LAWT 06-21-2012

W E E K E N D E R

Vol. XXX, No. 1289

www.lawattstimes.com

Thursday, June 21, 2012

L.A. Watts Times

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

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RIES ~ 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. Soul affirmation: Helping others is the true measure of my worth.

AURUS ~ When you let go of pain and fear, you are a force to be reckoned with. Use your talents for regeneration to create a new reality for yourself, one that is filled with joy and happiness.

Turn away from inner thoughts that are anything less than positive. Soul affirmation: I enjoy living in my dream.

EMINI ~ Treat yourself with kindness, and let love be your guiding light. The past few weeks have been rather hard on your personality, but you’ve come through a troubled time with flying colors. Soul affirmation: I am what I consistently do.

ANCER ~ Critical voices should be tuned out this week. You are in the mood for a pleasant week, and you shouldn’t let anyone keep you from your just rewards. Relax with friends who you can share positive vibes with. Soul affirmation: I get because I give.

EO ~ Unexpected company may arrive, or an invitation may be extended. Use good judgment and set realistic boundless to protect your valuable personal time. Drive carefully. Soul affirmation: I make the first step and the universe will come to my aid.

IRGO ~ Your rewards come not only from what you do, but from who you are! Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back and work some wonders. You are full of positive energy this week; use it to your advantage. Soul affirmation: I care deeply about the feelings of others.

IBRA~ Practical matters may seem like nuisances that are only there to spite your sunny mood this week. The vibration

June 21 - 27 has its place though and, if you apply yourself to practical things, you’ll have a lot accomplished by the end of the week. Avoid spinning your wheels on impossible projects or relationships. Soul affirmation: Distant love is sometimes sweeter.

CORPIO ~ Excellent vibrations accompany you to meetings and appointments or anywhere where your gifts of communication can be used.

You’ll have managers eating out of your hand if you choose to exercise a little charm. Soul affirmation: I call on my creative talents to pay my bills.

AGITTARIUS ~ Charming, simply charming! You have everything going for you this week, so make the most of it.

You are capable of handling many projects and equally capable of asking for help if you need it. Soul affirmation: My imagination is the source of my happiness.

APRICORN ~ If you acknowledge your need to be with someone this afternoon, the universe will probably provide. Ask for help if you need it. There are many resources available to you that you could be drawing from. All you have to do is ask. Soul affirmation: I accept fate and see good in it.

QUARIUS ~ Watching the sunrise will help quell any impatience that may arise within you this week. As you watch the sun kiss the sky, imagine that the universe is embracing you with love.

Soul affirmation: I judge no one, especially myself this week.

ISCES ~ A surge in your personal power enables you to slay any dragons that you happen to meet this week. If you keep your attention on your own personal dragons, you’ll be advancing your own best self by knocking out some less than healthy habits. Use the force for good!

Soul affirmation: Shining brightly is something that I can do even in shadows.

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Inside This Edition

BY LINDA DEUTSCH | ASSOCIATED PRESS

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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

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WWW.LAWATTSTIMES.COM Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. ............Executive Publisher & Executive Editor Brenda Marsh Mitchell ..................................Executive Vice President Tracey Mitchell ......................................................................Controller Brandon I. Brooks ..................................................Co-Managing Editor Yussuf J. Simmonds ..............................................Co-Managing Editor Joy Childs ....................................................................Assistant Editor Bernard Lloyd ....................................................Director of Advertising Benjamin Samuels ....................................................Graphic Designer Chris Martin ..........................................................Production Designer EMAIL: wattsweekender@yahoo.com Circulation ..................................................................................50,000 The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the L.A. Watts Times.

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

CIRCULATION AUDITED BY CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL

Los Angeles County courts begin downsizing

BlackFacts.com June 24, 1936 Mary McLeod Bethune, founder-president of BethuneCookman College, is named director of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration.

She is the first Black woman to receive a major appointment from the federal government.

An educator, she holds the post until January 1, 1944.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles County court system began handing out layoff notices Friday as plunging budgets set in motion major reductions.

Officials said the cutbacks in the court system will affect 431 employees and 56 courtrooms in a county that's home to nearly 10 million people.

Targeted employees were given layoff notices and packages of information on how to get health insurance and other benefits. The workers were initially placed on two-weeks administrative leave to get their affairs in order.

Union representatives stood outside a downtown courthouse wearing stickers that said, “Justice has left the building.”

The court administration, meanwhile, said a job fair will be organized to help them find work.

Presiding Judge Lee Smalley Edmon said it was one of the saddest days in the history of the Los Angeles Superior Court. She expressed concerns for the people laid off as well as consumers who will face a slowdown in resolving civil cases.

“Could we be heading toward five year delays getting to trial?” Edmon asked. “I certainly think so.”

Friday began with a report that a courthouse employee had been found dead on a loading dock. Edmon said she was notified of the death of Ray

POLL RESULTS

HOROSCOPES

Nemo, a court facilitator who had been laid off previously but brought back to work and was not scheduled to be laid off again. But he may not have known that before he died of a heart attack.

Another employee reported having heart palpitations and an ambulance was called. But Edmon said the woman was not one of those targeted in the layoffs.

“It is a stressful time for our court system,” Edmon said.

The layoffs and pay cuts are Los Angeles’ answer to the statewide budget crisis that has lawmakers in Sacramento debating how to reduce a $16 billion deficit. Other counties are making cuts but their numbers are dwarfed by Los Angeles County with its 4,700 employees and its need to absorb $100 million in funding cuts.

Edmon said 70 million in cuts were made earlier and the new cutbacks will amount to $30 million in savings.

Each county is handling its court funding cuts differently.

In Fresno County, seven branch courthouses in outlying areas are being closed. Residents in those rural areas will have to travel longer distances to file lawsuits.

In Ventura County, as in Los Angeles County, the services of court reporters are being eliminated for civil trials. Litigants will have to hire their own court stenographers and in some cases judges are being told they may See COUNTY DOWNSIZING, page 15

Who is the sexiest Black woman?

19.5%

Michelle Obama

5.4%

Rihanna

19.1%

Halle Berry

5.3%

Nicki Minaj

13%

Beyoncé

5.3%

Alicia Keys

9.3%

Gabrielle Union

3.9%

La La Vasquez

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Stacy Dash

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Tatyana Ali

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Zoe Saldana

1.5% Tia and Tamara Mowry

Visit www.lasentinel.net to vote for Weekender polls.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

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Rodney King autopsy Office Furniture LA is open for concluded; results business weeks away

BY ANTHONY MCCARTNEY | ASSOCIATED PRESS RIALTO, Calif. (AP) — Results from toxicology tests could as long as six weeks to gather before coroner's officials can determine how Rodney King died.

King was pulled from the deep end of his pool early Sunday by police, who were called to his home by his fiancee. Investigators conducted an autopsy on his body on Monday.

King became famous after he was severely beaten by Los Angeles police in 1991. The beating was captured on videotape and broadcast worldwide, as were photos of King’s bloodied and bruised face. The more than 50 baton blows and kicks inflicted by officers left King with 11 skull fractures, a broken eye socket and facial nerve damage.

The trial of four officers charged with felony assault in the beating ended after a jury with no Black members acquitted three of the officers on state charges; a mistrial was declared for a fourth.

The verdict sparked one of the most costly and deadly race riots in the nation’s history.

Rialto police are investigating the 47-year-old King’s death as an apparent drowning and said they have found no signs of foul play.

King’s fiancee spoke with police for several hours Sunday and is considered a witness in the case, Rialto Police Officer David Shepherd said Monday.

An officer remained stationed outside King’s one-story home throughout Monday, with several news crews also remaining in the neighborhood. Cars slowed to look at the house, and some stopped for passengers to snap photos. But no memorial to King had been created at the residence.

Toxicology results will show

whether King, who struggled with addiction throughout his life, had any alcohol or drugs in his system.

Police have said there were no signs of alcohol or drug paraphernalia near the pool. Officers were seen taking a marijuana plant out of the house Sunday, but Shepherd said he could not confirm what items were taken from the home.

Lawrence Spagnola, who helped King write his memoir “The Riot Within: From Rebellion to Redemption,” said King was proud of the book and hoped it signaled a new chapter in his life where he wouldn’t just be remembered as a beating victim.

“Rodney was tired of being the Rodney who was always asked about the beating and if he’d forgiven the cops,” Spagnola said. King was happiest when he was outdoors and the two men talked about meeting for a fishing trip, Spagnola said.

“There was a lot of good in him,” he said.

He said King seemed like a different person when he spoke about the darker aspects of his life. “When Rodney was talking about spousal abuse or DUIs or drinking, there was a look in his face almost as if he was talking about another person,” Spagnola said.

King had plenty to look forward to, including setting a wedding date and the upcoming birth of another grandchild, he said.

Spagnola said King didn't expect he would be remembered but hoped that his infamous words spoken as the riots still flared, “Can we all get along?” would long outlive him.

Even 20 years after the beating, King still endured migraines, joint pain and other ailments, Spagnola said. Alcohol provided some relief, he said.

“I honestly think he’s more at peace now than he ever was in his life,” Spagnola said.

Photo credit: Marie Kellier

Councilmember Bernard Parks (left), Michael Jones, president of the Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce, and Frank Denkins, owner of Office Furniture LA. community’s best interests are included in the development plans.

During the exciting event, Frank and his staff shared new developments in the Office Furniture LA brand, toured the facility, showcased new products and provided information on promoting wellness in the office environment.

Delicious food, music, and warm conversations rounded out the afternoon of mixing and mingling with business leaders, community organizations and special VIP guests.

Office Furniture LA Owner, Frank Denkins, a third-generation business leader, has been delivering quality products backed by impeccable service for over 23 years.

The community is invited to visit the beautiful Office Furniture LA facilities Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. For weekly specials on quality, affordable new and used office furniture, call 323-750-6206 or go to www.laofficefurniture.com.

metro.net/expo

Watch for trains on Metro Expo Line tracks.

The Metro Expo Line, the newest addition to Metro Rail service, is now open.

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

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

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

12-0889jl ©2011 lacmta

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Rialto police detective Carla McCullough, right, and a photographer conduct an investigation at Rodney King’s home in Rialto, Calif., on Sun., June 17. King’s fiancee called police to report that she found him at the bottom of the swimming pool at their Rialto home, police Lt. Dean Hardin said.

Office Furniture LA celebrated the grand re-opening of its newly renovated and re-designed facilities at 7625 Crenshaw Blvd. this past Saturday with a festive gathering at the facilities.

The beautifully presented event served as a backdrop for honoring Michael Jones, president of the Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce. In presenting a commendation to him, Councilmember Bernard Parks acknowledged Mr. Jones for his long history of service, not only in growing and revitalizing the Crenshaw Chamber, but in championing the cause of small business owners who support and sustain the community.

Frank Denkins, owner of Office Furniture LA, joined Councilmember Parks and presented Mr. Jones with commendations from the Offices of Congresswoman Karen Bass, Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas, and Senator Curren Price.

Key business, civic, cultural and community leaders joined the owner, his wife Rosemary and Office Furniture LA staff in saluting Mr. Jones. In accepting his commendations, Mr. Jones addressed the importance of being present at the table to represent and protect the interests of the community.

He cited the recent battle to get a Metro Rail stop in Leimert Park as a good example of the community and its leaders’ vigilance to ensure that the

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

GOP House committee holds AG Holder in contempt

BY PETE YOST | ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — Setting up a potential constitutional confrontation, a Republican-controlled House panel voted Wednesday to cite Attorney General Eric Holder for contempt of Congress, just hours after President Barack Obama invoked executive privilege — for the first time — to withhold documents demanded by the committee.

The party-line vote was 23-17 following hours of caustic debate. The controversy goes next to the full House, where Republican Speaker John Boehner said there would be a vote next week unless there was some resolution in the meantime.

Committee Chairman Darrell Issa of California said that “more than eight months after a subpoena” for the documents — which concern how the Justice Department learned there were problems with an Arizona probe of gun-running into Mexico — Obama’s “untimely assertion” of executive privilege was no reason to delay the contempt vote.

No, it was just political, said Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the committee’s ranking Democrat. He called the vote “an extreme, virtually unprecedented action based on election-year politics rather than fact.”

The last Cabinet member to be cited by a congressional committee for contempt was Attorney General Janet Reno in President Bill Clinton’s administration. That was never brought to a followup vote in the full House.

Technically, if the full House approves the Holder contempt citation, there could be a federal criminal case

against him, but history strongly suggests the matter won’t get that far.

Whether Congress could force the Justice Department to turn over the documents is a basic question. In the Watergate case, the Supreme Court ordered President Richard Nixon to turn over taped conversations to a criminal prosecutor. But in the Nixon case, the justices also found a constitutional basis for claims of executive privilege, leaving the door open for presidents to cite it in future clashes with Congress.

In the administration’s claim of executive privilege, Deputy Attorney General James Cole said in a letter to Issa, “We regret that we have arrived at this point, after the many steps we have taken to address the committee’s concerns and to accommodate the committee's legitimate oversight interests.”

As the day went on, comments rapidly grew more heated. A Boehner spokesman suggested administration officials had lied earlier or were now “bending the law.” Cummings said Issa “had no interest” in resolving the issue and was trying to pick a fight.

The White House reacted sharply to the committee action. “Instead of creating jobs or strengthening the middle class, congressional Republicans are spending their time on a politically motivated, taxpayer-funded election-year fishing expedition,” Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer said.

Boehner raised another question after the president invoked the privilege.

His press secretary, Brendan Buck, said: “The White House decision to invoke executive privilege implies that White House officials were either

New international war crimes prosecutor sworn in Attorney General under fire: Eric Holder

involved in the ‘Fast and Furious’ operation or the cover-up that followed. The administration has always insisted that wasn’t the case. Were they lying, or are they now bending the law to hide the truth?”

Democrat Cummings said Issa could have settled the matter with Holder reasonably but has instead resorted to “partisan and inflammatory personal attacks.”

Holder and Issa failed to reach agreement Tuesday in a 20-minute meeting at the Capitol.

During the committee’s year-and-ahalf-long investigation, the department has turned over 7,600 documents about the conduct of the Fast and Furious operation. However, because Justice initially told the committee falsely the operation did not use a risky investigative technique known as gun-walking, the panel has turned its attention from the details of the operation and is now seeking documents that would show how the department headquarters responded to the committee's investigation.

In Fast and Furious, agents of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Arizona abandoned the agency’s usual practice of intercepting all weapons they believed to be illicitly purchased. Instead, the goal of gun-walking was to track such weapons to high-level arms traffickers, who had long eluded prosecution, and to dismantle their networks.

Gun-walking has long been barred

by Justice Department policy, but federal agents in Arizona experimented with it in at least two investigations during the See ERIC HOLDER, page 12

Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Nix Financial and MoneyGram International Salute

Fathers of the Community

Kinecta, Nix, and MoneyGram continue their tradition of giving back to the communities they serve by recognizing four outstanding leaders and mentors who are making a positive difference in the lives of our youth.

Nix Check Cashing is now Nix Financial. We have a new name, the same friendly people, more products, and even better customer service.

To find out more about these Fathers of the Community, visit www.MyNixFinancial.com.

Nix Financial offers MoneyGram services and is a subsidiary of Kinecta Federal Credit Union.

10455-06/12

AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski, Pool

Gambian war crimes lawyer, Fatou Bensouda, takes the oath during a swearing-in ceremony as its new prosecutor at The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday, June 15.

BY TOBY STERLING | ASSOCIATED PRESS AMSTERDAM (AP) — The International Criminal Court installed Gambian war crimes lawyer Fatou Bensouda as its new prosecutor for a nine-year term on Friday.

Bensounda replaces Luis Moreno-Ocampo in a job that has become one of the most prominent in international law over the past decade. She will be tasked with trying to bring to justice alleged war criminals, including Uganda’s Joseph Kony, Libya’s Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, and Sudanese President Omar alBashir.

In an address to the court, Bensouda said she was “humbled” by her appointment and promised to continue pursuing all cases that fall under the court's jurisdiction.

“As I speak, massive crimes continue to be committed in Darfur (Sudan); Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army’s acts of violence continue unabated in central Africa,”she said.

“Nothing short of arresting all those against whom warrants have been issued will ensure that justice is done for millions of victims of the crimes committed by these fugitives.”

Court President Sang-Hyun Song oversaw Bensouda’s acceptance of the prosecutor’s duties in a courtroom in a suburb of the Hague, Netherlands.

The International Criminal Court was founded in 2002 as the permanent successor to numerous ad-hoc war crimes tribunals set up over the past two decades such as the U.N. Yugoslav tribunal and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

Bensouda has served as deputy prosecutor at the ICC since 2004.

In her address, she said that Moreno-Ocampo set up the prosecutor's office in 2003 with “two staff

members ... six empty floors and no cases ongoing.”

“I inherit a well-respected and sound functioning office, with almost 300 staff from 80 countries, seven situations under investigation, 14 cases before the chambers, seven preliminary examinations and one verdict.”

In March, trial judges handed down the court's first conviction, that of Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga, for conscripting child soldiers. He awaits sentencing.

In an interview earlier this month, Bensouda responded to several criticisms frequently put forward against the prosecutor and the court, including that it is used as a political tool by Western powers and that all its current cases involve Africa.

“First of all, let me say that yes, I am an African and I am very proud of that,” she said.

“But I am a prosecutor for 121 states parties,” she said, referring to all the countries that endorse the court.

She said she would investigate any grave crime in any territory that falls under her jurisdiction, and the international court is bound to be criticized both when it intervenes in a conflict and when it doesn’t.

When the court intervenes, as it did in indicting Sudan’s al-Bashir and Ivory Coast’s former President Laurence Gbagbo, it is accused of selective enforcement. But she said prosecutors must act on the basis of the evidence they have.

“Laurence Gbagbo is our first case” in Ivory Coast, she said. “There will be others.”

She said the court is also blamed for failing to intervene, as in the U.S.led invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and in Syria — areas where it has no jurisdiction.

“Syria is a case in point,” she said. “It’s not a member of the ICC; we do not have jurisdiction over See WAR CRIMES, page 12

Thursday, June 21, 2012

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Administration mulls pared health law

BY RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR | ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — Covering all the bases ahead of a momentous Supreme Court ruling, the Obama administration plans to move ahead with major parts of the president’s health care law if its most controversial provision does not survive, according to veteran Democrats closely involved with the legislation.

Even if the requirement that nearly every U.S. resident have health insurance is declared unconstitutional, the remaining parts of the law would have far-reaching impact, putting coverage within reach of millions of uninsured people, laying new obligations on insurers and employers, and improving Medicare benefits even as payments to many service providers get scaled back.

The White House says President Barack Obama is confident the whole law will be upheld when the court issues its ruling in the next week or two, but officials will be ready for any outcome.

“We do believe it’s constitutional, and we ... hope and expect that’s the decision the court will render,” senior adviser David Plouffe said Sunday on ABC. “We obviously will be prepared for whatever decision the court renders.” Administration officials have not wanted to discuss contingency plans to avoid creating the impression that the

president is preparing for a high court rebuke.

Nevertheless, the Obama administration will move ahead to implement major elements of the law if the individual coverage requirement is struck down, two senior Democrats told The Associated Press. One is a leading Democrat familiar with the administration's thinking, the other a high-level Capitol Hill staffer. The two Democrats spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid appearing to be out of step with the administration’s public stance.

Because the law’s main coverage expansion does not begin until 2014, there would be time to try to fix serious problems that losing the individual coverage requirement may cause for the health insurance industry.

Surviving parts of the law would “absolutely” move ahead, said the congressional official. A Congress mired in partisan trench warfare would be unable to repeal or amend what’s left of the law, allowing the administration to advance. Much of the money for covering the uninsured was already provided in the law itself.

“Legislatively we can’t do a thing, and we are going to move full speed ahead (with implementation),” the official said.

How the Supreme Court will decide is unclear. It may uphold the law, strike it down entirely or do something in between. Skeptical questioning by

the court's conservative justices during oral arguments this spring has fueled speculation that the court may invalidate the so-called individual mandate.

Opponents say the requirement that individuals have coverage is unconstitutional, that the federal government can’t tell people to obtain particular goods or services.

Supporters say the mandate is a necessary component of a broader scheme to regulate health insurance, which is well within the powers of Congress. By requiring people to carry health insurance or pay a fine, the law seeks to broaden the pool of people with coverage, helping to keep premiums affordable.

If the mandate is struck down, that would still leave in place a major expansion of Medicaid, the federalstate safety net program for low-income people.

The Medicaid expansion was originally estimated to account for about half the more than 30 million people slated to get coverage under the law.

Without a mandate, the number would be smaller but still significant.

Federal tax credits to help middleclass people buy private health coverage would also survive, as would new state-based insurance markets.

Such subsidies have never previously been available, and millions are expected to take advantage of them, whether or not insurance is required by

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File

The Obama administration plans to move ahead with major parts of the president’s health care law if its most controversial provision doesn’t survive a looming decision by the U.S. Supreme Court (court building pictured). law. Still, it could be tricky to salvage the law's full blueprint for helping middle-class uninsured people.

Overturning the mandate would have harmful consequences for the private insurance market. Under the law, insurers would still have to accept all applicants regardless of health prob-

lems, and they would be limited in what they can charge older, sicker customers.

As a result, premiums for people who directly buy their own coverage would jump by 15 percent to 20 percent, the Congressional Budget Office estimates. Older, sicker people would See HEALTH LAW, page 15

one dollar fits all

Now that McDonald’s has any size soft drink, bottled water or sweet tea for only one buck, you can afford to work up any size thirst. So go on, talk on the phone…look out the window…read this paper. No matter how you work up a thirst, one dollar fits all sizes at Mickey D’s. ®

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SOFT DRINK

At participating McDonald's. Excludes McCafé beverages, orange juice and coffee. A la carte only. Does not apply to bottles. ©2012 The Coca-Cola Company. "Coca-Cola" is a registered trademark of the Coca-Cola Company. ©2012 McDonald’s.

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Person Of The Week | Monica Neal Monica Neal named Senior Vice President of Public Relations of TV One Cable industry veteran Monica Neal has been named senior vice president of public relations of TV One, effective Mon., June 25.

In this role, she’ll lead and manage all of TV One’s communications and public relations, public affairs, talent relations, viewer services and investor relations.

Neal joins TV One from Turner Broadcasting, where she has spent the past 12 years in a variety of senior communications, marketing, business development and operational executive positions. Since 2009, she has been vice president of entertainment marketing for TNT and TBS, where she has provided oversight of integrated marketing for late night series “Conan” and “Lopez Tonight” as well as partnerships designed to grow youth and diversity audiences, including for the launches of “Hawthorne” on TNT and “Meet the Browns” on TBS. Prior to her current position, she served as vice president and station manager of WPCH-Peachtree TV as well as vice president of operations of Turner’s Strategy and New Products Group.

Neal has had a long and distinguished career in communications and media relations in the television industry. She joined Turner in 2000 as director of public relations and was promot-

ed to vice president in 2002, with added responsibility for Turner Classic Movies in 2005. Prior to joining Turner, she held corporate communications and media relations positions at Court TV, Nickelodeon, ABC and HBO. She began her career in television as a production associate at “Good Morning America” in 1990.

“Monica is the perfect choice for this new position at TV One, as we work to build our in-house corporate communications capability,” said TV One President and CEO Wonya Lucas. “In this rapidly evolving digital and social media environment, it is more important than ever for communications and marketing to work closely together.

Her deep understanding of the cable business and experience in PR, marketing and operations will provide a unique perspective as we continue to build awareness of TV One’s programming and brand with consumers, advertisers and distributors.”

A graduate of Smith College, Neal has participated in Turner Broadcasting’s Leadership Development Program as well as the Time Warner Breakthrough Leadership/Simmons College Executive Management Program. She has been named to CableFAX Magazine’s list of the Most Influential Minorities in Cable,

Obama acts to spare many youths from deportation

Monica Neal and in 2008 was named by Atlanta Woman Magazine to its list of “Top 25 Women to Watch.”

“I have long admired both Wonya and TV One, especially the network’s mission to portray the diversity of Black life in America,” said Neal. “It is an exciting opportunity to help build a brand about which I am personally passionate, and I look forward to sharing and sharpening the skills I have acquired in the wonderful years that I have spent at Turner and in the cable industry.”

AP Photo/Susan Walsh

President Barack Obama responds announces that his administration will stop deporting and begin granting work permits to younger illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and have since led law-abiding lives.

BY ALICIA A. CALDWELL AND JIM KUHNHENN | ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama suddenly eased enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws Friday, an extraordinary step offering a chance for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to stay in the country and work. Embraced by Hispanics, his action touched off an election-year confrontation with many Republicans.

Mitt Romney, Obama’s GOP election foe, criticized the step but did not say he would try to overturn it if elected.

Obama said the change would become effective immediately to “lift the shadow of deportation from these young people.”

“Let’s be clear: This is not amnesty, this is not immunity, this is not a path to citizenship, this is not a permanent fix,” Obama said from the White House Rose Garden. “This is the right thing to do.”

The administration said the change will affect as many as 800,000 immigrants who have lived in fear of deportation. It bypasses Congress and partially achieves the goals of the “DREAM Act,” legislation that would have provided a pathway to citizenship for young illegal immigrants who went to college or served in the military.

Under the administration plan, illegal immigrants will be able to avoid deportation if they can prove they were brought to the United States before they turned 16 and are younger than 30, have been in the country for at least five continuous years, have no criminal history, graduated from a U.S. high school or earned a GED or served in the military.

They also can apply for a work permit that will be good for two years with no

limits on how many times it can be renewed.

The move comes in an election year in which the Hispanic vote could be critical in swing states like Colorado, Nevada and Florida. While Obama enjoys support from a majority of Hispanic voters over Republican challenger Romney, Latino enthusiasm for the president has been tempered by the slow economic recovery, his inability to win congressional support for a broad overhaul of immigration laws and by his administration’s aggressive deportation policy.

Some Republicans in Congress — and the governor of Arizona, whose state has been at the center of enforcement controversy — strongly criticized the Obama action. But the response from Romney was more muted.

Romney said Obama’s decision will make finding a long-term solution to the nation's immigration issues more difficult. But he also said the plight of illegal immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children is “an important matter to be considered.”

During the Republican presidential primaries, Romney said he would veto the DREAM Act with its pathway to citizenship.

Obama’s new policy tracks a proposal being drafted by Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, a potential vice presidential running mate for Romney, as an alternative to the DREAM Act, formally the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act. Rubio said, “Today’s announcement will be welcome news for many of these kids desperate for an answer.”

But, like Romney, he said it was “a short-term answer to a long-term problem,” and he added, “By once again ignoring the Constitution and going See DREAM ACT, page 14

Thursday, June 21, 2012

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Board awards contract to demolish Ujima Village The Board of Supervisors Tuesday awarded a contract to National Demolition Contractors to remove the hazardous materials from the Ujima Village housing development and demolish the property located at 941 East 126th St. in the unincorporated area of Willowbrook.

Residents moved out of the 300unit complex in August 2010, after an environmental investigation found asbestos and other hazardous materials on the property. Since that time, the empty complex has become a source of decay and community blight.

Today’s action paves the way for new uses of the property by authorizing the contractor to begin demolition this summer. The County of Los Angeles is committed to using the space for park land and recreational purposes and will seek feedback from interested community residents and stakeholders on the site’s design.

“We are starting fresh and setting a new path for the Willowbrook community,” said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. “Once Ujima Village is demolished, the site can be re-envisioned and redeveloped into a quality, community serving destination.”

The recreational improvements will be planned in consultation with the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. The agency is

responsible for overseeing an environmental investigation and clean up activities at the site and within the surrounding community.

Prior to the demolition of Ujima Village, the privately operated daycare center Honey’s Little Angels, which is adjacent to Ujima Village, will be relocated to a County building located at 8300 South Vermont Ave. in Athens.

On June 6, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas’ motion was unanimously adopted by the Board to facilitate the prompt relocation of the daycare center.

As is typical of many structures built before 1978, the units in Ujima Village were found to have both leadbased paint and asbestos-containing materials. Although the Los Angeles County Housing Authority considered investing in the rehabilitation of the property, the rent revenue would not cover the costs of the significant repairs and remediation that would have been required to eliminate the hazardous material found throughout the property.

The demolition cost of $3 million will be funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Second Supervisorial District Community Development Block Grant funds, and the Second Supervisorial District’s discretionary funds.

Michelle Obama speaks to graduates at Oregon State

BY JONATHAN J. COOPER | ASSOCIATED PRESS CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) — Drawing on memories of her childhood and early career, Michelle Obama told Oregon State University graduates Sunday to live life for themselves, not for anyone else.

The first lady spoke at the invitation of her older brother, Craig Robinson, the head men’s basketball coach at Oregon State. The siblings grew up in a working-class family with high expectations, and both chased successful and lucrative careers — Robinson in finance, Obama in a prominent law firm.

“We still had all the traditional markers of success with a fat paycheck, the fancy office, the impressive lines on our resumes,” the first lady told a crowd of about 30,000, including 5,000 graduates. “But the truth is, neither of us was all that fulfilled.”

“I was living the dream, but it wasn’t my dream,” Obama said. “Craig felt the same way, unbeknownst to me.”

Eventually, both left their lucrative jobs for other passions. Obama went to work for the Chicago mayor, Robinson to coach basketball.

“Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own,”

AP Photo/Don Ryan

First lady Michelle Obama delivers speech at college where her brother coaches basketball.

Obama said.

A rich life is defined by more than a paycheck, Obama said, urging graduates to focus on what they have rather than what they lack.

Obama also advised graduates to keep in close touch with the family and friends who are important to them, saying she never missed a chance to tell her father she loved him before he died

from complications of multiple sclerosis. She fought tears as she recalled her mother’s assurances that her father was proud to be her dad.

“Liking them on Facebook doesn’t count,” she said. “Nor does following then on Twitter. What counts is making the time to be there in person.”

Obama’s stop in Oregon was also a See MICHELLE OBAMA, page 14

It’s never too early.

Start reading to your kids on day one.

Even a trip to the grocery store is a chance to learn.

Read food labels, shopping lists, and store signs to your child.

It all helps.

First5California.com/parents

Doing the little things means everything.

/First5California

/First5CA

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

F E AT U R E

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

Hendrix transcended rock music infusing a style and sound that will never be forgotten.

By Brandon I. Brooks | Co-Managing Editor The name Jimi Hendrix might not ring the same to everyone, but one thing for sure is when you hear the name you will never forget it.

Born Johnny Allen Hendrix, November 2, 1942 in Seattle, Washington, to James Allen “Al” Hendrix and Lucille Jeter, he was later renamed James Marshall Hendrix after an uncle.

Growing up in Seattle, he had a rough child hood, constantly moving around and living with diơerent family members. His parents got divorced when he just nine years of age and his mother died when he was 15 years of age.

Hendrix’s father Al didn’t react well to the death of his ex-wife. It was so bad that he didn’t allow his children to attend their mother’s funeral and he didn’t attend either.

It was during these tough years that “Young Jimmy” as they called him, took to music. His father would catch him pretending to play an air guitar while sweeping and doing chores. It was so bad that young Jimmy didn’t finish chores half the time. The air guitar was a sign. It is as if destiny broke the shackles oơ of Hendrix and pointed him in the direction of music. This led to Hendrix’s father buying him his first real guitar. He bought him a five-dollar, second hand acoustic guitar.

Cover Photo: Bruce Fleming/AP Images

THE BIRTH OF ROCK & SOUL Once he owned a guitar his world opened up. Hendrix immediately teamed up with friends and started playing.

Family and friends are on record as saying they always felt he was destined for greatness because he was wise beyond years. His brother Leon describes him as a “prophet.” Most of his family felt that if he had been given an opportunity to attend a college, he would have excelled beyond measure.

He took an interest in music, drawing influence from virtually every major artist at the time, including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Holly, and Robert Johnson. Entirely self-taught, Jimmy’s in-

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ability to read music made him concentrate even harder on the music he heard.

At age 17, he joined his first band, The Velvetones.

After a three-month stint with the group, he left to pursue his own interests.

The following summer, his father purchased Jimmy his first electric guitar, a Supro Ozark 1560S; Jimi used it when he joined The Rocking Kings.

In 1961, Hendrix was expelled from school and began working with his father which only strained their relationship. After a sever altercation with his father on a job-site, Jimmy left home to make it on his own. He ended up getting into trouble with the law so with nowhere to turn he found a way out of his circumstance by joining the United States Army.

In November 1962, Hendrix earned the right to wear the “Screaming Eagles” patch for the paratroop division. After his initial success in the army he got restless while stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Hendrix missed playing music so dearly he finally convinced his father to send his guitar to Fort Campbell. Once Jimmy got his guitar back he formed a group called, The King Casuals with bassist Billy Cox. After about 13 months, Hendrix was discharged from the Army by pretending he hurt his back during a parachute jump. He did actually break his ankle during the jump but had to embellish his back pain in order to get discharged from of what he called a “boring” experience in the Army.

THE LIMEǧLIGHT Nashville, Tennessee is where Hendrix started working with a band after his discharge. Similar to his army experience, he got bored with waiting around so he left the group because the group didn’t like to travel outside of Nashville. Never one to sit still for long periods of time he decided to move around a bit until he ended up in New York. There he got the opportunity to play at the world-famous Apollo Theatre and actually won first place which back then paid $25 to the winner.

As Hendrix began making a name for on the music scene, he got a great gig playing with The Isley Brothers. Like many things in life, Jimmy got restless and once again decided to go out on his own and make a new way. He landed a great gig performing with B.B. King, Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke.

By 1965 he was consistently touring the “Chitlin Circuit,” which at that time was considered the major Black circuit for popular R&B and Blues acts.

Hendrix played alongside greats such as Ike & Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett and Little Richard. Each stint was brief as Hendrix could never stay in one place for too long.

Hendrix then formed his own band, Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, shedding the role of back-line guitarist for the spotlight of lead guitar.

Throughout the latter half of 1965, and into the first part of 1966, Jimmy played the rounds of smaller venues making a legendary impact in Harlem and in the Greenwich Village community.

During the period of the psychedelics 60‘s, Hendrix started experimenting with many diơerent drugs and mainly LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide). His peers were amazed at the amount he could take and still function.

Many people credit the psychedelic drugs for taking Hendrix’s music to heights. If you had asked Jimi Hendrix why his music was psychedelic in sound he would have told you that science fiction was responsible for his musical inspirations. Hendrix owned an extensive catalogue of science fiction books. He loved the subject matter dearly. He wasn’t shy about sharing his interest on aliens and the UFO phenomenon.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

THE LEGACY September 1966, he signed an agreement that would have him move to London to form a new band.

He then changed his name to “Jimi,” and with drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding, the newly formed Jimi Hendrix Experience quickly became the talk of London in the fall of 1966.

Hendrix’s time in London was the best time in his life because the London public was more excepting of his flamboyant and radical style than the American public. London actually claimed Jimi as their own because America didn’t except him and understand him quite like they did.

It was during this time where the oƥcial Jimi Hendrix arrived as a superstar amongst the world stage.

The Experience’s first single, “Hey Joe,” spent ten weeks on the UK charts, topping out at spot No. 6 in early 1967.

The debut single was quickly followed by the release of a full-length album Are You Experienced, a psychedelic musical compilation featuring anthems of a generation. Are You Experienced has remained one of the most popular rock albums of all time, featuring tracks like “Purple Haze,” “The Wind Cries Mary,” “Foxey Lady,” “Fire,” and “Are You Experienced?”

In June 1967, Hendrix set oơ a bomb when he erupted the crowd at the Monterey International Pop Festival with arguably his most famous performance.

It was in Monterey where Jimmy Hendrix literally set his guitar on fire with lighter fluid and sacrificed his guitar in front of thousands on stage. The moment Hendrix created is considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest Rock & Roll moment in music history. He performed “Wild Thing,” and once word got out of how this man rocked and shocked the crowd there was no limit to his popular appeal.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience became one of most popular and highest grossing touring acts in the world.

Hendrix followed Are You Experienced with Axis: Bold As Love.

By 1968, Hendrix had taken greater control over the direction of his music. He was noted for a historic tour with The Monkey’s which introduced Hendrix to a commercial U.S. audience. He went on that year to sale over 1 million records in America.

Many would say this was this pinnacle of his career because at this point, his fame stretched clear around the world. There was no place he couldn’t tour around the globe. Everyone wanted a piece of Jimi Hendrix and with the extensive work schedule he kept up with, he was everywhere he needed to be and then some. Only so many artists in music history get to be known on several continents by their first name. He was known as “Jimi.” This is why he is one of the more popular artists in music history because this all took place in just four short years.

THE DESCENT OF A ROCK LEGEND Playing the legendary Woodstock festival in August 1969, Hendrix was the headliner and he joined forces with Gypsy Sun & Rainbows (Band of the Gypsys) featuring Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Juma Sultan and Jerry Velez.

The Woodstock performance was highlighted by the renegade version of “Star Spangled Banner,” which brought the mud-soaked Woodstock audience to frenzy. Hendrix was delayed 6 hours before he performed

that final day at Woodstock but his performance is still considered the highlight of the entire event.

Close to half of the audience was absent during his set but it didn’t matter because he still gave the best performance during Woodstock.

With drugs and touring taking its toll on Hendrix lifestyle, his most demanding project was a two LP collection, Electric Ladyland named after his studio in New York.

Living spiritually and searching for answers musically was what Jimi was about and in 1969 was he continued his evolution bringing a new and defining collaboration featuring Jimi Hendrix on guitar, bassist Billy Cox and Electric Flag drummer Buddy Miles. This trio launched a series of four New Year’s performances on December 31, 1969 and January 1, 1970. Highlights from these performances were compiled and later released on the quintessential Band of Gypsys album in mid-1970 and the expanded Hendrix: Live At The Fillmore East in 1999.

As 1970 progressed, Jimi brought back drummer Mitch Mitchell to the group and together with Billy Cox on bass, this new trio once again formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience. In the studio, the group recorded several tracks for another two LP set, tentatively titled First Rays Of The New Rising Sun. Unfortunately, Hendrix was unable to see this musical vision through to completion due to his hectic worldwide touring schedules, then tragic death on September 18, 1970.

Hendrix was just 27 years old when he passed away.

There are many rumors surrounding his death because the woman who was allegedly there with Hendrix the night h e overdosed, committed suicide weeks later leaving skeptics with many unanswered scenarios.

Fortunately, the recordings Hendrix slated for release on the album were finally issued through the support of his family and original studio engineer Eddie Kramer on the 1997 release First Rays Of The New Rising Sun. Jimi Hendrix is a musical legend who helped transform rock music and blend genres together like no one has ever done before. There will never be another Jimi. In just four years on the music scene he became one of the greatest musicians the world has ever seen.

For more information visit: www.jimihendrix.com.

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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Davis visits New Orleans, his expected NBA home

Harvin requests trade, Vikings ‘not interested’

BY JON KRAWCZYNSKI | ASSOCIATED PRESS

BY BRETT MARTEL | ASSOCIATED PRESS

board

WESTWEGO, La. (AP) — The New Orleans Hornets officially advertised Anthony Davis’ visit as “pre-draft workout (hash)4,” even though the 6foot-11 Kentucky star wore jeans during his tour of the club’s training center and never broke a sweat.

Since winning the NBA’s draft lottery late last month, the Hornets have

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Anthony Davis talks to reporters while visiting the New Orleans Hornets at their practice facility in Westwego, La., Tues., June 19. The Hornets have the first pick of the June 28 draft. tried to play things close to the vest, declining to confirm publicly whom

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they will take with the top overall pick.

That, of course, is among the worstkept secrets in the world.

The Hornets didn’t ask Davis to perform on the court during his visit, but they had him pose for pictures in a white Hornets jersey bearing the No. 23 he plans to wear next season. Those images are almost certain to make their way into marketing campaigns that the Hornets will be primed to unleash soon after Davis' addition to the squad is made official at the NBA draft on June 28.

In the meantime, Davis demonstrated he can be a team-first guy, playing along with the charade as if he wasn't entirely positive he'd be the next big basketball star in the Big Easy, where he has already won and celebrated one championship at the college level.

“If I get drafted here, it’d be great to win another championship in New Orleans,” Davis said. “It’s a great city.

If I get drafted here, it’ll be awesome.”

The real question, of course, is what will happen after he is drafted by the Hornets. Although general manager Dell Demps stopped short of announcing that Davis would be the first pick, he did address the matter by saying that the Hornets don’t want Davis or any rookie to join the club feeling pressure to put the team on their shoulders right away.

“I don’t want to add pressure. It’s already there,” Demps said.

“Sometimes, the expectations become so high they become unrealistic at times. When guys come in, they’re supposed to be the savior. You don’t want them to feel like that. ... (Davis) is the ultimate team player, so just let him be a team player.”

Davis doesn’t sound worried about pressure. He’s dealt with plenty of it at Kentucky, a team that has one of the most rabid fan bases in college basketball. There, Davis played under a highprofile coach in John Calipari, and for a team that was expected to win it all the whole season and actually fulfilled that promise.

“Playing at Kentucky (under) Coach Cal and being the No. 1 team, the pressure came then, and we kind of felt it when I was playing there,” Davis said. “So I think it kind of helped me a lot.”

The Hornets, by contrast, are working to become more relevant in a Saints-centric city.

Davis arrived in New Orleans on See DAVIS, page 12

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.

(AP) — Percy Harvin made it known that he wants out of Minnesota.

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said there’s no way he’s going to let that happen.

Unhappy with several issues with the team that drafted him in the first round in 2009, Harvin requested to be traded, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

A few hours later, Spielman said the organization considers the star receiver a cornerstone player and AP Photo/Jim Mone will work to resolve any issues that have Harvin Minnesota Vikings NFL football wide upset. receiver Percy Harvin tells reporters he’s “We have no interest at upset with the team after he participated in a all in trading Percy Harvin,” walkthrough practice during the first day of Spielman said. “We drafted minicamp, Tues., June 19, in Eden Prairie, Percy Harvin here. He’s a Minn. key part of our organization.

He’s a key part of our football team. play through injuries and still proAny issues that are out there, or duce late in last year’s miserable 3-13 reported, we always handle those season. In May, Harvin showed up at internally, and we’ll continue to han- voluntary workouts despite still recovering from shoulder surgery and dle those internally.”

The situation seemingly came out spoke of asserting himself as a leader of the blue this week, surprising and encouraging other players to parmany Vikings players and coaches ticipate in the team’s offseason prowhen Harvin voiced his frustrations gram.

He caught 87 passes for 967 with the team on Tuesday at the yards and six touchdowns last season, opening of a mandatory minicamp.

“I just put it this way: There’s a rushed for another 345 yards and two lot of different things that have to be scores and also returned a kick for a sorted out,” Harvin said Tuesday. touchdown during a sensational year.

But indications are that Harvin’s “Just haven’t been really happy lately. We’ve got a couple of things to issues go far deeper than just money. work on. I’m here in the classroom. His role in the offense, which diminished greatly last season when the We’ll go from there.”

He is due to make $915,000 in Vikings reached the red zone, and the the fourth year of a five-year rookie organization’s decision to go into a deal. That total is much lower than rebuilding phase coming off of conveterans Micheal Jenkins and Jerome secutive last-place finishes in the Simpson, with neither coming close NFC North combined with his modest salary all figure to factor into his to his production on the field.

Requesting a trade now would be mindset.

Harvin dealt with migraine a curious move if his main motivation is a new contract. Most players headaches and numerous other minor in similar situations first voice their injuries as the result of his punishing concerns, then threaten to holdout of style of play, missing one game his training camp before going as far as rookie season and two in 2010, which brought concerns about his durability to request a trade.

Spielman would not say if money over the long term.

He played in all 16 games last was an issue but also reiterated the organization’s approach to signing season, establishing himself as one of the game’s top slot receivers and one players to extensions.

“Our philosophy has always been of its most dangerous kick returners.

“Percy is a phenomenal player on as players enter the last year of their contract we have a history of extend- the field,” Spielman said. “And you ing players going into the last year of look at his statistics he had last year their contract,” Spielman said. “And and how important he is to this franchise. He’s a vital part of us moving that's been our history.”

Harvin has emerged as perhaps forward with this team.”

After making the NFC title game the most versatile and dynamic player on the team. He earned respect in as a rookie, the Vikings have taken the locker room for his willingness to See HARVIN, page 14

Thursday, June 21, 2012

11

Wade dealing with custody issue during Finals Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade.

AP Photo/Alan Diaz

BY TIM REYNOLDS | ASSOCIATED PRESS MIAMI (AP) — Dwyane Wade has asked a Chicago judge to suspend his ex-wife’s right to visitation with their two children after a weekend incident that delayed the boys’ return to his custody and led to her arrest.

Wade’s attorney, James Pritikin, filed an emergency motion and appeared in court Tuesday to have it heard, hours before the Miami Heat guard was to play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

A hearing was set for June 26, which would be the date of Game 7 if the Heat and Thunder extend the series to its limit.

Wade told The Associated Press that his sons have been with him in Miami since about 6 a.m. Sunday — “That’s what mattered most to me, getting them here to be with me on Father’s Day,” he said — and that the incident has not adversely affected his play in the championship series.

Siohvaughn Funches-Wade was charged with two counts of attempted child abduction, two counts of unlawful visitation interference and one count of resisting arrest, Cook County Sheriff's spokesman Frank Bilecki told The AP on Tuesday. Another woman at the home at the time, Nadgee Alarcon, was charged with one count of resisting arrest, Bilecki said. All the charges are misdemeanors.

Funches-Wade posted $10,000 bond on Monday, Bilecki said, and is due back in court in August. It was not known if she had an attorney.

According to a filing late Tuesday, the law firm of Kalcheim Haber LLC asked the court for permission to withdraw as attorney for Funches-Wade, saying it has been “unable to resolve significant issues regarding” the direction of her representation.

“Once again, S.L. has used our minor children as the proverbial pawns in this contentious dissolution of mar-

riage action,” Wade wrote in the filing, using initials to protect identities but referring to his ex-wife. “This court must take action to protect our minor children from further exposure to the present environment S.L. creates while they are in her care and preventing S.L. from exercising her parenting time in a manner that is harmful to our children.”

The couple was divorced in 2010.

Wade was awarded custody of the boys in March 2011. His ex-wife’s appeal of that decision was denied in December, and the couple is scheduled to return to court in September in an attempt to complete financial terms of the divorce.

“The minor children have been subjected to great deal of drama/trauma as a result of S.L.’s conduct,” the filing said.

According to the filing, the two boys were to be picked up by Wade’s sister around noon Saturday so they could make a 3:05 p.m. flight from Chicago to Miami so they could be in South Florida for the entirety of Father’s Day. Wade’s sister got no response at the home, and after “several hours” the sheriff's office was called to send someone to the scene, according to the filing.

It also said Funches-Wade attempted to leave the home without the children when one of the responding deputies tried taking her into custody. The boys, at that time, were with Alarcon inside the home, according to the filing.

Wade eventually hired a private jet to bring his sons home early Sunday, and upon their arrival, his older son told him that Alarcon “smacked him on the head,” according to court records.

Records show Funches-Wade was transferred to a hospital after the incident on Saturday. She told officers she was experiencing shortness of breath and thought she was having an asthma attack.

Wade recently finished writing a book primarily about fatherhood and the custody fight for his sons. It will be released Sept. 4.

Tomlinson signs 1-day contract with Bolts, retires

BY BERNIE WILSON | ASSOCIATED PRESS SAN DIEGO (AP) — LaDainian Tomlinson was in the midst of saying goodbye to the NFL when his young son, Daylen, wandered across the dais and tugged on his pant leg, wanting a little attention.

Tomlinson reached down and lifted him up, holding him as carefully as he used to carry the football.

Joined by his family and several former teammates, Tomlinson ended his brilliant 11-year NFL career the same way he started it — with the San Diego Chargers.

Tomlinson signed a one-day contract with the Chargers on Monday and then announced his retirement.

“It wasn’t because I didn’t want to play anymore. It was simply time to move on,” Tomlinson said.

Tomlinson rushed for 13,684 yards, fifth all-time, and scored 162 touchdowns, third-most ever. His 145 rushing touchdowns are second-most in history.

He also passed for seven touchdowns.

Just as importantly, he helped the Chargers dig out from one of their worst stretches to become a force in the AFC West. He played his first nine seasons with San Diego and the last two years with the New York Jets.

Tomlinson, who turns 33 on Saturday, said he knew at the end of last season that he’d probably retire. He said he was still physically capable of playing but mentioned the mental toll it takes to play at a high level.

Tomlinson didn’t shed any tears, as he did two years ago after being released by the Chargers.

L.T. recalled the news conference in 2006 when former teammate Junior Seau announced his first retirement.

“He said, ‘I’m graduating today.’

I’ve been playing football 20-some years and so at some point it almost seems like school every year where you sacrifice so much and there is so much you put on the line, mentally and physically, with your body, everything,” Tomlinson said.

“So today, I take the words of Junior Seau: I feel like I’m graduating. I really do, because I’ve got my life ahead of me, I’m healthy, I’m happy with a great family and I’m excited to now be a fan and watch you guys play.”

Seau, who committed suicide on May 2, came out of retirement a few times to play for the New England Patriots.

Tomlinson said this is it for him.

Tomlinson said he has special memories even though the Chargers never got to the Super Bowl during his time with them.

His most memorable moment with San Diego came on Dec. 10, 2006, when he swept into the end zone late in a game against the Denver Broncos for his third touchdown of the afternoon to break Shaun Alexander’s year-old record of 28 touchdowns.

AP Photo/Denis Poroy

Former San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, left, holds up his son Daylen, 2, during a news conference at the team's facility, Mon., June 18, 2012, in San Diego. He signed a one-day contract with the San Diego Chargers and announced his retirement after a brilliant 11-year NFL career.

His linemen hoisted him onto their shoulders and carried him toward the sideline, with Tomlinson holding the ball high in his right hand and waving his left index finger, while the fans chanted “L.T.! L.T.!” and “MVP! MVP!” Tomlinson was voted NFL MVP that season, when he set league singleseason records with 31 touchdowns, including 28 rushing, and 186 points.

“Those were championship days, for not only myself and my teammates, but my family as well,” said Tomlinson, who won two NFL rushing titles. “So I’m OK with never winning a Super Bowl championship. I know we’ve got many memories that we can call championship days.”

Tomlinson was joined on the dais by wife LaTorsha, mother Loreane, son Daylen, who turns 2 next month, and 9month-old daughter Dayah.

Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates were among the several former teammates in the crowd, as were offensive linemen Nick Hardwick, Jeromey Clary and recently retired Kris Dielman. Also in attendance was Ryan Mathews, who replaced Tomlinson as the Chargers' featured back in 2010.

Tomlinson said of his offensive linemen, “They were my best friends.”

Dielman retired in March due to a concussion.

“I was a part of greatness,” Dielman said of Tomlinson’s career. “And it was awesome to be a part of it. It was awesome to watch. I mean, I had the best seat in the house. It was a fun time.”

Rivers became the Chargers’ starter in 2006 after Drew Brees was allowed to leave as a free agent.

“He carried us,” Rivers said of Tomlinson. “He had such a calming effect on the huddle, on myself. When things weren’t going good, we could always hand it to him. When I was struggling a bit during the first half of that season, it was never, ‘C’mon, you’ve got to get it together.’ It was just like, ‘You’re good, keep going.’ I tend to get excited but the game was slow for him. That part was certainly appreciated as a young player.”

Team President Dean Spanos said few players have had a bigger role or

meant more to the team and the city than Tomlinson.

Spanos recalled being told by thengeneral manager John Butler on the day before the 2001 draft that the Chargers See TOMLINSON, page 15

12

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Houston’s mother to perform tribute

Woot! Arsenio Hall returning to latenight TV

BY MESFIN FEKADU | ASSOCIATED PRESS

AP Photo/Charles Sykes, File)

In this Sat., May 12, 2012 file photo, Cissy Houston performs at Gospelfest in Newark, N.J. Whitney Houston’s mother, Cissy Houston, will perform a tribute to her late daughter at the upcoming BET Awards on July 1, 2012, which will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

NEW YORK (AP) — Whitney Houston’s mother will perform a tribute to her late daughter alongside other female singers at the upcoming BET Awards.

Houston will perform a tribute to her late daughter Whitney at the upcoming BET Awards on July 1, which will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Cissy will be joined by “a few top divas,” the source said, though the source could not give their names.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the tribute has not been officially announced.

Whitney Houston died at age 48 in February.

Authorities called her death an accidental drowning, complicated by heart disease and cocaine use.

The BET Awards airs live from The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Kanye West, Beyonce and Jay-Z are the top nominees.

DAVIS Continued from page 10 Monday night and spent some time with coach Monty Williams, who has said in recent weeks that the Hornets plan to build around restricted free agent guard Eric Gordon, and that expectations on rookies should be measured, no matter how high they are picked.

Davis talked to Williams about life in the NBA and seemed to like the coach’s philosophy.

“It’s not a one-player sport. It’s a team sport,” Davis said. “I think (the Hornets) do a great job putting it on the organization and just trying to have the

player focus on basketball and the game.”

Demps saw Davis play a handful of times in person, in part because Kentucky played six times in Louisiana last season — once at LSU, three times at the SEC tournament and twice in the Final Four — en route to winning a national title. Davis led the way with his shot-blocking prowess and his ability to spread opposing defenses with his smooth mid-range jumper.

Because he initially played guard, before a growth spurt, and has a rela-

WAR CRIMES Continued from page 4 Syria unless the U.N. Security Council were to refer Syria to us.”

Asked whether she would lobby for countries that don’t endorse the court, such as the U.S., to join it, she said that would be outside the scope of her job.

She said she was frustrated by the failure to capture Kony, who was indicted in 2005 . His case became broadly known in the U.S. earlier this year after the “Kony2012” video campaign by a human rights group became an Internet sensation.

But “Joseph Kony, even though we have not been able to arrest him all this while, I think the intervention of

the ICC has contributed immensely to bringing peace to Northern Uganda,” she said.

She said that countries that support the court have a duty to help it carry out arrests.

“The ICC doesn’t have an intervention force,” she said. “But the police of 121 member states are the police of the ICC. The armies of these countries are the armies of the ICC.” Moreno-Ocampo, who was present Friday for Bensouda’s swearingin, is expected to take a job with FIFA, the international football (soccer) governing body, investigating corruption in the sport.

tively complete game for a big man, he is the consensus best player in the draft. The Hornets seem to like him personally, as well.

“He has this great big smile on his face and he has this personality that I hope that he can stay enjoying the process, because he’s going to have enough time during the rest of his career when the pressure’s going to come and he’ll have to make big plays in big games,” Demps said.

Demps didn’t want to discuss whether the Hornets saw Davis as a center or power forward in the NBA, noting that he will be interested to see how the slender 19-year-old player develops not only his skills but his body as he goes from NBA rookie to seasoned veteran.

Davis’ itinerary in New Orleans included lunch with new Hornets owner Tom Benson — also the longtime owner of the NFL’s Saints — at Saints headquarters in Metairie. Team officials also planned to show Davis around the metro area.

Davis apparently has a lot to learn about the city. He said he hadn’t seen much beyond Bourbon Street before this trip and that the extent of his experience with local cuisine went little beyond Popeye’s, the fried chicken chain that started in south Louisiana.

“If I get picked here, of course it'll feel like home,” Davis said. “But right now, not as much.”

AP Photo/Dan Steinberg

Arseniooooooooooo’s back!

NEW YORK (AP) — Arsenio Hall is returning to TV’s late-night scene, where he flourished with a talk show two decades ago.

CBS Television Distribution says it is developing a syndicated nightly talk show with the 57-yearold actor and comedian. The company said Monday that the show is set to premiere in fall 2013.

Hall is best known for hosting the Emmy Award-winning “Arsenio Hall Show,” which ran

from 1989 to 1994. That show’s place in pop-culture history was clinched in 1992 when then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton appeared and played “Heartbreak Hotel” on the saxophone.

Hall was featured in the 1988 Eddie Murphy comedy “Coming to America” and was a regular on the CBS series "Martial Law" in the late 1990s.

Recently, he won the latest edition of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice.”

ERIC HOLDER Continued from page 4 George W. Bush administration before Fast and Furious. These experiments came as the department was under widespread criticism that the old policy of arresting every suspected low-level “straw purchaser” was still allowing tens of thousands of guns to reach Mexico. A straw purchaser is an illicit buyer of guns for others.

The agents in Arizona lost track of several hundred weapons in Operation Fast and Furious. Two of the guns that “walked” in the operation were found at the scene of the slaying of U.S. border agent Brian Terry.

Historically, at some point Congress and the president negotiate agreements to settle these disputes, because both sides want to avoid a court battle that could narrow either the reach of executive privilege or Congress’ subpoena power.

Ordinarily, deliberative documents like those Issa is seeking are off-limits to Congress. In Operation Fast and Furious, the Justice Department’s ini-

tial incorrect denials are seen as providing justification for the additional demands.

Issa and the House Republican leadership have asked whether the department's initial denial in a Feb. 4, 2011, letter to Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, was part of a broader effort to obstruct a congressional investigation.

The material “pretty clearly demonstrates that there was no intention to mislead, to deceive,” Holder told reporters.

On Wednesday, the slain border agent's parents, Josephine and Kent Terry, said the president’s assertion of executive privilege and Holder’s refusal to fully disclose documents associated with Operation Fast and Furious “compound this tragedy.”

“We are now faced with an administration that seems more concerned with protecting themselves rather than revealing the truth behind Operation Fast and Furious,” Terry’s parents said in a statement.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

13

In this corner …

SPECIAL TO THE NNPA FROM THE AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER

Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP

This June 12, 2012 file photo shows, from left, Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Tito Jackson and Jermaine Jackson during a rehearsal in Burbank, Calif. Nearly three years after Michael Jackson died while staging his comeback, four of his brothers - Marlon, Jermaine, Tito and Jackie - are preparing for their own return to the stage.

Without Michael, Jackson brothers prepare to tour

BY DERRIK J. LANG | ASSOCIATED PRESS BURBANK, Calif. (AP) — Guided by a thumping bass line from their backing band, the Jackson brothers strut forward to a row of four microphones, thrusting their pelvises along the way, before launching into “Can’t Let Her Get Away,” a song their superstar sibling released on his “Dangerous” album.

If they had afros and matching powder blue suits, it might feel like 1977 again.

It doesn’t. They’re casually sporting sunglasses, workout gear and a few more pounds than when they, along with the future King of Pop, were simply known as the Jackson 5.

(Also, “Can’t Let Her Get Away” was released in 1991 after the group fizzled out.)

Nearly three years since Michael died while preparing for his comeback tour, four of his brothers — Marlon, Jermaine, Tito and Jackie — are set for their own return to the stage as The Jacksons. It hasn’t been easy.

“The brothers don’t know this, but I've broken down several times and cried during rehearsals,” said Jermaine during a recent rehearsal break on a soundstage in Burbank, Calif. “I’m so used to Michael being on the right and then Marlon, Jackie, on and on. It’s just something we never get used to.”

The brothers are launching their “Unity” tour on Wednesday, five days ahead of the third anniversary of Michael’s death from an overdose of the anesthetic propofol on June 25, 2009.

“For me, this cycle that comes around every year — this day, that day — that doesn’t affect me because it affects me every day,” said Marlon.

“When that day comes around, it’s the same. You learn to live with it. I still wake up sometimes and go, ‘Jeez. I can’t believe my brother’s not here.’ ” Following Michael[s death, the

four brothers appeared in the A&E reality series “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty,” which chronicled their loss and attempt to stage a comeback before their brother died.

Jermaine said the brothers have wanted to reunite on their own for years, but after Michael’s passing, they needed time to heal — and the tour is another step in that process.

They’ve rearranged their classics to suit their voices, and Jermaine said the group plans to pay tribute to Michael during their shows with a slideshow and medley that will conclude with the tune “Gone Too Soon.”

“There’s certain songs that make you feel the sorrow,” said Tito. “Then again, there are other songs that bring so much joy and happiness, such as ‘ABC’ and ‘I Want You Back’ and the up-tempo stuff like ‘This Place Hotel.’

I just imagine how he used to walk and spin and do all these things. You can feel his presence here.”

The Jacksons’ tour kicks off at Rama Casino in Ontario, Canada, and is scheduled to end July 29 at the Snoqualmie Casino Amphitheater in Snoqualmie, Wash. Other stops include Detroit’s Fox Theatre, Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre and Harlem’s sold-out Apollo Theatre, where the Jackson 5 won an amateur night in 1969 before rocketing to fame.

Michael later forged unprecedented success as a solo artist. His superstardom was unrivaled, and his brothers couldn't capture similar acclaim or sales with their solo projects or last studio album, 1989's mostly Michaelless “2300 Jackson Street,” but their legacy as a group has remained unchanged. The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

While various combinations of the brothers have reunited to perform over the years, including at last year’s See JACKSON BROTHERS, page 15

Megastar rapper Drake is denying reports that he engaged in a nightclub scuffle with Chris Brown over Rihanna, but both performers have met with police to discuss the incident.

According to the Associated Press, representatives for Drake said that June 14 he was leaving W.i.P., a New York nightclub, when a brawl broke out between Brown and other revelers.

TMZ reported that Drake, Brown and their respective entourages traded blows June 13 resulting in several injuries and damage to the property. In a statement to the AP, Drake denied the claims.

It is believed the fracas originated when Brown sent a bottle of champagne over to Drake’s table.

Drake reportedly sent back a nasty message to Brown’s table before he walked over with his crew and punched Brown in the face.

Reportedly, one of Drake’s companions then threw a bottle at Brown, initiating the clash.

Five persons were injured in the fray, according to NYPD officers, who arrived after receiving a call

Chris Brown v. Drake … over Rihanna? between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Both Drake and Brown were absent when the police arrived.

Later, Brown took to Twitter, posting a photo of his face, which showed a gash on his chin that he said came from a bottle.

He also tweeted several taunts, writing, “How u party wit rich n**** that hate? Lol… Throwing

bottles like girls? #shameonya!” and “Ok! N****s stand behind security! Ok! U don’t pay them enough.” Both posts were later removed.

According to MTV, both men have been in communication with the NYPD about the incident, and neither is considered a suspect in the incident.

ONE OF THE

“

FUNNIEST MOVIES OF ALL TIME!

”

Mark S. Allen, CBS-TV

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND MEDIA RIGHTS CAPITAL PRESENT A FUZZY DOOR PRODUCTION A BLUEGRASS FILMS PRODUCTIOPRODUCED N A SMART ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION A FILM BY SETH MACFARLANE MARK WAHLBERG STORY WALTER MURPHY EXECUTIVE MILA KUNIS SETH MACFARLANE “TED” JOEL MCHALE GIOVANNI RIBISI MUSICBYSCREENPLAY PRODUCER JONATHAN MONE

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CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR AND SHOWTIMES STARTS FRIDAY, JUNE 29 THEATERS

14

DREAM ACT Continued from page 6 around Congress, this short-term policy will make it harder to find a balanced and responsible long-term one.”

The change in enforcement policy, to be carried out by the Department of Homeland Security, comes one week before Obama plans to address the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials’ annual conference in Orlando, Fla. Romney is to speak to the group on Thursday.

Making his case on humanitarian grounds, Obama said, “These are young people who study in our schools, they play in our neighborhoods, they’re friends with our kids, they pledge allegiance to our flag. They are Americans in their heart, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper.”

The political appeal for many of America’s Hispanics was clear. The president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, Janet Murguia, said, “When it comes to the Hispanic community, this action is a political plus” for Obama. “It’s always good to be able to point to your track record and move the needle toward a promise that you made.”

In Los Angeles, immigrant students and their supporters rallied at a downtown street to celebrate the announcement, briefly blocking a freeway entrance ramp.

The change drew a swift repudiation from Republican lawmakers, who accused Obama of circumventing Congress in an effort to boost his political standing and of favoring illegal immigrants over unemployed U.S. citizens.

“President Obama and his administration once again have put partisan politics and illegal immigrants ahead of the rule of law and the American people,” Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas, GOP chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said in a statement.

And Rep. Steve King of Iowa, a longtime hardliner on immigration issues, said he planned to file suit to halt the policy.

Still, neither House Speaker John Boehner nor Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell addressed the issue, underscoring the difficulty for Republican leaders as they walk a fine line of trying to appeal to the nation's fastest-growing minority group while not alienating their conservative base.

In Arizona, Gov. Jan Brewer said the change represented a “pre-emptive strike” before an upcoming Supreme Court ruling that could uphold parts of the state’s tough immigration enforcement law. She also said the new policy would muddy the waters for Arizona’s enforcement efforts.

Many Republicans, including

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Romney, say they want tighter border security measures before they will consider changes in immigration law.

Romney opposes offering legal status to illegal immigrants who attend college but has said he would do so for those who serve in the armed forces.

Praise for the new policy was also swift. Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus applauded the move as long overdue. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, called the decision “an historic humanitarian moment” and compared it to the decision two decades ago to give political asylum to Cuban refugees fleeing the communist island. “This is at least a reflection of that moment in history.”

In New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, “Ending deportations of innocent young people who have the potential to drive tomorrow’s economy is long overdue, as are many commonsense reforms needed to center our immigration policy around our economic needs.”

Midway through his remarks, Obama was interrupted by a reporter from a conservative online publication, Neil Munro of the Daily Caller, who shouted, “Why do you favor foreigners over American workers?” Clearly irritated, Obama said that he was explaining the policy, not looking for an argument, and that the change was the “right thing to do for the American people.”

Obama in the past has resisted pressure to use his executive authority to relax deportations in such a broad manner. The administration had been reviewing deportations on a case-bycase basis, and officials said they concluded that by using the same authority they could help a larger swath of immigrants while at the same time helping unclog immigration courts.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the decision “is well within the framework of our existing laws.”

The Obama administration's deportation policies have come under fire, and Latino leaders have raised the subject in private meetings with the president. In 2011, Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported a record 396,906 people and is expected to deport about 400,000 this year.

A December poll by the Pew Hispanic Center showed that 59 percent of Latinos disapproved of the president's handling of deportations.

The administration announcement comes ahead of an expected Supreme Court decision on Arizona’s tough 2010 immigration law that, among other things, requires police to ask for immigration papers from anyone they stop or arrest and suspect is in the country illegally.

The Obama administration has challenged the law.

MICHELLE OBAMA Continued from page 7 chance for her to catch up with family and meet a new nephew. Aaron Robinson was born four months ago to Robinson and his wife.

Robinson said he was surprised, but pleased, to see excitement on campus after the university announced the commencement speaker “It’s exciting, as her brother, to be able to hear her doing such a good job for our country,” Robinson told reporters before Obama spoke.

Obama was awarded an honorary doctorate in public health for her work as first lady on fighting childhood

obesity and improving health. She held up the diploma and mouthed, “Go Beavs,” a rallying cry for Oregon State Beavers’ athletics.

The Oregon State speech was Obama’s third commencement address this year. She spoke last month at Virginia Tech and North Carolina A&T, both in swing states for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign.

The first lady had campaign events scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday in Western battlegrounds Nevada and Colorado.

Rodney King symbolized police brutality

BY GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA COLUMNIST Rodney King would be the first to tell you that he was no Martin Luther King, Jr. or Malcolm X. His lifelong bout with alcohol and drugs — battles that he always seemed to lose — and frequent run-ins with police did not qualify him for icon status.

Yet, that’s what he achieved in 1991 at the age of 27 because of one video clip. It was graphic footage filmed by a bystander showing at least four Los Angeles policemen savagely kicking and beating King with police batons, landing at least 50 blows as the unarmed King was sprawled on the ground or struggling to stand up.

In the video, the officers were seen teeing off on King as though they were holding baseball bats or golf clubs. Several other officers stood around, doing nothing to halt the repeated assault on the helpless King.

More than any other event, the brutal beating of Rodney King, an unemployed construction worker, forced America to see what many did not want to believe existed — police officers, hiding behind a badge and a gun, brutalizing citizens who pose no immediate threat to them or the public.

King was found dead early Sunday morning at the bottom of his swimming pool at his home in Rialto, Calif. No foul play was suspected.

His entry into the national spotlight has its roots in an incident that took place in 1989. King robbed a grocery store in Monterey Park, Calif.

He took $200 and was sentenced to two years in prison. On the night of March 2, 1991, following hours of drinking with friends, King was spotted speeding in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. When cops tried to pull him over, he tried to elude them by driving even faster, up to 100 miles per hour, fearing that he

would go back to jail for violating his parole.

After a high-speed chase joined by other officers, King was cornered and ordered out of his vehicle. The two passengers accompanying him, Bryant Allen and Freddie Helms, immediately complied with the order to exit the car and lie face down on the ground. King delayed his exit and when he emerged, he acted strangely, waving at police helicopters that had been part of the chase and giggling uncontrollably.

Sgt. Stacey Koon, the supervising officer, fired a Taser into King’s back, causing him to drop to his knees.

Officer Laurence Powell hit King in the head, knocking him to ground, and continued striking King. Other officers moved in as well, pummeling King with their night sticks.

After being struck 56 times and kicked a half-dozen times, King was handcuffed and dragged to the side of the road on his stomach to await the arrival of an ambulance. King later reported that he had suffered 11 skull fractures, permanent brain damage, kidney damage and broken bones and teeth.

Four of the officers — Koon, Powell. Timothy Wind and Theodore Briseno — were charged with excessive use of force. The trial was switched from Los Angeles to Simi Valley, a largely White community in Ventura County, Calif.

On April 29, 1992, a jury that contained no African Americans acquitted three of the officers and was unable to reach a verdict on a fourth.

Los Angeles exploded upon hearing the verdict. At the end of six days of unrest, there were 53 deaths, 2,383 injuries and property damage was nearly $1 billion.

In an effort to end the violence, Rodney King appeared in public to utter his now famous, “Can we all get along?”

After the Los Angeles prosecutor

HARVIN Continued from page 10 significant steps backward the last two seasons. They are centering their rebuild on Harvin, Peterson, who is recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, and second-year quarterback Christian Ponder.

Harvin is far and away Ponder’s best option in the receiver corps that includes non-descript veterans Jenkins and Devin Aromashodu, rookie fourth-round picks Jarius Wright and Greg Childs and Simpson, who will be suspended for the first three games this season after being arrested on drug charges while with the Cincinnati Bengals.

After signing tight end John Carlson from Seattle, there has been a lot of talk about the Vikings going to more two tight-end sets to take advantage of him and second-year tight end Kyle Rudolph. That could also be a concern for Harvin, but offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said he was

unaware of any problems Harvin had with the playbook. Musgrave said he planned to get the ball to Harvin even more this season.

“We’re looking forward to getting him on the field and as an offense we’re looking forward to having a better year,” Musgrave said. “That’s the bottom line.”

Harvin attended the team’s morning practice Wednesday, leaving the field before reporters asked questions.

Peterson said he hadn’t spoken to his friend about it but planned to have a conversation to try to help smooth things over.

“I wouldn’t say it’s distracting. It’s more bothering. It’s like, we definitely don’t want to lose this guy. ... I’m sure the organization will do what it has to do to keep this guy around,” Peterson said. “If it was me, I would make sure that we kept him around. But we’ll see.”

George E. Curry

failed to win a conviction against the four officers, the federal government obtained indictments charging the officers with violating the civil rights of King. Koon and Stacey were found guilty and sentenced to 32 months in prison; Wind and Briseno were acquitted. The city of Los Angeles settled a civil suit brought by Rodney King for $3.8 million.

Later, it became clear that the Rodney King beating was not an aberration.

• Feb. 4, 1999 – Amadou Diallo was killed by New York City police officers who claimed they thought he was reaching for a gun. Four officers were indicted for second-degree murder, but were acquitted.

• Sept. 2, 2005 – Following Hurricane Katrina, Henry Glover was shot to death while near a strip mall shopping for baby clothing. Two cops were sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for shooting Glover, tossing his body into a car and setting it on fire.

• Nov. 26, 2006 –Three unarmed Black men, including Sean Bell, were shot a total of 50 times by New York police officers. Bell, who had been celebrating at his bachelor’s party, died in the hail of bullets. Three officers charged with manslaughter were acquitted.

• Jan. 1, 2009 – Oscar Grant was shot in the back by Officer Johannes Mehserle while on the ground at a train station in Oakland, Calif. The officer was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, but served only 11 months in prison.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of cases similar to the ones above.

Thanks to Rodney King, the public is not as quick to believe police officers who abuse their power and violate public trust.

George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and editorial director of Heart & Soul magazine.

He is a keynote speaker, moderator and media coach. Curry can be reached through his website, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

15

FOR RENT

Accounts Payable/Human Resources Specialist The Los Angeles Sentinel is seeking Payable/Human Resources Specialist

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Dbl. Rm. Share rm. with 1 other male occupant. Clean and quiet home/ Crenshaw area. No Drugs or Alcohol.

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Duties will include: • Process all accounts payables w/Quickbooks software • Process service requests for computer and office equipment • Maintain accounts payable files • Create excel spreadsheets as needed for billing and expense items • Process payroll, benefit administrator • Inventory control • Other duties as assigned

CITY OF LOS ANGELES $50,000 REWARD NOTICE The City of Los Angeles offers a reward payable at the discretion of the City Council to one or more persons in the sum or sums up to an aggregate maximum total sum of $50,000 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the act of murder against, D’ANCEE BARNES, in the City of Los Angeles. On March 18, 1989, at approximately 8:55 p.m., a motorist traveling north on Van Ness Avenue towards Gage Avenue, struck a three-year old child, D’Ancee Barnes, who ran into the roadway. The motorist momentarily stopped, then continued north on Van Ness, failing to stop to render aid or provide identification. The victim sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he later died. To date, detectives have been unable to identify the motorist responsible for the death of D’ancee Barnes. Detectives believe that no further leads will develop in this case without the assistance of the community. A monetary reward may motivate witnesses to come forward and identify the responsible motorist. 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, DECEMBER 14, 2012.

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

C. F. No. 12-0010-s17 6/21/12 CNS-2329607# WATTS TIMES

Requirements for this position are: • High School Diploma required. Must have at least two years of college in business or accounting field.

• Must have three years or more general accounting experience • Must have strong computer skills and experience.

• Must be detailed oriented. Experience in human resources a plus.

• Sound decision-making and communication skills are necessary Please submit your resume attention Human Resources to tracy@lasentinel.net or pamela@lasentinel.net or fax resume to (323) 299-9896

HEALTH LAW

TOMLINSON

Continued from page 5

Continued from page 11

flock to get health insurance but younger, healthier ones would hold back.

To forestall such a problem, the administration asked the court — if it declares the mandate unconstitutional — to also strike down certain consumer protections, including the requirement on insurers to cover people with pre-existing health problems.

That would mitigate a damaging spike in premiums.

Whether or not the court goes

along with that request, more work would be needed to find alternatives to a federal mandate. That could provide an opening for state officials, as well as major insurance companies, to join in finding workable substitutes for the mandate. Congressional approval would likely be needed.

Without the individual requirement, some 14 million people would still get coverage, budget office estimates suggest. Supporters of the law point out that’s still a lot of people.

COUNTY DOWNSIZING Continued from page 2 have to take notes on their own cases rather than rely on a printed record.

“We are laying off people who are committed to serving the public,” Edmon said. “It is a terrible loss both to these dedicated employees and to the public.”

The union representing state and municipal employees — the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees — called Friday’s action a “freeze on justice in Los Angeles” and warned that the county would experience “an end to timely justice” with cases being delayed for years, particularly in civil courts Friday’s action calls for laying off 157 people, while hundreds more will be given lower-level positions, reduced to part-time work or transferred to new jobs because their old ones have been eliminated.

Edmon and Assistant Presiding Judge David Wesley expect further cuts and said the new cuts are permanent.

“There will be more cuts next year and their impacts will be severe,” Wesley said.

The current plan eliminates the county’s innovative juvenile traffic courts, which will result in the closure of 11 courtrooms. Court reporters will no longer be available for civil trials and

110 management, clerical and administrative positions outside courtrooms are being cut. These are likely to mean longer lines at windows where people go to pay traffic tickets or file civil lawsuits.

A special temporary restraining order center will be operated by three judges in order to handle the need for emergency orders that can’t wait. Other judges will be assigned to achieve case settlements.

“We will have no trouble keeping our judicial officers busy,” Edmon said.

But she acknowledged they will be working longer hours with reduced staff.

Although most of the 56 courtrooms affected countywide are civil courts, 24 criminal courtrooms also are being closed. If criminal courtrooms need to be reactivated to provide defendants with speedy trials, more civil courts would be closed, Edmon said.

The executive officer and clerk of the court, John A. Clarke, suggested the court is being swept up in “catastrophic changes” at the state level.

“The commitment of our judicial officers and staff to preserve access to justice is unwavering,” he said. “But our ability to follow through on that commitment may soon be exhausted.”

had traded the No. 1 overall pick to Atlanta for a package that included the No. 5 overall pick.

“I said, ‘Great,’ and then asked him who he liked with the fifth pick. I clearly remember him telling me, ‘Well, there’s this great running back from TCU who could help us.’

“It’s funny now, but I also remember asking him, ‘Is he any good?’ And I remember that John said, ‘Yeah, he’s going to be something special.’ I wish John was here today so I could thank him for making what has probably become the most significant trade in the history of the San Diego Chargers.”

Butler died in 2003.

Spanos said no other Chargers player will wear Tomlinson’s No. 21, and that a retirement ceremony will be held sometime in the future.

Tomlinson and Spanos both signed the ceremonial one-day contract.

“I didn’t even check how much it was for. It was worth it,” Spanos quipped.

“People and players like LaDainian Tomlinson don’t come around very often, if at all,” Jets chairman and CEO Woody Johnson said in a statement. “His humility and work ethic made it clear why he will be remembered as one of the game’s best players. Without question, his next stop will be the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum said Tomlinson “never took one day for granted when it came to any aspect of his performance. His commitment drew his teammates to him and elevated everyone that came in contact with him.”

JACKSON BROTHERS

GOVERNMENT LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO) Metro will receive proposals for RFP No. PS52102961 forFixed Income Investment Management Services for Operating Portfolioper specifications on file at the Office of Procurement, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (9th Floor).

All proposals must be submitted to Metro and be filed at the reception desk of the Office of Procurement on or before July 20, 2012 at 3:00 p.m., Pacific Time. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each Proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal for RFP No. PS52102961. A PreProposal conference will be held on July 6, 2012 at 9:30 a.m. in the Gateway Plaza Conference Room, 3rd floor, located at the address above.

You may obtain a copy of the RFP, or further information, by faxing Robert Vasquez, Sr. Contract Administrator, at 213-922-1005, or by e-mail at vasquezr@metro.net.

6/21/12 CNS-2335120# WATTS TIMES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY (SCRRA) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA PUBLIC NOTICE

Continued from page 13 “Michael Forever” tribute concert in Wales, “Unity” will mark the first time the brothers have toured together since their final “Victory” outing in 1984.

(Marlon said Randy, who officially joined The Jacksons in 1975, elected not to join the tour but noted that the youngest Jackson brother was welcome at any time.)

“We have a certain magic,” said Jackie. “Once we get out here and run it down a couple times, it comes back to you. I’m not (moving) like I used to, but we still got it.”

Will the fans think so — and will they turn out to see The Jacksons, whose ages now range from 55 to 61, perform their hits without Michael?

Last year, Cirque du Soleil launched “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour” in Las Vegas.

The show featuring dancers and acrobatic acts performing routines set to

M.J. tunes has been among the top touring acts this year, and “Immortal” will return to Vegas for a residency at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.

However, Gary Bongiovanni, editor-in-chief of concert industry trade publication Pollstar, doesn’t believe The Jacksons will achieve similar success with their smaller endeavor.

“The Jacksons were really all about Michael,” said Bongiovanni. “The Cirque du Soleil show was successful because it was Cirque du Soleil and Michael’s music. I don’t know if that portends much for the remaining brothers and their ability to generate enthusiasm for ticket sales.”

The brothers are undaunted, hoping to release an album of new music then go back out on tour.

“It’s like riding a bike,” said Marlon. “You never forget, but you do need to tweak a few things.”

FFY 2013-2015 DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE) GOAL In accordance with 49 CFR Part 26 and as a condition of financial assistance agreements with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), SCRRA administers a DBE Program in support of public contracts assisted with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) dollars. This announcement serves as a PUBLIC NOTICE of SCRRA’s proposed overall (triennial) DBE goal of NINE PERCENT (9%), for the three federal fiscal years beginning October 1, 2012 and ending September 30, 2015.

The goal was calculated using DOT-approved goalsetting methodology as described in 49 CFR 26.45.

The goal calculation and methodology are available for inspection between the hours of 8am and 5pm at the SCRRA offices located at the address below, for 30 days following the original date of this Notice.

SCRRA will accept comments on the goal for 45 days from the original date of this Notice. To view the goal and methodology and/or to provide comments, contact Ms. Dalia Sabaliauskas, SCRRA’s DBE Liaison Officer, at sabald@scrra.net or (213) 452-0475.

Southern California Regional Rail Authority 100 Gateway Plaza, 12th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 452-0475 6/21/12 CNS-2332228# WATTS TIMES

16

Thursday, June 21, 2012

6 / 2012

e v e n t LISTINGS

L.A. Watts Times Calendar, Compiled by Brandon I. Brooks, Co-Managing Editor

6/23

career in the entertainment industry at the age of 17 as an apprentice to John Houston, Whitney Houston’s father.

Shortly after, he started his own management company together with Stephen Chukumba, managing writers and producers in the New Jersey area. Acts they signed included J.U.S. and Alkatraz. At the same time he secured an internship in A&R administration at Def Jam Records, working under A&R executive Rob Mitchell.

Once promoted to A&R assistant, he worked on projects including Sum 41, Ashanti, Foxy Brown and Jay Z’s The Blueprint. WHEN: 11 a.m. WHERE: The Artist Resource Center (ARC), located at 11039 McCormick Street in North Hollywood. To register for these events, please visit at www.thearcnoho.com.

Auditions for Youth: 14th Annual Towne Street Theatre (TST) Summer Musical Theatre Intensive: Presents, “TST Idol!”

The Town Street Summer Theatre at USC is hosting auditions for local youth interested in adding some fun and excitement to summer vacation. Auditions are for youth ranging from ages 10 – 18 years.

WHEN: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE: Located off Figueroa at McCarthy. *Park in Structure X (See Grid G5). Exit out the south side.

Walk toward the grass area (McCarthy Park). Von KleinSmid Center (VKC) will be on the right after you pass the quad. If you exit the north side, walk toward the same grass area, pass Leavey Library (with the water), and see the Social 26th Annual Long Beach Bayou Festival: Science Building on your left. VKC will Rainbow Promotions,LLC are excited be right behind it. For more information about expanding the wonderful traditions email info@townstreet.org or call (213) of the Long Beach Bayou Festival as it 712-6944.

Zac Black History 4 Young People: A six Harmon week Black history & culture class, will be offered to young people, 12 – 18 years old. The class will cover areas of history and culture our young people will normally not receive in their educational training. Some of the new innovations of the class are showing students how to get A’s on exams, how to conduct research, and how to write research papers, with handouts showing them a step-by-step approach. This will give them the skills to be successful as students. “I have seen students over the years, who were intelligent, not do well in moves into its 26th year. We continue their classes because they did not have to support Comprehensive Child the skills or know how to be successful.

Development (CCD) fundraising efforts. In This is not acceptable. We will fix that,” addition, Rainbow Promotions, LLC is says Dr. Kwaku. WHERE: Ben Caldwell’s Kaos Studios, on the corner of proud to add whits support to LALA, the Louisiana to Los Angeles Organizing 43rd Place and Leimert Blvd. in Los Committee, whose projects “offer a Angeles. WHEN: Registration is from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. The class begins at wealth of Louisiana culture and celebrate the shared traditions of all Louisianans” 10 a.m. - Noon. The instructor, Dr. while raising funds for local youth college Kwaku Person-Lynn, a veteran educator scholarships. The new and expanded Long and author, has been teaching the class Beach Bayou Festival continues to offer a for seven years. Isidra Person-Lynn hanwider range of Cajun, Zydeco (top groups dles the administration of the class. For from both Louisiana and Texas) and Blues detailed information, go to: artists. In addition to the traditional www.drkwaku.com, or call (213) 394Zydeco, we’re adding a more contempo5075. rary flair with the sounds of newer, younger Zydeco music groups. Don’t forEntertainment Industry Workshop: The get the world famous New Orleans ARC presents “Secrets of the Trade,” a Traditional Jazz Band. This year’s parade free semiwill be expanded more than ever! Bring a Executive nar on the mask or costume. The adult with the most Director music ORIGINAL costume will WIN two Bayou ’ Toure industry Fest Tee-Shirts. WHEN: Saturday 11:00 Roberts presented a.m. - 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. by Chris 8:30 p.m. Gates open at 11A.M. WHERE: Anokute, Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach, CA. SVP of For more information about planning your A&R at Island Def trip to the Long Beach Bayou & Blues Festival please visit the Metro trip planner Jam. at www.metro.net or call (323) Go Metro Anokute began his or (323.466.3876).

6/25 Roshon Fegan

Backstage Pass with Roshon Fegan: The

GRAMMY Museum is honored to welcome musical artist, songwriter, producer and actor Roshon Fegan to the Clive Davis Theater for a special discussion and performance. Fegan most recently starred on the 14th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” and stars on the Disney Channel original series “Shake It Up!” Backstage Pass is a career exploration program that gives students a first-hand look

at what it takes to get a job in the music industry. The students are also given a tour of the GRAMMY Museum, where they are able to learn about the history of music as well as the process of producing a GRAMMY Award winning song or album.

WHEN: 11 a.m. WHERE: The GRAMMY Museum is located at 800 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite A245, Los Angeles, CA 90015. With an entrance off of Figueroa Street, the Museum resides within the L.A. LIVE campus, at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles.

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