of Sunday.

At least the Lakers beat the San Antonio Spurs, 102-93, on Tuesday. They also beat the Sacramento Kings, 116-108, in overtime.

Will the Lakers make it out of the first round in the playoffs? Not if they had to play the Oklahoma City Thunder. But they won’t: The

Tiger Woods at the Earl Woods Memorial Pro-Am Tournament in July 2007.

Y BRAD PYE JR.

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Former baseball player Barry Bonds, center, arrives at federal court for jury deliberations in his perjury trial in San Francisco, Tuesday, April 12, 2011.

Purple and Gold will play against the New Orleans Hornets.

Who will the race for the NBA’s MVP award be between?

Will it be between the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose, the Heats’ LeBron James and the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard?

Bryant is the forgotten MVP candidate.

In other Laker news, NBA Commissioner David Stern recently fined Bryant $100,000 for calling a referee an (expletive) “faggot� after being hit with a technical foul.

Bryant later apologized.

And the beat continues‌ Tiger Woods came roaring back in the 79th annual Masters in the final round with a 67, but he came four strokes short and didn’t win.

Tiger is still in search of his first victory since his sex scandals hit the headlines.

And the beat continues‌ Ex-Harlem Globetrotters great Goose Tatum was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, along with former NBA stars Tom “Satchâ€? Sanders, Dennis Rodman and others. Tatum was the most entertaining basketball and baseball player in the world.

And the beat continues‌ The inaugural Tartar Athletic Hall of Fame will be held April 23, 2 to 4 p.m., in the Compton College Community College District at 1111 E. Artesia Blvd., and a VIP and red carpet will precede it.

People interested in making reservations can call (310) 9001600, ext. 2971.

And the beat continues‌ The late, local basketball star Ed Lacey was remembered April 8 at his funeral. Lacey played basketball for UCLA and Jefferson High School and was one of the greatest basketballers in the history of the

Southland.

And the beat ends.

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

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www.lawattstimes.com 13

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Freeway Ricky vs. Rick Ross: new trademark suit filed in state court As expected, former drug trafficker “Freeway” Ricky Ross has filed a new lawsuit against the rapper Rick Ross, after his previous trademark infringement case was thrown out.

Freeway Ricky Ross, who spent over 10 years in prison, lost his trademark infringement case after a judge ruled that he could not properly trademark his name due to the wide use of it in magazines, television, and media.

In an interview with BET.com, Freeway Ricky says he’s hired a new law firm, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, and he’s gearing up to present his case in California state court on May 2.

“We always knew our case was stronger in the state than it was in the feds. California state law really

protects people with their names and their likenesses,” he tells BET. “So we knew that was stronger inside California than it was in the feds, but we wanted to go the big route first then work our way down.”

In the previous suit, filed in June 2010, the real Ross was seeking compensation from the rapper Ross, Jay-Z, Def Jam Records, Universal Music Group and others, for trademark violations, unfair competition and misappropriation of his publicity rights.

The judge dismissed the case on the grounds that the real Ross did not show enough evidence of secondary usage by the rapper.

Now with Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, on his side, Freeway still plans to name the same defendants,

Bow Wow and Ice Cube hook up for TV sitcom

BY EURWEB.COM Bow Wow, who has grown to be a budding big screen star, is moving onto the small screen.

He plans to continue working with one of his primary co-stars, Ice Cube, for a possible sitcom.

The rapper/actor told allhiphop.com that he — along with Cube — have been working with Jermaine Dupri for a score for a show.

“I just spoke with JD yesterday and I got him doing the score and he is actually about to do the music for the TV show sitcom that I am doing with Ice Cube.”

AP Photo/Peter Kramer

Rapper Bow Wow makes an appearance on MTV’s “Total Request Live” show in New York on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008.

“I partnered with Ice Cube and he is producing my sitcom,” the rapper continued. “I told JD when Will [Smith] had his own show, Quincy Jones did all the music so it’s only right that he does mine. So I got him doing all the scores to the TV show. I speak to JD daily.”

The details haven’t been hashed out quite yet, but what is know is that writers have been chosen for the show AP Photo/Matt Sayles Bow Wow can be seen on Ice Cube arrives at the premiere of the big screen next in Tyler “Lottery Ticket” in Los Angeles on Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010.

Family.”

but threatened to include Warner Music Group if they use his name as part of their recent partnership with the rapper Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group.

“I’ll slap a lawsuit on them as well,” Ross promises. “They better not put my name on his product or I’ma be after them, too. I ain’t scared of none of them.”

The real Ross is confident that in this second round of legal proceedings he’ll regain ownership of his name in order for it to be used in a better light.

“We’re both teaching two different messages,” says Freeway Ross. “He’s teaching my old life: sell drugs, disrespect women, all the things that really have our country in shambles. I’m teaching uplifting values, education, literacy. He’s teaching illiteracy.”

Black Facts April 14, 2002 Tiger Woods wins his third Masters Golf title and becomes only the second person ever to win two of the titles in a row.

Source: blackfacts.com

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

AP Photo/Stephen Chernin

Hip-Hop artist Rick Ross appears at the 6th Annual BMI Urban Awards, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2006, at Roseland in New York. This awards show presented by U.S. performing rights organization BMI, honors the songwriters and publishers of the most performed urban songs on U.S. radio and television for the past 12 months.

A DAVID GORDON GREEN FILM

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS A STUBER PICTURES PRODUCTION “YOUR HIGHNESS” DANNY MCMUSIC BRIDE JAMES FRANCO NATALIE PORTMAN ZOOEY DESCHANEL JUSTIN THEROUX TOBY JONES DAMIAN LEWIS

BY STEVE JABLONSKY EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS DANNY MCBRIDE ANDREWZ.DAVIS JONATHAN MONE MARK HUFFAM PRODUCED WRITTEN DIRECTED

BY SCOTT STUBER

BY DANNY R. MCBRIDE & BEN BEST

BY DAVID GORDON GREEN A UNIVERSALPICTURE SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC AND VARÈSE SARABANDE RECORDS

© 2010 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text HIGHNESS with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549)!

14

www.lawattstimes.com

Trustee Sale # CA0940167-1 Loan# 1010678686 Order # 090244157 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 11/13/2007. 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 04/22/2011 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 11/20/2007 as Document No. 20072578706 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, ANA PREZA A MARRIED WOMAN AS HER SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor, INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B., A FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS BANK, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5042-003-011 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: 3421-3421 12 ARLINGTON AVENUE, 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: $586,883.50 (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: 03/31/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #11183 2011-03-31 2011-04-07 2011-04-14 Trustee Sale # CA0940075-1 Loan# 1009697465 Order # 090243917 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 04/02/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 04/22/2011 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 04/10/2007 as Document No. 20070856510 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, JOAQUIN VILLASANO, A MARRIED MAN AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor, INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B., A FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS BANK, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 5115-021-019 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: 4160 MCKINLEY AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90011 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein.

Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee's Sale is: $268,651.46 (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: 03/31/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER

Thursday, April 14, 2011 TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #11185 2011-03-31 2011-04-07 2011-04-14

FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #11265 2011-03-31 2011-04-07 2011-04-14

MLK HOSPITAL Continued from page 3

Trustee Sale # CA0955002-1 Loan# 125399322 Order # 955119 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 01/25/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 04/22/2011 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 02/01/2006 as Document No. 06 0240483 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, JOSE CRUZ, AND MARIA CRUZ, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor, AMERICA'S WHOLESALE LENDER, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 6026-029-008 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: 8400 GRAPE STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90001-4132 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: $329,393.40 (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: 03/31/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #11226 2011-03-31 2011-04-07 2011-04-14

Trustee Sale # CA0958803-1 Loan# 129223238 Order # 964571 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 06/13/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 04/29/2011 at 01:00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 06/30/2006 as Document No. 06 1447474 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, MARCO A. ORTIZ, JR., A MARRIED MAN, AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, MARCO A. ORTIZ, A MARRIED MAN, AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor, SCME MORTGAGE BANKERS, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state).

AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 6052-030-007 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: 426 EAST 97TH STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90003 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: $406,087.08 (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: 04/07/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: CLARISA GASTELUM, TRUSTEE SALES OFFICER TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 FOR SALE INFORMATION CONTACT: (714)786-5351, (949) 252-8300 FOR REINSTATEMENT / PAY OFF REQUESTS CONTACT: (949) 252-8300 RPRequests@trusteecorps.com Ad #11336 2011-04-07 2011-04-14 2011-04-21

Trustee Sale No. CA09001248-10-1 . Title Order No. 100460142CA-LPI Loan No. 0012833919 APN 5469-035-007 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED September 26, 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 April 26, 2011, at 01:00 PM, At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building,350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA, MTC FINANCIAL Inc., dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on October 4, 2005, as Instrument No. 05 2386063 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: MONICA BARRON AND FLAVIO RUIZ, WIFE AND HUSBAND AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor, in favor of JUST MORTGAGE, INC. 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: 5646 ALDAMA STREET UNIT 1&2, LOS ANGELES, CA 90042 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made 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 $319,747.10 (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: March 31, 2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09001248-10-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.NoticeSolutions.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-786-5351 TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED

LOAN: 281148/RICHARDS OTHER: 55017971-55 FILE:10-12-004 NS A.P. NUMBER 5043-008-016 & 5057-004-028 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE UNDER DEED OF TRUST YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED July 21, 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 PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NOTICE is hereby given that AZTEC T.D. SERVICE CO., as trustee, or successor trustee, or substituted trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed

by PHILLIP NEAL RICHARDS Recorded on 08/04/2008 as Instrument No. 20081388940 in Book N/A Page N/A of Official records in the office of the County Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, California, and pursuant to the Notice of Default and Election to Sell thereunder recorded 12/30/2010 in Book N/A, Page N/A, as Instrument No. 2010-1938548 of said Official Records, WILL SELL on 05/05/2011 AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE TO THE POMONA SUPERIOR COURTS BUILDING, 350 WEST MISSION BLVD, POMONA, CA at 1:00 P.M. AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at the time of sale in lawful money of the United States), 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 hereinafter described: As more fully described on said Deed of Trust. APN: 5043-008-016 & 5057-004-028 The property address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 5420 W ADAMS BLVD AND 2532 LUCERNE AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. 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 Sale is: $269,154.13 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 Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. In the event tender other than cash is accepted the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee's Deed until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed, advances thereunder, with interest as provided therein, and the unpaid principal balance of the Note secured by said Deed with interest thereon as provided in said Note, fees, charges and expenses of the trustee and the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. 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. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the successful bidder at the sale shall be entitled to a return of the monies paid. The successful bidder shall have no further recourse against the Trustee or Beneficiary. We are assisting the Beneficiary in the collection of a debt and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose whether received orally or in writing. Dated: 03/31/2011 AZTEC T.D. SERVICE CO. as said Trustee 2624 W MAGNOLIA BLVD BURBANK, CA 91505 (818) 848-8960 By: CHRISTIAN SPRING VICE PRESIDENT OF FORECLOSURE RESOURCES, INC., AS AGENT FOR AZTEC T.D. SERVICE CO. Ad #11369 2011-04-14 2011-04-21 2011-04-28

write their suggestions for what they wanted to see as part of the development of the new center on notes and place them on poster a board at one of the information stations in the room.

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said that several channels also exist for the community to have their say in the workings of the hospital.

“You do it through input with our offices. You do it through input through the Empowerment Congress’ Health Committee, and then there’s a board of directors for the new hospital so you can formally communicate with them,” he said.

Edna Aliewine has lived in the

area of the MLK campus since 1945. Her hopes for the future are “the right staff and the right person over that staff.” “They’ve got a lot of good nurses and a lot of good people that know medicine … (but) you’ve got to have care of the person, and that’s what we’re looking for in this area,” she said.

Both Smtih and Aliewine recalled the time when MLK was first built. “Yes, I remember,” Smith said. “It was nothing but a square, old building. It came a long ways and it looks a whole lot better. And it even makes the community stand out more.”

BRAD PYE JR. Continued from page 7

to have lunch with Kenny.”

Pye worked briefly for Braithwaite Burke when she replaced Hahn as Supervisor and gained her support in creating the Aquatics Foundation, a free program that continues to exist today, helping youth to pursue their passion for swimming.

In 1993, Pye transferred to DCFS as a Division Chief. In this capacity, he has served as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, managed the Disaster Services Section, and directed the Exams/Recruitment Section.

“In every assignment, I tried my best to implement procedures to improve life for employees, volunteers, the disabled and citizens of L.A. County,” he said.

As for the future, Pye said he’ll devote his time to two areas. “I plan to continue my passion of writing sports columns and enjoy my grandchildren.”

Brad Pye Jr., who previously served as sports editor for the L.A. Sentinel, currently writes a sports column in the L.A. Watts Times newspaper. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at Brookins Community A.M.E. Church.

NEALY

Continued from page 6 “The fire department, you call for an emergency — we are out there. If it’s an emergency, we deal with it. If it’s not an emergency, we still deal with it, but that’s why I think that the fire department has a better PR rating than the police department.”

What he liked most about his job was helping people.

“All my jobs have been with dealing with the public in one aspect or another,” said Nealy. “So, in looking in that light, you are out there trying to help somebody because it’s an emergency or you’re trying to help somebody because you are trying to educate them on what’s the most safe way to do something. (It) always has been that way.”

Nealy stressed how dry the hiring pool is right now. He also spoke about job requirements an applicant could expect.

“You take a test. It’s a generalized test. When I got out of the military, I took what is called an ARCO

test. There are ARCO tests for different types of jobs. You can do that through the library.”

According to Nealy, it’s a generalized test that shows the kind of things that different departments will present to applicants. Some of the subjects they test for are mechanical English, mathematics and other topics.

“Every fire department will train you in the way that they want you to learn certain things,” said Nealy. “They want to know that you have the basic knowledge to understand what you are going to learn.

So, it helps that way.

“One requirement still today is a high school diploma. The more education you have, you just raise yourself up a little higher.

Those kinds of things help you out.”

After 30 years, Nealy retired from the Fire Prevention Bureau.

He was honored with a dinner and presentation on Feb. 5 at the Automobile Driving Museum.

Black Facts April 14, 1868 South Carolina voters approve constitution, 70,758 to 27,228, and elected state officers, including the first Black cabinet officer, Francis L. Cardozo, secretary of state. The new constitution requires integrated education and contained a strong bill of rights section: “Distinctions on account of race or color, in any case whatever, shall be prohibited, and all classes of citizens shall enjoy equally all common, public, legal and political privileges.”

April 15, 1959 African Freedom Day is declared at the All-African People’s Conference in Accra, Ghana.

Source: blackfacts.com.

www.lawattstimes.com 15

Thursday, April 14, 2011

BIDDERS WANTED FIBER OPTIC NETWORK-PHASE 1 & VINCENT THOMAS BRIDGE SPECIFICATION NO. 2720 Concrete Cutter, Concrete Finisher, Concrete Supplier, Crane Supplier, Computer Systems Specialized, Earthwork/Excavation, Electrical, Equipment Rental General, Fiber Optic Specialist, General Building Contractor Bonded up to $5 million, Painting, Paving, PreCast Concrete, Railroad Crossing Equipment, Survey Land, Soil Remediation, Striping Contractor ENG. EST.: $2,200,000 - $3,000,000

PRE-BID DATE: APRIL 19, 2011 BID DATE: MAY 19, 2011, 2:45 P.M.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Metro will receive proposals for PS-8510-2700 Construction Laboratory Testing per specifications on file at the LACMTA Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (9th Floor).

FEE: $0.00 CITY OF LOS ANGELES HARBOR DEPARTMENT (310) 732-3522

CITY OF LOS ANGELES $50,000 REWARD NOTICE The City of Los Angeles offers a reward payable at the discretion of the City Council to one or more persons in the sum or sums up to an aggregate maximum total sum of $50,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the shootings of LYNETTE WARREN, EDWARD DENT AND DONNA ALLEN, in the City of Los Angeles.

On Monday, March 7, 2011, at approximately 12: 50 p.m., Lynette Warren, Edward Dent and Donna Allen were sitting in the back yard of an adult daycare facility for the mentally handicapped , located at 2020 West Vernon Avenue, in Los Angeles, when unknown suspects fired several rounds, striking and injuring all three individuals. The suspects then fled eastbound on Vernon Avenue. LAPD reports that it is likely that the intended targets were on the sidewalk, in front of the facility, and that the victims were inadvertently struck. LAPD is still searching for the suspect(s) and encourages witnesses to come forward, even anonymously, to assist them in their investigation. The person or persons responsible for this crime represent an ongoing threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles. Unless withdrawn or paid by City Council action, this offer of reward shall terminate on, and have no effect after, OCTOBER 12, 2011.

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

C. F. No. 11-0010-s18 4/14/11 CNS-2079150# WATTS TIMES

CNS#2079590

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011002870 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Travel A Peal Group Getaway, 3870 Crenshaw Blvd., Suie 773, Los Angeles, CA 90008, County of Los Angeles Registered owner(s): E. Denise Peal, 3870 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite 773, Los Angeles, CA 90008 This business is conducted by an Individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.)

S/ E. Denise Peal, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on April 7, 2011 NOTICE-In accordance with Subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in Subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

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).

Original 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5/11 CNS-2081426# WATTS TIMES

All proposals must be received on or before 2pm on 05/25/2011 Pacific Timeat the address listed above, sent to the attention of Eva Rodriguez.Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on April 25, 2011 at 9:00 am in the Union Station Conference Room located at the address above.

The RFP documents on CD are available for purchase for a non-refundable price of $10.00 when picked up at the above address; or $15.00 if documents are to be mailed. Requests must be accompanied by payment to Metro in the form of a money order, company check, cashier’s check, or certified check. Personal checks are not acceptable forms of payment.

4/14/11 CNS-2078557# WATTS TIMES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP# 7545) FURTHER INVESTIGATION, ASSESSMENT & DEVELOPMENT OF REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN FOR 9901 SOUTH ALAMEDA ST. IN THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles invites proposals from qualified Consultants to further investigate, assess and develop a feasibility study, health risk assessment and remedial action plan under the direction of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control for 9901 South Alameda Street in the County of Los Angeles (“Service”).Copies of the RFP may be obtained beginning April 11, 2011 online at www.hacla.org/ ps. Proposals will be accepted at 2600 Wilshire Blvd, #3100, Los Angeles, CA 90057, until 2:00 P.M., May 13, 2011.

4/7, 4/14/11 CNS-2077576# WATTS TIMES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP #7536) FAMILY ASSET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

GOVERNMENT LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANPORTATION AUTHORITY (MTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES

You may obtain a copy of the RFP by downloading the information at www.METRO.NET; or for further information by contracting Barbara A. Gatewood at (2130 922-7317 or via Fax (213) 922-1004 or by email: gatewoodb@metro.net.

4/14, 4/21/11 CNS-2079653# WATTS TIMES LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO)

Class A, OR C-7, OR C-10 California Contractor’s License required at time of award.

FAX: (310) 831-5389

All proposals must be received on or before 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time), Tuesday, May 2, 2011 at the address listed above, sent to the attention of Barbara A Gatewood, Sr. Contract Administrator.

Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and return to the proposal unopened. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Monday, April 18, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time), Gateway Conference Room, 3rd Floor located at the address above.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will receive proposals for PS25102731 - CONSOLIDATED AUDIT FY2011 THRU FY2015 per specifications on file at the LACMTA Office of Procurement and Material Management, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (9th Floor).

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles and the City of Los Angeles jointly invite proposals from qualified consortiums to implement the Family Asset Development Program as part of the “Family First Plan” (formerly known as the Human Capital Plan). Copy of the RFP may be obtained from HACLA beginning April 4, 2011 via http://www.hacla.org/ps/ or from CDD via http: //www.cdd.lacity.org/home_bidsrfp.html or send an e-mail to CDD.planning@lacity.org or call (213) 252-5405 or 252-1832. Proposals will be accepted until 5:00 P.M., by May 10, 2011.

4/7, 4/14/11 CNS-2074683# WATTS TIMES

WNBA DRAFT Continued from page 12

Vandersloot, a point guard, helped lead the Zags to a berth in the regional final before they lost to Stanford. She is excited for a chance to play with Epiphanny Prince and Sylvia Fowles in Chicago.

“It’s a very good fit,” Vandersloot said. “They needed a point guard and (coach Pokey) Chatman is going to be able to teach me everything I don’t know already.”

The Lynx (13-21) took Harris with the fourth selection. Minnesota had the rights to the first pick last season before trading it to Connecticut with Renee Montgomery for Lindsay Whalen. The Sun also traded their first round pick this year to Minnesota, which turned out to be Harris, who led Xavier to the Atlantic

10 regular-season and conference tournament titles.

“A lot of us were in awe of her,” Moore said. “She’s athletic, tall, knows how to take over games when she needs to. I'm excited to compete and get on the court with her.”

Danielle Robinson of Oklahoma went sixth to San Antonio, and Tulsa took Kayla Pedersen of Stanford with the seventh pick. Xavier star Ta’Shia Phillips went eighth to Atlanta, which then traded her, guard Kelly Miller and a 2012 first-round draft pick to the Washington Mystics for guard Lindsey Harding and a second-round pick next year.

Rounding out the first round, it was: Stanford’s Jeanette Pohlen to Indianapolis at No. 9; Georgia Tech’s

Alex Montgomery to New York at No. 10; Kentucky’s Victoria Dunlap to Washington at No. 11; and Duke’s Jasmine Thomas to Seattle at No. 12.

Texas A&M, which won the national championship last Tuesday, had guard Sydney Colson taken by Connecticut with the 16th pick, and center Danielle Adams went 20th to San Antonio.

“It’s crazy,” Colson said. “It seems like it all happened so quickly.

Really, throughout your whole college career, all you want is to get a national championship.”

Colson was traded right after the draft ended to the New York Liberty for Kalana Greene.

Training camps open May 15. The WNBA’s 15th season begins June 3.

ROBINSON Continued from page 7

more. That’s how we have successful outcomes.”

Despite the vast training and experience of Deputy Probation Officers like Robinson, who has served Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley area for over 30 years, and presently partners with the LAPD Southwest Division, Governor Brown’s new Realignment Proposal, to add parolees to probation officers' workloads, has the Counties more than concerned. The proposal would make Counties responsible for parolees, felons released from prison, as well as probationers, misdemeanor and felony offenders who typically haven't been incarcerated.

It has also been suggested that oversight of these parolees go to the less experienced agencies. But Miller states bluntly, “If parolees are going to become the responsibility of Counties through the Governors Realignment proposal, they should be monitored and supervised by probation officers.”

He is backed by Norm Johnson, president of the Supervising Probation Officers Union SEIU Local 721, who feels that unequivocally, “Probation is best suited to do this in a seamless and cost-effective manner. Probation has the historical experience of implementing this type of realignment. Even more importantly, we have the infrastructure and policy procedures that probation implemented without the learning curve those other departments must face.”

The numbers agree with Miller and Johnson. During 2010, through vigorous action, the Probation Officers seized over 6,767 weapons and more than $205 million in illegal drugs and drug money, resulting

in 13, 462 arrests. Today, the number of probationers found to be out of compliance with the terms of their release into our vulnerable communities has dropped to ten percent.

These numbers were reached by partnering in multi-agency efforts that were led by Deputy Probation Officers and included Officers from the United States Immigration, Customs Enforcement, United States Secret Service, California Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, Department, Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Community Oriented Policing Services. Because of the resourcefulness of Probation Officers, they are often seen as the “Beating Heart” of law enforcement agencies, as almost every County division goes to them or works with them in a myriad of ways.

Officers like Robby Robinson, with three decades of training, are part of this successful scenario. But Robinson warns that probation must remain in the hands of professionals: “Over the years, I have seen violence escalate. Youngsters and adults are using various, high-powered weaponry, and they have access to high-capacity guns, so a probation officer must be prepared for whatever he or she encounters.”

All of our safety depends upon it.”

As County Supervisor/County Mayor Michael Antonovich, who also remains skeptical of any plan to shift responsibility to the counties notes, this realignment is “as step in the wrong direction and has to be corrected now. The counties cannot be mini penitentiaries.”

H.U.F. AWARDS Continued from page 6

High School and to a senior who will attend Howard University.

Those nominations must also be received by noon, Pacific Time, on May 13. There are no exceptions.

Now in it’s ninth year, the H.U.F. Awards were established in 2002 by Judge Mablean Ephriam to recognize and celebrate everyday fathers whose lifestyle exemplifies commitment and love for spouses, children, community and family overall.

“So many of our men are hard working, dedicated and do the right thing — every day. Yet, they are not famous or celebrated. This is the day that celebrates the unsung heroes in our community,” says Judge Mablean. “It’s an honor for me to be able to extend love to these remarkable men and to offer scholarship assistance to deserving students.”

Actor and comedian Michael Colyar will host the H.U.F. Awards for the seventh year. Actress and comedienne Jenifer Lewis will cohost. Celebrity presenters include actresses Vanessa Bell Calloway (“Hawthorne”) and Ella Joyce (“Roc”). Ephriam chairs the awards, while Detroit Judge Craig Strong and Judge Glenda Hatchett serve as honorary co-chairs.

To nominate a father, apply for a scholarship, purchase tickets or to obtain sponsorship or vendor information, call (323) 445-6669; or visit: www.hufawards.com; or email: efromfoundation@aol.com.

Judge Mablean has been a member of the legal community for more than 30 years, with an expertise in family law. For more than seven years, she served as presiding judge on FOX TV’s “Divorce Court,” which is currently syndicated on TV ONE. Since “Divorce Court,” she has traveled across the country speaking, sharing and educating.

For more information on Judge Ephriam, visit www.judgemablean.com.

Black Facts April 14, 1873 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Slaughterhouse cases begins process of diluting the 14th Amendment. The court says the 14th Amendment protected federal civil rights, not “Civil rights heretofore belonging exclusively to the states.”

Source: blackfacts.com.

16

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Review: Dance Theater’s Performance ‘Spectacular’

BY ARYSSA DURRELL CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has returned to Los Angeles as it celebrates 50 years of the great choreographic work Revelations.

The show recently opened at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The opening night performance was spectacular as the members of the Ailey company graced the stage.

Immediately from the beginning of the show, the audience was captivated by the spirit of the dancers. The music and movement on stage grabbed the audience’s

attention without one moment of distraction. Each piece that was performed was rewarded with applause and standing ovations from a more than pleased crowd.

Choreography by Christopher L. Higgins, Robert Battle, and Camille A. Brown was exhibited on opening night, as family members, friends and enthusiasts of the companies dancers were in the audience.

Every moment was appreciated from the audience with moments of laughter, tears, feelings of sorrow and astonishment. The abilities of these dancers are incredible and almost unbelievable. The only instances that were not applauded Photo by Paul Kolnik

by the audience were the many pauses and intermissions between acts that occurred.

The show lasted about two hours, unbeknownst to the audience members whom were in a complete trance of captivation throughout the night.

Each choreographed piece was loved, yet of course the most yearned for was the Revelations performance, which was the last performed piece. This piece came after a short film about Ailey as a choreographer, performer and how Revelations came about. Once the curtain was lifted for the Revelations performance and the dancers were presented on stage the feeling in the theater changed from a sense of delight to anxiousness, as this was the moment all had been waiting for.

Not a soul in that theater was let down as the dancers almost

effortlessly perfected each and every move in the different sections of the Revelations piece. The journey of the piece painted a beautiful image of “what it is to be human,” as stated in the opening film to the piece.

This is not a performance to be missed, only feelings of satisfaction will be felt upon leaving the theater after witnessing the greatness of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at their celebration of Revelations at 50 years. Shows on April 14, 15, 16 and 17 remain for audiences to experience.

Ticket information: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Box Office, 135 N. Grand Ave, (213) 972-0711, musiccenter.org/events/ dance.html.

To purchase tickets for a group of 10 or more people, call (213) 972-8555, MCgroupsales@musiccenter.org.

Photo by Andrew Eccles

Linda Celeste Sims and Glenn Allen Sims in Alvin Ailey’s Revelations.