LAWT 05-26-2011

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W E E K E N D E R

L.A. Watts Times Vol. XXX, No. 1233

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FEATURE STORY

Thursday, May 26, 2011

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HOROSCOPES

Thursday, May 26, 2011

MAY 26 - JUNE 1

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RIES ~ Get in touch with those who can help you achieve your goals. Place the accent on initiative. Romance, passion and work are singing in harmony this week and tonight. AURUS ~ Joy this week comes from love. You are especially attractive. Stage your week so that you spend time around people you want to attract. It is easy for you to bring harmony into your relationships. Your ability to communicate is greatly enhanced. Use it to your best advantage. EMINI ~ Are you spending money with little or nothing to show for it? This is because you’re looking for something that money can’t buy. Now is a good time to spend some of your emotional currency, and don’t be cheap. You’ll create a situation in which people will work hard to please you. ANCER ~ You may like to go to war, but avoid an argument with a friend; it will slow down all the wonderful progress you’ve been making. Your patience will be tested this week, stay on task. EO ~ Skip it! Don’t sweat the small stuff, it’ll only bring you down. Don’t run around inside your own head this week. Focus your awareness outside on something beautiful. Compromise is a key idea this week. IRGO ~ Someone in the family is ready to give you something. Open yourself up to it. Home improvement — mental, physical and spiritual — is this week’s best theme. Seek the simple pleasures from a neglected hobby this week.

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IBRA ~ How efficient you are this week! Your busy mind is focused on productivity and achievement. Both come easily to you, so take your advantage and press forward. CORPIO ~ Entertainment and companionship are high on your list of things to enjoy this week. Use your mental gifts to speed carefully through your work so that you’ll have more time for fun this week. AGITTARIUS ~ Your only real caution this week is to watch your budget. Other than that, happiness remains the focus, as relationships heat happily up. Your family is very supportive and loving right now; let them meet your new admirer. APRICORN ~ Happiness with partners remains the order of the week. Relations between partners are exceptionally harmonious right now. You are in sync with loved ones. Much is being accomplished by your attitude. Don’t overdo your physical workout. QUARIUS ~ The time has come to forgive and forget. Take the first step in reconciling a friendship. You thought no one knew, but you may be romantically attracted to an old pal. ISCES ~ Romantic daydreams may distract you from work this week; try to stay focused, but also enjoy your mental trips to romantic sunnier spaces. These images will inspire you to take action regarding a trip or get-together with your honey.

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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 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 Bernard Lloyd....................................................Director of Advertising Benjamin Samuels ..............................................Production Designer Chris Martin ........................................................Production Designer EMAIL: lawattsnus@aol.com Circulation ................................................................................50,000 The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the L.A. Watts Times. The L.A. Watts Times is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, CDs or tapes. CIRCULATION AUDIT BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL

Inside this Edition

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10 11 MOMBASA SQUARE ANSWERS FROM 5-19-11

Black Facts May 26, 1943 President Edwin Barclay of Liberia, the first African president to pay an official visit to an American president, arrives at White House. May 26, 1949 Pamela Suzette Grier is born on this day in Winston-Salem, N.C. Grier is one of the most important AfricanAmerican actresses of the 1970s. May 26, 1961 The Freedom Ride Coordinating Committee is established in Atlanta. Source: blackfacts.com

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Calif. Attorney General announces new ‘strike force’ The unit of 25 investigators and federal attorneys will aim to confront mortgage fraud in California and bring perpetrators to justice. BY SAMUEL RICHARD ASSOCIATE EDITOR A new unit of investigators and federal attorneys has been formed to hold accountable those who have committed mortgage fraud and to make them pay consequences for their wrongdoing, California’s attorney general announced Monday. Aiming to protect homeowners, the Mortgage Fraud Strike Force plans to help consumers who have been victims of scams. It also plans to tackle corporate fraud and prosecution of criminals. The strike force, which is under the Department of Justice, currently has 25 people. “As a career prosecutor, I believe there should be accountability and consequence to wrongdoing and crime, and it is for that reason we created this unit,� Attorney General Kamala Harris said in a press conference at the Ronald Reagan State Building in downtown Los Angeles. Harris said mortgage scams, fraud and unfair business practices have had a “heartbreaking� impact. The effects: homelessness, bank-

ruptcy and innocent families being torn apart, she said. Harris added that the “web of crime� plays a significant role in throwing the nation and state into economic turmoil. Addressing how the Black community and other communities can be helped, Harris said word needs to be spread, and people need to know their rights for prevention. There are agencies that will help them for free, and there is information that can empower them so they won’t be victimized, she added. They can also intervene early, Harris said, by contacting lawyers, accountants and others who may help them navigate the foreclosure or modification system in a way that will allow them to keep their homes. The other way to get help is where Harris and the strike force come in, she said: “When there’s wrongdoing,� Harris added, “there’s going to be consequence and people are going to be held accountable.� Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa supported Harris and shared his opinions. “It’s going to send a message

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Photo by Samuel Richard

California Attorney General Kamala Harris (center) at a press conference with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (front row, left) and mortgage fraud strike force member Mark Breckler (left, back row) and Paul Leonard, director for the Center for Responsible Lending’s California office. Harris joined them and others to announce the creation of a new strike force that will aim to tackle mortgage fraud and protect homeowners. here in Los Angeles and across the state that if you’re engaged in predatory lending or fraudulent real estate practices ‌ the attorney general is (going to) hold you accountable to the law� and ensure that those practices end, he said. Paul Leonard, director for the Center for Responsible Lending’s California office, commended the

attorney general for what he said was the vision she was bringing to address crime in the foreclosure arena from “soup to nuts, from original ‌ individual transactions all the way up to the very complex corporate securitization issues that have wreaked havoc not just only on the California economy but on our nation’s economy as a whole.

“It’s important to keep in mind that this mortgage foreclosure crisis brought our economy here in California to its knees.� This is a housing-led recession, he said, that’s led to historic levels of unemployment, leaving thousands and thousands of Californians who have lost their jobs at risk of also losing their homes.

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Businessman Cain enters 2012 presidential race BY SHANNON MCCAFFREY AND GREG BLUESTEIN, ASSOCIATED PRESS Herman Cain has run a pizza chain, hosted a talk radio show and sparred with Bill Clinton over health care. He’s never held elected office. Now Cain, a favorite of the ultraconservative tea party movement, wants to be president. “I’m running for president of the United States, and I’m not running for second,” he told a crowd at Centennial Olympic Park on Saturday. Chants of “Herman” erupted from the crowd of thousands in downtown Atlanta. The announcement by the black businessman, author and talk radio show host that he was joining the expanding Republican field came after months of traveling around the country to introduce himself to voters. Now the 65-year-old will see if he can use that grass-roots enthusiasm to turn a long-shot campaign into a credible bid. Cain supports a strong national defense, opposes abortion, backs replacing the federal income tax with a national sales tax and favors a return to the gold standard. He said President Barack Obama “threw Israel under the bus” because he sought to base Mideast border talks

partly on the pre-1967 war lines, and criticized the Justice Department for challenging Arizona’s tough crackdown on illegal immigration. “We shouldn’t be suing Arizona,” he said to cheers. “We ought to send them a prize.” Cain lost a three-way Republican U.S. Senate primary bid in Georgia in 2004 with one-quarter of the vote. His “Hermanator” political action committee has taken in just over $16,000 this year. Supporters say he taps into the tea party-fueled desire for plain-speaking citizen candidates. Born in Memphis, Tenn., and raised in Atlanta, Cain is the son of a chauffeur and a maid. He attended historically black Morehouse College, earned a master’s degree from Purdue University and worked as a mathematician for the Navy before beginning to scale the corporate ladder. He worked at Coca-Cola, Pillsbury and Burger King before taking the helm of the failing Godfather’s Pizza franchise, which he rescued by shuttering hundreds of restaurants. He burst onto the political stage when he argued with President Bill Clinton over the Democrat’s health care plan at a 1994 town hall meeting. “On behalf of all of those busi-

AP Photo/David Goldman

Herman Cain announces his run for Republican candidate for president at a rally Saturday, May 21, 2011 in Atlanta. Cain has run a pizza chain, hosted a talk radio show and sparred with Bill Clinton over health care. He’s never held elected office. Now the tea party favorite wants to be president. ness owners that are in a situation similar to mine,” asked Cain, “my question is, quite simply, if I’m forced to do this, what will I tell those people whose jobs I will have

to eliminate?” In his speech Saturday, Cain said the American dream is under attack from runaway debt, a stagnant economy, a muddled foreign policy

and an influx of illegal immigrants. “It’s time to get real, folks. Hope and change ain’t working,” he said. “Hope and change is not a solution. Hope and change is not a job.”

Muhammad Ali seeks release of Iran-held U.S. hikers BY BRADLEY KLAPPER ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — Two American hikers held captive in Iran for nearly two years have a big hitter in their corner: boxing champion Muhammad Ali, the selfproclaimed “greatest of all time.” Ali on Tuesday led a prominent group of U.S. Muslims in appealing for the release of Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal. The 28-year-old Americans were taken into custody along the Iran-Iraq border in July 2009 and have been held by Iranian authorities ever since. Bauer’s fiancee, Sarah Shourd, was AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais released on bail last year and Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is seen during a news conference returned to the United States. at the National Press Club in Washington, Tuesday, May 24, Like the former heavy- 2011, with other prominent American Muslim and clergy, as they weight champion, the two joined the families of the two U.S. hikers detained in Iran to Americans only “wanted to appeal for their release. Shaun Bauer and Josh Fattal have been experience the world, they detained in Iran since July 31, 2009. wanted to experience other cultures, they wanted to experience other receiving letters. Bauer’s mother, Cindy Hickey of Pine people,” said Ali’s wife, Lonnie, who spoke on his behalf. The 69-year-old Ali sat in a City, Minn., and Fattal’s mother, Laura Fattal chair next to her, in a dark suit and sunglass- of suburban Philadelphia, joined the call on the Islamic republic’s leaders for action. A es. He didn’t speak. The appeal was made a day after the two trial had been scheduled to resume on May hikers were allowed to call home for only the 11, but Bauer and Fattal weren’t brought to third time since their arrest. Bauer and Fattal court and no explanation was given to the told their families they had staged a 17-day families or their lawyer in Tehran. hunger strike after they were prevented from See RELEASE HIKERS, page 5

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

President’s speech on Middle East draws mixed reviews SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS President Obama’s May 19 speech on the Middle East garnered a mixed reaction at home and abroad, with the President’s claim it could be time for an “Arab Spring” being met with caution. In his speech, Obama spoke of the people in the Middle East and North Africa moving toward claiming a free life of their own, in concert with Western values. “I believe now that we have a stake not just in the stability of nations, but in the self-determination of individuals,” Obama said. “The status quo is not sustainable. Societies held together by fear and repression may offer the illusion of stability for a time, but they are built upon fault lines that will eventually tear asunder.” Obama’s words were met with optimism by Council of AmericanIslamic Relations Executive Director Nihad Awad, who said it is “significant” that Obama supports the freedom movements that have taken place in the Middle East and North Africa in recent months. “We appreciate President Obama setting the right tone by applauding the recent freedom movements across the Middle East and North Africa, but the true test of our

nation’s commitment to freedom and human dignity will be in translating this speech into actions and concrete policies,” Awad said in a statement. Part of Obama’s speech focused on the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Obama would like Israel to return to using the 1967 borders before the Six-Day War in which Israel invaded East Jerusalem. However, many conservatives have shot down that theory fiercely, including Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who opposed the Obama approach in an Oval Office meeting with the president. According to The Washington Post, Netanyahu told Obama that the country “cannot go back to the 1967 lines, these lines are indefensible. They don’t take into account certain demographic changes that have taken place on the ground over 44 years.” Possible GOP candidates for president also slammed Obama’s speech. Former Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum characterized Obama’s speech as an incoherent and inconsistent policy for U.S. in the Middle East. The Obama policy, he said, has allowed dictators like Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi “to remain in power, while fostering overthrow of our allies in Egypt.”

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

President Barack Obama arrives to speak at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) convention in Washington, Sunday, May 22, 2011, after a contentious couple of days this week when he clashed publicly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over ideas for a permanent Palestinian state.

RELEASE HIKERS Continued from page 4

Earlier Tuesday, a Foreign Ministry spokesman told Iranian state TV that calling them hikers is a “joke.” The two Americans are charged with espionage. They deny the charges.

“Their detention has everything to do with animosity between Iran and the United States, and nothing to do with anything they have done,” said Shourd, who was released eight months ago on $500,000 bail and has refused to

return to Iran for trial. She is being prosecuted in absentia. The three Americans have denied the spy charges and claimed they were only hiking in a scenic area of northern Iraq near the Iranian frontier.

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Historic photos taken by Black photographers Louis Armstrong, also nicknamed “Satchmo,” is seen in this photograph (left) in front of a microphone. Considered by many to be one of jazz music’s greatest artist, Armstrong — with his signature voice — sang such hits as “What a Wonderful World,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” and other songs. The New Orleans native was born Aug. 4, 1901, and died July 6, 1971, at the age of 69. Pictured in the photo to the right, Rafer Johnson smiles for the camera as he sits in front of the American flag. Johnson was a versatile athlete. According to ESPN, he played four sports in high school. Johnson attended the University of California at Los Angeles and was a decathlete as well as an Olympic gold medalist. He was also dubbed Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated. Johnson also played in several television series and movies. He was born Aug. 18, 1935, in Hillsboro, Texas. These photos were taken by Black photographer Harry Adams. They were provided courtesy of Kent Kirkton, curator and director of the Institute for Arts and Media at California State University, Northridge.

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

We have to raise the debt ceiling It’s what you watch, not BY JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA COLUMNIST A recent Gallup poll found that 47 percent of all Americans oppose raising the debt ceiling. Only 19 percent support raising the ceiling past its current $12.1 trillion dollar limit. The remainder of us say we don’t know enough about the debt ceiling to have an opinion. That’s part of our problem. More of us know about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s baby-mama drama than about our nation’s finances. And, more of us are actually interested in the sordid drama than in a decision that may ultimately affect our nation’s financial health. Of course, most of us have no dog in the Schwarzenegger mess, and all of us are impacted by these budget decisions. We have no choice but to raise the debt ceiling, and House Speaker John Boehner (ROH) is insisting on draconian budget cuts as the price for Republican acquiescence to increase the debt ceiling. He wants cuts that hurt education, senior citizens, and the needy, and he may well have the political clout to impose such cuts. If we fail to raise the debt ceiling, we will not have the dollars to pay on our obligations. We owe $12.09 trillion and must pay interest on that debt. If we default on our borrowing, our credit rating will tank, affecting our position in the global economic market. So, we have no choice but to raise the debt ceiling. At the same time, the price that Boehner and his gang would extract is high. Will we sacrifice the poor, seniors, and public services to preserve our credit rating? Many argue that we make some of the same choices in our personal lives when we have more month than money. Either a creditor goes unpaid, or we go without something we need. We have seen senior citizens making the choice between medication and food, school systems sacri-

Julianne Malveaux ficing bright and promising new teachers for those who are tenured, colleges and universities eliminating classes and majors because their budgets have been cut. If all of us have to make these cuts, some argue, so should the United States. But, some approach this debt ceiling with a hidden agenda. They would simply like to cut the size of government. Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) would virtually eviscerate the Medicare program in the name of fiscal efficiency. He wouldn’t tweak it, or impose cost savings; he’d simply get rid of it. His proposal is so draconian that even former Congressman and potential presidential candidate Newt Gingrich criticized it. And the Tea Party holds such sway on Republican opinion that Gingrich had to quickly backtrack and apologize for his remarks. The apology was not enough — Gingrich was excoriated by fellow Republicans for his position. He had a

great week, actually, with the revelation of his big-spending ways (he ran up a six-figure bill at Tiffany’s), and with the indignity of a glitter shower in Minneapolis, Minn. Those who believe in the role that government should play in our lives need to lobby for a viable, strong, and fiscally responsible government. We ought to be able to make the case for good government spending, that which alleviates pain, supports public well-being, protects the least and the left out. We need to be able to make the case for investment in people through education, health care and job creation. And, we need to make the case that in challenging economic times, there are people who need help. If we want to cut government spending, surely we might eliminate some of the corporate perks we keep handing out, like interest free loans or bank bailouts. At the same time, we might well offer struggling citizens some of the benefits we so freely offer corporations. Our foreclosure crisis might be much less severe, for example, if people could get help with their mortgages. In the first 15 years of a 30 year mortgage, most of the payment is interest. What if people got a break on those interest payments? Here’s the bottom line, though. We have no choice but raise the debt ceiling, but we do have choices on how we choose to spend government dollars. Those who believe in government must advocate for it and reject the Tea Party arguments that the best government is a small one. The debt ceiling has been raised eight times in the past decade. This time around, though, we are debating the role of government as well as the debt ceiling. Those who believe in government are losing the debate, if just 19 percent of those polled think the debt ceiling should be raised. Julianne Malveaux is president of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.

‘Maids’ deserve protection against sexual assault BY GARY L. FLOWERS NNPA COLUMNIST On May 16, the western world was shocked to learn that a world banker, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, had been arrested for allegedly attempting to rape a woman and sexually assaulting her in an upscale hotel room in Manhattan, N.Y. However, the reporting of the story rang all too familiar for working-class and immigrant people in the United States and around the world. Nearly every report on the incident provided a career biographical sketch on Mr. Strauss-Kahn, but referred to the nameless victim as merely a “maid,” “chamber maid,” “cleaning woman,” or other less-thandignified titles. The effect of such titles on the victim reduces her to a status lower than mother, daughter and human being. One thing we know about her is the victim is a 32-year old single mother from West Africa, who falls into the economic category of “working poor.” Regrettably, the history of colonizing

countries such as France, England and the United States includes countless instances of poor Black women being routinely raped by wealthy White men. In most cases, the Black woman was portrayed as a “jezebel,” “prostitute,” or some type of wanting whore. On the other side of the story, most White wealthy rapists have been somehow given victim status. Immediately after his arrest, StraussKahn was portrayed in French newspapers as a potential “victim of a political set-up,” notwithstanding that StraussKahn was widely known as “The Great Seducer” in French tabloids. In France, and many other European countries media outlets glorify sexual promiscuity of elected officials, who are rarely brought to justice. Currently the International Monetary Fund — Strauss-Kahn’s former employer — has very loose regulations on sexual assault by high-ranking diplomats on employees, with no mention of “lowly chambermaids.” However, there is an eerie irony in world history for the impunity of

rape by White men against Black women, predicated on the false notion of White supremacy and the inferiority of Black women (and women of color). During the trans-Atlantic slave trade, African and African-American women were routinely raped within prevailing law. Conversely, imagine if a wealthy Black man stood accused of raping a White hotel employee? First, the woman would not be called a “chamber maid,” but rather referred to by a more dignified title. The Black man, of course, would not be allowed to post bail and live in a luxury condo while awaiting trial. Therefore, the U.S. Congress and the United Nations should pressure the International Monetary Fund to: 1) Elect the first woman to head the IMF; and 2) Establish strict policies and regulations against the sexual brutalization of women. Out of this tragedy perhaps new rules will be enacted. Gary L. Flowers is the executive director and CEO of the Black Leadership Forum Inc.

how much, that matters BY CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL “What you do in the dark will always come out in the light.” Remember when your grandma used to tell you that? And you hoped like the dickens that she didn’t know what she was talking about. Well, yeah, she kinda did. Sorry. And you know how the more sophisticated and intellectual we become the more we say we don’t do “so and so?” “We don’t eat greasy foods because we know it’s bad for us;” “we don’t mix all our trash together because we recycle now;” and “we don’t watch all that much TV anymore because we simply don’t have time.” Umm hmm. Well, it’s light outside. And while I can’t vouch for the authenticity of your first two statements, I can tell you African Americans are spending almost 40 percent more time watching TV than any other American demographic group. I didn’t get this from grandma — because she’s probably sitting right there watching TV along with you; I got it from The Nielsen Co.’s recently released comprehensive report, The New Digital American Family. The thing is, unlike eating greasy foods or not recycling, watching TV doesn’t have to be a negative. If we use our consumer power for good, as I’m always stressing in this column, that we should make it a point to do, we can use our viewing habits to our advantage. If we, as Blacks, are over indexing on television viewing — which means watching way more than anyone else — that means we should be demanding that we see people who look like us in the programs and commercials we’re viewing. If we’re watching more television than any other group, we should be watching the type of programs that depict us in positive ways. And since we’re watching more television we should have a stronger voice of dissatisfaction which we exercise fully if we don’t find these things happening. So the question shouldn’t be, “How much television are you watching?” The question should be rephrased: “As a connoisseur of television viewing, are you making your viewing preferences known by what you’re watching? And are you using your television viewing power for good?” Only you know the answer to that, but remember grandma’s words: “What you do in the dark will always come out in the light.” The Nielsen report also noted that TV ownership is down. While African Americans now own four or more sets per household, the number of American homes with a television set dropped to 96.7 percent from 98.9 percent. Why the decline? During a shaky economy, economics is always in the mix, especially with “luxury” items like televisions. Part of the decrease in TV ownership can be attributed to economic belt-tightening, particularly in rural or lowincome households. You may also remember that back in the summer of 2009, the Federal Communications Commission mandated the switch

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil from analog to digital broadcasting. After that transition, consumers were only able to watch TV via a newer TV with a built-in digital tuner, a satellite dish — or with a special digital-toanalog converter box to connect to their old analog set. Many people simply could not afford that upgrade, even though the government tried to subsidize the converters. But while Americans overall are watching less television for the first time in 20 years, now at 114.7 million, down from 115.9 million, Nielsen data show that consumers are actually viewing more video content than ever before. Through the wizardry of technology, video can be viewed on multiple platforms, like laptops, tablets, iPods or smartphones. Another recent Nielsen study shows that the number of Americans watching video on their mobile devices rose more than 40 percent in the last two quarters of 2010. That’s nearly 25 million people. And, what does any of this mean? It means Nielsen still has a responsibility to measure all of this content and report the total picture of video consumption regardless of delivery method. And that we as consumers have more opportunity than ever before to express our preferences to “the industry” — TV networks, mobile companies, marketers and advertisers — who rely on us for our business and who must rethink the way they reach us for your hardearned dollar. See? It all matters. Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is the senior vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations for The Nielsen Co. For more insights, go to www.nielsenwire.com.

Black Facts May 26, 1969 The National Black Economic Development Conference adopts a manifesto at a Detroit meeting, calling for $500 million in reparations from White churches. Source: blackfacts.com

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L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Black soldiers have always defended the United States and its Constitution even before they had any Constitutional rights. Notwithstanding, Black soldiers never had ‘all the Constitutional rights’ (‘freedoms’) for which they were supposedly fighting, and often times, fighting to give the same rights and freedoms to others.

By Yussuf J. Simmonds Co-Managing Editor

& By Brian W. Carter

The experience taught them discipline since their transactions from slaves to soldiers did not have a boot-camp component — built-in or otherwise. Several “Negro” battalions were named for outstanding service, including the famous 54th Massachusetts Regiment.

weren’t just soldiers, they were warriors for peace, justice and human rights. World War I (1914 - )

Staff Writer The Buffalo Soldiers They Started on the Frontline History records Crispus Attucks as the first to die in the Revolutionary War, but was he a conscripted soldier? Was Attucks right in his fight? Was he really fighting for “his” freedom in that war? Peter Salem and Paul Whipple also fought during that war. However, Nat Turner was definitely not fighting as a conscripted soldier, but he was definitely fighting for “his” freedom. Shouldn’t Turner be heralded the same way Attucks is? History shows that Turner was “really” fighting for “his own” freedom. The difference between those two men was the mindset; and that is, who and what did they believe they were fighting for? The answer can be ascertained through the chronicles of the life of the Black soldier; he has fought in every American War, often for someone else’s freedom, only to be denied his own freedom at home — before, during and after the war. The Civil War and Beyond (1861 - ) For the Black soldier in the Union Army, this was the reason for the war, though Lincoln’s effort to save the Union was paramount in Lincoln’s mind. The Emancipation Proclamation came as a necessary element of the war to weaken the South and to provide added “man” power to the North (the Union). Freedom for the slaves was one of the collateral consequences of the Civil War. However, regardless of the reasons for their newfound patriotism, the “Negro” soldiers fought bravely and won praise in more than 200 battles during the Civil War. Many of them won the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. The effects of their participation went far beyond battlefield combat.

Whether they got the name because of their skin color or from the Native Americans they fought, the Buffalo soldiers were trailblazers. The recently freed slaves chose to take off their shackles and put on a uniform. These brave, Black soldiers are known for their bravery and heroism in the midst of racism and segregation. Despite the unfairness and injustice, Buffalo soldiers chose to fight for their country. They fought to protect the rights and freedoms they themselves were being denied. They started as the U.S. Calvary’s 10th Regiment and grew into six Calvary Regiment units. The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry is one of the most noted groups of Buffalo soldiers. During the Civil War, Buffalos fought in more than 300 battles and earned 15 Congressional medals for bravery and going beyond the call of duty. The 19th century saw the true definition of a “Buffalo Soldier” in Sgts. Henry Parker; John Denny; William H. Carney; Christian A. Fleetwood (recipient of the 1865 Congressional Medal of Honor); Henry O. Flipper; and the first female Buffalo soldier, Cathay Williams. Buffalo soldiers had received most of their training during slavery by learning how to survive. These harsh skills are what helped them greatly during war times. These soldiers are responsible for African Americans being able to enter the military. The Buffalo soldier has been present throughout our history from the Indian Wars of 1870 to 1891 to Gen. Pershing’s expedition to Mexico in 1916. From the Civil War to the Korean War, Black soldiers had to fight enemies on the outside and inside. Because of their strength of character and resilience, Buffalo soldiers have forged a legacy. Joining them are many distinguished Black men and women who serve our country. Buffalo soldiers

During the First World War, it was reported that there were more than 400,000 “Negro” troops that were drafted for military service, and 42,000 were sent overseas to fight in France and other parts of Europe. Henry Johnson and Needham Young of the 93rd Infantry, 369th Regiment, were the first men to receive the French Croix de Guerre. There were many who were commissioned as officers, but they were always given command of segregated Black units. Though tens of thousands of Black men and women also found employment in civilian life helping to maintain and support the war effort, America’s racist climate persisted and adversely affected Blacks, in and out of the military. Segregation was the norm during military service and lynching was the potential for a veteran after the war. (Many Blacks were lynched while they were still wearing their military uniforms.) World War II/the Tuskegee Airmen (1941 - ) The stench of racism and segregation in the military was applied equally the Black women as it did to Black men. The military adopted an ostrichlike attitude toward its soldiers of color. According to “Integration of the Armed Forces, 1940-1965,” a general reportedly stated that segregation was a vexing social problem, the settlement of which cannot be permitted to complicate the tremendous task of the War Department (the former name of the Department of Defense) and thereby jeopardize discipline and morale. And as in World War I, the majority of Black troops were literally uniformed laborers. The most famous military unit during the Second World War was the Army all-Black 99th Pursuit Squadron, better known as the “Tuskegee Airmen.” The unit’s performance under the command

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Thursday, May 26, 2011 Tuskegee Airmen

of Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. (a Black officer) was extraordinary. Though the military estimated 134,000 Blacks were in the service, only one unit, the 99th squadron, was actually in combat — they dubbed themselves the “Lonely Eagles.” Even the fully-trained, combat-ready 2nd Cavalry and the 24th Infantry Division were working as uniformed laborers. So in 1948, when President Harry Truman signed Executive Order No. 9981 — which declared that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services — it was heralded as a commitment to equality. (It was the military equivalent to the “Brown” decision made six years later and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., years later, said, “You can’t legislate morality.”) And Truman’s act, though seemingly great, at the time was just as expedient as Lincoln’s was almost 100 years earlier in signing the Emancipation Proclamation. It was a collateral consequence of the war — style with no substance to gain political advantage. Gen. Davis summed it up this way: “There is still great dissatisfaction and discouragement on the part of the colored people and the soldiers. They feel that regardless of how much they strive to meet the War Department requirements, there is no change in the attitude of the War Department. The colored officers and the soldiers feel that they are denied the protections and rewards that ordinarily result from good behavior and proper performance of duty.” It was reported that German prisoners of war were allowed to travel in the passenger sections of train while their Black captors were relegated to the calaboose; the Germans were allowed to use the food commissaries while Black soldiers couldn’t; Black soldiers had to tolerate segregated housing units and mess halls. Yet, Blacks deemed it appropriate to be allowed die “equally” as their White counterparts. In 1944 in Arkansas, a German prisoner of war was buried with the full military honors that were denied to Black American soldiers. Despite massive obstacles, Black soldiers — too many to name individually — continue to display their patriotism in service to, and on the battlefields for their country. Some stood out ex-

World War II soldiers

ceptionally, such as Carl Brashear, the first African American to become a Navy master diver, whose leg was amputated for injuries suffered during a bomb recovery operation. (A movie about him was made in 2000 — “Men of Honor; he was portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr.) The Korean War Change for the Black soldier began gradually during the Korean conflict; there was some integration in the 8th Army unit that prompted the Secretary of the Army to note that it was “a notable advance in the field of human relations.” Mistreatment and discrimination of “Negro” troops continued notwithstanding the military’s official policy of integration adopted in January 1950. (“You can’t legislate morality” — Dr. King.) After North Korea crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea, the 24th Infantry Regiment (a unit of Black Soldiers) was sent in. A New York newspaper headline read, “Negroes Gain First Korean Victory.” That conflict brought the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Edward O. Cleaborn and Congressional Medals of Honor to William Thompson and Sergeant Cornelius Charlton. The Vietnam War By the mid-’60s, almost 15 percent of the infantrymen in Vietnam was Black. Some in the Department of Defense considered integration to have been established in the Korean War. However, the troubling question was if wartime customs and attitudes could be continued and be successfully transferred over to civilian life and the general society. The Kennedy administration had issued an order — which was followed by some built-in accountability — that made desegregation of the entire military a reality beyond just a policy-driven

Vietnam War soldiers

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AP Photo/Johner

mandate. There were some consequential repercussions for any business-as-usual tolerance and an eventual noticeable change in the military environment. In that same environment another Black soldier, Colin L. Powell, began his upward mobility that eventually culminated with his appointment in 1989 by then-U.S. President George H.W. Bush as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the top military person in the U.S. Armed Forces. However, there were many fine Black men and women who served exemplarily and honorably in the service of their country during the Vietnam conflict, despite lingering traces of bigotry, racism and discrimination. They performed with full knowledge of their heroes of the past, on whose shoulders they stood. The Gulf War (Before and After) and the Invasion of Iraq In between the named wars, there were skirmishes all over the world, and Black soldiers were always ever-present that it prompted some to say that the military was the most integrated segment of U.S. society. Blacks have been involved in every military action from Grenada and Panama to Somalia and Iraq. Furthermore, by the time conflict(s) in Iraq arose, traces of racism and discrimination in the military were seemingly isolated incidents, especially when, during the first conflict, the head of the U.S. military was a Black man, Gen. Colin L. Powell. Yet, challenges still abound for the Black soldier, though they are not the same obstacles that predominated those in the past. Lt. Emily Perez was the first Black female West Point graduate to be killed in Iraq; she was a platoon leader responsible for 50 combat soldiers. The Men and Women in Uniform Black men and women have shared the burden of fighting, dying and defending America — at home and abroad — even when America would not defend Black men and women at home. They have helped build the nation, forged its destiny and defended its interests in war. Today, their roles have been widened and have become more inclusive. The results of their labors could be seen from the legacies they have left and by those who have followed in their footsteps.

COVER PHOTO CREDITS: Desert Shield, 24th Infantry AP Photo/Tannen Maory

General Colin Powell AP Photo

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

SPORTS BEAT B

AP Photo/Reed Saxon

One of 160 luxury suites is shown at Staples Center located in the downtown Los Angeles. The $375-million arena plays home to the Lakers, Clippers, Kings and arena football, as well as hosting many special events.

Suit filed in boy’s fatal fall after Lakers game BY GREG RISLING ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — A lawsuit was filed Tuesday on behalf of the family of a 2-year-old boy who plunged to his death from a skybox after a Los Angeles Lakers game in November, alleging there are unsafe conditions at Staples Center that must be fixed. The suit filed in Superior Court claims Anschutz Entertainment Group and L.A. Arena Co., which operates the downtown facility, haven’t warned fans about the “dangerous� design of the luxury boxes. The filing, which alleges wrongful death and negligence, seeks unspecified damages and an injunction that would require the defendants to install taller barriers in front of the boxes. “Beyond providing some measure of compensation to the grieving family, the purpose of this lawsuit is to compel Staples Center to prevent similar accidents from happening again, even if installing basic safety features reduces the maximum price it can charge for tickets,� plaintiffs’ attorney Scott Wellman said. Michael Roth, vice president of communications for AEG, declined to

comment because he hadn’t seen the lawsuit. Lucas Tang suffered massive head injuries when he fell from a third-level luxury box and landed on a row of seats minutes after the Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 20. Wellman said Lucas had just posed for a picture and was about 2 1/2-feet away from his mother when he scampered onto a 10-inch-high ledge and dropped 30 to 50 feet. The boy died at a hospital and an autopsy determined his death was an accident. The suit contends “in order to obtain the highest price possible for use of the luxury boxes, the Staples Center designed and maintains the luxury boxes in a dangerous condition.� “They are trading dollars for safety,� Wellman said of the defendants. City officials have said the 19,000-seat arena is in compliance with their codes, which require guardrails to be at least 26 inches high in front of seats. The safety barrier consists of 16inch-high concrete topped by glass ranging in height from 10 inches in front of the seats to 26 inches near See STAPLES CENTER, page 11

Have you heard the news about who the L.A. Lakers’ new head coach will be? If you haven’t, The Associated Press reported the following on Wednesday: “AP Source: Lakers reach deal in principle with Mike Brown to succeed Phil Jackson.â€? The 41-year-old African American used to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers. And the beat continues‌ Like old wine, Bernard Hopkins thinks he is getting better and better after his unanimous 12-round decision over Jean Pascal in Montreal Saturday night for the light heavyweight championship. At 46, Hopkins became the oldest world champion in history. George Foreman used to hold the old record (he won the title at age 45). And the beat continues‌ Tiger Woods will try another comeback in the U.S. Open June 16 to 19. Woods had to withdraw from the Players Tournament after nine holes, his shortest tournament in his career. “I’m having a hard time walking,â€? ESPN quoted Woods as saying. And the beat continues‌ No Black head coach made it to the NBA’s West or East championship rounds. And the beat continues‌ Nobody seems to be able to stop the Dallas Mavericks’ All-Star forward Dirk Nowitzki — who recently scored 48 and 40 points in games against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Western Conference Finals are over, as the Oklahoma City Thunder lost Wednesday night, 10096, to the Mavericks. The Mavericks will either play the Chicago Bulls or Miami Heat. Miami, beating the Bulls 101-93 in overtime, is leading 3-1 and needs one more win to make it to the NBA Finals. Game 5 is today in Chicago. The Bulls’ Joakim Noah made a $50,000 anti-gay slur against a fan Sunday. Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant was hit with a fine twice as much as Noah for an anti-gay remark

Y BRAD PYE JR.

AP Photo/Tony Dejak

Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown in a file photo taken Tuesday, May 11, 2010. Brown is set to be the next head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. and for his action against a referee. How about that Dennis Rodman? D.R. told Sports Illustrated that, “If I had a best buddy, it would probably be Dennis Rodman.â€? The publication reports he’ll be inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Hopefully the Lakers will ignore those people who are demanding that center Andrew Bynum be traded. A crippled Bynum is better than any other 7-footer around ‌ including the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard. Was former L.A. Lakers captain Kareem Abdul-Jabbar correct when he, in reference to the Lakers, said: “They don’t really value my presence there like they value other peopleâ€?? Like I’ve said before, as long as the Busses own the Lakers, Abdul-

FIFA investigates bin Hammam, Warner for bribery BY GRAHAM DUNBAR AP SPORTS WRITER

AP Photo/Shirley Bahadur

In this May 10, 2011 file picture Mohamed bin Hammam, right, of Qatar, chief of the Asian Football Confederation, is accompanied by FIFA Vice President Austin Jack Warner, of Trinidad & Tobago, during a meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. FIFA is investigating allegations of bribery involving presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam and FIFA vice president Jack Warner. The two senior officials will face an ethics investigation at FIFA headquarters on Sunday, three days before bin Hammam challenges incumbent Sepp Blatter in the presidential election. FIFA said the bribery allegations related to bin Hammam’s meeting with Caribbean football leaders on May 10-11 in Warner’s native Trinidad to lobby for support.

ZURICH — FIFA is investigating allegations of bribery involving presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam and FIFA vice president Jack Warner, just days ahead of Sepp Blatter’s bid for re-election as head of world soccer’s governing body. The two senior officials will face an ethics investigation at FIFA headquarters on Sunday, three days before bin Hammam challenges Blatter in the presidential election in the June 1 vote by FIFA’s 208 national members. United States official Chuck Blazer, Warner’s longtime ally and CONCACAF general secretary, reported the allegations to FIFA. “In view of the facts alleged in this report, which include bribery allegations, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke ... requested the FIFA ethics committee to open ethics proceedings,� the soccer body said in a statement Wednesday. FIFA said the bribery allegations related to bin Hammam’s meeting

with 25 Caribbean soccer leaders on May 10-11 in Warner’s native Trinidad to lobby for support. “This meeting was linked to the upcoming FIFA presidential election,� FIFA said. Blatter’s campaign adviser, Brian Alexander, said the FIFA president would not comment on the case. Bin Hammam helped organize the hastily arranged meeting after he was unable to attend the CONCACAF annual congress a week earlier in Miami. The Qatari official was denied a visa to enter the U.S., despite traveling on a diplomatic passport. His campaign’s administrative oversight left Blatter a clear run to lobby for votes in Miami. Warner has long been a key powerbroker in FIFA politics and his backing was seen as key to bin Hammam’s hopes. Blatter has been endorsed by confederation leaders in Africa, Europe, Oceania and South America. Warner’s 35-member confederation has not yet officially backed

See FIFA, page 14

Jabbar should be a part owner or at least a full pledge assistant coach. True, Abdul-Jabbar let his PR

See SPORTS BEAT, page 11

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Thursday, May 26, 2011 In this publicity image released by ABC, Hines Ward, right, and his partner Kym Johnson compete during the celebrity dance competition “Dancing with the Stars,” in Los Angeles on Monday, May 16, 2011.

Fans gather for final taping of Winfrey’s show BY CARYN ROUSSEAU ASSOCIATED PRESS CHICAGO — Hundreds of giddy fans struck by their luck at getting tickets to be a part of history gathered outside Oprah Winfrey’s television studio in Chicago Tuesday awaiting the taping of her final talk show.

AP Photo/ABC, Adam Taylor

Hines Ward part of a string of ‘Dancing’ athletes BY SANDY COHEN AP ENTERTAINMENT WRITER LOS ANGELES — It’s become a proud athletic tradition: Winning “Dancing With the Stars.” When Hines Ward took home the mirrorball trophy on the hit show Tuesday, he joined its winningest group of alumni: Athletes. Professional athletes have taken the “Dancing” title six times in the past 12 seasons. Since the show premiered stateside in 2005, three Olympians, two football stars and one race-car driver have been named “Dancing” champs. Three other NFL stars and an Olympic skater finished the popular show in second place. Ward, a Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and former Super Bowl most valuable player, credits his professional dance partner, Kym Johnson, with their dance victory. He plans to keep his new mirrorball right next to his Super Bowl trophy. “It’s special,” the 35-year-old said, glittery trophy in hand. “With football, it takes all 53 guys. With this mirrorball, it was just Kym and I together in the studio putting in the hours. I’m just glad I didn’t let her down.” Ward consistently posted high scores throughout the 10-week competition, and judges praised his showmanship and dedication. “We’ve had some great footballers on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ but I don’t think any compare with Hines Ward,” head judge Len Goodman said during the season finale. Ward was up against Kirstie Alley and Chelsea Kane for the season 12 title. The actresses finished second and third respectively. His commitment was especially

evident after Johnson suffered a serious neck injury during rehearsals two weeks ago. The couple triumphantly returned to the dance floor, earning perfect scores for their performance and drawing tears from Ward, Johnson and judge Carrie Ann Inaba. “I’m so impressed with you, the way you partnered with her through that routine,” Inaba said. “The connection was beyond what we ask for in a dance routine.” Through misty eyes, Ward said, “I was just elated that she was out there dancing three days after that horrific injury that she just had.” The couple earned five perfect scores for their final six dances. Besides Ward, the other athletic “Dancing” champs are NFL star Emmitt Smith, speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and gymnast Shawn Johnson. Football stars Jason Taylor, Warren Sapp and Jerry Rice were runners-up on the show, as was Olympic skater Evan Lysacek. Professional athletes actively use their bodies for their work, so they have the mental discipline and physical fitness to train and adapt to the challenges of competitive dancing. They’re also more likely than other candidates to avoid over-training, said casting director Deena Katz. The professional dancers on “Dancing With the Stars” are “worldclass athletes,” said “Sport Science” host John Brenkus, so it follows that their fellow professional athletes might be able to keep up. But not all can. Legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard and pro wrestler Chris Jericho were dismissed from the show last month.

STAPLES CENTER Continued from page 10

steps. That would put the total height of the barrier at 26 inches to 42 inches, depending on the location. A week after the boy’s death, a man was killed after he fell from a stadium concourse during halftime of a Chicago Bears game. An autopsy deemed his death an accident as well. In 2009, a member of the San Diego Chargers’ game-day staff died before a game against the Denver

Broncos after he fell out of the press box. Wellman noted the barrier at Qualcomm Stadium was a half-foot higher than the plexiglass at Staples Center and state safety officials eventually required 42-inch guard rails there. Staples Center is home to the NBA’s Lakers and Clippers, the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

Showing ‘Oprah’ painted on her head, Victoria King from Chicago waits for the taping of The Oprah Winfrey Show Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at the United Center in Chicago. The show taped Tuesday afternoon was the finale of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” according to Harpo Productions. The show aired on Wednesday. Winfrey announced in November 2009 that she would end her popular talk show after 25 years. Tuesday’s taping comes a week after Hollywood’s Alist and 13,000 fans bid Winfrey farewell during a double-episode extravaganza at Chicago’s United Center. The shows that aired Monday and Tuesday included AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato Aretha Franklin, Tom Cruise, Stevie Wonder, Michael In this May 17, 2011 photo, Oprah Winfrey acknowledges Jordan and Madonna, among other stars of television, fans during a star-studded double-taping of “Surprise music and movies. Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular,” in Chicago. The Oprah Sarah Cranley, 32, of Chicago waited in line with Winfrey Show influenced personal finances in big and small her mother, who traveled in from Pittsburgh for the tapways. Most obviously, the show regularly counseled viewers ing. Cranley said she felt very lucky to snag tickets to on major money matters. But the show also influenced every- the last show and the prospect of seeing Winfrey live day pocket book decisions. didnt yet feel real. “You think about how many billions of people around the world watch her and want to be here,” Cranley said. “What are the odds?” Allegra Scott, 39, of Chicago, said it's amazing to be a part of the final show, calling it a blessing. Fans said they went through the normal ticketing process for the final taping by submitting their names online. Winfrey’s best friend Gayle King mixed with the waiting fans — who cheered, “Oprah! Oprah! Oprah!” — and interviewed several with a camera phone. For her, the show’s end is bittersweet. “I have such mixed feelings about it,” King told fans. The finale of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” has remained a secret, even as Harpo Studios hyped it as a television event. In a promotional video posted online May 16, clips of famous television finales plays over a sad song with the lyrics “It’s hard to say goodbye.” It includes Mary Tyler Moore, Walter Cronkite, Johnny Carson, “M.A.S.H,” “The Cosby Show,” and “Cheers.” The video asks viewers “Where were you?” and “Where will you be?” Another promotional video for the final three episodes prompts viewers to “Say farewell.” When Winfrey announced her show would end she promised her viewers she would use the final season to “knock your socks off.” On her 25th and final season premiere she danced onstage with John Travolta and told everyone in the audience they were going to Australia. Other season highlights included interviews with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Continued from page 10 Obama, former President George W. ship sink as a player. However, this ization the last several years, and we Bush and Michael Jackson’s family. shouldn’t be held against Abdul-Jabbar are proud of having him as part of the Winfrey also revealed she found a sis- for life. The Lakers let their PR slip ter who her mother gave up for adop- show when they didn’t construct stat- Lakers legacy.” Will the L.A. Clippers’ Blake tion. ues for both Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Griffin “switch reels” to the Lakers in Already a television journalist, Johnson at the same time. 2014 when his contract is up? Griffin Winfrey came to Chicago in 1984 to Kareem has a right to cry; he truly is going to own L.A. when Bryant WLS-TV’s morning talk show, “A.M. has been dunked on. makes his exit. Chicago.” A month later the show It’s been reported the next statue And the beat continues… was No. 1 in the market. A year later will be one of Abdul-Jabbar. The L.A. Sparks should be at full it was renamed “The Oprah Winfrey Check out what the L.A. Times, force this season with 2008 MVP and Show.” quoting Laker spokesman John Black, Winfrey opened Harpo Studios reported regarding another matter: “… rookie of the year Candace Parker, on Chicago’s West Loop neighbor- As for others in our organization who Tina Thompson (Morningside High hood in 1990. On Jan. 1 of this year I’ve spoken to, I have not found one School), Ticha Penicheiro, et al. she launched the Oprah Winfrey person who doesn’t like Kareem. And the beat ends. Network, which is based in Los Overall, I’d say the Lakers have been Brad Pye Jr. can be reached at Angeles. pleased to have him back in our organ- switchreel@aol.com.

SPORTS BEAT

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EVENT

Thursday, May 26, 2011

LISTINGS

05/11 - 07/11

happening these months ANTIQUE ART — Billed as a “one-of-akind” antique art gallery, “A Retrospective in Black” will open June 4, 7 to 11 p.m., at Adam’s Gallery of Antiques, 4503 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles. On display will be African artifacts, art and more. The event will include complimentary wine and live music. Information: adamsgallery.antiques@gmail.com, 323-334-5478.

5-31-11 POETRY READING (EL CAMINO COLLEGE) — El Camino College will present an afternoon poetry reading in celebration of American poet Walt Whitman’s birthday. “Something Special Just For You: A Poetry Reading” is scheduled to take place May 31, 1 to 2 p.m., in room 102 of the Schauerman Library. The college is at 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. More information: Ed Martinez, emartinez@elcamino.edu, (310) 660-3593, ext. 3876. BUSINESS WORKSHOP (PACE LA) — A workshop titled “Contracts for Business: Avoiding Common Mistakes” will take place May 31, 9 a.m. to noon, at IKEA Burbank, 600 N. San Fernando Blvd., Los Angeles. This workshop will focus on issues that arise in many agreements that affect small businesses. Part of the discussion will include the often-overlooked provisions in contracts to buy or sell products, as well as contracts to provide or obtain services. Fee: $10 if paid at the time of registration; $15 at the door. More information: Phone: (213) 353-9400.

6-1-11 SONGFEST (PEPPERDINE) — The 16th annual SongFest, entitled “Breaking the Song Barrier,” will be held from June 1 to 27, on the campus of Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. SongFest is a summer festival for singers and collaborative pianists that covers different aspects of the art of song: musical interpretation, literary interpretation, historical perspective and effective public presentation. All concerts are free and open to the public. Seating is limited. The history of SongFest is available at www.SongFest.us. More information: (310) 5067511.

6-2-11 AUDITIONS — Auditions for the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus will be held for youths ages 8 to 12, from June 2 to 4, at Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 585 E. Colorado Blvd. More information: (626) 793-4231, www.lachildrenschorus.org.

6-4-11 BLOOD DRIVE AND HEALTH FAIR (SNAP PRODUCTIONS) — The Fifth Annual Dr. Charles R. Drew Blood Drive and Community Health Fair will take place June 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Kenneth Hahn Plaza, 11700 Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles. The event is free and open to the public. There will be free medical screenings for STD/HIV/AIDS, blood pressure and diabetes, vaccinations and information on dental care, and exercise and nutrition from a variety of speakers. Information: Brenda J. Breaux, (323) 859-1393, bjbreaux1@sbcglobal.net.

Aaron Nigel Smith

CONCERT (KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM) — Kidspace Children’s Museum’s Summer Concert Kick-Off will take place June 4 and 5, 12:30 p.m., at the Stone Hollow Amphitheater, which is at the museum. Kidspace will present the Lemonsquare band on June 4. And on June 5, Aaron Nigel Smith will be at the amphitheater. Smith is a musician and educator previously seen on the Emmy Award-winning PBS show “Between the Lions.” At the events, children will have the chance to learn about various citrus fruits, create sun prints in the gardens, and get wet during amphitheater explorations. The museum is at 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Information: (626) 449-9144, www.kidspacemuseum.org. FREE LAUNDRY WASHES — Four normal laundry washes will be free for anyone on June 4, courtesy of The ROCK Christian Fellowship in Long Beach. The ministry will pay for the normal washes and four dryers per person. It will offer the public this free service at Coin Laundry, beginning at 8 a.m. Coin Laundry is at 1920 Ximeno Ave., Long Beach. More information: (562) 597-7481, therockcf@therocktoday.com.

Ph oto

Cou rtesy of

Samantha Ferguson

6-5-11 FREE CONCERT (NINA GORDON PUBLIC RELATIONS) — “Playboy Jazz at Warner Park,” a free concert offering a mix of jazz and entertainment, will take place June 5, 4 to 8 p.m. The talent lineup includes: 1+One, featuring four-time Grammy nominee Patrice Rushen (best known for her hit “Forget Me Nots”) and drummer Ndugu Chancler with special guest, guitarist Doc Powell. Patrons may bring blankets, beach/lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Parking is available in the parking structures on Califa Street or in parking structures east of Owensmouth Avenue between Califa Street and Oxnard Street for $10. More event information: (818) 704-1358, www.valleycultural.org.

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 wattsweekender@yahoo.com or 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.

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

BRICK-MAKING — Attendees have the opportunity to participate in the art of adobe brick-making June 5, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum, 18127 S. Alameda St., Rancho Dominguez. They can park for free at the museum, and the event is free to attend. More information: (310) 603-0088. BLACK MUSIC MONTH CELEBRATION (LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS) — Celebrating Black Music Month, the California African American Museum (CAAM) will host its Target Sunday event on June 5, 1 p.m., where it will trace the evolution of musical forms preceding R&B, soul and hip-hop. Special recognition will be paid to composers of stage and screen, and CAAM will pay tribute to fathers in a Father’s Day recognition. This event is free and open to the public. CAAM is at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles. More information, RSVP: (213) 7442024, www.caamuseum.org.

6-8-11 “JAZZ ON FILM” (NINA GORDON PUBLIC RELATIONS) — The Playboy Jazz Festival’s annual “Jazz on Film” will take place June 8, 7:30 p.m., at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, beginning at noon on June 8 at the center’s box office. There is a limit of four tickets per person. Jazz archivist Mark Cantor will host the event and share a series of rare vintage performance clips featuring many of the most important artists who shaped the music over a period of almost a century. Lot parking is located one block east of the theater on Washington Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue. More information: www.playboyjazzfestival.com. Ticket information: Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, (323) 964-9766.

6-9-11 FILM SCREENING (LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS) — In celebration of Black Music Month, there will be a film screening of “Feel Like Going Home” on June 9, 7 p.m., at the California African American Museum (CAAM). The film celebrates bluesmen through original performances by Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and others. This event is free and open to the public. CAAM is at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles. More information, RSVP: (213) 744-2024, www.caamuseum.org.

6-25-11 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION (PORT OF LONG BEACH) — There will be a celebration June 25 to mark the Port of Long Beach’s 100year-old birthday. The free event will include music, cupcakes, a history panel discussion and more. The event will be from 2:30 to 8 p.m. on Pier E. The address for the Port of Long Beach is 925 Harbor Plaza. Pier E is south of Gerald Desmond Bridge, at Ocean Boulevard and Pico Avenue. More information, map: www.polb.com/birthday.

7-2-11 FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND (KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM) — Attendees will have the opportunity to join Kidspace Children’s Museum in a patriotic parade around the gardens and museum grounds, make parade shakers and pom-poms, get patriotic tattoos and much more. Fourth of July events will take place on July 2 and 3 at the museum, which is at 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. Kidspace will be closed July 4 due to events at the Rose Bowl. Information: (626) 449-9144, www.kidspacemuseum.org.

7-16-11 QUEENS’ CAMP (SORENSEN MCQUEEN GROUP) — BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc.’s program — titled the “Queens’ Camp: For Leadership & Excellence” — will be launched by the organization’s founder,

Beverly Bond, this summer. The camp is for exemplary teenage girls of color, ages 12 to 17, from various social, economic and geographic backgrounds. The leadership program will be held at Ramapo, located in Rhinebeck, N.Y., from July 16 to 30. Through a highly selective application process, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! will accept female applicants who exhibit strong leadership qualities, high moral character and excellent academic standing. All accepted participants will be awarded full scholarships to attend the camp, made possible through the generous support of private donors and corporate sponsors. The application deadline is June 3. More information: (718) 789-ROCK. Application: www.blackgirlsrockinc.com.

ONGOING STUDENT ART SHOW (EL CAMINO COLLEGE) — The El Camino College Art Gallery’s annual showcase of student artwork will run through June 3. All of the works in this exhibition were selected by instructors in the Fine Arts Department as some of the best examples of student work produced at the college. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays and Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays. The exhibit is free and open to the public. The gallery is closed for the Memorial Day holiday, May 30. More information: (310) 660-3593, ext. 3711.

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www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Person of the Week:

Word of the Week:

Wonya Lucas to join TV One as president and CEO

Getting unstuck

Former EVP/COO of Discovery Channel and Science Channel and EVP/General Manager of The Weather Channel Networks to start Aug. 8.

In Exodus 14:3, the children of Israel are stuck! God literally leads them to a dead end. Here they are cornered — trapped — stuck — and God did the “sticking.” A simple reading of this chapter will reveal two concerns for people who are stuck. The first problem is fear (14:10). Imagine them leaving Egypt, promoted from slavery to freedom, to wealth — all at once, only see their lives flash before their eyes as Pharaoh changes his mind and gives chase. It’s easy to sing “Trust and Obey” if you’ve never had to carry the baggage of broken promises! You want to believe that you can get out Bishop Michael Vincent Jenkins of this, but you’ve been burned so many times before that you first step toward getting unstuck. just don’t have it in you to trust that You’ve got to forget the past and speak things will work out right. Because it faith in your present crisis. God promseems as if God has left you hanging ised that He would get honor out of this situation (14:4). too, fear sets in. Moses’ instruction is to forget fear Exodus 13:18 tells us that they are dressed for battle, but in reality they and focus on forever. There are some weren’t ready to fight. Have you ever things that shouldn’t bother us anymore been there? On the outside you looked because they aren’t part of our forever. like you could handle anything that Learn how to speak over yourself, even came up against you, but on the inside in the midst of distractions and noise. you knew it was just a show. To every- Get a faith-filled confession because one else you looked like you had it God promised that “this” would never together, but you knew you were stuck! come up again! The final step toward getting Not only were they paralyzed by unstuck is moving forward (v. 15). God fear, but their focus was off (14:12). The past can be very powerful. directs the people in the only direction There is nothing more readily able to heaven uses — forward. There are mountains on either capture and captivate us than our past. When you are stuck, the past is the last side, so they can’t turn left or right. thing you want to focus on. Poor focus Pharaoh is behind them, so a U-turn is leads to negativity and feelings of out of the question. The Red Sea is in front of them. How are they supposed inability rooted in past experience. Problems plague people who look to go forward? The transmission of back. Lot’s wife looked back and heaven doesn’t have “reverse;” it only became a pillar of salt. Jesus testified of moves forward! Exodus 14:19 adds that as they the danger of looking back, saying “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow crossed the river, God moved to the rear and then looks back is not fit for the of the camp. In doing so, God stood between them and their past. This is Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Once fear set it, all they could significant because the Targum adds think about was the past, and the past that the Egyptians were shooting arrows and slinging stones. You can get said “we’re going back to Egypt.” In the middle of wide-spread unstuck and move forward knowing panic, we find the first solution when that the problems you face today are not Moses stands up and delivers a faith- a part of your forever. Let’s move forfilled confession (14:13). This is the ward and get unstuck!

Wonya Lucas has been named President and CEO of TV One, effective Monday, Aug. 8. The cable industry programming veteran succeeds Johnathan Rodgers, who has announced his retirement as of July 31. Most recently, Lucas was executive vice president and chief operating officer for Discovery Channel and Science Channel, where she was responsible for strategy and operations for the networks as well as oversight of the networks’ research and marketing departments. She joined Discovery Communications in 2008 as the chief marketing officer. Prior to joining Discovery, Lucas served as executive vice president and general manager of The Weather Channel Networks, where she was responsible for corporate strategy and development, strategic marketing for The Weather Channel and weather.com, and operations and programming for The Weather Channel, The Weather Channel HD, Weatherscan, The Weather Channel Radio Network, and newspaper syndication. “Wonya Lucas is the perfect choice to help us build on the terrific success we have achieved at TV One over the past seven years,” said TV One Chairman and Radio One President and CEO Alfred Liggins. “Her successful career as a top-level, mainstream cable programming executive will be invaluable to us as we continue to grow the network and the company. Her expertise in marketing some of the best brands in television will also be a tremendous plus as we continue to define and strengthen TV One’s brand in a constantly evolving media marketplace.” “It’s an incredible opportunity to lead TV One, which in just a few years has become such a success story,” said Lucas. “I am also personally passionate about TV One’s mission to provide high quality entertainment and information to the African American audience that authentically reflects our lives, history and culture. “Through the leadership of Johnathan Rodgers, TV One is well positioned for the future and has tremendous growth potential. I look forward to working with Alfred Liggins, Cathy Hughes, and the TV One staff, as well as Comcast and NBCU to chart the network on a path to achieve even greater success in the years ahead,”

BY BISHOP MICHAEL VINCENT JENKINS EXECUTIVE PASTOR ABUNDANT GRACE BIBLE CHURCH

Wonya Lucas Lucas added. Before joining The Weather Channel in 2002 as executive vice president of Strategic Marketing, Lucas held several positions at Turner Broadcasting System, including senior vice president of Strategic Marketing for CNN Domestic Networks and vice president of Business Operations and Network Strategy for Turner Broadcasting’s General Entertainment Networks, including TNT, TBS and TCM. Additional experience includes brand management for The Coca-Cola Co. and The Clorox Co. She began her career as an engineer for Westinghouse Electric Corp. In 2010, Lucas was named among the “75 Most Powerful Women in Business” by Black Enterprise magazine, one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Cable” by CableFAX magazine and among “The Most Influential Minorities in Cable” by CableFAX. She received similar recognition by CableFAX in 2009, and has been honored as a “Woman To Watch” by Women in Cable and Telecommunications (WICT), received a Brand Builders Award at the 2006 Promax & BDA Conference, recognized as a “Woman To Watch” at the 2005 Multichannel News Wonder Women Awards, and received the Inspiration Award for “Woman of the Year” at the WICT-Atlanta’s 2007 Red Letter Awards. Lucas has served on the board of directors of the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing, and she was the co-chairperson for the 2007 CTAM Summit. She also has served as a board member for WICT Inc. and is a graduate of the Betsy Magness Leadership Institute. Ms. Lucas is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing.

FIFA

Continued from page 10 either candidate. Bin Hammam and Warner are both scheduled to be in Zurich on Thursday for a meeting of FIFA’s finance committee, and to attend FIFA’s executive committee meeting chaired by Blatter on Monday. They face lengthy suspensions from all soccer duties if bribery allegations are proven. Both were reelected unopposed this year to lead their continental bodies for four more years. Two other Caribbean Football Union officials, Debbie Minguell and Jason Sylvester, are being investigated. FIFA said the four people under suspicion have been invited to “take a position” by Friday and report to the ethics panel on Sunday.

Corruption in FIFA has been a prominent campaign theme after a series of financial and vote-buying scandals severely damaged FIFA’s reputation. Bin Hammam appeared to have been damaged by association with corruption more than Blatter during their two-months of campaigning for votes. Bin Hammam was a key player in Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup. Qatar was accused in a British Parliamentary hearing of paying $1.5 million in bribes to two FIFA executive committee members. On Wednesday, a whistleblower from the Qatar bid had been scheduled to submit evidence to Valcke and FIFA legal director Marco Villiger in Zurich. However, FIFA said the whistle-

blower “decided not to attend the meeting” based on legal advice. As FIFA’s top administrator, Valcke must decide whether to refer Qatar’s bid to the ethics panel. Blatter last week neither encouraged, not rejected, speculation that proven corruption connected to the Qatar bid could force FIFA to reopen the 2022 bid contest. It also included the U.S., Australia, Japan and South Korea. The tiny emirate defeated the U.S. 14-8 in a final round of voting by FIFA’s executive committee. Two members, Amos Adamu and Reynald Temarii, were suspended following an ethics probe into vote-buying allegations. Adamu got a three-year ban for seeking bribes and has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Blazer, the highest-ranked Ameri-

can in soccer, was openly critical of the Qatari plans in public, and within FIFA’s executive committee that he joined in 1996. Bin Hammam also has been with FIFA for 15 years, while Warner was elected to his seat in 1983. Warner also was accused of unethical behavior at British lawmakers’ hearing this month. The former head of England’s failed 2018 World Cup bid, David Triesman, said the 68-year-old Trinidad government minister asked for money to build an education center and buy 2010 World Cup broadcast rights

for Haiti. Warner denies the allegation. He was censured by FIFA in 2006 after his family was found to have profited from selling overpriced World Cup ticket packages to Trinidad fans for that year’s World Cup in Germany. FIFA said Warner and bin Hammam would face an ethics panel chaired by Namibian judge Petrus Damaseb. Ethics committee chairman Claudio Sulser, who passed sentences on Adamu and Temarii, stood aside to avoid a conflict of interest because he shares Swiss nationality with Blatter.

www.lawattstimes.com 15

Thursday, May 26, 2011 Trustee Sale No. CA09000279-11-1 Title Order No. 110025837CA-LPI Loan No. 1010277620 APN 7465-002-013 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED July 26, 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 June 7, 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 August 1, 2007, as Instrument No. 20071815703 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: THELMA FALSIS, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor, in favor of INDYMAC BANK, F.S.B., A FEDERALLY CHARTERED SAVINGS BANK as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: As more fully described on said Deed of Trust. The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 522 524 526 A AND B WEST 23RD ST, LOS ANGELES , CA 90731 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 $609,449.27 (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: May 12, 2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09000279-11-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Paul Gutierrez, 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 FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #12314 2011-05-12 2011-05-19 2011-05-26 Trustee Sale No. CA09001509-10-1 Title Order No. 4523957 Loan No. 501707731 APN 5033-017-007 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED November 5, 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 June 9, 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 December 3, 2007, as Instrument No. 20072640898 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA , executed by: MARCUS D. THOMAS, AN UNMARRIED MAN, as Trustor, in favor of FLAGSTAR BANK, FSB. 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: 3862 CHERRYWOOD AVE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90008 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 $418,670.22 (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: May 19, 2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09001509-10-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Paul Gutierrez, 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 FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #12449 2011-05-19 2011-05-26 2011-06-02 Trustee Sale # CA0956547-2 Loan# 1008985093 Order # 090658531 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 12/04/2006. 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 06/13/2011 at 1 :00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 12/15/2006 as Document No. 06 2794180 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by,

CALVIN W. NICKELS AND LINDA D. NICKLES HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS, as Trustor, ALLSTATE LENDING GROUP, INC., as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 6037-004-018 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: 8931 SOUTH DENKER AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90047 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, 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: $397,365.44 (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: 05/19/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: ROWENA PAZ, 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 #12492 2011-05-19 2011-05-26 2011-06-02 Trustee Sale No. CA09001844-10-1 APN 6047-013-016 Title Order No. 4585018 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED March 9, 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 June 20, 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 March 22, 2007, as Instrument No. 20070651515, of Official Records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CA, executed by JOSEFINA ISAIS, A MARRIED WOMAN AS HER SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor(s), in favor of HOME LOAN FUNDING, 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 IN 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: 1345 -1347 WEST 90TH PLACE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90044 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest Theron, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee`s Sale is estimated to be $521,189.80 (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: May 19, 2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA09001844-10-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Rowena Paz, Authorized Signatory 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 FOR THAT PURPOSE. Ad #12687 2011-05-26 2011-06-02 2011-06-09 Trustee Sale # CA0927986-2 Loan# 3002748394 Order # 080069850 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 02/16/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 08/24/2011 at 1 :00PM, MTC FINANCIAL INC., dba TRUSTEE CORPS as the duly appointed Substituted Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 02/23/2007 as Document No. 20070393118 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, CALIFORNIA, executed by, ALMA JEANNETTE ESTRADA, A MARRIED WOMAN, AS HER SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, as Trustor, MORTGAGEIT, INC, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST

BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash a cashier's check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). AT: At the front entrance of the Pomona Superior Courts Building, 350 West Mission Blvd, Pomona CA The property heretofore described is being sold "as is". All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State describing the land therein: APN # 6008-043-003 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: 6014 MIRAMONTE BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90001 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: $403,703.20 (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: 05/24/2011 MTC FINANCIAL INC., DBA TRUSTEE CORPS, as Successor Trustee By: Paul Gutierrez, 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 #12787 2011-05-26 2011-06-02 2011-06-09

HELP WANTED Administrative Assistant $3,350 - $4,047 per month The Community Development Department is looking for one highly energetic and motivated self-starter to perform administrative support for Community Development, including providing clerical support for the Architectural Commission. Typical responsibilities include providing staff support to the Community Development Director and Planning Division staff, proofing staff reports and other correspondence, preparing bimonthly Architectural Commission packets and taking summary minutes at commission meetings. Commission meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesday nights of the month. He/she will be responsible for tracking, proofreading and editing commission reports, maintaining and converting Planning Division records to computer accessible formats, maintaining planning case files, citizen contact log responses, supplies management, and other department needs. Additional information about job duties and qualifications are available on the City website at www.ci.claremont.ca.us or from the Personnel Office at (909) 399-5450. Completed application required and must be received by Thursday, June 6, 2011, by 1:00 p.m. EOE

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (Metro) INVITATION FOR BIDS Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO) has established a contracting opportunity to provide C0923 Division 11 Body Shop Ventilation System as outlined in the Specification. The resultant Contract, if awarded, will be State/Locally funded, and is subject to fiscal year funding. This contract is a “Two-Step” Procurement Process: 1) Pre-Qualification & Determination of Technically acceptable Proposal; and 2) Lowest Bid Price. “Step-One” Technical bids will not be publicly opened. Bidders are strongly encouraged to attend the Pre-Bid conference on Thursday, June 2, 2011 @ 10:00 a.m., Palisades Conference Room 8th Floor located at the Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. California State Contractor’s License Classification B is required of the Prime Bidder. All Subcontractors must possess appropriate licenses for each specialty subcontractor. A worksite walk-through has been arranged following the Pre-Bid Conference. Visits to the worksite require prior approval by the METRO. (Note that the METRO does not pay for parking or validate tickets). Project duration is 180 calendar days from effective date of Notice to Proceed. The non-refundable price for the complete IFB documents (on disk) is $10.00 when picked up at the above address; or $15.00 if disks are to be mailed. Please contact the Procurement Receptionist at 213-922-1037 to purchase copies. You may obtain further information, by faxing Deneise Glover at (213) 9223883.

CLASSIFIED Grayling / Rose & Kindel, an international Public Relations company with offices in Los Angeles, is seeking to partner with Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) for a project. Please e-mail Fred Muir, CEO, at fred.muir@grayling.com for more information.

CITY OF LOS ANGELES $75,000 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 $75,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the act of murder against, BRANDON PERRY, AND THE SHOOTINGS OF DANA PERRY, WILLIE CHEFFEN & CHRIS LOFTON, in the City of Los Angeles. On the evening of August 22, 2009, Brandon Perry, Dana Perry, Willie Cheffen & Chris Lofton were sitting outside on the porch of a home at 6411 South 7th Avenue following a memorial ceremony. Witnesses report that a silver or dark grey 2000-2002 Chevrolet Impala drove by several times. The vehicle then stopped in front of the house, and a man exited the vehicle wielding an assault rifle, and started firing at these individuals. Dana Perry, Willie Cheffen and Brandon Perry were all struck by the assailant fire. Brandon Perry succumbed to his injuries. Dana Perry, who was struck near the heart, was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Chris Lofton was struck in the torso and thigh and also transported to the hospital in critical condition. 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, NOVEMBER 19, 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-s24 5/26/11 CNS-2103040# WATTS TIMES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 2011026562 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Kennedy Abdullah Childcare, 1118 W. 104 St., LA, CA 90044, County of LA Registered owner(s): Angie Kennedy Abdullah, 1118 W. 104 St., LA, CA 90044 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/ Angie Kennedy Abdullah This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles on May 10, 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 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2/11 CNS-2100048# WATTS TIMES

GOVERNMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP# 7551) DISPOSITION PROJECT BASED VOUCHER (“PBV”) PROGRAM The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles invites proposals from qualified developers, including HACLA’s subsidiary, for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program. Through this RFP, the Authority will make available up to a maximum of 455 PBVs for projects which directly assign them to existing housing developments principally to serve low-income elderly and/or disabled occupants. Copies of the RFP may be obtained beginning May 23, 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., June 24, 2011. 5/26, 6/2/11 CNS-2105560# WATTS TIMES

To place a classified ad call (323) 299-3800

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

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