LAWT-7-2-2009

SERVING LOS ANGELES COUNTY WITH NEWS YOU CAN USE

Vol. XXX, No. 1134

July 2, 2009

REMEMBER THE TIME Michael Jackson

August 29,1958 - June 25, 2009 A

Commentary

The Michael Jackson I Knew Editor’s note: L.A. Watts Times writer Darlene Donloe met and worked with Michael Jackson in 1996. She shares her experience with readers.

BY DARLENE DONLOE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I have never written about the brief relationship I had with Michael Jackson.

But, upon learning of his untimely death last week, I felt compelled to offer a different perspective on the Jackson I knew.

I don’t need to tell you he was a genius. I don’t need to tell you the impact he had on the music industry or that he was loved throughout the world.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I have nothing bad to say about Jackson. In fact, it’s just the opposite. He gave me some of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

And, for that, I will be forever grateful.

It was the summer of 1996 when my friend, Bob Jones (now deceased), who happened to be Jackson’s publicist at Motown and then later with MJJ Productions, called me and asked what I was doing for the next six months.

He said: “How would you like to go out on tour with Michael? He needs a tour publicist.”

I held the phone in disbelief as Bob continued his spiel. What did he expect me to say? “Well, Bob, I’ll have to look at my schedule. Let me get back to you.” Why would I want to fly around first class on a

private plane for a Michael Jackson tour, visit exotic places, meet officials, eat great food and stay in five star hotels? I said yes. Duh! About three weeks later, I was on a plane that landed in Prague, Czech Republic, the first stop on MJ’s worldwide HIStory Tour.

It was a week into the tour before I officially met Jackson.

Although I had accompanied him on many of his outings, no one had bothered to formally introduce us.

His handlers had warned me not to speak to the King of Pop unless he first spoke to me. Were they kidding? I played along — for about a week.

I decided the next time I accompanied him to either a hospital, orphanage or record store, I would make my ninja move. I figured the worse that could happen would be that I would get sent home.

As he perused the compact discs in the R&B section of a local record store, I started to walk toward him. The handlers were aghast. It was as if the air had quickly been sucked out of the room. Undeterred, I walked up to him and said, “Mr. Jackson, I’m Darlene. I’m your publicist on the tour.”

He turned and looked me straight in the eyes. “Oh, OK,” he said. “Are you going to do the whole tour?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Unless you know something I don’t.”

“OK,” he laughed and returned to looking through the CDs. “Well,” I thought, “that was

uneventful.” However, secretly, it was completely fulfilling.

I found out later he knew exactly who I was because he had asked, “who is the black girl?” Of course, as time went on he became more comfortable with my close proximity to him.

When fans asked the King of

party-line answer: “I have no comment on Mr. Jackson’s personal life.”

Being a part of Jackson’s entourage was fascinating and eyeopening. I got to see the inner workings of a superstar’s multifaceted, precision-like machine. I was always on call and had to be ready to accompany MJ at a moment’s notice — or I’d be left behind. That wouldn’t sit well.

Photo Courtesy of DARLENE DONLOE

CHANCE OF A LIFETIME — L.A. Watts Times’ contributing writer Darlene Donloe with Michael Jackson. “He gave me some of the most unforgettable moments of my life,” Donloe writes.

Pop whether they could get an autograph or take a picture with him, he’d occasionally say, “If it’s OK with her,” pointing to me.

It was always OK with me.

Who was I to break a fan’s heart?

When news broke about MJ’s passing, all of the memories of the tour came flooding back. There was the night he married Debbie Rowe and I got no sleep for two days, due to endless media calls. I stuck to the

It became clear, early on, that while he was sometimes soft-spoken, he was strong-willed and very direct when he wanted to make a point or have something done.

On concert nights, I’d watch as MJ walked from his car to a spot underneath the stage where a platform would eventually elevate him into position to make a powerful entrance.

The favorite part of my job was

standing in the wings night after night, watching him hit every mark with precision and thinking how blessed I was to observe a master craftsman at work.

Because he had such a commanding presence, I think people forgot he was a man. He’s been elevated to superstar status for so long, it’s hard for some to look at him as a human being who puts his pants on one leg at a time.

I saw him in those pensive, quiet moments before going on stage. I witnessed him, sans television cameras, sitting, comforting and talking to a child in a hospital who was fighting a serious disease.

This is the guy who, on Thanksgiving in Australia, thought it was important enough to come share a meal and celebrate with his staff and crew.

When it comes to Jackson, I can only speak my own truth. The Jackson I came to know was friendly and respectful to me. And, on those occasions when I caught his eye, he would give me that shy, childlike smile.

The following quote from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” was read recently at a friend’s memorial. I think it’s more than appropriate for Jackson.

“And, when he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of Heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun.”

In gratitude, I say thank you, Michael Jackson. Thanks for the magic, the music and enough memories to hold me a lifetime. — Darlene (the black girl)

Page 2

L.A. WATTS TIMES

July 2, 2009

OPINION EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON

Remembering the Other Michael Jackson Near the end of the first week of Michael Jackson’s infamous child molestation trial in 2005, a large group of African American community activists and leaders gathered at a community center in Los Angeles to talk about Jackson, the trial and whether he was a target because he was a rich, successful and famous African American.

This is the slightly paranoid, tinged chatter heard whenever a black celebrity, and there have been a lot of them, winds up on the court docket for real or alleged crimes, or is lambasted in the media for bad behavior.

The discussion quickly took two surprising turns. The first was an impassioned message that Jackson delivered to the group through a personal emissary. He pleaded his innocence and asked for support. This brought a hush to the room.

Then there was the second turn.

The discussion shifted from talk about Jackson’s trial and his sometimes on-again, off-again, quirky, ambivalent relationship with African Americans, and his seemingly confused racial identity, to a reminder from the Jackson surrogate that Jackson wanted everyone to know that he took great delight in his charitable work. There was no message from Jackson about his media and self-anointed title as the King of Pop, his musical icon status, the Grammys and platinum records he won, nor anything more than the perfunctory mention of his legal woes.

He clearly wanted the group to think of him as much more than an entertainer or a musician. Some present vaguely remembered that Jackson had made a splash in 1985 when he and Lionel Ritchie wrote “We Are the World” and performed the music as part of an all-star cast of singers and celebrities to raise money for African charities.

A few others vaguely remembered that Jackson forked over the $1.5 million that he got in a settlement from Pepsi in 1984 for the burn accident he suffered while filming a Pepsi commercial, to the Burn Center at Brotman Medical Center in Culver City. But that was it.

There were puzzled looks at the mention of Jackson’s charitable giving and even more at the list of the peace- and social justice-related activities Jackson was involved with.

At that point, most in the room listened in rapt attention at the names of the more than 40 known charities and organizations that Jackson gave to during the 1990s, both individually and through his expansively named Heal the World Foundation.

The foundation was mired in a messy organizational and tax wrangle that made headlines in 2002. Yet there was virtually no press mention when Jackson jumpstarted the foundation again in 2008 with a fresh wad of cash.

This was all news to most of those in the room. In fact, good news for more than a few of those who had bitterly scorned, ridiculed and

mocked him. To them, Jackson was little more than a Casper-the-ghostlooking, bleached-skin, nose-job, gyrating-hips ambiguous black man who had made a ton of money and had been lauded, fawned over and adored by whites. This was more than reason for some blacks to view him with a jaundiced eye.

For others, though, Jackson’s wealth and fame didn’t immunize him from being tarred by the press and many in the industry as a child molester. They felt some empathy for him and his legal battle.

In the months and years after his acquittal, debate raged over whether he was a washed-up, health-challenged, damaged-goods and financially strapped one-time pop star who desperately wanted to snatch back a glimmer of his past glory. Or, whether he still had some of the trademark Jackson flare and talent left. But even that debate seemed to pass Jackson by since he knew that his every word and act was still instant news, and that there were still hordes of fans who would heap dreamy-eyed adulation on him.

The quest to seal a legacy as more than just the Pop King told much about Jackson’s desire that the small but unseen and much-neglected part of his life — namely, his charitable work — be known and remembered. That he be remembered as more than just a black man who made his living grabbing his crotch before millions. Or a man whose See HUTCHINSON, page 3

I Believe in America

BY MAYA RUPERT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

An ever-growing chorus of voices has formed, urging President Barack Obama to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and I’m joining that chorus today.

The position that unit morale and cohesion will suffer if we allow openly gay soldiers to serve in the military is wrong for many reasons, but the one that strikes me most is a moral one. It is an acknowledgment that while gay and lesbian men and women make a valuable contribution to the armed forces, we are willing to ignore that contribution in favor of intolerance.

That position is beneath us.

President Abraham Lincoln was once asked his opinion on a proposed state constitutional amendment that would lengthen the waiting period for naturalized citizens to be allowed to vote and hold public office. In response, Lincoln gave the best noncomeback comeback I’ve ever heard. In a letter, he said, “Understanding the spirit of our institutions to aim at the elevation of me, I am opposed to whatever tends to degrade them.”

I’ve always loved him for saying that because it works on two levels. His likely meaning was that he’s opposed to whatever tends to degrade the people. But I’ve always thought there was another way to read that. That maybe with a wink, a

nod, and a dangling modifier, Lincoln was subtly encouraging us to jealously protect the institutions of our country from degradation.

Because, really, shouldn’t we expect our institutions to be more perfect than we are? There are moments when we are far lesser than we’re capable of being, but we can never etch into the fabric of our institutions anything that goes so fundamentally against the aim of their spirit to make us better.

We expect our justice system to retain a sense of neutrality we would never impose upon ourselves and our political process to maintain stability when we’re at our most raucous.

And we should expect no less from our military than a recognition that, while public opinion may be slow to change, the institution charged with protecting and defending our national values must embrace perhaps the most fundamental of those values: that we are all created equal and are entitled to freedom to carve our own paths in this world.

And those who give themselves to service and walk a path not of their own choosing, so that others may enjoy that freedom, should at least be extended that most natural right to be all and exactly who they are.

This month marks the 61st anniversary of the integration of the military. It wasn’t that long ago that the unit was convinced it could not

survive if blacks were allowed to serve alongside whites; that inteMaya Rupert gration would be so disruptive to unit cohesion and morale that it would bring the military to its knees.

And now a black man is the commander in chief of that military.

Racism had not disappeared before we integrated the armed forces. But President Harry Truman believed those units could be better than the people they were bound to protect. He believed in the idea of America even when Americans hadn’t gotten there yet.

I believe in America. I believe that we are better than Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Our military certainly is, and it’s proven that more than once.

And it’s an insult to them; an insult to the Tuskegee Airmen who lived long enough to see a black man command the entire military; an insult to the women who longed to serve their country in a time when they couldn’t, to believe that this military isn’t capable of doing what it’s done before: accepting into its band of brothers and sisters one more group who is willing to serve shoulder-toshoulder with them in the most dangerous military time of a generation.

Much will no doubt be made of this year’s anniversary of military See RUPERT, page 3

Time for immigration Reform is Now Editor’s note: This editorial was produced in association with New America Media (www.new americamedia.org), a national association of ethnic media, and was published by ethnic media across the country this week to bring attention to the urgency of immigration reform.

The White House and members of Congress must move quickly on enacting a just and humane immigration reform package that will reunite families, reinvigorate the economy, and remove the terms “illegal” or “undocumented immigrants” from the dialogue in this country.

Ethnic media, which reaches more than 60 million adults in the United States, calls on Congress to move decisively on immigration reform because there are few issues as important to the nation’s wellbeing as an overhaul of the inefficient, inhumane and economically debilitating immigration system.

More importantly, we are also urging our readers and viewers to contact their Senators and Congressmen and let them know that immigration reform must be a national priority.

The immigration system is broken not just for about 12 million undocumented immigrants, but also for specialized workers blocked from joining the American economy because of narrow quotas, and mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who must wait for years before being reunited with their families.

Our nation needs comprehensive immigration policies that will replace a broken system of raids and roundups with one that protects all workers from exploitation, improves America’s security and builds strong communities.

It’s time to end the division between workers, which has allowed big business to exploit both sides. Clearly, working-class citizens and immigrant workers have much in common: dreams of better homes, education for their families, and quality health care.

There is more that brings us together than separates us. United we can be a strong force for change, changes that that bring more work force safety and humane conditions.

Immigration is often portrayed as an explosive, divisive issue. In reality it’s not. Since the repeal of the national origins quota system in 1965, which discriminated against certain immigrants, a consensus has been building toward an immigration system that respects the country’s core values.

These include economic opportunity, equality under the law regardless of ethnic background, and an embrace of the world’s most innovative, energetic and ambitious workers.

Now, with the country facing serious competition from workers abroad, it’s more important than ever to create a world-class immigration system. It’s good for families, good for communities, and good for America.

The front page cover was designed by Michael Grant.

The Associated Press’ photo was taken by Rusty Kennedy on Jan. 31, 1993, as Michael Jackson performed during the halftime show at the Super Bowl XXVII in Pasadena.

Jackson died in Los Angeles at age 50 on June 25.

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CIRCULATION AUDIT BY

July 2, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 3

BUSINESS Ways to Save on Vacation when Times are Tough

BIZSHORTS QuickBooks Training to Take Place In July A training on QuickBooks accounting software with a managerial finance overview will take place July 13, 20, 25 and 27, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 879 W. 190th St., Hawthorne.

A Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor is expected to lead the course. Course objectives include information gathering and setups for QuickBooks; creating and managing accounts, items and lists; and best practices for posting transactions correctly, among other topics.

Information: Gerald Anderson, (310) 720-7066, sales1@ceoservices group.com, www.CEOServicesGroup. com.

Networking Opportunity for Entrepreneurs Slated “Let’s Do Business 2” will take place July 30, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, 404 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.

Hosted by the Financial Service Consortium, made up of Bank of America, US Bank, Union Bank of California, Wells Fargo and other financial service companies, the event is designed to provide diverse business owners the opportunity to do business as a first- or second-tier supplier to the financial services industry.

Information: Project Director Michael Synn, (310) 261-8832, msynn88@yahoo.com.

Dealing In Jackson Collectibles? Be Careful (AP) — Michael Jackson’s death has triggered a spike in the market for collectibles linked to the pop star. But there may be operators pitching items that aren’t authentic or properly licensed. Here are a few tips from the Better Business Bureau and dealers in the memorabilia industry: • Unless an item is truly rare, its market value may be minimal. Research the cost of comparable items.

• Autographs can be verified by a third party, including memorabilia dealers who are members of the nonprofit Universal Autograph Collectors Club.

• Consumers should always

RUPERT Continued from page 2 integration because of the symbolism of Obama’s position in the military.

But it is Obama’s position in history that obligates him to use his executive authority to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

Who can understand better than our first black commander in chief that the value of a person’s service cannot be dwarfed by their minority

HUTCHINSON Continued from page 2 other claim to notoriety was that he delighted in surrounding himself with packs of children.

The community gathering during the Jackson trial was the last time I heard in minute details the extent of Jackson’s giving and the names of the organizations that he had endorsed and helped. I was glad for that moment.

buy with a credit card if they’re shopping online, because if a seller is fraudulent, the consumer can dispute the charge with the credit card company.

• When shopping online, collectors should look for the Better Business Bureau’s seal on Web sites and click on the seal to confirm its legitimacy. If there’s no BBB seal, check the company out at www.bbb.org.

L.A. Merchant Gets 30 Months in Jail for Fake Bags (AP) — A Los Angeles wholesaler has been sentenced to 30 months in prison in a designer apparel counterfeiting case.

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement statement says Mohammed Siddiquee, 32, was convicted of trademark infringement after agents found more than 10,000 counterfeit bags and apparel items at his business. Authorities say he bought fake bags and attached patches, emblems and hangtags of brands like Coach, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald Cheng says Siddiquee, who is from Bangladesh, was sentenced June 22 in federal court. ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice says he overstayed his visa and authorities will pursue his deportation. A telephone listing for his business, Sitara Enterprises, could not be located June 23.

Free Business Seminars to Take Place on Wednesdays A free business seminar called “Effectively Managing Seven Key Areas of Business” will take place Wednesday evenings, 7 to 8 p.m., at New Thought Management Inc., 3540 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 611, Los Angeles.

This seminar is designed to help business owners and executive managers identify ways to make more money and become more efficient, gain a clear understanding of critical steps to start or expand any business, find out why most businesses fail within the first three years and learn how to effectively manage seven key areas of business for success.

R.S.V.P.: info@NewThought Management.com, www.NewThought Management.com, Anthony D. Parnell at (818) 973-3159.

identity? And if we betray that simple and fundamental idea, what is left of America to believe in?

Maya Rupert is an attorney in downtown Los Angeles. She has previously contributed to the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as other publications. Her column explores issues of race, gender and politics and appears in the L.A. Watts Times regularly. She can be reached at maya.rupert@gmail.com.

This is the Jackson that not only he wanted the world to know and remember, but it is the Jackson that I want to and will always remember.

This is the other Michael Jackson.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. His weekly radio show, “The Hutchinson Report” can be heard in Los Angeles Fridays on KTYM Radio 1460 AM and streamed live nationally on ktym.com.

If you’ve been wavering on spending money for a vacation, remember that vacations can be particularly valuable stress relievers during a tough economy. By shopping smart and making small adjustments in your spending on the trip, you can decompress without worrying about money too much.

Weigh the Value of Driving vs. Flying Check to see where gasoline prices are before you leave — driving vacations may not be the cheapest alternative. If you haven’t measured the gas mileage lately on your car, do so after your next fill-up and see what it would really cost you to drive to your desired destination — and don’t forget wear and tear on the car (roughly 10 to 20 cents a mile), meals or hotels on the road. If you plan significantly ahead of time, traveling by air might not only get you there faster — but cheaper. At the same time, if you fly and need a rental car, don’t forget to figure in that cost.

Plan Online Calling hotels and airlines to make reservations will not only put you on hold, but they’re also likely to cost you more money. If you’re not a regular user of the Internet, you should know that airlines and hotels particularly have migrated more of their deals for rooms and meals to their Web sites because visitors can complete the whole reservation

process themselves. That saves airlines, hotels and rental car companies considerable labor cost. Also, if you’re flexible, you can check travel sites that offer last-minute deals and travel that way.

Go for the Package Deal Online travel sites make it easy to combine hotel, airfare and a rental car at a cheaper rate. And remember the days and times that are typically cheaper to fly — Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays — if you’re willing to fly early in the morning or late in the evening. Also, if the package deal is good enough, you may opt to keep the flight and rental car components while checking at the last minute with a hotel you’d rather stay at to see if you can get a rockbottom rate that might make trading up worth your while.

Know When to Use Travel Agents A good travel agent can be a great money saver, particularly for lengthy or complex trips. It’s OK to compare prices yourself, but consult a travel agent if you are going to remote destinations — they’ll know the territory, and if you have to make changes, they might be able to help you do so without paying a lot of extra money. Also, don’t forget to check currency rates.

Check Your Telecommunications Options Check with your wireless company to make sure your phone works

where you’re going — that’s particularly relevant if you’re going overseas. Ask if your phone will work overseas and what the potential costs will be for roaming charges, which can quickly skyrocket. Also, you might go online to see if your overseas airport rents cell phones at a daily or weekly charge or if it might be worth using a disposable phone you can buy when you get there.

Check on Car Insurance For domestic trips, double check whether your own car insurance policy is likely to pick up the bill if you crash your rental car. For overseas trips, check with your rental agencies, as well as your credit card company to see what insurance options you have. Don’t think only in terms of accidents. Think about blown transmissions in small towns with only one mechanic who doesn’t speak English. Also, if you’re driving to Canada or Latin America in your own car, be very sure you have adequate coverage required in every country. You might have to buy supplemental coverage.

Consider Travel Insurance There is insurance coverage available for travelers who face sudden cancellations as well as medical needs. Trip cancellation can reimburse you for non-refundable costs in the event of things like an illness for you or a family member that causes you to cancel your trip.

See VACATION, page 5

NEWS on the I-710 Corridor For information about current construction on I-710 contact Caltrans @ (213) 897-9372 For information on the long range plans being examined in the I-710 EIR/EIS contact Metro @ (213) 922-4710

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Independence Day We Fully Support Volunteerism

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L.A. WATTS TIMES

July 2, 2009

COMMUNITY Fourth of July CALENDAR

COMMUNITY MEETINGS, FORUMS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Toyota Offers Free Driving Program for Teens Toyota’s free safe-driving program — Toyota Driving Expectations — designed to educate Los Angeles teens and parents about crucial defensive-driving skills, will take place July 11 to 12 and Aug. 8

✁

to 9, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., in Torrance.

California reportedly ranks second among states with the highest number of fatalities involving teen drivers in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To help reduce teen car accidents,

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Toyota has reached out to teens by serving as official sponsor of National Safety Month’s Teen Driving Week, June 1 through 7.

In July and August, Toyota will offer 24 four-hour sessions over two weekends.

To register, visit: www.toyota drivingexpectations.com.

Household Hazardous and E-Waste Roundup Comes to Compton County of Los Angeles residents will have the opportunity to discard household hazardous waste such as antifreeze, unused pharmaceuticals and car batteries, among other items, at the next free Countywide Household Hazardous Waste Roundup.

The event takes place July 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Compton Airport, 901 W. Alondra Blvd., Compton.

Because hazardous waste can pollute the environment, it is illegal to discard these items in trash cans, sinks and storm drains. The roundups are part of a campaign to promote public awareness of proper disposal practices of household hazardous materials and e-waste, and to provide a convenient, free disposal option.

Information: (888) CLEAN LA, www.888CleanLA.com, or (800) 238-0172, www.lacsd.org.

See MEETINGS, page 13

Inglewood/Airport Area Chamber of Commerce

Fourth of July Fireworks Booth Open for Business June 30 through July 4, 2009

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FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR — The Hollywood Bowl’s July 4th Fireworks Spectacular will take place July 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. The three-night event will feature a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by John Morris Russell with special guest John Fogerty. The event will take place at 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood.

Information: (213) 972-3034.

PARTY — The Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce will present a Fireworks & Seaside Lagoon Party, 2 to 11 p.m., at Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach.

Swimming, “Mad Science” workshops and shows, puppets, July 4th arts and crafts, and an obstacle course are a few of the activities that will be available during the day. Tickets are $12 to $22 and table sponsorship options are available. Information: (310) 207-5663, www.redondofireworks. com/index.php.

JAZZ — Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard C. Parks and the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department will present an afternoon of jazz in Leimert Park. The event will take place July 4, 1 to 5 p.m., at the Leimert Park Farmer’s Market, 43rd Street and Degnan Boulevard, Los Angeles. Vendors will be available, and many Leimert Park merchants will also be open. Information: (323) 293-9467.

PICNIC — A Fourth of July picnic will take place at 10 a.m. at the Cali-Camp on Big Rock Ranch, 1717

Old Topanga Canyon Road, Topanga.

The picnic will be hosted by Safety Harbor Kids, and proceeds will help send SHK’s foster, orphan and homeless children to a day camp. Information: (800) 277-0497.

FESTIVAL — “Americafest 2009” will feature fireworks, performances by Drum Corps International, crafts, an XBOX 360 pavilion and inflatable rides. The festival, which will be hosted by the Rose Bowl, will include a food court, opening at 2 p.m., and the stadium gates will open at 6 p.m.

Opening ceremonies begin at 6:50 p.m. and the fireworks display at 9:05 p.m. The event will be at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. Information: (626) 440-9731.

4TH AT MONTEREY — The City of Monterey Park’s Fourth of July celebration, themed “My American Dream,” will feature performances by the Monterey Park Concert Band, 1950s and ’60s singing group The Wonderelles, and the Rudy Macias Band. A ceremony to honor new U.S. citizens, members of the U.S. military and their families will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. A Golden Stars sky diving team demonstration will take place at 8 p.m. And a fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. The festivities will take place at Barnes Park, 350 S. McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park.

Information: (626) 307-1388.

See FOURTH OF JULY CALENDAR, page 11

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COMMUNITY

WHAT’S GOING ON? Deadline for receipt of What’s Going On listings is Friday, 12 p.m., at least two weeks prior to activity.

Fax to: (213) 251-5720, e-mail us at lawattsnus@aol.com or mail to: L.A. Watts Times, 3540 Wilshire Blvd., PH3, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

YOUTH APPRECIATION DAY — Neighborhood Youth Achievers will hold this first annual scholarship and charity luncheon celebration on July 11 at the Ayers Hotel, 14400 Hindry Ave., Hawthorne. The reception will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon and program will start at 12:15 p.m. The honorary chairpersons are Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn and state Sen. Roderick D. Wright. Tickets are $75 each.

CONVERSATIONS AT CAAM — “Journeys, Issues and Insights” will be the topic of conversation at the California African American Museum between Ann Maria Simmons, a Los Angeles Times reporter and veteran foreign correspondent, and Phyllis Garrett, vice chair of the museum’s history council.

Simmons was the primary correspondent for the Times’ New Orleans bureau until June 2007. She spent 14 months covering the rebuilding effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

In 2003, while on temporary assignment to the Times’ Baghdad bureau,

she survived a suicide bomb attack that killed several people. The event is July 11, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at 600 State Drive, Los Angeles. Admission is free but parking is $8. Information: (213) 744-7432, www.caamuseum. org.

CALL FOR ARTISTS — The Los Angeles for Center Digital Art is seeking all styles of artwork and photography where digital processes of any kind were integral to their creation. The deadline is July 20.

Entry fees are $30 and registration is only available online at http:// lacda.com/juried/juriedshow.html.

Selected winners will be exhibited as the central focus of the “Digital Art.LA” expo in a large group exhibit at the LACDA gallery, Aug. 13 through Sept. 5 Video winners will also be screened at the Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles.

Information: lacda@lacda.com, http://DigitalArt.LA. DIVINITY VS. DESECRATION — Author and lecturer Sadiki Bakari will speak on the parallel dimensions of hip-hop during the “Talking Drum” forum July 3, 7 p.m., at the Afiba Center, 5730 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles. Bakari will discuss issues such as live instrumentation and computer programs, and the metaphysical and physical elements of hip-hop. A love offering will be

accepted at the door. Information: sadikibakari.com.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS — The National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold a series of events in honor Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The first major event is an art exhibit, entitled “Believe Trust Love – Living Outside the Box,” will be on view at the alliance’s office, 4305 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, 3 to 7 p.m. Information: (323) 294-7814.

CABRILLO AQUARIUM — The Sunday Story Studio will be held at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium July 12, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Seashore Mornings will take place July 13 to 17, 9 a.m. to noon. The Story Studio is a free activity but reservations are required for groups.

Seashore Mornings cost $85 for nonmembers of the aquarium and classes are limited in size to ensure individual attention. The aquarium is at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro. Information: (310) 5487562, www.cabrilloaq.org.

URBAN POLICY — The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable meets Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Leimert Park’s Lucy Florence Coffeehouse, 3351 W. 43rd St., Los Angeles. The roundtable features expert speakers on hotbutton local and national issues followed by open discussion. It is free and open to the public. Information: (323) 383-6145.

Photo by MARTY COTWRIGHT

THE NEXT GENERATION — Students of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy perform during a celebration of the academy’s relocation to the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza on June 26.

VACATION Continued from page 3 Look into what your current health insurance covers at your destination, so that you can understand your risk exposure and weigh it against the cost of supplemental insurance. It’s important to realize that health insurance issues crop up on domestic trips as well as those overseas; for instance, your health insurer may not cover claims in other parts of the country. Always check. Also, if you’re on a business trip, make sure your company health

plan will cover you in an emergency.

Prevent Theft at Home and Abroad Photocopy your driver’s license and passports and keep the originals with your valuables in the hotel safe.

Also, don’t forget to hold your mail and pay all your bills before leaving town.

This column is produced by the Financial Planning Association, the membership organization for the financial planning community, and is provided by Percy E. Bolton, CFP, a local member of FPA. Bolton can be reached at office@percybolton.com.

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Styrofoam packing As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure access to its programs, services and activities.

L.A. Watts Times...News You Can Use

Page 6

L.A. WATTS TIMES

July 2, 2009

COMMUNITY First Signs of Redevelopment Seen At Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall

BY CHICO C. NORWOOD STAFF WRITER

Photo by IAN FOXX

DOWN TO BUSINESS — California Sen. Curren Price was sworn recently as the representative for the 26th Senate District by Judge Patricia Titus as Del Richardson and Charlene Price, his mother, look on. Price was elected to fill the seat vacated by current Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

NEWS IN BRIEF THE SOUTHLAND Attorney: Promoters Owe Jackson Doctor Money (AP) — An attorney for Michael Jackson’s doctor says the cardiologist is owed $300,000 by the promoter of the star’s planned concerts in London.

Houston attorney Edward Chernoff said June 28 that AEG Live is two months behind on paying Dr.

Facts “I’m a black American, I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am. I have a lot of pride and dignity.”

Michael Jackson, speaking to Oprah Winfrey, 1993

Conrad Murray to serve as Jackson’s personal physician during the run of the shows. The doctor was with Jackson when he died.

Randy Phillips, CEO and president of AEG Live, says the contract to pay Murray required Jackson’s signature. Phillips says Jackson didn’t sign the agreement before his death June 25.

Phillips says the firm had been negotiating to pay Murray $150,000 a month. He says the company was only advancing the money to Jackson, and the doctor’s claim may now be against the singer’s estate.

See BRIEFS, page 12

The “first tangible signs” of redeveloping and revitalizing the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza were seen recently with the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Debbie Allen Dance Academy held June 26 in the former Sizzler site at 3791 Santa Rosalia Drive.

“To have a cultural icon like Debbie Allen to come to our facility … it’s kind of a win- win-win for her and for us and the community,” said Quintin E. Primo III, president and CEO of Capri Capital Partners, the minority-owned securities and exchange pension fund advisory firm. Primo founded Capri Capital in 1992 and his company purchased the mall in February 2006.

Residents can expect to see more changes in the near future, especially in the form of additional art-related events.

“We’re creating a pilot program for this summer for a summer concert series,” said Trish Hoffman of the Blitz group, a spokesperson for Capri Partners. “Our plan is to have at least three concerts here at night and then hopefully one concert during the day.”

Primo says the plans to redevelop the mall have been temporarily

Photo by MARTY COTWRIGHT

A NEW BEGINNING — The Debbie Allen Dance Academy celebrated its relocation to the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza with a ribbon cutting and performance on June 26. Pictured: (left to right) Berry Gordy, Norm Nixon, Wallis Annenberg, Quintin E. Primo III and Debbie Allen, cutting the ribbon to “The Wallis Annenberg Room” at the academy.

The academy also has a “Berry Gordy Room.”

slowed due to the economy but Capri Partners hope to completely reconfigure the mall and start construction on the redevelopment in the next 12 to 18 months.

Primo added that while the economy may have slowed things down, “We’re not going to abandon this community, but rather, we are going to invest in it.”

According to Jeff Fisher, media

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strategist for Capri Capital, the plaza is the company’s largest single investment and it was purchased for the purpose of redevelopment.

“We feel that there is an enormous amount of opportunity there. It is the oldest urban regional mall in the country,” Fisher said. “It’s a very densely populated, underserved marketplace.”

He also said the company has held community meetings, spoke with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and is working with the Community Redevelopment Agency to obtain zoning approvals, environmental impact reports and other city requirements for redevelopment. Fisher said residents can expect to see the “shovel-in-the-ground” work begin in the fall 2010.

While the mall will essentially remain the way it is, Fisher said it will be completely refurbished with parcels redesigned to look more like The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles.

“Basically what we are going to be doing is remerchandising it, bringing in some of those merchants that haven’t been there for a while,” Fisher said. “We’re looking at bringing in sit-down restaurants, all of the See BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW MALL, page 13

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IT PAYS TO SAVE POWER.

July 2, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 7

ARTS & CULTURE SHORT TAKES

The BET Awards took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles June 28.

According to The Associated Press, about 10.7 million viewers watched the show, which was dedicated to Michael Jackson.

BOOKSIGNINGS

CONCERTS

• Dr. Keith Black, the chair of the department of neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, has written a memoir not only about his life but his patients and the intricate procedures he has used on

• The 14th Annual JazzFest West will take place July 18 and 19 at Frank Bonelli Park, 120 Via Verde, San Dimas. Scheduled performers include Teena Marie, The Sax For Stax Tour featuring Gerald Albright and Kirk Whalum, Eric Benet, Will Downing and more. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and general admission is $48 per day or $78 for the two-day pass. Children ages 6 through 12 are $10 for general admission and children ages 5 and under can attend for free. A limited number of VIP & Gold tickets are available. Information: (949) 360-7800, omegaevents.com.

• Preservation Hall opened its doors to the public in 1961 to showcase the national treasures of traditional New Orleans jazz music. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band provides an opportunity for music fans throughout the world to experience this music. The

Talk show host Tyra Banks poses for a photo.

“Mutiny at Port Chicago”

Jackson’s Complex Color Story Transcended Race

BY JESSE WASHINGTON AP NATIONAL WRITER

Michael Jackson had a complicated relationship with his blackness.

In 40 years in the public eye, Jackson’s skin lightened, his hair changed from Afro to bone-straight perm, and his nose was surgically whittled down to a point. His music went from R&B to pure pop and beyond. His close friends included Elizabeth Taylor and Nancy Reagan.

Michael Jackson

By the time his last smash hit, “Black or White,” was released in 1991, many people wondered if the song title applied to Jackson himself.

But those who knew him well say he always maintained his black identity. And as a trailblazer for a new breed of global multimedia stars, he helped create an era in which race was a piece, rather than the definition, of a person.

“I think that Michael really, in his career, just transcended race.

His work and his life was sort of about undefining race,” said Bill Bottrell, who co-produced “Black or White” and worked closely with Jackson from 1986 into the early ’90s.

“He obscured the issue, or obscured it at least as far as he was concerned, or just transcended the issue,” Bottrell said. “I watched him with his friends; they came from all walks of life. He certainly surrounded himself with lots of African Americans, also a lot of white people, including me.”

Jackson grew up in hardscrabble Gary, Ind., performing with his brothers. The Jackson 5 were

weaned on rhythm and blues, a name coined in the 1940s to describe the fusion of several black music styles with a new instrument, the electric bass.

The first Jackson 5 album was released in 1969 on the Motown label, which carved a place in history by making black music “safe” for white people to enjoy.

Jackson was an instant child star. In 1975 he moved to Epic Records, a division of CBS, and hit the solo stratosphere in 1979 with his album “Off The Wall,” a combination of funk and pop music.

It sold 9 million copies, the most by any black performer up to that point. On the album cover, Jackson has a puffy Afro, and his skin is slightly darker than the brick wall behind him.

“There really were two phases to the career of Michael Jackson,” said the commentator and community activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson.

“There certainly was a relationship with and an identification with African Americans — music, dance, lifestyle, his performances,” he said. “That was essentially black music. That was, quoteunquote, the ‘black’ Michael Jackson.”

His next album was 1982’s “Thriller,” the biggest record of all time, which has sold 50 million copies worldwide. He was the first black artist to get video play on the fledgling MTV network, and became one of the most famous people on the planet — of any race.

“He was beyond a skin color.

It was about the message in his music. That’s why people related to him,” said DJ Spinna, who produces parties in the United States and internationally, showcasing Jackson’s music.

Ye t t h e w i d e r M i c h a e l Jackson’s fame spread, the whiter his appearance became.

Jackson said he had vitiligo, a disease that produces white splotches on the skin. He compensated with treatments and makeup that turned his overall complexion lighter and lighter, to an extent never seen before in a black celebrity. Serial surgeries kept altering his facial features.

Successful blacks — from Sammy Davis to Oprah Winfrey to See JACKSON’S COMPLEX STORY, page 10

the brain. The memoir is entitled “Brain Surgeon: A Doctor’s Inspiring Encounters with Mortality and Miracles.” Black will sign copies of the book and talk about his experiences July 8, 7 to 9 p.m., at the California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. The event is sponsored by the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center and Eso Won Books. This event is free but parking is $8. Please RSVP for this event by calling (323) 957-4747.

• Bay Area author Brandelyn Castine will make her first Los Angeles appearance to sign copies of her latest novel, U.G.L.Y. In the book, Blair Hughes is a beautiful,

intelligent and talented young woman who believes her identity is defined by her size 22 waistline.

Suddenly forced to recreate her personal definition, Blair travels through a series of right and wrong turns, chance encounters and unimaginable situations that ultimately lead her to a place where she is able to look past the physical and discover what it truly means to be U.G.L.Y. This event will be at Zahra’s Books ‘N Things, 900 N. La Brea Ave., Inglewood, July 11, 2 to 4 p.m.

Information: (310) 330-1300, visit www.beencee.com.

THEATER • “Mutiny at Port Chicago” will have its world premiere July 10 and run through Aug. 15 at the Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. At Port Chicago in the night, San Francisco’s East Bay residents attempted to shield themselves from shattering windows as the sky

blazed after an explosion. In the tragedy, 320 people were killed, 400 more were injured, and everything within a 1 mile radius was destroyed in a flash. Fifty survivors were imprisoned for mutiny. Performances of the play are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., and tickets are $20 ($15 for students, seniors and guild members) and can be purchased in advance by calling (310) 397-3244.

Information: www.ruskingrouptheatre.com. Free parking is available at the theater.

• Samantha Cooke is a complex and conflicted woman torn between two worlds, fighting to sustain and protect her family from a past that threatens to undermine her almost-perfect present. Kellita Smith (“The Bernie Mac Show”) stars as Cooke in “One Woman, Two Lives,” which makes its world debut July 17, at The Imagined Life Theater (formerly the 2100 Square Foot Theater). The play is directed by three-time NAACP Best Director Image Award recipient Denise Dowse and written by Alretha Thomas. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sunday performances are at 3 p.m. The play will run from July 17 through Aug. 23, at the Imagined Life Theater, 5615 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. General admission tickets are $25. Information: (626) 858-1907, www.onewomantwolives.com.

band is scheduled to play several dates in the Southern California area: July 10 at Irvine Barclay Theatre, on the campus of the University of California, Irvine, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine; July 12 at the Lou Bredlow Pavilion in Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills; and July 13 at the Madrid Theater, 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Information: www.preservationhall.com.

Facts “I try to be kind and generous and to give to people and to do what I think God wants me to do. Sometimes I pray and say ‘where do you want me to go next, God? What do you want me to do from here?’ I’ve always been very spiritual in that way. It’s nothing new.”

Michael Jackson, speaking to Geraldo Rivera, May 2005

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Page 8

L.A. WATTS TIMES

REMEMBER...

Michael Jackson August 29,1958 - June 25, 2009

REFLECTIONS “Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. ... Long live Michael Jackson.”

Ne-Yo R&B singer Quintin E. Primo, III Chairman and chief executive officer of Capri Capital Partners, LLC: Favorite song: ‘Thriller’ because Debbie Allen choreographed it.

Favorite memory: When I was very young, to see a child when they were first on the ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ many, many years. To see a child, particularly Michael ,to see such a young, gifted black kid that could sing, and that could dance, it was just the most amazing thing.

They’re all good but he was especially brilliant.

July 2, 2009

Vanessa Bell Calloway Actress Favorite song: When I was a teenager, ‘Ben’ used to bring me to tears.

‘Ben’ would have me crying. I said I’m crying about a rat, but I loved Michael Jackson singing ‘Ben.’ There are so many Michael Jackson songs that I love I don’t know if I have one favorite …

Favorite memory: I have two favorite memories. When they came out … it was major when we were kids; it was major to have this black male group come out. It was off the chain, and going to that concert when I was a teenager and everybody my age wanted to marry Jermaine. That’s one of my favorite memories, just remembering them coming out, but also that Motown 25. He broke the bank on that one. He turned a page in history. He set the game at a different level.

James Ingram Singer/Songwriter: Favorite song: ‘PYT’ (Pretty, Young, Thing) because I wrote that for him.

I was in the studio with Michael. We’ve been friends for

Page 8

ON THE KING OF POP: Here’s what some of the town had to say about the recent death of the icon.

Mark Ridley-Thomas Los Angeles County Supervisor, Second District: Favorite song: ‘The Man In The Mirror,’ because it is the most meaningful song that I know that he did, and the reason for that is that it speaks to change, personal change and social transformation, precisely what we need and what we are working toward right now. So he was in the middle of movement when he gave us that. So that’s it, hands down.

Favorite memory: On one particular occasion, it may have been a Soul Train Awards, he was wheelchair-bound and he was an award recipient. He was rolled out in his wheelchair to receive his award and he started rocking in his wheelchair.

“We have lost an icon in our industry and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and children in this hour of sorrow that they are now going through.

He will live on in my memory and most definitely through the music he shared with so many.”

years.

“Him in my Favorite memory: When he was in the studio singing it (PYT), Michael was kitchen with his actually dancing while he was singing was dancing, moving. I’ve never toddler son, Prince, it.seenHeanybody dance at the microphone Dionne Warwick Singer and Jackson’s friend (while) recording. eating cornbread.

Just spending a “I remember going to my senior prom and little family time ‘Thriller’ came on and everybody started doing like that. the Thriller except me.”

Ken Griffey Jr. Debbie Allen Actress, dancer, choreographer, on her favorite memory Jackson.

Howard, of Watts Favorite Song: I like all of them for different reasons; the words, I like a lot of his background music because he had really good musicians, he had the top background (musicians).

Favorite Memory: Me and my wife went to one of his first concerts when I was in the service. We were seated in back of him, so we didn’t see his face. But we could see the crowd, and they were really partying out there. 1970, the first Forum concert he did in L.A. Brother Musomi, of Los Angeles Favorite Song: ‘I Want You Back.’

Favorite Memory: When he came out with ‘I Want You Back,’ them little young brothers.

We’re the same age. To see these young brothers, especially at the time when you’re talking about Motown, with the Temptations and Smokey and all them old school elders singing, and these young brothers come out like that, and that brother singing ‘Who’s Loving You?’ For a young brother, 11 years old, to sing a song that David Ruffin and Smokey Robinson sang, a ballad? Oh, that was powerful. That was powerful.

Seattle Mariners, on his favorite memory Jackson.

David, of Los Angeles (via Oklahoma) Favorite Song: ‘Do You Remember The Time.’

Favorite Memory: A friend of mine used to play with Michael Jackson, a guy I grew up with, and I saw him in Hawaii. I yelled at him from the stage and he signaled for me to come backstage, so I went backstage and I got to meet the whole family, including Michael.

Elaine, of Los Angeles Favorite Song: Old School, ‘Who’s Lovin’ You.’ He did it right there, he brought it all back when he did ‘Who’s Lovin’You.’ Favorite Memory: I got so many, I can go from ’69 on to 2009, everything, but I just wish they just really focus on the positive of Michael Jackson and (not) all that negative thing; they need to let that rest, because it was more to him than just that. He crossed all the color barriers and … everything, all the barriers, he tore them down, so we should just stick with that, more of the positive thing.

Otis, of Los Angeles Favorite Song: It’s got to be ‘Thriller’ Favorite Memory: In my hometown of San Francisco, I went to see the ‘Victory Tour,’ … and how he danced on top of the piano with his brothers, how he was tied, fully tied, covered on up, lifted into the air, disappeared, and came on out with ‘victory’ clothes on in a tuxedo, and it just blew everybody away … And that’s my fond memory of him and I never will forget it.

“Michael Jackson was my musical god. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music.

He can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God Bless him.”

Wyclef Jean Rapper and former member of the Fugees Juan Pierre The Los Angeles Dodgers Favorite song: My favorite Michael Jackson song will probably have to be ‘Beat It’ or ‘Thriller,’ one of those two.

Favorite memory: I had a Michael Jackson ‘Thriller’ folder when I was in the second grade. I’ll never forget that folder I had. I went to school and looked at Michael every day in the second grade.

I truly think he was a kid in a man’s body.”

Raven Blair Davis Women Power Talk Radio Network

Valerie, of Los Angeles (via Omaha, Neb.) Favorite Song: I like them all, all of them, but ‘Thriller’ makes me want to dance.

Favorite Memory: …

One night I was laying in bed, and I thought it was a scary movie, and it was him in that ‘Thriller’ video. And I thought it was really unique, the makeup, all the dances, it was just beautiful.

Audrey, of Los Angeles Favorite Song: ‘Who’s Lovin’ You.’ Favorite Memory: … In the ’80s, ‘Off The Wall,’ the video … because he had grown up to be such a goodlooking young man, I thought.

Denise, of Los Angeles Favorite Song: ‘Smooth Criminal.’

Favorite Memory: Just all his music videos and him singing and moonwalkin’ … basically everything.

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July 2, 2009

REMEMBER...

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Michael Jackson

August 29,1958 - June 25, 2009

MICHAEL JACKSON

SHOCK, SADNESS AND CELEBRATION — Reaction to the death of Michael Jackson on June 25 crossed geographic boundaries as well as cultural and political ones. The global expressions of shock, sadness and grief, and the desire to celebrate the life of “The King of Pop,” were found locally as well.

TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: 1-3. Jackson throughout the years. (Photos by Bill Jones) 4. Fans gathered at the gates of Jackson’s residence in Holmby Hills around a memorial for the King of Pop. 5. Jermaine Jackson addresses media June 25 at UCLA Medical Center, announcing the death of his brother. (Photos by Marty Cotwright) 6.

Scorpio, a Michael Jackson impersonator, performs during a celebration of Jackson’s life in Leimert Park on June 26. (Photo by Damien Smith) 7. Zabad Zidkijah, paying homage to Michael Jackson, one member of “The Jackson 5,” June 25, in the 1500 block of North Vine Street, where the group’s star is located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

(Photo by Marty Cotwright)

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L.A. WATTS TIMES

July 2, 2009

EDUCATION L.A. Schools Budget Will Cut $1.6B Over 3 Years

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Los Angeles Unified School Board approved a budget June 23 that could cut nearly $1.6 billion over the next three years.

Board members noted that the budget for the 2011-12 school year may include the elimination of fullday kindergarten and layoffs for half the district’s nurses and elementary art and music teachers.

The plan makes layoffs more likely for 2,200 teachers and up to 2,000 custodians, cafeteria workers and other school employees.

“Passing this budget makes me sick to my stomach,” said Yolie Flores Aguilar, one of five board members who approved the budget. Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte and Julie Korenstein voted against the proposal.

The district has slashed almost $700 million, about 10 percent of this year’s operating budget, and taken money from teacher training, professional development and transportation, in order to maintain

funds for classroom instruction.

The approved budget includes $132 million in cuts for the current fiscal year and about $143 million next year.

In 2011-12, when federal stimulus money for education runs out, district officials project that they will have to make $844 million in cuts.

Union officials said they will continue to fight against layoffs and have not agreed to any pay cuts or scheduling changes. United Teachers Los Angeles President A.J. Duffy said the latest reductions would have a devastating effect.

Union members have urged the district to use more federal stimulus money to save teaching positions and prohibit schools from paying non-teaching staff with the federal funds.

Superintendent Ramon Cortines said it would be irresponsible to spend all of the federal money at once and that giving school staff

more autonomy will help cut bureaucracy at district headquarters.

State law requires Cortines to have filed a three-year budget by July 1. He also asked the board to approve a parcel tax to generate money for schools that would go to voters next spring. That decision is pending.

“It will be difficult for the community to support a parcel tax but we have no choice,” he said.

Cortines also complained that the unions have not offered concessions.

“I have not received any alternative solutions from our collective bargaining units,” he said.

Union leaders have said they have negotiated in good faith.

Several board members said they felt they had to vote for the budget but would not approve some specifics of the plan later on.

“I cannot imagine cutting fullday kindergarten,” board member Tamar Galatzan said.

JACKSON’S COMPLEX STORY Continued from page 7 Barack Obama — have often been accused of losing touch with their roots. But Jackson also had to contend with historic changes in the music industry: Blacks were finally being marketed to the mainstream, while testosterone-fueled rap music was about to create a new definition of blackness — one that definitely did not include the increasingly pale, androgynous and childlike Jackson.

“The second phase of his career was where it became much murkier,” Hutchinson said. “He became much more ambivalent in the minds of many African Americans. His music, his whole change in appearance, his fan base became much more eclectic. You just didn’t see African Americans identifying with him.”

Bottrell was in Jackson’s studio daily as an engineer on Jackson’s “Bad” album, released in 1987, and again on 1991’s “Dangerous.”

“His inspirations were from people of all races,” he said.

“People he really admired, his friends. Dick Gregory was one of his friends, I mean, these were some real African Americans. He could hang in all kinds of contexts with all kinds of people. He seemed to have all these strains of consciousness running through him.”

Teddy Riley, another producer on “Dangerous,” said Jackson frequently discussed his cosmetic changes. “I’m quite sure if Michael could have done it all over again, he would not have done that,” Riley told Rolling Stone for a 1992

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Jackson profile.

Jackson’s downward slide began when he was accused of child molestation in 1993, and again in 2000.

Hutchinson’s Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable organized a series of meetings about Jackson’s case. Several members of Jackson’s inner circle attended, he said.

“They brought messages back from Jackson letting us know, ‘Look, don’t believe what you hear, I still identify with the black community. I’m black and that hasn’t changed, and I want your support.’ ” They also told Hutchinson’s group about large, unpublicized donations to black organizations.

But people at the meetings remained divided, Hutchinson said: “Either you loved him, you identified with him, you saw him as one of your own, as a black performer important to the black community, or you saw him as someone who basically, I don’t want to use the term sellout, but ... as a creature and a creation of the white world.”

All his contradictions came through in the song “Black or White.”

“As long as you’re my baby,” the chorus goes, “it don’t matter if you’re black or white.”

Jackson usually came to the studio with his lyrics written down, Bottrell said, but this time he improvised on the spot. They recorded it in one take.

“It just sort of emanated from him,” Bottrell said. “Clearly he had that theme in his mind when he started singing.”

The song went to No. 1 around the world. The classic video shows Jackson dancing on different continents, and the faces of different nationalities morphing into one another. And in the end, Jackson transforms into a pitch-black panther.

On the Net: Bill Bottrell: www.billbottrell.com; DJ Spinna: www.facebook.com/spinnadjvincentwilliams.

NOTEBOOK Md. County Names Elementary School After Obama UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — The Prince George’s County school board has voted to name an Upper Marlboro elementary school after President Barack Obama.

The board voted unanimously June 25 on the name for the school just miles from the White House.

Barack Obama Elementary School, which is expected to be completed later this year, would be the first school in the Washington region to be named after the president, but not the first in the nation.

A Long Island school was renamed shortly after Obama was elected in November.

Some objected to naming the school after a president who has been in office only a few months.

But board vice chairman Ron Watson says what Obama has done already is significant enough.

NU Creates Online Collection of African Photos EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — Northwestern University is making a rare collection of photographs of East Africa available online. The searchable database chronicles the colonization of East Africa from 1860 to 1960.

More than 7,000 photos are in the collection that was acquired in 2002 by Northwestern’s Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies.

Library curator David Easterbrook said putting the photos online gives an “unprecedented opportunity” for scholars. The collection includes formal and informal portraits, including some of slaves, slave traders, missionaries and colonial officials. The exhibit can be accessed at www.library. northwestern.edu/africana/winter ton.

Two Historically Black Colleges Hear from SACS HOUSTON (AP) — Two historically black Texas colleges just received news that will affect their futures and those of their students.

Texas Southern University, which has battled financial and management problems, was taken off probation June 25 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the university’s accrediting agency.

Paul Quinn College, a small college in Dallas, plans to appeal a decision removing its accreditation, officials said June 25.

Belle Wheelan, president of the SACS’ commission on colleges, said the board voted to lift the probation after Texas Southern President John Rudley and TSU administrators presented evidence about improvements at the school.

Texas Southern, the state’s largest historically black university, was placed on probation in December 2007 because of financial and management problems.

Wheelan cited Paul Quinn’s debt and a lack of funding, planning, assessment and student learning outcomes in the accreditation decision.

Colleges can’t award diplomas without accreditation in Texas and

an unaccredited school’s students can’t receive federal or state financial aid.

Michael J. Sorrell, Paul Quinn’s president, said in a statement that the school was disappointed with the ruling and will appeal.

Ex-High School Basketball Coach to Stand Trial (AP) — A former high school basketball coach will stand trial on charges he tried to molest one of his players and embezzled $15,000 that was supposed to be used for his team.

Russell Otis, an ex-coach at Dominguez High School in Compton, was ordered by a judge on June 26 to return to court July 6 for arraignment.

Otis, 46, is accused of sending sexually suggestive text messages to a player, now 17, and offering to pay the boy to engage in a sex act during a meeting at the boy’s home in August. Otis was accused of sodomizing a player in 2000 but acquitted at trial.

Prosecutors also believe Otis used a forged authorization letter to deposit a $15,000 Nike sponsorship check to the school district into his personal checking account.

The school district fired Otis this month.

Information from: Los Angeles Times, www.latimes.com.

MLK’s Papers to be Basis of First Rights Course ATLANTA (AP) — The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vast personal collection of papers will be used for the first time to teach a college course on civil rights this fall.

Morehouse College in Atlanta said June 23 it will use the library of about 10,000 documents, books and other papers that have been housed at the school since 2006.

The course, called “Martin Luther King Jr. and the Modern Freedom Struggle,” will be taught

by Clayborne Carson, who was named executive director of the collection in January.

King graduated from historically black Morehouse with a degree in sociology in 1948.

Morehouse owns the collection, which was bought from the King estate for $32 million in June 2006.

SC Building Added to National Registry AIKEN, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina building that was once an industrial training school for children of former slaves has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Aiken Standard reported June 25 that the former Immanuel School in Aiken County has earned the designation. The newspaper says it is the future home of the Center for African American History, Arts and Culture.

The Immanuel School was founded in 1881 to train students in reading, writing and math as well as in music and job skills. It’s been known by many names, including Immanuel Institute, Coles Normal See NOTEBOOK, page 11

July 2, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 11

HEALTH THE PULSE Power Walking, Toning Groups Available Until Halloween Healthy Body Healthy Mind collective will present power walking and toning groups throughout the week from July 6 through Oct. 31 at Kenneth Hahn and Ladera parks.

The groups have been created to achieve and maintain a healthy body and mind no matter what is going on in the world or what is occurring in people’s personal lives. The power walking and toning groups consist of moderate to intense power walking on flatland and hills.

Information: Ursula Moon, (818) 613-4161, mindbodyfitness777@hotmail.com, www.celebrityfitbootcamp. com.

Consumers Advised Against Ingesting ‘Seven Color Crystal Bolls’ The Los Angeles County Health Officer is warning consumers about possible health hazards associated with “Seven Color Crystal Bolls,” a product sold at many discount stores. This product contains multicolored beads that expand up to four times their origi-

nal size when immersed in water.

These items are designed for use as a plant-watering mechanism, and are not meant to be eaten.

If swallowed, these products may expand in the airway, stomach or intestines and can create a medical emergency.

Parents are advised that it has been reported to the Department of Public Health that children have placed this product in their mouths, or in plastic water bottles, where the product may be accidentally ingested. If the product is ingested, seek medical attention immediately.

“Seven Color Crystal Bolls” is an imported product with unlisted ingredients, and the toxicity of this product is unknown at this time.

Any product that is designed for plants should never be eaten or placed in the mouth. Vendors and shop owners who stock this product should not sell it with food.

Information: www.public health.lacounty.gov.

CDPH Urges Californians Remain Vigilant to Prevent Spread of Flu SACRAMENTO — Dr. Mark

FOURTH OF JULY CALENDAR Continued from page 4 4TH AT PORTER RANCH — A Fourth of July fireworks show will be held at 3 p.m. at Shepherd at the Hills in Porter Ranch. Highlights include face painting, an indoor show, food and fireworks at dusk. Festivities will take place at 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. Information: (818) 8319333.

50TH FIREWORKS SHOW — The Long Beach Firemen’s Memorial Association will hold its 50th annual fireworks show with live entertainment at 6 p.m., and the fireworks show at 9 p.m. The event will take place at the Long Beach Veterans Stadium, 5000 Lew Davis St., Long Beach. Information: (562) 570-5333.

4TH NEAR THE SEA — A Fourth of July fireworks display will be held, with pyrotechnics launched from a barge near Fisherman’s Village, at 9 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, will take place at 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey. Information: (310) 305-9503.

COMPETITION — “Muscle Beach” will celebrate its 75th anniversary/Diamond Jubilee at the 2009 Mr. & Ms. Muscle Beach Bodybuilding, Figure, and Bikini Competition July 4, at the Venice Beach Recreation Center, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; prejudging starts at 10 a.m.; a parade of athletes and the presentation of colors by a U.S. Army color guard will be at 1 p.m., followed by the finals which will continue until

NOTEBOOK Continued from page 10 and Industrial School and Emanuel Mission School and African School among others. The school closed in 1931.

Information from: Aiken Standard, www.aikenstandard.com.

about 5 p.m. The entry fee is $80 per participant and admission is free for spectators. There will be on-site exhibits from companies in the health and fitness industry, along with educational materials, giveaways and more. The event will be presented by Joe Wheatley Productions. Information: (818) 922-4626, http://musclebeachvenice. com/events/MrandMrsMuscleBeach/.

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION — Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro will hold its 59th annual 4th of July community celebration and fireworks show at 9 a.m. with tours of a trio of U.S. Coast Guard cutters, followed by the ringing of the Korean Friendship Bell in Angels Gate Park at 10 a.m. Activities on the beach will begin at noon and include performances by San Pedroarea bands and other artists. There will also be armed forces and Coast Guard demonstrations, and displays by the Los Angeles City Fire Department’s firefighting boat. The opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Golden State Pops Orchestra will play a variety of Americana music, leading up to the fireworks show at 9 p.m. Alcohol, barbecues and fireworks are prohibited and will be confiscated, and both vehicles and coolers are subject to search. Cabrillo Beach is at 3800 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro, near the Port of Los Angeles.

Information: (310) 548-7401.

Facts “I have a skin disorder that destroys the pigmentation of my skin. It’s something that I cannot help, OK? But when people make up stories that I don’t want to be what I am it hurts me. ... It’s a problem for me that I can’t control ... but what about all the millions of people who sit out in the sun, to become darker, to become other than what they are? No one says nothing about that.”

Michael Jackson, speaking to Oprah Winfrey, 1993

Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, urges Californians to continue to take precautions against the spread of the H1N1 virus (swine flu), which persists in California despite the end of the regular flu season. The novel H1N1 flu virus is unique, because it is a combination of genes from pig (swine), bird, and human flu viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Horton offered the reminder as local health officials announced the death of the 17th Californian from H1N1 virus. Preliminary information from local health officials indicate that 10 of the 17 Californians who have died had pre-existing health conditions, including chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and emphysema. Another common factor appears to be obesity.

In addition, at least 142

Californians have been hospitalized due to the novel H1N1 virus, while many more have been sickened at home and have recovered.

The majority of H1N1 cases continue to be mild in severity.

Horton said ongoing monitoring shows that California hospital admissions and emergency room visits due to the flu remain higher than what is normally seen this time of year and also higher than what is typically seen during the traditional flu season.

About 4,500 people die each year from seasonal flu. The annual influenza season usually runs from October to May.

Melanoma Incidence Rising NEW YORK — The five-year survival rate for African Americans with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is 59 percent compared to 85 percent in Caucasians.

The most common forms of

skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Each of these has been linked to intermittent and/or chronic sun exposure.

Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer among all racial groups. Although UV light, along with heredity, plays a role in the occurrence of melanoma in Caucasians, the primary risk factor for melanoma in people of color is undetermined.

Among African Americans and others of African descent, Asians, Hawaiians, and Native Americans, melanomas are most likely to appear in the mouth, on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and under the nails.

Due to delayed diagnoses, melanoma is frequently fatal for African Americans, Latinos and Asians. See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

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L.A. WATTS TIMES

July 2, 2009

HEALTH

Surprising Number of Teens Think They’ll Die Young

BY LINDSEY TANNER AP MEDICAL WRITER

CHICAGO (AP) — A surprising number of teenagers — nearly 15 percent — think they’re going to die young, leading many to drug use, suicide attempts, and other unsafe behavior, new research suggests.

The study, based on a survey of more than 20,000 kids, challenges conventional wisdom that says teens engage in risky behavior because they think they’re invulnerable to harm. Instead, a sizable number of teens may take chances “because they feel hopeless and figure that not much is at stake,” said study author Dr. Iris Borowsky, a researcher at the University of Minnesota.

That behavior threatens to turn their fatalism into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Over seven years, kids who thought they would die early were seven times more likely than optimistic kids to be subsequently

diagnosed with AIDS. They also were more likely to attempt suicide and get into fights resulting in serious injuries.

Borowsky said the magnitude of kids with a negative outlook was eye-opening.

Adolescence is “a time of great opportunity and for such a large minority of youth to feel like they don’t have a long life ahead of them was surprising,” she said.

The study suggests a new way doctors could detect kids likely to engage in unsafe behavior and potentially help prevent it, said Dr. Jonathan Klein, a University of Rochester adolescent health expert who was not involved in the research.

“Asking about this sense of fatalism is probably a pretty important component of one of the ways we can figure out who those kids at greater risk are,” he said.

The study appears in the July issue of Pediatrics.

Scientists once widely believed that teenagers take risks because they underestimate bad consequences and figure “it can’t happen to me,” the study authors say. The new research bolsters evidence that goes against that thinking.

Cornell University professor Valerie Reyna said the new study presents “an even stronger case against the invulnerability idea.”

“It’s extremely important to talk about how perception of risk influences risk-taking behavior,”

said Reyna, who has done similar research.

Fatalistic kids weren’t more likely than others to die during the seven-year study; there were relatively few deaths, 94 out of more than 20,000 teens.

The researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative survey of kids in grades 7 to 12 who were interviewed three times between 1995 and 2002. Of 20,594 teens interviewed in the first round, 14.7 percent said they thought they had a good chance of dying before age 35. Subsequent interviews found these fatalistic kids engaged in more

BRIEFS

THE STATE

Continued from page 6

No Sign Of Deal To Close Calif. Deficit

Gay Iris Parker Succumbs Gay Iris Parker, a well-known publicist in the entertainment industry, passed away June 24 in Pasadena. She was 60.

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Gay Iris Parker

She cultivated and sustained a diverse audience base for main stage productions at the Pasadena Playhouse, also creating for them the popular “Conversations With…” programs with such guests as Tony and Emmy Award-winner Leslie Uggams, Golden Globe winner Regina Taylor, and many others.

She started Gay Iris Parker Productions, producing and promoting numerous cultural arts and theatrical productions and was an audience development consultant for the Geffen Playhouse, Center Theatre Group, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and the Ebony Repertory Theatre.

Her memorial service was held in the chapel of Woods Valentine Mortuary June 27 Pasadena. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Bone Marrow Transplant Center, City of Hope in Duarte, Calif.

SACRAMENTO (AP) — The California Senate on June 29 approved a Democratic budget-balancing plan that faced a certain veto from Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as the state headed toward issuing IOUs for the first time since the 1990s.

The plan would use a combination of spending cuts and tax and fee increases to eliminate a $24.3 billion budget deficit, but Schwarzenegger repeated his vow to veto it.

“I think that they know I will never sign those kinds of things so why waste the time, why run out of time and then all of a sudden we have to hand out IOUs?” Schwarzenegger told reporters.

But Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said Democrats would not accept the deep cuts in college aid, health care and welfare programs sought by Schwarzenegger.

“We have made cuts in those areas, but we are not cutting deeper,” he said. “Hear us loudly: It’s not where we will go.”

The Senate met after the Assembly approved many of the same bills the night of June 28 following hours of debate.

THE NATION Supreme Court Delays Troy Davis Decision SAVANNAH, GA (AP) — Death row inmate Troy Anthony Davis got another legal break June

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risky behavior than more optimistic kids.

The study suggests some kids overestimate their risks for harm.

However, it also provides evidence that some kids may have good reason for being fatalistic.

Native Americans, blacks and low-income teens — kids who are disproportionately exposed to violence and hardship — were much more likely than whites to believe they’d die young.

On the Net: American Academy of Pediatrics: www.aap.org, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov.

Troy Davis

29 when the U.S. Supreme Court recessed for summer without acting on his latest appeal, likely delaying any developments in his case until fall. Earlier in the day, his supporters presented Savannah’s district attorney with 60,000 petition signatures urging him to reopen the case.

Davis has spent nearly 18 years on death row after his conviction for killing an off-duty police officer, and his case has become a rallying point for death penalty opponents worldwide. His attorneys say Davis is innocent of killing officer Mark MacPhail and deserves a new trial after several prosecution witnesses reconsidered testimony given at his 1991 trial.

Davis has been spared from execution three times since he was first scheduled to die by lethal injection in 2007, as various courts have weighed and ultimately rejected his appeals.

Davis’ attorneys filed his latest appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected their request for a new trial in April. The Supreme Court had not decided whether it would hear Davis’ appeal when justices recessed for the summer on June 29. They won’t reconvene until September.

Jena 6 Case Wrapped Up With Plea Bargain JENA, La. (AP) — Five members of the Jena Six have pleaded no contest to misdemeanor simple battery and were sentenced to seven days probation and fined $500 plus court costs.

It was a far less severe end to their cases than seemed possible when the six students were initially charged with attempted murder in a 2006 attack on Justin Barker.

They became known as the “Jena Six,” after the central Louisiana town where the beating happened.

Later, charges against Carwin Jones, Jesse Ray Beard, Robert Bailey Jr., Bryant Purvis and Theo Shaw were reduced to aggravated second-degree battery.

July 2, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 13

SPORTS BRAD PYE JR.

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

It’s almost all over — the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Manny Ramirez’s 50-game suspension for breaking MLB’s drug policy ends July 3

the Albuquerque Isotopes on June 23.

How many votes will the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s outfielder Torii Hunter get for the American League’s MVP honor?

He should get a whole bushel full.

Hunter is the Angels’ homerun leader, top RBI man and leading slugger and batter.

What would cause the Angels to wave goodbye to veteran Vladimir Guerrero? Would you believe free

hero with the Boston Red Sox before being traded to the Royals after the 2008 season.

Reggie Williams Sr., A former L.A. Dodgers and Cleveland Indians star, is the father of Reggie Williams Jr., a first team selection on USA Today’s All-USA baseball team. He’s 6-4 and 189 pounds. To boot, he batted .604 and swiped 61 bases in 62 attempts. The younger Williams told USA Today his baseball influence was: “My dad. He taught me how to play the game the right way: Hard.” The younger Williams was the only African American on the first team.

And the beat continues Next year, Kobe Bryant and Co. could square off against LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal in the playoffs. This dream match could come to pass now that Shaq has joined James in Cleveland. However,

Manny Ramirez

when Ramirez returns to the Dodgers line up for the team’s faceoff with the San Diego Padres. Fans will have to wait until July 16 to see Ramirez in action at home. That’s when the Dodgers open a four-game series against the Houston Astros. Look for Ramirez to attract heavy crowds.

Perhaps his return will draw the hordes that came out to see him make his minor league debut with

Vladimir Guerrero

agent Matt Holiday of the Colorado Rockies?

Kansas City Royals’ Coco Crisp, the former local prep star and son of Loyce Crisp, will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder. Crisp was a World Series

Dwight Howard

James and Shaq must first get by Dwight Howard and his Orlando Magic.

Will the L.A. Clippers be any better than they have ever been now that they have Oklahoma’s Blake

Griffin, the No. 1 lottery pick? As long as Donald T. Sterling is owner, nothing is expected to change.

The L.A. Sparks aren’t the winningest team in the WNBA, but they have three MVPs on their squad — Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker and Tina Thompson. Leslie and

Lisa Leslie

Thompson are Inglewood High and University of Southern California grads. They are also the two leading scorers in WNBA history.

And the beat continues Ex-Dorsey High star and Pittsburgh Steelers assistant Super Bowl coach Kirby Wilson hosted a football clinic for more than 150 youngsters at L.A. Southwest Community College. Wilson asked me to serve as the keynote speaker at his football clinic. With his attitude, dedication and love of young people, Wilson’s my kind of father and community leader.

Los Angeles Dodgers Orlando Hudson and Juan Pierre and

BALDWIN HILLS moving from the Bay area in 1968. MEETINGS said Capri Capital brought Continued from page 4 CRENSHAW MALL Perkins their plans to a community meeting Continued from page 6

services that we know people in the community are leaving the community to go and get.

“We know that people are going to Century City, the Fox Hills Mall, the Beverly Center and The Grove. There is a tremendous amount of leakage out of the community because of a lack of services and what we are doing is looking at that and developing a mix.”

The plans call for redeveloping the entire 43-acre site. Fisher said the redevelopment will take place in three phases, with the expansion of the current 850,000 square feet of retail space to 1.5 million square feet being the first phase.

A lot of the parking spaces will be reconfigured into structured parking, Fisher said.

One of the things very high on Primo’s list is making sure the plaza is not just a retail center but is really a lifestyle center, he added.

“Sure we want it to be a place where you come and shop at the mall, but we want it to be a place where you can come and feel safe, have concerts, camps for kids,” Fisher said.

The second phase of the project would be the construction of a “firstrate” hotel with banquet facilities, conference rooms, and more. The third phase would include the construction of residential housing and possibly office space.

“All total the investing will be about three quarters of a billion dollars,” Fisher said.

Joyce Perkins, chairperson of the Crenshaw Redevelopment Project Area Advisory Committee, has lived in the Crenshaw area since

she attended a few months ago and she is encouraged with what it is trying to do.

“One of the very good things is it will expand the services of the mall. Another great thing is it will expand housing,” she said. “The overall plan is a good one. Hopefully they will be able to follow through.”

The Pan African Film Festival moved into the plaza in 1998, when the Magic Johnson Theater opened, with hopes that the mall would be redeveloped, said Ayuko Babu, executive director of the festival.

However, the redevelopment failed to come to fruition.

Babu said he has not seen Capri’s redevelopment plans and because of the state of the current economy is “cautiously optimistic” but still excited.

“We are very much aware of the history of the mall,” he said. “It was the cornerstone of Tom Bradley’s efforts to do something for the black community. Mayor Bradley came under tremendous criticism for having let downtown be developed and nothing was really developed in the black community. So he said he would develop the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall and it would be the anchor of that corner at Crenshaw and King (boulevards).

“So, we’re really excited about Capri … we’re very pleased that they have decided to redevelop the area. What I am hoping is that black contractors and black businesses will benefit and get some contracts.”

Babu added that he would also like to see Capri use some black or African architects to develop an African or Caribbean theme for the mall.

SF Prosecutor’s Job Training Program Under Fire SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris is under fire for reports that a job training program run by her office allowed illegal immigrants charged with felonies to avoid prison by training for jobs they couldn’t legally hold.

The Back on Track program has been touted by Harris, who is running for state attorney general, for reducing recidivism among

Venus Williams

Serena, who’s now working on a television series and an autobiography.

Lynn Swann, former USC allAmerican and four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is now in two Hall of Fames. Swann was inducted into the celebrity wing of the Bowling Hall of Fame in Las Vegas last week.

And the beat ends Brad Pye Jr. can be reached at switchreel@aol.com.

trained or too busy to help secure wheelchair riders on buses.

Federal law requires handicapped passengers be properly secured.

Poll Finds Approval for Los Angeles Police (AP) — A new poll shows the Los Angeles Police Department is enjoying high popularity among the city’s residents.

The survey, commissioned by the Los Angeles Times and conducted by a bipartisan pair of polling firms, shows the department is posting gains in public opinion across all demographics, including among black and Latino residents, who have had a long history of tension with the police.

The recent poll of 1,500 registered voters found almost eight out of 10 said they either “strongly approve” or “somewhat approve” of police performance.

The response was 18 percentage points higher than in the Times’ last such survey in 2005.

Two-thirds of respondents said they approved of how Chief William Bratton is doing his job.

The poll’s margin of error was plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.

Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. recently cheered on the youngsters at the Van Ness Recreation Center. On June 27, in the fourth inning against the Dodgers, Griffey smacked the 620th homer of his career. The Mariners won 5-1.

And the beat continues Venus Williams entered Wimbledon the week of June 29 as a fivetime winner and two- time defending champion. Fate may have her compete against her younger sister

Kamala Harris

first-time, nonviolent drug offenders.

The Los Angeles Times reported June 22 that some undocumented immigrants took part in the program, though it is unclear how many.

Harris acknowledged that letting the immigrants participate was a “flaw in the design” of the program. She says the issue was corrected about one year ago, when she became aware of the problem.

METHADONE CLINIC

L.A. Metro Orders Training, Reprimands for Workers (AP) — Metro workers in Los Angeles will receive extra training after reports that some handicapped passengers have fallen from their wheelchairs while riding city buses.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved the action June 25. The board also called on Metro Chief Executive Art Leahy to talk to labor unions about penalizing those who mistreat disabled passengers.

Undercover video by ABC7 showed broken equipment and drivers who said they were un-

(323) 242-0500 11900 Avalon Blvd.

Suite 200-Upstairs Los Angeles

(310) 553-9500

Page 14

L.A. WATTS TIMES

CAREERS City of Gardena POLICE SERVICES TECHNICIAN RECRUITMENT WILL CLOSE AFTER 50 QUALIFIED APPS HAVE BEEN RECV’D OR 7/31/09 4 PM WHICHEVER COMES FIRST How to apply: Please visit our website at www.ci.gardena.ca.us Or the 24-Hr Job Hotline (310) 217-9515 PLEASE READ JOB BULLETIN CAREFULLY FOR COMPLETE DETAILS BEFORE APPLYING

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20090902545 The following person is doing business as: Marilynn Boyko & Associates 2537-D Pacific Coast Hwy #344 Torrance, CA 90505-7035 Marilynn Boyko 4709 Jacques Street Torrance, CA 90503 This business is conducted by an Individual.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is Marilynn Boyko.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on June 16, 2009. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. NOTICE: This Fictitious Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the Los Angeles County Clerk. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before that time.

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

Published: 6/18/09, 6/25/09, 7/2/09, 7/9/09 LAWT374 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20090764357 The following person is doing business as: Lady “J’s” Little Angels 11111 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047 Janice Antoine 11111 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90047 This business is conducted by an Individual.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is Janice Antoine.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on May 22, 2009. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. NOTICE: This Fictitious Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the Los Angeles County Clerk. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before that time.

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

Published: 6/25/09, 7/2/09, 7/9/09, 7/16/09 LAWT375

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Request for Proposals for Mental Health Professionals The Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County (``District``) is issuing a Re-quest for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals for a contract(s) with Mental Health Profession-als to party in the District's Critical Incident Stress Management Program (CISM). Well-qualified Mental Health Professionals interested in contracting with the District are encouraged to submit a proposal.

Terms of the contract will be for the three (3) years with two (2) possible one-year extensions and twelve (12) month-to-month extensions. To request bid documents, please email or fax your name and complete address to Pat Varela at pvarela@fire.lacounty.gov or fax to (323) 869-0932.

The bid submission deadline for all vendors is July 20, 2009 by 2:00 p.m. at 5801 S. Eastern Avenue, Suite 100, Commerce, California 90040, Attn: Lucy Guadiana, Contracts Section.

ABSOLUTELY NO BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION. L.A. Watts Times CN820873 09MA42339 Jun 25, Jul 2, 2009 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 20090950091 The following person is doing business as: Louche Living 660 S. Figueroa St. 24th Fl. Los Angeles, CA 90017 Louche Designs 660 S. Figueroa St. 24th Fl. Los Angeles, CA 90017 Solomon Mansoor 660 S. Figueroa St. 24th Fl. Los Angeles, CA 90017 This business is conducted by an Individual.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct (The registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) is Solomon Mansoor.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on June 24, 2009. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. NOTICE: This Fictitious Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the Los Angeles County Clerk. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before that time.

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

Published: 7/2/09, 7/9/09, 7/16/09, 7/23/09 LAWT376 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. MS006808 Superior Court of the State of California, for the County of Los Angeles.

In the Matter of the Application of Karymah Elizabeth Shaw-Howell, Zoyah Leanni ShawWhittaker, Jeovan Andrew Shaw-Young and Jeovanie Ray Shaw-Young for changes of names.

The application of Karymah Elizabeth ShawHowell, Zoyah Leanni Shaw-Whittaker, Jeovan Andrew Shaw-Young and Jeovanie Ray ShawYoung for changes of names having been filed in Court and it appearing from said application that has Karymah Elizabeth Shaw-Howell, Zoyah Leanni Shaw-Whittaker, Jeovan Andrew Shaw-Young and Jeovanie Ray Shaw-Young filed an application proposing that their names be changed to Karymah Elizabeth Howell, Zoyah Leanni Howell, Jeovan Andrew Howell and Jeovanie Ray Howell. Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered and directed, that all persons interested in said matter did appear before this court located at 42011 4th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534, on the 20th day of May, 2009, of said day to show cause why such application for changes of names should not be granted.

It is further ordered that a copy of this Order to Show Cause be published in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in said county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day of said hearing at 8:30 am, Dept A10 on July 22, 2009.

Thomas R. White Judge of the Superior Court.

Published Runs 6/18/09, 6/25/09, 7/2/09, 7/9/09 NC-LAWT-10

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. MS006843 Superior Court of the State of California, for the County of Los Angeles.

In the Matter of the Application of Jelani Akil Saadiq Adams for change of name.

The application of Jelani Akil Saadiq Adams for change of name having been filed in Court and it appearing from said application that has Jelani Akil Saadiq Adams filed an application proposing that the name be changed to Jelani Akil Saadiq Adams Wilkerson. Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered and directed, that all persons interested in said matter did appear before this court located at 42011 4th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534, on the 10th day of June, 2009, of said day to show cause why such application for change of name should not be granted.

It is further ordered that a copy of this Order to Show Cause be published in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in said county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day of said hearing at 8:30 am, Dept A11 on August 10, 2009.

Thomas R. White Judge of the Superior Court.

Published Runs 6/18/09, 6/25/09, 7/2/09, 7/9/09 NC-LAWT-11

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. BS121188 Superior Court of the State of California, for the County of Los Angeles.

In the Matter of the Application of Christopher Dana Majors for change of name.

The application of Christopher Dana Majors for change of name having been filed in Court and it appearing from said application that has Christopher Dana Majors filed an application proposing that his name be changed to Lauren Nixon Majors. Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered and directed, that all persons interested in said matter did appear before this court located at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA, on the 18th day of June, 2009 at 9:00 AM of said day to show cause why such application for change of names should not be granted.

It is further ordered that a copy of this Order to Show Cause be published in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in said county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day of said hearing at 9:00 am, Dept 1A, Rm 548 on August 7, 2009.

Murray Gross Judge/Commissioner of the Superior Court.

Published Runs 7/2/09, 7/9/09, 7/16/09, 7/23/09 NC-LAWT12

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. BS121188-AMENDED Superior Court of the State of California, for the County of Los Angeles.

In the Matter of the Application of Steven Chan for change of name.

The application of Steven Chan for change of names having been filed in Court and it appearing from said application that has Steven Chan filed an application proposing that his name be changed to Lauren Nixon Majors. Now, therefore, it is hereby ordered and directed, that all persons interested in said matter did appear before this court located at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA, on the 18th day of June, 2009 at 9:00 AM of said day to show cause why such application for change of names should not be granted.

It is further ordered that a copy of this Order to Show Cause be published in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in said county, at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the day of said hearing at 9:00 am, Dept 1A, Rm 548 on August 7, 2009.

Murray Gross Judge/Commissioner of the Superior Court.

Published Runs 7/2/09, 7/9/09, 7/16/09, 7/23/09 NC-LAWT13

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CLASSIFIEDS STATEWIDE “Be wary of out of area companies. Check with the local Better Business Bureau before you send any money for fees or services. Read and understand any contracts before you sign. Shop around for rates.”

weekly and college newspaper contacts in California.

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DONATE YOUR VEHICLE! Receive Free Vacation Voucher. United Breast Cancer Foundation. Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners Accepted, 1-888-468-5964. (Cal-SCAN)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ALL CASH VENDING! Be Your Own Boss! Your Own Local Vending Route. Includes 25 Machines and Candy for $9,995. MultiVend LLC, 1-888-625-2405.

(Cal-SCAN) NUTRITIONAL COMPANY Needs Experienced SALESPEOPLE. Make Great Money. Training and leads provided. Work from office or home. FT/PT. Car/ computer required. Small investment. Jim 661-2590790. (Cal-SCAN)

BUSINESS SERVICES CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in 240 Cal-SCAN newspapers for the best reach, coverage, and price. 25words $450. Reach 6 million Californians!. FREE email brochure. Call (916) 288-6019. www.CalSCAN.com (Cal-SCAN) DISPLAY ADVERTISING in 140 Cal-SDAN newspapers statewide for $1,550! Reach over 3 million Californians! FREE email brochure. Call (916) 2886019. www.Cal-SDAN.com (Cal-SCAN) NEWS RELEASE? Cost-efficient service. The California Press Release Service has 500 current daily,

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FINANCIAL SERVICES AMERICAN TAX RELIEF. * Settle IRS Back Taxes * Do You Owe Over $15,000? If So... Call us Now! * Free Consultation*. For Less Than What You Owe! Stop Wage Garnishments! Remove Bank Levies Tax Levies & Property Seizures! Stop Payment Plans That Get you Nowhere! Settle State and Business Payroll Tax Problems Eliminate Penalties, Interest Charges & Tax Liens! * Settle IRS Back Taxes * No Obligation!

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HELP WANTED/DRIVERS ANDRUS TRANSPORTATION Seeking Team Drivers! Dedicated Team Freight. Also Hiring OTR drivers - west states exp/hazmat end, great miles/hometime. STABLE Family owned 35 yrs+ 1-800-888-5838, 1-866-806-5119 x1402. (CalSCAN)

LAND FOR SALE/OUT OF STATE BANK FORECLOSURE COLORADO RANCH 40 acres $29,900 Clean Title, Warranty Deed. Enjoy 300 days of sunshine. Rocky Mtn. views, utilities.

Excellent Financing! Call Today! 1-866-696-5263 x4938. www.ColoradoLandBargains.com (CalSCAN) BUYER’S MARKET. New Mexico. Ranch Dispersal. 140 acres - $89,900. River Access.

Northern New Mexico. Cool 6,000’ elevation with stunning views. Great tree cover including Ponderosa, rolling grassland and rock outcroppings.

Abundant wildlife, great hunting. EZ terms. Call NML&R, Inc. 1-866-360-5263. (Cal-SCAN) LAND FORECLOSURES IN NEW MEXICO! From as low as $19,995 for 10+/- acre, phone, electric close, views. Guaranteed financing, low down!

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ATTENTION: COMPUTER WORK! Work from anywhere 24/7 processing nutritional supplement orders.

Great pay. Will train. Bilingual a plus. Request info online: www.KTPGlobal.com or 1-800-330-8446.

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BEAUTIFUL BASKETS, Themed Baskets, Variety Baskets, Holiday Baskets, all kinds of baskets for all occasions! For the best price call 213-440-6288; email: fourangelsdesigns@hotmail.com; www.myspace.com/ FourAngelsDesigns3 (Cal-SCAN)

INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE Representative: Earn supplemental income placing and supervising high school exchange students. Volunteer host families also needed. Promote world peace! 1866-GO-AFICE or www.afice.org (Cal-SCAN)

FORECLOSED HOME AUCTION. Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & more. 500+ Homes Must Be Sold! REDC | Free Brochure. www.Auction.com

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (Metro) INVITATION FOR BIDS Metro will receive bids for OP63502388 for Vertical Storage Carousels and Vertical Lift per specifications on file at the Office of Procurement & Material Mgmt, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (12th Floor).

All Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by Metro, and must be filed at the reception desk of the Office of Proc. & Mat. Mgmt. on or before 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). July 23, 2009, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. Each bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. OP63502388.

You may obtain bid specifications, or further information, by faxing Diane Ly at (213) 922-1005, or via email at: lydi@metro.net.

Seeking Sub-bids from qualified M/W/OBE vendors in the following areas: Tire, Fuel and Vehicle Parts Suppliers, Insurance, and Printing Services.

PROJECT NAME: OFFICIAL POLICE GARAGE PROVIDING HEAVY DUTY TOWING AND STORAGE SERVICES IN THE SOUTH BUREAU AND/OR WEST BUREAU OF THE LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT LAPD RFP No. 07-980-003 Owner: City of Los Angeles [Los Angeles Police Department] Proposal due date and time: Thursday, July 30, 2009, 3:00 p.m. P.S.T. For a copy of the plans and specifications and/or information on our policy concerning assistance to subcontractors in obtaining bonds, lines of credit, and/or insurance, please contact our office.

To inquire about sub opportunities, please contact us no later than July 7, 2009.

Quicksilver Towing Joe Hernandez, Supplier Diversity Coordinator 2252 S. Barrington Ave. West LA, CA 90064 P:310-473-5228 F:310-478-8082

DBA’s and Legal Notices, Call (213) 251-5700 ORDER FOR HEARING ON VERFIED PETITION TO ASCERTAIN AND ESTABLISH AS A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION Case No BS120491 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES-CENTRAL DISTRICT. In the matter of the petition of: WILLIE BROWN TO ASCERTAIN AND ESTABLISH STANDING AS A NEWSPAPER OF CIRCULATION IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that on July 10, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard in Department 1A of this court, located at 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, the petitioner may apply for an order declaring the newspaper known as the INGLEWOOD TODAY NEWSPAPER to be a newspaper of general circulation for Los Angeles County. Petitioner to comply with Gov’t Code Section 6021 IT IS SO ORDERED: DATED: 07/10/09 MURRAY GOSS, COMMISSIONER VERIFIED PETITION TO ASCERTAIN AND ESTABLISH STANDING AS NEWSPAPER OF CIRCULATION, (Gov’t Code §§6000 and 6020) Comes now the Petitioner, Willie Brown (hereinafter “Petitioner”) and alleges the following: 1. Petitioner is the publisher of the newspaper known as INGLEWOOD TODAY NEWSPAPER, hereinafter referred to as “The Newspaper”.

2. The Newspaper is a newspaper of general circulation published for the dissemination of local news and intelligence of a general character in the City of Inglewood, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

The business address of the Newspaper is 9111 S. La Cienega Blvd., Ste. 100, Inglewood, CA 90301.

3. The Newspaper has a bona fide subscription list of paying subscribers numbering in excess of 100 in the City of Inglewood, County of Los Angeles and has an average weekly circulation 5,000.

4. For more than one year preceding the filing of this petition, The Newspaper has been established under the name of INGLEWOOD TODAY NEWSPAPER, and has been printed and published weekly on Thursday’s in Los Angeles County, in the state of California.

5. During the whole of one year preceding the filing of this petition, the mechanical work of producing The Newspaper, that is the typesetting and impressing type on paper, has been performed in Los Angeles County, California. The Newspaper has been issued from the same County where it is printed and sold; it has been both printed and published in the same County and has been published as a weekly newspaper on Thursdays of each calendar week.

WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays for judgment ascertaining and establishing THE INGLEWOOD TODAY NEWSPAPER as a newspaper of general circulation, as defined in Section 6000 of the Government Code for the City of Inglewood,County of Los Angeles and the State of California DATED: July 10, 2009 JOE C. HOPKINS Attorney for Petitioner

July 2, 2009

L.A. WATTS TIMES

Page 15

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Page 16

L.A. WATTS TIMES

July 2, 2009